bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Research on Handwashing Techniques of Peritoneal Dialysis Patients From Yiwu, Southeast China
Authors: Ye Yuanjun , Zhang Xiaohui , Liu Yansu , Lou Hongqing , Shou Zhangfei 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to evaluate handwashing technique, bacteriology, and factors influencing handwashing technique of 86 stable chronic peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients from Yiwu City in Southeast China. Based on the “Hygienic standard for disinfection in the hospital”, we also performed sampling for bacteriology from PD operators after they washed their hands. We compared their clinical features including the pathogenic bacteria of their previous peritonitis episodes and their handwashing evaluation results according to their bacteriologic sampling results. 65% of patients turned off the tap by bare hand, and 74% did not follow the six‐step handwashing method. Dialysis duration longer than 6 months (P = 0.04) and lower income (P = 0.05) were independent risk factors for higher handwashing error scores. The overall rate of appropriate handwashing, according to the “hygienic standard for disinfection in the hospital” was 26%. The bacteriologic sampling results showed that the most common pathogenic bacterium was Staphylococcus aureus (92%). PD operators whose hand bacteria culture was qualified contained a lower proportion of participants with advanced age (P = 0.07). Patients with repeated peritonitis occurrence had a significantly higher score on handwashing error (P < 0.01) and were more likely to develop Staphylococcus infection. We found that in Yiwu city patients on dialysis for more than 6 months, were of low income and had multiple prior episodes of PD peritonitis had poor handwashing compliance. Elderly patients had higher rates of positive bacterial culture (Staphylococcus) from their hands.
Effects of Size and Stability of Native Fat Globules on the Formation of Milk Gel Induced by Rennet
Authors: Luo Jie , Wang Yuhan , Guo Huiyuan , Ren Fazheng 
Published: March 2017

AbstractRennet‐induced gelation crucially impacts cheese structure. In this study, effects of the size and stability of native fat globules on the kinetics of rennet‐induced coagulation were revealed by determining the caseinomacropeptide release rate and rheological properties of milk. Moreover, the mobility and stability of fat globules during renneting was revealed using diffusing wave spectroscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. By use of a 2‐stage gravity separation combined centrifugation scheme, native fat globules were selectively separated into small (SFG, D4,3 = 1.87 ± 0.02 μm) and large fat globules (LFG, D4,3 = 5.65 ± 0.03 μm). The protein and fat content of SFG and LFG milk were then standardized to 3.2 g/100 mL and 1.2 g/100 mL, respectively. The milk containing different sized globules were then subjected to renneting experiments in the laboratory. Reduction of globule size accelerated the aggregation of casein micelles during renneting, giving a shorter gelation time and earlier 1/l* change. The gel produced from LFG milk was broken due to coalescent fat globules and generated coarser gel strands compared to the finer strands formed with SFG milk. Structural differences were also confirmed with a higher final storage modulus of the curd made from SFG milk than that from the LFG. In conclusion, the size of fat globules affects the aggregation of casein micelles. Moreover, fat globule coalescence and creaming during renneting, also affects the structure of the rennet gel. A better understanding of the size of globules effect on milk gelation could lead to the development of cheese with specific properties.
Association between non‐invasively diagnosed hepatic steatosis and chronic kidney disease in Chinese adults on their health check‐up
Authors: Zeng Jing , Sun Chao , Sun Wan Lu , Chen Guang Yu , Pan Qin , Yan Shi Yan , Xu Zheng Jie , Chen Yuan Wen , Fan Jian Gao 
Published: March 2017

OBJECTIVETo explore the association between chronic kidney disease (CKD), graded by the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) using controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) and fatty liver index (FLI) values in Chinese adults undergoing routine health examinations.METHODSA total of 731 adult participants without diabetes mellitus or significant alcohol consumption who underwent routine health examinations were included. Their eGFR, CAP, FLI and abdominal ultrasonography results were assessed.RESULTSThe prevalence of ultrasound‐diagnosed NAFLD and CKD (eGFR <60 mL/min per 1.73 m2) was 36.1% and 6.6%, respectively. CKD was more common in NAFLD patients than in those without (10.6% vs 4.3%, P < 0.001). The CAP and FLI values were significantly higher in the NAFLD group than in those without, but the change in the eGFR was negligible between the two groups. eGFR was negatively correlated with CAP (r = −0.189, P = 0.003) and FLI values (r = −0.130, P = 0.045). Moreover, eGFR was significantly lower in participants with CAP >292 dBm or FLI ≥60 than in those with CAP <238 dBm or FLI <30, respectively (both P < 0.05). The CAP value (odds ratio [OR] 1.099, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.091–1.108, P = 0.021) was an independent risk factor for CKD.CONCLUSIONSA diagnosis of hepatic steatosis is related to an increased risk of CKD among non‐alcoholic and non‐diabetic Chinese adults regardless of whether the diagnosis was acquired via ultrasound, CAP or FLI. Increased hepatic lipid content may contribute to CKD development.
Demerelate: calculating interindividual relatedness for kinship analysis based on codominant diploid genetic markers using R
Authors: Kraemer Philipp , Gerlach Gabriele 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe Demerelate package offers algorithms to calculate different interindividual relatedness measurements. Three different allele sharing indices, five pairwise weighted estimates of relatedness and four pairwise weighted estimates with sample size correction are implemented to analyse kinship structures within populations. Statistics are based on randomization tests; modelling relatedness coefficients by logistic regression, modelling relatedness with geographic distance by mantel correlation and comparing mean relatedness between populations using pairwise t‐tests. Demerelate provides an advance on previous software packages by including some estimators not available in R to date, along with FIS, as well as combining analysis of relatedness and spatial structuring. An UPGMA tree visualizes genetic relatedness among individuals. Additionally, Demerelate summarizes information on data sets (allele vs. genotype frequencies; heterozygosity; FIS values). Demerelate is – to our knowledge – the first R package implementing basic allele sharing indices such as Blouin's Mxy relatedness, the estimator of Wang corrected for sample size (wangxy), estimators based on Morans I adapted to genetic relatedness as well as combining all estimators with geographic information. The R environment enables users to better understand relatedness within populations due to the flexibility of Demerelate of accepting different data sets as empirical data, reference data, geographical data and by providing intermediate results. Each statistic and tool can be used separately, which helps to understand the suitability of the data for relatedness analysis, and can be easily implemented in custom pipelines.
Relevance of clinical and autoantibody profiles in systemic sclerosis among Thais
Authors: Foocharoen Chingching , Watcharenwong Piyakarn , Netwijitpan Sittichai , Mahakkanukrauh Ajanee , Suwannaroj Siraphop , Nanagara Ratanvadee 
Published: March 2017

AbstractObjectiveAutoantibody profiles in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and their relative clinical association vary between studies. The rate for being anti‐topoisomerase‐I (ATA) positive and the association with diffuse cutaneous the SSc subset (dcSSc) is higher among Thais than among Caucasians. The objective was to evaluate the relevance of clinical presentation, namely being positive for one or more autoantibodies among Thai SSc patients.MethodA retrospective, cohort study was performed among SSc patients over 18 years of age at Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University, Thailand, during January 2006 to December 2013. Autoantibodies comprising 13 SSc‐specific antigens were evaluated using the EUROIMMUN AG (Lübeck, Germany) in order to define their clinical association(s).ResultsTwo hundred and eighty‐five scleroderma patients (200 female; 85 male) were included. The majority (66.7%) were dcSSc subset. ATA was the most common antibody profile in our patients (231 cases; 81.1%), followed by anti‐Ro 52 (87 cases; 30.5%). Eleven of our patients (3.9%) were negative for all antibody profiles and 44 cases (15.4%) were negative for ATA and anti‐centromere antibody (anti‐CENP). Almost 40% (112 cases) were positive for at least two autoantibodies. There was an association between the presence of ATA and hand deformity (odds ratio [OR] 3.94; 95% CI 1.12–13.84), anti‐CENP and hand deformity (OR 0.20; 95% CI 0.02–0.90), anti‐Ku and scleroderma‐polymyositis overlap syndrome (OR 6.58; 95% CI 2.16–19.39) and the absence of both ATA and anti‐CENP with female sex (OR 2.90; 95% CI 1.12–7.51), limited cutaneous SSc subset (OR 2.70; 95% CI 1.30–5.55) and scleroderma‐polymyositis overlap syndrome (OR 2.53; 95% CI 1.04–6.16). Neither ATA nor anti‐CENP were associated with the SSc subset.ConclusionsATA and anti‐CENP were not helpful in differentiating the SSc subset in Thai SSc patients, albeit they were good for predicting hand function. Coexisting ATA and anti‐CENP negativity were associated with less extensive skin tightness and SSc overlap syndrome.
FLightR: an r package for reconstructing animal paths from solar geolocation loggers
Authors: Rakhimberdiev Eldar , Saveliev Anatoly , Piersma Theunis , Karagicheva Julia 
Published: March 2017

Summary

Solar geolocators are relatively cheap and simple tools which are widely used to study the migration of animals, especially birds. The methods to estimate the geographic positions from the light‐intensity patterns collected by these loggers, however, are still under development.

The accurate reconstruction of the annual schedules and movement patterns of individual animals requires analytical methods which provide estimates of daily locations, distances between the locations and the directions of movement, with measures of their uncertainty.

The new r package FLightR meets all these requirements. It enables refined and statistically validated estimations of movement patterns of birds. Here, we present main features of this advanced package.
Current barriers and potential strategies to increase the use of long‐acting reversible contraception (LARC) to reduce the rate of unintended pregnancies in Australia: An expert roundtable discussion
Authors: Mazza Danielle , Bateson Deborah , Frearson Meredith , Goldstone Philip , Kovacs Gab , Baber Rod 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundAustralia's abortion rates are among the highest in the developed world. Efficacy of the most commonly used form of contraception (oral contraceptives and condoms) relies on regular user compliance. Long‐acting reversible contraception (LARC) virtually eradicates contraceptive failure as it is not user‐dependent; however, its uptake has been low.AimTo provide an overview of barriers to LARC use in Australia and potential strategies to overcome these barriers.MethodA roundtable of Australian experts was convened to share clinical perspectives and to explore the barriers and potential strategies to increase LARC use.ResultsThree broad barriers to LARC uptake were identified. (i) A paucity of Australian research exists that impedes closure of evidence gaps regarding contraceptive prescription and use. Systematic data collection is required. (ii) Within primary care, lack of familiarity with LARC and misperceptions about its use, lack of access to general practitioners (GPs) trained in LARC insertion/removal and affordability impede LARC uptake. Potential strategies to encourage LARC use include, GP education to promote informed choice by women, training in LARC insertions/removals, effective funding models for nurses to perform LARC insertions/removals, and rapid referral pathways. (iii) At the health system level, primary care incentives to provide LARC to women and health economic analyses to inform government policy changes are required.ConclusionsAlthough LARC decreases unintended pregnancies by eliminating user compliance issues, its uptake is low in Australia. Strategies that promote LARC uptake by targeting specific barriers may effectively reduce Australia's high unintended pregnancy rate.
Molecular changes and signaling events occurring in spermatozoa during epididymal maturation
Authors: Gervasi M. G. , Visconti P. E. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryAfter leaving the testis, spermatozoa have not yet acquired the ability to move progressively and are unable to fertilize oocytes. To become fertilization competent, they must go through an epididymal maturation process in the male, and capacitation in the female tract. Epididymal maturation can be defined as those changes occurring to spermatozoa in the epididymis that render the spermatozoa the ability to capacitate in the female tract. As part of this process, sperm cells undergo a series of biochemical and physiological changes that require incorporation of new molecules derived from the epididymal epithelium, as well as post‐translational modifications of endogenous proteins synthesized during spermiogenesis in the testis. This review will focus on epididymal maturation events, with emphasis in recent advances in the understanding of the molecular basis of this process.
Elevated seminal plasma myeloperoxidase is associated with a decreased sperm concentration in young men
Authors: Pullar J. M. , Carr A. C. , Bozonet S. M. , Rosengrave P. , Kettle A. J. , Vissers M. C. M. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryMyeloperoxidase is a major neutrophil protein which generates oxidants that are highly reactive, and if present in seminal fluid, could be potentially damaging to spermatozoa. We recruited young males aged 18–35 years, unscreened for fertility status, for a pilot study measuring seminal plasma myeloperoxidase. On three occasions, over a 3‐month period, we measured parameters of semen quality and correlated these with seminal myeloperoxidase protein and activity. After baseline measurement, participants were supplemented daily with 250 mg of vitamin C, a potent scavenger of reactive oxygen species with antiinflammatory activities. Seminal plasma from eight of the 12 participants had measurable concentrations of myeloperoxidase protein, across a broad range (15–250 ng/mL). Median myeloperoxidase protein concentrations were ~45‐fold higher in semen samples with low vs. high sperm concentrations. Seminal plasma myeloperoxidase protein concentration was inversely correlated with the percentage of rapidly motile spermatozoa assessed by computer‐assisted sperm analysis, and the total number of spermatozoa per ejaculate, but positively correlated with sperm maturity, measured by DNA staining ability. We measured an inverse correlation between semen vitamin C concentration and seminal plasma myeloperoxidase protein concentration, although vitamin C supplementation had no effect on semen quality. Our pilot data suggest that high concentrations of myeloperoxidase were present in the seminal plasma of many of our young participants, and that this may be associated with decreases in semen quality. A larger study is required to confirm these findings.
Changes in periprostatic adipose tissue induced by 5α‐reductase inhibitors
Authors: Taussky D. , Barkati M. , Campeau S. , Zerouali K. , Nadiri A. , Saad F. , Delouya G. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryThere is increasing interest in periprostatic fat and its influence on prostate cancer aggressiveness. In vitro data suggest that adipose stromal/stem cells (ASCs) can increase production of cytokines and growth factors resulting in invasive growth and metastasis in prostate cancer. The objective of the study was to determine the interaction between 5α‐reductase inhibitors (5ARIs) and periprostatic adipose tissue (PPAT) and factors of prostate cancer aggressiveness. In this retrospective study, we identified 61 patients treated with 5ARIs for a period of ≥12 months before undergoing radiation therapy (brachytherapy or external beam radiotherapy). The control group consisted of 117 patients without any exposure to 5ARIs. Prior to being treated, all patients underwent abdominal computed tomography (CT). To measure PPAT, we defined the fat pad anteriorly to the prostate, as well as the intra‐abdominal visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous tissue (SAT) at the level of L4/L5. All contours were performed manually. These adipose tissue measurements were correlated with the Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment (CAPRA) score using Pearson correlation coefficient. Differences in fat contents were evaluated using Student's t‐test. Median time on 5ARIs for the 61 patients was 12 months (range 12–96). Patient on 5ARIs had a significantly (p < 0.001) smaller PPAT (0.4, SD 0.5) than patients without a 5ARI (0.6 cc, SD 0.4). There was no significant correlation between the CAPRA score and fat measurements when adjusted for 5ARI use (p = 0.18). In non‐5ARI users, BMI was not correlated with PPAT but was correlated with SAT and VAT volume and its density. There were no significant differences in diabetics (p = 0.3), metformin users (p = 0.4) or statin users (p = 0.09) between both groups. 5ARIs taken for at least 12 months induce changes in PPAT volume. Whether these changes or the extent of changes will have an influence on outcome remains unknown.
Effect of icariin in combination with daily sildenafil on penile atrophy and erectile dysfunction in a rat model of bilateral cavernous nerves injury
Authors: Xu Y. , Xin H. , Wu Y. , Guan R. , Lei H. , Fu X. , Xin Z. , Yang Y. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryThe commonly utilized phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors do not lead to satisfactory penile erection after radical prostatectomy mainly because of insufficient nitric oxide drive from the damaged cavernous nerves. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and mechanisms of icariin in combination with daily sildenafil on neurogenic erectile dysfunction and penile atrophy in a rat model of bilateral cavernous nerves injury. Sixty male Sprague–Dawley rats injected with 5‐ethynyl‐2‐deoxyuridine (50 mg/kg) at postnatal day 1 for the purpose of tracking endogenous stem cells in penis. Forty‐eight rats of bilateral cavernous nerves injury were randomized equally into gavage feeding of vehicle, sildenafil (10 mg/kg), icariin (1.5 mg/kg) and sildenafil + icariin, respectively. Twelve sham‐operated rats served as control. The intracavernous pressure and mean arterial pressure was measured and mid‐penile cross sections were histologically examined 5 weeks after surgery. Western blotting of cavernous tissue protein was also performed. Animals treated with sildenafil + icariin had significantly higher mean intracavernous pressure/mean arterial pressure ratio relative to other rats with bilateral cavernous nerves injury (p < 0.05). The circumference and mean cross‐sectional area of the paired corpus cavernosum were effectively preserved in the sildenafil + icariin. Treatment with sildenafil + icariin significantly increased the cavernous cyclic guanosine monophosphate concentration compared with the icariin group (p < 0.05). In addition, the numbers of neuronal nitric oxide synthase‐positive nerves and 5‐ethynyl‐2‐deoxyuridine‐positive cells co‐expressing S100 in the icariin‐treated groups were greater compared with the bilateral cavernous nerves injury control group (p < 0.05). These data suggest that the combined use of icariin and daily sildenafil holds promise as a potential therapy for neurogenic erectile dysfunction in the future. The underlying mechanisms appears to involve two aspects: (i) icariin promotes differentiation of endogenous stem cells to Schwann cells, which help to repair the damaged neural pathway for erection; (ii) on this basis, sildenafil can further improve penile engorgement through the cyclic guanosine monophosphate‐dependent smooth muscle relaxation.
Calcium‐dependent Nedd4‐2 upregulation mediates degradation of the cardiac sodium channel Nav1.5: implications for heart failure
Authors: Luo L. , Ning F. , Du Y. , Song B. , Yang D. , Salvage S. C. , Wang Y. , Fraser J. A. , Zhang S. , Ma A. , Wang T. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAimReductions in voltage‐gated sodium channel (Nav1.5) function/expression provide a slowed‐conduction substrate for cardiac arrhythmias. Nedd4‐2, which is activated by calcium, post‐translationally modulates Nav1.5. We aim to investigate whether elevated intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) reduces Nav1.5 through Nedd4‐2 and its role in heart failure (HF).MethodsUsing a combination of biochemical, electrophysiological, cellular and in vivo methods, we tested the effect and mechanism of calcium on Nedd4‐2 and in turn Nav1.5.ResultsIncreased [Ca2+]i, following 24‐h ionomycin treatment, decreased sodium current (INa) density and Nav1.5 protein without altering its mRNA in both neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) and HEK 293 cells stably expressing Nav1.5. The calcium chelator BAPTA‐AM restored the reduced Nav1.5 and INa in NRCMs pre‐treated by ionomycin. Nav1.5 was decreased by Nedd4‐2 transfection and further decreased by 6‐h ionomycin treatment. These effects were not observed in cells transfected with the catalytically inactive mutant, Nedd4‐2 C801S, or with Y1977A‐Nav1.5 mutant containing the impaired Nedd4‐2 binding motif. Furthermore, elevated [Ca2+]i increased Nedd4‐2, the interaction between Nedd4‐2 and Nav1.5, and Nav1.5 ubiquitination. Nav1.5 protein is decreased, whereas Nedd4‐2 is increased in volume‐overload HF rat hearts, with increased co‐localization of Nav1.5 with ubiquitin or Nedd4‐2 as indicated by immunofluorescence staining. BAPTA‐AM rescued the reduced Nav1.5 protein, INa and increased Nedd4‐2 in hypertrophied NRCMs induced by isoproterenol or angiotensin II.ConclusionCalcium‐mediated increases in Nedd4‐2 downregulate Nav1.5 by ubiquitination. Nav1.5 is downregulated and co‐localizes with Nedd4‐2 and ubiquitin in failing rat heart. These data suggest a role of Nedd4‐2 in Nav1.5 downregulation in HF.