bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Are incident gallstones associated to sex‐dependent changes with age? A cohort study
Authors: Shabanzadeh D. M. , Holmboe S. A. , Sørensen L. T. , Linneberg A. , Andersson A.‐M. , Jørgensen T. 
Published: July 2017

SummaryAge and female sex have repeatedly been identified as gallstone determinants but the underlying mechanisms are not clarified. The objectives of this study were to determine if changes with age in physiology, lifestyle, or reproductive hormones were associated with incident gallstones. A cohort study of a general population random sample (N = 2366) aged 30–60 years was performed. Participants were ultrasound screened for gallstones in 1982–84 and again in 1993–94. Lifestyle data and blood samples were obtained and re‐analyzed in 2004. Changes with age in physiology (body mass index, blood pressure, blood lipids, self‐rated health), lifestyle (smoking, alcohol and coffee consumption, dietary habits, physical activity level), and indices of reproductive function (number of births, oral contraceptive use, hormone replacement therapy, male reproductive hormones) were explored in females and males separately. Adjusted logistic regression analyses were performed. Incident gallstones (gallstones and cholecystectomy) at ultrasound examination in participants initially free of gallstones at baseline occurred in 9.9% of the study population. In females, increasing alcohol consumption (odds ratio (OR) 0.94, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.90; 0.98]) and the cessation of hormone replacement therapy (OR 0.29, 95% CI [0.10; 0.83]) inversely determined incident gallstones. In males, increasing levels of SHBG (OR 0.97, 95% CI [0.94; 0.998]) inversely determined incident gallstones. Other changes with age in physiology, lifestyle, or reproductive hormones were not associated. High baseline free testosterone determined incident gallstones in males (OR 1.15, 95% CI [1.02; 1.30]). To conclude, changes with age in alcohol consumption in females and in reproductive hormones determined incident gallstones. Male reproductive hormones seem to have an impact on incident gallstones. Sex differences should be explored further in future studies.
Autophagy in neurodegenerative diseases: pathogenesis and therapy
Authors: Guo Fang , Liu Xinyao , Cai Huaibin , Le Weidong 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe most prevalent pathological features of many neurodegenerative diseases are the aggregation of misfolded proteins and the loss of certain neuronal populations. Autophagy, as major intracellular machinery for degrading aggregated proteins and damaged organelles, has been reported to be involved in the occurrence of pathological changes in many neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In this review, we summarize most recent research progress in this topic and provide a new perspective regarding autophagy regulation on the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Finally, we discuss the signaling molecules in autophagy‐related pathways as therapeutic targets for the treatment of these diseases.
Randomized clinical trial for the biological evaluation of two nanostructured biphasic calcium phosphate biomaterials as a bone substitute
Authors: Uzeda Marcelo José , de Brito Resende Rodrigo Figueiredo , Sartoretto Suelen Cristina , Alves Adriana Terezinha Neves Novellino , Granjeiro José Mauro , Calasans‐Maia Mônica Diuana 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe presence of nonresorbable residual granules of hydroxyapatite (HA) may decrease the bone/implant interface. To balance resorption and bone formation biphasic calcium phosphate ceramics compounds applied at different rates have been studied.PurposeThe aim of this trial was to compare the clinical, histological, and histomorphometric responses of two new biphasic calcium phosphate biomaterials in fresh dental sockets after 3 and 6 months.Materials and methodsForty‐eight volunteers were divided randomly and double‐blindly into 4 groups of 12 individuals: Clot (C), BoneCeramic (BC), Biomaterial 1 (B1), and Biomaterial 2 (B2) groups. Three and six months later, samples were obtained, and histological and histomorphometric sections were evaluated, focusing on the presence of fibrous connective tissue (CT) and newly formed bone. Statistical analysis was performed (P < .05%).ResultsThe quantification of crystalline phases showed B1 composed of HA (60.28%) and β‐TCP (39.72%); B2 composed of HA (78.21%) and β‐TCP (21.79%); and BC composed of HA (61%) and β‐TCP (39%). The B1 group showed the most newly formed bone (69.3% ± 6.03%), followed by the BC (51.6 ± 12.34%), B2 (46.6 ± 7.66%), and C groups (45.4 ± 7.98%), and less connective tissue and biomaterial remained in the B1 group after 6 months.ConclusionB1 group showed the greatest amount of newly formed bone after 6 months.
Associations between cardiovascular disease and its risk factors with hearing loss—A cross‐sectional analysis
Authors: Tan H.E. , Lan N.S.R. , Knuiman M.W. , Divitini M.L. , Swanepoel D.W. , Hunter M. , Brennan‐Jones C.G. , Hung J. , Eikelboom R.H. , Santa Maria P.L. 
Published: July 2017

ObjectivesTo investigate the relationship between hearing loss and cardiovascular disease risk factors.DesignCross‐sectional study.MethodsParticipants were recruited between May 2010 and December 2015 and answered a health and risk factor questionnaire. Physical and biochemical assessments were performed.SettingA community‐based population.ParticipantsA total of 5107 participants born within the years 1946‐1964 enrolled in the Busselton Healthy Ageing Study.Main outcome measuresHearing was assessed behaviourally through the best ear pure‐tone average (500, 1000, 2000, 4000 Hz), low‐frequency average (250, 500, 1000 Hz) and high‐frequency average (4000, 8000 Hz). Self‐reported hearing loss, tinnitus and hyperacusis were assessed via questionnaire. Cardiovascular risk factors were assessed via a patient‐completed questionnaire and objective measurements including blood pressure, body mass index, waist circumference, lipid profile and glycated haemoglobin.ResultsOf the participants, 54% were female, with the mean age of 58 years (range 45‐69 years). Age, sex and family history of hearing loss were consistently strong determinants of hearing loss outcomes. After adjusting for these, obesity, current smoking, peripheral arterial disease and history of cardiovascular disease were significantly associated with pure‐tone, low‐frequency and high‐frequency hearing loss. In addition, high blood pressure, triglyceride and glycated haemoglobin were significantly associated with low‐frequency hearing loss. There was a graded association between hearing loss and Framingham Risk Score for cardiovascular risk (P<0.001).ConclusionsEstablished cardiovascular disease and individual and combined cardiovascular disease risk factors were found to be associated with hearing loss. Future research should prospectively investigate whether targeting cardiovascular disease can prevent hearing loss.
Urban Expansion, Agrarian Shifts, and Decentralized Governance in Thailand's Isaan Region
Authors: Gullette Gregory , Singto Sayamon 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe Thai government has increasingly sought to expand urban growth in provinces characterized by agricultural production. However, urbanization's structural changes alter natural resource availabilities, encumbering agrarian families, and constraining livelihood options. In an effort to map state development and urban growth objectives to local conditions, the Thai state has supported regional autonomy by decentralizing decision‐making powers to localities. Here, we seek to explore the ways in which decentralized governance provides avenues for agrarian families located in urbanizing spaces to negotiate anxieties and desires with the Thai state, including broad concerns of sustainability, livelihood rights, and market opportunities. We consider how agrarian households understand the economic and ecological effects of urbanization, shifting the focus to agrarian families’ agency—how families diversify household livelihoods and employ migration to enhance economic portfolios. Ultimately, by doing so, we examine the intersections between urbanization, development, and agrarian livelihoods, situated within practical and theoretical discussions of decentralized governance in Thailand.
Foundations of infants' social group evaluations
Authors: Pun Anthea , Ferera Matar , Diesendruck Gil , Kiley Hamlin J. , Baron Andrew Scott 
Published: July 2017

AbstractPrevious research has suggested that infants exhibit a preference for familiar over unfamiliar social groups (e.g., preferring individuals from their own language group over individuals from a foreign language group). However, because past studies often employ forced‐choice procedures, it is not clear whether infants' intergroup preferences are driven by positivity toward members of familiar groups, negativity toward members of unfamiliar groups, or both. Across six experiments, we implemented a habituation procedure to independently measure infants' positive and negative evaluations of speakers of familiar and unfamiliar languages. We report that by 1 year of age, infants positively evaluate individuals who speak a familiar language, but do not negatively evaluate individuals who speak an unfamiliar language (Experiments 1 and 2). Several experiments rule out lower‐level explanations (Experiments 3–6). Together these data suggest that children's early social group preferences may be shaped by positive evaluations of familiar group(s), rather than negative evaluations of unfamiliar groups.
Neither Hypocrisy Nor Replication: A Protestant Account of Imitating Christ as Moral Exemplar
Authors: Vos Pieter 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIn this article a Protestant view of the imitation of Christ is offered as part of participation in Christ and as taking place in ordinary life (Luther, Calvin). Imitating Christ as moral exemplar does not mean copying him, as a human effort to emulate a high moral ideal, but loving the neighbour as he did in the particularities of one's own life. It is a striving rooted in Christ's lowliness, which makes imitation an achievable though demanding ethical requirement for each individual (Kierkegaard, Bonhoeffer). Imitation is a ‘putting on Christ’ that is neither a hypocritical pretending nor a pretentious replication but a striving to re‐present Christ in an authentic Christian existence.
Media Representations of Breech Birth: A Prospective Analysis of Web‐Based News Reports
Authors: Petrovska Karolina , Sheehan Athena , Homer Caroline S.E. 
Published: July 2017

IntroductionRecent research has demonstrated that the media presentation of childbirth is highly medicalized, often portraying birth as risky and dramatic. Media representation of breech presentation and birth is unexplored in this context. This study aimed to explore the content and tone of news media reports relating to breech presentation and breech birth.MethodsGoogle alerts were created using the terms breech and breech birth in online English‐language news sites over a 3‐year period from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2015. Alerts were received daily and filed for analysis, and data were analyzed to generate themes.ResultsA total of 138 web‐based news reports were gathered from 9 countries. Five themes that arose from the data included the problem of breech presentation, the high drama of vaginal breech birth, the safe option of cesarean birth versus dangers of vaginal breech birth, the defiant mother versus the saintly mother, and vaginal breech birth and medical misadventure.DiscussionMedia reports in this study predominantly demonstrated negative views toward breech presentation and vaginal breech birth. Cesarean birth was portrayed as the safe option for breech birth, while vaginal breech birth was associated with poor outcomes. Media presentations may impact decision making about mode of birth for pregnant women with a breech fetus. Health care providers can play an important role in balancing the media depiction of planned vaginal breech birth by providing nonjudgmental, evidence‐based information to such women to facilitate informed decision making for birth.
Use of multicriteria decision analysis for assessing the benefit and risk of over-the-counter analgesics
Authors: Moore Andrew , Crossley Anne , Ng Bernard , Phillips Lawrence , Sancak Özgür , Rainsford K D 
Published: July 2017

Abstract

Objectives
To test the ability of a multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) model to incorporate disparate data sources of varying quality along with clinical judgement in a benefit–risk assessment of six well-known pain-relief drugs.

Methods
Six over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics were evaluated against three favourable effects and eight unfavourable effects by seven experts who specialise in the relief of pain, two in a 2-day facilitated workshop whose input data and judgements were later peer-reviewed by five additional experts.

Key findings
Ibuprofen salts and solubilised emerged with the best benefit–risk profile, followed by naproxen, ibuprofen acid, diclofenac, paracetamol and aspirin.

Conclusions
Multicriteria decision analysis enabled participants to evaluate the OTC analgesics against a range of favourable and unfavourable effects in a group setting that enabled all issues to be openly aired and debated. The model was easily communicated and understood by the peer reviewers, so the model should be comprehensible to physicians, pharmacists and other health professionals.
Assessing the influence of media composition and ionic strength on drug release from commercial immediate-release and enteric-coated aspirin tablets
Authors: Karkossa Frank , Klein Sandra 
Published: July 2017

Abstract

Objectives
The objective of this test series was to elucidate the importance of selecting the right media composition for a biopredictive in-vitro dissolution screening of enteric-coated dosage forms.

Methods
Drug release from immediate-release (IR) and enteric-coated (EC) aspirin formulations was assessed in phosphate-based and bicarbonate-based media with different pH, electrolyte composition and ionic strength.

Key findings
Drug release from aspirin IR tablets was unaffected by media composition. In contrast, drug release from EC aspirin formulations was affected by buffer species and ionic strength. In all media, drug release increased with increasing ionic strength, but in bicarbonate-based buffers was delayed when compared with that in phosphate-based buffers. Interestingly, the cation species in the dissolution medium had also a clear impact on drug release. Drug release profiles obtained in Blank CarbSIF, a new medium simulating pH and average ionic composition of small intestinal fluid, were different from those obtained in all other buffer compositions studied.

Conclusions
Results from this study in which the impact of various media parameters on drug release of EC aspirin formulations was systematically screened clearly show that when developing predictive dissolution tests, it is important to simulate the ionic composition of intraluminal fluids as closely as possible.
Paroxysmal Dyskinesia in Border Terriers: Clinical, Epidemiological, and Genetic Investigations
Authors: Stassen Q.E.M. , Koskinen L.L.E. , van Steenbeek F.G. , Seppälä E.H. , Jokinen T.S. , Prins P.G.M. , Bok H.G.J. , Zandvliet M.M.J.M. , Vos‐Loohuis M. , Leegwater P.A.J. , Lohi H. 
Published: July 2017

BackgroundIn the last decade, a disorder characterized by episodes of involuntary movements and dystonia has been recognized in Border Terriers.ObjectivesTo define clinical features of paroxysmal dyskinesia (PD) in a large number of Border Terriers and to study the genetics of the disease.Animals110 affected and 128 unaffected client‐owned Border Terriers.MethodsA questionnaire regarding clinical characteristics of PD was designed at Utrecht University and the University of Helsinki. Thirty‐five affected Border Terriers underwent physical examination and blood testing (hematology and clinical biochemistry). Diagnostic imaging of the brain was performed in 17 affected dogs and electroencephalograms (EEG) between episodes were obtained in 10 affected dogs. A genomewide association study (GWAS) was performed with DNA of 110 affected and 128 unaffected dogs.ResultsOne hundred forty‐seven questionnaires were included in the study. The most characteristic signs during episodes were dystonia, muscle fasciculations, and falling over. The majority of owners believed that their dogs remained conscious during the episodes. A beneficial effect of anti‐epileptic therapy was observed in 29 of 43 dogs. Fifteen owners changed their dogs’ diet to a hypoallergenic, gluten‐free diet, and all reported reasonable to good improvement of signs. Clinical examinations and diagnostic test results were unremarkable. The GWAS did not identify significantly associated chromosome regions.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThe survey results and EEG studies provided further evidence that the observed syndrome is a PD rather than epilepsy. Failure to achieve conclusive results by GWAS indicates that inheritance of PD in Border Terriers probably is complex.
Esophageal function testing: Billing and coding update
Authors: Khan A. , Massey B. , Rao S. , Pandolfino J. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackground and PurposeEsophageal function testing is being increasingly utilized in diagnosis and management of esophageal disorders. There have been several recent technological advances in the field to allow practitioners the ability to more accurately assess and treat such conditions, but there has been a relative lack of education in the literature regarding the associated Common Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes and methods of reimbursement. This review, commissioned and supported by the American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society Council, aims to summarize each of the CPT codes for esophageal function testing and show the trends of associated reimbursement, as well as recommend coding methods in a practical context. We also aim to encourage many of these codes to be reviewed on a gastrointestinal (GI) societal level, by providing evidence of both discrepancies in coding definitions and inadequate reimbursement in this new era of esophageal function testing.
The “sharing” economy: labor, inequality, and social connection on for‐profit platforms
Authors: Schor Juliet B. , Attwood‐Charles William 
Published: July 2017

AbstractFor social analysts, what has come to be called the “sharing economy” raises important questions. After a discussion of history and definitions, we focus on 3 areas of research in the for‐profit segment, also called the platform economy: social connection, conditions for laborers, and inequalities. Although we find that some parts of the platform economy, particularly Airbnb, do foster social connection, there are also ways in which even shared hospitality is becoming more like conventional exchange. With respect to labor conditions, we find they vary across platforms and the degree to which workers are dependent on the platform to meet their basic needs. On inequality, there is mounting evidence that platforms are facilitating person‐to‐person discrimination by race. In addition, platforms are advantaging those who already have human capital or physical assets, in contrast to claims that they provide widespread opportunity or even advantage less privileged individuals.
The Effects of Knowledge about Poverty, Exposure to Poverty and Trust on Policymakers’ Perceptions about Poverty
Authors: Lahat Lihi 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThis article explores two questions: (1) Does knowledge about poverty and exposure to poverty affect the perceptions of policymakers about how to deal with the problem? (2) Does policymakers’ trust in members of society affect their perceptions regarding ways of dealing with poverty? Based on interviewees with 103 policymakers in Israel, the findings reveal that knowledge about poverty and trust in the members of society have an effect on policy perceptions. The result may have a theoretical contribution to the policy theory at the individual level and practical implications for policy entrepreneurs.
D antibodies in pregnant women in multiethnic Suriname: the observational RheSuN study
Authors: Zonneveld Rens , Kanhai Humphrey H.H. , Lamers Margriet , Brand Anneke , Zijlmans Wilco C.W.R. , Schonewille Henk 
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUNDMaternal antibodies against the D antigen are the most common cause of severe hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN). In high‐income countries, the risk of D immunization has been reduced by routine antenatal and postpartum administration of RhIG from 13% to less than 0.5%. In less‐resourced countries, such as Suriname, red blood cell (RBC) antibody screening during pregnancy and prophylactic RhIG administration are not routine. Accurate data on D immunization risk is not available. In the RheSuN (Rhesus Surinamese Neonates) study, the prevalence and the hemolytic potential of maternal D antibodies were investigated.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSA multicenter cross‐sectional study in four major hospitals in Paramaribo, Suriname, covering 90% of approximately 10,000 births yearly in Suriname. Included were D– pregnant women of various ethnicities seeking routine prenatal care and/or their newborns.RESULTSD antibodies were detected in 19 of 214 D– pregnancies (8.9%; 95% confidence interval, 5.1%‐12.7%), in 2.0% of primigravid and 11.7% of multigravid women. The direct antiglobulin test was positive in 11 of 13 tested D+ newborns. Determination of D antibody titers and antibody‐dependent cell mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) assay revealed three newborns at high risk for HDFN (ADCC > 50%).CONCLUSIOND immunization risk in Suriname women is comparable to the pre–anti‐D prophylaxis era in high‐income countries. Recommended is free‐of‐charge routine RBC antibody screening and prophylactic RhIG administration for women at risk for D antibody formation as part of standard of ante‐ and postnatal care.
The Cross-Species Mycobacterial Growth Inhibition Assay (MGIA) Project, 2010–2014
Authors: Brennan Michael J. , Tanner Rachel , Morris Sheldon , Scriba Thomas J. , Achkar Jacqueline M. , Zelmer Andrea , Hokey David A. , Izzo Angelo , Sharpe Sally , Williams Ann , Penn-Nicholson Adam , Erasmus Mzwandile , Stylianou Elena , Hoft Daniel F. , McShane Helen , Fletcher Helen A. 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT

The development of a functional biomarker assay in the tuberculosis (TB) field would be widely recognized as a major advance in efforts to develop and to test novel TB vaccine candidates efficiently. We present preliminary studies using mycobacterial growth inhibition assays (MGIAs) to detect
Mycobacterium bovis
BCG vaccine responses across species, and we extend this work to determine whether a standardized MGIA can be applied in characterizing new TB vaccines. The comparative MGIA studies reviewed here aimed to evaluate robustness, reproducibility, and ability to reflect
in vivo
responses. In doing so, they have laid the foundation for the development of a MGIA that can be standardized and potentially qualified. A major challenge ahead lies in better understanding the relationships between
in vivo
protection,
in vitro
growth inhibition, and the immune mechanisms involved. The final outcome would be a MGIA that could be used with confidence in TB vaccine trials. We summarize data arising from this project, present a strategy to meet the goals of developing a functional assay for TB vaccine testing, and describe some of the challenges encountered in performing and transferring such assays.