bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Native Bovine and Porcine Pericardia Respond to Load With Additive Recruitment of Collagen Fibers
Authors: Bagno Andrea , Aguiari Paola , Fiorese Michele , Iop Laura , Spina Michele , Gerosa Gino 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBovine and porcine pericardia are currently used for manufacturing prosthetic heart valves: their design has become an increasingly important area of investigation in parallel with progressively expanding indications for the transcutaneous approach to heart valves replacement. Before being cut and shaped, pericardial tissues are expected to be properly characterized. Actually, the mechanical assessment of these biomaterials lacks standardized protocols. In particular, the role of preconditioning for achieving a constant mechanical response of tissue samples is still controversial. In the present work, the mechanical response to uniaxial load of native bovine and porcine pericardia, with and without preconditioning was assessed; moreover, the mechanical behavior of pericardia was investigated and explained. It was demonstrated that: (i) pericardial tissue samples hold memory of the loading history but just within the extent of the deformation applied; (ii) the behavior of native bovine and porcine pericardia in response to load is explained by a mechanism based on the additive recruitment of collagen fibers; (iii) the current concept that plasticity is absent in pericardium has to be at least in part reconsidered.
Bacteriological evaluation of composted manure solids prepared from anaerobic digested slurry for hygienic recycled bedding materials for dairy cows
Authors: Okamoto Eiryu , Miyanishi Hiroki , Nakamura Akinobu , Kobayashi Tomoyuki , Kobayashi Norihiko , Terawaki Yoshinori , Nagahata Hajime 
Published: December 2017

AbstractChanges in mastitis‐causing pathogens, pH and water content in composted manure solids (CMS) prepared from digested slurry were evaluated during turning at 2‐day intervals for 8 days (C1–C4). The numbers of streptococci, coagulase‐negative staphylococci and coliforms were 2.6 × 101, 1.7 × 102 and 1.0 × 101 colony‐forming units (cfu)/g in CMS (C4) (summer), and these counts were markedly lower (P < 0.05) than those in CMS (C0 and C1). The bacterial counts ranged from 101 to 1.7 × 102 cfu/g in CMS (C4) (summer) and were within approved levels, <1 × 106 cfu/g, indicating a minimal mastitis risk. The temperatures in CMS (C1–C4) increased to 63°C–74°C in summer and 67°C–70°C in winter. The mean pH values in CMS (C0–C4) were 9.2 in summer and 8.7 in winter, and water contents ranged from 61.7% to 69.6% in summer and 73.2% to 66.2% in winter. The significant decrease of pathogenic bacteria in CMS appears to be closely related to temperature >63°C for 8 days, pH 8.7–9.2, and water content 62% to 73%. This study demonstrates that prepared CMS has value as a recycled material with the potential to alleviate udder health issues in dairy cows.
From applied ethics to empirical ethics to contextual ethics
Authors: Hoffmaster Barry 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBioethics became applied ethics when it was assimilated to moral philosophy. Because deduction is the rationality of moral philosophy, subsuming facts under moral principles to deduce conclusions about what ought to be done became the prescribed reasoning of bioethics, and bioethics became a theory comprised of moral principles. Bioethicists now realize that applied ethics is too abstract and spare to apprehend the specificity, particularity, complexity and contingency of real moral issues. Empirical ethics and contextual ethics are needed to incorporate these features into morality, not just bioethics. The relevant facts and features of problems have to be identified, investigated and framed coherently, and potential resolutions have to be constructed and assessed. Moreover, these tasks are pursued and melded within manifold contexts, for example, families, work and health care systems, as well as societal, economic, legal and political backgrounds and encompassing worldviews. This naturalist orientation and both empirical ethics and contextual ethics require judgment, but how can judgment be rational? Rationality, fortunately, is more expansive than deductive reasoning. Judgment is rational when it emanates from a rational process of deliberation, and a process of deliberation is rational when it uses the resources of non‐formal reason: observation, creative construction, formal and informal reasoning methods and systematic critical assessment. Empirical ethics and contextual ethics recognize that finite, fallible human beings live in complex, dynamic, contingent worlds, and they foster creative, critical deliberation and employ non‐formal reason to make rational moral judgments.
Racial disparity and survival outcomes between African‐American and Caucasian American men with penile cancer
Authors: Ritch Chad R. , Soodana‐Prakash Nachiketh , Pavan Nicola , Balise Raymond R. , Velasquez Maria Camila , Alameddine Mahmoud , Adamu Desmond Y. , Punnen Sanoj , Parekh Dipen J. , Gonzalgo Mark L. 
Published: December 2017

ObjectiveTo determine whether there is a survival difference for African‐American men (AAM) versus Caucasian American men (CM) with penile squamous cell carcinoma (pSCC), particularly in locally advanced and metastatic cases where disease mortality is highest.Patients and MethodsUsing the Florida Cancer Data System, we identified men with pSCC from 2005 to 2013. We compared age, follow‐up, stage, race, and treatment type between AAM and CM. We performed Kaplan–Meier analysis for overall survival (OS) between AAM and CM for all stages, and for those with locally advanced and metastatic disease. A multivariable model was developed to determine significant predictors of OS.ResultsIn all, 653 men (94 AAM and 559 CM) had pSCC and 198 (30%) had locally advanced and/or metastatic disease. A higher proportion of AAM had locally advanced and/or metastatic disease compared to CM (38 [40%] vs 160 [29%], P = 0.03). The median (interquartile range) follow‐up for the entire cohort was 12.6 (5.4–32.0) months. For all stages, AAM had a significantly lower median OS compared to CM (26 vs 36 months, P = 0.03). For locally advanced and metastatic disease, there was a consistent trend toward disparity in median OS between AAM and CM (17 vs 22 months, P = 0.06). After adjusting for age, stage, grade, and treatment type, AAM with pSCC had a greater likelihood of death compared to CM (hazard ratio 1.64, P = 0.014).ConclusionsAAM have worse OS compared to CM with pSCC and this may partly be due to advanced stage at presentation. Treatment disparity may also contribute to lessened survival in AAM, but we were unable to demonstrate a significant difference in treatment utilisation between the groups.
The soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator IW‐1973 prevents inflammation and fibrosis in experimental non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Flores‐Costa Roger , Alcaraz‐Quiles José , Titos Esther , López‐Vicario Cristina , Casulleras Mireia , Duran‐Güell Marta , Rius Bibiana , Diaz Alba , Hall Katherine , Shea Courtney , Sarno Renee , Currie Mark , Masferrer Jaime L , Clària Joan 
Published: December 2017

Background and PurposeNon‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome and is characterized by steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis. Soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulation reduces inflammation and fibrosis in experimental models of lung, kidney and heart disease. Here, we tested whether sGC stimulation is also effective in experimental NASH.Experimental ApproachNASH was induced in mice by feeding a choline‐deficient, l‐amino acid‐defined, high‐fat diet. These mice received either placebo or the sGC stimulator IW‐1973 at two different doses (1 and 3 mg·kg−1·day−1) for 9 weeks. IW‐1973 was also tested in high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced obese mice. Steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis were assessed by Oil Red O, haematoxylin–eosin, Masson's trichrome, Sirius Red, F4/80 and α‐smooth muscle actin staining. mRNA expression was assessed by quantitative PCR. Levels of IW‐1973, cytokines and cGMP were determined by LC‐MS/MS, Luminex and enzyme immunoassay respectively.Key ResultsMice with NASH showed reduced cGMP levels and sGC expression, increased steatosis, inflammation, fibrosis, TNF‐α and MCP‐1 levels and up‐regulated collagen types I α1 and α2, MMP2, TGF‐β1 and tissue metallopeptidase inhibitor 1 expression. IW‐1973 restored hepatic cGMP levels and sGC expression resulting in a dose‐dependent reduction of hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. IW‐1973 levels were ≈40‐fold higher in liver tissue than in plasma. IW‐1973 also reduced hepatic steatosis and adipocyte hypertrophy secondary to enhanced autophagy in HFD‐induced obese mice.Conclusions and ImplicationsOur data indicate that sGC stimulation prevents hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis in experimental NASH. These findings warrant further evaluation of IW‐1973 in the clinical setting.
The impact of exercise frequency upon microvascular endothelium function and oxidative stress among patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Borges Juliana P. , Nascimento Alessandro R. , Lopes Gabriella O. , Medeiros‐Lima Daniel J. M. , Coelho Marina P. , Nascimento Pablo M. C. , Kopiler Daniel A. , Matsuura Cristiane , Mediano Mauro Felippe F. , Tibirica Eduardo 
Published: December 2017

SummaryPurposeThis study compared the effects of low and high weekly exercise frequencies on microvascular endothelium function and oxidative stress among patients with coronary artery disease.MethodsThirty‐four male patients completed a 6‐month cardiac rehabilitation programme, from which 23 performed exercise with a high frequency (HF) and 11 with a low frequency (LF). Systemic microvascular blood flow, maximal aerobic capacity, blood lipids, oxidative stress and anthropometric data were assessed prior to and after the cardiac rehabilitation programme. Microvascular blood flow was assessed in the skin of the forearm using laser speckle contrast imaging coupled with iontophoresis of acetylcholine.ResultsMaximal aerobic capacity, biochemical analysis and anthropometric data were similar between groups prior to and after the cardiac rehabilitation programme (P>0·05). However, after 6 months of cardiac rehabilitation performed with HF, there was an increase in the peak response to acetylcholine compared with LF (83·5 ± 58·5 versus 21·8 ± 22·4%; P<0·05). Changes in lipid peroxidation (HF: −5·5 ± 9·4 versus LF: 2·2 ± 12·0 pmol MDA mg−1; P = 0·19), catalase activity (HF: 0·07 ± 0·17 versus LF: 0·04 ± 0·08 U mg−1; P = 0·74) and nitric oxide levels (HF: 1·8 ± 15·3 versus LF: −3·2 ± 12·3 μM; P = 0·36) were similar between groups after cardiac rehabilitation.ConclusionSix months of aerobic exercise training performed with high frequency is preferable to low frequency aiming endothelium microvascular function increases in patients with coronary artery disease. The mechanisms involved in this response are unclear and warrant additional research.
Improving the cytological diagnosis of high‐grade serous carcinoma in ascites with a panel of complementary biomarkers in cell blocks
Authors: Zhang X. , Chen L. , Liu Y. , Xu Y. , Zhang X. , Shi Y. , Wang C. , Zhang P. L. , Liu Y. 
Published: December 2017

IntroductionPrecise cytological diagnosis of pelvic high‐grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) in ascites is important for tumour staging, therapeutic decision‐making and prognostic evaluation. However, it can often be difficult to distinguish metastatic HGSC cells from reactive mesothelial cells based on morphology alone. Immunocytochemical analysis of ascites cell blocks has been used to obtain accurate diagnosis and provide a reliable basis for treatment decisions in the clinic. This study was performed to determine whether a panel of antibodies is necessary to achieve high specificity and sensitivity for the identification of HGSC cells.MethodsAscites samples from 70 cases (70/253, 27.7%) of histologically confirmed HGSC were postoperatively collected from 2012 to 2015 and were immunocytochemically analysed.ResultsThe sensitivity and specificity of Ber‐EP4 (a marker of HGSC) for detecting HGSC was 85.7% and 82.1%, respectively, whereas the sensitivity and specificity of HBME‐1 for identifying mesothelial cells was 100% and 68.3%, respectively. To improve the rate of detection further of HGSC, 29 cases of ascites were also stained for E‐cadherin (a marker of HGSC) and calretinin (a marker of mesothelial cells). The combination of Ber‐EP4 and E‐cadherin as markers of adenocarcinoma cells increased the sensitivity and specificity for HGSC detection to 100% and 88.9%, respectively. Meanwhile, the sensitivity and specificity for mesothelial cell identification increased to 100% and 90%, respectively, when HBME‐1 and calretinin were combined.ConclusionThis panel of complementary biomarkers is valuable and ideal for the differential diagnosis of HGSC based on ascites cytology.
Learning by observation and learning by doing in Down and Williams syndromes
Authors: Foti Francesca , Menghini Deny , Alfieri Paolo , Costanzo Floriana , Mandolesi Laura , Petrosini Laura , Vicari Stefano 
Published: December 2017

AbstractNew skills may be learned by active experience (experiential learning or learning by doing) or by observation of others’ experience (learning by observation). In general, learning by observation reduces the time and the attempts needed to learn complex actions and behaviors. The present research aimed to compare learning by observation and learning by doing in two clinical populations with different etiology of intellectual disability (ID), as individuals with Down syndrome (DS) and individuals with Williams syndrome (WS), with the hypothesis that specific profiles of learning may be found in each syndrome. To this end, we used a mixture of new and existing data to compare the performances of 24 individuals with DS, 24 individuals with WS and 24 typically developing children on computerized tasks of learning by observation or learning by doing. The main result was that the two groups with ID exhibited distinct patterns of learning by observation. Thus, individuals with DS were impaired in reproducing the previously observed visuo‐motor sequence, while they were as efficient as TD children in the experiential learning task. On the other hand, individuals with WS benefited from the observational training while they were severely impaired in detecting the visuo‐motor sequence in the experiential learning task (when presented first). The present findings reinforce the syndrome‐specific hypothesis and the view of ID as a variety of conditions in which some cognitive functions are more disrupted than others because of the differences in genetic profile and brain morphology and functionality. These findings have important implications for clinicians, who should take into account the genetic etiology of ID in developing learning programs for treatment and education.
Relationship between QRS measurements and left ventricular morphology and function in asymptomatic individuals
Authors: Vancheri Federico , Vancheri Sergio , Henein Michael 
Published: December 2017

Background and AimQRS amplitude and duration are associated with increased left ventricular (LV) volume, mass and dysfunction. However, the diagnostic concordance between QRS measurements and LV morphology and function, as shown by Doppler echocardiography, is not well established. We investigated the relationships of QRS duration and amplitude with echocardiographic measurements of LV morphology and systolic and diastolic function in normal individuals.MethodsIndividuals without signs or symptoms of coronary artery disease or heart failure, who underwent clinical examination as a part of a cross‐sectional survey for the prevalence of coronary risk factors, randomly selected from the population list in Caltanissetta, Italy, were included in the study. QRS duration and amplitude were automatically measured using inbuilt software. LV ejection and filling patterns were studied using Doppler echocardiography.ResultsWe studied 184 individuals (96 men and 88 women), mean age 55.9 (11.3). QRS duration increased by 5.4 ms for every 100 g increase in LV mass, and by 4.6 ms for each 10 mm increase in LV end‐diastolic diameter. The amplitude increased by 0.8 mm for every 100 g increase in LV mass. There was no relationship with LV dimensions. A nonlinear correlation was found between QRS amplitude and indexes of global dyssynchrony. The time‐voltage QRS area correlated with LV mass, dimensions and indexes of dyssynchrony. There was no relationship between QRS measurements and ejection fraction.ConclusionsQRS prolongation and increase in amplitude are strongly influenced by LV increased mass and volume, as well as by dyssynchrony, independently of ejection fraction.
Government size and economic growth in an endogenous growth model with rent‐seeking
Authors: Wadho Waqar , Ayaz Umair 
Published: December 2017

AbstractWe explore the relationship between government size and economic growth in an endogenous growth model with human capital and an unproductive capital which facilitates rent‐seeking. With exogenous as well as endogenous time discounting, we find a non‐monotonic relationship between the size of government and economic growth. We find that with very high (low) discounting, there is a unique low (high) growth equilibrium, regardless of the size of government. For the intermediate range of discounting, there are multiple equilibria and the growth outcome depends on the size of government. With endogenous time discounting, the growth outcome is path dependent and depends on the level of inherited human capital. However, there is only one stable growth regime and the economy endogenously switches to it. When the institutional constraints on rent‐seeking are not extremely high, the stable regime is the one in which there is a high‐growth equilibrium for a smaller size of the government and for larger size, both the high‐growth and the low‐growth equilibrium coexist. When the institutional constraints on rent‐seeking are extremely high, there exists only a unique high‐growth equilibrium irrespective of the size of government. Furthermore, economies with bigger size of the government and/or with poor quality institutions will take longer to endogenously switch to this stable growth regime.
Sleep spindles and slow waves in schizophrenia and related disorders: main findings, challenges and future perspectives
Authors: Castelnovo Anna , Graziano Bianca , Ferrarelli Fabio , D'Agostino Armando 
Published: December 2017

AbstractSleep abnormalities have recently gained renewed attention in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. Disrupted thalamocortical brain oscillations hold promise as putative biomarkers or endophenotypes of the disorder. Despite an increase in studies related to sleep spindle and slow‐wave activity, findings remain in part contradictory. Although sleep spindle deficits have been confirmed in several groups of patients with chronic, medicated schizophrenia, data on the early stages of the disorder and in unmedicated subjects are still insufficient. Findings on slow‐wave abnormalities are largely inconclusive, possibly due to the different criteria employed to define the phenomenon and to the influence of atypical antipsychotics. In this review, we aim to address the methodological and practical issues that may have limited the consistency of findings across research groups and different patient populations. Given the neurobiological relevance of these oscillations, which reflect the integrity of thalamocortical and cortico‐cortical function, research in this domain should be encouraged. To promote widespread consensus over the scientific and clinical implications of these sleep‐related phenomena, we advocate uniform and sound methodological approaches. These should encompass electroencephalographic recording and analysis techniques but also selection criteria and characterization of clinical populations.
Integrating community assembly and biodiversity to better understand ecosystem function: the Community Assembly and the Functioning of Ecosystems (CAFE) approach
Authors: Bannar‐Martin Katherine H. , Kremer Colin T. , Ernest S.K. Morgan , Leibold Mathew A. , Auge Harald , Chase Jonathan , Declerck Steven A.J. , Eisenhauer Nico , Harpole Stanley , Hillebrand Helmut , Isbell Forest , Koffel Thomas , Larsen Stefano , Narwani Anita , Petermann Jana S. , Roscher Christiane , Cabral Juliano Sarmento , Supp Sarah R. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe research of a generation of ecologists was catalysed by the recognition that the number and identity of species in communities influences the functioning of ecosystems. The relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning (BEF) is most often examined by controlling species richness and randomising community composition. In natural systems, biodiversity changes are often part of a bigger community assembly dynamic. Therefore, focusing on community assembly and the functioning of ecosystems (CAFE), by integrating both species richness and composition through species gains, losses and changes in abundance, will better reveal how community changes affect ecosystem function. We synthesise theBEFandCAFEperspectives using an ecological application of the Price equation, which partitions the contributions of richness and composition to function. Using empirical examples, we show how theCAFEapproach reveals important contributions of composition to function. These examples show how changes in species richness and composition driven by environmental perturbations can work in concert or antagonistically to influence ecosystem function. Considering how communities change in an integrative fashion, rather than focusing on one axis of community structure at a time, will improve our ability to anticipate and predict changes in ecosystem function.
The idiopathic normal‐pressure hydrocephalus Radscale: a radiological scale for structured evaluation
Authors: Kockum K. , Lilja‐Lund O. , Larsson E.‐M. , Rosell M. , Söderström L. , Virhammar J. , Laurell K. 
Published: December 2017

Background and purposeDespite the important role of imaging in diagnosing idiopathic normal‐pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH), a structured overall assessment of radiological signs is still lacking. The purpose of this study was to construct a radiological scale, composed of morphological signs of iNPH, and compare it with clinical symptoms.MethodsIn this prospective, population‐based study of iNPH, 168 individuals (93 females) [mean age 75 (range 66–92) years] underwent computed tomography of the brain and a neurological examination with assessment of clinical symptoms according to Hellström's iNPH scale. Two radiologists, blinded to clinical data, independently evaluated and measured eight radiological parameters, i.e. Evans’ index, callosal angle, size of temporal horns, narrow high‐convexity sulci, dilated Sylvian fissures, focally dilated sulci, peri‐ventricular hypodensities and bulging of the lateral ventricular roof.ResultsIn a linear regression model, all parameters except ventricular roof bulging were significantly associated with clinical iNPH symptoms. The seven remaining parameters were summarized into a total iNPH Radscale score ranging from 0 to 12. There was a significant correlation (r = 0.55, P < 0.001) between the total iNPH Radscale score and clinical symptoms. The inter‐rater agreement for the included radiological parameters was high (intraclass correlation, 0.74–0.97).ConclusionThe iNPH Radscale may become a valuable diagnostic screening tool, allowing a structured radiological assessment. A high iNPH Radscale score together with clinical symptoms should raise suspicion of iNPH, motivating further evaluation for shunt surgery.