bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of cutaneous rejuvenation associated with the use of ortho‐silicic acid stabilized by hydrolyzed marine collagen
Authors: Petersen Vitello Kalil Célia Luiza , Campos Valéria , Cignachi Stela , Favaro Izidoro Juliana , Prieto Herman Reinehr Clarissa , Chaves Christine 
Published: September 2017

SummaryBackgroundOrganic silicon plays an important role in dermal structure by promoting neocollagenesis. Thus, the supplementation of silicon in a highly bioavailable form can be used for skin rejuvenation.AimsThis study aimed to evaluate skin changes associated with the use of ortho‐silicic acid stabilized by hydrolyzed collagen.Patients/MethodsPatients were randomized to receive 600 mg of ortho‐silicic acid stabilized by hydrolyzed collagen (group 1, n = 11) or placebo (group 2, n = 11) to be taken 15 minutes before breakfast for 90 days. Clinical, photographical, and patients’ subjective evaluations were conducted.ResultsA total of 22 patients were included. Clinical evaluations demonstrated changes in skin texture, firmness, and hydration statistically superior in group 1. Brightness, firmness, and overall appearance showed trends for a difference favoring group 1 according to patients’ subjective evaluations. Objective images showed no statistical differences. No side effects, hypersensitivity, or systemic symptoms were observed in group 1. Treatment satisfaction in group 1 reached 80%.ConclusionsOrtho‐silicic acid stabilized by hydrolyzed collagen in a daily dose of 600 mg showed positive results in skin rejuvenation according to clinical evaluation in firmness, hydration, and skin texture. Further studies with larger and representative samples should be conducted to confirm our results.
Comparison of transcatheter aortic valve replacement risk score against currently accepted surgical risk models as predictors of 30‐day mortality in transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Yatsynovich Yan , Khattak Himad , Ali Mohammed , Schwartz Brian , Pak Stella , Chen Tian 
Published: September 2017

ObjectivesAim of the study was to assess the predictive capability of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Risk Score (TAVR‐RS) in comparison with Society of Thoracic Surgeon‐Predicted Risk of Mortality (STS PROM) and European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II (EuroSCORE II) on 30‐day mortality following TAVR.BackgroundWith exponentially increasing use of TAVR, a risk stratification model to accurately predict mortality risks in patients undergoing TAVR is urgently warranted.MethodsRetrospective analysis of 182 TAVRs between 2014 and 2017, 179 by transfemoral, 3 by subclavian approach. Clinical, laboratory and echocardiography variables were collected. The performance of risk models was evaluated using equivalence tests, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and area under the ROC curve (AUC). Outcome was 30‐day mortality prediction.ResultsObserved 30‐day mortality was 5.49%. TAVR‐RS underestimated (4.0%) while surgical models (STS PROM and EuroSCORE II) overestimated mortality, 7.24% and 8.14%, respectively. The TAVR‐RS was found to have statistically significant correlation with both individual and group mortalities. AUC was highest for TAVR‐RS 0.66 (95%CI: 0.31–0.96), but no difference in 30‐day mortality prediction was found in comparison with STS PROM (P = 0.06) or EuroSCORE II (P = 0.2161).ConclusionsThe TAVR‐RS was a better predictor of both group and individual mortality at 30 days. The outcomes were comparable on pairwise testing against surgical risk models, although TAVR‐RS was on verge of significance when compared to STS PROM. This study supports the current dogma that a risk model specifically tailored for TAVR population should be implemented to obtain a better patient selection.
Social Attitudes Regarding Same‐Sex Marriage and LGBT Health Disparities: Results from a National Probability Sample
Authors: Hatzenbuehler Mark L. , Flores Andrew R. , Gates Gary J. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThis study examined the health consequences for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) populations of exposure to communities with relatively high versus low levels of support for same‐sex marriage. We used data from the Gallup Daily tracking survey, the largest probability‐based sample of LGBT‐identified adults in the United States (N= 11,949 LGBT respondents;N= 352,343 non‐LGBT respondents), which was linked to attitudinal responses on same‐sex marriage obtained from the 2012 Cooperative Congressional Election Survey (N= 54,535). Controlling for potential confounders, higher levels of local approval of same‐sex marriage lowered the probability that LGBT (and non‐LGBT) individuals reported smoking and fair/poor self‐rated health; further, LGBT disparities in smoking were lower in communities where residents were most likely to support same‐sex marriage. Findings suggest that local attitudes may be related to the health of LGBT individuals and contribute to sexual orientation health disparities, providing further evidence for the role of structural stigma in shaping LGBT health.
Social Factors Linking Stigma‐Related Stress with Alcohol Use among Lesbians
Authors: Lewis Robin J. , Winstead Barbara A. , Lau‐Barraco Cathy , Mason Tyler B. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractA conceptual model linking stigma‐related stress and lesbian women's alcohol use and related problems via social factors (i.e., social constraints and social isolation), depressive symptoms, and negative reinforcement drinking motives (i.e., coping and conformity) was tested. Self‐identified lesbian women (N = 1,048), age 18–35 years in the United States completed an online survey of discrimination, stigma consciousness, social isolation, social constraints, depressive symptoms, drinking motives, alcohol use, and related problems. The hypothesized path model showed excellent model fit. The predicted pathway of stigma‐related stressors to alcohol outcomes via social factors, depressive symptoms, and coping/conformity motives was largely supported. Results highlight the importance of social factors in linking stigma‐related stress to alcohol use and related problems among lesbians. Understanding the underlying social mechanisms connecting stigma to negative health outcomes may help inform intervention efforts to reduce alcohol use and related problems among lesbians and associated health disparities.
Community‐based screening to detect school readiness problems in very preterm children
Authors: Rajput Nitin , McKinlay Chris , Purdie Gordon , Filipovska Julia , Battin Malcolm , Patel Harshad , Tuohy Pat 
Published: September 2017

AimVery preterm (VPT) children (≤32 weeks) have school readiness difficulties across multiple domains, but routine follow‐up is often limited. We assessed the performance of VPT children on the Before School Check (B4SC), a community‐based screening programme of school readiness at 4 years of age.MethodsVPT children discharged from Wellington and Auckland Neonatal Intensive Care Units (2005–2009) were compared to a national control cohort born during the same period. Outcome measures included Parental Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS), parent and teacher versions of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ‐P and SDQ‐T) and vision and hearing screening, and were related to perinatal and demographic characteristics obtained from the Australia and New Zealand Neonatal Network database.ResultsOf 1105 VPT children, 920 were matched to the B4SC database, of whom 814 (88%) had one or more B4SC screening outcomes recorded. Compared with controls, VPT children were more likely to have abnormal PEDS (odds ratio (OR) = 1.79, 1.53–2.10), SDQ‐P (OR = 1.82, 1.49–2.23), SDQ‐T (OR = 1.51, 1.10–2.06), vision (OR = 2.00, 1.54–2.60) and hearing (OR = 1.95, 1.65–2.31) screen outcomes. While VPT children with an abnormal screen were more likely to be referred for further assessment, only 34%, 22%, 94% and 51% with abnormal PEDS, SDQ or vision and hearing screen, respectively, had evidence of appropriate referral. School readiness difficulties were significantly associated with birthweight z‐score ≤ −1, vaginal delivery, significant cranial ultrasound abnormalities, younger maternal age, higher deprivation neighbourhood and ventilation ≥72 h.ConclusionCommunity‐based screening may be useful for identifying VPT children with school readiness difficulties, but low referral rates may limit the effectiveness of such programmes.
Carvacryl acetate, a novel semisynthetic monoterpene ester, binds to the TRPA1 receptor and is effective in attenuating irinotecan-induced intestinal mucositis in mice
Authors: Alvarenga Elenice M , Sousa Nayara A , de Araújo Simone , Júnior José L P , Araújo Alyne R , Iles Bruno , Pacífico Dvison M , Brito Gerly Anne C , Souza Emmanuel P , Sousa Damião P , Medeiros Jand Venes R 
Published: September 2017

Abstract

Objectives
We aimed to determine whether carvacryl acetate acts as a TRPA1 receptor agonist and its effects against irinotecan (CPT-11) induced intestinal mucositis in mice.

Methods
TRPA1 structure was obtained from a protein databank, and the 3D structure of carvacryl acetate was determined. Appropriate binding conformations were discovered via automatic docking simulations. To determine the effect of carvacryl acetate in vivo, mice were treated with either DMSO 2%, CPT-11, carvacryl acetate followed by CPT-11, or HC-030031, a TRPA1 antagonist, followed by carvacryl acetate. Jejunum samples were taken and structural, inflammatory and antioxidant parameters were studied.

Key findings
Eight amino acids residues in TRPA1 established stable interactions with carvacryl acetate, which led to pharmacological efficacy against CPT-11-induced intestinal mucositis via reduction of both neutropenia and bacteremia, increase in villi height and crypt depth, decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1β, keratinocyte chemoattractant and tumour necrosis factor-α) and decrease in malondialdehyde and nitric oxide metabolite levels in the jejunum.

Conclusions
Carvacryl acetate is a promising anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent, a fact confirmed through observations of its interactions with TRPA1 in CPT-11-induced intestinal mucositis in mice.
Effect of Laparoscopic‐assisted Gastropexy on Gastrointestinal Transit Time in Dogs
Authors: Balsa I.M. , Culp W.T.N. , Drobatz K.J. , Johnson E.G. , Mayhew P.D. , Marks S.L. 
Published: September 2017

BackgroundProphylactic gastropexy has been promoted as a means of preventing gastric volvulus during gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) syndrome. Little is known about the impact of gastropexy on gastrointestinal transit time.HypothesisLaparoscopic‐assisted gastropexy (LAG) will not alter gastrointestinal transit times when comparing gastric (GET), small and large bowel (SLBTT), and whole gut transit times (TTT) before and after surgery.Animals10 healthy client‐owned large‐breed dogs.MethodsProspective clinical trial. Before surgery, all dogs underwent physical examination and diagnostic evaluation to ensure normal health status. Dogs were fed a prescription diet for 6 weeks before determination of gastrointestinal transit with a wireless motility capsule.LAGwas then performed, and dogs were fed the diet for 6 additional weeks. Measurement of transit times was repeated 6 weeks after surgery.ResultsTen dogs of various breeds at‐risk forGDVwere enrolled. No complications were encountered associated with surgery or capsule administration. There were no significant differences inGET429 [306–1,370] versus 541 [326–1,298] (P= 0.80),SLBTT1,243 [841–3,070] versus 1,540 [756–2,623] (P= 0.72), orTTT1,971 [1,205–3,469] versus 1,792 [1,234–3,343] minutes (median, range) (P= 0.65) before and afterLAG.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceAn effect ofLAGon gastrointestinal transit time was not identified, and wireless motility capsule can be safely administered in dogs afterLAG.
Surface interactions of Fusarium graminearum on barley
Authors: Imboden Lori , Afton Drew , Trail Frances 
Published: September 2017

SummaryThe filamentous fungus Fusarium graminearum, a devastating pathogen of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), produces mycotoxins that pose a health hazard. To investigate the surface interactions of F. graminearum on barley, we focused on barley florets, as the most important infection site leading to grain contamination. The fungus interacted with silica‐accumulating cells (trichomes and silica/cork cell pairs) on the host surface. We identified variation in trichome‐type cells between two‐row and six‐row barley, and in the role of specific epidermal cells in the ingress of F. graminearum into barley florets. Prickle‐type trichomes functioned to trap conidia and were sites of fungal penetration. Infections of more mature florets supported the spread of hyphae into the vascular bundles, whereas younger florets did not show this spread. These differences related directly to the timing and location of increases in silica content during maturation. Focal accumulation of cellulose in infected paleae of two‐row and six‐row barley indicated that the response is in part linked to trichome type. Overall, silica‐accumulating epidermal cells had an expanded role in barley, serving to trap conidia, provide sites for fungal ingress and initiate resistance responses, suggesting a role for silica in pathogen establishment.
Obesity increases the risk of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
Authors: Roland B. C. , Lee D. , Miller L. S. , Vegesna A. , Yolken R. , Severance E. , Prandovszky E. , Zheng X. E. , Mullin G. E. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundSmall intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) has been associated with anatomical and motility‐related abnormalities. Specifically, obesity has been postulated to alter small bowel motility, leading to SIBO.Aims(i) Assess the prevalence of SIBO in obesity; (ii) determine the relationship of obesity and SIBO, using small bowel transit time (SBTT) and pH; (iii) profile the gut microbiome in obese and non‐obese patients with SIBO.MethodsThirty consecutive participants referred for SIBO underwent lactulose breath tests (LBTs) and wireless motility capsule (WMC) studies. Composition of the intestinal microbiome was assessed by analyzing samples from three different gastrointestinal sites via 16S rRNA gene‐sequencing.Key ResultsSIBO was more frequent among obese patients vs non‐obese patients (88.9% vs 42.9%, P < .05). Obesity did not correlate with small bowel transit time (SBTT), gastric pH, and small bowel pH. In patients with normal SBTT, obesity was associated with an 11‐fold increase (P = .05) in the risk of SIBO. Whereas in those with prolonged SBTT, there was no correlation between obesity and SIBO. Obese vs non‐obese patients exhibited significant differences in microbiome diversity in rectal samples. Obesity was associated with increased odds of developing SIBO (P = .04) in multivariate regression analyses.Conclusions and InferencesWhile obesity was significantly associated with SIBO, our findings suggest that alterations in gut pH, SBTT, and decline in species richness do not account for the obesity–SIBO relationship.
From model to crop: functional characterization of SPL8 in M. truncatula led to genetic improvement of biomass yield and abiotic stress tolerance in alfalfa
Authors: Gou Jiqing , Debnath Smriti , Sun Liang , Flanagan Amy , Tang Yuhong , Jiang Qingzhen , Wen Jiangqi , Wang Zeng‐Yu 
Published: September 2017

SummaryBiomass yield, salt tolerance and drought tolerance are important targets for alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) improvement. Medicago truncatula has been developed into a model plant for alfalfa and other legumes. By screening a Tnt1 retrotransposon‐tagged M. truncatula mutant population, we identified three mutants with enhanced branching. Branch development determines shoot architecture which affects important plant functions such as light acquisition, resource use and ultimately impacts biomass production. Molecular analyses revealed that the mutations were caused by Tnt1 insertions in the SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN‐LIKE 8 (SPL8) gene. The M. truncatula spl8 mutants had increased biomass yield, while overexpression of SPL8 in M. truncatula suppressed branching and reduced biomass yield. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed that SPL8 inhibited branching by directly suppressing axillary bud formation. Based on the M. truncatula SPL8 sequence, alfalfa SPL8 (MsSPL8) was cloned and transgenic alfalfa plants were produced. MsSPL8 down‐regulated or up‐regulated alfalfa plants exhibited similar phenotypes to the M. truncatula mutants or overexpression lines, respectively. Specifically, the MsSPL8 down‐regulated alfalfa plants showed up to 43% increase in biomass yield in the first harvest. The impact was even more prominent in the second harvest, with up to 86% increase in biomass production compared to the control. Furthermore, down‐regulation of MsSPL8 led to enhanced salt and drought tolerance in transgenic alfalfa. Results from this research offer a valuable approach to simultaneously improve biomass production and abiotic stress tolerance in legumes.
Scrotal hair in infancy: A case series
Authors: Tatlı Zeynep Uzan , Gul Ulku , Hatipoglu Nihal , Kurtoglu Selim 
Published: September 2017

AbstractScrotal hair is a clinical condition that occurs rarely in infancy. Its prevalence is not known. We present a retrospective analysis of six patients referred to our pediatric endocrinology clinic. Except for scrotal hair development, all physical examinations were normal. Underlying pathologic hyperandrogenism was excluded in each case. Clinical regression was observed in all four infants with documented follow‐up visits. Scrotal hair in infancy is not well known to most pediatricians and dermatologists and can cause parental anxiety. Our cases are typical of the benign course of isolated scrotal hair.
Longing – a dynamic power in the becoming of health when suffering from cancer
Authors: Ueland Venke , Nåden Dagfinn , Lindström Unni Å. 
Published: September 2017

BackgroundThe aim of the study was to gain understanding of existential longing in health and suffering as experienced by persons who have been affected by a cancer disease. The theoretical perspective of the study is K. Eriksson's theory of Caring Science.MethodQualitative interviews with nine women with cancer were transcribed and interpreted using Gadamer's ontological hermeneutics.ResultsFour perspectives of longing when suffering from cancer are presented: Longing as a source to call upon for survival, Longing for the life prior to the illness, Longing directed towards deeper relations in everyday life, and Transcending longing moves towards the ultimate fulfilment.InterpretationThe overall interpretation led to the following thesis about the dimension of longing in the human being: Longing is becoming in a movement towards reconciliation of life, and, Longing is becoming in a movement towards transcending life.ConclusionThe results show that there seems to be a dynamic power in longing that can transform suffering and create health.
Wearable tech, bodies, and gender
Authors: Wissinger Elizabeth 
Published: September 2017

AbstractNew forms of wearable technology are blurring the lines between technology and bodies, raising questions about personhood, selfhood, and what it means to be human. Consequently, scholars are examining these iterations of body/machine interface and human machine communication from a variety of angles. While fashion scholars focused primarily on garments and celebrating potential techno‐futures, media and communication scholars more critically examined how wearable tech mediates bodies and relationships. Social scientists are concerned with issues of labor, privacy, data ownership, and value, drawing on ethnographic studies of the Quantified Self (QS) community and the phenomenon of self‐tracking more generally. This scholarship is rooted in studies and theorizations of ubiquitous computing, feminist science and technology studies (STS), and fashion and dress as both ornament and second skin. Generally, it asks how wearable technology can augment the human body, how it affects human relationships to self and other, and whether wearable technology can promote human autonomy, when it is locked into commercial and power relationships that don't necessarily have the users' best interests at heart. The essay ends by briefly outlining of directions for further research, urging further investigation into wearable tech exhibiting gendered attitudes toward “femme” women, and calling for increased attention to issues raised by wearable technology's coming merger with the growing fields of biotech and synthetic biology.
Does (mixed‐)race matter? The role of race in interracial sex, dating, and marriage
Authors: Buggs Shantel Gabrieal 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThough sociologists have long focused on the role of race as a dynamic in romantic and sexual relationships, there is currently limited research on the experiences of mixed‐race people and the ways their racial identities may be influencing how people navigate race and/or ethnicity as part of these intimate relationships. Due to the increase in the number of Americans—in both opposite‐sex and same‐sex relationships—reporting partners of a different race or ethnic background between the 2000 and 2010 censuses, race, and intimacy remain at the forefront of mainstream social concerns. However, research exploring how multiracial people—a rapidly growing population—fit in these trends is underrepresented. In this review, I discuss the existing research on race, dating, and marriage, particularly the meanings attached to interracial relationships in an online era. I also assess how recent research has begun to discuss the impact of mixed‐race identity on intimate relationships both online and offline.
Genetic Mimetics of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus as Verification Standards for Molecular Diagnostics
Authors: Machowski Edith Erika , Kana Bavesh Davandra 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACT

Molecular diagnostics have revolutionized the management of health care through enhanced detection of disease or infection and effective enrollment into treatment. In recognition of this, the World Health Organization approved the rollout of nucleic acid amplification technologies for identification of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
using platforms such as GeneXpert MTB/RIF, the GenoType MTBDR
plus
line probe assay, and, more recently, GeneXpert MTB/RIF Ultra. These assays can simultaneously detect tuberculosis infection and assess rifampin resistance. However, their widespread use in health systems requires verification and quality assurance programs. To enable development of these, we report the construction of genetically modified strains of
Mycobacterium smegmatis
that mimic the profile of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
on both the GeneXpert MTB/RIF and the MTBDR
plus
line probe diagnostic tests. Using site-specific gene editing, we also created derivatives that faithfully mimic the diagnostic result of rifampin-resistant
M. tuberculosis
, with mutations at positions 513, 516, 526, 531, and 533 in the rifampin resistance-determining region of the
rpoB
gene. Next, we extended this approach to other diseases and demonstrated that a
Staphylococcus aureus
gene sequence can be introduced into
M. smegmatis
to generate a positive response for the SCC
mec
probe in the GeneXpert SA Nasal Complete molecular diagnostic cartridge, designed for identification of methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
. These biomimetic strains are cost-effective, have low biohazard content, accurately mimic drug resistance, and can be produced with relative ease, thus illustrating their potential for widespread use as verification standards for diagnosis of a variety of diseases.