bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire (SDBQ): Translation and Psychometric Properties of the Iranian Version
Authors: Abdolmanafi Atefe , Azadfallah Parviz , Fata Ladan , Roosta Mohsen , Peixoto Maria Manuela , Nobre Pedro
Published: July 2015

Introduction

The sexual dysfunctional beliefs questionnaire (SDBQ) is a validated measure for assessing dysfunctional sexual beliefs.

Aims

The aim of this study was to translate and validate the SDBQ to Iranian context.

Methods

In order to translate the questionnaire from English into Persian, a forward–backward procedure was applied. After linguistic validation, the psychometric properties of the Iranian version were assessed for both men and women. A total of 387 participants (226 women and 161 men) completed the SDBQ.

Main Outcome Measures

A principle component analysis with varimax rotation was performed for both the male and female samples. Reliability was evaluated by calculating Cronbach's alpha (internal consistency) and test–retest coefficients (intraclass correlation coefficient).

Results

The results from the principle component analysis identified six factors in the female version: sexual conservatism and female sexual passivity, beliefs about masturbation, body image beliefs, sexual desire and pleasure as a sin, age-related beliefs, and denying affection primacy. In the male version six factors were also identified: sex as an abuse of men's power, beliefs related to women's satisfaction, sexual conservatism, female sexual power, “macho” beliefs, and restrictive attitudes toward sex. Findings support the original six-factor solution for the male sample. For the female sample, although a six-factor solution was found, original motherhood-related beliefs were included in the sexual conservatism and female sexual passivity factor, and a new dimension has emerged, related to masturbation beliefs. Additionally, results indicated that the SDBQ had good internal consistency and test–retest reliability in both male and female versions.

Conclusion

Current findings support the reliability and validity of the SDBQ in an Iranian sample and suggest its applicability to assess sexual beliefs in both clinical samples and the general population in Iran.
Approach and Avoidance Sexual Goals in Couples with Provoked Vestibulodynia: Associations with Sexual, Relational, and Psychological Well-Being
Authors: Rosen Natalie O. , Muise Amy , Bergeron Sophie , Impett Emily A. , Boudreau Gillian K.
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) is a prevalent vulvovaginal pain condition that is triggered primarily during sexual intercourse. PVD adversely impacts women's and their partners' sexual relationship and psychological well-being. Over 80% of women with PVD continue to have intercourse, possibly because of sexual goals that include wanting to pursue desirable outcomes (i.e., approach goals; such as a desire to maintain intimacy) and avoid negative outcomes (i.e., avoidance goals; such as avoiding a partner's disappointment).

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate associations between approach and avoidance sexual goals and women's pain, as well as the sexual, relational, and psychological well-being of affected couples.

Methods

Women with PVD (N = 107) and their partners completed measures of sexual goals, sexual satisfaction, relationship satisfaction, and depression. Women also completed measures of pain during intercourse and sexual functioning.

Main Outcome Measures

(1) Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction Scale, (2) Dyadic Adjustment Scale—Revised or the Couple Satisfaction Index, (3) Beck Depression Inventory-II, (4) numerical rating scale of pain during intercourse, and (5) Female Sexual Function Index.

Results

When women reported higher avoidance sexual goals, they reported lower sexual and relationship satisfaction, and higher levels of depressive symptoms. In addition, when partners of women reported higher avoidance sexual goals, they reported lower relationship satisfaction. When women reported higher approach sexual goals, they also reported higher sexual and relationship satisfaction.

Conclusions

Targeting approach and avoidance sexual goals could enhance the quality and efficacy of psychological couple interventions for women with PVD and their partners.
Variation in Penile Hemodynamics by Anatomic Location of Cavernosal Artery Imaging in Penile Duplex Doppler Ultrasound
Authors: Pagano Matthew J. , Stahl Peter J.
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Standard operating procedures (SOP) for penile duplex Doppler ultrasound (PDDU) were published in 2013 to promote uniform vascular assessment for erectile dysfunction (ED). However, SOPs do not specify a standard anatomic location for cavernosal artery (CA) imaging.

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of CA imaging location on measured penile hemodynamics assessed by PDDU.

Methods

PDDU was performed in men with ED and/or Peyronie's disease. CA peak systolic velocity (PSV) and end diastolic velocity (EDV) were measured at three points: the origin of the CA within the penile crus, the proximal CA, and mid-CA. Differences in PSV and EDV were assessed by Friedman test and categorical vascular outcomes by Fisher's exact test. Data were analyzed for the main cohort, the subgroup with maximal smooth muscle relaxation (SMR) as defined by negative EDV, and the subgroup with valid-for-intromission erections.

Main Outcome Measures

Mean PSV and EDV at three specified CA locations and the vascular diagnoses resulting from these measurements.

Results

One hundred four CAs were imaged in 52 men. Mean PSVs at the crus, proximal, and mid-CA were 52.9 ± 20.2, 29.5 ± 15.1, and 21.6 ± 10.6 cm/s, respectively (P < 0.0001); mean EDVs were 2.1 ± 8.9, 3.2 ± 5.4, and 3.3 ± 3.5 cm/s, respectively (P = 0.1225). The distribution of arteriogenic (P < 0.0001) and venogenic (P < 0.0001) diagnoses both differed significantly by location. Significant differences in vasculogenic diagnoses were also observed in the subgroup of CAs with definite maximal SMR (n = 38, arteriogenic P < 0.0001, venogenic P = 0.007) and in those with valid-for-intromission erections (n = 68, arteriogenic P < 0.0001, venogenic P = 0.0002).

Conclusion

There is large variability in measured PSV and EDV on PDDU depending on the site of Doppler imaging, which can often sway clinical diagnosis. Future guidelines should attempt to incorporate standard locations of CA imaging, and new normative values may be necessary for each location.
Trajectories and stability of self‐reported short sleep duration from adolescence to adulthood
Authors: Hayley Amie C. , Skogen Jens C. , Øverland Simon , Wold Bente , Williams Lana J. , Kennedy Gerard A. , Sivertsen Børge
Published: July 2015

The trajectories and stability of self‐reported sleep duration recorded at ages 13, 15, and 23 years on reported sleep duration at age 30 years among 1105 students (55% male) who participated in the Norwegian Longitudinal Health and Behaviour Study were examined. Questionnaire data were used to obtain demographic and sleep variables. Dichotomised short sleep duration was based on normative values and set as ≤8.5 h (age 13 years), ≤8 h (age 15 years) and ≤7 h (ages 23 and 30 years). Results indicated a significant overall reduction in total sleep duration (h per night) across age groups. Sleep duration (continuous) at age 15 and 23 years (whole group) was moderately but positively correlated with sleep duration at age 30 years (P < 0.01). When split by sex, at age 15 years, this association was present among females only (P < 0.01); however, at age 23 years, this association was present in both male and females (both P < 0.001). Categorical short sleep at age 23 years (whole group) was associated with short sleep at age 30 years (unadjusted odds ratio = 3.67, 95% confidence interval 2.36–5.69). Following sex stratification, this effect was significant for both males (unadjusted odds ratio = 3.77, 95% confidence interval: 2.22–6.42) and females (unadjusted odds ratio = 2.71, 95% confidence interval: 1.46–5.04). No associations were noted for categorical short sleep at ages 13 or 15 years, and subsequent short sleep at 30 years. Habitual short sleep duration during middle adulthood is not sustained from the time of early adolescence. Rather, these trends appear to be formed during early adulthood.
Incidence of Diabetes Mellitus in Insured Swedish Cats in Relation to Age, Breed and Sex
Authors: Öhlund M. , Fall T. , Ström Holst B. , Hansson‐Hamlin H. , Bonnett B. , Egenvall A.
Published: July 2015

Background

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common endocrinopathy in cats. Most affected cats suffer from a type of diabetes similar to type 2 diabetes in humans. An increasing prevalence has been described in cats, as in humans, related to obesity and other lifestyle factors.

Objectives

To describe the incidence ofDMin insured Swedish cats and the association ofDMwith demographic risk factors, such as age, breed and sex.

Animals

A cohort of 504,688 individual cats accounting for 1,229,699 cat‐years at risk (CYAR) insured by a Swedish insurance company from 2009 to 2013.

Methods

We used reimbursed insurance claims for the diagnosis ofDM. Overall incidence rates and incidence rates stratified on year, age, breed, and sex were estimated.

Results

The overall incidence rate ofDMin the cohort was 11.6 cases (95% confidence interval [CI], 11.0–12.2) per 10,000CYAR. Male cats had twice as high incidence rate (15.4; 95%CI, 14.4–16.4) as females (7.6; 95%CI, 6.9–8.3). Domestic cats were at higher risk compared to purebred cats. A significant association with breed was seen, with the Burmese, Russian Blue, Norwegian Forest cat, and Abyssinian breeds at a higher risk compared to other cats. No sex predisposition was found among Burmese cats. Several breeds with a lower risk ofDMwere identified.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Our results verify that the Burmese breed is at increased risk of developingDM. We also identified several previously unreported breeds with increased or decreased risk ofDM.
Effects of canopy composition and disturbance type on understorey plant assembly in boreal forests
Authors: Fourrier Arnaud , Bouchard Mathieu , Pothier David
Published: July 2015

Questions

What are the relative roles of disturbance type and canopy composition on understorey plant assemblages? Are these two environmental filters of equal importance in driving understorey patterns? Does a trait‐based approach improve understanding of plant assemblage responses in disturbed boreal forests?

Location

Eastern boreal forests of North America, Québec, Canada.

Methods

We sampled understorey plant assemblages in ca. 30‐yr‐old forest stands originating from three types of disturbance (clear‐cutting, fire and spruce budworm outbreak) and two dominant canopy compositions (coniferous and deciduous). For each disturbance × canopy combination, at least eight stands were sampled. The results were analysed with a combination of multivariate (RDA, PERMANOVA), univariate (IndVal) and trait‐based (fourth‐corner) approaches.

Results

Overall, canopy composition was a more important driver than disturbance type for understorey plant communities. Species richness and particularly the abundance of herbaceous species were highest under deciduous canopies, whereas bryophytes and lichens were more diverse and abundant under coniferous canopies. Light‐demanding species with abundant seed production were mostly restricted to deciduous canopies. Some patterns were also explained by disturbance type, but these were mostly associated with the presence/absence of non‐abundant species or species groups such as lichens.

Conclusions

We propose that the higher effect of canopy composition compared with disturbance type can be explained by two factors. First, the effect of canopy composition tends to remain present for decades during stand development, whereas the effect of the disturbance type tends to dissipate progressively after the stand‐initiating disturbance. Second, in boreal forests, most understorey plant species possess reproduction strategies (such as vegetative reproduction) that make them well adapted to persist in stands affected by any type of disturbance. At the landscape level, maintaining the right proportion of deciduous and coniferous stands through forest management could ensure that understorey ecosystem processes and plant diversity are maintained. However, creating or maintaining specific post‐disturbance attributes could be important for the conservation of species affiliated with specific substrates.
Immunomodulatory Effects of Dietary β‐glucan and Vitamin C in Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus L., Subjected to Cold‐induced Stress or Bacterial Challenge
Authors: Barros Margarida M. , Falcon Dario R. , Orsi Ricardo O. , Pezzato Luiz E. , Fernandes Junior Ademir C. , Fernandes Junior Ary , de Carvalho Pedro L. P. F. , Padovani Carlos R. , Guimarães Igo G. , Sartori Maria M. P.
Published: July 2015

To determine the dietary β‐glucan and vitamin C levels that would enable the fish to cope with different stress, 252 tilapia (16.86 ± 0.24 g) were distributed in thirty six 250‐L aquaria and fed experimental diets for 60 d. Diets were supplemented with β‐glucan (0.1, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.8%) and vitamin C (400 and 600 mg/kg diet) and distributed in a factorial design that included a control diet (0 β‐glucan/125 mg vitamin C/kg). After growth performance analyses, a group of 108 fish were subjected to cold‐induced stress and another to Aeromonas hydrophila infection. Hematological and immunological parameters were determined before and after the stress. Growth performance was not affected. Red blood cells, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, total plasma protein, albumin : globulin ratio and leukocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils, and monocytes were affected (P < 0.05) by stress and/or diets. The control diet resulted in higher post‐infection cortisol (P < 0.05). Liver vitamin C was directly proportional to dietary vitamin C (P < 0.05). The production of hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide was also affected by diets and/or bacterial challenge (P < 0.05). In total, 0.1–0.2% β‐glucan and 600 mg/kg vitamin C increased fish resistance to stress and 0.8% β‐glucan resulted in reduced immune responses regardless of the vitamin C supplementation level.
Replacement of Fish Oil with Linseed Oil or Soybean Oil in Feeds for Japanese Seabass, Lateolabrax japonicus: Effects on Growth Performance, Immune Response, and Tissue Fatty Acid Composition
Authors: Xu Houguo , Zhang Yanjiao , Wang Jun , Zuo Rantao , Mai Kangsen , Ai Qinghui
Published: July 2015

A 66‐d feeding experiment was conducted to investigate the utilization of vegetable oils in Japanese seabass (initial weight: 10.09 ± 0.70 g). In experimental diets, linseed oil (LO) or soybean oil (SO) was used to replace 1/3, 2/3, and 3/3 of fish oil (FO) (Diets F2L1, F1L2, and LO, respectively, or Diets F2S1, F1S2, and SO, respectively). A diet with FO alone was used as the control diet. LO or SO supplementation did not reduce the specific growth rate (3.06–3.29%/d) and feed efficiency ratio (0.75–0.83) of fish, but group F2L1 showed significantly better growth (P < 0.05) and feed utilization (P < 0.01) than group SO. Total replacement of FO with LO or SO significantly reduced certain non‐specific innate immune responses. Total replacement of FO by LO significantly increased the lipid content of fish. Concentrations of long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC‐PUFAs) in whole fish and tissues were significantly reduced by LO or SO supplementation. In conclusion, LO or SO supplementations did not reduce the growth of Japanese seabass but reduced the immune responses and LC‐PUFA concentrations. LO was a better lipid source than SO for Japanese seabass in terms of fish growth and immune responses.
Dietary Intake of Purple Corn Extract Reduces Fat Body Content and Improves Antioxidant Capacity and n‐3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Profile in Plasma of Rainbow Trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss
Authors: Villasante Alejandro , Patro Biswamitra , Chew Boon , Becerra Michael , Wacyk Jurij , Overturf Ken , Powell Madison S. , Hardy Ronald W.
Published: July 2015

A study was conducted to determine the benefits of the intake of purple corn extract (PCE), a natural source of anthocyanins, in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. A control or test diet supplemented with 5% PCE was fed to triplicate tanks with 25 fish each for 8 wk. The concentrations of three anthocyanins, cyanidin‐3‐glucoside, pelargonidin‐3‐glucoside, and peonidin‐3‐glucoside, were measured in PCE. The chemical composition and fatty acid profiles of fish, as well as the fatty acid profiles in plasma, liver, and muscle were determined. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and the concentration of oxidative damage biomarkers, for example, protein carbonyls, 8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), were determined in plasma. Transcription of two antioxidant enzymes, glutathione peroxidase 1 (gpx1) and superoxide dismutase 1 (sod1), was measured in erythrocytes. Significant lower adiposity and significant higher percentage of total n‐3 and total n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the body of fish fed the test diet were detected. Significant higher plasma percentage of total n‐3 PUFA, significant higher plasma TAC, and significant higher expression of gpx1 in erythrocytes of fish fed the test diet were measured. Overall, our results suggest potential protection against in vivo lipid peroxidation in fish fed the PCE supplemented diet. This is especially true due to detection of an enhanced antioxidant protection in plasma and erythrocytes in fish, the reduced adiposity and greater proportion of total n‐3 and n‐6 PUFA in the fish body, as well as a tendency toward lower TBARS plasma concentration in fish fed the test diet when compared to the control group.
The impact of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease on incident type 2 diabetes mellitus in non‐overweight individuals
Authors: Fukuda Takuya , Hamaguchi Masahide , Kojima Takao , Hashimoto Yoshitaka , Ohbora Akihiro , Kato Takahiro , Nakamura Naoto , Fukui Michiaki
Published: July 2015

Background & Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) on incident type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in non‐overweight individuals with NAFLD.

Methods

A population‐based retrospective cohort study of 4629 participants who were enrolled in a health check‐up programme for more than 10 years. A standardized questionnaire and abdominal ultrasonography were used to diagnose NAFLD. A cut‐off point of BMI 23 kg/m2 was used to define overweight (≥23.0 kg/m2) or non‐overweight (<23.0 kg/m2). The primary outcome was incident T2DM.

Results

Over a mean follow‐up of 12.8 years, 351 participants (7.6%) developed T2DM. The incidence rate of T2DM was 3.2% in the non‐overweight without NAFLD group, 14.4% in the non‐overweight with NAFLD group, 8.0% in the overweight without NAFLD group and 26.4% in the overweight with NAFLD group. The adjusted hazard ratios for incident T2DM compared with the non‐overweight without NAFLD group were as follows: 3.59 (95% CI: 2.14–5.76) in the non‐overweight with NAFLD group, 1.99 (95% CI: 1.47–2.69) in the overweight without NAFLD group and 6.77 (95% CI: 5.17–8.91) in the overweight with NAFLD group. The adjusted hazard ratio in the non‐overweight with NAFLD group was significantly higher than that in the overweight without NAFLD group or that in the non‐overweight without NAFLD group.

Conclusions

Non‐overweight individuals with NAFLD had a high risk of incident T2DM. Diagnosis of NAFLD is important in non‐overweight individuals, and therefore it might be necessary to follow their health conditions on a long‐term basis after detection of NAFLD.
Post‐transcriptional regulation by distal Shine‐Dalgarno sequences in the grpE‐dnaK intergenic region of Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Palmer Sara R. , Burne Robert A.
Published: July 2015

A unique 373 bp region (igr66) between grpE and dnaK of Streptococcus mutans lacks a promoter but is required for optimal production of DnaK. Northern blotting using probes specific to hrcA, igr66 or dnaK revealed multiple transcripts produced from the dnaK operon and 5′‐RACE mapped 5′ termini of multiple dnaK transcripts within igr66. One product mapped to a predicted 5′‐SL (stem‐loop) and two others mapped just 5′ to Shine‐Dalgarno (SD)‐like sequences located immediately upstream to dnaK and to a predicted SL 120 bp upstream of the dnaK start codon (3′‐SL). A collection of cat reporter‐gene strains containing mutant derivatives of igr66 were engineered. Chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) activity varied greatly between strains, but there were no correlative changes in cat mRNA levels. Interestingly, mutations introduced into the SD‐like sequences 5′ to the 3′‐SL resulted in an 83–98% decrease in CAT activity. Markerless point mutations introduced upstream of dnaK in the SD‐like sequences impaired growth at elevated temperatures and resulted in up to a 40% decrease in DnaK protein after heat shock. Collectively, these results indicate processing within igr66 enhances translation in a temperature dependent manner via non‐canonical ribosome binding sites positioned > 120 bp upstream of dnaK.
DsrA regulatory RNA represses both hns and rbsD mRNAs through distinct mechanisms in Escherichia coli
Authors: Lalaouna David , Morissette Audrey , Carrier Marie‐Claude , Massé Eric
Published: July 2015

The 87 nucleotide long DsrA sRNA has been mostly studied for its translational activation of the transcriptional regulator RpoS. However, it also represses hns mRNA, which encodes H‐NS, a major regulator that affects expression of nearly 5% of Escherichia coli genes. A speculative model previously suggested that DsrA would block hns mRNA translation by binding simultaneously to start and stop codon regions of hns mRNA (coaxial model). Here, we show that DsrA efficiently blocked translation of hns mRNA by base‐pairing immediately downstream of the start codon. In addition, DsrA induced hns mRNA degradation by actively recruiting the RNA degradosome complex. Data presented here led to a model of DsrA action on hns mRNA, which supports a canonical mechanism of sRNA‐induced mRNA degradation by binding to the translation initiation region. Furthermore, using MS2‐affinity purification coupled with RNA sequencing technology (MAPS), we also demonstrated that DsrA targets rbsD mRNA, involved in ribose utilization. Surprisingly, DsrA base pairs far downstream of rbsD start codon and induces rapid degradation of the transcript. Thus, our study enables us to draw an extended DsrA targetome.
Involvement of BcStr2 in methionine biosynthesis, vegetative differentiation, multiple stress tolerance and virulence in Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Shao Wenyong , Yang Yalan , Zhang Yu , Lv Chiyuan , Ren Weichao , Chen Changjun
Published: July 2015

The Str2 gene encodes a cystathionine γ‐synthase that is a key enzyme in methionine (Met) biosynthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Met plays a critical role in protein synthesis and diverse cellular processes in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes. In this study, we characterized the Str2 orthologue gene BcStr2 in Botrytis cinerea. The BcStr2 mutant was unable to grow on minimal medium (MM). In addition, conidia of the mutant were unable to germinate in water–agar medium within 15 h of incubation. Supplementation with 1 mm Met or 0.5 mg/mL homocysteine, but not 1 mm cysteine or 0.5 mg/mL glutathione, rescued the defect in mycelial growth of the BcStr2 deletion mutant. These results indicate that the enzyme encoded by BcStr2 is involved in the conversion of cysteine into homocysteine.

The mutant exhibited decreased conidiation and impaired sclerotium development. In addition, the BcStr2 mutant exhibited increased sensitivity to osmotic and oxidative stresses, cell wall‐damaging agents and thermal stress. The mutant demonstrated dramatically decreased virulence on host plant tissues. All of the defects were restored by genetic complementation of the mutant with wild‐type BcStr2. Taken together, the results of this study indicate that BcStr2 plays a critical role in the regulation of various cellular processes in B. cinerea.
Remote cerebellar hemorrhage after lumbar puncture in herpes simplex encephalitis
Authors: Nakata Ruka , Motomura Masakatsu , Morikawa Minoru , Yoshimura Toshiro , Kawakami Atsushi
Published: July 2015

Remote cerebellar hemorrhage is reported as a possible complication after supratentorial surgery and spinal surgery, and there is no previous report after lumbar puncture. A 44‐year‐old man was diagnosed with Herpes simplex virus (HSV) encephalitis, which was complicated with cerebellar hemorrhage remote from the active encephalitis lesion. The hematoma in the cerebellar hemisphere, shown as low a intensity lesion in a T2 star weighted angiography, image was diagnosed as a remote cerebellar hemorrhage caused by lumbar puncture. Physicians must be aware of this streaky, zebra‐pattern radiographic image of remote cerebellar hemorrhage.
Interictal epileptiform discharges in new‐onset epilepsy among older adults
Authors: Toyota Tomoko , Akamatsu Naoki , Tanaka Akihiro , Yamano Mitsuhiko , Fujino Yoshihisa , Tsuji Sadatoshi , Adachi Hiroaki
Published: July 2015

Background

The incidence of epilepsy is highest in older adults and exceeds that observed in children. Seizure disorders are also more common among older adults. However, there are few reports of interictal epileptiform discharges in new‐onset epilepsy among older adults.

Aim

To investigate the rate of interictal epileptiform discharges in elderly patients with new‐onset epilepsy.

Methods

We defined elderly patients with new‐onset epilepsy as those who developed epilepsy after the age of 65 years. We reviewed the interictal electroencephalographic characteristics of patients with new‐onset epilepsy treated between April 2005 and December 2011 at a tertiary referral center. Both outpatients and inpatients were included in this study. Epilepsy was diagnosed on the basis of clinical history, scalp‐recorded electroencephalography, physical findings, brain 3.0‐T magnetic resonance imaging/computed tomography, single‐photon emission tomography and neuropsychological evaluation. Epilepsy and seizure classifications, and age of onset were also reviewed.

Results

We included 112 patients (58 men and 54 women) in this study. The mean age of seizure onset was 73.5 ± 6.7 years. Interictal epileptiform discharges were detected in 82 patients (73.2%). Temporal lobe epilepsy (odds ratio 6.3, P = 0.004) and complex partial seizures (odds ratio 8.0, P = 0.033) were associated with interictal epileptiform discharges.

Conclusion

Interictal epileptiform discharges were present in 73.2% of the elderly patients with new‐onset epilepsy in our cohort, which was higher than the previously reported rate. Temporal lobe epilepsy was the most frequent epilepsy diagnosis among the interictal epileptiform discharge‐positive patients.
Mortality in hospitalized chronic kidney disease patients starting unplanned urgent haemodialysis
Authors: Panocchia Nicola , Tazza Luigi , Di Stasio Enrico , Liberatori Massimo , Vulpio Carlo , Giungi Stefania , Lucani Giovanna , Antocicco Manuela , Bossola Maurizio
Published: July 2015

Aim

Data on the outcome of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients who are hospitalized and start unplanned urgent haemodialysis (HD) are lacking. This prospective, longitudinal, observational study aimed to define the hospital mortality rate and associated factors in CKD patients who start unplanned urgent HD.

Methods

Between January 2003 and December 2009, all patients with CKD who were hospitalized, diagnosed with ESRD and started unplanned urgent haemodialysis at Haemodialysis Service of the Catholic University of Rome, Italy were recruited. Exclusion criteria were: acute renal failure, prior history of dialysis, multiple organ failure, coma, and dementia. Hospital mortality rate was the primary outcome.

Results

Three and hundred sixteen patients were studied: 99 died after 19.5 ± 27.3 days and 217 survived until discharge. Of these, 154 were prescribed chronic HD and 63 restored renal function. Patients who died were significantly older and had a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index score. The mortality rates were 51.1% in patients with 81–90 years, 37.8% with 71–80 years, 34.1% with 61–70 years and 13.9% with age ≤60 years. Logistic regression analysis showed that age only was an independent risk factor for all‐cause mortality.

Conclusions

In CKD patients who need hospitalization and start unplanned urgent haemodialysis the mortality is very high and significantly related to age.
Back to the beginning: Perceptions of older Singaporean couples living alone
Authors: Soon Guo Yu (Samuel) , Tan Khoon Kiat , Wang Wenru , Lopez Violeta
Published: July 2015

Singapore has an aging population that is projected to increase by 32% in 2100. The majority of older couples live alone. “Aging in Place” is an initiative that is widely promoted by the government, in which older people are supported to live in their own homes. In this qualitative study, we explored the perceptions of older people living with their spouse in Singapore. Fifteen community‐dwelling older participants were interviewed. Four themes emerged from the thematic analysis: (i) maintaining health and mobility; (2) maintaining relationships with spouse; (iii) maintaining relationship with others; and (iv) living the last leg of the race. The older people living on their own were generally content about maintaining their interdependence and complementary roles. Insights gathered from this study have relevance to implementation of the Aging‐in‐Place policy to ensure that older people receive the support they need to maintain their physical and psychosocial well‐being while living on their own.
Chloroplast phylogeographic patterns of Calligonum sect. Pterococcus (Polygonaceae) in arid Northwest China
Authors: Wen Zhibin , Xu Zhe , Zhang Hongxiang , Feng Ying
Published: July 2015

To understand the impacts of past climatic change and geological events on the evolutionary history of Calligonum sect. Pterococcus, including C. aphyllum, C. rubicundum and C. leucocladum, a total of 128 individuals from 14 populations, mainly from arid Northwest China, were sampled. Two cpDNA intergenic spacer regions (rpl32‐trnL and ycf6‐psbM) were sequenced and 11 haplotypes were identified. Levels of genetic differentiation between populations was low in C. rubicundum (FST = 0.54317, p < 0.001) and C. aphyllum (FST = 0.55795), while much higher in C. leucocladum (FST = 0.95800, p < 0.001), possibly as an effct of differences in geographic distributions and habitats. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that most of the total genetic variations occurred among species (72.97%). Among eleven identified haplotypes, only H1 and H2 were shared between C. aphyllum and C. rubicundum, while nine were private for one of the three species. The eleven identified haplotypes were divided into two major clades, but they did not yield three species‐specific lineages. Calligonum sect. Pterococcus therefore not appeared reciprocally monophyletic, more likely due to incomplete lineage sorting than hybridization. Mismatch distribution analysis suggested that only C. aphyllum has experienced recent demographic expansion. Divergence time among the 11 haplotypes was estimated at between 2.84 Ma and 0.06 Ma. Within the two clades, haplotype divergence began in early Pleistocene and mainly occurred during the middle to late Pleistocene and was most likely triggered by Quaternary climatic oscillations and increasing aridity of the region.
The Accuracy and Rationality of Imprecise Credences
Authors: Schoenfield Miriam
Published: July 2015

It has been claimed that, in response to certain kinds of evidence (“incomplete” or “non‐specific” evidence), agents ought to adopt imprecise credences: doxastic states that are represented by sets of credence functions rather than single ones. In this paper I argue that, given some plausible constraints on accuracy measures, accuracy‐centered epistemologists must reject the requirement to adopt imprecise credences. I then show that even the claim that imprecise credences are permitted is problematic for accuracy‐centered epistemology. It follows that if imprecise credal states are permitted or required in the cases that their defenders appeal to, then the requirements of rationality can outstrip what would be warranted by an interest in accuracy.
Comparative genomics, proteomics and transcriptomics give new insight into the exoproteome of the basidiomycete Hebeloma cylindrosporum and its involvement in ectomycorrhizal symbiosis
Authors: Doré Jeanne , Perraud Marie , Dieryckx Cindy , Kohler Annegret , Morin Emmanuelle , Henrissat Bernard , Lindquist Erika , Zimmermann Sabine D. , Girard Vincent , Kuo Alan , Grigoriev Igor V. , Martin Francis , Marmeisse Roland , Gay Gilles
Published: July 2015

Extracellular proteins play crucial roles in the interaction between mycorrhizal fungi and their environment. Computational prediction and experimental detection allowed identification of 869 proteins constituting the exoproteome of Hebeloma cylindrosporum. Small secreted proteins (SSPs) and carbohydrate‐active enzymes (CAZymes) were the two major classes of extracellular proteins.

Twenty‐eight per cent of the SSPs were secreted by free‐living mycelia and five of the 10 most abundant extracellular proteins were SSPs. By contrast, 63–75% of enzymes involved in nutrient acquisition were secreted.

A total of 150 extracellular protein‐coding genes were differentially expressed between mycorrhizas and free‐living mycelia. SSPs were the most affected. External environmental conditions also affected expression of 199 exoproteome genes in mycorrhizas. SSPs displayed different patterns of regulation in response to presence of a host plant or other environmental signals. Several of the genes most overexpressed in the presence of organic matter encoded oxidoreductases.

Hebeloma cylindrosporum has not fully lost its ancestral saprotrophic capacities but rather adapted them not to harm its hosts and to use soil organic nitrogen. The complex and divergent patterns of regulation of SSPs in response to a symbiotic partner and/or organic matter suggest various roles in the biology of mycorrhizal fungi.
Lines of Landscape Organization: Skovbjerg Moraine (Denmark) in the First Millennium BC
Authors: Løvschal Mette
Published: July 2015

This paper presents a comparative landscape perspective on the Late Bronze Age landscape boundaries in southern Britain, obtained from Skovbjerg Moraine, Denmark. Using Delaunay triangulation as well as classic distribution analyses, it demonstrates that some forms of landscape division articulated already established use‐patterns, while others intercepted the central lines of movement and conflicted with previous ways of organizing the landscape. This pattern is interpreted as a new form of large‐scale landholding in which livestock played a dominant role and boundaries were used to confiscate land in the zones bordering suitable pastures. This situation shows obvious parallels with southern Britain centuries earlier. The paper discusses how the study of these physical boundaries provides new insights into the organization of pre‐Roman landscapes, not only demonstrating a continuing engagement with landscape lines, but also pointing to new concurrent and potentially competing social and economic strategies.
The Roman City as Articulated through Terra Sigillata
Authors: Van Oyen Astrid
Published: July 2015

Debates on the nature of the Roman city and its relation to the countryside have recently moved towards questioning the validity of the very category of ‘the city’, both analytically and in terms of past reality. While archaeology has long been mobilized within these debates, this paper argues for the unexplored potential of a range of specialist pockets of qualitative knowledge about specific artefact classes. Terra sigillata, the red‐gloss imperial tableware, is a case in point. By adopting a bird's eye view of sigillata production, distribution and consumption across a geographical and chronological range, this paper develops a new metaphor for the role of Roman cities: as switching devices in the building of networks. By describing the role of cities in structural rather than categorical terms, this metaphor allows for contingency and for the integration of different analytical and interpretive scales.
Remembering Ethnicity in Middlesex
Authors: Kostova Bilyana Vanyova
Published: July 2015

Jeffrey Eugenides's second novel, Middlesex (2002), deals with processes of coming to terms with trauma by connecting opposites in humorous and imaginative ways. The protagonist and narrator of the novel, Cal Stephanides, recovers the ethnic legacy of his Greek‐American family in order to work through his trauma of intersexuality. Trauma is manifested in a number of textual and thematic strategies related to the modal use of tragicomedy. The discursive act of healing this trauma is carried out by combining suffering and laughter, seriousness and playfulness, engagement and detachment in a textual artifact, thus attaining “narrative repair” (Nelson 2001). By going against coherent and closed structures, the hybrid, tragicomic mode enhances affect and closeness, while at the same time distancing the narrator (and the reader) emotionally. The tragicomic vision also contributes to the working‐through of trauma by means of an empathic acceptance of human suffering and of traumatic past.
Serotype b of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans increases osteoclast and memory T‐lymphocyte activation
Authors: Melgar‐Rodríguez S. , Díaz‐Zúñiga J. , Alvarez C. , Rojas L. , Monasterio G. , Carvajal P. , Escobar A. , Sanz M. , Vernal R.
Published: July 2015

During periodontitis, alveolar bone resorption is associated with activation of T helper type 17 (Th17) lymphocytes and receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL) ‐induced osteoclasts. We previously reported that serotype b of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans has a higher capacity to trigger Th17‐type differentiation and function in activated T lymphocytes and its lipopolysaccharide is a more potent immunogen compared with the other serotypes. This study aimed to investigate whether serotype b of A. actinomycetemcomitans induces higher Th17‐associated RANKL production, RANKL‐induced osteoclast activation, and antigen‐specific memory T lymphocyte proliferation. On naive CD4+ T lymphocytes stimulated with autologous dendritic cells primed with different A. actinomycetemcomitans serotypes, RANKL production, T‐bet, GATA‐3, RORC2 and Foxp3 expression, RORC2/RANKL intracellular double‐expression, TRAP+ osteoclast activation, and bone resorption were quantified. The frequency of proliferating memory T lymphocytes in response to A. actinomycetemcomitans serotypes was determined in periodontitis and healthy subjects. Naive CD4+ T lymphocytes stimulated by serotype b‐primed dendritic cells elicited higher levels of RANKL, RORC2, TRAP+ osteoclasts, and bone resorption than the same cells stimulated with the other serotypes. RANKL positively correlated and co‐expressed with RORC2. Memory T lymphocytes responding to serotype b were more frequently detected in periodontitis patients than healthy subjects. These results indicate that serotype b of A. actinomycetemcomitans is associated with higher production of RANKL and these increased levels are associated with Th17 lymphocyte induction, osteoclast activation, and bone resorption.
Pathogenic potential of Tannerella forsythia enolase
Authors: Lee J‐Y. , Jung Y‐J. , Jun H‐K. , Choi B‐K.
Published: July 2015

Although enolases are cytosolic enzymes involved in the glycolytic pathway, they can also be secreted or expressed on the surface of a variety of eukaryotic cells and bacteria. Surface‐exposed enolases of eukaryotes and bacteria can function as plasminogen receptors. Furthermore, antibodies raised against bacterial enolases can react with host enolases, suggesting molecular mimicry between bacterial and host enzymes. In this study, we analyzed an enolase of the major periodontopathogen Tannerella forsythia, which is either secreted or present on the cell surface, via matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry and immunofluorescence, respectively. The T. forsythia enolase retained the enzymatic activity converting 2‐phosphoglycerate to phosphoenolpyruvate and showed plasminogen binding and activating ability, which resulted in the degradation of fibronectin secreted from human gingival fibroblasts. In addition, it induced proinflammatory cytokine production, including interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), IL‐6, IL‐8, and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐a) in the human THP‐1 monocytic cell line. Taken together, our results demonstrate that T. forsythia enolase plays a role in pathogenesis in the host by plasminogen activation and proinflammatory cytokine induction, which has the potential to exaggerate inflammation in periodontitis.
Activation of inflammasomes in dendritic cells and macrophages by Mycoplasma salivarium
Authors: Sugiyama M. , Saeki A. , Hasebe A. , Kamesaki R. , Yoshida Y. , Kitagawa Y. , Suzuki T. , Shibata K.
Published: July 2015

Interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) plays crucial roles in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. It is produced after the processing of pro‐IL‐1β by caspase‐1, which is activated by the inflammasome‐a multiprotein complex comprising nucleotide‐binding domain leucine‐rich repeat‐containing receptor (NLR), the adaptor protein apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein containing a caspase‐recruitment domain (ASC), and procaspase‐1. Mycoplasma salivarium preferentially inhabits the gingival sulcus and the incidence and number of organisms in the oral cavity increase significantly with the progression of periodontal disease. To initially clarify the association of this organism with periodontal diseases, this study determined whether it induces IL‐1β production by innate immune cells such as dendritic cells or macrophages by using Mycoplasma pneumoniae as a positive control. Both live and heat‐killed M. salivarium and M. pneumoniae cells induced IL‐1β production by XS106 murine dendritic cells as well as pyroptosis. The activities were significantly downregulated by silencing of caspase‐1. Bone‐marrow‐derived macrophage (BMMs) from wild‐type and NLR‐containing protein 3 (NLRP3)‐, ASC‐, and caspase‐1‐deficient mice were examined for IL‐1β production in response to these mycoplasmas. Live M. salivarium and M. pneumoniae cells almost completely lost the ability to induce IL‐1β production by BMMs from ASC‐ and caspase‐1–deficient mice. Their activities toward BMMs from NLRP3‐deficient mice were significantly but not completely attenuated. These results suggest that live M. salivarium and M. pneumoniae cells can activate several types of inflammasomes including the NLRP3 inflammasome. Both M. salivarium and M. pneumoniae cells can activate THP‐1 human monocytic cells to induce IL‐1β production. Hence, the present finding that M. salivarium induces IL‐1β production by dendritic cells and macrophages may suggest the association of this organism with periodontal diseases.
Perceptions of disaster preparedness among older people in South Korea
Authors: Yoo Myoungran , Lee Mijung , Tullmann Dorothy
Published: July 2015

Older people are a major vulnerable population. During disasters, given their physical frailty, lower social status, loss of medications and medical care, the vulnerability of older people increases. The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of older people in Korea on various aspects of disaster preparedness to better understand their special needs and to facilitate appropriate disaster planning. The study was qualitative and used focus group interviews with 12 older people in one major city and one rural area of South Korea. Four themes were identified by the analysis of the interviews: defenceless state, reality of accepting limitations, strong will to live, importance of disaster preparedness governmental efforts for the older people. Findings indicated that preparation of shelters and transportation was critical to help older people survive in times of disasters and suggested that there should be active involvement of the government in terms of disaster planning, managing and preparing older people for disasters. In addition, healthy older people can be assets to disaster relief efforts by providing practical and emotional support for the most fragile older people. Older people can also provide knowledge of their special needs to the government to improve their disaster response policy.
Clinical Outcomes of Cardiac Resynchronization with Epicardial Left Ventricular Lead
Authors: CHEN LU , FU HAIXIA , PRETORIUS VICTOR G. , YANG DACHUN , WISTE HEATHER J. , YUAN HONGTAO , FELD GREGORY K. , CHA YONG‐MEI , BIRGERSDOTTER‐GREEN ULRIKA M.
Published: July 2015

Background

Left ventricular (LV) pacing in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) can be achieved via a transvenous or epicardial route. A surgically implanted epicardial LV (eLV) lead is used after a standard transvenous LV (tLV) lead implantation has failed. However, studies of clinical outcomes in patients with eLV leads and comparisons of outcome between tLV and eLV‐CRT are sparse. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to compare clinical response between tLV‐CRT and eLV‐CRT, as well as to understand the differences within the eLV‐CRT population.

Methods

Forty‐four patients received eLV‐CRT following unsuccessful attempts of tLV‐CRT implantation between 2002 and 2013 at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and Mayo Clinics. These patients were matched for age, gender, and etiology of cardiomyopathy in a 1:2 ratio with a cohort of patients who received tLV‐CRT during the same time period.

Results

During a mean follow‐up of 57 months, similar clinical outcomes and survival rate were noted between tLV and eLV‐CRT patients (all P > 0.05). Within the eLV‐CRT group, dilated cardiomyopathy patients had significant improvement in New York Heart Association class and ejection fraction (both P < 0.05), while ischemic cardiomyopathy patients did not (both P > 0.05). eLV‐CRT patients with nonanterior lead location had significantly improved survival (P < 0.001). There was also a trend for improved survival in those with nonapical lead location (P = 0.09).

Conclusion

In this case‐matched two‐centered study, comparable improvements were noted in patients with tLV‐CRT and eLV‐CRT. Operators should target nonanterior and nonapical locations during eLV‐CRT implantation. Use of eLV‐CRT should be considered a viable alternative for CRT candidates.