bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of high myopia on glaucoma diagnostic parameters measured with optical coherence tomography
Authors: Kita Yoshiyuki , Kita Ritsuko , Takeyama Asuka , Tomita Goji , Goldberg Ivan
Published: March 2014

Background

We examined the influence of high myopia on conventional spectral‐domain optical coherence tomographic parameters and assessed the macular ganglion cell complex thickness to macular outer retinal thickness ratio as a new optical coherence tomography parameter.

Design

Prospective cross‐sectional study.

Participants

Sixty normal and 30 highly myopic eyes (refractive error more than −6 D).

Methods

We used the RTVue‐100 to measure macular ganglion cell complex and circumpapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness, global loss volume, and focal loss volume and then calculated the ganglion cell complex thickness to macular outer retinal thickness ratio.

Main Outcome Measures

Each parameter was compared between the two groups. Using the area under receiver operating characteristics curve, the classification abilities of optical coherence tomography parameters were examined in highly myopic eyes.

Results

Between normal and highly myopic eyes, we found significant differences in ganglion cell complex and retinal nerve fibre layer thickness, global loss volume and focal loss volume. The new ratio parameter was not significantly different between groups (55.74% vs. 54.50%). The area under receiver operating characteristics curve was 0.775 (P < 0.01) for retinal nerve fibre layer thickness, 0.721 (P < 0.01) for ganglion cell complex thickness and 0.588 (P > 0.05) for the new ratio parameter.

Conclusions

Although refractive status significantly affected conventional optical coherence tomography parameters, the new ratio parameter may not be influenced by refractive error. Therefore, a normative database for healthy highly myopic eyes may not be necessary if ratio parameter is used.
Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease caused by somatic and germline mosaicism
Authors: Tan A.Y. , Blumenfeld J. , Michaeel A. , Donahue S. , Bobb W. , Parker T. , Levine D. , Rennert H.
Published: March 2014

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a heterogeneous genetic disorder caused by loss of function mutations of PKD1 or PKD2 genes. Although PKD1 is highly polymorphic and the new mutation rate is relatively high, the role of mosaicism is incompletely defined. Herein, we describe the molecular analysis of ADPKD in a 19‐year‐old female proband and her father. The proband had a PKD1 truncation mutation c.10745dupC (p.Val3584ArgfsX43), which was absent in paternal peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL). However, very low quantities of this mutation were detected in the father's sperm DNA, but not in DNA from his buccal cells or urine sediment. Next generation sequencing (NGS) analysis determined the level of this mutation in the father's PBL, buccal cells and sperm to be ∼3%, 4.5% and 10%, respectively, consistent with somatic and germline mosaicism. The PKD1 mutation in ∼10% of her father's sperm indicates that it probably occurred early in embryogenesis. In ADPKD cases where a de novo mutation is suspected because of negative PKD gene testing of PBL, additional evaluation with more sensitive methods (e.g. NGS) of the proband PBL and paternal sperm can enhance detection of mosaicism and facilitate genetic counseling.
An analysis of gender differences in patients with hand eczema – everyday exposures, severity, and consequences
Authors: Mollerup Annette , Veien Niels Kren , Johansen Jeanne Duus
Published: March 2014

Background

Hand eczema is often related to high‐risk occupations and aggravating exposures in everyday life. The disease is twice as frequent in women as in men, partly because of diverse exposure patterns. Other gender differences may be relevant for treatment and prevention.

Objectives

To gain insights into the common features and differences between men and women with hand eczema.

Methods

The clinical disease severity of patients (n = 306) attending for dermatological treatment at two settings was assessed with the Hand Eczema Severity Index (HECSI). Self‐reported medication adherence, aggravating factors, hand eczema‐related consequences and quality of life were obtained from a questionnaire.

Results

Men and women had equal clinical severities of disease, with an overall median HECSI of 43. Self‐reported medication adherence was equal between the genders, but, among patients aged > 40 years, more reported higher adherence. The impact of disease was larger in women than in men. Women reported significantly more aggravating factors and sick leave. Also, women had a more impaired quality of life than men at equal levels of disease severity, and this could be associated with the higher number of aggravating factors.

Conclusion

Gender differences in hand eczema need to be considered in the dermatological treatment and counselling of patients.
Pronounced reduction of postprandial glucagon by lixisenatide: a meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Ahrén B. , Gautier J.‐F. , Berria R. , Stager W. , Aronson R. , Bailey C. J.
Published: March 2014

Aim

Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) receptor agonists improve islet function and delay gastric emptying in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This meta‐analysis aimed to investigate the effects of the once‐daily prandial GLP‐1 receptor agonist lixisenatide on postprandial plasma glucose (PPG), glucagon and insulin levels.

Methods

Six randomized, placebo‐controlled studies of lixisenatide 20 µg once daily were included in this analysis: lixisenatide as monotherapy (GetGoal‐Mono), as add‐on to oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs; GetGoal‐M, GetGoal‐S) or in combination with basal insulin (GetGoal‐L, GetGoal‐Duo‐1 and GetGoal‐L‐Asia). Change in 2‐h PPG and glucose excursion were evaluated across six studies. Change in 2‐h glucagon and postprandial insulin were evaluated across two studies. A meta‐analysis was performed on least square (LS) mean estimates obtained from analysis of covariance (ANCOVA)‐based linear regression.

Results

Lixisenatide significantly reduced 2‐h PPG from baseline (LS mean difference vs. placebo: −4.9 mmol/l, p < 0.001) and glucose excursion (LS mean difference vs. placebo: −4.5 mmol/l, p < 0.001). As measured in two studies, lixisenatide also reduced postprandial glucagon (LS mean difference vs. placebo: −19.0 ng/l, p < 0.001) and insulin (LS mean difference vs. placebo: −64.8 pmol/l, p < 0.001). There was a stronger correlation between 2‐h postprandial glucagon and 2‐h PPG with lixisenatide than with placebo.

Conclusions

Lixisenatide significantly reduced 2‐h PPG and glucose excursion together with a marked reduction in postprandial glucagon and insulin; thus, lixisenatide appears to have biological effects on blood glucose that are independent of increased insulin secretion. These effects may be, in part, attributed to reduced glucagon secretion.
The development of wing shape in Lepidoptera: mitotic density, not orientation, is the primary determinant of shape
Authors: Nijhout H. Frederik , Cinderella Margaret , Grunert Laura W.
Published: March 2014

The wings of butterflies and moths develop from imaginal disks whose structure is always congruent with the final adult wing. It is therefore possible to map every point on the imaginal disk to a location on the adult wing throughout ontogeny. We studied the growth patterns of the wings of two distantly related species with very different adult wing shapes, Junonia coenia and Manduca sexta. The shape of the wing disks change throughout their growth phase in a species‐specific pattern. We measured mitotic densities and mitotic orientation in successive stages of wing development approximately one cell division apart. Cell proliferation was spatially patterned, and the density of mitoses was highly correlated with local growth. Unlike other systems in which the direction of mitoses has been viewed as the primary determinant of directional growth, we found that in these two species the direction of growth was only weakly correlated with the orientation of mitoses. Directional growth appears to be imposed by a constantly changing spatial pattern of cell division coupled with a weak bias in the orientation of cell division. Because growth and cell division in imaginal disk require ecdysone and insulin signaling, the changing spatial pattern of cell division may due to a changing pattern of expression of receptors or downstream elements in the signaling pathways for one or both of these hormones. Evolution of wing shape comes about by changes in the progression of spatial patterns of cell division.
Bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells and olfactory ensheathing cells transplantation after spinal cord injury – a morphological and functional comparison in rats
Authors: Torres‐Espín Abel , Redondo‐Castro Elena , Hernández Joaquim , Navarro Xavier
Published: March 2014

Cell therapy for spinal cord injury (SCI) is a promising strategy for clinical application. Both bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs; also known as bone marrow‐derived ‘mesenchymal stem cells’) and olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) have demonstrated beneficial effects following transplantation in animal models of SCI. However, due to the large number of affecting parameters that determine the therapy success and the lack of methodological consensus, the comparison of different works is difficult. Therefore, we compared the effects of MSC and OEC transplants at early or delayed time after a spinal cord contusion injury in the rat. Functional outcomes for locomotion, sensory perception and electrophysiological responses were assessed. Moreover, the grafted cells survival and the amount of cavity and spared tissue were studied. The findings indicate that grafted cells survived until 7 days post‐injection, but markedly disappeared in the following 2 weeks. Despite the low survival of the cells, MSC and OEC grafts provided tissue protection after early and delayed transplantation. Nevertheless, only acute MSC grafts improved locomotion recovery in treadmill condition and electrophysiological outcomes with respect to the other injured groups. These results, together with previous works, indicate that the MSC seem a better option than OEC for treatment of contusion injuries.
Epidemiology and reproductive outcomes of EHV‐1 abortion epizootics in unvaccinated Thoroughbred mares in South Africa
Authors: Schulman M. L. , Becker A. , van der Merwe B. D. , Guthrie A. J. , Stout T. A. E.
Published: March 2014

Reasons for performing study

Equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV‐1) is one of the most common causes of infectious abortion in mares. Analysing the demography of outbreaks and detailing subsequent reproductive performance of affected mares will assist in the management of future (threatened) epizootics.

Objectives

To examine the epidemiology and reproductive outcomes of 2 EHV‐1 abortion epizootics with very different patterns of morbidity.

Study design

Epidemiological and reproductive data were analysed retrospectively following abortion epizootics associated with EHV‐1, but initiated via different routes, among unvaccinated mares on 2 Thoroughbred farms in South Africa.

Methods

Aborting mares were assigned to either the EHV‐1 abortion cohort via positive immunostaining (Farms 1 and 2) or quantitative PCR (Farm 2) on tissue samples, or to the non‐EHV abortion cohort.

Results

During their respective epizootics, EHV‐1 abortions affected 9/30 (30.0%) and 18/316 (5.7%) of the pregnant mares on Farms 1 and 2, respectively; there were also 25 (7.9%) non‐EHV abortions on Farm 2. Epizootic differences included: durations (Farm 1 = 135 days; Farm 2 = 34 days), intervals between first and subsequent abortions (Farm 1 = 39 days; Farm 2 = 2 days) and intervals to confirmation of EHV‐1 (Farm 1 = 40 days; Farm 2 = 2 days). The median (range) age of EHV‐1 abortion mares (8.0; 5–18 years) in both epizootics was similar but significantly younger (P = 0.004) than the 25 non‐EHV‐1 abortion mares (11.0; 4–24 years) on Farm 2. Gestation stage (median; range) of EHV‐1 (291.5; 277–313) and non‐EHV‐1 (211.9; 61–339 days) abortions were significantly different (P = 0.001). The post abortion complications and subsequent reproductive outcomes had no significant association with EHV‐1 abortion.

Conclusions

The marked difference in morbidity between the 2 epizootics may be associated with routes of introduction or intervention strategy dictated by availability of molecular diagnostic techniques. Unexpectedly, EHV‐1 was not more commonly associated with post abortion complications.
Incidence and risk factors for impaired mobility in older cardiac surgery patients during the early postoperative period
Authors: Tse Lurdes , Bowering John B , Schwarz Stephan K W , Moore Randell L , Sztramko Richard , Barr Alasdair M
Published: March 2014

Aim

Mobility issues in the early postoperative period result in poor functional outcomes and diminished quality of life for patients of advanced age. We determined the incidence of and risk factors for mobility issues in the early postoperative period in patients receiving open heart cardiac surgery.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was carried out on 396 patients receiving open heart coronary artery bypass grafts (CABG), valve replacements and combination CABG‐valve replacements in a tertiary care hospital. Data on demographics, comorbidities, laboratory values, medications, anesthesia and postoperative care were abstracted. Mobility issues were considered present if they were documented in the medical chart. All pre‐ and intraoperative variables were entered into logistic regression.

Results

The mean age was 66.4 ± 11.9 years. In a subset of patients aged 75 years and older, the mean age was 79.8 ± 3.7 years. Mobility issues affected 36.9% of individuals from the total sample, and 47.6% of older patients. Increased age was a weak predictor in the total sample (OR 1.03), but was the only predictor in older adults (OR 1.1). The strongest predictors in the total sample were preoperative COPD (OR 2.7), congestive heart failure (CHF; OR 2.1), renal disease (OR 1.9), and pre‐existing physical impairment (OR 1.8). Older patients with mobility issues were more likely to be discharged to acute care facilities, and had higher rates of mortality 3 years after surgery.

Conclusions

Over one‐third of cardiac surgery patients experienced early postoperative mobility issues. Older patients and those with COPD, CHF, renal disease or pre‐existing physical impairments might benefit from preoperative consultation with physical therapists. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 276–281.
Re‐Regulation in the Post‐WTO Period? A Case Study of Vietnam's Food Retailing Sector
Authors: Nguyen Hai T. H. , Deverteuil Geoff , Wrigley Neil , Ruwanpura Kanchana N.
Published: March 2014

Academic interest on domestic regulatory (and re‐regulatory) impacts of retail foreign direct investment remains surprisingly under‐researched, despite high‐profile campaigns, particularly in Southeast Asia, to rein in the expansion of retail transnational corporations. This paper focuses on the trends of re‐regulation of foreign retailers, particularly in the food sector, in Vietnam before and after the accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2007. The findings reveal a complex layering of regulation, some of it a holdover from the pre‐2007 period and some of it occurring since WTO accession, in the form of the controversial Economic Needs Test.
TNFAIP8 overexpression is associated with lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis in intestinal‐type gastric adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yang Ming , Zhao Qi , Wang Xiaoxia , Liu Tianbo , Yao Guodong , Lou Changjie , Zhang Yanqiao
Published: March 2014

Aims

Tumour necrosis factor alpha‐induced protein 8 (TNFAIP8) is implicated in the progression of several human malignancies, but its role in gastric adenocarcinoma is unknown. TNFAIP8 expression and its correlation with clinical significance in gastric adenocarcinoma are evaluated in this study.

Methods and results

The expression of TNFAIP8 was determined in primary gastric adenocarcinoma tissues using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blotting analysis. TNFAIP8 expression was higher in gastric adenocarcinoma tissues. Elevated expression of TNFAIP8 in gastric adenocarcinoma was associated significantly with depth of invasion (P = 0.024), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.038) and Lauren classification (P = 0.048). Patients with tumours showing high TNFAIP8 expression had a significantly poorer overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) than those with low TNFAIP8 expression in intestinal‐type gastric adenocarcinoma (IGA) (P = 0.001 for both). In the multivariate Cox analysis, TNFAIP8 expression was an independent prognostic marker for OS and DFS in IGA with P‐values of 0.006 and 0.007, respectively.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that TNFAIP8 overexpression may contribute to lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis in IGA.
Use of a Ni Interlayer to Improve the Thermal Cycling Reliability of Cu/Sapphire Bilayers
Authors: Lee Shao‐Kuan , Tuan Wei‐Hsing , Yang Tsong‐Jen
Published: March 2014

The thermal cycling reliability of ceramic/metal laminates is critical for their applications in microelectronic modules. A eutectic bonding process is used to prepare copper/sapphire bilayers in this study. Due to elastic and thermal mismatches between alumina and copper, the Cu/sapphire bilayer cannot pass a thermal cycling test. The thermal cycling reliability can be improved through the use of a metallic nickel interlayer. During the bonding process, the nickel interlayer was oxidized first, reacted with alumina to form a NiAl2O4 spinel phase. The thermal diffusivity of the bilayer with spinel interphase remains high after the temperature cycling test.
Multiple Local Maxima in Restricted Likelihoods and Posterior Distributions for Mixed Linear Models
Authors: Henn Lisa , Hodges James S.
Published: March 2014

Scattered reports of multiple maxima in posterior distributions or likelihoods for mixed linear models appear throughout the literature. Less scrutinised is the restricted likelihood, which is the posterior distribution for a specific prior distribution. This paper surveys existing literature and proposes a unifying framework for understanding multiple maxima. For those problems with covariance structures that are diagonalisable in a specific sense, the restricted likelihood can be viewed as a generalised linear model with gamma errors, identity link and a prior distribution on the error variance. The generalised linear model portion of the restricted likelihood can be made to conflict with the portion of the restricted likelihood that functions like a prior distribution on the error variance, giving two local maxima in the restricted likelihood. Applying in addition an explicit conjugate prior distribution to variance parameters permits a second local maximum in the marginal posterior distribution even if the likelihood contribution has a single maximum. Moreover, reparameterisation from variance to precision can change the posterior modality; the converse also is true. Modellers should beware of these potential pitfalls when selecting prior distributions or using peak‐finding algorithms to estimate parameters.
Market Discipline and Deposit Guarantee: Evidence from Australian Banks
Authors: Yan Xing , Skully Michael , Avram Katherine , Vu Tram
Published: March 2014

This study examines depositor market discipline of Australian banks and its interaction with the 2008 deposit and wholesale funding guarantee. Prior to 2008 market discipline is found for Australian‐incorporated banks. Depositors did not distinguish between major and small banks, but some differences in the degree of market discipline were found for foreign bank subsidiaries. Following the introduction of the 2008 guarantees, market discipline was reduced except for nonhousehold depositors at banks that did not access the wholesale guarantee. Market discipline is also evidenced at foreign bank branches, but weaker for those accessing the wholesale guarantee.
NONPHARMACOLOGIC TREATMENTS FOR OVERACTIVE BLADDER—PELVIC FLOOR EXERCISES
Authors: BØ K. , BERGHMANS L.C.M.
Published: March 2014

The theory behind the use of physical therapies (electrical stimulation or pelvic floor muscle [PFM] training with or without biofeedback) for overactive bladder is to (1) inhibit detrusor muscle contraction by voluntary contraction of the PFMs at the same time as the urge to void; and (2) prevent sudden falls in urethral pressure by a change in PFM morphology, position, and neuromuscular function.

Few trials have evaluated the effect of PFM training on symptoms of overactive bladder. Most studies are flawed because they include several diagnoses and treatment modalities in the same intervention.

Because of the lack of evidence, no firm conclusion can be drawn on the effect of PFM exercise on overactive bladder. There are some initially promising results, but there is still a need for high‐quality, randomized controlled trials on the effect of PFM training on the inhibition of detrusor contraction in human beings. The efficacy of PFM training in combination with other treatments, such as pharmacotherapy, also requires investigation.
INTRAVESICAL TREATMENT OF OVERACTIVE BLADDER
Authors: FOWLER CLARE J.
Published: March 2014

Intravesical agents for overactive bladder have mostly been used in patients with neurogenic bladder disorders. The patients have usually had severe detrusor hyperreflexia (DH) plus a disorder of bladder emptying, and because of residual urine have been performing intermittent self‐catheterization. Intravesical medication has therefore been appropriate. Strategies for treating DH have been either to lessen the parasympathetic efferent activity or to de‐afferent the bladder. Two types of treatment have been used: intravesical medications that block pelvic nerve—detrusor smooth muscle cholinergic transmission, or agents that block the afferent arm of the reflex that causes detrusor contraction. Intravesical oxybutynin is thought to have some local anesthetic effect, although its main mode of action is to block cholinergic transmission. It has been demonstrated to be effective in resistant DH. Intravesical atropine has been demonstrated to increase bladder capacity but its usefulness in the clinical management of DH has yet to be demonstrated. Local anesthetics can increase bladder capacity, but the effect is short‐lived. Longer‐acting agents may have a selective neurotoxic effect on capsaicin‐sensitive bladder afferents. Many patients worldwide have now been treated with intravesical capsaicin. Resiniferatoxin (RTX) is an ultrapotent capsaicin analog that has the significant advantage of being a nonirritant. Intravesical agents appear to be attractive alternatives to oral medication and hold the exciting possibility of selectively targeting end organs implicated in pathophysiologic responses.
Is fungal species richness and composition related to the occurrence of the old‐growth associated wood‐decaying Amylocystis lapponica?
Authors: Alfredsen Gry , Rolstad Jørund , Solheim Halvor , Rolstad Erlend , Storaunet Ken Olaf
Published: March 2014

Amylocystis lapponica (Romell) Singer is a widely distributed wood‐decaying polypore fungus found throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Despite its huge distribution range it occurs rather patchily and seems narrowly associated with old‐growth forest stands. Notably, it has been used as an ‘indicator species’, believed to reflect the long‐term presence of dead wood, naturalness of forest stands, and indirectly, species richness and possibly composition. In this study we focused on the last issue – whether or not there is a link between the occurrence of A. lapponica and the species richness and composition of other wood‐decaying fungi. Selecting log characteristics and microclimate as similar as possible, we compared 12 logs with and 12 logs without visible fruit bodies of A. lapponica to examine: 1) if visible fruit bodies corresponded with molecular identification of the mycelia, 2) if fungal species richness and composition of the substrate were related to A. lapponica occurrence, and 3) if A. lapponica was restricted to certain parts of the log. Fungal species were recorded by inspecting visible fruit bodies and by culture isolation and ITS sequencing from wood disc samples. Laboratory and field identification of A. lapponica had 71% correspondence, and mycelia were identified in two logs without visible fruit bodies. Twice as many fungal species were detected using ITS sequencing compared to fruit body identification. Total species richness was similar between the two log categories, but number of species per log was slightly higher in A. lapponica logs. Antrodia serialis (Fr.) Donk, and possibly also Fomitopsis pinicola (Sw.:Fr.) P. Karst. and Phellinus nigrolimitatus (Romell) Bourdot & Galzin, occurred more frequently in A. lapponica logs. Mycelia of A. lapponica were restricted to less decayed parts of the wood in the centre of the middle part of the logs.
Oral health of patients under short hospitalization period: observational study
Authors: Sousa Lucas L. A. , Silva Filho Wagner L. S. e. , Mendes Regina F. , Moita Neto José M. , Prado Junior Raimundo R.
Published: March 2014

Objective

To assess the impact of hospitalization on the oral health status of individuals hospitalized for a short period of time.

Material and Methods

This was an observational study of hospitalized patients. The plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI) was measured at baseline (T0 – first 24 h of hospital admission), and at 3 (T1), 7 (T2), 14 (T3) days.

Results

One hundred and sixty‐two patients were examined at baseline (T0), 35 examined at 3 days (T1), 23 at 7 days (T2) and 16 at 14 days (T3). The main reason for loss of patients was hospital discharge. The mean PI increased at T1 (0.97–1.21; p < 0.001), at T2 (1.06–1.30; p < 0.007) and at T3 (1.19–1.44; p < 0.03). Gingival index (GI) increased at T2 (0.74–0.96; p < 0.04) and at T3 (0.74–0.96; p < 0.02).

Conclusion

Oral health, assessed through PI and GI, deteriorates after a short period of hospitalization.
Under eye infraorbital injection technique: The best value in facial rejuvenation
Authors: Shetty Rashmi
Published: March 2014

The use of fillers in esthetic rejuvenation or reshaping has been well established and is one of toughest techniques for beginners due to segmental attachments and proximity to important anatomical structures in the infraorbital area making it difficult to achieve smooth esthetic results. To make filling easy, smooth, and repeatable, anatomical points were marked through specific surface measurements. Patients were injected with 0.5–1 mL of hyaluronic acid filler using the identified anatomical point. All patients treated have achieved restoration of the ogee curve with no bruising and minimal downtime with results lasting for 12–36 months. The results of the study suggest the use of single repeatable injection at the crucial point and if required at multiple identified anatomical points along the ligamental attachment to satisfy the esthetic outcome of the patient. Injection of filler at infraorbital points could instantly lift the face up, elevating the point of shadow and shifting the point of highest light reflection to the ideal malar point.
Moderators of the Effectiveness of a Web‐Based Tailored Intervention Promoting Physical Activity in Adolescents: The HELENA Activ‐O‐Meter
Authors: Cook Tina L. , De Bourdeaudhuij Ilse , Maes Lea , Haerens Leen , Grammatikaki Evangelia , Widhalm Kurt , Kwak Lydia , Plada Maria , Moreno Luis A. , Zampelas Antonis , Tountas Yannis , Manios Yannis
Published: March 2014

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to examine the moderation effects of sex, age, and psychosocial determinants (intention, social support, and modeling) of physical activity (PA) in the relationship between an Internet‐based computer‐tailored intervention program (Activ‐O‐Meter) and modes of PA and commuting.

METHODS

The Activ‐O‐Meter with intervention and control condition was delivered to 555 adolescents (boys 50.5%, mean age: 14.4 years) in 6 European cities. Data on different modes of PA and commuting, sex, age, and psychosocial determinants were collected at baseline and at 3‐months follow‐up, using questionnaires. The moderation effects of psychosocial determinants, sex, and age on the association between condition and modes of PA and commuting were tested with linear regression.

RESULTS

Moderation analysis showed that the following increased adolescents' responsiveness to the intervention: male sex, older age, higher baseline intention to increase PA, higher perceived social support or modeling level by siblings, and low perceived social support by friends.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings should be taken into consideration when planning PA interventions in adolescents. Future intervention studies should also include moderation analysis in order to get a deeper understanding of why interventions are not effective for certain individuals and how this unresponsiveness could be overcome.
Assessment of high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein and lipid levels in healthy adults and patients with coronary artery disease, with and without periodontitis – a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Kumar K. R. V. , Ranganath V. , Naik R. , Banu S. , Nichani A. S.
Published: March 2014

Background and Objective

Various epidemiological studies have implied that local infection may increase the levels of systemic inflammatory mediators and lipid mediators, thereby promoting atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to assess high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (HsCRP) and lipid levels in healthy adults and patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), with and without periodontitis.

Material and Methods

A total of 100 subjects were included in the study and categorized into four groups of 25 subjects each, as follows: subjects with chronic periodontitis with angiographically proven CAD; nonperiodontitis subjects with angiographically proven CAD; otherwise healthy subjects with only chronic periodontitis; and systemically and orally healthy individuals. The periodontal parameters measured included plaque index, gingival index, probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level and marginal alveolar bone loss (which was recorded radiographically). Serum samples were collected for estimation of HsCRP, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglycerides (TGs).

Results

The serum HsCRP levels in subjects with either CAD or chronic periodontitis were elevated two‐fold compared with those of healthy individuals, whereas in subjects with both diseases (CAD plus chronic periodontitis) the levels were elevated three‐fold. The serum LDL level was higher, and the serum HDL level was lower, in all the test groups compared with the healthy group. No significant difference among the groups was detected in the TG levels.

Conclusion

A persistent infection, such as chronic periodontitis, may influence changes in the systemic levels of HsCRP, LDL and HDL, which potentially have an impact on inflammation‐associated atherosclerotic processes, such as CAD.
Changes in Sexual Arousal as Measured by Penile Plethysmography in Men with Pedophilic Sexual Interest
Authors: Müller Karolina , Curry Susan , Ranger Rebekah , Briken Peer , Bradford John , Fedoroff John Paul
Published: March 2014

Introduction

Although pedophilia is defined by a recurrent sexual interest in prepubescent children, little attention has been paid to the stability or fluidity of this sexual interest over time.

Aim

The aim of the current study was to investigate if patterns of penile tumescence (as a proxy for sexual interest) measured by penile plethysmography testing (PPT) can change.

Methods

In this retrospective chart review study, PPT results of 43 men diagnosed with pedophilia were collected and analyzed. All participants displayed a pedophilic sexual arousal pattern at the time of their first PPT. To test for change, we compared initial PPT results with subsequent PPT results measured at least 6 months later.

Main Outcome Measure

Sexual arousal was assessed using PPT by measuring change in penile circumference induced by the presentation of standardized sexual audio stimuli.

Results

Approximately half of the sample (n = 21) displayed a change in PPT results. This change was characterized by a significant decrease of sexual arousal in response to pedophilic (child) stimuli and a significant increase of sexual arousal in response to nonpedophilic (adult) stimuli. No differences between sexual interest changers (ICs) and nonchangers (NC) were found for demographic data or for length of time between assessments. However, between-group comparisons revealed that ICs had significantly lower pedophilic indices at the initial assessment than NCs.

Conclusions

Results from the current study indicate that relative pedophilic interest, as defined by increase in penile circumference in response to nonpedophilic stimuli as measured by PPT, changed in about 50% of men diagnosed with pedophilia who also had initial pedophilic PPT sexual responses. This represents a significant challenge to the hypothesis that sexual interest in men with pedophilia is unchangeable and should be the focus of future studies.
Environmental Exposures and Airway Inflammation in Young Thoroughbred Horses
Authors: Ivester K.M. , Couëtil L.L. , Moore G.E. , Zimmerman N.J. , Raskin R.E.
Published: March 2014

Background

Inflammatory airway disease (IAD) in horses is a widespread, performance‐limiting syndrome believed to develop in response to inhaled irritants in the barn environment.

Objectives

To evaluate changes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cytology and exposure to particulates, endotoxin, and ammonia during horses' first month in training.

Animals

Forty‐nine client‐owned 12‐ to 36‐month‐old Thoroughbred horses entering race training.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, a convenience sample of horses was assigned to be fed hay from a net (n = 16), whereas the remaining horses were fed hay from the ground (n = 33).BALFwas collected at enrollment and after 14 and 28 days in training. Respirable particulate, inhalable particulate, respirable endotoxin, and ammonia concentrations were measured at the breathing zone of each horse weekly.

Results

Median respirable particulates were significantly higher when horses were fed from hay nets than when fed hay from the ground (hay net 0.28 mg/m3, no hay net 0.055 mg/m3,P < .001). Likewise, inhalable particulate (hay net 8.3 mg/m3, no hay net 3.3 mg/m3,P = .0064) and respirable endotoxin (hay net 173.4 EU/m3, no hay net 59.2 EU/m3,P = .018) exposures were significantly higher when horses were fed from hay nets. Feeding hay from a net resulted in significantly higherBALFeosinophil proportions over time (P < .001).BALFeosinophils were significantly related to respirable particulate exposure (14 days in trainingrs = 0.37,P = .012, 28 days in training,rs = 0.38,P = .017).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Pulmonary eosinophilic inflammation develops in response to respirable particulate exposure in young Thoroughbreds, indicating a potential hypersensitivity to inhaled particulate allergens.
Clinical Findings and Prevalence of the Mutation Associated with Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia in Old English Sheepdogs
Authors: Merveille A.‐C. , Battaille G. , Billen F. , Deleuze S. , Fredholm M. , Thomas A. , Clercx C. , Lequarré A.‐S.
Published: March 2014

Background

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is generally a recessively inherited disorder characterized by dysfunction of motile cilia. A mutation in a new causative gene (CCDC39) has been identified in the Old English Sheepdog (OES).

Objectives

To describe the clinical findings and the molecular changes of affected dogs and estimate the worldwide prevalence of the mutation in a large cohort ofOES.

Animals

578OES, including 28 affected and 550 clinically healthy dogs.

Methods

This retrospective study reviewed the data ofOESdiagnosed withPCDandOEStested for the mutation. Clinical data including results of physical examination and further investigations were obtained on 11/28 dogs.CCDC39expression was assessed byqRT‐PCRand Western blot analysis in affected dogs and healthy dogs.DNAwas extracted on 561/578 dogs and a genetic test by Taqman technology was developed to genotype theCCDC39mutation in these dogs.

Results

Clinical findings were recurrent nasal discharge and cough, pyrexia, leucocytosis, and bronchopneumonia. Ultrastructural defects were characterized by central microtubular abnormalities and decreased number of inner dynein arms (IDAs). Molecular analysis revealed a reduced expression ofCCDC39RNAand an absence ofCCDC39 protein in affected dogs compared to healthy dogs. The mutation was more frequent in nonrandomly selected EuropeanOESpopulation with a higher proportion of carriers (19%) compared to non‐European dogs (7%).

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

CCDC39mutation is dispersed in a worldwide population and is responsible forPCDin this breed. Genetic testing might enable control of this disease.
Outsourcing, Discretion, and Administrative Justice: Exploring the Acceptability of Privatized Decision Making
Authors: Benish Avishai
Published: March 2014

This study explores what happens to administrative justice and to the acceptability of frontline decisions in privatized and marketized models of service. Through the case study of privatized welfare‐to‐work in Israel, it shows the fundamental tension between outsourced discretion and traditional conceptions of administrative justice in which the trustworthiness of decisions relies on the idea that decision makers have no personal interest in the outcome of their decisions. It finds that in the Israeli case, contractors' financial interests were widely perceived as putting their professionals into a conflict of interest, thereby undermining trust in their decisions. At the same time, the study finds the program's managerial performance mechanisms did not provide an alternative legitimacy argument for the acceptability of decisions. The study also analyzes the ways policy makers reconstructed the decision‐making systems to regain public acceptance of frontline decisions, while discussing both the potential and the limits of legitimizing outsourced discretion in such complex public services.
Baseline and serial liver stiffness measurement in prediction of portal hypertension progression for patients with compensated cirrhosis
Authors: Wang Jing‐Houng , Chuah Seng‐Kee , Lu Sheng‐Nan , Hung Chao‐Hung , Kuo Chung‐Mou , Tai Wei‐Chen , Chiou Shue‐Shian
Published: March 2014

Background & Aims

Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) using transient elastography is useful in prediction of significant portal hypertension (PHT). To evaluate the usefulness of baseline and serial LSM in predicting clinical disease progression (CDP) for patients with compensated hepatic cirrhosis.

Methods

Consecutive patients with compensated cirrhosis and without hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were prospectively enrolled. Baseline LSM was assessed at enrolment, then at a 6‐ to 12‐month interval. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and ultrasonography were performed regularly for surveillance of varices and HCC, while CDP including HCC development and PHT progression was recorded.

Results

Two hundred and twenty patients were enrolled. In a median follow‐up of 36.9 months, CDP were detected in 49 patients including 30 PHT progression and 19 HCC developments. The cumulative incidence of CDP, PHT progression and HCC development at 3 years was 20.7%, 12.8% and 9.1% respectively. Multivariate analyses showed that baseline LSM was an independent predictor of PHT progression and CDP, however, not of HCC occurrence. The performance of baseline LSM in predicting PHT progression, varices growth/development and hepatic decompensation was 0.744, 0.638 and 0.929. With 17, 12 and 21.1 kPa as the cut‐off, the negative predictive value was 92, 94 and 99% respectively. Patients with baseline LSM ≧17 kPa without serial changes had higher risk of PHT progression.

Conclusion

For patients with compensated cirrhosis, LSM was an independent predictor of PHT progression and CDP, but not of HCC occurrence. Baseline LSM was useful to exclude PHT progression. Patients with baseline and serial LSM ≧17 kPa had higher risk of PHT progression.
Evidence of a phase shift to Epizoanthus gabrieli Carlgreen, 1951 (Order Zoanthidea) and loss of coral cover on reefs in the Southwest Atlantic
Authors: Cruz Igor C. S. , de Kikuchi Ruy K. P. , Longo Leila L. , Creed Joel C.
Published: March 2014

There is at present a ‘coral reef crisis’; one of the more drastic consequences of this is a phase shift, in which reef‐building corals are replaced by non‐reef building benthos such as macroalgae and soft corals. Previous studies have principally focused on the shift to macroalgae. Our goal was to investigate whether the dominance of the zoanthid Epizoanthus gabrieli on some reefs of Todos os Santos Bay, Brazil, represented a non‐algal phase shift. In 2003, we identified a high cover of this species on two reefs (52% and 70%), but only in 2007 was it possible to confirm a reduction in coral cover. This dominance has persisted for over 9 years, characterizing a true phase shift. This loss of coral cover may be a result of anthropogenic disturbances within the bay; however, given the large number of human impacts, further studies are needed to identify specific causes of this shift. Although there are some reports of phase shift involving species pertaining to the Class Anthozoa, this is the first report of this phenomenon involving the order Zoanthidea.
Factors affecting offspring growth and daily nest survival rates in the coastal breedingWesternReefHeron (Egretta gularis) in thePersianGulf
Authors: Etezadifar Farzaneh , Barati Ahmad
Published: March 2014

Offspring growth and nest survival of waterbirds are important and prominent characteristics of their life history. Nestling growth and daily survival rates of the Western Reef HeronEgretta gulariswere studied in Hara Biosphere Reserve, Persian Gulf, Iran. Growth parameters were determined in relation to both age ranking of each nestling within a brood and the brood size using data from known‐age nestlings. Nesting success was modeled based on the information‐theoretic approach implemented by the programMARKto assess the effects of clutch initiation date, nest size and location on daily survival rates of nests. Mean daily growth rate of body mass was 18.06 ± 6.22 g during the first 2 weeks of age and was independent of brood size but was greater in nestlings hatching earlier within the brood. Wing and tarsus growth rate was influenced by both brood size and nestling rank within the brood, but culmen growth was independent of both factors. Earlier hatched nestlings grew faster than those hatched later. Growth of all morphometric parameters followed the Logistic growth curve model except for wing chord, which fitted the Gompertz growth model. Nest size and nest height above the ground were the most important predictors of nest survival (ωi = 0.79 and ωi = 0.69, respectively), with survival among Western Reef Heron nests improving as the nest size and nest height increased. This study shows the importance of temporal and spatial variables for breeding ecology of a common but little‐known breeding heron in coastal areas of Persian Gulf.
Comparing rates of springtail predation by web‐building spiders using Bayesian inference
Authors: Welch Kelton D. , Schofield Matthew R. , Chapman Eric G. , Harwood James D.
Published: March 2014

A major goal of gut‐content analysis is to quantify predation rates by predators in the field, which could provide insights into the mechanisms behind ecosystem structure and function, as well as quantification of ecosystem services provided. However, percentage‐positive results from molecular assays are strongly influenced by factors other than predation rate, and thus can only be reliably used to quantify predation rates under very restrictive conditions. Here, we develop two statistical approaches, one using a parametric bootstrap and the other in terms of Bayesian inference, to build upon previous techniques that use DNA decay rates to rank predators by their rate of prey consumption, by allowing a statistical assessment of confidence in the inferred ranking. To demonstrate the utility of this technique in evaluating ecological data, we test web‐building spiders for predation on a primary prey item, springtails. Using these approaches we found that an orb‐weaving spider consumes springtail prey at a higher rate than a syntopic sheet‐weaving spider, despite occupying microhabitats where springtails are less frequently encountered. We suggest that spider‐web architecture (orb web vs. sheet web) is a primary determinant of prey‐consumption rates within this assemblage of predators, which demonstrates the potential influence of predator foraging behaviour on trophic web structure. We also discuss how additional assumptions can be incorporated into the same analysis to allow broader application of the technique beyond the specific example presented. We believe that such modelling techniques can greatly advance the field of molecular gut‐content analysis.
Factors influencing the choice of a nursing or a non‐nursing degree: A multicenter, cross‐sectional study
Authors: Dante Angelo , Graceffa Giuseppina , Del Bello Matteo , Rizzi Lorena , Ianderca Barbara , Battistella Nadia , Bulfone Teresa , Grando Roberta , Zuliani Stefania , Casetta Anica , Palese Alvisa
Published: March 2014

Current literature has paid increasing attention to the factors influencing career decisions; nevertheless, few studies have compared candidates that have chosen a nursing versus a non‐nursing degree. A multicenter, cross‐sectional study design was performed to explore whether or not certain individual variables and having inaccurate data about nursing as a profession influenced the choice of a non‐nursing degree. Six non‐nursing and three nursing degree programs offered by two public Italian universities were involved. A total of 507 students who had just enrolled in non‐nursing degree programs and 202 in nursing degree programs were invited to complete a questionnaire comprising 12 closed items. Overall, from 40.0% to 57.1% of the variation in choosing a degree other than nursing was explained by variables such as age, and having inaccurate data on the nursing profession. For each year over 19 years of age, the likelihood that the student would decide to enroll in a nursing degree program increases. For each wrong answer reported on the questionnaire evaluating knowledge on nursing profession, there was a reduction of approximately six times in the likelihood that the student would enroll in a nursing degree program. Information regarding the nursing profession should be offered in early stages of life; in addition, offering accurate data on the profession is a key factor in evaluating the congruence of the career with the individual's personal motivations, aspirations, and talents.