bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human papillomavirus vaccine acceptance among young men in Bangalore, India
Authors: Belani Hrishikesh Kumar , Sekar Poorani , Guhaniyogi Rajarshi , Abraham Anil , Bohjanen Paul R. , Bohjanen Kim
Published: June 2014

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world. It can lead to anogenital, cervical, and head and neck cancer, with higher risk of malignant disease in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients. In India, 73,000 of the 130,000 women diagnosed with cervical cancer die annually. Gardasil®, a vaccine available against HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18, is approved for use in women in India but not men. A backlash to post‐licensure trials has created a negative public opinion of the vaccine for women. Vaccinating boys and men is an alternate approach to prevent cervical cancer in women. This study gauges facilitators and barriers to vaccination acceptance among men in Bangalore, India.

Materials and methods

Young men presenting to a dermatology clinic or an ART center in Bangalore, India, answered a seven‐point survey assessing acceptance of the HPV vaccine, perceived barriers to vaccination, and acceptance of vaccination for their children. Ninety‐three general dermatology patients and 85 patients with HIV/AIDS participated.

Results

There was a high degree of vaccine acceptance for both groups, 83 and 98%, respectively. Vaccine side effects and cost were cited as key barriers to vaccination, and doctor recommendation and government approval were the main facilitators.

Conclusion

There is potential for high acceptability of the HPV vaccine among men in India. These results can facilitate further study of vaccine acceptance among males and physician opinion and knowledge about HPV vaccine use. Vaccination of males is a hopeful strategy to protect men and women from HPV‐related malignancies.
Evaluation of nasal and oropharyngeal flora in patients with acne vulgaris according to treatment options
Authors: Ozuguz Pınar , Callioglu Elif E. , Tulaci Kamil G. , Kacar Seval D. , Balta Ilknur , Asik Gulsah , Karatas Serap , Karaca Semsettin
Published: June 2014

The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in nasal and oropharyngeal flora in patients with acne during treatments with tetracycline and isotretinoin. Swab specimens were taken from the right and left nasal cavities and oropharynx of 55 patients with acne and 20 healthy volunteers who were admitted to the dermatology department (Etlik Educational and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey) before the administration of treatment and in the third month of treatment. Study participants were divided into four groups as follows: patients with acne on topical treatment only, systemic isotretinoin, and systemic tetracycline, and the control group. Of 55 patients with acne, 18 were male and 37 were female. The mean age of the patients and the control group was 22.21 ± 4.22 and 21.95 ± 7.64, respectively. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from the nasal flora of five patients, normal flora was suppressed in the oropharyngeal cultures of seven patients, and normal flora grew in the cultures of the other 20 patients who were on tetracycline treatment. On the other hand, normal flora grew in the nasal and oropharyngeal cultures of all the patients who were on isotretinoin treatment. Treatment options and follow‐up procedures for acne vulgaris may lead to the development of bacterial resistance and damage to flora. In particular, systemic tetracycline treatment leads to changes in flora of the nose and throat in patients with acne with an increased carriage of S. aureus. Therefore, careful attention should be paid to the duration of tetracycline treatment in order to not increase the risk of disturbance of microbial flora.
Incomplete penetrance of GLMN gene c.395–1G>C mutation in a family with glomuvenous malformations
Authors: Borroni Riccardo G. , Grassi Sara , Diegoli Marta , Grasso Maurizia , Arbustini Eloisa
Published: June 2014

Glomuvenous malformations (GVMs, OMIM 138000) are hamartomas presenting in childhood as multiple, bluish, soft papules and nodules that tend to grow slowly in size and number with age. They are caused by autosomal dominant mutations in glomulin (GLMN) gene; penetrance varies from 80% at 20 to about 100% at age 30 years. We report on the c.395–1G>C mutation of GLMN gene in two siblings showing variable penetrance.
Analysis of the influence of dabigatran on coagulation factors and inhibitors
Authors: Tsutsumi Y. , Shimono J. , Ohhigashi H. , Ito S. , Shiratori S. , Teshima T.
Published: June 2014

Introduction

Dabigatran is an oral intake thrombin inhibitor for preventive administration against stroke accompanied by atrial fibrillation. Although dabigatran causes prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), the effect of dabigatran on each coagulation factor and coagulation factor inhibitor remains to be investigated. Our aim was to analyze the influence of dabigatran on coagulation factors and coagulation factor inhibitors.

Methods

We administered dabigatran to 40 patients. In 26 of these 40, we analyzed the activity of several coagulation factors and their inhibitors. We used Fisher's exact test to determine statistical significance.

Results

The activities of many coagulation factors changed during the dabigatran therapy. Factor II levels decreased in all patients showing prolongation of partial thromboplastin (PT) and APTT. The antifactor VIII inhibitor was positive in the majority of patients with prolonged PT and APTT, while activities of protein C, protein S, and antifactor IX inhibitor were not associated with PT and APTT prolongation.

Conclusion

Dabigatran affects the activities of many coagulation factors, including factors II, V, VIII, and IX, as well as the antifactor VIII inhibitor.
Clinical relevance of CD157 for rapid and cost‐effective simultaneous evaluation of PNH granulocytes and monocytes by flow cytometry
Authors: Marinov I. , Kohoutová M. , Tkáčová V. , Pešek A. , Čermák J. , Cetkovský P.
Published: June 2014

Introduction

CD157 has been reported as a potentially useful marker for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) testing by flow cytometry (FCM).

Methods

We determined the performance characteristics of a CD157‐based five‐color assay and compared results from patient analysis with results obtained with a previously validated CD14/CD24‐based six‐color protocol.

Results

Coefficient of variation (CV) for intra‐/interassay precision analysis of granulocytes ranged from 0.88/0.09% to 3.02/3.71% and from 0.20/0.08% to 8.83/4.04% for the five‐ and six‐color protocol, respectively. For monocyte, CV ranged from 0.42/0.49% to 8.13/4.80% for the five‐color protocol and from 0.28/0.70% to 5.41/3.19% for the six‐color protocol within various PNH clones. Coefficient of determination (r2) for linear regression analysis of PNH clones ranging from 0.3 to 99.8% was >0.99 in all cases, Wilcoxon ranks test showed no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05), and Bland–Altman analysis demonstrated agreement with mean bias ranging from −0.02 to 0.38.

Conclusion

Our results confirm very good performance characteristics for both intra‐ and interassay precision analyses, excellent correlation, and agreement between approaches. In agreement with recently published data, our experience supports the clinical relevance of CD157 for a rapid and cost‐effective simultaneous evaluation of PNH leukocytes by flow cytometry.
Time‐dependent change of blood flow in the prostate treated with high‐intensity focused ultrasound
Authors: Shoji Sunao , Tonooka Akiko , Hashimoto Akio , Nakamoto Masahiko , Tomonaga Tetsuro , Nakano Mayura , Sato Haruhiro , Terachi Toshiro , Koike Junki , Uchida Toyoaki
Published: June 2014

Avascular areas on contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging have been considered to be areas of localized prostate cancer successfully treated by high‐intensity focused ultrasound. However, the optimal timing of magnetic resonance imaging has not been discussed. The thermal effect of high‐intensity focused ultrasound is degraded by regional prostatic blood flow. Conversely, the mechanical effect of high‐intensity focused ultrasound (cavitation) is not affected by blood flow, and can induce vessel damage. In this series, the longitudinal change of blood flow on contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging was observed from postoperative day 1 to postoperative day 14 in 10 patients treated with high‐intensity focused ultrasound. The median rates of increase in the non‐enhanced volume of the whole gland, transition zone and peripheral zone from postoperative day 1 to postoperative day 14 were 36%, 39%, and 34%, respectively. In another pathological analysis of the prostate tissue of 17 patients immediately after high‐intensity focused ultrasound without neoadjuvant hormonal therapy, we observed diffuse coagulative degeneration and partial non‐coagulative prostate tissue around arteries with vascular endothelial cell detachment. These observations on contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging support a time‐dependent change of the blood flow in the prostate treated with high‐intensity focused ultrasound. Additionally, our pathological findings support the longitudinal changes of these magnetic resonance imaging findings. Further large‐scale studies will investigate the most appropriate timing of contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging for evaluation of the effectiveness of high‐intensity focused ultrasound for localized prostate cancer.
Generation, Displacement, and Deservedness among Karen Refugees in California
Authors: Yarris Kristin E. , Stasiun Jillian C. , Musigdilok Visanee V. , Win Cho C.
Published: June 2014

In this article, we draw on ethnographic interviews with sixteen Karen refugees living in San Diego, California to explore how experiences of exile, displacement, and resettlement differ along generational lines and complicate straightforward dichotomies between “involuntary refugees” and “economic migrants”. While older‐generation Karen experienced political violence and displacement first‐hand, younger‐generation Karen were born in refugee camps in Thailand and usually experienced violence and displacement through its impacts on extended families. Across both generations, Karen exerted agency in exile, displacement, and diaspora. The older generation used stays in refugee camps strategically as a means of economically supporting family members in Burma, while the younger generation view resettlement in the US as a way of achieving educational aspirations. This research points to the importance of generation as a dimension of refugee experience and to the problem of reinforcing victimhood within refugee communities rather than acknowledging refugee agency and resilience.
Enhanced protective efficacy against Mycobacterium tuberculosis afforded by BCG prime‐DNA boost regimen in an early challenge mouse model is associated with increased splenic interleukin‐2‐producing CD4 T‐cell frequency post‐vaccination
Authors: Kang Han , Yuan Qin , Ma Hui , Hu Zhi‐Dong , Han De‐Ping , Wu Kang , Lowrie Douglas B. , Fan Xiao‐Yong
Published: June 2014

The development of improved vaccines and vaccination strategies against Mycobacterium tuberculosis has been hindered by a limited understanding of the immune correlates of anti‐tuberculosis protective immunity. Simple measurement of interferon‐γ frequency or production per se does not provide adequate prediction of immune protection. In this study, we examined the relationship between T‐cell immune responses and protective efficacy conferred by the heterologous vaccination strategy, bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) prime‐Ag85A DNA boost (B/D), in an early challenge mouse model of pulmonary tuberculosis. The results demonstrated that mice vaccinated with the B/D regimen had a significantly reduced bacillary load compared with BCG‐vaccinated mice, and the reduction in colony‐forming units was associated with decreased pathology and lower levels of inflammatory cytokines in the infected lungs. Further analysis of immunogenicity showed that the superior protection afforded by the B/D regimen was associated with significantly increased frequency of splenic interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) ‐producing CD4 T cells and increased IL‐2 production when measured as integrated mean fluorescence intensity post‐vaccination as well. These data suggest that measurement of elevated frequency of IL‐2‐producing CD4 T cells or IL‐2 production in the spleens of vaccinated mice can predict vaccine efficacy, at least in the B/D strategy, and add to the accumulating body of evidence suggesting that BCG prime‐boost strategies may be a useful approach to the control of M. tuberclosis infection.
Right‐lateralization of N2‐amplitudes in depressive adolescents: an emotional go/no‐go study
Authors: Trinkl Monika , Greimel Ellen , Bartling Jürgen , Grünewald Barbara , Schulte‐Körne Gerd , Grossheinrich Nicola
Published: June 2014

Background

Recent studies have proposed the process of emotion regulation as a promising target to study the neurophysiological basis of adolescent depression. Emotion regulation has repeatedly been studied with emotional go/no‐go paradigms. To date, no study has examined if the left‐frontal hypoactivation associated with depression generalizes to active tasks. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the hemispheric asymmetry of the N2 component in depressed adolescents in an emotion regulation paradigm.

Methods

Twenty‐four adolescents diagnosed with major depression (age 11–18) and 30 healthy controls (age 11–18) performed two emotional go/no‐go tasks exhibiting negative faces as go trials and positive faces as no‐go trials and vice versa.

Results

On the behavioral level, no significant group differences emerged. On the neural level, we found a more right‐lateralized N2‐amplitude in depressed subjects, while it was more left‐lateralized in controls. Furthermore, both groups showed a less negative N2‐amplitude to positive no‐go stimuli.

Conclusion

This study provides strong support for a general left‐frontal hypoactivity in adolescent depression, which also applies to active emotional go/no‐go paradigms. Furthermore, the less negative N2 to positive stimuli is consistent with a generally enhanced impulsivity of adolescents toward appetitive stimuli, which is possibly the base of the differential clinical pattern of adolescent in contrast to adult depression.
Medicine is not science: guessing the future, predicting the past
Authors: Miller Clifford
Published: June 2014

Rationale, aims and objectives

Irregularity limits human ability to know, understand and predict. A better understanding of irregularity may improve the reliability of knowledge.

Method

Irregularity and its consequences for knowledge are considered.

Results

Reliable predictive empirical knowledge of the physical world has always been obtained by observation of regularities, without needing science or theory. Prediction from observational knowledge can remain reliable despite some theories based on it proving false. A naïve theory of irregularity is outlined. Reducing irregularity and/or increasing regularity can increase the reliability of knowledge. Beyond long experience and specialization, improvements include implementing supporting knowledge systems of libraries of appropriately classified prior cases and clinical histories and education about expertise, intuition and professional judgement.

Conclusions

A consequence of irregularity and complexity is that classical reductionist science cannot provide reliable predictions of the behaviour of complex systems found in nature, including of the human body. Expertise, expert judgement and their exercise appear overarching. Diagnosis involves predicting the past will recur in the current patient applying expertise and intuition from knowledge and experience of previous cases and probabilistic medical theory. Treatment decisions are an educated guess about the future (prognosis). Benefits of the improvements suggested here are likely in fields where paucity of feedback for practitioners limits development of reliable expert diagnostic intuition. Further analysis, definition and classification of irregularity is appropriate. Observing and recording irregularities are initial steps in developing irregularity theory to improve the reliability and extent of knowledge, albeit some forms of irregularity present inherent difficulties.
Effectiveness of involving pharmacists in the process of ambulatory health care to improve drug treatment adherence and disease control
Authors: Mino‐León Dolores , Reyes‐Morales Hortensia , Flores‐Hernández Sergio
Published: June 2014

Rationale, aims and objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness of incorporating the pharmacist into the ambulatory health care team to increase the proportion of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and/or hypertension who adhere to their drug regimen and to improve disease control.

Methods

A non‐randomized clinical trial was carried out in patients with T2DM and/or hypertension from two primary care clinics. Patients from one of the clinics comprised the intervention group (IG) who received ‘counselling’ from the pharmacist. The control group (CG) was comprised of patients who attended another clinic and received the usual care. Adherence was measured by counting pills; hypertension control was evaluated by blood pressure and diabetes control by blood glucose. Statistical analysis was carried out by intention to treat using generalized linear models.

Results

There were 440 patients included. There was no difference in the proportion of IG and CG patients who adhered to treatment according to baseline measurements. An increase in the proportion of adherence at baseline and final determination was observed in both groups (IG 71–80%, P = 0.006 and CG 72–87%, P = 0.000). Generalized linear models showed a 55% or higher probability of IG patients achieving control of hypertension in comparison with the CG. Patients from the IG with T2DM have 13% more possibility of achieving glycaemic control than those of the CG.

Conclusion

Counselling offered by the pharmacist proved to be effective for improving drug adherence of diabetic and hypertensive patients in ambulatory health care.
General practitioners' preferences for interventions to improve guideline adherence
Authors: Lugtenberg Marjolein , Burgers Jako S. , Han Dolly , Westert Gert P.
Published: June 2014

Rationale, aims and objectives

Interventions aimed at improving guideline adherence should take into account the specific features of the target users; however, it is unclear how general practitioners (GPs) evaluate the different types of interventions. The aim of this paper was to identify GPs' preferences for interventions to improve guideline adherence in practice and whether these differ across key guideline recommendations.

Method

An electronic survey was conducted among 703 GPs working in the south‐western part of the Netherlands. Each survey focused on two of four guidelines: cerebrovascular accident, eye inflammation, thyroid disorders and urinary tract infection. GPs were asked to rate potential interventions in terms of their usefulness in improving guideline adherence in general and for specific key guideline recommendations.

Results

264 GPs (38%) completed the questionnaire. In general, GPs preferred interactive small group meetings (84% rated this as much or very much encouraging), audit and feedback (53%), organizational interventions (50%) and the use of local opinion leaders (50%) as methods for improving guideline adherence. Financial interventions (24%), distribution of educational materials (22%) and big group educational meetings (21%) were of least interest. Some interventions were preferred by GPs irrespective of the specific key recommendations (e.g. audit and feedback), while ratings for other interventions differed across key recommendations (reminders/computer support).

Conclusions

To implement guidelines, interventions need to be identified that are acceptable and appealing to the target group. GPs seem to have general and recommendation‐specific preferences regarding interventions, these should be taken into account when developing plans for guideline implementation to encourage the uptake of guidelines in practice.
The effectiveness of computer reminders versus postal reminders for improving quality assessment for point‐of‐care testing in primary care: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Siersma Volkert , Kousgaard Marius Brostrøm , Reventlow Susanne , Ertmann Ruth , Felding Peter , Waldorff Frans Boch
Published: June 2014

Rationale, aims and objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the relative effectiveness of electronic and postal reminders for increasing adherence to the quality assurance programme for the international normalized ratio (INR) point‐of‐care testing (POCT) device in primary care.

Methods

All 213 family practices that use the Elective Laboratory of the Capital Region, Denmark, and regularly conduct INR POCT were randomly allocated into two similarly sized groups. During the 4‐month intervention, these practices were sent either computer reminders (ComRem) or computer‐generated postal reminders (Postal) if they did not perform a split test to check the quality of their INR POCT for each calendar month. The adherence of the practices was tracked during the subsequent 8 months subdivided into two 4‐month periods both without intervention. Outcomes were measures of split test procedure adherence.

Results

Both interventions were associated with an increase in adherence to the split test procedure – a factor 6.00 [95% confidence interval (CI) 4.46–7.72] and 8.22 [95% CI 5.87–11.52] for ComRem and Postal, respectively – but there is no evidence that one of the interventions was more effective than the other. In the ComRem group, the expected number of split tests (out of four) was 2.54 (95% CI 2.33–2.76) versus 2.44 (95% CI 2.24–2.65) in the Postal group, P = 0.14. There was a slight decrease in adherence over the two follow‐ups, but neither intervention was better than the other in achieving a lasting improvement in adherence.

Conclusion

Computer reminders are as efficient as postal reminders in increasing adherence to a quality assurance programme for the INR POCT device in primary care.
What's Not There: Odd Lots and Market Data
Authors: O'HARA MAUREEN , YAO CHEN , YE MAO
Published: June 2014

We investigate odd‐lot trades in equity markets. Odd lots are increasingly used in algorithmic and high‐frequency trading, but are not reported to the consolidated tape or in databases such as TAQ. In our sample, the median number of odd‐lot trades is 24% but in some stocks odd lots are 60% or more of trading. Odd‐lot trades contribute 35% of price discovery, consistent with informed traders using odd lots to avoid detection. Omitting odd‐lot trades leads to inaccuracies in order imbalance measures and makes sentiment measures unreliable. Excluding odd lots from the consolidated tape raises important regulatory issues.
Reading in Context: The Interpretation of Personal Reference in Ancient Maya Hieroglyphic Texts
Authors: Law Danny , Houston Stephen , Carter Nicholas , Zender Marc , Stuart David
Published: June 2014

The interpretation of deixis in language is heavily context‐dependent. In spoken language, the addressee(s) have the context of an utterance to aid in its interpretation. In writing, however, language can become separated from both its creator and the context of its creation. This article investigates the use of certain deictics—first and second person markers—in ancient Maya hieroglyphics (circa AD 250–900). The temporal and cultural gap that separates modern language scholars from the creators of these texts means that much of the larger cultural context in which these texts would have been interpreted has been lost. An analysis of the way in which first and second person reference was framed and deployed in Maya hieroglyphs, even when identifying the intended referent proves impossible, provides insights concerning how people recontextualize textual language and how the authors of these texts adapted the form of their messages in response to the modality used.
Intellectual Property in Practice: Filtering Testimony at the United States Trade Representative
Authors: Dent Alexander S.
Published: June 2014

Policy is made in small‐scale situations mediated by language. This article examines the ways in which the United States Trade Representative establishes a mandate by esoterically interpreting canonical texts and then using that mandate to filter testimony. Its goal is to maintain a watch list of countries that disrespect intellectual property. This involves managing intertextual relations in ways that efface some perspectives and highlight others, while creating three subjectivities: industry, public interest, and foreign governments. The end result is a policy document of markedly partial epistemology that combines direct citation of industry statements with obscure pronouncements that lack empirical basis. The article concludes by considering the ways in which policy‐makers modulate between specificity and non‐specificity in order to build their authority. In this case, as in others, this authority supports corporations over public‐interest groups.
Assessing the contribution of the dental care delivery system to oral health care disparities
Authors: Pourat Nadereh , Andersen Ronald M , Marcus Marvin
Published: June 2014

Objectives

Existing studies of disparities in access to oral health care for underserved populations often focus on supply measures such as number of dentists. This approach overlooks the importance of other aspects of the dental care delivery system, such as personal and practice characteristics of dentists, that determine the capacity to provide care. This study aims to assess the role of such characteristics in access to care of underserved populations.

Methods

We merged data from the 2003 California Health Interview Survey and a 2003 survey of California dentists in their Medical Study Service Areas (MSSAs). We examined the role of overall supply and other characteristics of dentists in income and racial/ethnic disparities in access, which was measured by annual dental visits and unmet need for dental care due to costs.

Results

We found that some characteristics of MSSAs, including higher proportions of dentists who were older, white, busy or overworked, and did not accept public insurance or discounted fees, inhibited access for low‐income and minority populations.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the importance of monitoring characteristics of dentists in addition to traditional measures of supply such as licensed‐dentist‐to‐population ratios. The findings identify specific aspects of the delivery system such as dentists' participation in Medicaid, provision of discounted care, busyness, age, race/ethnicity, and gender that should be regularly monitored. These data will provide a better understanding of how the dental care delivery system is organized and how this knowledge can be used to develop more narrowly targeted policies to alleviate disparities.
Dental procedures among children age birth to 20, United States, 1999 and 2009
Authors: Manski Richard J. , Vargas Clemencia M. , Brown Erwin , Carper Kelly V. , Macek Mark D. , Cohen Leonard A.
Published: June 2014

Objective

To describe dental procedures received by US children and adolescents by poverty status and dental insurance coverage.

Methods

Data for this analysis came from the 1999 and 2009 Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys. The primary outcome variable represented the types of dental procedures that were received during dental visits in the preceding year. Descriptive variables included dental insurance and poverty status. Analysis was restricted to children from birth to 20 years.

Results

Overall, diagnostic (41.2 percent) and preventive (35.8 percent) procedures accounted for most of the procedures received by children from birth to 20 years of age, while restorative procedures accounted for just 5 percent. Children from low‐income families received a higher proportion of restorative procedures than children in higher‐income families. The proportion of diagnostic and preventive services was lower among uninsured children than among publicly insured children. Orthodontic services, on the other hand, represented a greater percentage of these procedures among uninsured children than among publicly insured children.

Discussion

The vast majority of procedures received by children from birth to 20 years were diagnostic and preventive. Most children with at least one dental visit received a diagnostic or preventive service. Between 1999 and 2009, the proportion of all services received accounted for by diagnostic or preventive services increased. However, the proportion in which each type of procedure was received by children who made at least one visit who received did not change.
Taxonomic and evolutionary implications of spore ornamentation in Davalliaceae
Authors: WANG Fa‐Guo , LIU Hong‐Mei , HE Chun‐Mei , YANG Dong‐Mei , XING Fu‐Wu
Published: June 2014

Davalliaceae is a small family of derived ferns that grow epiphytic or occasionally epilithic in the tropics and subtropics of the Old World. Despite recent taxonomic and phylogenetic achievements, some aspects of its classification remain controversial. In this study, we provided new spore observations on Davalliaceae by using scanning electron microscopy. The newly generated data were integrated together with previously reported spore evidence of this group. The evolution of spore ornamentation and taxonomic implications of spore characters was optimized onto a phylogenetic tree based on plastid sequences. Verrucate colliculate spore ornamentation was identified as plesiomorphic character state within Davalliaceae. The Humata clade was characterized by the transition from verrucate colliculate to fused verrucate ornamentation. Several species complexes subject to taxonomic controversy were found to show informative variation in the spore ornamentation. In conclusion, our observations support the utility of spores as a morphological taxonomic trait in ferns, as long as the evolution of spore morphology is considered.
Sexual Activity of Young Men is Not Related to Their Anthropometric Parameters
Authors: Rurik Imre , Varga Attila , Fekete Ferenc , Ungvári Timea , Sándor János
Published: June 2014

Introduction

Many articles have been written about the deterioration of male sexual function, mainly in relation to metabolic diseases and aging. With younger men, unless they have a complaint, sexual issues are rarely discussed during medical consultations. No articles could be found about anthropometric parameters as factors potentially influencing sexual performance.

Aim

The aim of this study was to find the anthropometric parameters with the closest correlation with sexual activity.

Main Outcome Measures

Main outcome measures included self-reported weekly intercourses, age, body weight and height, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference.

Methods

Data for 531 heterosexual men aged 20–54 years were collected in three andrological centers. Past and recent morbidity, medications, and some lifestyle elements were recorded; anthropometric parameters were measured; and andrological examination was performed. The average weekly number of intercourses was asked confidentially.

Results

The mean weekly coital frequency (±SD) was 2.55 ± 1.08. The highest self-reported weekly coital frequency was recorded for men between the ages of 25 and 29 (3.02 ± 1.27). Coital frequency was higher among men with a height of less than 175 cm (2.69 ± 1.24), weight of less than 78 kg (2.74 ± 1.18), normal BMI (2.74 ± 1.16), normal waist circumference (2.69 ± 1.19), and no metabolic disease (2.57 ± 1.11). Logistic regression described an inverse, statistically significant association between age and coital frequency, with the following odds ratios for coital frequency (ORcf): ORcf≥2 = 0.932, P < 0.001; ORcf≥2.5 = 0.935, P < 0.001; ORcf≥3 = 0.940, P < 0.001; ORcf≥3.5 = 0.965, P = 0.041. Among men who reported a coital frequency of more than 3.5 times a week, waist circumference (ORcf≥3.5 = 0.986, P = 0.066) showed borderline association with lower sexual activity, while lesser height (ORcf≥3.5 = 0.951, P = 0.005) was associated with higher activity.

Conclusion

In this study's age range, none of the examined anthropometric parameters was perfectly correlated with sexual activity. Obesity and metabolic diseases can cause all types of sexual function to deteriorate in older age, whereas their effects may not yet be prominent at younger ages (below 45 years). Health promotion for all ages should focus on prevention of obesity so as to improve quality of life and sexual health.
Cytokine Concentrations in the Cerebrospinal Fluid of Great Danes with Cervical Spondylomyelopathy
Authors: Martin‐Vaquero P. , da Costa R.C. , Moore S.A. , Gross A.C. , Eubank T.D.
Published: June 2014

Background

Chronic inflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of human cervical spondylotic myelopathy and could also play a role in cervical spondylomyelopathy (CSM) in dogs.

Hypothesis/Objectives

That cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytokine concentrations would differ between clinically normal (control) and CSM‐affected Great Danes (GDs), with affected GDs showing higher levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)‐6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1/chemokine ligand 2 (MCP‐1/CCL2).

Animals

Client‐owned GDs: 15 control, 15 CSM‐affected.

Methods

Prospective study. Dogs underwent cervical vertebral column magnetic resonance imaging and collection of CSF from the cerebellomedullary cistern. Cytokine concentrations were measured using a commercially available canine multiplex immunoassay. Cytokine concentrations were compared between groups. Associations with the administration of anti‐inflammatory medications, disease duration and severity, severity of spinal cord (SC) compression, and SC signal changes were investigated in affected GDs.

Results

Affected GDs had significantly lower MCP‐1/CCL2 (mean 138.03 pg/mL, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 114.85–161.20) than control GDs (212.89 pg/mL, 95% CI = 165.68–260.11, P = .028). In affected GDs, MCP‐1/CCL2 concentrations correlated inversely with the severity of SC compression. There were no associations with administration of anti‐inflammatory medications, disease duration, or disease severity. IL‐6 concentrations were significantly higher (2.20 pg/mL, 95% CI = 1.92–2.47, P < .001) in GDs with SC signal changes.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Lower MCP‐1/CCL2 in CSM‐affected GDs might compromise clearance of axonal and myelin debris, delay axon regeneration, and affect recovery. Higher IL‐6 in CSM‐affected GDs with SC signal changes suggests more severe inflammation in this group.
Association between Aortoseptal Angle in Golden Retriever Puppies and Subaortic Stenosis in Adulthood
Authors: Belanger M.C. , Côté E. , Beauchamp G.
Published: June 2014

Background

Predicting subaortic stenosis (SAS) in adult Golden Retriever dogs (GRs) by evaluating them as puppies is hampered by the progressive expression of theSASphenotype in youth. In some children who developSASas adults, an abnormal aortoseptal angle (AoSA) precedes development of stenosis.

Objectives

To determine the normal AoSAin young adultGRs using echocardiography; to assess the value of AoSAinGRpuppies for predicting development of theSASphenotype.

Animals

Forty‐eight 2‐ to 6‐month‐old GR puppies.

Methods

Prospective study. Puppies were recruited from clients and breeders. Puppies were evaluated with a physical examination and an echocardiogram, and this evaluation was repeated when they were 12–18‐month‐old adults. Puppies were classified as unaffected (WNL) or affected (SAS) retroactively, based on their results as adults.

Results

InWNLyoung adultGRs, mean ± SDAoSAwas 152.3 ± 6.5°. Mean ± SDAoSAinSASpuppies (144.9 ± 8.6°) was significantly different from mean AoSAinWNLpuppies (155.7 ± 8.8°,P < .01). No puppy with AoSA>160° had theSASphenotype as a young adult; 93% (75.7–99.1%) of puppies with AoSA<145° had theSASphenotype as young adults. PeakLVOTvelocity increased significantly between evaluations (P < .0001) whereas AoSAdid not (P = .45).

Conclusion and Clinical Significance

A steep AoSAinGRpuppies is associated with theSASphenotype in young adulthood. SomeGRpuppies have an abnormal AoSAthat persists in young adulthood and is detectable before peakLVOTvelocity reaches levels consistent withSAS.
Use of the Cortisol‐to‐ACTH Ratio for Diagnosis of Primary Hypoadrenocorticism in Dogs
Authors: Lathan P. , Scott‐Moncrieff J.C. , Wills R.W.
Published: June 2014

Background

The ACTH stimulation test is currently required for definitive diagnosis of hypoadrenocorticism. Increased cost of synthetic ACTH (cosyntropin) has prompted a search for alternative diagnostic methods.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a cortisol‐to‐ACTH ratio (CAR) can be used to differentiate dogs with hypoadrenocorticism from normal dogs and those with nonadrenal illness.

Animals

Eight healthy dogs (H), 19 dogs with nonadrenal illness (NAI), and 15 dogs with hypoadrenocorticism (HAD).

Methods

Dogs in the HAD group were retrospectively identified from PUVTH medical records. The NAI group consisted of hospitalized dogs with clinical signs, clinicopathologic findings, or both, consistent with a diagnosis of hypoadrenocorticism, but in which hypoadrenocorticism was ruled out based on ACTH stimulation test results. Healthy dogs were recruited from hospital staff and students. Endogenous ACTH concentrations and cortisol concentrations before and after ACTH stimulation were measured in all dogs.

Results

Baseline cortisol concentration was significantly lower, and ACTH concentration was significantly higher, in the HAD group versus the H and NAI group (P < .001). However, there was overlap among groups. Cortisol‐to‐ACTH ratio was significantly lower in the HAD group versus the H and NAI groups (P < .001), and there was no overlap between the HAD group and the other 2 groups.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

CAR can be used for definitive diagnosis of primary hypoadrenocorticism.
New reliability criteria for transient elastography increase the number of accurate measurements for screening of cirrhosis and portal hypertension
Authors: Schwabl Philipp , Bota Simona , Salzl Petra , Mandorfer Mattias , Payer Berit A. , Ferlitsch Arnulf , Stift Judith , Wrba Friedrich , Trauner Michael , Peck‐Radosavljevic Markus , Reiberger Thomas
Published: June 2014

Background & Aims

Transient elastography (TE) can non‐invasively diagnose cirrhosis and portal hypertension (PHT). New TE reliability criteria suggest classifying measurements as very reliable (IQR/M < 0.1), reliable (IQR<0.3 or >0.3, if TE < 7.1 kPa) and poorly reliable (IQR/M > 0.3, if TE > 7.1 kPa). Compare traditional (reliable: success rate >60% + IQR/M ≤ 0.30) and new TE quality criteria (accurate: very reliable + reliable) regarding their diagnostic accuracy for cirrhosis and PHT and to identify potential confounders (age, aetiology, necroinflammatory activity, steatosis, siderosis, cholestasis, aminotransferases) of TE performance.

Methods

Patients undergoing simultaneous measurements of TE, portal pressure (hepatic venous pressure gradient, HVPG) and liver biopsy were analysed.

Results

Among 226 patients (48.7 ± 13.1 years, 74.7% male, 75.7% viral aetiology, 57% F3/F4), traditional TE quality criteria identified 71.6% reliable measurements, while new criteria yielded in 83.2% accurate results. Reliable TE values according to both criteria significantly correlated with fibrosis stage (r = 0.648 vs. r = 0.636) and HVPG (r = 0.836 vs. r = 0.846). Diagnostic accuracy for cirrhosis (cut‐off >14.5 kPa) was 76.5% (AUC: 0.863) and 75.0% (AUC: 0.852) for traditional and new TE criteria, respectively, while for predicting HVPG ≥ 10 mmHg (>16.1 kPa), the accuracies were 88.9% (AUC: 0.957) and 89.8% (AUC: 0.962). New TE criteria allowed a better discrimination of reliable and non‐reliable results for prediction of fibrosis and CSPH. Only aetiology and aminotransferases were independent confounders of the correlation of TE and fibrosis stage, while no confounder affected the correlation of TE and HVPG.

Conclusions

New reliability criteria for TE measurements increase the number of patients with accurate measurements without affecting diagnostic performance for detecting cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Aetiology of liver disease and aminotransferases should be considered when assessing liver fibrosis by TE.
Institutional and Political Sources of Legislative Change: Explaining How Private Organizations Influence the Form and Content of Consumer Protection Legislation
Authors: Talesh Shauhin A.
Published: June 2014

This article explores how private organizations influence the content and meaning of consumer protection legislation. I examine why California forced consumers to use a private dispute resolution system that affords consumers fewer rights, while Vermont adopted a state‐run disputing structure that affords consumers greater rights. Drawing from historical and new institutional theories, I analyze twenty‐five years of legislative history, as well as interviews with drafters of the California and Vermont laws, to show how automobile manufacturers weakened the impact of a powerful California consumer warranty law by creating dispute resolution venues. As these structures became institutionalized in the lemon law field, manufacturers reshaped the meaning of legislation. Unlike California, the political alliances in Vermont and a different developmental path led to a state‐run dispute resolution structure. I conclude that how social reform laws are designed and how businesses influence social reform legislation can increase or decrease the achievement of a statute's social reform goals.
Niche divergence promotes rapid diversification of East African sky island white‐eyes (Aves: Zosteropidae)
Authors: Cox Siobhan C. , Prys‐Jones Robert P. , Habel Jan C. , Amakobe Bernard A. , Day Julia J.
Published: June 2014

The Eastern Afromontane biodiversity hotspot composed of highly fragmented forested highlands (sky islands) harbours exceptional diversity and endemicity, particularly within birds. To explain their elevated diversity within this region, models founded on niche conservatism have been offered, although detailed phylogeographic studies are limited to a few avian lineages. Here, we focus on the recent songbird genusZosterops,represented by montane and lowland members, to test the roles of niche conservatism versus niche divergence in the diversification and colonization of East Africa's sky islands. The species‐rich white‐eyes are a typically homogeneous family with an exceptional colonizing ability, but in contrast to their diversity on oceanic islands, continental diversity is considered depauperate and has been largely neglected. Molecular phylogenetic analysis of ~140 taxa reveals extensive polyphyly among different montane populations ofZ. poliogastrus. These larger endemic birds are shown to be more closely related to taxa with divergent habitat types, altitudinal distributions and dispersal abilities than they are to populations of restricted endemics that occur in neighbouring montane forest fragments. This repeated transition between lowland and highland habitats over time demonstrate that diversification of the focal group is explained by niche divergence. Our results also highlight an underestimation of diversity compared to morphological studies that has implications for their taxonomy and conservation. Molecular dating suggests that the spatially extensive African radiation arose exceptionally rapidly (1–2.5 Ma) during the fluctuating Plio‐Pleistocene climate, which may have provided the primary driver for lineage diversification.
Interglacial genetic diversification of Moussonia deppeana (Gesneriaceae), a hummingbird‐pollinated, cloud forest shrub in northern Mesoamerica
Authors: Ornelas Juan Francisco , González Clementina
Published: June 2014

Recent empirical work on cloud forest‐adapted species supports the role of both old divergences across major geographical areas and more recent divergences attributed to Pleistocene climate changes. The shrub Moussonia deppeana is distributed in northern Mesoamerica, with geographically disjunct populations. Based on sampling throughout the species range and employing plastid and nuclear markers, we (i) test whether the fragmented distribution is correlated with main evolutionary lineages, (ii) reconstruct its phylogeographical history to infer the history of cloud forest in northern Mesoamerica and (iii) evaluate a set of refugia/vicariance scenarios for the region and demographic patterns of the populations whose ranges expanded and tracked cloud forest conditions during the Last Glacial Maximum. We found a deep evolutionary split in M. deppeana about 6–3 Ma, which could be consistent with a Pliocene divergence. Comparison of variation in plastid and nuclear markers revealed several lineages mostly congruent with their isolated geographical distribution and restricted gene flow among groups. Results of species distribution modelling and coalescent simulations fit a model of multiple refugia diverging during interglacial cycles. The demographic history of M. deppeana is not consistent with an expanding–contracting cloud forest archipelago model during the Last Glacial Maximum. Instead, our data suggest that populations persisted across the geographical range throughout the glacial cycles, and experienced isolation and divergence during interglacial periods.
Retarded Photooxidation of Cyamemazine in Biomimetic Microenvironments
Authors: Limones‐Herrero Daniel , Pérez‐Ruiz Raúl , Jiménez Maria Consuelo , Miranda Miguel A.
Published: June 2014

Cyamemazine (CMZ) is a neuroleptic drug that mediates cutaneous phototoxicity in humans. Here, the photobehavior of CMZ has been examined within α1‐acid glycoproteins, β‐ and γ‐cyclodextrins and SDS micelles. In all these microenvironments, CMZ emission was enhanced and blue‐shifted, and its lifetime was longer. Irradiation of the entrapped drug at 355 nm, under air; led to the N,S‐dioxide. Within glycoproteins or SDS micelles the reaction was clearly slower than in phosphate buffered solution (PBS); protection by cyclodextrins was less marked. Transient absorption spectroscopy in PBS revealed formation of the triplet state (3CMZ*) and the radical cation (CMZ+•). Upon addition of glycoprotein, the contribution of CMZ+• became negligible, whereas 3CMZ* dominated the spectra; in addition, the triplet lifetime became considerably longer. In cyclodextrins, this occurred to a lower extent. In all microheterogeneous systems, quenching by oxygen was slower than in solution; this was most remarkable inside glycoproteins. The highest protection from photooxidation was achieved inside SDS micelles. The results are consistent with photooxidation of CMZ through photoionization and subsequent trapping of the resulting radical cation by oxygen. This reaction is extremely sensitive to the medium and constitutes an appropriate probe for localization of the drug within a variety of biological compartments.