bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolic syndrome in patients with coeliac disease on a gluten‐free diet
Authors: Tortora R. , Capone P. , De Stefano G. , Imperatore N. , Gerbino N. , Donetto S. , Monaco V. , Caporaso N. , Rispo A.
Published: January 2015

Background

Several studies have shown that weight changes are common in patients with coeliac disease after starting a gluten‐free diet (GFD), but data on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in this population are still scarce.

Aims

To assess the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients with CD at diagnosis and 1 year after starting GFD.

Methods

We enrolled all consecutive patients with newly diagnosed coeliac disease (CD) who were referred to our third‐level CD Unit. For all patients we collected: waist circumference, BMI, blood pressure, lipid profile (HDL cholesterol, triglycerides) and levels of blood glucose. Diagnosis of metabolic syndrome was made according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria for European countries. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was re‐assessed after 12 months of GFD.

Results

Ninety‐eight patients with CD were assessed, two patients with CD (2%) fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome at diagnosis and 29 patients (29.5%) after 12 months of GFD (P < 0.01; OR: 20). With regard to metabolic syndrome sub‐categories 1 year after GFD compared to baseline respectively: 72 vs. 48 patients exceeded waist circumference cut‐off (P < 0.01; OR: 2.8); 18 vs. 4 patients had high blood pressure (P < 0.01; OR: 5.2); 25 vs. 7 patients exceeded glycemic threshold (P = 0.01; OR: 4.4); 34 vs. 32 patients with CD had reduced levels of HDL cholesterol (P = 0.7); and 16 vs. 7 patients had high levels of triglycerides (P = 0.05).

Conclusions

Patients with coeliac disease show a high risk of metabolic syndrome 1 year after starting a gluten‐free diet. We suggest that an in‐depth nutritional assessment is undertaken for all patients with coeliac disease.
The Synthesis and Evaluation of C7‐Substituted α‐Tetralone Derivatives as Inhibitors of Monoamine Oxidase
Authors: Legoabe Lesetja J. , Petzer Anél , Petzer Jacobus P.
Published: January 2015

Based on a previous report that α‐tetralone (3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐naphthalen‐1‐one) is a promising scaffold for the design of highly potent inhibitors of the enzyme, monoamine oxidase, the present study investigates the monoamine oxidase inhibitory properties of a synthetic series of fifteen C7‐substituted α‐tetralone derivatives. Arylalkyloxy substitution on C7 of the α‐tetralone moiety yielded compounds with high inhibition potencies toward the human monoamine oxidase‐B isoform with all compounds possessing IC50 values in the submicromolar range (0.00089–0.047 μm). The C7‐substituted α‐tetralones also were highly potent monoamine oxidase‐A inhibitors with thirteen (of fifteen) compounds possessing IC50 values in the submicromolar range (0.010–0.741 μm). The α‐tetralones were, however, in each instance selective for monoamine oxidase‐B over the monoamine oxidase‐A isoform. Dialyses of enzyme–inhibitor mixtures show that, while a representative inhibitor acts as a reversible monoamine oxidase‐A inhibitor, inhibition of monoamine oxidase‐B is not readily reversed by dialysis. Using a molecular modeling approach, possible binding orientations and interactions of selected α‐tetralones with the active sites of the monoamine oxidases are also proposed. This study suggests that C7‐substituted α‐tetralones are promising monoamine oxidase inhibitors and may represent lead compounds for the development of therapies for Parkinson's disease and depression.
Oral Delivery of Bovine Lactoferrin Using Pectin‐ and Chitosan‐Modified Liposomes and Solid Lipid Particles: Improvement of Stability of Lactoferrin
Authors: Yao Xudong , Bunt Craig , Cornish Jillian , Quek Siew‐Young , Wen Jingyuan
Published: January 2015

A critical problem associated with delivery of bovine lactoferrin (bLf) by the oral route is low bioavailability, which is derived from the enzymatic degradation in the gastrointestinal tract and poor permeation across the intestinal epitheliums. Particulate carrier systems have been identified to protect bLf against proteolysis via encapsulation. This study aimed to evaluate the physico‐chemical stability of bLf‐loaded liposomes and solid lipid particles (SLPs) modified by pectin and chitosan when exposed to various stress conditions. Transmission electron microscopy results showed liposomes and SLPs had a classic shell‐core structure with polymer layers surrounded on surface, but the structure appeared to be partially broken after digestion in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF). Although HPLC and sodium dodecyl sulphate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis methods qualitatively and quantitatively described either liposomes or SLPs could retain intact bLf against proteolysis in SIF to some extent, all liposome formulations showed rapid rate of lipolysis mediated by pancreatic enzymes. On the other hand, all SLP formulations showed higher heat resistance and greater electrolyte tolerance compared to liposome formulations. After 180 days storage time, liposome‐loaded bLf was completely degraded, whereas almost 30% of intact bLf still remained in SLP formulations. Overall, SLPs are considered as primary choice for oral bLf delivery.
Managing Ethical Challenges to Mental Health Research in Post‐Conflict Settings
Authors: Chiumento Anna , Khan Muhammad Naseem , Rahman Atif , Frith Lucy
Published: January 2015

Recently the World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the need to strengthen mental health systems following emergencies, including natural and manmade disasters. Mental health services need to be informed by culturally attuned evidence that is developed through research. Therefore, there is an urgent need to establish rigorous ethical research practice to underpin the evidence‐base for mental health services delivered during and following emergencies.
Lobeglitazone and pioglitazone as add‐ons to metformin for patients with type 2 diabetes: a 24‐week, multicentre, randomized, double‐blind, parallel‐group, active‐controlled, phase III clinical trial with a 28‐week extension
Authors: Jin S.‐M. , Park C.‐Y. , Cho Y. M. , Ku B. J. , Ahn C. W. , Cha B.‐S. , Min K. W. , Sung Y. A. , Baik S. H. , Lee K. W. , Yoon K.‐H. , Lee M.‐K. , Park S. W.
Published: January 2015

We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of lobeglitazone and pioglitazone as add‐ons to metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes. Patients who were inadequately controlled by metformin were randomized and treated once daily with either lobeglitazone (0.5 mg, n = 128) or pioglitazone (15 mg, n = 125) for 24 weeks, with a 28‐week extension trial of lobeglitazone treatment in patients who consented. The primary endpoint was the change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) concentration from baseline to week 24. At week 24, the mean change from baseline in HbA1c was −0.74% for the lobeglitazone group and −0.74% for the pioglitazone group, with a mean difference of 0.01% [95% confidence interval (CI) of difference, −0.16 to 0.18]. The effects of lobeglitazone on lipid variables and the adverse events associated with lobeglitazone were similar to those observed with pioglitazone. Lobeglitazone was not inferior to pioglitazone as an add‐on to metformin in terms of their efficacy and safety.
Correlation of radiographic measurements of structures of the equine foot with lesions detected on magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: de Zani D. , Polidori C. , di Giancamillo M. , Zani D. D.
Published: January 2015

Reasons for performing study

There are few studies on the correlations between radiographic measurements of the foot and abnormalities of specific structures found with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Objectives

To document the relationship between radiographic measurements of the equine foot and the presence of lesions in the foot on MRI. We hypothesised that different radiographic measurements would be associated with specific lesions detected by MRI.

Study design

Retrospective analysis of radiographs and MRI studies.

Methods

Seventy‐four feet from 52 lame horses were included. Twenty parameters were measured on radiographs, whereas the signal intensity, homogeneity and size of each structure in the foot were evaluated on magnetic resonance images. The data were analysed using simple linear correlation analysis and classification and regression trees (CARTs).

Results

Linear correlations were found between the navicular bone compacta thickness and injuries of the deep digital flexor tendon, collateral sesamoidean ligament, navicular spongiosa and navicular bone proximal border. Long‐toed horses had a high incidence of lesions involving the spongiosa and proximal border of the navicular bone. Elongation of the navicular bone was associated with proximal and distal border injuries. A reduced palmar angle and increased angle between the middle and distal phalanx were observed in horses with alterations of collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint and navicular bone spongiosa, respectively. For each structure under investigation, CARTs predicting the presence of MRI pathology based on radiographic measurements had excellent performance, with >80% correct classification of cases, when using one of 3 data sources.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated a relationship between radiographic measurements of the foot and the presence of lesions detected on MRI, while CARTs illustrated that different radiographic measurements were associated with different MRI lesions.
Time Trends in Helicobacter pylori Infection and Atrophic Gastritis Over 40 Years in Japan
Authors: Kamada Tomoari , Haruma Ken , Ito Masanori , Inoue Kazuhiko , Manabe Noriaki , Matsumoto Hiroshi , Kusunoki Hiroaki , Hata Jiro , Yoshihara Masaharu , Sumii Koji , Akiyama Takashi , Tanaka Shinji , Shiotani Akiko , Graham David Y.
Published: January 2015

Background

Helicobacter pylori infection produces progressive mucosal damage that may eventually result in gastric cancer. We studied the changes that occurred in the presence and severity of atrophic gastritis and the prevalence of H. pylori infection that occurred coincident with improvements in economic and hygienic conditions in Japan since World War II.

Materials and Methods

The prevalence of H. pylori infection and histologic grades of gastric damage were retrospectively evaluated using gastric biopsy specimens obtained over a 40‐year period. Gastric atrophy and intestinal metaplasia were scored using the updated Sydney classification system.

Results

The prevalence of H. pylori and severity of atrophy were examined in 1381 patients including 289 patients examined in the 1970s (158 men; mean age, 44.9 years), 787 in the 1990s (430 men; 44.2 years), and 305 in the 2010s (163 men; 53.2 years). Overall, the prevalence of H. pylori infection decreased significantly from 74.7% (1970s) to 53% (1990s) and 35.1% (2010s) (p < .01). The prevalence of atrophy in the antrum and corpus was significantly lower in the 2010s (33, 19%, respectively) compared to those evaluated in either the 1970s (98, 82%) (p < .001) or 1990s (80, 67%) (p < .001). The severity of atrophy and intestinal metaplasia also declined remarkably among those with H. pylori infection.

Conclusions

There has been a progressive and rapid decline in the prevalence of H. pylori infection as well a fall in the rate of progression of gastric atrophy among H. pylori‐infected Japanese coincident with the westernization and improvements in economic and hygienic conditions in Japan since World War II.
Perceptions that matter: perceptual antecedents and moderators of healthy food consumption
Authors: Thomsen Thyra Uth , Hansen Torben
Published: January 2015

Unhealthy eating patterns present in most Western countries pose a serious threat to economic welfare and have severe consequences for the health and quality of life of the individual consumer. The purpose of this paper is to develop and test a conceptual model for understanding how health authorities and marketers can affect consumption of healthy food – and ultimately body mass index (BMI) – by addressing perceptual antecedents of consumers' involvement and health competencies. A qualitative (n = 16) pilot study and a consumer panel survey (n = 599) assisted in completing this task. The obtained structural equation modelling results confirmed that increasing consumers' competencies concerning healthy food consumption may improve the healthiness of their food behaviour, and ultimately reduce their BMI. Notably, these effects may occur even for consumers who perceive healthy food consumption to be a challenge. Our results also revealed that it may be problematic to improve health competencies for food consumers who are less involved in healthy food consumption. However, our study shows that two perceptual factors, ‘personal food identity’ (the extent to which consumers believe that their health identity is linked to their food behaviour) and ‘unhealthy food taste belief’ (the extent to which consumers believe that unhealthy food is more enjoyable and tastier than healthy food), may assist health authorities and marketers in increasing consumers' involvement in healthy food consumption.
The Profitability of Option‐Based Contrarian Strategies: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Mugwagwa Tafadzwa , Ramiah Vikash , Moosa Imad
Published: January 2015

Short‐selling restrictions limit investors' opportunities to profit from contrarian strategies in equity markets. We examine the proposition that incorporating options into contrarian strategies constitute a viable alternative to investors when short‐selling restrictions are in place. In particular, we combine equities with the call and put options traded on the Australian Stock Exchange to investigate the profitability of contrarian strategies in the hybrid market and options market alone. We assess the practical issues in the execution of these approaches, including testing for the effects of limited liquidity and transaction costs. We also investigate how fundamental factors (such as dividend yield, firm size, book‐to‐market ratio, earnings per share, price‐earnings ratio, value stocks, and market conditions) affect contrarian portfolios. The results show that employing options can enhance the profitability of contrarian strategies under certain market conditions.
Influence of Complexion Transitions on Microstructure Evolution in Specialty Aluminas
Authors: Lawrence Abigail K. , Kundu Animesh , Harmer Martin P. , Compson Charles , Atria Joe , Spreij Marcel
Published: January 2015

The concept of grain‐boundary complexions has been extended to specialty alumina powders with the goal of deconvoluting the effects of second phase and complexion transitions on microstructure evolution. Two powder compositions with significantly different impurity levels were examined to study the effect of second phase content. The changes in grain size distribution after postsintering annealing for the two compositions were analyzed in order to identify complexion transitions. An analysis technique was developed using probability plots to separate distinct populations of grains of different size regimes. There was evidence of multiple transitions in each material as evidenced by multiple grain size populations. A higher amount of second phase in one powder suppressed the effects of the transitions making the microstructural inhomogeneities less pronounced.
Corporate Stock and Bond Return Correlations and Dynamic Adjustments of Capital Structure
Authors: Nieto Belen , Rodriguez Rosa
Published: January 2015

This paper analyses the effects of dynamic correlations between stock and bond returns issued by the same firm on the speed of adjustment towards target leverage. The results show that the estimated correlations are time varying, show persistence and differ among firms. Analysis of the potential explanatory variables reveals that the correlations decrease with negative expectations about future aggregate risks, but only for firms with a low default probability. In contrast, correlations are positively associated with specific risk measures, especially idiosyncratic stock risk and financial leverage. The positive relationship between the correlations and the leverage ratio suggests that target leverage can be achieved faster when the stock–bond correlation is high. Our results show that this is the case.
A New Algorithm to Reduce Inappropriate Therapy in the S‐ICD System
Authors: BRISBEN AMY J. , BURKE MARTIN C. , KNIGHT BRADLEY P. , HAHN STEPHEN J. , HERRMANN KEITH L. , ALLAVATAM VENUGOPAL , MAHAJAN DEEPA , SANGHERA RICK , GOLD MICHAEL R.
Published: January 2015

A New Algorithm to Reduce Inappropriate Therapy

Introduction

The subcutaneous ICD system (S‐ICD) has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for patients at risk for sudden cardiac death. This device reliably detects ventricular tachyarrhythmias with a low incidence of inappropriate shocks for supraventricular arrhythmias. However, T‐wave oversensing (TWOS) is more common with the S‐ICD compared with transvenous systems. We developed a novel discrimination algorithm to reduce TWOS without compromising tachyarrhythmia discrimination.

Methods and Results

The algorithm was developed using a database of recorded episodes, including 244 appropriate therapies for ventricular arrhythmias and 133 episodes with an inappropriate detection due to TWOS, and using a computer model that simulates the S‐ICD system. An independent set of data of 161 TWOS episodes, 137 ventricular and 328 supraventricular episodes, was used to validate the algorithm on actual device hardware. The S‐ICD performance with the new algorithm was compared with the S‐ICD without the new algorithm.

Development results showed a decrease in inappropriate charge due to TWOS by 30.7 ± 18%. All ventricular arrhythmias were appropriately detected and the time to appropriate charge initiation was not increased. System validation showed that the new algorithm avoided an inappropriate charge due to TWOS by 39.8 ± 11.4%. No decrease in ventricular arrhythmia sensitivity and no significant change in supraventricular specificity were observed.

Conclusions

A new algorithm that uses correlation of the existing complex to previous complexes reduced TWOS episodes by approximately 40%. The algorithm has potential for a clinically meaningful decrease in inappropriate shocks.
Intraspecific variation of cuticular hydrocarbon profiles in the Anastrepha fraterculus (Diptera: Tephritidae) species complex
Authors: Vaníčková L. , Břízová R. , Mendonça A. L. , Pompeiano A. , Do Nascimento R. R.
Published: January 2015

The goal of this study was to define whether cuticular hydrocarbons (CHs) could be used for taxonomic determination of putative species hidden in the Anastrepha fraterculus cryptic species complex, widespread from Argentina to Mexico. Recently, increasing evidence of phenotypic and genetic variability has resulted in the characterization of eight morphotypes within this complex. The CH profiles of six A. fraterculus populations from Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Colombia and Mexico were analysed in this study by two‐dimensional gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. In parallel, multiple factorial analyses were used to elucidate population structures. Vector populations segregated into four distinct groups. The analysis demonstrated that the studied populations from Peru, Argentina and southern Brazil (Vacaria) might be classified in accordance with the earlier division of the A. fraterculus complex into Peruvian, and Brazilian‐1 cryptic species, using the specific CH profiles. Population from south‐eastern Brazil (Piracicaba) formed separated group. Mexican and Andean (Colombian) putative species had similar CH signatures, when compared to each other.
Ultrasonically Assisted Ultrafiltration of Whey Solution
Authors: Ábel Marietta , Kiss Zsolt László , Beszédes Sándor , Hodúr Cecilia , Keszthelyi‐Szabó Gábor , László Zsuzsanna
Published: January 2015

The ultrafiltration of whey solutions is a common feature of dairy processes. However, the frequent fouling of ultrafiltration membranes and the subsequent cleaning cycle significantly affects the economics of the process. In this work, we investigated the effect of ultrasonically assisted ultrafiltration. The ultrafiltration of whey solution was investigated in order to determine the main parameters affecting the flux, retention and membrane fouling. The experiments were carried out with an ultrasonic combined laboratory ultrafiltration device, using regenerated cellulose ultrafiltration membranes. The results showed that increasing resistance during filtration is predominantly caused by the concentration polarization, while the participation of membrane fouling in the total resistance is negligible. The ultrasonically assisted ultrafiltration actively reduces the concentration polarization layer resistance. The retention changed slightly with ultrasound power.

Practical Applications

Combination of ultrasound and ultrafiltration processes in dairy industry may enhance the efficiency of whey separation processes during ultrafiltration of why solutions. The given model for describing the filtration mechanism and modified Reynolds number for ultrasonically assisted batch reactor allow the scale up of coupled ultrafiltration process for dairy industry.
Determination of Antibiotic Resistance and Biogenic Amine Production of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Fermented Turkish Sausage (Sucuk)
Authors: Yüceer Özge , Özden Tuncer Banu
Published: January 2015

The aim of this study was to isolate lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from sucuk and to determine their antibiotic resistance and biogenic amine production abilities. A total of 65 presumptive LAB were isolated and they were molecularly identified as Pediococcus acidilactici (47.7%), Enterococcus faecium (36.9%), Lactobacillus sakei ssp. carnosus (4.6%), Lactobacillus sakei ssp. sakei (4.6%), Pediococcus pentosaceus (3.1%), Enterococcus faecalis (1.5%) and Weissella viridescens (1.5%) by sequencing 16S rDNA. The LAB were found resistant to clinically relevant antibiotics to cure infections. Sixty‐eight percent of the Enterococcus strains and the other entire LAB displayed resistance from 2 to 8 of the antibiotics tested. All LAB did not decarboxylate histidine, lysine or ornithine. The decarboxylase genes (hdc, ldc and odc) were not detected in LAB. However, 68.0% of the Enterococcus strains decarboxylated tyrosine. The tyrosine decarboxylase gene (tdc) was also detected in these tyraminogenic strains.

Practical Applications

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are one of the most important groups of bacteria that are known to be technologically important in the production of dry‐fermented sausages such as sucuk. The present study describes isolation, identification of LAB from sucuk and determines their antibiotic resistance and biogenic amine production abilities. LAB isolated from sucuk samples were found resistant to clinically important antibiotics and most of them have multiple antibiotic resistance patterns. The findings of our study suggest that LAB in sucuk may play a role to spread the antibiotic resistance between other bacteria including pathogens. In addition, most of the Enterococcus strains isolated from sucuk produce tyramine. For these reasons, LAB isolated from sucuk may have a potential risk to consumer health indirectly.
Morphological and mechanical imaging of Bacillus cereus spore formation at the nanoscale
Authors: WANG CONGZHOU , STANCIU CRISTINA , EHRHARDT CHRISTOPHER J. , YADAVALLI VAMSI K.
Published: January 2015

Bacteria from the genus Bacillus are able to transform into metabolically dormant states called (endo) spores in response to nutrient deprivation and other harsh conditions. These morphologically distinct spores are fascinating constructs, amongst the most durable cells in nature, and have attracted attention owing to their relevance in food‐related illnesses and bioterrorism. Observing the course of bacterial spore formation (sporulation) spatially, temporally and mechanically, from the vegetative cell to a mature spore, is critical for a better understanding of this process. Here, we present a fast and versatile strategy for monitoring both the morphological and mechanical changes of Bacillus cereus bacteria at the nanoscale using atomic force microscopy. Through a strategy of imaging and nanomechanical mapping, we show the morphogenesis of the endospore and released mature endospore. Finally, we investigate individual spores to characterize their surface mechanically. The progression in elasticity coupled with a similarity of characteristic distributions between the incipient endospores and the formed spores show these distinct stages. Taken together, our data demonstrates the power of atomic force microscopy applied in microbiology for probing this important biological process at the single cell scale.
Public health nurses’ perception of their roles in relation to psychotropic drug use by adolescents: a phenomenographic study
Authors: Steffenak Anne Kjersti Myhrene , Nordström Gun , Hartz Ingeborg , Wilde‐Larsson Bodil
Published: January 2015

Aims and objectives

The purpose of the paper was to describe the perceptions of public health nurses’ roles in relation to psychotropic drug use by adolescents.

Background

Mental health problems among adolescents are documented with studies indicating an increased use of psychotropic drugs. In Norway, care for such adolescents may fall naturally into the remit of public health nurses.

Design

A phenomenographic approach was used to analyse the data.

Method

A qualitative interview study was made of 20 Norwegian public health nurses, strategically chosen using phenomenographic methodology.

Results

The public health nurses described three categories: discovering public health nurses who become aware of psychotropic drug use in the health dialogue with adolescents and choose to either act or not act in relation to psychotropic drug use. Those public health nurses who take action are cooperating public health nurses, who cooperate with adolescents, their families, schools and others. If cooperation has been established, supporting public health nurses teach and support the adolescent in relation to psychotropic drug use.

Conclusion

The public health nurses who do not act can hinder or delay further treatment. Public health nurses need to acquire knowledge about psychotropic drugs, to fulfil their role in nursing mental health problems among adolescents and the increasing use of psychotropic drugs.

Relevance to clinical practice

The results demonstrated that public health nurses, working in health centres and schools, have the responsibility and the opportunity to identify young people struggling with mental health problems and psychotropic drug use as well as teach and support significant others, e.g. parents and siblings. Intervention studies are needed with regard to health promotion programmes aimed at fortifying young people's mental health.
Dostoevsky and Freud: Autonomy and Addiction in Gambling
Authors: Kingma Sytze F.
Published: January 2015

In this paper the modern ideal of “autonomous” or “pure” gambling is put forward in an analysis of Dostoevsky's gambling behavior, his novel The Gambler (1866) and Freud's psychoanalysis of Dostoevsky. The significance of The Gambler lies in the way conceptions of gambling are related to the social conditions of gamblers. Furthermore, the author demonstrates that Dostoevsky and Freud express contradictory views on gambling addiction. While Dostoevsky primarily appreciated roulette as a means of making money, Freud mistakenly interpreted this as a “pathological passion”. In different ways, however, both approaches toward excessive gambling presuppose and reinforce “gambling‐for‐its‐own‐sake” – Le jeu pour le jeu.
Low Testosterone Has a Similar Prevalence among Men with Sexual Dysfunction Due to Either Peyronie's Disease or Erectile Dysfunction and Does Not Correlate with Peyronie's Disease Severity
Authors: Kirby E. Will , Verges Daniel , Matthews Jonathan , Carson Culley C. , Coward Robert M.
Published: January 2015

Introduction

Low testosterone (T) has been suggested as a risk factor for Peyronie's disease (PD) that may correlate with disease severity. Low T is common in men with sexual dysfunction but its role in the pathogenesis of PD remains unclear.

Aim

The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of low T (<300 ng/dL) in patients presenting with PD or erectile dysfunction (ED), as well as disease severity between men with PD and either low T or normal T (≥300 ng/dL).

Methods

Retrospective review of 300 men with either PD or ED was conducted. Men were excluded for combined PD and ED, psychogenic ED, or prior T use. For men with PD, plaque size, degree of curvature, and surgical correction rate were compared.

Main Outcome Measures

The main outcome measures were (i) mean T levels in men with PD or ED and (ii) plaque size, degree of curvature, and surgical correction rates among men with PD and either low T or normal T.

Results

Eighty-seven men with PD and 98 men with ED were identified. Men with PD had mean total T and free T of 328 ng/dL and 11.5 ng/dL, while men with ED had mean levels of 332 ng/dL and 12.1 ng/dL, respectively (P > 0.05). Of PD men, 52.9% had low T, compared with 45.9% of men with ED (P = 0.35). T levels did not correlate with plaque size or degree of curvature in the PD group (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Men with sexual dysfunction characterized by either PD or ED had similarly low T levels, and low T did not correlate with PD severity or surgical correction rate. The comparable prevalence of low T in men with PD or ED suggests the high rate of low T in PD men may be related to a common process among men with abnormal erectile physiology and not specifically causative in plaque formation.
The Impact of Disrupted Childhood Attachment on the Presentation of Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Rajkumar Ravi P.
Published: January 2015

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common form of male sexual dysfunction. Psychological factors play an important role in the onset and persistence of ED. Disturbed childhood attachment is a biologically and psychologically plausible predisposing factor for psychogenic ED that has not been systematically studied to date.

Aim

This study aims to assess the frequency and correlates of events associated with parental separation (actual or threatened) and loss in men with a diagnosis of psychogenic ED.

Methods

The case records of 46 men who presented to a clinic for psychosexual disorders in the period 2012–2013, and were diagnosed with psychogenic ED using a semi-structured interview schedule, were reviewed.

Results

Events causing actual or potential disturbed attachment (DA) in childhood were reported by 20 of 46 men with psychogenic ED (43.5%). This group of men (DA+) had an earlier age at onset of ED (median 25 vs. 29 years, P = 0.005), were more likely to be single (15/20 vs. 5/26 (χ2 = 14.307, P < 0.001), reported sexual performance anxiety more frequently (12/20 vs. 7/26, χ2 = 5.101, P = 0.024), and were more likely to develop ED in the absence of a proximate stressor (4/20 vs. 15/26, P = 0.015). They also showed a trend toward being more likely to report guilt over early sexual experiences as a contributory factor (5/20 vs. 1/26, P = 0.072). In a binary logistic regression analysis, the presence of performance anxiety (B = 2.01, P = 0.023) and marital status (B = −2.85, P = 0.001) were significantly associated with events causing DA.

Conclusions

Disrupted childhood attachment was common in our sample of men with ED and is associated with significant differences in their clinical profile, particularly an earlier onset, a lower likelihood of being married, and higher rates of performance anxiety. This study highlights the need to consider early childhood experiences, particularly using an attachment theory framework, when examining the origins of psychogenic erectile dysfunction.
Morph‐specific differences in disease prevalence and pathogen‐induced mortality in a terrestrial polymorphic salamander
Authors: Venesky M. D. , Hess A. , DeMarchi J. A. , Weil A. , Murone J. , Hickerson C.‐A. M. , Anthony C. D.
Published: January 2015

Polymorphic species provide an excellent system to study population divergence because different phenotypes often face diverse selection pressures within their shared environment. Previous studies have demonstrated that different color morphs of Plethodon cinereus (striped and unstriped), which vary in their degree of melanin‐based coloration, vary temporally in their seasonal activity and differ in metrics associated with stress physiology. Despite the known association between melanin‐based coloration and disease resistance among vertebrates, few studies have examined this relationship in amphibians. In a laboratory experiment, we exposed juvenile and adult P. cinereus to the pathogenic chytrid fungus [Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd)] and tested the hypothesis that the different color morphs would differ in their response to Bd. If the degree of melanization is positively associated with immune traits in this species, we predicted that unstriped salamanders would be more resistant to Bd and would exhibit higher survival rates compared to striped salamanders. Our results suggest that unstriped salamanders have a higher prevalence of infection when they do not behaviorally avoid Bd. Unstriped salamanders also exhibited higher rates of Bd‐induced mortality compared to striped salamanders. These results conflict with our initial predictions and with general findings suggesting that individuals with higher levels of melanin production are more resistant to disease. Behavioral traits of the unstriped morph, including responses to predators and interactions with territorial opponents, may contribute to increased levels of stress and reduced resistance to infection. Future studies that directly manipulate glucocorticoid levels and/or temperature are needed to better understand the differences in Bd resistance in this species.
Marvell Studies Ten Years After the Longman Annotated English Poets Edition of Andrew Marvell's Poems
Authors: Smith Nigel
Published: January 2015

This article is an account of how the Longman Annotated English Poets edition of Andrew Marvell's poems that came about after I was asked to provide editorial samples in 1988, prior to being approved as editor in 1990. The edition appeared in hardback in the spring of 2003 and then in a revised paperback in 2007. I explain the principles behind the edition, the help I was generously given by other scholars, and how its construction evolved in the context of 17th century studies in the 1990s and early 2000s, before moving on to its reception. I point to the significance of Marvell archival discoveries since my edition appeared, and future major Marvell projects, including editions of his poetry, prose and letters, and the context of scholarly collaboration in which those projects have developed and will be completed. I try above all to give a sense of what opportunities an extensively annotated edition of a major poet gives to the reader, to teaching and to further scholarship, in addition to significantly enhancing the status of Marvell himself and his verse.
Writing the Revival: The Intersections of Methodism and Literature in the Long 18th Century
Authors: McInelly Brett C.
Published: January 2015

The Methodist revival attracted as much negative press as it did converts during the 18th century – in religious polemic, satiric verse, prose fiction, and dramatic script; the Methodists themselves likewise produced a rich body of spiritual autobiography and sacred verse, mostly in the form of the Methodist hymnal. This essay offers a survey of the scholarship that addresses the textual culture surrounding the revival, including critical assessments of the literature produced by the Methodists, its impact on the movement and Methodist religiosity, as well as discussions of the anti‐Methodist literature and how it registered within Methodism and the larger society. The essay also considers studies that connect Methodism and its literature to literary and cultural developments during the period, including developments in drama, the novel, and the Culture of Sensibility.
TM6SF2 E167K variant is associated with severe steatosis in chronic hepatitis C, regardless of PNPLA3 polymorphism
Authors: Coppola Nicola , Rosa Zampino , Cirillo Grazia , Stanzione Maria , Macera Margherita , Boemio Adriana , Grandone Anna , Pisaturo Mariantonietta , Marrone Aldo , Adinolfi Luigi E. , Sagnelli Evangelista , Miraglia del Giudice Emanuele
Published: January 2015

Background & Aims

A common non‐synonymous polymorphism, E167K, in transmembrane six superfamily member 2 (TM6SF2) gene has been recently associated with an increased hepatic triglyceride content, dyslipidemia and liver fibrosis in NAFLD patients. We investigated possible associations between the TM6SF2 variants and liver lesions in chronic hepatitis C.

Patients and Methods

148 consecutive patients with biopsy proven anti‐HCV/HCV‐RNA‐positive chronic hepatitis, naive for antiviral therapy, were genotyped for TM6SF2 E167K and PNPLA3 I148M variants.

Results

The score of liver steatosis was higher in the 18 patients with TM6SF2 E167K variant (mean 1.9 ± 1.3) than in the 130 homozygotes for TM6SF2 167E allele (1.1 ± 1.1, P = 0.02), and the prevalence of a steatosis score ≥ 3 was 33.3% vs. 12.3% respectively (P = 0.02). No difference in necroinflammatory or fibrosis scores was found between the two groups. A general linear model identified as independent predictors of steatosis TM6SF2 E167K and PNPLA3 M148M variants and waist circumference (P = 0.0376, P = 0.0069 and P = 0.0273 respectively).

Conclusions

This is the first demonstration that TM6SF2 E167K variant is an independent predictor of liver steatosis in chronic hepatitis C.
Genetic evidence for ecological divergence in kokanee salmon
Authors: Lemay Matthew A. , Russello Michael A.
Published: January 2015

The evolution of locally adapted phenotypes among populations that experience divergent selective pressures is a central mechanism for generating and maintaining biodiversity. Recently, the advent of high‐throughput DNA sequencing technology has provided tools for investigating the genetic basis of this process in natural populations of nonmodel organisms. Kokanee, the freshwater form of sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka), occurs as two reproductive ecotypes, which differ in spawning habitat (tributaries vs. shorelines); however, outside of the spawning season the two ecotypes co‐occur in many lakes and lack diagnostic morphological characteristics. We used restriction site‐associated DNA (RAD) sequencing to identify 6145 SNPs and genotype kokanee from multiple spawning sites in Okanagan Lake (British Columbia, Canada). Outlier tests revealed 18 loci putatively under divergent selection between ecotypes, all of which exhibited temporally stable allele frequencies within ecotypes. Six outliers were annotated to sequences in the NCBI database, two of which matched genes associated with early development. There was no evidence for neutral genetic differentiation; however, outlier loci demonstrated significant structure with respect to ecotype and had high assignment accuracy in mixed composition simulations. The absence of neutral structure combined with a small number of highly divergent outlier loci is consistent with theoretical predictions for the early stages of ecological divergence. These outlier loci were then applied to a realistic fisheries scenario in which additional RAD sequencing was used to genotype kokanee collected by trawl in Okanagan Lake, providing preliminary evidence that this approach may be an effective tool for conservation and management.
CB1 cannabinoid receptors mediate endochondral skeletal growth attenuation by Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol
Authors: Wasserman Elad , Tam Joseph , Mechoulam Raphael , Zimmer Andreas , Maor Gila , Bab Itai
Published: January 2015

The endocannabinoid (EC) system regulates bone mass. Because cannabis use during pregnancy results in stature shorter than normal, we examined the role of the EC system in skeletal elongation. We show that CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors are expressed specifically in hypertrophic chondrocytes of the epiphyseal growth cartilage (EGC), which drives vertebrate growth. These cells also express diacylglycerol lipases, critical biosynthetic enzymes of the main EC, and 2‐arachidonoylglycerol (2‐AG), which is present at significant levels in the EGC. Femora of CB1‐ and/or CB2‐deficient mice at the end of the rapid growth phase are longer compared to wild‐type (WT) animals. We find that Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) slows skeletal elongation of female WT and CB2‐, but not CB1‐, deficient mice, which is reflected in femoral and lumbar vertebral body length. This in turn results in lower body weight, but unaltered fat content. THC inhibits EGC chondrocyte hypertrophy in ex vivo cultures and reduces the hypertrophic cell zone thickness of CB1‐, but not CB2‐, deficient mice. These results demonstrate a local growth‐restraining EC system in the EGC. The relevance of the present findings to humans remains to be studied.
Regulation of Streptococcus mutans PTSBio by the transcriptional repressor NigR
Authors: Vujanac M. , Iyer V.S. , Sengupta M. , Ajdic D.
Published: January 2015

Streptococcus mutans is implicated in human dental caries, and the carbohydrate metabolism of this organism plays an important role in the formation of this disease. Carbohydrate transport and metabolism are essential for the survival of S. mutans in the oral cavity. It is known that a unique phosphoenolpyruvate‐sugar phosphotransferase system PTSBio of S. mutans UA159 is expressed in sucrose‐grown biofilms (Mol Oral Microbiol 28: 2013; 114). In this study we analyzed the transcriptional regulation of the operon (OBio) encoding the PTSBio and showed that it was repressed by NigR, a LacI‐like transcriptional regulator. Using electro‐mobility shift assay, we described two operators to which NigR bound with different affinities. We also identified the transcriptional start site and showed that one of the operators overlaps with the promoter and presumably represses initiation of transcription. Mutational analyses revealed the key nucleotides in the operators required for high‐affinity binding of NigR. PTSBio is expressed in S. mutans biofilms so understanding its regulation may provide improved strategies for caries treatment and prevention.
Introduction of chemically labile substructures into Arabidopsis lignin through the use of LigD, the Cα‐dehydrogenase from Sphingobium sp. strain SYK‐6
Authors: Tsuji Yukiko , Vanholme Ruben , Tobimatsu Yuki , Ishikawa Yasuyuki , Foster Clifton E. , Kamimura Naofumi , Hishiyama Shojiro , Hashimoto Saki , Shino Amiu , Hara Hirofumi , Sato‐Izawa Kanna , Oyarce Paula , Goeminne Geert , Morreel Kris , Kikuchi Jun , Takano Toshiyuki , Fukuda Masao , Katayama Yoshihiro , Boerjan Wout , Ralph John , Masai Eiji , Kajita Shinya
Published: January 2015

Bacteria‐derived enzymes that can modify specific lignin substructures are potential targets to engineer plants for better biomass processability. The Gram‐negative bacterium Sphingobium sp. SYK‐6 possesses a Cα‐dehydrogenase (LigD) enzyme that has been shown to oxidize the α‐hydroxy functionalities in β–O–4‐linked dimers into α‐keto analogues that are more chemically labile. Here, we show that recombinant LigD can oxidize an even wider range of β–O–4‐linked dimers and oligomers, including the genuine dilignols, guaiacylglycerol‐β‐coniferyl alcohol ether and syringylglycerol‐β‐sinapyl alcohol ether. We explored the possibility of using LigD for biosynthetically engineering lignin by expressing the codon‐optimized ligD gene in Arabidopsis thaliana. The ligD cDNA, with or without a signal peptide for apoplast targeting, has been successfully expressed, and LigD activity could be detected in the extracts of the transgenic plants. UPLC‐MS/MS‐based metabolite profiling indicated that levels of oxidized guaiacyl (G) β–O–4‐coupled dilignols and analogues were significantly elevated in the LigD transgenic plants regardless of the signal peptide attachment to LigD. In parallel, 2D NMR analysis revealed a 2.1‐ to 2.8‐fold increased level of G‐type α‐keto‐β–O–4 linkages in cellulolytic enzyme lignins isolated from the stem cell walls of the LigD transgenic plants, indicating that the transformation was capable of altering lignin structure in the desired manner.
The social regulation of affect and self‐esteem among opiate‐dependent adults
Authors: LAKEY BRIAN , RHODES GARY
Published: January 2015

This study extends basic theory and research on the social regulation of affect and thought to opiate‐dependent adults. Inner‐city, opiate‐dependent adults rated the supportiveness of, and conflict with, each of four support providers, and rated affect and self‐esteem experienced with each. This permitted the isolation of trait‐like aspects of these constructs (i.e., stable across providers) from their socially influenced aspects (i.e., varied across providers). Affect and self‐esteem were strongly socially influenced and such influences were as strong as trait‐like individual differences. Providers who elicited unpleasant affect and low self‐esteem in recipients were viewed as unsupportive and as eliciting conflict. Findings were virtually identical to research on students, suggesting broadly generalizable social processes in the regulation of affect and thought.
Divorce and personality development across middle adulthood
Authors: ALLEMAND MATHIAS , HILL PATRICK L. , LEHMANN REGULA
Published: January 2015

This study tested whether divorce helps explain individual differences in personality development in the years that follow a divorce. The sample consisted of 526 middle‐aged adults aged 42–46 years at the beginning. Personality traits were measured using the NEO‐Five‐Factor Inventory at three measurement occasions over 12 years. First, personality development was characterized by individual differences in change. Second, those individuals who experienced a divorce showed a decrease in extraversion and positive affect over time although nondivorced individuals did not change on these traits. Third, divorce was associated with a decrease in dependability. Fourth, divorce was associated with a decrease in orderliness for individuals who were remarried. The results of this study indicated that divorce had little influence on personality development.
First you have to row a little boat
Authors: Honda Jennifer R. , Wallace Richard J. , Chan Edward D.
Published: January 2015

See article, page 348
Distributional Consequences of Commodity Price Shocks:Australia Over A Century
Authors: Bhattacharyya Sambit , Williamson Jeffrey G.
Published: January 2015

This paper studies the distributional impact of commodity price shocks over the short and the very long run. Using aGARCHmodel, we find that Australia experienced more volatility than many commodity exporting developing countries over the periods 1865–1940 and 1960–2008. We conduct cointegration tests to assess the commodity price shock inequality nexus. A single equation error correction model suggests that commodity price shocks increase the income share of the top 1, 0.05, and 0.01 percent in the short run. The very top end of the income distribution benefits from commodity booms disproportionately more than the rest of the society. The short run effect is mainly driven by wool and mining and not agricultural commodities. A sustained increase in the price of renewables (wool) reduces inequality whereas the same for non‐renewable resources (minerals) increases inequality. We expect that the initial distribution of land and mineral resources explains the asymmetric result.