bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical profile and juvenile arthritis damage index in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: A study from a tertiary care center in south India
Authors: Menon Nisha Vengassery Balakrishnan , Peethambaran Geetha , Puthiyapurayil Ashraf Thottoli , Nambudakath Cherian , Arakkal Riazudeen 
Published: June 2016

AbstractAimThis study was designed to determine the clinical profile of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and its morbidity using the juvenile arthritis damage index (JADI) score at a tertiary care center in northern Kerala and to compare with data from India and abroad.MethodsA hospital‐based cross‐sectional study was carried out over a period of one and half years from January 2011 to July 2012. Clinical and laboratory profiles and morbidity were assessed.ResultsThere were 62 children (mean age 8.9 ± 3.8 years) with JIA during this period with a median duration of disease of 24 months (2–151 months). The most common subgroup was polyarticular JIA (n = 26; 41.9%) followed by systemic JIA (sJIA) (n = 20; 32.3%), oligoarticular JIA (n = 15; 24.2%) and enthesitis‐related arthritis (n = 1; 1.6%). The most common joints involved at presentation were the knee (38.7%) followed by the ankle (25.8%). Weights and heights were less than the fifth centile in 25.8% and 11.3%, respectively, being most affected in sJIA. The frequencies of articular and extra‐articular morbidities were highest in sJIA and showed negative correlation with age at onset and positive correlation with the duration of illness. Macrophage activation syndrome was diagnosed in 50% of sJIA with a mortality of 33.3%. We experienced lower frequency of articular (30.6% vs. 60.7%) and extra‐articular damage (24.2% vs. 39.3%), growth failure (19.3% vs. 68.5%) and pubertal delay (4.8% vs. 20.2%) compared to another study from north India.ConclusionsOur study shows lower frequency of morbidity in JIA; probably related to a better healthcare system facilitating early diagnosis and treatment in this part of the country.
The stiff shoulder in diabetic patients
Authors: Pons‐Villanueva Juan , Escalada San Martín Javier 
Published: June 2016

AbstractShoulder stiffness is associated with diabetes mellitus. It is characterized by pain and restriction of active and passive range of motion. Like other complications of diabetes (e.g., arterial stiffness, pancreatic or renal fibrosis), shoulder stiffness is due to a fibrotic process. The clinical course is generally benign, but it can last for months, with remaining disabilities in the long term. Several possibilities of treatment are being used. The practitioner should be aware of this complication, its natural history, and the current treatments available in order to adequately tailor the best treatment to the patient, sometimes combining more than one option.
Diagnosis of familial Mediterranean fever following the initial presentation of monoarthritis
Authors: Horovitz Yoseph , Tanous Osama , Khayat Morad , Shaker Munir , Shalev Stavit , Spiegel Ronen 
Published: June 2016

AbstractAimsTo determine if familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) genetic testing should be advised in children with initial presentation of monoarthritis and to identify clinical parameters associated with FMF‐induced arthritis that warrant genetic investigation.MethodsA prospective study of 71 otherwise healthy children admitted to our pediatric department between 2010–2013 with a first episode of idiopathic monoarthritis. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were documented and genetic assay of the five common mutations in our population of the MEFV gene that cause FMF syndrome were analyzed in the entire study population. Statistical analysis compared two groups according to FMF status (FMF arthritis and idiopathic arthritis).ResultsAmong the cohort seven (10%) children harbored two pathogenic mutations in the MEFV gene, thus confirming diagnosis of FMF. This FMF‐induced arthritis group had a statistically significant female predominance compared with the idiopathic arthritis group (six [86%] vs. 19 [30%], respectively) (P = 0.006, odds ration [OR] = 14.2). In addition, associated abdominal pain during the attack (two [28%] vs. two [3%], respectively) (P = 0.04, OR = 12.4) and a family history of FMF (two [29%] vs. five [8%], respectively) (P = 0.1, OR 4.7,) were more common in the FMF‐induced arthritis group.ConclusionsIn Mediterranean populations where FMF is relatively common we recommend for every child with a first episode of arthritis, without an identifying cause to strongly consider MEFV genetic testing of the common mutations in the relevant population.
Literature review shows that fathers are still not receiving the support they want and need from Swedish child health professionals
Authors: Wells Michael B. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractSweden has a reputation for gender equality, and its child health services seek to support both parents. However, this meta‐ethnographic analysis of 62 studies from 2000 to 2015 covering prenatal clinics, labour and birth wards, postnatal wards and child health centres found programmes had not been designed around paternal needs. Therefore, despite the policy change nearly 50 years ago to include both parents, fathers were still not fully accepted and supported.ConclusionTo provide fathers in Sweden with greater support throughout the child health field, organisational changes should be considered, as this could provide further beneficial outcomes for children, families and society.
Readability of Notes to the Financial Statements and the Adoption of IFRS
Authors: Cheung Esther , Lau James 
Published: June 2016

Summary at a glanceThis study examines the association between the readability of financial disclosures and IFRS adoption in Australia. Results show that the Notes (the Notes) to the Financial Statements are significantly lengthier, yet are more readable in the post‐IFRS period. Further, the disclosures in the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Financial Instruments and Intangible Assets drive the increased length of the Notes.
Diurnal Variation of the Peripheral Cholinergic Antiinflammatory Function in Mice
Authors: Fan Bo‐Shi , Zhang En‐Hui , Cheng Ming‐He , Wu Zhao‐Tang , Han Bing , Yu Jian‐Guang 
Published: June 2016

SummaryAimsCholinergic antiinflammatory (CAI) pathway functions importantly in inflammation via α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChR). The present work tested circadian rhythm in peripheral CAI activity and validities of CAI activity and glucocorticoids in chronotherapy for lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced shock.MethodsVesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) expressed in liver and kidney was examined every 3 h in C57BL/6 mice. Proinflammatory cytokines in serum and survival time in shock were monitored after LPS injection every 3 h. Mifepristone, antagonist of glucocorticoid receptors, and methyllycaconitine (MLA), antagonist of α7nAChR, were administrated before LPS to block antiinflammatory function of endogenous glucocorticoids and acetylcholine.ResultsBoth levels of tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 1β, and interleukin 6 and mortality exhibited diurnal variations with prominent peaks when LPS was given at 15:00, and the minimum mortality occurred at 00:00. Expression of VAChT increased during resting period. MLA increased serum proinflammatory cytokines slightly, but not affected survival rate. Both differences in cytokines and in survival times between LPS injection at 15:00 and 00:00 were eliminated by mifepristone, but not by MLA.ConclusionPeripheral CAI pathway exerts more powerful antiinflammatory effect during resting period. Glucocorticoids appear to be efficient in chronotherapy for septic shock.
The complex relationship between personal sense of connection to animals and self‐reported proenvironmental behaviors by zoo visitors
Authors: Grajal Alejandro , Luebke Jerry F. , Kelly Lisa‐Anne DeGregoria , Matiasek Jennifer , Clayton Susan , Karazsia Bryan T. , Saunders Carol D. , Goldman Susan R. , Mann Michael E. , Stanoss Ricardo 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThe global biodiversity crisis requires an engaged citizenry that provides collective support for public policies and recognizes the consequences of personal consumption decisions. Understanding the factors that affect personal engagement in proenvironmental behaviors is essential for the development of actionable conservation solutions. Zoos and aquariums may be some of the only places where many people can explore their relations with wild animals and proenvironmental behaviors. Using a moderated‐mediation analysis of a survey of U.S. zoo and aquarium visitors (n = 3588), we explored the relationship between the sense of connection to animals and self‐reported engagement in proenvironmental behaviors related to climate change and how this relationship is affected by certainty that climate change is happening, level of concern about climate change, and perceptions of effectiveness in personally addressing climate change. We found a significant, directional relationship between sense of connection to animals and self‐reported proenvironmental behaviors. Political inclination within the conservative to liberal spectrum did not affect the relationship. We conclude that a personal sense of connection to animals may provide a foundation for educational and communication strategies to enhance involvement in proenvironmental actions.
Shouting and providing: Forms of exchange in the drinking accounts of young Australians
Authors: Murphy Dean A. , Hart Aaron , Moore David 
Published: June 2016

AbstractIntroduction and AimsAustralian health promotion campaigns encourage people to manage their alcohol consumption by avoiding involvement in a form of round drinking known as ‘shouting’. We consider this individualist advice in light of our analysis of the social relations established by young people through collective drinking, in which we conceptualise friends, family and work colleagues as participants in complex networks of exchange.Design and MethodsData were gathered during in‐depth, semistructured interviews and ethnographic fieldwork conducted in a socioeconomically disadvantaged outer suburb of Melbourne, Australia. The interview sample comprised nine men and seven women of diverse ethnic backgrounds, with a median age of 21 years.ResultsWe identified two types of exchange—‘shouting’ and ‘providing’—enacted by round drinking and other collective drinking practices. ‘Shouting’ is a form of balanced reciprocity in which participants take turns buying drinks for all others in the group. It is an immediate, direct exchange of alcoholic gifts that are equivalent in value. ‘Providing’ is characterised by indirect reciprocity in which the social aspects of the transaction are emphasised over the value of the goods exchanged. In addition to risking social exclusion, rejecting this form of collective drinking may also risk rejecting the other resources exchanged in this form of sharing, such as food, transport and accommodation.Discussion and ConclusionsExchanges of alcoholic gifts complicate the straightforward application of individualist health promotion advice. Social relations need to be taken into account when designing health promotion interventions that seek to reduce alcohol‐related harm. [Murphy DA, Hart A, Moore D. Shouting and providing: Forms of exchange in the drinking accounts of young Australians. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017;36:442‐448]
Effects of aging on peripheral and central auditory processing in rats
Authors: Costa Margarida , Lepore Franco , Prévost François , Guillemot Jean‐Paul 
Published: June 2016

AbstractHearing loss is a hallmark sign in the elderly population. Decline in auditory perception provokes deficits in the ability to localize sound sources and reduces speech perception, particularly in noise. In addition to a loss of peripheral hearing sensitivity, changes in more complex central structures have also been demonstrated. Related to these, this study examines the auditory directional maps in the deep layers of the superior colliculus of the rat. Hence, anesthetized Sprague–Dawley adult (10 months) and aged (22 months) rats underwent distortion product of otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) to assess cochlear function. Then, auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) were assessed, followed by extracellular single‐unit recordings to determine age‐related effects on central auditory functions. DPOAE amplitude levels were decreased in aged rats although they were still present between 3.0 and 24.0 kHz. ABR level thresholds in aged rats were significantly elevated at an early (cochlear nucleus – wave II) stage in the auditory brainstem. In the superior colliculus, thresholds were increased and the tuning widths of the directional receptive fields were significantly wider. Moreover, no systematic directional spatial arrangement was present among the neurons of the aged rats, implying that the topographical organization of the auditory directional map was abolished. These results suggest that the deterioration of the auditory directional spatial map can, to some extent, be attributable to age‐related dysfunction at more central, perceptual stages of auditory processing.
Flight mode affects allometry of migration range in birds
Authors: Watanabe Yuuki Y. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBillions of birds migrate to exploit seasonally available resources. The ranges of migration vary greatly among species, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. I hypothesise that flight mode (flapping or soaring) and body mass affect migration range through their influence on flight energetics. Here, I compiled the tracks of migratory birds (196 species, weighing 12–10 350 g) recorded by electronic tags in the last few decades. In flapping birds, migration ranges decreased with body mass, as predicted from rapidly increasing flight cost with increasing body mass. The species with higher aspect ratio and lower wing loading had larger migration ranges. In soaring birds, migration ranges were mass‐independent and larger than those of flapping birds, reflecting their low flight costs irrespective of body mass. This study demonstrates that many animal‐tracking studies are now available to explore the general patterns and the underlying mechanisms of animal migration.
β‐Ionone as putative semiochemical suggested by ligand binding on an odorant‐binding protein of Hylamorpha elegans and electroantennographic recordings
Authors: Venthur Herbert , Zhou Jing‐Jiang , Mutis Ana , Ceballos Ricardo , Mella‐Herrera Rodrigo , Larama Giovanni , Avila Andrés , Iturriaga‐Vásquez Patricio , Faundez‐Parraguez Manuel , Alvear Marysol , Quiroz Andrés 
Published: June 2016

AbstractCurrently, odorant‐binding proteins (OBPs) are considered the first filter for olfactory information for insects and constitute an interesting target for pest control. Thus, an OBP (HeleOBP) from the scarab beetle Hylamorpha elegans (Burmeister) was identified, and ligand‐binding assays based on fluorescence and in silico approaches were performed, followed by a simulated binding assay. Fluorescence binding assays showed slight binding for most of the ligands tested, including host‐plant volatiles. A high binding affinity was obtained for β‐ionone, a scarab beetle‐related compound. However, the binding of its analogue α‐ionone was weaker, although it is still considered good. On the other hand, through a three‐dimensional model of HeleOBP constructed by homology, molecular docking was carried out with 29 related ligands to the beetle. Results expressed as free binding energy and fit quality (FQ) indicated strong interactions of sesquiterpenes and terpenoids (α‐ and β‐ionone) with HeleOBP as well as some aromatic compounds. Residues such as His102, Tyr105 and Tyr113 seemed to participate in the interactions previously mentioned. Both in silico scores supported the experimental affinity for the strongest ligands. Therefore, the activity of α‐ionone, β‐ionone and 2‐phenyl acetaldehyde at antennal level was studied using electroantenography (EAG). Results showed that the three ligands are electrophysiologically active. However, an aliquot of β‐ionone (represented by 3.0 ng) elicited stronger EAG responses in antennae of males than of females. Finally, the role of these ligands as potential semiochemicals for H. elegans is discussed.
Topically applied fatty acids are elongated before incorporation in the stratum corneum lipid matrix in compromised skin
Authors: Berkers Tineke , van Dijk Lauri , Absalah Samira , van Smeden Jeroen , Bouwstra Joke A. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractIn several skin diseases, both the lipid composition and organization in the stratum corneum (SC) are altered which contributes to the impaired skin barrier function in patients. One of the approaches for skin barrier repair is treatment with topical formulations to normalize SC lipid composition and organization. Vernix caseosa (VC), a white cheesy cream on the skin during gestational delivery, has shown to enhance skin barrier repair. In this study, we examined how a fatty acid (FA) containing formulation mimicking the lipid composition of VC interacts with the lipid matrix in the SC. The formulation was applied on ex vivo human skin after SC removal. Subsequently, the ex vivo human skin generated SC during culture. The effect of FA containing formulations on the lipid organization and composition in the regenerated SC was analysed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and liquid chromatography mass spectroscopy (LC/MS), respectively. FTIR results demonstrate that the FAs are intercalated in the lipid matrix of the regenerated SC and partition in the same lattice with the endogenous SC lipids, thereby enhancing the fraction of lipids forming an orthorhombic (very dense) packing in the SC. LC/MS data show that the topically applied FAs are elongated before intercalation in the lipid matrix and are thus involved in the lipid biosynthesis in the skin.
Interindividual variation of NETosis in healthy donors: introduction and application of a refined method for extracellular trap quantification
Authors: Hoffmann Jochen H. O. , Schaekel Knut , Gaiser Maria R. , Enk Alexander H. , Hadaschik Eva N. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractNeutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation is a mechanism of innate immune defence by which neutrophil (polymorphonuclear) granulocytes (PMN) produce net‐like structures of decondensed chromatin decorated with antimicrobial peptides for trapping and possibly killing microorganisms. If this process leads to cell death, it is termed NETosis. Alterations of this particular mechanism have been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases including psoriasis and lupus erythematosus. Still, quantification of NETosis poses a considerable challenge. We report and test a refined protocol for morphological NET quantification in healthy human donors that encompasses isolation, stimulation, DNA staining, live imaging and semi‐automated offline analysis. The results were highly reproducible and in good agreement with manual counting. The average intra‐donor coefficient of variation of NETosis rates to phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) stimulation was low compared to the respective interdonor coefficient of variation (10% vs 82%, n=4, respectively, if experiments were repeated on the same day, and 38% vs 74%, n=6, respectively, if experiments were repeated on average 42±34 days apart). Overall, the interdonor coefficient of variation was 67% (n=10). These findings altogether support the existence of a distinct predisposition of PMN from different donors for undergoing NETosis. Picogreen fluorescence correlated stronger to cell death than to morphological NETosis (r2=.89, P<.001, n=8, and r2=.68, P=.012, n=8, respectively). This indicates that cytotoxicity may confound Picogreen fluorescence. Our results and the related protocol may help investigators with the quantification of NETosis and the design of respective basic and translational research studies.
Evaluation of warm‐season grasses nutritive value as alternatives to cool‐season grasses under limited irrigation
Authors: Robins Joseph G. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThe production of cool‐season grasses is limited by their photosynthetic inefficiency during the hot summer months. Therefore, a study was conducted during 2006 and 2007 at a Logan, UT, USA field site to determine the potential of various warm‐season grasses as alternatives to cool‐season grasses during summer under limited irrigation. The study included 20 environments, which corresponded to combinations of the 2 years, two harvest dates (June and July) and five irrigation levels. There were differences among the 27 varieties (21 warm‐season and six cool‐season) for crude protein (CP), in vitro true digestibility (IVTD), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD), water soluble carbohydrates (WSC) and biomass (BM) across the 20 environments. However, the overall variety effects were ameliorated by the presence of genotype by environment interaction for CP, WSC, BM, and to a lesser extent IVTD. The cool‐season grasses generally possessed higher trait values in each environment, yet there were several warm‐season grasses, such as big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii Vitman) variety ‘Bison’ and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) variety ‘Trailblazer’ that possessed higher values for the nutritive value traits. Additionally, these warm‐season grass varieties possessed substantially higher BM than any cool‐season grass varieties. Thus, there are warm‐season grass varieties that combine high BM and higher nutritive value in the summer months under limited irrigation. These may prove to be viable forage alternatives to the cool‐season grasses during the summer slump period.
Effects of haemolysis, icterus and lipaemia on coagulation tests as performed on Stago STA‐Compact‐Max analyser
Authors: Woolley A. , Golmard J.‐L. , Kitchen S. 
Published: June 2016

SummaryIntroductionHaemolysis, icterus and lipaemia (HIL) may affect haemostasis test results. This may be influenced by the level of interfering substance and the reagents and end‐point detection system used.MethodsWe assessed the influence of HIL on prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time and fibrinogen assay using a viscosity‐based detection analyser.ResultsSpontaneous haemolysis that occurred during sample collection and processing had no effect on PT with either a rabbit tissue factor extract or recombinant human tissue factor reagents. In contrast, addition of mechanically haemolysed cells impacted on PT for the highest haemoglobin concentration.For APTTs determined with STA®‐Cephascreen® reagent, there was no significant difference between results in haemolysed and nonhaemolysed samples. For the other two reagents studied, APTTs were statistically significantly shorter in haemolysed samples compared with nonhaemolysed samples. This bias was clinically significant only for STA®‐PTT Automate. For all three APTT reagents, the impact of haemolysis was sufficient to impact patient management decisions, and in some samples, the effects of lipaemia and icterus were not clinically significant.ConclusionOverall, our results confirm that PT and fibrinogen were not clinically significantly affected by HIL. The APTTs of some haemolysed samples were falsely normal. Haemolysed samples for APTT determination should be rejected.