bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Overexpression of CYP19A1 aromatase in Leydig cells is associated with steroidogenic dysfunction in subjects with Sertoli cell‐only syndrome
Authors: Lardone M. C. , Argandoña F. , Flórez M. , Parada‐Bustamante A. , Ebensperger M. , Palma C. , Piottante A. , Castro A. 
Published: October 2016

SummarySeveral observational studies have showed a combination of lower testosterone (T) to LH ratio and higher estradiol (E2) to T ratio in secretory infertile men compared to men with normal spermatogenesis, suggesting a steroidogenic dysfunction of Leydig cells (Lc) that may involve increased aromatase activity. Low T/LH ratio is associated with Lc hyperplasia, which together with LH hyperstimulation may represent compensation for impaired T production. Aromatase expression and oestrogen production are mainly detected in Lc of the testis, although Sertoli and germ cells also contribute to testicular aromatase activity. The aim of this study was to assess the transcriptional expression of CYP19A1 (aromatase) in isolated Lc of subjects with Sertoli cell‐only syndrome (SCOS) and signs of Lc impairment. Nineteen patients with SCOS and 10 controls with normal spermatogenesis who had medical indication of testicular biopsy for sperm retrieval were studied. Leydig cells were isolated by Laser Capture Microdissection (LCM) and CYP19A1 mRNA expression was quantified by SYBR® Green‐based qPCR. In addition, testicular T and E2 and serum hormonal levels were measured. Relative to control group, CYP19A1 was overexpressed more than twofold in 10/19 cases (2.3–12.2‐fold increase), showing a significant increment in cases with low T/LH ratio (T/LH < 2) compared to cases with T/LH ≥ 2 (p = 0.038, REST®). Moreover, Rq data for CYP19A1 had a direct correlation with testicular levels of E2 and the E2/T ratio (r = 0.869; p < 0.001 and r = 0.633; p = 0.005). In summary, Lc from infertile patients with signs of Lc dysfunction overexpressed aromatase and showed an increment of testicular E2. Our results suggest that increased expression of aromatase in Lc leads to higher E2 production and may account for the functional impairment of the Lc in patients with SCOS.
Fear appeals, engagement, and examination performance: The role of challenge and threat appraisals
Authors: Putwain David W. , Symes Wendy , Wilkinson Hannah M. 
Published: October 2016

BackgroundFear appeals are persuasive messages that draw attention to the negative consequences (e.g., academic failure) that follow a particular course of action (e.g., not engaging in lessons) and how negative consequences can be avoided with an alternate course of action. Previous studies have shown that when fear appeals are appraised as threatening, they are related to lower examination performance.AimIn this study, we examined how challenge, as well as threat, appraisals are indirectly related to performance on a mathematics examination through behavioural engagement.SampleA total of 579 students from two secondary schools.MethodData were collected over four waves at approximately 3‐month intervals. Behavioural engagement data were collected at T1 and T3, fear appeal frequency and appraisal at T3, and examination performance at T2 and T4.ResultsA challenge appraisal of fear appeals predicted better examination performance through higher behavioural engagement whereas a threat appraisal of fear appeals predicted worse examination performance through lower behavioural engagement.ConclusionThe relationship between fear appeals and examination performance depended on their appraisal.
Natural killer cell activity and dysfunction in Hermansky‐Pudlak syndrome
Authors: Gil‐Krzewska Aleksandra , Murakami Yousuke , Peruzzi Giovanna , O'Brien Kevin J. , Merideth Melissa A. , Cullinane Andrew R. , Gahl William A. , Coligan John E. , Gochuico Bernadette R. , Krzewski Konrad 
Published: October 2016

SummaryHermansky‐Pudlak syndrome (HPS) encompasses disorders with abnormal function of lysosomes and lysosome‐related organelles, and some patients who develop immunodeficiency. The basic mechanisms contributing to immune dysfunction in HPS are ill‐defined. We analysed natural killer (NK) cells from patients diagnosed with HPS‐1, HPS‐2, HPS‐4, and an unreported HPS subtype. NK cells from an HPS‐2 and an unreported HPS subtype share a similar cellular phenotype with defective granule release and cytotoxicity, but differ in cytokine exocytosis. Defining NK cell activity in several types of HPS provides insights into cellular defects of the disorder and understanding of mechanisms contributing to HPS pathogenesis.
Procoagulant profile in patients with immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Álvarez‐Román María T. , Fernández‐Bello Ihosvany , Jiménez‐Yuste Víctor , Martín‐Salces Mónica , Arias‐Salgado Elena G. , Rivas Pollmar María I. , Justo Sanz Raúl , Butta Nora V. 
Published: October 2016

SummaryDespite their low platelet count some immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) patients seldom bleed, indicating the presence of factors to compensate thrombocytopenia. Moreover, ITP patients may have an increased risk for thrombosis. These facts suggest the presence of procoagulant mechanisms that have not been clarified yet. The aim of this study was to identify these possible factors. Moreover, the utility of rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM®) to test haemostasis in these patients was also evaluated. Patients with ITP presented a procoagulant profile due to an increased amount of platelet‐ and red cell‐microparticles, an increased resistance to protein C and the formation of a clot more resistant to fibrinolysis due to augmented levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1, which might reflect an endothelial damage/activation in ITP patients. Despite increased maximum clot firmness and reduced lysis, ROTEM® profiles showed a prolonged clotting time that might rely on the presence of anti‐platelet antibodies as suggested by the increased lagtime in thrombin generation test caused by plasma from ITP patients on platelets from healthy controls. These results indicate the need to individualize therapeutic treatment for ITP patients, considering their procoagulant profile and the presence of concomitant risk factors. Moreover, ROTEM® appeared to be useful for evaluating haemostasis in ITP patients.
Lung cancer in patients with combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema revisited with the 2015 World Health Organization classification of lung tumors
Authors: Gao Li , Xie Sheng , Liu Hui , Liu Pingping , Xiong Yan , Da Jiping , Que Chengli , Dai Huaping , Wang Chen 
Published: October 2016

AbstractObjectiveCombined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) is a newly defined entity that comprises upper lobe emphysema and lower lobe fibrosis. Patients with CPFE are at high risk for lung cancer and have poor prognoses. To investigate the clinical and pathological characteristics of lung cancer with CPFE, lung cancers with CPFE and non‐CPFE interstitial lung disease (ILD) were reevaluated by 2015 WHO classification and compared.MethodsA total of 60 patients with histologically proven lung cancer were selected from the database of two institutional medical centers. The subjects included 35 patients with combined lung cancer and CPFE, and 25 patients with lung cancer and non‐CPFE ILD. The clinical and pathological characteristics were evaluated and compared between the two groups.ResultsCPFE group had more current smokers but relatively normal pulmonary function compared with non‐CPFE group. The majority of the cancers in CPFE were located in the lower lobes (24 of 35 cases), where the pulmonary fibrosis visualized as reticular opacities was predominant. Keranitizing subtype of squamous cell carcinoma was prevalent in lung cancers with CPFE. Poor prognoses were found both for CPFE and non‐CPFE group because of advanced stage.ConclusionsLung cancers with CPFE show some unique clinical characteristics, and the distinct histological subtype may have therapeutic implication.
Reliability and discriminant validity of ataxia rating scales in early onset ataxia
Authors: Brandsma Rick , Lawerman Tjitske F , Kuiper Marieke J , Lunsing Roelineke J , Burger Huibert , Sival Deborah A 
Published: October 2016

AimTo determine whether ataxia rating scales are reliable disease biomarkers for early onset ataxia (EOA).MethodIn 40 patients clinically identified with EOA (28 males, 12 females; mean age 15y 3mo [range 5–34y]), we determined interobserver and intraobserver agreement (interclass correlation coefficient [ICC]) and discriminant validity of ataxia rating scales (International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale [ICARS], Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia [SARA], and Brief Ataxia Rating Scale [BARS]). Three paediatric neurologists independently scored ICARS, SARA and BARS performances recorded on video, and also phenotyped the primary and secondary movement disorder features. When ataxia was the primary movement disorder feature, we assigned patients to the subgroup ‘EOA with core ataxia’ (n=26). When ataxia concurred with other prevailing movement disorders (such as dystonia, myoclonus, and chorea), we assigned patients to the subgroup ‘EOA with comorbid ataxia’ (n=12).ResultsICC values were similar in both EOA subgroups of ‘core’ and ‘comorbid’ ataxia (0.92–0.99; ICARS, SARA, and BARS). Independent of the phenotype, the severity of the prevailing movement disorder predicted the ataxia rating scale scores (β=0.83–0.88; p<0.05).InterpretationIn patients with EOA, the reliability of ataxia rating scales is high. However, the discriminative validity for ‘ataxia’ is low. For adequate interpretation of ataxia rating scale scores, application in uniform movement disorder phenotypes is essential.
Interpreting Deliberative Democracy: Speech Acts, Strategic Action and Coercion
Authors: Dawson Graham 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThis article uses speech act theory to challenge the claim that the deliberative state is a forum for communicative action, while markets are characterised by strategic action. Two arguments are advanced against this claim. First, the illocutionary act of initiating a deliberative procedure is strategic because the consensus which the speaker wants the deliberating group to reach is not part of the illocutionary point of the directive but one possible perlocutionary effect. Second, the illocutionary act of recommending following a deliberative consensus is strategic and meddlesome and therefore not a communicative action. Deliberation enables not communicative action but strategic action.
Social Order in a Fragile State: Rio's Favelas
Authors: Rodet Cortney S. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractA peculiar social order exists in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, where the drug factions that control them permit humanitarian activity which curbs drug use and faction affiliation. This article provides an institutional perspective on faction control of the favelas where a lack of government presence fosters faction legitimacy among residents. Allowing humanitarian organisations to operate in the favelas creates common knowledge among residents within a large coordination game where factions signal a desire to cooperate. Legitimisation among residents improves faction profits, while residents benefit from ‘law and order’, public services and public goods that are not provided by the state.
A trans‐national monarch butterfly population model and implications for regional conservation priorities
Authors: OBERHAUSER KAREN , WIEDERHOLT RUSCENA , DIFFENDORFER JAY E. , SEMMENS DARIUS , RIES LESLIE , THOGMARTIN WAYNE E. , LOPEZ‐HOFFMAN LAURA , SEMMENS BRICE 
Published: October 2016

1. The monarch has undergone considerable population declines over the past decade, and the governments of Mexico, Canada, and the United States have agreed to work together to conserve the species.2. Given limited resources, understanding where to focus conservation action is key for widespread species like monarchs. To support planning for continental‐scale monarch habitat restoration, we address the question of where restoration efforts are likely to have the largest impacts on monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus Linn.) population growth rates.3. We present a spatially explicit demographic model simulating the multi‐generational annual cycle of the eastern monarch population, and use the model to examine management scenarios, some of which focus on particular regions of North America.4. Improving the monarch habitat in the north central or southern parts of the monarch range yields a slightly greater increase in the population growth rate than restoration in other regions. However, combining restoration efforts across multiple regions yields population growth rates above 1 with smaller simulated improvements in habitat per region than single‐region strategies.5. Synthesis and applications: These findings suggest that conservation investment in projects across the full monarch range will be more effective than focusing on one or a few regions, and will require international cooperation across many land use categories.
The ecological conscious consumer behaviour: are the activists different?
Authors: Brochado Ana , Teiga Nídia , Oliveira‐Brochado Fernando 
Published: October 2016

AbstractIn recent decades, concern about the environment has been increasing. Many individuals are now more worried about their purchasing behaviour and the consequences their actions could have for the environment. Managers are becoming more committed to responding to individual needs and desires in a responsible way, taking into account possible environmental damage. Previous studies concentrated more on explaining this phenomenon through demographic variables, but the trend now is towards explaining this through psychographic and environmental variables, which have already been shown to be the most significant in this context. This study sought to establish the relationship between activists and ecologically conscious consumer behaviour (ECCB) by analyzing the profile of green consumers (i.e. demographic and psychographic variables). To reach this objective, an online survey was conducted. The results of data analyses support the conclusion that activism is the strongest predictor of ECCB.
Kernel‐based gluten contamination of gluten‐free oatmeal complicates gluten assessment as it causes binary‐like test outcomes
Authors: Fritz Ronald D. , Chen Yumin 
Published: October 2016

SummaryGluten‐free (GF) foods, whose claim compliance is controlled at the ‘serving level’, hold better chances of protecting gluten‐intolerant consumers. This is particularly true for GF oatmeal, as oats are easily contaminated with gluten‐rich kernels of wheat, rye and barley, which remain intact to the spoon as pill‐like flakes. A single contaminant kernel in otherwise pure oats results in GF labelling noncompliance, thereby posing a risk to patients with coeliac disease. Our in‐market survey of 965 GF oatmeal servings uncovered that one in fifty‐seven servings exceeded the GF labelling maximum of 20 mg kg−1 (i.e. 20 ppm). The noncompliance pattern was ‘binary‐like’, with kernel‐based contamination the suspected pass/fail driver. We have highlighted probabilities of misassessment for various sample sizes in light of oat's natural propensity for kernel‐based contamination and proposed use of attribute‐based sampling for compliance assessment, thereby providing a way to assess/manage/control ‘rates of servings containing a contaminant kernel’ within acceptable limits with high confidence.
Effect of the addition of chlorhexidine and miswak extract on the clinical performance and antibacterial properties of conventional glass ionomer: an in vivo study
Authors: Kabil Noha Samir , Badran Amira Saad , Wassel Mariem Osama 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackgroundAntibacterial restorations can increase the success rate of minimum invasive dentistry especially in young permanent molars with deep carious lesions as an attempt to preserve maximum dental structure and avoid pulp exposure. Further research is warranted to evaluate different antibacterial agents.ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of adding chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) or aqueous miswak (Salvadora persica) extract on the clinical performance and in vivo antibacterial activity of conventional anhydrous glass ionomer cement (GIC).DesignThe study was a randomized clinical trial. Sixty young permanent molars, with deep carious lesions in 6‐ to 9‐year‐old children were included. After randomization, atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) or stepwise excavation was performed followed by bacterial sampling from the center of the remaining carious dentine in the floor of the pulp. GIC powder was mixed with 0.5% chlorhexidine gluconate liquid in group I; with 100% aqueous miswak in group II; and with deionized water in group III (control). Clinical performance for all groups was assessed at 3, 6, and 9 months. After 9 months, restorations were removed and a second bacterial sample was collected for Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) quantification and analysis by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test.ResultsResults showed no statistically significant difference in the success rate of the three groups at the 3‐month interval. At 6 and 9 months, however, restoration success was 75% then 60% in group I, 100% then 90% in group II, and 95% then 85% in control group. Group II and the control group showed statistically significant higher survival rates than group I. All groups showed reduction in S. mutans counts in underlying dentine, but the percent reduction was significantly higher in group I. (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe addition of CHX and miswak to GIC showed superior antibacterial properties than conventional GIC, without seriously affecting the clinical performance of the restoration until the 6‐month follow‐up, but failure significantly increased in terms of marginal defects at 9 months with CHX (group 1).
Cross‐group friendships and outgroup attitudes among Turkish–Kurdish ethnic groups: does perceived interethnic conflict moderate the friendship‐attitude link?
Authors: Bagci Sabahat C. , Çelebi Elif 
Published: October 2016

AbstractWe investigated associations between cross‐group friendships, perceived interethnic conflict, and outgroup attitudes in the context of intractable Turkish–Kurdish conflict in Turkey. Measures of cross‐group friendship quantity, perceived conflict, outgroup attitudes, multiculturalism, and outgroup responsibility for conflict were completed by Turkish (N = 320) and Kurdish (N = 153) participants (Mage = 21, 156 males, 317 females). Both cross‐group friendships and perceived conflict were related to outcome variables. While cross‐group friendships were beneficial for both groups’ outgroup attitudes when perceived conflict was lower; when perceived conflict level was higher, positive associations between friendships and attitudes became non‐significant for the Turkish group and negative for the Kurdish group. Implications of the findings for the intergroup contact theory have been discussed.
Role Dynamics in a Structured Relationship: The EU–China Strategic Partnership
Authors: Michalski Anna , Pan Zhongqi 
Published: October 2016

AbstractIn this article, we investigate the function of strategic partnerships as a new type of state interaction in the international system. We are primarily interested in the dynamics of strategic partnerships and to that aim we analyze the competitive role‐playing that occurs in the EU–China Strategic Partnership. We contend that EU and China engage in competitive role‐playing in order to enhance their position and status as global actors and to seek recognition of their international roles. The interaction between the EU and China is analyzed throughout four periods in which their role conceptions have undergone change and adaptation. The article claims to make a theoretical contribution by developing the understanding of social interaction in the international system by conceptualizing strategic partnerships as arenas (structures) in which international roles play out, and an empirical contribution by tracing the complexities of the EU–China Strategic Partnership by utilizing role theory's conceptual apparatus.
Survival of enteric viruses during yoghurt making process using male‐specific coliphage
Authors: Moradi Moghadam Somayeh , Yavarmanesh Masoud , Habibi Najafi Mohammad Bagher 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe effects of yoghurt‐making process on the survival of male specific coliphage (MS2) in raw milk with different fat content, as well as the survival of MS2 during the storage of yoghurt were evaluated. All samples were analyzed for pH, acidity, and virus count. The results showed that the heat treatment of milk (85 °C, 30 min) decreased the recovery of coliphage MS2 from approximately 7 to 0.97 and 1.49 log10 (pfu/ml) in the milk samples with 2.5% and 3% fat, respectively. No MS2 could be detected in the heat‐treated milk sample with 1.5% fat. The recovery of MS2 during incubation was decreased as the acidity increased particularly in milk with 1.5% fat. Moreover, during the storage time (10 days), yoghurt samples with 1.5% and 3% fat had the lowest and the highest recovery for coliphage MS2, respectively.Practical applicationsEnteric viruses have been reported in dairy products such as pasteurized milk, cheese, and yoghurt. Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria, and exist in ecosystems in which bacteria have been located. A case in point is the vats that are used for the fermentation of yoghurt and other dairy products. This phenomenon renders bacteriophages suitable as surrogates for the evaluation of the survival of enteric viruses in foodstuffs, as is outlined in the present work and similar studies. Due to the health concerns caused by enteric viruses, as well as an increase in the consumption of dairy products, a considerable need for further investigation of their survival is recognized. In order to achieve this aim, researchers can take advantage of the procedure applied here, which has proven reliable and practical for the aforementioned purpose.
Ecological factors associated with behavioral problems in vulnerable children
Authors: Choo Jina , Kim Hye‐Jin , Turk Melanie T. , Kim Eun‐Kyung , Yang Kyung‐Sook 
Published: October 2016

AimBased onMcLeroy's ecological perspective, this study aimed to identify the factors that are associated with behavioral problems among children who were enrolled in community child centers that provide public welfare services for vulnerable children.MethodsA cross‐sectional survey was conducted among 175 children aged 6–12 years and their parents who were recruited from 16 community child centers in a municipal county ofSeoul,SouthKorea. The children's behavioral problems were reported by their parents and measured by theChildBehaviorChecklist/6–18. As predictor variables, 14 potential factors were selected at multiple ecological levels; parents’ health‐related quality of life was measured by theWorldHealthOrganizationQuality ofLife‐BREF. A multiple linear regression analysis was carried out.ResultsAt the intrapersonal level, children's chronic illness was significantly associated with internalizing problems. At the interpersonal level, lower parental health‐related quality of life was significantly associated with internalizing and externalizing problems. At the organizational level, more years since the community child centers were founded was significantly associated with social problems. At the community level, a lower population density in the district in which the community child center was located was significantly associated with internalizing problems.ConclusionAmong vulnerable children, behavioral problems were significantly associated with a comprehensive array of intrapersonal‐, interpersonal‐, organizational‐, and community‐level factors. These ecological factors that have been identified in the present study need to be considered when developing multilevel, community‐based nursing strategies for preventing and managing vulnerable children's behavioral problems.