bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Migratory birds in southern Brazil are a source of multiple avian influenza virus subtypes
Authors: Araujo Jansen , Petry Maria Virgínia , Fabrizio Thomas , Walker David , Ometto Tatiana , Thomazelli Luciano M. , Scherer Angelo L. , Serafini Patricia P. , Neto Isaac S. , Krauss Scott , Webster Robert G. , Webby Richard J. , Durigon Edison L. 
Published: November 2017

BackgroundThere is insufficient knowledge about the relation of avian influenza virus (AIV) to migratory birds in South America. Accordingly, we studied samples obtained over a 4‐year period (2009‐2012) from wild birds at a major wintering site in southern Brazil.MethodsWe obtained 1212 oropharyngeal/cloacal samples from wild birds at Lagoa do Peixe National Park and screened them for influenza A virus by RT‐PCR amplification of the matrix gene. Virus isolates were subjected to genomic sequencing and antigenic characterization.ResultsForty‐eight samples of 1212 (3.96%) contained detectable influenza virus RNA. Partial viral sequences were obtained from 12 of these samples, showing the presence of H2N2 (1), H6Nx (1), H6N1 (8), H9N2 (1), and H12N5 (1) viruses. As H6 viruses predominated, we generated complete genomes from all 9 H6 viruses. Phylogenetic analyses showed that they were most similar to viruses of South American lineage. The H6N1 viruses caused no disease signs in infected ferrets and, despite genetic differences, were antigenically similar to North American isolates.ConclusionsLagoa do Peixe National Park is a source of multiple AIV subtypes, with the levels of influenza virus in birds being highest at the end of their wintering period in this region. H6N1 viruses were the predominant subtype identified. These viruses were more similar to viruses of South American lineage than to those of North American lineage.
Loss of tenascin X gene function impairs injury‐induced stromal angiogenesis in mouse corneas
Authors: Sumioka Takayoshi , Iwanishi Hiroki , Okada Yuka , Nidegawa Yuka , Miyajima Masayasu , Matsumoto Ken‐ichi , Saika Shizuya 
Published: November 2017

AbstractTo determine the contribution by tenascin X (Tnx) gene expression to corneal stromal angiogenesis, the effects were determined of its loss on this response in TNX knockout (KO) mice. In parallel, the effects of such a loss were evaluated on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) gene and protein expression in fibroblasts and macrophages in cell culture. Histological, immunohistochemical and quantitative RT‐PCR changes determined if Tnx gene ablation on angiogenic gene expression, inflammatory cell infiltration and neovascularization induced by central corneal stromal cauterization. The role was determined of Tnx function in controlling VEGF‐A or TGFβ1 gene expression by comparing their expression levels in ocular fibroblasts and macrophages obtained from wild‐type (WT) and body‐wide Tnx KO mice. Tnx was up‐regulated in cauterized cornea. In Tnx KO, macrophage invasion was attenuated, VEGF‐A and its cognate receptor mRNA expression along with neovascularization were lessened in Tnx KOs relative to the changes occurring in their WT counterpart. Loss of Tnx instead up‐regulated in vivo mRNA expression of anti‐angiogenic VEGF‐B but not VEGF‐A. On the other hand, TGFβ1 mRNA expression declined in Tnx KO cultured ocular fibroblasts. Loss of Tnx gene expression caused VEGF‐A expression to decline in macrophages. Tnx gene expression contributes to promoting TGFβ1 mRNA expression in ocular fibroblasts and VEGF‐A in macrophages, macrophage invasion, up‐regulation of VEGF‐A expression and neovascularization in an injured corneal stroma. On the other hand, it suppresses anti‐angiogenic VEGF‐B mRNA expression in vivo.
The experience of sexuality in adults with intellectual disability
Authors: Gil‐Llario M. D. , Morell‐Mengual V. , Ballester‐Arnal R. , Díaz‐Rodríguez I. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundPeople with intellectual disability have the same sexual needs as those without any disability, yet their sexuality is often restricted by reluctant attitudes and/or fears based on irrational beliefs. The aim of this study is to describe and analyse different areas of sexuality in adults with mild or moderate intellectual disability.MethodThe sample consisted of 180 men and 180 women attending occupational centres. All the participants were administered a questionnaire about sexuality adapted to their characteristics.ResultsResults show that 84.2% have had sexual relationships with another person, this percentage being higher in females and in people aged between 38 and 55 years old. Condoms are used by 41.4%. The most frequently used contraceptive methods are the pill (39.6%), transdermal patch (30.2%) and intrauterine device (6.7%). 9.4% of the women and 2.8% of the men has experienced sexual abuse.ConclusionIn conclusion, there is a need to draw up educational programmes, differentiated according to gender and adapted to their reality, which include contents related with sexual health, sexual abuse and condom use.
Ben Bernanke in Doha: The Effect of Monetary Policy on Optimal Tariffs
Authors: LECHTHALER WOLFGANG 
Published: November 2017

AbstractTrade liberalization can imply slow and long adjustment processes. Taking account of these adjustment processes can change the evaluation of trade policy, especially when policymakers care more about the next couple of years than the infinite future. In this paper, I analyze the setting of tariffs in a two‐country model taking account of adjustment processes with special emphasis on the effects of nominal price rigidity and monetary policy. I show that nominal price rigidity induces policymakers with a short planning horizon to set lower tariffs because it enhances the short‐run drop in consumption following an increase in tariffs. Monetary policy that aggressively fights deviations from its inflation target implies even lower optimal tariffs.
The anatomy of the infrarenal lumbar splanchnic nerves in human cadavers: implications for retroperitoneal nerve‐sparing surgery
Authors: Beveridge Tyler S. , Fournier Dale E. , Groh Adam M.R. , Johnson Marjorie , Power Nicholas E. , Allman Brian L. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractInjury to the nerves of the aortic‐ and superior hypogastric plexuses during retroperitoneal surgery often results in significant post‐operative complications, including retrograde ejaculation and/or loss of seminal emission in males. Although previous characterizations of these plexuses have done well to provide a basis for understanding the typical anatomy, additional research into the common variations of these plexuses could further optimize nerve‐sparing techniques for retroperitoneal surgery. To achieve this, the present study aimed to document the prevalence and positional variability of the infrarenal lumbar splanchnic nerves (LSNs) through gross dissection of 26 human cadavers. In almost all cases, two LSNs were observed joining each side of the aortic plexus, with 48% (left) and 33% (right) of specimens also exhibiting a third joining inferior to the left renal vein. As expected, the position of the LSNs varied greatly between specimens. That said, the vast majority (98%) of LSNs joining the aortic plexus were found to originate from the lumbar sympathetic trunk above the level of the inferior mesenteric artery. It was also found that, within specimens, adjacent LSNs often coursed in parallel. In addition to these nerves, 85% of specimens also demonstrated retroaortic LSN(s) that were angled more inferior compared with the other LSNs (P < 0.05), and exhibited a unique course between the aorta/common iliac arteries and the left common iliac vein before joining the superior hypogastric plexus below the aortic bifurcation. These findings may have significant implications for surgeons attempting nerve‐sparing procedures of the sympathetic nerves in the infrarenal retroperitoneum such as retroperitoneal lymphadenectomies. We anticipate that the collective findings of the current study will help improve such retroperitoneal nerve‐sparing surgical procedures, which may assist in preserving male ejaculatory function post‐operatively.
Serum homocysteine levels in acne patients
Authors: Jiang Hao , Li Changyi , Wei Bin , Wang Qiang , Zhong Jiang , Lu Jianqi 
Published: November 2017

SummaryObjectiveThis study was designed to investigate serum homocysteine (HCY) levels in acne patients.MethodsAcne patients (n = 124) and healthy volunteers (n = 70), matched in terms of both age and sex, were enrolled. Serum HCY levels for all subjects were measured by a clinical laboratory.ResultsSerum HCY levels in male and female patients with severe and moderate acne were significantly higher than in the healthy control group (P < .05). The constituent ratio of male and female acne patients with HCY above the normal range (10 mmol/L) was significantly higher than the healthy control group. The severity of acne patients was positively correlated with serum homocysteine concentration, (P < .01).ConclusionHyperhomocysteinemia may be an independent risk factor for acne vulgaris. Detection of serum HCY is important for acne patients.
Predictive markers and prenatal management of isolated fetal complete atrioventricular block: A retrospective review at a single institution
Authors: Murakami Keisuke , Yamamoto Yuka , Fukunaga Hideo , Matsushita Masakazu , Hirai Chihiro , Makino Shintaro , Shimizu Toshiaki , Itakura Atsuo , Takeda Satoru 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAimThe study was conducted to determine an effective method for identifying patients at high risk of developing isolated complete atrioventricular block (CAVB) and to review the efficacy of prenatal anti‐inflammatory treatment.MethodsFourteen CAVB cases and 76 anti‐Ro‐positive cases without CAVB were included in the study. Anti‐Ro/La titers by double immunodiffusion and the prevalence of anti‐52 kDa/60 kDa‐Ro/48 kDa‐La by Western blotting were compared between anti‐Ro‐positive women with and without CAVB. Outcomes of anti‐Ro‐positive CAVB cases were compared based on active prenatal anti‐inflammatory treatment (plasma exchange or transplacental betamethasone). We evaluated the outcomes of five pregnancies from three women who had an affected child and underwent prophylactic plasma exchange (PEX) during subsequent pregnancy.ResultsTen out of 14 patients with CAVB were positive for anti‐Ro. Anti‐Ro titers were significantly higher in patients with CAVB (CAVB median 64; without CAVB median 16; P < 0.01). All cases with CAVB showed high titers of anti‐Ro (≥ 32×), whereas only 42% of cases without CAVB showed high titers (≥ 32×) (P < 0.001). The survival rate at one year was 80% in anti‐Ro‐positive CAVB cases with active prenatal anti‐inflammatory treatment, but only 40% in cases that did not receive treatment. Recurrence was not observed in cases treated with prophylactic PEX.ConclusionsAn anti‐Ro level of 32× could be the threshold value for CAVB development. Prenatal anti‐inflammatory treatment in patients with CAVB and prophylactic PEX in patients who had an affected child may have the potential to improve pregnancy outcomes.
First prenatal diagnosis of a ‘pure’ 9q34.3 deletion (Kleefstra syndrome): A case report and literature review
Authors: Guterman Sarah , Hervé Bérénice , Rivière Julie , Fauvert Delphine , Clement Patrice , Vialard François 
Published: November 2017

AbstractKleefstra syndrome (KS) is characterized by developmental delay, intellectual disability, hypotonia and distinct facial features. Additional clinical features include congenital heart defects, cerebral abnormalities, urogenital defects and weight gain. The syndrome is caused by a microdeletion in chromosomal region 9q34.3 (in 85% of cases) or by a mutation in the EHMT1 gene coding for euchromatin histone methyltransferase 1. The prenatal phenotype has not yet been characterized. Herein, we sought to define this phenotype on the basis of a new case report and literature review.
What is the protective effect of metformin on rat ovary against ischemia‐reperfusion injury?
Authors: Dayangan Sayan Cemile , Karaca Gokhan , Sema Ozkan Zehra , Tulmac Ozlem B. , Ceylan Isik Aslı , Devrim Tuba , Aydin Gülcin , Yeral Ilkin 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of metformin on the rat ovary against ischemia‐reperfusion injury.MethodsThirty‐seven female Wistar albino rats were used in the study. The rats were divided into five groups, as follows: sham operation group (group 1); torsion group (group 2); torsion/detorsion + saline group (group 3); torsion/detorsion + low‐dose metformin group (group 4); and torsion/detorsion + high‐dose metformin group (group 5). The right ovary from each rat was evaluated histologically using hematoxylin–eosin staining, and the left ovaries were evaluated for tissue levels of the reduced‐glutathione‐to‐oxidized‐glutathione ratio, malondialdehyde (MDA), and caspase‐3 activation.ResultsThe highest damage score was observed in group 3, and the lowest score was observed in group 1. The tissue caspase‐3 activity levels of groups 2, 3, and 4 were significantly higher than those of group 1. The difference between group 1 and group 5 in terms of tissue caspase‐3 activity was not significant (P = 0.4). The reduced‐glutathione‐to‐oxidized‐glutathione ratio of group 1 was significantly higher than the ratios found in groups 2, 3, and 4. The tissue MDA level of group 1 was significantly lower than the levels found in groups 2, 3, 4, and 5. The tissue MDA level of group 5 was significantly lower than the levels in groups 3 and 4.ConclusionFrom both histopathological and biochemical analyses, the results of the study demonstrated that metformin has beneficial effects when it comes to attenuating ovarian ischemia‐reperfusion injury.
Enhanced ventricular‐arterial coupling during a 2‐year physical activity programme in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a prospective substudy of the physical activity in rheumatoid arthritis 2010 trial
Authors: Sarajlic P. , Fridén C. , Lund L. H. , Manouras A. , Venkateshvaran A. , Larsson S. C. , Nordgren B. , Opava C. H. , Lundberg I. E. , Bäck M. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo establish how guided physical activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) without known cardiovascular disease affected vascular and cardiac function, and how these two entities were prospectively interconnected in this patient group.MethodsProspective substudy of 29 participants in the Physical Activity in RA (PARA) 2010 trial. All subjects were examined at baseline, at year 1 and 2 with measures of pulse wave velocity and arterial augmentation index, as well as echocardiographic evaluation of diastolic parameters and ventricular‐arterial coupling. Muscle strength and aerobic exercise capacity were assessed at baseline and yearly. All participants performed physiotherapist‐guided aerobic and muscle strength exercise during 2 years and were reminded through SMS to report physical activity progress.ResultsThis cohort of patients with RA exhibited increased vascular stiffness despite normal blood pressure. At baseline, lower muscle strength was associated with increased vascular stiffness (β = 0.68; P = 0.004), whereas lower aerobic working capacity was associated with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (β = 0.85; P = 0.03). There was a significant positive correlation between vascular stiffness and diastolic dysfunction at baseline (R2 = 0.64) and for the changes in those parameters observed during 2 years of guided physical activity. Finally, a significant improvement in ventricular‐arterial coupling was observed after exercise (P < 0.001).ConclusionThese results indicate that although differentially associated with physical capacity parameters, improved vascular stiffness and improved diastolic dysfunction are interrelated, and that an optimization of the ventricular‐arterial coupling may contribute to the beneficial effects of physical activity in patients with RA.
Effect of Distal Implant Inclination on Dislodging Forces of Different Locator Attachments Used for Mandibular Overdentures: An In Vitro Study
Authors: ELsyad Moustafa Abdou , Emera Radwa Mohsen , Ashmawy Tarek Mohy 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the effect of distal implant inclination on axial and nonaxial retentive forces of different Locator attachments used to retain mandibular overdentures.Materials and methodsFour duplicate mandibular edentulous acrylic models received 2 implants in the canine areas with 0°, 5°, 10°, and 20° distal inclinations. Experimental overdentures were connected to the implants with Locator extra light retention (Le), Locator light retention (Ll), and Locator medium retention (Lm). For the 20° model, extended range Locator extra‐light retention (Lee) and Locator medium retention (Lem) were used. Axial and nonaxial (anterior, posterior, lateral) retentive forces were measured initially and after 540 cycles of denture insertion and removal. Three‐way mixed ANOVA was used to analyze axial and nonaxial retentive forcesResultsAfter wear simulation, 20° angulation showed the highest axial retention for Le and Ll while 5° showed the highest retention for Lm; 0° and 5° showed the highest anterior and posterior retention for Lm; 20° showed the highest lateral retention for Le and Ll. For all implant inclinations, Lm showed the highest axial and nonaxial retention, and Le and Lee showed the lowest retention for 10° and 20° inclined implants, respectively.ConclusionsAxial and nonaxial retention of Locator attachments for implant‐retained overdentures are significantly affected by the degree of distal implant inclination and the type of nylon inserts. Lm is recommended to retain overdentures when implants have 5° or 10° distal inclination, and Le and Ll are recommended with 20° inclination to maintain high axial and nonaxial retention after wear.
Evaluating the nutritional value of date pits and demonstrating their application in laying hen diets
Authors: Salajegheh M. H. , Yousef Elahi M. , Salarmoini M. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryThis experiment was carried out to study the feeding value of ground date pits (DP) (Phoenix dactylifera L.) with and without enzyme supplementation on laying hens’ performance. Apparent metabolizable energy value of DP was determined by the total collection method using 10 adult Leghorn cockerels. After that, a total number of 144 Lohmann 50‐week‐old LSL‐Lite hens were randomly allocated into six groups consisting of four replicates of six birds, based on a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of the treatments. Six iso‐caloric and iso‐nitrogenous experimental diets including I‐corn–soya bean meal‐based control, II‐corn–soya bean meal oil‐based control and III‐ corn–soya bean meal‐based diet (180 g/kg DP) were formulated. Each of the diets was supplemented with two levels of an enzyme (0.0 and 0.07 g/kg Natozim Plus). The experiment lasted 10 weeks after 7 days of adaptation. The results revealed that there was no significant difference in feed intake, feed conversion ratio, egg production, egg mass, eggshell weight, eggshell thickness and Haugh unit among the treatments. Dietary inclusion of DP significantly decreased body weight gain (BWG), egg weight and yolk colour score. On the other hand, corn–soya bean meal‐based control diet with vegetable oil significantly increased egg weight and BWG of birds in comparison with other treatments. The serum biochemical metabolites were not affected by DP and enzyme supplementation. Thus, DP can be used as alternative feedstuff in laying hen diets, up to 18% of the diet with little effect on the performance of hens, including egg weight, and also, it had an adverse effect on yolk colour. Eventually, in terms of performance, the results failed to demonstrate any positive effect of Natozim Plus on either the controls or 18% DP diets.
Sleep timing is associated with diet and physical activity levels in 9–11‐year‐old children from Dunedin, New Zealand: the PEDALS study
Authors: Harrex Harriet A. L. , Skeaff Sheila A. , Black Katherine E. , Davison Brittany K. , Haszard Jillian J. , Meredith‐Jones Kim , Quigg Robin , Saeedi Pouya , Stoner Lee , Wong Jyh E. , Skidmore Paula M. L. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryIt is well documented that short sleep duration is associated with excess body weight and poor food intake in children. It has been suggested that sleep timing behaviour may also be an important predictor of weight and other related behaviours, independent of sleep duration; however, there is a lack of research investigating these relationships. The present study investigated sleep timing in association with diet and physical activity levels in 439 children aged 9–11 years old from New Zealand. Sleep and physical activity data were collected using accelerometry, and food choice using a short food‐frequency questionnaire. Participants were classified into one of four sleep timing behaviour categories using the median split for sleep‐onset and ‐offset times. Differences between sleep timing groups for weekly consumption frequency of selected food groups, dietary pattern scores and minutes of moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity were examined. Children in the late sleep/late wake category had a lower ‘Fruit & Vegetables’ pattern score [mean difference (95% CI): −0.3 (−0.5, −0.1)], a lower consumption frequency of fruit and vegetables [mean weekly difference (95% CI): −2.9 (−4.9, −0.9)] and a higher consumption frequency of sweetened beverages [mean weekly difference (95% CI): 1.8 (0.2, 3.3)] compared with those in the early sleep/early wake category. Additionally, children in the late sleep/late wake category accumulated fewer minutes of moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity per day compared with those in the early sleep/early wake category [mean difference (95% CI): −9.4 (−15.3, −3.5)]. These findings indicate that sleep timing, even after controlling for sleep duration, was associated with both food consumption and physical activity.
Association between Five Expressed Sequence Tag–Simple Sequence Repeat Markers and Four Growth Traits in Pinctada fucata martensii
Authors: Zhan Xin , Chen Qiong , Shi Yaohua , Gu Zhifeng , Wang Aimin 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the correlation between marker polymorphism and growth traits in Pinctada fucata martensii. Five microsatellite markers (2PM206, 3PM10, 4PM34, 4PM50, and PM6) derived from expressed sequence tags were selected and were applied in a total of 339 pearl oysters. Observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity of the five microsatellite loci ranged from 0.360 to 0.681 and 0.429 to 0.672, respectively. Four loci (2PM206, 4PM34, 4PM50, and PM6) deviated from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (P > 0.05). Four growth traits, including shell height (SH), shell length (SL), shell width, and total weight (TW) were measured in all 339 samples. After Bonferroni correction, markers 2PM206, 4PM34, and 4PM50 were correlated with all four growth traits. Marker PM6 was significantly correlated with SH, SL, and TW, and marker 3PM10 was associated with SH and SL traits (P < 0.05). These results provide useful information for marker‐assisted breeding programs in P. fucata martensii.