bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of modern surgical treatment on the inflammatory/anti-inflammatory balance in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Binar M , Akcam T M , Karakoc O , Sagkan R I , Musabak U , Gerek M 
Published: May 2017

AbstractObjective:To investigate the inflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokine balance – T helper 1/T helper 2 ratios – in obstructive sleep apnoea patients, before and after treatment.Methods:Twenty-eight patients received continuous positive airway pressure treatment and 29 patients who could not tolerate continuous positive airway pressure were scheduled for surgery. Serum levels of interleukins 2, 4 and 10, tumour necrosis factor-alpha, and interferon gamma were analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays before and three months after treatment.Results:The success rate of surgical treatment was 65.5 per cent. Mean compliance for the continuous positive airway pressure group was 40.9 per cent. The apnoea/hypopnoea index significantly decreased in both groups after treatment (p< 0.001). The interferon gamma/interleukin-4 ratio decreased following surgical treatment (p= 0.014), and the interleukin-2/interleukin-4 ratio decreased after treatment in 57 patients in the overall cohort (p= 0.032).Conclusion:After treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea, some ratios reflecting T helper 1/T helper 2 cytokine balance favoured the T helper 2 direction, suggesting a shift to an anti-inflammatory state. Successful surgery and better continuous positive airway pressure compliance can help ameliorate inflammation in obstructive sleep apnoea patients, which may reduce associated morbidities.
The use ofEscherichia colitotal antigens as a complementary approach to address seropositivity toLeishmaniaantigens in canine leishmaniosis
Authors: LIMA CARLA , MESQUITA JOÃO RODRIGO , BRANCAL HUGO , VAHLENKAMP THOMAS , TEIXEIRA ANA RAFAELA , CARDOSO LUÍS , AMORIM CÉLIA , SANTARÉM NUNO , DA SILVA ANABELA CORDEIRO 
Published: May 2017

SUMMARYCanine leishmaniosis (CanL) is a major veterinary concern and a public health issue. Serological data are essential for disease management. Several antigens used in serological assays have specificity related problems preventing relevant seropositivity values establishment. Herein we report significant seropositivity level disparity in a study cohort with 384 dogs from eight countries, for antigens traditionally used in CanL – soluble promastigoteLeishmaniaantigens (SPLA) and K39 recombinant protein (rK39): 43·8 and 2·9% for SPLA and rK39, respectively. To better understand the reasons for this disparity, CanL-associated serological response was characterized using, for complement serological evaluation, a ubiquitous antigen – solubleEscherichia coliantigens (SECAs). Using cohorts of CanL dogs and dogs without clinical evidences of CanL from non-endemic regions of Portugal, the serological response of CanL animals followed specific trend of seropositivity rK39 > SPLA > SECA absent in non-diseased animals. Using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, these characteristic trends were converted in ratios, SPLA/SECA, rK39/SECA and rK39/SPLA, that presented high predictive for discriminating the CanL cohort that was potentiated when applied in a scoring system involving positivity to four out of five predictors (rK39, SPLA, SPLA/SECA, rK39/SECA and rK39/SPLA). In fact, this approach discriminated CanL with similar sensitivity/specificity as reference antigens, diminishing seropositivity in European cohort to 1·8%. Ultimately, non-related antigens like SECA and seropositivity ratios between antigens enable different perspectives into serological data focusing on the search of characteristic serological signatures and not simple absolute serology values contributing to comprehensive serological status characterization.
Does the Social Functioning Scale reflect real-life social functioning? An experience sampling study in patients with a non-affective psychotic disorder and healthy control individuals
Authors: Schneider M. , Reininghaus U. , van Nierop M. , Janssens M. , Myin-Germeys I. ,   GROUP Investigators
Published: May 2017

BackgroundThe ecological validity of retrospective measures of social functioning is currently unknown in patients with schizophrenia. In the present study, patients with a diagnosis of non-affective psychosis were compared with controls on two measures of social functioning: the Social Functioning Scale (SFS) and daily-life measures collected with the Experience Sampling Methodology (ESM). The associations between both measures were examined in each group of participants to test for the ecological validity of the SFS.MethodsA total of 126 participants with a non-affective psychotic disorder and 109 controls completed the SFS and a 6-day momentary ESM protocol assessing various aspects of social functioning. Multiple linear and multilevel regression analyses were performed to test for group differences in social functioning level and examine associations between the two assessment techniques.ResultsLower social functioning was observed in patients compared with controls on retrospective and momentary measures. The SFS interpersonal domain (social engagement/withdrawal and interpersonal behaviour dimensions) was associated with the percentage of time spent alone and negative appraisal of social interactions. The SFS activity domain (pro-social and recreational activities dimensions) was negatively associated with time spent in leisure activities.ConclusionsThe SFS showed some degree of ecological validity at assessing broad aspects of social functioning. Low scores on the SFS social engagement/withdrawal and interpersonal behaviour dimensions captured social isolation and social avoidance in daily life, but not lack of interest in socializing. Ecological validity of the SFS activity domain was low. ESM offers a rich alternative to classical assessment techniques of social functioning.
Coastal sand dunes as biological systems
Authors: Willis A. J. 
Published: May 2017

SynopsisWith the gradation of intensities of environmental factors from the strand-line to stable inland areas, coastal dunes show many ecological phenomena especially clearly. These are reviewed broadly, with some emphasis on topics on which important advances are being made. The nutrient status of dune soil and changes with time are shown with reference to several dune systems. Changes in major nutrients are given for Braunton Burrows, north Devon, where the influence of nitrogen fixation by Lotus corniculatus is illustrated. The effects of sand burial on plants are considered, and details given of the root systems of vigorous and relict marram; factors which may affect its decline in vigour are reviewed. Also discussed is the likely significance of nematodes in the decline of Hippophaë rhamnoides. Reasons for the richness of the dune flora are considered and also some autecological studies. At the physiological level, reference is made to the water relations of plants and at the biochemical level to the occurrence and possible ecological importance of stress metabolites. Life strategies, phenology, survivorship, competition and the population ecology of dune plants are reviewed and also the interaction of ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) and cinnabar moth (Tyria jacobaeae). The population genetics of dune plants is illustrated by reference to Festuca rubra and Ammophila arenaria and of animals to Cepaea nemoralis.The abundance and ecological relationships of the invertebrate fauna are exemplified by surveys at Spurn Point, extensive investigations on spiders and the influence of marram on arthropod communities. The ecology of the natterjack load is considered in relation to conservation and the effects of large animal grazers in relation to the diversity of vegetation.
Physics of sand movement in vegetated dune systems
Authors: Willetts B. B. 
Published: May 2017

SynopsisA strategy for predicting topographical change in dune fields is presented by way of a logic chart. The primary underlying physical requirements of the calculation are outlined. Most important are understanding of the dependency of sand transport on wind and of the wind structure on surface relief. Knowledge of the latter is still limited. Reference is also made to the role of vegetation in inhibiting transport and briefly of size re-sorting. Some evident research needs are extracted from this review.
Plant communities of the British sand dunes
Authors: Malloch A. J. C. 
Published: May 2017

SynopsisThe National Vegetation Classification has details of some 2000 samples of sand dune vegetation collected nationally. Analysis of these data has resulted in the recognition of about thirteen plant communities of the sand dune system. Details of these communities are presented, elaborating on their species composition, variability, ecological relationships and distribution. As might be expected, the major direction of variation is from strandline, through the vegetation of active dunes, to the fixed dune grasslands, heath and scrub. The precise pattern is affected by the calcium status of the dune and by its geographic location. The vegetation of dune slacks is also dependent on the calcium status of the sand, as well as the amount and persistence of standing water. Superimposed on this natural pattern of variation is the use of dune systems by the grazing of domestic animals as seen on the machair of the Hebrides in particular.
Difference of Disability Between Electrophysiologic Subgroups of Essential Tremor
Authors: Akbostanci M. Cenk , Ulkatan Sedat , Yigit Aytaç , Aydin Nursel , Mutluer Nermin 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT:Objective:The aim of the study was to test the validity of the controversial subdivision of essential tremor (ET) patients into electrophysiological subgroups.Methods:We evaluated a hundred patients with ET using surface electromyographic (EMG) recordings of antagonist forearm muscles and distinguished three groups: the first group showed synchronous activity of antagonistic muscles, the second showed alternating activity of antagonist muscles; and the third group consisted of patients whose EMG recordings were not compatible with the other two groups. We compared patients with synchronous and alternating activity in terms of sex, age at onset, duration of illness, family history of tremor, symmetry and frequency of tremor, and the scores of a disability scale.Results:The only significant difference between the patients with synchronous and alternating activity was that the patients with synchronous activity were more disabled.Conclusion:This result adds to the evidence for distinct electrophysiological subgroups of ET with distinct clinical properties.
Hemorrhagic Moyamoya Disease during Pregnancy
Authors: Sun John C.L. , Yakimov Margaret , Al-Badawi Ismail , Honey Christopher R. 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT:Background:Intracranial hemorrhage in pregnant patients with Moyamoya disease is rare. We review the case of one such patient who presented with pre-eclampsia and a catastrophic intracerebral hemorrhage in order to highlight the associated management difficulties.Methods:A case of a pregnant (31 weeks) female brought to the emergency department with hypertension and a progressive decrease in her level of consciousness is presented. She rapidly developed a dilated right pupil and left extensor posturing. A CT scan of her head showed a large putamenal intracerebral hemorrhage. She was intubated, ventilated and given intravenous mannitol and magnesium sulfate. She underwent a simultaneous craniotomy and Cesarean section. Post-operatively the patient's ICP and jugular venous saturation were monitored in the intensive care unit.Results:The patient delivered a 1185g infant who did well. The patient's ICP was well controlled until the tenth post-operative day when she developed malignant brain edema and died.Conclusion:This case highlights three important points. First, simultaneous craniotomy and Cesarean section can be performed. Second, intraoperative control of bleeding Moyamoya vessels is described. Third, the difficult post-operative management of these cases is highlighted. The literature regarding Moyamoya disease and pregnancy is reviewed and some recommendations for the management of this rare but potentially deadly condition are presented.
Ogilvie's Syndrome as a Rare Complication of Lumbar Disc Surgery
Authors: Caner Hakan , Bavbek Murad , Albayrak Ahmet , Nur Altinörs Tarkan Çalisaneller 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT:Background:In this study we report a rare complication after lumbar surgery, Ogilvie's syndrome, that presents as acute colonic dilatation in the absence of mechanical obstruction.Case:A 43-year-old obese woman underwent lumbar surgery for L4-L5 lumbar disc herniation. The patient complained of persistent abdominal distention and lack of bowel sounds. Plain radiography and ultrasonography revealed massive dilatation of the colon. Nasogastric aspiration was initiated and all analgesic drugs were withdrawn. Abdominal distention gradually disappeared within three days.Conclusions:Only three cases of Ogilvie's syndrome following lumbar spinal surgery have been reported in the literature. In our case obesity, chronic constipation, and narcotic drugs were the most likely precipitating causes. Ogilvie's syndrome may resolve with conservative treatment, but if the cecal diameter continues to increase, colonoscopy or laparotomy may be needed to prevent perforation of colon.
Serotonin functioning and adolescents' alcohol use: A genetically informed study examining mechanisms of risk
Authors: Wang Frances L. , Chassin Laurie , Bates John E. , Dick Danielle , Lansford Jennifer E. , Pettit Gregory S. , Dodge Kenneth A. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe current study used data from two longitudinal samples to test whether self-regulation, depressive symptoms, and aggression/antisociality were mediators in the relation between a polygenic score indexing serotonin (5-HT) functioning and alcohol use in adolescence. The results from an independent genome-wide association study of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in the cerebrospinal fluid were used to create 5-HT polygenic risk scores. Adolescents and/or parents reported on adolescents’ self-regulation (Time 1), depressive symptoms (Time 2), aggression/antisociality (Time 2), and alcohol use (Time 3). The results showed that 5-HT polygenic risk did not predict self-regulation. However, adolescents with higher levels of 5-HT polygenic risk showed greater depression and aggression/antisociality. Adolescents’ aggression/antisociality mediated the relation between 5-HT polygenic risk and later alcohol use. Deficits in self-regulation also predicted depression and aggression/antisociality, and indirectly predicted alcohol use through aggression/antisociality. Pathways to alcohol use were especially salient for males from families with low parental education in one of the two samples. The results provide insights into the longitudinal mechanisms underlying the relation between 5-HT functioning and alcohol use (i.e., earlier aggression/antisociality). There was no evidence that genetically based variation in 5-HT functioning predisposed individuals to deficits in self-regulation. Genetically based variation in 5-HT functioning and self-regulation might be separate, transdiagnostic risk factors for several types of psychopathology.
Associations between alcohol dehydrogenase genes and alcohol use across early and middle adolescence: Moderation × Preventive intervention
Authors: Cleveland H. Harrington , Schlomer Gabriel L. , Vandenbergh David J. , Wolf Pedro S. A. , Feinberg Mark E. , Greenberg Mark T. , Spoth Richard L. , Redmond Cleve 
Published: May 2017

AbstractData from the in-school sample of the PROSPER preventive intervention dissemination trial were used to investigate associations between alcohol dehydrogenase genes and alcohol use across adolescence, and whether substance misuse interventions in the 6th and 7th grades (targeting parenting, family functioning, social norms, youth decision making, and peer group affiliations) modified associations between these genes and adolescent use. Primary analyses were run on a sample of 1,885 individuals and included three steps. First, we estimated unconditional growth curve models with separate slopes for alcohol use from 6th to 9th grade and from 9th to 12th grade, as well as the intercept at Grade 9. Second, we used intervention condition and three alcohol dehydrogenase genes, 1B (ADH1B), 1C (ADH1C), and 4 (ADH4) to predict variance in slopes and intercept. Third, we examined whether genetic influences on model slopes and intercepts were moderated by intervention condition. The results indicated that the increase in alcohol use was greater in early adolescence than in middle adolescence; two of the genes, ADH1B and ADH1C, significantly predicted early adolescent slope and Grade 9 intercept, and associations between ADH1C and both early adolescent slope and intercept were significantly different across control and intervention conditions.
Population estimate and morphometry of ovarian preantral follicles from three recently recognized squirrel monkey species: a comparative study
Authors: Lopes Gerson P. , Santos Regiane R. , Almeida Débora V. , Brito Adriel B. , Queiroz Helder L. , Domingues Sheyla F. S. 
Published: May 2017

SummaryWe describe morphological and morphometrical characteristics of preantral ovarian follicles from three recently recognized Saimiri species: S. macrodon, S. cassiquiarensis and S. vanzolinii; the last one a threatened species. Ovaries from four adult monkeys were evaluated: one pair from a pregnant S. macrodon, two ovarian pairs from S. cassiquiarensis females (one of them pregnant), and one left ovary from a senile S. vanzolinii, applying classical histology. Follicular preantral population was quantified and morphology and morphometry of primordial, primary and secondary follicles were evaluated. Follicular preantral population varied among species, being 347,153 in the ovaries of the S. macrodon, 270,342 and 278,376 in the ovaries of both adult non-pregnant and pregnant S. cassiquiarensis females, and 28,149 in the ovary from a senile S. vanzolinii. Most follicles were at primordial or transition stages, except for the senile S. vanzolinii female, which presented the lowest percentages of primordial and transition follicles when compared with primary and secondary ones. Most preantral follicles (>70%) were morphologically normal in the ovaries from all studied S. macrodon and S. cassiquiarensis females, but the ovary of the senile S. vanzolinii female presented a significant decrease in the percentage of normal follicles (primordial: 61%, transition: 52%, primary: 54%, and secondary: 48%). In general, follicular diameter increased significantly from primordial to transition, and subsequently from primary to secondary follicles.
Flail anterior tricuspid valve leaflet in a neonate: association with maternal antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Tarca Adrian J. , Eckersley Luke , Kothari Darshan 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThis brief report describes a case of flail anterior tricuspid valve leaflet in a neonate associated with maternal antiphospholipid syndrome. Fetal echocardiography at 27 weeks of gestation showed competent atrioventricular valves with biventricular echogenic chordae. Fetal distress was noted at delivery, and echocardiography showed a flail anterior leaflet of the tricuspid valve with severe regurgitation. Possible causation and implications of maternal antiphospholipid syndrome are discussed.
A genetic analysis of wool characteristics and lamb performance traits in Scottish Blackface sheep
Authors: Conington J. , Murphy A. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractGenetic parameters were estimated for wool quality, fleece characteristics and lamb production traits for Scottish Blackface sheep reared under extensive hill conditions in the UK. In two separate studies, heritabilities and genetic correlations were estimated for wool quality traits measured on lambs at 5 months of age and again on the shorn fleece a year later. The wool traits included birth coat length (BCT), 10-point scores for proportion of grey and kemp fibres present in the fleece (grey, kemp), British Wool Marketing Board (BWMB) recommendation (REC), greasy fleece weight (FLWT), BWMB fleece grade (FLGR), and average staple length (ASL). Genetic and phenotypic correlations were estimated between lamb wool traits and lamb live weights at birth (BWT), marking (at mid lactation with an average age of 7 weeks) (MWT), weaning (at an average age of 17 weeks) (WWT) and slaughter (SLWT), average fat depth (AVFD) and average muscle depth (MD). Individual lamb carcass measurements included Meat and Livestock Commission (MLC) conformation score (CONF) and fat class (FATC). Heritability estimates measured on 2524 or more live lambs were 0·69, 0·52, 0·26, 0·42 and 0·31 for BCT, ASL, grey, kemp and REC respectively. Heritability estimates for traits measured on the shorn fleece a year later for 1415 ewes were 0·37, 0·02, 0·57, 0·43, 0·46 and 0·14 for ASL, grey, kemp, REC, FLWT and FLGR respectively. Genetic correlations between FLWT in hoggets and other wool were positive and moderate to high in magnitude, ranging from 0·22 for kemp in lambs to 0·48 for grey in hoggets. Genetic correlations between REC and live-weight traits were 0·39 for MWT, 0·37 for WWT and 0·44 for SLWT. Genetic correlation between ASL and ultrasonic fat depth was 0·15 and for ASL and ultrasonic muscle depth was -0·30. The results indicate that the simple scoring systems derived to assess these traits are useful indicators of fleece quality, are highly repeatable over time and are a good gauge of likely future wool production. The results indicate that selection for heavier, leaner lambs should not compromise fleece quality, as assessed in this study.
A bio-economic model for the evaluation of breeds and mating systems in beef production enterprises
Authors: Roughsedge T. , Amer P. R. , Simm G. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractA deterministic bio-economic model was developed to evaluate the effects of changes in breeds and mating systems in a beef enterprise whilst keeping management constant. The model simulates all aspects of beef production including the transition of the breed composition, the biological performance and the overall economic performance of animals within the herd, over time. Breed performance parameters are based on a synthesis of results from published beef breed comparison experiments. In order to illustrate how the model is implemented an example is given based on UK economic information. The model predicts physical and financial performance over a planning horizon of 20 years. For a hypothetical enterprise, changing from buying in surplus dairy cross heifers to a situation of self-replacing beef cows, the model demonstrated a financial advantage, due largely to a reduction in production costs.