bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The prevalence of unique SNPs in the renin‐angiotensin system highlights the need for pharmacogenetics in Indigenous Australians
Authors: Grimson Steven , Cox Amanda J. , Pringle Kirsty G. , Burns Christine , Lumbers Eugenie R. , Blackwell C. Caroline , Scott Rodney J. 
Published: December 2015

SummaryGenetic differences between ethnic populations affect susceptibility to disease and efficacy of drugs. This study examined and compared the prevalence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) in a desert community of Indigenous Australians and in non‐Indigenous Australians. The polymorphisms were angiotensinogen, AGT G‐217A (rs5049); AGT G+174A (rs4762); Angiotensin II type 1 receptor, AGTR1 A+1166C (rs5186); angiotensin converting enzyme, ACE A‐240T (rs4291), ACE T‐93C (rs4292); renin, REN T+1142C (rs5706). They were measured using allelic discrimination assays. The prevalence of REN T+1142C SNP was similar in the two populations; 99% were homozygous for the T allele. All other SNPs were differently distributed between the two populations (P < 0.0001). In non‐Indigenous Australians, the A allele at position 204 of ACE rs4291 was prevalent (61.8%) whereas in the Indigenous Australians the A allele was less prevalent (28%). For rs4292, the C allele had a prevalence of 37.9% in non‐Indigenous Australians but in Indigenous Australians the prevalence was only 1%. No Indigenous individuals were homozygous for the C allele of AGTR1 (rs5186). Thus the prevalence of RAS SNPs in this Indigenous Australian desert community was different from non‐Indigenous Australians as was the prevalence of cytokine SNPs (as shown in a previous study). These differences may affect susceptibility to chronic renal and cardiovascular disease and may alter the efficacy of drugs used to inhibit the RAS. These studies highlight the need to study the pharmacogenetics of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion in Indigenous Australians for safe prescribing guidelines.
Sexuality Assessment Knowledge, Attitude, and Skill of Nursing Students: An Experimental Study with Control Group
Authors: Tugut Nilufer , Golbasi Zehra 
Published: December 2015

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine sexuality assessment knowledge, attitude, and skill of student nurses before and after sexuality training.MethodsThis study was conducted experimentally in a model with a pretest to posttest control group.FindingsIn the measurements made after training, it was observed that mean scores of Sexuality Assessment Information Test, Sexual Attitude and Beliefs Scale, and Sexuality Assessment Skills Check List in the experimental group were significantly higher than mean scores of students in the control group (p < .05).ConclusionIt was determined that sexuality assessment skills training has a positive effect on the knowledge, attitude, and behavior of nursing students.Practice ImplicationsSexuality assessment skills training can provide nurses with a guide for discussing the topic of sexual health with their patients.
Genome‐wide association study reveals regions associated with gestation length in two pig populations
Authors: Hidalgo A. M. , Lopes M. S. , Harlizius B. , Bastiaansen J. W. M. 
Published: December 2015

SummaryReproduction traits, such as gestation length (GLE), play an important role in dam line breeding in pigs. The objective of our study was to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are associated with GLE in two pig populations. Genotypes and deregressed breeding values were available for 2081 Dutch Landrace‐based (DL) and 2301 Large White‐based (LW) pigs. We identified two QTL regions for GLE, one in each population. For DL, three associated SNPs were detected in one QTL region spanning 0.52 Mbp on Sus scrofa chromosome (SSC) 2. For LW, four associated SNPs were detected in one region of 0.14 Mbp on SSC5. The region on SSC2 contains the heparin‐binding EGF‐like growth factor (HBEGF) gene, which promotes embryo implantation and has been described to be involved in embryo survival throughout gestation. The associated SNP can be used for marker‐assisted selection in the studied populations, and further studies of the HBEGF gene are warranted to investigate its role in GLE.
Ovarian damage due to cyst removal: a comparison of endometriomas and dermoid cysts
Authors: Perlman Signe , Kjer Jens J. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractIntroductionSurgical treatment of endometriomas and potential damage to the ovary have been debated. Studies have described the inconsistent risk of unintended removal of ovarian tissue when a cystectomy of an endometrioma is performed. We evaluated the risk of inadvertently removed ovarian tissue during surgery by comparing specimens of endometriomas and dermoid cysts removed laparoscopically.Material and methodsThe material included 326 women in a retrospective cohort study at Rigshospitalet, University hospital in Copenhagen, Denmark from 2011 to 2013. Surgery was performed laparoscopically for 393 benign cysts with a diagnosis of either endometrioma (n = 294) or dermoid cyst (n = 99). The microscopic existence of ovarian tissue in the cystectomy specimens were compared and correlation between CA 125 and size of cysts was examined.ResultsIn total, 80.3% endometrioma cystectomies disclosed ovarian stroma compared with 17.2% of the resected dermoid cysts (p < 0.001). The difference was found despite skilled laparoscopic surgeons performing the procedure in the endometriosis cohort. A significant positive correlation between the size of endometriomas and the value of CA 125 was found (p < 0.009).ConclusionThe risk of removal of ovarian tissue during laparoscopic surgery is significantly higher for endometriomas than for dermoid cysts.
Prenatal administration of vaginal progesterone and frequency of uterine contractions in asymptomatic twin pregnancies
Authors: de Oliveira Lília A.M.L , Brizot Maria L. , Liao Adolfo W. , Bittar Roberto E. , Francisco Rossana P.V. , Zugaib Marcelo 
Published: December 2015

AbstractIntroductionA previous study indicated that progesterone reduces the mean uterine contraction frequency in singleton pregnancy at high risk for preterm birth. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of vaginal progesterone on the frequency of uterine contractions in twin pregnancies.Material and methodsThis was a secondary analysis of a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial of twin pregnancies exposed to vaginal progesterone or placebo. Naturally conceived twin pregnancies with no prior history of preterm delivery, asymptomatic regarding preterm labor, who had undergone uterine contraction frequency monitoring from 24 to 34 weeks and 6 days were included in the study. Comparison of the mean frequency of uterine contractions between the treatment groups was performed. We also examined the influence of cervical length and chorionicity on the mean frequency of uterine contractions according to the group.ResultsThe final analysis included 166 women in the progesterone and 170 in the placebo group. The baseline characteristics were similar in the two groups. Overall, no difference in the mean frequency of uterine contractions (p = 0.91) was observed between the progesterone (2.54 ± 3.19) and placebo (2.56 ± 3.59) groups. Also, no difference in the mean frequency of uterine contractions was observed between the groups in each week between 24 and 34 weeks and 6 days of gestation. Cervical length and chorionicity did not influence the frequency of contractions according to the progesterone or placebo treatment.ConclusionsOverall, progesterone does not influence the frequency of uterine contractions in twin pregnancies.
Timing of the first drainage of the Baltic Ice Lake synchronous with the onset of Greenland Stadial 1
Authors: Muschitiello Francesco , Lea James M. , Greenwood Sarah L. , Nick Faezeh M. , Brunnberg Lars , MacLeod Alison , Wohlfarth Barbara 
Published: December 2015

Glacial varves can give significant insights into recession and melting rates of decaying ice sheets. Moreover, varve chronologies can provide an independent means of comparison to other annually resolved climatic archives, which ultimately help to assess the timing and response of an ice sheet to changes across rapid climate transitions. Here we report a composite 1257‐year‐long varve chronology from southeastern Sweden spanning the regional late Allerød–late Younger Dryas pollen zone. The chronology was correlated to the Greenland Ice‐Core Chronology 2005 using the time‐synchronous Vedde Ash volcanic marker, which can be found in both successions. For the first time, this enables secure placement of the Lateglacial Swedish varve chronology in absolute time. Geochemical analysis from new varve successions indicate a marked change in sedimentation regime accompanied by an interruption of ice‐rafted debris deposition synchronous with the onset of Greenland Stadial 1 (GS‐1; 12 846 years before AD 1950). With the support of a simple ice‐flow/calving model, we suggest that slowdown of sediment transfer can be explained by ice‐sheet margin stabilization/advance in response to a significant drop of the Baltic Ice Lake level. A reassessment of chronological evidence from central‐western and southern Sweden further supports the hypothesis of synchronicity between the first (penultimate) catastrophic drainage of the Baltic Ice Lake and the start of GS‐1 in Greenland ice‐cores. Our results may therefore provide the first chronologically robust evidence linking continental meltwater forcing to rapid atmosphere–ocean circulation changes in the North Atlantic.
Lewy Bodies and the Mechanisms of Neuronal Cell Death inParkinson's Disease and Dementia withLewy Bodies
Authors: Power John H. T. , Barnes Olivia L. , Chegini Fariba 
Published: December 2015

AbstractNeuronal loss in specific brain regions and neurons with intracellular inclusions termed Lewy bodies are the pathologic hallmark in both Parkinson's disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Lewy bodies comprise of aggregated intracellular vesicles and proteins and α‐synuclein is reported to be a major protein component. Using human brain tissue from control, PD and DLB and light and confocal immunohistochemistry with antibodies to superoxide dismutase 2 as a marker for mitochondria, α‐synuclein for Lewy bodies and βIII Tubulin for microtubules we have examined the relationship between Lewy bodies and mitochondrial loss. We have shown microtubule regression and mitochondrial and nuclear degradation in neurons with developing Lewy bodies. In PD, multiple Lewy bodies were often observed with α‐synuclein interacting with DNA to cause marked nuclear degradation. In DLB, the mitochondria are drawn into the Lewy body and the mitochondrial integrity is lost. This work suggests that Lewy bodies are cytotoxic. In DLB, we suggest that microtubule regression and mitochondrial loss results in decreased cellular energy and axonal transport that leads to cell death. In PD, α‐synuclein aggregations are associated with intact mitochondria but interacts with and causes nuclear degradation which may be the major cause of cell death.
Experience in optimizing fertility outcomes in men with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21 hydroxylase deficiency
Authors: King Thomas F.J. , Lee Marilyn Cheng , Williamson Elizabeth E.J. , Conway Gerard S. 
Published: December 2015

SummaryObjectiveMen with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) have impaired fertility. We aimed to assess fertility outcomes and the importance of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, testicular failure and the presence of testicular adrenal rest tumours (TART).DesignRetrospective analysis of men attending an adult CAH clinic in a tertiary centre.PatientsFifty men with CAH due to 21 hydroxylase deficiency were identified of whom 35 were salt wasting and 15 were non‐salt‐wasting.MeasurementsReview of fertility history and parameters including luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), androstenedione, 17‐hydroxyprogesterone (17‐OHP), semen analysis and the presence of testicular adrenal rest tissue (TART) on ultrasound.ResultsTART were detected by ultrasound in 21 (47%), and their presence was associated with an elevated FSH (P = 0·01). Severe oligospermia was present in 11 of 23 (48%), and this was associated with an elevated FSH (P = 0·02), suppressed LH (P < 0·01) and TART (P = 0·03) when compared to those with a sperm count >5 × 106 per ml. Of those that desired fertility, 10 of 17 (59%) required treatment intensification and four underwent in vitro fertilization. Intensification resulted in a rise in median LH (0·6–4·3 IU/l; P = 0·01). Live birth rate was 15 of 17 (88%) with a median (range) time to conception of 8 (0–38) months.ConclusionsSuppressed LH is a marker for subfertility and is often reversible. Testicular failure is closely associated with TART formation. If TART are detected, sperm cryopreservation should be offered given the risk of progression to irreversible testicular failure. Male fertility in CAH can be improved by intensified treatment and assisted reproductive technology.
Expression of Concern: Oral carnitine supplementation reduces body weight and insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Samimi Mansooreh , Jamilian Mehri , Ebrahimi Faraneh Afshar , Rahimi Maryam , Tajbakhsh Banafsheh , Asemi Zatollah 
Published: December 2015

SummaryObjectiveLimited data are available for evaluating the effects of oral carnitine supplementation on weight loss and metabolic profiles of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This study was designed to determine the effects of oral carnitine supplementation on weight loss, and glycaemic and lipid profiles in women with PCOS.Design, Patients and MeasurementsIn a prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial, 60 overweight patients diagnosed with PCOS were randomized to receive either 250 mg carnitine supplements (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30) for 12 weeks. Fasting blood samples were obtained at the beginning and the end of the study to quantify parameters of glucose homoeostasis and lipid concentrations.ResultsAt the end of the 12 weeks, taking carnitine supplements resulted in a significant reduction in weight (−2·7 ± 1·5 vs +0·1 ± 1·8 kg, P < 0·001), BMI (−1·1 ± 0·6 vs +0·1 ± 0·7 kg/m2, P < 0·001), waist circumference (WC) (−2·0 ± 1·3 vs −0·3 ± 2·0 cm, P < 0·001) and hip circumference (HC) (−2·5 ± 1·5 vs −0·3 ± 1·8 cm, P < 0·001) compared with placebo. In addition, compared with placebo, carnitine administration in women with PCOS led to a significant reduction in fasting plasma glucose (−0·38 ± 0·36 vs +0·11 ± 0·97 mmol/l, P = 0·01), serum insulin levels (−14·39 ± 25·80 vs +3·01 ± 37·25 pmol/l, P = 0·04), homoeostasis model of assessment‐insulin resistance (−0·61 ± 1·03 vs +0·11 ± 1·43, P = 0·04) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (−3·64 ± 7·00 vs −0·59 ± 3·20 μmol/l, P = 0·03).ConclusionsOverall, 12 weeks of carnitine administration in PCOS women resulted in reductions in weight, BMI, WC and HC, and beneficial effects on glycaemic control; however, it did not affect lipid profiles or free testosterone.
Validity of near‐infrared interactance (FUTREX 6100/XL) for estimating body fat percentage in elite rowers
Authors: Fukuda David H. , Wray Mandy E. , Kendall Kristina L. , Smith‐Ryan Abbie E. , Stout Jeffrey R. 
Published: December 2015

SummaryThis investigation aimed to compare hydrostatic weighing (HW) with near‐infrared interactance (NIR) and skinfold measurements (SKF) in estimating body fat percentage (FAT%) in rowing athletes. FAT% was estimated in 20 elite male rowers (mean ± SD: age = 24·8 ± 2·2 years, height = 191·0 ± 6·8 cm, weight = 86·8 ± 11·3 kg, HW FAT% = 11·50 ± 3·16%) using HW with residual volume, 3‐site SKF and NIR on the biceps brachii. Predicted FAT% values for NIR and SKF were validated against the criterion method of HW. Constant error was not significant for NIR (−0·06, P = 0·955) or SKF (−0·20, P = 0·813). Neither NIR (r = 0·045) nor SKF (r = 0·229) demonstrated significant validity coefficients when compared to HW. The standard error of the estimate values for NIR and SKF were both less than 3·5%, while total error was 4·34% and 3·60%, respectively. When compared to HW, SKF and NIR provide similar mean values when compared to HW, but the lack of apparent relationships between individual values and borderline unacceptable total error may limit their application in this population.
Left Ventricular Myocardial Deformation Parameters Are Affected by Coronary Slow Flow Phenomenon: A Study of Speckle Tracking Echocardiography
Authors: Gulel Okan , Akcay Murat , Soylu Korhan , Aksan Gokhan , Yuksel Serkan , Zengin Halit , Meric Murat , Sahin Mahmut 
Published: December 2015

BackgroundThe coronary slow flow phenomenon (CSFP) is defined as a delayed distal vessel contrast opacification in the absence of obstructive epicardial coronary artery disease during coronary angiography. There is conflicting data in medical literature regarding the effects of CSFP on the left ventricular functions assessed by conventional echocardiography or tissue Doppler imaging. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate whether there is any abnormality in the myocardial deformation parameters (strain, strain rate (SR), rotation, twist) of the left ventricle obtained by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) in patients with CSFP.MethodsTwenty patients with CSFP were included prospectively in the study. Another 20 patients with similar demographics and cardiovascular risk factors as well as normal coronary angiography were used as the control group. Two‐dimensional echocardiographic images of the left ventricle from the apical long‐axis, two‐chamber, four‐chamber, and parasternal short‐axis views were used for STE analysis.ResultsThe analysis of left ventricular circumferential deformation parameters showed that the averaged peak systolic strain, systolic SR, and early diastolic SR values were significantly lower in patients with CSFP (P = 0.009, P = 0.02, and P = 0.02, respectively). Among the left ventricular rotation and twist values, apical rotation was significantly lower in patients with CSFP (P = 0.02). Further, the mean thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count value was found to be negatively correlated with the averaged peak circumferential early diastolic SR (r = −0.35, P = 0.03). It was positively correlated with the averaged peak circumferential systolic strain (r = 0.47, P = 0.003) and circumferential systolic SR (r = 0.46, P = 0.005).ConclusionCoronary slow flow phenomenon leads to significant alterations in the myocardial deformation parameters of the left ventricle as assessed by STE. Specifically, circumferential deformation parameters are affected in CSFP patients.
Reduction of viable Enterococcus faecalis in human radicular dentin treated with 1% cetrimide and conventional intracanal medicaments
Authors: Carbajal Mejía Jeison B. , Aguilar Arrieta Angela 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAimThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the viability of E. faecalis after a 14‐day exposure to 1% cetrimide (CET), triantibiotic paste (i.e., metronidazole, minocycline, and ciprofloxacin), 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) gel, and calcium hydroxide (Ca[OH]2) in an infected dentine model.Materials and methodsA total of 75 roots of extracted uniradicular human teeth were chemomechanically prepared, sterilized, and infected for 21 days with E. faecalis. Samples were divided into five groups (n = 15) to apply intracanal medicaments, namely saline solution (negative control), 1% CET, triantibiotic paste (TRIA), 2% CHX gel, and Ca(OH)2 during 14 days. Dentine samples were collected and stained with the SYTO 9/propidium iodide technique (Live/Dead, Bacligth, Invitrogen, Eugene, OR, USA) for fluorescence microscopy to obtain the percentage of viable cells. Statistical analysis was performed using one‐way analysis of variance followed by Tukey's multiple comparison test (P < 0.05).ResultsAll experimental agents significantly reduced the percentage of viable E. faecalis when compared with the control group. In addition, the least cytotoxic medicament was Ca(OH)2 followed by CHX. There was no significant difference between 1% CET and TRIA (P = 0.98).ConclusionBoth 1% CET and TRIA significantly reduced the viability of E. faecalis in dentine of extracted teeth in comparison with 2% CHX gel and calcium hydroxide paste. Further laboratory and clinical investigations should be carried out to validate findings of the beneficial use of 1% CET as an intracanal medicament against E. faecalis.
Computer‐aided planning and surgical guiding system fabrication in premolar autotransplantation: a 12‐month follow up
Authors: van der Meer Wicher Joerd , Jansma Johan , Delli Konstantina , Livas Christos 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThis case report describes the autotransplantation of maxillary right second premolar into the contralateral position in a 14‐year‐old female using computerized tomographic data and a customized guiding system produced by computer‐aided design/computer‐assisted manufacture technology. Using innovative surgical guides and keys with navigation features, modification of the recipient socket and handling of the transplant were facilitated without harming the periodontal membrane. Postoperative clinical and radiographic examination showed periodontal and pulp healing earlier than 6 months after surgery.
Unchanged carbon balance driven by equivalent responses of production and respiration to climate change in a mixed‐grass prairie
Authors: Xu Xia , Shi Zheng , Chen Xuecheng , Lin Yang , Niu Shuli , Jiang Lifen , Luo Ruiseng , Luo Yiqi 
Published: December 2015

AbstractResponses of grassland carbon (C) cycling to climate change and land use remain a major uncertainty in model prediction of future climate. To explore the impacts of global change on ecosystem C fluxes and the consequent changes in C storage, we have conducted a field experiment with warming (+3 °C), altered precipitation (doubled and halved), and annual clipping at the end of growing seasons in a mixed‐grass prairie in Oklahoma, USA, from 2009 to 2013. Results showed that although ecosystem respiration (ER) and gross primary production (GPP) negatively responded to warming, net ecosystem exchange of CO2 (NEE) did not significantly change under warming. Doubled precipitation stimulated and halved precipitation suppressed ER and GPP equivalently, with the net outcome being unchanged in NEE. These results indicate that warming and altered precipitation do not necessarily have profound impacts on ecosystem C storage. In addition, we found that clipping enhanced NEE due to a stronger positive response of GPP compared to ER, indicating that clipping could potentially be an effective land practice that could increase C storage. No significant interactions between warming, altered precipitation, and clipping were observed. Meanwhile, we found that belowground net primary production (BNPP) in general was sensitive to climate change and land use though no significant changes were found in NPP across treatments. Moreover, negative correlations of the ER/GPP ratio with soil temperature and moisture did not differ across treatments, highlighting the roles of abiotic factors in mediating ecosystem C fluxes in this grassland. Importantly, our results suggest that belowground C cycling (e.g., BNPP) could respond to climate change with no alterations in ecosystem C storage in the same period.