bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The association between chronic periodontitis and vasculogenic erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Qianting , Kang Jian , Cai Xiang , Wu Yafei , Zhao Lei 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAimThe purpose of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to explore the association between erectile dysfunction (ED) and chronic periodontitis (CP) in observational studies.Materials and MethodsA literature search of PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane up to and including May 22, 2015, was conducted by two independent reviewers. Statistical analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.3, and the results are expressed as odds ratios (ORs) together with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), as determined using a random effects model. Subgroup analysis was performed by age.ResultsOf the 250 potentially eligible articles, four studies, involving 38,111 cases and 174,807 controls, were included. Based on random effects meta‐analysis, a significant association between CP and ED was identified (OR = 3.07, 95% CI: 1.87–5.05, p < 0.001). Sensitivity analysis was performed due to the presence of statistically extensive heterogeneity (I2 = 98%).ConclusionsThe results of this systematic review revealed a positive association between CP and ED; however, because the presence and extent of statistical heterogeneity limits the conclusiveness of our findings, larger and better‐controlled studies of socially homogeneous populations as well as pathophysiological studies are required to confirm the relationship between CP and ED and to explore the biological mechanisms involved.
Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder and sluggish cognitive tempo throughout childhood: temporal invariance and stability from preschool through ninth grade
Authors: Leopold Daniel R. , Christopher Micaela E. , Burns G. Leonard , Becker Stephen P. , Olson Richard K. , Willcutt Erik G. 
Published: January 2016

BackgroundAlthough multiple cross‐sectional studies have shown symptoms of sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to be statistically distinct, studies have yet to examine the temporal stability and measurement invariance of SCT in a longitudinal sample. To date, only six studies have assessed SCT longitudinally, with the longest study examining SCT over a 2‐year period. The overall goals of this study were to assess the 10‐year longitudinal stability and interfactor relationships of ADHD and SCT symptoms among a community sample of children.MethodsConfirmatory factor analysis was used to assess the temporal invariance of ADHD and SCT symptoms in a large population‐based longitudinal sample (International Longitudinal Twin Study of Early Reading Development) that included children assessed at preschool and after kindergarten, first, second, fourth, and ninth grades (n = 489). Latent autoregressive models were then estimated to assess the stability of these constructs.ResultsResults demonstrated invariance of item loadings and intercepts from preschool through ninth grades, as well as invariance of interfactor correlations. Results further indicated that both ADHD and SCT are highly stable across these years of development, that these symptom dimensions are related but also separable, and that hyperactivity/impulsivity and SCT are both more strongly correlated with inattention than with each other and show differential developmental trajectories. Specifically, even in the presence of latent simplex analyses providing support for the developmental stability of these dimensions, linear comparisons indicated that that mean levels of hyperactivity/impulsivity decreased with time, inattentive ratings were generally stable, and SCT tended to increase slightly across development.ConclusionsThis study adds to the current literature by being the first to systematically assess and demonstrate the temporal invariance and stability of ADHD and SCT across a span of 10 years.
Subdimensions of social‐communication impairment in autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Bishop Somer L. , Havdahl Karoline Alexandra , Huerta Marisela , Lord Catherine 
Published: January 2016

BackgroundMore refined dimensions of social‐communication impairment are needed to elucidate the clinical and biological boundaries of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and other childhood onset psychiatric disorders associated with social difficulties, as well as to facilitate investigations in treatment and long‐term outcomes of these disorders.MethodsThis study was intended to identify separable dimensions of clinician‐observed social‐communication impairments by examining scores on a widely used autism diagnostic instrument. Participants included verbally fluent children ages 3–13 years, who were given a clinical diagnosis of ASD (n = 120) or non‐ASD (i.e. ADHD, language disorder, intellectual disability, mood or anxiety disorder; n = 118) following a comprehensive diagnostic assessment. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis examined the factor structure of algorithm items from the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), Module 3.ResultsResults indicated that a three‐factor model consisting of repetitive behaviors and two separate social‐communication behavior factors had superior fit compared to a two‐factor model that included repetitive behaviors and one social‐communication behavior factor. In the three‐factor model, impairments in ‘Basic Social‐Communication’ behaviors (e.g. eye contact, facial expressions, gestures) were separated from impairments in ‘Interaction quality.’ Confirmatory factor analysis in an independent sample of children in the Simons Simplex Collection (SSC) further supported the division of social‐communication impairments into these two factors. Scores in Interaction Quality were significantly associated with nonverbal IQ and male sex in the ASD group, and with age in the non‐ASD group, while scores in basic social communication were not significantly associated with any of these child characteristics in either diagnostic group.ConclusionsEfforts to conceptualize level, or severity, of social‐communication impairment in children with neurodevelopmental disorders might be facilitated by separating the most basic (or proximal) social‐communication impairments from those that could arise from a range of other phenotypic variables. Identification of social‐communication subdimensions also highlights potential avenues for measuring different types of social‐communication impairments for different purposes (e.g. for differential diagnosis vs. response to treatment).
A randomized controlled trial into the effects of neurofeedback, methylphenidate, and physical activity on EEG power spectra in children with ADHD
Authors: Janssen Tieme W. P. , Bink Marleen , Geladé Katleen , van Mourik Rosa , Maras Athanasios , Oosterlaan Jaap 
Published: January 2016

BackgroundThe clinical and neurophysiological effects of neurofeedback (NF) as treatment for children with ADHD are still unclear. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) examined electroencephalogram (EEG) power spectra before and after NF compared to methylphenidate (MPH) treatment and physical activity (PA) – as semi‐active control group – during resting and active (effortful) task conditions to determine whether NF can induce sustained alterations in brain function.MethodsUsing a multicentre three‐way parallel group RCT design, 112 children with a DSM‐IV diagnosis of ADHD, aged between 7 and 13 years, were initially included. NF training consisted of 30 sessions of theta/beta training at Cz over a 10‐week period. PA training was a semi‐active control group, matched in frequency and duration. Methylphenidate was titrated using a double‐blind placebo controlled procedure in 6 weeks, followed by a stable dose for 4 weeks. EEG power spectra measures during eyes open (EO), eyes closed (EC) and task (effortful) conditions were available for 81 children at pre‐ and postintervention (n = 29 NF, n = 25 MPH, n = 27 PA). Clinical trials registration: Train Your Brain? Exercise and Neurofeedback Intervention for ADHD, https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/;NCT01363544, Ref. No. NCT01363544.ResultsBoth NF and MPH resulted in comparable reductions in theta power from pre‐ to postintervention during the EO condition compared to PA (ηp2 = .08 and .12). For NF, greater reductions in theta were related to greater reductions in ADHD symptoms. During the task condition, only MPH showed reductions in theta and alpha power compared to PA (ηp2 = .10 and .12).ConclusionsThis study provides evidence for specific neurophysiological effects after theta/beta NF and MPH treatment in children with ADHD. However, for NF these effects did not generalize to an active task condition, potentially explaining reduced behavioural effects of NF in the classroom.
Renal threshold for glucose reabsorption predicts diabetes improvement by sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor therapy
Authors: Osaki Aya , Okada Shuichi , Saito Tsugumichi , Yamada Eijiro , Ono Kumeo , Niijima Yawara , Hoshi Hiroto , Yamada Masanobu 
Published: January 2016

AbstractIn the present study we examined the efficacy of sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors on improvement of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in comparison with the renal threshold for glucose reabsorption in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Patients visited the hospital once a month for a regular follow‐up examination with the determination of blood glucose and HbA1c levels, and urinary glucose concentration from spot urine samples. Patient samples were compared before and after ipragliflozin administration. We defined the renal threshold for glucose reabsorption as the lowest blood glucose level that correlated with the first detectable appearance of urine glucose. These data showed a significant negative correlation between improvement of HbA1c level and renal threshold for glucose reabsorption in patients treated with the sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor. These findings show that patients who have a higher renal threshold for glucose reabsorption can be expected to more effectively respond to sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor therapy in terms of lowering HbA1c levels.
β‐Cell regeneration through the transdifferentiation of pancreatic cells: Pancreatic progenitor cells in the pancreas
Authors: Kim Hyo‐Sup , Lee Moon‐Kyu 
Published: January 2016

AbstractPancreatic progenitor cell research has been in the spotlight, as these cells have the potential to replace pancreatic β‐cells for the treatment of type 1 and 2 diabetic patients with the absence or reduction of pancreatic β‐cells. During the past few decades, the successful treatment of diabetes through transplantation of the whole pancreas or isolated islets has nearly been achieved. However, novel sources of pancreatic islets or insulin‐producing cells are required to provide sufficient amounts of donor tissues. To overcome this limitation, the use of pancreatic progenitor cells is gaining more attention. In particular, pancreatic exocrine cells, such as duct epithelial cells and acinar cells, are attractive candidates for β‐cell regeneration because of their differentiation potential and pancreatic lineage characteristics. It has been assumed that β‐cell neogenesis from pancreatic progenitor cells could occur in pancreatic ducts in the postnatal stage. Several studies have shown that insulin‐producing cells can arise in the duct tissue of the adult pancreas. Acinar cells also might have the potential to differentiate into insulin‐producing cells. The present review summarizes recent progress in research on the transdifferentiation of pancreatic exocrine cells into insulin‐producing cells, especially duct and acinar cells.
Diabetes mellitus is an independent risk factor for atrial fibrillation in a general Chinese population
Authors: Sun Guozhe , Ma Mingfeng , Ye Ning , Wang Jun , Chen Yintao , Dai Dongxue , Sun Yingxian 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAims/IntroductionTo explore the association between atrial fibrillation (AF) and diabetes mellitus in a general Chinese population, and the influence of hypertension.Materials and MethodsFrom January 2013 to August 2013, we carried out a cross‐sectional study involving 11,956 permanent residents aged ≥35 years from the general population in the Liaoning province of China (response rate 85.3%). Each participant completed a questionnaire, had a physical examination, and underwent an electrocardiogram and echocardiogram. AF was diagnosed on the basis of the electrocardiogram findings. Logistic regression analyses were carried out to estimate the associations between diabetes mellitus and AF. The associations were also analyzed in hypertensive and normotensive subgroups.ResultsThere was a higher prevalence of AF in participants with diabetes mellitus than those without diabetes mellitus (1.2 vs 0.5%; P = 0.004). In the hypertensive subgroup, the prevalence of AF in participants with diabetes mellitus was significantly higher than in participants without diabetes mellitus (1.5 vs 0.6%; P = 0.008); however, the prevalences were similar in the normotensive subgroup (0.3 vs 0.4%; P = 1.000). Similar trends were present in both men and women. After adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors, the independent association between diabetes mellitus and AF remained in the total sample (odds ratio 2.33, 95% confidence interval 1.20–4.54) and hypertensive subgroup (odds ratio 3.15, 95% confidence interval 1.52–6.56), but not in the normotensive subgroup (odds ratio 0.64, 95% confidence interval 0.08–5.31).ConclusionsDiabetes mellitus is an independent risk factor for AF in the general population in China, this association was present in total and hypertensive participants, but not in normotensive participants.
The effect of size and sex ratio experiences on reproductive competition in Nicrophorus vespilloides burying beetles in the wild
Authors: Hopwood P. E. , Moore A. J. , Tregenza T. , Royle N. J. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractMale parents face a choice: should they invest more in caring for offspring or in attempting to mate with other females? The most profitable course depends on the intensity of competition for mates, which is likely to vary with the population sex ratio. However, the balance of pay‐offs may vary among individual males depending on their competitive prowess or attractiveness. We tested the prediction that sex ratio and size of the resource holding male provide cues regarding the level of mating competition prior to breeding and therefore influence the duration of a male's biparental caring in association with a female. Male burying beetles, Nicrophorus vespilloides were reared, post‐eclosion, in groups that differed in sex ratio. Experimental males were subsequently translocated to the wild, provided with a breeding resource (carcass) and filmed. We found no evidence that sex ratio cues prior to breeding affected future parental care behaviour but males that experienced male‐biased sex ratios took longer to attract wild mating partners. Smaller males attracted a higher proportion of females than did larger males, securing significantly more monogamous breeding associations as a result. Smaller males thus avoided competitive male–male encounters more often than larger males. This has potential benefits for their female partners who avoid both intrasexual competition and direct costs of higher mating frequency associated with competing males.
Males adjust their signalling behaviour according to experience of male signals and male–female signal duets
Authors: Rebar D. , Rodríguez R. L. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractSexual signals are conspicuous sources of information about neighbouring competitors, and species in which males and females signal during pair formation provide various sources of public information to which individuals can adjust their behaviour. We performed two experiments with a duetting vibrational insect, Enchenopa binotata treehoppers (Hemiptera: Membracidae), to ask whether males adjust their signalling behaviour according to (1a) their own experience of competitors' signals, (1b) how females adjust their mate preferences on the basis of their experience of male signals (described in prior work), and/or (2) their own experience of female response signals to competitors' signals. We presented males with synthetic male signals of different frequencies and combinations thereof for 2 weeks. We recorded males a day after their last signal exposure, finding that (1a) male signal rate increased in response to experience of attractive competitors, but that (1b) male signal frequency did not shift in a manner consistent with how females adjust their mate preferences in those experience treatments. Second, we presented males with different male–female duets for 2 weeks, finding that (2) male signal length increased from experience of female duets with attractive competitors. Males thus make two types of adjustment according to two sources of public information: one provided by experience of male signals and another by experience of female responses to male signals. Signalling plasticity can generate feedback loops between the adjustments that males and females make, and we discuss the potential consequences of such feedback loops for the evolution of communication systems.
Effect of Enzyme and Microwave Pretreatment on Oil Recovery from Canola
Authors: Patil Aniket , Singh A. K. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractIn this study, optimization of enzyme pretreatment and microwave pretreatment on extraction oil yield and oil quality from Canola (Variety GSC‐6) was investigated. Response surface methodology was used for optimization of experimental design by applying Box Bhenken design. Microwave pretreatment affected the acid as well as peroxide value of oil while no significant effect of enzyme pretreatment was observed. No effect on density and viscosity was observed by microwave pretreatment and enzyme pretreatment. Enzyme pre‐treatment was found to be the having more oil yield than the microwave pretreatment. The optimized conditions for oil recovery were moisture content 5%, heating temperature 60C, microwave duration 120 s and enzyme concentration 4%. Oil yield increased (7%) after application of a low cost enzyme and (5.6%) after microwave application, this corroborates our results of the experiment being cost effective.Practical ApplicationsThe application of microwaves and enzymes has a potential to increase the productivity and efficiency of the oil extraction from oilseeds. Canola seeds contain low erucic acid content and has good nutritional qualities. Canola meal is also an important source as animal feed enriched with protein. The ease of application is clearly the advantage of the both pretreatments, which increases the performance of oil expeller. These pretreatments being environmental friendly and cheap can be helpful in industries for enhancing the extraction processes.
Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Black Pepper at Different Temperatures
Authors: Ghodki Bhupendra M , Goswami T.K. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBlack pepper is mainly preferred in the powder form that invariably requires the properties of the pepper for the design of the process and grinder. The thermal properties were investigated for a temperature range of −45 to 5°C, while, the breaking characteristics of the black pepper were examined at ambient (36°C) and subzero (−25°C) temperature conditions at a moisture content of 3.90% dry basis. The glass transition temperature (Tg) varied between −28.61 and −20.03°C with the peak value of −21.27°C indicating the phase transformation of black pepper from amorphous to crystalline (vice versa). Accordingly, the temperature showed a significant effect on the thermal and mechanical properties. The thermal conductivity (W/m.K) and thermal diffusivity (m2/s) decreased from 0.775 to 0.18 and 12.25 × 10−7 to 1.77 × 10−7 with the increase in the temperature. However, specific heat showed an increasing (1169 to 1907 J/kg.K) trend with the rise in temperature. Average failure force (90.62 N) and deformation modulus (54.10 N/mm) were found to be higher under the subzero temperature condition as compared with that of ambient condition (76.08 N and 30.13 N/mm). While failure deformation (0.89 mm), failure strain (17.67%), and failure energy 25.35 N.mm) showed lower values as compared with that of ambient condition (1.56 mm, 31.13% and 31.48 N.mm). These results will serve as a useful guide for the commercial production of high quality of the powder; indicating that a maximum grinding temperature of −21.27°C (below Tg) should be used for the cryogenic grinding of black pepper.Practical ApplicationsThe findings of this study facilitate the spice industry and the researchers to select relevant thermal and mechanical properties of black pepper for design and simulation of process and equipment for thermal processing, storage, cryogenic grinding, freezing, freeze drying and transportation to ensure the higher quality of end product and lower expenditure. Considering the example of the design of a cryogenic grinder the appropriate grinding temperature should be chosen based on the thermal and mechanical properties of grinding material, for example, black pepper and the grinder metal like stainless steel under such conditions. Further, for selection of the position of liquid nitrogen nozzle in the precooler and the grinder, the temperature profile of the process should be known, that also requires the basic thermal and mechanical properties of grinding material under such low temperature condition.
Potential Application of Ziziphora Clinopodioides Essential Oil and Nisin as Natural Preservatives Against Bacillus Cereus and Escherichia Coli O157: H7 in Commercial Barley Soup
Authors: Shahbazi Yasser , Shavisi Nassim , Mohebi Ehsan 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the antibacterial activity of nisin (250 and 500 IU/mL), Ziziphora clinopodioides essential oil (0.1 and 0.2%) and their combination against Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli O157:H7 in commercial barley soup during refrigerated storage for 9 days. Carvacrol (64.22%) and thymol (19.22%) were the major components of the essential oil. In untreated samples, the populations of E. coli O157:H7 and B. cereus were reduced the value of 2.30 and 3.95 log10 CFU/mL, respectively, during refrigerated storage. The count of the pathogens were significantly affected (P<0.05) by the addition of the essential oil and nisin. The lowest population of the pathogens was found in the samples treated with the essential oil at 0.2% in combination with nisin at 500 IU/mL. Our findings indicate that the essential oil of Z. clinopodioides and nisin has potential to be applied as antimicrobial and preservative agents in food products especially commercial barley soup.Practical ApplicationsAccording to the results of this study, commercial barley soup can be a very suitable food by adding Ziziphora clinopodioides essential oil and nisin. In this work, Z. clinopodioides essential oil and nisin had not adverse effects on sensory properties of barley soup. Z. clinopodioides essential oil, nisin and their combination were very effective in inhibiting growth of E. coli O157:H7 and B. cereus in commercial barley soup during storage at 4C.