bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does cardiovascular risk vary according to the criteria for a diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome?
Authors: Ramoglu Sedef , Yoldemir Tevfik , Atasayan Kemal , Yavuz Dilek Gogas 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAimThe risk of cardiovascular disease is higher in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) compared to healthy individuals. Chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, hyperandrogenemia, hyperlipidemia and increased oxidative stress are known to have a role in the formation of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. The aim of our study was to evaluate if cardiovascular risk varied according to different PCOS criteria, using carotid intima‐media thickness (CIMT), which is an important marker of major cardiovascular events in the later stages of life.MethodsThe study group included 52 women aged 18–35 diagnosed with PCOS, and the control group comprised 45 age‐matched healthy women. Body mass index, CIMT, fasting serum glucose and insulin levels and hormonal and lipid profiles were compared between the groups.ResultsThere was no significant difference in CIMT levels between the groups. The CIMT levels in the PCOS group did not differ whether hyperandrogenism, polycystic ovary‐like appearance on ultrasound or oligo/anovulation status were present or not. Furthermore, when all cases were divided into subgroups according to BMI values, the CIMT values were similar between the groups.ConclusionBecause PCOS and atherosclerosis both have a complex nature, it is likely that the evaluation of CIMT alone may not be sufficient to determine endothelial dysfunction in a reproductive age group.
The effect of bolus volume on laryngeal closure and UES opening in swallowing: Kinematic analysis using 320‐row area detector CT study
Authors: Shibata S. , Inamoto Y. , Saitoh E. , Kagaya H. , Aoyagi Y. , Ota K. , Akahori R. , Fujii N. , Palmer J. B. , González-Fernández M. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryThis study investigated the effects of three different volumes of honey‐thick liquid on the temporal characteristics of swallowing. Twenty‐six healthy subjects (15 males, 11 females) underwent 320‐row area detector CT scan while swallowing 3, 10 and 20 mL of honey‐thick liquid barium. Three‐dimensional images were created at 10 images/s. Kinematic events involving six structures (velopharynx, hyoid bone, epiglottis, laryngeal vestibule (LV), true vocal cords (TVC), upper esophageal sphincter (UES)) and timing of bolus movement were timed using frame by frame analysis. The overall sequence of events did not differ across three volumes; however, increasing bolus volume significantly changed the onset and termination of events. The bolus head reached to pharynx and esophagus earlier and the duration of bolus passing through UES was significantly longer in 10 and 20 mL compared to 3 mL (P < .05). Consequently, the onset of UES opening was significantly earlier with increased volume (P < .05). LV and TVC closure occurred later in 20 mL compared to 3 mL (P < .05). These changes in motion of pharynx and larynx appeared to promote swallow safety by preventing aspiration, suggesting that anatomical structure movements adapt in response to bolus volume. Our findings also suggest that the pharyngeal swallow behaviours may be modified by afferents in the oral cavity. The three‐dimensional visualization and quantitative measurements provided by 320‐ADCT provide essential benchmarks for understanding swallowing, both normal and abnormal.
Psychometric evaluation of a motor control test battery of the craniofacial region
Authors: von Piekartz H. , Stotz E. , Both A. , Bahn G. , Armijo‐Olivo S. , Ballenberger N. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryThe primary objective of this study was to determine the structural and known‐group validity as well as the inter‐rater reliability of a test battery to evaluate the motor control of the craniofacial region. Seventy volunteers without TMD and 25 subjects with TMD (Axes I) per the DC/TMD were asked to execute a test battery consisting of eight tests. The tests were video‐taped in the same sequence in a standardised manner. Two experienced physical therapists participated in this study as blinded assessors. We used exploratory factor analysis to identify the underlying component structure of the eight tests. Internal consistency (Cronbach's α), inter‐rater reliability (intra‐class correlation coefficient) and construct validity (ie, hypothesis testing‐known‐group validity) (receiver operating curves) were also explored for the test battery. The structural validity showed the presence of one factor underlying the construct of the test battery. The internal consistency was excellent (0.90) as well as the inter‐rater reliability. All values of reliability were close to 0.9 or above indicating very high inter‐rater reliability. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.93 for rater 1 and 0.94 for rater two, respectively, indicating excellent discrimination between subjects with TMD and healthy controls. The results of the present study support the psychometric properties of test battery to measure motor control of the craniofacial region when evaluated through videotaping. This test battery could be used to differentiate between healthy subjects and subjects with musculoskeletal impairments in the cervical and oro‐facial regions. In addition, this test battery could be used to assess the effectiveness of management strategies in the craniofacial region.
Transgenerational and developmental plasticity at the molecular level: Lessons from Daphnia
Authors: Bell Alison M. , Stein Laura R. 
Published: September 2017

Listen to the news and you are bound to hear that researchers are increasingly interested in the biological manifestations of trauma that reverberate through the generations. Research in this area can be controversial in the public realm, provoking societal issues about personal responsibility (are we really born free or are we born with the burden of our ancestors’ experience?). It is also a touchy subject within evolutionary biology because it provokes concerns about Lamarckianism and general scepticism about the importance of extra‐genetic inheritance (Laland et al., ). Part of why the research in this area has been controversial is because it is difficult to study. For one, there is the problem of how long it takes to track changes across generations, making long‐term, multi‐generational studies especially tricky in long‐lived species. Moreover, there are presently very few (if any) known molecular mechanisms by which environmental effects can be incorporated into the genome and persist for multiple successive generations, casting doubt on their evolutionary repercussions. Fortunately, you only have to look in your local pond to find the creatures that are teaching us a great deal about how and why the experiences of parents are passed down to their offspring. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Hales et al. (Hales et al., ) illustrate the power of Daphnia (“water fleas”) for making headway in this field.
Role of microbiota in the pathogenesis of functional disorders of the lower GI tract: Work in progress
Authors: Jalanka Jonna , Spiller Robin 
Published: September 2017

AbstractFunctional bowel disorders affect a significant proportion of people word wide. Patients suffer from longstanding symptoms of abdominal pain or discomfort in combination with abnormal bowel habits. The evidence for role of microbiota is currently contradictory and descriptive. This review aims to summarize the reasons which include methodological differences in DNA extraction and sample handling along with other factors such as diet, prior antibiotic use and transit, all important major determinants of microbiota which are difficult to control. Randomized studies of specific intervention in which such factors are varied may improve reproducibility and consistency of findings in future research.
Pregnancy modulates the allergen‐induced cytokine production differently in allergic and non‐allergic women
Authors: Abelius Martina S. , Jedenfalk Malin , Ernerudh Jan , Janefjord Camilla , Berg Göran , Matthiesen Leif , Jenmalm Maria C. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe immunological environment during pregnancy may differ between allergic and non‐allergic women. This study investigates the effect of maternal allergy on the allergen‐induced cytokine and chemokine levels and whether pregnancy modulates these immune responses differently in allergic and non‐allergic women.MethodsThe birch‐, cat‐, phytohemagglutinin‐ and tetanus toxoid‐induced interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐5, IL‐10, IL‐13, the T‐helper 1 (Th1)‐associated chemokine CXCL10 and the Th2‐associated chemokine CCL17 levels were quantified in 20 women with allergic symptoms (sensitized, n = 13) and 36 women without allergic symptoms (non‐sensitized, n = 30) at gestational weeks 10‐12, 15‐16, 25, 35 and 2 and 12 months post‐partum.ResultsBirch‐, but not cat‐induced, IL‐5, IL‐13 and CCL17 levels were increased during pregnancy as compared to post‐partum in the sensitized women with allergic symptoms. In contrast, cat‐, but not birch‐induced, IL‐5 and IL‐13 levels were increased during pregnancy as compared to post‐partum in the non‐sensitized women without allergic symptoms. Furthermore, IFN‐γ secretion was increased in the first and decreased in the second and third trimesters in response to birch and decreased in the third trimester in response to cat as compared to post‐partum in the non‐sensitized women without allergic symptoms. Increased allergen‐induced IL‐4, IL‐5 and IL‐13 levels were associated with allergic symptoms and sensitization.ConclusionsPregnancy had a clear effect on the allergen‐induced IL‐5, IL‐13, CCL17, IFN‐γ and CXCL10 production, with distinct enhanced Th2‐responses to birch in the allergic group and to cat in the non‐allergic group.
Effect of traditional Chinese and Western medicine on nocturnal enuresis in children and indicators of treatment success: Randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ma Yanli , Liu Xiaomei , Shen Ying 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundNocturnal enuresis (NE) is a common pediatric developmental disorder. Desmopressin is frequently used for NE and is an evidence‐based therapy. Suoquan capsule is a Chinese medicine commonly used for treating NE in children but is poorly understood by most scholars.MethodsA total of 369 children with NE were randomized to receive either suoquan, desmopressin plus suoquan, desmopressin, or behavioral intervention for 2 months, and the response rates evaluated. Subsequently, the viable demographic factors that could lead to success were investigated on logistic regression analysis. Moreover, after 3 months of follow up, the relapse rate was investigated.ResultsThe complete response (CR) rate in the desmopressin plus suoquan group (37.5%) was higher than that in the behavioral intervention group (6.3%, P < 0.007). The desmopressin group had a lower CR rate (22.5%) and a higher non‐response rate (25.0%) than the desmopressin plus suoquan group (non‐response rate, 21.9%; P > 0.007). The relapse rate in the desmopressin group was significantly higher than that in the desmopressin plus suoquan group (72.2% vs. 30.6%, P < 0.007). On Multivariate analysis, treatment group, NE frequency, and age were independent predictors of CR at 2 months (P < 0.05).ConclusionsCombined traditional Chinese and Western treatment in children with NE is effective and has a low relapse rate. NE frequency, treatment method, and age are important predictive factors for CR after treatment.
Pediatric respiratory tract diseases: Chronological trends and perspectives
Authors: Ben Ayed Houda , Yaïch Sourour , Ben Jmaa Maïssa , Jedidi Jihene , Ben Hmida Mariem , Trigui Maroua , Kassis Mondher , Karray Raouf , Mejdoub Yosra , Feki Habib , Damak Jamel 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological profile of childhood respiratory tract diseases (RTD) in the region of Sfax, Tunisia, and to evaluate their trends over a 13 year period.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study of all children hospitalized with RTD aged under 14 years. We collected data from the regional morbidity register of the university hospital of Sfax from 2003 to 2015.ResultsA total of 10 797 RTD patients were enrolled from 49 880 pediatric hospitalizations (21.7%). A male predominance was noted (60%). The median age was 8 months (IQR, 2–36 months). Acute bronchitis (AB) accounted for 53.8%, followed by asthma (15%), pneumonia (14%) and acute upper respiratory infection (AURI; 7.2%). The hospital incidence rate (HIR) of RTD was 34/10 000 inhabitants/year. It was 18.2; 5.07; 4.7 and 2.4/10 000 inhabitants for AB, asthma, pneumonia and AURI, respectively. We noted a significant increase in the HIR of RTD with an annual percentage change (APC) of 10.94% (P < 0.001); in the HIR of AB (APC, 5.27%; P < 0.001); and in asthma HIR (APC, 11.2%; P < 0.001). Otherwise, a significant decrease in AURI HIR was observed (APC, –8.8%; P < 0.001). AB lethality rate increased significantly, with an APC of 7.4% (P < 0.001). Projected trends analysis up to 2024 showed a significant rise in AB and in asthma, while AURI would significantly decrease.ConclusionsRTD continues to be a serious health problem over time in terms of morbidity and mortality. Preventive and curative strategies are needed urgently.
Effect of different mini‐volume colloid centrifugation configurations on flow cytometrically sorted sperm recovery efficiency and quality using a computer‐assisted semen analyzer
Authors: Ferré LB , Chitwood JL , Fresno C , Ortega HH , Kjelland ME , Ross PJ 
Published: September 2017

ContentsStraws of sex‐sorted sperm are usually packaged at a low concentration (e.g., ~2.1 × 106 sperm/ml) and cost significantly more than unsorted conventional semen from the same sire. In order to maximize the efficiency of using sex‐sorted sperm under in vitro fertilization conditions, the selection of an appropriate sperm separation technique is essential. In this study, the effect of using different silane‐coated silica colloid dilutions and layering configurations during centrifugation of sex‐sorted sperm was examined over an extended period of incubation time. Sperm recovery and viability after centrifugation using the colloid separation technique were measured along with several sperm motility parameters using CASA. For this purpose, frozen and thawed sex‐sorted sperm samples were centrifuged using mini‐volume single‐layer (40%, 60% and 80%) and mini‐volume two‐layer (45%/90%, 40%/80% and 30%/60%) separation configurations using PureSperm®. A single layer of 40% PureSperm®recovered significantly more sex‐sorted sperm (78.07% ± 2.28%) followed by a single layer of 80% PureSperm®(68.43% ± 2.33%). The lowest sperm recovery was obtained using a two‐layer PureSperm®dilution of 45%/90% (47.57% ± 2.33%). Single‐layer centrifugation recovered more sorted sperm (68.67% ± 1.74%) than two layer (53.74% ± 1.74%) (p < .0001). A single layer of 80% PureSperm®exhibited the highest sorted sperm viability (72.01% ± 2.90%) after centrifugation (p < .05). The mini‐volume single layer of 80% PureSperm®was determined to be an effective alternative to a two‐layer centrifugation configuration for sex‐sorted sperm selection. In addition, single‐layer colloid dilution of 80% performed either as well as or significantly outperformed the other treatments, as well as the control, with regard to motility (MOT) for all time periods of analysis.
Effect of cryoprotectants and thawing temperatures on chicken sperm quality
Authors: Miranda M , Kulíková B , Vašíček J , Olexiková L , Iaffaldano N , Chrenek P 
Published: September 2017

ContentsThere is need for standardization of freezing–thawing protocol for rooster semen to minimize variability among results. Therefore, we aimed to compare effect of four different permeating cryoprotectants and two thawing temperatures (37 vs. 5°C) on sperm post‐thaw motility and to analyse combined effect of the best permeating cryoprotectant (P‐CPA) with one of four non‐permeating cryoprotectants (N‐CPA) on post‐thaw quality of rooster semen evaluated in vitro. Pooled semen from Ross PM3 rooster heavy line was diluted in Kobidil extender and frozen in cryoprotectant solution containing 6% dimethylacetamide, 7.5% dimethylformamide, 9% N‐methylacetamide or 8% ethylene glycol (EG) in liquid nitrogen vapours. To determine the best thawing rate, straws were thawed either at 37 or 5°C. Furthermore, samples were frozen in the presence of the best N‐CPA either with 0.75 mol/L ficoll, 0.2 mol/L sucrose, 0.2 mol/L trehalose or 0.05 mol/L glycine. Sperm motility, membrane destabilization and viability were analysed to compare different freezing–thawing conditions. In addition, morphology and ultrastructure analysis were performed to compare fresh and frozen‐thawed sperm quality. Our results indicate that the combination of EG and the thawing at 5°C improves (p ≤ .05) sperm post‐thaw motility. Moreover, ficoll addition to EG‐based freezing extender provided additional beneficial effect (p ≤ .05) on progressive movement and apoptosis incidence. Further work should evaluate different N‐CPA concentrations to improve freezing protocol. In addition, fertility evaluation and testing on different chicken lines are needed in order to contribute to animal genetic resources bank.
The interstitial lung disease multidisciplinary meeting: A position statement from the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand and the Lung Foundation Australia
Authors: Prasad Jyotika D. , Mahar Annabelle , Bleasel Jane , Ellis Samantha J. , Chambers Daniel C. , Lake Fiona , Hopkins Peter M.A. , Corte Tamera J. , Allan Heather , Glaspole Ian N. 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTInterstitial lung diseases (ILD) are a diverse group of pulmonary diseases for which accurate diagnosis is critical for optimal treatment outcomes. Diagnosis of ILD can be challenging and a multidisciplinary approach is recommended in international guidelines. The purpose of this position paper is to review the evidence for the use of the multidisciplinary meeting (MDM) in ILD and suggest an approach to its governance and constitution, in an attempt to provide a standard methodology that could be applied across Australia and New Zealand. This position paper is endorsed by the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ) and the Lung Foundation Australia (LFA).
Person‐centred climate and psychometrical exploration of person‐centredness and among patients not conveyed by the Ambulance Care Service
Authors: Rantala Andreas , Forsberg Anna , Ekwall Anna 
Published: September 2017

BackgroundWhat already is known is that as many as 50% of all Swedish Ambulance Care Service assignments are considered as non‐emergency. Therefore, due to medical protocols and triage system, patients are refused conveyance to the Accident and Emergency Department by the Ambulance Care Service.AimThe aim of this study was to psychometrically explore the construct validity of a possible dimension of person‐centredness, developed from a previous published qualitative study in a nonemergency ambulance care context. A second aim was to explore patients’ experiences of the person‐centred climate and to explore possible relationship between it and person‐centredness.Design/MethodsA retrospective, explorative, cross‐sectional survey design with a convenience sample was employed. A total of 111 questionnaires were analysed using descriptive and comparative statistics. An explanatory factor analysis was also conducted.FindingsA one‐factor solution for the specific items possibly constructing person‐centredness was found. The responses to the Person‐centred Climate Questionnaire‐Patient version (PCQ‐P) revealed that the climate was received as highly person‐centred. Relationships were found between the specific items possibly constructing person‐centredness and PCQ‐P.ConclusionA highly valid construct of person‐centredness exists within nonurgent Ambulance Care Service assignments comprising eight aspects of being taken seriously. The climate in which nonemergency ambulance care is provided has great potential to facilitate person‐centredness by means of taking patients seriously. The psychosocial aspects of PCQ‐P and person‐centredness are somewhat related to each other.
Expansionary Contractions and Fiscal Free Lunches: Too Good To Be True?
Authors: McManus Richard , Ozkan Gulcin , Trzeciakiewicz Dawid 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThis paper builds a framework to jointly examine the possibilities of both expansionary fiscal contractions (austerity increasing output) and fiscal free lunches (expansions reducing government debt), arguments which in recent debates have been supported by the austerity and stimulus camps, respectively. We propose a new metric quantifying the budgetary implications of fiscal action, a key aspect of fiscal policy particularly at the monetary zero lower bound. We find that austerity needs to be highly persistent and credible in order to be expansionary, and stimulus needs to be temporary, responsive, and well‐targeted in order to lower debt. We conclude that neither is likely, especially during periods of economic distress.
How societal stereotypes might form and evolve via cumulative cultural evolution
Authors: Martin Douglas , Cunningham Sheila J. , Hutchison Jacqui , Slessor Gillian , Smith Kenny 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe current article examines how societal stereotypes might form and evolve through a process of cumulative cultural evolution as social information is repeatedly passed from person to person. Social psychology research has done much to inform our understanding about the substantial influence stereotypes exert on us as individuals and on our society, yet comparatively little is known about how society's pools of stereotype knowledge form and how they evolve. Here, we review evidence that as social information is repeatedly passed from person to person, there is a continuous cycle of stereotype formation and evolution that is driven by constraints and biases in (a) observations of the social environment, (b) cognitive representations of the social environment, and (c) social transmissions of cognitive representations of the social environment. We suggest the reason stereotypes exist and persist is because they are perfectly adapted for human cognition and the reason they are perfectly adapted for human cognition is because they are the cumulative product of human cognition.
Exploring generative dissonance: Inten[s]ional states and relational interruptions
Authors: Galletta Anne 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThere is great potential to mine social psychological theory and explore the human experience of thoughts in tension. The work in cognitive dissonance reveals how cognitive inconsistencies and the consequential aversive psychological state of dissonance may affect one's understanding of the relations between self and other, creating openings for more inclusive social boundaries. The phenomenon of the “tension state” has potential links to notions of the dialogic space, reframing cognitions and altering social relations toward new interpretations of social givens. I discuss cognitive and relational dissonance in a case study on school desegregation and raise the possibility that desegregated school settings might create opportunities for cognitive openings, new understandings, and space for solidarity. Linking the long and rich theoretical history of cognitive dissonance to critical social theory, the paper advances a related and new concept of generative dissonance. This construct underscores the interruption of cognitive cohesion and the production of new ways of thinking and new social relations. These forms of cognitive and relational rupture generate openings with embodied relational implications, creating the possibility for reframing social problems and reconfiguring human relations.