bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Frequency of HIV testing among gay and bisexual men in the UK: implications for HIV prevention
Authors: McDaid LM , Aghaizu A , Frankis J , Riddell J , Nardone A , Mercey D , Johnson AM , Hart GJ , Flowers P 
Published: March 2016

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to explore HIV testing frequency among UK men who have sex with men (MSM) in order to direct intervention development.MethodsCross‐sectional surveys were completed by 2409 MSM in Edinburgh, Glasgow and London in 2011 and a Scotland‐wide online survey was carried out in 2012/13. The frequency of HIV testing in the last 2 years was measured.ResultsOverall, 21.2% of respondents reported at least four HIV tests and 33.7% reported two or three tests in the last 2 years, so we estimate that 54.9% test annually. Men reporting at least four HIV tests were younger and less likely to be surveyed in London. They were more likely to report higher numbers of sexual and anal intercourse partners, but not “higher risk” unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) with at least two partners, casual partners and/or unknown/discordant status partners in the previous 12 months. Only 26.7% (238 of 893) of men reporting higher risk UAI reported at least four tests. Among all testers (n = 2009), 56.7% tested as part of a regular sexual health check and 35.5% tested following a risk event. Differences were observed between surveys, and those testing in response to a risk event were more likely to report higher risk UAI.ConclusionsGuidelines recommend that all MSM test annually and those at “higher risk” test more frequently, but our findings suggest neither recommendation is being met. Additional efforts are required to increase testing frequency and harness the opportunities provided by biomedical HIV prevention. Regional, demographic and behavioural differences and variations in the risk profiles of testers suggest that it is unlikely that a “one size fits all” approach to increasing the frequency of testing will be successful.
Ex vivo evaluation of four final irrigation protocols on the removal of hard‐tissue debris from the mesial root canal system of mandibular first molars
Authors: Leoni G. B. , Versiani M. A. , Silva‐Sousa Y. T. , Bruniera J. F. B. , Pécora J. D. , Sousa‐Neto M. D. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAimTo evaluate the efficacy of four final irrigation protocols on the reduction of hard‐tissue debris accumulated within the mesial root canal system of mandibular first molars using micro‐CT analysis.MethodologyForty mesial roots of mandibular molars with a single and continuous isthmus connecting the mesiobuccal and mesiolingual canals (Vertucci's Type I configuration) were selected and scanned at a resolution of 8.6 μm. Canals were enlarged sequentially using WaveOne Small and Primary instruments activated in reciprocating motion without intracanal irrigation to allow debris to accumulate within the mesial root canal system. Then, specimens were anatomically matched and distributed into four groups (n = 10), according to the final irrigation protocol: apical positive pressure (APP), passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), Self‐adjusting File (SAF) and XP‐endo Finisher (XPF). The final irrigation procedures were performed over 2 min using a total of 5.5 mL of 2.5% NaOCl per canal. Reconstructed data sets were coregistered, and the mean percentage reduction of accumulated hard‐tissue debris after the final irrigation procedures was compared statistically between groups using the anovapost hoc Tukey test with a significance level set at 5%.ResultsReduction of accumulated hard‐tissue debris was observed in all groups after the final irrigation protocol. Overall, PUI and XPF groups had higher mean percentage reductions of accumulated hard‐tissue debris (94.1% and 89.7%, respectively) than APP and SAF groups (45.7% and 41.3%, respectively) (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found when comparing the results of PUI and XPF groups (P > 0.05) or APP and SAF groups (P > 0.05).ConclusionsThe PUI technique and XP‐endo Finisher instrument were associated with significantly lower levels of AHTD compared with conventional irrigation and the modified SAF system protocol in mesial root canals of mandibular molars.
Does root canal treatment in necrotic pulp or retreatment cases with periapical lesions require anaesthesia? An in vivo clinical study
Authors: Kfir A. , Blau‐Venezia N. , Tsesis I. , Goldberger T. , Metzger Z. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAimTo examine whether local anaesthesia is required for treating teeth with necrotic pulps (TNP) and retreatment cases (RCs) associated with periapical lesions.MethodologyRoot canal treatment was performed in TNP and RCs without the administration of local anaesthesia. Patients were assured that if they experienced pain, local anaesthesia would be provided. Eighty canals, 40 TNP and 40 RCs, were included in the study. Two length measurements were performed: one using an electronic apex locator (EAL), which was defined as the electronic length (EL), and the second, the length at which the patient first reported that a size 15 file was touching the periapical tissues, which was defined as the periodontal length (PL). The difference between these two measurements (Δ = PL − EL) was the parameter studied. Statistical analysis was conducted using two‐way anova and paired t‐tests. Working length (WL) was defined in this study as being 0.5 mm short of the EL.ResultsEL was shorter than PL in 96% of cases. The mean difference between measurements was 0.78 (±0.11) mm in the TNP group and 0.63 (±0.15) mm in the RC group; the difference was not significant. The distances between the WL and PL were thus 1.28 and 1.13 mm, respectively. In none of the 80 canals did the patient experience any pain, either during the measurements or during the instrumentation procedures.ConclusionsWhen EALs are used, local anaesthesia may not be required for root canal treatment in teeth with necrotic pulps and retreatment cases associated with periapical lesions.
Lichen planus of the lips: an intermediate disease between the skin and mucosa? Retrospective clinical study and review of the literature
Authors: Nuzzolo Paolo , Celentano Antonio , Bucci Paolo , Adamo Daniela , Ruoppo Elvira , Leuci Stefania , Mignogna Michele Davide 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundLichen planus of the lips (LPL) is not frequently described in the literature. The objective of this study is to investigate the clinical outline, behavior, and prognosis of LPL.MethodsClinical data of patients with true oral lichen planus (LP) involving the lips, diagnosed and treated at our Oral Medicine Unit (University Federico II of Naples, Italy), have been collected and analyzed. Concurrently, a PubMed search was carried out from 1950 to March 2014 to assess epidemiological and clinical data about LPL.ResultsOur case series revealed 13 patients (female/male ratio 0.4) with a mean (± SD) age of 71.85 years (± 6.72). The lower/upper lip involvement ratio was 9, mainly with mixed clinical patterns (76.9%), generally including erosion and mild keratosis. In most cases, the lips were involved with other oral sites but displayed a better evolution of the lesions. The literature review showed 21 reports of LPL (35 patients, female/male ratio 0.4) with a mean (± SD) age of 45.35 years (± 16.19).ConclusionsIn the literature, erosive (28.57%) lower lip lesions showed a clear predominance (lower/upper lip ratio 6.5). One case of malignant transformation was also reported. The prevalence of isolated LPL was clearly reported only in two studies, ranging from 0.51% to 8.9%. In our patients, lesions were mostly found at the inner border of the lower vermillion and presented a tendency for self‐limitation, or to regression after treatment, like cutaneous lesions. The lip lesions were small and easy to overlook, and therefore the prevalence of these lesions may have been underestimated.
Prenatal diagnosis of hemoglobinopathies in Tunisia: an 18 years of experience
Authors: Ouali F. , Siala H. , Bibi A. , Hadj Fredj S. , Dakhlaoui B. , Othmani R. , Ouenniche F. , Zouari F. , Bouguerra B. , Rezigua H. , Fattoum S. , Messaoud T. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryHemoglobinopathies are the most common genetic disease in Tunisia with a total carrier prevalence of 4.48%.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to report an 18‐year fully achieved experience of prenatal diagnosis (PND) of hemoglobinopathies (1994–2012) and to assess the impact of this prevention program.Patient and methodsA total of 461 fetuses of 340 at‐risk couples have been the subject of PND for beta‐thalassemia major risk (41%), for sickle cell anemia risk (40.3%), for S/beta‐thal risk (14.7%). The remainder fetuses were at risk for a compound heterozygote hemoglobinopathies (S/O, O/beta‐thal, S/C….). Fetal DNA was studied by PCR procedure including the reverse dot‐blot technique and the amplification refractory mutation system and direct sequencing.Results and discussionOnly 13.8% of the fetal samplings were conducted by chorionic villus sampling. The molecular result for beta‐thalassemia risk has shown 13 beta‐thal mutations, with two common: codon 39 (C>T) and IVS1‐110 (G>A). The last 3 years, STR study has permitted to reduce the problems of maternal cell contamination. Among the 461 tested fetuses, 121 were affected, and then the pregnancy was terminated except for 13 cases, because of religious considerations and this despite the abortion legality in Tunisia. The conducted PND is only about 30 PND per year corresponding essentially to the couples living in Tunis City and surrounding area. PND number has increased from 1994 to 2009. This evolution has brutally decreased after the Tunisian revolution (2010).ConclusionAlthough the good running of the PND, it covers only the Tunis city with low impact because it prevent apparition of only a mean of 7.3% of new cases. The reduced number of PND is not a technical inconvenience but rather a lack of a preventive program.
Association of mean platelet volume and platelet count with the development and prognosis of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke
Authors: Du J. , Wang Q. , He B. , Liu P. , Chen J.‐Y. , Quan H. , Ma X. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryIntroductionMean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet (PLT) count are the two major parameters that reflect the functions and activities of PLTs. The associations of MPV and PLT count with the occurrence and prognosis of stroke have not been fully clarified. This study aimed to investigate the association of MPV and PLT count with the development and prognosis of first‐ever ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke in order to provide evidence for early diagnosis and treatment of both strokes.MethodsThis study included 281 first‐ever ischemic stroke and 164 first‐ever hemorrhagic stroke patients between 2010 and 2012. All participants received routine blood tests within 2 h after admission and were categorized into good or poor prognosis group based on the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score. MPV and PLT counts were transformed into categorical variables and their association with the occurrence and prognosis of both strokes was evaluated by multivariate logistic regression.ResultsThe risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke in MPV group (>13 fL) was 22.17 and 5.21 times higher compared with normal MPV group. The PLT count was positively correlated with the risk of ischemic stroke, but negatively correlated with the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. MPV and PLT count was not correlated with the prognosis of either stroke.ConclusionsIncreased MPV is an independent risk factor for both strokes. Elevated PLT count increases the risk for ischemic stroke, but decreases the risk for hemorrhagic stroke. However, neither MPV nor PLT count has significant association with the prognosis of either stroke.
Evaluation of a flow cytometric assay for the confirmation of heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia
Authors: Maličev E. , Kozak M. , Rožman P. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryIntroductionHeparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is an immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia associated with heparin therapy. The diagnosis consists of a combination of pretest probability and laboratory testing. The routinely available laboratory antigen binding assays for the detection of specific antibodies have a low HIT‐positive predictive value; therefore, to exclude false‐positive results, one of the functional assays should be performed. Functional assays evaluate the ability of heparin/PF4 antibodies to activate the platelets. The aim of our study was to validate the flow cytometric functional assay, based on the use of anti‐CD61 and anti‐CD62 antibodies, as a suitable diagnostic test for HIT.MethodsSera from patients with a clinical suspicion of HIT were previously analyzed with screening IgG‐specific ELISA, and 41 of those which were positive were selected for the functional assay.ResultsOur results were compared to another functional assay – the HIPA (heparin‐induced platelet aggregation assay). The diagnostic specificity of the flow cytometric assay was calculated based on HIPA results and was 83%.ConclusionPerforming this functional test after the screening assay could significantly improve the specificity of HIT testing as heparin/PF4 antibodies are often not clinically significant.
Local verification between the hematological analyzers Sysmex XN‐series and XE‐5000
Authors: Pérez I. , Redín M. E. , Vives A. , Garrido A. , Urrechaga E. , Lacasta M. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryIntroductionThe aim of this study was to perform a verification of the hematology analyzer Sysmex XN‐2000 by comparing with the previous XE‐5000. This study assessed the precision and carryover on the XN‐2000 and the systematic error between the both counters according to desirable biological variability criterion and a flag comparison study.MethodsWithin‐run precision and between‐batch precision were measured according to the ICSH guidelines. A comparative study was performed analyzing two hundred and six samples of peripheral blood from patients. The statistical study was conducted using the Passing–Bablok and Bland–Altman analyses. The leucocyte flag comparison was made by measuring the efficiency rate.ResultsBetween‐batch precision was lower than that recommended by the biological variability criterion and manufacturer specifications. The comparison gave nonagreement results for neutrophil and basophil counts according to the criterion of biological variability. Erythroblasts and immature granulocytes showed nonagreement, but there is no available biological variation database for these parameters to compare with. Nevertheless, excellent absolute agreement was found for red blood cell parameters, and for platelet, lymphocyte, monocyte, and eosinophil counts.ConclusionsThe global results obtained for the precision, comparability, and efficiency provide a satisfactory integration of the XN‐2000 in the core laboratory routine and accomplish an optimal reliability.
Methylmalonic acid and neutrophil morphometric index in laboratory diagnosis of cobalamin deficiency without macrocytosis
Authors: Totoskovic D. , Dopsaj V. , Martinovic J. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryIntroductionThis study aimed to investigate the utility of methylmalonic acid (MMA) and neutrophil Cell Population Data, available on the Beckman Coulter LH750 Analyser (Miami, FL, USA), in laboratory assessment of cobalamin status in patients at risk of cobalamin deficiency, without macrocytosis and inflammation.MethodsThe study group included 189 patients. Neutrophil Cell Population Data along with vitamin B12 and homocysteine were assessed in regard to MMA tertile groups.ResultsStatistically significant differences were between lower and upper MMA tertile in serum B12 (P ˂ 0.001), homocysteine (P = 0.001) and neutrophil morphometric index, NeS‐DW (P = 0.029). Also, serum B12 concentrations were significantly different between lower and middle MMA tertile, P = 0.005. Receiver operating characteristic analysis of NeS‐DW ability to detect MMA˃367 nmol/L revealed a significant area under the curve AUC = 0.761 P ˂ 0.001 95% CI 0.693–0.830. Optimal cut‐off value was NeS‐DW˃3.51% with sensitivity of 74.19% and specificity of 68.87%.ConclusionIn patients at risk of cobalamin deficiency and normal MCV, classification according to MMA revealed cobalamin status differences. Neutrophil morphometric index may be an indicator of early changes in neutrophil nucleus morphology caused by impaired cobalamin status.
Hemiscrotal agenesis: Pathogenesis and management strategies
Authors: Nishio Hidenori , Mizuno Kentaro , Moritoki Yoshinobu , Kamisawa Hideyuki , Naiki Taku , Kurokawa Satoshi , Nakane Akihiro , Okada Atsushi , Yasui Takahiro , Hayashi Yutaro 
Published: March 2016

AbstractHemiscrotal agenesis is among the rarest anomalies in scrotal development disorders. As it has only been reported in three cases, the clinical manifestations remain unclear. We report a case of hemiscrotal agenesis with ipsilateral cryptorchidism. Based on the thermal assessment of the scrotum, concurrent scrotoplasty and orchiopexy were carried out, and the scrotoplasty improved the thermal environment of the fixed left testis. Furthermore, the low expression of androgen receptor and steroid‐5‐alpha‐reductase, alpha polypeptide 2 in the affected side of the scrotum likely resulted in the characteristics of absent scrotal rugae, and pigmentation on histological and biological analyses. For future fertility, we believe that scrotoplasty should be considered as a management option for hemiscrotal agenesis.
Nurses' caring and empathy in Jordanian psychiatric hospitals: A national survey
Authors: Alhadidi Majdi M.B. , Abdalrahim Maysoon S. , Al‐Hussami Mahmoud 
Published: March 2016

AbstractNurses working in psychiatric hospitals need to acquire the skills of therapeutic communication and empathy, and have higher levels of caring. The present study aims to investigate the level of caring and empathy among nurses working in psychiatric hospitals. A cross‐sectional survey was utilized to collect data from 205 nurses recruited from three psychiatric hospitals in Jordan. The Background Information Questionnaire, Modified Caring Dimensions Inventory, and Toronto Empathy Questionnaire were administered to the recruited participants. The findings revealed that the sampled nurses had a high level of caring and empathy. Significant correlations were found between caring and having a specialized training in mental health nursing, and having organizational and managerial support. However, no significant correlations were found between empathy and participants' characteristics. Specialized training in mental health nursing, having organizational and managerial support, and empathy were found predictors for caring.
Anxieties and coping methods of liver transplant recipients regarding pregnancy and delivery
Authors: Yoshimura Yasuko , Umeshita Koji , Kubo Shoji , Yoshikawa Yuki 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAimTo clarify the anxieties experienced by liver transplant recipients and their methods of coping during pregnancy and delivery.BackgroundThe recent increase in liver transplantation among adults and the growth in the number of paediatric (until reproductive age) liver transplant recipients have caused an increase in the number of pregnancies and deliveries among patients who have undergone liver transplantation.DesignA qualitative descriptive study.MethodsFourteen recipients experienced delivery after undergoing liver transplantation. Data were collected through semi‐structured interviews from June 2012 ‐ May 2013. The descriptions obtained about the anxieties felt during pregnancy and the methods for coping were analysed using qualitative content analysis.ResultsRegarding anxieties during pregnancy, the two core categories, that is, ‘influences on the child born to the liver transplant recipient’ and ‘the liver transplant recipient's body’, and seven other categories were extracted. As for methods of coping, seven categories were extracted such as consulting a healthcare professional, family member or a recipient with a similar experience; accepting the necessity of immunosuppressive therapy; staying positive and avoiding negative thoughts; and practising good health habits.ConclusionsLiver transplant recipients cope with anxieties about the effects of immunosuppressants on the child and worsening of their physical condition by consulting healthcare professionals and family members and by self‐management to maintain their physical condition. Nurses should seek to understand the physical and psychosocial status of each recipient after liver transplantation and provide support to facilitate the physical and psychological stability of liver transplant recipients during pregnancy and delivery.
Biodiversity gradients in obligate symbiotic organisms: exploring the diversity and traits of lichen propagules across the United States
Authors: Tripp Erin A. , Lendemer James C. , Barberán Albert , Dunn Robert R. , Fierer Noah 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAimLarge‐scale distributions of plants and animals have been studied extensively and form the foundation for core concepts and paradigms in biogeography and macroecology. Much less attention has been given to other groups of organisms, particularly obligate symbiotic organisms. We present the first quantitative assessment of how spatial and environmental variables shape the abundance and distribution of obligate symbiotic organisms across nearly an entire subcontinent, using lichen propagules as an example.LocationThe contiguous United States (excluding Alaska and Hawaii).MethodsWe useDNAsequence‐based analyses of lichen reproductive propagules from settled dust samples collected from nearly 1300 home exteriors to reconstruct biogeographical correlates of lichen taxonomic and functional diversity.ResultsContrary to expectations, we found a weak but significant reverse latitudinal gradient in lichen propagule diversity. Diversity was not impacted by urbanization or human population density. We show that propagules of asexually reproducing species have wider geographical ranges than propagules from sexually reproducing species, likely reflecting the lichenized nature of asexual spores that disperse both the mycobiont and photobiont versus non‐lichenized sexual spores, which disperse only the mycobiont.Main ConclusionsOur findings of a reverse latitudinal gradient and a relative lack of impact of urbanization on lichen propagules and/or lichen‐forming fungal spores suggest that core concepts in biogeography are better informed via consideration of additional patterns from other, less well studied groups of organisms.
Suppressive action of miRNAs to ARP2/3 complex reduces cell migration and proliferation via RAC isoforms in Hirschsprung disease
Authors: Tang Weibing , Cai Peng , Huo Weiwei , Li Hongxing , Tang Junwei , Zhu Dongmei , Xie Hua , Chen Pingfa , Hang Bo , Wang Shouyu , Xia Yankai 
Published: March 2016

AbstractHirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a congenital disorder caused by the defective function of the embryonic enteric neural crest. The impaired migration of embryonic enteric neural crest plays an important role in the pathogenesis of this disease. Recent studies showed that the ARP2/3 complex and RAC isoforms had effects on actin cytoskeleton remodelling, which contributes to migration. Moreover, some regulatory relationships were identified between ARP2/3 complex and RAC isoforms. Although microRNAs (miRNAs) have been known to modulate target gene expression on the post‐transcriptional level, little is known about the regulation among miRNAs, ARP2/3 complex and RAC isoforms. Here, we report that down‐regulation of ARP2 and ARP3, two main subunits of ARP2/3 complex, suppressed migration and proliferation in 293T and SH‐SY5Y cell lines via the inhibition of RAC1 and RAC2. Meanwhile, as the target genes, ARP2 and ARP3 are reduced by increased miR‐24‐1* and let‐7a*, respectively, in 70 HSCR samples as compared with 74 normal controls. Co‐immunoprecipitation showed that aberrant reduction in ARP2 and ARP3 could weaken the function of ARP2/3 complex. Our study demonstrates that the miR‐24‐1*/let‐7a*‐ARP2/3 complex‐RAC isoforms pathway may represent a novel pathogenic mechanism for HSCR.