bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The zebrafish mutant lessen: an experimental model for congenital enteric neuropathies
Authors: Uyttebroek L. , Shepherd I. T. , Vanden Berghe P. , Hubens G. , Timmermans J.‐P. , Van Nassauw L. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackgroundCongenital enteric neuropathies of the distal intestine (CEN) are characterized by the partial or complete absence of enteric neurons. Over the last decade, zebrafish has emerged as a leading model organism in experimental research. Our aim was to demonstrate that the mutant zebrafish, lessen, expressing CEN characteristics, is an equally valuable animal model alongside mammalian models for CEN, by studying its enteric phenotype.MethodsThe effect of the lessen mutation on the development of the enteric nervous system (ENS), interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), and intestinal motility in each intestinal region of mutant and wild‐type (wt) zebrafish embryos at 3–6 dpf, was analyzed by immunofluorescent detection of neurochemical markers and motility assays.Key ResultsDevelopment of intestinal motility in the mutant was delayed and the majority of the observed contractions were disturbed. A significant disturbance in ENS development resulted in a distal intestine that was almost free of neuronal elements, in reduced neuronal density in the proximal and mid‐intestine, and in a defect in the expression of neurochemical markers. Furthermore, markedly disturbed development of ICC gave rise to a less dense network of ICC.Conclusions & InferencesThe observed alterations in intestinal motility, intrinsic innervation and ICC network of the mutant in comparison with the wt zebrafish, are similar to those seen in the oligo‐ and aganglionic regions of the intestine of CEN patients. It is concluded that the zebrafish mutant lessen is an appropriate animal model to investigate CEN.
Patterns of esophageal pressure responses to a rapid drink challenge test in patients with esophageal motility disorders
Authors: Marin I. , Serra J. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackgroundMultiple rapid swallow has been proposed as a challenge test that can help diagnosis and management of patients with esophageal motility disorders. Our aim was to characterize specific pressure patterns in response to a rapid drink challenge test in patients with esophageal motility disorders, and to determine the potential of these patterns in the diagnosis of patients with esophageal symptoms but normal single swallow manometry.MethodsPressure responses to a rapid drink challenge test (rapid swallow of 200 mL water) were prospectively analyzed in 30 healthy controls and 285 patients with esophageal symptoms: 33 achalasia, 68 hypocontractile motility, 27 hypercontractile motility and 160 patients with normal manometry.Key ResultsThree different patterns of responses were characterized: (i) hypopressive or normal pattern that was shared by healthy subjects and patients with hypocontractile peristalsis, and discriminated patients with non‐obstructive hypercontractile motility or achalasia (p < 0.001; sensitivity 80% and specificity 93%), (ii) brief hyperpressive pattern observed in patients with non‐obstructive hypercontractile disorders (distal spasm and hypercontractile esophagus), and (iii) prolonged hyperpressive pattern, that discriminated achalasia from patients with non‐obstructive hypercontractile disorders (p < 0.001; sensitivity 70% and specificity 85%). Seventeen percent of patients with esophageal symptoms but normal single swallow manometry had abnormal responses to the drink challenge test: 14% a brief hyperpressive pattern, and 3% a prolonged hyperpressive pattern.Conclusions & InferencesSpecific patterns of responses to a rapid drink challenge test could help identification of motility disorders in patients with esophageal symptoms but unclear or normal esophageal manometry.
Agents' self‐esteem moderates the effectiveness of negative‐direct partner regulation strategies
Authors: JAYAMAHA SHANUKI D. , OVERALL NICKOLA C. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractPrior research suggests that trying to change partner's attitudes and behaviors in hostile and demanding ways can successfully produce desired changes in targeted partners. The current research investigated whether the effectiveness of negative‐direct partner regulation strategies depends on the self‐esteem of regulation agents. Two longitudinal studies, involving individuals (N = 156) and couples (N = 174) in ongoing relationships, assessed agents' partner regulation attempts, the regulation strategies agents enacted, and the success of regulation attempts across time. Regulation agents who were low in self‐esteem and engaged in negative‐direct regulation strategies experienced lower regulation success over time. Lower regulation success in turn predicted decreases in relationship quality. These results indicate that negative‐direct regulation strategies are not beneficial when engaged by agents low in self‐esteem.
Food allergies developing after solid organ transplant
Authors: Needham J. M. , Nicholas S. K. , Davis C. M. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe development of food allergy is an increasingly recognized form of morbidity after solid organ transplant. It occurs more commonly in liver transplant recipients, although it has also been reported in heart, lung, kidney, and intestinal transplants. Pediatric transplant recipients are more likely to develop symptoms compared to adults, and reports of frequency vary widely from 5% to 38% in pediatric liver transplant recipients. Multiple mechanisms have been proposed in the literature, although no single mechanism can yet account for all reported observations. As food allergy can have at worst potentially fatal consequences, and at best require lifestyle adjustment through food avoidance, it is important for recipients to be aware of the donor's food allergies and particularly in pediatrics, the possibility of completely de novo allergies. This review explores the recent reports surrounding food allergy after solid organ transplant, including epidemiology, proposed mechanisms, and implications for practice.
Alzheimer's disease or Alzheimer's syndrome?: a longitudinal computed tomography neuroradiological follow‐up study of 56 cases diagnosed clinically as Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Fujisawa Kohshiro , Tsunoda Sadaharu , Hino Hiroaki , Shibuya Katsuhiko , Takeda Ayako , Aoki Naoya 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackgroundSome 200 patients, including those with Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia, stay year‐round in Yokohama – Houyuu Hospital. They undergo computed tomography (CT) neuroradiological examination at least once or twice a year. For this study, the accumulative data, including clinical and neuroradiological, were analyzed.MethodsDifferential diagnoses of Alzheimer's disease were performed in accordance with the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke and the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association criteria. The 56 patients (15 men, 41 women) included in this study underwent in‐hospital observation on average for 4.4 years (range: 1–10 years). The patients were classified into four groups according to the age of disease onset. The CT findings were summarized for each group and then compared among the groups to determine if there were any differences related to age of onset and, if so, to identify and analyze them.Results(1) The duration of deceased cases' total clinical course (in years) compared among the four groups. In general, the degree of dementia was more severe among those with earlier disease onset. (2) In cases admitted within 2 years from onset (n =14), the suspected initiating focus of cortical atrophy occurred in the frontal lobe (n = 6), the temporal lobe (n = 6), or the fronto‐temporal lobes (n = 2). (3) Although CT findings generally showed that the more severe cases had earlier onset, serial CT examinations in each case showed widely different pathologies in degree, nature and manner of progression, regardless of group classification. (4) The earliest sites of brain atrophy, sites of its severest involvement within the brain, and neuroradiological development of the cerebral cortex pathology in combination with hemispheric white matter, lateral ventricles, and third ventricles varied among the four groups and between case within each group. Alzheimer's disease could not be subclassified simply by the age of clinical onset.ConclusionCases of so‐called Alzheimer's disease, as observed through continued clinical follow‐up and serial CT examinations, appear so diverse in symptomatology and radiological pathomorphology that it is difficult to consider them a single nosological entity. The pathology of Alzheimer's disease has to be reconsidered in accordance with the variety observed in the sequential development of neuroradiological findings. The pathology must be reconstructed in terms of topographical dimensions and chronological developments. The diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease appears to be not so simple based on any conventional diagnostic operational standards.
Pride and Moral Responsibility
Authors: Fischer Jeremy 
Published: December 2015

AbstractHaving the emotion of pride requires taking oneself to stand in some special relation to the object of pride. According to agency accounts of this pride relation, the self and the object of pride are suitably related just in case one is morally responsible for the existence or excellence of the object of one's pride. I argue that agency accounts fail. This argument provides a strong prima facie defence of an alternate account of pride, according to which the self and the object of pride are suitably related just in case one's relation to the object of pride indicates that one's life accords with some of one's personal ideals. I conclude that the pride relation, though distinct from the relation of moral responsibility, is nonetheless a relation of philosophical interest that merits further attention.… the objects which excite these passions [pride and humility], are very numerous, and seemingly very different from each other. Pride or self‐esteem may arise from the qualities of the mind; wit, good‐sense, learning, courage, integrity: from those of the body; beauty, strength, agility, good mien, address in dancing, riding, fencing: from external advantages; country, family, children, relations, riches, houses, gardens, horses, dogs, cloaths. [I] afterwards proceed to find out that common circumstance, in which all these objects agree, and which causes them to operate on the passions.—David Hume
BMPR2 gene delivery reduces mutation‐related PAH and counteracts TGF‐β‐mediated pulmonary cell signalling
Authors: Feng Feng , Harper Rebecca L , Reynolds Paul N 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackground and objectiveIdiopathic, familial and secondary pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are associated with reduced bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 2 (BMPR2) expression, and in some contexts, TGF‐β upregulation. Our aims were to assess BMPR2 gene therapy in a PAH mouse model and to assess the impact on TGF‐β signalling.MethodsUsing a targeted in vivo gene delivery approach, we assessed the impact of BMPR2 gene delivery in a transgenic mouse model in which PAH was first induced by doxycycline driven expression of a dominant negative BMPR2 mutant (R899X). We also assessed the impact of BMPR2 gene delivery on TGF‐β‐induced changes in cell signalling in human pulmonary vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells.ResultsIn the mouse model, changes in TGF‐β levels were not detected, but BMPR2 gene delivery reversed the increase in right ventricle systolic pressure (RVSP) and Fulton Index (FI), associated with a trend to increased pulmonary endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene expression. In vitro, BMPR2 gene transfer reduced TGF‐β effects on Smad2, Smad1/5/8 and Erk1/2 phosphorylation in human pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (HPASMC). BMPR2 was also found to upregulate nitric oxide (NO) production in lung derived human microvascular endothelial cells (HMVEC‐L).ConclusionThis study provides further evidence that BMPR2 modulation may have therapeutic potential.See Editorial, page 406
Prevalence of xerostomia in an adolescent inpatient psychiatric clinic: a preliminary study
Authors: Kaur Manvir , Himadi Elaine , Chi Donald L. 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACTObjectiveAdolescents with psychiatric conditions may be at risk for xerostomia. In this preliminary study, we estimated xerostomia prevalence in adolescents ages 9 to 17 years from an inpatient psychiatric clinic (N = 25) and examined whether: (1) gender and age were associated with xerostomia and (2) xerostomia was associated with self‐reported cavities.MethodsWe used a modified 11‐item Xerostomia Index to identify xerostomia (no/yes) and asked if adolescents ever had or currently have cavities (no/yes).ResultsThe mean age was 14 years (SD = 2.3) and 72% were male. Sixty percent reported xerostomia (SD = 50). There were no significant associations between xerostomia and gender (p = 0.99) or age (p = 0.66), or between xerostomia and past (p = 0.26) or current cavities (p = 0.11). Larger proportions of adolescents with xerostomia reported previous and current cavities.ConclusionsSixty percent of adolescents from an inpatient psychiatric clinic reported having xerostomia, which may lead to increased caries risk over time. Additional research should examine the prevalence and consequences of xerostomia in high‐risk adolescents.
The effect of overhead target on the lower limb biomechanics during a vertical drop jump test in elite female athletes
Authors: Mok K‐M. , Bahr R. , Krosshaug T. 
Published: December 2015

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of an overhead target on the jump height and lower limb biomechanics in all three planes of motion in a vertical drop jump (VDJ) task among elite female handball and football (soccer) players. The hypothesis was that adding an overhead target to the VDJ task improves jump height, increases joint loading, and decreases frontal plane knee control. Five hundred and twenty‐three female handball and football players (mean ± SD: 21 ± 4 years, 168 ± 6 cm, 65 ± 8 kg) completed the test. The overhead target increased jumping height by 5.8%. Furthermore, the overhead target led to statistically significant changes in many of the lower limb biomechanical variables examined. However, all the changes in kinematics and kinetics were clinically insignificant, as indicated by the small effect sizes. Strong to moderate positive Spearman's rank correlations were found between the two conditions. Therefore, an overhead target is unlikely to increase the range of responses in biomechanical variables in elite female handball and football athletes.
Mycobacterium genavense infection in a solid organ recipient: a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge
Authors: Ombelet S. , Van Wijngaerden E. , Lagrou K. , Tousseyn T. , Gheysens O. , Droogne W. , Doubel P. , Kuypers D. , Claes K.J. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractRenal transplant recipients are highly susceptible to infections caused by uncommon pathogens because of their immunocompromised state. We report a case of disseminated Mycobacterium genavense infection in a patient with a combined renal and cardiac transplant. Diagnosing M. genavense infections remains a challenge because of the absence of specific clinical symptoms in combination with the difficulties of culturing the organism using standard mycobacterial culture procedures. This clinical case demonstrates the importance of molecular techniques as part of the initial work‐up in order to rapidly establish the diagnosis.
Aspergillus otitis in small animals – a retrospective study of 17 cases
Authors: Goodale Elizabeth C. , Outerbridge Catherine A. , White Stephen D. 
Published: December 2015

BackgroundAspergillus spp. are saprophytic opportunistic fungal organisms and are a common cause of otomycosis in humans. Although there have been case reports of Aspergillus otitis externa in dogs, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first retrospective case series describing Aspergillus otitis in dogs and cats.ObjectiveTo characterize signalment, putative risk factors, treatments and outcomes of a case series of dogs and cats with Aspergillus otitis.AnimalsEight dogs and nine cats diagnosed with Aspergillus otitis.MethodsA retrospective review of medical records from 1989 to 2014 identified animals diagnosed with Aspergillus otitis based on culture.ResultsAll dogs weighed greater than 23 kg. The most common putative risk factors identified in this study were concurrent diseases, therapy causing immunosuppression or a history of an otic foreign body. Aspergillus otitis was unilateral in all study dogs and most cats. Concurrent otitis media was confirmed in three dogs and one cat, and suspected in two additional cats. Aspergillus fumigatus was the most common isolate overall and was the dominant isolate in cats. Aspergillus niger and A. terreus were more commonly isolated from dogs. Animals received various topical and systemic antifungal medications; however, otic lavage under anaesthesia and/or surgical intervention increased the likelihood of resolution of the fungal infection.ConclusionAspergillus otitis is uncommon, typically seen as unilateral otitis externa in cats and larger breed dogs with possible risk factors that include immunosuppression and otic foreign bodies; previous antibiotic usage was common.
Q-IBADAH MOBILE APPLICATION: A USABILITY PILOT TESTING
Authors: Saidin Aeni Zuhana , Mohamed Khairun Salwa , Husnayat Adzmi Zayana , Azhar Nurul Wadhihah 
Published: December 2015

Q-Ibadah is a mobile application that aims to nurture KAFA students on their Islamic and religious knowledge. The lack of accessibility of digital and online KAFA subject resources have become the motivation in the development of this mobile app. Design and development of this application have followed the software development phases by iterating its design based on the results gathered during the usability pilot-testing phase. As a result, few alterations were suggested for the next development cycle. This research is aimed to provide more contemporary learning style for this important religious lesson for children in Malaysia.
OPTIMAL TIMAH TASOH RESERVOIR IN, PERLIS: AN OPERATION USING THE GRAVITATIONAL SEARCH ALGORITHM (GSA)
Authors: Ahmad Asmadi , Mohd Razali Siti Fatin , El-Shafie Ahmed , Mohamad Zawawi Samba 
Published: December 2015

The construction of a dam or a reservoir can have a serious impact the environment. When dealing with the increasing water demand from irrigation and water supply, alternative solution has to be sought way rather than building a new dam. Therefore, reservoir optimization can be employed as a new approach in sustainable engineering to solve this kind of problem. In this paper an optimization algorithm based on the Newton law of gravity, which is called Gravitational Search Algorithm (GSA), is introduced for optimal reservoir operation study. In GSA, every mass has four specifications, which are position, inertial mass, active gravitational mass, and passive gravitational.Â The location of the mass is the solution of the problem, with the gravitational and inertial masses being determined by using a fitness function. Furthermore, The algorithm was applied to the Timah Tasoh reservoir and the release policy was tested by using simulation of demand and release. The result revealed that 72% of the times the reservoir managed to fulfill the demand to the users. Moreover, with the new optimized release policy, the dam operator can manage the reservoir release for the users by determining the inflow pattern, as well as by and observing the current storage condition as a guideline
SUSTAINABLE HOSPITAL FOR URBAN RESIDENTS
Authors: Mohd Din Shamzani Affendy , Nik Yahya Nik Nurul Hidayah , Othman Rashidi 
Published: December 2015

Malaysia is one of the sustainable countries in the world as it ranked at 51st over 178 countries in Environmental Performance Index (EPI). However, Malaysia as an upper-middle-income country set strong forces in Gross Domestic Production from 2009 until 2014 at 16.18 per cent (%) inclination. The urbanisation activities exposing the urban residents to the concentration of fine and ultrafine particulates matter (PM) include the urban area hospital occupants. The main aim of this research is to investigate the adverse health effects towards the patients in hospital specifically, Kuala Lumpur in general. Significantly, the outcome assist in particulate matter impact control in expenditure by general government and promotes the sustainable hospital ambient towards its occupants. The case study for this pilot study is Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL). The approaches used are literature review and data collections. The findings identified the motor vehicles as the main sources of Particulates Matter in Kuala Lumpur urban area. As the sources increases, the PM concentration also increases. Simultaneously, the number of patients facing respiratory related diseases also increased. Contradict to previous researchers’ theory, Malaysian results shows that as the number of unhealthy days increase in the year 2012, yet the morbidity case reported decreases. This is for the general government had spent at an increment of 7.46% in the year 2011 during the fall of unhealthy days at 11.76 % in 2011. This shows that the general government spend effectively to mitigate the repeat cases of respiratory patients facing by high risk communities. In conclusion, the sustainable development can be achieved as the economy is being blend well with the environment.
FIELD MEASUREMENT OF PARTICULATE MATTER INSIDE A BUS PASSENGER COMPARTMENT
Authors: Ahmad Shafie Noor Emilia , Mohamed Kamar Haslinda , Kamsah Nazri 
Published: December 2015

Passengers commuting with buses are exposed to indoor air that contains contaminants such as particulate matters (PM). These contaminants could affect the passenger’s health in long and short term durations. Depending on the size of the particles, a respiratory allergy and airborne transmission could affect the passenger’s health. This article presents a field measurement to assess the airborne particles concentration of particulate matters inside a passenger bus compartment. The data collections were done at the front, middle and rear sections of the compartment, at a height of 1.1 m from the floor. The field measurements were carried outfrom 7.30 AM to 9.00 AM, 1.30 PM to 2.30 PM and from 4.15 PM to 5.00 PMwhich are the peak hours periods. A HPC300 handheld particles counter was used to measure the concentrations of PM1, PM2.5 and PM10. The results show that the concentrations of PM1, PM2.5 and PM10 were significantly high during the afternoon and evening hours. Also, the concentrations of PM1, PM2.5 and PM10 were higher at the front section of the passenger compartment compared to the middle and rear sections. It was also found that the peak hour periods, ventilation setting, infiltration, boarding and unboarding of passengers are among the factor that would increase the concentrations of PM1, PM2.5 and PM10 particles inside the passenger compartment.