bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effects of l‐Carnitine Against Cyclophosphamide‐Induced Injuries in Mouse Testis
Authors: Cao Yuanchao , Wang Xinsheng , Li Shenqian , Wang Hongqiang , Yu Lei , Wang Peitao 
Published: September 2016

AbstractIn order to explore the possibility of l‐carnitine (LC) as a protector of male fertility in chemotherapy, we observed the damage of cyclophosphamide (CTX) to Sertoli cells and the protective effect of LC on the testis Sertoli cells from such damage in this study. Healthy adult male mice were divided into three groups: chemotherapy group were injected intraperitoneally with the CTX; protective agent group were injected both LC and CTX; control group mice were injected only with isochoric physiological saline; all once a day for 5 days. After 5 days, the mice were, respectively, killed at 24 hr after the last injection. The testis and epididymis were removed. Epididymis was for sperm analysis immediately, and immunohistochemistry, RT‐PCR and Western blot for the assessments of occludin, glial cell‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and TGF‐β3 mRNA and protein expression. The sperm analysis of epididymis showed that CTX can significantly decrease sperm count and motility; and administration of LC resulted in significant recovery of the sperm count and sperm motility. Compared with control group, the expressions of occludin and GDNF decreased and the expression of TGF‐β3 increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the CTX group. In the LC + CTX group, the expressions of occludin and GDNF were higher than those of the CTX group and similar to those of the control group; the TGF‐β3 expression was lower (p < 0.05) than that of the CTX group and similar to that of the control group. The results of this study showed that CTX could damage the spermatogenesis and reduce the expression of occludin and GDNF, and increase the expression of TGF‐β3 in testis of mouse, which indicates CTX's damage or efficacy to testis Sertoli cells. LC could protect the Sertoli cells of testis from these damages caused by CTX, and promote or protect the spermatogenesis. In conclusion, this study provides meaningful information about the possible damage to male fertility by chemotherapeutics and potential of LC in the protection of male fertility during chemotherapy.
Victimization and its associations with peer rejection and fear of victimization: Moderating effects of individual‐level and classroom‐level characteristics
Authors: Kollerová Lenka , Smolík Filip 
Published: September 2016

BackgroundPast research has shown that peer victimization by bullying is associated with peer rejection and fear of victimization, but little is known about the interplay between victimization and other characteristics in the prediction of these experiences. We assume that the associations between victimization and peer rejection/fear of victimization are moderated by multiple characteristics, including aspects of peer ecology.AimsThe study tested whether the links between victimization and peer rejection/fear of victimization are moderated by gender, peer support, and two features of classroom peer ecology: classroom victimization rate and classroom hierarchy (the variability of popularity among students).SampleThe sample included 512 early adolescents attending sixth grade retrieved from 25 elementary school classrooms.MethodsParticipants completed a set of self‐report and peer nomination instruments in classroom settings.ResultsMultilevel linear modelling showed that higher levels of peer rejection were associated with higher victimization, male gender, and lower peer support. The association between victimization and peer rejection was attenuated for females and when the classroom victimization rate was higher. A higher fear of victimization was related to higher victimization, female gender, lower peer support, and a higher classroom victimization rate. The link between victimization and fear of victimization was strengthened by female gender and higher levels of classroom hierarchy.ConclusionsThe results indicate the relevance of the interplay between victimization and gender and between victimization and classroom peer ecology in understanding peer rejection and fear of victimization.
Transgenic animal model for studying the mechanism of obesity‐associated stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Wang Lin , Lin Guiting , Lee Yung‐Chin , Reed‐Maldonado Amanda B. , Sanford Melissa T. , Wang Guifang , Li Huixi , Banie Lia , Xin Zhengcheng , Lue Tom F. 
Published: September 2016

ObjectiveTo study and compare the function and structure of the urethral sphincter in female Zucker lean (ZL) and Zucker fatty (ZF) rats and to assess the viability of ZF fats as a model for female obesity‐associated stress urinary incontinence (SUI).Materials and MethodsTwo study arms were created: a ZL arm including 16‐week‐old female ZL rats (ZUC‐Leprfa 186; n = 12) and a ZF arm including 16‐week‐old female ZF rats (ZUC‐Leprfa 185; n = 12). I.p. insulin tolerance testing was carried out before functional study. Metabolic cages, conscious cystometry and leak point pressure (LPP) assessments were conducted. Urethral tissues were harvested for immunofluorescence staining to check intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) and sphincter muscle (smooth muscle and striated muscle) composition.ResultsThe ZF rats had insulin resistance, a greater voiding frequency and lower LPP compared with ZL rats (P < 0.05), with more IMCL deposition localized in the urethral striated muscle fibres of the ZF rats (P < 0.05). The thickness of the striated muscle layer and the ratio of striated muscle to smooth muscle were lower in ZF than in ZL rats.ConclusionObesity impairs urethral sphincter function via IMCL deposition and leads to atrophy and distortion of urethral striated muscle. The ZF rats could be a consistent and reliable animal model in which to study obesity‐associated SUI.
Long‐term results of cabergoline therapy for macroprolactinomas and analyses of factors associated with remission after withdrawal
Authors: Watanabe Shinya , Akutsu Hiroyoshi , Takano Shingo , Yamamoto Tetsuya , Ishikawa Eiichi , Suzuki Hiroaki , Matsumura Akira 
Published: September 2016

SummaryObjectiveWithdrawal of cabergoline is generally challenging, especially in patients with large or invasive macroprolactinomas. Therefore, we aimed to assess long‐term results of cabergoline therapy for macroprolactinomas and remission achievement results after withdrawal in patients with macroprolactinomas. We also investigated clinical characteristics and factors related to remission after withdrawal.MethodsThis was an institutional review board‐approved retrospective analysis. We studied 46 macroprolactinoma patients who had taken cabergoline during the period from 2003 through 2013. Administration of cabergoline was maintained for 5 years before withdrawal.ResultsMedian follow‐up after the initiation of cabergoline therapy was 54·3 (range 5·3 to 137·2) months. Recurrences of hyperprolactinaemia were observed in 3 of 11 (27%) postwithdrawal patients at a median time of 3·0 (range; 2·9–11·2) months, indicating that a high percentage (73%) maintained remission for at least 12 months after cabergoline cessation. Factors significantly associated with remission were analysed in 21 patients receiving long‐term cabergoline administration. On multivariate analysis, the absence of cavernous sinus invasion on pretreatment MRI (≥3/4 tumour encasement of the intracavernous internal carotid artery) (HR; 21·94, 95% CI; 2·06–1071·0, P = 0·006), initial PRL <132·7 ng/ml (HR; 8·28, 95% CI; 1·24–199·6, P = 0·03) and nadir PRL <1·9 ng/ml during cabergoline therapy (HR; 5·14, 95% CI; 1·10–39·02, P = 0·04) showed statistically significant correlations with remission after withdrawal.ConclusionsCabergoline therapy can achieve a high percentage (73% in this series) of remission maintenance for at least 12 months after cessation of a 5‐year course of therapy, even in patients with macroprolactinomas. The absence of cavernous sinus invasion, serum PRL level lower than 132·7 ng/ml before cabergoline therapy or nadir serum PRL below 1·9 ng/ml were related to more frequent remission after withdrawal of cabergoline in patients receiving this medication for 5 years.
An ecological systems approach to understanding social support in foster family resilience
Authors: Piel Megan Hayes , Geiger Jennifer M. , Julien‐Chinn Francie J. , Lietz Cynthia A. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractFamilies who care for children in the foster care system often experience challenges related to the system, accessing services and supports, and managing relationships. Despite these challenges, many families thrive because of unique attributes and strengths that contribute to experiences of resilience. Using an ecological framework, this study examined social support among resilient foster families to better understand how foster caregivers experienced positive reciprocal transactions across systems. As part of a larger study, in‐depth narrative interviews were conducted to examine the process of resilience for families who foster. Findings revealed that families accessed and benefited from social support on micro‐level, meso‐level and macro‐level. Understanding how families cultivated social support across multiple levels offers implications for practice and policy when considering how best to retain and support families who care for vulnerable children.
Myocardial injury in patients with hemodynamic derangements during and/or after liver transplantation
Authors: Huang Shun , Apinyachon Worapot , Agopian Vatche G. , Wray Christopher L. , Busuttil Ronald W. , Steadman Randolph H. , Xia Victor W. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractMyocardial injury, defined as an elevation of cardiac troponin (cTn) resulting from ischemia, is associated with substantial mortality in surgical patients, and its incidence, risk factors, and impact on patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT) are poorly understood. In this study, adult patients who experienced perioperative hemodynamic derangements and had cTn measurements within 30 days after LT between 2006 and 2013 were studied. Of 502 patients, 203 (40.4%) met the diagnostic criteria (cTn I ≥0.1 ng/mL) of myocardial injury. The majority of myocardial injury occurred within the first three postoperative days and presented without clinical signs or symptoms of myocardial infarction. Thirty‐day mortality in patients with myocardial injury was 11.4%, significantly higher compared with that in patients without myocardial injury (3.4%, P<.01). Cox analysis indicated the peak cTn was significantly associated with 30‐day mortality. Multivariable logistic analysis identified three independent risk factors: requirement of ventilation before transplant (odds ratios (OR) 1.6, P=.006), RBC≥15 units (OR 1.7, P=.006), and the presence of PRS (OR 2.0, P=.028). We concluded that post‐LT myocardial injury in this high‐risk population was common and associated with mortality. Our findings may be used in pretransplant stratification. Further studies to investigate this postoperative cardiac complication in all LT patients are warranted.
Rapid genetic structuring of populations of the invasive fall webworm in relation to spatial expansion and control campaigns
Authors: Cao Li‐Jun , Wei Shu‐Jun , Hoffmann Ary Anthony , Wen Jun‐Bao , Chen Min 
Published: September 2016

AbstractAimTo establish patterns of genetic variation associated with the well‐documented history of invasion and expansion of the fall webworm (FWW), Hyphantria cunea, into China. Patterns are expected to be affected by geographical and environmental factors as well as a history of control campaigns.LocationNorthern and eastern China.MethodsWe genotyped 18 polymorphic microsatellite loci derived from 657 individuals (25 populations) collected from across the distribution range of FWW in China and a native population in USA, and we also sequenced mitochondrial DNA from a subset of 70 individuals. Population genetic structure was analysed by using three Bayesian cluster methods (structure, geneland and tess) and a multivariate principal component analysis (PCA). The scenarios of invasion history were tested using an approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) approach. A multiple matrix regression was performed to assess the relative contributions of geographical and environmental isolation.ResultsThe average allelic richness and mitochondrial haplotype diversity of the FWW populations in China was very low compared to native populations from USA, pointing to a significant bottleneck during colonization. Based on the nuclear markers, two genetically separated groups were identified along with a contact zone between them. ABC analyses suggested a single introduction into the east with subsequent westward expansion. Geographic distance was more important than environmental distance in contributing to genetic differentiation, and geographical barriers were likely to have restricted gene flow, with the contact zone occurring in a mountainous area.Main conclusionsThe combination of genetic data and historical records of the expansion suggests that geographical barriers and control campaigns have affected the formation and persistence of the two genetic groups. Our study points to ways in which genetic differentiation can develop rapidly in an invasive species after its introduction.
Visual attention and academic performance in children with developmental disabilities and behavioural attention deficits
Authors: Kirk Hannah E. , Gray Kylie , Riby Deborah M. , Taffe John , Cornish Kim M. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractDespite well‐documented attention deficits in children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), distinctions across types of attention problems and their association with academic attainment has not been fully explored. This study examines visual attention capacities and inattentive/hyperactive behaviours in 77 children aged 4 to 11 years with IDD and elevated behavioural attention difficulties. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD; n = 23), Down syndrome (DS; n = 22), and non‐specific intellectual disability (NSID; n = 32) completed computerized visual search and vigilance paradigms. In addition, parents and teachers completed rating scales of inattention and hyperactivity. Concurrent associations between attention abilities and early literacy and numeracy skills were also examined. Children completed measures of receptive vocabulary, phonological abilities and cardinality skills. As expected, the results indicated that all groups had relatively comparable levels of inattentive/hyperactive behaviours as rated by parents and teachers. However, the extent of visual attention deficits varied as a result of group; namely children with DS had poorer visual search and vigilance abilities than children with ASD and NSID. Further, significant associations between visual attention difficulties and poorer literacy and numeracy skills were observed, regardless of group. Collectively the findings demonstrate that in children with IDD who present with homogenous behavioural attention difficulties, at the cognitive level, subtle profiles of attentional problems can be delineated.
A study on negative and depressive symptom prevalence in individuals at ultra‐high risk for psychosis
Authors: Azar Marleine , Pruessner Marita , Baer Lawrence H. , Iyer Srividya , Malla Ashok K. , Lepage Martin 
Published: September 2016

BackgroundNegative symptoms are known to be present in the prodromal stage of psychotic disorders, yet little is known about their prevalence. Studies examining the presence of negative symptoms in ultra‐high risk (UHR) populations have shown some limitations, notably failing to control depression. The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence of negative symptoms in the presence of significant levels of depression and in the absence of such symptoms (primary negative symptoms) over 1 year and to examine differences in negative symptoms in psychosis converters and non‐converters.MethodsParticipants were 123 individuals at UHR for the development of psychosis receiving follow‐up for a period of 2 years. Negative symptoms and depression were measured using the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms and the Montgomery‐Asberg Depression Scale at baseline, 6 and 12 months post‐admission.ResultsAt baseline, the prevalence of negative symptoms and primary negative symptoms was 76.4% and 32.7%, respectively. Whereas the prevalence of negative symptoms was significantly decreased at 6 months, the prevalence of primary negative symptoms was similar at all time points. Negative symptoms at baseline were not different between later converters and non‐converters to psychosis.ConclusionOur findings confirm the presence of secondary and primary negative symptoms in individuals at UHR, but suggest a differential trajectory of both measures over time. Future studies should include larger UHR groups and focus on the investigation of intra‐individual changes in primary negative symptoms over time and further explore their potential role for psychosis conversion.
Interannual variability in the feeding and condition of subyearling Chinook salmon off Oregon and Washington in relation to fluctuating ocean conditions
Authors: Dale Katherine E. , Daly Elizabeth A. , Brodeur Richard D. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractChinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) is one of several economically‐important species of salmon found in the Northeast Pacific Ocean. The first months at sea are believed to be the most critical for salmon survival, with the highest rate of mortality occurring during this period. In the present study, we examined interannual diet composition and body condition trends for late‐summer subyearling Chinook salmon caught off Oregon and Washington from 1998 to 2012. Interannual variability was observed in juvenile salmon diet composition by weight of prey consumed. Juvenile subyearling Chinook salmon were mainly piscivorous, with northern anchovy (Engraulis mordax) being especially important, making up half the diet by weight in some years. Annual diets clustered into two groups, primarily defined by their proportion of invertebrate prey (14% versus 39% on average). Diet composition was found to influence adult returns, with salmon from high‐invertebrate years returning in significantly larger numbers 2–3 yrs later. However, years that had high adult returns had overall lower stomach fullness and poorer body condition as juveniles, a counterintuitive result potentially driven by the enhanced survival of less fit individuals in better ocean conditions (top‐down effect). Ocean conditions in years with a higher percentage of invertebrates in salmon diets were significantly cooler from May to August, and bottom‐up processes may have led to a fall plankton community with a larger proportion of invertebrates. Our results suggest that the plankton community assemblage during this first fall may be critical in predicting adult returns of Chinook salmon in the Pacific Northwest.
How to compare cardiovascular disease and risk factors in elderly patients with haemophilia with the general population
Authors: Berger K. , Schopohl D. , Lowe G. , Holme P. A. , Tait R. C. , Combescure C. , Rauchensteiner S. , Klamroth R. 
Published: September 2016

IntroductionStudies on the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and risk factors in patients with haemophilia (PWH) in comparison to the general population have generated inconsistent results. The ADVANCE Working Group collected data on CV comorbidities in PWH aged ≥40 years (H3 Study).AimIdentification of German epidemiological data on CVD for the general population, evaluation for appropriateness, and execution of comparisons with PWH.MethodsIdentification of data sources by structured literature (EMBASE, MEDLINE) searches. Inclusion criteria: German general population, CVD and risk factors, gender/age stratification, sample size >500 male persons, age groups ≥40 years, current data collection, language English/German. Comparison of data on CVD and risk factors in PWH (H3 Study) with published German general population data.ResultsCriteria for data source appropriateness were defined. Of five national and three international epidemiological studies, the DEGS1 Study (German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults) was identified as the most suitable comparator. Compared with men from DEGS1, hypertension was significantly more prevalent in PWH aged 50–59 years (41.7% [95% CI: 37.3–46.2] vs. 52.0% [95% CI: 43.7–60.1], P = 0.03). Coronary artery/heart disease (CHD) was significantly less prevalent in PWH aged ≥60 years (60–69 years: 19.5% [95% CI: 15.9–23.7] vs. 8.1% [95% CI: 3.3–16.1], P = 0.02; 70–79 years: 30.5% [95% CI: 25.9–35.5] vs. 11.8% [95% CI: 5.2–21.9], P = 0.002). No statistically significant difference for ischaemic cerebrovascular disease/stroke was detected.ConclusionIncreased prevalence of hypertension in PWH should trigger regular screening. CHD does occur in PWH aged ≥60 years though apparently with lower prevalence. Given the growing population of elderly PWH, guidelines for prevention and treatment of CVD should be developed.
Elevated systemic glutamic acid level in the non‐obese diabetic mouse is Idd linked and induces beta cell apoptosis
Authors: Banday Viqar Showkat , Lejon Kristina 
Published: September 2016

SummaryAlthough type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a T‐cell‐mediated disease in the effector stage, the mechanism behind the initial beta cell assault is less understood. Metabolomic differences, including elevated levels of glutamic acid, have been observed in patients with T1D before disease onset, as well as in pre‐diabetic non‐obese diabetic (NOD) mice. Increased levels of glutamic acid damage both neurons and beta cells, implying that this could contribute to the initial events of T1D pathogenesis. We investigated the underlying genetic factors and consequences of the increased levels of glutamic acid in NOD mice. Serum glutamic acid levels from a (NOD×B6)F2 cohort (n = 182) were measured. By genome‐wide and Idd region targeted microsatellite mapping, genetic association was detected for six regions including Idd2, Idd4 and Idd22. In silico analysis of potential enzymes and transporters located in and around the mapped regions that are involved in glutamic acid metabolism consisted of alanine aminotransferase, glutamic‐oxaloacetic transaminase, aldehyde dehydrogenase 18 family, alutamyl‐prolyl‐tRNA synthetase, glutamic acid transporters GLAST and EAAC1. Increased EAAC1 protein expression was observed in lysates from livers of NOD mice compared with B6 mice. Functional consequence of the elevated glutamic acid level in NOD mice was tested by culturing NOD. Rag2−/− Langerhans’ islets with glutamic acid. Induction of apoptosis of the islets was detected upon glutamic acid challenge using TUNEL assay. Our results support the notion that a dysregulated metabolome could contribute to the initiation of T1D. We suggest that targeting of the increased glutamic acid in pre‐diabetic patients could be used as a potential therapy.