bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Failed sperm development as a reproductive isolating barrier between species
Authors: Wünsch Lisa K. , Pfennig Karin S. 
Published: November 2013

SUMMARYHybrid male sterility is a common reproductive isolating barrier between species. Yet, little is known about the actual developmental causes of this phenomenon, especially in naturally hybridizing species. We sought to evaluate the developmental causes of hybrid male sterility, using spadefoot toads as our study system. Plains spadefoot toads (Spea bombifrons) and Mexican spadefoot toads (S. multiplicata) hybridize where they co‐occur in the southwestern USA. Hybrids are viable, but hybrid males suffer reduced fertility. We compared testes size and developmental stages of sperm cell maturation between hybrid males and males of each species. We found that testes of hybrid males did not differ in mean size from pure‐species males. However, hybrids showed a greater range of within‐individual variation in testes size than pure‐species males. Moreover, although hybrids produced similar numbers of early stage sperm cells, hybrids produced significantly fewer mature spermatozoids than pure‐species males. Interestingly, an introgressed individual produced numbers of live sperm comparable to pure‐species males, but the majority of these sperm cells were abnormally shaped and non‐motile. These results indicate that hybrid incompatibilities in late sperm development serve as a reproductive isolating barrier between species. The nature of this breakdown highlights the possibilities that hybrid males may vary in fertility and that fertility could possibly be recovered in introgressed males.
Climate change alters ecological strategies of soil bacteria
Authors: Evans Sarah E. , Wallenstein Matthew D. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe timing and magnitude of rainfall events are expected to change in future decades, resulting in longer drought periods and larger rainfall events. Although microbial community composition and function are both sensitive to changes in rainfall, it is unclear whether this is because taxa adopt strategies that maximise fitness under new regimes. We assessed whether bacteria exhibited phylogenetically conserved ecological strategies in response to drying‐rewetting, and whether these strategies were altered by historical exposure to experimentally intensified rainfall patterns. By clustering relative abundance patterns, we identified three discrete ecological strategies and found that tolerance to drying‐rewetting increased with exposure to intensified rainfall patterns. Changes in strategy were primarily due to changes in community composition, but also to strategy shifts within taxa. These moisture regime‐selected ecological strategies may be predictable from disturbance history, and are likely to be linked to traits that influence the functional potential of microbial communities.
Radioisotope blood volume measurement in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Puri Sonika , Park Jun‐Ki , Modersitzki Frank , Goldfarb David S. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAccurate assessment of blood volume (BV) may be helpful for prescribing hemodialysis (HD) and for reducing complications related to hypovolemia and volume overload. Monitoring changes in relative BV (RBV) using hematocrit, e.g., Crit‐Line Monitor (CLM‐III), an indirect method, cannot be used to determine absolute BV. We report the first study of BV measurement for assessing volume status in HD patients using the indicator dilutional method. Ten adult HD patients were enrolled in this prospective observational study. BV measurement was performed before and after HD using BV analysis (BVA)‐100 (Daxor Corporation, New York, NY, USA). BVA‐100 calculates BV using radiolabeled albumin (Iodine‐131) followed by serial measures of the radioisotope. Fluid loss from the extravascular space was calculated by subtracting the change in BV from total weight loss. Intradialytic changes in RBV were measured by CLM‐III. Eight out of 10 cases had significant hypervolemia, two cases were normovolemic. The range of BV variation from predicted normal was 156 to 1990 mL. Significant inter‐individual differences in extravascular space fluid loss ranged from 54% to 99% of total weight loss. Spearman correlation showed a good correlation in the measurement of RBV by BVA‐100 and CLM‐III in 8 out of 10 patients (r2 = 0.64). BV measurement using BVA‐100 is useful to determine absolute BV as well as changes in BV and correlates reasonably well with CLM‐III measurements. Individual refilling ability can be determined as well. This may prove useful in prescribing and monitoring ultrafiltration rates, establishment of optimal BV in HD patients and reducing morbidity and mortality associated with chronic HD.
Effects of citrate‐enriched bicarbonate based dialysate on anticoagulation and dialyzer reuse in maintenance hemodialysis patients
Authors: Rocha Amanda D. , Padua Vanessa C. , Oliveira Esther , Guimaraes Márcia M. , Lugon Jocemir R. , Strogoff de Matos Jorge P. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractSystemic anticoagulation with unfractionated heparin is commonly used in maintenance hemodialysis (HD), but it increases the risk of bleeding complications. We investigated whether the use of citrate‐enriched bicarbonate based dialysate (CD) would reduce systemic anticoagulation without compromising the efficacy of reprocessed dialyzers. This is a crossover study in which half of a total of 30 patients initially underwent HD with acetate‐enriched bicarbonate based dialysate and a standard heparin dose of ∼100 IU/kg (Treatment A), whereas the remaining patients were treated with CD and a 30% reduced heparin dose (Treatment B). After 12 consecutive HD sessions in each treatment, the dialysate and heparin doses were reversed, then followed for another period of 12 HD sessions. The two treatment phases were split by a washout period of six HD sessions using acetate‐enriched bicarbonate based dialysate and standard heparin dose. Systemic anticoagulation was higher in Treatment A. The activated partial thromboplastin time at the end of HD session was 68 ± 36 seconds in Treatment A and 47 ± 16 seconds in Treatment B (P = 0.005). Sixty‐eight percent of the dialyzers remained adequate until the 12th use in Treatment A and 61% did so in Treatment B (P = 0.63). Patients had three and 24 cramps episodes during Treatment A and B, respectively (P < 0.001). Nine and 26 symptomatic intradialytic hypotension episodes were seen in Treatment A and B, respectively, (P = 0.003). In conclusion, the use of CD had a favorable effect on anticoagulation in the extracorporeal circuit in patients on maintenance HD, but it was also associated with more hypotension and cramps.
Clinical and psychological characteristics of patients with psoriasis reporting various frequencies of pruritus
Authors: Janowski Konrad , Steuden Stanisława , Bogaczewicz Jarosław 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundPruritus is a common subjective symptom of psoriasis whose levels may be affected by a range of variables. The objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency of pruritus and its associations with clinical and psychological characteristics of psoriasis patients.Materials and methodsOne‐hundred and seventy‐four patients with psoriasis took part in the study, and they were assessed on clinical (psoriasis area and severity index [PASI], localization of lesions, pruritus severity, duration of the disease) and psychological (coping, personality, cognitive appraisal of the disease, quality of life) variables. ANOVA, Pearson's χ2‐tests, and correlational analyses were employed to analyze the data.ResultsThe frequency of reported pruritus was found to be related to PASI (P < 0.000) and localization of skin lesions on visible body areas (P < 0.05). Patients reporting more frequent pruritus were significantly older (P < 0.05), had lower quality of life (P < 0.000), more frequently used coping strategies of resignation (P < 0.05) and self‐blame (P < 0.05), and tended to appraise their disease in terms of a threat (P < 0.05), obstacle/loss (P < 0.05), and harm (P < 0.01). No significant associations were found between pruritus and basic personality traits. After controlling for age, all these variables remained significantly correlated with pruritus, whereas after controlling for psoriasis severity, only age, quality of life, and a coping strategy of resignation still significantly correlated with pruritus frequency.ConclusionsThe findings emphasize the importance of pruritus in the majority of psoriasis patients and its significant association with compromised quality of life, older age, greater psoriasis severity, and a specific pattern of psychological responses to stress.
Clinical and imaging findings in patients with neurosyphilis: a study of a cohort and review of the literature
Authors: Khamaysi Ziad , Bergman Reuven , Telman Gregory , Goldsher Dorith 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundMost patients with neurosyphilis are considered asymptomatic. The diagnosis is challenging and the role of neuroimaging is not yet well established. The present study was conducted to focus on the clinical findings and further characterize the imaging features of the disease, along with a review of the pertinent literature.MethodsSix male patients with neurosyphilis based on abnormal cerebrospinal fluid findings, five of whom were asymptomatic at presentation, underwent cranial computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). They also underwent a complete physical, neurological, and ophthalmological examination, with special attention paid to atherosclerotic vascular risk factors. In addition, all were examined for cardiac involvement using electrocardiography and cardiac ultrasound.ResultsThe meticulous neurological and ophthalmological examination revealed abnormalities in five patients, most commonly cranial nerve involvement (three patients) and hemiparesis (two patients). The CT and MRI studies revealed abnormalities in five of the six patients, and in all six patients, respectively. The most common findings were brain infarcts, which were demonstrated in four of the six patients. MRI was found to be more sensitive than CT in detecting these brain infarcts, as expected.ConclusionsVascular insult was the most common neuroimaging finding in our patients with neurosyphilis, probably due to meningovascular endarteritis. Neurosyphilis should always be considered in young patients with unexplained brain infarcts.
Variety of complications after auricle piercing
Authors: Fijałkowska Marta , Kasielska Anna , Antoszewski Bogusław 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundBody piercing is a known and popular method of body ornamentation. Modern body piercing includes wearing jewelry in such body areas as the helix (ear), eyebrows, nose, lips, tongue, chin, nipples, navel, and genitals. The current piercing definition does not comprise piercing of the earlobe; however, this body area is still the most common on which jewelry is worn. The aim of this research is to present a spectrum of complications after auricle piercing and to consider including earlobe piercing in the modern definition of body piercing.MethodsStudied group consisted of 75 patients treated in the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery (Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland) for complications after auricle piercing. Age of participants ranged from 7 to 62 years (mean age 23.7 years).ResultsThe most common complications in the examined group were post‐traumatic tearing of the earlobe and keloid formation. Of all the patients with complications after auricle piercing, most had lesions located in earlobes; it seems that complications in earlobes are significantly more common than in the helix (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe fashion of body piercing is not safe. Complications after earlobe piercing are similar to those occurring in other sites of the auricle after piercing. Moreover, due to its prevalence, complications after earlobe piercing are statistically more common, which is why it is worth considering including earlobe piercing in the modern definition of body piercing.
Marie Unna hereditary hypotrichosis: a recurrent c.74C>T mutation in the U2HR gene and literature review
Authors: Yang Jianqiang , Liang Yanhua , Zeng Kang , Huang Liang , Zheng Min 
Published: November 2013

AbstractMarie Unna hereditary hypotrichosis (MUHH) is an autosomal dominant form of genetic hair loss. U2HR gene dysfunction has been identified as the pathogenic change of this disease. Herein we present a four‐generation Chinese family of 15 patients carrying MUHH, and detected a recurrent missense mutation in U2HR gene, c.74C>T (p.P25L), previously reported in a Jewish Ashkenazi MUHH family. The literature review concluded that there were 16 mutations of the U2HR gene in patients with MUHH of different origins, and indicated two mutation hot spots (amino acids 1–7 and 24–28) but no clear genotype–phenotype correlations.
Schistocytes in disseminated intravascular coagulation
Authors: Lesesve J.‐F. , Martin M. , Banasiak C. , André‐Kerneïs E. , Bardet V. , Lusina D. , Kharbach A. , Geneviève F. , Lecompte T. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryIntroductionThe presence of schistocytes on the peripheral blood film during disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) remains controversial.MethodsWe examined schistocytes count on blood films from 35 DIC patients and checked morphological anomalies of all RBCs. ResultsThirty of 35 patients presented with schistocytes and 22 with acanthocytes, which was the commonest shape anomaly. Mean percentage ± standard deviation was 0.33 ± 0.38%, median value was 0.1%, and range was 0–1.4%. The patients with schistocytes ≥ 1% had circumstances frequently associated with increased schistocytes count (promyelocytic leukaemia, pregnancy, severe infection).DiscussionSchistocytes were thus frequently observed in DIC patients, usually with low percentage, within or close to the reference range (<0.5%). Schistocytes measurement is not a clue test for the initial diagnosis of DIC, but might be of clinical value to suggest an associated or underlying thrombotic microangiopathy if ≥ 1%.
Decision modeling for foreclosed property acquisition by community development corporations in the United States
Authors: Bayram Armagan , Solak Senay 
Published: November 2013

AbstractOver the past several years, increased rates of mortgage foreclosures in the United States have had significant impacts on economies around the world. As part of the societal response to this problem, nonprofit community development corporations acquire foreclosed properties in troubled neighborhoods and redevelop them to maintain stability. This paper addresses a decision problem faced by these organizations on what types of properties to acquire given limited available resources. We develop dynamic and stochastic programming models to assist such organizations in choosing foreclosed properties for acquisition and redevelopment, taking into account uncertain market conditions that change over time. We first analytically study a dynamic programming model under some special cases, and then seek insights for the general stochastic model through a multistage stochastic programming formulation and its numerical analysis. Although our analysis is based on a problem in the United States with potential implications for the global economy, our research is applicable to non‐U.S. government actors at the local and regional level as well.
Structure, Capacity or Power? Explaining Salience in EU Decision‐Making
Authors: Leuffen Dirk , Malang Thomas , Wörle Sebastian 
Published: November 2013

AbstractSalience as the intensity of interest is a key explanatory factor of European Union decision‐making. In this article, the ability of three explanatory models to explain the realized values of Member States’ salience is hypothesized and tested. On the basis of the DEU II data, the analysis shows that a mixture of national interest group heterogeneity and membership length has the highest predictive power. The results support the liberal intergovernmentalist claim that domestic interests determine European decision‐making.
EU Climate Norms in East‐Central Europe
Authors: Braun Mats 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThis article suggests that the literature on how the European Union (EU) diffuses its norms externally and that on how it diffuses them internally should be linked. Therefore, the focus is on a field where the EU is described as a ‘normative’ power: climate change. The article analyzes how EU climate norms are diffused to new Member States. It argues that there are two roads to state socialization: through civil servants participating in EU work, and via domestic norm entrepreneurs. The empirical analysis is based on how four of the Member States that joined the EU in 2004–07 worked with the Climate and Energy Package of 2008–09. With the exception of one of the countries, there are few indications of an ongoing socialization process among them. For the EU as a normative power it is important to reflect upon why the underlying EU climate norms are rejected in the studied countries.
Research Review: The shared environment as a key source of variability in child and adolescent psychopathology
Authors: Alexandra Burt S. 
Published: November 2013

BackgroundBehavioral genetic research has historically concluded that the more important environmental influences were nonshared or result in differences between siblings, whereas environmental influences that create similarities between siblings (referred to as shared environmental influences) were indistinguishable from zero. Recent theoretical and meta‐analytic work {Burt. Psychological Bulletin [135 (2009) 608]} has challenged this conclusion as it relates to child and adolescent psychopathology, however, arguing that the shared environment is a moderate, persistent, and identifiable source of individual differences in such outcomes prior to adulthood.MethodsThe current review seeks to bolster research on the shared environment by highlighting both the logistic advantages inherent in studies of the shared environment, as well as the use of nontraditional but still genetically informed research designs to study shared environmental influences.ResultsAlthough often moderate in magnitude prior to adulthood and free of unsystematic measurement error, shared environmental influences are nevertheless likely to have been underestimated in prior research. Moreover, the shared environment is likely to include proximal effects of the family, as well as the effects of more distal environmental contexts such as neighborhood and school. These risk and protective factors could influence the child either as main effects or as moderators of genetic influence (i.e. gene‐environment interactions). Finally, because the absence of genetic relatedness in an otherwise nonindependent dataset also qualifies as ‘genetically informed’, studies of the shared environment are amenable to the use of novel and non‐traditional designs (with appropriate controls for selection).ConclusionsThe shared environment makes important contributions to most forms of child and adolescent psychopathology. Empirical examinations of the shared environment would thus be of real and critical value for understanding the development and persistence of common mental health issues prior to adulthood.
Roles of the State Asthma Program in Implementing Multicomponent, School‐Based Asthma Interventions
Authors: Hester Laura L. , Wilce Maureen A. , Gill Sarah A. , Disler Sheri L. , Collins Pamela , Crawford Gregory 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDAsthma is a leading chronic childhood disease in the United States and a major contributor to school absenteeism. Evidence suggests that multicomponent, school‐based asthma interventions are a strategic way to address asthma among school‐aged children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages the 36 health departments (34 states, District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico) in the National Asthma Control Program (NACP) to implement multicomponent, school‐based asthma interventions on a larger scale.METHODSTo gain a better understanding of replicable best practices for state‐coordinated asthma interventions in schools, an NACP evaluation team conducted evaluability assessments of promising interventions run by state asthma programs in Louisiana, Indiana, and Utah.RESULTSThe team found that state asthma programs play a critical role in implementing school‐based asthma interventions due to their ability to (1) use statewide surveillance data to identify asthma trends and address disparities; (2) facilitate connections between schools, school systems, and school‐related community stakeholders; (3) form state‐level connections; (4) translate policies into action; (5) provide resources and public health practice information to schools and school systems; (6) monitor and evaluate implementation.CONCLUSIONSThis article presents evaluability assessment findings and illustrates state roles using examples from the 3 participating state asthma programs.
School Nurses' Role in Asthma Management, School Absenteeism, and Cost Savings: A Demonstration Project
Authors: Rodriguez Eunice , Rivera Diana Austria , Perlroth Daniella , Becker Edmund , Wang Nancy Ewen , Landau Melinda 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDWith increasing budget cuts to education and social services, rigorous evaluation needs to document school nurses' impact on student health, academic outcomes, and district funding.METHODSUtilizing a quasi‐experimental design, we evaluated outcomes in 4 schools with added full‐time nurses and 5 matched schools with part‐time nurses in the San Jose Unified School District. Student data and logistic regression models were used to examine predictors of illness‐related absenteeism for 2006‐2007 and 2008‐2009. We calculated average daily attendance (ADA) funding and parent wages associated with an improvement in illness‐related absenteeism. Utilizing parent surveys, we also estimated the cost of services for asthma‐related visits to the emergency room (ER; N = 2489).RESULTSChildren with asthma were more likely to be absent due to illness; however, mean absenteeism due to illness decreased when full‐time nurses were added to demonstration schools but increased in comparison schools during 2008‐2009, resulting in a potential savings of $48,518.62 in ADA funding (N = 6081). Parents in demonstration schools reported fewer ER visits, and the estimated savings in ER services and parent wages were significant.CONCLUSIONFull‐time school nurses play an important role in improving asthma management among students in underserved schools, which can impact school absenteeism and attendance‐related economic costs.