bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The microtubule‐associated protein astrin transgenesis rescues spermatogenesis and renal function in hypogonadic (hgn/hgn) rats
Authors: Katayama K. , Yasuda H. , Tochigi Y. , Suzuki H. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryMale hypogonadic (hgn/hgn) rats show male sterility, reduced female fertility, progressive renal insufficiency and body growth retardation. These defects are associated with loss‐of‐function mutation of astrin and appear to be related to organ hypoplasia resulting from abnormal cell proliferation and increased cell death during embryonic and early postnatal development. As targeted disruption of mouse spag5 (astrin ortholog) has been reported to show no phenotype, we performed rescue experiments based on the introduction of rat astrin cDNA transgene into hgn/hgn rats to determine whether astrin is actually necessary for the establishment of normal male fertility and renal function. Astrin transgenic (Tg) rats were mated with hgn/+ rats of the HGN strain, and Tg‐hgn/+ rats were then crossed to obtain Tg‐hgn/hgn. Tg‐hgn/hgn males showed recovery of body growth, fertility and renal function. Testis size was smaller in these transgenic animals than normal controls, but showed an increase by 16.5‐fold compared with hgn/hgn males. Spermatogenesis occurred in Tg‐hgn/hgn testes, and their accessory reproductive organs were of approximately normal size. hgn/hgn males show hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. Increased testosterone and decreased LH levels in Tg‐hgn/hgn serum indicated the recovery of Leydig cells' function. Tg‐hgn/hgn males showed normal reproductive behaviour, and their mating with Tg‐hgn/hgn females produced pups in normal litter size. Their renal sizes and glomerular numbers showed complete recovery, and renal function assayed by biochemical parameters was normal. These results indicated that the transgene is functional in the testis and kidney development as well as body growth. In conclusion, astrin is necessary for the establishment of normal size (cell number) and function of the testis and kidney in rats.
Herpes simplex virus infection and erectile dysfunction: a nationwide population‐based study
Authors: Huang C.‐C. , Chan W.‐L. , Chen Y.‐C. , Chen T.‐J. , Chung C.‐M. , Huang P.‐H. , Lin S.‐J. , Chen J.‐W. , Leu H.‐B. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryBoth erectile dysfunction (ED) and herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections are related to cardiovascular events. However, the relationship between ED and HSV infections remains undetermined. The aim of our study was to investigate the possible influence of HSV infections on the development of ED using the Taiwan National Health Insurance database. We identified patients with HSV type 1 or type 2 infections from the 1 000 000 sampling cohort data set. Male patients of age 18 years or older who had been diagnosed as cases of HSV infection since January 1, 2001 were enroled. Patients with previous history of stroke, spinal cord injury or malignancy were excluded. A control group was selected, comprising male patients without HSV infection, stroke, spinal cord injury or malignancy. The age, time of enrolment and comorbidities were matched in the two groups. A total of 1 717 HSV subjects (mean age 43.29 ± 15.97 years) and 6 864 control subjects were enroled. During an average of 3.91 ± 1.93 years' follow‐up, HSV‐infected subjects experienced a higher incidence of ED than control subjects (1.7% vs. 0.7%, respectively). The log‐rank test showed that patients with HSV infections had a significantly higher incidence of ED than those without HSV infections (p < 0.001). After Cox proportional hazard regression model analysis, HSV infections were independently associated with the increased risk of ED (hazard ratio, 2.90; 95% CI, 1.82–4.63, p < 0.001). In conclusion, HSV infections were associated with risk of ED in this cohort.
Images of the EU beyond its Borders: Issue‐Specific and Regional Perceptions of European Union Power and Leadership
Authors: Chaban Natalia , Elgström Ole , Kelly Serena , Yi Lai Suet 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThis article systematically investigates both regional and issue‐specific variation in external perceptions of the European Union (EU) as a global power and an international leader. While most studies on EU external perceptions focus on a one‐dimensional vision of EU leadership and/or great‐powerness, it is argued here that these perceptions are highly issue‐specific, multilayered and differentiating. This study draws on data collected through elite interviews in three regions: the Pacific, Southeast Asia and Africa. The findings make a contribution to the debate on the perception of third states on the international role of the EU.
Hydroxyapatite/β‐tricalcium phosphate and enamel matrix derivative for treatment of proximal class II furcation defects: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Peres Maria F. S. , Ribeiro Érica D. P. , Casarin Renato C. V. , Ruiz Karina G. S. , Junior Francisco H. N. , Sallum Enilson A. , Casati Márcio Z. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo clinically evaluate proximal furcations treated with hydroxyapatite/β‐tricalcium phosphate (HA/β‐TCP) isolated or combined with enamel matrix derivative (EMD).Material and MethodsThirty patients, presenting at least one proximal class II furcation defect, probing pocket depth (PPD) ≥5 mm and bleeding on probing, were included. The defects were assigned to the HA/β‐TCP group (n = 15); open‐flap debridement (OFD) + HA/β‐TCP filling, or, HA/β‐TCP‐EMD group (n = 15); OFD + HA/β‐TCP + EMD filling. Plaque (PI) and gingival index (GI), PPD, relative gingival margin position (RGMP), vertical and horizontal attachment level (RVAL and RHAL), vertical and horizontal bone level (RVBL and RHBL), and furcation diagnosis were evaluated at baseline and at 6 months.ResultsBoth groups presented improvements after therapies (p < 0.05); however, no inter‐group differences could be seen in any single parameter (p > 0.05). At 6 months, the gains in rVCAL in the HA/β‐TCP and HA/β‐TCP‐EMD groups were 1.47 ± 0.99 and 2.10 ± 0.87 mm, while the RHCAL gains were 1.47 ± 1.46 and 1.57 ± 1.58 mm (p > 0.05). The RVBL and RHBL gains for the HA/β‐TCP and HA/β‐TCP‐EMD group were 1.47 ± 1.13 and 1.70 ± 1.26 mm, and 1.90 ± 1.11 and 1.70 ± 1.37 mm respectively (p > 0.05). The HA/β‐TCP‐EMD group showed seven closed furcations versus four in the HA/β‐TCP group (p > 0.05).ConclusionBoth treatments lead to improvements in all clinical variables studied in the present trial. However, the closure of proximal class II furcation defects is still unpredictable.
Predictors of developmental dyslexia in European orthographies with varying complexity
Authors: Landerl Karin , Ramus Franck , Moll Kristina , Lyytinen Heikki , Leppänen Paavo H. T. , Lohvansuu Kaisa , O’Donovan Michael , Williams Julie , Bartling Jürgen , Bruder Jennifer , Kunze Sarah , Neuhoff Nina , Tóth Dénes , Honbolygó Ferenc , Csépe Valéria , Bogliotti Caroline , Iannuzzi Stéphanie , Chaix Yves , Démonet Jean‐François , Longeras Emilie , Valdois Sylviane , Chabernaud Camille , Delteil‐Pinton Florence , Billard Catherine , George Florence , Ziegler Johannes C. , Comte‐Gervais Isabelle , Soares‐Boucaud Isabelle , Gérard Christophe‐Loïc , Blomert Leo , Vaessen Anniek , Gerretsen Patty , Ekkebus Michel , Brandeis Daniel , Maurer Urs , Schulz Enrico , van der Mark Sanne , Müller‐Myhsok Bertram , Schulte‐Körne Gerd 
Published: December 2012

Background:  The relationship between phoneme awareness, rapid automatized naming (RAN), verbal short‐term/working memory (ST/WM) and diagnostic category is investigated in control and dyslexic children, and the extent to which this depends on orthographic complexity.Methods:  General cognitive, phonological and literacy skills were tested in 1,138 control and 1,114 dyslexic children speaking six different languages spanning a large range of orthographic complexity (Finnish, Hungarian, German, Dutch, French, English).Results:  Phoneme deletion and RAN were strong concurrent predictors of developmental dyslexia, while verbal ST/WM and general verbal abilities played a comparatively minor role. In logistic regression models, more participants were classified correctly when orthography was more complex. The impact of phoneme deletion and RAN‐digits was stronger in complex than in less complex orthographies.Conclusions:  Findings are largely consistent with the literature on predictors of dyslexia and literacy skills, while uniquely demonstrating how orthographic complexity exacerbates some symptoms of dyslexia.
Prevention of Contrast‐Induced Nephropathy in STEMI Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Systematic Review
Authors: BUSCH SARAH VICTORIA EKELØF , JENSEN SVEND EGGERT , ROSENBERG JACOB , GÖGENUR ISMAIL 
Published: December 2012

ObjectiveTo evaluate the current prophylactic strategies against CIN in patients with STEMI treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention.BackgroundContrast‐induced nephropathy (CIN) is the third leading course of acute renal failure and a recognized complication to cardiac catheterization. CIN is associated with increased risk of cardiac adverse events and mortality, and recent studies point at the risk of developing a transient or persistent renal dysfunction. Patients with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention have a markedly increased risk of developing CIN. At present no strategy is universally accepted in the prevention of CIN in the acute setting of primary percutaneous coronary intervention.MethodWe performed a systematic search in Pubmed and EMBASE and ended up including nine randomised clinical trials; six studies of N‐acetylcysteine, one study of early and late hydration regimens, one study of recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide and one study comparing a low‐osmolar contrast agent with an iso‐osmolar contrast agent.ResultsRecombinant human brain natriuretic peptide and the regimens of hydration significantly reduced the incidence of CIN and administration of N‐acetylcysteine in one of the six studies significantly reduced the occurrence of CIN. The iso‐osmolar contrast agent was not proven to be superior to the low‐osmolar contrast agent in terms of preventing CIN.ConclusionPreliminary studies are promising but further studies are needed before any prevention strategy against CIN can be recommended in routine care of patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention for STEMI. (J Interven Cardiol 2013;26:97–105)
The effect of spatial frequency and face inversion on facial expression processing in children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Kikuchi Yukiko , Senju Atsushi , Hasegawa Toshikazu , Tojo Yoshikuni , Osanai Hiroo 
Published: December 2012

AbstractTo investigate whether facial expression processing in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is based on local information of the stimuli, we prepared low spatial frequency (LSF) images with blurred facial features and high spatial frequency (HSF) images with rich facial features from broad (normal) spatial frequency (BSF) images. Eighteen children with ASD (mean age 11.9 years) and 19 typically developing (TD) children (mean age 11.4 years) matched on nonverbal IQ were presented these stimuli in upright and inverted orientations. The children with ASD had difficulty in processing facial expressions from the BSF and LSF images, but not from the HSF images. In addition, the BSF and HSF images elicited the inversion effect in the TD children, but not in the children with ASD. In contrast, the LSF images elicited the inversion effect in both groups of children. These results suggest that children with ASD are biased towards processing facial expression based on local information, even though their capacity to process facial expressions configurally is spared.
A French national survey on the use of antibiotic prophylaxis in cirrhotic patients
Authors: Thevenot Thierry , Degand Thibault , Grelat Natacha , Elkrief Laure , Christol Camille , Moreau Richard , Henrion Jean , Cadranel Jean‐François , Sheppard Frances , Bureau Christophe , di Martino Vincent , Pauwels Arnaud ,   National Association of General Hospital Hepatogastroenterologists
Published: December 2012

SummaryBackgroundGuidelines recommend antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) in well‐selected groups of cirrhotic patients, but the impact of these recommendations has not been assessed in France.AimTo evaluate AP prescription tendencies for gastrointestinal bleeding, and primary and secondary prophylaxis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP).MethodsPractitioners (n = 1,159) working in general hospitals (GH) or in university hospitals (UH) received a self‐administered questionnaire.ResultsThree hundred and eighty‐nine (33.6%; GH 35% and UH 30.4%) practitioners responded. AP was prescribed by 97.7%, 72.3% and 94.8% of practitioners, without significant differences between UH and GH, respectively, for gastrointestinal bleeding (quinolones 48.2%, third‐generation cephalosporins 27.7% and amoxicillin‐clavulanic acid 22.2%), primary (quinolones 97.2%) and secondary prophylaxis of SBP (quinolones 99%). For gastrointestinal bleeding, ofloxacin (47.6%) and norfloxacin (37.4%) were the main quinolones prescribed, and ceftriaxone (77%) was the main third‐generation cephalosporin prescribed. The principal reasons for prescribing AP were a decrease in bacterial infection (88.9% for gastrointestinal bleeding, 91.3% for primary and 94.3% for secondary prophylaxis of SBP), a recommendation by a consensus conference (83%, 38% and 74.4% respectively) and an improvement in survival (72.8%, 41.3% and 57.7% respectively). Only 31.7% of practitioners (39.6% for UH vs. 28.6% for GH; P = 0.038) believed that AP may reduce the risk of bleeding recurrence. Reported side effects (28%) of AP mainly concerned the risk of quinolone resistance (62% of cases).ConclusionAntibiotic prophylaxis is well‐recognized by French practitioners, but its routine use depends on the expertise of practitioners. Quinolones remain the main antibiotic class prescribed irrespective of the type of prophylaxis.
Nutritional assessment of pregnant adolescents: comparison of two popular classification systems
Authors: Amaral Janaina de Fátima Ávila , Vasconcelos Guilherme Miranda , Torloni Maria Regina , Fisberg Mauro , Sampaio Isa de Pádua Cintra , Guazzelli Cristina Aparecida Falbo 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe objective of this study was to assess the degree of concordance between two popular classification systems [the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)‐2000 and the Institute of Medicine (IOM)‐2009] used to categorise the nutritional status of pregnant adolescents. This cross‐sectional study involved 327 pregnant adolescents (10–19 years) booking for antenatal care at a single public maternity in São Paulo, Brazil. Participants were classified into one of four categories, by both systems according to their pre‐pregnancy body mass index and age. The CDC‐2000 system classified significantly fewer pregnant adolescents as underweight (3.7% vs. 12.5%, P < 0.0001) and significantly more adolescents as normal‐weight (86.8% vs. 75.6%, P = 0.0003) than the IOM‐2009 system. The distribution of the adolescents in the two systems differed significantly. The global rate of discordance was 13.5%. The overall concordance between the two systems was marginally good (K = 0.63), being moderate for younger (<16 years) adolescents (K = 0.52). Approximately one in every seven pregnant adolescent would be classified in a non‐corresponding category if the IOM‐2009 classification was used instead of the CDC‐2000 classification. The IOM‐2009 nutritional classification, which does not take into account age and gender, tends to overestimate the proportion of underweight adolescents, especially in the younger‐age group. The use of this classification system can lead to recommendations of higher gestational weight gain in a substantial proportion of pregnant adolescents, which could predispose to post‐partum weight retention and future obesity.
Risk factors during the prenatal period and the first year of life associated with overweight in 7‐year‐old low‐income Chilean children
Authors: Rios‐Castillo Israel , Cerezo Sheila , Corvalán Camila , Martínez Mario , Kain Juliana 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe objective of this study was to identify in low‐income Chilean children with normal birthweight which factors occurring during the prenatal period and the first year are associated with overweight (OW)/obesity at 7 years. The sample included 652 7‐year‐olds from a larger cohort study. We collected anthropometric data at 0, 12 and 84 months, maternal pre‐pregnancy and pregnancy characteristics, early feeding practices, number of siblings, birth order, breastfeeding, and timing of solid introduction information. We determined the residuals for z‐scores for body mass index (BMI) (BAZ), weight/age and height/age0–12 months, run univariate analysis (X2 or t‐test) and multivariate logistic analyses (stepwise approach); P < 0.05 was considered significant. We evaluated the goodness of fit of the model using the Hosmer–Lemeshow test and checked for overdispersion using the Pearson's X2. The odds of children being OW at 7 years increased if their mothers were OW before pregnancy, if born with a higher BAZ (increase of 18–74% per each additional unit of BAZ) and if their BAZ growth during the first year was higher (62–239% per each unit over the predicted BAZ increase). Higher birth order was protective (6–68% less risk for 2nd birth compared with 1st and 10–73% less for ≥3rd child). All other variables, including gender, were non‐significant (P > 0.1). In low‐income Chilean children with normal birth, four factors during the prenatal period and the first year were associated with OW at 7 years: pre‐pregnancy BMI, BMI at birth, BMI gain between 0 and 12 months, and birth order.
The Toxoplasma nuclear factor TgAP2XI‐4 controls bradyzoite gene expression and cyst formation
Authors: Walker Robert , Gissot Mathieu , Croken Matthew M. , Huot Ludovic , Hot David , Kim Kami , Tomavo Stanislas 
Published: December 2012

SummaryToxoplasma gondii undergoes many phenotypic changes during its life cycle. The recent identification of AP2 transcription factors in T. gondii has provided a platform for studying the mechanisms controlling gene expression. In the present study, we report that a recombinant protein encompassing the TgAP2XI‐4 AP2 domain was able to specifically bind to a DNA motif using gel retardation assays. TgAP2XI‐4 protein is localized in the parasite nucleus throughout the tachyzoite life cycle in vitro, with peak expression occurring after cytokinesis. We found that the TgAP2XI‐4 transcript level was higher in bradyzoite cysts isolated from brains of chronically infected mice than in the rapidly replicating tachyzoites. A knockout of the TgAP2XI‐4 gene in both T. gondii virulent type I and avirulent type II strains reveals its role in modulating expression and promoter activity of genes involved in stage conversion of the rapidly replicating tachyzoites to the dormant cyst forming bradyzoites. Furthermore, mice infected with the type II KO mutants show a drastically reduced brain cyst burden. Thus, our results validate TgAP2XI‐4 as a novel nuclear factor that regulates bradyzoite gene expression during parasite differentiation and cyst formation.
Serum fetuin‐A concentration and fetuin‐A‐containing calciprotein particles in patients with chronic inflammatory disease and renal failure
Authors: Smith Edward R , Cai Michael M , McMahon Lawrence P , Pedagogos Eugenie , Toussaint Nigel D , Brumby Catherine , Holt Stephen G 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAimFetuin‐A (Fet‐A) is an important regulator of extracellular matrix mineralization. Fet‐A plays a critical role in the formation and stabilization of high molecular weight colloidal protein–mineral complexes known as calciprotein particles (CPP). The aim of this study was to examine the effects of inflammation, renal function and dialysis modality on serum Fet‐A and CPP.MethodsThis is an observational study of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and those with chronic inflammatory disease (CID) but normal renal function. Serum CPP were quantified indirectly by analysing the apparent reduction in serum Fet‐A concentration (reduction ratio, RR) after high‐speed centrifugation.ResultsSerum total Fet‐A concentrations are reduced in renal disease and in patients with CID. CPP were not detectable in the serum of normal individuals. CPP represent an increasing percentage of total circulating Fet‐A concentrations in patients with CID (RR, 13.3 ± 8.5%), as well as in patients with pre‐dialysis CKD (12.4 ± 7.3%) and those undergoing peritoneal dialysis (RR, 22.8 ± 6.0%) or haemodialysis (RR, 38.1 ± 12.8%). The highest Fet‐A RR were found in patients with calcific uraemic arteriolopathy (CUA) on haemodialysis (73.9 ± 15.6%). Serum total Fet‐A concentrations and Fet‐A reduction ratios decreased during a single haemodialysis session, by 24% (P < 0.001) and 34% (P < 0.001), respectively.ConclusionInflammation appears to be associated with mineral stress even in the absence of renal dysfunction. Patients with CUA on haemodialysis have very high serum Fet‐A reduction ratios, suggesting that this measurement may have a prognostic/diagnostic role in this condition.
Smallest detectable differences in clinical functional temporomandibular joint examination variables in juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Stoustrup P. , Verna C. , Kristensen K. D. , Küseler A. , Herlin T. , Pedersen T. K. 
Published: December 2012

Structured AbstractObjectiveTemporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis in juvenile patients may interfere with optimal joint function and mouth opening patterns. Clinical assessment of maximal mouth opening capacity, laterotrusion and protrusion is critical to TMJ arthritis diagnosis, treatment choice and evaluation of a therapeutic intervention. The aim of the study was to determine the smallest minimal threshold at which differences in maximal mouth opening capacity, laterotrusion, and protrusion between two consecutive observations can be determined.Setting and Sample PopulationDepartment of Orthodontics, University of Aarhus, Denmark. Forty‐two consecutive patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.Material and MethodsTwo experienced dentists used a calibrated metallic ruler to measure maximal mouth opening capacity, laterotrusion, and protrusion. Each measurement was carried out thrice by each observer. Intra‐ and inter‐observer variation and the smallest detectable difference were calculated for each variable.ResultsThe smallest detectable differences were as follows: maximal mouth opening capacity 4.9 mm, laterotrusion 2.4 mm, and protrusion 2.8 mm (one observer and one measurement). These differences declined when measurements were repeated; maximal mouth opening capacity 3.3 mm, laterotrusion 1.4 mm, and protrusion 1.8 mm (two observers with three measurements each). We found no support for a relationship between measurement variation and patient age, measurement variation and TMJ pain, or between measurement variation and previous/current TMJ arthritis.ConclusionThe importance of the implementation of a standardized measurement protocol is emphasized including repeated measurements to reduce the smallest detectable difference.