bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Progression of periodontal inflammation in adolescents is associated with increased number of Porphyromonas gingivalis,Prevotella intermedia,Tannerella forsythensis, and Fusobacterium nucleatum
Authors: Yang Ning‐Yan , Zhang Quan , Li Jin‐Lu , Yang Sheng‐Hui , Shi Qing 
Published: September 2013

ObjectiveThe study aims to evaluate the change of related subgingival periodontopathogens among different stage of gingivitis in adolescent and assess the relationship between periodontopathogens and the progression of periodontal inflammation.MethodsA total of 77 subgingival plaque samples from 35 adolescent individuals were divided into three groups including gingivitis group (mild, 15 samples; moderate, 16 samples; severe, 15 samples), chronic periodontitis group (15 samples) and healthy group (15 samples). Real‐time PCR was used to quantitate Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Tannerella forsythensis, and Fusobacterium nucleatum in subgingival plaque samples.ResultsAll species, except for F. nucleatum, were detected in samples from gingivitis and periodontitis groups in significantly greater number than in those from healthy group (P < 0.05). In gingivitis groups, the number of P. gingivalis, T. forsythensis, and F. nucleatum in moderate and severe gingivitis groups was significantly higher than in mild gingivitis group (P < 0.05). After merging moderate gingivitis and severe gingivitis groups into moderate‐to‐severe gingivitis group, the four periodontopathogens were detected in samples from periodontitis group in significantly greater number than in those from moderate‐to‐severe gingivitis group (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe number of P. gingivalis, P. intermedia, T. forsythensis, and F. nucleatum in subgingival plaque increases with progression of periodontal inflammation in adolescents. Examination of periodontopathogens number in adolescents may be of some value for monitoring of periodontal disease development.
Predicting Periphyton Cover Frequency Distributions across New Zealand's Rivers
Authors: Snelder Ton H. , Booker Doug J. , Quinn John M. , Kilroy Cathy 
Published: September 2013

AbstractRegression models of mean and mean annual maximum (MAM) cover were derived for two categories of periphyton cover (filaments and mats) using 22 years of monthly monitoring data from 78 river sites across New Zealand. Explanatory variables were derived from observations of water quality variables, hydrology, shade, bed sediment grain size, temperature, and solar radiation. The root mean square errors of these models were large (75‐95% of the mean of the estimated values). The at‐site frequency distributions of periphyton cover were approximated by the exponential distribution, which has the mean cover as its single parameter. Independent predictions of cover distributions at all sites were calculated using the mean predicted by the regression model and the theoretical exponential distribution. The probability that cover exceeds specified thresholds and estimates of MAM cover, based on the predicted distributions, had large uncertainties (~80‐100%) at the site scale. However, predictions aggregated by classes of an environmental classification accurately predicted the proportion of sites for which cover exceeded nominated criteria in the classes. The models are useful for assessing broad‐scale patterns in periphyton cover and for estimating changes in cover with changes in nutrients, hydrological regime, and light.
Assessing the Hydrologic and Water Quality Benefits of a Network of Stormwater Control Measures in a SE U.S. Piedmont Watershed
Authors: Gagrani Vijaya , Diemer John A. , Karl Jarrod J. , Allan Craig J. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThe hydrologic and water quality benefits of an existing engineered stormwater control measures (SCMs) network, along with the alternative stormwater control simulations, were assessed in the rapidly urbanizing Beaverdam Creek watershed located in SE U.S. Piedmont region through the use of distributed Model of Urban Stormwater Improvement Conceptualization stormwater model. When compared with predevelopment conditions, the postdevelopment watershed simulation without SCMs indicated a 2 times increase in total runoff volume, 3 times average increase in peak flow for 1.5‐3.2 cm 6‐h storm events, and 30 times, 12 times, and 3 times higher total suspended solids (TSS), total phosphorous (TP), and total nitrogen (TN) loadings, respectively. The existing SCMs network, in comparison with the postdeveloped watershed without SCMs, reduced the average peak flow rates for 1.5‐3.2 cm 6‐h storm events by 70%, lowered the annual runoff volume by 3%, and lowered TSS, TP, TN annual loads by 57, 51, and 10%, respectively. A backyard rain garden simulation resulted in minimal additional reduction in TSS (1.6%), TP (0.4%), and TN (4%). Model simulations indicate that mandatory 85% TSS and 70% TP annual load reductions in comparison with the predevelopment levels would require the diversion of runoff from at least 70% of the contributing drainage areas runoff into additional offline bioretention basins.
Analyses of genetic diversity in five Canadian dairy breeds using pedigree data
Authors: Melka M.G. , Stachowicz K. , Miglior F. , Schenkel F.S. 
Published: September 2013

SummaryThe issue of loss of animal genetic diversity, worldwide in general and in Canada in particular, has become noteworthy. The objective of this study was to analyze the trend in within‐breed genetic diversity and identify the major causes of loss of genetic diversity in five Canadian dairy breeds. Pedigrees were analyzed using the software EVA (evolutionary algorithm) and CFC (contribution, inbreeding, coancestry), and a FORTRAN package for pedigree analysis suited for large populations (PEDIG). The average rate of inbreeding in the last generation analyzed (2003 to 2007) was 0.93, 1.07, 1.26, 1.09 and 0.80% for Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Canadienne, Guernsey and Milking Shorthorn, respectively, and the corresponding estimated effective population sizes were 54, 47, 40, 46 and 66, respectively. Based on coancestry coefficients, the estimated effective population sizes in the last generation were 62, 76, 43, 61 and 76, respectively. The estimated percentage of genetic diversity lost within each breed over the last four decades was 6, 7, 11, 8 and 5%, respectively. The relative proportion of genetic diversity lost due to random genetic drift in the five breeds ranged between 59.3% and 89.7%. The results indicate that each breed has lost genetic diversity over time and that the loss is gaining momentum due to increasing rates of inbreeding and reduced effective population sizes. Therefore, strategies to decrease rate of inbreeding and increase the effective population size are advised.
Marked Suppression of Pulmonary Vein Firing After Circumferential Pulmonary Vein Isolation in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: Is Pulmonary Vein Firing an Epiphenomenon?
Authors: JIANG RU‐HONG , JIANG CHEN‐YANG , SHENG XIA , ZHANG ZU‐WEN , SUN YA‐XUN , LIU QIANG , FU GUO‐SHENG , PO SUNNY S. 
Published: September 2013

Is Pulmonary Vein Firing an Epiphenomenon?IntroductionRapid firing in pulmonary veins (PVs) is a leading cause of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. We hypothesized that PV firing (PV‐F) should continue after circumferential PV isolation (CPVI) because the PV tissue responsible for PV‐F remains intact.Methods and ResultsIn Group‐1 (n = 92), isoproterenol (ISP) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) were co‐administered to provoke PV‐F before and after CPVI. The site of rapid focal discharge that initiated atrial fibrillation (AF) defined PV‐F versus non‐PV‐F. Additional 17 patients with PV‐F induced by ISP+ATP before CPVI were enrolled into Group‐2 and various pacing maneuvers were used in conjunction to ISP+ATP to provoke PV‐F after CPVI. In Group‐1, AF was induced in 47/81 (58.0%) and 16/88 (18.2%) patients before and after CPVI, respectively (P < 0.01). Before CPVI, 43/47 (91.5%) of the rapid firing originated from PV. After successful CPVI, 88/92 patients were in sinus rhythm and non‐PV‐F was induced in 14/88 patients. PV‐F was induced in 2/88 patients, which was eliminated by ganglionated plexus ablation outside the CPVI line. In Group‐2, various pacing maneuvers with ISP+ATP only induced PV‐F in 1/17 patients after CPVI.ConclusionMarked suppression of PV‐F after CPVI strongly suggests that the real source of PV‐F is located in the atrium. PV‐F may be an epiphenomenon.
hERG Inhibitors with Similar Potency But Different Binding Kinetics Do Not Pose the Same Proarrhythmic Risk: Implications for Drug Safety Assessment
Authors: DI VEROLI GIOVANNI Y. , DAVIES MARK R. , ZHANG HENGGUI , ABI‐GERGES NAJAH , BOYETT MARK R. 
Published: September 2013

Drug Mode of Action and hERG‐Related SafetyIntroductionSince the discovery of the link that exists between drug‐induced hERG inhibition and Torsade de Pointes (TdP), extreme attention has been given to avoid new drugs inhibiting this channel. hERG inhibition is routinely screened for in new drugs and, typically, IC50 values are compared to projected plasma concentrations to define a safety margin.Methods and ResultsWe aimed to show that drugs with similar hERG potency are not uniformly pro‐arrhythmic—this depends on the drug binding kinetics and mode of action (trapped or not) rather than the IC50 value only. We used a mathematical model of hERG and its related encoded current IKr to simulate drug binding in different configurations. Expression systems mimicking the screening process were first investigated. hERG model was then incorporated into a canine action potential (AP) and tissue model to study the impact of drug binding configurations on AP and pseudo‐ECG (QT interval prolongation). Our data show that: (1) trapped and not trapped configurations and different binding kinetics could be identified during hERG screening; (2) slow binding, not trapped drugs, induced less AP prolongation and minimal QT interval prolongation (4.7%) at a concentration equal to the IC50 whereas maximal pro‐arrhythmic risk was observed for trapped drugs at the same concentration (QT interval prolongation, 23.1%).ConclusionOur study demonstrates the need for screening for hERG binding configurations rather than potency alone. It also demonstrates the potential link between hERG, drug mode of action and TdP, and the need to question the current regulatory guidance.
The Sexual Function Questionnaire's Medical Impact Scale (SFQ-MIS): Validation Among a Sample of First-time Mothers
Authors: Jawed-Wessel Sofia , Schick Vanessa , Herbenick Debby 
Published: September 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Changes in sexual function can be difficult to capture, especially when an attempt is made to assess the effects of pregnancy or childbirth on the sexual function of first-time mothers. Commonly used sexual function measures are limited and fail to account for pregnancy or birth in assessment of function.

Aims
The purpose of this study was to explore the utility of the Sexual Function Questionnaire Medical Impact Scale (SFQ-MIS) in assessing impact of childbirth on sexual function among first-time mothers with infants aged one year or younger.

Methods
A total of 255 women completed a cross-sectional, web-based survey. Exploratory factor analysis was utilized to assess the factor structure of the SFQ-MIS scores in this sample. Variations in SFQ-MIS scores based upon participant characteristics were conducted to further evaluate the SFQ-MIS scores.

Main Outcome Measures
SFQ-MIS score was the primary measure of interest. Factors related to pregnancy and childbirth, such as mode of delivery, infant date of birth, last menstrual period, need for an episiotomy or perineal stitches, breastfeeding status, and score on the Perceived Stress Scale, were also assessed in order to further evaluate the validity and predictive capacity of the SFQ-MIS.

Results
Results indicated one factor that accounted for 58.27% of the variance in impact on sexual function due to childbirth. Cronbach's α coefficient for all five items was acceptable (0.82). Women who were breastfeeding (P &lt; 0.05), those who had received perineal stitches after a vaginal delivery (P &lt; 0.05), and those who reported no sexual activity in the past month (P &lt; 0.001) experienced significantly greater impact than those who were not breastfeeding, those who had not required stitches, and those who had been sexually active in the past month.

Conclusion
The SFQ-MIS appears to be a useful and valid indicator of changes in sexual function following childbirth, such as those related to arousal, desire, and orgasm.
The interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) +874T allele reduces the risk of hepatitis B infection in an Asian population
Authors: Sun X.‐R. , Wu J. , Tang K.‐F. 
Published: September 2013

SummaryIncreasing evidence suggests that polymorphism of the interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) gene in the first intron at position +874 may be associated with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and/or HBV clearance. However, the results of relevant studies have been inconsistent. To derive a more precise estimation of the association, we performed a meta‐analysis. In total, 10 independent studies including 1661 chronic HBV‐infected patients and 1142 controls were included in this meta‐analysis. In studies following Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE), a significantly decreased risk of chronic HBV infection was associated with the IFN‐γ + 874TT genotype in the overall population (TT vs AA: odds ratio (OR) = 0.714, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.526–0.969, P = 0.031) when compared with a spontaneously recovered population. Subgroup analysis by ethnicity revealed a similar association in Asian individuals (TT vs AA: OR = 0.706, 95% CI = 0.518–0.962, P = 0.028). Moreover, when compared with a healthy control group, the 874T allele was associated with a significant lower risk of chronic HBV infection in the overall populations (TA vs AA: OR = 0.439, 95% CI = 0.193–0.997, P = 0.049; TT + TA vs AA: OR = 0.475, 95% CI = 0.271–0.832, P = 0.009) and in Asian individuals (TA vs AA: OR = 0.862, 95% CI = 0.744–0.999, P = 0.048). In conclusion, the IFN‐γ + 874TT genotype and 874T allele reduce the risk of chronic HBV infection in Asian individuals.
High temperature constrains reproductive success in a temperate lizard: implications for distribution range limits and the impacts of climate change
Authors: Monasterio C. , Shoo L. P. , Salvador A. , Iraeta P. , Díaz J. A. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractWe investigated whether the current distribution of Lacerta schreiberi is likely to be constrained by incubation conditions. We used an incubation experiment in the laboratory to examine the effects of temperature and moisture on lizard reproductive traits, in order to clarify the ecological processes that underlie the distribution patterns of this lizard and to build more reliable mechanistic models. We then investigated to what extent range limits of L. schreiberi coincided with those predicted from incubation experiments and actual temperature variation experienced in the field. This was done by intersecting documented presence localities of the species with interpolated spatial layers of soil temperature. Reproductive success (hatching success, morphological traits and growth rates) was strongly and negatively affected by high temperature. In contrast, incubation moisture only affected neonate size and its positive effects were only realized at moderate to low temperature. Documented temperature sensitivity suggests that successful embryonic development is likely to be compromised by available thermal conditions, and that this species is unable to colonize warmer areas such as those where L. schreiberi is absent beyond its distribution range limits. An important addition is that incubation moisture does not appear to influence overall embryonic development. We would expect contemporary climate warming to cause upward elevational shifts which may be more or less critical depending on the availability of preferred habitat.
Essential role of the molecular chaperone gp96 in regulating melanogenesis
Authors: Zhang Yongliang , Helke Kristi L. , Coelho Sergio G. , Valencia Julio C. , Hearing Vincent J. , Sun Shaoli , Liu Bei , Li Zihai 
Published: September 2013

SummaryThrough a process known as melanogenesis, melanocyte produces melanin in specialized organelles termed melanosomes, which regulates pigmentation of the skin, eyes, and hair.Gp96 is a constitutively expressed heat shock protein in the endoplasmic reticulum whose expression is further upregulated upon ultraviolet irradiation. However, the roles and mechanisms of this chaperone in pigmentation biology are unknown. In this study, we found that knockdown of gp96 byRNAinterference significantly perturbed melanin synthesis and blocked late melanosome maturation.Gp96 knockdown did not impair the expression of tyrosinase, an essential enzyme in melanin synthesis, but compromised its catalytic activity and melanosome translocation. Further, mice with melanocyte‐specific deletion of gp96 displayed decreased pigmentation. A mechanistic study revealed that the defect in melanogenesis can be rescued by activation of the canonical Wnt pathway, consistent with the critical roles of gp96 in chaperoningWnt‐coreceptorLRP6. Thus, this work uncovered the essential role of gp96 in regulating melanogenesis.
Clinical, endoscopic, and histologic features of eosinophilic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract in pediatric liver transplant patients
Authors: Parashette Kalyan Ray , Zeytinoglu Meltem , Kernek Kevin , Molleston Jean P. , Subbarao Girish 
Published: September 2013

AbstractImmunosuppression during the post‐transplantation period has led to dramatic outcome improvements in PLTR patients. There have been reports describing the development of food allergies and an increased predilection for development of EGI in PLTR. We aimed to identify the clinical, endoscopic and histologic features of EGI in PLTR patients. In this retrospective case series we analyzed medical record of all PLTR who underwent EGD and/or colonoscopy at our institution from 2000 to 2006. From 2000 to 2006, 32 PLTR patients underwent endoscopic evaluation. Seventeen (53%) of 32 patients were diagnosed with EGI. Endoscopic abnormalities were seen in the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine in 11 (65%), 11 (65%), and four (24%) patients, respectively. Eosinophilic inflammation was seen in the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine in 13 (76%), 10 (59%), and five (29%) patients, respectively. Nine of 17 patients underwent colonoscopy and endoscopic abnormalities were seen in four (44%) patients. Five patients (56%) had eosinophilic inflammation. In conclusion, we have characterized the clinical, endoscopic, and histologic features of EGI. Histologic and endoscopic examination reveals that, when present, EGI is often found at multiple segments along the gastrointestinal tract.
Progression of pectinate ligament dysplasia over time in two populations of Flat‐Coated Retrievers
Authors: Pearl Rose , Gould David , Spiess Bernhard 
Published: September 2013

AbstractObjectiveTwo of the authors (DG,BS) independently observed that a number of Flat‐Coated Retrievers (FCRs) previously unaffected by pectinate ligament dysplasia (PLD) appeared to develop the condition later in life. This study was instigated to investigate progression ofPLDwithin individual dogs over time.Animals studiedFlat‐Coated Retrievers that had previously undergone gonioscopy under theUK/ECVOhereditary eye schemes were included in the study.ProcedureA second gonioscopic examination was performed 1.92–12.58 years later (mean 6, median 5.75 years) and the results compared. 39FCR(17 males, 22 females) in theUKand 57FCR(27 males, 30 females) in Switzerland were included. Slit‐lamp biomicroscopy, indirect ophthalmoscopy, and gonioscopy were performed in all dogs. Gonioscopy allowed classification as either unaffected or affected; percentage of the iridocorneal drainage angle (ICA) affected byPLDwas determined, before calculating progression observed as mild, moderate, or severe.Results39 of 96 (40.6%) dogs demonstrated progression ofPLD(P < 0.0001). Of these, 13 of 96 (13.5%) were classified as mild progression (from either unaffected to 10–20% or 10–20% to 20–90%ICAaffected). Progression was more extensive in 26 of 96 (27.1%) dogs (P < 0.0001), of which 12 of 96 (12.5%) went from unaffected to severePLDof >90%ICAaffected, consistent with a high risk of glaucoma.ConclusionsTo the authors' knowledge, this is the first report describing progression ofPLDin individual dogs over time, in a breed affected by primary, angle closure glaucoma.
Blood donation clusters in Québec, Canada (2003–2008): spatial variations according to sex and age
Authors: Apparicio P. , Cloutier M.‐S. , Chadillon‐Farinacci V. , Charbonneau J. , Delage G. 
Published: September 2013

Background and objectivesThe detection of spatial clusters of blood donation rate is an important issue, especially for targeting spatial units with significantly low rates, where it could be possible to increase the numbers of donors. The objective of this study is to detect spatial clusters of high or low blood donation rate in Québec according to sex and age of the donors.Materials and MethodsBlood donation data were obtained from Héma‐Québec over a period of 5 years. We aggregated these data for each of 101 municipalités regionales de comté (i.e. counties) for men, women and four age groups. To detect spatial high/low donation rate areas, we used the Kulldorff's scan statistics. Kappa coefficient was used to assess discordance between clusters obtained for the different groups (18–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69 years old). T‐test analyses were conducted to identify significant associations between spatial clusters and socio‐economic variables.ResultsThe results indicate the presence of several geographical areas with high or low blood donation rates for each group. The size, the location and the socio‐demographic profiles of low/high clusters vary according to sex and age categories.ConclusionThe Kulldorff's scan statistics are an efficient tool to assess the blood donation performance across a country or even a specific region over a period of several years. In terms of strategic planning and monitoring, it can be used as a fully operational tool to target areas with significantly low rates (for all donors or specific demographic groups) in future blood donation campaigns.
Novel Fastidious, Partially Acid-Fast, Anaerobic Gram-Positive Bacillus Associated with Abscess Formation and Recovered from Multiple Medical Centers
Authors: Harrington S. M. , Bell M. , Bernard K. , Lagacé-Wiens P. , Schuetz A. N. , Hartman B. , McQuiston J. R. , Wilson D. , LaSalvia M. , Ng B. , Richter S. , Taege A. 
Published: September 2013

ABSTRACT

We report a novel anaerobe causing abscess in four patients at three hospitals. In the clinical specimen, bacilli were branching, Gram positive, and acid fast. The organism grew slowly and was not identified by 16S rRNA sequencing. Our findings support the description of a new genus and species of the suborder
Corynebacterineae
.