bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The cutaneous bacterium Janthinobacterium lividum inhibits the growth of Trichophyton rubrum in vitro
Authors: Ramsey Jeremy P. , Mercurio Albert , Holland Jessica A. , Harris Reid N. , Minbiole Kevin P. C. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundTinea pedis (athlete's foot) is a fungal infection that is both widespread and challenging to treat. Standard treatments consist of topical and systemic therapies of antifungal agents, such as miconazole, itraconazole, and terbinafine. The extended nature of topical therapy and the toxicity of long‐term systemic therapy limit the utility of current treatments. An alternate approach relies on an understanding of bacterial–fungal interactions. Specifically, a probiotic antifungal bacterium such as Janthinobacterium lividum can counter infection; Janthinobacterium is a major constituent of the human skin microbiota. Janthinobacterium lividum has been shown to ameliorate the effects of the cutaneous fungal disease chytridiomycosis in a vertebrate species (Rana muscosa).MethodsDual‐culture plate challenge assays were performed using J. lividum and Trichophyton rubrum, the leading cause of athlete's foot.ResultsIn all cases, T. rubrum colonies grew significantly smaller when co‐cultured with J. lividum.ConclusionThese in vitro results suggest that J. lividum merits further investigation as a human cutaneous probiotic.
Efficacy and complications of urinary drainage procedures in idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis complicated by extrinsic ureteral obstruction
Authors: Mertens Sanne , Zeegers Antoine GM , Wertheimer Peter A , Hendriksz Tadek R , van Bommel Eric FH 
Published: August 2013

ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy and complications of urinary drainage procedures in patients with idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis complicated by ureteral obstruction.MethodsA retrospective study of 30 idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis patients involving 44 obstructed urinary units who underwent urinary drainage from January 2002 through April 2010 was carried out. Data of all diagnostic procedures, blood and urine cultures, and hospital admissions were collected and analyzed.ResultsIn 12 of 44 (27%) cases, percutaneous nephrostomy was carried out at the first step. Attempted ureteral stenting at the first step was successful in 25 of 32 (79%) cases, of which 20 (80%) cases could be managed successfully by ureteral stenting alone throughout the study period. Successful prolonged urinary drainage with percutaneous nephrostomy alone was accomplished in 10 cases, three at the first step and seven at the second step after failed intraureteral stent insertion or after unsuccessful maintenance of urinary drainage with an intraureteral stent. A total of 21 urinary tract infection episodes occurred in 11 patients. The incidence and accumulated incidence of acute pyelonephritis was 0.062 episodes/100 person‐days and 30%, respectively. The incidence and accumulated incidence of urosepsis was 0.015 episodes/100 person‐days and 6.6%, respectively. The overall number of complications did not differ between external and internal urinary drainage procedures (percutaneous nephrostomy, 21% vs intraureteral stent, 17.9%; P = 0.79).ConclusionBoth intraureteral stent and percutaneous nephrostomy placement are a safe way to relieve urinary obstruction in idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis patients, and they have comparable complication rates. Over time, the need for using both management options in the same patient might be required. Hence, these techniques should be regarded as complementary.
Demographic and clinical features of 521 Turkish patients with Behçet's disease
Authors: Balta Ilknur , Akbay Gulfer , Kalkan Goknur , Eksioglu Meral 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study is to reveal demographic and clinical features of Behçet's disease (BD) in a Turkish population.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated the clinical findings of 521 patients with BD.ResultsA total of 521 patients (287 female and 234 male) were included in this study. Onset signs: oral ulceration (72.7%) was followed by genital ulceration (3.1%), ocular involvement (1.0%), and erythema nodosum‐like lesions (ENLL) (0.2%). In 120 patients (23%), the onset manifestation compromised more than one symptom. During follow‐up, in females and males respectively, oral ulceration was found in 100%, genital ulceration in 90.9% and in 82.5%, papulopustular lesions in 52.6% and in 71.4%, positive pathergy test in 45.3% and in 48.7%, ENLL in 43.6% and in 31.6%, ocular involvement in 36.9% and in 58.1%, gastrointestinal involvement in 6.6% and in 5.6%, joint involvement in 4.2% and in 6.4%, vascular involvement in 1.7% and in 10.6%, neurological involvement in 0% and in 4.7% and pulmonary involvement in 0.7% and in 0.7%. Genital ulceration and ENLL were found to be statistically higher in females than males. Papulopustular lesions and ocular, neurological, and vascular involvement were significantly higher in males than females.ConclusionsIn our study, systemic involvement was higher in males than females, as the disease is more severe in males than females. As the only initial finding of the disease can be genital ulceration or ocular manifestations, gynecologists, urologists, ophthalmologists, and family practitioners must keep in mind BD as a differential diagnosis.
Molecular biological techniques and their use to study streptococci in dental caries
Authors: Jacques Nick 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThis review explains some of the basic techniques of molecular biology and their application to the study of oral streptococci. Examples of how these techniques have furthered the understanding of streptococcal colonization in health and disease are discussed along with approaches to controlling dental caries that have been made plausible by the knowledge gained using these techniques.
The microbial contamination of toothbrushes. A pilot study
Authors: Taji S. S. , Rogers A. H. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractTen individuals were each supplied with a new toothbrush of the same type and brand, together with identical tubes of fluoridated toothpaste. After a three‐week period, during which subjects were asked to follow their usual oral hygiene practices, the toothbrushes were collected and assayed for microbial contamination using a range of selective growth media. The total microbial load per toothbrush was found to be 104 to 106 colony forming units. Staphylococci were found on all toothbrushes and streptococci on all but one. These two genera were also quantitatively dominant. Candida, corynebacteria, pseudomonads and coliforms were identified in 70, 60, 50 and 30 per cent of toothbrushes, respectively. However, mutans streptococci, lactobacilli and black‐pigmented Gram‐negative anaerobic rods were not detected on any of the toothbrushes. For each individual, information on variables such as toothbrush rinsing practices and post‐brushing storage methods and environment was collected. No obvious relationship between such variables and microbial load was apparent but it is suggested that more extensive studies are needed, taking into account additional parameters such as age and degree of toothbrush wear and the use of pre‐brushing mouthwashes.
Restraint and Seclusion: The Perspective of Service Users and Staff Members
Authors: Mérineau‐Côté Julie , Morin Diane 
Published: August 2013

BackgroundRestrictive measures may have important physical and psychological consequences on all persons involved. The current study examined how these are perceived by persons with intellectual disabilities and staff.Materials and MethodsInterviews were conducted with eight persons with intellectual disabilities who experienced a restrictive measure and their care providers. They were queried on their understanding of the restrictive measure, its impact on the relationship, their emotions and alternative interventions.ResultsRestrictive measures were experienced negatively by persons with intellectual disabilities and their care providers. Service users reported feeling sad and angry, whereas staff mentioned feeling anxious. Moreover, persons with intellectual disabilities appeared to understand the goal of restrictive measures (e.g. ensuring their own and others' safety) and identified alternative interventions (e.g. speaking with a staff member or taking a walk).ConclusionThis study sheds further light on how persons with intellectual disabilities and staff experience the application of restrictive measures. Debriefing sessions with service users and staff may help minimize negative consequences.
Spotted stream frog diversification at the Australasian faunal zone interface, mainland versus island comparisons, and a test of the Philippine ‘dual‐umbilicus’ hypothesis
Authors: Brown Rafe M. , Siler Cameron D. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAimTo utilize comprehensive geographical sampling and a new, multilocus dataset to re‐examine the biogeography of spotted stream frogs (Hylarana signata complex) throughout Southeast Asia. To compare patterns of diversification among stream frog populations on land‐bridge islands and oceanic islands and to re‐evaluate a previous ‘dual‐invasion’ hypothesis for the origins of endemic Philippine taxa.LocationSoutheast Asia, Sundaland, and the Philippines.MethodsWe sequenced two mitochondrial and two nuclear gene regions for members of the Hylarana signata complex. We used summary statistics and phylogenetic networks to characterize genetic variation; phylogenetic relationships and ancestral ranges were estimated using Bayesian and likelihood methods. We used the preferred topology and Bayesian methods to evaluate a previous biogeographical ‘dual‐invasion’ hypothesis.ResultsIn contrast to expectations, we found highly divergent, demographically stable and geographically regionalized lineages on the mainland and on land‐bridge islands, but minimally divergent, widespread and clinally distributed populations, with evidence of recent demographic expansion, in adjacent oceanic island populations. Novel phylogenetic relationships depart from previous studies and our data strongly reject the previously published ‘dual‐invasion’ hypothesis.Main conclusionsOur results join new literature demonstrating that species on mainland and continental shelf islands may harbour high levels of unrecognized diversity, whereas adjacent oceanic island archipelagos can and do support naturally occurring widespread species. Although our data indicate that the individual identities of species previously hypothesized to be involved in the ‘dual‐invasion’ scenario may have been incorrect, this mechanism for faunal exchange between the archipelago and adjacent mainland undoubtedly has contributed substantially to the accumulation of endemic vertebrate diversity in the Philippines.
Punishment insensitivity and impaired reinforcement learning in preschoolers
Authors: Briggs‐Gowan Margaret J. , Nichols Sara R. , Voss Joel , Zobel Elvira , Carter Alice S. , McCarthy Kimberly J. , Pine Daniel S. , Blair James , Wakschlag Lauren S. 
Published: August 2013

BackgroundYouth and adults with psychopathic traits display disrupted reinforcement learning. Advances in measurement now enable examination of this association in preschoolers. The current study examines relations between reinforcement learning in preschoolers and parent ratings of reduced responsiveness to socialization, conceptualized as a developmental vulnerability to psychopathic traits.MethodsOne hundred and fifty‐seven preschoolers (mean age 4.7 ± 0.8 years) participated in a substudy that was embedded within a larger project. Children completed the ‘Stars‐in‐Jars’ task, which involved learning to select rewarded jars and avoid punished jars. Maternal report of responsiveness to socialization was assessed with the Punishment Insensitivity and Low Concern for Others scales of the Multidimensional Assessment of Preschool Disruptive Behavior (MAP‐DB).ResultsPunishment Insensitivity, but not Low Concern for Others, was significantly associated with reinforcement learning in multivariate models that accounted for age and sex. Specifically, higher Punishment Insensitivity was associated with significantly lower overall performance and more errors on punished trials (‘passive avoidance’).ConclusionsImpairments in reinforcement learning manifest in preschoolers who are high in maternal ratings of Punishment Insensitivity. If replicated, these findings may help to pinpoint the neurodevelopmental antecedents of psychopathic tendencies and suggest novel intervention targets beginning in early childhood.
Skin rash and arthritis a simplified appraisal of less common associations
Authors: Cozzi A. , Doria A. , Gisondi P. , Girolomoni G. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractSkin and joint manifestations are part of the clinical spectrum of many disorders. Well‐known associations include psoriatic arthritis and arthritis associated with autoimmune connective tissue diseases. This review focuses on less common associations where skin lesions can provide easily accessible and valuable diagnostic clues, and directly lead to the specific diagnosis or limit the list of possibilities. This may also affect health care resources as diagnostic tests are often low‐specific, highly expensive and poorly available. This group of diseases can be divided into two subsets, based on the presence/absence of fever, and then further classified according to elementary skin lesions (macular, urticarial, maculo‐papular, vesico‐bullous, pustular, petechial and nodular). In most instances joint involvement occurs as peripheral migrating polyarthritis. Erythematosus macular or urticarial rashes occur in most febrile disorders such as monogenic autoinflammatory syndromes, Schnitzler's syndrome, Still's disease and rheumatic fever and afebrile diseases as urticarial vasculitis. Pustular rash may be observed in chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) and pyogenic arthritis with pyoderma gangrenosum and acne (PAPA) syndrome (both febrile) as well as in Behcet's disease and Synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis and osteitis syndrome (both non‐febrile). Papular lesions are typical of secondary syphilis, sarcoidosis, interstitial granulomatous dermatitis, papular petechial of cutaneous small‐vessel vasculitis and nodular lesions of polyarteritis nodosa and multicentric reticulohistiocytosis all of which are afebrile. Differential diagnosis includes infections and drug reactions which may mimic several of these conditions. To biopsy the right skin lesion at the right time it is essential to obtain relevant histological information.
Investigation of the association between psoriasis and human leucocyte antigens A by means of meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhao Y.E. , Hu L. , Ma J.X. , Xiao S.X. , Zhao Y.L. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe association between psoriasis and human leucocyte antigen A (HLA‐A) does not reach a consensus.ObjectivesTo clarify the association between psoriasis and HLA‐A.MethodsPredefined selection criteria were applied to all relevant case–control studies (from 1972 to 2013) in two English databases.ResultsTwenty‐three eligible articles covering 12 227 participants were included, in which 28 alleles were reported associated with psoriasis. Our meta‐analysis results showed that nine alleles were susceptible, 12 were protective and seven were unassociated. Subgroup analyses were conducted in terms of race, clinical type and onset age. For unspecific psoriasis, only one strongly susceptible allele was found in Caucasian and three were in Asian; three strongly protective alleles were reported in Caucasian and only one was found in Asian. There was no common allele to both races. For psoriasis vulgaris, there was no strongly susceptible allele in Caucasian but two in Asian; two strongly protective alleles were found in Caucasian and another two were in Asian. For psoriatic arthritis, two strongly susceptible alleles and one strongly protective allele were reported in Caucasian cases. For psoriasis guttate, only one strongly protective allele was found in Caucasian. In terms of onset age, A*01, A*02, A*03, A*26 and A*30 alleles were more susceptible to type I psoriasis than to type II, and it showed a stronger association in those with family history.ConclusionsPsoriasis is associated with a number of HLA‐A alleles, some are susceptible, some are protective. The association of some alleles is different in terms of different races, clinical types and onset age.
Predation‐associated divergence of male genital morphology in a livebearing fish
Authors: Heinen‐Kay J. L. , Langerhans R. B. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractMale genital morphology is remarkably diverse across internally fertilizing animals, a phenomenon largely attributed to sexual selection. Ecological differences across environments can alter the context of sexual selection, yet little research has addressed how this may influence the rapid, divergent evolution of male genitalia. Using the model system of Bahamas mosquitofish (Gambusia hubbsi) undergoing ecological speciation across blue holes, we used geometric morphometric methods to test (i) whether male genital shape (the small, approximately 1 mm long, distal tip of the sperm‐transfer organ, the gonopodium) has diverged between populations with and without predatory fish and (ii) whether any observed divergence has a genetic basis. We additionally examined the effects of genetic relatedness and employed model selection to investigate other environmental factors (i.e. interspecific competition, adult sex ratio and resource availability) that could potentially influence genital shape via changes in sexual selection. Predation regime comprised the most important factor associated with male genital divergence in this system, although sex ratio and some aspects of resource availability had suggestive effects. We found consistent, heritable differences in male genital morphology between predation regimes: Bahamas mosquitofish coexisting with predatory fish possessed more elongate genital tips with reduced soft tissue compared with counterparts inhabiting blue holes without predatory fish. We suggest this may reflect selection for greater efficiency of sperm transfer and fertilization during rapid and often forced copulations in high‐predation populations or differences in sexual conflict between predation regimes. Our study highlights the potential importance of ecological variation, particularly predation risk, in indirectly generating genital diversity.
Increased whole blood viscosity associated with arterial stiffness in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Yu Kai‐jiang , Zhang Mei‐jie , Li Ying , Wang Rui‐tao 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackground and AimsNon‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an independent risk factor for increased cardiovascular disease. The brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) is a marker for early atherosclerotic changes. Recently, the effect of changed blood rheology on atherosclerosis has received attention. A study confirmed that whole blood viscosity (WBV) is a predictor of cardiovascular events. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association of WBV with baPWV in patients with NAFLD.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional study, the relationship between WBV and baPWV was investigated in 2032 participants (1035 men and 997 women) with NAFLD in a general health examination.ResultsDifferent metabolic parameters were compared across WBV (3/s) quartiles. The mean values of baPWV gradually increased with WBV (3/s) quartiles. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis revealed that WBV (3/s) is a significant determinant for increased baPWV both in men and in women (for male, β = 0.229; P < 0.001; for female, β = 0.672; P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe findings showed that baPWV elevated as WBV (3/s) increased in NAFLD. Moreover, WBV (3/s) is independently associated with baPWV even after adjusting other cardiovascular risk factors. Early detection of abnormal WBV levels at low shear rate should warrant for early search of undetected arterial stiffness in patients with NAFLD.
MODEL AVERAGING IN ECONOMICS: AN OVERVIEW
Authors: Moral‐Benito Enrique 
Published: August 2013

AbstractStandard practice in empirical research is based on two steps: first, researchers select a model from the space of all possible models; second, they proceed as if the selected model had generated the data. Therefore, uncertainty in the model selection step is typically ignored. Alternatively, model averaging accounts for this model uncertainty. In this paper, I review the literature on model averaging with special emphasis on its applications to economics. Finally, as an empirical illustration, I consider model averaging to examine the deterrent effect of capital punishment across states in the USA.
Does high educational level protect against intellectual decline in older adults?: A 10‐year longitudinal study
Authors: Nishita Yukiko , Tange Chikako , Tomida Makiko , Ando Fujiko , Shimokata Hiroshi 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThis study examined the relation between educational level and intellectual change in Japanese older adults. Participants (age = 65–79 years, n = 593) comprised the first‐wave participants of the National Institute for Longevity Sciences‐Longitudinal Study of Aging (NILS‐LSA). They were followed for 10 years and were tested six times. Educational levels were divided into two groups (low‐educated or high‐educated), and intellectual changes for the 10 years were assessed using the Japanese Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale‐Revised Short Forms (JWAIS‐R‐SF); subtests included Information, Similarities, Picture Completion, and Digit Symbol. General linear mixed‐model analyses revealed that education had not affected 10‐year changes of the Information, Similarities, and Picture Completion subtest scores. In contrast, education was significantly associated with a change in the Digit Symbol subtest score; individuals with higher levels of education showed greater decline than those with less education, although they had higher ability at every time point. These findings suggest that higher education does not protect against intellectual decline in late life, although it is associated with long‐term individual differences in intelligence.
Body Imaging and Sexual Behavior in Lean Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Morotti Elena , Persico Nicola , Battaglia Bruno , Fabbri Raffaella , Meriggiola Maria Cristina , Venturoli Stefano , Battaglia Cesare 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
In women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), changes in body appearance may influence the feminine identity of the patients with possible consequent depression and sexual dysfunction.

Aim
The study aims to examine the differences in mood, perceived body image, sexual behavior, and clitoral vascularization between lean PCOS patients and healthy eumenorrheic controls.

Methods
Thirty-three lean PCOS women (Group I) and 22 healthy nonhirsute volunteers (Group II) were submitted, on day 3–5 of the cycle, to ultrasonographic (US) and Doppler analyses, to clinical, hormonal, and biochemical evaluations, and to psychometric tests.

Main Outcomes Measures
Main outcome measures are Ferriman–Gallwey score (FG), clitoral volume, clitoral artery Pulsatility Index, the two-factor Italian McCoy female questionnaire (MFSQ), the Stunkard Figure Rating Scale (FRS), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) questionnaire.

Results
The FG score and the androgens resulted, as expected, more elevated in PCOS patients than in controls. However, the US assessment of the clitoral body volume and the resistances registered at the level of the dorsal clitoral artery did not show any difference between Group I and Group II patients. Moreover, the two-factor Italian MFSQ, the FRS, and the BDI were similar in both groups.

Conclusions
It seems that in lean PCOS women, the moderate hirsutism and hyperandrogenism do not have any important influence on body image and self-esteem and, as a consequence, on sexual function.