bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detection of common dermatophytes in clinical specimens using a simple quantitative real-time TaqMan polymerase chain reaction assay
Authors: Ohst T. , Kupsch C. , Gräser Y. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryBackgroundDermatophytes are common fungal pathogens causing mostly superficial infections in humans with a high prevalence worldwide. Traditional detection techniques are time-consuming and insensitive, whereas molecular detection methods have proved to be much more rapid and sensitive.ObjectivesTo develop a modular singleplex quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay for the detection of the most common dermatophytes in clinical specimens.MethodsThe qRT-PCR assay is based on single-tube reactions with TaqMan probes. We validated the test with 311 clinical samples of human and animal origin submitted for routine diagnosis and compared the qRT-PCR results with microscopy and culture.ResultsqRT-PCR proved to be significantly more sensitive than microscopy and culture, with 21·2% more positive samples. Among the 201 dermatophytes identified 152 were Trichophyton rubrum (75·6%) and 34 were Trichophyton interdigitale (16·9%). Only 15 samples were determined as less common dermatophytes (Microsporum canis, Epidermophyton floccosum, Trichophyton verrucosum and Arthroderma benhamiae). In the present study, pathogen identification was achieved for 95·2% of all samples (including negatives) by applying only three detection tests (pan-dermatophyte, T. rubrum and T. interdigitale).ConclusionsThe qRT-PCR assay developed in this study allows the specific and sensitive detection of relevant dermatophytes at low cost in a short time.
Particulate matter‐induced epigenetic changes and lung cancer
Authors: Li Jinghong , Li Willis X. , Bai Chunxue , Song Yuanlin 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackground and Aims: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Cigarette smoking is the well‐known risk factor for lung cancer. Epidemiological studies suggest that air pollution, especially particulate matter (PM) exposure, is associated with increased lung cancer risk and mortality independent of cigarette smoking.Methods: English‐language publications focusing on PM, epigenetic changes, and lung cancer were reviewed. The epigenome serves as an interface between the environment and the genome. PM is one of the environmental factors that can cause epigenetic changes. The epigenome serves as an interface between the environment and the genome. Some of the epigenetic changes lead to increased disease susceptibility and progression. In cardiovascular disease and asthma, the association between PM exposure and the disease specific epigenetic changes has been identified. In lung cancer, the epigenetic changes in DNA methylation, histone modification and microRNA expression are commonly found, but the specific link between PM exposure and lung cancer remains incompletely understood.Results: The results of epidemiological studies indicate the important effects of PM exposure on lung cancer. PM2.5 is consistently associated with the increased lung cancer risk and mortality. Based on the epidemiological associations between PM exposure and lung cancer, PM‐induced epigenetic changes may play important roles in the pathogenesis of lung cancer.Conclusion: In this review, we focus on the current knowledge of epigenetic changes associated with PM exposure and lung cancer. Better understanding of the link between PM exposure and lung cancer at the epigenomic level by comprehensive comparison approach may identify lung cancer early detection biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets.
Adaptive servoventilation improves cardiac dysfunction and prognosis in heart failure patients with sleep‐disordered breathing: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Wu Xu , Fu Cuiping , Zhang Shuqi , Liu Zilong , Li Shanqun , Jiang Liyan 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackgroundAdaptive servoventilation (ASV) is a new therapeutic modality to treat sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB) especially for central sleep apnoea associated with Cheyne–Stokes respiration, whereas the role of ASV in SDB patients with heart failure (HF) is controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of ASV on these patients through a meta‐analysis of published data.MethodsA comprehensive literature search was performed to identify studies focused on ASV through databases, including PubMed, Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of science from 1950 to 2014. Parallel randomised controlled trials which compared ASV to other controls in HF and SDB patients with extractable data were meet our inclusion criteria. Random effects meta‐analysis models were applied using RevMan 5.2.ResultsSeven studies involving 301 patients were recruited in the meta‐analysis. The weighted mean difference in apnoea hyponea index (−17.73 events/h, 95% CI, −21.85 to −2.94) and left ventricular ejection fraction (MD: 4.68, 95% CI, 2.74–6.63) both favored ASV compared to control conditions. The urinary noradrenaline level (MD: −32.18, 95%CI: −44.07 to −20.09) was decreased, while the exercise capacity measured by 6‐min walk distance (MD: 41.26, 95% CI, 17.06–65.45) was improved after ASV treatment. Whereas neither left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter (LVEDD) nor Epworth sleepiness‐scale score (ESS) significantly changed after ASV therapy.ConclusionsASV is superior to other therapy, as it can result in good consequences for patients with SDB and improve their prognosis in cardiac function. Further studies will still be needed to assess the benefit of it.
Echinacea angustifolia and its specialist ant‐tended aphid: a multi‐year study of manipulated and naturally‐occurring aphid infestation
Authors: MULLER KATHERINE E. , WAGENIUS STUART 
Published: September 2015

1. The impact of herbivores on plant fitness depends on multiple ecological mechanisms, including interactions between herbivore guilds.2. This study assessed the effects of a specialist aphid (Aphis echinaceae) on performance and foliar herbivore damage of a long‐lived perennial plant (Echinacea angustifolia) native to the North American tallgrass prairie. A 2‐year field experiment manipulating aphid infestation on 100 plants was compared with concurrent and past observations of unmanipulated plants in the same outdoor experimental plot. Because ants co‐occur with aphids, the experiment tested the combined effects of aphids and ants.3. Neither manipulated nor naturally‐occurring aphid infestations led to measurable declines in plant performance. Results for foliar herbivore damage differed between experimental and observational studies: the occurrence of foliar herbivore damage decreased with aphid infestation in the first year of the experiment and increased with aphid infestation over 5 years in unmanipulated plants.4. While the experimental results concur with other experiments of ant–hemipteran–herbivore relationships, the observational results suggest that ant–aphid interactions do not naturally play a major role in determining patterns of foliar herbivory in this system. This result demonstrates the value of using field observations to interpret the relevance of experimental results.
Treatment effect with paliperidone palmitate compared with oral antipsychotics in patients with recent‐onset versus more chronic schizophrenia and a history of criminal justice system involvement
Authors: Alphs Larry , Bossie Cynthia , Mao Lian , Lee Erin , Starr H. Lynn 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAimLong‐acting injectable antipsychotics (APs) are not well studied in recent‐onset schizophrenia. This exploratory analysis of a study designed to reflect real‐world schizophrenia, as defined by patients, interventions and outcomes, compared relative treatment effect between once‐monthly paliperidone palmitate (PP) and daily oral APs in patients with recent‐onset or chronic illnessMethodsThis randomized, open‐label, event monitoring board–blinded study compared treatment response in subjects with schizophrenia and a history of criminal justice system involvement following treatment with PP or oral APs for 15 months (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT01157351). Event‐free probabilities were estimated using Kaplan–Meier method; hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazard models. This subgroup analysis analysed data by disease duration (≤5 (recent‐onset) or >5 years (chronic illness) since first psychiatric diagnosis).ResultsSeventy‐seven subjects met the criteria for recent‐onset illness; 365 for chronic illness. HRs (95% CI) for treatment failure for oral APs versus PP were 1.73 (0.87–3.45; P = 0.121) for recent‐onset and 1.37 (1.02–1.85; P = 0.039) for chronic illness. Most common adverse events for PP versus oral APs were injection site pain (recent‐onset, 26% vs. 0%; chronic, 17% vs. 0%), increased weight (14% vs. 6%; 12% vs. 6%), akathisia (14% vs. 9%; 10% vs. 7%), insomnia (12% vs. 17%; 18% vs. 10%) and anxiety (12% vs. 6%; 10% vs. 8%).ConclusionsAlthough neither pre‐planned nor adequately powered, the estimated HRs suggest that the relative advantage of PP over oral APs for reducing the risk for treatment failure may be greater in patients with recent‐onset schizophrenia than in those with more chronic illness.
Molecular changes in the equine follicle in relation to variations in antral follicle count and anti‐Müllerian hormone concentrations
Authors: Claes A. , Ball B. A. , Troedsson M. H. T. , Curry T. E. , Squires E. L. , Scoggin K. E. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryReasons for performing studyThe wide variation in circulating anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations between mares is attributed to differences in antral follicle count (AFC) which may reflect follicular function. There are few data regarding variations in AFC and associated regulatory factors for AMH in the equine follicle during follicular development.ObjectivesTo examine molecular and hormonal differences in the equine follicle in relation to variations in AFC and circulating AMH concentrations during follicular development and to identify genes co‐expressed with AMH in the equine follicle.Study designObservational study.MethodsPlasma AMH concentrations and AFC were determined in 30 cyclic mares. Granulosa cells, theca cells and follicular fluid were recovered from growing (n = 17) or dominant follicles (n = 13). The expression of several genes, known to be involved in folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis, was examined using real‐time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. Intrafollicular oestradiol and AMH concentrations were determined by immunoassay.ResultsWithin growing follicles, the expression of AMH, AMHR2, ESR2 and INHA in granulosa cells was positively correlated with AFC and plasma AMH concentrations. In addition, the expression of ESR1 and FSHR was positively associated with plasma AMH concentrations. No significant associations were detected in dominant follicles. Furthermore, there was no association between AMH or oestradiol concentrations in follicular fluid and variations in AFC. Finally, the expression of AMH and genes co‐expressed with AMH (AMHR2, ESR2 and FSHR) in granulosa cells as well as intrafollicular AMH concentrations decreased during follicular development while intrafollicular oestradiol concentrations increased and were inversely related to intrafollicular AMH concentrations.ConclusionsThis study indicates that variations in AFC and circulating AMH concentrations are associated with molecular changes in the growing equine follicle.
Forest biogeochemistry in response to drought
Authors: Schlesinger William H. , Dietze Michael C. , Jackson Robert B. , Phillips Richard P. , Rhoades Charles C. , Rustad Lindsey E. , Vose James M. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractTrees alter their use and allocation of nutrients in response to drought, and changes in soil nutrient cycling and trace gas flux (N2O andCH4) are observed when experimental drought is imposed on forests. In extreme droughts, trees are increasingly susceptible to attack by pests and pathogens, which can lead to major changes in nutrient flux to the soil. Extreme droughts often lead to more common and more intense forest fires, causing dramatic changes in the nutrient storage and loss from forest ecosystems. Changes in the future manifestation of drought will affect carbon uptake and storage in forests, leading to feedbacks to the Earth's climate system. We must improve the recognition of drought in nature, our ability to manage our forests in the face of drought, and the parameterization of drought in earth system models for improved predictions of carbon uptake and storage in the world's forests.
From epistaxis to bone pain—report of two cases illustrating the clinicopathological spectrum of phosphaturic mesenchymal tumour with fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 immunohistochemical and cytogenetic analyses
Authors: Mok Yingting , Lee Jen‐chieh , Lum Jeffrey Huey Yew , Petersson Fredrik 
Published: September 2015

AimsPhosphaturic mesenchymal tumour (PMT) is a rare, recently described neoplastic entity. It is characterized by distinct histological features, which often occur together with oncogenic osteomalacia. Recently, a novel FN1–FGFR1 gene fusion has been described in a subset of PMTs. The aim of this study is to characterise the clinicopathological features of two PMTs, with FGFR1 immunohistochemical and cytogenetic analyses.Methods and resultsWe present two contrasting cases of PMT, one occurring in the sinonasal region, and the other occurring in bone (proximal femur). In the former, local effects, including epistaxis and anosmia, dominated the clinical presentation, whereas the latter case presented with refractory bone pain, muscle weakness, and occult osteomalacia, the cause of which was only identified after 2 years. Both tumours showed characteristic histological features of PMT, including a monomorphic proliferation of round to ovoid cells, osteoclast‐like multinucleated giant cells, and areas of ‘smudgy’ basophilic calcifications. Chromogenic in‐situ hybridization showed fibroblast growth factor FGF‐23 expression by the sinonasal tumour. By using immunohistochemistry, we also demonstrated, for the first time, FGF receptor 1 (FGFR1) protein overexpression in this tumour, for which FN1–FGFR1 gene fusion was not detected by fluorescence in‐situ hybridization.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that up‐regulation of FGFR1 in phosphaturic mesenchymal tumours can occur via mechanisms other than FN1–FGFR1 fusion, raising the possibility of FGFR1 overexpression being a potential common pathway with pathophysiological and therapeutic implications.
Epidemiological and virological findings during multiple outbreaks of equine influenza in South America in 2012
Authors: Perglione Cecilia Olguin , Gildea Sarah , Rimondi Agustina , Miño Samuel , Vissani Aldana , Carossino Mariano , Cullinane Ann , Barrandeguy Maria 
Published: September 2015

BackgroundIn 2012, equine influenza (EI) virus was confirmed as the cause of outbreaks of respiratory disease in horses throughout South America. In Uruguay and Argentina, hundreds of vaccinated thoroughbred horses in training and racing facilities were clinically affected.ObjectiveTo characterise the EI viruses detected during the outbreak in Uruguay and Argentina.MethodsVirus was detected in nasopharyngeal swabs by a pan‐reactive influenza type A real‐time RT‐PCR. The nucleotide sequence of the HA1 gene was determined and analysed phylogenetically using mega 5 software. Amino acid sequences alignments were constructed and virus was antigenically characterised with specific ferret antisera. Paired serum samples were tested by haemagglutination inhibition and single radial haemolysis.ResultsThe diagnosis of EIV was confirmed by real‐time RT‐PCR, virus isolation and serological testing. The phylogenetic analysis of HA1 gene sequences of 18 EI viruses indicated that all of them belong to clade 1 of the Florida sublineage of the American lineage and are closely related to viruses isolated in the United States in 2012. The HA1 of viruses identified in horses in racing facilities in Maroñas, Uruguay, and in Palermo, Argentina, displayed 100% amino acid sequence identity and were identical to that of a virus isolated in Dubai in 2012, from vaccinated endurance horses recently imported from Uruguay.ConclusionsThe surveillance data reported illustrate the international spread of EI viruses and support the recommendations of the OIE expert surveillance panel to include viruses of the Florida sublineage in vaccines.
Acral melanoma with satellitosis, disguised as a longstanding diabetic ulcer: a great mimicry
Authors: Mansur A Tulin , Demirci Gulsen T , Ozel Omer , Ozker Emre , Yıldız Semsi 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAcral lentiginous melanoma affects the palms, soles, and nail apparatus. Around 3–15% of all cutaneous melanomas are located on the foot and have a poorer prognosis than melanoma elsewhere. Possible reasons for this prognostic difference may be omitting this area during routine skin check by both the patient and the physicians, in addition to misdiagnosis of melanoma as other benign skin lesions. We describe here an elderly female patient treated for a non‐healing foot ulcer interpreted as a diabetic ulcer, which after 2 years was diagnosed as acral melanoma with satellitosis. Histopathological examination of the amputated distal phalanx revealed an advanced stage melanoma with 1·2 cm Breslow thickness and of Clark level 5. Dermoscopy of the bluish papulonodules scattered on the dorsal foot showed characteristic findings described for metastasis of skin melanoma.This case underlines the importance of considering skin malignancies in case of chronic, non‐healing ulcers in diabetic patients. Furthermore, we point out the critical significance of skin examination as a whole, and dermoscopy being an important tool in the diagnosis of melanoma and/or cutaneous melanoma metastasis.
A Novel One‐Step Flame Synthesis Method for Tungsten‐Doped CCTO
Authors: Singh Laxman , Sin Byung Cheol , Kim Ill Won , Mandal K.D. , Chung Hoeil , Lee Youngil 
Published: September 2015

An efficient synthesis is used for the first time to prepare CaCu3Ti4−xWxO12 (x = 0.01, 0.03, and 0.05) electroceramics for energy storage capacitors. CaCu3Ti4−xWxO12 ceramics are synthesized via flame synthesis of metal nitrates precursors in nonaqueous solution using cheap, stable, and insoluble solid TiO2 powder. The pathway yielded a CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO) phase with the traces of CuO and CaTiO3 sintered at 1050°C for 30 h. The SEM micrograph shows the grains with smooth surfaces associated with cubical appearance and the size range of 1.5–7, 2.0–7.5, and 2.0–8.0 μm for CCTWO01, CCTWO03, and CCTWO05, respectively. The EDX and XPS analyses show the presence of Ca, Cu, Ti, W, and O elements confirming the purity of these ceramics. The complex impedance and modulus (M) spectroscopy show that the dielectric constant (εr) values of the W‐doped CCTO were dominantly affected by the electrical properties of the grain boundary, which is also evident from the SEM micrographs. The grain‐boundary resistance decreased with increasing tungsten content. The activation energies for the grain boundaries were calculated from the impedance and modulus data using the slope of the ln τ versus 1/T and were found to be in the range 0.62–0.67 eV.
Is the Requirement of Sexual Exclusivity Consistent with Romantic Love?
Authors: McKeever Natasha 
Published: September 2015

AbstractIn some cultures, people tend to believe that it is very important to be sexually exclusive in romantic relationships and idealise monogamous romantic relationships; but there is a tension in this ideal. Sex is generally considered to have value, and usually when we love someone we want to increase the amount of value in their lives, not restrict it without good reason. There is thus a call, not yet adequately responded to by philosophers, for greater clarity in the reasons §why it might be reasonable for a couple to adopt a policy of sexual exclusivity.This article argues that we cannot justify the demand for sexual exclusivity by a need to protect the relationship from the risk of one partner ‘trading‐up’, or by appealing to jealousy. However, sexual exclusivity can be intelligible if it supports the romantic relationship and helps to distinguish it from other relationships. Nonetheless, sexual exclusivity ought not to be the hegemonic social norm that it currently is in some societies because this diminishes the potential value it might have and gives the idea of faithfulness the wrong focus.
Complex migration and breeding strategies in an elusive bird species illuminated by genetic and isotopic markers
Authors: Seifert Nina , Haase Martin , Van Wilgenburg Steven L. , Voigt Christian C. , Schmitz Ornés Angela 
Published: September 2015

Unlike the annual bi‐directional movements of over 200 bird species within the Palaearctic–Afrotropical region, irregular movements such as irruptive migration with a low degree of philopatry are reported for a variety of species depending on highly seasonal and unpredictable resources. These flexible movements allow for itinerant breeding – consecutive breeding attempts in two or more geographically different regions during the same annual reproductive cycle. In order to illuminate migratory and breeding strategies of the erratic wetland species Baillon's crake Zapornia pusilla across the W‐Palaearctic–Afrotropical region, we used a set of six DNA microsatellites as well as δ2Hf values of individuals sampled at one African and four European breeding sites. We investigated the degree of genetic population structure within and among different sites and assigned individuals’ feathers of unknown origin to their probable moulting (hence breeding) site using a likelihood approach.We found three genetic clusters, differentiating into one ‘European’ and two ‘African’ populations. Connectivity between the sampling sites was probable as genetic ‘African’ individuals were found in breeding conditions in Europe and vice versa. Likewise, assigned moulting locations based on δ2H isoscapes suggested trans‐continental movements as well as moulting and possibly breeding by the same individual both in African and European breeding grounds. Both isotopic and genetic data reveal the Baillon's crake pursue a complex migration and breeding strategy, allowing as well for irruptive movements and itinerant breeding across the W‐Palaearctic–Afrotropical region. However, a better knowledge about the species’ distribution as well as a more comprehensive data set, including samples from the southern and eastern boundaries of the distribution area would be necessary to improve the spatial resolution to the precision required to unambiguously infer migration directions and extent of exchange between African and European breeding grounds.