bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HLA‐DP and γ‐interferon receptor‐2 gene variants and their association with viral hepatitis activity in chronic hepatitis B infection
Authors: Lam Yuk‐Fai , Wong Danny Ka‐Ho , Seto Wai‐Kay , To Kelvin Kai‐Wang , Hung Ivan Fan‐Ngai , Fung James , Lai Ching‐Lung , Yuen Man‐Fung 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackground and AimStudies show that polymorphisms in human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐DP loci and certain γ‐interferon (IFN‐γ) signaling pathway genes are related to persistence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and viral load in chronic HBV (CHB) infection respectively. Our study aims to determine whether single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) linked to HLA‐DP loci and IFN‐γ signaling pathway are associated with HBV activities.MethodsWe compared the SNPs in the HLA‐DPA1 gene (rs3077) and the IFN‐γ receptor‐2 gene (rs2284553 and rs9808753) of 100 treatment‐naive hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐negative CHB patients with undetectable HBV DNA with 100 age‐ and sex‐matched controls with HBV DNA > 2000 IU/mL.ResultsThe median age of the study group was 47.9 years, and 61% were male patients. The distribution of the three polymorphisms was in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. Both rs3077 and rs2284553 polymorphisms were not associated with HBV viral load in terms of allelic frequency, genotypic frequency, dominant/recessive gene action. rs9808753 (G allele) was associated with a reduced chance of “undetectable HBV DNA” for patients below the age of 50 years in allelic frequency analysis (odds ratio 0.562; 95% confidence interval, 0.326–0.967; P value = 0.037). IFN‐γ receptor‐2 gene haplotype block (rs2284553/rs9808753) was not associated with HBV viral activity.ConclusionThere was no significant association between HLA‐DP polymorphism (rs3077) and IFN‐γ receptor‐2 gene polymorphism (rs2284553) with viral activity in HBeAg‐negative CHB patients. Further studies are required to confirm the association between IFN‐γ receptor‐2 gene polymorphism (rs9808753) and reduced chance of having “undetectable HBV DNA” in young CHB patients.
Energy expenditure in preterm infants during periods of environmental stress in the neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: Peng Niang‐Huei , Bachman Jean , Chen Chau‐Huei , Huang Li‐Chi , Lin Hong‐Chin , Li Tsai‐Chung 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAimTo explore the energy expenditure (EE) in a group of preterm infants during the periods of environmental stress, and to explore the relationship between EE and physiological stress signals of preterm infants.MethodsResearch design was an explorative secondary analysis of 4164 research data from 37 preterm infants which included physiological signals and environmental stressors in neonatal intensive care units. The current study investigated the data of EE calculated using heart‐rate‐based EE estimate.ResultsA significantly positive relationship between EE and different levels of nursing intervention was found (P < 0.005). In addition, there was a significantly negative relationship between EE and oxygen saturation (P < 0.001).ConclusionThese research results confirmed that environmental stressors may impact the growth and developmental outcomes in preterm infants by increasing their EE. Neonatal clinicians should minimize excessive stimulations in order to conserve energy for the growth and developmental needs of preterm infants. Research found a significant relationship between an increase in EE and a decrease in oxygen saturation in preterm infants. The authors further hypothesized that EE of preterm infants may be predicted by estimating the oxygen saturation. Further study using different research methods and an enlarged sample size is needed.
Hispanic parents' reading language preference and pediatric oral health‐related quality of life
Authors: Yazicioglu Iffet , Jones Judith A. , Cortés Dharma , Rich Sharron , Garcia Raul 
Published: August 2013

AbstractObjectivesThis study compared scores and psychometric properties from self‐identified Hispanic parents who completed Pediatric Oral Health‐related Quality of life (POQL) parent report‐on‐child questionnaires in Spanish or English. The study hypothesized that there were no differences in psychometric properties or POQL scores by parent reading language preference, controlling for dental needs, child's place of birth, age, insurance and use of care.MethodsPOQL scores were computed, and the internal consistency, feasibility, factor structure and construct validity of the Spanish language version assessed.ResultsHispanic parents (N = 387) of 8‐14 year old children (mean age 10.2) completed the survey; 237 in Spanish and 150 in English. Internal consistency scores were higher (Cronbach α range = .86‐.93) among Hispanic parents who completed the questionnaire in Spanish than in English (.66‐.86). POQL scores from parents who completed questionnaires in Spanish were higher (worse) overall (6.03 vs. 3.82, P = 0.022), as were physical (11.61 vs. 6.54, P = 0.001) and role functioning domains (1.87 vs. 0.82, P = 0.029). Items for crying, pain, and eating were higher (P < 0.05) for the Spanish than the English completers. However, POQL scores were associated only with need for care (P = 0.05), parent reports of dental visit in the last year (P = 0.05) and worse oral health than a year ago (P = 0.002), controlling for reading language (not significant) and visit in last year in the final multivariate linear regression.
Synthesis and adenosine receptors binding affinities of a series of 3-arylcoumarins
Authors: Matos Maria João , Hogger Veronika , Gaspar Alexandra , Kachler Sonja , Borges Fernanda , Uriarte Eugenio , Santana Lourdes , Klotz Karl-Norbert 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Objectives
In the present communication, we report the synthesis, pharmacological evaluation, theoretical evaluation of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion properties and structure–activity relationship study of a selected series of 3-arylcoumarins (compounds 1–9). Adenosine receptors (ARs) binding activity and selectivity of the synthesized compounds 1–9 were evaluated in this study. Different substituents were introduced in both benzene rings of the evaluated scaffold, at positions 6 and 3′ or 4′ of the moiety. The lack of data on the 3-arylcoumarin scaffold encouraged us to explore the ARs' binding activity of a selected series of derivatives.

Methods
A new series of coumarins (compounds 1–9) were synthesized and evaluated by radioligand binding studies towards ARs.

Key findings
Analysing the experimental data, it can be observed that neither the simple 3-arylcoumarin nor the 4′-nitro derivatives presented detectable binding affinity for the evaluated receptors, although most of the other substituted derivatives have good binding affinity profiles, especially against the hA1/hA3 or only hA3 AR.

Conclusions
The most remarkable derivative is compound 2, presenting the best affinity for hA3 AR (Ki = 2680 nM) and significant selectivity for this subtype.
Distress of Japanese parents of children with intellectual disabilities: Correlations with age of parent and negative mood regulation expectancies
Authors: Kono Keiko , Mearns Jack 
Published: August 2013

AbstractParents caring for a child with an intellectual disability (ID) face many challenges. Few studies in Japan have focused on parents of children with an ID. We investigated the psychological factors that might help these parents maintain well‐being, in particular negative mood regulation expectancies (NMRE). NMRE are beliefs about one's ability to diminish one's negative moods. Research has shown NMRE to buffer the effects of stress: stronger NMRE are associated with less symptoms of distress, including depression and anxiety. We examined the associations of NMRE, coping, and severity of the child's ID with parental distress (somatization, depression, and anxiety) among 106 Japanese parents (mean age = 56.7 years) caring for at least one child with an ID. The age of the parent was negatively associated with parental distress, particularly anxiety. NMRE were also negatively related to distress, independent of the age of the parent and coping. The severity of the child's ID was not related to coping or parental distress. Stronger beliefs that they could control their negative moods and being older seemed to protect parents of an ID child from symptoms of distress.
Investigation of the association between mobbing and musculoskeletal discomfort in academicians
Authors: Taspinar Betul , Taspinar Ferruh , Guclu Sultan , Nalbant Abdurrahman , Calik Bilge Basakci , Uslu Ahmet , Inal Sermet 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThis study aimed to identify the association between exposure to mobbing and musculoskeletal discomfort in academicians. One hundred academicians working at a university were included in the study. Permission was granted by the Rector prior to the study and questionnaires were delivered to the academicians. The Turkish version of the Leymann Inventory of Psychological Terror (LIPT) was used to evaluate mobbing and the Turkish version of the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) was used to assess musculoskeletal discomfort. When the data were analyzed, a moderate association was found between mobbing perceived by the academic staff and musculoskeletal discomfort. In conclusion, this study showed that mobbing is a risk factor for musculoskeletal discomfort.
Sexual Quality of Life After Hormonal and Surgical Treatment, Including Phalloplasty, in Men with Micropenis: A Review
Authors: Callens Nina , De Cuypere Griet , Van Hoecke Eline , T'Sjoen Guy , Monstrey Stan , Cools Martine , Hoebeke Piet 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The term micropenis encompasses a range of congenital and acquired conditions that result in an abnormally short penis. Small penis size may persist into adulthood, becoming a major cause of dissatisfaction.

Aim
To review the literature pertaining to the effects of hormonal and surgical treatment on psychosexual functioning and quality of life (QoL) in individuals with micropenis who were raised male.

Main Outcome Measures
Long-term psychosexual and QoL outcomes after hormonal and surgical treatment, including phalloplasty.

Methods
PubMed search for relevant publications (1955–2012) on the role of hormonal and surgical treatment in sexual QoL in adult men with micropenis.

Results
Multiple variations in the etiology of micropenis make it difficult to draw firm conclusions that fit all of the patients within this disparate population. However, the literature review supports the conclusions that (i) male gender assignment is preferable for most 46,XY infants with congenital micropenis because of the likelihood of male gender development and genitosexual function; (ii) small penis size persisting into adulthood and dissatisfaction with genital appearance jeopardize sexual QoL; (iii) there is no known intervention, apart from phalloplasty, to guarantee that the penis will become normal in size; (iv) early data suggest that the phalloplasty technique considered the gold standard for gender reassignment in the transgender population can also be transferred to 46,XY patients with micropenis; (v) psychological support should be an integral part of management in order to alleviate the distress and impairment of QoL experienced by these individuals.

Conclusions
Further publication of series with large numbers and longer follow-up is needed. Specific outcome kits should be designed to measure more precisely patients' degrees of satisfaction with cosmetic, anatomical, and functional variables. Only if health-care professionals fully appreciate the impact of this condition can optimal care be provided.
Pontine Control of Ejaculation and Female Orgasm
Authors: Huynh Hieu K. , Willemsen Antoon T.M. , Lovick Thelma A. , Holstege Gert 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The physiological component of ejaculation shows parallels with that of micturition, as both are essentially voiding activities. Both depend on supraspinal influences to orchestrate the characteristic pattern of activity in the pelvic organs. Unlike micturition, little is known about the supraspinal pathways involved in ejaculation and female orgasm.

Aim
To identify brainstem regions activated during ejaculation and female orgasm and to compare them with those activated during micturition.

Methods
Ejaculation in men and orgasm in women were induced by manual stimulation of the penis or clitoris by the participants' partners. Positron emission tomography (PET) with correction for head movements was used to capture the pattern of brain activation at the time of sexual climax.

Main Outcome Measures
PET scans showing areas of activation during sexual climax.

Results
Ejaculation in men and orgasm in women resulted in activation in a localized region within the dorsolateral pontine tegmentum on the left side and in another region in the ventrolateral pontine tegmentum on the right side. The dorsolateral pontine area was also active in women who attempted but failed to have an orgasm and in women who imitated orgasm. The ventrolateral pontine area was only activated during ejaculation and physical orgasm in women.

Conclusion
Activation of a localized region on the left side in the dorsolateral pontine tegmentum, which we termed the pelvic organ-stimulating center, occurs during ejaculation in men and physical orgasm in women. This same region has previously been shown to be activated during micturition, but on the right side. The pelvic organ-stimulating center, via projections to the sacral parasympathetic motoneurons, controls pelvic organs involved in voiding functions. In contrast, the ventrolateral pontine area, which we term the pelvic floor-stimulating center, produces the pelvic floor contractions during ejaculation in men and physical orgasm in women via direct projections to pelvic floor motoneurons.
The Erectile Performance Anxiety Index: Scale Development and Psychometric Properties
Authors: Telch Michael J. , Pujols Yasisca 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Erectile dysfunction is a highly publicized and prevalent condition with marked adverse effects on men's social, emotional, and quality of life. Although several instruments have emerged for assessing erectile dysfunction and its impact on men's quality of life, none of the existing instruments provide a specific assessment of men's erectile performance anxiety.

Aim
This article reports on the development and psychometric evaluation of the Erectile Performance Anxiety Index (EPAI)—a 10-item self-report scale designed to fill an important gap in the assessment of male erectile dysfunction.

Methods
A total of 207 men ranging in age from 18 to 79 took part in the study. All subjects completed an online battery consisting of the EPAI, along with measures of related sexual functioning, social anxiety, state anxiety, and depressive symptoms. A small subset of study participants (N = 42) completed the EPAI a second time for determining test–retest reliability.

Main Outcome Measure
Test–retest reliability was determined by Pearson's product–moment correlations. Internal reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. Factor validity was evaluated by a maximum likelihood factor analysis with oblique rotation. Convergent and discriminant validity was assessed by comparing the strength of association between the EPAI and measures varying in their hypothesized shared variance with the construct of erectile performance anxiety.

Results
The EPAI demonstrated excellent internal consistency, with Cronbach's alpha = 0.93 and excellent test–retest reliability (r = 0.85) over an average period of 3.5 weeks. Results of an exploratory factor analysis revealed a one-factor solution that accounted for 63% of the total variance. Preliminary evidence supports the convergent and discriminant validity of the EPAI.

Conclusion
Results support the use of the EPAI as a reliable, valid, and efficient instrument for the assessment of erectile performance anxiety. Potential research and clinical applications are discussed.
Molecular population genetics of the melanic plumage polymorphism in Arctic skuas (Stercorarius parasiticus): evidence for divergent selection on plumage colour
Authors: Janssen Kirstin , Mundy Nicholas I. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe Arctic skua (Stercorarius parasiticus) is a classic example of an avian plumage polymorphism, with variation in melanin‐based ventral plumage coloration defining pale, intermediate and dark morphs in adults of both sexes. However, despite several decades of field research, there is an incomplete understanding of how the polymorphism in ventral plumage colour is maintained and the selective forces involved. Here, we investigate selection on a locus (MC1R) that is strongly associated with plumage colour variation in Arctic skuas using patterns of nucleotide variation and comparison to neutral loci (nuclear introns and mtDNA). We find that three linked nonsynonymous mutations in MC1R, including the single mutation described previously, are associated with plumage colour in the Arctic skua. The position of nonsynonymous mutations on a MC1R haplotype network implies that divergent selection drove the initial evolution of the colour morphs. Comparisons of FSTs of MC1R vs. nuclear introns among five skua populations differing in proportion of dark morphs along an approximate north–south cline reveal a signature of divergent selection on MC1R. In contrast, we find limited evidence for balancing selection on MC1R within populations, although the power is low. Our results provide strong evidence for both past and ongoing selection on MC1R, and, by implication, plumage colour in Arctic skuas. The results suggest that a fruitful avenue for future ecological studies will be analysis of selection on morphs in colonies at the extremes along the morph ratio cline.
Metabolic adaptations of Leishmania donovani in relation to differentiation, drug resistance, and drug pressure
Authors: Berg Maya , Vanaerschot Manu , Jankevics Andris , Cuypers Bart , Maes Ilse , Mukherjee Sandip , Khanal Basudha , Rijal Suman , Roy Syamal , Opperdoes Fred , Breitling Rainer , Dujardin Jean‐Claude 
Published: August 2013

SummaryAntimonial (sodium stibogluconate, SSG) resistance and differentiation have been shown to be closely linked in Leishmania donovani, with SSG‐resistant strains showing an increased capacity to generate infectious (metacyclic) forms. This is the first untargeted LC‐MS metabolomics study which integrated both phenomena in one experimental design and provided insights into metabolic differences between three clinical L. donovani strains with a similar genetic background but different SSG‐susceptibilities. We performed this analysis at different stages during promastigote growth and in the absence or presence of drug pressure. When comparing SSG‐resistant and SSG‐sensitive strains, a number of metabolic changes appeared to be constitutively present in all growth stages, pointing towards a clear link with SSG‐resistance, whereas most metabolic changes were only detected in the stationary stage. These changes reflect the close intertwinement between SSG‐resistance and an increased metacyclogenesis in resistant parasites. The metabolic changes suggest that SSG‐resistant parasites have (i) an increased capacity for protection against oxidative stress; (ii) a higher fluidity of the plasma membrane; and (iii) a metabolic survival kit to better endure infection. These changes were even more pronounced in a resistant strain kept under SbIII drug pressure.
Hymenoscyphus pseudoalbidus, the causal agent ofEuropean ash dieback
Authors: Gross Andrin , Holdenrieder Ottmar , Pautasso Marco , Queloz Valentin , Sieber Thomas Niklaus 
Published: August 2013

SummaryThe ascomyceteHymenoscyphus pseudoalbidus(anamorphChalara fraxinea) causes a lethal disease known as ash dieback onFraxinus excelsiorandFraxinus angustifoliainEurope. The pathogen was probably introduced fromEastAsia and the disease emerged inPoland in the early 1990s; the subsequent epidemic is spreading to the entire native distribution range of the host trees. This pathogen profile represents a comprehensive review of the state of research from the discovery of the pathogen and points out knowledge gaps and research needs.TaxonomyMembers of the genusHymenoscyphus(Helotiales,Leotiomycetidae,Leotiomycetes,Ascomycota) are small discomycetes which form their ascomata on dead plant material. A phylogeny based on the internal transcribed spacers (ITSs) of therDNAindicated the avirulentHymenoscyphus albidus, a species native toEurope, as the closest relative ofH. pseudoalbidus.SymptomsHymenoscyphus pseudoalbiduscauses necrotic lesions on leaves, twigs and stems, eventually leading to wilting and dieback of girdled shoots. Bark lesions are characterized by a typical dark‐ to cinnamon‐brown discoloration.Life cycleHymenoscyphus pseudoalbidusis heterothallic and reproduces sexually on ash petioles in the litter once a year. Ascospores are wind dispersed and infect ash leaves during the summer. The asexual spores only serve as spermatia.Tools and techniquesThe most important techniques for fungal handling, such as detection, isolation, culturing, storage, crossing and ascocarp production, are briefly described.ManagementOnce the disease is established, management is hardly possible. The occurrence of a small fraction of partially tolerant trees constitutes hope for resistance breeding in the future. Healthy‐looking trees should be preserved.
An anti‐Aspergillus protein from Escherichia coli DH5α: Putative inhibitor of siderophore biosynthesis in Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Balhara Meenakshi , Ruhil Sonam , kumar Manish , Dhankhar Sandeep , Chhillar A. K. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryAn antifungal protein designated as anti‐Aspergillus protein (AAP), produced by Escherichia coli DH5α, was purified and characterised. It exhibited a molecular weight of 60 kDa on Sodium dodecyl sulphate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis and depicted 99% purity on ultra performance liquid chromatography. The purified protein manifested antimycotic potential against pathogenic isolates of Aspergillus spp., depicting a minimum inhibitory concentration in the range 15.62–31.25 μg ml−1 and 5.0–10.0 μg per disc, using microbroth dilution, spore germination inhibition and disc diffusion assays respectively. In vitro toxicity tests demonstrated that it showed no toxicity against human erythrocytes at doses up to 1000 μg ml−1. Matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionisation–Time‐of‐flight analysis of trypsin‐digested peptides of purified protein and subsequent Mascot search revealed that several peptides of AAP have identity with bacterial siderophore biosynthetic protein, i.e. non‐ribosomal peptide synthetase enzyme, involved in critical step of fungal siderophore biosynthesis. Siderophore‐based inhibition was further corroborated by Chrome azurol S assay. Hence, the antagonistic effect might be the result of impediment in siderophore‐mediated iron uptake and transport process which may cause critical consequences on Aspergillus growth and virulence.