bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term function and morphology of the anal sphincters and the pelvic floor after primary repair of obstetric anal sphincter injury
Authors: Soerensen M. M. , Pedersen B. G. , Santoro G. A. , Buntzen S. , Bek K. , Laurberg S. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAimMore than 50% of women experience deteriorating continence over time following primary repair of obstetric anal sphincter injuries. The objectives of this study were to assess the function and morphology of the anal sphincters and pelvic floor in women with long‐term faecal incontinence after sphincter repair (primary end‐point) and to evaluate their correlation with severity of incontinence (secondary end‐point).MethodThe participants in this prospective study were recruited from a cohort of all women who sustained third or fourth degree obstetric sphincter injury reconstruction (cases) from January 1976 to November 1991. The women who delivered immediately before and after each case, without sustaining obstetric damage, were included as controls. Cases and controls were stratified into three categories: (i) continent; (ii) minor incontinence; and (iii) severe incontinence. The function and morphology of the anal sphincters and pelvic floor were evaluated by MRI, three‐dimensional endoanal ultrasonography and anorectal physiology tests.ResultsFifty‐nine women (29 cases/30 controls; mean age 51/53 years; mean follow‐up 23.7/24.1 years, respectively) were assessed. Morphologically, cases had a significantly shorter anterior external anal sphincter length compared with controls when evaluated by three‐dimensional endoanal ultrasonography (8.6 vs 10.2 mm; P = 0.03). Functionally, cases with severe incontinence had a significantly shorter anterior sphincter length compared with cases with minor incontinence (7.7 vs 10.4 mm; P = 0.04). No correlation could be found between anal pressures and severity of incontinence in the case group.ConclusionsCases had a significantly shorter anterior external anal sphincter length. Functionally, anterior sphincter length correlated with increased severity of incontinence.
Acuity of the approximate number system and preschoolers’ quantitative development
Authors: van Marle Kristy , Chu Felicia W. , Li Yaoran , Geary David C. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe study assessed the relations among acuity of the inherent approximate number system (ANS), performance on measures of symbolic quantitative knowledge, and mathematics achievement for a sample of 138 (64 boys) preschoolers. The Weber fraction (a measure of ANS acuity) and associated task accuracy were significantly correlated with mathematics achievement following one year of preschool, and predicted performance on measures of children's explicit knowledge of Arabic numerals, number words, and cardinal value, controlling for age, sex, parental education, intelligence, executive control, and preliteracy knowledge. The relation between ANS acuity, as measured by the Weber fraction and task accuracy, and mathematics achievement was fully mediated by children's performance on the symbolic quantitative tasks, with knowledge of cardinal value emerging as a particularly important mediator. The overall pattern suggests that ANS acuity facilitates the early learning of symbolic quantitative knowledge and indirectly influences mathematics achievement through this knowledge.
Epidemiology of childhood Type 1 diabetes in Taiwan, 2003 to 2008
Authors: Lu C.‐L. , Shen H.‐N. , Chen H.‐F. , Li C.‐Y. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAimsTo report the annual incidence rate and the socio‐demographic and clinical characteristics of childhood Type 1 diabetes in Taiwan in the period 2003–2008.MethodsA total of 1306 incident cases of childhood (0–14 years) Type 1 diabetes were identified from Taiwan's National Health Insurance claim datasets from the period 2003–2008. The temporal trend of the incidence rate of Type 1 diabetes and the features of hospitalizations in the first year after diagnosis were investigated. The associations of patient characteristics, child population density and the urbanization level of the residential areas with the risk of Type 1 diabetes were assessed using Poisson regression analysis.ResultsThe annual incidence rate was stable, irrespective of age and gender, with a mean annual incidence rate of 5.3 per 100 000 children. Girls were more likely than boys to develop Type 1 diabetes (6.0 vs 4.7 per 100 000 children) and the incidence rate increased with age. There was no apparent geographic variation in the incidence rates. Despite the 60% decrease in the rate of admission (from 11.0 to 5.8%) over the study period, ketoacidosis remained the major diabetes complication leading to admission for childhood Type 1 diabetes. The multivariate analysis suggested that female gender and older age were significant predictors of the incidence of Type 1 diabetes, whereas the population density of children and the urbanization levels of the residential areas were not.ConclusionsGirls and older children should receive particular attention when formulating preventive strategies targeting Type 1 diabetes. Additionally, clinicians should still carefully optimize the management of children with Type 1 diabetes to further reduce the occurrence of ketoacidosis.
Modelling the impacts of maize decomposition on glyphosate dynamics in mulch
Authors: Aslam S. , Benoit P. , Chabauty F. , Bergheaud V. , Geng C. , Vieublé‐Gonod L. , Garnier P. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryThe retention of crop residues as mulch on the soil surface in conservation agriculture systems greatly influences the fate of pesticides, as most of the applied pesticide is intercepted by mulch before moving to the soil. This work was conducted in order to model the effect of maize decomposition on glyphosate degradation in mulch and soil. Labelled 14C‐glyphosate degradation was monitored for 49 days in three treatments with the same soils but with maize residues at different stages of decomposition (0, 20 and 49 days). Fresh residues of maize (0 days) exhibited an evolution of their biochemical fractions to a greater extent than decomposed residues. Glyphosate mineralization was faster in the 0‐day treatment in mulch residues and in the soil layer below the mulch. However, a greater formation of non‐extractable residues (NERs) was observed in mulch residues and soils in the 20‐ and 49‐day treatments than in the 0‐day treatment. Modelling maize mulch decomposition with the COP‐soil model indicated that microbial activity was different in the three treatments and depended on the initial composition of maize residues. Glyphosate mineralization in mulch and soil can be simulated with an assumption of co‐metabolism by coupling the modules of pesticide degradation and mulch carbon decomposition. Glyphosate and its metabolites, including soluble and adsorbed fractions, were simulated with the same adsorption coefficients for all treatments. The simulation of NER formation, however, suggested that more than one microbial population may be involved in the degradation process and could be added in the future development of the model.
Investigation of neuronal autoantibodies in two different focal epilepsy syndromes
Authors: Ekizoglu Esme , Tuzun Erdem , Woodhall Mark , Lang Bethan , Jacobson Leslie , Icoz Sema , Bebek Nerses , Gurses Candan , Gokyigit Aysen , Waters Patrick , Vincent Angela , Baykan Betul 
Published: February 2014

SummaryObjectiveNeuronal antibodies have been identified in patients with seizures as the main or sole symptom. Our aim was to investigate the prevalence of these autoantibodies in patients with focal epilepsy of unknown cause (FEoUC) and in the group having mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis (MTLE‐HS).MethodsWe studied anti‐neuronal antibodies of consecutive adult patients diagnosed with FEoUC and MTLE‐HS in our epilepsy center. The clinical and laboratory features of antibody‐positive patients were compared with those of seronegative patients. The responses to therapy have also been investigated.ResultsSera from 81 patients with epilepsy were tested. We found antibodies against glycine receptor (GLY‐R) in 5 (6.2%), contactin‐associated protein 2 (CASPR‐2) in 4 (4.9%), N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor (NMDA‐R) in 2 (2.5%), and voltage‐gated potassium channel (VGKC)‐complex in 2 (2.5%) of our patients with epilepsy. Psychotic attacks and nonspecific magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) white matter changes (WMCs) showed significant associations in seropositive patients (p = 0.003 and p = 0.03, respectively). Poor drug‐response rates and total seizure counts were also higher in the seropositive patients but without reaching statistical significance. Three seropositive patients with previous epilepsy surgery showed typical histopathologic results for MTLE‐HS, but not inflammatory changes. Moreover, some patients harboring these antibodies partly benefited from immunotherapy.SignificanceWe detected neuronal antibodies in one sixth of patients with focal epilepsy, GLY‐R antibodies being the leading one. Psychosis or nonspecific MRI WMCs were frequent in the seropositive group. Our results suggested that relevant antibodies should be screened for a treatment possibility in these groups.
Autophagy induced by resveratrol suppresses α‐MSH‐induced melanogenesis
Authors: Kim Eun Sung , Chang Huikyoung , Choi Hyunjung , Shin Ji Hyun , Park So Jung , Jo Yoon Kyung , Choi Eun Sun , Baek Seok Yun , Kim Byung‐Gyu , Chang Jong Wook , Kim Jin Cheon , Cho Dong‐Hyung 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAutophagy degrades cellular components and organelles through a cooperative process involving autophagosomes and lysosomes. Although autophagy is known to mainly regulate the turnover of cellular components, the role of autophagy in melanogenesis has not been well addressed. Here, we show that inhibition of autophagy suppresses the antimelanogenesis activity of resveratrol (RSV), a well‐known antimelanogenic agent. RSV strongly increased autophagy in melanocytes. However, the depletion of ATG5 significantly suppressed RSV‐mediated antimelanogenesis as well as RSV‐induced autophagy in melanocytes. Moreover, suppression of ATG5 retrieved the RSV‐mediated downregulation of tyrosinase and TRP1 in α‐MSH‐treated cells. Most importantly, electron microscopy analysis revealed that autophagosomes engulfed melanin or melanosomes after combined treatment of α‐MSH and RSV. Taken together, these results suggest that RSV‐mediated autophagy regulates melanogenesis.
Insulin‐like growth factor‐1: roles in androgenetic alopecia
Authors: Panchaprateep Ratchathorn , Asawanonda Pravit 
Published: February 2014

AbstractOf all the cytokines or growth factors that have been postulated to play a role in hair follicle, insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) is known to be regulated by androgens. However, how IGF‐1 is altered in the balding scalp has not yet been investigated. In this study, expressions of IGF‐1 and its binding proteins by dermal papilla (DP) cells obtained from balding versus non‐balding hair follicles were quantified using growth factor array. DP cells from balding scalp follicles were found to secrete significantly less IGF‐1, IGFBP‐2 and IGFBP‐4 (P < 0.05) than their non‐balding counterparts. Our data confirmed that the downregulation of IGF‐1 may be one of the important mechanisms contributing to male pattern baldness.
LncRNA: a new player in 1α, 25(OH)2 vitamin D3/VDR protection against skin cancer formation
Authors: Jiang Yan J. , Bikle Daniel D. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractSunlight, vitamin D and skin cancer form a controversial brew. While too much sunlight exposure causes skin cancer, it is the major source of vitamin D from skin. We propose that these processes can be balanced. Vitamin D signalling (VDS) protects against skin cancer as demonstrated by the susceptibility of the skin to tumor formation in VDR null mice and protection from UVB‐induced mutations when VDR agonists are administered. The question is how is protection afforded. Previously, we have focused on the Wnt/β‐catenin/hedgehog and DNA damage repair (DDR) pathways. As VDR regulates hundreds of genes with thousands of VDR response elements (VDRE) throughout the genome, and many VDREs are in non‐coding regions, we decided to explore long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNA). LncRNAs are mRNA‐like transcripts ranging from 200 bases ~100 kb lacking significant open reading frames. They are aberrantly expressed in human cancers and involved in a spectrum of tumorigenic/metastatic processes (cell proliferation/apoptosis/angiogenesis). We discovered that VDS regulated the expression of certain lncRNAs in a manner consistent with VDS protection against skin cancer. Given the huge variation in genes actively regulated by 1,25(OH)2D from different cell types, it is conceivable that our results could apply to personalized medicine based on the distinctive lncRNA profiles. These lncRNAs could also serve as skin cancer biomarkers secreted into the blood or urine via exosomes as demonstrated in other cancer types (breast, prostate). Modulation of lncRNA profile by VDS may also provide insight into regulating pathways such as Wnt/ß‐catenin and hedgehog.
Effects of professional oral health care on elderly: randomized trial
Authors: Morino T , Ookawa K , Haruta N , Hagiwara Y , Seki M 
Published: February 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo better understand the role of the professional oral health care for elderly in improving geriatric oral health, the effects of short‐term professional oral health care (once per week for 1 month) on oral microbiological parameters were assessed.MethodsParallel, open‐labelled, randomize‐controlled trial was undertaken in a nursing home for elderly in Shizuoka, Japan. Thirty‐four dentate elderly over 74 years were randomly assigned from ID number to the intervention (17/34) and control (17/34) groups. The outcomes were changes in oral microbiological parameters (number of bacteria in unstimulated saliva; whole bacteria, Streptococcus, Fusobacterium and Prevotella: opportunistic pathogens detection: and index of oral hygiene evaluation [Dental Plaque Index, DPI]) within the intervention period. Each parameter was evaluated at before and after intervention period. Four elderly were lost from mortality (1), bone fracture (1), refused to participate (1) and multi‐antibiotics usage (1). Finally, 30 elderly were analysed (14/intervention and 16/control).ResultsAt baseline, no difference was found between the control and intervention groups. After the intervention period, the percentage of Streptococcus species increased significantly in the intervention group (Intervention, 86% [12/14]; Control, 50% [8/16]: Fisher's, right‐tailed, P < 0.05). Moreover, DPI significantly improved in the intervention group (Intervention, 57% [8/14]; Control, 13% [2/16]: Fisher's, two‐tailed, P < 0.05). The improvement in DPI extended for 3 months after intervention. None of side effects were reported.ConclusionThe short‐term professional oral health care can improve oral conditions in the elderly.
Morphology and Ontogenesis of Psilotrichides hawaiiensis nov. gen., nov. spec. and Molecular Phylogeny of the Psilotrichidae (Ciliophora, Hypotrichia)
Authors: Heber Domingo , Stoeck Thorsten , Foissner Wilhelm 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe Psilotrichidae are a family of middle‐sized hypotrichs with unique morphological and ontogenetic features (e.g. the oral primordium develops in a deep pouch) that, however, did not provide a definite phylogenetic signal. Thus, we studied the 18S rRNA gene of Urospinula succisa (Müller 1786) Esteban et al., 2001 as well as the morphology and ontogenesis of Psilotrichides hawaiiensis, a new genus and species from an ephemeral swamp on Oahu Island, Hawaii. The molecular data classify the psilotrichids into the oxytrichids but without clear branching position. A brief revision, using the structure of the oral apparatus, the location of the contractile vacuole, and three ontogenetic features, showed four distinct genera: Psilotricha Stein, 1859; Urospinula Corliss, 1960; Hemiholosticha Gelei, 1954; and Psilotrichides nov. gen., which differs from the confamilials mainly by the obliquely oriented buccal cavity and the shape of the undulating membranes as well as by a distinct ridge along the right buccal margin. The pyriform species, P. hawaiiensis, is about 65 × 45 μm in size and is easily recognized by the table tennis racket‐shaped appearance due to the elongated last cirrus of the left marginal row. Refined diagnoses are provided for the family Psilotrichidae Bütschli, 1889 and the genera contained.
Burden in Caregivers of Cognitively Impaired Elderly Adults at Time of Hospitalization: A Cross‐Sectional Analysis
Authors: Shankar Kalpana N. , Hirschman Karen B. , Hanlon Alexandra L. , Naylor Mary D. 
Published: February 2014

ObjectivesTo describe the factors associated with burden that caregivers of cognitively impaired older adults (dementia, delirium, or both) at the time of hospitalization experienced.DesignCross‐sectional data analyses.SettingThree hospitals—one academic tertiary hospital and two associated community hospitals.ParticipantsCaregivers (N = 495) of cognitively impaired older adults at the time of hospital admission.MeasurementsMultivariable linear regression was performed to analyze the effect of the independent variables (caregiver: demographic characteristics, depressive symptoms, self‐efficacy; older adult: neuropsychiatric symptoms, delirium, functional deficits) on caregiver burden.ResultsHigher burden was associated with younger caregiver age (P = .02), being a spouse (P = .03), depressive symptoms (P < .001), caregivers’ lower perceived self‐efficacy in managing care recipient symptoms (P = .002), and limited finances at the end of the month (P = .01). Caregiver burden was also strongly associated with the care recipient factors distressing neuropsychiatric symptoms (P = .001), delirium (P = .001), and greater functional deficits in basic activities of daily living (P = .001).ConclusionThese findings suggest that caregivers of older adults who were cognitively impaired at hospital admission experience burden. Understanding the factors that contribute to burden at the time of hospitalization for caregivers of persons with cognitive impairment can inform the development of interventions targeted throughout the hospitalization that have the potential to decrease burden.
Life Cycle Assessment and Service Life Prediction
Authors: Grant Aneurin , Ries Robert , Kibert Charles 
Published: February 2014

SummaryModels of buildings in life cycle assessment (LCA) often use simple descriptions of operational energy, maintenance, and material replacement. The scope of many building LCAs is often limited and uses assumptions such as building lifetimes of 30 to 50 years. In actuality, building lifetimes vary considerably, and scenarios using standard assumptions may have incorrect results. Assumptions concerning material replacement, repair, and maintenance should be deliberate and as realistic as possible. This research was initiated to demonstrate the importance of service life assumptions on building life cycle assessment results. Three roof types (built‐up, thermoplastic membrane, and vegetated) and three wall forms (brick, aluminum, and wood siding) were analyzed. These materials were combined and modeled as nine distinct building envelopes. Five service life models were used to determine the service life of materials and systems. The analysis considered impacts related to material manufacturing, construction, operation, and maintenance. The Tool for the Reduction and Assessment of Chemical and other environmental Impacts global warming potential, atmospheric eco‐toxicity, and atmospheric acidification impact assessment indicators were used. The analysis of the cumulative life cycle impact and life cycle impact per year found that life cycle impact was primarily dependent on the predicted frequency of major material replacement as well as differences in the frequency and intensity of prescribed maintenance. In some scenarios, the relative differences in the life cycle impact of the alternatives were dependent on the environmental indicator used.
Neural network modelling of asphalt adhesion determined by AFM
Authors: TAREFDER R.A. , AHSAN S. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryThis study constructs a neural network (NN) model to quantify adhesion from atomic force microscopy (AFM) data. AFM data contain five‐point force–distance values. A total of 760 observations are used to build NN model. To train the network, AFM tip‐sample distance data, percentage of lime, type and percentage of polymer and asphalt chemical functional groups are given as inputs and AFM force as an output. To select the NN architecture, one and two hidden layers with varying neurons are tried with 10 input nodes in the input layer and 5 output nodes in the output layer. Two hidden layers with 9 and 17 nodes in the first and second layer, respectively, show the best performance. A 10‐9‐17‐5 NN is selected as the final structure of the NN model. Test results for the trained model show good prediction ability. The model is further applied to evaluate the effect of five different percentages of lime on the adhesion of asphalt. Results show that increase in the percentage of lime is very effective at reducing moisture damage in a styrene butadiene polymer modified asphalt sample. However, increase in lime percentage above 1.5% does not help reduce moisture damage in the styrene butadiene styrene polymer modified sample.
Clinical implications of Schwann cell biology
Authors: Armati Patricia J. , Mathey Emily K. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe neuroglia of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) are derived from the neural crest and are a diverse family of cells. They consist of myelinating Schwann cells, non‐myelinating Schwann cells, satellite cells, and perisynaptic Schwann cells. Due to their prominent role in the formation of myelin, myelinating Schwann cells are the best recognised of these cells. However, Schwann cells and the other neuroglia of the PNS have many functions that are independent of myelination and contribute significantly to the functioning of the peripheral nerve in both health and disease. Here we discuss the contribution of PNS neuroglial cells to clinical deficit in neurodegenerative disease, peripheral neuropathy, and pain.
Do Patient Characteristics Influence Nursing Adherence to a Guideline for Preventing Delirium?
Authors: Ijkema Roelie , Langelaan Maaike , van de Steeg Lotte , Wagner Cordula 
Published: February 2014

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine if the characteristics of patients influence nursing adherence to a quality improvement guideline. This guideline consists of delirium risk screening and preventive care, including the use of the Delirium Observation Screening Scale (DOSS).DesignA retrospective patient record review study was performed in 18 Dutch hospitals that were implementing a quality improvement project regarding delirium care. The records of patients 70 years of age or older were reviewed over an 11‐month period.MethodsPatient characteristics, as well as the extent of risk screening and the application of the DOSS within the screened and nonscreened groups, were recorded by experienced research nurses. Characteristics were compared between these groups and within the high‐risk group using multilevel logistic regression analysis.FindingsA total of 1,881 patient records were analyzed. In 55% of the total sample, a risk screening was conducted, of which 44% were identified as patients with a high risk for delirium. Acute admissions were screened significantly less often. The DOSS was used in 48% of the patients in the high‐risk group, but also in 13% of the patients without an identified risk and in 15% of the nonscreened patients. The factors influencing the use of the DOSS in screened and nonscreened patients included age, domestic circumstances, suffering from dementia, and acute admission. In the nonscreened group, comorbidity also showed significance.ConclusionsPatient characteristics influence nursing in preventive delirium care.Clinical RelevanceThe findings can help to improve preventive delirium care by nurses.