bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Screening for Chlamydia infection in a sexually transmitted infection clinic: a missed opportunity?
Authors: Pedrosa Ana Filipa , Azevedo Filomena , Lisboa Carmen 
Published: July 2014

AbstractObjectivesChlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) reported in Europe. We aim to evaluate the overall prevalence of CT infection and the rate of asymptomatic infection in an STI clinic over a 5‐year period. We will also discuss screening strategies with reference to attendees diagnosed with an STI and their sexual partners, and attendees with a non‐infectious genital dermatosis.MethodsClinical and laboratory data for all attendees at a university hospital STI clinic over a 5‐year period were reviewed. Diagnosis of CT infection was made upon polymerase chain reaction (PCR) performed in first‐void urine.ResultsThe overall prevalence of CT infection was 4.0% (53/1310); the rate of asymptomatic infection was 84.9% (45/53). The prevalence of CT infection among attendees with an STI diagnosis and their sexual partners was 5.2% (50/963), whereas that among attendees with a non‐infectious genital dermatosis was 0.9% (3/347; P < 0.001). Infected attendees were younger than attendees without CT infection (median age: 31 years vs. 40 years; P < 0.001). In 39.5% (17/43) of CT‐infected attendees, it was possible to notify a sexual partner; CT infection was subsequently diagnosed in 58.8% (10/17) of partners.ConclusionsAsymptomatic CT infection had a representative frequency, which was more pronounced among young attendees with an STI diagnosis and their sexual partners, to whom screening should be offered. Issues of age limits for screening and whether screening should be directed to males in non‐STI clinic settings should be carefully assessed.
Skin cancer prevention campaign aimed at beachgoers on the Costa del Sol (southern Spain)
Authors: de Troya‐Martín Magdalena , Delgado‐Sánchez Nuria , Blázquez‐Sánchez Nuria , Ortega‐Tudela Gregorio , Toribio‐Montero Juan Carlos , Jabalera‐Mesa Maria Lourdes , Ríos‐Almellones Inmaculada , Rivas‐Ruiz Francisco 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundSunbathing on the beach is one of the main risks for skin cancer.ObjectiveIn the summer of 2010, a skin cancer prevention campaign aimed at beachgoers was undertaken on the western Costa del Sol (southern Spain).MethodsThe campaign took place on beaches during July and August. A multicomponent intervention was conducted by a dermatologist and other healthcare professionals, including: (1) interviews about risk factors and sun protection habits; (2) full skin examination using dermoscopy; (3) health advice plus educational brochure; (4) sunscreen workshop plus free samples; and (5) survey about satisfaction and behavioral intentions. A journalism and health prize was offered to encourage mass media coverage.ResultsFour hundred and seven beachgoers (56% tourists) were recruited during the campaign, mean age 45 years. Most of the participants reported high‐risk sun exposure and revealed high rates of clinically suspicious lesions of skin cancer (8.1%), melanoma (2.9%), actinic keratosis (10.2%), and atypical nevus (7.6%). The campaign was highly appreciated by the participants and followed not only by local but also regional and national media.ConclusionBeachgoers are a strategic target to prevent skin cancer. Beaches are also suitable places to develop a skin cancer prevention campaign, allowing direct access to the high‐risk population for surveying, health behavior education, and screening. Several keys may be useful to optimize results as the design of a personalized intervention of proven efficacy, provision of a trained healthcare team, and development of an attractive strategy for the mass media.
Diagnostic imaging in paraneoplastic autoimmune multiorgan syndrome: retrospective single site study and literature review of 225 patients
Authors: Lehman Vance T. , Barrick Benjamin J. , Pittelkow Mark R. , Peller Patrick J. , Camilleri Michael J. , Lehman Julia S. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe utility of diagnostic imaging in paraneoplastic autoimmune multiorgan syndrome (PAMS) is unknown.MethodsWe examined the role of diagnostic imaging in patients with PAMS evaluated at our tertiary referral center (at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA) and in the English literature between January 1, 1996, and August 31, 2012.ResultsWe included 17 patients from our institution and 208 patients from the literature review. Of these 225 patients, 113 (50.2%) were not known to have a malignancy diagnosis at the time of PAMS diagnosis. Of the 123 patients from our institution and from the literature reported to undergo imaging studies, conventional computed tomography (CT) was the predominant imaging modality (n = 110; 89.4%); 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (18F‐FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/CT was also used, albeit infrequently (n = 12; 9.8%). When CT was included in imaging to identify or confirm the presence of a malignancy, imaging was successful in all patients who ultimately were diagnosed with an associated malignancy. At our institution, a relatively high percentage (n = 7; 41%) of patients had 18F‐FDG PET/CT, which not only identified all tumors found on CT but also facilitated staging of lymphoma and guided biopsy procedures.ConclusionDiagnostic imaging is frequently utilized in PAMS with unknown malignancy. Both conventional CT and 18F‐FDG PET/CT are likely to detect the typical underlying neoplasms. Relative to conventional CT, 18F‐FDG PET/CT may provide additional useful information regarding prognosis for the likely underlying malignancies, although there is a paucity of reports describing the use of this modality for this purpose.
Mortality attributable to rheumatic heart disease in the Kimberley: a data linkage approach
Authors: Davies S. B. , Hofer A. , Reeve C. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundAcute rheumatic fever (ARF) and its sequelae, rheumatic heart disease (RHD) are now uncommon in the general Australian population. However, these preventable and treatable diseases continue to affect Aboriginal Australians disproportionately, especially in remote communities. In the Kimberley region of Western Australia (WA), the prevalence of RHD is approximately 1% among Aboriginal residents. Yet an accurate and comprehensive picture of RHD‐related mortality is lacking.AimThis study aims to determine the mortality burden attributable to ARF and RHD in the Kimberley using linked hospitalisation and death registry data.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was undertaken comprising all Kimberley residents with a WA hospital admission for ARF or RHD between 1970 and 2010, linked with the WA Death Register. We manually classified RHD‐attributable deaths (‘definite’ or ‘probable’) to determine mortality burden. Hospitalisation prior to death, including valvular surgery was also ascertained.ResultsThere were 35 RHD‐attributable deaths in the Kimberley between 1990 and 2010, with 94% occurring in Aboriginal people. Their median age of death was 40 years. The age‐standardised RHD annual death rate was 15.6 per 100 000 with a total of 1100 premature years of life lost before age of 75 within this group. Conventional International Classification of Diseases‐generated mortality data underestimated mortality burden.ConclusionRHD remains a significant cause of premature mortality for Aboriginal people in the Kimberley, with mortality rates unmatched in the general Australian population since the first half of the 20th century. Efforts to reduce progression of this disease through RHD Register and Control Programs are crucial alongside action to address underlying socioeconomic and environmental inequities.
Synthesis and Luminescence Properties of Blue‐Emitting Phosphor Eu2+‐Doped Zinc Fluoro‐Phosphate Zn2[PO4]F
Authors: Qiao Xuebin , Wang Jing , Huang Yanlin , Cai Peiqing , Kim Sun I. L. , Seo Hyo‐Jin 
Published: July 2014

Eu2+‐doped zinc fluoro‐phosphate Zn2[PO4]F was synthesized by the conventional high‐temperature solid‐state reaction. The phase formation was confirmed by X‐ray powder diffraction measurements and the structure refinement. The photoluminescence excitation and emission spectra, and the decay curves were measured. The natures of the Eu2+ emission in inorganic hosts, e.g., the emission and excitation properties, the chromaticity coordinates, the Stokes shifts, the absolute quantum efficiency, and the luminescence thermal stability were reported. Under the excitation of near‐UV light, Eu2+‐doped Zn2[PO4]F presents a narrow blue‐emitting band centered at 423 nm. The thermal stability of the blue luminescence was evaluated by the luminescence intensities as a function of temperature. The phosphor shows an excellent thermal stability on temperature quenching effects.
Toxoplasma gondii Isolates from Mouflon Sheep (Ovis ammon) from Hawaii, USA
Authors: Verma Shiv K. , Su Chunlei , Dubey Jitender P. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractLittle is known of Toxoplasma gondii isolates circulating in wildlife. The mouflon (Ovis ammon) is very popular game animal, hunted for its trophy horns. Here, we report the isolation and genetic characterization of T. gondii from two mouflons from Hawaii, USA. Both sheep had antibodies titers of 1:800 or higher. Viable T. gondii were isolated and nested PCR‐RFLP genotyping revealed two genotypes, a clonal Type III (designated TgMouflonUS1), and a new genotype (designated TgMouflonUS2, and ToxoDB PCR‐RFLP genotypes #249). This is the first report of T. gondii infection, isolation and genetic characterization in mouflons from the USA.
Identification of Peptidases in Highly Pathogenic vs. Weakly Pathogenic Naegleria fowleri Amebae
Authors: Vyas Ishan K. , Jamerson Melissa , Cabral Guy A. , Marciano‐Cabral Francine 
Published: July 2014

AbstractNaegleria fowleri, a free‐living ameba, is the causative agent of Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis. Highly pathogenic mouse‐passaged amebae (Mp) and weakly pathogenic axenically grown (Ax) N. fowleri were examined for peptidase activity. Zymography and azocasein peptidase activity assays demonstrated that Mp and Ax N. fowleri exhibited a similar peptidase pattern. Prominent for whole cell lysates, membranes and conditioned medium (CM) from Mp and Ax amebae was the presence of an activity band of approximately 58 kDa that was sensitive to E64, a cysteine peptidase inhibitor. However, axenically grown N. fowleri demonstrated a high level of this peptidase activity in membrane preparations. The inhibitor E64 also reduced peptidase activity in ameba‐CM consistent with the presence of secreted cysteine peptidases. Exposure of Mp amebae to E64 reduced their migration through matrigel that was used as an extracellular matrix, suggesting a role for cysteine peptidases in invasion of the central nervous system (CNS). The collective results suggest that the profile of peptidases is not a discriminative marker for distinguishing Mp from Ax N. fowleri. However, the presence of a prominent level of activity for cysteine peptidases in N. fowleri membranes and CM, suggests that these enzymes may serve to facilitate passage of the amebae into the CNS.
Cigarette smoke condensate inhibits collagen gel contraction and prostaglandin E2 production in human gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Romero A. , Cáceres M. , Arancibia R. , Silva D. , Couve E. , Martínez C. , Martínez J. , Smith P. C. 
Published: July 2014

BackgroundGranulation tissue remodeling and myofibroblastic differentiation are critically important events during wound healing. Tobacco smoking has a detrimental effect in gingival tissue repair. However, studies evaluating the effects of cigarette smoke on these events are lacking.Material and MethodsWe used gingival fibroblasts cultured within free‐floating and restrained collagen gels to simulate the initial and final steps of the granulation tissue phase during tissue repair. Collagen gel contraction was stimulated with serum or transforming growth factor‐β1. Cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) was used to evaluate the effects of tobacco smoke on gel contraction. Protein levels of alpha‐smooth muscle actin, β1 integrin, matrix metalloproteinase‐3 and connective tissue growth factor were evaluated through Western blot. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels were determined through ELISA. Actin organization was evaluated through confocal microscopy.ResultsCSC reduced collagen gel contraction induced by serum and transforming growth factor‐β1 in restrained collagen gels. CSC also altered the development of actin stress fibers in fibroblasts cultured within restrained collagen gels. PGE2 levels were strongly diminished by CSC in three‐dimensional cell cultures. However, other proteins involved in granulation tissue remodeling and myofibroblastic differentiation such as alpha‐smooth muscle actin, β1 integrin, matrix metalloproteinase‐3 and connective tissue growth factor, were unmodified by CSC.ConclusionsCSC may alter the capacity of gingival fibroblasts to remodel and contract a collagen matrix. Inhibition of PGE2 production and alterations of actin stress fibers in these cells may impair proper tissue maturation during wound healing in smokers.
Periodontal cytokines profile under orthodontic force and extracorporeal shock wave stimuli in a rat model
Authors: Hazan‐Molina H. , Reznick A. Z. , Kaufman H. , Aizenbud D. 
Published: July 2014

Background and ObjectiveExtracorporeal shock wave therapy has been used in various clinical conditions as a result of its ability to stimulate healing processes in acute and chronic inflammatory states. Orthodontic force application triggers an inflammatory reaction in the periodontal tissue surrounding the involved teeth, resulting in tooth movement. Preliminary work revealed that extracorporeal shock wave therapy increased the expression of the inflammatory cytokines involved. Our aim was to investigate the expression of inflammatory cytokines in the periodontal tissues following orthodontic force induction, with and without shock wave therapy, in experimental rats.Material and MethodsAn orthodontic appliance was fabricated and applied between the molars and the incisors of adult Wistar rats. In conjunction with orthodontic force commencement, the rats were treated with a single episode of 1000 shock waves. Every day, during the 3 d of the study, rats were killed and the immunolocalization of RANKL, interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6 and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha was evaluated.ResultsThe percentage of the area staining positively for all inflammatory cytokines during the first 2 d decreased statistically significantly more in the shock wave‐treated group compared with the nontreated control group. On the first day, the percentage of the area staining positively for IL‐1β and RANKL on the compression side peaked in both groups, with a sequential rise in the number of TRAP‐positive cells.ConclusionThe induction of shock wave therapy during orthodontic tooth movement influences the expression of different inflammatory cytokines in the tissue and might alter the expected periodontal remodeling rate.
The genetics of inflorescence architecture in Hordeum
Authors: KOMATSUDA Takao 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe barley (Hordeum vulgare) spike exists in two alternative forms: six‐rowed or two rowed. The genetic basis of this difference lies in the single gene Vrs1, the recessive allele of which is responsible for the six‐rowed phenotype. The gene encodes a homeodomain‐leucine zipper I class transcription factor. Its paralog HvHox2 is well conserved among the cereals, whereas Vrs1 acquired its function after the speciation of barley. To determine whether it is the mode of expression or neofunctionalization which accounts for the action of Vrs1, a comparative analysis was carried out between HvHox2 and Vrs1. This revealed that HvHOX2 and VRS1 share the same transcriptional activation activity. In situ hybridization analysis showed that HvHox2 mRNA is concentrated in the vascular bundles of the immature spike, whereas Vrs1 message is deposited exclusively in the pistil, lemma, palea, and lodicule of the lateral spikelets. The transcript abundance of Vrs1 was over 10‐fold higher than that of HvHox2 during the pistil developmental stage, suggesting that the key function of Vrs1 is to inhibit gynoecial development. An analysis of six‐rowed spike mutants which are non‐allelic to vrs1 showed that Vrs1 was up‐regulated by Vrs4, whereas HvHox2 expression was not. These data demonstrate that it is most likely a divergence in gene expression which has determined the function of Vrs1.
Mannose‐mediated inhibitory effects of PA‐MSHA on invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma via EGFR/Akt/IκBβ/NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Li Tao , Dong Zhao‐Ru , Guo Zong‐Yi , Wang Cheng‐Hao , Zhi Xu‐Ting , Zhou Jian‐Wei , Li Deng‐Ke , Chen Ze‐Ting , Chen Zhi‐Qiang , Hu San‐Yuan 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsElevation of high‐mannose glycans is a common feature of malignant cells and has been suggested to be the basis for alternative cancer therapy for several years. Here we want to investigate the antitumour effect of pseudomonas aeruginosa‐mannosesensitive haemagglutinin (PA‐MSHA), a genetically engineered heat‐inactivated PA strain with mannose‐sensitive binding activity, on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodsTumourigenicity and metastatic potentials of HCC were studied after PA‐MSHA treatment by utilizing the in vitro/in vivo model of HCC. Expression of apoptosis‐associated proteins and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) related genes were evaluated, and possible signalling pathways involved were investigated.ResultsPA‐MSHA induced significant cell proliferation inhibition and cell cycle arrest of HCC through decreasing the levels of cyclins D1, cyclins E, CDK2, CDK4, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and increasing the level of p21 and p27. Moreover, PA‐MSHA suppressed the invasion, migration and adhesion of HCC through inhibiting epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). PA‐MSHA also inhibited EGFR/Akt/IκBβ/NF‐κB pathway and overexpression of NF‐κB significantly abrogated PA‐MSHA induced EMT inhibition. In addition, competitive inhibition of the mannose binding activity of PA‐MSHA by D‐mannose significantly blocked its effect on cell cycle arrest and EMT. PA‐MSHA also abrogated lung metastasis of HCC and significantly inhibited tumour growth in the in vivo study.ConclusionsOur study demonstrated the essential role of EGFR/Akt/IκBβ/NF‐κB pathway in the inhibitory effect of PA‐MSHA on invasion and metastasis of HCC through suppressing EMT, and revealed an attractive prospect of PA‐MSHA as a novel candidate agent in the treatment of HCC.
Bridging all oral DAA therapy from wait time to post‐liver transplant to improve HCV eradication?
Authors: Donato Maria Francesca , Monico Sara , Malinverno Federica , Aghemo Alessio , Maggioni Marco , Reggiani Paolo , Colombo Massimo 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackground & Aims: Recurrence of hepatitis C is a major cause of graft loss and shortened survival in patients receiving a liver transplant (LT) for end‐stage hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The only way to improve graft and patient outcomes is a successful eradication of HCV infection by antiviral therapy either before or after transplant. This was achievable in a small proportion of recipients by IFN‐based regimens, but could be obtained in the majority of them by using DAA IFN‐free regimens before/after transplant. Methods: We describe a patient with decompensated cirrhosis because of severe recurrent hepatitis C, who had a retransplant following treatment with a combination of sofosbuvir and riba virin that started during the waiting time and was carried over during both the transplant and post‐transplant phases for an overall period of 24 weeks. The patient gave a written consent to receive Sofosbuvir plus Rbv therapy pre and post‐transplant. Results: Post‐transplant serum HCV‐RNA remains undetectable 24 weeks after discontinuing sofosbuvir and ribavirin (SVR24). Conclusions: Waiting for direct antiviral agents combinations, our findings not only support the use of sofosbuvir plus ribavirin as the first‐line treatment in all patients on the LT waiting list, but also suggest to bridge treatment to the post‐transplant period in case HCV RNA undetectability for at least 30 days has not been achieved at the time of LT.
Language Learning and Socialization Opportunities in Game Worlds: Trends in First and Second Language Research
Authors: Pasfield‐Neofitou Sarah 
Published: July 2014

AbstractSince the growth of online gaming in the mid‐2000s, an increasing number of studies have theorised that virtual game worlds provide an optimal environment for language learning – both first language literacy development and second language acquisition. Although online games are often thought of as little more than distractions, a number of studies have demonstrated that there exist myriad opportunities for communication and learning, including language learning, in many games. One of the most popular games, the massively multiplayer online game World of Warcraft, for example, relies for much of its success on the opportunities it presents for engaging collaboration in navigating the world and taking part in team combat, often mediated via language. While a number of studies have already examined first language socialization processes in games, particularly following the release of World of Warcraft a decade ago, research on opportunities for second language learning opportunities in online games is still emerging, and this area of research will be the focus of this review. Via a meta‐analysis of both first and second language studies in areas within and outside of linguistics and language education, this review will explore why virtual game worlds are said to constitute such ideal environments for language learning.
The impact of psychiatric and extraintestinal comorbidity on quality of life and bowel symptom burden in functional GI disorders
Authors: Vu J. , Kushnir V. , Cassell B. , Gyawali C. P. , Sayuk G. S. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundFunctional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) patients report poor health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) and experience high rates of psychiatric and extraintestinal functional disorder (EIFD) comorbidity. The independent influence of these comorbidities on HRQOL and symptom burden remains unknown. We sought to determine whether FGID with mood or EIFD comorbidity have poorer HRQOL and greater GI symptom burdens; to determine the influence of comorbidities on HRQOL in FGID independent of bowel symptoms.MethodsSubjects reported on comorbidities (anxiety, depression, somatization, EIFD), FGID criteria (irritable bowel syndrome, IBS; functional dyspepsia, FD) using ROME III Research questionnaire, GI symptom burden, and HRQOL. Differences in measures were assessed between subjects with and without ROME III criteria. Multiple regression determined the relative contribution of comorbidities to HRQOL, and mediation analysis explored whether comorbidity influences HRQOL.Key ResultsIn a cohort of 912 GI outpatients (47.2 ± 1.5 years, 75.8% female), 606 (66.4%) met Rome III IBS and/or FD criteria. Comorbidities were common in FGID (≥1 in 77.4%), leading to lower HRQOL and greater GI symptom burden (each p < 0.05). Poorer HRQOL was predicted by both psychiatric and EIFD comorbidity (each p < 0.05) independent of GI symptoms (p < 0.001). Comorbidities together exerted a greater effect on predicted variation in HRQOL (70.9%) relative to GI symptoms (26.5%).Conclusions & InferencesPsychiatric and EIFD comorbidities are common in FGID, decrease HRQOL and are associated with greater GI symptom burdens; these factors were stronger predictors of HRQOL than GI symptoms in FGID patients.