bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of adrenocortical steroidogenesis in women with post‐adolescent severe acne and polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Cinar N. , Cetinozman F. , Aksoy D.Y. , Elcin G. , Yildiz B.O. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackgroundIncreased adrenocortical production appears to be associated with acne and hirsutism in acne and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, the aetiological role of androgens in the pathogenesis of acne per se is far from being clear.ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate adrenocortical function in women with post‐adolescent severe acne in comparison with patients with PCOS and healthy women.MethodsThe study included 32 women with post‐adolescent severe acne, 32 women with PCOS and 32 age and body mass index (BMI)‐matched healthy controls (age 17–34 years, BMI: 20.8 ± 1.9 kg/m²). Women with acne did not have hirsutism or ovulatory dysfunction whereas all PCOS patients had androgen excess and ovulatory dysfunction. Measurements included basal testosterone (T), sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) levels and serum 17‐hydroxyprogesterone (17‐OHP), androstenedione (A4), DHEA and cortisol levels in response to corticotropin (ACTH) stimulation.ResultsT, free androgen index, DHEAS levels, basal and AUC (area under the curve) values for A4 were significantly higher in PCOS than women with acne and controls (P < 0.05 for all), whereas three groups did not differ for basal or AUC values of DHEA and cortisol. Women with PCOS and those with severe acne had significantly and similarly higher AUC values of 17‐OHP compared to controls (P < 0.05).ConclusionWomen with isolated post‐adolescent severe acne do not have increased levels of adrenal androgens basally or in response to ACTH. However, these women have similar secretion pattern of 17‐OHP with PCOS patients suggesting increased enzymatic activity in this pathway.
Comparison of social circumstances, substance use and substance‐related harm in soon‐to‐be‐released prisoners with and without intellectual disability
Authors: Bhandari A. , van Dooren K. , Eastgate G. , Lennox N. , Kinner S. A. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe transition out of prison is likely to be a challenging time for prisoners with intellectual disability (ID). However, little evidence exists to inform interventions for people withIDmaking this transition. In this study we aimed to describe social circumstances, patterns of substance use and substance‐related harm in soon‐to‐be‐released prisoners withID. We compare this group with those withoutID, to better understand how the health‐related needs of this group compare with the ‘mainstream’ prison population.MethodsData came from face‐to‐face, confidential interviews with 1325 adult prisoners in seven adult prisons inQueensland,Australia. Prisoners withIDwere identified using theHayesAbilityScreeningIndex (HASI). We used cross‐sectional data to examine (i) demographics and criminographics; (ii) social circumstances; and (iii) substance use and substance use related harm. We compared characteristics of those with and withoutIDusing univariable logistic regression.ResultsPrisoners withID(n = 115) were more likely than their peers withoutIDto be male, to identify as Indigenous Australian, and to report low educational attainment (<10 years) and pre‐incarceration unemployment. Those withIDreported a high prevalence of poly‐drug use (28.0%), unsafe tattooing (51.1%), unsafe sex (91.0%) andHCVinfection (55.6%), although differences with their peers were non‐significant.ConclusionsThe health and social needs of prisoners withIDtransitioning into the community are a significant concern for researchers, policy makers and practitioners. Our findings highlight the need for proactive, appropriate and targeted service responses from disability, health and justice sectors.
The effectiveness of staff training focused on increasing emotional intelligence and improving interaction between support staff and clients
Authors: Zijlmans L. J. M. , Embregts P. J. C. M. , Gerits L. , Bosman A. M. T. , Derksen J. J. L. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackgroundRecent research addressed the relationship between staff behaviour and challenging behaviour of individuals with an intellectual disability (ID). Consequently, research on interventions aimed at staff is warranted. The present study focused on the effectiveness of a staff training aimed at emotional intelligence and interactions between staff and clients. The effects of the training on emotional intelligence, coping style and emotions of support staff were investigated.MethodParticipants were 214 support staff working within residential settings for individuals with ID and challenging behaviour. The experimental group consisted of 76 staff members, 138 staff members participated in two different control groups. A pre‐test, post‐test, follow‐up control group design was used. Effectiveness was assessed using questionnaires addressing emotional intelligence, coping and emotions.ResultsEmotional intelligence of the experimental group changed significantly more than that of the two control groups. The experimental group showed an increase in task‐oriented coping, whereas one control group did not. The results with regard to emotions were mixed. Follow‐up data revealed that effects within the experimental group were still present four months after the training ended.ConclusionsA staff training aimed at emotional intelligence and staff‐client interactions is effective in improving emotional intelligence and coping styles of support staff. However, the need for more research aiming at the relationship between staff characteristics, organisational factors and their mediating role in the effectiveness of staff training is emphasised.
Moral competence questionnaire for public health nurses in Japan: Scale development and psychometric validation
Authors: Asahara Kiyomi , Kobayashi Maasa , Ono Wakanako 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAimTo develop a valid and reliable self‐assessment questionnaire that can be easily used by public health nurses in Japan to measure their moral competence.MethodsA self‐administered questionnaire that included the preliminary Moral Competence Questionnaire for Public Health Nurses and demographics was distributed to public health nurses who worked at local governments in Japan.ResultsExploratory factor analysis for the Moral Competence Questionnaire for Public Health Nurses from 3493 responses (31.9%) revealed 15 items loading on three factors: (1i) judgment based on the values of community members; (ii) strong will to face difficult situations; and (iii) cooperating with relevant people/organizations. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that this model has a reasonable fit to the data. Cronbach's alphas ranged 0.85–0.91.ConclusionThe construct validity and internal consistency reliability of the Moral Competence Questionnaire for Public Health Nurses were supported. This questionnaire reflected the characteristics of Japan's public health nursing practice and it may be used to assess current moral practice and need for continuing education. However, this questionnaire needs additional internal validity testing and possible item development. Additional research is needed to refine this scale and increase the possibility of generalizability.
Complete androgen insensitivity syndrome in juveniles and adults with female phenotypes
Authors: Wang Zhou , Sa Ying‐Long , Ye Xu‐Xiao , Zhang Jiong , Xu Yue‐min 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAimTo report on six cases of the diagnosis and treatment of patients with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) and a review of the relevant published work.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of a total of six patients with CAIS who were admitted to our hospital between September 1985 and June 2012. All surgical patients were examined for sex chromosomes and sex hormone levels pre‐ and postoperatively, respectively, and underwent lower abdominal B ultrasounds and pathological examinations among other tests.ResultsFive of the patients were treated with castration, one patient aged 5 years was treated conservatively Tissue from surgical resections showed normal testicular tissue that comprised Leydig cells and Sertoli cells, and pathological examinations showed no sign of testicular cancer. Following corrective operations, postoperative complications, such as female secondary sexual characteristics, stagnation and osteoporosis, have not developed. Sex hormone level ratio changed significantly after being treated with castration compared with preoperative levels; mainly testosterone and estrogen decreased significantly (P < 0.05), while luteinizing hormone and follicle‐stimulating hormone significantly increased (P < 0.05). However, prolactin did not change significantly (P > 0.05).ConclusionThe study show that removal of the testes in CAIS patients after puberty is safe and reliable. Meanwhile, it is essential to provide a hormone drug after being treated with castration. Further studies are needed to evaluate the safety and the quality of life for CAIS patients.
Phylogenetic relationships and species delimitation among the taxa with propagula in Pseudotaxiphyllum (Plagiotheciaceae, Bryophyta)
Authors: LI Xiao‐Qin , ZUO Qin , LI Min , HE Si , JIA Yu , WANG You‐Fang 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe current circumscription of the eight closely related morphospecies with propagula in Pseudotaxiphyllum Z. Iwats. is extremely unsatisfactory because of the ill‐defined delimitation of the species concepts. In order to determine the systematic positions of these closely related species, a phylogenetic reconstruction was carried out based on molecular analyses of two genomic compartments (chloroplast ndhB, rpl16, trnG, trnL‐F, and nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (nrITS)) together with a haplotype network analysis and species delimitation assessments by thorough morphological studies. The results of the present study show that P. elegans (Brid.) Z. Iwats. was closely related to P. laetevirens (Dixon & Luisier ex F. Koppe & Düll) Hedenäs and both species together with P. maebarae (Sakurai) Z. Iwats. were resolved as monophyletic clades. Pseudotaxiphyllum arquifolium (Bosch & Sande Lac.) Z. Iwats., P. densum (Cardot) Z. Iwats., P. fauriei (Cardot) Z. Iwats., the Asian populations of P. distichaceum (Mitt.) Z. Iwats. and P. pohliaecarpum (Sull. & Lesq.) Z. Iwats. are morphologically identical. At least three cryptic lineages with undifferentiated morphological or geographical pattern were inferred from this species complex. We propose that the above‐mentioned morphospecies be synonymized under P. distichaceum, and the American ‘P. distichaceum’ be replaced by a new name, P. subfalcatum (Austin) X. Q. Li, Q. Zuo & Y. F. Wang, stat. nov. Pseudotaxiphyllum obtusifolium Z. Iwats. & B. C. Tan was treated as P. distichaceum (Mitt.) Z. Iwats. var. obtusifolium (Z. Iwats. & B. C. Tan) X. Q. Li, Q. Zuo & Y. F. Wang, stat. nov.
The TET2 and TET3 aminopeptidases from Pyrococcus horikoshii form a hetero‐subunit peptidasome with enhanced peptide destruction properties
Authors: Appolaire Alexandre , Durá M. Asunción , Ferruit Mylène , Andrieu Jean‐Pierre , Godfroy Anne , Gribaldo Simonetta , Franzetti Bruno 
Published: August 2014

SummaryTET aminopeptidases assemble as large homo‐dodecameric complexes. The reason why prokaryotic genomes often encode a diverse set of TET peptidases homologues remains unclear. In the archaeon Pyrococcus horikoshii, PhTET1, PhTET2 and PhTET3 homo‐oligomeric particles have been proposed to work in concert to breakdown intracellular polypeptides. When coexpressed in Escherichia coli, the PhTET2 and PhTET3 proteins were found to assemble efficiently as heteromeric complexes. Biophysical analysis demonstrated that these particles possess the same quaternary structure as the homomeric TET dodecamers. The same hetero‐oligomeric complexes were immunodetected in P. horikoshii cell extracts analysed by sucrose gradient fractionation and ion exchange chromatography. The biochemical activity of a purified hetero‐oligomeric TET particle, assessed on chromogenic substrates and on a complex mixture of peptides, reveals that it displays higher efficiency than an equivalent combination of homo‐oligomeric TET particles. Interestingly, phylogenetic analysis shows that PhTET2 and PhTET3 are paralogous proteins that arose from gene duplication in the ancestor of Thermococcales. Together, these results establish that the PhTET2 and PhTET3 proteins are two subunits of the same enzymatic complex aimed at the destruction of polypeptidic chains of very different composition. This is the first report for such a mechanism intended to improve multi‐enzymatic complex efficiency among exopeptidases.
A complex gene locus enables xyloglucan utilization in the model saprophyte Cellvibrio japonicus
Authors: Larsbrink Johan , Thompson Andrew J. , Lundqvist Magnus , Gardner Jeffrey G. , Davies Gideon J. , Brumer Harry 
Published: August 2014

SummaryThe degradation of plant biomass by saprophytes is an ecologically important part of the global carbon cycle, which has also inspired a vast diversity of industrial enzyme applications. The xyloglucans (XyGs) constitute a family of ubiquitous and abundant plant cell wall polysaccharides, yet the enzymology of XyG saccharification is poorly studied. Here, we present the identification and molecular characterization of a complex genetic locus that is required for xyloglucan utilization by the model saprophyte Cellvibrio japonicus. In harness, transcriptomics, reverse genetics, enzyme kinetics, and structural biology indicate that the encoded cohort of an α‐xylosidase, a β‐galactosidase, and an α‐l‐fucosidase is specifically adapted for efficient, concerted saccharification of dicot (fucogalacto)xyloglucan oligosaccharides following import into the periplasm via an associated TonB‐dependent receptor. The data support a biological model of xyloglucan degradation by C. japonicus with striking similarities – and notable differences – to the complex polysaccharide utilization loci of the Bacteroidetes.
Symptoms induced by transgenic expression of p23 from Citrus tristeza virus in phloem‐associated cells of Mexican lime mimic virus infection without the aberrations accompanying constitutive expression
Authors: Soler Nuria , Fagoaga Carmen , López Carmelo , Moreno Pedro , Navarro Luis , Flores Ricardo , Peña Leandro 
Published: August 2014

SummaryCitrus tristeza virus (CTV) is phloem restricted in natural citrus hosts. The 23‐kDa protein (p23) encoded by the virus is an RNA silencing suppressor and a pathogenicity determinant. The expression of p23, or its N‐terminal 157‐amino‐acid fragment comprising the zinc finger and flanking basic motifs, driven by the constitutive 35S promoter of cauliflower mosaic virus, induces CTV‐like symptoms and other aberrations in transgenic citrus. To better define the role of p23 in CTV pathogenesis, we compared the phenotypes of Mexican lime transformed with p23‐derived transgenes from the severe T36 and mild T317 CTV isolates under the control of the phloem‐specific promoter from Commelina yellow mottle virus (CoYMV) or the 35S promoter. Expression of the constructs restricted to the phloem induced a phenotype resembling CTV‐specific symptoms (vein clearing and necrosis, and stem pitting), but not the non‐specific aberrations (such as mature leaf epinasty and yellow pinpoints, growth cessation and apical necrosis) observed when p23 was ectopically expressed. Furthermore, vein necrosis and stem pitting in Mexican lime appeared to be specifically associated with p23 from T36. Phloem‐specific accumulation of the p23Δ158–209(T36) fragment was sufficient to induce the same anomalies, indicating that the region comprising the N‐terminal 157 amino acids of p23 is responsible (at least in part) for the vein clearing, stem pitting and, possibly, vein corking in this host.
A look into the Medical and Veterinary Entomology crystal ball
Authors: DANTAS‐TORRES F. , CAMERON M. M. , COLWELL D. D. , OTRANTO D. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractMedical and Veterinary Entomology (MVE) represents a leading periodical in its field and covers many aspects of the biology and control of insects, ticks, mites and other arthropods of medical and veterinary importance. Since the first issue of the journal, researchers working in both developed and developing countries have published in MVE, with direct impact on current knowledge in the field. An increasing number of articles dealing with the epidemiology and transmission of vector‐borne pathogens have been published in MVE, reflecting rapid changes in vector distribution, pathogen transmission and host–arthropod interactions. This article represents a gaze into the crystal ball in which we identify areas of increasing interest, discuss the main changes that have occurred in the epidemiology of parasitic arthropods since the first issue of MVE, and predict the principal scientific topics that might arise in the next 25 years for scientists working in medical and veterinary entomology.
Identification of rickettsiae from wild rats and cat fleas in Malaysia
Authors: TAY S. T. , MOKHTAR A. S. , LOW K. C. , MOHD ZAIN S. N. , JEFFERY J. , ABDUL AZIZ N. , KHO K. L. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractRickettsioses are emerging zoonotic diseases reported worldwide. In spite of the serological evidence of spotted fever group rickettsioses in febrile patients in Malaysia, limited studies have been conducted to identify the animal reservoirs and vectors of rickettsioses. This study investigated the presence of rickettsiae in the tissue homogenates of 95 wild rats and 589 animal ectoparasites. Using PCR assays targeting the citrate synthase gene (gltA), rickettsial DNA was detected in the tissue homogenates of 13 (13.7%) wild rats. Sequence analysis of the gltA amplicons showed 98.6–100% similarity with those of Rickettsia honei/R. conorii/R. raoultii (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae). Sequence analysis of outer membrane protein A gene (ompA) identified Rickettsia sp. TCM1 strain from two rats. No rickettsia was detected from Laelaps mites, Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Haemaphysalis bispinosa ticks, and Felicola subrostratus lice in this study. R. felis was identified from 32.2% of 177 Ctenocephalides felis fleas. Sequence analysis of the gltA amplicons revealed two genotypes of R. felis (Rf31 and RF2125) in the fleas. As wild rats and cat fleas play an important role in the enzoonotic maintenance of rickettsiae, control of rodent and flea populations may be able to reduce transmission of rickettsioses in the local setting.
Management strategies for achalasia
Authors: Vela M. F. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractTreatment options for achalasia include oral pharmacologic therapy, endoscopic injection of botulinum toxin, pneumatic dilation, and myotomy (conventionally by laparoscopy, but more recently by an endoscopic approach). Oral pharmacologic agents have fallen out of use because of insufficient efficacy and frequent side effects. Endoscopic injection of botulinum toxin is safe and has good short‐term effectiveness, but as the effect invariably wears off after a few months, this treatment is reserved for patients who are not candidates for more definitive treatments. Pneumatic dilation and surgical myotomy are currently considered the most effective treatments, with similar effectiveness in randomized controlled trials with follow‐up of up to 2 years. The risk/benefit ratio and choice of therapy depend on patient characteristics (age, comorbidities, disease stage, prior treatments), patient's preference, and locally available expertise. Treatment of patients who fail or relapse after initial therapy is challenging and the success rate of pneumatic dilation or myotomy in this group is lower compared with previously untreated patients. The recently developed peroral endoscopic approach to myotomy has achieved excellent results in early uncontrolled studies, but high‐quality randomized trials are needed to ensure widespread adoption is reasonable. Finally, retrospective data suggest that achalasia subtypes as defined by high‐resolution esophageal pressure topography may guide treatment choice, but confirmation in prospective outcome studies is awaited.
Macrophages in diabetic gastroparesis – the missing link?
Authors: Neshatian L. , Gibbons S. J. , Farrugia G. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackgroundDiabetic gastroparesis results in significant morbidity for patients and major economic burden for society. Treatment options for diabetic gastroparesis are currently directed at symptom control rather than the underlying disease and are limited. The pathophysiology of diabetic gastroparesis includes damage to intrinsic and extrinsic neurons, smooth muscle, and interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). Oxidative damage in diabetes appears to be one of the primary insults involved in the pathogenesis of several complications of diabetes, including gastroparesis. Recent studies have highlighted the potential role of macrophages as key cellular elements in the pathogenesis of diabetic gastroparesis. Macrophages are important for both homeostasis and defense against a variety of pathogens. Heme oxygenase 1 (HO1), an enzyme expressed in a subset of macrophages has emerged as a major protective mechanism against oxidative stress. Activation of macrophages with high levels of HO1 expression protects against development of delayed gastric emptying in animal models of diabetes, while activation of macrophages that do not express HO1 are linked to neuromuscular cell injury. Targeting macrophages and HO1 may therefore be a therapeutic option in diabetic gastroparesis.PurposeThis report briefly reviews the pathophysiology of diabetic gastroparesis with a focus on oxidative damage and how activation and polarization of different subtypes of macrophages in the muscularis propria determines development of delay in gastric emptying or protects against its development.
Exclusive breastfeeding is associated with reduced cow's milk sensitization in early childhood
Authors: Liao Sui‐Ling , Lai Shen‐Hao , Yeh Kuo‐Wei , Huang Yu‐Lin , Yao Tsung‐Chieh , Tsai Ming‐Han , Hua Men‐Chin , Huang Jing‐Long ,   The PATCH (The Prediction of Allergy in Taiwanese Children) Cohort Study
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackgroundAlthough breastfed infants have consistently been reported as having fewer infections and respiratory morbidity during infancy, none have reached a definitive conclusion as to whether breastfeeding is an effective strategy to prevent allergic diseases. This study aims to investigate the relationship between exclusive breastfeeding and sequential changes of several biomarkers of allergy, such as absolute eosinophil count, total IgE level, and specific IgE level during the first 3 yrs of life.MethodsThis is an unselected, population‐based study that is part of a prospective birth cohort called the PATCH (Prediction of Allergy in Taiwanese Children). Blood analysis was performed at ages 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months. Clinical records of breastfeeding and detailed questionnaires regarding to allergic diseases were also obtained.ResultsAnalysis comparing exclusive breastfeeding ≥4 months with those <4 months and those partially breastfed showed a decreased risk of sensitization toward cow's milk protein up to the age of 2 yr (adjusted OR for cow's milk sensitization at 12 months was 0.2 [95% CI, 0.07–0.5]), at 18 months of age it was 0.2 [95% CI, 0.07–0.5], and at 24 months of age it was 0.2 [95% CI, 0.04–0.7]). In addition, although not significant, children of the exclusive breastfeeding group showed a trend of lower absolute eosinophil counts than their counterparts at all ages, and a lower total IgE level at the age of 3 yr.ConclusionsResults of this study suggest that exclusive breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of cow's milk protein sensitization during early childhood.