bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influenza pneumonia among adolescents and adults: a concurrent comparison between influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 and A (H3N2) in the post‐pandemic period
Authors: Yang Shu Qiao , Qu Jiu Xin , Wang Chen , Yu Xiao Min , Liu Ying Mei , Cao Bin 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIntroductionComparisons of the characteristics between the influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 and common seasonal influenza are important for both clinical management and epidemiological studies. However, the differences between pandemic and seasonal influenza during the post‐pandemic period are poorly understood.ObjectivesThe aim of our research was to investigate clinical and immune response differences between patients with influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 pneumonia and seasonal influenza A (H3N2) pneumonia in the post‐pandemic period.MethodsDuring the first flu season in post‐pandemic period, patients from Beijing Network for Adult Community‐Acquired Pneumonia present A (H1N1) pdm09 or A (H3N2) influenza were compared concurrently in the aspects of clinical characteristics and inflammatory profile in acute phase.ResultPatients with A (H1N1) pdm09 influenza pneumonia showed a close mean age to A (H3N2) pneumonia (51 ± 20 vs 53 ± 16, mean ± standard deviation, years) but tended to have more underlying diseases (32.8% vs 10%, P = 0.036). Although clinical characteristics were similar, no statistical difference were found in pneumonia severity index (PSI) score or intensive care unit admission rate or mortality, patients in A (H1N1) pdm09 cohort present higher levels of aspartate aminotransferase, lactase dehydrogenase (P = 0.006, 0.018, respectively) in blood and also longer duration of fever than A (H3N2) cohort. Levels of interleukin (IL)‐10 and IL‐12 (p70) were higher in A (H1N1) pdm09 cohort (P = 0.031, 0.047, respectively).ConclusiosDuring the first post‐pandemic flu season, patients with the A (H1N1) pdm09 pneumonia showed similar clinical characteristics but slightly higher disease severity and stronger systemic inflammatory response than A (H3N2) pneumonia.
Delay in diabetic retinopathy screening increases the rate of detection of referable diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Scanlon P. H. , Aldington S. J. , Stratton I. M. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimsTo assess whether there is a relationship between delay in retinopathy screening after diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes and level of retinopathy detected.MethodsPatients were referred from 88 primary care practices to an English National Health Service diabetic eye screening programme. Data for screened patients were extracted from the primary care databases using semi‐automated data collection algorithms supplemented by validation processes. The programme uses two‐field mydriatic digital photographs graded by a quality assured team.ResultsData were available for 8183 screened patients with diabetes newly diagnosed in 2005, 2006 or 2007. Only 163 with Type 1 diabetes were identified and were insufficient for analysis. Data were available for 8020 with newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes. Of these, 3569 were screened within 6 months, 2361 between 6 and 11 months, 1058 between 12 and 17 months, 366 between 18 and 23 months, 428 between 24 and 35 months, and 238 at 3 years or more after diagnosis. There were 5416 (67.5%) graded with no retinopathy, 1629 (20.3%) with background retinopathy in one eye, 753 (9.4%) with background retinopathy in both eyes and 222 (2.8%) had referable diabetic retinopathy. There was a significant trend (P = 0.0004) relating time from diagnosis to screening detecting worsening retinopathy. Of those screened within 6 months of diagnosis, 2.3% had referable retinopathy and, 3 years or more after diagnosis, 4.2% had referable retinopathy.ConclusionsThe rate of detection of referable diabetic retinopathy is elevated in those who were not screened promptly after diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes.
The effect of statin therapy withdrawal on monocyte subsets
Authors: Jaipersad Anthony S. , Shantsila Eduard , Blann Andrew , Lip Gregory Y. H. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundThree functionally distinct monocyte subsets have been identified. Statins are of undoubted effect in atherosclerosis and have numerous pleiotropic effects that contribute to their clinical success, but the effect of these drugs on monocyte subsets is unclear. We hypothesised a beneficial effect of statins on key receptor expression by monocyte subsets.Material and methodsEffects of temporal (2 weeks) cessation of statin therapy by 66 patients with stable coronary artery disease on monocyte subsets [CD14++CD16‐CCR2+ (Mon1), CD14++CD16+CCR2+ (Mon2) and CD14+CD16++CCR2− (Mon3)], their aggregates with platelets and their expression of a number of receptors involved in inflammation (IL‐6 receptor), adhesion [vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)], angiogenesis [vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)] and repair were assessed by flow cytometry.ResultsStatin cessation did not lead to any significant changes in absolute numbers of monocyte subsets or the degree of their aggregation with platelets. All monocyte subsets showed significant downregulation of expression of vascular endothelial factor receptor 2, Tie2 and Toll‐like receptor‐4 (TLR4; all changes P < 0·01). Expression of CXCR4 was only reduced in Mon1 cells (P = 0·013). There was no significant change in the expression of CD14, CD16, CCR4, IL6 receptor and VCAM (all P = NS).ConclusionsStatin withdrawal does not affect counts of any of monocyte subsets, but leads to downregulation of expression of TLR4 and receptors related to angiogenesis on all subsets, as well as a decrease in density of CXCR4 expression on ‘classical’ Mon1. These data provide further support of pleiotropic effects of statins and their effects on monocyte pro‐angiogenic and proreparative characteristics.
The cortical excitability profile of temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Badawy Radwa A. B. , Vogrin Simon J. , Lai Alan , Cook Mark J. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryPurposeTranscranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was used to characterize measurable changes of cortical excitability in patients who were undergoing medical and surgical management of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) to investigate whether these alterations depended on timing of achieving seizure control throughout the course of illness and method of management.MethodsEighty‐five patients with TLE divided into (1) drug naive–new onset, (2) early medically refractor, and (3) late medically refractory, (4) early seizure‐free on antiepileptic drugs, and (5) late seizure‐free on antiepileptic drugs, (6) postoperative refractory, and (7) postoperative seizure‐free groups were studied. Motor threshold (MT) and paired‐pulse TMS at short (2, 5, 10, and 15 msec) and long (100–300 msec) interstimulus intervals (ISIs) were measured. Results were compared to those of 20 controls.Key FindingsA significant interhemispheric difference was observed early at onset prior to starting medication, with higher cortical excitability in the hemisphere ipsilateral to the seizure focus, whereas the unaffected hemisphere was normal. After that, cortical excitability was higher in both hemispheres in the refractory groups (medical and postoperative) compared to the seizure‐free and drug‐naive groups (p < 0.05). This effect was most prominent at the long ISIs.SignificanceChanges in cortical excitability seen in patients with TLE are influenced by the course of the disease. The alterations that occur due to epilepsy are closely related to course of illness and degree/timing of seizure control. Successful management leads to resolution of this cortical hyperexcitability in a similar fashion regardless of method: medication (intact generator, but modulated by drugs) or surgery (generator removed).
Plant population differentiation and climate change: responses of grassland species along an elevational gradient
Authors: Frei Esther R. , Ghazoul Jaboury , Matter Philippe , Heggli Martin , Pluess Andrea R. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractMountain ecosystems are particularly susceptible to climate change. Characterizing intraspecific variation of alpine plants along elevational gradients is crucial for estimating their vulnerability to predicted changes. Environmental conditions vary with elevation, which might influence plastic responses and affect selection pressures that lead to local adaptation. Thus, local adaptation and phenotypic plasticity among low and high elevation plant populations in response to climate, soil and other factors associated with elevational gradients might underlie different responses of these populations to climate warming. Using a transplant experiment along an elevational gradient, we investigated reproductive phenology, growth and reproduction of the nutrient‐poor grassland species Ranunculus bulbosus, Trifolium montanum and Briza media. Seeds were collected from low and high elevation source populations across the Swiss Alps and grown in nine common gardens at three different elevations with two different soil depths. Despite genetic differentiation in some traits, the results revealed no indication of local adaptation to the elevation of population origin. Reproductive phenology was advanced at lower elevation in low and high elevation populations of all three species. Growth and reproduction of T. montanum and B. media were hardly affected by garden elevation and soil depth. In R. bulbosus, however, growth decreased and reproductive investment increased at higher elevation. Furthermore, soil depth influenced growth and reproduction of low elevation R. bulbosus populations. We found no evidence for local adaptation to elevation of origin and hardly any differences in the responses of low and high elevation populations. However, the consistent advanced reproductive phenology observed in all three species shows that they have the potential to plastically respond to environmental variation. We conclude that populations might not be forced to migrate to higher elevations as a consequence of climate warming, as plasticity will buffer the detrimental effects of climate change in the three investigated nutrient‐poor grassland species.
The presence and distribution of bacteria in dentinal tubules of root filled teeth
Authors: Kwang S. , Abbott P. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimTo investigate the distribution of bacteria within the dentine tubular network in a two‐chamber model in order to determine a possible route of penetration.MethodologyRoot canals of teeth in the experimental group (n = 16) were instrumented and root filled using AH26 and gutta‐percha. Canals in the teeth serving as positive (n = 1) and negative (n = 1) controls were instrumented, but not root filled. A two‐chamber model was fabricated for each root – upper chambers were inoculated weekly with Streptococcus gordonii in brain–heart infusion broth over 90 days. Turbidity of the lower chamber was checked daily. Samples that showed turbidity during the experimental period and samples that showed no signs of turbidity at 90 days were fractured and prepared for SEM examination. SEM examination for the presence of bacteria within the dentinal tubules was performed in the cervical, middle and apical root thirds. In each root third, the depth of bacterial penetration was recorded as inner, middle or outer dentine.ResultsBacteria were most commonly detected in the cervical third (14 of 30 areas). Irrespective of the root third examined, bacteria were most commonly detected in the inner dentine (i.e. adjacent to the root canal). Only two samples demonstrated bacterial penetration in the outer dentine.ConclusionThe dentine tubular network provides a potential pathway for bacteria to penetrate tooth roots in a two‐chamber model.
Web‐based stakeholder collaboration in flood risk management
Authors: Almoradie A. , Cortes V.J. , Jonoski A. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractDevelopment of flood risk management (FRM) plans and strategies should ideally be carried out in participatory processes through involvement of all stakeholders. Participation can be through collaboration with the experts and among stakeholders themselves, leading to identification of commonly agreed FRM measures or alternatives. Stakeholder participation, however, does not come without challenges and hindrances (e.g. limitation of financial resources, stakeholders' spatial distribution and their interest to participate). This article presents web‐based support tools for collaboration in FRM intended to address some of these challenges and hindrances. Following a conceptual framework, web‐based platforms for stakeholder participation through collaborative modelling are introduced. The framework and the platforms were applied in two real case studies, the Cranbrook catchment (London, UK) and the Alster catchment (Hamburg, Germany). The experiences of actual stakeholders in using the platform and the experiences in using general public licence technologies for development of the tools are also presented.
Lipid composition of some commonly consumed traditional Nigerian dishes
Authors: Onabanjo O. O. , Sanni S. A. , Afolabi W. A. O. , Oyawoye O. O. , Obanla O. O. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundLipids in the diet have been associated with the rising prevalence of many chronic diseases. The present study aimed to provide information on total lipid, free fatty acids, triacylglycerol and cholesterol contents of some dishes consumed in northern, southern, western parts of Nigeria, as well as dishes generally consumed in all parts of Nigeria. This would result in a resource that would be used by nutritionists and dietitians in meal planning.MethodsThe present study is analytical in nature. The composite dishes included a blend of cereals, roots and tubers, legumes, fat and oil and vegetables and were analysed for total lipid, free fatty acids, triacylglycerol and cholesterol contents spectrophotometrically.ResultsBurabisko (a millet based dish) had the lowest free fatty acid (0.1 mg per 100 g) and cholesterol (1. 9 mg per 100 g) contents, yam with eggs (7.1 mg per 100 g) and miyan‐kuka with semovita (415.9 mg per 100 g) contained the highest amounts of free fatty acid and cholesterol, respectively. The total lipid and triacylglycerol content were lowest in gbegiri with eko (2.6 g per 100 g) and 3.1 mg per 100 g respectively. Stewed beans with fried plantain, however, had the highest total lipid (86.5 g per 100 g) content and yam with eggs had the highest triacylglycerol (122.5 mg per 100 g) contents. The moisture content of the dishes ranged between 59.68 and 81.73% in melon seed with vegetable soup and burabisko, respectively.ConclusionsFor the first time, we have provided the lipid profile of standardised traditional dishes consumed in Nigeria. These dishes contribute a significant proportion of lipids to the diet of Nigerians, which are essential for assessing the nutrient intake of Nigerians.
Array tomography
Authors: WACKER I. , SCHROEDER R.R. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryIn array tomography ordered, ribbon‐like assemblies of ultrathin serial sections are deposited on a solid substrate and imaged afterwards. The resulting images are then aligned and reconstructed into a three‐dimensional representation of the object. Depending on the preparation and labelling regime, different imaging modalities can be applied. When using light microscopy, the labelling with fluorescent markers would be the obvious choice, whereas the imaging in a scanning electron microscope would require impregnation with heavy metals. Depending on preparative constraints, the combination of diverse imaging modalities or truly correlative imaging is possible.
Attention network test: Assessment of cognitive function in chronic fatigue syndrome
Authors: Togo Fumiharu , Lange Gudrun , Natelson Benjamin H. , Quigley Karen S. 
Published: October 2013

Information processing difficulties are common in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). It has been shown that the time it takes to process a complex cognitive task, rather than error rate, may be the critical variable underlying CFS patients' cognitive complaints. The Attention Network Task (ANT) developed by Fan and colleagues may be of clinical utility to assess cognitive function in CFS, because it allows for simultaneous assessment of mental response speed, also called information processing speed, and error rate under three conditions challenging the attention system. Comparison of data from two groups of CFS patients (those with and without comorbid major depressive disorder; n = 19 and 22, respectively) to controls (n = 29) consistently showed that error rates did not differ among groups across conditions, but speed of information processing did. Processing time was prolonged in both CFS groups and most significantly affected in response to the most complex task conditions. For simpler tasks, processing time was only prolonged in CFS participants with depression. The data suggest that the ANT may be a task that could be used clinically to assess information processing deficits in individuals with CFS.
The Vagina Dialogues: Genital Self-Image and Communication with Physicians About Sexual Dysfunction and Dissatisfaction Among Jewish Patients in a Women's Health Clinic in Southern Israel
Authors: Yulevitch Aviva , Czamanski-Cohen Johanna , Segal David , Ben-Zion Izhak , Kushnir Talma 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The health-care system offers a variety of solutions for problems related to sexual dysfunction. To gain access to treatment options, women must be willing to discuss these issues with their physicians.

Aim
To examine the extent to which women discuss issues of sexual dysfunction with their physicians and to examine the contribution of aspects of sexual dysfunction, level of satisfaction, body image, and genital self-image to their comfort with communicating with physicians about these issues.

Methods
One hundred ten secular-appearing, Hebrew-speaking Jewish women waiting for a routine gynecological appointment at a clinic in southern Israel responded to a self-report questionnaire.

Main Outcome Measures
The Female Sexuality Function Index was used to assess sexual dysfunction, Gray's Modified Questionnaire to assess body image, and the Genital Self-Image Scale to assess genital self-image. We compiled a new measure to assess level of comfort in discussing sexual functioning and satisfaction with a physician.

Results
Forty-four percent of the women had discussed sexual functioning issues with a gynecologist. Of those, 91.7% reported that the gynecologist initiated the discussion. The proportion of participants who would consult a gynecologist about sexual dysfunction was 74.5%, but only 41% would consult a family physician. Half of the women would expect a gynecologist to initiate such consultations, but only 20% would expect a family physician to do so. In a multivariate regression analysis, genital self-image was the only significant predictor of women's comfort level with discussing sexual dysfunction with a gynecologist.

Conclusions
The respondents perceived the gynecologist, rather than the family physician, as an appropriate professional to consult regarding sexual dysfunction. However, they expected the gynecologist to initiate the discussion. Women with a positive genital self-image are more comfortable in consulting about sexual dysfunction. Gynecologists should be made aware of their significant role in eliciting women's cooperation in such consultations and in contributing to improving women's genital perception.
Lymphoma Immunophenotype of Dogs Determined by Immunohistochemistry, Flow Cytometry, and Polymerase Chain Reaction for Antigen Receptor Rearrangements
Authors: Thalheim L. , Williams L.E. , Borst L.B. , Fogle J.E. , Suter S.E. 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundImmunohistochemistry (IHC), flow cytometry (FC), and PCR for antigen receptor rearrangements (PARR) are 3 widely utilized tests to determine immunophenotype in dogs with lymphoma (LSA).ObjectivesThis study evaluated the ability of FC and PARR to correctly predict immunophenotype as defined by IHC and to determine the level of agreement among the 3 tests.AnimalsSixty‐two dogs with lymphoma.MethodsRetrospective study. Medical records were searched to identify dogs with LSA that had concurrent IHC, FC, and PARR performed. Immunophenotype results were categorized as B‐cell, T‐cell, dual immunophenotype (B‐ and T‐cell), or indeterminate. The results of FC and PARR were evaluated for correctly classifying B‐ and T‐cell LSA as compared with IHC. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were evaluated in addition to concordance between each test.ResultsThe sensitivity of FC was significantly higher than PARR for both B‐cell (91% versus 67%; P < 0.0072) and T‐cell (100% versus 75%; P < 0.0312) LSA. The percent agreement between FC and IHC was 94%, between PARR and IHC was 69%, between FC and PARR was 63%, and among all 3 tests was 63%.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceFlow cytometry is superior to PARR in correctly predicting immunophenotype when evaluating lymph nodes from dogs already diagnosed with B‐ or T‐cell LSA. If fresh samples are not available for FC, PARR is an acceptable assay for determination of immunophenotype given its high specificity.
Evaluation of a Catalase‐Based Urine Test for the Detection of Urinary Tract Infection in Dogs and Cats
Authors: Kvitko‐White H.L. , Cook A.K. , Nabity M.B. , Zhang S. , Lawhon S.D. 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundBacterial infection of the urinary tract is a common disorder in dogs and cats. Although microscopic examination of urine sediment is routinely used to screen for infection, this test can lack sensitivity or require expertise. A reliable in‐clinic screening test would be a useful adjunct for the identification of dogs and cats with bacterial urinary tract infection (UTI).HypothesisThat a catalase‐based urine test (Accutest Uriscreen™) is a more sensitive screening test forUTIin dogs and cats than urine microscopic sediment examination.AnimalsOne hundred and sixty client‐owned dogs and cats.MethodsSurplus urine from animals presented to a veterinary teaching hospital was used in this prospective observational study. A routine urinalysis, aerobic bacterial culture, and the Uriscreen test were performed on cystocentesis samples. Sensitivity and specificity with 95% confidence intervals and positive and negative likelihood ratios were calculated for Uriscreen and microscopic sediment examination using culture results as the gold standard.ResultsBacterial culture was positive in 27/165 (16.4%) samples. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios for the Uriscreen were 89%, 71%, 3.0, and 0.15, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios for urine sediment microscopic examination were 78%, 90%, 7.8, and 0.24, respectively.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThe Uriscreen is a more sensitive screening test forUTIin dogs and cats than sediment examination; however, the urine sediment examination was more specific. A negative Uriscreen result helps excludeUTI; however, urine bacterial culture is still necessary to exclude or confirmUTIin all cases.