bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detection and quantification of human herpes viruses types 4–6 in sperm samples of patients with fertility disorders and chronic inflammatory urogenital tract diseases
Authors: Naumenko V. , Tyulenev Y. , Kurilo L. , Shileiko L. , Sorokina T. , Evdokimov V. , Yakovleva V. , Kovalyk V. , Malolina E. , Kulibin A. , Gomberg M. , Kushch A. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryAcute and chronic infections of the seminal tract are among the most common causes of male infertility. As at least half of male infertility cases are classified as idiopathic, some of these cases might be attributed to asymptomatic infection. The detection and quantification of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV) and human herpes virus type 6 (HHV‐6) DNA in semen samples were performed. A total of 232 patients were divided into five groups: (i) infertile men with varicocoele; (ii) men with idiopathic infertility; (iii) infertile men with chronic inflammatory urogenital tract diseases (IUTD); (iv) fertile men with IUTD and (v) men whose partners had a history of pregnancy loss. In the study population, the prevalence of viral DNA was 17.7, 3.4% for EBV, 5.2% for CMV, 6.5% for HHV‐6, 0.43% for EBV + CMV, 0.87% for EBV + HHV‐6 and 1.3% for CMV + HHV‐6. The median viral loads for EBV, CMV and HHV‐6 were 500, 2250 and 250 copies/mL respectively. Of the sperm cell fractions, derived from infected samples 87.5% contained viral DNA. No association between EBV and fertility disorders or IUTD was found. CMV detection was much higher in the group of patients with infertility and concomitant IUTD compared with the other groups combined (18.5% vs. 5.4%, p = 0.03) and associated with reduced sperm cell count (39.5 × 106/mL vs. 72.5 × 106/mL, p = 0.036). Immunostaining of spermatozoa from infected samples and in vitro–infected cells detected CMV in sperm heads, tails and connecting pieces and revealed attachment to sperm membrane and intracellular localization. HHV‐6 was the more common in fertile men with chronic IUTD than in the other groups combined (19% vs. 6.3%, p = 0.018) and had no effect on sperm parameters. The results suggest that both CMV and HHV‐6 may contribute to the aetiology of IUTD and, moreover, CMV‐associated IUTD can lead to male sterility.
TNF‐α gene promoter polymorphisms contribute to periodontitis susceptibility: evidence from 46 studies
Authors: Ding Cheng , Ji Xiaowei , Chen Xing , Xu Yan , Zhong Liangjun 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAimTumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. TNF‐α gene polymorphisms can influence the TNF‐α production. Many studies have focused the association between TNF‐α gene promoter polymorphisms and periodontitis risk, but these results are still controversial.Materials and MethodsA meta‐analysis was performed to assess the effect of TNF‐α −308G/A (rs1800629), −238G/A (rs361525) and −863C/A (rs1800630) polymorphisms on either chronic (CP) or aggressive periodontitis (AgP) risk. Odds ratios (ORs) along with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the strength of the association. Forty‐six studies involving 5186 cases and 6683 controls were retrieved and analyzed.ResultsThe TNF‐α −308G/A AA genotype was associated with increased CP risk in Asians, non‐smoking Asians and Caucasians, and this polymorphism was significantly associated with elevated risk of AgP in Asians and Caucasians. Asian individuals carrying AA genotype had a significantly increased risk for −863C/A. No significant association was identified between TNF −238G/A polymorphism and CP.ConclusionsThese findings supported that TNF‐α −308G/A and −863C/A polymorphisms may contribute to the susceptibility of periodontitis.
Practitioner Review: Long‐term pharmacological treatment of pediatric bipolar disorder
Authors: Díaz‐Caneja Covadonga M. , Moreno Carmen , Llorente Cloe , Espliego Ana , Arango Celso , Moreno Dolores 
Published: June 2014

BackgroundAlthough long‐term treatment is a core aspect of the management of children and adolescents with bipolar disorder (BD), most clinical recommendations are based on results from short‐term studies or adult data. In order to guide clinical practice, we review the efficacy and safety profile of mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and other pharmacological strategies for the long‐term treatment of BD in pediatric patients.MethodsA MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane and PsycInfo search (inception through November 2013) was performed to identify prospective studies longer than 12 weeks assessing the use of pharmacological strategies for the long‐term treatment of BD in pediatric patients (0–18 years of age).ResultsFour randomized controlled trials (RCT) [three placebo‐controlled (assessing aripiprazole (2) and flax oil), and one head‐to‐head comparison of lithium vs. divalproex], and thirteen noncontrolled studies (six open‐label studies assessing lithium or anticonvulsants, five assessing second‐generation antipsychotics (SGAs) and four assessing combination strategies) were included in the review. Aripiprazole has shown efficacy for relapse prevention in children with pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD) 4–9 years of age in one placebo‐controlled RCT. Positive results have been reported in noncontrolled studies with quetiapine and lithium for relapse prevention, as well as with lithium, quetiapine, ziprasidone, and the combination of risperidone and divalproex or lithium for long‐term symptom reduction in PBD. The most frequently reported adverse events in children and adolescents treated with lithium and anticonvulsants are gastrointestinal and neurological, whereas use of SGAs is mainly related to weight gain and sedation.ConclusionAccording to the limited empirical evidence, aripiprazole can be useful for relapse prevention in children with PBD. Given the lack of consistent efficacy data, clinical decision making should be based on individual clinical aspects and safety concerns.
Volatiles in perennial ryegrass infected with strains of endophytic fungus: impact on African black beetle host selection
Authors: Qawasmeh A. , Raman A. , Wheatley W. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractPerennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) is often infected with the fungal‐endophyte Neotyphodium lolii. In addition to the ‘wild‐type’ strain (EWT), several ‘selected’ strains of N. lolii are now being marketed as AR1 (EAR1) and AR37 (EAR37). Each of these strains impact positively on L. perenne's resistance against many insects, including the African black beetles (Heteronychus arator). The impact of volatile oils produced specifically by each strain in the endophyte–grass association in enhancing the grass's resistance to insects is still largely unknown. Keeping these in view, we determined the volatile oil profiles produced by L. perenne infected with either EWT or EAR1 or EAR37 and determined the impacts of these volatiles on the host‐selection behaviour of H. arator adults. In the absence of endophyte infection (E–), L. perenne produced 18 different volatile oils. In L. perenne EWT, quantities of 2‐ethyl‐1‐hexanol acetate (Rt = 14.5 min), (Z)‐2‐octen‐1‐ol (Rt = 22.2 min), and butylated hydroxyl toluene (Rt = 23.2 min) were 24, 16 and 26%, respectively, greater than L. perenne E–. The strains EAR1 and EAR37 affected differently the quantities of the volatile compounds but not their identity. In the four‐choice bioassay, males and females of H. arator were equally attracted to each strain. In Y‐tube olfactometer, compared against E–, H. arator adults were less attracted to L. perenne EWT and EAR1. The attractiveness of EAR37 was similar in effect to E– to H. arator. The results indicate that each strain of N. lolii alters the profile of volatile oils in L. perenne differently and that alteration can influence H. arator adult‐host selection.
Evaluating the MEDLINE Core Clinical Journals filter: data‐driven evidence assessing clinical utility
Authors: Klein‐Fedyshin Michele , Ketchum Andrea M. , Arnold Robert M. , Fedyshin Peter J. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesMEDLINE offers the Core Clinical Journals filter to limit to clinically useful journals. To determine its effectiveness for searching and patient‐centric decision making, this study compared literature used for Morning Report in Internal Medicine with journals in the filter.MethodAn EndNote library with references answering 327 patient‐related questions during Morning Report from 2007 to 2012 was exported to a file listing variables including designated Core Clinical Journal, Impact Factor, date used and medical subject. Bradford's law of scattering was applied ranking the journals and reflecting their clinical utility. Recall (sensitivity) and precision of the Core Morning Report journals and non‐Core set was calculated. This study applied bibliometrics to compare the 628 articles used against these criteria to determine journals impacting decision making.ResultsAnalysis shows 30% of clinically used articles are from the Core Clinical Journals filter and 16% of the journals represented are Core titles. When Bradford‐ranked, 55% of the top 20 journals are Core. Articles <5 years old furnish 63% of sources used. Among the 63 Morning Report subjects, 55 have <50% precision and 41 have <50% recall including 37 subjects with 0% precision and 0% recall.ConclusionsLow usage of publications within the Core Clinical Journals filter indicates less relevance for hospital‐based care. The divergence from high‐impact medicine titles suggests clinically valuable journals differ from academically important titles. With few subjects demonstrating high recall or precision, the MEDLINE Core Clinical Journals filter may require a review and update to better align with current clinical needs.
A Need for Training: Preparing Juvenile and Family Court Judges on Military‐Related Issues
Authors: Marsh Shawn C. , Gonzalez Carlene 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThis brief report presents a study undertaken to better understand the training needs of judicial officers related to military issues. A snowball sample of judicial officers and court‐affiliated stakeholders were asked to identify the most critical training topics regarding military issues in juvenile and family court, as well as rate the importance of 13 potential training topics. The highest rated training topics for judicial officers (N = 129) were the (1) Welfare of spouses and children, (2) Protocols to consider when selecting kinship care for children of deployed parents, (3) Mental and physical health consequences of military service and deployment, (4) Reporting standards regarding Intimate Partner Violence or Family Violence, as well as implications for civil case investigation, and (5) Education support for children of deployed parents. Findings suggest a desire in the field for specific training on a multitude of issues related to serving/veteran men and women, spouses, and dependents. Recommendations for such trainings are discussed.
Developing an Effective Method to Determine the Deviation of F Value upon the Location of a Still Can during Convection Heating Using CFD and Subzones
Authors: Lee Myeong Gi , Yoon Won Byong 
Published: June 2014

AbstractA numerical simulation was applied to determine the temperature profiles of water in a can with a diameter of 52.3 mm and a height of 124.0 mm. Cold points at different heating times were determined, and the degree of pasteurization (F value) of each cold point was calculated. Subzones in both vertical and horizontal directions were introduced to determine the deviation of F value upon the location in the can during a convective heating, and the average F value of each subzone was estimated. The slow heating zone (SHZ) was determined by overwrapping the subzones with the lowest average F values in the vertical and horizontal direction. The cold point was continuously moved during the thermal treatment and even at 600 s, the SHZ determined by this subzone method maintained a single zone, unlike the cold points. The relative difference of F value between the SHZ and the cold point was approximately 0.575%. The subzone method is thus an effective way to determine the SHZ and F value, which is an indicator of the sterilization.Practical ApplicationsFor safety purposes, estimation of the degree of pasteurization is very important for the liquid food in a can. Determination of the slow heating zone (SHZ) and F value in the can is very difficult because of the convection flow during heating. Many previous studies indicated the importance of determining the SHZ for the liquid food in a can, but there was no clear advice to estimate the degree of pasteurization based on the temperature profile from the SHZ. This study suggested to use the subzones to estimate the SHZ and clearly demonstrate that the degree of pasteurization at the SHZ represented by the area average F value obtained from the subzone is more stable and consistent.
Ozone‐Induced Changes in Phenols and Antioxidant Capacities of Peanut Skins
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Diao Enjie , Shen Xiangzhen , Ma Wenwen , Ji Ning , Dong Haizhou 
Published: June 2014

AbstractChanges of total phenols, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins and antioxidant capacities of peanut skins were studied after they were ozonated for different times (0–60 h). The phenols and their oxidation products in peanut skins were identified by High Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled Quadrupole Time‐of‐Flight Mass Spectrometry (HPLC‐Q‐TOF/MS). Ozone treatment significantly affected total phenolic and proanthocyanidin contents, which were reduced by 48.77 and 47.71% after 24 h of ozone treatment, respectively. Total flavonoids were increased due to new flavonoids formed during ozone treatment. The antioxidant capacities of peanut skin extracts were closely correlated to the total phenolic and proanthocyanidin contents, and the correlation coefficients (R) were 0.9831 and 0.7859, respectively. The decrease of total phenolic and proanthocyanidin contents reduced obviously the antioxidant capacities of peanut skin extracts. Ten phenolic compounds and seven oxidation products were identified by Q‐TOF/MS, and the changes of their peak areas further verified the changes of phenols in peanut skin extracts at different ozonation times.Practical ApplicationsMany studies have proved that ozone can degrade aflatoxins in peanuts. However, ozone treatment can also affect the phenols in peanut skins, and then influence their antioxidant capacities. This study demonstrated the changes of phenols and their antioxidant capacities in the ozonated peanut skins. The phenolic compounds and their oxidation products were identified by TOF/MS. Information on the changes of phenols induced by ozone would help in improving the detoxification technology of peanuts for maintaining more functional components in peanut skins.
Contributions of dental colour to the physical attractiveness stereotype
Authors: Montero J. , Gómez‐Polo C. , Santos J. A. , Portillo M. , Lorenzo M. C. , Albaladejo A. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryDental appearance may play a key role on the way we develop a first impression of another person. To test whether relatively minor changes in the lightness of tooth colour would influence the perceived social appeal (social, intellectual, psychological and relational abilities) of an unknown male and unknown female, this cross‐sectional study was performed on 555 Spanish adults. The two major independent variables related to the photograph were tooth lightness (computer‐derived), divided into three levels that included lightened teeth, natural teeth and darkened teeth, and the gender of the observed face. Moreover, six independent variables related to the observer were assessed (age, gender, educational level, place of residence, frequency of brushing and self‐reported health status). The dependent variables were scored on five‐point Likert scales designed to quantify four domains (social, intellectual, psychological and relationship competences) of the Social Appeal Scale (SAS). Tooth lightness influences the perception of social appeal in all dimensions, as darkened smiles received significantly poorer scores than natural‐colour smiles, but these were also worse than lightened smiles. A logistic regression analysis revealed that the major predictor of social appeal was tooth lightness, and for each increment in lightness (from darkened to lightened smiles), the odds ratio (OR) of positive values being perceived increased significantly in all items (from 2·3 in Popularity to 6·9 in Happiness). A perceptible change in dental lightness is the strongest factor associated with the dental attractiveness stereotype, affecting significantly the 12 traits assessed, but mainly the Happiness, Social Relations and Academic Performance.
Testosterone Deficiency in Patients with Erectile Dysfunction: When Should a Higher Cardiovascular Risk Be Considered?
Authors: Martínez-Jabaloyas José M. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract

Introduction
Low testosterone levels (low T) increase the cardiovascular (CV) risk of men with erectile dysfunction (ED). T levels associated with a higher CV risk are unknown.

Aim
To determine the prevalence of CV risk factors associated with low T as defined by European Guidelines and their contribution to low T, overall and at different ages.

Methods
Multicenter, cross-sectional, observational study conducted in Spain among men with ED aged ≥18 years visiting Urology/Andrology offices for sexual dysfunction. Anthropometric, clinical, and laboratory data, including total T (TT) values, were collected for 1,278 men.

Main Outcome Measures
Risk factors were assessed in men with TT ≤8, 8–12, and ≥12 nmol/L, and two-group comparisons were made. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to calculate odds ratios for low T after adjusting for possible confounding factors.

Results
Mean age (standard deviation) was 58.0 (9.2) years. Age and prevalence of CV risk factors was similar in men with TT ≤8 nmol/L or 8–12 nmol/L and significantly higher than in men with TT &gt;12 nmol/L. Low T was therefore considered as TT ≤12 nmol/L, with a prevalence of 33.3%. Obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and severe ED were the variables most strongly associated with low T: obesity in middle-aged men; hyperlipidemia, and hypertension in older men. Severe ED was a risk factor in both groups. Hypolipidemic therapy had the greater effect in young men. Multivariate analysis showed that severe ED and obesity were the strongest predictors of low T.

Conclusion
T levels associated with increased CV risk could go as high as 12 nmol/L in men with ED, with distribution of risk factors showing differences according to age. Obesity and severe ED are the best predictors of low T-related CV risk.
Canine hepacivirus and idiopathic hepatitis in dogs from a Dutch cohort
Authors: van der Laan L. J. W. , de Ruiter P. E. , van Gils I. M. , Fieten H. , Spee B. , Pan Q. , Rothuizen J. , Penning L. C. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryLiver diseases are highly prevalent in the general dog population, though the etiology is often unknown. Recently a homolog of human hepatitis C virus was discovered in dogs with respiratory infections. Although this canine hepacivirus (CHV) was detectable in some liver samples, a clear link with liver disease has not been established. A recent study by Bexfield et al. showed that in a large cohort of dogs from the UK with idiopathic hepatitis, no evidence can be found for exposure to, or carrier state of CHV both in liver and in serum. The authors however state that ‘the absence of CHV infection on dogs from the UK might not represent the global ecology of the virus’. We investigated CHV‐infection in 267 liver biopsies from 120 dogs idiopathic hepatitis and 135 control animals, in a population from the Netherlands. Using a highly sensitive PCR assay for CHV‐NS3, no CHV was detected in all 267 liver samples. Our data show that the lack of association between canine hepacivirus and chronic liver disease in dogs is not limited to the UK, but is also found in an independent cohort from the European continent.
Integrin‐linked kinase regulates endothelial cell nitric oxide synthase expression in hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells
Authors: Shafiei Mahnoush S. , Lui Songling , Rockey Don C. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsPortal hypertension results from endothelial dysfunction after liver injury caused in part by abnormal production of endothelial cell derived nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Here, we have postulated that endothelial mechanosensing pathways involving integrin‐linked kinase (ILK) may play a critical role in portal hypertension, eNOS expression and function. In this study, we investigated the role of ILK and the small GTP‐binding protein, Rho, in sinusoidal endothelial cell (SEC) eNOS regulation and function.MethodsPrimary liver SECs were isolated using standard techniques. Liver injury was induced by performing bile duct ligation (BDL). To examine the expression of Rho and ILK in vivo during wound healing, SECs were infected with constitutively active Rho (V14), a dominant negative Rho (N19) and constructs encoding ILK and a short hairpin‐inhibiting ILK.ResultsIntegrin‐linked kinase expression was increased in SECs after liver injury; endothelin‐1, vascular endothelial growth factor, and transforming growth factor beta‐1 stimulated ILK expression in SECs. ILK expression in turn led to eNOS upregulation and to enhance eNOS phosphorylation and NO production. ILK knockdown or ILK (kinase) inhibition reduced eNOS mRNA expression, promoter activity, eNOS expression and ultimately NO production. In contrast, ILK overexpression had the opposite effect. Inhibition of ILK activity also disrupted the actin cytoskeleton in isolated SECs. Rho overexpression suppressed phosphorylation of the serine‐threonine kinase, Akt and inhibited eNOS phosphorylation. Finally, inhibition of Rho function with the RGS domain of the p115‐Rho‐specific GEF (p115‐RGS) significantly increased eNOS phosphorylation.ConclusionsOur data suggest a potential role for ILK, the cytoskeleton and ILK signalling partners including Rho in regulating intrahepatic SEC eNOS expression and function.
Hepatitis E infection in patients with severe acute alcoholic hepatitis
Authors: Haim‐Boukobza Stéphanie , Coilly Audrey , Sebagh Mylène , Bouamoud Mouna , Antonini Teresa , Roche Bruno , Yordanova Olga , Savary Janine , Saliba Faouzi , Duclos‐Vallee Jean‐Charles , Samuel Didier , Ichai Philippe , Roque‐Afonso Anne‐Marie 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsHepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is a known cause of acute‐on‐chronic liver failure in developing countries, but its implication in Western countries remains unknown. HEV burden in the setting of severe acute alcoholic hepatitis (AAH) was assessed.MethodsPatients admitted for severe AAH from 2007 to 2013, with available sera and histologically proven AAH, were included and managed according to current European guidelines. At admission, clinical and biological characteristics were collected; HEV serology and RNA detection were retrospectively performed.ResultsEighty‐four patients were included. Mean age was 50.8 ± 9.6 years, 65.5% were male, 91.7% were cirrhotic and 33.3% presented with encephalopathy. Mean MELD and Maddrey scores were respectively 32.4 ± 11.4 and 73.3 ± 37. Liver biopsy showed mild, moderate and severe hepatitis in 25 (29.8%), 23 (27.4%) and 32 (38.1%) patients respectively. Steroids were given to 61 patients (72.6%) of whom 35 (57.4%) presented corticoresistance (mean Lille score: 0.78 ± 0.21). During hospitalization, 24 patients (28.6%) died and 11 (13.1%) were transplanted. Three patients (3.6%) presented markers of acute HEV infection and 21 (25%) markers of past HEV infection. Patient with acute infection were men, cirrhotic, and 2/3 presented with encephalopathy. Steroids were given to two patients without any response. The third patient died. None were transplanted.ConclusionsA substantial proportion of patients with severe AAH had markers of acute HEV infection, with similar clinical presentation and outcomes. Larger studies are needed to evaluate HEV impact on AAH management, resistance to steroids, and outcome.