bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transition toward Human Cytomegalovirus Susceptibility in Early Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Neural Precursors
Authors: Berger Amnon A. , Gil Yaniv , Panet Amos , Weisblum Yiska , Oiknine-Djian Esther , Gropp Michal , Steiner Debora , Reubinoff Benjamin E. , Wolf Dana G. 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACT
Congenital human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is associated with neurodevelopmental disabilities. To dissect the earliest events of infection in the developing human brain, we studied HCMV infection during controlled differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESC) into neural precursors. We traced a transition from viral restriction in hESC, mediated by a block in viral binding, toward HCMV susceptibility in early hESC-derived neural precursors. We further revealed the role of platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα) as a determinant of the developmentally acquired HCMV susceptibility.
Prevalence of group A streptococcal disease in North and Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Barth Dylan D , Mayosi Bongani M , Jabar Ardil , Engel Mark E 
Published: August 2015

IntroductionThe true burden of group A streptococcal (GAS) disease in Africa is not known. GAS is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity on the global scale and in developing countries. According to Carapetiset al, the prevalence of severe GAS disease is at least 18.1 million cases with an incidence of at least 1.78 million cases per year.Methods and analysesWe aim to provide a systematic review of studies measuring the prevalence of GAS infection among people in North and Sub-Saharan African countries. A comprehensive literature search of a number of databases will be undertaken, using an African search filter, to identify GAS prevalence studies that have been published. Full copies of articles will be identified by a defined search strategy and will be considered for inclusion against predefined criteria. Statistical analysis will include two steps: (1) identification of data sources and documenting of estimates, and (2) the application of the random-effects and fixed-effects meta-analysis model to aggregate prevalence estimates, and to account for between study variability in calculating the overall pooled estimates and 95% CI for GAS prevalence. Heterogeneity will be evaluated using the I2statistic to determine the extent of variation in effect estimates that is due to heterogeneity rather than chance. This systematic review protocol was prepared according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015 Statement. This review will provide updated evidence of a review published in 2009. Our data will have implications for the development of a GAS vaccine.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval is not required for this study given that this is a protocol for a systematic review of published studies. The results of this study will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication and conference presentation.Systematic review registration numberPROSPERO CRD4201401290 0. (http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.asp?ID=CRD42014012900).
Multiple risk factors and ischaemic stroke in the elderly Asian population with and without atrial fibrillation
Authors: Wang Hao , Tian Yingchun , Guo Yutao , Wang Yutang , Lip Gregory Y. H. 
Published: August 2015

SummaryIschaemic stroke risk rises with the increasing cardiovascular risk factors. How atrial fibrillation (AF) incrementally contributes to the risk for ischaemic stroke with increasing age and multiple cardiovascular risk factors is unclear. In an individual patient with AF the mechanism of ischaemic stroke may be related directly to AF itself or to risk factors associated with AF. It was this study’s objective to investigate incident ischaemic stroke in relation to age and increasing cardiovascular risk factor(s), and the incremental impact of AF on stroke rates. We studied a 5 % random sampling from Chinese medical insurance data covering more than 10 million individuals, for the years 2001 to 2012. The rate of ischaemic stroke was calculated amongst the individuals with no prior history of ischaemic stroke, in relation to age groups (aged < 65, 65–74,75 years old; n = 348,431, n = 56,952, n = 20,217, respectively), and increasing risk factors using the CHA2DS2-VASc score. Among the randomly sampled 425,600 individuals with total follow-up of 1,864,232 patient-years [63.8 % male, mean age 60 years; 880 with AF, vs 424,720 non-AF], there were 13,242 (3.1 %) ischaemic strokes after 64,834 person-years follow-up. Overall, ischaemic stroke incidence (per 100 person-years) was 0.35 (95 %CI 0.34–0.35) in the non-AF population and 1.11 (0.84–1.45) with AF. The AF population age < 65 and 65–74 had higher CHA2DS2-VASc scores than the nonAF population (p< 0.001), but this was non-significant between the non-AF and AF population age75 (p=0.086). For the population age75 years, incident stroke rates were 2.07 (0.86–4.76) and 4.29 (4.08–4.51) in non-AF and AF populations, respectively. The non-AF population age65 years with2 additional comorbidities (hyper-tension, vascular disease, diabetic, or heart failure) had ischaemic stroke rates similar to an AF population with CHA2DS2-VASc4. In both non-AF and AF populations, those with CHA2DS2-VASc =1 had a 1.9 fold increase in stroke risk, and those with CHA2DS2-VASc2 had more than four-fold increased risk for stroke, compared with those with CHA2DS2-VASc=0. In conclusion, an increasing cluster of multiple cardiovascular risk factors (besides AF) contributes to a greater risk for ischaemic stroke, especially in the elderly population. If elderly and with multiple risk factors, non-AF patients may have a risk of incident ischaemic stroke that is comparable or even higher than patients with AF, suggesting that the incremental stroke risk attributable to AF is marginal in such ‘high risk’ patients.
Interhemispheric Variability of Earth’s Radiation
Authors: Ruzmaikin Alexander , Aumann Hartmut H. , Jiang Jonathan H. 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The variability of interhemispheric symmetry of Earth’s energy serves as an independent indicator of climate change. The analysis of updated data obtained from satellite measurements at the top of the atmosphere (TOA) shows that in accord with Earth’s orbital requirements the annually averaged incident solar radiation is the same in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, the annual mean of the reflected shortwave radiation is almost north–south symmetric, and the annual mean of the outgoing longwave radiation is larger in the Northern Hemisphere by 1.4 W m−2. These mean radiations systematically differ from the mean radiations found from the numerical atmospheric models that participated in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5). The hemispheric differences of the TOA radiations vary on the annual and interannual time scales. The multidecadal variability in Earth’s north–south temperature difference reveals a similarity of trends in both hemispheres. The Atlantic meridional transport (in contrast to the Pacific meridional transport) is found to be coherent with the interhemispheric ocean heat content (OHC) difference on decadal and multidecadal time scales, indicating a critical role of the Atlantic in the interhemispheric energy balance change.
Progestins to control feline reproduction
Authors: Romagnoli Stefano 
Published: August 2015

Relevance: The high fertility rate of cats means that methods to control feline reproduction are a requirement for cat breeders and pet owners, as well as for those involved in the management of feral cat populations. Progestins continue to be used to prevent queens from cycling, and also as an adjunct or alternative to surgical sterilization within trap–neuter–return (TNR) programs. Evidence base: A considerable body of information exists on megestrol acetate (MA) and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), thanks to the many studies and case reports published in the scientific literature over the past 50 years documenting their clinical use in cats. Comparatively less is known about the use in cats of more recent progestins such as levonorgestrel, proligestone, delmadinone, chlormadinone and altrenogest. Dosing, safety and efficacy: Based on a combination of dose, frequency and duration of treatment, MA can be categorized into low (0.625 mg/kg/week for up to 30 weeks), medium (0.625 mg/kg q24h for 1 week or q48h for up to 2 weeks) and high (0.625 mg/kg q24h or q48h for several weeks, or weekly for months or years) dosages. Studies suggest that low dosages can be used relatively safely in cats, while higher dosages increase the risk and severity of adverse reactions. Early work showing that an oral MPA dosage of 0.01 mg/kg administered q24h for 12 months suppresses oestrus in queens effectively and safely has not been considered, and much higher MPA dosages (>6.25 mg/kg q24h) have been used in cats over the past 40 years. Recommendations: Progestins should always be used with caution. Using the lowest possible dosages, MA and MPA may, however, continue to be used safely in pet queens as well as (in conjunction with TNR programs) for the control of feral cat colonies. More recent progestins appear to be effective and safe, albeit their efficacy and safety need to be further investigated.
Alternative methods for feline fertility control
Authors: Kutzler Michelle A 
Published: August 2015

Practical relevance: Reversible contraceptives are highly desired by purebred cat breeders for managing estrous cycles and by scientists managing assisted reproduction programs. A variety of alternative medicine approaches have been explored as methods to control feline fertility. Scope: In the field of veterinary homeopathy, wild carrot seed and papaya have been used for centuries. Both appear to be safe, but their efficacy as feline contraceptives remains anecdotal. In contrast, the use of melatonin in cats has been investigated in a number of studies, findings from which are reviewed in this article. Rationale: Cats are seasonally polyestrous (they cycle several times during their breeding season) and are described as long-day breeders because endogenous melatonin negatively regulates estrous cyclicity. Exogenous melatonin administered parenterally also suppresses ovarian activity in cats, and long-term oral or subcutaneous melatonin administration is safe. Challenges: The therapeutic use of melatonin is limited by its short biological half-life (15–20 mins), its poor oral bioavailability and its central effects in reducing wakefulness. Research is required to determine whether higher doses, longer-release formulations, repeated administration or combination implants might overcome these limitations.
Vaccines for feline contraception
Authors: Benka Valerie A W , Levy Julie K 
Published: August 2015

Vaccine: GonaCon™ is the trade name of a GnRH–hemocyanin conjugate immunocontraceptive vaccine formulation shown to prevent reproduction and inhibit production of sex hormones in numerous mammalian species for extended durations. GonaCon is currently registered with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for contraception of female white-tailed deer, and GonaCon™-Equine for female wild horses and burros. Multiple formulations of this GnRH-hemocyanin conjugate immunocontraceptive vaccine have been developed at the National Wildlife Research Center in the United States. Evidence base: Three studies employing an early generation vaccine formulation indicated its potential for multi-year contraception of female cats (median duration of effect in excess of 39.7 months). The contraceptive effect for male cats was less predictable and of shorter duration (median duration of effect 14 months). Since these initial feline studies there have been formulation composition changes, and further investigation of the safety, efficacy and duration of this contraceptive vaccine for cats is warranted. Future prospects: Individual country regulations will determine if GonaCon could be registered for unowned, free-roaming and/or pet cats.
No surgery required: the future of feline sterilization
Authors: Johnston Shirley , Rhodes Linda 
Published: August 2015

Overview: For many years, researchers have been studying reproduction of cats and dogs, including approaches to non-surgical sterilization, but scant funding has been available for this work. Recognizing the need to fund research and to attract researchers from the biomedical community to apply their expertise to this area, the Michelson Prize & Grants (MPG) in Reproductive Biology program was founded. Since 2009, it has funded 34 research projects in seven countries toward discovery of a safe single-administration lifetime non-surgical sterilant in male and female cats and dogs. Goal: The goal of the MPG program is the reduction or elimination of the approximately 2.7 million deaths of healthy shelter cats and dogs in the US every year. The successful product is expected to be a single-dose injectable product approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as a veterinary prescription item. The most optimistic prediction is that such a product will reach the hands of practicing veterinarians within the next decade. Areas of research: Active research is in progress using approaches such as immunocontraception with a single-administration vaccine against gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH). Long-term therapy with GnRH agonists such as deslorelin administered in controlled-release devices is also being studied. Other scientists are targeting cells in the brain or gonads with cytotoxins, such as are used in cancer chemotherapy. Gene therapy expressing proteins that suppress reproduction and gene silencing of peptides essential to reproduction are further avenues of research. Findings are available at www.michelsonprizeandgrants.org/michelson-grants/research-findings .
Better trap–neuter–return for free-roaming cats
Authors: Boone John D 
Published: August 2015

Overview: Trap–neuter–return (TNR) for cat management is transitioning from an enterprise driven mainly by an urge to ‘help’ into an enterprise that draws useful guidance and precedent from the fields of population biology and wildlife management. This transition is in its infancy, however. At the present time many TNR programs do not produce substantial and persistent reductions in cat populations, and those that do often fail to effectively document this achievement or to publicize their success. Challenges: As a result, TNR has become increasingly controversial, with TNR advocates and wildlife conservationists often staking out fundamentally incompatible positions. This may ultimately prove to be an unproductive debate, since public opinion in developed countries is unlikely to support a total abandonment of TNR in favor of widespread cat management using lethal methods, and since wildlife advocates are unlikely to support TNR as it is typically practiced. Advancements: In contrast, improving the effectiveness of TNR as a population management tool can benefit both cats and wildlife, potentially on a broad scale. Making these advancements requires the diligent promotion, dissemination and adoption of tools like population modeling, population monitoring and adaptive management. By virtue of their training and exposure to the scientific method, veterinarians are uniquely well positioned to translate the more technical aspects of these approaches to TNR practitioners, and to facilitate their wider use. Aim: The purpose of this review is to describe for a veterinary audience how to facilitate more effective sterilization-based management of outdoor cats, using a combination of theoretical knowledge derived from population modeling and empirical knowledge derived from population monitoring. Using both of these information sources synergistically can offer a viable pathway to better management outcomes.
Computation of fixed point index and applications to superlinear periodic problem
Authors: Wang Feng , Li Shengjun 
Published: August 2015

AbstractIn this paper we compute the fixed point index for A-proper semilinear operators under certain boundary conditions. The proof is based on the partial order method combined with the properties of the fixed point index. As an application, we use the abstract results presented above to study the existence conditions of positive solutions for superlinear first-order and second-order periodic problems.
Effectiveness of the influence of outdoor training by the type of overall phisical condition on the physical condition of the first mature age women
Authors: Сиднева Лариса , Sidneva Larisa 
Published: August 2015

The article is dedicated to the features of the outdoor activities and the effectiveness of their influence on the physical
condition of the first Mature age women. The pedagogical experiment was held in the system of sport and health
clubs “Planet of Fitness” for three months with 28–38 years-old women. The experiment developed methodical
recommendations for outdoor practice at sporting venues, located in the yards and parks with the use of additional
equipment. For the main part of the lesson there was designed an exercise program with mainly power orientation
to strengthen the muscles of the back, chest, belt of the upper limb and lower limb, muscles of upper and lower limbs
with regard to recommendations on the technique of exercise, number of repetitions and approaches that rest time.
There was used a series of tests to determine the physical fitness level of the subjects before and after the experiment
that allowed us to assess the following indicators: the strength of different muscle groups, IPC (maximum
oxygen consumption), PWC (physical performance) and BMI (body mass index). The main types of outdoor activities
described in the article and their impact on the physical condition of training people have not been studied
sufficiently, so this publication is the beginning of a cycle of scientific publications on the results of the research
(including comparative) exposure to outdoor physical education on the human body. The article can be useful to
scientists involved in research on the influence of physical activity, and also the teachers (of physical education) of
secondary and higher education, practitioners in the field of fitness.
Influence of cultural and educational tours to the condition of the tourists
Authors: Третьякова Татьяна , Tretyakova Tatyana , Меньщиков Анатолий , Menshchikov Anatoliy 
Published: August 2015

The article presents the author’s concept of the influence of the cultural and educational tours on emotional and
physical state of tourists; it explains the new direction of scientific research as “Cultural tourism and human
health”. The hypothesis of the study lies in the assumption about the positive impact of appropriate conditions of
cultural and educational tours on human health: the condition of the tourists in terms of cultural and educational
tours to various regions of Russia will demonstrate positive dynamics under condition of the correct program of
tourist services, including dosed excursions, organization of optimal functional food, comfortable accommodation
and quality of excursions that enhance the resilience of the body, restoring vitality and health. The relevance of
the study is due to the following factors: 1) the worsening of the social problems of contemporary life, associated
with unsustainable way of life that undermines the protective powers of man, dooming him to premature aging and
disease; 2) the need to search for new meanings and ideas for the development of tourist offers in domestic tourism,
especially in conditions of economic pressure by the EU and the US on Russia. The aim of this study was to
identify changes of state to visit in terms of cultural and educational tours to develop a physiologically-based design
system of cultural and educational tours. The study is focused on indicators of emotional state and hemodynamics
(systolic, diastolic arterial pressure and heart rate). Pilot measurements which were made during the experiment,
show that in the context of cultural tourism in the body of the tourists there are some state changes that need to be
checked, scientific instruments/ conditions, criteria and indicators to be determined, a model of ergonomic tour
and recommendations for the design of programs of tourist services to be developed. The results of the study allowed
us to determine a new direction of scientific research – “Cultural tourism and human health”.
Effect of patient positioning on toe pressure measurement using noninvasive vascular testing
Authors: Sansosti Laura E , Berger Michael D , Gerrity Michael A , Kelly Patrick , Meyr Andrew J 
Published: August 2015

Objective: Interpretation of digital pressure in the assessment of healing potential for diabetic foot disease has become common because of the potential for false elevation with the ankle-brachial index. However, the specific testing protocol for segmental Doppler examinations and photoplethysmography require patients to be in the supine position, with the lower limbs at heart level, in order to minimise the effect of hydrostatic pressure. This may be difficult in many patients with lower extremity pathology, particularly those who are nonambulatory, with painful wounds, or with orthopnea. In these situations, the noninvasive vascular test may be performed with the patient in a more comfortable position, which may include sitting in a wheelchair with the leg in a dependent position. The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of patient positioning on measurement of the digital pressure. Method: Hallux pressures were measured in 20 healthy volunteers in 3 variable positions of limb dependency. Results: The mean±standard deviation of digital pressure for subjects while lying supine with the limb at heart level was 103.5±26.0 mmHg (the recommended position for performance of the test), while sitting upright with the limb level on the table was 130.6±27.9 mmHg (+26.2%, p<0.0001) and sitting upright with the limb in a dependent position was 169.8±30.8 mmHg (+64.1%, p<0.0001). Conclusion: On the basis of these results, we conclude that patient positioning has a significant effect on measurement of digital pressure.
Use of topical haemoglobin on sloughy wounds in the community setting
Authors: Bateman Sharon Dawn 
Published: August 2015

Aim: This evaluation aimed to determine whether the use of a haemoglobin spray solution expedited sloughy wound healing. Method: A descriptive evaluation was undertaken within a community setting exploring 25 patients presenting with sloughy healing and non-healing wounds, and the effects of 8 topically administered haemoglobin treatments over a 4-week period. Standard wound cleansing and dressing management were continued, with no changes to pre-evaluation regimens, and care being provided by the patients themselves or by a carer. Data were collected weekly with regard to primary outcomes of slough reduction, wound surface area reduction, patient ease of use (self-care), and overall product experience. Results: At 4 weeks, all wounds demonstrated positive measured endpoints of slough elimination and continued wound-size reduction. Patients and carers found the product easy to use (self-caring) with an overall positive wound care experience. Conclusion: The administration of a haemoglobin spray solution on patients presenting with sloughy wounds resulted in positive healing outcomes of slough elimination and wound reduction alongside positive self-care and product satisfaction. Continued evaluation is recommended to build upon the evidence of this form of treatment.