bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Opportunistic toenail onychomycosis. The fungal colonization of an available nail unit space by non‐dermatophytes is produced by the trauma of the closed shoe by an asymmetric gait or other trauma. A plausible theory
Authors: Zaias N. , Escovar S.X. , Rebell G. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractOpportunistic onychomycosis is defined, when a non‐dermatophyte mould is cultured from an abnormal nail unit in the absence of a dermatophyte. The presumption is that the mould has caused the abnormal clinical appearance of the nail unit, yet there are no data available to substantiate this claim. Reports have only identified the mould being recovered from the nail unit niche. A review of the published dermatologic literature describing toenail opportunistic onychomycosis by non‐dermatophyte fungi has shown toenails with onycholysis, nail bed (NB) keratosis and nail plate surface abnormalities. The appearance of these clinical changes is indistinguishable from the diagnosis of the Asymmetric Gait Nail Unit Signs (AGNUS). AGNUS is produced by the friction of the closed shoe in patients with an asymmetric gait, resulting primarily from the ubiquitous uneven flat feet. Most commonly, species of Acremonium (Cephalosporium), Aspergillus, Fusarium, Scopulariopsis and rarely species of many different fungi genera are capable of surviving and reproducing in a keratinous environment and change the clinical appearance of the involved nail unit. AGNUS toenails predispose to the colonization by the non‐dermatophyte opportunistic fungi but not by dermatophyte fungi.
MEASURING THE DIVERSITY OF HOUSEHOLD SPENDING PATTERNS
Authors: Chai Andreas , Rohde Nicholas , Silber Jacques 
Published: April 2014

AbstractHouseholds tend to diversify their spending across a wide range of goods and services as they become more affluent. Recently, there has been growing interest in understanding the precise manner in which this spending diversification process takes place. We review what facts are known about this process and the underlying behavioural tendencies that are thought to drive it. In addition, we clarify the relationship between different approaches to measuring the level of spending diversity. A number of indices are employed, including measures based on joint probabilities, distances and the concept of entropy. Using UK household spending data, we show the extent to which these measures deliver different results and shed light on the nature of behavioural heterogeneity.
The Executive Turnover Risk Premium
Authors: PETERS FLORIAN S. , WAGNER ALEXANDER F. 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTWe establish that CEOs of companies experiencing volatile industry conditions are more likely to be dismissed. At the same time, accounting for various other factors, industry risk is unlikely to be associated with CEO compensation other than through dismissal risk. Using this identification strategy, we document that CEO turnover risk is significantly positively associated with compensation. This finding is important because job‐risk‐compensating wage differentials arise naturally in competitive labor markets. By contrast, the evidence rejects an entrenchment model according to which powerful CEOs have lower job risk and at the same time secure higher compensation.
THE EFFECT OF WALMART AND TARGET ON THE TAX BASE: EVIDENCE FROM NEW JERSEY
Authors: Vandegrift Donald , Loyer John 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTWe find that a new Walmart has no significant effect on the growth in the tax base in either the host or the adjacent municipality. By contrast, a new Target has a significant positive effect on the growth in the tax base per acre in the host municipality and in the adjacent municipality. The new Target raises the real tax base per acre in the host municipality by about 2.82 percent and in the adjacent municipality by about 5.87 percent. Seventy percent of the host municipality effect follows from changes in the nonresidential tax base.
Shared Use of School Facilities With Community Organizations and Afterschool Physical Activity Program Participation: A Cost‐Benefit Assessment
Authors: Kanters Michael A. , Bocarro Jason N. , Filardo Mary , Edwards Michael B. , McKenzie Thomas L. , Floyd Myron F. 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDPartnerships between school districts and community‐based organizations to share school facilities during afterschool hours can be an effective strategy for increasing physical activity. However, the perceived cost of shared use has been noted as an important reason for restricting community access to schools. This study examined shared use of middle school facilities, the amount and type of afterschool physical activity programs provided at middle schools together with the costs of operating the facilities.METHODSAfterschool programs were assessed for frequency, duration, and type of structured physical activity programs provided and the number of boys and girls in each program. School operating costs were used to calculate a cost per student and cost per building square foot measure. Data were collected at all 30 middle schools in a large school district over 12 months in 2010‐2011.RESULTSPolicies that permitted more use of school facilities for community‐sponsored programs increased participation in afterschool programs without a significant increase in operating expenses.CONCLUSIONSThese results suggest partnerships between schools and other community agencies to share facilities and create new opportunities for afterschool physical activity programs are a promising health promotion strategy.
Visiting Again? Subjective Well‐Being of Children in Elementary School and Repeated Visits to School Health Nurses
Authors: Leaver Cynthia A. 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDChildren with vague complaints are without chronic illness, and who repeatedly visit the school nurse may be at risk for limited academic success. This study compares student reports of subjective well‐being between children who do and do not repeatedly visit the school nurse with vague complaints.METHODSChildren in grades 4 through 6 completed the School Well‐Being Profile‐American English (SWBP‐AE), a questionnaire with 4 well‐being subscales:health status, school environment, social relationships, andschool as a means of self‐fulfillment. School nurses extracted data on clinic visits from clinic records. Logistic regression explored associations between well‐being subscales and repeated visits to the school nurse.RESULTSOf the 320 students participating in the study, 33 (12.04%) students made repeated visits to the school nurse. Perception of health status (OR = 2.072; 95%CI = 1.037, 4.163) was the only significant (p < .05) predictor of repeated visits to the nurse.CONCLUSIONChildren with poor perception of theirhealth statusare more likely to repeatedly visit the school nurse. Children's perceptions of theirschool environment,social relationships, orschool as a means of self‐fulfillmentare not statistically significant predictors of repeated visits to the school nurse.
Hookah Smoking and Harm Perception Among Asthmatic Adolescents: Findings From the Florida Youth Tobacco Survey
Authors: Martinasek Mary P. , Gibson‐Young Linda , Forrest Jamie 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDHookah tobacco smoking has increased in prevalence among Florida adolescents and is often viewed as a safer alternative to cigarette smoking by young adults. Asthmatic adolescents are at increased risk of the negative health effects of hookah smoking. The purpose of this study is to examine if hookah use and harm perception vary by asthma status.METHODSThe Florida Youth Tobacco Survey was conducted in 2012 among 36,578 high school students. Secondary data analysis was conducted to compare the rates of hookah use among asthmatic youth to their nonasthmatic counterparts. Risk perception of hookah use compared to cigarette smoking was also assessed among asthmatic and nonasthmatic adolescents.RESULTSOne in 5 high school students reported lifetime asthma. These asthmatic students have a significantly higher prevalence of hookah smoking and greater perception of hookah use as being less harmful than cigarette smoking, than their nonasthmatic counterparts. Among asthmatics, 12th graders and Hispanic students had the highest prevalence of hookah smoking.CONCLUSIONCommon misperceptions of hookah smoking as being less harmful than cigarette smoking are prominent among high school students in Florida and are greater among students with asthma than those students who do not have asthma. Efforts to increase education to dispel the myths surrounding hookah smoking as a safer alternative to cigarette smoking needs to exist at the high school level for both students with and without asthma.
Organized Extracurricular Activities: Are In‐School and Out‐of‐School Activities Associated With Different Outcomes for Canadian Youth?
Authors: Guèvremont Anne , Findlay Leanne , Kohen Dafna 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDParticipation in extracurricular activities can have positive effects on youth, with greater participation associated with higher academic as well as better socioemotional and behavioral outcomes. Little research has examined differential effects of in‐school and out‐of‐school activities.METHODSThis study examines in‐school and out‐of‐school extracurricular activities for 14‐ to 17‐year‐olds using a population‐based sample of Canadian youth. Associations with socioemotional and academic outcomes, and having tried smoking, alcohol, and marijuana were examined.RESULTSWeekly participation in both in‐school and out‐of‐school activities were associated with positive and negative outcomes. In particular, youth who participated in out‐of‐school activities or in both in‐school and out‐of‐school activities had better socioemotional outcomes. Academic outcomes were associated with in‐school and out‐of‐school sports and nonsport activities. Youth who participated weekly in nonsport activities regardless of the context (in‐school or out‐of‐school) were less likely to have tried smoking, alcohol, or marijuana. However, weekly participation in in‐school sports was associated with an increased likelihood of failing a course; youth who participated weekly in out‐of‐school sports were more likely to have tried alcohol.CONCLUSIONThe findings suggest that participation in extracurricular activities, regardless of context, encourage positive youth development.
Aloysia gratissima prevents cellular damage induced by glutamatergic excitotoxicity
Authors: Zeni Ana L B , Vandresen-Filho Samuel , Dal-Cim Tharine , Martins Wagner C , Bertoldo Daniela B , Maraschin Marcelo , Tasca Carla I 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Objectives
Aloysia gratissima aqueous extract (AE) was investigated as a putative protective agent against quinolinic acid (QA)-induced seizures in mice and hippocampal cell damage. Additionally, AE and ferulic acid (FA), the major compound of AE, were tested against neurotoxicity evoked by glutamate or its N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) agonist, QA on hippocampal slices, in vitro.

Methods
Mice were treated with AE before QA infusion (36.8 nmol/site) and seizures were analysed. Cellular viability and modulation of excitatory amino acid transport were verified in hippocampal slices. In-vitro AE or FA was tested against neurotoxicity induced by glutamate or QA.

Key findings
AE did not prevent QA-induced seizures; however, it prevented cellular death and disruption of excitatory amino acid transport. In-vitro AE (0.1 or 1.0 mg/ml) or FA (1 or 10 μm), improved cell viability against citotoxicity exerted by glutamate or QA, respectively. Both AE and FA have protective effects depending on activation of the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) signalling pathway.

Conclusions
AE attenuated QA-induced cell damage possibly involving the glutamate transport modulation through NMDAR interaction. FA shows a similar profile of neuroprotection promoted by AE. Therefore, AE treatment might be a useful strategy in preventing brain damage caused by exacerbation of glutamatergic toxicity in nervous system disorders.
Impact of Medical Treatments for Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Due to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia on Ejaculatory Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Gacci Mauro , Ficarra Vincenzo , Sebastianelli Arcangelo , Corona Giovanni , Serni Sergio , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Maggi Mario , Zattoni Filiberto , Carini Marco , Novara Giacomo 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Introduction
Several drugs, currently used to treat lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), can be associated with bothersome sexual side effects, including ejaculatory dysfunction (EjD).

Aim
To provide a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available randomized clinical trials (RCTs) reporting the impact of medical treatments for LUTS due to BPH on ejaculatory function.

Main Outcome Measure
EjD related to medical treatments for LUTS.

Methods
A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane databases. EjD was identified using both free text (“ejaculat*,” “retrograde ejaculation,” “anejaculation,” “ejaculatory dysfunction”) and Mesh (“Ejaculation”) searches.

Results
Of 101 retrieved articles, 23 were included in the present meta-analysis. EjD was significantly more common with alpha-blockers (ABs) than with placebo (OR:5.88; P &lt; 0.0001), in particular, considering Tamsulosin (OR:8.58; P = 0.006) or Silodosin (OR:32.5; P &lt; 0.0001), with Tamsulosin associated with significantly lower risk of EjD than Silodosin (OR:0.09; P &lt; 0.00001). Conversely, Doxazosin and Terazosin were associated with a risk similar to placebo. Meta-regression showed that EjD was associated with IPSS and with Qmax both before and after treatment with ABs, while multivariate analysis demonstrated that EjD was independently associated with the improvement of IPSS (adj.r:0.2012; P &lt; 0.0001) and Qmax (adj.r:0.522; P &lt; 0.0001).
EjD was significantly more common with 5ARIs as compared with placebo (OR:2.73; P &lt; 0.0001). Both Finasteride (OR 2.70; P &lt; 0.0001) and Dutasteride (OR 2.81; P = 0.0002) were associated with significantly higher risk of EjD than placebo. EjD was significantly more common with combination therapy as compared with ABs alone (OR:3.75; P &lt; 0.0001),or with 5ARIs alone (OR:2.76; P = 0.02).

Conclusions
ABs and 5ARI were both associated with significantly higher risk of EjD than placebo. More the AB is effective over time, greater is the incidence of EjD. Finasteride has the same risk of Dutasteride to cause EjD. Combination therapy with ABs and 5ARIs resulted in a 3-fold increased risk of EjD as compared with ABs or 5ARIs alone. These data can be relevant both for drug selection and patients counseling.
High Patient Satisfaction of Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Insertion with Synchronous Penile Plication for Erectile Dysfunction and Peyronie's Disease
Authors: Chung Paul H. , Francis Scott J. , Morey Allen F. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Introduction
Twenty to thirty percent of patients with Peyronie's disease (PD) have erectile dysfunction (ED) refractory to medical therapy and may benefit from a combined procedure addressing both conditions.

Aim
The aim of this study was to show the efficacy of inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) insertion and synchronous penile plication for correcting penile curvature and ED in patients with PD.

Methods
A retrospective review was performed of all patients who underwent IPP insertion with synchronous penile plication at our tertiary care center between 2010 and 2013. All patients received an intraoperative saline intracorporal injection to induce an artificial erection. After the tunica albuginea was exposed via a standard transverse scrotal incision over the proximal penile shaft, the incision was retracted distally and/or laterally as needed for plication suture placement. Plication sutures were placed in parallel opposite the angle of greatest curvature. The incision was returned proximally to the standard penoscrotal junction for IPP insertion. Demographic and surgical data were collected from the patients' medical records. Patient satisfaction was assessed postoperatively using a nonvalidated questionnaire.

Main Outcome Measures
The focus of this study was surgical outcomes, both technical and patient-reported satisfaction.

Results
Eighteen patients with a mean age of 63 years underwent IPP insertion with synchronous penile plication. Patients presented with dorsal (n = 11), lateral (n = 2), and biplanar curvature (n = 5). Mean preoperative curvature was 39 degrees (range 30–60) and was corrected on average to &lt;5 degrees (range &lt;5–12) using a median of four plication sutures (range 3–6). Among 15 patients completing a postoperative satisfaction survey at a mean of 11 months, all reported improvement in their overall condition and penile curvature; one with biplanar deformity reported minor residual curvature. None reported continued pain or required suture release.

Conclusions
IPP insertion with synchronous penile plication for the correction of ED and PD is effective and results in high patient satisfaction.
Clinicopathological significance of ‘subtypes with stem‐cell feature’ in combined hepatocellular‐cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Sasaki Motoko , Sato Hirohide , Kakuda Yuko , Sato Yasunori , Choi Joon Hyuk , Nakanuma Yasuni 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgrounds & AimsCombined hepatocellular‐cholangiocarcinoma (cHC‐CC), a malignant liver tumour with poor prognosis, is composed of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), cholangiocarcinoma (CC) and diverse components with intermediate features between HCC and CC, which correspond to hepatic progenitor cells. According to the WHO classification 2010, we surveyed the prevalence and clinicopathological significance of each subtype with stem‐cell features [SC subtype; typical subtype (TS), intermediate cell subtype (INT) and cholangiolocellular type (CLC)] in cHC‐CC and HCC.MethodsSixty‐two patients with cHC‐CC (19 women and 43 men) and 26 patients with HCC (all men) were examined. The prevalence of each component was histologically assessed with assistance of mucin and immunohistochemical stainings.ResultsSC subtypes were observed in all cHC‐CCs in various amount and combination. The prevalence of each SC subtype in cHC‐CC was as follows: TS, 10 (16.1%); INT, 53 (83.9%) and CLC, 44 (71.0%). The proportion of INT was significantly correlated with gender (female‐dominant) (P < 0.05), tumour size (P < 0.05), histological grading of HCC (P < 0.01) and inversely correlated with the degree of stromal fibrosis (P < 0.05). The proportion of CLC was significantly correlated with the degree of fibrosis (P < 0.01) and inflammation (P < 0.01), and inversely correlated with tumour size (P < 0.01) and histological grading of HCC (P < 0.05). The proportion of TS was significantly inversely correlated with the degree of inflammation (P < 0.01). Histological diversity score was significantly correlated with vascular invasion and the positivity for α‐foetoprotein.ConclusionThe proportion of each SC subtype was significantly associated with certain clinicopathological factors, suggesting different properties of each SC subtypes.
Lies and deception in bacterial gene regulation: the roles of nucleic acid decoys
Authors: Göpel Yvonne , Görke Boris 
Published: April 2014

SummaryBacteria use intricately interconnected mechanisms acting at the transcriptional and post‐transcriptional level to adjust gene expression to their needs. An intriguing example found in the chitosugar utilization systems of Escherichia coli and Salmonella is uncovered in a study by Plumbridge and colleagues. Three transcription factors (TFs), a small regulatory RNA (sRNA) and a sRNA trap cooperate to set thresholds and dynamics in regulation of chitosugar utilization. Specifically, under inducing conditions a decoy site on the polycistronic chitobiose (chbBCARFG) mRNA sequesters sRNA ChiX, which represses synthesis of the separately encoded chitoporin ChiP. Base‐pairing of ChiX with its decoy has no role for the chb genes themselves when the mRNA is in excess. In the absence of substrate, however, this base‐pairing tightly represses chbC encoding a subunit of the chitosugar transporter. Thus, one and the same sRNA/mRNA interaction serves different regulatory functions under different environmental conditions. The employment of RNA decoys to control the activities of post‐transcriptional regulators themselves is an increasingly recognized mechanism in gene regulation. Another observation in the current study highlights the possibility that decoy sites might even exist on the DNA controlling the availability of TFs for their target promoters.
The c‐ring ion binding site of the ATP synthase from Bacillus pseudofirmus OF4 is adapted to alkaliphilic lifestyle
Authors: Preiss Laura , Langer Julian D. , Hicks David B. , Liu Jun , Yildiz Özkan , Krulwich Terry A. , Meier Thomas 
Published: April 2014

SummaryIn the c‐ring rotor of ATP synthases ions are shuttled across the membrane during ATP synthesis by a unique rotary mechanism. We investigated characteristics of the c‐ring from the alkaliphile Bacillus pseudofirmus OF4 with respect to evolutionary adaptations to operate with protons at high environmental pH. The X‐ray structures of the wild‐type c13 ring at pH 9.0 and a ‘neutralophile‐like’ mutant (P51A) at pH 4.4, at 2.4 and 2.8 Å resolution, respectively, reveal a dependency of the conformation and protonation state of the proton‐binding glutamate (E54) on environmental hydrophobicity. Faster labelling kinetics with the inhibitor dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCD) demonstrate a greater flexibility of E54 in the mutant due to reduced water occupancy within the H+ binding site. A second ‘neutralophile‐like’ mutant (V21N) shows reduced growth at high pH, which is explained by restricted conformational freedom of the mutant's E54 carboxylate. The study directly connects subtle structural adaptations of the c‐ring ion binding site to in vivo effects of alkaliphile cell physiology.
Natural compounds boldine and menthol are antagonists of human 5‐HT3 receptors: implications for treating gastrointestinal disorders
Authors: Walstab J. , Wohlfarth C. , Hovius R. , Schmitteckert S. , Röth R. , Lasitschka F. , Wink M. , Bönisch H. , Niesler B. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundImpaired 5‐HT3 receptor function is likely involved in the pathogenesis of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) and 5‐HT3 receptor antagonists are effective treatments for chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The monoterpene alcohol menthol and the aporphine alkaloid boldine combat symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases; both interact with other members of the Cys‐loop ligand‐gated ion channel family and may therefore also act on 5‐HT3 receptors.MethodsThe impact of boldine and menthol on human recombinant homomeric 5‐HT3A‐ and heteromeric 5‐HT3AB receptors in HEK293 cells was determined by radioligand binding, a luminescence‐based Ca2+ assay, and a membrane potential assay. 5‐HT3 protein and mRNA expression was assessed in human colon tissue.Key ResultsBoldine and menthol inhibited the 5‐HT‐induced activation of 5‐HT3 receptors in the low and middle micromolar range, respectively. Boldine was a competitive antagonist of both receptors being 6.5‐ to 10‐fold more potent at 5‐HT3A‐ vs 5‐HT3AB receptors. Menthol non‐competitively and stereoselectively inhibited both receptors: In contrast to (+)‐menthol, (−)‐menthol was significantly more potent toward 5‐HT3A‐ vs 5‐HT3AB receptors. We show co‐expression of 5‐HT3A and 5‐HT3B subunits in the human gut epithelium, the lamina propria, the myenteric plexus, and the muscular cell layer.Conclusions & InferencesThe demonstrated 5‐HT3 inhibitory effects may be relevant for boldine's and menthol's alleviating properties on FGID and may encourage clinical studies with the compounds or the plant extracts for CINV and IBS treatment. The found receptor‐discriminative properties make boldine and (−)‐menthol to potentially useful tools for analyzing structural differences between these receptor subtypes.