bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of G protein‐coupled estrogen receptor in human and pig spermatozoa
Authors: Rago V. , Giordano F. , Brunelli E. , Zito D. , Aquila S. , Carpino A. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractEstrogens are known to influence functional properties of mammalian spermatozoa inducing rapid responses through the classical estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ). Recently, the G protein‐coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) has been identified as mediator of fast non‐genomic estrogen effects in different cells. This work investigated the expression of GPER in human and pig spermatozoa using immunofluorescence, Western blot analysis and RT‐PCR. GPER was found to be confined to the mid‐piece of human sperm cells, whereas it was detected in the acrosomal region, the equatorial segment and the mid‐piece of pig spermatozoa. Furthermore, in the male gametes of both species, the immunoblots of sperm extracts revealed a band at ~42 kDa, consistent with the GPER molecular weight, and RT‐PCR detected the GPER transcripts. This is the first report demonstrating the expression of GPER in human and pig mature sperm cells and evidencing its species‐specific cellular localization.
Learning essentials: What graduates of mental health nursing programmes need to know from an industry perspective
Authors: McAllister Margaret , Happell Brenda , Flynn Trudi 
Published: April 2014

Aims and ObjectivesTo explore the perspectives of nursing directors in mental health in Queensland, Australia, regarding the skills and attributes of graduates of comprehensive nursing programme to provide an industry perspective and thus augment knowledge from theoretical and professional dimensions.BackgroundThere is a worldwide shortage of appropriately qualified nurses with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to work effectively in mental health services. Within Australia, this has been well documented since the introduction of comprehensive nursing education. The underrepresentation of mental health content in undergraduate curricula has been identified as the primary reason for nursing graduates not being adequately prepared for practice in this field. To date, this issue has primarily been addressed from the perspective of university academics, with the voice of industry relatively silent in the published literature.DesignQualitative exploratory.MethodIn‐depth telephone interviews with Director of Nursing (Mental Health) in Queensland, Australia.ResultsThe concerns of participants were expressed in six main themes: (1) foundational knowledge of mental health and disorders, (2) recovery‐oriented skills, (3) physical as well as mental health skills, (4) therapeutic strategies, (5) resilience and self‐development and (6) advanced knowledge and skills.ConclusionsThe education of comprehensive nursing education needs to be reviewed as a matter of priority to ensure graduates with the attributes required to provide high‐quality care for consumers of mental health services.Relevance to clinical practiceA skilled and knowledgeable workforce is an essential component of high‐quality mental health services. Research highlighting the current deficits and issues is therefore of the highest priority.
The impact of death and dying on nursing students: an explanatory model
Authors: Edo‐Gual Montserrat , Tomás‐Sábado Joaquín , Bardallo‐Porras Dolores , Monforte‐Royo Cristina 
Published: April 2014

Aims and objectivesTo explore nursing students' experiences of death and dying in clinical practice.BackgroundThe encounter with death constitutes one of the most stressful experiences reported by nursing students during their clinical training. In particular, it can be difficult for student nurses to cope with the patient's suffering, to provide postmortem care and to communicate with the patient and his/her family as death approaches. Although some research has been carried out in relation to this phenomenon, there remains a need to identify and understand the situations and experiences that are of most concern to students, those which may affect their ability to cope and, therefore, interfere with the care they are able to offer to the dying patient and his/her family.DesignQualitative descriptive and hermeneutic study.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews (n = 12) were conducted with nursing students. Data were collected in 2012–2013. Transcripts were analysed using Colaizzi's seven‐step procedure.FindingsThe analysis identified five themes: impact, training in end‐of‐life care, ethical issues, coping and learning/growth/healing connections. The central theme was the enormous impact the encounter with death had, while the other themes were a response to and/or modulators of this impact. An explanatory model was derived on the basis of the relationship between all these emergent themes.ConclusionsIt is essential to understand nursing students' experience of death so as to minimise its impact. The explanatory model described here could be a useful tool for the design of training programmes on end‐of‐life care.Relevance to clinical practiceAdequate training of this kind would help to ensure that future nurses offer high‐quality care to patients and their families, minimising the impact of death and preventing emotional fatigue.
Sensory Difference Tests as Measurement Instruments: a Review of Recent Advances
Authors: Ennis John M. , Rousseau Benoît , Ennis Daniel M. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractIn the evaluation of new incarnations of existing products, difference testing is among the most commonly used sensory techniques. However, although difference testing is a classical technique, the science of difference testing continues to evolve. AsThurstonian analysis has gained increased acceptance for its ability to measure sensory differences, recent research advances have provided tools, techniques and theory to view sensory difference tests as measurement instruments. In particular, these advances promise to unite equivalence and difference testing, to help with the determination of consumer‐relevant action standards, and to inform business risk calculations.Practical ApplicationsThe last 5 years have brought pressure on food and personal‐care product companies to provide healthy and cost‐effective products without compromising the sensory experience these products provide. In reaction to this pressure, business management has asked sensory and product development to develop and evaluate the feasibility of a large number of modified products. These products can be modified with respect to their ingredients, packaging, production processes, formulation, or as is the case when a complex goal such as sodium reduction is pursued, with respect to many aspects at once. In this article, we review how this business need for more detailed information from difference testing programs has paralleled recent research on the use of sensory difference tests as measurement instruments.
The Masking Effect of Sucrose on Perception of Bitter Compounds in Brassica Vegetables
Authors: Beck Tove K. , Jensen Sidsel , Bjoern Gitte K. , Kidmose Ulla 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThis study offers insight into how taste qualities interact in food. The influence of sucrose on the perceived bitter taste of sinigrin and goitrin (compounds naturally present in cabbage) was studied. A sensory panel evaluated the tastes of sucrose; the bitter compounds goitrin, sinigrin and quinine; and binary mixtures where each bitter compound was mixed with sucrose. The compounds were dispersed in water and in food model system consisting of white cabbage juice. The results were compared with those from sensory evaluation and chemical analysis of five white cabbage cultivars.Results showed that taste interactions occurred, and results from the liquid samples showed that sucrose had a masking effect on the bitter taste of sinigrin, goitrin and quinine. The perception of sweet taste depended on concentration and media. Examination of raw cabbage showed that bitterness correlated strongly with the total glucosinolate content, whereas sweetness correlated strongly with sucrose content.Practical ApplicationsThe bitter taste of Brassica vegetables is a sensory restraint for vegetable acceptance. However, reducing the content of bitter‐tasting glucosinolates (GLSs) in these vegetables is not the optimal solution as several studies demonstrate health beneficial effects associated with intake of GLSs. The sweet taste is a positive predictor for acceptance, and sugar is central for its ability to mask a taste perceived as bitter. This study provides a new approach for studying interactions between the perceived sweet and bitter taste of Brassica vegetables using three progressively more complex matrices. It is part of a larger study addressing sensory aspects of food choice with focus on bitter‐tasting vegetables, and in line with this knowledge about interaction effects between bitter and sweet‐tasting compounds naturally present in vegetables is crucial. Knowledge that might lead the way to maintain the vegetable's health benefits while also improving consumer acceptance and potentially increasing the intake.
Retrospective study of 14 cases of canine arthritis secondary to Leishmania infection
Authors: Sbrana S. , Marchetti V. , Mancianti F. , Guidi G. , Bennett D. 
Published: April 2014

OBJECTIVETo describe the clinical appearance, laboratory findings and response to treatment of dogs with inflammatory joint disease associated with Leishmania infection.METHODSRetrospective analysis of case records of dogs with serologically confirmed leishmaniasis and concurrent inflammatory joint disease presented between 2005 and 2011.RESULTSIn total, 14 cases met the inclusion criteria. Of these, five (36%) dogs were presented with monoarthritis, five (36%) with oligoarthritis and four (28%) with polyarthritis. The most frequently affected joint was the carpus. Both erosive and non‐erosive disease was identified on radiographic examination. All dogs had an inflammatory synovial fluid with a high white cell count and a preponderance of neutrophils, and in eight (57%) cases Leishmania amastigotes were found in the synovial fluid smears.Dogs were treated with 50 mg/kg N‐methylglucamine antimoniate twice a day for 1 month and 10 mg/kg allopurinol twice a day for 6 to 9 months combined with prednisolone in five cases. At the 6‐month follow‐up, eight (57%) dogs showed improvement in general and orthopaedic signs and four (28%) dogs were stable.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCELeishmaniasis should be considered a differential diagnosis in dogs with inflammatory arthritis in endemic areas.
Prevalence of dermatophytes and other superficial fungal organisms in asymptomatic guinea pigs in Southern Italy
Authors: d'Ovidio D. , Grable S. L. , Ferrara M. , Santoro D. 
Published: April 2014

ObjectivesGuinea pigs have been indicated as a potential source of zoophilic dermatophytes that cause human dermatomycosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of dermatophytes as well as saprophytic fungi in asymptomatic pet guinea pigs in Southern Italy.MethodsTwo‐hundred pet guinea pigs were enrolled from both private veterinary clinics and pet shops in the Campania region, Italy, from August 2012 to September 2013. Samples were collected using the MacKenzie’s toothbrush technique. The plates were incubated for four weeks at 25°C and identification of the fungal colonies was based on both macroscopic and microscopic characteristics.ResultsTwo pathogenic dermatophytes were isolated in 9 (4·5%) of 200 guinea pigs; Epidermophyton species in 2 (1%) and Scopulariopsis species in 7 (3·5%). Saprophytic dermatophytes were isolated from 151 (75·5%) animals enrolled. No fungal growth was observed in 40 (20%) guinea pigs.Clinical SignificanceThe results of this study indicate a low prevalence of pathogenic dermatophytes in pet guinea pigs in Southern Italy but the presence of Epidermophyton and Scopulariopsis species in asymptomatic pet guinea pigs.
Orgasmic Dysfunction: Prevalence and Risk Factors from a Cohort of Young Females in Mexico
Authors: Villeda Sandoval Christian I. , Calao-Pérez Manuel , Enríquez González Ana B. , Gonzalez-Cuenca Eduardo , Ibarra-Saavedra Raúl , Sotomayor Mariano , Castillejos Molina Ricardo A. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Introduction
Orgasmic dysfunction (OD) is defined as the inability to achieve an orgasm, markedly diminished intensity of orgasmic sensations, or marked delay of orgasm during any kind of sexual stimulation. OD definition and method of diagnosis vary widely across studies.

Aim
The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence and risk factors that predispose Mexican women to OD.

Methods
A representative sample of women from Mexico City was surveyed using an online website. Women between 18 to 40 years old were selected, and the orgasm domain from the Female Sexual Function Index was used to identify OD. A cutoff point was calculated using a construct with a histogram and calculated median. A univariate and multivariate analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between potential risk factors and sexual function.

Main Outcome Measures
OD prevalence; significant risk factors on multivariate analysis.

Results
OD prevalence was 18.3%. Univariate analysis showed younger age (P = 0.01), lower degree of education (P = 0.02), single marital status (P = 0.038), and dissatisfaction with the thickness and/or size of partner's penis (P = 0.01) as significant variables related to OD. In multivariate analysis, younger age (P = 0.01) and dissatisfaction with the thickness/size of partner's penis (hazard ratio 3.04, P = 0.01) remained significant.

Conclusion
OD is a prevalent alteration in young women. Marital status, education, and dissatisfaction with thickness/size of partner's penis are definitely related variables.
Serum Biomarkers of Clinical and Cytologic Response in Dogs with Idiopathic Immune‐Mediated Polyarthropathy
Authors: Foster J.D. , Sample S. , Kohler R. , Watson K. , Muir P. , Trepanier L.A. 
Published: April 2014

BackgroundImmune‐mediated polyarthopathy (IMPA) is common in dogs, and is monitored by serial arthrocenteses.Hypothesis/ObjectivesPlasma C‐reactive protein (CRP), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and CXCL8 (interleukin‐8) would serve as noninvasive markers of joint inflammation in IMPA.AnimalsNine client‐owned dogs with idiopathic IMPA; 6 healthy controls.MethodsProspective study. Plasma CRP, IL‐6, and CXCL8 were measured by ELISA at baseline, 2, and 4 weeks during treatment with prednisone at 50 mg/m2/day. Arthrocenteses, the canine brief pain inventory (CBPI), and accelerometry collars were used to assess joint inflammation, lameness, and mobility at all 3 time points.ResultsC‐reactive protein concentrations were higher in IMPA dogs (median 91.1 μg/mL, range 76.7–195.0) compared with controls (median <6.3 μg/mL, <6.3–13.7; P = .0035), and were significantly lower at week 2 (10.6 μg/mL, <6.3–48.8) and week 4 (<6.3 μg/mL, <6.3–24.4; P < .001).C‐reactive protein was correlated with median CBPI scores (r = 0.68; P = .0004), joint cellularity (r = 0.49, P = .011), and mobility by accelerometry (r = −0.42, P = .048). Plasma IL‐6 concentrations were also higher in IMPA dogs (median 45.9 pg/mL), compared with controls (median <15.7 pg/mL; P = .0008). IL‐6 was lower in IMPA dogs by week 4 (<15.7 pg/mL; P = .0099), and was modestly correlated with CBPI scores (r = 0.47, P = .023). CXCL8 did not differ significantly between IMPA and healthy dogs.ConclusionsPlasma CRP and IL‐6 might be useful surrogate markers of synovial inflammation and disease activity in dogs with IMPA.
How are dung beetle species affected by deer population increases in a cool temperate forest ecosystem?
Authors: Koike S. , Soga M. , Nemoto Y. , Kozakai C. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractUsing plant–herbivore–decomposer trophic chains as an example, we have tried to clarify the key roles of multitrophic interactions in species diversity. The interactions included two‐link (herbivore–decomposer and decomposer–plant) and three‐link (decomposer–herbivore–plant) chains within a community. Specifically, we investigated how sika deer abundance impacted dung beetle populations via dung supply and vegetation changes by surveying deer and beetle abundance and community composition monthly in Japan. The forest sites were similar in canopy cover, but differed in the presence (sites A and B) or absence (sites C) of an understory and in the abundance of deer (rare at site A, moderate at sites B and C, and common at site D). Site D was patchy grassland. Beetle species fell into two groups based on whether they were more abundant at sites with more dung or at sites with an understory. We suspect that the type of dung usage and/or beetle body size affected this finding. First, one beetle group was more strongly affected by vegetation cover than dung supply, and they were mostly dwellers. The other group was affected by dung supply more than vegetation cover and comprised mostly tunnelers. Dwellers may be strongly negatively affected by decreased understory vegetation because of dung drying. Second, large beetle species were positively affected by decreasing vegetation cover and increasing dung supply; understory vegetation may negatively affect mobility in larger species. Our results suggested that increased deer abundance had both positive and negative as well as direct and indirect effects on the dung beetle community by increasing the dung supply and changing the vegetation structure, respectively. Moreover, dung beetle species responded differently depending on their ecological requirements and body sizes.
Untreated highly viraemic pregnant women from Asia or sub‐Saharan Africa often transmit hepatitis B virus despite serovaccination to newborns
Authors: Sellier Pierre , Maylin Sarah , Amarsy Rishma , Mazeron Marie‐Christine , Larrouy Lucile , Haïm‐Boukobza Stéphanie , Lopes Amanda , Moreno Maria‐Dolores , Ricbourg Aude , Simoneau Guy , Magnier Jean‐Dominique , Mercier‐Delarue Sophie , Delcey Véronique , Evans John , Cambau Emmanuelle , Barranger Emmanuel , Simon François , Bergmann Jean‐François 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsMother‐to‐child (MTC) hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission has been mainly studied in Asia. The geographical origins of women and HBV genotypes differ in Europe. The aims were to determine the rate and risk factors of MTC HBV transmission from women with high HBV DNA loads in a maternity hospital in Paris, France.MethodsRetrospective study of HIV‐negative, HBs Ag‐positive pregnant women with HBV DNA loads above 5 Log10 I.U/ml who were not given lamivudine or tenofovirDF during pregnancy between 2004 and 2011.ResultsAmong 11 417 pregnant women, 437 (4%) showed a positive HBs Ag. Among these women, 52 had HBV DNA loads above 5 Log10 I.U/ml: 41, 10 and 1 born in Asia, sub‐Saharan Africa and Europe respectively. Among the 52 women, 40 were eligible for the analysis: no antiviral therapy during pregnancy; children over 9 months old. Twenty‐eight (70%) women were assessed, corresponding to 41 childbirths. Eleven children (27%) had positive HBs Ag, 14 (34%) had positive HBc and HBs Ab, 16 (39%) had positive HBs Ab only. The risk of having positive HBs Ag, according to maternal HBV DNA loads, was 14% for HBV DNA loads less or equal to 8 Log10 I.U/ml, 42% for HBV DNA loads over 8 Log10 I.U/ml, P = 0.04, but not related to the women's origin, HBV genotype.ConclusionsThis study confirms that serovaccination does not fully protect newborns from MTC HBV transmission, when maternal HBV DNA loads exceed 5 Log10 I.U/ml, regardless of the women's origin or HBV genotype.
Unexpected population genetic structure of European roe deer in Poland: an invasion of the mtDNA genome from Siberian roe deer
Authors: Matosiuk Maciej , Borkowska Anetta , Świsłocka Magdalena , Mirski Paweł , Borowski Zbigniew , Krysiuk Kamil , Danilkin Aleksey A. , Zvychaynaya Elena Y. , Saveljev Alexander P. , Ratkiewicz Mirosław 
Published: April 2014

AbstractIntrogressive hybridization is a widespread evolutionary phenomenon which may lead to increased allelic variation at selective neutral loci and to transfer of fitness‐related traits to introgressed lineages. We inferred the population genetic structure of the European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in Poland from mitochondrial (CR and cyt b) and sex‐linked markers (ZFX, SRY, DBY4 and DBY8). Analyses of CR mtDNA sequences from 452 individuals indicated widespread introgression of Siberian roe deer (C. pygargus) mtDNA in the European roe deer genome, 2000 km from the current distribution range of C. pygargus. Introgressed individuals constituted 16.6% of the deer studied. Nearly 75% of them possessed haplotypes belonging to the group which arose 23 kyr ago and have not been detected within the natural range of Siberian roe deer, indicating that majority of present introgression has ancient origin. Unlike the mtDNA results, sex‐specific markers did not show signs of introgression. Species distribution modelling analyses suggested that C. pygargus could have extended its range as far west as Central Europe after last glacial maximum. The main hybridization event was probably associated with range expansion of the most abundant European roe deer lineage from western refugia and took place in Central Europe after the Younger Dryas (10.8–10.0 ka BP). Initially, introgressed mtDNA variants could have spread out on the wave of expansion through the mechanism of gene surfing, reaching high frequencies in European roe deer populations and leading to observed asymmetrical gene flow. Human‐mediated introductions of C. pygargus had minimal effect on the extent of mtDNA introgression.
Boring Infinite Descent
Authors: Tahko Tuomas E. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractIn formal ontology, infinite regresses are generally considered a bad sign. One debate where such regresses come into play is the debate about fundamentality. Arguments in favour of some type of fundamentalism are many, but they generally share the idea that infinite chains of ontological dependence must be ruled out. Some motivations for this view are assessed in this article, with the conclusion that such infinite chains may not always be vicious. Indeed, there may even be room for a type of fundamentalism combined with infinite descent as long as this descent is “boring,” that is, the same structure repeats ad infinitum. A start is made in the article towards a systematic account of this type of infinite descent. The philosophical prospects and scientific tenability of the account are briefly evaluated using an example from physics.
Quorum regulatory small RNAs repress type VI secretion in Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Shao Yi , Bassler Bonnie L. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryType VI secretion is critical for Vibrio cholerae to successfully combat phagocytic eukaryotes and to survive in the presence of competing bacterial species. V. cholerae type VI secretion system genes are encoded in one large and two small clusters. In V. cholerae, type VI secretion is controlled by quorum sensing, the cell–cell communication process that enables bacteria to orchestrate group behaviours. The quorum‐sensing response regulator LuxO represses type VI secretion genes at low cell density and the quorum‐sensing regulator HapR activates type VI secretion genes at high cell density. We demonstrate that the quorum regulatory small RNAs (Qrr sRNAs) that function between LuxO and HapR in the quorum‐sensing cascade are required for these regulatory effects. The Qrr sRNAs control type VI secretion via two mechanisms: they repress expression of the large type VI secretion system cluster through base pairing and they repress HapR, the activator of the two small type VI secretion clusters. This regulatory arrangement ensures that the large cluster encoding many components of the secretory machine is expressed prior to the two small clusters that encode the secreted effectors. Qrr sRNA‐dependent regulation of the type VI secretion system is conserved in pandemic and non‐pandemic V. cholerae strains.