bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression of antimicrobial peptides and interleukin‐8 during early stages of inflammation: An experimental gingivitis study
Authors: Dommisch H. , Staufenbiel I. , Schulze K. , Stiesch M. , Winkel A. , Fimmers R. , Dommisch J. , Jepsen S. , Miosge N. , Adam K. , Eberhard J. 
Published: March 2015

Background and ObjectivesIn the oral cavity, the epithelial surface is constantly exposed to a number of different microorganisms that are organized in a well‐structured biofilm. The aim of this study was to monitor gingival expression of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) in an early gingivitis model.Material and MethodsExperimental gingivitis was allowed to develop in healthy volunteers (n = 17). Bleeding on probing (BOP%) and gingival crevicular fluid volume (GCF) were assessed at baseline and day 1, 3, 5, 7 and 14. Expression of AMPs (human beta‐defensin‐2, hBD‐2; CC‐chemokine ligand 20, CCL20; psoriasin, pso/S100A7) and IL‐8 was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in gingival biopsies. In addition, hBD‐2 and IL‐8 protein expression was monitored in GCF using the ELISA technology.ResultsExperimental gingivitis gradually developed with an increase in BOP scores and GCF volume over time. In GCF, elevated concentrations of hBD‐2 and IL‐8 were monitored at day 1, 5 and 7 (p ≤ 0.0002). Immunohistochemical analysis of gingival sections demonstrated increased staining for hBD‐2 at day 3, whereas the CCL20, pso/S100A7, and IL‐8 expression was increased at later time points (p < 0.05).ConclusionFor the first time, this study showed the time‐dependent regulation of AMPs, following clinical signs of experimentally induced gingival inflammation. Differential temporal expression for AMPs may ensure a constant antimicrobial activity against changes in the bacterial composition of the growing dental biofilm.
Hypersexuality and High Sexual Desire: Exploring the Structure of Problematic Sexuality
Authors: Carvalho Joana , Štulhofer Aleksandar , Vieira Armando L. , Jurin Tanja 
Published: March 2015

AbstractIntroductionThe concept of hypersexuality has been accompanied by fierce debates and conflicting conclusions about its nature. One of the central questions under the discussion is a potential overlap between hypersexuality and high sexual desire. With the relevant research in its early phase, the structure of hypersexuality remains largely unknown.AimThe aim of the present study was to systematically explore the overlap between problematic sexuality and high sexual desire.MethodsA community online survey was carried out in Croatia in 2014. The data were first cluster analyzed (by gender) based on sexual desire, sexual activity, perceived lack of control over one's sexuality, and negative behavioral consequences. Participants in the meaningful clusters were then compared for psychosocial characteristics. To complement cluster analysis (CA), multigroup confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of the same four constructs was carried out.Main Outcome MeasuresIndicators representing the proposed structure of hypersexuality were included: sexual desire, frequency of sexual activity, lack of control over one's sexuality, and negative behavioral outcomes. Psychosocial characteristics such as religiosity, attitudes toward pornography, and general psychopathology were also evaluated.ResultsCA pointed to the existence of two meaningful clusters, one representing problematic sexuality, that is, lack of control over one's sexuality and negative outcomes (control/consequences cluster), and the other reflecting high sexual desire and frequent sexual activity (desire/activity cluster). Compared with the desire/activity cluster, individuals from the control/consequences cluster reported more psychopathology and were characterized by more traditional attitudes. Complementing the CA findings, CFA pointed to two distinct latent dimensions—problematic sexuality and high sexual desire/activity.ConclusionOur study supports the distinctiveness of hypersexuality and high sexual desire/activity, suggesting that problematic sexuality might be more associated with the perceived lack of personal control over sexuality and moralistic attitudes than with high levels of sexual desire and activity.
Applying Extender Devices in Patients with Penile Dysmorphophobia: Assessment of Tolerability, Efficacy, and Impact on Erectile Function
Authors: Nowroozi Mohammad Reza , Amini Erfan , Ayati Mohsen , Jamshidian Hassan , Radkhah Kayvan , Amini Shahab 
Published: March 2015

Abstract

Introduction
Most men seeking penile enhancement techniques have a normal penile size. They are either misinformed or suffer from penile dysmorphophobia and should be discouraged from undergoing invasive procedures. Less invasive techniques including penile extenders are not associated with major complications and may be beneficial from a psychological perspective.

Aim
We conducted this study to assess the efficacy and safety of AndroPenis® (Andromedical, Madrid, Spain) penile extender.

Methods
Between December 2010 and December 2013, 163 men presented to our institution complaining of small penile length and/or girth. All patients received structured psychosexual counseling. Fifty-four patients were willing to use the AndroPenis penile extender after counseling. Patients with major psychiatric disorders were excluded from enrollment. The patients were instructed to wear the device between 4 and 6 hours per day for 6 months. Penile dimensions including flaccid stretched and erected lengths were measured at baseline and after 1, 3, 6, and 9 months. Erectile function was assessed at baseline and 9 months after treatment using the simplified International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5). An institutional nonstandardized questionnaire was used to evaluate patient satisfaction at the end of study.

Main Outcome Measures
Penile length and girth enhancement as well as satisfaction rate and improvement in erectile function were assessed during follow-up.

Results
At 6-month follow-up, a mean gain of 1.7 ± 0.8, 1.3 ± 0.4, and 1.2 ± 0.4 cm was noted for the flaccid, stretched, and erected penile lengths, respectively (all P values &lt; 0.001). During the off treatment period, there were no significant changes in penile lengths. No effect on penile girth was observed. Patient satisfaction survey revealed modest satisfaction. From 13 patients with mild baseline erectile dysfunction, nine patients reported normal erectile function after 9 months.

Conclusion
Penile extender as a minimally invasive technique is safe and provides modest benefits and patient satisfaction.
Philosophic history and common culture in Gellner's theory of nationalism
Authors: Meadwell Hudson 
Published: March 2015

AbstractErnest Gellner's work on nationalism is situated in a larger social metaphysic and philosophical anthropology. This paper investigates some of these overarching intellectual commitments and their implications for his arguments about nationalism. Two main issues are examined. Does the method of ‘philosophic history’ provide any philosophical or methodological support for his treatment of nationalism? What are the implications of the common culture of industrial civilization for his arguments about nationalism? Addressing these issues together contributes to the continuing evaluation of Gellner's work, particularly to recent discussion of his arguments about necessity and nationalism.
Enacting nationalism through youthful mobilities? Youth, mobile phones and digital capitalism in aLao‐Vietnamese borderland
Authors: Huijsmans Roy , Lan Trần Thị Hà 
Published: March 2015

AbstractMobile phone use has become a defining feature of what it means to be young, and the relatively remoteLao‐Vietnamese borderland area that is the focus of this study is no exception. Drawing onBenedictAnderson'sImagined Communities, this article investigates the interplay between the everyday styles of being young, the forces of digital capitalism and the enactment of nationalism. We do this with a focus on ethnic minority youth's appropriation of the mobile services offered byViettel, the most popular mobile services provider in the study area and owned by theVietnameseMinistry ofDefence. We suggest that the everyday performances of being young, revolving around the mobile phone, are affected by the forces of digital capitalism. We further suggest that the cultural context ofViettel's digital capitalism is embedded in a fabric ofVietnamese nationalism, leading ethnic minority youth, consciously and unconsciously, to enact nationalism through their everyday styles of being young.
Nocardiosis presenting as a lung mass in a kidney transplant recipient
Authors: Hakim Harris , Rao Nitesh N , Faull Randall J , Coates Patrick T 
Published: March 2015

AbstractNocardiosis is a potentially life‐threatening disease in renal transplant recipients. It is an uncommon infection with high lethality if left untreated. We report a case of a 67 year‐old kidney transplant recipient who developed pulmonary nocardiosis and presented with pleural effusion along with an underlying lung mass, which was successfully treated with trimethoprim–sulphamethoxazole in conjunction with a reduction in immunosuppressive therapy. Five months later, graft function remains stable with complete regression of radiological abnormalities and absence of symptoms. Nocardiosis should be suspected in the presence of pulmonary symptoms in a transplant patient with unusual radiological presentation.
Angiotensin II type 1 receptor antibody precipitating acute vascular rejection in kidney transplantation
Authors: Jobert Anjelo , Rao Nitesh , Deayton Sue , Bennett Greg D , Brealey John , Nolan James , Carroll Robert P , Dragun Duska , Coates Patrick T 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAtypical non HLA antibodies are increasingly recognised as causes of immunological injury in allotransplantation. In this report we describe a non HLA sensitized male renal allograft recipient who developed acute vascular rejection on a “for cause” biopsy (Banff v2, g2, ptc 3) at day 4 post first renal allograft in the presence of elevated angiotensin II type 1 receptor antibodies (AT1R‐Ab level 14.1). The acute rejection was treated with pulse corticosteroid therapy, anti‐thymocyte globulin (ATG × 6), plasma exchange (1.5 plasma volume replacement x6) and oral candesartan. Serum creatinine improved and follow up biopsy confirmed resolution of rejection following treatment. AT1R‐Ab should be considered when rejection is diagnosed in the absence of HLA antibodies.
Galactose therapy reduces proteinuria in patients with recurrent focal segmental glomerulosclerosis after kidney transplantation
Authors: Robson Kate , Hill Prudence , Langsford David , Dwyer Karen , Goodman David , Langham Robyn 
Published: March 2015

AbstractPrimary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is an important cause of end‐stage kidney disease with a high rate of recurrent disease after kidney transplantation. Current therapy achieves remission in only half of patients. Recent interest has focused on the potential role of galactose in binding and inactivating the putative circulating permeability factor, supported by in vitro and clinical case report studies. Orally active and without major adverse effects, galactose has a favourable treatment profile compared with current immunosuppressive treatment options. We describe our experience using galactose therapy in two patients with recurrent focal segmental glomerulosclerosis after renal transplantation. Galactose was associated with symptomatic improvement and stabilization of graft function in one case; the other case was complicated by concurrent malignancy. In both cases, we observed a marked reduction in proteinuria with galactose treatment.
The effects of morphine and methylnaltrexone on gastrointestinal pain in healthy male participants
Authors: Brokjær A. , Olesen A. E. , Christrup L. L. , Dahan A. , Drewes A. M. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundOpioid antagonists are increasingly used to abolish the gastrointestinal side effects of opioids. However, they can potentially interfere with local analgesia exerted via opioid receptors in the gut. Thus, in the current study we aimed to explore the effect of rectal morphine before and after blocking opioid receptors outside the central nervous system with methylnaltrexone (MNTX).MethodsIn this randomized, placebo controlled, cross‐over study 15 healthy male participants received the following drugs at three separate sessions: (i) placebo, (ii) 30 mg morphine administered per rectum, or (iii) 12 mg MNTX given subcutaneously before 30 mg rectal morphine. At baseline and after drug administration peripheral and central effects of the drugs were assessed by experimental pain to the skin, muscle, rectum and pupillometry.Key ResultsCompared to placebo there was no local effect of morphine on mechanical rectal distension. In contrast, an increase in tolerated volume was seen following MNTX/morphine administration (p < 0.001), starting 7 min after dosing. Both morphine and MNTX/morphine had a central effect manifested as an increase in mechanical muscle pressure thresholds (both p < 0.001) and a decrease in pupil diameter (both p < 0.001). These effects occurred 30 min after dosing.Conclusions & InferencesNo peripheral analgesic effect of morphine was found. Methodological shortcomings may have contributed to the lack of peripheral analgesia and thus, a peripheral morphine effect on rectal pain cannot be excluded. On the other hand, the combination of MNTX and morphine exerted a local effect on rectal distensions and seems to improve analgesia.
Estradiol modulates visceral hyperalgesia by increasing thoracolumbar spinal GluN2B subunit activity in female rats
Authors: Ji Y. , Bai G. , Cao D.‐Y. , Traub R. J. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundWe previously reported estrogen modulates spinal N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor processing of colorectal pain through changes in spinal GluN1 subunit phosphorylation/expression. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether spinal GluN2B containing NMDA receptors are involved in estrogen modulation of visceral pain processing.MethodsBehavioral, molecular, and immunocytochemical techniques were used to determine spinal GluN2B expression/phosphorylation and function 48 h following subcutaneous injection of estradiol (E2) or vehicle (safflower oil, Saff oil) in ovariectomized rats in the absence or presence of colonic inflammation induced by mustard oil.Key ResultsE2 increased the magnitude of the visceromotor response (VMR) to colorectal distention compared to Saff oil in non‐inflamed rats. Intrathecal injection of the GluN2B subunit antagonist, Ro 25‐6981, had no effect on the VMR in non‐inflamed E2 or Saff oil rats. Colonic inflammation induced visceral hyperalgesia in E2, but not Saff oil rats. Visceral hyperalgesia in E2 rats was blocked by intrathecal GluN2B subunit selective antagonists. In inflamed rats, E2 increased GluN2B protein and gene expression in the thoracolumbar (TL), but not lumbosacral (LS), dorsal spinal cord. Immunocytochemical labeling showed a significant increase in GluN2B subunit in the superficial dorsal horn of E2 rats compared to Saff oil rats.Conclusions & InferencesThese data support the hypothesis that estrogen increases spinal processing of colonic inflammation‐induced visceral hyperalgesia by increasing NMDA receptor activity. Specifically, an increase in the activity of GluN2B containing NMDA receptors in the TL spinal cord by estrogen underlies visceral hypersensitivity in the presence of colonic inflammation.
Quantitative assessment of small bowel motility in patients with Crohn's disease using dynamic MRI
Authors: Hahnemann M. L. , Nensa F. , Kinner S. , Köhler J. , Gerken G. , Umutlu L. , Lauenstein T. C. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundAssessment of motility alterations by functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contributes to improved evaluation of inflammatory bowel disease. The aim of the study was to quantify motility in inflammatory bowel segments and to compare motility alterations with MR‐based parameters for activity of inflammation in Crohn's disease (CD).MethodsThirty consecutive patients with CD underwent bowel MRI which included a dynamic sequence for automatic generation of parametric maps facilitating quantification of bowel motility. Mean motility score (MMS) of small bowel segments with signs of inflammation was measured and compared with MMS of the whole gastrointestinal tract (GI tract). MRI‐based score of inflammatory activity and lesion length were correlated with the MMS ratio of inflammatory small bowel lesion and whole GI tract.Key ResultsInflammatory bowel segments showed a mean value of MMSs of 1080, whereas the whole GI tract showed a mean value of MMSs of 2839 (p < 0.0001). Decrease in motility ranged between 20 and 87% in inflammatory bowel segments compared to the MMS of the whole GI tract. The MMS ratio of an inflammatory small bowel segment and whole GI tract showed negative correlation with MR activity score (r = −0.5921, p = 0.0003) and length of the lesion (r = −0.3495, p = 0.0462).Conclusions & InferencesQuantitative assessment of motility alterations by means of motility scoring in small bowel segments affected by CD provides additional information on inflammatory activity.
Staying alive: rethinking deterritorialization in a post‐feminist era
Authors: Lundberg Anna 
Published: March 2015

AbstractIn recent years, the concept ‘post‐feminism’ and its links to neoliberal economic structures and to the extreme reinforcement of individualization as raison d'etre of Western civilization have been discussed at length by numerous distinguished scholars in feminist cultural studies and feminist philosophy. This article takes its point of departure in this discussion. Drawing on Wendy Brown, Elizabeth Grosz, Angela McRobbie, Wendy Larner, and others, the text is examining the discourse of post‐feminism and neoliberalism, and its effects on overarching political scenarios, as well as on everyday life: What happens to feminist politics when the collective, both as figuration and as virtual political platform, is deemed to be something situated in the discursive outskirts? By drawing on examples form the contemporary cultural imaginaries, from popular culture, economic structures, and public debate, and by pointing out the links between the micro‐perspective of our everyday living and overarching political structures, this article aims at bringing to the fore and critically discuss these issues, and the ways in which they intersect with contemporary Western feminism. The article ends with a discussion of possible points of exit or paths to follow in order to find alternatives.
Diagnostic accuracy of patch test in children with food allergy
Authors: Caglayan Sozmen Sule , Povesi Dascola Carlotta , Gioia Edoardo , Mastrorilli Carla , Rizzuti Laura , Caffarelli Carlo 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe gold standard test for confirming whether a child has clinical hypersensitivity reactions to foods is the oral food challenge. Therefore, there is increasing interest in simpler diagnostic markers of food allergy, especially in children, to avoid oral food challenge. The goal of this study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of atopy patch test in comparison with oral food challenge.MethodsWe investigated 243 children (mean age, 51 months) referred for evaluation of suspected egg or cow's milk allergy. Skin prick test and atopy patch test were carried out, and after a 2 weeks elimination diet, oral food challenge was performed.ResultsTwo hundred and forty‐three children underwent OFC to the suspected food. We found clinically relevant food allergies in 40 (65%) children to egg and in 22 (35%) to cow's milk. The sensitivity of skin prick test for both milk and egg was 92%, specificity 91%, positive predictive value 35%, and negative predictive value of 93%. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of atopy patch test for both milk and egg were 21%, 73%, 20%, and 74%, respectively.ConclusionOur study suggests that there is insufficient evidence for the routine use of atopy patch test for the evaluation of egg and cow's milk allergy. OFC remains gold standard for the diagnosis of egg and milk allergy even in the presence of high costs in terms of both time and risks during application.
Nurse‐driven pediatric analgesia and sedation protocol reduces withdrawal symptoms in critically ill medical pediatric patients
Authors: Neunhoeffer Felix , Kumpf Matthias , Renk Hanna , Hanelt Malte , Berneck Nicole , Bosk Axel , Gerbig Ines , Heimberg Ellen , Hofbeck Michael 
Published: March 2015

SummaryBackgroundWhile several analgesia and sedation guidelines and protocols have been developed and implemented for adults, there is still little evidence of clinical use of analgesia and sedation protocols and the impact on withdrawal symptoms in critically ill children.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a nurse‐driven goal‐directed analgesia and sedation protocol for mechanically ventilated pediatric patients (pASP) on duration of mechanical ventilation, pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) length of stay, total doses of opioids and benzodiazepines, and occurrence of withdrawal symptoms.Patients and MethodsThis is a before and after protocol implementation study in a 14‐bed medical–surgical–cardiac pediatric intensive care unit at a university children's hospital. A total of 337 medical pediatric patients requiring mechanical ventilation with PICU length of stay for at least 24 h were included. Prior to implementation of the protocol, analgesia and sedation was managed by the attending physician's order. Afterwards, postimplementation, nurses managed analgesia and sedation following a pASP, including COMFORT ‘behavioral’ Scale, Nurse Interpretation Sedation Scale, and Sophia Observation Withdrawal Symptoms Scale.ResultsOne hundred and sixty‐five patients were included in the 15‐month period before and 172 patients were included in the 15‐month period after implementation of the pASP. Median duration of mechanical ventilation was 2.02 (0.96–25.0) days in the group preceding protocol implementation and 1.71 (0.96–66.0) days afterwards (P = 0.23). Median PICU length of stay was 5.8 (1–37.75) days in the preimplementation and 5.0 (1–120) days in the postimplementation group (P = 0.14). Total doses of opioids and benzodiazepines were 3.9 mg·kg−1·day−1 (0.1–70) vs 3.1 mg·kg−1·day−1 (0.05–56); P = 0.38 and 5.9 mg·kg−1·day−1 (0–82.0) vs 4.2 mg·kg−1·day−1 (0–66); P = 0.009 after implementation. Incidence of withdrawal was significantly lower over the postimplementation period (12.8% vs 23.6%; P = 0.005).ConclusionImplementation of a nurse‐driven pASP reduced the total dose of benzodiazepines and the occurrence of withdrawal symptoms significantly.
Detection of Single‐feature Polymorphisms (SFPs) between two tomato varieties and their application in defining the introgressions of resistance loci
Authors: Milc Justyna , Infantino Alessandro , Aragona Maria , Pecchioni Nicola 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe objectives of the study were to (i) demonstrate that the hybridization data from microarrays can yield information on sequence variation between two inbred lines, an introgression line ‘Mogeor’ and its genetic background ‘Moneymaker’; (ii) characterize, by means of the identified SFPs, the introgressed genomic segments of ‘Mogeor’, carrying resistance genes; and (iii) deliver a set of genetically anchored SFPs potentially useful for breeding. In this work, the GeSNP software was used to identify SFPs in tomato using Affymetrix data from a previous experiment. Sequencing of 12 putative polymorphism‐containing amplicons yielded a SFP probe set validation rate of 90%. In total, 92 Gene Models putatively harbouring SFPs were identified, distributed as following: 61 Gene Models on chromosome 9, and one to eight on the remaining tomato chromosomes apart from chromosomes 7, 8 and 12. Newly discovered SFPs from microarray data can thus provide not only useful information for definition of introgressed genomic regions, but also identification of candidate genes and new markers for MAS.