bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein and lipid levels in healthy adults and patients with coronary artery disease, with and without periodontitis – a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Kumar K. R. V. , Ranganath V. , Naik R. , Banu S. , Nichani A. S. 
Published: March 2014

Background and ObjectiveVarious epidemiological studies have implied that local infection may increase the levels of systemic inflammatory mediators and lipid mediators, thereby promoting atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to assess high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (HsCRP) and lipid levels in healthy adults and patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), with and without periodontitis.Material and MethodsA total of 100 subjects were included in the study and categorized into four groups of 25 subjects each, as follows: subjects with chronic periodontitis with angiographically proven CAD; nonperiodontitis subjects with angiographically proven CAD; otherwise healthy subjects with only chronic periodontitis; and systemically and orally healthy individuals. The periodontal parameters measured included plaque index, gingival index, probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level and marginal alveolar bone loss (which was recorded radiographically). Serum samples were collected for estimation of HsCRP, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglycerides (TGs).ResultsThe serum HsCRP levels in subjects with either CAD or chronic periodontitis were elevated two‐fold compared with those of healthy individuals, whereas in subjects with both diseases (CAD plus chronic periodontitis) the levels were elevated three‐fold. The serum LDL level was higher, and the serum HDL level was lower, in all the test groups compared with the healthy group. No significant difference among the groups was detected in the TG levels.ConclusionA persistent infection, such as chronic periodontitis, may influence changes in the systemic levels of HsCRP, LDL and HDL, which potentially have an impact on inflammation‐associated atherosclerotic processes, such as CAD.
Changes in Sexual Arousal as Measured by Penile Plethysmography in Men with Pedophilic Sexual Interest
Authors: Müller Karolina , Curry Susan , Ranger Rebekah , Briken Peer , Bradford John , Fedoroff John Paul 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Introduction
Although pedophilia is defined by a recurrent sexual interest in prepubescent children, little attention has been paid to the stability or fluidity of this sexual interest over time.

Aim
The aim of the current study was to investigate if patterns of penile tumescence (as a proxy for sexual interest) measured by penile plethysmography testing (PPT) can change.

Methods
In this retrospective chart review study, PPT results of 43 men diagnosed with pedophilia were collected and analyzed. All participants displayed a pedophilic sexual arousal pattern at the time of their first PPT. To test for change, we compared initial PPT results with subsequent PPT results measured at least 6 months later.

Main Outcome Measure
Sexual arousal was assessed using PPT by measuring change in penile circumference induced by the presentation of standardized sexual audio stimuli.

Results
Approximately half of the sample (n = 21) displayed a change in PPT results. This change was characterized by a significant decrease of sexual arousal in response to pedophilic (child) stimuli and a significant increase of sexual arousal in response to nonpedophilic (adult) stimuli. No differences between sexual interest changers (ICs) and nonchangers (NC) were found for demographic data or for length of time between assessments. However, between-group comparisons revealed that ICs had significantly lower pedophilic indices at the initial assessment than NCs.

Conclusions
Results from the current study indicate that relative pedophilic interest, as defined by increase in penile circumference in response to nonpedophilic stimuli as measured by PPT, changed in about 50% of men diagnosed with pedophilia who also had initial pedophilic PPT sexual responses. This represents a significant challenge to the hypothesis that sexual interest in men with pedophilia is unchangeable and should be the focus of future studies.
Environmental Exposures and Airway Inflammation in Young Thoroughbred Horses
Authors: Ivester K.M. , Couëtil L.L. , Moore G.E. , Zimmerman N.J. , Raskin R.E. 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundInflammatory airway disease (IAD) in horses is a widespread, performance‐limiting syndrome believed to develop in response to inhaled irritants in the barn environment.ObjectivesTo evaluate changes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cytology and exposure to particulates, endotoxin, and ammonia during horses' first month in training.AnimalsForty‐nine client‐owned 12‐ to 36‐month‐old Thoroughbred horses entering race training.MethodsIn this prospective cohort study, a convenience sample of horses was assigned to be fed hay from a net (n = 16), whereas the remaining horses were fed hay from the ground (n = 33).BALFwas collected at enrollment and after 14 and 28 days in training. Respirable particulate, inhalable particulate, respirable endotoxin, and ammonia concentrations were measured at the breathing zone of each horse weekly.ResultsMedian respirable particulates were significantly higher when horses were fed from hay nets than when fed hay from the ground (hay net 0.28 mg/m3, no hay net 0.055 mg/m3,P < .001). Likewise, inhalable particulate (hay net 8.3 mg/m3, no hay net 3.3 mg/m3,P = .0064) and respirable endotoxin (hay net 173.4 EU/m3, no hay net 59.2 EU/m3,P = .018) exposures were significantly higher when horses were fed from hay nets. Feeding hay from a net resulted in significantly higherBALFeosinophil proportions over time (P < .001).BALFeosinophils were significantly related to respirable particulate exposure (14 days in trainingrs = 0.37,P = .012, 28 days in training,rs = 0.38,P = .017).Conclusions and Clinical ImportancePulmonary eosinophilic inflammation develops in response to respirable particulate exposure in young Thoroughbreds, indicating a potential hypersensitivity to inhaled particulate allergens.
Clinical Findings and Prevalence of the Mutation Associated with Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia in Old English Sheepdogs
Authors: Merveille A.‐C. , Battaille G. , Billen F. , Deleuze S. , Fredholm M. , Thomas A. , Clercx C. , Lequarré A.‐S. 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundPrimary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is generally a recessively inherited disorder characterized by dysfunction of motile cilia. A mutation in a new causative gene (CCDC39) has been identified in the Old English Sheepdog (OES).ObjectivesTo describe the clinical findings and the molecular changes of affected dogs and estimate the worldwide prevalence of the mutation in a large cohort ofOES.Animals578OES, including 28 affected and 550 clinically healthy dogs.MethodsThis retrospective study reviewed the data ofOESdiagnosed withPCDandOEStested for the mutation. Clinical data including results of physical examination and further investigations were obtained on 11/28 dogs.CCDC39expression was assessed byqRT‐PCRand Western blot analysis in affected dogs and healthy dogs.DNAwas extracted on 561/578 dogs and a genetic test by Taqman technology was developed to genotype theCCDC39mutation in these dogs.ResultsClinical findings were recurrent nasal discharge and cough, pyrexia, leucocytosis, and bronchopneumonia. Ultrastructural defects were characterized by central microtubular abnormalities and decreased number of inner dynein arms (IDAs). Molecular analysis revealed a reduced expression ofCCDC39RNAand an absence ofCCDC39 protein in affected dogs compared to healthy dogs. The mutation was more frequent in nonrandomly selected EuropeanOESpopulation with a higher proportion of carriers (19%) compared to non‐European dogs (7%).Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceCCDC39mutation is dispersed in a worldwide population and is responsible forPCDin this breed. Genetic testing might enable control of this disease.
Baseline and serial liver stiffness measurement in prediction of portal hypertension progression for patients with compensated cirrhosis
Authors: Wang Jing‐Houng , Chuah Seng‐Kee , Lu Sheng‐Nan , Hung Chao‐Hung , Kuo Chung‐Mou , Tai Wei‐Chen , Chiou Shue‐Shian 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsLiver stiffness measurement (LSM) using transient elastography is useful in prediction of significant portal hypertension (PHT). To evaluate the usefulness of baseline and serial LSM in predicting clinical disease progression (CDP) for patients with compensated hepatic cirrhosis.MethodsConsecutive patients with compensated cirrhosis and without hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were prospectively enrolled. Baseline LSM was assessed at enrolment, then at a 6‐ to 12‐month interval. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and ultrasonography were performed regularly for surveillance of varices and HCC, while CDP including HCC development and PHT progression was recorded.ResultsTwo hundred and twenty patients were enrolled. In a median follow‐up of 36.9 months, CDP were detected in 49 patients including 30 PHT progression and 19 HCC developments. The cumulative incidence of CDP, PHT progression and HCC development at 3 years was 20.7%, 12.8% and 9.1% respectively. Multivariate analyses showed that baseline LSM was an independent predictor of PHT progression and CDP, however, not of HCC occurrence. The performance of baseline LSM in predicting PHT progression, varices growth/development and hepatic decompensation was 0.744, 0.638 and 0.929. With 17, 12 and 21.1 kPa as the cut‐off, the negative predictive value was 92, 94 and 99% respectively. Patients with baseline LSM ≧17 kPa without serial changes had higher risk of PHT progression.ConclusionFor patients with compensated cirrhosis, LSM was an independent predictor of PHT progression and CDP, but not of HCC occurrence. Baseline LSM was useful to exclude PHT progression. Patients with baseline and serial LSM ≧17 kPa had higher risk of PHT progression.
Evidence of a phase shift to Epizoanthus gabrieli Carlgreen, 1951 (Order Zoanthidea) and loss of coral cover on reefs in the Southwest Atlantic
Authors: Cruz Igor C. S. , de Kikuchi Ruy K. P. , Longo Leila L. , Creed Joel C. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThere is at present a ‘coral reef crisis’; one of the more drastic consequences of this is a phase shift, in which reef‐building corals are replaced by non‐reef building benthos such as macroalgae and soft corals. Previous studies have principally focused on the shift to macroalgae. Our goal was to investigate whether the dominance of the zoanthid Epizoanthus gabrieli on some reefs of Todos os Santos Bay, Brazil, represented a non‐algal phase shift. In 2003, we identified a high cover of this species on two reefs (52% and 70%), but only in 2007 was it possible to confirm a reduction in coral cover. This dominance has persisted for over 9 years, characterizing a true phase shift. This loss of coral cover may be a result of anthropogenic disturbances within the bay; however, given the large number of human impacts, further studies are needed to identify specific causes of this shift. Although there are some reports of phase shift involving species pertaining to the Class Anthozoa, this is the first report of this phenomenon involving the order Zoanthidea.
Factors affecting offspring growth and daily nest survival rates in the coastal breedingWesternReefHeron (Egretta gularis) in thePersianGulf
Authors: Etezadifar Farzaneh , Barati Ahmad 
Published: March 2014

AbstractOffspring growth and nest survival of waterbirds are important and prominent characteristics of their life history. Nestling growth and daily survival rates of the Western Reef HeronEgretta gulariswere studied in Hara Biosphere Reserve, Persian Gulf, Iran. Growth parameters were determined in relation to both age ranking of each nestling within a brood and the brood size using data from known‐age nestlings. Nesting success was modeled based on the information‐theoretic approach implemented by the programMARKto assess the effects of clutch initiation date, nest size and location on daily survival rates of nests. Mean daily growth rate of body mass was 18.06 ± 6.22 g during the first 2 weeks of age and was independent of brood size but was greater in nestlings hatching earlier within the brood. Wing and tarsus growth rate was influenced by both brood size and nestling rank within the brood, but culmen growth was independent of both factors. Earlier hatched nestlings grew faster than those hatched later. Growth of all morphometric parameters followed the Logistic growth curve model except for wing chord, which fitted the Gompertz growth model. Nest size and nest height above the ground were the most important predictors of nest survival (ωi = 0.79 and ωi = 0.69, respectively), with survival among Western Reef Heron nests improving as the nest size and nest height increased. This study shows the importance of temporal and spatial variables for breeding ecology of a common but little‐known breeding heron in coastal areas of Persian Gulf.
Comparing rates of springtail predation by web‐building spiders using Bayesian inference
Authors: Welch Kelton D. , Schofield Matthew R. , Chapman Eric G. , Harwood James D. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractA major goal of gut‐content analysis is to quantify predation rates by predators in the field, which could provide insights into the mechanisms behind ecosystem structure and function, as well as quantification of ecosystem services provided. However, percentage‐positive results from molecular assays are strongly influenced by factors other than predation rate, and thus can only be reliably used to quantify predation rates under very restrictive conditions. Here, we develop two statistical approaches, one using a parametric bootstrap and the other in terms of Bayesian inference, to build upon previous techniques that use DNA decay rates to rank predators by their rate of prey consumption, by allowing a statistical assessment of confidence in the inferred ranking. To demonstrate the utility of this technique in evaluating ecological data, we test web‐building spiders for predation on a primary prey item, springtails. Using these approaches we found that an orb‐weaving spider consumes springtail prey at a higher rate than a syntopic sheet‐weaving spider, despite occupying microhabitats where springtails are less frequently encountered. We suggest that spider‐web architecture (orb web vs. sheet web) is a primary determinant of prey‐consumption rates within this assemblage of predators, which demonstrates the potential influence of predator foraging behaviour on trophic web structure. We also discuss how additional assumptions can be incorporated into the same analysis to allow broader application of the technique beyond the specific example presented. We believe that such modelling techniques can greatly advance the field of molecular gut‐content analysis.
Factors influencing the choice of a nursing or a non‐nursing degree: A multicenter, cross‐sectional study
Authors: Dante Angelo , Graceffa Giuseppina , Del Bello Matteo , Rizzi Lorena , Ianderca Barbara , Battistella Nadia , Bulfone Teresa , Grando Roberta , Zuliani Stefania , Casetta Anica , Palese Alvisa 
Published: March 2014

AbstractCurrent literature has paid increasing attention to the factors influencing career decisions; nevertheless, few studies have compared candidates that have chosen a nursing versus a non‐nursing degree. A multicenter, cross‐sectional study design was performed to explore whether or not certain individual variables and having inaccurate data about nursing as a profession influenced the choice of a non‐nursing degree. Six non‐nursing and three nursing degree programs offered by two public Italian universities were involved. A total of 507 students who had just enrolled in non‐nursing degree programs and 202 in nursing degree programs were invited to complete a questionnaire comprising 12 closed items. Overall, from 40.0% to 57.1% of the variation in choosing a degree other than nursing was explained by variables such as age, and having inaccurate data on the nursing profession. For each year over 19 years of age, the likelihood that the student would decide to enroll in a nursing degree program increases. For each wrong answer reported on the questionnaire evaluating knowledge on nursing profession, there was a reduction of approximately six times in the likelihood that the student would enroll in a nursing degree program. Information regarding the nursing profession should be offered in early stages of life; in addition, offering accurate data on the profession is a key factor in evaluating the congruence of the career with the individual's personal motivations, aspirations, and talents.
Is vanadium a biometal for boreal cyanolichens?
Authors: Darnajoux Romain , Constantin Jérôme , Miadlikowska Jolanta , Lutzoni François , Bellenger Jean‐Philippe 
Published: March 2014

Summary

Molybdenum (Mo) nitrogenase has long been considered the predominant isoenzyme responsible for dinitrogen fixation worldwide. Recent findings have challenged the paradigm of Mo hegemony, and highlighted the role of alternative nitrogenases, such as the vanadium‐nitrogenase.

Here, we first characterized homeostasis of vanadium (V) along with other metals in situ in the dinitrogen fixing cyanolichen Peltigera aphthosa. These lichens were sampled in natural sites exposed to various levels of atmospheric metal deposition. These results were compared with laboratory experiments where Anabaena variabilis, which is also hosting the V‐nitrogenase, and a relatively close relative of the lichen cyanobiont Nostoc, was subjected to various levels of V.

We report here that V is preferentially allocated to cephalodia, specialized structures where dinitrogen fixation occurs in tri‐membered lichens. This specific allocation is biologically controlled and tightly regulated. Vanadium homeostasis in lichen cephalodia exposed to various V concentrations is comparable to the one observed in Anabaena variabilis and other dinitrogen fixing organisms using V‐nitrogenase.

Overall, our findings support current hypotheses that V could be a more important factor in mediating nitrogen input in high latitude ecosystems than previously recognized. They invite the reassessment of current theoretical models linking metal dynamics and dinitrogen fixation in boreal and subarctic ecosystems.
Diseases mimicking intussusception: Diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Karakus Suleyman Cuneyt , Ozokutan Bulent Hayri , Ceylan Haluk 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundIntussusception is a common abdominal emergency in early childhood. The aim of this study was to describe the diseases mimicking intussusception and to discuss the causes and management of these conditions.MethodsSeven patients who were initially diagnosed as having intussusception on abdominal ultrasonography but who had a final diagnosis of diseases other than intussusception were reviewed retrospectively.ResultsTwo patients with ileocolic intussusception underwent ultrasonography‐guided reduction with a hydrostatic method but the ultrasonographic findings persisted. At surgery, only edematous ileocecal valve and mesenteric lymphadenopathy were observed. In three patients with Henoch–Schönlein purpura, initial abdominal ultrasonography showed intussusception. The patients with no sign of obstructive symptoms were managed conservatively with a diagnosis of intramural hemorrhage and on follow up the ultrasonographic findings of intussusception was resolved. One patient with the target sign on computed tomography and ultrasonography of the abdomen underwent ileocolic resection and end‐to‐end anastomosis due to a tumor in the cecum. There was no evidence of intussusception. One patient with a cyst in the right lower quadrant accompanying intussusception on ultrasonography of the abdomen underwent ultrasonography‐guided reduction but the ultrasonographic findings persisted. On exploration, only cecal duplication cyst without intussusception was detected. Cecal resection including the cyst and end‐to‐end ileocolic anastomosis were performed.ConclusionsUltrasonography, color Doppler ultrasonography, barium or hydrostatic enema and computed tomography are helpful in diagnosing intussusception, but patients with radiologic findings of intussusception should be evaluated on symptoms and clinical findings before surgical intervention. Also, other diseases mimicking intussusception should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis.
Detection and quantification of airborne inoculum of Hymenoscyphus pseudoalbidus using real‐time PCR assays
Authors: Chandelier A. , Helson M. , Dvorak M. , Gischer F. 
Published: March 2014

A method based on real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the use of rotating‐arm spore traps was developed for quantifying airborne Hymenoscyphus pseudoalbidus ascospores. The method was sensitive and reproducible, and the collection efficiency was 10% of the spores present in the air. The temporal ascospore dispersal pattern was studied over 3 years by collecting spores every 15 days for a 24 h air‐sampling period during the ash‐growing season. The highest production was detected from the end of June to the beginning of September. The overall ascospore production did not differ significantly among stands within a specific year but there were differences from year to year. There was a positive correlation between air temperature and the number of ascospores trapped, with most of the positive samples being observed at temperatures above 12°C. The vertical profile of ascospore dispersal showed a strong decrease in ascospore density within a height of 3 m, regardless of date of collection. An analysis of the spore traps installed at increasing distances from an infected stand showed that most of the ascospores were deposited downwind within 50 m of the stand. These data are discussed in context of the epidemiology of the disease.
Opposite effect of conflict context modulation on neural mechanisms of cognitive and affective control
Authors: Chen Taolin , Kendrick Keith Maurice , Feng Chunliang , Yang Suyong , Wang Xiaogang , Yang Xun , Lei Du , Wu Min , Huang Xiaoqi , Gong Qiyong , Luo Yuejia 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThis study investigated the neural effect of conflict context modulation of cognitive and affective conflict processing by recording evoked‐response potentials in cognitive and affective versions of a flanker task. By varying the proportion of congruent and incongruent trials in a block, we found different patterns of the context effect on evoked potentials during cognitive and affective conflict processing. For posterior N1 amplitude, frequent incongruent trials produced a larger effect only in the affective task. The opposite pattern of the context effect was observed for the central N450, which was enhanced by frequent cognitive but reduced by frequent affective contexts. We found similar context effect on the parietal sustained potential in both tasks. Overall, our findings suggest that cognitive and affective conflict processing engage a context‐dependent attentional control mechanism but a common conflict response system.