bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and Initial Validation of the PROMIS® Sexual Function and Satisfaction Measures Version 2.0
Authors: Weinfurt Kevin P. , Lin Li , Bruner Deborah Watkins , Cyranowski Jill M. , Dombeck Carrie B. , Hahn Elizabeth A. , Jeffery Diana D. , Luecht Richard M. , Magasi Susan , Porter Laura S. , Reese Jennifer Barsky , Reeve Bryce B. , Shelby Rebecca A. , Smith Ashley Wilder , Willse John T. , Flynn Kathryn E. 
Published: September 2015

Abstract

Introduction
The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS)® Sexual Function and Satisfaction measure (SexFS) version 1.0 was developed with cancer populations. There is a need to expand the SexFS and provide evidence of its validity in diverse populations.

Aim
The aim of this study was to describe the development of the SexFS v2.0 and present preliminary evidence for its validity.

Methods
Development built on version 1.0, plus additional review of extant items, discussions with 15 clinical experts, 11 patient focus groups (including individuals with diabetes, heart disease, anxiety, depression, and/or are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or aged 65 or older), 48 cognitive interviews, and psychometric evaluation in a random sample of U.S. adults plus an oversample for specific sexual problems (2281 men, 1686 women). We examined differential item functioning (DIF) by gender and sexual activity. We examined convergent and known-groups validity.

Results
The final set of domains includes 11 scored scales (interest in sexual activity, lubrication, vaginal discomfort, clitoral discomfort, labial discomfort, erectile function, orgasm ability, orgasm pleasure, oral dryness, oral discomfort, satisfaction), and six nonscored item pools (screeners, sexual activities, anal discomfort, therapeutic aids, factors interfering with sexual satisfaction, bother). Domains from version 1.0 were reevaluated and improved. Domains considered applicable across gender and sexual activity status, namely interest, orgasm, and satisfaction, were found to have significant DIF. We identified subsets of items in each domain that provided consistent measurement across these important respondent groups. Convergent and known-groups validity was supported.

Conclusions
The SexFS version 2.0 has several improvements and enhancements over version 1.0 and other extant measures, including expanded evidence for validity, scores centered around norms for sexually active U.S. adults, new domains, and a final set of items applicable for both men and women and those sexually active with a partner and without. The SexFS is customizable, allowing users to select relevant domains and items for their study.
Psychoticism, Immature Defense Mechanisms and a Fearful Attachment Style are Associated with a Higher Homophobic Attitude
Authors: Ciocca Giacomo , Tuziak Bogdan , Limoncin Erika , Mollaioli Daniele , Capuano Nicolina , Martini Alessia , Carosa Eleonora , Fisher Alessandra D. , Maggi Mario , Niolu Cinzia , Siracusano Alberto , Lenzi Andrea , Jannini Emmanuele A. 
Published: September 2015

Abstract

Introduction
Homophobic behavior and a negative attitude toward homosexuals are prevalent among the population. Despite this, few researches have investigated the psychologic aspects associated with homophobia, as psychopathologic symptoms, the defensive system, and attachment styles.

Aim
The aim of this study was to investigate the psychologic factors mentioned earlier and their correlation with homophobia.

Methods
Five hundred fifty-one university students recruited, aged 18–30, were asked to complete several psychometric evaluation.

Main Outcome Measures
In particular, Homophobia Scale (HS) was used to assess homophobia levels, the Symptoms Check List Revised (SCL-90-R) for the identification of psychopathologic symptoms, the Defence Style Questionnaire (DSQ-40) for the evaluation of defense mechanisms and the Relationship Questionnaire (RQ) for attachment styles.

Results
After a regression analysis, we found a significant predictive value of psychoticism (β = 0.142; P = 0.04) and of immature defense mechanisms (β = 0.257; P &lt; 0.0001) for homophobia, while neurotic defense mechanisms (β = −0.123; P = 0.02) and depressive symptoms (β = −0.152; P = 0.04) have an opposite role. Moreover, categorical constructs of the RQ revealed a significant difference between secure and fearful attachments styles in levels of homophobia (secure = 22.09 ± 17.22 vs. fearful = 31.07 ± 25.09; P &lt; 0.05). Finally, a gender difference to HS scores and a significant influence of male sex was found (β = 0.213; P &lt; 0.0001).

Conclusions
We demonstrated the involvement of psychoticism and immature defense mechanisms in homophobic attitudes, while a contrasting role is played by neurotic defense mechanisms and depressive symptoms. Moreover, secure attachment is an indicator of low levels of homophobia compared with the subjects demonstrating a fearful style of attachment. Hence, in the assessment of homophobia and in the relevant programs of prevention, it is necessary to consider the psychologic aspects described earlier.
Subacute Hemolysis in Sickle Cell Mice Causes Priapism Secondary to NO Imbalance and PDE5 Dysregulation
Authors: Sopko Nikolai A. , Matsui Hotaka , Hannan Johanna L. , Berkowitz Dan , Champion Hunter C. , Hsu Lewis L. , Musicki Biljana , Burnett Arthur L. , Bivalacqua Trinity J. 
Published: September 2015

Abstract

Introduction
Recent research suggests that priapism in sickle cell disease (SCD) is due to dysregulation of penile erection homeostasis including alteration of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) activities by excessive levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) released during hemolysis. It is unknown if subacute exposure to hemolysis is sufficient or if chronic reconditioning of erectile tissues is required for perturbation of homeostatic pathways and whether PDE5 inhibitor (PDE5I) treatment can restore erectile homeostasis in the subacute setting.

Aims
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of subacute hemolysis (3-month exposure) on priapism and NO pathway regulation.

Methods
Mice underwent bone marrow transplantation with either SCD (BM-SS) or wild-type (WT) bone marrow. BM-SS mice were treated with sildenafil 100 mg/kg/day. We measured intracavernous pressure (ICP) measurements with or without cavernous nerve stimulation following bone marrow transplantation to assess for priapism.

Main Outcome Measures
ICP and frequency of erections were assessed. Penile tissues were analyzed for NOS, protein kinase G (PKG), PDE5, and ROS activities.

Results
BM-SS mice demonstrated a priapism phenotype. PDE5I treatment reduced the frequency of erections in BM-SS mice (1.7 ± 1.1 vs. 5.5 ± 2.8 erections per hour, P &lt; 0.05). Penile tissues from BM-SS mice demonstrated decreased NOS, PKG, PDE5 and elevated ROS activities compared with that of control mice. PDE5I treatment increased NOS (11.6 ± 1.3% vs. 7.8 ± 2.3%, P &lt; 0.05) and PDE5 (76.3 ± 9.8% vs. 52.3 ± 11.1%, P &lt; 0.05) activities and decreased ROS activity (137.8 ± 12.1% vs. 199.1 ± 11.3%, P &lt; 0.05) compared with non-PDE5I treated BM-SS mice. PKG activity was increased beyond control levels with PDE5I treatment (158.4 ± 10.3%, P &lt; 0.05).

Conclusion
Short-term hemolysis is sufficient to establish a priapism phenotype and results in loss of erectile function. PDE5I treatment ameliorates priapism, in part, because of restored NO balance with decreased ROS generation and increased PDE5 activity.
Ancient DNA reveals past existence of Eurasian lynx in Spain
Authors: Rodríguez‐Varela R. , García N. , Nores C. , Álvarez‐Lao D. , Barnett R. , Arsuaga J. L. , Valdiosera C. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe known distribution of the Iberian lynx Lynx pardinus within the Iberian Peninsula since the Middle Pleistocene and the lack of reliable records of Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx in this region have led to the assumption that the Iberian lynx was the sole inhabitant of Iberia. In this study, we identified ancient mitochondrial DNA (a total of 337 base pairs from the control region and cytochrome b) from eight northern Iberian lynx remains as Eurasian lynx. These results confirm the presence of Eurasian lynx in northern Iberia from the Pleistocene/Holocene boundary until just a few centuries ago. The paleontological record and our data indicate a population replacement of the Iberian lynx by the Eurasian lynx during the Pleistocene/Holocene transition in the Cantabrian cornice of Spain. Phylogeographic patterns of Late Pleistocene and Holocene Eurasian lynx from Iberia, France, Italy and Denmark show that this felid had a more complex phylogeographic history in the past than modern day populations suggest.
Chronic liver injury induced by drugs: a systematic review
Authors: Stine Jonathan G. , Chalasani Naga 
Published: September 2015

AbstractTo examine the available literature and summarize what is known about chronic drug‐induced liver injury. We reviewed PubMed/MEDLINEthrough March 2015. We developed aMEDLINEsearch strategy using PubMed medical subject heading terms chronic liver injury, hepatotoxicity, drug‐induced liver injury, cirrhosis and chronic liver disease. We reviewed the reference list of included articles to identify articles missed in the database search. Chronic liver injury from drugs is more common than once thought with prevalence as high as 18% based on large national registries. Patients with cholestatic injury, age ≤65 years, and a long latency period (>365 days) are at increased risk. Of the most common drugs associated with drug‐induced liver injury, antibiotics (amoxicillin‐clavulanic acid, trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole, azithromycin) are most likely to cause chronic injury. The presence of autoantibodies is common with chronicDILI, however, it is not diagnostic nor is it specific to autoimmune‐like drug‐induced liver injury. Immunosuppressive therapy may be necessary for individual cases of autoimmune‐like drug‐induced liver injury where cessation of the drug alone does not result in resolution of injury, however, the lowest dose should be used for the shortest duration with careful attention to the development of side effects. The effectiveness of treament of cholestatic liver injury with corticosteroids or ursodiol remains unclear. Cases of drug‐induced fatty liver, nodular regenerative hyperplasia and peliosis hepatitis are less common subtypes of chronic drug‐induced liver injury that deserve special consideration. A high degree of clinical suspicion is required for the diagnosis of chronic drug‐induced liver injury and should be suspected in any patient with liver associated enzyme abnormalities that persist out past 6 months of initial presentation. Treatment with drug removal and/or immunosuppressive therapy appears to be effective for the majority of cases. More study into pharmacogenomics and personalized medicine may aid in predicting which patients will go on to develop chronic drug‐induced liver injury.
Diet is the primary determinant of bacterial community structure in the guts of higher termites
Authors: Mikaelyan Aram , Dietrich Carsten , Köhler Tim , Poulsen Michael , Sillam‐Dussès David , Brune Andreas 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe gut microbiota of termites plays critical roles in the symbiotic digestion of lignocellulose. While phylogenetically ‘lower termites’ are characterized by a unique association with cellulolytic flagellates, higher termites (family Termitidae) harbour exclusively prokaryotic communities in their dilated hindguts. Unlike the more primitive termite families, which primarily feed on wood, they have adapted to a variety of lignocellulosic food sources in different stages of humification, ranging from sound wood to soil organic matter. In this study, we comparatively analysed representatives of different taxonomic lineages and feeding groups of higher termites to identify the major drivers of bacterial community structure in the termite gut, using amplicon libraries of 16S rRNA genes from 18 species of higher termites. In all analyses, the wood‐feeding species were clearly separated from humus and soil feeders, irrespective of their taxonomic affiliation, offering compelling evidence that diet is the primary determinant of bacterial community structure. Within each diet group, however, gut communities of termites from the same subfamily were more similar than those of distantly related species. A highly resolved classification using a curated reference database revealed only few genus‐level taxa whose distribution patterns indicated specificity for certain host lineages, limiting any possible cospeciation between the gut microbiota and host to short evolutionary timescales. Rather, the observed patterns in the host‐specific distribution of the bacterial lineages in termite guts are best explained by diet‐related differences in the availability of microhabitats and functional niches.
Can the experimental evolution programme help us elucidate the genetic basis of adaptation in nature?
Authors: Bailey Susan F. , Bataillon Thomas 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThere have been a variety of approaches taken to try to characterize and identify the genetic basis of adaptation in nature, spanning theoretical models, experimental evolution studies and direct tests of natural populations. Theoretical models can provide formalized and detailed hypotheses regarding evolutionary processes and patterns, from which experimental evolution studies can then provide important proofs of concepts and characterize what is biologically reasonable. Genetic and genomic data from natural populations then allow for the identification of the particular factors that have and continue to play an important role in shaping adaptive evolution in the natural world. Further to this, experimental evolution studies allow for tests of theories that may be difficult or impossible to test in natural populations for logistical and methodological reasons and can even generate new insights, suggesting further refinement of existing theories. However, as experimental evolution studies often take place in a very particular set of controlled conditions – that is simple environments, a small range of usually asexual species, relatively short timescales – the question remains as to how applicable these experimental results are to natural populations. In this review, we discuss important insights coming from experimental evolution, focusing on four key topics tied to the evolutionary genetics of adaptation, and within those topics, we discuss the extent to which the experimental work compliments and informs natural population studies. We finish by making suggestions for future work in particular a need for natural population genomic time series data, as well as the necessity for studies that combine both experimental evolution and natural population approaches.
Ozone degrades floral scent and reduces pollinator attraction to flowers
Authors: Farré‐Armengol Gerard , Peñuelas Josep , Li Tao , Yli‐Pirilä Pasi , Filella Iolanda , Llusia Joan , Blande James D. 
Published: September 2015

Summary

In this work we analyzed the degradation of floral scent volatiles from Brassica nigra by reaction with ozone along a distance gradient and the consequences for pollinator attraction.

For this purpose we used a reaction system comprising three reaction tubes in which we conducted measurements of floral volatiles using a proton‐transfer‐reaction time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer (PTR‐TOF‐MS) and GC‐MS. We also tested the effects of floral scent degradation on the responses of the generalist pollinator Bombus terrestris.

The chemical analyses revealed that supplementing air with ozone led to an increasing reduction in the concentrations of floral volatiles in air with distance from the volatile source. The results revealed different reactivities with ozone for different floral scent constituents, which emphasized that ozone exposure not only degrades floral scents, but also changes the ratios of compounds in a scent blend. Behavioural tests revealed that floral scent was reduced in its attractiveness to pollinators after it had been exposed to 120 ppb O3 over a 4.5 m distance.

The combined results of chemical analyses and behavioural responses of pollinators strongly suggest that high ozone concentrations have significant negative impacts on pollination by reducing the distance over which floral olfactory signals can be detected by pollinators.
A Note on the Identification of Dynamic Economic Models with Generalized Shock Processes
Authors: A. Reicher Claire 
Published: September 2015

AbstractDynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) models with generalized shock processes, such as shock processes which follow a vector autoregression (VAR), have been an active area of research in recent years. Unfortunately, the structural parameters governing DSGE models are not identified when the driving process behind the model follows an unrestricted VAR. This finding implies that parameter estimates derived from recent attempts to estimate DSGE models with generalized driving processes should be treated with caution, and that there always exists a tradeoff between identification and the risk of model misspecification. However, these results also make it easier to address the issue of model misspecification by making it computationally easier to check the validity of cross‐equation restrictions.
Functional foods as potential therapeutic options for metabolic syndrome
Authors: Brown L. , Poudyal H. , Panchal S. K. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryObesity as part of metabolic syndrome is a major lifestyle disorder throughout the world. Current drug treatments for obesity produce small and usually unsustainable decreases in body weight with the risk of major adverse effects. Surgery has been the only treatment producing successful long‐term weight loss. As a different but complementary approach, lifestyle modification including the use of functional foods could produce a reliable decrease in obesity with decreased comorbidities. Functional foods may include fruits such as berries, vegetables, fibre‐enriched grains and beverages such as tea and coffee. Although health improvements continue to be reported for these functional foods in rodent studies, further evidence showing the translation of these results into humans is required. Thus, the concept that these fruits and vegetables will act as functional foods in humans to reduce obesity and thereby improve health remains intuitive and possible rather than proven.
Systematic review of the relationship between childcare educators' practices and preschoolers' physical activity and eating behaviours
Authors: Ward S. , Bélanger M. , Donovan D. , Carrier N. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryThe role of childcare educators is important given that 81% of preschoolers living in developed countries receive childcare outside their home. Since children learn by observing and imitating others, childcare educators may play a role in promoting healthy eating behaviours and physical activity in young children. Six databases were searched for quantitative peer‐reviewed, English or French primary studies reporting the correlates, predictors or effectiveness of childcare educators' practices on preschoolers' healthy eating and physical activity behaviours. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies. Fifteen articles were included in this review: 10 measured physical activity levels and five assessed eating behaviours. The quality score was rated as low for eight of these articles, and as moderate for the remaining seven. Two of four cross‐sectional studies reported a positive relationship between educators and children's behaviours. Eleven intervention studies reported significant favourable effects of interventions. Educators may play a positive role in promoting healthy behaviours in children, but this is mainly based on a small number of intervention type studies of low or moderate quality. The influence of specific components of educators' practices on children's healthy eating and physical activity behaviours remains inconclusive.
Spatial analysis of blackleg‐affected seed potato crops in Scotland
Authors: Skelsey P. , Elphinstone J. G. , Saddler G. S. , Wale S. J. , Toth I. K. 
Published: September 2015

Potato blackleg, caused by Pectobacterium and Dickeya species, is one of the most significant bacterial diseases affecting potato production globally. Although it is generally accepted to be a seedborne disease, the processes underlying the spread of disease largely remain unknown. Spatial point pattern analysis was applied to blackleg occurrence in seed potato crops in Scotland during the period of 2010–2013 (approximately 8000 blackleg‐affected crops), to assess whether its distribution was random, regular or aggregated, and the spatial scales at which these patterns occurred. Blackleg‐affected crops derived from mother stocks with symptoms were omitted from the analyses in order to examine the statistical evidence for horizontal transmission of blackleg. The pair correlation function was used to test for global spatial autocorrelation, and results indicated significant (P < 0·05) clustering of incidence at a wide range of spatial scales. Strength of clustering (degree of aggregation) among blackleg‐affected crops was notably larger at spatial scales of 25 km or less. A hot‐ and coldspot analysis was performed to test for local spatial autocorrelation, and statistically significant clusters of high and low values of disease were found across the country. These analyses provide the first quantitative evidence of localized and large‐scale spatial clustering of potato blackleg. Understanding the mode(s) of inoculum dispersal will be important for developing new management strategies that minimize host–pathogen contacts in potato and numerous other crops affected by pathogenic Pectobacterium and Dickeya species.
The Fusarium graminearum Xyr1 transcription factor regulates xylanase expression but is not essential for fungal virulence
Authors: Sella L. , Gazzetti K. , Castiglioni C. , Schäfer W. , D'Ovidio R. , Favaron F. 
Published: September 2015

The fungal pathogen Fusarium graminearum is the causal agent of fusarium head blight in wheat and other small grain cereals. This fungus is known to produce high amounts of cell wall‐degrading enzymes during infection of wheat spikes. In addition, wheat tissue is particularly rich in xylan, which can be hydrolysed by fungal xylanases. In order to establish the role of F. graminearum xylanase activity in pathogenicity, targeted gene disruption of the F. graminearum xyr1 gene, encoding the major regulator of xylanase gene expression, was performed. When grown on xylan as carbon source, the xylanase activity of the Δxyr1 mutant was dramatically reduced and fungal growth was significantly reduced compared to the wildtype fungus. When grown on carboxymethylcellulose, the cellulolytic activity of the mutant was also reduced and the mutant did not grow on wheat cell walls. The disruption of the xyr1 gene greatly reduced the expression of xylanase‐encoding genes both in vitro and during wheat spike infection, thus confirming the involvement of F. graminearum Xyr1 in the regulation of genes controlling xylan degradation. However, despite the deep impact caused by xyr1 gene disruption on the expression of xylanase genes and on total xylanase activity, the virulence of the Δxyr1 mutant appeared unaffected on Triticum aestivum and T. durum spikes and on soybean seedlings. In conclusion, although a possible role for residual xylanase activity in the virulence of F. graminearum cannot be conclusively excluded, the results question the importance of xylanase activity during the infection process.