bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Methyl coenzyme M reductase (mcrA) gene abundance correlates with activity measurements of methanogenic H2/CO2‐enriched anaerobic biomass
Authors: Morris Rachel , Schauer‐Gimenez Anne , Bhattad Ujwal , Kearney Colleen , Struble Craig A. , Zitomer Daniel , Maki James S. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryBiologically produced methane (CH4) from anaerobic digesters is a renewable alternative to fossil fuels, but digester failure can be a serious problem. Monitoring the microbial community within the digester could provide valuable information about process stability because this technology is dependent upon the metabolic processes of microorganisms. A healthy methanogenic community is critical for digester function and CH4 production. Methanogens can be surveyed and monitored using genes and transcripts of mcrA, which encodes the α subunit of methyl coenzyme M reductase – the enzyme that catalyses the final step in methanogenesis. Using clone libraries and quantitative polymerase chain reaction, we compared the diversity and abundance of mcrA genes and transcripts in four different methanogenic hydrogen/CO2 enrichment cultures to function, as measured by specific methanogenic activity (SMA) assays using H2/CO2. The mcrA gene copy number significantly correlated with CH4 production rates using H2/CO2, while correlations between mcrA transcript number and SMA were not significant. The DNA and cDNA clone libraries from all enrichments were distinctive but community diversity also did not correlate with SMA. Although hydrogenotrophic methanogens dominated these enrichments, the results indicate that this methodology should be applicable to monitoring other methanogenic communities in anaerobic digesters. Ultimately, this could lead to the engineering of digester microbial communities to produce more CH4 for use as renewable fuel.
A study on relationship among apoptosis rates, number of peripheral T cell subtypes and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Ji Lanlan , Geng Yan , Zhou Wei , Zhang Zhuoli 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimRheumatoid arthritis is characterized by type 17 helper T cell (Th17)/regulatory T cell (Treg) imbalance. The objective of this article is to study whether insufficient apoptosis contributes to the imbalance of Th17/Treg in rheumatoid arthritis.MethodsTwenty‐one rheumatoid arthritis patients and eight healthy volunteers were involved in this study. The percentage of CD4+ interleukin (IL)‐17+ T cells and CD4+ transcription factor‐forkhead box protein 3 (Foxp3)+ T cells were measured by flow cytometry, and active caspase‐3 labeling was used to detect early apoptosis. The number of T cell subtypes in peripheral blood between the two groups was compared, as well as the apoptotic ratio.ResultsNeither the number of Th17 nor Treg cells was significantly different between rheumatoid arthritis patients and healthy controls. However, the number of regulatory T cells positively correlated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate, Disease Activity Score of 28 joints and rheumatoid factor. For the apoptosis of T cell subtypes, the percentage of apoptotic Th17 cells was higher in peripheral blood of rheumatoid arthritis patients compared to controls. Furthermore, peripheral Th17 cells were more sensitive to apoptosis than Treg cells, but there was no difference between rheumatoid arthritis patients and controls.ConclusionIt seemed that there was no relationship between the number and apoptosis ratio of peripheral Th17/Treg cells. But the number of Treg cells positively correlated with disease activity. Furthermore, Th17 cells are more sensitive to apoptosis after freezing, especially in RA patients. This serendipitous finding may provide new areas for the further study of these two cell populations.
Minimizing Systemic Inflammation During Cardiopulmonary Bypass in the Pediatric Population
Authors: Durandy Yves 
Published: October 2013

AbstractCardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is known to cause a systemic inflammatory response. Inflammation includes several cascade activations: complement, cytokine, and coagulation. The early phase is triggered by blood contact with the synthetic bypass circuit and the late phase by ischemia‐reperfusion and endotoxemia. Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is constant following cardiac surgery; however, a compensatory anti‐inflammatory response is also constant and the clinical manifestations (varying from uncomplicated SIRS to shock and multiple organ dysfunction) depend on the balance between the two responses. When overexpressed, the inflammatory response may significantly increase a patient's risk. Minimization of systemic inflammation is a major concern and several strategies aiming to inhibit the inflammatory response are described. None of them is satisfactory, but the “control” of the inflammatory response extent is likely to require a multimodal approach. This review aims to describe the strategies proposed to reduce CPB‐related systemic inflammation.
Polymorphism of circadian clock genes and prophylactic lithium response
Authors: Rybakowski Janusz K , Dmitrzak‐Weglarz Monika , Kliwicki Sebastian , Hauser Joanna 
Published: October 2013

ObjectivesThe therapeutic action of lithium in bipolar mood disorder may be connected with its effect on biological rhythms. In the present study, an attempt was made to investigate an association between multiple single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and their haplotypes pertaining to four genes involved in regulation of biological rhythms [circadian locomotor output cycle kaput (CLOCK), aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator‐like (ARNTL), timeless circadian clock (TIMELESS), period circadian clock 3 (PER 3)], and the efficacy of lithium prophylaxis.MethodsThe study was performed on 115 patients with bipolar mood disorder (45 males, 70 females) with a mean age of 52 ± 12 years, with lithium prophylaxis for 22 ± 8 years, recruited from the outpatients in the Department of Psychiatry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences. The assessment of the lithium prophylactic response was made retrospectively using the Alda scale. Genotyping was done for nine SNPs of the CLOCK gene, 18 SNPs of the ARNTL gene, six SNPs of the timeless circadian clock (TIM) gene, and nine SNPs of the PER3 gene.ResultsAn association with the degree of lithium prophylaxis was found for six SNPs and three haplotype blocks of the ARNTL gene, and two SNPs and one haplotype block of the TIM gene. No association with SNPs or haplotypes of the CLOCK and PER3 genes was observed.ConclusionsThe results suggest that the ARNTL and TIM genes may be associated with the lithium prophylactic response in bipolar illness. This association may be related to the role of these genes in the predisposition to bipolar mood disorder. Of special interest may be polymorphisms of these genes involved both in the predisposition to bipolar mood disorder and the lithium response.
Birth order and postpartum psychiatric disorders
Authors: Munk‐Olsen Trine , Jones Ian , Laursen Thomas Munk 
Published: October 2013

ObjectivePrimiparity is a well‐established and significant risk factor for postpartum psychosis and especially bipolar affective disorders. However, no studies have, to our knowledge, quantified the risk of psychiatric disorders after the first, second, or subsequent births. The overall aim of the present study was to study the risk of first‐time psychiatric episodes requiring inpatient treatment after the birth of the first, second, or third child.MethodsA cohort comprising 750,127 women was defined using information from Danish population registries. Women were followed individually from the date of birth of their first, second, or third child through the following 12 months over the period 1970–2011. The outcome of interest was defined as first‐time admissions to a psychiatric hospital with any type of psychiatric disorder.ResultsWomen who had a first psychiatric episode which required inpatient treatment after their first (n = 1,327), second (n = 735), or third (n = 238) delivery were included. The highest risk was found in primiparous mothers 10–19 days postpartum [relative risk (RR) = 8.65; 95% confidence interval (CI): 6.89–10.85]. After the second birth, the highest risk was at 60–89 days postpartum (RR = 2.01; 95% CI: 1.52–2.65), and there was no increased risk after the third birth. The effect of primiparity was strongest for bipolar disorders.ConclusionsPrimiparity is a significant risk factor for experiencing a first‐time episode with a psychiatric disorder, especially bipolar disorders. A second birth was associated with a smaller risk, and there was no increased risk after the third birth. The risk of postpartum episodes after the second delivery increased with increasing inter‐pregnancy intervals, a result which warrants further investigation.
New surgical technique for ventral penile curvature without circumcision
Authors: Alei Giovanni , Letizia Piero , Alei Lavinia , Massoni Francesco , Ricci Serafino 
Published: October 2013

Objectives
To describe and report on our variant of penile corporoplasty, the ‘double‐breasted’ corporoplasty, with penoscrotal and infrapubic access not requiring circumcision.
The medicolegal aspects of treatment are also discussed.
Patients and Methods
Between February 1995 and October 2012, double‐breasted corporoplasty was performed in 93 patients with congenital ventral penile curvature.
Preoperative assessment comprised RigiScan monitoring, prostaglandin E1 injection with photographic documentation and measurement of penile angulation, administration of the International Index of Erectile Function‐5 (IIEF‐5) questionnaire, and biothesiometry up until 5 years ago when it was substituted with the Genito Sensory Analyser for testing sensitivity.
Dorsal infrapubic access was used in the patients with ventral curvature. After preparation and incision of Colles' fascia, the penis is degloved and double‐breasted corporoplasty is performed at the site established at preoperative assessment. The tunica albuginea is prepared, an incision is made, and the cavernous tissue is isolated from the albuginea to obtain two flaps that are then overlaid and sutured asymmetrically with interrupted 2‐0 polyglactin 910 (Vicryl®) sutures. After the free edge of the albuginea is sutured with a running polyglactin 910 suture, a non‐absorbable monofilament and uncoated suture made of polypropylene (Premicron®) suture is placed at the point of maximum traction.
Results
Complete correction of penile curvature was achieved in 96% of patients; recurrence occurred in 4%.
No major complications were reported, nor were there neurovascular lesions or change in erectile function.
Palpable subcutaneous irregularities at the site of the corporoplasty, without functional or aesthetic impairment, were reported by 35% of patients.
There was no change in the appearance of the penis as circumcision was not performed and the residual scar was barely noticeable as it was hidden in the infrapubic fold.
The corporoplasty technique can adequately restore the patient's psychophysical integrity, making it, from a medicolegal perspective, one of the most reliable procedures in the surgical repair of penile curvature.
Conclusions
This original technique is associated with low morbidity, a low recurrence rate and excellent aesthetic results.
The results show that it is safe and effective. When indicated for the surgical treatment of penile curvature, the choice of the technique satisfies the criteria of diligence and prudence for the surgeon's conduct.
Mixed Effects of Long‐Term Conservation Investment in Natura 2000 Farmland
Authors: Santana Joana , Reino Luís , Stoate Chris , Borralho Rui , Carvalho Carlos Rio , Schindler Stefan , Moreira Francisco , Bugalho Miguel N. , Ribeiro Paulo Flores , Santos José Lima , Vaz Alexandre , Morgado Rui , Porto Miguel , Beja Pedro 
Published: October 2013

AbstractEvaluating the effectiveness of conservation funding is crucial for correct allocation of limited resources. Here we used bird monitoring data to assess the effects of long‐term conservation investment in a Natura 2000 (N2000) bird protection area (PA), which during two decades benefited from protection regulations, conservation projects, and agri‐environment schemes. Variation between 1995–1997 and 2010–2012 in richness and abundance of flagship (Otis tarda, Tetrax tetrax, and Falco naumanni) and specialized fallow field species were more favorable (i.e., increased more or declined less) inside the PA than in a nearby control area. However, the reverse was found for total bird species, farmland, ground‐nesting and steppe species, species associated to ploughed fields, and species of European conservation concern. Enhancing the effectiveness of conservation investment in N2000 farmland may require a greater focus on the wider biodiversity alongside that currently devoted to flagship species, as well as improved matching between conservation and agricultural policies.
Audio‐visual speech perception: a developmental ERP investigation
Authors: Knowland Victoria C.P. , Mercure Evelyne , Karmiloff‐Smith Annette , Dick Fred , Thomas Michael S.C. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBeing able to see a talking face confers a considerable advantage for speech perception in adulthood. However, behavioural data currently suggest that children fail to make full use of these available visual speech cues until age 8 or 9. This is particularly surprising given the potential utility of multiple informational cues during language learning. We therefore explored this at the neural level. The event‐related potential (ERP) technique has been used to assess the mechanisms of audio‐visual speech perception in adults, with visual cues reliably modulating auditory ERP responses to speech. Previous work has shown congruence‐dependent shortening of auditory N1/P2 latency and congruence‐independent attenuation of amplitude in the presence of auditory and visual speech signals, compared to auditory alone. The aim of this study was to chart the development of these well‐established modulatory effects over mid‐to‐late childhood. Experiment 1 employed an adult sample to validate a child‐friendly stimulus set and paradigm by replicating previously observed effects of N1/P2 amplitude and latency modulation by visual speech cues; it also revealed greater attenuation of component amplitude given incongruent audio‐visual stimuli, pointing to a new interpretation of the amplitude modulation effect. Experiment 2 used the same paradigm to map cross‐sectional developmental change in these ERP responses between 6 and 11 years of age. The effect of amplitude modulation by visual cues emerged over development, while the effect of latency modulation was stable over the child sample. These data suggest that auditory ERP modulation by visual speech represents separable underlying cognitive processes, some of which show earlier maturation than others over the course of development.
Clinical features and management of haemophilic pseudotumours: a single US centre experience over a 30‐year period
Authors: Lim M. Y. , Nielsen B. , Ma A. , Key N. S. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryGiven the rarity of haemophilic pseudotumours, consensus on management is lacking. We describe the clinical features and management of haemophilic pseudotumours by retrospectively reviewing the medical records of haemophilia patients with a diagnosis of pseudotumour seen at our Hemophilia Center from 1981 to 2011. We recorded the following data: type and severity of haemophilia, documented aetiological antecedent, localization of the pseudotumour, presenting symptoms, management and outcome. We identified 12 pseudotumours in 11 patients over a 30‐year period. Six patients had known inhibitors or a history of inhibitor. An aetiological antecedent leading to the development of pseudotumour was reported in nine cases. Localization of the pseudotumour was confined to soft tissue (n = 3) and bone (n = 8). Six of the 12 pseudotumours (50%) were not diagnosed at the time of initial presentation, with a delay ranging from 6 weeks to 6 years. In eight cases, surgical intervention (surgical drainage, n = 2; excision, n = 4; limb amputation, n = 2) was the initial treatment choice, with complete resolution in six cases. Conservative management with close monitoring occurred in three cases, with one case subsequently requiring surgical resection. We conclude that haemophilic pseudotumours still occur sporadically, and the diagnosis is frequently delayed. Surgical intervention is generally a safe and effective treatment, although conservative management may be appropriate in selected cases.
Feasibility and efficacy of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma after sorafenib
Authors: Terashima Takeshi , Yamashita Tatsuya , Arai Kuniaki , Sunagozaka Hajime , Kitahara Masaaki , Nakagawa Hidetoshi , Kagaya Takashi , Mizukoshi Eishiro , Honda Masao , Kaneko Shuichi 
Published: October 2013

AimSorafenib is the standard treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, although there is no proven therapeutic procedure following the termination of sorafenib, hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) may be a treatment option in advanced HCC. The aim of this study was to evaluate feasibility and efficacy of HAIC for patients with advanced HCC as subsequent therapy.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated 27 consecutive patients with advanced HCC who were treated with HAIC following sorafenib between June 2009 and December 2012 at our hospital. Cisplatin (20 mg/m2 per day) was administered via the hepatic artery for 10 min, prior to the continuous administration of 5‐fluorouracil (330 mg/m2 per day) over 24 h from days 1–5 and 8–12 and the s.c. administration of pegylated interferon α‐2b (1 μg/kg) on days 1, 8, 15, and 22. A treatment cycle consisted of 28 days of drug administration followed by 14 days of rest.ResultsThe toxicity profile showed that hematological toxicities were common, and grade 3/4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia were observed (51.9% and 48.1%, respectively). Five patients (18.5%) experienced device‐related complications. No unexpected adverse reactions and no treatment‐related deaths were observed. Partial response was obtained in eight patients (29.6%), and stable disease was noted in nine patients (33.3%). Median progression‐free survival and median survival time from initiation of HAIC were 4.0 and 7.6 months, respectively.ConclusionsBecause HAIC was well tolerated and exhibited moderate antitumor activity, it is a potentially useful treatment procedure in patients with advanced HCC even after failure of sorafenib.
Psycho‐sociological Investigation of Criminal Behaviour within a Prison Sample Using Retrospective Data
Authors: Boduszek Daniel , Adamson Gary , Shevlin Mark , Hyland Philip , Dhingra Katie 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPrevious research indicated a significant role of family variables (parental supervision and attachment) in the study of criminality. Social learning of criminal behaviour suggested that the intensity of criminal acts during adolescence is predicted by exposure to criminal peer groups. Based on a sample of recidivists (n = 312) incarcerated in a high‐security prison, this article investigates the direct and indirect effects of parental attachment, parental supervision, and peer relations on associations with criminal friends and subsequent criminal behaviour. Two alternative models of criminal behaviour were specified and estimated in Mplus 6 with restricted maximum likelihood estimation, using structural equation modelling. Results suggest that parental attachment has a significant, positive direct effect on parental supervision and relationships with peers, and an indirect effect on associations with criminal friends via parental supervision. Results also indicate a direct negative effect of parental supervision on criminal associations and a strong, positive effect of criminal associations with criminal friends on criminal behaviour. The only indirect predictor of criminal behaviour was parental supervision via associations with criminal friends. Further implications in relation to theory and previous studies are discussed.
Diagnostic stifle joint arthroscopy using a needle arthroscope in standing horses
Authors: Frisbie David D. , Barrett Myra F. , McIlwraith C. Wayne , Ullmer Jeff 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo assess use of an 18 g arthroscope for diagnostic stifle joint examination in the standing horse.Study DesignPhase 1 used cadaver limbs and simultaneous ultrasonographic assessment. Phase 2 used 6 normal horses where stifles were assessed in both a standing and flexed position. Phase 3 used horses with suspected stifle injury or disease.AnimalsNormal horses (n = 6) to assess ability to perform diagnostic procedure (phase 2) and 3 clinical cases (phase 3).MethodsFive cadaver limbs were used in phase 1 to assess all stifle joints. Phase 2 used standing sedated and locally anesthetized horses. Routine arthroscopic approaches were used in both weight bearing and flexed nonweight bearing positions. In both phase 1 and 2 simultaneous ultrasonographic and arthroscopic examinations were used to confirm extent of diagnostic examination. The methods developed in phase 2 were used to examine the stifle in 3 horses with suspected stifle disease.ResultsIn cadaveric limbs and horses, all intra articular structures that constitute a complete arthroscopic examination were identified; no intra ‐or postoperative morbidity occurred. In phase 3, the needle arthroscope was used in accurate identification of pathologic change and in 1 horse, an osteochondral fragment not detected by ultrasonography and radiography was identified.ConclusionsThis preliminary work indicates that an 18 g arthroscope can be used for diagnostic examination of the equine stifle in standing horses.
Some Surprising Implications of Negative Retributivism
Authors: Lippke Richard L. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractNegative retributivism is the view that though the primary justifying aim of legal punishment is the reduction of crime, the state's efforts to do so are subject to side‐constraints that forbid punishment of the innocent and disproportionate punishment of the guilty. I contend that insufficient attention has been paid to what the side‐constraints commit us to in constructing a theory of legal punishment, even one primarily oriented toward reducing crime. Specifically, I argue that the side‐constraints limit the kinds of actions that are appropriately criminalised, the kinds of beings who are appropriately liable to legal punishment, and the absolute and comparative severity of sanctions. I also argue that a third retributive constraint is needed, one which I term a ‘non‐degradation constraint’. According to this third constraint, in our efforts to reduce crime, we must avoid treating offenders as non‐moral beings and ensure that punishment does not atrophy or erode the complex capacity for moral responsibility. When this third constraint is combined with the persuasive instrumental case for promoting the moral responsiveness of offenders, the result is an approach to crime reduction that is quite different from ones which emphasise general deterrence and incapacitation. In the closing section, I broach the question whether negative retributivism has been appropriately characterised in the literature on legal punishment.