bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire-19: Reliability, Validity, and Factor Structure of the Persian Version
Authors: Mohammadi Khadijeh , Rahnama Parvin , Montazeri Ali , Foley Frederick W. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Introduction
The Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire-19 (MSISQ-19) was designed to assess the perceived influence of multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms on sexual activity and satisfaction.

Aims
This study aimed to translate and validate the MSISQ-19 in women with MS in Iran.

Methods
The translation of the original questionnaire was carried out in accordance with a standard forward–backward procedure. Then, a sample of 226 married women with MS completed the questionnaire. Reliability was estimated using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Concurrent validity was assessed by comparison with the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), and the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). The factor structure of the questionnaire was extracted by performing exploratory factor analyses. All patients underwent a full neurologic examination.

Main Outcome Measures
MSISQ-19 score was the main outcome measure.

Results
The mean age of participants was 35.77 years (SD = 8.07), with mean disease duration of 1.84 years (SD = 0.79). Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.90 for total MSISQ-19 score, with values of 0.85, 0.90, and 0.78 for the subscales assessing primary, secondary, and tertiary sexual dysfunction, respectively. The principal component analysis indicated a three-factor solution, similar to that found in the original validation study, that explained 63.0% of the total variance for women with MS. Scores on the MSISQ-19 and its subscales correlated with scores on the FSFI, EDSS, and BDI-II (all P &lt; 0.01).

Conclusion
In general, the findings suggest that the MSISQ-19 is a reliable and valid measure of sexual function among Iranian women with MS. However, further studies are needed to establish psychometric properties for male MS patients in Iran.
Local and regional long‐term diversity changes and biotic homogenization in two temperate grasslands
Authors: Puhl L. E. , Perelman S. B. , Batista W. B. , Burkart S. E. , León R. J. C. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractQuestionsAre there losses in species richness due to extinctions? Is the input of new species lower in environments with strong resource limitation? Is there a decrease in abundance and diversity of native species due to anthropogenic disturbance at local and regional scale? Has abundance of exotic species been favoured by grazing increased? Are floristic changes associated with homogenization processes?LocationTwo grassland community types of the Argentine Flooding Pampas: the mesophyte prairie and the halophyte steppe.MethodsGrassland sites (n = 51) were resurveyed with the same methodology after 35 yr. At the local scale (0.25 ha), we analysed alpha diversity, site colonization and extinction rates, and changes in species and functional type composition. Site colonization rates were calculated separately for new species (not recorded in the original inventory) and old species (present in the first survey at other sample sites of the community). Correspondence analysis was applied to the presence/absence species matrix for all sites in both periods. At regional scale, we evaluated gamma diversity, heterogeneity within and between communities, changes in proportion of functional types (growth season, longevity and life form) and species origin.ResultsIn the mesophytic prairie, average local species richness increased 46% and regional richness 28%, while in the halophytic steppe changes were not significant. The colonization rate was higher and the extinction rate lower in the richest community (mesophytic prairie). Differences in colonization rates between natives and exotics were not found. Principal variability between sites in species composition was associated with abiotic conditions explaining 20.9% of inertia, temporal changes were relegated to the second axis with 6.38%. Proportions of warm‐season exotics among new arrivals were higher than expected. Biotic homogenization was evidenced in the mesophytic prairie as a significant reduction in species turnover between sampling dates.ConclusionsAfter 35 yr under moderate grazing intensity we found increases in species richness, no biodiversity loss and no losses of native species. Instead of those species favoured by grazing, as expected, warm season species increased. Different grassland communities showed clear differences in richness changes, in degree of homogenization and in species turnover.
Rensch's rule and sexual dimorphism in salamanders: patterns and potential processes
Authors: Colleoni E. , Denoël M. , Padoa‐Schioppa E. , Scali S. , Ficetola G. F. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBody size is influenced by the interaction of multiple forces, whose effects can determine the occurrence of sexual size dimorphism (SSD).Rensch's rule is the increase ofSSDwith body size in taxa where males are the largest sex, and the opposite pattern in female‐biasedSSDtaxa. This pattern was detected in many animal groups, but contrasting results were also highlighted. This study evaluated the existence ofRensch's patterns for body size and for the number of caudal vertebrae in salamandrid caudate amphibians. Furthermore, we tested the support of alternative hypotheses on processes that may determine allometric patterns: sexual selection, fecundity selection and constraining selection by performing separate analyses on species with male‐ and female‐biasedSSD. We used the literature and original data to gather information on body size and number of caudal vertebrae in 52 species of salamandrids over four continents. We then tested the support of the three hypotheses using a phylogenetic approach. Rensch's rule was valid for body size in salamanders only for species with male‐biased dimorphism. No allometric relationships were detected by analyses on all the species, or by analyses on female‐biasedSSDspecies. Analyses performed on the number of caudal vertebrae showed no significant patterns. Our study supports the role of sexual selection in promoting positive allometry for body size in male‐biasedSSDspecies, whereas the alternative hypotheses were not supported by our data. These results highlight the importance of distinguishing male‐ and female‐biased species as different evolutionary pressures and constraints may be at the basis of evolution ofSSDin these groups.
Impact of Rho‐Kinase Inhibitor Hydroxyfasudil in Protamine Sulphate Induced Cystitis Rat Bladder
Authors: AKIN Yigit , BOZKURT Aliseydi , EROL Huseyin S. , HALICI Mesut , CELEBI Fikret , KAPAKIN Kubra A. T. , GULMEZ Hakan , ATES Mutlu , COBAN Abdulkadir , NUHOGLU Baris 
Published: April 2014

ObjectivesThe objective of the present study was to evaluate anti‐inflammatory effects of hydroxyfasudil in a protamine sulfate (PS) induced cystitis rat model. Additionally, we investigated prevention of bladder overactivity (BO), and tissue damage in these experiments.MethodsAnimals were divided into four groups. In Groups 1 and 2, chemical induced cystitis model was created by administrating intravesical PS with PE50 catheter by the transurethral route. In Group 1, Rho‐kinase inhibitor hydroxyfasudil was administered intaperitoneally, and in Group 2, subjects were administered a corresponding volume of saline in the same way. In Group 3, vehicle was administered intravesically and hydroxyfasudil was administrated intraperitoneally. Group 4 was a control Group, and the vehicle was administered intravesically and intraperitoneally. Micturition frequencies were recorded. Biochemical analyses were performed for oxidative stress, and pathological evaluations were investigated. In vitro contractions of bladder tissue strips were measured in tissue‐bath.ResultsThere were significantly lower Lipid peroxidase levels and higher levels of Glutathione in Group 1 than Group 2 (P = 0.016, P = 0.001, respectively). There was generally more inflammation in Group 2 than the other groups as determined by microscopy. There were significantly higher frequencies of micturition, lower volume, and mean voided maximum urine output after PS administration in Groups 1 and 2. In vitro contraction responses of bladder strips to potassium chloride and acetylcholine were statistically higher in Group 2 than Groups 1 and 3.ConclusionsSignificant reduction of inflammation by affecting the anti‐oxidant defense systems was provided by hydroxyfasudil. Decreased in vitro responses to contractions of bladder smooth muscle strips were obtained. Hydroxyfasudil may be a potential new therapeutic option for inflammation and BO, in rat bladder.
Effectiveness and Safety of Tapentadol Prolonged Release (PR) Versus a Combination of Tapentadol PR and Pregabalin for the Management of Severe, Chronic Low Back Pain With a Neuropathic Component: A Randomized, Double‐blind, Phase 3b Study
Authors: Baron Ralf , Martin‐Mola Emilio , Müller Matthias , Dubois Cecile , Falke Dietmar , Steigerwald Ilona 
Published: April 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness and tolerability of tapentadol PR monotherapy versus tapentadol PR/pregabalin combination therapy for severe, chronic low back pain with a neuropathic component.MethodsEligible patients had painDETECT “unclear” or “positive” ratings and average pain intensity ≥ 6 (11‐point NRS‐3 [average 3‐day pain intensity]) at baseline. Patients were titrated to tapentadol PR 300 mg/day over 3 weeks. Patients with ≥ 1‐point decrease in pain intensity and average pain intensity ≥ 4 were randomized to tapentadol PR (500 mg/day) or tapentadol PR (300 mg/day)/pregabalin (300 mg/day) during an 8‐week comparative period.ResultsIn the per‐protocol population (n = 288), the effectiveness of tapentadol PR was clinically and statistically comparable to tapentadol PR/pregabalin based on the change in pain intensity from randomization to final evaluation (LOCF; LSMD [95% CI], −0.066 [−0.57, 0.43]; P < 0.0001 for noninferiority). Neuropathic pain and quality‐of‐life measures improved significantly in both groups. Tolerability was good in both groups, in line with prior trials in the high dose range of 500 mg/day for tapentadol PR monotherapy, and favorable compared with historical combination trials of strong opioids and anticonvulsants for combination therapy. The incidence of the composite of dizziness and/or somnolence was significantly lower with tapentadol PR (16.9%) than tapentadol PR/pregabalin (27.0%; P = 0.0302).ConclusionsTapentadol PR 500 mg is associated with comparable improvements in pain intensity and quality‐of‐life measures to tapentadol PR 300 mg/pregabalin 300 mg, with improved central nervous system tolerability, suggesting that tapentadol PR monotherapy may offer a favorable treatment option for severe low back pain with a neuropathic component.
Molecular analysis of common polymorphisms within the human Tyrosinase locus and genetic association with pigmentation traits
Authors: Jagirdar Kasturee , Smit Darren J. , Ainger Stephen A. , Lee Katie J. , Brown Darren L. , Chapman Brett , Zhen Zhao Zhen , Montgomery Grant W. , Martin Nicholas G. , Stow Jennifer L. , Duffy David L. , Sturm Richard A. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryWe have compared the melanogenic activities of cultured melanocytes carrying two common TYR alleles as homozygous 192S‐402R wild‐type, heterozygous and homozygous variant. This includes assays of TYR protein, DOPAoxidase activity, glycosylation and temperature sensitivity of protein and DOPAoxidase levels. Homozygous wild‐type strains on average had higher levels of TYR protein and enzyme activity than other genotypes. Homozygous 402Q/Q melanocytes produced significantly less TYR protein, displayed altered trafficking and glycosylation, with reduced DOPAoxidase. However, near wild‐type TYR activity levels could be recovered at lower growth temperature. In a sample population from Southeast Queensland, these two polymorphisms were present on four TYR haplotypes, designated as WT 192S‐402R, 192Y‐402R and 192S‐402Q with a double‐variant 192Y‐402Q of low frequency at 1.9%. Based on cell culture findings and haplotype associations, we have used an additive model to assess the penetrance of the ten possible TYR genotypes derived from the combination of these haplotypes.
Aggressive periodontitis: case definition and diagnostic criteria
Authors: Albandar Jasim M. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractAggressive periodontitis is a destructive disease characterized by the following: the involvement of multiple teeth with a distinctive pattern of periodontal tissue loss; a high rate of disease progression; an early age of onset; and the absence of systemic diseases. In some patients periodontal tissue loss may commence before puberty, whereas in most patients the age of onset is during or somewhat after the circumpubertal period. Besides infection with specific microorganisms, a host predisposition seems to play a key role in the pathogenesis of aggressive periodontitis, as evidenced by the familial aggregation of the disease. In this article we review the historical background of the diagnostic criteria of aggressive periodontitis, present a contemporary case definition and describe the clinical parameters of the disease. At present, the diagnosis of aggressive periodontitis is achieved using case history, clinical examination and radiographic evaluation. The data gathered using these methods are prone to relatively high measurement errors. Besides, this diagnostic approach measures past disease history and may not reliably measure existing disease activity or accurately predict future tissue loss. A diagnosis is often made years after the onset of the disease, partly because current assessment methods detect established disease more readily and reliably than they detect incipient or initial lesions where the tissue loss is minimal and usually below the detection threshold of present examination methods. Future advancements in understanding the pathogenesis of this disease may contribute to an earlier diagnosis. Insofar, future case definitions may involve the identification of key etiologic and risk factors, combined with high‐precision methodologies that enable the early detection of initial lesions. This may significantly enhance the predictive value of these tests and detect cases of aggressive periodontitis before significant tissue loss develops.
Role of genetic factors in the pathogenesis of aggressive periodontitis
Authors: Vieira Alexandre R. , Albandar Jasim M. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThis article critically reviews the evidence for a role of genetic factors in the pathogenesis of aggressive periodontitis and discusses the study approaches commonly used to identify genetic risk factors of this disease. Available data suggest that aggressive periodontitis is caused by mutations in multiple genes, combined with environmental effects. Syndromic periodontal diseases include certain monogenic disorders that express phenotypes showing aggressive forms of periodontitis, and the genetic triggering factors of most of these syndromes have been identified. Other periodontal disease phenotypes seem to occur through different genetic predisposition patterns. Case–control and genome‐wide studies have been used to investigate the association with gene polymorphisms. Association studies and the familial aggregation of aggressive periodontitis suggest a significant genetic component in the increased predisposition to this disease. There is evidence to support the contribution of a few major genes or of multiple small‐effects genes. In addition, there is evidence of gene–gene and gene–environment interaction effects. Early studies suggested an X‐linked mode of transmission of aggressive periodontitis, and subsequent studies support an autosomal mode. Genetic studies have the potential to improve the screening programs of subjects at risk for developing aggressive periodontitis and may enhance treatment outcome through gene therapy.
Associated factors to erosive tooth wear and its impact on quality of life in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Abanto Jenny , Shitsuka Caleb , Murakami Christiana , Ciamponi Ana Lídia , Raggio Daniela Prócida , Bönecker Marcelo 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTTo evaluate the presence and associated factors of erosive tooth wear (ETW) in children with cerebral palsy (CP), as well as its impact on the oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL). Parents of 60 CP children, between 6 and 14 years of age, answered the Brazilian version of the parental‐caregivers perception questionnaire (P‐CPQ). The ETW diagnosis was performed by a single calibrated examiner according to the O'Brien´s modified index. Associated factors such as family income, behavioral factors, and type of CP were also collected. OHRQoL was measured through P‐CPQ domains and total score, and Poisson regression was used to correlate ETW to associated factors and to the scores. ETW was present in 48.3% of the children. The multivariate adjusted model showed that the presence of ETW was associated with more than 2 days of soft drink intake per week (p = 0.003), daily intake of powdered juice (p = 0.002) and reported gastroesophageal reflux (p = 0.016). The family income higher than one Brazilian minimum wage showed a positive impact on the CP children's OHRQoL (RR = 0.53; p ≤ 0.001). ETW in CP children is associated to frequent consumption of soft drinks, powdered juices, and reported gastroesophageal reflux; however, ETW has not a negative impact on the OHRQoL.
Der Einfluss von Mandatstyp und Wahlkreiseigenschaften auf die inhaltlichen Positionen in Parlamentsreden: Eine Untersuchung anhand der parlamentarischen Debatten im Deutschen Bundestag von 1998 bis 2002
Authors: Debus Marc , Bäck Hanna 
Published: April 2014

ZusammenfassungDas Halten von Reden in Parlamenten ist eine zentrale Möglichkeit für gewählte Repräsentanten, ihre inhaltlichen Standpunkte den Medien und damit einer breiten Öffentlichkeit zu vermitteln. Dies kann insbesondere hilfreich sein, um Signale an die eigene Partei oder auch die Wählerschaft im Wahlkreis zu senden, so dass ein Abgeordneter schlussendlich die Chancen erhöht, die Mehrheit der Stimmen im Wahlkreis (erneut) zu erzielen. In diesem Beitrag wird auf der Grundlage des Modells responsiven Handelns einerseits sowie des Prinzipal‐Agenten‐Ansatzes andererseits der Frage nachgegangen, inwiefern die in den Reden eingenommenen inhaltlichen Standpunkte von den Wahlergebnissen und den sozioökonomischen Charakteristika in den Wahlkreisen, in denen die Abgeordneten kandidierten, sowie von den innerparteilichen Konfliktmustern und den persönlichen Merkmalen der Abgeordneten beeinflusst werden. Die Ergebnisse, die auf einem alle in wirtschafts‐, finanz‐ und sozialpolitischen Debatten im Deutschen Bundestag zwischen 1998 und 2002 gehaltenen Reden, den strukturellen Merkmalen der Wahlkreise sowie den parteipolitischen und persönlichen Eigenschaften der Abgeordneten umfassenden Datensatz beruhen, zeigen, dass Abgeordnete in ihren Reden programmatisch auf die Eigenschaften ihres Wahlkreises reagieren. Zudem spielen parteipolitische als auch institutionelle Faktoren wie die Mitgliedschaften in Ausschüssen oder in (früheren) Bundesregierungen eine ausschlaggebende Rolle.
The HLA‐net GENE[RATE] pipeline for effective HLA data analysis and its application to 145 population samples from Europe and neighbouring areas
Authors: Nunes J. M. , Buhler S. , Roessli D. , Sanchez‐Mazas A. ,   the HLA‐net 2013 collaboration
Published: April 2014

AbstractIn this review, we present for the first time an integrated version of the Gene[rate] computer tools which have been developed during the last 5 years to analyse human leukocyte antigen (HLA) data in human populations, as well as the results of their application to a large dataset of 145 HLA‐typed population samples from Europe and its two neighbouring areas, North Africa and West Asia, now forming part of the Gene[va] database. All these computer tools and genetic data are, from now, publicly available through a newly designed bioinformatics platform, HLA‐net, here presented as a main achievement of the HLA‐NET scientific programme. The Gene[rate] pipeline offers user‐friendly computer tools to estimate allele and haplotype frequencies, to test Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE), selective neutrality and linkage disequilibrium, to recode HLA data, to convert file formats, to display population frequencies of chosen alleles and haplotypes in selected geographic regions, and to perform genetic comparisons among chosen sets of population samples, including new data provided by the user. Both numerical and graphical outputs are generated, the latter being highly explicit and of publication quality. All these analyses can be performed on the pipeline after scrupulous validation of the population sample's characterisation and HLA typing reporting according to HLA‐NET recommendations. The Gene[va] database offers direct access to the HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C, ‐DQA1, ‐DQB1, ‐DRB1 and ‐DPB1 frequencies and summary statistics of 145 population samples having successfully passed these HLA‐NET ‘filters’, and representing three European subregions (South‐East, North‐East and Central‐West Europe) and two neighbouring areas (North Africa, as far as Sudan, and West Asia, as far as South India). The analysis of these data, summarized in this review, shows a substantial genetic variation at the regional level in this continental area. These results have main implications for population genetics, transplantation and epidemiological studies.
Comparison of seven hepatitis B virus (HBV) nucleic acid testing assays in selected samples with discrepant HBV marker results from United States blood donors
Authors: Enjalbert Florence , Krysztof David E. , Candotti Daniel , Allain Jean‐Pierre , Stramer Susan L. 
Published: April 2014

BackgroundSensitive triplex nucleic acid tests (NATs) are implemented for blood donation screening worldwide. Assays have variable ability to detect low‐level hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA. At borderline DNA detection levels, where Poisson distribution impacts results, distinguishing true‐positive from false‐positive results is challenging. Algorithms are needed to confirm such low‐level HBV DNA–positive samples.Study Design and MethodsA total of 135 blood donor samples reactive by one or more HBV markers that provided discrepant results were tested undiluted with four commercial NATs: Ultrio, Ultrio Plus, MPX, and a quantitative assay (SuperQuant). To further explore discrepancies, three additional in‐house NATs including real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and nested PCR and sequencing were performed.ResultsThe numbers reactive of these 135 “difficult” samples by four commercial NATs were as follows: 39 of 107 (36%) with SuperQuant, 40 (30%) with Ultrio, 100 (74%) with Ultrio Plus, and 102 (76%) with MPX. Of the seven NATs, 109 (81%) samples were reactive by at least two assays and thus considered confirmed positive of which 67 (50%) generated a sequence. Ultrio Plus and MPX performed similarly as above (80%‐85% detected of 109 and 81%‐90% of 67, respectively). Older (median, 49 years), HBV core antibody–reactive donors carried predominantly Genotype A (58%) with high‐frequency amino acid substitutions in the major hydrophilic region of the S‐protein. Younger (median, 24 years) hepatitis B surface antigen–positive donors carried wild‐type strains predominantly Genotype B (32%) and E (24%), the latter in an apparent cluster.ConclusionsHighly sensitive NATs require new confirmatory algorithms as presented optimally using different genomic regions or sequence generation. The introduction of immigration‐related HBV genotypes may impact HBV epidemiology in the United States.