bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sexual function and combined oral contraceptives: a randomised, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Lundin Cecilia , Malmborg Agota , Slezak Julia , Danielsson Kristina Gemzell , Bixo Marie , Bengtsdotter Hanna , Marions Lena , Lindh Ingela , Theodorsson Elvar , Hammar Mats , Sundström-Poromaa Inger 
Published: September 2018

Objective
The effect of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) on female sexuality has long been a matter of discussion, but placebo-controlled studies are lacking. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate if an oestradiol-containing COC influences sexual function.

Design
Investigator-initiated, randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial where 202 healthy women were randomised to a combined oral contraceptive (1.5 mg oestradiol and 2.5 mg nomegestrol acetate) or placebo for three treatment cycles.

Methods
Sexual function at baseline and during the last week of the final treatment cycle was evaluated by the McCoy Female Sexuality Questionnaire. Serum and hair testosterone levels were assessed at the same time points.

Results
Compared to placebo, COC use was associated with a small decrease in sexual interest (COC median change score: −2.0; interquartile range (IQR): −5.0 to 0.5 vs placebo: −1.0; IQR: −3.0 to 2.0, P = 0.019), which remained following adjustment for change in self-rated depressive symptoms (B = −0.80 ± 0.30, Wald = 7.08, P = 0.008). However, the proportion of women who reported a clinically relevant deterioration in sexual interest did not differ between COC or placebo users (COC 18 (22.2%) vs placebo 16 (17.8%), P = 0.47). Change in other measured aspects of sexual function as well as total score of sexual function did not differ between the two treatments.

Conclusions
This study suggests that use of oestradiol-based COCs is associated with reduced sexual interest. However, the changes are minute, and probably not of clinical relevance.
Discovery of Anthocyanin Acyltransferase1 (AAT1) in Maize Using Genotyping-by-Sequencing (GBS)
Authors: Paulsmeyer Michael N , Brown Patrick J , Juvik John A 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
The reduced acylation phenotype describes the inability of certain accessions of maize (Zea mays [L.]) to produce significant amounts of acylated anthocyanins, which are typically the most abundant pigments. Acylated anthocyanins are important for their association with stability and are therefore important for the various industries using anthocyanins as natural colorants to replace synthetic dyes. Many anthocyanin acyltransferases have been characterized in other species; however, no anthocyanin acyltransferases have been characterized in maize. Therefore, a mapping population was developed from a cross between mutant stock 707G and wild-type acylation line B73 to identify the locus associated with the reduced acylation trait. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to assay the pigment content and composition of 129 F2 lines generated in the mapping population. Recessive alleles of Colorless1, Colored1, and the reduced acylation mutant all decreased anthocyanin content while Intensifier1 increased anthocyanin content in aleurone tissue. The association of increased proportions of acylation with increased anthocyanin content indicates acylation may be important for increasing the stability of anthocyanins in vivo. Genotyping-by-sequencing was used to create SNP markers to map the reduced acylation locus. In the QTL analysis, a segment of Chromosome 1 containing transferase family protein GRMZM2G387394 was found to be significant. A UniformMu Mu transposon knockout of GRMZM2G387394 demonstrated this gene has anthocyanidin malonyltransferase activity and will therefore be named Anthocyanin Acyltransferase1 (AAT1). AAT1 is the first anthocyanin acyltransferase characterized in a monocot species and will increase our knowledge of all acyltransferase family members.
Protein Isoprenylation in Yeast Targets COOH-Terminal Sequences Not Adhering to the CaaX Consensus
Authors: Berger Brittany M , Kim June H , Hildebrandt Emily R , Davis Ian C , Morgan Michael C , Hougland James L , Schmidt Walter K 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
In vitro and in silico studies of the CaaX-type prenyl transferases suggest a wider array of prenylatable sequences than those determined in vivo. Berger and Kim et al. investigate whether this disconnect is due to use of...
Protein isoprenylation targets a subset of COOH-terminal Cxxx tetrapeptide sequences that has been operationally defined as a CaaX motif. The specificity of the farnesyl transferase toward each of the possible 8000 combinations of Cxxx sequences, however, remains largely unresolved. In part, it has been difficult to consolidate results stemming from in vitro and in silico approaches that yield a wider array of prenylatable sequences relative to those known in vivo. We have investigated whether this disconnect results from the multistep complexity of post-translational modification that occurs in vivo to CaaX proteins. For example, the Ras GTPases undergo isoprenylation followed by additional proteolysis and carboxymethylation events at the COOH-terminus. By contrast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hsp40 Ydj1p is isoprenylated but not subject to additional modification. In fact, additional modifications are detrimental to Ydj1p activity in vivo. We have taken advantage of the properties of Ydj1p and a Ydj1p-dependent growth assay to identify sequences that permit Ydj1p isoprenylation in vivo while simultaneously selecting against nonprenylatable and more extensively modified sequences. The recovered sequences are largely nonoverlapping with those previously identified using an in vivo Ras-based yeast reporter. Moreover, most of the sequences are not readily predicted as isoprenylation targets by existing prediction algorithms. Our results reveal that the yeast CaaX-type prenyltransferases can utilize a range of sequence combinations that extend beyond the traditional constraints for CaaX proteins, which implies that more proteins may be isoprenylated than previously considered.
Selection Signatures Underlying Dramatic Male Inflorescence Transformation During Modern Hybrid Maize Breeding
Authors: Gage Joseph L , White Michael R , Edwards Jode W , Kaeppler Shawn , de Leon Natalia 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
Inflorescence capacity plays a crucial role in reproductive fitness in plants, and in production of hybrid crops. Maize is a monoecious species bearing separate male and female flowers (tassel and ear, respectively). The switch from open-pollinated populations of maize to hybrid-based breeding schemes in the early 20th century was accompanied by a dramatic reduction in tassel size, and the trend has continued with modern breeding over the recent decades. The goal of this study was to identify selection signatures in genes that may underlie this dramatic transformation. Using a population of 942 diverse inbred maize accessions and a nested association mapping population comprising three 200-line biparental populations, we measured 15 tassel morphological characteristics by manual and image-based methods. Genome-wide association studies identified 242 single nucleotide polymorphisms significantly associated with measured traits. We compared 41 unselected lines from the Iowa Stiff Stalk Synthetic (BSSS) population to 21 highly selected lines developed by modern commercial breeding programs, and found that tassel size and weight were reduced significantly. We assayed genetic differences between the two groups using three selection statistics: cross population extended haplotype homozogysity, cross-population composite likelihood ratio, and fixation index. All three statistics show evidence of selection at genomic regions associated with tassel morphology relative to genome-wide null distributions. These results support the tremendous effect, both phenotypic and genotypic, that selection has had on maize male inflorescence morphology.
ANÁLISIS DE LA GESTIÓN DEL GASTO PÚBLICO EN INVERSIÓN Y SU INCIDENCIA SOBRE LA REDUCCIÓN DE LOS NIVELES DE POBREZA EN EL PERÚ.
Authors: Alvarado Tolentino James Manolo 
Published: September 2018

Objetivo: analizar la incidencia de la gestión del gasto público en inversión sobre la reducción de los niveles de pobreza en el Perú, durante el periodo de 1994 al 2015; Método: Se utilizó un método descriptivo y explicativo, de diseño correlacional, de corte longitudinal, el procesamiento de los indicadores se realizó a través del programa Eviews. Resultado y conclusiones : la gestión de la inversión pública mejoro la calidad de la formulación y la ejecución de proyectos de inversión pública, el SNIP (Sistema Nacional de Inversión Pública), tuvo un papel importante en el proceso de descentralización (llegando a optimizar la articulación de las políticas nacionales de inversión con las de orden territorial, participación ciudadana, y rendición de cuentas públicas en el marco de la administración pública), la gestión de la inversión pública logro reducir la pobreza, a lo largo de periodo de estudio la gestión del gasto público en inversión y los niveles de pobreza poseen una relación inversa.
The association of work-related stressors and their changes over time with the development of metabolic syndrome: The Furukawa Nutrition and Health Study
Authors: Yamaguchi Miwa , Eguchi Masafumi , Akter Shamima , Kochi Takeshi , Hu Huanhuan , Kashino Ikuko , Kuwahara Keisuke , Kabe Isamu , Mizoue Tetsuya 
Published: September 2018

Abstract

Objective
To investigate associations of work-related stressors and their changes over time with the risk of developing metabolic syndrome (MetS) among Japanese manufacturing workers.

Methods
Participants were 1,040 employees aged 19 to 68 years who were free from MetS at baseline and completed the three year-interval follow-up survey. MetS was defined according to the Joint Interim Statement. Work-related stressors (job strain, job demands, job control, and worksite social support) were assessed based on the Job Content Questionnaire and were split into two categories (low and high) by the median value at each survey. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to investigate the associations of baseline work-related stressors and their changes over time with the incidence of MetS.

Results
Three years later, 61 workers developed MetS. Higher job demands at baseline were significantly associated with a lower risk of MetS (adjusted odds ratio 0.46, 95% confidential interval: 0.24, 0.89). In the analyses of the changes in stressors over time, those whose job demands changed from low to high showed significantly higher risk of MetS (adjusted odds ratio 3.27, 95% confidential interval: 1.46, 7.34), compared with those who reported low job demands in both surveys.

Conclusions
Results suggest that an increase in job demands over time, but not higher job demands at baseline, is associated with increased risk of MetS.
Decontamination of Liquid Radioactive Wastes Using Clay Minerals
Authors: Tekdal Mehmet 
Published: September 2018

The rapid increase in the use of nuclear energy
and radioisotopes has necessitated the development of effective and economic
methods for the decontamination of radioactive wastes. In this study, the
decontamination of low-level radioactive wastes containing 137Cs
radioisotope were investigated by using clay minerals. The clay samples used as
activity absorber materials were
obtained from the clay deposits in the various regions of Turkey (Adana, Konya,
Diyarbakır).The columns input and output concentrations were determined with
radiometric methods by using a gamma (g) spectrometer. According to the results of this investigation,
“smectite” type Turkey clays were found to be suitable for the decontamination
of radioactive wastes containing radioactive cesium.
The Effects of Repulsive and Attractive Interactions on Step Bunching Formed on Stepped Surfaces
Authors: TÜZEMEN Ahmet Türker 
Published: September 2018

A surface which consists concentric circular monoatomic steps in two
dimensions and below its roughening temperature is discussed. Repulsive and
attractive interactions between steps on the surface are considered. It is
supposed that repulsive and attractive interactions vary as and respectively. Here indicates the terrace width
between monoatomic steps. The solution of diffusion equation is achieved in
two- dimension by using polar coordinates. While the initial surface evolves,
it is supposed that the local mass transfer exists because of the surface
diffusion only under the step-flow model. In the study initial surfaces bounded
by envelope functions which have the form of are dealt. In the case of only
repulsive interaction between steps surfaces evolve properly. When both
repulsive and attractive interactions between steps are accepted step bunchings
separated by large flat terraces occur on the surface. While the surface
morphology and the evolution of the height of surface in time are investigated
for all surface structures in Diffusion-Limited (DL) regime, a parameter space
of bunching and no bunching regions is derived.
The Determination of the Specific Capacitance of Mercury Based Copper Oxide Layered Superconductor at Superconducting State
Authors: ASLAN ÇATALTEPE Özden 
Published: September 2018

Mercury based copper oxide layered high temperature superconductor,
which consists of superconductor–insulator–superconductor (SIS) layers, can be
considered as a stack of nearly ideal, intrinsic Josephson junctions (IJJ). The
SIS junction, where the electrical field is confined, topologically resembles a
parallel-plate capacitor. As is known, the coupling between junctions in superconductors
is capacitive. Hence, the determination of the specific capacitance (Cs) of the IJJ at the
superconducting state has a crucial importance in order to give information
about superconductivity mechanism. In this study, the Cs values of the investigated sample have been
calculated by means of the critical current density, Jcand plasma frequency, that have been obtained from
magnetic measurements taken at the below temperatures than the critical
transition temperature, Tc.
Moreover, Cs values at superconducting
temperature have been compared to that of the normal temperature.
The Determination of M Shell Average Fluorescence Parameters From 70Yb to 92U and of Hg, Pb and Bi Compounds Using 5.96 keV Photons
Authors: KÜP AYLIKCI Nuray , KAHOUL Abdelhalim , AYLIKCI Volkan , TIRAŞOĞLU Engin 
Published: September 2018

In this study, the empirical average M shell fluorescence yields were calculated from 70Yb to 92U. These obtained values will supply more experimental data for theoretical estimations of atomic structure calculations and spectroscopic analysis which is used for material characterization. And also, chemical effects on average M-shell fluorescence yields for Hg, Pb, and Bi compounds were determined using M X-ray production cross-sections at 5.96 keV photon energy. The samples were irradiated using a 1.85 GBq 55Fe radioactive source. M X-rays emitted by samples were counted using a multi-channel analyzer with a Ultra-LEGe detector. The measured experimental values have been compared with theoretically and empirically (only for M-shell average fluorescence yields) calculated values of pure elements.
Epidemiologia e Adesão Terapêutica no Tratamento de Pacientes com Tuberculose Atendidos na Unidade Básica de Saúde Dr. José Maria de Magalhães Neto – Bahia
Authors: Lima Márcio Amorim Tolentino , Alves Tauane Freitas , Oliveira Thaisa Souza 
Published: September 2018

A Tuberculose – TB é uma doença distinguida como fatal, causada pelo Mycobacterium tuberculosis, bactéria identificada em 24 de março de 1882, em Berlim (Alemanha) por Robert Koch. Sua transmissão ocorre por via aérea, de um indivíduo doente a um sadio. O escopo do trabalho foi identificar os aspectos que contribuem e dificultam a adesão ao tratamento terapêutico de jovens com tuberculose, além de descrever o perfil dos pacientes nos casos notificados de tuberculose e a sequência do tratamento na cidade de Itabuna. Foi realizado um questionário estruturado com perguntas objetivas e aplicado entre os meses de maio e agosto de 2015, com os pacientes assistidos pelo centro de referência, as amostras foram analisadas estatisticamente e de acordo com estudo bibliográfico acerca do tema foram encontrados os seguintes resultados: dos pacientes entrevistados, 64% eram do sexo feminino, 54% solteiras, a grande maioria dos pacientes relataram ter renda mensal de dois salários mínimos, considerando o tamanho de uma família brasileira, baixo nível de escolaridade, falta de saneamento básico em torno de 60% dos entrevistados, e 90% nega ter sofrido preconceito após diagnóstico confirmado.Palavras-chave: Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Terapia Medicamentosa. Epidemiologia.AbstractTuberculosis - TB is a disease characterized as fatal, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a bacterium identified on March 24th, 1882, in Berlin (Germany) by Robert Koch. Its transmission is by air, from an individual sick to a healthy one. The scope of the study was to identify the aspects that contribute and make difficult the adherence to the therapeutic treatment of young people with tuberculosis, besides describing the profile of the patients in the reported cases of tuberculosis and the treatment sequence in the city of Itabuna. A structured questionnaire was carried out with objective questions between May and August 2015, with the patients assisted by the reference center, the samples were analyzed statistically and according to a bibliographic study about the subject the following results were found: of the patients interviewed 64% were female, 54% were single, the majority of the patients reported having a monthly income of two minimum wages, considering the size of a Brazilian family, low level of schooling, lack of basic sanitation around 60% of respondents and 90% deny having suffered prejudice after confirmed diagnosis.Keywords: Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Drug Therapy. Epidemiology.
Immediate induction of labor in premature rupture of membranes at term (PROMT)-vaginal Misoprostol tablet versus PGE2 gel: a randomized comparative study
Authors: Chaudhuri Snehamay , Mitra Sankar Nath , Banerjee Pradip Kumar , Biswas Pranab Kumar , Bhattacharrya Sudipta 
Published: September 2018

Background: The aim of the study is to compare immediate induction with vaginal misoprostol tablet and immediate induction with vaginal PGE2 gel in women with premature rupture of membranes at term (PROMT).Methods: Nine hundred thirty-two women with PROM at term were assigned randomly to receive intravaginal 25μg misoprostol tablet, 4 hourly with a maximum of 5 doses or 0.5 mg vaginal PGE2 gel 6 hourly with a maximum of 2 doses. The primary outcome measures were cesarean section rate, admission to delivery interval and induction to delivery interval. Secondary outcomes included, mode of delivery, and maternal and neonatal safety outcome. Results were calculated applying Fisher Exact Test, Chi square test, t test and calculating the P-value using an alpha level of 0.05 for Type I error.Results: The mean time from admission to delivery was 13.16 hours in the misoprostol group and 13.56 hours in the PGE2 group (P= 0.3014). Induction to delivery interval was also comparable between the groups (10.23 h versus 10.18 h).Caesarean section rate did not differ significantly between groups (12.13% versus 15.74% ,P=0.135 RR 0.783 95% CI 0.568-1.079).More women in misoprostol group had instrumental delivery (7.57% versus 4.25%, P=0.031, RR 1.089 95% CI 1.04-3.03).The neonatal outcomes were comparable between the groups . Maternal outcomes were not significantly different except incidence of analgesic use (P=0.009 RR 1.62 95% CI 1.03-1.30), meconium stained liquor (P=.0096 RR 2.03 CI 1.17-3.53) and number of digital vaginal examinations (P<.0001) in misoprostol group.Conclusions: Vaginal misoprostol is equally efficacious in labor induction and demonstrates a similar fetal and maternal safety profile to PGE2 gel.
Evaluation of the risk of malignancy index in preoperative diagnosis of ovarian masses
Authors: Suchitra Royyuru , Burde Kaustubh , G. Nilima , Sahithi P. L. S. 
Published: September 2018

Background: Ovarian cancer possesses a challenge to screening tests due to its anatomical location, poor natural history, lack of specific lesion, symptoms and signs and low prevalence. Authors shall be considering RMI 2 and RMI 4 (forms of RMI) and comparing them with histopathology report to derive the sensitivity, specificity and other parameters of these tests.Methods: A prospective study was conducted from September 2016- September 2017 at Mazumdar Shaw Hospital, Narayana Hrudayalaya, Bangalore.73 patients met the inclusion criteria. RMI 2 and RMI4 were calculated for all the patients and these scores were compared to the final histopathology reports.Results: In present study of 73 patients RMI2 showed a sensitivity of 86.6%, specificity of 86.5 %, Positive predictive value of 81.25% and negative predictive value of 90.24 %. Whereas RMI4 showed a sensitivity of 86.6%, specificity of 86.5 %, Positive predictive value of 83.87 and negative predictive value of 90.48 %. These results are comparable to other studies conducted. The risk of malignancy index 2 and 4 are also almost comparable with each other and so either can be used for determining the risk of malignancy in patients with adnexal masses. These results were derived in an Indian population across all age groups showing that authors can apply this low-cost method even in resource limited settings.Conclusions: Authors found that Risk of malignancy index is a simple and affordable method to determine the likelihood of a patient having adnexal mass to be malignant. This can thus help save the resources and make the services available at grass root level.
Maternal outcome of caesarean section with or without eventration of the uterus: a prospective observational study
Authors: Mehta Vidushi , Gupta Alka S. 
Published: September 2018

Background: Caesarean section is a commonest surgical procedure performed by an obstetrician. Many variations in technique of caesarean section have been devised with the intent of shortening the operating time, making the operation easier, safer and more efficient; and to decrease the blood loss, postoperative morbidity, other complications as well as to shorten the period of hospitalization. One such variation is in the technique of repair of the uterus, whether it is repaired in situ or taken out from the incision and repaired outside the abdomen before replacing it back in place. This study was designed to compare two techniques of uterine closure and determine the benefit of using one technique over the other.Methods: A prospective observational study on 100 women who underwent caesarean section. Technique of uterine repair was surgeon dependent and was not influenced by investigator. Based on this, patients were assigned into two separate groups (exteriorised group and in situ repair group). Observation was made and recorded regarding the various preoperative, intraoperative parameters and the surgeon`s technique of uterine closure. The patients were then followed up and various postoperative outcome variables were recorded.Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups with regards to any of the intraoperative or postoperative parameters except that there was a rise in diastolic pressure in exteriorization group during eventration which gradually came down during the suturing and reposition (P < 0.05).Conclusions: With this study, it can be concluded that clinical outcomes remain unaffected by any of the two methods of uterine repair. Both are equally safe. However, a caution must be exercised in intraoperative blood pressure monitoring, especially when the uterus is being exteriorized for repair as there is a statistically significant rise in diastolic blood pressure during eventration.