bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of hemostasis during experimentalEhrlichia canisinfection
Authors: Shropshire Sarah , Olver Christine , Lappin Michael 
Published: April 2018

BackgroundEhrlichia canisinfection in dogs can cause thrombocytopenia and clinical evidence of bleeding. It is unknown why some dogs show signs of bleeding whereas others do not despite clinically relevant thrombocytopenia.Hypothesis/ObjectivesActivated platelets, decreased fibrinolysis or both mitigate bleeding tendency. Assess standard hemostatic variables, platelet dynamics, and specialized coagulation testing in dogs experimentally infected withE. canisto evaluate this clinical discrepancy.AnimalsFour healthy laboratory beagles.MethodsDogs were given blood infected withE. canisIV. Platelet indices of activation, platelet aggregometry, antiplatelet antibodies (percent IgG), complete coagulation panel, and thromboelastography (TEG) were measured before inoculation and on weeks 1‐8. Dogs were treated with doxycycline at approximately 5 mg/kg PO q12h between weeks 3 and 4 (day 24). For each variable, 1‐way repeated measures analysis (1‐way ANOVA) with post‐hoc analysis was performed with statistical significance set atP < .05.ResultsDogs had significantly lower platelet counts, evidence of activated platelets, and antiplatelet antibodies duringE. canisinfection. Dogs also appeared hypercoagulable and hypofibrinolytic using TEG as compared with baseline, changes that persisted for variable amounts of time after doxycycline administration. No overt signs of bleeding were noted during the study.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceActivated platelets and a hypercoagulable, hypofibrinolytic state could explain the lack of a bleeding phenotype in some dogs despite clinically relevant thrombocytopenia. Findings from our pilot study indicate that additional studies are warranted.
Diagnostic accuracy of SCCA and SCCA‐IgM for hepatocellular carcinoma: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu Chang‐Hai , Gil‐Gómez Antonio , Ampuero Javier , Romero‐Gómez Manuel 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackground & AimsSquamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCA) and its immune complex (SCCA‐IgM) have been proposed for use in the screening of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We conducted a meta‐analysis to evaluate the diagnostic performance of SCCA and SCCA‐IgM and of both combined with alpha‐foetoprotein.MethodsAfter a systematic review of the relevant studies, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) and area under curve (AUC) for the diagnosis of HCC were pooled using bivariate meta‐analysis. Hierarchic summary receiver operating characteristic curves were used to summarize the overall test performance. Bivariate boxplots were used to confirm whether the threshold effect existed. A Fagan nomogram was used to assess the clinical utility. Heterogeneity was explored by sensitivity analysis, univariable meta‐regression and subgroup analysis.ResultsEleven studies that had HCC diagnosis as their purpose were ultimately included in the quantitative analysis. The summary estimates were as follows: SCCA (AUC: 0.80 [95% CI: 0.76‐0.83]) and SCCA‐IgM (AUC: 0.77 [95% CI: 0.74‐0.83]) demonstrated similar diagnostic performance, while a combination of AFP and SCCA‐IgM had an AUC of 0.90 (95% CI: 0.87‐0.92) and a DOR of 22.87 (95% CI: 8.38‐62.40). Meta‐regression showed that patient selection, cut‐off values, reference standards and tumour biopsy as the diagnostic method significantly influenced the heterogeneity of the included studies.ConclusionsBoth SCCA and SCCA‐IgM showed a moderate diagnostic accuracy for HCC screening; the combination of SCCA‐IgM and AFP is the best diagnostic option.
Perceptive of the pyroxene‐bearing micrometeorites and their relation to chondrites
Authors: Rudraswami N. G. , Fernandes D. , De Araujo Agnelo , Shyam Prasad M. , Taylor S. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractWe studied 149 pyroxenes from 69 pyroxene‐bearing micrometeorites collected from deep‐sea sediments of the Indian Ocean and South Pole Water Well at Antarctica, Amundsen‐Scott South Pole station. The minor elements in pyroxenes from micrometeorites are present in the ranges as follows: MnO ~0.0–0.4 wt%, Al2O3 ~0.0–1.5 wt%, CaO ~0.0–1.0 wt%, Cr2O3 ~0.3–0.9 wt%, and FeO ~0.5–4 wt%. Their chemical compositions suggest that pyroxene‐bearing micrometeorites are mostly related to precursors from carbonaceous chondrites rather than ordinary chondrites. The Fe/(Fe+Mg) ratio of the pyroxenes and olivines in micrometeorites shows similarities to carbonaceous chondrites with values lying between 0 and 0.2, and those with values beyond this range are dominated by ordinary chondrites. Atmospheric entry of the pyroxene‐bearing micrometeorites is expected to have a relatively low entry velocity of <16 km s−1 and high zenith angle (70–90°) to preserve their chemical compositions. In addition, similarities in the pyroxene and olivine mineralogical compositions between carbonaceous chondrites and cometary particles suggest that dust in the solar system is populated by materials from different sources that are chemically similar to each other. Our results on pyroxene chemical compositions reveal significant differences with those from ordinary chondrites. The narrow range in olivine and pyroxene chemical compositions are similar to those from carbonaceous chondrites, and a small proportion to ordinary chondrites indicates that dust is largely sourced from carbonaceous chondrite‐type bodies.
Transgene‐independent heredity of RdDM‐mediated transcriptional gene silencing of endogenous genes in rice
Authors: Wakasa Yuhya , Kawakatsu Taiji , Harada Takeo , Takaiwa Fumio 
Published: April 2018

SummaryTo induce transcriptional gene silencing (TGS) of endogenous genes of rice (Oryza sativa L.), we expressed double‐strand RNA of each promoter region and thus induced RNA‐directed DNA methylation (RdDM). We targeted constitutively expressed genes encoding calnexin (CNX), protein disulphide isomerase (PDIL1‐1) and luminal binding protein (BiP1); an endoplasmic reticulum stress‐inducible gene (OsbZIP50); and genes with seed‐specific expression encoding α‐globulin (Glb‐1) and glutelin‐B4 (GluB4). TGS of four genes was obtained with high efficiency (CNX, 66.7% of regenerated plants; OsBiP1, 67.4%; OsbZIP50, 63.4%; GluB4, 66.1%), whereas the efficiency was lower for PDIL1‐1 (33.3%) and Glb‐1 TGS lines (10.5%). The heredity of TGS, methylation levels of promoter regions and specificity of silencing of the target gene were investigated in some of the TGS lines. In progeny of CNX and OsbZIP50 TGS lines, suppression of the target genes was preserved (except in the endosperm) even after the removal of trigger genes (T‐DNA) by segregation. TGS of CNX was reverted by demethylation treatment, and a significant difference in CG and CHG methylation levels in the −1 to −250 bp region of the CNX promoter was detected between the TGS and revertant lines, suggesting that TGS is closely related to the methylation levels of promoter. TGS exhibited specific suppression towards the target gene compared with post‐transcriptional gene silencing when GluB4 gene from glutelin multigene family was targeted. Based on these results, future perspectives and problems to be solved in the application of RdDM to new plant breeding techniques in rice are discussed.
Alteration of S‐adenosylhomocysteine levels affects lignin biosynthesis in switchgrass
Authors: Bai Zetao , Qi Tianxiong , Liu Yuchen , Wu Zhenying , Ma Lichao , Liu Wenwen , Cao Yingping , Bao Yan , Fu Chunxiang 
Published: April 2018

SummaryMethionine (Met) synthesized from aspartate is a fundamental amino acid needed to produce S‐adenosylmethionine (SAM) that is an important cofactor for the methylation of monolignols. As a competitive inhibitor of SAM‐dependent methylation, the effect of S‐adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) on lignin biosynthesis, however, is still largely unknown in plants. Expression levels of Cystathionine γ‐synthase (PvCGS) and S‐adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase 1 (PvSAHH1) were down‐regulated by RNAi technology, respectively, in switchgrass, a dual‐purpose forage and biofuel crop. The transgenic switchgrass lines were subjected to studying the impact of SAH on lignin biosynthesis. Our results showed that down‐regulation of PvCGS in switchgrass altered the accumulation of aspartate‐derived and aromatic amino acids, reduced the content of SAH, enhanced lignin biosynthesis and stunted plant growth. In contrast, down‐regulation of PvSAHH1 raised SAH levels in switchgrass, impaired the biosynthesis of both guaiacyl and syringyl lignins and therefore significantly increased saccharification efficiency of cell walls. This work indicates that SAH plays a crucial role in monolignol methylation in switchgrass. Genetic regulation of either PvCGS or PvSAHH1 expression in switchgrass can change intracellular SAH contents and SAM to SAH ratios and therefore affect lignin biosynthesis. Thus, our study suggests that genes involved in Met metabolism are of interest as new valuable targets for cell wall bioengineering in future.
Chromosome‐level assembly, genetic and physical mapping of Phalaenopsis aphrodite genome provides new insights into species adaptation and resources for orchid breeding
Authors: Chao Ya‐Ting , Chen Wan‐Chieh , Chen Chun‐Yi , Ho Hsiu‐Yin , Yeh Chih‐Hsin , Kuo Yi‐Tzu , Su Chun‐Lin , Yen Shao‐Hua , Hsueh Hao‐Yen , Yeh Jen‐Hau , Hsu Hui‐Lan , Tsai Yi‐Hui , Kuo Tzu‐Yen , Chang Song‐Bin , Chen Kai‐Yi , Shih Ming‐Che 
Published: April 2018

SummaryThe Orchidaceae is a diverse and ecologically important plant family. Approximately 69% of all orchid species are epiphytes, which provide diverse microhabitats for many small animals and fungi in the canopy of tropical rainforests. Moreover, many orchids are of economic importance as food flavourings or ornamental plants. Phalaenopsis aphrodite, an epiphytic orchid, is a major breeding parent of many commercial orchid hybrids. We provide a high‐quality chromosome‐scale assembly of the P. aphrodite genome. The total length of all scaffolds is 1025.1 Mb, with N50 scaffold size of 19.7 Mb. A total of 28 902 protein‐coding genes were identified. We constructed an orchid genetic linkage map, and then anchored and ordered the genomic scaffolds along the linkage groups. We also established a high‐resolution pachytene karyotype of P. aphrodite and completed the assignment of linkage groups to the 19 chromosomes using fluorescence in situ hybridization. We identified an expansion in the epiphytic orchid lineage of FRS5‐like subclade associated with adaptations to the life in the canopy. Phylogenetic analysis further provides new insights into the orchid lineage‐specific duplications of MADS‐box genes, which might have contributed to the variation in labellum and pollinium morphology and its accessory structure. To our knowledge, this is the first orchid genome to be integrated with a SNP‐based genetic linkage map and validated by physical mapping. The genome and genetic map not only offer unprecedented resources for increasing breeding efficiency in horticultural orchids but also provide an important foundation for future studies in adaptation genomics of epiphytes.
Beyond the species pool: modification of species dispersal, establishment, and assembly by habitat restoration
Authors: Török Péter , Helm Aveliina , Kiehl Kathrin , Buisson Elise , Valkó Orsolya 
Published: April 2018

Species dispersal, establishment, and assembly are crucial stages of the life history of plants, and clear understanding of the governing forces and rules that shape species composition in a particular community is vital for successful ecological restoration. In this article, we focus on five aspects of seed dispersal and plant establishment, which should be considered during habitat restoration actions. In the first two sections, we discuss the success of spontaneous dispersal and establishment on restoration based on either spatial dispersal or local seed banks. In the third section, we assess the possibilities of species introduction and assisted dispersal. In the fourth section, we introduce some possibilities for the improvement of establishment success of spontaneously dispersed or introduced species. Finally, we highlight issues influencing long‐term persistence and sustainability of restored habitats, related to the alteration of management type and intensity, climate change, and spread of non‐native species. With the present article, we introduce the special issue entitled “Seed dispersal and soil seed banks – promising sources for ecological restoration” containing 15 papers by 62 authors from 10 countries arranged in the abovementioned five topics.
Identification of uterine pacemaker regions at the myometrial–placental interface in the rat
Authors: Lutton E. Josiah , Lammers Wim J. E. P. , James Sean , van den Berg Hugo A. , Blanks Andrew M. 
Published: April 2018

Key Points
Coordinated contraction of the uterine smooth muscle is essential to parturition.
Histologically and physiologically defined pacemaker structures have not been identified in uterine smooth muscle.
Here we report combined electrophysiological and histological evidence of zones associated with pacemaker activity in the rat myometrium.
Our method relies crucially on the integration of histological and electrophysiological data in an in silico three‐dimensional reconstruction of the rat myometrium at 10 μm resolution.
We find that myometrial/placental pacemaking zones are closely related with placental sites and the area of disruptive myometrial remodelling surrounding such sites.
If analogues of the myometrial/placental pacemaking zone are present in the human, defining their histology and physiology will be important steps towards treatment of pre‐term birth, pre‐eclampsia, and postpartum haemorrhage.
AbstractCoordinated uterine contractions are essential for delivering viable offspring in mammals. In contrast to other visceral smooth muscles, it is not known where excitation within the uterus is initiated, and no defined pacemaking region has hitherto been identified. Using multi‐electrode array recordings and high‐resolution computational reconstruction of the three‐dimensional micro‐structure of late pregnant rat uterus, we demonstrate that electrical potentials are initiated in distinct structures within the placental bed of individual implantation sites. These previously unidentified structures represent modified smooth muscle bundles that are derived from bridges between the longitudinal and circular layers. Coordinated implantation and encapsulation by invading trophoblast give rise to isolated placental/myometrial interface bundles that directly connect to the overlying longitudinal smooth muscle layer. Taken together, these observations imply that the anatomical structure of the uterus, combined with site‐specific implantation, gives rise to emergent patterns of electrical activity that drive effective contractility during parturition.
Do cash transfer programmes yield better health in the first year of life? A systematic review linking low-income/middle-income and high-income contexts
Authors: Siddiqi Arjumand , Rajaram Akshay , Miller Steven P 
Published: April 2018

IntroductionDecades of research unequivocally demonstrates that no matter the society, socioeconomic resources are perhaps the most fundamental determinants of health throughout the life course, including during its very earliest stages. As a result, societies have implemented ‘cash transfer’ programmes, whichprovide income supplementation to reduce socioeconomic disadvantage among the poorest families with young children. Despite this being a common approach of societies around the world, research on effects of these programmes in low-income/middle-income countries, and those in high-income countries has been conducted as if they are entirely distinct phenomena. In this paper, we systematically review the international literature on the association between cash transfer programmes and health outcomes during the first year of life.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol. Using a variety of relevant keywords, we searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Reviews, EconLit and Social Sciences Citations Index.ResultsOur review yielded 14 relevant studies. These studies suggested cash transfer programmes that were not attached to conditions tended to yield positive effects on outcomes such as birth weight and infant mortality. Programmes that were conditional on use of health services also carried positive effects, while those that carried labour-force participation conditionalities tended to yield no positive effects.DiscussionGiven several dynamics involved in determining whether children are healthy or not, which are common worldwide, viewing the literature from a global perspective produces novel insights regarding the tendency of policies and programmes to reduce or, to exacerbate, the effects of socioeconomic disadvantage on child health.
Economic analysis of oral dexamethasone for symptom relief of sore throat: the UK TOAST study
Authors: Burns Richeal M , Wolstenholme Jane , Jawad Sena , Williams Nicola , Thompson Matthew , Perera Rafael , Hay Alastair D , Heneghan Carl , Little Paul , Moore Michael , Hayward Gail 
Published: April 2018

ObjectivesTo undertake an economic analysis assessing the cost-effectiveness of a single dose of oral dexamethasone compared with placebo for the relief of sore throat.DesignA UK-based, multicentre, two arm, individually randomised, double blind trial.Setting and populationAdults (≥18 years) with acute sore throat and painful swallowing judged to be infective in origin, recruited and randomised in primary care. Intervention: a single dose of 10 mg oral dexamethasone compared with placebo given at primary care visit.Main outcomeIncremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs), cost per quality-adjusted symptom resolution using the EuroQol-five dimensions-five levels instrument, were estimated as part of a cost–utility analysis performed on an intention-to-treat cohort adopting a health payers perspective.ResultsDifferences in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) over 7 days from baseline and at 24 hours in the dexamethasone compared with the placebo group (2.9% and 2.5% higher, respectively) were observed. After controlling for the baseline HRQoL imbalances, the economic impact of the intervention was not statistically significant: the quality-adjusted life year difference was −0.00005 (95% CI −0.0002 to 0.00011) equivalent to a loss in HRQoL of a half hour in the dexamethasone group. The average cost per patient associated in the dexamethasone and placebo groups in the basecase analysis was £73 and £69, respectively. In the basecase probabilistic analysis, the mean ICER was −£6440 (95% CI −£132 151 to £126 335) and the median ICER was −£304 (IQR-£5816 to £3877); suggesting considerable uncertainty.Conclusions and relevanceThe economic burden associated with sore throat is substantial and was estimated at £2.35 billion to the healthcare services payer based on reported resource use and 2015 UK unit costs. There is considerable uncertainty regarding the cost-effectiveness of a single dose of oral dexamethasone as a treatment strategy and therefore insufficient evidence to support its use in clinical practice.Trial registration numberISRCTN17435450; Post-results.
Systematic review of prediction models for delirium in the older adult inpatient
Authors: Lindroth Heidi , Bratzke Lisa , Purvis Suzanne , Brown Roger , Coburn Mark , Mrkobrada Marko , Chan Matthew T V , Davis Daniel H J , Pandharipande Pratik , Carlsson Cynthia M , Sanders Robert D 
Published: April 2018

ObjectiveTo identify existing prognostic delirium prediction models and evaluate their validity and statistical methodology in the older adult (≥60 years) acute hospital population.DesignSystematic review.Data sources and methodsPubMed, CINAHL, PsychINFO, SocINFO, Cochrane, Web of Science and Embase were searched from 1 January 1990 to 31 December 2016. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and CHARMS Statement guided protocol development. Inclusion criteria: age >60 years, inpatient, developed/validated a prognostic delirium prediction model. Exclusion criteria: alcohol-related delirium, sample size ≤50. The primary performance measures were calibration and discrimination statistics. Two authors independently conducted search and extracted data. The synthesis of data was done by the first author. Disagreement was resolved by the mentoring author.ResultsThe initial search resulted in 7,502 studies. Following full-text review of 192 studies, 33 were excluded based on age criteria (<60 years) and 27 met the defined criteria. Twenty-three delirium prediction models were identified, 14 were externally validated and 3 were internally validated. The following populations were represented: 11 medical, 3 medical/surgical and 13 surgical. The assessment of delirium was often non-systematic, resulting in varied incidence. Fourteen models were externally validated with an area under the receiver operating curve range from 0.52 to 0.94. Limitations in design, data collection methods and model metric reporting statistics were identified.ConclusionsDelirium prediction models for older adults show variable and typically inadequate predictive capabilities. Our review highlights the need for development of robust models to predict delirium in older inpatients. We provide recommendations for the development of such models.
Vietnamese medical students and binge drinking: a qualitative study of perceptions, attitudes, beliefs and experience
Authors: Nguyen Thi Thu Huong , Sendall Marguerite C , White Katherine M. , Young Ross McD 
Published: April 2018

ObjectivesTo explore the perceptions, attitudes, beliefs, and experiences related to Vietnamese medical students’ binge drinking.DesignA qualitative study comprising semi-structured focus groups/interviews with medical students and semi-structured interviews with key informants. Thematic analysis of data.SettingParticipants were a convenience sample of usual volunteers from a medical university in Viet Nam.Participants19 medical students from year 1 to 6 and 4 key informants agreed to participate in the study.ResultsThe study found participants believe medical students drink less than other students and are not binge drinkers yet they experience and/or witness many binge drinking occasions among medical students. Participants consider alcohol use as culturally acceptable in Vietnamese society and a way for medical students to create and improve relationships with their friends, teachers, or work colleagues. Group affiliation and peer pressure to drink excessive alcohol are identified among medical students, especially male students.ConclusionThe culture of drinking behaviour was explored among medical students in Viet Nam. This study reveals a dichotomy between the belief of not being binge drinkers and the experience of many binge drinking occasions among medical students. This tension suggests future research about binge drinking behaviour of Vietnamese medical students is required.