bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microbe‐like inclusions in tree resins and implications for the fossil record of protists in amber
Authors: Thiel V. , Lausmaa J. , Sjövall P. , Ragazzi E. , Seyfullah L. J. , Schmidt A. R. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractDuring the past two decades, a plethora of fossil micro‐organisms have been described from various Triassic to Miocene ambers. However, in addition to entrapped microbes, ambers commonly contain microscopic inclusions that sometimes resemble amoebae, ciliates, microfungi, and unicellular algae in size and shape, but do not provide further diagnostic features thereof. For a better assessment of the actual fossil record of unicellular eukaryotes in amber, we studied equivalent inclusions in modern resin of the Araucariaceae; this conifer family comprises important amber‐producers in Earth history. Using time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS), we investigated the chemical nature of the inclusion matter and the resin matrix. Whereas the matrix, as expected, showed a more hydrocarbon/aromatic‐dominated composition, the inclusions contain abundant salt ions and polar organics. However, the absence of signals characteristic for cellular biomass, namely distinctive proteinaceous amino acids and lipid moieties, indicates that the inclusions do not contain microbial cellular matter but salts and hydrophilic organic substances that probably derived from the plant itself. Rather than representing protists or their remains, these microbe‐like inclusions, for which we propose the term ‘pseudoinclusions’, consist of compounds that are immiscible with the terpenoid resin matrix and were probably secreted in small amounts together with the actual resin by the plant tissue. Consequently, reports of protists from amber that are only based on the similarity of the overall shape and size to extant taxa, but do not provide relevant features at light‐microscopical and ultrastructural level, cannot be accepted as unambiguous fossil evidence for these particular groups.
Enhanced procedural blank control for organic geochemical studies of critical sample material
Authors: Leider A. , Schumacher T. C. , Hallmann C. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractOrganic contamination of sedimentary rocks can produce artefacts in studies of hydrocarbon composition, and this can have significant negative consequences for interpretations of the geobiological record. False positives – that is cases of non‐syngenetic hydrocarbon biomarkers – are common in Precambrian studies, and significant challenges persist despite the intensive effort devoted to these studies. Efforts to standardize the ‘burden of proof’ for distinguishing between contamination and syngenetic material have to date failed to yield a simple or universal protocol, yet the need remains great, as both bitumen‐lean rocks and bitumen‐rich samples can be vulnerable to the accumulation of false‐positive signals. In an effort to determine the best approach to quality control, we tested the capability of different blank materials to collect ambient contamination by assessing their capacity to adsorb hydrocarbons during storage in plastic bags and found that commonly used Quartz sand does not provide an adequate measure of storage‐ or laboratory‐induced contamination. Brick blanks, having the advantage that they can parallel rock samples even during the sawing process, are characterized by similar poor adsorption properties. Primarily steered by mineralogy, organic carbon content and surface area, model‐black shales can adsorb up to 20 times more contaminants than sand blanks and up to 200 times more contaminants than organic‐free model‐carbonates. This observation provides an explanation for reports and observations of seemingly systematic stratigraphic variation of contaminants, but mostly should raise awareness for the evaluation of procedural blanks, in particular of sample‐to‐blank ratios, when studying bitumen‐lean rock samples of varying lithologies. Additionally, differences between the hydrocarbon profiles in plastic bags and the hydrocarbon signatures transferred to blank materials emphasize difficulties in the unequivocal detection of contamination sources. Artificial black shale pellets can provide enhanced contamination control in biomarker studies – particularly for exceptionally vulnerable samples such as Precambrian rocks, meteorites or extraterrestrial sample‐return material.
A quantitative method for determination of PPDK concentration in miscanthus leaves
Authors: Meshcheryakova Irina A. , Bannikova Svetlana V. , Rozanov Aleksey S. , Demidova Elisaveta V. , Demidov Evgeniy A. , Goryachkovskaya Tatiana N. , Burmakina Natalya V. , Shekhovtsov Sergey V. , Bryanskaya Alla V. , Kolchanov Nikolay A. , Peltek Sergey E. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIn this study, we used ELISA for quantification of PPDK in photosynthesizing leaves of miscanthus. We cloned a fragment of the gene encoding PPDK, purified the resulting protein by affinity chromatography, identified it using MALDI mass spectrometry, and obtained monoclonal antibodies by immunizing BALB/c mice. Selectivity of monoclonal antibodies was assessed by Western blot using the protein extracts of Soranovskii. The presence of PPDK was again verified by MALDI mass spectrometry. Therefore, we developed and tested the method for determining PPDK quantity in miscanthus using ELISA.
Type 2M von Willebrand disease – more often misidentified than correctly identified
Authors: Favaloro E. J. , Bonar R. A. , Mohammed S. , Arbelaez A. , Niemann J. , Freney R. , Meiring M. , Sioufi J. , Marsden K. 
Published: March 2016

IntroductionAppropriate diagnosis of von Willebrand disease (VWD), including differential identification of qualitative vs. quantitative von Willebrand factor (VWF) defects has important management implications, but remains problematic.AimThe aim of the study was to assess whether 2M VWD, defining qualitative defects not associated with loss of high molecular weight (HMW) VWF, is often misidentified, given highly variable reported frequency ranging from 0 to ~60% of all type 2 VWD.MethodsA comparative evaluation of laboratory ability to appropriately identify 2M VWD (n = 4) vs. HMW VWF reduction (n = 4), as sent to participants of an international external quality assessment programme.ResultsLaboratories had considerably greater difficulty identifying type 2M VWD, correctly identifying these on average only 29.4% of occasions, with the 70.6% error rate representing use of insufficient test panels (41.7%), misinterpretation of test results (10.0%) and analytical errors (13.3%). One type 2M case, giving a median of 49 U dL−1 VWF:Ag, was more often misidentified as type 2A/2B VWD (46.7%) than 2M (34.8%). Another 2M case, giving a median of 189 U dL−1 VWF:Ag, was instead often misidentified as being normal (non‐VWD) (36.4%), with identifications of type 2A/2B VWD (13.6%) also represented. In comparison, errors in identification of HMW VWF reduced samples only averaged 11.5%, primarily driven by use of insufficient test panels (6.3%) or misinterpretation of results (4.2%) and infrequently analytical errors (1.0%).ConclusionType 2M VWD is more often misidentified (70.6%) than correctly identified as 2M VWD (29.4%), and potentially explaining the relative under‐reported incidence of 2M VWD in the literature.
Surgical procedures in patients with haemophilic arthropathy of the ankle
Authors: Barg A. , Morris S. C. , Schneider S. W. , Phisitkul P. , Saltzman C. L. 
Published: March 2016

BackgroundIn haemophilia, the ankle joint is one of the most common and earliest joints affected by recurrent bleeding, commonly resulting in end‐stage ankle osteoarthritis during early adulthood. The surgical treatment of haemophilic ankle arthropathy is challenging.PurposeThis review aims to highlight the literature addressing clinical outcomes following the most common approaches for different stages of haemophilia‐induced ankle osteoarthritis: arthroscopic debridement, joint distraction arthroplasty, supramalleolar osteotomies, total ankle replacement, and ankle arthrodesis.MethodsA systematic literature review was performed using established medical literature databases. The following information was retrieved from the literature: patients’ demographics, surgical technique, duration of follow‐up, clinical outcome including pain relief and complication rate.ResultsA total of 42 clinical studies published between 1978 and 2015 were included in the systematic literature review. Eight and 34 studies had prospective and retrospective design, respectively. The most common studies were levelIVstudies (64.3%).DiscussionThe orthopaedic treatment of patients with haemophilic ankle osteoarthritis is often challenging and requires complete and careful preoperative assessment. In general, both joint‐preserving and joint non‐preserving procedure types can be performed. All specific relative and absolute contraindications should be considered to achieve appropriate postoperative outcomes.ConclusionThe current literature demonstrated that orthopaedic surgeries, with appropriate indication, in patients with haemophilic ankle arthropathy result in good postoperative results comparable to those observed in non‐haemophiliacs. The surgical treatment should be performed in a setting with the ability to have multidisciplinary management, including expertise in haematology.
Haematuria is not a risk factor of hypertension or renal impairment in patients with haemophilia
Authors: Sun H. (L.) , Yang M. , Sait A. S. , von Drygalski A. , Jackson S. 
Published: March 2016

IntroductionAn increased prevalence of hypertension has been reported in patients with haemophilia compared to the age‐matched general population, although the causes were unclear. To date, there has been limited data implicating haemophilia‐specific risk factors such as renal bleeding.AimThis two‐centre prospective cohort study aimed to assess the prevalence of gross/microscopic haematuria, and the associations between haematuria, blood pressure and renal function.MethodsOf 135 adult males, with mild to severe haemophilia followed by the British Columbia and University of California San Diego Hemophilia Treatment Centers were included. Screening urinalysis and microscopy were performed during all routine visits. Haematuria was defined as history of gross haematuria or >3 red blood cells per high‐power field on microscopy in the absence of urinary tract infections. Logistic regressions were used to examine the significance of haematuria and other potential hypertension risk factors.ResultsThe prevalence of hypertension was 44%, of whom 31% achieved adequate blood pressure control. Despite the high prevalence of haematuria (34%), renal dysfunction was rare. On univariate analysis, age, diabetes, dyslipidemia and obesity were associated with hypertension. On multivariate analysis, only age remains as a significant predictor of hypertension. Haematuria was not associated with hypertension, renal insufficiency or haemophilia severity.ConclusionIn this cohort, hypertension and haematuria were prevalent while renal disease was rare. Haematuria was not associated with a diagnosis of hypertension or renal dysfunction. Larger prospective studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms for increased prevalence of hypertension in haemophilia.
BAY 81‐8973, a full‐length recombinant factor VIII: results from an International comparative laboratory field study
Authors: Kitchen S. , Beckmann H. , Katterle Y. , Bruns S. , Tseneklidou‐Stoeter D. , Maas Enriquez M. 
Published: March 2016

IntroductionBAY 81‐8973 is a full‐length, unmodified, recombinant human factor VIII (FVIII) with the same primary amino acid sequence as sucrose‐formulated recombinant FVIII but produced with certain more advanced manufacturing technologies.AimThis global laboratory study evaluated variability in measurement of BAY 81‐8973 using one‐stage and chromogenic assays compared with antihaemophilic factor (recombinant) plasma/albumin‐free method (rAHF‐PFM; Advate®) under assay conditions routinely used in clinical laboratories.MethodsBAY 81‐8973 or rAHF‐PFM was spiked into FVIII‐deficient plasma at 0.043 (low), 0.375 (medium) and 0.865 (normal) IU mL−1. Participating laboratories analysed blinded samples and normal plasma in triplicate using their routine assay, reagents and standards. Results were analysed for intra‐ and interlaboratory variability.ResultsForty‐one laboratories in 11 countries participated in the study. One‐stage assay and chromogenic assays were used by 40 and 10 laboratories, respectively; 9 laboratories used both assays. Intralaboratory variability was <11% for both assays and both products at all concentrations. Interlaboratory variability was highest at the low concentration in the chromogenic and one‐stage assay for BAY 81‐8973 (60.0% and 33.7%, respectively) and rAHF‐PFM (51.0% and 30.8%) and was lowest at the normal concentration (BAY 81‐8973, 5.4% and 14.0%; rAHF‐PFM, 5.8% and 12.4%), which was similar to the plasma control (6.6% and 10.3%). The chromogenic:one‐stage assay ratio ranged from 0.95 (low concentration) to 1.10 (normal concentration) for BAY 81‐8973 and 0.96–1.18 for rAHF‐PFM.ConclusionsBAY 81‐8973 can be accurately measured in plasma using the one‐stage and chromogenic assays routinely used in clinical laboratories without a product‐specific standard.
Neuropsychiatric Predictors of Post‐Injury Headache After Mild‐Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury in Veterans
Authors: Bomyea Jessica , Lang Ariel J. , Delano‐Wood Lisa , Jak Amy , Hanson Karen L. , Sorg Scott , Clark Alexandra L. , Schiehser Dawn M. 
Published: March 2016

ObjectivesTo determine differences in neuropsychiatric complaints between Veterans with mild to moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI), with and without headache, compared with Veteran controls, and to identify neuropsychiatric predictors of headache severity.BackgroundMild to moderate TBI is a common occurrence in Veterans, and is frequently associated with complaints of headache. Neuropsychiatric complaints are also common among individuals who have sustained head injury, although the relationship between these factors and headache after injury is unclear. Research is needed to comprehensively determine differences between individuals with mild to moderate traumatic brain injury who differ with respect to headache, and which injury, psychological, or sleep and fatigue factors predict headache severity.MethodsA cross‐sectional study compared 85 Veterans in three groups (positive for TBI and headache, positive for TBI without significant headache, and a control group) on a set of injury characteristics and neuropsychiatric variables. Correlates of headache severity were examined, and a regression model was used to identify significant independent predictors of headache severity.ResultsIndividuals with mild to moderate TBI and headache endorsed significantly greater neuropsychiatric symptoms than participants in the other groups (ηp2 = .23−.36) Neuropsychiatric complaints, as well as presence of posttraumatic amnesia, were correlated with headache in the subsample with TBI (rs = .44−.57). When entering all predictors into a regression model, only fatigue represented a significant independent predictor of headache severity (β = .59, R2= .35).ConclusionsRather than being a global risk factor, mild to moderate TBI was associated with poorer mental health outcomes, particularly for those who endorse headache. Findings underscore the possibility that Veterans with history of TBI who present with complaints of headache may represent a particularly vulnerable subgroup. Additionally, our findings suggest that clinical outcomes may be improved in those with neurotrauma by incorporating a focus on fatigue in treatment.
Optimization of Synthesis Conditions of Monoclinic Potassium Niobate (KNbO3) and its Effect on Morphology
Authors: Chakraborty Subhabrata , Kumar Ghosh Sudhir , Chandra Das Gopes , Mukherjee Siddhartha 
Published: March 2016

Stoichiometric orthorhombic and monoclinic KNbO3 samples have been prepared through low temperature–time hydrothermal method. Optimized synthesis conditions for monoclinic KNbO3 have been found to be hydrothermal treatment of 15M precursor solution at 160°C for 8 h. Transformation of orthorhombic KNbO3 to monoclinic KNbO3 has been established through thermodynamic considerations. Further, successful synthesis of orthorhombic KNbO3 has also been achieved under moderated conditions. FESEM analyses of synthesized materials revealed that initially formed block‐like structures either stack upon one another to form hierarchical morphology or join end to end to form rods. Observations have been substantiated through HRTEM, EDX, FTIR, and Raman spectra analyses.
Using knowledge as the basis for evidence‐based practice in primary care nurses
Authors: Bennasar‐Veny M. , Gonzalez‐Torrente S. , De Pedro‐Gomez J. , Morales‐Asencio J.M. , Pericas‐Beltran J. 
Published: March 2016

AimThe aim of this study was to explore the perception of primary care nurses regarding the need and use of knowledge from research, as a basis for evidence‐based practice in their workplace. Additionally, the study aimed to determine which factors might hinder or enable implementation into daily practice.BackgroundEvidence‐based practice involves integrating best results in research with clinical experience, which enables us to provide a higher quality of care, as well as to optimize the care given. International studies show that nurses feel that there are still many barriers that hinder their doing research and incorporating new findings into clinical practice; although in the field of primary care, few studies have been carried out.MethodsThis descriptive qualitative study design used focus groups to collect data. This study was carried out in Spanish primary care centres. Forty‐six registered nurses took part in this study and were divided into five focus groups.ResultsThree significant themes emerged: awareness of the need to use research, nurses as knowledge‐generation agents and motivation to use research despite barriers.LimitationsA limited number of participants and a convenience sample were used.ConclusionNurses recognize that professional health care must be based on evidence obtained from daily work – both originated by their colleagues and by themselves – and they are willing to work on it although they perceive a lack of competence for this purpose and demand support from their institutions.Implications for nursing policyPrimary care institutions should empower nursing coordinators as leaders of evidence‐based practice and implicate clinical nurses from the beginning on the implementation of guidelines.
RETRACTED: Silencing of Prrx1b suppresses cellular proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial–mesenchymal transition in triple‐negative breast cancer
Authors: Lv Zhi‐Dong , Yang Zhao‐Chuan , Liu Xiang‐Ping , Jin Li‐Ying , Dong Qian , Qu Hui‐Li , Li Fu‐Nian , Kong Bin , Sun Jiao , Zhao Jiao‐Jiao , Wang Hai‐Bo 
Published: March 2016

AbstractTriple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive tumour subtype associated with poor prognosis. The mechanisms involved in TNBC progression remains largely unknown. To date, there are no effective therapeutic targets for this tumour subtype. Paired‐related homeobox 1b (Prrx1b), one of major isoforms of Prrx1, has been identified as a new epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) inducer. However, the function of Prrx1b in TNBC has not been elucidated. In this study, we found that Prrx1b was significantly up‐regulated in TNBC and associated with tumour size and vascular invasion of breast cancer. Silencing of Prrx1b suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion of basal‐like cancer cells. Moreover, silencing of Prrx1b prevented Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway and induced the mesenchymal‐epithelial transition (MET). Taken together, our data indicated that Prrx1b may be an important regulator of EMT in TNBC cells and a new therapeutic target for interventions against TNBC invasion and metastasis.
Assessment of Salmonella, Escherichia Coli, Enterobacteriaceae and Aerobic Colony Counts Contamination Levels During the Beef Slaughter Process
Authors: Nyamakwere F. , Muchenje V. , Mushonga B. , Makepe M. , Mutero G. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe study was conducted to determine the level of Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Enterobacteriaceae and aerobic colony counts (ACCs) contamination in beef carcass, equipment, slaughtermen hands and water at selected stages in abattoirs. Cattle carcasses were sampled at four sites (rump, neck, flank and brisket) from a low throughput (LTA) (n = 240) and high throughput (HTA) (n = 384) abattoirs. Using conventional biochemical tests, HTA yielded significantly higher ACC (5.2 log CFU/cm2), E. coli (2.6 log CFU/cm2) and Enterobacteriaceae (2.9 log CFU/cm2) mean scores after skinning and evisceration. Washing and chilling did not cause any significant (P > 0.05) changes in bacterial counts. This implies use of non‐potable water and poor chilling methods. Salmonella was not detected on all sampled carcasses. Overall, slaughtermen hands and equipment in the dirty area yielded more bacterial counts compared to clean area from both abattoirs. Therefore, these findings show that the equipment, slaughtermen hands and water are sources of contamination during the slaughter process.Practical ApplicationsMicrobiological analyses of beef slaughtering process will help identify possible modes of contamination. This will help the responsible authorities to take appropriate steps to improve meat safety in abattoirs. Currently, the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Sub‐Directorate Veterinary Public Health of South Africa, do not have a meat Microbiological Monitoring Program. Meat inspection is based mainly on visual assessment for cleanliness, of which this cannot detect the most important foodborne hazards such as E. coli, Salmonella spp and Campylobacter. Therefore, there is a need to develop more effective meat inspection programs in order to prevent contamination, foodborne illnesses and deaths. Findings from this study can also act as a the foundation for the development of acceptable microbiological standards or guidelines for abattoirs in South Africa and other developing countries as well as help in the development of more effective meat inspection programs.
Signaling in a Rent‐Seeking Contest with One‐Sided Asymmetric Information
Authors: HEIJNEN PIM , SCHOONBEEK LAMBERT 
Published: March 2016

AbstractWe consider a two‐player rent‐seeking Tullock contest where one player has private information about his valuation of the prize, which can be high or low. This player can send a costly signal to his opponent, i.e., he can commit to reduce the prize either by some absolute amount of money or proportionally, conditional on winning it. We show that both kinds of signaling imply completely opposite results for separating equilibria, both in terms of conditions for existence and the type of player who sends the costly signal.