bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of bleeding manifestations in 128 heterozygotes for Factor X deficiency, mainly for FX Friuli, matched versus 128 unaffected family members, during a long sequential observation period (23.5 years)
Authors: Girolami Antonio , Cosi Elisabetta , Santarossa Claudia , Ferrari Silvia , Girolami Bruno , Lombardi Anna Maria 
Published: April 2016

AbstractObjectivesThe main objective of the study was to evaluate the incidence of bleeding manifestations in heterozygotes for FX deficiency vs. unaffected family members. Secondary objective was to compare the prevalence of arterial or venous diseases found in the two groups.Patients and methodsA total of 128 heterozygote patients for FX deficiency were investigated. A total of 102 patients had FX Friuli; 26 patients had other forms of FX deficiency. At time of diagnosis, each patient was paired with an unaffected family member, matched by gender and age (±5). Patients and their normal counterparts were checked every 1–2 yr for a mean period of 23.5 yr. The occurrence of bleeding manifestations was recorded and scored. The occurrence of arterial diseases and venous thrombosis was also recorded as a secondary finding.ResultsA total of 38 heterozygote patients (29.7%) had one or more than one bleeding manifestation. The most frequent one was bleeding after tooth extraction or surgery. On the contrary, only three control subjects (2.3%) had documented hemorrhagic symptoms. There was a good correlation between bleeding and FX levels. Arterial disease (acute coronary syndromes, ischemic stroke, stable angina, peripheral arteries disease) was found in eight patients (6.3%) with FX deficiency and in seven unaffected subjects (5.5%). On the contrary, no venous thrombosis was seen in the affected group, whereas three cases (2.3%) of documented venous thrombosis were observed in the control group (two deep veins and one superficial vein).ConclusionsHeterozygotes FX deficiency may be accompanied by a mild bleeding tendency. This has important implications to assure a safe FX level in case of surgery or invasive procedures. Furthermore, mild FX deficiency seems to have no protective effect on arterial disease but does seem to protect from venous thrombosis.
Social aphids use their antennae to perceive density cue for soldier production
Authors: Shibao Harunobu , Takanashi Takuma , Kutsukake Mayako , Matsuyama Shigeru , Shimada Masakazu , Fukatsu Takema 
Published: April 2016

AbstractIn social insects, local interactions among colony members facilitate information transfer, and allow the whole colony to regulate division of labor and task allocation in an integrated and coordinated manner. In particular, regulation of caste differentiation in response to external cues is important for sustaining social insect colonies. The social aphid Tuberaphis styraci exhibits a caste polyphenism, producing second‐instar soldiers and non‐soldiers. Previous studies using an artificial diet rearing system identified high aphid density as a crucial cue for soldier production, which acts on embryos in the maternal body and newborn first‐instar nymphs to induce soldier differentiation. While direct contact stimuli from live non‐soldiers were suggested to mediate the density effect, how the aphids perceive the stimuli has been unknown. Here we investigated how antennal removal of adult females affects the soldier production in T. styraci. Under a high density condition, intact females produced the highest percentage of soldiers, females deprived of both antennae produced the lowest percentage of soldiers, and females deprived of one antenna exhibited an intermediate percentage of soldiers. Scanning electron microscopic observations of the aphids revealed the existence of sensory organs for chemoreception and tactile sensation on the antennae of the mother aphids. These results indicate that T. styraci females use their antennae to perceive soldier‐inducing density cue, suggesting that maternal perception of density cue is involved in regulation over caste phenotype of their offspring.
The Log in Your Eye: Is Europe's External Promotion of Religious Freedom Consistent With its Internal Practice?
Authors: Gatti Mauro 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe commitment of the EU to the external promotion of the respect for human rights allegedly distinguishes its foreign policy from that of traditional powers. Yet there is the perception that EU's statements are not always consistent with internal practices. This article analyses one set of EU's inconsistencies that has not been sufficiently studied: the discrepancy between internal and external human rights standards. The article focuses on the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief, which has become a priority of the EU's foreign policy. It is submitted that the EU's external position generally reflects values common to the Member States, but is sometimes contradicted by the practice of domestic authorities. The human rights standards identified in the EU's foreign policy may arguably serve as a reference for legal reform and the interpretation of fundamental rights in Europe.
Fatigue reliability analysis for vibroseis baseplates
Authors: Huang Z.Q. , Chen Z. , Li Q. , Jing S. , Li G. , Tao Z.F. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractHigh precision vibroseis are widely used in oil and gas exploration. The key component of a vibroseis is its baseplate, suffered from complicated external load. Cracks could be generated in the baseplate, and fractures could occur in the welding parts of baseplates because of an extreme loading. This failure not only reduces the baseplate life significantly, but also affects the quality and precision of the signal excitation seriously. The objective of this work is to study the fatigue behavior of the baseplate by the finite element analysis (FEA) and fatigue reliability analysis. At first, the solid model of the baseplate is built, and the dynamic characteristics are analyzed by FEA based on the orthogonal design scheme. Then the stress distribution and peak area of baseplate are obtained under a series of loadings, thereby producing the stress‐time data of the risky areas. With the S–N curve and the Palmgren–Miner cumulative damage theory, we could therefore predict the baseplate life, and then its fatigue reliability is calculated with the Kriging response surface method. The sensitivity of fatigue reliability with respect to the design parameters is also obtained, and this provides useful information about the importance of design parameters to the fatigue reliability, therefore resulting in the new design that would lead to longer baseplate life, higher quality of the seismic signal excitation, smaller signal distortion and higher accuracy of oil and gas exploration ultimately.
Exploring the relationship between stigma and help‐seeking for mental illness in African‐descended faith communities in the UK
Authors: Mantovani Nadia , Pizzolati Micol , Edge Dawn 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackgroundStigma related to mental illness affects all ethnic groups, contributing to the production and maintenance of mental illness and restricting access to care and support. However, stigma is especially prevalent in minority communities, thus potentially increasing ethnically based disparities. Little is known of the links between stigma and help‐seeking for mental illness in African‐descended populations in the UK.Objective and study designBuilding on the evidence that faith‐based organizations (FBOs) can aid the development of effective public health strategies, this qualitative study used semi‐structured interviews with faith groups to explore the complex ways in which stigma influences help‐seeking for mental illness in African‐descended communities. A thematic approach to data analysis was applied to the entire data set.Setting and participantsTwenty‐six men and women who had varying levels of involvement with Christian FBOs in south London were interviewed (e.g. six faith leaders, thirteen ‘active members’ and seven ‘regular attendees’).ResultsKey factors influencing help‐seeking behaviour were as follows: beliefs about the causes of mental illness; ‘silencing’ of mental illness resulting from heightened levels of ideological stigma; and stigma (re)production and maintenance at community level. Individuals with a diagnosis of mental illness were likely to experience a triple jeopardy in terms of stigma.Discussion and conclusion‘One‐size‐fits‐all’ approaches cannot effectively meet the needs of diverse populations. To ensure that services are more congruent with their needs, health and care organizations should enable service users, families and community members to become active creators of interventions to remove barriers to help‐seeking for mental illness.
Both initial red cell distribution width (RDW) and change in RDW during heart failure hospitalization are associated with length of hospital stay and 30‐day outcomes
Authors: Muhlestein J. B. , Lappe D. L. , Anderson J. L. , Muhlestein J. B. , Budge D. , May H. T. , Bennett S. T. , Bair T. L. , Horne B. D. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryIntroductionWe examined the predictive ability of red cell distribution width (RDW) and the change in RDW during hospitalization (ΔRDW) for length of stay (LOS) and 30‐day outcomes after heart failure (HF) inpatient stay.MethodsElectronic query of Intermountain Healthcare medical records identified patients (N = 6414) with a primary diagnosis of HF who were discharged between 2004 and 2013, had RDW measured within 24 h after admission, and had RDW tested at least once more during the same hospitalization. ΔRDW was defined as the last RDW within 24 h prior to discharge minus the first RDW.ResultsMedian LOS by initial RDW quartiles was Q1: 3.0, Q2: 3.1, Q3: 3.7, and Q4: 4.0 days (P‐trend<0.001), and by ΔRDW quartiles was Q1: 4.1, Q2: 3.4, Q3: 3.6, and Q4: 4.7 days (P‐trend<0.001). Both initial RDW (16.8 ± 2.8% vs. 16.3 ± 2.7%, P < 0.001) and ΔRDW (0.21 ± 1.09% vs. 0.14 ± 1.04%, P = 0.039) predicted 30‐day readmission vs. no readmit. For 30‐day decedents vs. survivors, initial RDW was 17.3 ± 3.0% vs. 16.3 ± 2.6% (P < 0.001), while ΔRDW was +0.20 ± 1.14% vs. +0.14 ± 1.04% (P = 0.15).ConclusionsGreater initial RDW and ΔRDW during HF hospitalization were associated with 30‐day mortality, longer LOS, and 30‐day all‐cause readmission, suggesting both ΔRDW and initial RDW may aid in personalizing prognosis and treatment.
Funding for change: New Zealand pharmacists’ views on, and experiences of, the community pharmacy services agreement
Authors: Kinsey Hannah , Scahill Shane , Bye Lynne , Harrison Jeff 
Published: April 2016

Abstract

Objective
To explore pharmacist’s views on the shift in ethos, funding and service delivery model introduced through the New Zealand’s Community Pharmacy Services Agreement (CPSA).

Methods
A purposive sampling approach drew pharmacists from a matrix who were then contacted via telephone and invited to be interviewed. Semistructured interviews were conducted face-to-face with community pharmacists (n = 17) across urban and rural New Zealand. An interview schedule exploring 12 subject areas was used to facilitate discussion and determine pharmacist’s views and understanding of the CPSA. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim and a general inductive approach was taken to identifying emergent themes.

Key findings
Key themes that emerged were: pharmacists supported the philosophy behind the CPSA, pharmacists understanding of the CPSA, implementing CPSA-related services, perceived impact on patient outcomes and future sustainability of the CPSA. Overall, pharmacists supported the alignment of funding with patient-centred services, but pharmacy owners reported difficulty understanding the funding model, resulting in uncertainty over income. Several pharmacists believed the quality of care offered had not changed, while others found their attitudes towards care had evolved. All pharmacists communicated an increase in their workload and many perceived the sustainability of the CPSA to be linked to its ability to financially sustain community pharmacies.

Conclusions
The majority of pharmacists believed in the philosophy of the CPSA, but expressed concerns over funding, workload and benefits for patients. Future research is required to determine generalisability of these findings, investigate patient perspectives and assess the effect of the CPSA on patient outcomes.
Alternative splicing enhances transcriptome complexity in desiccating seeds
Authors: Srinivasan Arunkumar , Jiménez‐Gómez José M. , Fornara Fabio , Soppe Wim J. J. , Brambilla Vittoria 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBefore being dispersed in the environment, mature seeds need to be dehydrated. The survival of seeds after dispersal depends on their low hydration in combination with high desiccation tolerance. These characteristics are established during seed maturation. Some key seed maturation genes have been reported to be regulated by alternative splicing (AS). However, so far AS was described only for single genes and a comprehensive analysis of AS during seed maturation has been lacking. We investigated gene expression and AS during Arabidopsis thaliana seed development at a global level, before and after desiccation. Bioinformatics tools were developed to identify differentially spliced regions within genes. Our data suggest the importance and shows the peculiar features of AS during seed desiccation. We identified AS in 34% of genes that are expressed at both timepoints before and after desiccation. Most of these AS transcript variants had not been found before in other tissues. Among the AS genes some seed master regulators could be found. Interestingly, 6% of all expressed transcripts were not transcriptionally regulated during desiccation, but only modified by AS. We propose that AS should be more routinely taken into account in the analysis of transcriptomic data to prevent overlooking potentially important regulators.
rno‐miR‐665 targets BCL2L1 (Bcl‐xl) and increases vulnerability to propofol in developing astrocytes
Authors: Sun Wen‐Chong , Pei Ling 
Published: April 2016

AbstractPropofol exerts a cytotoxic influence over immature neurocytes. Our previous study revealed that clinically relevant doses of propofol accelerated apoptosis of primary cultured astrocytes of developing rodent brains via rno‐miR‐665 regulation. However, the role of rno‐miR‐665 during the growth spurt of neonatal rodent brains in vivo is still uncertain. Post‐natal day 7 (P7) rats received a single injection of propofol 30 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.), and neuroapoptosis of hippocampal astrocytes was analyzed by immunofluorescence and scanning electron microscopy. The differential expression of rno‐miR‐665, BCL2L1 (Bcl‐xl), and cleaved caspase 3 (CC3) was surveyed by qRT‐PCR and western blotting. In addition, the utility of A‐1155463, a highly potent and BCL2L1‐selective antagonist, was aimed to assess the contribution of BCL2L1 for neuroglial survival. Following the intraventricular injection of lentivirus rno‐miR‐665, neuroprotection was detected by 5‐point scale measurement. The single dose of propofol 30 mg/kg triggered dose‐dependent apoptosis of developing hippocampal astrocytes. Meanwhile, propofol triggered both rno‐miR‐665 and CC3, and depressed BCL2L1, which was predicted as one target gene of rno‐miR‐665. Combination treatment with A‐1155463 and propofol induced lower mRNA and protein levels of BCL2L1 and more CC3 activation than propofol treatment alone in vivo. The lentivirus‐mediated knockdown of rno‐miR‐665 elevated BCL2L1 and attenuated CC3 levels, whereas up‐regulation of rno‐miR‐665 suppressed BCL2L1 and induced CC3 expression in vivo. More importantly, rno‐miR‐665 antagomir infusion improved neurological outcomes of pups receiving propofol during the brain growth spurt. Rno‐miR‐665, providing a potential target for alternative therapeutics for pediatric anesthesia, is susceptible to propofol by negatively targeting antiapoptotic BCL2L1.
image
Relatively little is known about the association between exposure of astrocytes to brief propofol anaesthesia and risk for impairment. Here, it revealed that propofol‐related neurotoxicity of neonatal astrocytes was under rno‐miR‐665 regulation during the brain growth spurt. Rno‐miR‐665 might act as a clinically alternative therapeutic target for treatment of neurological disorders in peadiatric anesthesia or sedation with propofol in future.
Reliability and Validity of the Physical Education Activities Scale
Authors: Thomason Diane L. , Feng Du 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDMeasuring adolescent perceptions of physical education (PE) activities is necessary in understanding determinants of schoolPEactivity participation. This study assessed reliability and validity of the Physical Education Activities Scale (PEAS), a 41‐item visual analog scale measuring high school adolescent perceptions of schoolPEactivity participation.METHODSAdolescents (N = 529) from the Pacific Northwest aged 15‐19 in grades 9‐12 participated in the study. Construct validity was assessed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Measurement invariance across sex groups was tested by multiple‐groupCFA. Internal consistency reliability was analyzed using Cronbach's alpha. Inter‐subscale correlations (Pearson's r) were calculated for latent factors and observed subscale scores.RESULTSExploratory factor analysis suggested a 3‐factor solution explaining 43.4% of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis showed the 3‐factor model fit the data adequately (comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.90, Tucker‐Lewis index [TLI] = 0.89, root mean squared error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.063). Factorial invariance was supported. Cronbach's alpha of the totalPEASwas α = 0.92, and for subscales α ranged from 0.65 to 0.92. Independent t‐tests showed significantly higher mean scores for boys than girls on the total scale and all subscales.CONCLUSIONFindings provide psychometric support for using thePEASfor examining adolescent's psychosocial and environmental perceptions to participating inPEactivities.
The Impact of the CHILE Intervention on the Food Served in Head Start Centers in Rural New Mexico
Authors: Morshed Alexandra B. , Davis Sally M. , Keane Patricia C. , Myers Orrin B. , Mishra Shiraz I. 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDThe Child Health Initiative for Lifelong Eating and Exercise is a multicomponent obesity‐prevention intervention, which was evaluated among Head Start (HS) centers in American Indian and predominantly Hispanic communities in rural New Mexico. This study examines the intervention's foodservice outcomes: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, discretionary fats, added sugars, and fat from milk served in meals and snacks.METHODSSixteen HS centers were randomized to intervention/comparison groups, following stratification by ethnicity and preintervention median body mass index of enrolled children. The foodservice component included quarterly trainings for foodservice staff about food purchasing and preparation. Foods served were evaluated before and after the 2‐year intervention, in the fall 2008 and spring 2010.RESULTSThe intervention significantly decreased fat provided through milk and had no significant effect on fruit, vegetables and whole‐grain servings, discretionary fats, and added sugar served in HS meals and snacks. When effect modification by site ethnicity was examined, the effect on fat provided through milk was only found in American Indian sites.CONCLUSIONSFoodservice interventions can reduce the amount of fat provided through milk served in HS. More research is needed regarding the implementation of foodservice interventions to improve the composition of foods served in early education settings.
Food Insecurity and Rural Adolescent Personal Health, Home, and Academic Environments
Authors: Shanafelt Amy , Hearst Mary O. , Wang Qi , Nanney Marilyn S. 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDFood‐insecure (FIS) adolescents struggle in school and with health and mental health more often than food‐secure (FS) adolescents. Rural communities experience important disparities in health, but little is known about rural FIS adolescents. This study aims to describe select characteristics of rural adolescents by food‐security status.METHODSBaseline analysis using data from a randomized trial to increase school breakfast participation (SBP) in rural Minnesota high schools. Students completed a survey regarding food security, characteristics, and home and school environments. Schools provided academic data and staff measured height and weight. Food security was dichotomized as FS vs FIS. Bivariate analysis, multivariate linear/logistic regression, and testing for interaction of food security and sex were performed.RESULTSFood‐insecure adolescents reported poorer health, less exercise, had lower grades, and higher SBP (p < .01). Food‐insecure adolescents reported marginally fewer barriers (p = .06) and more benefits of breakfast (p = .05). All associations except reported benefits remained significant after adjustment. Interactions were identified with girls' grade point average and with boys' caloric and added sugar intake.CONCLUSIONSNegative associations among food insecurity and positive youth development are identified in our sample. Policy and environmental strategies should address the complexities of these associations, including exploration of the role of school meals.
Constitutive photomorphogenesis protein 1 (COP1) and COP9 signalosome, evolutionarily conserved photomorphogenic proteins as possible targets of melatonin
Authors: Sanchez‐Barcelo Emilio J. , Mediavilla Maria D. , Vriend Jerry , Reiter Russel J. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe ubiquitin proteasome system has been proposed as a possible mechanism involved in the multiple actions of melatonin. COP1 (constitutive photomorphogenesis protein 1), a RING finger‐type ubiquitin E3 ligase formerly identified in Arabidopsis, is a central switch for the transition from plant growth underground in darkness (etiolation) to growth under light exposure (photomorphogenesis). In darkness, COP1 binds to photomorphogenic transcription factors driving its degradation via the 26S proteasome; blue light, detected by cryptochromes, and red and far‐red light detected by phytochromes, negatively regulate COP1. Homologues of plant COP1 containing all the structural features present in Arabidopsis as well as E3 ubiquitin ligase activity have been identified in mice and humans. Substrates for mammalian (m) COP1 include p53, AP‐1 and c‐Jun, p27Kip1, ETV1, MVP, 14‐3‐3σ, C/EBPα, MTA1, PEA3, ACC, TORC2 and FOXO1. This mCOP1 target suggests functions related to tumorigenesis, gluconeogenesis, and lipid metabolism. The role of mCOP1 in tumorigenesis (either as a tumor promoter or tumor suppressor), as well as in glucose metabolism (inhibition of gluconeogenesis) and lipid metabolism (inhibition of fatty acid synthesis), has been previously demonstrated. COP1, along with numerous other ubiquitin ligases, is regulated by the COP9 signalosome; this protein complex is associated with the oxidative stress sensor Keap1 and the deubiquitinase USP15. The objective of this review was to provide new information on the possible role of COP1 and COP9 as melatonin targets. The hypothesis is based on common functional aspects of melatonin and COP1 and COP9, including their dependence on light, regulation of the metabolism, and their control of tumor growth.