bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The medical use of oxygen: a time for critical reappraisal
Authors: Sjöberg F. , Singer M. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractOxygen treatment has been a cornerstone of acute medical care for numerous pathological states. Initially, this was supported by the assumed need to avoid hypoxaemia and tissue hypoxia. Most acute treatment algorithms, therefore, recommended the liberal use of a high fraction of inspired oxygen, often without first confirming the presence of a hypoxic insult. However, recent physiological research has underlined the vasoconstrictor effects of hyperoxia on normal vasculature and, consequently, the risk of significant blood flow reduction to the at‐risk tissue. Positive effects may be claimed simply by relief of an assumed local tissue hypoxia, such as in acute cardiovascular disease, brain ischaemia due to, for example, stroke or shock or carbon monoxide intoxication. However, in most situations, a generalized hypoxia is not the problem and a risk of negative hyperoxaemia‐induced local vasoconstriction effects may instead be the reality. In preclinical studies, many important positive anti‐inflammatory effects of both normobaric and hyperbaric oxygen have been repeatedly shown, often as surrogate end‐points such as increases in gluthatione levels, reduced lipid peroxidation and neutrophil activation thus modifying ischaemia–reperfusion injury and also causing anti‐apoptotic effects. However, in parallel, toxic effects of oxygen are also well known, including induced mucosal inflammation, pneumonitis and retrolental fibroplasia. Examining the available ‘strong’ clinical evidence, such as usually claimed for randomized controlled trials, few positive studies stand up to scrutiny and a number of trials have shown no effect or even been terminated early due to worse outcomes in the oxygen treatment arm. Recently, this has led to less aggressive approaches, even to not providing any supplemental oxygen, in several acute care settings, such as resuscitation of asphyxiated newborns, during acute myocardial infarction or after stroke or cardiac arrest. The safety of more advanced attempts to deliver increased oxygen levels to hypoxic or ischaemic tissues, such as with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, is therefore also being questioned. Here, we provide an overview of the present knowledge of the physiological effects of oxygen in relation to its therapeutic potential for different medical conditions, as well as considering the potential for harm. We conclude that the medical use of oxygen needs to be further examined in search of solid evidence of benefit in many of the current clinical settings in which it is routinely used.
Effect of storage on the dissolution rate of a fast-dissolving perphenazine/β-cyclodextrin complex
Authors: Turunen Elina , Korhonen Ossi , Lehto Vesa-Pekka , Kauppinen Ari , Ahtiainen Hanne , Järvinen Kristiina , Jarho Pekka 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Objective
In general, the chemical and physical stability of amorphous cyclodextrin complexes and how storage affects their dissolution rate have not been widely reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the solid-state stability of a fast-dissolving perphenazine/β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) complex, which has been found to be well absorbed after sublingual administration to rabbits. In addition, the dissolution rate of plain β-CD in crystalline and amorphous forms was determined.

Methods
The amorphous perphenazine/β-CD complex powders were prepared by spray-drying and freeze-drying, and their stability was examined after storage at 40°C, 75% relative humidity (RH) or at room temperature, 60% RH for up to 82 days.

Key findings
Perphenazine was found to be chemically stable in all samples. The dissolution rate of perphenazine remained practically unchanged at both storage conditions, although partial crystallization was observed in both spray-dried and freeze-dried samples at 40°C, 75% RH. Interestingly, it was also observed that the dissolution rates of crystalline and amorphous β-CD were similar.

Conclusion
The results suggest that CD complexation may represent a suitable alternative for preparing intraorally dissolving formulations because the fast dissolution rate of the drug was maintained even though changes in the crystal structure were observed during storage.
Noninvasive detection of face perception characteristics in children with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Gunji Atsuko , Inagaki Masumi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractChildren with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have delayed or deviant social interaction and communication skills. Recent neuroimaging studies have corroborated unique behaviors and patterns of facial information processing in children with ASD, such as less attention toward faces, atypical gaze pattern and face inversion effect, and difficulty in understanding facial expressions and identification of faces. The findings suggest that these specific face recognition characteristics are the result of detail‐focused processing and/or a distinctive cognitive style in dealing with visual inputs. This paper reviews our recent work evaluating social perception of faces using noninvasive neuroimaging techniques in children with ASD.
Visual Culture and the Fight for Visibility
Authors: Schroer Markus 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe article explores the relationship between visual culture and the fight for visibility and attention in contemporary society. It draws on a concept of visual culture which not only sees the rising significance of the visual and the proliferation of images as its defining traits, but also the fact that, today, people are—to a much higher degree—both consumers as well as producers of images. Based on this definition, it is argued that in visually oriented communication and media societies, the anthropologically fundamental need for attention manifests itself as a fight for visibility which takes on the form of ever more extreme forms of public self‐display. Furthermore, a portrait of two social figures—the star and the voyeur—will serve as further analysis and description of the social trends which can be tied to the emergence of today's visual culture. The article will close by discussing attention and visibility in terms of inclusion and exclusion and by proposing an analytical model for differentiating four modes of existence in a visual culture.
Pre‐release expectations and post‐release experiences of prisoners and their (ex‐)partners
Authors: Souza Karen A. , Lösel Friedrich , Markson Lucy , Lanskey Caroline 
Published: November 2013

PurposeThis study compared prisoners’ and their (ex‐)partners’ forecasts and actual experiences of life after prison. The aims were to: (1) assess prisoners’ self‐expectancies of problems and actual resettlement experiences; (2) compare prisoners’ post‐release expectations and experiences to their partners’ forecasts and valuations of these outcomes; (3) examine whether pre‐prison factors have an effect on each partners’ outlook of the future; (4) examine the predictive utility of each partners’ expectations on the men's post‐release outcomes; and (5) explore a range of resettlement issues which may play a vital role in pathways for reducing reoffending (i.e., family relationships, accommodation, finances, employment, alcohol use, and drug use).MethodWe employed a prospective longitudinal design and used semi‐structured interviews to gather quantitative and qualitative data from 39 male prisoners in England and their respective (ex‐)partners.ResultsThe couples showed relatively strong agreement on the men's post‐release difficulties compared to their earlier predictions; however, there was some variation in the ‘realism’ and ‘optimism’ of their outlooks. Their expectations were partially based on pre‐prison factors: higher frequencies of pre‐prison problems were positively associated with anticipated difficulties post‐release. Pre‐release expectations significantly predicted the men's post‐release difficulties with substance use and relationship factors.ConclusionOverall, our findings lend support to a dual hypothesis on the function of prisoners’ cognitions of future resettlement. On one hand, a ‘realistic view’ is important in recognizing when one is at risk for adversity. On the other hand, a ‘positive mindset’ has been associated with active coping and positive outcomes (e.g., desistance). The findings also underscore the importance of a holistic, family perspective in release and resettlement planning, and highlight key areas for targeted service delivery to promote successful desistance.
Mitochondrial introgressive hybridization following a demographic expansion in the tomato frogs of Madagascar, genus Dyscophus
Authors: Orozco‐terWengel Pablo , Andreone Franco , Louis Edward , Vences Miguel 
Published: November 2013

AbstractMadagascar is a biodiversity hotspot with a unique fauna and flora largely endemic at the species level and highly threatened by habitat destruction. The processes underlying population‐level differentiation in Madagascar's biota are poorly understood and have been proposed to be related to Pleistocene climatic cycles, yet the levels of genetic divergence observed are often suggestive of ancient events. We combined molecular markers of different variability to assess the phylogeography of Madagascar's emblematic tomato frogs (Dyscophus guineti and D. antongilii) and interpret the observed pattern as resulting from ancient and recent processes. Our results suggest that the initial divergence between these taxa is probably old as reflected by protein‐coding nuclear genes and by a strong mitochondrial differentiation of the southernmost population. Dramatic changes in their demography appear to have been triggered by the end of the last glacial period and possibly by the short return of glacial conditions known as the 8K event. This dramatic change resulted in an approximately 50‐fold reduction of the effective population size in various populations of both species. We hypothesize these species' current mitochondrial DNA diversity distribution reflects a swamping of the mitochondrial genetic diversity of D. guineti by that of D. antongilii previous to the populations' bottlenecks during the Holocene, and probably as a consequence of D. antongilii demographic expansion approximately 1 million years ago. Our data support the continued recognition of D. antongilii and D. guineti as separate species and flag D. guineti as the more vulnerable species to past and probably also future environmental changes.
Infection withHaemoproteus iwaaffects vector movement in a hippoboscid fly—frigatebird system
Authors: Levin Iris I. , Parker Patricia G. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractHaemosporidian parasites, which require both a vertebrate and invertebrate host, are most commonly studied in the life stages occurring in the vertebrate. However, aspects of the vector's behaviour and biology can have profound effects on parasite dynamics. We explored the effects of a haemosporidian parasite,Haemoproteus iwa, on a hippoboscid fly vector,Olfersia spinifera.Olfersia spiniferais an obligate ectoparasite of the great frigatebird,Fregata minor, living among bird feathers for all of its adult life. This study examined the movements ofO. spiniferabetween great frigatebird hosts. Movement, or host switching, was inferred by identifying host (frigatebird) microsatellite genotypes from fly bloodmeals that did not match the host from which the fly was collected. Such host switches were analysed using a logistic regression model, and the best‐fit model included theH. iwainfection status of the fly and the bird host sex. Uninfected flies were more likely to have a bird genotype in their bloodmeal that was different from their current host's genotype (i.e. to have switched hosts) than infected flies. Flies collected from female birds were more likely to have switched hosts than those collected on males. Reduced movement of infected flies suggests that there may be a cost of parasitism for the fly. The effect of host sex is probably driven by differences in the sex ratio of bird hosts available to moving flies.
Should I stay or should I go: biogeographic and evolutionary history of a polyploid complex (Chrysanthemum indicum complex) in response to Pleistocene climate change in China
Authors: Li Jing , Wan Qian , Guo Yan‐Ping , Abbott Richard J. , Rao Guang‐Yuan 
Published: November 2013

Summary

Quaternary climatic oscillations greatly influenced the distribution and pattern of biodiversity in the Northern Hemisphere. Here we examine how such oscillations in South East Asia may have affected the demographic and evolutionary history of a polyploid plant complex associated with semi‐dry habitats.

We analyzed plastid and nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA) internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence variation within the Chrysanthemum indicum complex (Asteraceae), which comprises diploid and polyploid plants distributed throughout China. In total, 368 individuals from 47 populations across the geographical range of the complex were analyzed.

We show that the relatively widespread tetraploid form of C. indicum expanded its range southward in the Pleistocene, possibly during the most recent or previous glacial period when conditions became drier and forests retreated in southern China. In marked contrast, diploid and other polyploid members of the complex failed to expand their ranges at these times or have since undergone range contractions in contrast to tetraploid C. indicum.

We conclude that hybridization and gene flow between taxa occurred frequently during the evolutionary history of the complex, causing considerable sharing of chlorotypes and ITS types. Nevertheless, taxa within ploidy levels could be largely distinguished according to chlorotype and/or ITS type.
The physiological importance of developmental mechanisms that enforce proper stomatal spacing in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Dow Graham J. , Berry Joseph A. , Bergmann Dominique C. 
Published: November 2013

Summary

Genetic and cell biological mechanisms that regulate stomatal development are necessary to generate an appropriate number of stomata and enforce a minimum spacing of one epidermal cell between stomata. The ability to manipulate these processes in a model plant system allows us to investigate the physiological importance of stomatal patterning and changes in density, therein testing underlying theories about stomatal biology.

Twelve Arabidopsis thaliana genotypes that have varied stomatal characteristics as a result of mutations or transgenes were analyzed in this study. Stomatal traits were used to categorize the genotypes and predict maximum stomatal conductance to water vapor (Anatomical gsmax) for individuals. Leaf‐level gas‐exchange measurements determined Diffusive gsmax, net carbon assimilation (A), water‐use efficiency (WUE), and stomatal responses to increasing CO2 concentration.

Genotypes with proper spacing (< 5% of stomata in clusters) achieved Diffusive gsmax values comparable to Anatomical gsmax across a 10‐fold increase in stomatal density, while lines with patterning defects (> 19% clustering) did not. Genotypes with clustering also had reduced A and impaired stomatal responses, while WUE was generally unaffected by patterning.

Consequently, optimal function per stoma was dependent on maintaining one epidermal cell spacing and the physiological parameters controlled by stomata were strongly correlated with Anatomical gsmax.
A MYB coiled‐coil transcription factor interacts with NSP2 and is involved in nodulation in Lotus japonicus
Authors: Kang Heng , Chu Xiaojie , Wang Chao , Xiao Aifang , Zhu Hui , Yuan Songli , Yang Zhenzhen , Ke Danxia , Xiao Shaobo , Hong Zonglie , Zhang Zhongming 
Published: November 2013

Summary

Transcription factor complex formation is a central step in regulating gene expression. In this report, a novel MYB coiled‐coil transcription factor referred to as IPN2, for Interacting Protein of NSP2, is described.

The interaction between IPN2 and NSP2 was examined by protein pull‐down assays and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC). Subcellular localization of proteins, gene expression and gene function were assessed in transgenic hairy roots expressing tagged recombinant proteins, promoter‐reporter and RNA interference (RNAi) constructs, respectively.

The GRAS domain of NSP2 and the coiled‐coil domain of IPN2 were found to be responsible for the interaction between the two proteins. IPN2 had strong transcription activation activity, bound directly to the NIN gene promoter, and was localized to the nuclei of Lotus japonicus root cells. The expression of IPN2 was elevated during nodule development, coinciding with increased NSP2 gene expression during nodule organogenesis. RNAi‐mediated knockdown expression of IPN2 did not affect arbuscular mycorrhizal development, but had deleterious effects on rhizobial infection and nodule formation in L. japonicus.

These results demonstrate an important role of IPN2 in nodule organogenesis and place a new MYB transcription factor in the Nod signaling pathway.
OsPT2, a phosphate transporter, is involved in the active uptake of selenite in rice
Authors: Zhang Lianhe , Hu Bin , Li Wei , Che Ronghui , Deng Kun , Li Hua , Yu Feiyan , Ling Hongqing , Li Youjun , Chu Chengcai 
Published: November 2013

Summary

Selenite is a predominant form of selenium (Se) available to plants, especially in anaerobic soils, but the molecular mechanism of selenite uptake by plants is not well understood.

ltn1, a rice mutant previously shown to have increased phosphate (Pi) uptake, was found to exhibit higher selenite uptake than the wild‐type in both concentration‐ and time‐dependent selenite uptake assays. Respiratory inhibitors significantly inhibited selenite uptake in the wildtype and the ltn1 mutant, indicating that selenite uptake was coupled with H+ and energy‐dependent. Selenite uptake was greatly enhanced under Pi‐starvation conditions, suggesting that Pi transporters are involved in selenite uptake.

OsPT2, the most abundantly expressed Pi transporter in the roots, is also significantly up‐regulated in ltn1 and dramatically induced by Pi starvation. OsPT2‐overexpressing and knockdown plants displayed significantly increased and decreased rates of selenite uptake, respectively, suggesting that OsPT2 plays a crucial role in selenite uptake. Se content in rice grains also increased significantly in OsPT2‐overexpressing plants.

These data strongly demonstrate that selenite and Pi share similar uptake mechanisms and that OsPT2 is involved in selenite uptake, which provides a potential strategy for breeding Se‐enriched rice varieties.
The Prevalence and Contents of Advance Directives in Patients with Pacemakers
Authors: PASALIC DARIO , TAJOURI TANYA H. , OTTENBERG ABIGALE L. , MUELLER PAUL S. 
Published: November 2013

BackgroundLittle is known about the use of advance directives (ADs) in patients who have implantable cardiac pacemakers (PMs).MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of the medical records of residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, who underwent implantation of a cardiac PM at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minnesota) during 2006 and 2007, and determined the prevalence and contents of ADs in these patients.ResultsDuring the study period, 205 residents of Olmsted County (men, 53%) underwent PM implantation (mean age [standard deviation] at implantation, 77 [15] years). Overall, 120 patients (59%) had ADs. Of these, 63 ADs (53%) were executed more than 12 months before and 33 (28%) were executed after PM implantation. Many patients specifically mentioned life‐prolonging treatments in their ADs: cardiopulmonary resuscitation, 76 (63%); mechanical ventilation, 56 (47%); and hemodialysis, 31 (26%). Pain control was mentioned in 79 ADs (66%) and comfort measures were mentioned in 42 ADs (35%). Furthermore, the AD of many patients contained a general statement about end‐of‐life care (e.g., no “heroic measures”). However, only one AD (1%) specifically addressed the end‐of‐life management of the PM.ConclusionsMore than half of the patients with PMs in our study had executed an AD, but only one patient specifically mentioned her PM in her AD. These results suggest that patients with PMs should be encouraged to execute ADs and specifically address end‐of‐life device management in their ADs. Doing so may prevent end‐of‐life ethical dilemmas related to PM management.
The Effect of Anxiety and Depression on Symptoms Attributed to Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: THOMPSON TIFFANY S. , BARKSDALE DEBRA J. , SEARS SAMUEL F. , MOUNSEY JOHN PAUL , PURSELL IRION , GEHI ANIL K. 
Published: November 2013

BackgroundSymptoms attributed to atrial fibrillation (AF) are nonspecific, and it remains unclear what influences perception of symptoms. Anxiety or depression may be important in modulating perception of AF symptoms. However, few longitudinal studies have addressed this effect.MethodsA total of 378 patients with AF completed anxiety and depression severity questionnaires as well as AF symptom and frequency severity questionnaires. Patients were offered treatment strategies including catheter ablation or antiarrhythmic or rate‐controlling medications. Patients were followed at 3‐month intervals and completed follow‐up questionnaires including repeat assessment of anxiety, depression, and AF symptoms. A method of generalized estimating equations was used for longitudinal analyses.ResultsAnalysis revealed that increased anxiety or depression was associated with increased AF symptom severity (AFSS), after adjusting for potential confounders. In both unadjusted and adjusted follow‐up analyses, antiarrhythmic drug therapy or catheter ablation reduced AFSS (P < 0.001). However, none of anxiety severity, depression severity, or the perception of AF frequency severity improved significantly with AF treatment.ConclusionsOur results extend previous studies demonstrating that anxiety and depression are associated with worsened AFSS. Antiarrhythmic drug therapy or catheter ablation reduces AFSS but does not affect depression and anxiety symptoms. To achieve more comprehensive AF symptom relief, treatment of both AF and psychological comorbidities may be beneficial.
Comparison of ICD Implantation in Obese and Nonobese Patients
Authors: VENKATARAMAN GANESH , MATHUR DEEPTI , JOSHI SIDDHI , STRICKBERGER ADAM 
Published: November 2013

BackgroundImplantable defibrillator (ICD) therapy improves mortality in patients at risk for sudden cardiac death. Obese patients pose challenges during ICD implantation and may have an increased risk of procedure‐related complications. The comparison of acute procedural success and safety of ICD implantation in obese and nonobese patients has not been previously reported.MethodsA total of 181 patients underwent ICD implantation at a single institution. Obesity was defined as a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2. Acute safety and efficacy data were collected and analyzed from a prospectively maintained database, with retrospective chart review, as required.ResultsAmong the 181 patients, 58 (32.0%) were obese. Mean BMI was 36.7 ± 6.3 kg/m2 among obese patients and was 24.6 ± 3.1 kg/m2 among nonobese patients (P < 0.001). Successful ICD implantation occurred in 58 of 58 (100%) obese patients and 122 of 123 (99.2%) nonobese patients (P = 1.0). A complication was observed in three of 58 (5.2%) obese patients and in seven of 123 (5.7%) nonobese patients (P = 1.0). Similarly, there was no difference in acute procedural success and safety in patients receiving a cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT)‐ICD.ConclusionsAcute success and safety of ICD implantation is similar in both obese and nonobese patients. This finding extended to patients treated with a CRT‐ICD and among patients with extreme obesity. Obesity should probably not be a factor in determining whether a patient is a candidate for ICD implantation.