bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative effect of human urine and ammonium nitrate application on maize (Zea mays L.) grown under various salt (NaCl) concentrations
Authors: Yongha Boh Michael , Germer Jörn , Müller Torsten , Sauerborn Joachim 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThe present study investigates the effect of urine and ammonium nitrate on maize (Zea mays L.) vegetative growth, leaf nutrient concentration, soil electrical conductivity, and exchangeable‐cations contents under various concentrations of NaCl in a soil substrate. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized block design with eight replications under greenhouse conditions. The experimental soil substrate was made from a 1 : 1 : 1 volume‐ratio mixture of compost, quartz sand, and silty‐loam soil. Salinity was induced by adding 0, 15, and 30 mL of 1 M NaCl solution per kg of substrate to achieve an electrical conductivity (EC) of 1.3 (S0), 4.6 (S1), and 7.6 (S2) dS m–1. Nitrogen sources were urine and ammonium nitrate applied at 180 and 360 mg N (kg soil substrate)–1. Basal P and K were added as mono potassium phosphate in amounts equivalent to 39 mg P and 47 mg K (kg substrate)–1, respectively. In the S0 treatment, a 3‐fold increase in EC was measured after urine application compared to an insignificant change in ammonium nitrate–fertilized substrates 62 d after sowing. Under saline conditions, application of 360 mg N (kg soil)–1 as urine significantly decreased soil pH and maize shoot dry weight. At the highest salt and N dose (S2, N360) 50% of urine‐fertilized plants died. Regardless of salinity there was no significant difference between the two fertilizers for investigated growth factors when N was supplied at 180 mg (kg soil)–1. Leaf N and Ca contents were higher after urine application than in ammonium nitrate–fertilized plants. At an application rate of 180 mg N (kg soil)–1, urine was a suitable fertilizer for maize under saline conditions. Higher urine‐N dosages and/or soil salinity exceeding 7.6 dS m–1 may have a deleterious effect on maize growth.
Issues in the absolute chronology of the Early–Middle Bronze Age transition in Sicily and southern Italy: a Bayesian radiocarbon view
Authors: ALBERTI GIANMARCO 
Published: September 2013

ABSTRACTThis article focuses on the Early–Middle Bronze Age (MBA) transition in Sicily and southern Italy from a Bayesian radiocarbon perspective. The aims are to: (i) estimate the beginning of the MBA (i.e. Thapsos–Milazzese culture in Sicily; Apennine culture in southern Italy) at four key‐sites; (ii) assess the existence of a site‐wide variability; and (iii) understand if an offset is likely to have existed between the beginning of the MBA and the Aegean Late Helladic (LH) IIIA phase, which currently marks the start of the MBA. The study indicates that the MBA probably started earlier at Portella (95.4% range 1541–1430, mode 1465 BC) and Roca Vecchia (1706–1394, mode 1460 BC) than at Coppa Nevigata (1527–1292, mode 1410 BC; or 1490–1265, mode 1380 BC) and Ustica (1609–1261, mode 1405 BC). Also, the beginning of the MBA at Portella and Roca Vecchia is probably earlier than that of the LH IIIA. This suggests that the current synchronization between MBA and LH IIIA, based on historical grounds, needs revision as radiocarbon evidence points to an earlier start of the MBA at two of the four sites. Overall, by means of scientific dating methods and Bayesian modelling, the study allows us to set in a different perspective the chronology proposed in the current literature based on historical synchronizations. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bioassays in Natural Product Research – Strategies and Methods in the Search for Anti‐inflammatory and Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Strömstedt Adam A. , Felth Jenny , Bohlin Lars 
Published: September 2013

ABSTRACTIntroductionIdentifying bioactive molecules from complex biomasses requires careful selection and execution of relevant bioassays in the various stages of the discovery process of potential leads and targets.ObjectiveThe aim of this review is to share our long‐term experience in bioassay‐guided isolation, and mechanistic studies, of bioactive compounds from different organisms in nature with emphasis on anti‐inflammatory and antimicrobial activity.MethodsIn the search for anti‐inflammatory activity, in vivo and in vitro model combinations with enzymes and cells involved in the inflammatory process have been used, such as cyclooxygenases, human neutrophils and human cancer cell lines. Methods concerning adsorption and perforation of bacteria, fungi, human cells and model membranes, have been developed and optimised, with emphasis on antimicrobial peptides and their interaction with the membrane target, in particular their ability to distinguish host from pathogen.ResultsA long‐term research has provided experience of selection and combination of bioassay models, which has led to an increased understanding of ethnopharmacological and ecological observations, together with in‐depth knowledge of mode of action of isolated compounds.ConclusionA more multidisciplinary approach and a higher degree of fundamental research in development of bioassays are often necessary to identify and to fully understand the mode of action of bioactive molecules with novel structure–activity relationships from natural sources. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
First trimester screening for holoprosencephaly with choroid plexus morphology (‘butterfly’ sign) and biparietal diameter
Authors: Sepulveda Waldo , Wong Amy E. 
Published: September 2013

ABSTRACTObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine whether choroid plexus morphology (‘butterfly’ sign) and biparietal diameter (BPD) are effective sonographic screening tools for holoprosencephaly (HPE) in the first trimester.MethodsAn axial view of the fetal head was obtained routinely to determine the presence of the ‘butterfly’ sign in pregnancies presenting for sonographic screening at 11–13 weeks of gestation. The same view was also used to obtain BPD measurements. The definitive diagnosis of HPE was established by the sonographic demonstration of an anterior cerebral monoventricular cavity and thalamic fusion.ResultsDuring a 9‐year study period, 11 068 live fetuses were screened. There were 11 cases of HPE (prevalence 1/1006); all of them were detected by demonstration of an absent ‘butterfly’ sign with no false‐positive cases. The BPD was less than the 5th percentile in 40% of the cases.ConclusionsThe ‘butterfly’ sign appears to be a highly sensitive marker for HPE in the first trimester. On the other hand, BPD measurements had a lower sensitivity, implying that microcephaly is not a prominent first‐trimester feature in these cases. Incorporation of the ‘butterfly’ sign into the first trimester anatomy scan is simple and can facilitate the identification of the vast majority of fetuses with HPE in the first trimester. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spiritual quality of life in advanced cancer patients receiving radiation therapy
Authors: Piderman Katherine M. , Johnson Mary E. , Frost Marlene H. , Atherton Pamela J. , Satele Daniel V. , Clark Matthew M. , Lapid Maria I. , Sloan Jeff A. , Rummans Teresa A. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this randomized controlled trial for patients with advanced cancer receiving radiation therapy was to determine the effect of a multidisciplinary intervention on spiritual quality of life (QOL) at the end of the intervention (week 4) and at two follow‐up time points (weeks 26 and 52).MethodsOne hundred thirty‐one persons were randomized to either the intervention or control (forms only) groups. The intervention included six 90‐min in‐person sessions based on the physical, emotion, social, and spiritual domains of QOL. Three sessions included the spiritual component. Caregivers were present for four sessions, one which included a spiritual component. Ten follow‐up phone calls were made to the patients in the intervention group during the 6‐month follow‐up period. Patients completed the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy: General Scale, the Linear Analog Self‐Assessment which includes an assessment of spiritual QOL, and the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy‐Spiritual Well‐Being (FACIT‐Sp) at enrollment, and weeks 4, 27, and 52.ResultsFollowing the intervention, the intervention group demonstrated improved spiritual QOL on the FACIT‐Sp, whereas the spiritual QOL of the control group decreased, resulting in significant mean changes between groups (total score: 1.7 vs. −2.9; p < 0.01; meaning/peace subscale: 1.0 vs. −3.5; p < 0.01; faith subscale: 3.1 vs. −1.7; p = 0.04).ConclusionsThe results indicate that a multidisciplinary intervention which includes a spiritual component can maintain the spiritual QOL of patients with advanced cancer during radiation therapy. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
De novo sequencing of short interfering ribonucleic acids facilitated by use of tandem mass spectrometry with ion mobility spectrometry
Authors: Fisher Henry C. , Smith Marco , Ashcroft Alison E. 
Published: September 2013

RATIONALEThe use of RNAi for new therapeutics is becoming more widespread. To improve the development and quality control of such materials there is a need for rapid, accurate and meaningful analyses. Here, the use of negative ion nano‐electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry with ion mobility spectrometry (nESI‐MS/MS‐IMS‐MS) is shown to simplify data interpretation and lead to higher sequence coverage.METHODSA set of 20‐nucleotide RNA molecules was analysed using nESI‐MS/MS and their sequences determined manually with the aid of the Simple Oligonucleotide Sequencer (SOS) program. The RNAs were also analysed using nESI‐MS/MS‐IMS‐MS. This incorporates an extra step involving travelling‐wave IMS separation of the product ions into groups according to the number of charges that the ions carry. Following this, the RNA sequences were determined from the separated groups of ions.RESULTSnESI‐MS/MS collision‐induced dissociation of the RNA sequences produced w, y, a‐(Base) and c product ions. Sequence determination resulted in incomplete coverage with bases in the centre of the sequences being unidentifiable because of the plethora of overlapping ions. Sequencing carried out from the nESI‐MS/MS‐IMS‐MS data, whereby individual product ion spectra arising only from ions carrying the same charge were generated, gave full sequence coverage for each nucleotide (except y1) with assignment confirmation from a minimum of four different product ions.CONCLUSIONSUsing nESI‐MS/MS‐IMS‐MS to analyse a number of 20‐nucleotide RNA molecules produced full sequence coverage with 100% accuracy, in addition to molecular mass confirmation. This method has the potential for automation for higher sample throughput and thus constitutes a robust approach for the quality control of RNAs in therapeutics. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metabolism of norethisterone in the greyhound
Authors: Biddle S. T. B. , O'Donnell A. , Houghton E. , Creaser C. S. 
Published: September 2013

RATIONALENorethisterone has been used as a successful oral contraceptive in humans for many years. It was recently permitted for use as an oestrus suppressant in racing greyhounds. To monitor the use of norethisterone as part of a routine drug surveillance programme, knowledge of its metabolism was required to enable detection.METHODSGas chromatography/mass spectrometry and selective derivatisation techniques have been used to identify urinary metabolites of norethisterone following oral administration to the greyhound. Metabolites were extracted using solid‐phase and liquid‐liquid extraction techniques.RESULTSSeveral metabolites were identified, including reduced, mono‐, di‐ and trihydroxylated steroids. The major metabolites observed were 17α‐ethynyl‐5β‐estrane‐3α,17β‐diol, 17α‐ethynyl‐5α‐estrane‐3β,17β‐diol, three 17α‐ethynylestranetriol stereoisomers and two 17α‐ethynylestranetetrol stereoisomers. The major metabolites were predominantly excreted as glucuronic acid conjugates and detection of the administration of norethisterone was possible for up to 8 days post‐dose using the methods described. The nandrolone metabolites, 19‐norepiandrosterone, estranediol and 19‐noretiocholanolone, were also identified in the post‐administration samples collected up to 8 h after dosing the treated animals.CONCLUSIONSThe urinary metabolites identified in this study have further increased the knowledge of steroid metabolism in the greyhound, providing information to support routine drug testing programmes for greyhound racing. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Upper crustal deformation in continent‐continent collision: A case study from the Bernard nappe complex (Valais, Switzerland)
Authors: Scheiber Thomas , Adrian Pfiffner O. , Schreurs Guido 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThe Penninic nappes in the Swiss Alps formed during continental collision between the Adriatic and European plates in Cenozoic times. Although intensely studied, the finite geometry of the basement‐bearing Penninic nappes in western Switzerland has remained a matter of debate for decades (e.g., “Siviez‐Mischabel dilemma”) and the paleogeographic origin of various nappes has been disputed. Here, we present new structural data for the central part of the Penninic Bernard nappe complex, which contains pre‐Permian basement and Permo‐Mesozoic metasedimentary units. Our lithological and structural observations indicate that the discrepancy between the different structural models proposed for the Bernard nappe complex can be explained by a lateral discontinuity. In the west, the presence of a Permian graben caused complex isoclinal folding, whereas in the east, the absence of such a graben resulted mainly in imbricate thrusting. The overall geometry of the Bernard nappe complex is the result of three main deformation phases: (1) detachment of Mesozoic cover sediments along Triassic evaporites (Evolène phase) during the early stages of collision, (2) Eocene top‐to‐the‐N(NW) nappe stacking (Anniviers phase), and (3) subsequent backfolding and backshearing (Mischabel phase). The southward localized backshearing is key to understand the structural position and paleogeographic origin of units, such as the Frilihorn and Cimes Blanches “nappes” and the Antrona ophiolites. Based on these observations, we present a new tectonic model for the entire Penninic region of western Switzerland and discuss this model in terms of continental collision zone processes.
Habitat loss and mammalian extinction patterns: are the reserves in the Quadrilátero Ferrífero, southeastern Brazil, effective in conserving mammals?
Authors: Morcatty Thaís Queiroz , El Bizri Hani Rocha , Carneiro Hellem Cristina Silva , Biasizzo Rodrigo Ludolf , Alméri Cândida Radicchi de Oliveira , da Silva Ericson Sousa , Rodrigues Flávio Henrique Guimarães , Figueira José Eugênio Côrtes 
Published: September 2013

AbstractHabitat loss is considered to be the principal cause of the local extinction of mammals worldwide. We assessed the extinction pattern of medium‐ and large‐sized mammals caused by the effects of habitat loss in reserves in the Quadrilátero Ferrífero, southeastern Brazil, and discussed the effectiveness of these natural remnants for conserving mammals. A literature review and field collections were conducted from 2006 to 2011 to estimate the composition and richness of mammals in nine remnants of different sizes, including reserves and non‐protected areas. A species–area relation and a nested subset analysis were performed, and a degree of sensitivity to habitat loss was obtained for each species according to its frequency of occurrence. Forty‐five species of mammals were recorded. There was a strong species–area relation involving the legal size of reserves. High species richness was associated with large reserves, and thezvalue was within the range of very isolated continental remnants. The mammalian community exhibited a nested occurrence pattern, suggesting that most species were part of a more continuous ecosystem and that non‐random extinction caused by habitat loss occurred in southeastern Brazil. The negative relation found between species frequencies and body weights suggested that selective species loss is associated with decreases in the size of the reserves. The estimated viable size required to conserve all of the sensitive species is greater than the size of the largest reserve inventoried. We recommend the aggregation of neighboring natural remnants and the creation of new reserves to reduce extinction risks.
HPV genotyping in adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix in Thailand
Authors: Siriaunkgul Sumalee , Utaipat Utaiwan , Suthipintawong Cheepsumon , Tungsinmunkong Kobkul , Triratanachat Surang , Khunamornpong Surapan 
Published: September 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the distribution of human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes in cervical adenocarcinoma in Thailand and to evaluate the clinicopathologic characteristics associated with common HPV genotypes.MethodsFormalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissues from 150 patients with adenocarcinoma were collected from 4 areas of Thailand. Infection with HPV was detected by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with primers MY09/11 and GP5 +/6 +. Genotyping was performed using a linear array assay, followed by type‐specific PCR targeting the E6/E7 regions of HPV‐16, HPV‐18, and HPV‐52 if the linear array test was negative.ResultsHuman papillomavirus DNA was detected in 145 (97%) adenocarcinomas (132 single infections; 11 multiple infections; 2 tumors with undetermined HPV type). Genotype 18 was most common (66%), followed by HPV‐16 (30%) and HPV‐45 (3%). Infection with only HPV‐16 and/or HPV‐18 accounted for 88% of the HPV‐positive tumors. Patients with HPV‐18 infection had a younger age (P = 0.009) and higher tumor grade (P < 0.001) than patients with HPV‐16 infection.ConclusionThe HPV detection rate in cervical adenocarcinomas in Thailand is high. The predominant genotype is HPV‐18, being twice as common as HPV‐16. Genotype variations are associated with patient age and tumor grade. Vaccination against HPV‐16/HPV‐18 might prevent almost 90% of adenocarcinomas.
Midlife risk score for the prediction of dementia four decades later
Authors: Exalto Lieza G. , Quesenberry Charles P. , Barnes Deborah , Kivipelto Miia , Biessels Geert Jan , Whitmer Rachel A. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this study was to obtain external validation of the only available midlife dementia risk score cardiovascular risk factors , aging and dementia study (CAIDE) constituting age, education, hypertension, obesity, and hyperlipidemia in a larger, more diverse population. Our second aim was to improve the CAIDE risk score by additional midlife risk factors.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study was conducted in an integrated health care delivery system. A total of 9480 Kaiser Permanente members who participated in a health survey study (age range, 40–55 years) from 1964 to 1973 were included in this study. Dementia diagnoses from primary care and medical specialist visits were collected from January 1, 1994 to January 16, 2006, using International Classification of Diseases 9 codes 290.0, 290.1 for “possible dementia,” and 331.0 and 290.4 for “specialist confirmed dementia.” Risk model prediction and validation were examined with the C statistic, net reclassification improvement, and integrated discrimination improvement. Dementia risk per sum score was calculated with Kaplan‐Meier estimates.ResultsA total of 2767 participants (25%) were diagnosed with any type of dementia, of which 1011 diagnoses (10.7%) were specialist‐confirmed diagnoses. Average time between midlife examination and end of follow‐up was 36.1 years. The CAIDE risk score replicated well with a C statistic of 0.75, quite similar to the original CAIDE C statistic of 0.78. The CAIDE score also predicted well within different race strata. Other midlife risk factors (central obesity, depressed mood, diabetes mellitus, head trauma, lung function, and smoking) did not improve predictability. The risk score allowed stratification of participants into those with 40‐year low (9%) and high (29%) dementia risk.ConclusionsA combination of modifiable vascular risk factors in midlife is highly predictive of the likelihood of dementia decades later. Possible dementia prevention strategies should point to a life course perspective on maintaining vascular health.
Terlipressin‐induced hyponatremic encephalopathy in a noncirrhotic patient
Authors: Wang Yao‐Kuang , Hwang Daw‐Yang , Wang Sophie S.W. , Hwang Shang‐Jyh , Chen Li‐Tzong , Kuo Mei‐Chuan 
Published: September 2013

AbstractTerlipressin, an analogue of vasopressin, is frequently used for the management of esophageal varices bleeding and hepatorenal syndrome. Terlipressin therapy in portal hypertensive patients is frequently associated with hyponatremia, but is rarely accompanied with serious neurological manifestations. A 39‐year‐old female with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, liver metastasis, main portal vein thrombosis, and a history of esophageal varices presented to the emergency room because of hematemesis. Terlipressin was given with a loading dose of 2 mg followed by 1 mg every 6 hours. After a total of 6 mg terlipressin injection, she suffered from acute delirium. Pertinent examinations showed there was no gross brain lesion by computed tomography, whereas her serum sodium level dropped from baseline (136 mmol/L) to 116 mmol/L with a serum osmolality of 256 mOsm/kg. At that time, urine sodium and urine osmolality were 142 mmol/L and 488 mOsm/kg, respectively. Under the tentative diagnosis of terlipressin‐induced hyponatremic encephalopathy, terlipressin was withheld and hypertonic saline infusion was given. Within 12 hours, her serum sodium level recovered to 130 mmol/L and she gradually regained her cognitive functions. Although symptomatic hyponatremic encephalopathy is a rare complication of terlipressin treatment, close monitoring of serum electrolyte level is warranted in patients receiving terlipressin.