bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evidence of concurrent local adaptation and high phenotypic plasticity in a polar microeukaryote
Authors: Rengefors Karin , Logares Ramiro , Laybourn‐Parry Johanna , Gast Rebecca J. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryHere we investigated whether there is evidence of local adaptation in strains of an ancestrally marine dinoflagellate to the lacustrine environment they now inhabit (optimal genotypes) and/or if they have evolved phenotypic plasticity (a range of phenotypes). Eleven strains ofPolarella glacialiswere isolated and cultured from three different environments: the polar seas, a hyposaline and a hypersaline Antarctic lake. Local adaptation was tested by comparing growth rates of lacustrine and marine strains at their own and reciprocal site conditions. To determine phenotypic plasticity, we measured the reaction norm for salinity. We found evidence of both, limited local adaptation and higher phenotypic plasticity in lacustrine strains when compared with marine ancestors. At extreme high salinities, local lake strains outperformed other strains, and at extreme low salinities, strains from the hyposaline lake outperformed all other strains. The data suggest that lake populations may have evolved higher phenotypic plasticity in the lake habitats compared with the sea, presumably due to the high temporal variability in salinity in the lacustrine systems. Moreover, the interval of salinity tolerance differed between strains from the hyposaline and hypersaline lakes, indicating local adaptation promoted by different salinity.
Intrapartum monitoring with cardiotocography and ST‐waveform analysis in breech presentation: an observational study
Authors: Kessler J , Moster D , Albrechtsen S 
Published: July 2014

ObjectiveTo determine the electrocardiographic performance and neonatal outcome of pregnancies with breech presentation and planned vaginal delivery monitored with ST‐waveform analysis (STAN).DesignProspective observational study.SettingUniversity hospital, Norway; 2004–2008.PopulationSingleton pregnancies with a gestational age above 35 + 6 weeks, breech presentation, selected for vaginal delivery and monitored with STAN.MethodsCommon clinical guidelines for STAN monitoring were used. An experienced neonatologist graded the symptoms of neonatal encephalopathy. The outcome was compared with STAN‐monitored high‐risk deliveries in a vertex presentation (n = 5569) using logistic regression analysis.Main outcome measureFrequency of ST events, indications of intervention for fetal distress, and neonatal morbidity and mortality.ResultsBreech presentation occurred in 750 of 23 219 (3.2%) deliveries, 625 (83%) of which were selected for vaginal delivery. Intrapartum monitoring by STAN was performed in 433 (69%). Compared with vertex presentations, fetuses in breech presentation had a lower risk of baseline T/QRS rise during labour [odds ratio (OR) = 0.7, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.7–0.9, P = 0.003] and a higher risk for intervention as a result of preterminal cardiotocogram (OR = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.6–5.9, P = 0.001). The risks of perinatal mortality (OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 0.2–15, P = 0.6), cord metabolic acidosis (OR = 0.8, 95% CI = 0.2–3.2, P = 0.7) and moderate or severe neonatal encephalopathy (OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 0.5–6.2, P = 0.3) did not differ significantly between breech and vertex deliveries.ConclusionSTAN can be used for the surveillance of breech presentations selected for vaginal delivery with an acceptable neonatal outcome. The electrocardiogram (ECG) pattern during labour varies with the fetal presentation.
Determinants of number‐specific recall error of last menstrual period: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: van Oppenraaij RHF , Eilers PHC , Willemsen SP , van Dunné FM , Exalto N , Steegers EAP 
Published: July 2014

ObjectiveTo assess the digit preference for last menstrual period (LMP) dates, associated determinants and impact on obstetric outcome.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingUniversity medical centre (the Netherlands).PopulationCohort of 24 665 LMP records and a subgroup of 4630 cases with known crown–rump length (CRL) measurement, and obstetric outcome.MethodsDigit preference was determined by comparing the observed to expected counts of each day. Associated determinants were identified by multivariate regression analysis. Differences in obstetric outcome between LMP and CRL dating were analysed.Main outcome measures(Non)deprived neighbourhood, cycle irregularity, certainty of LMP date, maternal age, smoking, body mass index, parity and ultrasound investigator. Preterm and post‐term delivery.ResultsLMP digit preference for the first [odds ratio (OR), 1.28; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.20–1.36], fifth (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.03–1.17), 10th (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.09–1.25), 15th (OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.23–1.40), 20th (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.15–1.30) and 25th (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.01–1.15) days of the month occurred more often than expected. Digit preference occurred more frequently in women living in a deprived neighbourhood (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.06–1.39), with uncertain LMP (OR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.63–2.52) or irregular cycle (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.06–1.44). More post‐term (≥42 weeks) deliveries (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.05–1.54) were observed in LMP dating. This effect was larger in women with a digit preference (OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.03–2.37).ConclusionsLMP digit preference occurs more often in women living in deprived neighbourhoods, with uncertain LMP or an irregular cycle. LMP‐dated pregnancies are associated with more post‐term pregnancies.
A single‐nucleotide polymorphism‐based approach for rapid and cost‐effective genetic wolf monitoring in Europe based on noninvasively collected samples
Authors: Kraus Robert H. S. , vonHoldt Bridgett , Cocchiararo Berardino , Harms Verena , Bayerl Helmut , Kühn Ralph , Förster Daniel W. , Fickel Jörns , Roos Christian , Nowak Carsten 
Published: July 2014

AbstractNoninvasive genetics based on microsatellite markers has become an indispensable tool for wildlife monitoring and conservation research over the past decades. However, microsatellites have several drawbacks, such as the lack of standardisation between laboratories and high error rates. Here, we propose an alternative single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)‐based marker system for noninvasively collected samples, which promises to solve these problems. Using nanofluidic SNP genotyping technology (Fluidigm), we genotyped 158 wolf samples (tissue, scats, hairs, urine) for 192 SNP loci selected from the Affymetrix v2 Canine SNP Array. We carefully selected an optimised final set of 96 SNPs (and discarded the worse half), based on assay performance and reliability. We found rates of missing data in this SNP set of <10% and genotyping error of ~1%, which improves genotyping accuracy by nearly an order of magnitude when compared to published data for other marker types. Our approach provides a tool for rapid and cost‐effective genotyping of noninvasively collected wildlife samples. The ability to standardise genotype scoring combined with low error rates promises to constitute a major technological advancement and could establish SNPs as a standard marker for future wildlife monitoring.
Culturable endophytic microbial communities in the circumpolar grass, Deschampsia flexuosa in a sub‐Arctic inland primary succession are habitat and growth stage specific
Authors: Poosakkannu Anbu , Nissinen Riitta , Kytöviita Minna‐Maarit 
Published: July 2014

SummaryLittle is known about endophytic microbes in cold climate plants and how their communities are formed. We compared culturable putative endophytic bacteria and fungi in the ecologically important circumpolar grass, Deschampsia flexuosa growing in two successional stages of subarctic sand dune (68°29′N). Sequence analyses of partial 16S rRNA and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences of culturable endophytes showed that diverse bacteria and fungi inhabit different tissues of D. flexuosa. A total of 178 bacterial isolates representing seven taxonomic divisions, Alpha, Beta and Gammaproteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes and Acidobacteria, and 30 fungal isolates representing the phylum Ascomycota were identified. Several endophytes were affiliated with specific plant tissues or successional stages. This first report of bacterial endophytes in D. flexuosa revealed that the genus Pseudomonas is tightly associated with D. flexuosa, and encompassed 39% of the bacterial isolates, and 58% of seed isolates. Based on 16S rRNA and ITS sequence data, most of the D. flexuosa endophytes were closely related to microbes from other cold environments. The majority of seed endophytic bacterial isolates were able to solubilize organic form of phosphate suggesting that these endophytes could play a role in resource mobilization in germinating seeds in nutrient‐poor habitat.
Metabolites related to gut bacterial metabolism, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐alpha activation, and insulin sensitivity are associated with physical function in functionally‐limited older adults
Authors: Lustgarten Michael S. , Price Lori L. , Chalé Angela , Fielding Roger A. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryIdentification of mechanisms underlying physical function will be important for addressing the growing challenge that health care will face with physical disablement in the expanding aging population. Therefore, the goals of the current study were to use metabolic profiling to provide insight into biologic mechanisms that may underlie physical function by examining the association between baseline and the 6‐month change in serum mass spectrometry‐obtained amino acids, fatty acids, and acylcarnitines with baseline and the 6‐month change in muscle strength (leg press one repetition maximum divided by total lean mass, LP/Lean), lower extremity function [short physical performance battery (SPPB)], and mobility (400 m gait speed, 400‐m), in response to 6 months of a combined resistance exercise and nutritional supplementation (whey protein or placebo) intervention in functionally‐limited older adults (SPPB ≤ 10; 70–85 years, N = 73). Metabolites related to gut bacterial metabolism (cinnamoylglycine, phenol sulfate, p‐cresol sulfate, 3‐indoxyl sulfate, serotonin, N‐methylproline, hydrocinnamate, dimethylglycine, trans‐urocanate, valerate) that are altered in response to peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐alpha (PPAR‐α) activation (α‐hydroxyisocaproate, α‐hydroxyisovalerate, 2‐hydroxy‐3‐methylvalerate, indolelactate, serotonin, 2‐hydroxypalmitate, glutarylcarnitine, isobutyrylcarnitine, cinnamoylglycine) and that are related to insulin sensitivity (monounsaturated fatty acids: 5‐dodecenoate, myristoleate, palmitoleate; γ‐glutamylamino acids: γ‐glutamylglutamine, γ‐glutamylalanine, γ‐glutamylmethionine, γ‐glutamyltyrosine; branched‐chain amino acids: leucine, isoleucine, valine) were associated with function at baseline, with the 6‐month change in function or were identified in backward elimination regression predictive models. Collectively, these data suggest that gut microbial metabolism, PPAR‐α activation, and insulin sensitivity may be involved in mechanisms that underlie physical function in functionally‐limited older adults.
snpqc – an R pipeline for quality control of Illumina SNP genotyping array data
Authors: Gondro Cedric , Porto‐Neto Laercio R. , Lee Seung Hwan 
Published: July 2014

SummaryIn genome‐wide association studies, quality control (QC) of genotypes is important to avoid spurious results. It is also important to maintain long‐term data integrity, particularly in settings with ongoing genotyping (e.g. estimation of genomic breeding values). Here we discuss snpqc, a fully automated pipeline to perform QC analyses of Illumina SNP array data. It applies a wide range of common quality metrics with user‐defined filtering thresholds to generate a comprehensive QC report and a filtered dataset, including a genomic relationship matrix, ready for further downstream analyses which make it amenable for integration in high‐throughput environments. snpqc also builds a database to store genotypic, phenotypic and quality metrics to ensure data integrity and the option of integrating more samples from subsequent runs. The program is generic across species and array designs, providing a convenient interface between the genotyping laboratory and downstream genome‐wide association study or genomic prediction.
Secondary Biliary Cholestasis Promotes Testicular Macrophage Infiltration and Autophagy in Rats
Authors: Shi Shao‐Hua , Jiang Li , Xie Hai‐Yang , Zhu You‐Fa , Zhang Wen‐Jin , Zheng Shu‐Sen 
Published: July 2014

ProblemCholestasis can cause translocation of gut bacteria, and endotoxemia, and systemic inflammation. Now, little is known about the effects of cholestasis on the testicular inflammation and autophagy.MethodsA rat biliary cholestasis model caused by common bile duct ligation (CBDL), together with biliary decompression (choledochoduodenostomy), was used.ResultsThe magnitude of MCP‐1 expression and CD68+ macrophage infiltration within testes was progressively up‐regulated in rats along with increasing duration of CBDL and was maintained at relatively high level in rats with biliary decompression. The large up‐regulation of testicular ATG‐12, LC3II, and autophagic vacuoles was found with the extending duration of CBDL and kept at 5 weeks following biliary decompression. The autophagic contents were a large accumulation of mitophagy in testes in rats with CBDL, and cytosol components in rats with biliary decompression.ConclusionSecondary biliary cholestasis can promote inflammatory reaction and the activation of mitophagy and autophagy in testes.
Prevalence of postpartum infections: a population‐based observational study
Authors: Axelsson Daniel , Blomberg Marie 
Published: July 2014

AbstractWe investigated the prevalence of postpartum infections among women giving birth during 1 year in a population‐based observational/questionnaire study at seven hospitals in the southeast region of Sweden. Of the women >99% (n = 11 124) received a questionnaire to inquire if they had endometritis, mastitis, or wound, urinary tract or any other infection within 2 months postpartum and whether they received antibiotics for this. Prevalence rates for infections and antibiotic treatment were estimated. The response rate was 60.1%. At least one infectious episode was reported by 10.3% of the women and 7.5% had received antibiotics. The prevalence for infections with and without antibiotics were, respectively, mastitis 4.7% and 2.9%, urinary tract infection 3.0% and 2.4%, endometritis 2.0% and 1.7%, wound infection 1.8% and 1.2%. There was no inter‐county difference in infection prevalence. Clinical postpartum infections in a high‐resource setting are relatively common.
Prevalence and viral load of oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) in pterygia in multi‐ethnic patients in the Malay Peninsula
Authors: Chong Pei Pei , Tung Chee Hong , Rahman Nurul Asyikin bt Abdul , Yajima Misako , Chin Fee Wai , Yeng Crystale Lim Siew , Go Eng Soon , Chan Cordelia M. L. , Yawata Nobuyo , Yamamoto Naoki 
Published: July 2014

AbstractPurposeThe aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in primary and recurrent pterygia samples collected from different ethnic groups in the equatorial Malay Peninsula.MethodsDNA was extracted from 45 specimens of freshly obtained primary and recurrent pterygia from patients and from 11 normal conjunctival swabs from volunteers with no ocular surface lesion as control. The presence of HPV DNA was detected by nested PCR. PCR‐positive samples were subjected to DNA sequencing to determine the HPV genotypes. Real‐time PCR with HPV16 and HPV18 type‐specific TaqMan probes was employed to determine the viral DNA copy number.ResultsOf 45 pterygia samples with acceptable DNA quality, 29 (64.4%) were positive for HPV DNA, whereas all the normal conjunctiva swabs were HPV negative. Type 18 was the most prevalent (41.4% of positive samples) genotype followed by type 16 (27.6%). There was one case each of the less common HPV58 and HPV59. Seven of the samples harboured mixed infections of both HPV16 and HPV18. All the four known recurrent pterygia samples were HPV‐positive, whereas the sole early‐stage pterygium sample in the study was HPV‐negative. There was no significant association between HPV‐positive status with gender or age. A high proportion of patients from the Indian ethnic group (five of six) were HPV‐positive, whereas the Malay patients were found to have higher HPV positivity than the Chinese. The viral load of HPV18 samples ranged between 2 × 102 and 3 × 104 copies per μg, whereas the viral load of HPV16 specimen was 4 × 101 to 102 copies per μg.ConclusionThis report describes for the first time the quantitative measurement of HPV viral DNA for pterygium samples. The high prevalence of oncogenic HPVs in our samples suggests a possible role for HPV in the pathogenesis of pterygia. Moreover, the relatively low HPV viral load is concordant with the premalignant nature of this ocular condition.
1090 nm infrared radiation at close to threshold dose induces cataract with a time delay
Authors: Yu Zhaohua , Schulmeister Karl , Talebizadeh Nooshin , Kronschläger Martin , Söderberg Per G. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractPurposeTo investigate whether infrared radiation (IRR)‐induced cataract is instant or is associated with a time delay between the exposure and the onset of lens light scattering after an exposure to just above threshold dose.MethodsSix‐weeks‐old albino Sprague‐Dawley female rats were unilaterally exposed to 197 W/cm2 IRR at 1090 nm within the dilated pupil. In the first experiment, the animals were exposed with four exposure times of 5, 8, 13 and 20 second, respectively. At 24 hr after exposure, the light scattering in both exposed and contralateral not exposed lenses was measured. Based on the first experiment, four postexposure time groups were exposed unilaterally to 1090 nm IRR of 197 W/cm2 for 8 second. At 6, 18, 55 and 168 hr after exposure, the light scattering in both lenses was measured.ResultsA 197 W/cm2 IRR‐induced light scattering in the lens with exposures of at least 8 second. Further, after exposure to IRR of 197 W/cm2 for 8 second, the light‐scattering increase in the lens was delayed approximately 16 hr after the exposure.ConclusionThere is a time delay between the exposure and the onset of cataract after exposure to close to threshold dose implicating that either near IRR cataract is photochemical or there is a time delay in the biological expression of thermally induced damage.
Intensive scaffolding in an intelligent tutoring system for the learning of algebraic word problem solving
Authors: González‐Calero José Antonio , Arnau David , Puig Luis , Arevalillo‐Herráez Miguel 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe term intensive scaffolding refers to any set of conceptual scaffolding strategies that always allow the user to find the solution to a problem. Despite the many benefits of scaffolding, some negative effects have also been reported. These are mainly related to the possibility that a student solves the problems without actually engaging in their content. In this paper, we have used an intelligent tutoring system (ITS) to analyze the effect that intensive scaffolding has on the learning of algebraic word problem solving (AWPS). Two different versions of the ITS, which differ in the amount of scaffolding that they provide, have been created. These two versions were used by two groups of students in Secondary Education, in a quasi‐experimental study. The comparison of pre‐ and posttest scores shows a significant increase of the competence in AWPS in the group that used the ITS with intensive scaffolding.
SWOG0919: a Phase 2 study of idarubicin and cytarabine in combination with pravastatin for relapsed acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Advani Anjali S. , McDonough Shannon , Copelan Edward , Willman Cheryl , Mulford Deborah A. , List Alan F. , Sekeres Mikkael A. , Othus Megan , Appelbaum Frederick R. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryInhibition of cholesterol synthesis and uptake sensitizes acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) blasts to chemotherapy. A Phase 1 study demonstrated the safety of high dose pravastatin given with idarubicin and cytarabine in patients with AML and also demonstrated an encouraging response rate. The Southwestern Oncology Group (SWOG) trial, SWOG S0919, was a Phase 2 trial evaluating the complete remission (CR) rate in a larger number of patients with relapsed AML treated with idarubicin, cytarabine and pravastatin. This study closed to accrual after meeting the defined criterion for a positive study. Thirty‐six patients with a median age of 59 years (range 23–78) were enrolled. The median time from diagnosis to registration was 18 months. Relapse status was first relapse, 17 patients (47%); second relapse, 15 patients (42%); third relapse, two patients (5·5%) and fourth relapse, two patients (5·5%). The response rate was 75% [95% confidence interval: 58–88%; 20 CRs, 7 CR with incomplete count recovery (CRi)], and the median overall survival was 12 months. The P‐value comparing 75–30% (the null response rate based on prior SWOG experience) was 3·356 × 10−4. Given the encouraging CR/CRi rate, this regimen should be considered for testing in a prospective randomized trial against best conventional therapy.
Clinical and laboratory characteristics of children with venous thromboembolism and protein C‐deficiency: an observational Israeli‐German cohort study
Authors: Limperger Verena , Klostermeier Ulrich C. , Kenet Gili , Holzhauer Susanne , Alhenc Gelas Martine , Finckh Ulrich , Junker Ralf , Heller Christine , Zieger Barbara , Kurnik Karin , Knöfler Ralf , Mesters Rolf , Halimeh Susan , Nowak‐Göttl Ulrike 
Published: July 2014

SummaryVenous thromboembolism [TE] is a multifactorial disease and protein C deficiency [PCD] constitutes a major risk factor. In the present study the prevalence of PCD and the clinical presentation at TE onset, including neonatal purpura fulminans, in a cohort of children are reported. In 367 unselected children (0·1–19 years) recruited between July 1996 and December 2013, a comprehensive thrombophilia screening was performed along with recording of anamnestic data. Twenty‐five of 338 children (7·4%) had PCD. Mean age at first TE onset was 10 years (range 0·1–18). Leading thromboembolic manifestations were neonatal purpura fulminans (n = 5), TE of cerebral veins (n = 3), stroke (n = 2) deep veinthrombosis (DVT) of the leg (n = 10), DVT & pulmonary embolism (n = 2) and DVT & pelvic veins (n = 3). Concomitant risk factors for TE were identified in 12 patients, whereas 13 children spontaneously developed TE. A positive family history of DVT was found in 10 children. In this unselected cohort of paediatric patients with symptomatic TE the overall prevalence of PCD was 7·4%; 1·5% presented with neonatal purpura fulminans. Given its clinical implication for patients and family members, thrombophilia testing should be performed and the benefit of medical or educational interventions should be evaluated in this high‐risk population.