bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Two Gonostomatid Ciliates from the Soil of Lombardia, Italy; including Note on the Soil Mapping Project
Authors: Bharti Daizy , Kumar Santosh , La Terza Antonietta 
Published: May 2015

AbstractTwo gonostomatid ciliates, Gonostomum paronense n. sp. and G. strenuum, isolated from the soil sample of paddy field, Lombardia, Italy, were investigated using live observation and protargol impregnation. Gonostomum paronense n. sp. is mainly characterized by a tailed body, frontoventral cirri arranged in pairs, and presence of pretransverse and transverse cirri. Morphologically and morphometrically, the new species is similar to Gonostomum namibiense in having a tailed body and frontoventral cirral pairs; however, it differs mainly in the number of frontoventral cirral pairs (seven vs. three). Phylogenetic analyses based on the SSU rDNA sequences show that the new species is more closely related to G. namibiense than to G. strenuum, supporting the morphological classification based on the cirral pattern and the tailed body. However, due to the poor nodal support and absence of gene sequence of the type species Gonostomum, a more robust phylogeny of this group still remains unresolved. The biometric data of the Italian population of Gonostomum strenuum overlap with those from other known populations. Both species were collected from the industrial area of Parona, in the framework of the “Soil Mapping, Lombardia” project in which, for the first time in Italy, soil ciliates were used as bioindicators of soil quality.
Oral cancer awareness and knowledge among residents in the Oporto city, Portugal
Authors: Monteiro Luís Silva , Warnakulasuriya Saman , Cadilhe Suzana , Sousa Duarte , Trancoso Pedro Ferreira , Antunes Luís , Salazar Filomena , Pacheco José Júlio 
Published: May 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the awareness and knowledge on oral cancer in a general population of Oporto city, in Portugal.MethodsFace‐to‐face interviews were performed with 1116 individuals, resident in the city of Oporto. Participants' socio‐demographic information, lifestyle habits and awareness, knowledge and beliefs on oral cancer were ascertained.ResultsBreast cancer was the most mentioned being as heard of (69.8%), while oral cancer was one of the least heard of (23.7%). Tobacco was identified as a risk factor by 54.8% of individuals and this knowledge was associated with their education level (P < 0.001), dentist visits (P = 0.026), and tobacco consumption (P < 0.001). Fewer subjects (24.6%) referred to alcohol as a risk factor, and this knowledge was associated with their education level (P = 0.020) and dentist visits (P = 0.002). More than half the subjects (58.8%) could not identify any sign or symptom of oral cancer.ConclusionThere is a general lack of awareness on oral cancer among this Oporto population. Higher education level and better oral health care were significant factors that identified individuals with a better awareness and knowledge of oral cancer, suggesting that educational measures could be useful for the prevention and early diagnosis of oral cancer in the Portuguese population.
Midwives in Medical Student and Resident Education and the Development of the Medical Education Caucus Toolkit
Authors: Radoff Kari , Natch Amy , McConaughey Edie , Salstrom Jan , Schelling Karen , Seger Suzanne 
Published: May 2015

Midwives have been involved formally and informally in the training of medical students and residents for many years. Recent reductions in resident work hours, emphasis on collaborative practice, and a focus on midwives as key members of the maternity care model have increased the involvement of midwives in medical education. Midwives work in academic settings as educators to teach the midwifery model of care, collaboration, teamwork, and professionalism to medical students and residents. In 2009, members of the American College of Nurse‐Midwives formed the Medical Education Caucus (MECA) to discuss the needs of midwives teaching medical students and residents; the group has held a workshop annually over the last 4 years. In 2014, MECA workshop facilitators developed a toolkit to support and formalize the role of midwives involved in medical student and resident education. The MECA toolkit provides a roadmap for midwives beginning involvement and continuing or expanding the role of midwives in medical education. This article describes the history of midwives in medical education, the development and growth of MECA, and the resulting toolkit created to support and formalize the role of midwives as educators in medical student and resident education, as well as common challenges for the midwife in academic medicine. This article is part of a special series of articles that address midwifery innovations in clinical practice, education, interprofessional collaboration, health policy, and global health.
MR imaging findings of ovarian torsion correlate with pathological hemorrhagic infarction
Authors: Moribata Yusaku , Kido Aki , Yamaoka Toshihide , Mikami Yoshiki , Himoto Yuki , Kataoka Masako , Fujimoto Koji , Konishi Ikuo , Togashi Kaori 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to clarify the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings, including diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI), of hemorrhagic infarction of ovarian torsion.Material and MethodsTwelve patients presenting surgically confirmed ovarian masses with torsion were independently evaluated by two radiologists about the following MR findings: presence of ascites, uterine deviation, wall thickening on T2 weighted image (WI), recognition of twisted pedicle on T1/T2WI, and presence of wall enhancement of ovarian lesions on Gd‐T1WI. The signal intensities on T1WI and DWI were compared with those of the iliopsoas muscle and the nerve root, respectively. These MR findings were statistically compared between cases of ovarian torsion with histopathologically proven hemorrhagic infarction and those without.ResultsPathologically, hemorrhagic infarction of the wall was confirmed in six of twelve cases. Ascites, uterine deviation and twisted pedicle were detected in most cases whether with or without hemorrhagic infarction. The complete absence of wall enhancement was observed in only one case with necrosis. A higher signal intensity of the wall compared to controls was observed in 4/6 and 5/6 cases with infarction on T1WI/DWI, respectively. This was not observed in any cases without infarction. Three out of five cystic lesions with hemorrhagic infarction showed irregular wall thickening on T2WI, and no cystic lesion without hemorrhagic infarction did. Smooth wall thickening was observed in 2/6 cases without hemorrhagic infarction.ConclusionPathological hemorrhagic infarction of ovarian torsion was associated with several MR imaging findings, including high signal intensity on T1WI/DWI, and irregular wall thickening on T2WI.
A NEW SPATIAL MULTIPLE DISCRETE‐CONTINUOUS MODELING APPROACH TO LAND USE CHANGE ANALYSIS
Authors: Bhat Chandra R. , Dubey Subodh K. , Alam Mohammad Jobair Bin , Khushefati Waleed H. 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTThis paper formulates a multiple discrete‐continuous probit (MDCP) land use model within a spatially explicit economic structural framework for land use change decisions. The spatial MDCP model is capable of predicting both the type and intensity of urban development patterns over large geographic areas, while also explicitly acknowledging geographic proximity‐based spatial dependencies in these patterns. At a methodological level, the paper focuses on specifying and estimating a spatial MDCP model that allows the dependent variable to exist in multiple discrete states with an intensity associated with each discrete state. The formulation also accommodates spatial dependencies, as well as spatial heterogeneity and heteroskedasticity, in the dependent variable, and should be applicable in a wide variety of fields where social and spatial dependencies between decision agents (or observation units) lead to spillover effects in multiple discrete‐continuous choices (or states). A simulation exercise is undertaken to evaluate the ability of the proposed maximum approximate composite marginal likelihood (MACML) approach to recover parameters from a cross‐sectional spatial MDCP model. The results show that the MACML approach does well in recovering parameters. An empirical demonstration of the approach is undertaken using the city of Austin parcel level land use data.
Thrombophilia testing in a tertiary paediatric hospital: Indications, outcomes and appropriateness
Authors: Sudarmana Aryanto , Monagle Paul 
Published: May 2015

AimThe association between inherited thrombophilia and thrombotic disease in children is unclear. As a result, whether expensive thrombophilia tests are indicated in children is a contentious issue. This retrospective study aimed to assess the appropriateness of thrombophilia testing and the associated cost of inappropriate testing at a tertiary paediatric hospital.MethodsWe conducted a search for thrombophilia tests ordered at the Royal Children's Hospital between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2013. Using pathology and clinical records, we collected data relating to demographics, clinical data, indications, requesting departments and impact on patient management.ResultsOver the 3‐year period, 3867 tests were ordered for 613 patients costing the hospital $102 579. Tests were most commonly ordered by gastroenterology on patients receiving liver transplants, by neurology as part of the stroke protocol, and by cardiology and cardiac surgery for patients anticoagulated on heparin infusions. Testing for thrombosis‐related indications was relatively uncommon. Thrombophilia testing only directly affected management in one‐third of patients. Overall, 70% of thrombophilia tests ordered were considered appropriate. However, some departments were found to have rates of inappropriate testing in excess of 50%.ConclusionWith improvements in thrombophilia testing practices at the Royal Children's Hospital AU$29 645.40 could be saved over 3 years. While there are improvements to be made in this area, in the overall context of the hospital's pathology testing budget, review of other areas such as inappropriate use of low‐cost, high‐volume tests may be of greater value in reducing the cost of pathology testing.
Improved Detection of Citrus psorosis virus and Coat Protein‐Derived Transgenes in Citrus Plants: Comparison Between RT‐qPCR and TAS‐ELISA
Authors: De Francesco Agustina , Costa Norma , Plata María I. , García María L. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractCitrus is one of the most economically important fruit crops in the world. Citrus psorosis is a serious disease affecting mainly oranges and mandarins in Argentina and Uruguay. The causal agent is Citrus psorosis virus (CPsV), an ophiovirus with a tripartite ssRNA genome of negative polarity. The coat protein (CP), the most abundant viral protein in infected plants, has been used to detect CPsV by TAS‐ELISA, but only biological indexing, requiring 1 year, is the current and validated technique for diagnosis of citrus psorosis. In this study, a SYBR Green RT‐qPCR protocol was developed, with primers designed to the most conserved region of the cp gene. We tested their specificity and sensitivity in comparison with TAS‐ELISA. This RT‐qPCR was applied successfully to field samples from Argentina, to a variety of isolates from different countries maintained in the greenhouse, to young seedlings and old trees from a psorosis natural transmission plot, and to transgenic citrus expressing the cp gene of CPsV or a fragment thereof. This method allowed accurate quantification of viral titer and cp gene expression in transgenic plants, which could not be detected previously. The sensitivity and reliability of quantitative CPsV detection were improved with greater speed using commercial reagents, and the sensitivity was three orders of magnitude higher than that of TAS‐ELISA. All these data encourage its validation.
Examining Postoperative Outcomes after Employing a Surgical Algorithm for Management of Peyronie's Disease: A Single-Institution Retrospective Review
Authors: Papagiannopoulos Dimitri , Yura Emily , Levine Laurence 
Published: May 2015

Abstract

Aim
Surgery remains the gold standard treatment for men with stable Peyronie's disease (PD). In an attempt to guide operative selection, we report our series of penile-straightening procedures for PD, using a surgical algorithm that recommended tunica albuginea plication (TAP), partial plaque excision and grafting (PEG) or inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) placement. With this study, we attempt to further refine surgical approach, define realistic surgical outcomes, and help establish reasonable postoperative expectations for treatment of PD.

Methods
We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent surgery for PD at our institution between 2007 and 2013. Work-up involved a history, physical exam, and a duplex ultrasound. Several questionnaires were employed to assess bother and distress associated with PD. Objective outcomes and patient satisfaction were assessed postoperatively. Primary outcomes include postoperative patient satisfaction with rigidity, curvature, and ability to engage in intercourse. Secondary outcomes include comparing emotional, relationship, and psychological distress to severity of disease.

Results
A total of 390 patients underwent penile-straightening procedures for correction of PD. Of these patients, 29%, (n = 114) underwent TAP, 41% (n = 159) PEG, and 30% (N = 114) IPP. Mean follow-up was 17 months. The three surgical modalities showed no significant difference in satisfaction with penile rigidity, presence of bothersome residual curve, or ability to engage in intercourse. Preoperatively, 80% of men reported a negative effect of PD on their emotional status. Postoperatively, 88.4% of men were able to engage in penetrative intercourse, while only 70% were satisfied with rigidity and 84.9% were satisfied with curvature correction.

Conclusion
Patient experience with postsurgical rigidity, ability to engage in intercourse, and residual bothersome curve was not statistically different across the three groups, supporting the use of this surgical algorithm. The majority of patients with PD experience some degree of emotional and psychological distress, which may compromise patient satisfaction.
Small heterodimer partner attenuates profibrogenic features of hepatitis C virus‐infected cells
Authors: Jung Gwon‐Soo , Jeon Jae‐Han , Choi Yeon‐Kyung , Jang Se Young , Park Soo Young , Kim Mi‐Kyung , Shin Eui‐Cheol , Jeong Won‐Il , Lee In‐Kyu , Kang Yu Na , Park Keun‐Gyu 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackground & AimsAn atypical orphan nuclear receptor small heterodimer partner (SHP) is known to be regulated by AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK). Both of them inhibit TGF‐β and Smad signalling and exhibit antifibrotic activity in the liver. However, little is known about the protective effects of SHP and AMPK against hepatitis c virus (HCV)‐induced hepatic fibrosis.MethodsLevels of SHP, p‐AMPK and fibrotic markers in HCV‐infected human liver and in Huh‐7.5 cells infected with HCV genotype 2a (JFH‐1) were investigated. The effect of adenovirus‐mediated overexpression of SHP (Ad‐SHP) and AMPK activation via metformin and 5‐amino‐1‐b‐D‐ribofuranosyl‐imidazole‐4‐carboxamide (AICAR) on fibrotic gene expression was evaluated in HCV‐infected cells. Finally, we examined the effect of Ad‐SHP and AMPK activators on invasion and activation of LX2 human HSCs induced by conditioned media from HCV‐infected hepatocyte (CM).ResultsIn HCV‐infected human livers and Huh‐7.5 cells infected with HCV, SHP mRNA and protein levels were diminished compared with controls, whereas profibrotic factors were increased. Pharmacological AMPK activation recovered SHP expression, and Ad‐SHP inhibited HCV‐induced fibrotic gene expression. This finding was accompanied by inhibition of HCV‐stimulated nuclear factor‐kappa B, an inducer of TGF‐β. Moreover, CytoSelect invasion assay revealed that enhanced activity and invasiveness of hepatic stellate cells induced by CM.ConclusionThese results demonstrate that overexpression of SHP and activation of AMPK reverses profibrogenic features of HCV‐infected cells by decreasing TGF‐β and fibrotic gene expression. These findings provide a rationale for SHP as a possible therapeutic target against HCV‐induced hepatic fibrosis.
Assembly of the secretion pores GspD, Wza and CsgG into bacterial outer membranes does not require the Omp85 proteins BamA or TamA
Authors: Dunstan Rhys A. , Hay Iain D. , Wilksch Jonathan J. , Schittenhelm Ralf B. , Purcell Anthony W. , Clark Joan , Costin Adam , Ramm Georg , Strugnell Richard A. , Lithgow Trevor 
Published: May 2015

SummaryIn Gram‐negative bacteria, β‐barrel proteins are integrated into the outer membrane by the β‐barrel assembly machinery, with key components of the machinery being the Omp85 family members BamA and TamA. Recent crystal structures and cryo‐electron microscopy show a diverse set of secretion pores in Gram‐negative bacteria, with α‐helix (Wza and GspD) or β‐strand (CsgG) transmembrane segments in the outer membrane. We developed assays to measure the assembly of three distinct secretion pores that mediate protein (GspD), curli fibre (CsgG) and capsular polysaccharide (Wza) secretion by bacteria and show that depletion of BamA and TamA does not diminish the assembly of Wza, GspD or CsgG. Like the well characterised pilotins for GspD and other secretins, small periplasmic proteins enhance the assembly of the CsgG β‐barrel. We discuss a model for integral protein assembly into the bacterial outer membrane, focusing on the commonalities and differences in the assembly of Wza, GspD and CsgG.
PsHint1, associated with the G‐protein α subunit PsGPA1, is required for the chemotaxis and pathogenicity of Phytophthora sojae
Authors: Zhang Xin , Zhai Chunhua , Hua Chenlei , Qiu Min , Hao Yujuan , Nie Pingping , Ye Wenwu , Wang Yuanchao 
Published: May 2015

SummaryZoospore chemotaxis to soybean isoflavones is essential in the early stages of infection by the oomycete pathogen Phytophthora sojae. Previously, we have identified a G‐protein α subunit encoded by PsGPA1 which regulates the chemotaxis and pathogenicity of P. sojae. In the present study, we used affinity purification to identify PsGPA1‐interacting proteins, including PsHint1, a histidine triad (HIT) domain‐containing protein orthologous to human HIT nucleotide‐binding protein 1 (HINT1). PsHint1 interacted with both the guanosine triphosphate (GTP)‐ and guanosine diphosphate (GDP)‐bound forms of PsGPA1. An analysis of the gene‐silenced transformants revealed that PsHint1 was involved in the chemotropic response of zoospores to the isoflavone daidzein. During interaction with a susceptible soybean cultivar, PsHint1‐silenced transformants displayed significantly reduced infectious hyphal extension and caused a strong cell death in plants. In addition, the transformants displayed defective cyst germination, forming abnormal germ tubes that were highly branched and exhibited apical swelling. These results suggest that PsHint1 not only regulates chemotaxis by interacting with PsGPA1, but also participates in a Gα‐independent pathway involved in the pathogenicity of P. sojae.
Experience‐ and age‐mediated oviposition behaviour in the yellow fever mosquito Stegomyia aegypti (=Aedes aegypti)
Authors: RUKTANONCHAI N. W. , LOUNIBOS L. P. , SMITH D. L. , ALLAN S. A. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractIn repeated behaviours such as those of feeding and reproduction, past experiences can inform future behaviour. By altering their behaviour in response to environmental stimuli, insects in highly variable landscapes can tailor their behaviour to their particular environment. In particular, female mosquitoes may benefit from plasticity in their choice of egg‐laying site as these sites are often temporally variable and clustered. The opportunity to adapt egg‐laying behaviour to past experience also exists for mosquito populations as females typically lay eggs multiple times throughout their lives. Whether experience and age affect egg‐laying (or oviposition) behaviour in the mosquito Stegomyia aegypti (=Aedes aegypti) (Diptera: Culicidae) was assessed using a wind tunnel. Initially, gravid mosquitoes were provided with a cup containing either repellent or well water. After ovipositing in these cups, the mosquitoes were blood‐fed and introduced into a wind tunnel. In this wind tunnel, an oviposition cup containing repellent was placed in the immediate vicinity of the gravid mosquitoes. A cup containing well water was placed at the opposite end of the tunnel so that if the females flew across the chamber, they encountered the well water cup, in which they readily laid eggs. Mosquitoes previously exposed to repellent cups became significantly more likely to later lay eggs in repellent cups, suggesting that previous experience with suboptimal oviposition sites informs mosquitoes of the characteristics of nearby oviposition sites. These results provide further evidence that mosquitoes modify behaviour in response to environmental information and are demonstrated in a vector species in which behavioural plasticity may be ecologically and epidemiologically meaningful.
Prevalence and risk factors associated with chronic kidney disease in a Zhuang ethnic minority area in China
Authors: Pan Ling , Ma Rui , Wu Yue , Feng Li , Song Ya‐shan , Ye Xu‐dong , Zhang Ying‐hua , Yang Zhen‐hua , Liao Yun‐hua 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimNumerous studies have examined and reported a high prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the general population in various countries including China. However, the situation may be different in undeveloped rural minority regions in China because of China's economic diversity. The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of CKD and to analyze its associated factors in a Zhuang ethnic minority area in Southwest China.MethodsA cross‐sectional survey of a rural minority area populated by people of Zhuang ethnicity in Southwest China using multistage, cluster random sampling methods was performed. The prevalence of indicators of kidney damage and CKD were calculated and risk factors associated with the presence of CKD were analyzed.ResultsIn total, 7588 people participated in the study. After adjustment for age and gender, the prevalence of albuminuria, haematuria and reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate were 2.7%, 3.7%, and 2.2%, respectively. After adjustment for age and gender, the prevalence of CKD was 8.3%, while recognition of the disease was 3.6%. Independent risk factors associated with CKD were age, gender, and hypertension. Risk factors independently associated with kidney damage were age, gender, hyperuricaemia, and hypertension.ConclusionOur data exhibited a lower prevalence and awareness of CKD in undeveloped rural minority regions, especially exhibited a low prevalence of albuminuria. This result attributed to the low prevalence of metabolic disorders in the local region. Risk factors associated with CKD in our study is similar to surveys in other regions of China.