bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metabolic response to selenium supplementation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Jamilian Mehri , Razavi Maryamalsadat , Fakhrie Kashan Zohreh , Ghandi Yasser , Bagherian Tayebeh , Asemi Zatollah 
Published: December 2014

SummaryObjectiveWe are aware of no study examining the effects of selenium supplementation on metabolic profiles of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of selenium supplementation on glucose homeostasis parameters and lipid concentrations in women with PCOS.Design, patients and measurementsThis randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial was conducted among 70 women diagnosed with PCOS and aged 18–40 years old. Participants were randomly divided into two groups to receive 200 μg per day selenium supplements (N = 35) or placebo (N = 35) for 8 weeks. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and after 8 weeks intervention to quantify glucose, insulin and lipid concentrations.ResultsAfter 8 weeks of intervention, subjects who received selenium supplements had significantly decreased serum insulin levels (−29·83 ± 47·29 vs +9·07 ± 77·12 pmol/l, P = 0·013), homeostasis model of assessment‐insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) (−1·15 ± 1·81 vs +0·42 ± 3·09, P = 0·011), homeostatic model assessment‐beta‐cell function (HOMA‐B) (−19·06 ± 30·95 vs +4·55 ± 47·99, P = 0·017) and increased quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) (+0·03 ± 0·04 vs +0·0009 ± 0·05, P = 0·032) compared with placebo. In addition, supplementation with selenium resulted in a significant reduction in serum triglycerides (−0·14 ± 0·55 vs +0·11 ± 0·30 mmol/l, P = 0·025) and VLDL‐C concentrations (−0·03 ± 0·11 vs +0·02 ± 0·06 mmol/l, P = 0·025) compared with placebo.ConclusionsIn conclusion, 200 microgram per day selenium supplementation for 8 weeks among PCOS women had beneficial effects on insulin metabolism parameters, triglycerides and VLDL‐C levels; however, it did not affect FPG and other lipid profiles.
Possible benefits of robot‐assisted rectal cancer surgery regarding urological and sexual dysfunction: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Broholm M. , Pommergaard H.‐C. , Gögenür I. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAimRobot‐assisted surgery for rectal cancer may result in lower rates of urogenital dysfunction compared with laparoscopic surgery. A systematic review was conducted of studies reporting urogenital dysfunction after robot‐assisted rectal cancer surgery.MethodPubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched in February 2014. All studies investigating urogenital function after robot‐assisted rectal cancer surgery were identified. The inclusion criteria for meta‐analysis studies required comparison of robot‐assisted with laparoscopic surgery and the evaluation of urological and sexual function by validated questionnaire. The outcome was evaluated using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and the Female Sexual Function Index.ResultsTen studies including 689 patients were included. For the meta‐analysis this fell to four including 152 patients in the robotic group and 161 in the laparoscopic group, without heterogeneity. The IPSS score at 3 and 12 months favoured robot‐assisted surgery [mean difference (MD) −1.58; 95% CI (−3.1, −0.0), [P = 0.04; and MD −0.90 (−1.81, −0.02), P = 0.05]. IIEF scores at 3 months’ follow‐up [MD −2.59 (−4.25, −0.94),] P = 0.002] and 6 months’ follow‐up [MD −3.06 (−4.53, −1.59), P = 0.0001] were better after robot‐assisted than laparoscopic surgery.ConclusionAlthough there were few data and no randomized controlled trials the results of the review suggested that robot‐assisted surgery resulted in improved urogenital function than after laparoscopy.
Modernity and Matrifocality: The Feminization of Kinship?
Authors: Jackson Cecile 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTThe extensive analytical focus on how gender relations in working lives, employment, education, political engagement and public life change under modernity needs extension into a consideration of the ways in which kinship and relatedness have also been changing. This article argues that relatedness under modernity tends towards matrifocality. This is explored through looking at broad patterns of social change in kinship practices across a range of societies experiencing transitions towards modernities over the past fifty years, and at how state and NGO development and social protection programmes contribute to this matrifocal turn.
New reports of Bursaphelenchus species associated with conifer trees in Romania
Authors: Calin M. , Costache C. , Braasch H. , Zaulet M. , Buburuzan L. , Petrovan V. , Dumitru M. , Mota M. , Vieira P. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryThe 2013 annual monitoring programme for the pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, analysed a total of 267 wood samples collected from declining or symptomatic coniferous trees distributed among national forests, gardens, public parks, distribution centres, wood‐processing industries, as well as 104 samples collected from wood packing material originated from several other countries. From a total of eight species found, five have been previously reported from Romania, while three other species (Bursaphelenchus abietinus, Bursaphelenchus fraudulentus and Bursaphelenchus fuchsi) represent new findings for Romania. In addition, B. mucronatus was found in packing wood originated from Russia. Herein, we provide a morphological, morphometric and molecular characterization for the new species found for Romania. Bursaphelenchus xylophilus was not detected.
Observational cohort study on correlates of mortality in older community‐dwelling outpatients: The value of functional assessment
Authors: Bahat Gulistan , Tufan Fatih , Bahat Zumrut , Tufan Asli , Aydin Yucel , Akpinar Timur Selcuk , Erten Nilgun , Karan Mehmet Akif 
Published: December 2014

AimTo analyze correlates of mortality with admission features/factors in older community‐dwelling outpatients.MethodThis is an observational cohort study including 608 patients aged >60 years admitted to the geriatrics outpatient clinics of a university hospital. On admission, demographic characteristics, history of smoking‐alcohol consumption, individual comorbidities, individual drugs, number of comorbidities, number of drugs and the components of comprehensive geriatric assessment (functional status, nutritional status, depression and cognition screening) of the patients were recorded. Survival status was assessed through the related official website. The relationship between mortality and recorded parameters were analyzed individually by univariate analyses. Consequently, stepwise forward Cox regression analysis was carried out to detect independent correlates for mortality (for those variables statistically significantly related to mortality.)ResultsThe mean age was 73.8 ± 6.9 years. 66.6% of participants were female. The mean follow‐up time was 40.4 ± 25.3 months. The mortality rate was 17.8%. Correlates of mortality were calculated using univariate analysis. They were age, sex, nutritional status, activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental ADL, diabetes mellitus (P < 0.001 for all), suspected dementia (P = 0.002), hyperlipidemia (P = 0.048) and total number of diseases (P = 0.025). Independent correlates of mortality were advanced age (HR 1.10, 95% CI 1.06–1.13; P < 0.001, low ADL score (HR 1.22, 95% CI 1.12–1.32; P < 0.001), the presence of diabetes (HR 2.64, 95% CI 1.78–3.91, P < 0.001), male sex (HR 1.68, 95% CI 1.13–2.49; P = 0.01) and suspected dementia (HR 1.51, 95% CI 1.02–2.22; P < 0.05).ConclusionIn the present study – taking many factors into consideration – the variables associated with mortality were advanced age, low ADL score, presence of diabetes, male sex and suspected dementia. Functional status emerged as the second most significant factor associated with higher mortality – after advanced age. The present study highlights the importance of functional assessment in geriatric outpatient clinics. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 1219–1226.
Hot Pressing of Infrared‐Transparent Y2O3–MgO Nanocomposites Using Sol–Gel Combustion Synthesized Powders
Authors: Xu Shengquan , Li Jiang , Li Chaoyu , Pan Yubai , Guo Jingkun 
Published: December 2014

A sol–gel combustion method has been used to synthesize Y2O3–50 vol%MgO composite nanopowders. Solutions of the precursor nitrates were mixed with citric acid and ethylene glycol, heated from 200°C to a predetermined temperature gradually, giving nanocrystalline ceramic powders. The influence of the ratio of yttrium nitrate to the whole precursor mixture and the holding temperature on the properties of the composite nanopowder was investigated using a combination of thermal analysis, X‐ray diffraction, specific surface area analysis, and scanning electron microscopy techniques. When the ratio of yttrium nitrate to the whole precursor mixture reaches 22.5 mol%, the average particle size of synthesized composite nanopowder is 13 nm and the specific surface area is 45.9 m2/g. Then the synthesized Y2O3–MgO composite nanopowder was consolidated by the hot‐pressing technique at 1200°C with different dwell time. As a result, the nanocomposite ceramic prepared with a dwell time of 60 min got the highest transmittance of 75% at 5 μm wavelength. The cut‐off wavelength of Y2O3–MgO nanocomposite ceramic reaches 9.8 μm, which is superior to other mid‐IR transparent materials. In addition, the fabricated sample is more or less transparent in visible wavelengths and the transmittance at 0.8 μm is as high as 14.5%.
Effects of Tow‐Scale Holes on the Mechanical Performance of a 3D Woven C/SiC Composite
Authors: Shaw John H. , Rossol Michael N. , Marshall David B. , Zok Frank W. 
Published: December 2014

This article addresses the effects of small holes (1–2 mm in diameter) on the tensile properties of a woven C/SiC composite. Holes are introduced by one of two methods: by insertion of fugitive rods into the woven preform before adding the matrix or by drilling after panel fabrication. The tensile strength exhibits only a weak sensitivity to the presence of holes, regardless of the manner in which the holes are introduced. Nevertheless, woven holes appear to be somewhat less detrimental to strength. The effects are attributed to the fact that the tows in specimens with woven holes are locally intact and thus contribute to load‐bearing. Full‐field strain maps reveal strong spatial periodicity, reflecting the underlying crack pattern and weave geometry. Even when averaged over lengths equal to the unit cell dimensions, the strains exhibit periodicity, with a wavelength dictated by the unit cell dimensions. When holes are present, the strain patterns reflect a convolution of the effects of weave geometry and strain concentrations near the holes. The results have implications for development of high‐fidelity models for these composites: notably, in selection of a suitable representative volume element and for modeling schemes that capture the stochastic nature of cracking.
Acoustic Signal Emission Monitoring as a Novel Method to Predict Steam Pops During Radiofrequency Ablation: Preliminary Observations
Authors: CHIK WILLIAM W.B. , KOSOBRODOV ROMAN , BHASKARAN ABHISHEK , BARRY MICHAEL ANTHONY (TONY) , NGUYEN DOAN TRANG , POULIOPOULOS JIM , BYTH KAREN , SIVAGANGABALAN GOPAL , THOMAS STUART P. , ROSS DAVID L. , MCEWAN ALISTAIR , KOVOOR PRAMESH , THIAGALINGAM ARAVINDA 
Published: December 2014

Acoustic Emissions to Predict Steam Pops During RFASteam pop is an explosive rupture of cardiac tissue caused by tissue overheating above 100 °C, resulting in steam formation, predisposing to serious complications associated with radiofrequency (RF) ablations. However, there are currently no reliable techniques to predict the occurrence of steam pops. We propose the utility of acoustic signals emitted during RF ablation as a novel method to predict steam pop formation and potentially prevent serious complications.MethodsRadiofrequency generator parameters (power, impedance, and temperature) were temporally recorded during ablations performed in an in vitro bovine myocardial model. The acoustic system consisted of HTI‐96‐min hydrophone, microphone preamplifier, and sound card connected to a laptop computer. The hydrophone has the frequency range of 2 Hz to 30 kHz and nominal sensitivity in the range −240 to −165 dB. The sound was sampled at 96 kHz with 24‐bit resolution. Output signal from the hydrophone was fed into the camera audio input to synchronize the video stream. An automated system was developed for the detection and analysis of acoustic events.ResultsNine steam pops were observed. Three distinct sounds were identified as warning signals, each indicating rapid steam formation and its release from tissue. These sounds had a broad frequency range up to 6 kHz with several spectral peaks around 2–3 kHz. Subjectively, these warning signals were perceived as separate loud clicks, a quick succession of clicks, or continuous squeaking noise. Characteristic acoustic signals were identified preceding 80% of pops occurrence. Six cardiologists were able to identify 65% of acoustic signals accurately preceding the pop. An automated system identified the characteristic warning signals in 85% of cases. The mean time from the first acoustic signal to pop occurrence was 46 ± 20 seconds. The automated system had 72.7% sensitivity and 88.9% specificity for predicting pops.ConclusionsEasily identifiable characteristic acoustic emissions predictably occur before imminent steam popping during RF ablations. Such acoustic emissions can be carefully monitored during an ablation and may be useful to prevent serious complications during RF delivery.
Transcriptional responses of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera larvae to benzoxazinoids
Authors: Miller N. J. , Zhao Z. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractDiabrotica virgifera virgifera is a specialist pest of maize. As such, D. v. virgifera may be expected to have adaptations to cope with maize defences, including benzoxazinoids, the major defensive secondary metabolites of Poaceae. Exposure of D. v. virgifera larvae to benzoxazinoids was manipulated by rearing them on benzoxazinoid biosynthesis deficient mutant maize or a related wild‐type maize line. The transcriptional profiles of larvae fed on wild‐type or mutant maize were analysed by second generation sequencing. Nine transcripts were identified as differentially expressed between larvae fed on the two maize lines. Five transcripts were expressed at a higher level in larvae exposed to benzoxazinoids, including putative cytochrome P450 and cathepsin protease genes. These results support the hypothesis of an inducible counter defence to benzoxazinoids in D. v. virgifera, possibly involving cytochrome P450‐mediated detoxification.
Effects of benzoxazinoids on specialist and generalistDiabroticaspecies
Authors: Alouw J. C. , Miller N. J. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBenzoxazinoids are constitutively produced secondary metabolites in maize that protect the plant from the negative effects of insect herbivores. In this study, we determined the effects of benzoxazinoids on the maize specialistDiabrotica virgifera virgiferaand a congeneric generalistDiabrotica undecimpunctata howardi. We compared the survival, growth and development of larvae fed on maize line 428G, which is defective in benzoxazinoid biosynthesis, and H88, the wild‐type parental line of 428G with normal benzoxazinoid production. There were no negative effects of benzoxazinoids on survival, growth and development of either western corn rootworm or southern corn rootworm. Western corn rootworms gained more weight than southern corn rootworms when feeding on benzoxazinoid‐containing corn. Our results support the hypothesis that specialist and generalist insects respond distinctly to benzoxazinoids.
Development of insects under fluctuating temperature: a review and case study
Authors: Wu T.‐H. , Shiao S.‐F. , Okuyama T. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe relationship between temperature and the developmental rate of organisms is crucial for understanding a variety of biological processes. It is common to use an average‐based index of temperature, for example degree‐days, for examining the relationship; and relatively little attention has been given to the variance of temperature. In this study, we examined the importance of temperature fluctuation on the development of organisms by compiling published studies. Published studies have shown highly variable results where the developmental rate was sometimes higher and sometimes lower under static temperature compared with variable temperature. A laboratory experiment on Megaselia scalaris showed that M. scalaris developed faster under fluctuating temperature than static temperature. We tested an additive model to predict the effect of fluctuating temperature on development and found that the model was inadequate for making quantitative predictions. However, some qualitative predictions, for example temperature fluctuation has a positive or negative effect, can be successfully predicted by the additive model. Our results show that the effect of temperature on developmental rate is not completely additive and average‐based indices such as degree‐days cannot be used when quantitative predictions are required.
Egg cannibalism by ladybird larvae is less frequent than expected from the nutritional benefit accrued to cannibals
Authors: Martini X. , Garrigues J.‐F. , Hemptinne J.‐L. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractEgg cannibalism is a widespread phenomenon in predatory arthropods. However, conflicting results have been reported regarding the nutritional value of conspecific eggs. Therefore, evaluation of the value of a mixed diet of conspecific eggs and aphids for survival and growth of Adalia bipunctata (Coccinellidae) larvae was tested. Subsequently, the propensity for cannibalism of naive and experienced larvae was assessed in two experiments in which the relative density and quality of conspecific eggs were manipulated in an experimental arena. It was found that larvae that were fed a mixed diet of conspecific eggs and aphids moulted into larger adults than those fed either aphids or eggs, and those that fed on conspecific eggs lost less mass than those fed only aphids during pupal stage. Additionally, in an experimental arena, attacks on aphids were more frequent than expected when conspecific eggs occupied 50% and 75% of the patches. When 50% of patches were occupied by conspecific eggs, the preference for aphids was less marked when larvae had previously experienced cannibalism (76% vs. 52% respectively) or when offered in the arena conspecific egg the cuticular hydrocarbons of which had been removed (76% vs. 48%, respectively). However, cannibalism was not enhanced if larvae experienced heterospecific prey shortages, but were supplemented with an artificial diet. Given that prey choice in A. bipunctata larvae is driven by chemical cues and that hydrocarbons on the egg surfaces and in larval tracks are very similar, we hypothesize that the naive larvae avoid eggs because of the uncertainty that those hydrocarbons indicate either eggs or conspecific larvae.
Age‐dependent association of MDM2 promoter polymorphisms and uterine leiomyoma in South‐East Iran: A preliminary report
Authors: Salimi Saeedeh , Hajizadeh Azam , Khodamian Maryam , Pejman Atefeh , Fazeli Kimia , Yaghmaei Minoo 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAimMurine double minute clone 2 (MDM2) is an important regulator of p53 tumor suppressor protein. Because increased MDM2 expression has been observed in different tumors, its polymorphisms are proposed to be associated with accelerated tumor formation. The aim of this study was to examine the association between T309G (rs2279744) and 40‐bp Insertion/deletion (rs3730485) polymorphisms of the MDM2 gene and risk of uterine leiomyoma (UL).MethodsWe analyzed the MDM2 gene polymorphisms of 154 UL patients and 197 healthy controls by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) methods.ResultsThe frequency of MDM2 T309G polymorphism genotypes was not different between UL women and controls. Although there was an association between MDM2 40‐bp del/del genotype and UL before and after adjustment for age, the association between Insertion/deletion (Indel) genotype and UL was significant after adjustment for age.ConclusionMDM2 T309G polymorphism was not associated with UL and MDM2 40‐bp Indel polymorphism could be an age‐related risk factor for UL.
Embolic and Hemodynamic Transcranial Doppler Characteristics in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke due to Carotid Occlusive Disease: Contribution to the Different Infarct Patterns on MRI
Authors: Müller Hubertus , Fisch Lorraine , Viaccoz Aurelien , Bonvin Christoph , Lovblad Karl , Cuvinciuc Vitor , Sztajzel Roman F. 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEWhether hemodynamic and/or embolic transcranial Doppler (TCD) features of internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis contribute to the classification of stroke patterns on MRI.PATIENTS AND METHODSConsecutive patients presenting symptomatic ≥50% ICA stenosis were included. Microembolic signals (MES) detection and measurement of cerebral vasoreactivity (VR) were performed by TCD. Only acute MRI lesions, territorial (TT) and/or borderzone (BZ) were considered.RESULTSA total of 72 ICA stenoses, 27 (38%) moderate (50‐69%), and 45 (62%) high grade (70‐99%) were included. MRI lesions showed 32 (44%) pure TT, 20 (28%) pure BZ, and 20 (28%) mixed TT and BZ. Impaired VR was found more frequently among patients with higher degrees of stenoses (P < .001) whereas MES were similarly encountered in both groups (P = NS). Impaired VR was more common in the BZ (10/20, 50%) than in the TT group (9/32, 28%, P < .1) while MES were present in 47% (15/32) of patients with TT and in 30% (6/20, P < .1) of those with BZ lesions, in particular in cortical BZ infarcts (P < .02).CONCLUSIONOur findings suggest that TCD characteristics of the ICA stenosis contribute to better define stroke patterns on MRI in about one‐third of the patients presenting with pure TT or BZ lesions.
Postinfectious Opsoclonus‐Myoclonus Syndrome in a 41‐Year‐Old Patient—Visualizing Hyperactivation in Deep Cerebellar Nuclei by Cerebral [18F]‐FDG‐ PET
Authors: Mustafa Mona , Levin Johannes , Schöberl Florian , Rominger Axel 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTA 41‐year‐old woman presented with acute onset headache, vertigo, nausea, and gait disorder, initially interpreted as a common cold. Within 2 weeks, she developed a severe opsoclonus‐myoclonus syndrome with truncal ataxia. Cerebrospinal fluid examination and serological findings suggested a recent infection with Coxsackie B3 virus. [18F]‐FDG‐PET proved to be the only imaging tool to identify the underlying pathology depicting hyperactivation in the vestibulo‐ and spinocerebellum as well as hyperactivation of the ocular muscles. At the clinical follow‐up 4 months later, the patient's symptoms were considerably improved with only intermittent low‐frequency opsoclonus. Corresponding PET findings were able to depict the response to therapy in the ocular muscles and the inferior vermis, whereas the deep cerebellar nuclei were still hyperactivated, however, to a lesser extent. This finding highlights the usefulness of functional/metabolic brain imaging to study the pathophysiology of this type of disorder.