bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Melatonin delays leaf senescence and enhances salt stress tolerance in rice
Authors: Liang Chengzhen , Zheng Guangyong , Li Wenzhen , Wang Yiqin , Hu Bin , Wang Hongru , Wu Hongkai , Qian Yangwen , Zhu Xin‐Guang , Tan Dun‐Xian , Chen Shou‐Yi , Chu Chengcai 
Published: April 2015

AbstractMelatonin, an antioxidant in both animals and plants, has been reported to have beneficial effects on the aging process. It was also suggested to play a role in extending longevity and enhancing abiotic stress resistance in plant. In this study, we demonstrate that melatonin acts as a potent agent to delay leaf senescence and cell death in rice. Treatments with melatonin significantly reduced chlorophyll degradation, suppressed the transcripts of senescence‐associated genes, delayed the leaf senescence, and enhanced salt stress tolerance. Genome‐wide expression profiling by RNA sequencing reveals that melatonin is a potent free radical scavenger, and its exogenous application results in enhanced antioxidant protection. Leaf cell death in noe1, a mutant with over‐produced H2O2, can be relieved by exogenous application of melatonin. These data demonstrate that melatonin delays the leaf senescence and cell death and also enhances abiotic stress tolerance via directly or indirectly counteracting the cellular accumulation of H2O2.
Seclusion as a necessary vs. an appropriate intervention: a vignette study among mental health nurses
Authors: Mann‐Poll P. S. , Smit A. , Koekkoek B. , Hutschemaekers G. 
Published: April 2015

Accessible summary
The use of seclusion is either based on the necessity of its use or on the appropriateness. Factors of influence on both decisions are unclear.
In a vignette study, mental health nurses were asked to score vignettes on a necessity and an appropriateness Likert scale.
Although seclusion was scored significantly higher on necessity, factors of influence and underpinning patterns were shown largely the same.
According to the theory of Festinger, focusing on a greater discrepancy between necessity and appropriateness is seen as a necessary condition to achieve a reduction in the use of seclusion.
AbstractIn a vignette study, mental health nurses were asked to score vignettes on necessity and appropriateness using a Likert scale. Sixty‐nine clinical nurses from four mental health institutes scored 64 vignettes on necessity (there is no alternative) and appropriateness (seclusion supports patients' treatment) of seclusion simultaneously. Data analysis focused on the differences between both scores, and included general linear model analysis, t‐test statistics and Kendall's tau. The t‐test resulted in a significantly higher score on necessity than on appropriateness. Differences between both scores could be explained for 32% by a combination of nurse characteristics and vignette variables. Necessity and appropriateness were found to be strongly associated with each other, showing that underpinning patterns were largely the same. This research enhances the understanding of underlying factors that influence the decision of nurses to use seclusion. This is essential for the development of interventions aimed at the reduction of seclusion use in mental health practice.
Validity and reliability study of the Tilburg Pregnancy Distress Scale into Turkish
Authors: Çapik A. , Pasinlioglu T. 
Published: April 2015

Accessible summary
Several instruments have been developed for the assessment of distress (stress, anxiety, depression) in pregnancy. The Tilburg Pregnancy Distress Scale (TPDS) is a useful instrument for the evaluation of distress in pregnant women.
There are no validated instruments for the evaluation of distress in pregnant women in the Turkish language.
The reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the TPDS demonstrated good comprehensibility, internal consistency and validity, and is an adequate and useful instrument for the evaluation of distress in Turkish pregnant women.
TPDS enables to practitioners determine distress in pregnant women in the early periods by practitioners. Assessment of distress levels of pregnant women constitutes an important area for both midwives and mental health nursing.
AbstractThis study was conducted to adapt the Tilburg Pregnancy Distress Scale (TPDS) into Turkish and test its validity and reliability. The study was conducted in six Family Health Center regions in the province of Kars between 20 February and 10 April 2013. A total of 275 pregnant women, who met the study criteria and agreed to participate in the study, constituted the sample group of the study. For validity and reliability analysis of the scale, content validity analysis, explanatory and confirmatory factor analysis, and Cronbach's alpha coefficient were used. It was found that the two‐factor structure of the scale was valid and its fit indices were appropriate. The total Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the scale was 0.83. The cut‐off point of the scale was specified as 28 for its total score. As a consequence, the adaptation of the TPDS into Turkish was determined to be a valid and reliable measurement instrument. Assessment of distress levels of pregnant women constitutes an important area for both midwives and mental health nursing.
The effects of sodium oxybate on core body and skin temperature regulation in narcolepsy
Authors: van der Heide Astrid , Donjacour Claire E. H. M. , Pijl Hanno , Reijntjes Robert H. A. M. , Overeem Sebastiaan , Lammers Gert J. , Van Someren Eus J. W. , Fronczek Rolf 
Published: April 2015

SummaryPatients suffering from narcolepsy type 1 show altered skin temperatures, resembling the profile that is related to sleep onset in healthy controls. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of sodium oxybate, a widely used drug to treat narcolepsy, on the 24‐h profiles of temperature and sleep‐wakefulness in patients with narcolepsy and controls. Eight hypocretin‐deficient male narcolepsy type 1 patients and eight healthy matched controls underwent temperature measurement of core body and proximal and distal skin twice, and the sleep–wake state for 24 h. After the baseline assessment, 2 × 3 g of sodium oxybate was administered for 5 nights, immediately followed by the second assessment. At baseline, daytime core body temperature and proximal skin temperature were significantly lower in patients with narcolepsy (core: 36.8 ± 0.05 °C versus 37.0 ± 0.05 °C, F = 8.31, P = 0.01; proximal: 33.4 ± 0.26 °C versus 34.3 ± 0.26 °C, F = 5.66, P = 0.03). In patients, sodium oxybate administration increased proximal skin temperature during the day (F = 6.46, P = 0.04) to a level similar as in controls, but did not affect core body temperature, distal temperature or distal–proximal temperature gradient. Sodium oxybate administration normalised the predictive value of distal skin temperature and distal–proximal temperature gradient for the onset of daytime naps (P < 0.01). In conclusion, sodium oxybate administration resulted in a partial normalisation of the skin temperature profile, by increasing daytime proximal skin temperature, and by strengthening the known relationship between skin temperature and daytime sleep propensity. These changes seem to be related to the clinical improvement induced by sodium oxybate treatment. A causal relationship is not proven.
Diversifying mechanisms in the on‐farm evolution of crop mixtures
Authors: Thomas Mathieu , Thépot Stéphanie , Galic Nathalie , Jouanne‐Pin Sophie , Remoué Carine , Goldringer Isabelle 
Published: April 2015

AbstractWhile modern agriculture relies on genetic homogeneity, diversifying practices associated with seed exchange and seed recycling may allow crops to adapt to their environment. This socio‐genetic model is an original experimental evolution design referred to as on‐farm dynamic management of crop diversity. Investigating such model can help in understanding how evolutionary mechanisms shape crop diversity submitted to diverse agro‐environments. We studied a French farmer‐led initiative where a mixture of four wheat landraces called ‘Mélange de Touselles’ (MDT) was created and circulated within a farmers' network. The 15 sampled MDT subpopulations were simultaneously submitted to diverse environments (e.g. altitude, rainfall) and diverse farmers' practices (e.g. field size, sowing and harvesting date). Twenty‐one space‐time samples of 80 individuals each were genotyped using 17 microsatellite markers and characterized for their heading date in a ‘common‐garden’ experiment. Gene polymorphism was studied using four markers located in earliness genes. An original network‐based approach was developed to depict the particular and complex genetic structure of the landraces composing the mixture. Rapid differentiation among populations within the mixture was detected, larger at the phenotypic and gene levels than at the neutral genetic level, indicating potential divergent selection. We identified two interacting selection processes: variation in the mixture component frequencies, and evolution of within‐variety diversity, that shaped the standing variability available within the mixture. These results confirmed that diversifying practices and environments maintain genetic diversity and allow for crop evolution in the context of global change. Including concrete measurements of farmers' practices is critical to disentangle crop evolution processes.
Cognitive and affective functions of aged subacute myelo‐optico neuropathy patients in Japan
Authors: Kawahara Yuko , Deguchi Kentaro , Hishikawa Nozomi , Kurata Tomoko , Sato Kota , Kono Syoichiro , Omote Yoshio , Ohta Yasuyuki , Yamashita Toru , Abe Koji 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundSubacute myelo‐optico neuropathy was the first epidemic drug intoxication that affected many people in Japan in the 1970s.AimMore than 40 years later, we assessed the real conditions of subacute myelo‐optico neuropathy patients.MethodsThe present study examined current cognitive and affective functions, activities of daily living, and vascular endothelial function in aged subacute myelo‐optico neuropathy patients (n = 28) compared with age‐, sex‐, body mass index‐ and years of schooling‐matched normal controls (n = 141).ResultsMini‐Mental State Examination, Hasegawa Dementia Scale‐Revised, Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Frontal Assessment Battery scores were not significantly lower in subacute myelo‐optico neuropathy patients, but the Geriatric Depression Scale was significantly higher without apathy. Computerized touch‐panel tests showed poor performance in the flipping cards game, arranging pictures game and beating devils game, whereas activities of daily living and vascular endothelial function were within normal limits.ConclusionThe present study shows that subacute myelo‐optico neuropathy patients showed essentially normal cognitive function using standard cognitive assessments, although the touch‐panel tests detected some decline in subacute myelo‐optico neuropathy patients. Subacute myelo‐optico neuropathy patients presented a higher depression score without evident apathy, activities of daily living decline or vascular endothelial dysfunction.
Improvement in generalized myasthenia gravis after continuous positive airway pressure therapy for obstructive sleep apnea: A case report
Authors: Komatsu Teppei , Onda Asako , Iguchi Yasuyuki , Hirai Toshiaki , Mitsumura Hidetaka , Kono Yu 
Published: April 2015

AbstractWe report a case of generalized myasthenia gravis with obstructive sleep apnea in which myasthenia gravis symptoms improved dramatically after initiation of continuous positive airway pressure therapy. A 42‐year‐old man was admitted with generalized myasthenia gravis. He was found to snore loudly during sleep and was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea by polysomnography. Continuous positive airway pressure therapy contributed to immediate improvements in not only the apnea–hypopnea index (70.6–20.9), but also the myasthenia gravis‐specific activities of daily living scale (10–1) and quantitative myasthenia gravis scale (21–8). We suggest that when a myasthenia gravis patient is obese and suspected to have sleep problems, examinations to detect obstructive sleep apnea should be carried out. If obstructive sleep apnea is diagnosed, continuous positive airway pressure therapy might also improve the patient's myasthenia gravis.
Elevated light levels in schools have a protective effect on myopia
Authors: Hua Wen‐Juan , Jin Ju‐Xiang , Wu Xiao‐Yan , Yang Ji‐Wen , Jiang Xuan , Gao Guo‐Peng , Tao Fang‐Biao 
Published: April 2015

AbstractPurposeTo determine whether elevated light levels in classrooms in rural areas can protect school‐age children from myopia onset or myopia progression.MethodsA total of 317 subjects from 1713 eligible students aged six to 14 in four schools located in northeast China participated in the study. Students received a comprehensive eye examination including cycloplegic refraction and ocular biometry, which included axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), and corneal curvature (CC) measurement, and completed a questionnaire. The intervention arm included 178 students in two schools with rebuilt elevated lighting systems and the control arm included 139 students in which lighting systems were unchanged. Results for the two arms were compared with a Wilcoxon rank sum test, a chi‐squared test or a t‐test, as appropriate. Factors that might help explain any differences were explored with multivariate linear regression analysis.ResultsThe median average illuminance of blackboards and desks and uniformity of desk lighting were significantly improved, however, the uniformity of blackboard lighting declined after intervention. At baseline, the mean refraction, AL, CC, ACD and myopia prevalence between the two arms were not significantly different. After 1 year, compared with the control arm the intervention arm had a lower incidence of new myopia onset (4% vs 10%; p = 0.029), a smaller decrease in refractive error among no myopic subjects (−0.25 dioptre [D] vs −0.47 D; p = 0.001), and shorter axial growth for both non‐myopic (0.13 vs 0.18 mm; p = 0.023) and myopic subjects (0.20 vs 0.27 mm; p = 0.0001). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed the intervention program, lower hyperopic baseline refraction, lower father's education level, longer time sleeping and less time in screen‐viewing activities were associated with less refractive shift in the direction of myopia in non‐myopic children. For myopic subjects, myopia progression was significantly associated with family income only. The intervention program and older age had a protective effect on axial growth for both myopic and non‐myopic subjects. The father's education level and sleep duration were significantly associated with axial growth in non‐myopic children.ConclusionsElevated light levels in classrooms have a significant effect on myopia onset, decreases in refraction, and axial growth; if the findings of lighting intervention are reproduced in future studies, the ambient light levels in schools should be improved.
Pharmacologic Treatment of Common Symptoms in Dialysis Patients: A Narrative Review
Authors: Moledina Dennis G. , Perry Wilson Francis 
Published: April 2015

AbstractEnd‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients receiving hemodialysis experience a heavy burden of disease‐related symptoms, which lead to reduced quality of life. This review focuses on aspects of ESRD‐related pharmacokinetics and on efficacy of drugs for treatment of somatic symptoms. Fatigue, pruritus, insomnia, and cramps are the most common symptoms in ESRD, and studies suggest that they are often undertreated. However, few evidence‐based guidelines exist to guide therapy in patients received dialysis. In the context of this review, we examine the role of l‐Carnitine in the treatment of fatigue and cramps; human growth hormone analog Norditropin and anabolic steroid Nandrolone for the treatment of fatigue; Gabapentin and other agents for the management of pruritis; Vitamin and creatine supplementation in the management of dialysis‐associated cramps, and somnambulates in the treatment of dialysis‐related insomnia. Treatment decisions should be made in consultation with patients with a full accounting of the potential risks and benefits of these therapies.
Intraperitoneal Immunization with Cry1Ac Protoxin from Bacillus thuringiensis Provokes Upregulation of Fc‐Gamma‐II/and Fc‐Gamma‐III Receptors Associated with IgG in the Intestinal Epithelium of Mice
Authors: Moreno‐Fierros L. , Verdín‐Terán S. L. , García‐Hernández A. L. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIn humans, intestinal epithelial FcRn is expressed throughout life and mediates the bidirectional transport of IgG, but in mice, it is markedly expressed in neonatal intestine. In adults, its expression is only faintly upregulated after intestinal IgG induction such as that elicited by i.p. immunization with Cry1Ac protoxin (pCry1Ac) Bacillus thuringiensis. This led us to suggest that additional Fcγ receptors (Fcγ‐R) may be participating in epithelial IgG uptake. So, first we determined whether CD16/32 [an epitope shared by Fcγ‐RII (CD32) and Fcγ‐RIII (CD16)] was expressed in the intestinal epithelia of mice. Using confocal microscopy and flow cytometry, we detected co‐localization of IgG and CD16/32 in epithelial cells, whose frequency was increased by immunization with pCry1Ac. Western blot and cross‐immunoprecipitation results with anti‐CD16/32 and IgG antibodies in epithelial cell extracts suggested that epithelial cells bear both Fcγ‐RII and Fcγ‐RIII and contained IgG associated with Fcγ‐RII/RIII. Using anti‐CD32 and anti‐CD16 antibodies, we confirmed by Western blot, confocal microscopy and flow cytometry that both Fcγ‐RII and Fcγ‐RIII were expressed and suggested that upregulation occurred upon immunization in intestinal epithelia. Finally, we examined the in vitro effect of anti‐CD16/32, anti‐CD16 and anti‐CD32 antibodies on IgG uptake and transport by intestinal epithelial cells and found that it was partially reduced. Although further studies are still required, our results suggest that Fcγ‐RII and Fcγ‐RIII might participate in the uptake and/or transport of IgG through the intestinal epithelia of adult mice.
Variance Estimation under Two‐Phase Sampling
Authors: Saegusa Takumi 
Published: April 2015

AbstractWe consider the variance estimation of the weighted likelihood estimator (WLE) under two‐phase stratified sampling without replacement. Asymptotic variance of the WLE in many semiparametric models contains unknown functions or does not have a closed form. The standard method of the inverse probability weighted (IPW) sample variances of an estimated influence function is then not available in these models. To address this issue, we develop the variance estimation procedure for the WLE in a general semiparametric model. The phase I variance is estimated by taking a numerical derivative of the IPW log likelihood. The phase II variance is estimated based on the bootstrap for a stratified sample in a finite population. Despite a theoretical difficulty of dependent observations due to sampling without replacement, we establish the (bootstrap) consistency of our estimators. Finite sample properties of our method are illustrated in a simulation study.
The MYB96–HHP module integrates cold and abscisic acid signaling to activate the CBF–COR pathway in Arabidopsis
Authors: Lee Hong Gil , Seo Pil Joon 
Published: April 2015

SummaryVarious environmental stresses limit plant growth, development, and reproductive success. Plants have therefore evolved sophisticated adaptive responses to deal with environmental challenges. The responses of plants to environmental stresses are mainly mediated by abscisic acid (ABA)‐dependent and ABA‐independent signaling pathways. While these two pathways have been implicated to play discrete roles in abiotic stress responses, accumulating evidence suggests that they are also intertwined. Here, we report that an R2R3‐type MYB transcription factor, MYB96, integrates the ABA and cold signaling pathways. In addition to its role in ABA‐mediated drought responses, MYB96 is also induced by cold stress in an ABA‐independent manner and subsequently activates freezing tolerance. Notably, MYB96 regulates HEPTAHELICAL PROTEIN (HHP) genes by binding to their promoters. The HHP proteins, in turn, interact with C‐REPEAT BINDING FACTOR (CBF) upstream regulators, such as INDUCER OF CBF EXPRESSION 1 (ICE1), ICE2, and CALMODULIN‐BINDING TRANSCRIPTION ACTIVATOR 3 (CAMTA3). The specific interactive networks of HHPs with the CBF upstream regulators are necessary to facilitate transcriptional activation of the CBF regulon under stressful conditions. Together, the MYB96–HHP module integrates ABA‐dependent and ABA‐independent signals and activates the CBF pathway, ensuring plant adaptation to a wide range of adverse environmental fluctuations.
Ultraviolet C light pathogen inactivation treatment of platelet concentrates preserves integrin activation but affects thrombus formation kinetics on collagen in vitro
Authors: Van Aelst Britt , Devloo Rosalie , Vandekerckhove Philippe , Compernolle Veerle , Feys Hendrik B. 
Published: April 2015

BACKGROUNDUltraviolet (UV) light illumination in the presence of exogenously added photosensitizers has been used to inactivate pathogens in platelet (PLT) concentrates for some time. The THERAFLEX UV‐C system, however, illuminates PLT concentrates with UV‐C light without additional photoactive compounds. In this study residual PLT function is measured in a comprehensive paired analysis of UV‐C–treated, gamma‐irradiated, and untreated control PLT concentrates.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A pool‐and‐split design was used with buffy coat–derived PLT concentrates in 65% SSP+ additive solution. Thrombus formation kinetics in microfluidic flow chambers onto immobilized collagen was investigated with real‐time video microscopy. PLT aggregation, membrane markers, and cellular metabolism were determined concurrently.RESULTSCompared to gamma‐treated and untreated controls, UV‐C treatment significantly affected thrombus formation rates on Days 5 and 7, not Day 2. PLT degranulation (P‐selectin) and PLT apoptosis (annexin V binding) was slightly but significantly increased from Day 2 on. UV‐C treatment moreover induced integrin αIIbβ3 conformational changes reminiscent of activation. However, subsequent integrin activation by either PAR1‐activating hexapeptide (PAR1AP) or convulxin was unaffected. This was confirmed by PLT aggregation studies induced with collagen, PAR1AP, and ristocetin at two different agonist concentrations. Finally, UV‐C slightly increased lactic acid production rates, resulting in significantly decreased pH on Days 5 and 7, but never dropped below 7.2.CONCLUSIONUV‐C pathogen inactivation treatment slightly but significantly increases PLT activation markers but does not profoundly influence activatability nor aggregation. The treatment does, however, attenuate thrombus formation kinetics in vitro in microfluidic flow chambers, especially after storage.