bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First‐trimester screening biochemical markers (free beta‐subunit human chorionic gonadotropin, pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A) and risk of early fetal loss
Authors: Valbuena Henar , Ramis Jordi , Sagalá Juan , Sánchez Mª Ángeles , Aulesa Carlos 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAimThe aim of this work was to assess the risk of early fetal loss (first trimester of pregnancy, 8–13 weeks of gestation) using the results of first‐trimester screening (FTS) biochemical markers independently and combined.MethodsFTS results of 152 women who suffered early fetal loss were compared to a control group of 150 women with normal pregnancy outcomes. FTS biochemical markers were measured with a Delfia Xpress 6000 analyzer and biochemical risks for Down's and Edward's syndromes were calculated using Prenatal‐Lifecycle version 3.0 software. Marker levels were standardized by calculating the gestational‐specific multiple of the medians (MoM), further adjusted by maternal age, maternal weight, cigarette consumption and pre‐existing type 1 diabetes mellitus. Receiver–operator curves were built to evaluate each marker and its combination.ResultsOur results show that values of biochemical risk of t21 of more than 1 in 310 have a poor sensitivity to predict early fetal loss (31.4%) with a positive predictive value (PPV) for fetal loss of 67.7%. Values of pregnancy‐associated plasma protein A (PAPP‐A) MoM of less than 0.48 show a sensitivity of 62.1% and a PPV of 84.5% for early fetal loss; whereas for free β‐human chorionic gonadotropin, values of MoM of less than 0.44 have a sensitivity of 66.4% with a PPV of 85.3%. A novel algorithm, consisting in the multiplication of both markers, shows for values of less than 0.48 a sensitivity of 83.1%, a specificity of 78.7% and a PPV of 77.1%.ConclusionCombined analysis of PAPP‐A and free β‐hCG appears to be a potential candidate to predict early fetal loss.
Correlation between ovarian chocolate cyst and serum carbohydrate antigen 125 level and the effect of ultrasound‐guided interventional sclerotherapy on serum carbohydrate antigen 125 level
Authors: Wang Si‐Ming , Cai Huai‐Qiu , Dong Xiao‐Qiu , Fan Qiu‐Lan , Wang Lu‐Lu , Shao Xiao‐Hui , Zhang Li‐Wei 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAimThis study was to investigate the correlation between ovarian chocolate cysts and serum carbohydrate antigen (CA)‐125 levels and to demonstrate the effect of ultrasound‐guided interventional sclerotherapy (UGIS) on serum CA‐125 levels.MethodsBased on the serum CA‐125 level, as determined by chemiluminescence detection prior to UGIS, 105 patients with ovarian chocolate cysts were divided into the normal group (CA‐125 ≤ 35 U/mL, 45 patients) and the abnormal group (35 U/mL < CA‐125 ≤ 200 U/mL, 60 patients). There were six clinical indicators including age, disease duration, dysmenorrhea history, child‐bearing history, abortion history and surgical history. The ultrasonography characteristics were cyst diameter, cyst wall thickness and the side on which the cyst occurred. The correlations between serum CA‐125 levels pretreatment and the clinical indicators and ultrasonography characteristics was analyzed. The serum CA‐125 levels pretreatment, 3 months post‐treatment and 6 months post‐treatment were compared.ResultsThe pretreatment serum CA‐125 levels of the 105 patients positively correlated with disease duration (r = 0.3932, P = 0.0040), dysmenorrhea history (r = 0.2351, P = 0.0111), cyst diameter (r = 0.3415, P < 0.0001) and cyst wall thickness (r = 0.4263, P < 0.0001). Compared with the pretreatment level, the mean serum CA‐125 level in the abnormal group at 3 months post‐treatment was significantly lower (P < 0.01), and at 6 months post‐treatment, the mean serum CA‐125 level had decreased to a normal level (P < 0.01).ConclusionUGIS significantly decreased abnormal serum CA‐125 levels in patients with ovarian chocolate cysts.
Endometrial stem/progenitor cells
Authors: Maruyama Tetsuo 
Published: August 2014

AbstractHuman endometrium regenerates and regresses with each menstrual cycle under hormonal control throughout a woman's reproductive life. The cyclical regeneration and remodeling potentials allude to the existence of stem/progenitor cells in the endometrium. There is increasing evidence that human endometrium contains small numbers of stem‐like cells capable of self‐renewal, multiple differentiation and tissue reconstitution. Although the precise identity of endometrial stem/progenitor cells remains elusive, these cells are thought to play pivotal role(s) in the physiological remodeling and regeneration of the human endometrium and also in the pathogenesis of endometrium‐associated diseases, such as endometriosis.
Ultrasound‐guided excision of rectus abdominis muscle endometriosis
Authors: Coccia Maria Elisabetta , Rizzello Francesca , Nannini Sara , Cozzolino Mauro , Capezzuoli Tommaso , Castiglione Francesca 
Published: August 2014

AbstractWe report a rare case of rectus abdominis muscle endometriosis excised under ultrasound guidance. A 36‐year‐old woman came to our observation presenting an abdominal nodule located in the right side of the umbilical area. Ultrasound of the abdominal wall showed two hypoechogenic nodules in the context of the right rectus abdominis muscle and a fine‐needle aspiration, performed under ultrasound guidance, confirmed the diagnosis of endometriosis. The patient underwent surgical excision of the lesions. Intraoperative localization was performed through ultrasonography. In our case, the diagnosis was essentially based on ultrasound scan. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were not performed. A high‐resolution ultrasound is a simple, inexpensive and safe method and is sufficient for indicating surgery. Furthermore, the use of intraoperative ultrasound allowed adequate margins of excision.
Apelin levels are higher in obese patients with endometrial cancer
Authors: Altinkaya S. Ozlem , Nergiz Sümeyra , Küçük Mert , Yüksel Hasan 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAimThe aim of the present study was to evaluate serum concentrations of apelin, a newly discovered adipocytokine, in relation with tumor markers, metabolic profile and clinicopathologic features of patients with endometrial cancer.Material and MethodsA total of 46 women with endometrial cancer and 44 controls were eligible for the study. Clinicopathologic features and metabolic profile as well as apelin‐36 levels were evaluated in each subject.ResultsWomen with endometrial cancer exhibited higher serum concentrations of apelin levels than controls (215.1 ± 59.8 pg/mL vs 177.3 ± 55.2 pg/mL, P = 0.002). Apelin levels were significantly correlated positively with body mass index, fasting insulin levels and homeostasis model assessment index (P < 0.05). When patients were further divided into obese (body mass index ≥ 30) and non‐obese women, apelin levels remained higher in women with endometrial cancer in the obese group (P = 0.006, 243.5 ± 49.2 pg/mL vs 200.5 ± 52.7 pg/mL, respectively); whereas these levels were similar in the non‐obese group (P = 0.879, 161.9 ± 37.5 pg/mL vs 159.6 ± 51.3, respectively). After adjustment for all possible confounding factors, age, apelin levels > 160 pg/mL, and diabetes mellitus were found to be associated with risk of endometrial cancer.ConclusionThe data of the present study suggest that higher levels of circulating apelin are associated with an increased risk of developing endometrial cancer in obese women.
Obesity as a causal risk factor for deep venous thrombosis: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Klovaite J. , Benn M. , Nordestgaard B. G. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo test the hypothesis that obesity is causally associated with deep venous thrombosis (DVT).DesignA Mendelian randomization design.SettingThe Copenhagen General Population Study and the Copenhagen City Heart Study combined.SubjectsBody mass index (BMI) measurements were available for 87 574 individuals of Danish descent from the adult general population. All subjects completed questionnaires and were genotyped for the FTO rs9939609 variant.Main outcome measureFirst events of DVT with or without pulmonary embolism (PE).AnalysisThe results were assessed using Cox regression, instrumental variable analysis and Poisson regression.ResultsObservationally, the risk of DVT increased with increasing BMI (P‐trend < 0.0001). The multivariable‐adjusted hazard ratio [95% confidence interval (CI)] for DVT was 1.3 (1.1–1.6) in overweight, 1.8 (1.4–2.2) in moderately obese and 3.4 (2.6–4.6) in severely obese compared with normal‐weight individuals. For DVT complicated by PE, corresponding hazard ratios (95% CI) were 1.2 (0.8–1.8), 2.1 (1.3–3.5) and 5.1 (2.8–9.2). FTO AA versus TT genotype was associated with a 2.4% increase in BMI with hazard ratios (95% CI) of 1.09 (0.95–1.25) for DVT and 1.54 (1.12–2.10) for DVT complicated by PE. In instrumental variable analysis, the causal odds ratio (95% CI) for an increase in BMI of 1 kg m−2 was 1.13 (0.92–1.39) for DVT alone and 1.86 (1.14–3.02) for DVT complicated by PE. The absolute 10‐year risk of DVT in a high‐risk group (i.e. those aged >60 years and homozygous for Factor V Leiden) was 35% in obese individuals and 18% in normal‐weight individuals.ConclusionA strong observational association between obesity and DVT with or without PE, supported by a direct genetic association between the obesity‐specific locus FTO and DVT with PE, implies that obesity is likely to be causally associated with DVT.
Formal and Informal Corruption Environments and Multinational Enterprise Social Irresponsibility
Authors: Keig Dawn L. , Brouthers Lance Eliot , Marshall Victor B. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractUsing an institutional theory framework we theorize, hypothesize, and empirically show that higher levels of formal and informal corruption environments found in a firm's operating portfolio are related to higher levels of corporate social irresponsibility (CSiR). Failing to consider corruption's informal dimension leads to potentially false perceptions about a multinational enterprise's (MNE) operating environment, particularly when the formal dimension is low but the informal corruption dimension is high, as is the case in about one third of our sample. Including the informal corruption environment component provides additional explanatory power over the formal corruption environment alone in predicting CSiR and yields a superior understanding of both the formal and informal dimensions of the corruption institutional environment's influence on corporate social irresponsibility levels of MNEs. Managerial implications and future research directions are discussed.
Influence of balancing‐side occlusal interference on smoothness of working‐side condylar movement and intra‐articular space in chewing efforts
Authors: Yashiro K. , Yamamoto K. , Takada K. , Murakami S. , Uchiyama Y. , Furukawa S. 
Published: August 2014

SummaryResponse of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) articulation adapting to occlusal alteration has been sparsely known. For 10 healthy adults with acceptably good occlusion, an artificial occlusal interference (OI) was introduced to the lower molar on the balancing side of unilateral chewing. Subjects were asked to chew a gum on their preferred side. The chewing jaw movements with/without the OI were recorded using a video‐based optoelectronic system. The mandibular movements were generated in each individual's TMJ model reconstructed by magnetic resonance images. The smoothness of local condylar point movements towards the normal direction of the condylar surface and interarticular space on the working side was measured. Overall, the smoothness of condylar point movements in the closing phase was impaired immediately after introduction of the OI. In the intercuspal phase, the OI increased the joint space. After about 60 chewing cycles, the movement smoothness and joint space began to recover. These findings suggest that OI on the balancing side induced irregular stress field translation on the working‐side condylar surface followed by acute recovery process.
Binocular rivalry with peripheral prisms used for hemianopia rehabilitation
Authors: Haun Andrew M. , Peli Eli 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPurposeTo determine the relative binocular signal strength of moving images that are peripherally viewed through a monocular field expansion prism as opposed to moving images viewed directly. We hypothesised that prism blur might make prism images predominate less than images viewed directly with the other eye.MethodsWe employed the binocular rivalry paradigm to measure the relative binocular effectiveness of directly viewed vs prism images. Four normally‐sighted subjects tracked the rivalrous visibility of opponent‐coloured targets seen dichoptically in the same part of the retinal visual field, using monocular field expansion prisms to produce the dichoptic display. We analysed the effects of external signal strength (whether or not motion was present in either image), retinal position or eccentricity of the targets, and controlled for target saturation.ResultsWe found that prism images predominate less than directly viewed images. When both eyes were presented with pattern in the dichoptic display, direct‐to‐prism predominance was 51%:31%. When only the direct view was presented with pattern, direct‐to‐prism predominance was 74%:12%; when only the prism view was presented with pattern, direct‐to‐prism predominance was 25%:58%. Dominance durations followed established binocular rivalry rules.ConclusionsThe prism image in a monocular, peripheral field expansion prism is perceptually weaker than the corresponding direct image in the other eye. However, the prism image is still seen a significant proportion of the time, especially when no moving pattern is present in the direct view. We conclude that the rivalry ratio of the prism device is sufficiently effective for clinical applications.
Case‐based discussion supporting learning and practice in optometry
Authors: Bullock Alison , Barnes Emma , Ryan Barbara , Sheen Nik 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPurposeTo enhance continuing professional development and address the risk that professional isolation poses, the UK General Optical Council introduced a requirement for all optometrists to engage in at least one case‐based discussion per 3 year cycle of continuing education. In this paper, we explore participants' impression of the acceptability, effectiveness and long‐term impact‐on‐practice of case‐based discussion as a mode of continuing education.MethodsCase‐based discussion participants attended an evening session comprising a lecture and a group discussion. They completed three questionnaires: prior to the session, immediately post‐session and 3–4 months post‐session. We coded the questionnaires to allow matching.ResultsSeventy‐five case‐based discussion groups were held with 379 participants; 377 completed both pre‐ and post‐questionnaires and 331 (88%) returned a follow‐up questionnaire. Case‐based discussions were an acceptable method of learning, with many preferring it to distance‐learning. Prior to the event, women, employees and part‐time workers were more likely to have concerns about participating. In terms of learning, gaps in knowledge were more likely to be revealed in those who work in isolation. The respondents highlighted social aspects, reassurance of practice as well as new learning. Participants significantly improved self‐confidence ratings in all key learning areas. At three months post‐session, the majority (75%) self‐reported that they had implemented their intended changes to practice.ConclusionsThe evaluation showed that participants felt that case‐based discussion developed their knowledge, notably for sole practitioners, and influenced later workplace practice. The peer interaction of this mode of continuing education can combat professional isolation.
Tobacco classIcytosolic small heat shock proteins are under transcriptional and translational regulations in expression and heterocomplex prevails under the high‐temperature stress conditionin vitro
Authors: PARK SOO MIN , KIM KEUN PILL , JOE MYUNG KUK , LEE MI OK , KOO HYUN JO , HONG CHOO BONG 
Published: August 2014

AbstractSeven genomic clones of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum W38) cytosolic classIsmall heat shock proteins (sHSPs), probably representing all members in the class, were isolated and found to have 66 to 92% homology between their nucleotide sequences. Even though all sevensHSPgenes showed heat shock‐responsive accumulation of their transcripts and proteins, each member showed discrepancies in abundance and timing of expression upon high‐temperature stress. This was mainly the result of transcriptional regulation during mild stress conditions and transcriptional and translational regulation during strong stress conditions. Open reading frames (ORFs) of these genomic clones were expressed inEscherichia coliand thesHSPswere purified fromE. coli. The purified tobaccosHSPsrendered citrate synthase and luciferase soluble under high temperatures. At room temperature, non‐denaturing pore exclusion polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis on threesHSPsdemonstrated that thesHSPsspontaneously formed homo‐oligomeric complexes of 200 ∼ 240 kDa. However, under elevated temperatures, hetero‐oligomeric complexes between thesHSPsgradually prevailed. Atomic force microscopy showed that the hetero‐oligomer ofNtHSP18.2/NtHSP18.3 formed a stable oligomeric particle similar to that of theNtHSP18.2 homo‐oligomer. These hetero‐oligomers positively influenced the revival of thermally inactivated luciferase. Amino acid residues mainly in theN‐terminus are suggested for the exchange of the componentsHSPsand the formation of dominant hetero‐oligomers under high temperatures.
Patterns of Mortality and Factors Influencing Survival of a Recently Restored Elk Population in Ontario, Canada
Authors: McIntosh Terese E. , Rosatte Richard C. , Hamr Josef , Murray Dennis L. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThis study examined patterns of mortality and determinants of survival among elk recently restored to four sites in Ontario, Canada (1998–2005). We predicted that: (1) elk located in release sites closer to the core of their historic range would have higher survival; (2) survival would increase as an animal's time and experience on the landscape increased; and (3) survival rates would decline as animals moved farther away from the release site. During the study, 443 elk were radiocollared and released; 218 mortalities were documented. Predation by wolves was the most important proximate cause of mortality, followed by death due to injuries from translocation and/or capture myopathy, accidents, emaciation, poaching, and Parelaphostrongylus tenuis infection. Overall, annual survival of elk across Ontario ranged from 0.45 (0.37–0.53) to 0.81 (0.66–0.90), with rates being lowest in the years immediately following release and highest in the final years of the study; this pattern was due to high initial mortality from translocation injuries and/or capture myopathy and possibly lack of familiarity with novel habitat. Model‐averaged hazards further support this finding, as the most important factor influencing elk survival was the length of holding period, with elk released after limited holding being less likely to survive than those held for longer periods. Our results suggest that mortalities caused by capture myopathy and transportation‐related injuries are important sources of risk for translocated elk. The method of introduction to the novel landscape and behavior in the first year should be accommodated via soft‐release and appropriate release areas.
High AN1 variability and interaction with basic helix‐loop‐helix co‐factors related to anthocyanin biosynthesis in potato leaves
Authors: D'Amelia Vincenzo , Aversano Riccardo , Batelli Giorgia , Caruso Immacolata , Castellano Moreno Mar , Castro‐Sanz Ana Beatriz , Chiaiese Pasquale , Fasano Carlo , Palomba Francesca , Carputo Domenico 
Published: August 2014

SummaryAN1 is a regulatory gene that promotes anthocyanin biosynthesis in potato tubers and encodes a R2R3 MYB transcription factor. However, no clear evidence implicates AN1 in anthocyanin production in leaves, where these pigments might enhance environmental stress tolerance. In our study we found that AN1 displays intraspecific sequence variability in both coding/non‐coding regions and in the promoter, and that its expression is associated with high anthocyanin content in leaves of commercial potatoes. Expression analysis provided evidence that leaf pigmentation is associated to AN1 expression and that StJAF13 acts as putative AN1 co‐regulator for anthocyanin gene expression in leaves of the red leaf variety ‘Magenta Love,’ while a concomitant expression of StbHLH1 may contribute to anthocyanin accumulation in leaves of ‘Double Fun.’ Yeast two‐hybrid experiments confirmed that AN1 interacts with StbHLH1 and StJAF13 and the latter interaction was verified and localized in the cell nucleus by bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays. In addition, transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) overexpressing a combination of either AN1 with StJAF13 or AN1 with StbHLH1 showed deeper purple pigmentation with respect to AN1 alone. This further confirmed AN1/StJAF13 and AN1/StbHLH1 interactions. Our findings demonstrate that the classical loci identified for potato leaf anthocyanin accumulation correspond to AN1 and may represent an important step to expand our knowledge on the molecular mechanisms underlying anthocyanin biosynthesis in different plant tissues.
Preliminary Study on Biomitigation Green House Gas Carbon Dioxide in Closed System Bubble Photobioreactor: Relationship Among the Mass Transfer Rate and CO2 Removal Efficiency in High Level of CO2
Authors: Rinanti Astri , Dewi Kania , Astuti Dea Indriani , Halomoan Nico 
Published: August 2014

Emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) is a major contributor to global warming. Biofixation of CO2 by microalgae in photobioreactors seems to be a promising strategy for CO2 mitigation. The research to determine the overall mass transfer coefficient (kLa) has been done to find the way on biomitigation CO2 emission by using biologically Carbon Capture and Sequestration method. This research was conducted according to green microalgae Scenedesmus obliquus activity, which is cultivated in a bubble photobioreactor through the mass transfer process that assumed adequate mixing occurs. Flow rate of CO2 that supplied to the system were 2 L/min, 5 L/min and 8 L/min, when each rate flowed into the photobioreactor with high CO2 concentration (v/v) of 2%, 5% and 10%. The highest CO2 removal efficiency occurred at culture that supplied with an CO2-enriched air flow rate of 5 L/min. The kLa (CO2) value is the highest in 0.3582/day at 2% CO2 concentration and flow rate of 2 L/min, while the lowest is in 0.0503/day at 5% CO2 concentration and flow rate of 8 L/min. In terms of solubility is inversely proportional to the flow rate, the less carbon dioxide is dissolved at the rate of 8 L/min as well as the value of the kLa. The results showed that the variation of flow rate will affect the amount of mass transfer coefficient, growth rate and cell biomass. Higher flow rate decreases kLa value as well as CO2 removal efficiency.