bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diabetes mellitus and abnormalities in semen analysis
Authors: Bhattacharya Sudhindra Mohan , Ghosh Mainak , Nandi Nupur 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to compare the semen parameters of diabetic husbands of infertile couples with those of non‐diabetic husbands of proven fertility.Material and MethodsAssuming a 5% fall in DNA integrity of sperms would affect fertility, the required sample size calculated was 103, with 80% power and 5% level of significance. During the study period (January 2010 to May 2012), 52 husbands were found to have diabetes mellitus, by 2‐h/post 75 g of glucose load (≥200 mg %). Glycosylated hemoglobin level in each case was found to be more than 6.5% (study group). During the same period, six couples with infertility conceived spontaneously while undergoing evaluations, 60 couples conceived following treatment of ovulatory disorders in wives and all had ongoing pregnancies (more than 12 weeks). Husbands of these 66 couples were found to be non‐diabetic (control group). Conventional semen analysis (World Health Organization criteria), hypo‐osmotic swelling test and DNA integrity test (Acridine Orange test) were done in all cases. Body mass index was measured in each case.ResultsThere were no differences in the mean age and body mass index between the two groups but significant differences were found in the following parameters: volume of the ejaculate (P = 0.004); total cells per ejaculate (P = 0.01); percent motility (P = 0.0001); total motile cells per ejaculate (P = 0.0001); percent of rapid progressive motility (P = 0.0001); percent normal morphology (P = 0.02); percent hypo‐osmotic swelling test (0.0001); and percent normal DNA integrity (P = 0.0001).ConclusionDiabetes mellitus can affect spermatogenesis at various levels, which can cause male‐factor infertility.
Change of childbirth preference after delivery among nulliparous Chinese women and their partners
Authors: Li Wen‐Ying , Liabsuetrakul Tippawan , Stray‐Pedersen Babill 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimThe aim of the present study was to assess the effect of childbirth preference among nulliparous Chinese women and their partners on actual mode of delivery, and to assess women's change in preference from vaginal delivery to cesarean and the factors associated with this change.MethodsA cohort study was conducted from July to October 2011 in the First Hospital of Tsinghua University, Beijing. Nulliparous women at the gestational age of 36–40 weeks and their partners were included. Their childbirth preference was recorded twice: once in pregnancy and again 2 or 3 days post‐partum.ResultsWomen preferring cesarean during pregnancy had a 3.9‐fold higher chance of undergoing a cesarean than those preferring vaginal delivery (P = 0.004), while the partner's preference had no effect (P = 0.35). Preference for cesarean in the post‐partum period increased significantly compared to that during pregnancy both among women, whose preference increased from 10.1% to 28.0%, and among their partners, whose preference increased from 7.8% to 16.7% (P < 0.001 for both). The rate of change in women's preference from vaginal delivery to cesarean was 26.0%. Women having high couple's monthly income, who were feeling depressed, whose partner preferred cesarean during pregnancy or who delivered by cesarean were more likely to experience this change due to fear of labor pain and perineal cutting and a greater perceived safety of cesarean.ConclusionWomen's cesarean preference during pregnancy was associated with actual cesarean delivery. Inadequate quality of care in labor and delivery and overestimation of cesarean safety underlie post‐partum women's increased preference for cesarean.
Role of ultrasound in diagnosing isolated torsion of fallopian tube
Authors: Sun Li‐tao , Ning Chun‐ping , Guo Xi‐juan , Li Xiao‐ying , Liu Wei , Tian Jia‐wei 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimTo summarize the ultrasonic features of isolated fallopian tube torsion (IFTT) by retrospectively analyzing cases presenting at our hospital.MethodsThis analysis was approved by the ethical committee of our hospital. Medical records of surgically proven IFTT patients admitted to our hospital since 2002 were collected. Clinical features and preoperative diagnoses of the patients were analyzed retrospectively. Ultrasonic images were reviewed and characteristics, including location, size, shape, echo and vascularity of the fallopian tube, were summarized.ResultsEleven patients with IFTT were studied. No obvious association was found between the torsion and menstruation cycle. Only four accurate diagnoses were made before the operation. Degrees of torsion ranged 360–2160°. Most of them (9/11, 81.8%) were greater than 720°. Sonograms of the 11 patients could be classified into four types: cystic masses, tube‐like structures, heterogeneous masses and whirlpool signs. Cystic masses were the most commonly seen type (4/11, 36.4%), followed by tubular structures (3/11, 27.3%). Whirlpool sign was believed to be the most specific sign in diagnosing IFTT.ConclusionThrough review of the authors' experiences, it is possible to diagnose IFTT preoperatively by ultrasound. Sonograms of the IFTT could be divided into four types while clinical significance of this classification requires further confirmation.
Recurrence of ovarian endometrioma after laparoscopic excision: Risk factors and prevention
Authors: Ouchi Nozomi , Akira Shigeo , Mine Katsuya , Ichikawa Masao , Takeshita Toshiyuki 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to assess the cut‐off age of the risk factors for postoperative recurrence of ovarian endometriomas and to evaluate the end‐points of follow‐up after laparoscopic excision of ovarian endometriomas.Material and MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 167 patients who underwent laparoscopic excision of ovarian endometriomas at our hospital between 2000 and 2009, and followed up the patients until 2010. Following surgery, patients chose to receive gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone agonist, oral contraceptive pills (OCP), dienogest, or no medication and underwent regular ultrasonographic examinations. Potential risk factors for recurrence, including age at surgery, were assessed in the patients receiving no medication. Postoperative recurrence, defined as re‐appearance of an ovarian endometrioma > 2 cm in size, was assessed for each treatment group.ResultsAge at surgery was the only significant risk factor for recurrence, at a cut‐off of 32 years, obtained through receiver–operator curve analysis. In patients not receiving medication, the recurrence rate gradually increased up to 50% over 5 years; there was no recurrence 5 years after surgery. Although no recurrence was seen in patients during continuous treatment with OCP or dienogest, the disease recurred in 55.5% of patients after discontinuing OCP.ConclusionsAlthough adjuvant therapy for all patients may represent overtreatment, the findings of the present study suggest that, in the interest of fertility preservation, continuous postoperative hormonal treatment should be administered, at least to patients younger than 32 years. In patients who decline hormonal treatment, we recommend that they undergo follow‐up for recurrence until 5 years after surgery.
Cervical column posture and airway dimensions in clinical bruxist adults: a preliminary study
Authors: Restrepo C. C. , Álvarez C. P , Jaimes J. , Gómez A. F. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryThe aim of this study was to compare the cervical column posture and the upper airway dimensions between sleep bruxist and non‐bruxist young adults. Twenty‐three sleep‐grinders and 22 asymptomatic subjects, selected according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) criteria (report by a sleep partner and the presence of dental wear, according to Wetselaar et al.), were evaluated. The mean age was 23·8 years (range 18–30). All the subjects had complete permanent dentition and skeletal and occlusal class I. A digital cephalometric radiograph with natural head posture was performed for each subject. The craniocervical posture was traced and evaluated according to Solow and Tallgren, and the airway dimensions of the oropharynx and nasopharynx were evaluated in agreement with Sayinsu. The data were analysed with independent‐samples t‐tests and Mann–Whitney U‐test. Significance was set at P < 0·05. Sleep bruxist young adults presented more forwarded cervical column posture and narrower measures of the oropharynx, when compared with controls (P < 0·05). As in children, anterior cervical column posture was found to be associated with sleep bruxism.
Resistance to Asparagus virus 1 in the Wild Relative Asparagus amarus
Authors: Nothnagel Thomas , Budahn Holger , Krämer Ilona , Schliephake Edgar , Schreyer Lutz , Krämer Reiner 
Published: October 2013

AbstractFive asparagus cultivars, three breeding lines and the wild relative Asparagus amarus were tested for natural infection by Asparagus virus 1 (AV‐1) in experimental fields at two locations over 3 and 4 years, respectively. In the first year after re‐planting the annual crowns in the field, more than 90% of tested plants of cultivars were infected by AV‐1. In the third and fourth year, 100% of tested plants of cultivars were AV‐1 infected. In comparison, all plants of the wild relative A. amarus were completely free of AV‐1, suggesting a high level of resistance. Additionally, 1‐year‐old glasshouse‐cultivated plants of A. officinalis and A. amarus were placed in an AV‐1 provocation cabin under field conditions. Seven months later, 100% of the A. officinalis plants showed a high virus concentration in ELISA, whereas no AV‐1 was detectable in the A. amarus plants. This result was confirmed by highly sensitive AV‐1‐specific RT‐PCR. To exclude vector resistance, the feeding behaviour of green peach aphid Myzus persicae was tested over 12 h using the electrical penetration graph method. Both asparagus genotypes were accepted by the aphids as potential hosts, but the feeding time was significantly longer on A. amarus. A genetic distance analysis of the various cultivars of Asparagus officinalis and selected wild relatives of the JKI collection was carried out, resulting in a clear discrimination of cultivars and wild relatives, especially A. amarus. The potential breeding value of the putative resistance carrier is discussed.
Inhibition of c-Met promoted apoptosis, autophagy and loss of the mitochondrial transmembrane potential in oridonin-induced A549 lung cancer cells
Authors: Liu Ying , Liu Jian-Hong , Chai Kuan , Tashiro Shin-Ichi , Onodera Satoshi , Ikejima Takashi 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Objective
Herein, inhibition of hepatocyte growth factor receptor, c-Met, significantly increased cytochrome c release and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, indicating that c-Met played an anti-apoptotic role. The following experiments are to elucidate this anti-apoptotic mechanism, then the effect of c-Met on autophagy has also been discussed.

Methods
Investigated was the influence of c-Met on apoptosis, autophagy and loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (Δψm), and the relevant proteins were examined.

Key findings
First, we found that activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p53 was promoted by c-Met interference. Subsequent studies indicated that ERK was the upstream effector of p53, and this ERK-p53 pathway mediated release of cytochrome c and up-regulation of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Secondly, the inhibition of c-Met augmented oridonin-induced loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (Δψm), resulting apoptosis. Finally, the inhibition of c-Met increased oridonin-induced A549 cell autophagy accompanied by Beclin-1 activation and conversion from microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3)-I to LC3-II. Activation of ERK-p53 was also detected in autophagy process and could be augmented by inhibition of c-Met. Moreover, suppression of autophagy by 3-methyladenine (3-MA) or small interfering RNA against Beclin-1 or Atg5 decreased oridonin-induced apoptosis. Inhibition of apoptosis by pan-caspase inhibitor (z-VAD-fmk) decreased oridonin-induced autophagy as well and Loss of Δψm also occurred during autophagic process.

Conclusion
Thus, inhibiting c-Met enhanced oridonin-induced apoptosis, autophagy and loss of Δψm in A549 cells.
Subcellular localization of dinoflagellate polyketide synthases and fatty acid synthase activity
Authors: Van Dolah Frances M. , Zippay Mackenzie L. , Pezzolesi Laura , Rein Kathleen S. , Johnson Jillian G. , Morey Jeanine S. , Wang Zhihong , Pistocchi Rossella 
Published: October 2013

Dinoflagellates are prolific producers of polyketide secondary metabolites. Dinoflagellate polyketide synthases (PKSs) have sequence similarity to Type I PKSs, megasynthases that encode all catalytic domains on a single polypeptide. However, in dinoflagellate PKSs identified to date, each catalytic domain resides on a separate transcript, suggesting multiprotein complexes similar to Type II PKSs. Here, we provide evidence through coimmunoprecipitation that single‐domain ketosynthase and ketoreductase proteins interact, suggesting a predicted multiprotein complex. In Karenia brevis (C.C. Davis) Gert Hansen & Ø. Moestrup, previously observed chloroplast localization of PKSs suggested that brevetoxin biosynthesis may take place in the chloroplast. Here, we report that PKSs are present in both cytosol and chloroplast. Furthermore, brevetoxin is not present in isolated chloroplasts, raising the question of what chloroplast‐localized PKS enzymes might be doing. Antibodies to K. brevis PKSs recognize cytosolic and chloroplast proteins in Ostreopsis cf. ovata Fukuyo, and Coolia monotis Meunier, which produce different suites of polyketide toxins, suggesting that these PKSs may share common pathways. Since PKSs are closely related to fatty acid synthases (FAS), we sought to determine if fatty acid biosynthesis colocalizes with either chloroplast or cytosolic PKSs. [3H]acetate labeling showed fatty acids are synthesized in the cytosol, with little incorporation in chloroplasts, consistent with a Type I FAS system. However, although 29 sequences in a K. brevis expressed sequence tag database have similarity (BLASTx e‐value <10−10) to PKSs, no transcripts for either Type I (cytosolic) or Type II (chloroplast) FAS are present. Further characterization of the FAS complexes may help to elucidate the functions of the PKS enzymes identified in dinoflagellates.
Quantitative trait loci for growth and body size in the nine‐spined sticklebackPungitius pungitiusL.
Authors: Laine Veronika N. , Shikano Takahito , Herczeg Gábor , Vilkki Johanna , Merilä Juha 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBody size is an ecologically important trait shown to be genetically variable both within and among different animal populations as revealed by quantitative genetic studies. However, few studies have looked into underlying genetic architecture of body size variability in the wild using genetic mapping methods. With the aid of quantitative trait loci (QTL) analyses based on 226 microsatellite markers, we mapped body size and growth rate traits in the nine‐spined stickleback (Pungitius pungitius) using anF2‐intercross (n = 283 offspring) between size‐divergent populations. In total, 17QTLlocations were detected. The proportion of phenotypic variation explained by individual body size‐relatedQTLranged from 3% to 12% and those related to growth parameters and increments from 3% to 10%. Several of the detectedQTLaffected either early or late growth. These results provide a solid starting point for more in depth investigations of structure and function of genomic regions involved in determination of body size in this popular model of ecological and evolutionary research.
Angiotensin II Regulates Islet Microcirculation and Insulin Secretion in Mice
Authors: Ihoriya Chieko , Satoh Minoru , Kuwabara Atsunori , Sasaki Tamaki , Kashihara Naoki 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectiveAngiotensin II causes potent increases in systemic and local pressure through its vasoconstrictive effect. Despite the importance of angiotensin II for local blood flow regulation, whether angiotensin II regulates the pancreatic islet microcirculation remains incompletely understood. We hypothesized that angiotensin II directly regulates the pancreatic islet microcirculation and thereby regulates insulin secretion. The aims of this study were to develop a new technique to visualize pancreatic islet hemodynamic changes in vivo and to analyze changes in islet circulation induced by angiotensin II or an angiotensin type 1 receptor blocker.MethodsUsing an in vivo imaging method, we observed the pancreatic islet microcirculation. Various doses of angiotensin II or an angiotensin type 1 receptor blocker were injected intravenously, and changes in islet microcirculation were observed. Glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion from the pancreas was measured from the hepatic portal vein.ResultsWe identified islet microcirculation using a fluorescent dye. Angiotensin II significantly induced blood vessel contraction in the islets in a dose‐dependent manner. In contrast, the angiotensin type 1 receptor blocker induced vasodilation. Glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion was decreased by angiotensin II infusion.ConclusionsThese results show that angiotensin II is involved in the regulation of pancreatic islet microcirculation and insulin secretion.
ePAD: Earthquake Probability‐Based Automated Decision‐Making Framework for Earthquake Early Warning
Authors: Wu Stephen , Beck James L. , Heaton Thomas H. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe benefits and feasibility of earthquake early warning (EEW) are becoming more appreciated throughout the world. An EEW system detects an earthquake initiation based on a seismic sensor network and broadcasts a warning of the predicted location and magnitude shortly before an earthquake hits a site. The typical range of this lead time is very short, for example, from a few seconds up to a minute in California, which is a huge challenge for applications taking advantage of EEW. As a result, a robust automated decision process about whether to initiate a mitigation action is essential. Recent approaches based on cost–benefit analyses to properly treat the trade‐off between false alarms and missed alarms still face challenges in practical use, such as the exclusion of an important factor, lead time, in the real‐time decision process. In this study, we lay out an earthquake probability‐based automated decision‐making (ePAD) framework to give a general decision criterion based on basic decision theory and an existing cost–benefit analysis procedure. The concepts of decision function, decision contour, and surrogate model are utilized to achieve fast computation and to allow comparison between various decision criteria. A value of information model is developed to handle the lead time of EEW and its uncertainty to reduce the “false response rate” in the cost–benefit trade‐off. An illustrative example is presented to demonstrate how this framework allows more flexibility for users to adapt ePAD to correspond to their desired rational decision behavior.
Nuclear and nucleoid localization are independently conserved functions in bacteriophage terminal proteins
Authors: Redrejo‐Rodríguez Modesto , Muñoz‐Espín Daniel , Holguera Isabel , Mencía Mario , Salas Margarita 
Published: October 2013

SummaryBacteriophage terminal proteins (TPs) prime DNA replication and become covalently linked to the DNA 5′‐ends. In addition, they are DNA‐binding proteins that direct early organization of phage DNA replication at the bacterial nucleoid and, unexpectedly, contain nuclear localization signals (NLSs), which localize them to the nucleus when expressed in mammalian cells. In spite of the lack of sequence homology among the phage TPs, these three properties share some common features, suggesting a possible evolutionary common origin of TPs. We show here that NLSs of three different phage TPs, Φ29, PRD1 and Cp‐1, are mapped within the protein region required for nucleoid targeting in bacteria, in agreement with a previously proposed common origin of DNA‐binding domains and NLSs. Furthermore, previously reported point mutants of Φ29 TP with no nuclear localization still can target the bacterial nucleoid, and Cp‐1 TP contains two independent NLSs, only one of them required for nucleoid localization. Altogether, our results show that nucleoid and nucleus localization sequence requirements partially overlap, but they can be uncoupled, suggesting that conservation of both features could have a common origin but, at the same time, they have been independently conserved during evolution.
Analysis of Tomato spotted wilt virus NSs protein indicates the importance of the N‐terminal domain for avirulence and RNA silencing suppression
Authors: de Ronde Dryas , Pasquier Adrien , Ying Su , Butterbach Patrick , Lohuis Dick , Kormelink Richard 
Published: October 2013

SummaryRecently, Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) nonstructural protein NSs has been identified unambiguously as an avirulence (Avr) determinant for Tomato spotted wilt (Tsw)‐based resistance. The observation that NSs from two natural resistance‐breaking isolates had lost RNA silencing suppressor (RSS) activity and Avr suggested a link between the two functions. To test this, a large set of NSs mutants was generated by alanine substitutions in NSs from resistance‐inducing wild‐type strains (NSsRI), amino acid reversions in NSs from resistance‐breaking strains (NSsRB), domain deletions and swapping. Testing these mutants for their ability to suppress green fluorescent protein (GFP) silencing and to trigger a Tsw‐mediated hypersensitive response (HR) revealed that the two functions can be separated. Changes in the N‐terminal domain were found to be detrimental for both activities and indicated the importance of this domain, additionally supported by domain swapping between NSsRI and NSsRB. Swapping domains between the closely related Tospovirus Groundnut ringspot virus (GRSV) NSs and TSWV NSsRI showed that Avr functionality could not simply be transferred between species. Although deletion of the C‐terminal domain rendered NSs completely dysfunctional, only a few single‐amino‐acid mutations in the C‐terminus affected both functions. Mutation of a GW/WG motif (position 17/18) rendered NSs completely dysfunctional for RSS and Avr activity, and indicated a putative interaction between NSs and Argonaute 1 (AGO1), and its importance in TSWV virulence and viral counter defence against RNA interference.
Nurse qualifications and perceptions of patient safety and quality of care in South Africa
Authors: Blignaut Alwiena J. , Coetzee Siedine K. , Klopper Hester C. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractA plethora of research links professional nurses' qualifications to patient outcomes. Also, research has shown that reports by nurses on the quality of care correspond with process or outcome measures of quality in a hospital. New to the debate is whether professional nurses' qualifications impact on their perceptions of patient safety and quality of care. This research aims to investigate professional nurses' perceptions of patient safety and quality of care in South Africa, and the relationship between these perceptions and professional nurses' qualifications. A cross‐sectional survey of 1117 professional nurses from medical and surgical units of 55 private and 7 public hospitals was conducted. Significant problems with regard to nurse‐perceived patient safety and quality of care were identified, while adverse incidents in patients and professional nurses were underreported. Qualifications had no correlation with perceptions of patient safety and quality of care, although perceptions may serve as a valid indicator of patient outcomes. Creating an organizational culture that is committed to patient safety and encourages the sharing of adverse incidents will contribute to patient safety and quality of care in hospitals.