bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patterns and implications of extensive heterochrony in carnivoran cranial suture closure
Authors: Goswami A. , Foley L. , Weisbecker V. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractHeterochronic changes in the rate or timing of development underpin many evolutionary transformations. In particular, the onset and rate of bone development have been the focus of many studies across large clades. In contrast, the termination of bone growth, as estimated by suture closure, has been studied far less frequently, although a few recent studies have shown this to represent a variable, although poorly understood, aspect of developmental evolution. Here, we examine suture closure patterns across 25 species of carnivoran mammals, ranging from social‐insectivores to hypercarnivores, to assess variation in suture closure across taxa, identify heterochronic shifts in a phylogenetic framework and elucidate the relationship between suture closure timing and ecology. Our results show that heterochronic shifts in suture closure are widespread across Carnivora, with several shifts identified for most major clades. Carnivorans differ from patterns identified for other mammalian clades in showing high variability of palatal suture closure, no correlation between size and level of suture closure, and little phylogenetic signal outside of musteloids. Results further suggest a strong influence of feeding ecology on suture closure pattern. Most of the species with high numbers of heterochronic shifts, such as the walrus and the aardwolf, feed on invertebrates, and these taxa also showed high frequency of closure of the mandibular symphysis, a state that is relatively rare among mammals. Overall, caniforms displayed more heterochronic shifts than feliforms, suggesting that evolutionary changes in suture closure may reflect the lower diversity of cranial morphology in feliforms.
Geranylgeranyltransferase I mediates BDNF‐induced synaptogenesis
Authors: Li Zhengwei , Sun Chengdong , Zhang Tao , Mo Jianbing , Shi Qiong , Zhang Xianfeng , Yuan Maochun , Chen Long , Mao Xueqiang , Yu Rutong , Zhou Xiuping 
Published: March 2013

AbstractGeranylgeranyltransferase I (GGT) is a prenyltransferase that mediates lipid modification of Rho small GTPases, such as Rho, Rac, and Cdc42, which are important for neuronal synaptogenesis. Although GGT is expressed in brain extensively, the function of GGT in central nerves system is largely unknown so far. We have previously demonstrated that GGT promotes the basal and neuronal activity and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)‐induced dendritic morphogenesis of cultured hippocampal neurons and cerebellar slices. This study is to explore the function and mechanism of GGT in neuronal synaptogenesis. We found that the protein level and activity of GGT gradually increased in rat hippocampus from P7 to P28 and subcellular located at synapse of neurons. The linear density of Synapsin 1 and post‐synaptic density protein 95 increased by over‐expression of GGT β, while reduced by inhibition or down‐regulation of GGT. In addition, GGT and its known substrate Rac was activated by BDNF, which promotes synaptogenesis in cultured hippocampal neurons. Furthermore, BDNF‐induced synaptogenesis was eliminated by GGT inhibition or down‐regulation, as well as by non‐prenylated Rac1 over‐expression. Together, our data suggested that GGT mediates BDNF‐induced neuronal synaptogenesis through Rac1 activation.
Assessment of oral care needs of patients treated at the intensive care unit
Authors: Yildiz Melek , Durna Zehra , Akin Semiha 
Published: March 2013

Aims and objectivesTo assess the oral hygiene needs and the status of the oral mucus membranes of patients being treated in an intensive care unit and to determine the personal‐ or treatment‐related variables associated with oral hygiene and the status of the oral mucus membranes of patients.BackgroundOral hygiene has an impact on the clinical outcomes and well‐being of critically ill patients.DesignA descriptive, cross‐sectional design was used.MethodThe study was conducted in the intensive care unit of a private hospital located in Istanbul. The study sample consisted of 60 patients treated in the intensive care unit for five consecutive days. Oral assessments were conducted once per day every morning for five days. The oral assessments were performed using the Oral Assessment Tool and Oral Assessment Checklist.ResultsThe oral hygiene status and the health of the oral mucus membranes improved over the consecutive five‐day assessments, and the routine oral care provided by nurses in the intensive care unit was effective in preventing oral mucus membrane‐related complications.ConclusionsThe frequency of oral care and oral moistening should be determined according to the patient's condition and the presence of risk factors for oral complications. Oral mucus membranes should be assessed closely and systematically in all critically ill patients who are mechanically ventilated, are receiving oxygen therapy, are undergoing invasive procedures, have a history of chronic health problems or are receiving enteral or parenteral nutrition.Relevance to clinical practiceTo prevent infections or complications during intensive care treatment, it is important for nurses working in critical care units to develop and implement oral care assessments and evidence‐based oral care protocols.
Pain experiences and self‐management strategies among middle‐aged and older adults with arthritis
Authors: Gong Guilan , Li Jie , Li Xiuyun , Mao Jing 
Published: March 2013

Aims and objectivesThe purposes were (1) to explore pain experiences and the use and perceived effectiveness of pain self‐management methods among middle‐aged and older adults with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in mainland China and (2) to compare those with diagnoses of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.BackgroundPrior research has suggested that pain is a major concern for people with arthritis. However, studies systematically investigating pain experiences and self‐management status of arthritis patients are scarce in mainland China.DesignDescriptive survey.MethodsParticipants (n = 197) aged 45 and over, diagnosed with either osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, and experiencing persistent pain were administered three self‐report questionnaires: the Demographic Data Questionnaire, the Brief Pain Inventory and the Pain Management Inventory.ResultsThe mean of the overall pain intensity was 5·6 (SD = 1·3). The median of number of pain sites was 7·0 (QR = 7·0) and the overall pain interference was 6·0 (QR = 2·6). Most participants experienced moderate to severe pain and interference. The current methods used for managing pain were perceived as only moderately effective. The sample used a median of 4·0 (QR = 3·0) self‐management methods. Most often used were prescribed medicine, massage, heat and activity pacing. Methods perceived as most helpful included prescribed medicine, over‐the‐counter medicine, hot baths and heat. Persons with rheumatoid arthritis had significantly more pain sites, higher pain intensity and greater number of pain management methods used compared to those with osteoarthritis.ConclusionsPain management is a significant problem in this population. The findings highlight the importance of helping the individual to identify and appropriately use a variety of self‐management methods, selecting the appropriate method(s) at any one time.Relevance to clinical practiceHealthcare providers are urged to develop appropriate interventions on pain management tailored to arthritis patients in mainland China.
Weight, body image and bullying in 9‐year‐old children
Authors: Reulbach Udo , Ladewig Emma L , Nixon Elizabeth , O'Moore Mona , Williams James , O'Dowd Tom 
Published: March 2013

AimTo explore the association between weight and bullying; considering victims and perpetrators as two aspects of bullying, and subjective perception and objective measurement as two aspects of weight.MethodsThis study is based on the first wave of data collection from Growing Up in Ireland – the National Longitudinal Study of Children. The two‐stage sample design included a sample of 910 primary schools in Ireland, from which a sample of 8568 nine‐year‐old children and their families was randomly selected. Analysis is based on statistically reweighted data to ensure that it is representative of all 9‐year‐olds in Ireland.ResultsSignificantly (P < 0.001) more girls were overweight or obese (33.1%: 23.1% overweight and 10% obese) than boys (25.2%: 18.3% and 6.9%). Children who were body mass index (BMI) classified as overweight or obese were significantly (P < 0.001) more likely to be victimised when compared with children whose BMI was not classified as overweight or obese. BMI‐classified thinness was not significantly associated with victimisation; however, the body image of being skinny or very skinny was significantly (P = 0.015) associated with being victimised. Bullying perpetration was not associated with BMI‐derived weight classification but was significantly (P < 0.001) associated with the child's own self‐description of weight.ConclusionsOverall body image was found to have a stronger association with victimisation and bullying perpetration than objective BMI‐derived weight classification. Further research investigating the mediating role of body image in the relationship between weight, victimisation and bullying is necessary to better understand this association.
(S)-[6]-Gingerol inhibits TGF-β-stimulated biglycan synthesis but not glycosaminoglycan hyperelongation in human vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Kamato Danielle , Babaahmadi Rezaei Hossein , Getachew Robel , Thach Lyna , Guidone Daniel , Osman Narin , Roufogalis Basil , Duke Colin C , Tran Van Hoan , Zheng Wenhua , Little Peter J 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Objectives
(S)-[6]-Gingerol is under investigation for a variety of therapeutic uses. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β stimulates proteoglycan synthesis, leading to increased binding of low-density lipoproteins, which is the initiating step in atherosclerosis. We evaluated the effects of (S)-[6]-gingerol on these TGF-β-mediated proteoglycan changes to explore its potential as an anti-atherosclerotic agent.

Methods
Purified (S)-[6]-gingerol was assessed for its effects on proteoglycan synthesis by [35S]-sulfate incorporation into glycosaminoglycan chains and [35S]-Met/Cys incorporation into proteoglycans and total proteins in human vascular smooth muscle cells. Biglycan level was assessed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reactions and the effects of (S)-[6]-gingerol on TGF-β signalling by assessment of the phosphorylation of Smads and Akt by western blotting.

Key findings
(S)-[6]-Gingerol concentration-dependently inhibited TGF-β-stimulated proteoglycan core protein synthesis, and this was not secondary to inhibition of total protein synthesis. (S)-[6]-Gingerol inhibited biglycan mRNA expression. (S)-[6]-Gingerol did not inhibit TGF-β-stimulated glycosaminoglycan hyperelongation or phosphorylation of Smad 2, in either the carboxy terminal or linker region, or Akt phosphorylation.

Conclusions
The activity of (S)-[6]-gingerol to inhibit TGF-β-stimulated biglycan synthesis suggests a potential role for ginger in the prevention of atherosclerosis or other lipid-binding diseases. The signalling studies indicate a novel site of action of (S)-[6]-gingerol in inhibiting TGF-β responses.
Resistance and Barriers to Local Estrogen Therapy in Women with Atrophic Vaginitis
Authors: Kingsberg Sheryl A. , Krychman Michael L. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Vaginal atrophy results from a decrease in circulating estrogen and is experienced by approximately 50% of postmenopausal women. Its symptoms affect multiple dimensions of genitopelvic health, sexuality, and overall quality of life. Nonhormonal over-the-counter treatments may provide temporary symptom relief, but the condition is progressive, and hormonal treatment may be warranted.

Aim
The study aims to review the literature and discuss the impact of atrophic vaginitis and various treatment options, including the resistance and barriers to the use of local estrogen therapy for atrophic vaginitis. This article also aims to provide a greater awareness of the condition and the difficulties in communicating effectively with patients, and to provide strategies to help healthcare professionals acquire effective communication skills to initiate a candid dialogue with patients who may be suffering in silence and may benefit from therapy.

Methods
This review was based on peer-reviewed publications on the topic of atrophic vaginitis and local estrogen therapy identified from key word searches of PubMed, in addition to landmark studies/surveys and treatment guidelines/recommendations on menopause available in the literature and on the Internet.

Main Outcome Measures
The main outcomes are the impact of atrophic vaginitis and the various treatment options, including the resistance and barriers to the use of local estrogen therapy.

Results
Minimally absorbed local vaginal estrogen therapy enables administration of estrogen doses much lower than systemic doses used for vasomotor symptoms. Local therapy is also the first-line pharmacologic treatment recommended by the North American Menopause and International Menopause Societies. Despite treatment options, the sensitive nature of the condition and embarrassment may prohibit or limit many women from openly discussing symptoms with healthcare professionals. Many are hesitant to initiate hormonal treatment because of safety concerns.

Conclusions
Healthcare professionals should initiate and encourage frank and candid conversation about vaginal atrophy at annual visits and provide follow-up and treatment as needed.
Distribution and Factors Associated with Four Premature Ejaculation Syndromes in Outpatients Complaining of Ejaculating Prematurely
Authors: Zhang Xiansheng , Gao Jingjing , Liu Jishuang , Xia Lei , Yang Jiajia , Hao Zongyao , Zhou Jun , Liang Chaozhao 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Because available definitions of premature ejaculation (PE) were unable to encompass the various forms of PE, Waldinger et al. proposed a new classification that distinguished four PE syndromes. However, few studies have examined the prevalence rates of these four PE syndromes.

Aims
The study aims to analyze the prevalence of and factors associated with four PE syndromes in outpatients who complained of ejaculating prematurely.

Methods
Between December 2009 and December 2011, outpatients who complained of PE completed a detailed verbal questionnaire regarding their demographic data and medical and sexual history. Each patient was classified as having one of four PE subtypes: lifelong PE (LPE), acquired PE (APE), natural variable PE (NVPE), or premature-like ejaculatory dysfunction (PLED).

Main Outcome Measures
Based on the new classification scheme, PE was classified into four subtypes. The anxiety/depression status of patients was assessed by the Zung self-rating anxiety/depression scales, and erectile function was assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function-5 instrument.

Results
This study included 1,988 male outpatients who complained of PE, with mean ages and body mass index (BMI) scores of 35.52 ± 10.38 years and 25.34 ± 4.51 kg/m2, respectively. Prevalence rates of PE syndromes were 35.66% for LPE, 28.07% for APE, 12.73% for NVPE, and 23.54% for PLED. Patients with APE had the highest mean ages and BMI scores, and they more frequently reported several comorbidities, including sexual desire disorder, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic prostatitis, and erectile dysfunction. The PLED group had a lower mean frequency of sexual intercourse than other groups and higher rates of anxiety and depression.

Conclusion
The prevalence of LPE was higher than that of other PE subtypes in an outpatient setting. Several comorbidities were more common in patients with APE and PLED. In particular, a lower frequency of intercourse and higher frequencies of anxiety and depression were found in patients with PLED.
Peptidoglycan transformations during Bacillus subtilis sporulation
Authors: Tocheva Elitza I. , López‐Garrido Javier , Hughes H. Velocity , Fredlund Jennifer , Kuru Erkin , VanNieuwenhze Michael S. , Brun Yves V. , Pogliano Kit , Jensen Grant J. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryWhile vegetative Bacillus subtilis cells and mature spores are both surrounded by a thick layer of peptidoglycan (PG, a polymer of glycan strands cross‐linked by peptide bridges), it has remained unclear whether PG surrounds prespores during engulfment. To clarify this issue, we generated a slender ΔponA mutant that enabled high‐resolution electron cryotomographic imaging. Three‐dimensional reconstructions of whole cells in near‐native states revealed a thin PG‐like layer extending from the lateral cell wall around the prespore throughout engulfment. Cryotomography of purified sacculi and fluorescent labelling of PG in live cells confirmed that PG surrounds the prespore. The presence of PG throughout engulfment suggests new roles for PG in sporulation, including a new model for how PG synthesis might drive engulfment, and obviates the need to synthesize a PG layer de novo during cortex formation. In addition, it reveals that B. subtilis can synthesize thin, Gram‐negative‐like PG layers as well as its thick, archetypal Gram‐positive cell wall. The continuous transformations from thick to thin and back to thick during sporulation suggest that both forms of PG have the same basic architecture (circumferential). Endopeptidase activity may be the main switch that governs whether a thin or a thick PG layer is assembled.
Gene expression profiles during embryo development in Brassica napus
Authors: Venglat Prakash , Xiang Daoquan , Yang Hui , Wan Lianglu , Tibiche Chabane , Ross Andrew , Wang Edwin , Selvaraj Gopalan , Datla Raju 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe seed in angiosperms is produced through coordinated development of the embryo, endosperm and seed coat. In dicots, most of the seed mass is taken up by the embryo with nutritional reserves stored in the cotyledons. During embryogenesis, well‐coordinated developmental and genetic programmes establish the embryonic body plan, and the associated complex metabolic pathways result in the production of diverse nutrients and deposition of important seed storage reserves. To gain insights into the genetic programmes that operate during embryo development in Brassica napus L. (canola), an important oilseed crop, we performed gene and protein expression analyses. We used the key stages from single‐cell zygote to mature embryo to generate comprehensive EST and proteome data sets. Analysis of these data sets identified 20 183 genes and 2607 proteins that are differentially expressed across different stages of embryo development. B. napus genes share high degree of homology with Arabidopsis and display stage‐specific and shared expression patterns associated with developmental and metabolic pathways. Together, this study has generated useful new molecular and genomic resources for embryo development in B. napus.
Functions in Jurisprudential Methodology
Authors: Ehrenberg Kenneth 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThis paper guides the reader through the use of functions in contemporary legal philosophy: in developing those philosophies and through methodological debates over their proper role. This paper is broken into two sections. In the first I canvass the role of functions in the legal philosophies of several mid to late twentieth century Anglo‐American general jurisprudents whose theories are still common topics of discussion: Ronald Dworkin, H.L.A. Hart, Lon L. Fuller, John Finnis, and Joseph Raz. In the second, I examine contemporary arguments over the role of functions in the methodology of legal philosophy.
Jurisprudential Theories and First‐Order Legal Judgments
Authors: Toh Kevin 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe nature of the relation between jurisprudential theories and first‐order legal judgments is a strangely uncontroversial matter in contemporary legal philosophy. There is one dominant conception of the relation according to which jurisprudential theories are second‐order or meta‐legal theories that specify the ultimate grounds of first‐order legal judgments. According to this conception, difficult first‐order legal disputes are to be resolved by jurisprudential theorizing. According to an alternative conception that Ronald Dworkin has influentially advocated, jurisprudential theories are not second‐order theories about the nature of law, but instead covert first‐order legal theories. These two conceptions of the relation between jurisprudential theories and first‐order legal judgments dominate the contemporary legal philosophical scene and crowd out other possible conceptions. This article scrutinizes the two conceptions, and in the process raises the possibility of a different and arguably more credible conception. According to this new conception, our first‐order legal views and a jurisprudential theory that we accept are supposed to form a mutually disciplining and supporting set of views that we accept in our pursuit of the epistemic ideal of wide reflective equilibrium. The two sets of views are supposed to constrain and discipline each other; but neither is meant to underwrite, certify, or ultimately determine the contents of the other. This new conception, which allows the relation between jurisprudential theories and first‐order legal judgments to be much looser, untidier, and more complex than what the two dominant conceptions imply, should facilitate progress in legal philosophy and in first‐order legal thinking.
Geochemical and Microbiological Analysis of Sambe Hot Springs, Shimane Prefecture, Japan
Authors: Sasaki Keiko , Uejima Yoshitaka , Sakamoto Atsushi , Yu Qianqian , Ishibashi Junichiro , Okibe Naoko , Hirajima Tsuyoshi 
Published: March 2013

AbstractMicrobiological contribution to the formation of the manganese deposits in Sambe hot springs, Shimane, was investigated in combination with water chemistry, characterization of sediments and microbial community structure. Analysis of bacterial and fungal community structure based on DNA extracted from a Mn‐oxidizing enrichment culture indicated close matches with Pseudomonas putida, Phoma sp. and Plectosphaerella cucumerina, all Mn‐oxidizing microorganisms. These sediments were poorly crystalline and formed at neutral pH values, which is characteristic of biogenic precipitates. The EPMA results demonstrated a positive correlation between Mn and Ba contents in well‐crystalline Mn oxide grains. Substantial Ba contents were observed inside Mn oxide grains. These findings indicated that Ba contents in sediments are influenced by not only aqueous Ba2+ concentrations but also crystallinity of biogenic birnessite. Barium would be incorporated in birnessite during biomineralization.
Zircon U–Pb Dating and Geochemistry of the Linong Granitoid and Its Relationship to Cu Mineralization in the Yangla Copper Deposit, Yunnan, China
Authors: Yang Xi‐An , Liu Jia‐Jun , Li Da‐Peng , Zhai De‐Gao , Yang Long‐Bo , Han Si‐Yu , Wang Huan 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe Yangla copper deposit (Cu reserves: 1.2 Mt) in the Jinshajiang–Lancangjiang–Nujiang region in China is spatially associated with the Linong granitoid. Zircon U–Pb dating shows the granitoid formed at 234.1 ± 1.2 to 235.6 ± 1.2 Ma, and the KT2 ore body of the deposit yields a molybdenite Re–Os model age of 230.9 ± 3.2 Ma. The ages of mineralization and crystallization of the granitoid are identical within the measurement uncertainties, suggesting the Yangla deposit is genitically related to the Indosinian Linong granitoid.