bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evolution of Homospermidine Synthase in the Convolvulaceae: A Story of Gene Duplication, Gene Loss, and Periods of Various Selection Pressures
Authors: Kaltenegger Elisabeth , Eich Eckart , Ober Dietrich 
Published: April 2013

AbstractHomospermidine synthase (HSS), the first pathway-specific enzyme of pyrrolizidine alkaloid biosynthesis, is known to have its origin in the duplication of a gene encoding deoxyhypusine synthase. To study the processes that followed this gene duplication event and gave rise to HSS, we identified sequences encoding HSS and deoxyhypusine synthase from various species of the Convolvulaceae. We show that HSS evolved only once in this lineage. This duplication event was followed by several losses of a functional gene copy attributable to gene loss or pseudogenization. Statistical analyses of sequence data suggest that, in those lineages in which the gene copy was successfully recruited as HSS, the gene duplication event was followed by phases of various selection pressures, including purifying selection, relaxed functional constraints, and possibly positive Darwinian selection. Site-specific mutagenesis experiments have confirmed that the substitution of sites predicted to be under positive Darwinian selection is sufficient to convert a deoxyhypusine synthase into a HSS. In addition, analyses of transcript levels have shown that HSS and deoxyhypusine synthase have also diverged with respect to their regulation. The impact of protein–protein interaction on the evolution of HSS is discussed with respect to current models of enzyme evolution.
The development and evaluation of a questionnaire to assess the impact of vulval intraepithelial neoplasia: a questionnaire study
Authors: Lockhart J , Gray NM , Cruickshank ME 
Published: April 2013

ObjectiveTo develop and evaluate a questionnaire to assess the burden of vulval intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) in women.DesignA questionnaire development study.SettingVulval Disorders Clinic serving a regional population.SampleFifty‐eight women with a histological diagnosis of VIN registered with the Vulval Disorders Clinic.MethodsA 37‐item questionnaire was developed through a comprehensive literature review, consultation with specialist clinicians and pretesting to assess the burden experienced by women. The questionnaire was assessed for validity and reliability against existing questionnaires used in related disease areas.Main outcome measuresSpearman correlations were calculated between items in the VIN questionnaire with the scores of the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Sabbatsberg Sexual Self‐Rating Scale (SSRS) and the Process Outcome Specific Measure (POSM) to assess the new questionnaire's validity. Internal consistency was measured using Cronbach's alpha. Test–retest reliability was calculated using quadratic weighted kappa.ResultsThe VIN questionnaire had a high degree of internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha, 0.89). Test–retest reliability was assessed, with most questions showing a quadratic weighted kappa value of 0.5 or above. Most questions showed a stronger correlation with the corrected total VIN score than with HADS anxiety and depression subscales and the SSRS, indicating discriminant validity. Most questions correlated significantly with the DLQI and POSM scores, indicating convergent validity.ConclusionsInitial assessment of the VIN questionnaire demonstrated that it is a valid and reliable measure of the burden of disease for women. The questionnaire could be used to compare new and existing treatments for VIN or to assess or monitor the impact of care.
Anorectal malformations and pregnancy‐related disorders: a registry‐based case–control study in 17 European regions
Authors: Wijers CHW , van Rooij IALM , Bakker MK , Marcelis CLM , Addor MC , Barisic I , Béres J , Bianca S , Bianchi F , Calzolari E , Greenlees R , Lelong N , Latos‐Bielenska A , Dias CM , McDonnell R , Mullaney C , Nelen V , O'Mahony M , Queisser‐Luft A , Rankin J , Zymak‐Zakutnia N , de Blaauw I , Roeleveld N , de Walle HEK 
Published: April 2013

ObjectiveTo identify pregnancy‐related risk factors for different manifestations of congenital anorectal malformations (ARMs).DesignA population‐based case–control study.SettingSeventeen EUROCAT (European Surveillance of Congenital Anomalies) registries, 1980–2008.PopulationThe study population consisted of 1417 cases with ARM, including 648 cases of isolated ARM, 601 cases of ARM with additional congenital anomalies, and 168 cases of ARM‐VACTERL (vertebral, anal, cardiac, tracheo‐esophageal, renal, and limb defects), along with 13 371 controls with recognised syndromes or chromosomal abnormalities.MethodsMultiple logistic regression analyses were used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for potential risk factors for ARM, such as fertility treatment, multiple pregnancy, primiparity, maternal illnesses during pregnancy, and pregnancy‐related complications.Main outcome measuresAdjusted ORs for pregnancy‐related risk factors for ARM.ResultsThe ARM cases were more likely to be firstborn than the controls (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.4–1.8). Fertility treatment and being one of twins or triplets seemed to increase the risk of ARM in cases with additional congenital anomalies or VACTERL (ORs ranging from 1.6 to 2.5). Maternal fever during pregnancy and pre‐eclampsia were only associated with ARM when additional congenital anomalies were present (OR 3.9, 95% CI 1.3–11.6; OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.6–7.1, respectively), whereas maternal epilepsy during pregnancy resulted in a five‐fold elevated risk of all manifestations of ARM (OR 5.1, 95% CI 1.7–15.6).ConclusionsThis large European study identified maternal epilepsy, fertility treatment, multiple pregnancy, primiparity, pre‐eclampsia, and maternal fever during pregnancy as potential risk factors primarily for complex manifestations of ARM with additional congenital anomalies and VACTERL.
Unsafe abortion after legalisation in Nepal: a cross‐sectional study of women presenting to hospitals
Authors: Rocca CH , Puri M , Dulal B , Bajracharya L , Harper CC , Blum M , Henderson JT 
Published: April 2013

ObjectiveTo investigate abortion practices of Nepali women requiring postabortion care.DesignCross‐sectional study.SettingFour tertiary‐care hospitals in urban and rural Nepal.SampleA total of 527 women presenting with complications from induced abortion in 2010.MethodsWomen completed questionnaires on their awareness of the legal status of abortion and their abortion‐seeking experiences. The method of induction and whether the abortion was obtained from an uncertified source was documented. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify associated factors.Main outcome measuresInduction method; uncertified abortion source.ResultsIn all, 234 (44%) women were aware that abortion was legal in Nepal. Medically induced abortion was used by 359 (68%) women and, of these, 343 (89%) took unsafe, ineffective or unknown substances. Compared with women undergoing surgical abortion, women who had medical abortion were more likely to have obtained information from pharmacists (161/359, 45% versus 11/168, 7%, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 8.1, 95% confidence interval 4.1–16.0) and to have informed no one about the abortion (28/359, 8% versus 3/168, 2%, aOR 5.5, 95% CI 1.1–26.9). Overall, 291 (81%) medical abortions and 50 (30%) surgical abortions were obtained from uncertified sources; these women were less likely to know that abortion was legal (122/341, 36% versus 112/186, 60%, aOR 0.4, 95% CI 0.2–0.7) and more likely to choose a method because it was available nearby (209/341, 61% versus 62/186, 33%, aOR 2.5, 95% CI 1.5–4.3), compared with women accessing certified sources.ConclusionsAmong women presenting to hospitals in Nepal with complications following induced abortion of pregnancy, the majority had undergone medically induced abortions using unknown substances acquired from uncertified sources. Women using medications and those accessing uncertified providers were less aware that abortion is now legal in Nepal. These findings highlight the need for continued improvements in the provision and awareness of abortion services in Nepal.
Financial Analysts and the False Consensus Effect
Authors: WILLIAMS JARED 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTSocial psychologists have documented a tendency for people to overestimate their similarity to others. I investigate whether financial analysts' forecast errors are consistent with this bias. I model the bias by assuming analysts overestimate the correlation of the private signals they receive about a firm's future earnings. My model predicts a positive relationship between (i) the likelihood of an analyst's revised forecast being too close to his earlier forecast and (ii) the number of analysts issuing forecasts during the time interval between his two forecasts. I empirically confirm this prediction and consider several alternative explanations.
Barriers and guidelines for public policies on climate change adaptation: A missed opportunity of scientific knowledge‐brokerage
Authors: Clar Christoph , Prutsch Andrea , Steurer Reinhard 
Published: April 2013

AbstractProgress in formulating and implementing effective adaptation policies is often hampered by a wide variety of barriers that are well documented in the literature. Among the barriers are lack of awareness, certainty, resources and political commitment. Since these and other barriers can be overcome (e.g., by raising awareness, closing knowledge gaps, and increasing resources), numerous decision‐support frameworks (mainly written guidelines) have been developed for this purpose. The present paper takes stock of both the barriers in adaptation policymaking, as documented in the literature, and the guidelines that aim to facilitate public policies on climate change adaptation. It then compares to what degree selected adaptation guidelines serve as knowledge‐brokerage tools that provide guidance on how to overcome the barriers addressed in the scientific literature. The comparison shows that adaptation guidelines address barriers of adaptation policymaking neither comprehensively nor systematically. Since most adaptation guidelines focus on (subjective) experiences with good practices than on empirical research findings, we conclude that they represent a missed opportunity of scientific knowledge‐brokerage in climate change adaptation.
Incidental catch of seabirds: strengthening observer programs and increasing cooperation
Authors: Huang H.‐W. , Yeh Y.‐M. 
Published: April 2013

Read the Feature Paper: Estimates of seabird incidental catch by pelagic longline fisheries in the South Atlantic OceanCommentaries on this Feature Paper: Finding the missing pieces: working to solve the fisheries bycatch puzzle; Next step for reducing seabird bycatch; Requisite improvements to the estimation of seabird by‐catch in pelagic longline fisheries
Effects of naltrexone plus topiramate on ethanol self‐administration and tyrosine hydroxylase gene expression changes
Authors: Navarrete Francisco , Rubio Gabriel , Manzanares Jorge 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of naltrexone (0.7 mg/kg) and/or topiramate (25 mg/kg) on ethanol consumption and the motivation to drink in an oral‐operant conditioning paradigm in C57BL/6 mice. Subsequent real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) experiments were performed to analyze gene expression changes in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). The administration of naltrexone significantly reduced ethanol consumption and the motivation to drink during the different stages of the experiment, whereas the treatment with topiramate resulted in a much lower effect. Interestingly, the administration of naltrexone plus topiramate reduced ethanol consumption markedly compared with single‐drug treatment. The water self‐administration paradigm was also performed using the same drugs and no differences were found between treatment groups. Real‐time PCR analyses revealed that naltrexone significantly normalized the increase of TH gene expression in the VTA induced by ethanol, whereas the administration of topiramate did not produce any significant effect. In the ethanol self‐administration procedure, the combination of both drugs further reduced TH gene expression, reaching statistical significance compared with the vehicle, naltrexone or topiramate groups. Taken together, these findings indicate that the administration of naltrexone plus topiramate further reduced ethanol consumption and the motivation to drink in comparison with single‐drug treatment. This action may be due, at least in part, to a greater decrease in TH gene expression in the VTA. These results suggest that the combination of both drugs deserves further exploration for the treatment of problems related to alcohol consumption.
Malignant change in seborrhoeic keratoses in a region with high solar ultraviolet levels
Authors: Gaffney Daniel C , Muir James B , De'Ambrosis Brian 
Published: April 2013

AbstractRegions with high solar UV levels and high skin cancer rates may experience a greater incidence of malignancy in association with seborrhoeic keratoses (SebK) than in low UV regions. Previous reports have indicated that basal cell carcinoma is the most common neoplasm with reported rates of up to 4 per cent of excised SebK. The rates of such compound lesions occurring in our practice were reviewed, indicating that Bowen's disease was the most frequently observed neoplasm with a rate of 7 per cent. In total, 10 per cent of all excised specimens showed either frank malignancy or some degree of atypia.
Veno‐venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support during anaesthesia for oesophagectomy
Authors: Schiff J. H. , Köninger J. , Teschner J. , Henn‐Beilharz A. , Rost M. , Dubb R. , Danassis M. , Walther A. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryThe use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in adults has increased in popularity and importance for the support of patients with cardiac or pulmonary failure. Although it is now quite commonly used in the intensive care unit, its use has rarely been described as a means of support during anaesthesia and surgery. We report the case of a patient who required curative resection of the oesophagus following previous left pneumonectomy where veno‐venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was required both during surgery and for the first three days postoperatively. We describe the anaesthetic management of this patient who only had a single lung, review other alternatives and discuss why extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was particularly suited to this case. To the best of our knowledge, the anaesthetic literature to date does not contain a case report of this type.
Usability testing of a multimedia e‐learning resource for electrolyte and acid‐base disorders
Authors: Davids Mogamat Razeen , Chikte Usuf , Grimmer‐Somers Karen , Halperin Mitchell L 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe usability of computer interfaces may have a major influence on learning. Design approaches that optimize usability are commonplace in the software development industry but are seldom used in the development of e‐learning resources, especially in medical education. We conducted a usability evaluation of a multimedia resource for teaching electrolyte and acid‐base disorders by studying the interaction of 15 medical doctors with the application. Most of the usability problems occurred in an interactive treatment simulation, which was completed successfully by only 20% of participants. A total of 27 distinct usability problems were detected, with 15 categorized as serious. No differences were observed with respect to usability problems detected by junior doctors as compared with more experienced colleagues. Problems were related to user information and feedback, the visual layout, match with the real world, error prevention and management, and consistency and standards. The resource was therefore unusable for many participants; this is in contrast to good scores previously reported for subjective user satisfaction. The findings suggest that the development of e‐learning materials should follow an iterative design‐and‐test process that includes routine usability evaluation. User testing should include the study of objective measures and not rely only on self‐reported measures of satisfaction.
Bladder carcinoma in situ (CIS) in Australia: a rising incidence for an under‐reported malignancy
Authors: Ranasinghe Weranja K.B. , Attia John , Oldmeadow Christopher , Lawrentschuk Nathan , Robertson Jane , Ranasinghe Tamra , Bolton Damien , Persad Raj 
Published: April 2013

Objectives
To investigate the incidence of carcinoma in situ (CIS) in Australia and examine implications for its diagnosis and management, as CIS of the urinary bladder is a non‐reportable disease in Australia.
Methods
Analysis of annual hospitalisation data using Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) datasets showed an increase in CIS from 2001 onwards.
To determine whether the increase seen with AIHW data represented a true increase in the rates offices, patient level data was examined using the Centre for Health record linkage (CHeReL) datasets.
Results
CHeReL linked data of 13 790 males and 5902 females, calculated the average incidence of CIS to be 20.9 per 100 000 and 6.5 per 100 000 respectively in those aged > 50 years, showing a rapid increase in the rates of CIS from 2001.
There was an 11% (P = 0.04) and 14% (P = 0.02) annual increase in incidence of CIS in men and women and these rates increased with age.
Conclusions
National data (AIHW) substantially underestimate the incidence of CIS in the Australian population.
Patient level data suggest CIS rates are rapidly increasing in Australia despite high treatment rates.
Closer surveillance and awareness of these high rates warrants further study and we recommend that CIS be considered a reportable disease.
Gene–Environment Correlation Underlying the Association Between Parental Negativity and Adolescent Externalizing Problems
Authors: Marceau Kristine , Horwitz Briana N. , Narusyte Jurgita , Ganiban Jody M. , Spotts Erica L. , Reiss David , Neiderhiser Jenae M. 
Published: April 2013

Studies of adolescent or parent‐based twins suggest that gene–environment correlation (rGE) is an important mechanism underlying parent–adolescent relationships. However, information on how parents' and children's genes and environments influence correlated parent and child behaviors is needed to distinguish types of rGE. The present study used the novel Extended Children of Twins model to distinguish types of rGE underlying associations between negative parenting and adolescent (age 11–22 years) externalizing problems with a Swedish sample of 909 twin parents and their adolescent offspring and a U.S.‐based sample of 405 adolescent siblings and their parents. Results suggest that evocative rGE, not passive rGE or direct environmental effects of parenting on adolescent externalizing, explains associations between maternal and paternal negativity and adolescent externalizing problems.
Intensive glycemic control after heart transplantation is safe and effective for diabetic and non‐diabetic patients
Authors: Garcia Cristina , Wallia Amisha , Gupta Suruchi , Schmidt Kathleen , Malekar‐Raikar Shilpa , Johnson Oakes Diana , Aleppo Grazia , Grady Kathleen , McGee Edwin , Cotts William , Andrei Adin‐Cristian , Molitch Mark E. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractSome studies have shown increased mortality, infection, and rejection rates among diabetic (DM) compared to non‐diabetic (non‐DM) patients undergoing heart transplant (HT). This is a retrospective chart review of adult patients (DM, n = 26; non‐DM, n = 66) undergoing HT between June 1, 2005, and July 31, 2009. Glycemic control used intravenous (IV) and subcutaneous (SQ) insulin protocols with a glucose target of 80–110 mg/dL. There were no significant differences between DM and non‐DM patients in mean glucose levels on the IV and SQ insulin protocols. Severe hypoglycemia (glucose <40 mg/dL) did not occur on the IV protocol and was experienced by only 3 non‐DM patients on the SQ protocol. Moderate hypoglycemia (glucose >40 and <60 mg/dL) occurred in 17 (19%) patients on the IV protocol and 24 (27%) on the SQ protocol. There were no significant differences between DM and non‐DM patients within 30 d of surgery in all‐cause mortality, treated HT rejection episodes, reoperation, prolonged ventilation, 30‐d readmissions, ICU readmission, number of ICU hours, hospitalization days after HT, or infections. This study demonstrates that DM and non‐DM patients can achieve excellent glycemic control post‐HT with IV and SQ insulin protocols with similar surgical outcomes and low hypoglycemia rates.
Treatment of tinea capitis – griseofulvin versus fluconazole – a comparative study
Authors: Shemer Avner , Plotnik Ira Bernstein , Davidovici Batya , Grunwald Marcelo H. , Magun Ronen , Amichai Boaz 
Published: April 2013

SummaryObjectiveTo compare the efficacy and safety of fluconazole and griseofulvin in the treatment of tinea capitis.Patients and MethodsPatients with tinea capitis (n = 113) with positive fungal cultures entered the study. The patients were divided into four groups with different treatment regimes. Two groups received griseofulvin 15 or 25 mg/kg/day and two groups received fluconazole 4 or 6 mg/kg/day, all for up to 12 weeks.ResultsGriseofulvin was found to be slightly better than fluconazole. The lower doses for both griseofulvin and fluconazole required significantly longer treatment duration until mycological cure than the higher doses, independent of the fungus type.ConclusionsSince no significant difference was found between the drugs, it is suggested that the choice should be based on tolerability, availability and cost of the drugs.
Effects of pioglitazone versus glimepiride exposure on hepatocellular fat content in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Phielix E. , Brehm A. , Bernroider E. , Krssak M. , Anderwald C.‐H. , Krebs M. , Schmid A. I. , Nowotny P. , Roden M. 
Published: April 2013

AimsThiazoledinediones decrease blood glucose by their insulin‐sensitizing properties. Here, we examined whether pioglitazone plus nateglinide (PIO) interferes with hepatocellular lipid (HCL) content and/or improves insulin sensitivity in well‐controlled non‐obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).MethodsSixteen patients [body mass index (BMI): 28 ± 1 kg/m2; HbA1c: 7.1 ± 0.6%] were studied in a randomized, double‐blind, 12‐week parallel group trial, whereas matched healthy humans [non‐diabetic control subjects (CON), BMI: 26 ± 1 kg/m2] were studied once. Treatment with pioglitazone (30 mg/day) plus nateglinide (PIO arm) to control for glimepiride‐induced insulin secretion was compared to treatment with glimepiride (2 mg/day) plus placebo (GLI arm). Multinuclei magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was combined with pancreatic normoglycaemic‐two‐step‐insulin clamps and stable isotopes to assess glucose turnover, glucose transport/phosphorylation, HCL and intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) contents, non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and adipokines.ResultsAt baseline, HCL was approximately 5.6‐fold higher in T2DM (p < 0.05 vs. CON). This was paralleled by approximately doubled leptin : adiponectin ratios (p < 0.05). HCL decreased by approximately 39% (p < 0.05) after PIO and only tended to decrease after GLI (p = 0.12). Treatment with PIO did not affect leptin : adiponectin ratios, but slightly improved (p < 0.05) insulin‐mediated NEFA suppression, which related to lower HCL. PIO further prevented the insulin‐induced increase in IMCL content of soleus and tibialis anterior muscles. Peripheral and hepatic insulin sensitivity, glucose transport and glycaemic control did not change in both groups.ConclusionShort‐term, low‐dose thiazolidendione treatment improves insulin sensitivity of lipolysis and HCL, without affecting muscle and liver insulin sensitivity. It appears that metabolic PIO action in T2DM is primarily mediated via a decline in HCL associated with greater sensitivity of lipolysis to insulin.