bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
No evidence for a trade‐off between sperm length and male premating weaponry
Authors: Lüpold S. , Simmons L. W. , Tomkins J. L. , Fitzpatrick J. L. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractMale ornaments and armaments that mediate success in mate acquisition and ejaculate traits influencing competitive fertilization success are under intense sexual selection. However, relative investment in these pre‐ and post‐copulatory traits depends on the relative importance of either selection episode and on the energetic costs and fitness gains of investing in these traits. Theoretical and empirical work has improved our understanding of how precopulatory sexual traits and investments in sperm production covary in this context. It has recently also been suggested that male weapon size may trade off with sperm length as another post‐copulatory sexual trait, but the theoretical framework for this suggestion remains unclear. We evaluated the relationship between precopulatory armaments and sperm length, previously reported in ungulates, in five taxa as well as meta‐analytically. Within and between taxa, we found no evidence for a negative or positive relationship between sperm length and male traits that are important in male–male contest competition. It is important to consider pre‐ and post‐copulatory sexual selection together to understand fitness, and to study investments in different reproductive traits jointly rather than separately. A trade‐off between pre‐ and post‐copulatory sexual traits may not manifest itself in sperm length but rather in sperm number or function. Particularly in large‐bodied taxa such as ungulates, sperm number is more variable interspecifically and likely to be under more intense selection than sperm length. We discuss our and the previous results in this context.
Impact of the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) checklist on reporting of randomized clinical trials in traditional Chinese medicine
Authors: Liu Xue‐ting , Zhang Xin , Wen Shu , Peng Le , Hong Qi , Kang Deying 
Published: September 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the reporting characteristics and key methodological factors of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the field of traditional Chinese medicine and assess whether use of the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement is associated with improvement in the quality of reports of RCTs.MethodRCTs published in two major traditional Chinese medicine journals were retrieved and were systematically reviewed. Of those journals, one adopted the CONSORT statement (Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine (JCIM)) and one did not (Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine (CJIM)). Items within the CONSORT 2001 and the CONSORT 2010 statements were taken to develop a 63‐item coding manual. The Jadad scale was also used to assess methodological quality of RCTs. Two observers assessed the reporting of reports and extracted data independently. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. SPSS was used for all analyses.ResultsA total of 76 RCTs were included for the analysis (38 from JCIM and 38 from CJIM). Significant improvements both in the overall quality of reporting (CONSORT score) and reporting of methodological items (Jadad scale) over time were observed in adopter journal (JCIM) (P = 0.001). Overall CONSORT score of studies published during 2010 to 2011 (post‐CONSORT) increased 15.30 averagely with 95%CI 8.34 to 22.26 (P = 0.001). Of those, items addressed on reporting of methodological quality were different significantly too. JCIM had more 1.30 items addressed than CJIM in average (95% CI 0.52 to 2.08, P = 0.003). In the multivariate analysis regression, the page length and CONSORT‐promoting status have statistically significant associated with the (P = 0.001 and P = 0.040, respectively).ConclusionAlthough a large room needs to improve the reporting of randomized clinical trials in traditional Chinese medicine, the impact for improvement of reporting of TCM RCTs has been proven in some extent.
Ultrasonic‐Assisted Solvent Extraction of Carotenoids From Rapeseed Meal: Optimization Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Yan Fengwei , Fan Kai , He Jie , Gao Mengxiang 
Published: September 2015

AbstractUltrasound‐assisted solvent extraction of carotenoids from rapeseed meal was investigated and evaluated by response surface methodology. We have compared the yields of carotenoids by using five different solvent systems, and found that the highest yield can be achieved under petroleum ether/acetone (v/v = 1/1). We have further tested the effect of ultrasonic power, modulation frequency, duration, temperature, liquid to material ratio and extraction times on the yield of carotenoids by adopting Plackett–Burman and Box–Behnken experimental design methods. Optimal conditions for obtaining high yield of carotenoids were as follows: temperature 49.6C, liquid to material ratio 41.4 mL/g, duration 48.5 min, ultrasonic power 252.9 W (240 W was used in the control experiments). Under the above conditions, average carotenoid yield was 0.1577 ± 0.0014 mg/g, and the extraction percentage was 79.61 ± 0.71%. The results indicated that rapeseed meal was a promising alternative source for carotenoid extraction.Practical ApplicationsCarotenoids are one of the most common natural food colorants and exist widely in plants, bacteria, fungi and animals. Ultrasound has been utilized to assist the solvent extraction of bioactive compounds from vegetal materials, and led to high yield of desired products. In the present study, we have investigated ultrasound‐assisted extraction of carotenoids from rapeseed meal using the response surface methodology. In order to obtain the highest yield of carotenoids, we have examined various operational parameters, such as extraction temperature, liquid to material ratio, solvent composition, extraction time and modulation frequency, and have established optimal conditions to extract carotenoids from rapeseed meal. Our results provide basic knowledge on the extraction of carotenoids from rapeseed meal, which serves as a promising bioresource.
Oral manifestations in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Almeida Fabiana Tolentino , Pachêco‐Pereira Camila , Porporatti André Luís , Flores‐Mir Carlos , Leite André Ferreira , De Luca Canto Graziela , Guerra Eliete Neves Silva 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackground and AimThe oral manifestations of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) have been reported in the recent literature. Therefore, there has been growing interest in the characterization of the dento–osseous anomalies because they may precede colorectal cancer and may be used as a diagnostic marker. This systematic review and meta‐analysis was performed to evaluate the published evidence for what are the oral manifestations of FAP and their frequency in affected individuals.MethodsThe search was performed at Cochrane Library, EMBASE, LILACS, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for articles published up to March 2015. A grey literature search was conducted through Google Scholar. Reference lists of the included articles and additional studies identified by expert were screened for potential relevant studies. The methodology of selected studies was evaluated using the risk of bias checklist of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.ResultsTwenty observational studies totalizing 1635 individuals affected by FAP met the inclusion criteria. Osseous, dental, and oral mucosa alterations were observed in FAP patients. The meta‐analysis showed the frequency of osseous jaw lesions, and the dental anomalies were 65.35% and 30.48%, respectively, and two studies suggested that oral mucosa vascular density is a phenotypic manifestation in patients with FAP. Most of the studies were evaluated as moderate risk of bias.ConclusionThe most frequent oral manifestation on FAP patients is osseous jaw alterations. In the future, well‐designed studies are necessary to classify osseous and dental anomalies in order to demonstrate the true prevalence of each alteration separately.
Impact of cerebrospinal fluid matrix on the detection of Alzheimer's disease with Aβ42 and influence of disease on the total‐Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio
Authors: Slemmon J. Randall , Shapiro Alice , Mercken Marc , Streffer Johannes , Romano Gary , Andreasen Niels , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe 42‐amino acid fragment of amyloid β (Aβ1‐42) in cerebrospinal fluid has continued to be important for detecting cerebral β‐amyloidosis in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, there are impediments to our ability to fully understand this measurement, including matrix interference and changes linked to apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 genotype. This study investigated matrix interference as a contributing factor for detecting AD in APOE ε4‐negative patients by comparing total extractable Aβ1‐42 to free Aβ1‐42. It also examined the ratio of total Aβ1‐42 to Aβ1‐40, since changes relative to other Aβ peptides may provide a measurement of cerebral β‐amyloidosis that is neutral to changes in APP metabolism. Total Aβ1‐42 lost the diagnostic power for detecting AD, confirming a role for matrix in the diagnostic. However, when total Aβ1‐42/Aβ1‐40 was examined, the separation between groups was reestablished. This result was confirmed in a second sample set of unknown APOE status. These results confirmed that matrix interference in some cerebrospinal fluid samples appears to contribute to identifying AD patients and this can be compensated by using a total extracted Aβ1‐42/Aβ1‐40 ratio when matrix interference is small. It may be preferable to employ a total Aβ1‐42/Aβ1‐40 measurement, since this could minimize variability because of matrix and compensate for across patient differences.
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Aβ1‐42 measurement in CSF has provided an important tool for early detection of AD. However, it appears that most assays measure a free fraction of Aβ1‐42. This study examined total extracted Aβ1‐42, since this would provide a more accurate assessment of Aβ1‐42 in AD CSF. Total Aβ1‐42 measurements alone were not good for detecting AD but total Aβ1‐42/Aβ1‐40 performed well.
Translation and validation of the Greek version of the hypertension knowledge‐level scale
Authors: Chatziefstratiou Anastasia A , Giakoumidakis Konstantinos , Fotos Nikolaos V , Baltopoulos George , Brokalaki‐Pananoudaki Hero 
Published: September 2015

Aims and objectivesTo translate and validate a Greek version of the Hypertension Knowledge‐Level Scale.BackgroundThe major barrier in the management of hypertension is the lack of adherence to medications and lifestyle adjustments. Patients' knowledge of the nature of hypertension and cardiovascular risk factors is a significant factor affecting individuals' adherence. However, few instruments have been developed to assess patients' knowledge level and no one has been translated into Greek.DesignThis study used a case control study design.MethodsData collection for this research occurred between February 7, 2013 and March 10, 2013. The sample included both hypertensives and non‐hypertensives. Participants simultaneously completed the version of the Hypertension Knowledge‐Level Scale. A total of 68 individuals completed the questionnaire.ResultsCoefficient alpha was 0·66 for hypertensives and 0·79 for non‐hypertensives. Τhe difference for the mean scores in the entire scale between the two samples was statistically significant. In addition, significant differences were observed in many sub‐dimensions and no correlation was found between level, knowledge and age, gender and education level.ConclusionsFindings provide support for the validity of the Greek version of the Hypertension Knowledge‐Level Scale.Relevance to clinical practiceThe translation and validation of an instrument evaluating the level of knowledge of hypertension contribute to assessing the provided educational intervention. Low knowledge level should lead to the development of new methods of education, therefore nurses will have the opportunity to amplify their role in patients' education and develop relationships based on honesty and respect.
Effects of handholding and providing information on anxiety in patients undergoing percutaneous vertebroplasty
Authors: Kim Bong‐Hee , Kang Hee‐Young , Choi Eun‐Young 
Published: September 2015

Aims and objectivesThis study evaluated the effects of handholding and spoken information provided on the anxiety of patients undergoing percutaneous vertebroplasty under local anaesthesia.BackgroundA surgical intervention usually entails physical discomfort and psychological burden. Furthermore, patients under local anaesthesia are conscious during the surgical intervention, which leads to more anxiety, as patients are aware of their surroundings in the operating theatre.DesignA quasi‐experimental design with a nonequivalent control group was utilised.MethodsAmsterdam preoperative anxiety scale assessed psychological anxiety, while blood pressure and pulse were measured to evaluate physiological anxiety. Participants were 94 patients undergoing percutaneous vertebroplasty in a spine hospital in Gwangju Metropolitan City, South Korea. Thirty patients were assigned to Experimental Group I, 34 to the Experimental Group II and 30 to the control group. During a surgical intervention, nurses held the hands of those in Experimental Group I and provided them with spoken information. Patients in Experimental Group II experienced only handholding.ResultsPsychological anxiety in Experimental Group I was low compared to those in Experimental Group II and the control group. In addition, there were significant decreases in systolic blood pressure in both Experimental Groups compared to the control group.ConclusionsHandholding and spoken information provided during a surgical intervention to mitigate psychological anxiety, and handholding to mitigate physiological anxiety can be used in nursing interventions with patients undergoing percutaneous vertebroplasty.Relevance to clinical practiceHandholding and providing nursing information are possibly very useful interventions that are easily implemented by circulating nurses during a surgical intervention. In particular, handholding is a simple, economical and appropriate way to help patient in the operating theatre.
Water Exchange across the Blood‐Brain Barrier in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: An MRI Diffusion‐Weighted Pseudo‐Continuous Arterial Spin Labeling Study
Authors: Palomares Jose A. , Tummala Sudhakar , Wang Danny J.J. , Park Bumhee , Woo Mary A. , Kang Daniel W. , Lawrence Keith S. St , Harper Ronald M. , Kumar Rajesh 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) subjects show brain injury in sites that control autonomic, cognitive, and mood functions that are deficient in the condition. The processes contributing to injury may include altered blood‐brain barrier (BBB) actions. Our aim was to examine BBB function, based on diffusion‐weighted pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling (DW‐pCASL) procedures, in OSA compared to controls.METHODSWe performed DW‐pCASL imaging in nine OSA and nine controls on a 3.0‐Tesla MRI scanner. Global mean gray and white matter arterial transient time (ATT, an index of large artery integrity), water exchange rate across the BBB (Kw, BBB function), DW‐pCASL ratio, and cerebral blood flow (CBF) values were compared between OSA and control subjects.RESULTSGlobal mean gray and white matter ATT (OSA vs. controls; gray matter, 1.691 ± .120 vs. 1.658 ± .109 second, P = .49; white matter, 1.700 ± .115 vs. 1.650 ± .114 second, P = .44), and CBF values (gray matter, 57.4 ± 15.8 vs. 58.2 ± 10.7 ml/100 g/min, P = .67; white matter, 24.2 ± 7.0 vs. 24.6 ± 6.7 ml/100 g/min, P = .91) did not differ significantly, but global gray and white matter Kw (gray matter, 158.0 ± 28.9 vs. 220.8 ± 40.6 min−1, P = .002; white matter, 177.5 ± 57.2 vs. 261.1 ± 51.0 min−1, P = .006), and DW‐pCASL ratio (gray matter, .727 ± .076 vs. .823 ± .069, P = .011; white matter, .722 ± .144 vs. .888 ± .100, P = .004) values were significantly reduced in OSA over controls.CONCLUSIONSOSA subjects show compromised BBB function, but intact large artery integrity. The BBB alterations may introduce neural damage contributing to abnormal functions in OSA, and suggest a need to repair BBB function with strategies commonly used in other fields.
Implicit Theories About Willpower Predict Subjective Well‐Being
Authors: Bernecker Katharina , Herrmann Marcel , Brandstätter Veronika , Job Veronika 
Published: September 2015

AbstractLay theories about willpower—the belief that willpower is a limited versus nonlimited resource—affect self‐control and goal striving in everyday life (Job, Dweck, & Walton, 2010). Three studies examined whether willpower theories also relate to people's subjective well‐being by shaping the progress they make toward their personal goals. A cross‐sectional (Study 1) and two longitudinal studies (Studies 2 and 3) measured individuals’ willpower theories and different indicators of subjective well‐being. Additionally, Study 3 measured goal striving and personal goal progress. A limited theory about willpower was associated with lower subjective well‐being in a sample of working adults (Study 1, N = 258). Further, a limited theory predicted lower levels of well‐being at a time when students faced high self‐regulatory demands (Study 2, N = 196). Study 3 (N = 157) replicated the finding that students with a limited theory experienced lower well‐being in phases of high self‐regulatory demands and found that personal goal progress mediated this relationship. Results suggest that the belief that willpower is based on a limited resource has negative implications not only for self‐control but also for personal goal striving and subjective well‐being.
Melatonin significantly improves the developmental competence of bovine somatic cell nuclear transfer embryos
Authors: Su Jianmin , Wang Yongsheng , Xing Xupeng , Zhang Lei , Sun Hongzheng , Zhang Yong 
Published: September 2015

AbstractSomatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is a promising technology, but its application is hampered by its low efficiency. Hence, the majority of SCNT embryos fail to develop to term. In this study, the antioxidant melatonin reduced apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in bovine SCNT embryos. It also increased cell number, inner cell mass (ICM) cell numbers, and the ratio of ICM to total cells while improving the development of bovine SCNT embryos in vitro and in vivo. Gene expression analysis showed that melatonin suppressed the expression of the pro‐apoptotic genes p53 and Bax and stimulated the expression of the antioxidant genes SOD1 and Gpx4, the anti‐apoptotic gene BCL2L1, and the pluripotency‐related gene SOX2 in SCNT blastocysts. We also analyzed the epigenetic modifications in bovine in vitro fertilization, melatonin‐treated, and untreated SCNT embryos. The global H3K9ac levels of melatonin‐treated SCNT embryos at the four‐cell stage were higher than those of the untreated SCNT embryos. We conclude that exogenous melatonin affects the expression of genes related to apoptosis, antioxidant function, and development. Moreover, melatonin reduced apoptosis and ROS in bovine SCNT embryos and enhanced blastocyst quality, thereby ultimately improving bovine cloning efficiency.
Current diagnosis and management of post‐transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt refractory hepatic encephalopathy
Authors: Pereira Keith , Carrion Andres F. , Martin Paul , Vaheesan Kirubahara , Salsamendi Jason , Doshi Mehul , Yrizarry Jose M. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractTransjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt has evolved into an important option for management of complications of portal hypertension. The use of polytetrafluoroethylene covered stents enhances shunt patency. Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) remains a significant problem after TIPS placement. The approach to management of patients with refractory hepatic encephalopathy typically requires collaboration between different specialties. Patient selection for TIPS requires careful evaluation of risk factors for HE. TIPS procedure‐related technical factors like stent size, attention to portosystemic pressure gradient reduction and use of adjunctive variceal embolization maybe important. Conservative medical therapy in combination with endovascular therapies often results in resolution or substantial reduction of symptoms. Liver transplantation is, however, the ultimate treatment.
Genomewide transcriptional signatures of migratory flight activity in a globally invasive insect pest
Authors: Jones Christopher M. , Papanicolaou Alexie , Mironidis George K. , Vontas John , Yang Yihua , Lim Ka S. , Oakeshott John G. , Bass Chris , Chapman Jason W. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractMigration is a key life history strategy for many animals and requires a suite of behavioural, morphological and physiological adaptations which together form the ‘migratory syndrome’. Genetic variation has been demonstrated for many traits that make up this syndrome, but the underlying genes involved remain elusive. Recent studies investigating migration‐associated genes have focussed on sampling migratory and nonmigratory populations from different geographic locations but have seldom explored phenotypic variation in a migratory trait. Here, we use a novel combination of tethered flight and next‐generation sequencing to determine transcriptomic differences associated with flight activity in a globally invasive moth pest, the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera. By developing a state‐of‐the‐art phenotyping platform, we show that field‐collected H. armigera display continuous variation in flight performance with individuals capable of flying up to 40 km during a single night. Comparative transcriptomics of flight phenotypes drove a gene expression analysis to reveal a suite of expressed candidate genes which are clearly related to physiological adaptations required for long‐distance flight. These include genes important to the mobilization of lipids as flight fuel, the development of flight muscle structure and the regulation of hormones that influence migratory physiology. We conclude that the ability to express this complex set of pathways underlines the remarkable flexibility of facultative insect migrants to respond to deteriorating conditions in the form of migratory flight and, more broadly, the results provide novel insights into the fundamental transcriptional changes required for migration in insects and other taxa.