bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Which factors are associated with the use of systemic antihistamines in patients with chronic hand eczema? Results from the CARPE registry
Authors: Apfelbacher C. , Weiß M. , Molin S. , Bauer A. , Mahler V. , Schmitt J. , Elsner P. , Diepgen T.L. , Weisshaar E. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundAntihistamines (AH) are often used to treat chronic skin diseases related to allergy and/or pruritus. Data on the use of AH in patients with chronic hand eczema (CHE) is scarce.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate prevalence and determinants of AH use in patients with CHE.MethodsData were drawn from the German CARPE registry. The relationship of clinical, demographic and treatment‐related variables with AH use in the past 12 months was analysed by means of logistic regression. Odds ratios (OR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed.ResultsA total of 1255 patients with CHE were eligible for analysis (54.1% female; mean age: 47.1 years, standard deviation (SD) 13.6 years). Mean subjective disease severity was 5.0 (SD 2.5). 25% of the sample reported to have used AH in the past 12 months. Significant positive associations with AH use were identified for moderate (OR = 3.05, 95% CI 1.81–5.15) or severe (OR = 4.27, 95% CI 2.40–7.59) pruritus, a history of systemic treatment (e.g. alitretinoin) (OR = 2.85, 95% CI: 2.06–3.96), UV phototherapy (OR = 1.78, 95% CI 1.28–2.46), flexural eczema (OR = 1.89, 95% CI 1.32–2.71), allergic rhinitis/conjunctivitis (OR = 2.41, 95% CI 1.71–3.39) and female gender (OR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.16–2.14) in multivariate analyses (N = 1184). Significant inverse associations were found for an eczema localization besides the hands (OR = 0.66, 95% CI 0.46–0.94) and for patients being recruited in hospital (vs. dermatological practice; OR = 0.47, 95% CI 0.33–0.67).ConclusionsThis study suggests that AH use is frequent in patients with CHE and mainly related to female gender, disease severity, pruritus, comorbid atopic disease and treatment centre.
Expression of Concern: The effects of vitamin D plus calcium supplementation on metabolic profiles, biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress and pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women at risk for pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Samimi M. , Kashi M. , Foroozanfard F. , Karamali M. , Bahmani F. , Asemi Z. , Hamidian Y. , Talari H. R. , Esmaillzadeh A. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe present study was designed to examine the effects of vitamin D plus calcium administration on metabolic profiles and pregnancy outcomes among women at risk for pre‐eclampsia.MethodsIn a prospective, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial, 60 women at risk for pre‐eclampsia were randomised to take either 50 000 IU vitamin D3 every 2 weeks plus 1000 mg day−1 calcium supplements (as calcium carbonate) (n = 30) or to receive placebos at the same times (n = 30) from 20 to 32 weeks of gestation. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and 12 weeks after intervention to determine related variables. Newborn anthropometric measurements were determined.ResultsTaking combined cholecalciferol and calcium supplements, compared to placebo, led to significant reductions in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) [mean (SD)] [−5.7 (5.5) versus −0.6 (12.6) mg dL−1, P = 0.04], serum insulin concentrations [−2.8 (6.0) versus +7.7 (9.8) μIU mL−1, P < 0.001], homeostasis model of assessment‐insulin resistance [−0.8 (1.3) versus +1.6 (2.2), P < 0.001], homeostatic model assessment‐beta cell function [−8.2 (25.8) versus +32.6 (41.3, P < 0.001] and a significant rise in quantitative insulin sensitivity check index score [+0.02 (0.02) versus −0.02 (0.02, P < 0.001]. Additionally, pregnant women who received cholecalciferol plus calcium supplements had increased serum high‐density lipoprotein (HDL)‐cholesterol [+4.6 (8.3) versus −2.9 (7.7) mg dL−1, P = 0.001] and plasma total glutathione (GSH) concentrations [+23.4 (124.0) versus −94.8 (130.2) μm, P = 0.001] compared to placebo. However, after adjustment for the baseline levels, maternal age and baseline body mass index, the effects on FPG levels (P = 0.13) and systolic blood pressure (P = 0.13) disappeared.ConclusionsVitamin D plus calcium administration for 12 weeks had beneficial effects on glycaemic status, HDL‐cholesterol, GSH and blood pressure among women at risk for pre‐eclampsia.
Jasmonic acid carboxyl methyltransferase regulates development and herbivory‐induced defense response in rice
Authors: Qi Jinfeng , Li Jiancai , Han Xiu , Li Ran , Wu Jianqiang , Yu Haixin , Hu Lingfei , Xiao Yutao , Lu Jing , Lou Yonggen 
Published: October 2015

AbstractJasmonic acid (JA) and related metabolites play a key role in plant defense and growth. JA carboxyl methyltransferase (JMT) may be involved in plant defense and development by methylating JA to methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and thus influencing the concentrations of JA and related metabolites. However, no JMT gene has been well characterized in monocotyledon defense and development at the molecular level. After we cloned a rice JMT gene, OsJMT1, whose encoding protein was localized in the cytosol, we found that the recombinant OsJMT1 protein catalyzed JA to MeJA. OsJMT1 is up‐regulated in response to infestation with the brown planthopper (BPH; Nilaparvata lugens). Plants in which OsJMT1 had been overexpressed (oe‐JMT plants) showed reduced height and yield. These oe‐JMT plants also exhibited increased MeJA levels but reduced levels of herbivore‐induced JA and jasmonoyl‐isoleucine (JA‐Ile). The oe‐JMT plants were more attractive to BPH female adults but showed increased resistance to BPH nymphs, probably owing to the different responses of BPH female adults and nymphs to the changes in levels of H2O2 and MeJA in oe‐JMT plants. These results indicate that OsJMT1, by altering levels of JA and related metabolites, plays a role in regulating plant development and herbivore‐induced defense responses in rice.
Hemipteran and dipteran pests: Effectors and plant host immune regulators
Authors: Kaloshian Isgouhi , Walling Linda L. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractHemipteran and dipteran insects have behavioral, cellular and chemical strategies for evading or coping with the host plant defenses making these insects particularly destructive pests worldwide. A critical component of a host plant's defense to herbivory is innate immunity. Here we review the status of our understanding of the receptors that contribute to perception of hemipteran and dipteran pests and highlight the gaps in our knowledge in these early events in immune signaling. We also highlight recent advances in identification of the effectors that activate pattern‐triggered immunity and those involved in effector‐triggered immunity.
Nurse Staffing and Quality of Care of Nursing Home Residents in Korea
Authors: Shin Juh Hyun , Hyun Ta Kyung 
Published: October 2015

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the relationship between nurse staffing and quality of care in nursing homes in Korea.MethodsThis study used a cross‐sectional design to describe the relationship between nurse staffing and 15 quality‐of‐care outcomes. Independent variables were hours per resident day (HPRD), skill mix, and turnover of each nursing staff, developed with the definitions of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the American Health Care Association. Dependent variables were prevalence of residents who experienced more than one fall in the recent 3 months, aggressive behaviors, depression, cognitive decline, pressure sores, incontinence, prescribed antibiotics because of urinary tract infection, weight loss, dehydration, tube feeding, bed rest, increased activities of daily living, decreased range of motion, use of antidepressants, and use of restraints. Outcome variables were quality indicators from the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid and 2013 nursing home evaluation manual by the Korean National Health Insurance Service.FindingsThe effects of registered nurse (RN) HPRD was supported in fall prevention, decreased tube feeding, decreased numbers of residents with deteriorated range of motion, and decreased aggressive behavior. Higher turnover of RNs related to more residents with dehydration, bed rest, and use of antipsychotic medication.ConclusionsStudy results supported RNs’ unique contribution to resident outcomes in comparison to alternative nurse staffing in fall prevention, decreased use of tube feeding, better range of motion for residents, and decreased aggressive behaviors in nursing homes in Korea. More research is required to confirm the effects of nurse staffing on residents’ outcomes in Korea.Clinical RelevanceWe found consistency in the effects of RN staffing on resident outcomes acceptable. By assessing nurse staffing levels and compositions of nursing staffs, this study contributes to more effective long‐term care insurance by reflecting on appropriate policies, and ultimately contributes to the stable settlement of the long‐term care insurance system for elders.
Are Attractive Female Tennis Players More Successful? An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Bakkenbüll Linn‐Brit , Kiefer Stephanie 
Published: October 2015

SummaryThe impact of physical attractiveness and resulting advantages of physical attractive people is a popular research field. Nevertheless, few studies have analysed the relationship between physical attractiveness and sporting performance. To the best of our knowledge this study is the first to investigate the relationship between physical attractiveness of professional (female tennis players and their sporting success in terms of prize money earned and probabilities of winning. Moreover, we can determine further factors which have a significant influence on the prize money earned and the likelihood to win a tennis match. Therefore, we investigate professional female tennis players, which were ranked in the top 100 of the tennis world ranking in one selected week in 2011. OLS regressions demonstrate a significant positive relationship between physical attractiveness and sporting success in terms of prize money for the years 2012 and 2013 as well as for the whole career. Further significant drivers are the BMI and its square, the number of played tournaments and the career duration. Furthermore, the study examines whether the probability of winning an individual tennis match is influenced by physical attractiveness. The logit model used shows that the larger the difference in physical attractiveness, the higher the probability of winning for the more attractive tennis player in individual matches. Moreover, difference in world ranking place and difference in the number of years as a professional tennis player have a significant impact on the winning probability.
Saqqar: A 34 km diameter impact structure in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Kenkmann Thomas , Afifi Abdulkader M. , Stewart Simon A. , Poelchau Michael H. , Cook Douglas J. , Neville Allen S. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractHere we present the first proof of an impact origin for the Saqqar circular structure in northwestern Saudi Arabia (Neville et al. ), with an apparent diameter of 34 km, centered at 29°35′N, 38°42′E. The structure is formed in Cambrian–Devonian siliciclastics and is unconformably overlain by undeformed Cretaceous and Paleogene sediments. The age of impact is not well constrained and lies somewhere between 410 and 70 Ma. The subsurface structure is constrained by 2‐D reflection seismic profiles and six drilled wells. First‐order structural features are a central uplift that rises approximately 2 km above regional datums, surrounded by a ring syncline. The crater rim is defined by circumferential normal faults. The central uplift and ring syncline correspond to a Bouguer gravity high and an annular ring‐like low, respectively. The wells were drilled within the central uplift, the deepest among them exceed 2 km depth. Sandstone core samples from these wells show abundant indicators of a shock metamorphic overprint. Planar deformation features (PDFs) were measured with orientations along (0001), {103}, and less frequently along {101} and {104}. Planar fractures (PFs) predominantly occur along (0001) and {101}, and are locally associated with feather features (FFs). In addition, some shocked feldspar grains and strongly deformed mica flakes were found. The recorded shock pressure ranges between 5 and 15 GPa. The preserved level of shock and the absence of an allochthonous crater fill suggest that Saqqar was eroded by 1–2 km between the Devonian and Maastrichtian. The documentation of unequivocal shock features proves the formation of the Saqqar structure by a hypervelocity impact event.
Cathodoluminescence as a tool to discriminate impact melt, shocked and unshocked volcanics: A case study of samples from the El'gygytgyn impact structure
Authors: Pittarello Lidia , Roszjar Julia , Mader Dieter , Debaille Vinciane , Claeys Philippe , Koeberl Christian 
Published: October 2015

AbstractEl'gygytgyn (Chukotka, Arctic Russia) is a well‐preserved impact structure, mostly excavated in siliceous volcanic rocks. For this reason, the El'gygytgyn structure has been investigated in recent years and drilled in 2009 in the framework of an ICDP (International Continental Scientific Drilling Program) project. The target rocks mostly consist of rhyodacitic ignimbrites and tuffs, which make it difficult to distinguish impact melt clasts from fragments of unshocked target rock within the impact breccia. Several chemical and petrologic attempts, other than dating individual clasts, have been considered to distinguish impact melt from unshocked volcanic rock of the targets, but none has proven reliable. Here, we propose to use cathodoluminescence (imaging and spectrometry), whose intensity is inversely correlated with the degree of shock metamorphism experienced by the investigated lithology, to aid in such a distinction. Specifically, impact melt rocks display low cathodoluminescence intensity, whereas unshocked volcanic rocks from the area typically show high luminescence. This high luminescence decreases with the degree of shock experienced by the individual clasts in the impact breccia, down to almost undetectable when the groundmass is completely molten. This might apply only to El'gygytgyn, because the luminescence in volcanic rocks might be due to devitrification and recrystallization processes of the relatively old (Cretaceous) target rock with respect to the young impactites (3.58 Ma). The alteration that affects most samples from the drill core does not have a significant effect on the cathodoluminescence response. In conclusion, cathodoluminescence imaging and spectra, supported by Raman spectroscopy, potentially provide a useful tool for in situ characterization of siliceous impactites formed in volcanic target.
Guard cell‐specific upregulation of sucrose synthase 3 reveals that the role of sucrose in stomatal function is primarily energetic
Authors: Daloso Danilo M. , Williams Thomas C. R. , Antunes Werner C. , Pinheiro Daniela P. , Müller Caroline , Loureiro Marcelo E. , Fernie Alisdair R. 
Published: October 2015

Summary

Isoform 3 of sucrose synthase (SUS3) is highly expressed in guard cells; however, the precise function of SUS3 in this cell type remains to be elucidated.

Here, we characterized transgenic Nicotiana tabacum plants overexpressing SUS3 under the control of the stomatal‐specific KST1 promoter, and investigated the changes in guard cell metabolism during the dark to light transition.

Guard cell‐specific SUS3 overexpression led to increased SUS activity, stomatal aperture, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, net photosynthetic rate and growth. Although only minor changes were observed in the metabolite profile in whole leaves, an increased fructose level and decreased organic acid levels and sucrose to fructose ratio were observed in guard cells of transgenic lines. Furthermore, guard cell sucrose content was lower during light‐induced stomatal opening. In a complementary approach, we incubated guard cell‐enriched epidermal fragments in 13C‐NaHCO3 and followed the redistribution of label during dark to light transitions; this revealed increased labeling in metabolites of, or associated with, the tricarboxylic acid cycle.

The results suggest that sucrose breakdown is a mechanism to provide substrate for the provision of organic acids for respiration, and imply that manipulation of guard cell metabolism may represent an effective strategy for plant growth improvement.
Lungfish diversity in Romer's Gap: reaction to the end‐Devonian extinction
Authors: Smithson Timothy R. , Richards Kelly R. , Clack Jennifer A. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractRomer's Gap, the interval following the end‐Devonian extinction event, has been described as a post‐extinction trough for vertebrates. It is a time roughly equivalent to the Tournaisian stage of the early Carboniferous and has been characterized by a lull in diversity of survivors. Lungfish typified this description. One species was known from one locality. Recently, a diverse collection of lungfish tooth plates, representing seven new forms, was recovered from new Tournaisian vertebrate localities in northern Britain. They display a range of previously unknown morphologies, with tooth shape and wear patterns not seen in other post‐Devonian forms. A comparison of tooth ridge number and tooth ridge angle in lungfishes from the Famennian, Tournaisian and Visean reveals marked differences between late Devonian and early Carboniferous taxa. The most common tooth plate shape in the Famennian is absent from our sample of Tournaisian taxa. Two completely new shapes have evolved, one with a relatively low tooth ridge angle, no greater than 40°, in which most of the tooth ridges are essentially parallel, and the other with a much higher tooth ridge angle of up to 180° where the tooth ridges are highly divergent. This high level of morphological diversity over a narrow time period suggests that, following the end‐Devonian extinction, gaps in ecospace left by the extinction of major groups of fishes were exploited by a previously unrecorded radiation of lungfishes. Whilst taxonomic diversity of lungfishes declined following the end‐Devonian extinction, recovery and diversification among tooth‐plated forms was rapid, and morphological disparity among these forms subsequently increased. Contrary to previous assumptions, morphological disparity among lungfish did not decline until much later in the Carboniferous.
Pain outcomes in children who received intrathecal vs intravenous opioids for pain control following major urologic surgery: a retrospective review
Authors: Putnam Elizabeth M. , Koppera Prabhat , Malviya Shobha , Voepel‐Lewis Terri 
Published: October 2015

SummaryBackgroundIntrathecal (IT) opioid administration has been associated with postoperative benefits including reduced pain and opioid use in children. However, the postoperative benefits and risks of IT opioid administration during major urologic surgery in children remain unclear.AimThe aim of this study was to compare postoperative pain and adverse event outcomes among children who received IT vs intravenous (IV) opioids during major urologic surgery.MethodsWe reviewed the medical records of children 3–17 years of age who underwent ureteroneocystostomy or pyeloplasty between 2006 and 2012. Electronically captured anesthetic and surgical data, postanesthesia care recovery unit (PACU) and nursing flowsheets, and daily progress notes through hospital discharge were reviewed. Analgesic techniques (i.e., IT or IV patient/nurse controlled opioids), all analgesic drugs and doses were recorded. Outcome measures included pain scores, need for rescue analgesics, opioid‐related adverse events, and their treatments.ResultsSeventy‐seven children received IT opioids and 51 received IV opioids. More children in the IV group required rescue analgesics and had higher pain scores at PACU discharge. Children in the IV group required rescue opioids more frequently than the IT group from 0 to 8 h and 8 to 16 h after PACU discharge, but rates were similar by 16–24 h 70% of children in IT group transitioned directly to oral opioids. Seven IT placements were considered as failed due to early need for rescue opioids. Four (8%) of the IV group and seven (9%) of the IT group experienced oxygen desaturation. Two of these, both in IT group required naloxone and one was admitted to ICU for observation. The IT group experienced a higher incidence of pruritus, constipation and hypotension.ConclusionWe observed better postoperative pain control in children who received IT vs IV opioids for the first 16 h with no discernible difference thereafter. The intrathecal group experienced higher incidences of pruritus, constipation, and hypotension.
Drought limitations to leaf‐level gas exchange: results from a model linking stomatal optimization and cohesion–tension theory
Authors: Novick Kimberly A. , Miniat Chelcy F. , Vose James M. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractWe merge concepts from stomatal optimization theory and cohesion–tension theory to examine the dynamics of three mechanisms that are potentially limiting to leaf‐level gas exchange in trees during drought: (1) a ‘demand limitation’ driven by an assumption of optimal stomatal functioning; (2) ‘hydraulic limitation’ of water movement from the roots to the leaves; and (3) ‘non‐stomatal’ limitations imposed by declining leaf water status within the leaf. Model results suggest that species‐specific ‘economics’ of stomatal behaviour may play an important role in differentiating species along the continuum of isohydric to anisohydric behaviour; specifically, we show that non‐stomatal and demand limitations may reduce stomatal conductance and increase leaf water potential, promoting wide safety margins characteristic of isohydric species. We used model results to develop a diagnostic framework to identify the most likely limiting mechanism to stomatal functioning during drought and showed that many of those features were commonly observed in field observations of tree water use dynamics. Direct comparisons of modelled and measured stomatal conductance further indicated that non‐stomatal and demand limitations reproduced observed patterns of tree water use well for an isohydric species but that a hydraulic limitation likely applies in the case of an anisohydric species.
A Comparison of Multiple-Imputation Methods for Handling Missing Data in Repeated Measurements Observational Studies
Authors: Kalaycioglu Oya , Copas Andrew , King Michael , Omar Rumana Z. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryMultiple-imputation (MI) methods for imputing missing data in observational health studies with repeated measurements were evaluated with particular focus on incomplete time varying explanatory variables. Standard and random-effects imputation by chained equations, multivariate normal imputation and Bayesian MI were compared regarding bias and efficiency of regression coefficient estimates by using simulation studies. Flexibility of the methods in handling different types of variables (binary, categorical, skewed and normally distributed) and correlations between the repeated measurements of the incomplete variables were also compared. Multivariate normal imputation produced the least bias in most situations, is theoretically well justified and allows flexible correlation for the repeated measurements. It can be recommended for imputing continuous variables. Bayesian MI is efficient and may be preferable in the presence of categorical and non-normally distributed continuous variables. Imputation by chained equations approaches were sensitive to the correlation between the repeated measurements. The moving time window approach may be used for normally distributed continuous variables with auto-regressive correlation.
A novel HLA‐DRB1 allele, DRB1*16:36 identified in a Chinese individual from the Xinjiang region
Authors: Wu J‐D. , Zhang W‐J. , Zhang L. , Zuo W‐Z. , Lu L‐J. , Ding Y‐L. , Yang D‐L. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractA novel class II human leukocyte antigen allele HLA‐DRB1*16:36 is described.