bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An antennae‐enriched carboxylesterase from Spodoptera exigua displays degradation activity in both plant volatiles and female sex pheromones
Authors: He P. , Zhang Y‐N. , Li Z‐Q. , Yang K. , Zhu J‐Y. , Liu S‐J. , Dong S‐L. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractCarboxyl/cholinesterase (CCE) is a large gene family of diverse functions, but in insects its function with respect to catabolism of sex pheromone components and plant volatiles is not well understood. In the present study, we cloned and functionally characterized one putative odorant‐degrading enzyme (ODE) of the CCE family, SexiCXE14, from Spodoptera exigua. The tissue‐temporal expression pattern revealed that the mRNA level of SexiCXE14 is antennae‐enriched, sex equivalent and peaks at 3 days after moth eclosion. Functional study using the recombinant enzyme determined that SexiCXE14 has high degrading activity (Vmax) to host plant volatiles, suggesting its role in degradation of these volatiles. In addition, SexiCXE14 may also play a role in the degradation of sex pheromone components, as the Vmax and affinity parameter (Km) values with the sex pheromones are similar to those of reported pheromone degrading enzymes (PDEs). Further analysis of the relationship between substrate structure and enzymatic activity demonstrated that carbon chain length is a major influential factor, while the number of double bonds also affects the enzymatic activity. In addition, SexiCXE14 displays lower activity at acidic pH levels (pH 5.0) than in neutral conditions (pH 6.5). By characterizing this new ODE the present study provides insights in understanding of the high sensitivity of the moth olfactory system.
Promoting HIV and sexual safety behaviour in people with severe mental illness: A systematic review of behavioural interventions
Authors: Walsh Chloe , McCann Edward , Gilbody Simon , Hughes Elizabeth 
Published: March 2014

AbstractPeople diagnosed with severe mental illness (SMI) are at greater risk of HIV than the general population. However, little attention has been given to how best to reduce sexual risk taking in this group. The aim of the review was to evaluate the effectiveness of behavioural interventions to promote sexual safety behaviour in people diagnosed with SMI. A comprehensive search of relevant databases was undertaken, and studies were included if they were randomized, controlled trials; behavioural intervention related to sexual behaviour; included adults diagnosed with SMI; and if a behavioural outcome was reported. The Cochrane Assessment of Bias Tool was used. Of the initial 515 papers identified, 11 trials were included for quality assessment and data extraction. The studies were heterogeneous in content and dose of intervention, as well as outcome measure and follow‐up periods, and all had some risk of bias. Four of the studies demonstrated significant improvement in safer sexual behaviour at follow up, but this effect diminished over time. The effect sizes were extremely variable. There is emerging evidence to suggest that a behavioural intervention has the potential to reduce sexual risks in people diagnosed with SMI. However, further high‐quality research is needed in this area.
Influence of Intraoral Temperature and Relative Humidity on the Dentin Bond Strength: An in Situ Study
Authors: Saraiva Letícia O. , Aguiar Thaiane R. , Costa Leonardo , Cavalcanti Andrea N. , Giannini Marcelo , Mathias Paula 
Published: March 2014

AbstractStatement of the ProblemThe effect of the intraoral environment during adhesive restorative procedures remains a concern, especially in the absence of rubber dam isolation.ObjectiveTo evaluate the temperature and relative humidity (RH) at anterior and posterior intraoral sites and their effects on the dentin bond strength of two‐step etch‐and‐rinse adhesive systems.MethodsSixty human molars were assigned to six groups according to the adhesive systems (Adper Single Bond Plus and One Step Plus) and intraoral sites (incisor and molar sites). The room condition was used as a control group. Dentin fragments were individually placed in custom‐made acetate trays and direct composite restorations were performed. The intraoral temperature and RH were recorded during adhesive procedures. Then, specimens were removed from the acetate trays and sectioned to obtain multiple beams for the microtensile bond strength test. In addition, the adhesive interface morphology was evaluated through scanning electron microscopy. Intraoral conditions were statistically analyzed by paired Students' t‐tests and the bond strength data by two‐way analysis of variance and Tukey test (α = 0.05).ResultsThe posterior intraoral site showed a significant increase in the temperature and RH when compared with the anterior site. However, both intraoral sites revealed higher temperatures and RH than the room condition. In regards to the adhesive systems, the intraoral environment did not affect the bond strength, and the One Step Plus system showed the highest bond strength means.ConclusionDespite the fact that remarkable changes in the intraoral conditions were observed for both anterior and posterior sites, the intraoral environment was not able to compromise the immediate dentin bond strength.Clinical SignificanceSome conditions of intraoral temperature and relative humidity may not impair the dentin bond strength of two‐step etch‐and‐rinse adhesive systems. Thus, an adequate relative isolation seems to be a good alternative under the specific clinical conditions in which rubber dam isolation is either impossible or very difficult to perform.
High specialisation in the pollination system of Mandevilla tenuifolia (J.C. Mikan) Woodson (Apocynaceae) drives the effectiveness of butterflies as pollinators
Authors: de Araújo L. D. A. , Quirino Z. G. M. , Machado I. C. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractButterfly pollination in the tropics is considered somewhat effective or solely effective in a few plant species. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that Mandevilla tenuifolia (Apocynaceae), which has floral attributes associated with psychophily, has strategies adapted to pollination by butterflies, restricting other floral visitors and making these insects act as efficient pollinators. We analysed the floral and reproductive biology of M. tenuifolia, as well as the frequency and efficiency of its flower visitors. M. tenuifolia is an herb whose flowers have strong herkogamy and secondary pollen presentation on the style head, which corresponds to 60.4% of pollen on the anthers. Flower longevity and the long period of receptivity of the stigmatic region associated with the large amount of pollen removed in the first visits suggest that flowers remain functionally female during part of anthesis. Butterflies, mainly of the families Nymphalidae and Pieridae, are the only pollinators of M. tenuifolia. Despite being self‐compatible, M. tenuifolia depends on biotic vectors for fruit production. A non‐significant difference in fruit set between controlled treatments and natural conditions suggests that the pollinators are efficient. The inclination resulting from the landing of butterflies on flowers, together with flower morphology, guiding the insect proboscis inside the floral tube, as well as the frequency and efficiency of butterfly visits, are evidence of the close relationship between butterflies and M. tenuifolia, and also of the efficiency of these insects as pollinators.
Portuguese nurses' knowledge of and attitudes toward hospitalized older adults
Authors: de Almeida Tavares João Paulo , Silva Alcione Leite da , Sá‐Couto Pedro , Boltz Marie , Capezuti Elizabeth 
Published: March 2014

Portugal is impacted by the rapid growth of the aging population, which has significant implications for its health care system. However, nurses have received little education focusing on the unique and complex care needs of older adults. This gap in the nurses′ education has an enormous impact in their knowledge and attitudes and affects the quality of nursing care provided to older adults. A cross‐sectional study was conducted among 1068 Portuguese nurses in five hospitals (northern and central region) with the following purposes: (i) explore the knowledge and attitudes of nurses about four common geriatric syndromes (pressure ulcer, incontinence, restraint use and sleep disturbance) in Portuguese hospitals; and (ii) evaluate the influence of demographic, professional and nurses' perception about hospital educational support, geriatric knowledge, and burden of caring for older adults upon geriatric nursing knowledge and attitudes. The mean knowledge and attitudes scores were 0.41 ± 0.15 and 0.40 ± 0.21, respectively (the maximum score was 1). Knowledge of nurses in Portuguese hospitals about the four geriatric syndromes (pressure ulcers, sleep disturbance, urinary incontinence and restraint use) was found inadequate. The nurses' attitudes towards caring for hospitalized older adults were generally negative. Nurses who work in academic hospitals demonstrated significantly more knowledge than nurses in hospital centers. The attitudes of nurses were significantly associated with the hospital and unit type, region, hospital educational support, staff knowledge, and perceived burden of caring for older adults. The study findings support the need for improving nurses' knowledge and attitudes towards hospitalized older adults and implementing evidence‐based guidelines in their practice.
Influence of polarization and a source model for dose calculation in MRT
Authors: Bartzsch Stefan , Lerch Michael , Petasecca Marco , Bräuer‐Krisch Elke , Oelfke Uwe 
Published: March 2014

Purpose:Microbeam Radiation Therapy (MRT), an alternative preclinical treatment strategy using spatially modulated synchrotron radiation on a micrometer scale, has the great potential to cure malignant tumors (e.g., brain tumors) while having low side effects on normal tissue. Dose measurement and calculation in MRT is challenging because of the spatial accuracy required and the arising high dose differences. Dose calculation with Monte Carlo simulations is time consuming and their accuracy is still a matter of debate. In particular, the influence of photon polarization has been discussed in the literature. Moreover, it is controversial whether a complete knowledge of phase space trajectories, i.e., the simulation of the machine from the wiggler to the collimator, is necessary in order to accurately calculate the dose.Methods:With Monte Carlo simulations in the Geant4 toolkit, the authors investigate the influence of polarization on the dose distribution and the therapeutically important peak to valley dose ratios (PVDRs). Furthermore, the authors analyze in detail phase space information provided by Martínez‐Rovira et al. [“Development and commissioning of a Monte Carlo photon model for the forthcoming clinical trials in microbeam radiation therapy,” Med. Phys. 39(1), – (2012)] and examine its influence on peak and valley doses. A simple source model is developed using parallel beams and its applicability is shown in a semiadjoint Monte Carlo simulation. Results are compared to measurements and previously published data.Results:Polarization has a significant influence on the scattered dose outside the microbeam field. In the radiation field, however, dose and PVDRs deduced from calculations without polarization and with polarization differ by less than 3%. The authors show that the key consequences from the phase space information for dose calculations are inhomogeneous primary photon flux, partial absorption due to inclined beam incidence outside the field center, increased beam width and center to center distance due to the beam propagation from the collimator to the phantom surface and imperfect absorption in the absorber material of the Multislit Collimator. These corrections have an effect of approximately 10% on the valley dose and suffice to describe doses in MRT within the measurement uncertainties of currently available dosimetry techniques.Conclusions:The source for the first clinical pet trials in MRT is characterized with respect to its phase space and the photon polarization. The results suggest the use of a presented simplified phase space model in dose calculations and hence pave the way for alternative and fast dose calculation algorithms. They also show that the polarization is of minor importance for the clinical important peak and valley doses inside the microbeam field.
Whole Genome Sequence of the Probiotic Strain Lactobacillus paracasei N1115, Isolated from Traditional Chinese Fermented Milk
Authors: Wang Shijie , Zhu Hong , He Fang , Luo Yongkang , Kang Zhiyuan , Lu Chun , Feng Lili , Lu Xiaoli , Xue Yuling , Wang Hua 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT

Lactobacillus paracasei
N1115 is a new strain with probiotic properties isolated from traditional homemade dairy products in Inner Mongolia, China. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
L. paracasei
N1115, which shows high similarity to the well-studied probiotic
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
GG, and 3 structures turned out to be inversions, according to the colinearity analysis of the BLAST alignment.
Interaction of Inflammation, Hyperuricemia, and the Prevalence of Hypertension Among Adults Free of Metabolic Syndrome: NHANES 2009–2010
Authors: Krishnan Eswar 
Published: March 2014

Background

Hyperuricemia and markers of inflammation are correlated with the risk for hypertension. Whether hyperuricemia has any impact on the association between C‐reactive protein (
CRP
) and hypertension is not known.

Methods and Results

We analyzed cross‐sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2009–2010, using ordinary least squares and logistic regression models. Those who met the criteria for metabolic syndrome, had self‐reported gout, or were <20 years old were excluded. For each 1‐SD increase in serum urate, the serum
CRP
concentration was 20% higher in unadjusted linear regression models and 13% higher in multivariable linear regression models, after accounting for the effects of age, sex, race, socioeconomic and educational strata, renal function, lipids, smoking, and body mass index. In multivariable models adjusting for the same covariates, hyperuricemia was associated with hypertension with an odds ratio of 2.21 (1.71 to 2.85). When analyzed separately, this was observed in men and women. In multivariable analyses of the overall sample, elevated
CRP
levels were not associated with hypertension.

Conclusions

Among adults free of metabolic syndrome, elevated uric acid, but not elevated
CRP
, is independently associated with prevalent hypertension.
Coronary Heart Disease Risks Associated with High Levels of HDL Cholesterol
Authors: Wilkins John T. , Ning Hongyan , Stone Neil J. , Criqui Michael H. , Zhao Lihui , Greenland Philip , Lloyd‐Jones Donald M. 
Published: March 2014

Background

The association between high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (
HDL‐C
) and coronary heart disease (
CHD
) events is not well described in individuals with very high levels of
HDL
‐C (>80 mg/dL).

Methods and Results

Using pooled data from 6 community‐based cohorts we examined
CHD
and total mortality risks across a broad range of
HDL
‐C, including values in excess of 80 mg/dL. We used Cox proportional hazards models with penalized splines to assess multivariable, adjusted, sex‐stratified associations of
HDL
‐C with the hazard for
CHD
events and total mortality, using
HDL
‐C 45 mg/dL and 55 mg/dL as the referent in men and women, respectively. Analyses included 11 515 men and 12 925 women yielding 307 245 person‐years of follow‐up. In men, the association between
HDL
‐C and
CHD
events was inverse and linear across most
HDL
‐C values; however at
HDL
‐C values >90 mg/dL there was a plateau effect in the pattern of association. In women, the association between
HDL
‐C and
CHD
events was inverse and linear across lower values of
HDL
‐C, however at
HDL
‐C values >75 mg/dL there were no further reductions in the hazard ratio point estimates for
CHD
. In unadjusted models there were increased total mortality risks in men with very high
HDL
‐C, however mortality risks observed in participants with very high
HDL
‐C were attenuated after adjustment for traditional risk factors.

Conclusions

We did not observe further reductions in CHD risk with
HDL
‐C values higher than 90 mg/dL in men and 75 mg/dL in women.
Surgery for Otitis Media in a Universal Health Care Model: Socioeconomic Status and Race/Ethnicity Effects
Authors: Ambrosio Art , Brigger Matthew T. 
Published: March 2014

Objectives(1) To determine the association between socioeconomic status (SES), race/ethnicity, and other demographic risk factors in surgically managed otitis media within a model of universal health care. 2) To determine quality of life (QOL) outcomes of surgically managed otitis media in this model.SettingTertiary academic medical center.Study DesignProspective cohort study.MethodsA prospective study was conducted between June 2011 and December 2012 with dependent children of military families. TRICARE provides equal access to care among all beneficiaries regardless of a wide range of annual incomes. Caretakers of children scheduled for bilateral myringotomy and tympanostomy tube (BMT) placement were administered a demographic survey, as well as OM‐6 QOL instrument preoperatively and 6 weeks postoperatively. A control group who did not undergo BMT was also administered both the survey and OM‐6 for comparison.ResultsTwo hundred forty patients were enrolled (120 surgical patients and 120 controls). Logistic regression demonstrated age younger than 6 years old (P <. 001), day care attendance (P <. 001), and non‐Hispanic Caucasian race (P =. 022) to be associated with surgery. Surgical QOL outcomes demonstrated a significant improvement in otitis media‐6 (OM‐6) scores after surgical management from 3.00 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.79‐3.20) to 1.35 (95% CI, 1.22‐1.47).ConclusionIn a universal health care model serving more than 2 million children, previously reported proxies of low SES as well as minority race/ethnicity were not associated with surgically managed otitis media contrary to reported literature. Caucasian race, young age, and day care attendance were associated with surgery. Surgery improved QOL outcomes 6 weeks postoperatively.
Genomic structure of nucleotide diversity among Lyon rat models of metabolic syndrome
Authors: Ma Man Chun John , Atanur Santosh S , Aitman Timothy J , Kwitek Anne E 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Background
The metabolic syndrome (MetS), a complex disorder involving hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance, is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. The Lyon Hypertensive (LH), Lyon Normotensive (LN) and Lyon Low-pressure (LL) rats are inbred strains simultaneously derived from a common outbred Sprague Dawley colony by selection for high, normal, and low blood pressure, respectively. Further studies found that LH is a MetS susceptible strain, while LN is resistant and LL has an intermediate phenotype. Whole genome sequencing determined that, while the strains are phenotypically divergent, they are nearly 98% similar at the nucleotide level. Using the sequence of the three strains, we applied an approach that harnesses the distribution of Observed Strain Differences (OSD), or nucleotide diversity, to distinguish genomic regions of identity-by-descent (IBD) from those with divergent ancestry between the three strains. This information was then used to fine-map QTL identified in a cross between LH and LN rats in order to identify candidate genes causing the phenotypes.

Results
We identified haplotypes that, in total, contain at least 95% of the identifiable polymorphisms between the Lyon strains that are likely of differing ancestral origin. By intersecting the identified haplotype blocks with Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) previously identified in a cross between LH and LN strains, the candidate QTL regions have been narrowed by 78%. Because the genome sequence has been determined, we were further able to identify putative functional variants in genes that are candidates for causing the QTL.

Conclusions
Whole genome sequence analysis between the LH, LN, and LL strains identified the haplotype structure of these three strains and identified candidate genes with sequence variants predicted to affect gene function. This approach, merged with additional integrative genetics approaches, will likely lead to novel mechanisms underlying complex disease and provide new drug targets and therapies.
Identification of candidate genes involved in coronary artery calcification by transcriptome sequencing of cell lines
Authors: Sen Shurjo K , Barb Jennifer J , Cherukuri Praveen F , Accame David S , Elkahloun Abdel G , Singh Larry N , Lee-Lin Shih-Queen , Program NISC Comparative Sequencing , Kolodgie Frank D , Cheng Qi , Zhao XiaoQing , Chen Marcus Y , Arai Andrew E , Green Eric D , Mullikin James C , Munson Peter J , Biesecker Leslie G 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Background
Massively-parallel cDNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) is a new technique that holds great promise for cardiovascular genomics. Here, we used RNA-Seq to study the transcriptomes of matched coronary artery disease cases and controls in the ClinSeq® study, using cell lines as tissue surrogates.

Results
Lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) from 16 cases and controls representing phenotypic extremes for coronary calcification were cultured and analyzed using RNA-Seq. All cell lines were then independently re-cultured and along with another set of 16 independent cases and controls, were profiled with Affymetrix microarrays to perform a technical validation of the RNA-Seq results. Statistically significant changes (p < 0.05) were detected in 186 transcripts, many of which are expressed at extremely low levels (5–10 copies/cell), which we confirmed through a separate spike-in control RNA-Seq experiment. Next, by fitting a linear model to exon-level RNA-Seq read counts, we detected signals of alternative splicing in 18 transcripts. Finally, we used the RNA-Seq data to identify differential expression (p < 0.0001) in eight previously unannotated regions that may represent novel transcripts. Overall, differentially expressed genes showed strong enrichment (p = 0.0002) for prior association with cardiovascular disease. At the network level, we found evidence for perturbation in pathways involving both cardiovascular system development and function as well as lipid metabolism.

Conclusions
We present a pilot study for transcriptome involvement in coronary artery calcification and demonstrate how RNA-Seq analyses using LCLs as a tissue surrogate may yield fruitful results in a clinical sequencing project. In addition to canonical gene expression, we present candidate variants from alternative splicing and novel transcript detection, which have been unexplored in the context of this disease.