bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome‐wide Association Analysis of Ten Chilling Tolerance Indices at the Germination and Seedling Stages in Maize
Authors: Huang Juan , Zhang Jianhua , Li Wenzhen , Hu Wei , Duan Lichao , Feng Yang , Qiu Fazhan , Yue Bing 
Published: April 2013

AbstractMaize seedlings are very sensitive to chilling, especially during the transition phase from heterotrophic to autotrophic growth. Genetic dissection of the genetic basis of chilling tolerance would provide useful information for genetic improvement of maize inbreds. In this study, genome‐wide association analysis was conducted to explore the genetic architecture of maize chilling tolerance at the seed germination and seedling stages with an association panel of 125 inbreds. Ten tolerance indices (ratios of the performance of 10 germination rates and seedling growth‐related traits under chilling stress and control conditions) were investigated to assess the ability of chilling tolerance of the inbreds, and a total of 43 single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with chilling tolerance were detected, with none of them being related to chilling tolerance at both the germination and seedling stages simultaneously. Correlation analysis also revealed that the genetic basis of chilling tolerance at the seed germination stage is generally different from that at the seedling stage. In addition, a total of 40 candidate genes involving 31 of the 43 single nucleotide polymorphisms were predicted, and were grouped into five categories according to their functions. The possible roles of these candidate genes in chilling tolerance were also discussed.
Construct validity and reliability of the Handover Evaluation Scale
Authors: O'Connell Beverly , Ockerby Cherene , Hawkins Mary 
Published: April 2013

Aims and objectivesTo examine the psychometric properties of the Handover Evaluation Scale using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis.BackgroundHandover is a fundamental component of clinical practice and is essential to ensure safe patient care. Research indicates a number of problems with this process, with high variability in the type of information provided. Despite the reported deficits with handover practices internationally, guidelines and standardised tools for its conduct and evaluation are scarce. Further work is required to develop an instrument that measures the effectiveness of handover in a valid and reliable way.DesignSecondary analysis of data collected between 2006–2008 from nurses working on 24 wards across a large Australian healthcare service.MethodsA sample of 299 nurses completed the survey that included 20 self‐report items which evaluated the effectiveness of handover. Data were analysed using exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis supported by structural equation modelling.ResultsAnalyses resulted in a 14‐item Handover Evaluation Scale with three subscales: (1) quality of information (six items), (2) interaction and support (five items) and (3) efficiency (three items). A fourth subscale, patient involvement (three items), was removed from the scale as it was not a good measure of handover.ConclusionsThe scale is a self‐report, valid and reliable measure of the handover process. It provides a useful tool for monitoring and evaluating handover processes in health organisations, and it is recommended for use and further development.Relevance to clinical practiceMonitoring handover is an important quality assurance process that is required to meet healthcare standards. This reliable and valid scale can be used in practice to monitor the quality of handover and provide information that can form the basis of education and training packages and guidelines to improve handover policies and processes.
Quorum Sensing Contributes to Seed‐to‐Seedling Transmission of Acidovorax citrulli on Watermelon
Authors: Johnson Kameka Latoya , Walcott Ronald Ricardo 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBased on the observation that Acidovorax citrulli switches from saprobic to pathogenic growth for seed‐to‐seedling transmission of bacterial fruit blotch of cucurbits (BFB), we hypothesized that quorum sensing (QS) was involved in the regulation of this process. Using aacI (luxI homologue) and aacR (luxR homologue) mutants of AAC00‐1, we investigated the role of QS in watermelon seed colonization and seed‐to‐seedling transmission of BFB. aacR and aacI mutants of AAC00‐1 colonized germinating watermelon seed at wild‐type levels; however, BFB seed‐to‐seedling transmission was affected in a cell density‐dependent manner. There were no significant differences in BFB seedling transmission between watermelon seed infiltrated with approximately 1 × 106 CFU of AAC00‐1, the aacR or aacI deletion mutants (95.2, 94.9 and 98.3% BFB incidence, respectively). In contrast, when seed inoculum was reduced to approximately 1 × 103 CFU/seed, BFB seed‐to‐seedling transmission declined to 34.3% for the aacI mutant, which was significantly less than the wild type (78.6%). Interestingly, BFB seed‐to‐seedling transmission for the aacR mutant was not significantly different to the wild‐type strain. These data suggest that QS plays a role in regulation of genes involved in seed‐to‐seedling transmission of BFB.
A literature review of Case Formulation to inform Mental Health practice
Authors: Rainforth M. , Laurenson M. 
Published: April 2013

Accessible summary
Explain the use of case formulation as a way of involving people experiencing mental health issues in their treatment options.
Case formulation is a framework that informs a choice of psychological treatments and links assessment and treatment phases to guide practitioners and individuals on treatment options.
This paper investigates its value and discusses training and supervision of professionals undertaking case formulation.
It includes information on how individuals with mental health issues are fully included in the process.
The findings conclude that case formulation is worthwhile and suggests improved training to improve individual outcomes.
AbstractChanges in mental health provision have led to practitioners and service providers reviewing how they incorporate service users in assessment processes and treatment decisions. Case formulation (CF) is a framework that informs a choice of psychological treatments providing a bridge between assessment and treatment phases to guide treatment options. However, CF is not routinely practised in mental health; hence this paper reviews CF literature to establish its efficacy for service users experiencing mental health issues. The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy, reliability and validity of CF and its process and function in providing treatment for service users experiencing mental health issues and to explore practitioner training requirements. A systematic search of English language publications on CF and treatment frameworks from 1999–2011 was conducted searching electronic databases. Additionally, two seminal pieces of CF work were included. The findings demonstrate evidence of CF's efficacy and suggest practitioner training programmes to increase professional expertise and enhance service user outcomes. However, limited evidence exists and further research is required to address efficacy and training implications of CF.
Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index: Responsiveness and Testing of Criterion Validity
Authors: Benito J. , Hansen B. , DePuy V. , Davidson G.S. , Thomson A. , Simpson W. , Roe S. , Hardie E. , Lascelles B.D.X. 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundProgress in establishing if therapies provide relief to cats with degenerative joint disease (DJD)‐associated pain is hampered by a lack of validated owner‐administered assessment methods.HypothesisThat an appropriately developed subjective owner‐completed instrument (Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index‐FMPI) to assessDJD‐associated impairment would have responsiveness and criterion validity.AnimalsTwenty‐five client‐owned cats with DJD‐associated pain.MethodsFMPIresponsiveness (ability to detect the effect of an analgesic treatment) and validity (correlation with an objective measure) were explored through a stratified, randomized, double blinded, placebo‐controlled, crossover 10‐week clinical study. Meloxicam was administered to effect pain relief. A linear mixed model, backward stepwise regression, and Pearson correlations were used to assess responsiveness and criterion validity with the assumption that theNSAIDwould increase activity.ResultsPositive responses of cats to placebo (P = .0001) and meloxicam treatment (P = .0004) were detected; however, the instrument did not detect any difference between placebo and meloxicam (linear mixed model), even for the high impairment cases. Percent meloxicam target dose administered, temperament, and total baselineFMPIscore were covariates that most affectedFMPIscores. Controlling for significant covariates, most positive effects were seen for placebo treatment. Positive treatment effects on activity were detected, but only for the cases designated as most highly impaired.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceNeither responsiveness nor criterion validity were detected by the inclusion criteria for cases in this study. The data suggest that further work is indicated to understand factors affecting activity in cats to optimize inclusion criteria.
Randomized Controlled Trial to Assess the Efficacy of the Combination Therapy of Alfuzosin and Tadalafil in Patients with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Due to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: KUMAR Santosh , KONDAREDDY Chilekampalli , GANESAMONI Raguram , NANJAPPA Bhuvanesh , SINGH Shrawan K. 
Published: April 2013

ObjectiveThe purpose of our study was to evaluate the effect of alfuzosin and tadalafil as combination therapy compared with each monotherapy, in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).MethodsMen over the age of 50 years with LUTS secondary to BPH and an International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) 8 or higher, were randomized to receive 10 mg alfuzosin (n = 25), 10 mg tadalafil (n = 25) or the combination of both the drugs (n = 25) once daily for 3 months. Symptoms were assessed at baseline, 6 weeks and 3 months. The primary endpoint was the change in IPSS from the baseline. Secondary endpoints were changes in IPSS storage and voiding subscores, peak urinary flow rate, residual urine volume, IPSS quality of life score and erectile domain score.ResultsThere were significant improvements in all IPSS scores, peak urinary flow rate and IPSS quality of life score from baseline at both 6 weeks and 3 months in all the three groups (P < 0.003). Combination therapy was better than monotherapy in improving IPSS scores and reducing post‐void residual urine volume (P < 0.005). Combination therapy was similar to alfuzosin regarding improvement in maximum urine flow rate (P = 0.22), similar to tadalafil in improvement on erectile function (P = 0.22) and better than each monotherapy in improving the IPSS quality of life (P ≤ 0.015).ConclusionAlfuzosin and tadalafil combination therapy provides greater symptomatic improvement as compared to either monotherapy in men with LUTS due to BPH.
Pervasive selection or is it…? why areFSToutliers sometimes so frequent?
Authors: Bierne Nicolas , Roze Denis , Welch John J. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractIt is now common for population geneticists to estimateFSTfor a large number of loci across the genome, before testing for selected loci as being outliers to theFSTdistribution. One surprising result of suchFSTscans is the often high proportion (>1% and sometimes >10%) of outliers detected, and this is often interpreted as evidence for pervasive local adaptation. In this issue ofMolecularEcolog, Fourcadeet al. () observe that a particularly high rate ofFSToutliers has often been found in river organisms, such as fishes or damselflies, despite there being no obvious reason why selection should affect a larger proportion of the genomes of these organisms. Using computer simulations, Fourcadeet al. () show that the strong correlation in co‐ancestry produced in long one‐dimensional landscapes (such as rivers, valleys, peninsulas, oceanic ridges or coastlines) greatly increases the neutral variance inFST, especially when the landscape is further reticulated into fractal networks. As a consequence, outlier tests have a high rate of false positives, unless this correlation can be taken into account. Fourcadeet al.'s study highlights an extreme case of the general problem, first noticed by Robertson (,b) and Nei & Maruyama (), that correlated co‐ancestry inflates the neutral variance inFSTwhen compared to its expectation under an island model of population structure. Similar warnings about the validity of outlier tests have appeared regularly since then but have not been widely cited in the recent genomics literature. We further emphasize thatFSToutliers can arise in many different ways and that outlier tests are not designed for situations where the genetic architecture of local adaptation involves many loci.
Downhill Varices Secondary to HeRO Graft‐Related SVC Syndrome
Authors: Pillai Unnikrishnan , Roopkiranjot Kahlon , Lakshminarayan Nandagopal , Balabhadrapatruni Krishna , Gebregeorgis Wihib , Kissner Paul 
Published: April 2013

AbstractTunneled hemodialysis catheters are well‐documented causes of benign central vein stenosis, which can be associated with proximal or downhill esophageal varices due to shunting of blood flow from the upper portion of the body through the esophageal venous plexuses. A majority of these cases remain asymptomatic. As a result, studies are largely limited to symptomatic patients, with incidence rates ranging from 16% to 29%. Recently, Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow (HeRO) graft has been introduced as an effective alternate hemodialysis access in catheter‐dependent patients, especially in the presence of significant central venous occlusion. It differs from a conventional arteriovenous graft (AVG) by the fact that its venous outflow end is in the right atrium via one of the central veins, bypassing any significant occlusion upstream. Lower intervention rates and reduced incidence of bacteremia make it comparable to conventional tunneled catheters. However, the incidence of central vein occlusion and associated complications with HeRO grafts is unknown. We present the first case of gastrointestinal bleeding from downhill esophageal varices secondary to HeRO – graft‐related SVC occlusion.
The HI‐STAR study: resource utilization and costs associated with serologic testing for antibody‐positive patients at four United States medical centers
Authors: Mazonson Peter , Efrusy Molly , Santas Chris , Ziman Alyssa , Burner James , Roseff Susan , Vijayaraghavan Arthi , Kaufman Richard 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundLittle is known about how the resource utilization and costs of serologic work ups for positive antibody screens vary across subpopulations based on diagnosis, transfusion history, and serologic testing history.Study Design and MethodsDetailed data were collected on patient demographics, diagnoses, transfusion history, history of known allo‐ and autoantibodies, and specific serologic tests performed for 6077 consecutive serologic work ups in 3608 antibody‐positive patients between 2009 and 2011 at four US academic medical centers. Direct testing costs were also determined at each site for each serologic test performed to calculate total costs per work up and per patient over the duration of the study.ResultsThe mean direct cost of serologic testing was $114 per work up and $195 per patient. The mean cost per patient was significantly higher for 12 of 19 diagnostic categories evaluated, including autoimmune hemolytic anemia (mean cost per patient, $1490; p < 0.001), hematologic malignancies ($640, p < 0.001), and transplant recipients ($462, p = 0.019). Patient transfusion and serologic testing characteristics associated with greatest increases in costs included history of a warm autoantibody ($626, p < 0.001) and more than five prior transfusions ($404, p < 0.001).ConclusionAntibody‐positive patients with complex diagnoses or transfusion histories require significantly more resources and incur greater cost to assess red blood cell antibody status.
Comparative analysis of triplex nucleic acid test assays in United States blood donors
Authors: Stramer Susan L. , Krysztof David E. , Brodsky Jaye P. , Fickett Tracy A. , Reynolds Benjamin , Dodd Roger Y. , Kleinman Steven H. 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundThis study assessed the clinical sensitivity of three fully automated, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis B virus (HBV) triplex nucleic acid test (NAT) assays by individual donation (ID‐NAT) and at operational minipool (MP‐NAT) sizes used worldwide.Study Design and MethodsMPX, Ultrio, and Ultrio Plus were used to test 2222 pedigreed, marker‐positive samples with varying viral loads, each from a unique US blood donor. NAT‐positive, seronegative yield samples (16 HBV, 156 HCV, and 23 HIV) were tested in replicates of three; undiluted; and in 1:6, 1:8, and 1:16 dilutions (MP6, MP8, and MP16), simulating various MP sizes. Seropositive samples (1276 HBV, 488 HCV, and 263 HIV) were tested by ID‐NAT in singlet.ResultsMPX‐MP6 and Ultrio Plus‐MP16 had equivalent HCV sensitivity. Although Ultrio Plus‐MP16 for HIV trended toward lesser sensitivity, this was not corroborated in a large substudy of low‐viral‐load samples in which Ultrio Plus‐MP8/MP16 showed 100% reactivity. MPX‐ID and Ultrio Plus‐ID HBV clinical sensitivity were identical, but MPX‐MP6 was significantly more sensitive than Ultrio Plus‐MP16; the differential yield projected to one HBV NAT yield per 4.72 million US donations. Ultrio Plus HBV sensitivity did not increase at MP8 versus MP16. Ultrio Plus versus Ultrio sensitivity was significantly increased in HBV‐infected donors with early acute, late acute or chronic, and occult infections. No difference in sensitivity was noted for any virus for MPX‐MP6 versus Ultrio Plus‐ID.ConclusionsOur data support US donation screening with MPX‐MP6 or Ultrio Plus‐MP16 since the HBV DNA detection of Ultrio Plus was significantly enhanced (vs. Ultrio) without compromising HIV or HCV RNA detection.
Novel RHD alleles with weak hemagglutination and genetic Exon 9 diversity: weak D Types 45.1, 75, and 76
Authors: Gassner Christoph , Utz Irene , Schennach Harald , Ramoni Angela , Steiner Hannes , Scholz Sabine , Kreklau Ursula , Körmöczi Günther F. 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundMolecular variant RHD allele analysis is best complemented by detailed characterization of the associated D phenotype.Study Design and MethodsVariant D types were characterized using molecular typing, RHD sequencing, extended serologic D antigen investigations, and flow cytometric D antigen quantification.ResultsWe discovered three novel weak D types termed weak D Types 45.1, 75, and 76 with RHD nucleotide substitutions coding for amino acid exchanges in predicted intracellular RhD polypeptide stretches; antigen densities of approximately 1.990, 900, and 240 D sites per red blood cell were found, respectively. Adsorption‐elution technique–supported D epitope mapping of these three weak D types demonstrated the expression of all tested D epitopes. Initial molecular typing of the three investigated samples by RHD gene exon scanning polymerase chain reaction using sequence‐specific priming yielded a negative reaction for A1193 located in RHD Exon 9 and could be explained by specific mutations for weak D Types 45.1 (C818T, G1195A), 75 (G1194C), and 76 (A1215C).ConclusionAll novel weak D types expressed all tested D epitopes. It is of interest that for weak D Types 45.1, 75, and 76, similar alleles with a maximal divergence of one amino acid only, that is, weak D Types 45, 41, and 68, respectively, have been reported so far.
Antimicrobial Resistance and Virulence: a Successful or Deleterious Association in the Bacterial World?
Authors: Beceiro Alejandro , Tomás María , Bou Germán 
Published: April 2013

SUMMARY
Hosts and bacteria have coevolved over millions of years, during which pathogenic bacteria have modified their virulence mechanisms to adapt to host defense systems. Although the spread of pathogens has been hindered by the discovery and widespread use of antimicrobial agents, antimicrobial resistance has increased globally. The emergence of resistant bacteria has accelerated in recent years, mainly as a result of increased selective pressure. However, although antimicrobial resistance and bacterial virulence have developed on different timescales, they share some common characteristics. This review considers how bacterial virulence and fitness are affected by antibiotic resistance and also how the relationship between virulence and resistance is affected by different genetic mechanisms (e.g., coselection and compensatory mutations) and by the most prevalent global responses. The interplay between these factors and the associated biological costs depend on four main factors: the bacterial species involved, virulence and resistance mechanisms, the ecological niche, and the host. The development of new strategies involving new antimicrobials or nonantimicrobial compounds and of novel diagnostic methods that focus on high-risk clones and rapid tests to detect virulence markers may help to resolve the increasing problem of the association between virulence and resistance, which is becoming more beneficial for pathogenic bacteria.
Parents’ first moments with their very preterm babies: a qualitative study
Authors: Arnold Leah , Sawyer Alexandra , Rabe Heike , Abbott Jane , Gyte Gillian , Duley Lelia , Ayers Susan 
Published: April 2013

ObjectivesTo assess parents’ first experiences of their very preterm babies and the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).DesignQualitative study using semistructured interviews.Participants32 mothers and 7 fathers of very preterm babies (<32 weeks gestation).SettingThree neonatal units in tertiary care hospitals in South East England.ResultsFive themes were identified. The first describes parents’ blurred recall of the birth. The second shows the anticipation of seeing and touching their baby for the first time was characterised by contrasting emotions, with some parents feeling scared and others excited about the event. The third theme describes parents’ first sight and touch of their babies and their ‘rollercoaster’ of emotions during this time. It also highlights the importance of touch to trigger and strengthen the parent–baby bond. However, some parents were worried that touching or holding the baby might transmit infection or interfere with care. The fourth theme captures parents’ impressions of NICU and how overwhelming this was particularly for parents who had not toured NICU beforehand or whose first sight of their baby was on NICU. The final theme captures unique experiences of fathers, in particular that many felt excluded and confused about their role.ConclusionsThis study informs family-centred care by providing insight into the experiences of parents of very preterm infants at a time when they are most in need of support. Clinical implications include the importance of offering parents preparatory tours of the NICU and including fathers.