bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcriptome analysis of seed development in apomictic Paspalum notatum
Authors: Felitti S.A. , Acuña C.A. , Ortiz J.P.A. , Quarin C.L. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe seed developmental process involves various tissues with several ploidy levels and different genetic origins. Therefore, its characterisation at the transcriptome level is certainly a challenge. The hypothesis of endosperm balance number (EBN) postulates that each species has an effective number that is important for normal endosperm and seed development to occur. Understanding endosperm formation in apomictic plants is crucial for the perspective of transferring apomixis to sexual species of agronomic interest. Since sexual tetraploid Paspalum plants fit the EBN premise, the EBN insensitivity observed in apomictic plants might be a requirement for the spread of pseudogamous apomixis. Crosses using several cytotypes of Paspalum notatum were made in order to induce the development of seeds with different maternal/paternal genomic ratios in the endosperm. A transcriptome characterisation of ovaries 3 h after pollination was performed using cDNA‐AFLP methodology. Forty‐six of the 100 differentially expressed transcript‐derived fragments (DETDFs) were specifically found in crosses in which apomictic plants were used as the female parent and presented a predicted m : p ratio in the endosperm that was different to the 2:1 requirement of the EBN. Moreover, 12 of the DETDFs presented identity with proteins that were differentially expressed in response to changes in the levels of extracellular ATP (eATP) in Arabidopsis cell suspension cultures. eATP is an important molecular switch in plants that tightly controls organellar energy metabolism and activates gene expression controlling specific growth and developmental programmes. The results suggest that eATP‐mediated signalling could be involved in the regulation of endosperm development.
Ovarian Hormones Regulate SP‐D Expression in the Mouse Uterus During Estrous Cycle and Early Pregnancy
Authors: Kay Sharon , Metkari Siddhanath Maruti , Madan Taruna 
Published: February 2015

ProblemDifferential expression of SP‐D in the cycling human and mouse endometrium suggests its regulation by ovarian hormones.Method of studySP‐D expression in the mouse uterus was analyzed across the estrous cycle and during early pregnancy. Effect of exogenous ovarian hormones on the uterine expression of SP‐D was analyzed.ResultsSP‐D expression varied across the estrous cycle and peaked in the estrous phase. SP‐D transcript levels increased by fourfold in the uteri of estrogen‐treated mice while co‐administration of estrogen and progesterone enhanced SP‐D levels by ninefold. However, treatment with progesterone alone significantly downregulated SP‐D expression. Diethylstilbestrol enhanced SP‐D transcript levels in the uteri of immature mice by 10‐fold. During pregnancy, SP‐D levels declined rapidly from 0.5 dpc to 6.5 dpc. In silico analysis predicted the presence of two potential ERE and 1 PRE in the mouse SP‐D gene promoter region.ConclusionEstrogen positively regulates expression of SP‐D in the mouse uterus. Progesterone, along with estrogen synergizes SP‐D expression, however, when administered alone results in negative regulation.
Neonatal resuscitation in Vietnam: a national survey of a middle‐income country
Authors: Trevisanuto Daniele , Marchetto Luca , Arnolda Gaston , Chien Tran Dinh , Lincetto Ornella , Cavallin Francesco , Xuan Ngo Minh , Tien Nguyen Viet , Hoi Nguyen Thi Xuan , Moccia Luciano 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAimInterventions that improve neonatal resuscitation are critical if we are to reduce perinatal mortality. We evaluated the consistency of resuscitation practices, and adherence to the international guidelines for neonatal resuscitation, in a large representative sample of hospitals in Vietnam.MethodsA questionnaire was sent to 187 public central, provincial and district hospitals, representing the three levels of public hospital‐based maternity services in Vietnam.ResultsThe overall response rate was 85.7% (160/187 hospitals), and the response rate was 100%, 90.3% and 81.7% for central, provincial and district hospitals, respectively. There were 620 300 births in the surveyed hospitals during the year 2011, representing almost half of all inpatient births in Vietnam. Neonatal resuscitation was provided by obstetricians and, or, midwives at all levels. Half of the hospitals did not follow recommendations for delaying cord clamping. The majority of the hospitals did not have a wall thermometer in the delivery room (80.5%) and did not monitor neonatal temperature after birth (64.1%). A large proportion of hospitals (39.9%) used 100% oxygen to initiate resuscitation and only central hospitals avoided this practice.ConclusionOur survey identified significant variations in resuscitation practices between central, provincial and district hospitals and limited adherence to international recommendations.
Comparison of stigmatizing experiences between Canadian and Korean patients with depression and bipolar disorders
Authors: Lee Hyewon , Milev Roumen , Paik Jong‐Woo 
Published: February 2015

AbstractIntroductionStigma is one of the key barriers to mental health services, and there have been growing efforts to develop antistigma programs. However, little research has been done on quantifying experiences of stigma and their psychosocial impacts in the perspectives of those who suffer from mental illnesses. It is essential to develop an instrument that quantifies the extent and impact of stigma. Therefore, we conducted a study to conduct a field test on The Inventory of Stigmatizing Experiences and measure the difference in perceived stigma and its psychosocial impacts on Korean and Canadian patients with depression and bipolar disorders.MethodsA cross‐sectional comparison study was conducted. Data collection took place at a tertiary care hospital located in Seoul, South Korea. Data for the Canadian patient group were retrieved from a previous study conducted by Lazowski et al.ResultsIn total, 214 Canadian and 51 Korean individuals with depression and bipolar disorder participated. Canadian participants reported significantly higher experience with stigma (P < 0.05) and its impact (P < 0.05) compared with Korean participants. Both subscales of the inventory (the Stigma Experiences Scale and the Stigma Impact Scale) were highly reliable, with reliability coefficients of 0.81 and 0.93, respectively.DiscussionIn conclusion, there seems to be higher level of stigma and impact in the Canadian population compared with the Korean population. These differences in stigma experience and their impact in different populations suggest the need to develop more tailored antistigma programs. The Inventory of Stigmatizing Experiences is a highly reliable instrument.
Risks of peripheral arterial occlusive disease in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea: a population‐based case–control study
Authors: Chen J.‐C. , Koo M. , Hwang J.‐H. 
Published: February 2015

ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the risk of peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) using a nationwide claim database in Taiwan.DesignA population‐based case–control study.SettingData from the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000 of the Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database.ParticipantsEleven thousand eight hundred and seventeen adult patients diagnosed with PAOD between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2010 and 35 451 controls without PAOD frequency matched by sex, 10‐year age interval and year of index date.Main outcome measuresObstructive sleep apnoea and a number of comorbidities prior to the index date were assessed and analysed with logistic regression analyses.ResultsUnivariate logistic regression analysis showed that PAOD was significantly associated with OSA (odds ratio, OR = 1.60, P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis, adjusted for coronary artery disease or myocardial infarction, chronic kidney disease, hyperurecaemia and obesity, also showed that PAOD was significantly associated with OSA (adjusted OR = 1.37, P = 0.014). However, the association was attenuated when it was further adjusted for hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and diabetes mellitus (DM).ConclusionFindings from this nationwide population‐based study indicated that PAOD was significantly associated with OSA. Further studies are warranted to determine whether OSA may contribute to the development of PAOD indirectly via increasing the risks of hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and/or DM.
Towards better patient safety in otolaryngology: characteristics of patient injuries and their relationship with items on the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist
Authors: Helmiö P. , Blomgren K. , Lehtivuori T. , Palonen R. , Aaltonen L.‐M. 
Published: February 2015

ObjectivesIncreasing knowledge of factors contributing to medical adverse events has influenced the development of preventive policies and protocols, the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist being the most widely known. Despite growing evidence of the checklist's effectiveness in surgery, its role in preventing adverse events in otolaryngology is unclear. We assessed patient injury‐contributing factors in otolaryngology and their relationship with WHO checklist items.Study designA retrospective claim record study of national patient insurance charts in Finland.Setting and participantsThe records of all accepted patient injury claims in otolaryngology between 2001 and 2011 were searched and reviewed by two otolaryngologists. Operation‐related injuries were evaluated in detail. Factors contributing to injury were identified, classified and compared with items on the WHO checklist. We also estimated whether the injury might have been prevented with a properly used checklist.ResultsIn the 10‐year study period, 188 (84.3%) of the 223 patient injuries were associated with operative care. Of these, 142 (75.5%) occurred in the operation theatre, and in 121 cases (64.4%), technical error in performing surgery was the primary cause of injury. In 18 injuries (9.6%), the error corresponded to a checklist item. Nine injuries (4.8%) could have been prevented with a properly used checklist.ConclusionsPatient injuries in otolaryngology are strongly related to operative care. The WHO checklist is one suitable tool for error prevention.
Utilisation, Reliability and Validity of Clinical Evaluation Exercise in Otolaryngology Training
Authors: Awad Z. , Hayden L. , Muthuswamy K. , Tolley N.S. 
Published: February 2015

ObjectivesTo investigate the utilisation, reliability and validity of clinical evaluation exercise (CEX) in otolaryngology training.DesignRetrospective database analysis.SettingOnline assessment database.ParticipantsWe analysed all CEXs submitted by north London core (CT) and speciality trainees (ST) in otolaryngology from 2010 to 2013.Main Outcome MeasuresInternal consistency of the 7 CEX items rated as either O: outstanding, S: satisfactory or D: development required. Overall performance rating (pS) of 1–4 assessed against completion of training level. Receiver operating characteristic was used to describe CEX sensitivity and specificity. Overall score (cS), pS and the number of ‘D’‐rated items were used to investigate construct validity.ResultsOne thousand one hundred and sixty CEXs from 45 trainees were included. CEX showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha= 0.85). CEX was highly sensitive (99%), yet not specific (6%). cS and pS for ST was higher than CT (99.1% ± 0.4 versus 96.6% ± 0.8 and 3.06 ± 0.05 versus 1.92 ± 0.04, respectively P < 0.001). pS showed a significant stepwise increase from CT1 to ST6 (P < 0.001). In contrast, cS only showed improvement up to ST4 (P = 0.025). The most frequently utilised item ‘management and follow‐up planning’ was found to be the best predictor of cS and pS (rs = +0.69 and +0.21, respectively).ConclusionCEX is reliable in assessing early years otolaryngology trainees in clinical examination, but not at higher level. It has the potential to be used in a summative capacity in selecting trainees for ST positions. This would also encourage trainees to master all domains of otolaryngology clinical examination by end of CT.
Survival with cerebral palsy over five decades in westernSweden
Authors: Himmelmann Kate , Sundh Valter 
Published: February 2015

AimThe life expectancy of individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) is often reduced compared with the general population. Long‐term survival withCPis rarely reported. The aim of this study was to investigate survival and the causes of death in relation toCPtype and motor and accompanying impairments documented in theCPregister of western Sweden over five decades.MethodAll individuals born between 1959 and 2002 were included in the study.CPwas classified according to Hagberg and the Surveillance of Cerebral Palsy in Europe (SCPE). Motor and accompanying impairments were documented. Causes of death were derived from the National Board of Health and Welfare, and population data were obtained from Statistics Sweden. Log‐rank tests with Kaplan–Meier plots were used for statistical analyses.ResultsOf the 1856 individuals (1033 males, 823 females) withCPincluded in the study, 180 (9.6%) had died by 31 December 2009. Tetraplegia, dyskineticCP, severe cognitive impairment, and epilepsy were associated with decreased survival rates. At Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level V, survival rates among individuals with spasticCPwere lower than among those with dyskineticCP. However, compared with the general population, there was an elevated death rate among individuals withCPfor all age groups andCPtypes. At all ages, females withCPhad a larger excess risk of death than males. Respiratory failure caused 53% of deaths. For individuals with hemiplegia, as in the general population, 20% of deaths were accidental.InterpretationSurvival rates are influenced byCPtype but there is an elevated risk of death for individuals with any type ofCP, compared with those withoutCP.
Incidence of hospitalization and its associated factors in first‐episode psychosis in Hong Kong
Authors: Lee Edwin H.M. , Hui Christy L.M. , Lin J.X. , Ching Elaine Y.N. , Li S.P. , Leung W.G. , Chang W.C. , Chan Sherry K.W. , Chen Eric Y.H. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAimThis study examined the incidence of hospitalization and its associated factors in patients with first‐episode psychosis in Hong Kong.MethodFrom 2009 to 2011, 360 patients were recruited consecutively as part of a controlled study of an early psychosis intervention service (the Jockey Club Early Psychosis project) in Hong Kong. Demographic and clinical information were obtained from face‐to‐face interviews and was reconfirmed using medical records. Factors relating to hospitalization during first episode were explored.ResultsThe incidence of hospitalization during first‐episode psychosis was 57.2%. Patients who were hospitalized had higher antipsychotics chlorpromazine equivalent dosage, higher positive and negative syndrome scale total score, higher Udvalg for Kliniske Undersøgelser others mean score and were more likely to have an acute mode of onset compared with those who were not hospitalized.ConclusionsHospitalization was common in first‐episode psychosis. Future studies are needed to explore possible programmes to prevent hospitalization in patients with first‐episode psychosis.
Construction and validation of a detailed kinetic model of glycolysis in Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Penkler Gerald , du Toit Francois , Adams Waldo , Rautenbach Marina , Palm Daniel C. , van Niekerk David D. , Snoep Jacky L. 
Published: February 2015

The enzymes in the Embden–Meyerhof–Parnas pathway of Plasmodium falciparum trophozoites were kinetically characterized and their integrated activities analyzed in a mathematical model. For validation of the model, we compared model predictions for steady‐state fluxes and metabolite concentrations of the hexose phosphates with experimental values for intact parasites. The model, which is completely based on kinetic parameters that were measured for the individual enzymes, gives an accurate prediction of the steady‐state fluxes and intermediate concentrations. This is the first detailed kinetic model for glucose metabolism in P. falciparum, one of the most prolific malaria‐causing protozoa, and the high predictive power of the model makes it a strong tool for future drug target identification studies. The modelling workflow is transparent and reproducible, and completely documented in the SEEK platform, where all experimental data and model files are available for download.DatabaseThe mathematical models described in the present study have been submitted to the JWS Online Cellular Systems Modelling Database (http://jjj.bio.vu.nl/database/penkler). The investigation and complete experimental data set is available on SEEK (10.15490/seek.1.investigation.56).
Diversity and distribution of early life stages of carangid fishes in the northwestern Mediterranean: responses to environmental drivers
Authors: Raya Vanesa , Sabatés Ana 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe diversity and distribution of the early stages of carangid fishes were investigated in relation to environmental conditions off the Catalan Coast (NW Mediterranean). Data were obtained during four oceanographic cruises conducted in spring–summer 2003 and 2004. A total of 4743 larvae from seven species and five genera were identified. Most were thermophilic species very abundant in the warm waters of the south and eastern Mediterranean. The presence of larvae and juveniles of Caranx crysos, Caranx rhonchus, Seriola dumerili and Trachinotus ovatus in the northwestern Mediterranean is reported for the first time. Except for Trachurus trachurus, which spawns in winter–spring, all species reproduce in spring–summer with a temporal succession in their spawning peaks. On average, the spatial patterns of different species (except T. trachurus) showed common features: a clear preference for spawning in coastal areas, high abundance of larvae in the south warmer zone in relation to the surface productive waters of Ebro river runoff and relatively high larval concentrations south of the thermal front and its associated anticyclonic eddy. The presence of larvae of thermophilic species of carangids in the northwestern Mediterranean indicates successful reproduction and establishment of these species in the cold part of the basin.
Polydnavirus gene provides accurate identification of species in the genus Hyposoter (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae)
Authors: Pook Victoria G. , Chapman Eric G. , Janzen Daniel H. , Hallwachs Winnie , Smith M. Alex , Sharkey Michael J. 
Published: February 2015

Abstract

Accurate identification of species of parasitoid Hymenoptera often requires the analysis of multiple genetic and non‐genetic traits.

Here, we investigate the potential for nuclear polydnavirus (PDV) gene loci to provide species‐level discrimination in the parasitoid wasp genus Hyposoter (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae). A region of one PDV gene, Cys‐d9.2, was sequenced from nine species of wasps and an additional two PDV genes, Cys‐d9.1 and Rep‐c18.2, were sequenced from multiple specimens of one species of wasp.

A Bayesian phylogenetic analysis of the Cys‐d9.2 sequences resulted in accurate identification of species and no intraspecific variation was observed in this gene, Cys‐d9.1 or Rep‐c18.2. Further statistical analyses showed that Cys‐d9.2 has a high prevalence of non‐synonymous nucleotide substitutions.

Our results support the use of Cys‐d9.2 as an additional genetic locus for species delimitation in Hyposoter, highlighting the value of PDV gene information to taxonomists studying the ichneumonid subfamily, Campopleginae.
Stability determination of the formulations containing hyaluronic acid
Authors: Olejnik A. , Goscianska J. , Zielinska A. , Nowak I. 
Published: February 2015

SynopsisObjectivesThe aim of this work was to investigate the long‐term stability of four emulsions (creams and ointments) developed for carrying hyaluronic acid (HA) for dermal penetration.MethodsThe stability of obtained formulations was analysed by multiple light scattering and laser diffraction methods.ResultsThe experimental results showed that the moisturizing creams were more stable than the ointments containing HA. The migration phenomenon of particles was observed in soft ointment with HA and the flocculation phenomenon was detected in ointment based on lanolin. The larger the water content, the more stable formulation can be, due to hygroscopic properties of HA.ConclusionsThe identification of instability phenomena was shortened dramatically using optical method such as multiple light scattering. Even small changes in the stability of emulsion were determined very early. We suggest that the moisturizing creams may be more suitable than ointments to carry HA for dermal absorption. These studies are a significant first step towards further exploration into what form of HA would assure maximum effect, give consumers satisfaction and guarantee safety during application.
Stability of cosmetic emulsion containing different amount of hemp oil
Authors: Kowalska M. , Ziomek M. , Żbikowska A. 
Published: February 2015

SynopsisObjectiveThe aim of the study was to determine the optimal conditions, that is the content of hemp oil and time of homogenization to obtain stable dispersion systems.MethodsFor this purpose, six emulsions were prepared, their stability was examined empirically and the most correctly formulated emulsion composition was determined using a computer simulation. Variable parameters (oil content and homogenization time) were indicated by the optimization software based on Kleeman's method. Physical properties of the synthesized emulsions were studied by numerous techniques involving particle size analysis, optical microscopy, Turbiscan test and viscosity of emulsions.ResultsThe emulsion containing 50 g of oil and being homogenized for 6 min had the highest stability. Empirically determined parameters proved to be consistent with the results obtained using the computer software. The computer simulation showed that the most stable emulsion should contain from 30 to 50 g of oil and should be homogenized for 2.5–6 min.ConclusionsThe computer software based on Kleeman's method proved to be useful for quick optimization of the composition and production parameters of stable emulsion systems. Moreover, obtaining an emulsion system with proper stability justifies further research extended with sensory analysis, which will allow the application of such systems (containing hemp oil, beneficial for skin) in the cosmetic industry.