bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Current status of prenatal diagnosis in Cuba: causes of low prevalence of Down syndrome
Authors: Méndez‐Rosado L. A. , Hechavarría‐Estenoz D. , de la Torre M. E. , Pimentel‐Benitez H. , Hernández‐Gil J. , Perez B. , Barrios‐Martínez A. , Morales‐Rodriguez E. , Soriano‐Torres M. , Garcia M. , Suarez‐Mayedo U. , Cedeño‐Aparicio N. , Blanco I. , Díaz‐Véliz P. , Vidal‐Hernández B. , Mitjans‐Torres M. , Miñoso S. , Alvarez‐Espinosa D. , Reyes‐Hernández E. , Angulo‐Cebada E. , Torres‐Palacios M. , Lozano‐Lezcano L. , Lima‐Rodriguez U. , Mayeta M. , Noblet M. , Benítez Y. , Lardoeyt‐Ferrer R. , Yosela‐Martin S. , Carbonell P. , Pérez‐Ramos M. , de León N. , Perez M. , Carbonell J. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo analyze trends in cytogenetic prenatal diagnosis in Cuba and to analyze possible causes leading to a low Down syndrome prevalence in a country where the triple test is not available.MethodsAn analysis of the Cuban program in prenatal cytogenetic diagnosis from 1984 to 2012 was conducted. Results are described, with particular emphasis on indications, abnormal results, types of invasive procedures, and terminations of pregnancy.ResultsCytogenetic prenatal diagnostic analyses (n = 75 095) were conducted; maternal age was the indication for 77.9% of the amniocenteses and chorionic villus samplings. The detection rate of chromosomally abnormal pregnancies was 2.3% for maternal age and increased to 8–9% for other indications. When a chromosomal abnormality was identified, 88.5% terminated the pregnancy. In 2002, the live birth prevalence of Down syndrome was 8.4 per 10 000 live births, and in 2012, 7 per 10 000.ConclusionPrenatal diagnosis in Cuba has contributed to a significant reduction in chromosomal aberrations. The impact increased because of the demographic trends of the population, the high index of terminations of pregnancy, and the establishment of a network of cytogenetic laboratories throughout Cuba. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An improved upper bound on the density of universal random graphs
Authors: Dellamonica Domingos , Kohayakawa Yoshiharu , Rödl Vojtěch , Ruciński Andrzej 
Published: May 2014

AbstractWe give a polynomial time randomized algorithm that, on receiving as input a pair (H, G) of n‐vertex graphs, searches for an embedding of H into G. If H has bounded maximum degree and G is suitably dense and pseudorandom, then the algorithm succeeds with high probability. Our algorithm proves that, for every integer and a large enough constant C = Cd, as , asymptotically almost all graphs with n vertices and at least edges contain as subgraphs all graphs with n vertices and maximum degree at most d. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2014
Alpha‐phellandrene‐induced DNA damage and affect DNA repair protein expression in WEHI‐3 murine leukemia cells in vitro
Authors: Lin Jen‐Jyh , Wu Chih‐Chung , Hsu Shu‐Chun , Weng Shu‐Wen , Ma Yi‐Shih , Huang Yi‐Ping , Lin Jaung‐Geng , Chung Jing‐Gung 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTAlthough there are few reports regarding α‐phellandrene (α‐PA), a natural compound from Schinus molle L. essential oil, there is no report to show that α‐PA induced DNA damage and affected DNA repair associated protein expression. Herein, we investigated the effects of α‐PA on DNA damage and repair associated protein expression in murine leukemia cells. Flow cytometric assay was used to measure the effects of α‐PA on total cell viability and the results indicated that α‐PA induced cell death. Comet assay and 4,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole dihydrochloride staining were used for measuring DNA damage and condensation, respectively, and the results indicated that α‐PA induced DNA damage and condensation in a concentration‐dependent manner. DNA gel electrophoresis was used to examine the DNA damage and the results showed that α‐PA induced DNA damage in WEHI‐3 cells. Western blotting assay was used to measure the changes of DNA damage and repair associated protein expression and the results indicated that α‐PA increased p‐p53, p‐H2A.X, 14‐3‐3‐σ, and MDC1 protein expression but inhibited the protein of p53, MGMT, DNA‐PK, and BRCA‐1. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 30: 1322–1330, 2015.
Assessment of the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity in environmentally exposed human populations to heavy metals using the cytokinesis‐block micronucleus cytome assay
Authors: Mesic Aner , Nefic Hilada 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTThe cytokinesis‐block micronucleus cytome (CBMN‐Cyt) assay was developed as a system for evaluating DNA damage, cytostasis, and cytotoxicity. The aim of the present study was to estimate levels of micronuclei (MNi), nucleoplasmic bridges (NPBs), nuclear buds (NBUDs), cell death (apoptosis/necrosis), nuclear division index, and nuclear division cytotoxicity index values in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of environmentally exposed subjects to heavy metals from five Bosnian regions, characterized by different exposure to heavy metals. The study was performed using CBMN‐Cyt assay, considering factors, such as age, gender and smoking habits and their possible effects on analyzed parameters. In total, 104 healthy subjects were selected (49.04% females and 50.96% males; average age, 35.41 years; 51.92% smokers and 48.08% nonsmokers). There was significant difference between the frequency of NBUDs in Tuzla as compared to the control group. Furthermore, there was observed a statistically significant difference for the frequency of NPBs between Zenica, Olovo, and Kakanj when compared with the controls. Males showed a significantly higher number of apoptotic cells than females in controls. There were significant differences between smokers and nonsmokers in the frequency of NPBs in controls (higher in nonsmokers) and necrotic cells in Olovo (higher in nonsmokers). The pack years of smoking significantly influenced the number of necrotic cells in controls and the frequency of NBUDs in the overall sample. The results of the present study provide evidence of significantly increased frequency of NPBs and NBUDs in exposed subjects, suggesting that these endpoints are highly sensitive markers for measuring genotoxicity. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 30: 1331–1342, 2015.
Musculoskeletal congenital malformations: Do paternal occupational exposures play a role?
Authors: Ali Ayman M. , Abdelaziz Mohamed , El-Alfy Barakat 
Published: May 2014

Background Paternal occupational exposures to potential health hazards are likely to affect congenital malformations through the spermatogenesis cycle. Purpose The aim of this case–control study was to assess the relationship between the risk of musculoskeletal congenital malformations in offspring and paternal workplace exposure to potential health hazards during the preconception period. Method The study comprised 105 patients (cases) with a musculoskeletal congenital malformation(s) and 135 controls matched for age and demographic characteristics. Both parents of each case and control were interviewed in the hospital by a trained physician. They also completed a questionnaire focusing on the preconception period and on the 3-month period immediately before and after the pregnancy conception date, respectively, of the child under study. Results The odds of having a child with a congenital malformation was higher ( P < 0.05) if the father was occupationally exposed to pesticides, solvents, or welding fumes during the preconception period. Conclusion Control of workplace exposures and adherence to threshold limit values of these potential health hazards should be adopted to minimize the risk of fathers having offspring with a congenital malformation.
C2Analyzer: Co-Target–Co-Function Analyzer
Authors: Aftabuddin Md. , Mal Chittabrata , Deb Arindam , Kundu Sudip 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) interact with their target mRNAs and regulate biological processes at post-transcriptional level. While one miRNA can target many mRNAs, a single mRNA can also be targeted by a set of miRNAs. The targeted mRNAs may be involved in different biological processes that are described by gene ontology (GO) terms. The major challenges involved in analyzing these multitude regulations include identification of the combinatorial regulation of miRNAs as well as determination of the co-functionally-enriched miRNA pairs. The C2Analyzer: Co-target–Co-function Analyzer, is a Perl-based, versatile and user-friendly web tool with online instructions. Based on the hypergeometric analysis, this novel tool can determine whether given pairs of miRNAs are co-functionally enriched. For a given set of GO term(s), it can also identify the set of miRNAs whose targets are enriched in the given GO term(s). Moreover, C2Analyzer can also identify the co-targeting miRNA pairs, their targets and GO processes, which they are involved in. The miRNA–miRNA co-functional relationship can also be saved as a .txt file, which can be used to further visualize the co-functional network by using other software like Cytoscape. C2Analyzer is freely available at www.bioinformatics.org/c2analyzer.
Prenatal caffeine intake differently affects synaptic proteins during fetal brain development
Authors: Mioranzza Sabrina , Nunes Fernanda , Marques Daniela M. , Fioreze Gabriela T. , Rocha Andréia S. , Botton Paulo Henrique S. , Costa Marcelo S. , Porciúncula Lisiane O. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractCaffeine is the psychostimulant most consumed worldwide. However, little is known about its effects during fetal brain development. In this study, adult female Wistar rats received caffeine in drinking water (0.1, 0.3 and 1.0 g/L) during the active cycle in weekdays, two weeks before mating and throughout pregnancy. Cerebral cortex and hippocampus from embryonic stages 18 or 20 (E18 or E20, respectively) were collected for immunodetection of the following synaptic proteins: brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), TrkB receptor, Sonic Hedgehog (Shh), Growth Associated Protein 43 (GAP‐43) and Synaptosomal‐associated Protein 25 (SNAP‐25). Besides, the estimation of NeuN‐stained nuclei (mature neurons) and non‐neuronal nuclei was verified in both brain regions and embryonic periods. Caffeine (1.0 g/L) decreased the body weight of embryos at E20. Cortical BDNF at E18 was decreased by caffeine (1.0 g/L), while it increased at E20, with no major effects on TrkB receptors. In the hippocampus, caffeine decreased TrkB receptor only at E18, with no effects on BDNF. Moderate and high doses of caffeine promoted an increase in Shh in both brain regions at E18, and in the hippocampus at E20. Caffeine (0.3 g/L) decreased GAP‐43 only in the hippocampus at E18. The NeuN‐stained nuclei increased in the cortex at E20 by lower dose and in the hippocampus at E18 by moderate dose. Our data revealed that caffeine transitorily affect synaptic proteins during fetal brain development. The increased number of NeuN‐stained nuclei by prenatal caffeine suggests a possible acceleration of the telencephalon maturation. Although some modifications in the synaptic proteins were transient, our data suggest that caffeine even in lower doses may alter the fetal brain development.
Limited agreement between biomarkers of neuronal injury at different stages of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Alexopoulos Panagiotis , Kriett Laura , Haller Bernhard , Klupp Elisabeth , Gray Katherine , Grimmer Timo , Laskaris Nikolaos , Förster Stefan , Perneczky Robert , Kurz Alexander , Drzezga Alexander , Fellgiebel Andreas , Yakushev Igor ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: May 2014

AbstractNew diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer's disease (AD) treat different biomarkers of neuronal injury as equivalent. Here, we quantified the degree of agreement between hippocampal volume on structural magnetic resonance imaging, regional glucose metabolism on positron emission tomography, and levels of phosphorylated tau in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in 585 subjects from all phases of the AD Neuroimaging Initiative. The overall chance‐corrected agreement was poor (Cohen κ, 0.24–0.34), in accord with a high rate of conflicting findings (26%–41%). Neither diagnosis nor APOE ε4 status significantly influenced the distribution of agreement between the biomarkers. The degree of agreement tended to be higher in individuals with abnormal versus normal CSF β‐amyloid (Aβ1‐42) levels. Prospective diagnostic criteria for AD should address the relative importance of markers of neuronal injury and elaborate a way of dealing with conflicting biomarker findings.
Decision Difficulty in the Age of Consumer Empowerment
Authors: Broniarczyk Susan M. , Griffin Jill G. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIn this review, we examine the impact of two key factors of consumer empowerment–choice freedom and expansion of information‐‐on the choice difficulty consumers experience in today's decision environment. We posit that though these two consumer empowerment factors offer numerous potential benefits, they also can magnify such sources of decision difficulty as task complexity, tradeoff difficulty, and preference uncertainty. Next we review several key moderators, including consumer knowledge, mental representation, and maximization tendencies as well as information type and organization, that can exacerbate or mitigate the effect of these consumer empowerment factors on decision difficultly outcomes. Lastly, we examine the effectiveness of decision aids in assisting consumers navigate the complexity of today's decision environment, and we identify areas for future investigation.
Does the etiology affect the outcome and satisfaction rates of penile prosthesis implantation surgery?
Authors: Bozkurt Ibrahim Halil , Arslan Burak , Kozacioglu Zafer , Yonguc Tarik , Degirmenci Tansu , Gunlusoy Bulent , Minareci Suleyman 
Published: May 2014

AbstractOur aim was to compare the outcomes and satisfaction rates of men undergoing penile prostheses implantation (PPI) secondary to radical prostatectomy (RP) and other causes of vasculogenic erectile dysfunction (ED). A total of 142 patients, of whom 60 underwent PPI due to ED following RP (Group 1) and 82 underwent PPI due to ED with other vasculogenic causes (Group 2) were included in this study. The preoperative erectile status was evaluated with the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). The satisfaction of patients and partners were evaluated by a telephone interview using Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS) questionnaire and Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction Partner Survey. Preoperative mean IIEF scores were significantly lower in Group 1 (17.5 ± 6.4 vs. 24.2 ± 5.1, p = 0.01). For Groups 1 and 2, the mean EDITS scores of the patients were 58 ± 10 and 71 ± 8, respectively, and that for the partners were 46 ± 8 and 65 ± 7, respectively. Group 1 had significantly lower scores both for the EDITS and the EDITS Partner Survey (p = 0.03, p = 0.01, respectively). Patients who had undergone RP and their partners were found to have lower satisfaction rates compared to patients with other causes of vasculogenic ED who had penile implant surgery. From this point of view, it is important to know the patient's expectations about the treatment outcomes and a preoperative psychological and sexual counseling should be managed for possible treatment alternatives after RP.
Risk Determinants of Acute Mountain Sickness in Trekkers in the Nepali Himalaya: a 24-Year Follow-Up
Authors: McDevitt Marion , McIntosh Scott E. , Rodway George , Peelay Jitsupa , Adams Doug L. , Kayser Bengt 
Published: May 2014

Objective Exposure to altitude may lead to acute mountain sickness (AMS) in nonacclimatized individuals. We surveyed AMS prevalence and potential risk factors in trekkers crossing a 5400-m pass in Nepal and compared the results with those of 2 similar studies conducted 12 and 24 years earlier. Methods In April 2010, 500 surveys were distributed to English-speaking trekkers at 3500 m on their way to 5400 m, of which 332 (66%) surveys were returned complete. Acute mountain sickness was quantified with the Lake Louise Scoring System (LLSS, cutoff ≥3 and ≥5) and the Environmental Statistical Questionnaire III AMS-C score (ESQ-III, cutoff ≥0.7). We surveyed demographics, body mass index (BMI), smoking habit, rate of ascent, awareness of AMS, and acetazolamide use. Results Prevalence of AMS was 22%, 23%, and 48% (ESQ-III ≥0.7, LLSS ≥5, and LLSS ≥3, respectively) lower when compared with earlier studies. Risk factors for AMS were younger age, female sex, higher BMI, and smoking habit. Forty-two percent had elementary knowledge about the risk and prevention of AMS. Forty-four percent used acetazolamide. Trekkers took longer to climb from 3500 to 5400 m than in earlier studies. Conclusions Prevalence of AMS continued to decline over a period of 24 years, likely as a result of slower ascent and increased use of acetazolamide. The AMS risk factors of younger age, female sex, and high BMI are consistent with prior studies. Awareness of risk and prevention of AMS remains low, indicating an opportunity to better educate trekkers and potentially further reduce AMS prevalence.
The Evolution of Labour Law in India: An Overview and Commentary on Regulatory Objectives and Development
Authors: MITCHELL Richard , MAHY Petra , GAHAN Peter 
Published: May 2014

AbstractGenerally speaking there has been a relative dearth of serious scholarship focusing on the evolution of Indian labour law in its economic, social, and political contexts. Such work as there is tends to be constituted of fragmented and short journal articles and notes, including those by labour economists and industrial relations scholars. The present work undertakes a survey of the literature in the field, examining first the various periods through which Indian labour law has evolved up to the present time, and second the extent to which the labour law system can be seen to have fulfilled its two core objectives: the protection of labour and the maintenance of industrial peace. The survey reveals that Indian “labour law” in the formal sense has very little purchase in terms of its application in pursuit of its objects. This, in turn, suggests that some other approach is required to reach a more grounded and accurate understanding of how, and to what effect, labour is regulated in India.
Spray Performances and Cryogenic Characteristics of C02 Snow under Cryosurgery Guided by Endoscopic
Authors: Lin T.-C. , Shen Y.-J. , Wang M.-R. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTThis research experimentally investigated effects of injection pressure, formation chamber and bypass flow on spray performances and cryogenic characteristics of CO2 snow under cryosurgery guided by endoscopic. Results show that CO2 snow has a superior freezing capability in the application of cryosurgery. The length of formation chamber is an effective design parameter to control spray performances and cryogenic characteristics. Increase in the length of formation chamber can increase snow size and conversion ratio, as well as the cooling rate and impact area of the tissue. Thus, it is suitable for the application on wider range nidus. Moreover, the bypass flow can efficiently modulate the cooling effect of the main flow with CO2 snow particles, and extend the operation time of cryosurgery. The experimental results also show that decrease the cylinder pressure, decrease the length of formation chamber, and increase the diameter of bypass apertures can slow down the flying velocity of CO2 snow which are effective methods to control the jet velocity and prevent the risk of penetration.
Adapted cognitive–behavioural therapy required for targeting negative symptoms in schizophrenia: meta-analysis and meta-regression
Authors: Velthorst E. , Koeter M. , van der Gaag M. , Nieman D. H. , Fett A.-K. J. , Smit F. , Staring A. B. P. , Meijer C. , de Haan L. 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundThere is an increasing interest in cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) interventions targeting negative symptoms in schizophrenia. To date, CBT trials primarily focused on positive symptoms and investigated change in negative symptoms only as a secondary outcome. To enhance insight into factors contributing to improvement of negative symptoms, and to identify subgroups of patients that may benefit most from CBT directed at ameliorating negative symptoms, we reviewed all available evidence on these outcomes.MethodA systematic search of the literature was conducted in PsychInfo, PubMed and the Cochrane register to identify randomized controlled trials reporting on the impact of CBT interventions on negative symptoms in schizophrenia. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed on end-of-treatment, short-term and long-term changes in negative symptoms.ResultsA total of 35 publications covering 30 trials in 2312 patients, published between 1993 and 2013, were included. Our results showed studies’ pooled effect on symptom alleviation to be small [Hedges’ g = 0.093, 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.028 to 0.214, p = 0.130] and heterogeneous (Q = 73.067, degrees of freedom = 29, p < 0.001, τ2 = 0.081, I2 = 60.31) in studies with negative symptoms as a secondary outcome. Similar results were found for studies focused on negative symptom reduction (Hedges’ g = 0.157, 95% CI −0.10 to 0.409, p = 0.225). Meta-regression revealed that stronger treatment effects were associated with earlier year of publication, lower study quality and with CBT provided individually (as compared with group-based).ConclusionsThe co-occurring beneficial effect of conventional CBT on negative symptoms found in older studies was not supported by more recent studies. It is now necessary to further disentangle effective treatment ingredients of older studies in order to guide the development of future CBT interventions aimed at negative symptom reduction.
Density of warm ionized gas near the Galactic center: low radio frequency observations
Authors: Roy Subhashis 
Published: May 2014

AbstractWe have detected 62 compact likely extragalactic sources in the Galactic center (GC) region at 0.154 and 0.255 GHz with the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT). Their scattering sizes go down linearly with angular distance from the GC up to about 1°. These are more than 10 times lower than the proposed Hyperstrong scattering model within 0.5° from the GC. We also detect 7 out of 10 EG sources expected in the region from existing catalogs. Ionized interfaces of dense molecular clouds to the ambient medium are likely responsible for strong scattering. However, dense GC clouds traced by CS J = (1 − 0) emission are found to have a narrow distribution of ∼0.2° across the Galactic plane. Lack of strong scattering towards EG sources within ∼ 0.5° from GC with |b| ≳ 0.2° could explain our results.
3 mm band line survey toward the high-velocity compact cloud CO−0.40−0.22
Authors: Oka T. , Tanaka K. , Matsumura S. , Miura K. , Takekawa S. , Takahata Y. , Nishino Akihiko 
Published: May 2014

AbstractHigh-velocity compact clouds (HVCCs) are a population of molecular clouds which have compact appearance (d < 10 pc) and large velocity width (Δ V > 50 km s−1), and are found in the central molecular zone of our Galaxy. We performed a 3 mm band line survey toward CO−0.40−0.22, a spatially unresolved HVCC with an extremely large velocity width (Δ V ≃ 90 km s−1), using the Mopra 22 m telescope. We surveyed the frequency range between 76 GHz and 116 GHz with a 0.27 MHz frequency resolution. We detect at least 54 lines from 32 molecules. Many line profiles show a prominent peak at vLSR ∼ 70 km s−1 with very large velocity width, indicating they are emitted by the HVCC. Detections of largish molecules are indicative of non-equilibrium chemistry. We extracted some prominent lines based on velocity structure, intensity ratios, and PCA analyses. Shock diagnostic lines (SiO, SO, CH3OH, HNCO) and dense gas probes (HCN, HCO+) appear to be prominent. Excitation analysis of CH3OH lines show an enhancement in Trot in the negative high-velocity end of the profile. These results suggest that CO−0.40−0.22 has experienced a shock, acceleration, compression, and heating in the recent past.