bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cytochrome P450 93G1 Is a Flavone Synthase II That Channels Flavanones to the Biosynthesis of Tricin O-Linked Conjugates in Rice
Authors: Lam Pui Ying , Zhu Fu-Yuan , Chan Wai Lung , Liu Hongjia , Lo Clive 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Flavones are a major class of flavonoids with a wide range of physiological functions in plants. They are constitutively accumulated as C-glycosides and O-linked conjugates in vegetative tissues of grasses. It has long been presumed that the two structural modifications of flavones occur through independent metabolic routes. Previously, we reported that cytochrome P450 93G2 (CYP93G2) functions as a flavanone 2-hydroxylase (F2H) that provides 2-hydroxyflavanones for C-glycosylation in rice (Oryza sativa). Flavone C-glycosides are subsequently formed by dehydratase activity on 2-hydroxyflavanone C-glycosides. On the other hand, O-linked modifications were proposed to proceed after the flavone nucleus is generated. In this study, we demonstrate that CYP93G1, the closest homolog of CYP93G2 in rice, is a bona fide flavone synthase II (FNSII) that catalyzes the direct conversion of flavanones to flavones. In recombinant enzyme assays, CYP93G1 desaturated naringenin and eriodictyol to apigenin and luteolin, respectively. Consistently, transgenic expression of CYP93G1 in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) resulted in the accumulation of different flavone O-glycosides, which are not naturally present in cruciferous plants. Metabolite analysis of a rice CYP93G1 insertion mutant further demonstrated the preferential depletion of tricin O-linked flavanolignans and glycosides. By contrast, redirection of metabolic flow to the biosynthesis of flavone C-glycosides was observed. Our findings established that CYP93G1 is a key branch point enzyme channeling flavanones to the biosynthesis of tricin O-linked conjugates in rice. Functional diversification of F2H and FNSII in the cytochrome P450 CYP93G subfamily may represent a lineage-specific event leading to the prevalent cooccurrence of flavone C- and O-linked derivatives in grasses today.
REVIEW: Can retention forestry help conserve biodiversity? A meta‐analysis
Authors: Fedrowitz Katja , Koricheva Julia , Baker Susan C. , Lindenmayer David B. , Palik Brian , Rosenvald Raul , Beese William , Franklin Jerry F. , Kouki Jari , Macdonald Ellen , Messier Christian , Sverdrup‐Thygeson Anne , Gustafsson Lena 
Published: May 2014

Summary

Industrial forestry typically leads to a simplified forest structure and altered species composition. Retention of trees at harvest was introduced about 25 years ago to mitigate negative impacts on biodiversity, mainly from clearcutting, and is now widely practiced in boreal and temperate regions. Despite numerous studies on response of flora and fauna to retention, no comprehensive review has summarized its effects on biodiversity in comparison to clearcuts as well as un‐harvested forests.

Using a systematic review protocol, we completed a meta‐analysis of 78 studies including 944 comparisons of biodiversity between retention cuts and either clearcuts or un‐harvested forests, with the main objective of assessing whether retention forestry helps, at least in the short term, to moderate the negative effects of clearcutting on flora and fauna.

Retention cuts supported higher richness and a greater abundance of forest species than clearcuts as well as higher richness and abundance of open‐habitat species than un‐harvested forests. For all species taken together (i.e. forest species, open‐habitat species, generalist species and unclassified species), richness was higher in retention cuts than in clearcuts.

Retention cuts had negative impacts on some species compared to un‐harvested forest, indicating that certain forest‐interior species may not survive in retention cuts. Similarly, retention cuts were less suitable for some open‐habitat species compared with clearcuts.

Positive effects of retention cuts on richness of forest species increased with proportion of retained trees and time since harvest, but there were not enough data to analyse possible threshold effects, that is, levels at which effects on biodiversity diminish. Spatial arrangement of the trees (aggregated vs. dispersed) had no effect on either forest species or open‐habitat species, although limited data may have hindered our capacity to identify responses. Results for different comparisons were largely consistent among taxonomic groups for forest and open‐habitat species, respectively.

Synthesis and applications. Our meta‐analysis provides support for wider use of retention forestry since it moderates negative harvesting impacts on biodiversity. Hence, it is a promising approach for integrating biodiversity conservation and production forestry, although identifying optimal solutions between these two goals may need further attention. Nevertheless, retention forestry will not substitute for conservation actions targeting certain highly specialized species associated with forest‐interior or open‐habitat conditions.
Long‐Term Impact of Medicare Payment Reductions on Patient Outcomes
Authors: Wu Vivian Y. , Shen Yu‐Chu 
Published: May 2014

ObjectiveTo examine the long‐term impact of Medicare payment reductions on patient outcomes for Medicare acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients.Data SourcesAnalysis of secondary data compiled from 100 percent Medicare Provider Analysis and Review between 1995 and 2005, Medicare hospital cost reports, Inpatient Prospective Payment System Payment Impact Files, American Hospital Association annual surveys, InterStudy, Area Resource Files, and County Business Patterns.Study DesignWe used a natural experiment—the Balanced Budget Act (BBA) of 1997—as an instrument to predict cumulative Medicare revenue loss due solely to the BBA, and basing on the predicted loss categorized hospitals into small, moderate, or large payment‐cut groups and followed Medicare AMI patient outcomes in these hospitals over an 11‐year panel between 1995 and 2005.Principal FindingsWe found that while Medicare AMI mortality trends remained similar across hospitals between pre‐BBA and initial‐BBA periods, hospitals facing large payment cuts saw smaller improvement in mortality rates relative to that of hospitals facing small cuts in the post‐BBA period. Part of the relatively higher AMI mortalities among large‐cut hospitals might be related to reductions in staffing levels and operating costs, and a small part might be due to patient selection.ConclusionsWe found evidence that hospitals facing large Medicare payment cuts as a result of BBA of 1997 were associated with deteriorating patient outcomes in the long run. Medicare payment reductions may have an unintended consequence of widening the gap in quality across hospitals.
Modulation of immune responses of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Insecta: Coleoptera) induced by the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema carpocapsae (Nematoda: Rhabditida)
Authors: Mastore Maristella , Arizza Vincenzo , Manachini Barbara , Brivio Maurizio F. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAim of this study was to investigate relationships between the red palm weevil (RPW) Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier) and the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema carpocapsae (EPN); particularly, the work was focused on the immune response of the insect host in naive larvae and after infection with the EPN. Two main immunological processes have been addressed: the activity and modulation of host prophenoloxidase‐phenoloxidase (proPO) system, involved in melanization of not‐self and hemocytes recognition processes responsible for not‐self encapsulation. Moreover, immune depressive and immune evasive strategies of the parasite have been investigated. Our results suggest that RPW possess an efficient immune system, however in the early phase of infection, S. carpocapsae induces a strong inhibition of the host proPO system. In addition, host cell‐mediated mechanisms of encapsulation, are completely avoided by the parasite, the elusive strategies of S. carpocapsae seem to be related to the structure of its body‐surface, since induced alterations of the parasite cuticle resulted in the loss of its mimetic properties. S. carpocapsae before the release of its symbiotic bacteria, depress and elude RPW immune defenses, with the aim to arrange a favorable environment for its bacteria responsible of the septicemic death of the insect target.
Changing patterns of injury associated with low‐energy falls in the elderly: a 10‐year analysis at an Australian Major Trauma Centre
Authors: Lee Hugo , Bein Kendall J. , Ivers Rebecca , Dinh Michael M. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe rate of hospitalization in elderly patients because of falls is increasing. The objective of this study was to investigate long‐term trends in injury profiles of low‐energy falls and to identify injuries associated with need for in‐patient rehabilitation.MethodsA single‐centre retrospective study was performed at an inner city Major Trauma Centre in Sydney. Trauma registry data were obtained from patients who were 65 years of age or over with low‐energy falls (trip and fall from height ≤1 m, including falls from standing) from the trauma registry between January 2000 and December 2011. Demographic data, time and date of presentation and injury characteristics were collected. Outcomes of interests were proportions of hip fractures, head injuries and discharge to in‐patient rehabilitation facilities.ResultsA total of 4964 cases were identified. There was a 6.5% per annum decrease in the proportion of elderly patients with low‐energy falls who sustained hip fractures compared with a relative increase in severe head injuries, 5.7% per annum. Around 25% of patients were transferred to in‐patient rehabilitation. Severe head injuries and lower‐limb injuries were the two injuries most associated with transfer to in‐patient rehabilitation.ConclusionIn elderly patients with low‐energy falls, a significant decrease in hip fractures was associated with a rise in severe head injuries over the past decade.
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support in Refractory Cardiogenic Shock: Treatment Strategies and Analysis of Risk Factors
Authors: Loforte Antonio , Marinelli Giuseppe , Musumeci Francesco , Folesani Gianluca , Pilato Emanuele , Martin Suarez Sofia , Montalto Andrea , Lilla Della Monica Paola , Grigioni Francesco , Frascaroli Guido , Menichetti Antonio , Di Bartolomeo Roberto , Arpesella Giorgio 
Published: May 2014

AbstractTwo centrifugal pumps, the RotaFlow (Maquet, Jostra Medizintechnik AG, Hirrlingen, Germany) and Levitronix CentriMag (Levitronix LCC, Waltham, MA, USA), used in central or peripheral veno‐arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support systems have been investigated, in terms of double‐center experience, as treatment for patients with refractory cardiogenic shock (CS). Between January 2006 and December 2012, 228 consecutive adult patients were supported on RotaFlow (n = 213) or CentriMag (n = 15) ECMO, at our institutions (155 men; age 58.3 ± 10.5 years, range: 19–84 years). Indications for support were: failure to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass in the setting of postcardiotomy (n = 118) and primary donor graft failure (n = 37); postacute myocardial infarction CS (n = 27); acute myocarditis (n = 6); and CS on chronic heart failure (n = 40). A peripheral ECMO setting was established in 126 (55.2%) patients while it was established centrally in 102 (44.7%). Overall mean support time was 10.9 ± 9.7 days (range: 1–43 days). Eighty‐four (36.8%) patients died on ECMO. Overall success rate, in terms of survival on ECMO (n = 144), weaning from mechanical support (n = 107; 46.9%), bridge to mid‐long‐term ventricular assist device (n = 6; 2.6%), and bridge to heart transplantation (n = 31; 13.5%), was 63.1%. One hundred twenty‐two (53.5%) patients were successfully discharged. Stepwise logistic regression identified blood lactate level and MB isoenzyme of creatine kinase (CK‐MB) relative index at 72 h after ECMO initiation, and number of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) transfused on ECMO as significant predictors of mortality on ECMO (P = 0.010, odds ratio [OR] = 2.94; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.10–3.14; P = 0.010, OR = 2.82, 95% CI = 1.014–3.721; and P = 0.011, OR = 2.69; 95% CI = 1.06–4.16, respectively). Central ECMO population had significantly higher rate of continuous veno‐venous hemofiltration need and bleeding requiring surgery events compared with the peripheral ECMO setting population. No significant differences were seen by comparing the RotaFlow and CentriMag populations in terms of device performance. At follow‐up, persistent heart failure with left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤40% was a risk factor after hospital discharge. Patients with a poor hemodynamic status may benefit from rapid central or peripheral insertion of ECMO. The blood lactate level, CK‐MB relative index, and PRBCs transfused should be strictly monitored during ECMO support. In addition, early ventricular assist device placement or urgent listing for heart transplant should be considered in patients with persistent impaired LVEF after ECMO.
Establishing the Framework to Support Bioartificial Heart Fabrication Using Fibrin‐Based Three‐Dimensional Artificial Heart Muscle
Authors: Hogan Matthew , Mohamed Mohamed , Tao Ze‐Wei , Gutierrez Laura , Birla Ravi 
Published: May 2014

AbstractOnly 3000 heart transplants are performed in the USA every year, leaving some 30 000–70 000 Americans without proper care. Current treatment modalities for heart failure have saved many lives yet still do not correct the underlying problems of congestive heart failure. Tissue engineering represents a potential field of study wherein a combination of cells, scaffolds, and/or bioreactors can be utilized to create constructs to mimic, replace, and/or repair defective tissue. The focus of this study was to generate a bioartificial heart (BAH) model using artificial heart muscle (AHM), composed of fibrin gel and neonatal rat cardiac myocytes, and a decellularized scaffold, formed by subjecting an adult rat heart to a series of decellularization solutions. By suturing the AHM around the outside of the decellularized heart and culturing while suspended in media, we were able to retain functional cardiac cells on the scaffold as evinced by visible contractility. Observed contractility rate was correlated with biopotential measurements to confirm essential functionality of cardiac constructs. Cross‐sections of the BAH show successful decellularization of the scaffold and contiguous cell‐rich AHM around the perimeter of the heart.
Effect of dietary astaxanthin rich yeast, Phaffia rhodozyma, on meat quality of broiler chickens
Authors: Perenlei Ganzaya , Tojo Hitomi , Okada Toru , Kubota Masatoshi , Kadowaki Motoni , Fujimura Shinobu 
Published: May 2014

AbstractWe evaluated effects of dietary supplementation with astaxanthin (Ax)‐rich yeast, Phaffia rhodozyma (Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous), on broiler chicken meat quality. Fourteen‐day‐old female Ross broilers were divided into three groups: control group, Ax‐free diet; Ax 10 group, 10 mg/kg Ax diet; and Ax 20 group, 20 mg/kg Ax diet for 28 days. At 42 days old, chickens were slaughtered, and then growth performance, meat quality and sensory attributes were analyzed. Compared with the control, a* values increased significantly after slaughter and 48 h postmortem for Ax 20 samples (P < 0.05) and for b* values in Ax 20 and Ax 10 groups (P < 0.05). Cooking loss decreased in the Ax 20 group (P < 0.05). After 120 h aging, contents of several free amino acids and total free amino acid content of Ax 20 group were significantly higher than the control (P < 0.05). In sensory evaluation, meat texture attributes improved significantly in the Ax 20 group (P < 0.01). No significant changes occurred in flavor attribute scores of meat soup from the Ax 20 group compared with the control even though most assessors preferred meat soup from the Ax 20 group. Overall, Ax‐rich yeast in the diet improves broiler chicken meat quality.
Isolation of chicken taste buds for real‐time Ca2+ imaging
Authors: Kudo Ken‐ichi , Kawabata Fuminori , Nomura Toumi , Aridome Ayumi , Nishimura Shotaro , Tabata Shoji 
Published: May 2014

AbstractWe isolated chicken taste buds and used a real‐time Ca2+ imaging technique to investigate the functions of the taste cells. With RT‐PCR, we found that isolated chicken taste bud‐like cell subsets express chicken gustducin messenger RNA. Immunocytochemical techniques revealed that the cell subsets were also immunopositive for chicken gustducin. These results provided strong evidence that the isolated cell subsets contain chicken taste buds. The isolated cell subsets were spindle‐shaped and approximately 61–75 μm wide and 88–98 μm long, and these characteristics are similar to those of sectional chicken taste buds. Using Ca2+ imaging, we observed the buds' response to 2 mmol/L quinine hydrochloride (a bitter substance) and their response to a mixture of 25 mmol/L L‐glutamic acid monopotassium salt monohydrate and 1 mmol/L inosine 5′‐monophosphate disodium salt, umami substances. The present study is the first morphological demonstration of isolated chicken taste buds, and our results indicate that the isolated taste buds were intact and functional approaches for examining the taste senses of the chicken using Ca2+ imaging can be informative.
Analysis of glycosuria in okapi (Okapia johnstoni): Examination of urinaryN‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminidase
Authors: Kawasaki Ryuta , Azumano Akinori , Ueda Miya , Tanaka Souhei , Yokota Aya , Katoh Kazuo , Hagino Akihiko 
Published: May 2014

AbstractWe analyzed the urinary excretion of glucose andN‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminidase (NAG) in six okapis (Okapia johnstoni) in captivity to investigate the cause of their urinary sugar excretion. The urinary glucose‐positive okapi had significantly higher urinaryNAGindices than the urinary glucose‐negative okapi. There was also a positive correlation between urinary glucose levels and urinaryNAGindices. These results suggest that the proximal tubular function of the glycosuric okapi may have been obstructed, which impaired glucose reabsorption.
Community Engagement in the CTSA Program: Stakeholder Responses from a National Delphi Process
Authors: Freeman Elmer , Seifer Sarena D. , Stupak Matthew , Martinez Linda Sprague 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIn response to the Institute of Medicine (IOM) Committee's December 2012 public request for stakeholder input on the Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) program, two nonprofit organizations, the Center for Community Health Education Research and Service, Inc. (CCHERS) and Community‐Campus Partnerships for Health (CCPH), solicited feedback from CTSA stakeholders using the Delphi method. Academic and community stakeholders were invited to participate in the Delphi, which is an exploratory method used for group consensus building. Six questions posed by the IOM Committee to an invited panel on community engagement were electronically sent to stakeholders. In Round 1 stakeholder responses were coded thematically and then tallied. Round 2 asked stakeholders to state their level of agreement with each of the themes using a Likert scale. Finally, in Round 3 the group was asked to rank the Round 2 based on potential impact for the CTSA program and implementation feasibility. The benefits of community engagement in clinical and translational research as well as the need to integrate community engagement across all components of the CTSA program were common themes. Respondents expressed skepticism as to the feasibility of strengthening CTSA community engagement.
A comparative study of opioid substitution therapy utilisation among opioid‐dependent men and women
Authors: Gisev Natasa , Degenhardt Louisa , Larney Sarah , Larance Briony , Gibson Amy , Kimber Jo , Burns Lucy 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIntroduction and AimsFew population‐based studies have examined differences in opioid substitution therapy (OST) treatment utilisation between men and women. Using a population of opioid‐dependent people in New South Wales, Australia, first‐episode and long‐term OST treatment utilisation profiles were compared between men and women, differentiating between treatment initiation in the community and in custody.Design and MethodsRetrospective data linkage study using records of new OST entrants (2001–2010) and custody episodes (2000–2012). First OST treatment episode and overall treatment utilisation characteristics were compared between men and women initiating treatment in the community or in custody. Treatment retention was evaluated at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after first commencing OST and overall, as the median proportion of follow‐up time spent in treatment.ResultsThere were 15 600 new OST entrants in the cohort—10 930 were men (70.1%) and 4670 women (29.9%); 12 584 (80.7%) initiated treatment in the community and 3016 (19.3%) in custody. More men initiated OST in custody (24.0% vs. 8.3%, P < 0.001) and only received OST in custody (57.5% vs. 41.8%, P < 0.001). Women were retained longer in their first OST treatment episode at all four time points in both treatment settings and in treatment overall (community: 46.6% vs. 39.1%, P < 0.001; custody: 41.3% vs. 30.8%, P < 0.001).Discussion and ConclusionsThere are a number of key differences in OST treatment utilisation profiles between men and women. Whereas men commonly initiate and only receive OST in custody, treatment retention is higher among women, independent of the setting treatment is initiated. [Gisev N, Degenhardt L, Larney S, Larance B, Gibson A, Kimber J, Burns L. A comparative study of opioid substitution therapy utilisation among opioid‐dependent men and women. Drug Alcohol Rev 2014;33:499–505]
Estimation of length or height in infants and young children using ulnar and lower leg length with dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry validation
Authors: Weidauer Lee , Wey Howard , Slater Hillarie , Moyer‐Mileur Laurie , Specker Bonny 
Published: May 2014

AimWe compared the accuracy and reproducibility of using ulnar and lower leg length measurements to predict length and height in infants and children aged 0 to 6 years.MethodLength/height and ulnar and lower leg length were measured in 352 healthy preterm and term‐born children (167 males, 185 females) (Mean age= 2.6±1.6 years). Ulna length was measured as the distance between the proximal olecranon process and the distal styloid process of the ulna. Tibia length was measured as the distance from the proximal aspect of the medial condyle and the most distal aspect of the medial malleolus of the tibia using a segmometer. Length measurements were taken using an infant length board in children less than 24 months of age, whereas a portable stadiometer was used to measure height in older children. Equations were developed using ulnar and lower leg length and age. Intra‐ and inter‐examiner variability (n=167) was calculated, and dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry scans (n=126) were used to determine accuracy of limb lengths.ResultsUlnar and lower leg length explained over 95% of the variability in length/height in term infants and children, but less in preterm infants (R2=0.80–0.87). In preterm infants, the limits of agreement (LOA) for males were −2.44 to 2.44cm and −2.88 to 2.88cm for the ulna and lower leg respectively, whereas the LOA for females were −1.90 to 1.90cm and −1.87 to 1.87cm respectively. In older children, the LOA for males were −5.53 to 4.48cm and −5.59 to 4.62cm for the ulna and lower leg respectively, whereas the LOA for females were −5.57 to 5.01cm and −6.02 to 5.02cm respectively. Intra‐ and inter‐examiner variability was low for all measurements in both sexes and age groups.InterpretationLength and height measurements using infant length board or stadiometer are reproducible. Because of the wide limits of agreement, estimation of length and height in children using ulnar and lower leg length is not an acceptable alternative to traditional methods.