bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vivo Evaluation of Essential Oils and Biocontrol Agents Combined with Hot Water Treatments on Carrot Seeds Against Alternaria radicina
Authors: Lopez‐Reyes Jorge Giovanny , Gilardi Giovanna , Garibaldi Angelo , Gullino Maria Lodovica 
Published: May 2015

AbstractSeed‐dressing with essential oils from aromatic plants (savoury and thyme) and with antagonistic bacteria strains (Pseudomonas spp.) was tested after a hot water treatment against Alternaria radicina inoculated on carrot seeds. Seed treatments by immersion in water at 55°C for 10 min improved the efficacy on pathogen control of the treatments with biocontrol agent strains more than the efficacy of those with essential oils. Pretreatment with hot water also increased the germination rate of carrot seeds. A mild phytotoxic effect was observed on the germination rate and the fresh biomass obtained from seeds treated with both essential oils. Treatments with essential oils and antagonistic bacteria presented positive results when combined with hot water dipping of seeds on control of A. radicina, but the effect was not completely additive. The formulation and the application method of the non‐chemical products tested are critical on their development as an alternative strategy on seed disinfection.
Incidence, Severity and Prognosis Associated with Hyponatremia in Dogs and Cats
Authors: Ueda Y. , Hopper K. , Epstein S.E. 
Published: May 2015

BackgroundHyponatremia is a common electrolyte abnormality in human patients and is associated with substantial morbidity and death. The incidence and importance of hyponatremia in dogs and cats has not been determined.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo describe the incidence of and prognosis associated with hyponatremia in dogs and cats at a university teaching hospital.AnimalsOf 16,691 dogs and 4,211 cats with measured blood or serum sodium concentration.MethodsRetrospective study. Medical records of animals with a blood or serum sodium concentration measured during a 60‐month period were reviewed to determine the severity of hyponatremia and its associated fatality rate. Cases with moderate (11–15 mmol/L below the reference range) or severe hyponatremia (≥16 mmol/L below the reference range) were further reviewed.ResultsOf 4,254 dogs (25.5%) and 2,081 cats (49.4%) were diagnosed with hyponatremia. Case fatality rates of dogs and cats with hyponatremia were 13.7% and 11.9%, respectively, compared to 4.4% and 4.5% with a normal blood or serum sodium concentration (P < 0.0001). The magnitude of hyponatremia was linearly associated with a higher case fatality rate (P < 0.0001). Hyponatremia was associated with a lower case fatality rate than hypernatremia in the same population. Among the animals with moderate or severe hyponatremia, 92.1% of dogs and 90.6% of cats presented with community‐acquired hyponatremia, and 7.9% of dogs and 9.4% of cats developed hospital‐acquired hyponatremia.Conclusions and clinical importanceHyponatremia was found commonly in this population and was associated with increased case fatality rate. Presence and severity of hyponatremia might be useful as a prognostic indicator.
What Survey Data Reveal about Price and Wage Rigidity in Portugal
Authors: Martins Fernando 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThis paper exploits the information collected from a survey conducted on a sample of Portuguese firms to study the patterns of firms’ price and wage adjustments and the extent of nominal price and wage rigidities. The evidence shows that the frequency of price changes varies substantially across sectors and depends on the intensity of competition, the share of labor costs and firms’ price reviewing behavior. The results also suggest that the constraint imposed by the presence of downward nominal wage rigidity is less important in firms where the fraction of permanent and high‐skilled workers is lower and the share of flexible pay components is higher.
Diversity of genetic backgrounds modulating the durability of a major resistance gene. Analysis of a core collection of pepper landraces resistant to Potato virus Y
Authors: Quenouille Julie , Saint‐Felix Ludovic , Moury Benoit , Palloix Alain 
Published: May 2015

SummaryThe evolution of resistance‐breaking capacity in pathogen populations has been shown to depend on the plant genetic background surrounding the resistance genes. We evaluated a core collection of pepper (Capsicum annuum) landraces, representing the worldwide genetic diversity, for its ability to modulate the breakdown frequency by Potato virus Y of major resistance alleles at the pvr2 locus encoding the eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E). Depending on the pepper landrace, the breakdown frequency of a given resistance allele varied from 0% to 52.5%, attesting to their diversity and the availability of genetic backgrounds favourable to resistance durability in the plant germplasm. The mutations in the virus genome involved in resistance breakdown also differed between plant genotypes, indicating differential selection effects exerted on the virus population by the different genetic backgrounds. The breakdown frequency was positively correlated with the level of virus accumulation, confirming the impact of quantitative resistance loci on resistance durability. Among these loci, pvr6, encoding an isoform of eIF4E, was associated with a major effect on virus accumulation and on the breakdown frequency of the pvr2‐mediated resistance. This exploration of plant genetic diversity delivered new resources for the control of pathogen evolution and the increase in resistance durability.
Hyperuricaemia is associated with renal damage independently of hypertension and intrarenal renin‐angiotensin system activation, as well as their circadian rhythms
Authors: Ohashi Naro , Ishigaki Sayaka , Isobe Shinsuke , Tsuji Naoko , Iwakura Takamasa , Ono Masafumi , Tsuji Takayuki , Sakao Yukitoshi , Kato Akihiko , Yasuda Hideo 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimBoth hyperuricaemia and activation of the intrarenal renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) play an important role in the development of hypertension and renal damage. However, it has not been clear whether hyperuricaemia is associated with renal damage due to hypertension or intrarenal RAS activation, as well as their circadian rhythms.MethodsWe recruited 43 chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients who did not receive RAS blockers and antihyperuricaemic drugs, and investigated the relationship among serum uric acid (sUA) levels, the circadian rhythm of urinary angiotensinogen (U‐AGT) excretion levels, and the levels of albuminuria (U‐ACR) and proteinuria (U‐P/Cr).ResultssUA levels were significantly associated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (P = 0.002), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (daytime, P = 0.031), and U‐ACR (daytime, P = 0.006 and nighttime, P = 0.008) and U‐P/Cr (daytime, P = 0.017 and nighttime, P = 0.013). However, there were no significant differences between sUA levels and SBP in nighttime and U‐AGT excretion levels in both time periods. Multiple regression analyses for sUA levels were performed using age, sex, eGFR and each parameter (SBP, U‐AGT/Cr, U‐ACR or U‐P/Cr). sUA levels were not associated with SBP or U‐AGT/Cr in both time periods. sUA levels tended to correlate with U‐P/Cr levels in nighttime, and were significantly associated with U‐P/Cr in daytime (P = 0.026) and U‐ACR in daytime (P = 0.017) and nighttime (P = 0.046). Moreover, no significant differences were found between sUA levels and night‐to‐day ratios of some parameters.ConclusionThese data suggest that hyperuricaemia is associated with renal damage, independently of hypertension and intrarenal RAS activation, as well as their circadian rhythms.
Comparison of renal outcomes in off‐pump versus on‐pump coronary artery bypass grafting: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Cheungpasitporn Wisit , Thongprayoon Charat , Kittanamongkolchai Wonngarm , Srivali Narat , O'Corragain Oisin A , Edmonds Peter J , Ratanapo Supawat , Spanuchart Ittikorn , Erickson Stephen B 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimThe objective of this meta‐analysis was to compare the effects of off‐pump and on‐pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) on acute kidney injury (AKI) and the need of dialysis after surgery.MethodsComprehensive literature searches for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of CABG with on‐pump and off‐pump was performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials Systematic Reviews and clinicaltrials.gov from inception through September 2014. Primary outcomes were the incidence of AKI and the need of dialysis. Mortality was assessed among the studies that reported renal outcomes. Pooled risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a random‐effect, generic inverse variance method.ResultsThirty‐three RCTs with 17 322 patients were enrolled in our study. Patients in the off‐pump CABG group had overall lower incidence of AKI (19.1%) compared with the on‐pump CABG group (22.2%). There was a protective effect of off‐pump CABG on the incidence of AKI compared with the on‐pump CABG group (RR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.77–0.98). However, there was no significant difference in the need for dialysis in the off‐pump group compared with the on‐pump group (RR: 0.84; 95% CI 0.63–1.13). Within the selected trials, post hoc analysis assessing the mortality outcome demonstrated a pooled RR of 0.97 (95% CI, 0.77–1.23) in off‐pump versus on‐pump CABGs.ConclusionsOur study demonstrates a beneficial effect of off‐pump CABG on the incidence of AKI. However, our meta‐analysis does not show benefits of the need of dialysis or survival among patients undergoing off‐pump CABG.
Lineage‐specific gene radiations underlie the evolution of novel betalain pigmentation in Caryophyllales
Authors: Brockington Samuel F. , Yang Ya , Gandia‐Herrero Fernando , Covshoff Sarah , Hibberd Julian M. , Sage Rowan F. , Wong Gane K. S. , Moore Michael J. , Smith Stephen A. 
Published: May 2015

Summary

Betalain pigments are unique to the Caryophyllales and structurally and biosynthetically distinct from anthocyanins. Two key enzymes within the betalain synthesis pathway have been identified: 4,5‐dioxygenase (DODA) that catalyzes the formation of betalamic acid and CYP76AD1, a cytochrome P450 gene that catalyzes the formation of cyclo‐DOPA.

We performed phylogenetic analyses to reveal the evolutionary history of the DODA and CYP76AD1 lineages and in the context of an ancestral reconstruction of pigment states we explored the evolution of these genes in relation to the complex evolution of pigments in Caryophylalles.

Duplications within the CYP76AD1 and DODA lineages arose just before the origin of betalain pigmentation in the core Caryophyllales. The duplications gave rise to DODA‐α and CYP76AD1‐α isoforms that appear specific to betalain synthesis. Both betalain‐specific isoforms were then lost or downregulated in the anthocyanic Molluginaceae and Caryophyllaceae.

Our findings suggest a single origin of the betalain synthesis pathway, with neofunctionalization following gene duplications in the CYP76AD1 and DODA lineages. Loss of DODA‐α and CYP76AD1‐α in anthocyanic taxa suggests that betalain pigmentation has been lost twice in Caryophyllales, and exclusion of betalain pigments from anthocyanic taxa is mediated through gene loss or downregulation. [Correction added after online publication 13 May 2015: in the last two paragraphs of the Summary the gene name CYP761A was changed to CYP76AD1.]
Phytase activity in lichens
Authors: Higgins Niall F. , Crittenden Peter D. 
Published: May 2015

Summary

Phytase activity was investigated in 13 lichen species using a novel assay method. The work tested the hypothesis that phytase is a component of the suite of surface‐bound lichen enzymes that hydrolyse simple organic forms of phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) deposited onto the thallus surface.

Hydrolysis of inositol hexaphosphate (InsP6, the substrate for phytase) and appearance of lower‐order inositol phosphates (InsP5–InsP1), the hydrolysis products, were measured by ion chromatography. Phytase activity in Evernia prunastri was compared among locations with contrasting rates of N deposition.

Phytase activity was readily measurable in epiphytic lichens (e.g. 11.3 μmol InsP6 hydrolysed g−1 h−1 in Bryoria fuscescens) but low in two terricolous species tested (Cladonia portentosa and Peltigera membranacea). Phytase and phosphomonoesterase activities were positively correlated amongst species. In E. prunastri both enzyme activities were promoted by N enrichment and phytase activity was readily released into thallus washings. InsP6 was not detected in tree canopy throughfall but was present in pollen leachate.

Capacity to hydrolyse InsP6 appears widespread amongst lichens potentially promoting P capture from atmospheric deposits and plant leachates, and P cycling in forest canopies. The enzyme assay used here might find wider application in studies on plant root–fungal–soil systems.
Characterization of an inducible C2H2‐type zinc finger transcription factor VuSTOP1 in rice bean (Vigna umbellata) reveals differential regulation between low pH and aluminum tolerance mechanisms
Authors: Fan Wei , Lou He Qiang , Gong Yu Long , Liu Mei Ya , Cao Meng Jie , Liu Yu , Yang Jian Li , Zheng Shao Jian 
Published: May 2015

Summary

The rice bean (Vigna umbellata) root apex specifically secretes citrate through expression activation of Vigna umbellata Multidrug and Toxic Compound Extrusion 1 (VuMATE1) under aluminum (Al3+) stress. However, the underlying mechanisms regulating VuMATE1 expression remain unknown.

We isolated and characterized a gene encoding Sensitive to Proton Rhizotoxicity1 (STOP1)‐like protein, VuSTOP1, from rice bean. The role of VuSTOP1 in regulating VuMATE1 expression was investigated using the yeast one‐hybrid assay. We characterized the function of VuSTOP1 in Al3 + ‐ and H+‐tolerance using in planta complementation assays.

We demonstrated that VuSTOP1 has transactivation potential. We found that VuSTOP1 expression is inducible by Al3+ and H+ stress. However, although VuSTOP1 binds to the promoter of VuMATE1, the inconsistent tissue localization patterns of VuSTOP1 and VuMATE1 preclude VuSTOP1 as the major factor regulating VuMATE1 expression. In addition, when a protein translation inhibitor increased expression of VuSTOP1, VuMATE1 expression was inhibited. In planta complementation assay demonstrated that VuSTOP1 could fully restore expression of genes involved in H+ tolerance, but could only partially restore expression of AtMATE.

We conclude that VuSTOP1 plays a major role in H+ tolerance, but only a minor role in Al3+ tolerance. The differential transcriptional regulation of VuSTOP1 and VuMATE1 reveals a complex regulatory system controlling VuMATE1 expression.
Patients with single ventricle physiology undergoing noncardiac surgery are at high risk for adverse events
Authors: Brown Morgan L. , DiNardo James A. , Odegard Kirsten C. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryBackgroundPatients with single ventricle physiology are at increased anesthetic risk when undergoing noncardiac surgery.ObjectiveTo review the outcomes of anesthetics for patients with single ventricle physiology undergoing noncardiac surgery.MethodsThis study is a retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent a palliative procedure for single ventricle physiology between January 1, 2007 and January 31, 2014. Anesthetic and surgical records were reviewed for noncardiac operations that required sedation or general anesthesia. Any noncardiac operation occurring prior to completion of a bidirectional Glenn procedure was included. Diagnostic procedures, including cardiac catheterization, insertion of permanent pacemaker, and procedures performed in the ICU, were excluded.ResultsDuring the review period, 417 patients with single ventricle physiology had initial palliation. Of these, 70 patients (16.7%) underwent 102 anesthetics for 121 noncardiac procedures. The noncardiac procedures included line insertion (n = 23); minor surgical procedures such as percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy or airway surgery (n = 38); or major surgical procedures including intra‐abdominal and thoracic operations (n = 41). These interventions occurred on median day 60 of life (1–233 days). The procedures occurred most commonly in the operating room (n = 79, 77.5%). Patients’ median weight was 3.4 kg (2.4–15 kg) at time of noncardiac intervention. In 102 anesthetics, 26 patients had an endotracheal tube or tracheostomy in situ, 57 patients underwent endotracheal intubation, and 19 patients had a natural or mask airway. An intravenous induction was performed in 77 anesthetics, an inhalational induction in 17, and a combination technique in 8. The median total anesthetic time was 126 min (14–594 min). In 22 anesthetics (21.6%), patients were on inotropic support upon arrival; an additional 24 patients required inotropic support (23.5%), of which dopamine was the most common medication. There were 10 intraoperative adverse events (9.8%) including: arrhythmias requiring treatment (n = 4), conversion from sedation to a general anesthetic (n = 2), difficult airway (n = 1), inadvertent extubation with desaturation and bradycardia (n = 1), hypotension and desaturation (n = 1), and cardiac arrest (n = 1). Postoperative events (<48 h) included ST segment changes requiring cardiac catheterization (n = 1), and cardiorespiratory arrest (n = 1). Age, size, gender, type of cardiac palliation, patient location, procedure location, and type of procedure were not associated with adverse outcome. After 62 anesthetics (60.8%), patients went postoperatively to the cardiac ICU. There were no deaths at 48 h.ConclusionWe observed no mortality during or after noncardiac surgery in a high‐risk subgroup of palliated cardiac patients with single ventricle physiology. However, 11.8% of patients had an adverse event associated with their anesthetic.
The effects of bispectral index monitoring on hemodynamics and recovery profile in developmentally delayed pediatric patients undergoing dental surgery
Authors: Sargin Mehmet , Uluer Mehmet Selcuk , Ozmen Sadık 
Published: May 2015

SummaryBackgroundGeneral anesthesia is often preferred for dental surgery or rehabilitation in developmentally delayed pediatric patients. Bispectral index monitoring is used to monitor the depth of anesthesia and to ensure early recovery. However, studies on the topic in developmentally delayed pediatric patients are limited.AimTo evaluate the effects of Bispectral Index Scale (BIS) on hemodynamics and recovery profile in developmentally delayed pediatric patients undergoing dental surgery.MethodsForty children between the ages of 6–16 years were studied in this prospective and randomized study. The children were randomized into two groups. In Group 1 (n = 20), general anesthesia was maintained with 1–2 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of sevoflurane in oxygen by standard practice. In Group 2 (n = 20), the depth of anesthesia was monitored by BIS. BIS values were continuously recorded from awake status to tracheal extubation. The duration of the surgical procedure, anesthesia, postanesthesia care unit (PACU) stay was noted. To evaluate recovery profile, time to spontaneous ventilation, extubation, open eyes, and PACU discharge were also noted.ResultsThere were significant differences between recovery times and Non‐communicating Children's Pain Checklist – Postoperative Version (NCCPC‐PV) scores of two groups. Time to spontaneous ventilation [Difference in means (95% CI); 3.17 (1.79–4.54) P < 0.001], extubation [Difference in means (95% CI); 3.13 (1.66–4.60) P < 0.001], open eyes [Difference in means (95% CI); 3.97 (2.34–5.59) P < 0.001], and PACU stay time [Difference in means (95% CI); 23.55 (18.08–29.01) P < 0.001] were significantly shorter in Group 2.ConclusionIn conclusion, results suggest that routine BIS monitoring may be beneficial due to its favorable effects on the recovery profile in developmentally delayed pediatric patients.
Zoster Immunoglobulin‐VF: A Potential Treatment for Molluscum Contagiosum in Immunosuppressed Children
Authors: Maiolo Corinne , Marshman Gillian 
Published: May 2015

AbstractWe present a brief observational report of clearance of significant molluscum contagiosum infection in a child taking methotrexate after one dose of intramuscular zoster immunoglobulin‐VF (human) and suggest that this may indicate a potential new treatment option.
New product development resource forecasting
Authors: Hird Abigail , Mendibil Kepa , Duffy Alex , Whitfield Robert Ian 
Published: May 2015

Forecasting resource requirements for new product development (NPD) projects is essential for both strategic and tactical planning. Sophisticated, elegant planning tools to present data and inform decision‐making do exist. However, in NPD, such tools run on unreliable, estimation‐based resource information derived through undefined processes.This paper establishes that existing methods do not provide transparent, consistent, timely or accurate resource planning information, highlighting the need for a new approach to resource forecasting, specifically in the field of NPD. The gap between the practical issues and available methods highlights the possibility of developing a novel design of experiments approach to create resource forecasting models.
Transfusion e‐learning for junior doctors: the educational role of ‘LearnBloodTransfusion’
Authors: Graham J. E. 
Published: May 2015

SUMMARYObjectivesTo critically analyse the educational role of ‘LearnBloodTransfusion’ (LBT) in enabling junior doctors to be safe transfusion practitioners.BackgroundComputer assisted learning, or e‐learning, enables the educational needs of learners to be flexibly met. Education and learning in the health service is necessary to ensure appropriate skills, behaviours and training are provided, to assure excellence in healthcare delivery. LBT is a computer‐assisted learning programme that has been designed to meet the needs of practitioners involved in the transfusion process. It is widely adopted across the NHS and within undergraduate medical training.MethodCritical analysis of LBT relating to learning outcomes, assessment tools and functionality, as pertaining to the transfusion curriculum for junior doctors.ResultsLearning outcomes of LBT adhere to Bloom's taxonomy, addressing cognitive, psycho‐motor and affective domains of learning. LBT flexibly meets differing styles, strategies and levels of learning although there is scope to enhance the computer‐facilitated flexibility of this learning tool. LBT is unable to address the complex clinical reasoning skills or clinical competency required by doctors in the transfusion process.ConclusionLBT uses effective educational methodology to deliver the transfusion curriculum to junior doctors although LBT must be complemented by additional methods of learning to ensure clinical competency.