bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intraspecific kleptoparasitism improves chick growth and reproductive output in Common Terns Sterna hirundo
Authors: García Germán O. , Becker Peter H. , Favero Marco 
Published: March 2013

Kleptoparasitism is a well‐known foraging strategy used opportunistically by many seabirds. Here, we investigated the effect of intraspecific kleptoparasitism on chick growth and reproductive output in Common Terns Sterna hirundo. Effects were compared between two groups comprising (1) individuals using kleptoparasitism during the chick‐rearing period (kleptoparasitic group, n = 18), and (2) individuals in pairs that never performed kleptoparasitism throughout the season (‘honest’ group, n = 21). The null models best described variation in mass at day 3 and the pre‐fledging mass, indicating no significant effect of the explanatory variables. However, the best models describing the linear growth rate (days 3–13) and peak mass included the parents' foraging strategy (kleptoparasitic vs. honest parents) as an explanatory variable. These two growth parameters were higher in chicks of kleptoparasitic parents. Kleptoparasitic foraging strategy was also associated with higher pre‐fledging survival, as the reproductive performance (i.e. number of fledglings) was significantly higher in the kleptoparasitic than in the honest group. We suggest that by stealing food (and consequently feeding offspring more frequently with high‐quality prey), kleptoparasitic parents are able to produce higher quality chicks with enhanced survival.
Effect of Simvastatin on kinetics of Osteoprotegrin/receptor activator nuclear kappa B Ligand mRNA expression in periapical lesions
Authors: Shadmehr E. , Khademi A. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAimTo evaluate the therapeutic effect of Simvastatin on apical periodontitis in rats by assessing the osteoblast production of receptor activator of nuclear factor–Kappa B Ligand (RANKL) and Osteoprotegerin (OPG) cytokines that are essential for bone resorption.MethodologyTwenty‐five healthy 8‐ to 10‐week‐old male rats were selected. Periapical lesions were induced by exposure of pulps through the occlusal surfaces of mandibular first molars. The pulps were extirpated and canals contaminated with saliva. The teeth were filled temporarily to make animal feeding feasible. The experimental group (n = 12) was placed on 20 mg−1 kg−1 day−1 of Simvastatin for 10 days (3 days before and 7 days after pulp exposure) and the control group (n = 12) received a placebo. After 1, 2 and 4 weeks, the animals were sacrificed and mRNA expression of OPG/RANKL was evaluated by real‐time PCR. One rat was sacrificed without any interventions (negative control) to determine the baseline expression of the mediators involved. Data were analysed by one‐way anova.ResultsSimvastatin significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced the expression of OPG and reduced the mRNA expression of RANKL in the experimental group compared with the control group.ConclusionsOral administration of Simvastatin attenuated RANKL expression and accelerated OPG expression in induced rat periapical lesions.
Optimisation of microwave‐assisted extraction of Gac oil at different hydraulic pressure, microwave and steaming conditions
Authors: Kha Tuyen C. , Nguyen Minh H. , Phan Dong T. , Roach Paul D. , Stathopoulos Costas E. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryThe study aimed to optimise Gac (Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng) oil extraction conditions, including microwave time, steaming time and hydraulic pressure, for maximising extraction efficiency (EE), and β‐carotene and lycopene contents, using response surface methodology. Results indicated that the data were adequately fitted into three second‐order polynomial models for EE, β‐carotene and lycopene with R2 values of 0.93, 0.85 and 0.86, respectively. It was predicted that the optimum extraction conditions within the experimental ranges would be the microwaving time of 62 min, steaming time of 22 min and hydraulic pressure of 175 kg cm−2. Under such parameters, the maximum EE of 86%, β‐carotene content of 186 mg per 100 mL oil and lycopene content of 518 mg per 100 mL oil were achieved as predicted.
Effects of protein solubilisation and precipitation pH values on the functional properties of defatted wheat germ protein isolates
Authors: Liu Fengru , Chen Zhengxing , Wang Li , Wang Ren 
Published: March 2013

SummaryWheat germ protein isolates were prepared from defatted wheat germ flour using alkaline solubilisation and acid precipitation. A central composite design with two independent variables (solubilisation pH and precipitation pH) and bivariate correlations was selected for the correlation analysis of the protein separation conditions and the functional properties. The results showed that the protein yield (Y) and functional properties of isolates, such as water absorption (WA) and fat absorption (FA), were sensitive to both solubilisation pH and precipitation pH, whereas the emulsification was sensitive to only solubilisation pH. Emulsifying activity (EA) and FA of isolates showed a high positive correlation with yield. Gel electrophoresis analysis of protein fractions gave evidence to the compositional changes between proteins isolated under different conditions, highly alkaline conditions result in the degradation of protein chains and formation of toxic compounds. Surface hydrophobicity suggested that proteins tend to be more denatured when solubilised at highly alkaline conditions. These conformational and compositional changes due to different protein separation conditions have contributed to the changes in functional properties of protein isolates.
Myeloid neoplasms associated with eosinophilia and rearrangement of PDGFRA,PDGFRB, and FGFR1: a review
Authors: Savage N. , George T. I. , Gotlib J. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryMyeloid and lymphoid neoplasms with eosinophilia and abnormalities of platelet‐derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA), platelet‐derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRB), and fibroblast growth factor receptor‐1 (FGFR1) are a group of hematologic neoplasms resulting from the formation of abnormal fusion genes that encode constitutively activated tyrosine kinases. These entities are now separated into their own major category in the 2008 World Health Organization classification of hematolymphoid tumors. Although eosinophilia is characteristic of these diseases, the clinical presentation of the three entities is variable. Conventional cytogenetics (karyotyping) will detect the majority of abnormalities involving PDGFRB and FGFR1, but florescence in situ hybridization (FISH)/molecular studies are required to detect factor interacting with PAP (FIP1L1)–PDGFRA as the characteristic 4q12 interstitial deletion is cryptic. Imatinib mesylate (imatinib) is the first‐line therapy for patients with abnormalities of PDGFRA/B, whereas patients with FGFR1 fusions are resistant to this therapy and carry a poor prognosis. The discovery of novel gene rearrangements associated with eosinophilia will further guide our understanding of the molecular pathobiology of these diseases and aid in the development of small‐molecule inhibitors that inhibit deregulated hematopoiesis.
Perceptions of disease aetiology and the effect of own behaviour on health among poly-pharmacy patients with non-Western backgrounds in Denmark
Authors: Molin Katrine Rutkær , Mygind Anna , Nørgaard Lotte Stig 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Objectives
To examine the perceptions of disease aetiology and the effect of own behaviour on health among poly-pharmacy patients with non-Western backgrounds in Denmark.

Methods
The study was based on 26 extended medication reviews with patients of non-Western backgrounds aged 50+ who use at least four prescription drugs regularly. The reviews were conducted by 12 pharmacists with the same mother-tongue background as the participants. The reviews included patient interviews on which the data in this article are based. In total, four open-ended questions from the patient interviews were analysed by the means of Giorgi's phenomenological method.

Key findings
The analysis shows that stress was most commonly perceived as the cause of the participants' diseases for reasons that included (1) having left their country of origin and family, (2) worry over the political situation in their country of origin and (3) the problems involved in living as an immigrant in Denmark. Most of the participants perceived their own efforts as having little impact on their own health status, although some participants considered them as having considerable influence.

Conclusions
To a great extent, the explanations of the participants about possible disease aetiology are focused on stress, immigration and psychological well-being. Although many participants perceived that their own efforts did not have much impact on their health status, our study revealed a large diversity in the responses of non-Western immigrants, particularly regarding the importance of their own efforts on their health status.
The Obesity Paradox in Stroke: Lower Mortality and Lower Risk of Readmission for Recurrent Stroke in Obese Stroke Patients
Authors: Andersen Klaus Kaae , Olsen Tom Skyhøj 
Published: March 2013

Background Although associated with excess mortality and morbidity, obesity is associated with lower mortality after stroke. The association between obesity and risk of recurrent stroke is unclear. Aims The study aims to investigate the association in stroke patients between body mass index and risk of death and readmission for recurrent stroke. Methods An administrative Danish quality-control registry designed to collect a predefined dataset on all hospitalized stroke patients in Denmark 2000–2010 includes 45 615 acute first-ever stroke patients with information on body mass index in 29 326. Data include age, gender, civil status, stroke severity, computed tomography, and cardiovascular risk factors. Patients were followed up to 9·8 years (median 2·6 years). We used Cox regression models to compare risk of death and readmission for recurrent stroke in the four body mass index groups: underweight (body mass index < 18·5), normal weight (body mass index 18·5–24·9), overweight (body mass index 25·0–29·9), obese (body mass index ⩾ 30·0). Results Mean age 72·3 years, 48% women. Mean body mass index 23·0. Within follow-up, 7902 (26·9%) patients had died; 2437 (8·3%) were readmitted because of recurrent stroke. Mortality was significantly lower in overweight (hazard ratio 0·72; confidence interval 0·68–0·78) and obese (hazard ratio 0·80; confidence interval 0·73–0·88) patients while significantly higher in underweight patients (hazard ratio 1·66; confidence interval 1·49–1·84) compared with normal weight patients. Risk of readmission for recurrent stroke was significantly lower in obese than in normal weight patients (hazard ratio 0·84; confidence interval 0·72–0·92). Conclusionsx Obesity was not only associated with reduced mortality relative to normal weight patients. Compared with normal weight, risk of readmission for recurrent stroke was also lower in obese stroke patients.
Safety and FeasibiLity of Metformin in Patients with Impaired Glucose Tolerance and a Recent TIA or Minor Ischemic Stroke (LIMIT) Trial – A Multicenter, Randomized, Open-Label Phase II Trial
Authors: den Hertog Heleen M. , Vermeer S. E. , Zandbergen A. A. M. , Achterberg Sefanja , Dippel Diederik W. J. , Algra Ale , Kappelle L. J. , Koudstaal Peter J. 
Published: March 2013

Background and purpose We aimed to assess the safety, feasibility, and effects on glucose metabolism of treatment with metformin in patients with TIA or minor ischemic stroke and impaired glucose tolerance. Methods We performed a multicenter, randomized, controlled, open-label phase II trial with blinded outcome assessment. Patients with TIA or minor ischemic stroke in the previous six months and impaired glucose tolerance (2-hour post-load glucose levels of 7.8–11.0 mmol/l) were randomized to metformin, in a daily dose of 2 g, or no metformin, for three months. Primary outcome measures were safety and feasibility of metformin, and the adjusted difference in 2-hour post-load glucose levels at three months. This trial is registered as an International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number 54960762. Results Forty patients were enrolled; 19 patients were randomly assigned metformin. Nine patients in the metformin group had side effects, mostly gastrointestinal, leading to permanent discontinuation in four patients after 3–10 weeks. Treatment with metformin was associated with a significant reduction in 2-hour post-load glucose levels of 0·97 mmol/l (95% CI 0·11–1·83) in the on-treatment analysis, but not in the intention-to-treat analysis (0·71 mmol/l; 95% CI −0·36 to 1·78). Conclusions Treatment with metformin in patients with TIA or minor ischemic stroke and impaired glucose tolerance is safe, but leads to minor side effects. If tolerated, it may lead to a significant reduction in post-load glucose levels. This suggests that the role of metformin as potential therapeutic agent for secondary stroke prevention should be further explored.
Diffuse dermal angiomatosis of the breast: clinical and histopathological features
Authors: Sanz‐Motilva Virginia , Martorell‐Calatayud Antonio , Rongioletti Franco , Escutia‐Muñoz Begoña , López‐Gómez Sara , Rodríguez‐Peralto Jose Luis , Vanaclocha Francisco 
Published: March 2013

SummaryIntroductionDiffuse dermal angiomatosis is an entity in the spectrum of reactive angiomatoses characterized by erythematous plaques that mainly affect the lower extremities of patients with a personal history of peripheral vascular disease. Involvement of the breast is a rare event that has only been described as single cases in women with large breasts.ObjectiveOur main aim is to report three rare cases of diffuse dermal angiomatosis of the breast and to better define their clinical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical characteristics. Comorbidities and management will also be discussed.MethodsA retrospective search of patients with the diagnosis of diffuse dermal angiomatosis of the breast was made. Databases of three hospitals, Hospital 12 de Octubre (Madrid, Spain), Hospital La Fe (Valencia, Spain), and Clinica Dermatologica, University of Genoa (Italy), were included in the analysis.ResultsThree middle‐aged women who were heavy smokers were found. Physical examination revealed several livedoid plaques on both breasts. Painful ulceration over the violaceous lesions was observed in two cases. Histological features included a diffuse proliferation of spindle‐shaped endothelial cells with focal small vessel formation occupying the full thickness of the dermis with scanty extravasated erythrocytes, showing positivity for CD31, CD34, and SMA‐α and negativity for D2‐40. Management was focused on a strict control of comorbidities, especially on the cessation of smoking habit that led to a conspicuous improvement in all patients.ConclusionsWe describe all those clinicopathologic features that define diffuse dermal angiomatosis of the breast, which should be considered a distinctive variant into the group of cutaneous angiomatoses. In our experience, a strict control of smoking habit must be the first step in the management of this entity.
Morphology and phylogenetic interpretation of a new Cambrian edrioasteroid (Echinodermata) from Spain
Authors: ZAMORA SAMUEL 
Published: March 2013

Abstract: The edrioasteroid, Aragocystites belli gen. nov. sp. nov. from the middle Cambrian Murero Formation of Spain, is described based on a small number of very well‐preserved specimens. Important anatomical characteristics include star‐shaped and pseudoclavate theca, rare or absent epispires, well‐developed interradially positioned oral plates and several unorganized cover plates associated with each widely exposed flooring plate. A phylogenetic analysis including several Cambro–Ordovician species shows it is more derived than Stromatocystites and Totiglobus but is a sister group to a clade comprising Cambraster and Edriodiscus. Ontogenetic observations based on juveniles of 5 mm in diameter suggest that this species changed thecal shape markedly during growth. A. belli gen. nov. sp. nov. probably lived in quiet environments where it attached directly to the sea floor on stabilized substrates.
What Policy Features Determine Life Insurance Lapse? An Analysis of the German Market
Authors: Eling Martin , Kiesenbauer Dieter 
Published: March 2013

AbstractWith the largest data set ever used for this purpose (covering more than 1 million contracts), we analyze the impact of product and policyholder characteristics on lapse in the life insurance market. The data are provided by a German life insurer and cover two periods of market turmoil that we incorporate into our proportional hazards and generalized linear models. The results show that product characteristics such as product type or contract age and policyholder characteristics such as age or gender are important drivers for lapse rates. Our findings improve the understanding of lapse drivers and might be used by insurance managers and regulators for value‐ and risk‐based management.
New point mutation in Golga3 causes multiple defects in spermatogenesis
Authors: Bentson L. F. , Agbor V. A. , Agbor L. N. , Lopez A. C. , Nfonsam L. E. , Bornstein S. S. , Handel M. A. , Linder C. C. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryMice with repro27 exhibit fully penetrant male‐specific infertility associated with a nonsense mutation in the golgin subfamily A member 3 gene (Golga3). GOLGA3 is a Golgi complex‐associated protein implicated in protein trafficking, apoptosis, positioning of the Golgi and spermatogenesis. In repro27 mutant mice, a point mutation in exon 18 of the Golga3 gene that inserts a pre‐mature termination codon leads to an absence of GOLGA3 protein expression. GOLGA3 protein was undetectable in the brain, heart and liver in both mutant and control mice. Although spermatogenesis in Golga3repro27 mutant mice appears to initiate normally, development is disrupted in late meiosis during the first wave of spermatogenesis, leading to significant germ cell loss between 15 and 18 days post‐partum (dpp). Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase dUTP‐mediated Nick End Labeling analysis showed elevated DNA fragmentation in meiotic germ cells by 12 dpp, suggesting apoptosis as a mechanism of germ cell loss. The few surviving post‐meiotic round spermatids exhibited abnormal spermiogenesis with defects in acrosome formation, head and tail development and extensive vacuolization in the seminiferous epithelium. Analysis of epididymal spermatozoa showed significantly low sperm concentration and motility and in vitro fertilization with mutant spermatozoa was unsuccessful. Golga3repro27 mice lack GOLGA3 protein and thus provide an in vivo tool to aid in deciphering the role of GOLGA3 in Golgi complex positioning, cargo trafficking and apoptosis signalling in male germ cells.
The effect of testosterone on mood and well‐being in men with erectile dysfunction in a randomized, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Spitzer M. , Basaria S. , Travison T. G. , Davda M. N. , DeRogatis L. , Bhasin S. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryThe relationship between testosterone, well‐being and mood is poorly understood. We investigated the effect of testosterone supplementation on mood, well‐being, and self‐reported health in men with erectile dysfunction (ED) and low serum testosterone levels. This was a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov registration number NCT00512707), in which 140 men, 40–70 years, with ED and low serum testosterone levels were first optimized on sildenafil alone for 3–7 weeks and then randomized to receive either sildenafil plus testosterone gel (n = 70) or sildenafil plus placebo (n = 70) gel for 14 weeks. Using multiple imputations and generalized linear regression, we compared psychological changes in well‐being, evaluated by the Psychological General Well‐Being Index, and mood, evaluated by Derogatis Affects Balance Scale. Mood and well‐being scores were similar between the two groups at baseline and did not substantially change during the administration of sildenafil or after randomization to testosterone. Our findings show that the addition of testosterone to sildenafil in men with ED and low serum testosterone levels was not associated with improvement in either well‐being or mood.
Luminescence Enhancement of CdS Quantum Dots in Glass by Ag+ Ion Exchange
Authors: Xu Kai , Heo Jong 
Published: March 2013

Luminescence of CdS quantum dots (QDs) enhanced by the induction of Ag nanoparticles (NPs) in glasses was investigated. Ag+ ions diffused into glasses containing CdS QDs by ion exchange, then formed Ag NPs after subsequent heat treatment. Luminescence intensity of CdS QDs increased approximately three times when the ion‐exchange duration was 1 min, but was severely quenched when the duration was extended to 30 min. Increasing the amount of Ag+ ions increased the number of Ag NPs and decreased the average distance between Ag NPs and CdS QDs. This decrease in the average distance induced the changes of luminescence intensity.
Highly Dense, Transparent α‐Al2O3 Ceramics From Ultrafine Nanoparticles Via a Standard SPS Sintering
Authors: Roussel Nicolas , Lallemant Lucile , Chane‐Ching Jean ‐Yves , Guillemet‐Fristch Sophie , Durand Bernard , Garnier Vincent , Bonnefont Guillaume , Fantozzi Gilbert , Bonneau Lionel , Trombert Sandrine , Garcia‐Gutierrez Domingo 
Published: March 2013

Using discrete, ultrafine alumina, highly dense transparent (71% real in‐line transmission, RIT, λ = 640 nm) ceramics were achieved with grain size as small as 260 nm using standard SPS sintering. We show that use of La3+ as a dopant greatly reduces sensitivity to the sintering temperatures. Transparent alumina were achieved in a large range of sintering temperatures, 1140°C < T < 1200°C, thus providing better reliability and flexibility into the fabrication of large sintered transparent ceramic bodies.