bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased Resistance to Penicillium Seed Rot in Transgenic Wheat Over‐expressing Puroindolines
Authors: Kim Kyung‐Hee , Feiz Leila , Dyer Alan T. , Grey William , Hogg Andrew C. , Martin John M. , Giroux Michael J. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractPuroindolines (PINs) are the main components of the wheat grain hardness locus (Ha) and have in vitro antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi. Here, we examined the effect of variation in PINA and/or PINB content upon Penicillium sp. seed fungal growth inhibition. The Penicillium sp. assays were germination assays performed after incubating seeds in Penicillium sp. contaminated soil. The first set of wheat genotypes consisted of two sets of transgenic isolines created in the varieties ‘Bobwhite’ and ‘Hi‐Line’ having over‐expression of PINA and/or PINB. The second set of genotypes consisted of near‐isogenic lines (NILs) varying for mutations in PINA or PINB created in the varieties ‘Explorer’ and ‘Hank’. After incubation in Penicillium sp.‐infected soil, transgenic wheat seeds over‐expressing PINA in both ‘Hi‐Line’ and ‘Bobwhite’ and both PINs in ‘Hi‐Line’ exhibited significantly reduced fungal infection and increased germination. No significant differences in Penicillium sp. infection or germination rates were observed in seeds of the NILs. The results indicate that puroindolines native role in seeds is to increase seed viability and that when over‐expressed as transgenes, the puroindolines are effective antifungal proteins.
Advances in gastrointestinal endoscopy
Authors: Kwan V. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractGastrointestinal endoscopy has undergone a remarkable expansion in its capabilities as a result of sophisticated technological advances in recent years. New imaging technologies, novel ablation and resection techniques, cutting‐edge endoscope development and creative extraluminal applications have taken gastrointestinal endoscopy to an exciting new level. An update on some of these advances is presented for the physician audience.
Primary amenorrhea due to juvenile granulosa‐cell tumor of the ovary: A case report
Authors: Adachi Tomoko , Sato Hideki , Nakayama Setsuko , Shimizu Shoko , Matsui Hideo , Nakabayashi Masao 
Published: February 2012

AbstractIn general, primary amenorrhea is caused by gonadal dysgenesis, anomalies of internal or external genitalia with or without chromosomal anomalies, and sometimes by hormonal abnormalities that affect the hypothalamus, pituitary, ovaries, adrenals or thyroid, or by chronic or metabolic diseases. We report a rare case of a juvenile granulosa‐cell tumor of the ovary that caused primary amenorrhea in a 16‐year‐old girl. Her hormonal profiles before the operation were characterized by an extremely low level of follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), a relatively low level of estradiol and a high level of inhibin B. The patient had menarche after the removal of the tumor. Her elevated serum FSH after the operation was the result of a decreased serum level of inhibin that had been produced by the tumor. The present case highlights that a granulosa‐cell tumor, known as an inhibin‐secreting tumor, should be considered when treating primary amenorrheic girls.
Antenatal diagnosis of a third trimester interstitial pregnancy: A case report
Authors: Scarella Anibal , Marquez Rolando , Schilling Hugo , Palomino Alberto 
Published: February 2012

AbstractInterstitial pregnancy cases that advance to term, or near term, are occasionally reported. We present an unusual case of a third trimester interstitial pregnancy with antenatal diagnosis and expectant management. She presented at 20 weeks of pregnancy with an early preterm premature rupture of membranes, and expectant management was initiated. The ultrasound suggested an interstitial location and a posterior magnetic resonance image, obtained at 26 weeks, confirmed the diagnosis. Because of the risk of uterine rupture, an elective cesarean section was performed at 28 weeks. During the laparotomy, the uterine fundus appeared intact with an asymmetric bulge that provided evidence of placenta increta. The baby was delivered, and an obstetric hysterectomy was performed. The newborn was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit with a severe respiratory distress syndrome. No response to mechanical ventilation was observed, and neonatal death was reported. A uterine pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis.
Nutritional status among women with pre‐eclampsia and healthy pregnant and non‐pregnant women in a Latin American country
Authors: Reyes Laura , Garcia Ronald , Ruiz Silvia , Dehghan Mahshid , López‐Jaramillo Patricio 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAims:  Pre‐eclampsia (PE) is one of the leading causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. It has been proposed that, among other risk factors, the nutritional status of women can lead to the endothelial dysfunction that characterizes this entity. The aim of the present study was to compare the nutritional status of women with PE with healthy pregnant and non‐pregnant women.Material and Methods:  A multicenter case–control study was carried out. Between September 2006 and July 2009, 201 women with PE were compared with 201 pregnant, and 201 non‐pregnant aged‐matched women without cardiovascular or endocrine diseases. A clinical history and physical examination was performed. Fasting blood samples were drawn to measure serum glucose and lipid profile. The nutritional status of participants was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire.Results:  The average age of women was 26.6 ± 7.2 years. Compared to healthy pregnant controls, women with PE had a higher body mass index, higher fasting blood glucose levels, higher triglycerides, and lower high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Women with PE had a higher intake of carbohydrates, energy intake and cereal compared to healthy pregnant and non‐pregnant controls. A conditional logistic regression demonstrated that carbohydrate and sodium intake are associated with PE development.Conclusions:  Diets of women with PE were characterized by higher energy and carbohydrate intake compared to normal pregnant and non‐pregnant women. This suggests that higher carbohydrate and sodium intake increases the risk of PE among women in Colombia.
Career satisfaction level, mental distress, and gender differences in working conditions among Japanese obstetricians and gynecologists
Authors: Sugiura‐Ogasawara Mayumi , Suzuki Sadao , Kitazawa Masafumi , Kuwae Chizuko , Sawa Rintaro , Shimizu Yukiko , Takeshita Toshiyuki , Yoshimura Yasunori ,   for the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology/Career Support Committee
Published: February 2012

AbstractAim:  Career satisfaction level, degree of mental distress associated with certain work‐related factors, and demographics were examined for the first time in obstetricians and gynecologists in Japan.Material and Methods:  Associations between the score on Kessler 6 screening scale, or the job satisfaction level, and the scores on the job content questionnaire, Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ), working conditions and demographics were examined in 1301 members of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.Results:  8.4% of respondents were speculated to suffer from depression or anxiety disorder. Multivariate linear regression analysis identified a heavier workload, less personal control, lower satisfaction on the SSQ, and longer working hours as being independent risk factors for mental distress.Conclusion:  Careful monitoring of the mental state is necessary for obstetricians and gynecologists with lower incomes, heavier workloads, lower degrees of personal control, and lower satisfaction scores on the SSQ.
Genome‐wide analysis of longevity in nutrient‐deprived Saccharomyces cerevisiae reveals importance of recycling in maintaining cell viability
Authors: Davey Hazel M. , Cross Emma J. M. , Davey Christopher, L. , Gkargkas Konstantinos , Delneri Daniela , Hoyle David C. , Oliver Stephen G. , Kell Douglas B. , Griffith Gareth W. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryAlthough typically cosseted in the laboratory with constant temperatures and plentiful nutrients, microbes are frequently exposed to much more stressful conditions in their natural environments where survival and competitive fitness depend upon both growth rate when conditions are favourable and on persistence in a viable and recoverable state when they are not. In order to determine the role of genetic heterogeneity in environmental fitness we present a novel approach that combines the power of fluorescence‐activated cell sorting with barcode microarray analysis and apply this to determining the importance of every gene in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome in a high‐throughput, genome‐wide fitness screen. We have grown > 6000 heterozygous mutants together and exposed them to a starvation stress before using fluorescence‐activated cell sorting to identify and isolate those individual cells that have not survived the stress applied. Barcode array analysis of the sorted and total populations reveals the importance of cellular recycling mechanisms (autophagy, pexophagy and ribosome breakdown) in maintaining cell viability during starvation and provides compelling evidence for an important role for fatty acid degradation in maintaining viability. In addition, we have developed a semi‐batch fermentor system that is a more realistic model of environmental fitness than either batch or chemostat culture. Barcode array analysis revealed that arginine biosynthesis was important for fitness in semi‐batch culture and modelling of this regime showed that rapid emergence from lag phase led to greatly increased fitness. One hundred and twenty‐five strains with deletions in unclassified proteins were identified as being over‐represented in the sorted fraction, while 27 unclassified proteins caused a haploinsufficient phenotype in semi‐batch culture. These methods thus provide a screen to identifying other genes and pathways that have a role in maintaining cell viability.
Sacral nerve stimulation in faecal incontinence associated with an anal sphincter lesion: a systematic review
Authors: Ratto C. , Litta F. , Parello A. , Donisi L. , De Simone V. , Zaccone G. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAim  The long‐term results of sphincteroplasty for faecal incontinence due to an anal sphincter lesion have been disappointing. Initially sacral nerve stimulation was used only in faecal incontinence of neurogenic origin but subsequently the indications have been extended to other conditions. The aim of this review was to evaluate sacral nerve stimulation for incontinence in the presence of a sphincter defect.Method  The MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library databases for the period between 1995 and 2011 were searched for studies in English, with no limitations concerning the study size or the length of follow‐up. The major endpoints were clinical efficacy, changes in anorectal manometry and quality of life.Results  Ten reports (119 patients) satisfied the inclusion criteria. The quality of the studies was low (nine were retrospective, one was prospective). All reported a lesion of the external anal and/or internal anal sphincter on endoanal ultrasound. A definitive implant was performed on 106 (89%) of the 119 patients who underwent a peripheral nerve evaluation test. The weighted average number of incontinent episodes per week decreased from 12.1 to 2.3, the weighted average Cleveland Clinic Score decreased from 16.5 to 3.8, and the ability to defer defaecation, when evaluated, increased significantly. The features at anorectal manometry did not change. The quality of life improved significantly in almost all studies.Conclusion  Sacral nerve stimulation could be a therapeutic option for faecal incontinence in patients with an anal sphincter lesion. However, the quality of the published studies is low. A randomized clinical trial comparing sacral nerve stimulation with other classical surgical procedures at long‐term follow‐up, although beset with difficulties, should be conducted.
Morbidity and mortality of the Hartmann procedure for diverticular disease over 18 years in a single institution
Authors: Ince M. , Stocchi L. , Khomvilai S. , Kwon D. S. , Hammel J. P. , Kiran R. P. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAim  Hartmann’s procedure for perforated diverticulitis is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. This study analyses factors associated with morbidity/mortality and possible changes over time.Method  Patients treated by urgent Hartmann’s procedure for perforated diverticulitis between 1992 and 2010 were studied, and information was collected on age, sex, perioperative details, 30‐day morbidity and mortality recorded in an institutional review board approved database supplemented by chart review. Patients were divided into four groups based on the year of surgery. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors associated with morbidity and mortality.Results  In all, 199 patients (51% female, mean age 65 years, mean body mass index 28 kg/m2) were identified. The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score was 4 in 30% of patients and Hinchey Stage IV in 16%. The mean length of stay was 12.5 ± 10 days. Mortality was 15% and did not change significantly over time. Overall morbidity was 52% and significantly increased over time on univariate analysis (P = 0.007) but not on multivariate analysis (P = 0.11). Independent predictors of morbidity on multivariate analysis were Hinchey IV (P < 0.001) and hypoproteinaemia (P =0.001). Independent predictors for mortality were ASA > 3 (P = 0.01), abnormal creatinine (P = 0.007), steroid use (P = 0.007), Hinchey IV (P = 0.032), low albumin (P < 0.001) and low body mass index (P = 0.001).Conclusion  Mortality after Hartmann’s procedure for perforated diverticulitis has not decreased during the last 18 years. Morbidity has actually increased over time although this is related to increased disease severity and comorbidity. Future efforts should focus on the identification of patient subgroups benefiting from earlier elective surgery and alternative surgical approaches when perforated diverticulitis does occur.
Increased apoB/A‐I ratio independently associated with Type 2 diabetes mellitus: cross‐sectional study in a Korean population
Authors: Hwang Y. C. , Ahn H. Y. , Kim W. J. , Park C. Y. , Park S. W. 
Published: February 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, 1165‐1170 (2012)AbstractAims  The aim of this study was to investigate whether increased apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A‐I ratio is associated with Type 2 diabetes mellitus independent of other risk factors for Type 2 diabetes.Methods  A total of 70 063 subjects (41 391 men and 28 672 women; mean age 41.5 years) who visited the Health Screening Center at Kangbuk Samsung Hospital for a routine medical check‐up between January 2009 and December 2009 were enrolled in this study.Results  The mean apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A‐I ratio in the study subjects was 0.66 ± 0.18. The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes increased across the apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A‐I ratio quartiles (1.0%, 1.6%, 2.9%, and 4.8% for the 1st through 4th quartiles, respectively, P < 0.001) and homeostasis model assessment‐insulin resistance (HOMA2‐IR) also showed an increasing tendency by quartile (P < 0.001). The apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A‐I ratio was correlated with age, adiposity, blood pressure, HOMA2‐IR value, fasting glucose levels, and other inflammatory marker, including high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, and lipoprotein (a) levels (all P < 0.001). In a multiple logistic regression model, the highest apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A‐I ratio quartile was associated with Type 2 diabetes, even after controlling for other risk factors for diabetes, such as age, gender, BMI, systolic blood pressure, HOMA2‐IR values, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein levels, family history of diabetes, presence of metabolic syndrome, and conventional lipid parameters (odds ratio 1.31; 95% confidence interval 1.17–1.46, P < 0.001).Conclusions  The apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A‐I ratio was found to be associated with Type 2 diabetes independent of other risk factors for diabetes and conventional lipid parameters.
Belief‐Based Exemptions: Are Religious Beliefs Special?*
Authors: CORNELISSEN GEMMA 
Published: February 2012

AbstractReligious beliefs are often singled out for special treatment in secular liberal societies. Yet if a legal exemption is granted for a belief with a religious foundation, the question arises whether a similar, non‐religious moral belief must also be granted an exemption. I argue that common reasons for favoring religious over non‐religious beliefs fail to provide a convincing moral case for drawing a distinction of this nature. I focus on arguments concerning the role of religious beliefs in constituting an individual's identity and the transcendental nature of religion, which lead me to consider in the final section the role of choice in religious belief.
Effective and sustainable biologic treatment of psoriasis: what can we learn from new clinical data?
Authors: Langley R.G. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe introduction of the biologic agents, adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab and ustekinumab, has provided more options for the short‐ and long‐term treatment of patients with psoriasis. Physicians are now able to achieve and maintain effective disease control in more patients using biologic therapies. Newly published clinical data support the introduction of novel optimization strategies to further improve outcomes in patients with psoriasis. Recent randomized controlled clinical trials have provided data on the efficacy of conventional therapies, including systemic agents, and biologics at specific time points. Switching from methotrexate to a tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α antagonist after 16 weeks can improve response rates, as demonstrated in a study of patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis, while the benefit of long‐term methotrexate use remains unclear. In a separate study, psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) ≥75 response rates were maintained over time (>3 years for adalimumab), suggesting that long‐term biologic therapy is an effective and sustainable treatment option for psoriasis. For each individual patient, the benefit of a particular treatment needs to be balanced with the risks. The lack of head‐to‐head trials of antipsoriatic therapies, particularly biologic therapies, does not help with making individualized treatment decisions. However, a benefit–risk assessment of TNF‐α antagonists calculated from an integrated analysis of published literature in moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis can be used to aid clinical practice. The number needed to treat, number needed to harm and number of patient years of observation to detect an adverse event have been determined for adalimumab, etanercept and infliximab. The benefit–risk profiles generated demonstrated that, during the initial year of treatment, likelihood of success with TNF‐α antagonists was several orders of magnitude greater than the likelihood of serious toxicity.
Risk of shoulder dystocia: associations with parity and offspring birthweight. A population study of 1 914 544 deliveries
Authors: ØVERLAND EVA A. , VATTEN LARS J. , ESKILD ANNE 
Published: February 2012

Abstract Objectives. We estimated the associations of parity and offspring birthweight with the risk of shoulder dystocia, and studied whether the association of offspring birthweight differed by parity. Design. Population‐based register study. Setting. The Medical Birth Registry of Norway was used to identify all deliveries between 1967 and 2006. Population. All vaginal deliveries of a singleton offspring in cephalic presentation during the period 1967–2006 (n=1 914 544). Main outcome measure. Shoulder dystocia at delivery. Results: Shoulder dystocia occurred in 0.68% (13 109/1 914 544) of all deliveries. There was a strong positive association of birthweight with risk of shoulder dystocia, and 75% (9765/13 109) of all cases occurred in deliveries of offspring weighing 4000g or more. The association of birthweight displayed similar patterns across parities, but the association was slightly stronger in parous than in primiparous women. Among first‐time mothers, 0.12% (320/276 614) with offspring weighing 3000–3499g (reference) experienced shoulder dystocia, compared with 13.30% (169/1244) with offspring birthweight higher than 5000g [odds ratio (OR) 135.7, 95%CI 111.6–165.1]. The corresponding results for women with one previous delivery were 0.08% (161/201 572) and 16.45% (501/3054) (OR 246.4, 95%CI 205.4–295.5). Conclusions. High offspring birthweight is the major risk factor for shoulder dystocia, constituting most cases. The positive association of birthweight with shoulder dystocia showed similar patterns across parities, but high birthweight parous women were at greater risk of shoulder dystocia compared with primiparous women.
Digital vs. conventional implant impressions: efficiency outcomes
Authors: Lee Sang J. , Gallucci German O. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the efficiency, difficulty and operator's preference of a digital impression compared with a conventional impression for single implant restorations.Materials and methodsThirty HSDM second year dental students performed conventional and digital implant impressions on a customized model presenting a single implant. The outcome of the impressions was evaluated under an acceptance criteria and the need for retake/rescan was decided. The efficiency of both impression techniques was evaluated by measuring the preparation, working, and retake/scan time (m/s) and the number of retakes/rescans. Participants' perception on the level of difficulty for the both impressions was assessed with a visual analogue scale (VAS) questionnaire. Multiple questionnaires were obtained to assess the participants' perception on preference, effectiveness and proficiency.ResultsMean total treatment time was of 24:42 m/s for conventional and 12:29 m/s for digital impressions (P < 0.001). Mean preparation time was of 4:42 m/s for conventional and 3:35 m/s for digital impressions (P < 0.001). Mean working time including retakes/rescans demanded 20:00 m/s for conventional vs. 8:54 m/s for digital impression (P < 0.001). On a 0–100 VAS scale, the participants scored a mean difficulty level of 43.12 (±18.46) for conventional impression technique and 30.63 (±17.57) for digital impression technique (P = 0.006). Sixty percent of the participants preferred the digital impression, 7% the conventional impression technique and 33% preferred either technique.ConclusionsDigital impressions resulted in a more efficient technique than conventional impressions. Longer preparation, working, and retake time were consumed to complete an acceptable conventional impression. Difficulty was lower for the digital impression compared with the conventional ones when performed by inexperienced second year dental students.