bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intrastock differences in maturation schedules of Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua
Authors: Wright Peter J. , Millar Colin P. , Gibb Fiona M. 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Wright, P. J., Millar, C. P., and Gibb, F. M. 2011. Intrastock differences in maturation schedules of Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 68: 1918–1927. Differences in maturation schedules from three subpopulations of North Sea cod (Gadus morhua) were examined using the demographic probabilistic maturation reaction norm (PMRN) approach. Declines in maturation probability with size and age were evident within the North Sea cod stock, but the magnitude of decline differed among subpopulations. The difference in the rate of decline led to significant spatial differences in recent times. Changes in maturation probability could not be explained by colonization from adjacent regions indicating a local response to conditions. The greatest decline in maturation probability followed the near collapse of regional spawning biomass during the 1980s and 1990s. A new methodology was developed to integrate the effects of temperature and competitive biomass into the estimation of the PMRN. Temperature had a positive effect on maturation probability, but could only partially explain the decreasing trend in PMRN midpoints. Consequently, regional selection for early maturing genotypes provides the most parsimonious explanation for the declines in maturation probability observed. The difference in maturation probability among North Sea cod subpopulations, and the additive contribution of temperature to the estimation of change, underscores the need to account for population structuring and to incorporate temperature as a covariate in future applications of the PMRN.
Determining Resident Clinical Performance
Authors: Baker Keith 
Published: July 2011

Background
Valid and reliable (dependable) assessment of resident clinical skills is essential for learning, promotion, and remediation. Competency is defined as what a physician can do, whereas performance is what a physician does in everyday practice. There is an ongoing need for valid and reliable measures of resident clinical performance.

Methods
Anesthesia residents were evaluated confidentially on a weekly basis by faculty members who supervised them. The electronic evaluation form had five sections, including a rating section for absolute and relative-to-peers performance under each of the six Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education core competencies, clinical competency committee questions, rater confidence in having the resident perform cases of increasing difficulty, and comment sections. Residents and their faculty mentors were provided with the resident's formative comments on a biweekly basis.

Results
From July 2008 to June 2010, 140 faculty members returned 14,469 evaluations on 108 residents. Faculty scores were pervasively positively biased and affected by idiosyncratic score range usage. These effects were eliminated by normalizing each performance score to the unique scoring characteristics of each faculty member (Z-scores). Individual Z-scores had low amounts of performance information, but signal averaging allowed determination of reliable performance scores. Average Z-scores were stable over time, related to external measures of medical knowledge, identified residents referred to the clinical competency committee, and increased when performance improved because of an intervention.

Conclusions
This study demonstrates a reliable and valid clinical performance assessment system for residents at all levels of training.
An Increase in Aortic Blood Flow after an Infusion of 100 ml Colloid over 1 Minute Can Predict Fluid Responsiveness
Authors: Muller Laurent , Toumi Medhi , Bousquet Philippe-Jean , Riu-Poulenc Béatrice , Louart Guillaume , Candela Damien , Zoric Lana , Suehs Carey , de La Coussaye Jean-Emmanuel , Molinari Nicolas , Lefrant Jean-Yves 
Published: July 2011

Background
Predicting fluid responsiveness remains a difficult question in hemodynamically unstable patients. The author's objective was to test whether noninvasive assessment by transthoracic echocardiography of subaortic velocity time index (VTI) variation after a low volume of fluid infusion (100 ml hydroxyethyl starch) can predict fluid responsiveness.

Methods
Thirty-nine critically ill ventilated and sedated patients with acute circulatory failure were prospectively studied. Subaortic VTI was measured by transthoracic echocardiography before fluid infusion (baseline), after 100 ml hydroxyethyl starch infusion over 1 min, and after an additional infusion of 400 ml hydroxyethyl starch over 14 min. The authors measured the variation of VTI after 100 ml fluid (ΔVTI 100) for each patient. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated for (ΔVTI 100). When available, receiver operating characteristic curves also were generated for pulse pressure variation and central venous pressure.

Results
After 500 ml volume expansion, VTI increased ≥ 15% in 21 patients (54%) defined as responders. ΔVTI 100 ≥ 10% predicted fluid responsiveness with a sensitivity and specificity of 95% and 78%, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves of ΔVTI 100 was 0.92 (95% CI: 0.78-0.98). In 29 patients, pulse pressure variation and central venous pressure also were available. In this subgroup of patients, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves for ΔVTI 100, pulse pressure variation, and central venous pressure were 0.90 (95% CI: 0.74-0.98, P < 0.05), 0.55 (95% CI: 0.35-0.73, NS), and 0.61 (95% CI: 0.41-0.79, NS), respectively.

Conclusion
In patients with low volume mechanical ventilation and acute circulatory failure, ΔVTI 100 accurately predicts fluid responsiveness.
Analysis of a Range of Catabolic Mutants Provides Evidence That Phytanoyl-Coenzyme A Does Not Act as a Substrate of the Electron-Transfer Flavoprotein/Electron-Transfer Flavoprotein:Ubiquinone Oxidoreductase Complex in Arabidopsis during Dark-Induced Senescence
Authors: Araújo Wagner L. , Ishizaki Kimitsune , Nunes-Nesi Adriano , Tohge Takayuki , Larson Tony R. , Krahnert Ina , Balbo Ilse , Witt Sandra , Dörmann Peter , Graham Ian A. , Leaver Christopher J. , Fernie Alisdair R. 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
The process of dark-induced senescence in plants is not fully understood, however, the functional involvement of an electron-transfer flavoprotein/electron-transfer flavoprotein:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (ETF/ETFQO), has been demonstrated. Recent studies have revealed that the enzymes isovaleryl-coenzyme A (CoA) dehydrogenase and 2-hydroxyglutarate dehydrogenase act as important electron donors to this complex. In addition both enzymes play a role in the breakdown of cellular carbon storage reserves with isovaleryl-CoA dehydrogenase being involved in degradation of the branched-chain amino acids, phytol, and lysine while 2-hydroxyglutarate dehydrogenase is exclusively involved in lysine degradation. Given that the chlorophyll breakdown intermediate phytanoyl-CoA accumulates dramatically both in knockout mutants of the ETF/ETFQO complex and of isovaleryl-CoA dehydrogenase following growth in extended dark periods we have investigated the direct importance of chlorophyll breakdown for the supply of carbon and electrons during this process. For this purpose we isolated three independent Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) knockout mutants of phytanoyl-CoA 2-hydroxylase and grew them under the same extended darkness regime as previously used. Despite the fact that these mutants accumulated phytanoyl-CoA and also 2-hydroxyglutarate they exhibited no morphological changes in comparison to the other mutants previously characterized. These results are consistent with a single entry point of phytol breakdown into the ETF/ETFQO system and furthermore suggest that phytol is not primarily metabolized by this pathway. Furthermore analysis of isovaleryl-CoA dehydrogenase/2-hydroxyglutarate dehydrogenase double mutants generated here suggest that these two enzymes essentially account for the entire electron input via the ETF complex.
Responses of Legume Versus Nonlegume Tropical Tree Seedlings to Elevated CO2 Concentration
Authors: Cernusak Lucas A. , Winter Klaus , Martínez Carlos , Correa Edwin , Aranda Jorge , Garcia Milton , Jaramillo Carlos , Turner Benjamin L. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractWe investigated responses of growth, leaf gas exchange, carbon-isotope discrimination, and whole-plant water-use efficiency (W P) to elevated CO2 concentration ([CO2]) in seedlings of five leguminous and five nonleguminous tropical tree species. Plants were grown at CO2 partial pressures of 40 and 70 Pa. As a group, legumes did not differ from nonlegumes in growth response to elevated [CO2]. The mean ratio of final plant dry mass at elevated to ambient [CO2] (M E/M A) was 1.32 and 1.24 for legumes and nonlegumes, respectively. However, there was large variation in M E/M A among legume species (0.92–2.35), whereas nonlegumes varied much less (1.21–1.29). Variation among legume species in M E/M A was closely correlated with their capacity for nodule formation, as expressed by nodule mass ratio, the dry mass of nodules for a given plant dry mass. W P increased markedly in response to elevated [CO2] in all species. The ratio of intercellular to ambient CO2 partial pressures during photosynthesis remained approximately constant at ambient and elevated [CO2], as did carbon isotope discrimination, suggesting that W P should increase proportionally for a given increase in atmospheric [CO2]. These results suggest that tree legumes with a strong capacity for nodule formation could have a competitive advantage in tropical forests as atmospheric [CO2] rises and that the water-use efficiency of tropical tree species will increase under elevated [CO2].
Array‐based DNA methylation profiling in acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Wilop Stefan , Fernandez Agustín F. , Jost Edgar , Herman James G. , Brümmendorf Tim H. , Esteller Manel , Galm Oliver 
Published: July 2011

SummaryMethylation in the promoter region of many genes is involved in regulating gene expression patterns. Using the Illumina GoldenGate© methylation assay, we examined the methylation status of 1505 CpG‐sites from 807 genes in 32 samples from patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) at diagnosis, nine at relapse and 15 normal controls and performed additional pyrosequencing and semiquantitative methylation specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP) of the GNMT promoter in 113 diagnostic AML samples. We found a gain of overall methylation in AML samples with a further increase at relapse. Regional hypermethylation as assessed by array analysis could be confirmed by both MSP and pyrosequencing. Additionally, large‐scale methylation analysis identified interesting candidate genes. Cluster analysis indicated that cytogenetic subgroups seemed to be characterized by additional distinct epigenetic modifications and that basic DNA methylation patterns remain at relapse. Therefore, promoter hypermethylation is a frequent event in AML and is accentuated at relapse. Array‐based methylation analysis determined distinct methylation profiles for non‐malignant controls and AML samples with specific chromosomal aberrations and can identify target genes for further evaluation.
Sleep disturbances in a community sample from preschool to school age
Authors: Simola P. , Laitalainen E. , Liukkonen K. , Virkkula P. , Kirjavainen T. , Pitkäranta A. , Aronen E. T. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractObjective  To study the prevalence of various sleep problems at school age in a Finnish community sample and to evaluate the persistence of the sleep problems from the preschool age to school age in a 4‐year follow‐up.Methods  Parents completed the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children questionnaire on their child's sleep during the preschool years (3–6 years) and again during the school years (7–11 years). At follow‐up the parents also completed a questionnaire on family structure and socio‐economic status.Results  The parents of 481 children completed the questionnaires during both the first study and the follow‐up (girls 49%, boys 51%; mean age 9, range 7–11). At the population level, sleep problems slightly declined from preschool to school age (P < 0.05). However, sleep problems at preschool age showed a strong persistence to school age. At the follow‐up, 35% of the children who were considered to have a sleep disorder at preschool age still suffered from it at school age. At the community level, this equates to 9% of the children. The children with no sleep problems at preschool age rarely developed sleep problems at school age.Conclusions  This study showed that various types of sleep problems are common at school age. Sleep problems persisted from preschool to school age at the individual level. It is important to recognize all types of sleep problems, especially persistent ones. Persistent sleep problems in children may cause and exacerbate other somatic, cognitive and psychiatric problems. Therefore, more attention should be focused on sleep problems in paediatric health care with interventions aimed particularly at children with prolonged sleep problems.
Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-α agonists suppress transforming growth factor-α-induced matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression in human keratinocytes
Authors: Meissner M. , Berlinski B. , Gille J. , Doll M. , Kaufmann R. 
Published: July 2011

Summary
The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), PPARα, PPARδ, and PPARγ, are nuclear ligand-activated transcription factors that are best known as regulators of glucose and lipid metabolism. PPARα agonists have been shown to have profound anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects on human keratinocytes, and are important for maintaining homeostasis of the skin. To better characterize the mechanisms underlying these phenomena, we analysed the effects of PPARα agonists on transforming growth factor (TGF)-α-induced expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9. MMP-9 expression in keratinocytes has previously been linked to inflammatory skin diseases, regenerative skin mechanisms, and tumour development and metastasis. We found that PPARα agonists effectively inhibited TGF-α-induced MMP-9 expression in human keratinocytes via a post-transcriptional mechanism, revealing a novel and important aspect of the anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic action of these compounds.
Participation, satisfaction and knowledge level of patients with cutaneous psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Renzi C. , Di Pietro C. , Tabolli S. 
Published: July 2011

Summary
There have been few studies about the participation in health care and the satisfaction of patients with psoriasis and with psoriatic arthritis. The objective of this study was to examine the attitudes of and satisfaction with decision-making of patients with psoriasis. The study was based on a self-completed questionnaire, given after a routine medical visit to a consecutive sample of 240 patients with psoriasis [207 with cutaneous psoriasis (CP) and 33 with psoriatic arthritis (PA)]. Of the patients with CP and PA, only about a third (27.3% and 28.1%, respectively) preferred to leave decisions entirely to their doctor, whereas the majority (72.7% and 71.9%, respectively) wanted to be involved in decision-making. However, the level of knowledge about the disease was not as high, with 17.0% and 21.4% of patient with CP and PA, respectively, having a good level of knowledge about psoriasis treatment. Participation, knowledge and overall satisfaction were not significantly different between patients with CP and those with PA. Information on treatment side-effects (OR = 5.11; 95% CI 2.5–15.0; P &lt; 0.001) and information on treatment options (OR = 3.15; 95% CI 1.4–7.1; P = 0.006) were significantly associated with overall patient satisfaction.
Mutations in the PSTPIP1 gene and aberrant splicing variants in patients with pyoderma gangrenosum
Authors: Nesterovitch A. B. , Hoffman M. D. , Simon M. , Petukhov P. A. , Tharp M. D. , Glant T. T. 
Published: July 2011

Summary
Background. Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare, noninfectious form of skin ulceration, typically accompanied by neutrophilic infiltration. Several familial cases have been reported, suggesting the involvement of genetic factors in the aetiology of PG. Two mutations (A230T and E250Q) in the PSTPIP1 gene, encoding proline–serine–threonine phosphatase-interacting protein (PSTPIP)1 have been identified in patients with PAPA (pyogenic sterile arthritis with PG and acne) syndrome, a rare autoinflammatory disorder with autosomal dominant inheritance.
Aim. The aim of this study was to sequence PSTPIP1 complementary cDNA and genomic DNA for mutations, and to identify genetic polymorphisms in the promoter region of PSTPIP1 in patients with PG.
Methods. The genomic region and cDNA of the PSTPIP1 gene were sequenced from peripheral blood leucocytes of 14 patients with PG and 20 healthy controls.
Results. One patient (PG1) had aberrant splicing variants of the PSTPIP1 transcript with deletions of exons 9, 11 and 12 and of exons 9–12 together, and all other patients with PG carried deletions of exon 11 and of 11–12. We also identified a novel mutation (G258A) in patient PG3, and novel polymorphisms [(CCTG)6 and (CCTG)8 tandem repeats] in the promoter region of the PSTPIP1 gene.
Conclusion. All combinations of aberrant splicing variants had frame shifts and premature stop codons leading to truncated proteins and loss of function of PSTPIP1. The (CCTG)n tandem repeats in the promoter region of PSTPIP1 had no association with PG. The mutations G258A and R52Q are predicted by the improved prediction algorithm to have a possibly damaging effect on PSTPIP1 function.
A pathologist’s view on the testis biopsy
Authors: Oosterhuis J. W. , Stoop H. , Dohle G. , Boellaard W. , van Casteren N. , Wolffenbuttel K. , Looijenga L. H. J. 
Published: July 2011

SummaryAspects of the biopsy of the testis from the pathologist’s point of view are discussed. Direct enzyme‐histochemical staining for alkaline phosphatase (dAP) on frozen sections of biopsies taken during operation is a useful diagnostic tool to aid surgeons in testis‐sparing surgery. Biopsy of the contralateral testis for the diagnosis of carcinoma in situ (CIS) in patients with a testicular germ cell tumour is not standard of care in most countries because of the high rate of negative biopsies. Based on risk factors for germ cell tumours, i.p. microlithiasis, a patient population is defined in which the rate of CIS in the contralateral biopsy is about 25%. It is reiterated that the diagnosis of CIS in testicular biopsies requires expertise, and should not be carried out without immunohistochemistry for markers for CIS. As OCT3/4 is increasingly used as marker, it is important to be aware that it may be false‐negative in biopsies fixed in Bouin’s or Stieve’s fixative. Preliminary results are presented on a series of biopsies from cryptorchid testes in infants and children allowing the definition of morphological and immunohistochemical criteria for delayed maturation of gonocytes and pre‐CIS.
Do assistive devices, training, and workload affect injury incidence? Prevention efforts by nursing homes and back injuries among nursing assistants
Authors: D’Arcy Laura P. , Sasai Yasuko , Stearns Sally C. 
Published: July 2011

d’arcy l.p., sasai y. & stearns s.c. (2012) Do assistive devices, training, and workload affect injury incidence? Prevention efforts by nursing homes and back injuries among nursing assistants. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(4), 836–845.AbstractAims.  This paper is a report of a study of association between workplace injuries experienced by nursing assistants in nursing homes in the United States and four factors that may affect injury rates: initial nursing assistant training, training at the current facility, lifting devices, and time to execute daily duties.Background.  High injury rates among nursing personnel have been reported in multiple settings across countries. The existing literature is divided on the effectiveness of training and assistive devices in reducing injury rates among nursing assistants.Methods.  We examined associations between whether or not the nursing assistant has experienced an injury and four key factors: quality of initial injury prevention training, injury prevention training at current facility, lift availability and whether or not the nursing assistant has sufficient time to complete resident activities of daily living. We estimated a survey‐weighted logit model using 2004 National Nursing Assistant Survey data.Results/findings.  The odds of an injury in the past year were lower among nursing assistants who reported always having a lift available when needed (41% lower odds), available facility training to reduce workplace injuries (39%), and sufficient time to complete resident activities of daily living (35%). Quality of initial training to prevent work injuries was not significantly associated with injury status.Conclusion.  Regions without widespread access to lifting devices may be able to reduce injury rates by increasing the availability of lifting devices. The potential for reductions in injury rates in the United States is greatest from improving training and ensuring adequate time for resident care, as most facilities currently have lifts available.
The Vibrio cholerae VctPDGC system transports catechol siderophores and a siderophore‐free iron ligand
Authors: Wyckoff Elizabeth E. , Payne Shelley M. 
Published: July 2011

SummaryVibrio cholerae, the causative agent of cholera, has an absolute requirement for iron. It transports the catechol siderophores vibriobactin, which it synthesizes and secretes, and enterobactin. These siderophores are transported across the inner membrane by one of two periplasmic binding protein‐dependent ABC transporters, VctPDGC or ViuPDGC. We show here that one of these inner membrane transport systems, VctPDGC, also promotes iron acquisition in the absence of siderophores. Plasmids carrying the vctPDGC genes stimulated growth in both rich and minimal media of a Shigella flexneri mutant that produces no siderophores. vctPDGC also stimulated the growth of an Escherichia coli enterobactin biosynthetic mutant in low iron medium, and this effect did not require feoB, tonB or aroB. A tyrosine to phenylalanine substitution in the periplasmic binding protein VctP did not alter enterobactin transport, but eliminated growth stimulation in the absence of a siderophore. These data suggest that the VctPDGC system has the capacity to transport both catechol siderophores and a siderophore‐free iron ligand. We also show that VctPDGC is the previously unidentified siderophore‐independent iron transporter in V. cholerae, and this appears to complete the list of iron transport systems in V. cholerae.