bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative Effects of Salt and Water Stress on Seed Germination and Early Embryo Growth in Two Cultivars of Sweet Sorghum
Authors: Patanè C. , Saita A. , Sortino O. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractIn semiarid regions of the Mediterranean basin, water and salinity stresses restrict crop establishment. The effects of salt and water stress on seed germination and early embryo growth (radicle and shoot growth) were investigated in laboratory in two cultivars of sweet sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] – cv. ‘90‐5‐2′ and cv. ‘Keller’ – to verify how these stresses may limit crop growth during the very early stages of growing season. Six water potentials (ψ) of the imbibition solution (from 0 to −1.0 MPa) in NaCl or polyethylene glycol (PEG) for salt and water stress tests, respectively, were studied. Daily germination was recorded, and radicle and shoot lengths and dry weights (DWs) were measured 2 days after initial germination. Seed germination was reduced (8–30% lower than control) by water stress at ψ <−0.6 MPa and was delayed (approx. +10 h) already at −0.4 MPa. Salt stress only prolonged germination time. Shoot and root growth was adversely affected by water stress (PEG), whereas the effect of salt stress was less relevant. Cv. ‘90‐5‐2’ was less sensitive than cv. ‘Keller’ to both stresses. These cultivars exhibited a greater sensitivity to abiotic stresses in terms of root and shoot growth; therefore, other parameters beside germination, such as early embryo growth rate, may help in evaluating sorghum lines for adaptation to semi‐arid areas.
Analysis of weaning‐induced stress in Saanen goat kids
Authors: Magistrelli D. , Aufy A. A. , Pinotti L. , Rosi F. 
Published: June 2012

SummaryIn young ruminants’ life, weaning often coincides with a period of growth stasis and poor welfare. The present study aimed at evaluating the effect of coping with the new diet on behavioural and haematological stress indicators in goat kids subjected to a commonly adopted weaning practice. Immediately after birth, male Saanen goat kids were divided into two groups: MILK and WMIX. All were fed colostrum for the first 3 days and then goat milk to the age of 29 days. After that, MILK kids continued to receive milk, while the WMIX kids underwent weaning and were completely weaned by day 48. Animal behaviour was recorded daily. From day 23–50, blood samples were taken weekly and analysed for indicators of stress and immune function. No abnormal behaviour, such as injurious behaviours or stereotypies, was observed in either of the experimental groups throughout the experimental period. During the last week, fasting plasma cortisol level was significantly lower, whereas plasma activity of both alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was significantly higher in WMIX kids, in relation to the MILK ones. Anyway, data were within the normal physiological range and no difference was observed neither in plasma haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, albumin and antithrombin III, nor in plasma immunoglobulin A and G, at any time, signalling no stressful condition. Therefore, differences observed in cortisol, ALT and AST could be the consequence of the metabolic changes that occur during the transition from pre‐ruminant to ruminant state. The gradual weaning at 48 days of age did not result in any stressful condition and had no negative effect on weight gain. Results suggest that parameters commonly adopted to provide information on animal stress, such as cortisol and aminotransferase activity, can vary in relation to the physiological status of the animals and may bias stress assessment.
Usefulness of insulin detemir in Japanese children with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Jinno Kazuhiko , Urakami Tatsuhiko , Horikawa Reiko , Kawamura Tomoyuki , Kikuchi Nobuyuki , Kikuchi Tohru , Kizu Rika , Kosaka Kitaro , Mizuno Haruo , Mochizuki Takahiro , Nishii Aki , Ohki Yukashi , Soneda Shun , Sugihara Shigetaka , Tatematsu Toshi , Amemiya Shin ,   on behalf of The Japanese Study Group of Insulin Therapy for Childhood and Adolescent Diabetes
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackground:  This multicenter observational study was conducted to investigate the efficacy and safety of insulin detemir (detemir) for diabetes management in Japanese children and adolescents.Methods:  Data from the Japanese Study Group of Insulin Therapy for Childhood and Adolescent Diabetes database were analyzed. Ninety children (32 boys, 58 girls; mean age, 11.9 ± 3.8 years) who transferred from a neutral protamine Hagedorn insulin or insulin glargine basal‐bolus regimen to detemir basal‐bolus therapy and who were observed for at least 12 months were identified. Clinical data obtained at 0, 3, 6, and 12 months were analyzed to determine the type of bolus insulin used, number and timing of detemir injections, detemir dose as a proportion of the total insulin dose, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose (FBG) and frequency of severe hypoglycemia.Results:  Twelve months after switching to detemir, the detemir dose represented 39.8% of the total insulin dose, and 37.8% of patients were being treated with twice‐daily injections. HbA1c and FBG were significantly reduced from baseline at 3 and 6 months but not at 12 months. Considering the seasonal HbA1c variation in the Japanese population, a separate analysis was performed using data for 65 children (21 boys, 44 girls; mean age, 11.6 ± 2.9 years) who switched to detemir during the winter. Subset analysis showed significant HbA1c reductions from baseline at all specified times. The incidence of severe hypoglycemia during detemir treatment was 4.4 episodes per 100 patient‐years.Conclusions:  Detemir is an effective and safe basal insulin for diabetes management in Japanese children and adolescents.
Incidence of Kawasaki disease in northern European countries
Authors: Salo Eeva , Griffiths Elizabeth P. , Farstad Teresa , Schiller Bodil , Nakamura Yosikazu , Yashiro Mayumi , Uehara Ritei , Best Brookie M. , Burns Jane C. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackground:  The aim of the present study was to compare the epidemiologic features of Kawasaki disease (KD) in three northern European countries and Japan.Methods:  Data were obtained from discharge databases for hospitals in Finland, Norway, and Sweden for 1999–2009 and from nationwide epidemiologic surveys in Japan for 1998–2008. Annual incidence for each country was calculated using regional census data.Results:  During the 11 year period, 1390 KD patients were recorded in the registries of the three northern European countries. Average annual incidence rates per 100 000 children aged <5 years were: Finland, 11.4; Norway, 5.4; and Sweden, 7.4. Overall, 86.4% of Japanese KD patients were aged <5 years compared to only 67.8% in the four northern European countries (P < 0.001).Conclusions:  The incidence of KD in northern Europe was constant over the study period and much lower than in Japan. There was a significant age difference between northern European and Japanese KD patients that remains unexplained.
Murine double minute 2 promoter SNP309 polymorphism and prostate cancer risk: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu Guoyuan , Jiang Deke , Shen Suqin , Yu Long 
Published: June 2012

Objective:  The murine double minute 2 gene encodes a negative regulator of the tumor protein p53. A single nucleotide polymorphism in murine double minute 2 promoter, SNP309 T>G, has been reported to alter murine double minute 2 protein expression and to accelerate tumor formation in humans. We carried out a meta‐analysis to explore the association between this polymorphism and prostate cancer risk.Methods:  All eligible studies were searched in PubMed. Crude odds ratios, with 95% confidence intervals, were assessed for the association using fixed‐ and random‐effects models.Results:  Overall, five case–control studies (872 cases, 1005 controls) were included in the meta‐analysis. A significant association between murine double minute 2 SNP309 and prostate cancer risk was observed for homozygote genetic model GG versus TT (odds ratio 0.72, 95% confidence interval 0.55–0.95, P < 0.05, P = 0.130 for heterogeneity), and for dominant model TG + GG versus TT (odds ratio 0.79, 95% confidence interval 0.65–0.96, P < 0.05, P = 0.119 for heterogeneity). The stratified analysis based on ethnicity showed a significant effect of the polymorphism on prostate cancer risk in Caucasians for GG versus TT.Conclusions:  Findings of the present meta‐analysis suggest that the murine double minute 2 309 G allele might be associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer. The effect of murine double minute 2 309 G allele on tumorigenesis might be influenced by sex and hormonal status.
Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma: A review of an uncommon entity
Authors: Vera‐Badillo Francisco Emilio , Conde Esther , Duran Ignacio 
Published: June 2012

AbstractRenal cell carcinoma is the most common neoplasm of the kidney. It is a heterogeneous disease, comprised of different histological variants with a distinct clinical course, genetics and response to treatment. The various subtypes identified include clear cell, papillary and chromophobe, among others. Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma is a rare variant and accounts for 5% of all cases. These tumors are macroscopically larger when compared with other forms and are commonly diagnosed at an early stage. Despite significant advances in renal cell carcinoma therapeutics in the past decade, no standard treatment has been identified for advanced chromophobe renal cell carcinoma. Nevertheless, new molecular insights have recently become available. A familial form of renal cell carcinoma, the Birt–Hogg–Dubé syndrome, has been described and the knowledge obtained has opened research opportunities in the therapeutic arena of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma. The following manuscript will endeavor to provide an overview of this uncommon entity including pathology, epidemiology, genetics, clinical aspects, and current and future treatment options.
Evaluation and surgical treatment of rectal prolapse: an international survey
Authors: Formijne Jonkers H. A. , Draaisma W. A. , Wexner S. D. , Broeders I. A. M. J. , Bemelman W. A. , Lindsey I. , Consten E. C. J. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAim  Validated guidelines for the surgical and non‐surgical treatment of rectal prolapse (RP) do not exist. The aim of this international questionnaire survey was to provide an overview of the evaluation, follow‐up and treatment of patients with an internal or external RP.Method  A 36‐question questionnaire in English about the evaluation, treatment and follow‐up of patients with RP was distributed amongst surgeons attending the congresses of the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery and the European Society of Coloproctology in 2010. It was subsequently sent to all the members of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons and the European Society of Coloproctology by e‐mail.Results  In all, 391 surgeons in 50 different countries completed the questionnaire. Evaluation, surgical treatment and follow‐up of patients with RP differed considerably. For healthy patients with an external RP, laparoscopic ventral rectopexy was the most popular treatment in Europe, whereas laparoscopic resection rectopexy was favoured in North America. There was consensus only on frail and/or elderly patients with an external prolapse, with a preference for a perineal technique. After failure of conservative therapy, internal RP was mostly treated by laparoscopic resection rectopexy in North America. In Europe, laparoscopic ventral rectopexy and stapled transanal rectal resection were the most popular techniques for these patients.Conclusion  The treatment of RP differs between surgeons, countries and regions. Guidelines are lacking. Prospective comparative studies are warranted that may result in universally accepted protocols.
Factors associated with injection omission/non‐adherence in the Global Attitudes of Patients and Physicians in Insulin Therapy study
Authors: Peyrot M. , Barnett A. H. , Meneghini L. F. , Schumm‐Draeger P.‐M. 
Published: June 2012

AimTo examine factors associated with insulin injection omission/non‐adherence on a global basis.MethodsTelephone survey of 1530 insulin‐treated adults with self‐reported diabetes (110 type 1 and 1420 type 2) in China, France, Japan, Germany, Spain, Turkey, UK or USA. Participants had a mean age of ∼60 years, ∼15 years duration of diabetes and ∼9 years duration of insulin treatment. Regression analysis assessed the independent associations (p < 0.05) of country, participant characteristics and treatment‐related beliefs/perceptions with number of days in the past month that an insulin injection was missed or not taken as prescribed.ResultsOne third (35%) of respondents reported one or more days (mean: ∼3 days) of insulin omission/non‐adherence. Insulin omission/non‐adherence differed widely across countries (range = 20–44%); differences in days of insulin omission/non‐adherence were maintained after adjustment for other risk factors. Most risk factors had similar relationships with insulin omission/non‐adherence across countries (few interactions with country). Insulin omission/non‐adherence was more frequent among respondents who were male, younger, had type 2 diabetes or more frequent hypoglycaemia, were less successful with other treatment tasks, regarded insulin adherence as less important, had more practical/logistical barriers and difficulties with insulin adherence, were concerned that insulin treatment required lifestyle changes or were dissatisfied with the flexibility of injection timing.ConclusionsThe results of this large‐scale study suggest that insulin omission/non‐adherence is common and associated with several modifiable risk factors (including practical barriers, injection difficulties, lifestyle burden and regimen inflexibility). Additional efforts to address these risk factors might reduce the frequency of insulin omission/non‐adherence and lead to improved clinical outcomes.
Ultra‐long‐acting insulin degludec has a flat and stable glucose‐lowering effect in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Heise T. , Nosek L. , Bøttcher S. G. , Hastrup H. , Haahr H. 
Published: June 2012

AimsInsulin degludec (IDeg) is a new‐generation, ultra‐long‐acting basal insulin that forms soluble multihexamers upon subcutaneous injection, resulting in a depot from which IDeg is absorbed slowly and continuously into circulation. This double‐blind, two‐period, incomplete block cross‐over trial investigated the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of IDeg at steady state (SS) in people with type 2 diabetes.MethodsForty‐nine subjects treated with insulin without concomitant oral anti‐diabetic drugs were given IDeg (0.4, 0.6 and/or 0.8 U/kg) once daily for two 6‐day periods, separated by an interval of 13–21 days. Following dosing on Day 6, subjects underwent a 26‐h euglycaemic glucose clamp (Biostator®; clamp blood glucose level: 90 mg/dl; 5.0 mmol/l). Pharmacokinetic samples were taken until 120 h after last dosing.ResultsFor all dose levels, the mean glucose infusion rate (GIR) profiles were flat and stable. The glucose‐lowering effect of IDeg was evenly distributed over the dosing interval τ, with area under the curve (AUC) for each of the four 6‐h intervals being approximately 25% of the total AUC (AUCGIR,τ,SS). Total glucose‐lowering effect increased linearly with increasing dose. The blood glucose levels of all subjects stayed very close to the clamp target until end of clamp. The terminal half‐life of IDeg was approximately 25 h at steady state. IDeg was well tolerated and no safety concerns were identified. No injection site reactions were reported.ConclusionsIDeg has a flat and consistent glucose‐lowering effect in people with type 2 diabetes.
Can a trained non‐physician provider perform transrectal ultrasound‐guided prostatic biopsies as effectively as an experienced urologist?
Authors: Hori Satoshi , Fuge Oliver , Trabucchi Kay , Donaldson Peter , McLoughlin John 
Published: June 2012

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?
PSA testing has resulted in a large number of patients being referred to urologists for investigation of potential prostate cancer. Despite limited evidence, non‐physician providers now perform a number of routine urological procedures such as transrectal ultrasound‐guided prostatic biopsies (TRUSP) in a bid to help relieve this increasing workload.
In the largest series to date, we provide evidence that an adequately trained non‐physician provider is able to perform TRUSP as effectively as an experienced urologist after an initial learning curve.
Objective
To evaluate differences in cancer detection rates between a trained non‐physician provider (NPP) and an experienced urologist performing transrectal ultrasound‐guided prostatic biopsies (TRUSP) at a single UK institution.
Patients and Methods
We retrospectively analysed a prospectively accrued database of patients (n = 440) referred for investigation of an abnormal digital rectal examination and/or a raised age‐specific prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) value undergoing first‐time outpatient prostatic biopsies who were sequentially allocated to either an NPP or a physician‐led TRUSP clinic.
Differences in overall and risk‐stratified prostate cancer detection rates were evaluated according to TRUSP operator.
Continuous variables were analysed using Mann–Whitney U test whereas categorical variables were analysed using Pearson's chi‐squared test. A multivariate binary logistic regression model was fitted for predictors of a positive biopsy.
Results
In all, 57.3% (126/220) of patients who underwent physician‐led TRUSP were diagnosed with prostate cancer compared with 52.7% (116/220) in the NPP‐led clinic (P = 0.338).
Sub‐group analysis revealed a lower cancer detection rate in men presenting with a low PSA level (<9.9 ng/mL) during the first 50 independent TRUSP procedures performed by the NPP (P = 0.014). This initial difference was lost with increasing case volume, suggesting the presence of a learning curve.
Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed age (odds ratio (OR) 1.054, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.025–1.084, P ≤ 0.001), presenting PSA level (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.02–1.081, P = 0.001), prostatic volume (OR 0.969, 95% CI 0.958–0.981, P ≤ 0.001) and clinical stage (OR 1.538, 95% CI 1.046–2.261, P = 0.029) to be predictors of a positive prostatic biopsy outcome.
The choice of TRUSP operator was not predictive of a positive prostatic biopsy (OR 0.729, 95% CI 0.464–1.146, P = 0.171).
Conclusion
An adequately trained NPP is able to perform TRUSP as effectively as an experienced urologist after an initial learning curve of 50 cases.
Australia's double standard on Thailand's alcohol warning labels
Authors: O'Brien Paula 
Published: June 2012

AbstractIntroduction and AimsSince 2010, members of the World Trade Organization (WTO), including Australia, have opposed Thailand's proposal for graphic warnings on alcohol containers. This paper aims to provide an account of the arguments for/against Thailand and to examine the arguments' legal and political validity.Design and MethodsThis paper reviews primary WTO records in relation to Thailand's proposal to reveal the arguments for/against Thailand's proposal. The paper analyses these arguments in light of WTO cases to identify the legal strengths and weaknesses of Thailand's position. The paper then considers whether the attacks on Thailand by Australia are justified in light of the Australian Government's position on (i) alcohol warning labels in Australia and (ii) tobacco plain packaging.ResultsThe legal arguments against Thailand are: only harmful alcohol consumption should be prevented; there is no evidence that graphic warning labels can reduce alcohol‐related harm; the labels unnecessarily restrict international trade. There are some legal weaknesses in Thailand's proposal. Yet, Australia's opposition to Thailand cannot be justified whilst Australia is (i) mandating pregnancy‐related alcohol warnings in Australia and (ii) defending its plain packaging law against similar WTO attacks.DiscussionNo WTO member is obliged to challenge another member for being non‐compliant. The case tests the willingness of WTO members like Australia to respect the autonomy of other countries to pursue their public health goals and trial novel interventions.ConclusionsAustralia's actions suggest it is willing to protect its alcohol industry at the expense of public health in Thailand.
A Stupidity‐Based Theory of Organizations
Authors: Alvesson Mats , Spicer André 
Published: June 2012

abstractIn this paper we question the one‐sided thesis that contemporary organizations rely on the mobilization of cognitive capacities. We suggest that severe restrictions on these capacities in the form of what we call functional stupidity are an equally important if under‐recognized part of organizational life. Functional stupidity refers to an absence of reflexivity, a refusal to use intellectual capacities in other than myopic ways, and avoidance of justifications.We argue that functional stupidity is prevalent in contexts dominated by economy in persuasion which emphasizes image and symbolic manipulation. This gives rise to forms of stupidity management that repress or marginalize doubt and block communicative action. In turn, this structures individuals' internal conversations in ways that emphasize positive and coherent narratives and marginalize more negative or ambiguous ones. This can have productive outcomes such as providing a degree of certainty for individuals and organizations. But it can have corrosive consequences such as creating a sense of dissonance among individuals and the organization as a whole. The positive consequences can give rise to self‐reinforcing stupidity. The negative consequences can spark dialogue, which may undermine functional stupidity.
Variable Selection with Error Control: Another Look at Stability Selection
Authors: Shah Rajen D. , Samworth Richard J. 
Published: June 2012

SummaryStability selection was recently introduced by Meinshausen and Bühlmann as a very general technique designed to improve the performance of a variable selection algorithm. It is based on aggregating the results of applying a selection procedure to subsamples of the data. We introduce a variant, called complementary pairs stability selection, and derive bounds both on the expected number of variables included by complementary pairs stability selection that have low selection probability under the original procedure, and on the expected number of high selection probability variables that are excluded. These results require no (e.g. exchangeability) assumptions on the underlying model or on the quality of the original selection procedure. Under reasonable shape restrictions, the bounds can be further tightened, yielding improved error control, and therefore increasing the applicability of the methodology.
Estimation of the Mean of Functional Time Series and a Two-Sample Problem
Authors: Horváth Lajos , Kokoszka Piotr , Reeder Ron 
Published: June 2012

SummaryThe paper is concerned with inference based on the mean function of a functional time series. We develop a normal approximation for the functional sample mean and then focus on the estimation of the asymptotic variance kernel. Using these results, we develop and asymptotically justify testing procedures for the equality of means in two functional samples exhibiting temporal dependence. Evaluated by means of a simulation study and application to a real data set, these two-sample procedures enjoy good size and power in finite samples.