bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Coronatine Enhances Chilling Tolerance in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Seedlings by Improving the Antioxidative Defence System
Authors: Wang L. , Chen W. J. , Wang Q. , Eneji A. E. , Li Z. H. , Duan L. S. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractCoronatine (COR) is a new plant growth regulator that mimics the biological activities of methyl jasmonate. We determined whether COR enhanced chilling tolerance of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L. cv. Jinchun 4) seedlings and if such tolerance was correlated with changes in the activity of antioxidant enzymes. COR was applied to seedlings at two‐leaf stage at 0 (Control), 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 nm. Seedlings were then subjected to chilling stress at 5 ± 1 °C for 4 days. Seedlings treated with COR showed significant higher tolerance to chilling stress and the optimal concentration was 1–10 nm. Compared with control, the chilling injury index (CII) of the seedlings treated with COR at 1 and 10 nm was decreased by 44.9 % and 24.5 %, respectively, while the membrane chilling stability (MCS) expressed as the change of relative conductance was increased by 37.2 % and 17.0 %, respectively. The malondialdehyde (MDA) content in leaves treated with COR at 1 nm was decreased by 39.7 %, and the O2− production rate and H2O2 content reduced by 28.6 % and 8.5 %, respectively. Treatment with COR at 1 nm increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in leaves by 34.4 %, catalase (CAT) by 58.7 % and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) by 23.0 % under low temperature. The 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities were also significantly improved by 28.9 % and 21.3 % following treatment with COR at 1 and 10 nm, respectively. The overall results suggest that COR enhanced chilling tolerance in cucumber seedlings by improving the antioxidative defence system.
Iron deficiency anemia, cigarette smoking and risk of abruptio placentae
Authors: Arnold Dodie L. , Williams Michelle A. , Miller Raymond S. , Qiu Chunfang , Sorensen Tanya K. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractAim:  A higher frequency of abruptio placentae among anemic patients has been documented in some, but not all previously published studies. Altered feto‐placental angiogenesis during early pregnancy in anemic women may partially explain this increased risk. The present study assesses the iron deficiency anemia‐abruptio placentae association in pregnant women from the Pacific Northwest.Methods:  A retrospective case‐control study of 145 abruptio placentae cases and 1710 control subjects was conducted. The diagnosis of abruptio placentae was based on routine clinical examination performed by attending physicians. Iron deficiency anemia was assessed in early pregnancy and defined as hemoglobin level <10 g/dL or by physician diagnosis. Information on maternal sociodemographic characteristics, cigarette smoking status during pregnancy and reproductive history was abstracted from medical records. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) after adjusting for confounders.Results:  Eleven percent of abruptio placentae cases and 3.3% of controls were diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia. Maternal iron deficiency anemia in early pregnancy was associated with a 3.60‐fold increased risk of abruptio placentae (95% CI 2.01–6.04). After adjusting for maternal age, gravidity, smoking during pregnancy, Medicaid payment status, and pre‐gestational hypertension, the association was attenuated but remained statistically significant (adjusted OR = 2.40; 95% CI 1.22–4.73). Maternal smoking during pregnancy was associated with a 2.40‐fold increased risk of abruptio placentae (95% CI 1.19–3.52). The iron deficiency anemia–abruptio placentae association was not modified by maternal smoking.Conclusion:  Our results support the hypothesis that maternal iron deficiency anemia is associated with an increased risk of abruptio placentae.
Trial of lycopene to prevent pre‐eclampsia in healthy primigravidas: Results show some adverse effects
Authors: Banerjee Sutopa , Jeyaseelan Shanti , Guleria Raka 
Published: June 2009

AbstractAim:  To evaluate the efficacy of antioxidant lycopene in preventing pre‐eclampsia in healthy primigravidas.Methods:  A prospective randomized double blind placebo‐controlled study was undertaken with informed written consent. A total of 159 primigravidas at gestational ages between 12 and 20 weeks, with singleton pregnancy and without any medical disorders were enrolled. Seventy‐seven (subjects) of these women received 2 mg oral lycopene daily and 82 (controls) received a placebo daily until delivery. The women were followed up until delivery for the development of pre‐eclampsia and maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes.Results:  The two study groups of healthy primigravidas (one receiving lycopene and the other placebo) were of similar physical and social parameters. The investigation showed no significant difference between the two groups in developing pre‐eclampsia (18.18% with lycopene vs 18.29% with placebo, P value = 0.99). On the contrary, there was a significantly higher incidence of adverse effects like preterm labor (10.39% with lycopene vs 1.22% with placebo, P value = 0.02) and low birthweight (<2.5 kg) babies (22.08% with lycopene vs 9.76% with placebo, P value = 0.05).Conclusion:  The results of the present study indicate that the antioxidant lycopene has no benefit in prevention of pre‐eclampsia in healthy primigravidas. Rather, there is an increased incidence of the adverse effects of preterm labor and low birthweight babies.
High uterosacral ligament vault suspension at vaginal hysterectomy: Objective and subjective outcomes of a modified technique
Authors: Jeffery Stephen T. , Doumouchtsis Stergios K. , Franco Anna V. M. , Fynes Michelle M. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractAims:  To evaluate the outcomes of a modified high uterosacral ligament suspension (HUSLS) performed at vaginal hysterectomy for uterine prolapse.Methods:  Prolapse was assessed pre‐ and postoperatively in 53 consecutive women, using Baden–Walker Halfway and Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification systems. Sexually active women completed the Prolapse and Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire at follow up. The technique involves placement of one HUSLS suture on each side without a fascial reconstruction.Results:  Preoperatively, 37 (66%) women had at least Grade 2 prolapse of the cervix. At mean follow–up of 15 months, 45 (85%) had no vault prolapse and 7 (13%) had Grade 1 prolapse. Nineteen (36%) women were sexually active at follow up and completed the Prolapse and Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire. Mean scores for pain, vaginal tightness, partner perception of tightness and vaginal length were 2.8, 3.2, 4.0, and 3.8 respectively, indicating excellent function.Conclusions:  We report excellent objective, subjective and sexual function outcomes following this modified HUSLS.
Ovarian toxicity of paclitaxel and effect on fertility in the rat
Authors: Tarumi Wataru , Suzuki Nao , Takahashi Noriyuki , Kobayashi Yoichi , Kiguchi Kazushige , Sato Kahei , Ishizuka Bunpei 
Published: June 2009

AbstractAim:  Taxanes are regarded as key chemotherapy agents for breast cancer and gynecologic malignancies; therefore the ovarian toxicity of paclitaxel (PTX) is a matter of importance to younger women with malignancies. We examined the ovarian toxicity of PTX and its influence on fertility in rats.Methods:  Female Wistar rats aged 6–8 weeks received five doses of PTX at 3‐day intervals. Ovarian toxicity was assessed by counting follicles, corpora lutea and atretic follicles, as well as by detecting apoptosis and measuring serum levels of estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4). Fertility was assessed by mating females immediately or 24 days after PTX treatment. The number of fetuses, implantations and resorption sites was counted in each group.Results:  Exposure to PTX caused a decrease of antral follicles, but not primordial or pre‐antral follicles. The number of corpora lutea showed a significant decrease, while follicular atresia was increased significantly. Apoptosis was only detected in antral follicles. Serum E2 levels were lower than in control rats, but not significantly, while P4 levels did not differ from those in control rats. Rats mated immediately after PTX treatment showed a significant decrease of fetuses and implantations, but these effects were not detected in rats mated at 24 days after treatment.Conclusion:  Our findings suggest that the ovarian toxicity of PTX is mild and transient. Use of PTX may help to maintain the fertility of younger women because the fertility of rats was not influenced at 24 days after exposure to this drug.
Orexin A modulates neuronal activity of the rodent suprachiasmatic nucleus in vitro
Authors: Klisch C. , Inyushkin A. , Mordel J. , Karnas D. , Pévet P. , Meissl H. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractIn mammals, as in rats and mice used in the present study, the major internal timekeeping mechanism is located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). It is composed of a complex tissue of multiple, individual oscillator cells that drive numerous physiological and endocrine processes via an electrical and humoral output. Several afferent input systems can interact with the clock mechanism and lead to phase‐resetting actions. The recent discovery of orexin‐containing fibers in the SCN region and the presence of orexin receptors in the SCN prompted us to investigate the possible role of orexin in the SCN. Multielectrode array recordings from dispersed SCN neurons revealed that orexin A dose‐dependently enhanced the extracellularly recorded neuronal activity of many neurons (38%), whereas other neurons were inhibited (28%). The influence of orexin A on neuronal activity in the SCN was confirmed by whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings from brain slices and dispersed cell cultures. Orexin A caused significant changes in the frequency but not mean amplitude or decay time constant of spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs). Low concentrations of orexin evoked an increase of sIPSCs, whereas the highest concentration predominantly caused a decrease of sIPSCs. The effects of orexin A on inhibitory postsynaptic currents were prevented by the orexin 1 receptor antagonist SB 334867 and also reduced in the presence of tetrodotoxin. Long‐term recordings of the discharge rate of SCN neurons revealed that orexin A is able to induce phase shifts in cultured SCN neurons as well as in organotypic brain slices.
Body mass index is not a prognostic marker for prostate‐specific antigen failure and survival in Dutch men treated with brachytherapy
Authors: Van Roermund Joep G.H. , Hinnen Karel A. , Battermann Jan J. , Witjes J. Alfred , Bosch J.L.H. Ruud , Kiemeney Lambertus A. , Van Vulpen Marco 
Published: June 2009

Study Type – Prognosis (case series)Level of Evidence 4OBJECTIVETo examine the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and biochemical recurrence (BCR), cancer‐specific (CSS) and overall survival (OS) in men treated with permanent prostate brachytherapy (PPB), as there is limited information on the affect of obesity on treatment outcomes for prostate cancer.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 1530 patients with clinically localized prostate cancer who underwent PPB were studied. Clinical and pathological data were retrospectively obtained from medical records. The BMI was classified as normal (<25 kg/m2), overweight (25–30 kg/m2) and obese (≥30 kg/m2). BCR was defined as a rise in PSA levels of ≥2 ng/mL after the nadir had been reached. The cause of death was determined for each deceased patient. Patients with metastatic prostate cancer who died of any cause were classified as prostate cancer deaths.RESULTSIn all, 617 (40%) patients were classified as having a normal weight, 754 (49%) overweight and 159 (10%) were obese. The Kaplan–Meier 8‐year risk of BCR (95% confidence interval) was 33.3% (27.2–39.4), 29.2% (23.5–34.9) and 29.3% (12.4–46.2) for patients with a BMI of <25 kg/m2, 25–30 kg/m2 and ≥30 kg/m2, respectively. The 8‐year CSS was 88.2% (83.1–93.3), 88.6% (83.7–93.5) and 90.6% (79.9–101.4) and the 8‐year OS was 70.1% (63.6–76.6), 72.9% (66.6–79.2) and 81.8% (69.3–94.3) for these three groups, respectively. Multivariate proportional hazard regression analyses of BMI and established prognostic factors for BCR confirmed the absence of any prognostic value of BMI on BCR, CSS and OS.CONCLUSIONSBMI did not appear to have any prognostic value for BCR, CCS or OS in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer treated with PPB.
Investigating spontaneous attributions in mothers of individuals with intellectual disabilities and self‐injurious behaviour
Authors: Drysdale Emma E. , Jahoda Andrew , Campbell Elizabeth 
Published: June 2009

Accessible summary

Mothers had many different explanations of why their children with intellectual disabilities hurt themselves and often weren’t hopeful that it would stop.
Some of the mothers felt they could sometimes help with their children’s behaviour and this helped with feelings of stress.
Professionals helping people with intellectual disabilities who hurt themselves need to listen more to what their families think and feel.

SummaryMothers’ attributions of self injurious behaviour (SIB) in their children with intellectual disability have been largely ignored. However, attributions may predict maternal well‐being and engagement in treatment. Thirteen mothers of people who self‐injured were recruited. A qualitative design was employed, the data being subjected to thematic analysis according to Braun & Clarke’s (2006) guidelines. Weiner’s (1980) attributional model informed development of semi‐structured interviews, to explore the nature and content of their views about SIB. The mothers’ attributions were consistent with dimensions of locus of cause, stability and controllability. They held different, sometimes contradictory views about causes of SIB. Although pessimistic regarding long‐term improvement and often uncomfortable with interventions suggested by professionals, some felt able to exercise limited control over their offsprings’ SIB. Control was also linked to stress, and a sense of responsibility when there was inadequate support. Sensitive, effective professional support for individuals engaging in SIB requires collaboration with carers, and understanding carers’ views and feelings.
Functional anatomy of the gibbon forelimb: adaptations to a brachiating lifestyle
Authors: Michilsens Fana , Vereecke Evie E. , D'Août Kristiaan , Aerts Peter 
Published: June 2009

AbstractIt has been shown that gibbons are able to brachiate with very low mechanical costs. The conversion of muscle activity into smooth, purposeful movement of the limb depends on the morphometry of muscles and their mechanical action on the skeleton. Despite the gibbon's reputation for excellence in brachiation, little information is available regarding either its gross musculoskeletal anatomy or its more detailed muscle–tendon architecture. We provide quantitative anatomical data on the muscle–tendon architecture (muscle mass, physiological cross‐sectional area, fascicle length and tendon length) of the forelimb of four gibbon species, collected by detailed dissections of unfixed cadavers. Data are compared between different gibbon species and with similar published data of non‐brachiating primates such as macaques, chimpanzees and humans. No quantitative differences are found between the studied gibbon species. Both their forelimb anatomy and muscle dimensions are comparable when normalized to the same body mass. Gibbons have shoulder flexors, extensors, rotator muscles and elbow flexors with a high power or work‐generating capacity and their wrist flexors have a high force‐generating capacity. Compared with other primates, the elbow flexors of gibbons are particularly powerful, suggesting that these muscles are particularly important for a brachiating lifestyle. Based on this anatomical study, the shoulder flexors, extensors, rotator muscles, elbow flexors and wrist flexors are expected to contribute the most to brachiation.
Maternal age‐specific risk of non‐chromosomal anomalies
Authors: Loane M , Dolk H , Morris JK ,   a EUROCAT Working Group
Published: June 2009

Objectives  To determine the excess risk of non‐chromosomal congenital anomaly (NCA) among teenage mothers and older mothers.Design and setting  Population‐based prevalence study using data from EUROCAT congenital anomaly registers in 23 regions of Europe in 15 countries, covering a total of 1.75 million births from 2000 to 2004.Participants  A total of 38 958 cases of NCA that were live births, fetal deaths with gestational age ≥20 weeks or terminations of pregnancy following prenatal diagnosis of a congenital anomaly.Main outcome measures  Prevalence of NCA according to maternal age, and relative risk (RR) of NCA and 84 standard NCA subgroups compared with mothers aged 25–29.Results  The crude prevalence of all NCA was 26.5 per 1000 births in teenage mothers (<20 years), 23.8 for mothers 20–24 years, 22.5 for mothers 25–29 years, 21.5 for mothers 30–34 years, 21.4 for mothers 35–39 years and 22.6 for mothers 40–44 years. The RR adjusted for country for teenage mothers was 1.11 (95% CI 1.06–1.17); 0.99 (95% CI 0.96–1.02) for mothers 35–39; and 1.01 (95% CI 0.95–1.07) for mothers 40–44. The pattern of maternal age‐related risk varied significantly between countries: France, Ireland and Portugal had higher RR for teenage mothers, Germany and Poland had higher RR for older mothers. The maternal age‐specific RR varied for different NCAs. Teenage mothers were at a significantly greater risk (P < 0.01) of gastroschisis, maternal infection syndromes, tricuspid atresia, anencephalus, nervous system and digestive system anomalies while older mothers were at a significantly greater risk (P < 0.01) of fetal alcohol syndrome, encephalocele, oesophageal atresia and thanatophoric dwarfism.Conclusions  Clinical and public health interventions are needed to reduce environmental risk factors for NCA, giving special attention to young mothers among whom some risk factors are more prevalent. Reassurance can be given to older mothers that their age in itself does not confer extra risk for NCA.
Range expansion by invasive marine algae: rates and patterns of spread at a regional scale
Authors: Lyons Devin A. , Scheibling Robert E. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractAim Introduced macroalgae are widespread in the world’s oceans and, despite increasing awareness and attempts to limit the phenomenon, the number of species introductions in coastal waters has increased exponentially over time. Little is known about the rates and mechanisms of spread, even among species that have received the most attention. We compare patterns of range expansion for nine species of invasive algae across eight geographic regions.Location World‐wide.Methods We compiled records of introduced algae from the scientific literature, herbaria, and by contacting experts to reconstruct chronologies for 22 algal invasions. These were used to map patterns of spread at a regional scale (thousands of km).Results Range size tended to increase linearly with time, often after an initial lag. Range expansion occurred at rates of tens to hundreds of kilometres per year, often with large infrequent increases. Rates of range expansion differed significantly between species within the same region, and between regions for the same species.Main conclusions Our results suggest that anthropogenic vectors likely play a key role in the spread of introduced macroalgae at a regional scale, although natural long‐distance dispersal also may be important for some species. The lack of consistency in the rates within individual species and regions suggests that multiple interacting factors (e.g. algal traits, characteristics of invaded communities, environmental conditions and anthropogenic activities) determine where propagules of introduced algae are delivered and whether they become established.
Legislative agenda‐setting in parliamentary democracies
Authors: BRÄUNINGER THOMAS , DEBUS MARC 
Published: June 2009

AbstractVarious strands of literature in comparative politics regard governments as the only noteworthy initiators and mainsprings of legislative policy making in parliamentary democracies. Opposition activity in policy making is more often associated with the intention to prevent, rather than to shape, policy. Does this perception reflect real‐life politics? To answer this question, this article discusses different arguments that link institutional and policy‐related characteristics to the incentives and constraints of different government and parliamentary actors to initiate or co‐sponsor legislative bills. More specifically, it relates policy‐, office‐ and vote‐related incentives, as well as institutional and resource constraints of legislative actors, to the likelihood that these actors will take the lead in legislative agenda‐setting. These arguments are confronted with original data on the universe of all legislative bills in four parliamentary systems over one and a half decades. The article concludes that opposition and, in particular, bipartisan agenda‐setting is indeed rare. Yet, in contrast to widely held maxims, it is neither absent nor spurious, but related to the allocation of power and the intensity of ideological conflict both within and between the (coalition) government and parliament.
The Relationship BetweenSerotonin Receptor 1B Polymorphisms A‐161Tand Alcohol Dependence
Authors: Lee Sheng‐Yu , Lin Wei‐Wen , Huang San‐Yuan , Kuo Po‐Hsiu , Wang Chen‐Lin , Wu Pei‐Lin , Chen Shiou‐Lan , Wu Jo Yung‐Wei , Ko Huei‐Chen , Lu Ru‐Band 
Published: June 2009

Background: Several studies have suggested that theserotonin receptor 1Bgene (5HT1B) may be important in the pathogenesis of alcohol dependence (alcoholism; ALC; AD). We examined whether5HT1BgeneA‐161Tpolymorphisms (rs130058) are a susceptibility factor for total AD and subgroups of AD. We further explored correlation of this5HT1Bgene variant between anxiety–depression alcoholism (ANX/DEP ALC) and antisocial alcoholism (antisocial ALC) subgroups because of the high comorbidity of anxiety–depression, antisocial personality disorder, and AD.Methods: We recruited 522 Han Chinese in Taiwan for this study: 322 AD patients and 200 controls. The patient group was recruited primarily from medical teaching hospitals; patients with antisocial alcoholism were recruited from Taiwanese prisons. Individuals with AD were classified into 3 homogeneous clinical subgroups—pure alcoholism (pure ALC), ANX/DEP ALC, and antisocial ALC—using DSM‐IV diagnosis. The5HT1BgeneA‐161Tpolymorphism was determined using PCR–RFLP.Results: No significant differences in genotypic and allelic frequencies were found between controls and the total AD group or between controls and the 3 AD subgroups. However, there were significant differences in the5HT1BgeneA‐161Tpolymorphism at both the genotype and allelic levels between the ANX/DEP ALC and antisocial ALC subgroups.Conclusions: This study suggests that the5HT1BgeneA‐161Tpolymorphism alone is not a risk factor for increasing susceptibility to either AD or its subtypes. However,5HT1BgeneA‐161Tpolymorphisms might be one of the common genetic factors between the ANX/DEP ALC and antisocial ALC subgroups.