bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ethinyl estradiol–drospirenone vs ethinyl estradiol–drospirenone plus metformin in the treatment of lean women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Cinar Nese , Harmanci Ayla , Bayraktar Miyase , Yildiz Bulent O. 
Published: April 2012

SummaryObjectiveOral contraceptive use might be associated with cardiometabolic risk in PCOS. We aimed to compare the effects of ethinyl estradiol–drospirenone (EE/DRSP) alone vs EE/DRSP plus metformin on clinical and cardiometabolic parameters in PCOS.DesignProspective observational study.PatientsForty‐five lean patients with PCOS who received EE/DRSP (30 μg/3 mg) (n = 25) or EE/DRSP plus metformin (1700 mg/day) (n = 20) and 45 BMI‐matched healthy controls.MeasurementBMI, waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR), hirsutism scores, androgens, lipids, glucose and insulin levels during an OGTT were measured before and after 6 months of treatment in patients and compared to controls.ResultsAt baseline, patients with PCOS showed similar glucose, insulin and lipids but increased 2 h glucose values compared to controls. Hirsutism scores and free androgen index decreased in both treatment groups. BMI and WHR did not show any change in the EE/DRSP group, while metformin addition resulted in a decrease in BMI. Lipid levels increased in both groups. Glucose and insulin parameters did not change in any group, but metformin addition compared to EE/DRSP alone significantly decreased waist circumference, fasting insulin and HOMA‐IR. After‐treatment values for both EE/DRSP alone and in combination with metformin compared to the control group showed increased 2 h glucose and increased lipids in patients with PCOS.ConclusionEE/DRSP alone or in combination with metformin improves clinical and biochemical hyperandrogenism in lean PCOS. Both treatments similarly alter lipid profile. EE/DRSP alone does not affect insulin sensitivity, whereas combining EE/DRSP with metformin might improve it.
Carbon dioxide exchange over multiple temporal scales in an arid shrub ecosystem near La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Authors: Bell Tom W. , Menzer Olaf , Troyo‐Diéquez Enrique , Oechel Walter C. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractArid environments represent 30% of the global terrestrial surface, but are largely under‐represented in studies of ecosystem carbon flux. Less than 2% of all FLUXNET eddy covariance sites exist in a hot desert climate. Long‐term datasets of these regions are vital for capturing the seasonal and interannual variability that occur due to episodic precipitation events and climate change, which drive fluctuations in soil moisture and temperature patterns. The objectives of this study were to determine the meteorological variables that drive carbon flux on diel, seasonal, and annual scales and to determine how precipitation events control annual net ecosystem exchange (NEE). Patterns of NEE from 2002 to 2008 were investigated, providing a record with multiple replicates of seasons and conditions. Precipitation was extremely variable (55–339 mm) during the study period, and reduced precipitation in later years (2004–2008) appears to have resulted in annual moderate to large carbon sources (62–258 g C m−2 yr−1) in contrast to the previously reported sink (2002–2003). Variations in photosynthetically active radiation were found to principally drive variations in carbon uptake during the wet growing season while increased soil temperatures at a 5 cm depth stimulated carbon loss during the dry dormant season. Monthly NEE was primarily driven by soil moisture at a 5 cm depth, and years with a higher magnitude of precipitation events showed a longer growing season with annual net carbon uptake, whereas years with lower magnitude had drier soils and displayed short growing seasons with annual net carbon loss. Increased precipitation frequency was associated with increased annual NEE, which may be a function of increased microbial respiration to more small precipitation events. Annual precipitation frequency and magnitude were found to have effects on the interannual variability of NEE for up to 2 years.
Antibacterial effectiveness of several irrigating solutions and the Endox Plus system – an ex vivo study
Authors: Aranda‐Garcia A. R. , Guerreiro‐Tanomaru J. M. , Faria‐Júnior N. B. , Chavez‐Andrade G. M. , Leonardo R. T. , Tanomaru‐Filho M. , Bonetti‐Filho I. 
Published: April 2012

Aranda‐Garcia AR, Guerreiro‐Tanomaru JM, Faria‐Júnior NB, Chavez‐Andrade GM, Leonardo RT, Tanomaru‐Filho M, Bonetti‐Filho I. Antibacterial effectiveness of several irrigating solutions and the Endox Plus system – an ex vivo study. International Endodontic Journal.AbstractAim  To compare the ex vivo antibacterial effectiveness of the Endox Plus system and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) in combination with BioPure MTAD (Tulsa Dental, Tulsa, OK, USA) or with EDTA in Enterococcus faecalis–contaminated root canals.Methodology  After initial preparation, the root canals of 70 single‐rooted human teeth were inoculated with E. faecalis (ATCC 29212) and incubated for 21 days. Specimens were divided into five groups: Endox Plus/saline; 2.5% NaOCl/MTAD; 2.5% NaOCl/EDTA; saline (positive control); negative control (root canals not prepared, nor irrigated). Samples were collected using paper points. Microbiological analysis evaluated the number of CFUs. Data were analysed by anova and Tukey tests at 0.05 significance.Results  All specimens had bacterial growth after the incubation period, with similar CFU per mL counts (P > 0.05). After chemo‐mechanical preparation, the number of bacteria in all groups reduced, except for the negative control. No significant differences were observed between 2.5% NaOCl/MTAD and 2.5% NaOCl/EDTA, but these groups had lower CFU counts than the other groups (P < 0.05). In the final samples, an increase in the bacterial counts was observed for Endox Plus/saline, 2.5% NaOCl/MTAD, 2.5% NaOCl/EDTA and saline (P < 0.05) with no significant differences between these groups.Conclusions  This ex vivo study revealed that the Endox Plus system was associated with a reduced antibacterial effectiveness compared with conventional irrigation using 2.5% NaOCl/MTAD and 2.5% NaOCl/EDTA. All irrigation procedures allowed recovery of bacteria 7 days after treatment, demonstrating persistence of contamination within the root canal system.
Can the individual calibration be modified when laser fluorescence method is used for caries detection?
Authors: REYES ALESSANDRA , FERREIRA GISELE E. , SANTOS JOYCE , MENDES FAUSTO M. , IMPARATO JOSE C. P. , BRAGA MARIANA M. 
Published: April 2012

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2013; 23: 138–144
Background.  Individual calibration (IC) for caries detection methods based on fluorescence is time‐consuming, especially for paediatric dentists, if the calibration has to be performed tooth‐by‐tooth. However, it is not clear how this calibration actually interfere in laser fluorescence (LF) readings.Aim.  This in vivo study was to verify the influence of different modes of IC on laser fluorescence (LF) readings.Design.  Ninety six occlusal and 95 buccal surfaces of 1st permanent molars were examined using LF device after IC performed on control (no IC), the examined teeth, a permanent incisor, a 1st primary molar or a 2nd primary molar. All modes of IC were performed in the same child. Wilcoxon test and Bland–Altman analysis were used to compare the readings. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated.Results.  Laser fluorescence readings without prior calibration were higher than readings performed after any mode of IC and resulted in different values of ICC. After other IC modes, the LF readings were statistically similar.Conclusion.  The absence of IC influences LF readings and LF reproducibility, but different IC methods can be considered in clinical practice.
Prediction of psychological symptoms in family members of patients with burns 1 year after injury
Authors: Bäckström Josefin , Ekselius Lisa , Gerdin Bengt , Willebrand Mimmie 
Published: April 2012

bäckström j., ekselius l., gerdin b. & willebrand m. (2012) Prediction of psychological symptoms in family members of patients with burns 1 year after injury. Journal of Advanced Nursing69(2), 384–393. doi: 10.1111/j.1365‐2648.2012.06017.xAbstractAim.  To report a study of predictors of psychological symptoms in family members of patients with burns.Background.  Family members are important as a source of social support for patients undergoing prolonged rehabilitation. Little is known about psychological symptoms of family members of patients with burns, especially in the long term.Design.  The design of the study was prospective and longitudinal.Methods.  Forty‐four family members of adult patients treated in a burn centre between 2000–2007 completed questionnaires during care and at 3, 6, and 12 months after injury. Psychological symptoms were assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Predictors for anxiety and depression were explored in regression analyses.Results.  The mean scores indicated normal to mild symptoms in general. Moderate and severe symptom levels during care and at 12 months were demonstrated on the anxiety subscale by 15/44 and 5/39, respectively, and on the depression subscale by 5/44 and 0/39 of the family members, respectively. In the final regression models, the primary predictor was psychological symptoms at the previous assessment. Other predictors were previous life events, age, and the coping strategy avoidance.Conclusion.  Family members of patients with burns demonstrate normal to mild levels of psychological symptoms that decrease over time. One‐third show moderate to severe anxiety symptoms during care and may benefit from counselling. Previous symptoms predict later symptoms, indicating that screening with a validated instrument is useful. The results provide guidance for nurses in assessing and planning adequate interventions for family members.
Clinal variation in the non‐acclimated and cold‐acclimated freezing tolerance of Arabidopsis thaliana accessions
Authors: ZUTHER ELLEN , SCHULZ ELISA , CHILDS LIAM H. , HINCHA DIRK K. 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTArabidopsis thaliana is a geographically widely spread species consisting of local accessions differing both genetically and phenotypically. These differences may constitute environmental adaptations and a latitudinal cline in freezing tolerance has been shown previously. Many plants, including Arabidopsis, exhibit increased freezing tolerance after cold exposure (cold acclimation). Here we present evidence for geographical clines (both latitudinal and longitudinal) in acclimated (ACC) and non‐acclimated (NA) freezing tolerance, estimated from electrolyte leakage measurements on 54 accessions. Leaf Pro contents were not correlated with freezing tolerance, while sugar contents (Glc, Fru, Suc, Raf) were in the ACC, but not the NA state. Expression levels of 14 cold‐induced genes were investigated before and after 2 weeks of cold acclimation by quantitative RT‐PCR. Expression of the CBF1, 2 and 3 genes was not correlated with freezing tolerance. The expression of some CBF‐regulated (COR) genes, however, was correlated specifically with ACC freezing tolerance. A tight correlation between CBF and COR gene expression was only observed under non‐acclimating conditions, where CBF and COR expression were also correlated with the expression of PRR5, a component of the circadian clock. Collectively, this study sheds new light on the molecular determinants of plant‐freezing tolerance and cold acclimation and their geographical dependence.
Interactions between reduced rate of imazethapyr and multiple weed species–soyabean interference in a semi‐arid environment
Authors: YOUSEFI A R , GONZALEZ‐ANDUJAR J L , ALIZADEH H , BAGHESTANI M A , RAHIMIAN MASHHADI H , KARIMMOJENI H 
Published: April 2012

Yousefi AR, Gonzalez‐Andujar JL, Alizadeh H, Baghestani MA, Rahimian H & Karimmojeni H (2012). Interactions between reduced rate of imazethapyr and multiple weed species–soyabean interference in a semi‐arid environment. Weed Research.52, 242–251.SummaryField experiments were conducted to evaluate Xanthium strumarium and Amaranthus retroflexus competitive ability with soyabean under unsprayed and sprayed (half the recommended rate of imazethapyr) conditions. Weed density combinations of 0, 4, 8 or 12 plants m−1 of row for A. retroflexus and 0, 2, 4 or 8 plants m−1 of row for X. strumarium were established alone, and in all possible combinations. When X. strumarium and A. retroflexus were grown at the same density, X. strumarium contributed 60–69% of the total weed biomass depending on weed density. The half rate of imazethapyr reduced the biomass of both weed species by 90% as compared with untreated plots. Untreated A. retroflexus and X. strumarium reduced soyabean yields to 1911 kg and 1656 kg ha−1, respectively, while with the reduced rate of herbicide, the yield only decreased to 3612 kg and 3453 kg ha−1 respectively. The total weed density required to cause a 5% soyabean yield loss was 0.16 and 0.32 plants m−1 of row with no‐herbicide treatment, while with the half rate of imazethapyr, it increased up to 2.78 and 4.32 plants m−1 in 2007 and 2008 respectively. Owing to the higher competitive ability of X. strumarium, it should be given a greater priority for control than A. retroflexus in soyabean grown in a semi‐arid environment. The half rate of herbicide significantly decreased the competitive ability of X. strumarium and A. retroflexus indicating that, in soyabean, application of this rate might be more cost‐effective and more environment‐friendly than the recommended ones.
Impact of defoliation intensities on plant biomass, nutrient uptake and arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis in Lotus tenuis growing in a saline‐sodic soil
Authors: García I. , Mendoza R. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe impact of different defoliation intensities on the ability of Lotus tenuis plants to regrowth, mobilise nutrients and to associate with native AM fungi and Rhizobium in a saline‐sodic soil was investigated. After 70 days, plants were subjected to 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% defoliation and shoot regrowth was assessed at the end of subsequent 35 days. Compared to non‐defoliated plants, low or moderate defoliation up to 75% did not affect shoot regrowth. However, 100% treatment affected shoot regrowth and the clipped plants were not able to compensate the growth attained by non‐defoliated plants. Root growth was more affected by defoliation than shoot growth. P and N concentrations in shoots and roots increased with increasing defoliation while Na+ concentration in shoots of non‐defoliated and moderately defoliated plants was similar. Non‐defoliated and moderately defoliated plants prevented increases of Na+ concentration in shoots through both reducing Na+ uptake and Na+ transport to shoots by accumulating Na+ in roots. At high defoliation, the salinity tolerance mechanism is altered and Na+ concentration in shoots was higher than in roots. Reduction in the photosynthetic capacity induced by defoliation neither changed the root length colonised by AM fungi nor arbuscular colonisation but decreased the vesicular colonisation. Spore density did not change, but hyphal density and Rhizobium nodules increased with defoliation. The strategy of the AM symbiont consists in investing most of the C resources to preferentially retain arbuscular colonisation as well as inoculum density in the soil.
Hydrodynamically mediated macrophyte silica dynamics
Authors: Schoelynck J. , Bal K. , Puijalon S. , Meire P. , Struyf E. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractIn most aquatic ecosystems, hydrodynamic conditions are a key abiotic factor determining species distributions and abundance of aquatic plants. Resisting stress and keeping an upright position often relies on investment in tissue reinforcement, which is costly to produce. Silica could provide a more economical alternative. Two laboratory experiments were conducted to measure the response of two submerged species, Egeria densa Planch. and Limnophila heterophylla (Roxb.) Benth., to dissolved silicic acid availability and exposure to hydrodynamic stress. The results were verified with a third species in a field study (Nuphar lutea (L.) Smith). Biogenic silica (BSi) concentration in both stems and leaves increases with increasing dissolved silica availability but also with the presence of hydrodynamic stress. We suggest that the inclusion of extra silica enables the plant to alternatively invest its energy in the production of lignin and cellulose. Although we found no significant effects of hydrodynamic stress on cellulose or lignin concentrations either in the laboratory or in the field, BSi was negatively correlated with cellulose concentration and positively correlated with lignin concentration in samples collected in the field study. This implies that the plant might perform with equal energy efficiency in both standing and running water environments. This could provide submerged species with a tool to respond to abiotic factors, to adapt to new ecological conditions and hence potentially colonise new environments.
Some like it hot, some not: influence of extreme temperatures on Lariophagus distinguendus and Anisopteromalus calandrae
Authors: Niedermayer S. , Obermaier E. , Steidle J. L. M. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe parasitic wasp species Lariophagus distinguendus (Förster) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) and Anisopteromalus calandrae (Howard) (Pteromalidae) are used for inoculation biological control of the granary weevil Sitophilus granarius (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in grain stores in Europe. To assess their suitability for biological control under extreme temperatures in winter and summer, we studied the influence of temperatures on their parasitization behaviour under natural fluctuating temperature conditions in the field and under constant temperature conditions in the laboratory. At low temperatures (≤20°C), L. distinguendus showed a higher parasitization rate than A. calandrae. At high temperatures (≥25°C), A. calandrae performed better than L. distinguendus that was negatively affected already at temperatures above 30°C. These findings suggest a temperature‐dependent release of either L. distinguendus or A. calandrae to allow a more efficient application of the wasps in biological control.
Increased neutrophil migration in smokers with or without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: BLIDBERG KRISTIN , PALMBERG LENA , DAHLÉN BARBRO , LANTZ ANN‐SOFIE , LARSSON KJELL 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  The number of airway neutrophils is increased in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and this may have a central pathophysiological role in the disease. In addition, activation of neutrophils increases their migration into sites of injury. We hypothesize that circulating neutrophils are activated in smokers.Methods:  Peripheral blood neutrophils were isolated from healthy non‐smokers (n = 15), and smokers with (n = 15) or without COPD (n = 15), who were matched with regard to cumulative tobacco exposure, and chemotactic responses to N‐formyl‐methionyl‐leucyl‐phenylalanine (fMLP), interleukin‐8 (IL‐8, CXCL8) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) were assessed using the ChemoTx System (Neuro Probe Inc., Gaithersburg, MD, USA). Serum tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) concentrations were measured by ELISA. Surface expression of the neutrophil activation marker, CD11b, was measured by flow cytometry.Results:  The chemotactic response to CXCL8 was increased in smokers with or without COPD (P < 0.05). Migration towards LTB4 was increased in smokers without COPD compared with non‐smokers (P < 0.05), whereas there was no difference in fMLP‐induced chemotaxis between the groups. There was a correlation between serum TNF‐α levels and migration induced by IL‐8 (Rho = 0.442; P = 0.038) and LTB4 (Rho = 0.428; P = 0.044) in the smokers. Furthermore, there was a tendency towards higher CD11b expression in the COPD group (P = 0.057).Conclusions:  Chemotaxis of circulating neutrophils towards CXCL8, and partly towards LTB4, is increased in smokers, indicating a systemic influence of smoking on cell activation, irrespective of the presence of airflow limitation. The relationship between TNF‐α and chemotactic response suggests that TNF‐α is involved in neutrophil activation, resulting in enhanced migration.
Prostaglandin E2 is an endogenous modulator of cerebellar development and complex behavior during a sensitive postnatal period
Authors: Dean Shannon L. , Knutson Jessica F. , Krebs‐Kraft Desiree L. , McCarthy Margaret M. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractProstaglandins are lipid‐derived molecules that mediate the generation of fever in the central nervous system. In addition to their proinflammatory role, prostaglandins also impact neuronal development and synaptic plasticity, sometimes in a sex‐specific manner. The cerebellum has a high expression of prostaglandin receptors during development, but the role that these molecules play during normal cerebellar maturation is unknown. We demonstrate here that disrupting prostaglandin synthesis with cyclo‐oxygenase inhibitors during a time‐sensitive window in early postnatal life alters cerebellar Purkinje cell development in rats, resulting in initially increased dendritic growth in both sexes. We show that this results in later cerebellar atrophy in males only, resulting in a sex‐specific loss of cerebellar volume. Further, although performance in motor tasks is spared, social interaction and the sensory threshold are altered in males developmentally exposed to cyclo‐oxygenase inhibitors. This work demonstrates a previously unknown role for prostaglandins in cerebellar development and emphasizes the role that the cerebellum plays outside motor tasks, in cognitive and sensory domains that may help to explain its connection to complex neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism.
Pharmacological mechanisms underlying switching from the large‐scale depolarization wave to segregated activity in the mouse central nervous system
Authors: Momose‐Sato Yoko , Nakamori Tomoharu , Sato Katsushige 
Published: April 2012

AbstractDuring the early development of the nervous system, synchronized activity is observed in a variety of structures, and is considered to play a fundamental role in neural development. One of the most striking examples of such activity is the depolarization wave reported in chick and rat embryos. In the accompanying paper (Momose‐Sato et al., 2012), we have demonstrated that a depolarization wave is also present in the mouse embryo by showing large‐scale optical waves, which spread remarkably over the central nervous system, including the spinal cord, hindbrain, cerebellum, midbrain, and forebrain. In the present study, we examined the pharmacological nature of the mouse depolarization wave and its developmental changes. We show here that two types of switching in pharmacological characteristics occur during development. One is that the depolarization wave is strongly dependent on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors during the early developmental stage [embryonic day (E)11–12], but is dominated by glutamate at the later stage (E13 onwards). The second is that γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), which acts as an excitatory mediator of the depolarization wave during the early phase, becomes an inhibitory modulator by E14. These changes seemed to occur earlier in the hindbrain than in the spinal cord. Furthermore, we show that the second switch causes the loss of synchronization over the network, resulting in the disappearance of the depolarization wave and segregation of the activity into discrete regions of the medulla and spinal cord. We suggest that pharmacological switching is a possible mechanism underlying replacement of the primordial correlated network by a mature neuronal circuit.