bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Growth arrest-specific protein 6 plasma concentrations during septic shock
Authors: Gibot Sébastien , Massin Frédéric , Cravoisy Aurélie , Dupays Rachel , Barraud Damien , Nace Lionel , Bollaert Pierre-Edouard 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
Introduction
The product of growth arrest-specific gene 6 (Gas6) is a vitamin K dependent protein that is secreted by leucocytes and endothelial cells in response to injury and participates in cell survival, proliferation, migration and adhesion. Our purpose was to investigate plasma Gas6 concentration and its relation to organ dysfunction in patients with septic shock.

Methods
Forty-five patients with septic shock admitted to a medical adult intensive care unit were enrolled. Plasma Gas6 concentration was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at days 1, 3, 7 and 14.

Results
The median (interquartile range) Gas6 concentration was 51 (5 to 95) pg/ml at admission. A positive correlation (Spearman rank-order coefficient [rs] = 0.37, P = 0.01) was found between Gas6 level and Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment score. Patients requiring renal support had higher Gas6 concentration that those without need for haemofiltration (76.5 [52 to 164] pg/ml versus 10.5 [1.5 to 80.5] pg/ml; P = 0.04). Moreover, there was a positive correlation between Gas6 and aspartate transaminase (rs = 0.42, P = 0.006) and between Gas6 and prothrombin time (rs = 0.45, P = 0.02). Although there was a progressive decline in Gas6 concentration in survivors (analysis of variance, P = 0.01), nonsurvivors exhibited persistently elevated Gas6. However, the two populations diverged only after day 7 (P = 0.04).

Conclusion
Plasma concentrations of Gas6 correlate with disease severity, especially with renal and hepatic dysfunction, in septic shock.
Differences in one-year health outcomes and resource utilization by definition of prolonged mechanical ventilation: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Cox Christopher E , Carson Shannon S , Lindquist Jennifer H , Olsen Maren K , Govert Joseph A , Chelluri Lakshmipathi ,   the Quality of Life After Mechanical Ventilation in the Aged (QOL-MV) Investigators
Published: January 2007

Abstract
Introduction
The outcomes of patients ventilated for longer than average are unclear, in part because of the lack of an accepted definition of prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV). To better understand the implications of PMV provision, we compared one-year health outcomes between two common definitions of PMV as well as between PMV patients and those ventilated for shorter periods of time.

Methods
We conducted a secondary analysis of prospectively collected data from medical and surgical intensive care units at an academic tertiary care medical center. The study included 817 critically ill patients ventilated for ≥ 48 hours, 267 (33%) of whom received PMV based on receipt of a tracheostomy and ventilation for ≥ 96 hours. A total of 114 (14%) patients met the alternate definition of PMV by being ventilated for ≥ 21 days. Survival, functional status, and costs were measured at baseline and at 2, 6, and 12 months after discharge. Of one-year survivors, 71 (17%) were lost to follow up.

Results
PMV patients ventilated for ≥ 21 days had greater costs ($140,409 versus $143,389) and higher one-year mortality (58% versus 48%) than did PMV patients with tracheostomies who were ventilated for ≥ 96 hours. The majority of PMV deaths (58%) occurred after hospital discharge whereas 67% of PMV patients aged 65 years or older had died by one year. At one year PMV patients on average had limitations in two basic and five instrumental elements of functional status that exceeded both their pre-admission status and the one-year disability of those ventilated for < 96 hours. Costs per one-year survivor were $423,596, $266,105, and $165,075 for patients ventilated ≥ 21 days, ≥ 96 hours with a tracheostomy, and < 96 hours, respectively.

Conclusion
Contrasting definitions of PMV capture significantly different patient populations, with ≥ 21 days of ventilation specifying the most resource-intensive recipients of critical care. PMV patients, particularly the elderly, suffer from a significant burden of costly, chronic critical illness and are at high risk for death throughout the first year after intensive care.
Development of a Brief Mental Health Screen for Intimate Partner Violence Victims in the Emergency Department
Authors: Houry Debra , Kemball Robin S. , Click Lorie A. , Kaslow Nadine J. 
Published: January 2007

Background: Emergency physicians routinely treat victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) and patients with mental health symptoms, although these issues may be missed without routine screening. In addition, research has demonstrated a strong association between IPV victimization and mental health symptoms. Objectives: To develop a brief mental health screen that could be used feasibly in an emergency department to screen IPV victims for depressive symptoms, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and suicidal ideation. Methods: The authors conducted a pretest/posttest validation study of female IPV victims to determine what questions from the Beck Depression Inventory II, Posttraumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale, and Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation would predict moderate to severe levels of depressive symptoms, PTSD symptoms, and suicidal ideation. A principal components factor analysis was conducted to determine which questions would be used in the brief mental health screen. Scatter plots were then created to determine a cut point. Results: Scores on the brief mental health screen ranged from 0 to 8. A cutoff score of 4 was used, which resulted in positive predictive values of 96% for the brief mental health screen for depression, 84% for PTSD symptoms, and 54% for suicidal ideation. In particular, four questions about sadness, experiencing a traumatic event, the desire to live, and the desire to commit suicide were associated with moderate to severe mental health symptoms in IPV victims. Conclusions: The brief mental health screen provides a tool that could be used in an emergency department setting and predicted those IPV victims with moderate to severe mental health symptoms. Using this tool can assist emergency physicians in recognizing at‐risk patients and referring these IPV victims to mental health services.
National Study of the Relation of Primary Care Shortages to Emergency Department Utilization
Authors: Richman Ilana B. , Clark Sunday , Sullivan Ashley F. , Camargo Carlos A. 
Published: January 2007

Background: Emergency department (ED) visit volumes are increasing nationwide. Objectives: To determine whether states with primary care shortages have higher rates of ED use. Methods: Populations residing in primary care shortage areas were abstracted from the Health Resources and Services Administration Geospatial Database. Annual ED visit volumes were available from the 2001 National ED Inventory. Population data and potential confounders were abstracted from federal data sets. All analyses were conducted at the state level. Results: Primary care shortage densities varied greatly across states, ranging from 3 (New Jersey) to 28 (Mississippi) medically underserved individuals per 100 people. States also varied in their annual ED visit densities, ranging from 23 visits (Hawaii) to 65 visits (Washington, DC) per 100 people. Of the 17 states in the top tertile for primary care shortage, 7 also were in the top tertile for ED visits. Primary care shortage density was positively associated with ED visit density. An increase of 10 medically underserved individuals per 100 people was associated with an annual increase of 4.2 ED visits per 100 people (p = 0.04). The association remained after controlling for six factors, with an increase of 10 medically underserved individuals per 100 people associated with an annual increase of 3.3 ED visits per 100 people (p = 0.04). Nevertheless, five states had high ED visit densities despite comparatively low primary care shortage densities (Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont), whereas five others had low ED visit densities despite high primary care shortage densities (Arizona, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, and South Dakota). Conclusions: A positive association between primary care shortage densities and ED visit densities was found. Although most states adhere to this pattern, some states do not. Further investigation of this dissociation may yield additional explanations for rising ED visit volumes.
A Survey of Post-Intake Orthopaedic Trauma Meetings in England
Authors: Mcnamara Iain R , Crawford John R , Edwards Dennis J 
Published: January 2007

INTRODUCTION The structure of trauma meetings has been noted to vary considerably throughout our region. The aim of this study was to assess current practice of trauma meetings on a national level and to propose a structure on the basis of the survey. MATERIALS AND METHODS A telephone survey of 120 hospitals in England was performed with a 100% response rate. The on-call duty orthopaedic surgeon at each hospital was contacted and questioned regarding trauma meetings held at that hospital. Details obtained included the frequency of meetings, the presence of medical staff and staff from other disciplines, review of radiographs and educational value. RESULTS In total, 107 (89.2%) hospitals conducted regular trauma meetings with a mean duration of 36 min (range, 15–120 min). Teaching of junior medical staff occurred at 89 (83.2%) meetings. Postoperative radiographs were reviewed at 80 (74.8%) hospitals. A radiologist attended in 5 (4.7%) of meetings. The median number of consultants present was 3 (range, 1–10). Other attendees included trauma co-ordinators (34.6%), physiotherapists (30.8%), theatre staff (23.4%), nursing staff (20.6%) and anaesthetists (15.9%). CONCLUSIONS Trauma meetings assist with the organisation of trauma lists, the review of results and have a valuable educational component. However, in busier orthopaedic units, additional meetings for teaching purposes may be necessary as an adjunct to routine daily trauma meetings.
Leptin Receptor Genotype at Gln223Arg is Associated With Body Composition, BMD, and Vertebral Fracture in Postmenopausal Danish Women
Authors: Fairbrother Una L , Tankó László B , Walley Andrew J , Christiansen Claus , Froguel Philippe , Blakemore Alexandra IF 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
Leptin is emerging as a key regulator of bone remodeling. In a population-based study of 1306 postmenopausal Danish women, nonsynonymous LEPR SNPs were associated with risk of adiposity, BMD, and vertebral fracture. Smoking exacerbates this LEPR-associated fracture risk.
Introduction: Nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the human LEPR gene have been associated with adiposity in a number of studies, but there have been no large-scale studies of their implications for BMD and osteoporotic fracture risk in postmenopausal women.
Materials and Methods: We carried out a population-based study of 1430 women. Three well-known nonsynonymous leptin receptor (LEPR) SNPs (Lys109Arg, Gln223Arg, and Lys656Asn) were genotyped for qualitative and quantitative association analysis. Phenotype characteristics of main interest were DXA measures of body fat and lean tissue mass, BMD, and radiographic vertebral fractures.
Results: Gln223Arg associated with risk of vertebral fracture (overall OR = 1.76; OR in smokers = 2.31; p = 0.0004), in addition to BMD of the femoral neck and total hip (p = 0.036 and 0.008, respectively). Heterozygote carriers showed lower BMD at both sites. Gln223Arg was also associated with adiposity (p = 0.001 for total fat mass). For adiposity, the at-risk allele was G (resulting in an arginine at position 223).
Conclusions: Variation in LEPR seemed to contribute to the variation in BMD and fracture risk in Danish postmenopausal women; the heterozygous genotype was associated with increased risk of manifest osteoporosis. Further studies are needed to replicate these data and to clarify the mechanisms involved.
Foetal fibroblasts introduced to cleaving mouse embryos contribute to full-term development
Authors: Piliszek Anna , Modliński Jacek A , Pyśniak Kazimiera , Karasiewicz Jolanta 
Published: January 2007

Foetal fibroblasts (FFs) labelled with vital fluorescent dye were microsurgically introduced into eight-cell mouse embryos, three cells to each embryo. FFs were first identified in the inner cell mass (ICM) in about one-third of embryos, whereas in three quarters of embryos FFs were located among trophoblast cells. Some elimination of FFs from trophoblast occurred later on. Eventually, in blastocysts’ outgrowths, an equally high contribution from FFs progeny (60%) was found in both ICM and trophoblast. Three days after manipulation, FFs resumed proliferation in vitro. More than three FFs were found in 46.2% of embryos on day 4. On the 7th day in vitro in 70% of embryos more than 12 FFs were found, proving at least three cell divisions.
To study postimplantation development, the embryos with FFs were transferred to pseudopregnant recipients a day after manipulation. After implantation, FFs were identified by electrophoresis for isozymes of glucose phosphate isomerase (GPI). A single 11-day embryo delayed to day 8 proved chimeric by expressing both donor isozyme GPI-1B and recipient GPI-1A. Similar chimerism was found in the extraembryonic lineage of 11% of embryos by day 12. Starting from day 11 onwards, in 32% of normal embryos and in 57% of foetal membranes, hybrid GPI-1AB isozyme, as well as recipient isozyme, was present. Hybrid GPI-1AB can only be produced in hybrid cells derived by cell fusion, therefore, we suggest that during postimplantation development, FFs are rescued by fusion with recipient cells. In the mice born, hybrid isozyme was found in several tissues, including brain, lung, gut and kidney.
We conclude that somatic cells (FFs) can proliferate in earlyembryonic environment until early postimplantation stages. Foetuses and the mice born are chimeras between recipient cells and hybrid cells with contributions from the donor FFs. Transdifferentiation as opposed to reprogramming by cell fusion can be considered as underlying cellular processes in these chimeras.
Trinexapac‐ethyl and Paclobutrazol Affect Kentucky Bluegrass Single‐Leaf Carbon Exchange Rates and Plant Growth
Authors: Beasley Jeffrey S. , Branham Bruce E. 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACTTrinexapac‐ethyl (TE) [4‐(cyclopropyl‐α‐hydroxy‐methylene)‐3,5‐dioxocyclohexanecarboxylic acid ethyl ester] and paclobutrazol (PAC) [(2RS,3RS)‐1‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐4,4‐dimethyl‐2‐(1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐yl)pentan‐3‐ol] are routinely used to suppress clipping production. Single‐leaf turfgrass C exchange rates (CERs) in response to plant growth regulator (PGR) treatment have not been characterized. Individual Kentucky bluegrass (KBG, Poa pratensis L.) plants received label rates of TE or PAC and were placed in growth chambers at 23/18 or 30/25°C. Photosynthetic efficiency and CER measurements were recorded every 4 d for 44 d. Total root length (TRL), root surface area (SA), and average root diameter were measured at the end of the study. Reductions in CERs of TE‐ or PAC‐treated plants were short lived with CERs suppressed 17 to 29% of control (POC) at 4 and 12 days after treatment (DAT), respectively. Plants treated at 23/18°C with PGRs typically had short‐lived increases in CERs following CER suppression. A similar pattern of CER response to PGR treatment was observed at the 30/25°C temperature regime. Quantum efficiency was unaffected, but plants treated with PGRs had reduced root growth. PAC caused the greatest reduction in TRL and SA while increasing root diameter. A decline in TRL and SA in conjunction with increased tillering indicates that PGR reduced TRL and SA on a tiller basis. Changes in single‐leaf CERs do not fully explain PGR‐induced changes in plant growth.
Characterization of Roundup Ready Flex Cotton, ‘MON 88913’, for Use in Ecological Risk Assessment: Evaluation of Seed Germination, Vegetative and Reproductive Growth, and Ecological Interactions
Authors: Horak Michael J. , Rosenbaum Eric W. , Woodrum Carrie L. , Martens Amy B. , Mery Ramon F. , Cothren J. Tom , Burns J. Austin , Nickson Thomas E. , Pester Todd A. , Jiang Changjian , Hart Jesse L. , Sammons Bernard 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACTBiological and ecological data collected on a genetically modified crop and an appropriate control are useful for assessing potential ecological risk. Specific characteristics studied are selected on the basis of relevance to potential ecological effects, are well known, and are accepted by plant breeders. In these studies, germination, vegetative and reproductive growth, or ecological characteristics of Roundup Ready Flex cotton, MON 88913 were compared with a negative control, MON 88913(‐). Statistically significant differences, when detected, were considered in the context of the genetic variation known to occur in cotton and their potential impact on plant pest (weed) potential (ecological risk). Experimental results revealed no effects of the genetic modification that would result in increased pest potential or ecological risk of MON 88913 compared with MON 88913(‐).
Genotypic Variation for Three Physiological Traits Affecting Drought Tolerance in Soybean
Authors: Hufstetler E. Vicki , Boerma H. Roger , Carter Thomas E. , Earl Hugh J. 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACTThree physiological traits that may affect performance of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] when soil water availability is limiting are (i) water use efficiency (WUE), (ii) regulation of whole plant water use in response to soil water content, and (iii) leaf epidermal conductance (ge) when stomata are closed. Six soybean plant introductions (PIs), eight breeding lines derived from them, and nine cultivars were compared for variability in these three traits during vegetative growth in two greenhouse studies. In the first experiment, whole plant water use, normalized both to plant size and evaporative demand (the normalized transpiration ratio, NTR), was monitored during a 10‐d cycle of gradually increasing drought stress and then for an additional 2 d following rewatering. The critical soil water content at which each plant began to reduce its water use (FTSWC), was determined. The WUE was estimated as the ratio of total plant dry weight to total water used. In the second experiment, ge was determined for these same 23 genotypes by measuring leaf water vapor exchange after a 36‐h dark adaptation. Substantial variation was found among genotypes for WUE, FTSWC, ge, and also the extent to which NTR recovered on rewatering. Generally, adapted cultivars had greater WUE and lower ge than did PIs. However, PI 471938 and its progeny N98‐7264 were clear exceptions to this trend. An unexpected finding was that WUE was significantly negatively correlated with ge across genotypes.
A Quantitative Analysis of Resistance to Mycosphaerella Blight in Field Pea
Authors: Zhang Roger , Hwang Sheau-Fang , Gossen Bruce D. , Chang Kan-Fa , Turnbull George D. 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACTMycosphaerella blight, caused mainly by Mycosphaerella pinodes (Berk. and Blox.) Vestergren, is the most important foliar disease on field pea (Pisum sativum L.) in western Canada. A quantitative trait analysis of resistance to M. pinodes was undertaken on five crosses with reciprocals of P. sativum to examine broad‐sense (H2) and narrow‐sense (h2) heritability, minimum number of genes involved (MNG), midparent heterosis (MPH), cytoplasmic inheritance, and epistasis. Mean H2 was 0.75 (range 0.67–0.80) and mean h2 was 0.59 (range 0.41–0.70), indicating that additive variance is important and that improvement in resistance can be achieved through breeding. Mean MNG was 2.16 genes (range 0.06–6.22), indicating that genes for resistance differed among parent lines. Mean MPH was 50% (range 47–57%), indicating that heterosis did not influence the expression of resistance to M. pinodes There was no difference between the mean of any F1 population and its reciprocal, indicating lack of maternal inheritance. The mean of the epistatic points was −0.01 (range −0.1 to 0.12), indicating that epistasis was not important in these crosses. These results will further the understanding of the natural genetic diversity for disease resistance to M. pinodes in P. sativum
Growth, Gas Exchange, Chlorophyll Fluorescence, and Ion Content of Naked Oat in Response to Salinity
Authors: Zhao G. Q. , Ma B. L. , Ren C. Z. 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACTUnderstanding of the physiological responses of crop plants to salinity stress is of paramount importance for selection of genotypes with improved tolerance to salt stress. Two naked oat (Avena sativa L.) genotypes, ‘VAO‐7’ and ‘VAO‐24‘, were subjected to different salt concentrations (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 mM NaCl) to determine the effects of salt levels and stress duration on seedling growth, ion content, and photosynthetic productivity. Relative growth rate (RGR) and leaf chlorophyll were determined at weekly intervals after salinity was imposed. Total leaf area, plant dry weight, photosynthetic parameters, and plant tissue ion concentrations were determined at 25 d after salinity application. Under salt stress conditions, germination rates varied greatly among the genotypes. The differences between VAO‐7 and VAO‐24 for most parameters measured were significant after 2 wk of stress introduction at 200 and 250 mM NaCl. Salt stress at the lowest level (50 mM) reduced total leaf area by 35% and plant dry matter by 52%. At 25 d after salt stress, plants treated with the 250 mM NaCl accumulated 36‐fold more Na+, 79% more Ca2+, and 2.4‐fold less K+ than the control. Salt treatment resulted in the reduction of almost all the growth parameters and coincident increases in plant Na+ and Ca2+ concentrations. Our results indicate that there is great variability for salt tolerance among naked oat germplasms, and greater photosynthesis capacity, higher RGR, and relatively lower tissue Na+ accumulation at high salt concentrations appeared to be associated with salt tolerance in naked oats.