bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of galectin‐3 in subclinical myocardial impairment in psoriasis
Authors: Kotwica T. , Relewicz J. , Rojek A. , Tupikowska‐Marzec M. , Kabaj M. , Karolko B. , Maj J. , Bednarek‐Tupikowska G. , Kosmala W. , Szepietowski J.C. , Przewlocka‐Kosmala M. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundPsoriasis has been shown to increase cardiovascular risk, and a contributor to this might be enhanced myocardial fibrosis promoted by the disease‐associated pro‐inflammatory milieu.ObjectiveWe sought to investigate the relationship of galectin‐3 (Gal‐3) – a recognized mediator of fibrosis with inflammatory activation and left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function in patients with psoriasis.MethodsWe enrolled 102 psoriatic patients (mean age: 52.5 ± 12.6 years). Sixty‐five age‐ and sex‐matched healthy subjects served as controls. Echocardiographic assessment of myocardial function included estimation of LV longitudinal systolic deformation (GLS) and diastolic indices: tissue e′ velocity and E/e′ ratio. Laboratory measurements encompassed blood Gal‐3, creatinine, glucose, insulin, CRP and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).ResultsPatients with psoriasis were characterized by elevated Gal‐3 (12.3 [9.3–13.4] vs. 6.3 [5.5–9.4] ng/mL in healthy controls, P < 0.001), ESR (17.0 [11.0–29.0] vs. 8.5 [6.0–13.0] mm, respectively, P < 0.001) and CRP (3.1 [1.7–10.6] vs. 1.9 [1.5–4.0] mg/L, respectively, P < 0.001), and reduced GLS (19.9 ± 3.7 vs. 22.0 ± 3.0%, respectively, P < 0.001). Progressive deterioration of GLS was demonstrated across Gal‐3 tertiles. Significant associations between GLS and age (beta = −0.21, P < 0.04), Gal‐3 (beta = −0.27, P < 0.01), CRP (beta = −0.22, P < 0.03), ESR (beta = −0.25, P < 0.01), waist circumference (beta = −0.22, P < 0.03) and waist‐to‐hip ratio (beta = −0.20, P < 0.05) were found. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that the independent determinants of GLS in psoriatic patients were Gal‐3 (beta = −0.24, P < 0.01) and ESR (beta = −0.21, P < 0.03). Regression‐based mediation analysis demonstrated that the relationship between ESR and GLS was partially mediated by Gal‐3.ConclusionsSubclinical left ventricular systolic dysfunction in psoriasis, as evidenced by reduced GLS, is linked with the inflammatory upregulation, and enhanced profibrotic activity (as reflected by elevated serum Gal‐3) may be involved in this process. These putative mechanisms may be responsible for the observed higher incidence of heart failure in this disease condition and should be considered as a potential target for preventive and therapeutic measures.
Food Choice Experiments Indicate Selective Fungivorous Predation in Fisculla terrestris (Thecofilosea, Cercozoa)
Authors: Dumack Kenneth , Pundt Julia , Bonkowski Michael 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThecofilosea is a class in Cercozoa comprising mainly freshwater inhabiting algivores. Since direct observation of amoeboid protists in soil is not possible, the prey spectra of their terrestrial relatives remain obscure. To test for grazing selectivity and the preferred prey of terrestrial thecofiloseans, we conducted a food choice experiment including yeasts and algae as prey. When being offered all food sources at once, the yeast cells were strongly reduced, whereas the abundance of the algae only slightly decreased. Since Fisculla terrestris thrives with fungal prey, it must be considered as a predator of eukaryotes with high preference for fungal cells.
A Multicomponent Model to Improve Hospital Care of Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment: A Propensity Score–Matched Analysis
Authors: Sinvani Liron , Warner‐Cohen Jessy , Strunk Andrew , Halbert Travis , Harisingani Ruchika , Mulvany Colm , Qiu Michael , Kozikowski Andrzej , Patel Vidhi , Liberman Tara , Carney Maria , Pekmezaris Renee , Wolf‐Klein Gisele , Karlin‐Zysman Corey 
Published: August 2018

ObjectivesTo determine whether a multicomponent intervention improves care in hospitalized older adults with cognitive impairment.DesignOne‐year retrospective chart review with propensity score matching on critical demographic and clinical variables was used to compare individauls with cognitive impairmenet on intervention and nonintervention units.SettingLarge tertiary medical center.ParticipantsAll hospitalized individuals age 65 and older with cognitive impairment admitted to medicine who required constant or enhanced observation for behavioral and psychological symptoms.InterventionMulticomponent intervention (geographic unit cohorting, multidisciplinary approach, patient engagement specialists (PES), staff education) or usual care.MeasurementsIn‐hospital mortality, length of stay, readmission, management of behavioral disturbances.ResultsAfter propensity score matching, 476 of the 712 intervention visits were pair‐matched with 476 of the 558 usual care visits. Matching was successful in balancing baseline covariates between intervention and usual care units. Individuals admitted to the intervention unit had lower in‐hospital mortality (1.1% vs 2.9%, p=0.05) and shorter stays (5.0 vs 5.8 days, p=0.04). There was no difference in discharge home (p=0.90) or 30‐day readmission rates (p=0.44). Individuals on the intervention unit were less likely than those receivng usual care to have an order for constant (12.0% vs 45.8%, p<0.01) or enhanced (22.1% vs 79.6%, p<0.01) observation, to be taking benzodiazepines (26.3% vs 38.0%, p<0.01), to be taking nothing by mouth (29.6% vs 40.8%, p=0.01), to be on bedrest (17.0% vs 25.8%, p=0.01), to be taking antipsychotics (41.2% vs 54.0%, p<0.01), or to have restraints (3.2% vs 6.9%, p=.01).ConclusionA multicomponent intervention of geographic cohorting, multidisciplinary approach, PES, and staff education may offer a new paradigm in the management of hospitalized older adults with cognitive impairment.
Vision Impairment and Risk of Dementia: Findings from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing
Authors: Davies‐Kershaw Hilary R. , Hackett Ruth A. , Cadar Dorina , Herbert Annie , Orrell Martin , Steptoe Andrew 
Published: August 2018

ObjectivesTo determine whether vision impairment is independently associated cross‐sectionally and longitudinally with dementia.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingEnglish Longitudinal Study of Ageing.ParticipantsIndividuals aged 50 and olderMeasurementsCross‐sectional association between self‐rated vision (poor or blind, moderate, normal) and dementia was analyzed, adjusting for potential confounders (sex, wealth, education, cardiovascular risk factors) using multivariable logistic regression. We also modelled the adjusted longitudinal association between vision impairment and dementia over an average of 11 years of follow‐up using Cox proportional hazards regression for individuals aged 50 to 69 and those aged 70 and older.ResultsAfter adjustment for confounders, participants who rated their vision as moderate were 2.0 (95% confidence interval (CI)=1.4–3.1) times as likely as those with normal vision to have dementia, and those who rated their vision as poor were 4.0 (95% CI=2.6–6.1) times as likely. Longitudinally, individuals aged 50 to 69 who rated their vision as moderate (1.8, 95% CI=1.0–3.0) or poor (3.6, 95% CI=1.1–11.8) were at greater risk of developing dementia than those who rated their vision as normal. There was no significant difference in risk in those aged 70 and older.ConclusionOur study confirms and extends findings from other countries, demonstrating cross‐sectional associations between moderate and poor self‐rated vision and dementia in England in all participants aged 50 and older and longitudinally over an 11‐year period in those aged 50 to 69. These results help establish vision loss as a risk factor for dementia, although it is unclear why. Research is needed to determine whether screening and treatment for vision loss may slow cognitive decline.
The protective effect of melatonin on brain ischemia and reperfusion in rats and humans: In vivo assessment and a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhao Zhewei , Lu Chengran , Li Tianjia , Wang Wenda , Ye Wei , Zeng Rong , Ni Leng , Lai Zhichao , Wang Xuebin , Liu Changwei 
Published: August 2018

AbstractCarotid endarterectomy (CEA) is the treatment of choice for carotid stenosis. Some patients develop ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury after CEA. This study was designed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of melatonin on I/R injury in both rats and humans. To this end, 36 male rats were evaluated, and a double‐blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) including 60 patients was performed. A rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion was used to mimic cerebral I/R. After 2 hour of occlusion and 24 hour of reperfusion, blood samples and brain tissues were harvested for further assessments. Compared with the vehicle treatment, melatonin decreased the expression of nuclear factor κ light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells (NF‐κB) and S100 calcium‐binding protein β (S100β) (P < 0.05) and markedly increased the expression of nuclear erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (P < 0.05). The participants in the RCT took 6 mg/d melatonin orally from 3 days before surgery to 3 days after surgery. Blood samples were drawn at the following times: baseline; pre‐anesthesia; carotid reconstruction completion; and 6, 24, and 72 hour after CEA. Compared with the oral placebo treatment, melatonin decreased the expression of NF‐κB, tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and S100β (P < 0.05) and increased the expression of Nrf2, SOD, CAT, and GPx (P < 0.05) in patients after CEA. Our findings suggested that melatonin could ameliorate brain I/R injury after CEA and that this outcome was essentially due to the antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects of melatonin.
Transition experiences between hospital‐ and home‐care for parents of children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome
Authors: March Sarita , Keim‐Malpass Jessica 
Published: August 2018

AbstractPurposeChildren with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) experience numerous vulnerabilities during transitions from hospital to home during their first year of life. This paper examines the parents’ responses to the situations they experience during the initial interstage transition as described through illness blogs.Design and methodsA qualitative descriptive design through inductive theme development using thematic analysis was performed for this study. Text data were used from publically available blogs written by parents of HLHS children on their feelings and experiences during transitions between hospital‐ and home‐care during the interstage period.ResultsSix blogs were analyzed. Overall, the lack of difference in normalcy for these parents and their families was apparent. Major themes included: thoughts and feelings when discharged from the hospital, difficulties with hospital readmissions, protecting their child from infection, and developing a support system.ConclusionsParents looked forward to going home and learned all they could about properly caring for their child before going home. They were disappointed and frustrated when returning to the hospital for either emergency or scheduled admissions and were not prepared to see their child in the intensive care unit environment again. Many parents isolated themselves and avoided the hospital as much as possible to avoid their child developing an infection. All parents had support systems through family and/or friends and found an unexpected sense of support through their blog families.
Imposter identification in low prevalence environments
Authors: Susa Kyle J. , Michael Stephen W. , Dessenberger Steven J. , Meissner Christian A. 
Published: August 2018

PurposeTravel document screeners play an important role in international security when determining whether a photograph ID matches the tendering individual. Psychological research indicates when conditions involve low base rates of ‘imposter’ photographs, document screeners change their response criterion for rendering a ‘match’ determination. The primary purpose of the current experiments was to examine the nature of this base rate criterion shift, free from experimental bias, for both own‐ and other‐race faces. Further, Experiment 2 examined how low‐base rate conditions might moderate a cross‐race effect in the calibration between confidence and accuracy.MethodIn two experiments, participants completed an 80‐trial task where they were asked to determine whether a passport photograph matched the photograph of a tendering individual. The base rate of imposter IDs and the race of the people in the photographs were manipulated across participants. Signal detection measures and the calibration between confidence and accuracy were analysed.ResultsIn each experiment, low base rates of imposter identifications induced a conservative criterion shift such that people were more likely to declare that faces ‘mismatch’. Further, race and imposter base rate interacted to influence the confidence–accuracy calibration, suggesting a cross‐race effect on calibration was exacerbated in the low imposter base rate condition, and low‐base rate conditions also elicited greater overconfidence for other‐relative to own‐race faces.ConclusionsFree from experimental bias, low imposter base rates induced a conservative response criterion, leading participants to render more ‘mismatch’ decisions. Moreover, low base rates moderated cross‐race effects in the calibration between confidence and accuracy, and in a measure of overconfidence.
Rhodobacterales use a unique L‐threonine kinase for the assembly of the nucleotide loop of coenzyme B12
Authors: Tavares Norbert K. , VanDrisse Chelsey M. , Escalante‐Semerena Jorge C. 
Published: August 2018

SummarySeveral of the enzymes involved in the conversion of adenosylcobyric acid (AdoCby) to adenosylcobamide (AdoCba) are yet to be identified and characterized in some cobamide (Cba)‐producing prokaryotes. Using a bioinformatics approach, we identified the bluE gene (locus tag RSP_0788) of Rhodobacter sphaeroides 2.4.1 as a putative functional homolog of the L‐threonine kinase enzyme (PduX, EC 2.7.1.177) of S. enterica. In AdoCba, (R)‐1‐aminopropan‐2‐ol O‐phosphate (AP‐P) links the nucleotide loop to the corrin ring; most known AdoCba producers derive AP‐P from L‐Thr‐O‐3‐phosphate (L‐Thr‐P). Here, we show that RsBluE has L‐Thr‐independent ATPase activity in vivo and in vitro. We used 31P‐NMR spectroscopy to show that RsBluE generates L‐Thr‐P at the expense of ATP and is unable to use L‐Ser as a substrate. BluE from R. sphaeroides or Rhodobacter capsulatus restored AdoCba biosynthesis in S. enterica ΕpduX and R. sphaeroides ΕbluE mutant strains. R. sphaeroides ΕbluE strains exhibited a decreased pigment phenotype that was restored by complementation with BluE. Finally, phylogenetic analyses revealed that bluE was restricted to the genomes of a few Rhodobacterales that appear to have a preference for a specific form of Cba, namely Coᴽ‐(ᴽ‐5,6‐dimethylbenzimidazolyl‐Coᵦ‐adenosylcobamide (a.k.a. adenosylcobalamin, AdoCbl; coenzyme B12, CoB12).
Diagnosis of invasive fungal diseases in haematology and oncology: 2018 update of the recommendations of the infectious diseases working party of the German society for hematology and medical oncology (AGIHO)
Authors: Ruhnke Markus , Behre Gerhard , Buchheidt Dieter , Christopeit Maximilian , Hamprecht Axel , Heinz Werner , Heussel Claus‐Peter , Horger Marius , Kurzai Oliver , Karthaus Meinolf , Löffler Jürgen , Maschmeyer Georg , Penack Olaf , Rieger Christina , Rickerts Volker , Ritter Jörg , Schmidt‐Hieber Martin , Schuelper Nikolai , Schwartz Stefan , Ullmann Andrew , Vehreschild Jörg Janne , von Lilienfeld‐Toal Marie , Weber Thomas , Wolf Hans H. 
Published: August 2018

SummaryInvasive fungal diseases (IFD) are a primary cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with haematological malignancies. These infections are mostly life‐threatening and an early diagnosis and initiation of appropriate antifungal therapy are essential for the clinical outcome. Most commonly, Aspergillus and Candida species are involved. However, other Non‐Aspergillus moulds are increasingly identified in case of documented IFD. For definite diagnosis of IFD, a combination of diagnostic tools have to be applied, including conventional mycological culture and non‐conventional microbiological tests such as antibody/antigen and molecular tests, as well as histopathology and radiology. Although varying widely in cancer patients, the risk of invasive fungal infection is highest in those with allogeneic stem cell transplantation and those with acute leukaemia and markedly lower in patients with solid cancer. Since the last edition of Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases recommendations of the German Society for Hematology and Oncology in 2012, integrated care pathways have been proposed for the management and therapy of IFDs with either a diagnostic driven strategy as opposed to a clinical or empirical driven strategy. This update discusses the impact of this additional evidence and effective revisions.
Developments in a dedicated salivary gland centre: a 10‐year retrospective review
Authors: Samani M. , Modgill O. , Atiea T. , Cheales E. , Shokouhi B. , Beheshti S. , McGurk M. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractDiseases of the salivary glands are uncommon and patients present to a number of specialties. The result is that experience is thinly spread across clinical specialities. A dedicated salivary gland clinic was set up at Guy's Hospital London fifteen years ago. The profile of patients referred to the centre over the last ten years was analysed and changes in management mapped over time with respect to methods of investigation and treatment. Gland removal, which was previously the treatment of choice for most benign salivary gland diseases has been replaced by gland sparing procedures which have rendered gland excision to a minor role in management. Salivary gland surgery‐related morbidity has been markedly reduced.
Deep sequencing identified potential miRNAs involved in defence response, stress and plant growth characteristics of wild genotypes of cardamom
Authors: Nadiya F. , Anjali N. , Thomas J. , Gangaprasad A. , Sabu K. K. 
Published: August 2018

Abstract

Cardamom has long been used as a food flavouring agent and in ayurvedic medicines for mouth ulcers, digestive problems and even depression. Extensive occurrence of pests and diseases adversely affect its cultivation and result in substantial reductions in total production and productivity. Numerous studies revealed the significant role of miRNAs in plant biotic stress responses.

In the current study, miRNA profiling of cultivar and wild cardamom genotypes was performed using an Ion Proton sequencer.

We identified 161 potential miRNAs representing 42 families, including monocot/tissue‐specific and 14 novel miRNAs in both genotypes. Significant differences in miRNA family abundance between the libraries were observed in read frequencies. A total of 19 miRNAs (from known miRNAs) displayed a twofold difference in expression between wild and cultivar genotypes. We found 1168 unique potential targets for 40 known miRNA families in wild and 1025 potential targets for 42 known miRNA families in cultivar genotypes. The differential expression analysis revealed that most miRNAs identified were highly expressed in cultivars and, furthermore, lower expression of miR169 and higher expression of miR529 in wild cardamom proved evidence that wild genotypes have stronger drought stress tolerance and floral development than cultivars.

Potential targets predicted for the newly identified miRNAs from the miRNA libraries of wild and cultivar cardamom genotypes involved in metabolic and developmental processes and in response to various stimuli. qRT‐PCR confirmed miRNAs were differentially expressed between wild and cultivar genotypes. Furthermore, four target genes were validated experimentally to confirm miRNA–mRNA target pairing using RNA ligase‐mediated 5′ Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends (5′RLM‐RACE) PCR.
Social wasps, crickets and cockroaches contribute to pollination of the holoparasitic plant Mitrastemon yamamotoi (Mitrastemonaceae) in southern Japan
Authors: Suetsugu K. 
Published: August 2018

Abstract

Mitrastemon yamamotoi is completely embedded within the tissues of its hosts, except during the reproductive stage, when aboveground parts emerge from host tissues. Its highly modified appearance has attracted attention of many botanists, but very little is known about the reproductive system.

Floral visitors to M. yamamotoi were observed in southern Japan. Pollination experiments were conducted to determine the plant's self‐compatibility and pollen limitation, as well as the contribution of diurnal and nocturnal visitors to fruit set and outcrossing.

Mitrastemon yamamotoi is mainly pollinated by social wasps, but previously unnoticed pollinators (i.e. crickets and cockroaches) are also important, based on visitation frequency and pollen loads. Results of the pollination experiments suggest that nocturnal visitors, such as crickets and cockroaches, contribute to geitonogamous pollination, whereas diurnal visitors, such as social wasps, facilitate outcrossing.

The unexpected pollinator assemblage of M. yamamotoi might be influenced by multiple factors, including the highly modified flowers that are produced close to the ground in dark understorey environments, the species’ winter‐flowering habit and the location of the study site (i.e. near the northern limit of the species’ range). Considering that M. yamamotoi occurs widely in subtropical and tropical forests in Asia, additional studies are needed to assess pollinator assemblages of M. yamamotoi at other locations.
Variability in response to salinity stress in natural Tunisian populations of Hordeum marinum subsp. marinum
Authors: Saoudi W. , Badri M. , Taamalli W. , Zribi O. T. , Gandour M. , Abdelly C. 
Published: August 2018

Abstract

Soil salinity is one of the most serious environmental factors affecting crop productivity around the world.

In this study, we analysed morpho‐physiological variation in responses to salt stress in Tunisian populations of Hordeum marinum subsp. marinum. The plants were grown under two treatments (0 and 200 mm NaCl) until maturity. A total of 19 quantitative traits were measured before and during the harvest.

It was observed that most studied traits are influenced by the increasing salinity. High to moderate broad‐sense heritability (H2) were noted for most of parameters under control and salt treatment, implying that salt tolerance is moderately heritable and environmental variation plays an equally important role. The majority of correlations between measured traits under the two treatments are positive, where the strongest correlations were between spike number (SN) and weight (SW). Based on the salt response index (SRI) values, SN and SW are the most affected by salinity. The 150 studied lines formed three groups according to the SRI values of the 19 quantitative parameters, of which 101 were moderately sensitive, 27 tolerant and 22 highly tolerant.

Overall genetic variation of H. marinum in response to salt stress may provide novel insight to identify genes responsible for salt tolerance.