bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The predictive value of left ventricular myocardium mechanics evaluation in asymptomatic patients with aortic regurgitation and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. A long‐term speckle‐tracking echocardiographic study
Authors: Verseckaite Raimonda , Mizariene Vaida , Montvilaite Aiste , Auguste Indre , Bieseviciene Monika , Laukaitiene Jolanta , Jonkaitiene Regina , Jurkevicius Renaldas 
Published: May 2018

BackgroundThe management of asymptomatic patients with aortic regurgitation (AR) and preserved left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (LVEF) remains challenging. The purpose of the study was to assess the early changes of LV mechanics by 2D speckle‐tracking echocardiography (2D‐STE) in order to predict a decrease in LVEF.MethodsSixty‐seven patients (age, 47 ± 15 years) with asymptomatic moderate (n = 27) and severe AR (n = 40) with preserved LVEF were prospectively followed for about 5 years. Sixty healthy age‐matched controls were included in the study. Standard echocardiography and 2D‐STE were performed at the baseline and follow‐up. The primary endpoint was a deterioration of the LVEF (≤50%).ResultsAt baseline, global LV longitudinal peak systolic strain (GLS) and strain rate (GLSRs) were decreased in patients with severe AR compared to controls (−18.9 ± 2.4 vs 20.0 ± 2.1%; −1.05 ± 0.19 vs −1.18 ± 0.15 1/s, P < .05, respectively). In the moderate AR group, GLS was not different from that of the control group, but GLSRs was significantly lower than in controls. The primary endpoint was reached in 12 patients with severe AR, while this was not observed in patients with moderate AR. In multivariate analysis, GLS was an independent predictor of LVEF. According to ROC curve analysis, probability of primary endpoint occurrence was significantly greater in patients with GLS values ≥−18.5% (AUC: 0.89, P < .01).ConclusionsThe reduction of LV longitudinal deformation is a sign of early subclinical LV dysfunction. GLS is a prognostic predictor of LV dysfunction and may be potentially useful for optimal timing of surgery for patients with significant AR.
Homoarginine and all‐cause mortality: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zinellu Angelo , Paliogiannis Panagiotis , Carru Ciriaco , Mangoni Arduino A. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundHomoarginine, a basic amino acid and analogue of L‐arginine, has been shown to exert salutary effects on vascular homoeostasis, possibly through interaction with the enzymes nitric oxide synthase and arginase. This might translate into improved survival outcomes, particularly in subjects with moderate‐high cardiovascular risk. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to investigate the association between circulating homoarginine concentrations and all‐cause mortality in observational studies of human cohorts.Materials and methodsStudies reporting baseline circulating homoarginine concentrations and all‐cause mortality as outcome were searched using the MEDLINE, Scopus and Cochrane databases until January 2018. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) derived from multivariate Cox's proportional‐hazards analysis were extracted from individual studies.ResultsA total of 13 studies in 11 964 participants were included in the final analysis. Homoarginine concentrations were inversely associated with all‐cause mortality (HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.57‐0.73). This association remained significant in participant sub‐groups with predominant cardiovascular disease (HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.55‐0.76) and renal disease (HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.46‐0.68).ConclusionsThis meta‐analysis of observational studies showed an inverse association between circulating homoarginine concentrations and all‐cause mortality. Further research is warranted to investigate the direct effects of homoarginine on cardiovascular homoeostasis, the associations between homoarginine and all‐cause mortality in other population groups, and the effects of interventions on homoarginine concentrations on clinical outcomes.
Effect of propolis on preserving human periodontal ligament cells and regulating pro‐inflammatory cytokines
Authors: Yuan Xiaojing , Wang Yuanyuan , Shi Bingqing , Zhao Yuming 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackground/AimPropolis has been suggested as a storage medium for avulsed teeth. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of Brazilian propolis with Hank's balanced salt solution and milk in maintaining the viability of human periodontal ligament cells, their osteogenic differentiation potential, and pro‐inflammatory cytokine expression.Material and MethodsCell Counting Kit 8 assays were performed to test human periodontal ligament cell viability in different storage media. The preservative effect on osteogenic differentiation was evaluated using alkaline phosphatase staining and activity assays, Alizarin Red S staining, and western blotting. Quantification of pro‐inflammatory cytokines was performed using real‐time PCR and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays.ResultsBrazilian propolis at 10 μg/mL was not cytotoxic toward human periodontal ligament cells. The milk group showed the highest cell viability. Brazilian propolis and Hank's balanced salt solution groups showed similar cell viabilities. Alkaline phosphatase staining and activity were similar in all groups. Calcium deposition and mineralization nodule formation were similar in the Brazilian propolis and Hank's balanced salt solution groups but were higher in the milk group. Osteogenic marker gene and protein levels were similar in all groups. The genes and protein expression levels of IL1β, IL6, and IL8 decreased significantly after treatment with Brazilian propolis. TNFα mRNA expression showed no significant difference among the experimental groups. Pro‐inflammatory cytokine levels in the milk group were higher than in the Brazilian propolis and Hank's balanced salt solution groups.ConclusionsBrazilian propolis, Hank's balanced salt solution, and milk maintained the viability of human periodontal ligament cells and preserved their osteogenic differentiation ability similarly. However, Brazilian propolis showed a better anti‐inflammatory effect.
Human activities and landscape features interact to closely define the distribution and dispersal of an urban commensal
Authors: Tang Qian , Low Gabriel Weijie , Lim Jia Ying , Gwee Chyi Yin , Rheindt Frank E. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe rock pigeon,Columba livia, is a cosmopolitan human commensal, domesticated thousands of years ago. However, the human‐mediated factors governing its distribution and dispersal are not well understood. In this study, we performed (a) hierarchical distance sampling on ~400 island‐wide point transects, (b) a population genomic inquiry based on ~7,000SNPs from almost 150 individuals, and (c) landscape genomic analyses on the basis of extensive ecological and socio‐economic databases to characterize the distribution and dispersal patterns of rock pigeons across Singapore. Our distance sampling results indicated that the volume of intentional “mercy feeding” and availability of high‐rise buildings are the most reliable predictors of high pigeon densities in Singapore. Genomic analyses demonstrated that rock pigeons in Singapore form a single population possibly derived from rapid expansion from a genetically homogenous group of founder individuals. In specific, rock pigeons in Singapore lack sex‐biased dispersal and are clustered with a genetic patch size of ~3 km. Landscape genomic analyses of great precision pointed to the presence of dense trees as agents of resistance to dispersal, whereas a high road density reduces this resistance. By pinpointing a range of ecological and socio‐economic variables determining the distribution and dispersal of pigeons, our study provides urban planners with the tools for optimal management of this human commensal, such as a curtailment of the practice of mercy feeding and modifications to the urban landscape to reduce pigeon density and to lower the likelihood of repopulation by dispersal.
Epidemiology of race‐day distal limb fracture in flat racing Thoroughbreds in Great Britain (2000–2013)
Authors: Rosanowski S. M. , Chang Y. M. , Stirk A. J. , Verheyen K. L. P. 
Published: May 2018

SummaryBackgroundA key focus of the racing industry is to minimise the number of race‐day distal limb fractures although no studies have identified risk factors for both fatal and non‐fatal distal limb fractures.ObjectiveTo determine risk factors for race‐day distal limb fractures experienced by Thoroughbred racehorses participating in flat racing in Great Britain (GB).Study designRetrospective cohort.MethodsInformation was collected from all flat racing starts occurring onGBracecourses between 2000 and 2013, including horse, race, course, trainer and jockey data for each horse start and race‐day injury data as reported by on‐course veterinarians. Associations between exposure variables and cases of distal limb fracture were assessed using mixed‐effects logistic regression analyses using data from all starts, and turf starts only.ResultsA total of 806,764 starts and 624 cases of distal limb fracture were included, of which 548,571 starts and 379 cases of distal limb fracture occurred on turf surfaces. In both models, increasing firmness of the going, increasing racing distance and horses in their first year of racing were at a higher risk of distal limb fracture while increasing number of previous race starts were protective. Trainer performance was associated with distal limb fracture. Generally, the risk of distal limb fracture increased with increasing horse age. Starts in selling or claiming races or Group 1, Group 3 or claiming races were at higher odds of distal limb fracture in the all starts and turf models, respectively.Main limitationsClinical diagnosis of distal limb fracture and all types of distal limb fracture considered as one outcome.ConclusionsThis study confirmed previously identified risk factors for distal limb fracture including going, race distance and number of horse starts. Novel risk factors were related to trainer and horse performance, and race type. Identification of at risk groups will help inform interventions to reduce distal limb fracture occurrence in flat racing horses.
Vulnerability of the global terrestrial ecosystems to climate change
Authors: Li Delong , Wu Shuyao , Liu Laibao , Zhang Yatong , Li Shuangcheng 
Published: May 2018

AbstractClimate change has far‐reaching impacts on ecosystems. Recent attempts to quantify such impacts focus on measuring exposure to climate change but largely ignore ecosystem resistance and resilience, which may also affect the vulnerability outcomes. In this study, the relative vulnerability of global terrestrial ecosystems to short‐term climate variability was assessed by simultaneously integrating exposure, sensitivity, and resilience at a high spatial resolution (0.05°). The results show that vulnerable areas are currently distributed primarily in plains. Responses to climate change vary among ecosystems and deserts and xeric shrublands are the most vulnerable biomes. Global vulnerability patterns are determined largely by exposure, while ecosystem sensitivity and resilience may exacerbate or alleviate external climate pressures at local scales; there is a highly significant negative correlation between exposure and sensitivity. Globally, 61.31% of the terrestrial vegetated area is capable of mitigating climate change impacts and those areas are concentrated in polar regions, boreal forests, tropical rainforests, and intact forests. Under current sensitivity and resilience conditions, vulnerable areas are projected to develop in high Northern Hemisphere latitudes in the future. The results suggest that integrating all three aspects of vulnerability (exposure, sensitivity, and resilience) may offer more comprehensive and spatially explicit adaptation strategies to reduce the impacts of climate change on terrestrial ecosystems.
Temporal response of soil organic carbon after grassland‐related land‐use change
Authors: Li Wei , Ciais Philippe , Guenet Bertrand , Peng Shushi , Chang Jinfeng , Chaplot Vincent , Khudyaev Sergey , Peregon Anna , Piao Shilong , Wang Yilong , Yue Chao 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe net flux of CO2 exchanged with the atmosphere following grassland‐related land‐use change (LUC) depends on the subsequent temporal dynamics of soil organic carbon (SOC). Yet, the magnitude and timing of these dynamics are still unclear. We compiled a global data set of 836 paired‐sites to quantify temporal SOC changes after grassland‐related LUC. In order to discriminate between SOC losses from the initial ecosystem and gains from the secondary one, the post‐LUC time series of SOC data was combined with satellite‐based net primary production observations as a proxy of carbon input to the soil. Globally, land conversion from either cropland or forest into grassland leads to SOC accumulation; the reverse shows net SOC loss. The SOC response curves vary between different regions. Conversion of cropland to managed grassland results in more SOC accumulation than natural grassland recovery from abandoned cropland. We did not consider the biophysical variables (e.g., climate conditions and soil properties) when fitting the SOC turnover rate into the observation data but analyzed the relationships between the fitted turnover rate and these variables. The SOC turnover rate is significantly correlated with temperature and precipitation (p < 0.05), but not with the clay fraction of soils (p > 0.05). Comparing our results with predictions from bookkeeping models, we found that bookkeeping models overestimate by 56% of the long‐term (100 years horizon) cumulative SOC emissions for grassland‐related LUC types in tropical and temperate regions since 2000. We also tested the spatial representativeness of our data set and calculated SOC response curves using the representative subset of sites in each region. Our study provides new insight into the impact grassland‐related LUC on the global carbon budget and sheds light on the potential of grassland conservation for climate mitigation.
Detailed large‐scale mapping of geographical variation of Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella song dialects in a citizen science project
Authors: Diblíková Lucie , Pipek Pavel , Petrusek Adam , Svoboda Jiří , Bílková Jana , Vermouzek Zdeněk , Procházka Petr , Petrusková Tereza 
Published: May 2018

Song dialects, as a special case of geographical variation in vocalization, are useful tools in the study of a number of topics ranging from cultural evolution to the emergence of reproductive barriers, and thus continue to be the focus of many bird‐song studies. The Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella is a common Palaearctic bird with a long breeding season and song period, whose distinctive song exhibits clearly distinguishable dialects differing in the composition of the final phrase. The species is therefore particularly suitable for large‐scale studies of dialect distribution involving not only experts but also members of the public. Here we demonstrate that citizen science can indeed allow mapping of songbird dialect distribution on a national scale in unprecedented detail. During the project Dialects of Czech Yellowhammers, which collected almost 4000 recordings over 6 years (2011–2016), we obtained information on dialect distribution for almost 90% of the territory of Czechia. We detected most of the common dialect types known elsewhere in Europe, and these were distributed in a fragmented fashion, with several unusual and rare dialects also detected in small areas. However, the highly scattered distribution of birds using some final phrases traditionally assigned to distinct dialects suggests that classification of Yellowhammer dialects warrants a thorough re‐assessment based on quantitative data. Successful involvement of the public in this and other ongoing citizen science projects has contributed to the establishment of the Yellowhammer as a model species for dialect research. The dataset will serve as a foundation for future studies investigating processes responsible for the origin and maintenance of avian dialects, and may be particularly useful for evaluating their spatial and temporal stability.
Does a tailored guideline implementation strategy have an impact on clinical physiotherapy practice? A nonrandomized controlled study
Authors: Bernhardsson Susanne , Larsson Maria E. H. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractRationale, aims, and objectivesClinical practice guidelines are a common strategy for implementing research findings into practice and facilitating evidence‐based practice in health care settings. There is a paucity of knowledge about the impact of different guideline implementation strategies on clinical practice in a physiotherapy context. The study aimed to assess the impact of a guideline implementation intervention on clinical physiotherapy practice.MethodsA tailored, multicomponent guideline implementation was compared with usual practice. Clinical practice was evaluated in physiotherapy treatment methods used for 3 common musculoskeletal disorders. Data were collected with a validated web‐based questionnaire.ResultsPostimplementation data were collected from 168 physiotherapists in the intervention group and 88 in the control group. The most frequently reported treatment methods for low back pain were advice on posture (reported by 95% in the intervention group vs 90% in the control group), advice to stay active (93% vs 90%), and stabilization exercise (88% vs 80%). Differences between groups were not significant. Reported use of body awareness training (23% vs 6%, P = .023) and spinal manipulation (9% vs 23%, P = .044) differed between the groups. The most frequently used treatment methods for neck pain were advice on posture (95% vs 92%), advice to stay active (89% vs 87%), and ROM exercise (85% vs 71%) (no significant differences between groups). Reported use of body awareness training (24% vs 7%, P = .023) differed between the groups. The most frequently used treatment methods for subacromial pain were range of motion exercises (reported by 93% in both groups), advice on posture (90% vs 87%), home exercise (77% vs 74%), and stabilization exercise (69% vs 66%) (no significant difference between groups).ConclusionsTreatment methods used were largely in line with evidence already before the guideline implementation, which may explain why the guideline implementation had only little impact on clinical practice.
Rapid visual detection of cyprinid herpesvirus 2 by recombinase polymerase amplification combined with a lateral flow dipstick
Authors: Wang H , Sun M , Xu D , Podok P , Xie J , Jiang Ys , Lu Lq 
Published: May 2018

AbstractHerpesviral haematopoietic necrosis (HVHN), caused by cyprinid herpesvirus 2 (CyHV‐2), causes significant losses in crucian carp (Carassius carassius) aquaculture. Rapid and convenient DNA assay detection of CyHV‐2 is useful for field diagnosis. Recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) is a novel isothermal DNA amplification and detection technology that can amplify DNA within 30 min at ~37°C by simulating in vivo DNA recombination. Herein, a rapid and convenient detection assay based on RPA with a lateral flow dipstick (LFD) was developed for detecting CyHV‐2. The highly conserved ORF72 of CyHV‐2 was targeted by specific and sensitive primers and probes. The optimized assay takes only 15 min at 38°C using a water bath, with analysis of products by 2% agarose gel electrophoresis within 30 min. A simple lateral flow strip based on the unique probe in reaction buffer was developed for visualization. The entire RPA‐LFD assay takes 50 min less than the routine PCR method, is 100 times more sensitive and displays no cross‐reaction with other aquatic viruses. The combined isothermal RPA and lateral flow assay (RPA‐LFD) provides a simple, rapid, reliable method that could improve field diagnosis of CyHV‐2 when resources are limited.
A natural infection by the red sea bream iridovirus‐type Megalocytivirus in the golden mandarin fish Siniperca scherzeri
Authors: Kim K I , Hwang S D , Cho M Y , Jung S H , Kim Y C , Jeong H D 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAn outbreak of a Megalocytivirus infection was found in the golden mandarin fish Siniperca scherzeri during September and October 2016, in Korea. Phylogeny and genetic diversity based on the major capsid protein (MCP) and adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) genes showed a new strain. Designated as GMIV, this strain derived from the golden mandarin fish was suggested to belong to the red sea bream iridovirus (RSIV)‐subgroup I. Additionally, this train clustered with the ehime‐1 strain from red sea bream Pagrus major in Japan and was distinguished from circulating isolates (RSIV‐type subgroup II and turbot reddish body iridovirus [TRBIV] type) in Korea. The infection level, evaluated by qPCR, ranged from 8.18 × 102 to 7.95 × 106 copies/mg of tissue individually, suggesting that the infected fish were in the disease‐transmitting stage. The diseased fish showed degenerative changes associated with cytomegaly in the spleen as general sign of Megalocytivirus infection. The results confirm that the RSIV‐type Megalocytivirus might have crossed the environmental and species barriers to cause widespread infection in freshwater fish.
In vivo growth and genomic characterization of rickettsia‐like organisms isolated from farmed Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in New Zealand
Authors: Gias E , Brosnahan C L , Orr D , Binney B , Ha H J , Preece M A , Jones B 
Published: May 2018

AbstractA rickettsia‐like organism, designated NZ‐RLO2, was isolated from Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) farmed in the South Island, New Zealand. In vivo growth showed NZ‐RLO2 was able to grow in CHSE‐214, EPC, BHK‐21, C6/36 and Sf21 cell lines, while Piscirickettsia salmonis LF‐89T grew in all but BHK‐21 and Sf21. NZ‐RLO2 grew optimally in EPC at 15°C, CHSE‐214 and EPC at 18°C. The growth of LF‐89 T was optimal at 15°C, 18°C and 22°C in CHSE‐24, but appeared less efficient in EPC cells at all temperatures. Pan‐genome comparison of predicted proteomes shows that available Chilean strains of P. salmonis grouped into two clusters (p‐value = 94%). NZ‐RLO2 was genetically different from previously described NZ‐RLO1, and both strains grouped separately from the Chilean strains in one of the two clusters (p‐value = 88%), but were closely related to each other. TaqMan and Sybr Green real‐time PCR targeting RNA polymerase (rpoB) and DNA primase (dnaG), respectively, were developed to detect NZ‐RLO2. This study indicates that the New Zealand strains showed a closer genetic relationship to one of the Chilean P. salmonis clusters; however, more Piscirickettsia genomes from wider geographical regions and diverse hosts are needed to better understand the classification within this genus.