bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Upper arm venous compliance and fitness in stable coronary artery disease patients and healthy controls
Authors: Leinan Ingeborg Megård , Aamot Inger‐Lise , Støylen Asbjørn , Karlsen Trine , Wisløff Ulrik 
Published: December 2015

SummaryObjectivesArteries have been examined extensively in coronary artery disease (CAD), while less attention has been paid to veins. Aims: (1) To determine whether venous compliance or venous outflow in the upper arm is reduced in CAD patients compared to healthy age‐ and fitness‐matched controls; and (2) to examine the association between upper arm venous compliance and total blood volume.DesignFifteen patients with stable CAD (age 62·1 ± 5·7 years, body mass index 26·5 ± 3·2 kg·m2, fat‐free mass 59·3 ± 7·6 kg, mean arterial pressure 98·9 ± 8·0 mmHg, VO2peak: 2·92 ± 0·53 l min−1) were compared to twelve healthy age‐ and fitness‐matched controls (age 62·2 ± 3·7 years, body mass index 26·2 ± 2·3 kg m2, fat‐free mass 61·0 ± 9·2 kg, mean arterial pressure 96·5 ± 9·1 mmHg, VO2peak: 3·24 ± 0·48 l min−1). Venous compliance was examined using high‐resolution ultrasound and Doppler in the basilic vein. Blood volumes were measured by the optimized CO rebreathing method.ResultsEqual upper arm venous compliance normalized to blood volume (patients: 0·28 ± 0·26 mm3 mmHg−1 l−1, healthy controls: 0·16 ± 0·11 mm3 mmHg−1 l−1) and peak venous outflow normalized to blood volume (patients: 10·4 ± 3·9 cm s−1 l−1, healthy controls: 8·3 ± 0·8 cm s−1 l−1) were found in patients with CAD and healthy age‐ and fitness‐matched controls. Additionally, no difference was found in blood volume (patients: 6·06 ± 0·79 l, healthy controls: 6·68 ± 1·27 l) or VO2peak.ConclusionComparable upper arm venous compliance and venous outflow in CAD patients and healthy age‐ and fitness‐matched controls might indicate that high VO2peak and blood volume could prevent possible disease‐induced reductions in venous compliance in CAD.
Heart rate variability in elite sprinters: effects of gender and body position
Authors: Abad Cesar , Kobal Ronaldo , Kitamura Katia , Gil Saulo , Pereira Lucas , Loturco Irineu , Nakamura Fábio 
Published: December 2015

SummaryTo describe the heart rate variability (HRV) of high‐level sprinters in both the supine and standing positions, the HRV of 7 male (24 ± 6 years; 80 ± 8 kg and 182 ± 7 cm) and 11 female (27 ± 5 years; 61 ± 4 kg; 167 ± 5 cm) high‐level Brazilian sprinters was measured in the standing and supine body positions in both the time and frequency domains. The heart rate (HR) and the time (SDNN, RMSSD) and frequency (LF; HF and LF:HF) domains of the HRV were assessed. Natural log‐transformations (ln) of all HRV indices were log‐transformed prior to analysis to reduce bias arising from non‐uniformity of error. The Cohen's effect size and magnitude‐based inference (MBI) were obtained for comparisons. The results suggest higher cardiac autonomic stress in the standing position than in the supine for both genders. With the exception of the lnSDNN that showed possibly MBI in female athletes, all other HRV indices presented a likely or almost certainly MBI. Male athletes demonstrated a higher lnSDNN in the supine body position (very likely MBI) and a higher HR in the standing position (very likely MBI) than females. In conclusion, elite sprinters (independent of the gender) present lower HRV in the standing position than in the supine position, but males present a more notable change in cardiac autonomic stress than female athletes.
Importance of Relationship between Ductus and Isthmus in Fetal Diagnosis of Coarctation of Aorta
Authors: Toole Benjamin J. , Schlosser Brian , McCracken Courtney E. , Stauffer Nanci , Border William L. , Sachdeva Ritu 
Published: December 2015

BackgroundThe prenatal diagnosis of coarctation of aorta (CoA) can prove problematic, with relatively high false‐positive and false‐negative rates. This significantly impacts both prenatal counseling and postnatal management. We sought to evaluate a variety of prenatal echo indices to determine which would best predict neonatal CoA.MethodsFetal echocardiograms of those with prenatal diagnosis of COA were analyzed for the following: diameter of cardiac valves, ascending aorta, distal transverse arch, aortic isthmus, and ductus; right (RV) and left ventricular (LV) length and end‐diastolic area and isthmus–ductal angle (IDA). Ratios of RV: LV area, aortic: pulmonary valve diameter, mitral: tricuspid valve ratio (MV:TV ratio), and isthmus: ductal diameter (IDD) were calculated. These measures were compared between those with CoA after birth (CoA group) and those without (no CoA group).ResultsOf the 62 subjects, 27 were in CoA and 35 in no CoA group. CoA group had a significantly smaller mitral valve, MV:TV ratio, IDD, and IDA compared to no CoA group. The ROC curves for each of these significant measures showed that mitral valve, IDD, and IDA had an AUC of 0.72, 0.80, and 0.83, respectively. Multiple variable model using at least two of these measures had 85% sensitivity and 60% specificity.ConclusionsA smaller mitral valve, MV:TV ratio, IDD, and IDA are associated with development of neonatal coarctation. In cases with suspected prenatal diagnosis of CoA, careful evaluation of the relation between the isthmus and the ductus arteriosus using IDD and IDA may enhance the diagnostic accuracy of fetal echocardiograms.
Serum inflammatory mediators correlate with disease activity in electrical status epilepticus in sleep (ESES) syndrome
Authors: van den Munckhof Bart , de Vries Evelien E. , Braun Kees P. J. , Boss H. Myrthe , Willemsen Michèl A. , van Royen‐Kerkhof Annet , de Jager Wilco , Jansen Floor E. 
Published: December 2015

SummaryWe aimed to study serum cytokine levels in 11 electrical status epilepticus in sleep (ESES) patients and 20 healthy control children. Patients showed significantly higher levels of interleukin (IL)‐1α, IL‐6, IL‐10, chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand (CCL)2 and chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) ligand (CXCL)8/IL‐8 than controls, while macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and CCL3 were significantly lower. Follow‐up analyses in five patients revealed a significant decrease of IL‐6 levels after immunomodulating treatment. IL‐6 changes were accompanied by clear improvement of electroencephalography (EEG) patterns and neuropsychological evaluation. We hypothesize that IL‐6 correlates with disease activity and immunomodulating treatment efficacy.
Brivaracetam in Unverricht‐Lundborg disease (EPM1): Results from two randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled studies
Authors: Kälviäinen Reetta , Genton Pierre , Andermann Eva , Andermann Frederick , Magaudda Adriana , Frucht Steven J. , Schlit Anne‐Françoise , Gerard Danielle , de la Loge Christine , von Rosenstiel Philipp 
Published: December 2015

SummaryObjectiveTo evaluate efficacy, tolerability, and safety of adjunctive brivaracetam (BRV) in patients with Unverricht‐Lundborg disease (EPM1).MethodsTwo prospective, multicenter, double‐blind, phase III trials (N01187/NCT00357669; N01236/NCT00368251) in patients (≥16 years) with genetically ascertained EPM1, showing moderate–severe myoclonus (action myoclonus score ≥30/160), randomized (1:1:1) to twice‐daily BRV (N01187: 50 or 150 mg/day; N01236: 5 or 150 mg/day), or placebo. Both studies comprised a baseline period (2 weeks), 2‐week up‐titration period, 12‐week stable‐dose maintenance period, and down‐titration or entry into long‐term follow‐up study. Symptoms of myoclonus were assessed by Unified Myoclonus Rating Scale (UMRS). Primary efficacy end point was percent reduction from baseline in action myoclonus score (UMRS section 4) at last treatment visit. Safety assessments included treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs).ResultsN01187: 50 patients randomized, 47 completed; N01236: 56 patients randomized, 54 completed. Median (min–max) percent reduction from baseline in action myoclonus score is the following—N01187: placebo 5.6 (−81.3 to 53.8), pooled BRV group (primary efficacy analysis) 21.4 (−50.0 to 73.6), BRV 50 mg/day 26.3 (−35.8 to 69.2), BRV 150 mg/day 16.9 (−50.0 to 73.6); N01236: placebo 17.5 (−170 to 61.5), BRV 5 mg/day −4.6 (−430 to 81.8), BRV 150 mg/day (primary efficacy analysis) 12.3 (−58.3 to 96.9). Estimated differences versus placebo were not statistically significant. TEAEs were reported by 72–75% placebo‐treated and 56–83% BRV‐treated patients.SignificanceEffect of BRV on action myoclonus was not statistically significant. However, action myoclonus score showed wide intrapatient variability and may not have been the optimal tool to measure severity of myoclonus in EPM1. Both studies had very high completion rates (95.3% overall), and a high percentage of patients (88.7% overall) entered long‐term follow‐up; both likely to be influenced by good tolerability. These studies demonstrate the feasibility of rigorous trials in progressive myoclonic epilepsy.
Global spread of hypoxia in freshwater ecosystems during the last three centuries is caused by rising local human pressure
Authors: Jenny Jean‐Philippe , Francus Pierre , Normandeau Alexandre , Lapointe François , Perga Marie‐Elodie , Ojala Antti , Schimmelmann Arndt , Zolitschka Bernd 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe spread of hypoxia is a threat to aquatic ecosystem functions and services as well as to biodiversity. However, sparse long‐term monitoring of lake ecosystems has prevented reconstruction of global hypoxia dynamics while inhibiting investigations into its causes and assessing the resilience capacity of these systems. This study compiles the onset and duration of hypoxia recorded in sediments of 365 lakes worldwide since AD 1700, showing that lacustrine hypoxia started spreading before AD 1900, 70 years prior to hypoxia in coastal zones. This study also shows that the increase of human activities and nutrient release is leading to hypoxia onset. No correlations were found with changes in precipitation or temperature. There is no evidence for a post‐1980s return to well‐oxygenated lacustrine conditions in industrialized countries despite the implementation of restoration programs. The apparent establishment of stable hypoxic conditions prior to AD 1900 highlights the challenges of a growing nutrient demand, accompanied by increasing global nutrient emissions of our industrialized societies, and climate change.
Helicobacter pylori Infection in Children: Nutritional Status and Associations with Serum Leptin, Ghrelin, and IGF‐1 Levels
Authors: Erdemir Gulin , Ozkan Tanju Basarir , Ozgur Taner , Altay Derya , Cavun Sinan , Goral Guher 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackgroundHelicobacter pylori is associated with gastrointestinal diseases such as gastritis, peptic ulcers, malignancy and lymphoma, and extra‐gastrointestinal conditions. H. pylori infection is negatively associated with children's growth. Chronic inflammation of the stomach that results in the loss of appetite and, dysregulation of neuroendocrine hormones such as leptin, and ghrelin are the probable reasons of this negative association. The objective of this study is to determine the serum levels of leptin, ghrelin, and IGF‐1 in H. pylori‐infected children and their relations with growth.Materials and methodsA hundred and sixty‐one school children aged between 6 and 14 years were selected randomly from five primary schools representing a cross section of population. Demographic and sociocultural characteristics, and anthropometric measurements were recorded. Serum H. pylori IgG, insulin‐like growth factor‐1, leptin, and ghrelin levels were measured in all children. The children were grouped according to the nutritional status and Helicobacter pylori seropositivity. Nutritional indices were compared among groups in association with serum leptin, ghrelin, and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 levels.ResultsH. pylori IgG positivity was found in 34.2%, and 14.9% of children were malnourished. H. pylori seropositivity was significantly higher in older ages (10.32 ± 2.26 vs 9.53 ± 2.36 years, p = .036), and body weight and height Z scores were significantly lower in H. pylori‐seropositive children (−0.33 ± 1.08 vs 0.04 ± 1.26, p = .044 and 0.13 ± 0.92 vs 0.23 ± 0.91, p = .018 respectively). H. pylori seropositivity was found to be an independent risk factor for shorter body height (p = .01). Serum leptin, ghrelin, and IGF‐1 levels were not associated with H. pylori IgG seropositivity (0.35 vs 0.55 ng/mL, p = .3; 3267.4 ± 753.0 vs 2808.3 ± 911.4 pg/mL, p = .06; 470 ± 176 vs 521 ± 179 ng/mL, p = .32, respectively).ConclusionsChildren infected with H. pylori are prone to short stature. This effect seems to be independent of neuroendocrine hormones.
The association of obesity and obesity‐related conditions with carotid extra‐medial thickness in children and adolescents
Authors: Bekdas M. , Kaya E. , Dagistan E. , Goksugur S. B. , Demircioglu F. , Erkocoglu M. , Dilek M. 
Published: December 2015

SummaryBackgroundCarotid extra‐medial thickness (EMT) and carotid intima‐media thickness (cIMT) provide information concerning vascular changes.ObjectivesIn this study, we aimed to evaluate the association between carotid EMT and obesity and its metabolic complications in children.MethodsThe study included 38 obese subjects and 30 age‐matched and sex‐matched healthy controls aged between 7 and 17 years. For all subjects, complete blood count, fasting blood glucose, serum insulin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, HDL cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were measured. The carotid EMT and cIMT were measured by an expert radiologist in all patients.ResultsBody mass index (BMI) (28.8 ± 3 vs. 18.1 ± 2.2, p < 0.001), total cholesterol (167.9 ± 34.8 mg dL−1 vs. 150.5 ± 28.1 mg dL−1, p = 0.029), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) (4.3 vs. 1.7, p < 0.001), cIMT (0.51 ± 0.08 mm vs. 0.45 ± 0.06 mm, p < 0.001) and carotid EMT (0.74 ± 0.11 mm vs. 0.64 ± 0.1 mm, p < 0.001) were significantly higher in obese subjects than in controls, while HDL cholesterol (41.6 ± 6.5 mg dL−1 vs. 49.5 ± 7.5 mg dL−1, p < 0.001) was lower in obesity group. Among the obese subjects, the HOMA‐IR values (4.7 vs. 3.6, p = 0.027), cIMT (0.54 ± 0.07 mm vs. 0.49 ± 0.07 mm, p = 0.039) and carotid EMT (0.79 ± 0.1 mm vs. 0.7 ± 0.1 mm, p = 0.013) were significantly higher in post‐pubertal children compared with prepubertal children. BMI, cut‐off values of HOMA‐IR and cIMT were significantly associated with increased carotid EMT (p < 0.001, p = 0.023 and p < 0.001, respectively). The only independent risk factor affecting carotid EMT was BMI (p < 0.001).ConclusionWe have found that carotid EMT is associated with cIMT, obesity and insulin resistance and the assessment of carotid EMT may provide additional information concerning early vascular disease.
Efficacy of a self‐help manual in increasing resilience in carers of adults with depression in Thailand
Authors: McCann Terence V. , Songprakun Wallapa , Stephenson John 
Published: December 2015

AbstractCaring for a person with a mental illness can have adverse effects on caregivers; however, little is known about how best to help such caregivers. The aim of the present study was to examine the efficacy of a cognitive behaviour therapy‐guided self‐help manual in increasing resilience in caregivers of individuals with depression, in comparison to caregivers who receive routine support only. A randomized, controlled trial was conducted, following CONSORT guidelines, with 54 caregivers allocated to parallel intervention (self‐help manual) (n = 27) or control (standard support) (n = 27) groups. Resilience was assessed at baseline, post‐test (week 8), and follow up (week 12). Intention‐to‐treat analyses were undertaken. Repeated‐measures ANOVA indicated a significant difference in resilience scores between the three time points, showing a large effect. Pairwise comparisons between intervention and control groups indicated resilience to be significantly different between baseline and post‐test, and between baseline and follow up, but not between post‐test and follow up. Overall, the intervention group showed a slightly greater increase in resilience over time than the control group; however, the time–group interaction was not significant. Guided self‐help is helpful in improving caregivers’ resilience and could be used as an adjunct to the limited support provided to carers by mental health nurses and other clinicians.
CD200 increases alternatively activated macrophages through cAMP‐response element binding protein – C/EBP‐beta signaling
Authors: Hayakawa Kazuhide , Wang Xiaohua , Lo Eng H. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe concept of macrophage polarization toward different phenotypes after CNS injury has been increasingly discussed. Here, we propose that CD200 treatment may help shift pro‐inflammatory macrophages to an arginase 1 (Arg1)‐, transglutaminase 2 (TGM2)‐, and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF‐β)‐positive phenotype. Rat macrophages were stimulated by interferon γ and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce pro‐inflammatory phenotypes. Treatment with human CD200‐Fc up‐regulated expression levels of alternatively activated M2‐like markers such as Arg1 and TGM2 but suppressed pro‐inflammatory M1‐like markers such as toll‐like receptor 4, interleukin 1 beta (IL‐1β), IL‐6, and GM‐CSF. Concomitantly, CD200‐Fc enhanced (CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein) C/EBP‐beta promoter activity, whereas NF‐κB activity was suppressed. Treatment with CD200‐Fc also up‐regulated potentially beneficial TGF‐β expression in macrophages. When C/EBP‐beta signaling was suppressed with siRNA, the effect of CD200‐Fc on Arg1, TGM2 and TGF‐β up‐regulation was canceled. Taken together, these data provide proof‐of‐principle that targeting CD200 signaling may be a novel therapeutic approach to shift macrophages toward M2‐like polarization via modulating cAMP‐response element binding protein‐C/EBP‐beta transcriptional activity.
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We showed that CD200 treatment decreased pro‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐1β, IL‐6, and GM‐CSF) along with suppressed inflammatory NF‐κB activity in pro‐inflammatory Mφ. On the other hand, CD200 increased Arg1, TGM2, and TGF‐β production through CREB‐C/EBPβ signaling. We think that these findings provide proof‐of‐concept that CD200 signaling may play a key role in regulating macrophage polarization toward anti‐inflammatory phenotypes.
Occurrence of 16SrIV Subgroup A Phytoplasmas in Roystonea regia and Acrocomia mexicana Palms with Lethal Yellowing‐like Syndromes in Yucatán, Mexico
Authors: Narvaez María , Córdova‐Lara Iván , Reyes‐Martínez Celso , Puch‐Hau Carlos , Mota‐Narvaez Luis , Collí Ana , Caamal Goretti , Harrison Nigel , Sáenz Luis , Oropeza Carlos 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe lethal yellowing (LY) disease and LY‐type syndromes affecting several palm species are associated with 16SrIV phytoplasmas in the Americas. In Mexico, palms of the species Roystonea regia and the native Acrocomia mexicana were found to exhibit LY‐type symptoms, including leaf decay, starting with mature leaves, necrosis and atrophy of inflorescences. DNA extracts obtained from these palms could be amplified by nested‐PCR using phytoplasma‐universal primer pair P1/P7 followed by LY‐group‐specific primer pair LY16Sr/LY16Sf. Blast analysis of the sequences obtained revealed an identity of 100% for R. regia and 99.27% for A. mexicana with 16SrIV‐A strain associated with LY in Florida, USA (Acc. AF498309). Computer‐simulated RFLP analysis showed that the patterns for the phytoplasma DNA of the two palm species were highly similar to that for 16SrIV subgroup A strain. A neighbour‐joining tree was constructed, and the sequences of the two palm species clustered in the same clade of group 16SrIV subgroup A. The results therefore support that LY‐type syndromes observed in palms of R. regia and A. mexicana in the Yucatan region of Mexico are associated with 16SrIV subgroup A phytoplasmas.
Effect of dietary fibres on small intestine histomorphology and lipid metabolism in young broiler chickens
Authors: Rahmatnejad E. , Saki A. A. 
Published: December 2015

SummaryTwo experiments were conducted to determine the influence of dietary fibres on small intestine histomorphology and lipid metabolism in broilers from 1 to 21 day of age. In experiment 1, diets containing insoluble [cellulose (CEL); 2% and 4%] or soluble [carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC); 2% and 4%] fibre were fed to broilers from day 1 to 21 post‐hatch and ileal tissue was collected at day 21 of age for histological evaluation. In experiment 2, broilers diet was supplemented with 0%, 1% or 2% insoluble fibre (Arbocel) during day 7 to 21 post‐hatch and plasma and liver lipid metabolism were evaluated at day 21. In experiment 1, inclusion of CMC reduced body weight gain (BWG) and feed intake (FI) and increased feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared with others. Intestinal histomorphology was unaffected by CEL, but CMC led to an increase in crypt depth (CD) and serosa thickness and a decrease in villus height (VH), villus width (VW), VH:CD ratio and villus surface area (VSA), rather than control and CEL groups. Treatment did not affect goblet cell type. Moreover, the CMC‐fed birds had greater total goblet cell count (GCC) as compared with others. In experiment 2, fibre inclusion was associated with increases in BWG from 7 to 14 day of age and an improvement in FCR, whereas FI was not influenced by treatments. Inclusion of fibre in the diet decreased the weight of the abdominal fat and cholesterol concentrations of liver and plasma. No significant effects on fatty acid composition of liver lipid were observed by fibre supplementation. These findings suggest dietary fibre affects performance, intestinal histomorphology and lipid metabolism in young chicks, which may directly affect poultry feeding strategies.
Carbon regulation of environmental pH by secreted small molecules that modulate pathogenicity in phytopathogenic fungi
Authors: Bi Fangcheng , Barad Shiri , Ment Dana , Luria Neta , Dubey Amit , Casado Virginia , Glam Nofar , Mínguez Jose Diaz , Espeso Eduardo A. , Fluhr Robert , Prusky Dov 
Published: December 2015

SummaryFruit pathogens can contribute to the acidification or alkalinization of the host environment. This capability has been used to divide fungal pathogens into acidifying and/or alkalinizing classes. Here, we show that diverse classes of fungal pathogens—Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Penicillium expansum, Aspergillus nidulans and Fusarium oxysporum—secrete small pH‐affecting molecules. These molecules modify the environmental pH, which dictates acidic or alkaline colonizing strategies, and induce the expression of PACC‐dependent genes. We show that, in many organisms, acidification is induced under carbon excess, i.e. 175 mm sucrose (the most abundant sugar in fruits). In contrast, alkalinization occurs under conditions of carbon deprivation, i.e. less than 15 mm sucrose. The carbon source is metabolized by glucose oxidase (gox2) to gluconic acid, contributing to medium acidification, whereas catalysed deamination of non‐preferred carbon sources, such as the amino acid glutamate, by glutamate dehydrogenase 2 (gdh2), results in the secretion of ammonia. Functional analyses of Δgdh2 mutants showed reduced alkalinization and pathogenicity during growth under carbon deprivation, but not in high‐carbon medium or on fruit rich in sugar, whereas analysis of Δgox2 mutants showed reduced acidification and pathogencity under conditions of excess carbon. The induction pattern of gdh2 was negatively correlated with the expression of the zinc finger global carbon catabolite repressor creA. The present results indicate that differential pH modulation by fruit fungal pathogens is a host‐dependent mechanism, affected by host sugar content, that modulates environmental pH to enhance fruit colonization.