bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Toxic and behavioural effects of free fatty acids on western corn rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) larvae
Authors: Bernklau E. J. , Hibbard B. E. , Bjostad L. B. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractFeeding behaviour, feeding intensity and staying behaviour of neonate western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte) larvae were evaluated in response to synthetic feeding stimulant blends. All of the treatments contained a 3‐sugar blend (glucose : fructose : sucrose, 30 : 4 : 4 mg/ml) and one of twelve free fatty acids. Each free fatty acid was tested in this blend at three different concentrations. The addition of the 12 : 0, 16 : 0, 16 : 1, 18 : 0, 18 : 1, 18 : 2 and 18 : 3 free fatty acids to the sugar blend significantly (P < 0.05) increased the percentage of larvae feeding, but did not increase food consumption per larva. Most of the free fatty acids elicited staying behaviour. At the lowest dose (0.1 mg/ml), all of the free fatty acids except the 18 : 0 and the 20 : 0 elicited staying by significantly more larvae than the sugar blend, and at the highest dose (1.0 mg/ml), eight free fatty acids (8 : 0, 10 : 0, 12 : 0, 14 : 0, 16 : 1, 18 : 1, 18 : 2 and 18 : 3) caused more larvae to stay compared to the sugar blend. Larvae were visibly impaired after exposure to some of the free fatty acids. At the highest dose, the 8 : 0, 10 : 0, 12 : 0, 14 : 0, 16 : 1, 18 : 1 and 18 : 2 free fatty acids were toxic to the larvae. At least 60% of larvae were impaired after exposure to the 12 : 0, 16 : 1 and 18 : 2 free fatty acids and the 8 : 0 and 10 : 0 free fatty acids caused 100% impairment or death. Synthetic blends were compared with liquid from crushed maize roots and with a methanol extract of maize roots. Feeding intensity and staying behaviour on the root liquid and the root extract were significantly greater than on any of the synthetic blends, suggesting the presence of additional compounds in maize roots that serve as feeding cues for western corn rootworm larvae.
Speckle‐Tracking Echocardiography in Dogs With Patent Ductus Arteriosus: Effect of Percutaneous Closure on Cardiac Mechanics
Authors: Spalla I. , Locatelli C. , Zanaboni A.M. , Brambilla P. , Bussadori C. 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundPatent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is 1 of the most common congenital heart defects in dogs and percutaneous closure is effective in achieving ductal closure; PDA closure is associated with abrupt hemodynamic changes.HypothesisA marked decrease in standard parameters of systolic function as assessed by M‐ or B‐mode echocardiography after PDA closure was identified in previous studies. Speckle tracking echocardiography can provide further insight into the effect of PDA closure on cardiac mechanics in dogs affected by PDA.AnimalsTwenty‐five client‐owned dogs with PDA.MethodsProspective study. Dogs were recruited over a 2‐year period. Complete echocardiographic evaluation was performed before and 24 hours after PDA closure, including standard (end‐diastolic volumes indexed to body surface area in B‐ and M‐mode [EDVIB/M], end‐systolic volumes indexed to body surface area in B‐ and M‐mode [ESVIB/M], allometric scaling in diastole [AlloD] and systole [AlloS], pulmonary flow to systemic flow [Qs/Qp], ejection fraction [EF], and fractional shortening [FS]), and advanced speckle‐tracking echocardiography (STE): global longitudinal, radial, circumferential and transverse strain (S), and strain rate (SR).ResultsPatent ductus arteriosus closure was associated with statistically significant decreases in EDVIM/B and ESVIM/B, AlloD and AlloS, SI, EF, and FS. A statistically significant decrease in the absolute values of radial, transverse, and circumferential S and SR was observed, whereas longitudinal S and SR did not change significantly.Conclusion and Clinical ImportancePatent ductus arteriosus closure by percutaneous approach is associated with marked decreases of conventional echocardiographic parameters as a result of the changes in loading conditions, but no evidence of systolic dysfunction was identified by means of STE, as none of the S and SR values were below reference ranges. In the short term, contractility is enhanced in the long axis (long S/SR values were not statistically different before and after closure) and decreases to normal values in short axis (circumferential, radial, and transversal S/SR decreased to normal reference range).
Echocardiographic Assessment of Cardiac Function by Conventional and Speckle‐Tracking Echocardiography in Dogs with Patent Ductus Arteriosus
Authors: Spalla I. , Locatelli C. , Zanaboni A.M. , Brambilla P. , Bussadori C. 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundPatent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is one of the most common congenital heart defects in dogs. Advanced echocardiographic techniques such as speckle‐tracking echocardiography (STE) have not been extensively used to evaluate cardiac function in affected dogs.HypothesisAdvanced echocardiographic techniques are more sensitive than standard echocardiographic techniques in analyzing systolic function in dogs with PDA.AnimalsForty‐four client‐owned dogs: 34 dogs with PDA (preoperative evaluation) and 10 healthy sex‐ and weight‐matched controls.MethodsProspective study. Dogs were recruited over a 2‐year period. Complete echocardiographic evaluation was performed, including conventional (end‐diastolic volumes indexed to body surface area in B and M‐mode [EDVIB/M], end‐systolic volumes indexed to body surface area in B and M‐mode [ESVIB/M], allometric scaling in diastole and systole [AlloD/S], pulmonary flow to systemic flow [Qp/Qs], ejection fraction [EF] and fractional shortening [FS]) and speckle‐tracking echocardiography ([STE]: global longitudinal, radial and circumferential strain [S] and strain rate [SR]).ResultsDogs with PDA had significantly different EDVIB/M, ESVIB/M, AlloD/S, Qp/Qs and all STE‐derived parameters (global longitudinal S and SR, global circumferential S and SR, global radial S and SR)compared to healthy dogs. No correlation was found between standard techniques (EDVIB/M, ESVIB/M, AlloD/S, Qp/Qs) and STE‐derived parameters (global longitudinal, circumferential and radial S and SR).Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceConventional parameters routinely used to assess systolic function (EF and FS) were not different between the groups; STE‐derived parameters identified subtle changes in cardiac systolic function and contractility between the 2 groups of dogs. Based on these findings, STE may be a more appropriate tool to assess cardiac contractility in dogs with PDA.
Utility of Tissue Doppler Imaging in the Echocardiographic Evaluation of Left and Right Ventricular Function in Dogs with Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease with or without Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Baron Toaldo M. , Poser H. , Menciotti G. , Battaia S. , Contiero B. , Cipone M. , Diana A. , Mazzotta E. , Guglielmini C. 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundIn human medicine, right ventricular (RV) functional parameters represent a tool for risk stratification in patients with congestive heart failure caused by left heart disease. Little is known about RV alterations in dogs with left‐sided cardiac disorders.ObjectivesTo assess RV and left ventricular (LV) function in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) with or without pulmonary hypertension (PH).AnimalsOne‐hundred and fourteen dogs: 28 healthy controls and 86 dogs with MMVD at different stages.MethodsProspective observational study. Animals were classified as healthy or having MMVD at different stages of severity and according to presence or absence of PH. Twenty‐eight morphological, echo‐Doppler, and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) variables were measured and comparison among groups and correlations between LV and RV parameters were studied.ResultsNo differences were found among groups regarding RV echo‐Doppler and TDI variables. Sixteen significant correlations were found between RV TDI and left heart echocardiographic variables. Dogs with PH had significantly higher transmitral E wave peak velocity and higher E/eʹ ratio of septal (sMV) and lateral (pMV) mitral annulus. These 2 variables were found to predict presence of PH with a sensitivity of 84 and 72%, and a specificity of 71 and 80% at cut‐off values of 10 and 9.33 for sMV E/eʹ and pMV E/eʹ, respectively.Conclusions and clinical importanceNo association between variables of RV function and different MMVD stage and severity of PH could be detected. Some relationships were found between echocardiographic variables of right and left ventricular function.
Predictors of Sudden Cardiac Death in Doberman Pinschers with Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Klüser L. , Holler P.J. , Simak J. , Tater G. , Smets P. , Rügamer D. , Küchenhoff H. , Wess G. 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundDoberman Pinschers with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) are at high risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Risk factors forSCDare poorly defined.AimTo assess cardiac biomarkers, Holter‐ECG, echocardiographic variables and canine characteristics in a group of Doberman Pinschers withDCMdying ofSCDand in aDCMcontrol group to identify factors predictingSCD.Methods/AnimalsA longitudinal prospective study was performed in 95 Doberman Pinschers withDCM. Forty‐one dogs died within 3 months after the last cardiac examination (SCD‐group) and were compared to 54 Doberman Pinschers withDCMsurviving 1 year after inclusion. Holter‐ECG, echocardiography, measurement of N‐terminal prohormone of brain‐natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP), and cardiac Troponin I (cTnI) concentrations were recorded for all dogs.ResultsVolume overload of the left ventricle (left ventricular end‐diastolic volume (LVEDV/BSA) > 91.3 mL/m²) was the single best variable to predictSCD. The probability ofSCDincreases 8.5‐fold (CI0.95 = 0.8–35.3) for every 50 mL/m²‐unit increment inLVEDV/BSA. Ejection fraction (EF), left ventricular end‐systolic volume (LVESV/BSA) andNT‐proBNPwere highly correlated withLVEDV/BSA(r = −0.63, 0.96, 0.86, respectively). Generated conditional inference trees (CTREEs) revealed that the presence of ventricular tachycardia (VT), increased concentration ofcTnI, and the fastest rate (FR) of ventricular premature complexes (VPC) ≥260 beats per minute (bpm) are additional important variables to predict SCD.ConclusionConditional inference trees provided in this study might be useful for risk assessment ofSCDin Doberman Pinschers withDCM.
Advanced non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and adipose tissue fibrosis in patients with Alström syndrome
Authors: Gathercole Laura L. , Hazlehurst Jonathan M. , Armstrong Matthew J. , Crowley Rachel , Boocock Sarah , O'Reilly Michael W. , Round Maria , Brown Rachel , Bolton Shaun , Cramb Robert , Newsome Phillip N. , Semple Robert K. , Paisey Richard , Tomlinson Jeremy W. , Geberhiwot Tarekegn 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackground and AimsAlström syndrome (AS) is a recessive monogenic syndrome characterized by obesity, extreme insulin resistance and multi‐organ fibrosis. Despite phenotypically being high risk of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), there is a lack of data on the extent of fibrosis in the liver and its close links to adipose in patients with AS. Our aim was to characterize the hepatic and adipose phenotype in patients with AS.MethodsObservational cohort study with comprehensive assessment of metabolic liver phenotype including liver elastography (Fibroscan®), serum Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) Panel and liver histology. In addition, abdominal adipose histology and gene expression was assessed. We recruited 30 patients from the UK national AS clinic. A subset of six patients underwent adipose biopsies which was compared with control tissue from nine healthy participants.ResultsPatients were overweight/obese (BMI 29.3 (25.95–34.05) kg/m2). A total of 80% (24/30) were diabetic; 74% (20/27) had liver ultrasound scanning suggestive of NAFLD. As judged by the ELF panel, 96% (24/25) were categorized as having fibrosis and 10/21 (48%) had liver elastography consistent with advanced liver fibrosis/cirrhosis. In 7/8 selected cases, there was evidence of advanced NAFLD on liver histology. Adipose tissue histology showed marked fibrosis as well as disordered pro‐inflammatory and fibrotic gene expression profiles.ConclusionsNAFLD and adipose dysfunction are common in patients with AS. The severity of liver disease in our cohort supports the need for screening of liver fibrosis in AS.
Is colour polymorphism advantageous to populations and species?
Authors: Forsman Anders 
Published: May 2016

I am writing in response to an article by Bolton, Rollins and Griffith (2015) entitled ‘The danger within: the role of genetic, behavioural and ecological factors in population persistence of colour polymorphic species’ that was recently published as an Opinion under the NEWS AND VIEWS section in Molecular Ecology. Boltonet al. (Molecular Ecology, 2015,24, 2907) argue that colour polymorphism may reduce population fitness and increase extinction risk and emphasize that this is contrary to predictions put forward by Forsmanet al. (Ecology,89, 2008, 34) and Wennersten & Forsman (Biological Reviews87, 2012, 756) that the existence of multiple colour morphs with co‐adapted gene complexes and associated trait values may increase the ecological and evolutionary success of polymorphic populations and species. Boltonet al. (Molecular Ecology, 2015,24, 2907) further state that there is no clear evidence from studies of ‘true polymorphic species’ that polymorphism promotes population persistence. In response, I (i) challenge their classifications of polymorphisms and revisit the traditional definitions recognizing the dynamic nature of polymorphisms, (ii) review empirical studies that have examined whether and how polymorphism is associated with extinction risk, (iii) discuss the roles of trait correlations between colour pattern and other phenotypic dimensions for population fitness and (iv) highlight that the causes and mechanisms that influence the composition and maintenance of polymorphisms are different from the consequences of the polymorphic condition and how it may impact on aspects of ecological success and long‐term persistence of populations and species.
Gene expression and variation in social aggression by queens of the harvester ant Pogonomyrmex californicus
Authors: Helmkampf Martin , Mikheyev Alexander S. , Kang Yun , Fewell Jennifer , Gadau Jürgen 
Published: May 2016

AbstractA key requirement for social cooperation is the mitigation and/or social regulation of aggression towards other group members. Populations of the harvester ant Pogonomyrmex californicus show the alternate social phenotypes of queens founding nests alone (haplometrosis) or in groups of unrelated yet cooperative individuals (pleometrosis). Pleometrotic queens display an associated reduction in aggression. To understand the proximate drivers behind this variation, we placed foundresses of the two populations into social environments with queens from the same or the alternate population, and measured their behaviour and head gene expression profiles. A proportion of queens from both populations behaved aggressively, but haplometrotic queens were significantly more likely to perform aggressive acts, and conflict escalated more frequently in pairs of haplometrotic queens. Whole‐head RNA sequencing revealed variation in gene expression patterns, with the two populations showing moderate differentiation in overall transcriptional profile, suggesting that genetic differences underlie the two founding strategies. The largest detected difference, however, was associated with aggression, regardless of queen founding type. Several modules of coregulated genes, involved in metabolism, immune system and neuronal function, were found to be upregulated in highly aggressive queens. Conversely, nonaggressive queens exhibited a striking pattern of upregulation in chemosensory genes. Our results highlight that the social phenotypes of cooperative vs. solitary nest founding tap into a set of gene regulatory networks that seem to govern aggression level. We also present a number of highly connected hub genes associated with aggression, providing opportunity to further study the genetic underpinnings of social conflict and tolerance.
Detection of Endothelial Dysfunction Using Skin Temperature Oscillations Analysis During Local Heating in Patients With Peripheral Arterial Disease
Authors: Parshakov Aleksey , Zubareva Nadezhda , Podtaev Sergey , Frick Peter 
Published: May 2016

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to examine correlations between laboratory markers of ED and the degree of endothelium‐dependent vasodilation using WAST during a local heating test in patients with PAD.Materials and methodsThe study population consisted of 17 healthy subjects and 38 patients with PAD. The ST on the plantar surface of the first toe was measured during the test, and the inverse wavelet transform was applied to reconstruct the ST signals in three frequency bands corresponding to myogenic, neurogenic, and endothelial mechanisms of vascular tone regulation.ResultsIn healthy subjects, a local increase in temperature of up to 42°C caused a greater than threefold increase in the amplitudes of foot ST oscillations. Among patients with PAD, the response to the test was much weaker in all frequency ranges. The level of vasodilation dysfunction correlated with the level of artery stenosis in the lower extremities and with laboratory markers of ED (endothelin, homocysteine, and von Willebrand factor).ConclusionWAST can be considered as a low cost, portable, and easy to use technique for the noninvasive assessment of ED.
Immunohistochemical evaluation of the mTOR pathway in intra‐oral minor salivary gland neoplasms
Authors: Diamanti S , Nikitakis N , Rassidakis G , Doulis I , Sklavounou A 
Published: May 2016

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the expression of upstream and downstream molecules of the oncogenic mTOR signaling pathway in intra‐oral minor salivary gland tumors (SGTs).Materials and MethodsTissue samples consisted of 39 malignant and 13 benign minor SGTs, and 8 controls of normal minor salivary glands (NMSG). An immunohistochemical analysis for phosphorylated Akt, 4EBP1 and S6 (total and phosphorylated), and eIF4E was performed.ResultsExpression of pAkt and 4EBP1 was observed in all SGTs and in most NMSG. p4EBP1 was detected in almost all SGT cases, NMSG being negative. S6 immunoreactivity was observed in 37.5% of NMSG, 92.3% of benign and 100% of malignant SGTs, while pS6 expression was observed in 77% of benign and 95% of malignant SGTs, but not in NMSG. Finally, eIF4E was expressed in 12.5% of NMSG, 69.2% of benign, and 76.9% of malignant tumors. All molecules studied had statistically significantly lower expression in NMSG compared with SGTs. Moreover, malignant neoplasms received higher scores compared with benign tumors for all molecules with the exception of eIF4E.ConclusionThe mTOR signaling pathway is activated in SGTs, especially in malignancies. Therefore, the possible therapeutic role of targeting the mTOR pathway by rapamycin analogs in SGTs needs further investigation.
The cost effectiveness of transesophageal echocardiography for pediatric cardiac surgery: a systematic review
Authors: Levin David N. , Taras Jillian , Taylor Katherine 
Published: May 2016

SummaryBackgroundIntraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (ITEE) for pediatric cardiac surgery has been described as clinically efficacious and cost‐effective. There are a small number of publications supporting these claims.AimsThe objectives were to assess the quality of the research, the variability of results across studies and, if possible, to make a consensus statement based on the results.MethodsIn March 2015, a systematic search of MEDLINE and MEDLINE In‐Process, EMBASE, and the National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database was performed. The search was supplemented with a review of Health Technology Assessment reports through the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination database. English language articles including any quantitative economic evaluation were included. The quality of each study was assessed using the British Medical Journal economic evaluation quality checklist. Data extracted included the main outcomes from each study, study methodologies, itemized costs, sensitivity ranges, biases, and delayed reoperation prevented with ITEE. When possible, a cost‐savings per ITEE was calculated to facilitate comparison across studies and used to create a synthesis of the results.ResultsSeven studies met the inclusion criteria; of these, five were included in the synthesis of results. The cost‐savings per ITEE ranged from $194 to $4910 with a mean of $1930 (95%CI: $845 to $3015) (2015 USD). Prevented delayed reoperation rates using ITEE ranged from 2.8% to 10%. Earlier studies were of poorer quality (scores 8–17) and more recent studies were of higher quality (scores 22–25). Methodologies used were either retrospective chart reviews (57%) or prospective observational studies (43%) with a range of approaches to estimate costs.ConclusionITEE for pediatric cardiac surgery is effective and cost‐saving. This is a validation of the current practice patterns. These finding may influence the expansion of the use of this technology.
Display of whole proteins on inner and outer surfaces of grapevine fanleaf virus‐like particles
Authors: Belval Lorène , Hemmer Caroline , Sauter Claude , Reinbold Catherine , Fauny Jean‐Daniel , Berthold François , Ackerer Léa , Schmitt‐Keichinger Corinne , Lemaire Olivier , Demangeat Gérard , Ritzenthaler Christophe 
Published: May 2016

SummaryVirus‐like particles (VLPs) derived from nonenveloped viruses result from the self‐assembly of capsid proteins (CPs). They generally show similar structural features to viral particles but are noninfectious and their inner cavity and outer surface can potentially be adapted to serve as nanocarriers of great biotechnological interest. While a VLP outer surface is generally amenable to chemical or genetic modifications, encaging a cargo within particles can be more complex and is often limited to small molecules or peptides. Examples where both inner cavity and outer surface have been used to simultaneously encapsulate and expose entire proteins remain scarce. Here, we describe the production of spherical VLPs exposing fluorescent proteins at either their outer surface or inner cavity as a result of the self‐assembly of a single genetically modified viral structural protein, the CP of grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV). We found that the N‐ and C‐terminal ends of the GFLV CP allow the genetic fusion of proteins as large as 27 kDa and the plant‐based production of nucleic acid‐free VLPs. Remarkably, expression of N‐ or C‐terminal CP fusions resulted in the production of VLPs with recombinant proteins exposed to either the inner cavity or the outer surface, respectively, while coexpression of both fusion proteins led to the formation hybrid VLP, although rather inefficiently. Such properties are rather unique for a single viral structural protein and open new potential avenues for the design of safe and versatile nanocarriers, particularly for the targeted delivery of bioactive molecules.