bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment with a novel agent combining docosahexaenoate and metformin increases protectin DX and IL‐6 production in skeletal muscle and reduces insulin resistance in obese diabetic db/db mice
Authors: Mitchell Patricia L. , Nachbar Renato , Lachance Dominic , St‐Pierre Philippe , Trottier Jocelyn , Barbier Olivier , Marette André 
Published: December 2016

AimsTo compare the therapeutic potential of TP‐113, a unique molecular entity linking DHA with metformin, for alleviating insulin resistance in obese diabetic mice through the PDX/IL‐6 pathway.Material and methodsWe utilized the generically obese diabetic db/db mouse model for all experiments. Initial studies investigated both a dose and time course response. These results were then utilized to design a long‐term (5 week) treatment protocol. Mice were gavaged twice daily with 1 of 3 treatments: 200 mg/kg BW TP113, an equivalent dose of metformin alone (70 mg/kg BW) or water. Whole‐body insulin sensitivity was measured using the hyperinsulinaemic‐isoglycaemic clamp procedure in awake unrestrained mice.ResultsWe first confirmed that acute TP‐113 treatment raises PDX and IL‐6 levels in skeletal muscle. We next tested the long‐term glucoregulatory effect of oral TP‐113 in obese diabetic db/db mice and compared its effect to an equivalent dose of metformin. A 5‐week oral treatment with TP‐113 reduced insulin resistance compared to both vehicle treatment and metformin alone, revealed by the determination of whole‐body insulin sensitivity for glucose disposal using the clamp technique. This insulin‐sensitizing effect was explained primarily by improvement of insulin action to suppress hepatic glucose production in TP‐113‐treated mice. These effects of TP‐113 were greater than that of an equivalent dose of metformin, indicating that TP‐113 increases metformin efficacy for reducing insulin resistance.ConclusionWe conclude that TP‐113 improves insulin sensitivity in obese diabetic mice through activation of the PDX/IL‐6 signaling axis in skeletal muscle and improved glucoregulatory action in the liver.
Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion as a marker of right ventricular dysfunction in pediatric patients with dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: McLaughlin Ericka S. , Travers Curtis , Border William L. , Deshpande Shriprasad , Sachdeva Ritu 
Published: December 2016

BackgroundRight ventricular systolic dysfunction (RVSD) is a predictor of outcomes in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in adults, but little is known in children. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) has emerged as a reliable tool to assess RVSD. We sought to determine the prevalence and prognostic significance of RVSD using TAPSE in children with DCM.MethodsThe first echocardiogram at the time of diagnosis with DCM was analyzed to obtain left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and 2D TAPSE. RVSD was defined as TAPSE age‐based z‐score ≤−2. The association of a composite primary endpoint including death, mechanical support, or transplantation with RVSD was analyzed using LVEF and TAPSE.ResultsOf the 96 patients, RVSD was noted in 84 (88%). During a median follow‐up of 17.5 months (IQR 1.4, 76.2), the primary endpoints were reached in 59%. There was a lower LVEF in patients with RVSD (P=.016). Moderate or severe RVSD showed a significant association with the composite primary endpoint (unadjusted OR 2.7 [95% CI: 1.15–6.33], P=.023). Kaplan‐Meier analysis showed that the event‐free survival was significantly lower in patients with LVEF ≤30% and TAPSE z‐score ≤−4.ConclusionChildren with DCM have a high prevalence of RVSD based on reduced TAPSE, and those with moderate or severe RVSD have worse clinical outcomes.
ECG‐gated pulmonary artery CTA for evaluation of right ventricular function in patients with acute pulmonary embolism
Authors: Liang Hong‐Wei , Zhao De‐Li , Liu Xin‐Ding , Chen Peng , Zhou Hai‐Ting , Zhao Cheng‐Lei , Wang Guo‐Kun , Xu Mei‐Ling , Zhang Jin‐Ling 
Published: December 2016

ObjectiveTo evaluate right ventricular function in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (APE) using electrocardiogram‐gated CTA and to discuss the clinical value of pulmonary artery CTAPatients and methodsBased on death risk evaluation, 86 APE patients were divided into high‐risk group (n=46) and non–high‐risk group (n=40). The CT pulmonary embolism (PE) index and parameters of right ventricular function were analyzed from the CTPA images and compared between the two groups. Potential correlation between the two was also discussed.ResultCT PE index (median 24.69%) of the high‐risk group was obviously higher than that of the non–high‐risk group (median 8.58%) (P<.05). Except the diameter of superior vena cava, all other parameters of right ventricular function were significantly different between the two groups (P<.05). CT PE index was correlated with the parameters of right ventricular function.ConclusionECG‐gated pulmonary artery CTA is suitable for assessing the severity of APE and right ventricular function.
Left ventricular rotational mechanics in infants with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy and preterm infants at 36 weeks postmenstrual age: A comparison with healthy term controls
Authors: Breatnach Colm R. , Forman Eva , Foran Adrienne , Monteith Cathy , McSweeney Lisa , Malone Fergal , McCallion Naomi , Franklin Orla , El‐Khuffash Afif 
Published: December 2016

Background and AimsThere is a paucity of data on left ventricle (LV) rotational physiology in neonates. We aimed to assess rotational mechanics in infants with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and premature infants (<32 weeks) at 36 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA) (preterm group) and compare them with healthy term controls (term controls). We also compared the parameters in preterm infants with and without chronic lung disease (CLD).MethodsEchocardiography was performed within 48 hours of birth or at 36 weeks PMA. LV basal and apical rotation, twist (and torsion=twist/LV length), twist rate (LVTR), and untwist rate (LVUTR) were measured. One‐way ANOVA was used to compare values.ResultsThere was no difference in gestation (40.0 [39.1–40.3] vs 39.9 [39.0–40.9], P>.05) or birthweight (3.7 [3.4–4.1] vs 3.5 [3.2–3.9], P>.05) between the HIE group (n=16) and term controls (n=30). The preterm group (n=35) had a gestation and weight of 36.0 [34.6–36.3] weeks and 2.3 [2.0–2.4] kg. The HIE group had lower twist, torsion, LVTR, and LVUTR than the other two groups. The preterm group had a more negative (clockwise) basal rotation while the term group had a more positive (counterclockwise) apical rotation. Preterm infants with CLD had higher apical rotation, twist, and torsion when compared to infants without CLD.ConclusionInfants with HIE have reduced rotational mechanics. Preterm infants at 36 weeks PMA have comparable measurements of twist to term infants. This is achieved by predominant basal rather than apical rotation. Infants with CLD have increased apical rotation.
Light asymmetry explains the effect of nutrient enrichment on grassland diversity
Authors: DeMalach Niv , Zaady Eli , Kadmon Ronen 
Published: December 2016

AbstractOne of the most ubiquitous patterns in plant ecology is species loss following nutrient enrichment. A common explanation for this universal pattern is an increase in the size asymmetry of light partitioning (the degree to which large plants receive more light per unit biomass than smaller plants), which accelerates the rates of competitive exclusions. This ‘light asymmetry hypothesis’ has been confirmed by mathematical models, but has never been tested in natural communities due to the lack of appropriate methodology for measuring the size asymmetry of light partitioning in natural communities. Here, we use a novel approach for quantifying the asymmetry of light competition which is based on measurements of the vertical distribution of light below the canopy. Using our approach, we demonstrate that an increase in light asymmetry is the main mechanism behind the negative effect of nutrient enrichment on species richness. Our results provide a possible explanation for one of the main sources of contemporary species loss in terrestrial plant communities.
Total magnetic resonance imaging burden of cerebral small‐vessel disease is associated with post‐stroke depression in patients with acute lacunar stroke
Authors: Zhang X. , Tang Y. , Xie Y. , Ding C. , Xiao J. , Jiang X. , Shan H. , Lin Y. , Li C. , Hu D. , Li T. , Sheng L. 
Published: December 2016

Background and purposeDespite extensive studies on post‐stroke depression (PSD), the role of the total burden of cerebral small‐vessel disease (cSVD) in its pathogenesis remains unclear.MethodsWe conducted a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐based cohort study to investigate the relationship between total MRI burden of cSVD and PSD among patients with first‐ever lacunar stroke. From June 2013 to January 2016, 374 patients were consecutively recruited. PSD was identified using the Chinese version of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV. Brain MRI presence of silent lacunar infarcts, white‐matter lesions, cerebral microbleeds and enlarged perivascular spaces was summed to an ordinal score between 0 and 4. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the contribution of total MRI cSVD burden in the prediction of PSD.ResultsNinety patients (24.1%) were diagnosed with PSD at 3 months after stroke. Only two MRI markers of cSVD, asymptomatic lacunar infarcts and white‐matter lesions, were related to PSD [odds ratio (OR), 3.167; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.879–5.338; P = 0.001 and OR, 2.284; 95% CI, 1.403–3.713; P = 0.001, respectively]. Moreover, higher total MRI cSVD burden was an independent predictor for PSD (high tertile OR, 4.577; 95% CI, 2.400–8.728; P = 0.001) after adjusting for individual cSVD MRI marker and other potential confounders.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that greater total MRI burden of cSVD may predict the presence of PSD in patients with acute lacunar stroke.
Interictal epileptiform discharges impair word recall in multiple brain areas
Authors: Horak Peter C. , Meisenhelter Stephen , Song Yinchen , Testorf Markus E. , Kahana Michael J. , Viles Weston D. , Bujarski Krzysztof A. , Connolly Andrew C. , Robbins Ashlee A. , Sperling Michael R. , Sharan Ashwini D. , Worrell Gregory A. , Miller Laura R. , Gross Robert E. , Davis Kathryn A. , Roberts David W. , Lega Bradley , Sheth Sameer A. , Zaghloul Kareem A. , Stein Joel M. , Das Sandhitsu R. , Rizzuto Daniel S. , Jobst Barbara C. 
Published: December 2016

SummaryObjectivesInterictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) have been linked to memory impairment, but the spatial and temporal dynamics of this relationship remain elusive. In the present study, we aim to systematically characterize the brain areas and times at which IEDs affect memory.MethodsEighty epilepsy patients participated in a delayed free recall task while undergoing intracranial electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring. We analyzed the locations and timing of IEDs relative to the behavioral data in order to measure their effects on memory.ResultsOverall IED rates did not correlate with task performance across subjects (r = 0.03, p = 0.8). However, at a finer temporal scale, within‐subject memory was negatively affected by IEDs during the encoding and recall periods of the task but not during the rest and distractor periods (p < 0.01, p < 0.001, p = 0.3, and p = 0.8, respectively). The effects of IEDs during encoding and recall were stronger in the left hemisphere than in the right (p < 0.05). Of six brain areas analyzed, IEDs in the inferior‐temporal, medial‐temporal, and parietal areas significantly affected memory (false discovery rate < 0.05).SignificanceThese findings reveal a network of brain areas sensitive to IEDs with key nodes in temporal as well as parietal lobes. They also demonstrate the time‐dependent effects of IEDs in this network on memory.
Polyarthritis secondary to septic thrombophlebitis in an Arabian mare
Authors: Lores M. , Cantos J. , De Rijck M. , O'Shea C. 
Published: December 2016

SummaryA 3‐year‐old Arabian mare presented with diarrhoea and depression. During hospitalisation, the mare developed septic thrombophlebitis associated with a jugular catheter. One week later, she developed secondary bilateral tarsocrural joint septic arthritis. Following surgical intervention and intensive medical therapy, the mare recovered successfully. The case highlights an unusual and previously unreported complication of septic thrombophlebitis.
Analysis of temozolomide resistance in low‐grade gliomas using a mechanistic mathematical model
Authors: Ollier Edouard , Mazzocco Pauline , Ricard Damien , Kaloshi Gentian , Idbaih Ahmed , Alentorn Agusti , Psimaras Dimitri , Honnorat Jérôme , Delattre Jean‐Yves , Grenier Emmanuel , Ducray François , Samson Adeline 
Published: December 2016

AbstractUnderstanding how tumors develop resistance to chemotherapy is a major issue in oncology. When treated with temozolomide (TMZ), an oral alkylating chemotherapy drug, most low‐grade gliomas (LGG) show an initial volume decrease but this effect is rarely long lasting. In addition, it has been suggested that TMZ may drive tumor progression in a subset of patients as a result of acquired resistance. Using longitudinal tumor size measurements from 121 patients, the aim of this study was to develop a semi‐mechanistic mathematical model to determine whether resistance of LGG to TMZ was more likely to result from primary and/or from chemotherapy‐induced acquired resistance that may contribute to tumor progression. We applied the model to a series of patients treated upfront with TMZ (n = 109) or PCV (procarbazine, CCNU, vincristine) chemotherapy (n = 12) and used a population mixture approach to classify patients according to the mechanism of resistance most likely to explain individual tumor growth dynamics. Our modeling results predicted acquired resistance in 51% of LGG treated with TMZ. In agreement with the different biological effects of nitrosoureas, none of the patients treated with PCV were classified in the acquired resistance group. Consistent with the mutational analysis of recurrent LGG, analysis of growth dynamics using mathematical modeling suggested that in a subset of patients, TMZ might paradoxically contribute to tumor progression as a result of chemotherapy‐induced resistance. Identification of patients at risk of developing acquired resistance is warranted to better define the role of TMZ in LGG.
Environmental and spatial controls of taxonomic versus trait composition of stream biota
Authors: Göthe Emma , Baattrup‐Pedersen Annette , Wiberg‐Larsen Peter , Graeber Daniel , Kristensen Esben A. , Friberg Nikolai 
Published: December 2016

Summary

The spatial organisation of biotic communities derives from factors operating at a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. Despite strong scientific evidence of prevalent spatial control of community composition in freshwater ecosystems, local environmental factors are often considered as the main drivers of community change. Furthermore, taxonomic approaches are most frequently used, and few studies have compared the relative importance of local and regional control of trait versus the taxonomic composition in stream ecosystems.

Using a spatially dense data set covering all stream sizes in a lowland European region of c. 42 000 km2 and three organism groups (macrophytes, macroinvertebrates and fishes), we compared the relative importance of spatial and environmental determinants of species and trait composition in the study streams, classified into headwaters (stream order 1–2) and downstream sites (stream order >2).

We hypothesised that (i) there is a higher correspondence between environmental conditions and trait composition than with species composition, (ii) dispersal limitation (pure spatial structuring) is greater in headwaters than in downstream sites and (iii) dispersal limitation (pure spatial structuring) is weakest for macroinvertebrates, intermediate for macrophytes and strongest for fishes.

The most consistent pattern across organisms and stream order groups was a higher correspondence between environmental variation and trait composition as well as a higher number of environmental variables significantly related to trait composition than with species composition (hypothesis 1). Spatial structuring peaked in headwater macrophyte communities and downstream fish communities (hypotheses 2 & 3) – a pattern that was amplified when separate analyses of traits describing species dispersal potential were undertaken.

Our study highlights the potential of traits to capture multiple environmental changes in stream ecosystems and illustrates how organism‐specific and highly context‐dependent patterns in community organisation can emerge as a consequence of interactions between habitat connectivity (i.e. top versus lower parts of the stream network) and organism dispersal potential.
Zooplankton allochthony is spatially heterogeneous in a boreal lake
Authors: Grosbois Guillaume , del Giorgio Paul A. , Rautio Milla 
Published: December 2016

Summary

The proportion of consumer biomass from terrestrial origin (i.e. allochthony) has been shown to vary greatly among lakes and also seasonally, but has been assumed to be spatially homogeneous within a lake. Given that the distribution of different organic carbon (C) sources tends to be spatially patchy in most lakes, this assumption may not be warranted.

We tested this hypothesis using a spatially intensive sampling designed to capture the in‐lake heterogeneity in terrestrial inputs, phytoplankton, benthic algae and a dominant aquatic macrophyte (Brasenia schreberi: Cabombaceae) in a medium‐sized boreal lake, and used a dual‐isotope Bayesian mixing approach (δ13C, δ2H) to establish the degree of allochthony of the dominant copepod Leptodiaptomus minutus (Diaptomididae) across these sites. Samples were collected in spring when tributaries had high flow rates and aquatic primary producers (phytoplankton, macrophytes) had rapid growth rates, and in mid‐summer when tributary flows were at the lowest.

There was substantial spatial variability in the stable‐isotope composition of the copepod and consequently in its levels of allochthony in both seasons. Allochthony in L. minutus varied from 34 to 50% in spring and from 45 to 65% in summer, and this range was linked to the spatial variability in the main sources of organic C (terrestrial inputs via tributaries, B. schreberi and phytoplankton). Allochthony in L. minutus was lowest in areas dominated by macrophytes, and further influenced by the distribution of tributary‐derived terrestrial C across the lake. Macrophyte and phytoplankton carbon contributed, respectively, up to 28 and 38% during growing season (spring) to the diet of the L. minutus, while benthic algae contribution was negligible.

Our results clearly show that the reliance of zooplankton on terrestrial C may be spatially heterogeneous even in a relatively small lake and, in particular, that macrophytes, whose distribution is typically patchier than that of phytoplankton, may play a major role in shaping the spatial patterns of zooplankton allochthony in lakes.
Pain management intervention targeting nursing staff and general practitioners: Pain intensity, consequences and clinical relevance for nursing home residents
Authors: Dräger Dagmar , Budnick Andrea , Kuhnert Ronny , Kalinowski Sonja , Könner Franziska , Kreutz Reinhold 
Published: December 2016

AimAlthough chronic pain is common in older adults, its treatment is frequently inappropriate. This problem is particularly prevalent in nursing home residents. We therefore developed an intervention to optimize pain management and evaluated its effects on pain intensity and pain interference with function in nursing home residents in Germany.MethodsIn a cluster‐randomized controlled intervention, 195 residents of 12 Berlin nursing homes who were affected by pain were surveyed at three points of measurement. A modified German version of the Brief Pain Inventory was used to assess pain sites, pain intensity and pain interference with function in various domains of life. The intervention consisted of separate training measures for nursing staff and treating physicians.ResultsThe primary objective of reducing the mean pain intensity by 2 points was not achieved, partly because the mean pain intensity at baseline was relatively low. However, marginal reductions in pain were observed in the longitudinal assessment at 6‐month follow up. The intervention and control groups differed significantly in the intensity sum score and in the domain of walking. Furthermore, the proportion of respondents with pain scores >0 on three pain intensity items decreased significantly.ConclusionsGiven the multifocal nature of the pain experienced by nursing home residents, improving the pain situation of this vulnerable group is a major challenge. To achieve meaningful effects not only in pain intensity, but especially in pain interference with function, training measures for nursing staff and physicians need to be intensified, and long‐term implementation appears necessary. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1534–1543.
Walkable Neighborhood Systems
Authors: Lewis Sherman L. , Adhikari Kris 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThis essay defines walkable neighborhood systems, summarizes the negative impacts of suburbia on the economy as a whole, and presents indirect pricing as a major cause of suburbia. The paper proposes several pricing reforms and green mobility as solutions based on prices that reflect full costs. Several hypotheses are presented concerning the performance of walkable neighborhood systems and the concept of an inflection point for the takeoff of non‐auto modes when density within a walkable area reaches economies of scale. It proposes research on old neighborhoods as a way to quantify relationships in the absence of pricing reforms. The paper discusses building types and high rise, and how at highest densities there may be diminishing returns. While it is natural for most scholars to study dominant land uses, there is a need to understand better dense walking neighborhoods as solutions to the costs of suburbia and to enhance their functioning to show a path to a sustainable future.
CK2 phospho‐independent assembly of the Tel2‐associated stress‐signaling complexes in Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Inoue Haruna , Sugimoto Shizuka , Takeshita Yumiko , Takeuchi Miho , Hatanaka Mitsuko , Nagao Koji , Hayashi Takeshi , Kokubu Aya , Yanagida Mitsuhiro , Kanoh Junko 
Published: December 2016

An evolutionarily conserved protein Tel2 regulates a variety of stress signals. In mammals, TEL2 associates with TTI1 and TTI2 to form the Triple T (TTT: TEL2‐TTI1‐TTI2) complex as well as with all the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase‐like kinases (PIKKs) and the R2TP (Ruvbl1‐Ruvbl2‐Tah1‐Pih1 in budding yeast)/prefoldin‐like complex that associates with HSP90. The phosphorylation of TEL2 by casein kinase 2 (CK2) enables direct binding of PIHD1 (mammalian Pih1) to TEL2 and is important for the stability and the functions of PIKKs. However, the regulatory mechanisms of Tel2 in fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe remain largely unknown. Here, we report that S. pombe Tel2 is phosphorylated by CK2 at Ser490 and Thr493. Tel2 forms the TTT complex with Tti1 and Tti2 and also associates with PIKKs, Rvb2, and Hsp90 in vivo; however, the phosphorylation of Tel2 affects neither the stability of the Tel2‐associated proteins nor their association with Tel2. Thus, Tel2 stably associates with its binding partners irrespective of its phosphorylation. Furthermore, the Tel2 phosphorylation by CK2 is not required for the various stress responses to which PIKKs are pivotal. Our results suggest that the Tel2‐containing protein complexes are conserved among eukaryotes, but the molecular regulation of their formation has been altered during evolution.