bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Yield enhancement by short‐term imposition of severe water deficit in the vegetative growth stage of grain sorghum
Authors: Adams C. B. , Erickson J. E. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWater deficit is generally thought to negatively impact crop yields, including grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.), but a small body of literature reports changes in crop physiology and growth in plants with short‐term imposition of water deficit during vegetative development that could lead to increased yield. In a replicated and repeated pot experiment in which water deficit was imposed for 10‐day periods in grain sorghum plants that were otherwise well‐watered, we tested the hypothesis that relatively severe, short‐term water deficit imposed during early vegetative development could enhance grain sorghum yield. The results showed that severe water deficit (~30% of control ET) imposed during two vegetative periods enhanced grain yield compared to continuously well‐watered plants by 21% (p = .0356). Grain yield was correlated with average grain weight, grain number per head and shoot‐to‐root ratio. Yield enhancement was associated with a substantial shift in resource partitioning, as water deficit reduced root mass (p = .0032), stem/leaf mass (p < .0001) and total biomass (p = .0005), resulting in a 60% increase in harvest index. Imposition of water stress during vegetative growth in sorghum can increase grain yield.
Paclobutrazol improves salt tolerance in quinoa: Beyond the stomatal and biochemical interventions
Authors: Waqas M. , Yaning C. , Iqbal H. , Shareef M. , Rehman H. , Yang Y. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractQuinoa is gaining importance on global scale due to its excellent nutritious profile and environmental stress‐enduring potential. Its production decreases under high salt stress but can be improved with paclobutrazol application. This study showed involvement of some potential protective mechanisms in root and leaf tissues of quinoa plants treated with paclobutrazol (PBZ) against high salinity. The treatment levels were based on preliminary experiments, and it was found that salt stress (400 mm NaCl) markedly reduced growth and photosynthetic pigments while PBZ (20 mg/L) application significantly improved these attributes. Stomata density and aperture declined on adaxial and abaxial surfaces of leaves due to salinity. Paclobutrazol application significantly improved the stomatal density on both surfaces of leaves. Concentration of proline and soluble sugars increased in root and leaf tissues under salinity, which was more obvious in PBZ‐treated plants. Salinity stress induced the oxidative damage by increasing lipid peroxidation (MDA) level in roots and more specifically in leaf tissues. However, PBZ treatments ameliorated the drastic effects of salinity and markedly reduced oxidative damage in salt‐stressed quinoa plants. Enhanced activity of enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) was triggered by PBZ application, more pronounced in leaf than root tissues. Based on these findings, we conclude that PBZ application improves the salt tolerance in quinoa by activation of the above‐mentioned physiological and biochemical mechanisms specifically in leaves.
Hemoglobin Concentration Influences N‐Terminal Pro B‐Type Natriuretic Peptide Levels in Hospitalized Older Adults with and without Heart Failure
Authors: Lelli Diana , Antonelli Incalzi Raffaele , Pedone Claudio 
Published: May 2017

ObjectivesTo investigate the relationship between hemoglobin and N‐terminal pro B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) concentration in hospitalized older adults with or without a diagnosis of heart failure (HF).DesignCross‐sectional study based on retrospective hospital records review.SettingGeriatric acute care ward.ParticipantsIndividuals aged 65 and older (N = 226; mean age 81.1), with (n = 104) and without (n = 122) a diagnosis of HF.MeasurementsInformation was collected on demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and laboratory and echocardiographic data. The relationship between hemoglobin and NT‐proBNP was evaluated using linear regression models adjusted for potential confounders.ResultsA negative association was found between NT‐proBNP and hemoglobin (β = −0.226, P < .001). The regression coefficient was −0.114 (P = .04) in the subsample with HF and −0.191 (P < .001) in the subsample without HF. After adjustment for potential confounders, the inverse association between hemoglobin and NT‐proBNP was confirmed in the whole sample (β = −0.182, P < .001), in those with HF (β = −0.136, P = .007), and in those without HF (β = −0.165, P = .003).ConclusionHemoglobin concentration should be taken into account in the interpretation of NT‐proBNP in hospitalized older adults, especially those without HF.
Reduced muscle strength in ether lipid‐deficient mice is accompanied by altered development and function of the neuromuscular junction
Authors: Dorninger Fabian , Herbst Ruth , Kravic Bojana , Camurdanoglu Bahar Z. , Macinkovic Igor , Zeitler Gerhard , Forss‐Petter Sonja , Strack Siegfried , Khan Muzamil Majid , Waterham Hans R. , Rudolf Rüdiger , Hashemolhosseini Said , Berger Johannes 
Published: May 2017

AbstractInherited deficiency in ether lipids, a subgroup of phospholipids whose biosynthesis needs peroxisomes, causes the fatal human disorder rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata. The exact roles of ether lipids in the mammalian organism and, therefore, the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease are still largely enigmatic. Here, we used glyceronephosphate O‐acyltransferase knockout (Gnpat KO) mice to study the consequences of complete inactivation of ether lipid biosynthesis and documented substantial deficits in motor performance and muscle strength of these mice. We hypothesized that, probably in addition to previously described cerebellar abnormalities and myelination defects in the peripheral nervous system, an impairment of neuromuscular transmission contributes to the compromised motor abilities. Structurally, a morphologic examination of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) in diaphragm muscle at different developmental stages revealed aberrant axonal branching and a strongly increased area of nerve innervation in Gnpat KO mice. Post‐synaptically, acetylcholine receptor (AChR) clusters colocalized with nerve terminals within a widened endplate zone. In addition, we detected atypical AChR clustering, as indicated by decreased size and number of clusters following stimulation with agrin, in vitro. The turnover of AChRs was unaffected in ether lipid‐deficient mice. Electrophysiological evaluation of the adult diaphragm indicated that although evoked potentials were unaltered in Gnpat KO mice, ether lipid deficiency leads to fewer spontaneous synaptic vesicle fusion events but, conversely, an increased post‐synaptic response to spontaneous vesicle exocytosis. We conclude from our findings that ether lipids are essential for proper development and function of the NMJ and may, therefore, contribute to motor performance.
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Anti‐adhesive effects of a newly developed two‐layered gelatin sheet in dogs
Authors: Torii Hiroko , Takagi Toshitaka , Urabe Mamoru , Tsujimoto Hiroyuki , Ozamoto Yuki , Miyamoto Hiroe , Ikada Yoshihito , Hagiwara Akeo 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAimAdhesion after pelvic surgery causes infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and ileus or abdominal pain. The materials currently available for clinical use are insufficient. The purpose of this study was to develop an anti‐adhesive material that overcomes the limitations of conventional anti‐adhesive agents.MethodsThe adhesion prevention effects of three methods – a two‐layered sheet composed of gelatin film and gelatin sponge, Seprafilm and INTERCEED – were evaluated in 37 dogs. Anti‐adhesive effects were investigated macroscopically and microscopically in a cauterized uterus adhesion model. Cell growth on the materials in vitro using human peritoneal mesothelial cells, fibroblasts and uterine smooth muscle cells were also evaluated.ResultsThe two‐layered gelatin sheet had significantly superior anti‐adhesive effects compared to the conventional materials (Seprafilm and INTERCEED). A single‐cell layer of mature mesothelium formed three weeks after surgery in the gelatin group. Peritoneum regeneration in the Seprafilm and INTERCEED groups was delayed and incomplete in the early phase. Little inflammation around the materials occurred and cell growth was significantly proliferated with the gelatin sheet.ConclusionThe anti‐adhesive effects of a two‐layered gelatin sheet were superior to conventional agents in a cauterized canine uterus model, demonstrating early regeneration of the peritoneum, little inflammation and material endurance. The newly developed two‐layered gelatin sheet is a useful option as an anti‐adhesive agent for deeply injured and hemorrhagic sites.
Utility of the maximum standardized uptake value on positron emission tomography for predicting therapeutic effect in recurrent gynecological malignancies: A preliminary study
Authors: Matsumoto Hironori , Kobayashi Yoichi , Dozono Kei , Nishigaya Yoshiko , Shibuya Hiromi , Momomura Mai , Iwashita Mitshutoshi 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAimThe maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of primary tumors in positron emission tomography can be used to predict prognosis in various cancers, but its significance in recurrent tumors remains unclear. In the present study, we evaluated the utility of the SUVmax for predicting therapeutic effects in recurrent gynecological malignancies.MethodsFrom February 2012 to July 2014, patients with recurrent gynecological cancer who were treated with chemotherapy or radiotherapy were enrolled in this study. The SUVmax of recurrent lesions before treatment were compared to the therapeutic effects.ResultsFifty patients with recurrent gynecological cancer were enrolled. The mean SUVmax was significantly higher in patients with stable disease/progressive disease than in patients who achieved complete remission/partial remission (13.24 ± 9.78 vs 8.61 ± 5.34, P = 0.039). In patients who were administered chemotherapy, the SUVmax was significantly higher in those with stable disease/progressive disease than in those who achieved complete remission/partial remission (13.24 ± 9.78 vs 8.61 ± 5.34, P = 0.0392) as well as those administered radiotherapy or concurrent chemoradiation therapy (18.15 ± 3.25 vs 11.33 ± 3.98, P = 0.0073). In ovarian cancer patients administered chemotherapy, when the cut‐off value of the SUVmax was set as 6.94, the sensitivity and specificity of predicting therapeutic effects were 0.75 and 0.846, respectively.ConclusionAlthough the number of enrolled cases was small, our study revealed that the SUVmax in recurrent gynecological tumors might predict therapeutic effects. If the SUVmax is relatively high, multimodal therapy, including surgical removal, should be considered.
The cellular character of liquefaction degeneration in oral lichen planus and the role of interferon gamma
Authors: Liu Yuan , Liu Guicai , Liu Qing , Tan Jun , Hu Xin , Wang Jinjin , Wang Qintao , Wang Xinwen 
Published: May 2017

BackgroundOral lichen planus (OLP) is a T‐cell‐mediated chronic inflammatory oral mucosal disease of unknown etiology, and liquefaction degeneration in the basal keratinocytes is one of the specific histological changes. However, the understanding of liquefaction degeneration is still very limited, and how does it affect the prognosis of LP is largely unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to clarify the intrinsic change behind the liquefaction degeneration in lichen planus and to evaluate the effect of the OLP‐typical cytokine, IFN‐γ, on these changes.Materials and MethodsBiopsies were collected from patients with OLP; immunochemistry staining was performed to analyze E‐cadherin, vimentin, CK19, β1 integrin, nestin, STAT1, and STAT3 expression. Primary oral epithelial cells were cultured in vitro, and 20 ng/mL IFN‐γ was applied to assay the effect on epithelial cells.ResultsE‐cadherin expression was decreased but vimentin expression was increased in the OLP epithelial cells that undergo liquefaction degeneration, showing the typical epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) alteration. In vitro research showed that the OLP‐typical cytokine, IFN‐γ, possesses EMT‐inducing ability, and the primary oral epithelial cells stimulated by IFN‐γ acquired some properties of cancer stem cells, expressing more β1 integrin, α6 integrin, and nestin. In addition, the major downstream mediator of IFN‐γ receptor, STAT1, was expressed more intensive and extensive with the malignant transition of OLP.ConclusionLiquefaction degeneration in oral lichen planus is an EMT phenomenon, the IFN‐γ may be the main inducer, and IFN‐γ signaling might be implicated in malignant transition of OLP.
Genetics of Hereditary Ataxia in Scottish Terriers
Authors: Urkasemsin G. , Nielsen D.M. , Singleton A. , Arepalli S. , Hernandez D. , Agler C. , Olby N.J. 
Published: May 2017

BackgroundScottish Terriers have a high incidence of juvenile onset hereditary ataxia primarily affecting the Purkinje neuron of the cerebellar cortex and causing slowly progressive cerebellar dysfunction.ObjectiveTo identify chromosomal regions associated with hereditary ataxia in Scottish Terriers.AnimalsOne hundred and fifty‐three Scottish Terriers were recruited through the Scottish Terrier Club of America.Materials and MethodsProspective study. Dogs were classified as affected if they had slowly progressive cerebellar signs. When possible, magnetic resonance imaging and histopathological evaluation of the brain were completed as diagnostic aids. To identify genomic regions connected with the disease, genome‐wide mapping was performed using both linkage‐ and association‐based approaches. Pedigree evaluation and homozygosity mapping were also performed to examine mode of inheritance and to investigate the region of interest, respectively.ResultsLinkage and genome‐wide association studies in a cohort of Scottish Terriers both identified a region on CFA X strongly associated with the disease trait. Homozygosity mapping revealed a 4 Mb region of interest. Pedigree evaluation failed to identify the possible mode of inheritance due to the lack of complete litter information.Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceThis finding suggests that further genetic investigation of the potential region of interest on CFA X should be considered in order to identify the causal mutation as well as develop a genetic test to eliminate the disease from this breed.
Theoretical calculations of bite force in billfishes
Authors: Habegger M. L. , Huber D. H. , Lajeunesse M. J. , Motta P. J. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBite force is one of the most utilized performance measures due to its association with feeding and consequently fitness. Due to their large size and the concomitant increase in the adductor muscles it is expected that apex predators may rely on high biting performance allowing for increased dietary breadth. Billfish are apex marine predators characterized by the extreme elongation of the upper jaw bones forming a rostrum. This structure has been shown to facilitate prey capture and processing, but little is known as to whether this elongated structure has had an effect on biting performance in this group of enigmatic fishes. The goal of this study was to investigate bite force among five billfish species differing in size and rostrum morphology, and to determine the relationship between bite force and cranial anatomy. Because prey processing is partially decoupled from the oral jaws in these fishes, we hypothesized that bite force will be relatively low in billfishes compared to other fish, and that mass specific bite force will be inversely proportional to rostrum length. Anterior and posterior values of bite force ranged from 29 to 330 N and 99 to 1361 N, respectively among billfish species. Although absolute bite forces reached high values, mass specific bite force was among the lowest recorded for cartilaginous and bony fishes. Contrary to our hypothesis, rostrum length was not a predictor of bite force. The evolution of this novel structure, however, has been demonstrated to have a role in feeding, and the relatively low bite force in billfishes may indicate a lack of dependence on this performance metric for prey capture and processing.
Buffering the Uneven Impact of the Affordable Care Act: Immigrant‐serving Safety‐net Providers in New Mexico
Authors: Getrich Christina M. , García Jacqueline M. , Solares Angélica , Kano Miria 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWe conducted a study in early 2014 to document how the initial implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) affected health care provision to different categories of immigrants from the perspective of health care providers in New Mexico. Though ACA navigators led enrollment, a range of providers nevertheless became involved by necessity, expressing concern about how immigrants were faring in the newly configured health care environment and taking on advocacy roles. Providers described interpreting shifting eligibility and coverage, attending to vulnerable under/uninsured patients, and negotiating new bureaucratic barriers for insured patients. Findings suggest that, like past efforts, this recent reform to the fragmented health care system has perpetuated a condition in which safety‐net clinics and providers are left to buffer a widening gap for immigrant patients. With possible changes to the ACA ahead, safety‐net providers’ critical buffering roles will likely become more crucial, underscoring the necessity of examining their experiences with past reforms.
Timing of food introduction and development of food sensitization in a prospective birth cohort
Authors: Tran Maxwell M. , Lefebvre Diana L. , Dai David , Dharma Christoffer , Subbarao Padmaja , Lou Wendy , Azad Meghan B. , Becker Allan B. , Mandhane Piush J. , Turvey Stuart E. , Sears Malcolm R. ,   the CHILD Study Investigators
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe effect of infant feeding practices on the development of food allergy remains controversial. We examined the relationship between timing and patterns of food introduction and sensitization to foods at age 1 year in the Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development (CHILD) birth cohort study.MethodsNutrition questionnaire data prospectively collected at age 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months were used to determine timing of introduction of cow's milk products, egg, and peanut. At age 1 year, infants underwent skin prick testing to cow's milk, egg white, and peanut. Logistic regression models were fitted to assess the impact of timing of food exposures on sensitization outcomes, and latent class analysis was used to study patterns of food introduction within the cohort.ResultsAmong 2124 children with sufficient data, delaying introduction of cow's milk products, egg, and peanut beyond the first year of life significantly increased the odds of sensitization to that food (cow's milk adjOR 3.69, 95% CI 1.37‐9.08; egg adjOR 1.89, 95% CI 1.25‐2.80; peanut adjOR 1.76, 95% CI 1.07‐3.01). Latent class analysis produced a three‐class model: early, usual, and delayed introduction. A pattern of delayed introduction, characterized by avoidance of egg and peanut during the first year of life, increased the odds of sensitization to any of the three tested foods (adjOR 1.78, 95% CI 1.26‐2.49).ConclusionsAvoidance of potentially allergenic foods during the first year of life significantly increased the odds of sensitization to the corresponding foods.
Relationship between maternal depression and bonding failure: A prospective cohort study of pregnant women
Authors: Ohara Masako , Okada Takashi , Kubota Chika , Nakamura Yukako , Shiino Tomoko , Aleksic Branko , Morikawa Mako , Yamauchi Aya , Uno Yota , Murase Satomi , Goto Setsuko , Kanai Atsuko , Masuda Tomoko , Ando Masahiko , Ozaki Norio 
Published: May 2017

AimAlthough the association between maternal depression and bonding failure during pregnancy and after delivery has been investigated, the causal relationships remain unclear.MethodsA total of 751 women (mean [SD] age, 32.1 [4.4] years) completed the Mother–Infant Bonding Questionnaire and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale during early pregnancy before week 25 (T1), during late pregnancy around week 36 (T2), and at 5 days after delivery (T3). We created a structural regression model to clarify the relationships between depressive mood and bonding failure during pregnancy and at 5 days after delivery. The model was tested with structural equation modeling.ResultsOur non‐recursive model fit the data well, and we found that: (i) during T2, bonding failure predicted depressive mood (P < 0.01, r = 0.23); (ii) at T3, bonding failure predicted depressive mood (P < 0.05, r = 0.31); (iii) during T1, depressive mood was correlated with bonding failure (P < 0.01, r = 0.45); (iv) depressive mood during T1 predicted depressive mood during T2 (P < 0.01, r = 0.58); (v) depressive mood during T2 predicted depressive mood at T3 (P < 0.01, r = 0.45); (vi) bonding failure during T1 predicted bonding failure during T2 (P < 0.01, r = 0.84); and (vii) bonding failure during T2 predicted bonding failure at T3 (P < 0.01, r = 0.44). The determinant coefficients of depressive mood and bonding failure at T3 were 0.41 and 0.28, respectively.ConclusionOur large‐scale cohort study indicates that bonding failure predicts depressive mood during pregnancy and 5 days after delivery. These findings suggest that protection and support for pregnant women with depressive mood and bonding failure may prevent both issues during pregnancy and the early stage after delivery.
Atenolol Versus Propranolol for Treatment of Infantile Hemangiomas During the Proliferative Phase: A Retrospective Noninferiority Study
Authors: Bayart Cheryl B. , Tamburro Joan E. , Vidimos Allison T. , Wang Lu , Golden Alex B. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesThe nonselective beta‐blocker propranolol is the current criterion standard for treatment of infantile hemangiomas (IHs) and the first therapy that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved for the condition, but concern about adverse effects, such as bronchospasm, hypoglycemia, and sleep disturbances, has sparked interest in the use of alternative agents such as the selective β1 antagonist atenolol. Our aim was to compare the efficacy and adverse effect profiles of atenolol with those of propranolol in the treatment of IHs in a retrospective noninferiority trial.MethodsTwenty‐seven children with IHs treated with atenolol according to the Cleveland Clinic foundation's standardized clinical assessment and management plan (SCAMP) met inclusion criteria and were compared with a matched group of 53 children with IHs treated with propranolol. Three reviewers assessed response to therapy using a modified version of the previously validated Hemangioma Activity Score (HAS).ResultsThe mean change in HAS was −2.94 ± 1.20 for patients treated with atenolol and −2.96 ± 1.42 for those treated with propranolol. There was no statistically significant difference in pre‐ and posttreatment modified HAS scores between the two groups (p = 0.60). There was no significant difference in the overall rate of adverse effects (p = 0.10), although 11% of patients treated with propranolol experienced reactive airway symptoms, whereas this was not seen in any of the patients treated with atenolol.ConclusionOur study supports previous findings that atenolol is at least as effective as propranolol for treatment of IHs and poses less risk of bronchospasm. Our SCAMP proposes guidelines for dosing and monitoring parameters.