bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term outcomes for primary glomerulonephritis: New Zealand Glomerulonephritis Study
Authors: Chembo Caroline L , Marshall Mark R , Williams Laurie C , Walker Robert J , Lynn Kelvin L , Irvine John , Pilmore Helen L 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAimsDue to the paucity of studies focusing on primary glomerulonephritis, the second commonest cause of end‐stage‐kidney‐disease in most of the developed world, we sought to review outcomes of these renal pathologies.MethodsWe reviewed renal outcomes and mortality for primary glomerulonephritis patients enrolled in the New Zealand Glomerulonephritis Study between 1972 and 1983.ResultsThere were 765 patients with median follow‐up of 30 years (range 0.1–42 years). They were predominantly New Zealand European, male and hypertensive. Poor renal outcomes and increased mortality were associated with hypertension, heavy proteinuria, impaired renal function and older age at diagnosis. Ethnicity was not significantly associated with progression to end‐stage‐kidney‐disease although NZ Maori patients were at significantly increased risk of death. Patients with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis had the highest risk of reaching end‐stage‐kidney‐disease while the cumulative incidence of end‐stage‐kidney‐disease was 20% and 30% for those with immunoglobulin‐A nephropathy and membranous nephropathy respectively. Mortality risk was high for patients with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and anti‐glomerular basement membrane disease. The era of diagnosis did not have much effect on outcomes except for patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis or immunoglobulin A nephropathy but this could be type II error.ConclusionWe report one of the longest follow‐up studies on biopsy‐proven glomerulonephritides. Age, hypertension, and severity of chronic kidney disease at diagnosis were strong predictors of the development of end‐stage‐kidney‐disease and death. The specific renal pathology had a profound impact upon prognosis and therefore should continue to drive efforts to find targeted therapeutic options for these glomerulonephritides.
Reduction of hydrogen sulfide synthesis enzymes in the esophagus of patients with achalasia: effect of hydrogen sulfide in achalasia
Authors: Zhang L. , Zhao W. , Zheng Z. , Wang T. , Zhao C. , Zhou G. , Jin H. , Wang B. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of the present study was to investigate whether the synthesis of endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) was altered in achalasia patients and to determine the effects of H2S on esophageal motility.Methods(1) Tissue samples in lower esophageal sphincter (LES) were obtained from 22 achalasia patients during peroral endoscopic myotomy. LES muscle from eight esophageal carcinoma patients was obtained as control. The expression of cystathionine‐β‐synthase (CBS) and cystathionine‐γ‐lyase (CSE) was detected by immunohistochemical staining. (2) Rabbit esophageal smooth muscle strips were used to measure isometric contractions. The effects of sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) and L‐cysteine on contractile activity and bethanechol‐stimulated contractile activity were evaluated. The contraction of esophageal muscle strips was also measured after the inhibition of CBS and CSE by aminooxyacetic acid (AOA) and propargylglycine (PAG).Key ResultsBoth CBS and CSE could be detected in biopsies from achalasia patients and controls. Compared with controls, the expression of CBS and CSE in the LES of achalasia patients was significantly reduced (p < 0.001). Both NaHS and L‐cysteine concentration‐dependently inhibited esophageal contractile activity (both p < 0.05). After inhibition of CBS and CSE by PAG and AOA, esophageal contractile activity increased significantly, and this effect could be restored by NaHS but not L‐cysteine (p < 0.05).Conclusions & InferencesH2S synthesis enzymes are significantly reduced in patients with achalasia compared with the controls. H2S inhibits esophageal contractile activity concentration‐dependently, and the inhibition of H2S synthesis enzymes increases esophageal contractile activity. H2S might be involved in the development of achalasia.
Adapting through glacial cycles: insights from a long‐lived tree (Taxus baccata)
Authors: Mayol Maria , Riba Miquel , González‐Martínez Santiago C. , Bagnoli Francesca , de Beaulieu Jacques‐Louis , Berganzo Elisa , Burgarella Concetta , Dubreuil Marta , Krajmerová Diana , Paule Ladislav , Romšáková Ivana , Vettori Cristina , Vincenot Lucie , Vendramin Giovanni G. 
Published: June 2015

Summary

Despite the large body of research devoted to understanding the role of Quaternary glacial cycles in the genetic divergence of European trees, the differential contribution of geographic isolation and/or environmental adaptation in creating population genetic divergence remains unexplored. In this study, we used a long‐lived tree (Taxus baccata) as a model species to investigate the impact of Quaternary climatic changes on genetic diversity via neutral (isolation‐by‐distance) and selective (isolation‐by‐adaptation) processes.

We applied approximate Bayesian computation to genetic data to infer its demographic history, and combined this information with past and present climatic data to assess the role of environment and geography in the observed patterns of genetic structure.

We found evidence that yew colonized Europe from the East, and that European samples diverged into two groups (Western, Eastern) at the beginning of the Quaternary glaciations, c. 2.2 Myr before present. Apart from the expected effects of geographical isolation during glacials, we discovered a significant role of environmental adaptation during interglacials at the origin of genetic divergence between both groups.

This process may be common in other organisms, providing new research lines to explore the effect of Quaternary climatic factors on present‐day patterns of genetic diversity.
Genetic interactions between diverged alleles of Early heading date 1 (Ehd1) and Heading date 3a (Hd3a)/ RICE FLOWERING LOCUS T1 (RFT1) control differential heading and contribute to regional adaptation in rice (Oryza sativa)
Authors: Zhao Jing , Chen Hongyi , Ren Ding , Tang Huiwu , Qiu Rong , Feng Jinglei , Long Yunming , Niu Baixiao , Chen Danping , Zhong Tianyu , Liu Yao‐Guang , Guo Jingxin 
Published: June 2015

Summary

Initiation of flowering, also called heading, in rice (Oryza sativa) is determined by the florigens encoded by Heading date 3a (Hd3a) and RICE FLOWERING LOCUS T1 (RFT1). Early heading date 1 (Ehd1) regulates Hd3a and RFT1. However, different rice varieties have diverged alleles of Ehd1 and Hd3a/RFT1 and their genetic interactions remain largely unclear.

Here we generated three segregating populations for different combinations of diverged Ehd1 and Hd3a/RFT1 alleles, and analyzed their genetic interactions between these alleles. We demonstrated that, in an ehd1 mutant background, Hd3a was silenced, but RFT1 was expressed (although at lower levels than in plants with a functional Ehd1) under short‐day (SD) and long‐day (LD) conditions.

We identified a nonfunctional RFT1 allele (rft1); the lines carrying homozygous ehd1 and Hd3a/rft1 failed to induce the floral transition under SD and LD conditions. Like Hd3a, RFT1 also interacted with 14‐3‐3 proteins, the florigen receptors, but a nonfunctional RFT1 with a crucial E105K mutation failed to interact with 14‐3‐3 proteins. Furthermore, analyses of sequence variation and geographic distribution suggested that functional RFT1 alleles were selected during rice adaptation to high‐latitude regions.

Our results demonstrate the important roles of RFT1 in rice flowering and regional adaptation.
The Casuarina NIN gene is transcriptionally activated throughout Frankia root infection as well as in response to bacterial diffusible signals
Authors: Clavijo Fernando , Diedhiou Issa , Vaissayre Virginie , Brottier Laurent , Acolatse Jennifer , Moukouanga Daniel , Crabos Amandine , Auguy Florence , Franche Claudine , Gherbi Hassen , Champion Antony , Hocher Valerie , Barker David , Bogusz Didier , Tisa Louis S. , Svistoonoff Sergio 
Published: June 2015

Summary

Root nodule symbioses (RNS) allow plants to acquire atmospheric nitrogen by establishing an intimate relationship with either rhizobia, the symbionts of legumes or Frankia in the case of actinorhizal plants. In legumes, NIN (Nodule INception) genes encode key transcription factors involved in nodulation.

Here we report the characterization of CgNIN, a NIN gene from the actinorhizal tree Casuarina glauca using both phylogenetic analysis and transgenic plants expressing either ProCgNIN::reporter gene fusions or CgNIN RNAi constructs.

We have found that CgNIN belongs to the same phylogenetic group as other symbiotic NIN genes and CgNIN is able to complement a legume nin mutant for the early steps of nodule development. CgNIN expression is correlated with infection by Frankia, including preinfection stages in developing root hairs, and is induced by culture supernatants. Knockdown mutants were impaired for nodulation and early root hair deformation responses were severely affected. However, no mycorrhizal phenotype was observed and no induction of CgNIN expression was detected in mycorrhizas.

Our results indicate that elements specifically required for nodulation include NIN and possibly related gene networks derived from the nitrate signalling pathways.
Maternal body mass index and risk of birth and maternal health outcomes in low‐ and middle‐income countries: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Rahman M. M. , Abe S. K. , Kanda M. , Narita S. , Rahman M. S. , Bilano V. , Ota E. , Gilmour S. , Shibuya K. 
Published: June 2015

SummaryWe conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of population‐based cohort studies of maternal body mass index (BMI) and risk of adverse birth and health outcomes in low‐ and middle‐income countries. PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and the British Nursing Index were searched from inception to February 2014. Forty‐two studies were included. Our study found that maternal underweight was significantly associated with higher risk of preterm birth (odds ratio [OR], 1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01–1.27), low birthweight (OR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.50–1.84) and small for gestational age (OR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.69–2.02). Compared with mothers with normal BMI, overweight or obese mothers were at increased odds of gestational diabetes, pregnancy‐induced hypertension, pre‐eclampsia, caesarean delivery and post‐partum haemorrhage. The population‐attributable risk (PAR) indicated that if women were entirely unexposed to overweight or obesity during the pre‐pregnancy or early pregnancy period, 14% to 35% fewer women would develop gestational diabetes, pre‐eclampsia or pregnancy‐induced hypertension in Brazil, China, India, Iran or Thailand. The highest PAR of low birthweight attributable to maternal underweight was found in Iran (20%), followed by India (18%), Thailand (10%) and China (8%). Treatment and prevention of maternal underweight, overweight or obesity may help reduce the burden on maternal and child health in developing countries.
Pulmonary Vein Isolation Using the First‐Generation Cryoballoon Technique in Chinese Patients
Authors: ZHOU GONG‐BU , GUO XIAO‐GANG , LIU XU , YANG JIAN‐DU , SUN QI , MA JIAN , ZHANG SHU 
Published: June 2015

BackgroundCryoballoon ablation is an alternative for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). We assess the relationship among pulmonary vein (PV) electrophysiology, balloon temperature, and persistent PV isolation (PVI), and report procedural properties, safety, and efficacy of this technique in a Chinese center for the first time.MethodsA total of 70 patients with paroxysmal (n = 57) and persistent (n = 13) AF were consecutively enrolled. PVI was performed with cryoballoon catheter. Real‐time recording of dissociation of PV potentials was attempted using a circumferential mapping catheter.ResultsSuccessful PVI was achieved in 274 of 282 (97.2%) PVs. Procedural duration was 115.2 ± 24.8 minutes and fluoroscopy time was 29.6 ± 8.9 minutes. Real‐time PV potential recording was achieved in 232 (84.3%) PVs. Regarding time to isolation, a cut‐off value of less than 60 seconds was predictive of persistent PVI with a sensitivity of 0.76 and specificity of 0.82 (area under curve = 0.835; P < 0.0001). The nadir balloon temperature was significantly lower in PVs without early reconduction (–46.3 ± 0.5°C vs –40.2 ± 1.3°C, P < 0.0001). However, there was an insignificant trend that the balloon temperature at isolation was higher in PVs without reconduction (–33.9 ± 0.7°C vs –36.4 ± 2.0°C, P = 0.14). The overall complication rate was 5.7%. After a median follow‐up of 6.5 (range 3.2–14.9) months, 76% of patients were free of AF recurrence with a blanking period of 3 months.ConclusionsReal‐time PV potentials can be recorded in most PVs. The time to isolation is predictive of the persistency of PVI. The nadir balloon temperature, not the balloon temperature at isolation, is significantly lower in PVs without reconduction.
QRS Duration Changes in Patients with Single Ventricle Physiology: Birth to 10 Years
Authors: KHAN SAIRAH , NADORLIK HOLLY , KERTESZ NAOMI , NICHOLSON LISA , RO PAMELA S. , CUA CLIFFORD L. 
Published: June 2015

BackgroundQRS prolongation may be a predictor of mortality in certain forms of congenital heart disease. Minimal data exist describing changes in QRS duration in patients with single ventricles (SVs). The goal was to describe changes in QRS duration in patients with SV and to determine if differences existed between single right ventricle (sRV) versus single left ventricle (sLV) patients.MethodsChart review was performed on patients with SV physiology. Patients were divided into sRV and sLV groups. QRS durations were measured monthly for the first 6 months, at 1 year, and then yearly until 10 years. t‐tests were used for analysis.ResultsOne hundred sixty patients were evaluated (95 sRV, 65 sLV). The greatest change in QRS duration for the entire cohort occurred in the first 6 months of life versus 6 months to 10 years of age (1.81 ms/month vs 0.20 ms/month). sRV QRS durations were significantly longer than sLV QRS durations at 1 year (78.9 ± 12.6 ms vs 73.2 ± 11.9 ms), 2 year (81.7 ± 14.7 ms vs 73.4 ± 12.5 ms), 4 year (84.2 ± 12.1 ms vs 77.9 ± 16.4 ms), 6 year (90.8 ± 12.7 ms vs 83.4 ± 13.4 ms), 7 year (90.8 ± 16.5 ms vs 81.2 ± 16.6 ms), and 8 year (96.7 ± 13.6 ms vs 84.8 ± 13.9 ms) time points.ConclusionThe greatest change in QRS duration in SV patients occurred in the first 6 months of life when these patients’ ventricles were volume loaded. Differences in QRS duration between sRV and sLV patients occurred early in life. Further studies are needed to determine if minimizing volume load early in life decreases the rate of change in QRS duration.
Sevoflurane exposure during the neonatal period induces long‐term memory impairment but not autism‐like behaviors
Authors: Chung Woosuk , Park Saegeun , Hong Jiso , Park Sangil , Lee Soomin , Heo Junyoung , Kim Daesoo , Ko Youngkwon 
Published: June 2015

SummaryObjectiveTo examine whether neonatal exposure to sevoflurane induces autism‐like behaviors in mice.BackgroundThere are continuing reports regarding the potential negative effects of anesthesia on the developing brain. Recently, several studies suggest that neurotoxicity caused by anesthesia may lead to neurodevelopmental impairments. However, unlike reports focusing on learning and memory, there are only a few animal studies focusing on neurodevelopmental disorders after general anesthesia. Therefore, we have focused on autism, a representative neurodevelopmental disorder.MethodsNeonatal mice (P6–7) were exposed to a titrated dose of sevoflurane for 6 h. Apoptosis was evaluated by assessing the expression level of cleaved (activated) caspase‐3. Autism‐like behaviors, general activity, anxiety level, and long‐term memory were evaluated with multiple behavioral assays.ResultsWestern blotting confirmed that neonatal exposure to sevoflurane increased the expression level of activated caspase‐3, indicative of apoptosis. Mice exposed to sevoflurane also showed impaired long‐term memory in fear tests. However, sevoflurane‐exposed mice did not exhibit autism‐like features in all of the following assays: social interaction (three‐chamber test, caged social interaction), social communication (ultrasonic vocalization test), or repetitive behavior (self‐grooming test, digging). There were also no differences in general activity (open field test, home cage activity) and anxiety (open field test, light‐dark box) after sevoflurane exposure.ConclusionsOur results confirm previous studies that neonatal sevoflurane exposure causes neurodegeneration and long‐term memory impairment in mice. However, sevoflurane did not induce autism‐like features. Our study suggests that mice are more vulnerable to long‐term memory deficits than autism‐like behaviors after exposure to sevoflurane.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in Children: a Multidisciplinary Approach and Invasive Techniques for the Management of Nonresponders
Authors: Rodriguez‐ Lopez Manuel J. , Fernandez‐Baena Mariano , Barroso Alex , Yáñez‐Santos Jose A. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractComplex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is multifactorial condition with complex pathogenesis characterized by spontaneous or stimulus‐induced pain that is disproportionate to the inciting event. It is also commonly accompanied by a myriad of autonomic and motor disturbances in highly variable combinations. This condition has been underreported in children until recently. Consequently, the management of CRPS in the pediatric population presents an even greater challenge than in adults, partly because there is a lack of clinical data concerning the efficacy of the diverse treatment methods available, and partly because successful treatment of CRPS involves a multidisciplinary approach. In this retrospective case series, a multidisciplinary management plan is presented in 10 children for whom the standard noninvasive treatment was unsuccessful. Within this management plan, novel drugs were included such as the capsaicin 8% patch, in addition to invasive techniques in patients who did not respond to noninvasive therapies.
Pedigree‐based analysis of derivation of genome segments of an elite rice reveals key regions during its breeding
Authors: Zhou Degui , Chen Wei , Lin Zechuan , Chen Haodong , Wang Chongrong , Li Hong , Yu Renbo , Zhang Fengyun , Zhen Gang , Yi Junliang , Li Kanghuo , Liu Yaoguang , Terzaghi William , Tang Xiaoyan , He Hang , Zhou Shaochuan , Deng Xing Wang 
Published: June 2015

SummaryAnalyses of genome variations with high‐throughput assays have improved our understanding of genetic basis of crop domestication and identified the selected genome regions, but little is known about that of modern breeding, which has limited the usefulness of massive elite cultivars in further breeding. Here we deploy pedigree‐based analysis of an elite rice, Huanghuazhan, to exploit key genome regions during its breeding. The cultivars in the pedigree were resequenced with 7.6× depth on average, and 2.1 million high‐quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were obtained. Tracing the derivation of genome blocks with pedigree and information on SNPs revealed the chromosomal recombination during breeding, which showed that 26.22% of Huanghuazhan genome are strictly conserved key regions. These major effect regions were further supported by a QTL mapping of 260 recombinant inbred lines derived from the cross of Huanghuazhan and a very dissimilar cultivar, Shuanggui 36, and by the genome profile of eight cultivars and 36 elite lines derived from Huanghuazhan. Hitting these regions with the cloned genes revealed they include numbers of key genes, which were then applied to demonstrate how Huanghuazhan were bred after 30 years of effort and to dissect the deficiency of artificial selection. We concluded the regions are helpful to the further breeding based on this pedigree and performing breeding by design. Our study provides genetic dissection of modern rice breeding and sheds new light on how to perform genomewide breeding by design.
Melanopsin photoreception in the eye regulates light‐induced skin colour changes through the production of α‐MSH in the pituitary gland
Authors: Bertolesi Gabriel E. , Hehr Carrie L. , McFarlane Sarah 
Published: June 2015

SummaryHow skin colour adjusts to circadian light/dark cycles is poorly understood. Melanopsin (Opn4) is expressed in melanophores, where in vitro studies suggest it regulates skin pigmentation through a ‘primary colour response’ in which light photosensitivity is translated directly into pigment movement. However, the entrainment of the circadian rhythm is regulated by a population of melanopsin‐expressing retinal ganglion cells (mRGCs) in the eye. Therefore, in vivo, melanopsin may trigger a ‘secondary colour response’ initiated in the eye and controlled by the neuro‐endocrine system. We analysed the expression of opn4m and opn4x and melanin aggregation induced by light (background adaptation) in Xenopus laevis embryos. While opn4m and opn4x are expressed at early developmental times, light‐induced pigment aggregation requires the eye to become functional. Pharmacological inhibition of melanopsin suggests a model whereby mRGC activation lightens skin pigmentation via a secondary response involving negative regulation of alpha‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (α‐MSH) secretion by the pituitary.
Recurrent Kawasaki disease: USA and Japan
Authors: Maddox Ryan A , Holman Robert C , Uehara Ritei , Callinan Laura S , Guest Jodie L , Schonberger Lawrence B , Nakamura Yosikazu , Yashiro Mayumi , Belay Ermias D 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundDescriptive epidemiologic studies of recurrent and non‐recurrent Kawasaki disease (KD) may identify other potentially important differences between these illnesses.MethodsData from the USA and Japan, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) national KD surveillance(1984–2008) and the 17th Japanese nationwide survey (2001–2002), respectively, were analyzed to examine recurrent KD patients <18 years of age meeting the CDC KD case or atypical KD case definition. These patients were compared with non‐recurrent KD patients.ResultsOf the 5557 US KD patients <18 years of age during 1984–2008, 97 (1.7%) were identified as having had recurrent KD. Among the US Asian/Pacific Islander KD patients, 3.5% had recurrent KD, which was similar to the percentage identified among KD patients (3.5%) in the Japanese survey. Compared with non‐recurrent KD patients, KD patients [with recurrent KD] were more likely to be older, fulfill the atypical KD case definition, and have coronary artery abnormalities (CAA) despite i.v. immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment.ConclusionsDifferences in the age, race, and frequency of CAA exist between recurrent and non‐recurrent KD patients. The increased association of CAA with recurrent KD suggests that more aggressive treatment strategies in conjunction with IVIG may be indicated for the second episode of KD.