bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Causal relationship between body mass index and fetuin‐A level in the asian population: a bidirectional mendelian randomization study
Authors: Thakkinstian Ammarin , Chailurkit Laor , Warodomwichit Daruneewan , Ratanachaiwong Wipa , Yamwong Sukit , Chanprasertyothin Suwannee , Attia John , Sritara Piyamitr , Ongphiphadhanakul Boonsong 
Published: July 2013

SummaryObjectiveFetuin‐A is associated with body mass index (BMI) as well as components of the metabolic syndrome. However, it is unclear if fetuin‐A affects BMI or the other way around. We therefore assessed the causal association between fetuin‐A and BMI or vice versa, utilizing a bidirectional Mendelian randomization approach.Design and MethodsThis was a study of 2558 subjects from the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) cohort. Two polymorphisms, that is, rs2248690 in the alpha2‐Hereman‐Schmid glycoprotein (AHSG) gene and rs9939609 in the fat mass and obesity‐associated (FTO) gene were genotyped. Bidirectional causal models were constructed using a two‐stage least‐square instrumental variable (IV) regression. First, rs2248690 locus was used as the instrumental variable for the effect of circulating fetuin‐A on BMI, and then, the FTO rs9939609 locus was used as the instrumental variable for the effect of BMI on circulating fetuin‐A.ResultsAmong the 2558 subjects, the prevalence of the minor AHSG (T) and FTO (A) alleles was 17·9% and 22·1%, respectively. The AHSG rs2248690 locus was highly related to serum fetuin‐A levels (P < 0·001). Likewise, the FTO rs9939609 locus and BMI were highly associated (P < 0·001). Mendelian randomization analyses showed that circulating fetuin‐A, instrumented by the AHSG rs2248690 locus, was associated with BMI (coefficient = 2·26; 95% CI: 0·39, 4·12). In contrast, BMI, instrumented by the FTO rs9939609 locus, was not associated with circulating fetuin‐A (coefficient = 0·0007; 95% CI: −0·0242, 0·0256).ConclusionOur findings suggest a causal association leading from circulating fetuin‐A to BMI. There was no evidence of reverse causality from BMI to fetuin‐A.
Motor learning in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy and the role of sensation in short‐term motor training of goal‐directed reaching
Authors: Robert Maxime T , Guberek Rhona , Sveistrup Heidi , Levin Mindy F 
Published: July 2013

AimOur aim was to determine if improved upper limb kinematics in children with cerebral palsy (CP) during a reach‐to‐grasp task could be retained and transferred to a similar task. We also characterized the relationship between sensation and motor learning.MethodWe used a prospective, single‐participant research design with 16 children (seven males, nine females; mean/median age 8.6/9y; age range 6–11y) with spastic hemiparesis (Manual Ability Classification System levels II–IV). Children were randomly allocated to one of two groups: (1) task‐oriented training with or (2) without trunk restraint. The intervention consisted of three 1‐hour sessions per week for 5 weeks (total 15h). Evaluations consisted of sensory modalities (tactile threshold, touch, proprioception, stereognosis) and upper limb kinematics during reach‐to‐grasp of an object located near and far from the body (five assessments: three pre‐intervention, immediately post‐intervention and 3mo post‐intervention).ResultsMotor improvements could be retained 3 months after the intervention and transferred to a similar task in children with CP. Proprioception and tactile thresholds were associated with retention of improvements in endpoint velocity (F2,13=4.832, p=0.027).InterpretationPractice of activities aimed at improving upper limb kinematics led to better learning and retention of movement patterns in children with CP. Our results underline the importance of sensation for motor learning in children with CP.
Two‐ and Three‐Dimensional Transthoracic Echocardiography in the Assessment of Acquired Ascending Aortic Aneurysm to Pulmonary Artery Fistula
Authors: Roomi Asad Ullah , Kemaloglu Oz Tugba , Williams Shammah O. , Nanda Navin C. , Mehta Kruti J. , Sungur Aylin , McGiffin David C. 
Published: July 2013

Aorta to pulmonary artery fistula is an uncommon and potentially fatal condition. This case is of a 48‐year‐old Caucasian male with congestive heart failure and multiple aortic valve replacement surgeries who presented with an acquired ascending aortic aneurysm to pulmonary artery fistula diagnosed using two‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography via nonstandard imaging windows. Three‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography using live/real time three‐dimensional color Doppler was used to assess the size of the opening of the fistula, providing additional value. This patient was surgically managed and is doing well 8 months postoperation.
Smart Nature. Aortico‐Left Ventricular Tunnel Bypassing Congenital Critical Aortic Stenosis
Authors: Paech Christian , Pfeil Nicole , Wagner Robert , Kostelka Martin , Weidenbach Michael 
Published: July 2013

Mini‐AbstractThe presented case illustrates a neonate with aortico‐left ventricular tunnel (ALVT) and critical aortic stenosis (AS), who successfully underwent Ross procedure. Case: A neonate presented with critical AS due to a dysplastic aortic valve and an ALVT, consisting of an aneurysmatic, extracardiac component and an aortic insertion of the tunnel just above the right coronary sinus. The child underwent successful Ross operation and resection of the ALVT on 9th day of life. Follow‐up showed normal left ventricular function and no AS. Conclusion: This is the first reported case of ALVT and critical AS that underwent successful neonatal Ross procedure.
Detrimental effects of plant compounds on a polyembryonic parasitoid are mediated through its highly polyphagous herbivore host
Authors: Lampert Evan C. , Bowers M. Deane 
Published: July 2013

AbstractPlant defensive compounds can have sometimes severe deleterious effects on both herbivores and their natural enemies. Iridoid glycosides (IGs) are defensive compounds that are well established as deterrent to several generalist herbivores and generalist predators. Trichoplusia ni Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is exceptional among generalist herbivores for its ability to tolerate and thrive when feeding upon IG‐producing plant species; however, it is not known whether the compounds themselves have a harmful effect on T. ni and whether the effects in turn affect its oligophagous endoparasitoid Copidosoma floridanum Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae). To examine these effects, a semi‐purified extract of the IG‐containing plant Plantago lanceolata L. (Plantaginaceae), containing the IGs aucubin and catalpol, was added to artificial diets at 0, 1, 5, or 10% diet dry weight. These diets were fed to both C. floridanum‐parasitized and unparasitized T. ni. Diets higher in IGs tended to be more toxic to both parasitized and unparasitized larvae: host larvae that did survive were slightly smaller and took longer to develop on higher IG diets and total clutch size and survival of the parasitoid C. floridanum were greatly reduced as the host's dietary intake of IGs increased. Only small amounts of aucubin were detected inside the T. ni hemocoel, suggesting that the negative effect of these compounds on C. floridanum is due to nutritional quality of the host being reduced rather than direct toxic effects of the compounds.
Evolution of pre‐zygotic and post‐zygotic barriers to gene flow among three cryptic species within the Anastrepha fraterculus complex
Authors: Rull Juan , Abraham Solana , Kovaleski Adalecio , Segura Diego F. , Mendoza Mariana , Liendo M. Clara , Vera M. Teresa 
Published: July 2013

AbstractTropical tephritids are ideally suited for studies on population divergence and speciation because they include species groups undergoing rapid radiation, in which morphologically cryptic species and sister species are abundant. The fraterculus species group in the Neotropical genus Anastrepha is a case in point, as it is composed of a complex of up to seven A. fraterculus morphotypes proposed to be cryptic species. Here, we document pre‐ and post‐zygotic barriers to gene flow among adults of the Mexican A. fraterculus morphotype and three populations (Argentina, Brazil, and Peru) belonging to two separate morphotypes (Brazilian 1 and Peruvian). We unveiled three forms of pre‐zygotic reproductive isolation resulting in strong assortative mating. In field cages, free‐ranging male and female A. fraterculus displayed a strong tendency to form couples with members of the opposite sex belonging to their own morphotype, suggesting that male pheromone emission, courtship displays, or both intervene in shaping female choice before actual contact and coupling. In addition, males and females of the Peruvian morphotype became receptive and mated significantly later than adults of the Mexican and Brazilian 1 morphotypes. After contact, Mexican females exhibited greater mating discrimination than males when facing adults of the opposite sex belonging to either the Peruvian or the Brazilian 1 morphotype as evidenced by vigorous resistance to penetration once they had been forcefully mounted by heterotypic males. Forced copulations resulted in production of F1 hybrids that were either less viable (and partially fertile) than parental crosses or even sterile. Our results suggest that the Mexican morphotype is a distinct biological entity and that pre‐zygotic reproductive isolation through divergence in courtship or male‐produced pheromone and other mechanisms appear to evolve faster than post‐zygotic isolation in the fraterculus species group.
Reproductive strategies of the larval parasitoid Microplitis croceipes
Authors: Makatiani Jacqueline Kubochi , Bruce Anani Yaovi , Schulthess Fritz , Takasu Keiji 
Published: July 2013

AbstractMate choice may have important consequences for offspring sex ratio and fitness of haplodiploid insects. Mate preference of females of the solitary larval parasitoid Microplitis croceipes (Cresson) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) for virgin and mated males, and vice versa, and the reproductive consequences (i.e., the sex ratio expressed as the proportion of male offspring) were examined in choice and non‐choice experiments. In addition, the effect of repeated rapid and daily copulation of an individual male on the sex ratio of offspring of the female mates was assessed. Males preferred virgins over mated females, whereas females copulated with a male irrespective of his mating status. In both the rapid and daily copulation assay, females copulating with a male that had copulated five times or more produced a higher sex ratio than females that had copulated with a virgin male. Females that copulated with virgin males once or twice produced a significantly and considerably lower sex ratio than females that first copulated with a sperm‐depleted male followed by a virgin male. This indicates that copulating with a sperm‐depleted male has costs and limits acquisition by the female of sperm from virgin males.
Loss‐of‐function KCNH2 mutation in a family with long QT syndrome, epilepsy, and sudden death
Authors: Partemi Sara , Cestèle Sandrine , Pezzella Marianna , Campuzano Oscar , Paravidino Roberta , Pascali Vincenzo L. , Zara Federico , Tassinari Carlo Alberto , Striano Salvatore , Oliva Antonio , Brugada Ramon , Mantegazza Massimo , Striano Pasquale 
Published: July 2013

SummaryThere has been increased interest in a possible association between epilepsy channelopathies and cardiac arrhythmias, such as long QT syndrome (LQTS). We report a kindred that features LQTS, idiopathic epilepsy, and increased risk of sudden death. Genetic study showed a previously unreported heterozygous point mutation (c.246T>C) in the KCNH2 gene. Functional studies showed that the mutation induces severe loss of function. This observation provides further evidence for a possible link between idiopathic epilepsy and LQTS.
N‐terminal processing of membrane‐targeted MnSOD and formation of multiple active superoxide dismutase dimers in the nitrogen‐fixing cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. strain PCC7120
Authors: Raghavan Prashanth S. , Rajaram Hema , Apte Shree K. 
Published: July 2013

Anabaena sp. strain PCC7120 expresses a 30 kDa manganese‐dependent superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) comprising a hydrophobic region (signal peptide + linker peptide) attached to a catalytic unit. Bioinformatics predicted cleavage of the signal peptide at 25CQPQ by signal peptidase and of the linker peptide by an Arg‐C‐like protease at the Arg52/Arg59 residue. The three predicted forms of MnSOD were immunodetected in Anabaena, with the 30 kDa MnSOD found exclusively in the membrane and the shorter 27 and 24 kDa forms found both in the membrane and soluble fractions. The corresponding sodA gene was truncated for (a) the first eight residues, or, (b) the signal peptide, or (c) the entire hydrophobic region, or (d) the Arg52/Arg59 residues were modified to serine. Overexpression of these MnSOD variants in recombinant Anabaena strains revealed that (a) the 30 kDa membrane‐targeted MnSOD was cleaved by membrane‐localized signal peptidase either during or after its transport through the membrane to release the 27 kDa form, either in the cytosol or in the periplasmic/thylakoid lumen, (b) the 27 kDa form was further cleaved to the 24 kDa form by Arg‐C‐like protease, both in the cytosol and in the periplasmic/thylakoid lumen, (c) deletion of signal peptide localized the MnSOD forms in the cytosol, and (d) alteration of the signal/linker peptide cleavage sites interfered with MnSOD localization and processing. Homo/heterodimerization of the 24 and 27 kDa forms of MnSOD and the cytosolic iron‐dependent SOD results in multiple SOD activities, from a single MnSOD gene (sodA), in different cellular compartments of Anabaena.
Comparison of the antitumor efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization with a miriplatin‐iodized oil suspension and a cisplatin‐iodized oil suspension for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ueda Tatsuo , Murata Satoru , Yasui Daisuke , Mine Takahiko , Kumita Shinichiro 
Published: July 2013

AimTo retrospectively compare the short‐term antitumor efficacy and safety of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) with a cisplatin‐iodized oil suspension (C‐IS) and a miriplatin‐iodized oil suspension (M‐IS) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodsOf patients who underwent TACE for unresectable HCC between January 2010 and August 2011, 25 and 21 patients received C‐IS and M‐IS, respectively. The short‐term therapeutic efficacy of both groups was evaluated by the treatment effect seen on dynamic enhanced computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging of tumor nodules 3 months after treatment. Adverse events were evaluated to compare C‐IS and M‐IS.ResultsAfter TACE using C‐IS and M‐IS, 100% necrosis or tumor size reduction was achieved in 30 and 18 tumor nodules, respectively (81% vs 53%; P = 0.006). Objective responses were achieved in 30 nodules exposed to TACE using C‐IS and 17 exposed to TACE using M‐IS (81% vs 50%; P = 0.011). Disease control was achieved in 36 nodules exposed to C‐IS and 27 exposed to M‐IS (97% vs 79%; P = 0.017). The percentage of patients attaining a complete response, an objective response and disease control was significantly greater in the C‐IS group than in the M‐IS group. No significant differences were found in the aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin and creatinine levels between the two groups either before treatment or 1 month after treatment.ConclusionThe short‐term antitumor effects of TACE with C‐IS may be superior to those with M‐IS in terms of the complete response, objective response and disease control rates.
Risk assessment and clinical decision making for colorectal cancer screening
Authors: Schroy Paul C. , Caron Sarah E. , Sherman Bonnie J. , Heeren Timothy C. , Battaglia Tracy A. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundShared decision making (SDM) related to test preference has been advocated as a potentially effective strategy for increasing adherence to colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, yet primary care providers (PCPs) are often reluctant to comply with patient preferences if they differ from their own. Risk stratification advanced colorectal neoplasia (ACN) provides a rational strategy for reconciling these differences.ObjectiveTo assess the importance of risk stratification in PCP decision making related to test preference for average‐risk patients and receptivity to use of an electronic risk assessment tool for ACN to facilitate SDM.DesignMixed methods, including qualitative key informant interviews and a cross‐sectional survey.ParticipantsPCPs at an urban, academic safety‐net institution.Main MeasuresScreening preferences, factors influencing patient recommendations and receptivity to use of a risk stratification tool.Key ResultsNine PCPs participated in interviews and 57 completed the survey. Despite an overwhelming preference for colonoscopy by 95% of respondents, patient risk (67%) and patient preferences (63%) were more influential in their decision making than patient comorbidities (31%; P < 0.001). Age was the single most influential risk factor (excluding family history), with <20% of respondents choosing factors other than age. Most respondents reported that they would be likely to use a risk stratification tool in their practice either ‘often’ (43%) or sometimes (53%).ConclusionsRisk stratification was perceived to be important in clinical decision making, yet few providers considered risk factors other than age for average‐risk patients. Providers were receptive to the use of a risk assessment tool for ACN when recommending an appropriate screening test for select patients.
Environmental correlates of annual survival differ between two ecologically similar and congeneric owls
Authors: Pavón‐Jordán Diego , Karell Patrik , Ahola Kari , Kolunen Heikki , Pietiäinen Hannu , Karstinen Teuvo , Brommer Jon E. 
Published: July 2013

Understanding how survival is affected by the environment is essential to gain insight into population dynamics and the evolution of life‐history traits as well as to identify environmental selection pressures. However, we still have little understanding of the relative effect of different environmental factors and their interactions on demographic traits and population dynamics. Here we used two long‐term, individual‐based datasets on Tawny Owl Strix aluco (1981–2010) and Ural Owl S. uralensis (1986–2010) to undertake capture‐mark‐recapture analysis of annual survival of adult females in response to three biologically meaningful environmental variables and their two‐way interactions. Despite the similar ecology of these two species, their survival was associated with different and uncorrelated environmental drivers. The main correlate of Tawny Owl survival was an inverse association with snow depth (winter severity). For Ural Owl, high food (vole) abundance improved survival during years with deep snow, but was less important during years with little snow. In addition, Ural Owl survival was strongly density‐dependent, whereas Tawny Owl survival was not. Our findings advise caution in extrapolating demographic inferences from one species to another, even when they are very closely related and ecologically similar. Analyses including only one or few potential environmental drivers of a species' survival may lead to incomplete conclusions because survival may be affected by several factors and their interactions.
Enhancing pressure ulcer prevention using wound dressings: what are the modes of action?
Authors: Call Evan , Pedersen Justin , Bill Brian , Black Joyce , Alves Paulo , Brindle C. Tod , Dealey Carol , Santamaria Nick , Clark Michael 
Published: July 2013

AbstractRecent clinical research has generated interest in the use of sacral wound dressings as preventive devices for patients at risk of ulceration. This study was conducted to identify the modes of action through which dressings can add to pressure ulcer prevention, for example, shear and friction force redistribution and pressure distribution. Bench testing was performed using nine commercially available dressings. The use of dressings can reduce the amplitude of shear stress and friction reaching the skin of patients at risk. They can also effectively redirect these forces to wider areas which minimises the mechanical loads upon skeletal prominences. Dressings can redistribute pressure based upon their effective Poisson ratio and larger deflection areas, providing greater load redistribution.
Gas Sensing Behavior of Mesoporous SiOC Glasses
Authors: Karakuscu Aylin , Ponzoni Andrea , Aravind Parakkulam R. , Sberveglieri Giorgio , Soraru Gian D. 
Published: July 2013

In this study, for the first time, we report the gas sensing behavior of aerogel‐derived silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) glasses. The SiOC glass pyrolyzed at 1400°C has specific surface area of 150 m2/g with pore size in the 2–20 nm range. SiOC sensor shows good response to 5 ppm NO2 at 300°C. NO2 response completely disappears at 400°C, and from this temperature SiOC sensor starts respond to H2. The optimum sensitivity for H2 is obtained at 500°C. SiOC sensor is very selective; it is not sensitive to other gases such as acetone vapor or CO, even at high concentrations.
Exploring anxiety symptoms in a large‐scale twin study of children with autism spectrum disorders, their co‐twins and controls
Authors: Hallett Victoria , Ronald Angelica , Colvert Emma , Ames Catherine , Woodhouse Emma , Lietz Stephanie , Garnett Tracy , Gillan Nicola , Rijsdijk Fruhling , Scahill Lawrence , Bolton Patrick , Happé Francesca 
Published: July 2013

BackgroundAlthough many children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) experience difficulties with anxiety, the manifestation of these difficulties remains unresolved. The current study assessed anxiety in a large population‐based twin sample, aged 10–15 years. Phenotypic analyses were used to explore anxiety symptoms in children with ASDs, their unaffected co‐twins and a control sample.MethodsParticipants included 146 families from the Twins Early Development Study (TEDS) where one or both children had a suspected ASD. Eighty control families were also included. The Revised Child Anxiety and Depression scale (Chorpita, Yim, Moffitt, Umemoto & Francis, 2000) was completed (self‐ and parent‐report), along with diagnostic and cognitive tests. Children were categorized into four groups (a) ASD (b) Broader Autism Phenotype (BAP: mainly co‐twins of children with ASDs, with high subclinical autistic traits) (c) unaffected co‐twins (with neither ASDs nor BAP) (d) controls.ResultsChildren in the ASD and BAP groups scored significantly higher than controls for all parent‐rated (although not child‐rated) anxiety subscales. There were no significant differences between the ASD and BAP groups for any of the parent‐rated anxiety subscales. Compared with controls, unaffected co‐twins showed significantly heightened Social Anxiety, Generalized Anxiety, and Panic symptoms. Significant associations were observed between certain anxiety subscales and both IQ and ASD symptoms. For example, greater parent‐rated Social Anxiety was associated with higher IQ and increased social and communicative impairments. Significant interrater correlations were observed for anxiety reports in children with ASDs (r = .27–.54; p < .01), their unaffected co‐twins (r = .32–.63; p < .01) and controls (r = .23–.43; p < .01) suggesting that children in this sample with and without ASD symptoms were able to report on their anxiety symptoms with some accuracy.ConclusionsThese findings support previous reports of heightened anxiety in children with ASDs, at least on parent‐reported measures. Unaffected co‐twins of children with ASDs also showed increased anxiety, generating questions about the potential etiological overlap between ASDs and anxiety. Progress in this area now depends on more refined anxiety measurement in ASDs and continued investigation of interrater differences.