bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuroprotective Effects of Direct Intrathecal Administration of Granulocyte Colony‐Stimulating Factor in Rats with Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Chen Wu‐Fu , Chen Chun‐Hong , Chen Nan‐Fu , Sung Chun‐Sung , Wen Zhi‐Hong 
Published: July 2015

SummaryAimsTo date, no reliable methods have proven effective for treating spinal cord injury (SCI). Even systemic administration of methylprednisolone (MP) remains controversial. We previously reported that intrathecal (i.t.) administration of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) improves outcome after experimental spinal cord ischemic insults in rats. The present study aimed to examine the neuroprotective efficacy of i.t. G‐CSF or MP in rats with SCI.MethodsFemale rats were subjected to spinal cord contusion injury at T10 using NYU impactor. We i.t. administered G‐CSF (10 μg) or MP (one bolus of 100 μg, followed by 18 μg/h infusion for 23 h) immediately after SCI.ResultsBoth G‐CSF and MP significantly improved the rats’ motor function after SCI. Immunofluorescence staining revealed suppressed expression of transforming growth factor‐beta 1 (TGF‐β1), chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (neurocan and phosphacan), OX‐42 and tumor necrosis factor alpha after i.t. G‐CSF, but not MP, in rats with SCI. In addition, G‐CSF significantly decreased the expression of astrocytic TGF‐β1 and glial fibrillary acidic protein around the injury site. Furthermore, rats with G‐CSF treatment showed increased neurofilament expression beyond the glial scars.ConclusionDirect i.t. administration of G‐CSF provides a promising therapeutic option for SCI or related spinal diseases.
Sarcopenia, as defined by low muscle mass, strength and physical performance, predicts complications after surgery for colorectal cancer
Authors: Huang D.‐D. , Wang S.‐L. , Zhuang C.‐L. , Zheng B.‐S. , Lu J.‐X. , Chen F.‐F. , Zhou C.‐J. , Shen X. , Yu Z. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimRecent studies have shown that sarcopenia is associated with negative postoperative outcomes. However, none of these studies analysed muscle strength or physical performance, which are also important components of sarcopenia. The present study aimed to investigate whether sarcopenia itself, as defined by low muscle mass, strength and physical performance, would predict complications after surgery for colorectal cancer.MethodWe conducted a prospective study of patients who underwent surgery for colorectal cancer at our department between August 2014 and February 2015. Sarcopenia was diagnosed by a combination of third lumbar vertebra muscle index (L3 MI), handgrip strength and 6‐m usual gait speed. Univariate and multivariate analyses evaluating the risk factors for postoperative complications were performed. Only complications classified as Grade II or above according to the Clavien–Dindo classification were analysed in this study.ResultsA total of 142 patients were included in the study, and 17 patients were diagnosed as having sarcopenia. Postoperative complications of Grade II or above occurred in 40 patients, including 10 with sarcopenia and 30 without sarcopenia. Multivariate analysis showed that sarcopenia and previous abdominal surgery were independent risk factors for postoperative complications. Patients with sarcopenia also had an obvious tendency to a higher incidence of infectious complications. By comparing two logistic regression models, sarcopenia showed a better predictive power for postoperative complications than did low muscle mass.ConclusionSarcopenia and previous abdominal surgery are independent risk factors for complications after surgery for colorectal cancer. Including a functional aspect to the definition of sarcopenia may result in a better prediction of postoperative complications.
Assessing the Performance of EU Nature Legislation in Protecting Target Bird Species in an Era of Climate Change
Authors: Sanderson Fiona J. , Pople Robert G. , Ieronymidou Christina , Burfield Ian J. , Gregory Richard D. , Willis Stephen G. , Howard Christine , Stephens Philip A. , Beresford Alison E. , Donald Paul F. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractInternational legislation forms a cornerstone of conservation, yet its efficacy is rarely quantified. We assess whether species listed on Annex I of the European Union (EU) Birds Directive, for which EU Member States are obliged to implement special conservation measures, differ systematically in their short‐term (2001‐2012) or long‐term (1980‐2012) population trends from those of non‐Annex I species. In both periods, Annex I species had more positive trends than non‐Annex I species, particularly in countries that joined the EU earlier. There were additional signatures of climate change and life history strategy in the trends of species in one or both periods. Within Annex I species, long‐distance migrants fared significantly worse than other species, suggesting that enhanced protection on the breeding grounds alone may be insufficient for these species. We conclude that the EU's conservation legislation has had a demonstrably positive impact on target species, even during a period in which climate change has significantly affected populations.
Echocardiographic Assessment of the Alterations in Pulmonary Blood Flow Associated with Ketamine and Etomidate Administration in Children with Tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Jha Ajay K. , Gharde Parag , Chauhan Sandeep , Kiran Usha , Malhotra Kapoor Poonam 
Published: July 2015

BackgroundDespite widespread uses of ketamine, the clinical studies determining its effect on pulmonary blood flow in children with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) are lacking. Furthermore, the quantification of pulmonary blood flow is not possible in these patients, because pulmonary artery catheter is contraindicated. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes in pulmonary blood flow by intra‐operative transesophageal echocardiography after ketamine or etomidate administration in children with TOF.MethodsEleven children each in the two clinical variants of TOF (group A—moderate to severe cyanosis; group B—mild to minimal cyanosis) undergoing intracardiac repair were prospectively studied after endotracheal intubation. A single bolus dose of ketamine (2 mg/kg) and etomidate (0.3 mg/kg) was administered in a random order after 15 minute interval. Hemodynamic, arterial blood gas, and echocardiographic measurements were obtained at 7 consecutive times (T) points (baseline, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 15 minutes after drug administration).ResultsKetamine produced a significant reduction in VTI‐T (velocity time integrals total of left upper pulmonary vein), RVOT‐PG (right ventricular outflow tract peak gradient), and MG (mean gradient) in group A while those in group B had a significant increase in VTI‐T, RVOT‐PG, and RVOT‐MG at time (T1, T2, T4, and T6; P = 0.00). This divergent behavior, however, was not observed with etomidate.ConclusionEtomidate does not change pulmonary blood flow. However, ketamine produces divergent effects; it increases pulmonary blood flow in children with minimal cyanosis and decreases pulmonary blood flow in children with moderate to severe cyanosis.
Species colonisation, not competitive exclusion, drives community overdispersion over long‐term succession
Authors: Li Shao‐peng , Cadotte Marc W. , Meiners Scott J. , Hua Zheng‐shuang , Jiang Lin , Shu Wen‐sheng 
Published: July 2015

AbstractEcological communities often transition from phylogenetic and functional clustering to overdispersion over succession as judged by space‐for‐time substitution studies. Such a pattern has been generally attributed to the increase in competitive exclusion of closely related species with similar traits through time, although colonisation and extinction have rarely been examined. Using 44 years of uninterrupted old‐field succession in New Jersey, USA, we confirmed that phylogenetic and functional clustering decreased as succession unfolded, but the transition was largely driven by colonisation. Early colonists were closely related and functionally similar to residents, while later colonists became less similar to the species present. Extirpated species were generally more distantly related to residents than by chance, or exhibited random phylogenetic/functional patterns, and their relatedness to residents was not associated with time. These results provide direct evidence that the colonisation of distant relatives, rather than extinction of close relatives, drives phylogenetic and functional overdispersion over succession.
Effects of acute administration of melatonin on attentional, executive, and working memory processes in rats
Authors: Liet Christophe , Amenouche Fella , Freret Thomas , Boulouard Michel , Mauvieux Benoit , Lelong‐Boulouard Véronique , Bocca Marie‐Laure 
Published: July 2015

AbstractMelatonin is a potential candidate for additive therapy in cancer, neurodegenerative, and mental disorders requiring administration during the activity phase. Nevertheless, because melatonin has mostly been used as a hypnotic, less is known about its cognitive effects. In this study, we investigated the effects of acute administration of melatonin on executive, attentional, and working memory processes in rats during the activity phase. Three doses of melatonin (6, 18, or 36 mg/kg) were tested and compared to a saline control group in two behavioral tests: the Attentional Set Shifting task (for attentional and executive processes assessment) and the Spontaneous Alternation test in a Y‐maze (for working memory assessment). Our results revealed that, up to 36 mg/kg, the acute administration dose of melatonin did not alter the attentional or executive processes, nor the working memory in rats. Consequently, this result may be encouraging for the use of melatonin in additive therapy during the activity phase.
Comparison of volume‐reductive therapies for massive polycystic liver disease in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Yang Jaeseok , Ryu Hyunjin , Han Miyeun , Kim Hyunsuk , Hwang Young‐Hwan , Chung Jin Wook , Yi Nam‐Joon , Lee Kwang‐Woong , Suh Kyung‐Suk , Ahn Curie 
Published: July 2015

AimPolycystic liver disease (PLD) in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) patients can induce massive hepatomegaly‐related symptoms. Volume‐reductive therapies for symptomatic PLD include transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE), liver resection and liver transplantation; however, consensus has not been reached regarding treatment selection. We compared three volume‐reductive therapies for a better understanding of PLD treatment strategies.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 28 ADPKD patients who underwent TAE, liver resection or liver transplantation for PLD at a single center, and compared their outcomes.ResultsOf 18 TAE patients, five required repeat TAE, and five required rescue liver transplantation or liver resection because of refractory symptoms or hepatic failure. The treatment failure rate for TAE was high (69.6%). Nine underwent liver resection, and the degree of volume reduction in the liver resection group was greater than that in the TAE group (52.4% vs 7.6%, P < 0.001). One liver resection patient required rescue liver transplantation because of hepatic failure. Seven patients underwent liver transplantations. All liver transplant patients had successfully controlled symptoms or hepatic failure, and had good graft function. Three patients in the TAE group died of infections or hepatic failure, whereas no mortality occurred after surgical therapy.ConclusionLiver resection is a good first‐line therapy in patients that have severe symptoms, cyst involvement in several segments with some spared segments and preserved liver function. Liver transplantation is a preferred first‐line therapy in patients with poor liver function or whole‐liver involvement. Liver transplantation is also a good rescue therapy following TAE or liver resection.
The extrusion of root canal cement containing paraformaldehyde into the inferior alveolar nerve canal resulting in infection and numbness
Authors: Coskunses F. M. , Sinanoglu A. , Helvacioglu‐Yigit D. , Abbott P. V. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimTo describe the impact of extruded paraformaldehyde‐containing root canal cement into the inferior alveolar nerve canal following a delay in removal and the subsequent management of the case.SummaryA 30‐year‐old man was referred for management of prolonged anaesthesia in the right mandibular region following root canal treatment. Panoramic and cone beam computed tomography findings revealed that overextruded root canal cement had penetrated into the inferior alveolar nerve canal beyond the distal root of the mandibular right second molar (tooth 47). The root canal cement contained paraformaldehyde. Initially, the patient refused surgical removal of the cement. However, after 3.5 months, the patient returned with an acute infection in the same region. After resolution of the acute abscess and root canal retreatment, surgical treatment was performed under general anaesthesia. Granulation tissue and necrotic bone were found associated with the cement.
Effect of thermal processing and digestive protease on the antioxidant capacity of fruit juice–milk beverage model systems under simulated gastrointestinal digestion
Authors: He Zhiyong , Yuan Bo , Zeng Maomao , Chen Jie 
Published: July 2015

SummaryThe effects of thermal processing and digestive protease on the antioxidant capacity of fruit juice–milk beverage (FJMB) models containing whey protein (WP) and chlorogenic acid or catechin (CAT) under in vitro digestion were investigated. After gastric digestion, the FJMB showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase in ABTS, but little change in ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Intestinal digestion decreased the FRAP and increased ABTS except in the model containing 0.1% CAT. There were different effects (none, masking, synergistic effect) in the antioxidant activity of the WP and phenolics under digestion. Pasteurisation (63 °C/30 min) had no significant effect on the FJMB's antioxidant capacity, while sterilisation (121 °C/10 min) significantly (P < 0.05) increased, decreased or had no significant effect on ABTS and FRAP under digestion, depending on the model. Pepsin and pancreatin significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the fruit phenolics' ABTS. Ferric reducing antioxidant power was not significantly influenced by pepsin during gastric digestion, but was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased by pancreatin during intestinal digestion. These results would be helpful to improve the efficacy of fruit phenolics in FJMB subjected to thermal processing and to maintain the health benefits of this kind of functional products in the food industry.
Inflammation‐associated genes: risks and benefits to Foxp3+ regulatory T‐cell function
Authors: O'Connor Richard A. , Anderton Stephen M. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryFoxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells prevent the development of autoimmunity and immunopathology, as well as maintaining homeostasis and tolerance to commensal microorganisms. The suppressive activity of Treg cells is their defining characteristic, generating great interest in their therapeutic potential. However, suppressive and effector functions are not entirely exclusive. Considerable evidence points to the ability of supposedly anti‐inflammatory Foxp3‐expressing Treg cells to also express transcription factors that have been characterized as cardinal drivers of T effector cell function. We will consider the mounting evidence that Treg cells can function in non‐suppressive capacities and review the impetus for this functional change, its relevance to developing immune and autoimmune responses and its significance to the development of Treg‐based therapies.
New Family With Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia Linked to the Triadin Gene
Authors: ROORYCK CAROLINE , KYNDT FLORENCE , BOZON DOMINIQUE , ROUX‐BUISSON NATHALIE , SACHER FREDERIC , PROBST VINCENT , THAMBO JEAN‐BENOIT 
Published: July 2015

Sudden Death Linked to the Triadin GeneWe describe a new family with cathecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) linked to the Triadin gene. This is the second report of such a CPVT of autosomal recessive inheritance. Using an NGS panel including 42 genes involved in cardiac sudden death, 2 heterozygous pathogenic mutations (c.613C> T/p.Gln205* and c.22 + 29 A>G) were identified in the Triadin gene in 2 sibs who experienced early severe arrhythmias without evidence of CPVT diagnosis at first cardiac evaluation. However, significant arrhythmias occurred after catecholaminergic stimulation. Each of the TRDN mutations was inherited from a healthy parent. In this family, genetic studies permit confirmation of the CPVT diagnosis in the 2 affected sibs and permit the early diagnosis of the third asymptomatic child. It also helped guide the therapeutic strategy in this family.
Dynamic interplay of membrane‐proximal POTRA domain and conserved loop L6 in Omp85 transporter FhaC
Authors: Guérin Jeremy , Saint Nathalie , Baud Catherine , Meli Albano C. , Etienne Emilien , Locht Camille , Vezin Hervé , Jacob‐Dubuisson Françoise 
Published: July 2015

SummaryOmp85 transporters mediate protein insertion into, or translocation across, membranes. They have a conserved architecture, with POTRA domains that interact with substrate proteins, a 16‐stranded transmembrane β barrel, and an extracellular loop, L6, folded back in the barrel pore. Here using electrophysiology, in vivo biochemical approaches and electron paramagnetic resonance, we show that the L6 loop of the Omp85 transporter FhaC changes conformation and modulates channel opening. Those conformational changes involve breaking the conserved interaction between the tip of L6 and the inner β‐barrel wall. The membrane‐proximal POTRA domain also exchanges between several conformations, and the binding of FHA displaces this equilibrium. We further demonstrate a dynamic, physical communication between the POTRA domains and L6, which must take place via the β barrel. Our findings thus link all three essential components of Omp85 transporters and indicate that they operate in a concerted fashion in the transport cycle.
Macroevolutionary patterns of glucosinolate defense and tests of defense‐escalation and resource availability hypotheses
Authors: Cacho N. Ivalú , Kliebenstein Daniel J. , Strauss Sharon Y. 
Published: July 2015

Summary

We explored macroevolutionary patterns of plant chemical defense in Streptanthus (Brassicaceae), tested for evolutionary escalation of defense, as predicted by Ehrlich and Raven's plant–herbivore coevolutionary arms‐race hypothesis, and tested whether species inhabiting low‐resource or harsh environments invest more in defense, as predicted by the resource availability hypothesis (RAH).

We conducted phylogenetically explicit analyses using glucosinolate profiles, soil nutrient analyses, and microhabitat bareness estimates across 30 species of Streptanthus inhabiting varied environments and soils.

We found weak to moderate phylogenetic signal in glucosinolate classes and no signal in total glucosinolate production; a trend toward evolutionary de‐escalation in the numbers and diversity of glucosinolates, accompanied by an evolutionary increase in the proportion of aliphatic glucosinolates; some support for the RAH relative to soil macronutrients, but not relative to serpentine soil use; and that the number of glucosinolates increases with microhabitat bareness, which is associated with increased herbivory and drought.

Weak phylogenetic signal in chemical defense has been observed in other plant systems. A more holistic approach incorporating other forms of defense might be necessary to confidently reject escalation of defense. That defense increases with microhabitat bareness supports the hypothesis that habitat bareness is an underappreciated selective force on plants in harsh environments.
Combining enhanced biomass density with reduced lignin level for improved forage quality
Authors: Gallego‐Giraldo Lina , Shadle Gail , Shen Hui , Barros‐Rios Jaime , Fresquet Corrales Sandra , Wang Huanzhong , Dixon Richard A. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryTo generate a forage crop with increased biomass density that retains forage quality, we have genetically transformed lines of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) expressing antisense constructs targeting two different lignin pathway biosynthetic genes with a construct for down‐regulation of a WRKY family transcription factor that acts as a repressor of secondary cell wall formation in pith tissues. Plants with low‐level expression of the WRKY dominant repressor construct produced lignified cell walls in pith tissues and exhibited enhanced biomass and biomass density, with an increase in total sugars in the cell wall fraction; however, lines with high expression of the WRKY dominant repressor construct exhibited a very different phenotype, with loss of interfascicular fibres associated with repression of the NST1 transcription factor. This latter phenotype was not observed in transgenic lines in which the WRKY transcription factor was down‐regulated by RNA interference. Enhanced and/or ectopic deposition of secondary cell walls was also seen in corn and switchgrass expressing WRKY dominant repressor constructs, with enhanced biomass in corn but reduced biomass in switchgrass. Neutral detergent fibre digestibility was not impacted by WRKY expression in corn. Cell walls from WRKY‐DR‐expressing alfalfa plants with enhanced secondary cell wall formation exhibited increased sugar release efficiency, and WRKY dominant repressor expression further increased sugar release in alfalfa down‐regulated in the COMT, but not the HCT, genes of lignin biosynthesis. These results suggest that significant enhancements in forage biomass and quality can be achieved through engineering WRKY transcription factors in both monocots and dicots.
International and Domestic Students, Perceived Burdensomeness, Belongingness, and Suicidal Ideation
Authors: Servaty‐Seib Heather L. , Lockman Jennifer , Shemwell Dan , Reid Marks Laura 
Published: July 2015

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for traditional‐age college students, and the interpersonal theory of suicide (ITS; Joiner, 2005) provides a cogent framework for predicting which students may be at highest risk. However, little is known about how constructs of ITS operate in cross‐cultural contexts. Findings, based on a sample of international and domestic undergraduate students (N = 254), indicated that the ITS construct of perceived burdensomeness was positively associated with suicidal ideation (SI) for both groups. However, campus belongingness emerged as connected with SI for international students, whereas family belongingness emerged as connected with SI for domestic students.
Cryptococcal meningitis presenting with headache and a pustular eruption in a heart transplant patient
Authors: Farber S.A. , Micheletti R.G. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractCryptococcosis is a fungal infection that typically occurs in severely immunocompromised patients. Here, we report the case of a heart transplant recipient who presented with cutaneous lesions and was diagnosed with disseminated cryptococcosis and then cryptococcal meningitis on the basis of positive Tzanck smear of the lesions, confirmed by culture, highlighting the importance of the skin as a window to systemic disease.