bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Value of Left Atrial Function in Dogs with Chronic Mitral Valvular Heart Disease
Authors: Nakamura K. , Osuga T. , Morishita K. , Suzuki S. , Morita T. , Yokoyama N. , Ohta H. , Yamasaki M. , Takiguchi M. 
Published: October 2014

BackgroundA strong correlation between left atrial (LA) dysfunction and the severity of cardiac disease has been described in human patients with various cardiac diseases. The role ofLAdysfunction in dogs with chronic mitral valvular heart disease (CMVHD) has not been addressed.ObjectivesTo investigate the correlation betweenLAfunction and the prognosis of dogs withCMVHD.AnimalsThirty‐eight client‐owned dogs withCMVHD.MethodsProspective clinical cohort study. Dogs were divided into 2 groups (survivors and nonsurvivors) based on the onset of cardiac‐related death within 1 year. Physical examination and echocardiographic variables were compared between the groups. For the assessment of the comparative accuracy in identifying patients with cardiac‐related death, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and multivariate logistic analysis were used.ResultsThe highest accuracy was obtained for theLAactive fractional area change (LA‐FACact), with an area under theROCcurve (AUC) of 0.95, followed by the left atrial to aortic root ratio (LA/Ao), with anAUCof 0.94; peak early diastolic mitral inflow velocity (E), with anAUCof 0.85; andLAtotal fractional area change (LA‐FACtotal), with anAUCof 0.85. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis,LA‐FACactemerged as the only independent correlate of cardiac‐related death within 1 year (odds ratio = 1.401,P = .002).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceRegarding both the size and function, theLAhas a strong correlation with the prognosis of dogs withCMVHD. The most significant independent predictor of mortality in this study wasLA‐FACact.
Comparative riverscape genetics reveals reservoirs of genetic diversity for conservation and restoration of Great Plains fishes
Authors: Osborne Megan J. , Perkin Joshuah S. , Gido Keith B. , Turner Thomas F. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractWe used comparative landscape genetics to examine the relative roles of historical events, intrinsic traits and landscape factors in determining the distribution of genetic diversity of river fishes across the North American Great Plains. Spatial patterns of diversity were overlaid on a patch‐based graphical model and then compared within and among three species that co‐occurred across five Great Plains watersheds. Species differing in reproductive strategy (benthic vs. pelagic‐spawning) were hypothesized to have different patterns of genetic diversity, but the overriding factor shaping contemporary patterns of diversity was the signature of past climates and geological history. Allelic diversity was significantly higher at southern latitudes for Cyprinella lutrensis and Hybognathus placitus, consistent with northward expansion from southern Pleistocene refugia. Within the historical context, all species exhibited lowered occupancy and abundance in heavily fragmented and drier upstream reaches, particularly H. placitus; a pelagic‐spawning species, suggesting rates of extirpation have outpaced losses of genetic diversity in this species. Within most tributary basins, genetically diverse populations of each species persisted. Hence, reconnecting genetically diverse populations with those characterized by reduced diversity (regardless of their position within the riverine network) would provide populations with greater genetic and demographic resilience. We discuss cases where cross‐basin transfer may be appropriate to enhance genetic diversity and mitigate negative effects of climate change. Overall, striking similarities in genetic patterns and in response to fragmentation and dewatering suggest a common strategy for genetic resource management in this unique riverine fish assemblage.
Carcinomatous encephalitis presenting with progressive dementia
Authors: Kitagawa Naoyuki , Umahara Takahiko , Kurata Atsushi , Sakurai Michio 
Published: October 2014

AbstractWe report an autopsy case of a 67‐year‐old woman who developed rapidly progressive dementia with left hemianopia. Gadolinium contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging showed meningeal enhancement of the pons and cerebellum, and enhancement of the right medial occipital region. Post‐mortem examination showed diffuse metastatic dissemination of lung adenocarcinoma. Histopathological changes of Alzheimer's disease were minimal, and neither Lewy body pathology nor prion protein was found. Carcinomatous encephalitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of progressive dementia in patients with cancer. The present case shows the importance of gadolinium contrast magnetic resonance imaging and neuropathological post‐mortem examination.
Early physiological flood tolerance is followed by slow post‐flooding root recovery in the dryland riparian tree Eucalyptus camaldulensis subsp. refulgens
Authors: ARGUS R. E. , COLMER T. D. , GRIERSON P. F. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractWe investigated physiological and morphological responses to flooding and recovery in Eucalyptus camaldulensis subsp. refulgens, a riparian tree species from a dryland region prone to intense episodic floods. Seedlings in soil flooded for 88 d produced extensive adventitious roots, displayed stem hypertrophy (stem diameter increased by 93%) and increased root porosity owing to aerenchyma formation. Net photosynthesis (Pn) and stomatal conductance (gs) were maintained for at least 2 weeks of soil flooding, contrasting with previous studies of other subspecies of E. camaldulensis. Gradual declines followed in both gs (30% less than controls) and Pn (19% less). Total leaf soluble sugars did not differ between flooded and control plants. Root mass did not recover 32 d after flooding ceased, but gs was not lower than controls, suggesting the root system was able to functionally compensate. However, the limited root growth during recovery after flooding was surprising given the importance of extensive root systems in dryland environments. We conclude that early flood tolerance could be an adaptation to capitalize on scarce water resources in a water‐limited environment. Overall, our findings highlight the need to assess flooding responses in relation to a species' fitness for particular flood regimes or ecological niches.
Fatal sepsis in a child with thalassemia major due to Serratia marcescens
Authors: Paksu Muhammet Sukru , Karli Arzu , Paksu Sule , Guney Akif Koray , Ozsevik Sevinc Nursev , Belet Nursen 
Published: October 2014

AbstractOne of the most important causes of mortality in thalassemic patients is infectious disease. Thalassemic patients develop severe invasive infection caused by microorganisms that are rare in healthy individuals. We describe the case of a 13‐year‐old splenectomized boy who presented with septic shock and who died 36 h after admission, despite broad‐spectrum antibiotics and aggressive supportive care. Serratia marcescens was isolated from cultures of blood and tracheal aspirate. It is known that rare microorganisms will cause severe community‐acquired infection in splenectomized patients with thalassemia major.
Oxidatively Generated Damage to Cellular DNA by UVB and UVA Radiation,
Authors: Cadet Jean , Douki Thierry , Ravanat Jean‐Luc 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThis review article focuses on a critical survey of the main available information on the UVB and UVA oxidative reactions to cellular DNA as the result of direct interactions of UV photons, photosensitized pathways and biochemical responses including inflammation and bystander effects. UVA radiation appears to be much more efficient than UVB in inducing oxidatively generated damage to the bases and 2‐deoxyribose moieties of DNA in isolated cells and skin. The UVA‐induced generation of 8‐oxo‐7,8‐dihydroguanine is mostly rationalized in terms of selective guanine oxidation by singlet oxygen generated through type II photosensitization mechanism. In addition, hydroxyl radical whose formation may be accounted for by metal‐catalyzed Haber–Weiss reactions subsequent to the initial generation of superoxide anion radical contributes in a minor way to the DNA degradation. This leads to the formation of both oxidized purine and pyrimidine bases together with DNA single‐strand breaks at the exclusion, however, of direct double‐strand breaks. No evidence has been provided so far for the implication of delayed oxidative degradation pathways of cellular DNA. In that respect putative characteristic UVA‐induced DNA damage could include single and more complex lesions arising from one‐electron oxidation of the guanine base together with aldehyde adducts to amino‐substituted nucleobases.
Combination of Er:YAG Laser and CO2 Laser Treatment on Skin Tissue
Authors: Anayb Baleg Sana Mohammed , Bidin Noriah , Suan Lau Pik , Sidi Ahmad Muhammad Fakarruddin , Krishnan Ganesan , Johari Abd Rahman , Hamid Asmah 
Published: October 2014

AbstractSkin is the most important organ in our body, as it protects us from external environmental effects. Study the ability of the skin to stretch and the histological examinations of irradiated tissues have significant values in scientific and medical applications. Only a few studies have been done to study the correlation between epidermis ablation and the changes that occur at dermal levels when using dual lasers in ablative resurfacing mode. The aim of this work is to determine this correlation and to estimate the effects of multiple pulses on induced collagen remodeling and the strength of skin exposed with dual lasers in an in vivo rat model. All laser exposures led to mark improvement in the skin's strength compared to their own controls. The histological investigation indicated that there was a thickness loss in the epidermis layer with the induction of deep collagen coagulation in the dermis layer as the dual laser pulses increased. Additionally, more collagen fibers were remolded in the treated samples by dual wavelengths. We conclude that by combining dual lasers with multiple pulses targeted at not only the epidermis layer of the skin, it could also induce some heat diffusion in the dermis layer which causes more coagulation of collagen fibers. The tensile results confirmed by our histological data demonstrate that the strength of irradiated skin with dual wavelengths increased more than using both lasers separately on the skin tissue since more collagen is induced.
Nausea and Vomiting during Pregnancy and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Offspring
Authors: Parker Samantha E. , Starr Jacqueline R. , Collett Brent R. , Speltz Matthew L. , Werler Martha M. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackgroundNausea and vomiting during pregnancy (NVP) is the most common complication of pregnancy. NVP has been associated with improved fetal outcomes, but its association with childhood neurodevelopmental outcomes has rarely been studied.MethodsSubjects were children aged 5–12 years (n = 560) who were controls in a previously conducted case–control study of prenatal risk factors for craniofacial malformations. Information on NVP, including trimester, duration, and treatment, was collected through a maternal interview conducted within 3 years of delivery. Neurocognition was assessed using the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT‐III) and the Beery‐Buktenica Test of Visual Motor Integration‐Fifth Edition (VMI‐5). Psychosocial outcomes, including internalising and externalising behaviour problems, were measured by maternal report, using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), and teacher report, using the Teacher Report Form. Linear regression models were used to calculate adjusted mean (adjMD −3.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) −5.02, −1.06) differences (adjMD) and 95% confidence intervals [CI] on test scores for children exposed and unexposed to NVP in utero. Differences based on trimester, duration, and treatment were assessed.ResultsNVP was reported among 63% of women and was most common in early pregnancy. Children exposed to NVP performed worse on the VMI‐5 [−3.04, 95% CI: −5.02, −1.06] but exhibited few other differences from unexposed children. Durations of NVP ≥4 months were associated with poorer scores on PPVT‐III (adjMD −2.52), VMI‐5 (adjMD −5.41), and CBCL [adjMD 3.38 (internalising) and adjMD 4.19 (externalising)].ConclusionsOverall, there were few differences between children exposed and unexposed to NVP. NVP was associated with slightly worse visual motor performance, and prolonged NVP and NVP extending late into pregnancy were associated with poorer scores on several neurodevelopmental measures.
On the track of the elusive Sudbury impact: geochemical evidence for a chondrite or comet bolide
Authors: Petrus Joseph A. , Ames Doreen E. , Kamber Balz S. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractSiderophile and lithophile trace element data for 69 samples from the Sudbury impact crater fill (Onaping Formation) and quartz diorite offset dikes help constrain the sources of the established moderately elevated platinum group element signature associated with the impact structure. The siderophile element distribution of the crater fill requires contributions from bulk continental crust, mafic rocks and a chondritic component. A mantle component is absent, but the involvement of mid to lower crust is implied. After considering post‐impact hydrothermal alteration, melt heterogeneity and mafic target admixture, the projectile elemental ratios were determined on a more robust data subset. Chondrite discrimination diagrams of these ratios identify an ordinary or enstatite chondrite as the most probable source of meteoritic material in the Sudbury crater fill. However, the relative and absolute siderophile element distributions within the impact structure as well as bolide size models are congruent with the bolide being a comet that had a chondritic refractory component.
The CRISPR/Cas system can be used as nuclease for in planta gene targeting and as paired nickases for directed mutagenesis in Arabidopsis resulting in heritable progeny
Authors: Schiml Simon , Fauser Friedrich , Puchta Holger 
Published: October 2014

SummaryThe CRISPR/Cas nuclease is becoming a major tool for targeted mutagenesis in eukaryotes by inducing double‐strand breaks (DSBs) at pre‐selected genomic sites that are repaired by non‐homologous end joining (NHEJ) in an error‐prone way. In plants, it could be demonstrated that the Cas9 nuclease is able to induce heritable mutations in Arabidopsis thaliana and rice. Gene targeting (GT) by homologous recombination (HR) can also be induced by DSBs. Using a natural nuclease and marker genes, we previously developed an in planta GT strategy in which both a targeting vector and targeting locus are activated simultaneously via DSB induction during plant development. Here, we demonstrate that this strategy can be used for natural genes by CRISPR/Cas‐mediated DSB induction. We were able to integrate a resistance cassette into the ADH1 locus of A. thaliana via HR. Heritable events were identified using a PCR‐based genotyping approach, characterised by Southern blotting and confirmed on the sequence level. A major concern is the specificity of the CRISPR/Cas nucleases. Off‐target effects might be avoided using two adjacent sgRNA target sequences to guide the Cas9 nickase to each of the two DNA strands, resulting in the formation of a DSB. By amplicon deep sequencing, we demonstrate that this Cas9 paired nickase strategy has a mutagenic potential comparable with that of the nuclease, while the resulting mutations are mostly deletions. We also demonstrate the stable inheritance of such mutations in A. thaliana.
Effectiveness of Empowerment‐Based Self‐Management Interventions on Patients with Chronic Metabolic Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Kuo Chia‐Chi , Lin Chiu‐Chu , Tsai Fu‐Mian 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACTBackgroundManagement of chronic metabolic diseases has recently become an important global health issue. Extensive research on empowerment‐based self‐management interventions (EBSMIs) for patients with chronic metabolic diseases has been conducted, but no systematic review has evaluated their effects.AimTo evaluate the effects of EBSMIs on patients with chronic metabolic diseases.MethodsA systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted. Five electronic databases (Airiti Library, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, PubMed/ MEDLINE, and Index of Taiwan Periodical Literature System) were searched from the earliest year available to October 2012. Controlled trials about the effectiveness of interventions on patients with chronic metabolic diseases were included. Each study was appraised by three reviewers and assigned a level of evidence based on the modified Jadad scale. Extracted data were entered and analyzed using Review Manager 5.2.FindingsNineteen studies were reviewed. Most studies showed that EBSMIs improved patients’ hemoglobin A1c test (HbA1c) (p < .00001), waist circumference (p = .02), and empowerment level (p = .004). Four studies compared the effect on body weight and body mass index, but the overall effect was not significant (p = .33 and .73, respectively). Five studies compared the effect on self‐efficacy, four of which indicated significant increase. However, the overall effect on self‐efficacy was not compared because studies used different scales.Linking Evidence to ActionEBSMIs improved HbA1c test results, waist circumference, self‐efficacy, and empowerment level in patients with chronic metabolic diseases. When implementing the EBSMIs, healthcare institutions need to provide training programs related to empowerment from which health professionals can acquire competence in patient empowerment. Moreover, healthcare leaders should assess and overcome barriers (e.g., time, manpower, cost, etc.) to implementing EBSMIs in clinical settings.
Contribution of sodium channel neuronal isoform Nav1.1 to late sodium current in ventricular myocytes from failing hearts
Authors: Mishra Sudhish , Reznikov Vitaliy , Maltsev Victor A. , Undrovinas Nidas A. , Sabbah Hani N. , Undrovinas Albertas 
Published: October 2014

Key points
Late Na+ current (INaL) contributes to action potential remodelling and Ca2+/Na+ changes in heart failure.
The molecular identity of INaL remains unclear.
The contributions of different Na+ channel isoforms, apart from the cardiac isoform, remain unknown.
We discovered and characterized a substantial contribution of neuronal isoform Nav1.1 to INaL.
This new component is physiologically relevant to the control of action potential shape and duration, as well as to cell Ca2+ dynamics, especially in heart failure.
AbstractLate Na+ current (INaL) contributes to action potential (AP) duration and Ca2+ handling in cardiac cells. Augmented INaL was implicated in delayed repolarization and impaired Ca2+ handling in heart failure (HF). We tested if Na+ channel (Nav) neuronal isoforms contribute to INaL and Ca2+ cycling defects in HF in 17 dogs in which HF was achieved via sequential coronary artery embolizations. Six normal dogs served as control. Transient Na+ current (INaT) and INaL in left ventricular cardiomyocytes (VCMs) were recorded by patch clamp while Ca2+ dynamics was monitored using Fluo‐4. Virally delivered short interfering RNA (siRNA) ensured Nav1.1 and Nav1.5 post‐transcriptional silencing. The expression of six Navs was observed in failing VCMs as follows: Nav1.5 (57.3%) > Nav1.2 (15.3%) > Nav1.1 (11.6%) > Nav2.1 (10.7%) > Nav1.3 (4.6%) > Nav1.6 (0.5%). Failing VCMs showed up‐regulation of Nav1.1 expression, but reduction of Nav1.6 mRNA. A similar Nav expression pattern was found in samples from human hearts with ischaemic HF. VCMs with silenced Nav1.5 exhibited residual INaT and INaL (∼30% of control) with rightwardly shifted steady‐state activation and inactivation. These currents were tetrodotoxin sensitive but resistant to MTSEA, a specific Nav1.5 blocker. The amplitude of the tetrodotoxin‐sensitive INaL was 0.1709 ± 0.0299 pA pF–1 (n = 7 cells) and the decay time constant was τ = 790 ± 76 ms (n = 5). This INaL component was lacking in VCMs with a silenced Nav1.1 gene, indicating that, among neuronal isoforms, Nav1.1 provides the largest contribution to INaL. At –10 mV this contribution is ∼60% of total INaL. Our further experimental and in silico examinations showed that this new Nav1.1 INaL component contributes to Ca2+ accumulation in failing VCMs and modulates AP shape and duration. In conclusion, we have discovered an Nav1.1‐originated INaL component in dog heart ventricular cells. This component is physiologically relevant to controlling AP shape and duration, as well as to cell Ca2+ dynamics.
Role of membrane cholesterol in spontaneous exocytosis at frog neuromuscular synapses: reactive oxygen species–calcium interplay
Authors: Petrov Alexey M. , Yakovleva Anastasiya A. , Zefirov Andrey L. 
Published: October 2014

Key points
Cholesterol depletion increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in extra‐ and intracellular space through NAPDH oxidase activation, which is accompanied by synaptic lipid oxidation.
ROS production due to extraction of cholesterol involves both an enhancement of synaptic vesicle exocytosis and an increase in cytosolic [Ca2+]i.
An ROS‐dependent rise in [Ca2+]i is suppressed by inhibitors of the transient receptor potential vanilloid channel and leads to an increase in synaptic vesicle exocytosis.
The ROS–calcium pathway might influence synaptic vesicle exocytosis via activation of phosphatase protein 2B (calcineurin).
The results help us better understand why a decrease of membrane cholesterol increases spontaneous synaptic vesicle exocytosis.
AbstractUsing electrophysiological and optical techniques, we studied the mechanisms by which cholesterol depletion stimulates spontaneous transmitter release by exocytosis at the frog neuromuscular junction. We found that methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (MCD, 10 mm)‐mediated exhaustion of cholesterol resulted in the enhancement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, which was prevented by the antioxidant N‐acetyl cysteine (NAC) and the NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin. An increase in ROS levels occurred both extra‐ and intracellularly, and it was associated with lipid peroxidation in synaptic regions. Cholesterol depletion provoked a rise in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration, which was diminished by NAC and transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) channel blockers (ruthenium red and capsazepine). By contrast, the MCD‐induced rise in [Ca2+]i remained unaffected if Ca2+ release from endoplasmic stores was blocked by TMB8 (8‐(diethylamino)octyl‐3,4,5‐trimethoxybenzoate hydrochloride). The effects of cholesterol depletion on spontaneous release and exocytosis were significantly reduced by the antioxidant, intracellular Ca2+ chelation with BAPTA‐AM and blockers of TRPV channels. Bath application of the calcineurin antagonist cyclosporine A blocked MCD‐induced enhancement of spontaneous release/exocytosis, whereas okadaic acid, an inhibitor of phosphatases PP1 and PP2A, had no effect. Thus, our findings indicate that enhancement of spontaneous exocytosis induced by cholesterol depletion may depend on ROS generation, leading to an influx of Ca2+ via TRPV channels and, subsequently, activation of calcineurin.