bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is there an association between root architecture and mycorrhizal growth response?
Authors: Maherali Hafiz 
Published: July 2014

Summary

The symbiosis between arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and plants is evolutionarily widespread. The response of plant growth to inoculation by these fungi (mycorrhizal growth response; MGR) is highly variable, ranging from positive to negative. Some of this variation is hypothesized to be associated with root structure and function. Specifically, species with a coarse root architecture, and thus a limited intrinsic capacity to absorb soil nutrients, are expected to derive the greatest growth benefit from inoculation with AM fungi.

To test this hypothesis, previously published literature and phylogenetic information were combined in a meta‐analysis to examine the magnitude and direction of relationships among several root architectural traits and MGR.

Published studies differed in the magnitude and direction of relationships between root architecture and MGR. However, when combined, the overall relationship between MGR and allocation to roots, root diameter, root hair length and root hair density did not differ significantly from zero.

These findings indicate that possessing coarse roots is not necessarily a predictor of plant growth response to AM fungal colonization. Root architecture is therefore unlikely to limit the evolution of variation in MGR.
Refinement of Ischemic Stroke Risk in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and CHA2DS2‐VASc Score of 1
Authors: HUANG DUO , ANGUO LUO , YUE WEN‐SHENG , YIN LIXUE , TSE HUNG‐FAT , SIU CHUNG‐WAH 
Published: July 2014

Background Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) with CHA2DS2‐VASc score of 1 (where CHA2DS2‐VASc is CHA2DS2‐Vascular disease, Age 65–74 years, Sex category) are recommended to receive antithrombotic therapy. Nonetheless, it remains unclear whether individual components that constitute CHA2DS2‐VASc score contribute equally to the ischemic stroke risk, particularly in patients with CHA2DS2‐VASc score of 1. The objective was to describe and compare the risk of ischemic stroke of the six individual components constituting CHA2DS2‐VASc among AF patients with CHA2DS2‐VASc score of 1.Methods and ResultsWe studied all patients with CHA2DS2‐VASc score of 1 and no antithrombotic therapy from our cohort of 9,727 Chinese AF patients. A total of 548 patients were studied: 190 patients with CHA2DS2‐VASc score of 0 and 358 patients with CHA2DS2‐VASc score of 1. Of those with a baseline CHA2DS2‐VASc score of 1, 51.1% patients aged 65–75; 29.3% patients were female; 12.0% had hypertension; 4.5% had heart failure; 2.5% had diabetes; and 0.6% had vascular disease. After 1,758 patient‐years of follow‐up, the annual incidence of stroke was 2.4% and 6.6% for patients with CHA2DS2‐VASc score of 0 and 1, respectively. Compared with patients with CHA2DS2‐VASc score of 0, patients with hypertension leading to CHA2DS2‐VASc score of 1 were at the highest risk of stroke (Hazard ratio [HR]: 9.8, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.7–35.6), followed by patients aged 65–74 (HR: 3.9, 95% CI: 2.3–6.6) and female gender (HR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.1–4.8). Heart failure, diabetes mellitus, and vascular disease were not associated with stroke.ConclusionIn AF patients with CHA2DS2‐VASc score of 1, hypertension confers the highest risk for stroke among other risk factors comprising the score. A more aggressive thromboprophylaxis strategy may be justified among AF patients with CHA2DS2‐VASc score of 1 due to hypertension.
Evaluation of i‐gel™ airway in children: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Maitra Souvik , Baidya Dalim K. , Bhattacharjee Sulagna , Khanna Puneet 
Published: July 2014

SummaryBackgroundI‐gel™ is a relatively newer addition in the pediatric anesthesia practice. Its comparison with the other laryngeal mask airway repor‐ted a wide range of results. Randomized controlled trials where i‐gel™ has been compared with other laryngeal masks (laryngeal mask airway ProSeal™ and laryngeal mask airway Classic™) in children for airway management device during general anesthesia has been included in this meta‐analysis.MethodsPubMed and Central Register of Clinical Trials of the Cochrane Collaboration for eligible controlled trials using following search words: ‘i‐gel’, ‘i‐gel laryngeal mask airway’, ‘i‐gel children’, ‘i‐gel paediatric’ until February 15, 2014. A total nine prospective randomized controlled trials have been included in this meta‐analysis.ResultsPooled analyses have found that i‐gel™ provided significantly higher oropharyngeal leak pressure than laryngeal mask airway ProSeal™ [496 participants, mean difference 2.07 cm H2O, 95% CI 0.52–3.62; P = 0.009] and a similar leak in comparison with laryngeal mask airway Classic™ [355 participants, mean difference 1.73 cm H2O, 95% CI −0.04, 3.51 cm H2O; P =0.06]. No difference was found in first insertion success rate and ease of insertion between i‐gel™, laryngeal mask airway ProSeal™, and laryngeal mask airway Classic™. Ease of gastric tube insertion is similar between i‐gel™ and laryngeal mask airway ProSeal™. Reported complications are infrequent and similar in all three devices.ConclusionWe conclude that i‐gel™ is an effective alternative of the commonly used laryngeal mask airway ProSeal™ and laryngeal mask airway Classic™ in children for airway management during general anesthesia.
Anxiety sensitivity: Changes with puberty and cardiovascular variables
Authors: Akça Ömer Faruk , Ağaç Vural Tuba , Türkoğlu Serhat , Kılıç Emine Zinnur 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundAnxiety sensitivity (AS) is a relatively stable dispositional variable that may increase the risk for anxiety‐related symptoms, particularly panic attack, among individuals of all age groups. Changes in AS during adolescence in healthy individuals, however, has not been previously investigated. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the relationship of AS with puberty level, pulse rate, and blood pressure in healthy adolescents.MethodsThe sample consisted of 133 healthy adolescents (70 boys, 63 girls) aged 10–17 years. Puberty stage (i.e. Tanner stage), pulse rate, and blood pressure of each participant were determined. The Childhood Anxiety Sensitivity Inventory was used to identify AS. The correlations between AS and the clinical variables were assessed.ResultsAS was negatively correlated with pubertal stage when age and gender were controlled. Also, AS was correlated with diastolic blood pressure when age, gender, and pubertal stage were controlled (P < 0.05). Neither systolic blood pressure nor heart rate were correlated with AS.ConclusionAS, which is reported to be a trait‐like variable, may change during adolescence, due to the effect of pubertal growth and blood pressure interacting with AS during adolescence.
Physical activity cut‐offs and risk factors for preventing child obesity in Japan
Authors: Minematsu Kazuo , Kawabuchi Ryosuke , Okazaki Hiromi , Tomita Hiroyuki , Tobina Takuro , Tanigawa Takeshi , Tsunawake Noriaki 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundThere is no official recommendations for physical activity level or steps for preventing and improving child obesity in Japan.MethodsThree hundred and two Japanese children aged 9–12 years were recruited wore 3‐D speed sensors. Subjects were divided into two groups using the criteria for child obesity in Japan. Body composition was measured on bioelectrical impedance analysis. Physical fitness test was done to evaluate physical strength. Twenty‐four hour total steps, energy expenditure, and metabolic equivalents (MET) from Monday to Sunday were consecutively measured. The cut‐offs for steps and physical activity level for preventing child obesity were evaluated on receiver operating characteristic curves. Daily life‐related risk factors for child obesity were assessed on logistic regression analysis.ResultsIn both sexes, body volume; bodyweight, body mass index, fat mass, and percentage body fat in the obese group was significantly higher than in the normal group, but age and height were not different (P < 0.001). Aerobic power, running speed, and explosive strength in the obese group were inferior to those in the normal group (P < 0.001). More than 40 min of 4 MET exercise, defined as moderate–vigorous exercise, and 11 000 steps per day are essential to prevent child obesity. Additionally, >2 h TV viewing per day is a significant risk factor for child obesity (OR, 3.43; 95%CI: 1.27–9.31).ConclusionCut‐offs for physical activity and potential risk factors for child obesity have been identified. Recommendations for changes to daily lifestyle for school‐aged Japanese children are given.
Changing face and clinical features of celiac disease in children
Authors: Gokce Selim , Arslantas Esra 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to analyze and compare the epidemiological and presenting features, clinical patterns, and complications of celiac disease (CD) in children.MethodsThe clinical charts of children with CD were retrospectively analyzed. Data for children who presented during the first time period (January 2005–October 2008; group 1) were compared to those of children who presented during the second time period (November 2008–April 2012; group 2).ResultsGroup 1 and 2 consisted of 96 and 95 children, respectively. There were no differences in gender distribution, weight, or height z‐scores between the two groups. Mean age at the time of diagnosis in group 2 (9.3 ± 4.5 years) was significantly higher than in group 1 (6.9 ± 3.9 years; P < 0.001). Non‐classical presentation was more frequent in group 2 (P = 0.01). Associated disorders were observed in 49 children (25.7%) overall. There were significantly more children with type 1 diabetes mellitus in group 2 (P = 0.030). In all, 11 patients (5.8%) were overweight (either obese or at risk of obesity) at presentation. Isolated short stature was the presenting feature in 15 children (7.9%) overall, but was more frequently observed in group 2 (P = 0.003). In total, 15 patients (7.9%) presented with refractory iron deficiency anemia; the frequency was similar in both groups. Dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry was performed in 102 patients, and 82 (80.4%) had metabolic bone disease (MBD).ConclusionThe mode of presentation and clinical features of CD in childhood continue to change. Of note, a substantial percentage of patients were overweight at presentation. MBD is a frequent complication, necessitating routine evaluation.
Floodplain conservation in the Mississippi River Valley: combining spatial analysis, landowner outreach, and market assessment to enhance land protection for the Atchafalaya River Basin, Louisiana, U.S.A.
Authors: Piazza Bryan P. , Allen Yvonne C. , Martin Richard , Bergan James F. , King Katherine , Jacob Rick 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThreats to riverine landscapes are often the result of system‐wide river management policy, located far from where the threats appear, or both. As a result, the rationale for land protection to achieve floodplain conservation and restoration has shifted to require that lands must also have multiple and systemic threat abatement benefits. The Mississippi River Flood of 2011 highlighted the need for increased floodplain complexes along the Mississippi River to provide both systemic threat abatement and conservation benefits. We used spatial analysis, landowner outreach, and market assessment to examine ways to enhance land protection in the Atchafalaya River Basin Floodway, the largest river basin swamp North America and the site of two employed floodway locations during the 2011 flood. We identified six Priority Conservation Areas (77,084 ha) in the floodway that are largely privately owned (mean 78.2 ± 6.4%), with forest dominated by Taxodium distichum (baldcypress) and hydrologic and water quality characteristics considered most suitable for baldcypress regeneration (31.2 ± 2.4% and 10.2 ± 3.0% of area, respectively). Landowners expressed high (80%) interest in land protection programs and found the range of property values derived from market analyzes (minimal protection—$346 USD/ha; additional protections—up to $2,223 USD/ha) to be reasonable. We seek to: (1) enhance current land protection in the Atchafalaya River Basin and (2) provide a model for using land protection to increase the number of floodplains for both systemic threat abatement and conservation benefits.
Systems approach identifies TGA1 and TGA4 transcription factors as important regulatory components of the nitrate response of Arabidopsis thaliana roots
Authors: Alvarez José M. , Riveras Eleodoro , Vidal Elena A. , Gras Diana E. , Contreras‐López Orlando , Tamayo Karem P. , Aceituno Felipe , Gómez Isabel , Ruffel Sandrine , Lejay Laurence , Jordana Xavier , Gutiérrez Rodrigo A. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryNitrate acts as a potent signal to control global gene expression in Arabidopsis. Using an integrative bioinformatics approach we identified TGA1 and TGA4 as putative regulatory factors that mediate nitrate responses in Arabidopsis roots. We showed that both TGA1 and TGA4 mRNAs accumulate strongly after nitrate treatments in roots. Global gene expression analysis revealed 97% of the genes with altered expression in tga1 tga4 double mutant plants respond to nitrate treatments, indicating that these transcription factors have a specific role in nitrate responses in Arabidopsis root organs. We found TGA1 and TGA4 regulate the expression of nitrate transporter genes NRT2.1 and NRT2.2. Specific binding of TGA1 to its cognate DNA sequence on NRT2.1 and NRT2.2 promoters was confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. The tga1 tga4 double mutant plants exhibit nitrate‐dependent lateral and primary root phenotypes. Lateral root initiation is affected in both tga1 tga4 and nrt1.2 nrt2.2 double mutants, suggesting TGA1 and TGA4 regulate lateral root development at least partly via NRT2.1 and NRT2.2. Additional root phenotypes of tga1 tga4 double mutants indicate that these transcription factors play an important role in root developmental responses to nitrate. These results identify TGA1 and TGA4 as important regulatory factors of the nitrate response in Arabidopsis roots.
Discharge characteristics of motor units during long‐duration contractions
Authors: Pascoe Michael A. , Holmes Matthew R. , Stuart Douglas G. , Enoka Roger M. 
Published: July 2014

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
How long can humans sustain motor unit discharge during a voluntary contraction?
What is the main finding and its importance?
Human motor units can discharge action potentials for a longer time during a voluntary contraction than can be achieved by intracellular or extracellular current injection of motor neurons with in vivo and in vitro animal preparations. These recordings comprise a previously unexplored range of durations for human motor unit recordings during a continuously sustained isometric recording.
The purpose of the study was to determine how long humans could sustain the discharge of single motor units during a voluntary contraction. The discharge of motor units in first dorsal interosseus of subjects (27.8 ± 8.1 years old) was recorded for as long as possible. The task was terminated when the isolated motor unit stopped discharging action potentials, despite the ability of the individual to sustain the abduction force. Twenty‐three single motor units were recorded. Task duration was 21.4 ± 17.8 min. When analysed across discharge duration, mean discharge rate (10.6 ± 1.8 pulses s−1) and mean abduction force (5.5 ± 2.8% maximum) did not change significantly (discharge rate, P = 0.119; and abduction force, P = 0.235). In contrast, the coefficient of variation for interspike interval during the initial 30 s of the task was 22.2 ± 6.0% and increased to 31.9 ± 7.0% during the final 30 s (P < 0.001). All motor units were recruited again after 60 s of rest. Although subjects were able to sustain a relatively constant discharge rate, the cessation of discharge was preceded by a gradual increase in discharge variability. The findings also showed that the maximal duration of human motor unit discharge exceeds that previously reported for the discharge elicited in motor neurons by intracellular current injection in vitro.
Intrinsic chemosensitivity of rostral ventrolateral medullary sympathetic premotor neurons in the in situ arterially perfused preparation of rats
Authors: Koganezawa Tadachika , Paton Julian F. R. 
Published: July 2014

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
Brain hypoperfusion is a key factor triggering hypertension through activation of cardiovascular sympathetic vasomotor nerves. However, mechanisms of detecting brain hypoperfusion remain unclear. We hypothesized that the sympathetic premotor neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) can sense asphyxia and cause sympathoexcitation.
What is the main finding and its importance?
Functionally identified RVLM sympathetic premotor neurons were excited by hypoxia but less so by hypercapnia, before and after blockade of synaptic transmission. The RVLM sympathetic premotor neurons can act as an important oxygen sensor during brain hypoxia/hypoperfusion, which may be important in maintaining sympathetic nerve discharge to support blood pressure and hence maintain brain perfusion.
Brainstem hypoperfusion is a major excitant of sympathetic activity triggering hypertension, but the exact mechanisms involved remain incompletely understood. A major source of excitatory drive to preganglionic sympathetic neurons originates from the ongoing activity of premotor neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM sympathetic premotor neurons). The chemosensitivity profile of physiologically characterized RVLM sympathetic premotor neurons during hypoxia and hypercapnia remains unclear. We examined whether physiologically characterized RVLM sympathetic premotor neurons can sense brainstem ischaemia intrinsically. We addressed this issue in a unique in situ arterially perfused preparation before and after a complete blockade of fast excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission. During hypercapnic hypoxia, respiratory modulation of RVLM sympathetic premotor neurons was lost, but tonic firing of most RVLM sympathetic premotor neurons was elevated. After blockade of fast excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission, RVLM sympathetic premotor neurons continued to fire and exhibited an excitatory firing response to hypoxia but not hypercapnia. This study suggests that RVLM sympathetic premotor neurons can sustain high levels of neuronal discharge when oxygen is scarce. The intrinsic ability of RVLM sympathetic premotor neurons to maintain responsivity to brainstem hypoxia is an important mechanism ensuring adequate arterial pressure, essential for maintaining cerebral perfusion in the face of depressed ventilation and/or high cerebral vascular resistance.
Respiratory pump contributes to increased physiological reserve for compensation during simulated haemorrhage
Authors: Poh Paula Y. S. , Carter Robert , Hinojosa‐Laborde Carmen , Mulligan Jane , Grudic Gregory Z. , Convertino Victor A. 
Published: July 2014

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
The negative intrathoracic pressure created by inspiration (i.e. the respiratory pump) is associated with enhanced venous return, although its contribution as a potential mechanism of compensation during blood loss has not been quantified.
What is the main finding and its importance?
We demonstrated that optimizing the creation of negative intrathoracic pressure during inspiration represented a mechanism of compensation during haemorrhage that was quantifiably reflected in a reduced rate of diminution of the compensatory reserve, resulting in increased tolerance to progressive reductions in central blood volume.
Intrathoracic pressure regulation (IPR) represents a therapy for increasing systemic circulation through the creation of negative intrathoracic pressure. We hypothesized that using this ‘respiratory pump’ effect would slow the diminution of the physiological reserve to compensate during progressive reductions in central blood volume. The compensatory reserve index (CRI) algorithm was used to measure the proportion (from 100 to 0%) of reserve capacity that remained to compensate for central volume loss before the onset of cardiovascular decompensation. Continuous analog recordings of arterial waveforms were extracted from data files of seven healthy volunteers. Subjects had previously participated in experiments designed to induce haemodynamic decompensation (presyncope) by progressive reduction in central blood volume using graded lower‐body negative pressure. The lower‐body negative pressure protocol was completed while breathing spontaneously through a standard medical face mask without (placebo) and with a resistance (approximately −7 cmH2O; active IPR) applied during inspiration. At the onset of presyncope in the placebo conditions, CRI was smaller than the CRI observed at the same time point in the active IPR conditions. The CRI at the onset of presyncope during active IPR (0.08 ± 0.01) was similar to the CRI at presyncope with placebo. Kaplan–Meier and log rank tests indicated that CRI survival curves were shifted to the right by active IPR. Optimizing the respiratory pump contributed a small but significant effect of increasing tolerance to progressive reductions in central blood volume by extending the compensatory reserve.