bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Left Atrial Asynchrony and Mechanical Function in Patients with Mitral Stenosis before and Immediately after Percutaneous Balloon Mitral Valvuloplasty: A Real Time Three‐Dimensional Echocardiography Study
Authors: Deng Yan , Guo Sheng‐lan , Su Hong‐yue , Wang Qian , Tan Zhen , Wu Ji , Zhang Di 
Published: June 2014

ObjectiveThis study evaluated the feasibility of assessing left atrium (LA) function and asynchrony in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS) before and immediately after percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty (PBMV) by real time three‐dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE).MethodsThirty patients with rheumatic MS who underwent PBMV and 30 controls were enrolled. RT3DE was used to measure LA volume and function, the standard deviation of time to the minimal systolic volume divided into 16 segments, 12 segments, or 6 segments (Tmsv 16‐SD, Tmsv 12‐SD, Tmsv 6‐SD), and the maximum differences (Tmsv 16‐Dif, 12‐Dif, 6‐Dif) in RT3DE derived values in MS patients before and 2 days after PBMV were obtained and compared with those of normal controls. The associations between the LA asynchrony and heart volume, function, mitral valve area (MVA), maximum mitral valve gradient (MVGmax), mean mitral valve gradient (MVGmean), and mean LA pressure (MLAP) were investigated.ResultsLeft atrium asynchrony indexes were significantly larger, and LA function parameters were significantly lower in the MS group than in the controls (P < 0.05 for all). Of all the LA asynchrony indexes, LA Tmsv16‐SD was most significantly correlated with the LA volume and function parameters, MVGmax, MVGmean, and MLAP (P < 0.05 for all). LA asynchrony indexes and LA volume significantly deceased, and LA function significantly increased post‐PBMV (P < 0.05).ConclusionReal time three‐dimensional echocardiography is a reliable and reproducible method to quantify LA function and asynchrony. RT3DE revealed a significant, early improvement in LA function and asynchrony in MS patients after PBMV.
Phytoplasma associated with Chinese tallow tree yellowing disease in China represents a new 16SrIII subgroup
Authors: Gao Y. , Liu A. X. , Li G. , Zhao L. M. , Sun G. Z. , Zhu X. P. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryRecently, samples of the Chinese tallow tree (Sapium sebiferum) displaying yellowing symptoms were collected from a grove in Tai'an, Shandong Province, China. The association of phytoplasma with yellowing disease was ascertained using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the 16S rRNA gene by using the phytoplasma‐specific universal primer pair P1/P7, followed by R16F2n/R16R2 as nested primers, and rp genes primed using rpL2F3/rp(I)R1A followed by rp(III)‐FN/rp(I)R1A. The sequence and phylogenetic analyses of the 16S rRNA gene and rp genes revealed that the phytoplasma associated with the Chinese tallow tree belonged to the 16SrIII group (the X‐disease group). Computer‐simulated and gel‐based restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analyses revealed that the RFLP patterns were different from the reference patterns of all previously established 16SrIII subgroups, with the maximum similarity coefficient exceeding the threshold for delineation of a new subgroup RFLP pattern type within the 16SrIII group. Thus, the phytoplasma associated with the Chinese tallow tree yellowing disease, designated as ‘CTTY’, represents a new subgroup (16SrIII‐Y). This study shows the Chinese tallow tree as a new host of phytoplasma belonging to the 16SrIII group in China and worldwide.
Prolonged ampakine exposure prunes dendritic spines and increases presynaptic release probability for enhanced long‐term potentiation in the hippocampus
Authors: Chang Philip K.‐Y. , Prenosil George A. , Verbich David , Gill Raminder , McKinney R. Anne 
Published: June 2014

AbstractCX 546, an allosteric positive modulator of α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid‐type ionotropic glutamate receptors (AMPARs), belongs to a drug class called ampakines. These compounds have been shown to enhance long‐term potentiation (LTP), a cellular model of learning and memory, and improve animal learning task performance, and have augmented cognition in neurodegenerative patients. However, the chronic effect of CX546 on synaptic structures has not been examined. The structure and integrity of dendritic spines are thought to play a role in learning and memory, and their abnormalities have been implicated in cognitive disorders. In addition, their structural plasticity has been shown to be important for cognitive function, such that dendritic spine remodeling has been proposed as the morphological correlate for LTP. Here, we tested the effect of CX546 on dendritic spine remodeling following long‐term treatment. We found that, with prolonged CX546 treatment, organotypic hippocampal slice cultures showed a significant reduction in CA3–CA1 excitatory synapse and spine density. Electrophysiological approaches revealed that the CA3–CA1 circuitry compensates for this synapse loss by increasing synaptic efficacy through enhancement of presynaptic release probability. CX546‐treated slices showed prolonged and enhanced potentiation upon LTP induction. Furthermore, structural plasticity, namely spine head enlargement, was also more pronounced after CX546 treatment. Our results suggest a concordance of functional and structural changes that is enhanced with prolonged CX546 exposure. Thus, the improved cognitive ability of patients receiving ampakine treatment may result from the priming of synapses through increases in the structural plasticity and functional reliability of hippocampal synapses.
A mean field model for competition: from neutral ecology to the Red Queen
Authors: O'Dwyer James P. , Chisholm Ryan 
Published: June 2014

AbstractIndividual species are distributed inhomogeneously over space and time, yet, within large communities of species, aggregated patterns of biodiversity seem to display nearly universal behaviour. Neutral models assume that an individual's demographic prospects are independent of its species identity. They have successfully predicted certain static, time‐independent patterns. But they have generally failed to predict temporal patterns, such as species ages or population dynamics. We construct a new, multispecies framework incorporating competitive differences between species, and assess the impact of this competition on static and dynamic patterns of biodiversity. We solve this model exactly for the special case of a Red Queen hypothesis, where fitter species are continually arising. The model predicts more realistic species ages than neutral models, without greatly changing predictions for static species abundance distributions. Our modelling approach may allow users to incorporate a broad range of ecological mechanisms.
Perennial rhizomatous grasses as bioenergy feedstock inSWAT: parameter development and model improvement
Authors: Trybula Elizabeth M. , Cibin Raj , Burks Jennifer L. , Chaubey Indrajeet , Brouder Sylvie M. , Volenec Jeffrey J. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) is increasingly used to quantify hydrologic and water quality impacts of bioenergy production, but crop‐growth parameters for candidate perennial rhizomatous grasses (PRG)Miscanthus × giganteusand upland ecotypes ofPanicum virgatum(switchgrass) are limited by the availability of field data. Crop‐growth parameter ranges and suggested values were developed in this study using agronomic and weather data collected at the Purdue University Water Quality Field Station in northwestern Indiana. During the process of parameterization, the comparison of measured data with conceptual representation ofPRGgrowth in the model led to three changes in theSWAT2009 code: the harvest algorithm was modified to maintain belowground biomass over winter, plant respiration was extended via modified‐DLAIto better reflect maturity and leaf senescence, and nutrient uptake algorithms were revised to respond to temperature, water, and nutrient stress. Parameter values and changes to the model resulted in simulated biomass yield and leaf area index consistent with reported values for the region. Code changes in theSWATmodel improved nutrient storage during dormancy period and nitrogen and phosphorus uptake by both switchgrass andMiscanthus.
Source and character of syntaxial hydrothermal calcite veins in Paleoproterozoic crystalline rocks revealed by fine‐scale investigations
Authors: Maskenskaya O. M. , Drake H. , Broman C. , Hogmalm J. K. , Czuppon G. , Åström M. E. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractCalcite veins in Paleoproterozoic granitoids on the Baltic Shield are the focus of this study. These veins are distinguished by their monomineralic character, unusual thickness and closeness to Neoproterozoic dolerite dykes and therefore have drawn attention. The aim of this study was to define the source of these veins and to unravel their isotopic and chemical nature by carrying out fine‐scale studies. Seven calcite veins covering a depth interval of 50–420 m below the ground surface and composed of breccias or crack‐sealed fillings typically expressing syntaxial growth were sampled and analysed for a variety of physicochemical variables: homogenization temperature (Th) and salinity of fluid inclusions, and stable isotopes (87Sr/86Sr, 13C/12C, 18O/16O), trace‐element concentrations (Fe, Mn, Mg, Sr, rare earth elements) and cathodoluminescence (CL) of the solid phase. The fluid‐inclusion data show that the calcites were precipitated mainly from relatively low‐temperature (Th = 73–106°C) brines (13.4–24.5 wt.% CaCl2), and the 87Sr/86Sr is more radiogenic than expected for Rb‐poor minerals precipitated from Neoproterozoic fluids. These features, together with the distribution of δ13C and δ18O values, provide evidence that the calcite veins are not genetic with the nearby Neoproterozoic dolerite dykes, but are of Paleozoic age and were precipitated from warm brines expressing a rather large variability in salinity. Whereas the isotopic and chemical variables express rather constant average values among the individual veins, they vary considerably on fine‐scale across individual veins. This has implications for understanding processes causing calcite‐rich veins to form and capture trace metals in crystalline bedrock settings.
Managing Haemophilia for Life: 4th Haemophilia Global Summit
Authors: Astermark J. , Dolan G. , Hilberg T. , Jiménez‐Yuste V. , Laffan M. , Lassila R. , Lobet S. , Martinoli C. , Perno C.‐F. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryThe 4th Haemophilia Global Summit was held in Potsdam, Germany, in September 2013 and brought together an international faculty of haemophilia experts and delegates from multidisciplinary backgrounds. The programme was designed by an independent Scientific Steering Committee of haemophilia experts and explored global perspectives in haemophilia care, discussing practical approaches to the optimal management of haemophilia now and in the future. The topics outlined in this supplement were selected by the Scientific Steering Committee for their relevance and potential to influence haemophilia care globally. In this supplement from the meeting, Jan Astermark reviews current understanding of risk factors for the development of inhibitory antibodies and discusses whether this risk can be modulated and minimized. Factors key to the improvement of joint health in people with haemophilia are explored, with Carlo Martinoli and Víctor Jiménez‐Yuste discussing the utility of ultrasound for the early detection of haemophilic arthropathy. Other aspects of care necessary for the prevention and management of joint disease in people with haemophilia are outlined by Thomas Hilberg and Sébastian Lobet, who highlight the therapeutic benefits of physiotherapy and sports therapy. Riitta Lassila and Carlo‐Federico Perno describe current knowledge surrounding the risk of transmission of infectious agents via clotting factor concentrates. Finally, different types of extended half‐life technology are evaluated by Mike Laffan, with a focus on the practicalities and challenges associated with these products.
Hepatocellular carcinoma based on cryptogenic liver disease: The most common non‐viral hepatocellular carcinoma in patients aged over 80 years
Authors: Tokushige Katsutoshi , Hashimoto Etsuko , Horie Yoshinori , Taniai Makiko , Higuchi Susumu 
Published: June 2014

AimTo clarify the clinical features of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with cryptogenic liver diseases, we analyzed the data from a nationwide survey in Japan.MethodsThe survey was conducted in 2009. The factors examined included age and underlying liver diseases: alcoholic liver disease (ALD; n = 991), non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (n = 292), modest alcohol intake (intake between 20 and 70 g/day, n = 214) and cryptogenic liver diseases (n = 316). We compared the clinical features of cryptogenic HCC among patient‐age subgroups.ResultsHCC with ALD etiology was most common among the non‐viral HCC patients under 80 years old; for those aged 80 years or older, cryptogenic HCC was the most common etiology. Among the cryptogenic HCC patients, the body mass index values and the prevalences of liver cirrhosis (LC) and diabetes mellitus (DM) were significantly lower in the 80 years or older group versus the 50–79 years group. In the 80 years or older group, 28% of the patients developed HCC without cirrhosis, obesity and DM.ConclusionIn the HCC patients aged 80 years and over, the etiology of most of the non‐viral HCC cases was classified as cryptogenic. In light of our finding that the prevalences of obesity, DM and LC in the 80 years or older group of cryptogenic HCC patients were significantly lower those in the younger patients, it is apparent that analyses of HCC cases must take age differences into account.
Determination of the Concentration of Carbonic Species in Natural Waters: Results from a World‐Wide Proficiency Test
Authors: Verma Mahendra P. , Portugal Enrique , Gangloff Sophie , Armienta María Aurora , Chandrasekharam Dornadula , Sanchez Mayela , Renderos Roberto E. , Juanco Miguel , van Geldern Robert 
Published: June 2014

The results of an international interlaboratory proficiency test for the determination of carbonic species are presented. Eight laboratories analysed twelve water samples (four synthetic waters, one lake water, four geothermal waters, one seawater and two petroleum waters) by two methods: (a) individual laboratory analytical procedure and (b) acid–base titration curves in tabular form following a standardised protocol. In case (b), the concentrations of carbonic species were calculated by the organiser using the (1) Hydrologists' method, (2) Geochemists' method and/or (3) initial pH and total alkalinity method. For synthetic waters, the averaged % trueness and precision of measurement of the two methods were (trueness = 7.6, precision = 9.4) and (9.0, 3.4) for total alkalinity, and (6.6, 31.0) and (7.8, 6.1) for carbonic alkalinity, respectively. This indicates that the total alkalinity calculation procedure is in general correct in the individual laboratory method, but the carbonic alkalinity calculation procedure has serious problems. The measurements of total alkalinity for lake and seawaters were in agreement in both the methods; however, the individual laboratory measurement method for geothermal and petroleum waters was conceptually incorrect. Thus, the analytical procedures for the determination of carbonic species were reviewed. To apply the Hydrologists' and/or Geochemists' methods, the location of NaHCO3EP and H2CO3EP is necessary, even for samples with pH lower than that of NaHCO3EP, and a backward titration curve after complete removal of CO2 must be performed. The initial pH and total alkalinity method is appropriate where a complete analysis of species that contribute to the alkalinity is known.
Metronidazole and amoxicillin as adjuncts to scaling and root planing for the treatment of type 2 diabetic subjects with periodontitis: 1‐year outcomes of a randomized placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Miranda Tamires Szeremeske , Feres Magda , Perez‐Chaparro Paula Juliana , Faveri Marcelo , Figueiredo Luciene Cristina , Tamashiro Neila Sumie , Bastos Marta Ferreira , Duarte Poliana Mendes 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAimTo evaluate the clinical and microbiological effects of the use of metronidazole (MTZ) + amoxicillin (AMX) as adjuncts to scaling and root planing (SRP) for the treatment of chronic periodontitis (ChP) in type 2 diabetic subjects.Material and MethodsFifty‐eight type 2 diabetic subjects (n = 29/group) with generalized ChP were randomly assigned to receive SRP alone or with MTZ [400 mg/thrice a day (TID)]+AMX (500 mg/TID) for 14 days. Subgingival biofilm samples were analyzed byqPCRfor the presence of seven periodontal pathogens. Subjects were monitored at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months post‐therapies.ResultsThe group receivingSRP+MTZ+AMXpresented greater mean probing depth (PD) reduction and clinical attachment gain, a lower number of sites withPD≥5 mm (primary outcome variable) and a reduced number of subjects with ≥9 of these residual pockets than the control group at 1‐year post‐therapy (p < 0.05). The antibiotic‐treated group also presented reduced levels and greater decreases of the three red complex species,Eubacterium nodatumandPrevotella intermedia,compared to the control group at 1 year (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe adjunctive use ofMTZ+AMXsignificantly improved the clinical and microbiological outcomes ofSRPin the treatment of type 2 diabetic subjects with ChP.
Periodontal status and serum biomarkers levels in haemodialysis patients
Authors: Rodrigues Vandilson P. , Libério Silvana A. , Lopes Fernanda F. , Thomaz Erika B. F. A. , Guerra Rosane N. M. , Gomes‐Filho Isaac S. , Pereira Antonio L. A. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAimTo investigate the association between periodontal status and serum biomarkers levels in haemodialysis patients.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study included 96 haemodialysis patients. The periodontal evaluation was realized using clinical attachment level (CAL), probing depth (PD), gingival bleeding index (GBI), visible plaque index (VPI) and gingival index (GI). Biochemical and haematological data – serum albumin, phosphorus, creatinine, transferrin, ferritin, iron, alkaline phosphatase, calcium, potassium and haemoglobin – were collected from the medical records. The subject was diagnosed with periodontitis if he/she had at least two inter‐proximal sites in different teeth with CAL ≥4 mm and/or at least two inter‐proximal sites in separate teeth with PD ≥5 mm.ResultsThe study population consisted of 45 men and 51 women, with mean time under haemodialysis of 45.6 ± 33.1 months. Periodontitis was observed in 59.4% of the subjects. The periodontitis group had albumin (p = 0.021) and phosphorus (p = 0.024) serum levels lower than the no periodontitis group. Thus, there was a positive association of periodontitis with hypoalbuminaemia (OR = 9.10, p = 0.006) and a negative association with hyperphosphataemia (OR = 0.21, p = 0.010).ConclusionsThese findings suggest that periodontitis is associated with albumin and phosphorus serum levels in haemodialysis patients.
Evolution of aging: individual life history trade‐offs and population heterogeneity account for mortality patterns across species
Authors: Le Cunff Y. , Baudisch A. , Pakdaman K. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractA broad range of mortality patterns has been documented across species, some even including decreasing mortality over age. Whether there exist a common denominator to explain both similarities and differences in these mortality patterns remains an open question. The disposable soma theory, an evolutionary theory of aging, proposes that universal intracellular trade‐offs between maintenance/lifespan and reproduction would drive aging across species. The disposable soma theory has provided numerous insights concerning aging processes in single individuals. Yet, which specific population mortality patterns it can lead to is still largely unexplored. In this article, we propose a model exploring the mortality patterns which emerge from an evolutionary process including only the disposable soma theory core principles. We adapt a well‐known model of genomic evolution to show that mortality curves producing a kink or mid‐life plateaus derive from a common minimal evolutionary framework. These mortality shapes qualitatively correspond to those of Drosophila melanogaster, Caenorhabditis elegans, medflies, yeasts and humans. Species evolved in silico especially differ in their population diversity of maintenance strategies, which itself emerges as an adaptation to the environment over generations. Based on this integrative framework, we also derive predictions and interpretations concerning the effects of diet changes and heat‐shock treatments on mortality patterns.
Cytokinin levels and signaling respond to wounding and the perception of herbivore elicitors in Nicotiana attenuata
Authors: Schäfer Martin , Meza‐Canales Ivan D. , Navarro‐Quezada Aura , Brütting Christoph , Vanková Radomira , Baldwin Ian T. , Meldau Stefan 
Published: June 2014

AbstractNearly half a century ago insect herbivores were found to induce the formation of green islands by manipulating cytokinin (CK) levels. However, the response of the CK pathway to attack by chewing insect herbivores remains unclear. Here, we characterize the CK pathway of Nicotiana attenuata (Torr. ex S. Wats.) and its response to wounding and perception of herbivore‐associated molecular patterns (HAMPs). We identified 44 genes involved in CK biosynthesis, inactivation, degradation, and signaling. Leaf wounding rapidly induced transcriptional changes in multiple genes throughout the pathway, as well as in the levels of CKs, including isopentenyladenosine and cis‐zeatin riboside; perception of HAMPs present in the oral secretions (OS) of the specialist herbivore Manduca sexta amplified these responses. The jasmonate pathway, which triggers many herbivore‐induced processes, was not required for these HAMP‐triggered changes, but rather suppressed the CK responses. Interestingly CK pathway changes were observed also in systemic leaves in response to wounding and OS application indicating a role of CKs in mediating long distance systemic processes in response to herbivory. Since wounding and grasshopper OS elicited similar accumulations of CKs in Arabidopsis thaliana L., we propose that CKs are integral components of wounding and HAMP‐triggered responses in many plant species.