bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Eavesdropping in plants: delayed germination via biochemical recognition
Authors: Renne Ian J. , Sinn Brandon T. , Shook Gregory W. , Sedlacko David M. , Dull Jessica R. , Villarreal Diego , Hierro José L. 
Published: November 2013

Summary

Allelopathy has traditionally been viewed as a phytotoxic disruption of recipient plant metabolism, and allelopathic effects are generally strongest on species lacking historic exposure to particular phytotoxins (Novel Weapons Hypothesis). However, mounting evidence suggests phytochemical‐induced germination inhibition can be an adaptive response to competitive conditions, not the consequence of toxin exposure. That is, selective advantages can exist for seeds to chemically recognize potential competitor presence and defer germination until better establishment conditions occur. This Biochemical Recognition Hypothesis (BRH) contrasts the allelopathy paradigm by predicting greater germination inhibition following phytochemical exposure of sympatric compared to allopatric species.

In a glasshouse, we grew 12 species native to Argentinean and North American grasslands and tested whether phytochemical leachates from co‐occurring species reduced seedling emergence more than those having no historic association.

Two species had 13% and 27% emergence reductions following leachate exposure of sympatric relative to allopatric species, supporting species‐specific BR. Intraspecific leachates reduced emergence more than those from heterospecifics, suggesting within‐species BR may be common. Only the four smallest seeded species exhibited heterospecific BR responses, suggesting that selection for assessing local competition potential may intensify as seed reserves decline. Importantly, leachate origin did not affect seedling biomass nor accelerate germination, indicating a non‐toxic biochemical effect on germination reduction but not growth.

Synthesis. Coupling ample theoretical support with empirical evidence here and elsewhere, an ‘eavesdrop‐and‐wait' competition avoidance strategy could be a common phenomenon. Our findings suggest sympatric association may contribute to evolution of species‐specific BR and that seed traits are important in its development. The underlying mechanism affecting these germination decisions may be simple phytochemical‐induced hormonal regulation. Factors preclude BR from being ubiquitous but nonetheless, BR provides a potentially powerful mechanism by which some plant populations and the spatiotemporal diversity of some communities are structured. Lastly, allelopathy may be erroneously invoked when phytochemical‐induced germination reduction occurs but a toxicity mechanism has not been elucidated. In many cases, this fits more with the BRH than classic allelopathy.
Bevacizumab‐induced transient sixth nerve palsy in ovarian cancer: A case report
Authors: Momeni Mazdak , Veras Laura , Zakashansky Konstantin 
Published: November 2013

AbstractWe report a case of transient sixth nerve palsy after systemic administration of bevacizumab. Two days after systemic administration of bevacizumab in conjunction with gemcitabine and carboplatin in a 67‐year‐old woman with recurrent primary ovarian cancer, the patient developed sixth nerve palsy. After bevacizumab was stopped, the complete left sixth nerve palsy resolved spontaneously over the course of 3 months. This is the first reported case of bevacizumab‐induced cranial sixth nerve palsy in the treatment of gynecologic malignancy.
High‐ and low‐protein gestation diets do not provoke common transcriptional responses representing universal target‐pathways in muscle and liver of porcine progeny
Authors: Oster M. , Murani E. , Metges C. C. , Ponsuksili S. , Wimmers K. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAimMaternal diets introduce transcriptional changes in the offspring, highlighting the concept of genetic and physiological plasticity. Our previous analyses investigated stage‐dependent transcriptional responses to either maternal high or low protein/carbohydrate ratios in either muscle or liver. Foetal programming is proposed to be mediated by a small number of gatekeeper processes, such as cytoskeleton remodelling and cell‐cycle regulation. Here, we conducted an overall analysis of a three‐dimensional data set aiming to elucidate, whether there are universally targeted pathways of adaptive transcriptional response to different protein/carbohydrate ratios.MethodsMicroarray analyses were performed on liver and skeletal muscle tissue sampled at 94 days post‐conception and 1, 28 and 188 days post‐natum from offspring (n = 253) of German Landrace gilts that were fed isoenergetic diets containing low, high or adequate protein.ResultsCluster analyses revealed a hierarchical influence of tissue, ontogenetic stage and diet on transcript levels. Considering results cumulatively over stages, liver showed only marginal transcriptional differences between the dietary groups, whereas considerable differences appeared in muscle. Considering results cumulatively over tissues, nutrition‐responsive transcriptions were observed along ontogenesis. Pathway analyses revealed transcript differences in genes related to tissue remodelling, cell‐cycle regulation and mitochondrial function.ConclusionThe factors tissue, stage and diet impact gene expression in a hierarchical order. Porcine liver appeared to be a tissue that was more resilient to nutritional modulation compared with skeletal muscle tissue. Differential modulation between tissues and dietary groups reveal that there are no universal target‐pathways of adaptive transcriptional response to different protein diets.
Quercetin Improves Behavioral Deficiencies, Restores Astrocytes and Microglia, and Reduces Serotonin Metabolism in 3‐Nitropropionic Acid‐Induced Rat Model of Huntington's Disease
Authors: Chakraborty Joy , Singh Raghavendra , Dutta Debashis , Naskar Amit , Rajamma Usha , Mohanakumar Kochupurackal P. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryAimHuntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant disorder, for which clinically available drugs offer only symptomatic relief. These prescription drugs are not free of side effects, and the patients usually suffer from anxiety and depression. We investigated quercetin, a dietary flavonoid with free radical scavenging properties, for its beneficial potential if any, in 3‐nitropropionic acid (3‐NP)‐induced HD in rats where both drugs were administered simultaneously.MethodsPerformance of rats on beam balancing, elevated plus maze and gait traits were investigated following 3‐NP and/or quercetin treatments for 4 days. Striatal biogenic amine levels and monoamine oxidase activity were assayed. Striatal sections were examined for Cd11B and glial fibrillary acidic protein immunoreactivity, and for evidences of neuronal lesion.ResultsQuercetin significantly attenuated 3‐NP‐induced anxiety, motor coordination deficits, and gait despair. While the dopaminergic hyper‐metabolism was unaffected, quercetin provided a significant reduction of 3‐NP mediated increase in serotonin metabolism. Quercetin failed to affect 3‐NP‐induced striatal neuronal lesion, but decreased microglial proliferation, and increased astrocyte numbers in the lesion core.ConclusionThese results taken together suggest that quercetin could be of potential use not only for correcting movement disturbances and anxiety in HD, but also for addressing inflammatory damages.
Mental disorders and psychosocial support during the first year after total laryngectomy: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Keszte J. , Danker H. , Dietz A. , Meister E. , Pabst F. , Vogel H.‐J. , Meyer A. , Singer S. 
Published: November 2013

ObjectivesTo assess the frequency of mental disorders and the use of psychosocial services in laryngectomised patients during the first year after surgery.DesignMulticentre prospective study including six interviews. Data regarding psychiatric comorbidity 3 months (3 m) and 1 year (12 m) after total laryngectomy (TLE) are reported in this study.SettingStructured interviews were conducted at nine hospitals and three rehabilitation centres in Germany.ParticipantsOne hundred and seventy‐one patients were interviewed at both time‐points.Main outcome measuresStructured clinical interview for DSM‐IV (SCID).ResultsMental disorders were diagnosed in 25% of the patients (3 m) and in 22% of the patients (12 m), respectively. Six per cent of the patients developed a mental disorder during the first year after total laryngectomy. In general, male and female patients suffered from mental disorders with equal frequency (3 m: 23% versus 37%; P = 0.26; 12 m: 22% versus 21%; P = 1.00). Women suffered more often than men from post‐traumatic stress disorder (3 m) (P = 0.01) and generalised anxiety disorder (12 m) (P = 0.01). Of the patients who had acquired no voice, 80% suffered from alcohol dependence (P = 0.01). There were no differences between men and women in receiving any kind of counselling (P = 0.79) or psychotherapy/psychiatric treatment (P = 0.47). Of those patients diagnosed with any mental disorder 3 months after total laryngectomy, 7% had received psychotherapy 1 year after total laryngectomy. None of the patients diagnosed with alcohol dependence received psychotherapy or psychiatric treatment.ConclusionsMental disorders occur in laryngectomees as frequently in men as they do in women. Total laryngectomised patients who were mentally ill did not receive enough psychotherapeutic or psychiatric support. As mental health seems to be related to successful voice restoration, future research should develop and evaluate special psychosocial supportive programmes for patients with laryngeal cancer, especially regarding alcohol dependence treatment.
Balloon dilatation of the Eustachian tube: an evidence‐based review of case series for those considering its use
Authors: Miller B. J. , Elhassan H. A. 
Published: November 2013

BackgroundEustachian tube dysfunction is common and implicated in persistent middle ear disease. Recent studies suggest the promise of balloon dilatation of the Eustachian tube to modify local anatomy and physiology, restoring normal function.ObjectivesA literature review of the outcomes of balloon dilatation of the Eustachian tube was conducted, assessing four criteria (tympanometry, otoscopy findings, Valsalva and subjective symptoms). Outcomes were divided into short term (≤6 months) and long term (>6 months). Rates and severity of complications were documented. We also assessed cost, learning curve and requisite training.Search strategyMedline via PubMed was consulted with the following search request: ‘eustachian tube’ OR ‘auditory tube’ AND ‘balloon’. No restrictions were placed on study date, type or language. Non‐clinical studies, published abstracts and very small studies (<10 procedures) were excluded.ResultsOur search yielded 24 results and six case series, five of which met the inclusion criteria. Balloon dilatation has been performed on 375 Eustachian tubes (235 patients) and demonstrates clear short‐term (<6 month) benefits across all recorded outcome measures in a majority of cases. 69 of 89 (78%) tympanogram profiles recorded preoperatively as abnormal (Type B/C/open) resolved to type A profiles postoperatively. 40 of 46 (87%) otoscopy findings preoperatively reported as abnormal (tympanic membrane retraction, perforation or otitis media with effusion) normalised postoperatively. The ability to perform a consistently positive Valsalva manoeuvre improved from 15 of 139 (11%) to 89 of 139 (64%) cases following dilatation. The two largest studies reported on 210 and 100 procedures and described symptom improvement in 67% of cases at 2 months and 71% at 26.3 weeks, respectively. An overall complication rate of ≈3% was observed, and no major adverse events are reported (0%). Cost and learning curve of the procedure were both deemed to be acceptable.ConclusionBalloon dilatation of the Eustachian tube appears to be safe, effective and affordable. Like many newly introduced techniques, the evidence remains limited to non‐controlled case series, with heterogeneous data collection methods and lacking long‐term outcomes. However, short‐term data provides promising, consistent results based on objective measures, and when used selectively in patients refractive to maximal existing therapy, balloon dilatation presents a potentially significant advance.
Lung biopsy‐proved hypersensitivity pneumonitis without known offending antigen: characteristics and follow‐up
Authors: Xu Jin‐Fu , Shen Li , Zhang Yuan , Zhang Peng , Qu Jie‐Ming , Li Hui‐Ping 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIntroductionHypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) without known offending antigen is hard to diagnose.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to identify and analyze the clinical features of lung biopsy‐proved HP.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was performed using a database from a 900‐bed specialty hospital. Twenty‐eight patients with the diagnosis of HP through lung biopsy were enrolled. Demographic data and clinical characteristics, radiologic characteristics, serologic and pulmonary function results, histopathologic changes, treatment and follow‐up were analyzed.ResultsOf all the patients, serum interleukin‐1β, C‐reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), eosinophil cationic protein and immunoglobulin E (IgE) were increased in over 50% patients, but decreased significantly after corticosteroid therapy (P < 0.05). An initially reduced diffusion lung capacity for carbon monoxide was noted in 92.9% patients, while 39.3% patients had hypoxemia. Ground‐glass opacities on the basis of interlobular septa thickening were observed in 71.4% cases. Histopathological findings demonstrated peribronchiolar lymphocytic infiltrates, poorly formed non‐caseating granulomas fibrosis in all acute and subacute HP patients' lungs. Ninety‐two percent of patients got improvement after corticosteroid therapy when assessed by computer tomography scans and pulmonary function tests.ConclusionsFor suspected HP patients who without known offending antigens, earlier diagnosed by lung biopsy and followed by corticosteroid therapy showed promising. It might prevent the disease progression to lung fibrosis.
Management and clinical outcomes of type I gastric carcinoid patients: Retrospective, multicenter study in Japan
Authors: Sato Yuichi , Imamura Hiroshi , Kaizaki Yasuharu , Koizumi Wasaburo , Ishido Kenji , Kurahara Koichi , Suzuki Haruhisa , Fujisaki Junko , Hirakawa Katsuya , Hosokawa Osamu , Ito Masanori , Kaminishi Michio , Furuta Takahisa , Chiba Tsutomu , Haruma Ken 
Published: November 2013

Background and AimType I gastric carcinoids (TIGC) are associated with chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) with hypergastrinemia and hyperplasia of enterochromaffin‐like cells. Several treatment options are currently available for these tumors including total gastrectomy, partial resection, antrectomy, endoscopic resection and endoscopic surveillance. The present study evaluated different treatment approaches and clinical outcomes of patients with TIGC in Japan.MethodsBetween 1991 and 2011, 82 patients with TIGC were identified at multicenter institutions in Japan. Patient demographics, tumor size, depth of invasion, vessel involvement, treatment approach, Helicobacter pylori infection, serum gastrin level, recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and disease‐specific survival (DSS) were analyzed.ResultsMedian age of all patients at the time of diagnosis was 56 years (range, 24−79 years). There were 44 males and 38females. Patients underwent endoscopic surveillance (n = 25), endoscopic resection (n = 41) or surgical resection (n = 16). Intramucosal invasion was found in 19 patients, submucosal invasion in 44 patients and muscularis propria invasion in one patient. Tumor diameter was ≤10 mm in 71 patients, 11–20 mm in five patients and ≥21 mm in five patients. None of the patients showed rapidly growing tumors, local recurrence or metastasis. The median (range) follow‐up period was 7 (0–20) years. RFS was 97.6% and DSS was 100% in all the patients.ConclusionThe prognosis of TIGC patients treated by different modalities in Japan is favorable regardless of the generational change of management for TIGC.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Cardiomyopathy—A Case Series Demonstrating a Reversible Form of Left Ventricular Dysfunction
Authors: Ishimori Mariko L. , Agarwal Megha , Beigel Roy , Ng Rita K. , Firooz Nazanin , Weisman Michael H. , Siegel Robert J. 
Published: November 2013

ObjectiveMyocarditis is reported to be a common postmortem finding of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, most case reports on SLE cardiomyopathy (CM) have not found evidence of myocarditis upon biopsy. Our aim was to characterize the nature, course, and reversibility of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in patients with SLE.MethodsThe records of 526 SLE patients were reviewed. Patients were included if: (1) at least 4 of 11 American College of Rheumatology criteria for SLE were met, (2) testing for erythrocyte sedimentation rate and hs‐CRP were performed during hospitalization, and (3) echocardiogram demonstrated left ventricular ejection function (LVEF) <50%.ResultsWe identified 14 patients meeting study criteria. Mean LVEF was 33.1 ± 9% upon presentation. The main echocardiographic pattern observed was generalized hypokinesis. Twelve patients demonstrated reversal of cardiomyopathy within 1 week, showing a mean improvement in LVEF of 21.0 ± 7%. Of these, 2 patients underwent coronary angiography demonstrating no evidence of obstructive coronary disease, and 1 underwent cardiac biopsy with no evidence of myocarditis. Four patients (29%) demonstrated improvement within 3 days. Two of the 14 patients died due to their underlying medical illness and did not have a repeat echocardiogram.ConclusionThe pattern of wall‐motion abnormalities and reversibility demonstrated in the majority of these patients with SLE suggests an etiology more consistent with stress cardiomyopathy rather than myocarditis.
Irisin as a predictor of glucose metabolism in children: sexually dimorphic effects
Authors: Al‐Daghri Nasser M. , Alkharfy Khalid M. , Rahman Shakilur , Amer Osama E. , Vinodson Benjamin , Sabico Shaun , Piya Milan K. , Harte Alison L. , McTernan Philip G. , Alokail Majed S. , Chrousos George P. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundIrisin, a novel myokine, increases energy expenditure and glucose tolerance and, thus, improves carbohydrate homeostasis in humans. This hormone has potential therapeutic applications for weight loss and improvement in insulin resistance in subjects with obesity and diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM). In this cross‐sectional study, we aimed to associate circulating levels of irisin and several anthropometric and metabolic parameters among Arab children.MethodsA cohort of 153 Saudi children, 81 boys [age: 12·4 ± 3·2 years; BMI: 19·5 ± 5·9 kg/m2] and 72 girls: [age: 12·9 ± 3·2 years; BMI: 20·6 ± 5·2], were examined. Anthropometry was obtained, and fasted bloods were collected for biochemical analyses. Irisin was assessed by a specific enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).ResultsGirls had higher circulating irisin levels than boys (P = 0·04). There were several significant correlations between circulating irisin and fasting blood glucose (FBG) (r = −0·35, P < 0·001), sagittal abdominal diameter (SAD) (r = −0·34, P < 0·001) and HDL cholesterol (r = 0·17, P = 0·04) across the entire cohort studied. Notably in girls, but not in boys, HOMA‐IR correlated negatively with irisin levels (r = −0·32, P = 0·02), as previously noted in adults. FBG was a significant predictor of circulating irisin (R2 = 0·16) followed by SAD. In multivariate linear regression analysis, after controlling for potential confounders such as gender, age and BMI, irisin levels were independently associated with FBG (β = −0·34, P = 0·01), particularly in girls.ConclusionSerum irisin levels were higher in girls than in boys and correlated negatively with HOMA‐IR. They were also independently associated with FBG predominantly in girls, suggesting that this hormone may play a crucial role in glucose metabolism from an early age.
Association of endostatin with mortality in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Gouya Ghazaleh , Siller‐Matula Jolanta M. , Fritzer‐Szekeres Monika , Neuhold Stephanie , Storka Angela , Neuhofer Lisa M. , Clodi Martin , Hülsmann Martin , Pacher Richard , Wolzt Michael 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundExperimental data imply that in decompensated heart failure (HF), the anti‐angiogenic factor endostatin is increased. This study aimed to investigate whether the angiogenesis inhibitor endostatin is related to the risk of all‐cause mortality in a prospective cohort study of chronic HF patients.MethodsIn this prospective observational cohort study, endostatin serum concentrations were determined in patients with chronic HF. Mortality data were recorded during a median follow‐up of 31 months.ResultsOne fifty one patients were included. The overall mortality rate was 20%. Baseline endostatin concentrations > 245 ng/mL were associated with higher risk of all‐cause mortality [HR 8·7 (95% CI 2·5–30·0); P = 0·001] in the multivariate analysis as compared to endostatin concentrations ≤ 245 ng/mL. When both endostatin and NT‐proBNP were above the calculated cut‐off of 245 ng/mL and 2386 pg/mL, respectively, the prognostic utility of both biomarkers increased [HR 40·8 (95% CI 4·7–354·6); P = 0·001] compared with values lower than the cut‐offs.ConclusionsSerum endostatin concentrations are independently associated with all‐cause mortality. Furthermore, combination of endostatin and NT‐proBNP discriminates patients at high risk.
The vomeronasal cortex – afferent and efferent projections of the posteromedial cortical nucleus of the amygdala in mice
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Castellanos Nicolás , Pardo‐Bellver Cecília , Martínez‐García Fernando , Lanuza Enrique 
Published: November 2013

AbstractMost mammals possess a vomeronasal system that detects predominantly chemical signals of biological relevance. Vomeronasal information is relayed to the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB), whose unique cortical target is the posteromedial cortical nucleus of the amygdala. This cortical structure should therefore be considered the primary vomeronasal cortex. In the present work, we describe the afferent and efferent connections of the posteromedial cortical nucleus of the amygdala in female mice, using anterograde (biotinylated dextranamines) and retrograde (Fluorogold) tracers, and zinc selenite as a tracer specific for zinc‐enriched (putative glutamatergic) projections. The results show that the posteromedial cortical nucleus of the amygdala is strongly interconnected not only with the rest of the vomeronasal system (AOBand its target structures in the amygdala), but also with the olfactory system (piriform cortex, olfactory‐recipient nuclei of the amygdala and entorhinal cortex). Therefore, the posteromedial cortical nucleus of the amygdala probably integrates olfactory and vomeronasal information. In addition, the posteromedial cortical nucleus of the amygdala shows moderate interconnections with the associative (basomedial) amygdala and with the ventral hippocampus, which may be involved in emotional and spatial learning (respectively) induced by chemical signals. Finally, the posteromedial cortical nucleus of the amygdala gives rise to zinc‐enriched projections to the ventrolateral septum and the ventromedial striatum (including the medial islands ofCalleja). This pattern of intracortical connections (with the olfactory cortex and hippocampus, mainly) and cortico‐striatal excitatory projections (with the olfactory tubercle and septum) is consistent with its proposed nature as the primary vomeronasal cortex.