bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Myocardial Infarct Size by Three‐Dimensional and Two‐Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography: A Comparative Study to Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography
Authors: Wang Qiushuang , Huang Dangsheng , Zhang Liwei , Shen Dong , Ouyang Qiaohong , Duan Zhongxiang , An Xiuzhi , Zhang Meiqing , Zhang Chunhong , Yang Feifei , Zhi Guang 
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveTo compare three‐dimensional (3D) and two‐dimensional (2D) speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) techniques in the assessment of left ventricular function and myocardial infarct size (MIS).MethodsThirty‐two patients diagnosed with ST elevation myocardial infarction and 18 healthy control patients underwent 2D echocardiography, 3D echocardiography, and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). 3D left ventricular global area strain (GAS), 2D and 3D global longitudinal strain (GLS), global radial strain (GRS) as well as global circumferential strain (GCS) were analyzed to correlate with myocardial infarct size detected by SPECT. 2D and 3D left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) as well as 2D and 3D wall motion score index (WMSI) also were measured using conventional echocardiography.ResultsThe 2D‐GLS values were significantly higher than that of 3D‐GLS, while 2D‐GCS and GRS were significantly lower than 3D‐GCS and GRS, respectively. However, no significant differences in LVEF and WMSI could be observed between 2D and 3D echocardiography. Myocardial strain indices, LVEF, and WMSI using 2D and 3D echocardiography also had good correlations with MIS as measured by SPECT. ROC curve analysis showed that the 3D and 2D myocardial indices, LVEF, and WMSI could distinguish between small and large MIS, while 2D‐GLS had the highest AUC.ConclusionThe 2D and 3D myocardial strain indices correlated well with MIS by SPECT. Among them, the 2D‐GLS showed the highest diagnostic value, while 3D‐GRS and GCS had better diagnostic value than 2D‐GRS and GCS.
Can female preference drive intraspecific diversity dynamics in brown trout (Salmo trutta, L.)?
Authors: Gil Jordi , Caudron Arnaud , Labonne Jacques 
Published: February 2015

AbstractIntraspecific diversity can be strongly impacted by the dynamics of reproductive isolation during secondary contacts. The high levels of hybridisation and introgression between Atlantic and Mediterranean lineages in contemporary populations of brown trout in the Northern part of the French Alps are a good case in point. After a long period of allopatry, which one assumes has facilitated their divergent phenotypic and genetic evolution, man has removed a geographical reproductive barrier via stocking the Atlantic lineage in the Mediterranean area, thereby potentially enabling gene flow between native and non native populations. We investigate how much a prezygotic reproductive behaviour, that is female preference for male phenotype, can influence hybridisation in natural environments, using subaquatic video recording of reproduction. Our statistical model indicates that female preference appears to be largely heterogamous: females tend to select dissimilar males with respect to their own phenotype; thus, rather than acting as a barrier to gene flow, female preference is favouring gene flow between lineages that have been artificially placed in sympatry. This finding based on observational data is in agreement with previously reported genetic data, high levels of hybridisation between the lineages. We suggest that a knowledge of reproductive behaviour in natural environments is an essential tool for biodiversity managers to assess the potential risks associated with the introduction into recipient populations of non‐native lineage fish at the intraspecific level.
Pathogenicity to alder of Phytophthora species from riparian ecosystems in western Oregon
Authors: Navarro S. , Sims L. , Hansen E. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryDescribed as one of the most destructive pathogens of agricultural crops and forest trees, Phytophthora is a genus of microorganisms containing over 100 known species. Phytophthora alni has caused collar and root disease in alders throughout Europe, and a subspecies has recently been isolated in North America. Reports of canopy dieback in red alder, Alnus rubra, prompted a survey of their overall health and to determine whether P. alni was present in western Oregon riparian ecosystems. Over 1100 Phytophthora isolates were recovered, representing 20 species and 2 taxa. Phytophthora‐type cankers were observed in many trees, and their incidence was positively correlated with canopy dieback. High levels of mortality for red alder were not observed, which suggests these Phytophthora species are not aggressive pathogens. To test this hypothesis, three stem wound inoculations and one root dip were conducted on red alder seedlings using 13 Phytophthora species recovered from the riparian survey. Ten of the 13 Phytophthora species produced significant lesions in at least one pathogenicity test. Phytophthora siskiyouensis produced the largest lesions on red alder from the two stem wound inoculation tests conducted under summer conditions, while P. taxon Pgchlamydo caused the largest lesions during the winter stem wound inoculation test. Phytophthora gonapodyides, P. taxon Pgchlamydo and P. siskiyouensis have previously been found associated with necrotic alder roots and bole cankers in the field, and with the pathogenicity results reported here, we have established these species as causes of Phytophthora root disease and Phytophthora bole canker of alder in Oregon. While none of the Phytophthora species were especially aggressive towards red alder in the pathogenicity tests, they did cause localized disease symptoms. By weakening the root systems or boles of alders, the Phytophthoras could be leaving alders more susceptible to other insects and pathogens.
Platypus cylindrus, a vector of Ceratocystis platani in Platanus orientalis stands in Greece
Authors: Soulioti N. , Tsopelas P. , Woodward S. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryThe ambrosia beetle Platypus cylindrus was very common in stands of Platanus orientalis trees in Greece, infesting trees already infected by Ceratocystis platani. The fungus C. platani was isolated from 59% of adult beetles of P. cylindrus collected on the wing in a heavily infected stand of P. orientalis. Transmission of C. platani was demonstrated in 80% of P. orientalis seedlings challenged with P. cylindrus beetles, which were previously fed in cultures of the fungus. In most of the cases, the beetles had bored tunnels in stems, where abundant perithecia of C. platani were observed. Platypus cylindrus adults regularly visited artificially wounded P. orientalis trees in a natural stand. Although this ambrosia beetle normally infests stressed or dead trees, it appears to play a role as a vector of C. platani, especially by visiting wounded trees.
Differences in Aspergillus‐specific immune recovery between T‐cell‐replete and T‐cell‐depleted hematopoietic transplants
Authors: Perruccio Katia , Topini Fabiana , Tosti Antonella , Gazzola Maria Vittoria , Messina Chiara , Martelli Massimo F. , Caniglia Maurizio , Velardi Andrea , Cesaro Simone 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundAfter hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, invasive aspergillosis remains one of the most lethal infections. Susceptibility may be due to prophylaxis and treatment of graft‐vs.‐host disease in T‐cell‐replete transplants, and delayed immune rebuilding due to T‐cell depletion in haploidentical transplantation.MethodsWe monitored CD4+ T‐cell recovery and anti‐Aspergillus immune competence in pediatric recipients of T‐cell‐replete matched transplants and of prevalently adult recipients of T‐cell‐depleted matched or haploidentical transplants for hematological malignancies.ResultsAlthough CD4+ T‐cell counts were higher in T‐cell‐replete transplant recipients at all post‐transplant time points, Aspergillus‐specific T cells were first detected 15–18 months after T‐cell‐replete matched, 7–9 months after T‐cell‐depleted matched, and 9–12 months after haploidentical transplantation, respectively. Incidence of invasive aspergillosis was 22% with 10% mortality after T‐cell‐replete transplants, 0% after T‐cell‐depleted matched, and 7% with 4% mortality after haploidentical transplants.ConclusionsAlthough T‐cell counts were significantly higher after T‐cell‐replete transplants, post‐transplant immune suppression/GvHD appeared to impair their function. Specific Aspergillus immune competence recovered faster after T‐cell‐depleted transplants, whether matched or haploidentical. T‐cell‐replete transplants were associated with a higher incidence of invasive aspergillosis and Aspergillus‐related deaths. These results showed that T‐cell depletion without post‐transplant immunosuppression is associated to a faster immune recovery than T‐cell‐replete transplantation.
Effects of biochar application on greenhouse gas emissions, carbon sequestration and crop growth in coastal saline soil
Authors: Lin X. W. , Xie Z. B. , Zheng J. Y. , Liu Q. , Bei Q. C. , Zhu J. G. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryTo evaluate the benefits of application of biochar to coastal saline soil for climate change mitigation, the effects on soil organic carbon (SOC), greenhouse gases (GHGs) and crop yields were investigated. Biochar was applied at 16 t ha−1 to study its effects on crop growth (Experiment I). The effects of biochar (0, 3.2, 16 and 32 t ha−1) and corn stalk (7.8 t ha−1) on SOC and GHGs were studied using 13C stable isotope technology and a static chamber method, respectively (Experiment II). Biochar increased grain mass per plant of the wheat by 27.7% and increased SOC without influencing non‐biochar SOC. On average, 92.3% of the biochar carbon and 16.8% of corn‐stalk carbon were sequestered into the soil within 1 year. The cumulative emissions of CO2, CH4 and N2O were not affected significantly by biochar but cornstalk application increased N2O emissions by 17.5%. The global warming mitigation potential of the biochar treatments (−3.84 to −3.17 t CO2‐eq. ha−1 t−1 C) was greater than that of the corn stalk treatment (−0.11 t CO2‐eq ha−1 t−1 C). These results suggest that biochar application improves saline soil productivity and soil carbon sequestration without increasing GHG emissions.
Temperature‐size responses match latitudinal‐size clines in arthropods, revealing critical differences between aquatic and terrestrial species
Authors: Horne Curtis R. , Hirst Andrew. G. , Atkinson David 
Published: February 2015

AbstractTwo major intraspecific patterns of adult size variation are plastic temperature‐size (T‐S) responses and latitude‐size (L‐S) clines. Yet, the degree to which these co‐vary and share explanatory mechanisms has not been systematically evaluated. We present the largest quantitative comparison of these gradients to date, and find that their direction and magnitude co‐vary among 12 arthropod orders (r2 = 0.72). Body size in aquatic species generally reduces with both warming and decreasing latitude, whereas terrestrial species have much reduced and even opposite gradients. These patterns support the prediction that oxygen limitation is a major controlling factor in water, but not in air. Furthermore, voltinism explains much of the variation in T‐S and L‐S patterns in terrestrial but not aquatic species. While body size decreases with warming and with decreasing latitude in multivoltine terrestrial arthropods, size increases on average in univoltine species, consistent with predictions from size vs. season‐length trade‐offs.
Levetiracetam accelerates the onset of supply rate depression in synaptic vesicle trafficking
Authors: García‐Pérez Elizabeth , Mahfooz Kashif , Covita João , Zandueta Aitor , Wesseling John F. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryObjectiveTo determine if levetiracetam (LEV) enhances the impact in excitatory presynaptic terminals of a rate‐limiting mechanism in vesicle trafficking termed supply rate depression that emerges to limit synaptic transmission during heavy, epileptiform use.MethodsThe effect of LEV was measured with electrophysiologic assays of monosynaptic connections in ex vivo hippocampal slices from wild‐type and synapsin knockout mice, and in primary cell culture neurons from wild‐type and synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2a (SV2a) knockout mice.ResultsLEV enhanced the impact of supply rate depression at Schaffer collateral synapses by shortening the time course for induction. The LEV effect was selective for supply rate depression because other presynaptic vesicle trafficking mechanisms were not affected. The half maximal effective concentration (EC50) was ~50 μm. The maximal effect was ~15 % and occurred at 100 μm, which is a clinically relevant concentration. An experimental protocol is established for distinguishing atypical antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) that affect supply rate depression, such as LEV, from typical AEDs, such as carbamazepine, that affect upstream mechanisms. The LEV effect was abolished at synapses from knockout mice lacking SV2a and from synapses lacking synapsin 1 and 2.SignificanceThe findings are consistent with the new hypothesis that LEV acts to treat epilepsy by accelerating the induction of supply rate depression at excitatory synapses during incipient epileptic activity. The absence of the effect in the knockouts confirms that presynaptic function is the target. More specifically, the absence in SV2a knockouts is consistent with previous binding studies suggesting that SV2a is the target for LEV. The absence in synapsin knockouts indicates that the phenotypic target intersects with the biochemical pathway that is altered in synapsin knockouts. The results from synapsin knockouts additionally suggest that development of functional analogs with increased potency might be possible because induction of supply rate depression is faster in synapsin knockouts compared to wild‐type synapses treated with LEV.
The corpus callosum and recovery of working memory after epilepsy surgery
Authors: Blackmon Karen , Pardoe Heath R. , Barr William B. , Ardekani Babak A. , Doyle Werner K. , Devinsky Orrin , Kuzniecky Ruben , Thesen Thomas 
Published: February 2015

SummaryObjectiveFor patients with medically intractable focal epilepsy, the benefit of epilepsy surgery must be weighed against the risk of cognitive decline. Clinical factors such as age and presurgical cognitive level partially predict cognitive outcome; yet, little is known about the role of cross‐hemispheric white matter pathways in supporting postsurgical recovery of cognitive function. The purpose of this study is to determine whether the presurgical corpus callosum (CC) midsagittal area is associated with pre‐ to postsurgical change following epilepsy surgery.MethodsIn this observational study, we retrospectively identified 24 adult patients from an epilepsy resection series who completed preoperative high‐resolution T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, as well as pre‐ and postsurgical neuropsychological testing. The total area and seven subregional areas of the CC were measured on the midsagittal MRI slice using an automated method. Standardized indices of auditory‐verbal working memory and delayed memory were used to probe cognitive change from pre‐ to postsurgery. CC total and subregional areas were regressed on memory‐change scores, after controlling for overall brain volume, age, presurgical memory scores, and duration of epilepsy.ResultsPatients had significantly reduced CC area relative to healthy controls. We found a positive relationship between CC area and change in working memory, but not delayed memory; specifically, the larger the CC, the greater the postsurgical improvement in working memory (β = 0.523; p = 0.009). Effects were strongest in posterior CC subregions. There was no relationship between CC area and presurgical memory scores.SignificanceFindings indicate that larger CC area, measured presurgically, is related to improvement in working memory abilities following epilepsy surgery. This suggests that transcallosal pathways may play an important, yet little understood, role in postsurgical recovery of cognitive functions.
Efficacy and safety of conversion to monotherapy with eslicarbazepine acetate in adults with uncontrolled partial‐onset seizures: A randomized historical‐control phase III study based in North America
Authors: Sperling Michael R. , Harvey Jay , Grinnell Todd , Cheng Hailong , Blum David ,   the 045 Study Team
Published: February 2015

SummaryObjectiveTo assess the efficacy and safety of eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL) as monotherapy in North American patients with partial‐onset seizures (POS).MethodsThis multicenter, randomized, double‐blind “withdrawal to monotherapy” study used historical control data as the comparator. Adults with POS medically uncontrolled by one to two antiepileptic drugs gradually converted to ESL monotherapy. Following an 8‐week baseline period, patients were randomized 2:1 to receive ESL 1,600 mg (n = 128) or 1,200 mg QD (n = 65) for 18 weeks. The primary end point was the proportion of patients meeting predefined exit criteria (signifying worsening seizure control). Treatment was considered effective if the 95% upper confidence limit (UCL) for the Kaplan‐Meier estimated exit rate was lower than the exit rate threshold calculated from the historical control (65.3%).ResultsKaplan‐Meier estimated exit rates were: ESL 1,600 mg, 28.7% (95% CI 21.2–38.1%) and 1,200 mg, 44.4% (32.5–58.3%). The difference between doses was not significant (p = 0.07). For both doses, the 95% UCLs for the exit rate were ˂65.3%; ESL monotherapy was considered superior to the historical control. There was no statistically significant increase in the risk of study exit related to carbamazepine use. Nine (7.6%) and five patients (8.3%) remained seizure‐free during the 10‐week monotherapy period, while taking ESL 1,600 and 1,200 mg, respectively. The reductions in median standardized seizure frequency (seizures per 28 days) between baseline and the 18‐week treatment period were: ESL 1,600 mg, 42% and 1,200 mg, 31%. Treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) occurring in ≥10% of patients were dizziness, headache, fatigue, somnolence, nausea, and nasopharyngitis. The TEAE most frequently leading to discontinuation was hyponatremia (2.1%).SignificanceESL was efficacious and well tolerated as monotherapy in North American patients, and led to a reduction in seizure frequency. Exit rates for ESL 1,600 and 1,200 mg QD were superior to the historical control; the difference in exit rates between doses was not statistically significant.
Burden, causes, and outcomes of people with epilepsy admitted to a rural hospital in Kenya
Authors: Kariuki Symon M. , Chengo Eddie , Ibinda Fredrick , Odhiambo Rachael , Etyang Anthony , Ngugi Anthony K. , Newton Charles R. J. C. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryObjectivePeople with epilepsy (PWE) develop complications and comorbidities often requiring admission to hospital, which adds to the burden on the health system, particularly in low‐income countries. We determined the incidence, disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs), risk factors, and causes of admissions in PWE. We also examined the predictors of prolonged hospital stay and death using data from linked clinical and demographic surveillance system.MethodsWe studied children and adults admitted to a Kenyan rural hospital, between January 2003 and December 2011, with a diagnosis of epilepsy. Poisson regression was used to compute incidence and rate ratios, logistic regression to determine associated factors, and the DALY package of the R‐statistical software to calculate years lived with disability (YLD) and years of life lost (YLL).ResultsThe overall incidence of admissions was 45.6/100,000 person‐years of observation (PYO) (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 43.0–48.7) and decreased with age (p < 0.001). The overall DALYs were 3.1/1,000 (95% CI, 1.8–4.7) PYO and comprised 55% of YLD. Factors associated with hospitalization were use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) (odds ratio [OR] 5.36, 95% CI 2.64–10.90), previous admission (OR 11.65, 95% CI 2.65–51.17), acute encephalopathy (OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.07–4.22), and adverse perinatal events (OR 2.87, 95% CI 1.06–7.74). Important causes of admission were epilepsy‐related complications: convulsive status epilepticus (CSE) (38%), and postictal coma (12%). Age was independently associated with prolonged hospital stay (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.00–1.04) and mortality (OR, 1.07, 95% CI 1.04–1.10).SignificanceEpilepsy is associated with significant number of admissions to hospital, considerable duration of admission, and mortality. Improved supply of AEDs in the community, early initiation of treatment, and adherence would reduce hospitalization of PWE and thus the burden of epilepsy on the health system.
Loureirin B inhibits fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix deposition in hypertrophic scar via TGF‐β/Smad pathway
Authors: Bai Xiaozhi , He Ting , Liu Jiaqi , Wang Yunchuan , Fan Lei , Tao Ke , Shi Jihong , Tang Chaowu , Su Linlin , Hu Dahai 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe ethanolic extract of Resina Draconis (RDEE) has been reported beneficial to normal wound healing yielding more regularly arranged collagen fibres. Loureirin B, a major component in RDEE, has been supposed to be effective on the prevention and treatment of pathological scars. To investigate the therapeutic effects of loureirin B on hypertrophic scar (HS), fibroblasts from human HS and normal skin (NS) were isolated. Results showed that loureirin B dose‐dependently downregulated both mRNA and protein levels of type I collagen (ColI), type III collagen (ColIII) and α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) in HS fibroblasts. Loureirin B also suppressed fibroblast proliferative activity and redistributed cell cycle, but did not affect cell apoptosis. In vivo rabbit ear scar model, loureirin B significantly improved the arrangement and deposition of collagen fibres, decreased protein levels of ColI, ColIII and α‐SMA and suppressed myofibroblast differentiation and scar proliferative activity. In NS fibroblasts, loureirin B effectively inhibited TGF‐β1‐induced upregulation of ColI, ColIII and α‐SMA levels, myofibroblast differentiation and the activation of Smad2 and Smad3. Loureirin B also affected mRNA levels of major MMPs and TIMPs in TGF‐β1‐stimulated fibroblasts. Taken together, this study demonstrates that loureirin B could downregulate the expression of fibrosis‐related molecules by regulating MMPs and TIMPs levels, inhibit scar fibroblast proliferation and suppress TGF‐β1‐induced fibrosis, during which TGF‐β1/Smad2/3 pathway is likely involved. These findings suggest that loureirin B is a potential therapeutic compound for HS treatment.