bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Right Ventricular Function Relates to Functional Capacity in Men with Atrial Fibrillation and Preserved Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction
Authors: Cohen Scott , Gaddam Sainath , Gemignani Anthony , Wu Wen‐Chih , Sharma Satish , Choudhary Gaurav 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundWhile left ventricular (LV) diastolic function (E/e′) is related to functional capacity in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), the underlying mechanism is unclear. Right ventricular (RV) function is related to prognosis in various diseases, however, its relationship with LV diastolic function is not well‐studied. We sought to examine the reliability of echocardiographic indices of RV function in AF, the relationship between LV diastolic function and RV function, and the relationship between RV function and 6MWT distance in ambulatory patients with AF.MethodsWe designed a retrospective study evaluating 52 veterans with AF and preserved LV ejection fraction (LVEF) who underwent echocardiography and 6MWT at scheduled visits throughout 1 year. We performed pairwise correlation to evaluate reproducibility of echocardiographic indices of RV function measured 1 week apart. Multiple regression was used to assess the association of indices of RV function to LV diastolic function and functional capacity.ResultsMost RV function indices had good to excellent correlation between 2 visits 1 week apart (coefficient 0.50–0.81) with test‐retest variations of <6%, except for tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), which had a significant variation in 9%. TAPSE, RV S′ and RV e′ were significantly related to LV diastolic function after adjusting for RV systolic pressure. After further adjustment for comorbidities, only RV S′ and RV e′ remained significantly related to 6MWT.ConclusionRV tissue Doppler measurements (S′ and e′) had good reproducibility and were independently related to LV diastolic function and 6MWT in men with AF and preserved LVEF.
Evaluation of Atrial Electromechanic Delay and Left Atrial Mechanical Functions in the Patients with Secundum Type Atrial Septal Defect
Authors: Erturk Mehmet , Aslan Muzaffer , Aksu Hale Unal , Akturk Ibrahim Faruk , Gul Mehmet , Uzun Fatih , Surgit Ozgur , Ari Hasan , Uslu Nevzat , Erol Mustafa Kemal 
Published: January 2013

AimThe aim of our study was to evaluate atrial electromechanical delay (AEMD) and left atrial mechanical functions (LAMF) in the patients with secundum‐type atrial septal defect (ASD).MethodWe included 72 patients with secundum type ASD in the study group and 35 gender and age‐matched healthy volunteers for the control group. Maximal, minimal, and presystolic LA volumes were measured by modified Simpson method and indexed to the body surface area (BSA). Inter‐AEMD, right and left intra‐AEMD were measured from the lateral and septal mitral annulus and tricuspid annulus using tissue Doppler imaging (TDI).ResultsThe age, gender, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate (HR), BSA, and body mass index (BMI) parameters were not significantly different between the groups. Left atrial active and total emptying fractions and conduit volumes were significantly lower in the patients with ASD compared with the control group (P = 0.006, P = 0.001, and P = 0.032, respectively). Total emptying volume was increased in patients with ASD (P = 0.021). Passive emptying volume and fraction and active emptying volumes were not different significantly between the groups (P > 0.05). The left intraatrial, right intraatrial, and inter‐AEMDs were significantly longer in the ASD group (P = 0.032, P = 0.013, and P = 0.003, respectively).ConclusionThe left atrial reservoir and contractile pump functions are reduced; the left intraatrial, right intraatrial, and inter‐AEMDs are increased in the patients with ASD.
Echocardiographic Myocardial Deformation Evaluation of Right Ventricular Function in Comparison with CMRI in Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot: A Cross‐Sectional and Longitudinal Validation Study
Authors: Srivastava Shubhika , Salem Yishay , Chatterjee Samprit , Helen Ko H. , Lai Wyman W. , Parness Ira A. , Nielsen James C. , Lytrivi Irene D. 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundDecreased right ventricular (RV) ejection fraction (EF) increases morbidity in repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rToF). Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is the accepted reference standard for RV EF measurement. There are no established color Doppler tissue imaging (cDTI) values that identify decreased RV EF in rToF. We sought to assess accuracy of cDTI myocardial deformation and velocity indices in predicting CMR‐derived RV EF.MethodsRetrospective evaluation of CMR and echocardiography studies performed on the same day. cDTI‐derived peak systolic velocity (pkS), isovolumic acceleration (IVA) of the tricuspid valve annulus, strain (ε) and strain rate (SR) of the RV free wall, adjusted for age, volume and pressure overload were used to compute RV EF. The probability of correctly classifying CMR measured RV EF <45% was estimated by logistic regression analysis. The accuracy of the model was tested on 10 prospective patients.ResultsSixty matched echocardiographic and CMR studies were analyzed. None of the individual cDTI parameters could reliably identify patients with CMR‐derived decreased RV EF. However, when adjusted for age in a logistic model: Y = −0.5 − 0.07 × age + 0.016 × ε + 0.46 × pkS, where Y is the logit (log odds), patients with RV EF <45% were identified with 86% sensitivity, 93.5% specificity. Prospective application of this model correctly identified all subjects with RV EF <45%.ConclusionThe age‐adjusted logistic model and not individual parameters, derived from cDTI‐derived pkS, and ε can reliably identify patients with decreased RV EF <45%.
Cannabis and other illicit drug use in epilepsy patients
Authors: Hamerle M. , Ghaeni L. , Kowski A. , Weissinger F. , Holtkamp M. 
Published: January 2013

Background and purposeThis study aimed to assess the prevalence of illicit drug use among epilepsy patients and its effects on the disease.MethodsWe systematically interviewed epilepsy outpatients at a tertiary epilepsy clinic. Predictors for active cannabis use were analysed with a logistic regression model.ResultsOverall, 310 subjects were enrolled; 63 (20.3%) reported consuming cannabis after epilepsy was diagnosed, and 16 (5.2%) used other illicit drugs. Active cannabis use was predicted by sex (male) [odds ratio (OR) 5.342, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.416–20.153] and age (OR 0.956, 95% CI 0.919–0.994). Cannabis consumption mostly did not affect epilepsy (84.1%). Seizure worsening was observed with frequent illicit (non‐cannabis) drug use in 80% of cases.ConclusionsCannabis use does not seem to affect epilepsy; however, frequent use of other drugs increases seizure risk.
Altered sleep regulation in a mouse model of SCN1A‐derived genetic epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+)
Authors: Papale Ligia A. , Makinson Christopher D. , Christopher Ehlen J. , Tufik Sergio , Decker Michael J. , Paul Ketema N. , Escayg Andrew 
Published: January 2013

SummaryPurposeMutations in the voltage‐gated sodium channel (VGSC) gene SCN1A are responsible for a number of epilepsy disorders, including genetic epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+) and Dravet syndrome. In addition to seizures, patients with SCN1A mutations often experience sleep abnormalities, suggesting that SCN1A may also play a role in the neuronal pathways involved in the regulation of sleep. However, to date, a role for SCN1A in the regulation of sleep architecture has not been directly examined. To fill this gap, we tested the hypothesis that SCN1A contributes to the regulation of sleep architecture, and by extension, that SCN1A dysfunction contributes to the sleep abnormalities observed in patients with SCN1A mutations.MethodsUsing immunohistochemistry we first examined the expression of mouse Scn1a in regions of the mouse brain that are known to be involved in seizure generation and sleep regulation. Next, we performed detailed analysis of sleep and wake electroencephalography (EEG) patterns during 48 continuous hours of baseline recordings in a knock‐in mouse line that expresses the human SCN1A GEFS+ mutation R1648H (RH mutants). We also characterized the sleep–wake pattern following 6 h of sleep deprivation.Key FindingsImmunohistochemistry revealed broad expression of Scn1a in the neocortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus, thalamic reticular nuclei, dorsal raphe nuclei, pedunculopontine, and laterodorsal tegmental nuclei. Co‐localization between Scn1a immunoreactivity and critical cell types within these regions was also observed. EEG analysis under baseline conditions revealed increased wakefulness and reduced non–rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep amounts during the dark phase in the RH mutants, suggesting a sleep deficit. Nevertheless, the mutants exhibited levels of NREM and REM sleep that were generally similar to wild‐type littermates during the recovery period following 6 h of sleep deprivation.SignificanceThese results establish a direct role for SCN1A in the regulation of sleep and suggest that patients with SCN1A mutations may experience chronic alterations in sleep, potentially leading to negative outcomes over time. In addition, the expression of Scn1a in specific cell types/brain regions that are known to play critical roles in seizure generation and sleep now provides a mechanistic basis for the clinical features (seizures and sleep abnormalities) associated with human SCN1A mutations.
The effects of therapeutic concentrations of gentamicin, amikacin and hyaluronic acid on cultured bone marrow‐derived equine mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Bohannon L. K. , Owens S. D. , Walker N. J. , Carrade D. D. , Galuppo L. D. , Borjesson D. L. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryReasons for performing studyJoint inflammation and septic arthritis are both potential complications of intra‐articular injections of bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSCs). Clinicians may prophylactically co‐inject BM‐MSCs admixed with either antimicrobials or hyaluronic acid; however, the effect of these agents on cultured BM‐MSCs is unknown.ObjectiveTo determine the effects of therapeutic levels of gentamicin, amikacin and hyaluronic acid on cultured equine BM‐MSCs in vitro.Study designIn vitro experimental study.MethodsEquine BM‐MSCs from 4 healthy mature horses were isolated. Cultured BM‐MSCs from each donor were incubated with gentamicin (150 mg), amikacin (250 mg), hyaluronic acid (22 mg) or 1% penicillin/streptomycin (control) under sterile conditions. Mesenchymal stem cells viability, proliferation, mediator secretion and culture media pH were measured.ResultsIncubation of BM‐MSCs with gentamicin resulted in >95% MSC death after 45 min, and incubation of BM‐MSCs with amikacin resulted in >95% MSC death after 2 h. Incubation of BM‐MSCs with hyaluronic acid or penicillin/streptomycin (control) for up to 6 h resulted in sustained BM‐MSC viability of 80% and >93%, respectively. All additives resulted in decreased media pH in the first minute; however, the pH then remained constant over the 6 h incubation period. No significant differences in BM‐MSC proliferation or mediator secretion between the penicillin/streptomycin (control) and cells treated with hyaluronic acid were observed.ConclusionTherapeutic concentrations of aminoglycoside antimicrobials are toxic to cultured equine BM‐MSCs. The effects of hyaluronic acid on cultured MSC viability, proliferation and mediator secretion are minimal.Potential relevanceBased on these findings, the mixing of aminoglycoside antimicrobials and cultured equine BM‐MSCs prior to therapeutic use is not recommended.
Detection of A/B toxin and isolation of Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens from foals
Authors: Silva R. O. S. , Ribeiro M. G. , Palhares M. S. , Borges A. S. , Maranhão R. P. A. , Silva M. X. , Lucas T. M. , Olivo G. , Lobato F. C. F. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryReasons for performing the studyToxin detection and screening could contribute to knowledge of the transmission patterns, risk factors and epidemiology of Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens.ObjectiveTo isolate C. difficile and C. perfringens and to detect A/B toxins in faecal samples from diarrhoeic and nondiarrhoeic foals.Study designCross‐sectional observational study.MethodsA total of 153 samples from foals were collected: 139 samples from farms and 14 samples from diarrhoeic foals admitted to a veterinary hospital. The A/B toxins were detected by cytotoxicity assay. All suspected colonies of C. perfringens were subjected to polymerase chain reaction for detection of the major toxin genes (α, β, ε and ι) and for detection of β2‐, NetB‐ and enterotoxin‐encoding genes. Furthermore, C. difficile and C. perfringens isolates were evaluated for in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility.ResultsSeven of 153 (4.6%) samples, all from diarrhoeic foals, were positive for C. difficile A/B toxin. Of these, 5 of 14 (35.7%) were from hospitalised foals, and only 2 of 63 (3.2%) diarrhoeic foal samples were from farms (P = 0.002). Clostridium perfringens was isolated from 31 (20.3%) foals, of which 21 of 76 (27.6%) were diarrhoeic and 10 of 76 (13.2%) were nondiarrhoeic, demonstrating a difference between these 2 groups (P = 0.045). Only 4 strains were positive for the β2‐encoding gene (cpb2). All C. difficile and C. perfringens isolates were susceptible to metronidazole and vancomycin.ConclusionsThe present report highlights the need for laboratory diagnostics to differentiate C. difficile‐associated infection in foals from other causes of diarrhoea to facilitate adequate antimicrobial therapy.Potential relevanceMore studies are needed to clarify the role of C. perfringens as a primary agent of diarrhoea in foals.
Multiple TSC22D4 iso‐/phospho‐glycoforms display idiosyncratic subcellular localizations and interacting protein partners
Authors: Canterini Sonia , Carletti Valentina , Nusca Stefania , Mangia Franco , Fiorenza Maria Teresa 
Published: January 2013

Proteins of the TSC22 domain (TSC22D) family, including TSC22D1 and TSC22D4, play pivotal roles in cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis, interacting with other factors in a still largely unknown manner. This study explores this issue by biochemically characterizing various TSC22D4 forms (both iso‐ and glyco‐phospho‐, namely the splice variants 42 and 55 kDa and the post‐translationally modified 67 and 72 kDa forms) and their subcellular localization and protein partners during cerebellar granule neuron (CGN) differentiation. The TSC22D4‐42 form is mostly cytosolic, and is the only TSC22D4 form that associates with TSC22D1.2 in undifferentiated but not differentiated CGNs. In contrast, TSC22D4‐55 is prominently associated with the nuclear matrix in differentiated but not undifferentiated CGNs. As for TSC22D4‐67, it is localized in the cytosol and nuclei of undifferentiated CGNs and enters mitochondria of differentiated CGNs, associating with apoptosis‐inducing factor. TSC22D4‐72 is modified by O‐linked beta‐N‐acetylglucosamine (O‐GlcNAcylated) and phosphorylated and is always associated with chromatin irrespective of CGN differentiation. The various subcellular localization patterns and interacting protein partners of TSC22D4 forms during CGN differentiation suggest the existence of form‐specific function(s) and provide a novel framework to further investigate the biological functions of TSC22D proteins.Structured digital abstract

AIF and TSC22D4 colocalize by cosedimentation (View interaction).

TSC22D1 physically interacts with TSC22D4 by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (View Interaction: 1, 2).

TSC22D4 physically interacts with AIF by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (View Interaction: 1, 2).

AIF and TSC22D4 colocalize by cosedimentation (View interaction).
Caspase‐dependent cleavage of the mono‐ADP‐ribosyltransferase ARTD10 interferes with its pro‐apoptotic function
Authors: Herzog Nicolas , Hartkamp Jörg D. H. , Verheugd Patricia , Treude Fabian , Forst Alexandra H. , Feijs Karla L. H. , Lippok Barbara E. , Kremmer Elisabeth , Kleine Henning , Lüscher Bernhard 
Published: January 2013

ADP‐ribosylation is a post‐translational modification that regulates various physiological processes, including DNA damage repair, gene transcription and signal transduction. Intracellular ADP‐ribosyltransferases (ARTDs or PARPs) modify their substrates either by poly‐ or mono‐ADP‐ribosylation. Previously we identified ARTD10 (formerly PARP10) as a mono‐ADP‐ribosyltransferase, and observed that exogenous ARTD10 but not ARTD10‐G888W, a catalytically inactive mutant, interferes with cell proliferation. To expand on this observation, we established cell lines with inducible ARTD10 or ARTD10‐G888W. Consistent with our previous findings, induction of the wild‐type protein but not the mutant inhibited cell proliferation, primarily by inducing apoptosis. During apoptosis, ARTD10 itself was targeted by caspases. We mapped the major cleavage site at EIAMD406↓S, a sequence that was preferentially recognized by caspase–6. Caspase‐dependent cleavage inhibited the pro‐apoptotic activity of ARTD10, as ARTD10(1–406) and ARTD10(407–1025), either alone or together, were unable to induce apoptosis, despite catalytic activity of the latter. Deletion of the N–terminal RNA recognition motif in ARTD10(257–1025) also resulted in loss of pro‐apoptotic activity. Thus our findings indicate that the RNA recognition motif contributes to the pro‐apoptotic effect, together with the catalytic domain. We suggest that these two domains must be physically linked to stimulate apoptosis, possibly targeting ARTD10 through the RNA recognition motif to specific substrates that control cell death. Moreover, we established that knockdown of ARTD10 reduced apoptosis in response to DNA‐damaging agents. Together, these findings indicate that ARTD10 is involved in the regulation of apoptosis, and that, once apoptosis is activated, ARTD10 is cleaved as part of negative feedback regulation.Structured digital abstract

Caspase-8 cleaves ARTD10 by protease assay (View interaction)
Caspase-6 cleaves ARTD10 by protease assay (View interaction)
Fatigue behaviour of die‐casting aluminum alloy suspension arms for scooters
Authors: BEGHINI M. , BERTINI L. , ROSELLINI W. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACTThe aim of the paper is at qualifying a methodology for the fatigue life assessment of structural components obtained by die‐casting for vehicle applications. Full‐scale fatigue tests were conducted on the back suspension arms of mid‐size scooters. Two loading conditions, i.e. bending and combined bending plus torsion, were considered as representative of typical operating conditions. Fatigue tests showed that the locations of failure initiation is different for the two loading configurations. Material was characterized by means of small size standard specimens extracted from the components in order to be representative of the effective material conditions, particularly of the surface. Both static (tensile) and fatigue tests were conducted, making use of three different R‐ratios. A finite element (FEM) model of the suspension arm, representative of full‐scale test conditions was set‐up in order to interpret the tests. The sub‐modelling approach was adopted in order to get accurate evaluations of the stress–strain fields with reasonable computing resources and elaboration time. Combined elastic and elastic–plastic analyses were necessary to estimate the stress cycles in the regions critical for fatigue damage. Employing the material properties given by small‐size specimens and the proposed FE analysis technique, predictions of either the locations of failure initiation and the fatigue strength of the component were obtained, in quite good agreement with full‐scale tests.
The characteristics of an inclined crack in anisotropic paperboard under biaxial loading
Authors: AHMAD F. , PARK M. K. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACTIn this paper, a fracture mechanics method was applied for the evaluation of crack behaviour in anisotropic paperboard subjected to biaxial uniform loading. The experiment was performed to determine the crack propagation angle and the fracture strength of paperboard under biaxial loading with the cruciform specimen optimized by FEM simulation. The effects of biaxial loads on the critical stress ratio and crack propagation angle for various inclination angles were investigated. The experimental results were compared with theoretical results, which were calculated by using the Normal Stress Ratio Criteria. The experimental results for crack propagation angle and critical stress show good agreement with theoretical results.
Management swing potential for bioenergy crops
Authors: Davis Sarah C. , Boddey Robert M. , Alves Bruno J. R. , Cowie Annette L. , George Brendan H. , Ogle Stephen M. , Smith Pete , van Noordwijk Meine , van Wijk Mark T. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBioenergy crops are often classified (and subsequently regulated) according to species that have been evaluated as environmentally beneficial or detrimental, but in practice, management decisions rather than species per se can determine the overall environmental impact of a bioenergy production system. Here, we review the greenhouse gas balance and ‘management swing potential’ of seven different bioenergy cropping systems in temperate and tropical regions. Prior land use, harvesting techniques, harvest timing, and fertilization are among the key management considerations that can swing the greenhouse gas balance of bioenergy from positive to negative or the reverse. Although the management swing potential is substantial for many cropping systems, there are some species (e.g., soybean) that have such low bioenergy yield potentials that the environmental impact is unlikely to be reversed by management. High‐yielding bioenergy crops (e.g., corn, sugarcane, Miscanthus, and fast‐growing tree species), however, can be managed for environmental benefits or losses, suggesting that the bioenergy sector would be better informed by incorporating management‐based evaluations into classifications of bioenergy feedstocks.