bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low myocardial glucose uptake in Turner syndrome is unaffected by growth hormone: a randomized, placebo‐controlled FDG‐PET study
Authors: Trolle Christian , Hjerrild Britta , Mortensen Kristian Havmand , Knorr Sine , Søndergaard Hanne Maare , Christiansen Jens Sandahl , Gravholt Claus Højbjerg 
Published: January 2015

SummaryBackgroundAn unfavourable cardiovascular and metabolic phenotype causes threefold excess mortality in Turner syndrome (TS), and perturbed cardiac substrate metabolism is increasingly recognized as a common component of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. We therefore hypothesized that myocardial glucose uptake (MGU) is reduced in TS and that growth hormone (GH) treatment improves MGU. To this end, this controlled trial elucidates MGU in TS and the impact of 6 months of growth hormone treatment on MGU.Methods and ResultsWomen with TS (n = 9) were examined at baseline, sequentially treated with either Norditropin® SimpleXx or placebo and re‐examined after 6 months. MGU and myocardial blood flow (MBF) were measured using 2‐deoxy‐2‐[18F]fluoro‐D‐glucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) during a hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamp (at baseline and 6 months). Blood pressure measurement, blood sampling, echocardiography and dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry scan were also performed. Age‐matched female controls (n = 9) were examined once. Baseline MGU was reduced in TS (0·24 ± 0·08 vs. 0·36 ± 0·13 μmol/g/min in controls; P = 0·036) despite similar insulin sensitivity (whole body glucose uptake (M‐value): 9·69 ± 1·86 vs. 9·86 ± 2·58 mg/(min*kg) in controls; P = 0·9). Six months of GH carried no impact on MGU (0·25 ± 0·08 vs. 0·26 ± 0·12 μmol/g/min in the placebo group; P = 0·8). Plasma glucose, low‐density cholesterol and triglycerides increased, while M‐value and exercise capacity decreased during 6 months of GH treatment.ConclusionMGU is reduced in TS despite normal insulin sensitivity. GH treatment does not alter MGU despite decreased whole body insulin sensitivity. A perturbed cardiac glucose uptake appears to be a feature of TS.
Compound IMM‐H004, a Novel Coumarin Derivative, Protects against CA1 Cell Loss and Spatial Learning Impairments Resulting from Transient Global Ischemia
Authors: Zuo Wei , Zhang Wei , Han Ning , Chen Nai‐Hong 
Published: January 2015

SummaryAimsCompound IMM‐H004 (7‐hydroxy‐5‐methoxy‐4‐methyl‐3‐[4‐methylpiperazin‐1‐yl]‐2H‐chromen‐2‐one) is a new synthetic derivative of coumarin, and previous studies showed that it exhibited antioxidant and neuroprotective roles in focal cerebral ischemia. However, we know little about the compound's function in transient global ischemia. This study is to investigate whether compound IMM‐H004 can protect against transient global ischemic injury.MethodsFour‐vessel occlusion (4VO) rat model was induced for a 20‐min occlusion and different times of reperfusion to mimic transient global cerebral ischemia. IMM‐H004 (3, 6, 9 mg/kg) or Edaravone (6 mg/kg) was administered after 30 min of reperfusion. Morris water maze tests were used to estimate the ability of spatial learning and memory. Nissl staining, TUNEL assay and Immunoblot for Bax/Bcl‐2 and activated caspase‐3 were used to detect hippocampal neuron injury. Immunoblot for PSD‐95 and synapsin 1, and electron microscopy were used to observe synaptic function.ResultsCompared with vehicle group, IMM‐H004 significantly improved the spatial learning performance and exhibited less CA1 neurons loss. The expressions of Bax/Bcl‐2 and activated caspase‐3 were decreased. IMM‐H004 also ameliorated synaptic structure, decreased PSD‐95 and increased synapsin 1 expression.ConclusionThese findings suggested that IMM‐H004 exerted neuroprotective role in global ischemia by reducing apoptosis and maintaining the integrity of synaptic structure.
Global conservation status of sponges
Authors: Bell James J. , McGrath Emily , Biggerstaff Andrew , Bates Tracey , Cárdenas César A. , Bennett Holly 
Published: January 2015

AbstractSponges are important for maintaining ecosystem function and integrity of marine and freshwater benthic communities worldwide. Despite this, there has been no assessment of their current global conservation status. We assessed their status, accounting for the distribution of research effort; patterns of temporal variation in sponge populations and assemblages; the number of sponges on threatened species lists; and the impact of environmental pressures. Sponge research effort has been variable; marine sponges in the northeastern Atlantic and Mediterranean and freshwater sponges in Europe and North America have received the most attention. Although sponge abundance has increased in some locations since 1990, these were typically on coral reefs, in response to declines in other benthic organisms, and restricted to a few species. Few data were available on temporal trends in freshwater sponge abundance. Despite over 8500 described sponge species, only 20 are on threatened species lists, and all are marine species from the northeastern Atlantic and Mediterranean. Of the 202 studies identified, the effects of temperature, suspended sediment, substratum loss, and microbial pathogens have been studied the most intensively for marine sponges, although responses appear to be variable. There were 20 studies examining environmental impacts on freshwater sponges, and most of these were on temperature and heavy metal contamination. We found that most sponges do not appear to be threatened globally. However, little information is available for most species and more data are needed on the impacts of anthropogenic‐related pressures. This is a critical information gap in understanding sponge conservation status.Estado Global de la Conservación de Esponjas
Mapping perceptions of species' threats and population trends to inform conservation efforts: the Bornean orangutan case study
Authors: Abram Nicola K. , Meijaard Erik , Wells Jessie A. , Ancrenaz Marc , Pellier Anne‐Sophie , Runting Rebecca K. , Gaveau David , Wich Serge , Nardiyono  , Tjiu Albertus , Nurcahyo Anton , Mengersen Kerrie 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAimWe demonstrate a robust approach for predicting and mapping threats and population trends of wildlife species, invaluable for understanding where to target conservation resources. We used the endangered Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) as our case study to facilitate and strengthen conservation efforts by the Indonesian government to stabilize populations by 2017.LocationKalimantan, Indonesian Borneo.MethodsLocal knowledge of threats to orangutan populations was gathered through questionnaire interviews in 531 villages (512 in Kalimantan) within known orangutan range. These data were integrated with 39 environmental/socio‐economic spatial variables using boosted regression tree modelling to predict threat levels and population trends across Kalimantan and to identify key combinations of threats and trends that can help to direct appropriate conservation actions.ResultsNineteen percentage of villages surveyed in Kalimantan reported human–orangutan conflicts. High‐predicted conflict likelihood was extensive, strongly associated with road density (very low or high) and temperature seasonality. Recent orangutan killings were reported in 23% of villages. High killing risk was highly associated with greater surrounding orangutan habitat and for villages more than 60 km from oil palm plantations. Killings by respondents were reported in 20% of villages with higher likelihoods associated with greater range in rainfall and temperature, and higher proportion of Christian believers. Orangutan populations were predicted to decline/become locally extinct across the majority of their range in Kalimantan over the next decade, with few regions predicted to support stable populations.Main conclusionsHuman–orangutan conflicts and killings occur extensively in Kalimantan, with many populations at risk of decline or localized extinctions. Effective conservation actions are therefore urgently needed. Our approach better informs conservation managers in understanding the extent, spatial patterns and drivers of threats to endangered species such as the orangutan. This is essential to better design management strategies that can minimize or avert the species' decline.
Effects of terrestrial–aquatic connectivity on an estuarine turtle
Authors: Isdell Robert E. , Chambers Randolph M. , Bilkovic Donna M. , Leu Matthias 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAimEstuaries world‐wide have been modified or fragmented due to human stressors in their terrestrial and aquatic components. Estuary fragmentation often results in reductions in species richness, diversity and connectivity. Effects of human modification on estuaries have been well studied, but less is known about how land use alters connectivity of the terrestrial–aquatic ecotone. We studied the relationship between terrestrial–aquatic connectivity and the distribution of an estuarine turtle, diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin).LocationChesapeake Bay, Virginia, USA.MethodsWe conducted diamondback terrapin surveys at 165 sites from late spring to mid‐summer in 2012 and 2013. We evaluated associations between terrapin occurrence, land use, salt marsh, shoreline armouring and crabbing intensity in concentric–circular neighbourhoods ranging from 0.27 to 2 km to cover daily and annual terrapin movements. We used occupancy modelling and model averaging to identify key terrestrial and aquatic variables explaining heterogeneity in terrapin occupancy. We evaluated the final model with an independent data set and identified occurrence thresholds for key variables.ResultsDiamondback terrapin occupy areas with ≥ 10% of marsh within a 750‐m neighbourhood, ≤ 17% armoured shoreline within a 1‐km neighbourhood, ≤ 20% of agriculture within a 500‐m neighbourhood, ≤ 33% low‐density housing within a 270‐m neighbourhood and ≤ 9 active crab pots within a 270‐m neighbourhood. Our model performed well when evaluated with an independent data set.Main conclusionsWe are the first to identify thresholds and quantify negative associations between the distribution of diamondback terrapin and alterations to terrestrial–aquatic connectivity from land development, shoreline armouring, and fishing activity. Because diamondback terrapin responses are reflective of changes in coastal habitats, especially marshes, terrapin occurrence can be used to direct wetlands conservation and restoration efforts.
Scientists and software – surveying the species distribution modelling community
Authors: Ahmed Sadia E. , McInerny Greg , O'Hara Kenton , Harper Richard , Salido Lara , Emmott Stephen , Joppa Lucas N. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAimSoftware use is ubiquitous in the species distribution modelling (SDM) domain; nearly every scientist working on SDM either uses or develops specialist SDM software; however, little is formally known about the prevalence or preference of one software over another. We seek to provide, for the first time, a ‘snapshot’ of SDM users, the methods they use and the questions they answer.LocationGlobal.MethodsWe conducted a survey of over 300 SDM scientists to capture a snapshot of the community and used an extensive literature search of SDM papers in order to investigate the characteristics of the SDM community and its interactions with software developers in terms of co‐authoring research publications.ResultsOur results show that those members of the community who develop software and who are directly connected with developers are among the most highly connected and published authors in the field. We further show that the two most popular softwares for SDM lie at opposite ends of the ‘use‐complexity’ continuum.Main conclusionGiven the importance of SDM research in a changing environment, with its increasing use in the policy domain, it is vital to be aware of what software and methodologies are being implemented. Here, we present a snapshot of the SDM community, the software and the methods being used.
Signal clarity: an account of the variability in infant quantity discrimination tasks
Authors: Cantrell Lisa , Boyer Ty W. , Cordes Sara , Smith Linda B. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractInfants have shown variable success in quantity comparison tasks, with infants of a given age sometimes successfully discriminating numerical differences at a 2:3 ratio but requiring 1:2 and even 1:4 ratios of change at other times. The current explanations for these variable results include the two‐systems proposal – a theoretical framework that suggests that there are multiple systems at play and that these systems do not communicate early in infancy, leading to failure in certain numerical comparisons. An alternative proposal is that infants may be attending to continuous extent dimensions in these tasks rather than number per se. However, neither of these two main proposals is independently capable of accounting for the previously published data. Recently the Signal Clarity Hypothesis was proposed to account for and predict the variability (Cantrell & Smith, 2013). According to this hypothesis, infants’ variable success may be understood from a framework of statistical learning taken together with the signal‐to‐noise ratio generated by control procedures in habituation tasks. Here we test specific predictions made by the Signal Clarity Hypothesis. Across four experiments assessing 9‐month old discriminations of small and large sets (2 vs. 4 and 3 vs. 4), we demonstrate that infant success can be predicted by this novel approach and, further, that infants may discriminate smaller ratios of change than previously believed (3:4 numerical change and 2:3 cumulative area change).
Characterization of Left Atrial Mechanics in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Essential Hypertension Using Vector Velocity Imaging
Authors: Badran Hala Mahfouz , Faheem Naglaa , Elnoamany Mohamed Fahmy , Kenawy Asma , Yacoub Magdi 
Published: January 2015

BackgroundSystemic hypertension (HTN) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) may be associated with left atrial (LA) dilation, but whether LA functional abnormalities are characteristic to each disease or not, is unknown. The aim of this study was to characterize LA mechanical changes in patients with HTN and HCM using vector velocity imaging (VVI).MethodsVVI‐derived longitudinal LA function was acquired from apical views in 76 CM patients, 33 hypertension patients and 30 age‐matched controls. Peak atrial longitudinal strain (ɛsys), atrial strain rate during systole (SRsys), early diastole (SRe), and late diastole (SRa) were measured (corresponding to LA reservoir, conduit and contractile functions, respectively). Similar parameters were used to assess left ventricular (LV) function.ResultsLV mass and LA volume index were higher in HCM and HTN than in controls. Both LA Reservoir function (LA ɛsys SRsys) and conduit function (SRe) were more declined in HCM patients, in comparison to HTN patients and controls (P < 0.0001),whereas conduit function was the only function deteriorated in the HTN group. LA contractile function was preserved among patient groups. In HCM, LV ɛsys and SRa [P < 0.001] are independent predictors for LA ɛsys. While in hypertension, only LVMI is an independent predictor for LA dysfunction (P < 0.01). By receiver operating characteristic analyses, only atrial reservoir function was extrapolative and appeared to be accurate in discriminating HCM from both hypertension and controls, with LA ɛsys ≤ 33% being more sensitive (71.8%) and specific (75%).ConclusionsResponse of LA mechanics to pathologic hypertrophy is entirely different. In HCM LA reservoir and conduit functions are more deteriorated and related to the severity of phenotype, while in hypertension the conduit function is chiefly affected and LA dysfunction is linked to a more advanced disease.
Dose‐adjusted arsenic trioxide for acute promyelocytic leukaemia in chronic renal failure
Authors: Firkin Frank , Roncolato Fernando , Ho Wai Khoon 
Published: January 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the potential for arsenic trioxide (ATO) to be safely and effectively incorporated into induction therapy of newly diagnosed acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) in patients with severe chronic renal failure (CRF) by reduction of the ATO dosage to compensate for reduced renal elimination of arsenic in CRF.Patients and methodsTwo of the four CRF patients with APL in the study were dialysis‐dependent, and two had eGFRs of 18 and 19 mL/min/1.73 m2. ATO dosage schedules were adjusted to obtain comparable whole‐blood arsenic levels to those in APL patients with normal renal function who achieved molecular remission (MR) while receiving 10 mg ATO daily for 28 d.ResultsAverage ATO administered per day in CRF patients ranged from 36 to 50% of the ATO administered to APL patients with normal renal function. No clinically significant cardiac, hepatic or other toxicities were detected. RT‐PCR‐negative MR was achieved after one treatment course in two patients and after two courses in the others. Relapse‐free survival is 155, 60, 43 and 5 months.ConclusionThe observations in this pilot study have demonstrated whole‐blood arsenic levels can provide a guide to adjustments of ATO dosage schedules that permit safe and effective therapeutic outcomes in APL patients with severely compromised renal function.
Cellularity, characteristics of hematopoietic parameters and prognosis in myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Schemenau Jennifer , Baldus Stephan , Anlauf Martin , Reinecke Petra , Braunstein Stefan , Blum Sabine , Nachtkamp Kathrin , Neukirchen Judith , Strup Corinna , Aul Carlo , Haas Rainer , Gattermann Norbert , Germing Ulrich 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundMyelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) present with a normo‐ or hyperplastic bone marrow in most cases. We aimed at a characterization of patients with different types of cellularity.MethodsWe assessed marrow cellularity both by histology and cytology in 1270 patients and analyzed hematologic, cytogenetic, and prognostic parameters accordingly.ResultsThe concordance of the assessment of cellularity differed dramatically between histology and cytology as only 36.5% were described as hypocellular by both methods (P < 0.0005) (hypocellular 16.4%, normocellular 23.3%, hypercellular 60.3%). There were no major differences with regard to hematopoietic insufficiency. The presence of fibrosis was associated to hypercellular bone marrow. Median survival differed from 38 months in hypocellular, 42 months in normocellular, and 25 months in hypercellular MDS (P < 0.0005). AML progression rates were 33% for hypercellular MDS after 2 yr, whereas hypo‐ and normocellular had a progression rate of 19% after 2 yr (P = 0.018). IPSS and IPSS‐R were able to identify different risk groups within all three cellularity groups.ConclusionBased on our data, hypocellular patients obviously do not present as a separate entity, as there were no striking differences with regard to cytogenetics and WHO types. Assessment of cellularity should be performed by histopathology.
Predominant female care in the beetle Lethrus apterus with supposedly biparental care
Authors: Kosztolányi András , Nagy Nikoletta , Kovács Tibor , Barta Zoltán 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAlthough intensive care for offspring by both parents is rare in arthropods, it occurs in some species including the beetle Lethrus apterus. According to previous publications, in this species the male collects leaves, which are used by the female to form balls in the underground nest burrow. These balls serve as food for the hatched offspring. Most knowledge about the behavior of this species is based on information collected more than a century ago. Therefore, we investigated above‐ground breeding behavior and the status of nest burrows of this beetle in its natural habitat in Hungary. Our results suggest that contrary to previously documented cases, above‐ground parental care, i.e. the collection of leaves, is done predominantly not by the males but the females. Further research is needed to understand the role of the sexes in parental care in this species and to explain the discrepancy between the previously documented cases and the results we report here.
Dynamic directed interictal connectivity in left and right temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Coito Ana , Plomp Gijs , Genetti Mélanie , Abela Eugenio , Wiest Roland , Seeck Margitta , Michel Christoph M. , Vulliemoz Serge 
Published: January 2015

SummaryObjectiveThere is increasing evidence that epileptic activity involves widespread brain networks rather than single sources and that these networks contribute to interictal brain dysfunction. We investigated the fast‐varying behavior of epileptic networks during interictal spikes in right and left temporal lobe epilepsy (RTLEandLTLE) at a whole‐brain scale using directed connectivity.MethodsIn 16 patients, 8 withLTLEand 8 withRTLE, we estimated the electrical source activity in 82 cortical regions of interest (ROIs) using high‐density electroencephalography (EEG), individual head models, and a distributed linear inverse solution. A multivariate, time‐varying, and frequency‐resolved Granger‐causal modeling (weighted Partial Directed Coherence) was applied to the source signal of allROIs. A nonparametric statistical test assessed differences between spike and baseline epochs. Connectivity results between RTLE and LTLE were compared betweenRTLEandLTLEand with neuropsychological impairments.ResultsIpsilateral anterior temporal structures were identified as key drivers for both groups, concordant with the epileptogenic zone estimated invasively. We observed an increase in outflow from the key driver already before the spike. There were also important temporal and extratemporal ipsilateral drivers in both conditions, and contralateral only inRTLE. A different network pattern betweenLTLEandRTLEwas found: inRTLEthere was a much more prominent ipsilateral to contralateral pattern than inLTLE. Half of theRTLEpatients but none of theLTLEpatients had neuropsychological deficits consistent with contralateral temporal lobe dysfunction, suggesting a relationship between connectivity changes and cognitive deficits.SignificanceThe different patterns of time‐varying connectivity inLTLEandRTLEsuggest that they are not symmetrical entities, in line with our neuropsychological results. The highest outflow region was concordant with invasive validation of the epileptogenic zone. This enhanced characterization of dynamic connectivity patterns could better explain cognitive deficits and help the management of epilepsy surgery candidates.