bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reproducibility of manual and semi-automated late enhancement quantification in patients with Fabry disease
Authors: Machann Wolfram , Geier Oliver , Koeppe Sabrina , O’Donnell Thomas , Greiser Andreas , Breunig Frank , Sandstede Joern , Hahn Dietbert , Koestler Herbert , Beer Meinrad 
Published: September 2013

Background Late enhancement (LE) imaging is increasingly used for diagnosis of non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. However, the mostly patchy appearance of LE in this context may reduce the reproducibility of LE measurement. Purpose To report intra- and inter-observer variabilities of LE measurements in Fabry disease using manual and semi-automated quantification. Material and Methods Twenty MRI data-sets of male patients aged 44 ± 7 years were analyzed twice (interval 12 months) by one observer and additionally once by a second observer. Left ventricular (LV) parameters were determined using cine MRI. Gradient-echo LE images were analyzed by manual planimetry and by a semi-automatic prototype software. Variabilities were determined by Bland-Altman analyses and additionally intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) values were calculated to survey intra- and inter-observer reproducibility. Results The amount of LE was 5.2 ± 5.1 mL or 2.8 ± 2.6 % of LV mass (observer 2). LE was detected predominantly intramurally in a patchy pattern. All patients had LE restricted to the basal infero-lateral parts of the LV. The extent of LE correlated to LV mass (207 ± 70 g, P < 0.05, r = 0.6). The intra- and inter-observer variabilities were −0.6 to 1.0 mL and −0.7 to 1.6 mL, respectively (95% confidence intervals). ICC values were 0.981–0.999. The semi-automatic software allowed quantification of LE areas in all patients. The comparison of LE amount determined by semi-automatic software versus manual planimetry yielded an intra-observer variability ranging from −1.9 to 2.3 mL. Conclusion Semi-automatic planimetry of patchy LE in patients with Fabry disease is feasible. The determined intra- and inter-observer variabilities for manual and semi-automatic planimetry were in the range of 20–40% of LE amount with high ICC values.
Novel CT-guided coil localization of peripheral pulmonary nodules prior to video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: a pilot study
Authors: Liu Li , Zhang Long Jiang , Chen Bo , Cao Jian Min , Lu Guang Ming , Yuan Lei , Li Kai , Xu Jian 
Published: September 2013

Background Small peripheral lung nodules detected on computed tomography (CT) scans are often difficult to find during thoracoscopic resection, and the present localizing techniques are inefficient or impractical. Purpose To evaluate a novel marking procedure for small peripheral pulmonary nodules using an embolization coil. Material and Methods Patients with small peripheral pulmonary nodules underwent preoperative CT-guided nodule localization using an embolization coil and then resection by fluoroscopically-guided video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS; group A, n = 22), or, underwent conventional VATS without prior location procedures (group B, n = 16). Comparisons were made between group A and group B concerning operative time, hospitalization, postoperative drainage, and complications. Histopathological diagnoses were made immediately after resection of pulmonary nodules. Results All CT-guided embolization coil fixations were successful. No patient in group A and eight (50%) in group B required conversion to open thoracotomy ( P < 0.0001). No severe complications occurred in either group. Compared with group B, group A had a significantly shorter mean operative time and hospitalization, and less postoperative drainage. Conclusion Preoperative localization of small peripheral pulmonary nodules using CT-guided embolization coil insertion and subsequent fluoroscopically-guided VATS resection is safer and more effective than conventional VATS.
Unidirectional power extraction from a channel connecting a bay to the open ocean
Authors: Adcock Thomas AA 
Published: September 2013

Bays connected to the open ocean by a channel can give rise to large tidal currents which might be suitable for tidal stream turbines. The maximum power extractable from such a geometry was found by Blanchfield et al . (The extractable power from a channel linking a bay to the open ocean. Proc IMechE, Part A: J Power and Energy 222(3):289–297) to be given to within approximately 15%, as [Formula: see text], where a is the water level amplitude of the dominant tidal constituent in the open ocean and Q0 is the maximum volumetric flow rate in the undisturbed state. This analysis is based on turbines operating on both flood and ebb tides. In the present paper, we show that for sites with relatively small bays greater power can be extracted by only operating the turbines in one direction. The pros and cons of this alternative strategy are briefly discussed.
Social capital and life satisfaction among Chinese and Korean elderly immigrants
Authors: Kim Bum J , Linton Kristen F , Lum Wesley 
Published: September 2013

Summary Research has indicated that many Asian Americans experience life dissatisfaction. Studies have also found that social capital is a protective factor for life satisfaction. This study analyzed the impact of social capital and other demographic characteristics on the life satisfaction of 172 Chinese elderly immigrants and 205 Korean elderly immigrants. Chinese and Korean elderly immigrants participated in a structured survey, which measured social capital, life satisfaction, and demographic variables. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to test the impact of social capital on life satisfaction among Chinese and Korean elderly immigrants. Findings Social capital was a strong predictor of life satisfaction among Korean elderly immigrants ( p < . 05), while only one aspect of social capital, community partnership, was associated with life satisfaction of Chinese elderly immigrants ( p < .05). Applications Social workers and social service agencies may improve life satisfaction among Korean and Chinese elderly immigrants by increasing their social capital.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 based therapies: Effects beyond blood glucose control
Authors: Sivaraman Subash C , Barber Thomas M , O’Hare Paul , Randeva Harpal S 
Published: September 2013

Therapies based on the gut-derived glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) are a recent addition to the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. They are either inhibitors of the enzyme DPP-4, which inactivates GLP-1, or analogues of GLP-1 that are resistant to enzymatic degradation. Clinical trials show that long-term treatment with these classes of drugs have a favourable impact on the patient’s lipid profile, reduce systolic blood pressure and reduce abdominal obesity, suggesting a significant cardiovascular benefit in addition to glycaemic control. Transient nausea and vomiting are common adverse effects with this class of drugs and may occur due to reduction in gastric motility. GLP-1 based drugs might be associated with a slight increase in the risk of acute pancreatitis, but there is no evidence that these drugs cause pancreatic cancer in humans. GLP-1 based therapy induces medullary thyroid cancer in rat models, but there is no evidence of it increasing the risk in humans. In animal models, GLP-1 and its analogues improve markers of diabetic nephropathy and diabetic neuropathy by modulating inflammatory pathways. In a rat model of diabetes, GLP-1 analogues preserve pancreatic beta cell function and beta cell mass. On-going studies are investigating whether these benefits are replicated in humans. GLP-1 based drugs have a favourable effect on cardiovascular risk factors. They should be used with caution in patients at risk of pancreatitis. Animal studies suggest improvement in microvascular complications of diabetes.
ACL Reconstruction Preserving the ACL Remnant Achieves Good Clinical Outcomes and Can Reduce Subsequent Graft Rupture
Authors: Takazawa Yuji , Ikeda Hiroshi , Kawasaki Takayuki , Ishijima Muneaki , Kubota Mitsuaki , Saita Yoshitomo , Kaneko Haruka , Kim Sung-Gon , Kurosawa Hisashi , Kaneko Kazuo 
Published: September 2013

Background: Although anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction techniques that preserve remnant tissues have been described, complete preservation may be difficult, with little known about its clinical advantages. Purpose: To compare clinical outcomes in patients undergoing ACL reconstruction with and without ACL remnant preservation. Study Design: Case-control study. Methods: Of 372 patients who underwent surgical treatment of an ACL injury between September 2006 and July 2010, 154 had no remaining identifiable ligament tissue and were excluded from this study. Attempts were made to preserve the ACL remnant as much as possible in the remaining 218 patients. These patients were divided into 2 groups: those in whom the remnant was preserved (group 1, n = 85) and those in whom the remnant was not preserved (group 2, n = 98). Patients were followed for at least 24 months. Outcomes, including graft rupture, were compared in the 2 groups. Results: Time from injury to surgery was significantly shorter (7.3 ± 16.3 vs 16.0 ± 30.3 months; P < .05) and the preinjury Tegner activity was significantly higher (7.6 ± 1.4 vs 7.1 ± 1.2; P < .05; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-13.7) in group 1 than in group 2. The postoperative negative ratio of the pivot-shift test was similar in the 2 groups (87% vs 81%). Anterior stability of the knee, as measured by a KT-2000 arthrometer, was significantly better in group 1 than in group 2 (1.0 ± 0.8 vs 1.3 ± 1.0 mm; P < .05). ACL graft rupture occurred in 1 patient (1.1%) in group 1 and in 7 patients (7.1%) in group 2 ( P < .05). Regression analysis showed that preservation of the remnant decreased the likelihood of graft rupture (odds ratio, 11.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-101.7). Conclusion: These findings confirmed that preserving the remnant tissue of the ACL may facilitate recovery of function and decrease graft rupture after primary reconstruction.
Respiratory uncoupling by increased H+ or K+ flux is beneficial for heart mitochondrial turnover of reactive oxygen species but not for permeability transition
Authors: Morota Saori , Piel Sarah , Hansson Magnus J 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Ischemic preconditioning has been proposed to involve changes in mitochondrial H+ and K+ fluxes, in particular through activation of uncoupling proteins and ATP-sensitive K+ channels (MitoKATP). The objectives of the present study were to explore how increased H+ and K+ fluxes influence heart mitochondrial physiology with regard to production and scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS), volume changes and resistance to calcium-induced mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT).

Results
Isolated rat heart mitochondria were exposed to a wide concentration range of the protonophore CCCP or the potassium ionophore valinomycin to induce increased H+ and K+ conductance, respectively. Simultaneous monitoring of mitochondrial respiration and calcium retention capacity (CRC) demonstrated that the relative increase in respiration caused by valinomycin or CCCP correlated with a decrease in CRC, and that no level of respiratory uncoupling was associated with enhanced resistance to mPT. Mitochondria suspended in hyperosmolar buffer demonstrated a dose-dependent reduction in CRC with increasing osmolarity. However, mitochondria in hypoosmolar buffer to increase matrix volume did not display increased CRC. ROS generation was reduced by both K+- and H+-mediated respiratory uncoupling. The ability of heart mitochondria to detoxify H2O2 was substantially greater than the production rate. The H2O2 detoxification was dependent on respiratory substrates and was dramatically decreased following calcium-induced mPT, but was unaffected by uncoupling via increased K+ and H+ conductance.

Conclusion
It is concluded that respiratory uncoupling is not directly beneficial to rat heart mitochondrial resistance to calcium overload irrespective of whether H+ or K+ conductance is increased. The negative effects of respiratory uncoupling thus probably outweigh the reduction in ROS generation and a potential positive effect by increased matrix volume, resulting in a net sensitization of heart mitochondria to mPT activation.
Evolution of mate-harm, longevity and behaviour in male fruit flies subjected to different levels of interlocus conflict
Authors: Nandy Bodhisatta , Gupta Vanika , Sen Sharmi , Udaykumar Niveda , Samant Manas Arun , Ali Syed Zeeshan , Prasad Nagaraj Guru 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Interlocus conflict predicts (a) evolution of traits, beneficial to males but detrimental to females and (b) evolution of aging and life-span under the influence of the cost of bearing these traits. However, there are very few empirical investigations shedding light on these predictions. Those that do address these issues, mostly reported response of male reproductive traits or the lack of it and do not address the life-history consequence of such evolution. Here, we test both the above mentioned predictions using experimental evolution on replicate populations of Drosophila melanogaster. We present responses observed after >45 generations of altered levels of interlocus conflict (generated by varying the operational sex ratio).

Results
Males from the male biased (high conflict, M-regime) regime evolved higher spontaneous locomotor activity and courtship frequency. Females exposed to these males were found to have higher mortality rate. Males from the female biased regime (low conflict, F-regime) did not evolve altered courtship frequency and activity. However, progeny production of females continuously exposed to F-males was significantly higher than the progeny production of females exposed to M-males indicating that the F-males are relatively benign towards their mates. We found that males from male biased regime lived shorter compared to males from the female biased regime.

Conclusion
F-males (evolving under lower levels of sexual conflict) evolved decreased mate harming ability indicating the cost of maintenance of the suit of traits that cause mate-harm. The M-males (evolving under higher levels sexual conflict) caused higher female mortality indicating that they had evolved increased mate harming ability, possibly as a by product of increased reproduction related activity. There was a correlated evolution of life-history of the M and F-males. M-regime males lived shorter compared to the males from F-regime, possibly due to the cost of investing more in reproductive traits. In combination, these results suggest that male reproductive traits and life-history traits can evolve in response to the altered levels of interlocus sexual conflict.
Custom microarray construction and analysis for determining potential biomarkers of subchronic androgen exposure in the Eastern Mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki)
Authors: Brockmeier Erica K , Yu Fahong , Amador David Moraga , Bargar Timothy A , Denslow Nancy D 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
The eastern mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) has the potential to become a bioindicator organism of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) due to its androgen-driven secondary sexual characteristics. However, the lack of molecular information on G. holbrooki hinders its use as a bioindicator coupled with biomarker data. While traditional gene-by-gene approaches provide insight for biomarker development, a holistic analysis would provide more rapid and expansive determination of potential biomarkers. The objective of this study was to develop and utilize a mosquitofish microarray to determine potential biomarkers of subchronic androgen exposure. To achieve this objective, two specific aims were developed: 1) Sequence a G. holbrooki cDNA library, and 2) Use microarray analysis to determine genes that are differentially regulated by subchronic androgen exposure in hepatic tissues of 17β-trenbolone (TB) exposed adult female G. holbrooki.

Results
A normalized library of multiple organs of male and female G. holbrooki was prepared and sequenced by the Illumina GA IIx and Roche 454 XLR70. Over 30,000 genes with e-value ≤ 10-4 were annotated and 14,758 of these genes were selected for inclusion on the microarray. Hepatic microarray analysis of adult female G. holbrooki exposed to the vehicle control or 1 μg/L of TB (a potent anabolic androgen) revealed 229 genes upregulated and 279 downregulated by TB (one-way ANOVA, p < 0.05, FDR α = 0.05, fold change > 1.5 and < −1.5). Fifteen gene ontology biological processes were enriched by TB exposure (Fisher’s Exact Test, p < 0.05). The expression levels of 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 3 and zona pellucida glycoprotein 2 were validated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) (Student’s t-test, p < 0.05).

Conclusions
Coupling microarray data with phenotypic changes driven by androgen exposure in mosquitofish is key for developing this organism into a bioindicator for EDCs. Future studies using this array will enhance knowledge of the biology and toxicological response of this species. This work provides a foundation of molecular knowledge and tools that can be used to delve further into understanding the biology of G. holbrooki and how this organism can be used as a bioindicator organism for endocrine disrupting pollutants in the environment.
Transcriptome sequencing and whole genome expression profiling of chrysanthemum under dehydration stress
Authors: Xu Yanjie , Gao Shan , Yang Yingjie , Huang Mingyun , Cheng Lina , Wei Qian , Fei Zhangjun , Gao Junping , Hong Bo 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Chrysanthemum is one of the most important ornamental crops in the world and drought stress seriously limits its production and distribution. In order to generate a functional genomics resource and obtain a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms regarding chrysanthemum responses to dehydration stress, we performed large-scale transcriptome sequencing of chrysanthemum plants under dehydration stress using the Illumina sequencing technology.

Results
Two cDNA libraries constructed from mRNAs of control and dehydration-treated seedlings were sequenced by Illumina technology. A total of more than 100 million reads were generated and de novo assembled into 98,180 unique transcripts which were further extensively annotated by comparing their sequencing to different protein databases. Biochemical pathways were predicted from these transcript sequences. Furthermore, we performed gene expression profiling analysis upon dehydration treatment in chrysanthemum and identified 8,558 dehydration-responsive unique transcripts, including 307 transcription factors and 229 protein kinases and many well-known stress responsive genes. Gene ontology (GO) term enrichment and biochemical pathway analyses showed that dehydration stress caused changes in hormone response, secondary and amino acid metabolism, and light and photoperiod response. These findings suggest that drought tolerance of chrysanthemum plants may be related to the regulation of hormone biosynthesis and signaling, reduction of oxidative damage, stabilization of cell proteins and structures, and maintenance of energy and carbon supply.

Conclusions
Our transcriptome sequences can provide a valuable resource for chrysanthemum breeding and research and novel insights into chrysanthemum responses to dehydration stress and offer candidate genes or markers that can be used to guide future studies attempting to breed drought tolerant chrysanthemum cultivars.
Social capital and health among older adults in South Africa
Authors: Ramlagan Shandir , Peltzer Karl , Phaswana-Mafuya Nancy 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Little is known about social capital and health among older adults in South Africa. This study investigates the association between social capital and several health variables, namely: self-rated health, depressive symptoms, cognitive functioning and physical inactivity, among older South Africans.

Methods
We conducted a national population-based cross-sectional study with a national probability sample of 3840 individuals aged 50 years or older who participated in the Study of Global Ageing and Adults Health (SAGE wave 1) in 2008 in South Africa. Measures included socio-demographic characteristics, health variables, cognitive functioning and physical activity. Social capital was assessed with six components, namely: marital status, social action, sociability, trust and solidarity, safety, and civic engagement.

Results
The social capital assessment revealed that 56% of the respondents were married or cohabiting, 45% reported low (0) social action, 42% reported medium (2–3) sociability, 43% reported high (2) trust and solidarity, 50% reported high (2–4) civic engagement and 42% reported medium (6) psychological resources. In multivariate analysis, self-reported good health was associated with younger age, having secondary education and higher social capital (being married or cohabiting, high trust and solidarity and greater psychological resources). Depressive symptoms were associated with lower social capital (not being married or cohabiting, lack of high trust and solidarity and low psychological resources). Better cognitive functioning was associated with younger age, higher educational level, greater wealth and higher social capital (being married or cohabiting, high trust and solidarity, lack of safety, higher civic engagement and greater psychological resources). Physical inactivity was associated with older age and lower social capital (lower social action, lack of safety, lower civic engagement and poorer psychological resources).

Conclusions
Given the basis of these findings on cross sectional data and subsequent limitation, it was found that these study findings mimic the findings of many European and American studies. Social capital among the elderly generation in South Africa is imperative for better health.