bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distyly and cryptic heteromorphic self‐incompatibility inMussaenda macrophylla(Rubiaceae)
Authors: WU Xiao‐Qin , LI Pei‐Xing , DENG Xiao‐Fang , ZHANG Dian‐Xiang 
Published: January 2015

AbstractTypical distylous species display both reciprocal herkogamy and heteromorphic incompatibility, which exclude self‐ and intramorph pollination and accordingly promote intermorph pollination. Here we explore an unusual distylous flower associated with self‐ and intramorph compatibility inMussaendamacrophyllaWall. The species did not exhibit a precise reciprocal herkogamy, and the populations studied had a slight bias in favor of the short‐styled morph (S‐morph). In addition, pollen tube growth in intermorph pollination was faster than either in intramorph or self‐pollination, indicating that cryptic heteromorphic self‐incompatibility occurred inM. macrophylla. Specifically, pollen tube growth rates after legitimate and illegitimate pollination were much more highly differentiated in long‐styled morph (L‐morph) than in S‐morph, which might be attributed to the increased de‐esterified pectin in the tip of L‐morph pollen tube wall in comparison with S‐morph. Transmission electron microscopic observation revealed illegitimate self‐pollinated pollen tubes of two morphs were seriously degraded with the large autolysosome‐like vacuoles in cytoplasm of L‐morph pollen tube but accumulating small vacuoles in that of S‐morph pollen tube, suggesting that incompatible pollen tubes might undergo autophagic programmed cell death except self‐incompatible S‐morph pollen tubes. Our results indicate thatM. macrophyllais morphologically distylous with a cryptic heteromorphic self‐incompatibility breeding system, which functions differently in S‐morph with self‐pollination compared with other illegitimate pollination.
Therapeutic management and evolution of chronic hepatitis B: does HIV still have an impact? The EPIB 2012 study
Authors: Piroth Lionel , Pol Stanislas , Miailhes Patrick , Lacombe Karine , Lopes Amanda , Fillion Aurélie , Loustaud‐Ratti Véronique , Borsa‐Lebas Françoise , Salmon Dominique , Rosenthal Eric , Carrat Fabrice , Cacoub Patrice ,   The GERMIVIC Study Group
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackground & AimsTo compare the management of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and its evolution over time in currently followed HIV‐positive and HIV‐negative patients.MethodsA total of 709 consecutive patients with past or present positive HBs antigenemia seen in October 2012 in 19 French participating centres were included. The data were retrospectively collected from the first visit onwards through standardized questionnaires.ResultsChronic hepatitis B was less often assessed in the 299 HIV‐positive patients, who were older, more likely to be male, excessive alcohol drinkers and HBe antigen‐, HCV‐ and HDV‐positive. They were also followed up for a longer time (11.3 +/−8.8 vs. 8.6 +/−6.9 years, P < 10−3) and were more frequently treated for HBV (95.3% vs. 56.8%, P < 10−3). HBV was undetectable at the last visit in 80.8% of HIV‐positive vs. 55.1% of HIV‐negative patients (P < 10−3).In multivariate analyses, undetectable HBV was significantly associated with older age, lower baseline HBV DNA, longer HBV therapy and no previous lamivudine monotherapy, but not with HIV.Cirrhosis was associated with age, male gender, Asian origin, alcoholism, HCV, HDV, but not with HIV infection. Hepatocellular carcinoma, less frequently observed in HIV‐positive patients (0.7% vs. 4.7%, P = 0.002), was positively associated with age, male gender, cirrhosis and negatively associated with HIV infection (OR 0.15, 95%CI 0.03–0.67, P = 0.01).ConclusionsAlthough the assessment of CHB still has to be improved in HIV‐positive patients, the negative impact of HIV on the virological, histological and clinical evolution of CHB seems to be disappearing, probably because of the immunovirological impact of HAART and the more frequent and longer use of HBV therapy.
Hybrid histidine kinases in pathogenic fungi
Authors: Defosse Tatiana A. , Sharma Anupam , Mondal Alok K. , Dugé de Bernonville Thomas , Latgé Jean‐Paul , Calderone Richard , Giglioli‐Guivarc'h Nathalie , Courdavault Vincent , Clastre Marc , Papon Nicolas 
Published: January 2015

SummaryHistidine kinases (HK) sense and transduce via phosphorylation events many intra‐ and extracellular signals in bacteria, archaea, slime moulds and plants. HK are also widespread in the fungal kingdom, but their precise roles in the regulation of physiological processes remain largely obscure. Expanding genomic resources have recently given the opportunity to identify uncharacterised HK family members in yeasts and moulds and now allow proposing a complex classification of Basidiomycota, Ascomycota and lower fungi HK. A growing number of genetic approaches have progressively provided new insight into the role of several groups of HK in prominent fungal pathogens. In particular, a series of studies have revealed that members of group III HK, which occur in the highest number of fungal species and contain a unique N‐terminus region consisting of multiple HAMP domain repeats, regulate morphogenesis and virulence in various human, plant and insect pathogenic fungi. This research field is further supported by recent shape‐function studies providing clear correlation between structural properties and signalling states in group III HK. Since HK are absent in mammals, these represent interesting fungal target for the discovery of new antifungal drugs.
Two cases of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy complicated by idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Furuyama Hiroyasu , Chiba Susumu , Inoue Kiyoharu , Warabi Tateo 
Published: January 2015

AbstractWe report two patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy complicated by idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Both of the two diseases successfully responded to intravenous immunoglobulin infusion. A small number of similar patients have been previously reported. Because the immunological mechanism more evidently correlates to these patients than to the entire spectrum of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, they might form a subgroup unusually responsive to immunomodulating therapy.
Semaphorin 3A serum levels are influenced by haemodialysis: What clinical significance?
Authors: Cernaro Valeria , Lucisano Silvia , Buemi Antoine , Visconti Luca , Lacava Viviana , Lacquaniti Antonio , Santoro Domenico , Loddo Saverio , Buemi Michele 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAimSemaphorin 3A urinary levels represent an early, predictive biomarker of acute kidney injury and positively correlate with albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio and serum creatinine in hypertensive patients with chronic kidney disease. Our purpose has been to evaluate semaphorin 3A serum levels in a cohort of haemodialysis (HD) patients, the influence of a single HD session on its concentrations, and the potential correlation with clinical and biochemical parameters.MethodsWe enrolled 18 patients receiving HD with Acetate‐Free Biofiltration technique and 16 healthy subjects as controls. Peripheral venous blood samples were obtained from patients at different intervals: start of dialysis (pre‐HD), middle, and end of the treatment (post‐HD). We also collected dialysate samples by the Quantiscan monitoring system (Hospal, Bologna, Italy).ResultsSemaphorin 3A was significantly lower in HD patients at baseline compared to controls (median 19.50 (interquartile range 1.00–65.00) versus 97.50 (23.50–161.00) ng/mL, P = 0.0237). A statistically significant reduction was seen during a single HD session (from 19.50 (1.00–65.00) to 0.86 (0.82–4.21) ng/mL, P < 0.0001), with a reduction ratio of 65.92 ± 33.51%. The median concentration in dialysate was 54.00 (15.00–102.00) ng/mL. Pre‐HD values were directly related to serum vitamin D (r = 0.872; P = 0.001) and inversely correlated with calcium levels (r = −0.426; P = 0.012) and calcium × phosphate product (r = −0.422; P = 0.0252).ConclusionSemaphorin 3A removal during HD may be clinically relevant due to its involvement in different aspects of cell physiology and in bone remodelling. Semaphorin 3A both inhibits osteoclastic bone reabsorption and increases osteoblastic new bone formation, thus playing a dual osteoprotective role.
Fungi in the future: interannual variation and effects of atmospheric change on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities
Authors: Cotton T. E. Anne , Fitter Alastair H. , Miller R. Michael , Dumbrell Alex J. , Helgason Thorunn 
Published: January 2015

Summary

Understanding the natural dynamics of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and their response to global environmental change is essential for the prediction of future plant growth and ecosystem functions. We investigated the long‐term temporal dynamics and effect of elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and ozone (O3) concentrations on AM fungal communities.

Molecular methods were used to characterize the AM fungal communities of soybean (Glycine max) grown under elevated and ambient atmospheric concentrations of both CO2 and O3 within a free air concentration enrichment experiment in three growing seasons over 5 yr.

Elevated CO2 altered the community composition of AM fungi, increasing the ratio of Glomeraceae to Gigasporaceae. By contrast, no effect of elevated O3 on AM fungal communities was detected. However, the greatest compositional differences detected were between years, suggesting that, at least in the short term, large‐scale interannual temporal dynamics are stronger mediators than atmospheric CO2 concentrations of AM fungal communities.

We conclude that, although atmospheric change may significantly alter AM fungal communities, this effect may be masked by the influences of natural changes and successional patterns through time. We suggest that changes in carbon availability are important determinants of the community dynamics of AM fungi.
Analyses of Ca2+ dynamics using a ubiquitin‐10 promoter‐driven Yellow Cameleon 3.6 indicator reveal reliable transgene expression and differences in cytoplasmic Ca2+ responses in Arabidopsis and rice (Oryza sativa) roots
Authors: Behera Smrutisanjita , Wang Nili , Zhang Chunxia , Schmitz‐Thom Ina , Strohkamp Sarah , Schültke Stefanie , Hashimoto Kenji , Xiong Lizhong , Kudla Jörg 
Published: January 2015

Summary

Ca2+ signatures are central to developmental processes and adaptive responses in plants. However, high‐resolution studies of Ca2+ dynamics using genetically encoded Ca2+ indicators (GECIs) such as Yellow Cameleon (YC) proteins have so far not been conducted in important model crops such as rice (Oryza sativa).

We conducted a comparative study of 35S and ubiquitin‐10 (UBQ10) promoter functionality in Arabidopsis thaliana and O. sativa plants expressing the Ca2+ indicator Yellow Cameleon 3.6 (YC3.6) under control of the UBQ10 or 35S promoter. Ca2+ signatures in roots of both species were analyzed during exposure to hyperpolarization/depolarization cycles or in response to application of the amino acid glutamate.

We found a superior performance of the UBQ10 promoter with regard to expression pattern, levels and expression stabilities in both species. We observed remarkable differences between the two species in the spatiotemporal parameters of the observed Ca2+ signatures. Rice appeared in general to respond with a lower maximal signal amplitude but greatly increased signal duration when compared with Arabidopsis.

Our results identify important advantages to using the UBQ10 promoter in Arabidopsis and rice and in T‐DNA mutant backgrounds. Moreover, the observed differences in Ca2+ signaling in the two species underscore the need for comparative studies to achieve a comprehensive understanding of Ca2+ signaling in plants.
Toll‐like receptor 9 promoter polymorphism as a predictive factor of narrow‐band UVB phototherapy response in patients with psoriasis
Authors: Romaní Jorge , Julià Marc , Lozano Francisco , Muñoz‐Santos Carlos , Guilabert Antonio , Carrascosa José M , Rigla Mercedes , Luelmo Jesús 
Published: January 2015

SummaryBackgroundPrediction of response to ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy in psoriatic patients mainly relies on clinical criteria, although some genetic predictors have been identified. Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) have been involved in psoriasis pathogenesis through activation of the innate immune system. Their polymorphisms may condition not only the clinical profile of psoriasis but also the response to therapy.MethodsWe analyzed the role of functional single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of TLR2, 5, 4, and 9 in clinical response to a standard narrow‐band UVB (NBUVB) therapy in 39 patients with moderate to severe psoriasis.ResultsWe found a significant relationship between TLR9‐1486T/C SNP variants and a better response to NBUVB phototherapy. Patients with TC and CC genotype showed a higher improvement of Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) than patients with TT genotype. Results of multivariate analysis indicate that the differences in PASI improvement at the end of phototherapy attributed to TRL9 SNP genotype were not dependent on the patients' phototype, age, gender, body mass index, basal PASI, or disease evolution.ConclusionsWe describe a functional genetic variant in TLR9 gene that might affect the susceptibility to antipsoriatic treatment. The search of genetic predictive factors may be helpful in therapy selection and optimization of therapeutic regimes in psoriatic patients.
Correlations between homocysteine and grey matter volume in patients with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Park Seong Hyeok , Kim Hyun , Lee Kang Joon 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies have reported that elevated total homocysteine levels are associated with cognitive dysfunction. However, few studies have examined the radiological markers of associated neuropathology in Alzheimer's disease (AD). We hypothesized that elevated levels of homocysteine are associated with cerebral grey matter volume loss. We compared the grey matter in a high homocysteine group and a normal homocysteine group using an optimized voxel‐based morphometry.MethodsThe study included 79 patients with AD who were divided into two groups: a high homocysteine group and a normal homocysteine group. The participants underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging using a standardized protocol and neurocognitive evaluation. Homocysteine tests and other routine laboratory examinations for dementia assessment were carried out in all patients.ResultsThere was no significant difference in grey matter volume between the patients with high homocysteine levels and those with normal homocysteine levels. A multiple regression analysis also revealed that the levels of homocysteine were not associated with the grey matter volume in patients with AD. Homocysteine levels were not correlated significantly with Mini‐Mental State Examination, Global Deterioration Scale, or Clinical Dementia Rating.ConclusionOur results showed that elevated homocysteine levels are not associated with reduced cerebral grey matter volume in AD. Larger samples will be needed to assess potential correlations between homocysteine and neuroanatomical pathology in the future.
The installation of underground pipelines: effects on soil properties
Authors: Batey T. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractSince the 1970s a network of underground pipes, up to 1200 mm diameter, has been installed in the UK to transmit crude oil to refineries and gas from onshore terminals for distribution. Chosen routes are subject to significant constraints. Current techniques for pipe installation involve topsoil removal and storage. Trench depth is set to allow a cover of 1200 mm overburden after pipes have been installed. The heavy machinery involved results in severe compaction of exposed subsoil. Subsoil is loosened comprehensively and topsoil replaced. Existing field drains are reconnected, and, if necessary, new drains with gravel backfill installed. Pipe installation usually takes place between April and October. Preventative measures to limit compaction during installation are not a practical option. If subsequent arable crops or grass are poorer or drainage more defective than before disturbance, the loss is assessed and compensation paid. To determine the cause of the loss >60, investigations have been made throughout the UK. Soil physical properties were assessed in an open trench using visual and tactile methods. Consistently, severe compaction in the subsoil was identified as the cause of poor crop growth or drainage; it was not observed in the topsoil. Specific recommendations for remedial action were made based on location, depth and severity of the compaction. These included the installation of additional land drains, increasing the amount of gravel above the drains, or further subsoil loosening orientated to cross gravel backfill. After appropriate remedial action, net compensation for crop losses was frequently small or negligible.
Age‐related changes in hematologic and serum biochemical variables in dogs aged 16–60 days
Authors: Rørtveit Runa , Sævik Bente K. , Eggertsdóttir Anna V. , Skancke Ellen , Lingaas Frode , Thoresen Stein I. , Jansen Johan H. 
Published: January 2015

BackgroundThe literature reporting hematologic and serum biochemical variables in puppies is limited. As puppies are physiologically different from adult dogs, an age effect would be expected.ObjectivesWe aimed to describe age‐related changes in hematologic and serum biochemical variables in puppies aged 16–60 days and compare the results to reference intervals (RI) for adults. Our second aim was to determineRIfor this age group.MethodsA total of 227 blood samples were collected from 101 clinically healthy puppies, mainly mixed breeds. To assess the effect of age, the results were compared toRIfor adult dogs, and variations within the age period 16–60 days were studied. Reference intervals for the groups 16–24, 28–45, and 46–60 days of age were determined.ResultsLower values in puppies compared to adults were found forRBC,HGB,HCT, concentration of albumin, globulin, total protein, creatinine, and sodium:potassium ratio. Higher values in puppies compared to adults were found for activities ofALPandCK, and concentrations of inorganic phosphorus, calcium, and potassium. ForMCV,MCHC, albumin:globulin ratio, and glucose concentration, different values in puppies compared to adults were found for some of the age groups. No age‐specific differences were found compared toRIfor adults regardingWBC, absolute counts of lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, and platelets,RDW, activities forAST,ALT, amylase, lipase, and concentrations of bile acids, cholesterol, urea, sodium, and chloride.ConclusionsOur results support that age has a significant effect on several hematologic and serum biochemical values in puppies, warranting age‐specificRI.
Clinical apparatus for the reduction of dose area product for patients undergoing x‐ray catheterization
Authors: Robert Normand , Watt Kristina N. , Rochette Sophie , Desponds Lionel , Vaillant Régis , Rowlands John A. 
Published: January 2015

Purpose:The authors describe a design for prepatient region of interest attenuators (ROIAs) to reduce dose area product (DAP) for clinical use. The authors describe a model to predict DAP values from x‐ray technique parameters recorded during a clinical procedure for image sequences obtained in the presence or absence of ROIAs. The model was developed primarily to determine what the DAP to a patient undergoing cardiac catheterization with a ROIA would have been if no ROIA had been used allowing a determination of DAP reduction.Methods:Copper ROIAs with thicknesses that vary gradually so as not to cause significant image artifacts were constructed. X‐ray image sequences were acquired on a clinical catheterization system with and without ROIAs with varying x‐ray technique parameters. DAP values were measured for all said exposures using an ionization chamber and compared to a model the authors developed.Results:The model can predict DAP values within 3.5% on average with or without ROIAs when compared to ionization chamber measurements.Conclusions:The proposed experimental design is adequate for measuring DAP reductions on the order of 1.5–3.5 that are expected when introducing a ROIA during patient catheterization imaging.
Large N: A Strategy for Improving Regional Sport Performance
Authors: Cornett Andrew C. , Stager Joel M. 
Published: January 2015

It has been hypothesized that large differences in maximal performance can arise between various geopolitical regions solely on the basis of differing numbers of participants in the target activity. While there is evidence in support of this hypothesis for a measure of intellectual performance, the same relationship has not been examined for a measure of physical performance.Purpose:To determine whether the number of participants is a predictor of the best athletic performance in a region.Methods:The 2005–2010 USA Swimming Age Group Detail reports were used to determine the number of competitive swimmers participating in each age group for the 59 local swimming communities in the United States. The USA Swimming performance database provided 50-yd-freestyle times in each community for boys and girls for each age (6–19 y). Simple linear regression was used to examine the relationship between the outcome variable (fastest time) and the predictor variable (log of the number of swimmers) for each combination of age, sex, and calendar year.Results:The log of the number of swimmers in a region was a significant predictor of the best performance in that region for all 168 combinations of age, sex, and calendar year (P < .05) and explained, on average, 41%, and as much as 62%, of the variance in the fastest time.Conclusions:These findings have important implications for the development of regional sport strategic policy. Increasing the number of participants in the target activity appears a viable strategy for improving regional performance.
Intermittent Pneumatic Compression and Bone Mineral Density: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Almstedt Hawley Chase , Lewis Zakkoyya H. 
Published: January 2015

Context:Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) is a common therapeutic modality used to reduce swelling after trauma and prevent thrombosis due to postsurgical immobilization. Limited evidence suggests that IPC may decrease the time needed to rehabilitate skeletal fractures and increase bone remodeling.Objective:To establish feasibility and explore the novel use of a common therapeutic modality, IPC, on bone mineral density (BMD) at the hip of noninjured volunteers.Design:Within-subjects intervention.Setting:University research laboratory.Participants:Noninjured participants (3 male, 6 female) completed IPC treatment on 1 leg 1 h/d, 5 d/wk for 10 wk. Pressure was set to 60 mm Hg when using the PresSsion and Flowtron Hydroven compression units.Main Outcome Measures:Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to assess BMD of the hip in treated and nontreated legs before and after the intervention. Anthropometrics, regular physical activity, and nutrient intake were also assessed.Results:The average number of completed intervention sessions was 43.4 (± 3.8) at an average duration of 9.6 (± 0.8) wk. Repeated-measures analysis of variance indicated a significant time-by-treatment effect at the femoral neck (P = .023), trochanter (P = .027), and total hip (P = .008). On average, the treated hip increased 0.5–1.0%, while the nontreated hip displayed a 0.7–1.9% decrease, depending on the bone site.Conclusion:Results of this exploratory investigation suggest that IPC is a therapeutic modality that is safe and feasible for further investigation on its novel use in optimizing bone health.