bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
European red squirrel population dynamics driven by squirrelpox at a gray squirrel invasion interface
Authors: Chantrey Julian , Dale Timothy D. , Read Jonathan M. , White Steve , Whitfield Fiona , Jones David , McInnes Colin J. , Begon Michael 
Published: September 2014

AbstractInfectious disease introduced by non‐native species is increasingly cited as a facilitator of native population declines, but direct evidence may be lacking due to inadequate population and disease prevalence data surrounding an outbreak. Previous indirect evidence and theoretical models support squirrelpox virus (SQPV) as being potentially involved in the decline of red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) following the introduction of the non‐native gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) to the United Kingdom. The red squirrel is a majorUKconservation concern and understanding its continuing decline is important for any attempt to mitigate the decline. The red squirrel–gray squirrel system is also exemplary of the interplay between infectious disease (apparent competition) and direct competition in driving the replacement of a native by an invasive species. Time series data from Merseyside are presented on squirrel abundance and squirrelpox disease (SQPx) incidence, to determine the effect of the pathogen and the non‐native species on the native red squirrel populations. Analysis indicates thatSQPx in red squirrels has a significant negative impact on squirrel densities and their population growth rate (PGR). There is little evidence for a direct gray squirrel impact; only gray squirrel presence (but not density) proved to influence red squirrel density, but not red squirrelPGR. The dynamics of redSQPx cases are largely determined by previous redSQPx cases, although previous infection of local gray squirrels also feature, and thus,SQPV‐infected gray squirrels are identified as potentially initiating outbreaks ofSQPx in red squirrels. Retrospective serology indicates that approximately 8% of red squirrels exposed toSQPVmay survive infection during an epidemic. This study further highlights theUKred squirrel – gray squirrel system as a classic example of a native species population decline strongly facilitated by infectious disease introduced by a non‐native species. It is therefore paramount that disease prevention and control measures are integral in attempts to conserve red squirrels in the United Kingdom.
Iron deficiency in a multi‐ethnic Asian population with and without heart failure: prevalence, clinical correlates, functional significance and prognosis
Authors: Yeo Tee Joo , Yeo Poh Shuan Daniel , Ching‐Chiew Wong Raymond , Ong Hean Yee , Leong Kui Toh Gerard , Jaufeerally Fazlur , Sim David , Santhanakrishnan Rajalakshmi , Lim Shir Lynn , M.Y. Chan Michelle , Chai Ping , Low Adrian F. , Ling Lieng H. , Ng Tze Pin , Richards A. Mark , Lam Carolyn S.P. 
Published: September 2014

AimsCurrent heart failure (HF) guidelines highlight the importance of iron deficiency (ID) in HF. Whether HF itself or age‐related comorbidities contribute to ID is uncertain, and previous data were limited to Western populations. We aimed to study the prevalence, clinical correlates, functional significance and prognosis of ID in HF patients, compared with community‐based controls in a multi‐ethnic Southeast Asian population.Methods and resultsIron status was assessed in 751 HF patients (age 62.0 ± 12.2 years, 75.5% men, 64.7% Chinese, 23.9% Malay, 10.2% Indian) and 601 controls (age 56.9 ± 10.4 years, 49.8% men, 70.9% Chinese, 21.5% Malay, 7.2% Indian). ID, defined as ferritin <100 µg/L or ferritin 100–300 µg/L and transferrin saturation (Tsat) <20%, was present in 39.3% of controls and 61.4% of HF [odds ratio (OR) 3.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.5–4.9, adjusting for clinical covariates]. Independent correlates of ID in HF were Indian ethnicity (OR 2.4 vs. Chinese, 95% CI 1.2–5.0), female gender (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.7–4.8), larger body mass index (OR 1.05/unit increase, 95% CI 1.01–1.1) and decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (OR 1.03/unit decrease, 95% CI 1.01–1.04). In a subset of 48 HF patients undergoing cardiopulmonary exercise testing, Tsat correlated with peak oxygen consumption (ρ = 0.53, P < 0.01), independent of baseline characteristics. The HF patients with Tsat <20% as well as anaemia showed the poorest event‐free survival after adjusting for clinical covariates.ConclusionsID was highly prevalent and independently related to functional capacity and outcomes in our cohort. These findings suggest a pathophysiological role of ID in HF and support its importance as a therapeutic target in Southeast Asian patients with HF.
Lattice Boltzmann Simulation of Natural Convection in a Differentially Heated Square Enclosure Containing Heat Generating Low‐Prandtl Number Fluid
Authors: Gera B. , Singh R. K. 
Published: September 2014

Lattice Boltzmann simulations were conducted for the free convective flow of a low‐Prandtl number (Pr = 0.0321) fluid with internal heat generation in a square enclosure having adiabatic top and bottom walls and isothermal side walls. The problem of free convection with volumetric heat source has represented itself in connection with advanced engineering applications, such as water‐cooled lithium–lead breeder blankets for nuclear fusion reactors and liquid metal sources of spallation neutrons for subcritical fission systems. A single relaxation time (SRT) thermal lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) was employed. While applying SRT, a D2Q9 model was used to simulate the flow field and temperature field. Results have been obtained for various Rayleigh numbers characterizing internal and external heating from 103 to 106. Flow and temperature fields in terms of stream function and isotherms in the enclosure were predicted for these cases. The temperature of the fluid in the enclosure was found higher than the heated wall temperature at high values of internal Rayleigh numbers. The internal heat generation affected the rate of heat transfer significantly as two convection loops are observed in the enclosure. The average Nusselt number at the heated and cold wall was determined for all the cases.
Molecular structure and rotary dynamics of Enterococcus hiraeV1‐ATPase
Authors: Iino Ryota , Minagawa Yoshihiro , Ueno Hiroshi , Hara Mayu , Murata Takeshi 
Published: September 2014

AbstractV1‐ATPase is a rotary molecular motor in which the mechanical rotation of the rotor DF subunits against the stator A3B3 ring is driven by the chemical free energy of ATP hydrolysis. Recently, using X‐ray crystallography, we solved the high‐resolution molecular structure of Enterococcus hirae V1‐ATPase (EhV1) and revealed how the three catalytic sites in the stator A3B3 ring change their structure on nucleotide binding and interaction with the rotor DF subunits. Furthermore, recently, we also demonstrated directly the rotary catalysis of EhV1 by using single‐molecule high‐speed imaging and analyzed the properties of the rotary motion in detail. In this critical review, we introduce the molecular structure and rotary dynamics of EhV1 and discuss a possible model of its chemomechanical coupling scheme. © 2014 IUBMB Life, 66(9):624–630, 2014
Bone Fracture Toughness and Strength Correlate With Collagen Cross-Link Maturity in a Dose-Controlled Lathyrism Mouse Model
Authors: McNerny Erin MB , Gong Bo , Morris Michael D , Kohn David H 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACT

Collagen cross-linking is altered in many diseases of bone, and enzymatic collagen cross-links are important to bone quality, as evidenced by losses of strength after lysyl oxidase inhibition (lathyrism). We hypothesized that cross-links also contribute directly to bone fracture toughness. A mouse model of lathyrism using subcutaneous injection of up to 500 mg/kg β-aminopropionitrile (BAPN) was developed and characterized (60 animals across 4 dosage groups). Three weeks of 150 or 350 mg/kg BAPN treatment in young, growing mice significantly reduced cortical bone fracture toughness, strength, and pyridinoline cross-link content. Ratios reflecting relative cross-link maturity were positive regressors of fracture toughness (HP/[DHLNL + HLNL] r2 = 0.208, p &lt; 0.05; [HP + LP]/[DHNL + HLNL] r2 = 0.196, p &lt; 0.1), whereas quantities of mature pyridinoline cross-links were significant positive regressors of tissue strength (lysyl pyridinoline r2 = 0.159, p = 0.014; hydroxylysyl pyridinoline r2 = 0.112, p &lt; 0.05). Immature and pyrrole cross-links, which were not significantly reduced by BAPN, did not correlate with mechanical properties. The effect of BAPN treatment on mechanical properties was dose specific, with the greatest impact found at the intermediate (350 mg/kg) dose. Calcein labeling was used to define locations of new bone formation, allowing for the identification of regions of normally cross-linked (preexisting) and BAPN-treated (newly formed, cross-link-deficient) bone. Raman spectroscopy revealed spatial differences attributable to relative tissue age and effects of cross-link inhibition. Newly deposited tissues had lower mineral/matrix, carbonate/phosphate, and Amide I cross-link (matrix maturity) ratios compared with preexisting tissues. BAPN treatment did not affect mineral measures but significantly increased the cross-link (matrix maturity) ratio compared with newly formed control tissue. Our study reveals that spatially localized effects of short-term BAPN cross-link inhibition can alter the whole-bone collagen cross-link profile to a measureable degree, and this cross-link profile correlates with bone fracture toughness and strength. Thus, cross-link profile perturbations associated with bone disease may provide insight into bone mechanical quality and fracture risk. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Longitudinal HR-pQCT and Image Registration Detects Endocortical Bone Loss in Kidney Transplantation Patients
Authors: Nishiyama Kyle K , Pauchard Yves , Nikkel Lucas E , Iyer Sapna , Zhang Chiyuan , McMahon Donald J , Cohen David , Boyd Steven K , Shane Elizabeth , Nickolas Thomas L 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACT

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who undergo kidney transplantation experience bone loss and increased risk of fracture. However, the mechanisms of this bone loss are unclear. Our objective was to use image registration to define the cortex to assess changes in cortical porosity (Ct.Po) in patients undergoing first-time kidney transplantation. We obtained serial measurements of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and bone turnover markers and used high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) to scan the distal radius and tibia in 31 patients (21 men, 10 women; aged 51.9 ± 13.4 years) at transplant and after 1 year. Baseline and 1-year images were aligned using a fully automated, intensity-based image registration framework. We compared three methods to define the cortical region of interest (ROI) and quantify the changes: 1) cortical bone was independently defined in baseline and follow-up scans; 2) cortical bone was defined as the common cortical ROI; and 3) the cortical ROI at baseline was carried forward to 1-year follow-up (baseline-indexed). By the independently defined ROI, Ct.Po increased 11.7% at the radius and 9.1% at the tibia, whereas by the common ROI, Ct.Po increased 14.6% at the radius and 9.1% at the tibia. By the baseline-indexed ROI, which provides insight into changes at the endocortical region, Ct.Po increased 63.4% at the radius and 17.6% at the tibia. We found significant relationships between changes in Ct.Po and bone formation and resorption markers at the radius. The strongest associations were found between markers and Ct.Po using the baseline-index method. We conclude that Ct.Po increases throughout the cortex after kidney transplant, and this increase is particularly marked at the endocortical surface. These methods may prove useful for all HR-pQCT longitudinal studies, particularly when changes are expected at the endocortical region. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Clinico‐biochemical investigations of aging effects on normoglycemic and hyperglycemic murine retinal tissues
Authors: Shin Jae‐Ho , Choi Jeong Han , Choi Samjin , Jung Gyeong Bok , Park Hun‐Kuk , Moon Sang Woong 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTPurposeThis study used five clinical assessments and Raman spectroscopy to investigate the age‐ and hyperglycemia‐related properties of the murine retina over an eight‐week experimental period.MethodAcute hyperglycemia and chronic hyperglycemia were assessed with blood glucose (BG) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, respectively. Changes in the retinal thickness and neovascularization were evaluated with optical coherence tomography and fluorescein angiography (FAG). Histological changes in the retina were studied after periodic acid‐Schiff (PAS) staining. Raman spectroscopy was used to examine the molecular structures and chemical compositions of the retinal tissues.ResultsThe young hyperglycemic group had acute hyperglycemia with a BG level of 576 ± 22 mg/dL and HbA1c of 5.9 ± 0.6%, while the aged hyperglycemic group displayed chronic hyperglycemia with a BG level of 607 ± 28 mg/dL and HbA1c of 11.2 ± 1.5%. Aged hyperglycemic retinas showed an insignificant (5%) decrease in thickness and no presence of vascular leaky lesions with FAG. There was no histological evidence of the retinal neovascularization with PAS staining of these aged hyperglycemic retinas. In the aged group, Raman intensities assigned to the C–C symmetric breathing of the aromatic ring in phenylalanine (1003 cm−1), the NH2 amide III α‐helix deformation in the protein structure (1265 cm−1), and the C=O stretching vibration of amide I α‐helix structure in collagen (1657 cm−1) were all decreased.ConclusionThese decreased Raman intensities indicate elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative damage to proteins such as those involved in cell apoptosis. A decrease in these ROS‐related Raman peaks indicates an aging effect on the retina. Microsc. Res. Tech. 77:1023–1030, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Microscopic analysis of the quality of obturation and physical properties of MTAFillapex
Authors: Amoroso‐Silva Pablo Andrés , Guimarães Bruno Martini , Marciano Marina AngéLica , Duarte Marco Antonio Hungaro , Cavenago Bruno Cavalini , Ordinola‐Zapata Ronald , De Almeida Marcela Milanezi , De Moraes Ivaldo Gomes 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTThis study analyzed the quality of obturation and physical properties of MTA Fillapex and AH Plus sealer. A sample of 30 human maxillary central incisors were instrumented with Protaper until a F5 (50/05) file. Both sealers were mixed with Rhodamine‐B dye to allow visualization on a confocal laser‐scanning microscope (CLSM). Next, the canals were filled using the single cone technique. After setting, all samples were sectioned at 2, 4, and 6 mm from the apex. CLSM was used to analyze the gaps and sealer penetration into the dentinal tubules. All samples were scanned 10 µm below the dentin surface and images were recorded at 100× magnification using the fluorescent mode. Additionally, the solubility, flowability and setting time of the sealers were evaluated. All the measured quantities of the examined materials were evaluated for significant differences by means of statistical analysis. The CLSM analysis of the MTA Fillapex showed the highest percentage of gaps at all sections (P = 0.0001). Physical tests revealed adequate properties for both sealers except for a higher solubility of the MTA Fillapex (P = 0.0001). The MTA Fillapex presented flowability and intratubular penetration similar to the AH Plus. Nevertheless, the MTA Fillapex sealer presented a higher solubility and considerable quantity of gaps between the sealer/dentin interface in relation to the AH Plus sealer. Clinicians must take into consideration, the quality of endodontic sealers as it is essential in the outcome of the root canal filling. Microsc. Res. Tech. 77:1031–1036, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Association of the position of a hospital‐acquired condition diagnosis code with changes in medicare severity diagnosis‐related group assignment
Authors: Johnson Tricia , Kane Jason M. , Odwazny Richard , McNutt Robert 
Published: September 2014

CONTEXTIncentives to improve quality include paying less for adverse events, including the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' policy to not pay additionally for events classified as hospital‐acquired conditions (HACs). This policy is controversial, as variable coding practices at hospitals may lead to differences in the inclusion and position of HACs in the list of codes used for Medicare Severity Diagnosis‐Related Group (MS‐DRG) assignment.OBJECTIVEEvaluate changes in MS‐DRG assignment for patients with an HAC and test the association of the position of an HAC in the list of International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision (ICD‐9) diagnosis codes with change in MS‐DRG assignment.DESIGN AND SETTINGRetrospective analysis of patients discharged from hospital members of the University HealthSystem Consortium's Clinical Data Base between October 2007 and April 2008. Comparisons were made between the MS‐DRG assigned when the HAC was not included in the list of ICD‐9 diagnosis codes and the MS‐DRG that would have been assigned had the HAC code been included in the assignment.RESULTSOf the 7027 patients with an HAC, 13.8% changed MS‐DRG assignment when the HAC was removed. An HAC in the second position versus third position or lower was associated with a 40‐fold increase in the likelihood of MS‐DRG change.CONCLUSIONSThe position of an HAC in the list of diagnosis codes, rather than the presence of an HAC, is associated with a change in MS‐DRG assignment. HACs have little effect on reimbursement unless the HAC is in the second position and patients have minor severity of illness. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2014;9:707–713. © 2014 Society of Hospital Medicine
Development of a direct in‐matrix extraction (DIME) protocol for MALDI‐TOF‐MS detection of glycated phospholipids in heat‐treated food samples
Authors: Calvano Cosima D. , De Ceglie Cristina , Zambonin Carlo G. 
Published: September 2014

In foodstuffs, one of the main factors inducing modifications in phospholipids (PLs) structure is the heat treatment. Among PLs, only phosphatidylethanolamines and phosphatidylserines, due to their free amino group, can be involved in Maillard reaction and can form adducts with reducing sugars, besides other by‐products called advanced glycation end‐products. To date, glycated lipid products are less characterized in comparison to proteins.The aim of this work was to develop a novel, rapid and sensitive extraction protocol for the detection and characterization of modified PLs (glycated and oxidized) by means of matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐mass spectrometry (MALDI‐MS).At first, to investigate the formation of glycated and/or short chain by‐products in different classes of PLs, representative standards were heated with or without sugar (lactose or glucose) and subjected to traditional lipid extraction methods as Bligh and Dyer and to the novel direct in matrix extraction (DIME) using 1,8‐bis(dimethylamino)naphthalene as preconcentrating matrix. MALDI‐MS analysis in negative ion mode allowed detecting glycation and oxidation products both on fatty acid and glucose moieties.Then, the procedure was successfully applied to different heat‐treated and powdered samples (milk powders, pasteurized milk, ultra‐high‐temperature milk and soy flour) for the detection of modified PLs in complex foods. The currently developed DIME protocol could be a powerful tool for understanding lipid glycation also in biological samples. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the major constituents in Jin‐Mu‐Gan‐Mao tablet by high‐performance liquid chromatography with diode‐array detection and quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Huang Mingqing , Xu Shuyu , Xu Wen , Chen Daxing , Chu Kedan , Xu Wei , Peng Jun , Lu Jinjian 
Published: September 2014

Jin‐Mu‐Gan‐Mao tablet is a well‐known traditional Chinese medicinal preparation, which has been used to treat the common cold in China. In this study, a systematic method was established for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the major constituents in Jin‐Mu‐Gan‐Mao tablet. First, a method of high‐performance liquid chromatography with diode‐array detection and quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry was developed for identification of the multi‐constituents. Thirty‐one compounds including ten phenolic acids, 18 flavonoids, and three iridoid glycosides were clearly identified by comparison with the reference standards, and 11 compounds were deduced by comparison with the literature data. Second, a new quantitative analysis method of Jin‐Mu‐Gan‐Mao tablet was established by high‐performance liquid chromatography with diode‐array detection. Twelve compounds, either with high contents or strong bioactivities, were chosen as marker components. This analytical method was validated through intra‐ and interday precision, repeatability, and stability, with respective relative standard deviations less than 1.74, 2.54, 2.44, and 2.48%. The limits of detection and quantification were less than 0.327 and 0.881 μg/mL, respectively. The overall recoveries ranged from 97.04–102.76% (relative standard deviation ≤ 2.91%). Then this validated method was applied to determine ten batches of Jin‐Mu‐Gan‐Mao tablet. The results indicated that these new approaches can be applicable for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of Jin‐Mu‐Gan‐Mao tablet.
Inactivation of agmatinase expressed in vegetative cells alters arginine catabolism and prevents diazotrophic growth in the heterocyst‐forming cyanobacterium Anabaena
Authors: Burnat Mireia , Flores Enrique 
Published: September 2014

AbstractArginine decarboxylase produces agmatine, and arginase and agmatinase are ureohydrolases that catalyze the production of ornithine and putrescine from arginine and agmatine, respectively, releasing urea. In the genome of the filamentous, heterocyst‐forming cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120, ORF alr2310 putatively encodes an ureohydrolase. Cells of Anabaena supplemented with [14C]arginine took up and catabolized this amino acid generating a set of labeled amino acids that included ornithine, proline, and glutamate. In an alr2310 deletion mutant, an agmatine spot appeared and labeled glutamate increased with respect to the wild type, suggesting that Alr2310 is an agmatinase rather than an arginase. As determined in cell‐free extracts, agmatinase activity could be detected in the wild type but not in the mutant. Thus, alr2310 is the Anabaena speB gene encoding agmatinase. The ∆alr2310 mutant accumulated large amounts of cyanophycin granule polypeptide, lacked nitrogenase activity, and did not grow diazotrophically. Growth tests in solid media showed that agmatine is inhibitory for Anabaena, especially under diazotrophic conditions, suggesting that growth of the mutant is inhibited by non‐metabolized agmatine. Measurements of incorporation of radioactivity from [14C]leucine into macromolecules showed, however, a limited inhibition of protein synthesis in the ∆alr2310 mutant. Analysis of an Anabaena strain producing an Alr2310‐GFP (green fluorescent protein) fusion showed expression in vegetative cells but much less in heterocysts, implying compartmentalization of the arginine decarboxylation pathway in the diazotrophic filaments of this heterocyst‐forming cyanobacterium.