bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation of Left Atrial Strain and Doppler Measurements with Invasive Measurement of Left Ventricular End‐Diastolic Pressure in Patients Stratified for Different Values of Ejection Fraction
Authors: Cameli Matteo , Sparla Stefania , Losito Maurizio , Righini Francesca M. , Menci Daniele , Lisi Matteo , D'Ascenzi Flavio , Focardi Marta , Favilli Roberto , Pierli Carlo , Fineschi Massimo , Mondillo Sergio 
Published: October 2015

BackgroundThis study aimed at exploring the correlation of left atrial longitudinal function by speckle tracking echocardiography (left atrial strain) and Doppler measurements (E/E' ratio) with direct measurements of left ventricular (LV) end‐diastolic pressure (LVEDP) in patients stratified for different values of ejection fraction.MethodsThe study population was 80 stable patients with sinus rhythm undergoing cardiac catheterization. This population was selected in order to have four groups of 20 patients each with different LV ejection fraction (>55%, 45–54%, 30–44%, and <30%). LVEDP was obtained during cardiac catheterization; peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) and mean E/E' ratio were measured in all subjects.ResultsSimilar correlations with LVEDP of global PALS and E/E' ratio were recorded in patients with preserved (r = −0.79 vs. r = 0.72, respectively; P < 0.0001 for both) or mildly reduced ejection fraction (r = −0.75 vs. r = 0.73, respectively; P < 0.0001 for both). A closer correlation of global PALS compared to E/E' ratio was evident in patients with moderate (r = −0.78 P < 0.0001; vs. r = 0.47 P = 0.01, respectively) and severe reduction (r = −0.74 P < 0.0001; vs. r = 0.19 ns, respectively) of LV ejection fraction. In multivariate analysis of all measurements, global PALS emerged as a determinant of the LVEDP, independent on other confounding factors and, with the cutoff value of 18.0% presented the best diagnostic accuracy to predict a LVDP above 12 mmHg (AUC 0.87).ConclusionsIn patients with preserved or mildly reduced LV ejection fraction, global PALS and mean E/E' ratio presented good correlations with LVEDP. In patients with moderate or severe reduction of ejection fraction, E/E' ratio correlated poorly with invasively obtained LV filling pressures. Global PALS provided an overall better estimation of LV filling pressures.
The phylogenetic structure of plant–pollinator networks increases with habitat size and isolation
Authors: Aizen Marcelo A. , Gleiser Gabriela , Sabatino Malena , Gilarranz Luis J. , Bascompte Jordi , Verdú Miguel 
Published: October 2015

AbstractSimilarity among species in traits related to ecological interactions is frequently associated with common ancestry. Thus, closely related species usually interact with ecologically similar partners, which can be reinforced by diverse co‐evolutionary processes. The effect of habitat fragmentation on the phylogenetic signal in interspecific interactions and correspondence between plant and animal phylogenies is, however, unknown. Here, we address to what extent phylogenetic signal and co‐phylogenetic congruence of plant–animal interactions depend on habitat size and isolation by analysing the phylogenetic structure of 12 pollination webs from isolated Pampean hills. Phylogenetic signal in interspecific interactions differed among webs, being stronger for flower‐visiting insects than plants. Phylogenetic signal and overall co‐phylogenetic congruence increased independently with hill size and isolation. We propose that habitat fragmentation would erode the phylogenetic structure of interaction webs. A decrease in phylogenetic signal and co‐phylogenetic correspondence in plant–pollinator interactions could be associated with less reliable mutualism and erratic co‐evolutionary change.
Job satisfaction in nursing: a concept analysis study
Authors: Liu Y. , Aungsuroch Y. , Yunibhand J. 
Published: October 2015

AimThis study aims to undertake a concept analysis of job satisfaction in the nursing profession.BackgroundAround current global shortage of nurses, it is important to stabilize the nursing workforce. Nurses' job satisfaction has been found to be related to intention to leave.IntroductionIn the nursing profession, there is a lack of evidence to support the attributes of nurses' job satisfaction.MethodsWalker and Avant's approach of concept analysis was used.ResultsThe main attributes of job satisfaction from this study are (1) fulfillment of desired needs within the work settings, (2) happiness or gratifying emotional responses towards working conditions, and (3) job value or equity. These attributes are influenced by antecedent conditions like demographic, emotional, work characteristics and environmental variables. Additionally, the consequences of nurses' job satisfaction have a significant impact on both nurses and patients.DiscussionThis study integrated both the content and process of motivational theories to generate the attributes of job satisfaction in nursing that overcome the limitation of the previous studies, which looked only at the definitions of nurses' job satisfaction based on content motivational theories.Conclusion and Implications for Nursing and Health PolicyThe findings of this study can facilitate both nursing researchers to develop a cultural adaption instrument and policy makers to improve clinical nursing practice. This analysis provides nurse managers with a new perspective to deal with nurses' job satisfaction by taking into account all the attributes that influence it in the nursing field.
Extraoral cutaneous sinus tracts of dental origin in the paediatric patient. A report of three cases and a review of the literature
Authors: Swales Karen Louise , Rudralingam Meenakshi , Gandhi Shan 
Published: October 2015

BackgroundAn extraoral sinus of odontogenic origin within the face and neck region is normally the consequence of long‐standing chronic infection due to caries, trauma or periodontal infection. There is little reported literature on the prevalence of extraoral cutaneous sinus lesions in the paediatric dental patient as presentation is often delayed resulting in misdiagnosis and consequential mismanagement.Case ReportThe cases discussed concentrate on the aetiology, history, presentation and diagnosis of extraoral sinus lesions that presented in children referred to the Child Dental Health Department at the University Dental Hospital of Manchester over a six‐month period.ConclusionsThe importance of correct diagnosis and treatment management of an extra oral cutaneous sinus in the paediatric patient only occurred when the child attended a specialist led paediatric dental clinic for consultation.
Association of the variants and haplotypes in the DOCK7, PCSK9 and GALNT2 genes and the risk of hyperlipidaemia
Authors: Guo Tao , Yin Rui‐Xing , Lin Wei‐Xiong , Wang Wei , Huang Feng , Pan Shang‐Ling 
Published: October 2015

AbstractLittle is known about the association between the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotypes of the dedicator of cytokinesis 7 (DOCK7), pro‐protein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) and polypeptide N‐acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 2 (GALNT2) and serum lipid traits in the Chinese populations. This study was to determine the association between nine SNPs in the three genes and their haplotypes and hypercholesterolaemia (HCH)/hypertriglyceridaemia (HTG), and to identify the possible gene–gene interactions among these SNPs. Genotyping was performed in 733 HCH and 540 HTG participants. The haplotype of C‐C‐G‐C‐T‐G‐C‐C‐G [in the order of DOCK7 rs1168013 (G>C), rs10889332 (C>T); PCSK9 rs615563 (G>A), rs7552841 (C>T), rs11206517 (T>G); and GALNT2 rs1997947 (G>A), rs2760537 (C>T), rs4846913 (C>A) and rs11122316 (G>A) SNPs] was associated with increased risk of HCH and HTG. The haplotypes of C‐C‐G‐C‐T‐G‐C‐C‐A and G‐C‐G‐T‐T‐G‐T‐C‐G were associated with a reduced risk of HCH and HTG. The haplotypes of G‐C‐G‐C‐T‐G‐C‐C‐A and G‐C‐G‐C‐T‐G‐T‐C‐G were associated with increased risk of HCH. The haplotypes of C‐T‐G‐C‐T‐G‐C‐C‐G, G‐C‐A‐C‐T‐G‐C‐C‐G and G‐C‐G‐C‐T‐G‐C‐C‐A were associated with an increased risk of HTG. The haplotypes of G‐C‐G‐C‐T‐G‐T‐C‐A and G‐C‐G‐T‐T‐G‐T‐C‐G were associated with a reduced risk of HTG. In addition, possible inter‐locus interactions among the DOCK7, PCSK9 and GALNT2 SNPs were also noted. However, further functional studies of these genes are still required to clarify which SNPs are functional and how these genes actually affect the serum lipid levels.
Exporting the Competition Policy Regime of the European Union: Success or Failure? Empirical Evidence for Acceding Countries
Authors: Böheim Michael H. , Friesenbichler Klaus S. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThis paper studies the role of a country's EU membership status as an explanatory factor of regulatory quality. It argues that accession to the European Union improves the quality of regulation via the implementation of pro‐competitive policies embedded in the Community Acquis. We assess this conjecture empirically for the (former) transition economies of Central and Eastern Europe, using Member States as well as developing and developed countries in Europe and Central Asia as a control group. The data used is a macro‐economic panel of 48 countries covering six three‐year periods between 1995 and 2012. We find that EU accession positively affected the quality of competition policies over and above an overall trend towards more market‐oriented policies. The improvement in competition policies was not reversed in a single country of the sample, documenting the strong and sustainable transformative power of the EU. The findings are robust when controlling for endogeneity issues.
Combined administration of propranolol + AG490 offers better effects on portal hypertensive rats with cirrhosis
Authors: Wang Dong , Wang Qin , Yin Jikai , Dong Rui , Wang Qing , Du Xilin , Lu Jianguo 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackground and Aims:AG490, the specific inhibitor of JAK2/STAT3 signaling, has been shown to decrease portal pressure, splanchnic hyperdynamic circulation and liver fibrosis in cirrhotic rats. Nonselective betablockers such as propranolol are the only drugs recommended in the treatment of portal hypertension. The aim of this study was to explore the combinative effect of treatment with propranolol and AG490 on portal hypertension.Methods:Rats induced by common bile duct ligation were treated with vehicle, AG490, propranolol, or AG490 + propranolol for 2 weeks. Hemodynamics parameters were assessed. Expressions of phospho‐STAT3 protein and its down‐regulated cytokines in splanchnic organs were detected by ELISA or western blot. Lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) and IL‐6 were assessed by ELISA or western blot. Characterization of liver and mesentery was performed by histological analyses.Results:Highly expressed phospho‐STAT3 protein in cirrhotic rats could successfully be inhibited by AG490 or AG490 + propranolol treatments but not by propranolol alone. Both AG490 and propranolol significantly reduced portal pressure and hyperdynamic splanchnic circulation, and combination of AG490 and propranolol achieved an additive effect than with either drug alone. AG490, alone or in combination with propranolol, inhibited liver fibrosis, splenomegaly and splanchnic angiogenesis. Increased markers of bacterial translocation (LBP and IL6) were greatly reduced by propranolol but not by AG490.Conclusions:The combination of propranolol and AG490 caused a greater improvement of portal hypertension and might therefore offer a potentially promising therapy in the portal hypertension treatment.
Longitudinal Geographic Miss (LGM) in Robotic Assisted Versus Manual Percutaneous Coronary Interventions
Authors: G. Bezerra Hiram , Mehanna Emile , W. Vetrovec George , A. Costa Marco , Weisz Giora 
Published: October 2015

ObjectivesTo evaluate the impact of robotic‐assisted percutaneous coronary intervention (RA‐PCI) versus manual PCI (M‐PCI) on the incidence of Longitudinal Geographic Miss (LGM).BackgroundThe safety and feasibility of RA‐PCI has been established in preclinical animal trials and human clinical trials. Patients with LGM have been shown to have worse clinical outcomes including significantly increased incidences of MACE.MethodsPatients with significant coronary artery disease underwent RA‐PCI in the PRECISE study (n=164) and standard M‐PCI in the STLLR trial (n = 1,509). Longitudinal geographic miss was defined as cases where the entire length of the injured or stenotic segment was not fully covered by the total length of the stent. The incidence of LGM was compared between RA‐PCI and M‐PCI cohorts.ResultsThe RA‐PCI cohort had a significantly greater prevalence of previous MI, previous coronary revascularization, and unstable angina. The robotic cohort exhibited a lower incidence of LGM when compared to the M‐PCI patients, 12.2% to 43.1%, respectively (P < 0.0001). To account for the differences in baseline characteristics between the two studies, a propensity score analysis was conducted. The propensity modeling showed similar rates of LGM in both a larger group of patients that met key PRECISE study inclusion/exclusion criteria adjusted for propensity score (9.3% vs 55.0%; P < 0.0001) and in a smaller, matched on propensity score, subset of patients (10.3% vs 64.1%; P < 0.0001).ConclusionRobotic‐assisted PCI had significantly lower incidence of LGM compared to standard M‐PCI. Reducing LGM potentially improves long‐term clinical outcomes through reduction in MACE. (J Interven Cardiol 2015;28:449–455)
Pneumonia Caused byKlebsiellaspp. in 46 Horses
Authors: Estell K.E. , Young A. , Kozikowski T. , Swain E.A. , Byrne B.A. , Reilly C.M. , Kass P.H. , Aleman M. 
Published: October 2015

BackgroundKlebsiellaspp. are implicated as a common cause of bacterial pneumonia in horses, but few reports describe clinical presentation and disease progression.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo describe the signalment, clinicopathologic data, radiographic and ultrasonographic findings, antimicrobial susceptibility, outcome, and pathologic lesions associated withKlebsiellaspp. pneumonia in horses.AnimalsForty‐six horses from whichKlebsiellaspp. was isolated from the lower respiratory tract.MethodsRetrospective study. Medical records from 1993 to 2013 at theWilliamR.PritchardVeterinaryMedicalTeachingHospital,University ofCalifornia,Davis were reviewed. Exact logistic regression was performed to determine if any variables were associated with survival to hospital discharge.ResultsSurvival in horses <1 year old was 73%. Overall survival in adults was 63%. For adults in whichKlebsiella pneumoniaewas the primary isolate, survival was 52%. Mechanical ventilation preceded development of pneumonia in 11 horses. Complications occurred in 25/46 horses, with thrombophlebitis and laminitis occurring most frequently. Multi‐drug resistance was found in 47% of bacterial isolates. Variables that significantly impacted survival included hemorrhagic nasal discharge, laminitis, and thoracic radiographs with a sharp demarcation between marked caudal pulmonary alveolar infiltration and more normal‐appearing caudodorsal lung.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceKlebsiellaspp. should be considered as a differential diagnosis for horses presenting with hemorrhagic pneumonia and for horses developing pneumonia after mechanical ventilation. Multi‐drug resistance is common. Prognosis for survival generally is fair, but is guarded for adult horses in whichK. pneumoniaeis isolated as the primary organism.
How diaries written for critically ill influence the relatives: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Nielsen Anne H , Angel Sanne 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTBackgroundDiaries written by nurses for the critically ill patient helps relatives cope and support the patient. When relatives participate in writing a diary for the critically ill, patients appreciate it. Furthermore, the diary may reduce post‐traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression in patients and relatives.AimTo explore how relatives perceive reading and writing in the diary and how it affects their well‐being.Search strategiesA systematic search was carried out in the databases PubMed, Embase, CiNAHL and PsycINFO and supplemented by a citation search in Scopus on four‐selected articles. Finally, 10 articles were included in this review structured by the Matrix method.Inclusion criteria(a) Original scientific work, (b) relatives participation and experience of the diary as subject and (c) diaries studied in an intensive care unit setting.FindingsRelatives were given instructions on how to write in the diary. They expressed strong feelings in the diary in a very different way than health care staff. The relatives used the diary themselves to gain understanding and to cope. The diary has been shown to prevent post‐traumatic stress symptoms.ConclusionThe relatives express their love for the patient, when they author the diary and this may be beneficial to the relatives as it helps them cope and support the patient. The organized account of the time in the intensive care unit in the diary may explain the diary's ability to reduce the occurrence of post‐traumatic stress disorder; however, further research is needed to confirm this. How relatives interact through writing and reading a diary, originally intended for the patient, is unclear.Relevance to clinical practiceProviding relatives with a diary may help them cope. However, caution should be taken as possible adverse effects related to the interaction between relatives in the diary may not yet be known.
A novel nematode effector suppresses plant immunity by activating host reactive oxygen species‐scavenging system
Authors: Lin Borong , Zhuo Kan , Chen Shiyan , Hu Lili , Sun Longhua , Wang Xiaohong , Zhang Lian‐Hui , Liao Jinling 
Published: October 2015

Summary

Evidence is emerging that plant‐parasitic nematodes can secrete effectors to interfere with the host immune response, but it remains unknown how these effectors can conquer host immune responses. Here, we depict a novel effector, MjTTL5, that could suppress plant immune response.

Immunolocalization and transcriptional analyses showed that MjTTL5 is expressed specifically within the subventral gland of Meloidogyne javanica and up‐regulated in the early parasitic stage of the nematode. Transgenic Arabidopsis lines expressing MjTTL5 were significantly more susceptible to M. javanica infection than wild‐type plants, and vice versa, in planta silencing of MjTTL5 substantially increased plant resistance to M. javanica.

Yeast two‐hybrid, coimmunoprecipitation and bimolecular fluorescent complementation assays showed that MjTTL5 interacts specifically with Arabidopsis ferredoxin : thioredoxin reductase catalytic subunit (AtFTRc), a key component of host antioxidant system. The expression of AtFTRc is induced by the infection of M. javanica. Interaction between AtFTRc and MjTTL could drastically increase host reactive oxygen species‐scavenging activity, and result in suppression of plant basal defenses and attenuation of host resistance to the nematode infection.

Our results demonstrate that the host ferredoxin : thioredoxin system can be exploited cunningly by M. javanica, revealing a novel mechanism utilized by plant–parasitic nematodes to subjugate plant innate immunity and thereby promoting parasitism.
RTP1 encodes a novel endoplasmic reticulum (ER)‐localized protein in Arabidopsis and negatively regulates resistance against biotrophic pathogens
Authors: Pan Qiaona , Cui Beimi , Deng Fengyan , Quan Junli , Loake Gary J. , Shan Weixing 
Published: October 2015

Summary

Oomycete pathogens cause serious damage to a wide spectrum of plants. Although host pathogen recognition via pathogen effectors and cognate plant resistance proteins is well established, the genetic basis of host factors that mediate plant susceptibility to oomycete pathogens is relatively unexplored.

Here, we report on RTP1, a nodulin‐related MtN21 family gene in Arabidopsis that mediates susceptibility to Phytophthora parasitica.

RTP1 was identified by screening a T‐DNA insertion mutant population and encoded an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)‐localized protein. Overexpression of RTP1 rendered Arabidopsis more susceptible, whereas RNA silencing of RTP1 led to enhanced resistance to P. parasitica. Moreover, an RTP1 mutant, rtp1‐1, displayed localized cell death, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and accelerated PR1 expression, compared to the wild‐type Col‐0, in response to P. parasitica infection. rtp1‐1 showed a similar disease response to the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst) DC3000, including increased disease resistance, cell death and ROS production. Furthermore, rpt1‐1 exhibited resistance to the fungal pathogen Golovinomyces cichoracearum, but not to the necrotrophic pathogen Botrytis cinerea.

Taken together, these results suggest that RTP1 negatively regulates plant resistance to biotrophic pathogens, possibly by regulating ROS production, cell death progression and PR1 expression.
Chitinase‐resistant hydrophilic symbiotic factors secreted by Frankia activate both Ca2+ spiking and NIN gene expression in the actinorhizal plant Casuarina glauca
Authors: Chabaud Mireille , Gherbi Hassen , Pirolles Elodie , Vaissayre Virginie , Fournier Joëlle , Moukouanga Daniel , Franche Claudine , Bogusz Didier , Tisa Louis S. , Barker David G. , Svistoonoff Sergio 
Published: October 2015

Summary

Although it is now well‐established that decorated lipo‐chitooligosaccharide Nod factors are the key rhizobial signals which initiate infection/nodulation in host legume species, the identity of the equivalent microbial signaling molecules in the Frankia/actinorhizal association remains elusive.

With the objective of identifying Frankia symbiotic factors we present a novel approach based on both molecular and cellular pre‐infection reporters expressed in the model actinorhizal species Casuarina glauca.

By introducing the nuclear‐localized cameleon Nup‐YC2.1 into Casuarina glauca we show that cell‐free culture supernatants of the compatible Frankia CcI3 strain are able to elicit sustained high frequency Ca2+ spiking in host root hairs. Furthermore, an excellent correlation exists between the triggering of nuclear Ca2+ spiking and the transcriptional activation of the ProCgNIN:GFP reporter as a function of the Frankia strain tested. These two pre‐infection symbiotic responses have been used in combination to show that the signal molecules present in the Frankia CcI3 supernatant are hydrophilic, of low molecular weight and resistant to chitinase degradation.

In conclusion, the biologically active symbiotic signals secreted by Frankia appear to be chemically distinct from the currently known chitin‐based rhizobial/arbuscular mycorrhizal signaling molecules. Convenient bioassays in Casuarina glauca are now available for their full characterization.