bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrophysiologic and Clinical Consequences of Left Atrial Anterior Wall Linear Ablation in Patients With Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: ZHANG JINLIN , TANG CHENG , ZHANG YONGHUA , SU XI 
Published: May 2015

Consequences of Left Atrial Anterior Wall Linear AblationObjectiveAs an alternative to the mitral isthmus line (MIL), the left atrial anterior wall line (LAAWL) is effective for the treatment of perimitral flutter. This study evaluated the electrophysiologic and clinical outcomes of LAAWL versus MIL in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF).MethodsTwo hundred patients with persistent AF were evenly randomized to the LAAWL and MIL groups. After confirming bidirectional block of the line, left atrial appendage (LAA) activation time and LA propagation pattern were assessed during sinus rhythm (SR). Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography (TTE and TEE) were performed at 12 months after ablation in patients who remained in stable SR.ResultsIn the 74 patients with LAAWL conduction block relative to the 79 with MIL conduction block, LA propagation contour was markedly changed with delayed LAA potential (longer P‐wave onset‐to‐LAA potential interval: 151.7 ± 19.5 vs. 67.8 ± 18.3 milliseconds, P < 0.001); TTE peak A velocity was lower and LAA emptying wave was delayed in the LAAWL group compared with the MIL group; spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) detected in the LAAWL group was significantly higher than that in the MIL group (15.8% vs. 1.6%, p = 0.0004). During a mean follow‐up period of 31.8 ± 9.4 (22–57) months, there were 5 cases of stroke in the LAAWL group, which was significantly different from the MIL group (5% vs. 0%, P = 0.047).ConclusionsComplete linear lesions transecting the anterior LA were associated with a significant change in the SR propagation pattern with late activation of LAA. This might result in an increased risk of long‐term thrombo‐embolism events.
Successful pollination of the Neotropical crop Solanum quitoense by Bombus terrestris: behaviour, efficiency and yield
Authors: Messinger J. , Martini M. M. F. , Rossi G. , Samuels J. , Lauerer M. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe South American lulo (Solanum quitoense Lam.) is a crop plant of the Andes of Ecuador and Colombia, pollinated by South American bumblebees, such as, Bombus atratus Franklin. The cultivation of lulo outside of its native range, for example in European glasshouses, requires the presence of efficient pollinators to enable high fruit set and yield. Until now, the suitability of Bombus terrestris L., native to Europe and commonly used in agriculture, has been untested for this purpose. In this study, the pollen‐collecting behaviour of B. terrestris when visiting lulo flowers was investigated. It was shown that B. terrestris adopted the lulo as a pollen source, and on average visited three flowers per minute, had five buzzing events per stay and foraged for 15 s on a single flower, independently of the previous number of visits and level of bruising to the anthers. The pollination efficiency of five different treatments was evaluated: (i) exclusion of bees, (ii) single and (iii) multiple visits of B. terrestris, (iv) self‐ and (v) cross‐pollination by hand. The results clearly demonstrated that, for fruit set, pollination is crucial. It was also found that lulo flowers can be successfully self‐pollinated, but give 25% fewer fruit set compared with pollination via multiple bumblebee visits, or cross‐pollination by hand. Fruit set, seed set and fruit size were as high with pollination by B. terrestris as with cross‐pollination by hand, indicating that this bumblebee is an appropriate pollinator for lulo. However, B. terrestris was conspicuously less effective when a flower was visited only once. Therefore, when growing lulos commercially, multiple bumblebee visits should be encouraged, but it is likely that the behaviour of B. terrestris would ensure this anyway. Our results indicate that B. terrestris is a suitable and efficient pollinator for the production of lulo fruits.
Sterol Composition and Biosynthetic Genes of Vitrella brassicaformis, a Recently Discovered Chromerid: Comparison to Chromera velia and Phylogenetic Relationship with Apicomplexan Parasites
Authors: Khadka Manoj , Salem Mohamed , Leblond Jeffrey D. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractVitrella brassicaformis is the second discovered species in the Chromerida, and first in the family Vitrellaceae. Chromera velia, the first discovered species, forms an independent photosynthetic lineage with V. brassicaformis, and both are closely related to peridinin‐containing dinoflagellates and nonphotosynthetic apicomplexans; both also show phylogenetic closeness with red algal plastids. We have utilized gas chromatography/mass spectrometry to identify two free sterols, 24‐ethylcholest‐5‐en‐3β‐ol, and a minor unknown sterol which appeared to be a C28:4 compound. We have also used RNA Seq analysis to identify seven genes found in the nonmevalonate/methylerythritol pathway (MEP) for sterol biosynthesis. Subsequent genome analysis of V. brassicaformis showed the presence of two mevalonate (MVA) pathway genes, though the genes were not observed in the transcriptome analysis. Transcripts from four genes (dxr, ispf, ispd, and idi) were selected and translated into proteins to study the phylogenetic relationship of sterol biosynthesis in V. brassicaformis and C. velia to other groups of algae and apicomplexans. On the basis of our genomic and transcriptomic analyses, we hypothesize that the MEP pathway was the primary pathway that apicomplexans used for sterol biosynthesis before they lost their sterol biosynthesis ability, although contribution of the MVA pathway cannot be discounted.
Import‐based Indicator for the Geopolitical Supply Risk of Raw Materials in Life Cycle Sustainability Assessments
Authors: Gemechu Eskinder D. , Helbig Christoph , Sonnemann Guido , Thorenz Andrea , Tuma Axel 
Published: May 2015

SummaryThere is a growing concern over the security and sustainable supply of raw material among businesses and governments of developed, material‐intensive countries. This has led to the development of a systematic analysis of risk incorporated with raw materials usage, often referred as criticality assessment. In principle, this concept is based on the material flow approach. The potential role of life cycle assessment (LCA) to integrate resource criticality through broadening its scope into the life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) framework has been discussed within the LCA communities for some time. In this article, we aim at answering the question of how to proceed toward integration of the geopolitical aspect of resource criticality into the LCSA framework. The article focuses on the assessment of the geopolitical supply risk of 14 resources imported to the seven major advanced economies and the five most relevant emerging countries. Unlike a few previous studies, we propose a new method of calculation for the geopolitical supply risk, which is differentiated by countries based on the import patterns instead of a global production distribution. Our results suggest that rare earth elements, tungsten, antimony, and beryllium generally pose high geopolitical supply risk. Results from the Monte Carlo simulation allow consideration of data uncertainties for result interpretation. Issues concerning the consideration of the full supply chain are exemplarily discussed for cobalt. Our research broadens the scope of LCA from only environmental performance to a resource supply‐risk assessment tool that includes accessibility owing to political instability and market concentration under the LCSA framework.
Life Cycle Impacts of Natural Fiber Composites for Automotive Applications: Effects of Renewable Energy Content and Lightweighting
Authors: Boland Claire S. , De Kleine Robb , Keoleian Gregory A. , Lee Ellen C. , Kim Hyung Chul , Wallington Timothy J. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryThis study examines the life cycle energy demand and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with substituting natural cellulose and kenaf in place of glass fibers in automotive components. Specifically, a 30 wt% glass‐fiber composite component weighing 3 kilograms (kg) was compared to a 30 wt% cellulose fiber composite component (2.65 kg) and 40 wt% kenaf fiber composite component (2.79 kg) for six cars, crossovers, and sport utility vehicles. The use‐phase fuel consumption of the baseline and substitute components, with and without powertrain resizing, were determined using a mass‐induced fuel consumption model based on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency test records. For all vehicles, compared to the baseline glass fiber component, using the cellulose composite material reduced life cycle energy demand by 9.2% with powertrain resizing (7.2% without) and reduced life cycle GHG emissions by 18.6% with powertrain resizing (16.3% without), whereas the kenaf composite component reduced energy demand by 6.0% with powertrain resizing (4.8% without) and GHG emissions by 10.7% with powertrain resizing (9.2% without). For both natural fiber components, the majority of the life cycle energy savings is realized in the use‐phase fuel consumption as a result of the reduced weight of the component.
Rotenone affects p53 transcriptional activity and apoptosis via targeting SIRT1 and H3K9 acetylation in SH‐SY5Y cells
Authors: Feng Ya , Liu Te , Dong Su‐Yan , Guo Yan‐Jie , Jankovic Joseph , Xu Huaxi , Wu Yun‐Cheng 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe protein deacetylase SIRT1 has been recognized to exert its protective effect by directly deacetylasing histone and many other transcriptional factors including p53. However, the effect of SIRT1 on p53 expression at the transcriptional level still remains to be elucidated. In this study, we found that rotenone treatment decreased cell viability, induced apoptosis, reduced SIRT1 level, and promoted p53 expression. Pre‐treatment with resveratrol, a SIRT1 activator, could attenuate rotenone‐induced cell injury and p53 expression, whereas down‐regulation of SIRT1 directly increased p53 expression. Moreover, chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments showed that SIRT1 bound to H3K9 within the p53 promoter region, and this binding resulted in decreased H3K9 acetylation and increased H3K9 tri‐methylation, thereby inhibiting p53 gene transcription. In conclusion, our data indicate that rotenone promotes p53 transcription and apoptosis through targeting SIRT1 and H3K9. This leads to nigrostriatal degeneration, the main pathogenic mechanism of motor features of Parkinson's disease.
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SIRT1, a deacetylase enzyme, has neuroprotective effects for Parkinson's disease via targeting various factors. Resveratrol activated SIRT1 can target H3K9 and regulate p53 gene expression at the transcriptional level, thus inhibiting p53 transcription to enhance neuroprtoection, alleviating rotenone induced dopaminergic neurodegeneration. We think these findings should provide a new strategy for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
No association between adherence to the healthy Nordic food index and cardiovascular disease amongst Swedish women: a cohort study
Authors: Roswall N. , Sandin S. , Scragg R. , Löf M. , Skeie G. , Olsen A. , Adami H.‐O. , Weiderpass E. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundIn several intervention trials, a healthy Nordic diet showed beneficial effects on markers of cardiovascular disease. We investigated the association between a healthy Nordic diet and clinical diagnosis of cardiovascular disease.ObjectiveOur aim was first to examine the association between a healthy Nordic food index (wholegrain bread, oatmeal, apples/pears, root vegetables, cabbages and fish) and the incidence of overall cardiovascular disease (ischaemic heart disease, stroke, arrhythmia, thrombosis and hypertensive disease), and secondly to test for possible effect modification by smoking, body mass index (BMI), alcohol consumption and age.MethodsWe conducted an analysis of data from the prospective Swedish Women's Lifestyle and Health cohort, including 43 310 women who completed a food frequency questionnaire in 1991–1992, and followed up until 31 December 2012 through Swedish registries. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using Cox proportional hazards models.ResultsDuring follow‐up, 8383 women developed cardiovascular disease. We found no association between the healthy Nordic food index and overall cardiovascular disease risk or any of the subgroups investigated. There was a statistically significant interaction with smoking status (P = 0.02), with a beneficial effect only amongst former smokers (HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94–0.99 per 1‐point increment).ConclusionThe present results do not support an association between a healthy Nordic food index and risk of cardiovascular disease in Swedish women. There was also no effect modification by alcohol intake, BMI or age. Our finding of an interaction with smoking status requires reproduction.
Age‐Related Cortical Thickness Reduction in Non‐Demented Down's Syndrome Subjects
Authors: Romano Andrea , Cornia Riccardo , Moraschi Marta , Bozzao Alessandro , Chiacchiararelli Laura , Coppola Valeria , Iani Cristina , Stella Giacomo , Albertini Giorgio , Pierallini Alberto 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEThe aim of this study was to investigate the characteristic pattern of age‐related cortical thinning in patients with Down Syndrome (DS), as assessed by MRI and automatic cortical thickness measurements.METHODSNinety‐one non‐demented subjects with DS (range 11–53 years) were examined using a 1.5 T scanner. MRI‐based quantification of cortical thickness was performed using FreeSurfer software package., The Pearson product‐moment correlation coefficient between age and mean cortical thickness was evaluated for all subjects participating in the study.RESULTSA significant negative correlation between cortical thickness and age was found bilaterally in the frontal, temporal, parietal and cingulate gyrus. Specific investigation of cerebral lobes showed a more evident involvement of the frontal one, compared to others. Moreover, the age related reduction of cortical thickness appeared to be more significant and rapid in patients between 20 and 30 years of age.CONCLUSIONSOur findings showed that Down Syndrome subjects are affected by a diffuse cortical thinning. The involvement of cortical structures can be observed at an earlier age than previous studies have reported.
Nerve Ultrasound in Peripheral Neuropathies: A Review
Authors: Kerasnoudis Antonios , Tsivgoulis Georgios 
Published: May 2015

ΑBSTRACTPeripheral neuropathies are one of the most common reasons for seeking neurological care in everyday practice. Electrophysiological studies remain fundamental for the diagnosis and etiological classification of peripheral nerve impairment. The recent technological development though of high resolution ultrasound has allowed the clinician to obtain detailed structural images of peripheral nerves. Nerve ultrasound mainly focuses on the evaluation of the cross sectional area, cross sectional area variability along the anatomical course, echogenity, vascularity and mobility of the peripheral nerves. An increase of the cross sectional area, hypervascularity, disturbed fascicular echostructure and reduced nerve mobility are some of the most common findings of entrapments neuropathies, such as the carpal or cubital tunnel syndrome. Both the cross‐sectional area increase and the hypervascularity detected with the Doppler technique seem to correlate significantly with the clinical and electrophysiological severity of the later mononeuropathies. Significantly greater cross sectional area values of the clinically affected cervical nerve root are often detected in cases of cervical radiculopathy. In such cases, the ultrasound findings seem also to correlate significantly with disease duration. On the other hand, multifocal cross sectional area enlargement of cervical roots and/or peripheral nerves is often documented in cases of immune‐mediated neuropathies. None of the later pathological ultrasound findings seem to correlate significantly with the electrophysiological parameters or the functional disability. The aim of this review is to provide a timely update on the role of neuromuscular ultrasound in the diagnostic of the most common entrapment and immune‐mediated peripheral neuropathies in clinical practice.
Measuringthe Performanceofthe Secondary Marketfor Life Insurance Policies
Authors: Giaccotto Carmelo , Golec Joseph , Schmutz Bryan P. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractWe construct an index of life insurance policies purchased in the secondary market by viatical and life settlement companies. Using the repeat sales method to measure returns over our 1993–2009 sample period, we find that policy returns average about 8 percent annually compared to 5.5 percent for the S&P 500 and 7 percent for corporate bonds, but they are twice as volatile as the S&P and four times as volatile as bonds. Nevertheless, because the index return is relatively uncorrelated with stock or bond returns, life insurance policies make attractive additions to well‐diversified portfolios.
Homelessness and housing crises among individuals accessing services within a Canadian emergency department
Authors: Forchuk C. , Reiss J. P. , Mitchell B. , Ewen S. , Meier A. 
Published: May 2015

Accessible summary
Studies have indicated that individuals who are homeless access hospital emergency departments more frequently and may have different needs than individuals who are housed.
Successful interventions have been developed and tested to reduce discharge to homelessness for psychiatric inpatients but have not been similarly tested for discharge from emergency departments. This study was developed to provide baseline data on this issue to inform future emergency department interventions.
Findings from the current study suggest that discharge from emergency departments to homelessness happens frequently in London, Canada. Participants are unlikely to spontaneously disclose their housing/homelessness issue when first entering the emergency department, which may result in services that do not adequately meet their complex needs.
Screening for housing issues is necessary within emergency departments and psychiatric crisis teams as housing issues may be a reason for accessing care or contribute to the presenting condition. Nurses are in an ideal position to evaluate housing needs among emergency department patients. Services outside of the emergency department are also needed to address housing issues, particularly outside of regular office hours.
AbstractIndividuals who have mental health issues and are homeless or in housing crisis have been found to access emergency departments more frequently than individuals with stable housing. While emergency departments primarily focus on medical issues, homeless individuals may require psychosocial support as well. This study examined issues around housing crises and emergency department use for individuals with mental illness in Canada. Collecting baseline data about these issues is important to inform subsequent interventions. Administrative data from a hospital emergency department and psychiatric crisis service were collected, and five individuals accessing the emergency department for psychiatric reasons were interviewed. Results indicated that individuals with an identified housing crisis accessed the emergency department 930 times in 6 months. None of the interview participants identified housing as the primary reason for accessing the emergency department, but all noted that housing was a contributing stressor. Future research is needed to examine ways in which discharge to homelessness from emergency departments can be avoided and identify alternative services to address housing concerns, particularly for individuals with mental illness. Crisis service and emergency department staff, especially nurses, can play an important role in screening for housing issues and connecting individuals to outside services.
Phylogeographic insights of the lowland species Cheirolophus sempervirens in the southwestern Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Vitales Daniel , García‐Fernández Alfredo , Garnatje Teresa , Pellicer Jaume , Vallès Joan 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe southwestern Iberian Peninsula is an important biogeographic region, showing high biodiversity levels and hosting several putative glacial refugia for European flora. Here, we study the genetic diversity and structure of the Mediterranean, thermophilous plant Cheirolophus sempervirens (Asteraceae) across its whole distribution range in SW Iberia, as a tool to disentangle some of the general biogeographic patterns shaping this southern refugia hotspot. Null genetic diversity was observed in the cpDNA sequencing screening. Nonetheless, AFLP data revealed high levels of among‐population genetic differentiation correlated to their geographic location. Our results suggest longer species persistence in southern Iberian refugia during glacial periods and subsequent founder effects northwards due to colonizations in warmer stages (i.e., the southern richness to northern purity pattern). Additionally, our phylogeographic analyses indicate the presence of two separate genetic lineages within Ch. sempervirens, supporting the hypothesis of multiple minor refugia for SW Iberia in agreement with the refugia within refugia model.
Dorsal Compressive Atlantoaxial Bands and the Craniocervical Junction Syndrome: Association with Clinical Signs and Syringomyelia in Mature Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Authors: Cerda‐Gonzalez S. , Olby N. J. , Griffith E. H. 
Published: May 2015

BackgroundDorsal compressive lesions at the atlantoaxial junction (ie, AA bands) occur in dogs with Chiari‐like malformations (CMs), but their clinical relevance is unclear.ObjectiveInvestigate the influence of AA bands on clinical status and syringomyelia (SM) in mature cavalier King Charles spaniels (CKCS).AnimalsThirty‐six CKCS, 5–12 years of age, including 20 dogs with neuropathic pain.MethodsDogs were examined and assigned a neurologic grade. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the craniocervical junction was performed with the craniocervical junction extended and flexed (ie, normal standing position). Imaging studies were assessed for the presence of an AA band, CM, SM or some combination of these findings. Band and SM severity were quantified using an objective compression index and ordinal grading scale, respectively.ResultsOf 36 CKCS imaged, 34 had CM. Atlantoaxial bands were present in 31 dogs and were more prominent in extended than flexed positions. Syringomyelia was found in 26 dogs, 23 of which also had AA bands. Bands were associated with both the presence (P = .0031) and severity (P = .008) of clinical signs and SM (P = .0147, P = .0311, respectively). Higher compression indices were associated with more severe SM (P = .0137).ConclusionsPrevalence of AA bands in older CKCS is high. Positioning of dogs in extension during MRI enhances the sensitivity of the study for detecting this important abnormality. There were significant associations among AA bands, clinical signs, and SM in dogs with CM; additional work is needed to understand whether or not this relationship is causal.