bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Severe Obesity Impairs Systolic and Diastolic Heart Function – The Significance of Pulsed Tissue Doppler, Strain, and Strain Rate Parameters
Authors: Wierzbowska‐Drabik Karina , Chrzanowski Łukasz , Kapusta Anna , Uznańska‐Loch Barbara , Płońska Edyta , Krzemińska‐Pakuła Maria , Kurpesa Małgorzata , Rechciński Tomasz , Trzos Ewa , Kasprzak Jarosław D. 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundWe assessed the impact of morbid obesity on systolic and diastolic heart function in severely obese, but otherwise healthy subjects and age‐matched controls.MethodsOverall, 27 obese patients: 19 female (F) and 8 male (M) mean age 37 ± 9, mean body mass index (BMI) 46 ± 6 and 27 control subjects: mean age 36 ± 10, mean BMI 23 ± 3 were examined by transthoracic echocardiography, including tissue Doppler echocardiographic (TDE) assessment and speckle tracking echocardiography to measure left ventricular longitudinal, circumferential, and radial strain (S) and strain rate (SR) during systolic and early diastolic phase.ResultsObese patients presented with enlargement of both ventricles and the left atrium, and thicker left ventricular wall. Although left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) as well as amplitude of tricuspid annulus plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) was similar, the amplitude of mitral annulus plane systolic excursion (MAPSE) and ventricular systolic and early diastolic velocities measured by TDE were significantly lower for both ventricles in the obese group. (RV S′ 13 ± 3 cm/sec vs. 15 ± 2 cm/sec, P = 0.0057; LV S′ lat 8.5 ± 1.6 cm/sec vs. 12.1 ± 2.8, P < 0.0001, E′ lat: 12.4 ± 2.9 vs. 16.4 ± 3.5 cm/sec for left ventricular and E′ 12 ± 3 cm/sec vs. 18 ± 4 for right ventricular velocities, P < 0.0001). Among the deformation parameters, systolic and diastolic circumferential and systolic radial strain and SR were decreased in the obese subjects, whereas longitudinal strain did not differ significantly.ConclusionsTDE parameters documented reduced systolic and diastolic function of both ventricles in obese patients. 2‐dimensional speckle tracking analysis revealed that circumferential and radial but not longitudinal strain and SR were impaired in the obese group.
B‐Type Natriuretic Peptide Predicts Left Atrial Appendage Thrombus in Patients with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Doukky Rami , Gage Heather , Nagarajan Vijaiganesh , Demopoulos Anna , Cena Marek , Garcia‐Sayan Enrique , Karam George J. , Kazlauskaite Rasa 
Published: March 2013

PurposeTo investigate whether plasma B‐type Natriuretic peptide (BNP), a surrogate of left ventricular filling pressure (LVFP), is predictive of left atrial appendage thrombus (LAAT) in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) independent of known clinical risk predictors.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study of 297 consecutive subjects with AF who underwent a clinically indicated transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) to evaluate for LAAT and spontaneous echo contrast (SEC). Among those, 136 had a clinically indicated BNP level. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis models, we determined factors independently predictive of the primary endpoint of LAAT and the secondary endpoint of either LAAT or SEC.ResultsNineteen subjects (6.4%) had LAAT and they were found to have a higher mean CHADS2 score (2.53 vs 1.76, P = 0.01) and mean BNP level [1949 vs. 819 pg/mL, P = 0.001] than those without LAAT. None of the patients with a BNP level ≤500 pg/mL had LAAT. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that BNP was predictive of LAAT and the composite of LAAT/SEC independent of the CHADS2 score and warfarin therapy [OR = 1.23 and 1.6 per 500 pg/mL increment in BNP, P‐values = 0.03 and 0.001; respectively]. Moreover, adding BNP to the predictive model negated the influence of the CHADS2 score.ConclusionThese data indicate that BNP is an independent predictor of LAAT in AF and may complement the role of the CHADS2 score in predicting stroke risk.
Diabetes and thyroid cancer mortality: a 12‐year prospective follow‐up of Taiwanese
Authors: Tseng Chin‐Hsiao 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe association between diabetes and thyroid cancer is rarely studied. This study evaluated thyroid cancer mortality trend in Taiwanese population, mortality rate ratios between diabetic patients and general population, and risk factors in diabetic patients.MethodsIn general population, age‐standardized trends were evaluated from 1995 to 2006. A total of 113,347 diabetic men and 131,573 diabetic women aged ≥ 25 years recruited during 1995–1998 were followed to 2006. Age‐ and sex‐specific mortality rate ratios were calculated and Cox's regression evaluated the risk factors.ResultsA steady trend of thyroid cancer mortality was observed in the general population. A total of 20 diabetic men and 45 diabetic women died of thyroid cancer, with overall mortality rate 2·32 and 4·26 per 100 000 person‐years, respectively. Mortality rate ratios showed positive association with magnitude increased with decreasing age: 1·85 (0·77, 4·43), 1·21 (0·54, 2·73), 2·53 (1·14, 5·59) and 5·80 (2·10, 16·01) for ≥ 75, 65–74, 55–64 and 25–54 years old, respectively, for men; and 0·78 (0·35, 1·74), 2·03 (1·31, 3·13), 2·99 (1·77, 5·04) and 5·34 (2·20, 13·00), respectively, for women. After adjustment, only age was significantly associated with thyroid cancer mortality. Sex, diabetes duration, diabetes type, body mass index, smoking, insulin use and area of residence were not significantly predictive for thyroid cancer mortality.ConclusionsThe annual thyroid cancer mortality during 1995–2006 in the Taiwanese general population has been steady. Our data suggest a higher risk in diabetic patients, with especially higher mortality rate ratios in younger age. Obesity, smoking and insulin use are not modifiable risk factor.
Should alternatives to conventional hospitalisation be promoted in an era of financial constraint?
Authors: Pericás Juan M. , Aibar Jesús , Soler Néstor , López‐Soto Alfonso , Sanclemente‐Ansó Carmen , Bosch Xavier 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundBecause the current economic crisis has led to austerity in health policies, with severe restrictions on public health care, avoiding unnecessary admissions and shortening hospital stays is rapidly becoming an urgent priority. Alternatives to hospitalisation replace or shorten hospital processes, including diagnosis, monitoring, treatment and follow‐up. This review aims to present the available evidence on alternatives to conventional hospitalisation for medical disorders; options for surgery, psychiatry and palliative care are largely excluded.Materials and methodsNarrative review.ResultsThe main alternatives to conventional hospitalisation include day centres (DC), quick diagnosis units (QDU), hospital at home (HaH) and, in some circumstances, telemonitoring. DC increase patient comfort, reduce costs and can improve efficiency. In generally healthy patients with suspected severe disease, QDU may be a good alternative to hospitalisation for diagnostic procedures. However, their cost‐effectiveness remains to be clearly proven. Randomised controlled trials have shown that hospital‐at‐home (HaH) can lead to earlier hospital discharges, improve outcomes and reduce costs in patients with prevalent chronic diseases. Although telemonitoring seems to be promising and its use is increasing, methodologically sounder studies with a higher level of evidence are needed to assess its clinical effectiveness.ConclusionsFactors such as ageing, the need for an earlier diagnosis of suspected severe disease, the increasing complexity of medical care and the increasing costs of hospitalisation mean that, whenever possible, giving priority to less expensive alternatives to hospital admission, such as QDU, DC, HaH and telemedicine, is an urgent task in the current economic crisis.
Variation in morphological characteristics of Japanese fluvial sculpin related to different environmental conditions in a single river system in eastern Japan
Authors: Natsumeda Takaharu , Tsuruta Tetsuya , Takeshima Hirohiko , Awata Satoshi , Iguchi Kei'ichiro 
Published: March 2013

AbstractStream fish with low mobility are often restricted to a narrow range of a stream course, and their morphological characters tend to be affected substantially by the environmental conditions of their habitat. We examined the relationships between environmental conditions and morphological characters of Japanese fluvial sculpin (Cottus pollux), a small, benthic fish with low mobility, at seven tributaries of the same river system in eastern Japan. Discriminant function analysis (DFA) indicated significant morphological differences in sculpins amongst the seven tributaries, and over 80% of individuals were classified correctly in each tributary. The strong positive correlation/loadings on the first discriminant function (DF1: 49.9% of total variation) were anterior caudal peduncle depth (0.436) and caudal peduncle truss (0.387), both of which could be regarded as an attribute of caudal peduncle depth. The second discriminant function (DF2: 16.5% of total variation) had a high negative loading for distance between the posterior first dorsal fin and anterior anal fin (−0.454), which could be regarded as an attribute of body depth. Correlation analysis indicated that sculpin tended to have a lower caudal peduncle depth under faster bottom current velocities at the tributary scale. Individuals deviating substantially from the centroid of DF2 in each tributary had a poorer body condition. Our results suggest the possibility of changes in the morphological characters of Japanese fluvial sculpin in relation to environmental conditions even at the tributary scale within the same river system.
Calonectria metrosideri, a highly aggressive pathogen causing leaf blight, root rot, and wilt of Metrosideros spp. in Brazil
Authors: Alfenas R. F. , Pereira O. L. , Ferreira M. A. , Jorge V. L. , Crous P. W. , Alfenas A. C. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryThe genus Metrosideros includes several tree, shrub and vine species, native to the Pacific Islands. Seedlings from 25 seed lots of Metrosideros polymorpha and two seed lots of M. tremuloides with symptoms of root rot, stem girdling, wilting and round, purple leaf spots were observed in the Forestry Nursery at the Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Brazil. In the original disease site, seedling mortality reached up to 71% in M. polymorpha and 34% in M. tremuloides. Single conidial cultures obtained from infected leaf, root and stem samples of M. polymorpha were used to identify the fungal species. Morphological characters and DNA sequences of four loci, containing partial sequences of β‐tubulin (TUB2), histone H3 (HIS3), calmodulin (CAL) and the elongation factor (tef‐1α) genes of three isolates, indicated that they belong to a new species, described here as Calonectria metrosideri sp. nov. Potting medium infestation and inoculation of seedlings of M. polymorpha with an inoculum suspension at 1 × 104 conidia ml−1 induced typical symptoms of the disease (leaf spots, root rot and wilt), similar to those observed under natural conditions. Calonectria metrosideri was re‐isolated, which fulfilled Koch's postulates, and confirmed its status as a pathogen.
The Effect of Social Hierarchy on Captive Coyote (Canis latrans) Foraging Behavior
Authors: Gilbert‐Norton Lynne B. , Wilson Ryan R. , Shivik John A. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractForaging efficiency of individuals in pack forming species may be influenced by social dynamics within a pack. The effects of social hierarchy in particular may influence individual foraging behavior in canids, such as coyotes (Canis latrans). To examine the impact of social hierarchy on foraging behavior, we tested 16 captive coyotes in eight naturally established dominant–subordinate pairs, using the guesser–knower paradigm. We measured the efficiency of subordinate coyotes to relocate a food resource when alone and then allowed pairs to forage together, such that subordinates had prior knowledge of food location but dominants did not. To determine whether (1) subordinates used a direct or discursive strategy to obtain food in the presence of a dominant and (2) dominants used an exploitative or independent strategy to obtain food in the presence of a subordinate with previous knowledge, we measured their search efficiency (e.g., correct choice of area, feeder, and latency to correct feeder). Results showed subordinates learned to relocate food and increase efficiency when alone. In a social context, however, subordinate efficiency decreased. That is, subordinates approached the correct area, but searched more feeders before finding the correct one. Dominants initially used an independent search strategy but then quickly displaced the subordinate and monopolized the resource, reducing subordinate efficiency further. Despite continual displacement and reduction in efficiency, subordinates did not alter their foraging strategy over time. Our results suggest prior information can improve individual foraging advantage, but that social status strongly impacts individual foraging efficiency in social species such as coyotes.
Targeting ALDH1A1 to treat pigmentary disorders
Authors: Kleszczynski Konrad , Slominski Andrzej T. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractClinical disorders related to skin pigmentation include hypo‐ or hyperpigmentation. Because they are difficult to treat, new approaches to develop safe pigment modulatory agents are needed. In the March issue of the journal, Paterson et al. (Exp Dermatol, 22, 2013) determined which aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1 (ALDH1A1) substrates and products regulate melanogenesis. The authors demonstrated that ALDH1A1 substrate 9‐cis retinal and its corresponding product 9‐cis retinoic acid potently induced the accumulation of MITF mRNA, tyrosinase mRNA and melanin. Despite depletion of ALDH1A1, there was observed decreased ability of 9‐cis retinal but not 9‐cis retinoic acid to stimulate melanogenesis, indicating that ALDH1A1 regulates melanogenesis by catalysing the conversion of 9‐cis retinal to 9‐cis retinoic acid. Additionally, potent ALDH1A1 inhibitor such as cyanamide or Angeli's salt significantly suppressed pigmentation in human skin cells. These findings provide new candidate agents for the treatment of hypo‐ or hyperpigmentation disorders, using novel pigmentation‐modulatory agents that target ALDH1A1.
Age‐related changes in the composition of the cornified envelope in human skin
Authors: Rinnerthaler Mark , Duschl Jutta , Steinbacher Peter , Salzmann Manuel , Bischof Johannes , Schuller Markus , Wimmer Herbert , Peer Thomas , Bauer Johann W. , Richter Klaus 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe main function of the epidermis is to protect us against a multitude of hostile attacks from the environment. Its main cell type, the keratinocytes have a sophisticated system of different proteins and lipids available to form the cornified envelope, which is responsible for the barrier function of the skin. During ageing, dramatic changes are taking place. Some proteins of the SPRR‐, S100‐ and LCE3‐family are massively up‐regulated, whereas others like loricrin, filaggrin and the LCE1&2 protein families are significantly down‐regulated. The latter ones are known to be under control of calcium and/or ‘calcium response elements’. We were able to show that the calcium peak specific for the stratum granulosum, which is the site where loricrin and the LCE1&2 families are synthesized, is reduced during ageing. The resulting cornified envelope in old skin has an extensively changed composition on the molecular level compared to young skin. This knowledge is of critical importance to understand chronic wound formation and ulcers in old age.
Taking the Plunge: An Introduction to Undertaking Seascape Genetic Studies and using Biophysical Models
Authors: Liggins Libby , Treml Eric A. , Riginos Cynthia 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe field of seascape genetics aims to evaluate the effects of environmental features on spatial genetic patterns of marine organisms. Although many methods of genetic analysis and inference appropriate to “marine landscapes” derive from terrestrial landscape genetics, aspects of marine living introduce special challenges for assessing spatial genetic variation. For instance, marine organisms are often highly dispersive, so that genetic patterns can be subtle, and the temporal variability of the marine environment makes these patterns difficult to characterise. Tools and techniques from oceanography can help describe the highly connected and dynamic nature of the marine environment. In particular, models incorporating physical oceanography and species attributes in realistic simulations (e.g. biophysical models) can help us understand this complex process and formulate spatially explicit biologically‐informed predictions of gene flow. Thus, researchers embarking on a seascape genetic study need a solid understanding of marine organisms and spatial genetics perhaps combined with knowledge of physical oceanography and ecological modeling. Although some researchers may acquire proficiency in all of these areas, seascape genetic studies incorporating biophysical modeling are likely to bring together groups of investigators with complementary expertise. This preliminary guide is intended to be a starting point for a reader new to either seascape genetics or biophysical models.
Seascape Genetics: Populations, Individuals, and Genes Marooned and Adrift
Authors: Riginos Cynthia , Liggins Libby 
Published: March 2013

AbstractSeascape genetics is the study of how spatially variable structural and environmental features influence genetic patterns of marine organisms. Seascape genetics is conceptually linked to landscape genetics and this likeness frequently allows investigators to use similar theoretical and analytical methods for both seascape genetics and landscape genetics. But, the physical and environmental attributes of the ocean and biological attributes of organisms that live in the sea, especially the large spatial scales of seascape features and the high dispersal ability of many marine organisms, differ from those of terrestrial organisms that have typified landscape genetic studies. This paper reviews notable papers in the emerging field of seascape genetics, highlighting pervasive themes and biological attributes of species and seascape features that affect spatial genetic patterns in the sea. Similarities to, and differences from, (terrestrial) landscape genetics are discussed, and future directions are recommended.
Extending a Geographic Lens Towards Climate Justice, Part 1: Climate Change Characterization and Impacts
Authors: Burnham Morey , Radel Claudia , Ma Zhao , Laudati Ann 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThere has been a recent increase of interest within the academic literature on the justice issues posed by climate change and the human responses to its present and forecasted effects. This literature is partially shaped by debates from environmental justice scholarship, but also has roots in various subfields of geography. In two parts (here and in a subsequent article), we review and synthesize the recent literature by asking what climate justice concerns have been identified within three related realms: (i) the characterization of climate change itself and the assignment of responsibility for that change; (ii) the differential or uneven impacts of climate change; and (iii) the actions taken to address the problems associated with climate change, including mitigation and adaptation. Here, in Part 1, we provide a basic outline of justice concepts; we address the characterization of climate change and the associated discursive framings; and we discuss the uneven impacts of climate change with a focus on the conceptualization of vulnerability. We suggest that the field of geography has much to offer to the debate on climate justice because of its unique understandings of the human‐environment relationship based on a longstanding engagement with the spatiality and scale of environmental change, the corresponding human impacts, and the conceptual inseparability of nature and society. We identify, across Part 1 and Part 2, the need for a more comprehensive theory of justice to inform climate justice considerations – one that pays more attention to linked procedural, recognition, and scalar concerns.
Revascularization of an immature tooth with a necrotic pulp using platelet‐rich fibrin: a case report
Authors: Keswani D. , Pandey R. K. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAimTo discuss the clinical and radiological outcome of a revascularization procedure in an immature tooth with a necrotic pulp using platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF), a second‐generation platelet concentrate.SummaryA 7‐year‐old male reported with pain in the maxillary anterior region as a result of the injury to his immature right maxillary central incisor tooth. After preparation of the access cavity, the necrotic pulp was removed and the canal irrigated using 5.25% sodium hypochlorite solution. The canal was then dried and packed with triantibiotic paste for 3 weeks. After removal of the antibiotic paste, a 5 mL sample of whole venous blood was drawn from the patient's forearm to prepare PRF. The freshly prepared PRF was condensed in the canal until the cementoenamel junction. Three millimetres of white MTA was placed directly over the PRF clot. Three days later, the tooth was restored using a permanent restoration. At 7‐, 12‐ and 15‐month recall, the tooth was asymptomatic with no sensitivity to percussion or palpation. At 12‐ and 15‐month follow‐up, the tooth responded positively to cold and an electric pulp test, and similarly to adjacent lateral incisor and canine teeth. Radiographic examination demonstrated continued thickening of root canal walls, root lengthening and apical closure.Key learning point

Platelet‐rich fibrin might serve as a potentially ideal scaffold in revascularization of immature permanent teeth with necrotic pulps as it is rich in growth factors, enhances cellular proliferation and differentiation, and acts as a matrix for tissue ingrowth.
Potential application of Saccharomyces boulardii as a probiotic in goat's yoghurt: survival and organoleptic effects
Authors: Karaolis Constantinos , Botsaris George , Pantelides Iakovos , Tsaltas Dimitris 
Published: March 2013

SummaryPotential application of Saccharomyces boulardii in yoghurts could offer an alternative probiotic product to people suffering from antibiotic‐associated diarrhoea whilst on treatment. Three different yoghurts were made using goat's milk. Yoghurt 1 was the control with only starter culture added to the milk. For Yoghurt 2, S. boulardii was added in parallel with the starter culture, and for Yoghurt 3, the yeast was added after the yoghurt was coagulated by the starter. Duplicate counts for lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and S. boulardii alongside organoleptic assessment were carried out every 3 days following manufacture and storage at 6 °C. Our results demonstrate that S. boulardii can survive in high numbers for the period of 4 weeks tested without significant changes in taste. Very important is the fact that the presence of the yeast stimulated the survival of the LAB, which in both yeast yoghurts were significantly higher than in the control.