bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcriptional responses, metabolic activity and mouthpart deformities in natural populations of chironomus riparius larvae exposed to environmental pollutants
Authors: Planelló Rosario , Servia María J. , Gómez‐Sande Pablo , Herrero Óscar , Cobo Fernando , Morcillo Gloria 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTBiomarkers are an important tool in laboratory assays that link exposure or effect of specific toxicants to key molecular and cellular events, but they have not been widely used in invertebrate populations exposed to complex mixtures of environmental contaminants in their natural habitats. The present study focused on a battery of biomarkers and their comparative analysis in natural populations of the benthic larvae of Chironomus riparius (Diptera), sampled in three differentially polluted rivers (the Con, Sar, and Louro in Galicia, Spain). In our study, some parameters were identified, such as hsp70 gene activity, GST enzymatic activity, total glycogen content and mouthpart deformities, which showed significant differences among populations from the three rivers that differed in the levels and types of sedimentary contaminants analyzed (metals, organic‐chlorine pesticides, alkylphenols, pharmaceutical, and personal care products). In contrast to these sensitive biomarkers, other parameters showed no significant differences (hsc70 gene, EcR gene, P450 gene, RNA:DNA ratio, total protein content), and were stable even when comparing field and nonexposed laboratory populations. The hsp70 gene seems to be particularly sensitive to conditions of pollutant exposure, while its constitutive counterpart hsc70 showed invariable expression, suggesting that the hsc70/hsp70 ratio may be a potential indicator of polluted environments. Although further studies are required to understand the correlation between molecular responses and the ecological effects of pollutants on natural populations, the results provide new data about the biological responses to multiple‐stressor environments. This field study adds new molecular endpoints, including gene expression, as suitable tools that, complementing other ecotoxicological parameters, may help to improve the methodologies of freshwater monitoring under the increasing burden of xenobiotics. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 30: 383–395, 2015.
Analysis of decision-making coefficients of three main fiber quality traits for upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
Authors: Mei Yongjun , Hu Wenming , Fan Shuli , Song Meizhen , Pang Chaoyou , Yu Shuxun 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe analysis of genetic correlations between fiber length (Len), strength (Str), micronaire, and 12 other traits was conducted using the additive (A)-dominance (D) genetic model, which considers genotype × environment interaction effects, in intraspecific upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) hybrids to effectively improve the quality of cotton cultivars in high planting density cases. Decision-making coefficients were computed based on the genetic correlation and path analysis of three fiber quality traits. The decision-making coefficient analysis of three fiber traits in cross breeding was beneficial for the improvement of Len by increasing the additive effects of Str and length of boll (LB) and decreasing lint percentage (LP), boll number of the top three fruit-bearing branches. The analysis was also beneficial for the improvement of Str and fiber fineness by increasing or decreasing the additive effects of other traits. Utilizing heterosis in hybrids was beneficial to the heterosis of Len by selecting the high dominance effects of number of nodes of the 1st fruit-bearing branch and LB and decreasing the dominance effects of diameter of boll (DB) and LP and for improving Str by increasing the dominance effects of DB and decreasing the dominance effects of number of fruit-bearing branches and number of nodes of the main stem (NNMS). Utilizing heterosis was also beneficial for improving fineness by increasing the dominance effects of LB, Str, and lint yield and decreasing the dominance effects of NNMS and Len.
TraceeElements in Leccinum scabrum mushrooms and topsoils from Kłodzka Dale in Sudety Mountains, Poland
Authors: Zhang Dan , Zhang Yu , Morawska Ewa , Bielawski Leszek , Krasińska Grażyna , Drewnowska Małgorzata , Pankavec Sviatlana , Szymańska Karolina , Falandysz Jerzy 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
In the current study, we determined concentrations and transfer rates of Ag, Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, P, Rb, Sr and Zn to Brown Birch Scaber Stalks (Leccinum scabrum) mushrooms emerged in the area of Sudety Mountains (Sudetes) in Poland. Fruiting bodies and topsoil samples beneath L. scabrum were collected form the Kłodzka Dale. The trace elements were determined using validated method and inductively coupled plasma — atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) for final measurement. Mushrooms contained Ag, Cr, Hg, Co, Ni and Sr at < 1.0 μg/g dry weight; Ba and Pb at ∼1.0 μg/g dw; Cd at < 5 μg/g dw; Cu and Mn at > 10 μg/g dw; Al and Ca at ∼100 μg/g dw; Fe, Na, Rb and Zn at 100 to 500 μg/g dw, Mg at ∼1,000 μg/g dw; P at ∼5,000 μg/g dw and K at ∼30,000 μg/g dw. Ca, Mn and Ni were nearly equally distributed between stipes and caps; stipes compared to caps were enriched in Ba, Na and Sr, while caps were enriched in Ag, Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, P, Pb, Rb and Zn. The values of bioconcentration factor (BCF) varied highly depending on chemical element and were >1 for Ag, Cd, Cu, K, Mg, Na, P, Rb and Zn, while <1 for Al, Ba, Ca, Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Sr. Topsoil showed elevated content of lead and mean concentration was 99 ± 32 μg/g dw, while cadmium was at 0.41 ± 0.15 and those two highly toxic to human elements occurred in edible caps of L. scabrum at 4.5 ± 2.2 and 2.9 ± 2.0 μg/g dw, respectively.
Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Vancomycin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Precursor Organism Colonization among Patients with Chronic Lower-Extremity Wounds in Southeastern Michigan
Authors: Tosh Pritish K. , Agolory Simon , Strong Bethany L. , VerLee Kerrie , Finks Jennie , Hayakawa Kayoko , Chopra Teena , Kaye Keith S. , Gilpin Nicholas , Carpenter Christopher F. , Haque Nadia Z. , Lamarato Lois E. , Zervos Marcus J. , Albrecht Valerie S. , McAllister Sigrid K. , Limbago Brandi , MacCannell Duncan R. , McDougal Linda K. , Kallen Alexander J. , Guh Alice Y. 
Published: July 2013

Background.Of the 13 US vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) cases, 8 were identified in southeastern Michigan, primarily in patients with chronic lower-extremity wounds. VRSA infections develop when the vanA gene from vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) transfers to S. aureus. Incl8-like plasmids in VRE and pSK41-like plasmids in S. aureus appear to be important precursors to this transfer.Objective.Identify the prevalence of VRSA precursor organisms.Design.Prospective cohort with embedded case-control study.Participants.Southeastern Michigan adults with chronic lower-extremity wounds.Methods.Adults presenting to 3 southeastern Michigan medical centers during the period February 15 through March 4, 2011, with chronic lower-extremity wounds had wound, nares, and perirectal swab specimens cultured for S. aureus and VRE, which were tested for pSK41-like and Incl8-like plasmids by polymerase chain reaction. We interviewed participants and reviewed clinical records. Risk factors for pSK41-positive S. aureus were assessed among all study participants (cohort analysis) and among only S. aureus-colonized participants (case-control analysis).Results.Of 179 participants with wound cultures, 26% were colonized with methicillin-susceptible S. aureus, 27% were colonized with methicillin-resistant S. aureus, and 4% were colonized with VRE, although only 17% consented to perirectal culture. Six participants (3%) had pSK41-positive S. aureus, and none had Incl8-positive VRE. Having chronic wounds for over 2 years was associated with pSK41-positive S. aureus colonization in both analyses.Conclusions.Colonization with VRSA precursor organisms was rare. Having long-standing chronic wounds was a risk factor for pSK41-positive S. aureus colonization. Additional investigation into the prevalence of VRSA precursors among a larger cohort of patients is warranted.
The entoptic view of the retinal vessels
Authors: Mark Harry H. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract.The first time the retinal vessels were seen in man in vivo was reported in 1819 by Purkinje as an entoptic view. This was understood to show the shadow of the vessels, an interpretation objected to in 1834 by Brewster. Müller in 1855 (Über die entoptische wahrnehmung der netzhautgefässe, insbesondere als beweismittel für die lichtperception durch die nach hinten gelegenen netzhautelemente, Stahel, Würzburg) used the phenomenon to deduce the location of the photoreceptive layer of the retina, and his conclusion is accepted as true today. Because the phenomenon has some characteristics of an afterimage, it touches on the question of what is subjective and what is objective physical reality. It was recently used clinically to measure potential visual acuity and in the diagnoses of diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
Sub‐Tenon injection of 2% lidocaine prevents intra‐operative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) in male patients taking oral α‐adrenergic antagonists
Authors: Klysik Anna , Korzycka Dorota 
Published: July 2013

Abstract.Purpose: To compare 2% sub‐Tenon and 1% intra‐cameral lidocaine for cataract surgery in relation to the incidence and severity of IFIS. Prospective randomized clinical study.Methods: From 81 eligible, we included 71 men aged from 59 to 90 years (mean 76.5 ± 6.8) undergoing routine cataract surgery and taking oral α‐adrenergic antagonists, for urological reasons, for more than 1 year. Following randomization 34 men, aged from 62 to 90 years (mean 77.4 ± 8.1) received sub‐Tenon injection of 2.5 ml of 2% lidocaine and the remaining 37 men aged from 59 to 89 years (mean 75.2 ± 7.2) received 1% preservative free intra‐cameral lidocaine. Outcome measures were the incidence of IFIS, severity of intra‐operative pupillary constriction and iris prolapse.Results: Intra‐operative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) was noted in 3 of 34 patients (8.8%) receiving sub‐Tenon lidocaine and in 18 of 37 patients (48.6%) receiving intra‐cameral lidocaine (p = 0.00). Severe IFIS was observed only in 3 of 37 patients (8.1%) receiving intra‐cameral lidocaine. Pupil diameter at the end of surgery was 4.37 ± 1.07 mm in the sub‐Tenon lidocaine group and 4.02 ± 1.06 mm in the intra‐cameral lidocaine group (p = 0.00). Iris prolapse was noted in two cases in the sub‐Tenon lidocaine group and in 10 cases in the intra‐cameral lidocaine group (p = 0.00). Twenty‐five patients were receiving tamsulosin. The incidence of IFIS in tamsulosin subgroup was 76.9% (10 of 13 patients) in the intra‐cameral lidocaine group and 16.6% (2 of 12 patients) in the sub‐Tenon lidocaine group (p = 0.00).Conclusion: Sub‐Tenon lidocaine reduces significantly the incidence of IFIS in patients taking oral α‐adrenergic inhibitors as compared with intra‐cameral lidocaine.
Subcortical and cerebellar volumetric deficits in paediatric sickle cell anaemia
Authors: Kawadler Jamie M. , Clayden Jonathan D. , Kirkham Fenella J. , Cox Timothy C. , Saunders Dawn E. , Clark Chris A. 
Published: July 2013

SummarySickle cell anaemia (SCA) is associated with silent cerebral infarction (SCI), affecting white and cortical grey matter, but there are few data on subcortical volumes. We analysed retrospective magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data in 26 SCA patients and 20 controls, comparing mean subcortical volumes between three groups: controls, SCA with SCI (n = 13) and SCA without visible abnormality (n = 13). Specific volumetric differences were found in the hippocampus, amygdala, pallidum, caudate, putamen, thalamus, and cerebellum. This is the first study to demonstrate subcortical volume change in SCA, with the most severe volumetric deficits occurring in children with SCI seen on MRI.
Antiepileptics Topiramate and Levetiracetam Alleviate Behavioral Deficits and Reduce Neuropathology in APPswe/PS1dE9 Transgenic Mice
Authors: Shi Jian‐Quan , Wang Bian‐Rong , Tian You‐Yong , Xu Jun , Gao Li , Zhao Shu‐Li , Jiang Teng , Xie Hong‐Guang , Zhang Ying‐Dong 
Published: July 2013

SummaryBackgroundThe close relationship between epileptic seizure and Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been demonstrated in the past decade. Valproic acid, a traditional first‐line antiepileptic drug, exerted protective effects in transgenic models of AD. It remains uncertain whether new antiepileptic drugs could reverse neuropathology and behavioral deficits in AD transgenic mice.AimsAPPswe/PS1dE9 transgenic mice were used in this study, which over express the Swedish mutation of amyloid precursor protein together with presenilin 1 deleted in exon 9. 7‐month‐old APPswe/PS1dE9 transgenic mice were treated daily with 20 mg/kg topiramate (TPM) and 50 mg/kg levetiracetam (LEV) for 30 days by intraperitoneal injection to explore the effects of TPM and LEV on the neuropathology and behavioral deficits.ResultsThe results indicated that TPM and LEV alleviated behavioral deficits and reduced amyloid plaques in APPswe/PS1dE9 transgenic mice. TPM and LEV increased Aβ clearance and up‐regulated Aβ transport and autophagic degradation. TPM and LEV inhibited Aβ generation and suppressed γ‐secretase activity. TPM and LEV inhibited GSK‐3β activation and increased the activation of AMPK/Akt activation. Further, TPM and LEV inhibited histone deacetylase activity in vivo.ConclusionsTherefore, TPM and LEV might have the potential to treat AD effectively in patient care.
Hypoxia‐Triggered m‐Calpain Activation Evokes Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Neuropathogenesis in a Transgenic Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Wang Chun‐Yan , Xie Jing‐Wei , Wang Tao , Xu Ye , Cai Jian‐Hui , Wang Xu , Zhao Bao‐Lu , An Li , Wang Zhan‐You 
Published: July 2013

SummaryBackgroundPrevious studies have demonstrated that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is activated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains. ER stress–triggered unfolded protein response (UPR) leads to tau phosphorylation and neuronal death.AimsIn this study, we tested the hypothesis that hypoxia‐induced m‐calpain activation is involved in ER stress‐mediated AD pathogenesis.MethodWe employed a hypoxic exposure in APP/PS1 transgenic mice and SH‐SY5Y cells overexpressing human Swedish mutation APP (APPswe).ResultsWe observed that hypoxia impaired spatial learning and memory in the APP/PS1 mouse. In the transgenic mouse brain, hypoxia increased the UPR, upregulated apoptotic signaling, enhanced the activation of calpain and glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK3β), and increased tau hyperphosphorylation and β‐amyloid deposition. In APPswe cells, m‐calpain silencing reduced hypoxia‐induced cellular dysfunction and resulted in suppression of GSK3β activation, ER stress and tau hyperphosphorylation reduction as well as caspase pathway suppression.ConclusionThese findings demonstrate that hypoxia‐induced abnormal calpain activation may increase ER stress‐induced apoptosis in AD pathogenesis. In contrast, a reduction in the expression of the m‐calpain isoform reduces ER stress‐linked apoptosis that is triggered by hypoxia. These findings suggest that hypoxia‐triggered m‐calpain activation is involved in ER stress‐mediated AD pathogenesis. m‐calpain is a potential target for AD therapeutics.
Clinical Features and Sera Anti‐Aquaporin 4 Antibody Positivity in Patients with Demyelinating Disorders of the Central Nervous System from Tianjin, China
Authors: Yang Chun‐Sheng , Zhang Da‐Qi , Wang Jing‐Hua , Jin Wei‐Na , Li Min‐Shu , Liu Jie , Zhang Cun‐Jin , Li Ting , Shi Fu‐Dong , Yang Li 
Published: July 2013

SummaryAimsTo investigate the clinical characteristics and sera anti‐aquaporin 4 (AQP4) antibody positivity in patients with inflammatory demyelinating disorders (IDDs) of the central nervous system (CNS) in Tianjin, China.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated 234 patients with IDDs including neuromyelitis optica (NMO), recurrent optic neuritis (rON), longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM), clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), and multiple sclerosis (MS) groups. Sera from 217 patients were determined for AQP4‐Ab. The clinical characteristics and sera anti‐AQP4 positivity were compared.ResultsThe IDDS comprised 63 MS, 51 NMO, 56 LETM, 10 rON, and 54 CIS. Compared with MS, NMO had a higher frequency of occurrence in women, intractable hiccup and nausea (IHN), medullospinal lesion, longitudinally extensive spinal cord lesions (LESCL) and bilateral ON, disease onset at a later age, and worsening residual disability. AQP4‐Ab‐positive rates were 84.1% and 69% in NMO and NMO spectrum disorders (NMOSD), respectively, whereas it was undetectable in all of the MS sera samples.ConclusionsWe comprehensively contrast the distinct clinical features of MS, NMO, and NMOSD in our center. A sensitive AQP4‐Ab assay is necessary for the early diagnosis of NMOSD in our patients. Neither medullospinal lesion nor IHN is unique in NMO.
Giant Right Atrium in a Case with Rheumatic Heart Disease
Authors: Patra Soumya , Agarwal Ashish , Kumar Tarun , Ravindranath K.S. , Manjunath C.N. 
Published: July 2013

Mini‐AbstractMassive right atrium (RA) enlargement is certainly more common in children than in adults, owing to rare congenital anomalies. RA could be enlarged in a case of rheumatic heart disease especially when associated with severe mitral valve disease or pulmonary hypertension. We are presenting a case of 25‐year‐old female patient who presented with features of congestive heart failure. Echocardiography revealed the presence of giant RA along with organic severe tricuspid regurgitation, mild tricuspid stenosis, and mild aortic regurgitation. RA volume measured in our case was about 1000 mL which is the largest description so far described in the literature.
Fondaparinux‐associated heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia
Authors: Bhatt Vijaya R. , Aryal Madan R. , Shrestha Rajesh , Armitage James O. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractObjectivesLarge licensing trials did not find any association between the use of fondaparinux and the development of heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). Fondaparinux is in fact recommended as an option for the management of HIT. Since the first report of fondaparinux‐associated HIT in 2007, additional reports have been published. However, the rarity of these cases, differences in case definition, and lack of larger case series have prevented better understanding of this disease. The objective of this study was to determine the clinical manifestations of fondaparinux‐associated HIT, the predictive value of pretest probability (4Ts) scoring system, and the outcomes associated with current management.MethodsUsing several search terms, we reviewed all cases of fondaparinux‐associated HIT reported and indexed in PubMed till May 2013. All references were also checked for additional reports. We categorized the cases of fondaparinux‐associated HIT as confirmed, probable, and possible based on our case definition.ResultsA total of eight cases of fondaparinux‐associated HIT were identified. Fondaparinux‐associated HIT occurred in the setting of pro‐inflammatory state, prior HIT, or exposure to heparin products. Bilateral adrenal hemorrhage or infarct, reflecting hypercoagulability or disseminated intravascular coagulation, was seen in 25% of patients. The pretest probability (4Ts) scoring system used for HIT appears to correctly risk stratify all the cases. Although functional assays can be used for the diagnosis, in the presence of recent exposure to heparin products, only the demonstration of fondaparinux‐dependent platelet activation should be considered confirmatory. Non‐heparin anticoagulants are effective therapy; however, one‐third of the patients had poor outcomes.ConclusionThe risk of fondaparinux‐associated HIT, although low is real, which along with documented cases of fondaparinux failure mandate its cautious use in the management of HIT.
Noise as Information for Illiquidity
Authors: HU GRACE XING , PAN JUN , WANG JIANG 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTWe propose a market‐wide liquidity measure by exploiting the connection between the amount of arbitrage capital in the market and observed “noise” in U.S. Treasury bonds—the shortage of arbitrage capital allows yields to deviate more freely from the curve, resulting in more noise in prices. Our noise measure captures episodes of liquidity crises of different origins across the financial market, providing information beyond existing liquidity proxies. Moreover, as a priced risk factor, it helps to explain cross‐sectional returns on hedge funds and currency carry trades, both known to be sensitive to the general liquidity conditions of the market.
An In Vitro Comparison of Shear Bond Strength of Zirconia to Enamel Using Different Surface Treatments
Authors: Zandparsa Roya , Talua Nayrouz A. , Finkelman Matthew D. , Schaus Scott E. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the shear bond strength of an airborne‐particle abraded zirconia, an acid‐etched zirconia (Piranha solution), an Alloy Primer treated zirconia, and a silaned zirconia to enamel, all bonded with a phosphate‐methacrylate resin luting agent.Materials and MethodsSeventy extracted intact human molars were collected, cleaned, and mounted in autopolymerizing acrylic resin, with the experimental surface of the teeth exposed. The specimens were randomly divided into seven groups of zirconia specimens (4 mm diameter, 2 mm thick). Group 1: Airborne‐particle abrasion; group 2: Airborne‐particle abrasion and Z‐PRIME Plus; group 3: Airborne‐particle abrasion and alloy primer; group 4: Piranha solution 7:1; group 5: Piranha solution 7:1 and Z‐PRIME Plus; group 6: Piranha solution 7:1 and Alloy primer; group 7: CoJet and silane. All specimens were luted with a phosphate‐methacrylate resin luting agent (Panavia F2.0) and stored in distilled water for 1 day, then thermocycled (5°C and 55°C) for 500 cycles and tested for shear bond strength (SBS), measured in MPa, with a universal testing machine at a 0.55 mm/min crosshead speed. All specimens were inspected under a scanning electron microscope to determine mode of failure. The mean values and standard deviations of all specimens were calculated for each group. A one‐way ANOVA was performed, and multiple pairwise comparisons were then completed with post hoc Tukey test (alpha = 0.05).ResultsThe airborne‐particle abrasion and Z‐PRIME Plus group resulted in a significantly higher SBS than the other groups (21.11 ± 6.32 MPa) (p < 0.001). The CoJet and silane group (15.99 ± 8.92 MPa) and airborne‐particle abrasion and alloy primer group (11.07 ± 4.34 MPa) showed high shear bond strength but not statistically significant from the airborne‐particle abrasion group (14.23 ± 5.68 MPa). Failure mode was predominately mixed in groups 1, 2, 3, and 7 with islands of retained resin on the zirconia and enamel surfaces; however, groups 4, 5, and 6 showed mostly adhesive failures, which left the zirconia surface free of the adhesive materials. No cohesive failures of the substrates (ceramic, resin, or enamel) were observed.ConclusionAirborne‐particle abrasion followed by the application of a zirconia primer produced the highest bond strength to enamel. Therefore, it can be recommended as a promising surface treatment method to achieve a durable bond to densely sintered zirconia ceramics.