bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pollen limitation and pollinator preferences in Scorzonera hispanica
Authors: Červenková Z. , Münzbergová Z. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe plant life cycle is often affected by animal–plant interactions. In insect‐pollinated plants, interaction with pollinators is very important. When pollen transfer due to a lower abundance of pollinators limits seed production, selection pressures on plant traits related to plant attraction to pollinators might occur, e.g. on flowering phenology, height or number of flowerheads. Landscape changes (e.g. habitat fragmentation or changed habitat conditions) may cause plant–pollinator systems to lose balance and consequently affect population dynamics of many plant species. We studied the relationship between measured plant traits, environmental variables and pollinator preferences in Scorzonera hispanica (Asteraceae), a rare perennial, allogamous herb of open grasslands. We estimated the pollen limitation by comparing seed set of supplemental‐pollinated plants with that of open‐pollinated ones. Pollinators selected plants based on position within the locality (isolated plants close to trees) rather than on their traits. In spite of a high proportion of undeveloped seeds on the plants, we demonstrated that they are not pollen limited. Instead, seed set and weight of seeds was correlated with plant size traits (height and flowerhead number), with larger plants producing more and larger seeds. This suggests that the studied plants are likely resource limited. Overall, the results suggest that pollinators are not a selection factor in this system, in contrast to studies on various plant species, including self‐compatible species of the Asteraceae. The lack of any effect of pollinators in the system may be caused by a strong negative effect of ungulate herbivores, which could play a decisive role in functioning of the system.
Complete Genome Sequence of Swine Hepatitis E Virus Prevalent in Southwest China
Authors: Yu Wenhai , Ma Tianwu , Zhao Xianchen , He Zhanlong , Yang Chenchen , Bi Yanhong , Huang Fen 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an important public health concern in the world, especially in developing countries of Africa and Asia, including China. Hepatitis E is recognized as a zoonotic disease, which is transmitted across species, including between humans and swine. HEV is highly endemic in China, but the complete sequence of HEV in southwestern China is lacking. Swine HEV strain KM01 was isolated from a village in rural Kunming, Yunnan province, China, where swine are housed with humans. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of the swine HEV strain KM01. The sequence and phylogenetic analyses reveal that swine HEV is closely related to the strain isolated from Xinjiang (CHN-XJ-SW13). The genome of the KM01 strain will facilitate further study of HEV molecular epidemiology and genetic diversity in China.
High-Quality Draft Whole-Genome Sequences of Three Strains of
Enterobacter
Isolated from Jamaican
Dioscorea cayenensis
(Yellow Yam)
Authors: Gan Han Ming , Triassi Alexander J. , Wheatley Matthew S. , Savka Michael A. , Hudson André O. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT

Here we report the whole-genome sequences of three endophytic bacteria,
Enterobacter
sp. strain DC1,
Enterobacter
sp. strain DC3, and
Enterobacter
sp. strain DC4, from root tubers of the yellow yam plant,
Dioscorea cayenensis
. Preliminary analyses suggest that the genomes of the three bacteria contain genes involved in acetoin and indole-3-acetic acid metabolism.
Genome Sequences of Sequence Type 45 (ST45) Persistent Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Bacteremia Strain 300-169 and ST45 Resolving MRSA Bacteremia Strain 301-188
Authors: Hernandez David , Seidl Kati , Corvaglia Anna-Rita , Bayer Arnold S. , Xiong Yan Q. , François Patrice 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT

Persistent methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) bacteremia (positive blood cultures after ≥7 days) represents a challenging subset of invasive MRSA infections. The comparison of genome sequences of persistent (300-169) and resolving (301-188) MRSA bacteremia isolates with similar genetic background (sequence type 45 [ST45]) will help us to better understand underlying mechanisms of persistent MRSA bacteremia.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Extremely Halophilic Archaeon Haloarcula hispanica Strain N601
Authors: Ding Jiun-Yan , Chiang Pei-Wen , Hong Mei-Jhu , Dyall-Smith Mike , Tang Sen-Lin 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT

Haloarcula hispanica
has been widely used in haloarchaeal studies, particularly in the isolation of haloviruses. The genome of strain N601, a laboratory derivative of the type strain ATCC 33960, was sequenced. Several potentially significant differences from the published sequence of the type strain (CGMCC 1.2049 = ATCC 33960) were observed.
Tumor Endothelial Markers Define Novel Subsets of Cancer-Specific Circulating Endothelial Cells Associated with Antitumor Efficacy
Authors: Mehran Reza , Nilsson Monique , Khajavi Mehrdad , Du Zhiqiang , Cascone Tina , Wu Hua Kang , Cortes Andrea , Xu Li , Zurita Amado , Schier Robert , Riedel Bernhard , El-Zein Randa , Heymach John V. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Circulating endothelial cells (CEC) are derived from multiple sources, including bone marrow (circulating endothelial progenitors; CEP), and established vasculature (mature CEC). Although CECs have shown promise as a biomarker for patients with cancer, their utility has been limited, in part, by the lack of specificity for tumor vasculature and the different nonmalignant causes that can impact CEC. Tumor endothelial markers (TEM) are antigens enriched in tumor versus nonmalignant endothelia. We hypothesized that TEMs may be detectable on CEC and that these circulating TEM+ endothelial cells (CTEC) may be a more specific marker for cancer and tumor response than standard CEC. We found that tumor-bearing mice had a relative increase in numbers of circulating CTEC, specifically with increased levels of TEM7 and TEM8 expression. Following treatment with various vascular-targeting agents, we observed a decrease in CTEC that correlated with the reductions in tumor growth. We extended these findings to human clinical samples and observed that CTECs were present in patients with esophageal cancer and non–small cell lung cancer (N = 40), and their levels decreased after surgical resection. These results demonstrate that CTECs are detectable in preclinical cancer models and patients with cancer. Furthermore, they suggest that CTECs offer a novel cancer-associated marker that may be useful as a blood-based surrogate for assessing the presence of tumor vasculature and antiangiogenic drug activity. Cancer Res; 74(10); 2731–41. ©2014 AACR.
Circulating MicroRNAs and the Occurrence of Acute Myocardial Infarction in Chinese Populations
Authors: Huang Suli , Chen Mu , Li Lu , He Mei’an , Hu Die , Zhang Xiaomin , Li Jun , Tanguay Robert M. , Feng Jing , Cheng Longxian , Zeng Hesong , Dai Xiayun , Deng Qifei , Hu Frank B. , Wu Tangchun 
Published: March 2014

Background—
Circulating microRNAs ( miRNAs) are emerging as novel disease biomarkers. We aimed to explore the association between circulating miRNAs and the occurrence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in Chinese populations.

Methods and Results—

In the discovery stage, the plasma of 20 patients with AMI and 20 controls were pooled respectively and profiled by massively parallel sequencing. Seventy-seven miRNAs showed differential expression. Selected miRNAs were validated in 178 patients with AMI and 198 controls using quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assays and further replicated in 150 patients with AMI and 150 controls. Results suggest that miR-320b and miR-125b levels were significantly lower in patients with AMI than in controls in both validation populations (
P
<0.0001). Lower levels of miR-320b and miR-125b were associated with increased occurrence of AMI (adjusted odds ratio, 4.71; 95% confidence interval, 2.96–7.48 and odds ratio, 4.27; 95% confidence interval, 2.84–6.41, respectively). Addition of the 2 miRNAs to traditional risk factors led to a significant improvement in the area under the curve from 0.822 (95% confidence interval, 0.787–0.856) to 0.871 (95% confidence interval, 0.842–0.900), with a net reclassification improvement of 20.45% (
P
<0.0001) and an integrated discrimination improvement of 0.16 (
P
<0.0001) for patients with AMI. A functional study showed that miR-320b and miR-125b could regulate the expression profiles of genes enriched in several signal transduction pathways critical for coronary heart disease in human vascular endothelial cells.

Conclusions—
The plasma levels of miR-320b and miR-125b were significantly lower in patients with AMI when compared with controls, and these miRNAs may be involved in the pathogenesis of coronary heart disease.
Time Course of Early Postadmission Hematoma Expansion in Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Ovesen Christian , Christensen Anders Fogh , Krieger Derk W. , Rosenbaum Sverre , Havsteen Inger , Christensen Hanne 
Published: March 2014

Background and Purpose—
Early hematoma expansion (EHE) in patients with intracerebral hematoma is a promising treatment target. To date, the time course of EHE has remained poorly described. We prospectively investigated the time course of EHE.

Methods—
We included consecutive patients presenting spontaneous intracerebral hematoma within 4.5 hours. On admission, patients underwent noncontrast computed tomography (CT) and CT angiography. Serial hematoma volume estimations by transcranial B-mode ultrasound were effected through the contralateral transtemporal bone window by obtaining sagittal, transversal, and coronal diameter and calculating the ABC/2-formula. National Institute of Health Stroke Scale and transcranial B-mode ultrasound were performed consecutively every 30 minutes during the first 6 hours and from 6 to 12 hours every 2 hours. Follow-up CT and ultrasound were performed after ≈24 hours.

Results—

Twenty-five patients with intracerebral hematoma were included; mean (SD) time from onset to CT was 108.6 (45.7) minutes. Ten (40%) patients had EHE. In patients with a final clinically significant hematoma expansion >12.5 mL, all EHE occurred within 6 hours after admission scan. EHE in spot sign positive patients continued during the first 5 hours after CT angiography. In spot sign–negative patients, no significant EHE was observed (Friedman test,
P
=0.476). Neurological deterioration occurred in 5 (20%) patients and was well temporally correlated with EHE. Transcranial B-mode ultrasound demonstrated good volume estimation compared with the follow-up CT with a maximum absolute volume deviation within 7 mL and minimal systematic error (mean deviation, 1.3 [confidence interval, −0.1 to 2.6] mL).

Conclusions—
EHE was reliably reflected by transcranial B-mode ultrasound and mainly occurred within the first 7 to 8 hours after symptom onset.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01472224.
Effect of Mandibular Tori on Glottic Exposure During Simulated Suspension Microlaryngoscopy
Authors: Best Simon R. , Kobler James B. , Friedman Aaron D. , Barbu Anca M. , Zeitels Steven M. , Burns James A. 
Published: March 2014

Objectives: Mandibular tori have been identified as a contributing factor in difficult exposure during intubation. However, no investigation has measured the effect of mandibular tori on glottic exposure during suspension microlaryngoscopy (SML). The objective of this study was to measure how the size and location of mandibular tori affect glottic exposure during simulated SML at different thyromental distances. Methods: Suspension microlaryngoscopy was modeled on an anatomically accurate skull and larynx with thyromental distances between 6 and 12 cm. Mandibular tori were simulated by protruding screws 5 to 15 mm from the lingual aspect of the mandible. The tori were positioned either 15 mm (anterior) or 25 mm (posterior) from the midline of the symphysis. The glottic exposure for the various-size tori in each location was measured by recording the displacement of the glottiscope tip relative to the most anterior exposure achievable without tori. The glottiscope angle relative to the horizontal plane was measured for each condition. Results: Mandibular tori of more than 10 mm had a significant impact on glottic exposure. Displacement of the glottiscope tip ranged from 2 to 9 mm for anteriorly placed tori and from 7 to 29 mm for posteriorly placed tori, with larger tori causing greater displacement. Increasing the thyromental distance increased the posterior glottiscope tip displacement regardless of torus size or location. The glottiscope angle increased with larger tori (12º to 28º), but this angle did not change with increasing thyromental distance. Conclusions: Larger size and more-posterior location of mandibular tori more significantly reduce glottic exposure during SML. The inner table of the mandible is the most relevant anatomic constraint on glottic exposure, which varies with the presence or absence of mandibular tori independent of thyromental distance.
Arytenoid Repositioning Device
Authors: Hoffman Henry T. , Heaford Andrew C. , Dailey Seth H. , Bock Jonathan M. , Van Daele Douglas J. , Ahlrichs-Hanson Jan S. , Quebbemann Greg J. , Johnson Micaela N. , Boltz Justin E. , Tiedt Sean L. 
Published: March 2014

Objectives: We report development of a device and technique to manage laryngeal paralysis through minimal-access arytenoid adduction (for unilateral paralysis) and arytenoid abduction (for bilateral paralysis). Methods: A human cadaver study coupled with directed engineering was used to develop instrumentation designed to secure the muscular process of the arytenoid into favorable adducted or abducted positions. Digital video, photography, and 3-dimensional computed tomographic (CT) imaging of cadaveric larynges were done to evaluate the surgical technique. Results: Testing of prototypes identified the ideal implant to be a 0.36-mm wire with a distal spring-wound coil placed through a trocar via a small drill hole in the anterior thyroid cartilage. An endoscopic view of transilluminated light through the pyriform sinus mucosa identified the tip location of the trocar adjacent to the muscular process of the arytenoid cartilage. Placement of the device through the trocar permitted rotation to engage the muscular process and/or adjacent soft tissue with the distal coil. Implant fixation to the thyroid cartilage positioned the vocal cord into either adduction or abduction. Three-dimensional CT imaging coupled with review of the video documentation established the feasibility of this technique. Conclusions: We confirm the feasibility of minimal-access arytenoid adduction and abduction through development of a new technique and device.
Emergent Treatment of Button Batteries in the Esophagus
Authors: Ruhl Douglas S. , Cable Benjamin B. , Rieth Katherine K. S. 
Published: March 2014

Objectives: The evolving epidemiology of pediatric button battery ingestion is alarming. Currently, assessment of the degree of damage relies heavily on the initial esophagoscopy in a manner similar to the management of caustic ingestion. We have noted that use of this classic approach may delay the return to normal oral intake. Using several cases treated at our institution, we illustrate the value of “close second-look esophagoscopy” (CSLE) in expediting a return to normal oral intake after button battery ingestion. Methods: We present a retrospective case series. Results: Five patients (11 to 18 months of age) with button batteries trapped in the cervical esophagus were recently managed at our institution. The batteries were lodged in the esophagus for durations ranging from 6 hours to 4 months. Three cases of initial grade III circumferential necrotic injury were downgraded to grade IIa after a CSLE performed 2 to 4 days after removal, and their management was appropriately changed. Conclusions: The injury and healing of cases of button batteries in the proximal esophagus appear to be variable; caustic injury, electrical mucosal damage, and direct pressure are thought to be several contributory factors. Performing a CSLE within 2 to 4 days after battery removal may provide more useful prognostic information. In certain cases, downgrading of the injury may facilitate an earlier return to an oral diet, use of fewer diagnostic tests, and a shorter hospital stay. The utility and timing of imaging, management of diet and medications, and acceptable follow-up plans are discussed within the context of guiding future research.
Lingual Thyroidectomy
Authors: Howard Brittany E. , Moore Eric J. , Hinni Michael L. 
Published: March 2014

Objectives: We report the clinical findings, surgical management, and outcomes for lingual thyroidectomy. Methods: We performed a retrospective case review of lingual thyroidectomy performed at 3 tertiary-care academic referral centers between 1994 and 2012. Results: Nine patients underwent lingual thyroidectomy for symptoms including globus sensation (6 patients), dysphagia (5 patients), and airway obstruction (5 patients). Before surgery, 3 patients had attempted medical suppressive therapy. Lingual thyroidectomy was performed by transoral laser microsurgery in 4 patients, transoral robotic surgery in 3 patients, transoral surgery without microscopic assistance in 1 patient, and an open approach with a modified Sistrunk procedure in 1 patient. Total thyroidectomy was attained in 7 patients, and subtotal resection in 2. The follow-up averaged 8 months, and all patients reported significant improvement in their symptoms. One patient had a recurrence. Complications included postoperative bleeding and epiglottic perforation in 1 patient and airway obstruction secondary to angioedema in another patient. There was no significant difference in operative times between transoral laser microsurgery (91 ± 16 minutes) and transoral robotic surgery (109 ± 35 minutes). Transoral surgery without microscopic assistance and open resection had longer operative times (206 and 246 minutes, respectively). Conclusions: Surgical resection of lingual thyroid glands achieves significant improvement in patient symptoms, with low rates of recurrence. We favor a total lingual thyroidectomy approach with use of either a microscope or a robotic endoscope for optical assistance.
Quality end-of-life care for dementia: What have family carers told us so far? A narrative synthesis
Authors: Davies Nathan , Maio Laura , Rait Greta , Iliffe Steve 
Published: March 2014

Background: People with dementia do not always receive good quality end-of-life care, with undertreated pain, aggressive medical interventions and limited access to hospice care being common. Family carers often provide the majority of informal care for people with dementia, therefore may be best placed to comment on quality of care. Aim: We explored what quality end-of-life care for dementia is from the perspective of family carers. Design: A review of qualitative evidence taking a systematic approach using a narrative synthesis with tabulation, textual description of studies and thematic analysis as tools, following the guidelines from the Economic and Social Research Council. Data sources: Keywords and subject headings were searched in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, SCIE and PsycINFO for studies from 1990 in April 2012 and updated in May 2013. Reference lists were checked and citation searches undertaken. Results: Eight studies were included. There was an overarching theme of ‘A family’s belief of death and their choice of treatment’. Three further themes were then identified to explain family carers’ beliefs: the relationship with professionals as a core component of care quality; emotional and commitment pressures of caring and finally, family carers’ ability to think about death and dying. Conclusion: It is difficult to define what constitutes high-quality end-of-life care for people with dementia from the perspective of family carers. Their views expressed in the literature appear to demonstrate more variation of preference of care and treatment and their uncertainty of this.
Risk-Prone Pitching Activities and Injuries in Youth Baseball
Authors: Yang Jingzhen , Mann Barton J. , Guettler Joseph H. , Dugas Jeffrey R. , Irrgang James J. , Fleisig Glenn S. , Albright John P. 
Published: March 2014

Background: There are relatively few published epidemiological studies that have correlated pitching-related risk factors with increased pitching-related arm problems as well as injuries. Hypothesis: High pitching volume and limited recovery will lead to arm fatigue, thus placing young pitchers at a greater risk for elbow and shoulder problems and, subsequently, an increased risk for arm injuries. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A national survey was conducted among 754 youth pitchers (ages 9 to 18 years) who had pitched in organized baseball leagues during the 12 months before the survey. Self-reported risk-prone pitching activities were identified and compared with recommendations by the American Sports Medicine Institute. Relationships between self-reported pitching activities, shoulder and elbow problems, and injuries were assessed using multivariable logistic regression. Results: Of the 754 participating pitchers, 43.4% pitched on consecutive days, 30.7% pitched on multiple teams with overlapping seasons, and 19.0% pitched multiple games a day during the 12 months before the study. Pitchers who engaged in these activities had increased risk of pitching-related arm pain (odds ratio [OR] = 2.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.14-5.60; OR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.02-3.38; OR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.03-3.49, respectively). Nearly 70% of the sample reported throwing curveballs, which was associated with 1.66 (95% CI = 1.09-2.53) greater odds of experiencing arm pain while throwing. Pitching-related arm tiredness and arm pain were associated with increased risk of pitching-related injuries. Specifically, those who often pitched with arm tiredness and arm pain had 7.88 (95% CI = 3.88-15.99) and 7.50 (95% CI = 3.47-16.21) greater odds of pitching-related injury, respectively. However, pitching on a travel baseball club, playing baseball exclusively, or playing catcher were not associated with arm problems. Conclusion: The results of this study, along with those of others, reinforce the importance of avoiding risk-prone pitching activities to prevent pitching-related injuries among youth pitchers.