bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impaired Vascular KATP Function Attenuates Exercise Capacity in Obese Zucker Rats
Authors: Lu Silu , Xiang Lusha , Clemmer John S. , Gowdey Andrew R. , Mittwede Peter N. , Hester Robert L. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractObjectiveObese subjects exhibit decreased exercise capacity (VO2max). We have shown that vascular KATP channel mediates arteriolar dilation to muscle contraction. We hypothesize that exercise capacity is decreased in obesity due to impaired vascular KATP function.MethodsThe VO2max was measured in LZR and OZR by treadmill running before and following treatment with the KATP blocker glibenclamide i.p. One week later, the spinotrapezius muscle was prepared for in vivo microscopy. Arcade arteriolar diameters were measured following muscle contraction or application of the KATP opener cromakalim before and after glibenclamide application. In additional animals, LZR and OZR were treated with apocynin for five weeks. VO2max and arteriolar dilation experiments were repeated.ResultsThe OZR exhibited decreased VO2max, functional and cromakalim‐induced vasodilation as compared with LZR. Glibenclamide had no effect on VO2max and functional vasodilation in OZR, but significantly inhibited responses in LZR. Vascular superoxide levels and NADPH oxidase activity were increased in OZR, but reduced in apocynin‐treated OZR. Apocynin increased the VO2max, functional and cromakalim‐induced vasodilation in OZR with no effect in LZR.ConclusionsExercise capacity is dependent on vascular KATP channel function. The reduced exercise capacity in OZR appears to be due in part to superoxide‐mediated impairment in vascular KATP function.
Echinocandins in invasive candidiasis
Authors: Simon John , Sun Hsin‐Yun , Leong Hoe Nam , Barez Marie Yvette C. , Huang Po‐Yen , Talwar Deepak , Wang Jen‐Hsien , Mansor Melor , Wahjuprajitno Bambang , Patel Atul , Wittayachanyapong Siriporn , Sany B. Shoib Mohd , Lin Sheng‐Fong , Dimopoulos George 
Published: May 2013

SummaryWe summarise a recent meeting, sponsored by Pfizer Inc., where experts in Asia shared their clinical experience in managingIC. The echinocandins have demonstrated good activity against non‐albicansinfections and also azole‐resistant strains, both preclinically and in recent clinical trials. As well as proving efficacious, echinocandins have a favourable safety profile and are well tolerated, including among inpatient subpopulations, such as transplant recipients and those with renal or hepatic dysfunction. In addition the echinocandins generally have minimal drug–drug interactions, unlike the oral azoles, which have multiple effects on cytochrome P450‐mediated drug metabolism. Echinocandins are characterised by a good safety profile, few drug–drug interactions and good susceptibilities. With the increase in potentially azole‐resistant non‐albicansinfections, echinocandins may become the first‐line treatment of choice for many patients.
Mass mortality of an asteriid starfish (Forcipulatida, Asteroidea, Echinodermata) from the late Maastrichtian (Late Cretaceous) of Morocco
Authors: GALE ANDY , VILLIER LOÏC 
Published: May 2013

Abstract:  A mass occurrence, numbering tens of thousands of individuals in a single lens, belonging to a single species of asteroid, is described from the late Maastrichtian (Late Cetaceous) of Morocco. The lens of partially silicified asteroidal limestone is made up largely of fully articulated specimens of similar size and probably represents the mass mortality of a single recruitment. By comparison with mass strandings of the present‐day species Asterias rubens (Linnaeus), it can be inferred that a feeding swarm of individuals was swept into a submarine channel by either a storm or an exceptionally strong tidal current, and permanently buried. The genus and species are herein described as Cretasterias reticulatus gen. et sp. nov. The exceptional preservation of the material enables the identification of wreath organs (clusters of crossed pedicellariae set in a dermal pad around spines) for the first time in the fossil record. Comparison between extant Asteriidae, putative fossil asteriids and C. reticulatus provides ambiguous evidence of its affinities; it appears to display a combination of plesiomorphic and derived characters. It is shown that all Mesozoic forcipulatid asteroids described so far share a very simple arm construction (single row of adradial ossicles) unknown in adult extant Forcipulatida.
A new Patagonian species ofCricosaurus(Crocodyliformes, Thalattosuchia): first evidence ofCricosaurusin Middle–Upper Tithonian lithographic limestone from Gondwana
Authors: HERRERA YANINA , GASPARINI ZULMA , FERNÁNDEZ MARTA S. 
Published: May 2013

Abstract: Upper Jurassic (Tithonian) deposits in north‐western Patagonia, Argentina, have yielded rich and taxonomically diverse assemblages of marine reptiles. These assemblages are also remarkable by their quality of preservation and are represented by ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs, turtles and crocodyliforms. Despite the abundant crocodyliform record, only two metriorhynchid taxa have been identified:Cricosaurus araucanensisandDakosaurus andiniensis. Here we described a new species ofCricosaurus, which represents the second species ofCricosaurusin the Tithonian of the Neuquén Basin, and the first metriorhynchid found in lithographic limestone from Gondwana. Furthermore, this specimen has the most complete postcranial remains of any metriorhynchid from South America. The new species is characterized by a short distance between the premaxilla and the nasal, a relatively narrow interorbital width, 23–25 mandibular teeth, bicarinated teeth with fine apicobasally aligned ridges, interalveolar spaces between the first seven teeth approximately 1.5 times longer than the anteroposterior diameter of the respective alveoli. To test the assignment of the new species toCricosaurus, we carried out two phylogenetic analyses. In both analyses,Cricosaurus lithographicussp. nov. is nested with other species referred to this genus. This new species has peculiar enamel ornamentation, characterized by numerous, fine apicobasally aligned ridges, when compared to other species of the genus.
In situ stems: preservation states and growth habits of the Pennsylvanian (Carboniferous) calamitaleans based upon new studies of Calamites Sternberg, 1820 in the Duckmantian at Brymbo, North Wales, UK
Authors: Thomas Barry A. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractCalamitalean stems that are preserved in growth position in Carboniferous sedimentary deposits have been described many times in the literature as either pith casts or stem casts. Many of these in situ stems show branching, which gives some information on their patterns of growth. Their manner of preservation is discussed in the light of a new stand of well‐preserved in situ stem and branch pith casts of Calamites discovered in mid to upper Duckmantian sandstone at Brymbo in the Wrexham Coalfield of North Wales. Analysis of a brown mineralized layer surrounding the casts and below the black compression remains of the stem tissues has shown the presence of goethite, muscovite, quartz and kaolin. Deposition of these minerals around the inside of the central stem cavity would have provided rigidity and sufficient support, while the pith cavity filled with sediments. The outer tissues would then have been compressed to form a thin coal layer around the mineralized infill of the pith cavity. Cross sections of stems were found clustered together in relatively small areas, and kernel density map and nearest neighbour analysis suggest that each small patch of these pith casts represents an individual plant spread by rhizomatous growth. Stems found in ironstone nodules are external casts of leafy stems preserved by the deposition of siderite on their surfaces. A length of rhizome found at Brymbo was similarly preserved as a cast in ironstone.
Introgression of productivity and other desirable traits from ricebean (Vigna umbellata) into black gram (Vigna mungo)
Authors: Singh Inderjit , Sandhu Jeet S. , Gupta Shashi K. , Singh Sarvjeet 
Published: May 2013

AbstractCrosses were performed to introgress genes for productivity and other desirable traits from ricebean (Vigna umbellata) into black gram (Vigna mungo). Crossability was very poor in black gram × ricebean crosses, and only two to nine true hybrid plants were obtained. Plant fertility was very poor in initial generations, but was improved gradually from F2 onwards. Twenty‐four uniform progenies, bulked in F7, were evaluated for yield potential. The percentage increase/decrease in yield ranged from −35.48 to 50.31 over the check cultivar (‘Mash338’, female parent). All the progenies were found resistant to Mungbean yellow mosaic virus, Cercospora leaf spot and Bacterial leaf spot diseases. Overall, it was found that desirable traits such as high pod number, seed weight, productivity and resistance to diseases have been introgressed successfully into black gram from ricebean. A derivative line, KUG114, recorded yield superiority of 39.45% over the check cultivar ‘Mash338’ on the average of 14 multilocation research trials. It was released under the name ‘Mash114’ for cultivation in the Punjab state.
Overexpression of microRNA319 impacts leaf morphogenesis and leads to enhanced cold tolerance in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: YANG CHUNHUA , LI DAYONG , MAO DONGHAI , LIU XUE , JI CHENGJUN , LI XIAOBING , ZHAO XIANFENG , CHENG ZHUKUAN , CHEN CAIYAN , ZHU LIHUANG 
Published: May 2013

AbstractMicroRNA319 (miR319) family is one of the conserved microRNA (miRNA) families among diverse plant species. It has been reported that miR319 regulates plant development in dicotyledons, but little is known at present about its functions in monocotyledons. In rice (Oryza sativa L.), the MIR319 gene family comprises two members, Osa‐MIR319a and Osa‐MIR319b. Here, we report an expression pattern analysis and a functional characterization of the two Osa‐MIR319 genes in rice. We found that overexpressing Osa‐MIR319a and Osa‐MIR319b in rice both resulted in wider leaf blades. Leaves of osa‐miR319 overexpression transgenic plants showed an increased number of longitudinal small veins, which probably accounted for the increased leaf blade width. In addition, we observed that overexpressing osa‐miR319 led to enhanced cold tolerance (4 °C) after chilling acclimation (12 °C) in transgenic rice seedlings. Notably, under both 4 and 12 °C low temperatures, Osa‐MIR319a and Osa‐MIR319b were down‐regulated while the expression of miR319‐targeted genes was induced. Furthermore, genetically down‐regulating the expression of either of the two miR319‐targeted genes, OsPCF5 and OsPCF8, in RNA interference (RNAi) plants also resulted in enhanced cold tolerance after chilling acclimation. Our findings in this study demonstrate that miR319 plays important roles in leaf morphogenesis and cold tolerance in rice.
Validity and reliability testing of the Swedish version of Melbourne Decision Making Questionnaire
Authors: Isaksson Ulf , Hajdarević Senada , Jutterström Lena , Hörnsten Åsa 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundThe Melbourne Decision‐Making Questionnaire (MDMQ) is an attempt to capture and measure coping strategies that people use. The instrument had not previously been translated into Swedish. The aim of this study was to evaluate validity and reliability of the Swedish version of the MDMQ.MethodA Swedish translation was performed and back‐translated. A group of five pilot readers evaluated content validity. The translated questionnaire was tested among 735 patients, healthcare workers, healthcare students and teachers. A parallel analysis (PA), exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were performed.ResultAn initial EFA with a four‐factor solution showed a low concordance with the original 22‐item four‐factor model with a very low Cronbach's alpha in one of the dimensions. However, a second EFA with a three‐factor solution showed a good model fit for the Swedish translation of the Melbourne Decision‐Making Questionnaire (MDMQ‐S) with a satisfactory Cronbach's alpha. A CFA showed a goodness of fit after deleting six items.ConclusionAfter testing the MDMQ‐S, we found support for validity and reliability of the instrument. We found the 16‐item version of MDMQ‐S to be satisfactory concerning the subscales vigilance, procrastination and buck‐passing. However, we found no support that the hypervigilance dimension could be measured by the MDMQ‐S.
Inference in Targeted Group‐Sequential Covariate‐Adjusted Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Chambaz Antoine , van der Laan Mark J. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTThis article is devoted to the construction and asymptotic study of adaptive, group‐sequential, covariate‐adjusted randomized clinical trials analysed through the prism of the semiparametric methodology of targeted maximum likelihood estimation. We show how to build, as the data accrue group‐sequentially, a sampling design that targets a user‐supplied optimal covariate‐adjusted design. We also show how to carry out sound statistical inference based on such an adaptive sampling scheme (therefore extending some results known in the independent and identically distributed setting only so far), and how group‐sequential testing applies on top of it. The procedure is robust (i.e. consistent even if the working model is mis‐specified). A simulation study confirms the theoretical results and validates the conjecture that the procedure may also be efficient.
No effect of antifungal compounds on functional properties of human antifungal T‐helper type 1 cells
Authors: Tramsen L. , Schmidt S. , Koehl U. , Huenecke S. , Latgé J.‐P. , Roeger F. , Schubert R. , Klingebiel T. , Lehrnbecher T. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractDespite the availability of new antifungal compounds, invasive fungal disease is associated with a high mortality in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients. A growing body of evidence suggests that T lymphocytes from the T‐helper type 1 (TH1) play an important role in the antifungal host defense, and preliminary data indicate a potential benefit of infusing donor‐derived antifungal TH1 cells to HSCT patients suffering from invasive fungal disease. Unfortunately, it is unclear to date whether the function of these cells is affected by concomitantly administered antifungal agents. We therefore analyzed the effects of various concentrations of commonly used antifungal compounds such as amphotericin B, caspofungin, fluconazole, voriconazole, and posaconazole on the functional properties of cultivated human antifungal TH1 cells. None of the antifungal compounds tested significantly influenced the secretion of interferon‐γ and tumor necrosis factor‐α, and only posaconazole at high concentrations slightly decreased proliferation of antifungal TH1 cells. Our data indicate that the antifungal agents tested do not significantly affect the functional properties of antifungal TH1 cells and can therefore be concomitantly administered.
Have we improved use of medicines in developing and transitional countries and do we know how to? Two decades of evidence
Authors: Holloway K. A. , Ivanovska V. , Wagner A. K. , Vialle‐Valentin C. , Ross‐Degnan D. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo assess progress in improving use of medicines in developing and transitional countries by reviewing empirical evidence, 1990–2009, concerning patterns of primary care medicine use and intervention effects.MethodsWe extracted data on medicines use, study setting, methodology and interventions from published and unpublished studies on primary care medicine use. We calculated the medians of six medicines use indicators by study year, country income level, geographic region, facility ownership and prescriber type. To estimate intervention impacts, we calculated greatest positive (GES) and median effect sizes (MES) from studies meeting accepted design criteria.ResultsOur review comprises 900 studies conducted in 104 countries, reporting data on 1033 study groups from public (62%), and private (mostly for profit) facilities (26%), and households. The proportion of treatment according to standard treatment guidelines was 40% in public and <30% in private‐for‐profit sector facilities. Most indicators showed suboptimal use and little progress over time: Average number of medicines prescribed per patient increased from 2.1 to 2.8 and the percentage of patients receiving antibiotics from 45% to 54%. Of 405 (39%) studies reporting on interventions, 110 (27%) used adequate study design and were further analysed. Multicomponent interventions had larger effects than single component ones. Median GES was 40% for provider and consumer education with supervision, 17% for provider education alone and 8% for distribution of printed education materials alone. Median MES showed more modest improvements.ConclusionsInappropriate medicine use remains a serious global problem.
Thermospermine levels are controlled by an auxin‐dependent feedback loop mechanism in Populus xylem
Authors: Milhinhos Ana , Prestele Jakob , Bollhöner Benjamin , Matos Andreia , Vera‐Sirera Francisco , Rambla José L. , Ljung Karin , Carbonell Juan , Blázquez Miguel A. , Tuominen Hannele , Miguel Célia M. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryPolyamines are small polycationic amines that are widespread in living organisms. Thermospermine, synthesized by thermospermine synthase ACAULIS5 (ACL5), was recently shown to be an endogenous plant polyamine. Thermospermine is critical for proper vascular development and xylem cell specification, but it is not known how thermospermine homeostasis is controlled in the xylem. We present data in the Populus model system supporting the existence of a negative feedback control of thermospermine levels in stem xylem tissues, the main site of thermospermine biosynthesis. While over‐expression of the ACL5 homologue in Populus, POPACAULIS5, resulted in strong up‐regulation of ACL5 expression and thermospermine accumulation in leaves, the corresponding levels in the secondary xylem tissues of the stem were similar or lower than those in the wild‐type. POPACAULIS5 over‐expression had a negative effect on accumulation of indole‐3‐acetic acid, while exogenous auxin had a positive effect on POPACAULIS5 expression, thus promoting thermospermine accumulation. Further, over‐expression of POPACAULIS5 negatively affected expression of the class III homeodomain leucine zipper (HD‐Zip III) transcription factor gene PttHB8, a homologue of AtHB8, while up‐regulation of PttHB8 positively affected POPACAULIS5 expression. These results indicate that excessive accumulation of thermospermine is prevented by a negative feedback control of POPACAULIS5 transcript levels through suppression of indole‐3‐acetic acid levels, and that PttHB8 is involved in the control of POPACAULIS5 expression. We propose that this negative feedback loop functions to maintain steady‐state levels of thermospermine, which is required for proper xylem development, and that it is dependent on the presence of high concentrations of endogenous indole‐3‐acetic acid, such as those present in the secondary xylem tissues.
The effect of 1% tropicamide‐induced mydriasis and cycloplegia on spherical refraction of the adult horse
Authors: McMullen Richard J. , Davidson Michael G. , Gilger Brian C. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractObjectivesTo determine the effects of tropicamide 1% on the refractive state of the adult equine globe and identify the most appropriate time period (in relation to mydriasis) to perform streak retinoscopy.Animals studiedEight university‐owned mares of various ages and breeds.ProceduresTopical tropicamide 1% was applied to one randomly selected eye from each of the horses to induce mydriasis and cycloplegia. The contralateral eyes served as controls. Streak retinoscopy and pupillometry were performed prior to, and every 5 min after tropicamide 1% installation for 90 min.ResultsAll values are expressed as mean ± SD. Both horizontal (2.8 ± 0.74 mm) and vertical (7.3 ± 1.29 mm) mean pupil diameters increased significantly (P < 0.04) in the treatment eyes compared with the control eyes (horizontal [0.48 ± 0.85 mm] and vertical [1.06 ± 1.31 mm] pupil diameter). No significant differences in the refractive states of the treatment (horizontal: +0.25 ± 0.43 D and vertical: +0.41 ± 0.37 D) or control (horizontal: +0.34 ± 0.39 D and vertical: +0.41 ± 0.37 D) eyes were identified at any time point. Three of the eight treatment eyes demonstrated blurry or reversing streak reflexes during streak retinoscopy evaluation following the application of topical tropicamide 1%.ConclusionsWhile these reflexes did not significantly influence streak retinoscopy results, their presence may subjectively influence a novice retinoscopist's ability to obtain accurate results. Therefore, optimal streak retinoscopy results may be obtained prior to, or 40‐ to 45‐min following the application of topical tropicamide 1%, once near‐maximal dilation has been achieved.
Relationship of
In Vitro
Synergy and Treatment Outcome with Daptomycin plus Rifampin in Patients with Invasive Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infections
Authors: Rose Warren E. , Berti Andrew D. , Hatch Jacob B. , Maki Dennis G. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT

We report the findings of a study examining the relationship between
in vitro
daptomycin-rifampin synergy and the therapeutic outcome of 12 patients with complex deep methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) infections treated for prolonged periods with this combination. Checkerboard synergy was found in nine cases and was 100% predictive of therapeutic success; absence of synergy was found in three cases, two of which were therapeutic failures (
P
= 0.045). No relationship was observed between synergy and outcome by time-kill assessment. Checkerboard synergy may predict clinical response to daptomycin plus rifampin for complex invasive MRSA infections requiring prolonged treatment.
Human Simulated Studies of Aztreonam and Aztreonam-Avibactam To Evaluate Activity against Challenging Gram-Negative Organisms, Including Metallo-β-Lactamase Producers
Authors: Crandon Jared L. , Nicolau David P. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT

Secondary to the stability of aztreonam against metallo-β-lactamases, coupled with avibatam's neutralizing activity against often coproduced extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) or AmpC enzymes, the combination of aztreonam and avibactam has been proposed as a principal candidate for the treatment of infections with metallo-β-lactamase-producing Gram-negative organisms. Using the neutropenic-mouse thigh infection model, we evaluated the efficacy of human simulated doses of aztreonam-avibactam and aztreonam against 14
Enterobacteriaceae
and 13
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
isolates, of which 25 produced metallo-β-lactamases. Additionally, six
P. aeruginosa
isolates were also evaluated in immunocompetent animals. A humanized aztreonam dose of 2 g every 6 h (1-h infusion) was evaluated alone and in combination with avibactam at 375 or 600 mg every 6 h (1-h infusion), targeting the percentage of the dosing interval in which free-drug concentrations remained above the MIC (
f
T>MIC). Efficacy was evaluated as the change in bacterial density after 24 h compared with the bacterial density at the initiation of dosing. Aztreonam monotherapy resulted in reductions of two of the
Enterobacteriaceae
bacterial isolates (aztreonam MIC, ≤32 μg/ml;
f
T>MIC, ≥38%) and minimal activity against the remaining isolates (aztreonam MIC, ≥128 μg/ml;
f
T>MIC, 0%). Alternatively, aztreonam-avibactam therapy resulted in the reduction of all 14
Enterobacteriaceae
isolates (aztreonam-avibactam MICs, ≤16 μg/ml;
f
T>MIC, ≥65%) and no difference between the 375- and 600-mg doses of avibactam was noted. Similar pharmacodynamically predictable activity against
P. aeruginosa
was noted in studies with neutropenic and immunocompetent mice, with activity occurring when the MICs were ≤16 μg/ml and variable efficacy noted when the MICs were ≥32 μg/ml. Again, no difference in efficacy between the 375- and 600-mg doses of avibactam was observed. Aztreonam-avibactam represents an attractive treatment option for infections with metallo-β-lactamase-producing Gram-negative pathogens that coproduce ESBLs or AmpC.