bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Agronomic factors in the establishment of tetraploid seeded Miscanthus × giganteus
Authors: Anderson Eric K. , Lee DoKyoung , Allen Damian J. , Voigt Thomas B. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractTo meet US renewable fuel mandates, perennial grasses have been identified as important potential feedstocks for processing into biofuels. Triploid Miscanthus × giganteus, a sterile, rhizomatous grass, has proven to be a high‐yielding biomass crop over the past few decades in the European Union and, more recently, in the United States. However, high establishment costs from rhizomes are a limitation to more widespread plantings without government subsidies. A recently developed tetraploid cultivar of M. × giganteus producing viable seeds (seeded miscanthus) shows promise in producing high yields with reduced establishment costs. Field experiments were conducted in Urbana, Illinois from 2011 to 2013 to optimize seeded miscanthus establishment by comparing seeding rates (10, 20, and 40 seeds m−2) and planting methods (drilling seeds at 38 and 76 cm row spacing vs. hydroseeding with and without premoistened seeds) under irrigated and rainfed conditions. Drought conditions in 2011 and 2012 coincided with stand establishment failure under rainfed conditions, suggesting that seeded miscanthus may not establish well in water‐stressed environments. In irrigated plots, hydroseeding without premoistening was significantly better than hydroseeding with premoistening, drilling at 38 cm and drilling at 76 cm with respect to plant number (18%, 54%, and 59% higher, respectively), plant frequency (13%, 30%, and 40% better, respectively), and the rate of canopy closure (18%, 33%, and 43% faster, respectively) when averaged across seeding rates. However, differences in second‐year biomass yields among treatments were less pronounced, as plant size partially compensated for plant density. Both hydroseeding and drilling at rates of 20 or 40 seeds m−2 appear to be viable planting options for establishing seeded miscanthus provided sufficient soil moisture, but additional strategies are required for this new biomass production system under rainfed conditions.
Investigation of Brain‐Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Gene Variants in Migraine
Authors: Sutherland Heidi G. , Maher Bridget H. , Rodriguez‐Acevedo Astrid J. , Haupt Larisa M. , Griffiths Lyn R. 
Published: April 2014

ObjectiveA number of observations have suggested that brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a role in migraine pathophysiology. This study investigates whether variants in the BDNF gene are associated with migraine in an Australian case‐control population.BackgroundBDNF has an important role in neural growth, development, and survival in the central nervous system and is an important modulator of central and peripheral pain responses. Variants in BDNF, in particular the functional Val66Met polymorphism (rs6265), have been found to be associated with a number of psychiatric disorders, cognitive function, and obesity. As BDNF has been found to be differentially expressed in a number of aspects related to migraine, we tested for association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in BDNF and migraine.MethodsFive SNPs in the BDNF locus (rs1519480, rs6265, rs712507, rs2049046, and rs12273363) were genotyped initially in a cohort of 277 migraine cases, including 172 diagnosed with migraine with aura (MA) and 105 with migraine without aura (MO), and 277 age‐ and sex‐matched controls. Three of these SNPs (rs6265, rs2049046, and rs12273363) were subsequently genotyped in a second cohort of 580 migraineurs, including 473 diagnosed with MA and 105 with MO, and 580 matched controls.ResultsBDNF SNPs rs1519480, rs6265, rs712507, and rs12273363 were not significantly associated with migraine. However, rs2049046 showed a significant association with migraine, and in particular, MA in the first cohort. In the second cohort, although an increase in the rs2049046 T‐allele frequency was observed in migraine cases, and in both MA and MO subgroups, it was not significantly different from controls. Analysis of data combined from both cohorts for rs2049046 showed significant differences in the genotypic and allelic distributions for this marker in both migraine and the MA subgroup.ConclusionThis study confirmed previous studies that the functional BDNF SNP rs6265 (Val66Met) is not associated with migraine. However, we found that rs2049046, which resides at the 5' end of one the BDNF transcripts, may be associated with migraine, suggesting that further investigations of this SNP may be warranted.
Impact of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease on liver volume in humans
Authors: Bian Hua , Hakkarainen Antti , Zhou You , Lundbom Nina , Olkkonen Vesa M , Yki‐Järvinen Hannele 
Published: April 2014

AimKnowledge of liver volume is needed in the preoperative screening of liver transplant donors and in pharmacokinetic studies. In previous studies, bodyweight, surface area, age and sex have been identified as predictors of total liver volume, but the impact of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) independent of body size on liver volume has not been determined. We examined whether and to what extent liver fat due to NAFLD influences liver volume.MethodsWe quantified the percentage of liver fat by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) and liver total, lean and fat volumes using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 112 subjects (62 women, 50 men), who were characterized with respect to metabolic parameters associated with NAFLD.ResultsOf the subjects, 45% had NAFLD (liver fat 12.5 ± 4.5% vs 1.8 ± 1.6%, NAFLD vs no NAFLD, P < 0.001). Total liver volume was 29% higher in subjects with NAFLD (1.91 ± 0.45 L) than in those with no NAFLD (1.49 ± 0.31 L, P < 0.001). In multiple linear regression analysis, the percentage of liver fat and bodyweight independently explained variation in total liver volume (r2 = 0.42, P < 0.001). The r‐values for the relationship between metabolic parameters and the total liver fat volume were not significantly better than those between metabolic parameters and the percentage of liver fat.ConclusionBoth bodyweight and NAFLD increase liver volume independent of each other. Measurement of liver fat by 1H‐MRS allows accurate quantification of NAFLD and calculation of total liver volume.
Micronodular thymoma with lymphoid stroma: an immunohistochemical study of the distribution of Langerhans cells and mature dendritic cells in six patients
Authors: Ishikawa Yoshinori , Tateyama Hisashi , Yoshida Megumi , Takami Koji , Matsuguma Haruhisa , Taniguchi Tetsuo , Usami Noriyasu , Kawaguchi Koji , Fukui Takayuki , Ishiguro Futoshi , Nakamura Shota , Yokoi Kohei 
Published: April 2014

AimsMicronodular thymoma with lymphoid stroma (MNT) is an uncommon variant of thymoma, characterized by multiple small nodules consisting of type A thymoma‐like cells, which are separated by abundant B lymphocytes. The aim of the study was to elucidate the pathogenesis of the stromal lymphoid hyperplasia, which is currently unclear.Methods and resultsWe retrieved six cases of MNT, and immunohistochemically examined the number and distribution of Langerhans cells (LCs) and mature dendritic cells (DCs), and compared them with those in type A and type AB thymomas. Many LCs were present within the small tumour nests, but LCs were rarely seen in the stroma (75.5/HPF versus 6.1/HPF, P < 0.0001). In contrast, mature DCs were present mainly in the surrounding stroma rather than within the tumour nodules (63.5/HPF versus 6.0/HPF, P < 0.0001), forming clusters with mature T lymphocytes adjacent to lymphoid follicles. In large nodules, as well as in type A and type AB thymomas, a few scattered LCs and DCs were identified. All patients were still alive and well.ConclusionsOur results suggest that LCs take up tumour antigens and migrate to the stroma, where they mature and form clusters with T lymphocytes to activate them, resulting in lymphoid follicle formation. The favourable clinical behaviour may be attributable to the immune response induced by LCs.
Analysis of abnormal clones by the fluorescent aerolysin method in paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria and other marrow disorders
Authors: Agarwal R. , Chapple P. , Brown M. , Szer J. , Juneja S. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryIntroductionFlow cytometry is the most sensitive and specific diagnostic modality for the assessment of clone size in paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH) and other bone marrow failure states. In this study, we attempt to distinguish PNH from aplastic anaemia (AA) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) associated with PNH clones at diagnosis by clone size, clinical and laboratory features.MethodsA total of 29 samples included 19 PNH cases and 10 AA/MDS cases with PNH clones. Flow cytometry was performed using fluorescent aerolysin (FLAER)‐based assay and comparison of clinical features, laboratory parameters and PNH clone size was carried out at diagnosis.ResultsThe PNH clone size on granulocytes varied from 0.4% to 99.2% and correlated with the clone size on monocytes (r = 0.966; P < 0.001). Paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria clone size on granulocytes (median = 34.6%) and monocytes (median = 49.9%) was always larger than erythrocytes (median = 10.9%). The median clone size in PNH (median granulocytes = 74.9%, monocytes = 71.8%) was significantly greater than in AA/MDS associated with PNH clone (median granulocytes = 2.9%, monocytes = 6%). In PNH patients, a significant negative correlation was seen between PNH clone on monocytes and the haemoglobin concentration.ConclusionIn our small study using the FLAER method, the clone size was >70% in majority of PNH cases. In other marrow disorders like AA/MDS, the clone size was usually <10%.
Reporting and grading of abnormal red blood cell morphology
Authors: Constantino B. T. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryIn spite of the continual standardization of test result formats, the improvements of laboratory technologies, publications of reference guidelines, and the advancements in hematology analyzers, the methods of reporting or grading abnormal red blood cell morphology still vary among laboratories everywhere. This article describes the methods or systems of reporting abnormal red cell morphology and the conditions associated with the abnormalities.
Clinical Comparison of the Hybrid Dynamic Compression Plate and the Castless Plate for Pancarpal Arthrodesis in 219 Dogs
Authors: Bristow Poppy C. , Meeson Richard L. , Thorne Rebecca M. , Butterworth Steven J. , Rutherford Scott , Renwick Alasdair I.C. , Wustefeld‐Janssens Brandan , Witte Philip G.K. , Woods Samantha , Parsons Kevin J. , Keeley Benjamin J. , Owen Martin R. , Li Alex , Arthurs Gareth I. 
Published: April 2014

ObjectiveTo describe and compare a large population of dogs that had pancarpal arthrodesis (PCA) using either a hybrid dynamic compression plate (HDCP) or a CastLess Plate (CLP).Study DesignMulticenter, retrospective, cohort study.AnimalsDogs (n = 240; 261 PCA).MethodsMedical records (2000–2012) from 12 UK orthopedic centers were reviewed for dogs that had PCA to document signalment, diagnosis, arthrodesis method, and complication rates. Follow‐up data were used to compare outcome (lameness evaluation and radiographic healing) after use of HDCP and CLP plates.ResultsPCA was performed with HDCP in 125 cases, CLP in 105, and by other techniques in 31. Carpal hyperextension injury was the most common diagnosis in HDCP and CLP groups. Surgical site infection (18.3%) was the most common postoperative complication. There was no difference in intra‐ (11% HDCP, 21% CLP) or postoperative (34% HDCP, 41% CLP) complication rates. Use of external coaptation did not affect postoperative complication rates or outcome. External coaptation related complications occurred in 32% HDCP and 18% CLP (P = .02). At median follow‐up, most dogs were classified as having no or mild lameness (73% HDCP, 83% CLP) and there was radiographic healing in 40% HDCP and 46% CLP (P = .8) cases.ConclusionsCLP and HDCP may both be used successfully to achieve pancarpal arthrodesis. Adjunctive external coaptation does not appear to have a measurable clinical benefit but is associated with morbidity.
What factors influence nurses' assessment practices? Development of the Barriers to Nurses' use of Physical Assessment Scale
Authors: Douglas Clint , Osborne Sonya , Reid Carol , Batch Mary , Hollingdrake Olivia , Gardner Glenn ,   Members of the RBWH Patient Assessment Research Council
Published: April 2014

AbstractAimTo develop and psychometrically test the Barriers to Nurses' use of Physical Assessment Scale.BackgroundThere is growing evidence of failure to recognize hospitalized patients at risk of clinical deterioration, in part due to inadequate physical assessment by nurses. Yet, little is known about the barriers to nurses' use of physical assessment in the acute hospital setting and no validated scales have been published.DesignInstrument development study.MethodScale development was based on a comprehensive literature review, focus groups, expert review and psychometric evaluation. The scale was administered to 434 acute care Registered Nurses working at a large Australian teaching hospital between June and July 2013. Psychometric analysis included factor analysis, model fit statistics and reliability testing.ResultsThe final scale was reduced to 38 items representing seven factors, together accounting for 57·7% of the variance: (1) reliance on others and technology; (2) lack of time and interruptions; (3) ward culture; (4) lack of confidence; (5) lack of nursing role models; (6) lack of influence on patient care; and (7) specialty area. Internal reliability ranged from 0·70–0·86.ConclusionFindings provide initial evidence for the validity and reliability of the Barriers to Nurses' use of Physical Assessment Scale and point to the importance of understanding the organizational determinants of nurses' assessment practices. The new scale has potential clinical and research applications to support nursing assessment in acute care settings.
Potential Economic Impacts of Environmental Flows Following a Possible Listing of Endangered Texas Freshwater Mussels
Authors: Wolaver Brad D. , Cook Cassandra E. , Sunding David L. , Hamilton Stephen F. , Scanlon Bridget R. , Young Michael H. , Xu Xianli , Reedy Robert C. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractTexas water resources, already taxed by drought and population growth, could be further stressed by possible listings of endangered aquatic species. This study estimated potential economic impacts of environmental flows (EFs) for five freshwater unionid mussels in three Central Texas basins (Brazos, Colorado, and Guadalupe‐San Antonio Rivers) that encompass 36% of Texas (~246,000 km2). A water availability model projected reductions in water supply to power, commercial and industrial, municipal, and agriculture sectors in response to possible EFs for mussels. Single‐year economic impacts were calculated using publicly available data with and without water transfers. Benefits of EFs should also be assessed, should critical habitat be proposed. Potential economic losses were highest during droughts, but were nominal (<$1 M) in wetter years — even with high EFs. Reduced supplies to San Antonio area power plants caused worst‐case impacts of a single‐year shutdown up to $107 million (M) during drought with high EFs. For other sectors in the study area, water transfers reduced worst‐case losses from $80 to $11 M per year. Implementing innovative water management strategies such as water markets, conjunctive use of surface water and groundwater, aquifer storage and recovery could mitigate economic impacts if mussels — or other widely distributed aquatic species — were listed. However, approaches for defining EFs and strategies for mitigating economic impacts of EFs are needed.
Water Balances of Two Piedmont Headwater Catchments: Implications for Regional Hydrologic Landscape Classification
Authors: Dreps C. , James A.L. , Sun G. , Boggs J. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractIn the Piedmont of North Carolina, a traditionally water‐rich region, reservoirs that serve over 1 million people are under increasing pressure due to naturally occurring droughts and increasing land development. Innovative development approaches aim to maintain hydrologic conditions of the undisturbed landscape, but are based on insufficient target information. This study uses the hydrologic landscape concept to evaluate reference hydrology in small headwater catchments surrounding Falls Lake, a reservoir serving Raleigh and the greater Triangle area. Researchers collected one year of detailed data on water balance components, including precipitation, evapotranspiration, streamflow, and shallow subsurface storage from two headwater catchments representative of two hydrologic landscapes defined by differences in soils and topographic characteristics. The two catchments are similar in size and lie within the same physiographic region, and during the study period they showed similar water balances of 26‐30% Q, −4 to 5% ΔS, 59‐65% evapotranspiration, and 9‐10% G. However, the steeper, more elevated catchment exhibited perennial streamflow and nongrowing season runoff ratios (Q/P) of 33%, whereas the flat, low‐lying stream was drier during the growing season and exhibited Q/P ratios of 52% during the nongrowing season. A hydrologic landscape defined by topography and soil characteristics helps characterize local‐scale reference hydrology and may contribute to better land management decisions.
Analysing the relationship between lncRNA and protein‐coding gene and the role of lncRNA as ceRNA in pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Song Xiaodong , Cao Guohong , Jing Lili , Lin Shengcui , Wang Xiaozhi , Zhang Jinjin , Wang Meirong , Liu Weili , Lv Changjun 
Published: April 2014

AbstractLong non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in various pathophysiologic processes and human diseases. However, their dynamics and corresponding functions in pulmonary fibrosis remain poorly understood. In this study, portions of lncRNAs adjacent or homologous to protein‐coding genes were determined by searching the UCSC genome bioinformatics database. This was found to be potentially useful for exploring lncRNA functions in disease progression. Previous studies showed that competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) hypothesis is another method to predict lncRNA function. However, little is known about the function of ceRNA in pulmonary fibrosis. In this study, we selected two differentially expressed lncRNAs MRAK088388 and MRAK081523 to explore their regulatory mechanisms. MRAK088388 and MRAK081523 were analysed as long‐intergenic non‐coding RNAs (lincRNAs), and identified as orthologues of mouse lncRNAs AK088388 and AK081523, respectively. qRT‐PCR and in situ hybridization (ISH) showed that they were significantly up‐regulated, and located in the cytoplasm of interstitial lung cells. We also showed that MRAK088388 and N4bp2 had the same miRNA response elements (MREs) for miR‐200, miR‐429, miR‐29, and miR‐30, whereas MRAK081523 and Plxna4 had the same MREs for miR‐218, miR‐141, miR‐98, and let‐7. Moreover, the expression levels of N4bp2 and Plxna4 significantly increased in fibrotic rats, and were highly correlated with those of MRAK088388 and MRAK081523, respectively. Among their shared miRNAs, miR‐29b‐3p and let‐7i‐5p decreased in the model group, and were negatively correlated with the expression of MRAK088388 and MRAK081523, respectively. MRAK088388 and MRAK081523 could regulate N4bp2 and Plxna4 expression by sponging miR‐29b‐3p and let‐7i‐5p, respectively, and possessed regulatory functions as ceRNAs. Thus, our study may provide insights into the functional interactions of lncRNA, miRNA and mRNA, and lead to new theories for the pathogenesis and treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.
Association of chemerin with oxidative stress, inflammation and classical adipokines in non‐diabetic obese patients
Authors: Fülöp Péter , Seres Ildikó , Lőrincz Hajnalka , Harangi Mariann , Somodi Sándor , Paragh György 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe prevalence of obesity has been increasing worldwide. Chemerin is a recently discovered adipokine secreted by the enlarged adipose tissue with diverse biological effects that are not well detailed yet. This study aimed to elucidate the potential role of chemerin in oxidative stress and inflammation that are characteristics for excess weight and may eventually lead to insulin resistance and atherosclerotic complications. We also analysed the associations between chemerin and classical adipokines, namely leptin and adiponectin. Therefore, we investigated non‐diabetic obese patients without manifest cardiovascular disease and compared their data to healthy lean individuals. Chemerin correlated positively with markers of oxidative stress and inflammation, while it showed a negative correlation with the measure of antioxidant status, characterized by the HDL‐linked paraoxonase‐1 enzyme. Chemerin also correlated positively with leptin and negatively with adiponectin respectively. In our study population, oxidized low‐density lipoprotein and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein were found to be the strongest predictors of chemerin level. We conclude that chemerin may contribute to chronic inflammation and increased oxidative stress in obese individuals, even in the absence of manifest insulin resistance.
Periodontal pathogens and associated factors in aggressive periodontitis: results 5–17 years after active periodontal therapy
Authors: Meyer‐Bäumer Amelie , Eick Sigrun , Mertens Christian , Uhlmann Lorenz , Hagenfeld Daniel , Eickholz Peter , Kim Ti‐Sun , Cosgarea Raluca 
Published: April 2014

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the association between presence of periodontal pathogens and recurrence of disease in patients with aggressive periodontitis (AgP) after active periodontal therapy (APT) and further influencing factors.Material & MethodsMicrobiological samples were taken from 73 patients with AgP 5–17 years afterAPTat 292 sites (deepest site per quadrant). Real‐time polymerase chain reactions were used to detect the periodontal pathogensAggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans,Porphyromonas gingivalis,Tannerella forsythiaandTreponema denticola. Uni‐ and multivariate analyses evaluated the associations between pathogens and recurrence of disease, smoking and adjunctive antibiotic therapy.ResultsAt re‐examinationA. actinomycetemcomitanscould be detected in six patients (8.2%),P. gingivalisin 24 (32.9%),T. forsythiain 31 (42.5%) andT. denticolain 35 (48.0%). Increased levels ofT. forsythiaandT. denticolaat re‐examination were significantly associated with recurrence of disease in multivariate analyses (OR: 12.72,p < 0.001;OR5.55,p = 0.002 respectively). Furthermore, high counts ofT. denticolawere found in patients with increased percentage of sites with clinical attachment levels (CAL) ≥6 mm compared to those with low counts (13.8%versus3.2%,p = 0.005).ConclusionIn patients with recurrence of diseaseT. forsythiaandT. denticolawere detected more frequently and in higher counts. Furthermore,T. denticolawas found more frequently in patients with increasedCAL.