bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Volumetric bone mineral density and bone geometry assessed by peripheral quantitative computed tomography in women with differentiated thyroid cancer under TSH suppression
Authors: Tournis Symeon , Antoniou Julia D. , Liakou Chrysoula G. , Christodoulou John , Papakitsou Evangellia , Galanos Antonios , Makris Konstantinos , Marketos Helen , Nikopoulou Stamatina , Tzavara Ioanna , Triantafyllopoulos Ioannis K. , Dontas Ismene , Papaioannou Nikolaos , Lyritis Georgios P. , Alevizaki Maria 
Published: July 2014

SummaryObjectiveTSH suppression therapy in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) has been associated with adverse effects on areal bone mineral density (aBMD) only in postmenopausal women. The purpose of study was to examine the effect of TSH suppression therapy on skeletal integrity using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) at the radius and tibia in pre‐ and postmenopausal women with DTC and controls.Study design and patientsSubjects included 80 women with DTC (40 pre‐ and 40 postmenopausal) and 89 (29 and 60, respectively) controls. pQCT was performed at the radius and tibia, Dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) at the hip and lumbar spine, while samples were taken for calciotropic hormones and bone markers.ResultsNo differences were observed concerning aBMD by DXA. In premenopausal women, there were no significant differences concerning vBMD, while cortical thickness was higher at the radius in patients with DTC (P < 0·01) compared with controls. In postmenopausal women with DTC trabecular bone mineral content (BMC), area and vBMD were lower at the radius (all P < 0·05), while at the tibia trabecular BMC and vBMD were lower at the mixed transition zone (14% from the distal end, P < 0·05) compared with controls. Cortical thickness was lower at the radius (P < 0·01) in postmenopausal patients compared with controls. Serum CTX was higher in postmenopausal women with DCT (P < 0·01), while in premenopausal patients, parathyroid hormone (PTH) was lower (P = 0·01) compared with controls.ConclusionsTSH suppression therapy is associated with higher bone resorption only in postmenopausal women; this adversely affects trabecular and cortical bone properties especially at nonweight‐bearing sites such as the radius.
Quality of life of patients with 46,XX and 46,XY disorders of sex development
Authors: Amaral Rita Cassia , Inacio Marlene , Brito Vinicius N. , Bachega Tania A. S. S. , Domenice Sorahia , Arnhold Ivo J. P. , Madureira Guiomar , Gomes Larissa , Costa Elaine M. F. , Mendonca Berenice B. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryDisorders of sex development (DSD) result from abnormalities in the complex process of sex determination and differentiation. An important consideration to guide the assignment of social sex in newborns with ambiguous genitalia is the quality of life (QoL) of these patients in adulthood. The rarity of most DSD conditions makes it difficult to conduct a long‐term follow‐up of affected patients through adulthood. This review of papers on the QoL of DSD patients evaluated in developing and developed countries by qualitative and quantitative instruments revealed a large spectrum of QoL, ranging from very poor to similar to, or even better than, the normal population. A more adequate QoL was found in patients from tertiary centres, indicating that the medical care of DSD patients should be multidisciplinary and carried out by specialized teams.
A cut‐off value of basal serum calcitonin for detecting macroscopic medullary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Kwon Hyemi , Kim Won Gu , Choi Yun Mi , Jang Eun Kyung , Jeon Min Ji , Song Dong Eun , Baek Jung Hwan , Ryu Jin‐Sook , Hong Suck Joon , Kim Tae Yong , Kim Won Bae , Shong Young Kee 
Published: July 2014

SummaryObjectiveSerum calcitonin (CT) level is used to detect medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), but the cut‐off level is unclear. We aimed at identifying the optimal cut‐off value of basal serum CT levels for detecting MTC.Design and patientsWe retrospectively enrolled patients with hypercalcitoninemia (≥2·9 pmol/l) who had undergone thyroid ultrasonography (US) and subsequent work‐up between 2001 and 2013 at Asan Medical Center. We divided patients into four groups: proven MTC (group 1, n = 93), pathologically proven non‐MTC after surgery (group 2, n = 57), benign single nodule by cytology (group 3, n = 68) and patients without nodules on US (group 4, n = 24).MeasurementBasal serum CT levels were evaluated.ResultsThe median CT level of group 1 (119·5 pmol/l) was significantly higher than those of other groups (4·0, 3·8 and 3·8 pmol/l, P < 0·001). When we adopted 19·0 pmol/l of CT level as a cut‐off value, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 77·4%, 98·7%, 97·3% and 87·8%, respectively. When we compared 29·2 pmol/l (100 pg/ml) and 19·0 pmol/l (65 pg/ml) as cut‐off values, 19·0 pmol/l was more sensitive and accurate than 29·2 pmol/l. Factors associated with hypercalcitoninemia in non‐MTC groups were autoimmune thyroiditis, chronic kidney disease, proton pump inhibitors and other malignancies. Serum CT levels tended to decrease spontaneously in non‐MTC groups.ConclusionBasal serum CT levels higher than 19·0 pmol/l can be a useful cut‐off value for detecting macroscopic MTC, even though values below 19·0 pmol/l cannot exclude the presence of MTC like small volume MTC or premalignant C‐cell hyperplasia.
Latitudinal variation in growth and otolith‐inferred field metabolic rates of Canadian young‐of‐the‐year Arctic charr
Authors: Niloshini Sinnatamby R. , Brian Dempson J. , Reist James D. , Power Michael 
Published: July 2014

AbstractCountergradient variation (CGV) is defined as genetic variation that counteracts the negative influences of the physical environment, minimising phenotypic variability along an environmental gradient. CGV is thought to have relevance in predicting the response of organisms to climate variability and change. To test the hypothesis that growth rate increased with latitude, consistent with CGV, young‐of‐the‐year (YOY) Arctic charr, Salvelinus alpinus, were examined along a ~27° latitudinal gradient in central and eastern Canada. Growth rates were estimated from fork lengths standardised by the thermal opportunity for growth based on experienced water temperatures derived using otolith oxygen stable isotopes. Results demonstrated patterns consistent with CGV, where northern populations demonstrated faster growth rates. A secondary aim was to test for similar geographical patterns in otolith‐inferred metabolic rates, which reflect the energetic costs of standard metabolic rate (SMR) and other processes such as feeding, locomotion, thermoregulation, reproduction and growth. Results demonstrated a significant, positive relationship between otolith‐inferred metabolic rate and latitude, which may reflect an increase in one, or a combination, of the above‐noted physiological processes. The similar latitudinal pattern in growth and otolith‐inferred metabolic rates suggests greater intake of food per unit of time by northern fish. The phenotypic variation in physiological traits observed here demonstrates the significant adaptability of Arctic charr to different thermal regimes with different growing season lengths. Determining the relative contributions of phenotypic plasticity and genetic variation to the observed latitudinal variation will be critical to predicting the responses of Arctic charr to climate change more accurately.
DC–T cell virological synapses and the skin: novel perspectives in dermatology
Authors: Shimauchi Takatoshi , Piguet Vincent 
Published: July 2014

AbstractVirological synapses (VS) increase cell‐to‐cell viral transmission and facilitate propagation of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) and human T‐cell leukaemia virus type 1 (HTLV‐1). VS formation also plays a more general role in viral replication and dissemination. VS have been observed in vitro and ex vivo between uninfected T cells and T cells infected with HIV‐1 or HTLV‐1. In addition, dendritic cells (DC) infected with HIV‐1 also play an important role in viral transmission to uninfected CD4+ T cells via VS formation. Recent studies revealed that several DC subsets are also infected with HTLV‐1. These findings may help explain the rapid dissemination of both viruses within secondary lymphoid tissues in vivo. VS also explain, at least in part, why HIV‐1 can propagate in the mucosal sites during sexual transmission. Furthermore, in the case of HTLV‐1, VS can potentially explain some of the features of HTLV‐1‐associated dermatitis as infected T cells in the skin contribute to the pathogenesis of this condition.
Herbage production and persistence of two tropical perennial grasses and forage sorghum under different nitrogen fertilization and defoliation regimes in a summer‐dominant rainfall environment, Australia
Authors: Boschma S. P. , Murphy S. R. , Harden S. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAn experiment was conducted in inland northern New South Wales (NSW) to assess the response of tropical perennial grasses Chloris gayana (Rhodes grass) cv. Katambora and Digitaria eriantha (digit grass) cv. Premier and annual forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor ssp. bicolor × S. bicolor ssp. drummondii hybrid) cv. Sweet Jumbo fertilized with five rates of nitrogen (N; 0, 50, 100, 150 and 300 kg N ha−1) and defoliated every 2 or 6 weeks over two growing seasons. Tropical perennial grasses were highly responsive to N fertilizer, while there was no significant response by forage sorghum. Herbage production of Rhodes grass increased linearly whereas digit grass had a high response at 50–100 kg N ha−1. Nitrogen‐use efficiency was highest during the growing season when rainfall was higher. During this season, digit grass had the highest N efficiency (148 kg DM kg−1 N applied) at 50 kg N ha−1, and Rhodes grass (66 kg DM kg−1 N applied) at 100 kg N ha−1. Plant frequency of both perennial species increased and then stabilized at high levels (>84%, cell size 0·1 by 0·1 m) during the two growing seasons. Plant frequency of Rhodes grass declined over the winter period, but recovered within 6 weeks of commencement of the growing season. Soil nitrate levels indicated that unused nitrate moved down the soil profile during wet winters. Implications of leaching below the rooting zone are discussed.
Prospective Study of Effects of Endogenous Estrogens on Myocardial No‐Reflow Risk in Postmenopausal Women with Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: DONG MEI , MU NAN , REN FAXIN , SUN XIAOJIAN , LI FENGLI , ZHANG CHUANHUAN , YANG JUN 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe relationship between endogenous estrogens and cardiovascular disease in menopausal women remains poorly understood. Studies examining the relationship have yielded conflicting results. Therefore, we performed this study to prospectively assess the effects of endogenous estrogen on the risk of myocardial no‐reflow in postmenopausal women with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Consecutive 100 postmenopausal women diagnosed with STEMI and who had undergone emergence percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were included in this study. Blood samples were obtained before PCI and assayed for endogenous sex hormones. Logistic regression models were developed with adjustment for confounders. Compared with normal‐reflow group, the circulating levels of estrone, estradiol, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and hypersensitive C‐reaction protein (Hs‐CRP) were significantly higher in the no‐reflow group (P < 0.05). In univariable logistic regression models, lesion length, reference luminal diameter, thrombus score ≥ 4, and the levels of estrone, estradiol, and SHBG were all found to be positively associated with the risk of no‐reflow (P < 0.05). After adjusting for these factors, thrombus score ≥ 4 (OR = 4.994, CI 1.987–10.518; P = 0.035), SHBG (OR = 0.800, CI 0.341–0.983; P = 0.047), and estradiol levels (OR 4.091, CI 1.105–8.582; P = 0.046) continued to demonstrate strong positive associations with the risk of no‐reflow. Our data showed that high circulating levels of endogenous estrogens have a positive and statistically significant relationship with no‐reflow in postmenopausal women with STEMI. It has been suggested that estrogens may have a potential detrimental effect on myocardial no‐reflow. However, our results need to be confirmed in a larger population. (J Interven Cardiol 2014;27:437–443)
Switching Patients from Clopidogrel to Prasugrel in Acute Coronary Syndrome: Impact of the Clopidogrel Loading Dose on Platelet Reactivity
Authors: LHERMUSIER THIBAULT , LIPINSKI MICHAEL J. , DRENNING DAVID , MARSO STEVEN , CHEN FANG , TORGUSON REBECCA , WAKSMAN RON 
Published: July 2014

ObjectivesThe present study aimed to assess the pharmacodynamic response of a prasugrel 60‐mg loading dose (LD) alone compared with prasugrel 60 mg added to clopidogrel 600 mg.BackgroundPatients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) commonly receive a clopidogrel LD prior to angiography. Switching these patients to prasugrel may be desirable because higher platelet inhibition is expected.MethodsIn this open‐label, multicenter, nonrandomized trial, 75 patients were categorized into 2 treatment strategies: Those who received a clopidogrel 600‐mg LD and received a reloading dose of prasugrel 60 mg (clopidogrel/prasugrel group) and those who did not receive a clopidogrel LD and received a prasugrel 60‐mg LD (prasugrel group). Platelet reactivity was assessed using VerifyNow P2Y12 reaction units (PRU) and Platelet Reactivity Index vasodilator‐stimulated phosphoprotein phosphorylation (PRI‐VASP) at 3 different times: at the sheath insertion prior to prasugrel LD, 4 hours after prasugrel LD, and at discharge.ResultsFour hours after prasugrel LD, platelet reactivity did not differ between the clopidogrel/prasugrel group and the prasugrel group according to the VerifyNow assay (median PRU 23 [5–71] vs. 54 [5–91], respectively; P = 0.18) and the VASP assay (median PRI 8.67 [4.51–16.85] versus 8.03 [4.82–21.72], respectively; P = 1.0). No significant differences in PRU and PRI were observed at discharge. Few bleeding events were reported without any significant differences between the 2 groups.ConclusionsPlatelet reactivity with prasugrel 60 mg added to a clopidogrel 600‐mg LD was not significantly different compared with prasugrel 60 mg alone in ACS patients undergoing PCI. (J Interven Cardiol 2014;27:365–372)
Red‐Light‐Induced Resistance to Brown Spot Disease Caused by Bipolaris oryzae in Rice
Authors: Parada Roxana Y. , Mon‐nai Wataru , Ueno Makoto , Kihara Junichi , Arase Sakae 
Published: July 2014

AbstractIn this study, the protective effect of red light against the brown spot disease caused by the fungus Bipolaris oryzae in rice was investigated. Lesion formation was significantly inhibited on detached leaves that were inoculated with B. oryzae and kept under red for 48 h, but it was not inhibited when the leaves were kept under natural light or in the dark. The protective effect was also observed in intact rice plants inoculated with B. oryzae; the plants survived under red light, but most of them were killed by infection under natural light or dark condition. Red light did not affect fungal infection in onion epidermis cells or heat‐shocked leaves of rice, and it did not affect cellulose digestion ability; this suggested that the protective effect is due to red‐light‐induced resistance. In addition, the degree of protection increased as the red light dosage increased, regardless of the order of the red light and natural light period, indicating that red‐light‐induced resistance is time dependent. Feeding of detached leaves with a tryptophan decarboxylase inhibitor, s‐α‐fluoromethyltryptophan (0.1 mm), for 24 h inhibited the development of resistance in response to red light irradiation. Suppression of resistance was also observed in leaves treated with a phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase inhibitor, α‐aminooxy acetic acid (0.5 mm). These results suggest that the tryptophan and phenylpropanoid pathways are involved in the red‐light‐induced resistance of rice to B. oryzae.
High environmental salinity reduces the reproductive potential of the spider crab Maja brachydactyla (Decapoda, Majidae)
Authors: Rotllant Guiomar , Simeó Carles G. , Macià Glòria , Estévez Alicia 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe spider crab Maja brachydactyla is an important fisheries species in Europe. Adults were sampled in Ría de A Coruña (NW Spain) and transported to IRTA rearing facilities. Salinity and photoperiod changes and their effect on reproduction were tested in the laboratory. The number of newly hatched larvae per batch (presence of actively swimming newly hatched larvae in a broodstock tank) was counted and sampled to estimate dry weight and proximal composition. Keeping spider crab broodstock in a high salinity environment (38 ppt) significantly reduced the number of newly hatched larvae, reaching up to fivefold difference in winter. The number of newly hatched larvae produced under a natural photoperiod was 10‐fold higher than those produced using a fixed photoperiod at 34 ppt salinity during winter. No clear pattern of changes in larval dry weight, protein, lipid or carbohydrate composition was observed under the environmental conditions tested. The results show that the salinity used for broodstock maintenance, especially during the embryonic development, is an important factor causing changes in larval production of M. brachydactyla and with potential implications for recruitment success.
Spatio‐temporal variations in demersal fish assemblages and diversity in the northern Gulf of St. Lawrence (Canada)
Authors: Tamdrari Hacène , Brêthes Jean‐Claude , Archambault Diane 
Published: July 2014

AbstractSpecies diversity is generally considered one of the key factors of ecosystem resilience in response to anthropogenic pressures, including fishing. In this context, the spatial and temporal changes in demersal fish assemblages and species diversity were investigated in the northern Gulf of St. Lawrence (Canada), over a 20‐year period (1990–2010). Data were obtained from the summer research survey conducted by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and include commercial and non‐commercial species. The study covers the period of groundfish fishery collapse, the moratorium period, and the post‐moratorium period, and reflects various modifications in management. Multivariate statistical methods revealed two communities. A coastal community corresponds to strata located above 200 m depth and a deeper community located in the deep channels. Interannual differences in the composition of fish assemblages were observed and are mainly due to the changes in the relative biomass of some dominant species. Three diversity indices (Shannon–Wiener, Simpson's Index of Diversity and Motomura's constant) indicate a slight but significant increase of the diversity over time. This trend is due to the increase of the relative biomass of low‐rank species, which may have been favoured by the prohibition of groundfish trawling after 1997 in that region. The geographical distribution of the Shannon–Wiener index also shows temporal dynamics reflecting the biomass distribution of dominant demersal species.
Spatio‐temporal variability of zooplankton biomass and environmental control in the Northern Benguela Upwelling System: field investigations and model simulation
Authors: Martin Bettina , Eggert Anja , Koppelmann Rolf , Diekmann Rabea , Mohrholz Volker , Schmidt Martin 
Published: July 2014

AbstractSpatial and temporal distribution patterns of zooplankton are highly variable in the Northern Benguela Upwelling System. We studied the distribution of zooplankton (size class ≥ 0.33 mm) and used field data from four cruises that took place between March 2008 and February 2011, as well as simulation results of a regional ecosystem model. Remotely sensed sea surface temperatures (SST) and surface chlorophyll concentrations were analysed to investigate environmental influences on zooplankton biomass. The Intense Benguela Upwelling Index showed a distinct seasonal signal throughout the years and the highest upwelling peaks in August/September. Even though surface chlorophyll concentrations were very variable throughout the year, the highest concentrations were always detected in September, following the upwelling of nutrient‐rich water. In field catches, zooplankton biomass concentration in the upper 200 m was highest above the outer shelf and shelf‐break in December 2010 and February 2011, i.e. 6 months after the upwelling peaks. In contrast, zooplankton biomass simulated by the model in the surface water was highest in September. In March/April, biomass maxima were typically measured in the field at intermediate water depths, but the vertical distribution was also affected by extensive oxygen minimum zones. The ecosystem model reproduced this vertical pattern. Although general trends were similar, simulation data of zooplankton standing stocks overestimated the field data by a factor of 3. In upwelling systems, food webs are generally considered to be short and dominated by large cells. However, our field data indicate more small‐sized zooplankton organisms above the shelf than offshore.
QTL mapping of freezing tolerance: links to fitness and adaptive trade‐offs
Authors: Oakley Christopher G. , Ågren Jon , Atchison Rachel A. , Schemske Douglas W. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractLocal adaptation, defined as higher fitness of local vs. nonlocal genotypes, is commonly identified in reciprocal transplant experiments. Reciprocally adapted populations display fitness trade‐offs across environments, but little is known about the traits and genes underlying fitness trade‐offs in reciprocally adapted populations. We investigated the genetic basis and adaptive significance of freezing tolerance using locally adapted populations of Arabidopsis thaliana from Italy and Sweden. Previous reciprocal transplant studies of these populations indicated that subfreezing temperature is a major selective agent in Sweden. We used quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping to identify the contribution of freezing tolerance to previously demonstrated local adaptation and genetic trade‐offs. First, we compared the genomic locations of freezing tolerance QTL to those for previously published QTL for survival in Sweden, and overall fitness in the field. Then, we estimated the contributions to survival and fitness across both field sites of genotypes at locally adaptive freezing tolerance QTL. In growth chamber studies, we found seven QTL for freezing tolerance, and the Swedish genotype increased freezing tolerance for five of these QTL. Three of these colocalized with locally adaptive survival QTL in Sweden and with trade‐off QTL for overall fitness. Two freezing tolerance QTL contribute to genetic trade‐offs across environments for both survival and overall fitness. A major regulator of freezing tolerance, CBF2, is implicated as a candidate gene for one of the trade‐off freezing tolerance QTL. Our study provides some of the first evidence of a trait and gene that mediate a fitness trade‐off in nature.