bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional characterization of the three mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinases (MAP2Ks) present in the Cryphonectria parasitica genome reveals the necessity of Cpkk1 and Cpkk2, but not Cpkk3, for pathogenesis on chestnut (Castanea spp.)
Authors: Moretti Marino , Rossi Marika , Ciuffo Marina , Turina Massimo 
Published: December 2013

SummaryThe biological function(s) of the cpkk1, cpkk2 and cpkk3 genes, encoding the three mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinases (MAP2Ks) of Cryphonectria parasitica, the causal agent of chestnut blight, were examined through knockout strains. Cpkk1, the Mkk1 orthologue, acts in a phosphorylation cascade essential for cell integrity; Cpkk2 is the Ste7 orthologue involved in the pheromone response pathway; Cpkk3 is the Pbs2 orthologue, the MAP2K activated during the high‐osmolarity response. Our analysis confirmed the role of each MAP2K in its respective signalling cascade with some peculiarities: abnormal hyphae with a reduced number of septa and thinner cell walls were observed in Δcpkk1 mutants, and a strong growth defect on solid media was evident in Δcpkk2 mutants, when compared with the controls. Virulence on chestnut was affected in both the Δcpkk1 and Δcpkk2 strains, which were also unable to complete the developmental steps essential for mating. No alterations were reported in Δcpkk3, except under hyperosmotic conditions and in the presence of fludioxonil. Δcpkk2 mutants, however, showed higher sensitivity during growth in medium containing the antibiotic G418 (Geneticin).
Solving the obesity epidemic: voices from the community
Authors: Mama Scherezade K. , Soltero Erica G. , Ledoux Tracey A. , Gallagher Martina R. , Lee Rebecca E. 
Published: December 2013

Science and Community: Ending Obesity Improving Health (S&C) aimed to reduce obesity in Houston by developing community partnerships to identify research priorities and develop a sustainable obesity reduction program. Partnership members were recruited from S&C events and invited to participate in in‐depth interviews to gain insight into obesity prevalence, causes, and solutions. Members (n = 22) completed a 60–90‐min in‐depth interview. The interview guide consisted of 30 questions about pressing health problems in the community, potential solutions to health problems and obesity and how the environment has impacted obesity and health behaviors in the community. Interviewees (n = 12 women and 10 men) were mostly Hispanic/Latino (n = 9) and African American (n = 7). Common problems identified were childhood obesity, balancing a healthy diet and physical inactivity. Interviewees identified obesity as a major problem in their communities and cited access to quality food and physical activity resources as both a problem and a solution. Additional emergent themes focused on solutions, including increasing awareness and education, coordinated efforts among organizations and using an ecologic approach to combat obesity. Community insight gleaned from this study may be used to enhance relevance and sustainability of programs developed to reduce obesity and suggests possible avenues for participatory research and intervention.
Nitrergic and purinergic mechanisms evoke inhibitory neuromuscular transmission in the human small intestine
Authors: Gallego D. , Malagelada C. , Accarino A. , De Giorgio R. , Malagelada J. R. , Azpiroz F. , Jimenez M. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundInhibitory neuromuscular transmission in the human colon is due to nitrergic and purinergic (P2Y1‐mediated) inputs. The aim of this study was to determine the mechanisms of neuromuscular transmission in different regions of the human small intestine.MethodsIleal (n = 6) and jejunal (n = 6) samples underwent histological examination and were studied using sharp microelectrodes in smooth muscle cells and conventional muscle bath techniques. Electrical field stimulation (EFS) was used to stimulate inhibitory neurons.Key ResultsNo histological abnormalities were found. Resting membrane potential was −39.7 ± 1.5 and −45.5 ± 2.1 mV in the jejunum and ileum, respectively. Slow waves and spontaneous contractions were recorded at a frequency of about 8–9 and 6–7 cpm in the jejunum and ileum, respectively. In non‐adrenergic, non‐cholinergic conditions, EFS caused an inhibitory junction potential and mechanical relaxation. Both responses were blocked by tissue incubation with the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (Nω‐nitro‐l‐arginine 1 mM) and the P2Y1 receptor blocker 2′‐deoxy‐N6‐methyladenosine 3′,5′‐bisphosphate tetrasodium salt (MRS2179; 10 μM). Both exogenous addition of sodium nitroprusside (1 μM) and the preferential P2Y1 receptor agonist ADPβS (1 μM) hyperpolarized and relaxed smooth muscle cells. MRS2179 (10 μM) blocked ADPβS‐induced responses.Conclusions & InferencesSimilar to colon, inhibitory neurotransmission in the human small intestine is mainly mediated by purinergic (via P2Y1 receptors) and nitrergic inhibitory neurotransmission. Similar mechanisms of inhibitory neurotransmission are present in different regions of the human intestine.
QTLmapping for seedling traits associated with low‐nitrogen tolerance using a set of advanced backcross introgression lines of rice
Authors: Zhao Chun‐Fang , Zhou Li‐Hui , Zhang Ya‐Dong , Zhu Zhen , Chen Tao , Zhao Qing‐Yong , Yao Shu , Yu Xin , Wang Cai‐Lin 
Published: December 2013

AbstractNitrogen (N) deficiency is a major yield‐limiting factor in rice production. The objective of this study was to identify putativeQTLs for low‐N stress tolerance of rice, using an advanced backcross population derived from crosses between anindicacultivar ‘93‐11’ and ajaponicacultivar ‘Nipponbare’ and genotyped at 250 marker loci. Plant height, maximum root length, root dry weight, shoot dry weight and plant dry weight under two N conditions and their relative traits were used to evaluate low‐N tolerance at the seedling stage. A total of 44QTLs were identified on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 9. Eight intervals on five chromosomes were identified to harbour multipleQTLs, suggesting pleiotropism or multigenic effects according to the contributor of alleles. SomeQTLclusters were found in the nearby regions of genes associated with N recycling in rice, indicating that the key N metabolism genes might have effects on the expression ofQTLs. Several uniqueQTLs for relative traits were detected, which suggested the specific genetic basis of relative performance.
Identification and characterization of a novel copper transporter gene family TaCT1 in common wheat
Authors: LI HAOXUN , FAN RENCHUN , LI LIBIN , WEI BO , LI GUOLIANG , GU LIQING , WANG XIANPING , ZHANG XIANGQI 
Published: December 2013

AbstractCopper is an essential micronutrient for plant growth and development, and copper transporter plays a pivotal role for keeping copper homeostasis. However, little is known about copper transporters in wheat. Here, we report a novel copper transporter gene family, TaCT1, in common wheat. Three TaCT1 homoeologous genes were isolated and assigned to group 5 chromosomes. Each of the TaCT1 genes (TaCT1‐5A, −5B or −5D) possesses 12 transmembrane domains. TaCT1 genes exhibited higher transcript levels in leaf than in root, culm and spikelet. Excess copper down‐regulated the transcript levels of TaCT1 and copper deficiency‐induced TaCT1 expression. Subcellular experiments localized the TaCT1 to the Golgi apparatus. Yeast expression experiments and virus‐induced gene silencing analysis indicated that the TaCT1 functioned in copper transport. Site‐directed mutagenesis demonstrated that three amino acid residues, Met35, Met38 and Cys365, are required for TaCT1 function. Phylogenetic and functional analyses suggested that homologous genes shared high similarity with TaCT1 may exist exclusively in monocot plants. Our work reveals a novel wheat gene family encoding major facilitator superfamily (MFS)‐type copper transporters, and provides evidence for their functional involvement in promoting copper uptake and keeping copper homeostasis in common wheat.
The competitiveness of China's Leading Regions: Benchmarking Their Knowledge‐based Economies
Authors: Huggins Robert , Luo Shougui , Thompson Piers 
Published: December 2013

AbstractChina's spectacular economic growth has been spatially uneven, with much development occurring in eastern coastal areas. In particular, three metropolitan ‘super‐regions’ have become China's most competitive knowledge‐based economies, consisting of the Pearl River Delta, the Yangtze River Delta, and the Bohai Gulf Region. This paper benchmarks the competitiveness of these regions, with a view to exploring which region is best positioned to become the most dominant knowledge‐based economy over time. Through the theoretical lens of dynamic comparative advantage, it is shown that each region has hugely increased its competitiveness through improvements in the capacity to absorb and diffuse knowledge. It is further shown that due to multi‐dimensional advantages the Yangtze River Delta, incorporating the Shanghai metropolis, is best positioned to become the dominant hub of China's future knowledge economy. It is concluded that China's leading regions will require further economic policy adjustments in order to secure their future competitiveness.
Reassessment of Crohn's disease treated with at least 12 months of anti-TNF therapy: how likely is treatment withdrawal?
Authors: Dart R J , Griffin N , Taylor K , Duncan J , Sastrillo M , Sanderson J , Irving P M 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveTo assess methods of disease reassessment and rates of treatment withdrawal in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) treated with biologics and to report retrospective risk stratification for treatment withdrawal as suggested by the STORI trial in the context of this cohort.DesignA retrospective observational cohort study of all patients with CD treated with antitumour necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy for >12 months in 2011.SettingTertiary care.PatientsPatients with CD treated with anti-TNF therapy.Main outcome measuresMethod and outcome of reassessment and whether patient was withdrawn from therapy; also, whether patients met low-risk criteria for withdrawal as identified by the STORI trial, and outcome of those meeting low-risk criteria.Results73 patients (infliximab n=48, adalimumab n=25) underwent disease reassessment. Nine patients were deemed to have achieved remission and were withdrawn from treatment: 6 (67%) maintained remission at 12 months, three patients relapsed and were successfully retreated. 52 patients had sufficient data available for STORI criteria to be applied retrospectively. 37% (19/52) fulfilled low-risk criteria for withdrawal—of these, 26% (5/19) were withdrawn from anti-TNF therapy and three had sustained clinical remission at 1 year. Reasons for non-withdrawal included ongoing endoscopic activity (n=8), radiological activity (n=2) and clinical concern due to previous disease behaviour (n=4).ConclusionsRelatively few patients were deemed in sufficient depth of remission to warrant a trial of withdrawal of anti-TNF therapy. Many patients were not withdrawn, despite meeting STORI low-risk criteria, due to ongoing disease activity highlighting the limitations of applying such criteria in a ‘real world’ setting.
Noninvasive assessment of myocardial fibrosis in patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Almaas Vibeke M , Haugaa Kristina H , Strøm Erik H , Scott Helge , Smith Hans-Jørgen , Dahl Christen P , Geiran Odd R , Endresen Knut , Aakhus Svend , Amlie Jan Peder , Edvardsen Thor 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveLate gadolinium enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance (LGE-CMR) imaging is the reference standard for non-invasive assessment of fibrosis. In hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients the histological substrate for LGE is still unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of LGE and strain echocardiography to detect type and extent of myocardial fibrosis in obstructive HCM patients undergoing septal myectomy.MethodsThirty-two HCM patients (age 60±10) were included in this cross-sectional study and preoperatively examined by speckle-tracking strain echocardiography and LGE-CMR (n=21). Histological fibrosis was classified as interstitial, replacement and total.ResultsHistological fibrosis was present in 31 patients. The percentage of total, interstitial and replacement fibrosis was 15(7, 31)%, 11(5, 24)% and 3(1, 6)%, respectively. Reduced longitudinal septal strain correlated with total (r=0.50, p=0.01) and interstitial (r=0.40, p=0.03), but not with replacement fibrosis (r=0.28, p=0.14). Septal LGE was detected in 13/21 (62%), but percentage LGE did not correlate with total fibrosis (r=0.25, p=0.28). Extent of fibrosis did not differ between patients with and without septal LGE (20(9, 58)% versus 14(5, 19)% p=0.41). Patients with ventricular arrhythmias (n=8) had lower septal longitudinal strain and increased extent total and interstitial fibrosis in myectomy specimens, but no differences were demonstrated in LGE. Reduced longitudinal septal strain and increased extent of interstitial fibrosis predicted ventricular arrhythmias independently of age and gender.ConclusionsIn myectomised HCM patients, reduced longitudinal septal strain correlated better with interstitial and total fibrosis in myectomy specimens, and was a more powerful tool to predict arrhythmias than LGE.
Stent Longitudinal Strength Assessed Using Point Compression
Authors: Ormiston John A. , Webber Bruce , Ubod Ben , White Jonathon , Webster Mark W.I. 
Published: December 2013

Background—
Stent longitudinal distortion, while infrequent, can lead to adverse clinical events. Our first bench comparison of susceptibility of different stent designs to distortion applied force to the entire circumference of the proximal stent hoop. The test increased understanding of stent design and led to recommendations for design change in some. Our second-generation test more closely mimics clinical scenarios by applying force to a point on the proximal hoop of a malapposed stent.

Methods and Results—
Each 3-mm-diameter stent was secured in a test apparatus so that its proximal 5 mm was malapposed in a 3.5-mm tube. An instron applied force to the proximal hoop of each of 5 examples of each of 6 stent designs using a narrow rod so that force applied and distance compressed could be measured. Hoops on the side of the force were pushed together, became malapposed, and obstructed the lumen. In addition, the proximal stent hoop tilted causing malapposition, the contralateral side of the stent from the applied force causing lumen obstruction.

Conclusions—
This second-generation, more clinically relevant test showed the Biomatrix Flex was the most resistant to deformation and the Element the most easily deformed. The addition of more connectors between the proximal hoops in the Promus Premier design has reduced the potential for distortion when compared with the Element, so that distortion was similar to the Vision, Multi-Link 8, and Integrity designs. The test also provided insight into the way in which stents are likely to distort in clinical practice.
Dose-Related Effects of Statins on Symptomatic Intracerebral Hemorrhage and Outcome After Thrombolysis for Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Scheitz Jan F. , Seiffge David J. , Tütüncü Serdar , Gensicke Henrik , Audebert Heinrich J. , Bonati Leo H. , Fiebach Jochen B. , Tränka Christopher , Lyrer Philippe A. , Endres Matthias , Engelter Stefan T. , Nolte Christian H. 
Published: December 2013

Background and Purpose—
The aim of our study was to assess whether statins have dose-dependent effects on risk of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) and outcome after intravenous thrombolysis for ischemic stroke.

Methods—
We pooled data from 2 European intravenous thrombolysis registries. Statin doses were stratified in 3 groups according to the attainable lowering of cholesterol levels (low dose: simvastatin 20 mg or equivalent; medium dose: simvastatin 40 mg or equivalent; and high dose: simvastatin 80 mg or equivalent). sICH was defined according to the European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study. Modified Rankin Scale score 0 to 2 at 3 months was considered a favorable outcome.

Results—

Among 1446 patients analyzed (median age, 75 years; median initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, 11; 54% men), 317 (22%) used statins before intravenous thrombolysis. Of them, 120 patients had low-dose, 134 medium-dose, and 63 high-dose statin therapy. sICH occurred in 4% of patients (n=53). Frequency of sICH was 2%, 6%, and 13% in patients with low-, medium-, and high-dose statin treatment, respectively (
P
<0.01). Adjusted odds ratio (OR) for sICH was 2.4 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1–5.3) and 5.3 (95% CI, 2.3–12.3) for patients with medium- and high-dose statins compared with non–statin users. Statin users more often achieved favorable outcome compared with non–statin users (58% versus 51%;
P
=0.03). An independent association of statin use with favorable outcome was detected (adjusted OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.3–2.5). The association was maintained when stratifying for statin dose, although it was not significant in the high-dose group anymore (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 0.9–3.2).

Conclusions—
We observed an association between increasing dose of statin use and risk of sICH after intravenous thrombolysis. Nevertheless, there was an overall beneficial effect of previous statin use on favorable 3-month outcome.
Effects of Tissue Plasminogen Activator and Annexin A2 Combination Therapy on Long-Term Neurological Outcomes of Rat Focal Embolic Stroke
Authors: Wang Xiaoshu , Fan Xiang , Yu Zhanyang , Liao Zhengbu , Zhao Jianhua , Mandeville Emiri , Guo Shuzhen , Lo Eng H. , Wang Xiaoying 
Published: December 2013

Background and Purpose—
Tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) in combination with recombinant annexin A2 (rA2) is known to reduce acute brain damage after focal ischemia. Here, we ask whether tPA-plus-rA2 combination therapy can lead to sustained long-term neurological improvements as well.

Methods—
We compared the effects of intravenous high-dose tPA alone (10 mg/kg) versus a combination of low-dose tPA (5 mg/kg) plus 10 mg/kg rA2 in a model of focal embolic cerebral ischemia in rats. All rats were treated at 3 hours after embolization. Brain tissue and neurological outcomes were assessed at 1 month. Surrogate biomarkers for endogenous neurovascular remodeling in peri-infarct area were analyzed by immunohistochemistry.

Results—
Compared with high-dose tPA alone, low-dose tPA-plus-rA2 significantly decreased infarction and improved neurological function at 1-month poststroke. In peri-infarct areas, tPA-plus-rA2 combination therapy also significantly augmented microvessel density, vascular endothelial growth factor, and synaptophysin expression.

Conclusions—
Compared with conventional high-dose tPA alone, combination low-dose tPA plus rA2 therapy may provide a safe and effective way to improve long-term neurological outcomes after stroke.
Reduction of biofilm formation on titanium surface with ultraviolet-C pre-irradiation
Authors: Yamada Yusuke , Yamada Masahiro , Ueda Takayuki , Sakurai Kaoru 
Published: December 2013

Purpose Ultraviolet-C irradiation on titanium implants has been recently introduced as photofunctionalization to enhance osseointegration, which possibly also provide anti-microbial function to titanium surface as with photocatalyst. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of ultraviolet-C pre-irradiation to various topographical titanium surfaces on the attachment or biofilm formation of wound pathogens in comparison with that of ultraviolet-A pre-irradiation, with consideration for the physicochemical mechanism. Materials and methods The amount of wound pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes on titanium disks with mirror-polished, turned, acid-etched, or shot-blasted surfaces with or without 500 J/cm2 ultraviolet-A or ultraviolet-C pre-irradiation for 8 h incubation in brain heart infusion broth was evaluated by fluorescence microscopic quantification with 5-cyano-2, 3-ditolyl-2 H-tetrazolium chloride staining for viable bacteria. The surface roughness, wettability, and atomic composition of the surface were evaluated before and after ultraviolet-A or ultraviolet-C irradiation. Results Regardless of topographies, the amount of bacterial attachment and accumulation was lower on ultraviolet-C pre-irradiated surfaces than on the non-irradiated surface through 8 h incubation. The reducing effect of bacterial accumulation on the roughened surfaces by ultraviolet-A pre-irradiation was inferior to that by ultraviolet-C. Despite no effect on surface topography, ultraviolet-C irradiation changed wettability to superhydrophilicity and reduced carbon contents on any titanium surface with a greater degree than those by ultraviolet-A irradiation. Conclusion Ultraviolet-C irradiation reduced the attachment and biofilm formation of wound pathogens on various topographical titanium surfaces, rivaling or surpassing UVA irradiation in degree. The mechanism might involve superhydrophilicity and carbon elimination on the surface.
Treatment of Spontaneous Osteonecrosis of the Tarsal Navicular With a Free Medial Femoral Condyle Vascularized Bone Graft
Authors: Levinson Howard , Miller Kyle J. , Adams Samuel B. , Parekh Selene G. 
Published: December 2013

Adult-onset spontaneous osteonecrosis of the tarsal navicular joint, or Mueller–Weiss syndrome (MWS), is an uncommon debilitating disease characterized by a painful clinical course with progressive midfoot deformity. Treatment options include nonoperative management and/or operative intervention, including percutaneous decompression of the navicular bone, stabilization of existing structures, and cancellous bone grafting from the tibia or iliac crest. To our knowledge, there have been no reported cases of treatment of MWS with a vascularized bone graft. We report an unusual case of unilateral MWS in a 25-year-old male who failed nonoperative therapy and was successfully treated with a novel operative approach using debridement followed by a free medial femoral condyle vascularized bone graft. At 18-month follow-up, the patient demonstrated an excellent outcome with return to previous level of function, including work-related and recreational activities. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV: Case study
A Case of Spontaneous Bilateral Achilles Tendon Rupture
Authors: Yue Dominic , Al-Hadithy Nawfal , Domos Peter 
Published: December 2013

Background. Tendo-Achilles (TA) rupture is the most commonly ruptured tendon in the lower limb despite being one of the toughest tendons. Typically, it occurs unilaterally in middle-aged individuals who participate in strenuous activity. Spontaneous ruptures without any risk factors predisposing the patient is uncommon and for it to occur bilaterally is very rare. Objectives. To raise awareness of the potential for TA ruptures to occur bilaterally and thus the importance of assessing the TA contralateral to a seemingly unilateral rupture. This is particularly the case in patients with risk factors, which are reviewed in this report. A summary of the main treatment options is also described. Case report. We report a case of spontaneous, bilateral TA rupture in a 40-year-old man with no identifiable risk factors. It occurred following a heavy impact during a sports activity and although painful, was able to mobilize slowly. After a clinical examination confirmed the diagnosis, the patient underwent early bilateral surgical repair and subsequently embarked on a comprehensive rehabilitation program with a good functional outcome at follow-up. His return to premorbid work and social life was uneventful. Conclusions. Bilateral TA ruptures are rare but increased awareness would help avoid a tear or rupture of the contralateral side being missed. All patients presenting clinically with any TA rupture should have risk factors reviewed. Surgical repair must be accompanied by a comprehensive rehabilitation program for adequate recovery and return of function. Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV, Case study