bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Goniometric evaluation of both forelimbs and hind limbs in two species of Neotropical monkeys
Authors: Conceição Renato Tavares , Rahal Sheila Canevese , Melchert Alessandra , Bortoloni Zara , Teixeira Carlos Roberto , Imbeloni Aline Amaral , Monteiro Frederico Ozanan Barros 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate the goniometric measurements of the forelimb and hind limb joints in two species of Neotropical primates maintained in captivity.MethodsEighteen intact monkeys organized into two groups were studied: Group 1–9 brown howlers (Alouatta fusca), and Group 2–9 tufted capuchins (Sapajus apella).ResultsSignificant differences were observed in the maximum flexion of the shoulder, elbow, carpus, stifle, and tarsus (G1>G2); maximum extension and abduction of the shoulder (G1<G2); maximum extension (G1>G2) and adduction (G1<G2) of the carpus; and maximum extension, abduction and adduction of the hip (G1>G2). The ROM was significantly different in all joints: shoulder (G1<G2), elbow (G1<G2), carpus (G1>G2), hip (G1>G2), stifle (G1<G2), and tarsus (G1<G2).ConclusionsA. fusca and S. apella maintained in captivity have significant differences in the goniometric measurements of both forelimb and hind limb joints, primarily in maximum flexion and ROM.
Renal Sympathetic Denervation for Treatment of Resistant Hypertension: Egyptian Experience
Authors: HAMZA MOHAMED , KHAMIS HAZEM 
Published: July 2014

BackgroundAmong the Egyptian population with essential hypertension, a minority are under control (systolic pressure <140 mmHg and diastolic pressure <90 mmHg), despite the use of multiple antihypertensive medications. In this article, we describe our experience with percutaneous treatment using renal artery radiofrequency (RF) ablation.ObjectivesTo evaluate the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of catheter‐based radiofrequency renal sympathetic denervation for treatment of resistant hypertension in Egyptian patients.MethodsPatients with essential hypertension unresponsive to at least 3 types of antihypertensive medical therapy (baseline office systolic blood pressure ≥160 mmHg) (n = 55) were enrolled between February 2012 and June 2013 and received percutaneous RF ablation. Patients were followed up for 6 months after treatment to detect any change in office‐based measurement of blood pressure. Urine and blood samples were taken to evaluate the effects on renal function.ResultsA reduction of mean office blood pressure was seen from 174/103 ± 9/5 mmHg at baseline to 150/91 ± 8/5 mmHg at 6 months follow‐up (P = 0.001). Also, we noted a significant decrease in plasma renin activity (3.66 ± 0.64 vs. 3.37 ± 0.47 ng/mL per hour; P = 0.003), and there were no periprocedural complications, no adverse events, and no change in renal function during the follow‐up period. Also, no change was noted in the number of medications after 6 months (3.95 ± 1.64 vs. 3.67 ± 0.72; P = 0.27).ConclusionIn this observational study, catheter‐based renal denervation causes sustained blood pressure reduction in patients with resistant hypertension, without serious adverse events. (J Interven Cardiol 2014;27:423–427)
Tactile sensory and pain thresholds in the face and tongue of subjects asymptomatic for oro‐facial pain and headache
Authors: Okayasu I. , Komiyama O. , Ayuse T. , De Laat A. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryThe aim of this study was to examine the tactile sensory and pain thresholds in the face, tongue, hand and finger of subjects asymptomatic for pain. Sixteen healthy volunteers (eight men and eight women, mean age 35·7 years, range 27–41) participated. Using Semmes–Weinstein monofilaments, the tactile detection threshold (TDT) and the filament‐prick pain detection threshold (FPT) were measured at five sites: on the cheek skin (CS), tongue tip (TT), palm side of the thenar skin (TS), dorsum of the hand (DH) and the finger tip (FT). The difference between the tactile sensory and pain threshold (FPT–TDT) was also calculated. Both for the TDT and FPT, TT and DH had the lowest and highest values, respectively. As for the FPT–TDT, there were no significant differences among the measurement sites. As the difference between FPT and TDT (FPT–TDT) is known to be an important consideration in interpreting QST (quantitative sensory testing) data and can be altered by neuropathology, taking the FPT–TDT as a new parameter in addition to the TDT and FPT separately would be useful for case–control studies on oro‐facial pain patients with trigeminal neuralgia, atypical facial pain/atypical odontalgia and burning mouth syndrome/glossodynia.
Occurrence of Alternaria japonica on Seeds of Wild and Cultivated Rocket
Authors: Gilardi Giovanna , Demarchi Stefano , Ortu Giuseppe , Gullino Maria Lodovica , Garibaldi Angelo 
Published: July 2014

AbstractIn vitro evaluation was carried out on seed samples of wild and cultivated rocket cultivars, most frequently grown in Italy, and obtained from farms affected by the leaf spot caused by Alternaria japonica in Piedmont and Lombardy during the fall of 2010. Twelve seed samples were collected and assayed for the presence of A. japonica. The pathogen was isolated only from not disinfected seeds. Among the two seed samples of cultivated rocket (Eruca vesicaria), only one was infected by A. japonica at a level of one infected seed out of 800. Four out of ten samples of wild (Diplotaxis tenuifolia) rocket seeds were contaminated by A. japonica with the highest level of infection detected in a single sample of 3 out of 800. All tested isolates of A. japonica obtained from seeds were pathogenic on both wild and cultivated rocket.
Concurrent imaging of chlorophyll fluorescence, Chlorophyll a content and green fluorescent proteins‐like proteins of symbiotic cnidarians
Authors: Leal Miguel Costa , Jesus Bruno , Ezequiel João , Calado Ricardo , Rocha Rui Jorge Miranda , Cartaxana Paulo , Serôdio João 
Published: July 2014

AbstractResearch on photosynthetic cnidarians has been mainly focused on the symbiosis established between the cnidarian host and its dinoflagellates endosymbionts from genus Symbiodinium. Despite the potential of imaging techniques for assessing the spatial distribution of key parameters of cnidarian photobiology, such as photochemical activity, chlorophyll a content or green fluorescent proteins (GFPs), to our best knowledge, no study has ever attempted to simultaneous map these three features. In this study, we developed a modified imaging pulse amplitude fluorometer by applying excitation light of different wavelengths and selectively detecting short spectral bands through bandpass filters. The imaging system was used to sequentially excite and quantify chlorophyll variable fluorescence (maximum quantum yield of photosystem II, Fv/Fm), Chl a content (normalized difference vegetation index) and relative content of GFPs. The spatial distribution of these photophysiological parameters was mapped both horizontally, across the surface of the soft corals Sarcophyton cf. glaucum and Sinularia flexibilis and the zoanthid Protopalythoa sp., and vertically, throughout a vertical section of S. cf. glaucum. Results showed bleached areas within each individual coral colony and registered photophysiological changes with S. cf. glaucum tissue depth. Analysis of Protopalythoa sp. polyps’ expansion revealed differential surface patterns of NDVI and GFP concentration, and a negative relation between these latter parameters within each polyp. This novel non‐invasive approach allowed a high‐resolution characterization of the spatial relationship between these key parameters through the analysis of image information on a pixel‐by‐pixel basis, which has great potential for investigating the physiological state of symbiotic associations.
Macrobenthos relative to the oxygen minimum zone on the East Indian margin, Bay of Bengal
Authors: Raman Akkur V. , Damodaran Rayaroth , Levin Lisa A. , Ganesh Thiruchitrambalam , Rao Yannamani K. V. , Nanduri Sateesh , Madhusoodhanan Rakhesh 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe Bay of Bengal remains one of the least studied of the world's oxygen minimum zones (OMZs). Here we offer a detailed investigation of the macrobenthos relative to oxygen minimum zone [OMZ – DO (dissolved oxygen), concentration <0.5 ml·1−1] at 110 stations off the North East Indian margin (160 and 200 N) featuring coastal, shelf and slope settings (10–1004 m). Macrobenthos (>0.5 mm) composition, abundance and diversity were studied in relation to variations in depth, dissolved oxygen, sediment texture and organic carbon. Using multivariate procedures powered by SIMPROF analysis we identified distinct OMZ core sites (depth 150–280 m; DO 0.37 ml·1−1) that exhibited dense populations of surface‐feeding polychaetes (mean 2188 ind. m−2) represented by spionids and cossurids (96%). Molluscs and crustaceans were poorly represented except for ampeliscid amphipods. The lower OMZ sites (DO > 0.55 ml·l−1) supported a different assemblage of polychaetes (cirratulids, amphinomids, eunicids, orbinids, paraonids), crustaceans and molluscs, albeit with low population densities (mean 343 ind. m−2). Species richness [E(S100)], diversity (Margalef d; H’) and evenness (J’) were lower and dominance was higher within the OMZ core region. Multiple regression analysis showed that a combination of sand, clay, organic carbon, and dissolved oxygen explained 62–78% of the observed variance in macrobenthos species richness and diversity: E(S100) and H’. For polychaetes, clay and oxygen proved important. At low oxygen sites (DO <1 ml·l−1), depth accounted for most variance. Residual analysis (after removing depth effects) revealed that dissolved oxygen and sediment organic matter influenced 50–62% of residual variation in E(S100), H’ and d for total macrofauna. Of this, oxygen alone influenced up to ~50–62%. When only polychaetes were evaluated, oxygen and organic matter explained up to 58–63%. For low oxygen sites, organic matter alone had the explanatory power when dominance among polychaetes was considered. Overall, macrobenthic patterns in the Bay of Bengal were consistent with those reported for other upwelling margins. However, the compression of faunal gradients at shallower depths was most similar to the Chile/Peru margin, and different from the Arabian Sea, where the depth range of the OMZ is two times greater. The Bay of Bengal patterns may take on added significance as OMZs shoal globally.
Long‐term nutrient enrichment alters nematode trophic structure and body size in a Spartina alterniflora salt marsh
Authors: Mitwally Hanan M. , Fleeger John W. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe effects of long‐term experimental nutrient enrichment on nematode trophic guilds and morphometrics were examined in intertidal saltmarsh creeks of Plum Island Estuary, Massachusetts, USA. Nematodes from the marsh‐edge Spartina alterniflora habitat in a reference creek (n = 3300) were sampled annually and compared with nematodes (n = 3100) from a creek in which nitrate and phosphate loading rates were increased approximately 10–15× for 6 years. Trophic guilds in both creeks were dominated by epistrate (diatom) feeders and predators, and natural temporal variability across years was high. However, after 4 years of nutrient enrichment, a shift in the nutrient‐enriched creek was detected from a dominance of epistrate feeders to an increased proportion of predators, even though neither the benthic microalgae biomass nor the total density of nematodes was affected by fertilization. Nematodes also became longer, and longer relative to their diameter over time with nutrient enrichment because of the shift in trophic structure as short‐stout epistrate feeders were replaced with longer, more slender predators. These changes may have been directly related to nutrient enrichment effects on benthic algae or indirectly to the many other effects of enrichments on ecosystem structure or function. Our research indicates that nutrient enrichment alters the nematode community and this alternation may directly or indirectly affect the response of benthic algae to nutrient enrichment and as well as other ecosystem services.
Prominent intraspecific genetic divergence within Anopheles gambiae sibling species triggered by habitat discontinuities across a riverine landscape
Authors: Caputo B. , Nwakanma D. , Caputo F. P. , Jawara M. , Oriero E. C. , Hamid‐Adiamoh M. , Dia I. , Konate L. , Petrarca V. , Pinto J. , Conway D. J. , Della Torre A. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe Anopheles gambiae complex of mosquitoes includes malaria vectors at different stages of speciation, whose study enables a better understanding of how adaptation to divergent environmental conditions leads to evolution of reproductive isolation. We investigated the population genetic structure of closely related sympatric taxa that have recently been proposed as separate species (An. coluzzii and An. gambiae), sampled from diverse habitats along the Gambia river in West Africa. We characterized putatively neutral microsatellite loci as well as chromosomal inversion polymorphisms known to be associated with ecological adaptation. The results revealed strong ecologically associated population subdivisions within both species. Microsatellite loci on chromosome‐3L revealed clear differentiation between coastal and inland populations, which in An. coluzzii is reinforced by a unusual inversion polymorphism pattern, supporting the hypothesis of genetic divergence driven by adaptation to the coastal habitat. A strong reduction of gene flow was observed between An. gambiae populations west and east of an extensively rice‐cultivated region apparently colonized exclusively by An. coluzzii. Notably, this ‘intraspecific’ differentiation is higher than that observed between the two species and involves also the centromeric region of chromosome‐X which has previously been considered a marker of speciation within this complex, possibly suggesting that the two populations may be at an advanced stage of differentiation triggered by human‐made habitat fragmentation. These results confirm ongoing ecological speciation within these most important Afro‐tropical malaria vectors and raise new questions on the possible effect of this process in malaria transmission.
Transport dynamics of mass failures along weakly cohesive clinoform foresets
Authors: Abeyta Antoinette , Paola Chris 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThis study addresses the initiation mechanisms of mass failures on clinoform foresets. Previous studies have created mass flows by releasing dense water–sediment mixtures into standing water, thus imposing the initial conditions for the mass failures rather than allowing them to form on their own. Para‐meters such as the density, composition and initial momentum of the failures are pre‐determined, precluding observation of the factors that set them initially. This study uses a new experimental method that allows a range of mass failures to self‐generate. Building a clinoform using a cohesive mixture of walnut‐shell sand and kaolinite allows the foreset to build up and fail episodically, generating mass failures. Slopes undergo a series of morphological changes prior to failure, creating a concave shape that becomes exaggerated as deposition continues. This morphology leaves the slope in a metastable state. Once the slope is destabilised, failure is initiated. This study investigates the effect of clinoform progradation rates on failure size and frequency by conducting experiments over a range of water and sediment discharge rates. Neither failure size nor failure frequency changes with discharge rate; instead, increases in sediment supply are taken up by changes in the partitioning of sediment between the steep upper foreset and the more gradual delta‐front apron (toeset) below. Sediment is delivered to the delta‐front apron by a form of semi‐continuous slow creep along the foreset. This slow creep is a failure mode that has not received sufficient attention in the submarine mass‐flow literature. The independence of failure size and frequency from sediment supply rate suggests that the presence of mass‐failure deposits does not provide information on the rate of sediment delivery. If these relations hold at field scales, this would imply that individual mass failures are relatively insensitive to changes in water and sediment supply.
A glutathione responsive rice glyoxalase II, OsGLYII‐2, functions in salinity adaptation by maintaining better photosynthesis efficiency and anti‐oxidant pool
Authors: Ghosh Ajit , Pareek Ashwani , Sopory Sudhir K. , Singla‐Pareek Sneh L. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryGlyoxalase II (GLY II), the second enzyme of glyoxalase pathway that detoxifies cytotoxic metabolite methylglyoxal (MG), belongs to the superfamily of metallo‐β‐lactamases. Here, detailed analysis of one of the uncharacterized rice glyoxalase II family members, OsGLYII‐2 was conducted in terms of its metal content, enzyme kinetics and stress tolerance potential. Functional complementation of yeast GLY II mutant (∆GLO2) and enzyme kinetics data suggested that OsGLYII‐2 possesses characteristic GLY II activity using S‐lactoylglutathione (SLG) as the substrate. Further, Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission spectroscopy and modelled structure revealed that OsGLYII‐2 contains a binuclear Zn/Fe centre in its active site and chelation studies indicated that these are essential for its activity. Interestingly, reconstitution of chelated enzyme with Zn2+, and/or Fe2+ could not reactivate the enzyme, while addition of Co2+ was able to do so. End product inhibition study provides insight into the kinetics of GLY II enzyme and assigns hitherto unknown function to reduced glutathione (GSH). Ectopic expression of OsGLYII‐2 in Escherichia coli and tobacco provides improved tolerance against salinity and dicarbonyl stress indicating towards its role in abiotic stress tolerance. Maintained levels of MG and GSH as well as better photosynthesis rate and reduced oxidative damage in transgenic plants under stress conditions seems to be the possible mechanism facilitating enhanced stress tolerance.
Influence of intramuscular heat stimulation on modulation of nociception: complex role of central opioid receptors in descending facilitation and inhibition
Authors: You Hao‐Jun , Lei Jing , Ye Gang , Fan Xiao‐Li , Li Qiang 
Published: July 2014

Key points
Due to a lower triggering threshold of descending facilitation, driving of the descending inhibition alone without irritation of descending facilitation is critically challenged in the modulation of pain.
We test the hypothesis and provide the novel finding that intramuscular non‐painful heat stimulation may bypass the lower triggering thresholds of descending facilitation, and initiate the descending inhibition alone, which gives us a promising avenue to treat pain.
We further reveal distinct roles of μ/δ/κ‐opioid receptors in the function of the thalamic ‘nociceptive discriminators’, the thalamic mediodorsal and ventromedial nuclei, in descending facilitatory and inhibitory controls of nociception.
The present study helps us understand the mechanisms of the triggering and strengthening of endogenous descending inhibition via non‐painful heat stimulation, i.e. moxibustion, in effective relief of pain.
AbstractIt has been reported that the threshold to activate ‘silent’ or inactive descending facilitation of nociception is lower than that of descending inhibition. Thus, the development of pain therapy to effectively drive descending inhibition alone, without the confounding influences of facilitation is a challenge. To address this issue we investigated the effects of intramuscular stimulation with a heating‐needle on spinal nociception, assessed by measuring nociceptive paw withdrawal reflex in rats. Additionally, involvement of the thalamic ‘nociceptive discriminators’ (thalamic mediodorsal (MD) and ventromedial (VM) nuclei), and opioid‐mediated mechanisms were further explored. Descending facilitation and inhibition were elicited by 46°C noxious heating‐needle stimulation, and were regulated by thalamic MD and VM nuclei, respectively. In contrast, innocuous heating‐needle stimulation at a temperature of 43°C elicited descending inhibition modulated by the thalamic VM nucleus alone. Microinjection of μ/δ/κ‐opioid receptor antagonists β‐funaltrexamine hydrochloride/naltrindole/nor‐binaltorphimine, into the VM nucleus attenuated the 46°C intramuscular heating‐needle stimulation‐evoked descending inhibition, whereas treatment of the MD nucleus with β‐funaltrexamine hydrochloride significantly decreased the descending facilitation. By contrast, descending inhibition evoked by 43°C heating‐needle stimulation was only depressed by naltrindole, as opposed to μ‐ and κ‐opioid receptor antagonists, which failed to influence descending inhibition. The present study reveals distinct roles of μ‐opioid receptors in the function of thalamic MD and VM nuclei, which exert facilitatory and inhibitory actions on nociception. Furthermore, innocuous, but not noxious, intramuscular heating‐needle stimulation targeting δ‐opioid receptors is suggested to be a promising avenue for the effective inhibition of pain.
Using Transcriptional Control To Increase Titers of Secreted Heterologous Proteins by the Type III Secretion System
Authors: Metcalf Kevin J. , Finnerty Casey , Azam Anum , Valdivia Elias , Tullman-Ercek Danielle 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT

The type III secretion system (T3SS) encoded at the
Salmonella
pathogenicity island 1 (SPI-1) locus secretes protein directly from the cytosol to the culture media in a concerted, one-step process, bypassing the periplasm. While this approach is attractive for heterologous protein production, product titers are too low for many applications. In addition, the expression of the SPI-1 gene cluster is subject to native regulation, which requires culturing conditions that are not ideal for high-density growth. We used transcriptional control to increase the amount of protein that is secreted into the extracellular space by the T3SS of
Salmonella enterica
. The controlled expression of the gene encoding SPI-1 transcription factor HilA circumvents the requirement of endogenous induction conditions and allows for synthetic induction of the secretion system. This strategy increases the number of cells that express SPI-1 genes, as measured by promoter activity. In addition, protein secretion titer is sensitive to the time of addition and the concentration of inducer for the protein to be secreted and SPI-1 gene cluster. Overexpression of
hilA
increases secreted protein titer by >10-fold and enables recovery of up to 28 ± 9 mg/liter of secreted protein from an 8-h culture. We also demonstrate that the protein beta-lactamase is able to adopt an active conformation after secretion, and the increase in secreted titer from
hilA
overexpression also correlates to increased enzyme activity in the culture supernatant.