bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distribution and habitat characterization of the recently introduced invasive mosquito Aedes koreicus [Hulecoeteomyia koreica], a new potential vector and pest in north-eastern Italy
Authors: Montarsi Fabrizio , Martini Simone , Dal Pont Marco , Delai Nicola , Ferro Milone Nicola , Mazzucato Matteo , Soppelsa Fabio , Cazzola Luigi , Cazzin Stefania , Ravagnan Silvia , Ciocchetta Silvia , Russo Francesca , Capelli Gioia 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
The container breeding species belonging to the genus Aedes (Meigen) are frequently recorded out of their place of origin. Invasive Aedes species are proven or potential vectors of important Arboviruses and their establishment in new areas pose a threat for human and animal health. A new species of exotic mosquito was recorded in 2011 in north-eastern Italy: Aedes (Finlaya) koreicus [Hulecoeteomyia koreica]. The aim of this study was to characterize the biology, the environment and the current distribution of this mosquito in north-eastern Italy. Morphological details useful to discriminate this species from other invasive Aedes mosquitoes are also given (see Additional files).

Methods
All possible breeding sites for larval development were monitored. In addition, ovitraps and traps for adults were used to collect eggs and adults. The mosquitoes (larvae and adults) were identified morphologically and molecularly. Environmental data and climatic variables during the period of mosquito activity (from April to October) were considered.

Results

Aedes koreicus was found in 37 municipalities (39.4%) and was detected in 40.2% of places and in 37.3% of larval habitats monitored, in a range of altitude from 173 to 1250 m.a.s.l.. Garden centres were the most common locations (66.7%), followed by streets/squares (57.1%), private gardens (46.4%) and cemeteries (21.1%) (p < 0.01). The main larval habitats were catch basins (48.5%) and artificial water containers (41.8%). As for Aedes albopictus [Stegomyia albopicta], ovitraps were attractive for adult females resulting in the higher rate of positivity (15/21; 71.4%) among breeding sites. The period of Ae. koreicus activity ranged from March 29 to October 29.

Conclusion
The species is clearly established in the area and is now overlapping with other vectors such as Ae. albopictus and colonizing areas over 800 m.a.s.l, not yet or sporadically reached by the tiger mosquito. The data collected are essential to assess the risk of colonization of other parts of Italy and Europe, as well as the risk of spreading of pathogens transmitted. These findings stress the importance of implementing entomological surveillance for early detection of invasive species, which is necessary for eradication or limitation of its further spread.
Th17 cells favor inflammatory responses while inhibiting type I collagen deposition by dermal fibroblasts: differential effects in healthy and systemic sclerosis fibroblasts
Authors: Brembilla Nicolò Costantino , Montanari Elisa , Truchetet Marie-Elise , Raschi Elena , Meroni Pierluigi , Chizzolini Carlo 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Introduction
T helper (Th)-17 cells are increased in systemic sclerosis (SSc). We therefore assessed whether Th17 cells could modulate the inflammatory and fibrotic responses in dermal fibroblasts from healthy donors (HD) and SSc individuals.

Methods
Fibroblasts were obtained from 14 SSc and 8 HD skin biopsies. Th17 clones were generated from healthy peripheral blood upon enrichment of CC chemokine receptor (CCR)-4/CCR6/CD161 expressing cells. Their cytokine production was assessed by flow cytometry and multiplex beads immunoassay. Fibroblast production of monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, interleukin (IL)-8, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1, MMP-2 and type-I collagen was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and radioimmunoassay (RIA), and changes in their transcription levels assessed by real-time PCR. Intracellular signals were dissected by western blot and the use of pharmacological inhibitors. IL-17A, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) blocking reagents were used to assess the specificity of the observed effects.

Results
IL-17A increased MCP-1, IL-8 and MMP-1 production in a dose-dependent manner while having no effect on type I collagen in HD and SSc fibroblasts both at protein and mRNA levels. Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and p38 were preferentially involved in the induction of MCP-1 and IL-8, while MMP-1 was most dependent on c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Supernatants of activated Th17 clones largely enhanced MCP-1, IL-8 and MMP-1 while strongly inhibiting collagen production. Of note, the production of MCP-1 and IL-8 was higher, while collagen inhibition was lower in SSc compared to HD fibroblasts. The Th17 clone supernatant effects were mostly dependent on additive/synergistic activities between IL-17A, TNF and in part IFN-γ. Importantly, the inhibition of type I collagen production induced by the Th17 clone supernatants was completely abrogated by blockade of IL-17A, TNF and IFN-γ mostly in SSc fibroblasts, revealing an intrinsic resistance to inhibitory signals in SSc.

Conclusions
Our findings demonstrate that in vitro Th17 cells elicit pro-inflammatory responses while restraining collagen production. Thus, the increased Th17 cell number observed in SSc may impact on the inflammatory component of the disease simultaneously potentially providing a protective role against fibrosis.
The ZC3HC1 rs11556924 polymorphism is associated with increased carotid intima-media thickness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: López-Mejías Raquel , Genre Fernanda , García-Bermúdez Mercedes , Corrales Alfonso , González-Juanatey Carlos , Llorca Javier , Miranda-Filloy José A , Rueda-Gotor Javier , Blanco Ricardo , Castañeda Santos , Martín Javier , González-Gay Miguel A 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex polygenic disease associated with chronic inflammation, accelerated atherosclerosis and increased cardiovascular (CV) mortality. A recent meta-analysis has described the ZC3HC1 rs11556924 polymorphism as one of the most important signals associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) in non-rheumatic Caucasian individuals. In this study we evaluated the potential association of this gene polymorphism with subclinical atherosclerosis assessed by the evaluation of carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) in RA patients.

Methods
This study included 502 RA patients from Northern Spain. The ZC3HC1 rs11556924 polymorphism was genotyped with TaqMan single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping assays (C__31283062_10) in a 7900HT real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system. cIMT was also assessed in these patients by carotid ultrasonography (US) technology.

Results
RA patients carrying the TT genotype had significantly higher cIMT values than those homozygous for the CC genotype (mean ± standard deviation (SD): 0.76 ± 0.18 mm and mean ± SD: 0.71 ± 0.16 mm respectively; P = 0.03) even after adjusting the results for sex, age at the time of US study, follow-up time and traditional CV risk factors (P = 0.04) evidencing that the effect conferred by ZC3HC1 rs11556924 polymorphism is independent of the traditional CV risk factors.

Conclusion
Our results indicate that ZC3HC1 rs11556924 polymorphism is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in RA.
Psychopathology and cognition in children with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome
Authors: Niarchou Maria , Zammit Stanley , van Goozen Stephanie H. M. , Thapar Anita , Tierling Hayley M. , Owen Michael J. , Van Den Bree Marianne B. M. 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundChildren with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) have been reported to have high rates of cognitive and psychiatric problems.AimsTo establish the nature and prevalence of psychiatric disorder and neurocognitive impairment in children with 22q11.2DS and test whether risk of psychopathology is mediated by the children's intellectual impairment.MethodNeurocognition and psychopathology were assessed in 80 children with 22q11.2DS (mean age 10.2 years, s.d. = 2.1) and 39 sibling controls (mean age 10.9 years, s.d. = 2.0).ResultsMore than half (54%) of children with 22q11.2DS met diagnostic criteria for one or more DSM-IV-TR psychiatric disorder. These children had lower IQ (mean 76.8, s.d. = 13.0) than controls (mean 108.6, s.d. = 15.2) (P<0.001) and showed a range of neurocognitive impairments. Increased risk of psychopathology was not mediated by intellectual impairment.Conclusions22q11.2DS is not related to a specific psychiatric phenotype in children. Moreover, the deletion has largely independent effects on IQ and risk of psychopathology, indicating that psychopathology in 22q11.2DS is not a non-specific consequence of generalised cognitive impairment.
CAROTID ENDARTERECTOMY FOR ASYMPTOMATIC AND SYMPTOMATIC STENOSIS
Authors: Goldstein Larry B. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACT

Extracranial carotid artery stenosis represents one of the potentially treatable causes of ischemic stroke. In addition to general risk factor management, carotid endarterectomy provides a specific prophylactic intervention aimed at decreasing the risk of stroke related to carotid artery disease. The potential benefit of the procedure is dependent on several factors, including the patient's symptom status. A basic knowledge of cerebrovascular anatomy is required to correctly interpret the symptoms and signs of carotid disease. Knowledge of test characteristics is necessary for determining an appropriate evaluation strategy, and an understanding of data regarding the benefits and risks of the procedure relevant to a specific patient is critical when deciding whether to recommend the procedure.
LIFESTYLE MODIFICATION, ANTIHYPERTENSIVES, AND CHOLESTEROL-LOWERING MEDICATION FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY STROKE PREVENTION
Authors: Ruland Sean D. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACT

The adage "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" could never be truer than for stroke prevention. Acute stroke treatment (eg, thrombolysis) and stroke rehabilitation are not as effective for reducing the public health burden of stroke as is stroke prevention. Lifestyle changes may be important for stroke prevention, and modification of key risk factors for stroke can effectively reduce stroke incidence. Such measures may be cost-effective without producing serious adverse effects. Blood pressure control is paramount for hypertensive patients, and lipid-lowering agents should be employed when appropriate. Physicians need to actively educate patients regarding the benefits of healthy living and engage their participation in the monitoring and management of blood pressure and serum lipids.
Local cAMP signaling in disease at a glance
Authors: Gold Matthew G. , Gonen Tamir , Scott John D. 
Published: October 2013

Summary
The second messenger cyclic AMP (cAMP) operates in discrete subcellular regions within which proteins that synthesize, break down or respond to the second messenger are precisely organized. A burgeoning knowledge of compartmentalized cAMP signaling is revealing how the local control of signaling enzyme activity impacts upon disease. The aim of this Cell Science at a Glance article and the accompanying poster is to highlight how misregulation of local cyclic AMP signaling can have pathophysiological consequences. We first introduce the core molecular machinery for cAMP signaling, which includes the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), and then consider the role of A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) in coordinating different cAMP-responsive proteins. The latter sections illustrate the emerging role of local cAMP signaling in four disease areas: cataracts, cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Compensations for increased rotational inertia during human cutting turns
Authors: Qiao Mu , Brown Brian , Jindrich Devin L. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryLocomotion in a complex environment is often not steady-state, but unsteady locomotion (stability and maneuverability) is not well understood. We investigated the strategies used by humans to perform sidestep cutting turns when running. Previous studies have argued that because humans have small yaw rotational moments of inertia relative to body mass, deceleratory forces in the initial velocity direction that occur during the turning step, or "braking" forces, could function to prevent body over-rotation during turns. We tested this hypothesis by increasing body rotational inertia and testing if braking forces during stance decreased. We recorded ground reaction force and body kinematics from seven participants performing 45° sidestep cutting turns and straight running at 5 levels of body rotational inertia, with increases up to 4-fold. Contrary to our prediction, braking forces remained consistent at different rotational inertias, facilitated by anticipatory changes to body rotational speed. Increasing inertia revealed that the opposing effects of several turning parameters including rotation due to symmetrical anterior-posterior forces result in a system that can compensate for 4-fold changes in rotational inertia with less than 50% changes to rotational velocity. These results suggest that in submaximal effort turning, legged systems may be robust to changes in morphological parameters, and that compensations can involve relatively minor adjustments between steps to change stance initial conditions.
An embryonic myosin converter domain influences Drosophila indirect flight muscle stretch activation, power generation and flight
Authors: Wang Qian , Newhard Christopher , Ramanath Seemanti , Sheppard Debra , Swank Douglas M. 
Published: October 2013

Summary
Stretch activation (SA) is critical to the flight ability of insects powered by asynchronous, indirect flight muscles (IFM). An essential muscle protein component for SA and power generation is myosin. Which structural domains of myosin are significant for setting SA properties and power generation levels is poorly understood. We made use of Drosophila's transgenic techniques and unique single muscle myosin heavy chain gene to test the influence of the myosin converter domain on IFM SA and power generation. Replacing the endogenous converter with an embryonic version decreased SA tension and rate of SA tension generation. The changes in SA properties and myosin kinetics from the converter exchange caused power generation to drop to 10% of control fiber power when the optimal conditions for control fibers, 1% muscle length (ML) amplitude and 150 Hz oscillation frequency, were applied to fibers expressing the embryonic converter (IFI-EC). Optimizing conditions for IFI-EC fiber power production, doubling ML amplitude and decreasing oscillation frequency by 60%, improved power output to be 60% of optimized control fiber power. IFI-EC flies altered their aerodynamic flight characteristics to better match optimal fiber power generation conditions as wing beat frequency decreased and wing stroke amplitude increased. This enabled flight in spite of the drastic changes to fiber mechanical performance.
An algorithm to estimate unsteady and quasi-steady pressure fields from velocity field measurements
Authors: Dabiri John O. , Bose Sanjeeb , Gemmell Brad J. , Colin Sean P. , Costello John H. 
Published: October 2013

Summary
We describe and characterize a method for estimating the pressure field corresponding to velocity field measurements, such as those obtained by using particle image velocimetry. The pressure gradient is estimated from a time series of velocity fields for unsteady calculations or from a single velocity field for quasi-steady calculations. The corresponding pressure field is determined based on median polling of several integration paths through the pressure gradient field in order to reduce the effect of measurement errors that accumulate along individual integration paths. Integration paths are restricted to the nodes of the measured velocity field, thereby eliminating the need for measurement interpolation during this step and significantly reducing the computational cost of the algorithm relative to previous approaches. The method is validated by using numerically-simulated flow past a stationary, two-dimensional bluff body and a computational model of a three-dimensional, self-propelled anguilliform swimmer to study the effects of spatial and temporal resolution, domain size, signal-to-noise ratio, and out of plane effects. Particle image velocimetry measurements of a freely-swimming jellyfish medusa and a freely-swimming lamprey are analyzed using the method to demonstrate the efficacy of the approach when applied to empirical data.
A kinematic model of Kármán gaiting in rainbow trout
Authors: Akanyeti Otar , Liao James C. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryA mechanistic understanding how fishes swim in unsteady flows is challenging despite its prevalence in nature. Previous kinematic studies of fish Kármán gaiting in a vortex street behind a cylinder only report time-averaged measurements, precluding our ability to formally describe motions on a cycle-by-cycle basis. Here we present the first analytical model that describes the swimming kinematics of Kármán gaiting trout with 70% - 90% accuracy. We found that body bending kinematics can be modeled with a travelling wave equation, which has also been shown to accurately model freestream swimming kinematics. However, freestream swimming and Kármán gaiting are separated in the parameter space; the amplitude, wavelength and frequency values of the travelling wave equation are substantially different for each behavior. During Kármán gaiting, the wave is initiated at the body centre, which is 0.2 L (where L = total body length) further down the body compared to the initiation point in freestream swimming. The wave travels with a constant speed, which is higher than the nominal flow speed just as in freestream swimming. In addition to undulation, we observed that Kármán gaiting fish also exhibit substantial lateral translations and body rotations, which can constitute up to 75% of the behavior. These motions are periodic and their frequencies also match the vortex shedding frequency. There is an inverse correlation between head angle and body angle; when the body rotates in one direction, the head of the fish turns into the opposite direction. Our kinematic model reveals new information about how fish swim in vortical flows in real time and provides a platform to better understand effects of flow variations as well as the contribution of muscle activity during corrective motions.
In Real Time: Exploring Nursing Students’ Learning during an International Experience
Authors: Afriyie Asenso Barbara , Reimer-Kirkham Sheryl , Astle Barbara 
Published: October 2013

AbstractNursing education has increasingly turned to international learning experiences to educate students who are globally minded and aware of social injustices in local and global communities. To date, research with international learning experiences has focused on the benefits for the students participating, after they have completed the international experience. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how nursing students learn during the international experience. The sample consisted of eight nursing students who enrolled in an international learning experience, and data were collected in “real time” in Zambia. The students were observed during learning activities and were interviewed three times. Three major themes emerged from the thematic analysis: expectations shaped students’ learning, engagement facilitated learning, and critical reflection enhanced learning. Implications are discussed, related to disrupting media representations of Africa that shape students’ expectations, and educational strategies for transformative learning and global citizenship.
Synthesis of palladium-bidentate complex and its application in Sonogashira and Suzuki coupling reactions
Authors: Haddad Boumediene , Villemin Didier , Belarbi El-habib 
Published: October 2013

AbstractA new palladium-bidentate complex [m-C6H4(CH2ImMe)2(PdCl2)] (III) was prepared in two steps. In the first step, [m-C6H4(CH2ImMeAgCl)2] (II) (Im = imidazole moiety) was obtained by reacting imidazolium salt [m-C6H4(CH2ImMe)2]Cl2 (I) (prepared by quaternisation of Nmethylimidazole with 1,3-bis(chloromethyl)benzene) and Ag2O in CH2Cl2. In the next step, treatment of (II) with Pd(CH3CN)2Cl2 afforded complex III which was evaluated for its catalytic activity for C-C bond-formation reactions by examining the coupling reaction of 3-iodoanisole with phenylacetylene in the Sonogashira reaction. In addition, 3-methoxybiphenyls were obtained with good to excellent yields by Suzuki coupling reactions of 3-iodoanisole with phenylboronic acids or phenylborates salts in the presence of this complex.
Variability in Diaphragm Motion During Normal Breathing, Assessed With B-Mode Ultrasound
Authors: Harper Caitlin J. , Shahgholi Leili , Cieslak Kathryn , Hellyer Nathan J. , Strommen Jeffrey A. , Boon Andrea J. 
Published: October 2013

Study Design Clinical measurement, cross-sectional. Objectives To establish a set of normal values for diaphragm thickening with tidal breathing in healthy subjects. Background Normal values for diaphragm contractility, as imaged sonographically, have not been described, despite the known role of the diaphragm in contributing to spinal stability. If the normal range of diaphragm contractility can be defined in a reliable manner, ultrasound has the potential to be used clinically and in research as a biofeedback tool to enhance diaphragm activation/contractility. Methods B-mode ultrasound was performed on 150 healthy subjects to visualize and measure hemi-diaphragm thickness on each side at resting inspiration and expiration. Primary outcome measures were hemi-diaphragm thickness and thickening ratio, stratified for age, gender, and body mass index. Interrater and intrarater reliability were also measured. Results Normal thickness of the diaphragm at rest ranged from 0.12 to 1.18 cm, with slightly greater thickness in men but no effect of age. Average ± SD change in thickness from resting expiration to resting inspiration was 20.0% ± 15.5% on the right and 23.5% ± 24.4% on the left; however, almost one third of healthy subjects had no to minimal diaphragm thickening with tidal breathing. Conclusion There is wide variability in the degree of diaphragm contractility during quiet breathing. B-mode ultrasound appears to be a reliable means of determining the contractility of the diaphragm, an important muscle in spinal stability. Further studies are needed to validate this imaging modality as a clinical tool in the neuromuscular re-education of the diaphragm to improve spinal stability in both healthy subjects and in patients with low back pain. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2013;43(12):927–931. Epub 11 October 2013. doi:10.2519/jospt.2013.4931