bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Three‐Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography for the Evaluation of the Infarct Size and Segmental Transmural Involvement in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Zhu Wenhui , Liu Wengang , Tong Yan , Xiao Jidong 
Published: August 2013

PurposeTo compare parameters between three‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (3DSTE) and delayed enhancement magnetic resonance imaging (DE‐MRI) for estimating myocardial infarct size, peak systolic strain, and transmural involvement of infarct segments in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).MethodsDelayed enhancement MRI was conducted to determine myocardial infarction (MI) position, size, and transmural involvement in 26 patients with AMI. 3DSTE was conducted to measure global peak systolic strain in the left ventricle and to estimate longitudinal, circumferential, and radial peak systolic strain in papillary muscle segments. Conventional echocardiography was used to calculate the wall‐motion score index (WMSI) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).ResultsLeft ventricular strain parameters and LVEF were statistically significantly lower in patients with large‐size MI than in those with small‐size MI. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) and global circumferential strain (GCS) were significantly lower in patients with moderate‐size MIs than in those with small‐size MIs. All parameters except ejection fraction (EF) were lower in patients with large‐size MI compared with those with moderate‐size MI (P < 0.05). Pearson analysis revealed that left ventricular GCS, GLS, GRS, WMSI, and LVEF of AMI patients correlated with the myocardial infarct area (MIA) measured by MRI (r = 0.86, 0.81, −0.71, 0.64, and −0.66, respectively; all P‐values <0.01). Transmural infarct segments exhibited significantly lower longitudinal, circumferential, and radial strains than normal segments (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThese findings indicate that 3DSTE can distinguish between MIs of different infarct sizes, and may provide an indirect means for the accurate determination of transmural involvement in infarct segments.
Do chemical signals mediate reproductive behavior of Trupanea vicina, an emerging pest of ornamental marigold production in California?
Authors: Zunic Kosi Alenka , Chinta Satya P. , Headrick David , Cokl Andrej , Millar Jocelyn G. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractA variety of signals mediate reproductive behaviors of Tephritidae, and studies of such behaviors have focused predominantly on economically important tephritid pest species. Trupanea vicina (Wulp) (Diptera: Tephritidae: Tephritinae), an Asteraceae‐feeding fruit fly, was not considered a pest until recently, when large populations developed on marigolds in California (USA) nurseries. Understanding courtship behavior and the signals that mediate mating behavior in T. vicina could produce leads for new methods of controlling this emerging pest species. Most of the sexual behaviors observed in T. vicina were expressed by males and reflected the general characteristics of known reproductive behaviors in the genus Trupanea. Analyses of headspace volatiles indicated the presence of almost exclusively one male‐specific compound, 1‐nonanol. Age‐related changes were observed in the amount but not in the composition of the male‐produced volatiles. Aerations of males showed no diel periodicity in 1‐nonanol production, but an increase after mating. Solid‐phase microextraction wipe samples from various body parts of male T. vicina showed that 1‐nonanol was concentrated on the abdomens of males exhibiting pleural distension. Laboratory bioassays failed to detect any strong attraction of either sex to synthetic 1‐nonanol. Although the functional role of 1‐nonanol in T. vicina's biology is not yet clear, we suggest that it must have some role in the life history of this species, given the relatively large amounts in which it is produced, and the specialized structures used in its production and release. Analysis of cuticular hydrocarbons extracted from males and females showed pronounced sexual dimorphism in the cuticular lipid profiles, suggesting that these compounds may have a role as short‐range and contact pheromones.
Honey bee colonies from different races show variation in defenses against the varroa mite in a ‘common garden’
Authors: Kence Meral , Oskay Devrim , Giray Tugrul , Kence Aykut 
Published: August 2013

AbstractHoney bee [Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae)] genetic diversity may be the key to responding to novel health challenges faced by this important pollinator. In this study, we first compared colonies of four honey bee races, A. m. anatoliaca, A. m. carnica, A. m. caucasica, and A. m. syriaca from Turkey, with respect to honey storage, bee population size, and defenses against varroa. The mite Varroa destructor Anderson & Trueman (Acari: Varroidae) is an important pest of honey bee colonies. There are genetic correlates with two main defenses of bees against this parasite: hygienic behavior, or removing infested brood, and grooming, which involves shaking and swiping off mites and biting them. In the second part of this study, we examined the relationship of these two types of defenses, hygiene and grooming, and their correlation with infestation rates in 32 genetically diverse colonies in a ‘common garden’ apiary. Mite biting was found to be negatively correlated with mite infestation levels.
Postural threat differentially affects the feedforward and feedback components of the vestibular‐evoked balance response
Authors: Osler Callum J. , Tersteeg M. C. A. , Reynolds Raymond F. , Loram Ian D. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractCircumstances may render the consequence of falling quite severe, thus maximising the motivation to control postural sway. This commonly occurs when exposed to height and may result from the interaction of many factors, including fear, arousal, sensory information and perception. Here, we examined human vestibular‐evoked balance responses during exposure to a highly threatening postural context. Nine subjects stood with eyes closed on a narrow walkway elevated 3.85 m above ground level. This evoked an altered psycho‐physiological state, demonstrated by a twofold increase in skin conductance. Balance responses were then evoked by galvanic vestibular stimulation. The sway response, which comprised a whole‐body lean in the direction of the edge of the walkway, was significantly and substantially attenuated after ~800 ms. This demonstrates that a strong reason to modify the balance control strategy was created and subjects were highly motivated to minimise sway. Despite this, the initial response remained unchanged. This suggests little effect on the feedforward settings of the nervous system responsible for coupling pure vestibular input to functional motor output. The much stronger, later effect can be attributed to an integration of balance‐relevant sensory feedback once the body was in motion. These results demonstrate that the feedforward and feedback components of a vestibular‐evoked balance response are differently affected by postural threat. Although a fear of falling has previously been linked with instability and even falling itself, our findings suggest that this relationship is not attributable to changes in the feedforward vestibular control of balance.
Early origin of viviparity and multiple reversions to oviparity in squamate reptiles
Authors: Pyron R. Alexander , Burbrink Frank T. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractViviparity has putatively evolved 115 times in squamates (lizards and snakes), out of only ~ 140 origins in vertebrates, and is apparently related to colder climates and other factors such as body size. Viviparity apparently evolves from oviparity via egg‐retention, and such taxa may thus still have the machinery to produce thick‐shelled eggs. Parity mode is also associated with variable diversification rates in some groups. We reconstruct ancestral parity modes accounting for state‐dependent diversification in a large‐scale phylogenetic analysis, and find strong support for an early origin of viviparity at the base of Squamata, and a complex pattern of subsequent transitions. Viviparous lineages have higher rates of speciation and extinction, and greater species turnover through time. Viviparity is associated with lower environmental and body temperatures in lizards and amphisbaenians, but not female mass. These results suggest that parity mode is a labile trait that shifts frequently in response to ecological conditions.
Serum uric acid levels correlate with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Authors: Celikbilek A. , Gencer Z. K. , Saydam L. , Zararsiz G. , Tanik N. , Ozkiris M. 
Published: August 2013

Background and purposeBenign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a frequently encountered condition that can severely affect the quality of life. In this study, we aimed to assess the possible relations between serum uric acid (SUA) levels and BPPV.MethodsFifty patients with BPPV, and 40 age‐ and sex‐matched control subjects were enrolled in the study. All the patients and controls underwent a complete audio‐vestibular test battery including the Dix–Hallpike maneuver and supine roll test for posterior semicircular canal (PSC) and horizontal semicircular canal, respectively. Routine hematological and biochemical analyses were performed in both groups. In the BPPV group, measurements of SUA levels were repeated 1 month after the vertigo attack.ResultsThe lipid profiles and SUA levels were higher in patients with BPPV than detected in controls (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively). Albumin and SUA values were independently associated with BPPV in multiple logistic regression models (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively). A cutoff value of 4 for SUA level with a sensitivity of 0.72 (0.58–0.84) and a specificity of 0.60 (0.43–0.75) was obtained in the receiver operating characteristic analyses. There was a significant decrement in SUA level 1 month after the vertigo attack compared with the values obtained during the attack (P < 0.001). Among the most involved type of BPPV (PSC BPPV), the right side was affected in 26 patients (57.8%) and the left side in 19 patients (42.2%). SUA levels did not differ statistically in patients with PSC BPPV for either the right or left sides (P > 0.05).ConclusionsElevated SUA is positively correlated with BPPV, requiring further efforts to clarify the exact mechanism.
Laryngeal fistula formation after laryngoplasty in two Warmblood mares
Authors: Bienert‐Zeit A. , Roetting A. , Reichert C. , Ohnesorge B. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryRecurrent laryngeal neuropathy usually results in left‐sided laryngeal hemiparesis or hemiplegia and is one of the most common problems of the upper respiratory tract in equids. There are multiple methods of management, and the laryngoplasty procedure is still the most common surgical treatment. Different nonabsorbable suture materials and techniques are used for laryngoplasty. Post surgical complications are not uncommon. Of these complications, coughing is the most common. The following case report describes diagnosis and treatment of 2 horses with chronic coughing after laryngoplasty due to infection at the surgical site and laryngeal fistula formation. In both horses an elastic material (probably Lycra) had been used as part of the prosthesis implant. This material had deteriorated into multiple small pieces making removal difficult, and therefore use of this material for a laryngoplasty procedure should be avoided.
Selective proliferation of normal human melanocytes in vitro in the presence of phorbol ester and cholera toxin by Eisinger and Marko
Authors: Scott Glynis 
Published: August 2013

AbstractMelanocytes are pigment producing cells that arise from the neural crest and migrate to the skin early in fetal development. The pigment that melanocytes synthesize, melanin, plays a critical role in protecting the skin from mutagenic ultraviolet irradiation. Melanocytes are also precursor cells for melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer. Because melanocytes make up a minority population of cells in the epidermis they have been difficult to propagate in culture. The landmark paper by Eisinger and Marko, described below, was the first successful report of large scale propagation of pure cultures of melanocytes. This paper set the stage for an explosive growth in knowledge in the biology of human melanocytes and allowed scientists to begin dissecting the different oncogenic events involved in the transition of melanocytes to melanoma.
Hairless and the polyamine putrescine form a negative regulatory loop in the epidermis
Authors: Luke Courtney T. , Casta Alexandre , Kim Hyunmi , Christiano Angela M. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractHairless (HR) is a nuclear protein with corepressor activity that is highly expressed in the skin and hair follicle. Mutations in Hairless lead to hair loss accompanied by the appearance of papules (atrichia with papular lesions), and similar phenotypes appear when the key polyamine enzymes ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) and spermidine/spermine N1‐acetyltransferase (SSAT) are overexpressed. Both ODC and SSAT transgenic mice have elevated epidermal levels of putrescine, leading us to investigate the mechanistic link between putrescine and HR. We show here that HR and putrescine form a negative regulatory network, as epidermal ODC expression is elevated when HR is decreased and vice versa. We also show that the regulation of ODC by HR is dependent on the MYC superfamily of proteins, in particular MYC, MXI1 and MXD3. Furthermore, we found that elevated levels of putrescine lead to decreased HR expression, but that the SSAT‐TG phenotype is distinct from that found when HR is mutated. Transcriptional microarray analysis of putrescine‐treated primary human keratinocytes demonstrated differential regulation of genes involved in protein–protein interactions, nucleotide binding and transcription factor activity, suggesting that the putrescine‐HR negative regulatory loop may have a large impact on epidermal homeostasis and hair follicle cycling.
Cotton GhMPK6a negatively regulates osmotic tolerance and bacterial infection in transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana, and plays a pivotal role in development
Authors: Li Yuzhen , Zhang Liang , Wang Xiuling , Zhang Wei , Hao Lili , Chu Xiaoqian , Guo Xingqi 
Published: August 2013

Mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades play important roles in the perception of external signals and the generation of suitable responses. Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) is an important fibre‐producing and oil‐producing crop worldwide. However, few MAPKs and their interaction partners have been functionally characterized in cotton. In the present study, the group A MAPK G. hirsutum (Gh)MPK6a was identified and characterized. GhMPK6a expression can be induced through multiple defence‐related signal molecules and abiotic and biotic stresses. The ectopic expression of GhMPK6a in Nicotiana benthamiana reduced drought and salt tolerance, with elevated malondialdehyde content, higher reactive oxygen species content and lower abscisic acid content than in wild‐type plants. Moreover, plants overexpressing GhMPK6a were sensitive to the bacterial pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum. Histochemical analysis of β‐glucuronidase activity revealed that GhMPK6a showed tissue‐specific expression during postgermination development, mixed bud differentiation, and pollination. Most importantly, GhMPK6a interacts with the upstream MAPK kinase GhMKK4, as shown by the use of yeast two‐hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation systems, compensating for a deficiency of MAPK interaction partners in cotton crops. Taken together, these results suggest that GhMPK6a negatively regulates osmotic stress and bacterial infection, and plays an important role in developmental processes. These results provide useful information for elucidating the roles of MAPK cascades in cotton crops.Structured digital abstract

GhMPK6a physically interacts with GhMPK4 by two hybrid (View interaction)

GhMPK6a and GhMPK4 physically interact by bimolecular fluorescence complementation (View interaction)
Strong spatial differentiation of N and P deficiency, primary productivity and community composition between Nyanza Gulf and Lake Victoria (Kenya, East Africa) and the implications for nutrient management
Authors: Gikuma‐Njuru P. , Guildford S. J. , Hecky R. E. , Kling H. J. 
Published: August 2013

Summary

Study of phytoplankton nutrient status, biomass, productivity and species composition was carried out between March 2005 and March 2006, along a transect between north‐eastern open Lake Victoria and the large, shallow Nyanza Gulf in order to examine how the terrestrial run‐off can influence phytoplankton community and nutrient status and determine whether nutrient management of catchment run‐off has the potential to control the algal blooms in the gulf.
Hydrological and nutrient differences between the open lake and the gulf create a transition from P deficiency for phytoplankton within the gulf to nitrogen deficiency in open lake. The shallow and turbid gulf was continuously dominated by non‐nitrogen‐fixing filamentous and chroococcale colonial cyanobacteria, but seasonal stratification and deeper mixing depth in the open lake favoured diazotrophic cyanobacteria and diatoms.
Seston ratios and metabolic nutrient assays indicated the gulf to be sufficiently phosphorus deficient to impose P limitation on phytoplankton growth and biomass. In contrast, the open lake is not P deficient and is more likely to experience N deficiency that favours diazotrophic cyanobacteria. Because of high turbidity in the gulf, the euphotic zone is very shallow, limiting integral primary productivity compared to the less turbid open lake; high PAR extinction may also favour Microcystis blooms in the gulf.
Increased P loading into the gulf may translate to higher algal biomass, mainly of the bloom‐forming and potentially toxic cyanobacteria, and therefore, reduction in P loading into the gulf should be a management priority. However, a review of historical data indicates that the greatest change in water quality in the gulf is increased turbidity that reduces light availability and may limit algal growth more than P deficiency in years of high rainfall and river discharge.
Habitat heterogeneity and intraguild interactions modify distribution and injury rates in two coexisting genera of damselflies
Authors: Witt Jonathan W. , Forkner Rebecca E. , Kraus Richard T. 
Published: August 2013

Summary

Sublethal effects of predation can affect both population and community structure. Despite this, little is known about how the frequency of injury varies in relation to habitat, aquatic community characteristics or between trophically similar, coexisting taxa.
In a tidal freshwater ecosystem, we first examined injuries (lamellar autotomy) of Enallagma and Ischnura damselfly larvae, which have unique behaviours and susceptibilities to predation, as a function of habitat type, body size and overall odonate density. We also examined relative abundance of these genera and potential anisopteran predators as a function of habitat type.
The frequency of injury to Enallagma was high when larvae were small and overall odonate density was high. For Ischnura, however, the frequency of injury depended on habitat and was high for small larvae in less disturbed habitats low on the shore. Ischnura were most frequently found in more disturbed habitats high on the shore, whereas Enallagma were more frequently found in less disturbed habitats low on the shore.
The relative importance of factors hypothesised to structure odonate communities varied between coexisting Enallagma and Ischnura. Distinctive distributions and patterns of injury for each genus provided new insights on the potential for intraguild interactions to modify habitat associations in tidal freshwater ecosystems.
Synergistic and species‐specific effects of climate change and water colour on cyanobacterial toxicity and bloom formation
Authors: Ekvall Mattias K. , de la Calle Martin Javier , Faassen Elisabeth J. , Gustafsson Susanne , Lürling Miquel , Hansson Lars‐Anders 
Published: August 2013

Summary

Cyanobacterial blooms are a worldwide phenomenon in both marine and freshwater ecosystems and are predicted to occur more frequently due to global climate change. However, our future water resources may also simultaneously suffer from other environmental threats such as elevated amounts of humic content and consequent increased water colour, a phenomenon called ‘brownification’.
In order to investigate the effects of temperature and water colour in combination, we performed a mesocosm experiment combining a 3 °C increase in temperature and a doubling in water colour. With this, we created a projected future scenario for our water resources, and we specifically focused on how these changes would affect cyanobacterial bloom formation and toxicity.
We showed that despite total cyanobacterial biomass remaining unaffected, the abundance of one individual cyanobacterial species, Microcystis botrys, increased in response to the combination of elevated temperature and increased water colour. Furthermore, population fluctuations in M. botrys explained the majority of the variations in microcystin concentrations, suggesting that this species was responsible for the more than 300% higher microcystin concentrations in the future scenario treatment compared to the ambient scenario. Hence, it was not a change in cyanobacterial biomass, but rather a species‐specific response that had the most profound impact on bloom toxicity.
We argue that understanding such species‐specific responses to multiple stressors is crucial for proper management decisions because toxic blooms can significantly affect both biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, as well as ecosystem services such as drinking water supply and recreation.
Prevalence of minimal hepatic encephalopathy and quality of life in patients with decompensated cirrhosis
Authors: Mina Aline , Moran Segundo , Ortiz‐Olvera Nayeli , Mera Robertino , Uribe Misael 
Published: August 2013

AimMinimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) affects more than 30% of patients with cirrhosis, and it has been suggested that despite no recognizable clinical symptoms of neurological abnormalities, it may affect health‐related quality of life (HRQL); however, this fact remains controversial. The aim of our study was to evaluate the prevalence of MHE and HRQL in patients diagnosed with decompensated cirrhosis.MethodsPatients with liver cirrhosis were selected independent of the etiology of the disease. All patients underwent a complete clinical history, and only patients with decompensated hepatic cirrhosis were included. Psychometric tests were applied to evaluate the presence of MHE along with the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire. Appetite was measured by verbal and visual analog scales.ResultsOne hundred and twenty‐five patients were included with a median age of 56.0 years. They were classified according to the Child–Pugh index as A, (n = 56), B, (n = 51) and C (n = 18). Prevalence of MHE was 44.0% (n = 55). In patients with MHE, a significant reduction was observed in domains of activity (3.3 [2.0] vs 4.8 [2.8]), fatigue (3.2 [2.0] vs 3.9 [2.3]), systemic symptoms (3.8 [2.0] vs 4.8 [1.7]), emotional function (3.6 [1.9] vs 4.0 [1.9]) and global scoring (3.7 [1.7] vs 4.3 [1.8]) when compared with non‐MHE patients (n = 70). Twenty‐two percent of the patients with MHE reported little appetite compared with 11% in the non‐MHE group.ConclusionThe results suggest that MHE and a reduction in appetite are associated with deterioration in HRQL in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.