bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Small artery dilation and endothelial markers in cardiovascular risk patients
Authors: Aragonès Gemma , Ferré Raimon , Girona Josefa , Plana Núria , Merino Jordi , Heras Mercedes , Masana Lluís 
Published: June 2011

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (1): 34–41AbstractBackground  The use of methods based on reactive hyperaemia of small distal arteries to assess endothelial function (EF) is increasing; however, the mechanisms regulating vascular function in large and small arteries are probably different. We studied the correlations between the hyperaemia reactivity of small peripheral arteries determined by peripheral artery tonometry (PAT) and the levels of serum biomarkers of EF, inflammation and oxidation in patients with cardiovascular (CV) risk factors.Methods  Four hundred and seven patients with intermediate CV risk were recruited into a cross‐sectional study to examine whether soluble endothelial, inflammatory and lipid oxidative biomarkers correlate with small artery reactive hyperaemia index (saRHI) values, which were measured by PAT.Results  A significant correlation was found between saRHI values and the concentrations of soluble E‐selectin (sE‐selectin) and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (sVCAM‐1). These correlations were stronger when only non‐metabolic syndrome patients (46%) were analysed (r = −0·310, P < 0·0001; r = −0·264, P < 0·0001, respectively). In this subgroup, the oxidised low‐density lipoprotein/LDL (oxLDL/LDL) was also correlated with saRHI (r = −0·193, P = 0·009). A stepwise regression study showed that sE‐selectin was the only biomarker significantly correlated with saRHI values (P < 0·0001). In multivariate linear regression analysis, this relationship was still strong when the main confounding covariates were taken into consideration.Conclusions  Elevated levels of sE‐selectin and, to a smaller degree, sVCAM‐1 and oxLDL/LDL are associated with lower postischemic reactivity in the small distal arteries. sE‐selectin is the main determinant biomarker of saRHI as assessed by regression analysis. The presence of multiple risk factors weakens this association.
Comparison of different bile acid–phospholipid conjugates in acute hepatitis
Authors: Pathil Anita , Warth Arne , Chamulitrat Walee , Stremmel Wolfgang 
Published: June 2011

Eur J Clin Invest 2011AbstractIntroduction  The bile acid–phospholipid conjugate ursodeoxycholyl lysophosphatidylethanolamide (UDCA‐LPE) is a promising novel compound with profound hepatoprotective functions in vitro and in vivo. Because of high costs of LPE synthesis from hydrolysis of phosphatidylethanolamide (PE), costs for UDCA‐LPE synthesis for in vivo and human use can become quite high. In this study, we evaluated whether ursodeoxycholyl phosphatidylethanolamide (UDCA‐PE), which is more cost‐effective, could replace UDCA‐LPE in terms of protection from hepatocellular injury.Materials and methods  Anti‐apoptotic and anti‐inflammatory properties of UDCA‐PE and UDCA‐LPE were compared in TNFα/cyclohexamide (CHX)‐treated HepG2 cells as well as in a mouse model of d‐galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide (Gal/LPS)‐induced acute liver injury.Results  Ursodeoxycholyl lysophosphatidylethanolamide inhibited TNFα/CHX‐induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells in a dose‐dependent manner and markedly ameliorated Gal/LPS‐mediated fulminant hepatitis in mice. In contrast, UDCA‐PE showed weaker hepatoprotective functions at low concentrations, and protection was lost at higher dosage. Analysis of hepatic gene expression showed that both conjugates significantly reduced Gal/LPS‐mediated expression of chemoattractants, such as monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP1) and RANTES. These inhibitory effects by UDCA‐PE were transient while those by UDCA‐LPE were sustained in attenuating expression of inflammatory MCP1 and RANTES expression.Conclusions  Our data underline the superiority of UDCA‐LPE compared to UDCA‐PE in ameliorating acute liver inflammation. This indicates the significance of the lyso‐functional group of bile acid conjugate for optimal hepatoprotection and reduction in inflammation in vivo.
Active tissue factor and activated factor XI in patients with acute ischemic cerebrovascular events
Authors: Undas Anetta , Slowik Agnieszka , Gissel Matthew , Mann Kenneth G. , Butenas Saulius 
Published: June 2011

Eur J Clin Invest 2011AbstractBackground  Elevated factor (F)XI and tissue factor (TF) have been reported to occur in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We sought to investigate whether circulating activated FXI (FXIa) and TF on admission can predict clinical outcomes in patients with acute cerebrovascular events.Materials and methods  In the observational study, we evaluated 205 consecutive patients aged 70 years or less within the first 72 h of acute event, including 140 with AIS and 65 with transient ischemic attack (TIA). Plasma TF and FXIa activity were determined on admission in clotting assays by measuring the response to inhibitory monoclonal antibodies.Results  Active TF and FXIa activity were detected in 58 (28·9%) and 132 (64·4%) patients on admission, respectively. Active TF was detected in 45 of the 136 AIS patients with available TF levels (33·1%) and 13 of the 65 patients with acute TIA (20%; P = 0·05). Corresponding values for FXIa were 99 of the 140 (70·7%) and 33 of the 65 (50·8%; P = 0·006), respectively. Patients with detectable TF were more frequently women and hypertensive, while subjects with detectable FXIa had more often diabetes and higher levels of fibrinogen, C‐reactive protein and interleukin‐6 (all P < 0·05). Patients with detectable FXIa but not TF had higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, higher modified Rankin scale score and lower Barthel Index at discharge (all P < 0·05).Conclusions  Circulating active TF and FXIa occur frequently in acute cerebrovascular ischemic events. Active FXIa in plasma might be useful as a novel risk marker of worse functional outcomes in patients with acute cerebrovascular events.
Group integrative reminiscence therapy on self‐esteem, life satisfaction and depressive symptoms in institutionalised older veterans
Authors: Wu Li‐Fen 
Published: June 2011

Aims and objectives.  The purpose of this study was to use group integrative reminiscence as a nursing intervention to evaluate the immediate effects on self‐esteem, life satisfaction and depressive symptoms for a special group named ‘institutionalised older veterans’ after a 12‐week intervention.Background.  The study group comprised institutionalised older veterans with combat experience, including being wounded in war and who were twice forced to relocate. The group participants had lower life satisfaction, and greater use for mental health services and greater non‐specific health complaints were reported from this group. Reminiscence therapy has been considered an effective nursing intervention, but the effects on institutionalised older veterans have not been studied.Design.  A quasi‐experimental design and purposive sampling were conducted.Methods.  A total of 74 participants were studied with pre‐ and post‐tests to measure the effect of group integrative reminiscence therapy. The activity was held once weekly for 12 weeks. The Life Satisfaction Index A, self‐esteem scale and Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form were used as research tools, and the t‐test, Fisher’s exact test and generalised estimating equation were used for data analysis.Results.  All participants were male, with an average age of 81·34 years old, 91·9% unmarried and were in bad health. After 12 weeks of intervention, the reminiscence groups significantly improved their self‐esteem and life satisfaction and decreased depressive symptoms compared with control groups.Conclusion.  Group integrative reminiscence revealed immediate effects on improving the self‐esteem and life satisfaction of institutionalised older veterans, and depressive symptoms were also decreased. Moreover, a sense of positive self‐value and belonging to the institution was produced.Relevance to clinical practice.  Group integrative reminiscence is an applicable nursing intervention for vulnerable persons such as institutionalised older veterans. A structured protocol based on the characteristics of the residents and the aim of the intervention can lead nurses to provide appropriate reminiscent activities.
The application of δ18O and δD for understanding water pools and fluxes in a Typha marsh
Authors: BIJOOR NEETA S. , PATAKI DIANE E. , ROCHA ADRIAN V. , GOULDEN MICHAEL L. 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTThe δ18O and δD composition of water pools (leaf, root, standing water and soil water) and fluxes [transpiration (T), evaporation (E)] were used to understand ecohydrological processes in a managed Typha latifolia L. freshwater marsh. We observed isotopic steady‐state T and deep rooting in Typha. The isotopic mass balance of marsh standing water showed that E accounted for 3% of the total water loss, T accounted for 17% and subsurface drainage (D) accounted for the majority (80%). There was a vertical gradient in water vapour content and isotopic composition within and above the canopy sufficient for constructing an isotopic mass balance of water vapour during some sampling periods. During these periods, the proportion of T in evapotranspiration (T/ET) was between 56 ± 17% and 96 ± 67%, and the estimated error was relatively high (>37%) because of non‐local, background sources in vapour. Independent estimates of T/ET using eddy covariance measurements yielded similar mean values during the Typha growing season. The various T/ET estimates agreed that T was the dominant source of marsh vapour loss in the growing season. The isotopic mass balance of water vapour yielded reasonable results, but the mass balance of standing water provided more definitive estimates of water losses.
Confidence in receiving medical care when seriously ill: a seven‐country comparison of the impact of cost barriers
Authors: Wendt Claus , Mischke Monika , Pfeifer Michaela , Reibling Nadine 
Published: June 2011

AbstractObjective  This paper examines how negative experiences with the health‐care system create a lack of confidence in receiving medical care in seven countries: Australia, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.Methods  The empirical analysis is based on data from the Commonwealth Fund International Health Policy Survey 2007, with nationally representative samples of adults aged 18 and over. For the analysis of the experience of cost barriers and confidence in receiving medical care, we conducted pairwise comparisons of group percentages as well as country‐wise multivariate logistic regression models.Results  Individuals who have experienced cost barriers show a significantly lower level of confidence in receiving safe and quality medical care than those who have not. This effect is most pronounced in the United States, where people who have foregone necessary treatment because of costs are four times as likely to lack confidence as individuals without the experience of cost barriers (adjusted odds ratio 4.00). In New Zealand, Germany, and Canada, individuals with the experience of cost barriers are twice as likely to report low confidence compared with those without this experience (adjusted odds ratios of 1.95, 2.19 and 2.24, respectively). In the Netherlands and UK, cost barriers are only a marginal phenomenon.Conclusions  The fact that the experience of financial barriers considerably lowers confidence indicates that financial incentives, such as private co‐payments, have a negative effect on overall public support and therefore on the legitimacy of health‐care systems.
Beech bark disease: an evaluation of the predisposition hypothesis in an aftermath forest
Authors: Cale J. A. , Letkowski S. K. , Teale S. A. , Castello J. D. 
Published: June 2011

SummaryThe beech bark disease (BBD) complex affecting American beech consists of the scale insect, Cryptococcus fagisuga, and one or more pathogenic fungi of the genus Neonectria. Following extensive above‐ground mortality of mature beech, stands can be defined by a characteristic set of conditions that are termed the aftermath zone. A long‐standing hypothesis states that C. fagisuga is a necessary predisposing factor for Neonectria infection. Although some evidence supports this in the killing front, the relationship has not been examined in the aftermath zone and other predisposing factors have been proposed. Using quantitative, tree‐level data, we found no significant relationships between C. fagisuga and Neonectria spp. in aftermath stands of central New York State. We propose that the pathosystem operating in the aftermath zone differs from that in the killing front in that C. fagisuga may not be the sole predisposing factor.
Population structure and colonization of Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae) in China, inferred from mtDNA COI sequences
Authors: Li Y. , Wu Y. , Chen H. , Wu J. , Li Z. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis, is a serious pest of fruits and vegetables in South‐east Asia, and, because of quarantine restrictions, impedes international trade and economic development in the region. Revealing genetic variation in oriental fruit fly populations will provide a better understanding of the colonization process and facilitate the quarantine and management of this species. The genetic structure in 15 populations of oriental fruit fly from southern China, Laos and Myanmar in South‐east Asia was examined with a 640‐bp sequence of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. The highest levels of genetic diversity were found in Laos and Myanmar. Low to medium levels of genetic differentiation (FST ≤ 0.134) were observed among populations. Pooled populations from mainland China differed from those in Laos and Myanmar (FST = 0.024). Genetic structure across the region did not follow the isolation‐by‐distance model. The high genetic diversity observed in Laos and Myanmar supports the South‐east Asian origin of B. dorsalis. High genetic diversity and significant differentiation between some populations within mainland China indicate B. dorsalis populations have been established in the region for an extended period of time. High levels of genetic diversity observed among the five populations from Hainan Island and similarity between the Island and Chinese mainland populations indicate that B. dorsalis was introduced to Hainan from the mainland and has been on the island for many years. High genetic diversity in the recently established population in Shanghai (Pudong) suggests multiple introductions or a larger number of founders.
Post‐teneral nutrition as an influence on reproductive development, sexual performance and longevity of Queensland fruit flies
Authors: Taylor P. W. , Pérez‐Staples D. , Weldon C. W. , Collins S. R. , Fanson B. G. , Yap S. , Smallridge C. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractAdult Queensland fruit flies, Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt), require adequate post‐teneral nutrition to complete reproductive development, to perform sexually and for maximum longevity. Recent research has focussed on nutritional requirements of adults released in sterile insect technique (SIT) programmes that are used to manage these pests. Several studies have suggested benefits of providing yeast hydrolysate (YH) in addition to sugar during the 24‐ to 48‐h pre‐release holding period. Current evidence suggests that provision of YH can induce faster development, increased mating probability, longer copulations, increased sperm storage by mates, higher levels of sexual inhibition in mated females and increased longevity. We here review research on adult B. tryoni nutritional requirements, assess the potential application of this information in the context of SIT programmes and highlight future research that will help to determine whether YH, or other supplements, should be included as pre‐release treatment in B. tryoni SIT.
What’s the catch? Patterns of cetacean bycatch and depredation in Hawaii‐based pelagic longline fisheries
Authors: Forney Karin A. , Kobayashi Donald R. , Johnston David W. , Marchetti Jamie A. , Marsik Michael G. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractU.S. Pacific pelagic longline fisheries operating in the central North Pacific have been subject to a series of regulations to reduce bycatch of protected species, including seabirds and sea turtles. Cetaceans are also occasionally caught, and the bycatch of false killer whales, Pseudorca crassidens, in the Hawaii‐based deep‐set longline fishery currently exceeds allowable levels under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). In this study, we examined longline observer data collected between 1994 and 2009, with emphasis on 2003–2009, to identify patterns of cetacean bycatch and depredation in relation to area, time, vessel, habitat variables, fishing gear, and set characteristics. The objectives of these analyses were to identify relationships amongst fishery interaction rates and variables that could provide opportunities to reduce depredation by cetaceans, reduce the likelihood of incidentally catching a cetacean when present, or reduce the severity of injuries to cetaceans if caught. The results of this study were provided to the False Killer Whale Take Reduction Team, convened under the MMPA, as they developed a plan to reduce serious injury and mortality of false killer whales in these fisheries. No correlates were identified that could markedly reduce depredation rates, but a slight (16%) reduction in repeat depredation within a fishing trip was evident when vessels moved at least 100 km following a depredation event. The most practical option for reducing bycatch of false killer whales was determined to be the use of small (14/0–16/0) circle hooks, which could result in an estimated 6% reduction in bycatch and a greater likelihood of releasing animals with non‐serious injuries. Additional research is needed to address unresolved questions relating to processes involved in depredation events and hookings or entanglements of false killer whales.
Effects of environmental gradients on sandy beach macrofauna of a semi‐enclosed bay
Authors: Cardoso Ricardo S. , Mattos Gustavo , Caetano Carlos H.S. , Cabrini Tatiana M.B. , Galhardo Ludmila B. , Meireis Felipe 
Published: June 2011

AbstractMacrofauna of sheltered and pocket beaches located in embayments, estuaries or landward of protective reefs has not been adequately assessed in beach ecology. In this setting, the concurrent role of large‐scale morphodynamics and wave‐exposure gradients in shaping biological patterns is still uncertain. To examine variations in community descriptors and the influence of physical factors on macrofauna, 12 sandy beaches on five islands within Sepetiba Bay (SE Brazil) were characterized in terms of beach morphodynamics and dimensions (length and width), such as geographical position relative to the bay mouth. A total of 80 species were collected and identified. Community descriptors of macrofauna responded to morphodynamics and exposure gradients. Increases in species richness, and abundance, from harsh reflective (coarse sands, steep slopes) to benign dissipative (fine sands, gentle slopes) beaches, and from the bay mouth (exposed beaches) towards the inner bay (sheltered beaches) were observed. Mollusks were the most abundant macrofaunal group, followed by crustaceans and polychaetes. Crustaceans dominated the beaches near the bay mouth, whereas mollusks were more abundant on the beaches farther from the bay mouth. Canonical correspondence analysis showed that the degree of exposure, distance from the bay mouth, beach index, and beach length and width significantly affected the macrofauna distribution and abundance, creating an environmental gradient along Sepetiba Bay. Differences in macrofauna composition among the beaches studied were associated with beach length and width. In this sense, spatial variation of macrofauna among beaches can be a function of intertidal area. These results indicate that community characteristics in the sandy beaches studied are affected by several physical characteristics, but also by other factors that are affected by coastal processes.
iSNAP: a small RNA‐based molecular marker technique
Authors: Gui Yijie , Yan Guanghao , Bo Shiping , Tong Zhijun , Wang Yu , Xiao Bingguang , Lu Xiuping , Li Yongping , Wu Weiren , Fan Longjiang 
Published: June 2011

With 4 figures and 3 tablesAbstractEndogenous non‐coding small RNAs usually consist of 20–24 nucleotides, are found ubiquitously throughout the genome and play important regulatory roles in most eucaryotes. In this study, a new kind of PCR‐based marker approach using multi‐mapped small RNA sequences, called inter small RNA polymorphism (iSNAP), was developed. iSNAP primers were designed based on multi‐mapped small RNA and its two end conserved flanking sequences. To demonstrate the marker system, 10 rice and 30 tobacco iSNAP primers were developed and used to construct a rice genetic map and to fingerprint eight tobacco varieties. The results indicate that this technique can be effectively applied in the mapping of rice and fingerprinting of species (such as tobacco) with extremely low genetic diversity and thus provides a new option of molecular marker techniques.
Effect of Linoleic Acid Albumin in a Dilution Solution and Long‐term Equilibration for Freezing of Bovine Spermatozoa with Poor Freezability
Authors: Takahashi T , Itoh R , Nishinomiya H , Katoh M , Manabe N 
Published: June 2011

ContentsDespite normal eucrasia, mating desire and semen quality, sire bulls sometimes have spermatozoa with poor freezing tolerance. This study assessed effects of the addition of linoleic acid albumin (LAA) and long‐term (LT) equilibrium to frozen semen on their sperm freezing tolerance. Immediately after collection using an artificial vagina and a breeding mount, semen was diluted with yolk citrate buffer; then, it was cooled slowly to 4°C during more than 5 h. Equilibrium treatment at 4°C was applied using the same extender supplemented with glycerol. Semen of bull A, with low sperm freezing tolerance, was treated with 1 mg/ml of LAA added to the first extender. The equilibrium treatment at 4°C was prolonged to 30 h. Significantly higher motility rates were obtained for the LT + LAA‐treated sperm before and after freezing–thawing. However, for semen of bulls B and C with normal sperm freezing tolerance, the LT + LAA treatment barely exhibited a small effect on the motility rate. Almost no difference was found among bulls A, B and C in the motility rates of LT + LAA‐treated sperm after freezing–thawing. No difference of fertility was apparent on LT + LAA‐treated frozen sperm in comparison with normal sperm in embryonic collection and in vitro fertilization. It was not an aberration of fertility in vivo or in vitro. In addition, the conception rate of artificial insemination did not have a difference, and a normal calf was obtained. Results show that addition of LAA to an extender for frozen bovine spermatozoa and 30 h of low‐temperature equilibrium might improve the motility of freezing–thawing spermatozoa with poor freezability. Sperm exhibited normal fertilization capability and ontogenic capability.