bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Redistribution of left ventricular strain by cardiac resynchronization therapy in heart failure patients
Authors: Klimusina Julija , De Boeck Bart W. , Leenders Geert E.H. , Faletra Francesco F. , Prinzen Frits , Averaimo Manuela , Pasotti Elena , Klersy Catherine , Moccetti Tiziano , Auricchio Angelo 
Published: November 2010

AimsThe aim of this study was to investigate (i) the baseline patterns of segmental peak myocardial strain (PMS) in heart failure (HF) patients with ventricular conduction delay, (ii) changes in patterns of segmental PMS induced by cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), and (iii) whether they differ between CRT responders and non‐responders.Methods and resultsSegmental and global longitudinal (L‐) and radial (R‐) PMS measurements derived from speckle tracking were prospectively obtained in 85 HF patients with intraventricular conduction delay before and 6 months after CRT device implantation and in 30 healthy subjects. Segmental strain analysis in HF patients showed pronounced heterogeneity both in longitudinal and in radial directions with the lowest amplitudes in the septum and the highest amplitudes in the lateral and posterior walls. After CRT, 60% of the patients were responders (≥15% reduction in end‐systolic volume). Before CRT, responders showed higher global R‐PMS than non‐responders (19.5 ± 13.4 vs.13.1 ± 4.8%, respectively; P = 0.04) despite similar global L‐PMS. After CRT, responders showed an increase in L‐PMS in most segments and a homogeneous increase in R‐PMS, leading to a more uniform pattern of strain and an improved global L‐PMS and R‐PMS. In contrast, in non‐responders, the gain in L‐PMS and R‐PMS in septal segments was completely offset by a decrease in posterolateral segments, failing to decrease segmental heterogeneity and to increase global L‐PMS and R‐PMS.ConclusionHeart failure patients with ventricular conduction delay show pronounced heterogeneous patterns of segmental PMS, which can be reversed by CRT.
Burkholderia glumae: next major pathogen of rice?
Authors: HAM JONG HYUN , MELANSON REBECCA A. , RUSH MILTON C. 
Published: November 2010

SUMMARY Burkholderia glumae causes bacterial panicle blight of rice, which is an increasingly important disease problem in global rice production. Toxoflavin and lipase are known to be major virulence factors of this pathogen, and their production is dependent on the TofI/TofR quorum‐sensing system, which is mediated by N‐octanoyl homoserine lactone. Flagellar biogenesis and a type III secretion system are also required for full virulence of B. glumae. Bacterial panicle blight is thought to be caused by seed‐borne B. glumae; however, its disease cycle is not fully understood. In spite of its economic importance, neither effective control measures for bacterial panicle blight nor rice varieties showing complete resistance to the disease are currently available. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying B. glumae virulence and of the rice defence mechanisms against the pathogen would lead to the development of better methods of disease control for bacterial panicle blight.Taxonomy: Bacteria; Proteobacteria; Betaproteobacteria; Burkholderiales; Burkholderiaceae; Burkholderia.Microbiological properties: Gram‐negative, capsulated, motile, lophotrichous flagella, pectolytic.Disease symptoms: Aborted seed, empty grains as a result of failure of grain filling, brown spots on panicles, seedling rot.Disease control: Seed sterilization, planting partially resistant lines (no completely resistant line is available).Known virulence factors: Toxoflavin, lipase, type III effectors.
Patients' Beliefs about Medicines in a primary care setting in Germany
Authors: Mahler Cornelia , Hermann Katja , Horne Rob , Jank Susanne , Haefeli Walter Emil , Szecsenyi Joachim 
Published: November 2010

AbstractObjectives  The aim of this study was to explore patients' beliefs about medicines by administering the German version of the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ) in a primary care setting among chronically ill patients and to examine its psychometric properties. The BMQ assesses patients' beliefs about their individual prescribed medication as well as their beliefs about medicines in general.Methods  A cross‐sectional survey of 485 chronically ill patients was performed. The German version of the BMQ was evaluated in terms of internal consistency, validity and scale structure. To assess validity the Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS‐D) and the Satisfaction with Information about Medicines Scale (SIMS‐D) were applied.Results  The BMQ showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's α 0.79–0.83). Patients' belief about the specific necessity of their medicines correlated positively with the MARS‐D (ρ = 0.202; P < 0.01). There were significant correlations in the predicted direction between the MARS‐D and all the BMQ subscales with the exception of the General‐Overuse subscale (ρ = −0.06; P = 0.30). Relationship to the SIMS‐D was comparable to the original study. Factor analysis corroborated the scale structure.Conclusions  The BMQ is a suitable instrument to measure patients' beliefs in medicines in German primary care settings. Most patients in our sample had positive beliefs concerning the necessity of their medication. Their levels of concern were associated with higher non‐adherence.
Incidence of and risk factors for falls among adults with an intellectual disability
Authors: Cox C. R. , Clemson L. , Stancliffe R. J. , Durvasula S. , Sherrington C. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractBackground  Falls among people with intellectual disability (ID) occur at a younger age than the general population and are a significant cause of injury and hospitalisation. There is very limited research investigating risk factors for falls among people with ID and none with people living outside of formal care arrangements, either independently or with their family. We used a medical chart audit to identify the incidence and risk factors for falls among people with ID living in a variety of settings.Methods  We retrospectively identified 114 consecutive patients, aged 18 years and over who attended a clinic for people with developmental disabilities within a 15‐month period. Fall information was measured by carer recall of falls in the past 12 months. Potential risk factors were extracted from medical reports and a patient information questionnaire. Potential predictors were identified using univariate analysis and entered into a multiple logistic regression.Results  Of 114 participants, 39 (34%) reported a fall in the previous 12 months. The number of reported falls was similar for formal care and non‐formal care arrangements. The vast majority of fallers (84%) reported sustaining an injury from a fall and many potential risk factors were identified. Multivariate analysis revealed having seizures in the past 5 years, a history of fracture and increasing age were risk factors for falls.Conclusions  Falls are a significant health concern for adults with ID of all ages as a result of their incidence and the resulting injuries. Falls appear to be equally an issue for people residing in formal and non‐formal care accommodation. Further research is needed to develop screening tools and interventions for this population.
Stereological Analysis of Wistar Rat Testis During Early Post‐natal Development
Authors: Dorostghoal M. , Sorooshnia F. , Zardkaf A. 
Published: November 2010

With 1 figure and 2 tablesSummaryQuantitative analysis of testis structure was performed during early post‐natal development in Wistar rats. For this purpose, at 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 60 and 90 days after birth, weights and volumes of testes were recorded and fixed in Bouin’s solution. For stereological studies, 5‐μm paraffin sections were stained with haematoxylin–eosin. Relative and then absolute volumes of seminiferous tubules, germinal epithelium, seminiferous tubuli lumina and interstitial tissue were estimated by point‐counting method. The results showed that weight and volume of testis in rats increase 75‐ and 86.28‐fold during post‐natal development, respectively. The greatest growth rate (2.96‐fold) of testis was observed between days 35 and 42. Also, diameter of seminiferous tubules increased significantly (P < 0.001) between different ages and represented 5.55‐fold increase during post‐natal development. The percentage volume of tubular tissue increased 1.4‐fold between birth and 90 days of age. Interstitial tissue formed 36.68 ± 0.90% of testicular parenchyma at birth. This percentage decreased progressively during post‐natal development until 90 (9.00 ± 0.55%) days of age. Lumen of seminiferous tubules was recognized at day 28, and its relative volume increased with age. This study provides systematic data on the stereological characteristics of developing Wistar rat testis.
Immunolocalization of Ghrelin in the Stomach of Sprague‐Dawley Rat
Authors: Li J. , Yi S.‐Q. , Wang H.‐X. , Yi N. , Ogawa Y. , Ozaki N. , Itoh M. 
Published: November 2010

With 3 figures and 1 tableSummaryTo investigate the distribution of ghrelin in different regions of stomach in Sprague‐Dawley rat, and attempt to compare with those of humans and other mammalian species in this study, the stomach of rats was divided into five sections, cardia, fundus, greater curvature, lesser curvature and pylorus. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were performed to investigate the ghrelin‐producing cells. The immunolocalization and protein levels of ghrelin differed significantly in different regions of stomach in rats. It was present at a high level in the greater curvature of the pars glandularis, and the lesser curvature. In the fundus and pylorus, no ghrelin immunoreactive cells were detected. In this study, we elucidated the distribution of ghrelin‐producing cells in different regions of rat stomach in detail for the first time. It is further considered that the differences of ghrelin distribution in stomach of different species may induce different stimulatory effects on fat accumulation and metabolism.
Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in bipolar patients initiating acute‐phase treatment: A 6‐month follow up
Authors: Guan Nianhong , Liu Hairen , Diao Feici , Zhang Jinbei , Zhang Ming , Wu Tingjuan 
Published: November 2010

Aims:  To evaluate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its correlates in patients with bipolar disorder (BD) during acute‐phase treatment in southern China.Methods:  This study included 148 BD patients presenting with acute mood symptoms and 65 healthy controls at entry. Sociodemographic characteristics were noted for all participants. For patients, lifestyle information (alcohol, smoking, and exercise habits) and clinical characteristics were also collected. Patients were followed up for 6 months after the commencement of pharmacological treatment. Using the Chinese Medical Association Diabetes Branch criteria, MetS prevalence rates were calculated at entry and recalculated for patients at months 1, 3, and 6.Results:  At baseline, MetS was presented in 11.5% of the patients; overweight, 34.5%; low high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, 15.5%; hypertriglyceridemia, 29.1%; hypertension, 14.9%; and hyperglycemia, 5.4%. Compared with controls, the patients had a significantly higher prevalence of MetS and all its components except for hyperglycemia (P < 0.05). In the regression analysis, history of hypertension, presence of diabetes, and alcohol drinking were associated with MetS. During the follow‐up period, rates of MetS and overweight increased gradually and stably, hypertriglyceridemia and low high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol increased significantly in the first month and then remained stable, and hypertension and hyperglycemia remained stable all the time.Conclusions:  These data show that MetS is highly prevalent in Chinese BD patients. Weight gain and dyslipidemia result from a short period of treatment. Early interventions for weight gain and dyslipidemia are warranted.
No association between glutathione‐synthesis‐related genes and Japanese schizophrenia
Authors: Hanzawa Ryo , Ohnuma Tohru , Nagai Yasuhito , Shibata Nobuto , Maeshima Hitoshi , Baba Hajime , Hatano Tokiko , Takebayashi Yuto , Hotta Yuri , Kitazawa Maiko , Arai Heii 
Published: November 2010

Aims:  Schizophrenia is a major psychiatric disorder with complex genetic, environmental, and psychological causes, and oxidative stress may be involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. Glutathione (GSH), one of the main cellular non‐protein antioxidants and redox regulators, and altered GSH levels have been reported in various regions in patients with schizophrenia. Three enzymes are responsible for GSH synthesis: glutamate cysteine ligase modifier (GCLM), glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC), and glutathione synthetase (GSS). Previously, positive associations between GCLM and schizophrenia were reported in Europeans, but not in the Japanese population. Thus, in this study, we investigated the association between the GSH synthesis genes (GCLM, GCLC, and GSS) and schizophrenia in Japanese individuals.Methods:  Seventeen single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in GCLM, GCLC, and GSS were genotyped in 358 patients with schizophrenia and in 359 controls.Results:  No SNP showed a significant association between their allelic or genotypic frequencies and schizophrenia. Case–control haplotype association analysis using windows of two or three SNP showed no significant associations with schizophrenia. The case–control haplotype analyses based on the ascertained linkage disequilibrium blocks also showed no significant associations in any genes with schizophrenia.Conclusions:  The three primary GSH synthesis genes do not have an apparent degree of association with schizophrenia in the Japanese population.
Diversity and distribution of microbial long‐chain fatty acid biosynthetic genes in the marine environment
Authors: Shulse Christine N. , Allen Eric E. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryBacterial production of long‐chain fatty acids via a polyketide synthase‐related mechanism has thus far only been investigated in isolate‐based studies. Here, the genetic capacity for production of long‐chain fatty acids was investigated using a culture‐independent approach. PCR primers targeting the keto‐acyl synthase (KS) domain of the pfaA gene involved in omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) biosynthesis were used to construct clone libraries to investigate KS sequence diversity in disparate marine habitats. Of the 446 sequences recovered, 123 (27.6%) clustered with KS sequences involved in the synthesis of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5n‐3), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6n‐3) and arachidonic acid (AA, C20:4n‐6). The remaining 72.4% of clones formed environmental‐only groups or grouped with the KS domains of pfaA homologues from organisms producing unidentified products. In total, 17 groups were recovered – four known and 13 newly identified. A query of metagenomic data sets revealed sequences related to EPA KS domains, as well as sequences related to four environmental‐only groups discovered in the clone libraries. The phylogenetic affiliation and end product of these environmental‐only KS clusters is unknown. These findings reveal a widespread capacity for long‐chain fatty acid production in marine microorganisms, including biosynthetic pathways not yet characterized.
Diversity, abundance and characterization of ruminal cysteine phytases suggest their important role in phytate degradation
Authors: Huang Huoqing , Zhang Rui , Fu Dawei , Luo Jianjie , Li Zhongyuan , Luo Huiying , Shi Pengjun , Yang Peilong , Diao Qiyu , Yao Bin 
Published: November 2010

SummaryA novel class of cysteine phytase showing ability to degrade phytate has recently been isolated from rumen bacteria. To expand our knowledge of this enzyme class, a total of 101 distinct cysteine phytase gene fragments were identified from the ruminal genomic DNA of Bore goats and Holstein cows, and most of them shared low identities (< 50%) with known sequences. By phylogenetic analysis, these sequences were separated into three clusters that showed substantial diversity. The two most abundant cysteine phytase genes of goat rumens were cloned and their protein products were characterized. Four findings were revealed based on our results. (i) Compared with soil and water environment, where β‐propeller phytase is the most important phytate‐degrading enzyme, cysteine phytase is the major phytate‐degrading enzyme in the anaerobic ruminal environment. (ii) Cysteine phytase fragments in the rumen contents of goat and cow have the same diversity profile, although most of the sequences and their abundance differ in the two species. (iii) Each species has their respective high‐abundance genes, which may play major roles for phytate degradation. (iv) Compared with previously reported cysteine phytases that have pH optimum at 4.5, the pH optima of the two most abundant secreted goat cysteine phytases are 6.5 and 6.0, which are within the pH range found in the rumens. This study provides valuable information about the diversity, abundance and enzymatic properties of the ruminal cysteine phytases and emphasizes the important role(s) of these cysteine phytases probably in the terrestrial cycle of phosphorus.
The Effect of Availability of School and Distance to School on Children's Time Allocation in Ghana
Authors: Vuri Daniela 
Published: November 2010

AbstractIn this paper we present evidence on the impact of distance to school and school availability on households' decisions concerning time allocation of primary‐age children between work, schooling, and household chores activities using data from the Ghana Living Standard Survey 1998–99. Our results indicate that the increased and eased access to school has a well‐defined impact on children's time use. In particular, reducing the distance to primary school encourages children school attendance and reduces children work. Interestingly, the distance to middle school discourages children's work and boosts household chores activities. Moreover, the availability of both primary and middle schools has a positive effect on schooling decisions, and having a primary school nearby discourages household chores activity. Our results are robust to controlling for the endogeneity of school placement and per capita expenditures. We also find that household decisions about children's time use differ by children's sex, suggesting that girls may be differently responsive to policy measures aimed at reducing work and household chores activities and at increasing their school attendance.
Return Decisions of Undocumented Migrants: Do Network Effects Help the High‐skilled Overstay?
Authors: Coniglio Nicola D. , De Arcangelis Giuseppe , Serlenga Laura 
Published: November 2010

AbstractThis paper analyses the return plans of irregular migrants by stressing the role of individual skills and network effects. We propose a simple two‐period life‐cycle model that we test using individual‐level data on irregular migrants in Italy and on undocumented Mexicans in the USA. Our evidence shows that highly skilled clandestine migrants are more likely to return home than migrants with low or no skills. We argue this result is due to constraints imposed by the irregular status on migrants' ability to fully use human capital in the destination country. However, the presence of strong social networks may lessen this effect.
Household Membership Decisions of Adult Children: Exploring European Diversity
Authors: Chiuri Maria Concetta , Del Boca Daniela 
Published: November 2010

AbstractAlthough several social, economic, and financial indicators point to a growing convergence among European countries, striking differences still emerge in the timing of leaving home for adult children. In our work, we explore the European diversity, analysing living arrangements of people 18–34 years old from 14 European countries. We use the European Community Household Panel survey and augment its informational content with intertemporal indicators of labor, housing, and marriage markets characteristics as well as proxy for welfare states and culture. We find that their role varies by group as well as within groups of European countries. Some important policy implications derive.
Temporary Extra Jobs for Immigrants: Merging Lane to Employment or Dead‐End Road in Welfare?
Authors: Thomsen Stephan L. , Walter Thomas 
Published: November 2010

AbstractTemporary Extra Jobs provide subsidized employment for welfare recipients and are the most frequently used welfare‐to‐work program in Germany. We evaluate the effects of participation in this program on the employment chances of immigrant welfare recipients and contrast the findings with program effects for natives. Our results reveal that Temporary Extra Jobs fail to achieve their objective. The estimated effects are more adverse for natives, but the program is ineffective for participating immigrants either. Therefore, the program is a dead‐end road rather than a merging lane to regular employment both for natives and for immigrants.
The biophysical design of plant cuticles: an overview
Authors: Domínguez Eva , Heredia‐Guerrero José Alejandro , Heredia Antonio 
Published: November 2010

SummaryThe outer surfaces of epidermal cell walls are impregnated with an extracellular matrix called the cuticle. This composite matrix provides several functions at the interface level that enable plants to thrive in different habitats and withstand adverse environmental conditions. The lipid polymer cutin, which is the main constituent of the plant cuticle, has some unique biophysical properties resulting from its composition and structure. This review summarizes the progress made towards understanding the biophysical significance of this biopolymer with special focus on its structural, thermal, biomechanical, and hydric properties and relationships. The physiological relevance of such biophysical properties is discussed in light of existing knowledge on the plant cuticle.
Mutant α‐synuclein and aging reduce neurogenesis in the acute 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Peng Jun , Andersen Julie K. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryNeurogenesis, the production of new neurons from less differentiated precursor cells, normally occurs in adult brains in the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricles and the subgranular zone of the hippocampal dentate gyrus. Neurogenesis declines with aging. In previous studies, neurogenesis was stimulated by 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine hydrochloride (MPTP) in young animals. In this study, we examined the effect of acute MPTP administration and mutant α‐synuclein A53T on neurogenesis and migration of newborn neurons in the aged (23‐month) vs. young (2‐month) rodent brain. Cell proliferation and neurogenesis were assessed via bromodeoxyuridine labeling and immunostaining for cell type‐specific markers. In the aged brain, neural precursor cells in the rostral SVZ retained the capacity for proliferation and migration in response to MPTP‐induced Parkinsonism, although the response is less robust than in younger animals. Furthermore, in transgenic mice that overexpress mutant α‐synuclein (A53T), brains examined day 21 after MPTP administration showed markedly decreased olfactory bulb and substantia nigra neurogenesis. Our data suggest that in addition to aging effects associated with decline in the number of newly generated cells, mutant α‐synuclein reduces MPTP‐induced neurogenesis. This could provide a novel therapeutic target for chronic brain repair in this condition.