bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Independent relationship of left atrial size and mortality in patients with heart failure: an individual patient meta‐analysis of longitudinal data (MeRGE Heart Failure)
Authors: Rossi Andrea , Temporelli Pier Luigi , Quintana Miguel , Dini Frank L. , Ghio Stefano , Hillis Graham S. , Klein Allan L. , Ajmone Marsan Nina , Prior David L. , Yu Cheuk Man , Poppe Katrina K. , Doughty Robert N. , Whalley Gillian A. ,   on behalf of the MeRGE Heart Failure Collaborators
Published: September 2009

AimsLeft atrial (LA) size is considered a marker of poor prognosis in heart failure (HF) patients. Prior studies have recruited relatively few subjects limiting their power to adequately analyse the interaction between LA size, left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function, and prognosis.Method and resultsThe MeRGE collaboration combines prospective data from 18 studies in HF patients. In this analysis of data from 1157 patients, the primary endpoint was death or hospitalization for worsening HF. In multivariate analysis (Cox proportion hazard model), LA area was associated with prognosis (HR 1.03 per cm2, 95% CI 1.02, 1.05; P < 0.0001) independently of age, NYHA class, LV ejection fraction, and restrictive filling pattern (RFP). When LA area was used as a categorical variable, the HR associated with larger LA area (above median) was 1.4 (95% CI 1.13, 1.74) and when LA area index was used, the HR was 2.36 (95% CI 1.80, 3.08). When the patients with and without RFP were divided on the basis of either LA area or LA area index, significantly higher event rates were observed in those with larger LA area.ConclusionLeft atrial area is a powerful predictor of outcome among HF patients with predominantly impaired systolic function, and is independent of, and provides additional prognostic information beyond LV systolic and diastolic function.
Staged heart transplantation and chemotherapy as a treatment option in patients with severe cardiac light‐chain amyloidosis
Authors: Kristen Arnt V. , Sack Falk‐Udo , Schonland Stefan O. , Hegenbart Ute , Helmke Burkhard M. , Koch Achim , Schnabel Philipp A. , Röcken Christoph , Hardt Stefan , Remppis Andrew , Goldschmidt Hartmut , Karck Matthias , Ho Anthony D. , Katus Hugo A. , Dengler Thomas J. 
Published: September 2009

AimsThe prognosis of advanced cardiac light‐chain amyloidosis is poor. Heart transplantation might enable causative therapy and ultimately improve prognosis.Methods and resultsNineteen patients with cardiac amyloidosis but no obvious involvement of other organs were scheduled for heart transplantation. Four to 6 months later, high‐dose melphalan chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (HDM–ASCT) was planned in patients not in complete remission. Seven of nineteen patients died while waiting for heart transplantation. The remaining 12 patients (complete remission, n = 4) underwent surgery. Chemotherapy in patients not in complete remission consisted of HDM–ASCT (n = 5/12; subsequent complete remission, n = 2; partial remission, n = 3) or melphalan–prednisolone (partial remission, n = 1). Two of twelve patients were ineligible for any chemotherapy. Three of twelve patients died [423.5 (105–2131) days] from progressive disease, relapse, or sepsis. The 1‐ and 3‐year survival rates were 83 and 83%, respectively, similar to those of patients undergoing heart transplantation for standard indications. Corresponding survival rates stratified by haematological response were 100 and 100% for complete remission (partial remission, 100 and 100%; progressive disease, 0 and 0%).ConclusionHeart transplantation in advanced cardiac amyloidosis is a promising approach to interrupting the vicious circle of ineligibility for potential curative chemotherapeutic treatment and extremely poor prognosis of cardiac amyloidosis without chemotherapy. Highly urgent heart transplantation combined with subsequent HDM–ASCT appears to offer a successful treatment option to improve the poor outcome of cardiac amyloidosis. However, it should be restricted to highly selected patients in specialized centres.
Regional abnormalities of myocardial deformation in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: correlations with delayed enhancement in cardiac magnetic resonance
Authors: Ghio Stefano , Revera Miriam , Mori Francesca , Klersy Catherine , Raisaro Arturo , Raineri Claudia , Serio Alessandra , Pasotti Michele , Visconti Luigi Oltrona 
Published: September 2009

AimsHypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic disease histologically characterized by a profound disarray of myocardial fibres and by local fibrosis. We sought to characterize regional left ventricular contractility in HCM patients using deformation analysis and to compare it with the presence or absence of delayed enhancement in cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR).Methods and resultsWe studied 58 HCM patients (mean age 41 years, 37 male). The control population comprised 15 normal subjects. Colour tissue‐Doppler imaging was acquired in two‐dimensional mode from apical four‐chamber and two‐chamber views; off‐line analysis was performed in four basal and four middle left ventricular segments. Gadolinium‐enhanced CMR was performed in 36 HCM patients. In HCM patients, peak systolic strain was not uniform across left ventricular segments; differences were not related to site or thickness of the segment analysed. Paradoxically, positive systolic strain values were measured in six middle segments. Delayed CMR enhancement was associated with lower peak systolic strain (P = 0.007). Regional non‐uniformities in peak systolic strain were not observed in normal subjects.ConclusionAreas of reduced left ventricular contractility in deformation analysis are associated with delayed CMR enhancement in patients with HCM.
Uncertainty and Operational Considerations in Mass Prophylaxis Workforce Planning
Authors: Hupert Nathaniel , Xiong Wei , King Kathleen , Castorena Michelle , Hawkins Caitlin , Wu Cindie , Muckstadt John A. 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACTBackground: The public health response to an influenza pandemic or other large-scale health emergency may include mass prophylaxis using multiple points of dispensing (PODs) to deliver countermeasures rapidly to affected populations. Computer models created to date to determine “optimal” staffing levels at PODs typically assume stable patient demand for service. The authors investigated POD function under dynamic and uncertain operational environments.Methods: The authors constructed a Monte Carlo simulation model of mass prophylaxis (the Dynamic POD Simulator, or D-PODS) to assess the consequences of nonstationary patient arrival patterns on POD function under a variety of POD layouts and staffing plans. Compared are the performance of a standard POD layout under steady-state and variable patient arrival rates that may mimic real-life variation in patient demand.Results: To achieve similar performance, PODs functioning under nonstationary patient arrival rates require higher staffing levels than would be predicted using the assumption of stationary arrival rates. Furthermore, PODs may develop severe bottlenecks unless staffing levels vary over time to meet changing patient arrival patterns. Efficient POD networks therefore require command and control systems capable of dynamically adjusting intra- and inter-POD staff levels to meet demand. In addition, under real-world operating conditions of heightened uncertainty, fewer large PODs will require a smaller total staff than many small PODs to achieve comparable performance.Conclusions: Modeling environments that capture the effects of fundamental uncertainties in public health disasters are essential for the realistic evaluation of response mechanisms and policies. D-PODS quantifies POD operational efficiency under more realistic conditions than have been modeled previously. The authors’ experiments demonstrate that effective POD staffing plans must be responsive to variation and uncertainty in POD arrival patterns. These experiments highlight the need for command and control systems to be created to manage emergency response successfully. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2009;3(Suppl 2):S121–S131)
Systematic methods, fossils, and relationships within Heteroptera (Insecta)
Authors: Cassis Gerasimos , Schuh Randall T. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThree recent papers dealing with phylogenetic relationships within the Heteroptera are discussed and analysed. A character set representing 43 taxa and 78 characters is used to test theories presented in those papers. The conclusions of Grimaldi and Engel concerning the placement of the Cretaceous fossil taxonCretopiesmain the Piesmatidae are rejected in favour of placement in the Aradidae. The placement by Nel et al. ofProtodorisfrom Eocene amber of the Paris Basin in the Thaumastocoridae is considered ambiguous because it has none of the diagnostic characters of that family group and is therefore regarded asincertae sedis. The arguments of Sweet concerning the elevation of the Aradoidea to infraordinal status on the basis of autapomorphies are also treated as invalid. General arguments against the use of phenetic methods in palaeontology, andad hocapproaches under the guise of cladistics, are offered, with the conclusion that rigorous cladistic analyses are a prerequisite to testable conclusions concerning the placement of fossil and Recent taxa. © The Willi Hennig Society 2009.
The evolution of Pseudomonas syringae host specificity and type III effector repertoires
Authors: LINDEBERG MAGDALEN , CUNNAC SÉBASTIEN , COLLMER ALAN 
Published: September 2009

SUMMARYThe discovery 45 years ago that many Pseudomonas syringae pathovars elicit the hypersensitive response in plant species other than their hosts fostered the use of these bacteria as experimental models. However, the basis for host specificity and the corresponding resistance of nonhosts remain unclear. Pseudomonas syringae is now known to inject into the host cytoplasm, via the type III secretion system, effector proteins that suppress basal innate immunity, but may be recognized by cognate resistance (R) proteins in a second level of defence. The identification and manipulation of complete repertoires of type III effectors have revealed the highly polymorphic nature of effector repertoires and their potential to limit the host range. However, the maintenance of compatible effector repertoires may be driven by adaptations to life in a given plant species involving many factors. Tools are now available to test several hypotheses for the nature and evolution of P. syringae host specificity and nonhost resistance.
Influence of temperature and salinity on the germination of Lotus creticus (L.) from the arid land of Tunisia
Authors: Rejili Mokhtar , Vadel Ahmedou M. , Guetet Arbi , Mahdhi Mosbah , Lachiheb Belgacem , Ferchichi Ali , Mars Mohamed 
Published: September 2009

AbstractEffects of salinity, temperature and their interactions on the rate and final percentage of germination were evaluated for two populations (Msarref, Oued dkouk) of the invasive glycophyte Lotus creticus Linné, grown under arid environmental conditions of the Tunisia. Seeds that were not treated with NaCl germinated well in a wide range of temperatures. For both populations, maximum germination occurred in distilled water at 25°C and lowest germination for all salinities was at 35°C. Germination was substantially delayed and significantly reduced with an increase in NaCl to levels above 300 mm. Compared to the Oued dkouk population, final germination and germination rate of the Msarref population was completely inhibited at 300 mm NaCl. The interactive effect of temperature and NaCl concentration on final germination and germination rate was significant (P < 0.01), indicating that the germination response to salinity depended on temperature. The inhibition of Oued dkouk population seed germination at high salt concentration was mostly due to osmotic effects while ionic effects were noted at Msarref population. The germination behaviour of the Oued dkouk population would therefore imply adaptive mechanisms to saline environments, while in the Msarref population such mechanisms seem to be absent. Since seed germination is more sensitive to salinity stress than the growth of established plants, the greater tolerance to salinity of Oued dkouk population would be an adaptive feature of this population to saline environment.
An ecological study of the relationship between two living fossils in Malawi: the Mulanje Tiger Moth (Callioratis grandis) and the Mulanje Cycad (Encephalartos gratus)
Authors: Bayliss Julian , Burrow Camilla , Martell Sara , Staude Hermann 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe Mulanje tiger moth (Callioratis grandis) has recently been discovered feeding solely on the Mulanje Cycad, Encephalartos gratus. In its type locality Encephalartos gratus is severely threatened through habitat destruction and human population growth. As a result the first detailed demographic survey of Encephalartos gratus on Mount Mulanje was undertaken with particular emphasis on the relationship between E. gratus and Callioratis grandis. What is unusual about C. grandis is that the males exhibit lekking behaviour, for which aposematism may be a prerequisite. Cycads were surveyed in a systematic manner. Both the biotic and abiotic parameters were recorded from 532 wild Encephalartos gratus. Results showed the morphological range of measurements differed from that of previously published literature on this species. Results also showed that the incidence of Callioratis larval damage was related to the maturity of the wild cycads – moth damage was greater on more mature plants. Approximately 50% of surveyed cycads showed evidence of Callioratis moth damage, however, there was no apparent preference from the moth to select either male or female cycads as food plants for the larvae. In some cases there was severe damage to cycad fronds, but this did not seem to affect the production of reproductive cones or even the survival of individual cycads.
The importance of post‐fire regrowth for sable antelope in a Southern African savanna
Authors: Parrini Francesca , Owen‐Smith Norman 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBurning is commonly used in savannas to stimulate grass regrowth for grazing ungulates. We recorded the relative use of burns occurring at different stages in the seasonal cycle, as well as in different regions of the landscape by two herds of sable. We also recorded behavioural measures of foraging efficiency and faecal nutrient contents as an indication of nutrient gains. Sable consistently concentrated their grazing on burned areas provided there was sufficient green regrowth during the dry season. In these circumstances they grazed for longer per feeding station, showed a slower step rate while foraging, and shorter between‐patch moves, and a higher probability of encountering acceptable food per step taken while foraging than on unburnt areas. In the year when only a burn with insufficient regrowth was available, sable continued to forage in the area that had been burned during the previous year. Faecal crude protein was substantially higher at the end of the dry season in the year when burned areas were utilized. Accordingly early dry season fires can be important in helping sable bridge the nutritional limitations posed by the dry season, provided sufficient soil moisture remains to promote adequate grass regrowth.
Diversity, dynamics and reproduction in a community of small mammals in Upper Guinea, with emphasis on pygmy mice ecology
Authors: Fichet‐Calvet Elisabeth , Audenaert Leen , Barrière Patrick , Verheyen Erik 
Published: September 2009

AbstractAs part of a large survey on reservoirs of Lassa fever in Guinea, three villages were investigated in high endemic zone, close to Sierra Leone border. Biodiversity of the small mammal community is presented in this study through a standardized trapping in houses, cultivations and forest. Identification of the small mammals was based on morphology and by molecular technique for sibling species. Of the 1123 specimens collected in 2003–2005, we identified seventeen species (thirteen Muridae, four Soricidae), leading to high diversity (Shannon index = 1.6–1.8) and high equitability (evenness index = 0.7–0.8) in cultivations and forest. In houses conversely, the rodent community was dominated by Mastomys natalensis (95–98%), leading to low diversity and equitability. Dynamics and reproduction were investigated in two species of pygmy mice, Mus mattheyi and Mus minutoides, two species of Praomys, P. daltoni and P. rostratus, and in Mastomys erythroleucus. The pygmy mice were abundant in cultivations in early rainy season, and reproduced from rainy to dry season. Praomys daltoni was also found more abundant in cultivations and seemed to reproduce between rainy and dry season, whereas P. rostratus preferred forest and cultivations in late rainy season, and reproduced throughout the year. Finally, M. erythroleucus was more abundant in forest in dry season, and seemed to reproduce from late rainy to dry season. This species had a low occurrence (6.5%) in the Faranah’s zone, and probably lived at its southern limit in Guinea. The presence of other Murinae, such as M. natalensis, Praomys spp as possible competitors in the same habitats, is discussed. For the first time, this study relates population biology of pygmy mice with molecular identification.
Characterization of the porcine AMPK alpha 2 catalytic subunitgene (PRKAA2): genomic structure, polymorphism detection and association study
Authors: Lin L. , Flisikowski K. , Schwarzenbacher H. , Scharfe M. , Severitt S. , Blöcker H. , Fries R. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryAMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), known as a key regulator of cellular energy homeostasis, plays an important role in regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, and protein synthesis in mammals. The characterization of porcine PRKAA2 encoding the alpha 2 catalytic subunit of AMPK is reported in this study. PRKAA2 was assigned to porcine chromosome 6q by analysis of radiation hybrids (IMpRH panel), and its genomic structure was determined by BAC sequencing. PRKAA2 spans more than 62 kb and consists of nine exons and eight introns. A total of 25 polymorphisms were identified by re‐sequencing approximately 7 kb, including all the exons, exon–intron boundaries and 5′ and 3′ gene flanking regions using twelve founder animals of a Mangalitsa × Piétrain intercross. Neither of two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) found in the coding region caused an amino acid substitution. Two SNPs (NM_214266.1: c.236+142A>G and NM_214266.1: c.630C>T) in PRKAA2 were genotyped in the Mangalitsa × Piétrain F2 cross (n = 589) and two commercial populations [Piétrain (n = 1173) and German Landrace (n = 536)] and evaluated for association with traits of interest (muscle development and fat deposition). Single SNP and haplotype analyses revealed weak associations between the PRKAA2 genotypes and loin muscle area in the investigated populations.
Volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath as a diagnostic tool for asthma in children
Authors: Dallinga J. W. , Robroeks C. M. H. H. T. , Van Berkel J. J. B. N. , Moonen E. J. C. , Godschalk R. W. L. , Jöbsis Q. , Dompeling E. , Wouters E. F. M. , Van Schooten F. J. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryBackground
The correct diagnosis of asthma in young children is often hard to achieve, resulting in undertreatment of asthmatic children and overtreatment in transient wheezers.Objectives
To develop a new diagnostic tool that better discriminates between asthma and transient wheezing and that leads to a more accurate diagnosis and hence less undertreatment and overtreatment. A first stage in the development of such a tool is the ability to discriminate between asthmatic children and healthy controls. The integrative analysis of large numbers of volatile organic compounds (VOC) in exhaled breath has the potential to discriminate between various inflammatory conditions of the respiratory tract.Methods
Breath samples were obtained and analysed for VOC by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry from asthmatic children (n=63) and healthy controls (n=57). A total of 945 determined compounds were subjected to discriminant analysis to find those that could discriminate diseased from healthy children. A set of samples from both asthmatic and healthy children was selected to construct a model that was subsequently used to predict the asthma or the healthy status of a test group. In this way, the predictive value of the model could be tested.Measurements and main results
The discriminant analyses demonstrated that asthma and healthy groups are distinct from one another. A total of eight components discriminated between asthmatic and healthy children with a 92% correct classification, achieving a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 95%.Conclusion
The results show that a limited number of VOC in exhaled air can well be used to distinguish children with asthma from healthy children. Cite this as: J. W. Dallinga, C. M. H. H. T. Robroeks, J. J. B. N. van Berkel, E. J. C. Moonen, R. W. L. Godschalk, Q. Jöbsis, E. Dompeling, E. F. M. Wouters and F. J. van Schooten, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 68–76.
Mitogen activated protein kinases: a role in inflammatory bowel disease?
Authors: Broom O J , Widjaya B , Troelsen J , Olsen J , Nielsen O H 
Published: September 2009

Summary
Since their discovery more than 15 years ago, the mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK) have been implicated in an ever-increasingly diverse array of pathways, including inflammatory signalling cascades. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are characterized by the perpetual production of inflammatory mediators. Research into the transduction pathway behind this over-production has highlighted the potential mediating role for the MAPKs and their related signalling components. This review highlights some of the research into the role for the MAPKs and their related signalling proteins in influencing the progression of IBD.
Association of the −31C/T functional polymorphism in the interleukin-1β gene with the intractability of Graves' disease and the proportion of T helper type 17 cells
Authors: Hayashi F , Watanabe M , Nanba T , Inoue N , Akamizu T , Iwatani Y 
Published: September 2009

Summary
Interleukin (IL)-1β is a proinflammatory cytokine and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases. To evaluate the hypothesis that the functional −31C/T polymorphism (rs1143627) in the gene encoding IL-1β is associated with the intractability and the severity of autoimmune thyroid diseases, we genotyped this polymorphism in 64 patients with intractable Graves' disease (GD), 28 GD patients in remission, 49 patients with Hashimoto's disease (HD) who developed hypothyroidism (severe HD), 28 untreated euthyroid HD patients (mild HD) and 59 healthy volunteers. The −31T allele, which is related to the high producibility of IL-1β, was significantly more frequent in patients with intractable GD than in those with GD in remission (P = 0·0017; odds ratio 2·8; 95% confidence interval 1·5-5·3), although there was no difference in this frequency between two groups of HD patients. We showed additionally that the proportion of IL-17-producing T helper type 17 (Th17) cells, whose differentiation and proliferation are promoted by IL-1β, was higher in autoimmune thyroid disease patients with the T allele than in those with CC genotypes. In conclusion, our data indicated that the T allele of −31C/T polymorphism in the IL1B gene was involved in the intractability of GD, and this involvement may arise through the differentiation and proliferation of Th17 cells.