bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EuroSCORE and neutrophil adhesion molecules predict outcome post‐cardiac surgery
Authors: Kennedy Susan A. , McEllistrem Brian , Kinsella Aisling , Fan Yue , Boyce Susie , Murphy Katie , McCarthy James F. , Wood Alfred E. , Watson R. William G. 
Published: February 2012

Eur J Clin Invest 2012AbstractBackground  This study tested the hypothesis that surgical stress and the host response to this trauma trigger an inflammatory cascade in which the neutrophil plays a central role. We hypothesised that pre‐operative neutrophil migratory responses will correlate with post‐operative clinical outcome in our shock model of open‐heart surgery patients. We also tested the hypothesis that surface expression of adhesion molecules involved in the migratory process – CD11b, CD47 and CD99 – could be used to predict outcome. We believe that combining neutrophil migratory response, CD11b, CD47 and CD99 with the logistic European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) will strengthen the power of the EuroSCORE not only in predicting post‐operative mortality but also other clinical endpoints.Materials and methods  Neutrophils were isolated pre‐operatively from n = 31 patients undergoing open‐heart surgery and allowed to migrate across endothelial monolayers in response to N‐formyl‐methionine‐leucine‐phenylalanine (fMLP). Isolated neutrophils were also assessed for surface expression of CD11b, CD47 and CD99 in response to fMLP by flow cytometry. Post‐operative clinical parameters collected included days 1–5 white cell count and creatinine levels as well as intensive care unit (ICU) and post‐operative hospital stay.Results  Pre‐operative surface expression of CD99 and CD47 correlates with post‐operative creatinine levels (P < 0·05), a measurement of renal injury. We also show that while the logistic EuroSCORE alone can be used as a predictor of ICU stay, when combined with pre‐operative CD99 surface expression, it improves its AUC value (0·794).Conclusion  Immunological markers, specifically the ability of the neutrophil to migrate, combined with the logistic EuroSCORE lead to improved sensitivity and specificity to predict patient outcome.
Effects of atenolol, perindopril and verapamil on haemodynamic and vascular function in Marfan syndrome – a randomised, double‐blind, crossover trial
Authors: Williams Andrew , Kenny Damien , Wilson Dirk , Fagenello Giorgio , Nelson Martyn , Dunstan Frank , Cockcroft John , Stuart Graham , Fraser Alan G. 
Published: February 2012

Eur J Clin Invest 2012AbstractBackground  Aortic dilatation is the main therapeutic target in patients with Marfan syndrome. Standard treatment with a β‐blocker may not lower central pulse pressure – the major objective – because it does not do so in hypertension, unlike angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors and calcium‐channel blockers. We therefore performed a prospective, randomised, double‐blind, crossover trial to compare the effects of these three agents on large artery function and central aortic pressure in patients with Marfan syndrome.Methods and Results  Eighteen patients had applanation tonometry, pulse wave analysis and echocardiography, before and after atenolol 75 mg, perindopril 4 mg and verapamil 240 mg, each given for 4 weeks, in a random order, with 2 weeks between medications. Fourteen patients completed the study. Within‐drug comparisons demonstrated that perindopril (−10·3 mmHg, P = 0·002), verapamil (−9·2 mmHg, P = 0·003) and atenolol (−7·1 mmHg, P = 0·01) all reduced central systolic pressure and brachial pressure; central changes were least, and peripheral changes greatest with atenolol but between‐drug comparisons (analysis of covariance) were not significant. There was a trend for augmentation to be reduced by perindopril (−6·3%, P = 0·05), verapamil (−5·5%, P = 0·07) and atenolol (−3·2%, P = 0·09). Only atenolol reduced heart rate (by 16%) and delayed expansion in the arch and abdominal aorta (by 8% and 11%) (P < 0·001, P < 0·01 and P < 0·05, respectively, for between‐drug comparisons).Conclusions  Perindopril, verapamil and atenolol all reduced peripheral and central systolic pressure. As atenolol slowed heart rate and delayed aortic wave travel, β‐blockade may have a continuing role in the treatment of patients with Marfan syndrome.
Understorey environments influence functional diversity in tank‐bromeliad ecosystems
Authors: BROUARD OLIVIER , CÉRÉGHINO RÉGIS , CORBARA BRUNO , LEROY CÉLINE , PELOZUELO LAURENT , DEJEAN ALAIN , CARRIAS JEAN‐FRANÇOIS 
Published: February 2012

Summary1. A substantial fraction of the freshwater available in neotropical forests is impounded within the rosettes of bromeliads that form aquatic islands in a terrestrial matrix. The ecosystem functioning of bromeliads is known to be influenced by the composition of the contained community but it is not clear whether bromeliad food webs remain functionally similar against a background of variation in the understorey environment.2. We considered a broad range of environmental conditions, including incident light and incoming litter, and quantified the distribution of a very wide range of freshwater organisms (from viruses to macroinvertebrates) to determine the factors that influence the functional structure of bromeliad food webs in samples taken from 171 tank‐bromeliads.3. We observed a gradient of detritus‐based to algal‐based food webs from the understorey to the overstorey. Algae, rotifers and collector and predatory invertebrates dominated bromeliad food webs in exposed areas, whereas filter‐feeding insects had their highest densities in shaded forest areas. Viruses, bacteria and fungi showed no clear density patterns. Detritus decomposition is mainly due to microbial activity in understorey bromeliads where filter feeders are the main consumers of microbial and particulate organic matter (POM). Algal biomass may exceed bacterial biomass in sun‐exposed bromeliads where amounts of detritus were lower but functional diversity was highest.4. Our results provide evidence that tank‐bromeliads, which grow in a broad range of ecological conditions, promote aquatic food web diversity in neotropical forests. Moreover, although bromeliad ecosystems have been categorised as detritus‐based systems in the literature, we show that algal production can support a non‐detrital food web in these systems.
Effects of algal and terrestrial carbon on methane production rates and methanogen community structure in a temperate lake sediment
Authors: WEST WILLIAM E. , COLOSO JAMES J. , JONES STUART E. 
Published: February 2012

Summary1. Sources of atmospheric CH4 are both naturally occurring and anthropogenic. In fact, some anthropogenic activities may influence the production of CH4 from natural sources, such as lakes.2. Ongoing changes in the catchment of lakes, including eutrophication and increased terrestrial organic carbon export, may affect CH4 production rates as well as shape methanogen abundance and community structure. Therefore, inputs from catchments to lakes should be examined for their effects on CH4 production.3. We added algal and terrestrial carbon separately to lake sediment cores and measured CH4 production. We also used quantitative polymerase chain reaction and terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism to determine the effects of these carbon additions on methanogen abundance and community composition.4. Our results indicate that CH4 production rates were significantly elevated following the addition of algal biomass. Terrestrial carbon addition also appeared to increase methanogenesis rates; however, the observed increase was not statistically significant.5. Interestingly, increased CH4 production rates resulted from increases in per‐cell activity rather than an increase in methanogen abundance or community compositional shifts, as indicated by our molecular analyses.6. Overall, anthropogenic impacts on aquatic ecosystems can influence methanogenesis rates and should be considered in models of global methane cycling and climate.
Disregarding the edaphic dimension in species distribution models leads to the omission of crucial spatial information under climate change: the case of Quercus pubescens in France
Authors: Bertrand Romain , Perez Vincent , Gégout Jean‐Claude 
Published: February 2012

AbstractSpecies distribution modelling is an easy, persuasive and useful tool for anticipating species distribution shifts under global change. Numerous studies have used only climate variables to predict future potential species range shifts and have omitted environmental factors important for determining species distribution. Here, we assessed the importance of the edaphic dimension in the niche‐space definition of Quercus pubescens and in future spatial projections under global change over the metropolitan French forest territory. We fitted two species distribution models (SDM) based on presence/absence data (111 013 plots), one calibrated from climate variables only (mean temperature of January and climatic water balance of July) and the other one from both climate and edaphic (soil pH inferred from plants) variables. Future predictions were conducted under two climate scenarios (PCM B2 and HadCM3 A2) and based on 100 simulations using a cellular automaton that accounted for seed dispersal distance, landscape barriers preventing migration and unsuitable land cover. Adding the edaphic dimension to the climate‐only SDM substantially improved the niche‐space definition of Q. pubescens, highlighting an increase in species tolerance in confronting climate constraints as the soil pH increased. Future predictions over the 21st century showed that disregarding the edaphic dimension in SDM led to an overestimation of the potential distribution area, an underestimation of the spatial fragmentation of this area, and prevented the identification of local refugia, leading to an underestimation of the northward shift capacity of Q. pubescens and its persistence in its current distribution area. Spatial discrepancies between climate‐only and climate‐plus‐edaphic models are strengthened when seed dispersal and forest fragmentation are accounted for in predicting a future species distribution area. These discrepancies highlight some imprecision in spatial predictions of potential distribution area of species under climate change scenarios and possibly wrong conclusions for conservation and management perspectives when climate‐only models are used.
Long‐term carbon storage through retention of dissolved aromatic acids by reactive particles in soil
Authors: Kramer Marc G. , Sanderman Jonathan , Chadwick Oliver A. , Chorover Jon , Vitousek Peter M. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractSoils retain large quantities of carbon, thereby slowing its return to the atmosphere. The mechanisms governing organic carbon sequestration in soil remain poorly understood, yet are integral to understanding soil‐climate feedbacks. We evaluated the biochemistry of dissolved and solid organic carbon in potential source and sink horizons across a chronosequence of volcanic soils in Hawai'i. The soils are derived from similar basaltic parent material on gently sloping volcanic shield surfaces, support the same vegetation assemblage, and yet exhibit strong shifts in soil mineralogy and soil carbon content as a function of volcanic substrate age. Solid‐state13carbon nuclear magnetic resonance spectra indicate that the most persistent mineral‐bound carbon is comprised of partially oxidized aromatic compounds with strong chemical resemblance to dissolved organic matter derived from plant litter. A molecular mixing model indicates that protein, lipid, carbohydrate, and char content decreased whereas oxidized lignin and carboxyl/carbonyl content increased with increasing short‐range order mineral content. When solutions rich in dissolved organic matter were passed through Bw‐horizon mineral cores, aromatic compounds were preferentially sorbed with the greatest retention occurring in horizons containing the greatest amount of short‐range ordered minerals. These minerals are reactive metastable nanocrystals that are most common in volcanic soils, but exist in smaller amounts in nearly all major soil classes. Our results indicate that long‐term carbon storage in short‐range ordered minerals occurs via chemical retention with dissolved aromatic acids derived from plant litter and carried along preferential flow‐paths to deeper B horizons.
The dynamics of soil redistribution and the implications for soil organic carbon accounting in agricultural south‐eastern Australia
Authors: Chappell Adrian , Sanderman Jonathan , Thomas Mark , Read Arthur , Leslie Chris 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAnthropogenically induced change in soil redistribution plays an important role in the soil organic carbon (SOC) budget. Uncertainty of its impact is large because of the dearth of recent soil redistribution estimates concomitant with changing land use and management practices. An Australian national survey used the artificial radionuclide caesium‐137 (137Cs) to estimate net (1950s–1990) soil redistribution. South‐eastern Australia showed a median net soil loss of 9.7 t ha−1 yr−1. We resurveyed the region using the same 137Cs technique and found a median net (1990–2010) soil gain of 3.9 t ha−1 yr−1 with an interquartile range from −1.6 t ha−1 yr−1 to +10.7 t ha−1 yr−1. Despite this variation, soil erosion across the region has declined as a likely consequence of the widespread adoption of soil conservation measures over the last ca 30 years. The implication of omitted soil redistribution dynamics in SOC accounting is to increase uncertainty and diminish its accuracy.
Increased expression of ZBP‐89 and its prognostic significance in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Chris Z Y , Cao Yun , Yun Jing‐Ping , Chen George G , Lai Paul B S 
Published: February 2012

Zhang C Z Y, Cao Y, Yun J P, Chen G G & Lai P B S  (2012) Histopathology 60, 1114–1124Increased expression of ZBP‐89 and its prognostic significance in hepatocellular carcinomaAims:  ZBP‐89 plays a role in cell growth and death. Its expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not well documented. This study aimed to analyse ZBP‐89 expression in HCC.Methods and results:  We examined ZBP‐89 expression in five HCC cell lines and 182 HCC tissue samples by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR), Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining. Our results showed that the expression of ZBP‐89 was higher in HCC than adjacent non‐tumour liver, at both mRNA and protein levels. ZBP‐89 was localized in the nucleus in most HCC tissue samples, but was found in the cytoplasm in 11.5% of cases. Patient survival in those tumours showing high ZBP‐89 expression was better than in those with low expression. High ZBP‐89 expression tended to be more common in World Health Organization (WHO) grade I than grades II–IV HCC. There was a significant association between HBV positivity and high ZBP‐89 expression. Colony formation was reduced dramatically in those HCC cell lines in which ZBP‐89 overexpression was demonstrated; this appeared to correlate with increased apoptosis, inferred by finding elevated levels of cleaved poly(ADP‐ribose)polymerases (PARP), the probable mechanisms for which may involve increased p53 or p21 expression.Conclusions:  ZBP‐89 has anti‐tumour properties and is a potential biomarker for prognosis of HCC.
Key features of extrauterine pelvic serous tumours (fallopian tube, ovary, and peritoneum)
Authors: DeLair Deborah , Soslow Robert A 
Published: February 2012

DeLair D & Soslow R A  (2012) Histopathology 61, 329–339Key features of extrauterine pelvic serous tumours (fallopian tube, ovary, and peritoneum)Ovarian serous carcinoma (OSC) is the most common of the ovarian epithelial malignancies, and accounts for most of the mortality. Traditionally, ovarian cancer has been considered to be one disease; however, it is now apparent that it actually consists of many different entities. OSC can be further segregated into two processes: high‐grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) and low‐grade serous carcinoma. This classification is supported by molecular changes, morphological appearance, clinical behaviour, and distinct precursor lesions. This review will describe in detail these features of OSC, differential diagnosis, prognosis, and recent challenges to the existing hypotheses regarding the origin of these tumours. Special attention will be paid to HGSC and its relationship with BRCA abnormalities, especially those seen in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome. Finally, treatment options based on specific molecular targets will be discussed.
Clinicopathological characterization of mammary analogue secretory carcinoma of salivary glands
Authors: Chiosea Simion I , Griffith Christopher , Assaad Adel , Seethala Raja R 
Published: February 2012

Chiosea S I, Griffith C, Assaad A & Seethala R R  (2012) Histopathology 61, 387–394Clinicopathological characterization of mammary analogue secretory carcinoma of salivary glandsAims:  Mammary analogue secretory carcinoma (MASC) is a recently described tumour with ETV6 translocation. We aimed to characterize the clinical significance of recognizing MASC.Methods and results:  Thirty‐six patients with MASC (27 identified retrospectively and nine prospectively) are presented. Historically, MASC mimicked other salivary tumours, as follows: 14 of 37 (37.8%) adenocarcinoma, not otherwise specified, 11 of 89 (12.4%) acinic cell carcinomas (AciCC), one of five (20%) mucin‐producing signet ring adenocarcinomas, and one of 165 (0.6%) mucoepidermoid carcinomas. Demographically, MASC affected males more commonly (1.4:1). The average age at diagnosis was 45.7 years. Parotid gland was the most common site of involvement (26 of 36, 72.2%), although other head and neck sites, including the base of tongue, were affected. Of 18 patients with neck dissection, lymph node involvement was identified in four patients (four of 18, 22.2%). Survival analysis of MASC cases presented here, combined with those reported previously, revealed a mean disease‐free survival for patients with MASC of 92 months [n = 29; 95% confidence interval (CI) 71–115 months], compared with a mean DFS of 121 months for patients with AciCC (n = 38; 95% CI 92–149, P = 0.43).Conclusions:  Although perhaps slightly more aggressive, MASC clinical outcome mimics that of AciCC.
The ability of cone‐beam computed tomography to detect simulated buccal and lingual recesses in root canals
Authors: Liang Y.‐H. , Yuan M. , Li G. , Shemesh H. , Wesselink P. R. , Wu M.‐K. 
Published: February 2012

Liang Y‐H, Yuan M, Li G, Shemesh H, Wesselink PR, Wu M‐K. The ability of cone‐beam computed tomography to detect simulated buccal and lingual recesses in root canals. International Endodontic Journal, 45, 724–729, 2012.AbstractAim  To compare the ability of cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) and digital periapical radiographs (PR) to detect simulated tissue‐occupied recesses in root canals.Methodology  A standard canal was created in 30 extracted mandibular premolar roots. Each root was longitudinally split into buccal and lingual halves. In 20 teeth, a standard groove, 4 mm in length, 0.5 mm deep and 0.3 mm wide, was prepared on each root half and filled with radiolucent plasticine (a modelling clay), simulating tissue‐occupied buccal and lingual recesses. In the other 10 teeth, no grooves were cut. Each root was reassembled and filled with laterally compacted gutta‐percha and sealer. PR and CBCT were used to detect the plasticine‐filled grooves. The images were pooled and blindly evaluated by three calibrated examiners (A, B and C). A chi‐square test was used to analyse the data.Results  Examiner A, B, C detected grooves on CBCT scans in 20, 20 and 23 teeth, respectively, of which 19, 18 and 19 were true positives. The accuracy of CBCT in diagnosing plasticine‐filled grooves was 82–92% for three examiners, significantly higher than the accuracy of PR (30–33%; P < 0.001).Conclusions  Cone‐beam computed tomography accurately detected simulated tissue‐occupied buccal and lingual recesses.
The protective effects of quercetin on the cytotoxicity of atrazine on rat Sertoli‐germ cell co‐culture
Authors: Abarikwu S. O. , Pant A. B. , Farombi E. O. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryTo evaluate the direct effect of atrazine (ATZ) and the protective effect of quercetin (QT) on testicular cells, we used primary cultures of rat Sertoli‐germ cells (SGCs). ATZ (232 μm) up‐regulated the mRNA expression of GATA‐4, androgen receptor (AR), androgen‐binding protein (ABP), steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), cytochrome P450 side‐chain cleavage enzyme (CYP11A1), cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and NF‐κappaB (NF‐κB) and down‐regulated the expression of stem cell factor (SCF) mRNA. There was no change on the mRNA expression of oestrogen receptor‐alpha (ER‐α). Simultaneous supplementation of QT in the culture normalizes the expression of these genes. The stimulatory action of follicle stimulating hormone (10 ng/mL) on ATZ‐induced StAR and CYP11A1 mRNA levels were also prevented by QT. Furthermore, ATZ‐stimulatory action on AR mRNA was opposed in a dose‐dependent manner in the presence of increasing concentrations of QT (10–50 μm).The dislodgement of germ cells from the Sertoli cells monolayer and decrease in SGCs viability was prevented by QT. To show whether or not the disrupted interactions of Sertoli and germ cells impaired spermatogenesis, adult male rats exposed in vivo to ATZ (50 mg/kg b.wt) for 1 week had their daily spermatozoa production (DSP) per gram testis lowered by 30%. DSP was significantly increased in the QT(10 mg/kg) + ATZ‐treated rats as compared with the ATZ‐treated rats. Taken together, ATZ can alter SGCs expression of spermatogenesis‐ and steroiodogenesis‐related genes resulting in a decrease in sperm production in the testis as well as cell viability. QT might block these molecular events‐induced by ATZ thereby protecting testicular Sertoli‐germ cells from ATZ‐induced toxicity.