bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developmental cardiorespiratory physiology of the air-breathing tropical gar,Atractosteus tropicus
Authors: Burggren Warren W. , Bautista Gil Martinez , Coop Susana Camarillo , Couturier Gabriel Márquez , Delgadillo Salomón Páramo , García Rafael Martínez , González Carlos Alfonso Alvarez
Published: July 2016

The physiological transition to aerial breathing in larval air-breathing fishes is poorly understood. We investigated gill ventilation frequency ( fG), heart rate ( fH), and air breathing frequency ( fAB) as a function of development, activity, hypoxia, and temperature in embryos/larvae from day (D) 2.5 to D30 posthatch of the tropical gar, Atractosteus tropicus, an obligate air breather. Gill ventilation at 28°C began at approximately D2, peaking at ∼75 beats/min on D5, before declining to ∼55 beats/min at D30. Heart beat began ∼36–48 h postfertilization and ∼1 day before hatching. fHpeaked between D3 and D10 at ∼140 beats/min, remaining at this level through D30. Air breathing started very early at D2.5 to D3.5 at 1–2 breaths/h, increasing to ∼30 breaths/h at D15 and D30. Forced activity at all stages resulted in a rapid but brief increase in both fGand fH, (but not fAB), indicating that even in these early larval stages, reflex control existed over both ventilation and circulation prior to its increasing importance in older fishes. Acute progressive hypoxia increased fGin D2.5–D10 larvae, but decreased fGin older larvae (≥D15), possibly to prevent branchial O2loss into surrounding water. Temperature sensitivity of fGand fHmeasured at 20°C, 25°C, 28°C and 38°C was largely independent of development, with a Q10between 20°C and 38°C of ∼2.4 and ∼1.5 for fGand fH, respectively. The rapid onset of air breathing, coupled with both respiratory and cardiovascular reflexes as early as D2.5, indicates that larval A. tropicus develops “in the fast lane.”
The EP3 receptor regulates water excretion in response to high salt intake
Authors: Hao Shoujin , DelliPizzi AnnMarie , Quiroz-Munoz Mariana , Jiang Houli , Ferreri Nicholas R.
Published: July 2016

The mechanisms by which prostanoids contribute to the maintenance of whole body water homeostasis are complex and not fully understood. The present study demonstrates that an EP3-dependent feedback mechanism contributes to the regulation of water homeostasis under high-salt conditions. Rats on a normal diet and tap water were placed in metabolic cages and given either sulprostone (20 μg·kg−1·day−1) or vehicle for 3 days to activate EP3 receptors in the thick ascending limb (TAL). Treatment was continued for another 3 days in rats given either 1% NaCl in the drinking water or tap water. Sulprostone decreased expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) expression by ∼75% in TAL tubules from rats given 1% NaCl concomitant with a ∼60% inhibition of COX-2-dependent PGE2levels in the kidney. Urine volume increased after ingestion of 1% NaCl but was reduced ∼40% by sulprostone. In contrast, the highly selective EP3 receptor antagonist L-798106 (100 μg·kg−1·day−1), which increased COX-2 expression and renal PGE2production, increased urine volume in rats given 1% NaCl. Sulprostone increased expression of aquaporin-2 (AQP2) in the inner medullary collecting duct plasma membrane in association with an increase in phosphorylation at Ser269 and decrease in Ser261 phosphorylation; antagonism of EP3 with L-798106 reduced AQP2 expression. Thus, although acute activation of EP3 by PGE2in the TAL and collecting duct inhibits the Na-K-2Cl cotransporter and AQP2 activity, respectively, chronic activation of EP3 in vivo limits the extent of COX-2-derived PGE2synthesis, thereby mitigating the inhibitory effects of PGE2on these transporters and decreasing urine volume.
Differences in Mechano-Transducer Channel Kinetics Underlie Tonotopic Distribution of Fast Adaptation in Auditory Hair Cells
Authors: Ricci Anthony
Published: July 2016

The first step in audition is a deflection of the sensory hair bundle that opens mechanically gated channels, depolarizing the sensory hair cells. Two mechanism of adaptation of mechano-electric transducer (MET) channels have been identified in turtle auditory hair cells. The rate of fast adaptation varies tonotopically and is postulated to underlie a mechanical tuning mechanism in turtle auditory hair cells. Fast adaptation is driven by a calcium-dependent feedback process associated with MET channels. The purpose of this paper is to test the hypothesis that fast adaptation contributes to MET channel kinetics and that variations in channel kinetics underlie the tonotopic distribution of fast adaptation. To test for kinetic differences, the open channel blocker dihydrostreptomycin (DHS) was used. DHS blocked MET currents from low-frequency cells (IC50 = 14 ± 2 μM) more effectively than high-frequency cells (IC50 = 75 ± 5 μM), suggesting differences in MET channel properties. DHS block showed similar calcium sensitivities at both papilla locations. No difference in calcium permeation or block of the transducer channels was observed, indicating that the DHS effect was not due to differences in the channel pore. Slowing adaptation increased DHS efficacy, and speeding adaptation decreased DHS efficacy, suggesting that adaptation was influencing DHS block. DHS block of MET channels slowed adaptation, most likely by reducing the peak intraciliary calcium concentration achieved, supporting the hypothesis that the rate of adaptation varies with the calcium load per stereocilia. Another channel blocker, amiloride showed similar efficacy for high- and low-frequency cells with an IC50 of 24.2 ± 0.5 μM and a Hill coefficient of 2 but appeared to block high-frequency channels faster than low-frequency channels. To further explore MET channel differences between papilla locations, stationary noise analysis was performed. Spectral analysis of the noise gave half power frequencies of 1,185 ± 148 Hz ( n = 6) and 551 ± 145 Hz ( n = 5) for high- and low-frequency cells in 2.8 mM external calcium. The half power frequency showed similar calcium sensitivity to that of adaptation shifting to 768 ± 205 Hz ( n = 4) and 289 ± 63 Hz ( n = 4) for high- and low-frequency cells in 0.25 mM external calcium. Both the pharmacological data and the noise analysis data are consistent with the hypothesis that the tonotopic distribution of fast adaptation is in part due to differences in MET channel kinetics. An increase in the number of MET channels per stereocilia (termed summation) and or intrinsic differences in MET channel kinetics may be the underlying mechanism involved in establishing the gradient.
Disparity-Selective Neurons in Area V4 of Macaque Monkeys
Authors: Watanabe Masayuki , Tanaka Hiroki , Uka Takanori , Fujita Ichiro
Published: July 2016

Area V4 is an intermediate stage of the ventral visual pathway providing major input to the final stages in the inferior temporal cortex (IT). This pathway is involved in the processing of shape, color, and texture. IT neurons are also sensitive to horizontal binocular disparity, suggesting that binocular disparity is processed along the ventral visual pathway. In the present study, we examined the processing of binocular disparity information by V4 neurons. We recorded responses of V4 neurons to binocularly disparate stimuli. A population of V4 neurons modified their responses according to changes of stimulus disparity; neither monocular responses nor eye movements could account for this modulation. Disparity-tuning curves were similar for different locations within a neuron's receptive field. Neighboring neurons recorded using a single electrode displayed similar disparity-tuning properties. These findings indicate that a population of V4 neurons is selective for binocular disparity, invariant for the position of the stimulus within the receptive field. The finding that V4 neurons with similar disparity selectivity are clustered suggests the existence of functional modules for disparity processing in V4.
Reversal of Chemoresistance in Ovarian Cancer by Co-Delivery of a P-Glycoprotein Inhibitor and Paclitaxel in a Liposomal Platform
Authors: Zhang Yilin , Sriraman Shravan Kumar , Kenny Hilary A. , Luther Ed , Torchilin Vladimir , Lengyel Ernst
Published: July 2016

The overexpression of permeability-glycoprotein (P-gp), an ABC transporter involved in the cellular exclusion of chemotherapeutic drugs, is a major factor in paclitaxel-resistant ovarian cancer. However, in clinical trials, co-administration of P-gp inhibitors and anticancer drugs has not resulted in the efficient reversal of drug resistance. To improve administration, we encapsulated the third-generation P-gp inhibitor tariquidar (XR-9576, XR), alone or in combination with paclitaxel (PCT) in liposomes (LP). After optimization, the liposomes demonstrated favorable physicochemical properties and the ability to reverse chemoresistance in experiments using chemosensitive/chemoresistant ovarian cancer cell line pairs. Analyzing publicly available datasets, we found that overexpression of P-gp in ovarian cancer is associated with a shorter progression-free and overall survival. In vitro, LP(XR) significantly increased the cellular retention of rhodamine 123, a P-gp substrate. LP(XR,PCT) synergistically inhibited cell viability, blocked proliferation, and caused G2–M arrest in paclitaxel-resistant SKOV3-TR and HeyA8-MDR cell lines overexpressing P-gp. Holographic imaging cytometry revealed that LP(XR,PCT) treatment of SKOV3-TR cells induced almost complete mitotic arrest, whereas laser scanning cytometry showed that the treatment induced apoptosis. In proof-of-concept preclinical studies, LP(XR,PCT), when compared with LP(PCT), significantly reduced tumor weight (43.2% vs. 16.9%, P = 0.0007) and number of metastases (44.4% vs. 2.8%, P = 0.012) in mice bearing orthotopic HeyA8-MDR ovarian tumors. In the xenografts, LP(XR,PCT) efficiently induced apoptosis and impaired proliferation. Our findings suggest that co-delivery of a P-gp inhibitor and paclitaxel using a liposomal platform can sensitize paclitaxel-resistant ovarian cancer cells to paclitaxel. LP(XR,PCT) should be considered for clinical testing in patients with P-gp–overexpressing tumors. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(10); 2282–93. ©2016 AACR.
Biodistribution and Targeting of Anti-5T4 Antibody–Drug Conjugate Using Fluorescence Molecular Tomography
Authors: Giddabasappa Anand , Gupta Vijay R. , Norberg Rand , Gupta Parul , Spilker Mary E. , Wentland Joann , Rago Brian , Eswaraka Jeetendra , Leal Mauricio , Sapra Puja
Published: July 2016

Understanding a drug's whole-body biodistribution and tumor targeting can provide important information regarding efficacy, safety, and dosing parameters. Current methods to evaluate biodistribution include in vivo imaging technologies like positron electron tomography and single-photon emission computed tomography or ex vivo quantitation of drug concentrations in tissues using autoradiography and standard biochemical assays. These methods use radioactive compounds or are cumbersome and do not give whole-body information. Here, for the first time, we show the utility of fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT) imaging to determine the biodistribution and targeting of an antibody–drug conjugate (ADC). An anti–5T4-antibody (5T4-Ab) and 5T4-ADC were conjugated with a near-infrared (NIR) fluorophore VivoTag 680XL (VT680). Both conjugated compounds were stable as determined by SEC-HPLC and plasma stability studies. Flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy studies showed that VT680-conjugated 5T4-ADC specifically bound 5T4-expressing cells in vitro and also exhibited a similar cytotoxicity profile as the unconjugated 5T4-ADC. In vivo biodistribution and tumor targeting in an H1975 subcutaneous xenograft model demonstrated no significant differences between accumulation of VT680-conjugated 5T4-Ab or 5T4-ADC in either normal tissues or tumor. In addition, quantitation of heart signal from FMT imaging showed good correlation with the plasma pharmacokinetic profile suggesting that it (heart FMT imaging) may be a surrogate for plasma drug clearance. These results demonstrate that conjugation of VT680 to 5T4-Ab or 5T4-ADC does not change the behavior of native biologic, and FMT imaging can be a useful tool to understand biodistribution and tumor-targeting kinetics of antibodies, ADCs, and other biologics. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(10); 2530–40. ©2016 AACR.
A Case of Suspected Breast Cancer Metastasis to Brachial Plexus Detected by Magnetic Resonance Neurography
Authors: Mizuma Atsushi , Kijima Chikage , Nagata Eiichiro , Takizawa Shunya
Published: July 2016

Metastasis of breast cancer is often detected through a long-term course and difficult to diagnose. We report a case of brachial plexopathy suspected to be the initial lesion of breast cancer metastasis, which was only detected by magnetic resonance (MR) neurography. A 61-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital within 2 years after operation for breast cancer because of progressive dysesthesia and motor weakness initially in the upper limb on the affected side and subsequently on the contralateral side. Enhanced computed tomography, axillary lymph node echo, gallium scintigraphy, and short tau inversion recovery MR images showed no abnormalities. MR neurography revealed a swollen region in the left brachial plexus. We suspected neuralgic amyotrophy and initiated treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin therapy and steroid therapy. However, there was no improvement, and the progression of motor weakness in the bilateral lower limbs appeared over 4 years. Concomitant elevation of carbohydrate antigen 15-3 level (58.9 U/ml) led us to suspect breast cancer metastasis, which was associated with the worsening of neurological findings, although gallium scintigraphy and bone scintigraphy showed no inflammatory and metastatic lesions. Swelling of the cauda equina in enhanced lumbar MR imaging and abnormal accumulation at the brachial plexus and cervical spinal cord in positron-emission tomography were newly detected contrary to the normal findings on the gallium scintigraphy, which suggested cerebrospinal fluid seeding. We suspected breast cancer metastasis about the initial brachial plexopathy based on the clinical course. MR neurography may be a helpful tool to detect metastatic lesion, especially in nerve roots.
Higher Fruit Intake Is Related to TNF-α Hypomethylation and Better Glucose Tolerance in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Carraro Júlia Cristina Cardoso , Hermsdorff Helen Hermana Miranda , Mansego Maria Luisa , Zulet Maria Ángeles , Milagro Fermín I. , Bressan Josefina , Martínez J. Alfredo
Published: July 2016

Background/Aim: This study hypothesized an association between healthy dietary patterns, hypermethylation of the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) promoter and decreased risk of metabolic changes. Methods: Forty normal-weight young women were involved in this cross-sectional study. DNA was isolated from white blood cells, and CpG site methylation in TNF-α was analyzed by Sequenom EpiTyper. The quality of the diet was assessed by Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2005). Results: Contradicting our hypothesis, HEI-2005 score was negatively associated with CpG5 (r = -0.460, p = 0.003) and TNF-α total methylation (r = -0.355, p = 0.026). A higher intake of fruits was related to lower insulin, HOMA-IR, and TNF-α methylation. No other dietary pattern was related to TNF-α methylation. TNF-α total methylation correlated positively with systolic blood pressure (r = 0.323; p = 0.042) and CpG5 methylation with body mass index (r = 0.333, p = 0.036). Furthermore, fiber intake was negatively associated with the CpG5 (r = -0.324, p = 0.041) and TNF-α total methylation (r = -0.434, p = 0.005), whereas vitamin C intake was negatively associated with TNF-α total methylation (r = -0.411, p = 0.009). Intakes of apples and citrus fruits were negatively associated with TNF-α total methylation. Conclusion: A healthy dietary pattern and higher fruit intake (particularly apples and citrus fruits) were related to better glucose tolerance in healthy subjects, which could be mediated by lower TNF-α methylation.
A Unique Case of Bilateral Hürthle Cell Adenoma in an Adolescent
Authors: Kochummen Elna , Tong Schuyler , Umpaichitra Vatcharapan , Chin Vivian L.
Published: July 2016

Background: Hürthle cell (HC) neoplasms are rare among pediatric thyroid cancers. HC adenomas (HCA) are typically benign and localized unilaterally without recurrence, and they are thus treated by hemithyroidectomy. HC carcinomas (HCC) can be bilateral and are more aggressive, necessitating total thyroidectomy. Diagnosis relies upon surgical histopathology demonstrating invasion for classification as HCC or lack of invasion in HCA, since fine needle aspiration fails to differentiate between the two. Methods: We report a case of a 14-year-old adolescent female with bilateral HCA. She had an initial left hemithyroidectomy for a large nodule measuring 2 × 1.5 × 1.2 cm3 in the left lobe, while smaller subcentimeter nodules remained under surveillance in the right. One year later, a nodule in the right lobe doubled in size, necessitating a right hemithyroidectomy which also revealed HCA. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of bilateral HCA in pediatrics. It highlights the importance of close surveillance of persistent small nodules, even in patients with previously documented benign lesions such as HCA, which are typically thought to be unilateral and localized. Both HCA and HCC remain unpredictable in behavior, and treatment of HCA should be individualized.
Integrin-αIIbβ3-mediated outside-in signalling activates a negative feedback pathway to suppress platelet activation
Authors: Dai Baiyun , Wu Peng , Xue Feng , Yang Renchi , Yu Ziqiang , Dai Kesheng , Ruan Changgeng , Liu Gang , Newman Peter J. , Gao Cunji
Published: July 2016

Integrin-αIIbβ3-mediated outside-in signalling is widely accepted as an amplifier of platelet activation; accumulating evidence suggests that outside-in signalling can, under certain conditions, also function as an inhibitor of platelet activation. The role of integrin-αIIbβ3-mediated outside-in signalling in platelet activation is disputable. We employed flow cytometry, aggregometry, immunoprecipitation, and immunoblotting to investigate the role of integrin-αIIbβ3-mediated outside-in signalling in platelet activation. Integrin αIIbβ3 inhibition enhances agonist-induced platelet ATP secretion. Human platelets lacking expression of αIIbβ3 exhibited more platelet ATP secretion than their wild-type counterparts. Moreover, integrin-αIIbβ3-mediated outside-in signals activate SHIP-1, which in turn mediates p-Akt dep-hosphorylation, leading to inactivation of PI3K/Akt signalling. Furthermore, 3AC (SHIP-1 inhibitor) inhibits platelet disaggregation, and promotes platelet ATP secretion. Upon ADP stimulation, Talin is recruited to αIIbβ3, and it is dissociated from αIIbβ3 when platelets disaggregate. In addition, treatment with RUC2, an inhibitor of αIIbβ3, which blocks αIIbβ3-mediated outside-in signalling, can markedly prevent the dissociation of talin from integrin. SHIP1 Inhibitor 3AC inhibits the dissociation of talin from integrin-β3. These results suggest that integrin-αIIbβ3-mediated outside-in signalling can serve as a brake to restrict unnecessary platelet activation by activated SHIP-1, which mediated the disassociation of talin from β3, leading to integrin inactivation and blocking of PI3K/Akt signalling to restrict platelet ATP secretion.
Treatment with the GPR55 antagonist CID16020046 increases neutrophil activation in mouse atherogenesis
Authors: Bondarenko Alexander I. , Lenglet Sébastien , Burger Fabienne , Piscitelli Fabiana , Carbone Federico , Roth Aline , Liberale Luca , Dallegri Franco , Brandt Karim J. , Fraga-Silva Rodrigo A. , Stergiopulos Nikolaos , Montecucco Fabrizio , Di Marzo Vincenzo , Mach François
Published: July 2016

Endocannabinoids modulate atherogenesis by triggering different receptors. Recently, orphan G protein-coupled receptors (GPRs) were suggested to be activated by endocannabinoids, possibly regulating vasorelaxation. Here, we investigated whether GPR55 antagonism with CID16020046 would impact on atherosclerotic size and inflammation in two mouse models of early and more advanced atherogenesis. Eleven-week old ApoE−/− mice were fed either a normal diet ([ND] for 16 weeks) or a high-cholesterol diet ([HD] for 11 weeks), resulting in different degrees of hypercholesterolaemia and size of atherosclerosis. CID16020046 (0.5 mg/kg) or vehicle were intraperitoneally administrated five times per week in the last three weeks before euthanasia. Treatment with CID1602004 was well-tolerated, but failed to affect atherosclerotic plaque and necrotic core size, fibrous cap thickness, macrophage and smooth muscle cell content as well as Th cell polarisation. In ND mice, treatment with CID1602004 was associated with increased chemokine production, neutrophil and MMP-9 intraplaque content as well as reduced collagen as compared to vehicletreated animals. In HD mice, CID1602004 increased intraplaque MMP-9 and abrogated collagen content without affecting neutrophils. In vitro, serum from CID1602004-treated ND mice increased mouse neutrophil chemotaxis towards CXCL2 as compared to serum from vehicletreated animals. CID1602004 dose-dependently induced neutrophil degranulation that was reverted by co-incubation with the GPR55 agonist Abn-CBD. In supernatants from degranulation experiments, increased levels of the endocannabinoid and putative GPR55 ligand anandamide (AEA) were found, suggesting its possible autocrine control of neutrophil activity. These results indicate that GPR55 is critical for the negative control of neutrophil activation in different phases of atherogenesis.

Supplementary Material to this article is available online at www.thrombosis-online.com.
Was Plague an Exclusively Urban Phenomenon? Plague Mortality in the Seventeenth-Century Low Countries
Authors: Curtis Daniel R.
Published: July 2016

Current scholarship reinforces the notion that by the early modern period, plague had become largely an urban concern in northwestern Europe. However, a data set comprised of burial information from the seventeenth-century Low Countries suggests that plague’s impact on the countryside was far more severe and pervasive than heretofore supposed.
An Assessment of Future Southern Hemisphere Blocking Using CMIP5 Projections from Four GCMs
Authors: Parsons Simon , Renwick James A. , McDonald Adrian J.
Published: July 2016

This study is concerned with blocking events (BEs) in the Southern Hemisphere (SH), their past variability, and future projections. ERA-Interim (ERA-I) is used to compare the historical output from four general circulation models (GCMs) from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5); the output of the representative concentration pathway 4.5 and 8.5 (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) projections are also examined. ERA-I shows that the higher latitudes of the South Pacific Ocean (SPO) are the main blocking region, with blocking occurring predominantly in winter. The CMIP5 historical simulations also agree well with ERA-I for annual and seasonal BE locations and frequencies. A reduction in BEs is observed in the SPO in the 2071–2100 period in the RCP4.5 projections, and this is more pronounced for the RCP8.5 projections and occurs predominantly during the spring and summer seasons. Preliminary investigations imply that the southern annular mode (SAM) is negatively correlated with blocking activity in the SPO in all seasons in the reanalysis. This negative correlation is also observed in the GCM historical output. However, in the RCP projections this correlation is reduced in three of the four models during summer, suggesting that SAM may be less influential in summertime blocking in the future.
Lack of a “Weekend Effect” for Renal Transplant Recipients
Authors: Manfredini Roberto , Gallerani Massimo , Giorgi Alfredo De , Boari Benedetta , Lamberti Nicola , Manfredini Fabio , Storari Alda , Manna Gaetano La , Fabbian Fabio
Published: July 2016

The “weekend (WE) effect” defines the association between WE hospital admissions and higher rate of mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between WE effect and renal transplant recipients (RTRs) using the database of the Emilia-Romagna region (ERR), Italy. We included ERR admissions of RTRs ( International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification [ ICD-9-CM] code V420) between 2000 and 2013. In-hospital mortality, admissions due to cardiovascular events (CVEs), and the Elixhauser score were evaluated on the basis of ICD-9-CM codification. Out of 9063 hospital admissions related to 3648 RTRs (mean age 53 ± 13 years, 62.9% male), 1491 (16.5%) were recorded during the WE. During the follow-up period, 1581 (17.4%) patients deceased and 366 (4%) had CVEs. Length of hospital stay (LOS) was 9.7 ± 12.1 days. Logistic regression analysis showed that only LOS was independently associated with WE admissions (odds ratio: 1594, confidence interval: 1.385-1.833; P < .001). Renal transplant recipients are not exposed to higher risk of adverse outcome during WE admissions. However, WE admissions were characterized by an increased duration of hospitalization.
Population Semiphysiologic Kinetic Modeling and Simulation of Plasma Triglyceride Levels After Soybean Oil–Based Intravenous Lipid Emulsion Administration in Rats
Authors: Okada Akira , Hirano Miyu , Tanioka Maho , Tsujimoto Takae , Koyama Hikaru , Nishimura Asako , Shibata Nobuhito , Fukushima Keizo , Sugioka Nobuyuki
Published: July 2016

Background: Soybean oil–based intravenous lipid emulsion (SO‐ILE) has clinical utility as an energy source and in lipid rescue therapy. However, an excessive infusion rate of SO‐ILE in routine use and in lipid rescue therapy may cause serious side effects. There is little information about plasma triglyceride (TG) kinetics following SO‐ILE administration. The present study aimed to develop a population semiphysiologic kinetic model of TG and to predict the TG kinetics even at extremely high concentrations in rats. Materials and Methods: TG concentration profiles after intravenous bolus (0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 g/kg) or infusion (3.0 g/kg/h for 1 hour) of SO‐ILE to rats were analyzed by a kinetic model constructed with 4 pathways: apolipoprotein acquisitions, zero‐order catabolism, first‐order uptake to storage sites, and zero‐order secretion from storage sites. The developed model was subjected to internal and external validation. Results: Plasma TG concentrations appeared to decline in a biphasic manner with nonlinear TG kinetics. The developed kinetic model was well validated and found to accurately predict the external validation data. Conclusions: The proposed kinetic model accurately described TG concentrations after SO‐ILE administration at various infusion rates, including a lipid rescue regimen. The maximum acceptable infusion rate of SO‐ILE in routine use should correspond to the maximum velocity of the apolipoprotein acquisition: 0.619 g/kg/h in rats. The prediction of TG kinetics at extremely high concentrations will provide useful information for lipid rescue therapy.
Existence of renal dysfunction in diabetics undergoing coronary artery bypass
Authors: Ali Taimur Asif , Salahuddin Urooj , Shoukat Arfeel , Shahzad Noman , Naeem Syed Saad , Dar Mudassir Iqbal , Fatimi Saulat Hasnain
Published: July 2016

Introduction

The effect of diabetes mellitus on morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting has remained uncertain, and conflicting conclusions have been reported in clinical trials. Evidence suggests that coronary artery bypass in patients with diabetes mellitus carries a higher risk of stroke, renal failure, perioperative complications, and sternal wound infection. This study evaluated the frequency of acute renal dysfunction after coronary artery bypass in diabetic patients, and the associated risk factors.

Method

This cross-sectional observational study included 135 patients with diabetes (111 males and 24 females with a mean age 51 years and a body mass index of 27.44 kg m−2), who underwent elective coronary artery bypass from March 2015 to October 2015. Data were collected prospectively in 2 tertiary care centers. Renal dysfunction was assessed by serum creatinine levels preoperatively and at 24 and 48 h postoperatively.

Results

Fifteen percent of patients were found to have postoperative renal dysfunction. Univariate analysis revealed that patients with increased serum creatinine preoperatively were at greater risk of developing renal dysfunction after coronary artery bypass ( p = 0.00). On multivariable binary logistic regression analysis, preoperative serum creatinine level was the only independent predictor of postoperative renal dysfunction; age, body mass index, dyslipidemia, hypertension, cardiopulmonary bypass time, and aortic crossclamp time showed no significant association.

Conclusion

Diabetic patients with increased serum creatinine preoperatively are at greater risk of kidney damage postoperatively; therefore, these patients should be monitored and treated critically in the perioperative period.
Development and validation of the Taiwan Children’s Health Literacy Test
Authors: Liu Chieh-Hsing , Liao Li-Ling , Cheng Chi-Chia J. , Chang Tzu-Chau
Published: July 2016

Background:

Currently, health literacy (HL) worldwide is measured primarily among adults from a medical perspective. A children’s HL test from a health promotion perspective is needed. This study develops the Taiwan Children’s Health Literacy Test (TCHL) targeted at Taiwanese sixth-graders.

Methods:

HL indicators were identified through interviews of sixth-grade teachers, primary caregivers, and sixth-graders. They were used to develop a 25-item online test, which was finalized after pretesting and administered to a stratified random sample of 671 students across 29 sixth-grade classes.

Results:

The response rate was 87.2% (585 participants). Cronbach’s α was 0.60–0.78 for the HL subtests and 0.79 for the overall HL test. Correlation coefficients among subtests ranged from 0.49 to 0.87. The average proportion correct was 0.80 for overall HL. In item response theory analysis, the difficulty level ranged from −2.77 to −0.40, while the degree of discrimination was 0.44–2.65. Item information peaked when the ability value was approximately −1.8. Furthermore, HL scores had a significant positive correlation with health behaviors.

Conclusions:

Overall, the test was found to be reliable and valid, with a low level of difficulty for basic HL ability. The present results can be used as a reference by government health education units to investigate national HL in children.
Fluorescent Gelators for Detection of Explosives
Authors: Hanabusa Kenji , Takata Shingo , Fujisaki Masafumi , Nomura Yasushi , Suzuki Masahiro
Published: July 2016

Carbazole-, quinoline-, benzothiazole-, and stilbene-containing fluorescent gelators are synthesized by connecting gelation-driving segments, and their gelation abilities are studied with 13 solvents. Fibrous thin-layer films are prepared on quartz plates from the solutions or gels, and they are studied as chemosensors for explosives. Fluorescence quenching of the films upon exposure to saturated TNT or RDX vapor is used to evaluate the abilities of the films to detect explosives. The relationship between the thickness of the thin-layer film and the quenching efficiency upon exposure to TNT is studied. The morphologies of the thin-layer films are observed by dynamic force mode scanning probe microscopy and discussed with regard to their fluorescence quenching. The interactions among chromophores in the gels, thin-layer films, and solutions are studied by variable-temperature spectroscopy. The mechanism of TNT detection is discussed from the viewpoint of the HOMO and LUMO energy levels.
Recent advances in understanding neurotrophin signaling
Authors: Bothwell Mark
Published: July 2016

The nerve growth factor family of growth factors, collectively known as neurotrophins, are evolutionarily ancient regulators with an enormous range of biological functions. Reflecting this long history and functional diversity, mechanisms for cellular responses to neurotrophins are exceptionally complex. Neurotrophins signal through p75NTR, a member of the TNF receptor superfamily member, and through receptor tyrosine kinases (TrkA, TrkB, TrkC), often with opposite functional outcomes. The two classes of receptors are activated preferentially by proneurotrophins and mature processed neurotrophins, respectively. However, both receptor classes also possess neurotrophin-independent signaling functions. Signaling functions of p75NTRand Trk receptors are each influenced by the other class of receptors. This review focuses on the mechanisms responsible for the functional interplay between the two neurotrophin receptor signaling systems.
Preoperative fasting for elective surgery in a regional hospital in Oman
Authors: Abdullah Al Maqbali Mohammed
Published: July 2016

Background:

A fasting period before anesthesia is necessary to avoid the aspiration of stomach contents, which can be threatening to the patient's life. Guidelines from professional societies in the USA and UK recommend that healthy patients fast for 6 hours from solid food and 2 hours from liquids. Despite this, many institutions still practice nil-by-mouth after midnight. This can affect the patient's recovery after surgery, and increase the length of stay in hospital. The aim of this study was to assess the duration of fasting before elective surgery on the part of adult patients.

Methods:

A prospective study was conducted to identify the fasting time and complications among surgical patients undergoing elective surgery over a 4-month period. The patients were asked for preoperative fasting times, and the complication. The demographic data were taken from the patients' files.

Result:

A total of 169 patients were included in the study, 88 male and 81 female. The minimum and maximum fasting hours with regard to food were 7 hours and 19 hours, respectively; all the patients fasted from food for longer than the recommended time. The minimum and maximum fasting hours for fluids were 4 hours and 19 hours, respectively; all the patients fasted from fluid for longer than the recommended time.

Conclusion:

Most of the patients fasted from food and fluids for more than the time recommended by the American Society of Anaesthesiologists, the Royal College of Nursing, the Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland and the Royal College of Anaesthetists. Excessive fasting could lead to discomfort and possible morbidity in surgical patients. The surgical team needs to collaborate to reduce the fasting time by revising the operative list.
Eat more fat? The controversial new dietary advice for the UK population
Authors: Glasper Alan
Published: July 2016

Emeritus Professor Alan Glasper, from the University of Southampton, discusses the looming crisis caused by rising levels of obesity among the population—and the controversy surrounding the advice to tackle it
Brexit: what does it mean for the future of UK nursing?
Authors: Hurlow Jennifer
Published: July 2016

Following the result of the UK referendum on membership of the European Union, Jennifer Hurlow, a Nurse Practitioner from the USA, considers how this may shape nursing in the coming years
BJN Awards 2016: IV therapy
Authors: Rickard Claire
Published: July 2016

Claire Rickard Professor of Nursing, National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Centre of Research Excellence in Nursing, Griffith University, was awarded second place in the BJN Awards 2016 for IV Therapy Nurse of the Year. Here she talks about the she has done to be recognised in this field.
Synthesis of Polymetallic Oxides with High Organized Structure
Authors: Dumitrescu Anca Mihaela , Jucan Victor , Iordan Alexandra Raluca , Palamaru Mircea Nicolae
Published: July 2016

The synthesis and characterization of high organized and nanostructured polymetallic oxides were studied. The samples were synthesized by sol-gel autocombustion method, using glycine as chelating/fuel agent and polyacrylamide-based hydrogel as template agent. This polymer has a porous microstructure with well-individualized and regularly-dispersed pores. The asobtained samples were characterized by IR spectroscopy, XRD, SEM. The magnetic properties were studied. As-synthesized polymetallic oxides have the morphological structure given by the three-dimensional lattice structure of hydrogel used as template agent
Portuguese older people and the Internet: Interaction, uses, motivations, and obstacles
Authors: Martinez-Pecino Roberto , Delerue Matos Alice , Silva Patricia
Published: July 2016

This study analyzes Portuguese seniors’ Internet activity and determine their reasons, benefits, and motivations for web use as well as the obstacles faced by non-users. Results were derived from a questionnaire completed by 189 seniors enrolled in universities for seniors. 68.1% defined themselves as Internet users. The seniors asked principally go online to check e-mail and gather information. They state that the Internet is useful, helps them to stay up-to-date, and to preserve (but not expand) relationships. Non-user status is not attributed to old age or health reasons. According to the technology acceptance model, ease of use and perception of utility were related to both Internet use and its intensity of use. Family influence also played a key role. Gender differences were not found in Internet use, intensity of use, or in use motivations.
Mediatization in public bureaucracies: A typology
Authors: Thorbjornsrud Kjersti , Ustad Figenschou Tine , Ihlen Øyvind
Published: July 2016

Based on extensive fieldwork, the present article illustrates how the logic of the news media is expanding from influential communication departments to the practices, routines and priorities of traditional career bureaucrats. To theorize the mediatization of a traditional bureaucratic rationale, the article proposes a typology for how rule-based public organizations adapt to and adopt the news media’s implicit ‘logic of appropriateness.’ We emphasize the importance of (1) the news rhythm and (2) news formats, but also (3) how and why being in the media is valued by civil servants, and (4) how this leads to a reallocation of resources and responsibilities within the organization. We find that career bureaucrats both anticipate and adopt a news logic in their daily work. The normative implications of these transformations are discussed in the final section of the article.
Hodge correlators
Authors: Goncharov Alexander B.
Published: July 2016

Hodge correlators are
complex numbers given by certain integrals assigned to a smooth complex curve.
We show that they are correlators of a Feynman integral, and describe the real mixed Hodge structure
on the pronilpotent completion of the fundamental group of the curve. We introduce motivic correlators, which are elements of the motivic Lie algebra and whose periods are the Hodge correlators. They describe the motivic fundamental group of the curve.
We describe variations of real mixed Hodge structures on a variety by certain connections
on the product of the variety by twistor plane. We call them twistor connections.
In particular, we define the canonical period map on variations of real mixed
Hodge structures. We show that the obtained period functions satisfy a simple
Maurer–Cartan type non-linear differential equation.
Generalizing this, we suggest a DG-enhancement of the subcategory of Saito’s Hodge complexes with smooth cohomology. We show that when the curve varies,
the Hodge correlators are the coefficients of the twistor connection describing the corresponding variation of real MHS.
Examples of the Hodge correlators include classical and elliptic polylogarithms, and their generalizations.
The simplest Hodge correlators on the modular curves are the Rankin–Selberg integrals. Examples of the motivic
correlators include Beilinson’s elements in the motivic cohomology, e.g. the ones delivering
the Beilinson–Kato Euler system on modular curves.
Inhibitory effects of antagonistic bacteria inhabiting the rhizosphere of the sugarbeet plants, on Cercospora beticola Sacc., the causal agent of Cercospora leaf spot disease on sugarbeet
Authors: Arzanlou Mahdi , Mousavi Somayeh , Bakhshi Mounes , Khakvar Reza , Bandehagh Ali
Published: July 2016

In the present study, the antagonistic capability of bacterial agents inhabiting the rhizosphere of sugarbeet plants were evaluated against Cercospora beticola Sacc. under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. After preliminary screening using the dual culture method, 14 strains with higher antagonistic capability were selected for further inhibitory assays against C. beticola. Bacterial strains were identified based on the sequence data of the small subunit-rDNA (SSU-rDNA) gene. Based on the SSU sequence data, the identity of bacterial strains were determined as Bacillus (10 strains: RB1, RB2, RB3, RB4, RB5, RB6, RB7, RB8, RB9, RB10), Paenibacillus (two strains: RP1, RP2), Enterobacter (one strain: RE), and Pseudomonas (one strain: RPs). The results obtained in this study showed that in all of the assays (dual culture, volatile and non-volatile metabolites) bacterial antagonists significantly inhibited the growth of C. beticola compared to the control. Bacillus (RB2) showed the highest inhibition rate on C. beticola in all of the assays. Based on the results of the laboratory assays, three bacterial strains RB2 (Bacillus), RPs (Pseudomonas), and RE (Paenibacillus) were selected for greenhouse assays. The experiment was designed based on a completely randomised design (CRD) with the application of antagonists prior to, simultaneously, and after inoculation with C. beticola on sugarbeet leaves. The reduction in disease severity was evaluated seven days after inoculation. The results of greenhouse assays were consistent with the results of laboratory studies. The obtained results showed that bacterial antagonists significantly reduced the disease severity when compared to the control.
Assessment of control strategies against Cydia pomonella (L.) in Morocco
Authors: Iraqui Salma El , Hmimina M’hamed
Published: July 2016

The codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.), is the key pest of apple production worldwide. In Morocco, there is a sustainable presence of codling moth causing considerable damage in apple orchards despite frequent applications of broad spectrum insecticides. For 12 years, sexual trapping and chemical control were performed and the development of the codling moth population was analysed in an orchard which was in the region of Azrou. The efficacy of some insecticides (azinphos-methyl, chlorpyriphos-ethyl, diflubenzuron, thiacloprid, methoxyfenozide, spinosad, and deltamethrin) was also evaluated on neonate larvae and compared with a laboratory sensitive strain. This procedure was done to assess an eventual resistance in Moroccan populations. The action threshold was usually exceeded, leading to an intensive chemical control, with an average frequency of 9 to 13 days. The chemical control was done according to the action persistence time of the insecticides and the trap captures. However, those two parameters are compromised in Moroccan conditions because of the high summer temperatures which disrupt the action of insecticides and exacerbate populations. The pheromone traps may become ineffective and useless. Neonate larvae were resistant to five insecticides out of seven. Such results suggest the presence of a cross resistance in local strains. Overall, the insect resistance, the functioning of the sexual traps, and some insecticides properties (persistence action, pre-harvest interval) are the key factors that could explain the failure to control these moths under Moroccan conditions.
Sinn und Wohlergehen
Authors: Rüther Markus , Muders Sebastian
Published: July 2016

Das Thema des Beitrages bildet die normative Wertdimension des sinnvollen Lebens, die innerhalb der Theorie des guten Lebens lange vernachlässigt wurde. Untersucht wird dabei das Verhältnis der Sinndimension zur Dimension des Wohlergehens innerhalb des guten Lebens, die gegenwärtig im Zentrum der ethischen Theoriebildung steht. Im Rahmen eines komparativen Abgleichs wird dafür argumentiert, dass es den gängigen Theorien des menschlichen Wohls - hedonischen Theorien, Wunsch-Ziel- Theorien und Objektive-Liste-Theorien - nicht gelingt, die Dimension des sinnvollen Lebens über die jeweils von ihnen verfochtene Konzeption des Wohlergehens vollständig zu beschreiben. Ihr Verhältnis zum Sinn ist allerdings durchaus unterschiedlich: Während Glück und Wunschbefriedigung weder notwendig noch hinreichend sind, erweist sich die Selbstvervollkommnung wenigstens als ein möglicher Kandidat zum Führen eines sinnvollen Lebens.
Association of osteocalcin, insulin resistance and oxidative stress during noncomplicated pregnancy
Authors: Pijanović Marina , Stefanović Aleksandra , Miljković Milica , Marić-Krejović Snežana , Spasić Slavica
Published: July 2016

Background:

The aim of this study was to explore longitudinal changes of serum osteocalcin during normal, uncomplicated pregnancy and after delivery, and its correlations with parameters of glucose homeostasis, lipid status, and oxidative status in late pregnancy.

Methods:

Osteocalcin, glucose, insulin, lipid status parameters, total oxidative status (TOS), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured in sera of 38 healthy pregnant women. The sera were collected at the midpoint of the 1st, in the 2nd and 3rd trimester, and after delivery. Homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) indices were calculated and used as surrogate markers of insulin resistance.

Results:

Repeated measures analysis of variance showed a progressive increase in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, with a postpartum decrease. High density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol increased in the 2nd trimester and decreased after delivery. Total oxidative status (TOS) increased significantly in the 3rd trimester (p<0.001). TAC showed a significant increase after delivery (p<0.05). Insulin showed a significant increase in the 3rd trimester (p<0.05). Homeostatic model assessment (HOMA)-%B increased significantly in the 3rd trimester (p<0.001). Osteocalcin showed a decrease in the 2nd trimester, and a marked increase in the 3rd trimester and postpartum (p<0.001). Osteocalcin was significantly positively correlated with BMI, insulin, HOMA of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), HOMA-%B, TAC (p<0.05), triglycerides and uric acid (p<0.001). Multiple regression analysis showed that TAC is independently associated with osteocalcin level during 3rd trimester (p<0.05).

Conclusions:

We observed the changes in pregnancy that may lead towards atherogenic, prooxidant and insulin resistant state, which are possibly counterbalanced by various protective systems, one of which might be osteocalcin.
4 The Publicity of Reason(ing)
Authors: Gosepath Stefan
Published: July 2016

Which role does publicity play in an adequate theory of individual and collective reasoning? To analyze the role publicity should play in our societies in solving societal problems, I will start, in the first part, with some general remarks about problems and problem solving. In the second part, I will deal with the role responsible reasoning plays in problem solving. Finally, I will argue that, and why, the public use of reason is necessary for finding the best solutions for problems in society.