bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patients’ bowel symptom experiences and self‐care strategies following sphincter‐saving surgery for rectal cancer
Authors: Landers Margaret , McCarthy Geraldine , Livingstone Vicki , Savage Eileen
Published: January 2014

Aims and objectives

To investigate patients’ bowel symptom experiences and self‐care strategies following sphincter‐saving surgery for rectal cancer and the relationship between bowel symptom experiences and the self‐care strategies used.

Background

Earlier diagnosis of rectal cancer allows for less invasive surgical treatments such as sphincter‐saving procedures to be performed. Although a permanent stoma is generally not required, patients experience changes in bowel function following this surgery. However, limited research exists on patients’ bowel symptom experiences and the self‐care strategies used to manage symptoms following sphincter‐saving surgery of rectal cancer.

Design

Quantitative descriptive correlational.

Methods

A convenience sample of 143 patients aged 30 to over 70 years was used. Data were collected (April 2010–December 2010) using the Illness Perception Questionnaires, the Difficulties of Life Scale and a researcher developed Self‐care Strategy Measure. The research was underpinned by the Symptom Management Theory.

Findings

Relating to the four most effective self‐care strategies used respondents reporting more bowel symptom were more likely to use the self‐care strategy proximity/knowing the location of a toilet at all times. Females, respondents with high timeline cyclical scores and respondents with high physiological responses scores were more likely to use protective clothing. Respondents reporting more bowel symptom and with high social responses scores were more likely to use bowel medication. Females were more likely to wear incontinence pads.

Conclusion

This research provides insights into the daily bowel symptom experiences of patients following sphincter‐saving surgery for rectal cancer. It demonstrates the range of self‐care strategies that individuals use to manage their bowel symptoms and the self‐care‐strategies that were most effective for them.

Relevance to clinical practice

Patients should be encouraged to report on‐going bowel problems following sphincter‐saving surgery for rectal cancer. Supportive care for patients should be comprehensive and tailored to meet individual needs.
Weight change trajectory in women with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy and the effect of different regimens
Authors: Liu Li‐Ni , Wen Fur‐Hsing , Miaskowski Christine , Lin Yung‐Chang , Wang Jong‐Shyan , Jeng Chii , Chen Mei‐Ling
Published: January 2014

Aims and objectives

To investigate the trajectory of weight change in Taiwanese women with breast cancer after starting chemotherapy and the impact of chemotherapy regimens on weight change while controlling for age, menopausal status, body mass index, lymph node involvement and changes in habits of dietary fat intake and exercise.

Background

Weight gain after adjuvant chemotherapy in women with breast cancer has negative impact on health outcomes.

Design

Longitudinal, clinical observational study.

Methods

Weights were repeatedly measured in 147 women with breast cancer stages I–III. Hierarchical linear modelling was used to analyse these longitudinal data.

Results

The overall pattern of weight change was a cubic form beginning with a mean of 56·9 kg before chemotherapy. It gradually increased to 59·4 kg at 8·5 months after the first chemotherapy followed by a decrease to 58·5 kg at 21·5 months. During the last 2·5 months, weight increased slightly and never returned to the initial level. After controlling for confounders, steeper weight change was observed among women receiving cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and fluorouracil. The highest weight gain in the cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and fluorouracil group was 2·9 kg (5%) vs. 0·9 kg (1%) in the anthracycline‐based group.

Conclusion

The trajectory of body weight change within two years after chemotherapy shows a trend of gradual ascent, followed by a small decline and a slight increase in the last 2·5 months. The chemotherapy regimen can predict the trend after controlling for other confounders; women on cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and fluorouracil have a steeper weight change.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses can inform women with breast cancer about the expected changes in body weight after chemotherapy to reduce their uncertainty. Future studies on effective interventions to minimise chemotherapy‐induced weight gain are needed.
Parental groups during the child's first year: an interview study of parents' experiences
Authors: Hjälmhult Esther , Glavin Kari , Økland Toril , Tveiten Sidsel
Published: January 2014

Aims and objectives

To highlight what was important to parents with respect to consultation groups at well‐child clinics.

Background

Parents managing of their role as parents affect the child's health and are therefore an important priority for public health. Well‐child clinics in Norway practise consultations in groups to support parents and to facilitate social network; however, few studies explore parents' perspective of this kind of groups.

Design

Grounded theory.

Methods

We used classical grounded theory with a generative and constant comparative approach. Data were collected through seven focus groups and two individual interviews with the parents of children aged 8–15 months.

Results

The parents were most concerned about how to achieve connection without accountability and how to obtain relevant health information. They managed this by ‘multipositioning’, encompassing the strategies of: (1) practising conditional openness, (2) seeking to belong, (3) awaiting initiative and (4) expecting balanced health information. The use of these strategies explains how they resolved their challenges.

Conclusion

Parental groups seem to be popular and have great potential to establish a social network; however, underestimating the need for structure and continuity in the groups might cause this opportunity to be missed.

Relevance to clinical practice

Understanding parents' perspectives will be useful when planning strategies to strengthen parental groups at well‐child clinics and that the engaged organisers will account for this need to ensure public health work of high quality and effectiveness for parents.
Analysis of brain and muscle activity during low‐level tooth clenching – a feasibility study with a novel biting device
Authors: Iida T. , Overgaard A. , Komiyama O. , Weibull A. , Baad‐Hansen L. , Kawara M. , Sundgren P. C. , List T. , Svensson P.
Published: January 2014

In electromyographic (EMG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies, muscle and brain activity was compared during low levels of tooth clenching using a novel biting device to control bite force. A total of 21 healthy subjects performed motor tasks, comprising tooth clenching at 5, 10 and 20 N. During all measurements, subjects kept the novel bite device between the anterior teeth during tooth clenching. The EMG study (n = 15) characterised jaw muscle activity for the three motor tasks and demonstrated significant differences in root mean square (RMS) EMG amplitude between 5‐, 10‐ and 20‐N tooth clenching (F = 46·21, P < 0·001). There were no differences in variability of muscle activity between the three tooth‐clenching levels. In an fMRI pilot study (n = 6), statistical comparisons were used to identify brain regions with significant activation in the subtraction of baseline from 5‐ or 20‐N tooth‐clenching activity. 5‐ and 20‐N tooth clenching significantly and bilaterally activated the sensorimotor cortex, supplementary motor area, cerebellum and basal ganglia (P < 0·05, corrected for multiple comparisons). However, activation of each brain region did not differ significantly between two tooth‐clenching tasks. Based on these preliminary findings, we propose that the novel biting device may be useful in further fMRI studies on controlled jaw muscle activation patterns in different craniofacial pain conditions. In addition, our fMRI result suggests that there are no significant differences in brain activity within low levels of tooth clenching with controlled force.
Detection of sleep bruxism: comparison between an electromyographic and electrocardiographic portable holter and polysomnography
Authors: Castroflorio T. , Deregibus A. , Bargellini A. , Debernardi C. , Manfredini D.
Published: January 2014

Recent polysomnographic (PSG) studies showed that the sleep bruxism (SB) event is preceded by a sudden shift in autonomic cardiac activity. Therefore, heart rate could be the simplest‐to‐record parameter for use in addition to portable home EMG monitoring to improve the accuracy in automatic detection of SB events. The aim of the study was to compare the detection of SB episodes by combined surface electromyography and heart rate (HR) recorded by a compact portable device (Bruxoff®), with the scoring of SB episodes by a PSG recording. Twenty‐five subjects (14 ‘probable’ bruxers and 11 non‐bruxers) were selected for the study. Each subject underwent the Bruxoff and the PSG recordings during the same night. Rhythmic masseter muscle activities (RMMAs) were scored according to published criteria. Correlation coefficients and the Bland–Altman plots were calculated to measure the correlation and agreement between the two methods. Results showed a high correlation (Pearson's r = 0·95, P < 0·0001) and a high agreement (bias = 0·05) between Bruxoff and the PSG. Furthermore, the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed a high sensitivity and specificity of the portable device (92·3% and 91·6%, respectively) when the cut‐off was set at 4 SB episodes per hour according to published criteria. The Bruxoff device showed a good diagnostic accuracy to differentiate RMMA from other oromotor activities. These findings are important in the light of the need for simple and reliable portable devices for the diagnosis of SB both in the clinical and research settings.
To Renew and Act Anew: Approaching Forgiveness in The Long Nineteenth Century
Authors: Hewitt Andrea L. C.
Published: January 2014

This essay seeks to survey recent scholarship exploring the topic of forgiveness within nineteenth‐century British literature. Though historically rooted in Judeo‐Christian religious tradition, forgiveness has now emerged as a secularized theory for communal and psychological renewal. Recent global efforts to promote reconciliation and healing in communities ravaged by genocide and crimes against humanity have inspired a new wave of intellectual inquiry into the nature of forgiveness. Julia Kristeva and Jacques Derrida are two of the most prominent contributors to this discourse within the last decade. Even as forgiveness has emerged on a globally popular level in its secularized form, literary criticism has also witnessed a shift in scholarship that seeks to reengage the dialogue between theology and literature, paving the way for theory and theology to meld in the pursuit of a more nuanced theory of forgiveness. Though literary forgiveness remains a relatively unexplored topic in nineteenth‐century scholarship, recent articles by Richard Hughes Gibson, Emma Mason, Karen Pagani, and Jan‐Melissa Schramm demonstrate that conceptions of forgiveness in the Romantic and Victorian imagination exist at the intersection of sacred and secular, much like our modern theories also suggest. As critics pay closer attention to the role of forgiveness, and its multiple complexities within the fiction, drama, and poetry of the nineteenth century, they will turn their attention to the creative power of forgiveness, ultimately viewed as formative, possessing the power to shape narratives, individual lives and psyches, and social history.
Pilot study evaluating the impact of dialogic reading and shared reading at transition to primary school: early literacy skills and parental attitudes
Authors: Pillinger Claire , Wood Clare
Published: January 2014

Previous studies have demonstrated the positive impact of shared reading (SR) and dialogic reading (DR) on young children's language and literacy development. This exploratory study compared the relative impact of parental DR and shared reading interventions on 4‐year‐old children's early literacy skills and parental attitudes to reading prior to and following school entry. Parents were trained using a self‐instruction training DVD. The children's rhyme awareness, word reading, concepts about print and writing vocabulary were assessed before and after 6 weeks over the summer period and again after one term in school. Four illustrative case studies are presented, which reveal the differential impact of the interventions on the families who participated. Findings indicated that DR had a positive impact on children's enjoyment of reading, concepts about print, parent–child reading behaviours and parental attitudes to joint storybook reading. The children who experienced shared‐book reading during the intervention also demonstrated improvements in word reading. There were no changes in rhyme awareness or writing vocabulary for either group. Changes in print concept awareness were not maintained at follow‐up, but improvements in writing vocabulary and word reading scores were noted. The reasons for this are discussed with reference to the formal literacy instruction the children received during their first academic term.
Local and regional founder effects in lake zooplankton persist after thousands of years despite high dispersal potential
Authors: Ventura M. , Petrusek A. , Miró A. , Hamrová E. , Buñay D. , De Meester L. , Mergeay J.
Published: January 2014

We reconstructed the genetic structure of a planktonic crustacean Daphnia longispina living in high mountain lakes and ponds in the Pyrenees to investigate whether it was shaped by persistent founder effects originating shortly after the last glacial maximum or by ongoing dispersal and effective migration (gene flow). We found that the genetic structure can largely be explained by a single colonization event following gradual deglaciation of the Pyrenees ~10 000–15 000 years ago. Nuclear genetic diversity declined steeply from southeast to northwest, suggestive of serial colonization of available habitats with advancing deglaciation. The spatial genetic structure suggests that founder effects were major determinants of the present‐day diversity, both at the catchment level and at the level of individual water bodies, further supporting extremely low effective migration rates. This study reveals a prime example of a founder effect that is both long lasting and maintained at small spatial scales. Our data suggest a process of isolation by colonization as a result of strong priority effects and monopolization. We found evidence for the spread of haplotypes with Pyrenean ancestry across the Palaearctic over distances up to 5500 km, although the local genetic structure after colonization was hardly influenced by contemporary dispersal. Finally, our data also suggest that mitochondrial mutation rates in the studied populations were seven times higher than typically assumed. Overall, we show that founder effects can persist for centuries even at small spatial scales at which the potential for dispersal is high.
Use of IgE and IgG4 epitope binding to predict the outcome of oral immunotherapy in cow's milk allergy
Authors: Savilahti Emma M. , Kuitunen Mikael , Valori Miko , Rantanen Ville , Bardina Ludmilla , Gimenez Gustavo , Mäkelä Mika J. , Hautaniemi Sampsa , Savilahti Erkki , Sampson Hugh A.
Published: January 2014

Background

Oral immunotherapy (OIT) with cow's milk (CM) has been reported to induce a number of specific antibody responses, but these remain to be fully characterized. Our objective was to explore whether IgE and IgG4 epitope binding profiles could predict the risk of side effects during CM OIT.

Methods

The study population consisted of 32 children (6–17 yr of age) with CM allergy: 26 children who successfully completed OIT and six children who discontinued therapy due to adverse reactions. We investigated sera drawn before and after OIT. We analyzed specific IgE and IgG4 binding to CM protein‐derived peptides with a microarray‐based immunoassay. Antibody binding affinity was analyzed with a competition assay where CM proteins in solution competed with peptides printed on the microarray.

Results

IgE binding to CM peptides decreased and IgG4 binding increased following the OIT in children who attained desensitization. Compared with children who successfully completed OIT, those who discontinued OIT due to adverse reactions developed increased quantities and affinity of epitope‐specific IgE antibodies and a broader diversity of IgE and IgG4 binding, but less overlap in IgE and IgG4 binding to CM peptides.

Conclusions

Detailed analysis of IgE and IgG4 binding to CM peptides may help in predicting whether CM OIT will be tolerated successfully. It may thus improve the safety of the therapy.
Integrative genomic analysis identifies a role for intercellular adhesion molecule 1 in childhood asthma
Authors: Klaassen Ester M. M. , van de Kant Kim D. G. , Jöbsis Quirijn , Penders John , van Schooten Frederik Jan , Quaak Marieke , den Hartog Gertjan J. M. , Koppelman Gerard H. , van Schayck Constant P. , van Eys Guillaume , Dompeling Edward
Published: January 2014

Background

Childhood asthma is characterized by chronic airway inflammation. Integrative genomic analysis of airway inflammation on genetic and protein level may help to unravel mechanisms of childhood asthma. We aimed to employ an integrative genomic approach investigating inflammation markers on DNA, mRNA, and protein level at preschool age in relationship to asthma development.

Methods

In a prospective study, 252 preschool children (202 recurrent wheezers, 50 controls) from the Asthma DEtection and Monitoring (ADEM) study were followed until the age of six. Genetic variants, mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and protein levels in exhaled breath condensate for intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1), interleukin (IL)4, IL8, IL10, IL13, and tumor necrosis factor α were analyzed at preschool age. At six years of age, a classification (healthy, transient wheeze, or asthma) was based on symptoms, lung function, and medication use.

Results

The ICAM1 rs5498 A allele was positively associated with asthma development (p = 0.02) and ICAM1 gene expression (p = 0.01). ICAM1 gene expression was positively associated with exhaled levels of soluble ICAM1 (p = 0.04) which in turn was positively associated with asthma development (p = 0.01). Furthermore, rs1800872 and rs1800896 in IL10 were associated with altered IL10 mRNA expression (p < 0.01). Exhaled levels of IL4, IL10, and IL13 were positively associated with asthma development (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

In this unique prospective study, we demonstrated that ICAM1 is associated with asthma development on DNA, mRNA, and protein level. Thus, ICAM1 is likely to be involved in the development of childhood asthma.
Reactive oxygen species in signalling the transcriptional activation of WIPK expression in tobacco
Authors: XU JUAN , YANG KWANG‐YEOL , YOO SEUNG JIN , LIU YIDONG , REN DONGTAO , ZHANG SHUQUN
Published: January 2014

Plant mitogen‐activated protein kinases represented by tobacco WIPK (wounding‐induced protein kinase) and its orthologs in other species are unique in their regulation at transcriptional level in response to stress and pathogen infection. We previously demonstrated that transcriptional activation of WIPK is essential for induced WIPK activity, and activation of salicylic acid‐induced protein kinase (SIPK) by the constitutively active NtMEK2DD is sufficient to induce WIPK gene expression. Here, we report that the effect of SIPK on WIPK gene expression is mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Using a combination of pharmacological and gain‐of‐function transgenic approaches, we studied the relationship among SIPK activation, WIPK gene activation in response to fungal cryptogein, light‐dependent ROS generation in chloroplasts, and ROS generated via NADPH oxidase. In the conditional gain‐of‐function GVG‐NtMEK2DD transgenic tobacco, induction of WIPK expression is dependent on the ROS generation in chloroplasts. Consistently, methyl viologen, an inducer of ROS generation in chloroplasts, highly activated WIPK expression. In addition to chloroplast‐originated ROS, H2O2 generated from the cell‐surface NADPH oxidase could also activate WIPK gene expression, and inhibition of cryptogein‐induced ROS generation also abolished WIPK gene activation. Our data demonstrate that WIPK gene activation is mediated by ROS, which provides a mechanism by which ROS influence cellular signalling processes in plant stress/defence response.
Absence of detectable yield penalty associated with insensitivity to Pleosporales necrotrophic effectors in wheat grown in the West Australian wheat belt
Authors: Oliver R. , Lichtenzveig J. , Tan K.‐C. , Waters O. , Rybak K. , Lawrence J. , Friesen T. , Burgess P.
Published: January 2014

Genetic disease resistance is widely assumed, and occasionally proven, to cause host yield or fitness penalties due to inappropriate activation of defence response mechanisms or diversion of resources to surplus preformed defences. The study of resistance gene trade‐offs has so far been restricted to biotrophic pathogens. In some Pleosporales necrotrophic interactions, quantitative resistance is positively associated with insensitivity to effectors. Host lines that differ in sensitivity can easily be identified amongst current cultivars and advanced breeding lines. Large wheat cultivar trials were used to test whether lines sensitive or insensitive to three necrotrophic effectors from Pyrenophora tritici‐repentis and Parastagonospora nodorum differed in yield when subjected to natural disease and stress pressures in the West Australian wheat belt. There was no significant yield penalty associated with insensitivity to the fungal effectors ToxA, SnTox1 and SnTox3. Some yield gains were associated with insensitivity and some of these gains could be attributed to increased disease resistance. It is concluded that insensitivity to these effectors does not render such plants more vulnerable to any relevant biotic or abiotic stress present in these trials. These results suggest that the elimination of sensitivity alleles for necrotrophic effectors is a safe and facile strategy for improving disease resistance whilst maintaining or improving other desirable traits.
Tuberculosis management time: an alternative parameter for measuring the tuberculosis infectious pool
Authors: Yimer Solomon A. , Holm‐Hansen Carol , Storla Dag G. , Bjune Gunnar A.
Published: January 2014

Objective

To demonstrate the application of TB management time as an alternative parameter to estimate the size of the tuberculosis infectious pool in West Gojjam Zone of Amhara Region, Ethiopia.

Methods

In this study, we used the TB management time, i.e. the number of days from start of cough until start of treatment, to determine the infectious period. Patients with sputum smear‐positive and smear‐negative pulmonary TB, retreatment and an estimated number of undetected cases were included. The infectious pool was then estimated as the annual number of infectious person days in a defined population.

Results

The TB management time of presently undiagnosed TB cases and sputum smear‐positive patients contributed significantly to the infectious pool with 151 840 and 128 750 infectious person days per year, respectively. The total infectious pool including sputum smear‐negative TB cases and retreatment patients in the study area was estimated at 325 410 person days or 15 447 person days per 100 000 population during the study year.

Conclusion

Recording TB management time may be used to estimate the infectious pool of TB and to monitor programme performance in the community.
The alien flora of Albania: history, current status and future trends
Authors: Barina Z , Rakaj M , Somogyi G , Erős‐Honti Z , Pifkó D
Published: January 2014

The first synthesis of the alien flora of Albania is presented here. In order to be able to compare with other published studies, the categories of the aliens are described using widely accepted terms. However, additional terms are also introduced in the text. Altogether, 196 alien species occur outside cultivation, including 81 naturalised and 16 partly naturalised weeds, 11 remnants of the former cultivation, nine old and 38 new casuals, 41 presumably extinct aliens and no invasives. Some authors regarded 25 native species incorrectly as aliens and nine alien species were erroneously documented as members of the Albanian flora. The changes of the alien flora of Albania differ considerably from that of most European countries, and the actual proportion of aliens in the Albanian flora is the lowest in Europe. The low number of aliens, the lack of invasives and the relatively low frequency of aliens in Albania are the consequences of the long‐term seclusion of the country during the 20th century, and the low level of economic development, the extended land use and also the fact that aliens have been present only for quite a short time in the flora. All recent social and economic changes facilitate the establishment and spread of aliens in the country, especially in the lowlands.
Short‐term hypoxic vasodilation in vivo is mediated by bioactive nitric oxide metabolites, rather than free nitric oxide derived from haemoglobin‐mediated nitrite reduction
Authors: Umbrello Michele , Dyson Alex , Pinto Bernardo Bollen , Fernandez Bernadette O. , Simon Verena , Feelisch Martin , Singer Mervyn
Published: January 2014

Key points

Hypoxia increases blood flow through vasodilation, an adaptive response that increases oxygen availability to tissues.

This response is probably mediated by nitric oxide (NO); different mechanisms have been postulated (increased de novo synthesis, release from preformed stores, reduced inactivation), but precise mechanisms remain controversial.

In a short‐term rodent model, hypoxaemia was associated with hypotension and lower plasma nitrite levels suggestive of nitrite bioactivation; this was only partially reversed by NO synthase inhibition. Administration of sodium nitrite produced marked vasodilation and increased nitrosylation. Scavenging of NO had little effect.

Early hypoxic vasodilation is mediated by a complex interaction of multiple NO‐related species, rather than by NO from haemoglobin‐mediated reduction of nitrite per se.

NO and its metabolites play a pivotal role in the body's initial adaptation to an acute decrease in oxygen supply, probably offering protection against a supply–demand mismatch.

Local increases in blood flow – ‘hypoxic vasodilation’ – confer cellular protection in the face of reduced oxygen delivery. The physiological relevance of this response is well established, yet ongoing controversy surrounds its underlying mechanisms. We sought to confirm that early hypoxic vasodilation is a nitric oxide (NO)‐mediated phenomenon and to study putative pathways for increased levels of NO, namely production from NO synthases, intravascular nitrite reduction, release from preformed stores and reduced deactivation by cytochrome c oxidase. Experiments were performed on spontaneously breathing, anaesthetized, male Wistar rats undergoing short‐term systemic hypoxaemia, who received pharmacological inhibitors and activators of the various NO pathways. Arterial blood pressure, cardiac output, tissue oxygen tension and the circulating pool of NO metabolites (oxidation, nitrosation and nitrosylation products) were measured in plasma and erythrocytes. Hypoxaemia caused a rapid and sustained vasodilation, which was only partially reversed by non‐selective NO synthase inhibition. This was associated with significantly lower plasma nitrite, and marginally elevated nitrate levels, suggestive of nitrite bioinactivation. Administration of sodium nitrite had little effect in normoxia, but produced significant vasodilation and increased nitrosylation during hypoxaemia that could not be reversed by NO scavenging. Methodological issues prevented assessment of the contribution, if any, of reduced deactivation of NO by cytochrome c oxidase. In conclusion, acute hypoxic vasodilation is an adaptive NO‐mediated response conferred through bioactive metabolites rather than free NO from haemoglobin‐mediated reduction of nitrite.
Consequences of peripheral chemoreflex inhibition with low‐dose dopamine in humans
Authors: Niewinski Piotr , Tubek Stanislaw , Banasiak Waldemar , Paton Julian F. R. , Ponikowski Piotr
Published: January 2014

Key points

Low‐dose dopamine reduces the ventilatory response to acute hypoxia both in animal and in human studies.

In this study we show that low‐dose dopamine also attenuates the haemodynamic responses (tachycardia, hypertension) to acute hypoxia in healthy humans.

Moreover, we found that dopamine withdrawal results in a temporary increase in minute ventilation.

The magnitude of the increase in minute ventilation after dopamine withdrawal correlates with the degree of ventilatory response to acute hypoxia and depends on the duration of dopamine administration.

Dopamine may provide a novel method for assessing differences in the level of peripheral chemoreceptor activity, which has important clinical implications given the recently reported pathological role of the carotid body in cardiovascular diseases in animals and humans.

Low‐dose dopamine inhibits peripheral chemoreceptors and attenuates the hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR) in humans. However, it is unknown: (1) whether it also modulates the haemodynamic reactions to acute hypoxia, (2) whether it also modulates cardiac baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) and (3) if there is any effect of dopamine withdrawal. We performed a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study on 11 healthy male volunteers. At sea level over 2 days every subject was administered low‐dose dopamine (2 μg kg–1 min–1) or saline infusion, during which we assessed both ventilatory and haemodynamic responses to acute hypoxia. Separately, we evaluated effects of initiation and withdrawal of each infusion and BRS. The initiation of dopamine infusion did not affect minute ventilation (MV) or mean blood pressure (MAP), but increased both heart rate (HR) and cardiac output. Concomitantly, it decreased systemic vascular resistance. Dopamine blunted the ventilatory, MAP and HR reactions (hypertension, tachycardia) to acute hypoxia. Dopamine attenuated cardiac BRS to falling blood pressure. Dopamine withdrawal evoked an increase in MV. The magnitude of the increment in MV due to dopamine withdrawal correlated with the size of the HVR and depended on the duration of dopamine administration. The ventilatory reaction to dopamine withdrawal constitutes a novel index of peripheral chemoreceptor function.
The Ubiquitin-Specific Protease USP15 Promotes RIG-I–Mediated Antiviral Signaling by Deubiquitylating TRIM25
Authors: Pauli Eva-Katharina , Chan Ying Kai , Davis Meredith E. , Gableske Sebastian , Wang May K. , Feister Katharina F. , Gack Michaela U.
Published: January 2014

A deubiquitylating enzyme prolongs the innate immune response to viruses by preventing degradation of the ubiquitin E3 ligase TRIM25.
G Structures
Authors: Vinson Valda K.
Published: January 2014

The structure of a human serotonin receptor was solved using a free-electron laser to analyze microcrystals.
Playing Hide and Seek
Authors: Kiberstis Paula A.
Published: January 2014

Tumor cells become resistant to targeted therapies by eliminating the gene encoding the drug target from extrachromosomal DNA.
From Milk to Memory
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: January 2014

Absence of an inflammatory cytokine in maternal milk enhances hippocampal development and cognitive function in offspring.
Time to Go on a Diet
Authors: Berndt Jason D.
Published: January 2014

A high-fat diet affects circadian rhythms.
From Stimulating Regeneration to Provoking Fibrosis
Authors: Gough Nancy R.
Published: January 2014

A switch in receptor balance switches liver endothelial cells from promoting regeneration to stimulating fibrosis.
Evaluation of Double- and Triple-Antibiotic Combinations for VIM- and NDM-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae by
In Vitro
Time-Kill Experiments
Authors: Tängdén T. , Hickman R. A. , Forsberg P. , Lagerbäck P. , Giske C. G. , Cars O.
Published: January 2014

Combination therapy is recommended for infections with carbapenemase-producing
Klebsiella pneumoniae
. However, limited data exist on which antibiotic combinations are the most effective. The aim of this study was to find effective antibiotic combinations against metallo-beta-lactamase-producing
K. pneumoniae
(MBL-KP). Two VIM- and two NDM-producing
K. pneumoniae
strains, all susceptible to colistin, were exposed to antibiotics at clinically relevant static concentrations during 24-h time-kill experiments. Double- and triple-antibiotic combinations of aztreonam, ciprofloxacin, colistin, daptomycin, fosfomycin, meropenem, rifampin, telavancin, tigecycline, and vancomycin were used. Synergy was defined as a ≥2 log
10
decrease in CFU/ml between the combination and its most active drug after 24 h, and bactericidal effect was defined as a ≥3 log
10
decrease in CFU/ml after 24 h compared with the starting inoculum. Synergistic or bactericidal activity was demonstrated for aztreonam, fosfomycin, meropenem, and rifampin in double-antibiotic combinations with colistin and also for aztreonam, fosfomycin, and rifampin in triple-antibiotic combinations with meropenem and colistin. Overall, the combination of rifampin-meropenem-colistin was the most effective regimen, demonstrating synergistic and bactericidal effects against all four strains. Meropenem-colistin, meropenem-fosfomycin, and tigecycline-colistin combinations were not bactericidal against the strains used. The findings of this and other studies indicate that there is great potential of antibiotic combinations against carbapenemase-producing
K. pneumoniae
. However, our results deviate to some extent from those of previous studies, which might be because most studies to date have included KPC-producing rather than MBL-producing strains. More studies addressing MBL-KP are needed.
In Vivo
Antibacterial Activity of MRX-I, a New Oxazolidinone
Authors: Li Cong-Ran , Zhai Qian-Qian , Wang Xiu-Kun , Hu Xin-Xin , Li Guo-Qing , Zhang Wei-Xin , Pang Jing , Lu Xi , Yuan Hong , Gordeev Mikhail Fedorovich , Chen Le-Tian , Yang Xin-Yi , You Xue-Fu
Published: January 2014

MRX-I is a potent oxazolidinone antibiotic against Gram-positive pathogens, including methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA), penicillin-resistant
Streptococcus pneumoniae
(PRSP), penicillin-intermediate
S. pneumoniae
(PISP), and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). In this study, the
in vivo
efficacy of orally administered MRX-I was evaluated using linezolid as a comparator. MRX-I showed the same or better efficacy than linezolid in both systemic and local infection models against the tested strains.
Macrophage Reporter Cell Assay for Screening Immunopharmacological Activity of Cell Wall-Active Antifungals
Authors: Lewis Russell E. , Liao Guangling , Young Katherine , Douglas Cameron , Kontoyiannis Dimitrios P.
Published: January 2014

Antifungal exposure can elicit immunological effects that contribute to activity
in vivo
, but this activity is rarely screened
in vitro
in a fashion analogous to MIC testing. We used RAW 264.7 murine macrophages that express a secreted embryonic alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) gene induced by transcriptional activation of NF-κB and activator protein 1 (AP-1) to develop a screen for immunopharmacological activity of cell wall-active antifungal agents. Isolates of
Candida albicans
and
Aspergillus fumigatus
that conditionally express genes involved in cell wall synthesis were also tested with the reporter macrophages. We found that growth of fungi in subinhibitory concentrations of glucan synthesis inhibitors (caspofungin and enfumafungin A) or repression of the β-glucan catalytic subunit of glucan synthase,
FKS1
, increased macrophage NF-κB/AP-1 activation in a dectin-1-dependent manner. This pattern of activation was also transiently observed with repression of chitin synthesis in
C. albicans
or when yeast cells were incubated in low concentrations of the chitin synthesis inhibitor nikkomycin Z.
Extensive Variation and Rapid Shift of the MG192 Sequence in Mycoplasma genitalium Strains from Patients with Chronic Infection
Authors: Ma Liang , Mancuso Miriam , Williams James A. , Van Der Pol Barbara , Fortenberry J. Dennis , Jia Qiuyao , Myers Leann , Martin David H.
Published: January 2014

Mycoplasma genitalium
causes persistent urogenital tract infection in humans. Antigenic variation of the protein encoded by the MG192 gene has been proposed as one of the mechanisms for persistence. The aims of this study were to determine MG192 sequence variation in patients with chronic
M. genitalium
infection and to analyze the sequence structural features of the MG192 gene and its encoded protein. Urogenital specimens were obtained from 13 patients who were followed for 10 days to 14 months. The variable region of the MG192 gene was PCR amplified, subcloned into plasmids, and sequenced. Sequence analysis of 220 plasmid clones yielded 97 unique MG192 variant sequences. MG192 sequence shift was identified between sequential specimens from all but one patient. Despite great variation of the MG192 gene among and within clinical specimens from different patients, MG192 sequences were more related within
M. genitalium
specimens from an individual patient than between patients. The MG192 variable region consisted of 11 discrete subvariable regions with different degrees of variability. Analysis of the two most variable regions (V4 and V6) in five sequential specimens from one patient showed that sequence changes increased over time and that most sequences were present at only one time point, suggesting immune selection. Topology analysis of the deduced MG192 protein predicted a surface-exposed membrane protein. Extensive variation of the MG192 sequence may not only change the antigenicity of the protein to allow immune evasion but also alter the mobility and adhesion ability of the organism to adapt to diverse host microenvironments, thus facilitating persistent infection.
The influence of ice slushy on voluntary contraction force following exercise-induced hyperthermia
Authors: Burdon Catriona A. , Easthope Christopher S. , Johnson Nathan A. , Chapman Phillip G. , O’Connor Helen
Published: January 2014

This study aimed to investigate the effect of exercise-induced hyperthermia on central fatigue and force decline in exercised and nonexercised muscles and whether ingestion of ice slushy (ICE) ameliorates fatigue. Eight participants (5 males, 3 females) completed 45 s maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC) with elbow flexors and knee extensors at baseline and following an exercise-induced rectal temperature (Trec) of 39.3 ± 0.2 °C. Percutaneous electrical muscle stimulation was superimposed at 15, 30 and 44 s during MVICs to assess muscle activation. To increase Trec to 39.3 °C, participants cycled at 60% maximum power output for 42 ± 11 min in 40 °C and 50% relative humidity. Immediately prior to each MVIC, participants consumed 50 g of ICE (–1 °C) or thermoneutral drink (38 °C, CON) made from 7.4% carbohydrate beverage. Participants consumed water (19 °C) during exercise to prevent hypohydration. Voluntary muscle force production and activation in both muscle groups were unchanged at Trec 39.3 °C with ICE (knee extensors: 209 ± 152 N) versus CON (knee extensors: 255 ± 157 N, p = 0.19). At Trec 39.3 °C, quadriceps mean force (232 ± 151 N) decreased versus baseline (302 ± 180 N, p < 0.001) and mean voluntary activation was also decreased (by 15% ± 11%, p < 0.001). Elbow flexor mean force decreased from 179 ± 67 N to 148 ± 65 N when Trec was increased to 39.3 °C (p < 0.001) but mean voluntary activation was not reduced at 39.3 °C (5% ± 25%, p = 0.79). After exercise-induced hyperthermia, ICE had no effect on voluntary activation or force production; however, both were reduced from baseline in the exercised muscle group. Peripheral fatigue was greater than the central component and limited the ability of an intervention designed to alter central fatigue.
Resveratrol improves muscle function but not oxidative capacity in young mdx mice
Authors: Gordon Bradley S. , Delgado-Diaz Diana C. , Carson James , Fayad Raja , Wilson L. Britt , Kostek Matthew C.
Published: January 2014

Patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) have reduced muscle function due to chronic muscle damage, inflammation, oxidative stress, and reduced oxidative capacity. Resveratrol reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, and increases oxidative capacity in other disease models. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of resveratrol on muscle function, muscle pathology, and oxidative capacity in young mdx mice. For this, 4- to 5-week-old male mdx mice were randomized into control or resveratrol-treated groups and given resveratrol (100 mg/kg body mass) or an equal volume of water by gavage every other day for 8 weeks. Muscle function was assessed pre- and post-treatment. Central nucleation, total immune cell infiltrate, oxidative stress, and oxidative capacity were measured post-treatment. Resveratrol mediated substantial improvements in rotarod performance and in-situ peak tension by 53% and 17%, respectively, and slight improvements in central nucleation and oxidative stress. Resveratrol did not affect total immune cell infiltrate at 12 weeks of age, and had no effect on oxidative capacity. Resveratrol improves muscle function in mdx mice despite small changes in muscle pathology. The likely mechanism is a resveratrol-mediated reduction in immune cell infiltrate at the early stages of this disease, as previously reported by our laboratory.
SCATTERING OF SCALAR FIELD BY AN EXTENDED BLACK HOLE IN F(R) GRAVITY
Authors: SEBASTIAN SANEESH , KURIAKOSE V. C.
Published: January 2014

In this work we have studied the scattering of scalar field around an extended black hole in F(R) gravity using WKB method. We have obtained the wave function in different regions such as near the horizon region, away from horizon and far away from horizon and the absorption cross-section are calculated. We find that the absorption cross-section is inversely proportional to the cube of Hawking temperature. We have also evaluated the Hawking temperature of the black hole via tunneling method.
EXACT SOLUTIONS OF DILATON GRAVITY WITH (ANTI)-DE SITTER ASYMPTOTICS
Authors: MIGNEMI S.
Published: January 2014

We present a technique for obtaining exact spherically symmetric asymptotically de Sitter (dS) or anti-de Sitter (adS) black hole solutions of dilaton gravity with generic coupling to Maxwell field, starting from asymptotically flat solutions and adding a suitable dilaton potential to the action.
BIFURCATION STRUCTURES IN A BIMODAL PIECEWISE LINEAR MAP: REGULAR DYNAMICS
Authors: PANCHUK ANASTASIIA , SUSHKO IRYNA , SCHENKE BJÖRN , AVRUTIN VIKTOR
Published: January 2014

We consider a family of piecewise linear bimodal maps having the outermost slopes positive and less than one. Three types of bifurcation structures incorporated into the parameter space of the map are described. These structures are formed by periodicity regions related to attracting cycles, namely, the skew tent map structure is associated with periodic points on two adjacent branches of the map, the period adding structure is related to periodic points on the outermost branches, and the fin structure is contiguous with the period adding structure and is associated with attracting cycles having at most one point on the middle branch. Analytical expressions for the periodicity region boundaries are obtained using the map replacement technique.
NUMERICAL INVESTIGATION OF BIFURCATIONS AND TRANSITIONS OF JOSEPHSON VORTICES IN INHOMOGENEOUS JUNCTIONS
Authors: SEMERDJIEVA E. G. , TODOROV M. D.
Published: January 2014

We consider in-line and overlap geometry models of Josephson junctions with point or rectangular inhomogeneity and investigate the effect of their location on the Josephson vortices and the current. We analyze numerically the critical dependencies "current-magnetic field" caused by one- and two-point current injections. The obtained results elucidate the relation between these critical curves and the fractions of the injection current at the ends of the junction. We also find out similarities between the exponentially shaped junctions, and those with inhomogeneity at the end when a two-point current injection is present. We juxtapose the critical curves of the distinct junctions with inner inhomogeneity and discuss the similarity between them and the Josephson junctions with phase shifts.

The transitions of Josephson junctions from a superconducting mode to a resistive one as bifurcations of the static solutions of appropriately posed multiparametric compound boundary- and eigenvalue problems are interpreted and solved using the continuous analog of Newton method.
STABILITY AND HOPF BIFURCATION FOR A THREE-SPECIES REACTION–DIFFUSION PREDATOR–PREY SYSTEM WITH TWO DELAYS
Authors: YANG GAO-XIANG , XU JIAN
Published: January 2014

In this paper, a three-species predator–prey system with diffusion and two delays is investigated. By taking the sum of two delays as a bifurcation parameter, it is found that the spatially homogeneous Hopf bifurcation can occur as the sum of two delays crosses a critical value. The direction of Hopf bifurcation and the stability of the bifurcating periodic solution are obtained by employing the center manifold theorem and the normal form theory. In addition, some numerical simulations are also given to illustrate the theoretical analysis.
DIFFERENT BIFURCATION SCENARIOS OF NEURAL FIRING PATTERNS OBSERVED IN THE BIOLOGICAL EXPERIMENT ON IDENTICAL PACEMAKERS
Authors: GU HUAGUANG
Published: January 2014

Two different bifurcation scenarios of spontaneous neural firing patterns with decreasing extracellular calcium concentrations were observed in the biological experiment on identical pacemakers when potassium concentrations were fixed at two different levels. Six typical experimental scenarios manifesting dynamics closely matching those previously simulated using the Hindmarsh–Rose model and Chay model are provided as representative examples. Bifurcation scenarios from period-1 bursting to period-1 spiking via a complex process and via a simple process, period-doubling bifurcation to chaos, period-adding bifurcation with chaos, and period-adding bifurcation with stochastic burstings were identified. The results not only reveal that an experimental neural pacemaker is capable of generating different bifurcation scenarios but also provide a basic framework for bifurcations in neural firing patterns in a two-dimensional parameter space.
STABILITY BOUNDARY CHARACTERIZATION OF NONLINEAR AUTONOMOUS DYNAMICAL SYSTEMS IN THE PRESENCE OF A SUPERCRITICAL HOPF EQUILIBRIUM POINT
Authors: GOUVEIA JOSAPHAT R. R. , AMARAL FABÍOLO MORAES , ALBERTO LUÍS F. C.
Published: January 2014

A complete characterization of the boundary of the stability region (or area of attraction) of nonlinear autonomous dynamical systems is developed admitting the existence of a particular type of nonhyperbolic equilibrium point on the stability boundary, the supercritical Hopf equilibrium point. Under a condition of transversality, it is shown that the stability boundary is comprised of all stable manifolds of the hyperbolic equilibrium points lying on the stability boundary union with the center-stable and\or center manifolds of the type-k, k ≥ 1, supercritical Hopf equilibrium points on the stability boundary.
THE NONEQUIVALENCE AND DIMENSION FORMULA FOR ATTRACTORS OF LORENZ-TYPE SYSTEMS
Authors: CHEN YUMING , YANG QIGUI
Published: January 2014

In this paper, Lü system with a set of chaotic parameters is proved to be smoothly nonequivalent to Chen and Lorenz systems with any parameter. The analytical formula for the upper bound of Lyapunov dimension of attractors in Lorenz-type systems are presented under some suitable parameter conditions. These properties studied in this paper may contribute to a better understanding of the Lorenz-type systems.