bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
α-Adrenergic Vasoconstrictor Tone Limits Right Coronary Blood Flow in Exercising Dogs
Authors: Zong Pu , Sun Wei , Setty Srinath , Tune Johnathan D. , Downey H. Fred
Published: July 2017

In exercising dogs, increased myocardial O2consumption (MVO2) of the left ventricle is met primarily by hyperemia, whereas increased O2extraction makes a greater contribution to right ventricular (RV) O2supply. We hypothesized that α-adrenergic vasoconstrictor tone limits right coronary (RC) blood flow during exercise, forcing increased O2extraction. This tone might also contribute to lesser RC vascular conductance at rest. Accordingly, RV O2balance was examined at rest and during graded treadmill exercise before and during α-adrenergic blockade with phentolamine (1 mg/kg, iv, n = 6). The transmural distribution of RC flow was measured with radiolabeled microspheres in 4 additional dogs. At rest, α-adrenergic receptor blockade did not significantly increase RC flow or conductance. During exercise, α-adrenergic blockade increased RC flow and conductance responses to increased RV MVO2by 25% and 60%, respectively. The transmural distribution of RC flow was not altered by exercise or by α-adrenergic blockade. Before α-adrenergic blockade, hyperemia provided 39%–66% of the additional O2consumed by the right ventricle during graded exercise; after α-adrenergic blockade, hyperemia contributed 74%–85%. After α-adrenergic blockade, the slope of the relationship between RC venous PO2and RV MVO2became less steep, reflecting less O2extraction due to enhanced hyperemia. Additional experiments were conducted on 5 anesthetized, open-chest dogs with constant RC perfusion pressure and β-adrenergic blockade. The RC flow response to intracoronary norepinephrine was shifted to the left compared with that measured in the left coronary circulation, consistent with observations in the conscious exercising dogs. In conclusion, α-adrenergic vasoconstrictor tone does not restrict resting RC blood flow, but during exercise, this tone transmurally blunts RC hyperemia and forces the right ventricle to mobilize its O2extraction reserve. This effect is more pronounced than has been reported for the left ventricle.
Iodine Toxicity and Its Amelioration
Authors: Baker David H.
Published: July 2017

Iodine (I) toxicity is rare in animals and humans, but nuclear explosions that give off radioactive I and excessive stable I ingestion in parts of the world where seaweed is consumed represent specialized I toxicity concerns. Chronic overconsumption of I reduces organic binding of I by the thyroid gland, which results in hypothyroidism and goiter. Bromine can replace I on position 5 of both T3 and T4 with no loss of thyroid hormone activity. Avian work has also demonstrated that oral bromide salts can reverse the malaise and growth depressions caused by high doses of I (as KI) added as supplements to the diet. Newborn infants by virtue of having immature thyroid glands are most susceptible to I toxicity, whether of stable or radioactive origin. For the latter, the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear accident in Belarus has provided evidence that KI blockage therapy for exposed individuals 18 years of age and younger is effective in minimizing the development of thyroid cancer. Whether bromide therapy has a place in I toxicity situations remains to be determined.
Altered Activity of Signaling Pathways in Diaphragm and Tibialis Anterior Muscle of Dystrophic Mice
Authors: Lang Joshua M. , Esser Karyn A. , Dupont-Versteegden Esther E.
Published: July 2017

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a musculoskeletal disease caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. The purpose of this study was to use the mouse model of muscular dystrophy (mdx) to determine if the progression of the dystrophic phenotype in the diaphragm (costal) versus limb skeletal muscle (tibialis anterior) is associated with specific changes in extracellular regulated kinase (ERK1/2), p70 S6 kinase (p70S6k), or p38 signaling pathways. The studies detected that consistent with an earlier dystrophic phenotype, phosphorylation of p70S6k is elevated by 40% in the diaphragm with no change in limb muscle. In addition, phosphorylation of p38 kinase was decreased by 33% in the mdx diaphragm muscle. Levels of ERK1/2 as well as phosphorylation states were elevated in the diaphragm and limb muscle of mdx mice compared with age-matched control muscles. These results indicate that distinct signaling pathways are differentially activated in skeletal muscle of mdx mice. The specificity of these responses, particularly in the diaphragm, provides insight for potential targets for blunting the progression of the muscular dystrophy phenotype.
Inhibition of Melatonin-lnduced Ascorbic Acid and LHRH Release by a Nitric Oxide Synthase and Cyclic GMP Inhibitor
Authors: Karanth Sharada , Yu Wen H. , Mastronardi Claudio A. , Mccann Samuel M.
Published: July 2017

Melatonin (MEL), the principle secretory product of the pineal gland, has been shown to function as an antioxidant and free-radical scavenger. We previously showed that the release of ascorbic acid (AA) and luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) from medial basal hypothalamus (MBH) was mediated by nitric oxide (NO) that released cyclic guanosine 3′5′-monophosphate (cGMP). Therefore, it was of interest to evaluate the effect of MEL on AA and LHRH release and study the effect of a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, 6-anilino-5,8-quinolinedione (LY 83583), and a guanylyl cyclase (GC) inhibitor, 1H-[1,2,4] oxadiazolo [4,3-a] quinoxalin-1-one (O.D.Q.), on the release process. Because NO has been shown to activate soluble guanylyl cyclase that elicited an elevation of cGMP in target cells, in the current investigation LY 83583, O.D.Q., or NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (NMMA), a competitive inhibitor of NOS, were used to evaluate their effects on MEL-induced AA and LHRH release. Medial basal hypothalami were incubated in 0.5 ml of Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate (KRB) buffer for 1 hr. Subsequently, the tissues were incubated with graded concentrations of MEL (10−8to 10−4M), MEL + NMMA (3 × 104M), MEL + LY 83583 (10−6M), or MEL + O.D.Q. (105M) for 1 hr. Ascorbic acid and LHRH released into the medium were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and radioimmunoassay (RIA), respectively. Melatonin (10−6and 105M) significantly stimulated both AA and LHRH release, but the lower and the highest concentrations were ineffective. A combination of MEL + NMMA completely blocked both AA and LHRH release, supporting a role for NO in the releasing action. Both LY 83583 and O.D.Q. significantly suppressed MEL-induced AA and LHRH release, emphasizing the role of NOS, GC, and cGMP in mediating the action of MEL. The data of these in vitro experiments support a role for MEL in the hypothalamic control of AA and LHRH release.
Membrane-Bound Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor Mediated Auto-Juxtacrine Downregulates Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Release on J6-1 Leukemic Cell
Authors: Rao Qing , Zheng Guo-Guang , Li Ge , Lin Yong-Min , Wu Ke-Fu
Published: July 2017

Earlier studies indicate that J6-1 human leukemic cells proliferate and propagate via the membrane-bound macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF)-mediated auto-juxtacrine mechanism. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) can modulate the activity of cell membrane molecules and influence many cellular behaviors. Therefore, we hypothesized that MMP may also be involved in the membrane-bound M-CSF-mediated juxtacrine mechanism. First, we investigated whether blocking of membrane-bound M-CSF by neutralizing antibody to M-CSF or M-CSF receptor and adding of exogenous M-CSF are able to influence MMP-9 release. Next, we determined whether MMP-9 participated in J6-1 cells proliferation and influence the shedding of membrane-bound M-CSF and its receptor. Current studies show that blockade of the interaction between membrane-bound M-CSF and M-CSF receptor by antibody to M-CSF or M-CSF receptor promotes MMP-9 release. Moreover, we demonstrated that because of M-CSF mediated juxtacrine, lack of MMP-9 promotes J6-1 cell proliferation, in which a decrease in the shedding of cell-surface M-CSFR is involved. Hence, we suggest that membrane-bound M-CSF inhibit MMP-9 release and down-regulated MMP-9 contribute to juxtacrine stimulating in leukemic cell growth.
Comparison of Vitamin E Derivatives α-TEA and VES in Reduction of Mouse Mammary Tumor Burden and Metastasis
Authors: Lawson Karla A. , Anderson Kristen , Simmons-Menchaca Marla , Atkinson Jeffrey , Sun LuZhe , Sanders Bob G. , Kline Kimberly
Published: July 2017

A novel nonhydrolyzable ether derivative of RRR-α-tocopherol, RRR-α-tocopherol ether acetic acid analog [2, 5, 7, 8-tetramethyl-2R-(4R, 8R, 12-trimethyltridecyl)chroman-6-yloxyacetic acid (α-TEA)], and a hydrolyzable ester derivative RRR-α-tocopheryl succinate (vitamin E succinate; VES) inhibited BALB/c mouse 66cl-4-GFP mammary tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Treatment of 66cl-4-GFP cells in culture with α-TEA or VES Induced dose-dependent DNA synthesis arrest and apoptosis and inhibited colony formation. Liposomal formulations of α-TEA delivered orally or by aerosol significantly reduced subcutaneous 66cl-4-GFP tumor burden and metastasis to lung and lymph nodes. Liposomal formulations of VES delivered by aerosol significantly reduced tumor burden and lung metastasis, but not lymph node metastasis. Unlike α-TEA, VES was ineffective in reducing tumor burden and metastasis to lungs and lymph nodes when administered orally. Analyses of tumor sections showed that α-TEA delivered by either method significantly reduced tumor cell proliferation as measured by KI67, and increased apoptosis as measured by terminal deoxynucleotldyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick-end labeling (TUNEL), whereas VES delivered by aerosol reduced tumor cell proliferation and increased apoptosis, but not significantly. In summary, the nonhydrolyzable ether vitamin E derivative α-TEA was effective in reducing tumor burden and metastasis when delivered either by aerosol or orally, whereas the hydrolyzable ester vitamin E derivative VES was effective only when delivered by aerosol.
Aging-Related Changes in Ovarian Hormones, Their Receptors, and Neuroendocrine Function
Authors: Chakraborty Tandra R. , Gore Andrea C.
Published: July 2017

Ovarian steroid hormones exert a broad range of effects on the body and brain. In the nervous system, estrogen and progesterone have crucial feedback actions on the hypothalamic neurons that drive the reproductive axis. In addition, hormones exert a variety of actions on other traditionally nonreproductive functions such as cognition, learning and memory, neuroprotection, mood and affective behavior, and locomotor activity. The actions of hormones on the hypothalamus are largely mediated by their nuclear hormone receptors, the two estrogen receptors, ERα and ERβ, and the two progesterone receptor isoforms, PR-A and PR-B. Thus, changes in the circulating concentrations of estrogens and progestins during the life cycle can result in differential activation of their receptors. Furthermore, changes in the numbers, activity, and distribution of hypothalamic ERs and PRs can occur as a function of developmental age. The purpose of this article is to review the literature on the causes and consequences of alterations in steroid hormones, their neural receptors, and their interactions on reproductive senescence. We have also discussed several important experimental design considerations, focusing on rodent models in current use for understanding the mechanisms of menopause in women.
A Perspective on the Value of Aquatic Models in Biomedical Research
Authors: Epstein Franklin H. , Epstein Jonathan A.
Published: July 2017

For at least 150 years, biological scientists have congregated at marine laboratories, located at the edge of the sea, to explore aquatic life. The purpose of this minireview is to offer a brief perspective on the relevance of this activity to our knowledge of human physiology and disease, drawing heavily on the experience of the authors and without attempting to offer a comprehensive history of the many contributions of marine models to biomedical research.
Kidney Growth in Normal and Diabetic Mice is not Affected by Human Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein-1 Administration
Authors: Cingel-Ristic Vesna , Schrijvers Bieke F. , van Vliet Arlène K. , Rasch Ruth , Han Victor K. M. , Drop Stenvert L. S. , Flyvbjerg Allan
Published: July 2017

Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) accumulates in the kidney following the onset of diabetes, initiating diabetic renal hypertrophy. Increased renal IGF-I protein content, which is not reflected in messenger RNA (mRNA) levels, suggests that renal IGF-I accumulation is due to sequestration of circulating IGF-I rather than to local synthesis. It has been suggested that IGF-I is trapped in the kidney by IGF binding protein 1 (IGFBP-1). We administered purified human IGFBP-1 (hIGFBP-1) to nondiabetic and diabetic mice as three daily sc injections for 14 days, starting 6 days after induction of streptozotocin diabetes when the animals were overtly diabetic. Markers of early diabetic renal changes (i.e., increased kidney weight, glomerular volume, and albuminuria) coincided with accumulation of renal cortical IGF-I despite decreased mRNA levels in 20-day diabetic mice. Human IGFBP-1 administration had no effect on increased kidney weight or albuminuria in early diabetes, although it abolished renal cortical IGF-I accumulation and glomerular hypertrophy in diabetic mice. Increased IGF-I levels in kidneys of normal mice receiving hIGFBP-1 were not reflected on kidney parameters. IGFBP-1 administration in diabetic mice had only minor effects on diabetic renal changes. Accordingly, these results did not support the hypothesis that IGFBP-1 plays a major role in early renal changes in diabetes.
Metabolic Cardioprotection by Pyruvate: Recent Progress
Authors: Mallet Robert T. , Sun Jie , Knott E. Marty , Sharma Arti B. , Olivencia-Yurvati Albert H.
Published: July 2017

Pyruvate, a natural metabolic fuel and antioxidant in myocardium and other tissues, exerts a variety of cardioprotective actions when provided at supraphysiological concentrations. Pyruvate increases cardiac contractile performance and myocardial energy state, bolsters endogenous antioxidant systems, and protects myocardium from ischemia-reperfusion injury and oxidant stress. This article reviews and discusses basic and clinically oriented research conducted over the last several years that has yielded fundamental information on pyruvate's inotropic and cardioprotective mechanisms. Particular attention is placed on pyruvate's enhancement of sarcoplasmic reticular Ca2+transport, its antioxidant properties, and its ability to mitigate reversible and irreversible myocardial injury. These research efforts are establishing the essential foundation for clinical application of pyruvate therapy in numerous settings including cardiopulmonary bypass surgery, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, myocardial stunning, and cardiac failure.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells and the Treatment of Cardiac Disease
Authors: Minguell José J. , Erices Alejandro
Published: July 2017

The ischemia-induced death of cardiomyocytes results in scar formation and reduced contractility of the ventricle. Several preclinical and clinical studies have supported the notion that cell therapy may be used for cardiac regeneration. Most attempts for cardiomyoplasty have considered the bone marrow as the source of the “repair stem cell(s),” assuming that the hematopoietic stem cell can do the work. However, bone marrow is also the residence of other progenitor cells, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Since 1995 it has been known that under in vitro conditions, MSCs differentiate into cells exhibiting features of cardiomyocytes. This pioneer work was followed by many preclinical studies that revealed that ex vivo expanded, bone marrow–derived MSCs may represent another option for cardiac regeneration. In this work, we review evidence and new prospects that support the use of MSCs in cardiomyoplasty.
DNA Aptamers That Bind to PrPC and Not PrpSc Show Sequence and Structure Specificity
Authors: Takemura Kaori , Wang Ping , Vorberg Ina , Surewicz Witold , Priola Suzette A. , Kanthasamy Anumantha , Pottathil Ravi , Chen Shu G. , Sreevatsan Srinand
Published: July 2017

DNA aptamers were selected against recombinant human (rhu) cellular prion protein (PrPc) 23–231 by systematic evolution of llgands via a systematic evolution of ligands by exponential (SELEX) enrichment procedure using lateral flow chromatography. The SELEX procedure was performed with an aptamer library consisting of a randomized 40-nucleotide core flanked by 28-mer primer-binding sites that, theoretically, represented approximately 1024 distinct nucleic acid species. Sixty nanograms of rhuPrPc23–231 immobilized in the center of a lateral flow device was used as the target molecule for SELEX. At the end of 6 iterations of SELEX, 13 distinct candidate aptamers were Identified, of which, 3 aptamers represented 32%, 8%, and 5% of the sequences respectively. Eight aptamers, including the three most frequently occurring candidates, were selected for further evaluation. Selected aptamers bound to rhuPrPc23–231 at 10–6 M to 10–8 M concentrations. Two of the eight aptamers bound at higher concentrations to rhuPrPc90–231. Theoretical thermodynamic modeling of selected aptamer sequences Identified several common motifs among the selected aptamers that could play a role in PrP binding. Binding affinity to rhuPrPc23–231 was both aptamer sequence and structure dependent. Further, selected aptamers bound to mammalian PrPs derived from brain of healthy sheep, calf, piglet, and deer, and to PrPc expressed in mouse neuroblastoma cells. None of the aptamers bound to proteinase K-digested scrapie-infected mouse neuroblastoma cells or untreated PrP-null cells, which further confirmed the PrPc specificity of the aptamers. In summary, we enriched and selected DNA aptamers that bind specifically to rhuPrPc and mammalian PrPc with varying affinities and can be applied to biological samples for PrPc enrichment and as diagnostic tools in double ligand assay systems.
Downregulation of Estrogen Receptor Gene Expression by Exogenous 17β-Estradiol in the Mammary Glands of Lactating Mice
Authors: Hatsumi Toshinobu , Yamamuro Yutaka
Published: July 2017

The biological actions of estrogen are mostly conveyed through interaction with the nuclear estrogen receptor (ER). Previous evidence indicated that estrogen participates in self-regulation through the modulation of the expression of its own receptors. However, the self-regulation of estrogen against ER in the mammary gland during established lactation has not yet been investigated. The present study evaluated ER gene expression in the lactating gland activated by large doses of 17β-estradiol (E2). Repeated E2 treatments dose-dependently decreased the gene, expression of ER, especially its subtype ER-α mRNA, Which was decreased to 10% of the vehicle-injected control by 1 μg E2 injection, whereas it was decreased by 73% for another subtype, ER-β. A single injection of 5 μg of E2 drastically downregulated both ER genes within 12 hrs of injection, and they did not recover to pretreatment level within 48 hrs. Western blot analysis verified that E2 treatment inhibited the phosphorylation of Stat5, which is a potent transcriptional regulator for ER mRNA. The present findings demonstrate that E2 treatment decreases the gene expression of its own receptor in the mammary gland during galactopoesis and induces an apparent transition of the ER profile in the mammary gland during lactation into postlactation.
Iron Restriction Negatively Affects Bone in Female Rats and Mineralization of hFOB Osteoblast Cells
Authors: Parelman Mardi , Stoecker Barbara , Baker Adam , Medeiros Denis
Published: July 2017

We previously reported that severe iron deficiency negatively affects bone microarchitecture. Here we determined whether marginal iron restriction that reflects some human consumption patterns could have similar consequences. Thirty-two weanling female rats were randomly divided into four groups and fed the following diets for 10 weeks: (i) iron-adequate, calcium-adequate (FeA:CaA), (ii) calcium-restricted (FeA:CaR), (iii) iron-restricted (FeR:CaA), and (iv) both calcium- and iron-restricted (FeR:CaR) diets. DEXA analysis revealed that CaR decreased bone mineral density (BMD), and FeR decreased whole-body bone mineral content (BMC). Iron-restricted and calcium-restricted groups had lower BMD than did their adequate counterparts. All treatment-restricted groups had lower BMD in the fourth lumbar (L-4) vertebrae than the FeA:CaA group. Vertebrae BMD was lower in all treatment groups compared to the control group, and for BMC, the CaR groups were lower than the CaA groups and the FeR groups were lower that the FeA groups, and BMC were lower in iron- and calcium-restricted groups. The microarchitecture of the L-4 vertebrae was compromised in FeA:CaR, FeR:CaA, and FeR:CaR: (i) the connectivity density was reduced by FeR and by CaR; and (ii) trabecular number was decreased and trabecular separation was increased by FeR. Cortical thickness of the femur was reduced by both FeR and CaR. Finite element analysis revealed that L-4 vertebrae from the FeR:CaA group had greater internal stress with an applied force than the FeA:CaA group and, thus, would be more likely to break. Chelation of iron in cultured osteoblast cells impaired mineralization but had no impact upon Type I collagen deposition. Iron depletion, similar to that occurring among some human populations, reduced bone strength and microarchitecture based on the in vivo and in vitro results reported here. Impaired mineralization with iron depletion appears to be a possible mechanism for the observed bone abnormalities.
Marginal Zinc Deficiency Increased the Susceptibility to Acute Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Liver Injury in Rats
Authors: Shea-Budgell Melissa , Dojka Marie , Nimmo Michael , Lee Diana , xu Zhaoming
Published: July 2017

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) triggers a global activation of Inflammatory responses leading to liver injury in humans. Zinc pretreatment has been shown to prevent LPS-induced hepatic necrosis. In North America, suboptimal zinc status is more common than once realized. However, the effect of inadequate zinc nutrition on the host's susceptibility to LPS-induced liver injury is not known. The objective of this study was to determine whether marginal zinc deficiency would render rats more susceptible to LPS-induced liver injury. Weanling Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to one of three dietary treatment groups: marginally low zinc ad libitum (Z3; 3 mg zinc/kg diet), adequate zinc ad libitum (Z30; 30 mg zinc/kg diet), or adequate zinc pair-fed (Z30P) group. After 6 weeks, each dietary treatment group was further divided into LPS-control (saline) groups (C-Z3, C-Z30P, C-Z30) and LPS-treatment (1 mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneal, 8 hrs) groups (LPS-Z3, LPS-Z30P, LPS-Z30). LPS reduced the serum zinc concentration and increased the liver zinc concentration regardless of dietary zinc intake. Serum alanine aminotransferase level was higher in the LPS-Z3 rats than in the LPS-Z30P and LPS-Z30 rats. LPS also induced hepatocyte necrosis and neutrophil infiltration into the liver sinusoids. This LPS-induced liver damage was more severe in the LPS-Z3 rats than in the LPS-Z30P and LPS-Z30 rats. Together these findings have demonstrated that marginal zinc deficiency increased the susceptibility to LPS-induced liver injury in rats. These results indicate that patients with sepsis who have suboptimal zinc nutrition status may be at higher risk of developing greater liver damage.
Art, Objects, and Beautiful Stories: A “New” Approach to Spiritual Care
Authors: Smith Aaron P. B. , Read Julia E.
Published: July 2017

The use of story, and the use of art or various arts-based techniques have become popular in a number of helping professions, including spiritual care. There remains a gap in the literature, however, in which an approach comprised of both story and art or objects is explored. This paper addresses this gap by discussing the experience, theory, benefits, and technique of combining story and art or object-based techniques for the provision of spiritual care.
Contemplative Listening: A Rhetorical-Critical Approach To Facilitate Internal Dialog
Authors: Evers Hans
Published: July 2017

This article presents a discussion technique that is tailored to clients needing to reorient their convictions following a critical life event. The technique has three distinctive characteristics. The client’s statements are not classified into categories from conventional layer models that are designed to track the themes or content of talk. Instead, we adopt a rhetorical approach because of the fundamental metaphysical nature of conviction that this article assumes. The primary focus is on how clients talk about themselves and their convictions. This focus allows the professional to support clients in their personal work. The technique is a tool that professionals can use during the discussion to monitor whether they themselves are in fact doing what they promised the client they would do. Finally, the technique is a third way, alongside a kerygmatic and therapeutic approach, in which chaplains can conduct discussions. The terminology it employs can be used as a common language for much of the work carried out by chaplains from different philosophical backgrounds.
The Comparison and Estimation of the Prognostic Value of Lipid Profiles in Patients With Prostate Cancer Depends on Cancer Stage Advancement
Authors: Wolny-Rokicka Edyta Idalia , Tukiendorf Andrzej , Wydmański Jerzy , Zembroń-Łacny Agnieszka
Published: July 2017

Lipid profiles and prostate cancer have a controversial relationship, and the predictive ability of lipids in determining cancer risk estimation is still questionable. This study demonstrates a significance assessment of the plasma lipid profiles of subjects with prostate cancer. Locoregional subjects irradiated with external beam therapy were compared to prostate cancer subjects with bone metastases. The histopathologic diagnosis of 103 subjects (71 locoregional [Group 1] and 32 palliative [Group 2]) were analyzed and compared using their blood samples, total cholesterol (CHL), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. The HDL/CHL, LDL/CHL, and TG/HDL ratios were used for better fit and comparison. Subjects were grouped according to their cancer stages and assessed using statins in both groups. In this study, serum HDL/CHL was significantly increased in Group 1 compared to Group 2 ( p = .02), and time–statin factor in relation was statistically significant ( p = .02). For Group 2, this index decreased with each day after radiotherapy ( p = .07), which means the CHL was increased. Negative effects were noticed at the time of observation of the LDL/HDL ratio with an approximate increase of 0.0025 each day in palliative subjects. This ratio showed a statically significant elevation ( p = .04). There was not a statistically significant difference in the value of the TG/HDL ratio between both groups. As the survival of cancer subjects increases, frequent control of the lipid profile gains importance.
Shifting Positionalities: A Critical Discussion of a Duoethnographic Inquiry of a Personal Curriculum of Post/Colonialism
Authors: Sawyer Richard D. , Liggett Tonda
Published: July 2017

This article first presents a study of two educational researchers' history and curriculum of colonialism. Using a process of duoethnography, we engage in dialogic and collaborative personal ethnographies in which we contrast and analyze critical educational incidents and products (e.g., a high school report card, old personal photos, and current teaching lesson plans at the high school and college levels). We focus this process on the ideological scripts framing and informing our educational histories, as students and then as teachers, in order to unpack some of the cultural underpinnings of our views of teaching language arts for equity and diversity. Furthermore, in the article we critique the duoethnographic process, analyzing and discussing issues surrounding representation, trustworthiness, and self-reflexivity.
Fifty years of hemodialysis access literature: The fifty most cited publications in the medical literature
Authors: Skripochnik Edvard , O’Connor David J , Trestman Eric B , Lipsitz Evan C , Scher Larry A
Published: July 2017

Objectives

The modern era of hemodialysis access surgery began with the publication in 1966 by Brescia et al. describing the use of a surgically created arteriovenous fistula. Since then, the number of patients on chronic hemodialysis and the number of publications dealing with hemodialysis access have steadily increased. We have chronicled the increase in publications in the medical literature dealing with hemodialysis access by evaluating the characteristics of the 50 most cited articles.

Methods

We queried the Science Citation Index from the years 1960–2014. Articles were selected based on a subject search and were ranked according to the number of times they were cited in the medical literature.

Results

The 50 most frequently cited articles were selected for further analysis and the number of annual publications was tracked. The landmark publication by Dr Brescia et al. was unequivocally the most cited article dealing with hemodialysis access (1109 citations). The subject matter of the papers included AV fistula and graft (9), hemodialysis catheter (9), complications and outcomes (24), and other topics (8). Most articles were published in nephrology journals (33), with fewer in surgery (7), medicine (7), and radiology (3) journals. Of the 17 journals represented, Kidney International was the clear leader, publishing 18 articles. There has been an exponential rise in the frequency of publications regarding dialysis access with 42 of 50 analyzed papers being authored after 1990.

Conclusion

As the number of patients on hemodialysis has increased dramatically over the past five decades, there has been a commensurate increase in the overall number of publications related to hemodialysis access
Psychological Science as a Complex System: Report Card
Authors: Medin Douglas L.
Published: July 2017

Psychological science is increasingly diverse in the tools available for research and the questions it is able to ask. But this potential is seriously limited by a lack of diversity in study populations, in situations and contexts explored, and in the researchers themselves. The current situation is problematic and difficult to change because of niche construction processes that favor the status quo. Systems level changes are needed to support a healthy psychological science.
The Tension Between Cultural Codes in South Korean Civil Society: The Case of the Electronic National Identification Card
Authors: Lee Hee-Jeong
Published: July 2017

This article applies a late-Durkheimian theoretical framework to civil society as a sphere of solidarity in order to identify cultural codes and to explore their role in integrating or dividing members of South Korean civil society entering an information age coincident with processes of democratization. A policy debate relating to information, a debate over the Electronic National Identification Card, is used to show the co-existence of, and conflicts between, a ‘developmental code’ based on economic growth deriving from the authoritarian period of state-sponsored capitalism, and a later ‘democratic code’ based on human rights. This article argues that while the values of a ‘democratic code’ are becoming more dominant in the recent South Korean civil sphere, their validity is continuously challenged. The case also provides evidence that democratization and informatization can operate in tandem to establish dominance of the democratic code in public discourse in the South Korean civil sphere.
Childhood attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Hill Peter
Published: July 2017

Childhood attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder of largely genetic origin; it can become evident in the preschool years, but usually it presents in the 6–11-year age range. It is usually associated with comorbid antisocial behaviour and other specific neurodevelopmental problems. This article outlines the conceptual issues relevant to the diagnosis and the process of referral for assessment. Shared care is recommended, and therefore the medications used and other issues likely to be raised with GPs by parents and patients are discussed in some detail.
Relationship between neck circumference, insulin resistance and arterial stiffness in overweight and obese subjects
Authors: Fantin Francesco , Comellato Gabriele , Rossi Andrea P , Grison Elisa , Zoico Elena , Mazzali Gloria , Zamboni Mauro
Published: July 2017

Background

Only a few studies have investigated the relationship between neck circumference and cardiometabolic risk. The aim of this study was to assess the relationships between neck circumference, waist circumference, metabolic variables and arterial stiffness in a group of overweight and obese subjects evaluating a possible independent role of neck circumference in determining arterial stiffness.

Methods and results

We studied 95 subjects (53 women) with an age range of 20–77 years and body mass index range from 25.69 to 47.04 kg/m2. In each subject we evaluated body mass index, waist, hip and neck circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, insulin, fasting glucose, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides. Arterial stiffness was assessed by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWVcf) and carotid-radial pulse wave velocity (PWVcr). Both PWVcf and PWVcr were higher in subjects with high values of neck circumference compared with subjects with normal values of neck circumference. Subjects with high values of neck circumference and abdominal obesity presented higher values of mean arterial pressure, PWVcr and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index and lower values of high-density lipoprotein than subjects with only abdominal obesity. Two models of stepwise multiple regression were performed in order to evaluate the combined effect of independent variables on arterial stiffness. In the first model PWVcf was considered a dependent variable, and age, gender, systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, waist circumference, neck circumference, HOMA index and the use of anti-hypertensive medications were considered independent variables. Age, systolic blood pressure, triglycerides and waist circumference were significant predictors of PWVcf, explaining 65% of its variance. In the second model, in which PWVcr was considered a dependent variable, neck circumference and gender were significant predictors of PWVcr, explaining 24% of its variance.

Conclusions

These findings emphasise the need to measure not only waist but even neck circumference to better stratify and identify individuals at increased cardiometabolic risk, as upper-body subcutaneous fat is a novel, easily measured fat depot.
Clinical value of ST-segment change after return of spontaneous cardiac arrest and emergent coronary angiography in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: Diagnostic and therapeutic importance of vasospastic angina
Authors: Tateishi Kazuya , Abe Daisuke , Iwama Tooru , Hamabe Yuichi , Aonuma Kazutaka , Sato Akira
Published: July 2017

Background:

We investigated the association between initial ST-segment change after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and the incidence of acute coronary lesions in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), and clinical outcomes of patients with OHCA caused by vasospastic angina pectoris (VSA).

Methods:

Among 2779 OHCA patients in our institution, all patients with ROSC underwent emergent coronary angiography (CAG) except for those with an obvious extra-cardiac cause of OHCA. Initial ST-segment changes after ROSC were reviewed, and 30-day survival and neurological outcome (Cerebral Performance Category) were evaluated.

Results:

Of the 155 patients, 52 (34%) had ST-segment elevation (STE) and 103 (66%) had non-STE. Significant coronary culprit lesions were present in 81% of patients with STE and in 33% of patients with non-STE ( P<.001). Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was successful in 60 patients (93.8%) and failed in 4 patients (6.2%). Among 155 patients, 74 patients (47.7%) had favorable neurological prognosis, and 104 patients (67.1%) were alive at 30 days. ST-segment analysis showed good positive predictive value (81%) but low negative predictive value (68%) in diagnosing the presence of acute coronary lesions. VSA was found in 5 patients (9.6%) in the STE group and in 12 patients (11.7%) in the non-STE group. Of these 17 patients, 9 (52.9%) had favorable neurological outcome and 14 (82.4%) were alive at 30 days.

Conclusion:

An acute culprit lesion may be the cause of OHCA even in the absence of STE. In survivors of OHCA with normal coronary arteries, spasm provocation testing should be performed to detect VSA as a cause of the arrest.
Intra- and inter-observer agreement and reliability of bone mineral density measurements around acetabular cup: a porcine ex-vivo study using single- and dual-energy computed tomography
Authors: Mussmann Bo , Overgaard Søren , Torfing Trine , Bøgehøj Morten , Gerke Oke , Andersen Poul Erik
Published: July 2017

Background

Periprosthetic bone loss is considered to be a potentially contributing factor in aseptic loosening of acetabular hip components, but no studies have shown this association. The lack of association might be caused by insufficient image quality because of metal artifacts and challenges in measuring bone density (BMD) in complex anatomic structures which might be overcome using dual-energy computed tomography (DECT).

Purpose

To test inter- and intra-observer agreement and reliability of in-house segmentation software measuring BMD adjacent to acetabular cup and to compare measurements performed with single-energy CT (SECT) and DECT in cemented and cementless cups.

Material and Methods

Twenty-four acetabular cups inserted in porcine hip specimens were scanned with SECT and DECT. Bone density was measured in a three-dimensional volume adjacent to the cup. Double measurements were performed.

Results

BMD derived from SECT was approximately four times higher than that of DECT. In both scan modes, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was >0.90 with no differences between repeated measurements, except for uncemented cups where a statistically significant difference of 11 mg/cm3was found with DECT. DECT showed narrower limits of agreement than SECT. Inter-observer analysis showed small differences.

Conclusion

BMD can be estimated with high intra- and inter-observer reliability with SECT and DECT around acetabular cups using custom software. The intra- and inter-observer agreement of DECT is superior to that of SECT and better in the cementless concept. Good intra- and inter-observer reliability can be obtained in both cemented and cementless cups using the segmentation software. SECT and DECT cannot be used interchangeably.
Toxicological Effects of Aqueous Extract From African Walnut (Tetracarpidium conophorum) Leaves in Rats
Authors: Akomolafe Seun F. , Oboh Ganiyu , Oyeleye Sunday I. , Olasehinde Tosin A.
Published: July 2017

Tetracarpidium conophorum leaves are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of male infertility, without considering its toxicity and side effects. In this study, we investigated the effects of T conophorum leaves on some biochemical parameters such as alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, bilirubin, albumin, creatinine, and uric acid. Histology of the liver and kidney were also assessed. The result revealed that the alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels of the control group were not significantly different from the experimental groups. There was no significant difference in the albumin and bilirubin levels of the control and experimental groups. Similarly, the uric acid and creatinine levels of the experimental rats were not significantly different from the control. The examination of liver and kidney sections did not show any morphological changes and inflammatory cell infiltrations. These findings suggest that the leaves did not induce any pathological changes at the doses tested.
Linking socioeconomic development, sea level rise, and climate change impacts on urban growth in New York City with a fuzzy cellular automata-based Markov chain model
Authors: Lu Qi , Joyce Justin , Imen Sanaz , Chang Ni-Bin
Published: July 2017

This study aims to conduct a multi-temporal change analysis of land use and land cover in New York City via a cellular automata-based Markov chain model that uses fuzzy set theory and multi-criteria evaluation to predict the city’s future land use changes for 2030 and 2050 under potential sea level rise and long-term rainfall-runoff flooding impacts driven by climate change. To determine the future natural forcing impacts on land use in New York City, this study highlights the need for integrating spatiotemporal modeling analyses, such as a statistical downscaling model driven by climate change with remote sensing and GIS to support urban growth assessment. The research findings indicate that the mean rainfall will increase in the future and sea levels will rise near New York City; however, open space is expected to decrease by 1.51% and 2.51% and the urban area is expected to expand by about 1.36% and 2.63% in 2030 and 2050 respectively, taking into account the climate change and sea level rise.
Hypoxic vascular response and ventilation/perfusion matching in end-stage COPD may depend on p22phox
Authors: Nagaraj Chandran , Tabeling Christoph , Nagy Bence M. , Jain Pritesh P. , Marsh Leigh M. , Papp Rita , Pienn Michael , Witzenrath Martin , Ghanim Bahil , Klepetko Walter , Weir E. Kenneth , Heschl Stefan , Kwapiszewska Grazyna , Olschewski Andrea , Olschewski Horst
Published: July 2017

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous disease in which the amount of emphysema and airway disease may be very different between individuals, even in end-stage disease. Emphysema formation may be linked to the involvement of the small pulmonary vessels. The NAPDH oxidase (Nox) family is emerging as a key disease-related factor in vascular diseases, but currently its role in hypoxia-induced pulmonary remodelling in COPD remains unclear.

Here we investigate the role of p22phox, a regulatory subunit of Nox, in COPD lungs, hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV), hypoxia-induced pulmonary vascular remodelling and pulmonary hypertension.

In COPD, compared to control lungs, p22phox expression was significantly reduced. The expression was correlated positively with mean pulmonary arterial pressure and oxygenation index and negatively with the diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (p<0.02). This suggests a role of p22phox in ventilation/perfusion ratio matching, vascular remodelling and loss of perfused lung area. In p22phox-/-mice, HPV was significantly impaired. In the chronic hypoxic setting, lack of p22phox was associated with improved right ventricular function and decreased pulmonary vascular remodelling.

p22phox-dependent Nox plays an important role in the COPD phenotype, by its action on phase II HPV and chronic vascular remodelling.
The role of macrophages in interstitial lung diseases
Authors: Rossi Giulio , Cavazza Alberto , Spagnolo Paolo , Bellafiore Salvatore , Kuhn Elisabetta , Carassai Pierpaolo , Caramanico Laura , Montanari Gloria , Cappiello Gaia , Andreani Alessandro , Bono Francesca , Nannini Nazarena
Published: July 2017

The finding of collections of macrophages/histiocytes in lung biopsy and bronchoalveolar lavage is relatively common in routine practice. This morphological feature in itself is pathological, but the exact clinical significance and underlying disease should be evaluated together with clinical data, functional respiratory and laboratory tests and imaging studies.

Morphological characteristics of macrophages and their distribution along the different pulmonary structures should be examined carefully by pathologists. Indeed, haemosiderin-laden macrophages are associated with smoking-related diseases when pigment is fine and distribution is bronchiolocentric, while alveolar haemorrhage or pneumoconiosis are the main concerns when pigment is chunky or coarse and the macrophages show an intra-alveolar or perilymphatic location, respectively. In the same way, pulmonary accumulation of macrophages with foamy cytoplasm is generally associated with pathologies leading to broncho-bronchiolar obstruction (e.g.diffuse panbronchiolitis, hypersensitivity pneumonia or cryptogenic organising pneumonia) or alternatively to exogenous lipoid pneumonia, some drug toxicity (e.g.amiodarone exposure or toxicity) and metabolic disorders (e.g.type B Niemann–Pick disease).

This pathology-based perspectives article is aimed at concisely describing the diagnostic possibilities when faced with collection of macrophages in lung biopsy and cytology.
Efficacy of whip roller setting on physical attributes of denim fabric
Authors: Farha Farial Islam , Siddiqa Fahmida , Islam Md. Rashedul
Published: July 2017

Whip roller settings in a weaving machine is one of the vital factor to adjust warp yarn tension properly as well as delivering fault free fabric. The present study was undertaken with an aim to explore the influence of whip roller settings on various physical and mechanical properties of both grey and finished 100% cotton denim fabric in order to select suitable position of whip roller for producing particular (3/1 twill) denim fabric. For this purpose total eight positions of whip roller were selected keeping constant depth with variable height in five cases and constant height with variable depth in three cases. The samples were produced in an air jet loom and some prominence like EPcm, PPcm, areal density, tensile strength, dimensional stability, air permeability, crimp% and skewness were checked. Data analysis of all the results showed that with the ascendance of whip roller, crimp% of warp yarn was decreased whereas crimp% of weft yarn was increased both in grey and finished state. Decreasing the depth of whip roller caused increment of both warp and weft crimp% in both state. Tensile strength in warp way direction was found to increase gradually up to a certain roller height and then decreased whereas air permeability showed reverse trend in both state. Warp density, Weft density as well as areal density was also affected by the alteration in settings of whip roller. Due to reduction of roller depth, warp way tensile strength and lengthwise shrinkage were reduced but air permeability had improved.
Potential role of cyclophilin A in regulating cytokine secretion
Authors: Dawar Farman Ullah , Xiong Yang , Khattak Muhammad Nasir Khan , Li Jun , Lin Li , Mei Jie
Published: July 2017

Cyclophilin A (CypA), a peptidylprolyl cis-trans isomerase, is a ubiquitous and multifunctional protein. In addition to its role as a host-cell receptor for cyclosporine A, CypA has diverse functions in inflammatory conditions and diseases. CypA secreted in response to inflammatory stimuli binds to the cell surface via its receptor CD147 and induces secretion of various inflammatory cytokines. However, silencing and inhibition of either CypA or CD147 inhibits inflammatory cytokine expression and inflammation. This report reviews the literature related to the mechanism of CypA-dependent cytokine secretion and discusses this factor as a possible therapeutic target in inflammatory diseases.