bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Skeletal muscle metaboreflex in patients with chronic renal failure
Authors: Vieira Paulo J. C. , Silva Leonardo R. , Maldamer Vinicius Z. , Cipriano Gerson , Chiappa Adriana M. G. , Schuster Rodrigo , Boni Victor H. F. , Grandi Tatiani , Wolpat Andiara , Roseguini Bruno T. , Chiappa Gaspar R.
Published: August 2015

The sympathetic nervous system is affected in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). This study tested the hypothesis that patients with CRF have an altered skeletal muscle metaboreflex. Twenty patients with CRF and 18 healthy subjects of similar age participated in the study. The muscle metaboreflex was determined based on heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure, calf blood flow and calf vascular resistance (CVR) in response to handgrip exercise. The control of vascular resistance in the calf muscle mediated by the metaboreflex was estimated by subtracting the area under the curve with circulatory occlusion from that without occlusion. Arterial pressure and HR responses during exercise and recovery were similar in two groups of subjects. In the control group, CVR increased during exercise and remained elevated during circulatory occlusion, whereas no significant change was seen in the patients. Thus, the index of the metaboreflex was 7·82 ± 9·57 in the patients versus16·52 ± 14 units in the controls. The findings demonstrate that patients with CRF have a decreased vascular resistance response in the calf during the handgrip exercise, which suggests that CRF condition attenuates this reflex.
Closing the Loop: An Empirical Analysis of the Dynamic Decisions Affecting Product Variety
Authors: Wan Xiang , Dresner Martin E.
Published: August 2015

Product variety decisions have become a key issue in managing new product development and innovation. The marketing literature highlights how product variety influences consumer demand. The operations and supply chain management literature discusses the impact of product variety on production and operational costs. However, very little has been found about how these past performance outcomes may influence present variety decisions. We consider product variety and performance outcomes in a dynamic decision loop by testing the forward impacts of product variety on demand and cost, as well as the reverse influences of past performance on present product variety decisions. Using archival data from the distribution network of a U.S.‐based soft drink bottler, we develop a balanced panel dataset of 3,666 observations over three years containing product variety, cost, and demand data. Our results suggest that both past demand and past cost outcomes may influence present variety decisions, with the demand impact occurring more rapidly than the impact of cost. Moreover, we investigate curvilinear impacts of product variety on the performance measures and find that product variety influences both demand and cost performance at diminishing marginal rates. From a theoretical perspective, our study better models the interplay between product variety and performance outcomes, while from a professional perspective, we help supply chain managers to better plan for the outcomes of their product variety decisions.
Microbial biogeography of permafrost thaw ponds across the changing northern landscape
Authors: Comte Jérôme , Monier Adam , Crevecoeur Sophie , Lovejoy Connie , Vincent Warwick F.
Published: August 2015

Microbial diversity varies at multiple spatial scales, but little is known about how climate change may influence this variation. Here we assessed the free‐living bacterioplankton composition of thaw ponds over a north‐south gradient of permafrost degradation in the eastern Canadian subarctic. Three nested spatial scales were compared: 1) among ponds within individual valleys 2) between two valleys within each landscape type, and 3) between landscape types (southern sporadic versus northern discontinuous permafrost). As a reference point, we sampled rock‐basin lakes whose formation was not related to permafrost thawing. β‐diversity was low at the smallest scale despite marked differences in limnological properties among neighboring ponds. β‐diversity was high among valleys, associated with greater environmental heterogeneity. The largest differences were between landscape types and appeared to reflect the concomitant effects of environmental filtering and dispersal limitation. Raup–Crick β‐diversity indicated that community assembly was driven by both stochastic (random extinction, dispersal, ecological drift) and deterministic (environmental filtering) processes. Communities sampled in the most degraded valley appeared primarily assembled through stochastic processes, while environmental filtering played a greater role at the other valleys. These results imply that climate warming and ongoing permafrost degradation will influence microbial community assembly, which in turn is likely to affect the functioning of thaw pond ecosystems.
When the Exception Is the Rule: School Shootings, Bare Life, and the Sovereign Self
Authors: Shapiro Harvey
Published: August 2015

Much discourse on school shootings tends to imply a binary separation between what is considered normal and exceptional, between an expected course of human events and sociohistorical aberrations. In this article Harvey Shapiro suggests the need for new directions in our responses: First, he shows how responses to school shootings tend to expropriate and (paradoxically) dismiss certain kinds of violence in order to articulate a vision of the self as sovereign, exerting power over bodily life, exercising a self‐removal from community conversations, and thus claiming what Giorgio Agamben and others call the “sovereign exception.” Second, he suggests how Agamben's development of Walter Benjamin's concept of “divine violence” can unmask prevailing states of exception and can inform education's efforts to challenge binaries of good and evil, urban and suburban, individual and community, justice and law, normal and exceptional, that confound our deliberations and long‐term responses to mass shootings.
Agro‐ecosystem services and dis‐services in almond orchards are differentially influenced by the surrounding landscape
Authors: SCHÄCKERMANN JESSICA , PUFAL GESINE , MANDELIK YAEL , KLEIN ALEXANDRA‐MARIA
Published: August 2015

1. The simultaneous influence of specific habitats on agro‐ecosystem services, dis‐services, and their interactions are largely unknown. Natural and semi‐natural habitats surrounding cropland may support ecosystem services and dis‐services and their net balance is important to guide decision‐making in agriculture.

2. It was tested how natural and semi‐natural habitats surrounding almond orchards in Israel influence: pest control services by parasitoids, pest predation dis‐services by the Almond wasp, and seed predation dis‐services by granivorous birds. The latter could provide sanitation services when consuming almonds infested by Almond wasps after harvest.

3. Seventeen almond orchards were surveyed, surrounded by varying percentages of natural and semi‐natural habitats. We harvested almonds to identify Almond wasp infestation and parasitoid abundance, monitored bird‐feeding marks, and observed birds.

4. Almond wasp predation was positively influenced by semi‐natural habitat and highest at orchard edges. Parasitoid abundance was not influenced by natural or semi‐natural habitats. Granivorous bird abundance was negatively influenced by semi‐natural habitats but did not influence bird seed predation of harvestable or overwintered almonds.

5. Natural habitats did not influence the studied ecosystem services or dis‐services in almond orchards in Israel. Therefore, protecting natural habitats for conservation is not necessarily disadvantageous for farmers. Semi‐natural habitats increased insect pests, but no direct link to services or dis‐services by birds was observed. Therefore, a more holistic approach by accounting for several services and dis‐services and their connection to different habitat types to manage agriculture more sustainably is advocated.
More than just fish food: ecosystem services provided by freshwater insects
Authors: MACADAM CRAIG R. , STOCKAN JENNI A.
Published: August 2015

1. Freshwater ecosystems cover less than 1% of the planet's surface but support up to 10% of known species. Around 25% of freshwater invertebrate species are under threat of extinction. Such a decline in species richness is likely to lead to adverse effects on the delivery of services. However, the effect of species loss on ecosystem goods and services can only be assessed once the link between species diversity and ecosystem goods and services has been established and better understood.

2. Using a flexible systematic literature review search protocol, we were able to identify a range of ecosystem goods and services provided by freshwater insects in the categories of provisioning, supporting, and cultural services.

3. The ecosystem services and benefits provided by freshwater insects are diverse and unexpectedly wide‐ranging including decomposition and nutrient cycling, food for a wider range of species including humans, and the inspiration for art, music, and literature. Several of these have clear economic values but are not currently fully exploited.

4. The identification of goods and services may bring greater appreciation and impetus to understanding the scale of their importance, economic value, and conservation. In the absence of freshwater insects, few other service providers could replicate the same level and degree of service.
Effects of manure‐ and lignocellulose‐derived biochars on adsorption and desorption of zinc by acidic types of soil with different properties
Authors: Dai Z. , Meng J. , Shi Q. , Xu B. , Lian Z , Brookes P. C. , Xu J.‐M.
Published: August 2015

There is limited information on zinc (Zn2+) adsorption and desorption by different types of soil, especially acidic ones following amendment with manure‐ and lignocellulose‐derived biochars. The novelty of this research is a comparison of the mechanisms of adsorption and desorption of Zn2+ by different types of acidic soil amended with biochar derived from either swine manure or rape straw. Both biochars were prepared at a pyrolysis temperature of 500°C before being incorporated into four types of soil with low pH (pHH2O from 4.61 to 5.91) at an incorporation rate of 3%. Following incubation for 360 days, we carried out batch experiments of Zn2+ adsorption and desorption. The dual‐mode model (DMM) was more suitable for describing the adsorption isotherms of the four soil types following biochar incorporation than the distributed reactivity model (DRM). Swine‐manure biochar enhanced Zn2+ adsorption by soil more than rape‐straw biochar. The increases in Zn2+ adsorption by the different soil types following biochar incorporation were in the order Psammaquent > Plinthudult > Paleudalf > Argiustoll soil, whereas it was most difficult to desorb the Zn2+ already present, in reverse order: Argiustoll > Paleudalf > Plinthudult > Psammaquent soil. This could be attributed to differences in soil pH, organic carbon, cation exchange capacity (CEC) and soil texture. Both non‐electrostatic and electrostatic adsorption mechanisms were identified in the four soil types. The negative surface charge of biochar is responsible for the electrostatic adsorption, whereas functional oxygen groups and mineral components of biochar were responsible for non‐electrostatic adsorption. Non‐electrostatic adsorption was more important for the swine‐manure biochar than for the rape‐straw biochar, which was attributed to the larger content of mineral components (phosphate and silicate anions) of the former. In conclusion, the biochar effects on Zn2+ adsorption depended on the initial Zn2+ concentration, soil pH, soil type and biochar origin.
Emergence of nutrient co‐limitation through movement in stoichiometric meta‐ecosystems
Authors: Marleau Justin N. , Guichard Frédéric , Loreau Michel
Published: August 2015

Evidence that ecosystems and primary producers are limited in their productivity by multiple nutrients has caused the traditional nutrient limitation framework to include multiple limiting nutrients. The models built to mimic these responses have invoked local mechanisms at the level of the primary producers. In this paper, we explore an alternative explanation for the emergence of co‐limitation by developing a simple, stoichiometrically explicit meta‐ecosystem model with two limiting nutrients, autotrophs and herbivores. Our results show that differences in movement rates for the nutrients, autotrophs and herbivores can allow for nutrient co‐limitation in biomass response to emerge despite no local mechanisms of nutrient co‐limitation. Furthermore, our results provide an explanation to why autotrophs show positive growth responses to nutrients despite ‘nominal’ top‐down control by herbivores. These results suggest that spatial processes can be mechanisms for nutrient co‐limitation at local and regional scales, and can help explain anomalous results in the co‐limitation literature.
The role of aldo‐keto reductase 1C3 (AKR1C3)‐mediated prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) metabolism in keloids
Authors: Mantel Alon , Newsome Austin , Thekkudan Theresa , Frazier Robert , Katdare Meena
Published: August 2015

Keloids are progressively expanding scars, mostly prevalent in individuals of African descent. Previous data identified increased mast cell number and activation state in keloids suggesting a role in disease progression. The major eicosanoid secreted by mast cells is prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), a relatively unstable pro‐inflammatory mediator which can be spontaneously converted to 15‐deoxy‐(Delta12,14)‐prostaglandin J2(15d‐PGJ2) or enzymatically metabolized to 9α,11β‐PGF2 by aldo‐keto reductase 1C3 (AKR1C3). In this work, we investigated the possible role of PGD2 and its metabolites in keloids using CRL1762 keloid fibroblasts (KF) and immunohistochemical staining. Our data suggested approximately 3‐fold increase of tryptase‐positive mast cell count in keloids compared with normal skin. Furthermore, AKR1C3 was overexpressed in the fibrotic area of keloids while relatively weak staining detected in normal skin. Metabolism of PGD2 to 9α,11β‐PGF2 by both, KF and normal fibroblasts, was dependent on AKR1C3 as this reaction was attenuated in the presence of the AKR1C3 inhibitor, 2′‐hydroxyflavanone, or in cells with decreased AKR1C3 expression. 15d‐PGJ2, but not the other tested PGs, inhibited KF proliferation, attenuated KF‐mediated collagen gel contraction and increased caspase‐3 activation. In addition, treatment with 15d‐PGJ2 activated P38‐MAPK, induced reactive oxygen species and upregulated superoxide dismutase‐1 (SOD‐1). Finally, inhibition of P38‐MAPK further augmented 15d‐PGJ2‐induced caspase‐3 cleavage and attenuated its effect on SOD‐1 transcription. This work suggests that localized dual inhibition of AKR1C3 and P38‐MAPK may inhibit keloid progression. Inhibiting AKR1C3 activity may generate oxidative environment due to redirection of PGD2 metabolism towards 15d‐PGJ2 while inhibition of P38‐MAPK will sensitize keloid cells to ROS‐induced apoptosis.
A fatigue driving energy approach to high‐cycle fatigue life estimation under variable amplitude loading
Authors: Peng Z. , Huang H‐Z. , Zhu S‐P. , Gao H. , Lv Z.
Published: August 2015

In this paper, a concept of fatigue driving energy is formulated to describe the process of fatigue failure. The parameter is taken as a combination of the fatigue driving stress and strain energy density. By assessing the change of this parameter, a new non‐linear damage model is proposed for residual life estimation within high‐cycle fatigue regime under variable amplitude loading. In order to consider the effects of loading histories on damage accumulation under such condition, the load interaction effects are incorporated into the new model, and a modified version is thus developed. Life predictions by these two models and Miner rule are compared using experimental data from literature. The results show that the proposed model gives lower deviations than the Miner rule, while the modified model shows better prediction performances than the others. Moreover, the proposed model and its modifications are ease of implementation with the use of S–N curve.
Visual Snow in Migraine With Aura: Further Characterization by Brain Imaging, Electrophysiology, and Treatment – Case Report
Authors: Unal‐Cevik Isin , Yildiz F. Gokcem
Published: August 2015

Objective

This study aims to investigate characteristics of visual snow accompanied by migraine and special interest on occipital bending, electrophysiological properties, and response to treatment.

Background

Visual snow is characterized by continuous dynamically flickering dots in the visual field. Most patients also have comorbid migraine. Cortical hyperexcitability is a feature of migraine. Recent studies indicate an association between occipital bending with psychiatric disorders such as depression. Here, we demonstrate a patient with visual snow, migraine with aura, left occipital bending, and cortical hyperexcitability. Treatment response to lamotrigine was objectively assessed by repetitive pattern reversal visual evoked potentials (rVEP).

Methods

A 25‐year‐old woman with a 10‐year history of migraine with aura (2‐3 attacks/week) admitted for 1‐year history of visual snow. She reported continuous bright and colorful lights, palinopsia, floaters, nyctalopsia, and photopsia. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed. Visual habituation response was assessed before and after lamotrigine treatment by rVEP.

Results

Brain MRI revealed left occipital bending. On rVEP study, there was potentiation response. After lamotrigine treatment, the patient had no more complaints of visual snow, was able to sleep, and the frequency of migraine decreased to 2 attacks/month. Electrophysiologically, the cortical hyperexcitability was improved.

Conclusions

The visual snow and loss of habituation ability in migraine associated with occipital bending can be improved with lamotrigine treatment. This report may provide new insights on “visual snow” pathophysiology in migraine.
Maximising the diagnostic potential of APTT‐based screening assays for activated protein C resistance
Authors: Moore G. W. , Chege E. , Culhane A. P. , Hunt B. J.
Published: August 2015

Introduction

Activated protein C resistance (APC‐R) due to FV Leiden is the most common hereditary thrombophilia. Rarer FV mutations can also confer APC‐R, and acquired APC‐R is encountered in a number of conditions. APC‐R screening with clotting tests is common, yet they are prone to interferences and elevated baseline clotting times can invalidate testing.

Methods

APTT‐based classic APC‐R (CAPC‐R) screening, and modified screening (MAPC‐R) employing dilution in FV‐deficient plasma were performed on an automated analyser. Baseline clotting times and APC‐R ratios of 1340 patients being screened for hereditary and acquired thrombophilia were assessed for analytical and diagnostic validity.

Results

Most patients (1117/1340) had normal baseline clotting times, and in 270 of these cases, this was despite the presence of a lupus anticoagulant (LA). FV Leiden was genetically confirmed in all patients with reduced CAPC‐R and MAPC‐R ratios. A subgroup with normal CAPC‐R but reduced MAPC‐R also identified FV Leiden, but also other patients with minimally reduced MAPC‐R ratios not due to FV Leiden. Reduced CAPC‐R and normal modified APC‐R identified possible acquired APC‐R in 49 patients. LA‐positive patients with elevated baseline clotting times did not affect distinction between APC‐R and normality, although therapeutic anticoagulation did invalidate CAPC‐R, and occasionally MAPC‐R too.

Conclusions

Many departments only screen with MAPC‐R to detect just FV mutations. Concurrent performance of CAPC‐R and MAPC‐R increases diagnostic capability by detecting acquired APC‐R. Elevated baseline clotting times can invalidate APC‐R ratios, although prolongation by LA alone may not.
Early unclamping might reduce the risk of renal artery pseudoaneurysm after robot‐assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy
Authors: Kondo Tsunenori , Takagi Toshio , Morita Satoru , Omae Kenji , Hashimoto Yasunobu , Kobayashi Hirohito , Iizuka Junpei , Yoshida Kazuhiko , Fukuda Norihiro , Tanabe Kazunari
Published: August 2015

Objectives

To determine the influence of the early unclamping technique on the risk of renal artery pseudoaneurysm during robot‐assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

Methods

From January 2013 to October 2014, 96 patients underwent robot‐assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for renal masses at Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan. Computed tomography angiography was carried out 3–4 days after surgery. Early in the series, renal hilum was left unclamped and renorrhaphy was subsequently carried out (conventional unclamping technique). An early unclamping technique has been used since November 2013.

Results

A total of 61 patients underwent robot‐assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy with early unclamping, and 35 patients underwent robot‐assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy with conventional unclamping. Ischemia time was significantly shorter in the early unclamping group (16.5 vs 23.1 min; P < 0.01). The early unclamping group showed a significantly lower incidence of asymptomatic renal artery pseudoaneurysm relative to the conventional unclamping group (11.4% vs 28.6%; P = 0.03). Multivariate analysis showed that the early unclamping technique was a significant independent factor in reducing the risk of renal artery pseudoaneurysm (hazard ratio 0.27; P = 0.01).

Conclusions

The present findings suggest that an early unclamping technique might reduce ischemic time and risk of renal artery pseudoaneurysm. The absence of arterial bleeding before renorrhaphy is likely to be a key step in preventing renal artery pseudoaneurysm during robot‐assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.
Critical care nursing organizations and activities: a fourth worldwide review
Authors: Williams G. , Fulbrook P. , Kleinpell R. , Schmollgruber S. , Alberto L.
Published: August 2015

Aim

To examine the activities and concerns of critical care nurses and professional critical care nursing organizations around the world and to identify expectations held of nursing leaders and policy makers to help address their concerns.

Background

This study is the fourth worldwide review of its type. Previous surveys were undertaken in 2001, 2005 and 2009.

Methods

An online descriptive survey was emailed to 88 potential participants from countries with critical care nursing organizations or known critical care nursing leaders. Responses were downloaded into Survey Monkey™ (Version 22) and analysed by geographical region and income level.

Results

Fifty‐nine respondents from 58 countries completed the questionnaire, of whom 43 had critical care nursing organizations established in their countries and 29 were members of the World Federation of Critical Care Nurses. The services provided by the organizations to be of most value were national conferences, website, professional representation, and practice standards and guidelines. Professional policies had been developed by some organizations on workforce, education and practice, while almost half provided their members with either a newsletter or journal. Collectively, the most important issues for critical care nurses were working conditions, provision of formal practice guidelines and competencies, staffing levels and access to quality education programmes.

Conclusions

Important issues continue to challenge the specialty of critical care nursing as new developments, priorities, clinical issues and other global events and influences impact critical care nursing worldwide.

Implications for Nursing and Health Policy

This study will help guide nursing leaders and policy makers to address the needs of critical care nurses and their patients. Collaborative approaches between the specialty, nursing leaders and health policy advisors will assist to inform appropriate change in areas recommended for further action.
Porous PZT Ceramics with Aligned Pore Channels for Energy Harvesting Applications
Authors: Zhang Yan , Bao Yinxiang , Zhang Dou , Bowen Chris R.
Published: August 2015

In this study, aligned porous lead zirconate titanate (PZT) ceramics with high pyroelectric figures‐of‐merit were successfully manufactured by freeze casting using water‐based suspensions. The introduction of aligned pores was demonstrated to have a strong influence on the resultant porous ceramics, in terms of mechanical, dielectric, and pyroelectric properties. As the level of porosity was increased, the relative permittivity decreased, whereas the Curie temperature and dielectric loss increased. The aligned porous structure exhibited improvement in the compressive strength ranging from 19 to 35 MPa, leading to easier handling, better processability and wider applications for such type of porous material. Both types of pyroelectric harvesting figures‐of‐merit (FE and F′E) of the PZT ceramics with a porosity level of 25–45 vol% increased in all porous ceramics, for example, from 11.41 to 12.43 pJ/m3/K2 and 1.94 to 6.57 pm3/J, respectively, at 25°C, which were shown to be higher than the dense PZT counterpart.
Fracture Behavior of Woven Silicon Carbide Fibers Exposed to High‐Temperature Nitrogen and Oxygen Plasmas
Authors: Owens Walten , Merkel Daniel , Sansoz Frederic , Fletcher Douglas
Published: August 2015

High‐temperature aero‐thermal heating in a 30 kW inductively coupled plasma torch was used to replicate the effects of harsh oxidizing environments during hypersonic atmospheric entry on fracture behavior and microstructure of two‐dimensional woven SiC fibers. Hi‐Nicalon SiC woven cloths were exposed to surface temperatures over 1400°C with different high‐enthalpy dissociated oxygen and nitrogen plasma flows, and were subsequently deformed in pure tension at room temperature. Changes in fiber microstructure and surface chemistry after thermal exposure were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Pure nitrogen plasmas resulted in a 50% decrease of strength in woven SiC fibers with minimal effects on the fiber structure, except for highly localized surface pitting caused by partial decomposition of silicon oxycarbonitride phase at high temperature. In contrast, exposure to dissociated oxygen and air plasmas led to severe strength reduction and embrittlement over significantly short time scales, corresponding to degradation rates up to 200 times higher than those reported with static heating at equivalent temperatures. The origin of accelerated embrittlement at microscopic scale was found related to complex gas‐surface interactions and high‐temperature oxidizing processes involving the formation of SiO2 bubbles and microcracks on the surface. These findings are important for the development of outer fabric materials for new flexible thermal protection systems in space applications.
Management of Hypertensive Patients With Multiple Drug Intolerances: A Single‐Center Experience of a Novel Treatment Algorithm
Authors: Antoniou Sotiris , Saxena Manish , Hamedi Nadya , de Cates Catherine , Moghul Sakib , Lidder Satnam , Kapil Vikas , Lobo Melvin D.
Published: August 2015

Multiple drug intolerance to antihypertensive medications (MDI‐HTN) is an overlooked cause of nonadherence. In this study, 55 patients with MDI‐HTN were managed with a novel treatment algorithm utilizing sequentially initiated monotherapies or combinations of maximally tolerated doses of fractional tablet doses, liquid formulations, transdermal preparations, and off‐label tablet medications. A total of 10% of referred patients had MDI‐HTN, resulting in insufficient pharmacotherapy and baseline office blood pressure (OBP) of 178±24/94±15 mm Hg. At baseline, patients were intolerant to 7.6±3.6 antihypertensives; they were receiving 1.4±1.1 medications. After 6 months on the novel MDI‐HTN treatment algorithm, both OBP and home blood pressure (HBP) were significantly reduced, with patients receiving 2.0±1.2 medications. At 12 months, OBP was reduced from baseline by 17±5/9±3 mm Hg (P<.01, P<.05) and HBP was reduced by 11±5/12±3 mm Hg (P<.01 for both) while patients were receiving 1.9±1.1 medications. Application of a stratified medicine approach allowed patients to tolerate increased numbers of medications and achieved significant long‐term lowering of blood pressure.
Simvastatin impairs the induction of pulmonary fibrosis caused by a western style diet: a preliminary study
Authors: Kruzliak Peter , Hare David L. , Zvonicek Vaclav , Klimas Jan , Zulli Anthony
Published: August 2015

The role of an atherogenic diet in causing pulmonary fibrosis has received little attention and simvastatin has been shown to reduce pulmonary fibrosis in animal models. To determine if an atherogenic diet can induce pulmonary fibrosis and whether simvastatin treatment is beneficial by up‐regulating heat shock protein 70 and 90. New Zealand white rabbits (n = 15) were divided: Group 1 (control); Group 2 (MC) received a normal rabbit diet with 1% methionine plus 0.5% cholesterol (atherogenic diet). Group 3 received the same diet as the MC group plus 5 mg/kg/day simvastatin orally (MCS). After 4 weeks, the lungs were collected and analysed. Picrosirus red staining of lung interstitial collagen content showed that the atherogenic diet increased fibrosis 2.9‐fold (P < 0.05), bronchiole adventitial collagen was increased 2.3‐fold (P < 0.05) and bronchiole epithelium was increased 34‐fold (P < 0.05), and simvastatin treatment severely reduced this effect (P < 0.05). Western blot analysis showed that the atherogenic diet significantly reduced lung Hsp70 protein by 22% (P < 0.05) and Hsp90 protein by 18% (P < 0.05) and simvastatin treatment did not affect this result. However, aortic hyper‐responsiveness to vasoconstrictors (angiotensin II and phenylephrine) were markedly reduced by simvastatin treatment. We report that an atherogenic diet stimulates pulmonary fibrosis and reduces lung Hsp70/Hsp90 protein concentration. Simvastatin impairs this by mechanisms unrelated to Hsp70/Hsp90, but possibly a reduction in angiotensin II receptor or alpha adrenergic receptor pathways. These results could have implications in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Acute‐phase response following full‐mouth versus quadrant non‐surgical periodontal treatment: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Graziani Filippo , Cei Silvia , Orlandi Marco , Gennai Stefano , Gabriele Mario , Filice Natalia , Nisi Marco , D'Aiuto Francesco
Published: August 2015

Aim

A moderate acute‐phase response occurs 24‐h following full‐mouth non‐surgical treatment (FM‐SRP). The aim of this study was to compare acute‐phase (24‐h) and medium‐term (3 months) inflammation after quadrant scaling (Q‐SRP) versus FM‐SRP.

Material & Methods

Thirty‐eight periodontitis‐affected subjects were randomly allocated to FM‐SRP or Q‐SRP after a baseline visit. Periodontal and anthropometric parameters were collected at baseline and 3 months. Serum samples were drawn at baseline, 1, 7, and 90 days after treatment. High‐sensitivity assays of inflammation and endothelial assays were performed.

Results

FM‐SRP produced a greater acute‐phase response after 24 h [threefold increase in C‐reactive protein (CRP), twofold increase in interleukin (IL‐6), and a slight increase in tumour necrosis factor]. No differences in systemic biomarkers were noted between groups at any later follow‐ups. Both periodontal treatments produced a comparable improvement in clinical periodontal parameters with no between‐group differences. Treatment time was positively associated with the relative 24‐h increase in CRP (R = 0.5, p < 0.001) and IL‐6 (R = 0.5, p = 0.002), while the number of deeper (>6 mm) pockets predicted only the relative increase in IL‐6 (R = 0.4, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

FM‐SRP triggers a moderate acute‐phase response of 24 h duration compared to Q‐SRP. Further research is needed to assess the eventual impact of such findings on the risk of vascular events is advocated. (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01857804).
Optimal Monetary Policy with Labor Market Frictions: The Role of the Wage Channel
Authors: SUNAKAWA TAKEKI
Published: August 2015

This paper introduces right‐to‐manage bargaining into a labor search model with sticky prices instead of standard efficient bargaining and examines the Ramsey‐optimal monetary policy. Without real wage rigidity, even when the steady state is inefficient, price stability is nearly optimal in response to technology or government shocks. Right‐to‐manage bargaining creates the wage channel to inflation, because there is a direct relationship between real wages and real marginal cost. In the presence of the wage channel, price markups consist of only real marginal cost, and real wages and hours per worker are determined such as in the Walrasian labor market.
Dehydroepiandrosterone Attenuates Cocaine‐Seeking Behaviour Independently of Corticosterone Fluctuations
Authors: Maayan R. , Hirsh L. , Yadid G. , Weizman A.
Published: August 2015

The neurosteroid dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is involved in the pathophysiology of several psychiatric disorders, including cocaine addiction. We have previously shown that DHEA attenuates cocaine‐seeking behaviour, and also that DHEA decreases corticosterone (CORT) levels in plasma and the prefrontal cortex. Previous studies have found that rats demonstrate cocaine‐seeking behaviour only when the level of CORT reaches a minimum threshold. In the present study, we investigated whether the attenuating effect of DHEA on cocaine seeking is a result of it reducing CORT levels rather than a result of any unique neurosteroid properties. Rats received either daily DHEA injections (2 mg/kg, i.p.) alone, daily DHEA (2 mg/kg, i.p.) with CORT infusion (to maintain stable basal levels of CORT; 15 mg/kg, s.c.) or vehicle (i.p.) as control, throughout self‐administration training and extinction sessions. We found that both DHEA‐treated and DHEA + CORT‐treated groups showed a significantly lower number of active lever presses compared to controls throughout training and extinction sessions, as well as at cocaine‐primed reinstatement. DHEA‐treated rats showed lower CORT levels throughout the experimental phases compared to DHEA + CORT‐treated and control rats. Additionally, we show that DHEA administered to cocaine‐trained rats throughout extinction sessions, or immediately before reinstatement, attenuated cocaine seeking. These findings indicate that DHEA attenuates cocaine‐seeking behaviour independently of fluctuations in CORT levels.
MicroRNA‐155‐5p is associated with oral squamous cell carcinoma metastasis and poor prognosis
Authors: Baba Osamu , Hasegawa Shogo , Nagai Hiroki , Uchida Fumihiko , Yamatoji Masanobu , Kanno Naomi I. , Yamagata Kenji , Sakai Satoshi , Yanagawa Toru , Bukawa Hiroki
Published: August 2015

Background

Abnormal miRNA expression was recently implicated in the metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and with a poor prognosis. The initiation of the invasion‐metastasis cascade involves epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). Our aim was to clarify how miRNA, especially miR‐155‐5p misexpression contributes to OSCC metastasis through EMT.

Methods

We collected tumor samples from 73 subjects with OSCC. The samples were analyzed by quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), and correlations between miR‐155‐5p levels and clinical characteristics were investigated. OSCC cell lines were analyzed by miRNA microarray and by transfection with a miR‐155‐5p mimic or inhibitor, followed by proliferation and wound‐healing migration assays. qRT‐PCR analyses of EMT makers in cells transfected with miR‐155‐5p inhibitor were performed.

Results

We found high miR‐155‐5p expression in tissue samples from subjects with OSCC that had metastasized to cervical lymph nodes. HSC‐3 cells also strongly expressed miR‐155‐5p. The epithelial marker E‐cadherin was strongly expressed in HSC‐3 cells transfected with miR‐155‐5p inhibitor, and we observed elevated SOCS1 and decreased STAT3 expression in these cells.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that miR‐155‐5p causes OSCC to metastasize, and could serve as a novel therapeutic target for OSCC.
Membrane receptor‐dependent Notch1/Hes1 activation by melatonin protects against myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury: in vivo and in vitro studies
Authors: Yu Liming , Liang Hongliang , Lu Zhihong , Zhao Guolong , Zhai Mengen , Yang Yang , Yang Jian , Yi Dinghua , Chen Wensheng , Wang Xiaowu , Duan Weixun , Jin Zhenxiao , Yu Shiqiang
Published: August 2015

Melatonin confers profound protective effect against myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury (MI/RI). Activation of Notch1/Hairy and enhancer of split 1 (Hes1) signaling also ameliorates MI/RI. We hypothesize that melatonin attenuates MI/RI‐induced oxidative damage by activating Notch1/Hes1 signaling pathway with phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (Pten)/Akt acting as the downstream signaling pathway in a melatonin membrane receptor‐dependent manner. Male Sprague Dawley rats were treated with melatonin (10 mg/kg/day) for 4 wk and then subjected to MI/R surgery. Melatonin significantly improved cardiac function and decreased myocardial apoptosis and oxidative damage. Furthermore, in cultured H9C2 cardiomyocytes, melatonin (100 μmol/L) attenuated simulated ischemia–reperfusion (SIR)‐induced myocardial apoptosis and oxidative damage. Both in vivo and in vitro study demonstrated that melatonin treatment increased Notch1, Notch1 intracellular domain (NICD), Hes1, Bcl‐2 expressions, and p‐Akt/Akt ratio and decreased Pten, Bax, and caspase‐3 expressions. However, these protective effects conferred by melatonin were blocked by DAPT (the specific inhibitor of Notch1 signaling), luzindole (the antagonist of melatonin membrane receptors), Notch1 siRNA, or Hes1 siRNA administration. In summary, our study demonstrates that melatonin treatment protects against MI/RI by modulating Notch1/Hes1 signaling in a receptor‐dependent manner and Pten/Akt signaling pathways are key downstream mediators.
Managing preconceived expectations: mental health service users experiences of going home from hospital: a grounded theory study
Authors: Keogh B. , Callaghan P. , Higgins A.
Published: August 2015

Accessible summary

What is known on the subject?

The time of discharge from a mental health hospital can be challenging for mental health service users, with high rates of readmission in the immediate months following discharge.

Although some research exists that explores service users' perspectives of being discharged, little evidence exists that explores the processes influencing or used by service users' to adapt to the transition from in‐patient acute mental health service.

What this papers adds to existing knowledge?

The findings of this grounded theory study demonstrates the strategies service users used to managed their own, as well as their social audiences, preconceived expectations arising from their new identity as ‘psychiatric patients’ following their discharge from hospital.

While there is a move to develop recovery‐orientated mental health services, key indicators of recovery‐oriented practices were often absent from service users' experiences of service provision.

What are the implications for practice?

Nurses and other mental health professionals need to recognize their contribution to the architecture of stigma that transcends the physical structures of hospital or ward and are entrenched within attitudes, interactions and practices.

The findings of this study can provide guidance to those working with service users and help them to understand the complexities of their experiences when using mental health services, which go far beyond the management of their symptoms.

Introduction

Following a period of hospitalization, the transition to home can result in increased vulnerability and a source of stress for mental health service users. Readmission rates have been suggested as one indicator of the success of the transition from hospital to community care. Despite knowledge of some of the factors that impact on service users following discharge, no coherent model or theoretical framework could be located in the literature, which explains or aides an in‐depth understanding of the transition from hospital to community for service users.

Aim

The aim of this study was to develop a grounded theory that explored service users' experiences of going home from hospital.

Method

This qualitative study used grounded theory, and a total of 35 interviews were conducted with 31 service users.

Results

The core category was ‘Managing Preconceived Expectations’, which had seven subcategories, describes how the participants were negatively perceived by themselves and others following their admission and discharge from hospital.

Implications for Practice

This theory presents the strategies that the participants used to manage this new identity. This theory demonstrates that although there has been a move to adopt recovery‐orientated services, key indicators of recovery were often absent for service users being admitted and subsequently discharged.
First clues on the ecology of whale falls in the deep Atlantic Ocean: results from an experiment using cow carcasses
Authors: Hilario Ana , Cunha Marina R. , Génio Luciana , Marçal Ana Raquel , Ravara Ascensão , Rodrigues Clara F. , Wiklund Helena
Published: August 2015

Sunken whale carcasses, known as ‘whale falls’, deliver large pulses of organic material to the seafloor and serve as habitat islands for unique assemblages of deep‐sea fauna that include generalist scavenging species, chemosynthetic fauna related to those from hydrothermal vents and cold seeps, and bone‐specialist species. Despite the growing interest in this peculiar habitat in the last decade, all long‐term studies of deep‐sea whale‐falls have been restricted to the Pacific and the ecology of these habitats in the Atlantic Ocean has been overlooked. Here we report the first study on large mammal carcasses in the deep Atlantic Ocean. Cow carcasses amounting to 570 kg were deployed at 1000 m in the Setubal canyon, where cetaceans naturally occur. Eighteen months after deployment, all soft tissues had been consumed and the visible remains of the carcasses consisted solely of skeletal material that supported a diverse macrofaunal assemblage distinct from that of the background, including organic‐enrichment respondents, sulphophiles and bone‐specialists. The trophic structure of this assemblage denotes an overlap of successional stages previously described in whale falls. Our results provide important insights into the contribution of mammal falls to deep‐sea biodiversity in the NE Atlantic, species distribution and biogeography of bone specialists, and the potential role of these habitats as dispersal stepping‐stones for vent and seep species. Additionally we show that cow carcasses may serve as an accessible model system for the study of ecological processes at deep‐sea whale‐falls.
Issues in the Design of Fiscal Policy Rules
Authors: Portes Jonathan , Wren‐Lewis Simon
Published: August 2015

Theory suggests that government should smooth taxes and spending, and adjustments in the level of debt should be gradual. Fiscal rules should therefore relate to deficits rather than debt. Rules should also reflect constraints on monetary policy. In normal times, rules should reflect political and institutional considerations, such as the potential for ‘deficit bias’, and the effectiveness of any fiscal council. For example, governments without a history of bias might target deficits five years ahead. However, if interest rates hit the zero lower bound, fiscal and monetary policy coordination is required, and here fiscal councils can also have an important role.
Refining the pH response in Aspergillus nidulans: a modulatory triad involving PacX, a novel zinc binuclear cluster protein
Authors: Bussink Henk‐Jan , Bignell Elaine M. , Múnera‐Huertas Tatiana , Lucena‐Agell Daniel , Scazzocchio Claudio , Espeso Eduardo A. , Bertuzzi Margherita , Rudnicka Joanna , Negrete‐Urtasun Susana , Peñas‐Parilla Maria M. , Rainbow Lynne , Peñalva Miguel Á. , Arst Herbert N. , Tilburn Joan
Published: August 2015

The Aspergillus nidulans PacC transcription factor mediates gene regulation in response to alkaline ambient pH which, signalled by the Pal pathway, results in the processing of PacC72 to PacC27 via PacC53. Here we investigate two levels at which the pH regulatory system is transcriptionally moderated by pH and identify and characterise a new component of the pH regulatory machinery, PacX. Transcript level analysis and overexpression studies demonstrate that repression of acid‐expressed palF, specifying the Pal pathway arrestin, probably by PacC27 and/or PacC53, prevents an escalating alkaline pH response. Transcript analyses using a reporter and constitutively expressed pacC trans‐alleles show that pacC preferential alkaline‐expression results from derepression by depletion of the acid‐prevalent PacC72 form. We additionally show that pacC repression requires PacX. pacX mutations suppress PacC processing recalcitrant mutations, in part, through derepressed PacC levels resulting in traces of PacC27 formed by pH‐independent proteolysis. pacX was cloned by impala transposon mutagenesis. PacX, with homologues within the Leotiomyceta, has an unusual structure with an amino‐terminal coiled‐coil and a carboxy‐terminal zinc binuclear cluster. pacX mutations indicate the importance of these regions. One mutation, an unprecedented finding in A. nidulans genetics, resulted from an insertion of an endogenous Fot1‐like transposon.
Antibody‐enhanced dengue disease generates a marked CNS inflammatory response in the black‐tufted marmoset Callithrix penicillata
Authors: Vasconcelos Barbara Cristina Baldez , Vieira Juliana Almeida , Silva Geane Oliveira , Fernandes Taiany Nogueira , Rocha Luciano Chaves , Viana André Pereira , Serique Cássio Diego Sá , Filho Carlos Santos , Bringel Raissa Aires Ribeiro , Teixeira Francisco Fernando Dacier Lobato , Ferreira Milene Silveira , Casseb Samir Mansour Moraes , Carvalho Valéria Lima , de Melo Karla Fabiane Lopes , de Castro Paulo Henrique Gomes , Araújo Sanderson Corrêa , Diniz José Antonio Picanço , Demachki Samia , Anaissi Ana Karyssa Mendes , Sosthenes Marcia Consentino Kronka , Vasconcelos Pedro Fernando da Costa , Anthony Daniel Clive , Diniz Cristovam Wanderley Picanço , Diniz Daniel Guerreiro
Published: August 2015

Severe dengue disease is often associated with long‐term neurological impairments, but it is unclear what mechanisms are associated with neurological sequelae. Previously, we demonstrated antibody‐enhanced dengue disease (ADE) dengue in an immunocompetent mouse model with a dengue virus 2 (DENV2) antibody injection followed by DENV3 virus infection. Here we migrated this ADE model to Callithrix penicillata. To mimic human multiple infections of endemic zones where abundant vectors and multiple serotypes co‐exist, three animals received weekly subcutaneous injections of DENV3 (genotype III)‐infected supernatant of C6/36 cell cultures, followed 24 h later by anti‐DENV2 antibody for 12 weeks. There were six control animals, two of which received weekly anti‐DENV2 antibodies, and four further animals received no injections. After multiple infections, brain, liver, and spleen samples were collected and tissue was immunolabeled for DENV3 antigens, ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1, Ki‐67, TNFα. There were marked morphological changes in the microglial population of ADE monkeys characterized by more highly ramified microglial processes, higher numbers of trees and larger surface areas. These changes were associated with intense TNFα‐positive immunolabeling. It is unclear why ADE should generate such microglial activation given that IgG does not cross the blood‐brain barrier, but this study reveals that in ADE dengue therapy targeting the CNS host response is likely to be important.