bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High salt diet reduced cardiac angiotensin‐(1‐7) but not ACE2 activity in SHR
Authors: Varagic Jasmina , Brosnihan K. Bridget , Chappell Mark C. , Ferrario Carlos M. 
Published: June 2021

Despite numerous studies suggesting that angiotensin‐(1‐7) [Ang‐(1‐7)] counterbalances the biological actions of angiotensin II (Ang II), little is known about its response in salt‐induced left ventricular (LV) remodeling. Thus, we examined whether an inadequate balance between these peptides might contribute to the previously shown LV hypertrophic and proliferative response to high dietary salt intake in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) (Varagic, AJP 2008). Eight week‐old male SHR were given an 8% salt diet for 5 weeks (Salt; n=8) and age‐matched controls received standard chow (Control; n=6).Increased salt intake exaggerated hypertension (221 ± 10 mm Hg) compared to rats given a normal salt diet (188 ± 9 mmHg) and aggravated cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. Although LV tissue Ang II content was not changed, high dietary salt intake reduced the cardiac content of Ang‐(1‐7) as well as Ang‐(1‐7)/Ang II ratio (Figure). Despite the reduction in Ang‐(1‐7), salt excess did not influence cardiac ACE2 activity (Salt: 21.01 ± 2.05 vs. Control: 22.25 ± 1.55 fmol/mg/min). In conclusion, the significant reduction in the cardiac content of Ang‐(1‐7) in response to a high salt diet suggests a critical role for the peptide in the development of salt‐related cardiac remodeling. The inability to increase ACE2 suggests that other enzymes may affect Ang‐(1‐7) metabolism under the conditions of dietary salt excess.
CARPAL MOTION DURING MOBILIZATION
Authors: ZAKHARY RIZKALLA , BURKS ROBIN , SALEM GEORGE 
Published: June 2021

IntroductionTherapists treating hand and wrist problems frequently perform mobilizations of the radiocarpal and intercarpal joints. The purpose of this investigation was to use prosection, digital photography (2D & 3D), and radiographic techniques to quantify carpal movement during wrist flexion and extension.MethodsThe soft tissue of the antebrachium was dissected sufficiently to allow placement of marker wires into the dorsal surfaces of the carpals, radius, and 3rd metacarpal. The tendons for the wrist motors were freed and used to flex, extend, radially and ulnarly deviate the wrist. The topography of the joint surfaces of the capitohamate and triquetrohamate joints were examined stereoscopically.ResultsAbsolute and relative motion of the carpals, as identified using radiographic analysis, is presented in Table 1. Total wrist motion was 61° for flexion and 33° for extension. The hamate demonstrated the greatest absolute and relative motion during flexion; whereas the capitate demonstrated the greatest motion in extension. Examination of the joint surfaces of the isolated carpals suggested that the motions of flexion and extension at the "midcarpal" joint occur around an axis that passes through the scaphoid, capitate, hamate and triquetrum, with the scaphoid and the medial portion of the triquetrum convex distally and the capitate and hamate convex proximally.
Possible functional consequences of structural adaptation along single arterioles
Authors: Jacobsen Jens Christian Brings , Hornbech Morten , Henriksen Freja , Jensen Lars Jørn , Holstein‐Rathlou Niels‐Henrik 
Published: June 2021

Arterioles are normally thought of as having a constant structural diameter between branch points. In unbranched rat cremaster arterioles, however, structural diameter increases downstream along the vessel (upstream tapering) without change in cross‐sectional area of the vascular wall (1). We addressed the possible functional consequence of this configuration by flow‐simulations comparing myogenically active vessels of uniform structural radius with those having an upstream tapering shape. In our model cross‐sectional area of the vascular wall remains invariant along the vessel and the flow is the same in all cases.ResultsThe vascular wall material can be arranged in an upstream tapering configuration such that circumferential wall stress is uniform along the vessel. The stress remains uniform during flow‐autoregulation when perfusion pressure is changed. In contrast, when the structural radius is uniform along the vessel wall stress is much higher upstream than downstream, and this difference is maintained under variations in perfusion pressure.ConclusionIn a myogenically active vessel upstream tapering of the inner radius allows the circumferential wall stress, and hence possibly the contractile state of the wall smooth muscle cells, to remain constant along the vessel at a given pressure. This is not the case for a vessel with a uniform radius. The upstream tapering shape is consistent with the vascular wall cells having a uniform point of operation as regards stress‐induced myogenic contraction.
Up‐regulation of Adrenal Leptin Receptor Expression and Tyrosine Hydroxylase Activation in Age‐related Hypertension
Authors: Green Jessica , Shek Eugene W 
Published: June 2021

Blood pressure (BP) and sympathetic activation have been shown to increase with age. The aim of the present study was to examine whether increased adrenal OB‐Rb expression and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activation mediated age‐related hypertension.Method4‐6 mth (young) and 20‐24 mth (old) male F344/BN rats (n=4‐6 rats/age) were implanted with telemetry for 24‐hrs arterial pressure (MAP) monitoring and were housed in individual metabolic cages. Adrenal leptin receptors (OB‐Ra & OB‐Rb) and TH protein expressions were determined by Western Blot.ResultsOld rats exhibited a significant increase in MAP (107±1 vs 98±1mmHg), body weight (556±11 vs 332±5g) and serum leptin (24±5 vs 5.1±0.7ng/ml) compared with young rats (p<0.05). The increased MAP was positively correlated with serum leptin (r2=0.7, p<0.0001). Western Blot analysis revealed a higher OB‐Rb expression (54%) than OB‐Ra in young adrenal. Although OB‐Ra expression did not change with age, OB‐Rb protein expression was markedly up‐regulated by 211±13% in old compared with young rats. TH activation (as measured by phosphorylated TH/total TH) in adrenal was also elevated by 185±10% in old compared with young rats.ConclusionResults of the present study suggest that the increased BP with age may, at least in part, be mediated by the elevated circulating leptin levels, up‐regulated adrenal OB‐Rb protein expression and TH activation.
Pericyte‐mediated regulation of vasa recta capillaries in situ.
Authors: Peppiatt‐Wildman Claire M , Crawford Carol , Desai Tanmay D , Unwin Robert J 
Published: June 2021

Pericytes have been proposed as functional regulators of capillary diameter in situ and thus blood flow in the CNS [1]. Pericytes occur at regular intervals on renal medullary vasa recta capillaries and are known to constrict isolated perfused descending vasa recta [2]. In this study we show for the first time pericyte‐mediated constriction of vasa recta in situ, in live kidney slices.Angiotensin‐II (Ang‐II) is a potent vasoconstrictor in the kidney. Ang‐II (100 nM) evoked significant vasoconstriction of vasa recta at pericyte sites (41.1+6.2%) versus non‐pericyte sites (9.9+5.2%). Noradrenaline (NA, 10‐100 µM) also evoked a significantly greater vasoconstriction of vasa recta at pericyte sites (22.1+3.3%) than at non‐pericyte sites (9.2+1.8%). ATP (10 nM‐10 µM), which is also a vasoconstrictor agent endogenous to the kidney failed to evoke significant constriction of the vasa recta. The NO donor SNAP, evoked a significantly greater vasodilation of vasa recta at pericyte sites (18.6+5.3%) than that at non‐pericyte sites (4.7+2.8%). Data presented here indicates that in the kidney, like in the CNS, pericytes constrict vasa recta vessels and may play a role in regulation of blood flow in the renal medulla. Funded by the MRC.[1] Peppiatt CM, Howarth C, Mobbs P, Attwell D. Nature. 2006 Oct 12;443(7112):700‐4[2] Zhang Z, Rhinehart K, Kwon W, Weinman E, Pallone TL. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2004 Aug;287(2):H773‐81
Diabetes alters the production and release of catecholamines in Primary Mesangial Cell Culture
Authors: Cunha Tatiana S , Arita Danielle Yuri , Nogueira Marie Doki , Perez Juliana Dinéia , Andrade Maria Claudina Camargo , Casarini Dulce Elena 
Published: June 2021

Catecholamines (CA) are produced by mesangial cells (MC), and their levels are increased in diabetes. The aim was to asses the effect of diabetes duration on the production/release of CA‐dopamine (DA), epinephrine (EP) and norepinephrine (NE)‐in cultured MC. Male Wistar rats were randomized into Control, Diabetes 3M (3 months diabetes) and Diabetes 4M (4 months diabetes) groups. Rats were made diabetetic (streptozotocin, 50mg/Kg) and after 3 or 4 months, kidneys were excised for glomeruli isolation. MC were cultured in DMEM, CA were extracted and quantified by high performance liquid chromatography. Extracellular level of EP was increased in Diabetes 3M group, as compared to control group (55±9 vs. 29±3 pg/mg protein). On the other hand, 4 months of diabetes increased intracelular concentration of EP (77±10 pg/mg protein) and NE (76.5±10 pg/mg protein) compared with control and Diabetes 3M groups, with no effect on DA levels. Intracellular concentration of EP and NE was not affected after 3 months of diabetes; however DA level was significantly decreased in Diabetes 3M group (81±5 pg/mg), as compared to control (under detection limit). In Diabetes 4M group, we observed an increase in intracellular concentration of EP (151±27 pg/mg protein) and NE (53±14 pg/mg protein) and a decrease of DA levels. Our results show that diabetes duration influences the production/release of catecholamines by MC and suggests that this pathway can have a role on renal dysfunction induced by time‐duration of diabetes.Financial Support: CNPq.
Giardia‐lamblia infection in hospitalized children with irritable bowel syndrome and dyspepsia: a prospective study
Authors: Guzyeyeva Gloria V 
Published: June 2021

AIMTo evaluate the prevalence of Giardia lamblia infection in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and dyspepsia.METHODSWe determined G. lamblia antigens in 102 children using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). We studied the sonographic appearance of the duodenum and colon in giardiasis compared with healthy subjects.RESULTSGiardial lesions of the duodenum and colon were associated with increased wall thickness (p<0.05) and were characterized by increased wall echogenicity, flattening or loss of duodenal folds and/or colonic haustration, hyperechoic floating foci (HFF) demonstrating chaotic motility, increased peri‐lesional tissue echogenicity, and altered colonic peristalsis. The prevalence of IBS defined according to Rome criteria was higher in girls (28 vs 17% in boys, p = 0.001). Colonic pain frequency was similar in both genders (14% in girls vs 12% in boys, p = 0.56), however disturbed defecation occurred significantly more often in girls than in boys (19% vs 8%, p = 0.006). Half of the subjects had also dyspeptic symptoms, lactose intolerance and steatorrea. In addition, skin lesions and alopecia were determined in 6% of the patients.CONCLUSIONSonographic features of giardial lesions of the duodenum and colon were distinct from healthy subjects. IBS is common syndrome with the prevalence rates similar to those described in USA. [NIH grant, Russian Federation].
Cardiac Phenotypic Differences in Rat Models of the Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Ohanyan Vahagn , Pung Yuh Fen , Hafemeister Jennifer L , Hodnichak Cheryl , Kolz Christopher , Chilian William M 
Published: June 2021

In humans, the metabolic syndrome denotes a constellation of risk factors including obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and pro‐inflammatory and pro‐thrombotic states. Patients with some or all of these major symptoms have a high risk of developing heart failure. To elucidate if animal models of the metabolic syndrome also demonstrate early signs of ventricular pathology, we studied age‐matched JCR, Zucker Obese Fatty (ZOF) (both strains used as models for the metabolic syndrome), and Lean (LN) rats. Measurements of cardiac function and left ventricular parameters (echocardiography) were made when the animals were lightly anesthetized with sevoflurane (refer to table mean±SD [Dias‐ID: diastolic internal diameter, mm; RWT: relative wall thickness; LV Mass, mg; CI: Cardiac Index, ml/min/kg, %EJ: ejection fraction).These results support the idea that either model shows varying degrees of ventricular pathology as evidenced by the reduced cardiac index and increased mass (both strains), but the extent of dysfunction appears to be more severe in JCR because of ventricular dilation and reduced ejection fraction.
The emerging role of robotics in upper and lower urinary tract reconstruction
Authors: Zhao Calvin C. , Shakir Nabeel A. , Zhao Lee C. 
Published: June 2021

Purpose of review
Developments in robotic reconstructive urology have introduced novel treatments for complex upper and lower urinary tract disease. Short-term and mid-term data demonstrates excellent outcomes and minimal morbidity, suggesting the advanced instrumentation and visualization of robotics represent a new treatment paradigm in patients that are historically difficult to treat. Here we review recent developments in the robotically assisted surgical management of urethral and ureteral strictures.

Recent findings
The minimally invasive approach, enhanced precision and reach, and near-infrared fluorescence imaging capabilities of robotic platforms have proven to be valuable additions in reconstructive urology where perfusion is often compromised, or anatomy is distorted. These benefits are leveraged heavily in recent descriptions of robotic-assisted posterior urethroplasty and ureteroplasty. Short-term to mid-term follow-up data for these procedures show excellent patency rates with low morbidity and complication rates when compared with open approaches. Long-term data for these procedures are not yet available.

Summary
The role of robotics in reconstructive urology is being actively investigated. Initial findings demonstrate excellent results with low morbidity in the treatment of upper and lower urinary tract disease. Long-term data will ultimately determine the role of robotics in the reconstructive armamentarium.
Triphasic Waves: Historical Overview of an Unresolved Mystery
Authors: Fernández-Torre José L. , Kaplan Peter W. 
Published: June 2021

Summary:
Triphasic waves are a fascinating and mysterious EEG feature. We now have to accept that, at times, epileptiform discharges may have a blunted “triphasic morphology,” and that there may be great difficulty in distinguishing between these often similar forms. The aim of this review was to describe the evolution in our understanding of triphasic waves that has occurred regarding the pathophysiology of triphasic waves, their most frequent causes, and the diagnostic difficulties involved in interpretation and differentiation from nonconvulsive status epilepticus.
Assessing ethnic business sustainability in transgenerational succession
Authors: Xavier Jesrina Ann , Feranita Feranita , Jambulingam Manimekalai , Gorchan Singh Manmeet Kaur 
Published: June 2021

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the impact of changes in human capital development and evolution of tacit knowledge following transgenerational succession in ethnic companies. The paper contributes to the understanding of transferring tacit knowledge across generations in ensuring ethnic business sustainability.Design/methodology/approachIn answering the how question, this paper tracked the changes and their impact in the process over time, using the multiple-case study method. A total of six interviews were conducted with three Indian-owned companies in the jewellery industry in Malaysia, with each interview lasting between 45 and 60 min. Secondary data were collected to supplement the primary data for analysis. Data triangulation method was applied to strengthen the design of this study.FindingsThe results indicate that changes in human capital development and tacit knowledge have enabled ethnically Indian-owned jewellery-based companies to alter their products to respond to demands of modern society whilst sustaining and commodifying the ethnic identity of their businesses. The findings also highlight that proper succession planning by ageing entrepreneurs may promote sustainability of these ethnic enterprises.Originality/valueDespite the growing attention on ethnic and migrant entrepreneurship, less is known about the impact of the changes through transgenerational succession over time in ethnic businesses, especially when such changes involve human capital as the key players. This study is important in addressing the gap, in identifying human capital development and tacit knowledge among the critical ethnic resources contributing to ethnic business sustainability. Using a conceptual framework, this paper sheds some light on how ethnic businesses are sustained through transgenerational succession.
Supply chain agility responding to unprecedented changes: empirical evidence from the UK food supply chain during COVID-19 crisis
Authors: Do Quynh Nhu , Mishra Nishikant , Wulandhari Nur Baiti Ingga , Ramudhin Amar , Sivarajah Uthayasankar , Milligan Gavin 
Published: June 2021

Purpose
The COVID-19 outbreak has imposed extensive shocks embracing all stages of the food supply chain (FSC). Although the magnitude is still unfolding, the FSC responds with remarkable speed, to mitigate the disruptive consequences and sustain operations. This paper aims to investigate how operationalising supply chain agility (SCA) practices has occurred amid the COVID-19 crisis and expectations for how those practices could transform the supply chain in the post-COVID-19 era.

Design/methodology/approach
Following an exploratory case-based design, this paper examines the various agile responses that three supply chains (meat, fresh vegetables and bread) adopted and elaborate using the dynamic capability (DC) theoretical lens.

Findings
First, the findings demonstrate how, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, each affected case pursued various agile responses through sensing and seizing capabilities. Sensing includes identifying and assessing the relevant opportunities and threats associated with the specific supply chain context. Seizing involves acquiring, combining and modifying the tangible and intangible resources at the firm and supply chain levels. Second, supply chain transformation is likely if firms and their supply chain develop the sustaining capability to ensure that the desirable changes outlast the crisis.

Practical implications
This study provides an actionable guide for practitioners to develop agile responses to systemic changes in times of crisis and to sustain favourable changes so as to enable their outlasting of the crisis.

Originality/value
This study provides a novel and unique perspective on the role of SCA in crisis – in this case, the pandemic. This paper synthesises the empirical stories of the agile responses in the FSC and elaborates on the DC framework, to identify theoretical and practical implications. This paper establishes the sustaining capability as the missing DC capability for enabling transformation in the post-COVID-19 era.
Implementing fast track surgery in hip and knee arthroplasty using the lean Six Sigma methodology
Authors: Latessa Imma , Fiorillo Antonella , Picone Ilaria , Balato Giovanni , Trunfio Teresa Angela , Scala Arianna , Triassi Maria 
Published: June 2021

PurposeOne of the biggest challenges in the health sector is that of costs compared to economic resources and the quality of services. Hospitals register a progressive increase in expenditure due to the aging of the population. In fact, hip and knee arthroplasty surgery are mainly due to primary osteoarthritis that affects the elderly population. This study was carried out with the aim of analysing the introduction of the fast track surgery protocol, through the lean Six Sigma, on patients undergoing knee and hip prosthetic replacement surgery. The goal was to improve the arthroplasty surgery process by reducing the average length of stay (LOA) and hospital costsDesign/methodology/approachLean Six Sigma was applied to evaluate the arthroplasty surgery process through the DMAIC cycle (define, measure, analyse, improve and control) and the lean tools (value stream map), adopted to analyse the new protocol and improve process performance. The dataset consisted of two samples of patients: 54 patients before the introduction of the protocol and 111 patients after the improvement. Clinical and demographic variables were collected for each patient (gender, age, allergies, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) score).FindingsThe results showed a 12.70% statistically significant decrease in LOS from an overall average of 8.72 to 7.61 days. Women patients without allergies, with a low ASA score not suffering from diabetes and cardiovascular disease showed a significant a reduction in hospital days with the implementation of the FTS protocol. Only the age variable was not statistically significant.Originality/valueThe introduction of the FTS in the orthopaedic field, analysed through the LSS, demonstrated to reduce LOS and, consequently, costs. For each individual patient, there was an economic saving of € 445.85. Since our study takes into consideration a dataset of 111 patients post-FTS, the overall economic saving brought by this study amounts to €49,489.35.
Comparison of color‐learning rates among eight species of three insect orders (Hymenoptera, Diptera, and Lepidoptera)
Authors: Kandori Ikuo , Fukada Satoshi , Kurosaki Tsutomu , Yokoi Tomoyuki , Papaj Daniel R. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractLearning plays an important role in food acquisition in a wide range of insect species. However, few studies have explored differences in the ability to learn floral cues among pollinator species across insect orders. In this study, we examined associative learning of flower color with nectar rewards for females or female workers in two bee species (an eusocial bumblebee [Bombus ignitus] and a solitary mason bee [Osmia orientalis]) and two hoverfly species (Eristalis cerealis and E. tenax). Prior data for females of four butterfly species (Idea leuconoe, Argyreus hyperbius, Pieris rapae, and Lycaena phlaeas) were included for analyses of flower color‐learning rate in a total of eight species of three insect orders (Hymenoptera, Diptera, and Lepidoptera). All eight species learned flower colors associated with food. Flower color‐learning rate was highest in B. ignitus, followed by the two larger butterflies (I. leuconoe and A. hyperbius), the two smaller butterflies (P. rapae and L. phlaeas), and the remaining species (E. cerealis, E. tenax, and O. orientalis). These results represent the first evidence that the ability to learn floral cues differs among flower‐visiting insects of different orders. We discuss the adaptive significance of superior learning abilities in bumblebees and butterflies and that of inferior learning abilities in the two hoverflies and mason bees.