bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Melatonin differentially regulates pathological and physiological cardiac hypertrophy: Crucial role of circadian nuclear receptor RORα signaling
Authors: Xu Longwei , Su Yuanyuan , Zhao Yichao , Sheng Xincheng , Tong Renyang , Ying Xiaoying , Gao Lingchen , Ji Qingqi , Gao Yu , Yan Yang , Yuan Ancai , Wu Fujian , Lan Feng , Pu Jun 
Published: April 2019

AbstractExercise‐induced physiological hypertrophy provides protection against cardiovascular disease, whereas disease‐induced pathological hypertrophy leads to heart failure. Emerging evidence suggests pleiotropic roles of melatonin in cardiac disease; however, the effects of melatonin on physiological vs pathological cardiac hypertrophy remain unknown. Using swimming‐induced physiological hypertrophy and pressure overload‐induced pathological hypertrophy models, we found that melatonin treatment significantly improved pathological hypertrophic responses accompanied by alleviated oxidative stress in myocardium but did not affect physiological cardiac hypertrophy and oxidative stress levels. As an important mediator of melatonin, the retinoid‐related orphan nuclear receptor‐α (RORα) was significantly decreased in human and murine pathological hypertrophic cardiomyocytes, but not in swimming‐induced physiological hypertrophic murine hearts. In vivo and in vitro loss‐of‐function experiments indicated that RORα deficiency significantly aggravated pathological cardiac hypertrophy, and notably weakened the anti‐hypertrophic effects of melatonin. Mechanistically, RORα mediated the cardioprotection of melatonin in pathological hypertrophy mainly by transactivation of manganese‐dependent superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) via binding to the RORα response element located in the promoter region of the MnSOD gene. Furthermore, MnSOD overexpression reversed the pro‐hypertrophic effects of RORα deficiency, while MnSOD silencing abolished the anti‐hypertrophic effects of RORα overexpression in pathological cardiac hypertrophy. Collectively, our findings provide the first evidence that melatonin exerts an anti‐hypertrophic effect on pathological but not physiological cardiac hypertrophy via alleviating oxidative stress through transactivation of the antioxidant enzyme MnSOD in a RORα‐dependent manner.
Longitudinal assessment of microbial dysbiosis, fecal unconjugated bile acid concentrations, and disease activity in dogs with steroid‐responsive chronic inflammatory enteropathy
Authors: Guard Blake C. , Honneffer Julia B. , Jergens Albert E. , Jonika Michelle M. , Toresson Linda , Lawrence Yuri A. , Webb Craig B. , Hill Steve , Lidbury Jonathan A. , Steiner Joerg M. , Suchodolski Jan S. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundMounting evidence from human studies suggests that bile acid dysmetabolism might play a role in various human chronic gastrointestinal diseases. It is unknown whether fecal bile acid dysmetabolism occurs in dogs with chronic inflammatory enteropathy (CE).ObjectiveTo assess microbial dysbiosis, fecal unconjugated bile acids (fUBA), and disease activity in dogs with steroid‐responsive CE.AnimalsTwenty‐four healthy control dogs and 23 dogs with steroid‐responsive CE.MethodsIn this retrospective study, fUBA were measured and analyzed. Fecal microbiota were assessed using a dysbiosis index. The canine inflammatory bowel disease activity index was used to evaluate remission of clinical signs. This was a multi‐institutional study where dogs with steroid‐responsive CE were evaluated over time.ResultsThe dysbiosis index was increased in dogs with CE (median, 2.5; range, −6.2 to 6.5) at baseline compared with healthy dogs (median, −4.5; range, −6.5 to −2.6; P = .002) but did not change in dogs with CE over time. Secondary fUBA were decreased in dogs with CE (median, 29%; range, 1%‐99%) compared with healthy dogs (median, 88%; 4%‐96%; P = .049). The percent of secondary fUBA in dogs with CE increased from baseline values (median, 28%; range, 1%‐99%) after 2‐3 months of treatment (median, 94%; range, 1%‐99%; P = 0.0183).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThese findings suggest that corticosteroids regulate fecal bile acids in dogs with CE. Additionally, resolution of clinical activity index in dogs with therapeutically managed CE and bile acid dysmetabolism are likely correlated. However, subclinical disease (i.e., microbial dysbiosis) can persist in dogs with steroid‐responsive CE.
Anorectal pressures measured with high‐resolution manometry in healthy people—Normal values and asymptomatic pelvic floor dysfunction
Authors: Oblizajek Nicholas R. , Gandhi Sangeetha , Sharma Mayank , Chakraborty Subhankar , Muthyala Anjani , Prichard David , Feuerhak Kelly , Bharucha Adil E. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundHigh‐resolution manometry (HRM) is used to measure rectoanal pressures in defecatory disorders and fecal incontinence. This study sought to define normal values for rectoanal HRM, ascertain the effects of age and BMI on rectoanal pressures, and compare pressures in asymptomatic women with normal and prolonged balloon expulsion time (BET).MethodsHigh‐resolution manometry pressures and BET were measured in 163 asymptomatic healthy participants. Women (96) and men (47) with normal BET were used to estimate normal values and the effects of age/BMI on pressures using a Medtronic 4.2‐mm‐diameter rectoanal catheter.Key ResultsAge is associated with lower resting pressure, higher rectal pressure during evacuation, and a higher rectoanal gradient during evacuation in women and men. In women, the BET is also inversely correlated with age while the BMI is correlated with a higher threshold volume for discomfort and a longer BET. The anal squeeze pressure increment, squeeze duration, and HPZ length are higher in men than women. The rectoanal gradient during evacuation is also lower (ie, more negative) in asymptomatic women with an abnormal than a normal BET.Conclusions & InferencesThese findings provide an expanded database of normal values for anorectal HRM in men and women. Age and sex affect anal resting and squeeze pressures, respectively; rectal pressure during evacuation is also higher in older people. Less than 15% of asymptomatic people have BET >60 seconds, which is associated with manometry features of impaired evacuation.
Normative Explanation And Justification*
Authors: Väyrynen Pekka 
Published: April 2019

AbstractNormative explanations of why things are wrong, good, or unfair are ubiquitous in ordinary practice and normative theory. This paper argues that normative explanation is subject to a justification condition: a correct complete explanation of why a normative fact holds must identify features that would go at least some way towards justifying certain actions or attitudes. I first explain and motivate the condition I propose. I then support it by arguing that it fits well with various theories of normative reasons, makes good sense of certain legitimate moves in ordinary normative explanatory discourse, and helps to make sense of our judgments about explanatory priority in certain cases of normative explanation. This last argument also helps to highlight respects in which normative explanation won't be worryingly discontinuous with explanations in other domains even though these other explanations aren't subject to the justification condition. Thus the paper aims not only to do some constructive theorizing about the relatively neglected topic of normative explanation but also to cast light on the broader question of how normative explanation may be similar to and different from explanations in other domains.
Methadone's effects on pentylenetetrazole‐induced seizure threshold in mice: NMDA/opioid receptors and nitric oxide signaling
Authors: Kazemi Roodsari Soheil , Bahramnejad Erfan , Rahimi Nastaran , Aghaei Iraj , Dehpour Ahmad Reza 
Published: April 2019

AbstractMethadone is a synthetic opioid used to treat opiate withdrawal and addiction. Studies have demonstrated the impact of methadone on seizure susceptibility. This study investigated the modulatory impacts of acute and subchronic (three times daily for 5 days) intraperitoneal methadone treatment on pentylenetetrazole‐induced clonic seizure threshold (CST) in mice, as well as the involvement of the nitric oxide, N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA), and µ‐opioid pathways. Acute administration of different doses of methadone (0.1, 0.3, 1, and 3 mg/kg) 45 min before CST significantly decreased the seizure threshold. Additionally, pretreatment with noneffective doses of an opioid receptor antagonist (naltrexone) and NMDA receptor antagonists (ketamine and MK‐801) inhibited methadone's proconvulsive activity in the acute phase, while l‐NAME (a nonspecific nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor) did not affect that activity. In the subchronic phase, methadone (3 mg/kg) demonstrated an anticonvulsive effect. Although subchronic pretreatment with noneffective doses of l‐NAME and 7‐nitroindazole (a specific neuronal NOS inhibitor) reversed methadone's anticonvulsive activity, aminoguanidine (a specific inducible NOS inhibitor), naltrexone, MK‐801, and ketamine did not change methadone's anticonvulsive characteristic. Our results suggest that NMDA and µ‐opioid receptors may be involved in methadone's proconvulsive activity in the acute phase, while methadone's anticonvulsive activity may be modulated by neuronal NOS in the subchronic phase.
The chromatin‐remodelling factor PICKLE interacts with CONSTANS to promote flowering in Arabidopsis
Authors: Jing Yanjun , Guo Qiang , Zha Ping , Lin Rongcheng 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIn many flowering plants, successful reproductive development depends on the plant's ability to sense seasonal photoperiodic changes and adjust its vegetative growth accordingly. In Arabidopsis thaliana, the day‐length‐dependent accumulation of CONSTANS (CO) is crucial for the rhythmic activation of FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) expression at dusk under long days. However, the regulation of photoperiod‐dependent changes of the diurnal FT expression pattern at the chromatin level is largely unknown. In this study, we show that the ATPase‐dependent chromatin‐remodelling factor PICKLE (PKL) acts through the CO‐FT regulatory module and contributes to FT activation in leaf vasculature. PKL physically interacts with CO, and this interaction facilitates their binding to the common regions of FT chromatin in response to photoperiod. Long‐day signal triggers the FT chromatin switch between the active state at dusk and the inactive state at night, and PKL is responsible for the diurnal state switch. Thus, our study reveals that PKL activates FT transcription likely through facilitating access of CO to FT chromatin at dusk to synchronize flowering time in response to environmental cues.
Isolated, small, and large hospitals have fewer nursing resources than urban hospitals: Implications for rural health policy
Authors: Smith Jessica G. , Plover Colin M. , McChesney Moira C. , Lake Eileen T. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose was to compare nurse education, patient‐to‐nurse staffing, nursing skill mix, and nurse work environments across hospitals depending on extent of rurality.DesignCross‐sectional, comparative, and descriptive.SampleThe final sample included 566 urban, 49 large, 18 small, and 9 isolated hospitals from California, Florida, and Pennsylvania.MeasurementData collected from large random samples from the 2005–2008 Multi‐State Nursing Care and Patient Safety Study funded by the National Institute of Nursing Research and National Institutes of Health were linked to 2005–2006 American Hospital Association data. Rural–Urban Commuting Area codes developed by the University of Washington and the United States Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service were used to determine the extent of hospital rurality across the sample.ResultsHospital percentages of baccalaureate prepared nurses differed significantly among urban (38%), large (28%), small (31%), and isolated rural hospitals (21%). Patient‐to‐registered nurse ratios in urban (4.8), large (5.6), small (5.6), and isolated rural hospitals (7.3) differed. Rural hospital nursing skill mix differed, and was lowest in isolated rural hospitals (65%). Nursing foundations for quality care were poorer in large, small, and isolated rural hospitals.ConclusionResults support bolstering rural nursing resources in more remote locations, potentially through rural health policies.
From Policy to Practice: From Ideas to Results, From Results to Trust
Authors: Kettl Donald F. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractFew areas of public administration have been more discouraging, over a longer period of time, than the struggle to build public trust in government's work. However, new research suggests that public administrators can build trust by improving the results they produce for citizens. Practical, practicable steps can produce big improvements: improving government's focus on citizens' needs; engaging employees; focusing on fairness; and, especially, concentrating on the delivery of public services at the “retail” level. Citizens, research shows, can discriminate among levels of government, the administration of different programs in different functional areas, and the work of individual administrators. That provides strong hope for improving trust, in an era when too often government appears too untrustworthy.
A review of alternative pond harvesting schedules for male and female redclaw crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus, reared in intensive monosex commercial conditions: a stochastic bioeconomic approach
Authors: Hernández‐Llamas Alfredo , Núñez‐Amao Lavinia , Naranjo‐Páramo José , Vargas‐Mendieta Mayra , Villarreal Humberto 
Published: April 2019

AbstractWe use a bioeconomic model to analyse two alternative harvesting schedules for male and female redclaw: simultaneous (same day) harvests of ponds for each sex and harvesting ponds independently for each sex (different days). The results show that, for simultaneous harvests, best results are obtained after 120 days of cultivation yielding, with 95% confidence, a mean net revenue (NR) of 26,820 USD$ ha−1 and mean benefit–cost ratio (B/C) of 3.08. For independent harvests, best results are obtained by harvesting males after 109 (NR) and 97 (B/C) days, and females after 120 (NR) and 107 (B/C) days. At these optimum harvesting times, with 95 % confidence, expected mean NR for males was 30560 USD$ ha−1 and mean B/C was 3.56; while for females NR was 23,620 USD$ ha−1 and B/C was 2.92. Results show that using independent harvests maximizes benefits. Better economic performance and statistical confidence were observed for males. The dynamics of commercial grade categories is the most important factor influencing the stochastic variability of NR, while the cost of production of pre‐adults is negligible, indicating the reliability of the cultivation technology for the nursery stage. Bioeconomic modelling provides an objective framework for farming practices evaluation and avenues for improvement. Monosex redclaw crayfish culture is environmentally sustainable, with a consistent production technology that is economically viable. With increasing world demand, it should be considered a strong candidate species for diversification.
Tidal currents and wind waves controlling sediment distribution in a subtidal point bar of the Venice Lagoon (Italy)
Authors: Ghinassi Massimiliano , D'Alpaos Andrea , Tommasini Laura , Brivio Lara , Finotello Alvise , Stefani Cristina 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe present study aims to improve current understanding of the sedimentation of subtidal point bars, analyzing interaction between tidal currents and waves in shaping a submerged meander bend of the microtidal Venice Lagoon (Italy), and it is based on coupling of sedimentological studies, geophysical analyses and numerical modelling. The Venice Lagoon is characterized by an average depth of about 1·5 m over subtidal platforms and a mean tidal range of about 1·0 m. The morphodynamic evolution of the lagoon is strongly affected by intense seasonal windstorms, which promote the formation of wind waves triggering sediment resuspension and bottom erosion. The study channel is 70 to 100 m wide, it has a radius of curvature of about 260 m and cuts through a permanently submerged subtidal platform. Water depth ranges from 1·0 to 5·0 m below mean sea level on the subtidal platform and channel thalweg, respectively. Different from classical architectural models, the study point‐bar beds do not show sigmoidal geometries, but consist of horizontally‐bedded deposits abruptly overlying clinostratified beds. Sedimentation in the study bar is hypothesized to stem from the interaction between the in‐channel secondary helical flow, as for most meander bends, and wave winnowing of the subaqueous overbank areas. Laterally accreting point‐bar deposits point out that the curvature‐induced helical flow redistributed sediment from the channel thalweg to the bar top and contributed to the development of the ‘classical’ fining‐upward grain size trend. The marked truncation surface, separating clinostratified bar deposits from overlying horizontally‐bedded platform sediments is interpreted here as due to bar top wave‐winnowing, which also possibly promoted bank collapses. In the proposed model, sediments remobilized from bar top and subaqueous overbank areas were transported into the channel, forming peculiar ‘apron‐like’ accumulations, where sand accumulated through avalanching processes and mud settled down from suspension.
A retrospective cost analysis of the frequency and cost of transfusion premedications
Authors: Christensen Bradley W. , Rubinstein Samuel M. , Bastakoty Dikshya , Savani Bipin N. , Booth Garrett S. 
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUNDAcetaminophen and diphenhydramine are routinely administered to prevent febrile non‐hemolytic and allergic blood transfusion reactions despite multiple randomized controlled trials demonstrating that this practice lacks efficacy. As a result, patients are exposed to the adverse effects of these medications and their financial burdens with no expected benefit. The aim of this study was to quantify the frequency and cost of transfusion premedications in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSThis was a retrospective study of patients with AML admitted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) for induction chemotherapy between January 2008 and December 2016. Data were collected on the number of platelet and packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusions each patient received during the initial inpatient encounter for AML, as well as on the administration of premedications prior to each transfusion.RESULTSDuring the 9‐year study period, 948 AML patients received a total of 19,820 transfusions. Of these, 30% were preceded by oral diphenhydramine, 8% by intravenous diphenhydramine, and 39% by oral acetaminophen. The percentage of patients that received a transfusion preceded by a premedication increased over the study period (p = 0.03), as did the percentage of transfusions preceded by a premedication (p = 0.02). The total unadjusted cost of pre‐transfusion medications to the institution during the study period was $50,309.77, or $52.67 per patient with AML. The cost of premedications per patient did not increase over the study period (p = .45).CONCLUSIONSRoutine transfusion premedication administration is common in AML patients and not well‐supported by available evidence.
Student nurses at Spanish universities and their attitude toward xenotransplantation
Authors: Martínez‐Alarcón Laura , Ríos Antonio , Santainés‐Borredá Elena , Agras‐Suarez María Concepción , Cañadas‐De la Fuente Guillermo Arturo , Hurtado‐Pardos Bárbara , Bárcena‐Calvo Carmen , Alorda‐Terrasa Carme , Morillo‐Velázquez Juan Manuel , Martí‐García Celia , Redin‐Areta Maria Dolores , Alconero‐Camarero Ana Rosa , Jiménez‐ Navascues Maria Lourdes , Gutierrez‐Izquierdo María Isabel , Chamorro‐Rebollo Elena , de las Nieves Merchán‐Felipe María , Barandiaran‐Lasa Maite , Martín‐Espinosa Noelia , Gala‐León Francisco Javier , Oter‐Quintana Cristina , Benbunan‐Bentata Bibinha , Tirado‐Altamirano Francisco , Fernández‐Vallhonrat Maria Blanca , Ramírez‐Rodrigo Jesús , Maciá‐Soler Loreto , Saez Aida , Sánchez Álvaro , López‐Navas Ana , Ramírez Pablo , Parrilla Pascual 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIntroductionRecent immunological and transgenic advances are a promising alternative using limited materials of human origin for transplantation. However, it is essential to achieve social acceptance of this therapy.ObjectiveTo analyze the attitude of nursing students from Spanish universities toward organ xenotransplantation (XTx) and to determine the factors affecting their attitude.Materials and methodsType of study: A sociological, multicentre, and observational study. Study population: Nursing students enrolled in Spain (n = 28,000). Sample size: A sample of 10 566 students estimating a proportion of 76% (99% confidence and precision of ±1%), stratified by geographical area and year of study. Instrument of measurement: A validated questionnaire (PCID‐XenoTx‐RIOS) was handed out to every student in a compulsory session. This survey was self‐administered and self‐completed voluntarily and anonymously by each student in a period of 5‐10 min. Statistical analysis: descriptive analysis, Student's t test, the chi‐square test, and a logistic regression analysis.ResultsA completion rate: 84% (n = 8913) was obtained. If the results of XTx were as good as in human donation, 74% (n = 6564) would be in favor and 22% (n = 1946) would have doubts. The following variables affected this attitude: age (P < 0.001); sex (P < 0.001); geographical location (P < 0.001); academic year of study (P < 0.001); attitude toward organ donation (P < 0.001); belief in the possibility of needing a transplant (P < 0.001); discussion of transplantation with one's family (P < 0.001) and friends (P < 0.001); and the opinion of one's partner (P < 0.001). The following variables persisted in the multivariate analysis: being a male (OR = 1.436; P < 0.001); geographical location (OR = 1.937; P < 0.001); an attitude in favor of donation (OR = 1.519; P < 0.001); belief in the possibility of needing a transplant (OR = 1.497; P = 0.036); and having spoken about the issue with family (OR = 1.351; P < 0.001) or friends (OR = 1.240; P = 0.001).ConclusionsThe attitude of nursing students toward organ XTx is favorable and is associated with factors of general knowledge about organ donation and transplantation and social interaction.