bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Whole body vibration training increases physical measures and quality of life without altering inflammatory-oxidative biomarkers in patients with moderate COPD
Authors: Neves Camila D. C. , Lacerda Ana Cristina R. , Lage Vanessa K. S. , Soares Aline A. , Chaves Maria Gabriela A. , Lima Liliana P. , Silva Thyago J. , Vieira Érica L. M. , Teixeira Antônio L. , Leite Hércules R. , Matos Mariana A. , Mendonça Vanessa A. 
Published: May 2018

Whole body vibration training (WBVT) has been identified as an alternative intervention to improve exercise capacity and quality of life of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the effect of WBVT on inflammatory-oxidative biomarkers remains unknown. The aim of this trial was to investigate the effects of WBVT on quality of life and physical and inflammatory-oxidative parameters in patients with COPD. Twenty patients were equally divided into 1) an intervention group (IG) that performed the WBVT, and 2) a control group (CG) that did not receive any intervention. Intervention consisted in performing static squatting on a vibrating platform, in six series of 30 s, 3 days/wk, for 12 wk. Patients were evaluated for plasma levels of IL-6, IL-8, IFN-γ, soluble receptors of TNF-α; white cell count; plasma levels of oxidant and antioxidant markers; 6-min walking distance (6MWD); peak oxygen uptake (V̇o2peak); handgrip strength; quality of life; timed 5-chair sit-to-stand (5STS); and timed get-up and go test (TUG). After WBVT, patients from IG showed a significant increase in the 6MWD, V̇o2peak, and handgrip strength ( P < 0.05). Furthermore, patients from the IG reached minimal clinically important difference regarding quality of life. No significant differences were found in 5STS, TUG, inflammatory-oxidative biomarkers, and white cell count in the IG. The CG did not show significant improvement in all assessments ( P > 0.05). Taken together, our results demonstrated that the WBVT induced clinically significant benefits regarding exercise capacity, muscle strength, and quality of life in patients with COPD that were not related to inflammatory-oxidative biomarker changes. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Whole body vibration training is a new option for nonpharmacological treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study showed the potential of this training to improve exercise capacity, quality of life, and muscle strength in patients with COPD. Furthermore, to our knowledge this was the first study showing that vibration exercise does not modify the plasma levels of inflammatory-oxidative biomarkers, suggesting that the beneficial effects on physical measures and quality of life are independent of changes in biomarkers.
Abundance of ClC-1 chloride channel in human skeletal muscle: fiber type specific differences and effect of training
Authors: Thomassen Martin , Hostrup Morten , Murphy Robyn M. , Cromer Brett A. , Skovgaard Casper , Gunnarsson Thomas P. , Christensen Peter M. , Bangsbo Jens 
Published: May 2018

Cl−channel protein 1 (ClC-1) may be important for excitability and contractility in skeletal muscle, but ClC-1 abundance has not been examined in human muscle. The aim of the present study was to examine ClC-1 abundance in human skeletal muscle, including fiber type specific differences and the effect of exercise training. A commercially available antibody was tested with positive and negative control tissue, and it recognized specifically ClC-1 in the range from 100 to 150 kDa. Abundance of ClC-1 was 38% higher ( P < 0.01) in fast twitch Type IIa muscle fibers than in slow twitch Type I. Muscle ClC-1 abundance did not change with 4 wk of training consisting of 30 min cycling at 85% of maximal heart rate (HRmax) and 3 × 30-s all out sprints or during a 7-wk training period with 10–12 × 30 s uphill cycling and 4–5 × ~4 min cycling at 90%–95% of HRmax. ClC-1 abundance correlated negatively ( P < 0.01) with maximal oxygen consumption ( r = –0.552) and incremental exercise performance ( r = –0.546). In addition, trained cyclists had lower ( P < 0.01) ClC-1 abundance than lesser trained individuals. The present observations indicate that a low abundance of muscle ClC-1 may be beneficial for exercise performance, but the role of abundance and regulation of ClC-1 in skeletal muscle of humans with respect to exercise performance and trainability need to be elucidated.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Abundance of the Cl−channel protein 1 (ClC-1) chloride channel may be important for excitability and contractility in human skeletal muscle and may therefore have implications for fatigue development. In this study, we confirmed ClC-1 specificity for a commercially available antibody, and this study is first to our knowledge to determine ClC-1 protein abundance in human muscle by Western blotting. We observed that abundance of ClC-1 was higher in fast compared with slow twitch fibers and lower in trained individuals than in recreationally active.
Cheap labor: myosin fiber type expression and enzyme activity in the forelimb musculature of sloths (Pilosa: Xenarthra)
Authors: Spainhower Kyle B. , Cliffe Rebecca N. , Metz Allan K. , Barkett Ernest M. , Kiraly Paije M. , Thomas Dylan R. , Kennedy Sarah J. , Avey-Arroyo Judy A. , Butcher Michael T. 
Published: May 2018

Sloths are canopy-dwelling inhabitants of American neotropical rainforests that exhibit suspensory behaviors. These abilities require both strength and muscular endurance to hang for extended periods of time; however, the skeletal muscle mass of sloths is reduced, thus requiring modifications to muscle architecture and leverage for large joint torque. We hypothesize that intrinsic muscle properties are also modified for fatigue resistance and predict a heterogeneous expression of slow/fast myosin heavy chain (MHC) fibers that utilize oxidative metabolic pathways for economic force production. MHC fiber type distribution and energy metabolism in the forelimb muscles of three-toed ( Bradypus variegatus, n = 5) and two-toed ( Choloepus hoffmanni, n = 4) sloths were evaluated using SDS-PAGE, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme activity assays. The results partially support our hypothesis by a primary expression of the slow MHC-1 isoform as well as moderate expression of fast MHC-2A fibers, whereas few hybrid MHC-1/2A fibers were found in both species. MHC-1 fibers were larger in cross-sectional area (CSA) than MHC-2A fibers and comprised the greatest percentage of CSA in each muscle sampled. Enzyme assays showed elevated activity for the anaerobic enzymes creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase compared with low activity for aerobic markers citrate synthase and 3-hydroxyacetyl CoA dehydrogenase. These findings suggest that sloth forelimb muscles may rely heavily on rapid ATP resynthesis pathways, and lactate accumulation may be beneficial. The intrinsic properties observed match well with suspensory requirements, and these modifications may have further evolved in unison with low metabolism and slow movement patterns as means to systemically conserve energy. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Myosin heavy chain (MHC) fiber type and fiber metabolic properties were evaluated to understand the ability of sloths to remain suspended for extended periods without muscle fatigue. Broad distributions of large, slow MHC-1 fibers as well as small, fast MHC-2A fibers are expressed in sloth forelimbs, but muscle metabolism is generally not correlated with myosin fiber type or body size. Sloth muscles rely on rapid, anaerobic pathways to resist fatigue and sustain force production.
Myeloid β-Catenin Deficiency Exacerbates Atherosclerosis in Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Deficient Mice
Authors: Wang Fang , Liu Zun , Park Se-Hyung , Gwag Taesik , Lu Weiwei , Ma Murong , Sui Yipeng , Zhou Changcheng 
Published: May 2018

Objective—
The Wnt/β-catenin signaling is an ancient and evolutionarily conserved pathway that regulates essential aspects of cell differentiation, proliferation, migration and polarity. Canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling has also been implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Macrophage is one of the major cell types involved in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis, but the role of macrophage β-catenin in atherosclerosis remains elusive. This study aims to investigate the impact of β-catenin expression on macrophage functions and atherosclerosis development.

Approach and Results—

To investigate the role of macrophage canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling in atherogenesis, we generated β-catenin
Δmye
LDLR
−/−
mice (low-density lipoprotein receptor–deficient mice with myeloid-specific β-catenin deficiency). As expected, deletion of β-catenin decreased macrophage adhesion and migration properties in vitro. However, deficiency of β-catenin significantly increased atherosclerotic lesion areas in the aortic root of LDLR
−/−
(low-density lipoprotein receptor–deficient) mice without affecting the plasma lipid levels and atherosclerotic plaque composition. Mechanistic studies revealed that β-catenin can regulate activation of STAT (signal transducer and activator of transcription) pathway in macrophages, and ablation of β-catenin resulted in STAT3 downregulation and STAT1 activation, leading to elevated macrophage inflammatory responses and increased atherosclerosis.

Conclusions—
This study demonstrates a critical role of myeloid β-catenin expression in atherosclerosis by modulating macrophage inflammatory responses.
Hypoxia and Ischemia Promote a Maladaptive Platelet Phenotype
Authors: Cameron Scott J. , Mix Doran S. , Ture Sara K. , Schmidt Rachel A. , Mohan Amy , Pariser Daphne , Stoner Michael C. , Shah Punit , Chen Lijun , Zhang Hui , Field David J. , Modjeski Kristina L. , Toth Sandra , Morrell Craig N. 
Published: May 2018

Objective—
Reduced blood flow and tissue oxygen tension conditions result from thrombotic and vascular diseases such as myocardial infarction, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. It is largely assumed that while platelet activation is increased by an acute vascular event, chronic vascular inflammation, and ischemia, the platelet activation pathways and responses are not themselves changed by the disease process. We, therefore, sought to determine whether the platelet phenotype is altered by hypoxic and ischemic conditions.

Approach and Results—

In a cohort of patients with metabolic and peripheral artery disease, platelet activity was enhanced, and inhibition with oral antiplatelet agents was impaired compared with platelets from control subjects, suggesting a difference in platelet phenotype caused by the disease. Isolated murine and human platelets exposed to reduced oxygen (hypoxia chamber, 5% O
2
) had increased expression of some proteins that augment platelet activation compared with platelets in normoxic conditions (21% O
2
). Using a murine model of critical limb ischemia, platelet activity was increased even 2 weeks postsurgery compared with sham surgery mice. This effect was partly inhibited in platelet-specific ERK5 (extracellular regulated protein kinase 5) knockout mice.

Conclusions—
These findings suggest that ischemic disease changes the platelet phenotype and alters platelet agonist responses because of changes in the expression of signal transduction pathway proteins. Platelet phenotype and function should, therefore, be better characterized in ischemic and hypoxic diseases to understand the benefits and limitations of antiplatelet therapy.
Ceramide Remodeling and Risk of Cardiovascular Events and Mortality
Authors: Peterson Linda R. , Xanthakis Vanessa , Duncan Meredith S. , Gross Stefan , Friedrich Nele , Völzke Henry , Felix Stephan B. , Jiang Hui , Sidhu Rohini , Nauck Matthias , Jiang Xuntian , Ory Daniel S. , Dörr Marcus , Vasan Ramachandran S. , Schaffer Jean E. 
Published: May 2018

Background
Recent studies suggest that circulating concentrations of specific ceramide species may be associated with coronary risk and mortality. We sought to determine the relations between the most abundant plasma ceramide species of differing acyl chain lengths and the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and mortality in community‐based samples.

Methods and Results

We developed a liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry assay to quantify plasma C24:0, C22:0, and C16:0 ceramides and ratios of these very–long‐chain/long‐chain ceramides in 2642 FHS (Framingham Heart Study) participants and in 3134 SHIP (Study of Health in Pomerania) participants. Over a mean follow‐up of 6 years in
FHS
, there were 88 CHD and 90 heart failure (HF) events and 239 deaths. Over a median follow‐up time in
SHIP
of 5.75 years for CHD and HF and 8.24 years for mortality, there were 209 CHD and 146 HF events and 377 deaths. In meta‐analysis of the 2 cohorts and adjusting for standard CHD risk factors, C24:0/C16:0 ceramide ratios were inversely associated with incident CHD (hazard ratio per average SD increment, 0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.71–0.89;
P
<0.0001) and inversely associated with incident HF (hazard ratio, 0.78; 95% confidence interval, 0.61–1.00;
P
=0.046). Moreover, the C24:0/C16:0 and C22:0/C16:0 ceramide ratios were inversely associated with all‐cause mortality (C24:0/C16:0: hazard ratio, 0.60; 95% confidence interval, 0.56–0.65;
P
<0.0001; C22:0/C16:0: hazard ratio, 0.65; 95% confidence interval, 0.60–0.70;
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions
The ratio of C24:0/C16:0 ceramides in blood may be a valuable new biomarker of CHD risk, HF risk, and all‐cause mortality in the community.
Increase in Ischemic Stroke Incident Hospitalizations Among Bedouin Arabs During Ramadan Month
Authors: Zimhony Noa , Abu‐Salameh Ibrahim , Sagy Iftach , Dizitzer Yotam , Oxman Liat , Yitshak‐Sade Maayan , Novack Victor , Horev Anat , Ifergane Gal 
Published: May 2018

Background
Previous studies have not shown any significant effect on stroke incidence during Ramadan. We aimed to investigate the association between ischemic stroke incident hospitalizations and Ramadan, accounting for seasonality and temperature.

Methods and Results

This retrospective cohort study included all patients admitted with acute ischemic stroke to Soroka University Medical Center from June 2012 to June 2016. We obtained daily mean temperatures and relative humidity rates from 2 monitoring stations in South Israel. We analyzed the association between stroke incidence and Ramadan month, adjusting for weekly temperature and seasonality using Poisson regression models. We compared the first versus the last Ramadan fortnight. We performed an effect specificity analysis by assessing stroke incidence in the non‐Bedouin population. We identified 4727 cases of ischemic stroke, 564 cases of which were Bedouin Arabs. Fifty‐one cases occurred during Ramadan. Ramadan was significantly associated with an increased risk for ischemic stroke (
RR
1.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.04–2.09), mainly during the first fortnight (
RR
1.73, 95% confidence interval, 1.13–2.66) when compared with non‐Ramadan periods. Mean weekly temperatures and the summer season were not associated with stroke incidence among Bedouin Arabs (
RR
0.98; 95% confidence interval, 0.82–1.18 and
RR
0.77; confidence interval 0.56–1.06 accordingly). Such association was not observed in the non‐Bedouin population.

Conclusion
The Ramadan month, particularly in its first 2 weeks, is an independent and ethnicity specific risk factor for ischemic stroke hospitalizations among the Bedouin Arab fasting population.
long range weather forecasting—history, current status and outlook1
Authors: Namias Jerome 
Published: May 2018

Harry Wexler was a close student of developing techniques in the field of long range forecasting, and a contributor to them, realizing that improvement of long range forecasts represents one of the most important goals of meteorology. His scientifically-oriented administrative ability played a large part in enlarging the role of this subject in the United States. Indeed, one of the principal reasons he pioneered in inaugurating the World Weather Watch program was to lay a firmer foundation for long-range forecasting. I was one of many who gained benefit and stimulation from a long friendship with him, and my lecture will recall some of the instances.
First, I want to describe the nature of the long range prediction problem as seen through the eyes of a pragmatist, and to present a balanced picture of what is now possible and what may become possible in the next decade or so. One might hope that this 10-year forecast of “weather predictability” will turn out better than a 10-year forecast of the weather itself!
Next, I will speak on the history of long range forecasting over the past century, as traced through the work of inventors of synoptic, statistical and physical approaches to the problem. In spite of decades of frustration imposed by lack of adequate data, ignorance of large-scale physical processes, and the absence of intensive and large-scale effort, meteorologists working on longe range problems have made encouraging progress.
prospective applications of models to forecasting1,2
Authors: Kreitzberg Carl W. 
Published: May 2018

Effective reasoning, analysis and communication regarding natural phenomena require the use of models to render tractable the complexities of nature. This paper attempts to put into perspective the proper roles of different types of models to maximize the effectiveness of their utilization. The advances in short term forecasting envisioned for the 1970's from full implementation of new knowledge, models and technology will materialize only if the managers and researchers join in an interagency effort to provide the operational meteorologists with the education, techniques, tools and, particularly, the challenging working environment needed to fully develop man's role in forecasting. A program to meet these requirements is outlined.
The types of models discussed include: descriptive or synoptic, dynamic or analytic, numerical or physical, statistical or optimized. The uses of models discussed include: education (basic concepts), research (experimental), operations (customized). Since the operational meteorologist is responsible for the intelligent use of these types of models, he must continually update his training and properly understand the potential contributions of the models.
It is anticipated that during the 1970's routine computer models will become more refined and specialized data such as trajectories and probabilities will become more common. Highly specialized products will be available from special purpose models on a special request basis as field forecasters gain access to remote terminals. Also, forecasters will have access to specialized consultants when unusual events or unusual forecast requirements arise. Background materials will be provided to the applied meteorologists so that he may gain physical understanding from educational and research models including systematic numerical experiments. Communication advances will provide for dynamic (motion picture) displays of radar, synchronous satellite, weather map and weather forecast data.
Only if the operational forecasters do receive the necessary management and scientific support, will their jobs be challenging and attractive to highly motivated and qualified students; only then will the customers of specialized short term forecasts receive the benefits made feasible by science and technology.
the BOMEX Project
Authors: Kuettner Joachim P. , Holland Joshua 
Published: May 2018

This article, written a few days before the beginning of the field operations, summarizes the scientific and operational plans for BOMEX, the “Barbados Oceanographic Meteorological Experiment.” The basic concept of BOMEX has been described earlier by its former director, Ben Davidson (1968). His untimely death created a temporary crisis in the scientific direction of the project; however, his experiment design and his underlying thoughts have proved sound and no major changes in the layout or scientific objectives have been necessary. In the opinion of the project staff, Ben Davidson remains the man behind BOMEX. Continuity has been preserved throughout the BOMEX preparations by the Project Manager, William Barney, and his multi-agency staff.
At this time, ships, airplanes and scientists are converging on Barbados. Therefore, the plans described here are by necessity final. Only facts of life can change them.
The Coldest Places in Hawaii: The Ice-Preserving Microclimates of High-Altitude Craters and Caves on Tropical Island Volcanoes
Authors: Schörghofer Norbert , Businger Steven , Leopold Matthias 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe coldest places on the Hawaiian island chain are not on the very summits of its tallest volcanoes, Mauna Kea (19.82°N; 4,207 m) and Mauna Loa (19.48°N; 4,169 m), but within craters and caves with perennial ice. Here, we explore unique microclimates in the alpine stone deserts of two tropical island volcanoes, report new temperature extremes for Hawaii, and study the role of microclimates in the preservation of perennial ice bodies. Nocturnal cold-air pools are common in the craters and are responsible for the coldest temperature ever reported from the Hawaiian Islands (–20°C). These cold-air pools are not frequent enough to substantially affect the annual heat budget of the ground, but cold air is frequently trapped between boulders and contributes to freezing conditions in this way. Perennial ice is found beneath even warmer environments in lava tube caves. The lowest annual-mean temperature (–0.7°C) was measured at the distal end of a spectacular ice cave on Mauna Loa, where the outside air temperature averages +8°C. In the current climate, the outside temperature rarely falls below freezing, so the air’s sensible heat cannot contribute to freezing conditions. Considering the effect of recent climate warming and the buoyancy of humid air, cold air that flowed down the lava tubes in winter nights, combined with sublimation cooling, is still a plausible explanation for the perennial ice ponds found there.
The usefulness of a trans-illuminated introducer during the Nuss procedure
Authors: Song In-Hag , Lee Seung Jin , Lee Seock Yeol 
Published: May 2018

Background There has been an increase in the number of patients undergoing the Nuss procedure for cosmetic purposes, thus increasing the need for safer surgery. However, there are reports of massive hemorrhage and organ damage during the Nuss procedure which involves dissection of the anterior mediastinum. We have developed the trans-illuminated introducer that allows safe surgery while maintaining a small surgical incision of less than 1 cm. Methods This study was a retrospective review of 306 patients aged 3–40 years who underwent the Nuss procedure using the trans-illuminated introducer at our hospital between April 2006 and December 2014. Results There were 29 (9.5%) early postoperative complications. The most common early complication was pneumothorax (15 cases, 4.9%). Five (1.6%) patients developed hemothorax in the early postoperative period, which occurred independently of the dissection process of the anterior mediastinum. None of these patients required reoperation or blood transfusion. There were no complications caused by the introducer during dissection of the anterior mediastinum. Conclusions Using the trans-illuminated introducer, we were able to dissect the anterior mediastinum without a major complication, such as massive hemorrhage from the mediastinum, while maintaining a small surgical incision for cosmetic purposes. Therefore, we consider that the trans-illuminated introducer is useful for improving the outcome of the Nuss procedure.