bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment with the mitochondrial‐targeted antioxidant peptide SS‐31 rescues neurovascular coupling responses and cerebrovascular endothelial function and improves cognition in aged mice
Authors: Tarantini Stefano , Valcarcel‐Ares Noa M. , Yabluchanskiy Andriy , Fulop Gabor A. , Hertelendy Peter , Gautam Tripti , Farkas Eszter , Perz Aleksandra , Rabinovitch Peter S. , Sonntag William E. , Csiszar Anna , Ungvari Zoltan 
Published: February 2018

SummaryMoment‐to‐moment adjustment of cerebral blood flow (CBF) via neurovascular coupling has an essential role in maintenance of healthy cognitive function. In advanced age, increased oxidative stress and cerebromicrovascular endothelial dysfunction impair neurovascular coupling, likely contributing to age‐related decline of higher cortical functions. There is increasing evidence showing that mitochondrial oxidative stress plays a critical role in a range of age‐related cellular impairments, but its role in neurovascular uncoupling remains unexplored. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that attenuation of mitochondrial oxidative stress may exert beneficial effects on neurovascular coupling responses in aging. To test this hypothesis, 24‐month‐old C57BL/6 mice were treated with a cell‐permeable, mitochondria‐targeted antioxidant peptide (SS‐31; 10 mg kg−1 day−1, i.p.) or vehicle for 2 weeks. Neurovascular coupling was assessed by measuring CBF responses (laser speckle contrast imaging) evoked by contralateral whisker stimulation. We found that neurovascular coupling responses were significantly impaired in aged mice. Treatment with SS–31 significantly improved neurovascular coupling responses by increasing NO‐mediated cerebromicrovascular dilation, which was associated with significantly improved spatial working memory, motor skill learning, and gait coordination. These findings are paralleled by the protective effects of SS–31 on mitochondrial production of reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial respiration in cultured cerebromicrovascular endothelial cells derived from aged animals. Thus, mitochondrial oxidative stress contributes to age‐related cerebromicrovascular dysfunction, exacerbating cognitive decline. We propose that mitochondria‐targeted antioxidants may be considered for pharmacological microvascular protection for the prevention/treatment of age‐related vascular cognitive impairment (VCI).
Activation of amylin receptors attenuates alcohol‐mediated behaviours in rodents
Authors: Kalafateli Aimilia Lydia , Vallöf Daniel , Jerlhag Elisabet 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAlcohol expresses its reinforcing properties by activating areas of the mesolimbic dopamine system, which consists of dopaminergic neurons projecting from the ventral tegmental area to the nucleus accumbens. The findings that reward induced by food and addictive drugs involve common mechanisms raise the possibility that gut–brain hormones, which control appetite, such as amylin, could be involved in reward regulation. Amylin decreases food intake, and despite its implication in the regulation of natural rewards, tenuous evidence support amylinergic mediation of artificial rewards, such as alcohol. Therefore, the present experiments were designed to investigate the effect of salmon calcitonin (sCT), an amylin receptor agonist and analogue of endogenous amylin, on various alcohol‐related behaviours in rodents. We showed that acute sCT administration attenuated the established effects of alcohol on the mesolimbic dopamine system, particularly alcohol‐induced locomotor stimulation and accumbal dopamine release. Using the conditioned place preference model, we demonstrated that repeated sCT administration prevented the expression of alcohol's rewarding properties and that acute sCT administration blocked the reward‐dependent memory consolidation. In addition, sCT pre‐treatment attenuated alcohol intake in low alcohol‐consuming rats, with a more evident decrease in high alcohol consumers in the intermittent alcohol access model. Lastly, sCT did not alter peanut butter intake, blood alcohol concentration and plasma corticosterone levels in mice. Taken together, the present data support that amylin signalling is involved in the expression of alcohol reinforcement and that amylin receptor agonists could be considered for the treatment of alcohol use disorder in humans.
Role of IL‐13Rα2 in modulating IL‐13‐induced MUC5AC and ciliary changes in healthy and CRSwNP mucosa
Authors: Liu J. , Li Y. Y. , Andiappan A. K. , Yan Y. , Tan K. S. , Ong H. H. , Thong K. T. , Ong Y. K. , Yu F. G. , Low H. B. , Zhang Y. L. , Shi L. , Wang D. Y. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe IL‐13 receptor α2 (IL‐13Rα2) is a receptor for IL‐13 which has conflicting roles in mediating IL‐13 responses in the lower airway, with little known about its impact on upper airway diseases. We sought to investigate the expression of IL‐13 receptors, IL‐13Rα1 and IL‐13Rα2, in chronically inflamed nasal epithelium, and explore IL‐13‐induced signaling pathways in an in vitro model of human nasal epithelial cells (hNECs).MethodsThe protein and mRNA expression levels of IL‐13 and its receptors in nasal biopsies of patients with nasal polyps (NP) and healthy controls were evaluated. We investigated goblet cell stimulation with mucus hypersecretion induced by IL‐13 (10 ng/mL, 72 hours) treatment in hNECs using a pseudostratified epithelium in air‐liquid interface (ALI) culture.ResultsThere were significant increases in IL‐13, IL‐13Rα1, and IL‐13Rα2 mRNA and protein levels in NP epithelium with healthy controls as baseline. MUC5AC mRNA positively correlated with IL‐13Rα2 (r = .5886, P = .002) but not with IL‐13Rα1 in primary hNECs. IL‐13 treatment resulted in a significant increase in mRNA and protein levels of IL‐13Rα2 only in hNECs. IL‐13 treatment induced an activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERK)1/2 and an upregulation of C‐JUN, where the IL‐13‐induced effects on hNECs could be attenuated by ERK1/2 inhibitor (50 μmol/L) or dexamethasone (10−4‐10−7 mol/L) treatment.ConclusionsIL‐13Rα2 has a potential role in IL‐13‐induced MUC5AC and ciliary changes through ERK1/2 signal pathway in the nasal epithelium. IL‐13Rα2 may contribute to airway inflammation and aberrant remodeling which are the main pathological features of CRSwNP.
The role of breastfeeding in the association between maternal and infant cortisol attunement in the first postpartum year
Authors: Jonas Wibke , Bisceglia Rossana , Meaney Michael J. , Dudin Aya , Fleming Alison S. , Steiner Meir ,   the MAVAN Research Team
Published: February 2018

AbstractAimTo explore the role of breastfeeding as a possible link between maternal and infant cortisol attunement across the first postpartum year.MethodsMothers (n = 93) provided salivary samples for cortisol levels over a two‐day period during mid‐pregnancy and at three, six and 12 months and infants at six and 12 months postpartum. Breastfeeding status was established at these same time points.ResultsAmong breastfeeding mothers, positive correlations were found between maternal cortisol levels during pregnancy and at three months postpartum and infant cortisol at six or 12 months postpartum. Among nonbreastfeeding mothers, these same maternal and infant cortisol relations were inverse and less pronounced. Further, in breastfeeding mothers, the relationship between maternal prenatal cortisol and infant cortisol at 12 months was mediated through maternal cortisol at three months postpartum.ConclusionThese results suggest that maternal cortisol levels are positively associated with cortisol levels of the infant, among mothers who breastfeed. This relationship persists over a one‐year period.
Exploring the perspectives of 10‐, 11‐, and 12‐year‐old primary school students on physical activity engagement—“'Cause you can't just be sitting at a desk all the time!”
Authors: Harvey J. , Pearson E. S. , Sanzo P. , Lennon A. E. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundResearch indicates that 91% of Canadian children are not engaging in enough physical activity (PA) to achieve health benefits. Physical education (PE) classes have been identified as a way to improve child health by facilitating engagement in movement‐based activities. The daily physical activity (DPA) initiative was created with similar intentions and requires that students participate in at least 20 min of PA daily via PE classes and/or during instructional time for other subjects. Despite recommendations that 150 min of exercise/play be incurred weekly through either avenue, nearly half of Canadian schools fail to achieve this goal. The disconnect between PA‐related school policies and low reported participation rates suggests that additional research is warranted. The purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of primary students regarding the facilitators, barriers, and recommendations for PA engagement at their schools.MethodsResearchers conducted nine group interviews with 53 children aged 10–12, representing six primary schools in Northwestern Ontario using a semi‐structured interview format. Sessions were analysed using inductive content analysis.ResultsParticipants discussed several facilitators of PA including enjoying activities (alleviating boredom and participating with others), accomplishment (skill building and enhanced self‐image), and benefits in the classroom (thinking clearly and enhanced readiness to learn). Barriers to PA participation included school rules and culture (PA/PE restrictions, heavy workload, and “no work, no PA”), personal struggles (physical challenges and varied skill levels), and technology (being addictive and a replacement for being active). Recommendations for enhancing engagement that were outlined by the children centred around PE and daily physical activity (increase opportunities and involve students in planning/delivery) and recess‐based themes (decrease focus on safety and make equipment more available).ConclusionThese student perspectives and related recommendations may be beneficial for administrators and teachers in similar contexts who are seeking to enhance PA engagement among students with the goal of improving child health.
The Collateralization of Social Policy under Financialized Capitalism
Authors: Lavinas Lena 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTThis article examines how financialized capitalism has radically subverted the role and logic of social policy, provoking a sea change in the realm of social welfare, particularly in the global South, and breaking with previous frameworks which were grounded in principles of redistribution. In the process, new blueprints have emerged which raise concerns: re‐commodification has replaced de‐commodification; and debt, through financial inclusion, now serves as an alternative to exclusion. Drawing on the Brazilian case, the author scrutinizes the social protection paradigm that tends to prevail in the developing world in the 21stcentury, based on microfinance, conditional cash transfers, basic pensions and social floors. The author's assumption is that we are witnessing the collateralization of social policy: credit and debt, along with new financial devices, are becoming the cornerstones of what used to be social protection systems, so as to respond to the needs of finance‐dominated capitalism. As a result, economic insecurity is likely to increase, accentuating inequality trends and exacerbating vulnerability.
The effectiveness of the Pathways and Resources for Engagement and Participation (PREP) intervention: improving participation of adolescents with physical disabilities
Authors: Anaby Dana R , Law Mary , Feldman Debbie , Majnemer Annette , Avery Lisa 
Published: February 2018

AimThis study examined the effectiveness of the Pathways and Resources for Engagement and Participation (PREP) intervention in improving the participation of adolescents in community‐based activities.MethodTwenty‐eight adolescents (14 males, 14 females), aged 12 to 18 years (mean 14y 6mo, SD 21.6mo) with moderate physical disabilities participated in a 12‐week PREP intervention. An interrupted time series design with multiple baselines was employed, replicating the intervention effect across three chosen activities and all participants. An occupational therapist worked individually with adolescents and parents to identify and implement strategies to remove environmental barriers that impede participation in selected activities. Activity performance was repeatedly measured using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) at baseline, intervention, and follow‐up (20wks). For each activity, the trajectory representing change in performance was analyzed descriptively. Segmented regression combined with a mixed‐effects modeling approach was used to statistically estimate the overall effectiveness of the intervention within and across 79 activities.ResultsA statistically significant improvement (B=2.08, p<0.001) was observed across all activities, 59 per cent of which also indicated a clinically significant change of more than 2 points on the COPM scale. Levels of performance were maintained during follow‐up with an additional increase of 0.66 points on the COPM scale (t=3.04, p=0.004). Intervention was most effective for males and those with a higher number of functional issues.InterpretationFindings illustrate that participation can be improved by changing the environment only. Such evidence further supports emerging therapeutic approaches that are activity‐based, goal‐oriented, and ecological in nature.What this paper adds

Environment‐based intervention strategies, guided by the Pathways and Resources for Engagement and Participation, are effective in improving and maintaining adolescent participation.

Intervention was most effective for males and those with a higher number of functional issues.

The study design serves as an example for future pragmatic studies accounting for individual‐based changes and contexts.
Rationale and protocol of the Study Of diabetic Nephropathy with AtRasentan (SONAR) trial: A clinical trial design novel to diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Heerspink Hiddo J. L. , Andress Dennis L. , Bakris George , Brennan John J. , Correa‐Rotter Ricardo , Dey Jyotirmoy , Hou Fan Fan , Kitzman Dalane W. , Kohan Donald , Makino Hirofumi , McMurray John , Perkovic Vlado , Tobe Sheldon , Wigderson Melissa , Parving Hans‐Henrik , de Zeeuw Dick 
Published: February 2018

AimsIndividuals with diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at high risk for renal events. Recent trials of novel treatments have been negative, possibly because of variability in response to treatment of the target risk factor. Atrasentan is a selective endothelin A receptor antagonist that reduces urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (UACR), with a large variability between patients. We are assessing its effect on renal outcomes in the Study Of diabetic Nephropathy with AtRasentan (SONAR; NCT01858532) with an enrichment design (>30% lowering of albuminuria) to select patients most likely to benefit.Materials and MethodsSONAR is a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial with approximately 3500 participants who have stage 2–4 CKD and macroalbuminuria and are receiving a maximum tolerated dose of a renin‐angiotensin system inhibitor.ResultsAfter 6 weeks of exposure to atrasentan 0.75 mg once daily (enrichment period), participants with ≥30% UACR decrease and no tolerability issues (responders) were randomly assigned to placebo or atrasentan 0.75 mg/day. The responder group will be used for primary efficacy and safety analyses. Approximately 1000 participants with <30% UACR reduction (non‐responders) were also randomized to placebo or atrasentan. The primary endpoint is a composite of a sustained doubling of serum creatinine or end‐stage renal disease. The original power calculation indicated that a total of 425 primary renal events in the responder group provides 90% power to detect a 27% reduction in relative risk (alpha level of .05).ConclusionSONAR aims to determine whether atrasentan added to guideline‐recommended therapies safely reduces the risk of CKD progression and delays the onset of end‐stage renal disease in patients with type 2 diabetes and nephropathy. SONAR also aims to establish whether the enrichment of patients based on their initial “surrogate” response to atrasentan will deliver a trial design in accord with personalized treatment of diabetic kidney disease.
Oral injuries related to Ice Hockey in the province of Alberta, Canada: Trends over the last 15 years
Authors: Rattai Jordan , Levin Liran 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackground/AimsIce hockey players of all ages experience oral and dental injuries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rates of ice hockey‐related oral injuries, time lost due to oral injury, and mechanisms of oral injuries in the province of Alberta during a 15‐year period (2001‐2016).MethodsHockey Alberta, the governing body for minor ice hockey associations across the province, collects injury report forms from injured participants in sanctioned events. Fifteen years (2001‐2016) of this database was examined for total respondents suffering oral injuries. Data on total injuries, estimated time lost, and injury mechanism were analyzed.ResultsOverall, 12 433 ice hockey‐related injuries were recorded. The oral region was the third most common body part (16% of total injuries) to be injured after the arms and legs. Oral injuries have been occurring at a relatively constant rate each year from 2001 to 2016, with a maximum of 174 and minimum of 99 reported. Oral injuries usually result in a short absence from the sport of 1 week or less and tend to occur through being struck by a stick or the hockey puck. This differs from total injuries, which tend to occur through collisions with the boards or other players.ConclusionsRates of oral injuries in Alberta due to ice hockey comprise a significant portion of the injuries that players sustain. Oral injuries occur mostly when a player is struck with a puck or stick, and the rest of the body is injured primarily through collisions. Dental practitioners can help ice hockey athletes prevent oral and dental injuries through encouraging the use of mouthguards (custom over boil and bite) and continuing to wear full‐face protection.
Introspection, mindreading, and the transparency of belief
Authors: Peters Uwe 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis paper explores the nature of self‐knowledge of beliefs by investigating the relationship between self‐knowledge of beliefs and one's knowledge of other people's beliefs. It introduces and defends a new account of self‐knowledge of beliefs according to which this type of knowledge is developmentally interconnected with and dependent on resources already used for acquiring knowledge of other people's beliefs, which is inferential in nature. But when these resources are applied to oneself, one attains and subsequently frequently uses a method for acquiring knowledge of beliefs that is non‐inferential in nature. The paper argues that this account is preferable to some of the most common empirically motivated theories of self‐knowledge of beliefs and explains the origin of the widely discussed phenomenon that our own beliefs are often transparent to us in that we can determine whether we believe that p simply by settling whether p is the case.
Effect of microstructure and crystallographic texture on the toughness anisotropy of API 5L X46 STEEL
Authors: Beltran‐Zuñiga M.A. , González‐Velázquez J.L. , Rivas‐López D.I. , Dorantes‐Rosales H.J. , Hernández‐Santiago F. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe combined effect of microstructure and crystallographic texture on the toughness anisotropy of API 5L X46 steel was studied. The steel exhibited microstructural banding along the 0° direction and near random texture in the material. The mechanical properties were characterized by the use of tensile and impact toughness samples oriented along the rolling direction (0°, 45°, and 90°). For impact toughness, anisotropic behavior was observed, where the 0° oriented samples showed lower impact toughness than the 90° and 45° directions, with differences of 25% and 31%, respectively, while the yield strength (YS) showed the lowest values in the 0° oriented samples. The relative variation coefficient (rrv) indicates significant correlation between microstructure, texture, and toughness anisotropy. It was observed that the banding degree and the amount of {110} and {111} oriented grains are directly related to the degree of anisotropy, which high values are the cause of lower mechanical properties.
Tooth loss, swallowing dysfunction and mortality in Japanese older adults receiving home care services
Authors: Furuta Michiko , Takeuchi Kenji , Adachi Munehisa , Kinoshita Toshinori , Eshima Nobuoki , Akifusa Sumio , Kikutani Takeshi , Yamashita Yoshihisa 
Published: February 2018

AimSevere tooth loss and swallowing dysfunction occur more frequently in dependent older adult populations. Poor oral health and functional status are expected to have a negative impact on general health. We examined whether mortality is related to the number of teeth and swallowing function in dependent older Japanese individuals receiving home care services.MethodsOlder adults aged ≥65 years who were receiving home care were included. The planned follow‐up period was 3 years. Baseline data on the number of teeth, swallowing function, nutritional status, cognitive ability and activities of daily living were collected.ResultsA total of 259 participants (mean age 85.0 ± 7.7 years) were enrolled. The mean length of follow up was 26.2 months. Severe tooth loss (≤9 present teeth) and swallowing dysfunction were observed in 68.0% and 32.0% of the participants, respectively. Cox's proportional hazards regression model showed that participants with both ≤9 teeth and swallowing dysfunction were at a higher risk of mortality compared with those with both ≥10 teeth and normal swallowing function (hazard ratio 2.89, 95% confidence interval 1.22–6.83). A significant interaction among severe tooth loss, swallowing dysfunction and mortality risk was observed.ConclusionsSevere tooth loss and swallowing dysfunction were associated with increased mortality. The present study suggests that the maintenance of oral health and swallowing function has a positive effect on general health. Therefore, attention should be given to both tooth loss and swallowing function in dependent older adult populations. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 873–880.