bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
α9‐containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and the modulation of pain
Authors: Hone Arik J , Servent Denis , McIntosh J Michael 
Published: June 2017

Neuropathic pain is a complex and debilitating syndrome for which there are few effective pharmacological treatments. Opioid‐based medications are initially effective for acute pain, but tolerance to their analgesic effects quickly develops, and long‐term use often leads to physical dependence and addiction. Furthermore, neuropathic pain is generally resistant to non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs. Other classes of medications including antidepressants, antiepileptics and voltage‐gated calcium channel inhibitors are only partially effective in most patients, may be associated with significant side effects and have few disease‐modifying effects on the underlying pathology. Medications that act through new mechanisms of action, and particularly ones that have disease‐modifying properties, would be highly desirable. In the last decade, a potential new target for the treatment of neuropathic pain has emerged: the α9‐containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). Recent studies indicate that antagonists of α9‐containing nAChRs are analgesic in animal models of neuropathic pain. These nerve injury models include chronic constriction injury, partial sciatic nerve ligation, streptozotocin‐induced diabetic neuropathy and chemotherapeutic‐induced neuropathy. This review details the history and state of the field regarding the role that α9‐containing nAChRs may play in neuropathic pain. An alternative hypothesis that α‐conotoxins exert their therapeutic effect through blocking N‐type calcium channels via activation of GABAB receptors is also reviewed. Understanding how antagonists of α9‐containing nAChRs exert their therapeutic effects may ultimately result in the development of medications that not only treat but also prevent the development of neuropathic pain states.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.11/issuetoc
Super‐Resolution of Point Set Surfaces Using Local Similarities
Authors: Hamdi‐Cherif Azzouz , Digne Julie , Chaine Raphaëlle 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThree‐dimensional scanners provide a virtual representation of object surfaces at some given precision that depends on many factors such as the object material, the quality of the laser ray or the resolution of the camera. This precision may even vary over the surface, depending, for example, on the distance to the scanner which results in uneven and unstructured point sets, with an uncertainty on the coordinates. To enhance the quality of the scanner output, one usually resorts to local surface interpolation between measured points. However, object surfaces often exhibit interesting statistical features such as repetitive geometric textures. Building on this property, we propose a new approach for surface super‐resolution that detects repetitive patterns or self‐similarities and exploits them to improve the scan resolution by aggregating scattered measures. In contrast with other surface super‐resolution methods, our algorithm has two important advantages. First, when handling multiple scans, it does not rely on surface registration. Second, it is able to produce super‐resolution from even a single scan. These features are made possible by a new local shape description able to capture differential properties of order above 2. By comparing those descriptors, similarities are detected and used to generate a high‐resolution surface. Our results show a clear resolution gain over state‐of‐the‐art interpolation methods.
Scheduled meal accelerates entrainment to a 6‐h phase advance by shifting central and peripheral oscillations in rats
Authors: Ubaldo‐Reyes L.M. , Buijs R.M. , Escobar C. , Ángeles‐Castellanos M. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractTravelling across several time zones requires a fast adjustment of the circadian system and the differential adjustment speeds of organs and systems results in what is commonly referred as jet lag. During this transitory state of circadian disruption, individuals feel discomfort, appetite loss, fatigue, disturbed sleep and deficient performance of multiple tasks. We have demonstrated that after a 6‐h phase advance of the light–dark cycle (LD) scheduled food in phase with the new night onset can speed up re‐entrainment. In this study, we explored the possible mechanisms underlying the fast re‐entrainment due to the feeding schedule. We focused on first‐ and second‐order structures that provide metabolic information to the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). We compared (i) control rats without change in LD cycle; (ii) rats exposed to a 6‐h phase advance of the LD cycle with food ad libitum; and (iii) rats exposed to the 6‐h phase advance combined with food access in phase with the new night. We found an immediate synchronizing effect of food on stomach distention and on c‐Fos expression in the nucleus of the solitary tract, arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus, dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus and paraventricular nucleus. These observations indicate that in a model of jet lag, scheduled feeding can favour an immediate shift in first‐ and second‐order relays to the SCN and that by keeping feeding schedules coupled to the new night, a fast re‐entrainment may be achieved by shifting peripheral and extra‐SCN oscillations.
Pitfalls of Downside Performance Measures with Arbitrary Targets
Authors: Hoechner Benedikt , Reichling Peter , Schulze Gordon 
Published: June 2017

AbstractDownside performance measures relate above target returns with lower partial moments. They were developed to resolve restrictive assumptions of the classical Sharpe ratio. While the Sharpe ratio evaluates whether portfolios of a mutual fund and the risk‐free asset dominate passive portfolios of the benchmark and the risk‐free asset, this characteristic cannot be transferred to downside performance measures with arbitrary targets. We show that downside performance measures assign different values to passive benchmark strategies if the target differs from the risk‐free rate. This effect can lead to reverse rankings of financial assets. Therefore, downside performance measures are only applicable in asset management if the target is set equal to the risk‐free rate.
Functional and structural effects of layer periodicity in chemical solution‐deposited Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 thin films
Authors: Brewer Steven J. , Williams Samuel C. , Deng Carmen Z. , Naden Aaron B. , Neumayer Sabine M. , Rodriguez Brian J. , Kumar Amit , Bassiri‐Gharb Nazanin 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThis work investigates the role of crystallization layers’ periodicity and thickness on functional response in chemical solution‐deposited lead zirconate titanate thin films, with periodic, alternating Zr and Ti gradients normal to the surface of the film. The films were processed with a range of layer periodicities and similar total film thickness, in order to relate the number of layers and compositional oscillations to structural and functional response changes. Trends of increased extrinsic contributions to the dielectric and ferroelectric responses are observed with increasing layer periodicity, but are counterpointed by simultaneous reduction in intrinsic contributions to the same. Transmission electron microscopy reveals in‐plane crystallographic discontinuity at individual crystallization interfaces. Samples with smaller periodicity, and thus thinner layers, potentially suffer from grain size refinement and subsequent reduction in domain size, thereby limiting extrinsic contributions to the response. The strong compositional oscillations in samples with larger periodicity result in deep fluctuations to the tetragonal side of the phase diagram, potentially reducing intrinsic contributions to the response. Conversely, piezoresponse force microscopy results suggest that large chemical oscillations in samples with larger periodicity also result in closer proximity to the morphotropic phase boundary, as evidenced by local acoustic softening at switching, signaling potential field‐induced phase transitions.
Cost‐of‐illness of patients with lymphoedema
Authors: Gutknecht M. , Herberger K. , Klose K. , Purwins S. , Dietz D. , Blome C. , Augustin M. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackgroundChronic lymphoedema is characterized by a continuous need for medical treatment, many comorbidities and impaired quality of life. In Germany, about 4.5 million patients are affected by lymphoedema. Thus, lymphoedema causes high direct and indirect costs, even more in case of complications such as erysipelas and ulcers.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the costs of illness of community lymphoedema patients living in the metropolitan area of Hamburg, Germany.MethodsAn observational cross‐sectional study in patients with lymphoedema and combined lipolymphoedema of any origin was performed analysing direct and indirect costs for the patients, the statutory health insurance and society.ResultsIn total, 348 patients (90.8% female) were examined and interviewed. The mean age of the patients was 57.3 ± 14.5 years. On average, the total costs per patient and year were € 5784, of which € 4445 (76.9%) were direct costs and € 1338 indirect costs. Within the direct medical costs, € 3796 were accounted for the statutory health insurances and € 649 for the patient. The main cost drivers were costs for manual decongestive therapy and disability costs.ConclusionChronic lymphoedema is associated with high direct and indirect costs. This community‐based study is the first cost analysis of chronic lymphoedema and combined lipolymphoedema giving insights to economic impact of lymphoedema treatment. There is a high need for structured disease management programs in order to diagnose and treat lymphoedema early and to avoid complications, thus limiting socio‐economic burden.
A follow‐up study of selected biomarkers of health in cod Gadus morhua L. collected from the southern Baltic off the Polish coast
Authors: Borucinska J D , Morka D , Grabowski Z , Smith H 
Published: June 2017

AbstractSelected biomarkers of health were examined in 50 post‐spawning cod Gadus morhua collected in November 2015 from the southern Baltic. The biomarkers included condition factor (CF), macroscopic lesions, histopathology of spleen, liver and gonads, and morphometry of follicular atresia and hepatic and splenic melanomacrophage cells (MMC). All fish appeared in good body condition. One fish had a dermal ulcer, and in seven, macroscopic nematodes were noted within body cavity. Microscopic lesions in the liver included biliary myxozoanosis, microsporidial and necrocentric granulomas, parasitic hepatitis, multifocal necrosis, foci of cellular alterations, spongiosis, peliosis and cytoplasmic fibrillar inclusions. The spleen and gonads had microsporidial and/or necrocentric granulomas. Some of the biomarkers showed differences as compared to spawning cod collected in May from the same location in 2012, most importantly values an order of magnitude lower for splenic MMC in post‐spawning fish. In post‐spawning fish, there were statistically significant correlations between MMC, CF, follicular atresia, parasitic hepatitis and microsporidiosis. This is the first comparison of biomarkers of health in post‐spawning and spawning Baltic cod. Future studies need to examine the relationships of biomarkers to levels of pollutants in the environment and in tissues of cod.
Effects of phylogeny and locomotor style on the allometry of body mass and pelvic dimensions in birds
Authors: Anten‐Houston Matthew V. , Ruta Marcello , Deeming D. Charles 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe pelvic girdle provides physical support and attachment for the hind limb musculature. In birds there is variability in pelvic morphology across different orders and this has been used as evidence for various types of locomotion. However, the morphological variation of pelvic bones has yet to be studied systematically in birds. Therefore, we investigated basic allometric relationships among female body mass (as a size proxy) and various pelvic measurements in a phylogenetic context. We also examined in detail the inter‐relationships among various pelvic measurements. Also considered were the effects of broader taxonomic relationships at the level of order, with further examination of the influence of style of terrestrial locomotion on the allometric relationships. Positive relationships were initially found among all pelvic linear measurements and female body mass (FBM). The relationships among measures of pelvic width and FBM were isometric, whereas those between pelvic length and FBM showed positive allometry. Also, FBM explained more of the variance in pelvic length than in width. Similarly, the angle of the pelvis had a significant negative relationship, but FBM only explained a very low proportion of the variation in pelvic angles. In general terms, ancova showed that the effect of FBM was smaller than the effect of locomotor style in this species set. Both the synsacrum and pelvic girdle play roles in weight support and therefore scale in proportion to body weight accordingly. All three parts of the pelvis (ilium, ischium and pubis) are attached around the acetabulum and also provide muscle attachment points, so it might be expected for them to scale in a similar manner. Increased angulation of the pelvis is linked to orders which employ their hind limbs in feeding, perching and running, although FBM also explains a very low proportion of the variation in pelvic angle. Muscle attachment and the confines on morphology presented by locomotion explain much of the variation exhibited by the relationships among pelvic measurements.
Estimate of vertical transmission of Hepatitis C virus in Pakistan in 2007 and 2012 birth cohorts
Authors: Benova Lenka , Awad Susanne Faissal , Abu‐Raddad Laith Jamal 
Published: June 2017

SummaryDespite a combination of high Hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence, a large adult population and high fertility, no published estimates of the scale and contribution of vertical transmission to HCV incidence in Pakistan exist. The objective of this study was to estimate the number of new HCV infections occurring in Pakistan as a result of vertical transmission. We adapted a published mathematical model based on HCV antibody and viraemia prevalence, fertility rates, risk of HCV vertical transmission and children mortality rates to estimate the number of infections in the 2007 and 2012 birth cohorts nationally and in four subnational regions. We estimated that 19 708 (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 15 941‐23 819) children were vertically infected by HCV in 2007 and 21 676 (95% UI: 17 498‐26 126) in 2012. The majority of these cases (72.9% and 72.5% in 2007 and 2012, respectively) occurred in Punjab. We estimated that vertical transmission as a mode of exposure accounted for a quarter of HCV infections among children under 5 years of age (25.2% in 2007 and 24.0% in 2012). Conclusion: Our results showed that one in 260 children born in Pakistan in 2007 and 2012 acquired HCV vertically. While currently no interventions during pregnancy and childbirth are recommended to reduce this risk, prevention, testing and treatment strategies should be considered to reduce the burden of vertical HCV infections among young children. Other routes of transmission appear to contribute the majority of HCV infections among children and must also be clarified and urgently addressed.
The Effect of Geographic Location on Circannual Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Plasma Concentrations in Horses in Australia
Authors: Secombe C.J. , Tan R.H.H. , Perara D.I. , Byrne D.P. , Watts S.P. , Wearn J.G. 
Published: June 2017

BackgroundLongitudinal evaluation of plasma endogenousACTHconcentration in clinically normal horses has not been investigated in the Southern Hemisphere.ObjectivesTo longitudinally determine monthly upper reference limits for plasmaACTHin 2 disparate Australian geographic locations and to examine whether location affected the circannual rhythm of endogenousACTHin the 2 groups of horses over a 12‐month period.AnimalsClinically normal horses <20 years of age from 4 properties (institutional herd and client owned animals) in Perth (n = 40) and Townsville (n = 41) were included in the study.MethodsA prospective longitudinal descriptive study to determine the upper reference limit and confidence intervals for plasmaACTHin each geographic location using theASVCPreference interval (RI) guidelines, for individual months and monthly groupings for 12 consecutive months.ResultsPlasma endogenousACTHconcentrations demonstrated a circannual rhythm. The increase in endogenousACTHwas not confined to the autumnal months but was associated with changes in photoperiod. During the quiescent period, plasmaACTHconcentrations were lower, ≤43 pg/mL (upper limit of the 90% confidence interval (CI)) in horses from Perth and ≤67 pg/mL (upper limit of the 90%CI) in horses from Townsville, than at the acrophase, ≤94 pg/mL (upper limit of the 90%CI) in horses from Perth, ≤101 pg/mL (upper limit of the 90%CI) in horses from Townsville.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceCircannual rhythms of endogenousACTHconcentrations vary between geographic locations, this could be due to changes in photoperiod or other unknown factors, and upper reference limits should be determined for specific locations.
Geochemical and oxygen isotope perspective of a new R chondrite Dhofar 1671: Affinity with ordinary chondrites
Authors: Ali Arshad , Nasir Sobhi J. , Jabeen Iffat , Al Rawas Ahmed , Banerjee Neil R. , Osinski Gordon R. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractDhofar 1671 is a relatively new meteorite that previous studies suggest belongs to the Rumuruti chondrite class. Major and REE compositions are generally in agreement with average values of the R chondrites (RCs). Moderately volatile elements such as Se and Zn abundances are lower than the R chondrite values that are similar to those in ordinary chondrites (OCs). Porphyritic olivine pyroxene (POP), radial pyroxene (RP), and barred olivine (BO) chondrules are embedded in a proportionately equal volume of matrix, one of the characteristic features of RCs. Microprobe analyses demonstrate compositional zoning in chondrule and matrix olivines showing Fa‐poor interior and Fa‐rich outer zones. Precise oxygen isotope data for chondrules and matrix obtained by laser‐assisted fluorination show a genetic isotopic relationship between OCs and RCs. On the basis of our data, we propose a strong affinity between these groups and suggest that OC chondrule precursors could have interacted with a 17O‐rich matrix to form RC chondrules (i.e., ∆17O shifts from ~1‰ to ~3‰). These interactions could have occurred at the same time as “exotic” clasts in brecciated samples formed such as NWA 10214 (LL3–6), Parnallee (LL3), PCA91241 (R3.8–6), and Dhofar 1671 (R3.6). We also infer that the source of the oxidation and 17O enrichment is the matrix, which may have been enriched in 17O‐rich water. The abundance of matrix in RCs relative to OCs, ensured that these rocks would be apparently more oxidized and appreciably 17O‐enriched. In situ analysis of Dhofar 1671 is recommended to further strengthen the link between OCs and RCs.
Food allergy response capabilities of mothers and related factors
Authors: Aika Satoko , Ito Misae , Yamamoto Yachiyo 
Published: June 2017

AbstractA parent's ability to confidently manage a child's food allergy (i.e. food allergy response capability) is considered instrumental toward treating this disorder; however, little is known regarding this measure and associated factors. A questionnaire survey among 280 qualified participants identified the greatest food allergy response capability as “spousal collaboration”, followed by “elimination diet capacity”, “gathering information from medical professionals”, “knowledge about food allergies”, and “stress coping”. These capabilities were associated with maternal and household health status, food items eliminated and their number, anaphylaxis experience, and type of medical facility used. This measure represented a predictor of maternal quality of life and health status, household health status, and overall life stress (not related to childrearing). Thus, to improve food allergy response capability, multidisciplinary cooperation and support are required from professionals, such as physicians, nurses, nutritionists, and clinical psychologists. Nurses in particular must take an interest in the situations these mothers face and in their emotions; elicit their power to cope with stress; provide knowledge about food allergies; provide individualized, specific information about elimination diets; and conduct interventions to enable spousal cooperation.
Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation in osteoarthritis: can NRF2 counteract these partners in crime?
Authors: Marchev Andrey S. , Dimitrova Petya A. , Burns Andrew J. , Kostov Rumen V. , Dinkova‐Kostova Albena T. , Georgiev Milen I. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractOsteoarthritis (OA) is an age‐related joint degenerative disease associated with pain, joint deformity, and disability. The disease starts with cartilage damage but then progressively involves subchondral bone, causing an imbalance between osteoclast‐driven bone resorption and osteoblast‐driven remodeling. Here, we summarize the data for the role of oxidative stress and inflammation in OA pathology and discuss how these two processes are integrated during OA progression, as well as their contribution to abnormalities in cartilage/bone metabolism and integrity. At the cellular level, oxidative stress and inflammation are counteracted by transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid p45–related factor 2 (NRF2), and we describe the regulation of NRF2, highlighting its role in OA pathology. We also discuss the beneficial effect of some phytonutrients, including the therapeutic potential of NRF2 activation, in OA.
Centre‐level variation in dental treatment and oral health and individual‐ and area‐level predictors of oral health in 5‐year‐old children with non‐syndromic unilateral cleft lip and palate: the Cleft Care UK study. Part 3
Authors: Smallridge J. , Wills A. K. , Mahmoud O. , Chong A. , Clark V. , Collard M. , Sandy J. R. , Ness A. R. 
Published: June 2017

Structured AbstractObjectivesTo explore centre‐level variation in fluoride treatment and oral health outcomes and to examine the association of individual‐ and area‐level risk factors with dental decay in Cleft Care UK (CCUK).SettingTwo hundred and sixty‐eight 5‐year‐old British children with non‐syndromic unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP).Materials and MethodsData on caries and developmental defects of enamel (DDE) were collected. The child's history of fluoride ingestion and postcode was used to assess exposure to fluoridated water. Centre‐level variation in fluoride exposure and caries was examined using hierarchical regression. Poisson regression was used to estimate the association between individual‐ and area‐level fluoride exposures and outcome.ResultsChildren had high levels of caries, rampant caries and DDE. There was no evidence of variation between centres in the number of children with caries or rampant decay. There was evidence of variation in prescription of fluoride tablets and varnish and the type of toothpaste used. Area level of deprivation was associated with a higher risk of dental caries—risk ratio (RR) in the lowest quartile versus the rest was 1.43 (95% CI 1.13 to 1.81). Use of fluoride tablets and varnish was associated with higher risk of caries—RR 1.73 (95% CI 1.29 to 2.32) and RR 1.33 (95% CI 1.04 to 1.70), respectively, adjusted for age, sex and deprivation.ConclusionThe association with use of fluoride tablets and varnish probably reflects reverse causality but indicates the need for early preventative interventions in children with UCLP.