bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Select noxious stimuli induce changes on corneal nerve morphology
Authors: Hegarty Deborah M. , Hermes Sam M. , Yang Katherine , Aicher Sue A. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe surface of the cornea contains the highest density of nociceptive nerves of any tissue in the body. These nerves are responsive to a variety of modalities of noxious stimuli and can signal pain even when activated by low threshold stimulation. Injury of corneal nerves can lead to altered nerve morphology, including neuropathic changes which can be associated with chronic pain. Emerging technologies that allow imaging of corneal nerves in vivo are spawning questions regarding the relationship between corneal nerve density, morphology, and function. We tested whether noxious stimulation of the corneal surface can alter nerve morphology and neurochemistry. We used concentrations of menthol, capsaicin, and hypertonic saline that evoked comparable levels of nocifensive eye wipe behaviors when applied to the ocular surface of an awake rat. Animals were sacrificed and corneal nerves were examined using immunocytochemistry and three‐dimensional volumetric analyses. We found that menthol and capsaicin both caused a significant reduction in corneal nerve density as detected with β‐tubulin immunoreactivity 2 hr after stimulation. Hypertonic saline did not reduce nerve density, but did cause qualitative changes in nerves including enlarged varicosities that were also seen following capsaicin and menthol stimulation. All three types of noxious stimuli caused a depletion of CGRP from corneal nerves, indicating that all modalities of noxious stimuli evoked peptide release. Our findings suggest that studies aimed at understanding the relationship between corneal nerve morphology and chronic disease may also need to consider the effects of acute stimulation on corneal nerve morphology.
Expression of Kv3.1b potassium channel is widespread in macaque motor cortex pyramidal cells: A histological comparison between rat and macaque
Authors: Soares David , Goldrick Isabelle , Lemon Roger N. , Kraskov Alexander , Greensmith Linda , Kalmar Bernadett 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThere are substantial differences across species in the organization and function of the motor pathways. These differences extend to basic electrophysiological properties. Thus, in rat motor cortex, pyramidal cells have long duration action potentials, while in the macaque, some pyramidal neurons exhibit short duration “thin” spikes. These differences may be related to the expression of the fast potassium channel Kv3.1b, which in rat interneurons is associated with generation of thin spikes. Rat pyramidal cells typically lack these channels, while there are reports that they are present in macaque pyramids. Here we made a systematic, quantitative comparison of the Kv3.1b expression in sections from macaque and rat motor cortex, using two different antibodies (NeuroMab, Millipore). As our standard reference, we examined, in the same sections, Kv3.1b staining in parvalbumin‐positive interneurons, which show strong Kv3.1b immunoreactivity. In macaque motor cortex, a large sample of pyramidal neurons were nearly all found to express Kv3.1b in their soma membranes. These labeled neurons were identified as pyramidal based either by expression of SMI32 (a pyramidal marker), or by their shape and size, and lack of expression of parvalbumin (a marker for some classes of interneuron). Large (Betz cells), medium, and small pyramidal neurons all expressed Kv3.1b. In rat motor cortex, SMI32‐postive pyramidal neurons expressing Kv3.1b were very rare and weakly stained. Thus, there is a marked species difference in the immunoreactivity of Kv3.1b in pyramidal neurons, and this may be one of the factors explaining the pronounced electrophysiological differences between rat and macaque pyramidal neurons.
Credit of ecological interactions: A new conceptual framework to support conservation in a defaunated world
Authors: Genes Luísa , Cid Bruno , Fernandez Fernando A. S. , Pires Alexandra S. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAs defaunation spreads through the world, there is an urgent need for restoring ecological interactions, thus assuring ecosystem processes. Here, we define the new concept of credit of ecological interactions, as the number of interactions that can be restored in a focal area by species colonization or reintroduction. We also define rewiring time, as the time span until all the links that build the credit of ecological interactions of a focal area have become functional again. We expect that the credit will be gradually cashed following refaunation in rates that are proportional to (1) the abundance of the reintroduced species (that is expected to increase in time since release), (2) the abundance of the local species that interact with them, and (3) the traits of reintroduced species. We illustrated this approach using a theoretical model and an empirical case study where the credit of ecological interactions was estimated. This new conceptual framework is useful for setting reintroduction priorities and for evaluating the success of conservation initiatives that aim to restore ecosystem services.
Pollinator population size and pollination ecosystem service responses to enhancing floral and nesting resources
Authors: Häussler Johanna , Sahlin Ullrika , Baey Charlotte , Smith Henrik G. , Clough Yann 
Published: February 2017

AbstractModeling pollination ecosystem services requires a spatially explicit, process‐based approach because they depend on both the behavioral responses of pollinators to the amount and spatial arrangement of habitat and on the within‐ and between‐season dynamics of pollinator populations in response to land use. We describe a novel pollinator model predicting flower visitation rates by wild central‐place foragers (e.g., nesting bees) in spatially explicit landscapes. The model goes beyond existing approaches by: (1) integrating preferential use of more rewarding floral and nesting resources; (2) considering population growth over time; (3) allowing different dispersal distances for workers and reproductives; (4) providing visitation rates for use in crop pollination models. We use the model to estimate the effect of establishing grassy field margins offering nesting resources and a low quantity of flower resources, and/or late‐flowering flower strips offering no nesting resources but abundant flowers, on bumble bee populations and visitation rates to flowers in landscapes that differ in amounts of linear seminatural habitats and early mass‐flowering crops. Flower strips were three times more effective in increasing pollinator populations and visitation rates than field margins, and this effect increased over time. Late‐blooming flower strips increased early‐season visitation rates, but decreased visitation rates in other late‐season flowers. Increases in population size over time in response to flower strips and amounts of linear seminatural habitats reduced this apparent competition for pollinators. Our spatially explicit, process‐based model generates emergent patterns reflecting empirical observations, such that adding flower resources may have contrasting short‐ and long‐term effects due to apparent competition for pollinators and pollinator population size increase. It allows exploring these effects and comparing effect sizes in ways not possible with other existing models. Future applications include species comparisons, analysis of the sensitivity of predictions to life‐history traits, as well as large‐scale management intervention and policy assessment.
Stem cell registry programme for patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting: what benefits does it derive?
Authors: Nesteruk Julia , Voronina Natalia , Kundt Guenther , Donndorf Peter , Klopsch Christian , Kaminski Alexander , Duckers Henrick J. , Steinhoff Gustav 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAimsStandardization of stem cell therapy requires application of appropriate methods to evaluate safety and efficacy, including long‐term pharmacovigilance. To accomplish this objective, a long‐term registry programme was installed.Methods and resultsWe analysed 150 patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy, who received intramyocardial CD133+ bone marrow mononuclear stem cell treatment combined with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or CABG alone. The mortality rate, major adverse cerebral and cardiac events, and functional outcome parameters were evaluated for the time period up to 14 years follow‐up. As a result, we have stratified the patient population (96 patients) into responders and non‐responders. Furthermore, the analysis of relevant predictors of good response to CD133+ bone marrow mononuclear stem cell treatment was performed. Several positive tendencies related to stem cells transplantation were demonstrated. First, no significant difference in major adverse cardiovascular and cerebral events was observed between stem cell and control group up to 14 years follow‐up. Second, an improvement of left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) in stem cell group retained for 5 years in contrast with CABG‐only group, where no significant changes in LVEF after 2 years were observed. In addition, LVEF under 30% and left ventricle end diastolic diameter above 60 mm were independent predictors of functional response to CD133+ cell therapy.ConclusionsParticipants with overt heart failure benefit most from CABG combined with intramyocardial injection of CD133+ bone marrow mononuclear cell within the group. An improvement LVEF in stem cell group remained for 5 years in contrast with the CABG‐only group. The patients, in whom the improvement of both LVEF and LVED was observed, have benefited by increased life expectancy.
Including root reinforcement variability in a probabilistic 3D stability model
Authors: Cislaghi Alessio , Chiaradia Enrico Antonio , Bischetti Gian Battista 
Published: February 2017

AbstractForests play a significant role in protecting people, settlements in mountainous terrains from hydrogeomorphic hazards, including shallow landslides. Although several studies have investigated the interactions between forests and slope instabilities, a full understanding of them has not yet been obtained. Additionally, models that incorporate forest stand properties into slope failure probability analyses have not been developed. In principle, physical‐based models, which are powerful tools for landslide hazard analyses, represent an appropriate approach to linking stand properties and slope stability. However, the reliability of these models depends on numerous parameters that describe highly complex geotechnical and hydrological processes (e.g. potential failure depth, saturation ratio, root reinforcement, etc.) that are difficult to measure and model. In particular, the spatial heterogeneity of root reinforcement remains a problem, and the use of physically based models from a forest management perspective has been limited.This paper presents a procedure for assessing slope stability in terms of the Factor of Safety that accounts for forest stand characteristics such as tree density, average diameter at breast height and minimum distance between trees. The procedure combines a three‐dimensional (3D) slope stability model with an evaluation of the variability of root reinforcement in terms of a probability distribution, according to forest characteristics. Monte Carlo simulation is used to account for the residual uncertainties in both stand characteristics and 3D stability model parameters.The proposed method was applied in a subalpine catchment in the Italian Alps, mainly covered by coniferous forest and characterized by steep slopes and high landslide risk. The results suggest that the procedure is highly reliable, according to landslide inventory maps [area under the ROC curve (AUC) is 0.82 and modified success rate (MSR) is 0.70]. Thus, it represents a promising tool for studying the role of root reinforcement in landslide hazard mapping and guiding forest management from a slope stability perspective. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved exposure estimation in soil screening and cleanup criteria for volatile organic chemicals
Authors: DeVaull George E 
Published: February 2017

Abstract

Soil cleanup criteria define acceptable concentrations of organic chemical constituents for exposed humans. These criteria sum the estimated soil exposure over multiple pathways. Assumptions for ingestion, dermal contact, and dust exposure generally presume a chemical persists in surface soils at a constant concentration level for the entire exposure duration. For volatile chemicals, this is an unrealistic assumption. A calculation method is presented for surficial soil criteria that include volatile depletion of chemical for these uptake pathways. The depletion estimates compare favorably with measured concentration profiles and with field measurements of soil concentration. Corresponding volatilization estimates compare favorably with measured data for a wide range of volatile and semivolatile chemicals, including instances with and without the presence of a mixed-chemical residual phase. Selected examples show application of the revised factors in estimating screening levels for benzene in surficial soils. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2017;13:861–869. © 2017 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC)

Key Points
Models for depletion of volatile chemicals from surface soil are developed, compared favorably with measured data, and applied in example estimates of soil screening criteria. Models for volatilization rate from surface soils are developed and compared with a range of measured data including pure chemicals and petroleum mixtures, with and without the presence of a residual organic phase.
Accounting for Private Company Interest Rate Swaps: An Overview With Planning Strategies
Authors: Hollingsworth Danny P. , Trussel John M. 
Published: February 2017

The Financial Accounting Standard Board's (FASB) Private Company Council (PCC) was created in 2012 to improve the accounting standard‐setting process for private companies. Due to influence from PCC, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014‐03 in January 2014 to address accounting for interest rate swaps for certain private companies. The issue addressed was the complexity of complying with ASC 815 rules that are highly detailed and difficult to implement. The FASB Update provides an alternative, simplified hedge accounting, for receive‐variable, pay‐fixed interest rate swaps if certain criteria are met. This accounting method allows private companies to more easily classify these interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges, which will reduce income volatility and aid in compliance. This article provides an overview of the provisions of this update and offers planning strategies for maximizing the benefits and minimizing the costs of receive‐variable, pay‐fixed interest rate swaps.	© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Role of c‐SKI in Regulation of TGFβ‐Induced Human Cardiac Fibroblast Proliferation and ECM Protein Expression
Authors: Wang Juan , Guo Liping , Shen Difei , Xu Xiao , Wang Jiaping , Han Suxia , He Wen 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTCardiac fibrosis is characterized by over‐deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and over‐proliferation of cardiac fibroblast, and contributes to both systolic and diastolic dysfunction in many cardiac pathophysiologic conditions. Transforming growth factor β 1 (TGFβ1) is as an essential inducing factor of cardiac fibrosis. C‐Ski protein has been identified as an inhibitory regulator of TGFβ signaling. In the present study, we revealed the repressive effect of c‐Ski on TGFβ1‐induced human cardiac fibroblast (HCFB) proliferation and ECM protein increase (Collagen I and α‐SMA). Moreover, miR‐155 and miR‐17 could inhibit SKI mRNA expression by direct binding to the 3′UTR of SKI, so as to reduce c‐Ski protein level. Either miR‐155 inhibition or miR‐17 inhibition could reverse TGFβ1‐induced HCFB proliferation and ECM protein increase. Taken together, we provided a potential therapy to treat cardiac fibrosis by inhibiting miR‐155/miR‐17 so as to restore the repressive effect of c‐Ski on TGFβ1 signaling. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1911–1920, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Maternal IGF1 and IGF1R polymorphisms and the risk of spontaneous preterm birth
Authors: He Jian‐Rong , Lai Yu‐Mian , Liu Hui‐Hui , Liu Guang‐Jian , li Wei‐Dong , Fan Xue‐Jiao , Wei Xue‐Ling , Xia Xiao‐Yan , Kuang Ya‐Shu , Liu Xiao‐Dan , Chen Nian‐Nian , Lu Jin‐Hua , Chen Qiao‐Zhu , Mai Wei‐Bi , Xia Hui‐Min , Qiu Xiu 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundThe insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) pathway was involved in the occurrence of spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB), but little is known regarding the relationship between genetic variations in IGF pathway and the risk of SPTB. We aimed to investigate the associations of IGF1 rs972936 and IGF1 receptor (IGF1R) rs2229765 polymorphisms with SPTB risk in a Chinese population.MethodA total of 114 cases of SPTB and 250 controls of term delivery were included from Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, China. The odds ratios (ORs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using multivariate logistic regression.ResultsWe found that the GA and GA/AA genotypes of IGF1 rs972936 were associated with an increased risk of SPTB, and the adjusted ORs (95% CI) were 1.74 (1.01‐3.02) and 1.75 (1.04‐2.93) respectively. Women carrying GA and GA/AA genotypes of IGF1R rs2229765 had a reduced risk compared to those with the GG genotype (0.60 [0.37‐0.98] and 0.64 [0.40‐1.00] respectively). There were significant interactions between IGF1 rs972936 and GDM status (P for interaction=.02), as well as between IGF1R rs2229765 and pre‐pregnancy BMI (P for interaction <.001) on the risk of SPTB.ConclusionOur findings suggest that polymorphisms of IGF1 rs972936 and IGF1R rs2229765 were associated with the risk of SPTB in Chinese pregnant women and these effects depend on the maternal metabolic status.
Application of CRS‐PCR‐RFLP to identify CYP1A1 gene polymorphism
Authors: Ding Mingcui , Duan Xiaoran , Feng Xiaolei , Wang Pengpeng , Wang Wei 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundCytochrome P4501A1 (CYP1A1) is a member of the cytochrome P450 gene family and plays an important role in the metabolism of exogenous and endogenous material. In recent research, it has been shown that its genetic polymorphisms are associated with many diseases. But the isoschizomers such as the BsrDI enzyme required for the detection of this polymorphism are expensive.MethodsThe study used an improved PCR‐RFLP method with mismatched base for detection of the single‐nucleotide polymorphism rs1048943. A new restriction enzyme cutting site was created by created restriction site PCR (CRS‐PCR), and the restriction enzyme StyI for RFLP was cheaper than other enzymes. A total of 320 samples from Han Chinese were tested to evaluate this novel method. The PCR results were confirmed by DNA sequencing.ResultsAfter detecting 320 Chinese Han individuals, the genotype frequencies were 63.74% for AA, 31.54% for AG, and 4.72% for GG. The allelic frequencies were 75.48% for A and 24.52% for G. The x2 test showed the genotype and allele frequencies of CYP1A1 do not deviate from Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium, and the sequences of amplified products were consistent with the one published in GenBank with the exception of mismatched base.ConclusionsBased on PCR with mismatched primers we designed, the CYP1A1 polymorphism could be identified effectively with low cost.
The relation between international normalized ratio and mortality in acute pulmonary embolism: A retrospective study
Authors: Kırış Tuncay , Yazıcı Selcuk , Durmuş Gündüz , Çanga Yiğit , Karaca Mustafa , Nazlı Cem , Dogan Abdullah 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundAcute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a serious clinical disease characterized by a high mortality rate. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic value of international normalized ratio (INR) in acute PE patients not on anticoagulant therapy.MethodsThe study included 244 hospitalized acute PE patients who were not receiving previous anticoagulant therapy. Based on their 30‐day mortality, patients were categorized as survivors or non‐survivors. INR was measured during the patients’ admission, on the same day as the diagnosis of PE but before anticoagulation started.ResultsThirty‐day mortality occurred in 39 patients (16%). INR was higher in non‐survivors than in survivors (1.3±0.4 vs 1.1±0.3, P=.003). In multivariate analysis, INR (HR: 3.303, 95% CI: 1.210–9.016, P=.020) was independently associated with 30‐day mortality from PE. Inclusion of INR in a model with simplified pulmonary embolism severity index (sPESI) score improved the area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve from 0.736 (95% CI: 0.659‐0.814) to 0.775 (95% CI: 0.701‐0.849) (P=.028). Also, the addition of INR to sPESI score enhanced the net reclassification improvement (NRI=8.8%, P<.001) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI=0.043, P=.027).ConclusionElevated INR may have prognostic value for 30‐day mortality in acute PE patients not on anticoagulation. Combining INR with sPESI score improved the predictive value for all‐cause mortality. However, further large‐scale studies are needed to confirm it's prognostic role.
Specifics of fetuin‐A levels in distinct types of chronic heart failure
Authors: Lichtenauer Michael , Wernly Bernhard , Paar Vera , Rohm Ilonka , Jung Christian , Yilmaz Atilla , Hoppe Uta C. , Schulze Paul Christian , Kretzschmar Daniel , Pistulli Rudin 
Published: February 2017

IntroductionFetuin‐A has been described to correlate inversely with vascular calcification both in animal models but also in patients with heart and renal disease. In this current study, we sought to investigate whether fetuin‐A might be a useful marker for the discrimination of ischemic (ICM) from dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).MethodsA total of 124 non‐consecutive patients were included in this study, 59 patients suffered from ICM and 65 patients from DCM. Serum samples were obtained during out‐patient visits and analyzed for fetuin‐A by ELISA.ResultsMedian fetuin‐A concentration in the overall cohort was significantly lower in ICM patients compared to DCM patients (62.2±16.4 μg/mL vs. 129.6±56.6 μg/mL; P<.001). A positive correlation of fetuin‐A levels was found with BMI, cholesterol, LDL/HDL ratio and triglycerides and an inverse correlation with age (r=−.36; P<.001). Moreover, patients suffering from (stable) angina pectoris evidenced lower fetuin‐A levels compared to non‐symptomatic patients (73.1±22.7 μg/mL vs. 83.7±26.2 μg/mL; P=.047)ConclusionsFetuin‐A was shown to be a potential discriminator and biomarker for the differential diagnosis between ICM and DCM. Fetuin‐A levels might also be helpful in the process of diagnostic decision‐making in regards to invasive management or medical therapy.