bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Melatonin relieves neuropathic allodynia through spinal MT2‐enhanced PP2Ac and downstream HDAC4 shuttling‐dependent epigenetic modification of hmgb1 transcription
Authors: Lin Tzer‐Bin , Hsieh Ming‐Chun , Lai Cheng‐Yuan , Cheng Jen‐Kun , Wang Hsueh‐Hsiao , Chau Yat‐Pang , Chen Gin‐Den , Peng Hsien‐Yu 
Published: January 2016

AbstractMelatonin (MLT; N‐acetyl‐5‐methoxytryptamine) exhibits analgesic properties in chronic pain conditions. While researches linking MLT to epigenetic mechanisms have grown exponentially over recent years, very few studies have investigated the contribution of MLT‐associated epigenetic modification to pain states. Here, we report that together with behavioral allodynia, spinal nerve ligation (SNL) induced a decrease in the expression of catalytic subunit of phosphatase 2A (PP2Ac) and enhanced histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) phosphorylation and cytoplasmic accumulation, which epigenetically alleviated HDAC4‐suppressed hmgb1 gene transcription, resulting in increased high‐mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1) expression selectively in the ipsilateral dorsal horn of rats. Focal knock‐down of spinal PP2Ac expression also resulted in behavioral allodynia in association with similar protein expression as observed with SNL. Notably, intrathecal administration with MLT increased PP2Ac expression, HDAC4 dephosphorylation and nuclear accumulation, restored HDAC4‐mediated hmgb1 suppression and relieved SNL‐sensitized behavioral pain; these effects were all inhibited by spinal injection of 4P‐PDOT (a MT2 receptor antagonist, 30 minutes before MLT) and okadaic acid (OA, a PP2A inhibitor, 3 hr after MLT). Our findings demonstrate a novel mechanism by which MLT ameliorates neuropathic allodynia via epigenetic modification. This MLT‐exhibited anti‐allodynia is mediated by MT2‐enhanced PP2Ac expression that couples PP2Ac with HDAC4 to induce HDAC4 dephosphorylation and nuclear import, herein increases HDAC4 binding to the promoter of hmgb1 gene and upregulates HMGB1 expression in dorsal horn neurons.
Melatonin inhibits MMP‐9 transactivation and renal cell carcinoma metastasis by suppressing Akt‐MAPKs pathway and NF‐κB DNA‐binding activity
Authors: Lin Yung‐Wei , Lee Liang‐Ming , Lee Wei‐Jiunn , Chu Chih‐Ying , Tan Peng , Yang Yi‐Chieh , Chen Wei‐Yu , Yang Shun‐Fa , Hsiao Michael , Chien Ming‐Hsien 
Published: January 2016

AbstractRenal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most lethal of all urological malignancies because of its potent metastasis potential. Melatonin exerts multiple tumor‐suppressing activities through antiproliferative, proapoptotic, and anti‐angiogenic actions and has been tested in clinical trials. However, the antimetastastic effect of melatonin and its underlying mechanism in RCC are unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that melatonin at the pharmacologic concentration (0.5–2 mm) considerably reduced the migration and invasion of RCC cells (Caki‐1 and Achn). Furthermore, we found that melatonin suppressed metastasis of Caki‐1 cells in spontaneous and experimental metastasis animal models. Mechanistic investigations revealed that melatonin transcriptionally inhibited MMP‐9 by reducing p65‐ and p52‐DNA‐binding activities. Moreover, the Akt‐mediated JNK1/2 and ERK1/2 signaling pathways were involved in melatonin‐regulated MMP‐9 transactivation and cell motility. Clinical samples revealed an inverse correlation between melatonin receptor 1A (MTNR1A) and MMP‐9 expression in normal kidney and RCC tissues. In addition, a higher survival rate was found in MTNR1Ahigh/MMP‐9low patients than in MTNR1Alow/MMP‐9high patients. Overall, our results provide new insights into the role of melatonin‐induced molecular regulation in suppressing RCC metastasis and suggest that melatonin has potential therapeutic applications for metastastic RCC.
Urinary heme oxygenase‐1 as a potential biomarker for early diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Li Zhenzhen , Xu Yuliang , Liu Xianghua , Nie Yali , Zhao Zhanzheng 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBackgroundOur previous study showed that increases of urinary heme oxygenase‐1 (uHO‐1) could be a potential biomarker indicating evaluating intrarenal oxidative damage in obstructive nephropathy. Activation of oxidative stress is an important mediator of diabetic nephropathy (DN). The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical implications of uHO‐1 levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.MethodsEighty‐four type 2 diabetic patients with normoalbuminuria (n=28), microalbuminuria (n=28), and macroalbuminuria (n=28) were included in this study. Control samples were collected from healthy volunteers (n=28) who had normal albuminuria and renal function. Urine HO‐1 levels were evaluated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsUrinary HO‐1/creatinine (cr.) levels were significantly elevated in diabetic patients with microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria compared to those in diabetic patients with normoalbuminuria (P<0.001) and control subjects (all P<0.001). In diabetic patients with normoalbuminuria, uHO‐1/cr. levels were also higher than those in controls (P<0.001). Multivariate regression analyses revealed that uHO‐1/cr. levels were positively correlated to urinary albumin/creatinine ratio and inversely correlated to glomerular filtration rate. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis of uHO‐1/cr. levels for early diagnosis and detection of DN revealed that the cut‐off value of uHO‐1/cr. was 4.59 ng/mg (sensitivity 75%, specificity 78.6%).ConclusionsThe findings of this study indicate that increases of urine HO‐1 levels can be detected in patients with type 2 diabetes before the onset of significant albuminuria, and associated with renal derangement in patients with established diabetic nephropathy. Urinary HO‐1 may be used as an early biomarker for diabetic renal injury.
Against Second‐Order Reasons*
Authors: Whiting Daniel 
Published: January 2016

AbstractA normative reason for a person to φ is a consideration which favours φing. A motivating reason is a reason for which or on the basis of which a person φs. This paper explores a connection between normative and motivating reasons. More specifically, it explores the idea that there are second‐order normative reasons (not) to φ for or on the basis of certain first‐order normative reasons. In this paper, I challenge the view that there are second‐order reasons so understood. I then show that prominent views in contemporary epistemology are committed to the existence of second‐order reasons, specifically, views about the epistemic norms governing practical reasoning and about the role of higher‐order evidence. If there are no second‐order reasons, those views are mistaken.
Production of interleukins 4 and 10 in children with hepatic involvement in the course of Toxocara spp. infection
Authors: Mazur‐Melewska K. , Figlerowicz M. , Cwalińska A. , Mikoś H. , Jończyk‐Potoczna K. , Lewandowska‐Stachowiak M. , Służewski W. 
Published: January 2016

SummaryToxocara spp. infestations present with a wide spectrum of symptoms, from general inflammation of internal organs with eosinophilic granuloma formulation through ocular or brain involvement. There is also an asymptomatic form. The known factors that influence the clinical form of the disease are the intensity of the infestation, the localization of the larvae, the age of the patient, the efficiency of the immune system and the history of reinfection. The aim of our study was to evaluate the production of interleukins 4 (IL‐4) and 10 (IL‐10) in children in the course of Toxocara spp. infections with hepatic involvement. The analysis of peripheral leucocytes, eosinophils, immunoglobulin E, and IL‐4 and IL‐10 concentrations presented significantly higher values in children with radiologically confirmed liver granuloma than in uncomplicated hepatomegaly. Based on statistical analysis, we confirmed the IL‐4/IL‐10 ratio variation in the analysed groups: patients with liver lesions showed a ratio of <1, while children without granulomas had a ratio of >2. The relevant analysis confirmed a positive statistical correlation in both seropositive groups for IgE and IL‐4, and only in the granuloma group for IgE and IL‐10.
Geo‐questionnaire: A Method and Tool for Public Preference Elicitation in Land Use Planning
Authors: Jankowski Piotr , Czepkiewicz Michał , Młodkowski Marek , Zwoliński Zbigniew 
Published: January 2016

AbstractGeo‐questionnaire involves an integration of sketchable maps with questions, aimed at eliciting public preferences and attitudes about land allocation and services. Respondents can link their answers with corresponding locations on a map by marking points or sketching polygon features. Geo‐questionnaires have been used to learn about perceptions and preferences of city residents for specific types of land use, place‐based services, and development projects. This article reports on results of an empirical study, in which an online geo‐questionnaire was designed and implemented to elicit preferences of residents in guiding an urban development plan. Preferences collected in the form of polygon sketches were processed using GIS operations and mapped for visual interpretation. The article focuses on aggregation and analysis of respondent preferences including the analysis of positional and attribute uncertainty. Results of the study show that geo‐questionnaire is a scalable method for eliciting public preferences with a potential for meaningfully informing land use planning.
Surgical Navigation Improves the Precision and Accuracy of Tibial Component Alignment in Canine Total Knee Replacement
Authors: Peters Kaleigh M. , Hutter Erin , Siston Robert A. , Bertran Judith , Allen Matthew J. 
Published: January 2016

ObjectiveThe goal of this study was to determine whether computer‐assisted surgical navigation improves the accuracy of tibial component alignment in canine total knee replacement (TKR).Study DesignRetrospective radiographic review and prospective ex vivo study.Sample PopulationCanine TKR radiographs (n = 17 sets) and canine cadaveric stifles (n = 12).MethodsRadiographs from TKR surgical workshops were reviewed to determine the incidence and magnitude of tibial component malalignment. Tibial component alignment was compared after either standard (“surgeon‐guided”) component placement or computer‐assisted (“navigation‐guided”) placement. Results were compared against the current recommendations of a neutral (0° varus–valgus) ostectomy in the frontal plane and 6° of caudal slope in the sagittal plane. A prospective cadaveric study was then undertaken by performing TKR in 12 canine stifle joints.ResultsMalalignment of >3° in the frontal and sagittal planes was identified in 12% and 24% of the radiographs from the retrospective review, respectively. Surgical navigation reduced both the mean error (P = .007) and the variability in frontal plane alignment (P < .001) as compared with surgeon‐guided procedures. The mean error in sagittal plane alignment was not significantly different (P = .321), but variability in alignment was significantly lower when navigation was used (P = .008).ConclusionSurgical navigation significantly improved accuracy and decreased variability in tibial component alignment in canine TKR. Clinical trials would be required to determine whether these improvements in surgical accuracy lead to better clinical outcomes in terms of joint function and a reduction in long‐term implant wear.
The Effect of Intravenous Regional Perfusion of the Distal Limb With Amikacin Sulfate on Wounds Healing by Second Intention in Horses
Authors: Edwards‐Milewski Margaux L. , Morello Samantha L. , Zhao Qianqian , Mattan‐Bell Cynthia 
Published: January 2016

ObjectiveTo compare the gross and histological effects of intravenous regional limb perfusion (IVRLP) using amikacin sulfate on second intention healing of distal limb wounds in adult horses with healing in untreated wounds.Study DesignIn vivo experimental study.AnimalsAdult horses (n = 7).MethodsTwo full thickness wounds (2.5 × 2.5 cm) were created aseptically on the dorsal aspect of each metacarpus and maintained under sterile bandages. One forelimb was randomly selected from each horse for IVRLP on days 2, 3, and 4 post‐wounding. Sequential biopsies were taken from 1 wound on each limb to evaluate the histological effects of IVRLP. Photographs were obtained of nonbiopsied wounds from days 2 to 62 for gross assessment and wound measurement. Wound size and contraction, healing rate during and immediately after IVRLP treatment, total healing rate, and histological scores for edema, hemorrhage, inflammatory infiltrate, and fibrovascular proliferation were compared.ResultsNo differences were observed between groups for wound size, wound contraction, healing rates during or after IVRLP treatment periods, or total healing rate. Wound size over time was larger in the IVRLP group compared with the control group; however, this difference did not reach statistical significance. Mononuclear cell infiltration was greater in the IVRLP group compared with controls. No differences were observed for other histological variables. All wounds healed without the formation of exuberant granulation tissue.ConclusionTreatment for 3 consecutive days with IVRLP using amikacin sulfate did not negatively affect surgical wounds healing by second intention in the distal limb of horses.
THE IMPACT OF REACTOR HEIGHT/DIAMETER (H/D) RATIO ON AEROBIC GRANULAR SLUDGE (AGS) FORMATION IN SEWAGE
Authors: Awang Nik Azimatolakma , Shaaban Md. Ghazaly 
Published: January 2016

Until now, the development of aerobic granules sludge (AGS) has been extensively reported using sequencing batch reactor (SBR) with reactor height/diameter (H/D) ratio of over 10. This is because the formation process of aerobic granules itself is depending upon the flowing trajectory inside reactor indulge by reactor height and superficial air velocity (SUAV). Thus, this study aims to determine effect of reactor H/D ratio on performance of AGS develop in two SBRS with equal working volume and organic loading rate (OLR). The two SBRs namely as SBR1 and SBR2 had a difference in reactor H/D ratio of 11.3 and 4.4, respectively. At an aeration rate of 4 L/min, SUAV for SBR1 was two time higher than in SBR2, which were 1.33 cm/s and 0.7 cm/s, respectively. Thus, the SBR2 configuration condition seems unfavorable for development of compact aerobic granules. However, it was found that aerobic granules can be developed in both SBRs at an OLR as low as 0.12 kg CODs/m3 d and up to 0.49 kg CODs/m3 d. Mature aerobic granules were successfully developed after 49 and 89 days of formation, for Batch1 AGS and Batch2 AGS, respectively. At stable conditions, the highest CODs removal and SS effluent for Batch1 AGS and Batch2 AGS were more than 80% and below 26 mg/L, respectively. While effluent performance in both reactors was high, analysis on SVI30 indicated that SBR1 produced more sludge than SBR2. Compare to SBR1, at similar settling time of 15 min, SBR2 provide a short settling distance for biomass which was preferable in case of system breakdown due to shock OLR.
PARTICIPATION RESTRICTION IN CANCER SURVIVORS:A CROSS-CULTURAL ADAPTATION AND PSYCHOMETRIC EVALUATION OF OCCUPATIONAL GAP QUESTIONNAIRE
Authors: Sapihis Musaropah , Yim Loh Siew , Roslani April Camilla , Chinna Karuthan 
Published: January 2016

Cancer survivors have unmet needs of preexisting functional limitations but there is very limited knowledge of the participation in daily occupation. The study aimed to translate and cross culturally-adapt, of the Occupational gap Questionnaire (OGQ) which measures restriction in daily life into Malay language. Second aimed is to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Malay version of OGQ on 33 cancer survivors aged from 18 to 70 years old attending a community program between February to April 2014. A cross-sectional study and non-random sampling was conducted in two phases: 1) Translation and Cross-cultural adaptation that involved backward and forward translation of OGQ from English into Malay, and process of face and content validation that involved a several pre and post-test. 2) Construct validation and further validated of a Reflective Measurement Model of OGQ-M using Partial Least Square –Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis. A five point Likert scale of (1:‘Very minimal participation’ to 5:‘Very High participation) was added and some items were simplified and modified. The result showed good content validity index (CVI) value of 0.8 for new tool. Intra-correlation coefficients (ICC) for all subscales was good in IADL (0.72 – 0.96 ) ;Leisure (0.44 - 1.00); Social ( 0.78 – 1.00) and Work (0.76 -0.78). Further purifying of 30 reflective OGQ-M’s items resulted in 19 items, due to the low loading of 11 items from the recommended value of 0.4.Adequate reliability, convergent and discriminant validity were established. The OGQ-M is psychometrically sound, culturally sensitive and user friendly. Therefore, the final OGQ-M can be used for measuring participation restrictions in daily life occupation among Malaysian cancer survivors, and helps enhance occupational therapy intervention for better quality of life.
CHARACTERIZATION OF NEST STRUCTURE AND FORAGING ACTIVITY OF STINGLESS BEE, GENIOTRIGONA THORACICA (HYMENOPETRA: APIDAE; MELIPONINI)
Authors: Mohd Saufi Nur Farisya , Thevan Kumara 
Published: January 2016

Meliponiculture is the activity of stingless bee keeping, where the colony of stingless bees extracted from wild for the purpose of domestication. The study of stingless bee nest architecture of selected species brings benefit to this newly booming industry. Geniotrigona thoracica, is one of the largest stingless bee in Malaysia and has potential used in meliponiculture. The objectives of this study are to determine nest structure and growth, foraging activity and morphometry of worker bee. Colonies (n=3) of G. thoracica were used to study the nest structure and growth, foraging activity and morphometry of worker bee. Sampling was done for a period of one year from July 2013 until June 2014 for nest growth and foraging frequency. For morphometry study, worker bees were sampled from each nest Result showed external nest structure formed in brown mount shape and the internal nest formed by three components, horizontal brood combs that surround with honey pots and pollen pots. The nest dynamics of G. thoracica changes according to the season. The peak time foraging frequency of G. thoracica was in between 1000 hrs until 1200 hrs. From morphometry study of worker bee, result for flight cost and aggressive cost were 8.48 ± 0.440 and 0.06 ± 0.004 respectively.
MODELLING OF TWO STAGES DNA SPLICING LANGUAGES ON DE BRUIJN GRAPH
Authors: Mudaber Mohammad Hassan , Yusof Yuhani , Mohamad Mohd Sham , Ramli Aizi Nor Mazila , Lim Wen Li 
Published: January 2016

Finding the sequence of the genome from its compositions as well as a mathematical graph is the most interesting topic in a field of DNA molecular. Since lack of technology is the big obstacle that biologists are facing to read a long sequence of the genome from beginning up to the end, therefore finding the compositions of the genome having very long sequence and also its description via de Bruijn graph is challenging or even impossible. In this paper, Yusof-Goode (Y-G) approach is used to generate the DNA splicing languages based on cutting sites of initial strings (one or two cutting sites) and crossing and contexts factors of restriction enzymes. The two short sequences of DNA (8bp) and two restriction enzymes are considered to create a connection between mathematics and DNA molecular. This relation will be presented as de Bruijn graph so that every edge of the de Bruijn graph gives a k-mer composition of DNA molecule and also each path of the de Bruijn graph gives a DNA sequence and vice-versa. Besides, the persistency and permanency of two stages DNA splicing languages can be predicted using this model.
The Effect of Arm and Body Position on Respiratory Ventilation in High School Athletes: A Pilot Study
Authors: Skaggs Jamie R. , LaGuardia Elizabeth R. A. , Sini Milo , Wren Tishya A.L. , Woon Regina P. , Skaggs David L. 
Published: January 2016

Context:A commonly encountered clinical scenario in athletic training is determining what body position is best for pulmonary recovery after strenuous training. Coaches often advise athletes to put their hands behind their heads following rigorous training, but this practice has no scientific support.Objective:The purpose of this study is to determine how arm and body position affects ventilation in high school athletes. Our hypothesis is that a position in which the athlete is bent forward with the hands on the knees maximizes ventilation.Design:Case series.Methods:Seventeen healthy members of a high school track team, 8 females and 9 males with a mean age of 16.3 years (range: 14.6–18.5 years), performed a maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) test using a portable spirometer in three different positions: standing with (1) hands behind the head, (2) arms at the sides, and (3) leaning forward with hands resting on the knees.Results:The MVV performed with hands on knees (120.2 ± 5.9 L/min) was significantly higher than the MVV performed with hands at sides (109.3 ± 7.0 L/min; p = .004) and with hands behind head (114.1 ± 5.9 L/min; p = .03). The MVV performed with hands behind head and with arms at side did not differ significantly (p = .20).Conclusions:This is the first study examining the best body position to maximize ventilation in athletes. Leaning forward and placing the hands on the knees led to a significantly greater MVV compared with standing with the arms at the side and standing with the hands behind the head.
Reciprocal Learning Among Preceptors and Athletic Training Students During Clinical Education, Part II: Facilitators and Barriers
Authors: Mazerolle Stephanie M. , Dodge Thomas M. , Bowman Thomas G. 
Published: January 2016

Context:Reciprocal learning appears to be occurring in athletic training clinical education. Students and preceptors can learn from one another, particularly if both parties are open to learning from each other.Objective:Examine facilitators and barriers to reciprocal learning in the athletic training clinical education setting.Design:Exploratory qualitative study.Setting:Athletic training programs.Patients or Other Participants:Our recruitment, which was based upon data redundancy, included 10 preceptors and 10 athletic training students. The preceptors had an average of 5 ± 3.5 years of experience supervising students. The athletic training student sample consisted of 8 seniors and 2 juniors.Main Outcome Measures:Participants responded to a series of questions by journaling their thoughts and opinions. Data were collected and stored on QuestionPro, a secure website. Data were analyzed by a general inductive approach. Credibility was established by (1) researcher triangulation, (2) peer review, and (3) member checks.Results:The relationship between the preceptor and the student along with reception to reciprocal learning emerged as facilitators, while a lack of confidence on the students’ behalf and time constraints can limit chances for reciprocal learning.Conclusions:Reciprocal learning has been identified as being mutually beneficial to the student and preceptor. Our findings highlight that for this type of learning to be successful, there has to be a communal interest in learning and that the use of current clinical cases and students’ current coursework provide benchmarks for discussion and learning.