bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of muscle oxygenation response to vascular occlusion: implications for remote ischaemic preconditioning and physical Performance
Authors: Cunniffe B. , Sharma V. , Cardinale M. , Yellon D. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryRemote ischaemic preconditioning is a non‐invasive intervention with potential to protect a number of organs against ischaemia–reperfusion injury and possibly improve athletic performance. Little mechanistic evidence exists to support either limb choice or cuff inflation pressure that is most effective. This preliminary study aimed to establish the dose–response effect of different occlusion pressures on skeletal muscle oxygenation and blood flow in healthy males (n = 6). In a randomized controlled crossover study, cuff inflation pressures (140,160 and 180 mmHg) were used to induce limb ischaemia (× 3 cycles of 5‐min) in upper (UL) and lower (LL) limbs on three separate occasions. Muscle oxygenation and blood flow properties of UL (flexor carpi ulnaris) and LL (vastus lateralis) were assessed using near infrared spectroscopy. Higher deoxyhaemoglobin (ΔHHb) values were consistently observed in UL (versus LL; P<0·05), no difference between pressures. Occlusion at 140 mm Hg failed to elicit decreases in tissue oxyhaemoglobin (ΔHbO2) from resting baseline (UL and LL), with significant HbO2 decreases only observed at 180 mmHg in LL (P<0·05). Increases in ΔHbO2 and muscle oxygenation index (Hbdiff) above baseline were observed with cuff deflation, lasting up to 15 min into recovery in LL irrespective of occlusion pressure (P<0·05). Muscle oxygenation properties are influenced by choice of limb occluded and findings show that tissue ischaemia can be induced at much lower absolute pressures than traditionally used in RIPC studies. Blood flow and muscle oxygenation may be enhanced for at least 15 min following the last occlusion.
Reproducibility of blood oxygen level‐dependent signal changes with end‐tidal carbon dioxide alterations
Authors: Dengel Donald R. , Evanoff Nicholas G. , Marlatt Kara L. , Geijer Justin R. , Mueller Bryon A. , Lim Kelvin O. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryHypercapnia has been utilized as a stimulus to elicit changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF). However, in many instances it has been delivered in a non‐controlled method that is often difficult to reproduce. The purpose of this study was to examine the within‐ and between‐visit reproducibility of blood oxygen level‐dependent (BOLD) signal changes to an iso‐oxic square wave alteration in end‐tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure (PetCO2). Two 3‐Tesla (3T) MRI scans were performed on the same visit, with two square wave alterations administered per scan. The protocol was repeated on a separate visit with minimum of 3 days between scanning sessions. PetCO2 was altered to stimulate changes in cerebral vascular reactivity (CVR), while PetO2 was held constant. Eleven subjects (six females; mean age 26·5 ± 5·7 years) completed the full testing protocol. Excellent within‐visit square wave reproducibility (ICC > 0·75) was observed. Similarly, square waves were reproducible between scanning sessions (ICC > 0·7). This study demonstrates BOLD signal changes in response to alterations in PetCO2 are reproducible both within‐ and between‐visit MRI scans.
Exenatide enhances cognitive performance and upregulates neurotrophic factor gene expression levels in diabetic mice
Authors: Gumuslu Esen , Mutlu Oguz , Celikyurt Ipek K , Ulak Guner , Akar Furuzan , Erden Faruk , Ertan Merve 
Published: March 2016

AbstractExenatide is a potent and selective agonist for the GLP‐1 (glucagon‐like peptide‐1) receptor. Recent studies are focused on the effects of GLP‐1 analogues on hippocampal neurogenesis, cognition, learning and memory functions. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of chronic exenatide treatment (0.1 μg/kg, s.c, twice daily for 2 weeks) on spatial memory functions by using the modified elevated plus maze (mEPM) test and emotional memory functions by using the passive avoidance (PA) test in streptozotocin/nicotinamide (STZ‐NA)‐induced diabetic mice. As the genes involved in neurite remodelling are among the primary targets of regulation, the effects of diabetes and chronic administration of exenatide on brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element binding protein (CREB) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels in the hippocampus of mice were also determined using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). This study revealed that in the mEPM and PA tests, type‐2 diabetes‐induced mice exhibited significant impairment of learning and memory which were ameliorated by GLP‐1 receptor agonist exenatide. Quantitative RT‐PCR revealed that CREB and BDNF gene expression levels were downregulated in diabetic mice, and these alterations were increased by exenatide treatment. Since, exenatide improves cognitive ability in STZ/NA‐induced diabetic mice and activates molecular mechanisms of memory storage in response to a learning experience, it may be a candidate for alleviation of mood and cognitive disorder.
Fatigue properties of conventionally manufactured and micro‐powder‐injection‐moulded 17‐4PH micro‐components
Authors: Slaby S. A. , Kraft O. , Eberl C. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractMicro‐powder injection moulding (μPIM) is a promising mass manufacturing technique for the microsystem technology. Because typical applications – like sensors or actuators – need to withstand serious mechanical loadings, the investigations of the mechanical properties are of vital importance. Therefore, we implemented a small‐scale testing setup that enables tensile and tension–tension–fatigue testing of freestanding micro‐samples. This allowed for investigating tensile and fatigue properties of conventionally produced and μPIM 17‐4PH stainless‐steel thin membranes. The conventionally produced samples were machined from bulk material and showed properties and lifetimes comparable with the best bulk samples. The μPIM samples showed a weaker but more ductile behaviour, due to a ferritic phase and SiO2 inclusions. But their ultimate tensile strength of up to SU = 1021 ± 48 MPa and their relative fatigue strength of ≈46% SU (R = −1) are still comparable with average bulk values. This indicates the high potential of μPIM materials.
Temperature effects on fish production across a natural thermal gradient
Authors: O'Gorman Eoin J. , Ólafsson Ólafur P. , Demars Benoît O. L. , Friberg Nikolai , Guðbergsson Guðni , Hannesdóttir Elísabet R. , Jackson Michelle C. , Johansson Liselotte S. , McLaughlin Órla B. , Ólafsson Jón S. , Woodward Guy , Gíslason Gísli M. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractGlobal warming is widely predicted to reduce the biomass production of top predators, or even result in species loss. Several exceptions to this expectation have been identified, however, and it is vital that we understand the underlying mechanisms if we are to improve our ability to predict future trends. Here, we used a natural warming experiment in Iceland and quantitative theoretical predictions to investigate the success of brown trout as top predators across a stream temperature gradient (4–25 °C). Brown trout are at the northern limit of their geographic distribution in this system, with ambient stream temperatures below their optimum for maximal growth, and above it in the warmest streams. A five‐month mark‐recapture study revealed that population abundance, biomass, growth rate, and production of trout all increased with stream temperature. We identified two mechanisms that contributed to these responses: (1) trout became more selective in their diet as stream temperature increased, feeding higher in the food web and increasing in trophic position; and (2) trophic transfer through the food web was more efficient in the warmer streams. We found little evidence to support a third potential mechanism: that external subsidies would play a more important role in the diet of trout with increasing stream temperature. Resource availability was also amplified through the trophic levels with warming, as predicted by metabolic theory in nutrient‐replete systems. These results highlight circumstances in which top predators can thrive in warmer environments and contribute to our knowledge of warming impacts on natural communities and ecosystem functioning.
Numerical Modelling of Braided River Morphodynamics: Review and Future Challenges
Authors: Williams Richard D. , Brasington James , Hicks D. Murray 
Published: March 2016

AbstractNumerical morphological modelling of braided rivers is increasingly used to explore controls on river pattern and for applied environmental management. This article reviews and presents a taxonomy of braided river morphodynamic models and discusses the challenges facing model development and use, illustrating these challenges with a case example. The taxonomy is contextualised by an initial discussion of the physical mechanisms of braiding. The taxonomy differentiates between reach‐scale and catchment‐scale models. Reach‐scale models are usually physics‐based, which are further divided based upon the mathematical approach used to solve equations (analytical or numerical) and their dimensionality (1D, 2D or 3D). Cellular automata models are one type of numerical model that replace at least some physical processes with expedient rules. A 2D physics‐based approach encapsulates sufficient process complexity to provide behavioural predictions. Predictions from catchment‐scale landscape evolution models have potential for providing boundary conditions. Future progress in physics‐based modelling needs to address three challenges: (i) representation of flow and sediment transport; (ii) temporal and spatial scaling; and (iii) model calibration, sensitivity, uncertainty and validation. The key problem for addressing these is the dearth of laboratory or natural experiment datasets. To show that progress can be made by comparing reach‐scale predictions to high‐resolution observations, a case study of monitoring and modelling, conducted in the Rees River, New Zealand, is presented. Hydraulic predictions of cellular automata and shallow water equation (Delft3d) models are compared to observed inundation extent. The efficacy of high‐resolution, multi‐temporal morphological data for assessing 2D physics‐based morphodynamic model predictions is also demonstrated.
Penny wise, pound foolish: an assessment of Canadian Hemophilia/inherited bleeding disorder comprehensive care program services and resources
Authors: Page D. , Crymble S. , Lawday K. , Long M. , Stoffman J. , Waterhouse L. , Wilton P. 
Published: March 2016

IntroductionA network of 25 haemophilia/inherited bleeding disorder comprehensive care centres was established in Canada in the 1970s and 1980s. In 2007, standards of care, focused on the structural and resource requirements necessary to effectively provide optimal care, were adopted.AimAssess how human and physical resources affect centres' capacity to attain standards of care.MethodsThe Canadian Hemophilia Society (CHS), with the support of the Association of Hemophilia Clinic Directors of Canada (AHCDC), undertook the assessment. Health care providers were interviewed in person by lay CHS volunteers and staff. A comprehensive patient satisfaction survey was mailed to a representative cross‐section of patients/caregivers.ResultsThe CHS observed that, despite competent and dedicated staff, many of the programmes are experiencing serious resource deficiencies. Twenty‐three of the 25 programmes lack resources in one or more of the following disciplines: haematology, nursing, physiotherapy, social work and clerical/data entry. In nine of the 25 programmes, no resources are allocated to certain core disciplines, notably physiotherapy and social work. Key standards of care, including regular health assessments and close monitoring of home infusion with factor concentrates, are not always respected. Nevertheless, a high level of satisfaction was observed among patients and their caregivers. The study also discovered that clotting factor concentrates constitute 90–95% of the total cost of care while all other aspects of care delivery represent only 5–10%.ConclusionsUnder‐funding of programmes and suboptimal monitoring of valuable clotting factor concentrate utilization and reporting are both ‘penny‐wise’ and ‘pound‐foolish’. A formal accreditation process is needed.
Lipopolysaccharide Structure and Biosynthesis in Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Li Hong , Liao Tingting , Debowski Aleksandra W. , Tang Hong , Nilsson Hans‐Olof , Stubbs Keith A. , Marshall Barry J. , Benghezal Mohammed 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThis review covers the current knowledge and gaps in Helicobacter pylori lipopolysaccharide (LPS) structure and biosynthesis. H. pylori is a Gram‐negative bacterium which colonizes the luminal surface of the human gastric epithelium. Both a constitutive alteration of the lipid A preventing TLR4 elicitation and host mimicry of the Lewis antigen decorated O‐antigen of H. pylori LPS promote immune escape and chronic infection. To date, the complete structure of H. pylori LPS is not available, and the proposed model is a linear arrangement composed of the inner core defined as the hexa‐saccharide (Kdo‐LD‐Hep‐LD‐Hep‐DD‐Hep‐Gal‐Glc), the outer core composed of a conserved trisaccharide (‐GlcNAc‐Fuc‐DD‐Hep‐) linked to the third heptose of the inner core, the glucan, the heptan and a variable O‐antigen, generally consisting of a poly‐LacNAc decorated with Lewis antigens. Although the glycosyltransferases (GTs) responsible for the biosynthesis of the H. pylori O‐antigen chains have been identified and characterized, there are many gaps in regard to the biosynthesis of the core LPS. These limitations warrant additional mutagenesis and structural studies to obtain the complete LPS structure and corresponding biosynthetic pathway of this important gastric bacterium.
The Helicobacter heilmannii hofE and hofF Genes are Essential for Colonization of the Gastric Mucosa and Play a Role in IL‐1β‐Induced Gastric MUC13 Expression
Authors: Cheng Liu , Mirko Rossi , Sara Lindén , Medea Padra , Caroline Blaecher , Eva Bauwens , Myrthe Joosten , Bram Flahou , Wim Van den Broeck , Richard Ducatelle , Freddy Haesebrouck , Annemieke Smet 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundHelicobacter heilmannii is a zoonotic bacterium associated with gastric disease in humans. We recently showed that H. heilmannii binds to human gastric mucins and epithelial cells and highlighted a potential role for the murine Muc13 mucin in gastric Helicobacter colonization. The aims of this study were to investigate the role of the H. heilmannii hof gene locus encoding HofH/F/E/G/C/D in adhesion to the gastric mucosa and induction of increased gastric Muc13 expression.MethodsBacterial hof gene and host gene expression experiments, Helicobacter binding assays and experimental infection studies in mice were performed. H. pylori and its ΔhofF mutant were included for comparison.ResultsHelicobacter heilmannii strains lacking HofE or HofF showed a clear decrease in binding to gastric mucins and epithelial cells as well as a lower gastric colonization level in the stomach of Balb/c mice at 4 and 9 weeks post‐infection compared to the H. heilmannii wildtype strain. Interestingly, H. heilmannii ΔhofE and ΔhofF and H. pylori ΔhofF did not induce an increased expression of MUC13 in human gastric epithelial cells and of Muc13 in the stomach of mice. Finally, we demonstrated that IL‐1β is induced in the stomach as a response to Helicobacter colonization which on its turn is involved in the expression of MUC13/Muc13 in the gastric epithelium.ConclusionThese novel results in Helicobacter research identified H. heilmannii HofE and HofF as adhesins and suggest an important role of H. heilmannii HofE and HofF and H. pylori HofF in IL‐1β‐induced gastric MUC13/Muc13 expression.
Fecundity and sexual maturity of the coral Siderastrea siderea at high latitude along the Florida Reef Tract, USA
Authors: St. Gelais Adam T. , Chaves‐Fonnegra Andia , Brownlee Allison S. , Kosmynin Vladimir N. , Moulding Alison L. , Gilliam David S. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractSiderastrea siderea is one of the most abundant corals at high latitude shallow sites along the Florida Reef Tract (25°–27°N). This species is able to tolerate wide seawater temperature fluctuations and sedimentation stress, but its reproductive status at high latitudes and under marginal environmental conditions is poorly understood. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the reproductive potential of S. siderea along a latitudinal gradient (25°–27°N) and to determine if sexual maturity occurs in small (<12.0 cm) S. siderea colonies. Samples of coral tissue were collected in 2007, 2008, and 2009 at three sites along the latitudinal gradient and were processed for histological analysis. Oocyte size, volume, and abundance were used to calculate fecundity. Results showed that fecundity decreased with increasing latitude and that oocyte volume was the major contributing factor to this variation. Mature oocytes were observed in S. siderea colonies at sizes as small as 1.1 cm in diameter. The ability of S. siderea to reach fertility at high latitude areas suggests this species is able to reproduce under marginal environmental conditions; however, reduction in oocyte size could increase local retention of larvae. The presence of mature oocytes in small colonies suggests that stress can reduce somatic growth and shift sexual maturity to smaller colony sizes.
Geographical variation in reproductive biology is obscured by the species problem: a new record of brooding in Porites cylindrica, or misidentification?
Authors: Abecia Janine Erica D. , Guest James R. , Villanueva Ronald D. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractLittle is known about the reproductive biology of corals from the Philippines, despite this archipelago being at the center of coral reef biodiversity. Here, we report on the reproductive biology of a branching poritid species provisionally identified as Porites cf. cylindrica in the Bolinao‐Anda reef complex (BARC), northwestern Philippines. Histological examination and ex situ planulation observations reveal P.cf. cylindrica colonies to be gonochoric brooders that release actively swimming zooxanthellate larvae. Planulation appeared to occur throughout the year and there was significant lunar periodicity in planular release. The mean peak of release occurred from the 25th to 29th lunar day or just before the new moon, while peak in diel timing in planulation occurred during daytime between 08:00–11:00 h. Elsewhere in the Pacific, Porites cylindrica colonies are reported to broadcast spawn. If our species identification is correct, then this is the first report of brooding in P. cylindrica. Although there are no apparent morphological differences between the coral in this study and P. cylindrica reported from other sites, an alternative explanation for our findings is that our provisionally identified Porites cf. cylindrica is a different species. If so, our findings further highlight how difficulties with species identification in corals can influence our understanding of geographical variation in reproductive biology.
Incidence and risk factors for venous thromboembolism following surgical treatment of fractures below the hip: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Tan Lei , Qi Baochang , Yu Tiecheng , Wang Chengxue 
Published: March 2016

AbstractVenous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common complication after surgical treatment of fractures, which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Identifying the risk factors for VTE is important for preventive strategies to reduce the incidence of VTE. Therefore, we conducted a meta‐analysis to evaluate the incidence of VTE and the risk factors influencing the development of VTE in patients who underwent surgery for fractures below the hip. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, SinoMed (Chinese BioMedical Literature Service System, China) and CNKI (National Knowledge Infrastructure, China) databases were systematically searched to identify cohort or case–control studies that investigated the incidence and risk factors for VTE following surgical treatment of fractures below the hip. VTE risk ratios (RRs) were pooled by use of a fixed‐effect model or a random‐effect model, depending on the heterogeneity among the included studies. Heterogeneity between the studies was assessed by I2 statistics. Twenty‐three studies with a total of 191 294 patients who met the inclusion criteria were included in this meta‐analysis. Our results demonstrated that age (≥60 years) (RR = 1·85, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1·34, 2·55; P = 0·000), previous VTE(RR = 5·25, 95% CI: 2·77, 9·96; P = 0·000), heart failure (RR = 1·74, 95% CI: 1·34, 2·27; P = 0·000), current smoking status (RR = 1·23, 95% CI: 1·07, 1·41; P = 0·004), hypertension (RR = 1·62, 95% CI: 1·27, 2·06; P = 0·000), hyperlipidaemia (RR = 2·16, 95% CI: 1·79, 2·62; P = 0·000), diabetes mellitus (RR = 1·46, 95% CI: 1·27, 1·68; P = 0·000), obesity (RR = 1·58, 95% CI: 1·35,·1·85; P = 0·000), multiple fractures (RR = 2·14, 95% CI: 1·00, 4·60; P = 0·050), varicose veins (RR = 3·07, 95% CI: 1·12, 8·47; P = 0·030), prolonged operation time (weighted mean differences (WMD) = 1·22, 95% CI: 0·63, 1·81; P = 0·000) and prolonged bed rest time (WMD = 3·12, 95% CI: 2·96, 3·29; P = 0·000) were associated with an increased risk of developing VTE. The other variables, including age (<60 years), previous smoking, immobility, pregnancy, cancer, open fractures and combination with trauma were not identified as significant risk factors for VTE. Almost all the risk factors mentioned above are in line with the known risk factors for VTE following surgery for fractures below the hip. Thus, surgeons should pay close attention to patients with these medical conditions in order to reduce the incidence of VTE following surgical treatment of fractures below the hip.
Rate, risk factors and assessment of a counselling intervention for antenatal depression by public health nurses in an Israeli ultra‐orthodox community
Authors: Glasser Saralee , Hadad Lea , Bina Rena , Boyko Valentina , Magnezi Racheli 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAimTo investigate the rate of and risk factors for perinatal depression in an Israeli ultra‐orthodox Jewish community and assess the contribution of antenatal nursing intervention to reducing symptoms of postpartum depression.BackgroundPerinatal depression is recognized globally as a common complication of pregnancy and childbirth, with negative effects on the mother, infant and family. Among Jewish ultra‐orthodox women both religion and childbearing play major roles.DesignSingle‐group pretest‐posttest intervention study.MethodDepressive symptoms were assessed by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. One‐hundred‐sixty women attending a mother‐child healthcare clinic during December 2011–January 2013 completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale prenatally and 148 (92·5%) repeated the survey 6 weeks postpartum. Nurses were trained to screen and offer non‐directive supportive counselling intervention. Risk factors for antenatal depressive symptoms were analysed using multivariable logistic regression and analysis of changes in score was performed by 2‐way analysis of variance.ResultsNineteen participants (11·9%) scored ≥10 on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale antenatally. Nurses provided intervention for 40 women. Postpartum, only one participant scored ≥10. The decrease in Edinburgh score was greater for those whose antenatal score was ≥10.ConclusionAlthough the rate of antenatal depressive symptoms was similar to that in other studies, postpartum symptoms may have been underreported, possible due to culturally‐related reticence. This underscores the importance of understanding the context in which the service is offered and the sensitivities of particular groups. The findings indicate that antenatal nursing intervention is a potentially protective measure for perinatal emotional well‐being.