bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Advances in neuroimaging in frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Gordon Elizabeth , Rohrer Jonathan D. , Fox Nick C. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractFrontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a clinically and neuroanatomically heterogeneous neurodegenerative disorder with multiple underlying genetic and pathological causes. Whilst initial neuroimaging studies highlighted the presence of frontal and temporal lobe atrophy or hypometabolism as the unifying feature in patients with FTD, more detailed studies have revealed diverse patterns across individuals, with variable frontal or temporal predominance, differing degrees of asymmetry, and the involvement of other cortical areas including the insula and cingulate, as well as subcortical structures such as the basal ganglia and thalamus. Recent advances in novel imaging modalities including diffusion tensor imaging, resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging and molecular positron emission tomography imaging allow the possibility of investigating alterations in structural and functional connectivity and the visualisation of pathological protein deposition. This review will cover the major imaging modalities currently used in research and clinical practice, focusing on the key insights they have provided into FTD, including the onset and evolution of pathological changes and also importantly their utility as biomarkers for disease detection and staging, differential diagnosis and measurement of disease progression. Validating neuroimaging biomarkers that are able to accomplish these tasks will be crucial for the ultimate goal of powering upcoming clinical trials by correctly stratifying patient enrolment and providing sensitive markers for evaluating the effects and efficacy of disease‐modifying therapies.
image
This review describes the key insights provided by research into the major neuroimaging modalities currently used in research and clinical practice, including what they tell us about the onset and evolution of FTD and how they may be used as biomarkers for disease detection and staging, differential diagnosis and measurement of disease progression.
This article is part of the Frontotemporal Dementia special issue.
Mechanistic characterization of nitrite‐mediated neuroprotection after experimental cardiac arrest
Authors: Dezfulian Cameron , Kenny Elizabeth , Lamade Andrew , Misse Amalea , Krehel Nicholas , St. Croix Claudette , Kelley Eric E. , Jackson Travis C. , Uray Thomas , Rackley Justin , Kochanek Patrick M. , Clark Robert S. B. , Bayir Hulya 
Published: August 2016

AbstractNitrite acts as an ischemic reservoir of nitric oxide (NO) and a potent S‐nitrosating agent which reduced histologic brain injury after rat asphyxial cardiac arrest (ACA). The mechanism(s) of nitrite‐mediated neuroprotection remain to be defined. We hypothesized that nitrite‐mediated brain mitochondrial S‐nitrosation accounts for neuroprotection by reducing reperfusion reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Nitrite (4 μmol) or placebo was infused IV after normothermic (37°C) ACA in randomized, blinded fashion with evaluation of neurologic function, survival, brain mitochondrial function, and ROS. Blood and CSF nitrite were quantified using reductive chemiluminescence and S‐nitrosation by biotin switch. Direct neuroprotection was verified in vitro after 1 and 4 h neuronal oxygen glucose deprivation measuring neuronal death with inhibition studies to examine mechanism. Mitochondrial ROS generation was quantified by live neuronal imaging using mitoSOX. Nitrite significantly reduced neurologic disability after ACA. ROS generation was reduced in brain mitochondria from nitrite‐ versus placebo‐treated rats after ACA with congruent preservation of brain ascorbate and reduction of ROS in brain sections using immuno‐spin trapping. ATP generation was maintained with nitrite up to 24 h after ACA. Nitrite rapidly entered CSF and increased brain mitochondrial S‐nitrosation. Nitrite reduced in vitro mitochondrial superoxide generation and improved survival of neurons after oxygen glucose deprivation. Protection was maintained with inhibition of soluble guanylate cyclase but lost with NO scavenging and ultraviolet irradiation. Nitrite therapy results in direct neuroprotection from ACA mediated by reductions in brain mitochondrial ROS in association with protein S‐nitrosation. Neuroprotection is dependent on NO and S‐nitrosothiol generation, not soluble guanylate cyclase.
image
Studies on effect of temperature and time on textural and rheological properties of starch isolated from traditional rice cultivars of Kashmir (India)
Authors: Bhat Farhan M. , Riar Charanjit S. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractIn the present study, the effect of storage temperature and time on the textural and rheological properties of starch gels from seven different rice cultivars having higher amylose content than the hybrid rice varieties were evaluated. Water solubility and swelling power increased with every 10C increase in temperature due to granule swelling and solubilization of starch wherein the maximum solubility was found in starch of Koshkari rice cultivar (0.721 to 13.50) and swelling power in starch of Zag rice cultivar (3.688 to 10.806). However, syneresis in the analyzed rice starch gels had shown a fluctuating trend for each individual cultivar at different storage periods in which the cultivars Zag had shown the highest values of syneresis during storage (4.123 to 4.957%). In the texture profile analysis of starch gel of these cultivars, Mushki Budgi had the highest value of hardness (0.723N), gumminess (36.262) and chewiness (31.056). The turbidity values of gelatinized starch suspensions from different rice cultivars increased progressively during the first 4 days of storage followed by a decrease in the 5th day coupled with slight increase in the 6th day. The highest turbidity was found in Zag ranging from 1.47 to 1.67 during refrigerated storage after 6 days. The rheological analysis revealed that Zag indicated the highest value of TG′ (76.96C) whereas cultivars Koshkari and Mushki Kandi had shown the lowest value of TG′ (74.34C) upon heating cycle.Practical applicationsRheological properties of starch are affected by amylose contents, lipid contents, branch chain length distribution of amylopectin. The starch from different varieties depicted variable textural and rheological properties at various time: temperature combinations. No research has been reported to explore the effect of time and temperature on the textural and rheological properties of starch isolated from these traditional rice cultivars. The starches from traditional rice cultivars (native or indigenous rice cultivars of a region) indicated novel characteristic as compared to other cultivars in terms of their higher amylose content, starch yield, purity, clarity, solubility, syneresis, turbidity, and rheology. The novelty of this research was to exploit the desirable properties of starch obtained from traditional rice cultivars that had better characteristics than the hybrid varieties. This in turn led the various agencies to motivate the farmers to encourage their cultivation, provide an essential platform to scientists to inherit their valuable characteristics.
Preoperative urinary tract obstruction in scoliosis patients
Authors: Suzuki Shigeru , Kotani Toshiaki , Mori Kazuetsu , Kawamura Ken , Ohtake Akira 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBackgroundWhile the association between scoliosis and cardiac and respiratory function impairments has been well characterized in clinical practice and research, the potential effect of scoliosis on urinary tract structure and renal function has received little attention. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the preoperative clinical characteristics of urinary tract structure and renal function in pediatric patients with idiopathic scoliosis, using a combination of blood tests, urinalysis, and imaging.MethodsPreoperative measures of urinary tract structure and renal function were obtained for 16 patients, 13–17 years old, scheduled for corrective surgery for idiopathic scoliosis. Preoperative assessment included blood test and urinalysis, combined with structural imaging on ultrasound (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance urography (MRU), and radioisotope tracing (RI), using technetium‐99 m mercaptoacetyltriglycine (99mTc‐MAG3). Differences in blood and urine tests between patients with and without urinary tract obstruction (UTO) were evaluated for significance using Mann‐Whitney U test.ResultsFor all 16 patients, blood tests and MRU were within normal limits. Dilatation of the renal pelvis was identified on US in eight patients (50.0%). UTO was identified on RI in six patients (37.5%). UTO was associated with elevated β2‐microglobulin concentration. Urinary β2‐microglobulin concentration >0.7 μg/mg Cr differentiated patients with UTO from those without UTO, with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 70%.Conclusionsβ2‐Microglobulin concentration may be a useful marker to screen for asymptomatic UTO in patients with idiopathic scoliosis.
M1 polarization and the effect of PGE2 on TNF‐α production by lymph node cells from dogs with visceral leishmaniasis
Authors: Venturin G. L. , Chiku V. M. , Silva K. L. O. , de Almeida B. F. M. , de Lima V. M. F. 
Published: August 2016

SummaryCanine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is caused by the intracellular parasite Leishmania infantum. Increased levels of arginase, nitric oxide (NO2) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) can play a regulatory role regarding the immune response in CVL cases. This study aimed to evaluate the arginase activity in adherent macrophages cultured from the lymph nodes of healthy and naturally infected dogs and to examine the NO2 and PGE2 levels in the supernatant of these cultures. In addition, the regulatory effect of PGE2 on the production of tumour necrosis factor (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) in supernatants from the total lymph node was observed in leucocyte cultures. The arginase activity was lower in the adherent macrophages cultured from the lymph nodes of naturally infected dogs and there were higher concentrations of NO2 and PGE2 in the supernatants of these cultures. Higher TNF‐α and IL‐10 concentrations were observed in supernatants from total lymph node leucocytes cultures, from infected dogs, and the presence of indomethacin only decreased TNF‐α in the supernatant of these cultures. We conclude that the low arginase activity in macrophages suggested that M1 polarization and PGE2 were participating in the immune response and were increasing TNF‐α in CVL.
Idea Generation and the Role of Feedback: Evidence from Field Experiments with Innovation Tournaments
Authors: Wooten Joel O. , Ulrich Karl T. 
Published: August 2016

In many innovation settings, ideas are generated over time and managers face a decision about if and how to provide in‐process feedback to the idea generators about the quality of submissions. In this article, we use design contests allowing repeated entry to examine the effect of in‐process feedback on idea generation. We report on a set of field experiments using two online contest websites to compare the performance of three different feedback treatments— no feedback, random feedback, and directed feedback (i.e., in‐process feedback highly correlated with the final quality rating of the entry). We posted six logo design contests for consumer products and accepted submissions for 1 week. We provided daily feedback during the contest period using one of the three treatments. We then used a panel of target consumers to rate the quality of each idea. We find that directed feedback is associated positively with agent participation. For outcome, while directed feedback benefits the average quality of entries submitted, we don't find that relationship for the best entries—indeed, no feedback or random feedback may produce better top‐end entry quality. We also find that, under directed feedback, the variance in quality declines as the contest progresses.
Unexpected reductions in regional cerebral perfusion during prolonged hypoxia
Authors: Lawley Justin S. , Macdonald Jamie H. , Oliver Samuel J. , Mullins Paul G. 
Published: August 2016

Key points
Cognitive performance is impaired by hypoxia despite global cerebral oxygen delivery and metabolism being maintained.
Using arterial spin labelled (ASL) magnetic resonance imaging, this is the first study to show regional reductions in cerebral blood flow (CBF) in response to decreased oxygen supply (hypoxia) at 2 h that increased in area and became more pronounced at 10 h.
Reductions in CBF were seen in brain regions typically associated with the ‘default mode’ or ‘task negative’ network.
Regional reductions in CBF, and associated vasoconstriction, within the default mode network in hypoxia is supported by increased vasodilatation in these regions to a subsequent hypercapnic (5% CO2) challenge.
These results suggest an anatomical mechanism through which hypoxia may cause previously reported deficits in cognitive performance.
AbstractHypoxia causes an increase in global cerebral blood flow, which maintains global cerebral oxygen delivery and metabolism. However, neurological deficits are abundant under hypoxic conditions. We investigated regional cerebral microvascular responses to acute (2 h) and prolonged (10 h) poikilocapnic normobaric hypoxia. We found that 2 h of hypoxia caused an expected increase in frontal cortical grey matter perfusion but unexpected perfusion decreases in regions of the brain normally associated with the ‘default mode’ or ‘task negative’ network. After 10 h in hypoxia, decreased blood flow to the major nodes of the default mode network became more pronounced and widespread. The use of a hypercapnic challenge (5% CO2) confirmed that these reductions in cerebral blood flow from hypoxia were related to vasoconstriction. Our findings demonstrate steady‐state deactivation of the default network under acute hypoxia, which become more pronounced over time. Moreover, these data provide a unique insight into the nuanced localized cerebrovascular response to hypoxia that is not attainable through traditional methods. The observation of reduced perfusion in the posterior cingulate and cuneal cortex, which are regions assumed to play a role in declarative and procedural memory, provides an anatomical mechanism through which hypoxia may cause deficits in working memory.
Retention Factors for Head Athletic Trainers in the NCAA Division I Collegiate Setting
Authors: Mazerolle Stephanie M. , Pitney William A. , Goodman Ashley 
Published: August 2016

Context:Retention factors for athletic trainers (ATs) generally include autonomy, work-life balance, and job satisfaction, but little is known specifically about the position of Head AT.Objective:To investigate factors that influence retention of the Head AT in a leadership role.Design:A qualitative study that employed structured interviews.Patients or Other Participants: 18 Head ATs (13 males, 5 females; 44 ± 8 years of age; 22 ± 7 years of experience in the role) participated.Data Collection and Analysis:Participants responded to a series of questions presented through an online interview. The data were analyzed through a general inductive approach.Results:Two key retention factors that were identified by the analysis were enjoyment of the work setting and professional motivation.Conclusions:Head ATs remain in their positions due to rewarding relationships with staff members and student-athletes. A commitment to lifelong learning for professional development also exerts a positive influence for retention.
Radioulnar Range of Motion Normative Values for Elite Baseball Players
Authors: Laudner Kevin , Lynall Robert , Williams Jeffrey , Wong Regan , Onuki Takashi , Meister Keith 
Published: August 2016

Context:Numerous studies have documented reduced glenohumeral joint range of motion (ROM) of the dominant extremity among baseball players, which may be caused by throwing-related factors that also affect the radioulnar joint.Objective:To measure pronation and supination ROM in competitive baseball pitchers and position players.Participants:Asymptomatic professional and collegiate baseball pitchers (N = 59) and position players (N = 43).Outcome Measures:Bilateral radioulnar pronation and supination ROM.Results:Pitchers demonstrated significantly less pronation and total ROM in the throwing arm than the nondominant arm. The position players demonstrated significantly less total ROM in the throwing arm than the nondominant arm.Conclusions:The reported normative values may provide useful standards for interpretation of radioulnar ROM measured in both asymptomatic and symptomatic baseball players.
Voluntary Inducement of Triceps Surae Muscle Cramping
Authors: Goodman Ashley , Zwetsloot Kevin A. 
Published: August 2016

Context:Exercise-associated muscle cramping (EAMC) is difficult to induce experimentally.Purpose:T o assess the reliability of a maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) procedure for inducement of a muscle cramp.Participants:Seventy-four healthy and physically active participants (23 ± 8 years of age; 49 males and 25 females); 63 who had previously experienced EAMC.Main Outcome Measure:Each participant’s triceps surae musculature was placed in a shortened and unloaded position. Participants were instructed to maximally contract the triceps surae musculature with the intent to induce a cramp within 60 seconds.Results:Cramping was induced in 31% of participants within 60 seconds, and 97% of participants who experienced cramping during the initial session and who returned for two subsequent testing sessions at one-week intervals reproduced cramping with the procedure.Conclusions:The MVC procedure consistently induced cramping in a subset of 18 cramp-prone participants during multiple testing sessions, which suggests that it may have value as a screening tool for identification of athletes with a predisposition for EAMC.
Case Study: Beverage Temperature at Aid Stations in Ironman Triathlon
Authors: Burdon Catriona A. , Johnson Nathan A. , Chapman Phillip G. , Muhamed Ahmad Munir Che , O’Connor Helen T. 
Published: August 2016

Purpose:The aim of this study was to measure the effect of environmental conditions and aid-station beverage-cooling practices on the temperature of competitor beverages.Methods:Environmental and beverage temperatures were measured at three cycling and two run course aid stations at the 2010 Langkawi, Malaysia (MA), and Port Macquarie, Australia (AU), Ironman triathlon events. To measure the specific effect of radiant temperature, additional fluid-filled (600 ml) drink bottles (n = 12) were cooled overnight (C) and then placed in direct sun (n = 6) or shade (n = 6) near to a cycle aid station at AU.Results:During both events, beverage temperature increased over time (p < .05) as environmental conditions, particularly radiant temperature increased (p < .05). Mean beverage temperature ranged between 14–26°C and during both events was above the palatable range (15–22°C) for extended periods. At AU, bottles placed in direct sunlight heated faster (6.9 ± 2.3 °C·h−1) than those in the shade (4.8 ± 1.1°C·h−1, p = .05).Conclusion:Simple changes to Ironman aidstation practices, including shade and chilling beverages with ice, result in the provision of cooler beverages. Future studies should investigate whether provision of cool beverages at prolonged endurance events influences heat-illness incidence, beverage-consumption patterns, and competitor performance.
Vitamin D Status and Supplementation in Elite Irish Athletes
Authors: Magee Pamela J. , Pourshahidi L. Kirsty , Wallace Julie M. W. , Cleary John , Conway Joe , Harney Edward , Madigan Sharon M. 
Published: August 2016

Background:A high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency, which may impact on health and training ability, is evident among athletes worldwide. This observational study investigated the vitamin D status of elite Irish athletes and determined the effect of wintertime supplementation on status.Methods:Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], calcium, and plasma parathyroid hormone were analyzed in elite athletes in November 2010 (17 boxers, 33 paralympians) or March 2011 (34 Gaelic Athletic Association [GAA] players). A subset of boxers and paralympians (n = 27) were supplemented during the winter months with either 5,000 IU vitamin D3/d for 10–12 weeks or 50,000 IU on one or two occasions. Biochemical analysis was repeated following supplementation.Results:Median 25(OH)D of all athletes at baseline was 48.4 nmol/L. Vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency (serum 25(OH)D <50 nmol/L) was particularly evident among GAA players (94%) due to month of sampling. Wintertime supplementation (all doses) significantly increased 25(OH)D (median 62.8 nmol/L at baseline vs. 71.1 nmol/L in April or May; p = .001) and corrected any insufficiencies/deficiencies in this subset of athletes. In contrast, 25(OH)D significantly decreased in those that did not receive a vitamin D supplement, with 74% of athletes classed as vitamin D insufficient/deficient after winter, compared with only 35% at baseline.Conclusions:This study has highlighted a high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency among elite Irish athletes and demonstrated that wintertime vitamin D3 supplementation is an appropriate regimen to ensure vitamin D sufficiency in athletes during winter and early spring.
Positional Performance Profiling of Elite Ice Hockey Players
Authors: Vescovi Jason D. , Murray Teena M. , VanHeest Jaci L. 
Published: August 2016

Purpose:The primary purpose of this study was to determine whether positional profiling is possible for elite ice hockey players by examining anthropometric characteristics and physiological performance. In addition, performance ranges and percentiles were determined for each position (forwards, defensemen, and goalkeepers) on all dependent variables.Methods:A retrospective, cross-sectional study design was used with performance data from ice hockey players (mean age = 18.0 ± 0.6 years) attending the 2001 (n = 74), 2002 (n = 84), and 2003 (n = 92) Combines. Four anthropometric characteristics and 12 performance tests were the dependent variables. A 3 × 3 (position × year) 2-way ANOVA was used to determine whether any significant interactions were present. No significant interactions were observed, so the data were collapsed over the 3-year period and positional characteristics were analyzed using a 1-way ANOVA.Results:Defenders were heavier and/or taller compared with the other 2 positions (P ≤ .01), whereas goalkeepers showed greater body-fat percentage compared with that of forwards (P = .001). It was found that goalkeepers had significantly lower strength measures for the upper body (P ≤ .043) and lower anaerobic capacity (P ≤ .039) values compared with at least one other position, but they had greater flexibility (P ≤ .013). No positional differences were observed for the broad jump, vertical jump, aerobic power, or curl-ups.Conclusion:The current findings provide evidence supporting the use of anthropometric measurements, upper body strength, and anaerobic capacity to effectively distinguish among positions for elite-level ice hockey players.