bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anaerobic metabolism and thermal tolerance: The importance of opine pathways on survival of a gastropod after cardiac dysfunction
Authors: HAN Guodong , ZHANG Shu , DONG Yunwei 
Published: September 2016

AbstractOrganisms on rocky shores are frequently exposed to high temperatures, which cause impairment of cardiac function and retard cellular oxygen delivery. However, some gastropods can survive at several degrees Celsius higher than their Arrhenius break temperature of cardiac function (ABT), indicating the importance of anaerobic metabolism for their thermal tolerance. We measured the global molecular responses to heat stress in limpet Cellana toreuma using 454 GS‐FLX to investigate the variations of genes involved in anaerobic metabolism at high temperatures. Next, the gene expression levels of 4 anaerobic enzymes and activity of alanopine dehydrogenase (AlDH), which is involved in opine pathway, were measured in response to elevated temperature. A total of 19 heat shock proteins (HSPs) were determined using real‐time PCR at different temperatures. At high temperatures, the extensive upregulation of HSP genes was an effective but energetically expensive form of protection to prevent thermal damage. The upregulation of hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 alpha mRNA indicated the condition of cellular hypoxia and the high gene expression and enzyme activity of AlDH suggested that opine pathway was the main anaerobic pathway. These results implied that anaerobic metabolism was enhanced to provide energy in the face of thermal stress. Our findings highlight the ecological significance of the anaerobic metabolism of gastropods to thermal adaptation. For predicting the ecological impact of global warming on the distribution of gastropods, the role of anaerobic pathways should be evaluated.
Respiratory rates measured by a standardised clinical approach, ward staff, and a wireless device
Authors: Granholm A. , Pedersen N. E. , Lippert A. , Petersen L. F. , Rasmussen L. S. 
Published: September 2016

BackgroundRespiratory rate is among the first vital signs to change in deteriorating patients. The aim was to investigate the agreement between respiratory rate measurements by three different methods.MethodsThis prospective observational study included acutely admitted adult patients in a medical ward. Respiratory rate was measured by three methods: a standardised approach over 60 s while patients lay still and refrained from talking, by ward staff and by a wireless electronic patch (SensiumVitals). The Bland‐Altman method was used to compare measurements and three breaths per minute (BPM) was considered a clinically relevant difference.ResultsWe included 50 patients. The mean difference between the standardised approach and the electronic measurement was 0.3 (95% CI: −1.4 to 2.0) BPM; 95% limits of agreement were −11.5 (95% CI: −14.5 to −8.6) and 12.1 (95% CI: 9.2 to 15.1) BPM. Removal of three outliers with huge differences lead to a mean difference of −0.1 (95% CI: −0.7 to 0.5) BPM and 95% limits of agreement of −4.2 (95% CI: −5.3 to −3.2) BPM and 4.0 (95% CI: 2.9 to 5.0) BPM. The mean difference between staff and electronic measurements was 1.7 (95% CI: −0.5 to 3.9) BPM; 95% limits of agreement were −13.3 (95% CI: −17.2 to −9.5) BPM and 16.8 (95% CI: 13.0 to 20.6) BPM.ConclusionA concerning lack of agreement was found between a wireless monitoring system and a standardised clinical approach. Ward staff's measurements also seemed to be inaccurate.
Post‐operative analgesia using intermittent vs. continuous adductor canal block technique: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Thapa D. , Ahuja V. , Verma P. , Gombar S. , Gupta R. , Dhiman D. 
Published: September 2016

Background and objectivesIntermittent boluses for neural blockade provide better post‐operative analgesia when compared to continuous infusion. However, these techniques of administration have not yet been compared while performing adductor canal block (ACB). We compared intermittent vs. continuous ACB for managing post‐operative pain following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The primary endpoint was total morphine consumption for 24 h post‐operatively in both the groups. Secondary outcomes included evaluation of pain scores and opioid‐related side effects.MethodsAfter ethics board approval, subjects presenting for ACL reconstruction were randomized to receive either continuous ACB (n = 25) with 0.5% ropivacaine infusing at 2.5 ml/h or intermittent boluses (n = 25) of 15 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine every 6 h. Total morphine consumption 24 h following surgery was recorded in each group.ResultsFifty subjects completed this study. The mean 24‐h total morphine consumption in the intermittent group, [11.36 (6.82) mg], was significantly reduced compared with the continuous group, [23.40 (10.45) mg] (P < 0.001). The mean visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score at rest and on knee flexion was significantly reduced in the intermittent group at 4, 6, 8, and 12 h compared with the continuous group.ConclusionIntermittent ACB allowed significantly reduced consumption of morphine for 24 h in the post‐operative period compared with continuous ACB when identical doses of ropivacaine were used in each group.
Customised management of the third stage of labour
Authors: Springhall Edward , Wallace Euan M. , Stewart Lynne , Knight Michelle , Mockler Joanne C. , Davies‐Tuck Miranda 
Published: September 2016

BackgroundPostpartum haemorrhage (PPH) rates are increasing worldwide. The rate is particularly high in women undergoing an induced or augmented labour. In response to this, we altered our hospital's protocol for the management of the third stage of labour to recommend Syntometrine, in preference to oxytocin alone, for women being induced or augmented. We set out to assess the impact of the protocol change on the PPH rate.Materials and methodsA random sample of 1200 women who had a singleton, term vaginal birth before and after the protocol change was taken. Exclusion criteria were then applied to match PPH risk status. Using a quasi‐experimental study design, PPH rates were compared between women who had received oxytocin or Syntometrine for third stage management.ResultsFive hundred and forty‐nine women received oxytocin prior to the protocol change and were compared with 333 women who received Syntometrine after protocol change. There was no difference in the PPH rate with respect to uterotonic used (P = 0.9). There was no evidence of an interaction between labour type, third stage uterotonic and PPH (P = 0.4). PPH rates were lowest for women who laboured spontaneously and received Syntometrine (19% oxytocin, 14% Syntometrine). The PPH rate was unchanged by uterotonic in women whose labour was augmented (34% for both). PPH was more common in women being induced who received Syntometrine (22% oxytocin, 27% Syntometrine). None of these differences were statistically significant.ConclusionCompared to oxytocin, Syntometrine did not reduce the rate of PPH in women with augmented or induced labour. Other approaches to reducing PPH rates are required.
The effect of relaxing massage on heart rate and heart rate variability in purebred Arabian racehorses
Authors: Kowalik Sylwester , Janczarek Iwona , Kędzierski Witold , Stachurska Anna , Wilk Izabela 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe objective of this study was to assess the effect of relaxing massage on the heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) in young racehorses during their first racing season. In the study, 72 Purebred Arabian racehorses were included. The study was implemented during the full race season. The horses from control and experimental groups were included in regular race training 6 days a week. The horses from the experimental group were additionally subject to the relaxing massage 3 days a week during the whole study. HR and HRV were assumed as indicators of the emotional state of the horses. The measurements were taken six times, every 4‐5 weeks. The HRV parameters were measured at rest, during grooming and saddling the horse and during warm‐up walking under a rider. The changes of the parameters throughout the season suggest that the relaxing massage may be effectively used to make the racehorses more relaxed and calm. Moreover, the horses from the experimental group had better race performance records.
Fbxw7β, E3 ubiquitin ligase, negative regulation of primary myoblast differentiation, proliferation and migration
Authors: Shin Kyungshin , Hwang Sang‐Gu , Choi Ik Joon , Ko Young‐Gyu , Jeong Jaemin , Kwon Heechung 
Published: September 2016

AbstractSatellite cells attached to skeletal muscle fibers play a crucial role in skeletal muscle regeneration. During regeneration, the satellite cells proliferate, migrate to the damaged region, and fuse to each other. Although it is important to determine the cellular mechanisms controlling myoblast behavior, their regulators are not well understood. In this study, we evaluated the roles of Fbxw7 in primary myoblasts and determined its potential as a therapeutic target for muscle disease. We originally found that Fbxw7β, one of the E3 ubiquitin ligase Fbxw7 subtypes, negatively regulates differentiation, proliferation and migration of myoblasts and satellite cells on muscle fiber. However, these phenomena were not observed in myoblasts expressing a dominant‐negative, F‐box deleted Fbxw7β, mutant. Our results suggest that myoblast differentiation potential and muscle regeneration can be regulated by Fbxw7β.
Forskolin, a hedgehog signalling inhibitor, attenuates carbon tetrachloride‐induced liver fibrosis in rats
Authors: El‐Agroudy Nermeen N , El‐Naga Reem N , El‐Razeq Rania Abd , El‐Demerdash Ebtehal 
Published: September 2016

Background and PurposeLiver fibrosis is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide with very limited therapeutic options. Given the pivotal role of activated hepatic stellate cells in liver fibrosis, attention has been directed towards the signalling pathways underlying their activation and fibrogenic functions. Recently, the hedgehog (Hh) signalling pathway has been identified as a potentially important therapeutic target in liver fibrosis. The present study was designed to explore the antifibrotic effects of the potent Hh signalling inhibitor, forskolin, and the possible molecular mechanisms underlying these effects.Experimental ApproachMale Sprague‐Dawley rats were treated with either CCl4 and/or forskolin for 6 consecutive weeks. Serum hepatotoxicity markers were determined, and histopathological evaluation was performed. Hepatic fibrosis was assessed by measuring α‐SMA expression and collagen deposition by Masson's trichrome staining and hydroxyproline content. The effects of forskolin on oxidative stress markers (GSH, GPx, lipid peroxides), inflammatory markers (NF‐κB, TNF‐α, COX‐2, IL‐1β), TGF‐β1 and Hh signalling markers (Ptch‐1, Smo, Gli‐2) were also assessed.Key ResultsHepatic fibrosis induced by CCl4 was significantly reduced by forskolin, as indicated by decreased α‐SMA expression and collagen deposition. Forskolin co‐treatment significantly attenuated oxidative stress and inflammation, reduced TGF‐β1 levels and down‐regulated mRNA expression of Ptch‐1, Smo and Gli‐2 through cAMP‐dependent PKA activation.Conclusion and ImplicationsIn our model, forskolin exerted promising antifibrotic effects which could be partly attributed to its antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects, as well as to its inhibition of Hh signalling, mediated by cAMP–dependent activation of PKA.
Design and characterization of short hybrid antimicrobial peptides from pEM‐2, mastoparan‐VT1, and mastoparan‐B
Authors: Memariani Hamed , Shahbazzadeh Delavar , Ranjbar Reza , Behdani Mahdi , Memariani Mojtaba , Pooshang Bagheri Kamran 
Published: September 2016

Antimicrobial peptides are considered to be excellent templates for designing novel antibiotics because of their broad‐spectrum antimicrobial activity and their low prognostic to induce antibiotic resistance. In this study, for the first time, a series of short hybrid antimicrobial peptides combined by different fragments of venom‐derived alpha‐helical antimicrobial peptides pEM‐2, mastoparan‐VT1, and mastoparan‐B were designed with the intent to improve the therapeutic index of the parental peptides. Short hybrid antimicrobial peptides PV, derived from pEM‐2 and mastoparan‐VT1, was found to possess the highest antibacterial, hemolytic, and cytotoxic activity. Short hybrid antimicrobial peptides PV3, derived from pEM‐2 and three fragments of mastoparan‐VT1, showed more than threefold improvement in therapeutic index compared with parental peptides pEM‐2 and mastoparan‐VT1. PV had the highest antimicrobial activity in stability studies. Except BVP, designed based on all three parental peptides, the other short hybrid antimicrobial peptides at their minimal inhibitory concentration and 2× minimal inhibitory concentration required less than 120 and 60 min to reduce >3log10 the initial inoculum, respectively. All peptides had membrane‐disrupting activity in a time‐dependent manner. Collectively, this study highlights the potential for rational design of improved short hybrid antimicrobial peptides such as PV3 that was an ideal candidate for further assessment with the ultimate purpose of development of effective antimicrobial agents.
Correlation between the existence of the palisades of Vogt and limbal epithelial thickness in limbal stem cell deficiency
Authors: Le Qihua , Yang Yujing , Deng Sophie X , Xu Jianjiang 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe aims of the study were to investigate limbal epithelial thickness in subjects with limbal stem cell deficiency and to evaluate the correlation between the palisades of Vogt and limbal epithelial thickness.DesignCross‐sectional observational study.ParticipantsTwenty‐four subjects (39 eyes) with limbal stem cell deficiency and 20 normal controls (20 eyes).MethodsAnterior segment optical coherence tomography and laser scanning confocal microscopy were performed to assess each quadrant of the limbus.Main Outcome MeasuresLimbal epithelial thickness and palisades of Vogt morphology in each quadrant were characterized. The correlation between limbal epithelial thickness and palisades of Vogt was analysed.ResultsThe average limbal epithelial thicknesses in eyes with limbal stem cell deficiency were 19.9%, 23.4%, 13.8% and 13.5% less than normal controls at superior, inferior, nasal and temporal limbus (P = 0.008, 0.006, 0.014 and 0.011, respectively). Limbal epithelial thicknesses within limbal quadrants with palisades of Vogt were similar to those measured in the same quadrants in normal controls, whereas limbal epithelial thicknesses in the superior, inferior, nasal and temporal quadrants without palisades of Vogt were 27.8%, 29.8%, 14.7% and 15.6% less than the limbal epithelial thickness in corresponding regions of normal eyes (superior and inferior: P < 0.001; nasal and temporal: P = 0.005). Limbal epithelial thickness in the nasal and temporal quadrants was significantly less than that in the superior and inferior quadrants, both in normal controls and in limbal stem cell deficiency subjects(P < 0.001 and P = 0.019). Regression analysis showed that limbal epithelial thickness had a significant correlation with the presence of palisades of Vogt in each quadrant (superior, P = 0.002; inferior, P = 0.001; nasal, P = 0.047; temporal, P = 0.030).ConclusionsA significant correlation was found between limbal epithelial thickness and the presence of palisades of Vogt. Limbal epithelial thinning as observed with anterior segment optical coherence tomography is a sign of limbal stem cell deficiency.
Cosmetic components causing contact urticaria: a review and update
Authors: Verhulst Lien , Goossens An 
Published: September 2016

SummaryImmediate skin reactions are common in dermatological practice, but may often be overlooked. The main objective of this article is to provide an update of the literature concerning immediate‐type reactions or contact urticaria/contact urticaria syndrome caused by cosmetic ingredients in terms of immediate clinical symptoms, positive reactions following open, scratch or, most often, prick testing, and sometimes the detection of specific IgE antibodies. To this end, a selective search in different medical literature databases was performed. This yielded a list of cosmetic ingredients causing immediate reactions, including hair dyes and bleaches, preservatives, fragrance and aroma chemicals, sunscreens, hair glues, plant‐derived and animal‐derived components, permanent makeup and tattoos, glycolic acid peel, lip plumper, and alcohols. Many of the reported cases, however, lack appropriate controls and detailed investigation. Contact urticaria may occur with or without systemic symptoms, which are sometimes life‐threatening.
Multiple Large Shareholders, Excess Leverage and Tunneling: Evidence from an Emerging Market
Authors: Boateng Agyenim , Huang Wei 
Published: September 2016

AbstractManuscript TypeEmpiricalResearch Question/IssuePast empirical efforts in corporate governance have examined the effects of large shareholders with excess control rights on tunneling activities. However, no study has systematically investigated the effects of multiple large shareholders on excess leverage policies and tunneling in an emerging country environment where minority rights protection is weak. In this study, we examine the role of multiple large shareholders and the effects of control contestability of multiple large shareholders on firm excess leverage decision and tunneling by controlling shareholders.Research Findings/InsightsUsing a sample of 2,341 Chinese firms for the years 2001 to 2013, we document that the contestability of multiple non‐controlling large shareholders relative to controlling shareholders reduces the adoption of excess leverage policies, tunneling and enhances capital investment. Another intriguing finding is that the government, as a controlling shareholder, exerts significant influence and reduces the monitoring effectiveness of multiple larger shareholders.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsBy addressing the role of multiple large shareholders on excess leverage decisions, this study makes an important contribution to the corporate governance literature. We extend the recent developments in agency theory regarding the role of multiple large shareholders in constraining expropriation of controlling shareholders with excess control rights and their effect on firm leverage decisions. Our results support the theoretical models which indicate that the presence of multiple large shareholders is an important and efficient internal governance mechanism that mitigates a firm's agency costs, particularly, in an emerging market environment where corporate governance is weak and inadequate to curb the tunneling problem.
Rethinking Development Space in Emerging Countries: Turkey's Conservative Countermovement
Authors: Güven Ali Burak 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACTDespite an increasingly flexible global policy context, most emerging countries refuse to venture beyond their pre‐existing development strategies. This article contends that in some cases domestic political constraints under liberalized markets might preclude policy dynamism. In particular, it draws attention to the tension between market expansion and social cohesion as a formative influence over policy patterns. This tension is sometimes addressed through a conservative countermovement whereby liberally‐oriented governments entice sections of the poor into broad electoral coalitions by employing palliative interventions alongside market‐expanding policies. Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) is one example. Central to the Turkish case has been the redeployment of the country's historic foreign capital‐dependent pattern of growth in the service of selective redistribution and credit‐fuelled consumerism. The ensuing deficit‐led neoliberal populism assured stable and equitable growth in the extraordinary international and domestic context of the mid‐2000s, but has proven unfeasible since the global crisis. However, this coupling of market and social preferences has become politically so firmly entrenched in time that it now constrains the policy options to address Turkey's developmental impasse.
Coconut Crisis in Kerala? Mainstream Narrative and Alternative Perspectives
Authors: Sportel Terah , Véron René 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACTIndia's oilseeds sector, which includes its coconut economy, experienced drastic changes in the wake of agricultural liberalization in the mid‐1990s. A persistent coconut crisis ‘narrative’ emerged after sharp price declines between 2000 and 2002 in which small farmers in the state of Kerala, India's main coconut producer, were identified as victims of the liberalized importation of cheap palm oil. This article describes this crisis narrative based on a literature review of academic and official reports, and challenges its problem analysis by juxtaposing it with information from ethnographic research with local farmers and traders. The research indicates that local labour shortages and increased regional competition also had a strong impact on Kerala's coconut market, production and processing, which varied from region to region. Furthermore, small farmers, with their diversified livelihoods, did not recognize a ‘crisis’ as such. Drawing upon the ‘advocacy coalition framework’, the article also indicates reasons for the emergence and persistence of the coconut crisis narrative and points to complex processes of restructuring social space in the age of globalization.
Second malignancies in hydroxyurea and interferon‐treated Philadelphia‐negative myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Hansen Iben Onsberg , Sørensen Anders Lindholm , Hasselbalch Hans Carl 
Published: September 2016

AbstractObjectiveIn an era of controversy in regard to ‘hydroxyurea‐leukaemogenicity’ and when interferon‐alfa2 (IFN) is being revived in the treatment of Philadelphia‐negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), we aim in this single‐centre observational study to describe the frequencies of second malignancies in a cohort of MPN patients treated with hydroxyurea (HU) or IFN monotherapy or the combination of these agents.Patients and methodsRecords of a MPN cohort of 196 patients were reviewed, and a retrospective analysis was performed on 90 patients treated with HU, 38 patients treated with IFN and 68 patients treated with both IFN and HU. Logistic regression was used to compare frequencies in second malignancies.ResultsPatients treated with HU had a significantly higher risk of developing all second malignancies compared with patients treated with IFN [HU vs. IFN: OR of 4.01 (95%CI: 1.12–14.27, P‐value: 0.023) and HU‐IFN vs. IFN: OR 5.58 (95%CI: 1.55–20.15, P‐value: 0.004)].ConclusionWe have found an increased risk of second malignancies in MPN patients treated with HU compared with patients treated with IFN.