bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuroprotective effects of antibodies on retinal ganglion cells in an adolescent retina organ culture
Authors: Bell Katharina , Wilding Corina , Funke Sebastian , Perumal Natarajan , Beck Sabine , Wolters Dominik , Holz‐Müller Jana , Pfeiffer Norbert , Grus Franz H. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractGlaucoma, a neurodegenerative disease, is characterized by a progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells (rgc). Up‐ and down‐regulated autoantibody immunoreactivities in glaucoma patients have been demonstrated. Previous studies showed protective effects of down‐regulated antibodies [gamma (γ)‐synuclein and glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP]) on neuroretinal cells. The aim of this study was to test these protective antibody effects on rgc in an organ culture model and to get a better understanding of cell–cell interactions of the retina in the context of the protective effect. We used an adolescent retinal organ culture (pig) with an incubation time of up to 4 days. Retinal explants were incubated with different antibodies for 24 h (anti‐GFAP, anti‐γ‐synuclein and anti‐myoglobin antibody as a control). Brn3a and TUNEL staining were performed. We also conducted glutamine synthetase staining and quantification of the retinal explants. Mass spectrometry analyses were performed as well as protein analyses via microarray. We detected a continuous decrease of rgc/mm in the retinal explants throughout the 4 days of incubation with increased TUNEL rgc staining. Immunohistochemical analyses showed a protective effect of anti‐γ‐synuclein (increased rgc/mm of 41%) and anti‐GFAP antibodies (increased rgc/mm of 37%). Mass spectrometric, microarray and immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated Müller cell involvement and decreased endoplasmic reticulum stress response in the antibody‐treated retinae. We could detect that the tested antibodies have a protective effect on rgc which seems to be the result of reduced stress levels in the retina as well as a shift of glutamine synthetase localization in the endfeet of the Müller cells towards the inner retinal layer.
imageLoss of retinal ganglion cells (rgc) in glaucoma leads to blindness. Several antibodies are down‐regulated in glaucoma patients. Our aim was to test if these antibodies have a protective effect of rgc in a retinal organ culture. This could be shown with an increase of rgc numbers. This effect results through reduced stress levels and the shift of glutamine synthetase localization.
The association between food insecurity and depressive symptoms severity among pregnant women differs by social support category: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Natamba Barnabas K. , Mehta Saurabh , Achan Jane , Stoltzfus Rebecca J. , Griffiths Jeffrey K. , Young Sera L. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractCommon mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety, affect approximately 16% of pregnant women in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Food insecurity (FI) has been shown to be associated with depressive symptoms. It has also been suggested that the association between FI and depressive symptoms is moderated by social support (SS); however, there is limited evidence of these associations among pregnant women living in low‐income and middle‐income countries. We studied the association between FI and depressive symptoms severity and assessed whether such an association varied among Ugandan pregnant women with low vs. high SS. Cross‐sectional data were collected among 403 pregnant women in northern Uganda. SS was assessed using an eight‐item version of the Duke‐UNC functional SS scale. FI and depressive symptoms were assessed by, respectively, the individually focused FI scale and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies‐Depression scale. Women were categorized into two SS groups, based on scoring < or ≥ to the median SS value. Multivariate linear regression models indicated an independent association between FI and depressive symptoms severity. The association between FI and depressive symptoms severity was moderated by SS i.e. was stronger among women in the low SS category (adjusted beta (95%CI): 0.91 (0.55; 1.27)) than for women belonging to the high SS group (0.53 (0.28; 0.78)) (adjusted p value for interaction = 0.026). There is need for longitudinal or interventional studies among pregnant women living in northern Uganda or similar contexts to examine the temporal sequence of the associations among food insecurity, depressive symptoms severity and social support. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Gauging scale effects and biogeographical signals in similarity distance decay analyses: an Early Jurassic ammonite case study
Authors: Zacaï Axelle , Brayard Arnaud , Dommergues Jean‐Louis , Meister Christian , Escarguel Gilles , Laffont Rémi , Vrielynck Bruno , Fara Emmanuel 
Published: August 2016

AbstractIn biogeography, the similarity distance decay (SDD) relationship refers to the decrease in compositional similarity between communities with geographical distance. Although representing one of the most widely used relationships in biogeography, a review of the literature reveals that: (1)SDDis influenced by both spatial extent and sample size; (2) the potential effect of the phylogenetic level has yet to be tested; (3) the effect of a marked biogeographical structuring uponSDDpatterns is largely unknown; and (4) theSDDrelationship is usually explored with modern, mainly terrestrial organisms, whereas fossil taxa are seldom used in that perspective. Using this relationship, we explore the long‐distance dispersal of the Early Jurassic (early Pliensbachian,c. 190.8 Ma to 187.6 Ma) ammonites of the western Tethys and adjacent areas, in a context of marked provincialism. We show that the long‐distance dispersal of these ammonites is not related to shell size and shape, but rather to the environmental characteristics of the province to which they belong. This suggests that their long‐distance dispersal may have been essentially driven by passive planktonic drift during early juvenile, post‐hatching stages. Furthermore, it seems that theSDDrelationship is not always an appropriate method to characterize the existence of a biogeographical structuring. We conductedSDDanalyses at various spatial, sampling and phylogenetic scales in order to evaluate their sensitivity to scale effects. This multi‐scale approach indicates that the sampling scale may influenceSDDrates in an unpredictable way and that the phylogenetic level has a major impact onSDDpatterns.
The role of ICT in nursing practice: an integrative literature review of the Swedish context
Authors: Fagerström Cecilia , Tuvesson Hanna , Axelsson Lisa , Nilsson Lina 
Published: August 2016

BackgroundThe Swedish healthcare system employs information and communication technologies (ICT) in nursing practice to meet quality‐, security‐ and efficiency‐related demands. Although ICT is integrated with nursing practices, nurses do not always feel that they are convenient to use it. We need to improve our knowledge of the role of ICT in healthcare environments and so we decided to complement existing experience of how ICT influences nursing practice.AimThis study aimed to review and synthesise the available literature on the role of ICT in nursing practice in Swedish healthcare settings.MethodTo consolidate previous studies based on diverse methodologies, an integrative literature review was carried out. Three databases were used to search for literature, 20 articles met the inclusion criteria.ResultsThe literature review indicates that ICT integration into nursing practice is a complex process that impacts nurses’ communication and relationships in patient care, working conditions, and professional identities and development. Nurses are found to express ambiguous views on ICT as a usable service in their everyday practice since it impacts both positively and negatively.Discussion and conclusionAlthough ICT cannot replace physical presence, it can be considered a complementary service that gives rise to improved patient care. However, nonverbal communication cues may be missed when ICT is used as mediating tool and ICT can be limiting because it is not always designed to meet nurse and patient needs. The meaning of an encounter appears to change when ICT is used in nursing practice, not only for patient relationships but also for interpersonal communication.
Receptor Antagonist of IL‐13 Exerts a Potential Negative Regulation During Early Infection of Human Schistosomiasis
Authors: Figueiredo A. L. C. , Domingues A. L. C. , Melo W. G. , Tashiro T. , de Lorena V. M. B. , Montenegro S. M. L. , Morais C. N. L. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe pathology of schistosomiasis is associated with the formation of granulomas, and this process is associated with liver fibrosis. Studies indicate that Th1 cytokines reduce fibrosis in schistosomiasis, while Th2 cytokines play a part in the progression of fibrosis, and IL‐13 has a critical role in this process. The IL‐13Rα2 receptor, known as a ‘receptor antagonist’ binds with high affinity to IL‐13, and studies have identified that this plays a part in reducing fibrosis and the size of granulomas. The objective of this study was to evaluate the function of IL‐13Rα2 and cellular immune response in hepatic fibrosis. A negative correlation between IL‐13Rα2 and IL‐13 was found, suggesting an increase in cytokine in early fibrosis. Initially, a negative correlation between IFN‐γ and IL‐13 was found in patients without fibrosis, and subsequently, this correlation was found to be positive in patients with severe fibrosis, thereby highlighting a new mechanism for regulating the progress of periportal fibrosis. There was a positive correlation between the profiles of Th1 and Th2 cytokines, suggesting the presence of both responses, thus regulating the disease. The results contribute to a better understanding of the immune mechanisms that control the process of hepatic fibrogenesis in schistosomiasis in humans.
Testosterone‐dependent sex differences in red blood cell hemolysis in storage, stress, and disease
Authors: Kanias Tamir , Sinchar Derek , Osei‐Hwedieh David , Baust Jeffrey J. , Jordan Andrew , Zimring James C. , Waterman Hayley R. , de Wolski Karen S. , Acker Jason P. , Gladwin Mark T. 
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUNDRed blood cell (RBC) hemolysis represents an intrinsic mechanism for human vascular disease. Intravascular hemolysis releases hemoglobin and other metabolites that inhibit nitric oxide signaling and drive oxidative and inflammatory stress. Although these pathways are important in disease pathogenesis, genetic and population modifiers of hemolysis, including sex, have not been established.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSWe studied sex differences in storage or stress‐induced hemolysis in RBC units from the United States and Canada in 22 inbred mouse strains and in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) using measures of hemolysis in 315 patients who had homozygous SS hemoglobin from the Walk‐PHASST cohort. A mouse model also was used to evaluate posttransfusion recovery of stored RBCs, and gonadectomy was used to determine the mechanisms related to sex hormones.RESULTSAn analysis of predisposition to hemolysis based on sex revealed that male RBCs consistently exhibit increased susceptibility to hemolysis compared with females in response to routine cold storage, under osmotic or oxidative stress, after transfusion in mice, and in patients with SCD. The sex difference is intrinsic to the RBC and is not mediated by plasmatic factors or female sex hormones. Importantly, orchiectomy in mice improves RBC storage stability and posttransfusion recovery, whereas testosterone repletion therapy exacerbates hemolytic response to osmotic or oxidative stress.CONCLUSIONOur findings suggest that testosterone increases susceptibility to hemolysis across human diseases, suggesting that male sex may modulate clinical outcomes in blood storage and SCD and establishing a role for donor genetic variables in the viability of stored RBCs and in human hemolytic diseases.
Epigenetic regulation of redox state mediates persistent cardiorespiratory abnormalities after long‐term intermittent hypoxia
Authors: Nanduri Jayasri , Peng Ying‐Jie , Wang Ning , Khan Shakil A. , Semenza Gregg L. , Kumar Ganesh K. , Prabhakar Nanduri R. 
Published: August 2016

Key points
The effects of short‐term (ST; 10 days) and long‐term (LT; 30 days) intermittent hypoxia (IH) on blood pressure (BP), breathing and carotid body (CB) chemosensory reflex were examined in adult rats.
ST‐ and LT‐IH treated rats exhibited hypertension, irregular breathing with apnoea and augmented the CB chemosensory reflex, with all these responses becoming normalized during recovery from ST‐ but not from LT‐IH.
The persistent cardiorespiratory responses to LT‐IH were associated with elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in the CB and adrenal medulla, which were a result of DNA methylation‐dependent suppression of genes encoding anti‐oxidant enzymes (AOEs).
Treating rats with decitabine either during LT‐IH or during recovery from LT‐IH prevented DNA methylation of AOE genes, normalized the expression of AOE genes and ROS levels, reversed the heightened CB chemosensory reflex and hypertension, and also stabilized breathing.
AbstractRodents exposed to chronic intermittent hypoxia (IH), simulating blood O2 saturation profiles during obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), have been shown to exhibit a heightened carotid body (CB) chemosensory reflex and hypertension. CB chemosensory reflex activation also results in unstable breathing with apnoeas. However, the effect of chronic IH on breathing is not known. In the present study, we examined the effects of chronic IH on breathing along with blood pressure (BP) and assessed whether the autonomic responses are normalized after recovery from chronic IH. Studies were performed on adult, male, Sprague–Dawley rats exposed to either short‐term (ST; 10 days) or long‐term (LT, 30 days) IH. Rats exposed to either ST‐ or LT‐IH exhibited hypertension, irregular breathing with apnoeas, an augmented CB chemosensory reflex as indicated by elevated CB neural activity and plasma catecholamine levels, and elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in the CB and adrenal medulla (AM). All these effects were normalized after recovery from ST‐IH but not from LT‐IH. Analysis of the molecular mechanisms underlying the persistent effects of LT‐IH revealed increased DNA methylation of genes encoding anti‐oxidant enzymes (AOEs). Treatment with decitabine, a DNA methylation inhibitor, either during LT‐IH or during recovery from LT‐IH, prevented DNA methylation, normalized the expression of AOE genes, ROS levels, CB chemosensory reflex and BP, and also stabilized breathing. These results suggest that persistent cardiorespiratory abnormalities caused by LT‐IH are mediated by epigenetic re‐programming of the redox state in the CB chemosensory reflex pathway.
Roadmap for cardiovascular circulation model
Authors: Safaei Soroush , Bradley Christopher P. , Suresh Vinod , Mithraratne Kumar , Muller Alexandre , Ho Harvey , Ladd David , Hellevik Leif R. , Omholt Stig W. , Chase J. Geoffrey , Müller Lucas O. , Watanabe Sansuke M. , Blanco Pablo J. , de Bono Bernard , Hunter Peter J. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractComputational models of many aspects of the mammalian cardiovascular circulation have been developed. Indeed, along with orthopaedics, this area of physiology is one that has attracted much interest from engineers, presumably because the equations governing blood flow in the vascular system are well understood and can be solved with well‐established numerical techniques. Unfortunately, there have been only a few attempts to create a comprehensive public domain resource for cardiovascular researchers. In this paper we propose a roadmap for developing an open source cardiovascular circulation model. The model should be registered to the musculo‐skeletal system. The computational infrastructure for the cardiovascular model should provide for near real‐time computation of blood flow and pressure in all parts of the body. The model should deal with vascular beds in all tissues, and the computational infrastructure for the model should provide links into CellML models of cell function and tissue function. In this work we review the literature associated with 1D blood flow modelling in the cardiovascular system, discuss model encoding standards, software and a model repository. We then describe the coordinate systems used to define the vascular geometry, derive the equations and discuss the implementation of these coupled equations in the open source computational software OpenCMISS. Finally, some preliminary results are presented and plans outlined for the next steps in the development of the model, the computational software and the graphical user interface for accessing the model.
Musculoskeletal Injury Evaluation Standards for Different Disciplines
Authors: Lafave Mark R. , Mohtadi Nicholas G. , Chan Denise S. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractEvaluation of musculoskeletal injuries requires special knowledge and skills that are shared by different health professions, but the process used to establish a diagnosis is not necessarily the same. Medicine has employed the objective structured clinical exams (OSCE) to assess clinical competence. The performances of two Canadian athletic therapists were assessed by two different methods for assessment of clinical competence in the evaluation of knee injuries. On the basis of existing standards, both of the athletic therapists would have passed the examination using the Standardized Orthopedic Assessment Tool currently used to assess the clinical competence of athletic therapy students, but both would have failed using the Academy of Sport and Exercise Medicine OSCE for sport medicine physicians. The failure could be because the performances of only two subjects were assessed, but it could also be because different constructs are represented by the two methods. If we truly want to provide patient-centered care, it should be important to have similar standards, regardless of the clinician’s professional discipline.
Effects of a Dairy Supplement and Resistance Training on Lean Mass and Insulin-Like Growth Factor in Women
Authors: Thomas David Travis , Wideman Laurie , Lovelady Cheryl A. 
Published: August 2016

Purpose:To examine the effect of yogurt supplementation pre- and postexercise on changes in body composition in overweight women engaged in a resistance-training program.Methods:Participants (age = 36.8 ± 4.8 yr) with a body-mass index of 29.1±2.1 kg/m2 were randomized to yogurt supplement (YOG; n = 15) or isoenergetic sucrose beverage (CONT; n = 14) consumed before and after exercise for 16 wk. Participants were also instructed to reduce energy intake daily (–1,046 kJ) during the study. Body composition was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, waist circumference, and sagittal diameter. Strength was measured with 1-repetition maximum. Dietary recalls were obtained by a multipass approach using Nutrition Data System software. Insulin-like growth factor-1 and insulin-like growth-factor-binding protein-3 were measured with ELISA.Results:Significant weight losses of 2.6 ± 4.5 kg (YOG) and 1.2 ± 2.5 kg (CONT) were observed. Total lean weight increased significantly over time in both YOG (0.8 ± 1.2 kg) and CONT (1.1 ± 0.9 kg). Significant reductions in total fat (YOG = 3.4 ± 4.1 kg vs. CONT = 2.3 ± 2.4 kg) were observed over time. Waist circumference, sagittal diameter, and trunk fat decreased significantly over time without group differences. Both groups significantly decreased energy intake while maintaining protein intake. Strength significantly increased over time in both groups. No changes over time or between groups were observed in hormone levels.Conclusions:These data suggest that yogurt supplementation offered no added benefit for increasing lean mass when combined with resistance training and modest energy restriction.
Dietary and Training Predictors of Stress Fractures in Female Runners
Authors: Wentz Laurel , Liu Pei-Yang , Ilich Jasminka Z. , Haymes Emily M. 
Published: August 2016

Purpose:To compare female runners with and without a history of stress fractures to determine possible predictors of such fractures.Methods:27 female runners (age 18–40 yr) who had had at least 1 stress fracture were matched to a control sample of 32 female runners without a history of stress fractures. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (iDXA). Subjects answered questionnaires on stress-fracture history, training, menstrual status, and diet.Results:No significant differences were found in menstrual characteristics, diet and dairy intake, or bone measurements. Weekly servings of milk during middle school significantly predicted BMD at the femur (p = .010), femoral neck (p = .002), Ward’s triangle (p = .014), and femoral shaft (p = .005). Number of menstrual cycles in the previous year predicted femoral-neck BMD (p = .004). Caffeine intake was negatively associated with BMD of the femur (p = .010), femoral neck (p = .003), trochanter (p = .038), and femoral shaft (p = .035). Weekly hours of training were negatively associated with total-body BMD (p = .021), total-body bone mineral content (p = .028), and lumbar-spine BMD (p = .011). Predictors for stress fractures included the number of years running, predominantly running on hard ground, irregular menstrual history, low total-body BMD, and low current dietary calcium intake when controlling for body-mass index (Nagelkerke R2 = .364).Conclusions:Servings of milk during middle-school years were positively correlated with hip BMD, although current calcium intake, low BMD, irregular menstrual history, hard training surface, and long history of training duration were the most important predictors of stress fractures.
The Effect of Ice Slushy Ingestion and Mouthwash on Thermoregulation and Endurance Performance in the Heat
Authors: Burdon Catriona A. , Hoon Matthew W. , Johnson Nathan A. , Chapman Phillip G. , O’Connor Helen T. 
Published: August 2016

Purpose:The purpose of this study was to establish whether sensory factors associated with cold-beverage ingestion exert an ergogenic effect on endurance performance independent of thermoregulatory or cardiovascular factors.Methods:Ten males performed three trials involving 90 min of steady state cycling (SS; 62% VO2max) in the heat (32.1 ± 0.9 °C, 40 ± 2.4% relative humidity) followed by a 4 kJ/kg body mass time trial (TT). During SS, participants consumed an identical volume (260 ± 38g) of sports beverage (7.4% carbohydrate) every 15 min as either ice slushy (–1 °C; ICE), thermoneutral liquid (37 °C; CON), or thermoneutral liquid consumption with expectorated ice slushy mouthwash (WASH).Results:Rectal temperature, hydration status, heart rate, and skin blood flow were not different between trials. Gastrointestinal (pill) temperature was lower in ICE (35.6 ± 2.7 °C) versus CON (37.4 ± 0.7 °C, p = .05). Heat storage tended to be lower with ICE during SS (14.7 ± 8.4W.m−2, p = .08) and higher during TT (68.9 ± 38.6W.m−2, p = .03) compared with CON (22.1 ± 6.6 and 31.4 ± 27.6W.m−2). ICE tended to lower the rating of perceived exertion (RPE, 12.9 ± 0.6, p = .05) and improve thermal comfort (TC, 4.5 ± 0.2; p = .01) vs. CON (13.8 ± 1.0 and 5.2 ± 0.2 respectively). WASH RPE (13.0 ± 0.8) and TC (4.8 ± 0.2) tended to be lower versus CON (p = .07 and p = .09 respectively). ICE improved performance (18:28 ± 1:03) compared with CON (20:24 ± 1:46) but not WASH (19:45 ± 1:43).Conclusion:Improved performance with ICE ingestion likely resulted from the creation of a gastrointestinal heat sink, reducing SS heat storage. Although the benefits of cold-beverage consumption are more potent when there is ingestion, improved RPE, TC, and meaningful performance improvement with WASH supports an independent sensory effect of presenting a cold stimulus to the mouth.