bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of age on cardiovascular function, inflammation, and oxidative stress in experimental asphyxial cardiac arrest
Authors: Secher N. , Østergaard L. , Tønnesen E. , Hansen F. B. , Granfeldt A. 
Published: October 2017

BackgroundAdvanced age is an independent predictor of poor outcome after cardiac arrest (CA). From experimental studies of regional ischemia‐reperfusion injury, advanced age is associated with larger infarct size, reduced organ function, and augmented oxidative stress. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of age on cardiovascular function, oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial activation after CA representing global ischemia‐reperfusion.MethodsAged (26 months) and young (5 months) rats were subjected to 8 min of asphyxia induced CA, resuscitated and observed for 360 min. Left ventricular pressure‐derived cardiac function was measured at baseline and 360 min after CA. Blood samples obtained at baseline, 120 min, and 360 min after CA were analyzed for IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐10, TNF‐α, elastase, sE‐selectin, sL‐selectin, sI‐CAM1, hemeoxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) and protein carbonyl. Tissue samples of brain, heart, kidney, and lung were analyzed for HO‐1.ResultsCardiac function, evaluated by dP/dtmax and dP/dtmin, was decreased after CA in both young and aged rats, with no group differences. Mean arterial pressure increased after CA in young, but not old rats. Aged rats showed significantly higher plasma levels of elastase and sE‐selectin after CA, and there was a significant different development over time between groups for IL‐6 and IL‐10. Young rats showed higher levels of HO‐1 in plasma and renal tissue after CA.ConclusionIn a rat model of asphyxial CA, advanced age is associated with an attenuated hyperdynamic blood pressure response and increased endothelial activation.
Regulation of Kisspeptin Synthesis and Release in the Preoptic/Anterior Hypothalamic Region of Prepubertal Female Rats: Actions of IGF‐1 and Alcohol
Authors: Hiney Jill K. , Srivastava Vinod K. , Vaden Anderson Danielle N. , Hartzoge Nicole L. , Dees William L. 
Published: October 2017

BackgroundAlcohol (ALC) causes suppressed secretion of prepubertal luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone (LHRH). Insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) and kisspeptin (Kp) are major regulators of LHRH and are critical for puberty. IGF‐1 may be an upstream mediator of Kp in the preoptic area and rostral hypothalamic area (POA/RHA) of the rat brain, a region containing both Kp and LHRH neurons. We investigated the ability of IGF‐1 to stimulate prepubertal Kp synthesis and release in POA/RHA, and the potential inhibitory effects of ALC.MethodsImmature female rats were administered either ALC (3 g/kg) or water via gastric gavage at 0730 hours. At 0900 hours, both groups were subdivided where half received either saline or IGF‐1 into the brain third ventricle. A second dose of ALC (2 g/kg) or water was administered at 1130 hours. Rats were killed 6 hours after injection and POA/RHA region collected.ResultsIGF‐1 stimulated Kp, an action blocked by ALC. Upstream to Kp, IGF‐1 receptor (IGF‐1R) activation, as demonstrated by the increase in insulin receptor substrate 1, resulted in activation of Akt, tuberous sclerosis 2, ras homologue enriched in brain, and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). ALC blocked the central action of IGF‐1 to induce their respective phosphorylation. IGF‐1 specificity and ALC specificity for the Akt‐activated mTOR pathway were demonstrated by the absence of effects on PRAS40. Furthermore, IGF‐1 stimulated Kp release from POA/RHA incubated in vitro.ConclusionsIGF‐1 stimulates prepubertal Kp synthesis and release following activation of a mTOR signaling pathway, and ALC blocks this pathway at the level of IGF‐1R.
Performance of the tree‐killing bark beetles Ips typographus and Pityogenes chalcographus in non‐indigenous lodgepole pine and their historical host Norway spruce
Authors: Schroeder Martin , Cocoş Dragoş 
Published: October 2017

Abstract

The North American lodgepole pine Pinus contorta has been planted on 660 000 ha in Sweden.
We compared the performance of Ips typographus and Pityogenes chalcographus in storm‐felled and standing pheromone‐baited trees of the historical host species Norway spruce (Picea abies) and lodgepole pine.
In the first summer after a storm, I. typographus colonized 0.2% and P. chalcographus colonized 2.4% of the storm‐felled lodgepole pines compared with 31% and 25%, respectively, of the storm‐felled Norway spruces. In the second summer 1.6% and 41.5% of the lodgepole pines were colonized by I. typographus and P. chalcographus, respectively. The reproductive success of I. typographus was five‐fold higher in Norway spruce than in lodgepole pine. Other species colonizing lodgepole pine were Ips duplicatus, Orthotomicus proximus, Orthotomicus laricis, Monochamus sutor and Pissodes pini.
The male attack densities of both bark beetle species required to overcome defences of standing pheromone‐baited trees were much higher in lodgepole pine than in Norway spruce. The reproductive success of I. typographus and P. chalcographus was approximately five‐ and 14‐fold higher, respectively, in Norway spruce than in lodgepole pine.
Larvae of the most important groups of bark beetle enemies were present in both storm‐felled and standing pheromone‐baited lodgepole pines colonized by I. typographus and P. chalcographus. In the standing trees, the densities of enemy larvae were lower in lodgepole pine than in Norway spruce, whereas the opposite was true for storm‐felled trees.
Predicting CYP3A‐mediated midazolam metabolism in critically ill neonates, infants, children and adults with inflammation and organ failure
Authors: Brussee Janneke M. , Vet Nienke J. , Krekels Elke H. J. , Valkenburg Abraham J. , Jacqz‐Aigrain Evelyne , van Gerven Joop M. A. , Swart Eleonora L. , van den Anker Johannes N. , Tibboel Dick , de Hoog Matthijs , de Wildt Saskia N. , Knibbe Catherijne A. J. 
Published: October 2017

AimsInflammation and organ failure have been reported to have an impact on cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A‐mediated clearance of midazolam in critically ill children. Our aim was to evaluate a previously developed population pharmacokinetic model both in critically ill children and other populations, in order to allow the model to be used to guide dosing in clinical practice.MethodsThe model was evaluated externally in 136 individuals, including (pre)term neonates, infants, children and adults (body weight 0.77–90 kg, C‐reactive protein level 0.1–341 mg l–1 and 0–4 failing organs) using graphical and numerical diagnostics.ResultsThe pharmacokinetic model predicted midazolam clearance and plasma concentrations without bias in postoperative or critically ill paediatric patients and term neonates [median prediction error (MPE) <30%]. Using the model for extrapolation resulted in well‐predicted clearance values in critically ill and healthy adults (MPE <30%), while clearance in preterm neonates was over predicted (MPE >180%).ConclusionThe recently published pharmacokinetic model for midazolam, quantifying the influence of maturation, inflammation and organ failure in children, yields unbiased clearance predictions and can therefore be used for dosing instructions in term neonates, children and adults with varying levels of critical illness, including healthy adults, but not for extrapolation to preterm neonates.
Is tranexamic acid exposure related to blood loss in hip arthroplasty? A pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic study
Authors: Lanoiselée Julien , Zufferey Paul J. , Ollier Edouard , Hodin Sophie , Delavenne Xavier ,   for the PeriOpeRative Tranexamic acid in hip arthrOplasty (PORTO) study investigators
Published: October 2017

AimsTranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic agent, decreasing blood loss in hip arthroplasty. The present study investigated the relationship between TXA exposure markers, including the time above the in vitro threshold reported for inhibition of fibrinolysis (10 mg l−1), and perioperative blood loss.MethodsData were obtained from a prospective, double‐blind, parallel‐arm, randomized superiority study in hip arthroplasty. Patients received a preoperative intravenous bolus of TXA 1 g followed by a continuous infusion of either TXA 1 g or placebo over 8 h. A population pharmacokinetic study was conducted to quantify TXA exposure.ResultsIn total, 827 TXA plasma concentrations were measured in 166 patients. A two‐compartment model fitted the data best, total body weight determining interpatient variability in the central volume of distribution. Creatinine clearance accounted for interpatient variability in clearance. At the end of surgery, all patients had TXA concentrations above the therapeutic target of 10 mg l−1. The model‐estimated time during which the TXA concentration was above 10 mg l−1 ranged from 3.3 h to 16.3 h. No relationship was found between blood loss and either the time during which the TXA concentration exceeded 10 mg l−1 or the other exposure markers tested (maximum plasma concentration, area under the concentration–time curve).ConclusionIn hip arthroplasty, TXA plasma concentrations were maintained above 10 mg l−1 during surgery and for a minimum of 3 h with a preoperative TXA dose of 1 g. Keeping TXA concentrations above this threshold up to 16 h conferred no advantage with regard to blood loss.
Do social environments affect the use of exaggerated traits in the dobsonflyCorydalus bidenticulatus?
Authors: Álvarez Hugo Alejandro , García‐Chávez Juan Hector , Cebada‐Ruiz Jorge Alejandro 
Published: October 2017

AbstractMale–male competition is strongly affected by female presence. In insects with primitive features such as megalopterans, however, it is not known how aggressiveness is expressed in the context of female presence. Here we examined the effect of social environments on the use of secondary sexual traits in the sexual behavior of the Mexican dobsonflyCorydalus bidenticulatus(Megaloptera: Corydalidae). Males of this species have exaggerated traits such as disproportionally elongated mandibles with no dentition, which is a secondary sexual trait used in competition over female access as well as males of otherCorydalusspecies. We investigated how male–male interactions are carried out, and the scaling relationships of sexual and non‐sexual traits. Our results show that males ofC. bidenticulatusare not indiscriminately aggressive. The decision whether to fight or not is affected by their social environments: males are aggressive against other males only when the presence of a female is detected. Results also suggest that mandibles and antennae are sexually dimorphic, being exaggerated and showing positive allometry only in males. In contrast, male genitalia, a sex‐specific trait, show negative allometry.
A review of the genus Montescardia Amsel (Lepidoptera: Tineidae) from Japan, with reference to the genital morphology
Authors: Osada Yohei , Ponomarenko Margarita G. , Hirowatari Toshiya 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe genus Montescardia Amsel is redescribed. Montescardia tessulatellus (Zeller) and M. kurenzovi (Zagulajev) are recorded and redescribed from Japan, with figures of the male and female genitalia. Functional morphology of the male genitalia in M. tessulatellus, the type species of Montescardia, is studied for the first time. The terminology used in the description is clarified taking into account the features of the skeleto‐muscular apparatus of the male genitalia and homologation of genital structures.
Oxide multilayer thermoelectric generators
Authors: Töpfer Jörg , Reimann Timmy , Schulz Thomas , Bochmann Arne , Capraro Beate , Barth Stefan , Vogel Andy , Teichert Steffen 
Published: October 2017

AbstractOxide multilayer thermoelectric generators (MLTEG) were fabricated, using the standard multilayer technology. Green tapes of p‐type La2CuO4and n‐type Nd2CuO4thermoelectric oxides were stacked with intermediate insulating glass layers. Electrical contacts between thermoelectric oxides were applied, using screen‐printing of AgPd paste, and multilayers were cofired at 1000°C. However, cofiring of four different materials turned out to be very challenging, and contact resistance problems frequently led to device malfunctions. We developed a new concept of a transversal multilayer thermoelectric generator (TMLTEG), which is characterized by a simple design. This generator is build up by stacking layers of a p‐ or n‐type thermoelectric oxide and printing stripes of AgPd paste onto the thermoelectric layers at an angle with respect to the temperature gradient. Transversal multilayer thermoelectric generators were fabricated using p‐type La2CuO4, or n‐type substituted CaMnO3; cofiring of the multilayer stacks was performed at 1000°C. TheTMLTEGbased upon p‐type lanthanum cuprate exhibits a power output of 7.8 mW at ∆T= 200 K in the low temperature range of 25‐135°C. Materials issues, cofiring characteristics, design and the thermoelectric performance of multilayerTEGs will be discussed.
An integrative literature review on midwives' perceptions on the facilitators and barriers of physiological birth
Authors: Wong Cassandra Y.W. , He Hong‐Gu , Shorey Shefaly , Koh Serena S.L. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAimTo present a synthesis and summary of midwives' perceptions on the facilitators and barriers of physiological birth.BackgroundMedicalisation of birth has transformed and dictated how birthing should take place since the 20th century. Midwives' perceptions on their role within this medicalised environment have not been well documented.DesignAn integrative literature review.Data sources and review methods: Primary research articles published in English from the period of 2004 to 2015 were included in this review. The Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal forms were used to appraise the quality of the articles. Data were identified from CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, ScienceDirect, and Scopus.ResultsEighteen articles were reviewed. Lack of knowledge due to inadequate training, existing obstetrician‐led practices, and midwives' negative perceptions of physiological birth were identified as barriers in the literature. Facilitators like shared decision‐making, women's preferences, teamwork, institutional support, and midwives' positive perceptions of physiological birth promoted physiological birth. Most of the studies were conducted in Western countries.ConclusionMidwives face barriers and facilitators when promoting physiological birth during their clinical practise. Future studies exploring midwives' perceptions of physiological birth are needed, especially in Asia where cultural and organizational factors may differ from Western countries.
Neotropical savanna ants show a reversed latitudinal gradient of species richness, with climatic drivers reflecting the forest origin of the fauna
Authors: Vasconcelos Heraldo L. , Maravalhas Jonas B. , Feitosa Rodrigo M. , Pacheco Renata , Neves Karen C. , Andersen Alan N. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAimTo evaluate the extent to which ant species richness in Neotropical savannas varies with macrogeographic variables, and to identify the potential climatic drivers of such variation.LocationThe Cerrado savanna biome of central Brazil, in a region spanning ca. 20° of latitude and 18°of longitude.MethodsStandardized sampling of the arboreal and ground‐dwelling faunas was performed in 29 well‐preserved savanna sites using pitfall traps. Species were classified according to their habitat affinities: open‐savanna specialists, forest‐associated species or habitat generalists. We used generalized linear models to evaluate the importance of geographic (latitude, longitude and elevation) and climatic (mean temperature and three metrics of rainfall) variables as predictors of species richness.ResultsThe total number of species recorded at each site varied more than twofold (from 59 to 144), and latitude was the best geographic correlate of overall species richness. However, contrary to the expected pattern, more species were found at higher than lower latitudes. This reversed latitudinal pattern of diversity occurred for both the arboreal and ground‐dwelling faunas, and for the habitat generalists and forest specialists. The savanna specialists showed a mid‐latitudinal peak in diversity. Overall, there was a significant positive association between rainfall and species richness, but the strength of this relationship varied with ant habitat affinity.Main conclusionsThe Cerrado ant fauna shows a reverse latitudinal gradient in species diversity, and this can be explained by increasing rainfall during the warmest months of the year (and therefore in plant productivity) with increasing latitude. The sensitivity of Cerrado ant diversity to declining rainfall contrasts with the high resilience to aridity of the Australian savanna ant fauna, and this reflects the contrasting evolutionary histories of these faunas. Our findings highlight the importance of historical processes as drivers of intercontinental contrasts in macroecological patterns.
Ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation using a second‐generation cryoballoon catheter or contact‐force sensing radiofrequency ablation catheter: A comparison of costs and long‐term clinical outcomes
Authors: Yokokawa Miki , Chugh Aman , Latchamsetty Rakesh , Ghanbari Hamid , Crawford Thomas , Jongnarangsin Krit , Cunnane Ryan , Saeed Mohammed , Hornsby Kyle , Krishnasamy Kavita , Lohawijarn Watchara , Keast Robert , Karpenko David , Bogun Frank , Pelosi Frank , Morady Fred , Oral Hakan 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIntroductionAlthough noninferiority of cryoballoon ablation (CBA) and radiofrequency catheter ablation for antral pulmonary vein isolation (APVI) has been reported in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF), it is not clear whether contact force sensing (CF‐RFA) and CBA with the second‐generation catheter have similar procedural costs and long‐term outcomes. The objective of this study is to compare the long‐term efficacy and cost implications of CBA and CF‐RFA in patients with PAF.Methods and resultsA first APVI was performed in 146 consecutive patients (age: 63 ± 10 years, men: 95 [65%], left atrial diameter: 42 ± 6 mm) with PAF using CBA (71) or CF‐RFA (75). Clinical outcomes and procedural costs were compared. The mean procedure time was significantly shorter with CBA than with CF‐RFA (98 ± 39 vs. 158 ± 47 minutes, P < 0.0001). Despite a higher equipment cost in the CBA than the CF‐RFA group, the total procedure cost was similar between the two groups (P = 0.26), primarily driven by a shorter procedure duration that resulted in a lower anesthesia cost. At 25 ± 5 months after a single ablation procedure, 51 patients (72%) in the CBA, and 55 patients (73%) in the CF‐RFA groups remained free from atrial arrhythmias without antiarrhythmic drug therapy (P = 0.84).ConclusionsThe procedure duration was approximately 60 minutes shorter with CBA than CF‐RFA. The procedural costs were similar with both approaches. At 2 years after a single procedure, CBA and CF‐RFA have similar single‐procedure efficacies of 72–73%.
First mover or higher quality? Optimal product strategy in markets with positive feedbacks
Authors: Lamberson P.J. , Page Scott E. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractConventional wisdom holds that in markets with positive feedbacks being first to market can matter more than product quality. In this paper, we test that intuition within a generalized Pólya urn model. We find that if we assume constant feedbacks, in the long run, higher quality products dominate the market regardless of initial market shares, contradicting the common wisdom. However, when we allow for variable feedbacks, initial advantages persist almost indefinitely. Thus, the choice of whether to rush to market or focus on quality depends on market characteristics such as whether the positive feedbacks result from more consistent returns to scale or from more variable social influences.
A quantitative approach for analysing bone modelling patterns from craniofacial surfaces in hominins
Authors: Brachetta‐Aporta Natalia , Gonzalez Paula N. , Bernal Valeria 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBone size and shape arise throughout ontogeny as a result of the coordinated activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, responsible for bone deposition and resorption, and growth displacements. The modelling processes leave specific microstructural features on the bone surface, which can be used to infer the mechanisms shaping craniofacial traits in extinct and extant species. However, the analysis of bone surfaces from fossils and archaeological samples faces some difficulties related to the bone loss caused by taphonomic factors, and the lack of formal methods for estimating missing information and comparing the patterns of bone modelling among several specimens and samples. The present study provides a new approach for the quantitative analysis of bone formation and resorption patterns obtained from craniofacial surfaces. First, interpolation techniques were used to estimate missing data on high‐resolution replicas of the left maxilla in a sample of sub‐adult and adult modern humans and sub‐adult fossil hominins. The performance of this approach was assessed by simulating variable amounts of missing data. Then, we applied measures of dispersion and central tendency to represent the variation and average pattern of bone modelling within samples. The spatial interpolation resulted in reliable estimations of the type of cell activity (deposition or resorption) in the missing areas, even when large extensions of the bone surface were lost. The quantification of the histological data allowed us to integrate the information of different specimens and depict the areas with higher and lower variation in the bone modelling pattern of the maxilla among specimens. Overall, the main advantages of the quantitative approach used here for generating bone modelling patterns are the high replicability and the possibility of incorporating variation among specimens into the comparisons among samples.