bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distinct and complementary roles for α and β isoenzymes of PKC in mediating vasoconstrictor responses to acutely elevated glucose
Authors: Jackson Robert , Brennan Sean , Fielding Peter , Sims Mark W , Challiss RA John , Adlam David , Squire Iain B , Rainbow Richard D 
Published: December 2015

Background and PurposeWe investigated the hypothesis that elevated glucose increases contractile responses in vascular smooth muscle and that this enhanced constriction occurs due to the glucose‐induced PKC‐dependent inhibition of voltage‐gated potassium channels.Experimental ApproachPatch‐clamp electrophysiology in rat isolated mesenteric arterial myocytes was performed to investigate the glucose‐induced inhibition of voltage‐gated potassium (Kv) current. To determine the effects of glucose in whole vessel, wire myography was performed in rat mesenteric, porcine coronary and human internal mammary arteries.Key ResultsGlucose‐induced inhibition of Kv was PKC‐dependent and could be pharmacologically dissected using PKC isoenzyme‐specific inhibitors to reveal a PKCβ‐dependent component of Kv inhibition dominating between 0 and 10 mM glucose with an additional PKCα‐dependent component becoming evident at concentrations greater than 10 mM. These findings were supported using wire myography in all artery types used, where contractile responses to vessel depolarization and vasoconstrictors were enhanced by increasing bathing glucose concentration, again with evidence for distinct and complementary PKCα/PKCβ‐mediated components.Conclusions and ImplicationsOur results provide compelling evidence that glucose‐induced PKCα/PKCβ‐mediated inhibition of Kv current in vascular smooth muscle causes an enhanced constrictor response. Inhibition of Kv current causes a significant depolarization of vascular myocytes leading to marked vasoconstriction. The PKC dependence of this enhanced constrictor response may present a potential therapeutic target for improving microvascular perfusion following percutaneous coronary intervention after myocardial infarction in hyperglycaemic patients.
Time‐dependent activation of prostacyclin and nitric oxide pathways during continuous i.v. infusion of serelaxin (recombinant human H2 relaxin)
Authors: Leo C H , Jelinic M , Ng H H , Tare M , Parry L J 
Published: December 2015

Background and PurposeIn the RELAX‐AHF trial, a 48 h i.v. serelaxin infusion reduced systemic vascular resistance in patients with acute heart failure. Consistent with preclinical studies, serelaxin augments endothelial vasodilator function in rat mesenteric arteries. Little is known about the contribution of endothelium‐derived relaxing factors after a longer duration of continuous serelaxin treatment. Here we have assessed vascular reactivity and mechanistic pathways in mesenteric arteries and veins and the aorta after 48 or 72 h continuous i.v. infusion of serelaxin.Experimental ApproachMale rats were infused with either placebo or serelaxin (13.3 μg·kg−1·h−1) via the jugular vein using osmotic minipumps. Vascular function was assessed using wire myography. Changes in gene and protein expression and 6‐keto PGF1α levels were determined by quantitative PCR, Western blot and ELISA respectively.Key ResultsContinuous i.v. serelaxin infusion augmented endothelium‐dependent relaxation in arteries (mesenteric and aorta) but not in mesenteric veins. In mesenteric arteries, 48 h i.v. serelaxin infusion increased basal NOS activity, associated with increased endothelial NOS (eNOS) expression. Interestingly, phosphorylated‐eNOSSer1177, eNOS and basal NOS activity were reduced in mesenteric arteries following 72 h serelaxin treatment. At 72 h, serelaxin treatment improved bradykinin‐mediated relaxation through COX2‐derived PGI2 production.Conclusions and ImplicationsContinuous i.v. serelaxin infusion enhanced endothelial vasodilator function in arteries but not in veins. The underlying mediator at 48 h was NO but there was a transition to PGI2 by 72 h. Activation of the PGI2‐dependent pathway is key to the prolonged vascular response to serelaxin treatment.
Spectrum of urorectal septum malformation sequence
Authors: Shah Krupa , Nayak Shalini S. , Shukla Anju , Girisha Katta M. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractUrorectal septum malformation sequence (URSMS) is a rare spectrum of malformations involving various organ systems. Here, we present eight cases of URSMS, noted in autopsy, with different degrees of complexity, seven being the complete type and one being the partial type. All cases had gastrointestinal tract malformation in the form of the imperforate anus and indeterminate genitalia. Other gastrointestinal tract anomalies were anal agenesis in two cases, anorectal agenesis in two cases, and malformed lower intestinal tract in four cases. The associated renal abnormality was noted in five cases, which were unilateral renal agenesis, dysplastic kidney, hydronephrosis, horseshoe kidney, and unilateral hypoplastic ectopic kidney. External genital malformation, present in both male and female fetuses, included a knob‐like structure at perineum in female fetuses, genital fold hypoplasia and penile aplasia or hypoplasia in male fetuses. Skeletal abnormalities included two cases of sacral agenesis and one case of lumbosacral dysraphism. Other anomalies included a case with alobar holoprosencephaly, truncus arteriosus with hypoplastic lungs in one case, and three cases with abdominal wall defects. It is our attempt to delineate a spectrum of abnormalities associated with URSMS.
Right ventricular dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension following sub‐massive pulmonary embolism
Authors: Samaranayake Chinthaka B. , Royle Gordon , Jackson Sharon , Yap Elaine 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackground and objectivesPersistent right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) and pulmonary hypertension (PHT) are important outcomes following sub‐massive pulmonary embolism (PE). The aims were to determine the rates and factors associated with RVD and/or PHT on echocardiography (ECHO) and the rate of 30‐day and 1‐year all‐cause mortality following sub‐massive PE. Patients who received thrombolysis and non‐thrombolysis were also compared.MethodsConsecutive patients with sub‐massive PE over a five year period with at least 1‐year follow‐up were retrospectively identified. Regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of outcomes.ResultsEighty‐seven patients met inclusion criteria. Sixty‐one (70%) had admission ECHOs with a follow‐up ECHO in 42 (48.3%) at a mean of 7.6 months (SD 5.2). Fifty‐one had RVD (58.6%) and 35 (40.2%) had PHT on admission. The rates of persistent RVD and raised right ventricular systolic pressure in this study population were 12% and 17%, respectively. Thrombolysis was associated with a trend towards improvement of PHT (53.3% PHT on admission to 0% PHT on follow‐up in the thrombolysis group, P = 0.29). The rate of 30‐day and 1‐year all‐cause mortality were 12.6% and 21.8%, respectively. Thirty‐day all‐cause mortality was independently predicted by the presence of right heart strain on computed tomography pulmonary angiography [OR 3.7 (P = 0.045)], echocardiographic evidence of RVD [OR 3.9 (P = 0.041)] and age.ConclusionThe majority of patients with RVD and PHT at the time of sub‐massive PE improve on follow‐up; however, there is a subset who remain abnormal. Future studies are needed to identify modifiable risk factors for these complications.
Pleural fluid carcinoembryonic antigen as a biomarker for the discrimination of tumor‐related pleural effusion
Authors: Li Huiling , Huang Liyan , Tang Hailing , Zhong Nanshan , He Jianhang 
Published: December 2015

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the value of tumor biomarkers in the determination of tumor‐related pleural effusion (PE). Cytological examination of the pleural fluid has a limited sensitivity in diagnosing tumor PE.MethodsPleural fluid and serum samples were obtained from 1137 patients and PE etiology was determined by multiple diagnostic techniques. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels were measured in both pleural fluid and serum samples. Levels of cancer antigen (CA) 125, glucose, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were assessed in pleural fluid specimens.Results601 PE patients were diagnosed with tumors, while 595 tested individuals were tumor‐free. Among the measured biomarkers, pleural fluid CA 125, glucose, and LDH levels, and serum CEA amounts were comparable between tumor and tumor‐free PE patients (P > 0.05). Only pleural fluid CEA levels were significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.05). A CEA cutoff of 2.645 ng/mL yielded sensitivity and specificity of 69.4% and 82.2%, respectively, for tumor‐related PE detection. The area under the curve for CEA was 0.740 (95%CI: 0.710–0.770).ConclusionCEA levels in pleural fluid were a potential biomarker for the detection of tumor‐related PE. These findings provide an easy and simple method for clinical screening and detection of PE.
The Changing Faces of Mentorship: Application of a Developmental Network Framework in a Health Services Research Career Development Program
Authors: Halvorson Max A. , Finney John W. , Bi Xiaoyu , Maisel Natalya C. , Hayashi Ko P. , Weitlauf Julie C. , Cronkite Ruth C. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractHistorically, mentorship has been conceived of as a dyadic relationship between a senior mentor and an early‐career investigator. Models involving multiple mentors have gained favor in recent years, but empirical research on multiple‐mentor models has been lacking. The current work aims to fill this gap by describing a long‐standing health services research mentoring program at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs which has adopted a network‐based approach to mentoring. As part of a broader project, we surveyed VA HSR&D Career Development Awardees who received an award between 2000 and 2012. In total, 133 awardees participated (84%). Awardees reported on the structure of mentoring relationships with their two most influential mentors. Awardees were mentored by teams consisting of one to five mentors (M = 2.7 mentors). Most often, one mentor served as primary mentor while one or more mentors played a supporting role. In most cases, an awardee‘s primary mentor was co‐located with the awardee, with fewer secondary mentors co‐located. More recently funded CDAs had more mentors and were less likely to be co‐located with secondary mentors. The VA HSR&D CDA program incorporates current thinking about Developmental Network models of mentorship into a comprehensive program providing a rich mentorship experience for its awardees.
A systematic review of evidence‐based assessment practices by allied health practitioners for children with cerebral palsy
Authors: O'Connor Bridget , Kerr Claire , Shields Nora , Imms Christine 
Published: December 2015

AimThe routine use of psychometrically robust assessment tools is integral to best practice. This systematic review aims to determine the extent to which evidence‐based assessment tools were used by allied health practitioners for children with cerebral palsy (CP).MethodThe Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis protocols 2015 was employed. A search strategy applied the free text terms: ‘allied health practitioner’, ‘assessment’, and ‘cerebral palsy’, and related subject headings to seven databases. Included articles reported assessment practices of occupational therapists, physiotherapists, or speech pathologists working with children withCPaged 0 to 18 years, published from the year 2000.ResultsFourteen articles met the inclusion criteria. Eighty‐eight assessment tools were reported, of which 23 were in high use. Of these, three tools focused on gross motor function and had acceptable validity for use with children withCP: Gross Motor Function Measure, Gross Motor Function Classification System, and goniometry. Validated tools to assess other activity components, participation, quality of life, and pain were used infrequently or not at all.InterpretationAllied health practitioners used only a few of the available evidence‐based assessment tools. Assessment findings in many areas considered important by children and families were rarely documented using validated assessment tools.
Developing students’ clinical reasoning skills: correlates of perceived relevance of two teaching and learning approaches
Authors: Postma T. C. , White J. G. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractIntroduction‘Relevance’ is a key concept in adult learning. Hence, this study sought to examine students’ perceptions of relevance of the teaching and learning in relation to different instructional designs employed in a Comprehensive Patient Care (CPC) course that aims to develop integrated clinical reasoning skills.MethodsThird to fifth year students (2009–2011) were asked to anonymously rate the relevance of the instructional design (RELID) they participated in by means of visual analogue scales at the School of Dentistry, University of Pretoria. They were also asked to rate their perceptions of the alignment between teaching and learning and outcomes (ATLO), assessments’ contribution to learning (ACL), course organisation (CO) and teacher competence (TC). RELID served as the outcome measure in stepwise linear regression analyses. ATLO, ACL, CO, TC and the instructional design (case‐based learning (CBL = 1) and the combination of discipline‐based and lecture‐based teaching in CPC (DB‐LBT = 0)) served as the co‐variables for each of the years of study.ResultsThe analyses showed positive correlations between RELID and ATLO and between RELID and ACL for all the years of study. RELID was associated with TC in year three and four and CO was associated with RELID in year four and five. CBL outperformed DB‐LBT in terms of perceived relevance of the teaching and learning.ConclusionThe results suggest that students’ perceptions of the relevance of the instructional design may be enhanced when outcomes, teaching, learning and assessment are constructively aligned during the development of clinical reasoning skills.
Fractures of the scapula
Authors: Auer J. A. , Fürst A. E. 
Published: December 2015

SummaryFractures of the scapula are uncommon and the majority of these involve the supraglenoid tubercle in young horses 2 years of age or less. Scapula fractures of the neck or body are rare. Comminuted scapula fractures have been diagnosed in racing breeds (Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses) and a review of the literature on the different fracture types and their management is presented in this article. The best prognosis for soundness is given for horses treated surgically. The different techniques for surgical management are described here and comments made with reference to nonsurgical management. A residual gait deficit may persist in some horses because of involvement of the suprascapular nerve at the time of injury, during surgery and follow‐up period, the severity of which depends on the degree of nerve trauma.
Structural basis for dimer formation of the CRISPR‐associated protein Csm2 of Thermotoga maritima
Authors: Gallo Gloria , Augusto Gilles , Rangel Giulliana , Zelanis André , Mori Marcelo A. , Campos Cláudia B. , Würtele Martin 
Published: December 2015

The clusters of regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and the Cas (CRISPR‐associated) proteins form an adaptive immune system in bacteria and archaea that evolved as an RNA‐guided interference mechanism to target and degrade foreign genetic elements. In the so‐called type IIIA CRISPR‐Cas systems, Cas proteins from the Csm family form a complex of RNPs that are involved in surveillance and targeting tasks. In the present study, we report the crystal structure of Thermotoga maritima Csm2. This protein is considered to assemble into the helically shaped Csm RNP complex in a site opposite to the CRISPR RNA binding backbone. Csm2 was solved via cadmium single wavelength anomalous diffraction phasing at 2.4 Å resolution. The structure reveals that Csm2 is composed of a large 42 amino‐acid long α‐helix flanked by three shorter α‐helices. The structure also shows that the protein is capable of forming dimers mainly via an extensive contact surface conferred by its long α‐helix. This interaction is further stabilized by the N‐terminal helix, which is inserted into the C‐terminal helical portion of the adjacent subunit. The dimerization of Csm2 was additionally confirmed by size exclusion chromatography of the pure recombinant protein followed by MS analysis of the eluted fractions. Because of its role in the assembly and functioning of the Csm CRISPR RNP complex, the crystal structure of Csm2 is of great importance for clarifying the mechanism of action of the subtype IIIA CRISPR‐Cas system, as well as the similarities and diversities between the different CRISPR‐Cas system.DatabaseThe structure of Thermotoga maritima Csm2 has been deposited in the Protein Data Bank under accession code 5AN6.
Multi‐stage disruption of freshwater mussel reproduction by high suspended solids in short‐ and long‐term brooders
Authors: Gascho Landis Andrew M. , Stoeckel James A. 
Published: December 2015

Summary

Suspended solids are one of the most widespread pollutants in streams, but little is known about their effects on freshwater mussels. In a previous study, we showed that increasing concentrations of total suspended solids (TSS) resulted in a decreased proportion of gravid female mussels; however, the generality of this effect and the specific stage at which reproduction was inhibited remain unknown.

In this study, we examined stage‐specific disruption of reproduction in a short‐term brooding mussel species (Reginaia ebenus) and a long‐term brooding species (Ligumia subrostrata).

High TSS concentrations disrupted reproduction in both the short‐ and long‐term brooding species, but the mechanism appeared to differ between species. A high proportion of female Reginaia ebenus (range = 0.33–0.93) were fertilised across the entire TSS gradient (11–92 mg L−1), but few glochidia developed at TSS >20 mg L−1. In contrast, only a low proportion (0–0.28) of female Ligumia subrostrata were fertilised at high TSS concentrations, but all gravid females eventually produced fully developed glochidia.

Excessive inputs of sediments and/or nutrients probably disrupt early reproductive stages of freshwater mussels via elevation of inorganic or organic TSS concentrations and may be important drivers of freshwater mussel declines.
Nitrogen deposition and greenhouse gas emissions from grasslands: uncertainties and future directions
Authors: Gomez‐Casanovas Nuria , Hudiburg Tara W. , Bernacchi Carl J. , Parton William J. , DeLucia Evan H. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractIncreases in atmospheric nitrogen deposition (Ndep) can strongly affect the greenhouse gas (GHG; CO2, CH4, and N2O) sink capacity of grasslands as well as other terrestrial ecosystems. Robust predictions of the net GHG sink strength of grasslands depend on how experimental N loads compare to projected Ndep rates, and how accurately the relationship between GHG fluxes and Ndep is characterized. A literature review revealed that the vast majority of experimental N loads were higher than levels these ecosystems are predicted to experience in the future. Using a process‐based biogeochemical model, we predicted that low levels of Ndep either enhanced or reduced the net GHG sink strength of most grasslands, but as experimental N loads continued to increase, grasslands transitioned to a N saturation‐decline stage, where the sensitivity of GHG exchange to further increases in Ndep declined. Most published studies represented treatments well into the N saturation‐decline stage. Our model results predict that the responses of GHG fluxes to N are highly nonlinear and that the N saturation thresholds for GHGs varied greatly among grasslands and with fire management. We predict that during the 21st century some grasslands will be in the N limitation stage where others will transition into the N saturation‐decline stage. The linear relationship between GHG sink strength and N load assumed by most studies can overestimate or underestimate predictions of the net GHG sink strength of grasslands depending on their N baseline status. The next generation of global change experiments should be designed at multiple N loads consistent with future Ndep rates to improve our empirical understanding and predictive ability.
Evaluation of tumor recurrence after superselective conventional transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma: Comparison of computed tomography and gadoxetate disodium‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Miyayama Shiro , Yamashiro Masashi , Nagai Keiichi , Tohyama Jun , Kawamura Kenshi , Yoshida Miki , Sakuragawa Naoko 
Published: December 2015

AimTo retrospectively evaluate the detectability of tumor recurrence with computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after superselective conventional transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (cTACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodsThe detectability of tumor recurrence with CT and gadoxetate disodium‐enhanced MRI obtained within 30 days (mean, 16.9 ± 10.1) were compared in 38 patients with recurrent HCC after superselective cTACE. Tumor recurrence was divided into local and distant recurrence. Local recurrence was also divided into intratumoral and peritumoral recurrence.ResultsTumor recurrence (maximum diameter, 19.7 ± 10.1 mm) was demonstrated by images 12.4 ± 11.7 months after cTACE. CT could depict 16 (76.2%) of 21 intratumoral recurrences in 12 patients and 14 (53.8%) of 26 peritumoral recurrences in 11, as well as 39 (55.7%) of 70 distant recurrences in 15 (75%) of 20 patients. Arterial phase MRI could depict 20 (95.2%) of 21 intratumoral recurrences in 14 patients and all 26 (100%) peritumoral recurrences in 21, as well as 60 (85.7%) distant recurrences in all 20 (100%) patients. The detectability of tumor recurrence with MRI was significantly higher than that with CT (P = 0.00549). On MRI, pseudolesions were observed in five (13.2%) patients and artifacts in the arterial phase in five (13.2%). Regarding the diagnostic performance, CT was superior to MRI in two (5.3%) patients and MRI was superior to CT in 19 (50%). They were almost equal in 17 (44.7%).ConclusionThe detectability of tumor recurrence after superselective cTACE with gadoxetate disodium‐enhanced MRI was superior to that of CT.
Trends of extinction risk for Lepidoptera in Finland: the first national Red List Index of butterflies and moths
Authors: Juslén Aino , Cardoso Pedro , Kullberg Jaakko , Saari Sanna , Kaila Lauri 
Published: December 2015

Abstract

The Finnish Red Lists from 2000 and 2010 were used to calculate for the first time the national Red List Index for the order Lepidoptera and different Lepidoptera families with data from 2245 species.

We grouped species according to their primary habitats and analysed each habitat's RLI as well.

The overall RLI was significantly negative, reflecting the worsening of the group as a whole in the country.

A significant negative trend was found for families Tortricidae, Gelechiidae and Hesperiidae and for coastal habitats.

We also report that 76 Lepidoptera species newly established a population in Finland between 2000 and 2010, probably expanding northwards driven by climate warming.