bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
l‐Lactate mediates neuroprotection against ischaemia by increasing TREK1 channel expression in rat hippocampal astrocytes in vitro
Authors: Banerjee Aditi , Ghatak Swagata , Sikdar Sujit Kumar 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBrain ischaemia is a highly debilitating condition where shortage of oxygen and glucose leads to profuse cell death. Lactate is a neuroprotective metabolite whose concentrations increase up to 15–30 mmol/L during ischaemia and TREK1 is a neuroprotective potassium channel which is upregulated during ischaemia. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of l‐lactate on TREK1 expression and to evaluate the role of l‐lactate‐TREK1 interaction in conferring neuroprotection in ischaemia‐prone hippocampus. We show that 15–30 mmol/L l‐lactate increases functional TREK1 protein expression by 1.5–3‐fold in hippocampal astrocytes using immunostaining and electrophysiology. Studies with transcription blocker actinomycin‐D and quantitative PCR indicate that the increase in TREK1 expression is due to enhanced TREK1 mRNA transcription. We further report that l‐lactate‐mediated increase in TREK1 expression is via protein kinase A (PKA)‐dependent pathway. This is the first report of an ischaemic metabolite affecting functional expression of an ion channel. Our studies in an in vitro model of ischaemia using oxygen glucose deprivation show that 30 mmol/L l‐lactate fails to reduce cell death in rat hippocampal slices treated with TREK1 blockers, PKA inhibitors and gliotoxin. The above effects were specific to l‐lactate as pyruvate failed to increase TREK1 expression and reduce cell death. l‐Lactate‐induced TREK1 upregulation is a novel finding of physiological significance as TREK1 channels contribute to neuroprotection by enhancing potassium buffering and glutamate clearance capacity of astrocytes. We propose that l‐lactate promotes neuronal survival in hippocampus by increasing TREK1 channel expression via PKA pathway in astrocytes during ischaemia.
imageInsufficient blood supply to the brain leads to cerebral ischaemia and increase in extracellular lactate concentrations. We incubated hippocampal astrocytes in lactate and observed increase in TREK1 channel expression via protein kinase A (PKA). Inhibition of TREK1, PKA and metabolic impairment of astrocytes prevented lactate from reducing cell death in ischaemic hippocampus. This pathway serves as an alternate mechanism of neuroprotection.Cover image for this issue: doi: 10.1111/jnc.13326.
Neurotransmitter signaling pathways required for normal development inXenopus laevisembryos: a pharmacological survey screen
Authors: Sullivan Kelly G. , Levin Michael 
Published: April 2016

AbstractNeurotransmitters are not only involved in brain function but are also important signaling molecules for many diverse cell types. Neurotransmitters are widely conserved, from evolutionarily ancient organisms lacking nervous systems through man. Here, results are reported from a loss‐ and gain‐of‐function survey, using pharmacological modulators of several neurotransmitter pathways to examine possible roles for these pathways in normal embryogenesis. Applying reagents targeting the glutamatergic, adrenergic and dopaminergic pathways to embryos ofXenopus laevisfrom gastrulation to organogenesis stages, we observed and quantified numerous malformations, including craniofacial defects, hyperpigmentation, muscle mispatterning and miscoiling of the gut. These data implicate several key neurotransmitters in new embryonic patterning roles, reveal novel earlier stages for processes involved in eye development, suggest new targets for subsequent molecular‐genetic investigation, and highlight the necessity for in‐depth toxicology studies of psychoactive compounds to which human embryos might be exposed during pregnancy.
Patients’ experiences from an education programme ahead of orthopaedic surgery – a qualitative study
Authors: Conradsen Stein , Gjerseth Mette Muren , Kvangarsnes Marit 
Published: April 2016

Aims and objectivesThe objective of this study was to investigate how patient education in a surgical department was experienced by patients who had undergone total knee arthroplasty or total hip arthroplasty.BackgroundTotal knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty are two of the most common and clinically effective surgical treatments performed in the Western world. Patient education efforts related to these procedures have been studied, but usually only to evaluate clinical outcome and little in a patient perspective.DesignThe empirics consist of qualitative in‐depth interviews with 11 patients admitted to the surgical department at a Norwegian hospital. The interviews were carried out in 2011.MethodsThe study has a qualitative design with a phenomenological approach. The data have been analysed through meaning condensation, in accordance with Amadeo Giorgi's four‐step method. N = 11.ResultsThe education programme made the patients feel mentally prepared for surgery and the postsurgical situation. Three themes were identified: (1) realistic information preparing for surgery, (2) involvement and sense of control and (3) trust in staff.ConclusionA relationship seems to exist between how informed patients feel and how much they trust the department in which they are undergoing treatment. There may also be a relationship between a sense of control and trust.Relevance to clinical practiceTo build a trustful relationship between healthcare providers and patients, patient education both in groups and individually should be implemented, and be designed in a way that supports trust. Information should be realistic and accurate.
Evolution of cesarean categories in a modified Robson classification in a single center from 2002 to 2012 due to high rate of maternal pathology
Authors: Jayot Aude , Nizard Jacky 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAimTo study the evolution in cesarean section (CS) categories in a single center from 2002 to 2012.MethodsWe performed a retrospective study on all live births from 2002, 2007, and 2012 using a modified Robson classification accounting for cervical ripening in the induction groups, post‐term pregnancies, and the number of uterine scars.ResultsWe recorded 2162, 2105 and 2380 deliveries with caesarean delivery rates of 23.2%, 24.9%, and 30.4% in 2002, 2007, and 2012 respectively. Nulliparous women in spontaneous labor (group 1) decreased from 36.3% to 27.4% of the total population, but CS rates in this group increased from 14.1% to 19.5% (P < 0.05). Labor induction and CS before labor in nulliparous women category (group 2) increased from 6.7% to 14.2% but with stable CS rates. Induction of labor and cervical ripening in this group increased from 91 and nine in 2002 to 119 and 240 in 2012, respectively. In the same period, maternal pathology increased from 11% to 33%. Scarred uterus remained the major source of CS (almost 30% of all CS in 2012).ConclusionCS rates increased throughout the studied period, associated with an increase in rates of maternal pathology, induction by cervical ripening, and scarred uterus.
Partially Revealing Campaign Promises
Authors: PANOVA ELENA 
Published: April 2016

AbstractCandidates competing for political office give promises to voters. There are no legal restraints preventing incumbents from breaking their electoral promises. This paper models campaign promises as pure cheap talk and asks why is it influential. We propose that a candidate's campaign promises are a partially revealing signal of her policy preference type. The incumbent's policy choice is yet another signal of her type. Policy choice is a costly signal (unlike campaign promises). The incumbent keeps her electoral promises in order to preserve ambiguity about her type, which is necessary to assemble a winning majority for reelection. She keeps her promises regardless of information about the efficiency of different public policies which she receives upon taking office. Therefore, campaign promises generate inefficiencies in public policy.
Trends in decayed teeth among middle‐aged and older adults in the United States: socioeconomic disparities persist over time
Authors: Hybels Celia F. , Wu Bei , Landerman Lawrence R. , Liang Jersey , Bennett Joan M. , Plassman Brenda L. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractObjectivesWhile trends in tooth loss among older adults have been well documented and show a decline over the last few decades, little is known about trends in tooth decay which may lead to tooth loss. The study aim was to examine trends in tooth decay among adults ages 50 years and older in the United States and determine whether these trends were consistent across demographic and socioeconomic subgroups of middle‐aged and older adults.MethodsSecondary analysis of data collected through detailed oral health examinations in the National Health and Nutrition Examination (NHANES) surveys 1988–1994 and 1999–2004. Tooth decay was measured as active caries. Multivariable associations were estimated using negative binomial regression models.ResultsAveraged over time, the mean number of decayed teeth was 0.54. Rates of decay remained stable over time. Males, non‐Hispanic Blacks, Mexican‐Americans, and those of other race/ethnicity as well as those with fewer years of education and lower levels of income had more decayed teeth. The increased number of decayed teeth for Mexican‐Americans and those of other race/ethnicity was due in part to differing levels of education and income. Trends over time did not vary by any of these demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. Trends in the number of decayed teeth did not meaningfully change when the numbers of missing and filled teeth were controlled.ConclusionsAlthough studies have shown the number of middle‐aged and older Americans experiencing tooth loss has decreased over time, trends in tooth decay have remained relatively stable, with socioeconomic disparities persisting over time.
Gnaphaliin A and gnaphaliin B synergize the relaxant effect of salbutamol but not of ipratropium in guinea pig trachea
Authors: Rodríguez-Ramos Fernando , Andrade-Moreno Miguel Ángel , Alfaro-Romero Alejandro , Balderas-López José Luis , Navarrete Andrés 
Published: April 2016

Abstract

Objective
This work was aimed to investigate the pharmacodynamic interactions between gnaphaliins A and B with ipratropium bromide (IBR) and salbutamol (SAL) using the guinea pig trachea model through application of the combination index (CI)-isobologram equation.

Methods
The guinea pig trachea rings in isolated chamber with Krebs–Henseleit solution (37°C) were contracted with carbachol (3 μm), and then, concentration–relaxant effect curves were constructed for individual drugs and in combination at fixed constant ratios (1 : 1, 3 : 1 and 1 : 3). Median effect and combination index (CI)-isobologram equations were used for determining interactions.

Key findings
Gnaphaliin A and gnaphaliin B showed clear synergistic interaction with salbutamol, reducing the dose of salbutamol more than sevenfolds to produce the same relaxant effect. However, the combination of either flavonoids with ipratropium bromide showed no interaction.

Conclusions
Applying the combination index-isobologram method, we determined that gnaphaliin A and gnaphaliin B have synergistic effect with salbutamol due probably to their inhibitory effect on phosphodiesterases to maintain high levels of cAMP in the tracheal smooth muscle. However, these compounds did not show any effect with ipratropium.
Accuracy and Precision of Noninvasive Blood Pressure in Normo‐, Hyper‐, and Hypotensive Standing and Anesthetized Adult Horses
Authors: Heliczer N. , Lorello O. , Casoni D. , Navas de Solis C. 
Published: April 2016

BackgroundBlood pressure is relevant to the diagnosis and management of many medical, cardiovascular and critical diseases. The accuracy of many commonly used noninvasive blood pressure (NIBP) monitors and the accuracy ofNIBPmeasurements in hypo‐ and hypertensive standing horses has not been determined.Hypothesis/ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to investigate the accuracy of an oscillometricBPmonitor in standing horses before and during pharmacologically induced hyper‐ and hypotension and to compare results in standing and anesthetized horses.AnimalsEight standing mares from a research herd (SG) and eight anesthetized horses from a hospital population (AG).MethodsProspective experimental and observational studies. Invasive blood pressure (IBP) andNIBP, corrected to heart level, were measured simultaneously. In theSGhyper‐ and hypotension were induced by administration of phenylephrine (3 μg/kg/minIVfor 15 minutes) and acepromazine (0.05 mg/kgIV), respectively. In theAG NIBPandIBPwere recorded during regular hospital procedures.ResultsThere was a significant correlation between meanNIBPandIBPin standing (R= 0.88,P< .001) and anesthetized horses (R= 0.81,P< .001). The mean bias (lower, upper limit of agreement) was 16.4(−16.1, 48.9) mmHg for meanBPin theSGand 0.5(−22.3, 23.2) mmHg in theAG. TheNIBPdevice was capable of identifying the increase and decrease inBPin all horses, but in theSGsignificant correlation betweenNIBPandIBPwas only detected for the normotensive phase.Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceWhile the evaluated oscillometricBPdevice allowed estimation ofBPand adequately differentiated marked trends, the accuracy and precision were low in standing horses.
A Prospective, Placebo‐Controlled Pilot Evaluation of the Effect of Omeprazole on Serum Calcium, Magnesium, Cobalamin, Gastrin Concentrations, and Bone in Cats
Authors: Gould E. , Clements C. , Reed A. , Giori L. , Steiner J.M. , Lidbury J.A. , Suchodolski J.S. , Brand M. , Moyers T. , Emery L. , Tolbert M.K. 
Published: April 2016

BackgroundChronic proton pump inhibitor administration has been associated with electrolyte and cobalamin deficiency, disrupted bone homeostasis, hypergastrinemia, and rebound acid hypersecretion in humans. It is unknown if this occurs in cats.ObjectivesProlonged oral omeprazole results in altered bone mineral density or content, serum calcium, magnesium, cobalamin, and gastrin concentrations in healthy cats.AnimalsSix healthy adult DSH cats.MethodsIn a within subjects, before and after design, cats received placebo followed by omeprazole (0.83–1.6 mg/kg PO q12h) for 60 days each. Analysis of serum calcium, magnesium, cobalamin, and gastrin concentrations was performed on days 0, 30, and 60. Bone density and content were evaluated on days 0 and 60 of each intervention. Continuous data were analyzed using a two‐way ANOVA (α = 0.006). On day 60 of omeprazole administration, continuous intragastric pH monitoring was performed in 2 cats to evaluate the effects of abrupt withdrawal of omeprazole.ResultsNo significant changes were detected between treatments for any variables, except serum gastrin, which was significantly higher during omeprazole treatment in comparison to placebo (P = 0.002). Evidence of gastric hyperacidity was seen in both cats in which intragastric pH monitoring was performed following cessation of omeprazole.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceAlthough further studies with larger populations of cats will be needed to draw any definitive conclusions, these preliminary results suggest that prolonged PPI treatment results in hypergastrinemia and abrupt PPI withdrawal might result in RAH in cats.
Incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in untreated subjects with chronic hepatitis B: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Raffetti Elena , Fattovich Giovanna , Donato Francesco 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackground & aimsIn the natural history of hepatitis B virus (HBV) chronic infection, the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk is unclear. We assessed incidence and predictors of HCC by a systematic review and meta‐analysis.MethodsWe included longitudinal studies and randomized controlled trials assessing HCC incidence in untreated patients with HBV chronic infection. Incidence rates and their 95% confidence intervals were extracted by each study and pooled together in random effects models.ResultsSixty‐six studies were included with a total of 347 859 patients. According to liver disease status, the summary incidence rates were in Europe, North America and East Asia, respectively: (a) asymptomatic carriers: 0.07 (95% confidence interval: 0.05–0.09), 0.19 (0.07–0.31) and 0.42 (0.21–0.63) per 100 person‐years, respectively; (b) inactive carriers: 0.03 (0.0–0.10), 0.17 (0.02–0.62) and 0.06 (0.02–0.10), respectively; (c) chronic hepatitis: 0.12 (0.0–0.27), 0.48 (0.22–0.91) and 0.49 (0.32–0.66), respectively; (d) compensated cirrhosis (Child–Pugh A): 2.03 (1.30–2.77), 2.89 (1.23–4.55) and 3.37 (2.48–4.26) respectively. Multivariate meta‐regression showed a significant increase in incidence rates for age, and for status of a symptomatic carrier, chronic hepatitis and compensated cirrhosis compared to inactive carrier, but not for geographical area after adjusting for age. An increase in the incidence rates was also observed for alcohol intake ≥60 g/dl, HBV genotype C with respect to B and HBV‐DNA serum levels >2000 IU/ml, in Asian studies.ConclusionsHepatocellular carcinoma risk in untreated subjects with HBV chronic infection is strongly related with age and liver disease status.
Breastfeeding modifies the impact of diarrhoeal disease on relative weight: a longitudinal analysis of 2–12 month‐old Filipino infants
Authors: Wright Melecia J , Mendez Michelle A , Bentley Margaret E , Adair Linda S 
Published: April 2016

AbstractUndernutrition and diarrhoeal disease are major causes of infant mortality. We investigated the combined roles of breastfeeding and diarrhoea on infant size in 2940 infants from the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey. The study aimed to assess whether breastfeeding status modified the deficits associated with diarrhoeal disease. The primary exposures were combinations of current breastfeeding status (yes/no), the presence of diarrhoeal disease in previous week (yes/no) and a categorical survey variable (six surveys taken at bimonthly intervals when infants were 2–12 months of age). Relative weight (weight‐for‐length z‐scores), calculated using the WHO growth standards, was estimated using sex‐stratified, fixed‐effects longitudinal models that also adjusted for energy from complementary foods. Post‐estimation Wald tests were conducted to identify subgroup differences in relative weight. Diarrhoea was associated with reduced relative weight in both breastfed and non‐breastfed infants of 6–12 months. Diarrhoea‐related deficits in relative weight were significantly exacerbated in non‐breastfed girls of 6 and 8 months. Importantly, in infants <6 months, being breastfed and having diarrhoea was still associated with greater relative weight compared with being non‐breastfed and diarrhoea‐free. Breastfeeding emerged as a strong contributor to relative weight in younger infants (<6 months) while diarrhoeal disease strongly contributed to deficits in relative weight in older infants (6–12 months). These findings underscore the importance of breastfeeding for promoting infant nutritional status in infants with or without diarrhoea from birth to 12 months.
A Computational Methodology for Assessing the Time‐Dependent Structural Performance of Electric Road Infrastructures
Authors: Ceravolo Rosario , Miraglia Gaetano , Surace Cecilia , Zanotti Fragonara Luca 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAn infrastructure adapted to dynamic wireless recharging of electric vehicles is often referred to generically as Electric Road (“e‐road”). E‐roads are deemed to become essential components of future grid environments and smart city strategies. Several technologies already exist that propose different ways to integrate dynamic inductive charging systems within the infrastructure. One e‐road solution uses a very thin rail with box‐section made of fibre‐reinforced polymer, inside which an electric current flows producing a magnetic field. In spite of the great interest and research generated by recharging technologies, the structural problems of e‐roads, including vibrations and structural integrity in the short and/or long period, have received relatively little attention to date. This article presents a novel computational methodology for assessing the time‐dependent structural performance of e‐roads, including a recursive strategy for the estimation of the lifetime of surface layers. The article also reports some numerical findings about e‐roads that will drive further numerical analyses and experimental studies on this novel type of infrastructure. Finally, numerical simulations have been conducted to compare an e‐road with a traditional road (“t‐road”), in terms of static, dynamic and fatigue behavior.
A role for adenine nucleotides in the sensing mechanism to purine starvation in Leishmania donovani
Authors: Martin Jessica L. , Yates Phillip A. , Boitz Jan M. , Koop Dennis R. , Fulwiler Audrey L. , Cassera Maria Belen , Ullman Buddy , Carter Nicola S. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryPurine salvage by Leishmania is an obligatory nutritional process that impacts both cell viability and growth. Previously, we have demonstrated that the removal of purines in culture provokes significant metabolic changes that enable Leishmania to survive prolonged periods of purine starvation. In order to understand how Leishmania sense and respond to changes in their purine environment, we have exploited several purine pathway mutants, some in which adenine and guanine nucleotide metabolism is uncoupled. While wild type parasites grow in any one of a variety of naturally occurring purines, the proliferation of these purine pathway mutants requires specific types or combinations of exogenous purines. By culturing purine pathway mutants in high levels of extracellular purines that are either permissive or non‐permissive for growth and monitoring for previously defined markers of the adaptive response to purine starvation, we determined that adaptation arises from a surveillance of intracellular purine nucleotide pools rather than from a direct sensing of the extracellular purine content of the environment. Specifically, our data suggest that perturbation of intracellular adenine‐containing nucleotide pools provides a crucial signal for inducing the metabolic changes necessary for the long‐term survival of Leishmania in a purine‐scarce environment.