bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of AMPA receptors in homocysteine‐NMDA receptor‐induced crosstalk between ERK and p38 MAPK
Authors: Poddar Ranjana , Chen Alexandria , Winter Lucas , Rajagopal Sathyanarayanan , Paul Surojit 
Published: May 2017

AbstractHomocysteine, a metabolite of the methionine cycle has been reported to play a role in neurotoxicity through activation of N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptors (NMDAR)‐mediated signaling pathway. The proposed mechanisms associated with homocysteine‐NMDAR‐induced neurotoxicity involve a unique signaling pathway that triggers a crosstalk between extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 MAPKs, where activation of p38 MAPK is downstream of and dependent on ERK MAPK. However, the molecular basis of the ERK MAPK‐mediated p38 MAPK activation is not understood. This study investigates whether α‐Amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid receptors (AMPARs) play a role in facilitating the ERK MAPK‐mediated p38 MAPK activation. Using surface biotinylation and immunoblotting approaches we show that treatment with homocysteine leads to a decrease in surface expression of GluA2‐AMPAR subunit in neurons, but have no effect on the surface expression of GluA1‐AMPAR subunit. Inhibition of NMDAR activation with D‐AP5 or ERK MAPK phosphorylation with PD98059 attenuates homocysteine‐induced decrease in surface expression of GluA2‐AMPAR subunit. The decrease in surface expression of GluA2‐AMPAR subunit is associated with p38 MAPK phosphorylation, which is inhibited by 1‐napthyl acetyl spermine trihydrochloride (NASPM), a selective antagonist of GluA2‐lacking Ca2+‐permeable AMPARs. These results suggest that homocysteine‐NMDAR‐mediated ERK MAPK phosphorylation leads to a decrease in surface expression of GluA2‐AMPAR subunit resulting in Ca2+ influx through the GluA2‐lacking Ca2+‐permeable AMPARs and p38 MAPK phosphorylation. Cell death assays further show that inhibition of AMPAR activity with 2,3‐dioxo‐6‐nitro‐1,2,3,4,tetrahydrobenzoquinoxaline‐7‐sulfonamide (NBQX)/6‐cyano‐7‐nitroquinoxaline‐2,3, ‐dione (CNQX) or GluA2‐lacking Ca2+‐permeable AMPAR activity with NASPM attenuates homocysteine‐induced neurotoxicity. We have identified an important mechanism involved in homocysteine‐induced neurotoxicity that highlights the intermediary role of GluA2‐lacking Ca2+‐permeable AMPARs in the crosstalk between ERK and p38 MAPKs.
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Influence of frailty on the quality of life patients qualified for pacemaker implantation
Authors: Mlynarska Agnieszka , Mlynarski Rafal , Golba Krzysztof S. 
Published: May 2017

Aims and objectivesAn important question is whether frailty syndrome affects the assessment of quality of life or whether frailty syndrome may reduce the benefits of a cardiac pacemaker implantation.BackgroundFrailty syndrome is known risk factor for quality of life evaluation after selected cardiology invasive procedures.DesignThe study was designed as single‐centre prospective study.MethodsThe study included 171 patients aged ≥60 years who were qualified for pacemaker implantation. Quality of life was evaluated twice—before and 6 months after implantation using MLHF questionnaire. A frailty syndrome evaluation using the Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI) was performed prior to pacemaker implantation. A DDDR pacemaker was implanted in each patient.ResultsFrailty syndrome was identified in half of the patients with indications for cardiac pacemaker implantation. There was an improvement in quality of life in the six months after pacemaker implantation in all of the robust and frailty syndrome‐affected patients that were included into the study—in general, physical and emotional domains.ConclusionImplantation of cardiac pacemaker influences the compensation quality of life evaluation in patients with sinus node dysfunction. Presence of frailty influences worse quality of life of patients when evaluated before cardiac pacemaker implantation.Relevance to clinical practiceFrailty should be evaluated in all older patients qualified for pacemaker implantation to evaluate high‐risk group, optimise therapeutic approach and to intense education activities for patients and family.
The important role of positioning in nasogastric tube insertion in unconscious patients: A prospective, randomised, double‐blind study
Authors: Zhao Wangmiao , Ge Chunyan , Zhang Wanzeng , Sun Zhaosheng , Li Xiaowei 
Published: May 2017

Aims and objectivesTo investigate whether positioning the body in a lateral decubitus position will facilitate nasogastric tube insertion in unconscious patients.BackgroundInserting a nasogastric tube into unconscious patients can be challenging because these patients cannot cooperate with the operator. The piriform sinus and arytenoid cartilage are the most commonly reported impaction sites. However, we found that the first impaction site was the backward displaced tongue when inserting a nasogastric tube in unconscious patients who often exhibited glossoptosis. Performing an intubation in the lateral decubitus position could make this procedure easy.DesignThis prospective, double‐blind, parallel, randomised controlled trial was conducted in Hengshui City, Hebei Province, China.MethodsA total of 110 cases of unconscious patients were enrolled. The patients were randomly assigned to a conventional group (group C) or a lateral decubitus position group (group L). In group C, the nasogastric tube was inserted while the patients were in a supine position using the conventional technique, and in group L, the tube was inserted in a lateral decubitus position or further tilting the body to a prone decubitus position 20–30°. We discussed reasonable intubation methods in unconscious patients by comparing the success rate on first insertion, the overall success rate, the intubation time and the complication rates between the two groups.ResultsGroup L had a higher success rate on first insertion and overall success rate than group C (p < .05). The intubation time in group L was shorter than that in group C (p < .001), and the complication rate in group L was lower than that in group C (p < .05). The differences were statistically significant.ConclusionsThe backward displaced tongue blocks the pharyngeal passage. Nasogastric tube insertions in the lateral decubitus position are recommended in unconscious patients because of the higher success rate, reduced intubation time and lower complication rate.Relevance to clinical practiceThis study provides an effective method for nasogastric tube insertions in unconscious patients.
Inpatient dependency in activities of daily living predicts informal caregiver strain: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Pérez Mármol José Manuel , Flores Antigüedad María Luz , Castro Sánchez Adelaida María , Tapia Haro Rosa María , García Ríos María del Carmen , Aguilar Ferrándiz María Encarnación 
Published: May 2017

Aims and ObjectivesTo investigate what factors influence caregiver strain in informal caregivers just before inpatients are discharged.BackgroundPrevious research has investigated the risk factors related to the burden on caregivers in different clinical contexts. However, the findings from studies analysing these factors just before inpatients are discharged are uncertain.DesignA cross‐sectional study design.MethodsThe study involved 100 inpatients and 100 informal caregivers from seven different hospital units. Sociodemographic, clinical, functional and cognitive factors of inpatients–caregivers, and caregiver strains were recorded. Descriptive, bivariate correlation and multiple regression analyses were performed.ResultsCaregivers of inpatients at risk of ulcers had significantly higher scores of strain. Dependency in activities of daily living scores and cognitive status scores were statistically inversely proportional to caregiver strain. Almost 27% of total variance of caregiver strain was due to dependency in activities of daily living.ConclusionsCaregiver strain was mainly associated with those situations in which the hospitalised patients presented the risk of ulcers, dependency and cognitive disorders, with dependency in activities of daily living being the factor that most influenced informal caregiver strain.Relevance to clinical practiceDependency in activities of daily living, among other risk factors, should be evaluated at an early stage, monitored and controlled by hospital nursing staff. These strategies could protect and promote the well‐being and quality of life of informal caregivers during patient hospitalisation and after discharge.
Owner assessment of the outcome of tibial plateau levelling osteotomy without meniscal evaluation for treatment of naturally occurring cranial cruciate ligament rupture: 130 cases (2009 to 2013)
Authors: Bureau S. 
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveTo evaluate long‐term surgical outcome and chronic pain in dogs suffering from naturally occurring cranial cruciate ligament rupture treated by tibial plateau levelling osteotomy without meniscal evaluation.Materials and Methods
In this retrospective clinical study, data from surgical records of dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture that underwent tibial plateau levelling osteotomy without meniscal evaluation between August 2009 and November 2013 were reviewed. An owner questionnaire was used to evaluate the long‐term outcome and the prevalence of chronic pain.Results107 dogs were included in this study. The long‐term follow‐up ranged from 1 to 4·5 years (mean 2·5 years). Four dogs developed acute lameness 4 to 21 months after surgery after having shown improvement. Dog behavior was assessed to be normal in 93% of cases and the level of activity was estimated to be normal for 88% of cases. Persistent lameness was reported after surgery in 6% of dogs and might have resulted from undiagnosed meniscal lesions.Clinical Significance
Considering the low incidence of persistent lameness after surgery and the limits of diagnosis and treatment, the need for routine meniscal examination during tibial plateau levelling osteotomy is questionable.
Tropical specialist vs. climate generalist: Diversification and demographic history of sister species of Carlia skinks from northwestern Australia
Authors: Afonso Silva Ana C. , Bragg Jason G. , Potter Sally , Fernandes Carlos , Coelho Maria Manuela , Moritz Craig 
Published: May 2017

AbstractSpecies endemic to the tropical regions are expected to be vulnerable to future climate change due in part to their relatively narrow climatic niches. In addition, these species are more likely to have responded strongly to past climatic change, and this can be explored through phylogeographic analyses. To test the hypothesis that tropical specialists are more sensitive to climate change than climate generalists, we generated and analyse sequence data from mtDNA and ~2500 exons to compare scales of historical persistence and population fluctuation in two sister species of Australian rainbow skinks: the tropical specialist Carlia johnstonei and the climate generalist C. triacantha. We expect the tropical specialist species to have deeper and finer‐scale phylogeographic structure and stronger demographic fluctuations relative to the closely related climate generalist species, which should have had more stable populations through periods of harsh climate in the late Quaternary. Within C. johnstonei, we find that some populations from the northern Kimberley islands are highly divergent from mainland populations. In C. triacantha, one major clade occurs across the deserts and into the mesic Top End, and another occurs primarily in the Kimberley with scattered records eastwards. Where their ranges overlap in the Kimberley, both mitochondrial DNA and nuclear DNA suggest stronger phylogeographic structure and range expansion within the tropical specialist, whereas the climate generalist has minimal structuring and no evidence of recent past range expansion. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that tropical specialists are more sensitive to past climatic change.
Determination of genetic relatedness from low‐coverage human genome sequences using pedigree simulations
Authors: Martin Michael D. , Jay Flora , Castellano Sergi , Slatkin Montgomery 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWe develop and evaluate methods for inferring relatedness among individuals from low‐coverage DNA sequences of their genomes, with particular emphasis on sequences obtained from fossil remains. We suggest the major factors complicating the determination of relatedness among ancient individuals are sequencing depth, the number of overlapping sites, the sequencing error rate and the presence of contamination from present‐day genetic sources. We develop a theoretical model that facilitates the exploration of these factors and their relative effects, via measurement of pairwise genetic distances, without calling genotypes, and determine the power to infer relatedness under various scenarios of varying sequencing depth, present‐day contamination and sequencing error. The model is validated by a simulation study as well as the analysis of aligned sequences from present‐day human genomes. We then apply the method to the recently published genome sequences of ancient Europeans, developing a statistical treatment to determine confidence in assigned relatedness that is, in some cases, more precise than previously reported. As the majority of ancient specimens are from animals, this method would be applicable to investigate kinship in nonhuman remains. The developed software grups (Genetic Relatedness Using Pedigree Simulations) is implemented in Python and freely available.
Cardiac‐diabetes self‐management program for Australians and Taiwanese: A randomized blocked design study
Authors: Wu Chiung‐Jung (Jo) , Sung Huei‐Chuan , Chang Anne M. , Atherton John , Kostner Karam , McPhail Steven M. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractCardiac disease and type 2 diabetes are prevalent diseases globally. Cardiac rehabilitation and diabetes self‐management programs empower patients' self‐management to improve their health outcomes. However, inappropriate delivery modes and continuing low participation rates indicate some programs are less than optimal. A previous study demonstrated the feasibility of incorporating telephone and text messages into a cardiac‐diabetes self‐management program in Australia; however, the program did not specifically address patients' cultural backgrounds. This current study used a randomized blocked design to evaluate short‐term efficacy of the cardiac‐diabetes self‐management program incorporating telephone and text‐messaging across different cultural contexts in Australia and Taiwan in comparison to usual care. No significant differences between groups were observed for outcomes of self‐care behavior, self efficacy, knowledge and health‐related quality of life, with patients in both groups demonstrating improvements. Patient‐reported outcomes indicated some evidence of an interaction effect between country of origin and group allocation. Findings indicated an improved tendency of outcome measures between the baseline and follow‐up assessments within usual care and intervention groups. Further research is required to clarify components of the program work for each cultural group.
Rapid radiations of both kiwifruit hybrid lineages and their parents shed light on a two‐layer mode of species diversification
Authors: Liu Yifei , Li Dawei , Zhang Qiong , Song Chi , Zhong Caihong , Zhang Xudong , Wang Ying , Yao Xiaohong , Wang Zupeng , Zeng Shaohua , Wang Ying , Guo Yangtao , Wang Shuaibin , Li Xinwei , Li Li , Liu Chunyan , McCann Honour C. , He Weiming , Niu Yan , Chen Min , Du Liuwen , Gong Junjie , Datson Paul M. , Hilario Elena , Huang Hongwen 
Published: May 2017

Summary

Reticulate speciation caused by interspecific hybridization is now recognized as an important mechanism in the creation of biological diversity. However, depicting the patterns of phylogenetic networks for lineages that have undergone interspecific gene flow is challenging.

Here we sequenced 25 taxa representing natural diversity in the genus Actinidia with an average mapping depth of 26× on the reference genome to reconstruct their reticulate history.

We found evidence, including significant gene tree discordance, cytonuclear conflicts, and changes in genome‐wide heterozygosity across taxa, collectively supporting extensive reticulation in the genus. Furthermore, at least two separate parental species pairs were involved in the repeated origin of the hybrid lineages, in some of which a further phase of syngameon was triggered. On the basis of the elucidated hybridization relationships, we obtained a highly resolved backbone phylogeny consisting of taxa exhibiting no evidence of hybrid origin. The backbone taxa have distinct demographic histories and are the product of recent rounds of rapid radiations via sorting of ancestral variation under variable climatic and ecological conditions.

Our results suggest a mode for consecutive plant diversification through two layers of radiations, consisting of the rapid evolution of backbone lineages and the formation of hybrid swarms derived from these lineages.
Phenotypic selection varies with pollination intensity across populations ofSabatia angularis
Authors: Emel Sarah L. , Franks Steven J. , Spigler Rachel B. 
Published: May 2017

SummaryPollinators are considered primary selective agents acting on plant traits, and thus variation in the strength of the plant–pollinator interaction might drive variation in the opportunity for selection and selection intensity across plant populations. Here, we examine whether these critical evolutionary parameters covary with pollination intensity across wild populations of the biennialSabatia angularis.We quantified pollination intensity in each of nineS. angularispopulations as mean stigmatic pollen load per population. For female fitness and three components, fruit number, fruit set (proportion of flowers setting fruit) and number of seeds per fruit, we evaluated whether the opportunity for selection varied with pollination intensity. We used phenotypic selection analyses to test for interactions between pollination intensity and selection gradients for five floral traits, including flowering phenology.The opportunity for selection via fruit set and seeds per fruit declined significantly with increasing pollen receipt, as expected. We demonstrated significant directional selection on multiple traits across populations. We also found that selection intensity for all traits depended on pollination intensity.Consistent with general theory about the relationship between biotic interaction strength and the intensity of selection, our study suggests that variation in pollination intensity drives variation in selection acrossS. angularispopulations.
Generalized modeling of empirical social‐ecological systems
Authors: Lade Steven J. , Niiranen Susa 
Published: May 2017

AbstractModeling social‐ecological systems is difficult due to the complexity of ecosystems and of individual and collective human behavior. Key components of the social‐ecological system are often over‐simplified or omitted. Generalized modeling is a dynamical systems approach that can overcome some of these challenges. It can rigorously analyze qualitative system dynamics such as regime shifts despite incomplete knowledge of the model's constituent processes. Here, we review generalized modeling and use a recent study on the Baltic Sea cod fishery's boom and collapse to demonstrate its application to modeling the dynamics of empirical social‐ecological systems. These empirical applications demand new methods of analysis suited to larger, more complicated generalized models. Generalized modeling is a promising tool for rapidly developing mathematically rigorous, process‐based understanding of a social‐ecological system's dynamics despite limited knowledge of the system.
The use of piezoelectric surgical debridement in the management of bisphosphonate osteonecrosis of the jaw: a case report
Authors: Ghurye S. , Kwok J. , Thakrar P. , Patel V. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe management of bisphosphonate related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) poses many challenges to the clinician as there remains no established guaranteed treatment. Currently, guidance from the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons advises a conservative approach for the management of BRONJ. Predominantly this means medical management, however, this is not always successful. Invasive surgical debridement is often feared due to the real risk of inducing further necrosis. In repetitive acute infections or longterm chronic infections the clinician is left with a difficult situation to manage. This report presents a case of a 58 year old female with a complex medical and drug history with BRONJ. Routine management strategies were unsuccessful in treating BRONJ, leading to surgical intervention via piezoelectric surgical debridement.
Coexistence of a permanent form of a junctional reciprocating tachycardia and coronary sinus aneurysm: A case report
Authors: Shimizu Yuki , Inaba Osamu , Goya Masahiko , Hirao Kenzo 
Published: May 2017

AbstractA 58‐year‐old man with a long R‐P' narrow QRS tachycardia underwent an electrophysiological study. The tachycardia was diagnosed as a permanent form of junctional reciprocating tachycardia (PJRT), and the earliest atrial activation site during tachycardia was coronary sinus (CS) ostium. Radiofrequency ablation at the site was initially not successful because the tip impedance and temperature were unstable. After changing of the ablation catheter to that with contact force sensor, the accessory pathway was immediately ablated and the PJRT was no longer induced. A retrograde CS angiogram revealed a fusiform aneurysm, which was located at the earliest activation site during the tachycardia.