bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characteristic properties of two different viscous cosmology models for the future universe
Authors: Normann Ben David , Brevik Iver 
Published: January 2017

We analyze characteristic properties of two different cosmological models: (i) a one-component dark energy model where the bulk viscosity [Formula: see text] is associated with the fluid as a whole, and (ii) a two-component model where [Formula: see text] is associated with a dark matter component [Formula: see text] only, the dark energy component considered inviscid. Shear viscosity is omitted. We assume throughout the simple equation-of-state [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] a constant. In the one-component model, we consider two possibilities, either to take [Formula: see text] proportional to the scalar expansion (equivalent to the Hubble parameter), in which case the evolution becomes critically dependent on the value of the small constant [Formula: see text] and the magnitude of [Formula: see text], or we consider the case [Formula: see text], where a de Sitter final stage is reached in the future. In the two-component model, we consider only the case where the dark matter viscosity [Formula: see text] is proportional to the square of [Formula: see text], where again a de Sitter form is found in the future. In this latter case, the formalism is supplemented by a phase space analysis. As a general result of our considerations, we suggest that a value [Formula: see text] for the present viscosity is reasonable, and that the two-component model seems to be favored.
Atheroprotective vaccination with MHC-II-restricted ApoB peptides induces peritoneal IL-10-producing CD4 T cells
Authors: Kimura Takayuki , Tse Kevin , McArdle Sara , Gerhardt Teresa , Miller Jacqueline , Mikulski Zbigniew , Sidney John , Sette Alessandro , Wolf Dennis , Ley Klaus 
Published: January 2017

Although immunization with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II-restricted apolipoprotein B (ApoB) peptides has been shown to be atheroprotective, the mechanism is unclear. Here, we investigated CD4+ T cell populations in immunized atherosclerotic mice. Peptides (16-mers) from mouse ApoB, the core protein of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), were screened for binding to I-Ab by computer prediction and confirmed by radiolabeled peptide competition. Three new peptides, P101 (FGKQGFFPDSVNKALY, 5.5 nM IC50), P102 (TLYALSHAVNSYFDVD, 6.8 nM), and P103 (LYYKEDKTSLSASAAS, 95 nM), were tested in an atherosclerosis model ( Apoe−/− mice on Western diet). Immunization with each of the three peptides (1 time in complete Freund’s adjuvant subcuntaneously and 4 time in incomplete Freund’s adjuvant intraperitoneally) but not with adjuvant alone showed significantly reduced atherosclerotic plaques in the aortic root by serial sections and in the whole aorta by en face staining. There were no differences in body weight, LDL cholesterol, or triglycerides. Peritoneal leukocytes from ApoB peptide-immunized mice, but not control mice, secreted significant amounts of IL-10 (150 pg/ml). Flow cytometry showed that peptide immunization induced IL-10 in 10% of peritoneal CD4+ T cells, some of which also expressed chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 5 (CCR5). Vaccination with ApoB peptides expanded peritoneal FoxP3+ regulatory CD4+ T cells and more than tripled the number of CCR5+FoxP3+ cells. Similar trends were also seen in the draining mediastinal lymph nodes but not in the nondraining inguinal lymph nodes. We conclude that vaccination with MHC class II-restricted autologous ApoB peptides induces regulatory T cells (Tregs) and IL-10, suggesting a plausible mechanism for atheroprotection. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Vaccination against apolipoprotein B (ApoB), the protein of LDL, attracts attention as a novel approach to prevent atherosclerosis. We discovered major histocompatibility complex class II-restricted ApoB peptides, which reduce atherosclerosis and induce IL-10-producing CD4+ T cells and chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 5 expression on regulatory T cells, suggesting that immunization with ApoB peptides inhibits atherosclerosis by inducing anti-inflammatory cytokines.
Sleep during an Antarctic summer expedition: new light on “polar insomnia”
Authors: Pattyn Nathalie , Mairesse Olivier , Cortoos Aisha , Marcoen Nele , Neyt Xavier , Meeusen Romain 
Published: January 2017

Sleep complaints are consistently cited as the most prominent health and well-being problem in Arctic and Antarctic expeditions, without clear evidence to identify the causal mechanisms. The present investigation aimed at studying sleep and determining circadian regulation and mood during a 4-mo Antarctic summer expedition. All data collection was performed during the continuous illumination of the Antarctic summer. After an habituation night and acclimatization to the environment (3 wk), ambulatory polysomnography (PSG) was performed in 21 healthy male subjects, free of medication. An 18-h profile (saliva sampling every 2 h) of cortisol and melatonin was assessed. Mood, sleepiness, and subjective sleep quality were assessed, and the psychomotor vigilance task was administered. PSG showed, in addition to high sleep fragmentation, a major decrease in slow-wave sleep (SWS) and an increase in stage R sleep. Furthermore, the ultradian rhythmicity of sleep was altered, with SWS occurring mainly at the end of the night and stage R sleep at the beginning. Cortisol secretion profiles were normal; melatonin secretion, however, showed a severe phase delay. There were no mood alterations according to the Profile of Mood States scores, but the psychomotor vigilance test showed an impaired vigilance performance. These results confirm previous reports on “polar insomnia”, the decrease in SWS, and present novel insight, the disturbed ultradian sleep structure. A hypothesis is formulated linking the prolonged SWS latency to the phase delay in melatonin. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The present paper presents a rare body of work on sleep and sleep wake regulation in the extreme environment of an Antarctic expedition, documenting the effects of constant illumination on sleep, mood, and chronobiology. For applied research, these results suggest the potential efficiency of melatonin supplementation in similar deployments. For fundamental research, these results warrant further investigation of the potential link between melatonin secretion and the onset of slow-wave sleep.
Adenosine receptor-dependent signaling is not obligatory for normobaric and hypobaric hypoxia-induced cerebral vasodilation in humans
Authors: Hoiland Ryan L. , Bain Anthony R. , Tymko Michael M. , Rieger Mathew G. , Howe Connor A. , Willie Christopher K. , Hansen Alex B. , Flück Daniela , Wildfong Kevin W. , Stembridge Mike , Subedi Prajan , Anholm James , Ainslie Philip N. 
Published: January 2017

Hypoxia increases cerebral blood flow (CBF) with the underlying signaling processes potentially including adenosine. A randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled design, was implemented to determine if adenosine receptor antagonism (theophylline, 3.75 mg/Kg) would reduce the CBF response to normobaric and hypobaric hypoxia. In 12 participants the partial pressures of end-tidal oxygen ([Formula: see text]) and carbon dioxide ([Formula: see text]), ventilation (pneumotachography), blood pressure (finger photoplethysmography), heart rate (electrocardiogram), CBF (duplex ultrasound), and intracranial blood velocities (transcranial Doppler ultrasound) were measured during 5-min stages of isocapnic hypoxia at sea level (98, 90, 80, and 70% [Formula: see text]). Ventilation, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], blood pressure, heart rate, and CBF were also measured upon exposure (128 ± 31 min following arrival) to high altitude (3,800 m) and 6 h following theophylline administration. At sea level, although the CBF response to hypoxia was unaltered pre- and postplacebo, it was reduced following theophylline ( P < 0.01), a finding explained by a lower [Formula: see text] ( P < 0.01). Upon mathematical correction for [Formula: see text], the CBF response to hypoxia was unaltered following theophylline. Cerebrovascular reactivity to hypoxia (i.e., response slope) was not different between trials, irrespective of [Formula: see text]. At high altitude, theophylline ( n = 6) had no effect on CBF compared with placebo ( n = 6) when end-tidal gases were comparable ( P > 0.05). We conclude that adenosine receptor-dependent signaling is not obligatory for cerebral hypoxic vasodilation in humans.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The signaling pathways that regulate human cerebral blood flow in hypoxia remain poorly understood. Using a randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled study design, we determined that adenosine receptor-dependent signaling is not obligatory for the regulation of human cerebral blood flow at sea level; these findings also extend to high altitude.
Contribution of rostral fluid shift to intrathoracic airway narrowing in asthma
Authors: Bhatawadekar Swati A. , Inman Mark D. , Fredberg Jeffrey J. , Tarlo Susan M. , Lyons Owen D. , Keller Gabriel , Yadollahi Azadeh 
Published: January 2017

In asthma, supine posture and sleep increase intrathoracic airway narrowing. When humans are supine, because of gravity fluid moves out of the legs and accumulates in the thorax. We hypothesized that fluid shifting out of the legs into the thorax contributes to the intrathoracic airway narrowing in asthma. Healthy and asthmatic subjects sat for 30 min and then lay supine for 30 min. To simulate overnight fluid shift, supine subjects were randomized to receive increased fluid shift out of the legs with lower body positive pressure (LBPP, 10-30 min) or none (control) and crossed over. With forced oscillation at 5 Hz, respiratory resistance (R5) and reactance (X5, reflecting respiratory stiffness) and with bioelectrical impedance, leg and thoracic fluid volumes (LFV, TFV) were measured while subjects were seated and supine (0 min, 30 min). In 17 healthy subjects (age: 51.8 ± 10.9 yr, FEV1/FVC z score: −0.4 ± 1.1), changes in R5 and X5 were similar in both study arms ( P > 0.05). In 15 asthmatic subjects (58.5 ± 9.8 yr, −2.1 ± 1.3), R5 and X5 increased in both arms (ΔR5: 0.6 ± 0.9 vs. 1.4 ± 0.8 cmH2O·l−1·s−1, ΔX5: 0.3 ± 0.7 vs. 1.1 ± 0.9 cmH2O·l−1·s−1). The increases in R5 and X5 were 2.3 and 3.7 times larger with LBPP than control, however ( P = 0.008, P = 0.006). The main predictor of increases in R5 with LBPP was increases in TFV (r = 0.73, P = 0.002). In asthmatic subjects, the magnitude of increases in X5 with LBPP was comparable to that with posture change from sitting to supine (1.1 ± 0.9 vs. 1.4 ± 0.9 cmH2O·l−1·s−1, P = 0.32). We conclude that in asthmatic subjects fluid shifting from the legs to the thorax while supine contributed to increases in the respiratory resistance and stiffness. NEW & NOTEWORTHY In supine asthmatic subjects, application of positive pressure to the lower body caused appreciable increases in respiratory system resistance and stiffness. Moreover, these changes in respiratory mechanics correlated positively with increase in thoracic fluid volume. These findings suggest that fluid shifts from the lower body to the thorax may contribute to overnight intrathoracic airway narrowing and worsening of asthma symptoms.
On Trauma, Perversion, and “Multiple Personality”
Authors: Brenner Ira 
Published: January 2017

The role of perverse sexuality as an organizing influence in “multiple personality” is explored in this paper. Following a brief review of psychoanalytic thinking on sexual trauma and perversion, the author discusses his own views on dissociation and “multiple personality.” A clinical case is then presented in which transsexualism, homosexuality, and sadomasochistic heterosexual practices were manifested during altered ego states. Analysis of the transference revealed the centrality of sadomasochism in this patient. It is hypothesized that various perverse structures may be formed within these seemingly autonomous, amnestic states, in order to contain anxiety and encapsulate the aggression which resulted from early psychic trauma. Issues relating to diagnosis, counter-transference, reconstruction, and psychoanalytic technique are discussed also. If each, I told myself, could but be housed in separate identities, life would be relieved of all that was unbearable … Robert Louis Stevenson The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Salivary Concentration of Epidermal Growth Factor in Adults with Reflux Laryngitis before and after Treatment
Authors: Eckley Claudia A. , Sardinha Luis Roberto , Rizzo Luiz Vicente 
Published: January 2017

Objectives: The diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is controversial. There is no correlation between the number of reflux episodes and the severity of the inflammatory response at the esophagus or the laryngopharyngeal segment. Some authors have suggested that decreased salivary epidermal growth factor (EGF) concentrations in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease and LPR point to a breakdown in the local defenses. Our objective was to establish whether treatment of the disease influences low salivary EGF concentrations. Methods: The spontaneous whole saliva of 20 adults with LPR was sampled at a tertiary teaching hospital before and after a 16-week course of full-dose proton pump inhibitor and compared to that of 12 healthy controls. Salivary EGF concentrations were established with a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Results: Although the mean salivary EGF concentrations were higher before treatment than after treatment and control of the disease (25,083 versus 19,359 pg/mL), this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.065). The mean salivary EGF concentration of healthy control subjects was significantly higher (54,509 pg/mL; p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Both before and after treatment, patients with reflux laryngitis present lower salivary EGF concentrations than healthy control subjects, suggesting a primary deficit in their protective mechanisms.
Etanercept Prevents Decrease of Cochlear Blood Flow Dose-Dependently Caused by Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha
Authors: Ihler Friedrich , Sharaf Kariem , Bertlich Mattis , Strieth Sebastian , Reichel Christoph A. , Berghaus Alexander , Canis Martin 
Published: January 2017

Objectives: Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) is a mediator of inflammation and microcirculation in the cochlea. This study aimed to quantify the effect of a local increase of TNF-alpha and study the effect of its interaction with etanercept on cochlear microcirculation. Methods: Cochlear lateral wall vessels were exposed surgically and assessed by intravital microscopy in guinea pigs in vivo. First, 24 animals were randomly distributed into 4 groups of 6 each. Exposed vessels were superfused repeatedly either with 1 of 3 different concentrations of TNF-alpha (5.0, 0.5, and 0.05 ng/mL) or with placebo (0.9% saline solution). Second, 12 animals were randomly distributed into 2 groups of 6 each. Vessels were pretreated with etanercept (1.0 μg/mL) or placebo (0.9% saline solution), and then treated by repeated superfusion with TNF-alpha (5.0 ng/mL). Results: TNF-alpha was shown to be effective in decreasing cochlear blood flow at a dose of 5.0 ng/mL (p < 0.01, analysis of variance on ranks). Lower concentrations or placebo treatment did not lead to significant changes. After pretreatment with etanercept, TNF-alpha at a dose of 5.0 ng/mL no longer led to a change in cochlear blood flow. Conclusions: The decreasing effect that TNF-alpha has on cochlear blood flow is dose-dependent. Etanercept abrogates this effect.
The Physiological Cost of Carrying Loads in Temperate and Hot Environments
Authors: Kamon Eliezer , Belding Harwood S. 
Published: January 2017

Cartons weighing 10, 15, and 20 kg. were carried by the hands in front of the body at speeds of 4 and 5 km/hr on level and at 4% grade at dry ambient temperatures of 20, 35 and 45°C. Three pretrained subjects were used. Each test involved three 5-min. periods of carrying the load, walking without the load and sitting, repeated three times. At each speed, step rate increased with increase in the weight of the load, although the increase (but not total cost) was less when carrying uphill. Metabolic cost per total weight of body and load also increased with increase in the load; thus work efficiency decreased. The metabolic cost for each kilogram of load carried was 1.3 to 2.3 times greater than the cost per kilogram of body weight without load. No significant differences in metabolic cost were observed under the three thermal conditions, but heart rate increased about 7 to 10 beats/min for each 10°C-rise in air temperature. Heart rate increased progressively from first to third cycle when 20 kg. were carried at 20° and 35° C; this was more obvious for uphill carrying. Such progressive rise in heart rate was most conspicuous when the subject was carrying 15 and 20 kg. at 45° C. Based on considerations of metabolic and cardiac cost, fatigue and need for rest pauses, 15-kg. packages were determined to be preferable to 10- and 20-kg. packages when large amounts of material must be moved by hand.
Sudden Death during Restraint: A Study to Measure the Effect of Restraint Positions on the Rate of Recovery from Exercise
Authors: Parkes John 
Published: January 2017

A small number of mental health patients have died suddenly following violent behaviour and restraint by staff. The safety of certain restraint positions has been questioned. This study evaluates two control and restraint (C & R) positions commonly used by health service staff. A repeated measures design was used to study rate of recovery from exercise in volunteer staff, measured by pulse oximetry, comparing the restraint positions with a seated (control) position. It was found that the recovery time for pulse rate of subjects restrained in a face-down position was significantly longer than for subjects restrained in a face-up position. No significant findings were made in terms of comparison between the control position and the restraint positions, and no significant changes in oxygen saturation were noted during restraint. It is concluded that restraint position may be a factor in death during restraint, but only where other factors contribute to the overall situation.
Forensic Medicine in the Rivers State of Nigeria: Experience in Four Rural General Hospitals
Authors: Amakiri C N T 
Published: January 2017

A retrospective study of 375 consecutive medicolegal cases seen in four peripheral general hospitals in the Rivers State of Nigeria over a five-year period (March 1984 to February 1989) was undertaken. The most common indications for forensic medical consultation were assaults (78.6%) using clubs, sticks, fists and machetes as weapons, road traffic accidents (9.1%) and sexual offences (7.7%). The proportions of accidental deaths (4.3%), homicidal deaths (2.9%), sudden natural deaths (0.5%), maternal deaths (0.5%) and suicidal deaths (0.3%) were much lower. The male-to-female ratio was 1.4 to 1. The patients' ages ranged from 10 months to 75 years, with a mean of 31.6 years. Twenty-three cases (6.1%) were children, while the remaining 352 cases (93.9%) were adults. The study showed that for those cases which do come to the pathologist's attention, forensic personnel and laboratory services are inadequate in the peripheral parts of Nigeria. The study also highlighted the possible range of medicolegal problems of which the medical practitioner should be aware, even if he is practising in the rural non-urbanized areas of Nigeria. The study shows that not all deaths are registered in Nigeria.
Differences in Forensic Pathology Practice between Scotland and England
Authors: Davison A M , McFarlane J H , Clark J C 
Published: January 2017

Scotland and England are part of the United Kingdom but have separate legal systems. These legal differences have a substantial effect on forensic pathology practice, and are probably best appreciated by those pathologists who have worked on both sides of the border. This paper seeks to highlight the differences in forensic pathology practice between Scotland and England, discussing the investigation of death in both countries. It concludes that a knowledge of the Scottish procurator fiscal system of death investigation may be beneficial to those contemplating changes to the coroner system. All three authors have practised forensic pathology in Scotland and England or Wales.
What is an ‘Intact’ Hymen? A Critique of the Literature
Authors: Goodyear-Smith Felicity A , Laidlaw Tannis M 
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this study was to establish medicolegal guidelines based upon medical findings which support or refute allegations of sexual penetration, taking into account non-sexual explanations for positive physical findings. A review of the literature was undertaken to examine what has been determined about the range of usual findings which can be expected if the hymen has been penetrated. While a large body of literature is available on the topic, some findings are ambiguous, and further research is required to advance and clarify our knowledge base in these areas. In only a minority of non-acute cases can definitive statements be made as to whether an alleged molestation has occurred. A non-scarred hymen that will not admit a finger is ‘intact’; a hymenal opening accommodating two fingers or a vaginal speculum, with evidence of a deficit or scarring at the lower pole, indicates past sexual or, possibly, non-sexual penetration. Other findings are not definitive and, at best, can estimate only relative probability of occurrence of penetration. Findings within the normal range should be presented as ‘neither confirm nor deny abuse’, not ‘consistent with abuse’. Often, it is impossible to establish whether a hymen is ‘intact’ in regard to past sexual intercourse.
Evaluation of Immediate Discharge Documents — Room for Improvement?
Authors: Foster D. S. , Paterson C. , Fairfield G. 
Published: January 2017

Background: The Immediate Discharge Document is a tool used to communicate patient discharge information between hospitals and general practitioners. The standard of information provided may be variable, and sometimes delayed in arriving at the GP practice. Typed communication from the hospital can also be slow. This can result in difficulty managing patients in the community following their discharge. Our aim was to assess the quantity of information provided on Immediate Discharge Documents, and to assess the time scale taken for GPs to receive written communications from hospitals regarding patient discharges. An audit was initiated using a tool devised from Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network Publication no 5 and involving four general practices within City of Perth, Scotland. Data was collected over a 28-day period in June/July 2001, by examining Immediate Discharge Documents relevant to each practice population received during this period, and by noting the time of arrival of a final typed summary. Data was analysed by Tayside Audit Resource for Primary Care. A total of 244 Documents were audited. Most significant results include basic administrative detail lacking in up to 30%. Of total documents, 13% failed to record a main condition or diagnosis; 93% recorded drug information, but only in 28% were follow up plans clear; 60% were received within five days of discharge, whilst final typed summaries were received from the hospitals within four weeks only in 51%. Conclusion: These results show there to be room for improvement with regard communication of patient discharge information, in regard to both the content of information provided and the time it takes to arrive. We require to raise awareness of this problem amongst hospital colleagues involving clinical governance and audit staff, with the objective to improve the quality and timescale of information transfer. Where this piece fits It is known that effective information transfer between health professionals is vital to optimise patient care. This work gives further impetus to improve the current standard of communication, and confirms a significant time delay that it takes information to reach GPs from the hospital setting.