bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Insulin Signaling in Bupivacaine-induced Cardiac Toxicity
Authors: Fettiplace Michael R. , Kowal Katarzyna , Ripper Richard , Young Alexandria , Lis Kinga , Rubinstein Israel , Bonini Marcelo , Minshall Richard , Weinberg Guy 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAbstract

In vivo, local anesthetic toxicity altered phosphorylation at targets of glucose metabolism, including Akt, 5′-adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinase and insulin receptor substrate-1. IV lipid emulsion reduced these local anesthetic–induced changes in phosphorylation.

Background
The impact of local anesthetics on the regulation of glucose homeostasis by protein kinase B (Akt) and 5′-adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinase (AMPK) is unclear but important because of the implications for both local anesthetic toxicity and its reversal by IV lipid emulsion (ILE).

Methods
Sprague–Dawley rats received 10 mg/kg bupivacaine over 20 s followed by nothing or 10 ml/kg ILE (or ILE without bupivacaine). At key time points, heart and kidney were excised. Glycogen content and phosphorylation levels of Akt, p70 s6 kinase, s6, insulin receptor substrate-1, glycogen synthase kinase-3β, AMPK, acetyl-CoA carboxylase, and tuberous sclerosis 2 were quantified. Three animals received Wortmannin to irreversibly inhibit phosphoinositide-3-kinase (Pi3k) signaling. Isolated heart studies were conducted with bupivacaine and LY294002—a reversible Pi3K inhibitor.

Results
Bupivacaine cardiotoxicity rapidly dephosphorylated Akt at S473 to 63 ± 5% of baseline and phosphorylated AMPK to 151 ± 19%. AMPK activation inhibited targets downstream of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 via tuberous sclerosis 2. Feedback dephosphorylation of IRS1 to 31 ± 8% of baseline sensitized Akt signaling in hearts resulting in hyperphosphorylation of Akt at T308 and glycogen synthase kinase-3β to 390 ± 64% and 293 ± 50% of baseline, respectively. Glycogen accumulated to 142 ± 7% of baseline. Irreversible inhibition of Pi3k upstream of Akt exacerbated bupivacaine cardiotoxicity, whereas pretreating with a reversible inhibitor delayed the onset of toxicity. ILE rapidly phosphorylated Akt at S473 and T308 to 150 ± 23% and 167 ± 10% of baseline, respectively, but did not interfere with AMPK or targets of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1.

Conclusion
Glucose handling by Akt and AMPK is integral to recovery from bupivacaine cardiotoxicity and modulation of these pathways by ILE contributes to lipid resuscitation.
Prophylactic Intramedullary Rodding Following Femoral Lengthening in Congenital Deficiency of the Femur
Authors: Abdelgawad Amr A. , Jauregui Julio J. , Standard Shawn C. , Paley Dror , Herzenberg John E. 
Published: December 2015

Introduction:
Femoral fracture after lengthening of congenital femoral deficiency (CFD) is a common complication with a high incidence, up to 50%. The purpose of this study is to determine whether prophylactic intramedullary Rush rodding after lengthening for CFD is an effective method to prevent femoral fracture and to assess any complications that may result.

Methods:
Forty-five femoral lengthenings (43 CFD patients) were performed using external fixation. At the time of frame removal (except for 3 cases, 8 d later), prophylactic intramedullary Rush rods were inserted. Special reaming techniques were developed to pass a Rush rod through the solid regenerate bone and past sclerotic pin sites. Mean age at time of rodding was 6.9 years (range, 2.9 to 14.2 y). Mean duration of treatment with external fixation was 184 days (range, 146 to 461 d). Mean follow-up was 4.2 years (range, 1.3 to 8.2 y). This group of cases was compared with a historical cohort of 95 femoral lengthening procedures for CFD without prophylactic intramedullary rodding after frame removal previously performed at the same institute by the same surgeons.

Results:
Eight cases (18%) developed fracture despite intramedullary rodding (1 case with relatively high-energy trauma, 3 cases during physical therapy, and 4 cases spontaneously). Only 4 of these fractures required intervention. Fractures were more common when a 3.18 mm Rush rod was used (28%) compared with 4.76 mm (8.3%). Patients with prophylactic rodding had a significantly lower incidence of femur fracture rodding than those who did not (18% vs. 34%, respectively; P=0.04). Three out of 45 Rush rods (7%) developed infection that were treated by debridement and removal of the rod, and all healed uneventfully without residual or recurrent infection. There were no cases of avascular necrosis.

Conclusions:
Prophylactic intramedullary rodding is a safe and effective method to prevent femoral fractures after CFD lengthening. Use of 4.76 mm rod is preferred. The risk of infection is acceptable, when compared with the risk of fracture, loss of length, and angulation.

Level of Evidence:
Level III—a retrospective comparative study.
Modulation by the Noble Gas Helium of Tissue Plasminogen Activator: Effects in a Rat Model of Thromboembolic Stroke*
Authors: Haelewyn Benoit , David Hélène N. , Blatteau Jean-Eric , Vallée Nicolas , Meckler Cedric , Risso Jean-Jacques , Abraini Jacques H. 
Published: December 2015

Interventions:
Helium has been shown to provide neuroprotection in mechanical model of acute ischemic stroke by inducing hypothermia, a condition shown by itself to reduce the thrombolytic and proteolytic properties of tissue plasminogen activator. However, whether or not helium interacts with the thrombolytic drug tissue plasminogen activator, the only approved therapy of acute ischemic stroke still remains unknown. This point is not trivial since previous data have shown the critical importance of the time at which the neuroprotective noble gases xenon and argon should be administered, during or after ischemia, in order not to block tissue plasminogen activator–induced thrombolysis and to obtain neuroprotection and inhibition of tissue plasminogen activator–induced brain hemorrhages.

Measurements and Main Results:
We show that helium of 25–75 vol% inhibits in a concentration-dependent fashion the catalytic and thrombolytic activity of tissue plasminogen activator in vitro and ex vivo. In vivo, in rats subjected to thromboembolic brain ischemia, we found that intraischemic helium at 75 vol% inhibits tissue plasminogen activator–induced thrombolysis and subsequent reduction of ischemic brain damage and that postischemic helium at 75 vol% reduces ischemic brain damage and brain hemorrhages.

Conclusions:
In a clinical perspective for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke, these data suggest that helium 1) should not be administered before or together with tissue plasminogen activator therapy due to the risk of inhibiting the benefit of tissue plasminogen activator–induced thrombolysis; and 2) could be an efficient neuroprotective agent if given after tissue plasminogen activator–induced reperfusion.
Accuracy of 99mTechnetium-labeled RBC Scintigraphy and MDCT With Gastrointestinal Bleed Protocol for Detection and Localization of Source of Acute Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Authors: Awais Muhammad , Haq Tanveer Ul , Rehman Abdul , Zaman Maseeh Uz , Haider Zishan , Khattak Yasir Jamil , Baloch Noor Ul-Ain 
Published: December 2015

Background:
Acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Multidetector row computed tomography (CT) with gastrointestinal (GI) bleed protocol is a novel diagnostic technique for detecting and localizing LGIB. Being rapid and noninvasive, it may be useful as a first-line modality to investigate cases of acute LGIB.

Goals:
To assess and compare diagnostic accuracy of 99mTechnetium (Tc)-labeled red blood cell (RBC) scintigraphy and multidetector row CT with GI bleed protocol for detection and localization of source of acute LGIB.

Study:
Requirement of informed consent was waived for this retrospective study. Seventy-six patients had undergone either RBC scintigraphy, CT with GI bleed protocol, or both, followed by conventional angiography for evaluation of acute persistent LGIB between January 2010 and February 2014 at our institution. Accuracy of both modalities was assessed using conventional angiography as reference standard and compared using the 2-tailed, Fisher exact test. A P-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:
Fifty-one, 20, and 5 patients had undergone RBC scintigraphy only, CT with GI bleed protocol only, and both modalities, respectively. Fourteen of 25 patients in the CT group had angiographic evidence of active bleeding as compared with 32 of 56 patients in the scintigraphy group. CT with GI bleed protocol had higher accuracy (96%) than 99mTc-labeled RBC scintigraphy (55.4%, P<0.001).

Conclusions:
CT with GI bleed protocol was more accurate in detecting and localizing the source of acute LGIB as compared with 99mTc-labeled RBC scintigraphy.
Change Blindness in 3D Virtual Reality
Authors: Vasser Madis , Kängsepp Markus , Aru Jaan 
Published: December 2015

AbstractIn the present change blindness study subjects explored stereoscopic three dimensional (3D) environments through a virtual reality (VR) headset. A novel method that tracked the subjects’ head movements was used for inducing changes in the scene whenever the changing object was out of the field of view. The effect of change location (foreground or background in 3D depth) on change blindness was investigated. Two experiments were conducted, one in the lab (n = 50) and the other online (n = 25). Up to 25% of the changes were undetected and the mean overall search time was 27 seconds in the lab study. Results indicated significantly lower change detection success and more change cycles if the changes occurred in the background, with no differences in overall search times. The results confirm findings from previous studies and extend them to 3D environments. The study also demonstrates the feasibility of online VR experiments.
Dynamics of microbial community composition and soil organic carbon mineralization in soil following addition of pyrogenic and fresh organic matter
Authors: Whitman Thea , Pepe-Ranney Charles , Enders Akio , Koechli Chantal , Campbell Ashley , Buckley Daniel H. , Lehmann Johannes 
Published: December 2015

AbstractPyrogenic organic matter (PyOM) additions to soils can have large impacts on soil organic C (SOC) cycling. Because the soil microbial community drives SOC fluxes, understanding how PyOM additions affect soil microbes is essential to understanding how PyOM affects SOC. We studied SOC dynamics and surveyed soil microbial communities after OM additions in a field experiment. We produced and applied either 350°C corn stover PyOM or an equivalent amount of dried corn stover to a Typic Fragiudept soil. Stover increased SOC-derived and total CO2fluxes (up to 6x), and caused rapid and persistent changes in bacterial community composition over 82 days. In contrast, PyOM only temporarily increased total soil CO2fluxes (up to 2x) and caused fewer changes in bacterial community composition. 70% of the OTUs that increased in response to PyOM additions also responded to stover additions. These OTUs likely thrive on easily-mineralizable C that is found both in stover and, to a lesser extent, in PyOM. In contrast, we also identified unique PyOM-responders, which may respond to substrates such as polyaromatic C. In particular, members ofGemmatimonadetestended to increase in relative abundance in response to PyOM but not to fresh organic matter. We identify taxa to target for future investigations of the mechanistic underpinnings of ecological phenomena associated with PyOM additions to soil.
A reductionist approach to model photosynthetic self-regulation in eukaryotes in response to light
Authors: Matuszyńska Anna B. , Ebenhöh Oliver 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAlong with the development of several large-scale methods such as mass spectrometry or micro arrays, genome wide models became not only a possibility but an obvious tool for theoretical biologists to integrate and analyse complex biological data. Nevertheless, incorporating the dynamics of photosynthesis remains one of the major challenges while reconstructing metabolic networks of plants and other photosynthetic organisms. In this review, we aim to provide arguments that small-scale models are still a suitable choice when it comes to discover organisational principles governing the design of biological systems. We give a brief overview of recent modelling efforts in understanding the interplay between rapid, photoprotective mechanisms and the redox balance within the thylakoid membrane, discussing the applicability of a reductionist approach in modelling self-regulation in plants, and outline possible directions for further research.
Multiscale Modeling of Cancer
Authors: Norton Kerri-Ann , McCabe Pryor Meghan , Popel Aleksander S. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBreast cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer death in women, exceeded only by lung cancer. Specifically, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has the worst prognosis, as it is more invasive and lacks estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors that can be targeted with therapies. Due to the need for effective therapies for this type of breast cancer, it is critical to develop methods to (1) understand how TNBC progresses and (2) facilitate development of effective therapies. Here, we describe a multiscale model focusing on tumor formation. Our approach uses multiple scales to investigate the progression and possible treatments of tumors.
The Link between Family Background and Later Lifetime Income: How Does the UK Compare with Other Countries?
Authors: Jerrim John 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe link between family background and labour market outcomes is an issue of great academic, social and political concern. It is frequently claimed that such intergenerational associations are stronger in Britain than in other countries. But is this really true? I investigate this issue by estimating the link between parental education and later lifetime income, using three cross‐nationally comparable data sets covering more than 30 countries. My results suggest that the UK is broadly in the middle of the cross‐country rankings, with intergenerational associations notably stronger than in Scandinavia but weaker than in eastern Europe. Overall, I find limited support for claims that family background is a greater barrier to economic success in Britain than in other parts of the developed world.
Cold Oxygen Plasma Treatments for the Improvement of the Physicochemical and Biodegradable Properties of Polylactic Acid Films for Food Packaging
Authors: Song Ah Young , Oh Yoon Ah , Roh Si Hyeon , Kim Ji Hyeon , Min Sea C. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe effects of cold plasma (CP) treatment on the physicochemical and biodegradable properties of polylactic acid (PLA) films were studied. The PLA films were exposed to CP for 40 min at 900 W and 667 Pa using oxygen as the plasma‐forming gas. The tensile, optical, and dynamic mechanical thermal properties, surface morphology, printability, water contact angle, chemical structure, weight change, and biodegradability properties of the films were evaluated during storage for up to 56 d. The tensile and optical properties of the PLA films were not significantly affected by CP treatment (CPT; P > 0.05). The surface roughness and water contact angle of PLA films increased by CPT and further increased during storage for 56 d. The printability of the PLA films increased following CPT and remained stable throughout the storage period. CP‐induced hydrophilicity was also sustained during the storage period. The PLA films lost 1.9% of their weight after CPT, but recovered 99.5% of this loss after 14 d in storage. Photodegradation, thermal, and microbial biodegradable properties of the films were significantly improved by CPT (P < 0.05). Accelerated biodegradation of CP‐treated PLA sachets with and without cheese was observed in compost. These results demonstrate the potential of CPT for modifying the stiffness, water contact angle, and chemical structure of PLA films and improving the printability and biodegradability of the films for food packaging.
Effect of Flavourzyme® on Angiotensin‐Converting Enzyme Inhibitory Peptides Formed in Skim Milk and Whey Protein Concentrate during Fermentation by Lactobacillus helveticus
Authors: Ahtesh Fatah , Stojanovska Lily , Shah Nagendra , Mishra Vijay Kumar 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAngiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitory (ACE‐I) activity as affected by Lactobacillus helveticus strains (881315, 881188, 880474, and 880953), and supplementation with a proteolytic enzyme was studied. Reconstituted skim milk (12% RSM) or whey protein concentrate (4% WPC), with and without Flavourzyme® (0.14% w/w), were fermented with 4 different L. helveticus strains at 37 °C for 0, 4, 8, and 12 h. Proteolytic and in vitro ACE‐I activities, and growth were significantly affected (P < 0.05) by strains, media, and with enzyme supplementation. RSM supported higher growth and produced higher proteolysis and ACE‐I compared to WPC without enzyme supplementation. The strains L. helveticus 881315 and 881188 were able to increase ACE‐I to >80% after 8 h of fermentation when combined with Flavourzyme® in RSM compared to the same strains without enzyme supplementation. Supplementation of media by Flavourzyme® was beneficial in increasing ACE‐I peptides in both media. The best media to release more ACE‐I peptides was RSM with enzyme supplementation. The L. helveticus 881315 outperformed all strains as indicated by highest proteolytic and ACE‐I activities.
The Stream‐Catchment (StreamCat) Dataset: A Database of Watershed Metrics for the Conterminous United States
Authors: Hill Ryan A. , Weber Marc H. , Leibowitz Scott G. , Olsen Anthony R. , Thornbrugh Darren J. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractWe developed an extensive database of landscape metrics for ~2.65 million stream segments, and their associated catchments, within the conterminous United States (U.S.): The Stream‐Catchment (StreamCat) Dataset. These data are publically available (http://www2.epa.gov/national-aquatic-resource-surveys/streamcat) and greatly reduce the specialized geospatial expertise needed by researchers and managers to acquire landscape information for both catchments (i.e., the nearby landscape flowing directly into streams) and full upstream watersheds of specific stream reaches. When combined with an existing geospatial framework of the Nation's rivers and streams (National Hydrography Dataset Plus Version 2), the distribution of catchment and watershed characteristics can be visualized for the conterminous U.S. In this article, we document the development and main features of this dataset, including the suite of landscape features that were used to develop the data, scripts and algorithms used to accumulate and produce watershed summaries of landscape features, and the quality assurance procedures used to ensure data consistency. The StreamCat Dataset provides an important tool for stream researchers and managers to understand and characterize the Nation's rivers and streams.
A hierarchical distance sampling model to estimate abundance and covariate associations of species and communities
Authors: Sollmann Rahel , Gardner Beth , Williams Kathryn A. , Gilbert Andrew T. , Veit Richard R. 
Published: December 2015

SummaryDistance sampling is a common survey method in wildlife studies, because it allows accounting for imperfect detection. The framework has been extended to hierarchical distance sampling (HDS), which accommodates the modelling of abundance as a function of covariates, but rare and elusive species may not yield enough observations to fit such a model.We integrate HDS into a community modelling framework that accommodates multi‐species spatially replicated distance sampling data. The model allows species‐specific parameters, but these come from a common underlying distribution. This form of information sharing enables estimation of parameters for species with sparse data sets that would otherwise be discarded from analysis. We evaluate the performance of the model under varying community sizes with different species‐specific abundances through a simulation study. We further fit the model to a seabird data set obtained from shipboard distance sampling surveys off the East Coast of the USA.Comparing communities comprised of 5, 15 or 30 species, bias of all community‐level parameters and some species‐level parameters decreased with increasing community size, while precision increased. Most species‐level parameters were less biased for more abundant species. For larger communities, the community model increased precision in abundance estimates of rarely observed species when compared to single‐species models. For the seabird application, we found a strong negative association of community and species abundance with distance to shore. Water temperature and prey density had weak effects on seabird abundance. Patterns in overall abundance were consistent with known seabird ecology.The community distance sampling model can be expanded to account for imperfect availability, imperfect species identification or other missing individual covariates. The model allowed us to make inference about ecology of species communities, including rarely observed species, which is particularly important in conservation and management. The approach holds great potential to improve inference on species communities that can be surveyed with distance sampling.
Radiation shielding in dentistry: an update
Authors: Crane GD , Abbott PV 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe purpose of this article was to review the literature and provide guidelines on the use of radiation protection for patients in the dental setting. There are limited published data on the effects of low radiation doses such as those used in dental radiology. Most of the evidence is subject to bias, with risk models extrapolated from higher dose models such as studies of the Hiroshima bomb survivors. However, the lack of evidence does not denote the absence of risk, as there is no established ‘safe’ level of radiation exposure. All imaging utilizing ionizing radiation carries a risk for the patient. Hence the patient benefits of imaging must outweigh the potential risk. All diagnostic imaging should adhere to three basic principles, these being justification, optimization and application of dose limits. This article discusses dose reduction techniques and shielding of sensitive organs, particularly the thyroid, during procedures such as intraoral imaging, orthopantomograms and imaging of the pregnant patient.
Management of urinary catheters following hip fracture
Authors: Street Philip , Thompson Janie , Bailey Michael 
Published: December 2015

AimTo examine current practices and factors associated with outcomes of urinary catheter removal (‘trial of void’ or TOV) in patients following hip fracture.MethodRetrospective file audit of patients discharged over a three‐year period with a diagnosis of recent hip fracture.ResultsThere were 133 TOVs in 310 patients. Of the 78 TOVs occurring in the aged care rehabilitation hospital, 50% were successful. Adherence to the hospital's TOV guideline was documented infrequently. TOV outcome was not related to interval since catheter insertion, constipation or inability to mobilise. Multivariate analysis showed that dementia was independently associated with the presence of an in‐dwelling catheter (IDC) on discharge and that patients discharged with an IDC had a higher probability of residential care placement.ConclusionsPractices in managing TOVs are inconsistent. No potentially modifiable predictors of TOV success were identified. The presence of an IDC has implications for discharge destination.