bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Everyday governance and urban environments: Towards a more interdisciplinary urban political ecology
Authors: Cornea Natasha Lee , Véron René , Zimmer Anna 
Published: April 2017

AbstractUrban political ecology (UPE) has mainly evolved within the discipline of geography to examine the power relations that produce uneven urban spaces (infrastructures and natures) and unequal access to resources in cities. Its increasingly poststructuralist orientation demands the questioning of received categories and concepts, including those of (neoliberal) governance, government, and of the state. This paper attempts to open this black box by referring to the mostly anthropological literature on everyday governance and the everyday state. We argue that UPE could benefit from ethnographic governance studies to unveil multiple state and non‐state actors that influence the local environment, their diverse rationalities, normative registers, and interactions across scales. This would also to enrich and nuance geographical UPE accounts of neoliberal environmental governance and potentially render the framework more policy relevant.
The roles of autophagy and hypoxia in human inflammatory periapical lesions
Authors: Huang H. Y. , Wang W. C. , Lin P. Y. , Huang C. P. , Chen C. Y. , Chen Y. K. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAimTo determine the expressions of hypoxia‐related [hypoxia‐inducible transcription factors (HIF)‐1α, BCL2/adenovirus E1B 19 kDa protein‐interacting protein 3 (BNIP3) and phospho‐adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (pAMPK)] and autophagy‐related [microtubule‐associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), beclin‐1 (BECN‐1), autophagy‐related gene (Atg)5–12, and p62] proteins in human inflammatory periapical lesions.MethodologyFifteen samples of radicular cysts (RCs) and 21 periapical granulomas (PGs), combined with 17 healthy dental pulp tissues, were examined. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect interleukin (IL)‐1β cytokine; immunohistochemical (IHC) and Western blot (WB) analyses were employed to examine autophagy‐related and hypoxia‐related proteins. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to explore the ultrastructural morphology of autophagy in periapical lesions. Nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis tests and Mann–Whitney U‐tests were used for statistical analyses.ResultsELISA revealed a significantly higher (P < 0.001) IL‐1β expression in periapical lesions than in normal pulp tissue. Immunoscores of IHC expressions of pAMPK, HIF‐1α, BNIP3, BECN‐1 and Atg5–12 proteins in periapical lesions were significantly higher (P < 0.001) (except BECN‐1) than those in normal pulp tissue. The results of IHC studies were largely compatible with those of WB analyses, where significantly higher (P < 0.05) expressions of hypoxia‐related and autophagy‐related proteins (except BECN‐1, p62 and LC3II in WB analyses) in periapical lesions were noted as compared to normal pulp tissue. Upon TEM, ultrastructural double‐membrane autophagosomes and autolysosomes were observed in PGs and RCs.ConclusionsAutophagy associated with hypoxia may play a potential causative role in the development and maintenance of inflamed periapical lesions.
Effect of thermally deposited siloxane‐methacrylate coating on bonding to glass fibre posts
Authors: Silva F. P. , Faria‐e‐Silva A. L. , Moraes R. R. , Ogliari A. O. , Reis G. R. , Oliveira A. R. F. , Menezes M. S. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAimTo evaluate the alterations promoted by a thermally deposited siloxane‐methacrylate coating on the surface of glass fibre posts and their effect on the bond strength of resin‐core materials to the posts.MethodologyFibre post surfaces were treated with experimental thermally deposited siloxane‐methacrylate coatings or clinically available treatments (i.e. hydrogen peroxide and methylene chloride); nontreated posts were used as controls. The contact angles formed between the post surface and the water/adhesive were measured with a tensiometer. Scanning electron microscopy and electron dispersive spectroscopy were used to examine the topographies and chemical changes in the post surfaces following treatment. Surface roughness was evaluated with laser interferometry. Core resin was bonded to the fibre posts, and microtensile bond strength testing was subsequently performed. The data were individually submitted to anova and Tukey's tests (α = 0.05).ResultsThe water contact angle was reduced significantly (P < 0.05) by the thermally deposited siloxane‐methacrylate coating. All treatments significantly increased the adhesive contact angle (P ≤ 0.016) compared to the control as well as the surface roughness (P ≤ 0.006) and the amount of Si on post surfaces. Greater percentages of Si were observed for the thermally deposited coating. The bond strength to the posts was significantly improved by the thermally deposited coating (P < 0.05), whereas the other treatments did not differ from the control.ConclusionTreating the surface of glass fibre posts with a thermally deposited siloxane‐methacrylate coating improved the bond strength to resin‐based materials. The coating could be performed by manufacturers of glass fibre posts in order to reduce the number of clinical steps required for luting posts into root canals.
Understanding human thiol dioxygenase enzymes: structure to function, and biology to pathology
Authors: Sarkar Bibekananda , Kulharia Mahesh , Mantha Anil K. 
Published: April 2017

SummaryAmino acid metabolism is a significant metabolic activity in humans, especially of sulphur‐containing amino acids, methionine and cysteine (Cys). Cys is cytotoxic and neurotoxic in nature; hence, mammalian cells maintain a constant intracellular level of Cys. Metabolism of Cys is mainly regulated by two thiol dioxygenases: cysteine dioxygenase (CDO) and 2‐aminoethanethiol dioxygenase (ADO). CDO and ADO are the only human thiol dioxygenases reported with a role in Cys metabolism and localized to mitochondria. This metabolic pathway is important in various human disorders, as it is responsible for the synthesis of antioxidant glutathione and is also for the synthesis of hypotaurine and taurine. CDO is the most extensively studied protein, whose high‐resolution crystallographic structures have been solved. As compared to CDO, ADO is less studied, even though it has a key role in cysteamine metabolism. To further understand ADO's structure and function, the three‐dimensional structures have been predicted from I‐TASSER and SWISS‐MODEL servers and validated with PROCHECK software. Structural superimposition approach using iPBA web server further confirmed near‐identical structures (including active sites) for the predicted protein models of ADO as compared to CDO. In addition, protein–protein interaction and their association in patho‐physiology are crucial in understanding protein functions. Both ADO and CDO interacting partner profiles have been presented using STRING database. In this study, we have predicted a 3D model structure for ADO and summarized the biological roles and the pathological consequences which are associated with the altered expression and functioning of ADO and CDO in case of cancer, neurodegenerative disorders and other human diseases.
Registered nurses' perceptions regarding nurse‐led antiretroviral therapy initiation in Hhohho region, Swaziland
Authors: Mavhandu‐Mudzusi A.H. , Sandy P.T. , Hettema A. 
Published: April 2017

BackgroundSwaziland has the highest HIV prevalence globally. It faces a critical shortage of health workers for addressing the HIV pandemic. To curb this human resource challenge, Swaziland adopted a nurse‐driven model for antiretroviral therapy delivery in line with the recommendations of the World Health Organization on task shifting.ObjectiveThe study explored the perceptions of registered nurses on the nurse‐led antiretroviral therapy initiation programme in the Hhohho region of Swaziland (NARTIS).DesignThe study utilized a phenomenological design, specifically a phenomenographic design.SettingThe study was conducted in ten health facilities in the Hhohho region of Swaziland. These facilities comprised eight clinics, a hospital and a health centre.ParticipantsThese were registered nurses, trained and certified in the nurse‐led antiretroviral therapy initiation programme. The nurses also had experience of working in a nurse‐led antiretroviral therapy initiation programme. Eighteen (18) nurses were purposively selected and recruited to participate in the study.MethodsData were collected through open and deep individual interviews guided by a semi‐structured interview schedule. The audio‐recorded interviews were transcribed and analysed thematically using Sjöström and Dahlgren's approach to data analysis.ResultsThree major themes emerged from the study data: nurses' emotional reactions to the implementation of the NARTIS programme, and influences and overcoming barriers to the programme.ConclusionsThe study findings have generated insights into this program which is useful for the provision of care to people living with HIV/AIDS in Swaziland. But nurses need support to ensure effective implementation.Implication for nursing and health policyThe study findings have implications for both the practice of the NARTIS programme and health policy development. The development of a health policy that alleviates the barriers to the NARTIS programme can enhance nurses' role and make care provision to people living with HIV/AIDS more effective.
Effects of variable steaming on chemical composition, starch characteristics, and glycemic index of basmati (Pusa Basmati 1121) rice
Authors: Kale S.J. , Jha S.K. , Nath Prerna 
Published: April 2017

AbstractEffects of variable steaming on important quality characteristics of Pusa Basamti 1121 rice were evaluated in the study. Pre‐soaked (at 65°C for 345 min) paddy was steamed at variable steaming consisted of 4 pressure levels (0–1.5 kg/cm2) and 5 steaming times (5–25 min). Steaming affected rice quality characteristics significantly (α = 0.05). It increased head rice yield by 12%. Starch, amylose, Am/Ap ratio, crude protein, crude fats, crude fibers, and ash contents of steamed rice varied from 63.34 to 68.24%, 22.83 to 24.40%, 0.53 to 0.58, 8.11 to 8.39%, 2.47 to 2.58%, 1.59 to 1.63%, and 0.75 to 0.77%, respectively. Peak, final, breakdown, and setback viscosities of raw rice were 1,305, 3,995, −4, and 2,693 cP, respectively; however, their values reduced to 114, 216, −1 and 102 cP, respectively, after steaming. Starch crystallinity of raw rice was 28.49% which reduced to 5.72% after steaming. Scanning electron microscopic images indicated that complete gelatinization of starch was observed after steaming at 1.5 kg/cm2 for ≥10 min. Glycemic index of raw PB1121 rice was 58.41 whereas that of rice steamed at 1.5 kg/cm2 for 20 min was 47.04. Based on results, steaming at 1.5 kg/cm2 for 20 min was found more appropriate to achieve higher HRY (54.16%) and to reduce GI considerably (47).Practical applicationsEffects of variable steaming on chemical composition, starch characteristics and GI of PB1121 rice were evaluated in present study. Study demonstrated that steaming step alone brings considerable alterations in the overall quality of PB1121 rice. In present times, millers and traders strongly look for rice with higher milling yield, lower pasting viscosities (indicator of better cooking quality) and low GI. Therefore, results of present study would be useful to the millers to produce rice with higher HRY, improved cooking quality and lower GI. Severity of steaming parameters (i.e., steaming pressure and steaming time), during parboiling, would be decided if one knows the qualitative changes occurring in the parboiled grains.
Neuroprotective Diets Are Associated with Better Cognitive Function: The Health and Retirement Study
Authors: McEvoy Claire T. , Guyer Heidi , Langa Kenneth M. , Yaffe Kristine 
Published: April 2017

ObjectivesTo evaluate the association between the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and the Mediterranean‐DASH diet Intervention for Neurodegeneration Delay (MIND diet) and cognition in a nationally representative population of older U.S. adults.DesignPopulation‐based cross‐sectional study.SettingHealth and Retirement Study.ParticipantsCommunity‐dwelling older adults (N = 5,907; mean age 67.8 ± 10.8).MeasurementsAdherence to dietary patterns was determined from food frequency questionnaires using criteria determined a priori to generate diet scores for the MedDiet (range 0–55) and MIND diet (range 0–15). Cognitive performance was measured using a composite test score of global cognitive function (range 0–27). Linear regression was used to compare cognitive performance according to tertiles of dietary pattern. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between dietary patterns and clinically significant cognitive impairment. Models were adjusted for age, sex, race, educational attainment, and other health and lifestyle covariates.ResultsParticipants with mid (odds ratio (OR) = 0.85, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.71–1.02, P = .08) and high (OR 0.65, 95% CI = 0.52–0.81, P < .001) MedDiet scores were less likely to have poor cognitive performance than those with low scores in fully adjusted models. Results for the MIND diet were similar. Higher scores in each dietary pattern were independently associated with significantly better cognitive function (P < .001) in a dose‐response manner (P
trend < .001).ConclusionIn a large nationally representative population of older adults, greater adherence to the MedDiet and MIND diet was independently associated with better cognitive function and lower risk of cognitive impairment. Clinical trials are required to elucidate the role of dietary patterns in cognitive aging.
Life Cycle Assessment of Carbon Dioxide–Based Production of Methane and Methanol and Derived Polymers
Authors: Hoppe Wieland , Thonemann Nils , Bringezu Stefan 
Published: April 2017

SummaryPrevious studies showed that using carbon dioxide (CO2) as a raw material for chemical syntheses may provide an opportunity for achieving greenhouse gas (GHG) savings and a low‐carbon economy. Nevertheless, it is not clear whether carbon capture and utilization benefits the environment in terms of resource efficiency. We analyzed the production of methane, methanol, and synthesis gas as basic chemicals and derived polyoxymethylene, polyethylene, and polypropylene as polymers by calculating the output‐oriented indicator global warming impact (GWI) and the resource‐based indicators raw material input (RMI) and total material requirement (TMR) on a cradle‐to‐gate basis. As carbon source, we analyzed the capturing of CO2 from air, raw biogas, cement plants, lignite‐fired power, and municipal waste incineration plants. Wind power serves as an energy source for hydrogen production. Our data were derived from both industrial processes and process simulations. The results demonstrate that the analyzed CO2‐based process chains reduce the amount of GHG emissions in comparison to the conventional ones. At the same time, the CO2‐based process chains require an increased amount of (abiotic) resources. This trade‐off between decreased GHG emissions and increased resource use is assessed. The decision about whether or not to recycle CO2 into hydrocarbons depends largely on the source and amount of energy used to produce hydrogen.
Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor/neurotrophin 3 regulate axon initial segment location and affect neuronal excitability in cultured hippocampal neurons
Authors: Guo Yu , Su Zi‐jun , Chen Yi‐kun , Chai Zhen 
Published: April 2017

AbstractPlasticity of the axon initial segment (AIS) has aroused great interest in recent years because it regulates action potential initiation and neuronal excitability. AIS plasticity manifests as modulation of ion channels or variation in AIS structure. However, the mechanisms underlying structural plasticity of the AIS are not well understood. Here, we combined immunofluorescence, patch‐clamp recordings, and pharmacological methods in cultured hippocampal neurons to investigate the factors participating in AIS structural plasticity during development. With lowered neuronal density, the distance between the AIS and the soma increased, while neuronal excitability decreased, as shown by the increased action potential threshold and current threshold for firing an action potential. This variation in the location of the AIS was associated with cellular secretory substances, including brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin 3 (NT3). Indeed, blocking BDNF and NT3 with TrkB‐Fc eliminated the effect of conditioned medium collected from high‐density cultures on AIS relocation. Elevating the extracellular concentration of BDNF or NT3 promoted movement of the AIS proximally to the soma and increased neuronal excitability. Furthermore, knockdown of neurotrophin receptors TrkB and TrkC caused distal movement of the AIS. Our results demonstrate that BDNF and NT3 regulate AIS location and neuronal excitability. These regulatory functions of neurotrophic factors provide insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying AIS biology.
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Role of glycogen synthase kinase 3 in ischemia‐induced blood–brain barrier disruption in aged female rats
Authors: Xiao Han , Deng Mingyang , Yang Binbin , Tang Jianguang , Hu Zhiping 
Published: April 2017

AbstractEstrogen receptors have protective effects against ischemic brain injury. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon have yet to be well studied. Given that inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK3) can reduce cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury, we hypothesized that estrogen receptors‐mediated protective effects against ischemia‐induced blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption involve inhibition of GSK3. Thus, we evaluated GSK3 expression in the brain of ovariectomized female rats, and examined the effects of intracerebroventricular pre‐treatments of SB216763, GSK3 inhibitor, on BBB permeability following middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). We also examined the role of specific estrogen receptor subtype in regulation of GSK3 expression and BBB permeability after MCAO. We found that ovariectomized female rats exhibited increased mRNA levels of estrogen receptor α (ERα) and estrogen receptor β (ERβ), and increased protein levels of GSK3β but not GSK3α in brain cortical areas. Furthermore, intracerebroventricular pre‐treatments of SB216763 dose‐dependently attenuated brain infarction volume, brain water contents, neurological deficits, and BBB disruption, and increased tight junction protein ZO‐1 and occludin expression at 24 h following MCAO. Finally, activation of ERβ but not ERα dose‐dependently decreased GSK3β expression at 24 h following MCAO. This was associated with increased tight junction protein expression and improved neurological scores. Thus, our study suggested that activation of ERβ may protect against brain ischemia‐induced BBB disruption by inhibiting GSK3β‐mediated signaling.
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Intracardiac versus transesophageal echocardiography to guide transcatheter closure of interatrial communications: Nationwide trend and comparative analysis
Authors: Alqahtani Fahad , Bhirud Ashwin , Aljohani Sami , Mills James , Kawsara Akram , Runkana Ashok , Alkhouli Mohamad 
Published: April 2017

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess current temporal trends in utilization of ICE versus TEE guided closure of interatrial communications, and to compare periprocedural complications and resource utilization between the two imaging modalities.BackgroundWhile transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has historically been used to guide percutaneous structural heart interventions, intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) is being increasingly utilized to guide many of these procedures such as closure of interatrial communications.MethodsUsing the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, all patients aged >18 years, who underwent ASD or PFO closure with either ICE or TEE guidance between 2003 and 2014 were included. Comparative analysis of outcomes and resource utilization was performed using a propensity score‐matching model.ResultsICE guidance for interatrial communication closure increased from 9.7% in 2003 to 50.6% in 2014. In the matched model, the primary endpoint of major adverse cardiovascular events occurred less frequently in the ICE group versus the TEE group (11.1% vs 14.3%, respectively, P = 0.008), mainly driven by less vascular complications in the ICE group (0.5% vs 1.3%, P = 0.045). Length of stay was shorter in the ICE group (3 ± 4 vs 4 ± 4 days, P < 0.0001). Cost was similar in the two groups 18 454 ± 17 035$ in the TEE group vs 18 278 ± 15 780$ in the ICE group (P = 0.75).ConclusionsIntracardiac echocardiogram utilization to guide closure of interatrial communications has plateaued after a rapid rise throughout the 2000s. When utilized to guide interatrial communication closure procedure, ICE is as safe as TEE and does not increase cost or prolonged hospitalizations.
Prevalence and predictors of thyroid functional abnormalities in newly diagnosed AL amyloidosis
Authors: Muchtar E. , Dean D. S. , Dispenzieri A. , Dingli D. , Buadi F. K. , Lacy M. Q. , Hayman S. R. , Kapoor P. , Leung N. , Russell S. , Lust J. A. , Lin Yi , Warsame R. , Gonsalves W. , Kourelis T. V. , Go R. S. , Chakraborty R. , Zeldenrust S. , Kyle R. A. , Rajkumar S. Vincent , Kumar S. K. , Gertz M. A. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackgroundData on the effect of systemic immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis (AL amyloidosis) on thyroid function are limited.ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence of hypothyroidism in AL amyloidosis patients and determine its predictors.Methods1142 newly diagnosed AL amyloidosis patients were grouped based on the thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) measurement at diagnosis: hypothyroid group (TSH above upper normal reference; >5 mIU L−1; n = 217, 19% of study participants) and euthyroid group (n = 925, 81%). Predictors for hypothyroidism were assessed in a binary multivariate model. Survival between groups was compared using the log‐rank test and a multivariate analysis.ResultsPatients with hypothyroidism were older, more likely to present with renal and hepatic involvement and had a higher light chain burden compared to patients in the euthyroid group. Higher proteinuria in patients with renal involvement and lower albumin in patients with hepatic involvement were associated with hypothyroidism. In a binary logistic regression model, age ≥65 years, female sex, renal involvement, hepatic involvement, kappa light chain restriction and amiodarone use were independently associated with hypothyroidism. Ninety‐three per cent of patients in the hypothyroid group with free thyroxine measurement had normal values, consistent with subclinical hypothyroidism. Patients in the hypothyroid group had a shorter survival compared to patients in the euthyroid group (4‐year survival 36% vs 43%; P = 0.008), a difference that was maintained in a multivariate analysis.ConclusionA significant proportion of patients with AL amyloidosis present with hypothyroidism, predominantly subclinical, which carries a survival disadvantage. Routine assessment of TSH in these patients is warranted.
Characterization and Identification of an Epidemic Strain of Ascochyta rabiei on Chickpeas in Northwest China
Authors: Chen Xiaolu , Ge Jie , Ma Deying , Ma Lijuan , Liu Wei , Qiang Song 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is the primary cultivated rain fed crop in the Xinjiang region of Northwest China. In 2007, chickpeas suffered an epidemic disease that caused significant economic losses. To identify the causative agent, debris and seeds of infected chickpea plants were collected from cultivated fields. We isolated and purified the responsible pathogen and tested its pathogenicity both in greenhouse and in the field. Morphological analysis using tissue culture as well as molecular techniques confirmed that the pathogen was the blight fungus Ascochyta rabiei.