bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Relaxant Responses to Natriuretic Peptides in the Human Microcirculation In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Edvinsson Marie‐Louise , Ahnstedt Hilda , Edvinsson Lars , Andersson Sven E. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractObjectiveWe characterized the vasodilatory effects of ANP, BNP, and CNP in human subcutaneous arterioles in vitro and the cutaneous microcirculation in vivo.MethodsThe in vitro experiments were performed using wire myography and the responses were characterized by the use of inhibitors for nitric oxide (L‐NAME), prostaglandin synthesis (indomethacin), or the endothelium‐derived hyperpolarization factor. In vivo, the vasorelaxant effect of iontophoretically administrated BNP or CNP was measured with a noninvasive laser Doppler technique. Involvement of nitric oxide or prostaglandins was assessed by L‐NAME or indomethacin given by iontophoresis.ResultsIn vitro all three peptides showed significant vasodilatation with the efficacy order: CNP > BNP = ANP. The BNP‐induced vasodilatation, but not that of ANP or CNP, was significantly reduced by pretreatment with indomethacin or L‐NAME. In vivo administration of BNP induced a marked vasodilatory response that was attenuated by local pretreatment of L‐NAME. Indomethacin by itself resulted in increased cutaneous perfusion.ConclusionsNPs are potent vasodilators in the human subcutaneous circulation. The response to BNP differs from that of the other peptides as it seems dependent on cyclooxygenase products and nitric oxide.
Pathophysiology of fecal incontinence differs between men and women: a case‐matched study in 200 patients
Authors: Townsend D. C. , Carrington E. V. , Grossi U. , Burgell R. E. , Wong J. Y. J. , Knowles C. H. , Scott S. M. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackgroundFecal incontinence (FI) is a common and socially disabling condition with obstetric trauma considered the principal etiological factor. This study aimed to systematically evaluate symptom presentation and anorectal function in both females and males with FI.MethodsOne hundred males (M) and 100 age‐matched females (F) with FI presenting between 2012 and 2014 were identified from a prospectively collected database. Comparison of clinical (history, symptom profile, and severity using validated questionnaires) and anorectal physiological (manometry, rectal sensory testing, endoanal ultrasonography, and evacuation proctography) data between M and F was performed.Key ResultsIncidence of prior anal surgery (M: 28% vs F: 18%, p = 0.13) and abdominal surgery (M: 25% vs F: 26%, p = 0.90) was similar between sexes, but females had a higher incidence of previous pelvic surgery (M: 4% vs F: 47%, p < 0.001). Eighty‐five females were parous and 75% reported history of traumatic vaginal delivery. There was a trend toward higher St Mark's incontinence scores in females (mean ± SD; M: 13 ± 4 vs F: 14 ± 5, p = 0.06). In men, structural sphincter abnormalities were uncommon (M: 37% vs F: 77%, p < 0.001), while impaired rectal sensation (M: 24% vs F: 7%, p = 0.001) and functional disturbances of evacuation (M: 36% vs F: 13%, p = 0.001) were more common than in women. No abnormality on all tests performed was observed in twice as many males (M: 18% vs F: 9%, p = 0.10).Conclusions & InferencesPathophysiological mechanisms of FI differ between sexes. Anal sphincter dysfunction was an uncommon finding in males, with impaired rectal sensation and functional disturbances of evacuation much more prominent than in the female cohort. These findings are likely to impact options for symptom management.
Use of Nonsteroidal Anti‐Inflammatory Drugs for Symptomatic Treatment of Episodic Headache
Authors: Affaitati Giannapia , Martelletti Paolo , Lopopolo Mariangela , Tana Claudio , Massimini Francesca , Cipollone Francesco , Lapenna Domenico , Giamberardino Maria Adele , Costantini Raffaele 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIntroductionPrimary headaches have high epidemiologic impact but their symptomatic treatment often remains problematic. Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are frequently used, but their modality of employment and efficacy/differential efficacy are highly variable. This study investigated current NSAID use for episodic headache at an Italian headache center (January 2000 to February 2013).MethodsA retrospective evaluation was performed on 6,443 patient records: migraine (n = 2,330), tension‐type headache (TTH; n = 807), and migraine plus TTH (n = 3,306).ResultsAmong migraine patients, 80% had used NSAIDs in the past year. Preferences were: nimesulide (57%), ketoprofen (25%), and ibuprofen (24%); complete efficacy was significantly higher than incomplete/absent efficacy (P < 0.0001). NSAIDs were replaced with triptans in 53% of patients at first visit; after 1 year there was a spontaneous significant return to NSAIDs (56%; P < 0.0005). Among TTH patients, 90% were NSAID users; preferences were: nimesulide (48%), ketoprofen (47%), and diclofenac (19%), with significantly higher complete vs. incomplete/absent efficacy (nimesulide and ketoprofen, P < 0.02). Replacement with analgesics was performed in 24% of patients; after 1 year, there was a 29% return to NSAIDs. Among migraine plus TTH patients, 89% were NSAID users. Preferences were: nimesulide (44%), ibuprofen (42%), and ketoprofen (38%), with significantly higher complete vs. incomplete/absent efficacy (0.001 < P < 0.0001). Replacement with analgesics was performed in 31% of patients; after 1 year, there was a 37% return to NSAIDs.ConclusionsNonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug use in headache was higher than could be hypothesized based on guidelines, with NSAID preferences not entirely coinciding with international recommendations. This outcome suggests the need for greater awareness of all treatment options in headache by both patients and physicians.
We Refuse to Give up on Nonmaturing Fistulas
Authors: Beathard Gerald A. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe nonmaturing arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is a major problem and can lead to significant patient morbidity and mortality because the patient is exposed to the risk of dialysis with a central venous catheter (CVC). Access planning should include a strategy to decrease the incidence of AVF nonmaturation. All newly created AVFs should be evaluated for maturation at 4–6 weeks. If it is judged to not be usable at that time, it should be evaluated for salvage. However, if multiple procedures over a prolonged period of time are necessary for salvage, the decreasing chances of long‐term success with the increasing risks of CVC‐based dialysis must be considered. Giving up on the nonmaturing AVF may be in the best interest of the patient.
Effects of Intertidal Harvest Practices on Levels of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus Bacteria in Oysters
Authors: Jones J. L. , Kinsey T. P. , Johnson L. W. , Porso R. , Friedman B. , Curtis M. , Wesighan P. , Schuster R. , Bowers J. C. 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTVibrio parahaemolyticusandVibrio vulnificuscan grow rapidly in shellfish subjected to ambient air conditions, such as during intertidal exposure. In this study, levels of total and pathogenic (tdh+and/ortrh+)V. parahaemolyticusand totalV. vulnificuswere determined in oysters collected from two study locations where intertidal harvest practices are common. Samples were collected directly off intertidal flats, after exposure (ambient air [Washington State] or refrigerated [New Jersey]), and after reimmersion by natural tidal cycles. Samples were processed using a most-probable-number (MPN) real-time PCR method for total and pathogenicV. parahaemolyticusorV. vulnificus. In Washington State, the mean levels ofV. parahaemolyticusincreased 1.38 log MPN/g following intertidal exposure and dropped 1.41 log MPN/g after reimmersion for 1 day, but the levels were dependent upon the container type utilized. PathogenicV. parahaemolyticuslevels followed a similar trend. However,V. vulnificuslevels increased 0.10 log MPN/g during intertidal exposure in Washington but decreased by >1 log MPN/g after reimmersion. In New Jersey, initial levels of all vibrios studied were not significantly altered during the refrigerated sorting and containerizing process. However, there was an increase in levels after the first day of reimmersion by 0.79, 0.72, 0.92, and 0.71 log MPN/g for total,tdh+andtrh+V. parahaemolyticus, andV. vulnificus, respectively. The levels of all targets decreased to those similar to background after a second day of reimmersion. These data indicate that the intertidal harvest and handling practices for oysters that were studied in Washington and New Jersey do not increase the risk of illness fromV. parahaemolyticusorV. vulnificus.IMPORTANCEVibrio parahaemolyticusandVibrio vulnificusare the leading causes of seafood-associated infectious morbidity and mortality in the United States.Vibriospp. can grow rapidly in shellfish subjected to ambient air conditions, such as during periods of intertidal exposure. When oysters are submersed with the incoming tide, the vibrios can be purged. However, data on the rates of increase and purging during intertidal harvest are scarce, which limits the accuracy of risk assessments. The objective of this study was to help fill these data gaps by determining the levels of total and pathogenic (tdh+and/ortrh+)V. parahaemolyticusandV. vulnificusin oysters from two locations where intertidal harvest practices are common, using the current industry practices. The data generated provide insight into the responses ofVibriospp. to relevant practices of the industry and public health, which can be incorporated into risk management decisions.
Transcriptomic Responses of the Interactions between Clostridium cellulovorans 743B and Rhodopseudomonas palustris CGA009 in a Cellulose-Grown Coculture for Enhanced Hydrogen Production
Authors: Lu Hongyuan , Chen Jiahua , Jia Yangyang , Cai Mingwei , Lee Patrick K. H. 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACT

Coculturing dark- and photofermentative bacteria is a promising strategy for enhanced hydrogen (H
2
) production. In this study, next-generation sequencing was used to query the global transcriptomic responses of an artificial coculture of
Clostridium cellulovorans
743B and
Rhodopseudomonas palustris
CGA009. By analyzing differentially regulated gene expression, we showed that, consistent with the physiological observations of enhanced H
2
production and cellulose degradation, the nitrogen fixation genes in
R. palustris
and the cellulosomal genes in
C. cellulovorans
were upregulated in cocultures. Unexpectedly, genes related to H
2
production in
C. cellulovorans
were downregulated, suggesting that the enhanced H
2
yield was contributed mainly by
R. palustris
. A number of genes related to biosynthesis of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) in
C. cellulovorans
were upregulated, and correspondingly, a gene that mediates organic compound catabolism in
R. palustris
was also upregulated. Interestingly, a number of genes responsible for chemotaxis in
R. palustris
were upregulated, which might be elicited by the VFA concentration gradient created by
C. cellulovorans
. In addition, genes responsible for sulfur and thiamine metabolism in
C. cellulovorans
were downregulated in cocultures, and this could be due to a response to pH changes. A conceptual model illustrating the interactions between the two organisms was constructed based on the transcriptomic results.

IMPORTANCE
The findings of this study have important biotechnology applications for biohydrogen production using renewable cellulose, which is an industrially and economically important bioenergy process. Since the molecular characteristics of the interactions of a coculture when cellulose is the substrate are still unclear, this work will be of interest to microbiologists seeking to better understand and optimize hydrogen-producing coculture systems.
Transcriptomes of the Extremely Thermoacidophilic Archaeon Metallosphaera sedula Exposed to Metal “Shock” Reveal Generic and Specific Metal Responses
Authors: Wheaton Garrett H. , Mukherjee Arpan , Kelly Robert M. 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTThe extremely thermoacidophilic archaeonMetallosphaera sedulamobilizes metals by novel membrane-associated oxidase clusters and, consequently, requires metal resistance strategies. This issue was examined by “shocking”M. sedulawith representative metals (Co2+, Cu2+, Ni2+, UO22+, Zn2+) at inhibitory and subinhibitory levels. Collectively, one-quarter of the genome (554 open reading frames [ORFs]) responded to inhibitory levels, and two-thirds (354) of the ORFs were responsive to a single metal. Cu2+(259 ORFs, 106 Cu2+-specific ORFs) and Zn2+(262 ORFs, 131 Zn2+-specific ORFs) triggered the largest responses, followed by UO22+(187 ORFs, 91 UO22+-specific ORFs), Ni2+(93 ORFs, 25 Ni2+-specific ORFs), and Co2+(61 ORFs, 1 Co2+-specific ORF). While one-third of the metal-responsive ORFs are annotated as encoding hypothetical proteins, metal challenge also impacted ORFs responsible for identifiable processes related to the cell cycle, DNA repair, and oxidative stress. Surprisingly, there were only 30 ORFs that responded to at least four metals, and 10 of these responded to all five metals. This core transcriptome indicated induction of Fe-S cluster assembly (Msed_1656-Msed_1657), tungsten/molybdenum transport (Msed_1780-Msed_1781), and decreased central metabolism. Not surprisingly, a metal-translocating P-type ATPase (Msed_0490) associated with a copper resistance system (Cop) was upregulated in response to Cu2+(6-fold) but also in response to UO22+(4-fold) and Zn2+(9-fold). Cu2+challenge uniquely induced assimilatory sulfur metabolism for cysteine biosynthesis, suggesting a role for this amino acid in Cu2+resistance or issues in sulfur metabolism. The results indicate thatM. sedulaemploys a range of physiological and biochemical responses to metal challenge, many of which are specific to a single metal and involve proteins with yet unassigned or definitive functions.IMPORTANCEThe mechanisms by which extremely thermoacidophilic archaea resist and are negatively impacted by metals encountered in their natural environments are important to understand so that technologies such as bioleaching, which leverage microbially based conversion of insoluble metal sulfides to soluble species, can be improved. Transcriptomic analysis of the cellular response to metal challenge provided both global and specific insights into how these novel microorganisms negotiate metal toxicity in natural and technological settings. As genetics tools are further developed and implemented for extreme thermoacidophiles, information about metal toxicity and resistance can be leveraged to create metabolically engineered strains with improved bioleaching characteristics.
Nanomineralogy as a new dimension in understanding elusive geochemical processes in soils: The case of low-solubility-index elements
Authors: Schindler Michael , Hochella Michael F. 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
Nanomineralogical studies of mineral surface coatings in soils reveal insights into biogeochemical processes that heretofore were not known to exist. This is a new dimension in understanding past and present biogeochemical processes in soils, and in this study it is a way to better understand the behavior of low-solubility-index elements such as Al, Ti, and Zr. Soils were sampled from selected sites in Sudbury (Ontario, Canada) that have been affected by acidification and particulate matter emissions from base-metal smelters with subsequent remediation within the past century. These anthropogenic processes have affected an entire landscape, but are now recorded in assemblages of nano-size phases that can be only studied using a combination of focused ion beam technology (for sample preparation) and high-resolution analytical transmission electron microscopy (for phase identification). A first generation of clay minerals (pre-acidification phase), their partial replacement by nano-size hematite and amorphous silica (anthropogenic acidification), and a second generation of clay minerals (post-acidification, including soil remediation) are products of changes in soil biogeochemical processes during these natural and anthropogenic-induced weathering stages. Complex assemblages of nanophases formed prior to the second generation of clay minerals depict underlying mechanisms for the mobilization and sequestration of the low-solubility-index elements Zr and Ti under acidic conditions. The occurrence of baddeleyite (ZrO2), anatase (TiO2), and the Magneli phases Ti4O7 and Ti5O9 (all present at the nanoscale) suggest an influx of nanocolloidal Zr and Ti oxides during weathering of smelter-derived particulate matter. Kelyshite {NaZr[Si2O6(OH)]}, authigenic zircon (ZrSiO4), and kleberite [Fe3+Ti6O11(OH)5] are most likely products of the sequestration of the Zr- and Ti-bearing nanocolloids.
Patient education interventions to improve physical activity in patients with intermittent claudication: a protocol for a systematic mixed-studies review
Authors: Abaraogu Ukachukwu Okoroafor , Dall Philippa Margaret , Seenan Christopher Andrew 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionPeripheral arterial disease (PAD) and intermittent claudication (IC) decrease an individual's capacity to engage in physical activity (PA) with potentially negative effects on PA behaviour. Strategies to improve PA among this population may provide a range of positive health benefits. We present a protocol to assess the components of patient education interventions that improve PA capacity and PA behaviour in patients with PAD and IC.Methods and analysisPublished peer-reviewed studies will be searched in the following databases: CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, OVID, ProQuest, AMED, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science Core Collection and PEDro, to identify literature investigating the effect of patient education on PA of patients with PAD and IC, or studies that investigated patients' perceptions or experience with these interventions. Two authors will independently perform screening for study eligibility, result synthesis and then appraise study quality. For interventions without follow-up, primary outcome measures will include change in PA capacity, or change in free-living PA behaviour; where there was a follow-up postintervention, the primary outcome will be rate of adherence to PA behaviour improvement. A three-phase sequential explanatory synthesis of mixed studies will be employed to answer the research questions. Homogenous quantitative data will be analysed using a random-effects model of meta-analysis with results presented as relative risk for dichotomous outcomes and as weighted or standardised means for continuous outcomes. Qualitative data will be analysed using thematic synthesis. This review protocol is reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015 guidelines.Trial registration numberCRD42015027314.
VEGFR2-Targeted Three-Dimensional Ultrasound Imaging Can Predict Responses to Antiangiogenic Therapy in Preclinical Models of Colon Cancer
Authors: Zhou Jianhua , Wang Huaijun , Zhang Huiping , Lutz Amelie M. , Tian Lu , Hristov Dimitre , Willmann Jürgen K. 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) imaging capabilities to assess responses to anticancer therapies are needed to minimize sampling errors common to two-dimensional approaches as a result of spatial heterogeneity in tumors. Recently, the feasibility and reproducibility of 3D ultrasound molecular imaging (3D USMI) using contrast agents, which target molecular markers, have greatly improved, due to the development of clinical 3D matrix array transducers. Here we report preclinical proof-of-concept studies showing that 3D USMI of VEGFR2/KDR expression accurately gauges longitudinal treatment responses to antiangiogenesis therapy in responding versus nonresponding mouse models of colon cancer. Tumors in these models exhibited differential patterns of VEGFR2-targeted 3D USMI signals during the course of antiangiogenic treatment with bevacizumab. In responding tumors, the VEGFR2 signal decreased as soon as 24 hours after therapy was started, whereas in nonresponding tumors there was no change in signal at any time point. The early decrease in VEGFR2 signal was highly predictive of treatment outcome at the end of therapy. Our results offer preclinical proof that 3D USMI can predict responses to antiangiogenic therapy, warranting further investigation of its clinical translatability to predicting treatment outcomes in patients. Cancer Res; 76(14); 4081–9. ©2016 AACR.
Concentration of Smaller High‐Density Lipoprotein Particle (HDL‐P) Is Inversely Correlated With Carotid Intima Media Thickening After Confounder Adjustment: The Multi Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)
Authors: Kim Daniel Seung , Li Yatong K. , Bell Griffith A. , Burt Amber A. , Vaisar Tomas , Hutchins Patrick M. , Furlong Clement E. , Otvos James D. , Polak Joseph F. , Arnan Martinson Kweku , Kaufman Joel D. , McClelland Robyn L. , Longstreth W. T. , Jarvik Gail P. 
Published: May 2016

Background

Recent studies have failed to establish a causal relationship between high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (
HDL
‐C) and cardiovascular disease (
CVD
), shifting focus to other
HDL
measures. We previously reported that smaller/denser
HDL
levels are protective against cerebrovascular disease. This study sought to determine which of small+medium
HDL
particle concentration (
HDL
‐P) or large
HDL
‐P was more strongly associated with carotid intima‐media thickening (
cIMT
) in an ethnically diverse cohort.

Methods and Results

In cross‐sectional analyses of participants from the Multi Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (
MESA
), we evaluated the associations of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy–measured small+medium versus large
HDL
‐P with
cIMT
measured in the common and internal carotid arteries, through linear regression. After adjustment for
CVD
confounders, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (
LDL
‐C),
HDL
‐C, and small+medium
HDL
‐P remained significantly and inversely associated with common (coefficient=−1.46 μm;
P
=0.00037; n=6512) and internal
cIMT
(coefficient=−3.82 μm;
P
=0.0051; n=6418) after Bonferroni correction for 4 independent tests (threshold for significance=0.0125; α=0.05/4). Large
HDL
‐P was significantly and inversely associated with both
cIMT
outcomes before
HDL
‐C adjustment; however, after adjustment for
HDL
‐C, the association of large
HDL
‐P with both common (coefficient=1.55 μm;
P
=0.30; n=6512) and internal
cIMT
(coefficient=4.84 μm;
P
=0.33; n=6418) was attenuated. In a separate sample of 126 men, small/medium
HDL
‐P was more strongly correlated with paraoxonase 1 activity (
r
p
=0.32;
P
=0.00023) as compared to both total
HDL
‐P (
r
p
=0.27;
P
=0.0024) and large
HDL
‐P (
r
p
=0.02;
P
=0.41) measures.

Conclusions

Small+medium
HDL
‐P is significantly and inversely correlated with
cIMT
measurements. Correlation of small+medium
HDL
‐P with cardioprotective paraoxonase 1 activity may reflect a functional aspect of
HDL
responsible for this finding.