bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oxidative Stress and Autonomic Dysregulation Contribute to the Acute Time‐Dependent Myocardial Depressant Effect of Ethanol in Conscious Female Rats
Authors: Ibrahim Badr M. , Fan Ming , Abdel‐Rahman Abdel A. 
Published: April 2014

BackgroundThe molecular mechanisms of the acute hypotensive and indirectly assessed cardiac depressant effect of ethanol (EtOH)‐evoked myocardial depression and hypotension in female rats are not known. We tested the hypothesis that a time‐dependent myocardial depression caused by EtOH is initiated by its direct and indirect (cardiac vagal dominance) effects and is exacerbated by gradual development of oxidative stress.MethodsIn conscious female rats, we directly measured left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), the maximal rise of ventricular pressure over time (dP/dtmax), blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and sympathovagal activity following intragastric EtOH (1 g/kg) or water over 90 minutes. Catalytic activity of acetaldehyde (ACA)‐generating (alcohol dehydrogenase [ADH] and catalase) and eliminating aldehyde dehydrogenase [ALDH2] enzymes along with mediators of oxidative stress were measured in myocardial tissues collected at 30, 60, or 90 minutes after EtOH or water.ResultsEtOH reduced myocardial function (LVDP and dP/dtmax) within 5 to 10 minutes before the steady fall in BP in conscious proestrus rats. Further, EtOH shifted the sympathovagal balance, analyzed by spectral analysis of high frequency and low frequency of interbeat intervals, toward vagal dominance. Prior vagal blockade (atropine) or antioxidant (tempol) treatment attenuated EtOH‐evoked myocardial depression and hypotension. Ex vivo studies revealed time‐dependent: (i) enhancement of ADH, but not ALDH2 activity (indicative of elevated ACA levels), (ii) increases in phosphorylated Akt and ERK1/2, NADPH‐oxidase activity, reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and 4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenal‐modified proteins. These molecular responses along with reduced myocardial catalase activity were most evident at 90 minutes post‐EtOH when the reductions in cardiac function and BP reached their nadir.ConclusionsVagal dominance and time‐dependent myocardial oxidative stress along with the accumulation of cardiotoxic aldehydes mediate EtOH‐evoked myocardial dysfunction and hypotension in conscious proestrus female rats.
The α1B‐adrenoceptor subtype mediates adrenergic vasoconstriction in mouse retinal arterioles with damaged endothelium
Authors: Böhmer Tobias , Manicam Caroline , Steege Andreas , Michel Martin C , Pfeiffer Norbert , Gericke Adrian 
Published: April 2014

Background and PurposeThe α1‐adrenoceptor family plays a critical role in regulating ocular perfusion by mediating responses to catecholamines. The purpose of the present study was to determine the contribution of individual α1‐adrenoceptor subtypes to adrenergic vasoconstriction of retinal arterioles using gene‐targeted mice deficient in one of the three adrenoceptor subtypes (α1A‐AR−/−, α1B‐AR−/− and α1D‐AR−/− respectively).Experimental ApproachUsing real‐time PCR, mRNA expression for individual α1‐adrenoceptor subtypes was determined in murine retinal arterioles. To assess the functional relevance of the three α1‐adrenoceptor subtypes for mediating vascular responses, retinal vascular preparations from wild‐type mice and mice deficient in individual α1‐adrenoceptor subtypes were studied in vitro using video microscopy.Key ResultsRetinal arterioles expressed mRNA for all three α1‐adrenoceptor subtypes. In functional studies, arterioles from wild‐type mice with intact endothelium responded only negligibly to the α1‐adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine. In endothelium‐damaged arterioles from wild‐type mice, phenylephrine evoked concentration‐dependent constriction that was attenuated by the α1‐adrenoceptor blocker prazosin. Strikingly, phenylephrine only minimally constricted endothelium‐damaged retinal arterioles from α1B‐AR−/− mice, whereas arterioles from α1A‐AR−/− and α1D‐AR−/− mice constricted similarly to arterioles from wild‐type mice. Constriction to U46619 was similar in endothelium‐damaged retinal arterioles from all four mouse genotypes.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe present study is the first to demonstrate that α1‐adrenoceptor‐mediated vasoconstriction in murine retinal arterioles is buffered by the endothelium. When the endothelium is damaged, a vasoconstricting role of the α1B‐adrenoceptor subtype is unveiled. Hence, the α1B‐adrenoceptor may represent a target to selectively modulate retinal blood flow in ocular diseases associated with endothelial dysfunction.
Role of cathepsin B in regulating migration and invasion of fibroblast-like synoviocytes into inflamed tissue from patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Tong B , Wan B , Wei Z , Wang T , Zhao P , Dou Y , Lv Z , Xia Y , Dai Y 
Published: April 2014

Summary
Cathepsin B (CB), an important proteinase that participates in joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), exhibits higher expression in fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS) of abnormal proliferative synovial tissues. Whether and how it affects the biological behaviours of RA-FLS, such as migration and invasion, are poorly understood. In the present study, CB expression in synovial tissues of patients with RA and ostearthritis (OA) were measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC), respectively. Stable depletion of endogenous CB was achieved by small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection, and decrease of CB activity was acquired by using its specific inhibitor (CA074Me). The effects of CA074Me and RNA interference (RNAi) treatments on proliferation, migration, invasion, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2/-9 expression, focal adhesion kinase (FAK) activation, and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) phosphorylation of FLS were analysed. In RA synovial tissues, CB was expressed at elevated levels compared with OA synovial tissues. CA074Me could inhibit invasion of FLS obtained from RA patients in an ex-vivo invasion model. CA074Me and siRNA treatments suppressed the migration and invasion of FLS, reduced the activity, expression and mRNA level of MMP-2, restrained the activation of FAK and reduced the expression of F-actin. Moreover, CA074Me decreased the phosphorylation of P38 MAPK and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in FLS, while siCB treatment reduced the phosphorylation of P38 but not JNK. CB substantially contributes to the invasive phenotype of FLS that leads to joint destruction in RA. This proteinase may show promise as a therapeutic target in inflammatory arthritis.
Towards a mechanistic understanding of temperature and enrichment effects on species interaction strength, omnivory and food‐web structure
Authors: Sentis Arnaud , Hemptinne Jean‐Louis , Brodeur Jacques 
Published: April 2014

AbstractRevealing the links between species functional traits, interaction strength and food‐web structure is of paramount importance for understanding and predicting the relationships between food‐web diversity and stability in a rapidly changing world. However, little is known about the interactive effects of environmental perturbations on individual species, trophic interactions and ecosystem functioning. Here, we combined modelling and laboratory experiments to investigate the effects of warming and enrichment on a terrestrial tritrophic system. We found that the food‐web structure is highly variable and switches between exploitative competition and omnivory depending on the effects of temperature and enrichment on foraging behaviour and species interaction strength. Our model contributes to identifying the mechanisms that explain how environmental effects cascade through the food web and influence its topology. We conclude that considering environmental factors and flexible food‐web structure is crucial to improve our ability to predict the impacts of global changes on ecosystem diversity and stability.
Laying the foundations for fish recovery: The first 10 years of the Native Fish Strategy for the Murray‐Darling Basin, Australia
Authors: Koehn John D. , Lintermans Mark , Copeland Craig 
Published: April 2014

The Native Fish Strategy aimed to return fish populations in Australia's largest (1 million square kilometre) river basin from an estimated 10 to 60% of pre‐European settlement levels after 50 years of implementation. While funding for implementation of this programme has now ceased (despite native fish remaining in a poor state), the achievements of the Strategy's first 10 years provide a solid basis for implementing the work necessary to rehabilitate native fish populations in the future.
Demonstration reaches: Looking back whilst moving forward with river rehabilitation under the Native Fish Strategy
Authors: Boys Craig A. , Lyon Jarod , Zampatti Brenton , Norris Andrew , Butcher Adam , Robinson Wayne , Jackson Peter 
Published: April 2014

Summary‘Demonstration reaches’ are sections of river where multiple threats to native fish are addressed through river rehabilitation and strong community participation. They are an important way of promoting the key driving actions of the Murray‐Darling Basin Authority's Native Fish Strategy (NFS) by using on‐ground community‐driven rehabilitation. Measuring rehabilitation success against well‐defined targets and using this information to adaptively mange activities is fundamental to the demonstration reach philosophy. Seven years on from the establishment of the first demonstration reach, there are now seven throughout the Murray‐Darling Basin (MDB), all in differing states of maturation and but all applying a standardised framework for monitoring native fish outcomes. In this study, we reflect on the role that demonstration reaches have played within the NFS, synthesise some key findings from 32 monitoring and evaluation outputs, and highlight some of the successes and barriers to success. We make recommendations as to how to strengthen the demonstration reach model to ensure it remains a relevant approach for fish habitat rehabilitation beyond the NFS and MDB.
The long‐term effect of vagus nerve stimulation on quality of life in patients with pharmacoresistant focal epilepsy: The PuLsE (Open Prospective Randomized Long‐term Effectiveness) trial
Authors: Ryvlin Philippe , Gilliam Frank G. , Nguyen Dang K. , Colicchio Gabriella , Iudice Alfonso , Tinuper Paolo , Zamponi Nelia , Aguglia Umberto , Wagner Louis , Minotti Lorella , Stefan Hermann , Boon Paul , Sadler Mark , Benna Paolo , Raman Pradheep , Perucca Emilio 
Published: April 2014

SummaryObjectiveTo evaluate whether vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) as adjunct to best medical practice (VNS + BMP) is superior to BMP alone in improving long‐term health‐related quality of life (HRQoL).MethodsPuLsE (Open Prospective Randomized Long‐term Effectiveness) was a prospective, randomized, parallel‐group, open‐label, and long‐term effectiveness study (conducted at 28 sites in Europe and Canada). Adults with pharmacoresistant focal seizures (n = 112) received VNS + BMP or BMP (1:1 ratio). Medications and VNS parameters could be adjusted as clinically indicated for optimal seizure control while minimizing adverse effects. Primary endpoint was mean change from baseline HRQoL (using Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory‐89 total score; QOLIE‐89). Secondary endpoints included changes in seizure frequency, responder rate (≥50% decrease in seizure frequency), Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale (CES‐D), Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory‐Epilepsy scale (NDDI‐E), Clinical Global Impression‐Improvement scale (CGI‐I), Adverse Event Profile (AEP), and antiepileptic drug (AED) load. The study was prematurely terminated due to recruitment difficulties prior to completing the planned enrollment of n = 362. Results for n = 96 who had baseline and at least one follow‐up QOLIE‐89 assessment (from months 3‐12) were included in this analysis. Mixed model repeated measures (MMRM) analysis of variance was performed on change from baseline for the primary and secondary endpoints.ResultsSignificant between‐group differences in favor of VNS + BMP were observed regarding improvement in HRQoL, seizure frequency, and CGI‐I score (respective p‐values < 0.05, 0.03, and 0.01). More patients in the VNS + BMP group (43%) reported adverse events (AEs) versus BMP group (21%) (p = 0.01), a difference reflecting primarily mostly transient AEs related to VNS implantation or stimulation. No significant difference between treatment groups was observed for changes in CES‐D, NDDI‐E, AEP, and AED load.SignificanceVNS therapy as a treatment adjunct to BMP in patients with pharmacoresistant focal seizures was associated with a significant improvement in HRQoL compared with BMP alone.A PowerPoint slide summarizing this article is available for download in the Supporting Information section here.
SUDEP and epilepsy‐related mortality in pregnancy
Authors: Edey Stephan , Moran Nicholas , Nashef Lina 
Published: April 2014

SummaryAlthough data are limited, research in 2004 estimated a 10‐fold increase in mortality in pregnancy in the United Kingdom in women with epilepsy (WWE) compared to women without epilepsy. We highlight epilepsy mortality in pregnancy based on the 2011 report of the United Kingdom Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths, relating its findings to previous reports and epilepsy‐rates in pregnancy. Among 2,291,493 maternities (2006–2008), we estimated 0.6% or 13,978 were in WWE. Fourteen deaths were epilepsy‐related, of which 11 (79%) were sudden and unexpected (SUDEP). Nine occurred during pregnancy and five were postpartum. Nine (64%) were in women taking lamotrigine, seven as monotherapy. We estimated that 1:1,000 women died from epilepsy (mostly SUDEP) during or shortly after pregnancy. Epilepsy‐related mortality is a significant risk in pregnancy. Antiepileptic drug–related factors may be relevant. The high proportion of women taking lamotrigine may reflect United Kingdom prescribing practice. Recent observations from the European and International Registry of Antiepileptic Drugs and Pregnancy (EURAP), whereby women on lamotrigine, the levels of which significantly decrease in pregnancy, had more difficulties with epilepsy control, argue against this being the sole explanation. Given the potential risks, every attempt should be made to prevent seizures, particularly convulsive, during pregnancy and postpartum. This, we believe, includes being proactive in maintaining lamotrigine levels during pregnancy.A PowerPoint slide summarizing this article is available for download in the Supporting Information section here.
IL‐1β associations with posttraumatic epilepsy development: A genetics and biomarker cohort study
Authors: Diamond Matthew L. , Ritter Anne C. , Failla Michelle D. , Boles Jennifer A. , Conley Yvette P. , Kochanek Patrick M. , Wagner Amy K. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryObjectivePosttraumatic epilepsy (PTE) is a significant complication following traumatic brain injury (TBI), yet the role of genetic variation in modulating PTE onset is unclear. We hypothesized that TBI‐induced inflammation likely contributes to seizure development. We assessed whether genetic variation in the interleukin‐1beta (IL‐1β) gene, IL‐1β levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum, and CSF/serum IL‐1β ratios would predict PTE development post‐TBI.MethodsWe investigated PTE development in 256 Caucasian adults with moderate‐to‐severe TBI. IL‐1β tagging and functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped. Genetic variance and PTE development were assessed. Serum and CSF IL‐1β levels were collected from a subset of subjects (n = 59) during the first week postinjury and evaluated for their associations with IL‐1β gene variants, and also PTE. Temporally matched CSF/serum IL‐1β ratios were also generated to reflect the relative contribution of serum IL‐1β to CSF IL‐1β.ResultsMultivariate analysis showed that higher CSF/serum IL‐1β ratios were associated with increased risk for PTE over time (p = 0.008). Multivariate analysis for rs1143634 revealed an association between the CT genotype and increased PTE risk over time (p = 0.005). The CT genotype group also had lower serum IL‐1β levels (p = 0.014) and higher IL‐1β CSF/serum ratios (p = 0.093).SignificanceThis is the first report implicating IL‐1β gene variability in PTE risk and linking (1) IL‐1β gene variation with serum IL‐1β levels observed after TBI and (2) IL‐1β ratios with PTE risk. Given these findings, we propose that genetic and IL‐1β ratio associations with PTE may be attributable to biologic variability with blood–brain barrier integrity during TBI recovery. These results provide a rationale for further studies (1) validating the impact of genetic variability on IL‐1β production after TBI, (2) assessing genetically mediated signaling mechanisms that contribute to IL‐1β CSF/serum associations with PTE, and (3) evaluating targeted IL‐1β therapies that reduce PTE.A PowerPoint slide summarizing this article is available for download in the Supporting Information section here.
Effectiveness of conventional and hydrosurgical debridement methods in reducing Staphylococcus aureus inoculation of equine muscle in vitro
Authors: Skärlina E. M. , Wilmink J. M. , Fall N. , Gorvy D. A. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryReasons for performing studyThe success of primary healing of equine traumatic wounds is dependent on thorough debridement. A specific hydrosurgical debridement device (VersajetTM)a is gentle to viable tissues, yet effectively removes macroscopic contaminants and debris. We wished to investigate whether it is effective in reducing bacterial burden and whether it differs from traditional methods. No previous reports compare hydrosurgical debridement and conventional wound debridement with regard to bacterial reduction from in vitro inoculated soft tissue.ObjectivesTo assess the effectiveness of hydrosurgical debridement in reducing the Staphylococcus aureus load from in vitro inoculated equine muscle compared with conventional wound debridement methods.Study designIn vitro experimental study.MethodsThe surface of equine masseter muscle was inoculated with a S. aureus broth and subsequently debrided using one of the following 4 methods: saline irrigation; sharp debridement; saline irrigation and sharp debridement; or hydrosurgical debridement. Tissue samples for quantitative cultures were collected before and after debridement, and the colony‐forming units per gram of tissue were calculated and log transformed. The reductions in bacterial counts were analysed statistically using Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests and Friedman two‐way ANOVA.ResultsHydrosurgical debridement was more effective than conventional debridement methods in reducing the S. aureus load (P<0.05). Hydrosurgical debridement reduced the bacterial load by 99.7%, in comparison to saline irrigation and sharp debridement (87.4%), sharp debridement (82.2%) and saline irrigation (46.0%).ConclusionsHydrosurgical debridement reduces the S. aureus load from in vitro contaminated equine muscle significantly more than conventional debridement methods.
An anisotropic damage model based on microstructure of boom–panel for the fatigue life prediction of structural components
Authors: Sun L. , Hu W. , Zhang M. , Meng Q. 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTBecause of their simplicity, many isotropic damage models have been used to approximately predict the fatigue life of metallic engineering components. However, experimental observations confirm that the anisotropic damage evolves at probable failure sites even for isotropic materials. In this study, a model of microstructure of boom–panel is constructed to simulate a representative volume element (RVE), and the anisotropic damage of the RVE is described by the independent isotropic damage of boom and panel. Firstly, the constitutive equation of the RVE in terms of stiffness of boom–panel is deduced by the principle of deformation and static consistency. Then the expressions of damage‐driving force for boom and panel based on the principle of thermodynamics are introduced, and the damage evolution equations are constructed. The parameters of boom and panel are identified from fatigue test data of uniaxial tension and pure torsion, respectively. Finally, the aforementioned method is applied to predict the fatigue life of two structures: one is Pitch‐Change‐Link, which is a kind of structure in helicopter, and the other is a specimen under tension–torsion. The prediction results all fit well with the experimental data.
Ocean warming, a rapid distributional shift, and the hybridization of a coastal fish species
Authors: Potts Warren M. , Henriques Romina , Santos Carmen V. , Munnik Kate , Ansorge Isabelle , Dufois Francois , Booth Anthony J. , Kirchner Carola , Sauer Warwick H.H. , Shaw Paul W. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractDespite increasing awareness of large‐scale climate‐driven distribution shifts in the marine environment, no study has linked rapid ocean warming to a shift in distribution and consequent hybridization of a marine fish species. This study describes rapid warming (0.8 °C per decade) in the coastal waters of the Angola‐Benguela Frontal Zone over the last three decades and a concomitant shift by a temperature sensitive coastal fish species (Argyrosomus coronus) southward from Angola into Namibia. In this context, rapid shifts in distribution across Economic Exclusive Zones will complicate the management of fishes, particularly when there is a lack of congruence in the fisheries policy between nations. Evidence for recent hybridization betweenA. coronusand a congener,A. inodorus, indicate that the rapid shift in distribution ofA. coronushas placed adults of the two species in contact during their spawning events. Ocean warming may therefore revert established species isolation mechanisms and alter the evolutionary history of fishes. While the consequences of the hybridization on the production of the resource remain unclear, this will most likely introduce additional layers of complexity to their management.
The natural history of HIV‐associated lipodystrophy in the changing scenario of HIV infection
Authors: Guaraldi G , Stentarelli C , Zona S , Santoro A , Beghetto B , Carli F , Orlando G , Franceschetto A , Casolo A , Mussini C 
Published: April 2014

ObjectivesIn long‐term HIV‐infected patients, peripheral lipoatrophy (LA) and central lipohypertrophy (LH) appear to be related to the same insults (virus and antiretroviral drugs), but are likely to be associated with different fat depot physiologies. The objective of this study was to describe the natural history of lipodystrophy assessed using dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and computed tomography (CT) in a large HIV out‐patients metabolic clinic.MethodsAn observational retrospective study was carried out including HIV‐infected patients recruited at the Metabolic Clinic of Modena, Modena, Italy, who were assessed for lipodystrophy and had at least two anthropometric evaluations using DEXA for leg fat per cent mass and abdominal CT for visceral adipose tissue (VAT). Factors associated with leg fat per cent and VAT changes were analysed using multivariable generalized estimating equation (GEE) regression models.ResultsA total of 6789 DEXAs and 7566 CT scans were evaluated in the observation period. A total of 1840 patients were included; the mean age was 45.2 ± 7.2 (standard deviation) years, 621 (34%) were women, and the median HIV infection duration was 176 (interquartile range 121–232) years. According to the GEE multivariable regression analysis, leg fat per cent evaluated with DEXA appeared to increase over calendar years (ß = 0.92; P < 0.001); moreover, a progressive increase in VAT was observed in the cohort (ß = 5.69; P < 0.001). No association with antiretroviral drugs was found.ConclusionsIn our study, neither LA nor LH appeared to be associated with antiretroviral drug exposure. We observed a progressive increase in LH in HIV‐infected patients over calendar years. This anthropometric change, together with loss of appendicular lean mass, could describe a physiological aging process in HIV‐infected patients.