bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dexamethasone prevents hearing loss by restoring glucocorticoid receptor expression in the guinea pig cochlea
Authors: Heinrich Ulf‐Rüdiger , Strieth Sebastian , Schmidtmann Irene , Stauber Roland , Helling Kai 
Published: May 2015

Objectives/HypothesisDexamethasone is widely used in the treatment of various inner ear diseases. However, knowledge about its direct impact on glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression is still limited.Study DesignProspective animal study in male guinea pigs.MethodsA therapeutic concentration of dexamethasone (8mg/mL) or a physiological concentration of NaCl (0.9% solution) were intratympanically injected into the ears of guinea pigs (n = 10 in each case) 14 hours prior to 90 dB noise exposure (1 hour). Eighteen ears were exposed to noise only. Seven untreated ears were used as controls. Auditory brainstem responses were recorded prior to noise exposure or treatment and 2 hours thereafter. The cochleae were removed from the bullae, transferred to fixative, and embedded in paraffin. GR expression was identified immunohistochemically in the cochlea. Local staining intensities were quantified for seven regions by a computer.ResultsDexamethasone application significantly lowered noise‐induced hearing loss. Statistically significant alterations in the average GR expression levels were identified exclusively in the spiral ligament. Comparing GR expression at the level of individual ear, numerous highly significant local associations were identified in the other six cochlear regions.ConclusionsThe intratympanic application of dexamethasone is suitable for supporting cochlear homeostasis under stress conditions. The lateral wall, mainly responsible for potassium recycling, seems to be the main target in glucocorticoid therapy.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 126:E29–E34, 2016
Effect of steroids for nasal polyposis surgery: A placebo‐controlled, randomized, double‐blind study
Authors: Ecevit Mustafa Cenk , Erdag Taner Kemal , Dogan Ersoy , Sutay Semih 
Published: May 2015

Objectives/HypothesisAlthough medical intervention is the first option for treatment of nasal polyps, surgery is still a therapeutic option for symptomatic cases that do not respond or partially respond to medical intervention. However, there is a need for high‐level evidence for the preoperative use of steroids in nasal polyposis surgery. We aimed to assess the perioperative effect of preoperative use of oral prednisolone for advanced‐stage diffuse nasal polyposis.Study DesignProspective, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study.MethodsA visual analog scale (VAS) was evaluated for smell, nasal discharge, nasal obstruction, facial pressure, headache, butanol smell threshold, and peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) before and after the use of study drug. Perioperative bleeding volume, visibility of operative field, operative time, hospital stay, and complication rate were also evaluated.ResultsThe improvement in the corticosteroid group (CG) in the VAS scores, butanol thresholds, and PNIF values showed statistically significant differences compared to the placebo group (PG) (P < .05). The perioperative bleeding volume, visibility score, operative time, and hospital stay for CG/PG were 141 mL/384 mL, 2.4/3.4, 61 min/71.6 min, and 1.1 day/1.8 day, respectively (P < .05). The difference between the complication rates for the two groups did not show any statistically significant difference (P = .214).ConclusionsPreoperative administration of systemic corticosteroids improves the perioperative visibility by reducing blood loss and shortens the operation time. We recommend the use of preoperative corticosteroid for the safety of the patients. The optimum dose and duration have not been established and require further studies.Level of Evidence1b Laryngoscope, 125:2041–2045, 2015
Land Use and Cover Dynamics Since 1964 in the Afro‐Alpine Vegetation Belt: Lib Amba Mountain in North Ethiopia
Authors: Jacob Miro , Romeyns Liên , Frankl Amaury , Asfaha Tesfaalem , Beeckman Hans , Nyssen Jan 
Published: May 2015

AbstractHuman‐induced land use and land cover (LUC) changes threaten the ecosystem services of the vulnerable tropical afro‐alpine vegetation. Several LUC change studies are available for the Ethiopian highlands, but relatively little is known about LUC change in the afro‐alpine zones. In this study, LUC changes between 1964 and 2012 were mapped for the afro‐alpine zone of Lib Amba Mountain, part of the Abune Yosef Mountains in North Ethiopia. Historical LUC was derived from georeferenced aerial photographs of 1964 and 1982, and the present LUC (2012) from Bing Map satellite imagery. Based on these successive LUC maps a time‐depth map, LUC proportions, LUC transition matrices and LUC change trajectories were calculated. Two main phases of LUC change could be distinguished linked to the neo‐Boserupian perspective. (i) Between 1964 and 1982, there were large‐scale deforestation and general degradation of the vegetation above 3500 m, in a period of low population pressure; (ii) Between 1982 and 2012, an intensification of land use prevailed accompanied with a slight regeneration of the vegetation and the Erica arborea L. forest, under increased population pressure. Depth interviews indicated that local and governmental land management measures are very important for the protection against vegetation depletion and soil degradation. Quick recovery of the forest on Lib Amba provides confidence that degraded afro‐alpine areas would benefit in a short time from complete protection, given the vicinity of remaining patches of afro‐alpine vegetation. Management interventions are thus vital to restore the important ecosystem services of the afro‐alpine vegetation belt. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cost‐Effective Targeting Soil and Water Conservation: A Case Study of Changting County in Southeast China
Authors: Wang Chengchao , Yang Yusheng , Zhang Yaoqi 
Published: May 2015

AbstractSoil erosion is by far the greatest cause of land degradation and other environmental and socio‐economic problems in China. Although various conservation methods are widely utilized to reduce soil erosion and to sustain agricultural production, the cost‐effectiveness and selection of these methods are less known. Using our survey and ecological data, this study evaluated four soil and water conservation methods in Changting County, Southeast China. The results show that the disparity of conservation costs is much larger than that of ecological benefits. Planting fruit trees is a kind of conservation through primarily economic development. Closing hillsides for afforestation is most cost‐effective, followed by forest fertilizing, and planting trees and grass. Our findings suggest that comparatively lower cost conservation methods, for example closing hillsides for afforestation, should be considered in priority if initial ecological conditions can meet the requirements of the method. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hair regrowth through wound healing process after ablative fractional laser treatment in a murine model
Authors: Bae Jung Min , Jung Han Mi , Goo Boncheol , Park Young Min 
Published: May 2015

Background and ObjectiveAlopecia is one of the most common dermatological problems in the elderly; however, current therapies for it are limited by low efficacy and undesirable side effects. Although clinical reports on fractional laser treatment for various alopecia types are increasing, the exact mechanism remains to be clarified. The purposes of this study were to demonstrate the effect of ablative fractional laser treatment on hair follicle regrowth in vivo and investigate the molecular mechanism after laser treatment.Materials and MethodsAblative CO2 fractional laser was applied to the shaved dorsal skin of 7‐week‐old C57BL/6 mice whose hair was in the telogen stage. After 12 mice were treated at various energy (10–40 mJ/spot) and density (100–400 spots/cm2) settings to determine the proper dosage for maximal effect. Six mice were then treated at the decided dosage and skin specimens were sequentially obtained by excision biopsy from the dorsal aspect of each mouse. Tissue samples were used for the immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assays to examine hair follicle status and their related molecules.ResultsThe most effective dosage was the 10 mJ/spot and 300 spots/cm2 setting. The anagen conversion of hair was observed in the histopathological examination, while Wnt/β‐catenin expression was associated with hair regrowth in the immunohistochemistry and molecular studies.ConclusionsAblative fractional lasers appear to be effective for inducing hair regrowth via activation of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway in vivo. Our findings indicate that fractional laser treatment can potentially be developed as new treatment options for stimulating hair regrowth. Lasers Surg. Med. 47:433–440, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Postprandial Dysmetabolism and Oxidative Stress in Type 2 Diabetes: Pathogenetic Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: Sottero Barbara , Gargiulo Simona , Russo Isabella , Barale Cristina , Poli Giuseppe , Cavalot Franco 
Published: May 2015

AbstractPostprandial dysmetabolism in type 2 diabetes (T2D) is known to impact the progression and evolution of this complex disease process. However, the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms still require full elucidation to provide guidance for disease prevention and treatment. This review focuses on the marked redox changes and inflammatory stimuli provoked by the spike in blood glucose and lipids in T2D individuals after meals. All the causes of exacerbated postprandial oxidative stress in T2D were analyzed, also considering the consequence of enhanced inflammation on vascular damage. Based on this in‐depth analysis, current strategies of prevention and pharmacologic management of T2D were critically reexamined with particular emphasis on their potential redox‐related rationale.
Application of flow sensitive gradients for improved measures of metabolism using hyperpolarized 13c MRI
Authors: Gordon Jeremy W. , Niles David J. , Adamson Erin B. , Johnson Kevin M. , Fain Sean B. 
Published: May 2015

PurposeTo develop the use of bipolar gradients to suppress partial‐volume and flow‐related artifacts from macrovascular, hyperpolarized spins.Theory and MethodsDigital simulations were performed over a range of spatial resolutions and gradient strengths to determine the optimal bipolar gradient strength and duration to suppress flowing spins while minimizing signal loss from static tissue. In vivo experiments were performed to determine the efficacy of this technique to suppress vascular signal in the study of hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate renal metabolism.ResultsDigital simulations showed that in the absence of bipolar gradients, partial‐volume artifacts from the vasculature were still present, causing underestimation of the apparent reaction rate of pyruvate to lactate (kP). The addition of a bipolar gradient with b = 32 s/mm2 sufficiently suppressed the vascular signal without a substantial decrease in signal from static tissue. In vivo results corroborate digital simulations, with similar peak lactate signal to noise ratio (SNR) but substantially different kP in the presence of bipolar gradients.ConclusionThe proposed approach suppresses signal from flowing spins while minimizing signal loss from static tissue, removing contaminating signal from the vasculature and increasing kinetic modeling accuracy without substantially sacrificing SNR or temporal resolution. Magn Reson Med 75:1242–1248, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High temporal resolution dynamic MRI and arterial input function for assessment of GFR in pediatric subjects
Authors: Yoruk Umit , Saranathan Manojkumar , Loening Andreas M. , Hargreaves Brian A. , Vasanawala Shreyas S. 
Published: May 2015

PurposeTo introduce a respiratory‐gated high‐spatiotemporal‐resolution dynamic‐contrast‐enhanced MRI technique and a high‐temporal‐resolution aortic input function (HTR‐AIF) estimation method for glomerular filtration rate (GFR) assessment in children.MethodsA high‐spatiotemporal‐resolution DCE‐MRI method with view‐shared reconstruction was modified to incorporate respiratory gating, and an AIF estimation method that uses a fraction of the k‐space data from each respiratory period was developed (HTR‐AIF). The method was validated using realistic digital phantom simulations and demonstrated on clinical subjects. The GFR estimates using HTR‐AIF were compared with estimates obtained by using an AIF derived directly from the view‐shared images.ResultsDigital phantom simulations showed that using the HTR‐AIF technique gives more accurate AIF estimates (RMSE = 0.0932) compared with the existing estimation method (RMSE = 0.2059) that used view‐sharing (VS). For simulated GFR > 27 mL/min, GFR estimation error was between 32% and 17% using view‐shared AIF, whereas estimation error was less than 10% using HTR‐AIF. In all clinical subjects, the HTR‐AIF method resulted in higher GFR estimations than the view‐shared method.ConclusionThe HTR‐AIF method improves the accuracy of both the AIF and GFR estimates derived from the respiratory‐gated acquisitions, and makes GFR estimation feasible in free‐breathing pediatric subjects. Magn Reson Med 75:1301–1311, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Volumetric spiral chemical shift imaging of hyperpolarized [2‐13c]pyruvate in a rat c6 glioma model
Authors: Park Jae Mo , Josan Sonal , Jang Taichang , Merchant Milton , Watkins Ron , Hurd Ralph E. , Recht Lawrence D. , Mayer Dirk , Spielman Daniel M. 
Published: May 2015

PurposeMRS of hyperpolarized [2‐13C]pyruvate can be used to assess multiple metabolic pathways within mitochondria as the 13C label is not lost with the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl‐CoA. This study presents the first MR spectroscopic imaging of hyperpolarized [2‐13C]pyruvate in glioma‐bearing brain.MethodsSpiral chemical shift imaging with spectrally undersampling scheme (1042 Hz) and a hard‐pulse excitation was exploited to simultaneously image [2‐13C]pyruvate, [2‐13C]lactate, and [5‐13C]glutamate, the metabolites known to be produced in brain after an injection of hyperpolarized [2‐13C]pyruvate, without chemical shift displacement artifacts. A separate undersampling scheme (890 Hz) was also used to image [1‐13C]acetyl‐carnitine. Healthy and C6 glioma‐implanted rat brains were imaged at baseline and after dichloroacetate administration, a drug that modulates pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase activity.ResultsThe baseline metabolite maps showed higher lactate and lower glutamate in tumor as compared to normal‐appearing brain. Dichloroacetate led to an increase in glutamate in both tumor and normal‐appearing brain. Dichloroacetate‐induced %‐decrease of lactate/glutamate was comparable to the lactate/bicarbonate decrease from hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate studies. Acetyl‐carnitine was observed in the muscle/fat tissue surrounding the brain.ConclusionRobust volumetric imaging with hyperpolarized [2‐13C]pyruvate and downstream products was performed in glioma‐bearing rat brains, demonstrating changes in mitochondrial metabolism with dichloroacetate. Magn Reson Med 75:973–984, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Digital signature to help network management using flow analysis
Authors: Proença Mario Lemes , Fernandes Gilberto , Carvalho Luiz F. , de Assis Marcos V. O. , Rodrigues Joel J. P. C. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryBecause of constant growth in proportion and complexity of networks, flow analysis has become an indispensable tool for network management mechanisms. Through this resource, a traffic characterization, called digital signature of network segment using flow analysis (DSNSF), is accomplished. The models used for this purpose are the ant colony optimization metaheuristic, the Holt–Winters forecasting method and the statistical procedure, principal component analysis. The obtained DSNSF by each model is compared with the actual traffic of packets and bits and then subjected to specific evaluations in order to measure its accuracy. The experimental results show that the three methods could achieve good correlation indices and low normalized mean square error values between the DSNSF curve and the real traffic movement, indicating a good adaptability and efficiency in characterizing a network traffic segment. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An enriched FEM technique for modeling hydraulically driven cohesive fracture propagation in impermeable media with frictional natural faults: Numerical and experimental investigations
Authors: Khoei A. R. , Hirmand M. , Vahab M. , Bazargan M. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryIn this paper, an enriched finite element technique is presented to simulate the mechanism of interaction between the hydraulic fracturing and frictional natural fault in impermeable media. The technique allows modeling the discontinuities independent of the finite element mesh by introducing additional DOFs. The coupled equilibrium and flow continuity equations are solved using a staggered Newton solution strategy, and an algorithm is proposed on the basis of fixed‐point iteration concept to impose the flow condition at the hydro‐fracture mouth. The cohesive crack model is employed to introduce the nonlinear fracturing process occurring ahead of the hydro‐fracture tip. Frictional contact is modeled along the natural fault using the penalty method within the framework of plasticity theory of friction. Moreover, an experimental investigation is carried out to perform the hydraulic fracturing experimental test in fractured media under plane strain condition. The results of several numerical and experimental simulations are presented to verify the accuracy and robustness of the proposed computational algorithm as well as to investigate the mechanisms of interaction between the hydraulically driven fracture and frictional natural fault. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CXCR2 inhibition suppresses acute and chronic pancreatic inflammation
Authors: Steele Colin W , Karim Saadia A , Foth Mona , Rishi Loveena , Leach Joshua DG , Porter Ross J , Nixon Colin , Jeffry Evans TR , Carter C Ross , Nibbs Robert JB , Sansom Owen J , Morton Jennifer P 
Published: May 2015

AbstractPancreatitis is a significant clinical problem and the lack of effective therapeutic options means that treatment is often palliative rather than curative. A deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of both acute and chronic pancreatitis is necessary to develop new therapies. Pathological changes in pancreatitis are dependent on innate immune cell recruitment to the site of initial tissue damage, and on the coordination of downstream inflammatory pathways. The chemokine receptor CXCR2 drives neutrophil recruitment during inflammation, and to investigate its role in pancreatic inflammation, we induced acute and chronic pancreatitis in wild‐type and Cxcr2−/− mice. Strikingly, Cxcr2−/− mice were strongly protected from tissue damage in models of acute pancreatitis, and this could be recapitulated by neutrophil depletion or by the specific deletion of Cxcr2 from myeloid cells. The pancreata of Cxcr2−/− mice were also substantially protected from damage during chronic pancreatitis. Neutrophil depletion was less effective in this model, suggesting that CXCR2 on non‐neutrophils contributes to the development of chronic pancreatitis. Importantly, pharmacological inhibition of CXCR2 in wild‐type mice replicated the protection seen in Cxcr2−/− mice in acute and chronic models of pancreatitis. Moreover, acute pancreatic inflammation was reversible by inhibition of CXCR2. Thus, CXCR2 is critically involved in the development of acute and chronic pancreatitis in mice, and its inhibition or loss protects against pancreatic damage. CXCR2 may therefore be a viable therapeutic target in the treatment of pancreatitis. © 2015 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
An effective visualization technique for depth perception in augmented reality‐based surgical navigation
Authors: Choi Hyunseok , Cho Byunghyun , Masamune Ken , Hashizume Makoto , Hong Jaesung 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundDepth perception is a major issue in augmented reality (AR)‐based surgical navigation. We propose an AR and virtual reality (VR) switchable visualization system with distance information, and evaluate its performance in a surgical navigation set‐up.MethodsTo improve depth perception, seamless switching from AR to VR was implemented. In addition, the minimum distance between the tip of the surgical tool and the nearest organ was provided in real time. To evaluate the proposed techniques, five physicians and 20 non‐medical volunteers participated in experiments.ResultsTargeting error, time taken, and numbers of collisions were measured in simulation experiments. There was a statistically significant difference between a simple AR technique and the proposed technique.ConclusionsWe confirmed that depth perception in AR could be improved by the proposed seamless switching between AR and VR, and providing an indication of the minimum distance also facilitated the surgical tasks. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Climate change tipping points: origins, precursors, and debates
Authors: Russill Chris 
Published: May 2015

The article reviews the origins, precursors, and main proponents of climate change tipping points, and the debates that the tipping point concept has occasioned. The importance of dynamical systems theory,GAIAtheory, and abrupt climate change to the main proponents of tipping point warning systems is noted and situated in historical context. The ‘semantic confusion’ that animates contemporary debates, it is suggested, results not simply from a narrow conception of tipping points, but from inattention to the way metaphor was used to reshape climate policy. A deeper understanding of dynamical systems theory and its origins (both mathematical and metaphorical) is recommended for addressing the value of tipping points in policy.WIREs Clim Change2015, 6:427–434. doi: 10.1002/wcc.344This article is categorized under:Social Status of Climate Change Knowledge > Knowledge and Practice