bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving monitoring after pancreas transplantation alone: fine‐tuning of an old technique
Authors: Voskuil Michiel D. , Mittal Shruti , Sharples Edward J. , Vaidya Anil , Gilbert James , Friend Peter J. , Ploeg Rutger J. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractGraft survival after pancreas transplantation alone (PTA) is significantly poorer than graft survival after simultaneous pancreas kidney (SPK) and is particularly affected by difficulty in monitoring rejection. Exocrine bladder drainage allows assessment of pancreas graft function as urinary amylase (UA). However, standards for UA collection and interpretation are not well defined. In this study, 21 bladder‐drained PTA recipients were monitored with daily values for UA and urine creatinine (Creat) concentration from post‐transplant 10‐mL samples and 24‐h collections. Clinical events were documented and correlated to UA measurements. UA values were found to increase post‐transplant until day 15, and large interpatient variability was noted (median 12 676 IU/L, range 668–60 369 IU/L). A strong correlation was found total 24‐h UA production and spot UA/Creat ratio (r = 0.80, p < 0.001). UA/Creat ratio showed less variation during episodes of impaired renal function; therefore, urinary amylase baseline was defined as the median UA/Creat ratio after day 15. A > 25% decrease of UA predicted 9/13 (69%) events. We conclude that individual baselines should be set once the values have stabilized after 15 d post‐transplant and that spot UA/Creat measures are reliable, patient friendly and indicate potential events after PTA.
Can translocated native fishes retain their trophic niche when confronted with a resident invasive?
Authors: Spurgeon Jonathan J. , Paukert Craig P. , Healy Brian D. , Kelley Cheryl A. , Whiting Daniel P. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractDiet interactions between native and non‐native fishes may influence the establishment of native species within their historical range (i.e., reintroduction). Therefore, we illustrated the food web structure of and followed the transition of the federally endangered humpback chub Gila cypha into a novel food web following translocation and determined the potential for a non‐native species, rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss, to influence translocation success. Humpback chub and rainbow trout used resources high in the food web and assimilated similar proportions of native fishes, suggesting non‐native rainbow trout may occupy an ecological role similar to humpback chub. Subsequently, humpback chub may be well suited to colonise tributaries because of their ability to consume resources high in the food web. Additionally, diet partitioning may occur between all members of the fish community as indicated by separation in trophic niche space and little trophic overlap; although all species, particularly bluehead sucker Catostomus discobolus, used a broad range of food resources. Rainbow trout stomach content analysis corroborated stable isotope analysis and suggested rainbow trout diet consisted of aquatic and terrestrial macroinvertebrates, while larger rainbow trout (>120 mm total length) consumed a greater proportion of fish (incidence of piscivory = 5.3%). Trophic interactions may reveal an underutilized niche space or biotic resistance to the establishment of translocated native fishes. Continued translocation of humpback chub into tributaries appears to be one option for conservation. However, successful establishment of humpback chub may depend on continued removal of non‐native trout, increasing availability of diet sources at higher trophic levels.
Gene expression profile during functional maturation of a central mammalian synapse
Authors: Körber Christoph , Dondzillo Anna , Eisenhardt Gisela , Herrmannsdörfer Frank , Wafzig Oliver , Kuner Thomas 
Published: July 2014

AbstractCalyx of Held giant presynaptic terminals in the auditory brainstem form glutamatergic axosomatic synapses that have advanced to one of the best‐studied synaptic connections of the mammalian brain. As the auditory system matures and adjusts to high‐fidelity synaptic transmission, the calyx undergoes extensive structural and functional changes – in mice, it is formed at about postnatal day 3 (P3), achieves immature function until hearing onset at about P10 and can be considered mature from P21 onwards. This setting provides a unique opportunity to examine the repertoire of genes driving synaptic structure and function during postnatal maturation. Here, we determined the gene expression profile of globular bushy cells (GBCs), neurons giving rise to the calyx of Held, at different maturational stages (P3, P8, P21). GBCs were retrogradely labelled by stereotaxic injection of fluorescent cholera toxin‐B, and their mRNA content was collected by laser microdissection. Microarray profiling, successfully validated with real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and nCounter approaches, revealed genes regulated during maturation. We found that mostly genes implicated in the general cell biology of the neuron were regulated, while most genes related to synaptic function were regulated around the onset of hearing. Among these, voltage‐gated ion channels and calcium‐binding proteins were strongly regulated, whereas most genes involved in the synaptic vesicle cycle were only moderately regulated. These results suggest that changes in the expression patterns of ion channels and calcium‐binding proteins are a dominant factor in defining key synaptic properties during maturation of the calyx of Held.
Chromosome 12p13 variants predict recurrence of ischaemic stroke in a Chinese population
Authors: Zhang Z. , Xu G. , Zhu W. , Cao L. , Bai W. , Xiong Y. , Yan B. , Liu X. 
Published: July 2014

Background and purposeA recent genome‐wide association study identified two genetic variants (rs12425791 and rs11833579) on chromosome 12p13 that confer risk of ischaemic stroke. The purpose of this study was to examine whether these two polymorphisms are associated with stroke onset and prognosis in a Chinese population.Methodsrs12425791 and rs11833579 were genotyped using the improved multiple ligase detection reaction in 913 patients with ischaemic stroke. Analyses of genotype association with onset and prognosis outcomes were evaluated by the Kaplan–Meier method, the log‐rank test and Cox proportional hazards models.Resultsrs12425791 and rs11833579 were not associated with age of stroke onset (P = 0.786 and 0.340, respectively). However, these two polymorphisms were significantly associated with risk of stroke recurrence, especially for the large‐artery atherosclerosis (LAA) subtype, in recessive models [hazard ratio (HR) 2.52; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04–6.12 for rs12425791; HR 2.13; 95% CI 1.03–4.40 for rs11833579]. The combined genotype of these two single‐nucleotide polymorphisms showed a locus‐dosage effect on recurrence of LAA subtype and was an independent prognostic factor for LAA subtype in the final multivariate Cox regression model.ConclusionsThese findings indicated that rs12425791 and rs11833579 on chromosome 12p13 may be useful biomarkers for predicting the prognosis of patients with the LAA subtype of ischaemic stroke.
Wing base morphology of Aetalionidae (Hemiptera: Cicadomorpha) and its phylogenetic implications
Authors: Ogawa Naoki , Maruyama Munetoshi , Yoshizawa Kazunori 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe Aetalionidae is a small family belonging to the treehopper superfamily Membracoidea (Hemiptera: Cicadomorpha). Although the wing‐base morphology of Cicadomorpha was examined in detail recently, the wing base of this family has not been investigated to date. We examined morphology of the wing‐base structure of Aetalionidae. Using the characters selected from the wing base, we inferred the phylogenetic placement of this family and confirmed that it belongs to the superfamily Membracoidea and is likely a sister group of the Membracidae.
Valnoctamide enhances phasic inhibition: A potential target mechanism for the treatment of benzodiazepine‐refractory status epilepticus
Authors: Spampanato Jay , Dudek F. Edward 
Published: July 2014

SummaryValnoctamide (VCD), a derivative of valproate, suppresses electrographic seizures in animal models of status epilepticus (SE), even when the seizures are resistant to benzodiazepines (BZDs). We therefore tested the effect of VCD on miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) in CA1 pyramidal cells to determine if VCD acts directly on γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptors. Bath‐applied VCD induced a specific, rapid, dose‐dependent, and reversible slowing of the decay of mIPSCs (i.e., increased time constant) with no effect on their frequency or amplitude. This is similar to the effect of BZDs on mIPSCs, but the effect of VCD persisted in the presence of the BZD‐binding site antagonist flumazenil, and was additive to the effect of the BZD, diazepam. These data suggest that VCD acts through a different binding site than that of BZDs, which likely accounts for its effect on BZD‐refractory SE.A PowerPoint slide summarizing this article is available for download in the Supporting Information section here.
The efficacy of the newer antiepileptic drugs in controlling seizures in pregnancy
Authors: Vajda Frank J. E. , O'Brien Terrence , Lander Cecilie , Graham Janet , Eadie Mervyn 
Published: July 2014

SummaryObjectivesTo assess the effectiveness of the newer antiepileptic drugs (AEDs)—in particular lamotrigine, topiramate, and levetiracetam—in controlling epileptic seizures in pregnant women.MethodsAnalysis of data in the Australian Register of Antiepileptic Drugs in Pregnancy concerning seizure control in 1,534 pregnancies in women with AED‐treated epilepsies.ResultsIn AED monotherapy (1,111 pregnancies), use of levetiracetam in pregnancies in the Australian Register was associated with levels of seizure control similar to those that applied for the major older AEDs carbamazepine and valproate, but with levels of seizure control superior to those associated with use of lamotrigine and topiramate.SignificanceLevetiracetam shows promise as a satisfactory drug for controlling seizures in pregnancy.A PowerPoint slide summarizing this article is available for download in the Supporting Information section here.
Cytochrome P450 and myocardial ischemia: potential pharmacological implication for cardioprotection
Authors: Barau Caroline , Ghaleh Bijan , Berdeaux Alain , Morin Didier 
Published: July 2014

AbstractCytochromes P450 (CYP) are a large family of enzymes widely involved in hepatic drug metabolism. While most CYP are extensively expressed in the liver, some of them are also detected in the heart where they participate through arachidonic acid metabolism to a variety of eicosanoids synthesis with different cardiovascular effects. Studies performed in the last years reported that several isoenzymes of microsomal CYP (i.e. CYP 2J2, CYP 2C8, CYP 2C9, CYP 4F) can play a role in the pathogenesis of ischemia–reperfusion. Moreover, various data indicate that microsomal CYP could represent a relevant target to develop pharmacological therapies to attenuate ischemia–reperfusion injury in the heart. As mitochondria appear to play a central role during ischemia–reperfusion, mitochondrial CYP, mainly involved in steroid hormone biosynthesis, could also become potential therapeutic target for cardioprotective strategies. Indeed, CYP 11A1 and CYP 27A1 could contribute to the preservation of the mitochondrial integrity by limiting the formation and enhancing elimination of toxic oxysterols. Further studies are required to explore whether modulation of these mitochondrial CYP could really produce cardioprotection in the human heart.
Naturopathic medicine in India
Authors: Nair Pradeep MK , Nanda Awantika 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundNaturopathy is a traditional system of medicine that believes in the body's innate capacity to heal itself. In India, the philosophy and practice of naturopathy differs from that of other countries. Yet little is known about the practice and regulatory affairs of naturopathy in India.ObjectivesTo explore the Indian perspective of naturopathy in terms of philosophy, practice, regulatory issues, challenges and future directions.MethodsAn online literature search was carried out in PubMed and Google Scholar using the keywords ‘naturopathic medicine’, ‘AYUSH systems’, ‘naturopathy’ and ‘CAM in India’. Websites of universities and government bodies were also searched for details regarding regulation and registration. Unstructured interviews were conducted with eminent experts and local physicians via telephone and in person to understand the challenges in practice and their views on the standardisation of naturopathy.ResultsNaturopathic medicine in India is a purely drugless approach. Naturopathic physicians use diet therapy, mud, hydrotherapy, massage, acupuncture, chromotherapy, magnet therapy, acupressure and yoga therapy as their main interventions. Lack of appropriate regulatory bodies, research, uniformity in practice and adequate support from the government are the main issues facing the naturopathic community in India.ConclusionNaturopathy, as practised in India, is a drugless system that believes in the body's self‐healing capability. The lack of solid evidence for many of its modalities indicates the need to offer adequate research training to professionals to assist them in building an evidence‐based practice. The standardisation of naturopathy can only happen by forming a central regulatory council and by calibrating its educational standards with respect to traditional philosophies.
Analysis of reinforced concrete plates subjected to impact employing the truss‐like discrete element method
Authors: Kosteski L. E. , Riera J. D. , Iturrioz I. , Singh R. K. , Kant T. 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTThe prediction of the response of reinforced concrete structures subjected to projectiles impact still presents open questions. These include the rate dependence of material properties, the interaction between concrete and steel reinforcement and the simulation of fracture and fragmentation. Because the appearance of discontinuities in the target structure is difficult to account using a continuum approach, the application of discrete models was developed as an appealing alternative. A version of the discrete model in which nodal masses are linked by an array of uniaxial elements, herein called discrete element method, is used in this study. This method was implemented in the system Abaqus to take advantage of its numerical and post‐processing capabilities. A reinforced concrete rectangular plate subjected to impact of a projectile is examined in detail. Comparisons between experimental and numerical results are shown with the aim of validating the proposed method.
Reconstructing atmospheric CO2 during the Plio–Pleistocene transition by fossil Typha
Authors: Bai Yun‐Jun , Chen Li‐Qun , Ranhotra Parminder S. , Wang Qing , Wang Yu‐Fei , Li Cheng‐Sen 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe Earth has undergone a significant climate switch from greenhouse to icehouse during the Plio–Pleistocene transition (PPT) around 2.7–2.4 million years ago (Ma), marked by the intensification of the Northern Hemisphere glaciation (NHG) ~2.7 Ma. Evidence based on oceanic CO2 [(CO2)aq], supposed to be in close equilibrium with the atmospheric CO2 [(CO2)atm], suggests that the CO2 decline might drive such climate cooling. However, the rarity of direct evidence from [CO2]atm during the interval prevents determination of the atmospheric CO2 level and further assessment on the impact of its fluctuation. Here, we reconstruct the [CO2]atm level during 2.77–2.52 Ma based on a new developed proxy of stomatal index on Typha orientalis leaves from Shanxi, North China, and depict the first [CO2]atm curve over the past 5 Ma by using stomata‐based [CO2]atm data. Comparisons of the terrestrial‐based [CO2]atm and the existed marine‐based [CO2]aq curves show a similar general trend but with different intensity of fluctuations. Our data reveal that the high peak of [CO2]atm occurred at 2.77–2.52 Ma with a lower [CO2]aq background. The subsequent sharp fall in [CO2]atm level might be responsible for the intensification of the NHG based on their general temporal synchronism. These findings shed a significant light for our understanding toward the [CO2]atm changes and its ecological impact since 5 Ma.
The relationship between socio‐economic factors and responsiveness gaps in primary, preventative and health promotion services
Authors: Zalmanovitch Yair , Vashdi Dana R. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo examine whether there are individual level factors such as socio‐economic status that may predict disparities in the public's experiences with and expectations of their health‐care providers.Data sources/study settingPrimary data were collected in 2010. The sample comprised of 1211 Israeli citizens above the age of 18.Study designParticipants were randomly approached at one points in time and presented with statements regarding practices they experience and practices that are important to them related to primary care, preventive care and health promotion. We calculated a difference scores for each health‐care area. We measured socio‐economic status (SES) with three separate variables relating to income, education and living location.Data collection/extraction methodsEmployees of a professional telephone survey firm conducted the survey. Multiple regression was used with the responsiveness gap in each of three health‐care areas as the dependent variables.Principal findingsWe found that level of education is negatively related to the extent of the responsiveness gap in both primary and preventive health care and that income is negatively related to the responsiveness gap in health promotion.ConclusionsPersonal characteristics such asSESare related to people's perceptions about the extent of the responsiveness gap. Policy makers can now expend efforts and resources in minimizing such responsiveness gaps among specific populations.
Comparison on Microstructure and Infrared Emissivity Properties of 3D Needled Composites
Authors: Wang Fuyuan , Cheng Laifei , Fan Xiaomeng , Yin Xiaowei , Zhang Litong 
Published: July 2014

Three‐dimensional (3D) needled composites, C/C, C/C‐SiC, and C/SiC, were prepared and their infrared emissivity properties in 1000–1600°C were investigated. Results showed that the infrared emissivity of all composites increased almost linearly with temperatures. In comparison with C/C, C/C‐SiC composites reduced by 10% in the total emissivity. Twenty‐two vol% SiC in C/C‐SiC composites caused a low zone in 10–14 μm, corresponding to the theoretical emissivity of SiC. For C/SiC composites prepared by CVI, 68 vol% SiC caused a “V” shape in the spectral emissivity. The high SiC content also endued the high infrared emissivity properties for C/SiC composites.
Sex‐related differences in the nutritional value of Japanese quail meat
Authors: Sartowska Katarzyna E. , Korwin‐Kossakowska Agnieszka , Polawska Ewa , Lipinska Paulina , Sender Grazyna 
Published: July 2014

SummaryThe objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of birds’ sex on the carcass composition and meat (breast muscle) nutritional value in Japanese quails in a large‐scale four‐generation study. Standard poultry feed was used, based on maize, soya bean meal and wheat. Four generations of quails were housed up to the age of 17 weeks each. Then samples of breast muscle were collected after dissection and analysed for basic nutrient content and for fatty acids composition. Results were analysed by GLM procedure in SAS, and significance of differences between birds of different sex was estimated by Duncan's test. Dissection revealed marked differences between birds’ of different sex in case of relative organ weight. Results of meat analyses showed no differences in the basic composition. Fatty acids analyses showed a more advantageous profile in female meat.
Changes during ripening in chemical composition, proteolysis, volatile composition and texture in Kashar cheese made using raw bovine, ovine or caprine milk
Authors: Temizkan Riza , Yasar Kurban , Hayaloglu Ali A. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryKashar cheeses were manufactured from pure ovine (OV), bovine (BV) and caprine (CP) milk, and the chemical composition, cheese yield, proteolysis, hardness, meltability and volatile composition were studied during 90 days. Gross chemical composition, cheese yield and level of proteolysis were higher in OV cheeses than those of BV or CP cheeses. Glu, Val, Leu, Phe and Lys were the most abundant free amino acids (FAA) in the samples, and the concentrations of individual FAA were at the highest levels in OV cheeses with following BV and CP cheeses. Urea‐PAGE patterns and RP‐HPLC peptide profiles of the BV cheeses were completely different from the small ruminants’ milk cheeses (OV or CP). Higher and lower hardness and meltability values were observed in CP cheeses, respectively. OV cheeses resulted in higher levels of the major volatile compounds. In conclusion, the Kashar cheese made using OV milk can be recommended due to high meltability, proteolysis and volatiles.
Visceral adipose tissue measured by DXA correlates with measurement by CT and is associated with cardiometabolic risk factors in children
Authors: Bosch T. A. , Dengel D. R. , Kelly A. S. , Sinaiko A. R. , Moran A. , Steinberger J. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryBackgroundVisceral adipose tissue (VAT) generally demonstrates a stronger relationship with cardiometabolic risk factors than total body fat or subcutaneous adipose tissue.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to compare VAT estimated in children by total volume dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) with a gold standard measurement, single slice (L4–L5) computed tomography (CT).MethodsA total of 329 (152 females, 177 males) children ages 6–18 years (mean age 12.3 ± 3.6) and with average body mass index percentile of 54.9% (3–99%) had their VAT estimated by both CT and DXA. Linear association between methods was measured using Pearson's correlation. Multiple linear regressions compared the associations between cardiometabolic risk factors and both CT‐VAT and DXA‐VAT, respectively.ResultsIn children, DXA‐VAT was correlated significantly with CT‐VAT, with a stronger relationship in overweight and obese children. Multiple regression analysis showed that both estimates of VAT were significantly associated with lipids and insulin sensitivity, measured by euglycaemic‐hyperinsulinaemic clamp. Additionally, DXA‐VAT was associated with diastolic blood pressure, homeostasis model of insulin resistance and fasting insulin, but CT‐VAT was not.ConclusionIn children, total volume DXA‐VAT and single slice CT‐VAT are significantly correlated and each demonstrates similar associations with cardiometabolic risk factors. This suggests that DXA is a useful and valid method for estimation of VAT in children.