bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protection of Wistar‐Furth rats against postischaemic acute renal injury: Role for nitric oxide and thromboxane?
Authors: Voisin Viginie , Declèves Anne‐Emilie , Hubert Virginie , Colombaro Vanessa , Giordano Laetitia , Habsch Isabelle , Bouby Nadine , Nonclercq Denis , Caron Nathalie 
Published: August 2014

SummaryThe Wistar‐Furth (WF) rat strain is usually used in models of full major histocompatibility complex‐mismatched kidney transplantation. Because these rats have been demonstrated to be resistant to several models of chronic kidney disease, the aim of the present study was to investigate their potential resistance to renal ischaemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury compared with another strain, namely Wistar‐Hanover (WH) rats. Anaesthetized male WH and WF rats were submitted to I/R by occlusion of the left renal artery and contralateral nephrectomy. Urine, blood and tissue samples were collected at different time points after I/R to evaluate renal function, inflammation and tubular injury, along with determination of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) expression and thromboxane A2 (TxA2) production. Post‐ischaemic renal function was better preserved in WF than WH rats, as evidenced by reduced levels of creatininaemia, urinary neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin excretion and proteinuria. In addition, WF rats had less intrarenal inflammation than WH rats after I/R injury. These observations were associated with maintenance of neuronal NOS expression, along with lower induction of inducible NOS expression in WF versus WH rats. Moreover, WF rats excreted a significantly lower amount of TxB2. The results indicate that WF rats are more resistant to an I/R injury than WH rats in terms of renal function and inflammation. These observations are associated with differential regulation of intrarenal NOS expression, as well as a reduction in thromboxane production, which could contribute to a better outcome for the postischaemic kidney in WF rats.
The Efficacy of Pad Placement for Electrical Cardioversion of Atrial Fibrillation/Flutter: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kirkland Scott , Stiell Ian , AlShawabkeh Tariq , Campbell Sandy , Dickinson Garth , Rowe Brian H. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractObjectivesElectrical cardioversion is commonly used to treat patients with atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter to restore normal sinus rhythm. There has been considerable debate as to whether the electrode placement affects the efficacy of electrical cardioversion. The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of anteroposterior (A‐P) versus anterolateral (A‐L) electrode placement to restore normal sinus rhythm.MethodsA search of eight electronic databases, including Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane was completed. Grey literature (hand‐searching, Google, and SCOPUS) searching was also conducted. Studies were included if they were controlled clinical trials comparing the effectiveness of A‐P versus A‐L pad placement to restore normal sinus rhythm in adult patients with atrial fibrillation and flutter. Two independent reviewers judged study relevance, inclusion, and quality (e.g., risk of bias). Individual and pooled statistics were calculated as relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using a random‐effects model, and heterogeneity (I2) was reported.ResultsFrom 788 citations, 13 studies were included; seven involved monophasic, five involved biphasic, and one analyzed both waveform devices. The included studies tended to report cumulative success rates to restoring normal sinus rhythm after one to five sequential shocks of increasing energy; the number of shocks and energy used differed among studies. The risk of bias of the studies was “unclear.” After the first shock, pad placement was not associated with an increased likelihood of restoring normal sinus rhythm (RR = 0.88; 95% CI = 0.73 to 1.06); however, heterogeneity was high (I2 = 63%). Subgroup comparisons revealed that the A‐L position was more effective (RR = 0.77; 95% CI = 0.59 to 1.00) at restoring normal sinus rhythm when using biphasic shocks (comparison p = 0.04). Overall, the pooled results failed to identify a difference between A‐P and A‐L pad placement in restoring normal sinus rhythm at any time (RR = 1.00; 95% CI = 0.95 to 1.05); however, heterogeneity was high (I2 = 61%). No significant subgroup differences were found. Side effects were reported in only three studies.ConclusionsThe published literature is restricted to persistent atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter, pad placement varied, and energy levels used were lower than currently recommended; however, the accumulated evidence suggests that electrical pad placement is not a critically important factor in successful cardioversion in atrial fibrillation and flutter (AF/AFL). A trial is urgently needed in recent‐onset atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter patients using biphasic devices and high energy levels to resolve the debate.
Term breech deliveries in the Netherlands: did the increased cesarean rate affect neonatal outcome? A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Vlemmix Floortje , Bergenhenegouwen Lester , Schaaf Jelle M. , Ensing Sabine , Rosman Ageeth N. , Ravelli Anita C.J. , van der Post Joris A.M. , Verhoeven Arno , Visser Gerard H. , Mol Ben W.J. , Kok Marjolein 
Published: August 2014

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the increased cesarean rate for term breech presentation on neonatal outcome. We also investigated whether the clinical case selection for vaginal delivery applied by Dutch obstetricians led to an optimization of neonatal outcome, or whether there is still room for improvement in terms of perinatal outcome.DesignRetrospective cohort.SettingThe Netherlands.PopulationSingleton term breech deliveries from 37+0 to 41+6 weeks, excluding fetuses with congenital malformations or antenatal death.MethodWe used data from the Dutch national perinatal registry from 1999 up to 2007.Main outcome measuresPerinatal mortality and morbidity.ResultsWe studied 58 320 women with a term breech delivery. There was an increase in the elective cesarean rate (from 24 to 60%). As a consequence, overall perinatal mortality decreased [1.3‰ vs. 0.7‰; odds ratio 0.51 (95% confidence interval 0.28–0.93)], whereas it remained stable in the planned vaginal birth group [1.7‰ vs. 1.6‰; odds ratio 0.96 (95% confidence interval 0.52–1.76)]. The number of cesareans done to prevent one perinatal death was 338.ConclusionsAdjustment of the national guidelines after publication of the Term Breech Trial resulted in a shift towards elective cesarean and a decrease of perinatal mortality and morbidity among women delivering a child in breech at term. Still, 40% of these women attempt vaginal birth. The relative safety of an elective cesarean should be weighed against the consequences of a scarred uterus in future pregnancies.
Valued Lives in Violent Places: Black Urban Placemaking at a Civil Rights Memorial in New Orleans
Authors: CARTER REBECCA LOUISE 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThis article explores the history, use, and significance of a civil rights memorial to Martin Luther King Jr, located in the Central City neighborhood of New Orleans. Situating this memorial as an important site for black urban placemaking, I focus on a religious vigil against urban violence that was held there in late 2008. Using historical and ethnographic data, I demonstrate how participants in the vigil claim and inhabit the memorial in order to raise awareness about the impact of violence, while simultaneously asserting the social value of black people and communities. I argue that this action unfolds with particular urgency in the post‐Katrina period, to counter the perceived devaluation, criminalization, and social exclusion of black people. Participants in the vigil thus rework spatial, social, and symbolic boundaries to shift relatedness and to ensure survival and social membership. The article goes beyond traditionally territorialized understandings of place and placemaking to demonstrate how the actions, interactions, and moral frameworks emerging at this particular place are part of a larger black geography and spatial imaginary, one with the capacity to transform the conceptualization and experience of urban space, place, and community.
Identification of a Plasmodium falciparum inhibitor‐2 motif involved in the binding and regulation activity of protein phosphatase type 1
Authors: Fréville Aline , Tellier Géraldine , Vandomme Audrey , Pierrot Christine , Vicogne Jérôme , Cantrelle François‐Xavier , Martoriati Alain , Cailliau‐Maggio Katia , Khalife Jamal , Landrieu Isabelle 
Published: August 2014

The regulation of Plasmodium falciparum protein phosphatase type 1 (PfPP1) activity remains to be deciphered. Data from homologous eukaryotic type 1 protein phosphatases (PP1) suggest that several protein regulators should be involved in this essential process. One such regulator, named PfI2 based on its primary sequence homology with eukaryotic inhibitor 2 (I2), was recently shown to be able to interact with PfPP1 and to inhibit its phosphatase activity, mainly through the canonical ‘RVxF’ binding motif. The details of the structural and functional characteristics of this interaction are investigated here. Using NMR spectroscopy, a second site of interaction is suggested to reside between residues D94 and T117 and contains the ‘FxxR/KxR/K’ binding motif present in other I2 proteins. This site seems to play in concert/synergy with the ‘RVxF’ motif to bind PP1, because only mutations in both motifs were able to abolish this interaction completely. However, regarding the structure/function relationship, mutation of either the ‘RVxF’ or ‘FxxR/KxR/K’ motif is more drastic, because each mutation prevents the capacity of PfI2 to trigger germinal vesicle breakdown in microinjected Xenopus oocytes. This indicates that the tight association of the PfI2 regulator to PP1, mediated by a two‐site interaction, is necessary to exert its function. Based on these results, the use of a peptide derived from the ‘FxxR/KxR/K’ PfI2 motif was investigated for its potential effect on Plasmodium growth. This peptide, fused at its N‐terminus to a penetrating sequence, was shown to accumulate specifically in infected erythrocytes and to have an antiplasmodial effect.Structured digital abstract

PfPP1 and PfI2 bind by nuclear magnetic resonance (1, 2)

PP1 physically interacts with PfPP1 by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)

PfI2 binds to PfPP1 by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (View interaction)

PfI2 binds to PfPP1 by surface plasmon resonance (1, 2, 3, 4)
Molecular characterization of the thioredoxin system from Methanosarcina acetivorans
Authors: McCarver Addison C. , Lessner Daniel J. 
Published: August 2014

The thioredoxin system, composed of thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) and thioredoxin (Trx), is widely distributed in nature, where it serves key roles in electron transfer and in the defense against oxidative stress. Although recent evidence reveals Trx homologues are almost universally present among the methane‐producing archaea (methanogens), a complete thioredoxin system has not been characterized from any methanogen. We examined the phylogeny of Trx homologues among methanogens and characterized the thioredoxin system from Methanosarcina acetivorans. Phylogenetic analysis of Trx homologues from methanogens revealed eight clades, with one clade containing Trxs broadly distributed among methanogens. The Methanococci and Methanobacteria each contain one additional Trx from another clade, respectively, whereas the Methanomicrobia contain an additional five distinct Trxs. Methanosarcina acetivorans, a member of the Methanomicrobia, contains a single TrxR (MaTrxR) and seven Trx homologues (MaTrx1–7), with representatives from five of the methanogen Trx clades. Purified recombinant MaTrxR had 5,5′‐dithiobis(2‐nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB) reductase and oxidase activities. The apparent Km value for NADPH was 115‐fold lower than that for NADH, consistent with NADPH as the physiological electron donor to MaTrxR. Purified recombinant MaTrx2, MaTrx6 and MaTrx7 exhibited dithiothreitol‐ and lipoamide‐dependent insulin disulfide reductase activities. However, only MaTrx7, which is encoded adjacent to MaTrxR, could serve as a redox partner to MaTrxR. These results reveal that M. acetivorans harbors at least three functional and distinct Trxs, and a complete thioredoxin system composed of NADPH, MaTrxR and at least MaTrx7. This is the first characterization of a complete thioredoxin system from a methanogen, which provides a foundation to understand the system in methanogens.
Specific Yield Functions for Estimating Evapotranspiration from Diurnal Surface Water Cycles
Authors: Hill A. Jason , Durchholz Brandon 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe White method has been routinely used to estimate evapotranspiration using diurnal variations in groundwater levels. Applications to surface water systems (e.g., wetlands) are less common. For applications to surface water systems, a stage‐dependent specific yield function must be defined. This is especially important for small wetlands formed in topographic depressions with bowl shaped bathymetries. Existing formulations of the specific yield function include weighting factors that impact the relative importance of the soil and open water specific yields on the composite value. Three formulations of the specific yield function from the literature were compared and found to produce varied results. Based on a comparison with empirical estimates of specific yield based on observed ratios of net precipitation to water level rise, one of the existing formulations is generalized and recommended for general use. The recommended function is dependent on wetland bathymetry, magnitude of the diurnal fluctuation, spatial extent of the equilibration area, and soil‐specific yield. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to examine the relative importance of these variables. The specific yield function is independent of wetland size and is strongly dependent on the basin profile coefficient (p), an indication of wetland shape. For most natural wetlands, bathymetry strongly influences specific yield.
Significant factors in family difficulties for fathers and mothers who use support services for children with hikikomori
Authors: Funakoshi Akiko , Miyamoto Yuki 
Published: August 2014

AimsHikikomori is a new psychosociological phenomenon among youth, of almost complete withdrawal from social interaction, and it has received considerable attention in community mental health in Japan. The aims of the present study were to identify the influential factors of family difficulties of parents who use support services for children with hikikomori, and compare them between fathers and mothers.MethodsData were collected from 110 parents (55 couples) of children with hikikomori with regard to family difficulties, quality of life, and depression variables via self‐report questionnaires. To assess the influential factors of Family Difficulties for parents with children with hikikomori, hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis was carried out for gender.ResultsWhile 94.5% of mothers received some kind of family support, only 61.9% of fathers received it. For both genders, the number of services that the fathers received was significantly correlated with marital cooperation, and the number of services that the mothers received was significantly correlated with support resource utilization.ConclusionsIt is necessary for fathers to receive more support, and it is important for professionals to encourage parents to address their difficulties together.
‘Soya Milk Tris‐based Phytoextender Reduces Apoptosis in Cryopreserved Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Spermatozoa’
Authors: Mohan R , Atreja SK 
Published: August 2014

ContentsThe objective of this study was to investigate the effect of newly developed soya milk Tris (SMT)‐based phytoextender as an alternative to egg yolk Tris (EYT) extender used for cryopreservation of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) spermatozoa on apoptosis. Fresh buffalo semen (control without dilution) was cryopreserved in conventional EYT (20% egg yolk v/v in Tris) and SMT (25% soya milk v/v in Tris) extender and used for the assessment of expression of apoptotic proteins. Proteins extracted from a total number of nine ejaculates from three individual buffalo bulls chosen at random were separated using SDS–PAGE followed by immunoblotting against caspase‐8, caspase‐9, caspase‐3, poly(ADP‐ribose)polymerase (PARP), cytochrome c and apoptosis inducing factor (AIF). In addition, fluorescence microscopy was used for the detection of mitochondrial membrane potential (JC‐1 assay) and apoptotic cells (annexin V‐FITC/PI assay). The results obtained clearly indicate the significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the expression of caspase‐3 (27 kDa), caspase‐8 (53 kDa), caspase‐9 (50 kDa) precursor and cytochrome c (17 kDa) in semen cryopreserved in SMT extender in comparison with EYT extender. A non‐significant (p > 0.05) reduction in expression of PARP‐DNA‐binding subunit (24 kDa) was observed in SMT extender. No expression of AIF was found in cryopreserved semen samples. A significant (p < 0.05) increase in the mean percentage of cells having high mitochondrial membrane potential and a non‐significant (p > 0.05) decrease in late apoptotic cells (AN+/PI+) was observed in SMT extender when compared to EYT extender. The results demonstrated that cryopreservation of buffalo semen in SMT‐based phytoextender can replace the traditional egg yolk extenders as it reduces the expression of apoptotic proteins maintaining high mitochondrial membrane potential and gives better protection to sperms in terms of its non‐animal origin.
Polymorphism in NFKBIA gene is associated with recurrent acute rejections in liver transplant recipients
Authors: Kramer K. , Thye T. , Treszl A. , Peine S. , Koch M. , Sterneck M. , Nashan B. , Thude H. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer B‐cells inhibitor‐alpha (NFKBIA) gene encodes a member of the nuclear factor‐kappa‐B inhibitor family. Polymorphisms in this gene might be associated with a susceptibility to acute rejection episodes following liver transplantation, as they may cause an increased activation level of the proinflammatory transcription factor nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B‐cells (NFκB). The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the NFKBIA polymorphisms −297 C/T (rs2233409), −826 C/T (rs2233406) and 126 G/A (rs696) affect the incidence of acute liver graft rejection. A total of 199 liver transplant recipients was analyzed, 100 without (NAR) and 99 with early acute rejection (AR). Thirty‐two individuals with multiple acute rejections (MAR) were analyzed as a subgroup of AR. Polymerase chain reaction‐allele specific restriction enzyme analysis (PCR‐ASRA) and allele‐specific hybridization with fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) were used for genotyping. We identified the genotype NFKBIA 126 AA (P = 0.002) as well as the haplotype NFKBIA–126A–297T–826T (P = 0.002) as a potential risk factor for the occurrence of recurrent acute rejections. Furthermore, we assessed an association between the 126 A allele and susceptibility to recurrent acute rejections (P = 0.027). Our data suggest that the NFKBIA 126 G/A polymorphism might be potentially helpful to identify liver transplant recipients with an increased susceptibility to develop recurrent acute rejections.
Pressure natriuresis and the renal control of arterial blood pressure
Authors: Ivy Jessica R. , Bailey Matthew A. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe regulation of extracellular fluid volume by renal sodium excretion lies at the centre of blood pressure homeostasis. Renal perfusion pressure can directly regulate sodium reabsorption in the proximal tubule. This acute pressure natriuresis response is a uniquely powerful means of stabilizing long‐term blood pressure around a set point. By logical extension, deviation from the set point can only be sustained if the pressure natriuresis mechanism is impaired, suggesting that hypertension is caused or sustained by a defect in the relationship between renal perfusion pressure and sodium excretion. Here we describe the role of pressure natriuresis in blood pressure control and outline the cascade of biophysical and paracrine events in the renal medulla that integrate the vascular and tubular response to altered perfusion pressure. Pressure natriuresis is impaired in hypertension and mechanistic insight into dysfunction comes from genetic analysis of blood pressure disorders. Transplantation studies in rats show that blood pressure is determined by the genotype of the kidney and Mendelian hypertension indicates that the distal nephron influences the overall natriuretic efficiency. These approaches and the outcomes of genome‐wide‐association studies broaden our view of blood pressure control, suggesting that renal sympathetic nerve activity and local inflammation can impair pressure natriuresis to cause hypertension. Understanding how these systems interact is necessary to tackle the global burden of hypertension.
5‐Hydroxytryptamine1A receptor‐activation hyperpolarizes pyramidal cells and suppresses hippocampal gamma oscillations via Kir3 channel activation
Authors: Johnston April , McBain Chris J. , Fisahn André 
Published: August 2014

Key points
Rhythmic activity in the gamma frequency range (30–80 Hz) in the hippocampus is modulated by neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and histamine.
Multiple different serotonin receptors are expressed in the hippocampus.
Here we show that serotonin suppresses hippocampal gamma oscillations via activation of the receptor 5‐HT1A.
The cellular cause for suppressed gamma oscillations is the 5‐HT1A receptor‐induced hyperpolarization and afterpolarization frequency reduction of pyramidal cells, but not of parvalbumin‐positive interneurons.
The pyramidal cell hyperpolarization is mediated by an inwardly rectifying current mediated by the Kir3 potassium channel known to couple to 5‐HT1A, which also results in decreased firing frequency.
AbstractRhythmic cortical neuronal oscillations in the gamma frequency band (30–80 Hz, gamma oscillations) have been associated with cognitive processes such as sensory perception and integration, attention, learning, and memory. Gamma oscillations are disrupted in disorders for which cognitive deficits are hallmark symptoms such as schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. In vitro, various neurotransmitters have been found to modulate gamma oscillations. Serotonin (5‐HT) has long been known to be important for both behavioural and cognitive functions such as learning and memory. Multiple 5‐HT receptor subtypes are expressed in the CA3 region of the hippocampus and high doses of 5‐HT reduce the power of induced gamma oscillations. Hypothesizing that 5‐HT may have cell‐ and receptor subtype‐specific modulatory effects, we investigated the receptor subtypes, cell types and cellular mechanisms engaged by 5‐HT in the modulation of gamma oscillations in mice and rats. We found that 5‐HT decreases the power of kainate‐induced hippocampal gamma oscillations in both species via the 5‐HT1A receptor subtype. Whole‐cell patch clamp recordings demonstrated that this decrease was caused by a hyperpolarization of CA3 pyramidal cells and a reduction of their firing frequency, but not by alteration of inhibitory neurotransmission. Finally, our results show that the effect on pyramidal cells is mediated via the G protein‐coupled receptor inwardly rectifying potassium channel Kir3. Our findings suggest this novel cellular mechanism as a potential target for therapies that are aimed at alleviating cognitive decline by helping the brain to maintain or re‐establish normal gamma oscillation levels in neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders.