bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential Role of D1 and D2 Receptors in the Perifornical Lateral Hypothalamus in Controlling Ethanol Drinking and Food Intake: Possible Interaction with Local Orexin Neurons
Authors: Chen Yu‐Wei , Morganstern Irene , Barson Jessica R. , Hoebel Bartley G. , Leibowitz Sarah F. 
Published: November 2013

BackgroundThe neurotransmitter dopamine (DA), acting in various mesolimbic brain regions, is well known for its role in promoting motivated behaviors, including ethanol (EtOH) drinking. Indirect evidence, however, suggests that DA in the perifornical lateral hypothalamus (PF/LH) has differential effects on EtOH consumption, depending on whether it acts on the DA 1 (D1) or DA 2 (D2) receptor subtype, and that these effects are mediated in part by local peptide systems, such as orexin/hypocretin (OX) and melanin‐concentrating hormone (MCH), known to stimulate the consumption of EtOH.MethodsThe present study in brain‐cannulated Sprague‐Dawley rats measured the effects of dopaminergic compounds in the PF/LH on drinking behavior in animals trained to consume 7% EtOH and also on local peptide mRNA expression using digoxigenin‐labeled in situ hybridization in EtOH‐naïve animals.ResultsExperiments 1 and 2 showed that the D1 agonist SKF81297 (10.8 nmol/side) in the PF/LH significantly increased food intake, while tending to increase EtOH intake, and the D1 antagonist SCH23390 significantly decreased EtOH intake without affecting food intake. In contrast, the D2 agonist quinelorane (6.2 nmol/side) in the PF/LH significantly reduced EtOH consumption, while the D2 antagonist sulpiride increased it. Experiments 3 and 4 revealed differential effects of PF/LH injection of the DA agonists on local OX mRNA, which was increased by the D1 agonist and decreased by the D2 agonist. These DA agonists had no impact on MCH expression.ConclusionsThese results support a stimulatory role of the PF/LH D1 receptor in promoting the consumption of both EtOH and food, in contrast to a suppressive effect of the D2 receptor on EtOH drinking. They further suggest that these receptors affect consumption, in part, through local OX‐expressing neurons. These findings provide new evidence for the function of PF/LH DA receptor subtypes in controlling EtOH and food intake.
Genetic differentiation of southeast Baltic populations of sea trout inferred from single nucleotide polymorphisms
Authors: Poćwierz‐Kotus A. , Bernaś R. , Dębowski P. , Kent M. P. , Lien S. , Kesler M. , Titov S. , Leliūna E. , Jespersen H. , Drywa A. , Wenne R. 
Published: November 2013

SummarySea trout (Salmo trutta m. trutta) is a migratory form of brown trout common in the Baltic Sea. Nine populations from the southeast Baltic (Poland; Lithuania; Denmark, Bornholm; Estonia and Russia) were genotyped using iPLEX Gold technology (Sequenom) with 62 informative SNPs. A diagnostic panel of 23 SNPs was applied to estimate genetic differentiation and assess the population structure of Baltic sea trout. The highest level of pairwise FST differences was observed between the Russian (East Gulf of Finland) and Polish (Baltic main basin) populations. The lowest differences were between the two Polish and the Polish and Lithuanian populations. A genetic similarity was noted between the Estonian Riguldi River and Danish Bornholm populations, and this finding was supported by a Bayesian and factorial correspondence analysis. Diversity within populations was highest for populations from Estonia and lowest for the Lithuanian population. Genetic structure analysis indicated that individuals from the nine populations were clustered into four groups.
Artificial Biometric Finger Driven by Shape‐Memory Alloy Wires
Authors: Silva André Fellipe Cavalcante , dos Santos Alexsandro José Virgínio , Souto Cícero da Rocha , de Araújo Carlos José , da Silva Simplício Arnaud 
Published: November 2013

Abstract: This paper presents the design and testing of an artificial finger based partly on biomechanics. The prototype was manufactured in acrylonitrile butadiene styrene plastic using a rapid prototyping three‐dimensional printer. The flexing of the finger was realized by Ni‐Ti shape‐memory alloy (SMA) wires with diameters of 0.3 mm, activated by resistive heating. The results obtained show the new prototype to be superior in performance, mainly in terms of angles of rotation of the phalanges, compared with some SMA fingers discussed in the literature.
Study of a Centrifugal Blood Pump in a Mock Loop System
Authors: Uebelhart Beatriz , da Silva Bruno Utiyama , Fonseca Jeison , Bock Eduardo , Leme Juliana , da Silva Cibele , Leão Tarcísio , Andrade Aron 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAn implantable centrifugal blood pump (ICBP) is being developed to be used as a ventricular assist device (VAD) in patients with severe cardiovascular diseases. The ICBP system is composed of a centrifugal pump, a motor, a controller, and a power supply. The electricity source provides power to the controller and to a motor that moves the pump's rotor through magnetic coupling. The centrifugal pump is composed of four parts: external conical house, external base, impeller, and impeller base. The rotor is supported by a pivot bearing system, and its impeller base is responsible for sheltering four permanent magnets. A hybrid cardiovascular simulator (HCS) was used to evaluate the ICBP's performance. A heart failure (HF) (when the heart increases beat frequency to compensate for decrease in blood flow) was simulated in the HCS. The main objective of this work is to analyze changes in physiological parameters such as cardiac output, blood pressure, and heart rate in three situations: healthy heart, HF, and HF with left circulatory assistance by ICBP. The results showed that parameters such as aortic pressure and cardiac output affected by the HF situation returned to normal values when the ICBP was connected to the HCS. In conclusion, the test results showed satisfactory performance for the ICBP as a VAD.
Development, Characterization, and Cellular Adhesion of Poly(l‐Lactic Acid)/Poly(Caprolactone Triol) Membranes for Potential Application in Bone Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Mistura Daniel V. , Messias André D. , Duek Eliana A.R. , Duarte Márcia A.T. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPoly(l‐lactide)/poly(caprolactone triol) (PLLA/PCL‐T) membranes were prepared by solution casting in 100/0, 90/10, and 70/30 (w/w) ratios. The membranes were analyzed by dynamic mechanical analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and mechanical tests. The thermal analysis showed that the 90/10 and 70/30 preparations were partly miscible systems. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of PLLA decreases as the PCL‐T concentration increases, which implies that PCL‐T has a plasticizer function. An in vitro study with osteoblastic cells isolated from the calvariae of rats was performed in all preparations. The results obtained in this study showed that the addition of PCL‐T to the PLLA matrix modifies its mechanical, thermal, and biological properties. These blends could be useful for tissue engineering for bone applications.
Investigating the effects of conscientiousness on daily stress, affect and physical symptom processes: A daily diary study
Authors: Gartland Nicola , O'Connor Daryl B. , Lawton Rebecca , Ferguson Eamonn 
Published: November 2013

ObjectivesHigher conscientiousness (C) predicts better health outcomes. Recent research suggests that stress may play an important role in explaining this relationship. The current study aimed to establish whether C moderates the relationship between daily hassle appraisals, daily affect, and physical symptoms.Design and MethodsA daily diary design was used, where participants (N = 103) completed a baseline measure of C followed by a 14‐day daily diary, providing daily details of hassles (primary and secondary appraisals) experienced as well as positive and negative affect and physical symptoms.ResultsHierarchical linear modelling revealed that Total C (as well as two facets of C: Order and Industriousness) moderated the relationship between stress appraisals and positive affect. Specifically, the negative association between the daily appraisal of hassles as stressful (i.e., where perceived demands outweighed perceived resources) and positive affect was stronger for lower and average levels of C, Order, and Industriousness. No significant moderated effects were found for negative affect or physical symptoms. The Order facet was also found to be an important factor predicting attrition.ConclusionsThe current study provided evidence that C and two of its facets can moderate the relationship between hassle appraisal and positive affect. C may exert part of its influence on health by modifying the effects of daily stressors.Statement of contributionWhat is already known on this subject? Conscientiousness has a significant positive effect on longevity and health status. While the performance of health behaviours may partially account for this relationship, evidence suggests that it does not fully mediate the effect. Research has begun to look at stress as a possible additional explanatory variable, and there is evidence that Conscientiousness moderates the relationship between stress and health behaviours.

What does this study add?

Shows that Conscientiousness and two of its facets (Order and Industriousness) moderate the relationship between hassle appraisal and positive affect.
Highlights the importance of studying lower order facets of personality in health research.
Suggests that Conscientiousness may exert part of its influence on health by modifying the effects of daily stressors.
Why computational models are better than verbal theories: the case of nonword repetition
Authors: Jones Gary , Gobet Fernand , Freudenthal Daniel , Watson Sarah E. , Pine Julian M. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractTests of nonword repetition (NWR) have often been used to examine children's phonological knowledge and word learning abilities. However, theories of NWR primarily explain performance either in terms of phonological working memory or long‐term knowledge, with little consideration of how these processes interact. One theoretical account that focuses specifically on the interaction between short‐term and long‐term memory is the chunking hypothesis. Chunking occurs because of repeated exposure to meaningful stimulus items, resulting in the items becoming grouped (or chunked); once chunked, the items can be represented in short‐term memory using one chunk rather than one chunk per item. We tested several predictions of the chunking hypothesis by presenting 5–6‐year‐old children with three tests of NWR that were either high, medium, or low in wordlikeness. The results did not show strong support for the chunking hypothesis, suggesting that chunking fails to fully explain children's NWR behavior. However, simulations using a computational implementation of chunking (namely CLASSIC, or Chunking Lexical And Sub‐lexical Sequences In Children) show that, when the linguistic input to 5–6‐year‐old children is estimated in a reasonable way, the children's data are matched across all three NWR tests. These results have three implications for the field: (a) a chunking account can explain key NWR phenomena in 5–6‐year‐old children; (b) tests of chunking accounts require a detailed specification both of the chunking mechanism itself and of the input on which the chunking mechanism operates; and (c) verbal theories emphasizing the role of long‐term knowledge (such as chunking) are not precise enough to make detailed predictions about experimental data, but computational implementations of the theories can bridge the gap.
Infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy caused by uniparental disomy
Authors: Solomons Joyce , Ridgway Oliver , Hardy Carol , Kurian Manju , Jayawant Sandeep , Hughes Sarah , Pretorius Pieter , Németh Andrea H 
Published: November 2013

Infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy (INAD) is a rare autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in the phospholipase A2 group 6 (Pla2G6) gene. Affected individuals usually present between the ages of 6 months and 2 years with rapid cognitive and motor regression and axial hypotonia. Gait disturbance, limb spasticity, cerebellar signs, and optic atrophy are other common features associated with INAD. Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can sometimes contribute towards the diagnosis, the confirmation of INAD is by Pla2G6 gene analysis. In this case report, we describe the first individual (female) with INAD due to a combination of uniparental heterodisomy and isodisomy; we discuss the possible underlying mechanism and highlight the importance of parental carrier testing in accurately predicting the recurrence risk in these families. We also confirm the recent report of hypertrophy of the clava (also known as the ‘gracile tubercle’) as a useful MRI sign in INAD.
Vitamin D deficiency is associated with mortality in patients with advanced liver cirrhosis
Authors: Stokes Caroline S. , Krawczyk Marcin , Reichel Christoph , Lammert Frank , Grünhage Frank 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundChronic liver disease is the fifth most common cause of mortality in Europe. Recently, vitamin D deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of mortality in the general population. As patients with advanced liver disease frequently exhibit vitamin D deficiency, we assessed for a possible association of vitamin D deficiency with survival in a cohort of patients with advanced liver disease.MethodsSixty‐five patients with liver cirrhosis (median age, 58 years; range, 19–76 years; 66% male; Child‐Pugh stage C, 46%) were included in our prospective single‐centre survival study. Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D concentrations were measured by chemiluminescence immunoassay. The optimal cut‐off was determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and Kaplan‐Meier analysis. Chi‐square statistics and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis were also conducted.ResultsMedian serum vitamin D levels were 8·2 ng/mL (range <4·0–95·8 ng/mL). Overall, 48% of patients (31/65) died during a 24‐month follow‐up period. ROC analysis determined a vitamin D level of 6·0 ng/mL as optimal cut‐off for discriminating survivors from nonsurvivors. Kaplan–Meier analysis of survival confirmed low vitamin D levels as significant predictor of death (P = 0·012). Finally, multivariate analysis identified low vitamin D levels (OR = 6·3; 95% CI, 1·2–31·2; P = 0·012) and MELD scores (OR = 1·4; 95% CI, 1·2–1·7; P < 0·001) as independent predictors of survival.ConclusionLow vitamin D levels are associated with increased mortality in patients with advanced liver disease. Thus, serum levels of vitamin D might represent a critical marker of survival in advanced liver cirrhosis.
Association between reduced kidney function and clinical outcomes after ischaemic stroke with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Wang D. , Liu M. , Hao Z. , Tao W. 
Published: November 2013

Background and purposeAtrial fibrillation (AF) can cause up to 50% of cardioembolic strokes and its effects may be exacerbated by chronic kidney disease. Our aim was to investigate the influence of reduced renal function on death, disability and stroke recurrence in stroke patients with AF in China.MethodsIn this prospective study, patients with ischaemic stroke and AF who were admitted within 1 month of stroke onset between January 2003 and February 2007 were consecutively enrolled. Patients were classified as having a reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) or normal eGFR, and clinical characteristics, functional outcomes and stroke recurrence were compared between the two groups.ResultsA total of 229 patients were analyzed in the study, of whom 105 (45.9%) had reduced eGFR. These patients were more likely to be female, non‐smokers and non‐drinkers than were patients in the normal eGFR group (all P ≤ 0.002). Patients with reduced eGFR showed approximately 2‐fold higher risk of death at 3, 6 and 12 months after stroke onset than did patients with normal eGFR (all P ≤ 0.042), after adjusting for age, sex and stroke severity on admission. However, the two groups showed similar 1‐year cumulative stroke recurrence (P = 0.331, log rank test).ConclusionsReduced eGFR was independently associated with increased risk of death in patients with ischaemic stroke and AF. The association between reduced eGFR and risk of stroke recurrence needs to be explored in larger studies.
Comparison of primary vaccination regimes for equine influenza: Working towards an evidence‐based regime
Authors: Cullinane A. , Gildea S. , Weldon E. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryReasons for performing studyVaccination is crucial to the control of equine influenza (EI). The study was conducted in an effort to lay the groundwork for achieving international harmonisation of regulatory requirements based on scientific evidence of performance of different vaccination regimes.ObjectivesTo evaluate the effectiveness of 3 different primary vaccination regimes: vaccination with the minimal intervals permitted by the racing authorities; vaccination in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and vaccination with the longest intervals permitted by the racing authorities.Study designRandomised, prospective clinical trial.MethodsThe 55 seronegative unvaccinated horses in this study were subdivided by age and randomly allocated one of the 3 vaccination regimes. All groups were sampled each time a group was vaccinated and 3–5 weeks post vaccination. Horses were vaccinated with a subunit immune stimulating complex‐based vaccine (Equip FT). Antibodies against EI were measured by single radial haemolysis.ResultsLengthening the vaccination intervals increased the immunity gaps between first (V1) and second (V2) doses, and V2 and third dose (V3) but did not inhibit the response to V2 and V3. The response to V2 and V3 was similar irrespective of the regime. Poor responders to V1 were identified in all age groups included in this study but the greatest number of poor responders was among the yearlings. The 2‐ and 3‐year‐old horses responded better to vaccination than the weanlings or yearlings.ConclusionsLonger vaccination intervals permitted by racing authorities increase the periods of susceptibility to EI but they may facilitate strategic vaccination prior to times of increased risk of exposure to virus. The study provides the type of evidence‐based data necessary to commence meaningful discussion of international harmonisation of EI vaccination requirements.
Multifocal motor neuropathy and muscle hypertrophy
Authors: Geevasinga N. , Day B. , Ng K. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractMultifocal motor neuropathy is frequently an asymmetrical neuropathy predominantly affecting the upper limbs. Patients present with weakness, fasciculations and distal muscle wasting. Hypertrophy of muscles is very infrequently reported. We present two cases of multifocal motor neuropathy with upper limb muscle hypertrophy and discuss possible pathophysiological mechanisms. Botulinum toxin may be useful to alleviate cramp.
Demonstrable professionalism: linking patient‐centred care and revalidation
Authors: Phelps G. , Dalton S. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe move by the Medical Board of Australia to commence a conversation with the medical profession about revalidation reflects that patient‐centred care is at the heart of good medical practice. Patients judge their doctors’ commitment to them based on whether their individual interactions with doctors meet their needs. We argue that ensuring that doctors are continuing to perform at a level that the community regards as acceptable is a demonstration of an individual doctor's professionalism and thus their commitment to patient‐centred care. This impacts on the profession as a whole, which needs to commit to what we call ‘demonstrable professionalism’ – the ongoing and active demonstration of performance that the community regards as acceptable. This needs to be supported by organisations in which doctors work, reflecting the importance of organisational context to clinical practice. Revalidation processes thus need both to reflect the work of doctors and be meaningful to the community. The move to consider revalidation of doctors by regulatory authorities should not be seen by the profession as a threat, but more as an opportunity to demonstrate the profession's commitment to patient‐centred care.
EVER‐Acta lecture: Telomere maintenance and retinal vascularisation
Authors: KIVELÄ T 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAbnormal development of the retinal vasculature is an important cause of vision loss in infancy, childhood and, occasionally, in adult life. In addition to retinopathy of prematurity from exposure to oxygen after preterm birth, several genetic defects affecting retinal vascularization have recently been discovered, affecting either Wnt signaling or telomere maintenance. The canonical norrin–beta‐catenin pathway of Wnt signaling is deranged by mutations in frizzeld‐4 (FZD4), low density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 5 (LRP5), norrin (NDP) and other genes. These lead to vascular leakage, vitreoretinal traction or both in Coats’ disease, familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR), Norrie’s disease and osteoporosis‐pseudoglioma syndrome. Mutations in telomeric repeat‐binding factor 1‐interacting nuclear factor 2 (TINF2) and CTS telomere maintenance complex component 1 (CTC1) in Revesz syndrome and cerebroretinal microangiopathy with calcifications and cysts (CRMCC) can even cause retinal angiomas. Wnt signaling initially was the suspect for them as well, because all six diseases share more or less widespread retinal avascularity as a hallmark. Indeed, a link between the two pathways is still possible. The manifestations of the telomere‐related syndromes are more protean than those of Wnt‐related ones, which have no other significant systemic findings than osteoporosis if LRP5 is mutated. The former may lead to a cerebral and intestinal vasculopathy or hepatopathy, all of which can be fatal, and to skin and hair abnormalities. Milder forms can escape diagnosis until adulthood. It is useful to recognize these genetic vasculopathies. Genes for cases which still go unexplained remain to be discovered.
ILM peeling or not ‐ The best dye
Authors: POURNARAS JA 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe decision to peel or not ILM remains major controversy in macular hole surgery. A critical review of advantages and inconvenients will be discussed, as ILM peeling has been suggested to reduce retinal sensitivity when performed during surgery. Furthermore, we will review the different available dyes in order to peel the ILM in safe conditions.
What are we doing in difficult cases (Not closed, Myopic, Large)?
Authors: PAPPAS G 
Published: November 2013

AbstractMacular hole surgery results are generally very good. The closing rate is almost 92%. Patient can gain significant vision. There is though a group of difficult cases. The very large, the myopic macular holes and the redo cases. Traditional and novel techniques will be proposed in order to get the optimal anatomical and functional result.