bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Iptakalim protects against ischemic injury by improving neurovascular unit function in the mouse brain
Authors: Ji Juan , Yan Hui , Chen Zheng‐Zhen , Zhao Zhan , Yang Dan‐Dan , Sun Xiu‐Lan , Shi Yong‐Ping 
Published: May 2015

SummaryIt has been reported that the novel ATP‐sensitive potassium (K‐ATP) channel opener iptakalim (IPT) decreases ischemic neuronal damage in rats. However, the mechanisms underlying neuroprotection are still to be fully elucidated. The results of this study showed that mice with ischemia induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion exhibited higher mortality and more neurological deficits, as well as larger infarct volume, compared with sham mice. Moreover, it was found that ischemia activated astrocytes surrounding CA1 neurons with an increased expression of D‐serine, induced greater microglial activation accompanied by higher tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) production, and caused higher expressions of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP‐9) in the endothelial cells of mice. Pretreatment with IPT significantly attenuated the neurological deficits and decreased the infarct volume in mice. IPT treatment could decrease MMP‐9 secretion, inhibit astrocytic activation with decreasing D‐serine and elevating connexin43 expression. Microglial activation was also inhibited and TNF‐α production was decreased by IPT. Taken together, a K‐ATP channel opener may improve the function of neurovascular unit and protect against ischemic injury. These findings suggest that targeting K‐ATP channels provides a promising therapeutic approach for stroke.
Duration of ruptured membranes and mother‐to‐child HIV transmission: a prospective population‐based surveillance study
Authors: Peters H , Byrne L , De Ruiter A , Francis K , Harding K , Taylor GP , Tookey PA , Townsend CL 
Published: May 2015

ObjectiveTo investigate the association between duration of rupture of membranes (ROM) and mother‐to‐child HIV transmission (MTCT) rates in the era of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART).DesignThe National Study of HIV in Pregnancy and Childhood (NSHPC) undertakes comprehensive population‐based surveillance of HIV in pregnant women and children.SettingUK and Ireland.PopulationA cohort of 2398 singleton pregnancies delivered vaginally, or by emergency caesarean section, in women on cART in pregnancy during the period 2007–2012 with information on duration of ROM; HIV infection status was available for 1898 infants.MethodsDescriptive analysis of NSHPC data.Main outcome measuresRates of MTCT.ResultsIn 2116 pregnancies delivered at term, the median duration of ROM was 3 hours 30 minutes (interquartile range, IQR 1–8 hours). The overall MTCT rate for women delivering at term with duration of ROM ≥4 hours was 0.64% compared with 0.34% for ROM <4 hours, with no significant difference between the groups (OR 1.90, 95% CI 0.45–7.97). In women delivering at term with a viral load of <50 copies/ml, there was no evidence of a difference in MTCT rates with duration of ROM ≥4 hours, compared with <4 hours (0.14% for ≥4 hours versus 0.12% for <4 hour; OR 1.14, 95% CI 0.07–18.27). Among infants born preterm with infection status available, there were no transmissions in 163 deliveries where the maternal viral load was <50 copies/ml.ConclusionsNo association was found between duration of ROM and MTCT in women taking cART.Tweetable abstractRupture of membranes of more than 4 hours is not associated with MTCT of HIV in women on effective ART delivering at term.
CUG‐binding protein 1 (CUGBP1) expression and prognosis of brain metastases from non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Wang Xiaofei , Jiao Wenjie , Zhao Yandong , Zhang Liangdong , Yao Ruyong , Wang Yongjie , Wang Mingzhao , Luo Yiren , Zhao Jinpeng 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe brain is a frequent site of metastases from non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The purpose of this study was to detect the expression of CUG‐binding protein 1 (CUGBP1) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and Ki‐67 in metastasized brain tissue from NSCLC and determine the relationship between CUGBP1 and brain metastases.MethodsThe expression of CUGBP1 mRNA and Ki‐67 in metastasized brain tissue from NSCLC was investigated by semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The expression of CUGBP1 and Ki‐67 in metastasized brain tissue from NSCLC was related to clinical characteristics, as assessed using the chi‐square test. The prognostic significance was assessed by univariate and multivariate analyses using the Cox hazard model.ResultsThe expression of CUGBP1 mRNA and Ki‐67 was overexpressed in metastasized brain tissue from NSCLC and was correlated with differentiation. In addition, by both univariate and multivariate survival analyses, CUGBP1 expression, Ki‐67 expression, and age were noted to be independent indicators of a shorter postsurgical survival.ConclusionThe expression of CUGBP1 is an important factor in the development of brain metastases from NSCLC.
Nerve localization techniques for peripheral nerve block and possible future directions
Authors: Helen L. , O'Donnell B. D. , Moore E. 
Published: May 2015

BackgroundUltrasound guidance is now a standard nerve localization technique for peripheral nerve block (PNB). Ultrasonography allows simultaneous visualization of the target nerve, needle, local anesthetic injectate, and surrounding anatomical structures. Accurate deposition of local anesthetic next to the nerve is essential to the success of the nerve block procedure. Due to limitations in the visibility of both needle tip and nerve surface, the precise relationship between needle tip and target nerve is unknown at the moment of injection. Importantly, nerve injury may result both from an inappropriately placed needle tip and inappropriately placed local anesthetic. The relationship between the block needle tip and target nerve is of paramount importance to the safe conduct of peripheral nerve block.MethodsThis review summarizes the evolution of nerve localization in regional anesthesia, characterizes a problem faced by clinicians in performing ultrasound‐guided nerve block, and explores the potential technological solutions to this problem.ResultsTo date, technology newly applied to PNB includes real‐time 3D imaging, multi‐planar magnetic needle guidance, and inline injection pressure monitoring. This review postulates that optical reflectance spectroscopy and bioimpedance may allow for accurate identification of the relationship between needle tip and target nerve, currently a high priority deficit in PNB techniques.ConclusionsUntil it is known how best to define the relationship between needle and nerve at the moment of injection, some common sense principles are suggested.
Factor Structure of Subjective Responses to Alcohol in Light and Heavy Drinkers
Authors: Bujarski Spencer , Hutchison Kent E. , Roche Daniel J. O. , Ray Lara A. 
Published: May 2015

BackgroundSubjective responses (SRs) to alcohol have been implicated in alcoholism etiology, yet less is known about the latent factor structure of alcohol responses. The aim of this study was to examine the factor structure of SR using a battery of self‐report measures during a controlled alcohol challenge.MethodsNontreatment seeking drinkers (N = 242) completed an intravenous alcohol challenge including the following SR measures: Biphasic Alcohol Effects Scale, Subjective High Assessment Scale, Profile of Mood States, Alcohol Urge Questionnaire, and single items assessing alcohol “Liking” and “Wanting.” Ascending limb target breath alcohol concentrations were 0.02, 0.04, and 0.06, and descending limb target was 0.04 g/dl. Exploratory factor analyses were conducted separately on estimates of mean and dose responses on the ascending limb and on descending limb data. To examine the generalizability of this factor structure, these analyses were repeated in heavy drinkers (≥14 drinks/wk for men, ≥7 for women; n = 132) and light drinkers (i.e., nonheavy drinkers; n = 110).ResultsIn the full sample, a 4‐factor solution was supported for ascending limb mean and dose responses and descending limb data representing the following SR domains: Stimulation/Hedonia, Craving/Motivation, Sedation/Motor Intoxication, and Negative Affect. This 4‐factor solution was replicated in heavy drinkers. In light drinkers, however, SR was better summarized by a 3‐factor solution where ascending mean and descending limb responses consisted of Stimulation/Hedonia, Craving/Motivation, and a general negative valence factor, and dose responses consisted of a general positive valence factor, Sedation/Motor Intoxication, and Negative Affect.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that SR represents a multifaceted construct with consistent factor structure across both ascending and descending limbs. Further, as drinking levels escalate, more defined Craving/Motivation and negative valence dimensions may emerge. Longitudinal studies examining these constructs are needed to further our understanding of SR as potentially sensitive to alcohol‐induced neuroadaptation.
An International Union for Conservation of Nature risk assessment of coastal lowland rainforests of the Wet Tropics Bioregion, Queensland, Australia
Authors: Metcalfe Daniel J. , Lawson T. J. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractLowland rainforest communities are among the most threatened across South‐east Asia as a result of ease of access, suitability for agriculture and proximity to population centres along the coast and to ports for export of timber, minerals and agricultural produce. In Australia, coastal lowland rainforest occupies a narrow band between the marine‐influenced littoral communities and the forests of the coastal ranges and uplands in the Wet Tropics Bioregion of north‐east Queensland. As the coastal lowlands were already highly fragmented, and subject to ongoing conversion for agriculture and urbanization, they were excluded from the World Heritage listing of the Wet Tropics of Queensland in 1988. Littoral rainforest and broad‐leaved tea‐tree swamps in the coastal zone have both recently been protected under Commonwealth environmental protection legislation; meanwhile, the remnant coastal lowland rainforest faces continued threats from extreme events, climate change, land management activities and introduced species. In a risk assessment based on IUCN guidelines, coastal lowland rainforest was assessed as endangered due to restricted distribution (full extent of the community encompassed by a minimum complex polygon less than 20 000 km2) in conjunction with qualitative evidence of disruption to biotic interactions. A second criterion related to the historic decline in geographic distribution (60% decline in distribution since 1750) would correspond to a condition of vulnerable. Coastal lowland rainforest on alluvial soils has been particularly impacted, and a 75% decline in distribution since 1760 would correspond to a condition of endangered for this subtype. We had insufficient data to address the remaining IUCN Red List criteria for ecosystems, but point to published studies which address these criteria at the subregional level, and make suggestions for future data collection, monitoring and analyses which may support future reviews or proposals for enhanced protection within an Australian legislative context.
Whole‐genome prediction of fatty acid composition in meat of Japanese Black cattle
Authors: Onogi A. , Ogino A. , Komatsu T. , Shoji N. , Shimizu K. , Kurogi K. , Yasumori T. , Togashi K. , Iwata H. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryBecause fatty acid composition influences the flavor and texture of meat, controlling it is particularly important for cattle breeds such as the Japanese Black, characterized by high meat quality. We evaluated the predictive ability of single‐step genomic best linear unbiased prediction (ssGBLUP) in fatty acid composition of Japanese Black cattle by assessing the composition of seven fatty acids in 3088 cattle, of which 952 had genome‐wide marker genotypes. All sires of the genotyped animals were genotyped, but their dams were not. Cross‐validation was conducted for the 952 animals. The prediction accuracy was higher with ssGBLUP than with best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) for all traits, and in an empirical investigation, the gain in accuracy of using ssGBLUP over BLUP increased as the deviations in phenotypic values of the animals increased. In addition, the superior accuracy of ssGBLUP tended to be more evident in animals whose maternal grandsire was genotyped than in other animals, although the effect was small.
Childhood asthma is associated with mutations and gene expression differences of ORMDL genes that can interact
Authors: Toncheva A. A. , Potaczek D. P. , Schedel M. , Gersting S. W. , Michel S. , Krajnov N. , Gaertner V. D. , Klingbeil J. M. , Illig T. , Franke A. , Winkler C. , Hohlfeld J. M. , Vogelberg C. , von Berg A. , Bufe A. , Heinzmann A. , Laub O. , Rietschel E. , Simma B. , Genuneit J. , Muntau A. C. , Kabesch M. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundGenomewide association studies identified ORMDL3 as a plausible asthma candidate gene. ORMDL proteins regulate sphingolipid metabolism and ceramide homeostasis and participate in lymphocyte activation and eosinophil recruitment. Strong sequence homology between the three ORMDL genes and ORMDL protein conservation among different species suggest that they may have shared functions. We hypothesized that if single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ORMDL3 alter its gene expression and play a role in asthma, variants in ORMDL1 and ORMDL2 might also be associated with asthma.MethodsAsthma associations of 44 genotyped SNPs were determined in at least 1303 subjects (651 asthmatics). ORMDL expression was evaluated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 55 subjects (eight asthmatics) before and after allergen stimulation, and in blood (n = 60, 5 asthmatics). Allele‐specific cis‐effects on ORMDL expression were assessed. Interactions between human ORMDL proteins were determined in living cells.ResultsSixteen SNPs in all three ORMDLs were associated with asthma (14 in ORMDL3). Baseline expression of ORMDL1 (P = 1.7 × 10−6) and ORMDL2 (P = 4.9 × 10−5) was significantly higher in PBMC from asthmatics, while induction of ORMDLs upon stimulation was stronger in nonasthmatics. Disease‐associated alleles (rs8079416, rs4795405, rs3902920) alter ORMDL3 expression. ORMDL proteins formed homo‐ and heterooligomers and displayed similar patterns of interaction with SERCA2 and SPT1.ConclusionsPolymorphisms in ORMDL genes are associated with asthma. Asthmatics exhibit increased ORMDL levels, suggesting that ORMDLs contribute to asthma. Formation of heterooligomers and similar interaction patterns with proteins involved in calcium homeostasis and sphingolipid metabolism could indicate shared biological roles of ORMDLs, influencing airway remodeling and hyperresponsiveness.
Identification and characterization of near‐fatal asthma phenotypes by cluster analysis
Authors: Serrano‐Pariente J. , Rodrigo G. , Fiz J. A. , Crespo A. , Plaza V. ,   the High Risk Asthma Research Group
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundNear‐fatal asthma (NFA) is a heterogeneous clinical entity and several profiles of patients have been described according to different clinical, pathophysiological and histological features. However, there are no previous studies that identify in a unbiased way – using statistical methods such as clusters analysis – different phenotypes of NFA. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to identify and to characterize phenotypes of near fatal asthma using a cluster analysis.MethodsOver a period of 2 years, 33 Spanish hospitals enrolled 179 asthmatics admitted for an episode of NFA. A cluster analysis using two‐steps algorithm was performed from data of 84 of these cases.ResultsThe analysis defined three clusters of patients with NFA: cluster 1, the largest, including older patients with clinical and therapeutic criteria of severe asthma; cluster 2, with an high proportion of respiratory arrest (68%), impaired conciousness level (82%) and mechanical ventilation (93%); and cluster 3, which included younger patients, characterized by an insufficient anti‐inflammatory treatment and frequent sensitization to Alternaria alternata and soybean.ConclusionsThese results identify specific asthma phenotypes involved in NFA, confirming in part previous findings observed in studies with a clinical approach. The identification of patients with a specific NFA phenotype could suggest interventions to prevent future severe asthma exacerbations.
Emergency left colonic resections on an acute surgical unit: does subspecialization improve outcomes?
Authors: Gibbons Genevieve , Tan Chuan Jin , Bartolo David C. C. , Filgate Rhys , Makin Greg , Barwood Nigel , Wallace Marina 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundLeft‐sided colonic pathologies requiring emergency resection are commonly encountered on an acute surgical unit. Subspecialist colorectal (CR) management of these patients may result in decreased morbidity, mortality and stoma rates. This study is the first of its kind comparing outcomes between CR surgeons and general surgeons on an acute surgical unit.MethodsThis is a retrospective review of 196 consecutive patients who underwent emergency left colonic resection on an acute surgical unit between January 2009 and July 2014. Patients were divided into two groups dependent on whether their surgery was managed by a CR specialist or general surgeon. Primary outcome measures were 30‐day mortality, rate of primary anastomosis and overall stoma rate.ResultsPatients in the two groups were comparable for age, sex, American Society for Anesthesiologists score as well as CR POSSUM scores. Rates of primary anastomosis were significantly higher in the CR group compared with the acute surgical unit group (85.5 versus 28.7%, P ≤ 0.001). Overall stoma rates were significantly lower in the CR group (40.4 versus 88.8%, P = 0.0001). Thirty‐day mortality was similar in both groups. Other secondary markers of morbidity including length of stay, return to theatre, anastomotic leak rate, wound problems and systemic complications had no significant difference between the two groups.ConclusionSubspecialist CR management of patients undergoing emergency left‐sided colonic resection on an acute surgical unit is associated with a similar level of morbidity and mortality while safely achieving significantly higher rates of primary anastomosis and lower stoma rates.
Estimation of nitrogen and phosphorus flows in livestock production in Dianchi Lake basin, China
Authors: Anzai Hiroki , Wang Lin , Oishi Kazato , Irbis Chagan , Li Kunzhi , Kumagai Hajime , Inamura Tatsuya , Hirooka Hiroyuki 
Published: May 2015

AbstractWe assessed the nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) flows in intensified livestock production systems by investigating nutrient budgets and cycling in the basin of Dianchi Lake, one of the most eutrophic lakes in China. We conducted field surveys based on feed samplings and interviews of livestock farmers. The N and P in local and external feeds, animal body retentions, animal products and excretions were calculated at the individual level for dairy cattle, fattening pigs, breeding sows, broilers and laying hens. The N and P flows in the total livestock production system in the area were estimated by multiplying the individual N and P budgets by the number of animals. For the dairy and fattening pig productions, N and P supplied from local crops or by‐products accounted for large parts of the inputs. For the other livestock categories, most of the N and P inputs depended on external resources. The N and P outputs through animal manure into the cropland were 287 and 66 kg/ha/year, respectively, which were higher than the N and P inputs into the livestock production systems from the cropland. The N and P loads from manure should be reduced for the establishment of sustainable agricultural production systems.
A spillover‐based theory of credentialism
Authors: Bidner Chris 
Published: May 2015

AbstractI propose a model in which credentials, such as diplomas, are instrumentally valuable to workers. The model avoids an important criticism of standard job market signalling models by tying a worker's wage to their output. A worker's productivity is influenced by the skills of their co‐workers, where such skills arise from an ability‐augmenting investment that is made prior to matching with co‐workers. Credentials allow workers to demonstrate their investment to the labour market, thereby allowing them to match with high‐skill co‐workers in equilibrium. Despite the positive externality associated with a worker's investment, I show how overinvestment is pervasive in equilibrium.
Attention to Faces Expressing Negative Emotion at 7 Months Predicts Attachment Security at 14 Months
Authors: Peltola Mikko J. , Forssman Linda , Puura Kaija , van IJzendoorn Marinus H. , Leppänen Jukka M. 
Published: May 2015

To investigate potential infant‐related antecedents characterizing later attachment security, this study tested whether attention to facial expressions, assessed with an eye‐tracking paradigm at 7 months of age (N = 73), predicted infant–mother attachment in the Strange Situation Procedure at 14 months. Attention to fearful faces at 7 months predicted attachment security, with a smaller attentional bias to fearful expressions associated with insecure attachment. Attachment disorganization in particular was linked to an absence of the age‐typical attentional bias to fear. These data provide the first evidence linking infants' attentional bias to negative facial expressions with attachment formation and suggest reduced sensitivity to facial expressions of negative emotion as a testable trait that could link attachment disorganization with later behavioral outcomes.
Diagnostic accuracy of disorganization of the retinal inner layers in detecting macular capillary non‐perfusion in diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Nicholson Luke , Ramu Jayashree , Triantafyllopoulou Ioanna , Patrao Namritha V , Comyn Oliver , Hykin Philip , Sivaprasad Sobha 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundDisorganization of the retinal inner layers (DRIL) on optical coherence tomography (OCT) is thought to represent retinal capillary non‐perfusion (CNP) in eyes with diabetic retinopathy. This study was designed to evaluate the ability of DRIL to accurately predict CNP.DesignRetrospective masked reliability and diagnostic accuracy study performed in the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre, London, UKSamplesRetinal images of patients with diabetic retinopathyMethodsThe OCT images from 90 separate areas of angiographically confirmed perfused and non‐perfused areas of the macula from 37 eyes of 31 patients were anonymized and coded. Two masked graders independently graded these OCT scans for the presence or absence of DRIL to determine the intergrader reliability. The diagnostic accuracy of DRIL in identifying CNP was evaluated from the results obtained.Main Outcome MeasuresSensitivity and specificity of DRIL in accurately detecting CNPResultsThe intergrader agreement was high with a Cohen's kappa of 0.909. DRIL was present in 84.4% (38/45) of non‐perfused retina and none in perfused retina (0/45). The sensitivity and specificity of DRIL in detecting angiographic evidence of CNP was 84.4% and 100%, respectively. The positive predictive value was 100% and the negative predictive value was 86.5%.ConclusionsThe presence of DRIL is a reliable predictor of areas of macular CNP. However, DRIL is not a universal finding of non‐perfusion, with some cases exhibiting absence of DRIL despite angiographic CNP.
Maintaining the balance: both gain‐ and loss‐of‐function KCNA2 mutants cause epileptic encephalopathy
Authors: Drögemöller B. I. 
Published: May 2015

De novo loss‐ or gain‐of‐function mutations in KCNA2 cause epileptic encephalopathySyrbe et al. (2015)Nat Genet 47(4):393–99