bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Melatonin improves cerebrovascular function and decreases oxidative stress in chronically hypoxic lambs
Authors: Herrera Emilio A. , Macchiavello Roberto , Montt Camilo , Ebensperger Germán , Díaz Marcela , Ramírez Santiago , Parer Julian T. , Serón‐Ferré María , Reyes Roberto V. , Llanos Aníbal J. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractChronic hypoxia during gestation and delivery results in oxidative stress and cerebrovascular dysfunction in the neonate. We assessed whether melatonin, a potent antioxidant and potential vasodilator, improves the cerebral vascular function in chronically hypoxic neonatal lambs gestated and born in the highlands (3600 m). Six lambs received melatonin (1 mg/kg per day oral) and six received vehicle, once a day for 8 days. During treatment, biometry and hemodynamic variables were recorded. After treatment, lambs were submitted to a graded FiO2 protocol to assess cardiovascular responses to oxygenation changes. At 12 days old, middle cerebral arteries (MCA) were collected for vascular reactivity, morphostructural, and immunostaining evaluation. Melatonin increased fractional growth at the beginning and improved carotid blood flow at all arterial PO2 levels by the end of the treatment (P < 0.05). Further, melatonin treatment improved vascular responses to potassium, serotonin, methacholine, and melatonin itself (P < 0.05). In addition, melatonin enhanced the endothelial response via nitric oxide‐independent mechanisms in isolated arteries (162 ± 26 versus 266 ± 34 AUC, P < 0.05). Finally, nitrotyrosine staining as an oxidative stress marker decreased in the MCA media layer of melatonin‐treated animals (0.01357 ± 0.00089 versus 0.00837 ± 0.00164 pixels/μm2, P < 0.05). All the melatonin‐induced changes were associated with no systemic cardiovascular alterations in vivo. In conclusion, oral treatment with melatonin modulates cerebral vascular function, resulting in a better cerebral perfusion and reduced oxidative stress in the neonatal period in chronically hypoxic lambs. Melatonin is a potential therapeutic agent for treating cerebrovascular dysfunction associated with oxidative stress and developmental hypoxia in neonates.
Both butyrate incubation and hypoxia upregulate genes involved in the ruminal transport of SCFA and their metabolites
Authors: Dengler F. , Rackwitz R. , Benesch F. , Pfannkuche H. , Gäbel G. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryButyrate modulates the differentiation, proliferation and gene expression profiles of various cell types. Ruminal epithelium is exposed to a high intraluminal concentration and inflow of n‐butyrate. We aimed to investigate the influence of n‐butyrate on the mRNA expression of proteins involved in the transmembranal transfer of n‐butyrate metabolites and short‐chain fatty acids in ruminal epithelium. N‐butyrate‐induced changes were compared with the effects of hypoxia because metabolite accumulation after O2 depletion is at least partly comparable to the accumulation of metabolites after n‐butyrate exposure. Furthermore, in various tissues, O2 depletion modulates the expression of transport proteins that are also involved in the extrusion of metabolites derived from n‐butyrate breakdown in ruminal epithelium. Sheep ruminal epithelia mounted in Ussing chambers were exposed to 50 mM n‐butyrate or incubated under hypoxic conditions for 6 h. Electrophysiological measurements showed hypoxia‐induced damage in the epithelia. The mRNA expression levels of monocarboxylate transporters (MCT) 1 and 4, anion exchanger (AE) 2, downregulated in adenoma (DRA), putative anion transporter (PAT) 1 and glucose transporter (GLUT) 1 were assessed by RT‐qPCR. We also examined the mRNA expression of nuclear factor (NF) κB, cyclooxygenase (COX) 2, hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF) 1α and acyl‐CoA oxidase (ACO) to elucidate the possible signalling pathways involved in the modulation of gene expression. The mRNA expression levels of MCT 1, MCT 4, GLUT 1, HIF 1α and COX 2 were upregulated after both n‐butyrate exposure and hypoxia. ACO and PAT 1 were upregulated only after n‐butyrate incubation. Upregulation of both MCT isoforms and NFκB after n‐butyrate incubation could be detected on protein level as well. Our study suggests key roles for MCT 1 and 4 in the adaptation to an increased intracellular load of metabolites, whereas an involvement of PAT 1 in the transport of n‐butyrate also seems possible.
What do they do at home? The literacies of children living in residential care in Malaysia
Authors: Tan Jennifer 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThis paper presents an ethnographic study of the out of school literacy practices of children living in residential care in Malaysia. Although residential homes generate much publicity, especially during the festive seasons, not much is known about the children living within the confines of these homes. Even more lacking is research on their literacy practices, despite the embeddedness of literacy in the everyday lives of these children, which includes formal schooling, after‐school tuition classes and devotion sessions with volunteers.
Not just ‘sunny days’: Aboriginal students connect out‐of‐school literacy resources with school literacy practices
Authors: Wiltse Lynne 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIn this paper, I report on a school‐university collaborative research project that investigated which practices and knowledges of Canadian Aboriginal students not acknowledged in school may provide these students with access to school literacy practices. The study, which took place in a small city in Western Canada, examined ways to merge the out‐of‐school literacy resources with school literacy practices for minority language learners who struggle with academic literacies. Drawing on the third space theory, in conjunction with the concept of “funds of knowledge,” I explain how students' linguistic and cultural resources from home and community networks were utilised to reshape school literacy practices through their involvement in the Heritage Fair programme. I analyse a representative case study of Darius, a 10‐year‐old boy who explored his familial hunting practices for his Heritage Fair project. This illustrative exemplar, “Not just sunny days,” highlights the ways in which children's out‐of‐school lives can be used as a scaffold for literacy learning. In conclusion, I discuss implications for educators and researchers working to improve literacy learning for minority students by connecting school learning to children's out‐of‐school learning.
Adherence to a moderate sodium restriction diet in outpatients with cirrhosis and ascites: a real‐life cross‐sectional study
Authors: Morando Filippo , Rosi Silvia , Gola Elisabetta , Nardi Mariateresa , Piano Salvatore , Fasolato Silvano , Stanco Marialuisa , Cavallin Marta , Romano Antonietta , Sticca Antonietta , Caregaro Lorenza , Gatta Angelo , Angeli Paolo 
Published: May 2014

SummaryBackground & AimsA moderate sodium restriction diet should be indicated in patients with cirrhosis and ascites. Nevertheless, there is a lack of specific investigation on its correct application. To evaluate the adherence of patients with cirrhosis and ascites to a moderately low‐salt diet and the impact on intake of total calories and serum sodium concentration.MethodsA total of 120 outpatients with cirrhosis and ascites were interviewed with a pre‐established questionnaire. A quantitative assessment of nutrient and salt intake was performed.ResultA moderately low‐salt diet was followed by 37 patients (Group A). Of the 83 patients who did not follow the diet (Group B), 54 thought that they were following it. The mean daily sodium intake was 79.5 ± 5.5 mmol/day (Group A) and 205.9 ± 14.1 mmol/day (Group B), P < 0.0001. The adherence to diet was related to the severity of cirrhosis, and was higher among candidates for liver transplantation and in patients followed through the Care Management Program. Patients of Group A had reduced the mean daily calorie intake by 20% compared with Group B patients (P < 0.0005), while there was no difference on the occurrence of hyponatraemia.ConclusionsThis study shows a poor adherence of patients with cirrhosis and ascites to a moderate dietary sodium restriction. Adherence to a diet seems to increase with the worsening of liver disease, probably because of the reduction of alternative therapeutic options. In addition, a deficiency in the educational process can lead the patient to follow a sodium‐reduced diet by means of dangerous tools, such as reducing the overall daily food intake.
Testing the efficiency of nested barriers to dispersal in the Mediterranean high mountain plant Edraianthus graminifolius (Campanulaceae)
Authors: Surina Boštjan , Schneeweiss Gerald M. , Glasnović Peter , Schönswetter Peter 
Published: May 2014

AbstractDue to strong spatial heterogeneity and limited Pleistocene glaciation, the Balkan Peninsula is a major European biodiversity hot spot. Surprisingly little, however, is known about patterns and processes of intraspecific diversification of its biota in general and of high‐altitude species in particular. A well‐suited system to test hypotheses with respect to various isolating factors acting at different geographic scales and to explore full‐range phylogeographic patterns on the Balkan Peninsula is Edraianthus graminifolius (Campanulaceae), distributed in the western Balkan mountain systems, the southwestern Carpathians and the Apennine Peninsula. To this end, we used a dense population sampling and employed amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers and plastid DNA sequences supplemented by ecological niche modelling. The strongest splits were inferred to separate southern and northern Balkan populations from the central ones, from where range extension occurred to the Carpathians and, in more recent times, once or twice to the Apennine Peninsula. The three genetic groups in the western Balkan Peninsula were remarkably congruent among molecular markers, suggesting that the barriers to gene flow acted over long time periods facilitating allopatric differentiation. Each main group of Balkan populations contained genetically and geographically distinct subgroups, which likely are the result of local refugia during warmer periods. Evidently, the topographically highly complex and during the Last Glacial Maximum only locally glaciated Balkan Peninsula is a hot spot of species richness and endemism as well as a sanctuary of intraspecific genetic diversity, even if the underlying causes remain insufficiently understood.
Evidence for adaptation from standing genetic variation on an antimicrobial peptide gene in the mussel Mytilus edulis
Authors: Gosset Célia C. , Do Nascimento Joana , Augé Marie‐Thérèse , Bierne Nicolas 
Published: May 2014

AbstractGenome scans of population differentiation identify candidate loci for adaptation but provide little information on how selection has influenced the genetic structure of these loci. Following a genome scan, we investigated the nature of the selection responsible for the outlying differentiation observed between populations of the marine mussel Mytilus edulis at a leucine/arginine polymorphism (L31R) in the antimicrobial peptide MGD2. We analysed DNA sequence polymorphisms, allele frequencies and population differentiation of polymorphisms closely linked to L31R, and pairwise and third‐order linkage disequilibria. An outlying level of population differentiation was observed at L31R only, while no departure from panmixia was observed at linked loci surrounding L31R, as in most of the genome. Selection therefore seems to affect L31R directly. Three hypotheses can explain the lack of differentiation in the chromosomal region close to L31R: (i) hitchhiking has occurred but migration and recombination subsequently erased the signal, (ii) selection was weak enough and recombination strong enough to limit the hitchhiking effect to a very small chromosomal region or (iii) selection acted on a pre‐existing polymorphism (i.e. standing variation) at linkage equilibrium with its background. Linkage equilibrium was observed between L31R and linked polymorphisms in every population analysed, as expected under the three hypotheses. However, linkage disequilibrium was observed in some populations between pairs of loci located upstream and downstream to L31R, generating a complex pattern of third‐order linkage disequilibria which is best explained by the hypothesis of selection on a pre‐existing polymorphism. We hypothesise that selection could be either balanced, maintaining alleles at different frequencies depending on the pathogen community encountered locally by mussels, or intermittent, resulting in sporadic fluctuations in allele frequency.
Accumulation of heptaprenyl diphosphate sensitizes Bacillus subtilis to bacitracin: implications for the mechanism of resistance mediated by the BceAB transporter
Authors: Kingston Anthony W. , Zhao Heng , Cook Gregory M. , Helmann John D. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryHeptaprenyl diphosphate (C35‐PP) is an isoprenoid intermediate in the synthesis of both menaquinone and the sesquarterpenoids. We demonstrate that inactivation of ytpB, encoding a C35‐PP utilizing enzyme required for sesquarterpenoid synthesis, leads to an increased sensitivity to bacitracin, an antibiotic that binds undecaprenyl pyrophosphate (C55‐PP), a key intermediate in cell wall synthesis. Genetic studies indicate that bacitracin sensitivity is due to accumulation of C35‐PP, rather than the absence of sesquarterpenoids. Sensitivity is accentuated in a ytpB menA double mutant, lacking both known C35‐PP consuming enzymes, and in a ytpB strain overexpressing the HepST enzyme that synthesizes C35‐PP. Conversely, sensitivity in the ytpB background is suppressed by mutation of hepT or by supplementation with 1,4‐dihydroxy‐2‐naphthoate, a co‐substrate with C35‐PP for MenA. Bacitracin sensitivity results from impairment of the BceAB and BcrC resistance mechanisms by C35‐PP: in a bceAB bcrC double mutant disruption of ytpB no longer increases bacitracin sensitivity. These results suggest that C35‐PP inhibits both BcrC (a C55‐PP phosphatase) and BceAB (an ABC transporter that confers bacitracin resistance). These findings lead to a model in which BceAB protects against bacitracin by transfer of the target, C55‐PP, rather than the antibiotic across the membrane.
Field evaluation of the response ofAedes albopictus(Stegomyia albopicta) to three oviposition attractants and different ovitrap placements using black and clear autocidal ovitraps in a rural area of Same,Timor‐Leste
Authors: ANDERSON E. M. , DAVIS J. A. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractKnown oviposition attractants or stimulants were compared, singly and in combination, using inexpensive autocidal ovitraps designed to trap emerging adults, in a rural area ofTimor‐Leste during the dry season. In this area, the dengue vectorAedes albopictus(Stegomyia albopicta)Skuse (Diptera:Culicidae) was abundant, butAedes aegypti(Stegomyia aegypti) L. was not detected. The attractants were: (a) a compound found inAedeseggs (dodecanoic acid); (b) components of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium‐based (NPK) fertilizer, and (c) infusions of discarded cigarette butts. A solution of ammonium phosphate and potassium nitrate was significantly more attractive to gravidAe. albopictusthan water only. Dodecanoic acid and cigarette butt infusions were not significantly more attractive than the control; however, they attracted various otherDiptera and many non‐culicid larvae developed in ovitraps in which these substances were used; thus, the presence of eggs or larvae of other species may have deterredAedesoviposition. Significantly moreAedeseggs were found in ovitraps under vegetation than in ovitraps placed inside houses or against external walls. Clear‐sided ovitraps in which black mesh was placed over a black ring floating on the water surface collected significantly fewer eggs than black ovitraps with identically placed mesh and rings.
A national survey of renal replacement therapy prescribing practice for acute kidney injury in Malaysian intensive care units
Authors: Jamal Janattul‐Ain , Mat‐Nor Mohd‐Basri , Mohamad‐Nor Fariz‐Safhan , Udy Andrew A , Lipman Jeffrey , Roberts Jason A 
Published: May 2014

AbstractObjectivesTo describe renal replacement therapy (RRT) prescribing practices in Malaysian intensive care units (ICU), and compare this with previously published data from other regions.MethodA survey was sent to physicians responsible for prescribing RRT in major ICU throughout Malaysia. The questionnaire sought information on the physicians' background, and detailed information regarding RRT settings.ResultsNineteen physicians from 24 sites throughout Malaysia responded to the survey (response rate 79.2%). Sixteen respondents were intensivists (84%), 2 were anaesthetists (11%) and one was a nephrologist (5%). The majority (58%) used continuous venovenous haemofiltration (CVVH) as the treatment of choice for acute kidney injury (AKI) in critically ill patients. RRT prescription was predominantly practitioner‐dependent (63%), while 37% reported use of a dedicated protocol. The mean blood flow rate and effluent flow rate used for continuous RRT (CRRT) were 188.9 ± 28.9 mL/min and 30.6 ± 4.7 mL/kg/h respectively. Replacement fluid solutions containing both lactate and bicarbonate were commonly used during CRRT, applied both pre‐ and post‐dilution.ConclusionCRRT was the first‐choice modality used to treat AKI in critically ill patients. CVVH was the most common CRRT technique used, while other RRT modalities were used less frequently. Overall, RRT practices were similar to those observed in other regions, although the modality and settings used were slightly different, likely due to local availability.
Influence of allograft weight to recipient bodyweight ratio on outcome of cadaveric renal transplantation
Authors: Codas Ricardo , Danjou Fabrice , Dagot Celine , Martin Xavier , Morelon Emmanuel , Badet Lionel , Hanf William , Petruzzo Palmina 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimOne of the factors that may affect survival and function of kidney graft is its functional mass.MethodsIn a prospective study, we investigated the impact of the ratio between donor kidney weight in grams and recipient bodyweight in kilograms (DKW/RBW) on creatinine clearance, inulin clearance, and proteinuria: 154 kidneys from deceased donors were weighed and the mean kidney weight was 227 ± 59 g, the bodyweight of the recipients was 64 ± 19 kg.ResultsThis study showed significant lower values of modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) in patients with DKW/RBW ratio 2.5 g/kg and between 2.5 and 4.5 g/kg compared with those with DKW/RBW ratio >4.5 g/kg as well as in patients with DKW/RBW ratio <3 g/kg and between 3 and 4 g/kg compared with those with DKW/RBW ratio >4 g/kg; moreover a random coefficient model showed a different time evolution in creatinine clearance values in patients with DKW/RBW ≤ 3 g/kg when compared with patients with DKW/RBW ratio >4 g/kg. There were significant lower values of inulin clearance in patients with DKW/RBW ratio between 2.5 and 4.5 g/kg compared with those with DKW/RBW ratio >4.5 g/kg at 12 post‐transplant months and a significantly greater occurrence and earlier appearance of proteinuria in the recipients with DKW/RBW ratio <2.5 g/kg. DKW/RBW ratio did not influence DGF incidence and graft survival. Donor and recipient gender, number of acute rejection episodes and donor age also significantly influenced MDRD values.ConclusionsMeasurements of graft weight as well as donor kidney and recipient body matching should be recommended as influencing renal function.
The effect of five probiotic lactobacilli strains on the growth and biofilm formation of Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Lin X , Chen X , Chen Y , Jiang W , Chen H 
Published: May 2014

ObjectiveTo compare the effects of five probiotic lactobacilli strains on the growth and biofilm formation of Streptococcus mutans (MS).Materials and MethodsFive probiotic lactobacilli bacteria (LB), Lactobacillus casei Shirota, Lactobacillus casei LC01, Lactobacillus plantarum ST‐III, Lactobacillus paracasei Lpc‐37, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001, were used as test strains effecting on the Streptococci strain S. mutans UA159 in this study. The effect of LB strains and their supernatants on the viability of the MS was evaluated. Then, the effect of LB strains on the growth of MS biofilm formation was observed by fluorescence microscope.ResultsAll of the LB strains inhibited the growth of MS at concentrations of 1 × 108 and 3 × 108 CFU ml−1 (P < 0.05). Untreated (without pH adjustment and ultrafiltration) LB supernatants from all of the LB strains inhibited the growth of MS (P < 0.05) as well. After pH adjustment and ultrafiltration (treated), only supernatants from L. casei Shirota and L. rhamnosus HN001 inhibited the growth of MS (P < 0.05). MS biofilm formation was also inhibited by all untreated supernatants and by the treated supernatants of L. casei Shirota and L. rhamnosus HN001 (P < 0.05).ConclusionAll five probiotic lactobacilli strains inhibited the growth and biofilm formation of MS, likely through the production of an acid environment, bacteriocin‐like poly peptides, or both, and the effects on MS were dependent on the LB strains used.
Injury Location and Mechanism for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: A Nationwide Population‐Based Case–Control Study in Taiwan
Authors: Wang Yi‐Chia , Li Hung‐Yuan , Lin Feng‐Sheng , Cheng Ya‐Jung , Huang Chi‐Hsiang , Chou Wei‐Han , Huang Hsing‐Hao , Lin Cheng‐Chieh , Lin Che‐Chen , Sung Fung‐Chang , Wei Jung‐Nan 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundFew studies have investigated the relationship between injury location, mechanism and their association with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). We conducted a nationwide database survey to explore this issue.MethodsThis was a population‐based case–control study. Five hundred and eighty‐nine patients with at least one ambulatory visit or admission with a principal diagnosis of CRPS from 2004 to 2009 were selected. For each CRPS patient, ten age‐ and sex‐matched non‐CRPS subjects were randomly selected. The odds ratios (PLoS One. 2013;8:e57205) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) of risk factors for CRPS were derived from multivariate logistic regression models.ResultsInjury was a risk factor for CRPS (OR, 2.96; 95% CI, 2.18 to 4.02) independent of age and sex. In adjusted models, open wound on the upper limbs (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.54) conferred higher CRPS risk. Injury mechanisms including nerve and spinal cord injury (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.44 to 4.08), muscle and joint sprain and strain (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.40 to 2.03), superficial injury (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.51), and contusion (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.20 to 1.74), but not fracture, increased the risk of CRPS.ConclusionInjury in the extremities rather than the trunk is an important risk factor for CRPS. Certain injury mechanisms confer higher risk of CRPS. This nationwide study demonstrated that injury increased CRPS nearly threefold. Open wound, sprain and strain, superficial injury, contusion, and nerve and spinal cord injury are main injury mechanisms. Injury in the extremities confers a higher risk of CRPS.