bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
NPY/Y1 receptor‐mediated vasoconstrictory and proliferative effects in pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Crnkovic S , Egemnazarov B , Jain P , Seay U , Gattinger N , Marsh L M , Bálint Z , Kovacs G , Ghanim B , Klepetko W , Schermuly R T , Weissmann N , Olschewski A , Kwapiszewska G 
Published: April 2014

Background and PurposePulmonary arteries (PAs) are innervated, but little is known about the role of neuronal axis in pulmonary hypertension (PH). Here, we have examined the role of the neuropeptide Y (NPY) and its Y1 receptor in PH pathogenesis.Experimental ApproachNPY was localized by immunofluorescence. Expression of NPY and Y1 receptor were determined by quantitative PCR. Cellular response to NPY stimulation was assessed by Western blotting, thymidine incorporation and calcium imaging. Wire myography and isolated perfused mouse lung were applied to study pulmonary vasoactive effects of NPY. Selective receptor antagonists were used to assess the contribution of receptor subtypes in mediating NPY effects.Key ResultsSamples from PH patients showed increased NPYergic innervation within the PA wall and higher Y1 receptor expression, compared with donors. However, NPY levels were unchanged in both PA and serum. In the chronic hypoxic mouse model, Y1 receptor were up‐regulated, while expression of both NPY and Y1 receptor was increased in the lungs of monocrotaline and SU5416‐hypoxia rats. On a functional level, NPY acutely increased intracellular calcium levels and enhanced vasoconstriction of lung vessels preconstricted with adrenaline. Furthermore, NPY stimulated proliferation of human pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells and activated p38 and PKD pathways. Correspondingly, higher phosphorylation of PKD was observed in remodelled vessels from PH patients. The selective Y1 receptor antagonist, BIBO 3304, concentration‐dependently inhibited vasoconstrictive and proliferative effects of NPY.Conclusions and ImplicationsNPY and Y1 receptor are possible mediators of both vasoconstriction and pulmonary vascular remodelling in PH.
Everolimus with low‐dose tacrolimus in simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation
Authors: Sageshima Junichiro , Ciancio Gaetano , Chen Linda , Dohi Takehiko , El‐Hinnawi Ashraf , Paloyo Siegfredo , Misawa Ryosuke , Ekwenna Obi , Yatawatta Ashanga , Burke George W. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe efficacy and safety of everolimus (EVR) in simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation (SPKT) is unclear. We retrospectively evaluated 25 consecutive SPKT recipients at our center from November 2011 to March 2013. All patients received dual induction (Thymoglobulin/basiliximab) and low‐dose tacrolimus plus corticosteroids. Nine patients who received EVR were compared with 14 patients who received enteric‐coated mycophenolate sodium (EC‐MPS); two patients who received sirolimus were excluded from the analysis. With a median follow‐up of 14 months, the pancreas graft survival rate was 100% in both groups, and the kidney graft survival rate was 100% and 93% in EVR and EC‐MPS patients, respectively. One EC‐MPS patient lost her kidney graft from proteinuric kidney disease. Another EC‐MPS patient received treatment for clinically diagnosed pancreas and kidney graft rejection. No rejection was observed in EVR patients. Serum creatinine and HbA1c levels were similar between the groups. There was no significant difference of surgical or medical complications. In conclusion, EVR seems to provide comparable short‐term outcome to EC‐MPS when combined with low‐dose tacrolimus/steroids and dual induction therapy. A larger study with a longer follow‐up is required to further assess this combination.
Regional abundance of on‐premise outlets and drinking patterns among Swiss young men: District level analyses and geographic adjustments
Authors: Astudillo Mariana , Kuendig Hervé , Centeno‐Gil Adriana , Wicki Matthias , Gmel Gerhard 
Published: April 2014

AbstractIntroduction and AimsThis study investigated the associations of alcohol outlet density with specific alcohol outcomes (consumption and consequences) among young men in Switzerland and assessed the possible geographically related variations.Design and MethodsAlcohol consumption and drinking consequences were measured in a 2010–2011 study assessing substance use risk factors (Cohort Study on Substance Use Risk Factors) among 5519 young Swiss men. Outlet density was based on the number of on‐ and off‐premise outlets in the district of residence. Linear regression models were run separately for drinking level, heavy episodic drinking (HED) and drinking consequences. Geographically weighted regression models were estimated when variations were recorded at the district level.ResultsNo consistent association was found between outlet density and drinking consequences. A positive association between drinking level and HED with on‐premise outlet density was found. Geographically weighted regressions were run for drinking level and HED. The predicted values for HED were higher in the southwest part of Switzerland (French‐speaking part).Discussion and ConclusionsAmong Swiss young men, the density of outlets and, in particular, the abundance of bars, clubs and other on‐premise outlets was associated with drinking level and HED, even when drinking consequences were not significantly affected. These findings support the idea that outlet density needs to be considered when developing and implementing regional‐based prevention initiatives. [Astudillo M, Kuendig H, Centeno‐Gil A, Wicki M, Gmel G. Regional abundance of on‐premise outlets and drinking patterns among Swiss young men: District level analyses and geographic adjustments. Drug Alcohol Rev 2014;33:526–33]
Here be dragons: a tool for quantifying novelty due to covariate range and correlation change when projecting species distribution models
Authors: Mesgaran Mohsen B. , Cousens Roger D. , Webber Bruce L. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractAimCorrelative species distribution models (SDMs) often involve some degree of projection into novel covariate space (i.e. extrapolation), because calibration data may not encompass the entire space of interest. Most methods for identifying extrapolation focus on the range of each model covariate individually. However, extrapolation can occur that is well within the range of univariate variation, but which exhibits novel combinations between covariates. Our objective was to develop a tool that can detect, distinguish and quantify these two types of novelties: novel univariate range and novel combinations of covariates.LocationGlobal, Australia, South Africa.MethodsWe developed a new multivariate statistical tool, based on the Mahalanobis distance, which measures the similarity between the reference and projection domains by accounting for both the deviation from the mean and the correlation between variables. The method also provides an assessment tool for the detection of the most influential covariates leading to dissimilarity. As an example application, we modelled an Australian shrub (Acacia cyclops) widely introduced to other countries and compared reference data, global distribution data and both types of model extrapolation against the projection globally and in South Africa.ResultsThe new tool successfully detected and quantified the degree of dissimilarity for points that were either outside the univariate range or formed novel covariate combinations (correlations) but were still within the univariate range of covariates. For A. cyclops, more than half of the points (6617 of 10,785) from the global projection space that were found to lie within the univariate range of reference data exhibited distorted correlations. Not all the climate covariates used for modelling contributed to novelty equally over the geographical space of the model projection.Main conclusionsIdentifying non‐analogous environments is a critical component of model interrogation. Our extrapolation detection (ExDet) tool can be used as a quantitative method for exploring novelty and interpreting the projections from correlative SDMs and is available for free download as stand‐alone software from http://www.climond.org/exdet.
Special Needs Dentistry: perception, attitudes and educational experience of Malaysian dental students
Authors: Ahmad M. S. , Razak I. A. , Borromeo G. L. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractA compromised oral health condition amongst patients with special health care needs (SHCN) has been associated with the reluctance and shortage of skills of dental professionals in managing such patients. Lack of training and experience at the undergraduate level are reported barriers to the provision of care for this patient cohort. Undergraduate education therefore, plays an important role in producing professionals with the knowledge, skills and positive attitude in treating patients with SHCN. This study aims to determine the level of knowledge, comfort and attitudes of Malaysian undergraduate dental students towards caring for patients with SHCN, as well as their perception on education in this field. A self‐administered questionnaire was administered in the classroom style to final year undergraduate dental students in Malaysian public dental schools. Most students were aware of Special Needs Dentistry (SND) as a specialty after being informed by academic staff. The majority of the students demonstrated poor knowledge in defining SND and felt uncomfortable providing care for such patients. They perceived their undergraduate training in SND as inadequate with most students agreeing that they should receive didactic and clinical training at undergraduate level. A high percentage of students also expressed interest in pursuing postgraduate education in this area of dentistry despite the lack of educational exposure during undergraduate years. The study supports a need for educational reform to formulate a curriculum that is more patient‐centred, with earlier clinical exposure in various clinical settings for students to treat patients with special health care needs, applying the concept of holistic care in a variable clinical condition.
Retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and thalamus pathology in multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Zivadinov R. , Bergsland N. , Cappellani R. , Hagemeier J. , Melia R. , Carl E. , Dwyer M. G. , Lincoff N. , Weinstock‐Guttman B. , Ramanathan M. 
Published: April 2014

Background and purposeVisual impairments are frequent in multiple sclerosis (MS). Optic neuritis can directly reduce retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness. Our objectives were to evaluate associations of the RNFL thickness (RNFLT) of MS patients with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures of regional brain atrophy and tissue injury in the post‐chiasmatic deep gray matter (GM) section of the visual pathway.MethodsRetinal nerve fiber layer thickness was measured using optical coherence tomography (OCT) in 96 relapsing−remitting MS (RR‐MS) patients and 46 controls. MRI was obtained within ±3 months of OCT. RNFLT associations with MRI measures from diffusion tensor imaging and regional and tissue specific atrophy were assessed.ResultsIn RR‐MS, lower RNFLT was associated with lower white matter volume and lower whole brain volume. Lower RNFLT was associated with lower total deep gray matter volume and lower thalamus volume. Lower RNFLT was associated with greater mean diffusivity (MD) in normal appearing (NA) brain tissue and NA gray matter. Trends were found for lower RNFLT with greater MD in NA white matter and thalamus. RNFLT in controls was not associated with MD.ConclusionsLower RNFLT is associated with microscopic tissue injury in NA regions of the brain and with neurodegeneration of the deep gray matter and thalamus in RR‐MS.
Photic hypersensitivity in the premonitory phase of migraine – a positron emission tomography study
Authors: Maniyar F. H. , Sprenger T. , Schankin C. , Goadsby P. J. 
Published: April 2014

Background and purposeSensitivity to light (photophobia) is a common ill‐understood symptom of migraine, whose neurobiology is important in understanding the disorder.MethodsPatients reporting premonitory symptoms before migraine headache were infused with nitroglycerin (GTN) at a first visit. Patients who responded with premonitory symptoms followed by a delayed headache resembling their migraine had positron emission tomography (PET) scans at least 1 week later, during which GTN infusion was repeated. H215O PET scans were performed during baseline (pain free), premonitory phase (pain free) and migraine headache. Patients were divided into two groups, with and without photophobia in the premonitory phase. The differences between the premonitory and baseline scans were analysed within groups and between groups using statistical parametric mapping.ResultsThirteen patients participated in the PET study, 10 of whom had at least one PET scan during the premonitory phase in the absence of pain. Data from these 10 patients were included in the final analysis. Five patients had photophobia and five patients did not have photophobia in the premonitory phase. Comparing the premonitory scans to baseline scans, there was activation of extrastriate visual cortex (BA18) in patients with photophobia. This activation was significantly greater than in the patients without photophobia.ConclusionOur findings indicate that photic hypersensitivity is linked to activation of the visual cortex during the premonitory phase of migraine in the absence of headache.
Dehydration is an independent predictor of discharge outcome and admission cost in acute ischaemic stroke
Authors: Liu C.‐H. , Lin S.‐C. , Lin J.‐R. , Yang J.‐T. , Chang Y.‐J. , Chang C.‐H. , Chang T.‐Y. , Huang K.‐L. , Ryu S.‐J. , Lee T.‐H. 
Published: April 2014

Background and purposeOur aim was to investigate the influence of admission dehydration on the discharge outcome in acute ischaemic and hemorrhagic stroke.MethodsBetween January 2009 and December 2011, 4311 ischaemic and 1371 hemorrhagic stroke patients from the stroke registry of Chang Gung healthcare system were analyzed. The eligible patients were identified according to inclusion/exclusion criteria. In total, 2570 acute ischaemic and 573 acute hemorrhagic stroke patients were finally recruited. According to the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) to creatinine (Cr) ratio (BUN/Cr), these patients were divided into dehydrated (BUN/Cr ≥ 15) and non‐dehydrated (BUN/Cr < 15) groups. Demographics, admission costs and discharge outcomes including modified Rankin scale (mRS) and Barthel index (BI) were examined. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of two‐stage least squares including logistic and linear regression.ResultsAcute ischaemic stroke with admission dehydration had higher infection rates (P = 0.006), worse discharge BI (62.8 ± 37.4 vs. 73.4 ± 32.4, P < 0.001, adjusted P < 0.001), worse mRS (2.7 ± 1.6 vs. 2.3 ± 1.5, P < 0.001, adjusted P = 0.009) and higher admission costs (2470.8 ± 3160.8 vs. 1901.2 ± 2046.8 US dollars, P < 0.001, adjusted P = 0.013) than those without dehydration. However, acute hemorrhagic stroke with or without admission dehydration showd no difference in admission costs (P = 0.618) and discharge outcomes (BI, P = 0.058; mRS, P = 0.058).ConclusionAdmission dehydration is associated with worse discharge outcomes and higher admission costs in acute ischaemic stroke but not in hemorrhagic stroke.
Host‐plant use by two Orthomeria (Phasmida: Aschiphasmatini) species feeding on Macaranga myrmecophytes
Authors: Shimizu‐kaya Usun , Itioka Takao 
Published: April 2014

AbstractMyrmecophytes depend on symbiotic ants (plant‐ants) to defend against herbivores. Although these defensive mechanisms are highly effective, some herbivorous insects can use myrmecophytes as their host‐plants. The feeding habits of these phytophages on myrmecophytes and the impacts of the plant‐ants on their feeding behavior have been poorly studied. We examined two phasmid species, Orthomeria alexis and O. cuprinus, which are known to feed on Macaranga (Euphorbiaceae) myrmecophytes in a Bornean primary forest. Our observations revealed that: (i) each phasmid species relied on two closely‐related myrmecophytic Macaranga species for its host‐plants in spite of their normal plant‐ant symbioses; and (ii) there was little overlap between their host‐plant preferences. More O. cuprinus adults and nymphs were found on new leaves, which were attended by more plant‐ants than mature leaves, while most adults and nymphs of O. alexis tended to avoid new leaves. In a feeding choice experiment under ant‐excluded conditions, O. alexis adults chose a non‐host Macaranga myrmecophyte that was more intensively defended by plant‐ants and was more palatable than their usual host‐plants almost as frequently as their usual host‐plant, suggesting that the host‐plant range of O. alexis was restricted by the presence of plant‐ants on non‐host‐plants. Phasmid behavior that appeared to minimize plant‐ant attacks is described.
Individual Heterogeneity in Use of Human Shields by Mountain Nyala
Authors: Atickem Anagaw , Loe Leif Egil , Stenseth Nils Chr. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe ‘human shield hypothesis’ describes the situation where prey species use humans as shield from natural predation. We tested the human shield hypothesis in a population of mountain nyala (Tragelaphus buxtoni) subjected to predation from the nocturnal spotted hyena (Crocuta Crocuta) in the Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia by radio‐marking 15 mountain nyala (seven females and eight males) and tracking them for up to 2 yr. Occurrence of hyena estimated by faecal transects decreased close to human settlements substantiating the occurrence of a zone with lower risk of hyena predation. The diurnal pattern in the average distance between mountain nyala relocations and human settlements was consistent with the human shield hypothesis with significantly shorter distances during night (when exposed to predation) than during day. However, mountain nyala showed large individual heterogeneity in use of human shields. While nearly all individuals occasionally moved out of the park to human settlements during night, the frequency of such excursions varied from 0% to 71%. The excursions occurred year‐round and were not driven by seasonal access to crops. We have previously demonstrated a strong negative effect of humans on the large‐scale distribution pattern of mountain nyala. The use of human shield documented here is indicative of a positive small‐scale effect of humans. Our study thus supports the view that the effect of human–wildlife interactions can be scale‐dependent.
Inter‐individual Variation in Antipredator Hiding Behavior of Spanish Terrapins Depends on Sex, Size, and Coloration
Authors: Ibáñez Alejandro , López Pilar , Martín José 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBehavioral responses to predation risk are critical for survival but as antipredator behavior is costly, prey animals should flexibly modulate their optimum defensive responses by considering both costs and benefits, which are partly influenced by the individual characteristics of the prey. Turtles have the shell as a morphological structure that may provide partial protection against predators, but hiding into the shell may entail some high costs, and turtles should decide when to switch to an active escape strategy to safe refuges. Here, we examined how gender, body size, and sexual coloration influence inter‐individual variability of antipredatory hiding behavior into the shell of Spanish terrapins (Mauremys leprosa). We simulated predatory attacks under different conditions and measured the time that the turtles spent hidden entirely inside the shell (i.e., appearance times) and from then until the turtle started to flee actively (i.e., waiting times). Our results showed that when risk increased, appearance times increased but waiting times decreased. When turtles were in a prone position, their hiding behavior was related with their body weight with heavier turtles having longer appearance times. Also, the conspicuousness of limb coloration was important for the appearance times of males, but not for females. Thus, males with brighter coloration of the limb stripes had longer appearance times than duller ones. In addition, when turtles were overturned, males appeared out of the shell earlier than females and heavier turtles started to right sooner, but only when risk was low. However, when turtles were overturned and risk was high, they should assume that they have already been detected, making inter‐individual differences in size and coloration apparently unimportant for deciding hiding behavior.
Does a magnetic blanket induce changes in muscular blood flow, skin temperature and muscular tension in horses?
Authors: Edner A. , Lindberg L.‐G. , Broström H. , Bergh A. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryReasons for performing studyStatic magnetic blankets are often claimed to induce increases in blood flow, reduce muscle tension and tenderness, and be beneficial in both prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries in horses. However, there are no studies that confirm alleged beneficial effects of magnets on muscles of the back in healthy horses.ObjectivesTo investigate whether static magnets sewn into a blanket affect back muscle blood flow, skin temperature, mechanical nociceptive threshold (MNT) and behaviour in healthy horses.Study designProspective, randomised, blinded, placebo‐controlled crossover study.MethodsThe following outcome measurements of the back of 10 healthy horses were performed; blood flow by photoplethysmography, skin temperature by use of thermistors in conjunction with digital infrared thermography, and MNTs by algometry. The horses’ behaviour was filmed during the procedure and scored on an ethogram. Measurements were performed repeatedly for a 30 min baseline period. Thereafter a blanket with active, static magnets (900 gauss) or placebo magnets was placed on the horse and measurements were performed for a 60 min treatment period and a 30 min post treatment period. The study procedure was repeated on the consecutive day, when the horse received the alternative treatment.ResultsBlood flow in muscle, skin temperatures, MNTs and behavioural traits did not differ between active and placebo magnetic blankets. Skin temperature increased similarly during both active and placebo blanket treatment.ConclusionsIn healthy horses, magnetic blankets did not induce additional significant effects on muscle blood flow, skin temperature, MNTs and behaviour when compared with nonmagnetic blankets.
Seasonal and annual cycles in marine small‐scale fisheries (Ilhéus – Brazil)
Authors: Cetra M. , Petrere M. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractFish stock assessment is a crucial tool for resource management. Small‐scale fisheries are often multispecies and multigear. This study focuses on the search for patterns in the Ilhéus small‐scale fishery using landing data from 2000 to 2006 and climatic data. Ocyurus chrysurus and Ephinephelus spp. were the most commonly landed fish. The number of fishing trips was higher in the winter, when winds were weaker and temperatures lower. When the temperature increased, catches of Seriola dumerili were higher. Coryphaena hippurus and some rays were more abundant in the summer in the presence of stronger winds, intense rainfall and higher air temperature. Large catches of Lutjanus spp. and Scomberomorus spp. were obtained in the autumn. There is an annual seasonality in the fishery, with a cyclical landing pattern regardless of the years considered. These results are important in view of climate change, and specific strategies for better fisheries management are recommended.