bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of Krüppel‐like factor 4 in transforming growth factor‐β–induced inflammatory and fibrotic responses in human proximal tubule cells
Authors: Mreich Ellein , Chen Xin‐Ming , Zaky Amgad , Pollock Carol A , Saad Sonia 
Published: April 2015

SummaryKrüppel‐like factor 4 (KLF4) is known to mitigate inflammation in several cell types. Using human proximal tubule cells, the present study aimed to investigate the role of KLF4 in regulating transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 induced inflammatory and fibrotic responses. Human kidney proximal tubular cells were exposed to high glucose, or TGF‐β1 and KLF4 expressions were determined. Cells were then transfected with empty vector or KLF4 and exposed to 2‐ng/mL TGF‐β1 for up to 72 h. Inflammatory proteins (macrophage migration inhibitory factor and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1) and pro‐fibrotic proteins (fibronectin and collagen IV) were measured after 72 h by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and western blot, respectively. To determine the relevance to in vivo models of chronic kidney disease, KLF4 protein expression in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice was determined. Krüppel‐like factor 4 messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were significantly reduced in high glucose‐treated human kidney proximal tubular cells. High glucose increased TGF‐β1 mRNA expression, which significantly increased migration inhibitory factor and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 protein secretion. Transforming growth factor‐β1 significantly increased fibronectin and collagen IV protein expression. The overexpression of KLF4 significantly reduced TGF‐β–mediated increases in migration inhibitory factor and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 but had no effect on TGF‐β–mediated fibronectin and collagen IV mRNA and protein expression. The levels of KLF4 mRNA were significantly reduced in the diabetic kidney, and diabetic animals had a significant reduction in renal tubular expression of KLF4 proteins. This data suggest that KLF4 reduces inflammation induced by TGF‐β1, suggesting a therapeutic role for KLF4 in diabetic nephropathy.
Pharmacological characterization of mechanisms involved in the vasorelaxation produced by rosuvastatin in aortic rings from rats with a cafeteria‐style diet
Authors: López‐Canales Jorge Skiold , Lozano‐Cuenca Jair , López‐Canales Oscar Alberto , Aguilar‐Carrasco José Carlos , Aranda‐Zepeda Lidia , López‐Sánchez Pedro , Castillo‐Henkel Enrique Fernando , López‐Mayorga Ruth Mery , Valencia‐Hernández Ignacio 
Published: April 2015

SummaryThe present study aimed to investigate the possible influence of several inhibitors and blockers on the vascular effect produced by the acute in vitro application of rosuvastatin to phenylephrine‐precontracted aortic rings from rats with a semi‐solid, cafeteria‐style (CAF) diet. It also aimed to examine the effects of rosuvastatin on the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), inducible nitric oxide synthase, constitutive cyclooxygenase, and inducible cyclooxygenase in aortic rings from rats with a CAF diet. From comparisons of the effect on phenylephrine‐precontracted aortic rings extracted from rats with two different diets (a standard and a CAF diet), it was found that 10−9–10−5‐mol/L rosuvastatin produced lower concentration‐dependent vasorelaxation on rings from the CAF diet group. The vasorelaxant effect was unaffected by the vehicle, but it was significantly attenuated by 10−5‐mol/L NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester, 10−2‐mol/L tetraethylammonium, 10−3‐mol/L 4‐aminopyridine, 10−7‐mol/L apamin plus 10−7‐mol/L charybdotoxin, 10−5‐mol/L indomethacin, or 10−5‐mol/L cycloheximide. Moreover, in aortic rings from rats with a CAF diet, rosuvastatin enhanced the expression of eNOS, inducible nitric oxide synthase, constitutive cyclooxygenase, and inducible cyclooxygenase. The acute in vitro application of rosuvastatin to phenylephrine‐precontracted aortic rings from rats with a CAF diet had a vasorelaxant effect. Overall, the present results suggest that the stimulation of eNOS, the opening of Ca2+‐activated and voltage‐activated K+ channels, the stimulation of prostaglandin synthesis and enhanced protein levels of eNOS, inducible nitric oxide synthase, constitutive cyclooxygenase, and inducible cyclooxygenase are involved in this relaxant effect.
Increased brain l‐arginine availability facilitates cutaneous heat loss induced by running exercise
Authors: Wanner Samuel Penna , Leite Laura Hora Rios , Guimarães Juliana Bohnen , Coimbra Cândido Celso 
Published: April 2015

SummaryThe effects of increased brain availability of l‐arginine (l‐arg), a precursor for nitric oxide synthesis, on core body temperature (Tcore) and cutaneous heat loss were evaluated in running rats. One week prior to the experiments, adult male Wistar rats received the following implants: a chronic guide cannula in the lateral cerebral ventricle and a temperature sensor in the abdominal cavity. On the day of the experiments, the rats were assigned to receive a 2‐μL intracerebroventricular injection of either NaCl (0.15 mol/L) or l‐arg solution (0.825, 1.65 or 3.30 mol/L); Tcore and tail skin temperature were measured while the rats ran at a speed of 18 m/min until they were fatigued. l‐arginine induced a dose‐dependent reduction in the threshold Tcore required for cutaneous heat loss (38.09 ± 0.20°C for 3.30‐mol/L l‐arg vs 38.61 ± 0.10°C for saline; P < 0.05), which attenuated the exercise‐induced hyperthermia. Although the rats treated with l‐arg presented a lower Tcore at the end of exercise (~0.7°C lower after treatment with the highest dose), no changes in the time to fatigue were observed relative to the control trial. These results suggest that brain l‐arg controls heat loss during exercise, most likely by modulating the sympathetic vasoconstrictor tonus to skin vessels. Furthermore, despite facilitating cutaneous heat loss mechanisms, increased brain l‐arg availability did not enhance physical performance.
Transformative Use of an Improved All‐Payer Hospital Discharge Data Infrastructure for Community‐Based Participatory Research: A Sustainability Pathway
Authors: Salemi Jason L. , Salinas‐Miranda Abraham A. , Wilson Roneé E. , Salihu Hamisu M. 
Published: April 2015

ObjectiveTo describe the use of a clinically enhanced maternal and child health (MCH) database to strengthen community‐engaged research activities, and to support the sustainability of data infrastructure initiatives.Data Sources/Study SettingPopulation‐based, longitudinal database covering over 2.3 million mother–infant dyads during a 12‐year period (1998–2009) in Florida. Setting: A community‐based participatory research (CBPR) project in a socioeconomically disadvantaged community in central Tampa, Florida.Study DesignCase study of the use of an enhanced state database for supportingCBPRactivities.Principal FindingsA federal data infrastructure award resulted in the creation of anMCHdatabase in which over 92 percent of all birth certificate records for infants born between 1998 and 2009 were linked to maternal and infant hospital encounter‐level data. The population‐based, longitudinal database was used to supplement data collected from focus groups and community surveys with epidemiological and health care cost data on importantMCHdisparity issues in the target community. Data were used to facilitate a community‐driven, decision‐making process in which the most important priorities for intervention were identified.ConclusionsIntegrating statewide all‐payer, hospital‐based databases intoCBPRcan empower underserved communities with a reliable source of health data, and it can promote the sustainability of newly developed data systems.
Fatal Wounds by “Manja” to a Motorbike Rider in Motion
Authors: Borkar Jaydeo Laxman , Tumram Nilesh Keshav , Ambade Vipul Namdeorao , Dixit Pradeep Gangadhar 
Published: April 2015

Abstract“Kite fights” are quite popular throughout Asia. Most kite variations, including the fighter kites of India, Pakistan, and Japan, are small, flat, roughly diamond‐shaped kites composed of paper, with a tapered bamboo spine and a balanced bow. They are flown with the help of a “Manja,” which is a thread made of cotton or nylon, and coated with fine glass powder using glue and other chemical adhesives to cut down opponent's kite string. The nylon “Manja” is particularly more dangerous, as it not only cuts down opponent's kite string but also causes bodily injuries to humans, which may be at times fatal. The pattern of injuries by Manja is underreported in literature. In the present case, the deceased had encountered fatal injuries by “Manja” while riding on his motorbike. This case discusses the pattern of injuries caused by Manja when the victims are in motion on their two‐wheelers.
Climate Change Mitigation Options in the Italian Livestock Sector
Authors: Coderoni Silvia , Valli Laura , Canavari Maurizio 
Published: April 2015

SummaryAccording to official figures, estimated using the UNFCCC methodology, the agricultural sector is responsible for around 10 per cent of EU‐15 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, these figures rise substantially if we consider the lifecycle of a product, from the cradle to the farm gate. This study investigates six livestock products in Italy, in order to estimate their carbon footprint and to explore their mitigation potential. The products analysed were fresh milk, milk for Parmigiano‐Reggiano cheese, beef, pork, eggs and poultry. Their carbon footprint was estimated using a Life Cycle Assessment approach. Although mitigation measures on the supply side are the focus of European agricultural and climate policies, the study shows that the potential of each individual action is quite limited, due to technical constraints. Nevertheless, some mitigation options can also reduce production costs, generating a win–win situation between public and private benefits. Dissemination programmes, which will be examined in 2015, are important to raise awareness among farmers about climate change scenarios in the agricultural sector and to build capacity for cost‐saving mitigation options. The demand side is also being explored in 2015 to evaluate the mitigation potential, through experimental auctions, of consumer willingness to pay for livestock products with a carbon footprint label.
Greenhouse Gas Abatement in Agriculture – Is there a Conflict with Food Security?
Authors: Blandford David , Gaasland Ivar , Vårdal Erling 
Published: April 2015

SummaryNorway has indicated its desire to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) from its domestic agricultural production. At the same time, it stresses the importance of food security as a policy objective and interprets this in terms of maintaining the supply of food calories for consumption from domestic production. Self‐sufficiency in major agricultural products is pursued through high levels of support to farmers and import protection. We use a model of Norwegian agriculture to examine the simultaneous pursuit of a reduction in GHG emissions and the food security objective. With a continuation of a self‐sufficiency policy, the reduction in emissions would lead to a major reduction in red meat consumption from extensive beef cattle and sheep production. If a production target is combined with a more trade‐friendly approach through a reduction in tariffs, the shift away from red meat would be more pronounced. Consumers would gain from lower domestic prices, despite the imposition of a substantial carbon tax. We conclude that commodities that generate the highest GHG emissions are those that are currently the most heavily subsidised, while also representing an economically inefficient way to supply calories, which is the focus of the food security objective in Norway.
Food Security and Climate Change: The Role of Sustainable Intensification, the Importance of Scale and the CAP
Authors: Rickard Sean 
Published: April 2015

SummaryFood security, the depletion of the world's natural capital and climate change form a trilemma for EU agriculture. This article argues that while reducing food waste and meat consumption can make a contribution, only the widespread adoption of sustainable intensification (SI) – to achieve a step‐change in natural resource productivity (NRP) growth – can deliver the necessary increase in output while reducing the industry's demands on the environment and GHG emissions. Maximising the growth of NRP depends not only on advances in plant and animal breeding but also a general transition to precision farming. This transition critically involves expensive investment and in this respect, larger‐scale farms that benefit from economies of scale have an inherent advantage: they are more likely to be profitable, have greater access to investment funds and also a larger volume of output over which to spread the cost. Within the EU, production is only slowly being concentrated on larger‐scale farms and for approximately two thirds of farms, direct support payments serve only to augment incomes and are insufficient to generate a surplus to fund performance improving investment. Phasing out direct payments would speed‐up the EU agricultural industry's rate of structural change thereby helping it more rapidly to address the trilemma while minimising the impact on food prices.
Healthy food intentions fail to lead to healthy consumption at an Australian festival
Authors: Ferguson Renee , Davies Christina , Lester Leanne , Rosenberg Michael 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAimTo investigate healthy food purchasing intentions and behaviours among patrons attending a large festival and any associations with healthy eating attitudes, social norms or perceived behavioural control.MethodsFood consumption intention and behaviour were measured via pre (upon entry)‐post (prior to exit) surveys among West Australian adults at the Perth Royal Show (n = 100; 66 female and 34 male). Attitude, social norm and perceived control were measured via 5‐point Likert scales. McNemar chi‐squared tests were conducted on the pre‐post measures, an anova was conducted for continuous variables, and a path analysis with bootstrapping was performed to examine the relationships from healthy eating attitudes, social norms and perceived control to intentions and behaviours.ResultsUpon entry, 71% intended to purchase food; however, significantly more participants (84%, P < 0.05) actually bought food. Of those who intended to buy food, 82% anticipated buying unhealthy food and 44% healthy food. On exiting, significantly more patrons purchased unhealthy foods (97%, P < 0.01) and significantly fewer bought healthy foods (22%, P < 0.01). There were no significant associations between intentions, behaviours, healthy eating attitudes, social norms or perceived control.ConclusionsOverall, most patrons intended and actually purchased unhealthy foods. However, among patrons who did not intend to purchase food, or planned to buy healthy food, they too bought mostly unhealthy foods. Additional efforts to promote and provide healthy choices are required.
Stress ulcer prophylaxis in the intensive care unit: an international survey of 97 units in 11 countries
Authors: KRAG M. , PERNER A. , WETTERSLEV J. , WISE M. P. , BORTHWICK M. , BENDEL S. , MCARTHUR C. , COOK D. , NIELSEN N. , PELOSI P. , KEUS F. , GUTTORMSEN A. B. , MOLLER A. D. , MØLLER M. H. ,   the SUP‐ICU Collaborators
Published: April 2015

BackgroundStress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) may decrease the incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), but the risk of infection may be increased. In this study, we aimed to describe SUP practices in adult ICUs. We hypothesised that patient selection for SUP varies both within and between countries.MethodsAdult ICUs were invited to participate in the survey. We registered country, type of hospital, type and size of ICU, preferred SUP agent, presence of local guideline, reported indications for SUP, criteria for discontinuing SUP, and concerns about adverse effects. Fisher's exact test was used to assess differences between groups.ResultsNinety‐seven adult ICUs in 11 countries participated (eight European). All but one ICU used SUP, and 64% (62/97) reported having a guideline for the use of SUP. Proton pump inhibitors were the most common SUP agent, used in 66% of ICUs (64/97), and H2‐receptor antagonists were used 31% (30/97) of the units. Twenty‐three different indications for SUP were reported, the most frequent being mechanical ventilation. All patients were prescribed SUP in 26% (25/97) of the ICUs. Adequate enteral feeding was the most frequent reason for discontinuing SUP, but 19% (18/97) continued SUP upon ICU discharge. The majority expressed concern about nosocomial pneumonia and Clostridium difficile infection with the use of SUP.ConclusionsIn this international survey, most participating ICUs reported using SUP, primarily proton pump inhibitors, but many did not have a guideline; indications varied considerably and concern existed about infectious complications.
Spontaneous and tetracosactide‐induced anti‐ACTH antibodies in man
Authors: Gan Earn H. , MacArthur Katie , Mitchell Anna L. , Joshi Abhijit , Crock Patricia , Pearce Simon H. S. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryContextDuring a clinical trial of regular tetracosactide depot injections, four of 13 patients with autoimmune Addison's disease (AAD) developed adverse reactions immediately following tetracosactide injections. We wished to investigate whether these adverse effects could be due to the production of circulating antitetracosactide (ACTH1–24) antibodies.DesignAnti‐ACTH binding activity was investigated using immunoblotting and ELISA on sera from participants in the trial (n = 13; baseline and after tetracosactide exposure), 131 unrelated patients with AAD, 92 patients with Graves’ disease (GD), 15 patients with isolated ACTH deficiency and 102 controls. Immunohistochemistry of human pituitary tissue sections was also performed using pooled sera.ResultsBands at approximately 4 and 6 kDa, corresponding to ACTH1–24 and full‐length ACTH1–39, respectively, were found in 10 of 13 (77%) of sera from trial patients exposed to tetracosactide, including all those who had an adverse reaction. This is in contrast with healthy control sera, which showed no binding. The same 10 subjects also showed high levels of binding to tetracosactide by ELISA, along with 21% of patients with AAD, 14% of patients with GD (both P < 0·001 compared to controls) and 1 isolated ACTH deficiency patient (7% of 15). These sera also recognized native ACTH in human pituitary sections.ConclusionOur study demonstrates that repeated administration of depot tetracosactide can lead to anti‐ACTH1–24 autoreactivity. In addition, a significant number of patients with AAD and GD also had similar, spontaneous, anti‐ACTH reactivity. The presence of these antibodies could mediate some of the adverse effects or explain the well‐described phenomenon of resistance to chronic ACTH therapy.
Long‐Term Outcome of Implant Rehabilitations in Patients with Systemic Disorders and Smoking Habits: A Retrospective Clinical Study
Authors: Maló Paulo , de Araújo Nobre Miguel , Gonçalves Yolande , Lopes Armando 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundThere is a need for more studies investigating the outcome of implant‐supported rehabilitations in patients with systemic disorders.Materials and MethodsThis retrospective clinical study included 721 patients with systemic disorders or smoking habits (422 females; 299 males), with an average age of 51 years, rehabilitated with 3,998 implants and followed for 3–17 years (average 8 years). Outcome measures were: implant survival rates calculated based on implant function through life tables and using the patient (first implant failure censored) and implant as units of analysis; marginal bone levels measured at 1, 5, and 10 years; and the incidence of biological complications (peri‐implant pathology, abscess formation, fistula formation, and suppuration).ResultsEighty‐seven patients were lost to follow‐up (12%). Forty‐five patients experienced prosthetic failure rendering a 94.3% survival rate. One hundred seventy‐three implants failed in 98 patients, rendering an 83.5% (patient level) and 94.6% (implant level) cumulative survival rate. The average marginal bone levels were 1.18 mm, 1.56 mm, and 1.47 mm at 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively. Biological complications occurred in 86 patients (11.9%).ConclusionsImplant rehabilitations in patients presenting systemic disorders or smoking habits are possible with good outcomes. Nevertheless, different impacts on implant rehabilitations were registered according to the type of systemic disorder.
A systematic review of the effectiveness of school‐based obesity prevention programmes for First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth in Canada
Authors: Godin K. , Leatherdale S. T. , Elton‐Marshall T. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryFirst Nations, Inuit and Métis (FNIM) youth are disproportionately affected by obesity and represent known a high‐risk group in Canada. School‐based prevention programmes may have the potential to effectively influence obesity‐related health behaviours (i.e. healthy eating and physical activity) among this population. We conducted a systematic review of nine electronic databases (2003–2014) to identify studies that describe school‐based programmes that have been developed to improve obesity‐related health behaviours and outcomes among FNIM youth in Canada. The objectives of this review were to identify and evaluate the effectiveness of these programmes and assess the strength of the methodologies used to evaluate them. Fifteen studies, representing seven distinct interventions, met our inclusion criteria. The majority of these programmes did not result in significant improvements in outcomes related to obesity, healthy eating, or physical activity among FNIM youth. The studies varied in design rigour and use of evaluation activities. The lack of literature on effective school‐based programmes for FNIM youth in Canada that target obesity‐related outcomes highlights a priority area for future intervention development, evaluation and dissemination within the peer‐reviewed literature. Further research is needed on interventions involving Métis and Inuit youth, secondary school‐aged FNIM youth and FNIM youth living in urban settings.
Rectal enema is an alternative to full mechanical bowel preparation for primary rectal cancer surgery
Authors: Pittet O. , Nocito A. , Balke H. , Duvoisin C. , Clavien P. A. , Demartines N. , Hahnloser D. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAimAccording to the French GRECCAR III randomized trial, full mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) for rectal surgery decreases the rate of postoperative morbidity, in particular postoperative infectious complications, but MBP is not well tolerated by the patient. The aim of the present study was to determine whether a preoperative rectal enema (RE) might be an alternative to MBP.MethodsAn analysis was performed of 96 matched cohort patients undergoing rectal resection with primary anastomosis and protective ileostomy at two different university teaching hospitals, whose rectal cancer management was comparable except for the choice of preoperative bowel preparation (MBP or RE). Prospective databases were retrospectively analysed.ResultsPatients were well matched for age, gender, body mass index and Charlson index. The surgical approach and cancer characteristics (level above anal verge, stage and use of neoadjuvant therapy) were comparable between the two groups. Anastomotic leakage occurred in 10% of patients having MBP and in 8% having RE (P = 1.00). Pelvic abscess formation (6% vs 2%, P = 0.63) and wound infection (8% vs 15%, P = 0.55) were also comparable. Extra‐abdominal infection (13% vs 13%, P = 1.00) and non‐infectious abdominal complications such as ileus and bleeding (27% and 31%, P = 0.83) were not significantly different. Overall morbidity was comparable in the two groups (50% vs 54%, P = 0.83).ConclusionA simple RE before rectal surgery seems not to be associated with more postoperative infectious complications nor a higher overall morbidity than MBP.