bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Circulating microparticles from diabetic rats impair endothelial function and regulate endothelial protein expression
Authors: Ishida K. , Taguchi K. , Hida M. , Watanabe S. , Kawano K. , Matsumoto T. , Hattori Y. , Kobayashi T. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAimDiabetes mellitus increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, which is accompanied by functional and structural changes in the vascular system. Microparticles (MPs) have been described as biological vectors of endothelial dysfunction in other pathologies. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying their formation and signalling are unclear. We investigated the role ofMPs derived from streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic rats in endothelial function.MethodsMale Wistar rats were injected withSTZto induce diabetes, andMPs isolated from control orSTZ‐induced diabetic rats were characterized by dot blotting (assessed byCD62P detections), flow cytometry (assessed by annexin V detections) andELISA. Carotid arteries from rats were incubated withMPs, and expressions of enzymes and endothelium‐dependent relaxation were analysed.ResultsThe circulating levels ofMPs, particularly the levels of platelet‐derived microparticles, from diabetic rats were higher than those present in controls. Endothelium‐dependent relaxation induced by acetylcholine (ACh) was attenuated in carotid arteries fromSTZ‐induced diabetic rats. Following the incubation of control carotid arteries withMPs isolated fromSTZrats, ACh‐induced endothelium‐dependent relaxation was impaired, butMPs isolated from control rats had no such effect. Furthermore, the effect ofMPs was mediated by a decrease in expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and the overexpression of caveolin‐1.ConclusionCirculatingMPs isolated fromSTZ‐induced diabetic rats induce endothelial dysfunction in carotid arteries and regulate protein expressions of eNOSand caveolin‐1. These data advance our understanding of the deleterious effects of circulatingMPs observed in disorders with diabetic complications.
Preoperative JJ stent placement in ureteric and renal stone treatment: results from the Clinical Research Office of Endourological Society (CROES) ureteroscopy (URS) Global Study
Authors: Assimos Dean , Crisci Alfonso , Culkin Daniel , Xue Wei , Roelofs Anita , Duvdevani Mordechai , Desai Mahesh , de la Rosette Jean ,   the CROES URS Global Study Group
Published: August 2015

ObjectiveTo compare outcomes of ureteric and renal stone treatment with ureteroscopy (URS) in patients with or without the placement of a preoperative JJ stent.Patients and MethodsThe Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society (CROES) URS Global Study collected prospective data for 1 year on consecutive patients with ureteric or renal stones treated with URS at 114 centres around the world. Patients that had had preoperative JJ stent placement were compared with those that did not. Inverse‐probability‐weighted regression adjustment (IPWRA) was used to examine the effect of preoperative JJ stent placement on the stone‐free rate (SFR), length of hospital stay (LOHS), operative duration, and complications (rate and severity).ResultsOf 8 189 patients with ureteric stones, there were 978 (11.9%) and 7 133 patients with and without a preoperative JJ stent, respectively. Of the 1 622 patients with renal stones, 590 (36.4%) had preoperative stenting and 1 002 did not. For renal stone treatment, preoperative stent placement increased the SFR and operative time, and there was a borderline significant decrease in intraoperative complications. For ureteric stone treatment, preoperative stent placement was associated with longer operative duration and decreased LOHS, but there was no difference in the SFR and complications. One major limitation of the study was that the reason for JJ stent placement was not identified preoperatively.ConclusionsThe placement of a preoperative JJ stent increases SFRs and decreases complications in patients with renal stones but not in those with ureteric stones.
Validation of the Japanese version of the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale and assessment of the effect of pain on scale responses in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Masuda Hiroki , Mori Masahiro , Uzawa Akiyuki , Muto Mayumi , Uchida Tomohiko , Kobayashi Shigeo , Kuwabara Satoshi 
Published: August 2015

AbstractObjectiveFatigue is a major disabling symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) is generally approved for evaluating fatigue in MS patients. However, a Japanese version of MFIS has not been established. The aims of the present study were to validate the Japanese MFIS and to investigate its relationship with pain in Japanese MS patients.MethodsThe MFIS was translated into Japanese by a professional translator. The Japanese version of MFIS was carried out for 30 relapsing–remitting MS patients during remission, and 30 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls. MFIS for MS patients was repeated within 4 days to show the reliability. The Japanese version of the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory and Pain Effects Scale were also carried out.ResultsNo significant difference in MFIS score was found between the first and second assessments. Total scores were higher for the patients than for controls (P < 0.001); they correlated with those of the Kurtzke's Expanded Disability Status Scale (P < 0.001), Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (P = 0.031) and Pain Effects Scale (P < 0.001). Positive correlations were found among subscales of the Japanese version of the MFIS in the patients.ConclusionsA Japanese version of the MFIS validated fatigue evaluation in these patients.
Neuron–astrocyte interactions in neurodegenerative diseases: Role of neuroinflammation
Authors: Rama Rao Kakulavarapu V. , Kielian Tammy 
Published: August 2015

AbstractSelective neuron loss in discrete brain regions is a hallmark of various neurodegenerative disorders, although the mechanisms responsible for this regional vulnerability of neurons remain largely unknown. Earlier studies attributed neuron dysfunction and eventual loss during neurodegenerative diseases as exclusively cell autonomous. Although cell‐intrinsic factors are one critical aspect in dictating neuron death, recent evidence also supports the involvement of other central nervous system cell types in propagating non‐cell autonomous neuronal injury during neurodegenerative diseases. One such example is astrocytes, which support neuronal and synaptic function, but can also contribute to neuroinflammatory processes. Indeed, aberrations in astrocyte function have been shown to negatively impact neuronal integrity in several neurological diseases. The present review focuses on neuroinflammatory paradigms influenced by neuron–astrocyte cross‐talk in the context of select neurodegenerative diseases.
Anisotropic Strain Limiting for Quadrilateral and Triangular Cloth Meshes
Authors: Ma Guanghui , Ye Juntao , Li Jituo , Zhang Xiaopeng 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe cloth simulation systems often suffer from excessive extension on the polygonal mesh, so an additional strain‐limiting process is typically used as a remedy in the simulation pipeline. A cloth model can be discretized as either a quadrilateral mesh or a triangular mesh, and their strains are measured differently. The edge‐based strain‐limiting method for a quadrilateral mesh creates anisotropic behaviour by nature, as discretization usually aligns the edges along the warp and weft directions. We improve this anisotropic technique by replacing the traditionally used equality constraints with inequality ones in the mathematical optimization, and achieve faster convergence. For a triangular mesh, the state‐of‐the‐art technique measures and constrains the strains along the two principal (and constantly changing) directions in a triangle, resulting in an isotropic behaviour which prohibits shearing. Based on the framework of inequality‐constrained optimization, we propose a warp and weft strain‐limiting formulation. This anisotropic model is more appropriate for textile materials that do not exhibit isotropic strain behaviour.
Predictive Value of D‐Dimer Levels and Tissue Doppler Mitral Annular Systolic Velocity for Detection of Left Atrial Appendage Thrombus in Patients with Mitral Stenosis in Sinus Rhythm
Authors: Kurakula Naresh , Durgaprasad Rajasekhar , Velam Vanajakshamma , Akula Vidya Sagar , Kasala Latheef , Muvva Kalyan Venkateswarlu 
Published: August 2015

BackgroundTransesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is a gold standard test for diagnosis of left atrial (LA) thrombus, but it has limited sensitivity for identification of small thrombi within side lobes. Thus, the absence of visualizing a left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus does not equate with the absence of a LAA thrombus.AimTo assess the predictive value of mitral annular systolic velocity (Sa) and D‐dimer for the detection of LA thrombus and spontaneous echocardiographic contrast (SEC) in mitral stenosis (MS) patients with sinus rhythm (SR).MethodsTransthoracic echocardiogram, TEE, and D‐dimer analysis were performed in 104 severe MS patients and divided them into three groups: Group I:no LA thrombus or SEC; Group II:LA SEC only; and Group III:LA thrombus.ResultsGroup III had more severe New York Heart Association (NYHA) class (III‐IV) dyspnea and lower Sa (6.9 ± 0.7 vs.10.0 ± 1.2 cm/sec), lower LAA late emptying velocity (17.7 ± 2.1 vs. 24.4 ± 4.2 cm/sec), larger LA transverse dimension, and LAA area (LAAA) than group I+II. Mean D‐dimer levels were higher in groups III and II than in group I. In multivariate analysis Sa, D‐dimer levels, LAAA, and NYHA class were independent predictors of LA thrombus. ROC curve analysis revealed that higher Sa >8 cm/sec and lower D‐dimer levels <370 μg/L predict the absence of LA thrombus and lower Sa <8 cm/sec and higher D‐dimer levels >510 μg/L predict the presence of LA thrombus.ConclusionMeasurement of Sa and D‐dimer levels is necessary for better assessment of LA thrombus and SEC, for identification of patients who are at high risk for LA thrombus formation and for initiation of prophylactic anticoagulation.
Evaluation of heart rate and rhythm during exercise
Authors: Allen K. J. , Young L. E. , Franklin S. H. 
Published: August 2015

SummaryHeart rate and rhythm can readily be monitored during exercise. Although there is considerable variation depending on the athletic discipline, exercise can be considered to be one of the most physiologically demanding times for the cardiovascular system. Assessment of heart rate during exercise typically provides information regarding fitness and the intensity of exercise, and on some occasions may provide an early indication of disease. Cardiac causes of poor performance occur relatively infrequently in comparison with disorders of the musculoskeletal and respiratory systems. Nevertheless, exercise induces cardiac hypertrophy, which predisposes athletes to valvular regurgitation and arrhythmias. Consequently cardiac murmurs and arrhythmias are frequently present in equine athletes, whereupon the clinical significance can be difficult to determine. Undertaking an exercise test to identify exercise‐induced arrhythmias is important in the assessment of poor athletic performance and the risk of sudden cardiac death during exercise. This paper describes the assessment of heart rate and rhythm during exercise. Most research has been undertaken on racehorses but, where data are available for other disciplines, they have been included. Considerations regarding the choice, type and design of exercise test were detailed in the first paper in this series.
Gastric impaction and large colon volvulus: Can one lead to the other?
Authors: Blikslager A. T. 
Published: August 2015

SummaryThe possibility of stomach impaction resulting in large colon volvulus is raised by authors reporting the findings of both lesions in 7 horses. Although this combination of lesions has not been reported before, it is interesting to consider the effect of a gastric impaction compressing the colon as the stomach increases in size with firm ingesta. Anatomically, the stomach is dorsal to the colon, and might therefore compress the colon. As to how this might result in volvulus, it is interesting to speculate on the possible roles of gas accumulation or other changes in the intracolonic environment, such as composition in microbiota. The report of 7 horses also highlights the need to thoroughly explore any horse taken to surgery because of intractable colic in case there is more than one lesion.
Resection of a ceruminous adenocarcinoma in a horse by a modified vertical ear canal ablation
Authors: Skärlina E. M. , Tvedten H. W. , Roberts V. L. H. , Gorvy D. A. 
Published: August 2015

SummaryA 13‐year‐old Swedish Warmblood mare was presented for evaluation of a mass on the medial aspect of the left vertical ear canal. The mass was initially resected using monopolar loop diathermy. Histopathological diagnosis of the excisional biopsy was a low‐grade malignant ceruminous adenocarcinoma. The clinical and histopathological features of this previously unreported neoplasm in the horse are described. A modified vertical ear canal ablation was performed in order to remove the base of the neoplasm with adequate free margins. The surgical technique is described. No recurrence was noted 2 years after surgery and the appearance and function of the pinna were retained.
Asymmetric functional interaction between chaperonin and its plastidic cofactors
Authors: Guo Peng , Jiang Shan , Bai Cuicui , Zhang Wenjuan , Zhao Qian , Liu Cuimin 
Published: August 2015

The specific cochaperonin, chloroplast chaperonin (Cpn)20, consisting of two tandem GroES‐like domains, is present abundantly in plant and algal chloroplasts, in addition to Cpn10, which is similar in size to GroES. How Cpn20 oligomers, containing six or eight 10‐kDa domains, cooperate with the heptameric ring of chaperonin at the same time as encountering symmetry mismatch is unclear. In the present study, we characterized the functional cooperation of cochaperonins, including two plastidic Cpn20 homo‐oligomers from Arabidopsis (AtCpn20) and Chlamydomonas (CrCPN20), and one algal CrCPNs hetero‐oligomer, consisting of three cochaperonins, CrCPN11, CrCPN20 and CrCPN23, with two chaperonins, Escherichia coli GroEL and Chlamydomonas CrCPN60. AtCpn20 and CrCPNs were functional for assisting both chaperonins in folding model substrates ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase oxygenase from Rhodospirillum rubrum (RrRubisco) in vitro and complementing GroES function in E. coli. CrCPN20 cooperated only with CrCPN60 (and not GroEL) to refold RrRubisco in vitro and showed differential complementation with the two chaperonins in E. coli. Cochaperonin concatamers, consisting of six to eight covalently linked 10‐kDa domains, were functionally similar to their respective native forms. Our results indicate that symmetrical match between chaperonin and cochaperonin is not an absolute requisite for functional cooperation.
Combined and independent cytotoxicity of sodium hypochlorite, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and chlorhexidine
Authors: Vouzara T. , Koulaouzidou E. , Ziouti F. , Economides N. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAimTo evaluate the capacity of commonly used root canal irrigants to induce cytotoxic effects, when applied singly or in combination. The hypothesis tested was that the irrigants were less cytotoxic when applied in combination than independently.MethodologyMRC5 cells were grown as monolayer cultures at 37 °C in an atmosphere containing 5% CO2 in air and 100% relative humidity. Cells were exposed to sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), chlorhexidine (CHX) and their combinations (NaOCl/EDTA, NaOCl/CHX, EDTA/CHX) in serial dilutions. Growth medium was Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium supplemented with 10% foetal bovine serum and antibiotics and was used as control. The effect on cell survival was estimated after 6 and 24 h of exposure by means of the sulforhodamine B assay, in reference to controls. Dose–response curves were plotted, and 50% inhibitory doses (IC50) were subjected to statistical analysis (anova and post hoc comparison test; P < 0.05). Analysis of cell survival and interaction of the irrigants was performed using CalcuSyn dose effect analyzer software to calculate a combination index (CI).ResultsThe tested irrigants were cytotoxic in dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. CHX was the most cytotoxic irrigant tested, followed by NaOCl, whilst EDTA was the least cytotoxic irrigant tested. The difference between CHX and NaOCl was significant (P < 0.05) as well as between NaOCl and EDTA (P < 0.05). Based on CalcuSyn modelling, a mainly antagonistic effect was recorded with NaOCl/CHX and NaOCl/EDTA combinations. The combination EDTA/CHX had an additive to antagonistic effect.ConclusionsCHX was significantly more cytotoxic than NaOCl and EDTA. NaOCl was significantly more cytotoxic than EDTA. The combined action of irrigants did not produce a significant increase in their cytotoxicity.
Music and communication in the operating theatre
Authors: Weldon Sharon‐Marie , Korkiakangas Terhi , Bezemer Jeff , Kneebone Roger 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAimsTo observe the extent and the detail with which playing music can impact on communication in the operating theatre.BackgroundAccording to the cited sources, music is played in 53‐72% of surgical operations performed. Noise levels in the operating theatre already exceed World Health Organisation recommendations. There is currently a divide in opinions on the playing of music in operating theatres, with few studies conducted and no policies or guidance provided.DesignAn ethnographic observational study of teamwork in operating theatres through video recordings. Quantitative and qualitative data analysis approaches were used.MethodsThis study was conducted between 2012–2013 in the UK. Video recordings of 20 operations over six months in two operating theatres were captured. The recordings were divided into music and non‐music playing cases. Each case was logged using a request/response sequence identified through interactional analysis. Statistical analysis, using a χ2, explored the difference between the proportion of request repetitions and whether music was playing or not. Further interactional analysis was conducted for each request repetition.ResultsRequest/response observations (N = 5203) were documented. A chi‐square test revealed that repeated requests were five times more likely to occur in cases that played music than those that did not. A repeated request can add 4‐68 seconds each to operation time and increased tensions due to frustration at ineffective communication.ConclusionsMusic played in the operating theatre can interfere with team communication, yet is seldom recognized as a potential safety hazard. Decisions around whether music is played and around the choice of music and its volume, are determined largely by surgeons. Frank discussions between clinicians, managers, patients and governing bodies should be encouraged for recommendations and guidance to be developed.
Selection on incremental variation of eye size in a wild population ofDaphnia
Authors: Brandon C. S. , James T. , Dudycha J. L. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractSeveral studies of eye morphology have analysed macroevolutionary patterns in the diversity of eyes, and although these studies are often linked to environment or behaviour, they provide only indirect evidence of selection. Specific data to show the microevolutionary potential for adaptation by natural selection in eye morphology have been lacking. We document directional selection on eye size, an important determinant of visual capabilities, in a wild population of the freshwater microcrustaceanDaphnia. We show that even slight changes in eye size may have major consequences for fitness. An increase in eye diameter of 19.9 μm – slightly more than one standard deviation – is associated with an increase in clutch size of one egg, or an increase of nearly 20% of the mean clutch size. Furthermore, relative eye size is genetically variable and thus could evolve in response to the observed selective pressure. We conclude that selection on incremental variation in eye size may have led to differences observed on broader taxonomic scales.
Weight Loss Associated with Cholinesterase Inhibitors in Individuals with Dementia in a National Healthcare System
Authors: Sheffrin Meera , Miao Yinghui , Boscardin W. John , Steinman Michael A. 
Published: August 2015

ObjectivesTo determine whether initiation of cholinesterase inhibitors is associated with significant weight loss in a real‐word clinical setting.DesignRetrospective cohort study from 2007 to 2010 comparing weight loss in individuals with dementia newly prescribed cholinesterase inhibitors and those newly prescribed other chronic medications.SettingNational Veterans Affairs data.ParticipantsIndividuals aged 65 and older with a diagnosis of dementia who received a new prescription for a cholinesterase inhibitor or other new chronic medication.MeasurementsThe primary outcome was time to 10‐pound weight loss over 12 months. Propensity score matching was used to control for the likelihood of receiving a cholinesterase inhibitor based on baseline characteristics. Data were analyzed in a priori defined subgroups according to age, comorbid burden, and initial weight.ResultsOf 6,504 individuals that met study criteria, 1,188 started on cholinesterase inhibitors were matched to 2,189 started on other medications. The propensity‐matched cohorts were well balanced on baseline covariates. Participants initiated on cholinesterase inhibitors had a higher risk of weight loss than matched controls at 12 months (hazard ratio = 1.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.07–1.41). At 12 months, 29.3% of participants taking cholinesterase inhibitors had experienced weight loss, compared with 22.8% of nonusers, corresponding to a number needed to harm of 21.2 (95% CI = 12.5–71.4) over 1 year. There were no significant differences in the risk of weight loss within subgroups.ConclusionThese results are consistent with the available data from randomized controlled trials. Clinicians should consider the risk of weight loss when prescribing cholinesterase inhibitors.