bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modulation of 3′,5′-cyclic AMP homeostasis in human platelets by coffee and individual coffee constituents
Authors: Montoya Gina A. , Bakuradze Tamara , Eirich Marion , Erk Thomas , Baum Matthias , Habermeyer Michael , Eisenbrand Gerhard , Richling Elke 
Published: September 2014

3′,5′-Cyclic AMP (cAMP) is one of the most important second messengers in mammalian cells, mediating a multitude of diverse cellular signalling responses. Its homeostasis is primarily regulated by adenylate cyclases and phosphodiesterases (PDE), the activities of which are partially dependent on the downstream events of adenosine receptor signalling. The present study was conducted to determine whether coffee constituents other than caffeine can influence the homeostasis of intracellular cAMP in vitro and in vivo by evaluating the effects of selected constituents present in coffee, coffee brews and coffee extracts on platelet PDE activity. In addition, to evaluate the potential effects of these constituents on platelet cAMP concentrations and PDE activity in humans, a 7-week pilot intervention study with eight subjects was conducted. The subjects consumed a regular commercial coffee and a low-caffeine coffee at a rate of 750 ml/d for 2 weeks each. The in vivo results revealed a highly significant inhibition of PDE activity (P< 0·001) after coffee intervention that was not directly dependent on the caffeine content of coffee. Although our in vitro and in vivo findings suggest that caffeine plays some role in the modulation of platelet cAMP status, other natural and roasting-associated compounds such as pyrazines and other currently unidentified species also appear to contribute significantly. In conclusion, moderate consumption of coffee can modulate platelet PDE activity and cAMP concentrations in humans, which may contribute to the putative beneficial health effects of coffee. Further detailed mechanistic investigations will be required to substantiate these beneficial effects and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
Effect of vitamin E intake from food and supplement sources on plasma α- and γ-tocopherol concentrations in a healthy Irish adult population
Authors: Zhao Yang , Monahan Frank J. , McNulty Breige A. , Gibney Mike J. , Gibney Eileen R. 
Published: September 2014

Vitamin E is believed to play a preventive role in diseases associated with oxidative stress. The aims of the present study were to quantify vitamin E intake levels and plasma concentrations and to assess dietary vitamin E adequacy in Irish adults. Intake data from the National Adult Nutrition Survey were used; plasma samples were obtained from a representative cohort of survey participants. Plasma α- and γ-tocopherol concentrations were measured by HPLC. The main sources of vitamin E in the diet were ‘butter, spreadable fats and oils’ and ‘vegetables and vegetable dishes’. When vitamin E intake from supplements was taken into account, supplements were found to be the main contributor, making a contribution of 29·2 % to vitamin E intake in the total population. Supplement consumers had significantly higher plasma α-tocopherol concentrations and lower plasma γ-tocopherol concentrations when compared with non-consumers. Consumers of ‘vitamin E’ supplements had significantly higher vitamin E intake levels and plasma α-tocopherol concentrations compared with consumers of other types of supplements, such as multivitamin and fish oil. Comparison with the Institute of Medicine Estimated Average Requirement of 12 mg/d indicated that when vitamin E intake from food and supplement sources was taken into account, 100 % of the study participants achieved the recommended intake levels. When vitamin E intake from food sources was taken into account, only 68·4 % of the females were found to achieve the recommended intake levels compared with 99·2 % of the males. The results of the present study show that dietary vitamin E intake has a significant effect on plasma α- and γ-tocopherol concentrations. Furthermore, they show that the consumption of supplements is a major contributor to overall intake and has a significant effect on plasma vitamin E concentrations in the Irish population.
VOTIVE OFFERINGS FROM THE SANCTUARY OF ARTEMIS ORTHIA, SPARTA, IN LIVERPOOL COLLECTIONS
Authors: Muskett Georgina 
Published: September 2014

Two museums in the city of Liverpool have material from the Sanctuary of Artemis Orthia, Sparta: the Garstang Museum of Archaeology in the Department of Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology at the University of Liverpool, and World Museum, part of National Museums Liverpool.The artefacts from the Artemis Orthia sanctuary which are now in the collections in Liverpool represent all periods of the use of the sanctuary, between the eighth century bc and the third century ad. They comprise lead figurines and miniature vessels, both characteristic of Laconian sites, as well as other types of pottery and terracotta figurines. Large and more extravagant offerings, such as items made from ivory or bronze, are not represented. However, the range of artefacts, particularly lead figurines, is impressive, and complements the material from the sanctuary which has already been published, primarily in the volume edited by Dawkins and published in 1929. In addition, the collections include a few objects of exceptional interest, mentioned in the article with further details in the Appendix. A full listing of votive offerings from the Sanctuary of Artemis Orthia in Liverpool collections complements the article.
Processing and interpretation of surface electromyogram signal to design prosthetic device
Authors: Veer Karan , Agarwal Ravinder , Kumar Amod 
Published: September 2014

SUMMARYThe study of arm muscles for independent operations leading to prosthetic design was carried out. Feature extraction was done on the recorded signal for investigating the voluntary muscular contraction relationship for different arm motions and then repeated factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) technique was implemented to analyze effectiveness of signal. The electronic design consisted of analog and digital signal processing and controlling circuit and mechanical assembly consisted of wrist, palm and the fingers to grip the object in addition to a screw arrangement connected to a low power DC motor and gear assembly to open or close the hand. The wrist is mechanically rotated to orient the hand in a direction suitable to pick up/hold the object. The entire set up is placed in a casing which provides a cosmetic appeal to the artificial hand and the connected arm. The design criteria include electronic control, reliability, light weight, variable grip force with ease of attachment for simple operations like opening, grasping and lifting objects of different weight with grip force slightly more than enough just like that of a natural hand.
Spouse and Adult Child Differences in Caregiving Burden
Authors: Chappell Neena L. , Dujela Carren , Smith André 
Published: September 2014

RÉSUMÉCette étude a comparé les corrélats de la charge pour le conjoint et les soignants qui sont enfants adultes à deux moments dans le temps et a évalué si les corrélats de T1à T2prédit la charge. L'échantillon était constitué de 878 soignants pour les adultes plus âgés de la Colombie-Britannique auxquels on a prescrit des inhibiteurs de la cholinestérase. La charge a été mesurée six mois après la personne âgée a été prescrit le médicament et un an plus tard (n= 759). Les résultats suggèrent que les enfants adultes sentent plus fort la charge que les conjoints à T1et T2, avec les enfants adultes, mais pas les conjoints, diminuant leur fardeau au fil du temps. Les corrélats de la charge de T1ont expliqué des quantités importantes de variance, révélant la corrélation différentielle pour les deux groupes et l'importance des caractéristiques des soignants sur les caractéristiques des patients. La charge au T2s'explique principalement par les facteurs de T2, plus la charge de T1, suggérant l'importance des facteurs relativement immédiats des effets directs sur la charge des soignants. Les effets indirects étaient operationnels par la charge de T1.
Ionic composition of terrestrial surface waters in Maritime Antarctic and the processes involved in formation
Authors: Nędzarek Arkadiusz , Tórz Agnieszka , Podlasińska Joanna 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe qualitative and quantitative composition of major ions and nutrient compounds in surface waters and soils of the west coast of Admiralty Bay (King George Island, West Antarctica) was investigated together with the effect of soil-forming processes and atmospheric precipitation on the ionic composition of surface waters. In the water bodies studied, Cl- and Na+ were dominant major ions (average concentrations: 1102.2 and 930.9 μM, respectively). Average concentrations of the other major anions ranged from 2.80 μM (F-) to 81.64 μM (SO42-) and major cations ranged from 12.46 μM (K+) to 130.76 μM (Mg2+). Average concentrations of total reactive phosphorus, N-NO2-, N-NO3- and N-NH4+ amounted to 1.374, 0.410, 6.299 and 1.490 μM, respectively. Average concentrations of Ca, Mg, Na, K, N and P in the surface layer of the soil equalled 16.8, 15.9, 6.4, 3.6, 0.646 and 0.744 g kg-1, respectively. The calculated Na+/Cl-, Ca2+/Mg2+, Ca2+/Na+ and HCO3-/Cl- ratios revealed that atmospheric precipitation was the main source of major ions. We conclude that the ionic composition of the waters of the western coast of Admiralty Bay differ from surface waters of Continental Antarctica.
Population density and habitat preferences of the Black-cheeked Ant-tanagerHabia atrimaxillaris
Authors: CORNILS JESSICA S. , RIEDL ISABELL , FRICKE JULIAN , KATZ MORITZ , SCHULZE CHRISTIAN H. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryThe lowland forest on the southern Pacific slope of Costa Rica has an extremely diverse avifauna, including the Black-cheeked Ant-tanagerHabia atrimaxillaris. The only known remaining populations of this highly range-restricted species occur in the areas of Piedras Blancas and Corcovado National Park. It is assumed that the population is decreasing due to habitat loss and fragmentation. We assessed the species’ population density in a part of the Piedras Blancas National Park using distance sampling (in February–April 2009 and November 2010–January 2011) and territory mapping (November 2010–January 2011). We also examined habitat preferences based on vegetation structure at point count locations. Black-cheeked Ant-tanagers were exclusively found in old-growth forest. The species’ likelihood of occurrence at census points increased with forest cover (within a radius of 200 m around census points), canopy closure, and density of trees (with diameter at breast height >10 cm). Average population density estimated by distance sampling was 24–27 individuals per km², which is in accordance with the population size estimated by territory mapping (17–25 birds per km²). Based on these estimates, an overall population size of 12,432–20,720 birds is predicted for the remaining 592 km² lowland forest area of the Golfo Dulce region. The Black-cheeked Ant-tanager was only recorded in old-growth forest, but not in gallery forests embedded in a human-dominated landscape matrix. Since the species appears to avoid forest edges, further forest degradation and fragmentation will have a strong negative impact and should be rapidly reduced by adequate conservation measures.
Holes and channels between the ventricles revisited
Authors: Crucean Adrian , Brawn William J. , Spicer Diane E. , Franklin Rodney C. , Anderson Robert H. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundAlthough holes, or channels, between the ventricles are the commonest congenital cardiac malformations, there is still no consensus as to how they can best be described and categorised. So as to assess whether it is possible to produce a potentially universally acceptable system, we have analysed the hearts categorised as having ventricular septal defects in a large archive held at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.Materials and methodsWe analysed all the hearts categorised as having isolated ventricular septal defects, or those associated with aortic coarctation or interruption in the setting of concordant ventriculo-arterial connections, in the archive of autopsied hearts held at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, United Kingdom.ResultsWe found 147 hearts within the archive fulfilling our criterions for inclusion. All could be classified within one of three groups depending on their borders as seen from the right ventricle. To provide full description, however, it was also necessary to take account of the way the defects opened to the right ventricle, and the presence or absence of alignment between the septal components.ConclusionsBy combining information on the phenotypic specificity defined on the basis of their borders, the direction of opening into the right ventricle, and the presence or absence of septal malalignment, it proved possible to categorise all hearts examined within the archive of Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Our findings have necessitated creation of new numbers within the European Paediatric Cardiac Code.
Diastolic function in anthracycline-treated children
Authors: Harahsheh Ashraf , Aggarwal Sanjeev , Pettersen Michael D. , L’Ecuyer Thomas 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackground: Anthracyclines are effective medications for childhood cancer. Their limitation is the risk of cardiomyopathy. Although diastolic dysfunction has been described in patients who received anthracyclines, cardiac monitoring has focused on systolic function, which is abnormal in up to 41% of the patients. We conducted a study to assess diastolic function utilising transmitral inflow Doppler velocities and tissue Doppler imaging in anthracycline-treated children 5 years post-therapy. Methods: This was a retrospective study on 63 anthracycline-treated patients. Echocardiographic parameters included peak early and late transmitral inflow Doppler velocities (E, A), E/A ratio, E deceleration time, and tissue Doppler imaging early and late diastolic mitral annulus velocities (E′, A′), E/E′ ratio, and E′/A′ ratio. Results: All indices of diastolic function that we measured were normal in the anthracycline-treated patients. Conclusion: We conclude that diastolic function assessed by transmitral inflow Doppler velocities and tissue Doppler imaging is normal in anthracycline-treated children 5 years after completion of treatment. Further longitudinal study is needed to determine whether diastolic function becomes abnormal with time in this patient population.
Long-term outcome and anaesthetic management for non-cardiac surgery after Fontan palliation: a single-centre retrospective analysis
Authors: Palumbo Thomas , Sluysmans Thierry , Rubay Jean E. , Poncelet Alain J. , Momeni Mona 
Published: September 2014

AbstractObjectives:The improved management of Fontan patients has resulted in good outcome. As such, these patients may necessitate care for non-cardiac surgery. We sought to determine the long-term outcome of our Fontan series palliated with the most recent surgical techniques. Our second objective was to report the incidence and the perioperative course after non-cardiac procedures. We reviewed the records of all patients with either a lateral tunnel or an extracardiac conduit Fontan between 1996 and 2008. Follow-up was recorded until June, 2013, including records regarding non-cardiac interventions.Results:Overall, 58 patients were included. Of them, one patient underwent a takedown of his Fontan, and five patients died in the immediate postoperative course. The cumulative survival of the remaining 52 patients was 81%. There was no significant difference in survival between right and left ventricle morphologies (p=0.56), nor between both types of Fontan (p=0.9). Chronic arrhythmias (25%), fatigue/dyspnoea (40%), thrombotic complications (19%), and embolic events (10%) were among the most recurrent comorbidities. In total, 45 non-cardiac interventions were performed on 26 patients, with three bleeding complications and one death.Conclusions:This study shows excellent long-term survival after both lateral tunnel and extracardiac conduit Fontan. The incidence of cardiovascular morbidity remains high, however. We also report a high number of non-cardiac interventions. Thorough understanding of the Fontan physiology is mandatory when non-cardiac anaesthesiologists are in charge of these patients.
Default Network Connectivity Is Linked to Memory Status in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Leavitt Victoria M. , Paxton Jessica , Sumowski James F. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractMemory impairment affects 50% of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Altered resting-state functional connectivity (FC) has been observed in the default network (DN) of MS patients. No study to date has examined the association of DN FC to its behavioral concomitant, memory. The approach of the present study represents a methodological shift allowing straightforward interpretation of FC alterations in MS, as it presupposes specificity of a network to its paired cognitive function. We examined FC from fMRI collected during rest in the DN of 43 MS patients with and without memory-impairment. Memory-intact patients showed increased DN FC relative to memory-impaired patients. There were no regions of higher FC in memory-impaired patients. DN FC was positively correlated with memory function, such that higher FC was associated with better memory performance. Results were unchanged after controlling for cognitive efficiency, supporting specificity of the DN to memory and not cognitive status more generally. These findings support DN FC as a marker of memory function in MS patients that can be targeted by future treatment interventions. Pairing a functional network with its behavioral concomitant represents a straightforward method for interpreting FC alterations in patients with MS. (JINS, 2014, 20, 1–8)
Health professionals responding to men for safety (HERMES): feasibility of a general practice training intervention to improve the response to male patients who have experienced or perpetrated domestic violence and abuse
Authors: Williamson Emma , Jones Sue K. , Ferrari Giulia , Debbonaire Thangam , Feder Gene , Hester Marianne 
Published: September 2014

AimTo evaluate a training intervention for general practice-based doctors and nurses in terms of the identification, documentation, and referral of male patients experiencing or perpetrating domestic violence and abuse (DVA) in four general practices in the south west of England.BackgroundResearch suggests that male victims and perpetrators of DVA present to primary care clinicians to seek support for their experiences. We know that the response of primary care clinicians to women patients experiencing DVA improves from training and the establishment of referral pathways to specialist DVA services.MethodThe intervention consisted of a 2-h practice-based training. Outcome measures included: a pre-post, self-reported survey of staff practice; disclosures of DVA as documented in medical records pre-post (six months) intervention; semi-structured interviews with clinicians; and practice-level contact data collected by DVA specialist agencies.ResultsResults show a significant increase in clinicians’ self-reported preparedness to meet the needs of male patients experiencing or perpetrating DVA. There was a small increase in male patients identified within the medical records (6 pre- to 17 post-intervention) but only five of those patients made contact with a specialist DVA agency identified within the referral pathway. The training increased clinicians’ confidence in responding to male patients affected by DVA. The increase in recorded identification of DVA male patients experiencing or perpetrating DVA was small and contact of those patients with a specialist DVA support service was negligible. We need to better understand male help seeking in relation to DVA, further develop interventions to increase identification of male patients experiencing or perpetrating DVA behaviours, and facilitate access to support services.
Erratum: Nutrients drive transcriptional changes that maintain metabolic homeostasis but alter genome architecture in Microcystis
Authors: Steffen Morgan M , Dearth Stephen P , Dill Brian D , Li Zhou , Larsen Kristen M , Campagna Shawn R , Wilhelm Steven W 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Correction to: The ISME Journal (2014) 8, 2080–2092; doi:10.1038/ismej.2014.78; published online 23 May 2014 Since the publication of this article, the authors have noticed an incorrect axis label in one of the figures. In Figure 2b, the x axis should read ‘N-Reduced (Nitrate) Mean Normalized RPKM (log10)’.
Leptin deficiency in maltreated children
Authors: Danese A , Dove R , Belsky D W , Henchy J , Williams B , Ambler A , Arseneault L 
Published: September 2014

AbstractConsistent with findings from experimental research in nonhuman primates exposed to early-life stress, children exposed to maltreatment are at high risk of detrimental physical health conditions, such as obesity and systemic inflammation. Because leptin is a key molecule involved in the regulation of both energy balance and immunity, we investigated abnormalities in leptin physiology among maltreated children. We measured leptin, body mass index and C-reactive protein in 170 12-year-old children members of the Environmental-Risk Longitudinal Twin Study, for whom we had prospectively-collected information on maltreatment exposure. We found that maltreated children exhibited blunted elevation in leptin levels in relation to increasing levels of physiological stimuli, adiposity and inflammation, compared with a group of non-maltreated children matched for gender, zygosity and socioeconomic status. These findings were also independent of key potential artifacts and confounders, such as time of day at sample collection, history of food insecurity, pubertal maturation and depressive symptoms. Furthermore, using birth weight as a proxy measure for leptin, we found that physiological abnormalities were presumably not present at birth in children who went on to be maltreated but only emerged over the course of childhood, after maltreatment exposure. Leptin deficiency may contribute to onset, persistence and progression of physical health problems in maltreated children.
MicroRNA-223 coordinates cholesterol homeostasis
Authors: Vickers Kasey C. , Landstreet Stuart R. , Levin Michael G. , Shoucri Bassem M. , Toth Cynthia L. , Taylor Robert C. , Palmisano Brian T. , Tabet Fatiha , Cui Huanhuan L. , Rye Kerry-Anne , Sethupathy Praveen , Remaley Alan T. 
Published: September 2014

Significance
Results from this study represent a breakthrough in our understanding of posttranscriptional control of cholesterol metabolism and how microRNAs (miRNAs) are at the heart of cholesterol regulatory circuitry and homeostasis. Although cells are adept at maintaining proper cholesterol levels, it was unknown how cells posttranscriptionally coordinate cholesterol uptake, efflux, and synthesis. MicroRNA-223 (miR-223) transcription and expression are maintained by cholesterol, and, as a feedback network, miR-223 inhibits cholesterol biosynthesis and uptake and increases cholesterol efflux. This study clearly demonstrates the extensive role that miRNAs play in coordinating metabolic adaptation to disease and general homeostasis. This work highlights a unique regulatory control point for cholesterol homeostasis and illustrates how important the study of miRNAs is to the greater understanding of dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease.