bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pharmacological evidence that 5‐HT1D activation induces renal vasodilation by NO pathway in rats
Authors: García‐Pedraza José‐Ángel , García Mónica , Martín María‐Luisa , Morán Asunción 
Published: April 2015

Summary5‐HT is a powerful vasoconstrictor substance in renal vasculature (mainly by 5‐HT2 activation). Nevertheless, 5‐HT is notable for its dual cardiovascular effects, producing both vasodilator and vasoconstrictor actions. This study aimed to investigate whether, behind the predominant serotonergic vasoconstrictor action, THE 5‐HT system may exert renal vasodilator actions, and, if so, characterize the 5‐HT receptors and possible indirect pathways. Renal perfusion pressure (PP), systemic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate (HR) measurement in in situ autoperfused rat kidney was determined in phenylephrine infused rats. Intra arterial (i.a.) bolus administration of 5‐HT (0.00000125–0.1 μg/kg) decreased renal PP in the presence of a phenylephrine continuous infusion (phenylephrine‐infusion group), without modifying SBP or HR. These vasodilator responses were potentiated by 5‐HT2 antagonism (ritanserin, 1 mg/kg i.v.), whereas the responses were abolished by 5‐HT1/7 antagonist (methiothepin, 100 μg/kg i.v.) or 5‐HT1D antagonist (LY310762, 1 mg/kg i.v.). The i.a. administration (0.00000125 to 0.1 μg/kg) of 5‐CT or L‐694,247 (5‐HT1D agonist) mimicked 5‐HT vasodilator effect, while other agonists (1‐PBG, α‐methyl‐5‐HT, AS‐19 (5‐HT7), 8‐OH‐DPAT (5‐HT1A) or CGS‐12066B (5‐HT1B)) did not alter baseline haemodynamic variables. L‐694,247 vasodilation was abolished by i.v. bolus of antagonists LY310762 (5‐HT1D, 1 mg/kg) or L‐NAME (nitric oxide, 10 mg/kg), but not by i.v. bolus of indomethacin (cyclooxygenase, 2 mg/kg) or glibenclamide (ATP‐dependent K+ channel, 20 mg/kg). These outcomes suggest that 5‐HT1D activation produces a vasodilator effect in the in situ autoperfused kidney of phenylephrine‐infusion rats mediated by the NO pathway.
What Influences Patients' Decisions When Choosing a Health Care Provider? Measuring Preferences of Patients with Knee Arthrosis, Chronic Depression, or Alzheimer's Disease, Using Discrete Choice Experiments
Authors: Groenewoud Stef , Van Exel N. Job A. , Bobinac Ana , Berg Marc , Huijsman Robbert , Stolk Elly A. 
Published: April 2015

ObjectiveTo investigate what influences patients' health care decisions and what the implications are for the provision of information on the quality of health care providers to patients.Data Sources/Study SettingDutch patient samples between November 2006 and February 2007.Study DesignDiscrete choice experiments were conducted in three patient groups to explore what influences choice for health care providers.Data CollectionData were obtained from 616 patients with knee arthrosis, 368 patients with chronic depression, and 421 representatives of patients with Alzheimer's disease.Principal FindingsThe three patients groups chose health care providers on a different basis. The most valued attributes were effectiveness and safety (knee arthrosis); continuity of care and relationship with the therapist (chronic depression); and expertise (Alzheimer's disease). Preferences differed between subgroups, mainly in relation to patients' choice profiles, severity of disease, and some background characteristics.ConclusionsThis study showed that there is substantial room for (quality) information about health care providers in patients' decision processes. This information should be tailor‐made, targeting specific patient segments, because different actors and factors play a part in their search and selection process.
Explaining Legume Success in Tropical Dry Forests Based on Seed Germination Niches: A New Hypothesis
Authors: Vargas G. German , Werden Leland K. , Powers Jennifer S. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractTo test a new hypothesis explaining Fabaceae success in tropical dry forests, we compared seed germination of 34 species including legumes and non‐legumes. Legume seeds germinated twice as fast with higher final percentages compared to other taxa, which may afford them a competitive advantage in highly seasonal environments.
No Defensive Role of Ants throughout a Broad Latitudinal and Elevational Range of a Cactus
Authors: Alma Andrea M. , Pol Rodrigo G. , Pacheco Luis F. , Vázquez Diego P. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractDefensive mutualisms mediated by extrafloral nectaries are particularly variable; their net results may change with seasons, communities and environmental contexts. Particularly, an environmental factor that can promote changes in outcomes of ant‐plant interactions is elevation in mountainous regions. We tested whether (1) the interaction between the cactus Opuntia sulphurea and ant visitors of extrafloral nectaries is a defensive mutualism; and (2) ant‐plant interaction outcomes vary with elevation as a result of changes in herbivory rate and ant activity. To evaluate if the outcome of interactions was consistent at two extremes of the range distribution of O. sulphurea, we performed an ant‐exclusion experiment with plants at two growth conditions (natural or potted) in two sites with contrasting elevation (1235–1787 m asl) in a temperate region (Villavicencio Nature Reserve, Mendoza, Argentina), and in a tropical region (Huajchilla, La Paz, Bolivia). Although herbivory rate and ant visitation frequency increased with elevation, herbivore damage, plant reproductive success, and cladode growth rate were similar between plants excluded and non‐excluded from ants among sites, geographic regions and growth conditions. These results do not support the hypotheses that the interaction between O. sulphurea and ants is a defensive mutualism, and that elevation affects the net outcome of this ant‐plant interaction.
Counter‐regulatory hormone responses to hypoglycaemia in people with type 1 diabetes after 4 weeks of treatment with liraglutide adjunct to insulin: a randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, crossover trial
Authors: Pieber T. R. , Deller S. , Korsatko S. , Jensen L. , Christiansen E. , Madsen J. , Heller S. R. 
Published: April 2015

AimsTo investigate the effect of glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor agonist liraglutide on the counter‐regulatory hormone response to hypoglycaemia in type 1 diabetes.MethodsWe conducted a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, single‐centre trial, in which a total of 45 adults with type 1 diabetes [mean ± standard deviation age 34.5 ± 11.2 years, BMI 23.9 ± 2.4 kg/m2, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) 7.6 ± 0.8%, diabetes duration 16.6 ± 9.4 years] underwent a hypoglycaemic clamp after 4 weeks' crossover treatment with once‐daily liraglutide/placebo added to insulin in one of three liraglutide dose groups: 0.6 mg (n = 15); 1.2 mg (n = 14); and 1.8 mg (n = 16). The main outcome measure was glucagon concentration at nadir plasma glucose (2.5 mmol/l). Clinical outcomes were also evaluated. Five participants were withdrawn from the trial; three because of adverse events. All participants were included in the analysis.ResultsGlucagon concentration at nadir plasma glucose was modest, trending towards lower concentrations at increasing liraglutide dose versus placebo: 34.7 versus 38.1 pg/ml, p = 0.555 (0.6 mg); 28.8 versus 37.2 pg/ml, p = 0.126 (1.2 mg); and 28.4 versus 37.5 pg/ml, p = 0.092 (1.8 mg). There was no difference, however, between liraglutide and placebo in incremental change in glucagon during hypoglycaemia. Other counter‐regulatory hormone levels increased during hypoglycaemia with no systematic differences between groups. Glucose infusion rates were significantly lower with liraglutide versus placebo during the clamp. After 4 weeks' treatment, HbA1c remained unchanged in the liraglutide and placebo groups. Greater reductions in insulin dose and body weight were seen with liraglutide versus placebo.ConclusionsLiraglutide did not compromise hypoglycaemic responses in type 1 diabetes after 4 weeks' treatment.
Novel fast adapting interneurons mediate cholinergic‐induced fast GABAA inhibitory postsynaptic currents in striatal spiny neurons
Authors: Faust Thomas W. , Assous Maxime , Shah Fulva , Tepper James M. , Koós Tibor 
Published: April 2015

AbstractPrevious work suggests that neostriatal cholinergic interneurons control the activity of several classes of GABAergic interneurons through fast nicotinic receptor‐mediated synaptic inputs. Although indirect evidence has suggested the existence of several classes of interneurons controlled by this mechanism, only one such cell type, the neuropeptide‐Y‐expressing neurogliaform neuron, has been identified to date. Here we tested the hypothesis that in addition to the neurogliaform neurons that elicit slow GABAergic inhibitory responses, another interneuron type exists in the striatum that receives strong nicotinic cholinergic input and elicits conventional fast GABAergic synaptic responses in projection neurons. We obtained in vitro slice recordings from double transgenic mice in which Channelrhodopsin‐2 was natively expressed in cholinergic neurons and a population of serotonin receptor‐3a‐Cre‐expressing GABAergic interneurons were visualized with tdTomato. We show that among the targeted GABAergic interneurons a novel type of interneuron, termed the fast‐adapting interneuron, can be identified that is distinct from previously known interneurons based on immunocytochemical and electrophysiological criteria. We show using optogenetic activation of cholinergic inputs that fast‐adapting interneurons receive a powerful supra‐threshold nicotinic cholinergic input in vitro. Moreover, fast adapting neurons are densely connected to projection neurons and elicit fast, GABAA receptor‐mediated inhibitory postsynaptic current responses. The nicotinic receptor‐mediated activation of fast‐adapting interneurons may constitute an important mechanism through which cholinergic interneurons control the activity of projection neurons and perhaps the plasticity of their synaptic inputs when animals encounter reinforcing or otherwise salient stimuli.
N‐terminally extended analogues of the K+ channel toxin from Stichodactyla helianthus as potent and selective blockers of the voltage‐gated potassium channel Kv1.3
Authors: Chang Shih C. , Huq Redwan , Chhabra Sandeep , Beeton Christine , Pennington Michael W. , Smith Brian J. , Norton Raymond S. 
Published: April 2015

The voltage‐gated potassium channel Kv1.3 is an important target for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and asthma. Blockade of Kv1.3 by the sea anemone peptide K+‐channel toxin from Stichodactyla helianthus (ShK) inhibits the proliferation of effector memory T lymphocytes and ameliorates autoimmune diseases in animal models. However, the lack of selectivity of ShK for Kv1.3 over the Kv1.1 subtype has driven a search for Kv1.3‐selective analogues. In the present study, we describe N‐terminally extended analogues of ShK that contain a negatively‐charged Glu, designed to mimic the phosphonate adduct in earlier Kv1.3‐selective analogues, and consist entirely of common protein amino acids. Molecular dynamics simulations indicated that a Trp residue at position [‐3] of the tetrapeptide extension could form stable interactions with Pro377 of Kv1.3 and best discriminates between Kv1.3 and Kv1.1. This led to the development of ShK with an N‐terminal Glu‐Trp‐Ser‐Ser extension ([EWSS]ShK), which inhibits Kv1.3 with an IC50 of 34 pm and is 158‐fold selective for Kv1.3 over Kv1.1. In addition, [EWSS]ShK is more than 2900‐fold more selective for Kv1.3 over Kv1.2 and KCa3.1 channels. As a highly Kv1.3‐selective analogue of ShK based entirely on protein amino acids, which can be produced by recombinant expression, this peptide is a valuable addition to the complement of therapeutic candidates for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
In silico analyses of missense mutations in coagulation factor VIII: identification of severity determinants of haemophilia A
Authors: Sengupta M. , Sarkar D. , Ganguly K. , Sengupta D. , Bhaskar S. , Ray K. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryFactor VIII (FVIII) mutations cause haemophilia A (HA), an X‐linked recessive coagulation disorder. Over 1000 missense mutations in FVIII are known and they lead to variable clinical phenotypes (severe, moderate and mild). The exact molecular basis of this phenotypic heterogeneity by FVIII missense mutations is elusive to date. In this study, we aimed to identify the severity determinants that cause phenotypic heterogeneity of HA. We compiled and curated a data set of 766 missense mutations from the repertoire of missense mutations in FVIII. We analysed these mutations by computational programs (e.g. Swiss‐PdbViewer) and different mutation analysis servers (e.g. SIFT, PROVEAN, CUPSAT, PolyPhen2, MutPred); and various sequence‐ and structure‐based parameters were assessed for any significant distribution bias among different HA phenotypes. Our analyses suggest that ‘mutations in evolutionary conserved residues’, ‘mutations in buried residues’, mutation‐induced ‘steric clash’ and ‘surface electrostatic potential alteration’ act as risk factors towards severe HA. We have developed a grading system for FVIII mutations combining the severity determinants, and the grading pattern correlates with HA phenotype. This study will help to correctly associate the HA phenotype with a mutation and aid early characterization of novel variants.
Single‐lumen tunneled catheter: An old but useful option
Authors: Letachowicz Krzysztof , Gołębiowski Tomasz , Kusztal Mariusz , Letachowicz Waldemar , Weyde Wacław , Klinger Marian 
Published: April 2015

AbstractWe report a case of long‐term uneventful catheter use in a patient with previous recurrent vascular access dysfunction and infection. A single‐lumen tunneled catheter was inserted into the left internal jugular vein after a failed attempt of dual‐lumen permanent catheter placement. The follow‐up since device implantation has exceeded 5 years without any complications related to vascular access.
Income mobility of elderly households in Korea
Authors: Nam Su‐Jung 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAccording to the life‐cycle hypothesis, income is likely to decline in old age and individuals must consume out of previously accumulated savings. In this study, a secondary analysis of South Korean Retirement and Income Study data for the period 2005–2011 is carried out to investigate the income mobility of older households (i.e., those over 50 years of age) in South Korea. In particular, it was observed how income and consumption patterns change according to income mobility and identify those factors influencing income mobility by means of multinomial logistic regression. The changes in income pattern presented show that the unchanged and upwardly mobile groups substantially rely on income from work. Moreover, the changes in consumption pattern show that the proportion of food increased in 2011 for the unchanged and downward groups. Other items that significantly increased in proportion between 2005 and 2011 in the unchanged and downward groups were clothing, transportation/communication, health and medical expenses, and durable goods, while culture, education, and other consumption expenditure decreased. Finally, it was found that that the factors influencing income mobility include age, gender, and having one's own house.
Exploration of risk factors predicting outcomes for primary T1 high‐grade bladder cancer and validation of the Spanish Urological Club for Oncological Treatment scoring model: Long‐term follow‐up experience at a single institute
Authors: Miyake Makito , Gotoh Daisuke , Shimada Keiji , Tatsumi Yoshihiro , Nakai Yasushi , Anai Satoshi , Torimoto Kazumasa , Aoki Katsuya , Tanaka Nobumichi , Konishi Noboru , Fujimoto Kiyohide 
Published: April 2015

ObjectiveTo determine the prognostic factors of primary T1 high‐grade bladder cancer and to validate the Spanish Urological Club for Oncological Treatment model in Japanese patients with T1 high‐grade bladder cancer treated at a single institution.MethodsRecords of 106 patients with T1 high‐grade bladder cancer treated from 1998 to 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Variables included various clinicopathological parameters, including lymphovascular invasion and tumor growth pattern at the invasion front. Recurrence‐free survival and progression‐free survival were analyzed. Multivariate Cox proportional regression analysis was used to verify the prognostic significance of the variables. Scores for recurrence and progression were calculated using the Spanish Urological Club for Oncological Treatment model.ResultsOf 106 patients, 44 (42%) had recurrence and 16 (15%) developed progression after a median (interquartile range) follow‐up period of 54 months (range 32–81 months). Non‐papillary shape was the only independent predictor for recurrence, while broad‐based tumor stalk and infiltrative tumor growth pattern at the invasion front were determined to be independent predictors for progression. Stratification of patients according to the number of progression risk factors yielded hazard ratios of 10.1 and 13.1 in patients having one and two risks, respectively, compared with those without any risks. The Spanish Urological Club for Oncological Treatment model successfully stratified our patients with a trend toward different probabilities of recurrence and progression.ConclusionsThe results of the present study might be helpful for counseling certain patients towards intensive treatment, such as radical cystectomy and/or platinum‐based systemic chemotherapy. In addition, the Spanish Urological Club for Oncological Treatment model might be applicable to Japanese patients with T1 high‐grade bladder cancer.
Barriers to exercise prescription and participation in people with mental illness: the perspectives of nurses working in mental health
Authors: Stanton R. , Reaburn P. , Happell B. 
Published: April 2015

Accessible summary
Exercise is valuable in the treatment of mental illness, yet personal and organizational barriers limit widespread implementation by nurses in mental health settings.
Using a self‐report questionnaire, we sought to identify how often nurses prescribe exercise and their level of agreement with previously identified barriers to exercise prescription and participation for mental health consumers.
Nurses disagree that many of the previously identified barriers should impede exercise prescription for people with mental illness. Nurses agree that many of the barriers expressed by mental health consumers might prevent exercise participation.
Our study provides valuable new insight into the role of nurses in the provision of exercise for people with mental illness; however, it is limited to a small sample. Confirmation of these findings in larger, geographically and professionally diverse groups is needed.
AbstractEvidence is mounting for the efficacy of exercise in the treatment of people with mental illness. Nurses working in mental health settings are well placed to provide exercise advice for people with mental illness. However, quantitative examinations of the barriers to exercise prescription experienced by nurses, or their views regarding the barriers to exercise participation experienced by people with mental illness, are lacking. In this study, 34 nurses completed the Exercise in Mental Illness Questionnaire – Health Professionals Version (EMIQ‐HP). This survey examined the frequency of exercise prescription and the level of agreement with statements regarding barriers to exercise prescription for, and exercise participation by, people with mental illness. The level of agreement scores for statements for each section was summed, with a higher score indicating a higher level of agreement. Nurses disagree with many of the barriers to exercise prescription presented in the literature. The level of agreement scores did not differ between nurses who prescribe exercise ‘Always’, ‘Most of the time’, ‘Occasionally’ or ‘Never’. We found a non‐significant negative relationship between frequency of exercise prescription and summed level of agreement scores for barriers to exercise prescription. Consensus regarding barriers to exercise participation by mental health consumers is less clear. This study provides valuable new insight into the role of nurses in the provision of exercise for people with mental illness. Confirmation in larger samples is needed before translation of research to practice.
Psychosexual Well-Being After Childhood Surgery for Anorectal Malformation or Hirschsprung's Disease
Authors: van den Hondel Desiree , Sloots Cornelius E.J. , Bolt Johanna M. , Wijnen Rene M.H. , de Blaauw Ivo , IJsselstijn Hanneke 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Anorectal malformations (ARMs) and Hirschsprung's disease (HD) are congenital malformations requiring pelvic floor surgery in early childhood, with possible sequelae for psychosexual development.

Aims
To assess psychosexual well-being in adult ARM and HD patients related to health-related quality of life.

Methods
Eligible for this cross-sectional two-center study were all patients aged ≥18 years who had been operated for ARM or HD. Exclusion criteria were intellectual disability, comorbidity affecting sexual functioning, and cloacal malformation.

Main Outcome Measures
Participants completed the International Index of Erectile Functioning, Female Sexual Functioning Index, Female Sexual Distress Scale, Hirschsprung and Anorectal Malformation Quality of Life Questionnaire, and sexual education questionnaire.

Results
Response rates were 32% and 37% for ARM and HD patients, respectively. We studied 70 participating ARM and 36 HD patients (median age 26 years). We excluded 10 patients with sexual inactivity in the past 4 weeks. Six of 37 men with ARM (16%) reported moderate to severe erectile dysfunction, vs. two of 18 men with HD (11%). Thirteen and 10 of 26 women with ARM (50% and 38%) reported sexual dysfunction or sexual distress, respectively, vs. eight and three of 15 women with HD (53% and 20%). Quality of life and type of malformation or operation were not associated with self-reported psychosexual problems. Addressing sexuality with special interest to the congenital anomaly during medical care was reported to be insufficient by 42 ARM (60%) and 22 HD patients (61%).

Conclusion
Approximately 13% of male ARM and HD patients reported erectile dysfunction, while 50% female ARM and HD patients reported sexual dysfunction not related to quality of life or type of malformation. Both ARM and HD patients felt a need for better addressing sexual concerns during medical care. Further research is needed to optimize form and timing of this education.