bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Direct Quantitative Assessment of the Peripheral Artery Collateral Circulation in Patients Undergoing Angiography
Authors: Traupe Tobias , Ortmann Jana , Stoller Michael , Baumgartner Iris , de Marchi Stefano F. , Seiler Christian 
Published: July 2013

Background—
Despite the fact that numerous studies have pursued the strategy of improving collateral function in patients with peripheral artery disease, there is currently no method available to quantify collateral arterial function of the lower limb.

Methods and Results—

Pressure-derived collateral flow index (CFIp, calculated as (occlusive pressure−central venous pressure)/(aortic pressure−central venous pressure); pressure values in mm Hg) of the left superficial femoral artery was obtained in patients undergoing elective coronary angiography using a combined pressure/Doppler wire (n=30). Distal occlusive pressure and toe oxygen saturation (Sa
o
2
) were measured for 5 minutes under resting conditions, followed by an exercise protocol (repetitive plantar-flexion movements in supine position; n=28). In all patients, balloon occlusion of the superficial femoral artery over 5 minutes was painless under resting conditions. CFIp increased during the first 3 minutes from 0.451±0.168 to 0.551±0.172 (
P
=0.0003), whereas Sa
o
2
decreased from 98±2% to 93±7% (
P
=0.004). Maximal changes of Sa
o
2
were inversely related to maximal CFIp (
r
2
=0.33,
P
=0.003). During exercise, CFIp declined within 1 minute from 0.560±0.178 to 0.393±0.168 (
P
<0.0001) and reached its minimum after 2 minutes of exercise (0.347±0.176), whereas Sa
o
2
declined to a minimum of 86±6% (
P
=0.002). Twenty-five patients (89%) experienced pain or cramps/tired muscles, whereas 3 (11%) remained symptom-free for an occlusion time of 10 minutes. CFIp values were positively related to the pain-free time span (
r
2
=0.50,
P
=0.002).

Conclusions—
Quantitatively assessed collateral arterial function at rest determined in the nonstenotic superficial femoral artery is sufficient to prevent ischemic symptoms during a total occlusion of 5 minutes. During exercise, there is a decline in CFIp that indicates a supply-demand mismatch via collaterals or, alternatively, a steal phenomenon.

Clinical Trial Registration—URL:

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01742455.
Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation, Vascular Function and Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Young Adults
Authors: Singhal Atul , Lanigan Julie , Storry Clare , Low Sarah , Birbara Toni , Lucas Alan , Deanfield John 
Published: July 2013

Background

A high consumption of omega‐3 long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, and particularly docosahexaenoic acid (
DHA
), has been suggested to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (
CVD
). However, while
DHA
supplementation may have benefits for secondary prevention, few studies have investigated the role of
DHA
in the primary prevention of
CVD
. Here, we tested the hypothesis that
DHA
supplementation improves endothelial function and risk factors for
CVD
.

Methods and Results

Healthy volunteers (n=328), aged 18 to 37 years, were randomly assigned to 1.6 g
DHA
/day (from a microalgae source) together with 2.4 g/day carrier oil (index group) or to 4.0 g/day olive oil (control) (both given in eight 500‐mg capsules/day for 16 weeks). Flow‐mediated endothelium‐dependent vasodilation (
FMD
) of the brachial artery (primary outcome) was measured before and after the intervention (n=268) using high‐resolution vascular ultrasound.
FMD
was the same in both groups at randomization (mean,
SD
; 0.27, 0.1 mm), but postintervention was higher in the control group (0.29, 0.1 mm) compared with the
DHA
‐supplemented group (0.26, 0.1 mm; mean difference −0.03 mm; 95%
CI
−0.005 to −0.06 mm;
P
=0.02). Of other outcomes, only triglyceride (mean difference −28%, 95%
CI
−40% to −15%;
P
<0.0001) and very low‐density lipoprotein concentrations were significant lower in
DHA
‐supplemented individuals compared with controls.

Conclusions

DHA
supplementation did not improve endothelial function in healthy, young adults. Nevertheless, lower triglyceride concentrations with
DHA
supplementation was consistent with previous reports and could have benefits for the prevention of
CVD
.

Clinical Trial Registration Information

URL:
http://www.controlled-trials.com/
Unique identifier:
ISRCTN
no: 19987575.
Ozone Loss and Recovery and the Preconditioning of Upward-Propagating Planetary Wave Activity
Authors: Albers John R. , Nathan Terrence R. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
A mechanistic chemistry–dynamical model is used to evaluate the relative importance of radiative, photochemical, and dynamical feedbacks in communicating changes in lower-stratospheric ozone to the circulation of the stratosphere and lower mesosphere. Consistent with observations and past modeling studies of Northern Hemisphere late winter and early spring, high-latitude radiative cooling due to lower-stratospheric ozone depletion causes an increase in the modeled meridional temperature gradient, an increase in the strength of the polar vortex, and a decrease in vertical wave propagation in the lower stratosphere. Moreover, it is shown that, as planetary waves pass through the ozone loss region, dynamical feedbacks precondition the wave, causing a large increase in wave amplitude. The wave amplification causes an increase in planetary wave drag, an increase in residual circulation downwelling, and a weaker polar vortex in the upper stratosphere and lower mesosphere. The dynamical feedbacks responsible for the wave amplification are diagnosed using an ozone-modified refractive index; the results explain recent chemistry–coupled climate model simulations that suggest a link between ozone depletion and increased polar downwelling. The effects of future ozone recovery are also examined and the results provide guidance for researchers attempting to diagnose and predict how stratospheric climate will respond specifically to ozone loss and recovery versus other climate forcings including increasing greenhouse gas abundances and changing sea surface temperatures.
Diurnal Lightning Variability over the Maritime Continent: Impact of Low-Level Winds, Cloudiness, and the MJO
Authors: Virts Katrina S. , Wallace John M. , Hutchins Michael L. , Holzworth Robert H. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Lightning over the Maritime Continent exhibits a pronounced diurnal cycle. Daytime and evening lightning occurs near coastlines and over mountain slopes, driven by sea and valley breezes. Nocturnal and morning thunderstorms are touched off where land breezes or mountain breezes converge or by gravity waves propagating away from regions of vigorous afternoon convection. In this study, the modulation of the diurnal cycle of lightning and precipitation by 850-hPa winds, cloudiness, and the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) is investigated using observations from the World Wide Lightning Location Network (WWLLN) and the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite. The 850-hPa wind speed and area-averaged cloudiness are shown to be negatively correlated with day-to-day lightning frequency over land, and thunderstorm occurrence is suppressed windward of, and enhanced leeward of, mountain ranges. Lightning and environmental conditions are similarly related in the MJO. During break periods, the regular diurnal cycle of lightning is enhanced where ambient low-level winds are easterly but abnormally weak—in the Strait of Malacca, over western and southern Borneo and the adjacent seas, and in the region of nocturnal thunderstorms to the west of Sumatra and Java. When the active, cloudy phase of the MJO, accompanied by low-level westerly winds, passes over the Maritime Continent, the regular diurnal cycle of lightning is enhanced leeward (to the east) of the mountains of Java, Borneo, and the Malay Peninsula. The spatial patterns of lightning and rainfall anomalies are broadly similar, but lightning anomalies tend to be more concentrated near coastlines.
Interannual Variability of the Atlantic Hadley Circulation in Boreal Summer and Its Impacts on Tropical Cyclone Activity
Authors: Zhang Gan , Wang Zhuo 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
A novel method was developed to define the regional Hadley circulation (HC) in terms of the meridional streamfunction. The interannual variability of the Atlantic HC in boreal summer was examined using EOF analysis. The leading mode (M1), explaining more than 45% of the variances, is associated with the intensity change of the ITCZ. M1 is significantly correlated to multiple climate factors and has strong impacts on Atlantic tropical cyclone (TC) activity. In the positive (negative) phase of M1, the ITCZ is stronger (weaker) than normal, and more (fewer) TCs form over the main development region (MDR) with a larger (smaller) fraction of storms intensifying into major hurricanes. Analyses showed that the large-scale dynamic and thermodynamic conditions associated with a stronger ITCZ are more favorable for TC activity.
The roles of tropical easterly waves in modulating the Atlantic TC activity are highlighted. In the positive phase of M1, the wave activity is significantly enhanced over the MDR and the Caribbean Sea, which can be attributed to stronger coastal convection and mean flow structure changes. In the context of the recently proposed marsupial paradigm, the frequency and structure of wave pouches were examined. In the positive phase of M1, the pouch frequency increases, and the number of pouches with a vertically coherent structure also rises significantly. A deep and vertically aligned wave pouch has been shown to be highly favorable for TC formation.
The HC perspective thus unifies both dynamic and thermodynamic conditions impacting Atlantic TC activity and helps explain the statistical linkages between Atlantic TC activity and different climate factors.
Does Topical Anesthesia Using Aerosolized Lidocaine Inhibit the Superior Laryngeal Nerve Reflex?
Authors: Arslan Ilker Burak , Kose Isil , Ciger Ejder , Demirhan Erhan , Gumussoy Murat , Cukurova Ibrahim 
Published: July 2013

ObjectiveThis study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of topical lidocaine in attenuating the laryngeal reflex and blunting hemodynamic response by inhibition of the superior laryngeal nerve in laryngeal microsurgery, which would be helpful in preventing potential complications.Study DesignA prospective, randomized, double‐blind study.SettingTertiary medical center.Subjects and MethodsFifty‐four patients requiring glottic and supraglottic laryngeal microsurgery were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups, with equal numbers. Before surgery, 10% lidocaine was topically applied to the laryngeal surface of the epiglottis and vocal folds under direct vision in the study group and saline aerosol was applied in the control group. Heart rates, arterial blood pressure, and SPO2 were recorded at baseline, after induction, immediately before and after intubation, during the surgery, and upon extubation. Laryngospasm, agitation, and coughing were recorded during the recovery period.ResultsHeart rates, arterial pressure, and SPO2 did not differ significantly from baseline to postintubation period among the groups. SPO2 values measured similar in the remaining study. Heart rates and blood pressures were slightly decreased in the study group after lidocaine administration, but only blood pressure at pre‐ and post‐extubation was significantly decreased in the study group (P <. 05). Also laryngospasm and coughing were not statistically different between the 2 groups. There was an obvious gap between the 2 groups for agitation. Study group agitation was noted significantly lower (P <. 05).ConclusionThese findings indicate that preoperative topical lidocaine application may be helpful in attenuating airway‐circulatory reflexes in laryngeal microscopic surgery.
Positional Dependency and Surgical Success of Relocation Pharyngoplasty among Patients with Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Li Hsueh‐Yu , Cheng Wen‐Nuan , Chuang Li‐Pang , Fang Tuan‐Jen , Hsin Li‐Jen , Kang Chung‐Jan , Lee Li‐Ang 
Published: July 2013

ObjectiveTo examine the effect of positional dependency on surgical success among patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) following modified uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, known as relocation pharyngoplasty.Study DesignCase series with planned data collection.SettingTertiary referred center.Subjects and MethodsStandard nocturnal polysomnography was used to compare the apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) in different sleep positions before and after relocation pharyngoplasty in 47 consecutive patients with severe OSA (AHI, 59.5 ± 18.2 events/hour; Epworth Sleepiness Scale [ESS] scores, 12.2 ± 4.4) who failed continuous positive airway pressure therapy. Positional (dependency) OSA was defined when the supine:non‐supine AHI ratio was >2, otherwise it was defined as nonpositional OSA. Surgical success was defined as a ≥50% reduction in AHI and a postoperative AHI of ≤20 events/hour. Polysomnographic parameters, ESS, and surgical success following surgery were recorded.ResultsOf the 47 patients, 27 (57%) had positional OSA and 20 (43%) nonpositional OSA. The nonpositional OSA patients had higher AHI and ESS scores than the positional OSA patients (P =. 002 and. 104, respectively). Relocation pharyngoplasty significantly improved AHI and ESS scores in both positional and nonpositional OSA groups 6 months postoperatively (P <. 05). The overall surgical success rate was 49%; however, positional OSA patients had a significantly higher success rate than nonpositional OSA patients (67% vs 25%, P =. 008).ConclusionThe presence of positional dependency at baseline was a favorable outcome predictor of surgical success among severe OSA patients undergoing relocation pharyngoplasty.
The effectiveness of aquatic physical therapy in the treatment of fibromyalgia: a systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Lima Tarcisio Brandão , Dias Josilainne Marcelino , Mazuquin Bruno Fles , da Silva Carla Tassiana , Nogueira Regiane Mazzarioli Pereira , Marques Amélia Pasqual , Lavado Edson Lopes , Cardoso Jefferson Rosa 
Published: July 2013

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of aquatic physical therapy in the treatment of fibromyalgia. Data sources: The search strategy was undertaken using the following databases, from 1950 to December 2012: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, LILACS, SCIELO, WEB OF SCIENCE, SCOPUS, SPORTDiscus, Cochrane Library Controlled Trials Register, Cochrane Disease Group Trials Register, PEDro and DARE. Review methods: The studies were separated into groups: Group I – aquatic physical therapy × no treatment, Group II – aquatic physical therapy × land-based exercises and Group III – aquatic physical therapy × other treatments. Results: Seventy-two abstracts were found, 27 of which met the inclusion criteria. For the functional ability (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire), three studies were considered with a treatment time of more than 20 weeks and a mean difference (MD) of −1.35 [−2.04; −0.67], P = 0.0001 was found in favour of the aquatic physical therapy group versus no treatment. The same results were identified for stiffness and the 6-minute walk test where two studies were pooled with an MD of −1.58 [−2.58; −0.58], P = 0.002 and 43.5 (metres) [3.8; 83.2], P = 0.03, respectively. Conclusion: Three meta-analyses showed statistically significant results in favour of the aquatic physical therapy (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, stiffness and the 6-minute walk test) during a period of longer than 20 weeks. Due to the low methodological rigor, the results were insufficient to demonstrate statistical and clinical differences in most of the outcomes.
Prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension among adults in rural north-western China: a cross-sectional population survey
Authors: Dong Caixia , Ge Pengfei , Ren Xiaolan , Fan Haoqiang , Yan Xiang 
Published: July 2013

Objective To assess rates and determinants of prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in rural north-western China. Methods Adults were recruited from five surveillance areas in Gansu Province using a three-stage cluster sampling plan. A combination of household and community–based surveys was employed and two methods of surveillance (questionnaire and physical measurement) were undertaken. Results A total of 3000 subjects were included; 1100 (36.7%) had hypertension. Hypertension was associated with older age, lower educational levels and being overweight or obese. Only 407 (37%) subjects with hypertension were aware of their condition. Multiple logistic regression showed significant correlations between hypertension awareness and age, obesity and central obesity. Antihypertensive treatment was received by 31.2% of participants with hypertension. Obesity, smoking and older age were associated with treatment. Blood pressure was controlled in 18.1% of participants receiving antihypertensive treatment and in 5.6% of subjects with hypertension overall. Conclusion In conclusion, prevalence of hypertension is rapidly increasing in rural north-western China. Rates of awareness and treatment of hypertension remain low and blood pressure is poorly controlled.
The cAMP effector EPAC activates Elk1 transcription factor in prostate smooth muscle, and is a minor regulator of α1-adrenergic contraction
Authors: Hennenberg Martin , Strittmatter Frank , Schmetkamp Henning , Rutz Beata , Walther Sebastian , Stief Christian G , Gratzke Christian 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Prostate smooth muscle tone is regulated by α1-adrenoceptor-induced contraction and cAMP-mediated relaxation. EPAC is an effector of cAMP, being involved in smooth muscle relaxation and cell cycle control outside the lower urinary tract. Here, we investigated the expression and function of EPAC in human prostate tissues from patients undergoing radical prostatectomy.

Results
mRNA and protein expression of EPAC was detected in all prostate tissues by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. Immunoreactivity was observed in stromal cells, and colocalized with immunofluorescence for α-smooth muscle actin and calponin. Under normal conditions, noradrenaline- or phenylephrine-induced contraction of prostate strips in the organ bath was not affected by the EPAC activator pCPT (SP-8-pCPT-2′-O-Me-cAMPS.NA) (30 μM). However, when the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin (50 μM) was added, EPAC activators pCPT and OME (8-CPT-2′-O-Me-cAMP.Na) (30 μM) significantly reduced contractions by low concentrations of phenylephrine. These effects were not observed on noradrenaline-induced contraction. OME and pCPT caused phosphorylation of the transcription factor Elk1 in prostate tissues. Elk1 activation was confirmed by EMSA (electrophoretic mobility shift assay), where OME and pCPT incresed Elk1 binding to a specific DNA probe.

Conclusions
EPAC activation may reduce α1-adrenergic prostate contraction in the human prostate, although this effect is masked by cyclooxygenases and β-adrenoceptors. A main EPAC function in the human prostate may be the regulation of the transcription factor Elk1.
Deciphering the response of Mycobacterium smegmatis to nitrogen stress using bipartite active modules
Authors: Williams Kerstin J , Bryant William A , Jenkins Victoria A , Barton Geraint R , Witney Adam A , Pinney John W , Robertson Brian D 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
The ability to adapt to environments with fluctuating nutrient availability is vital for bacterial survival. Although essential for growth, few nitrogen metabolism genes have been identified or fully characterised in mycobacteria and nitrogen stress survival mechanisms are unknown.

Results
A global transcriptional analysis of the mycobacterial response to nitrogen stress, showed a significant change in the differential expression of 16% of the Mycobacterium smegmatis genome. Gene expression changes were mapped onto the metabolic network using Active Modules for Bipartite Networks (AMBIENT) to identify metabolic pathways showing coordinated transcriptional responses to the stress. AMBIENT revealed several key features of the metabolic response not identified by KEGG enrichment alone. Down regulated reactions were associated with the general reduction in cellular metabolism as a consequence of reduced growth rate. Up-regulated modules highlighted metabolic changes in nitrogen assimilation and scavenging, as well as reactions involved in hydrogen peroxide metabolism, carbon scavenging and energy generation.

Conclusions
Application of an Active Modules algorithm to transcriptomic data identified key metabolic reactions and pathways altered in response to nitrogen stress, which are central to survival under nitrogen limiting environments.
Mesocortical dopamine system modulates mechanical nociceptive responses recorded in the rat prefrontal cortex
Authors: Sogabe Shoichi , Yagasaki Yuki , Onozawa Kitaro , Kawakami Yoriko 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundPsychological conditions affect pain responses in the human anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) according to brain imaging analysis. The rodent prefrontal cortex (PFC) including cingulate areas is also related to the affective dimension of pain. We previously reported PFC nociceptive responses inhibited by inputs from the amygdala, such as with dopamine (DA) D2receptor (D2R) blockers, to show decreased effect on amygdala projections. In this study, we examined whether direct projections from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to the PFC affect nociceptive responses in the PFC.ResultsHigh frequency stimulation (HFS, 50 Hz, 30 s) delivered to the VTA produced long-lasting suppression (LLS) of nociceptive responses in the rat PFC including cingulate and prelimbic areas. Nociceptive responses evoked by mechanical pressure stimulation (2 s duration at 500 g constant force) applied to the tails of urethane-anesthetized rats were recorded using extracellular unit recording methods in the PFC. HFS delivered to the VTA, which has been reported to increase DA concentrations in the PFC, significantly suppressed nociceptive responses. The LLS of nociceptive responses persisted for about 30 minutes and recovered to the control level within 60 min after HFS. We also demonstrated local microinjection of a selective D2agonist of DA receptors to induce LLS of mechanical nociceptive responses, while a D2but not a D1antagonist impaired the LLS evoked by HFS. In contrast, DA depletion by a 6-hydroxydopamine injection or a low concentration of DA induced by a κ-opiate receptor agonist injected into the VTA had minimal effect on nociceptive responses in the PFC.ConclusionHFS delivered to VTA inhibited nociceptive responses for a long period in PFC. DA D2R activation mediated by local D2agonist injection also induced LLS of mechanical nociceptive responses. The mesocortical DA system may modify PFC nociceptive responses via D2activity.