bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oxidative status and social dominance in a wild cooperative breeder
Authors: Cram Dominic L. , Blount Jonathan D. , Young Andrew J. 
Published: July 2014

Summary

Oxidative stress has been proposed as a key mediator of life‐history trade‐offs, yet the social factors that affect patterns of oxidative status amongst individuals in animal societies remain virtually unexplored.

This is important, as rank‐related differences in reproductive effort in many social species have the potential to generate, or indeed arise from, differences in oxidative status across dominance classes.

Here, we examine rank‐related variation in oxidative status before and after a lengthy breeding season in a wild cooperatively breeding bird with high reproductive skew, in the semi‐arid zone of Southern Africa; the white‐browed sparrow weaver (Plocepasser mahali).

Our findings reveal that prior to breeding, neither sex showed rank‐related differences in markers of oxidative damage or antioxidant protection, suggesting that dominants' reproductive monopolies do not arise from superior pre‐breeding oxidative status.

After breeding, however, females (who provision young at higher rates than males) suffered elevated oxidative damage, and dominant females (the only birds to lay and incubate eggs, and the primary nestling provisioners) experienced differential declines in antioxidant protection.

While males also showed reduced antioxidant capacity after breeding, this decline was not dependent on rank and not associated with elevated oxidative damage.

Our findings suggest that divisions of labour in animal societies can leave the hardest‐working classes differentially exposed to oxidative stress, raising the possibility of hitherto unexplored impacts on health and ageing in social species.
Higher Medicare SNF Care Utilization by Dual‐Eligible Beneficiaries: Can Medicaid Long‐Term Care Policies Be the Answer?
Authors: Rahman Momotazur , Tyler Denise , Thomas Kali S. , Grabowski David C. , Mor Vincent 
Published: July 2014

ObjectiveTo examine outcomes associated with dual eligibility (Medicare and Medicaid) of patients who are admitted to skilled nursing facility (SNF) care and whether differences in outcomes are related to states' Medicaid long‐term care policies.Data Sources/CollectionWe used national Medicare enrollment data and claims, and the Minimum Data Set for 890,922 community‐residing Medicare fee‐for‐service beneficiaries who were discharged to an SNF from a general hospital between July 2008 and June 2009.Study DesignWe estimated the effect of dual eligibility on the likelihood of 30‐day rehospitalization, becoming a long‐stay nursing home resident, and 180‐day survival while controlling for clinical, demographic, socio‐economic, residential neighborhood characteristics, and SNF‐fixed effects. We estimated the differences in outcomes by dual eligibility status separately for each state and showed their relationship with state policies: the average Medicaid payment rate; presence of nursing home certificate‐of‐need (CON) laws; and Medicaid home and community‐based services (HCBS) spending.Principal FindingsDual‐eligible patients are equally likely to experience 30‐day rehospitalization, 12 percentage points more likely to become long‐stay residents, and 2 percentage points more likely to survive 180 days compared to Medicare‐only patients. This longer survival can be attributed to longer nursing home length of stay. While higher HCBS spending reduces the length‐of‐stay gap without affecting the survival gap, presence of CON laws reduces both the length‐of‐stay and survival gaps.ConclusionsDual eligibles utilize more SNF care and experience higher survival rates than comparable Medicare‐only patients. Higher HCBS spending may reduce the longer SNF length of stay of dual eligibles without increasing mortality and may save money for both Medicare and Medicaid.
Factors Affecting Receipt of Expensive Cancer Treatments and Mortality: Evidence from Stem Cell Transplantation for Leukemia and Lymphoma
Authors: Mitchell Jean M. , Conklin Elizabeth A. 
Published: July 2014

ObjectiveTo identify factors that affect whether patients diagnosed with either leukemia or lymphoma receive a stem cell transplant and secondly if receipt of stem cell transplantation is linked to improved survival.DataCalifornia inpatient discharge records (2002–2003) for patients with either leukemia or lymphoma linked with vital statistics death records (2002–2005).Study DesignBivariate Probit treatment effects model that accounts for both the type of treatment received and survival while controlling for nonrandom selection due to unobservable factors.Principal FindingsHaving private insurance coverage and residence in a well‐educated county increased the chances a patient with either disease receivedHSCT. Increasing age and travel distance to the nearest transplant hospital had the opposite effect. Receipt ofHSCThad a significant impact on mortality. We found the probability of death was 4.3 percentage points higher for leukemia patients who didNOThaveHSCT. Receipt ofHSCTreduced the chances of dying by almost 50 percent. The likelihood of death among lymphoma patients who underwentHSCTwas almost 5 percentage points lower, a 70 percent reduction in the probability of death.ConclusionsThe findings raise concern about access to expensive, but highly effective cancer treatments for patients with certain hematologic malignancies.
Morphological Assessment of Ancestry using Cranial Macromorphoscopics,
Authors: Klales Alexandra R. , Kenyhercz Michael W. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAncestry estimation is essential for biological profile estimation in forensic anthropology. Hefner (2009) and Osteoware (Smithsonian Institution, 2011) presented 16 macromorphoscopic traits that can be scored for standardized data collection and can also be used within a statistical framework to estimate ancestry. The primary purpose of this research was to examine the utility of these traits for assessing ancestry. Tests of observer agreement and the range of variation in trait expression were evaluated. A sample of 208 American whites and blacks from the Hamann–Todd Collection were scored, and several classification methods were utilized in accordance with Hefner (2009). Correct classifications for the pooled sex analyses ranged from 73.3% to 86.6% and from 46.7% to 64.3% when the sexes were analyzed independently. Interobserver agreement was variable and was found to be lower than that presented in Hefner (2009). Trait expression was variable in both groups and was generally consistent with Hefner's findings.
Season and drought stress mediate growth and weight of the green spruce aphid on Sitka spruce
Authors: Banfield‐Zanin Jennifer A. , Leather Simon R. 
Published: July 2014

Abstract

The most important defoliating pest of Sitka spruce Picea sitchensis in the U.K. is the green spruce aphid Elatobium abietinum. This aphid species is expected to respond to a predicted increase in the incidence of spring–summer drought events, with serious implications for growth of infested spruce plants and control of the pest.
Growth rate, adult weight and nymph weight of E. abietinum were assessed under controlled laboratory conditions, using five levels of spring–summer drought of differing intensities and frequencies. Trials were time‐staggered to investigate changes through season.
Growth rate, adult weight and nymph weight were consistently increased under low amplitude intermittent drought stress, suggesting improved host nutritional quality through the year and increased fecundity.
A complex response under severe and low amplitude intermittent drought stress was also observed, mediated by season. Although an overall reduction in host quality was typically observed, continuous severe stress improved host quality during the autumn. Despite this, the onset of dormancy was unaffected.
The findings of the present study have implications for E. abietinum population development, Sitka spruce growth and biological control of the species under climate change and increased drought frequency.
Acute and perinatal programming effects of a fat‐rich diet on rat muscle mitochondrial function and hepatic lipid accumulation
Authors: Hellgren Lars I. , Jensen Runa I. , Waterstradt Michelle S.G. , Quistorff Bjørn , Lauritzen Lotte 
Published: July 2014

AbstractObjectiveMaternal high‐fat intake during pregnancy may have long‐term consequences in the offspring. Since this might relate to the capacity of mitochondrial metabolic adaptation and hepatic lipid metabolism, we investigated how maternal high‐fat intake affected mitochondrial function and hepatic steatosis in the offspring.DesignSprague–Dawley rats were fed a high‐fat (20% w/w) or a control diet (chow, C) from 10 days before pregnancy and throughout lactation. At weaning the litters were split into two groups; one was continued on the maternal diet and the other was fed low‐fat chow.SampleSkeletal muscle mitochondria and liver lipids.MethodsMitochondrial respiration and hepatic lipid content were determined during and after weaning, on days 20 and 70 postpartum.Main outcome measuresMitochondrial function and hepatic lipids.ResultsAt 20 days, maternal high‐fat diet caused increased Vo2max with pyruvate as substrate (p = 0.047), at 70 days, pups born by C‐dams, but not those born by high‐fat‐dams, showed increased oxidation of palmitoylcarnitine in the absence of ADP (p = 0.018). Rates of ADP‐stimulated oxygen consumption, maximal respiratory capacity and mitochondrial respiratory control ratio with pyruvate, increased post weaning (p < 0.001), whereas respiratory control ratio with palmitoylcarnitine decreased (p = 0.013). The increase in respiratory control ratio was most pronounced in pups from C‐dams (p = 0.05). The high‐fat‐diet caused pronounced hepatic steatosis in pups at weaning (p < 0.001), without concomitant ceramide accumulation, while high‐fat‐feeding after weaning induced triacylglycerol and ceramide accumulation (p < 0.01), regardless of maternal diet.ConclusionIntake of a fat‐rich diet during pregnancy and lactation reduced the age‐induced increases in un‐coupled fat oxidation.
Phytoestrogen α‐Zearalanol exerts Antiapoptotic Effects in Differentiated PC12 Cells via Oestrogen Receptor α
Authors: Dong Yi Long , Wang Yan Mei , Yang Hong Ju , Yang Xiao Zhou , Yu Hai Jing 
Published: July 2014

AbstractOur previous studies have demonstrated that phytoestrogen α‐zearalanol (α‐ZAL) possesses potential benefits in alleviating cell apoptotic death just like oestrogen. However, the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that the neuroprotective effect of α‐ZAL is mediated by oestrogen receptor (ER) as α‐ZAL owns the benzene ring structure may interact with ER. The present results showed a significant increase in apoptosis in differentiated PC12 cells after a 24‐hr exposure to amyloid β‐peptide fragment 25‐35 (Aβ25‐35), accompanied by decreasing of bcl‐2 expression and increasing bax expression, whereas a pre‐treatment with α‐ZAL ameliorated these changes induced by Aβ25‐35. In addition, the α‐ZAL‐mediated cytoprotection was abrogated by ERα antagonist but not by ERβ antagonist. In summary, these data suggest that α‐ZAL intervenes against Aβ‐induced apoptosis via intersecting bcl‐2‐bax apoptotic pathway in an ERα‐sensitive manner.
Heteromerization of GPR55 and cannabinoid CB2 receptors modulates signalling
Authors: Balenga N A , Martínez‐Pinilla E , Kargl J , Schröder R , Peinhaupt M , Platzer W , Bálint Z , Zamarbide M , Dopeso‐Reyes I G , Ricobaraza A , Pérez‐Ortiz J M , Kostenis E , Waldhoer M , Heinemann A , Franco R 
Published: July 2014

Background and PurposeHeteromerization of GPCRs is key to the integration of extracellular signals and the subsequent cell response via several mechanisms including heteromer‐selective ligand binding, trafficking and/or downstream signalling. As the lysophosphatidylinositol GPCR 55 (GPR55) has been shown to affect the function of the cannabinoid receptor subtype 2 (CB2 receptor) in human neutrophils, we investigated the possible heteromerization of CB2 receptors with GPR55.Experimental ApproachThe direct interaction of human GPR55 and CB2 receptors heterologously expressed in HEK293 cells was assessed by co‐immunoprecipitation and bioluminescence resonance energy transfer assays. The effect of cross‐talk on signalling was investigated at downstream levels by label‐free real‐time methods (Epic dynamic mass redistribution and CellKey impedance assays), ERK1/2‐MAPK activation and gene reporter assays.Key ResultsGPR55 and CB2 receptors co‐localized on the surface of HEK293 cells, co‐precipitated in membrane extracts and formed heteromers in living HEK293 cells. Whereas heteromerization led to a reduction in GPR55‐mediated activation of transcription factors (nuclear factor of activated T‐cells, NF‐κB and cAMP response element), ERK1/2‐MAPK activation was potentiated in the presence of CB2 receptors. CB2 receptor‐mediated signalling was also affected by co‐expression with GPR55. Label‐free assays confirmed cross‐talk between the two receptors.Conclusions and ImplicationsHeteromers, unique signalling units, form in HEK293 cells expressing GPR55 and CB2 receptors. The signalling by agonists of either receptor was governed (i) by the presence or absence of the partner receptors (with the consequent formation of heteromers) and (ii) by the activation state of the partner receptor.
Innovations in Practice: Adapting a specialized ADHD parenting programme for use with ‘hard to reach’ and ‘difficult to treat’ preschool children
Authors: McEwan Fiona , Thompson Margaret , Laver‐Bradbury Cathy , Jefferson Harriet , Koerting Johanna , Smith Elizabeth , Knowles Mark , McCann Donna , Daley David , Barton Jo , Latter Sue , Elsey Helen , Sonuga‐Barke Edmund 
Published: July 2014

BackgroundEffective implementation of parent training programmes for preschool Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder type is constrained by barriers limiting take‐up and effective engagement by ‘hard to reach’ and ‘difficult to treat’ families.MethodWe describe an evidence‐driven adaptation and piloting of an existing empirically supported preschool ADHD parenting programme to address these problems.ResultsThe New Forest Parenting programme was changed substantially in terms of length; content and delivery on the basis of information gathered from the literature, from parents and practitioners, further modifications were made after the pilot study.ConclusionsThe adapted‐NFPP is currently being assessed for efficacy in a large multicentre randomized controlled trial.
Synthesis and ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopic and electrochemical analyses of dyes derived from 2‐aminobenzothiazole, and study of their adsorption on titanium dioxide
Authors: Maruszewska Anna , Podsiadły Radosław 
Published: July 2014

A series of Schiff bases with hydroxyl anchoring group/s in various positions were synthesised. Their visible light absorption and electrochemical and physicochemical adsorption properties were investigated. Results show that the studied compounds have adequate highest‐occupied‐molecular‐orbital and lowest‐unoccupied‐molecular‐orbital levels that match with the conduction band of titanium dioxide and the redox potential of the electrolyte. Adsorption of azomethine compounds with hydroxyl group/s on titanium dioxide was studied. Experimental data show that the introduction of two β‐hydroxyethyl groups can greatly enhance the adsorption efficiency of the studied Schiff base on titanium dioxide. Sorption kinetics was measured for di‐(β‐hydroxyethyl)aminobenzyliden‐2‐aminobenzothiazol. Results show rapid initial sorption (<30 min), followed by a slower rate of increasing uptake between 0.5 and 6 h. Kinetic data were modelled using pseudo‐first‐order, pseudo‐second‐order, and intraparticle diffusion kinetics equations. These results indicate that the pseudo‐second‐order equation and intraparticle diffusion model can better describe the adsorption kinetics of di‐(β‐hydroxyethyl)aminobenzyliden‐2‐aminobenzothiazol onto titanium dioxide.
Epithelium‐dependent profibrotic milieu in the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: current status and future directions
Authors: Xu Xuefeng , Dai Huaping , Wang Chen 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackground and AimIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterized by hyperplasia of type II alveolar epithelial cells, aggregation of activated (myo)fibroblasts and excessive deposition of extracellular matrix, which will ultimately lead to lung architecture destruction with no proven effective therapies. Despite a significant increase in our understanding on the etiology and pathogenesis of IPF, the real triggers that initiate epithelial cell injury and promote fibrosis evolution are still elusive. We wanted to discuss the evolution of hypothesis on IPF pathogenesis and to suggest some new directions which need to be further elucidated.MethodsWe have done a literature search in PubMed database by using the term ‘idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis’ AND (pathogenesis OR inflammation OR wound healing OR apoptosis OR extracellular matrix OR animal model).ResultsInflammatory hypothesis had been the dominant idea for several decades which suggests that chronic inflammation drives the onset and advance of the fibrotic process. However, it is seriously challenged nowadays because lung tissues from IPF patients exhibit little inflammatory lesions. Also, anti‐inflammation therapy failed to exert a beneficial effect to IPF patients. Furthermore, experimental lung fibrosis can be realized independent of inflammation. Today, modern paradigm suggests that IPF is mainly driven by the profibtic milieu formed by epithelial injury/ disability and dysregulated epithelial mesenchymal interaction.ConclusionsEpithelium‐dependent profibrotic milieu formation and mesenchymal activation is the current view on the pathogenesis of IPF. New evidence from more analogous animal models may emerge and shift our thinking to a new and more faithful concept in the future.
The Figure‐of‐Eight Artifact in the Echocardiographic Assessment of Percutaneous Disc Occluders: Impact of Imaging Depth and Device Type
Authors: Bertrand Philippe B. , Grieten Lars , Smeets Christophe J.P. , Verbrugge Frederik H. , Mullens Wilfried , Vrolix Mathias , Rivero‐Ayerza Maximo , Verhaert David , Vandervoort Pieter M. 
Published: July 2014

PurposeEchocardiography is increasingly important in the guidance and follow‐up of percutaneous transcatheter device closures. It was recently shown that the Amplatzer left atrial appendage occluder frequently presents as a figure‐of‐eight artifact due to interaction of device mesh and ultrasound waves. It remains unknown whether this can be translated to other types of disc occluders. Furthermore, the morphology of this figure‐of‐eight artifact appears to be different in the transesophageal and transthoracic image of the same device. The aim of this study was to evaluate the echocardiographic appearance of different types of disc occluders, and to clarify differences in morphology of the figure‐of‐eight artifact.MethodsA mathematical model of an epitrochoid curve was used for numerical simulation of disc occluder appearance at various imaging depths. In addition, an in vitro setup was used for echocardiographic analysis of different types of disc occluders at adjustable imaging depth and position.ResultsMathematically, decreasing the imaging depth resulted in a more asymmetric figure‐of‐eight, i.e. with small upper part and wide lower part. In vitro results were in close agreement with the mathematical results. In addition, in vitro a figure‐of‐eight artifact was obtained in all different types of disc occluder devices.ConclusionsDifferent types of percutaneous disc occluders all present as a figure‐of‐eight artifact on echocardiography when imaged from a coronal imaging position. The morphology of the artifact depends on the imaging depth, with a more asymmetric figure‐of‐eight morphology at smaller probe‐to‐device distance. This clarifies the differences observed between transesophageal and transthoracic imaging.
Two‐Dimensional Measurement of Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion in Children: Can It Substitute for an M‐Mode Assessment?
Authors: Qureshi Muhammad Yasir , Eidem Benjamin W. , Reece Chelsea L. , O'Leary Patrick W. 
Published: July 2014

BackgroundTricuspid annular plane systolic excursion measured by M‐mode (MM‐TAPSE) has been validated as a marker of right ventricular systolic performance. A similar measurement by 2D imaging (2D‐TAPSE) can be obtained. We sought to determine the correlation and strength of agreement between MM‐TAPSE and 2D‐TAPSE in children.MethodsEchocardiographic studies performed for clinical indications were reviewed retrospectively. All consecutive subjects ≤18 years of age were included. The cohort was divided into those with normal echocardiographic findings and those with disorders affecting the right ventricle. Digitally recorded images were analyzed for both MM‐TAPSE and 2D‐TAPSE. Measurements of 2D‐TAPSE were made in an apical four‐chamber view, from the tricuspid valve annulus to a consistent point at the apex of the imaging sector at end‐diastole and end‐systole, with the difference representing the 2D‐TAPSE value.ResultsA total of 329 subjects (mean age 9.0 ± 6.1 years) met entry criteria. Correlation coefficient between MM‐TAPSE and 2D‐TAPSE was 0.90. Bland–Altman analysis showed agreement between the two methods to be within 1.2 ± 2.6 mm (mean percentage difference of 6.5%). About 1 mm difference between MM‐TAPSE and 2D‐TAPSE was consistently observed in all diagnostic subgroups, and across all age categories.ConclusionMM‐TAPSE and 2D‐TAPSE correlate strongly, with 2D‐TAPSE being consistently about 1 mm less than values obtained by the M‐mode technique. We conclude that 2D‐TAPSE can provide a reliable alternative to MM‐TAPSE to quantitatively measure right ventricular systolic function and may be especially useful in situations where retrospective comparisons are sought.
Changes in Speckle Tracking Echocardiography Measures of Ventricular Function after Percutaneous Implantation of the Edwards SAPIEN Transcatheter Heart Valve in the Pulmonary Position
Authors: Chowdhury Shahryar M. , Hijazi Ziyad M. , Rhodes John F. , Kar Saibal , Makkar Raj , Mullen Michael , Cao Qi‐Ling , Mandinov Lazar , Buckley Jason , Pietris Nicholas P. , Shirali Girish S. 
Published: July 2014

BackgroundPatients with free pulmonary regurgitation or mixed pulmonary stenosis and regurgitation and severely dilated right ventricles (RV) show little improvement in ventricular function after pulmonary valve replacement when assessed by traditional echocardiographic markers. We evaluated changes in right and left ventricular (LV) function using speckle tracking echocardiography in patients after SAPIEN transcatheter pulmonary valve (TPV) placement.MethodsEchocardiograms were evaluated at baseline, discharge, 1 and 6 months after TPV placement in 24 patients from 4 centers. Speckle tracking measures of function included peak longitudinal strain, strain rate, and early diastolic strain rate. RV fractional area change, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, and left ventricular LV ejection fraction were assessed. Routine Doppler and tissue Doppler velocities were measured.ResultsAt baseline, all patients demonstrated moderate to severe pulmonary regurgitation; this improved following TPV placement. No significant changes were detected in conventional measures of RV or LV function at 6 months. RV longitudinal strain (−16.9% vs. −19.6%, P < 0.01), strain rate (−0.87 s−1 vs. −1.16 s−1, P = 0.01), and LV longitudinal strain (−16.2% vs. −18.2%, P = 0.01) improved between baseline and 6 month follow‐up. RV early diastolic strain rate, LV longitudinal strain rate and early diastolic strain rate showed no change.ConclusionImprovements in RV longitudinal strain, strain rate, and LV longitudinal strain are seen at 6 months post‐TPV. Diastolic function does not appear to change at 6 months. Speckle tracking echocardiography may be more sensitive than traditional measures in detecting changes in systolic function after TPV implantation.