bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of simvastatin on pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension and exercise capacity in bleomycin‐treated rats
Authors: Schroll S. , Lange T. J. , Arzt M. , Sebah D. , Nowrotek A. , Lehmann H. , Wensel R. , Pfeifer M. , Blumberg F. C. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAimPulmonary fibrosis is often complicated by pulmonary hypertension. Statins reduce fibroblast activity in vitro and pulmonary hypertension in vivo. We investigated whether Simvastatin exerts beneficial effects on pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension in Bleomycin‐treated rats in vivo.MethodsRats were randomly assigned to controls, Bleomycin, Bleomycin plus Simvastatin from day 1 to 28 and Bleomycin plus Simvastatin from day 13 to 28. 28 days after Bleomycin instillation, right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), right ventricular mass (RV/(LV+S)), right ventricular and circulating brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels were determined to assess pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary hydroxyproline content (HPC), pulmonary connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) transcription and lung compliance (LC) were analysed to characterize pulmonary fibrosis. Exercise capacity was determined by treadmill tests.ResultsCompared with controls, Bleomycin increased RVSP, RV/(LV+S), BNP levels, HPC and CTGF transcription and decreased LC significantly. Simvastatin administered from day 1 to 28 normalized all these parameters. Simvastatin administered from day 13 to 28 had no effect on HPC and LC, but reduced RV/(LV+S) significantly and induced a strong trend to lower RVSP and BNP levels. Exercise capacity was reduced by Bleomycin. Simvastatin significantly improved exercise intolerance in both treatment groups.ConclusionsSimvastatin prevents the development of pulmonary fibrosis, but fails to attenuate already established pulmonary fibrosis. In contrast, it ameliorates pulmonary hypertension and thereby exercise capacity in the prevention and the treatment group regardless of its effects on pulmonary fibrosis. Whether statins are a treatment option in humans with pulmonary fibrosis needs to be investigated by further study.
Effect of acute environmental hypoxia on protein metabolism in human skeletal muscle
Authors: D'Hulst G. , Jamart C. , Van Thienen R. , Hespel P. , Francaux M. , Deldicque L. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractHypoxia‐induced muscle wasting has been observed in several environmental and pathological conditions. However, the molecular mechanisms behind this loss of muscle mass are far from being completely elucidated, certainly in vivo. When studying the regulation of muscle mass by environmental hypoxia, many confounding factors have to be taken into account, such as decreased protein ingestion, sleep deprivation or reduced physical activity, which make difficult to know whether hypoxia per se causes a reduction in muscle mass.AimWe hypothesized that acute exposure to normobaric hypoxia (11% O2) would repress the activation of the mTOR pathway usually observed after a meal and would activate the proteolytic pathways in skeletal muscle.MethodsFifteen subjects were exposed passively for 4 h to normoxic and hypoxic conditions in a random order after consumption of a light breakfast. A muscle biopsy and a blood sample were taken before, after 1 and 4 h of exposure.ResultsAfter 4 h, plasma insulin concentration and the phosphorylation state of PKB and S6K1 in skeletal muscle were higher in hypoxia than in normoxia (P < 0.05). At the same time, Redd1 mRNA level was upregulated (P < 0.05), whilst MAFbx mRNA decreased (P < 0.05) in hypoxia compared with normoxia. Proteasome, cathepsin L and calpain activities were not altered by environmental hypoxia.ConclusionContrary to our hypothesis and despite an increase in the mRNA level of Redd1, an inhibitor of the mTORC1 pathway, short‐term acute environmental hypoxia induced a higher response of PKB and S6K1 to a meal, which may be due to increased plasma insulin concentration.
A Strategy for Bayesian Inference for Computationally Expensive Models with Application to the Estimation of Stem Cell Properties
Authors: Overstall Antony M. , Woods David C. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractSummaryBayesian inference is considered for statistical models that depend on the evaluation of a computationally expensive computer code or simulator. For such situations, the number of evaluations of the likelihood function, and hence of the unnormalized posterior probability density function, is determined by the available computational resource and may be extremely limited. We present a new example of such a simulator that describes the properties of human embryonic stem cells using data from optical trapping experiments. This application is used to motivate a novel strategy for Bayesian inference which exploits a Gaussian process approximation of the simulator and allows computationally efficient Markov chain Monte Carlo inference. The advantages of this strategy over previous methodology are that it is less reliant on the determination of tuning parameters and allows the application of model diagnostic procedures that require no additional evaluations of the simulator. We show the advantages of our method on synthetic examples and demonstrate its application on stem cell experiments.
Torrance, Mark et al ed (2012) Learning to write effectivelyBrill (Leiden, Netherlands) isbn 978‐1‐78052‐928‐8 431 pp €113.95 http://www.brill.com/learning‐write‐effectively‐current‐trends‐european‐research
Authors: Hartley James 
Published: February 2013

SummaryThe European Co‐operation in Science and Technology Research Network supported European research on learning to write effectively from 2008 to 2011. This book outlines the results—with eight editors presenting over ninety contributions from people in a dozen or more European countries. There are four sections: writing development; learning and teaching writing; document design; and tools for studying writing. Thus the coverage is broad, but thin. It's probably best to order this text for the library unless you are personally involved in research on writing.James Hartley
A 9‐year experience of renal injury at an Australian level 1 trauma centre
Authors: Shoobridge Jennifer J. , Bultitude Matthew F. , Koukounaras Jim , Martin Katherine E. , Royce Peter L. , Corcoran Niall M. 
Published: February 2013

Objective
To detail the 9‐year experience of renal trauma at a modern Level 1 trauma centre and report on patterns of injury, management and complications.
Patients and methods
We analysed 338 patients with renal injuries who presented to our institution over a 9‐year period.
Data on demographics, clinical presentation, management and complications were recorded.
Results
Males comprised 74.9% of patients with renal injuries and the highest incidence was amongst those aged 20–24 years.
Blunt injuries comprised 96.2% (n = 325) of all the renal injuries, with road trauma being the predominant mechanism accounting for 72.5% of injuries.
The distribution of injury grade was; 21.6% grade 1 (n = 73), 24.3% grade 2 (n = 82), 24.9% grade 3 (n = 84), 16.6% grade 4 (n = 56), and 12.7% grade 5 (n = 43).
Conservative management was successful in all grade 1 and 2 renal injuries, and 94.9%, 90.7% and 35.1% of grade 3, 4 and 5 injuries respectively.
All but one of the 13 patients with penetrating injuries were successfully managed conservatively.
Conclusions
Road trauma is the greatest cause of renal injury.
Most haemodynamically stable patients are successfully managed conservatively.
Prostate volume in male patients with spinal cord injury: a question of nerves?
Authors: Pannek Jürgen , Bartel Peter , Göcking Konrad , Frotzler Angela 
Published: February 2013

Objective
To assess the influence of standardized complete surgical deafferentation of the lower urinary tract by sacral deafferentation (SDAF) and sacral anterior root stimulation (SARS) on prostate volume in men with spinal cord injury (SCI).
Patients and Methods
In a prospective study, the prostate volume of men with SCI who underwent SDAF/SARS was measured using transrectal ultrasonography.
The prostate volumes of these men were compared with those of men with complete SCI but who did not undergo SDAF/SARS, those of men with incomplete SCI, and those of a historical sample of able‐bodied men.
Results
The median [25th;75th percentile] prostate volume of men who underwent SDAF/SARS (20.0 [14.0; 29.0]) and of men with complete SCI who did not undergo SDAF/SARS (20.0 [16.5; 29.0]) was significantly smaller than in the reference group (25.0 [5.0; 84.0]).
The mean prostate volume was associated with age in the reference group (r = 0.185; P < 0.001) and in men with incomplete SCI (r = 0.284; P = 0.031), but not in men with complete SCI, irrespective of SDAF/SARS.
Conclusions
The prostate volume of men with complete SCI was significantly smaller than that of able‐bodied men.
Our data imply that sustained central innervation of the prostate plays an important role in prostate growth.
Dysregulated mineral metabolism in patients with acute kidney injury and risk of adverse outcomes
Authors: Leaf David E. , Waikar Sushrut S. , Wolf Myles , Cremers Serge , Bhan Ishir , Stern Leonard 
Published: February 2013

SummaryObjectiveNumerous studies have evaluated the prevalence and importance of vitamin D deficiency among patients with chronic kidney disease and end‐stage renal disease; however, little is known about vitamin D levels in acute kidney injury (AKI). We evaluated the association between vitamin D metabolites and clinical outcomes among patients with AKI.DesignProspective cohort study.PatientsA total of 30 participants with AKI and 30 controls from general hospital wards and intensive care units at a tertiary care hospital were recruited for the study.MeasurementsPlasma levels of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D], 24R,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3, vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) were measured within 24 hours of AKI onset and 5 days later. Bioavailable 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D levels, defined as the sum of free‐ and albumin‐bound 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D, were estimated using equations.ResultsCompared to controls, participants with AKI had lower levels of 1,25(OH)2D [17 (10–22) vs 25 (15–35) pg/ml, P = 0·01], lower levels of VDBP [23 (15‐31) vs 29 (25–36) mg/dl, P = 0·003] and similar levels of bioavailable 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D at enrolment. Levels of bioavailable 25(OH)D were inversely associated with severity of sepsis in the overall sample (P < 0·001). Among participants with AKI, bioavailable 25(OH)D, but not other vitamin D metabolites, was significantly associated with mortality after adjusting for age and serum creatinine (adjusted odds ratio per 1 SD ln [bioavailable 25(OH)D] = 0·16, 95% confidence interval = 0·03–0·85).ConclusionsBioavailable 25(OH)D could have a role as a biomarker or mediator of adverse outcomes among patients with established AKI.
Time‐dependent expression of osteoblast marker genes in human primary cells cultured on microgrooved titanium substrata
Authors: Koo Ki‐Tae , Lee Suk W. , Lee Myung‐Hyun , Kim Kyung H. , Jung Su H. , Kang Yoon G. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the influence of titanium surface‐etched microgrooves and ridges on the time‐dependent expression of osteoblast marker genes and proteins of human primary cells undergoing osteoblast differentiation.Materials and methodsFifteen‐, 30‐, and 60‐μm wide, and 3.5‐ and 10‐μm deep‐etched microgrooves and ridges were fabricated on titanium substrata using photolithography and subsequent acid etching, and were used as the experimental groups (E15/3.5,E30/10, andE60/10), whereas the smooth and acid‐etched titanium were used as the control (NE0 andE0). Time‐dependentmRNAand protein expression of typeIcollagen α1, alkaline phosphatase, runt‐related transcription factor 2, osterix, osteocalcin, osteopontin, bone sialoproteinII, and osteonectin after 7, 14, 21, and 28 days of osteogenic culture was analyzed using quantitative real‐timePCR,RT‐PCR, western blotting, and protein quantitation. Student'st‐test, one‐way analysis of variance, andPearson's correlation analysis were used for statistics.ResultsEtched microgrooves and ridges induced significantly lower levels of typeIcollagen α1 gene expression at day 14, and an extreme increase in osteopontin gene expression at days 21 and 28 compared with smooth control. However, the expression levels of the other osteoblast marker genes and proteins analyzed in this study correspond with previously reported expression patterns of cells on variously modified titanium surfaces during osteoblast differentiation and bone formation.ConclusionThis study indicates that etched microgrooves and ridges on titanium substrata induce both typical and unique time‐dependent expression patterns of the osteoblast marker genes and proteins analyzed in this study.
Treatment options for renal cell carcinoma in renal allografts: a case series from a single institution
Authors: Swords Darden C. , Al‐Geizawi Samer M. , Farney Alan C. , Rogers Jeffrey , Burkart John M. , Assimos Dean G. , Stratta Robert J. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractRenal cell carcinoma (RCC) is more common in renal transplant and dialysis patients than the general population. However, RCC in transplanted kidneys is rare, and treatment has previously consisted of nephrectomy with a return to dialysis. There has been recent interest in nephron‐sparing procedures as a treatment option for RCC in allograft kidneys in an effort to retain allograft function. Four patients with RCC in allograft kidneys were treated with nephrectomy, partial nephrectomy, or radiofrequency ablation. All of the patients are without evidence of recurrence of RCC after treatment. We found nephron‐sparing procedures to be reasonable initial options in managing incidental RCCs diagnosed in functioning allografts to maintain an improved quality of life and avoid immediate dialysis compared with radical nephrectomy of a functioning allograft. However, in non‐functioning renal allografts, radical nephrectomy may allow for a higher chance of cure without the loss of transplant function. Consequently, radical nephrectomy should be utilized whenever the allograft is non‐functioning and the patient's surgical risk is not prohibitive.
Soil respiration of karst grasslands subjected to woody‐plant encroachment
Authors: Eler K. , Plestenjak G. , Ferlan M. , Čater M. , Simončič P. , Vodnik D. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryThe transition of grasslands to forests influences many ecosystem processes, including water and temperature regimes and the cycling of nutrients. Different components of the carbon biogeochemical cycle respond strongly to woody plant encroachment; as a consequence, the carbon balance of the invaded grasslands can change markedly. In our research, we studied the response of soil respiration (RS) to natural succession of calcareous grassland. We established two research sites, called grassland and invaded site, at each of which eddy flux measurement were also performed. Within these sites, triplicate plots were fenced for soil flux measurements. At the invaded site, measurements were performed for forest patches and grassy spaces separately. Soil respiration was strongly dependent on temperature and reached 8–12 µmol CO2 m−2 s−1 in mid‐summer; it was greater at the grassland than at the invaded site. RS dependence on temperature and soil water content was similar between the different vegetation covers (grassland, gaps and forest patches). At a reference temperature of 10°C, the average RS was 2.71 µmol CO2 m−2 s−1. The annual sums of RS were also similar between years and sites: 1345 ± 47 (2009) and 1150 ± 37 g C m−2 year−1 (2010) for grassland and 1324 ± 26 (2009) and 1268 ± 26 g C m−2 year−1 (2010) for the invaded site, which is at the upper range of the values reported in the literature. Cumulative RS peaked in July, with about 200 g C m−2. Large mid‐summer RS rates rely on strong biological activity supported by high, but non‐extreme soil temperatures and by regular summer precipitation. A coupling of photosynthesis and RS was revealed by a 24‐hour measurement, which showed asymmetrical clockwise hysteresis patterns.
Abnormal plasma neuroactive progestagen derivatives in ill, neonatal foals presented to the neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: Aleman M. , Pickles K. J. , Conley A. J. , Stanley S. , Haggett E. , Toth B. , Madigan J. E. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryReasons for performing the studyIncreased levels of pregnanes have been reported in foals with neonatal maladjustment syndrome (NMS). These steroids may cross the blood–brain barrier and have depressive effects in the central nervous system leading to behavioural abnormalities and altered states of consciousness in affected foals.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine the pregnane profile of foals withNMSand compare it with that of healthy controls and sick, non‐NMSfoals.Study designProspective‐clinical study.MethodsThirty‐two foals with a clinical diagnosis ofNMS, 12 foals with other neonatal disorders and 10 healthy control foals were selected for the study. Heparinised blood samples were collected from each group of foals and pregnane and androgen concentrations determined using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry at 0, 24 and 48 h of age.ResultsHealthy foals showed a significant decrease in pregnane concentrations over the first 48 h of life (P<0.01). Foals withNMSand sick, non‐NMSfoals had significantly increased progesterone, pregnenolone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone and epitestosterone concentrations compared with healthy foals (P<0.05). Progesterone and pregnenolone concentrations of sick, non‐NMSfoals decreased significantly over 48 h (P<0.05), whereas concentrations inNMSfoals remained increased.Conclusions and potential relevancePregnane concentrations of ill, neonatal foals remain increased following birth, reflecting a delayed, or interrupted, transition from intra‐ to extra‐uterine life. Serial progesterone and pregnenolone measurement may be useful in aiding diagnosis ofNMS.
Descriptive epidemiology and risk factors for eliminations fromFédérationEquestreInternationale endurance rides due to lameness and metabolic reasons (2008–2011)
Authors: Nagy A. , Murray J. K. , Dyson S. J. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryReasons for performing the studyThere is limited information on international endurance rides and on risk factors for eliminations.ObjectivesTo describe and compare the frequency of occurrence of elimination due to lameness and metabolic reasons fromFédérationEquestreInternationale (FEI) endurance rides (≥100 km) during 2008–2011 in all countries and to assess risk factors for elimination due to lameness and metabolic reasons.Study designRetrospective unmatched case–control study.MethodsData collected from theFEIwebsite included the following: the country where the ride was held; the year; the result for each horse–rider combination; the number of entries in each class; whether the class was restricted to young riders; and the winning speed. Descriptive data were summarised, and univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess risk factors for eliminations due to lameness and metabolic reasons.ResultsBetween 2008 and 2011, there were 30,741 horse starts atFEIendurance rides of 100–160 km distance in 47 countries. Of all started horses, 30% were eliminated for lameness. Eliminations for metabolic reasons were recorded for 8.7% of all started horses. There was a large range of winning speeds amongst countries (10.2–29.5 km/h). Multivariable analysis revealed that the risk of elimination due to lameness was significantly associated with the country where the ride was held, the year, the distance of the ride and the number of entries. Elimination for metabolic reasons was significantly associated with the country where the ride was held, the year and the number of entries.ConclusionsDifferences existed among elimination rates atFEIendurance rides in different countries (2008–2011). Lameness was the most common reason for elimination globally.Potential relevanceThese results provide objective global data on endurance riding that can replace anecdotal information, which has been the base of opinions, decisions and regulations.TheSummary is available inChinese – seeSupporting information.
The safety of massage therapy: an update of a systematic review
Authors: Posadzki Paul , Ernst Edzard 
Published: February 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo update a systematic review evaluating the safety of massage therapy.MethodsA literature search was carried out using four electronic databases for the period December 2001 to May 2012. All articles reporting adverse effects of massage therapy were retrieved. Adverse effects relating to atypical massage, aromatherapeutic massage oil or ice were excluded. No language restrictions were applied. Data were extracted and evaluated according to predefined criteria.ResultsSeventeen case reports and one case series were published since our previous review. The reported adverse effects comprised acute paraplegia and abdominal distension, bladder rupture, bilateral cerebellar infarction, cervical lymphocele, cervical cord injury, cervical internal carotid and vertebral dissection, chylothorax, haematuria, interosseous nerve palsy, myopathy, perinephric haemorrhage, rhabdomyolysis, severe headache, blurred vision, paraesthesia and focal motor seizures. In the majority of the reports, a cause–effect relationship was certain or almost certain. Serious adverse effects were most commonly associated with massage techniques applied to the neck area.ConclusionEvidence suggests that massage may occasionally lead to moderately severe adverse effects.
Baseline demographics of a non‐native lake trout population and inferences for suppression from sensitivity‐elasticity analyses
Authors: Cox B. S. , Guy C. S. , Fredenberg W. A. , Rosenthal L. R. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractManagement agencies in several western states of the United States are implementing suppression programmes to control non‐native lake trout, Salvelinus namaycush (Walbaum), for the conservation of native species. This study was implemented to ascertain the population demographics of an expanding lake trout population and use those data to construct an age‐structured model to inform suppression efforts. Population projection matrices were used to model population growth and identify age or stage classes with the greatest influence on population growth. The size and age structure of lake trout sampled was skewed towards juveniles, indicating strong recruitment and a growing population. Matrix‐model simulations corroborated the observed size and age structure, as the lake trout population was predicted to grow exponentially (λ = 1.35, 95% CL: 1.25–1.43) with no suppression efforts. Elasticity analysis of matrix models indicated the relative contribution of survival rates to population growth among immature age classes was equal from age 0 to age at first maturity, but immature survival rates contributed more than adult survival and fertility rates. These results emphasise the importance of targeting juvenile lake trout for suppression efforts during exponential growth in recently established populations.