bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Separate receptors mediate oxytocin and vasopressin stimulation of cAMP in rat inner medullary collecting duct cells
Authors: Wargent E. T. , Burgess W. J. , Laycock J. F. , Balment R. J. 
Published: December 2014

SUMMARYThe two neurohypophysial hormones arginine vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin have actions in the inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) where both peptides induce an increase in cAMP accumulation. The present study has employed a novel IMCD cell line to determine whether these two hormones induce cAMP accumulation via common or separate receptors, and to characterize the potential receptors responsible. Equal volumes of vehicle (150 mM NaCl) or hormone/antagonist solutions were added to aliquots of 104 IMCD cells in the presence of 10‐3 m 3‐isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX) and incubated at 37 °C for 4 min. cAMP levels were determined by radioimmunoassay and protein concentration by Bradford assay. Both AVP and oxytocin elicited dose‐dependent increases in cAMP generation, though oxytocin was less potent than AVP (EC50 = 1.6 × 10‐8 M vs. 7.4 × 10‐10 m). AVP at 10‐8 m and oxytocin at 10‐6 m, concentrations sufficient to elicit near‐maximal cAMP accumulation, resulted in cAMP levels of 73.4 ±1.7 and 69.0 ± 3.3 pmol (mg protein)−1 (4 min)−1, respectively (n = 10), compared with the vehicle‐treated basal value of 37.7 ± 2.2 pmol (mg protein)−1 (4 min)−1 (P < 0.001, n = 10). Combined AVP (10‐8 m) and oxytocin (10‐6 m) resulted in cAMP accumulation of 63.8 ± 3.1 pmol (mg protein)−1 (4 min)−1 (n = 10), which was not significantly different from the effect of oxytocin alone, but slightly less than that for AVP alone (P < 0.05). A submaximal concentration of AVP (10‐10 m) induced cAMP accumulation of 48.6 ± 2.5 pmol (mg protein)−1 (4 min)−1 (P < 0.01 compared with basal level of 34.9 ± 2.4 pmol (mg protein)−1 (4 min)−1, n = 10), which was blocked in the presence of a vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist (10‐7 m OPC‐31260) but not by the oxytocin receptor antagonist (10‐6 m [Pen1,pMePhe2,Thr4,Orn8]oxytocin) (36.3 ± 6.1 and 45.1 ± 1.3 pmol (mg protein)−1 (4 min)−1 respectively, P < 0.05, n = 10). A submaximal concentration of oxytocin (10‐7 m) induced a cAMP accumulation of 45.8 ± 1.8 pmol (mg protein)−1 (4 min)−1 (n = 10), which was reduced by addition of 10‐6 m oxytocin antagonist (36.3 ± 2.1 pmol (mg protein)−1 (4 min)−1, P < 0.05, n = 10), whereas co‐incubation with 10‐6 m of the V2 receptor antagonist had no effect (43.2 ± 1.3 pmol (mg protein)−1 (4 min)−1, n = 10). These results indicate that AVP and oxytocin induce cAMP accumulation from a common ATP pool in IMCD cells, and that separate vasopressin V2 and oxytocin receptor systems are involved, perhaps coupled to a common adenylate cyclase system.
The effects of acute and chronic systemic hypoxia on muscle oxygen supply and oxygen consumption in the rat
Authors: Marshall Janice M. , Davies William R. 
Published: December 2014

SUMMARYThe aims of the present study were to evaluate how acute systemic hypoxia affects O2 delivery to skeletal muscle and muscle O2 consumption (V̇O2) of the rat and to establish how these relationships are altered by chronic systemic hypoxia. Thus, the effects of breathing different concentrations of O2 (air, 12% and 8% O2) upon oxygen delivery and V̇O2 were studied in hindlimb muscles of control, normoxic (N) rats and of rats that had been made chronically hypoxic in a chamber at 12% O2 for 3–4 weeks (CH) rats. Under anaesthesia, arterial blood pressure, femoral blood flow (FBF), arterial O2 content (Ca,O2) and venous O2 content in the efflux from hindlimb were measured. In N rats, changing the inspirate from air to 12 % and 8 % O2 for 5 min each, reduced Ca,O2 from 20 ± 0.3 ml (100 ml)−1 in air to 13 ± 1.0 ml (100 ml)−1 in 8 % O2. FBF did not change significantly (1.7 ± 0.1 ml min−1 in air) so that O2 delivery to hindlimb muscles fell from 0.28 ± 0.07 to 0.16 ± 0.02 ml min−1 in 8 % O2. Nevertheless, the V̇O2 of hindlimb muscles was well maintained: 0.06 ± 0.02 ml min−1 in air and 0.08 ± 0.02 ml min−1 in 8 % O2. In CH rats breathing 12% O2, Ca,O2 (23 ± 10 ml (100 ml)−1) was comparable to that of N rats breathing air, due to an increase in haematocrit, as were FBF (1.6 ± 0.2 ml min−1) and O2 delivery (0.39 ± 0.05 ml min−1). However, V̇O2 was 2–5‐fold greater in CH rats (0.16 ± 0.03 ml min−1). As in N rats, FBF was well maintained at 1.7 ± 0.2 and 1.6 ± 0.2 ml min−1 in 8 % O2 and air, respectively. Further, V̇O2 was also well maintained, at 0.17 ± 0.02 and 0.12 ± 0.02 ml min−1 in 8% O2 and air, respectively. These results suggest that, contrary to previous reports, muscle V̇O2 of the rat is independent of O2 delivery over a wide range of O2 delivery values. They also suggest that muscle V̇O2 of CH rats is similarly independent of O2 delivery. The novel finding that muscle V̇O2 has a greater absolute value in CH rats can, we propose, be explained by an increase in V̇O2 of the vasculature rather than of the skeletal muscle fibres and reflects increased biosynthetic activity of the vessel walls and/or vascular remodelling.
Efficacy of adjunctive anti‐plaque chemical agents in managing gingivitis: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Serrano Jorge , Escribano Marta , Roldán Silvia , Martín Conchita , Herrera David 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAimThe aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the efficacy of anti‐plaque chemical formulations for managing gingivitis, in 6‐month, home‐use, randomised clinical trials (RCTs).Material and MethodsA protocol was designed, including inclusion and exclusion criteria to identify RCTs assessing gingival and/or bleeding indices. Electronic and hand‐searches identified relevant papers, which were screened and evaluated for inclusion. Full‐papers were retrieved and relevant information was extracted (also plaque indices), including quality and risk of bias. Mean treatment effects were calculated to obtain weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals.ResultsAfter the process of screening and selection, 87 articles with 133 comparisons, were included in the review. The additional effects of the tested products were statistically significant in terms of Löe & Silness gingival index (46 comparisons, WMD −0.217), modified gingival index (n = 23, −0.415), gingivitis severity index (n = 26, −14.939%) or bleeding index (n = 23, −7.626%), with significant heterogeneity. For plaque, additional effects were found for Turesky (66 studies, WMD −0.475), Silness & Löe (n = 26, −0.109), and plaque severity (n = 12, −23.4%) indices, with significant heterogeneity.ConclusionWithin the limitations of the present study, formulations with specific agents for chemical plaque control provide statistically significant improvements in terms of gingival, bleeding and plaque indices.
Risk factor assessment tools for the prevention of periodontitis progression a systematic review
Authors: Lang Niklaus P. , Suvan Jean E. , Tonetti Maurizio S. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractObjectives(i) To identify characteristics of currently published patient‐based tools used to assess levels of risk for periodontitis progression and (ii) systematically review the evidence documenting the use of patient‐based risk assessment tools for predicting periodontitis progression.Material and methodsA systematic review was prepared on the basis of an electronic search of the literature supplemented with manually searching the relevant journals of the latest 5 years. Prospective and retrospective cohort studies were included as no randomized controlled clinical trials were available.ResultsThe search identified 336 titles, and 19 articles were included in this systematic review. The search identified five different risk assessment tools. Results of nine of 10 cohort studies reporting outcomes of 2110 patients indicate that risk assessment tools are able to identify subjects with different probability of periodontitis progression and/or tooth loss. Subjects with higher risk scores showed more progression of periodontitis and tooth loss.ConclusionsIn treated populations, results of patient‐based risk assessments, for example periodontal risk calculator (PRC) and periodontal risk assessment (PRA), predicted periodontitis progression and tooth loss in various populations. Additional research on the utility of risk assessment and results in improving patient management are needed.
Association between the level of circulating adiponectin and prediabetes: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Lai Huasheng , Lin Nie , Xing Zhenzhen , Weng Huanhuan , Zhang Hua 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAims/IntroductionAdiponectin has been proposed to have an essential role in the regulation of insulin sensitivity and metabolism, but previous studies on levels of adiponectin in prediabetes remain inconsistent. The present study aimed to assess the differences of adiponectin levels between prediabetes patients and healthy controls by carrying out a meta‐analysis.Materials and MethodsWe carried out a systematic literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, and other databases for case–control studies and cohort studies measuring adiponectin levels in serum or plasma from prediabetes patients and healthy controls. The pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to estimate the association between adiponectin levels and prediabetes.ResultsThree cohort studies and 15 case–control studies with a total of 41,841 participants were included in the meta‐analysis. The results showed that circulating adiponectin levels in prediabetes patients were significantly lower than that of healthy controls (WMD –1.694 μg/mL; 95% CI –2.151, –1.237; P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed more significant differences between prediabetes patients and healthy controls when the ratio of the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance was >2.12 (WMD −2.95 μg/mL; 95% CI –4.103, –1.806; P < 0.001) and average age was >60 years (WMD −2.20 μg/mL; 95% CI –3.207, –1.201; P < 0.001). Additionally, WMD in adiponectin showed a trend of direct correlation in subgroups of homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance ratio, body mass index and age.ConclusionsThe present meta‐analysis supports adiponectin levels in prediabetes patients being lower than that of healthy controls,indicating that the level of circulating adiponectin decreases before the onset of diabetes.
Rosuvastatin treatment in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (RODEO): a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Neukamm A. , Høiseth A. D. , Einvik G. , Lehmann S. , Hagve T.‐A. , Søyseth V. , Omland T. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractObjectivesThe objective of this study was to examine whether statin therapy is associated with enhanced endothelium‐dependent vascular function, improved pulmonary function and reduced systemic inflammation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Design and settingThis randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, parallel trial including patients with COPD was performed at two University hospitals in Norway.Subjects, intervention and measurementsPatients with stable COPD (n = 99) were assigned randomly to receive rosuvastatin 10 mg (n = 49) or matching placebo (n = 50) once daily for 12 weeks. The primary outcome measure was change in endothelium‐dependent vascular function measured using peripheral arterial tonometry and expressed as the reactive hyperaemia index. Secondary end‐points were change in pulmonary function, as assessed by forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC), and change in the circulating levels of the inflammatory markers interleukin‐6 (IL6) and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP).ResultsIn the overall study population, no significant between‐group difference in change in endothelium‐dependent vascular or pulmonary function was observed. Rosuvastatin therapy was associated with a reduction in hsCRP (−20% vs. 11%, P = 0.017) and an attenuation of the rise in IL6 concentration (8% vs. 30%, P = 0.028) compared with placebo. In a prespecified subgroup analysis of patients with a supra‐median circulating hsCRP concentration (>1.7 mg L−1), rosuvastatin was associated with improved endothelium‐dependent vascular function (13% vs. 2%, P = 0.026).ConclusionsIn stable COPD patients without the standard indications for statin therapy, rosuvastatin treatment is associated with a significant attenuation of systemic inflammation and improvement in endothelial‐dependent vascular function in patients with evidence of systemic inflammation.
Psychological distress and self‐rated oral health among a convenience sample of Indigenous Australians
Authors: Amarasena Najith , Kapellas Kostas , Brown Alex , Skilton Michael R. , Maple‐Brown Louise J. , Bartold Mark P. , O'Dea Kerin , Celermajer David , Slade Gary Douglas , Jamieson Lisa 
Published: December 2014

AbstractObjectivesThis study sought to: a) estimate the frequency of poor self‐rated oral health as assessed by a summary measure; b) compare frequency according to sociodemographic, behavioral, and psychological distress factors; and (3) determine if psychological distress was associated with poor self‐rated oral health after adjusting for confounding.MethodsData were from a convenience sample of Indigenous Australian adults (n = 289) residing in Australia's Northern Territory. Poor self‐rated oral health was defined as reported experience of toothache, poor dental appearance or food avoidance in the last 12 months. A logistic regression model was used to evaluate socio‐demographic, behavioral, and psychological distress associations with poor self‐rated oral health (SROH). Effects were quantified as odds ratios (OR).ResultsThe frequency of poor SROH was 73.7 percent. High psychological distress, measured by a Kessler‐6 score ≥8, was experienced by 33.9 percent of participants. Poor SROH was associated with high levels of psychological distress, being older, being female, and usually visiting a dentist because of a problem. In the multivariable model, factors that were significantly associated with poor SROH after adjustment for other covariates included having a high level of psychological distress (OR 2.74, 95% CI 1.25–6.00), being female (OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.03–4.78), and usually visiting a dentist because of a problem (OR 3.57, 95% CI 1.89–6.76).ConclusionsPoor self‐rated oral health and high levels of psychological distress were both highly frequent among this vulnerable population. Psychological distress was significantly associated with poor self‐rated oral health after adjustment for confounding.
Geographic variation in the time‐frequency characteristics of high‐frequency whistles produced by killer whales (Orcinus orca)
Authors: Samarra Filipa I. P. , Deecke Volker B. , Simonis Anne E. , Miller Patrick J. O. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractInvestigating intraspecific variation in acoustic signals can indicate the extent of isolation and divergence between populations and adaptations to local environments. Here we analyze the variation in killer whale high‐frequency (>17 kHz) whistles recorded off Norway, Iceland, and in the North Pacific. We used a combination of methods including multivariate comparisons of spectral and temporal parameters and categorization of contours to types. Our results show that spectral and temporal characteristics of high‐frequency whistles recorded in the North Pacific show significant differences from whistles recorded in the Northeast Atlantic, being generally stereotyped, lower in frequency, and slightly longer in duration. Most high‐frequency whistles from the North Pacific were downsweeps, whereas this was one of the least common types recorded in the Northeast Atlantic. The repertoire of whistles recorded in Norway was similar to Iceland, but whistles produced in Norway had significantly lower maximum frequency and frequency range. Most methods were able to discriminate between whistles of the North Pacific and the Northeast Atlantic, but were unable to consistently distinguish whistles from Iceland and Norway. This suggests that macro‐ and microgeographic differences in high‐frequency whistles of killer whales may reflect historical geographic isolation between ocean basins and more recent divergence between adjacent populations.
Ethnic disparity in prevalence of diabetic kidney disease in an Asian primary healthcare cluster
Authors: Loh Ping Tyug , Toh Matthias Paul Han Sim , Molina Joseph Antonio , Vathsala Anantharaman 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAimsDiabetic kidney disease (DKD) incidence is rising in Singapore. While measures to prevent onset and early detection of diabetes as well as optimal diabetes and blood pressure control are important, early detection and treatment of DKD at primary care are crucial to ameliorate its course. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of DKD in a primary care cluster in Singapore and identify its risk factors in a multi‐ethnic Asian population.MethodsA total of 57 594 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) followed‐up at the National Healthcare Group Polyclinics with estimated glomerular filtration rate and at least two urine albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR) were stratified into DKD stages: normoalbuminuria (UACR <30 mg/g), microalbuminuria (MI, UACR 30–299 mg/g), macroalbuminuria (MA, ≥300 mg/g) and renal impairment (RI, estimated glomerular filtration rate eGFR <60 mL/min per 1.73 m2). Factors associated with DKD stages were evaluated.ResultsOverall DKD prevalence (T2DM with MI, MA or RI) was high at 52.5%; 32.1% had MI, 5.3% had MA and 15.1% had RI. DKD prevalence within ethnic subpopulations was different: 52.2% of Chinese, 60.4% of Malays and 45.3% of Indians had DKD, respectively. Malays had a 1.42‐fold higher DKD prevalence, while Indians had a 0.86‐fold lower. Other independent risk factors were age, female gender, duration of diabetes and hypertension, HbA1c and body mass index.ConclusionThe high prevalence of DKD and its interethnic differences suggest need for additional measures to optimize the care of T2DM at primary care to mitigate its progression.
Cross‐sectional study of glycemic control among adults with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Amarasekara Amarasekara Appuhamillage Thamara Dilhani , Fongkaew Warunee , Wimalasekera Savithri Wasundara , Turale Sue , Chanprasit Chawapornpan 
Published: December 2014

AbstractType 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition, a global concern, and a serious issue in Sri Lanka, where there is little data regarding the influence of dietary control, exercise, and adherence to medication behaviors among adults diabetes. In this cross‐sectional, descriptive study, we identified current factors influencing glycemic control and glycemic control behavior among adults with diabetes. A total of 230 people attending diabetes clinics in a tertiary hospital and a primary care institute were administered the self‐report Diabetes Information Form, assessing their socioeconomic and medical information and glycemic control behaviors. Data were analyzed by frequency distribution, percentages, mean scores, and standard deviation. The results indicated that most participants had not achieved the recommended fasting blood glucose level (< 126 mg/dL). Although dietary control was practised by 72%, regular exercise was not practised by 85%, and while 77% reported adhering to regular medication, they still had poor glycemic control. The findings highlight the need for health professionals to adopt new strategies for diabetes education to overcome issues related to misconceptions and barriers in providing diabetes care in Sri Lanka.
Carbon sequestration is related to mycorrhizal fungal community shifts during long‐term succession in boreal forests
Authors: Clemmensen Karina E. , Finlay Roger D. , Dahlberg Anders , Stenlid Jan , Wardle David A. , Lindahl Björn D. 
Published: December 2014

Summary

Boreal forest soils store a major proportion of the global terrestrial carbon (C) and below‐ground inputs contribute as much as above‐ground plant litter to the total C stored in the soil. A better understanding of the dynamics and drivers of root‐associated fungal communities is essential to predict long‐term soil C storage and climate feedbacks in northern ecosystems.

We used 454‐pyrosequencing to identify fungal communities across fine‐scaled soil profiles in a 5000 yr fire‐driven boreal forest chronosequence, with the aim of pinpointing shifts in fungal community composition that may underlie variation in below‐ground C sequestration.

In early successional‐stage forests, higher abundance of cord‐forming ectomycorrhizal fungi (such as Cortinarius and Suillus species) was linked to rapid turnover of mycelial biomass and necromass, efficient nitrogen (N) mobilization and low C sequestration. In late successional‐stage forests, cord formers declined, while ericoid mycorrhizal ascomycetes continued to dominate, potentially facilitating long‐term humus build‐up through production of melanized hyphae that resist decomposition.

Our results suggest that cord‐forming ectomycorrhizal fungi and ericoid mycorrhizal fungi play opposing roles in below‐ground C storage. We postulate that, by affecting turnover and decomposition of fungal tissues, mycorrhizal fungal identity and growth form are critical determinants of C and N sequestration in boreal forests.
Protein domain evolution is associated with reproductive diversification and adaptive radiation in the genus Eucalyptus
Authors: Kersting Anna R. , Mizrachi Eshchar , Bornberg‐Bauer Erich , Myburg Alexander A. 
Published: December 2014

Summary

Eucalyptus is a pivotal genus within the rosid order Myrtales with distinct geographic history and adaptations. Comparative analysis of protein domain evolution in the newly sequenced Eucalyptus grandis genome and other rosid lineages sheds light on the adaptive mechanisms integral to the success of this genus of woody perennials.

We reconstructed the ancestral domain content to elucidate the gain, loss and expansion of protein domains and domain arrangements in Eucalyptus in the context of rosid phylogeny. We used functional gene ontology (GO) annotation of genes to investigate the possible biological and evolutionary consequences of protein domain expansion.

We found that protein modulation within the angiosperms occurred primarily on the level of expansion of certain domains and arrangements. Using RNA‐Seq data from E. grandis, we showed that domain expansions have contributed to tissue‐specific expression of tandemly duplicated genes.

Our results indicate that tandem duplication of genes, a key feature of the Eucalyptus genome, has played an important role in the expansion of domains, particularly in proteins related to the specialization of reproduction and biotic and abiotic interactions affecting root and floral biology, and that tissue‐specific expression of proteins with expanded domains has facilitated subfunctionalization in domain families.
A Latin American perspective of periodontology
Authors: Caffesse Raúl G. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractPeriodontal diseases occur worldwide, and Latin American populations are significantly affected by different manifestations of periodontal disease. The interest in periodontics and periodontal therapy first developed in the early 1930s in the southernmost countries of Latin America, and spread, as the years went by, throughout the region. Today, periodontal research is vibrant in Latin America. The aim of this volume of Periodontology 2000 was to present an overview of the periodontal research currently being performed in different countries of Latin America. The epidemiology of periodontal diseases in adults, children and adolescents, and the pathogenesis of such diseases (including microbiological characteristics and risk factors), are discussed. The role of systemic antibiotic therapy and the effect of smoking are discussed in relation to the progression and the treatment of periodontitis. In addition, the benefit of lasers in periodontal therapy is evaluated. Latin American research groups have been active in exploring new venues of regenerative periodontal treatment, addressing the role of cementum proteins, growth factors and oral mesenchymal stem cells in tissue engineering. Finally, basic research to study cancerization is reported.