bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuroprotective effect of exercise in rat hippocampal slices submitted to in vitro ischemia is promoted by decrease of glutamate release and pro‐apoptotic markers
Authors: Mourão Flávio Afonso Gonçalves , Leite Hércules Ribeiro , de Carvalho Luciana Estefani Drumond , Ferreira e Vieira Talita Hélen , Pinto Mauro Cunha Xavier , de Castro Medeiros Daniel , Andrade Ian Lara Lamounier , Gonçalves Daniela Fontes , Pereira Grace Schenatto , Dutra Moraes Márcio Flávio , Massensini André Ricardo 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe role of physical exercise as a neuroprotective agent against ischemic injury has been extensively discussed. Nevertheless, the mechanisms underlying the effects of physical exercise on cerebral ischemia remain poorly understood. Here, we investigate the hypothesis that physical exercise increases ischemic tolerance by decreasing the induction of cellular apoptosis and glutamate release. Rats (n = 50) were submitted to a swimming exercise protocol for 8 weeks. Hippocampal slices were then submitted to oxygen and glucose deprivation. Cellular viability, pro‐apoptotic markers (Caspase 8, Caspase 9, Caspase 3, and apoptosis‐inducing factor), and glutamate release were analyzed. The percentage of cell death, the amount of glutamate release, and the expression of the apoptotic markers were all decreased in the exercise group when compared to the sedentary group after oxygen and glucose deprivation. Our results suggest that physical exercise protects hippocampal slices from the effects of oxygen and glucose deprivation, probably by a mechanism involving both the decrease of glutamatergic excitotoxicity and apoptosis induction.
image
Exercise reduces excitotoxicity and apoptosis. The mechanisms underlying neuroprotective effects of regular exercise are still not fully understood. Here, we showed that swim training promotes neuroprotection decreasing pro‐apoptotic markers as caspases 8, 9, 3, and apoptose‐Inducing Factor (AIF) as well as glutamate release from hippocampal slices. Our data reinforce the idea that exercise affords a neuroprotective effect.
Leadership and teamwork in medical emergencies: performance of nursing students and registered nurses in simulated patient scenarios
Authors: Endacott Ruth , Bogossian Fiona E , Cooper Simon J , Forbes Helen , Kain Victoria J , Young Susan C. , Porter Joanne E ,   the First2Act Team
Published: June 2014

Aims and objectivesTo examine nursing students' and registered nurses' teamwork skills whilst managing simulated deteriorating patients.BackgroundStudies continue to show the lack of timely recognition of patient deterioration. Management of deteriorating patients can be influenced by education and experience.DesignMixed methods study conducted in two universities and a rural hospital in Victoria, and one university in Queensland, Australia.MethodsThree simulation scenarios (chest pain, hypovolaemic shock and respiratory distress) were completed in teams of three by 97 nursing students and 44 registered nurses, equating to a total of 32 student and 15 registered nurse teams. Data were obtained from (1) Objective Structured Clinical Examination rating to assess performance; (2) Team Emergency Assessment Measure scores to assess teamwork; (3) simulation video footage; (4) reflective interview during participants' review of video footage. Qualitative thematic analysis of video and interview data was undertaken.ResultsObjective structured clinical examination performance was similar across registered nurses and students (mean 54% and 49%); however, Team Emergency Assessment Measure scores differed significantly between the two groups (57% vs 38%,t = 6·841,p < 0·01). In both groups, there was a correlation between technical (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) and nontechnical (Team Emergency Assessment Measure) scores for the respiratory distress scenario (student teams:r = 0·530,p = 0·004, registered nurse teamsr = 0·903,p < 0·01) and hypovolaemia scenario (student teams:r = 0·534,p = 0·02, registered nurse teams:r = 0·535,p = 0·049). Themes generated from the analysis of the combined quantitative and qualitative data were as follows: (1) leadership and followership behaviours; (2) help‐seeking behaviours; (3) reliance on previous experience; (4) fixation on a single detail; and (5) team support.ConclusionsThere is scope to improve leadership, team work and task management skills for registered nurses and nursing students. Simulation appears to be beneficial in enabling less experienced staff to assess their teamwork skills.Relevance to clinical practiceThere is a need to encourage less experienced staff to become leaders and for all staff to develop improved teamwork skills for medical emergencies.
A PRIMER ON GLOBAL GAMES APPLIED TO MACROECONOMICS AND FINANCE
Authors: Jorge José , Rocha Joana 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThis paper shows how to solve global games applied to macroeconomics and finance. We ascertain the roles of public and private information for the determination of a unique equilibrium, and discuss the informative role of market prices. We examine the impact of public information on social welfare, comparing models with and without complementarities at the aggregate level.
Urban canyon effect: storm drains enhance call characteristics of the Mientien tree frog
Authors: Tan W.‐H. , Tsai C.‐G. , Lin C. , Lin Y. K. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAnthropogenic structures, such as wall surfaces, may change the acoustic environment for signals transmitted by animals, creating novel environments that animals must either adapt to or abandon. Animals can potentially use those structures to manipulate sound characteristics. In many anuran species, successful reproduction depends on long‐range propagation and perception of advertisement calls. Callers may select natural perches or human‐made objects to assist call propagation. Male Mientien tree frogs Kurixalus idiootocus frequently perch and call in roadside concrete drainages – miniature urban canyons. We used a combination of field and indoor experiments to test two hypotheses: (1) transmission of calls emitted inside drains is enhanced; (2) males selected perches inside drains that facilitated call transmission. A field survey indicated that male Mientien tree frogs preferred calling inside rather than outside drains. A playback showed that calls emitted from inside drains were enhanced in both amplitude and note duration. In an indoor experiment using a replica of a concrete drain, males preferred one particular type of call perch. However, we found no difference in sound properties between random locations inside the drain model and the perch location preferred by calling males.
A Unified Account of General Learning Mechanisms and Theory‐of‐Mind Development
Authors: BACH THEODORE 
Published: June 2014

AbstractModularity theorists have challenged that there are, or could be, general learning mechanisms that explain theory‐of‐mind development. In response, supporters of the ‘scientific theory‐theory’ account of theory‐of‐mind development have appealed to children's use of auxiliary hypotheses and probabilistic causal modeling. This article argues that these general learning mechanisms are not sufficient to meet the modularist's challenge. The article then explores an alternative domain‐general learning mechanism by proposing that children grasp the conceptbeliefthrough the progressive alignment of relational structure that occurs as a result of structural‐comparison. The article also explores the implications of the proposed account for Fodor's puzzle of conceptual learning.
Comparison of the vector potential of different mosquito species for the transmission of heartworm,Dirofilaria immitis, in rural and urban areas in and surroundingStillwater,Oklahoma,U.S.A.
Authors: PARAS K. L. , O'BRIEN V. A. , REISKIND M. H. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractDirofilaria immitisLeidy (Spirurida: Onchocercidae), or heartworm, is a mosquito‐borne nematode that causes a fatal disease in carnivores. Although infection is preventable through prophylactic drugs, compliance and the spectre of resistance suggest vector control is a viable alternative. There were two main objectives in this study: (a) to evaluate the relationships between landscape and social factors and the number and species of heartworm‐positive mosquitoes, with a specific focus on the importance of the invasiveAsian tiger mosquito,Aedes albopictus(Skuse) (Stegomyia albopicta) (Diptera: Culicidae), and (b) to test the hypothesis that dog heartworm is more prevalent in suburban than in rural areas. To achieve these objectives, mosquitoes were collected fromMay toNovember 2010 at 16 rural and 16 urban locations inPayneCounty,Oklahoma,U.S.A.using three trapping methods that utilized, respectively, resting boxes, carbon dioxide traps andBGSentinel traps. Urban areas showed greater numbers ofAe. albopictusand a higher overall likelihood of infection withD. immitis. Because many species of mosquito are responsible for heartworm transmission, current prophylactic treatment remains the best method of controlling this parasite.
Serum magnesium concentration is inversely associated with fibroblast growth factor 23 in haemodialysis patients
Authors: Iguchi Akira , Watanabe Yasuo , Iino Noriaki , Kazama Junichiro James , Iesato Hiroshi , Narita Ichiei 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAimFibroblast growth factor 23 is reported to be a pivotal regulator for the chronic kidney disease‐mineral bone disorders, working in coordinated ways with phosphate, calcium, and parathyroid hormone. However, whether there is a relationship between fibroblast growth factor 23 and magnesium is currently unclear. To address this, we performed a cross‐sectional observational study in haemodialysis patients.MethodsWe measured the serum levels of fibroblast growth factor 23, magnesium and other factors that are implicated in chronic kidney disease‐mineral bone disorders in 225 haemodialysis patients.ResultsSimple correlation analysis showed that fibroblast growth factor 23 was not correlated with magnesium. However, upon multiple regression analysis, a significant negative correlation was found between fibroblast growth factor 23 and magunesium (b = −0.164, P = 0.0020). Moreover, the levels of fibroblast growth factor 23 in patients treated with magnesium oxide had significantly lower levels than those without magnesium oxide.ConclusionWe speculate that the magnesium is a potential regulator of fibroblast growth factor 23 levels in haemodialysis patients. Our data suggest that follow‐up studies to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that underlie this relationship are warranted.
TBX21 participates in innate immune response by regulating Toll‐like receptor 2 expression in Streptococcus pneumoniae infections
Authors: Woo C.H. , Shin S.G. , Koh S.H. , Lim J.H. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryNasopharyngeal carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) plays an important role in the development of invasive diseases, and is also critically involved in setting up respiratory bacterial and viral infections. We previously reported that pneumococcus, one of the commonly carried bacteria in the nasopharynx, regulates non‐typeable Haemophilus influenzae‐induced inflammation by upregulating the expression of Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms by which TLR2 expression is regulated during pneumococcal infections have not yet been well characterized. TBX21 is an important transcription factor of adaptive immunity, but there is an increasing body of evidence pointing to a role in regulating innate immunity. The expression of TBX21 was reported in epithelial cells, but the expression and role of TBX21 in respiratory epithelium, especially for regulating TLR2, has not yet been studied. In this study, we found that pneumococcus upregulates TBX21 expression in the respiratory epithelium. The effect of pneumococcus on TBX21 expression was dependent on its cytoplasmic toxin, pneumolysin. In addition, epithelial TBX21 expression was not regulated by the gram‐negative bacterium non‐typeable Haemophilus influenzae, peptidoglycan or endotoxin. Deficiency of TBX21 in mice or knocking down TBX21 in epithelial cells suppressed pneumococcus‐induced TLR2 expression, but not that of TLR4 or TLR9. These results indicate that the adaptive immune regulator TBX21 participates in regulating innate immune responses, through regulation of TLR2 expression during pneumococcal infections.
Near‐infrared spectroscopy for examination of prefrontal activation during cognitive tasks in patients with major depressive disorder: A meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Zhang Huijun , Dong Wentian , Dang Weimin , Quan Wenxiang , Tian Ju , Chen Ru , Zhan Siyan , Yu Xin 
Published: June 2014

AimsNear‐infrared spectroscopy has the potential for aiding the diagnosis of major depressive disorder. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the evidence from observational studies regarding the use of near‐infrared spectroscopy in patients with major depressive disorder and to identify the characteristic pattern of prefrontal lobe activity in major depressive disorder.Methodsmedline, PubMed, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases were searched in December 2013. All case–control studies were included. The quality of evidence was examined using the Newcastle–Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. The primary outcome measures were the mean oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin alterations of the cerebral cortex during cognitive activation periods. The standard mean difference for the overall pooled effects across the included studies was estimated using random or fixed effect models. The primary outcome measures were included in the meta‐analysis.ResultsFourteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Six studies (n = 692 participants) were included in the analysis of the mean oxygenated hemoglobin alterations; the pooled mean standardized difference was −0.74 (95% confidence interval, −0.97 to −0.52), indicating that patients with major depressive disorder were associated with attenuated increase in oxygenated hemoglobin during cognitive activation in the prefrontal regions compared to healthy controls. Five studies (n = 668 participants) were included in the analysis of mean deoxygenated‐hemoglobin changes; the pooled standardized mean difference was 0.18 (95% confidence interval, −0.20 to 0.56).ConclusionsUsing near‐infrared spectroscopy measurements, we observed that compared to healthy subjects, patients with major depressive disorder had significantly lower prefrontal activation during cognitive tasks.
Assessment of the purity of isolated cell populations for lineage‐specific chimerism monitoring post haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Hanson V. , Adams B. , Lord J. , Barker A. , Poulton K. , Lee H. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractFollowing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, monitoring the proportion of donor and recipient haematopoiesis in the patient (chimerism) is an influential tool in directing further treatment choices. Short tandem repeat (STR) analysis is a method of chimerism monitoring using DNA isolated from peripheral blood, bone marrow or specific isolated cell lineages such as CD3+ T cells. For lineage‐specific STR analysis on cell populations isolated from peripheral blood, a qualitative estimation of the purity of each isolated population is essential for the correct interpretation of the test data. We describe a rapid, inexpensive method for the determination of purity using a simple flow cytometry method. The method described for assessing the purity of sorted CD3+ cells can be applied to any cell population isolated using the same technology. Data obtained were comparable to results from a commercial polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based method for the assessment of purity (Non‐T Genomic Detection Kit, Accumol, Calgary, AB, Canada) (P = 0.59). Of the 303 samples tested by flow cytometry, 290 (95.7%) exceeded 90% purity, and 215 (70.95%) were over 99% pure. There were some outlying samples, showing diversity between samples and the unpredictability of purity of isolated cell populations. This flow cytometry method can be easily assimilated into routine testing protocols, allowing purity assessment in multiple‐sorted cell populations for lineage‐specific chimerism monitoring using a single secondary antibody and giving results comparable to a PCR‐based method. As purity of isolated cell lineages is affected by time after venepuncture and storage temperature, assessment of each sample is recommended to give a reliable indication of sample quality and confidence in the interpretation of the results.
HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C, ‐DRB1 and ‐DQB1 allele and haplotype frequencies in Saudis using next generation sequencing technique
Authors: Hajeer A. H. , Al Balwi M. A. , Aytül Uyar F. , AlHaidan Y. , AlAbdulrahman A. , Al Abdulkareem I. , Al Jumah M. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractNext generation sequencing (NGS) is a promising technique that can reveal the entire gene sequences and to the highest possible resolution without any phase ambiguities. We have used this technique to investigate the frequencies of HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C, ‐DRB1 and ‐DQB1 in a Saudi cohort of healthy individuals. We used NGS using the 454 genome sequence (GS) FLX System and Conexio assign atf 454 software to human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genotype eight class I and class II loci. A total of 158 healthy Saudi adults were analyzed. The most frequently observed allele for HLA‐A was HLA‐A*02:01:01:01 (13.6%); for HLA‐B, HLA‐B*50:01:01 (15.8%); for HLA‐C, HLA‐C*06:02:01:01 (18.7%); for HLA‐DRB1, HLA‐DRB1*07:01:01:01 (26.6%); and for HLA‐DQB1, HLA‐DQB1*02:01:01 (20.3%). The most common four loci haplotypes in the Saudi population were HLA‐A*24:02:01:01‐B*08:01:01‐C*07:02:01:01‐DRB1*03:01:01:01 and HLA‐A*23:01:01‐B*50:01:01‐C*06:02:01:01‐DRB1*07:01:01:01.. We have used a highly informative technique for HLA typing of a Saudi healthy cohort to establish allele and haplotype frequencies. These results should prove useful for population studies, disease associations and future planning of the unrelated bone marrow donor registry.
Functional polymorphisms of interleukin‐18 gene and risk of breast cancer in a Brazilian population
Authors: Back L. K. d. C. , Farias T. D. J. , da Cunha P. A. , Muniz Y. C. N. , Ribeiro M. C. M. , Fernandes B. L. , Fernandes C. K. , de Souza I. R. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractInterleukin‐18 (IL‐18) is a key cytokine responsible for immune response and involved in the process of cancer development. In this case–control study, we tested whether IL‐18 promoter polymorphism contributes to breast cancer susceptibility in Brazilian patients. The two groups studied were 154 patients with breast cancer and 118 healthy individuals. The frequency of IL‐18 promoter single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at positions −607 (C/A) (rs1946518) and −137 (G/C) (rs187238) was determined by polymerase chain reaction analyses. The polymorphisms genotyped in this study showed a significant association with breast cancer under different genetic models. Both SNPs showed a positive association. For the IL18‐607 polymorphism the best model was the codominant genetic model [CC vs AA, P = 0.004, odds ratio (OR) = 2.782, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.385–5.589]. For IL18‐137 statistical significance was found using the recessive genetic model (P = 0.008, OR = 3.896, 95% CI 1.427–10.639). The association between the haplotypes of the IL18 gene and breast cancer was further confirmed. Our results suggest that IL18‐607 and IL18‐137 polymorphism contributes to increase the breast cancer risk. To our knowledge, this is the first report regarding Brazilian breast cancer patients and IL18 promoter polymorphisms.
Factors associated with mother‐to‐child transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus in Pernambuco, Brazil, 2000–2009
Authors: da Cruz Gouveia Pedro Alves , da Silva Gerlane Alves Pontes , de Fatima Pessoa Militão de Albuquerque Maria 
Published: June 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo identify risk factors associated with mother‐to‐child transmission of HIV in the Brazilian state of Pernambuco.MethodsRetrospective cohort study with 1200 HIV‐exposed children born in Pernambuco, registered up to the age of 2 months in a public programme to prevent vertical transmission. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted for maternal and peripartum characteristics and prophylactic interventions, to identify risk factors for mother‐to‐child transmission of HIV.ResultsThe transmission rate was 9.16% (95% CI: 7.4–10.9). The following risk factors were independently associated with transmission: non‐use of antiretroviral during pregnancy (OR: 7.8; 95% CI: 4.1–15); vaginal delivery (OR: 2.02; 95% CI: 1.2–3.4); prematurity (OR: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.3–4.7); and breastfeeding (OR: 2.6; 95% CI: 1.4–4.6).ConclusionsThis mother‐to‐child transmission rate is unacceptably high, as prophylactic interventions such as antiretroviral therapy and infant feeding formula are free of charge. Absence of antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy was the main risk factor. Therefore, early identification of exposed mothers and initiating prophylactic interventions are the main challenges for controlling transmission.
Transfusion‐related acute lung injury after transfusion of pooled immune globulin: a case report
Authors: Quest Graeme R. , Gaal Hilda , Clarke Gwen , Nahirniak Susan 
Published: June 2014

BackgroundTransfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI) is a severe transfusion reaction that manifests as acute respiratory compromise within 6 hours of the infusion of blood products. Intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) is prepared from large pools of human plasma and is commonly administered in the outpatient setting for the treatment of a wide range of diseases. As a plasma‐derived blood product, IVIG may also cause TRALI, although reports of this are exceedingly rare.Case ReportA 77‐year‐old female with common variable immune deficiency had been receiving IVIG since 1996 for infection prophylaxis. During a scheduled infusion, the patient developed hypertension and dyspnea, requiring increasing oxygen supplementation and subsequent intubation. Radiographic studies demonstrated the bilateral chest infiltrates, with no evidence of infection or circulatory overload. The patient was extubated after 24 hours and discharged several days later. The patient had not previously received this lot of IVIG and has since received further transfusions with different lot numbers of the same product without incident.ConclusionThis case report documents a case of TRALI after IVIG transfusion. While a very rare cause, this case furthers evidence that TRALI can occur after IVIG transfusion.