bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inhibitory effect of co‐administration of atorvastatin and endothelin‐1 receptor antagonist on the progression of atherosclerosis in rabbit
Authors: Sun Yu , Liu Jinwen , Yang Bo , Sai Xiaoyong , Li Tiande , Wang Dong , Zhou Rongbin 
Published: October 2013

Atorvastatin, a hydroxymethylglutaryl‐CoA reductase inhibitor, and endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) receptor antagonist have been separately indicated to ameliorate disease progression in atherosclerosis. However, no study has evaluated the effect of their combination on atherosclerosis. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the direct in vivo effects of a combination regimen of atorvastatin and ET‐1 receptor antagonist on male New Zealand white rabbit models of atherosclerosis (injury‐induced). Thirty‐two atherosclerotic rabbits were divided into four experimental groups: (a) injury group – fed high‐fat diet; (b) ET‐1 receptor antagonist preventive group – fed high‐fat diet, but with intragastric administration of the ET‐1 receptor antagonist, darusentan; (c) combined preventive group – fed high‐fat diet, but with intragastric administration of both darusentan and atorvastatin; and (d) treatment group – fed high‐fat diet for the first 8 weeks, followed by normal diet and intragastric administration of both darusentan and atorvastatin up to 16 weeks. A further eight non‐atherosclerotic rabbits were fed normal diet and classified as the control group. At the end of 8 and 16 weeks, compared with the injury group, the combined preventive group had significant reduction in both the concentration of serum lipids and inflammatory factors and atherosclerosis formation, indicative of a multifaceted anti‐atherosclerotic impact. The relative area of atherosclerotic lesions in the injury group (30.84%) was significantly higher than the control group (4.62%; p < 0.05). The combined preventive group showed a significantly robust effect on lowering serum lipid, inflammatory cytokines, and maintained homeostatic balance of free radicals, and important downstream effectors like ET‐1 and matrixmetalloproteinase‐9. Our data show that atorvastatin and ET‐1 receptor antagonist co‐administration may decrease lipid levels, stabilize plaques and relieve vascular inflammation. By reducing the plaque burden, this regimen may minimize the risk of atherosclerotic plaque rupture or arterial occlusion.
In‐patient discharge rates for the irritable bowel syndrome – an analysis of national trends in the United States from 1997 to 2010
Authors: Sethi S. , Wadhwa V. , LeClair J. , Mikami S. , Park R. , Jones M. , Sethi N. , Brown A. , Lembo A. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryBackgroundIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common out‐patient diagnoses in primary care and gastroenterology. There are limited data on the rate and costs associated with in‐patient discharges for IBS.AimTo estimate the incidence and costs of hospital discharges for IBS in the United States.MethodsWe analysed the National Inpatient Sample database for all subjects in which IBS (ICD‐9 code: 564.1) was the principal discharge diagnosis from 1997 to 2010. The National Inpatient Sample contains data from approximately 8 million hospital stays each year. Our findings reflected patient and hospital characteristics like geographical region and bed size.ResultsIn 1997, there were 11 433 patients with a principal discharge diagnosis of IBS as compared to 12 842 in 2010 (P > 0.9, GoF test). The mean length of stay for IBS also remained the same between 1997 and 2010 at 3.7 ± 0.1 days. However, during this period, the mean hospital charges per hospitalization increased by 207.8% from $6873 ± 198 in 1997 to $21 153 ± 598 in 2010 (P < 0.01). The aggregate charges (i.e., ‘national bill’) for IBS increased by 245.5% from $78 524 129 ± 3 781 316 in 1997 to $271 311 405 ± 14 023 289 in 2010 (P < 0.01).ConclusionsThe number of in‐patient discharges and length of stay for IBS have remained relatively stable between 1997 and 2010, whereas the cost associated with these discharges has increased significantly. In‐patient costs associated with IBS contribute significantly to the total healthcare bill. Further research on the cost‐effectiveness of diagnostic procedures and therapies in IBS is required.
Genetic Analysis of GRIA2 and GRIA4 Genes in Migraine
Authors: Gasparini Claudia F. , Sutherland Heidi G. , Haupt Larisa M. , Griffiths Lyn R. 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundMigraine is a brain disorder affecting ∼12% of the Caucasian population. Genes involved in neurological, vascular, and hormonal pathways have all been implicated in predisposing individuals to developing migraine. The migraineur presents with disabling head pain and varying symptoms of nausea, emesis, photophobia, phonophobia, and occasionally visual sensory disturbances. Biochemical and genetic studies have demonstrated dysfunction of neurotransmitters: serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate in migraine susceptibility. Glutamate mediates the transmission of excitatory signals in the mammalian central nervous system that affect normal brain function including cognition, memory and learning. The aim of this study was to investigate polymorphisms in the GRIA2 and GRIA4 genes, which encode subunits of the ionotropic AMPA receptor for association in an Australian Caucasian population.MethodsGenotypes for each polymorphism were determined using high resolution melt analysis and the RFLP method.ResultsStatistical analysis showed no association between migraine and the GRIA2 and GRIA4 polymorphisms investigated.ConclusionsAlthough the results of this study showed no significant association between the tested GRIA gene variants and migraine in our Australian Caucasian population further investigation of other components of the glutamatergic system may help to elucidate if there is a relationship between glutamatergic dysfunction and migraine.
Paracetamol induced Stevens‐Johnson syndrome – toxic epidermal necrolysis overlap syndrome
Authors: Biswal Sasmita , Sahoo Swayam Sourav 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundThough any drug can be a potential cause of such hypersensitivity reactions, paracetamol, an over‐the‐counter drug used extensively as an analgesic and antipyretic agent, is considered to be relatively safe, with hepatotoxicity as a major adverse effect only in large doses.Materials and methodsWe report an instance of a severe case of SJS‐TEN overlap syndrome in a 12‐year‐old girl, induced by three over‐the‐counter doses of 500 mg of paracetamol taken at 8‐hour intervals for fever.Results and discussionStevens‐Johnson Syndrome and its severe variant toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are idiosyncratic, delayed hypersensitivity inflammatory adverse drug reactions that are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. However, treatment with antibiotics and intravenous corticosteroids along with supportive therapy improved the course of the disorder.ConclusionThis case report addresses the fact that severe hypersensitivity reactions can occur with paracetamol, which can be potentially dangerous and life threatening. It is hence important for the clinicians to be alert to such severe hypersensitivity reactions even with drugs which are considered to be potentially safe such as paracetamol.
Interspecific patterns of phenotypic selection do not predict intraspecific patterns
Authors: Ott J. R. , Egan S. P. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractWe estimated linear (β) and nonlinear (γ) selection gradients to quantify host plant‐mediated selection on the trait gall size in each of 22 unequally sampled subpopulations of the cynipid gall wasp Belonocnema treatae. We characterized the relationship between variation in subpopulation sample size and the magnitude of and the variance among selection gradients. We then tested the hypothesis that the intraspecific patterns we observed would follow two patterns that have emerged from published estimates of linear and nonlinear selection gradients compiled across species, namely that the average magnitude of β and γ and the variance among estimated β and γ decrease with increasing sample size. For both β and γ, intraspecific patterns of phenotypic selection in relation to sample size were not predicted by interspecific patterns. Thus, our results suggest that when selection is heterogeneous among subpopulations, variation in the biological basis for selection is more important in influencing estimates of selection than is variation in study size. Our study highlights the value of inspecting selection in relation to sampling effort at the level at which understanding the sources of variation in selection is most important, among populations within species.
A Note on Instrumental Measures of Adhesiveness and Their Correlation with Sensory Perception
Authors: Brenner Tom , Nishinari Katsuyoshi 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIn this discussion paper, we shortly review the reasons that the instrumental texture profile analysis parameter adhesiveness and other instrumental adhesiveness measures generally fail to predict the textural perception of food adhesiveness. We refer to the literature to demonstrate the varying degree of correlation between instrumental and sensory measures of adhesiveness for different foods and different experimental procedures. We conclude that the measurement of sensory adhesiveness is in general difficult to imitate instrumentally, and is further complicated when large differences in texture attributes other than adhesiveness are present.Practical ApplicationsThe instrumental texture profile analysis and other instrumental methods are often used to estimate the adhesiveness of foods. Different measures of adhesiveness are appropriate for different stages of production or consumption. This discussion paper highlights the ambivalence inherent to instrumental estimation of adhesiveness as a predictive tool of textural adhesiveness, and explains factors that can compromise or invalidate the correlation between instrumental and textural adhesiveness parameters.
HAMP domain structural determinants for signalling and sensory adaptation in Tsr, the Escherichia coli serine chemoreceptor
Authors: Ames Peter , Zhou Qin , Parkinson John S. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryHAMP domains mediate input–output transactions in many bacterial signalling proteins. To clarify the mechanistic logic of HAMP signalling, we constructed Tsr‐HAMP deletion derivatives and characterized their steady‐state signal outputs and sensory adaptation properties with flagellar rotation and receptor methylation assays. Tsr molecules lacking the entire HAMP domain or just the HAMP‐AS2 helix generated clockwise output signals, confirming that kinase activation is the default output state of the chemoreceptor signalling domain and that attractant stimuli shift HAMP to an overriding kinase‐off signalling state to elicit counter‐clockwise flagellar responses. Receptors with deletions of the AS1 helices, which free the AS2 helices from bundle‐packing constraints, exhibited kinase‐off signalling behaviour that depended on three C‐terminal hydrophobic residues of AS2. We conclude that AS2/AS2′ packing interactions alone can play an important role in controlling output kinase activity. Neither kinase‐on nor kinase‐off HAMP deletion outputs responded to sensory adaptation control, implying that out‐of‐range conformations or bundle‐packing stabilities of their methylation helices prevent substrate recognition by the adaptation enzymes. These observations support the previously proposed biphasic, dynamic‐bundle mechanism of HAMP signalling and additionally show that the structural interplay of helix‐packing interactions between HAMP and the adjoining methylation helices is critical for sensory adaptation control of receptor output.
Neither insects nor wind: ambophily in dioeciousChamaedoreapalms (Arecaceae)
Authors: Ríos L. D. , Fuchs E. J. , Hodel D. R. , Cascante‐Marín A. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPollination of Neotropical dioecious trees is commonly related to generalist insects. Similar data for non‐tree species with separated genders are inconclusive. Recent studies on pollination of dioeciousChamaedoreapalms (Arecaceae) suggest that species are either insect‐ or wind‐pollinated. However, the wide variety of inflorescence and floral attributes within the genus suggests mixed pollination mode involving entomophily and anemophily. To evaluate this hypothesis, we studied the pollination ofChamaedorea costaricana,C. macrospadix,C. pinnatifronsandC. tepejilotein two montane forests inCostaRica. A complementary morphological analysis of floral traits was carried out to distinguish species groups within the genus according to their most probable pollination mechanism. We conducted pollinator exclusion experiments, field observations on visitors to pistillate and staminate inflorescences, and trapped airborne pollen. A cluster analysis using 18 floral traits selected for their association with wind and insect pollination syndromes was carried out using 52Chamaedoreaspecies. Exclusion experiments showed that both wind and insects, mostly thrips (Thysanoptera), pollinated the studied species. Thrips used staminate inflorescences as brood sites and pollinated pistillate flowers by deception. Insects caught on pistillate inflorescences transported pollen, while traps proved that pollen is wind‐borne. Our empirical findings clearly suggest that pollination of dioeciousChamaedoreapalms is likely to involve both insects and wind. A cluster analysis showed that the majority of studied species have a combination of floral traits that allow for both pollination modes. Our pollination experiments and morphological analysis both suggest that while some species may be completely entomophilous or anemophilous, ambophily might be a common condition withinChamaedorea. Our results propose a higher diversity of pollination mechanisms ofNeotropical dioecious species than previously suggested.
Non-Parametric and Adaptive Modelling of Dynamic Periodicity and Trend with Heteroscedastic and Dependent Errors
Authors: Chen Yu-Chun , Cheng Ming-Yen , Wu Hau-Tieng 
Published: October 2013

SummaryPeriodicity and trend are features describing an observed sequence, and extracting these features is an important issue in many scientific fields. However, it is not an easy task for existing methods to analyse simultaneously the trend and dynamics of the periodicity such as time varying frequency and amplitude, and the adaptivity of the analysis to such dynamics and robustness to heteroscedastic dependent errors are not guaranteed. These tasks become even more challenging when there are multiple periodic components. We propose a non-parametric model to describe the dynamics of multicomponent periodicity and investigate the recently developed synchro-squeezing transform in extracting these features in the presence of a trend and heteroscedastic dependent errors. The identifiability problem of the non-parametric periodicity model is studied, and the adaptivity and robustness properties of the synchro-squeezing transform are theoretically justified in both discrete and continuous time settings. Consequently we have a new technique for decoupling the trend, periodicity and heteroscedastic, dependent error process in a general non-parametric set-up. Results of a series of simulations are provided, and the incidence time series of varicella and herpes zoster in Taiwan and respiratory signals observed from a sleep study are analysed.
Characteristic Age Distribution of Plasmodium vivax Infections after Malaria Elimination on Aneityum Island, Vanuatu
Authors: Kaneko Akira , Chaves Luis F. , Taleo George , Kalkoa Morris , Isozumi Rie , Wickremasinghe Renu , Perlmann Hedvig , Takeo Satoru , Tsuboi Takafumi , Tachibana Shin-Ichiro , Kimura Masatsugu , Björkman Anders , Troye-Blomberg Marita , Tanabe Kazuyuki , Drakeley Chris 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTResurgence is a major concern after malaria elimination. After the initiation of the elimination program on Aneityum Island in 1991, microscopy showed thatPlasmodium falciparumdisappeared immediately, whereasP. vivaxdisappeared from 1996 onward, untilP. vivaxcases were reported in January 2002. By conducting malariometric surveys of the entire population of Aneityum, we investigated the age distribution of individuals with parasites during this epidemic in the context of antimalarial antibody levels and parasite antigen diversity. In July 2002,P. vivaxinfections were detected by microscopy in 22/759 individuals: 20/298 born after the beginning of the elimination program in 1991, 2/126 born between 1982 and 1991, and none of 335 born before 1982. PCR increased the number of infections detected to 77, distributed among all age groups. Prevalences were 12.1%, 16.7%, and 6.0%, respectively (P< 0.001). In November, a similar age pattern was found, but with fewer infections: 6/746 and 39/741 individuals were found to be infected by microscopy and PCR, respectively. The frequencies of antibody responses toP. vivaxwere significantly higher in individuals born before 1991 than in younger age groups and were similar to those on Malakula Island, an area of endemicity. Remarkably low antigen diversity (h, 0.15) ofP. vivaxinfections was observed on Aneityum compared with the other islands (h, 0.89 to 1.0). AP. vivaxresurgence was observed among children and teenagers on Aneityum, an age distribution similar to those before elimination and on islands whereP. vivaxis endemic, suggesting that in the absence of significant exposure, immunity may persist, limiting infection levels in adults. The limited parasite gene pool on islands may contribute to this protection.
Sleep well—be well study: improving school transition by improving child sleep: a translational randomised trial
Authors: Quach Jon , Gold Lisa , Arnup Sarah , Sia Kah-Ling , Wake Melissa , Hiscock Harriet 
Published: October 2013

IntroductionThe transition to primary school appears crucial for a child's future academic and psychological well-being. Addressing conditions which negatively affect children during this period, such as poor sleep, may improve these outcomes. Sleep problems are common and in a previous efficacy randomised controlled trial, we demonstrated that sleep problems can be identified and improved using school-based screening followed by a brief behavioural intervention. This trial will determine whether the same intervention is beneficial and cost-effective when delivered by an existing school-based health workforce.Methods/designWe will recruit 334 children with sleep problems from approximately 40 schools after screening for behavioural sleep problems in the first year of formal education (Grade Prep). Schools in Melbourne, Australia will be invited to participate from a randomly ordered list of eligible schools and we will approach all caregivers of Grade Prep children. Children who have a parent-reported moderate or severe sleep problem will be randomised into either ‘usual care’ or ‘intervention’ groups. Trained nurses from the Primary School Nursing programme will deliver the sleep intervention programme.Intervention:Two to three contacts between the nurse and the parent; initial 45 min face-to-face meeting or phone call, 15 min phone call 2 weeks later and an optional second 30 min face-to-face meeting.Follow-up: 6 and 12 months postrandomisation using parent and teacher surveys and child face-to-face assessments.Primary outcome: child psychosocial functioning at 6 months.Secondary outcomes: child psychosocial functioning at 12 months and child sleep, behaviour, working memory, academic achievement and parent mental health at 6 and 12 months. Cost-effectiveness analysis will compare incremental costs to difference in child psychosocial functioning at 6 months.RegistrationInternational Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number Register (ISRCTN92448857).
Development of pre-deployment primary healthcare training for Combat Medical Technicians
Authors: Parsons Iain T , Rawden M P , Wheatley R J 
Published: October 2013

IntroductionTo develop and run a primary healthcare (PHC) refresher package to address the range of clinical presentations to Combat Medical Technicians (CMTs) on deployment and improve their confidence and capability in providing PHC for Op Herrick 18, with particular regard to the first month of deployment.MethodsA regimental level, two-and-a-half day refresher package was developed following analysis of PHC conditions most likely to be seen on Op HERRICK 18. It consisted of lectures and skill stations with written and case-based assessment phases to demonstrate effective and safe use of CMT clinical protocols on simulated patients. Internal feedback assessed the CMT's subjective understanding of each individual section. A qualitative questionnaire was used to retrospectively evaluate the package after 1 month of deployment.ResultsImmediate feedback showed that the refresher training was well received. Following the first month of deployment, CMTs who had attended the PHC refresher package felt more confident in managing PHC patients and felt they had received training for the majority of PHC conditions witnessed during their deployment in comparison with CMTs who had not.DiscussionBy delivering a training package acceptable to the majority of medics, we have increased the confidence and capability of CMTs in delivering PHC within the context of their protocols and prepared them for their first month of deployment. It suggests that PHC delivery can be improved by such a package and consideration should be given to formalising this into a military training qualification.
Supercontinent integrity between 0.8 and 0.6 Ga: the nemesis of Rodinia?
Authors: Piper J. D. A. 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

The view that the pre-Phanerozoic continental crust records transient supercontinent cycles separated by intervals of diverse shield motion has dominated interpretation of the Precambrian aeon. Of two separated supercontinent intervals, the latter, ‘Rodinia’, is considered to result from Meso-Neoproterozoic accretion and progressive dismemberment by fragmentation after
c.
0.9 Ga. Although the present palaeomagnetic database does not permit this premise to be reliably tested by diverse relative movements, the alternative proposition that the crust comprised a quasi-integral lid during pre-Phanerozoic history is eminently testable because it demands conformity of poles to a single position or otherwise to a single apparent polar wander path (APWP). In the event, palaeomagnetic poles assigned to 0.8–0.6 Ga conform to a single (‘Franklin–Adelaide’) APW Track merging into a long interval (
c.
0.75–0.6 Ga) of near-static polar behaviour employing reconstruction parameters derived from pre-0.8 Ga data. This is supported by a robust independent indicator, namely the history of rifting to drifting at
c.
0.6 Ga as predicted from the subsidence histories of early Palaeozoic passive margins. Multiple environmental changes near the Precambrian–Cambrian boundary correlate with this transition. Evidence demonstrating that continental crust comprised a quasi-integral lid at 0.8–0.6 Ga with break-up confined to the Ediacaran Period is summarized. The Rodinia hypothesis postulating prolonged break-up from a contrasting reconstruction is shown to be fundamentally flawed and should now be discarded.