bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cilostazol Does not Improve Peripheral Arterial Disease‐Linked Oxidative Stress
Authors: Bernal‐Lopez M. Rosa , Peña Daniel , Gomez‐Martin Pilar , Tinahones Francisco J. , Gomez‐Huelgas Ricardo 
Published: November 2014

SummaryAimCilostazol is a drug widely used to treat peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in patients with advanced atherosclerosis. It is an inhibitor of platelet aggregation and causes arterial vasodilatation. It has been speculated that cilostazol might act to improve oxidative stress in these patients.MethodsWe analyzed 25 patients with demonstrated lower limb peripheral arterial disease to determine whether lipid peroxidation (LPO) or total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were modified after 6 months of cilostazol treatment (postintervention phase) with respect to the basal phase.ResultsAnalysis of plasma samples determined that LPO levels decreased significantly over the postintervention phase (26 ± 15 vs. 11 ± 7 pM, P = 0.0003). However, when TAC levels were analyzed, no significant differences were observed (0.80 ± 0.21 vs. 0.85 ± 0.17 mM, P = 0.42). Under basal conditions, LPO showed a positive correlation to treatment as judged by the ankle–brachial index (r = 0.800, P = 0.002) as well as uric acid (r = 0.508, P = 0.03) and CRP (r = 0.481, P = 0.05) levels. In contrast, TAC negatively correlated with triglycerides (r = −0.879, P < 0.0001) and microalbuminuria (r = −0.868, P < 0.0001). In the postintervention phase, TAC negatively correlated with HbA1c (r = −0.570, P = 0.02) and triglycerides (r = −0.864, P < 0.0001).ConclusionsOur data indicate that cilostazol treatment does not improve oxidative stress in PAD patients after 6 months of treatment. However, lipid peroxidation and total antioxidant capacity were affected by cilostrazol treatment, which could be related to altered reactive oxygen species production. Further research may be needed to determine the critical dose of cilostazol to clarify the protective role of this drug in PAD.
NLMpy: a python software package for the creation of neutral landscape models within a general numerical framework
Authors: Etherington Thomas R. , Holland E. Penelope , O'Sullivan David 
Published: November 2014

Summary

Neutral landscape models (NLMs) are widely used to model ecological patterns and processes across landscapes. However, the ability to generate NLMs is often made available through standalone bespoke software packages that have platform limitations.

We have developed a python package that brings together some of the more popular NLM algorithms using a general numerical framework.

The resulting NLMpy package: (i) allows for the creation of NLMs directly within a python modelling workflow or by other modelling software capable executing a python script, (ii) enables the first opportunity to create a NLM that combines different algorithms, (iii) provides easy integration with geographic information system data and (iv) creates a framework for developing other NLMs.
Penning prior to release decreases post‐translocation dispersal of jewelled geckos
Authors: Knox C. D. , Monks J. M. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractTranslocation is an essential conservation tool often used to re‐establish reptile populations following anthropogenic extirpation, but is not always successful. One factor potentially limiting success is dispersal of individuals from the release site immediately after translocation and consequent non‐overlap of ranges. ‘Penning’ involves the use of an enclosure to restrict dispersal of translocated animals for a pre‐determined period of time, with the aim of habituating animals to the release site so that they will establish a breeding population. We evaluated the utility of penning for limiting post‐translocation dispersal of jewelled geckos (Naultinus gemmeus) by simultaneously tracking 19 geckos that had either been translocated into a pen for 9–10 months prior to the pen's removal (n = 10) or were translocated to a nearby site with no physical barrier to dispersal (n = 9) over a 3‐week period. The area occupied by penned geckos did not increase following removal of their pen, despite suitable habitat being available outside the pen area. In contrast, un‐penned geckos moved distances of up to 40 m outside of their release area, and effectively increased the area that they were occupying as a group 4.4‐fold over the 3‐week period. We suspect that when Naultinus geckos are released without time in a pen, some individuals may disperse too far to contribute to a breeding population and, consequently, the likelihood of population establishment and rate of population growth may be diminished. Our hypothesis is supported by a survey we conducted the following summer in which all four adult female geckos found at the penned site were gravid, but neither of the females resighted at the un‐penned site was gravid. We believe that the potential advantages of penning (e.g. restricting initial dispersal, increased ease of monitoring) may outweigh the disadvantages (e.g. cost) for many herpetofauna translocations.
Assessing thermal suitability of translocation release sites for egg‐laying reptiles with temperature‐dependent sex determination: a case study with tuatara
Authors: Jarvie S. , Besson A. A. , Seddon P. J. , Cree A. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractSuitable habitat for translocated animals should meet the candidate species' total abiotic and biotic needs through space and time and for all life stages. An important aspect of habitat assessment for reptile translocations is the thermal suitability of the release site. Here we provide a strategic framework for evaluating the thermal suitability of a release site for egg‐laying reptiles with temperature‐dependent sex determination (TSD). We apply the framework to a case study of tuatara Sphenodon punctatus reintroduced to the south‐eastern South Island of New Zealand. Our approach allows the assessment of the thermal suitability of future translocation sites for tuatara, and can be readily modified for any translocation of a reptile species with TSD.
Chronic cocaine administration induces long‐term impairment in the drive to obtain natural reinforcers in high‐ but not low‐demanding tasks
Authors: Barnea‐Ygael Noam , Gal Ram , Zangen Abraham 
Published: November 2014

AbstractRepeated drug exposure induces short‐ and long‐term neuroadaptations in brain reward circuitries that are normally involved in the regulation of motivation. Hence, repeated drug exposure has been suggested to also affect the drive to acquire natural reinforcers. Here, we tested how chronic exposure of rats to cocaine, as well as a subsequent withdrawal period, affects acquisition of natural reinforcers in high‐ and low‐demanding tasks (HD and LD tasks, respectively). We chronically administered cocaine (i.p., 15 mg/kg once daily, or saline in control) for 30 days, followed by a 30‐day withdrawal period. We tested the effect of this treatment on the acquisition of two natural appetitive reinforcers, namely self‐administering a 10% sucrose solution and mounting a receptive female, under LD and HD conditions. During the cocaine exposure period, behavioral testing took place 18 hours after cocaine injection, namely after the acute pharmacologic effect of the drug dissipated. We show that chronic i.p. cocaine exposure decreased procurement of both reinforcers in HD but not in LD tasks. The effect was observed throughout the administration period with partial recovery after withdrawal. Taken together, we present empirical evidence that chronic exposure to a constant dose of cocaine is sufficient to reduce natural reinforcement, and that this decrease can outlast drug exposure. Importantly, such effects are observed only when high demands are opposing the consumption of the natural reinforcer.
Evolution of Early Repolarization Patterns after 5 Years in a Military Population at Low Cardiovascular Risk and Practical Implications in Military Medical Expertise
Authors: Vinsonneau Ulric , Pangnarind‐Heinz Vanida , Paleiron Nicolas , Heinz Louis Marie , Rohel Guenole , Piquemal Marie , Castellant Philippe , Abalea Jerome , Mansourati Jacques , Paule Philippe 
Published: November 2014

BackgroundThe French military population is a young and athletic population with a high prevalence of early repolarization patterns (ERP) compared to the general population. Screening of military officers at risk of sudden death (SD) is a priority in military medical expertise. The aim of our study was to evaluate the prevalence of ERP and its evolution over a period of 5 years in a specific asymptomatic population, free of heart disease and cardiovascular risk factors.MethodsFrom March to December 2008, we prospectively collected the electrocardiograms (ECGs) of military officers enlisted into the submarine forces of France. For 5 years (until 2012), the military officers included in the study underwent a clinical examination twice per year. A new ECG was carried out 5 years after the initial one.ResultsA total of 250 male subjects were included (mean age 22.87 ± 0.5 years). The prevalence of ERP was 19.2%. The most common appearance was an elevation of a slurring type J point (31/48 or 64.5%) in inferolateral leads (18/48 or 37.8%). After 5 years, the prevalence of ERP was identical to that of the previous period (19.2%) with no change in appearance, distribution, and amplitude in 47 subjects (97.9%). Repolarization changed in two patients (one occurrence of ERP and one disappearance). During the 5 years of follow‐up, the subjects remained asymptomaticConclusionERP is common in our population of young, athletic, and asymptomatic military officers and changes little in 5 years.
Post‐market safety warnings for drugs approved in Canada under the Notice of Compliance with conditions policy
Authors: Lexchin Joel 
Published: November 2014

AimsHealth Canada has developed a pathway to approve drugs that have limited efficacy and safety data, the Notice of Compliance with conditions (NOC/c) policy. Increased safety reporting is required for these drugs but there has not been any systematic review of their post‐market safety. This study compares safety warnings for NOC/c drugs with drugs with a priority and a standard review.MethodsA list of drugs approved between January 1 1998 and March 31 2013 was developed and serious safety warnings for these drugs were identified. Drugs were put into one of three groups based on the way that they were approved. Kaplan−Meier curves were generated to examine the likelihood of NOC/c drugs receiving a serious safety warning compared with drugs with a priority and a standard review. The time spent in the review process for each of the groups was also measured.ResultsCompared with drugs with a priority review, NOC/c drugs were not more likely to receive a serious safety warning (P = 0.5940) but were more likely than drugs with a standard review (P = 0.0113). NOC/c drugs spent less time in the review process compared with drugs with a standard review.ConclusionsPossible reasons for the increase likelihood of a serious safety warning are the limited knowledge of the safety of NOC/c drugs when they are approved and the length of time that they spend in the review process. Health Canada should consider spending longer reviewing these drugs and monitor their post‐market safety more closely.
Combined inhibition of monoacylglycerol lipase and cyclooxygenases synergistically reduces neuropathic pain in mice
Authors: Crowe Molly S , Leishman Emma , Banks Matthew L , Gujjar Ramesh , Mahadevan Anu , Bradshaw Heather B , Kinsey Steven G 
Published: November 2014

Background and PurposeNeuropathic pain is commonly treated with GABA analogues, steroids or non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs inhibit one or more COX isozymes but chronic COX inhibition paradoxically increases gastrointestinal inflammation and risk of unwanted cardiovascular events. The cannabinoids also have analgesic and anti‐inflammatory properties and reduce neuropathic pain in animal models. The present study investigated the analgesic effects of inhibiting both monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) and COX enzymes, using low doses of both inhibitors.Experimental ApproachMice subjected to chronic constriction injury (CCI) were tested for mechanical and cold allodynia after administration of the MAGL inhibitor, JZL184, or the non‐selective COX inhibitor diclofenac. Then, both drugs were co‐administered at fixed dose proportions of 1:3, 1:1 and 3:1, based on their ED50 values. PGs, endocannabinoids and related lipids were quantified in lumbar spinal cord.Key ResultsCombining low doses of JZL184 and diclofenac synergistically attenuated mechanical allodynia and additively reduced cold allodynia. The cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist, rimonabant, but not the CB2 receptor antagonist, SR144528, blocked the analgesic effects of the JZL184 and diclofenac combination on mechanical allodynia, implying that CB1 receptors were primarily responsible for the anti‐allodynia. Diclofenac alone and with JZL184 significantly reduced PGE2 and PGF2α in lumbar spinal cord tissue, whereas JZL184 alone caused significant increases in the endocannabinoid metabolite, N‐arachidonoyl glycine.Conclusions and ImplicationsCombining COX and MAGL inhibition is a promising therapeutic approach for reducing neuropathic pain with minimal side effects.
Impaired endothelial function in patients with mild primary hyperparathyroidism improves after parathyroidectomy
Authors: Tuna Mazhar M. , Doğan Berçem A. , Arduç Ayşe , Imga Narin Nasiroğlu , Tütüncü Yasemin , Berker Dilek , Güler Serdar 
Published: November 2014

SummaryBackgroundPrimary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is associated with cardiovascular morbidity; however, data on the reversibility of cardiovascular disease in mild primary hyperparathyroidism are conflicting. The aim of this study was to assess endothelial function in patients with mild PHPT before and after parathyroidectomy (Ptx).MethodsWe prospectively evaluated 53 patients with mild PHPT (Group 1; 45 women, eight men; aged 52 ± 3·1 years) and 46 healthy control subjects (Group 2; 38 women, eight men; aged 46 ± 9·5 years). Endothelial function was measured as flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) and carotid intima‐media thickness (CIMT) using Doppler ultrasonography. Patients with diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, impaired renal function, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism and a history of smoking were excluded from the study. Patients were studied at baseline and 6–12 months after the first evaluation.ResultsThere were no differences with respect to age, gender and BMI between the two groups. Hypertension prevalence was three times higher in group 1 than in controls. % FMD was lower in group 1 than in group 2 (2·6 ± 1·2 vs 14·8 ± 9·6, P < 0·001). CIMT was higher in patients with PHPT than controls (0·69 ± 0·18 vs 0·61 ± 0·12, P = 0·045). This significance remained when hypertensive patients were excluded from the analysis. While FMD and CIMT improved significantly after Ptx, there were no differences in mild PHPT patients who followed without parathyroidectomy.ConclusionFMD and CIMT are impaired in patients with mild PHPT compared to controls and improved significantly after a successful Ptx. Ptx improves endothelial function in patients with mild PHPT that may lead to decreased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Characteristic and derived diversity: implementing the species pool concept to quantify conservation condition of habitats
Authors: Helm Aveliina , Zobel Martin , Moles Angela T. , Szava‐Kovats Robert , Pärtel Meelis 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAnthropogenic environmental changes in climate, land use and disturbance regimes, as well as mass propagule transport are having dramatic effects on many ecosystems. Both conservationists and ecologists need ecologically relevant metrics to quantify the condition of plant and animal communities. However, current metrics fail to address the invasion of species native to different community types in the same region, even though these ‘native aliens’ can serve as valuable indicators of recent changes in habitat condition. We propose a novel approach to reconceptualize community biodiversity based on the composition of historically developed habitat‐specific species pools. Total observed community diversity can be divided to characteristic diversity, consisting of species belonging to habitat‐specific species pool, and derived diversity, consisting of either native or non‐native species not typical to a given community and whose presence is driven by adverse human impact. Characteristic and derived diversity in communities have different historical backgrounds; thus, the ecological patterns of these components, effects on ecosystem functioning as well as actions necessary for their conservation are likewise different. We propose the Index of Favourable Conservation Status – the log ratio of characteristic to derived diversity – as an easily quantified, ecologically relevant and universal indicator of biodiversity integrity and community condition. The Index of Favourable Conservation Status provides valuable information on habitat conservation needs and recent adverse human impact in relative terms and can be compared between regions and across a wide range of ecosystems. It can also be used to monitor restoration success or characterize biodiversity degradation. We present standardized procedure of determining habitat‐specific species pools and bring several examples of how the concept of characteristic and derived diversity can be applied in conservation and research and how expert knowledge on habitat‐specific species pool composition can expand our understanding of community biodiversity.
Improving postpartum glucose screening after gestational diabetes mellitus: a cohort study to evaluate the multicentre IMPACT initiative
Authors: Cosson E. , Bihan H. , Vittaz L. , Khiter C. , Carbillon L. , Faghfouri F. , Leboeuf D. , Dauphin H. , Lepagnol A. , Reach G. , Valensi P. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAimsTo evaluate a mobilization campaign, the IMPACT initiative, which included multidisciplinary meetings, provision of information and a systematic prescription of an oral glucose tolerance test to improve the rate of glucose screening in women with gestational diabetes mellitus in the four largest maternity units in our area, starting in March 2011.MethodsWe retrospectively compared the level of self‐reported screening during the first 6 months postpartum of women who gave birth after having been diagnosed with gestational diabetes before (January 2009 to December 2010) and after the IMPACT campaign (April 2011 to February 2012).ResultsWe included 961 women (589 in the period before and 372 in the period after the campaign was initiated) with a mean ± sd age of 33.2 ± 5.3 years and BMI of 27.8 ± 5.3 kg/m². Multivariate analysis, stratified using a propensity score in order to limit bias caused by imbalance between both periods, showed that the postpartum screening rate was higher after the campaign began (48.9 vs 33.3%, odds ratio 1.7, 95% CI 1.1–2.5; P = 0.019) and higher in women who received insulin treatment during pregnancy (odds ratio 2.3, 95% CI 1.5–3.6; P < 0.001), consumed fruit and vegetables daily (odds ratio 1.6, 95% CI 1.1–2.4; P = 0.035) and did not smoke (smoking vs non‐smoking: odds ratio 0.3, 95% CI 0.1–0.7; P = 0.01). There was no interaction between the campaign effect and these particular conditions. The proportion of oral glucose tolerance tests performed in women who underwent screening increased from 6.3 to 33.0%.ConclusionsThe IMPACT campaign increased postpartum screening, and the use the oral glucose tolerance test in particular. The effect of this initiative might be reinforced in women who are non‐daily consumers of fruit and vegetables, smokers and those who do not receive insulin treatment during pregnancy.
Segregated labeling of olfactory bulb projection neurons based on their birthdates
Authors: Imamura Fumiaki , Greer Charles A. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractMitral and tufted cells are the projection neurons of the olfactory bulb (OB). We previously reported that somata location and innervation patterns were different between early‐ and late‐born mitral cells (Imamura et al., 2011). Here, we introduced a plasmid that drives the expression of a GFP gene into the mouse OB using in utero electroporation, and demonstrated that we can deliver the plasmid vectors into distinct subsets of OB projection neurons by changing the timing of electroporation after fertilisation. The electroporation performed at embryonic day (E)10 preferentially labeled mitral cells in the accessory OB and main OB mitral cells in dorsomedial mitral cell layer (MCL). In contrast, the E12 electroporation introduced the plasmid vectors preferentially into main OB mitral cells in the ventrolateral MCL and tufted cells. Combining these data with BrdU injections, we confirmed that E10 and E12 electroporation preferentially labeled early‐ and late‐born projection neurons, respectively. This work introduces a novel method for segregated labeling of mouse olfactory bulb projection neurons based on their birthdates. With this technique we found that early‐ and late‐born projection neurons extend their secondary dendrites in the deep and superficial external plexiform layer (EPL), respectively. Although a similar segregation has been suggested for mitral vs. tufted cell dendrites, we found mitral cells projecting secondary dendrites into the superficial EPL in E12‐electroporated main OB. Our observations indicate that timing of neurogenesis regulates not only somata location and innervation patterns but also the laminar organisation of projection neuron dendrites in the EPL.
Increased forest carbon storage with increased atmospheric CO2 despite nitrogen limitation: a game‐theoretic allocation model for trees in competition for nitrogen and light
Authors: Dybzinski Ray , Farrior Caroline E. , Pacala Stephen W. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractChanges in resource availability often cause competitively driven changes in tree allocation to foliage, wood, and fine roots, either via plastic changes within individuals or through turnover of individuals with differing strategies. Here, we investigate how optimally competitive tree allocation should change in response to elevated atmospheric CO2 along a gradient of nitrogen and light availability, together with how those changes should affect carbon storage in living biomass. We present a physiologically‐based forest model that includes the primary functions of wood and nitrogen. From a tree's perspective, wood is an offensive and defensive weapon used against neighbors in competition for light. From a biogeochemical perspective, wood is the primary living reservoir of stored carbon. Nitrogen constitutes a tree's photosynthetic machinery and the support systems for that machinery, and its limited availability thus reduces a tree's ability to fix carbon. This model has been previously successful in predicting allocation to foliage, wood, and fine roots along natural productivity gradients. Using game theory, we solve the model for competitively optimal foliage, wood, and fine root allocation strategies for trees in competition for nitrogen and light as a function of CO2 and nitrogen mineralization rate. Instead of down‐regulating under nitrogen limitation, carbon storage under elevated CO2 relative to carbon storage at ambient CO2 is approximately independent of the nitrogen mineralization rate. This surprising prediction is a consequence of both increased competition for nitrogen driving increased fine root biomass and increased competition for light driving increased allocation to wood under elevated CO2.