bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of mTOR Signaling Enhances Maturation of Cardiomyocytes Derived From Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells via p53-Induced Quiescence
Authors: Garbern Jessica C. , Helman Aharon , Sereda Rebecca , Sarikhani Mohsen , Ahmed Aishah , Escalante Gabriela O. , Ogurlu Roza , Kim Sean L. , Zimmerman John F. , Cho Alexander , MacQueen Luke , Bezzerides Vassilios J. , Parker Kevin Kit , Melton Douglas A. , Lee Richard T. 
Published: November 2019

Background:
Current differentiation protocols to produce cardiomyocytes from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are capable of generating highly pure cardiomyocyte populations as determined by expression of cardiac troponin T. However, these cardiomyocytes remain immature, more closely resembling the fetal state, with a lower maximum contractile force, slower upstroke velocity, and immature mitochondrial function compared with adult cardiomyocytes. Immaturity of iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes may be a significant barrier to clinical translation of cardiomyocyte cell therapies for heart disease. During development, cardiomyocytes undergo a shift from a proliferative state in the fetus to a more mature but quiescent state after birth. The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR)–signaling pathway plays a key role in nutrient sensing and growth. We hypothesized that transient inhibition of the mTOR-signaling pathway could lead cardiomyocytes to a quiescent state and enhance cardiomyocyte maturation.

Methods:
Cardiomyocytes were differentiated from 3 human iPSC lines using small molecules to modulate the Wnt pathway. Torin1 (0 to 200 nmol/L) was used to inhibit the mTOR pathway at various time points. We quantified contractile, metabolic, and electrophysiological properties of matured iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes. We utilized the small molecule inhibitor, pifithrin-α, to inhibit p53 signaling, and nutlin-3a, a small molecule inhibitor of MDM2 (mouse double minute 2 homolog) to upregulate and increase activation of p53.

Results:

Torin1 (200 nmol/L) increased the percentage of quiescent cells (G
0
phase) from 24% to 48% compared with vehicle control (
P
<0.05). Torin1 significantly increased expression of selected sarcomere proteins (including TNNI3 [troponin I, cardiac muscle]) and ion channels (including Kir2.1) in a dose-dependent manner when Torin1 was initiated after onset of cardiomyocyte beating. Torin1-treated cells had an increased relative maximum force of contraction, increased maximum oxygen consumption rate, decreased peak rise time, and increased downstroke velocity. Torin1 treatment increased protein expression of p53, and these effects were inhibited by pifithrin-α. In contrast, nutlin-3a independently upregulated p53, led to an increase in TNNI3 expression and worked synergistically with Torin1 to further increase expression of both p53 and TNNI3.

Conclusions:
Transient treatment of human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes with Torin1 shifts cells to a quiescent state and enhances cardiomyocyte maturity.
Effects of Race on Statin Prescribing for Primary Prevention With High Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk in a Large Healthcare System
Authors: Dorsch Michael P. , Lester Corey A. , Ding Yuting , Joseph Megan , Brook Robert D. 
Published: November 2019

Background
Although guidelines recommend statins with a high level of evidence for 4 primary prevention benefit groups, prescribing disparities still exist. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of race on statin prescribing for primary prevention.

Methods and Results

A retrospective cohort analysis of patients within a large academic health system was performed to investigate statin prescribing among primary prevention groups. The statin benefits groups were patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, with an low‐density lipoprotein ≥190 mg/
dL
, or with an atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (
ASCVD
) 10‐year risk ≥7.5%. Statin prescribing was 20% in the
ASCVD
≥7.5% group, followed by 37.8% in the low‐density lipoprotein ≥190 mg/
dL
group and 40.5% in the diabetes mellitus group. Blacks were less likely to be prescribed a statin compared with whites in the diabetes mellitus (odds ratio, 0.64; 95%
CI
, 0.49–0.82;
P
=0.001) and
ASCVD
≥7.5% groups (odds ratio, 0.38; 95%
CI
, 0.26–0.54;
P
<0.0001). Blacks 60 to 69 years of age (odds ratio, 7.97; 95%
CI
, 3.14–20.2;
P
=0.003) and 70 to 79 years of age (odds ratio, 4.21; 95%
CI
, 1.81–9.79;
P
=0.008) were more likely to be prescribed a statin compared with blacks <60 years of age in the
ASCVD
≥7.5% group.

Conclusions

Blacks are less likely to be prescribed statins in diabetes mellitus and
ASCVD
≥7.5% groups compared with whites. Younger blacks with
ASCVD
risk ≥7.5% are less likely to be prescribed statins compared with older blacks. Future research should focus on tailored interventions to address statin prescribing disparities in blacks.
The WTO’s Dispute Settlement Body as a Voice Mechanism
Authors: Paine Joshua 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
This article focuses on the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) – the diplomatic body, consisting of representatives of WTO members, that administers the dispute settlement system. Focusing on the WTO, the article provides one perspective on the relationship between international tribunals and the political bodies that oversee the governance of such tribunals. Specifically, I argue that the DSB operates as an important ‘voice’ mechanism, which enables members to provide regular feedback to WTO adjudicators, and helps sustain the internal legitimacy of WTO adjudication. However, the DSB can also be used in ways that undermine judicial independence. In short, the DSB is a key site where the tension plays out between WTO adjudicators’ independence from members, and control by, and accountability to, members. The episodes examined in detail to develop this argument are the crisis of a generation ago over amicus curiae briefs, and the ongoing crisis over Appellate Body appointments.
<strong>New records for Limoniidae and Pediciidae (Diptera) from the Caucasus, Russia</strong>
Authors: LANTSOV VLADIMIR I. 
Published: November 2019

Ormosia (Ormosia) hederae (Curtis, 1835) (Limoniidae) and Dicranota (Paradicranota) minuta Lackschewitz, 1940 (Pediciidae) are new for Russia. The first species is new for the North Caucasus, the second one and Dicranomyia (Idiopyga) halterella Edwards, 1921 (Limoniidae) are new to the Caucasus. The material was collected in the Rtsyvashki valley (the Central Caucasus). Data on species ecology were presented.
<strong>The life and contributions of Prof Xin Jie-Liu (1909–1994)</strong>
Authors: ZHANG ZHI-QIANG , DONG HUI-QIN 
Published: November 2019

Prof Xin Jie-Liu (1909–1994) was an outstanding entomologist in China during the last century. He was one of the founders of acarology and stored product entomology in China. He was also a pioneer of forest entomology, insect pathology, insect physiology and soil zoology in China. This tribute is prepared to commemorate the centenary of his birth. An account of his life and career was given, along with analyses of his works and contributions to the development of acarology and entomology in China. A bibliography of his 133 papers and 42 books (including 17 translated books) was presented for the first time.
<p class="HeadingRunIn"><strong>The genus <em>Paduniella</em> (Trichoptera: Psychomyiidae) in Japan</strong></p>
Authors: NISHIMOTO HIROYUKI 
Published: November 2019

The Japanese Paduniella Ulmer species are reviewed with descriptions of 3 new species. Paduniella communis Li & Morse and P. uralensis Martynov are recorded from Japan for the first time and redescribed. Records of P. amurensis Martynov from Japan are based on misidentification. Illustrations of male genitalia are provided for each species.
Rain and Cloud Perspectives on the Seasonal Cycle over the Western Equatorial Indian Ocean
Authors: King Malcolm J. , Jakob Christian 
Published: November 2019

AbstractConvection over the western equatorial Indian Ocean (WEIO) is strongly linked to precipitation over Africa and Australia but is poorly represented in current climate models, and its observed seasonal cycle is poorly understood. This study investigates the seasonal cycle of convection in the WEIO through rainfall and cloud measurements. Rainfall shows a single annual peak in early austral summer, but cloud proxies identify convective activity maxima in both boreal and austral summer. These diverging measures of convection during boreal summer are indicative of a reduction in the intensity of precipitation associated with a given cloud regime or cloud-top height during this time of year but an increase in the overall occurrence of high-top clouds and convectively active cloud regimes. The change in precipitation intensity associated with regimes is found to explain most of the changes in total precipitation during the period from May to November, whereas changes in the occurrence of convective regimes explains most of the changes throughout the rest of the year. The reduction in precipitation intensities associated with cloud regimes over the WEIO during boreal summer appears to be related to large-scale monsoon circulations, which suppress convection through forcing air descent in the midtroposphere and increase the apparent occurrence of convectively active cloud regimes through the advection of high-level cloud from monsoon-active areas toward the WEIO region.
Leaky Slope Waves and Sea Level: Unusual Consequences of the Beta Effect along Western Boundaries with Bottom Topography and Dissipation
Authors: Wise Anthony , Hughes Chris W. , Polton Jeff A. , Huthnance John M. 
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACTCoastal trapped waves (CTWs) carry the ocean’s response to changes in forcing along boundaries and are important mechanisms in the context of coastal sea level and the meridional overturning circulation. Motivated by the western boundary response to high-latitude and open-ocean variability, we use a linear, barotropic model to investigate how the latitude dependence of the Coriolis parameter (β effect), bottom topography, and bottom friction modify the evolution of western boundary CTWs and sea level. For annual and longer period waves, the boundary response is characterized by modified shelf waves and a new class of leaky slope waves that propagate alongshore, typically at an order slower than shelf waves, and radiate short Rossby waves into the interior. Energy is not only transmitted equatorward along the slope, but also eastward into the interior, leading to the dissipation of energy locally and offshore. The β effect and friction result in shelf and slope waves that decay alongshore in the direction of the equator, decreasing the extent to which high-latitude variability affects lower latitudes and increasing the penetration of open-ocean variability onto the shelf—narrower continental shelves and larger friction coefficients increase this penetration. The theory is compared with observations of sea level along the North American east coast and qualitatively reproduces the southward displacement and amplitude attenuation of coastal sea level relative to the open ocean. The implications are that the β effect, topography, and friction are important in determining where along the coast sea level variability hot spots occur.
Pharmacy students’ beliefs in popular myths about health and therapy
Authors: Jasińska-Stroschein Magdalena , Kurczewska Urszula , Orszulak-Michalak Daria 
Published: November 2019

Objective: Pharmacy students are among the next generation of health-care providers who can promote medical knowledge based on scientific data or low-quality health content. Their susceptibility to popular myths related to health and medicine however threatens the proper selection and use of the best available evidence when dealing with patients in community and hospital pharmacies. The objective of this study was to explore such beliefs held by pharmacy students. Methods: A self-administered survey was completed by a sample of 195 Polish pharmacy students (years 1 and 2 as well as years 4 and 5). The students ranked their attitudes towards 36 popular mythical statements on a scale of ‘strongly disagree’ (1 point) to ‘strongly agree’ (5 points). The respondents gave fewer than half the correct answers regarding both general knowledge and more specialised pharmacy knowledge. Results: We explore some of the statements that were not influenced by the education process. The important determinants of student susceptibility to myths about pharmacy and therapy were year of study and preferred sources of scientific information, including the language used in these sources. Conclusion: More attention should be given to evidence-based medicine skills, including the selection of proper scientific information and the adoption of a critical perspective towards all transmitted information among student pharmacists. This approach would reduce the risk of future pharmacists, as care providers, popularising potentially harmful health myths and misconceptions when educating their patients.
The effects of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate exposure in women with polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing in vitro fertilization
Authors: Jin Yue , Zhang Qing , Pan Jie-Xue , Wang Fang-Fang , Qu Fan 
Published: November 2019

Objectives Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a common endocrine-disrupting chemical, which has potential reproductive toxicity. This study aimed to explore the effects of DEHP exposure in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) undergoing in vitro fertilization. Methods In this case-control study, DEHP levels in follicular fluid (FF) of women with PCOS (n = 56) and controls (n = 51) were measured. The in vitro effects of DEHP exposure on primary-cultured human granulosa cells (GCs) and a steroidogenic human granulosa-like tumor cell line (KGN cells) were analyzed. Results Concentrations of DEHP in FF were significantly higher in women with PCOS than in controls. The clinical pregnancy rate was significantly lower in women with PCOS with high levels of DEHP than in controls. The levels of androgens produced by human GCs were significantly increased following DEHP exposure. Compared with controls, DEHP-treated human GCs and KGN cells showed significantly lower viability, cell cycle arrest, higher apoptosis, and altered expression of apoptosis-related genes. Conclusion Women with PCOS are exposed to increased levels of DEHP in follicles, which may be associated with pregnancy loss following in vitro fertilization. DEHP may disrupt steroid production, balance in cellular proliferation, and apoptosis in human granulosa cells.
The association between duration of remission, fatigue, depression and health-related quality of life in Italian patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Margiotta D P E , Fasano S , Basta F , Pierro L , Riccardi A , Navarini L , Valentini G , Afeltra A 
Published: November 2019

Objective To evaluate the impact of duration of remission on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods We conducted a 5-year retrospective study on two Italian cohorts. Remission was defined as a continuative period of no clinical disease activity, according to the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2 K, and a permitted maximum prednisone dose of 5 mg/day. HRQoL was measured using the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF36) during the last visit. Results We enrolled 136 female SLE patients. During observation, 15 (11%) patients had been in remission for ≥1 and <2 years, 15 (11%) for ≥2 and <3 years, 19 (14%) for ≥3 and <4 years, 9 (7%) for ≥4 and <5 years, and 53 (39%) had been in prolonged remission for ≥5 years. In the multivariate model, considering depression and fatigue as covariates, patients in prolonged remission showed significantly better scores in the physical functioning ( p = 0.039), role physical ( p = 0.029), bodily pain ( p = 0.0057), general health ( p = 0.0033) and social functioning ( p = 0.0085) components of the SF36, compared with those in remission <5 years or unremitted. Subsequent mediation analyses found that these effects were partly influenced by depression. Conclusion Lupus remission could improve the HRQoL of SLE patients, particularly when associated with appropriate management of depression and fatigue.
Corneal collagen cross-linking with and without simultaneous intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation: One-year pilot study
Authors: Sharma Indra Prasad , Bakshi Ramendra , Chaudhry Monica 
Published: November 2019

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess and compare the visual, refractive, and topographic outcomes of keratoconic eyes treated with corneal collagen cross-linking combined with and without same day intrastromal corneal ring segment over the first 12 months. Methods: This prospective randomized study analyzed 38 eyes of 30 consecutive keratoconus patients aged 26.21 ± 6.97 (range = 15–41) years. A total of 20 eyes were treated with collagen cross-linking alone, and 18 eyes underwent collagen cross-linking combined with simultaneous femtosecond laser-assisted intrastromal corneal ring segment. Visual acuity, manifest refraction, and corneal topography (using a rotating Scheimpflug topographer) were assessed and compared between the two groups at baseline, 6, and 12 months. Results: On an average follow-up duration of 12.2 ± 0.50 (range = 11–13) months, both collagen cross-linking alone and collagen cross-linking with simultaneous intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation were effective. However, collagen cross-linking plus intrastromal corneal ring segment resulted in an additional improvement of uncorrected distance visual acuity of 0.16 (95% confidence interval = 0.01 to 0.32) logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution units (p = 0.035), cylindrical power by 1.16 D (95% confidence interval = 0.25 to 2.06, p = 0.014), and spherical equivalent by 1.40 D (95% confidence interval = −2.71 to −0.08, p = 0.038) at 1 year. During the study period, no serious intraoperative or postoperative complications were noted in either group. Conclusion: One-year follow-up results suggest that collagen cross-linking with simultaneously combined intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation could yield an additive visual and refractive outcome. The combined procedure is safe and merits consideration for the treatment of progressive keratoconus to achieve better visual rehabilitation.
Associations Between the Physical Activity Vital Sign and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in High-Risk Youth and Adolescents
Authors: Nelson Vicki R. , Masocol Robert V. , Asif Irfan M. 
Published: November 2019

Background: The physical activity vital sign (PAVS) is a simple, validated tool for assessing physical activity in adults that has not been previously studied in pediatrics. Hypothesis: Reported physical activity utilizing the PAVS in pediatric patients should vary according to known associations with physical activity, such as age, sex, blood pressure, and body mass index (BMI). Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: All patients within a family medicine residency clinic were assessed via the PAVS from October 1, 2015, to October 31, 2016, including 255 consecutive pediatric patients aged 5 to 18 years. Associations were examined between PAVS, age, sex, blood pressure, and BMI using 1-way analysis of variance. Results: The average PAVS reported for youth (5-11 years) was 384.9 ± 218.1 minutes per week, with 69.5% reporting sufficient physical activity (≥300 minutes per week). Adolescents (12-18 years) reported a mean PAVS of 278.3 ± 199.6 minutes per week, with 51.1% reporting sufficient physical activity. Physical activity was lower in older participants ( P < 0.0001) and was higher in male patients ( P < 0.03). Higher BMI was associated with lower PAVS ( P < 0.005), while lower systolic blood pressure was associated with a greater number of days per week of physical activity ( P < 0.005). Conclusion: The PAVS successfully identifies accepted associations between age, sex, and BMI in a pediatric population. Clinical Relevance: The correlation of the PAVS with age, sex, BMI, and blood pressure may inform future strategies to address and prevent cardiometabolic disease in pediatric patients.
Ninety-Day Readmission in Elective Revision Lumbar Fusion Surgery in the Inpatient Setting
Authors: Hydrick Thomas C. , Rubel Nicolas , Renfree Sean , Lara Nina , Makovicka Justin L. , Arvind Varun , Chang Michael , Chung Andrew 
Published: November 2019

Study Design: Retrospective review. Objectives: (1) Identify the 90-day rate of readmission following revision lumbar fusion, (2) identify independent risk factors associated with increased rates of readmission within 90 days, (3) and identify the hospital costs associated with revision lumbar fusion and subsequent readmission within 90 days. Methods: Utilizing 2014 data from the Nationwide Readmissions Database, patients undergoing elective revision lumbar fusion were identified. With this sample, multivariate logistic regression was utilized to identify independent predictors of readmission within 90 days. An analysis of total hospital costs was also conducted. Results: In 2014, an estimated 14 378 patients underwent elective revision lumbar fusion. The readmission rate at 90 days was 3.1% (n = 446). Diabetes with chronic complications was the only comorbidity found to carry significantly increased odds of readmission. Surgical complications such as deep venous thrombosis, surgical wound disruption, hematoma, and pneumonia (experienced during the index admission) were also independent predictors of readmission. Anterior approaches were associated with increased odds of readmission. The most common related diagnoses on readmission were hardware issues, postoperative infection, and disc herniation. Readmissions were associated with an average of $96 152 in increased hospital costs per patient compared with those not readmitted. Conclusion: Relevant patient comorbidities and surgical complications were associated with increased readmission within 90 days. Readmission within 90 days was associated with significant increases in hospital costs.
Book review: From Archaeology to Heritage Studies: Reflections from the American Experience
Authors: Chapagain Neel Kamal 
Published: November 2019

Phyllis Mauch Messenger and Susan J. Bender, History and Approaches to Heritage Studies. Gainesville, FL: University of Florida Press, 2019, 262 pp., US$95 (hardback), ISBN: 9780813056180. Phyllis Mauch Messenger and Susan J. Bender, Pedagogy and Practice in Heritage Studies. Gainesville, FL: University of Florida Press, 2019, 236 pp., US$95 (hardback), ISBN: 9780813056142.