bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sox17 Controls Emergence and Remodeling of Nestin-Expressing Coronary Vessels
Authors: González-Hernández Sara , Gómez Manuel J. , Sánchez-Cabo Fátima , Méndez-Ferrer Simón , Muñoz-Cánoves Pura , Isern Joan 
Published: September 2020

Rationale:
The molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of coronary arteries during development and during cardiac neovascularization after injury are poorly understood. However, a detailed description of the relevant signaling pathways and functional TFs (transcription factors) regulating these processes is still incomplete.

Objective:
The goal of this study is to identify novel cardiac transcriptional mechanisms of coronary angiogenesis and vessel remodeling by defining the molecular signatures of coronary vascular endothelial cells during these complex processes.

Methods and Results:

We demonstrate that
Nes-gfp
and
Nes-CreER

T2

transgenic mouse lines are novel tools for studying the emergence of coronary endothelium and targeting sprouting coronary vessels (but not ventricular endocardium) during development. Furthermore, we identify Sox17 as a critical TF upregulated during the sprouting and remodeling of coronary vessels, visualized by a specific neural enhancer from the
Nestin
gene that is strongly induced in developing arterioles. Functionally, genetic-inducible endothelial deletion of
Sox17
causes deficient cardiac remodeling of coronary vessels, resulting in improper coronary artery formation.

Conclusions:

We demonstrated that Sox17 TF regulates the transcriptional activation of
Nestin
’s enhancer in developing coronary vessels while its genetic deletion leads to inadequate coronary artery formation. These findings identify Sox17 as a critical regulator for the remodeling of coronary vessels in the developing heart.
Growth Differentiation Factor 15 and NT‐proBNP as Blood‐Based Markers of Vascular Brain Injury and Dementia
Authors: McGrath Emer R. , Himali Jayandra J. , Levy Daniel , Conner Sarah C. , DeCarli Charles , Pase Matthew P. , Ninomiya Toshiharu , Ohara Tomoyuki , Courchesne Paul , Satizabal Claudia L. , Vasan Ramachandran S. , Beiser Alexa S. , Seshadri Sudha 
Published: September 2020

Background
GDF15 (growth differentiation factor 15) and NT‐proBNP (N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide) may offer promise as biomarkers for cognitive outcomes, including dementia. We determined the association of these biomarkers with cognitive outcomes in a community‐based cohort.

Methods and Results
Plasma GDF15 (n=1603) and NT‐proBNP levels (n=1590) (53% women; mean age, 68.7 years) were measured in dementia‐free Framingham Offspring cohort participants at examination 7 (1998–2001). Participants were followed up for incident dementia. Secondary outcomes included Alzheimer disease dementia, magnetic resonance imaging structural brain measures, and neurocognitive performance. During a median 11.8‐year follow‐up, 131 participants developed dementia. On multivariable Cox proportional‐hazards analysis, higher circulating GDF15 was associated with an increased risk of incident all‐cause and Alzheimer disease dementia (hazard ratio [HR] per SD increment in natural log‐transformed biomarker value, 1.54 [95% CI, 1.22–1.95] and 1.37 [95% CI, 1.03–1.81], respectively), whereas higher plasma NT‐proBNP was also associated with an increased risk of all‐cause dementia (HR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.05–1.65). Elevated GDF15 was associated with lower total brain and hippocampal volumes, greater white matter hyperintensity volume, and poorer cognitive performance. Elevated NT‐proBNP was associated with greater white matter hyperintensity volume and poorer cognitive performance. Addition of both biomarkers to a conventional risk factor model improved dementia risk classification (net reclassification improvement index, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.05–0.45).

Conclusions
Elevated plasma GDF15 and NT‐proBNP were associated with vascular brain injury on magnetic resonance imaging, poorer neurocognitive performance, and increased risk of incident dementia in individuals aged >60 years. Both biomarkers improved dementia risk classification beyond that of traditional clinical risk factors, indicating their potential value in predicting incident dementia.
Differing Trends in United States and European Severe Thunderstorm Environments in a Warming Climate
Authors: Taszarek Mateusz , Allen John T. , Brooks Harold E. , Pilguj Natalia , Czernecki Bartosz 
Published: September 2020

AbstractLong-term trends in the historical frequency of environments supportive of atmospheric convection are unclear, and only partially follow the expectations of a warming climate. This uncertainty is driven by the lack of unequivocal changes in the ingredients for severe thunderstorms (i.e., conditional instability, sufficient low-level moisture, initiation mechanism, and vertical wind shear). ERA5 hybrid-sigma data allow for superior characterization of thermodynamic parameters including convective inhibition, which is very sensitive to the number of levels in the lower troposphere. Using hourly data we demonstrate that long-term decreases in instability and stronger convective inhibition cause a decline in the frequency of thunderstorm environments over the southern United States, particularly during summer. Conversely, increasingly favorable conditions for tornadoes are observed during winter across the Southeast. Over Europe, a pronounced multidecadal increase in low-level moisture has provided positive trends in thunderstorm environments over the south, central, and north, with decreases over the east due to strengthening convective inhibition. Modest increases in vertical wind shear and storm-relative helicity have been observed over northwestern Europe and the Great Plains. Both continents exhibit negative trends in the fraction of environments with likely convective initiation. This suggests that despite increasing instability, thunderstorms in a warming climate may be less likely to develop due to stronger convective inhibition and lower relative humidity. Decreases in convective initiation and resulting precipitation may have long-term implications for agriculture, water availability, and the frequency of severe weather such as large hail and tornadoes. Our results also indicate that trends observed over the United States cannot be assumed to be representative of other continents.
Environmental Controls on Tropical Mesoscale Convective System Precipitation Intensity
Authors: Schiro Kathleen A. , Sullivan Sylvia C. , Kuo Yi-Hung , Su Hui , Gentine Pierre , Elsaesser Gregory S. , Jiang Jonathan H. , Neelin J. David 
Published: September 2020

AbstractUsing multiple independent satellite and reanalysis datasets, we compare relationships between mesoscale convective system (MCS) precipitation intensity Pmax, environmental moisture, large-scale vertical velocity, and system radius among tropical continental and oceanic regions. A sharp, nonlinear relationship between column water vapor and Pmax emerges, consistent with nonlinear increases in estimated plume buoyancy. MCS Pmax increases sharply with increasing boundary layer and lower free tropospheric (LFT) moisture, with the highest Pmax values originating from MCSs in environments exhibiting a peak in LFT moisture near 750 hPa. MCS Pmax exhibits strikingly similar behavior as a function of water vapor among tropical land and ocean regions. Yet, while the moisture–Pmax relationship depends strongly on mean tropospheric temperature, it does not depend on sea surface temperature over ocean or surface air temperature over land. Other Pmax-dependent factors include system radius, the number of convective cores, and the large-scale vertical velocity. Larger systems typically contain wider convective cores and higher Pmax, consistent with increased protection from dilution due to dry air entrainment and reduced reevaporation of precipitation. In addition, stronger large-scale ascent generally supports greater precipitation production. Last, temporal lead–lag analysis suggests that anomalous moisture in the lower–middle troposphere favors convective organization over most regions. Overall, these statistics provide a physical basis for understanding environmental factors controlling heavy precipitation events in the tropics, providing metrics for model diagnosis and guiding physical intuition regarding expected changes to precipitation extremes with anthropogenic warming.
Racial Disparities at Mixed-Race and Minority Hospitals
Authors: Tignanelli Christopher J. , Watarai Bradly , Fan Yunhua , Petersen Ashley , Hemmila Mark , Napolitano Lena , Jarosek Stephanie , Charles Anthony 
Published: September 2020

Introduction Racial and socioeconomic disparities in health access and outcomes for many conditions is well known. However, for time-sensitive high-acuity diseases such as traumatic injuries, disparities in access and outcomes should be significantly diminished. Our primary objective was to characterize racial disparities across majority, mixed-race, and minority hospitals for African American ([AA] vs White) males with high-grade splenic injuries. Methods Data from the National Trauma Data Bank were utilized from 2007 to 2015; 24 855 AA or White males with high-grade splenic injuries were included. Multilevel mixed-effects regression analysis was used to evaluate disparities in outcomes and resource allocation. Results Mortality was significantly higher for AA males at mixed-race (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.3-2.1; P < .001) and minority (OR 2.1; 95% CI 1.5-3.0; P < .001) hospitals, but not at majority hospitals. At minority hospitals, AA males were significantly less likely to be admitted to the intensive care unit (OR 0.7; 95% CI, 0.49-0.97; P = .04) and experienced a significantly longer time to surgery (IRR 1.5; P = .02). Minority hospitals were significantly more likely to have failures from angiographic embolization requiring operative intervention (OR 2.2, P = .009). At both types of nonmajority hospitals, AA males with penetrating injuries were more likely to be managed with angiography (mixed-race hospitals: OR 1.7; P = .046 vs minority hospitals: OR 1.6; P = .08). Discussion While multiple studies have shown that minority hospitals have increased mortality compared to majority hospitals, this study found this disparity only existed for AAs.
Predictors of Inappropriate Helicopter Transport
Authors: Brown Christopher , Irfan Wajeeh , Schoen Jonathan E. , Marr Alan B. , Stuke Lance E. , Cavalea Alexander C. , Mosier Willard W. , Rogers Camille L. , Greiffenstein Patrick P. , Moore Margaret M. , Hunt John P. 
Published: September 2020

Background Helicopter transport (HT) is an efficient, but costly, means for injured patients to receive life-saving, definitive trauma care. Identifying the characteristics of inappropriate HT presents an opportunity to improve the utilization of this finite medical resource. Methods Trauma registry records of all HT for a 3-year period (2016-2018) to an urban Level I trauma center were reviewed. HT was defined as inappropriate for patients who were discharged home from the emergency department or had a hospital length of stay <1 day, and who were discharged alive. Chi-square analysis and Student’s t-test were used for univariate analysis. Predictors with a P value of less than .15 were subject to binary logistic regression analysis. A P value ≤.05 was considered significant. Results There were 713 patients who received HT during the study period. One-hundred and forty-eight (20.8%) patients met the criteria as an inappropriate HT. In univariate analysis, Glasgow Coma Scale >8, Shock Index <0.9, and fall mechanism were found to be significantly associated with inappropriate HT. Age >55 was found to be associated with an appropriate HT. The average Injury Severity Score of the inappropriate HT group was 3.86 (±3.85) compared with 16.80 (±11.23) ( P = .0001, Student’s t-test). Discussion Our findings suggest that there are evidence-based predictors of patients receiving inappropriate HT. Triage of HT using these predictors has the potential to decrease unnecessary deployments and reduce health care costs.
Using “Make & Take Quizzes” to Improve Exam Performance and Engage Students in Effective Study Strategies
Authors: Gallagher Kristel M. 
Published: September 2020

Background: Most students rely on ineffective study habits to learn material instead of using evidence-based strategies known to improve learning. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a novel in-class quizzing strategy (i.e., Make & Take Quizzes) that was intentionally designed to engage students in evidence-based study strategies. Method: Final exam grades between sections of identical courses where students completed ( N = 74) or did not complete ( N = 73) Make & Take Quizzes were compared. Changes in the use of study strategies from the beginning to the end of the semester in two courses where students completed the quizzes were also examined. Results: Students in Make & Take Quiz sections significantly outperformed those in sections without the quizzes. Students’ overall strategies for studying did not significantly change; however, there were significant improvements in the specific strategies of deciding on the main ideas when studying and putting ideas into one’s own words when studying. Conclusion: Make & Take Quizzes appear to help students learn course material, while also engaging them in the use of specific study strategies. Teaching Implications: An easy-to-implement strategy, instructors can engage students in the effective use of evidence-based study strategies by incorporating Make & Take Quizzes in their courses.
Interdependences Between Cryptocurrencies: A Network Analysis from 2013 to 2018
Authors: Schinckus Christophe , Duy Dang Pham Thien , Canh Nguyen Phuc 
Published: September 2020

Through a data-driven analysis, namely network analysis, we investigate the relationships between all existing cryptocurrencies. Starting from the analysis of cryptocurrencies in 2013, we extend our study until July 2018 to study the interdependencies between 1636 cryptocurrencies. Our study shows that, although Bitcoin is the older and the most famous cryptocurrency, it does not appear as an influential asset on the virtual currency market. Our analysis also indicates a densification of the interconnections between virtual currencies, indicating that change of a single coin will likely influence many other coins. Interestingly, we also observe that the most influential cryptocurrencies for a year appear not to be influential the following year. Finally, cryptocurrencies tend to change their influence over time suggesting a short-term interdependence between them. JEL: G11, G12
Computed tomography contrast enhancement pattern of the uterus in premenopausal women in relation to menstrual cycle and hormonal contraception
Authors: Angelopoulos Konstantinos , Palmér Magnus , Gull Berit , Lundqvist Niklas , Kopelia Linda , Hellström Mikael , Leonhardt Henrik 
Published: September 2020

Background There are different types of computed tomography (CT) contrast enhancement patterns of the uterus. It is not known whether these are hormonally dependent. Purpose To assess the relationship between these patterns and the menstrual cycle in non-users of hormonal contraception, and the possible impact of hormonal contraception. Material and Methods Prospective observational study of abdominal CT scans of 53 premenopausal women of whom 28 were non-users and 25 users of hormonal contraception. The non-users were divided according to menstrual cycle phase: follicular (n = 12); ovulatory (n = 1); and luteal (n = 12). The pattern and intensity of contrast enhancement of the uterine myometrium were assessed. Results The dominant pattern of contrast enhancement of the myometrium was the diffuse homogeneous type in both non-users and users. The intensity of the enhancement measured in Hounsfield units (HU) was higher in the follicular phase (median 102, range 73–130) compared to the luteal phase in non-users (median 92, range 57–130); however this was not statistically significant ( P = 0.2). The HU values observed in users (median 95, range 45–160) were at the same levels compared to those of the luteal phase in non-users. Conclusion The dominant pattern of contrast enhancement in the portal venous phase of the myometrium in fertile ages is the diffuse homogeneous type and is independent of menstrual cycle phase or the use of hormonal contraception. However, these factors seem to play a role in the intensity of contrast enhancement, with a tendency of higher HU values in the follicular phase of non-users.
Resveratrol prevents TNF-α-induced VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 upregulation in endothelial progenitor cells via reduction of NF-κB activation
Authors: Zhang Yefei , Liu Huahua , Tang Weiliang , Qiu Qiongya , Peng Jiahao 
Published: September 2020

Objective To assess the effects of resveratrol (RSV) on expression of adhesion molecules in endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) following tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) stimulation. Methods EPCs were treated with RSV and stimulated with TNF-α. A mononuclear cell (MNC) adhesion assay was used to assess the effects of RSV on TNF-α-induced MNC adhesion. Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and E-selectin expression levels and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) activation were assessed by immunoblotting. Results MNC adhesion to TNF-α-treated EPCs and VCAM-1/ICAM-1/E-selectin levels in EPCs were increased following TNF-α stimulation and decreased following RSV treatment. TNF-α enhanced NF-κB inhibitor α (IκB-α) phosphorylation in the cytosol as well as nuclear NF-κB p65 levels, both of which were decreased by RSV. Conclusions These findings provide new insights into RSV’s anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic effects. RSV’s mechanism of action might involve downregulation of VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and E-selectin by partial blockade of TNF-α-induced NF-κB activation and IκB-α phosphorylation in EPCs.
Music Therapy Interventions in Palliative Care: A Systematic Review
Authors: Pérez-Eizaguirre Miren , Vergara-Moragues Esperanza 
Published: September 2020

Background: Palliative care is an interdisciplinary medical approach for people with illnesses that are unresponsive to curative treatment. Music therapy has been gaining ground in this field since the 1970s, with a not-always-standardized range of interventions and musical techniques. Objective: The purpose of this systematic review is to analyze interventions with music therapy and new developments in this area in the field of palliative care. Methods: The primary source of data for this review was the online database Web of Science (WOS). We also used other databases such as Medline and Scopus. A systematic search was performed of the past 6 years following the PRISMA criteria. Results: From a selection of 310 documents, we reviewed 54 completed articles and included 19 studies in the review. The percentage of agreement in the selection of articles was 87.5% and the Cohen Kappa index of inter-rater reliability was 0.727. In 5 of the articles, the musical interventions were not specified. However, in the remaining 14 they were, including new developments such as use of the monochord and the body tambura, and adaptation of the RBL (Rhythm, Breath & Lullaby) method. Conclusions: There has been notable improvement in the specification of musical interventions during music therapy sessions in palliative care. However, articles in this field need to describe how these techniques are carried out and any new developments. All this without forgetting that the patient’s musical preferences are a fundamental aspect when performing music therapy sessions.
A Qualitative Study Exploring Patient, Family Carer and Healthcare Professionals’ Direct Experiences and Barriers to Providing and Integrating Palliative Care for Advanced Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Mayland Catriona Rachel , Doughty Hannah C. , Rogers Simon N. , Gola Anna , Mason Stephen , Hubbert Cathy , Macareavy Dominic , Jack Barbara A. 
Published: September 2020

Objectives: To report on direct experiences from advanced head and neck cancer patients, family carers and healthcare professionals, and the barriers to integrating specialist palliative care. Methods: Using a naturalistic, interpretative approach, within Northwest England, a purposive sample of adult head and neck cancer patients was selected. Their family carers were invited to participate. Healthcare professionals (representing head and neck surgery and specialist nursing; oncology; specialist palliative care; general practice and community nursing) were recruited. All participants underwent face-to-face or telephone interviews. A thematic approach, using a modified version of Colazzi’s framework, was used to analyze the data. Results: Seventeen interviews were conducted (9 patients, 4 joint with family carers and 8 healthcare professionals). Two main barriers were identified by healthcare professionals: “lack of consensus about timing of Specialist Palliative Care engagement” and “high stake decisions with uncertainty about treatment outcome.” The main barrier identified by patients and family carers was “lack of preparedness when transitioning from curable to incurable disease.” There were 2 overlapping themes from both groups: “uncertainty about meeting psychological needs” and “misconceptions of palliative care.” Conclusions: Head and neck cancer has a less predictable disease trajectory, where complex decisions are made and treatment outcomes are less certain. Specific focus is needed to define the optimal way to initiate Specialist Palliative Care referrals which may differ from those used for the wider cancer population. Clearer ways to effectively communicate goals of care are required potentially involving collaboration between Specialist Palliative Care and the wider head and neck cancer team.
Influence of Early Lactation Assistance on Inpatient Exclusive Breastfeeding Rates
Authors: Gray Keyaria D. , Hannon Emily A. , Erickson Elizabeth , Stewart Ariana B. , Wood Charles T. , Fisher Kimberley , Shaikh Sophie K. , Tanaka David 
Published: September 2020

Background Human milk feeding reduces the incidence and costs of several maternal and childhood illnesses. Initiation and success of human milk feeding are influenced by race, socioeconomic status, and family support. The influence of early in-hospital lactation assistance in breastfeeding success has been not well described. Research aims We aimed to determine how suspected known factors influencing breastfeeding success influence in-hospital human milk feeding rates. Second, we aimed to examine how timing of lactation assistance is related to success of human milk feeding during the newborn hospitalization for healthy infants. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of term infants born between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2016 at a large tertiary academic hospital. We considered “success” to be 100% human milk feeding during the birth hospitalization, and compared differences in success by demographics, payor, race, and initial feeding preference. Influences of lactation assistance on success were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. Results Mean success with exclusive human milk feeding among 7,370 infants was 48.9%, ( n = 3,601). Successful participants were more likely to be 39–40 weeks’ gestation (64.9%, n = 2,340), non-Hispanic/non-Latino (80.0%, n = 2,882), and using private insurance (69.2%, n = 2,491). Participants who had early feeding assisted by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) before being fed any formula were more likely to be successful than participants who had a feeding assisted by a non-IBCLC nurse (80% vs. 40% respectively). Conclusions Success for exclusive human milk feeding during newborn hospitalization is strongly associated with several factors. Early intervention with IBCLCs can greatly improve breastfeeding success.