bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dual TGFβ and Wnt inhibition promotes Mesp1‐mediated mouse pluripotent stem cell differentiation into functional cardiomyocytes
Authors: Pappas Matthew P. , Peifer Lindsay N. , Chan Sunny S. K. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractEfficient derivation of cardiomyocytes from mouse pluripotent stem cells has proven challenging, and existing approaches rely on expensive supplementation or extensive manipulation. Mesp1 is a transcription factor that regulates cardiovascular specification during embryo development, and its overexpression has been shown to promote cardiogenesis. Here, we utilize a doxycycline‐inducible Mesp1‐expressing mouse embryonic stem cell system to develop an efficient differentiation protocol to generate functional cardiomyocytes. Our cardiac differentiation method involves transient Mesp1 induction following by subsequent dual inhibition of TGFβ and Wnt signaling pathways using small molecules. We discovered that whereas TGFβ inhibition promoted Mesp1‐induced cardiac differentiation, Wnt inhibition was ineffective. Nevertheless, a combined inhibition of both pathways was superior to either inhibition alone in generating cardiomyocytes. These observations suggested a potential interaction between TGFβ and Wnt signaling pathways in the context of Mesp1‐induced cardiac differentiation. Using a step‐by‐step approach, we have further optimized the windows of Mesp1 induction, TGFβ inhibition and Wnt inhibition to yield a maximal cardiomyocyte output – Mesp1 was induced first, followed by dual inhibition of TGFβ and Wnt signaling. Our protocol is capable of producing approximately 50% of cardiomyocytes in 12 days, which is comparable to existing methods, and have the advantages of being technically simple and inexpensive. Moreover, cardiomyocytes thus derived are functional, displaying intrinsic contractile capacity and contraction in response to electric stimulus. Derivation of mouse cardiomyocytes without the use of growth factors or other costly supplementation provides an accessible cell source for future applications.
The mediating role of adiposity in the longitudinal association between cardiorespiratory fitness and blood pressure in adolescents: LabMed cohort study
Authors: Beltran‐Valls Maria Reyes , Santos Rute , Mota Jorge , Moreira Carla , Lopes Luís , Agostinis‐Sobrinho César 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this prospective cohort study was to examine whether the association between the cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) at baseline and blood pressure (BP) at follow‐up is mediated by adiposity in adolescents.Materials and methodsThe sample comprised 734 adolescents (349 girls) aged 12‐18 years from the LabMed Physical Activity Cohort Study. The variables of interest were measured in 2011 (baseline) and in 2013 (2‐year follow‐up). CRF was assessed by the 20‐m shuttle run test. Body mass index, waist circumference, body fat percentage, pubertal status and resting BP were assessed according to standard procedures. Boot‐strapped mediation procedures were performed, and indirect effects (IE) with confidence intervals (CI) not including zero were considered statistically significant.ResultsAfter adjusting for potential confounders, body mass index acted as a mediator of the relationship between CRF and systolic BP (IE = −0. 023; CI = −0.039; −0.009), pulse pressure (IE = −0.023; CI = −0.034; −0.012) and rate product pressure (IE = −2.839; CI = −5.329; −0.340). Similar results were obtained for waist circumference as mediator for systolic BP (IE = −0.019; CI = −0.033; −0.005), pulse pressure (IE = −0.017; CI = −0.028; −0.007) and rate product pressure (IE = −3.793; CI = −6.097; −1.689). Likewise, body fat percentage mediated the association for: systolic BP (IE = −0.029; CI = −0.048; −0.010), pulse pressure (IE = −0.027; CI = −0.041; −0.013) and rate product pressure (IE = −4.280; CI = −7.488; −1.264).ConclusionsAdiposity mediated the association between CRF and BP in adolescents. Therefore, both optimal CRF and adiposity levels are important to maintain normal BP ranges throughout adolescence.
Pathways to care in at‐risk mental states: A systematic review
Authors: Allan Sophie M. , Hodgekins Jo , Beazley Peter , Oduola Sheri 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAimPathways to care are well studied in the First Episode Psychosis field, but less attention has been given to At‐Risk Mental States or prodromal psychosis. This is important because accessing appropriate help at the earliest opportunity is likely to improve outcomes, particularly for those who make transition to psychosis. The present systematic review aimed to synthesize the available literature on pathways to care in ARMS or prodromal psychosis, and investigate the barriers and facilitators to receiving care for ARMS.MethodsThe CINAHL Complete, EMBASE, Medline Complete, PsycINFO and PubMED databases were searched. Studies were included if they were published in English between 1985 and 2019, where reported data came exclusively from an At‐Risk Mental State population, and the study described or related to pathways to care.ResultsTen studies met the inclusion criteria, of which 8 were quantitative. Screening tools and pathways to care instruments varied. Mental health professionals, and general practitioners played a key role in help seeking. Family involvement was also found to be an important factor.ConclusionsPathways to care research in At‐Risk Mental States are more scarce than in the field of First Episode Psychosis. More research is warranted, especially concerning the role of patient‐level characteristics on pathways to care. A validated measure of pathways to care may also be of benefit.
Implementation of early psychosis services in Latin America: A scoping review
Authors: Aceituno David , Mena Cristián , Vera Norha , Gonzalez‐Valderrama Alfonso , Gadelha Ary , Diniz Elton , Crossley Nicolas , Pennington Mark , Prina Matthew 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAimThe evidence of the effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of early intervention for psychosis (EIP) services has motivated their implementation worldwide. However, complex interventions of such EIP services require local adaptations to successfully match population needs and cultural differences. Latin America is a heterogenous region where EIP services are progressively being adopted. Our aim is to map such initiatives in the region with a focus on implementation outcomes.MethodsA scoping review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta‐Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines was conducted. International and regional databases were searched for publications describing EIP programmes in the region. Besides mapping the services, we described implementation outcomes based on the Standards for Reporting Implementation Studies Checklist.ResultsTen articles describing seven EIP initiatives from the region were found. Four countries were represented: Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Mexico. The implementation outcomes reporting was heterogenous, although it was possible to ascertain EIP services are feasible and adequate for the region's context. Also, there is some evidence of effectiveness in terms of reducing hospitalizations and improving symptoms. Information about fidelity measures was scarce and there was no information about costs or cost‐effectiveness.ConclusionsOnly a small proportion of Latin American countries have adopted EIP services. Although these programmes seem to be feasible and effective, data on other implementation outcomes, such as fidelity, cultural appropriateness, cost‐effectiveness and affordability are not available. This might in part explain why this effective approach has not been yet scaled‐up at nationwide levels.
Aging‐related changes in cortical mechanisms supporting postural control during base of support and optic flow manipulations
Authors: Malcolm Brenda R. , Foxe John J. , Joshi Sonja , Verghese Joe , Mahoney Jeannette R. , Molholm Sophie , De Sanctis Pierfilippo 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBehavioral findings suggest that aging alters the involvement of cortical sensorimotor mechanisms in postural control. However, corresponding accounts of the underlying neural mechanisms remain sparse, especially the extent to which these mechanisms are affected during more demanding tasks. Here, we set out to elucidate cortical correlates of altered postural stability in younger and older adults. 3D body motion tracking and high‐density electroencephalography (EEG) were measured while 14 young adults (mean age = 24 years, 43% women) and 14 older adults (mean age = 77 years, 50% women) performed a continuous balance task under four different conditions. Manipulations were applied to the base of support (either regular or tandem (heel‐to‐toe) stance) and visual input (either static visual field or dynamic optic flow). Standing in tandem, the more challenging position, resulted in increased sway for both age groups, but for the older adults, only this effect was exacerbated when combined with optic flow compared to the static visual display. These changes in stability were accompanied by neuro‐oscillatory modulations localized to midfrontal and parietal regions. A cluster of electro‐cortical sources localized to the supplementary motor area showed a large increase in theta spectral power (4–7 Hz) during tandem stance, and this modulation was much more pronounced for the younger group. Additionally, the older group displayed widespread mu (8–12 Hz) and beta (13–30 Hz) suppression as balance tasks placed more demands on postural control, especially during tandem stance. These findings may have substantial utility in identifying early cortical correlates of balance impairments in otherwise healthy older adults.
Refined Learning Tracking with a Longitudinal Probabilistic Diagnostic Model
Authors: Zhan Peida 
Published: October 2020

AbstractRefined tracking allows students and teachers to more accurately understand students’ learning growth. To provide refined learning tracking with longitudinal diagnostic assessment, this article proposed a new model by incorporating probabilistic logic into longitudinal diagnostic modeling. Specifically, probabilistic attributes were used instead of binary attributes to model the latent variables that affect students’ performance. Thus, in the proposed model, attribute‐level growth can be quantified in a more refined manner. The feasibility of the proposed model was examined using simulated data. The results mainly indicated that the model parameters for the proposed model could be well recovered. An empirical example was conducted to illustrate the applicability and advantages of the proposed model. The results mainly indicated that when distinguishing the level of students, the diagnostic results of the proposed model and the conventional longitudinal diagnostic model for binary attributes displayed a high degree of consistency; however, the former could provide more refined description of growth and a better model‐data fit than the latter.
Taxonomic review of the lace bug genus Omoplax (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Tingidae) endemic to “Oriental Galapagos” (the Ogasawara Islands, Japan) with the description of its new allied genus and species
Authors: Souma Jun , Kamitani Satoshi 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn this study, we revise the lace bugs (family Tingidae) from the Ogasawara Islands, Japan (also known as the “Oriental Galapagos”). Three species belonging to two endemic genera are recognized: Acanthomoplax tomokunii gen. et sp. nov., Omoplax desecta (Horváth, 1912), and O. majorcarinae Guilbert, 2001. A key to species is provided to facilitate the identification of Ogasawaran lace bugs.
The bumblebee Bombus ardens ardens (Hymenoptera: Apidae) visits white clover in orchards before Oriental persimmon blooms
Authors: Nikkeshi Aoi , Inoue Hiromitsu , Arai Tomonori , Kishi Shigeki , Kamo Tsunashi 
Published: October 2020

AbstractFlowers on the ground of orchards can provide substantial resources for wild pollinators of orchard trees. Few studies, however, have examined the relative importance of groundcover flowers to orchard pollination by analyzing pollen on the body surface of pollinators. Oriental persimmon trees bloom within the longer blooming period of white clover, which is occasionally found as a flowering plant on the ground of persimmon orchards in Japan. The present study compared the insect species assemblage collected on persimmon flowers with that on clover. Before persimmon bloomed, Bombus ardens ardens and Apis cerana japonica were the major visitors of clover flowers. Once persimmon bloomed, the former was the most abundant bee that visited persimmon flowers over the flowering period. Apis mellifera was captured only on clover flowers. We found numerous clover pollen grains on the body surface of bumblebees captured on persimmon flowers, but far fewer persimmon pollen grains on bees that visited clover. These findings show that B. ardens ardens utilized the clover flowers under the orchards before persimmon bloomed.
Atorvastatin disrupts primary human brain microvascular endothelial cell functions via prenylation‐dependent mitochondrial inhibition and oxidative stress
Authors: Tan Qian , Yu Danfang , Song Lin 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPrimary human brain microvascular endothelial cell (HBMEC) is the major component of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Atorvastatin, a HMG‐CoA reductase inhibitor, is a cholesterol‐lowering drug commonly used to reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease. Numerous studies have reported the pleiotropic effects of atorvastatin on endothelial cells, but the findings are controversial and inconclusive. In addition, little is known about the biological effects of atorvastatin on HBMEC. In this work, we demonstrate that atorvastatin at micromolar but not nanomolar concentrations induces dysfunctions of a number of HBMEC events, including differentiation into capillary network, migration and growth but not cell adhesion. We further show that the inhibitory effects of atorvastatin on HBMEC are independent of angiogenesis stimulators. Atorvastatin induces HBMEC apoptosis even in the presence of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and serum. Mechanism studies indicate that atorvastatin at micromolar concentration leads to protein prenylation inhibition, mitochondrial dysfunction and thereby subsequent oxidative stress and damage in HBMEC. Rescue experiments confirm that atorvastatin inhibits HBMEC functions via prenylation‐dependent mitochondrial inhibition. Our work reveals the inhibitory effects of atorvastatin on HBMEC and suggests the possible negative influence of atorvastatin in blood–brain barrier.
MACRO TRAKL: STRUCTURAL PARALLELS BETWEEN ‘HELIAN’ AND SEBASTIAN IM TRAUM
Authors: Millington Richard 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACTScholarship on Georg Trakl (1887–1914) has to date largely concerned itself with the finer details of his famously enigmatic poetic expression, especially his imagery and diction, rather than the artistry underlying larger compositional units such as poems, cycles, and collections. This study starts to redress the balance by taking a wide‐angled view of the shape and structure of his second and final published collection Sebastian im Traum (1915). In particular, it makes the case that by dividing the collection into five parts, Trakl was adapting and magnifying a format with which he had already achieved success – in the single longest lyric he ever wrote: ‘Helian’, from his previous collection Gedichte (1913). By cross‐reading each part of ‘Helian’ with the corresponding cycle from Sebastian im Traum, it shows that the parallels extend beyond the merely formal consideration of a fivefold division to a deeper level of thematic organisation, the analysis of which brings essential elements of Trakl's view of the world and the poet's place within it into sharper focus.
DER KOBOLD DER EROTISCHEN IRONIE – PLATON‐LEKTÜREN MIT THOMAS MANN
Authors: Mayer Mathias 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACTThomas Mann offers us a number of perspectives on Plato that so far have never been adequately described. For Mann, the artist seems to be a ʻplatonic natureʼ– not in the sense of asexual love, but as a constellation of creativity and homosexuality. Mann uses the key concept of ʻerotic ironyʼ as a kind of formula determined by Plato's philosophy of love as set out in the Symposium and Phaedrus. He was familiar with these works in the translations by Rudolf Kassner – and this means, in turn, that Mannʼs essay on Schopenhauer must also be seen in a new light.
Association of coagulopathy with liver dysfunction in patients with COVID‐19
Authors: Tsutsumi Takeya , Saito Makoto , Nagai Hiroyuki , Yamamoto Shinya , Ikeuchi Kazuhiko , Lim Lay Ahyoung , Adachi Eisuke , Koga Michiko , Okushin Kazuya , Akai Hiroyuki , Kunimatsu Akira , Yotsuyanagi Hiroshi 
Published: October 2020

AimLiver dysfunction is sometimes observed in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), but most studies are from China, and the frequency in other countries is unclear. In addition, previous studies suggested several mechanisms of liver damage, but precise or additional mechanisms are not clearly elucidated. Therefore, we examined COVID‐19 patients to explore the proportion of patients with liver dysfunction and also the factors associated with liver dysfunction.MethodsWe retrospectively examined 60 COVID‐19 patients hospitalized at the Hospital affiliated with The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo (Tokyo, Japan). Patients who presented ≥40 U/L alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels at least once during their hospitalization were defined as high‐ALT patients, and the others as normal‐ALT patients. The worst values of physical and laboratory findings during hospitalization for each patient were extracted for the analyses. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models with bootstrap (for 1000 times) were carried out.ResultsAmong 60 patients, there were 31 (52%) high‐ALT patients. The high‐ALT patients were obese, and had significantly higher levels of D‐dimer and fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products, as well as white blood cell count, and levels of C‐reactive protein, ferritin, and fibrinogen. Multivariable analysis showed D‐dimer and white blood cells as independent factors.ConclusionsConsidering that higher D‐dimer level and white blood cell count were independently associated with ALT elevation, liver dysfunction in COVID‐19 patients might be induced by microvascular thrombosis in addition to systemic inflammation.
Developing and validating the Japanese version of professional attitude scale for nurses
Authors: Takada N. , Asakura K. , Sugiyama S. 
Published: October 2020

AimWe developed and psychometrically tested the Japanese version of the Professional Attitude Scale for Nurses (PASN‐J).BackgroundNurses must recognize the importance of their professionalism; therefore, it is critical to quantitatively measure nurses’ professional attitudes.IntroductionThis instrument validation study was designed to generate an itemized scale and examine its content validity/psychometric testing using a sample of Japanese nurses.MethodsBased on a trait approach focusing on the characteristic traits of the nursing profession, a 59‐item draft scale was generated. During November 2017, 2657 nurses from 29 facilities in Japan were surveyed. The questionnaire included demographics, the 59‐item draft scale, and a self‐report scale of nurses’ professional behaviour and nursing practice ability. Using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, we evaluated the construct, criterion‐related, concurrent, and known‐groups validity, and reliability of the PASN‐J.ResultsData from 1716 participants were analysed. The analyses yielded a 38‐item, 3‐factor scale that adequately fit the data. PASN‐J scores were positively correlated with nurses’ professional behaviour and nursing practice ability.ConclusionThe 38‐item PASN‐J has good reliability and validity, making it useful for measuring the current condition of nursing professionalism and evaluating nursing education. Implications for Nursing and Health Policy: This scale can evaluate nursing education and promote nurses’ professionalism. The PASN‐J will help identifying the elements of undergraduate nursing education that require further emphasis. Additionally, the PASN‐J could facilitate the development of nursing policies to promote professional development in nurses. Ultimately, evaluating nursing education with the PASN‐J enhances nurses’ professional attitudes and subsequently improves their quality of nursing, nursing efficiency and patient outcomes.
Deciding about the use of a Personal Safety Alerting Device—The need for a legitimation process: A qualitative study
Authors: Thilo Friederike J. S. , Schols Jos M. G. A. , Halfens Ruud J. G. , Linhart Monika , Hahn Sabine 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAimsTo explore reasons, thoughts, motives, and influencing factors regarding the use or non‐use of Personal Safety Alerting Devices (PSADs) in the daily lives of community‐dwelling older persons.DesignA qualitative descriptive study design was used.MethodsSix focus groups were conducted with a total of 32 older persons between February–August 2016. Data analysis followed the Qualitative Analysis Guide of Leuven.ResultsThe participants described the use or non‐use of PSADs as a decision resulting from a “legitimation process”. This process implies that a person needs to perceive the necessity for a PSAD and then determine the right moment at which to start using it. During this process, each person weighs her or his “ageing self” and “perception of technology” then decides whether to start using a device or to delay its use. “Critical events” initiate this process, compelling the person to consider their own safety and their possible need for assistance.ConclusionThe legitimation process suggests that the initiation of PSAD use represents a turning point in life. Using a PSAD is not simply a matter of obtaining one. It is a complex decision‐making process establishing legitimation for its use, which is interwoven with one's individual ageing, self‐perception, and the meaning attributed to the device.ImpactOlder persons need to be supported; in particular, they require time to go through the legitimation process for PSAD use. Nurses can empower them in this process, such that they perceive using a PSAD as a means to restore their frailty balance and feel enabled to (re)gain control over their own life and thus to preserve their independence.
Macroevolutionary dynamics of parasite diversification: A reality check
Authors: Hay Eleanor M. , Poulin Robert , Jorge Fátima 
Published: October 2020

AbstractParasitism is often invoked as a factor explaining the variation in diversification rates across the tree of life, while also representing up to half of Earth's diversity. Yet, patterns and processes of parasite diversification remain mostly unknown. In this study, we assess the patterns of parasite diversification and specifically determine the role of life‐history traits (i.e. life cycle complexity and host range) and major coevolutionary events in driving diversification across eight phylogenetic datasets spanning taxonomically different parasite groups. Aware of the degree of incomplete sampling among all parasite phylogenies, we also tested the impact of sampling bias on estimates of diversification. We show that the patterns and rates of parasite diversification differ among taxa according to life cycle complexity and to some extent major host transitions. Only directly transmitted parasites were found to be influenced by an effect of major host transitions on diversification rates. Although parasitism may be a main factor responsible for heterogeneity in diversification among the tree of life, the high degree of incomplete parasite phylogenies remains an obstacle when modelling diversification dynamics. Nevertheless, we provide the first comparative test of parasite diversification, revealing some consistent patterns and insight into the processes that shape it.