bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tracking the dynamic functional connectivity structure of the human brain across the adult lifespan
Authors: Xia Yunman , Chen Qunlin , Shi Liang , Li MengZe , Gong Weikang , Chen Hong , Qiu Jiang 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe transition from early adulthood to the elder is marked by functional and structural brain transformations. Many previous studies examined the correlation between the functional connectivity (FC) and aging using resting‐state fMRI. Results showed that the changes in FC are linked to aging as well as the cognitive ability changes. However, some researchers proposed that the FC is not static but dynamic changes during the resting‐state fMRI scan. In this study, we examined the correlation between the resting‐state dynamic functional network connectivity and age using resting scan data of 434 subjects. The results suggested: (a) age is negatively associated with variability of dynamic functional network connectivity state; (b) the dwell time of each age range spends in each state is different; (c) the dynamic graph metrics curve of each age ranges is different and 19–30 age range has the largest average global efficiency and average local efficiency; (d) some dynamic functional network connectivity measures were correlated to the certain cognitive ability. Overall, the results suggested the changes in dynamic functional network connectivity measures may be a characteristic of the aging process and in further investigations may provide a deep understanding of the aging process.
Does DRG funding encourage hospital specialization? Evidence from the Italian National Health Service
Authors: Anessi‐Pessina Eugenio , Nieddu Luciano , Rizzo Marco Giovanni 
Published: December 2018

SummaryThe impact of diagnosis‐related group (DRG)‐based funding has been analyzed along a wide range of dimensions. Its effects on hospital specialization, however, have been investigated only sparsely. This paper examines such effects in the context of the Italian National Health Service, where decentralization has produced a significant degree of variation in funding arrangements.To this end, a 9‐year panel data set covering 762 Italian public and private hospitals was analyzed using a finite mixture model approach. Hospital specialization was measured by the internal Herfindahl‐Hirschman Index. Three variables were introduced as proxies for the choices made by Italian Regions with respect to the development and use of their DRG systems. The best finite mixture model identified three groups of hospitals, two of which sizeable. Of these, one included nearly all public hospitals, while the other was composed almost exclusively of small and medium‐sized investor‐owned hospitals. Averagely, private and smaller hospitals showed a stronger tendency to specialize over time. The positive impact of DRG funding on the hospitals' propensity to specialize found only limited empirical support. Moreover, it emerged as comparatively much smaller for public hospitals vis à vis private ones.
Investigating unmet health care needs under the National Health Insurance program in Taiwan: A latent class analysis
Authors: Tian Wei‐Hua 
Published: December 2018

SummaryObjectivesIn Taiwan, although the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI) program reduced financial barriers and enhanced accessibility for individuals to utilize health care services, an unequal distribution of medical care resources still exists. This paper is focusing on analyzing factors that are associated with unmet health care needs among the middle‐aged and elderly under the NHI in Taiwan.MethodsStatistical analysis from the 2007 Survey of Health and Living Status of the Elderly in Taiwan. We firstly adopted latent class analysis to classify individuals' observable reasons for feeling unwell but not seeing a doctor within the last 3 months into three latent perceived barriers classes. We further used a multinomial probit regression model to analyze factors that are associated with each perceived barrier class to the access of health care service.ResultsResults indicate relative to the “relatively no barriers” class, individuals with a high level of educational attainment tend to more likely to be in the “accommodation barriers” class, and individuals live in the most developed areas with the densest medical facilities tend to less likely to be in the “accessibility barriers” class.ConclusionsWe identified possible risk factors for each perceived barrier, which could provide important insights for health authorities and medical providers when targeting policies and interventions to efficiently assist people in need.
Flow dynamics at the continental scale: Streamflow correlation and hydrological similarity
Authors: Betterle Andrea , Schirmer Mario , Botter Gianluca 
Published: December 2018

AbstractStreamflow variability in space and time critically affects anthropic water uses and ecosystem services. Unfortunately, spatiotemporal patterns of flow regimes are often unknown, as discharge measurements are usually recorded at a limited number of hydrometric stations unevenly distributed along river networks. Advances in understanding the physical processes that control the spatial patterns of river flows are therefore necessary to predict water availability at ungauged locations or to extrapolate pointwise streamflow observations. This work explores the use of the spatial correlation of river flows as a metric to quantify the similarity between hydrological responses of two catchments. Following a stochastic framework, 340,000 cross‐correlations between pairs of daily streamflows time series are predicted at a seasonal timescale across the contiguous United States using 413 catchments of the MOPEX dataset. Model predictions of streamflow correlation obtained in absence of run‐off information are successfully used to identify catchment outlets sharing similar discharge dynamics and flow regimes across a broad range of geomorphoclimatic conditions, without relying on calibration. The selection of reference streamgauges based on predicted streamflow correlation generally outperforms the selection based on spatial proximity, especially as the density of available gauged sections decreases. Interestingly, correlated outlets share a broad spectrum of hydrological signatures (mean discharge, flow variability, and recession properties), suggesting that catchments forced by analogous frequency and intensity of effective rainfall events might exhibit common geomorphoecological traits leading to similar hydrological responses. The proposed framework provides a physical basis to assist the regionalization of flow dynamics and to interpret the spatial variability of flow regimes along stream networks.
Increasing Risk of Hospital-Treated Infections and Community-Based Antibiotic Use After Hip Fracture Surgery: A Nationwide Study 2005–2016
Authors: Kjørholt Kaja E , Johnsen Søren P , Kristensen Nickolaj R , Prieto-Alhambra Daniel , Pedersen Alma B 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT

We aimed to examine trends in the incidence of treated infections following hip fracture surgery in Denmark from 2005 to 2016. We conducted a nationwide cohort study using individual-level linked data from Danish population-based registries. We calculated cumulative incidence considering death as competing risk and, based on the pseudo-observation method, risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) using the period 2005–2006 as a reference. RRs were adjusted for age, sex, and comorbidity. A total of 74,771 patients aged 65 years or older with first-time hip fracture surgery were included. The risk of postoperative (at 15, 30, 90, and 365 days) infections increased during 2005–2016. The 30-day cumulative incidence of all hospital-treated infections increased from 10.8% (95% CI, 10.2% to 11.3%) in 2005–2006 to 14.3% (95% CI, 13.7% to 15.0%) in 2015–2016 (adjusted RR 1.32; 95% CI, 1.23 to 1.42). Adjusted RR for 30-day hospital-treated pneumonia was 1.70 (95% CI, 1.49 to 1.92). The 30-day cumulative incidence of redeeming community-based antibiotic prescriptions increased from 17.5% (95% CI, 16.8% to 18.2%) in 2005–2006 to 27.1% (95% CI, 26.3% to 27.9%) in 2015–2016 (adjusted RR 1.54; 95% CI, 1.47 to 1.62). The largest increase was observed for broad-spectrum antibiotic use (adjusted RR 1.79; 95% CI, 1.68 to 1.90). During 2005–2016, risk of infections was substantially higher in hip fracture patients than in the general population. The risk of hospital-treated pneumonia and antibiotic prescriptions increased more over time among hip fracture patients. We found increased risks of postoperative treated infections following hip fracture surgery during the 12-year study period, which could not entirely be explained by similar infection trends in the general population. Given the high mortality following infections in the elderly, further research is needed to identify patients at increased risk to target preventive treatment and potentially reduce complications and mortality in hip fracture patients. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Osteogenic differentiation of preconditioned bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells with lipopolysaccharide on modified poly‐l‐lactic‐acid nanofibers
Authors: Kooshki Hamideh , Ghollasi Marzieh , Halabian Raheleh , Kazemi Negar M. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractTissue engineering is an interdisciplinary expertise that involves the use of nanoscaffolds for repairing, modifying, and removing tissue defects and formation of new tissues. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can differentiate into a variety of cell types, and they are attractive candidates for tissue engineering. In the current study, the electrospinning process was used for nanofiber preparation, based on a poly‐l‐lactic‐acid (PLLA) polymer. The surface was treated with O
2 plasma to enhance hydrophilicity, cell attachment, growth, and differentiation potential. The nanoscaffolds were preconditioned with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to enhance induction of differentiation. The nanoscaffolds were categorized by contact angle measurements and scanning electron microscopy. The MTT assay was used to analyze the rate of growth and proliferation of cells. Osteogenic differentiation of cultured MSCs was evaluated on nanofibers using common osteogenic markers, such as alkaline phosphatase activity, calcium mineral deposition, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, and immunocytochemical analysis. Based on the in vitro results, primed MSCs with LPS on the PLLA nanoscaffold significantly enhanced the proliferation and osteogenesis of MSCs. Also, the combination of LPS and electrospun nanofibers can provide a new and suitable matrix to support stem cells’ differentiation for bone tissue engineering.
Retracted: Long noncoding RNA nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 impacts cell proliferation, invasion, and migration of glioma through regulating miR‐139‐5p/CDK6
Authors: Wu Dong‐Mei , Wang Shan , Wen Xin , Han Xin‐Rui , Wang Yong‐Jian , Fan Shao‐Hua , Zhang Zi‐Feng , Shan Qun , Lu Jun , Zheng Yuan‐Lin 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAims: We aimed to explore the impact of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) on cell proliferation, invasion, and migration of glioma.Methods: Differentially expressed genes were screened out from Gene Expression Omnibus data set based on the microarray analysis. The expression levels of lncRNA NEAT1, miR‐139‐5p, and CDK6 in glioma cells and tissues were examined by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and the protein level of CDK6 in glioma cells was determined by western blot and immunohistochemistry. Glioma cell viability, cell cycle, and apoptosis were detected by 3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazoliumbromide (MTT) and flow cytometry, respectively, whereas cell invasion and migration were analyzed by transwell assay. The target relationships among NEAT1, miR‐139‐5p, and CDK6 were confirmed by dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay. The effects of lncRNA NEAT1 on tumor growth were further testified through glioma xenografts in nude mice.Results: LncRNA NEAT1 and CDK6 were highly expressed in glioma tissues and cells, whereas miR‐139‐5p was lowly expressed. There were target relationships and correlations on expressions between miR‐139‐5p and NEAT1/ CDK6. NEAT1 and CDK6 could promote cell proliferation and metastasis of glioma cells and impeded cell apoptosis, whereas miR‐139‐5p exerted suppressive effects on the biological functions of glioma cells. NEAT1 regulated CDK6 to affect glioma growth through sponging miR‐139‐5p.Conclusions: LncRNA NEAT1 promotes cell proliferation, invasion, and migration of glioma through regulating miR‐139‐5p/CDK6 pathway.
MicroRNA‐141‐3p inhibits retinal neovascularization and retinal ganglion cell apoptosis in glaucoma mice through the inactivation of Docking protein 5‐dependent mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Li‐Qiong , Cui Hao , Yu Yong‐Bin , Shi Huan‐Qi , Zhou Yuan , Liu Mei‐Jiao 
Published: December 2018

AbstractRetinal neovascularization occurs in various ocular disorders including proliferative diabetic retinopathy and secondary neovascular glaucoma, resulting in blindness. This paper aims to investigate the effect of microRNA‐141‐3p (miR‐141‐3p) on retinal neovascularization and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in glaucoma mice through the Docking protein 5 (DOK5)‐mediated mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Chip retrieval and difference analysis were used for the potential mechanism of miR‐141‐3p on glaucoma. All modeled mice were transfected with different expression of mimic or inhibitor. The expressions of miR‐141‐3p, DOK5, and related genes and proteins of the MAPK signaling pathway were detected by Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. Cell proliferation, lumen formation, and apoptosis in the retinal vascular epithelial cells and RGCs were detected using Matrigel angiogenesis and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick‐end labeling assays. Moreover, a total of 63 and 294 differentially expressed genes were obtained in GSE2378 and GSE9944 chips, and 4 genes were within the intersection of the chips. In addition, the results showed that miR‐141‐3p was found to inhibit the DOK5 gene and activate the MAPK pathway. The number of RGCs, the expression of p38, extracellular‐signal‐regulated kinases (ERK), Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK), IGF‐1, VEGF, HIF1‐α, Bax, caspase‐3, and the extent of p38, ERK, and JNK phosphorylated were decreased with miR‐141‐3p upregulation. Lastly, the results obtained showed that miR‐141‐3p inhibited the proliferation of retinal vascular epithelial cells and inhibited angiogenesis, as well as promoted apoptosis of RGCs. The study suggests that miR‐141‐3p inhibits retinal neovascularization in glaucoma mice by impeding the activation of the DOK5‐mediated MAPK signaling pathway.
Long noncoding RNA NEAT1 accelerates the proliferation and fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy through activating Akt/mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Huang Shan , Xu Yong , Ge Xiaoxu , Xu Bojin , Peng Wenfang , Jiang Xiaohong , Shen Lisha , Xia Lili 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAccumulating evidence has indicated the significant roles of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the pathophysiology of diabetic nephropathy (DN). LncRNA nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) has been reported to exert a key role in the progression of several diseases including diabetes. However, the role of NEAT1 in the regulation of DP progression remains barely known. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the role of NEAT1 in a streptozotocin‐induced diabetes model (DM) of rats and glucose‐induced mouse mesangial cell models. Currently, we found that NEAT1 was greatly upregulated in DM rats and glucose‐induced mice mesangial cells, in which a high activation of Akt/mTOR signaling was also observed. Then, it was shown that knockdown of NETA1 was able to reduce renal injury in DM rats obviously. In addition, cell counting kit‐8 assay and 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine assay were carried out and we observed downregulation of NEAT1 significantly inhibited mesangial cell proliferation. Meanwhile, extracellular matrix proteins and messenger RNA (transforming growth factor β1, fibronectin, and collagen IV) expression was dramatically restrained by silencing of NEAT1 in the high glucose‐induced mesangial cells. Finally, knockdown of NEAT1 greatly reduced the expression of the phosphorylation of Akt and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in vitro. These findings revealed that the decrease of NEAT1 repressed the proliferation and fibrosis in DN via activating the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, which might represent a novel pathological mechanism of DN progression.
Overexpression of MALAT1 contributes to cervical cancer progression by acting as a sponge of miR‐429
Authors: Shen Fujin , Zheng Hongyun , Zhou Limei , Li Wei , Xu Xuexian 
Published: December 2018

AbstractCervical cancer remains a malignant type of tumor and is the fourth leading cause of cancer‐related death among females. MALAT1 has been identified as a tumor oncogene in various cancers. Our present study aimed to explore the biological role of MALAT1 in cervical cancer. We observed that MALAT1 was significantly upregulated in human cervical cancer cell lines compared with the ectocervical epithelial cells. MALAT1 was repressed by transfection with LV‐shMALAT1, whereas increased by LV‐MALAT1 in HeLa and Caski cells. Silencing of MALAT1 obviously reduced cervical cell viability, induced cell apoptosis, and repressed cell invasion capacity. Conversely, overexpression of MALAT1 exhibited an opposite phenomenon. Furthermore, miR‐429 was predicted as a direct target of MALAT1, and it was dramatically decreased in cervical cancer cells. It has been shown that miR‐429 plays a crucial role in cervical cancer progression. In our current study, the targeting correlation between MALAT1 and miR‐429 was confirmed by luciferase reporter assays and RIP experiments. Finally, in vivo animal models were established, and we indicated that MALAT1 inhibited cervical cancer progression via targeting miR‐429. These findings revealed that MALAT1 can sponge miR‐429 and regulate cervical cancer pathogenesis in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, we indicated that the MALAT1/miR‐429 axis was involved in cervical cancer development.
Hybrid poly‐l‐lactic acid/poly(ε‐caprolactone) nanofibrous scaffold can improve biochemical and molecular markers of human induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived hepatocyte‐like cells
Authors: Mobarra Naser , Soleimani Masoud , Ghayour‐Mobarhan Majid , Safarpour Samaneh , Ferns Gordon A. , Pakzad Reza , Pasalar Parvin 
Published: December 2018

AbstractA suitable alternative strategy for liver transplantation is the use of nanofibrous scaffolds together with stem cells. In this study, a random hybrid of poly‐l‐lactic acid (PLLA) and poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) was used as a three‐dimensional (3D) culture for differentiation of hepatocyte‐like cells and compared with routine culture (two‐dimensional [2D]). The expression of the endodermal marker, forkhead box A2 (FOXA2), was assessed on Day 3 and the hepatic markers; albumin (ALB), α‐1 antitrypsin (AAT), and cytokeratin‐18 (CK‐18) were evaluated on Day 18 using quantitative polymerase chain reaction qPCR. As well as, ALB, α‐fetoprotein (AFP), and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) uptake were evaluated using immunocytochemistry; moreover, periodic acid‐Schiff and Oil Red were done by cell staining. In addition, AFP and urea production were evaluated by chemiluminescence and colorimetric assays. Light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed changes in the cells in 2D and 3D models. The gene expression of hepatic markers was significantly higher in the 3D cultures. In addition, immunocytochemistry and cell staining showed that ALB, AFP, LDL‐uptake, periodic acid‐Schiff, and Oil Red were expressed in both cells derived on 2D and 3D. Furthermore, the evaluation of AFP and urea secretion was significantly different between 2D and 3D strategies. These findings suggest that functionally cells cultured on a PLLA/PCL scaffold may be suitable for cell therapy and regenerative medicine.
BAF60A mediates interactions between the microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor and the BRG1‐containing SWI/SNF complex during melanocyte differentiation
Authors: Aras Shweta , Saladi Srinivas Vinod , Basuroy Tupa , Marathe Himangi G. , Lorès Patrick , de la Serna Ivana L. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractSWI/SNF chromatin remodeling enzymes are multisubunit complexes that contain one of two catalytic subunits, BRG1 or BRM and 9–11 additional subunits called BRG1 or BRM‐associated factors (BAFs). BRG1 interacts with the microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor (MITF) and is required for melanocyte development in vitro and in vivo. The subunits of SWI/SNF that mediate interactions between BRG1 and MITF have not been elucidated. Three mutually exclusive isoforms of a 60‐kDa subunit (BAF60A, B, or C) often facilitate interactions with transcription factors during lineage specification. We tested the hypothesis that a BAF60 subunit promotes interactions between MITF and the BRG1‐containing SWI/SNF complex. We found that MITF can physically interact with BAF60A, BAF60B, and BAF60C. The interaction between MITF and BAF60A required the basic helix‐loop‐helix domain of MITF. Recombinant BAF60A pulled down recombinant MITF, suggesting that the interaction can occur in the absence of other SWI/SNF subunits and other transcriptional regulators of the melanocyte lineage. Depletion of BAF60A in differentiating melanoblasts inhibited melanin synthesis and expression of MITF target genes. MITF promoted BAF60A recruitment to melanocyte‐specific promoters, and BAF60A was required to promote BRG1 recruitment and chromatin remodeling. Thus, BAF60A promotes interactions between MITF and the SWI/SNF complex and is required for melanocyte differentiation.
Mesenchymal stem cell: Basic research and potential applications in cattle and buffalo
Authors: Gugjoo Mudasir Bashir , Amarpal  , Fazili Mujeeb R , Shah Riaz A , Sharma Gutulla Taru 
Published: December 2018

AbstractCharacteristic features like self‐renewal, multilineage differentiation potential, and immune‐modulatory/anti‐inflammatory properties, besides the ability to mobilize and home distant tissues make stem cells (SCs) a lifeline for an individual. Stem cells (SCs) if could be harvested and expanded without any abnormal change may be utilized as an all‐in‐one solution to numerous clinical ailments. However, slender understanding of their basic physiological properties, including expression potential, behavioral alternations during culture, and the effect of niche/microenvironment has currently restricted the clinical application of SCs. Among various types of SCs, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are extensively studied due to their easy availability, straightforward harvesting, and culturing procedures, besides, their less likelihood to produce teratogens. Large ruminant MSCs have been harvested from various adult tissues and fetal membranes and are well characterized under in vitro conditions but unlike human or other domestic animals in vivo studies on cattle/buffalo MSCs have mostly been aimed at improving the animals’ production potential. In this document, we focused on the status and potential application of MSCs in cattle and buffalo.