bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spectral imaging of FRET‐based sensors reveals sustained cAMP gradients in three spatial dimensions
Authors: Annamdevula Naga S. , Sweat Rachel , Griswold John R. , Trinh Kenny , Hoffman Chase , West Savannah , Deal Joshua , Britain Andrea L. , Jalink Kees , Rich Thomas C. , Leavesley Silas J. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractCyclic AMP is a ubiquitous second messenger that orchestrates a variety of cellular functions over different timescales. The mechanisms underlying specificity within this signaling pathway are still not well understood. Several lines of evidence suggest the existence of spatial cAMP gradients within cells, and that compartmentalization underlies specificity within the cAMP signaling pathway. However, to date, no studies have visualized cAMP gradients in three spatial dimensions (3D:x,y,z).This is in part due to the limitations of FRET‐based cAMP sensors, specifically the low signal‐to‐noise ratio intrinsic to all intracellular FRET probes. Here, we overcome this limitation, at least in part, by implementing spectral imaging approaches to estimate FRET efficiency when multiple fluorescent labels are used and when signals are measured from weakly expressed fluorescent proteins in the presence of background autofluorescence and stray light. Analysis of spectral image stacks in two spatial dimensions (2D) from single confocal slices indicates little or no cAMP gradients formed within pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVECs) under baseline conditions or following 10 min treatment with the adenylyl cyclase activator forskolin. However, analysis of spectral image stacks in 3D demonstrates marked cAMP gradients from the apical to basolateral face of PMVECs. Results demonstrate that spectral imaging approaches can be used to assess cAMP gradients—and in general gradients in fluorescence and FRET—within intact cells. Results also demonstrate that 2D imaging studies of localized fluorescence signals and, in particular, cAMP signals, whether using epifluorescence or confocal microscopy, may lead to erroneous conclusions about the existence and/or magnitude of gradients in either FRET or the underlying cAMP signals. Thus, with the exception of cellular structures that can be considered in one spatial dimension, such as neuronal processes, 3D measurements are required to assess mechanisms underlying compartmentalization and specificity within intracellular signaling pathways.
Characteristics of live parameters of the HS‐5 human bone marrow stromal cell line cocultured with the leukemia cells in hypoxia, for the studies of leukemia–stroma cross‐talk
Authors: Podszywalow‐Bartnicka Paulina , Kominek Agata , Wolczyk Magdalena , Kolba Marta D. , Swatler Julian , Piwocka Katarzyna 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe unique bone marrow microenvironment is created by stromal cells and such physical conditions as hypoxia. Both hypoxia and interactions with stromal cells have a significant impact on the biology of leukemia cells, changing their sensitivity to antileukemic therapies. Thus, it is crucial to introduce biological systems, which enable the investigation of leukemia–stroma cross‐talk and verification of novel therapies effectiveness under such bone marrow niche‐mimicking conditions. Here, we have established an experimental setup based on the hypoxic co‐culture of stromal cells with different cell lines derived from various leukemia patients. Flow cytometry enables simultaneous fluorescent tracking of viable cells and analysis of fundamental cellular processes, also to monitor the basal vital state of cells in the hypoxic co‐culture. This is critically important, as the stromal cells deliver a big variability of signals to protect leukemia cells and provide drug resistance. Therefore, keeping stromal cells at the healthy state is crucial during experimental procedures. In the proposed studies, viability, apoptosis, proliferation, ROS production, and mitochondrial membrane potential were monitored in both cell types, which were separated on the basis of the fluorescence of a cell tracker. We have shown that the proposed hypoxic co‐culture conditions do not affect basal live parameters of stromal cells, indicating the relevance of proposed model. Finally, we utilized this experimental setup to monitor the stroma‐mediated protection of leukemia cells from the imatinib‐induced cell death, which contributes to the leukemia progression and development of therapy resistance. Altogether, we recommend such flow cytometric strategy as an elementary screen of the vital state of stromal cells, which should be performed when using the co‐culture hypoxic models. The proposed approach can also be broadly used for other studies of the leukemia–stroma cross‐talk and of the part played by the leukemic microenvironment in drug screening studies.
Gender differences in Egyptian patients hospitalized with heart failure: insights from the European Society of Cardiology Heart Failure Long‐Term Registry
Authors: Hassanein Mahmoud , Abdelhamid Magdy , Ibrahim Bassem , Sobhy Mohamed , Nasr Gamela , Aboleineen Mohamed Wafaie , Reda Ashraf , Farag Nabil , Elshazly Ahmed , Abdeldayem Tarek Khairy , Elmesseiry Fatma , Boshra Hesham , Sobhy Hesham , Elbahry Atef , Youssef Amr , Ashmawy Medhat , Abdelmoneim Ahmed , Saleh Ayman , Elrakshy Yahya , Ebeid Hamdy 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAimsThis analysis evaluates gender differences in the Egyptian cohort of patients hospitalized for acute heart failure (AHF) in the European Society of Cardiology Heart Failure Long‐Term Registry.Methods and resultsFrom April 2011 to September 2014, 1634 patients hospitalized with AHF were enrolled by 20 hospitals all over Egypt. Of these patients, 1112 (68%) patients were male and 522 (32%) were female. Women presented with a higher admission systolic blood pressure and resting heart rate. Compared with men, women had a higher body mass index (32.5 ± 9.0 vs. 29.3 ± 4.9, P < 0.001), more frequent atrial fibrillation (34.7% vs. 22.4%, P < 0.001), and anaemia defined by haemoglobin < 12 g/dL (83.1% vs. 58.4%, P < 0.001). Women were more likely to present with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (29.7% vs. 10.6%, P < 0.001). Women had more frequent diabetes mellitus (48.1% vs. 41.6%, P < 0.05) and hypertension (48.7% vs. 39.3%, P < 0.001) than had men, whereas smoking was rare among them (8.8% vs. 82.9%, P < 0.005). There was no significant difference in the primary aetiology of heart failure between both sexes. ACE inhibitors, beta‐blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, antiplatelets, statins, and nitrates were less frequently prescribed to women, whereas they more often received digoxin, amiodarone, anticoagulants, and calcium channel blockers. There was no significant difference in in‐hospital (5.7% vs. 4.6%, P = 0.39) and 1 year mortality (27.9% vs. 25.9%, P = 0.48) between women and men, respectively.ConclusionsMen and women with AHF differ significantly in baseline clinical characteristics and management but not in adverse outcomes. These findings emphasize the importance of individualized management and need for more comprehensive recruitment of women in clinical trials.
Sustained low consumption of fruit and vegetables in Australian children: Findings from the Australian National Health Surveys
Authors: Mihrshahi Seema , Myton Rimma , Partridge Stephanie R. , Esdaile Emma , Hardy Louise L. , Gale Joanne 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIssue addressedIntakes of fruit and vegetables in children are inadequate. Our purpose was to examine national data on the proportion of Australian children meeting the fruit and vegetable recommendations in 2011‐2012 and 2014‐2015, assessing changes over time and differences by age, sex and socio‐economic status (SES).MethodsSecondary analysis of 2011‐2012 and 2014‐2015 Australian National Health Surveys of Australian children aged 2‐18 years. Percentages of children meeting fruit and vegetable recommendations by survey year, age group, sex and SES tertile were calculated using population weights supplied by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Chi‐squared tests and logistic regression were used to test for the relative influence of each factor.ResultsIn 2011‐2012, 64.6%, 5.1% and 4.6% of children met the recommended intake for fruit, vegetable and fruit–vegetable combined, respectively. In 2014‐2015, 68.2%, 5.3% and 5.1% of all children met the recommended intake for fruit, vegetable and fruit–vegetable combined, respectively. There was a large reduction in proportions of children meeting both the fruit and vegetable recommendations between 3 and 4 years of age, which coincides with when most Australian children start pre‐school. There were consistent differences by sex for both fruit and vegetables, but we found little evidence that SES is a significant factor predicting the difference in meeting the vegetable recommendations.ConclusionThe proportion of Australian children meeting fruit and vegetable recommendations are sub‐optimal across all SES groups which suggests that a national approach across demographic strata is warranted.So what?Future health promotion interventions should have a refocus on vegetables instead of “fruit and vegetables,” particularly in the key transition period when children start pre‐school.
Influence of balloon temperature and time to pulmonary vein isolation on acute pulmonary vein reconnection and clinical outcomes after cryoballoon ablation of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Watanabe Ryuta , Okumura Yasuo , Nagashima Koichi , Iso Kazuki , Takahashi Keiko , Arai Masaru , Wakamatsu Yuji , Kurokawa Sayaka , Ohkubo Kimie , Nakai Toshiko , Yoda Shunichi , Watanabe Ichiro , Hirayama Atsushi , Sonoda Kazumasa , Tosaka Toshimasa 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundLimited data exist on indicators of durable pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) undergoing cryoballoon ablation (CBA) for atrial fibrillation (AF). We investigated whether balloon temperature and time to PVI can be used to predict early PV reconduction (EPVR), including residual PV conduction and adenosine triphosphate‐induced dormant conduction and the relation between touch‐up ablation of EPVR sites and mid‐term recurrence of AF.MethodsWe obtained procedural and outcome data from the records of 130 consecutive patients who underwent CBA and followed up for 13.4 months.ResultsEPVR was identified in 86 (17%) PVs of 61 (47%) patients. Balloon temperatures during 30 seconds (−27 ± 5.7°C vs −31 ± 5.5°C), 60 seconds (−36 ± 5.6°C vs −41 ± 5.4°C), and at the nadir point (−41 ± 7.4°C vs −49 ± 7.0°C) were significantly higher, and the time to PVI was longer (90 ± 50 seconds vs 52 ± 29 seconds) in PVs with EPVR than in those without (P < 0.0001 for all). Among PVs without EPVR, the time to PVI was longer and balloon temperature was lower for the left superior pulmonary vein/ right inferior pulmonary vein (LSPV/RIPV) than for the right superior pulmonary vein/left inferior pulmonary vein (RSPV/LIPV) (time: 60 ± 25/73 ± 37 seconds vs 41 ± 31/45 ± 20 seconds, P < 0.0001) (temp: −39.2 ± 11.3/−39.4 ± 8.3°C vs −33.8 ± 10.6/−33.6 ± 6.8°C, P = 0.0023). AF recurrence rates were equivalent between patients with and without EPVR (13% [8/69] vs 15% [9/61], P = 0.845).ConclusionsCryoballoon temperature and time to PVI appear to be useful in predicting durable PVI, that is, prevention of EPVR, but the balloon temperature and time required for PVI differ between PVs. Although EPVR does not predict AF recurrence, high success rates can be expected when touch‐up ablation of EPVR sites is performed.
Entrapment and retrieval of a diagnostic electrophysiological catheter in the Chiari network
Authors: Chu Songyun , Solheim Eivind , Chen Jian , Hoff Per Ivar , Schuster Peter 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe Chiari networks are reticulated fibers of embryological remnant venous valves in the right atrium. In patients with this congenital variation, manipulation of diagnostic catheters can be difficult, and there is a substantial risk of entrapment during electrophysiological studies. We report a case of successful retraction of a diagnostic catheter entangled in the Chiari network with the use of a lead extraction tool during a scheduled atrial fibrillation ablation. Rescheduled cryoablation was performed without complication and provided a good outcome.
The impact of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in heart failure
Authors: Moschonas Konstantinos , Nabeebaccus Adam , Okonko Darlington O. , McDonagh Theresa A. , Murgatroyd Francis D. , Dhillon Para , Scott Paul A. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAtrial fibrillation (AF) commonly co‐exists with systolic heart failure (SHF) and its presence is associated with a worse prognosis. Despite this, a rhythm control approach using antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) to reduce AF burden has demonstrated no prognostic benefit. Catheter ablation (AFA) is more effective than AADs at reducing AF burden. We performed a meta‐analysis to evaluate the impact of AFA on outcomes in SHF. Electronic databases were systematically searched. We included only randomized controlled trials that examined the impact of AFA on clinical outcomes in patients with SHF (LVEF <50%). We included studies with any ablation strategy that incorporated pulmonary vein isolation and any control group. Seven studies (n = 858) were included with a mean follow‐up of 6‐38 months. In comparison to controls, AFA was associated with significant reductions in all‐cause mortality (relative risk [RR] 0.52, P = 0.0009) and unplanned or heart failure hospitalization (RR 0.58, P < 0.00001). Compared to controls, AFA was also associated with significant improvements in LVEF (mean difference 6.30%, P < 0.00001), Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire score (mean difference 9.58, P = 0.0003), 6‐minute walk distance (mean difference 31.78 m, P = 0.003) and VO2 max (mean difference 3.17, P = 0.003). However, major procedure‐related complications occurred in 2.4%‐15% of ablation patients. In patients with AF and SHF, catheter ablation has significant benefits. Further work is needed to establish the role of ablation in the routine treatment of SHF patients with AF.
Promoting effective tendon healing and remodeling
Authors: Andarawis‐Puri Nelly , Flatow Evan L. 
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACTDaily activities subject our tendons to accumulation of sub‐rupture fatigue injury which can lead to tendon rupture. Consequently, tendinopathies account for over 30% of musculoskeletal consultations. We adopted a multidisciplinary approach to determine the role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the pathogenesis of tendinopathy and impaired healing of ruptured tendons. We have been investigating three main areas: (i) the pathogenesis of tendon degeneration; (ii) approaches to promoting remodeling of sub‐rupture fatigue injuries; and the (iii) role of the ECM in promoting scarless tendon healing. In this Kappa Delta Young Investigator award paper, we describe the key discoveries made in each of our three research areas of focus. Briefly, we discovered that sub‐rupture fatigue damage can accumulate from just one bout of fatigue loading. Furthermore, any attempt to repair the fatigue damage diminishes as the severity of induced damage increases. We have utilized exercise to develop animal models of exercise‐led degeneration and exercise‐led repair of sub‐rupture fatigue damage injuries, wherein underlying mechanisms can be uncovered, thereby overcoming a major hurdle to development of therapeutics. Since damage accumulation ultimately leads to rupture that is characterized by formation of a mechanically inferior scar, we have used the MRL/MpJ mouse to evaluate the role of the systemic environment and the local tendon environment in driving regeneration to identify new therapeutic pathways to promote scarless healing. Our data suggests that the therapeutic potential of the MRL/MpJ provisional ECM should be further explored as it may harness biological and structural mechanisms to promote scarless healing. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:3115–3124, 2018.
Targeting anti‐chondrogenic factors for the stimulation of chondrogenesis: A new paradigm in cartilage repair
Authors: Lolli Andrea , Colella Fabio , De Bari Cosimo , van Osch Gerjo J. V. M. 
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACTTrauma and age‐related cartilage disorders represent a major global cause of morbidity, resulting in chronic pain and disability in patients. A lack of effective therapies, together with a rapidly aging population, creates an impressive clinical and economic burden on healthcare systems. In this scenario, experimental therapies based on transplantation or in situ stimulation of skeletal Mesenchymal Stem/progenitor Cells (MSCs) have raised great interest for cartilage repair. Nevertheless, the challenge of guiding MSC differentiation and preventing cartilage hypertrophy and calcification still needs to be overcome. While research has mostly focused on the stimulation of cartilage anabolism using growth factors, several issues remain unresolved prompting the field to search for novel solutions. Recently, inhibition of anti‐chondrogenic regulators has emerged as an intriguing opportunity. Anti‐chondrogenic regulators include extracellular proteins as well as intracellular transcription factors and microRNAs that act as potent inhibitors of pro‐chondrogenic signals. Suppression of these inhibitors can enhance MSC chondrogenesis and production of cartilage matrix. We here review the current knowledge concerning different types of anti‐chondrogenic regulators. We aim to highlight novel therapeutic targets for cartilage repair and discuss suitable tools for suppressing their anti‐chondrogenic functions. Further effort is needed to unveil the therapeutic perspectives of this approach and pave the way for effective treatment of cartilage injuries in patients. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
Psychometric approach of the revised illness perception questionnaire for oral health (IPQ‐R‐OH) in patients with periodontal disease
Authors: Mafla Ana C. , Herrera‐López Harvey M. , Villalobos‐Galvis Fredy H. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the validated Spanish version of the Illness Perception Questionnaire Revised for Oral Health (IPQ‐R‐OH) in patients with periodontal disease.MethodsWe used the IPQ‐R‐OH, a 36‐item self‐report scale. This study was carried out using data from 517 patients with periodontal disease attending the dental clinic at the Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Pasto, Colombia. A three‐parameter logistic model (3PL) for polytomous response was calculated to evaluate a model of individuals' responses. The McDonald's Omega (Ω ≥ 0.60) coefficient and composite reliability were used to determine the internal consistency. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to examine the fit of the hypothesized seven‐factor model, and the configural invariance was tested to estimate the structure in each sex group.ResultsThe slope, location, and guessing parameters determined reasonable accurate items according to item response theory analysis. The internal consistency coefficients of each factor ranged from 0.62 to 0.93 (McDonald's Omega) and 0.66 to 0.87 (composite reliability). Confirmatory factor analysis indicated a seven‐factor model (χ2S‐B = 2572.165; χ2S‐B/(573) = 4.489,P < 0.01; non‐normed fit index = 0.950; CFI = 0.950; root means square error of approximation = 0.055 (90% confidence interval [0.052 – 0.059]); standardized root mean residual = 0.080 and Akaike information criteria = 1426.165. The seven factors loaded similarly to the original IPQ‐R scale. Multigroup CFA analysis results supported factor invariance across the sex groups.ConclusionThese findings suggest that the IPQ‐R‐OH has adequate reliability and construct factorial validity; therefore, it could be a valuable instrument in screening illness perceptions in patients with periodontal disease.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Surface‐Active Properties of Carboxylbetaine and Sulfobetaine Surfactants based on Vegetable Oil
Authors: Xu Yeming , Zhang Xiaoxu , Zhao Huanxia , Chen Wen , Yan Xindi , Liu Hongqin , Liu Changyao , Xu Baocai 
Published: September 2018

AbstractA novel series of carboxylbetaine‐type and sulfobetaine‐type zwitterionic surfactants (castor oil amidoethyl betaine, castor oil amidoethyl sulfobetaine [CAAS], cottonseed oil amidoethyl betaine, and cottonseed oil amidoethyl sulfobetaine [COAS]) were synthesized via the reactions of nonedible vegetable oils (castor oil and cottonseed oil) with dimethylaminoethylamine, followed by the reaction with sodium chloroacetate and sodium 2‐hydroxy‐3‐chloropropane sulfonate, respectively. Their chemical structures were confirmed using the electrospray ionization mass spectrum (ESI‐MS) and infrared (IR) spectra. The surface activities of the prepared compounds were measured by surface tension. It was noticed that the sulfobetaine‐type surfactants in aqueous solution performed slightly better at reducing surface tension than the carboxylbetaine‐type surfactants. Meanwhile, the synthesized surfactants possess a broad range of isoelectric points, superior foam properties, and exhibit some antibacterial activity on Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria.
Carbon Dioxide–Derived Poly(propylene carbonate) as a Matrix for Composites and Nanocomposites: Performances and Applications
Authors: Muthuraj Rajendran , Mekonnen Tizazu 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe conversion of CO2into polymers such as poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) can contribute to the reduction of dependence on fossil fuel resourced polymers. PPC is a polymer synthesized from the catalyzed copolymerization between CO2and propylene oxide. The global demand for renewable and biodegradable polymers coupled with the recent success in catalysis for the copolymerization of CO2with epoxides has paved the way for an increased interest and growth in PPC polymers. On the contrary, the extensive utilization of PPC in many applications is still challenging due to its poor thermal stability, mechanical strength, and dimensional stability. Thus, many research efforts currently focus on improving these limitations. On the other hand, polymer processing and application development efforts have continued to utilize the existing PPC. This article presents a comprehensive review of PPC polymer as a matrix component of polymer composites and nanocomposites. Progress in current research on PPC‐based material applications, including industrial packaging, electromagnetic shielding, energy storage, and biomedical applications are included. A critical review of the biodegradability, compostability, and overall sustainability of PPC is also conducted. Finally, challenges that limit the extensive use of such materials, and future research and development directions are highlighted.