bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inactivation limits aging-associated heart failure in mice
Authors: Besnier Marie , Coquerel David , Favre Julie , Dumesnil Anais , Guerrot Domique , Remy-Jouet Isabelle , Mulder Paul , Djerada Zoubir , Tamion Fabienne , Richard Vincent , Ouvrard-Pascaud Antoine 
Published: March 2018

We have previously shown that protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) inactivation in mice [PTP1B-deficient (PTP1B−/−) mice] improves left ventricular (LV) angiogenesis, perfusion, remodeling, and function and limits endothelial dysfunction after myocardial infarction. However, whether PTP1B inactivation slows aging-associated cardiovascular dysfunction remains unknown. Wild-type (WT) and PTP1B−/− mice were allowed to age until 18 mo. Compared with old WT mice, in which aging increased the LV mRNA expression of PTP1B, old PTP1B−/− mice had 1) reduced cardiac hypertrophy with decreased LV mRNA levels of hypertrophic markers and atrial and brain natriuretic peptides, 2) lower LV fibrosis (collagen: 16 ± 3% in WT mice and 5 ± 3% in PTP1B−/− mice, P < 0.001) with decreased mRNA levels of transforming growth-factor-β1 and matrix metalloproteinase-2, and 3) higher LV capillary density and lower LV mRNA level of hypoxic inducible factor-1α, which was associated over time with a higher rate of proangiogenic M2 type macrophages and a stable LV mRNA level of VEGF receptor-2. Echocardiography revealed an age-dependent LV increase in end-diastolic volume in WT mice together with alterations of fractional shortening and diastole (transmitral Doppler E-to-A wave ratio). Invasive hemodynamics showed better LV systolic contractility and better diastolic compliance in old PTP1B−/− mice (LV end-systolic pressure-volume relation: 13.9 ± 0.9 in WT mice and 18.4 ± 1.6 in PTP1B−/− mice; LV end-diastolic pressure-volume relation: 5.1 ± 0.8 mmHg/relative volume unit in WT mice and 1.2 ± 0.3 mmHg/relative volume unit in PTP1B−/− mice, P < 0.05). In addition, old PTP1B−/− mice displayed a reduced amount of LV reactive oxygen species. Finally, in isolated resistance mesenteric arteries, PTP1B inactivation reduced aging-associated endothelial dysfunction (flow-mediated dilatation: −0.4 ± 2.1% in WT mice and 8.2 ± 2.8% in PTP1B−/− mice, P < 0.05). We conclude that PTP1B inactivation slows aging-associated LV remodeling and dysfunction and reduces endothelial dysfunction in mesenteric arteries. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The present study shows that protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inactivation in aged mice improves left ventricular systolic and diastolic function associated with reduced adverse cardiac remodeling (hypertrophy, fibrosis, and capillary rarefaction) and limits vascular endothelial dysfunction. This suggests that protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibition could be an interesting treatment approach in age-related cardiovascular dysfunction.
Evaluation of Collateral Source Characteristics With 3‐Dimensional Analysis Using Micro–X‐Ray Computed Tomography
Authors: Arima Yuichiro , Hokimoto Seiji , Tabata Noriaki , Nakagawa Osamu , Oshima Asahi , Matsumoto Yosuke , Sato Takahiro , Mukunoki Toshifumi , Otani Jun , Ishii Masanobu , Uchikawa Michie , Yamamoto Eiichiro , Izumiya Yasuhiro , Kaikita Koichi , Ogawa Hisao , Nishiyama Koichi , Tsujita Kenichi 
Published: March 2018

Background
Collateral arteries provide an alternative blood supply and protect tissues from ischemic damage in patients with peripheral artery disease. However, the mechanism of collateral artery development is difficult to validate.

Methods and Results
Collateral arteries were visualized using micro–x‐ray computed tomography. Developmental characteristics were assessed using confocal microscopy. We conducted a single‐center, retrospective, observational study and assessed the dilatation of collateral arteries on ischemic sides. We quantified the vascular volume in both ischemic and nonischemic legs. A prominent increase in vascular volume was observed in the ischemic leg using a murine hind‐limb ischemia model. We also performed qualitative assessment and confirmed that the inferior gluteal artery functioned as a major collateral source. Serial analysis of murine hind‐limb vessel development revealed that the inferior gluteal artery was a remnant of the ischial artery, which emerged as a representative vessel on the dorsal side during hind‐limb organogenesis. We retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients who were admitted for the diagnosis or treatment of peripheral artery disease. The diameter of the inferior gluteal artery on the ischemic side showed significant dilatation compared with that on the nonischemic side.

Conclusions
Our findings indicate that an embryonic remnant artery can become a collateral source under ischemic conditions. Flow enhancement in the inferior gluteal artery might become a novel therapeutic approach for patients with peripheral artery disease.
Prevalence, Causes, and Predictors of 30‐Day Readmissions Following Hospitalization With Acute Myocardial Infarction Complicated By Cardiogenic Shock: Findings From the 2013–2014 National Readmissions Database
Authors: Mahmoud Ahmed N. , Elgendy Islam Y. , Mojadidi Mohammad K. , Wayangankar Siddharth A. , Bavry Anthony A. , Anderson R. David , Jneid Hani , Pepine Carl J. 
Published: March 2018

Background

Prior studies have shown that survivors of acute myocardial infarction (
AMI
) complicated by cardiogenic shock are likely to have increased risk of readmissions in the early post‐discharge period. However, the contemporary prevalence, reasons, and predictors of 30‐day readmissions are not well known.

Methods and Results

Hospitalizations for a primary diagnosis of
AMI
complicated by cardiogenic shock, and discharged alive, were identified in the 2013 and 2014 Nationwide Readmissions Databases. Prevalence and reasons for 30‐day unplanned readmissions were investigated. A hierarchical logistic regression model was used to identify independent predictors of 30‐day readmissions. Among 1 116 933 patient hospitalizations with
AMI
, 39 807 (3.6%) had cardiogenic shock and were discharged alive. Their 30‐day readmission rate was 18.6%, with a median time for readmission 10 days post discharge. Predictors of readmission included: non–
ST
‐segment elevation myocardial infarction, female sex, low‐income status, nonprivate insurance, chronic renal failure, long‐term ventricular assist device or intra‐aortic balloon placement, and tachyarrhythmia. The majority of readmissions were attributable to cardiac‐related causes (52%); heart failure being the most frequent cardiac cause (39% of all cardiac causes). Noncardiac‐related readmissions included infections (14.9%), bleeding (5.3%), and respiratory causes (4.9%). The median cost per readmission was $9473
US
dollars ($5037–20 199).

Conclusions

Among survivors of
AMI
complicated by cardiogenic shock who were discharged from hospital, almost 1 in 5 are readmitted at 30 days, mainly because of cardiac reasons such as heart failure and new
AMI
. The risk of readmission was associated with certain baseline patient/hospital characteristics.
Using the GOES-16 Split Window Difference to Detect a Boundary prior to Cloud Formation
Authors: Lindsey Daniel T. , Bikos Dan , Grasso Lewis 
Published: March 2018

AbstractGeostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-16 (GOES-16) was launched into geostationary orbit in late 2016 and began providing unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution imagery early in 2017. Its Advanced Baseline Imager has additional spectral bands including two in the “clear” window and “dirty window” portion of the infrared spectrum, and the difference of these two bands, sometimes called the split window difference, provides unique information about low-level water vapor. Under certain conditions, low-level convergence along a boundary can cause local water vapor pooling, and the signal of this pooling can sometimes be detected by GOES-16 prior to any cloud formation. This case study from 15 June 2017 illustrates how the technique might be used in an operational forecast setting. A boundary in western Kansas was detected using the split window difference more than 2 h before the first cloud formed.
Spatial Distribution of Diurnal Rainfall Variation in Summer over China
Authors: Zhu Liming , Liu Junzhi , Zhu A-Xing , Sheng Meiling , Duan Zheng 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Diurnal rainfall variation plays an important role in the characterization of regional climate. Most existing research used predefined region boundaries to study the spatial differences of diurnal rainfall variation, which depends on experiential knowledge and is somewhat subjective. In this study, the k-means clustering algorithm was used to mine the spatial distribution of diurnal rainfall variation from gridded precipitation data over China. First, clustering was conducted according to the hourly rainfall frequency at each grid cell. A cluster number large enough to find the main types of diurnal rainfall variation was used. Then similar clusters were merged according to the peak time and amplitude of the diurnal rainfall variation. Each merged cluster corresponds to one type of diurnal variation, and the locations of grid cells in each merged cluster form the spatial distribution. Thus, the classification maps of diurnal rainfall variation can be obtained. From the spatial distribution maps, the conclusions of existing research (e.g., the distribution of well-known nocturnal rainfall in southwestern China, the prevailing afternoon rainfall regions) were confirmed. Some new findings were found, such as the spatial patterns of nocturnal rainfall regions along slopes of the macroterrain and the different types of diurnal rainfall variation in the North China Plain. The diurnal rainfall variation in some regions also shows a close relationship with land cover. The results of this study can provide valuable information for further mechanism studies, and the proposed approach can serve as a useful tool for studies on diurnal rainfall variation in other regions.
Promoting Critical Thinking Through Service Learning
Authors: Campbell Cynthia G. , Oswald Brianna R. 
Published: March 2018

As stated in APA Learning Outcomes 2 and 3, two central goals of higher education instruction are promoting students’ critical thinking skills and connecting student learning to real-life applications. To meet these goals, a community-based service-learning experience was designed using task value, interpersonal accountability, cognitive dissonance, and guided reflection, and was implemented to motivate and promote students’ critical thinking skills in a human development psychology course. Students in this course served as home visitors or support-group facilitators to vulnerable families and reflected on their experiences in class assignments. Qualitative evidence from class discussions and journal entries, and quantitative data from the analysis of student essays, suggest that the majority of students engaged in critical thinking skills across the semester, particularly in using a broader locus for understanding and addressing issues experienced by their client families.
Mid-term development of the right ventricle in competitive athletes
Authors: Krumm Patrick , Krauß Stefan , Mangold Stefanie , Zitzelsberger Tanja , Klumpp Bernhard D , Nikolaou Konstantin , Nieß Andreas M , Kramer Ulrich , Burgstahler Christof 
Published: March 2018

Background Long-term intensive training induces physiological, morphological, and functional adaption of the athlete’s heart. Purpose To evaluate the development of athlete’s heart during a mid-term follow-up of competitive athletes using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). Material and Methods Eighteen competitive long-distance runners and triathletes (age 43 ± 13 years, 3 women) were prospectively examined in a longitudinal follow-up study 5.05 ± 0.6 years after baseline. CMR at 1.5-T was performed for functional and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) imaging. Left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) end-diastolic volume (LVEDV, RVEDV) as well as ejection fraction (LVEF, RVEF), LV myocardial mass (LVMM), and atrial sizes were determined and compared to baseline in matched pairs statistics for paired difference. Results LVEDV (197 ± 38 mL vs. 196 ± 38 mL, paired difference −0.9 mL, P = 0.7) and LVEF (62 ± 7% vs. 62 ± 5%, paired difference 0.1%, P = 0.9) did not change during the follow-up period, whereas LVMM increased significantly (149 ± 31 g vs.164 ± 32 g, paired difference 14 g, P < 0.0001). RVEDV significantly increased from 221 ± 47 mL at baseline to 230 ± 52 mL (paired difference 10 mL, P = 0.0033). RVEF decreased from baseline 57 ± 8% to 53 ± 7% (paired difference −3%, P = 0.0234). Left atrial size showed no significant changes (24 ± 5 cm2 vs. 25 ± 6 cm2, paired difference 0.5 cm2, P = 0.17) and right atrial size increased significantly (30 ± 5 cm2 vs. 32 ± 4 cm2, paired difference 2 cm2, P = 0.0054). Conclusion This study supports the theory of ongoing remodeling in an athlete’s heart. Predominantly the right heart can further enlarge in a mid-term period. This response seems not linearly dependent on a steady, decreased, or increased training volume.
Inhibitory effects of CP on the growth of human gastric adenocarcinoma BGC-823 tumours in nude mice
Authors: Wang Hai-Jun , Liu Yu , Zhou Bao-Jun , Zhang Zhan-Xue , Li Ai-Ying , An Ran , Yue Bin , Fan Li-Qiao , Li Yong 
Published: March 2018

Objective To investigate the potential antitumour effects of [2-(6-amino-purine-9-yl)-1-hydroxy-phosphine acyl ethyl] phosphonic acid (CP) against gastric adenocarcinoma. Methods Human BGC-823 xenotransplants were established in nude mice. Animals were randomly divided into control and CP groups, which were administered NaHCO3 vehicle alone or CP dissolved in NaHCO3 (200 µg/kg body weight) daily, respectively. Tumour volume was measured weekly for 6 weeks. Resected tumours were assayed for proliferative activity with anti-Ki-67 or anti-proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) antibodies. Cell apoptosis was examined using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) assays and with caspase-3 immunostaining. Proteins were measured by Western blotting. Results There was a significant reduction in tumour volume and a reduced percentage of Ki-67-positive or PCNA-positive cells in the CP group compared with the control group. The percentage of TUNEL-positive or caspase 3-positive cells significantly increased following CP treatment compared with the control group. Tumours from the CP group had higher levels of phosphorylated-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK) and phosphorylated-AKT (p-AKT) compared with control tumours. Conclusion CP treatment inhibited tumour growth and induced tumour cell apoptosis in a nude mouse model of BGC-823 gastric adenocarcinoma. Activation of the AKT and ERK signalling pathways may mediate this antitumour activity.
Analysis of risk factors for cervical lymph node metastases in patients with sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Fan Weina , Xiao Cheng , Wu Fusheng 
Published: March 2018

Objective Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is classified as either sporadic or inherited. This study was performed to analyze the risk factors for cervical lymph node metastases and predict the indication for prophylactic lateral neck dissection in patients with sporadic MTC. Methods Sixty-five patients with sporadic MTC were retrospectively reviewed. Univariate analysis with the chi-square test and multiple logistic regression analysis were applied to identify the clinicopathological features (sex, age, tumor size, number of tumor foci, capsule or vascular invasion, and others) associated with cervical lymph node metastases. Results The metastasis rates in the central and lateral compartments were 46.2% (30/65) and 40.0% (26/65), respectively. The incidence of cervical lymph node metastases was significantly higher in patients with a tumor size of >1 cm, tumor multifocality, and thyroid capsule invasion. Only thyroid capsule invasion was an independent predictive factor for central compartment metastases and lateral neck metastases. The possibility of central compartment metastases was significantly higher when the preoperative serum carcinoembryonic antigen concentration was >30 ng/mL (60.0% vs. 34.3%). Conclusions MTC is associated with a high incidence of cervical lymph node metastases. Prophylactic lateral node dissection is necessary in patients with thyroid capsule invasion or a high serum carcinoembryonic antigen concentration.
Social workers’ experiences of using the narrative model to talk to children about why they are in care and other sensitive issues
Authors: McGill Lynda , Coman William , McWhirter Joanne , O'Sullivan Clodagh 
Published: March 2018

Children entering care often experience considerable uncertainty as they struggle with questions about why they had to leave their birth family, whose fault it was and whether or not they will ever return. To help in these fraught situations, the authors developed the narrative model for talking to children about sensitive issues in a way that promotes psychological safety and healthy adjustment. The details were published in a previous edition of this journal (Coman, et al., 2016). The model has now been fine-tuned after trial applications and feedback from parents, carers and professionals. This article reports the findings of one part of that evaluation: a survey of social workers experienced in using the model. The results show that they acknowledge the importance of helping children understand why they are in care but find it difficult to talk to them about it. They report that the narrative model increases their confidence in undertaking this task and benefits the children by giving them an explanatory narrative and enhancing the stability of their care placements.
“You Want Your Guests to Be Happy in This Business”: Hoteliers’ Decisions to Adopt Voluntary Smoke-Free Guest-Room Policies
Authors: McDaniel Patricia A. , Malone Ruth E. 
Published: March 2018

Purpose: To explore why some hotels have implemented 100% smoke-free policies voluntarily, the perceived consequences of doing so, and media responses. Design: Qualitative study of hotel management and quantitative content analysis of media coverage of smoke-free hotels. Setting: Hotels and media based in the United States. Participants: Eleven representatives of 5 independent and 4 chain hotels. Other data included 265 news items about smoke-free hotels. Method: We conducted 30-minute semi-structured interviews with hotel representatives and analyzed the data using qualitative content analysis. We also searched 3 online news databases for news items about hotels in our study, and collaboratively coded retrieved items; we analyzed the content and slant of news items. Results: Business considerations, including guest requests, competitor action, and cost savings, were the primary motivations for implementing 100% smoke-free guest-room policies. Health concerns played a minimal role. Hotels received positive feedback from customers and employees. Media coverage was favorable, emphasizing positive aspects of going smoke-free; the overall slant of news items was positive or neutral. However, few hotels marketed the change. Conclusions: Since hotel customers and employees are likely to experience long periods of smoke exposure and smoke-free hotels appear to be so well received, it may be timely to pursue policies making all hotels smoke-free.
The Effects of Age at Cleft Palate Repair on Middle Ear Function and Hearing Level
Authors: Lou Qun , Zhu Hongping , Luo Yi , Zhou Zhibo , Ma Lian , Ma Xiaoran , Fu Yuan 
Published: March 2018

Objective: To investigate the age effects of cleft palate repair on middle ear function and hearing level in patients who underwent cleft palate repair at different ages by audiologic examination. Methods: Medical histories were gathered in detail, and audiologic tests (ie, tympanometry and pure tone hearing threshold) were conducted in 126 patients after palatoplasty. The patients were divided into the following 4 groups according to their ages when they underwent cleft palate repair: group I (0-3 years, 73 patients), group II (4-7 years, 29 patients), group III (8-11 years, 16 patients), and group IV (12 years and older, 8 patients). The data regarding tympanograms, hearing levels, and the average hearing thresholds of each group were analyzed using chi-square tests. Results: The prevalence of middle ear dysfunction and hearing loss in the patients who underwent palatoplasty before 3 years old (27.4% and 2.0% respectively) was significantly lower than that in patients who underwent palatopalsty at 12 years or older (75.0% and 43.7%, respectively). Linear-by-linear association revealed that the prevalences of middle ear dysfunction and hearing loss among the 4 groups were significantly different ( P < .05). Conclusions: The prevalence of middle ear dysfunction and hearing loss tended to increase with advancing age at the time of cleft palate repair. From an audiologist’s perspective, palatoplasty at an early age is very beneficial in helping children with cleft palates acquire better middle ear function and hearing level.
Intraocular lens bicylindric power calculation method: Using both flat and steep K readings to improve intraocular lens power prediction
Authors: Calvo-Sanz Jorge A , Ruiz-Alcocer Javier , Sánchez-Tena Miguel A 
Published: March 2018

Purpose: To compare and analyze the accuracy of the refractive outcomes obtained in intraocular lens power calculation using the classical calculation method with mean keratometry (K) and the calculation method with both K meridians presented in this article. Methods: A total of 62 eyes of 62 subjects who were undergoing cataract surgery were included in this study. Optical biometry was performed using mean K and Haigis formula for classical intraocular lens calculation methods to achieve intraocular lens power; 4 weeks after surgery, prior to medical discharge, subjective refraction was made. Alternatively, intraocular lens power was calculated with bicylindric method using both keratometry readings, obtaining spherocylindrical refractive expected outcomes. Finally, results obtained with intraocular lens calculation methods, bicylindric method, and Haigis formula were compared. Results: Spherical equivalent calculated by classical intraocular lens calculation methods using Haigis formula (H-SE) was −0.027 ± 0.115 D and using bicylindric method (B-SE) was −0.080 ± 0.222 D. Achieved spherical equivalent obtained 4 weeks after surgery (A-SE) was −0.144 ± 0.268 D. Difference between H-SE and A-SE was −0.117 D (p = 0.002). Difference between B-SE and A-SE was not significant (−0.054 D, p = 0.109). Analysis in refraction groups showed a positive correlation between A-SE confronted to B-SE and H-SE (r = 0.313; p = 0.013 and r = 0.562; p < 0.001, respectively). This indicated a reliability in ametropic group prediction of 0.767 in H-SE and 0.843 in B-SE. Conclusion: Intraocular lens calculation with bicylindric method could be more accurate and had more reliability than classical intraocular lens calculation method. Bicylindric method adds astigmatism control and provides a reliable expected spherocylindrical refraction.