bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Resveratrol Ameliorates Cardiac Hypertrophy by Down‐regulation of miR‐155 Through Activation of Breast Cancer Type 1 Susceptibility Protein
Authors: Fan Yuhua , Liu Li , Fang Kun , Huang Tao , Wan Lin , Liu Youbin , Zhang Sen , Yan Dongxia , Li Guangnan , Gao Yanhui , Lv Yanjie , Chen Yanjun , Tu Yingfeng 
Published: April 2016

Background

The polyphenol resveratrol (Rev) has been reported to exhibit cardioprotective effects, such as inhibition of
TAC
(transverse aortic constriction) or isoprenaline (ISO)‐induced hypertrophy. Micro
RNA
‐155 (miR‐155) was found to be decreased in hypertrophic myocardium, which could be further reduced by pretreatment of Rev. The study was designed to investigate the molecular effects of miR‐155 on cardiac hypertrophy, focusing on the role of breast cancer type 1 susceptibility protein (
BRCA
1).

Methods and Results

We demonstrated that Rev alleviated severity of hypertrophic myocardium in a mice model of cardiac hypertrophy by
TAC
treatment. Down‐regulation of miR‐155 was observed in pressure overload– or
ISO
‐induced hypertrophic cardiomyoctyes. Interestingly, administration of Rev substantially attenuated miR‐155 level in cardiomyocytes. In agreement with its miR‐155 reducing effect, Rev relieved cardiac hypertrophy and restored cardiac function by activation of
BRCA
1 in cardiomyoctyes. Our results further revealed that forkhead box O3a (FoxO3a) was a miR‐155 target in the heart. And miR‐155 directly repressed FoxO3a, whose expression was mitigated in miR‐155 agomir and mimic treatment in vivo and in vitro.

Conclusions

We conclude that
BRCA
1 inactivation can increase expression of miR‐155, contributing to cardiac hypertrophy. And Rev produces their beneficial effects partially by down‐regulating miR‐155 expression, which might be a novel strategy for treatment of cardiac hypertrophy.
Heart Rate Reduction With Ivabradine Protects Against Left Ventricular Remodeling by Attenuating Infarct Expansion and Preserving Remote‐Zone Contractile Function and Synchrony in a Mouse Model of Reperfused Myocardial Infarction
Authors: O'Connor Daniel M. , Smith Robert S. , Piras Bryan A. , Beyers Ronald J. , Lin Dan , Hossack John A. , French Brent A. 
Published: April 2016

Background
Ivabradine selectively inhibits the pacemaker current of the sinoatrial node, slowing heart rate. Few studies have examined the effects of ivabradine on the mechanical properties of the heart after reperfused myocardial infarction (MI). Advances in ultrasound speckle‐tracking allow strain analyses to be performed in small‐animal models, enabling the assessment of regional mechanical function.

Methods and Results

After 1 hour of coronary occlusion followed by reperfusion, mice received 10 mg/kg per day of ivabradine dissolved in drinking water (n=10), or were treated as infarcted controls (n=9). Three‐dimensional high‐frequency echocardiography was performed at baseline and at days 2, 7, 14, and 28 post‐MI. Speckle‐tracking software was used to calculate intramural longitudinal myocardial strain (E
ll
) and strain rate. Standard deviation time to peak radial strain (
SD
T
peak
E
rr
) and temporal uniformity of strain were calculated from short‐axis cines acquired in the left ventricular remote zone. Ivabradine reduced heart rate by 8% to 16% over the course of 28 days compared to controls (
P
<0.001). On day 28 post–MI, the ivabradine group was found to have significantly smaller end‐systolic volumes, greater ejection fraction, reduced wall thinning, and greater peak E
ll
and E
ll
rate in the remote zone, as well as globally. Temporal uniformity of strain and
SD
T
peak
E
rr
were significantly smaller in the ivabradine‐treated group by day 28 (
P
<0.05).

Conclusions
High‐frequency ultrasound speckle‐tracking demonstrated decreased left ventricular remodeling and dyssynchrony, as well as improved mechanical performance in remote myocardium after heart rate reduction with ivabradine.
Effects of Air Pollution and Blood Mitochondrial DNA Methylation on Markers of Heart Rate Variability
Authors: Byun Hyang‐Min , Colicino Elena , Trevisi Letizia , Fan Tianteng , Christiani David C. , Baccarelli Andrea A. 
Published: April 2016

Background

The mitochondrion is the primary target of oxidative stress in response to exogenous environments. Mitochondrial
DNA
(mt
DNA
) is independent from nuclear
DNA
and uses separate epigenetic machinery to regulate mt
DNA
methylation. The mt
DNA
damage induced by oxidative stress can cause mitochondrial dysfunction and is implicated in human diseases; however, mt
DNA
methylation has been largely overlooked in environmental studies relating to human disease. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between exposure to fine metal‐rich particulates (particulate matter <2.5 µm in diameter [
PM
2.5
]) from welding in a boilermaker union and blood mt
DNA
methylation in relation to heart rate variability.

Methods and Results

Forty‐eight healthy men were recruited on multiple sampling cycles at the Boilermaker Union Local 29, located in Quincy, Massachusetts. We measured personal
PM
2.5
in the background ambient environment. We measured blood mt
DNA
methylation in the mt
DNA
promoter (D‐loop) and genes essential for
ATP
synthesis (

MT
‐
TF

and

MT
‐
RNR
1

) by bisulfite pyrosequencing. All analyses were adjusted for demographics, type of job, season, welding‐work day, and mt
DNA
methylation experimental batch effect. The participants’
PM
2.5
exposure was significantly higher after a welding‐work day (mean 0.38 mg/m
3
) than the background personal level (mean 0.15 mg/m
3
,
P
<0.001). Blood mt
DNA
methylation in the D‐loop promoter was associated with
PM
2.5
levels (β=−0.99%,
SE
=0.41,
P
=0.02).

MT
‐
TF

and

MT
‐
RNR
1

methylation was not associated with
PM
2.5
exposure (β=0.10%,
SE
=0.45,
P
=0.82). Interaction of
PM
2.5
exposure levels and D‐loop promoter methylation was significantly associated with markers of heart rate variability.

Conclusions

Blood mt
DNA
methylation levels were negatively associated with
PM
2.5
exposure and modified the adverse relationships between
PM
2.5
exposure and heart rate variability outcomes.
PSD-95 uncoupling from NMDA receptors by Tat-N-dimer ameliorates neuronal depolarization in cortical spreading depression
Authors: Kucharz Krzysztof , Søndergaard Rasmussen Ida , Bach Anders , Strømgaard Kristian , Lauritzen Martin 
Published: April 2016

Cortical spreading depression is associated with activation of NMDA receptors, which interact with the postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95) that binds to nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). Here, we tested whether inhibition of the nNOS/PSD-95/NMDA receptor complex formation by anti-ischemic compound, UCCB01-144 (Tat- N-dimer) ameliorates the persistent effects of cortical spreading depression on cortical function. Using in vivo two-photon microscopy in somatosensory cortex in mice, we show that fluorescently labelled Tat- N-dimer readily crosses blood-brain barrier and accumulates in nerve cells during the first hour after i.v. injection. The Tat- N-dimer suppressed stimulation-evoked synaptic activity by 2–20%, while cortical blood flow and cerebral oxygen metabolic (CMRO2) responses were preserved. During cortical spreading depression, the Tat- N-dimer reduced the average amplitude of the negative shift in direct current potential by 33% (4.1 mV). Furthermore, the compound diminished the average depression of spontaneous electrocorticographic activity by 11% during first 40 min of post-cortical spreading depression recovery, but did not mitigate the suppressing effect of cortical spreading depression on cortical blood flow and CMRO2. We suggest that uncoupling of PSD-95 from NMDA receptors reduces overall neuronal excitability and the amplitude of the spreading depolarization wave. These findings may be of interest for understanding the neuroprotective effects of the nNOS/PSD-95 uncoupling in stroke.
Visual motion processing in migraine: Enhanced motion after-effects are related to display contrast, visual symptoms, visual triggers and attack frequency
Authors: Shepherd Alex J , Joly-Mascheroni Ramiro M 
Published: April 2016

Background Visual after-effects are illusions that occur after prolonged viewing of visual displays. The motion after-effect (MAE), for example, is an illusory impression of motion after viewing moving displays: subsequently, stationary displays appear to drift in the opposite direction. After-effects have been used extensively in basic vision research and in clinical settings, and are enhanced in migraine. Objective The objective of this article is to assess associations between ( 1 ) MAE duration and visual symptoms experienced during/between migraine/headache attacks, and ( 2 ) visual stimuli reported as migraine/headache triggers. Methods The MAE was elicited after viewing motion for 45 seconds. MAE duration was tested for three test contrast displays (high, medium, low). Participants also completed a headache questionnaire that included migraine/headache triggers. Results For each test contrast, the MAE was prolonged in migraine. MAE duration was associated with photophobia; visual triggers (flicker, striped patterns); and migraine or headache frequency. Conclusions Group differences on various visual tasks have been attributed to abnormal cortical processing in migraine, such as hyperexcitability, heightened responsiveness and/or a lack of intra-cortical inhibition. The results are not consistent with hyperexcitability simply from a general lack of inhibition. Alternative multi-stage models are discussed and suggestions for further research are recommended, including visual tests in clinical assessments/clinical trials.
The Contribution of Different Femur Segments to Overall Femoral Torsion
Authors: Seitlinger Gerd , Moroder Philipp , Scheurecker Georg , Hofmann Siegfried , Grelsamer Ronald P. 
Published: April 2016

Background: Femoral torsion is a critical parameter in hip and knee disorders. The unproven assumption is that the femoral neck exclusively contributes to the overall torsion of the femur. Purpose/Hypothesis: The aim of this study was to measure femoral torsion at different levels in patients with abnormally high or low femoral torsion and to compare the results with healthy volunteers. Our hypothesis was that the pattern of torsion distribution among the different femoral levels varies between patients with abnormal torsion and healthy volunteers. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Magnetic resonance images of patients with a history of patellar instability and torsion of the femur ≥25° (11 patients, 16 femurs) and ≤0° (14 patients, 22 femurs) were analyzed. Our controls were 30 healthy volunteers (60 femurs). To assess femoral torsion, 4 lines were drawn: a first line through the center of the femoral head and neck, a second line through the center of the femur at the top of the lesser trochanter, a third line tangent to the posterior aspect of the distal femur just above the attachment of the gastrocnemius, and a fourth line tangent to the posterior condyles. Three investigators performed the measurements; 1 performed the measurements twice. Results: All femur segments showed significantly different torsion among the high-torsion, low-torsion, and control groups. Regarding the pattern of torsion distribution, on average, all levels contributed to the torsion. The ratio between the average neck and shaft torsion shifted toward a higher value in the high-torsion group, mostly because of a lack of external torsion in the shaft, and toward a lower value in the low-torsion group, owing to both a lack of internal torsion of the neck and increased external torsion in the shaft. Conclusion: We established a difference between neck, mid, and distal femoral torsion with reproducible measurements. Our data suggest that all 3 levels of the femur contribute to the total femoral torsion, with a different pattern among patients with high torsion and patellar instability.
Increased Medial Meniscal Slope Is Associated With Greater Risk of Ramp Lesion in Noncontact Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury
Authors: Song Guan-yang , Liu Xin , Zhang Hui , Wang Qian-qian , Zhang Jin , Li Yue , Feng Hua 
Published: April 2016

Background: A special type of meniscal lesion involving the peripheral attachment of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus (PHMM), termed ramp lesion, is commonly associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. However, no study has investigated its anatomic risk factors. Recently, increased meniscal slope has been identified as an independent anatomic risk factor for noncontact ACL injury. Hypothesis: Increased medial meniscal slope (MMS) as measured on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will correlate with greater risk of concomitant ramp lesion in noncontact ACL injury. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: From January 2011 to December 2013, a total of 1012 consecutive patients were diagnosed as having noncontact ACL injuries and underwent primary ACL reconstructions. Among them, 160 patients were arthroscopically verified to have concomitant ramp lesions. Study exclusion criteria included partial ACL rupture, multiligamentous injury, associated medial/lateral meniscal lesions other than ramp lesion, skeletal immaturity, general joint laxity, severe malalignment of the lower extremity, history of knee surgery, lack of available preoperative MRI, and history of trauma to the proximal tibia. This left 53 patients in the study group (ACL + ramp group), who were matched in a 1:1 fashion to 53 control participants (isolated ACL group) who were arthroscopically verified to have isolated complete ACL injury during the same study period. Patients were matched by age, sex, and time from injury to surgery (TFI). Patients from the matched control group were selected by applying the same exclusion criteria as mentioned above. The MMS and medial posterior tibial slope (MPTS) were measured on the preoperative MRI in a blinded fashion. Predictors of ramp lesion, including MMS, MPTS, body mass index, pivot-shift test grade, and KT-1000 arthrometer side-to-side difference, were assessed by multivariable conditional logistic regression analysis. Results: The mean MMS in the study group was 3.5°, which was significantly larger than that in the control group (2.0°; P < .001). In addition, increased MMS was significantly (odds ratio [OR], 5.180; 95% CI, 1.814-32.957; P < .001) associated with concomitant ramp lesion in noncontact ACL injury, especially for those with a TFI of ≥6 months (OR, 13.819; 95% CI, 2.251-49.585; P < .001). However, no significant association was identified between MPTS and concomitant ramp lesion. Conclusion: Increased MMS was identified to be an independent anatomic risk factor of concomitant ramp lesions in noncontact ACL injuries, particularly for those with a TFI ≥6 months. This may provide additional information for counseling patients who have increased MMS on the greater risk of secondary PHMM lesions if their ACL-deficient knee joints are not well stabilized initially.
Outcomes After Shoulder and Elbow Injury in Baseball Players: Are We Reporting What Matters?
Authors: Makhni Eric C. , Saltzman Bryan M. , Meyer Maximilian A. , Moutzouros Vasilios , Cole Brian J. , Romeo Anthony A. , Verma Nikhil N. 
Published: April 2016

Background: Return to play, as well as time to return to play, are the most important metrics considered by athletes when attempting to make treatment decisions after injury. However, the consistency of reporting of these metrics in the scientific literature is unknown. Purpose: To investigate patterns of outcomes reporting in the medical literature of shoulder and elbow injuries in active baseball players. Study Design: Systematic review. Methods: A systematic review of literature published within the past 10 years was performed to identify all recent clinical studies focusing on shoulder and elbow injuries in baseball players across all levels. Review articles, case reports, and laboratory/biomechanical studies were all excluded. Results: A total of 49 studies were included for review. The majority of studies were either level 3 or level 4 evidence (96%). In total, 71% of studies reported on rates of return to preinjury level of play, whereas 31% of studies reported on time to return to preinjury level of play. Only 47% of studies reported on both rate and time of return to preinjury level of play. A minority of studies (8%) reported patient satisfaction rates. Finally, 27 different subjective and patient-reported outcomes were reported, and none of these appeared in more than 14% of all studies. Conclusion: Time to return to preinjury level of play is inadequately reported in studies of shoulder and elbow injury in baseball players. Similarly, satisfaction rates and scores are underreported. Finally, the significant variability of subjective and patient-reported outcomes utilized may undermine the ability of clinicians to accurately compare results from different studies.
Epidemiology of Acromioclavicular Joint Sprains in 25 National Collegiate Athletic Association Sports
Authors: Hibberd Elizabeth E. , Kerr Zachary Y. , Roos Karen G. , Djoko Aristarque , Dompier Thomas P. 
Published: April 2016

Background: No previous studies have described the incidence of acromioclavicular (AC) joint injuries in a large sample of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) student-athletes. Such data are needed to understand the injury prevalence, mechanisms of injury, and recovery patterns in NCAA student-athletes. Purpose: To describe the epidemiology of AC joint sprain injuries in 25 NCAA championship sports. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: AC joint sprains were analyzed from the NCAA Injury Surveillance Program during the 2009-2010 to 2014-2015 academic years. AC joint sprain injury rates, rate ratios, and injury proportion ratios (IPRs) were reported with 95% CIs. Results: In the 25 NCAA sports examined during the 2009-2010 to 2014-2015 academic years, a total of 844 AC joint sprains were reported, for a rate of 1.72 per 10,000 athlete-exposures (AEs). The majority of AC joint sprains were reported in football (50.4%, n = 425). Most AC joint sprains occurred in competitions (66.0%, n = 557), and the competition rate was 8.58 times the practice rate (95% CI, 7.44-9.89). In sex-comparable sports (ie, soccer, basketball, ice hockey, lacrosse, baseball/softball, indoor track, outdoor track, cross-country, tennis, and swimming and diving), the AC joint sprain rate in men was 4.67 times that of women (95% CI, 3.56-6.14). Most AC joint sprains were caused by player contact (54.7%, n = 462), followed by surface contact (29.0%, n = 245). Of all AC joint sprains, 47.5% resulted in a time loss of <24 hours, and 5.9% were severe. In addition, 9.7% were recurrent, and only 1.0% required surgery. In sex-comparable sports, male athletes had a larger proportion of injuries due to player contact than did female athletes (IPR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.06-2.13); female athletes had a larger proportion of injuries due to surface contact than male athletes (IPR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.01-2.38). Also, compared with women, men had a larger proportion of AC joint sprains that were recurrent (IPR, 10.29; 95% CI, 1.45-72.90). Conclusion: The highest rates of AC joint sprains occurred in men’s football, ice hockey, and wrestling as well as women’s ice hockey. Most AC joint sprains across all sports occurred because of a contact mechanism, particularly from player-player contact. Further research into the specific activities and exposures at the time of injury may lend a better understanding of the causation of these injuries and lead to appropriate interventions to decrease their incidence and severity.
Innovative approach for the in vitro research on biomedical scaffolds designed and customized with CAD-CAM technology
Authors: Marrelli Massimo , Pujia Antonella , Palmieri Francesca , Gatto Roberto , Falisi Giovanni , Gargari Marco , Caruso Silvia , Apicella Davide , Rastelli Claudio , Nardi Gianna Maria , Paduano Francesco , Tatullo Marco 
Published: April 2016

Introduction: Studies on biomaterials involve assays aimed to assess the interactions between the biomaterial and the cells seeded on its surface. However, the morphology of biomaterials is heterogeneous and it could be tricky to standardize the results among different biomaterials and the classic plastic plates. In this light, we decided to create, by means of computer-aided design (CAD) technology, a standardized sample model, with equal shape and sizes, able to fit into a classic shape of a 96-wells tissue culture plate (TCP). Methods: The design of this sample consists of a hole in the top in order to allow the injected cells to settle without them being able to slip from the sides of the sample to the bottom of the TCP wells. This CAD project is made using the software Pro-Engineer. The sample will totally fill the wells of the 96-well TCP. Dental pulp stem cells have been used to assess the ability of the different sample to support and promote the cell proliferation. Results: Twelve titanium, 12 gold–palladium, and 12 zirconium oxide customized samples were designed by means of the software cam powermill, by importing the .stl file created in Pro-Engineer software. The proliferation rate of the tested scaffolds showed to be similar to the control in the group with the customized shape. Conclusion: We think that our method can be useful to test different types of scaffolds when a greater accuracy of the measurements is desirable in order to verify the cell behavior of these scaffolds. Our innovative method can improve the standardization process in the evaluation of cell behavior on different biomaterials to open the way to more reliable tests on biomatrices functionalized with drugs or growth factors applied to the future regenerative medicine.
Beliefs about Supporting Mothers to Exclusively Breastfeed for 6 Months
Authors: Nyawade Susan A. , Middlestadt Susan E. , Peng Chao-Ying Joanne 
Published: April 2016

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding rates remain low in Kenya and determinants influencing mothers’ practice are documented. Little is known about factors underlying health professionals’ intention to support mothers to continue exclusive breastfeeding. Effective behavior modification requires designing interventions at multiple levels of influence, informed by theory-based research to identify relevant determinants. Objectives: To identify salient beliefs held by health professionals about support of mothers to exclusively breastfeed for 6 months and to explore definitions of the term support. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in 6 public health facilities in Nairobi, Kenya. We used open-ended questions based on the reasoned action approach to elicit salient consequences, referents, and circumstances perceived by 15 health professionals about support for mothers to exclusively breastfeed for 6 months. Results: The most frequently mentioned consequences were healthier babies (87%) and reduced childhood ailments (67%). The main disadvantage was human immunodeficiency virus transmission through breast milk (33%). Colleagues (80%) and managers (67%) were perceived as approving referents, whereas some mothers/couples (40%) and the breast milk substitute industry (20%) were perceived as disapproving. Facilitating circumstances included lighter workload, better training, and more time. Definitions of support were varied and included giving information and demonstrating positioning and attachment techniques. Conclusions: Overall, health professionals perceived positive consequences toward supporting exclusive breastfeeding continuation and identified a number of approving referents. However, they reported challenging circumstances in the work environment, which managers need to address to help health professionals provide the support needed by Kenyan mothers to continue exclusive breastfeeding.