bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of cardiac fibroblasts using myocardial slices
Authors: Perbellini Filippo , Watson Samuel A , Scigliano Martina , Alayoubi Samha , Tkach Sebastian , Bardi Ifigeneia , Quaife Nicholas , Kane Christopher , Dufton Neil P , Simon André , Sikkel Markus B , Faggian Giuseppe , Randi Anna M , Gorelik Julia , Harding Sian E , Terracciano Cesare M 
Published: August 2017

Abstract

Aims
Cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) are considered the principal regulators of cardiac fibrosis. Factors that influence CF activity are difficult to determine. When isolated and cultured in vitro, CFs undergo rapid phenotypic changes including increased expression of α-SMA. Here we describe a new model to study CFs and their response to pharmacological and mechanical stimuli using in vitro cultured mouse, dog and human myocardial slices.

Methods and results
Unloading of myocardial slices induced CF proliferation without α-SMA expression up to 7 days in culture. CFs migrating onto the culture plastic support or cultured on glass expressed αSMA within 3 days. The cells on the slice remained αSMA(−) despite transforming growth factor-β (20 ng/ml) or angiotensin II (200 µM) stimulation. When diastolic load was applied to myocardial slices using A-shaped stretchers, CF proliferation was significantly prevented at Days 3 and 7 (P < 0.001).

Conclusions
Myocardial slices allow the study of CFs in a multicellular environment and may be used to effectively study mechanisms of cardiac fibrosis and potential targets.
A comparative study of amplitude calibrations for the East Asia VLBI Network: A priori and template spectrum methods
Authors: Cho Ilje , Jung Taehyun , Zhao Guang-Yao , Akiyama Kazunori , Sawada-Satoh Satoko , Kino Motoki , Byun Do-Young , Sohn Bong Won , Shibata Katsunori M. , Hirota Tomoya , Niinuma Kotaro , Yonekura Yoshinori , Fujisawa Kenta , Oyama Tomoaki 
Published: August 2017

Abstract
We present the results of a comparative study of amplitude calibrations for the East Asia VLBI Network (EAVN) at 22 and 43 GHz using two different methods of an “a priori” and a “template spectrum”, particularly on lower declination sources. Using observational data sets of early EAVN observations, we investigated the elevation-dependence of the gain values at seven stations of the KaVA (KVN and VERA Array) and three additional telescopes in Japan (Takahagi 32 m, Yamaguchi 32 m, and Nobeyama 45 m). By comparing the independently obtained gain values based on these two methods, we found that the gain values from each method were consistent within 10% at elevations higher than 10°. We also found that the total flux densities of two images produced from the different amplitude calibrations were in agreement within 10% at both 22 and 43 GHz. By using the template spectrum method, furthermore, the additional radio telescopes can participate in KaVA (i.e., EAVN), giving a notable sensitivity increase. Therefore, our results will constrain the detailed conditions in order to measure the VLBI amplitude reliably using EAVN, and discuss the potential of possible expansion to telescopes comprising EAVN.
A Model of the International Monetary System*
Authors: Farhi Emmanuel , Maggiori Matteo 
Published: August 2017

AbstractWe propose a simple model of the international monetary system. We study the world supply and demand for reserve assets denominated in different currencies under a variety of scenarios: a hegemon versus a multipolar world; abundant versus scarce reserve assets; and a gold exchange standard versus a floating rate system. We rationalize the Triffin dilemma, which posits the fundamental instability of the system, as well as the common prediction regarding the natural and beneficial emergence of a multipolar world, the Nurkse warning that a multipolar world is more unstable than a hegemon world, and the Keynesian argument that a scarcity of reserve assets under a gold standard or at the zero lower bound is recessionary. Our analysis is both positive and normative.
Application of genome‐editing technology in crop improvement
Authors: Ni Zhe , Han Qian , He Yong‐Qiang , Huang Sheng 
Published: August 2017

Background and objectivesIncrease in the world population is usually followed by a growing demand for food and increasingly higher requirements for the quality of food. The existing crops may require immediate improvement and optimization in order to adjust to market demands and the deteriorating environment.FindingsGenome‐editing technology, a relatively advanced technology method that appeared in recent years, can accurately edit (i.e., insert, delete, or replace) genes and directionally modify crops by changing the plant's heredity and performance.ConclusionsCurrently, some of the modern genome‐editing approaches have been applied rather widely in crop breeding: for example, zinc finger nuclease, transcription activator‐like effector nuclease, and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR‐associated protein.Significance and noveltyWhile reviewing the principles of the above genome‐editing technologies and their research progress in crop improvement, this study will discuss the commercial application and future development of these technologies.
Antidiabetic Drug Alogliptin Protects the Heart Against Ischemia-reperfusion Injury Through GLP-1 Receptor-dependent and Receptor-independent Pathways Involving Nitric Oxide Production in Rabbits
Authors: Baba Shinya , Iwasa Masamitsu , Higashi Kenshi , Minatoguchi Shingo , Yamada Yoshihisa , Kanamori Hiromitsu , Kawasaki Masanori , Nishigaki Kazuhiko , Minatoguchi Shinya 
Published: August 2017

Abstract:
GLP-1 has been reported to be cardioprotective against ischemia-reperfusion injury. We aimed to examine the effect of alogliptin, which may produce GLP-1, on ischemia-reperfusion injury and its mechanisms. Rabbits were fed a normal chow (control group) and a chow containing alogliptin (2 mg·kg−1·d−1: alogliptin-L group and 20 mg·kg−1·d−1: alogliptin-H group) for 7 days. The rabbits underwent 30 minutes of coronary occlusion and 48 hours of reperfusion. Exendin (9–39) [5 or 50 μg/kg, i.v., alogliptin-H+exendin (9–39)-L group and alogliptin-H+exendin (9–39)-H group] or l-NAME (10 mg/kg, i.v., alogliptin-H+L-NAME group) was administered to the alogliptin-H group. Alogliptin dose-dependently reduced the infarct size, which was partially blocked by exendin (9–39), but completely blocked by l-NAME. Exendin (9–39) or l-NAME alone did not affect the infarct size for themselves. The left ventricular ejection fraction and ±dP/dt were higher in the alogliptin-L group and alogliptin-H group than in the control group. Alogliptin increased the serum NOx and plasma GLP-1 levels, and those levels inversely correlated with the infarct size. Alogliptin upregulated the expressions of phosphorylated (p)-Akt and p-eNOS, which were inhibited by exendin (9–39) and l-NAME, respectively. In conclusion, alogliptin protects the heart against ischemia-reperfusion injury through GLP-1 receptor-dependent and receptor-independent pathways which involve nitric oxide production in rabbits.
Levosimendan in Acute and Advanced Heart Failure: An Appraisal of the Clinical Database and Evaluation of Its Therapeutic Applications
Authors: Altenberger Johann , Gustafsson Finn , Harjola Veli-Pekka , Karason Kristjan , Kindgen-Milles Detlef , Kivikko Matti , Malfatto Gabriella , Papp Zoltán , Parissis John , Pollesello Piero , Pölzl Gerhard , Tschöpe Carsten 
Published: August 2017

Abstract:
The use of inotropes for correcting hemodynamic dysfunction in patients with congestive heart failure has been described over many decades. However, negative or insufficient data have been collected regarding the effects of cardiac glycosides, catecholamines, and phosphodiesterase inhibitors on quality of life and survival. More recently, the calcium sensitizer and potassium channel-opener levosimendan has been proposed as a safer inodilator than traditional agents in some heart failure settings, such as advanced heart failure. At the 2017 annual congress of the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology (Paris, April 30–May 2), a series of tutorials delivered by lecturers from 8 European countries examined how to use levosimendan safely and effectively in acute and advanced heart failure. The proceedings of those tutorials have been collated in this review to provide an expert perspective on the optimized use of levosimendan in those settings.
RANIBIZUMAB AND AFLIBERCEPT FOR THE TREATMENT OF PIGMENT EPITHELIAL DETACHMENT IN NEOVASCULAR AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION
Authors: Vaze Anagha , Nguyen Vuong , Daien Vincent , Arnold Jennifer J. , Young Stephanie H. , Cheung Chui M. , Lamoureux Ecosse , Bhargava Mayuri , Barthelmes Daniel , Gillies Mark C. ,   the Fight Retinal Blindness Study Group
Published: August 2017

Purpose:
To assess the effect of intravitreal ranibizumab and aflibercept on retinal pigment epithelial detachment (RPED) in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Methods:
This was a retrospective analysis of data from a prospectively designed and implemented clinical audit. Analysis included change in RPED dimensions and visual acuity in 92/233 treatment-naive eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration and RPED 6 months after treatment with either aflibercept or ranibizumab.

Results:
There was no significant between-group difference in the adjusted mean change for maximum RPED height (P = 0.195), diameter (P = 0.522) or visual acuity (P = 0.836) at 6 months. Injection frequency was the only clinical variable that affected RPED height (P = 0.050) and visual acuity change for both treatment groups (P = 0.004). Around 30% of eyes in each group had complete resolution of RPED at 6 months.

Conclusion:
Eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration and RPED showed significant functional and anatomical responses after 6 months of intravitreal anti–vascular endothelial growth factor injections. However, we found no significant difference in anatomical response or change in visual acuity between eyes treated with ranibizumab compared with aflibercept. Larger, prospectively designed, randomized studies with longer term follow-up may identify a difference between the two drugs that we did not detect.
The Walk-in Clinic
Authors: Gardner Kenzie A. , Westrom Dale R. 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACT
Access to adequate and timely dermatology care, especially for an acute chief complaint (changing lesion, painful rash, etc.), is an ongoing problem for patients. A same-day service model (same-day appointments, walk-in clinic, “advanced access scheduling,” or “open access scheduling”) can be implemented to increase the supply of dermatology care with demand. Limited evidence exists on how to successfully establish a same-day service, such as a walk-in clinic, in a traditional dermatology practice. This article will discuss the establishment of a walk-in clinic in a dermatology practice in Northern California and will also review the associated advantages and challenges of providing a walk-in clinic. It will also identify the important role of nurses and nurse practitioners in the dermatology walk-in clinic. It is our hope that the information in this article will support the future establishment of dermatology walk-in clinics to better serve dermatology patients with acute skin problems.
Nonoperative Management of Labral Tears of the Hip in Adolescent Athletes: Description of Sports Participation, Interventions, Comorbidity, and Outcomes
Authors: Cianci Andrea , Sugimoto Dai , Stracciolini Andrea , Yen Yi-Meng , Kocher Mininder S. , d'Hemecourt Pierre A. 
Published: August 2017

Context:
Hip injury among young athletes is increasing, especially hip labral tears. Some tears may require surgical intervention, especially if they are associated with boney pathology such as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). A protocol for nonoperative treatment of the hip labral tears is not well established.

Objective:
To identify current nonoperative treatment options, comorbidities, sports participation, and outcomes of adolescent athletes who were diagnosed with hip labral tears.

Study Design:
Retrospective chart review.

Setting:
A regional tertiary level medical and academic institution.

Participants:
Physically active 8- to 20-year-old males and females who were diagnosed with hip labral tears in 2010 to 2013.

Main Outcome Measures:
Nonoperative treatment interventions including physical therapy (PT), intraarticular injection (IAI), the type of sports participation, and comorbidity were extracted.

Statistical Analysis:
Descriptive statistics and χ2 tests were used with a priori alpha level <0.05.

Results:
Among 76 adolescent athletes who were diagnosed with hip labral tear, 52 (68.4%) had PT, 55 (72.4%) received IAI, and 43 (56.6%) experienced both PT and IAI interventions. Top 3 sports participated were dance (18.4%), soccer (14.5%), and gymnastics (7.9%). The most common comorbidity was FAI, which was observed in 46 individuals (60.5%). Although there was no difference in a proportion of FAI cases between sexes, a greater proportion of surgical cases were observed among hip labrum–injured athletes with FAI compared with those without FAI (P = 0.032).

Conclusions:
Adolescent athletes with hip labral tears often receive PT, IAI, and a combination of both, as nonoperative treatment options in this study cohort. The adolescent athletes who sustained hip labral tears with comorbidity of FAI had significantly greater proportion of surgical cases after nonoperative treatments.
Regional anesthesia and analgesia after surgery in ICU
Authors: Capdevila Mathieu , Ramin Séverin , Capdevila Xavier 
Published: August 2017

Purpose of review
The aim is to demonstrate that ICU physicians should play a pivotal role in developing regional anesthesia techniques that are underused in critically ill patients despite the proven facts in perioperative and long-term pain, organ dysfunction, and postsurgery patient health-related quality of life improvement.

Recent findings
Regional anesthesia and/or analgesia strategies in ICU reduce the surgical and trauma–stress response in surgical patients as well as complications incidence. Recent studies suggested that surgical/trauma ICU patients receive opioid–hypnotics continuous infusions to prevent pain and agitation that could increase the risk of posttraumatic stress disorder and chronic neuropathic pain symptoms, and chronic opioid use. Regional anesthesia use decrease the use of intravenous opioids and the ectopic activity of injured small fibers limiting those phenomena. In Cochrane reviews and prospective randomized trials in major surgery patients, regional anesthesia accelerates the return of the gastrointestinal transit and rehabilitation, decreases postoperative pain and opioids use, reduces ICU/hospital stay, improves pulmonary outcomes, including long period of mechanical ventilation and early extubation, reduces overall adverse cardiac events, and reduces ICU admissions when compared with general anesthesia and intravenous opiates alone. The reduction of long-term mortality has been reported in major vascular or orthopedic surgeries.

Summary
Promoting regional anesthesia/analgesia in ICU surgical/trauma patients could undoubtedly limit the risk of complications, ICU/hospital stay, and improve patient's outcome. The use of regional anesthesia permits a high doses opioid use limitation which is mandatory and should be considered as feasible and well tolerated in ICU.
How to better identify patients at high risk of postoperative complications?
Authors: Talmor Daniel , Kelly Barry 
Published: August 2017

Purpose of review
Preoperative risk assessment and perioperative factors may help identify patients at increased risk of postoperative complications and allow postoperative management strategies that improve patient outcomes. This review summarizes historical and more recent scoring systems for predicting patients with increased morbidity and mortality in the postoperative period.

Recent findings
Most prediction scores predict postoperative mortality with, at best, moderate accuracy. Scores that incorporate surgery-specific and intraoperative covariates may improve the accuracy of traditional scores. Traditional risk factors including increased ASA physical status score, emergent surgery, intraoperative blood loss and hemodynamic instability are consistently associated with increased mortality using most scoring systems.

Summary
Preoperative clinical risk indices and risk calculators estimate surgical risk with moderate accuracy. Surgery-specific risk calculators are helpful in identifying patients at increased risk of 30-day mortality. Particular attention should be paid to intraoperative hemodynamic instability, blood loss, extent of surgical excision and volume of resection.
Lack of Association Between Interleukin 28B Polymorphism and Vertical Transmission of Hepatitis C
Authors: Psaros Einberg Afrodite , Duberg Ann-Sofi , Filipovich Olga , Nyström Jessica , Zhirkov Anton , Brenndörfer Erwin D. , Frelin Lars , Rukoiatkina Elena , Lobzin Yuriy , Sällberg Matti , Fischler Björn , Lutckii Anton 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACT

Objectives:
Single genetic nucleotide polymorphism (rs12979860) near the gene for interleukin 28B (IL28B) is known to be of importance for frequency of spontaneous clearance and treatment outcome in interferon-based therapies in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether IL28B polymorphism in children and/or their mothers plays a role in vertical transmission of HCV (HCV-VT).

Methods:
Plasma samples from 59 infected women, 76 uninfected children born to infected mothers, and 47 children with known vertically transmitted HCV infection, were analysed for IL28B polymorphism and classified by the IL28B genotype (C/C, C/T, and T/T) and by viral genotype.

Results:
The proportion of children with genotype C/C was the same in the vertically infected (36%, 17/47) and the exposed uninfected children (38%, 29/76). No difference was seen when stratifying for viral genotype. There was no association between mothers’ IL28B genotype and the risk of vertical transmission.

Conclusions:
Regardless of viral genotype we found no association between IL28B genotype and the risk of HCV-VT. The IL28B genotype CC, which has been shown to be favourable in other settings, was not protective of HCV-VT. Thus, other factors possibly associated with the risk of HCV-VT need to be explored.
Cephalometric Predictors of Clinical Severity in Treacher Collins Syndrome
Authors: Esenlik Elçin , Plana Natalie M. , Grayson Barry H. , Flores Roberto L. 
Published: August 2017

Background:
The aim of this study was to identify cephalometric measurements associated with clinical severity in patients with Treacher Collins syndrome.

Methods:
A retrospective single-institution review of patients with Treacher Collins syndrome was conducted. Preoperative cephalograms and computed tomographic scans (n = 30) were evaluated. Fifty cephalometric measurements were compared to age-specific normative data using analysis of variance. These cephalometric measurements and the patient’s Pruzansky classification were correlated to clinical severity using Spearman analysis. Clinical severity was defined as severe (required tracheostomy), moderate (obstructive sleep apnea, oral cleft, or gastrostomy-tube), or mild (absence of listed comorbidities). Cephalometric measurements with a strong correlation (r > 0.60) were identified as predictors of clinical severity.

Results:
Cephalograms of the study population contained 30 measurements that were found to be significantly different from normative data (p < 0.01). These measurements were related largely to maxillary/mandibular projection, maxillary/mandibular plane angle, mandibular morphology, facial height, facial convexity, and mandible/throat position. Ten of these 30 statistically significant measurements in addition to Pruzansky classification were found to be strongly correlated (r > 0.60) to clinical severity. These measurements include the following: mandibular projection/position (sella-nasion-pogonion, r = −0.64; hyoid-menton, r = −0.62); posterior facial height (posterior facial height/anterior facial height, r = 0.60; condyle-gonion, r = −0.66); maxillary/mandibular plane angle (sella-nasion–mandibular plane, r = 0.62; Frankfort horizontal–mandibular plane, r = 0.61; sella-nasion–palatal plane, r = 0.69; sella-nasion-symphysis, r = −0.69); and Pruzansky classification (r = 0.82).

Conclusion:
Specific cephalometric measurements of increased mandibular retrognathia, decreased posterior facial height, more obtuse maxillary/mandibular plane angle and more obtuse symphysis notch angle are strongly correlated to increased clinical severity in patients with Treacher Collins syndrome.
Simultaneous Stiles-Bunnell Tendon Transfer Enhances Intrinsic Function of Second-Toe Transplantations
Authors: Lin Yu-Te , Loh Charles Yuen Yung , Lien Shwu-Huei , Lin Chih-Hung , Wei Fu-Chan 
Published: August 2017

Summary:
Claw finger is a sequela of fingers without intrinsic function. Claw toe deformity is common after toe transfer, as simultaneous intrinsic reconstruction has yet to be reported in the literature. The authors present their experience of simultaneous tendon transfer during second-toe transplantation. Seven second-toe transfers were performed in five metacarpal-like and metacarpal hands. The Stiles-Bunnell tendon transfer was incorporated into toe transfers. Toe lumbrical tendons were repaired to the flexor digitorum sublimis of the same recipient digit. The active motion values of the proximal interphalangeal joint were 61 ± 9.5 degrees and 36 ± 6.4 degrees in the middle and ring fingers, respectively. The extension lag overall was 19.9 ± 9.9 degrees. The transferred toe proximal interphalangeal joints had minimal extensor lag with the metacarpophalangeal joint in flexion position. The flexion sweep of the toe was improved by the intrinsic reconstruction. The patients were able to use the transferred toes for sophisticated daily activities. From the results seen, simultaneous intrinsic reconstruction appears to enhance the dexterity and thus function of transferred toes.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
Therapeutic, IV.
Oblique Osteotomy for the Correction of the Zigzag Deformity of Wassel Type IV Polydactyly
Authors: Kim Byung Jun , Choi Jun Ho , Kwon Sung Tack 
Published: August 2017

Background:
Surgical treatment of Wassel type IV thumb polydactyly is technically challenging, especially when it has a zigzag deformity. However, the authors obtained good operative results by performing oblique osteotomy with autologous fat graft in 30 patients.

Methods:
After removal of the extra digit, the radially deviated distal phalanx was corrected by performing oblique osteotomy at the proximal phalanx. Free fat tissue was grafted to the areas with soft-tissue deficiency. Surgical outcomes were evaluated in terms of the thumb length ratio compared to the normal counterpart, the angulation between the proximal phalanx and the distal phalanx, and the Tada score. As a negative control, the data of 46 type IV polydactyly patients without a significant axis deviation were evaluated.

Results:
The thumb length ratio was maintained from 0.96 ± 0.06 preoperatively to 1.01 ± 0.07 4-year postoperatively. The angulation improved from 30.84 ± 14.78 degrees to 11.03 ± 7.67 degrees. In comparison, the length ratio and angulation of the control group changed from 0.97 ± 0.04 to 0.98 ± 0.02, and from 19.46 ± 8.27 degrees to 14.10 ± 6.61 degrees, respectively. The Tada scores were 5.3 ± 0.88 in the oblique osteotomy group and 6.59 ± 0.62 in the control group, both of which were graded as good.

Conclusions:
Oblique osteotomy with autologous fat graft is a good surgical option for treating the Wassel type IV polydactyly with zigzag deformity. This technique allows sufficient axis correction without bone shortening, and it provides adequate soft-tissue contouring.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
Therapeutic, III.