bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human Blood and Cardiac Stem Cells Synergize to Enhance Cardiac Repair When Cotransplanted Into Ischemic Myocardium
Authors: Latham Nicholas , Ye Bin , Jackson Robyn , Lam Bu-Khanh , Kuraitis Drew , Ruel Marc , Suuronen Erik J. , Stewart Duncan J. , Davis Darryl R. 
Published: September 2013

Background—
Blood-derived circulatory angiogenic cells (CACs) and resident cardiac stem cells (CSCs) have both been shown to improve cardiac function after myocardial infarction. The superiority of either cell type has long been an area of speculation with no definitive head-to-head trial. In this study, we compared the effect of human CACs and CSCs, alone or in combination, on myocardial function in an immunodeficient mouse model of myocardial infarction.

Methods and Results—

CACs and CSCs were cultured from left atrial appendages and blood samples obtained from patients undergoing clinically indicated heart surgery. CACs expressed a broader cytokine profile than CSCs, with 3 cytokines in common. Coculture of CACs and CSCs further enhanced the production of stromal cell–derived factor-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor (
P
≤0.05). Conditioned media promoted equivalent vascular networks and CAC recruitment with superior effects using cocultured conditioned media. Intramyocardial injection of CACs or CSCs alone improved myocardial function and reduced scar burdens when injected 1 week after myocardial infarction (
P
≤0.05 versus negative controls). Cotransplantation of CACs and CSCs together improved myocardial function and reduced scar burdens to a greater extent than either stem cell therapy alone (
P
≤0.05 versus CAC or CSC injection alone).

Conclusions—
CACs and CSCs provide unique paracrine repertoires with equivalent effects on angiogenesis, stem cell migration, and myocardial repair. Combination therapy with both cell types synergistically improves postinfarct myocardial function greater than either therapy alone. This synergy is likely mediated by the complimentary paracrine signatures that promote revascularization and the growth of new myocardium.
Screening Drug-Induced Arrhythmia Using Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell–Derived Cardiomyocytes and Low-Impedance Microelectrode Arrays
Authors: Navarrete Enrique G. , Liang Ping , Lan Feng , Sanchez-Freire Verónica , Simmons Chelsey , Gong Tingyu , Sharma Arun , Burridge Paul W. , Patlolla Bhagat , Lee Andrew S. , Wu Haodi , Beygui Ramin E. , Wu Sean M. , Robbins Robert C. , Bers Donald M. , Wu Joseph C. 
Published: September 2013

Background—
Drug-induced arrhythmia is one of the most common causes of drug development failure and withdrawal from market. This study tested whether human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) combined with a low-impedance microelectrode array (MEA) system could improve on industry-standard preclinical cardiotoxicity screening methods, identify the effects of well-characterized drugs, and elucidate underlying risk factors for drug-induced arrhythmia. hiPSC-CMs may be advantageous over immortalized cell lines because they possess similar functional characteristics as primary human cardiomyocytes and can be generated in unlimited quantities.

Methods and Results—
Pharmacological responses of beating embryoid bodies exposed to a comprehensive panel of drugs at 65 to 95 days postinduction were determined. Responses of hiPSC-CMs to drugs were qualitatively and quantitatively consistent with the reported drug effects in literature. Torsadogenic hERG blockers, such as sotalol and quinidine, produced statistically and physiologically significant effects, consistent with patch-clamp studies, on human embryonic stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes hESC-CMs. False-negative and false-positive hERG blockers were identified accurately. Consistent with published studies using animal models, early afterdepolarizations and ectopic beats were observed in 33% and 40% of embryoid bodies treated with sotalol and quinidine, respectively, compared with negligible early afterdepolarizations and ectopic beats in untreated controls.

Conclusions—
We found that drug-induced arrhythmias can be recapitulated in hiPSC-CMs and documented with low impedance MEA. Our data indicate that the MEA/hiPSC-CM assay is a sensitive, robust, and efficient platform for testing drug effectiveness and for arrhythmia screening. This system may hold great potential for reducing drug development costs and may provide significant advantages over current industry standard assays that use immortalized cell lines or animal models.
Planning for an Uncertain Future: Climate Change Sensitivity Assessment toward Adaptation Planning for Public Water Supply
Authors: Bardsley Tim , Wood Andrew , Hobbins Mike , Kirkham Tracie , Briefer Laura , Niermeyer Jeff , Burian Steven 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Assessing climate change risk to municipal water supplies is often conducted by hydrologic modeling specific to local watersheds and infrastructure to ensure that outputs are compatible with existing planning frameworks and processes. This study leverages the modeling capacity of an operational National Weather Service River Forecast Center to explore the potential impacts of future climate-driven hydrologic changes on factors important to planning at the Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities (SLC). Hydrologic modeling results for the study area align with prior research in showing that temperature changes alone will lead to earlier runoff and reduced runoff volume. The sensitivity of average annual flow to temperature varies significantly between watersheds, averaging −3.8% °F−1 and ranging from −1.8% to −6.5% flow reduction per degree Fahrenheit of warming. The largest flow reductions occur during the high water demand months of May–September. Precipitation drives hydrologic response more strongly than temperature, with each 1% precipitation change producing an average 1.9% runoff change of the same sign. This paper explores the consequences of climate change for the reliability of SLC's water supply system using scenarios that include hydrologic changes in average conditions, severe drought scenarios, and future water demand test cases. The most significant water management impacts will be earlier and reduced runoff volume, which threaten the system's ability to maintain adequate streamflow and storage to meet late-summer water demands.
Seasonal Hydrological Forecasts for Watersheds over the Southeastern United States for the Boreal Summer and Fall Seasons
Authors: Bastola Satish , Misra Vasubandhu , Li Haiqin 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
The authors evaluate the skill of a suite of seasonal hydrological prediction experiments over 28 watersheds throughout the southeastern United States (SEUS), including Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, and North Carolina. The seasonal climate retrospective forecasts [the Florida Climate Institute–Florida State University Seasonal Hindcasts at 50-km resolution (FISH50)] is initialized in June and integrated through November of each year from 1982 through 2001. Each seasonal climate forecast has six ensemble members. An earlier study showed that FISH50 represents state-of-the-art seasonal climate prediction skill for the summer and fall seasons, especially in the subtropical and higher latitudes. The retrospective prediction of streamflow is based on multiple calibrated rainfall–runoff models. The hydrological models are forced with rainfall from FISH50, (quantile based) bias-corrected FISH50 rainfall (FISH50_BC), and resampled historical rainfall observations based on matching observed analogs of forecasted quartile seasonal rainfall anomalies (FISH50_Resamp).
The results show that direct use of output from the climate model (FISH50) results in huge biases in predicted streamflow, which is significantly reduced with bias correction (FISH50_BC) or by FISH50_Resamp. On a discouraging note, the authors find that the deterministic skill of retrospective streamflow prediction as measured by the normalized root-mean-square error is poor compared to the climatological forecast irrespective of how FISH50 (e.g., FISH50_BC, FISH50_Resamp) is used to force the hydrological models. However, our analysis of probabilistic skill from the same suite of retrospective prediction experiments reveals that, over the majority of the 28 watersheds in the SEUS, significantly higher probabilistic skill than climatological forecast of streamflow can be harvested for the wet/dry seasonal anomalies (i.e., extreme quartiles) using FISH50_Resamp as the forcing. The authors contend that, given the nature of the relatively low climate predictability over the SEUS, high deterministic hydrological prediction skills will be elusive. Therefore, probabilistic hydrological prediction for the SEUS watersheds is very appealing, especially with the current capability of generating a comparatively huge ensemble of seasonal hydrological predictions for each watershed and for each season, which offers a robust estimate of associated forecast uncertainty.
Radial-Based Noise Power Estimation for Weather Radars
Authors: Ivić Igor R. , Curtis Christopher , Torres Sebastián M. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractA radar antenna intercepts thermal radiation from various sources including the ground, the sun, the sky, precipitation, and man-made radiators. In the radar receiver, this external radiation produces noise that constructively adds to the receiver internal noise and results in the overall system noise. Consequently, the system noise power is dependent on the antenna position and needs to be estimated accurately. Inaccurate noise power measurements may lead to reduction of coverage if the noise power is overestimated or to radar data images cluttered by noise speckles if the noise power is underestimated. Moreover, when an erroneous noise power is used at low-to-moderate signal-to-noise ratios, estimators can produce biased meteorological variables. Therefore, to obtain the best quality of radar products, it is desirable to compute meteorological variables using the noise power measured at each antenna position. In this paper, an effective method is proposed to estimate the noise power in real time from measured powers at each radial. The technique uses a set of criteria to detect radar range resolution volumes that do not contain weather signals and uses those to estimate the noise power. The algorithm is evaluated using both simulated and real time series data; results show that the proposed technique accurately produces estimates of the system noise power. An operational implementation of this technique is expected to significantly improve the quality of weather radar products with a relatively small computational burden.
Serum ischaemia–modified albumin level is an irrelevant predictive factor for ischaemic duration in mesenteric ischaemia
Authors: Caliskan A , Yavuz C , Karahan O , Demirtas Sinan , Yazici S , Guclu O , Mavitas B 
Published: September 2013

Background: Acute mesenteric ischaemia is an emergency condition that requires urgent and expeditious diagnosis and immediate surgical or medical intervention. The initial hours are critical for the recovery of the affected bowel segment. Thus, its clinic diagnostic biomarkers are important when it comes to reducing mortality and morbidity rates. Methods: Twenty-four male Sprague–Dawley rats were included in the study. The rats were divided into three equal groups. Those in Group I were sacrificed to determine the basal serum values of ischaemia-modified albumin (IMA) after a simple laparotomy. The superior mesenteric artery (SMA) was clamped in a simple laparotomy in Groups II and III; blood samples were taken at 120 minutes in Group II and 360 minutes in Group III. The serum IMA levels were identified from the blood samples and the results obtained were compared statistically. Results: The serum IMA levels were determined to be 22±6 (22) μ/L, 34±7 (34) μ/L and 36±4 (37) μ/L in Groups I, II and III, respectively. The differences between the groups were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Our results showed that the serum IMA level is not an appropriate biomarker for acute mesenteric ischaemia. Additionally, the IMA level is not an appropriate biomarker for the detection of ischaemia duration. However, future studies should be conducted to clarify the efficacy of serum IMA levels under different ischaemic conditions.
Age-specific Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia-associated myocardial damage in children
Authors: Li Cheng-Mei , Gu Li , Yin Shao-Jun , Yang Rong , Xie Yuan , Guo Xiao-Zhi , Fu Yu-Xuan , Cheng Dan 
Published: September 2013

Objective To measure Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP)-associated myocardial damage in different age groups of children with pneumonia. Methods Children aged 0–14 years with pneumonia and myocardial damage (serum creatine kinase isoenzyme-MB [CK-MB] concentration >25 U/l) were enrolled in the study. The children were classified as Mycoplasma pneumoniae immunoglobulin M positive ( M. pneumoniae IgM+) or negative ( M. pneumoniae IgM−) based on a serological test. Children were stratified into four age groups in order to analyse age-specific MPP-associated myocardial damage. Results The incidence of fever was significantly higher in children who were M. pneumoniae IgM+ compared with M. pneumoniae IgM− children. The median serum CK-MB concentration was significantly higher in children who were M. pneumoniae IgM+ compared with those who were M. pneumoniae IgM−. Children who were M. pneumoniae IgM+ in the 13–36 months and 72 months–14 years age groups had significantly higher median serum CK-MB concentrations than those who were M. pneumoniae IgM− in the same age group. Conclusions M. pneumoniae infection was associated with greater myocardial damage in children aged 13–36 months and 72 months–14 years. This suggests age-specific immune responses to M. pneumoniae.
The Unexpected With Ankle Fracture: Traumatic Tibialis Posterior Tendon Dislocation
Authors: Al Khudairy A. , Zafar MM , Padinjarathala B.A. 
Published: September 2013

Traumatic dislocation of tibialis posterior is infrequently reported in the literature. It is rare but potential cause of persistent pain that can be easily missed. Concomitant ankle fracture may obscure the clinical picture and if unsuspected, consequences such as iatrogenic injury to tibialis posterior tendon while fixing the medial malleolus may occur. We report our experience in the management of a tibialis posterior tendon dislocation associated with ankle fracture. A review of all English literature had been carried with a focus on treatment options. Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV, Case report
Reference loci for RT-qPCR analysis of differentiating human embryonic stem cells
Authors: Vossaert Liesbeth , O’Leary Thomas , Van Neste Christophe , Heindryckx Björn , Vandesompele Jo , De Sutter Petra , Deforce Dieter 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Selecting stably expressed reference genes is essential for proper reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction gene expression analysis. However, this choice is not always straightforward. In the case of differentiating human embryonic stem (hES) cells, differentiation itself introduces changes whereby reference gene stability may be influenced.

Results
In this study, we evaluated the stability of various references during retinoic acid-induced (2 microM) differentiation of hES cells. Out of 12 candidate references, beta-2-microglobulin, ribosomal protein L13A and Alu repeats are found to be the most stable for this experimental set-up.

Conclusions
Our results show that some of the commonly used reference genes are actually not amongst the most stable loci during hES cell differentiation promoted by retinoic acid. Moreover, a novel normalization strategy based on expressed Alu repeats is validated for use in hES cell experiments.
Men having sex with men serosorting with casual partners: who, how much, and what risk factors in Switzerland, 2007-2009
Authors: Lociciro Stéphanie , Jeannin André , Dubois-Arber Françoise 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Serosorting is practiced by men who have sex with men (MSM) to reduce human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission. This study evaluates the prevalence of serosorting with casual partners, and analyses the characteristics and estimated numbers of serosorters in Switzerland 2007-2009.

Methods
Data were extracted from cross-sectional surveys conducted in 2007 and 2009 among self-selected MSM recruited online, through gay newspapers, and through gay organizations. Nested models were fitted to ascertain the appropriateness of pooling the datasets. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed on pooled data to determine the association between serosorting and demographic, lifestyle-related, and health-related factors. Extrapolations were performed by applying proportions of various types of serosorters to Swiss population data collected in 2007.

Results
A significant and stable number of MSM (approximately 39% in 2007 and 2009) intentionally engage in serosorting with casual partners in Switzerland. Variables significantly associated with serosorting were: gay organization membership (aOR = 1.67), frequent internet use for sexual encounters (aOR = 1.71), having had a sexually transmitted infection (STI) at any time in the past 12 months (aOR = 1.70), HIV-positive status (aOR = 0.52), regularly frequenting sex-on-premises venues (aOR = 0.42), and unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) with partners of different or unknown HIV status in the past 12 months (aOR = 0.22). Approximately one-fifth of serosorters declared HIV negativity without being tested in the past 12 months; 15.8% reported not knowing their own HIV status.

Conclusion
The particular risk profile of serosorters having UAI with casual partners (multiple partners, STI history, and inadequate testing frequency) requires specific preventive interventions tailored to HIV status.
Increased rate of day surgery use for inguinal and femoral hernia repair in a decade of hospital admissions in the Veneto Region (north-east Italy): a record linkage study
Authors: Saia Mario , Mantoan Domenico , Buja Alessandra , Bertoncello Chiara , Baldovin Tatjana , Zanardo Chiara , Callegaro Giampietro , Baldo Vincenzo 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Worldwide, there has been a marked increase in the number of inguinal and femoral hernia repairs performed as day surgery procedures. This study aimed to outline the epidemiology of the procedures for repairing unilateral inguinal and femoral hernia in the Veneto Region, and to analyze the time trends and organizational appropriateness of these procedures.

Methods
Drawing from the anonymous computerized database of hospital discharge records for the Veneto Region, we identified all unilateral groin hernia repair procedures completed in Veneto residents between 2000 and 2009 at both public and accredited private hospitals.

Results
A total 141,329 hernias were repaired in the Veneto Region during the decade considered, with an annual rate of 291.2 per 100,000 population for inguinal hernia (IH) repairs and 11.2 per 100,000 population for femoral hernia (FH) repairs. Day surgery was used more for inguinal than for femoral hernia repairs, accounting for 76% and 43% (p< 0.05), respectively, of all hernia repair procedures completed during the period. The % of other than surgery hospital ordinary admissions (day surgery or ambulatory surgery) during the decade considered rose from 61.7% to 86.7% for IH and from 33.0% to 61.8% for FH.

Conclusions
In the last decade, the Veneto Region has reduced the rate of ordinary hospital admissions for groin hernia repair with a view to improving the efficiency of the hospital network.
Acute adrenal insufficiency following arthroplasty: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Mandanas Stylianos , Boudina Maria , Chrisoulidou Alexandra , Xinou Katerina , Margaritidou Efterpi , Gerou Spyros , Pazaitou-Panayiotou Kalliopi 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackgroundAcute adrenal insufficiency is a potentially lethal condition rarely caused by bilateral adrenal haemorrhage due to heparin use. Most of the times, it is difficult to establish the diagnosis, as symptoms are not specific. Few cases have been reported in the literature.Case presentationA 52-year-old Caucasian woman presented with abdominal pain, vomiting and weakness nine days after arthroplasty and heparin use. Hyperkalemia, low cortisol and high adrenocorticotropic hormone levels were found, indicating adrenal insufficiency. Magnetic resonance imaging of the upper abdomen was compatible with preceding adrenal haemorrhage. Hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone were administered. Review of the literature revealed 36 cases of postoperative adrenal haemorrhage which are presented briefly.ConclusionPostoperative acute adrenal insufficiency due to haemorrhage is a rare condition. If patients are treated based on clinical suspicion, they have good chances to survive. Hydrocortisone is given permanently in the majority of the patients.
Cryopreservation the seeds of a Taiwanese terrestrial orchid, Bletilla formosana (Hayata) Schltr. by vitrification
Authors: Hu Wei Hsin , Yang Yue Han , Liaw Song Iuan , Chang Chen 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
The cryopreservation of orchid seeds is an important conservation method, studies of the effects of cryopreservation on the seeds of wild orchids are scant. This investigation was to establish a method for the vitrification and cryopreservation of seeds of B. formosana that may be suitable for the long term storage of Taiwan native orchid germplasm for conservation purposes.

Results
The germination rate and morphological stability of seeds from spontaneous-dehiscent capsules of Bletilla formosana (Hayata) Schltr. were evaluated after cryopreservation by vitrification. The germination rates of cryopreserved seeds varied according to immersion time and the vitrification method used. Seeds that were dehydrated by immersion in loading solution (LS; 2.0 M glycerol, 0.4 M sucrose) for 10 min to 30 min then transferred to plant vitrification solution 2 (PVS2) for 30 min prior to freezing in liquid nitrogen (LN) showed significantly higher germination rates than seeds immersed in PVS2 only. The optimal immersion times were 10 min for LS and 30 min for PVS2, resulting in an in vitro germination rate of 91%. Germination was not observed for cryopreserved seeds that were dehydrated by immersion in LS only. Seed viabilities and germination rates did not vary significantly for cryostorage times from 10 minutes to 1 year.

Conclusions
This study improve, an efficient protocol was established that maintained seed viability and enhanced the germination rates of seeds, compared with previously described cryopreservation methods, and the germinated seeds showed normal morphology of both vegetative and reproductive organs.