bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of Atrioesophageal Fistula Following Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation Treated with Surgical Repair versus Esophageal Stenting
Authors: MOHANTY SANGHAMITRA , SANTANGELI PASQUALE , MOHANTY PRASANT , BIASE LUIGI DI , TRIVEDI CHINTAN , BAI RONG , HORTON RODNEY , BURKHARDT J. DAVID , SANCHEZ JAVIER E. , ZAGRODZKY JASON , BAILEY SHANE , GALLINGHOUSE JOSEPH G. , HRANITZKY PATRICK M. , SUN ALBERT Y. , HONGO RICHARD , BEHEIRY SALWA , NATALE ANDREA 
Published: February 2014

Management of Atrioesophageal Fistula Post‐AF AblationIntroductionAtrioesophageal fistula (AEF) is a rare but devastating complication of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) of atrial fibrillation (AF). Surgical repair and esophageal stents are available treatment options for AEF. We report outcomes of these 2 management strategies.MethodsNine patients with AEF post‐RFCA for AF were included in this study. AEF was diagnosed based on symptoms and chest CT imaging. Of the 9 patients, 5 received stents and 4 underwent surgical repair of fistula.ResultsAF ablation was performed under general anesthesia (n = 4) or conscious sedation (n = 5). During ablation, RF power was maintained between 25 and 35 Watts in areas close to the esophagus and energy delivery discontinued when esophageal temperature reached 38 °C. Seven patients underwent ablation with 3.5‐mm open‐irrigated catheter, 1 with 8‐mm nonirrigated catheter, and 1 had surgical epicardial ablation. Seven patients received proton pump inhibitor and sucralfate before and after procedure. AEF symptoms developed within 2–6 weeks from ablation. Esophageal stenting was performed in 5 patients (median age 58 years, median time from RFCA 4 weeks) and 4 underwent surgical repair (median age 54 years, median time from RFCA 4 weeks) within 2–4 hours from diagnosis. All 5 patients receiving stents died within 1 week of the procedure due to cerebral embolism, septic shock, or respiratory failure. On the other hand, the 4 patients that received surgical repair were alive at median follow‐up of 2.1 years (P = 0.005).ConclusionsEsophageal stenting should be discouraged and prompt surgical repair is crucial for survival in patients with atrioesophageal fistula.
Reprogramming to a pluripotent state modifies mesenchymal stem cell resistance to oxidative stress
Authors: Asensi Karina D. , Fortunato Rodrigo S. , dos Santos Danúbia S. , Pacheco Thaísa S. , de Rezende Danielle F. , Rodrigues Deivid C. , Mesquita Fernanda C. P. , Kasai‐Brunswick Tais H. , de Carvalho Antonio C. Campos , Carvalho Denise P. , Carvalho Adriana B. , Goldenberg Regina C. dos S. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractProperties of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) have been extensively studied since their first derivation in 2006. However, the modification in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and detoxification caused by reprogramming still needs to be further elucidated. The objective of this study was to compare the response of iPSC generated from menstrual blood–derived mesenchymal stem cells (mb‐iPSC), embryonic stem cells (H9) and adult menstrual blood–derived mesenchymal stem cells (mbMSC) to ROS exposure and investigate the effects of reprogramming on cellular oxidative stress (OS). mbMSC were extremely resistant to ROS exposure, however, mb‐iPSC were 10‐fold less resistant to H2O2, which was very similar to embryonic stem cell sensitivity. Extracellular production of ROS was also similar in mb‐iPSC and H9 and almost threefold lower than in mbMSC. Furthermore, intracellular amounts of ROS were higher in mb‐iPSC and H9 when compared with mbMSC. As the ability to metabolize ROS is related to antioxidant enzymes, we analysed enzyme activities in these cell types. Catalase and superoxide dismutase activities were reduced in mb‐iPSC and H9 when compared with mbMSC. Finally, cell adhesion under OS conditions was impaired in mb‐iPSC when compared with mbMSC, albeit similar to H9. Thus, reprogramming leads to profound modifications in extracellular ROS production accompanied by loss of the ability to handle OS.
Compliance of cigarette smokers with scheduled visits for supportive periodontal therapy
Authors: Ramseier Christoph A. , Kobrehel Salome , Staub Petra , Sculean Anton , Lang Niklaus P. , Salvi Giovanni E. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAimTo evaluate the compliance of cigarette smokers with scheduled visits for supportive periodontal therapy (SPT).Materials and MethodsQualitative and quantitative analyses of compliance with scheduled SPT visits were performed using retrospective data from patients undergoing dental hygiene treatment at the Medi School of Dental Hygiene (MSDH), Bern, Switzerland 1985–2011.ResultsA total of 1336 patients were identified with 32.1% (n = 429) being smokers, 23.1% (n = 308) former smokers and 44.8% (n = 599) non‐smokers. Qualitatively, significantly less smokers returned for SPT than non‐smokers or former smokers (p = 0.0026), whereas 25.9% (n = 346) never returned for SPT. Further quantitative analysis of patients returning twice or more (n = 883) revealed that the overall mean %‐compliance was 69.8% (SD ±22.04),whereas smokers complied with 67.0% (SD ±22.00), former smokers with 69.7% (SD ±22.03), and non‐smokers with 71.7% (SD ±21.92) reaching statistical significance (p = 0.0111). Confounder adjusted analysis, however, revealed that older age (p = 0.0001), female gender (p = 0.0058), longer SPT intervals (p < 0.0001) and higher severity of periodontal disease (p < 0.0001) had a much greater impact on %‐compliance than smoking (p = 0.7636).ConclusionsThis study suggests that qualitatively, smokers return less likely for SPT than non‐smokers or former smokers while quantitatively, a lower mean %‐compliance of smokers attending scheduled SPT visits may be attributed to confounders.
Real‐life effectiveness of once‐daily calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate gel vs. ointment formulations in psoriasis vulgaris: 4‐ and 12‐week interim results from the PRO‐long study
Authors: Lambert J. , Hol C.W. , Vink J. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundPsoriasis is most often treated using topical therapies such as the once‐daily fixed combination of calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate, which is available as a gel and an ointment. To date, there have been no direct comparisons of patient perspectives on the two formulations.ObjectiveTo describe and compare patients' perspectives on calcipotriol and betamethasone gel and ointment formulations, including real‐life effectiveness, adherence behaviour, treatment satisfaction and health‐related quality of life (QoL), during long‐term psoriasis vulgaris management, according to interim findings from the PRO‐long study.MethodsPRO‐long is a multicentre, prospective, observational, 52‐week cohort study in patients prescribed fixed‐combination calcipotriol (50 μg/g) and betamethasone (0.5 mg/g; as dipropionate) gel or ointment for long‐term psoriasis management. Difference in effectiveness at 4 and 12 weeks was assessed by comparing the proportion of patients with controlled (mild or very mild) disease, according to the Patient's Global Assessment. Additional patient questionnaires were used to assess adherence behaviour, treatment satisfaction (nine‐item Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication) and health‐related QoL (Skindex‐29).ResultsA total of 156 patients were included in the analysis. In single items of the adherence behaviour and treatment satisfaction questionnaires, patients preferred the gel over the ointment as convenient, easy to use and fast to apply. Post hoc analysis demonstrated significant differences between gel and ointment for convenience and application time. More patients had controlled disease at week 12 with gel (71.9%) vs. ointment (65.7%); however, the difference was not statistically significant (primary end point; P = 0.40).ConclusionThis interim analysis supports fixed‐combination calcipotriol and betamethasone gel as more convenient, easier to use and faster to apply than the ointment formulation in real‐life conditions according to patients with psoriasis vulgaris. Furthermore, a numerical difference in patient‐reported real‐life effectiveness was seen in favour of the gel, although this was not statistically significant.
Immunogenetic factors in mycosis fungoides: can the HLA system influence the susceptibility and prognosis of the disease? Long‐term follow‐up study of 46 patients
Authors: Brazzelli V. , Rivetti N. , Badulli C. , Carugno A. , Grasso V. , De Silvestri A. , Martinetti M. , Borroni G. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundMycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common and one of the least aggressive forms of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma. Several studies have demonstrated the influence of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) genes on the susceptibility of MF, highlighting the importance of certain alleles but, until today, no studies have evaluated the relationship between HLA alleles and the prognosis of patients with MF.ObjectiveThe aim of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate the polymorphism of HLA class I and class II alleles in a group of 46 MF Caucasian patients, looking for their influence in susceptibility and prognosis of the disease.MethodsStudy population included a case‐cohort sample of 46 Caucasian patients with MF that, between 1993 and 1997, underwent HLA class I and II genomic typing. All patients were diagnosed and followed up from 1977 to 2012 (mean follow‐up of 11 years) and they were divided into three groups according to the evolution of the disease.ResultsMolecular typing at low‐resolution level revealed that HLA‐A*24, A*68, A*69, B*35 and DQB1*05:02 alleles were involved in susceptibility to MF. Correspondence analysis underlined that long‐lasting remission was characterized by HLA‐A*24 and HLA‐A*25 alleles, frequent relapse by HLA‐DRB1*01, DQA1*01:01, DQB1*05:01 alleles and death by HLA‐A*68, HLA‐B*08, HLA‐B*35, HLA‐C*03 alleles.ConclusionThis study suggests that the prognosis of MF patients is not only correlated with clinical/pathological/serological/immunological variables but it also relies on specific HLA alleles.
Observational study on the mitotic rate and other prognostic factors in cutaneous primary melanoma arising from naevi and from melanoma de novo
Authors: Betti R. , Santambrogio R. , Cerri A. , Vergani R. , Moneghini L. , Menni S. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundMelanomas can arise from naevi or appear de novo. The frequency or the effect of their origin on prognosis is still debated. Mitotic rate (MR) and ulceration of melanomas have been proposed as further new prognostic indexes.AimTo determine the different prognostic factors in melanomas de novo and melanomas from pre‐existing naevi and whether these two melanoma groups have different MR or presence of ulceration.MethodsAll patients with confirmed primary melanomas observed in our clinic from 1996 to July 2013 were included. The distinction between the two groups of melanomas was histologically based. We compared Breslow's thickness, the number of mitosis/mm2 and the presence of ulceration between the naevus‐associated melanoma and de novo melanoma group.ResultsOf the 873 melanomas, 626 (71.8%) have a de novo melanoma, 247 (28.2%) a naevus‐associated melanoma. Breslow's thickness was not significantly different in the two groups (0.77 ± 1.47 mm vs. 0.59 ± 1.35 mm). The number of patients with presence of ulceration and MR ≥1 mitosis/mm2 was not significantly different in the two groups (19.6% vs. 16.3%). In thicker melanomas (Breslow's thickness ≥ 1 mm), the number of patients with ≥6 mitosis/mm2 was significantly higher (26.6% vs. 7.9%; P < 0.05) in the de novo melanoma group.ConclusionsWhen mitosis ≥ 1 mm/mm2, the results obtained do not show a better or worse prognosis based on Breslow's thickness, ulceration and MR in melanomas associated with naevus vs. melanomas de novo. When ≥6 mitosis/mm2 are considered, the number of patients in the de novo melanoma group with thick melanoma is highly more represented. The debate about the cut‐off value of mitosis ≥1 mm2 is open.
High‐definition optical coherence tomography and reflectance confocal microscopy in the in vivo visualization of a reaction to permanent make‐up
Authors: Maier T. , Flaig M.J. , Ruzicka T. , Berking C. , Pavicic T. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesAfter permanent make‐up treatments, eczematous and granulomatous reactions may occur which need anti‐inflammatory treatment. For the definite diagnosis oftentimes biopsies are recommended. In vivo imaging such as reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and high‐definition optical coherence tomography (HD‐OCT) has been successfully used in the non‐invasive diagnosis of various dermatoses before.MethodsHere, we report on non‐invasive imaging of a reaction towards permanent make‐up in a 40‐year‐old woman by using HD‐OCT and RCM.ResultsBoth in HD‐OCT and in RCM subepidermal pigment and granulomatous changes could be visualized and correlated with the histopathological findings. Regression of the lesions in response to topical steroids and intralesional injections of steroids and 5‐fluorouracil is reported and treatment options are discussed.ConclusionNon‐invasive imaging techniques such as HD‐OCT and RCM allow the visualization and localization of exogenous pigment and help in the evaluation of adverse reactions due to permanent make‐up tattooing.
Selective maintenance of recombination between the sex chromosomes
Authors: Otto S. P. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractA hallmark of many sex chromosomes is the dramatically reduced rate of recombination between them in the heterogametic sex (e.g. between the X and Y). Sexually antagonistic selection is thought to be the main selective driver of this reduced recombination, with tighter linkage strengthening the association between alleles favourable to females and the X, as well as alleles favourable to males and the Y. Nevertheless, many sex chromosomes retain substantial levels of recombination over millions of years, and some old sex chromosomes remain homomorphic with few signs of recombination suppression and the chromosomal degradation expected to follow. This paper explores the selective factors that can maintain recombination between the sex chromosomes. Specifically, by analysing the dynamics of genes that modify the rate of recombination, I present results demonstrating that certain forms of selection – all involving overdominance in males – can positively maintain recombination in the pseudo‐autosomal region. To understand these cases, one has to revise our standard view of sexual antagonistic selection as involving two partners (males and females) to three partners (the X in females, the X in males and the Y).
The search for Pleiades in trait constellations: functional integration and phenotypic selection in the complex flowers of Morrenia brachystephana (Apocynaceae)
Authors: Baranzelli M. C. , Sérsic A. N. , Cocucci A. A. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractPollinator‐mediated natural selection on single traits, such as corolla tube or spur length, has been well documented. However, flower phenotypes are usually complex, and selection is expected to act on several traits that functionally interact rather than on a single isolated trait. Despite the fact that selection on complex phenotypes is expectedly widespread, multivariate selection modelling on such phenotypes still remains under‐explored in plants. Species of the subfamily Asclepiadoideae (Apocynaceae) provide an opportunity to study such complex flower contrivances integrated by fine‐scaled organs from disparate developmental origin. We studied the correlation structure among linear floral traits (i) by testing a priori morphological, functional or developmental hypotheses among traits and (ii) by exploring the organization of flower covariation, considering alternative expectations of modular organization or whole flower integration through conditional dependence analysis (CDA) and integration matrices. The phenotypic selection approach was applied to determine whether floral traits involved in the functioning of the pollination mechanism were affected by natural selection. Floral integration was low, suggesting that flowers are organized in more than just one correlation pleiad; our hypothetical functional correlation matrix was significantly correlated with the empirical matrix, and the CDA revealed three putative modules. Analyses of phenotypic selection showed significant linear and correlational gradients, lending support to expectations of functional interactions between floral traits. Significant correlational selection gradients found involved traits of different floral whorls, providing evidence for the existence of functional integration across developmental domains.
Comparative genetic analysis of Arabidopsis purple acid phosphatases AtPAP10, AtPAP12, and AtPAP26 provides new insights into their roles in plant adaptation to phosphate deprivation
Authors: Wang Liangsheng , Lu Shan , Zhang Ye , Li Zheng , Du Xiaoqiu , Liu Dong 
Published: February 2014

AbstractInduction and secretion of acid phosphatases (APases) is thought to be an adaptive mechanism that helps plants survive and grow under phosphate (Pi) deprivation. In Arabidopsis, there are 29 purple acid phosphatase (AtPAP) genes. To systematically investigate the roles of different AtPAPs, we first identified knockout or knock‐down T‐DNA lines for all 29 AtPAP genes. Using these atpap mutants combined with in‐gel and quantitative APase enzyme assays, we demonstrated that AtPAP12 and AtPAP26 are two major intracellular and secreted APases in Arabidopsis while AtPAP10 is mainly a secreted APase. On Pi‐deficient (P−) medium or P− medium supplemented with the organophosphates ADP and fructose‐6‐phosphate (Fru‐6‐P), growth of atpap10 was significantly reduced whereas growth of atpap12 was only moderately reduced, and growth of atpap26 was nearly equal to that of the wild type (WT). Overexpression of the AtPAP12 or AtPAP26 gene, however, caused plants to grow better on P− or P− medium supplemented with ADP or Fru‐6‐P. Interestingly, Pi levels are essentially the same for the WT and overexpressing lines, although these two types of plants have significantly different growth phenotypes. These results suggest that the APases may have other roles besides enhancing internal Pi recycling or releasing Pi from external organophosphates for plant uptake.
Homeodomain leucine‐zipper proteins and their role in synchronizing growth and development with the environment
Authors: Brandt Ronny , Cabedo Marc , Xie Yakun , Wenkel Stephan 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana L.) genome encodes for four distinct classes of homeodomain leucine‐zipper (HD‐ZIP) transcription factors (HD‐ZIPI to HD‐ZIPIV), which are all organized in multi‐gene families. HD‐ZIP transcription factors act as sequence‐specific DNA‐binding proteins that are able to control the expression level of target genes. While HD‐ZIPI and HD‐ZIPII proteins are mainly associated with environmental responses, HD‐ZIPIII and HD‐ZIPIV are primarily known to act as patterning factors. Recent studies have challenged this view. It appears that several of the different HD‐ZIP families interact genetically to align both morphogenesis and environmental responses, most likely by modulating phytohormone‐signaling networks.
The Aβ‐clearance protein transthyretin, like neprilysin, is epigenetically regulated by the amyloid precursor protein intracellular domain
Authors: Kerridge Caroline , Belyaev Nikolai D. , Nalivaeva Natalia N. , Turner Anthony J. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractProteolytic cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) by the successive actions of β‐ and γ‐secretases generates several biologically active metabolites including the amyloid β‐peptide (Aβ) and the APP intracellular domain (AICD). By analogy with the Notch signalling pathway, AICD has been proposed to play a role in transcriptional regulation. Among the cohort of genes regulated by AICD is the Aβ‐degrading enzyme neprilysin (NEP). AICD binds to the NEP promoter causing transcriptional activation by competitive replacement with histone deacetylases (HDACs) leading to increased levels of NEP activity and hence increased Aβ clearance. We now show that the Aβ‐clearance protein transthyretin (TTR) is also epigenetically up‐regulated by AICD. Like NEP regulation, AICD derived specifically from the neuronal APP isoform, APP695, binds directly to the TTR promoter displacing HDAC1 and HDAC3. Cell treatment with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor Gleevec (imatinib) or with the alkalizing agent NH4Cl causes an accumulation of ‘functional’ AICD capable of up‐regulating both TTR and NEP, leading to a reduction in total cellular Aβ levels. Pharmacological regulation of both NEP and TTR might represent a viable therapeutic target in Alzheimer's disease.
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Amyloid precursor protein (APP) intracellular domain (AICD) regulates expression of the amyloid (Aβ)‐degrading enzyme neprilysin (NEP). The Aβ‐clearance protein transthyretin (TTR) is also epigenetically regulated by AICD, derived specifically from the neuronal APP695 isoform. Cell treatment with agents up‐regulating ‘functional’ AICD increases production of TTR and NEP and reduces Aβ levels which might represent a viable therapeutic target in Alzheimer's disease.
Inhibition of Rho‐kinase protects cerebral barrier from ischaemia‐evoked injury through modulations of endothelial cell oxidative stress and tight junctions
Authors: Gibson Claire L. , Srivastava Kirtiman , Sprigg Nikola , Bath Philip M. W. , Bayraktutan Ulvi 
Published: February 2014

AbstractIschaemic strokes evoke blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption and oedema formation through a series of mechanisms involving Rho‐kinase activation. Using an animal model of human focal cerebral ischaemia, this study assessed and confirmed the therapeutic potential of Rho‐kinase inhibition during the acute phase of stroke by displaying significantly improved functional outcome and reduced cerebral lesion and oedema volumes in fasudil‐ versus vehicle‐treated animals. Analyses of ipsilateral and contralateral brain samples obtained from mice treated with vehicle or fasudil at the onset of reperfusion plus 4 h post‐ischaemia or 4 h post‐ischaemia alone revealed these benefits to be independent of changes in the activity and expressions of oxidative stress‐ and tight junction‐related parameters. However, closer scrutiny of the same parameters in brain microvascular endothelial cells subjected to oxygen–glucose deprivation ± reperfusion revealed marked increases in prooxidant NADPH oxidase enzyme activity, superoxide anion release and in expressions of antioxidant enzyme catalase and tight junction protein claudin‐5. Cotreatment of cells with Y‐27632 prevented all of these changes and protected in vitro barrier integrity and function. These findings suggest that inhibition of Rho‐kinase after acute ischaemic attacks improves cerebral integrity and function through regulation of endothelial cell oxidative stress and reorganization of intercellular junctions.
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Inhibition of Rho‐kinase (ROCK) activity in a mouse model of human ischaemic stroke significantly improved functional outcome while reducing cerebral lesion and oedema volumes compared to vehicle‐treated counterparts. Studies conducted with brain microvascular endothelial cells exposed to OGD ± R in the presence of Y‐27632 revealed restoration of intercellular junctions and suppression of prooxidant NADPH oxidase activity as important factors in ROCK inhibition‐mediated BBB protection.