bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Three‐dimensional to two‐dimensional cross‐strata transition in the lower Pleistocene Catanzaro tidal strait transgressive succession (southern Italy)
Authors: Longhitano Sergio G. , Chiarella Domenico , Muto Francesco 
Published: June 2014

AbstractSandstone tidal cross‐strata are the predominant sedimentary feature of strait‐fill stratigraphic successions. However, although widely described in numerous studies, tidal strait‐fill two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional cross‐strata have rarely been reported to occur in discrete intervals which are laterally adjacent or vertically stacked, and the meaning of this stratigraphic architecture has not yet been fully investigated. Understanding of the processes responsible for changes in the internal features of modern and ancient tidal bedforms is essential in order to predict lateral and vertical heterogeneities in analogous reservoir strata. This facies‐based study aims to interpret the three‐dimensional to two‐dimensional cross‐strata transition observed in the lower Pleistocene mixed siliciclastic/bioclastic sandstone filling the Catanzaro Strait, in southern Italy, during a continuous phase of tectonically driven marine transgression. Tidal cross‐strata disappear in the uppermost interval of the studied succession, where mudstone strata prevail. This stratigraphic trend is interpreted as the evidence of an important change in the tidal strait hydrodynamics due to a phase of relative sea‐level rise. At the beginning of the transgression, three‐dimensional tidal dunes migrated throughout the ca 3 to 4 km wide and ca 30 km long, WNW–ESE‐oriented Catanzaro Strait, due to strong tidal currents amplified through the seaway and flowing in semi‐diurnal phase opposition. As the intermediate phase of transgression enlarged the seaway width, the tidal current strength decreased as tidal water exchange occurred over a larger cross‐sectional area. The progressive reduction of the bed shear stress modified three‐dimensional tidal dunes into an extensive two‐dimensional bedform field. At the end of the transgression, the further widening of the Catanzaro Strait into a ca 10 to 12 km wide marine passageway changed the tidally dominated strait into a non‐tidal open shelf. The results of this research suggest the presence of a ‘critical cross‐sectional area’ in the narrowest strait‐centre zone which controls the activation and deactivation of tidal current amplification along a marine seaway.
Storage of volume‐reduced washed platelets in M‐sol additive solution for 7 days
Authors: Hirayama Junichi , Fujihara Mitsuhiro , Akino Mitsuaki , Kojima Shunsuke , Yanagisawa Ryu , Homma Chihiro , Kato Toshiaki , Ikeda Hisami , Azuma Hiroshi , Shimodaira Shigetaka , Takamoto Shigeru 
Published: June 2014

BackgroundVolume‐reduced washed platelets (VR‐wPLTs), which are prepared by concentrating platelets (PLTs) into a smaller volume of additive solution (AS), may prevent not only circulatory overload, but also adverse reactions caused by plasma components. Although VR‐wPLTs may be quickly degraded due to high PLT concentrations, few studies have examined the effects of storage on VR‐wPLTs. We examined here the in vitro properties of VR‐wPLTs prepared with M‐sol AS during their storage for 7 days.Study Design and MethodsPlatelet concentrates (PCs) were divided into two equal aliquots (control group and test group). After the centrifugation of both aliquots and removal of as much supernatant as possible, the pellet of the control group was resuspended in 160 mL of M‐sol while that of the test group was resuspended in 80 or 40 mL of M‐sol. The wPLTs of both groups were stored in polyolefin bags with agitation at 20 to 24°C for 7 days.ResultsThe pH values of both groups were maintained at higher than 7.0 during the 7‐day storage. Differences in %disk, CD62P, annexin V, percent hypotonic shock response, and aggregation values between the test group and control group were small for at least 2 days after washing.ConclusionsThe in vitro properties of VR‐wPLTs were not markedly degraded for at least 2 days. Therefore, the storage properties of PLTs may be maintained in VR‐wPLTs prepared at blood centers until they are administered to patients in hospitals.
Optimizing isolation culture and freezing methods to preserve Wharton's jelly's mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) properties: an MSC banking protocol validation for the Hellenic Cord Blood Bank
Authors: Chatzistamatiou Theofanis K. , Papassavas Andreas C. , Michalopoulos Efstathios , Gamaloutsos Christos , Mallis Panagiotis , Gontika Ioanna , Panagouli Effrosyni , Koussoulakos Stauros L. , Stavropoulos‐Giokas Catherine 
Published: June 2014

BackgroundMesenchymal stem or stromal cells (MSCs) are a heterogeneous population that can be isolated from many tissues including umbilical cord Wharton's jelly (UC‐WJ). Although initially limited in studies such as a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation adjuvant, an increasing number of clinical trials consider MSCs as a potential anti‐inflammatory or a regenerative medicine agent. It has been proposed that creating a repository of MSCs would increase their availability for clinical applications. The aim of this study was to assess the optimal isolation and cryopreservation procedures to facilitate WJ MSC banking.Study Design and MethodsCells were isolated from UC‐WJ using enzymatic digestion or plastic adhesion methods. Their isolation efficacy, growth kinetics, immunophenotype, and differentiation potential were studied, as well as the effects of freezing. Flow cytometry for common MSC markers was performed on all cases and differentiation was shown with histocytochemical staining. Finally, the isolation efficacy on cryopreserved WJ tissue fragments was tested.ResultsMSC isolation was successful using both isolation methods on fresh UC‐WJ tissue. However, UC‐WJ MSC isolation from frozen tissue fragments was impossible. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that only MSC markers were expressed on the surface of the isolated cells while differentiation assays showed that they were capable of trilinear differentiation. All the above characteristics were also preserved in isolated UC‐WJ MSCs over the cryopreservation study period.ConclusionThese data showed that viable MSCs can only be isolated from fresh UC‐WJ tissue, setting the foundation for clinical‐grade banking.
The human carotid body releases acetylcholine, ATP and cytokines during hypoxia
Authors: Kåhlin Jessica , Mkrtchian Souren , Ebberyd Anette , Hammarstedt‐Nordenvall Lalle , Nordlander Britt , Yoshitake Takashi , Kehr Jan , Prabhakar Nanduri , Poellinger Lorenz , Fagerlund Malin Jonsson , Eriksson Lars I. 
Published: May 2014

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
Data on human carotid body (CB) function are limited. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate whether the human CB releases acetylcholine, ATP or cytokines during hypoxia.
What is the main finding and its importance?
Using human CBs, we demonstrate hypoxia‐induced acetylcholine and ATP release, suggesting that these neurotransmitters, as in several experimental animal models, play a role in hypoxic signalling also in the human carotid body. Moreover, the human CB releases cytokines upon hypoxia and expresses cytokine receptors as well as hypoxia‐inducible factor proteins HIF‐1α and HIF‐2α in glomus cells, indicating their role in immune signalling and oxygen sensing, respectively, in accordance with previous animal data.
Studies on experimental animals established that the carotid bodies are sensory organs for detecting arterial blood O2 levels and that the ensuing chemosensory reflex is a major regulator of cardiorespiratory functions during hypoxia. However, little information is available on the human carotid body responses to hypoxia. The present study was performed on human carotid bodies obtained from surgical patients undergoing elective head and neck cancer surgery. Our results show that exposing carotid body slices to hypoxia for a period as brief as 5 min markedly facilitates the release of ACh and ATP. Furthermore, prolonged hypoxia for 1 h induces an increased release of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐8 and IL‐10. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that type 1 cells of the human carotid body express an array of cytokine receptors as well as hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α and hypoxia‐inducible factor‐2α. Taken together, these results demonstrate that ACh and ATP are released from the human carotid body in response to hypoxia, suggesting that these neurotransmitters, as in several experimental animal models, play a role in hypoxic signalling also in the human carotid body. The finding that the human carotid body releases cytokines in response to hypoxia adds to the growing body of information suggesting that the carotid body may play a role in detecting inflammation, providing a link between the immune system and the nervous system.
Exposure of Bacillus subtilis to Low Pressure (5 Kilopascals) Induces Several Global Regulons, Including Those Involved in the SigB-Mediated General Stress Response
Authors: Waters Samantha M. , Robles-Martínez José A. , Nicholson Wayne L. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT

Studies of how microorganisms respond to pressure have been limited mostly to the extreme high pressures of the deep sea (i.e., the piezosphere). In contrast, despite the fact that the growth of most bacteria is inhibited at pressures below ∼2.5 kPa, little is known of microbial responses to low pressure (LP). To study the global LP response, we performed transcription microarrays on
Bacillus subtilis
cells grown under normal atmospheric pressure (∼101 kPa) and a nearly inhibitory LP (5 kPa), equivalent to the pressure found at an altitude of ∼20 km. Microarray analysis revealed altered levels of 363 transcripts belonging to several global regulons (AbrB, CcpA, CodY, Fur, IolR, ResD, Rok, SigH, Spo0A). Notably, the highest number of upregulated genes, 86, belonged to the SigB-mediated general stress response (GSR) regulon. Upregulation of the GSR by LP was confirmed by monitoring the expression of the SigB-dependent
ctc-lacZ
reporter fusion. Measuring transcriptome changes resulting from exposure of bacterial cells to LP reveals insights into cellular processes that may respond to LP exposure.
Plant-Pathogenic Oomycetes, Escherichia coli Strains, and Salmonella spp. Frequently Found in Surface Water Used for Irrigation of Fruit and Vegetable Crops in New York State
Authors: Jones Lisa A. , Worobo Randy W. , Smart Christine D. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT

In the United States, surface water is commonly used to irrigate a variety of produce crops and can harbor pathogens responsible for food-borne illnesses and plant diseases. Understanding when pathogens infest water sources is valuable information for produce growers to improve the food safety and production of these crops. In this study, prevalence data along with regression tree analyses were used to correlate water quality parameters (pH, temperature, turbidity), irrigation site properties (source, the presence of livestock or fowl nearby), and precipitation data to the presence and concentrations of
Escherichia coli
,
Salmonella
spp., and hymexazol-insensitive (HIS) oomycetes (
Phytophthora
and
Pythium
spp.) in New York State surface waters. A total of 123 samples from 18 sites across New York State were tested for
E. coli
and
Salmonella
spp., of which 33% and 43% were positive, respectively. Additionally, 210 samples from 38 sites were tested for HIS oomycetes, and 88% were found to be positive, with 10 species of
Phytophthora
and 11 species of
Pythium
being identified from the samples. Regression analysis found no strong correlations between water quality parameters, site factors, or precipitation to the presence or concentration of
E. coli
in irrigation sources. For
Salmonella
, precipitation (≤0.64 cm) 3 days before sampling was correlated to both presence and the highest counts. Analyses for oomycetes found creeks to have higher average counts than ponds, and higher turbidity levels were associated with higher oomycete counts. Overall, information gathered from this study can be used to better understand the food safety and plant pathogen risks of using surface water for irrigation.
Prevention of head louse infestation: a randomised, double-blind, cross-over study of a novel concept product, 1% 1,2-octanediol spray versus placebo
Authors: Burgess Ian F , Brunton Elizabeth R , French Rebecca , Burgess Nazma A 
Published: May 2014

ObjectivesTo determine whether regular use of a spray containing 1,2-octanediol 1%, which has been shown to inhibit survival of head lice, is able to work as a preventive against establishment of new infestations.SettingRandomised, double-blind, cross-over, community study in Cambridgeshire, UK.Participants63 male and female schoolchildren aged 4–16 years judged to have a high risk of recurrent infestation. Only the youngest member of a household attending school participated.InterventionsParticipants were treated to eliminate lice, randomised between 1% octanediol or placebo sprays for 6 weeks then crossed-over to the other spray for 6 weeks. Parents applied the sprays at least twice weekly or more frequently if the hair was washed. Investigators monitored weekly for infestation and replenished supplies of spray.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary endpoint was the time taken until the first infestation event occurred. The secondary measure was safety of the product in regular use.ResultsIntention-to-treat analysis found a total of 32 confirmed infestations in 20 participants, with 9 of them infested while using both products. In these nine participants the time to first infestation showed a significant advantage to 1% octanediol (p=0.0129). Per-protocol analysis showed only trends because the population included was not large enough to demonstrate significance. There were no serious adverse events and only two adverse events possibly related to treatment, one was a case of transient erythema and another of a rash that resolved after 5 days.ConclusionsRoutine use of 1% octanediol spray provided a significant level of protection from infestation. It was concluded that this product is effective if applied regularly and thoroughly.Trial registration numberISRCTN09524995.
Patient evaluation of hospital outcomes: an analysis of open-ended comments from extreme clusters in a national survey
Authors: Iversen Hilde Hestad , Bjertnæs Øyvind Andresen , Skudal Kjersti Eeg 
Published: May 2014

ObjectivesA recent study identified patients in six distinct response groups based on their evaluations of outcomes related to overall satisfaction, malpractice and benefit of treatment. This study validates the response clusters by analysing and comparing open-ended comments from the extreme positive and extreme negative response groups.DesignQualitative content analysis.SettingData from open-ended comment fields provided by patients who completed a national patient-experience survey carried out in Norway in 2011. 10 514 patients responded to the questionnaire and 3233 provided comments. A random sample of 50 open-ended comments from respondents representing cluster 1 (‘excellent services’), cluster 5 (‘services have clear improvement needs’) and outliers (‘very poor services’) was reviewed.Results3 distinct patient profiles were identified. More than half of the comments in cluster 1 included descriptions of positive healthcare experiences, one addressed patient safety issues. Only 1 of the comments in cluster 5 was positive, and 12 were related to safety. All comments from the outliers were negative, and more than three-quarters reported experiences related to malpractice or adverse events. Recurring themes did not differ significantly between the three respondent groups, but significant differences were found for the descriptions and severity of the experiences.ConclusionsPatients in negative response groups had distinct and much poorer healthcare descriptions than those in the extreme positive group, supporting the interpretation of quality differences between these groups. Further research should assess ways of combining statistical cluster information and qualitative comments, which could be used for local quality improvement and public reporting.
Comparison of the ultra-low-doseVeoalgorithm with the gold standard filtered back projection for detecting pulmonary asbestos-related conditions: a clinical observational study
Authors: Tekath Marielle , Dutheil Frédéric , Bellini Romain , Roche Antoine , Pereira Bruno , Naughton Geraldine , Chamoux Alain , Michel Jean-Luc 
Published: May 2014

ObjectivesRadiation delivered during CT is a major concern, especially for individuals undergoing repeated screening. We aimed to compare a new ultra-low-dose algorithm calledVeowith the gold standard filtered back projection (FBP) for detecting pulmonary asbestos-related conditions.SettingUniversity Hospital CHU G. Montpied, Clermont-Ferrand, FranceParticipantsAsbestos-exposed workers were recruited following referral to screening for asbestos-related conditions. Two acquisitions were performed on a 64-slice CT: the gold standard FBP followed byVeoreconstruction.Outcome measuresTwo radiologists independently assessed asbestos-related abnormalities, pulmonary nodules, radiation doses and image quality (noise).ResultsWe included 27 asbestos-exposed workers (63.3±6.5 years with 11.9±9.7 years of asbestos exposure). We observed 297 pleural plaques in 20 participants (74%). All patients (100%) had pulmonary nodules, totalling 167 nodules. Detection rates did not differ for pleural plaques (Veo87% vs FBP 97%, NS), pleural thickening (100% for both) and pulmonary nodules (80% for both). Interstitial abnormalities were depicted less frequently withVeothan FBP. False negative and false positive did not exceed 2.7%. Compared with FBP,Veodecreased the radiation dose up to 87% (Veo0.23±0.07 vs FBP 1.83±0.88 mSv, p<0.001). The objective image noise also decreased withVeoas much as 23% and signal-to-noise ratio increased up to 33%.ConclusionsA low-dose CT withVeoreconstruction substantially reduced radiation.Veocompared favourably with FBP in detecting pleural plaques, pleural thickening and pulmonary nodules. These results should be confirmed on a larger sample size before the use ofVeoin clinical routine practice in asbestos-related conditions, especially regarding the low prevalence of interstitial abnormalities in this study.Trial registration numberNCT01955018.
Risk Prediction Models for Melanoma: A Systematic Review
Authors: Usher-Smith Juliet A. , Emery Jon , Kassianos Angelos P. , Walter Fiona M. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Melanoma incidence is increasing rapidly worldwide among white-skinned populations. Earlier diagnosis is the principal factor that can improve prognosis. Defining high-risk populations using risk prediction models may help targeted screening and early detection approaches. In this systematic review, we searched Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library for primary research studies reporting or validating models to predict risk of developing cutaneous melanoma. A total of 4,141 articles were identified from the literature search and six through citation searching. Twenty-five risk models were included. Between them, the models considered 144 possible risk factors, including 18 measures of number of nevi and 26 of sun/UV exposure. Those most frequently included in final risk models were number of nevi, presence of freckles, history of sunburn, hair color, and skin color. Despite the different factors included and different cutoff values for sensitivity and specificity, almost all models yielded sensitivities and specificities that fit along a summary ROC with area under the ROC (AUROC) of 0.755, suggesting that most models had similar discrimination. Only two models have been validated in separate populations and both also showed good discrimination with AUROC values of 0.79 (0.70–0.86) and 0.70 (0.64–0.77). Further research should focus on validating existing models rather than developing new ones. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(8); 1450–63. ©2014 AACR.
Influence of Biospecimen Variables on Proteomic Biomarkers in Breast Cancer
Authors: Meric-Bernstam Funda , Akcakanat Argun , Chen Huiqin , Sahin Aysegul , Tarco Emily , Carkaci Selin , Adrada Beatriz E. , Singh Gopal , Do Kim-Anh , Garces Zerzhinski M. , Mittendorf Elizabeth , Babiera Gildy , Bedrosian Isabelle , Hwang Rosa , Krishnamurthy Savitri , Symmans William F. , Gonzalez-Angulo Ana Maria , Mills Gordon B. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Background: PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling is being actively pursued as a therapeutic target for breast cancer. We sought to determine if tumor heterogeneity and biospecimen variables affect the evaluation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway markers.
Methods: Intraoperative image-guided core-needle biopsies (CNB), and central and peripheral surgical tumor specimens were prospectively collected in 53 patients with invasive breast cancer. Specimens were assessed with reverse-phase protein arrays (RPPA) and immunohistochemistry (IHC).
Results: There was a moderate or strong correlation between the expression of 149 (97%) of the 154 different RPPA markers in the center and periphery. Correlation was higher for smaller tumors, in patients who did not undergo neoadjuvant therapy, and with shorter cold ischemia time. Of 154 markers, 132 (86%) were not statistically different between the center and periphery, and 97 (63%) were not different between the CNB and the surgical specimen (average of the central and peripheral specimen). pAkt S473 and PTEN had a significant correlation between central and peripheral specimens, and between CNB and surgical specimen. However, pAkt S473, pS6 S235/236, and pS6 240/244 levels were significantly higher in CNB than the central specimens both by RPPA and by IHC.
Conclusions: Most individual proteomic biomarkers studied do not have significant intratumoral heterogeneity. However, protein and phosphoprotein levels are affected by biospecimen type and other preanalytic variables. PI3K pathway activation is greater in CNB compared with postexcision surgical samples suggesting a potential loss of phosphorylation during surgical manipulation, or with cold ischemia of surgical specimens. Clin Cancer Res; 20(14); 3870–83. ©2014 AACR.
Blocking Immunosuppressive Checkpoints for Glioma Therapy: The More the Merrier!
Authors: Castro Maria G. , Baker Gregory J. , Lowenstein Pedro R. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractImmunosuppressive checkpoints mediated by IDO, CTLA4, and PD1/PDL1 play a critical role in glioma progression and the efficacy of immunotherapies. Combined blockade of these immunosuppressive checkpoints in a glioma model elicited long-term survival. This combined blockade adds to the armamentarium of anti-glioma therapies, which could be implemented in clinical trials. Clin Cancer Res; 20(20); 5147–9. ©2014 AACR.