bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dimorphic Effects of Transforming Growth Factor-β Signaling During Aortic Aneurysm Progression in Mice Suggest a Combinatorial Therapy for Marfan Syndrome
Authors: Cook Jason R. , Clayton Nicholas P. , Carta Luca , Galatioto Josephine , Chiu Emily , Smaldone Silvia , Nelson Carol A. , Cheng Seng H. , Wentworth Bruce M. , Ramirez Francesco 
Published: January 2015

Objective—

Studies of mice with mild Marfan syndrome (MFS) have correlated the development of thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) with improper stimulation of noncanonical (Erk-mediated) TGFβ signaling by the angiotensin type I receptor (AT1r). This correlation was largely based on comparable TAA modifications by either systemic TGFβ neutralization or AT1r antagonism. However, subsequent investigations have called into question some key aspects of this mechanism of arterial disease in MFS. To resolve these controversial points, here we made a head-to-head comparison of the therapeutic benefits of TGFβ neutralization and AT1r antagonism in mice with progressively severe MFS (
Fbn1

mgR/mgR

mice).

Approach and Results—

Aneurysm growth, media degeneration, aortic levels of phosphorylated Erk and Smad proteins and the average survival of
Fbn1

mgR/mgR

mice were compared after a ≈3-month-long treatment with placebo and either the AT1r antagonist losartan or the TGFβ-neutralizing antibody 1D11. In contrast to the beneficial effect of losartan, TGFβ neutralization either exacerbated or mitigated TAA formation depending on whether treatment was initiated before (postnatal day 16; P16) or after (P45) aneurysm formation, respectively. Biochemical evidence-related aneurysm growth with Erk-mediated AT1r signaling, and medial degeneration with TGFβ hyperactivity that was in part AT1r dependent. Importantly, P16-initiated treatment with losartan combined with P45-initiated administration of 1D11 prevented death of
Fbn1

mgR/mgR

mice from ruptured TAA.

Conclusions—
By demonstrating that promiscuous AT1r and TGFβ drive partially overlapping processes of arterial disease in MFS mice, our study argues for a therapeutic strategy against TAA that targets both signaling pathways although sparing the early protective role of TGFβ.
Myocardin Regulates Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Inflammatory Activation and Disease
Authors: Ackers-Johnson Matthew , Talasila Amarnath , Sage Andrew P. , Long Xiaochun , Bot Ilze , Morrell Nicholas W. , Bennett Martin R. , Miano Joseph M. , Sinha Sanjay 
Published: January 2015

Objective—
Atherosclerosis, the cause of 50% of deaths in westernized societies, is widely regarded as a chronic vascular inflammatory disease. Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) inflammatory activation in response to local proinflammatory stimuli contributes to disease progression and is a pervasive feature in developing atherosclerotic plaques. Therefore, it is of considerable therapeutic importance to identify mechanisms that regulate the VSMC inflammatory response.

Approach and Results—

We report that myocardin, a powerful myogenic transcriptional coactivator, negatively regulates VSMC inflammatory activation and vascular disease. Myocardin levels are reduced during atherosclerosis, in association with phenotypic switching of smooth muscle cells. Myocardin deficiency accelerates atherogenesis in hypercholesterolemic apolipoprotein E
−/−
mice. Conversely, increased myocardin expression potently abrogates the induction of an array of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules in VSMCs. Expression of myocardin in VSMCs reduces lipid uptake, macrophage interaction, chemotaxis, and macrophage-endothelial tethering in vitro, and attenuates monocyte accumulation within developing lesions in vivo. These results demonstrate that endogenous levels of myocardin are a critical regulator of vessel inflammation.

Conclusions—
We propose myocardin as a guardian of the contractile, noninflammatory VSMC phenotype, with loss of myocardin representing a critical permissive step in the process of phenotypic transition and inflammatory activation, at the onset of vascular disease.
Effect of Patching on Reducing Restenosis in the Carotid Revascularization Endarterectomy Versus Stenting Trial
Authors: Malas Mahmoud , Glebova Natalia O. , Hughes Susan E. , Voeks Jenifer H. , Qazi Umair , Moore Wesley S. , Lal Brajesh K. , Howard George , Llinas Rafael , Brott Thomas G. 
Published: January 2015

Background and Purpose—
The purpose is to determine whether patching during carotid endarterectomy (CEA) affects the perioperative and long-term risks of restenosis, stroke, death, and myocardial infarction as compared with primary closure.

Methods—
We identified all patients who were randomized and underwent CEA in Carotid Revascularization Endarterectomy versus Stenting Trial. CEA patients who received a patch were compared with patients who underwent CEA with primary closure without a patch. We compared periprocedural and 4-year event rates, 2-year restenosis rates, and rates of reoperation between the 2 groups. We further analyzed results by surgeon specialty.

Results—

There were 1151 patients who underwent CEA (753 [65%] with patch and 329 [29%] with primary closure). We excluded 44 patients who underwent eversion CEA and 25 patients missing CEA data (5%). Patch use differed by surgeon specialty: 89% of vascular surgeons, 6% of neurosurgeons, and 76% of thoracic surgeons patched. Comparing patients who received a patch versus those who did not, there was a significant reduction in the 2-year risk of restenosis, and this persisted after adjustment by surgeon specialty (hazard ratio, 0.35; 95% confidence interval, 0.16–0.74;
P
=0.006). There were no significant differences in the rates of periprocedural stroke and death (hazard ratio, 1.58; 95% confidence interval, 0.33–7.58;
P
=0.57), in immediate reoperation (hazard ratio, 0.6; 95% confidence interval, 0.16–2.27;
P
=0.45), or in the 4-year risk of ipsilateral stroke (hazard ratio, 1.23; 95% confidence interval, 0.42–3.63;
P
=0.71).

Conclusions—
Patch closure in CEA is associated with reduction in restenosis although it is not associated with improved clinical outcomes. Thus, more widespread use of patching should be considered to improve long-term durability.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00004732.
Effect of dietary protein level and salinity on growth, survival, enzymatic activities and amino-acid composition of the white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone, 1931) juveniles
Authors: Sui Liying , Ma Guannan , Deng Yuangao 
Published: January 2015

Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone, 1931) postlarvae with average initial body weight of 0.089 g were reared in 75-litre PVC tanks for 40 days at salinities of 30 and 60 g l−1. The shrimps were fed compound feed containing protein levels of 35, 40, 45 and 50%, respectively. Salinity had a remarkable effect on growth and survival of L. vannamei juveniles. Higher survival rate and lower growth were observed at 60 g l−1 salinity. Dietary protein level affected the survival and growth of juveniles at both salinities, increased with dietary protein levels in the range of 35 to 45%, but decreased slightly with 50% dietary protein. Broken line analysis showed that the estimated optimal dietary protein levels at salinities of 30 and 60 g l−1 were 45.93 and 46.74%, respectively. Higher salinity resulted in an increased moisture content, ash and crude protein content in the shrimp muscle tissue. The amino acid contents in the shrimp muscle tissue were generally higher at 60 g l−1 salinity and increased dietary protein level led to higher protein content, except with 50% dietary protein. At salinity 60 g l−1, the soluble protein content and activities of glutamic oxalacetic transferase (GOT) and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) in shrimp muscle tissue were higher, while catalase (CAT) activities were lower. Farming of L. vannamei at a marginal culture salinity (60 g l−1) is feasible though the shrimps were likely exposed to stressful conditions. Reduced growth rate at higher salinity may be attributed to the higher total ammonium (TAN) concentration in the culture medium and extra energy consumption for osmoregulation at hypersaline conditions.
Defining Sudden Stratospheric Warmings
Authors: Butler Amy H. , Seidel Dian J. , Hardiman Steven C. , Butchart Neal , Birner Thomas , Match Aaron 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Sudden stratospheric warmings (SSWs) are large, rapid temperature rises in the winter polar stratosphere, occurring predominantly in the Northern Hemisphere. Major SSWs are also associated with a reversal of the climatological westerly zonal-mean zonal winds. Circulation anomalies associated with SSWs can descend into the troposphere with substantial surface weather impacts, such as wintertime extreme cold air outbreaks. After their discovery in 1952, SSWs were classified by the World Meteorological Organization. An examination of literature suggests that a single, original reference for an exact definition of SSWs is elusive, but in many references a definition involves the reversal of the meridional temperature gradient and, for major warmings, the reversal of the zonal circulation poleward of 60° latitude at 10 hPa.
Though versions of this definition are still commonly used to detect SSWs, the details of the definition and its implementation remain ambiguous. In addition, other SSW definitions have been used in the last few decades, resulting in inconsistent classification of SSW events. We seek to answer the questions: How has the SSW definition changed, and how sensitive is the detection of SSWs to the definition used? For what kind of analysis is a “standard” definition useful? We argue that a standard SSW definition is necessary for maintaining a consistent and robust metric to assess polar stratospheric wintertime variability in climate models and other statistical applications. To provide a basis for, and to encourage participation in, a communitywide discussion currently underway, we explore what criteria are important for a standard definition and propose possible ways to update the definition.
On Serial Observation Processing in Localized Ensemble Kalman Filters
Authors: Nerger Lars 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Ensemble square root filters can either assimilate all observations that are available at a given time at once, or assimilate the observations in batches or one at a time. For large-scale models, the filters are typically applied with a localized analysis step. This study demonstrates that the interaction of serial observation processing and localization can destabilize the analysis process, and it examines under which conditions the instability becomes significant. The instability results from a repeated inconsistent update of the state error covariance matrix that is caused by the localization. The inconsistency is present in all ensemble Kalman filters, except for the classical ensemble Kalman filter with perturbed observations. With serial observation processing, its effect is small in cases when the assimilation changes the ensemble of model states only slightly. However, when the assimilation has a strong effect on the state estimates, the interaction of localization and serial observation processing can significantly deteriorate the filter performance. In realistic large-scale applications, when the assimilation changes the states only slightly and when the distribution of the observations is irregular and changing over time, the instability is likely not significant.
The role of relatives in pathways to care of patients with a first episode of psychosis
Authors: Del Vecchio Valeria , Luciano Mario , Sampogna Gaia , De Rosa Corrado , Giacco Domenico , Tarricone Ilaria , Catapano Francesco , Fiorillo Andrea 
Published: January 2015

Aims: To explore the role of relatives in pathways to care of patients with a recent onset of psychosis. Methods: A total of 34 consecutive patients and their relatives from the Department of Psychiatry of the University of Naples SUN participated in the study. Pathways to care were retrospectively evaluated by administering the Pathways to Care Form and the Nottingham Onset Schedule (NOS) to patients, relatives and treating physicians. Relatives were addressed with the Family Involvement in Pathways to care Schedule (FIPS). Results: Duration of untreated illness (DUI) and duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) were 145.4 (±141.9) and 33.3 (±54.0) weeks, respectively. Help-seeking delay was 17.6 (±45.0) weeks. The first request for help was made by relatives in 76% of cases. Among health professionals, general practitioners were those most frequently contacted, followed by psychiatrists, neurologists or psychologists. Stigma and wrong attribution of psychotic symptoms were the main reasons for help-seeking delays. Conclusions: Relatives play a crucial role in pathways to care of patients with psychosis. DUI and DUP could be reduced by interventions aimed at increasing knowledge of early symptoms in the general population, and by the provision of psychiatric consultations in non-stigmatizing settings for young people with psychological distress.
A Novel Behavioral Intervention in Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Improves Glycemic Control
Authors: Maranda Louise , Lau May , Stewart Sunita M. , Gupta Olga T. 
Published: January 2015

Purpose The purpose of this study was to develop and pilot-test an innovative behavioral intervention in adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) incorporating structured care of a pet to improve glycemic control. Methods Twenty-eight adolescents with A1C > 8.5% (69 mmol/mol) were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (care of a Betta splendens pet fish) or the control group (usual care). Adolescents in the intervention group were given instructions to associate daily and weekly fish care duties with diabetes self-management tasks, including blood glucose testing and parent-adolescent communication. Results After 3 months, the participants in the intervention group exhibited a statistically significant decrease in A1C level (−0.5%) compared with their peers in the control group, who had an increase in A1C level (0.8%) ( P = .04). The younger adolescents (10-13 years of age) demonstrated a greater response to the intervention, which was statistically significant (−1.5% vs 0.6%, P = .04), compared with the older adolescents (14-17 years of age). Conclusions Structured care of a pet fish can improve glycemic control in adolescents with T1DM, likely by providing cues to perform diabetes self-management behaviors.
Spontaneous subclavian venous occlusion before electronic device implantation
Authors: Kodani Takeshi , Mine Takanao , Kishima Hideyuki , Ashida Kenki , Masuyama Tohru 
Published: January 2015

Background Subclavian venous occlusion sometimes precludes the ability to insert leads during placement of a cardiac implantable electronic device. This study was performed to identify the risk factors for spontaneous subclavian venous occlusion prior to placement of an implantable electronic device. Methods We studied 446 patients who underwent axillary-subclavian venography to assess for occlusion and/or anomaly of the subclavian vein or associated veins before electronic device implantation. Results Six (1.3%) patients had venous occlusion (left subclavian vein in 5, left innominate vein in 1). There was a significantly higher incidence of previous cancer in the occlusion group than in the nonocclusion group (11.5% vs. 50%, p = 0.03). Conclusions Subclavian venous occlusion may be present before cardiac implantable electronic device placement. A history of cancer represents a risk factor subclavian venous occlusion, and patients with this risk factor should undergo subclavian venography prior to electronic device placement.
Behavior of the Newborn during Skin-to-Skin
Authors: Dani Carlo , Cecchi Alessandra , Commare Arianna , Rapisardi Gherardo , Breschi Rita , Pratesi Simone 
Published: January 2015

Background: Early skin-to-skin contact (SSC) significantly increases the breastfeeding rate in healthy term infants. Objective: This study aimed to confirm previously described behavioral sequences during SSC. Methods: We recorded live and videotaped infant behavioral sequences during SSC in a cohort of healthy term infants, whose outcome was then evaluated. Results: We studied 17 mother-infants dyads. While the majority of infants (59%) had behavioral phases that have been previously reported, some of them had alternative sequences. We observed the infant’s massage of the mother’s breast with its hand during SSC, which had not been previously reported. We found no correlations between behavioral sequence during SSC, breastfeeding, and neonatal outcome. Moreover, maternal pain stimuli did not affect the neonatal SSC behavioral sequence. Conclusion: Our study confirms that immediate and undisturbed postpartum SSC is characterized by specific behavioral phases whose sequence may vary without affecting the suckling rate at the end of SSC, breastfeeding success, or the short-term neonatal outcome.
Asynchronous Milk Ejection in Human Lactating Breast
Authors: Gardner Hazel , Kent Jacqueline C. , Hartmann Peter E. , Geddes Donna T. 
Published: January 2015

Background: Milk production is under the influence of autocrine control such that the rate of milk synthesis decreases as the breast fills with milk. Effective elimination of milk from the alveoli via the milk ejection reflex will therefore result in increased milk synthesis. It has been assumed that milk ejection occurs in all alveoli simultaneously; however, animal studies have indicated that full alveoli eject milk sooner than less full alveoli, suggesting heterogeneous emptying of the mammary gland. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether milk ejection occurs asynchronously in the human lactating breast. Methods: Retrospective analysis of videos made of ultrasound monitoring of milk ducts during pumping. Six video clips (4 women) of ultrasound monitored milk ejections showed obvious differences in the timing of milk flow between different main milk ducts. Duct diameter was simultaneously measured every second in 2 different ducts that drained 2 separate lobes of the breast. Results: For 5 of 6 ultrasound duct monitoring sessions, both duct dilation and visualization of milk flow in the 2 separate main milk ducts differed by 2 to 8 seconds. For the remaining woman, milk was observed to eject from 1 part of the lobe, and when not removed, it flowed in a retrograde fashion into a different part of the lobe. Conclusion: Asynchrony of milk ejection occurs in the human lactating breast, suggesting that the timing of myoepithelial cell response differs, resulting in heterogeneous emptying of the gland.
A Survey of Pharmacists in Academia on the Current Practice of Estimation of Kidney Function for Antimicrobial Dosing in Adults
Authors: Jodlowski Tomasz Z. , Sym Donna , Marziliano Anthony , LaPan-Dennis Gina , Ashby Charles R. , Ruhe Jorg J. 
Published: January 2015

Purpose: To determine the methods used by pharmacists in academia to estimate kidney function for antimicrobial dosing. Methods: Stratified by region, a random sample of Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education recognized Colleges of Pharmacy was selected for a total of 40 programs. Identified college Web sites were reviewed for eligible participants using the predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria. This was used to create a sampling frame from which 30% and 20% of faculty were randomly chosen and invited to participate via e-mail and mail-administered surveys, respectively. Results: Of the responders, 86% (31 of 36) who routinely estimate kidney function utilized the Cockcroft-Gault (CG) equation. In obese patients, 75% utilized the CG equation with or without adjustments. In patients ≥65 years, 42% adjusted serum creatinine to 1 mg/dL and 25% did not make any modifications. The majority of the responders accounted for patients with quadripalegia or bed-bound patients when estimating kidney function. In scenario examples, 51% (18 of 35) dosed an elderly female and 51% (18 of 35) a morbidly obese female as creatinine clearance ≥50 mL/min; however, 49% (17 of 35) did not. Conclusion: The majority of responders utilized the CG equation for estimating kidney function with or without adjustments. Although a number of consistencies were noted, discrepancies existed, especially with elderly and obese patients.
Survey Evaluation of Pharmacy Practice Involving Deaf Patients
Authors: Ferguson McKenzie C. , Shan Leah 
Published: January 2015

Introduction: For a patient who is deaf, providing patient care can be more difficult due to communication barriers. This study was conducted in order to better understand pharmacists’ current means of communicating with deaf patients as well as investigating pharmacists’ knowledge of their legal responsibility to these patients. Methods: Surveys were used to gather information from pharmacists and were distributed in areas with a large population of deaf patients. Results: Of the 73 pharmacists who completed surveys, 50 (68.5%) of them interact with at least 1 to 5 deaf patients monthly. Pharmacists responded that accessibility of interpreters is the most significant barrier to communication and providing written material is the method most used to communicate with deaf patients. None of the 73 pharmacists who completed the survey felt that they have a legal obligation to provide and pay for an interpreter. Conclusion: When interacting with a deaf patient, pharmacists may experience communication barriers. Pharmacists should strive to appropriately communicate with the deaf as well as familiarize themselves with legal obligations to this patient population.
Impact of Nursing Education on the Proportion of Appropriately Drawn Vancomycin Trough Concentrations
Authors: Coleman Lindsay K. , Wilson Ashley S. 
Published: January 2015

Background: Few studies have investigated the timing of vancomycin trough concentration collection in the inpatient setting. To date, there are no published studies on the impact of targeted nursing staff education on the appropriate timing of vancomycin trough concentration collection. Objective: To evaluate the impact of educational sessions on nursing staff knowledge regarding vancomycin and proper collection of troughs. Methods: The nursing staffs of 5 hospital units with a high volume of vancomycin usage were targeted for voluntary vancomycin educational sessions. Comprehension of the educational content was measured by a 5-question pre-/posteducation quiz. Vancomycin trough concentrations were evaluated during a 2-month period pre-/posteducation for appropriate timing of sample draw, defined as ≤45 minutes prior to the next scheduled vancomycin dose. Results: A total of 114 nurses participated in the education sessions. The mean pretest score was 3.91 and the mean posttest score was 4.89 ( P < .001). Preeducation, 69% of trough concentrations were collected appropriately. Posteducation, 74% of samples were collected within the 45-minute time frame ( P = .20). Conclusions: A significant increase in short-term comprehension regarding vancomycin was seen posteducation. There was a nonsignificant increase in appropriately timed trough concentration collection posteducation. Further education of nursing staffs may be necessary to lessen timing errors.