bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cellular Mechanism Underlying Hypothermia-Induced Ventricular Tachycardia/Ventricular Fibrillation in the Setting of Early Repolarization and the Protective Effect of Quinidine, Cilostazol, and Milrinone
Authors: Gurabi Zsolt , Koncz István , Patocskai Bence , Nesterenko Vladislav V. , Antzelevitch Charles 
Published: January 2014

Background—
Hypothermia has been reported to induce ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation (VT/VF) in patients with early repolarization (ER) pattern. This study examines the cellular mechanisms underlying VT/VF associated with hypothermia in an experimental model of ER syndrome and examines the effectiveness of quinidine, cilostazol, and milrinone to prevent hypothermia-induced arrhythmias.

Methods and Results—
Transmembrane action potentials were simultaneously recorded from 2 epicardial and 1 endocardial site of coronary-perfused canine left ventricular wedge preparations, together with a pseudo-ECG. A combination of NS5806 (3–10 μmol/L) and verapamil (1 μmol/L) was used to pharmacologically model the genetic mutations responsible for ER syndrome. Acetylcholine (3 μmol/L) was used to simulate increased parasympathetic tone, which is known to promote ER. In controls, lowering the temperature of the coronary perfusate to induce mild hypothermia (32°C–34°C) resulted in increased J-wave area on the ECG and accentuated epicardial action potential notch but no arrhythmic activity. In the setting of ER, hypothermia caused further accentuation of the epicardial action potential notch, leading to loss of the action potential dome at some sites but not others, thus creating the substrate for development of phase 2 reentry and VT/VF. Addition of the transient outward current antagonist quinidine (5 μmol/L) or the phosphodiesterase III inhibitors cilostazol (10 μmol/L) or milrinone (5 μmol/L) diminished the ER manifestations and prevented the hypothermia-induced phase 2 reentry and VT/VF.

Conclusions—
Hypothermia leads to VT/VF in the setting of ER by exaggerating repolarization abnormalities, leading to development of phase 2 reentry. Quinidine, cilostazol, and milrinone suppress the hypothermia-induced VT/VF by reversing the repolarization abnormalities.
Factors Associated With Longer Time to Treatment for Patients With Suspected Acute Coronary Syndromes
Authors: Sullivan Alison L. , Beshansky Joni R. , Ruthazer Robin , Murman David H. , Mader Timothy J. , Selker Harry P. 
Published: January 2014

Background—
Rapid treatment of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) is important; causes of delay in emergency medical services care of ACS are poorly understood.

Methods and Results—

We performed an analysis of data from IMMEDIATE (Immediate Myocardial Metabolic Enhancement during Initial Assessment and Treatment in Emergency Care), a randomized controlled trial of emergency medical services treatment of people with symptoms suggesting ACS, using hierarchical multiple regression of elapsed time. Out-of-hospital ECGs were performed on 54 230 adults calling 9-1-1; 871 had presumed ACS, 303 of whom had ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and underwent percutaneous coronary intervention. Women, participants with diabetes mellitus, and participants without previous cardiovascular disease waited longer to call 9-1-1 (by 28 minutes,
P
<0.01; 10 minutes,
P
=0.03; and 6 minutes,
P
=0.02, respectively), compared with their counterparts. Time from emergency medical services arrival to ECG was longer for women (1.5 minutes;
P
<0.01), older individuals (1.3 minutes;
P
<0.01), and those without a primary complaint of chest pain (3.5 minutes;
P
<0.01). On-scene times were longer for women (2 minutes;
P
<0.01) and older individuals (2 minutes;
P
<0.01). Older individuals and participants presenting on weekends and nights had longer door-to-balloon times (by 10, 14, and 11 minutes, respectively;
P
<0.01). Women and older individuals had longer total times (medical contact to balloon inflation: 16 minutes,
P
=0.01, and 9 minutes,
P
<0.01, respectively; symptom onset to balloon inflation: 31.5 minutes for women;
P
=0.02).

Conclusions—
We found delays throughout ACS care, resulting in substantial differences in total times for women and older individuals. These delays may impact outcomes; a comprehensive approach to reduce delay is needed.
Nonlinear Feedbacks Associated with the Indian Ocean Dipole and Their Response to Global Warming in the GFDL-ESM2M Coupled Climate Model
Authors: Ng Benjamin , Cai Wenju , Walsh Kevin 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
A feature of the Indian Ocean dipole (IOD) is its positive skewness, with cold IOD east pole (IODE) sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTAs) exhibiting larger amplitudes than warm SSTAs. Using the coupled Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory Earth System Model with Modular Ocean Model version 4 (MOM4) component (GFDL-ESM2M), the role of nonlinear feedbacks in generating this positive skewness is investigated and their response to global warming examined. These feedbacks are a nonlinear dynamic heating process, the Bjerknes feedback, wind–evaporation–SST feedback, and SST–cloud–radiation feedback. Nonlinear dynamic heating assists IOD skewness by strongly damping warm IODE SSTAs and reinforcing cold IODE anomalies. In a warmer climate, the damping strengthens while the reinforcement weakens. The SST–thermocline relationship is part of the positive Bjerknes feedback and contributes strongly to IOD skewness as it is weak during the development of warm IODE SSTAs, but strong during the development of cold IODE SSTAs. In response to global warming, this relationship displays weaker asymmetry associated with weaker westerly winds over the central equatorial Indian Ocean. The negative SST–cloud–radiation feedback is also asymmetric with cold IODE SSTAs less damped by incoming shortwave radiation. Under global warming, the damping of cold IODE SSTAs shows little change but warm IODE SSTAs become more damped. This stronger damping is a symptom of negative IODs becoming stronger in amplitude due to the mean IODE thermocline shoaling. The wind–evaporation–SST feedback does not contribute to IOD asymmetry with cold IODE SSTAs decreasing evaporation, which in turn warms the surface. However, as this study focuses on one model, the response of these feedbacks to global warming is uncertain.
Accuracy of Intraoperative Determination of Central Node Metastasis by the Surgeon in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Ji Yong Bae , Lee Dong Won , Song Chang Myeon , Kim Kyung Rae , Park Chul Won , Tae Kyung 
Published: January 2014

ObjectiveProphylactic central neck dissection (CND) in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) remains controversial. If the presence of central lymph node metastasis could be assessed preoperatively or intraoperatively, unnecessary CND could be avoided. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of intraoperative determination of central lymph node metastasis by the surgeon using palpation and inspection in clinically node‐negative PTC.Study DesignProspective study.SettingUniversity tertiary care facility.Subjects and MethodsA total of 122 consecutive patients with clinically node‐negative PTC were enrolled. Any suspicious lymph nodes on intraoperative palpation or inspection were sent for frozen biopsy, and then bilateral CND with total thyroidectomy was carried out in all patients. The criteria for a suspicious lymph node included palpable hardness, dark discoloration, or size exceeding 5 mm in diameter. We compared the surgeon's judgments with the final pathologic results.ResultsSuspicious lymph nodes were found in 37 (30.3%) patients, and 15 of them had metastasis on permanent biopsy. Of 85 patients with no suspicious lymph nodes, 27 (31.8%) had metastasis on permanent biopsy. The sensitivity and specificity as well as positive and negative predictive values of intraoperative determination of central lymph node metastasis were 35.7%, 72.5%, 40.5%, and 68.2%, respectively. The positive predictive values of enlarged lymph nodes, dark discoloration, and hardness were 30.4%, 50.0%, and 78.6%, respectively.ConclusionIntraoperative determination of central lymph node metastasis by the surgeon is a limited guide for CND in clinically node‐negative PTC because of its low sensitivity and specificity.
Molecular mechanisms underlying synergistic adhesion of sickle red blood cells by hypoxia and low nitric oxide bioavailability
Authors: Gutsaeva Diana R. , Montero-Huerta Pedro , Parkerson James B. , Yerigenahally Shobha D. , Ikuta Tohru , Head C. Alvin 
Published: January 2014

Key Points
Adhesion of sRBCs is synergistically regulated by hypoxia and low NO bioavailability. P-selectin and p38 kinase pathways play a role in the synergistic adhesion of sRBCs.
Osteoblastic niche supports the growth of quiescent multiple myeloma cells
Authors: Chen Zheng , Orlowski Robert Z. , Wang Michael , Kwak Larry , McCarty Nami 
Published: January 2014

Key Points
Osteoblastic niche supports quiescent multiple myeloma cells in vivo. Multiple myeloma cells isolated from osteoblastic niche have enhanced tumorigenicity and stemlike properties.
OncomiRdbB: a comprehensive database of microRNAs and their targets in breast cancer
Authors: Khurana Rimpi , Verma Vinod Kumar , Rawoof Abdul , Tiwari Shrish , Nair Rekha A , Mahidhara Ganesh , Idris Mohammed M , Clarke Alan R , Kumar Lekha Dinesh 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Given the estimate that 30% of our genes are controlled by microRNAs, it is essential that we understand the precise relationship between microRNAs and their targets. OncomiRs are microRNAs (miRNAs) that have been frequently shown to be deregulated in cancer. However, although several oncomiRs have been identified and characterized, there is as yet no comprehensive compilation of this data which has rendered it underutilized by cancer biologists. There is therefore an unmet need in generating bioinformatic platforms to speed the identification of novel therapeutic targets.

Description
We describe here OncomiRdbB, a comprehensive database of oncomiRs mined from different existing databases for mouse and humans along with novel oncomiRs that we have validated in human breast cancer samples. The database also lists their respective predicted targets, identified using miRanda, along with their IDs, sequences, chromosome location and detailed description. This database facilitates querying by search strings including microRNA name, sequence, accession number, target genes and organisms. The microRNA networks and their hubs with respective targets at 3'UTR, 5'UTR and exons of different pathway genes were also deciphered using the 'R' algorithm.

Conclusion
OncomiRdbB is a comprehensive and integrated database of oncomiRs and their targets in breast cancer with multiple query options which will help enhance both understanding of the biology of breast cancer and the development of new and innovative microRNA based diagnostic tools and targets of therapeutic significance. OncomiRdbB is freely available for download through the URL link http://tdb.ccmb.res.in/OncomiRdbB/index.htm.
Alterations in hepatic miRNA expression during negative energy balance in postpartum dairy cattle
Authors: Fatima Attia , Waters Sinead , O’Boyle Padraig , Seoighe Cathal , Morris Dermot G 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Negative energy balance (NEB), an altered metabolic state, occurs in early postpartum dairy cattle when energy demands to support lactation exceed energy intake. During NEB the liver undergoes oxidative stress and increased breakdown of fatty acids accompanied by changes in gene expression. It is now known that micro RNAs (miRNA) can have a role in mediating such alterations in gene expression through repression or degradation of target mRNAs. miRNA expression is known to be altered by metabolism and environmental factors and miRNAs are implicated in expression modulation of metabolism related genes.

Results
miRNA expression was profiled in the liver of moderate yielding dairy cattle under severe NEB (SNEB) and mild NEB (MNEB) using the Affymetrix Gene Chip miRNA_2.0 array with 679 probe sets for Bos-taurus miRNAs. Ten miRNAs were found to be differentially expressed using the ‘samr’ statistical package (delta = 0.6) at a q-value FDR of < 12%. Five miRNAs including miR-17-5p, miR-31, miR-140, miR-1281 and miR-2885 were validated using RT-qPCR, to be up-regulated under SNEB. Liver diseases associated with these miRNAs include non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). miR-140 and miR-17-5p are known to show differential expression under oxidative stress. A total of 32 down-regulated putative target genes were also identified among 418 differentially expressed hepatic genes previously reported for the same animal model. Among these, GPR37 (G protein-coupled receptor 37), HEYL (hairy/enhancer-of-split related with YRPW motif-like), DNJA1, CD14 (Cluster of differentiation 14) and GNS (glucosamine (N-acetyl)-6-sulfatase) are known to be associated with hepatic metabolic disorders. In addition miR-140 and miR-2885 have binding sites on the most down-regulated of these genes, FADS2 (Fatty acid desaturase 2) which encodes an enzyme critical in lipid biosynthesis. Furthermore, HNF3- gamma (Hepatocyte nuclear factor 3-gamma), a hepatic transcription factor (TF) that is involved in IGF-1 expression regulation and maintenance of glucose homeostasis is a putative target of miR-31.

Conclusions
This study shows that SNEB affects liver miRNA expression and these miRNAs have putative targets in hepatic genes down-regulated under this condition. This study highlights the potential role of miRNAs in transcription regulation of hepatic gene expression during SNEB in dairy cattle.
Prevention of Clostridium difficilespore formation by sub-inhibitory concentrations of tigecycline and piperacillin/tazobactam
Authors: Garneau Julian R , Valiquette Louis , Fortier Louis-Charles 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Sporulation of Clostridium difficile during infection and persistence of spores within the gut could partly explain treatment failures and recurrence. However, the influence of antibiotics on sporulation is unclear. The objective of our study was to evaluate the impact of ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, piperacillin/tazobactam, tigecycline, and vancomycin on C. difficile sporulation in vitro.

Methods
The reference strains ATCC 9689, 630, VPI 10463, and seven other clinical isolates of C. difficile were used, including three epidemic NAP1/027 isolates. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined and sporulation was assessed after growth in the absence or presence of ≤0.5x MIC concentrations of each antibiotic.

Results
All strains were sensitive to the antibiotics tested, except ribotype 027 isolates that were resistant to ciprofloxacin (MIC = 128 mg/L). Metronidazole and vancomycin generally did not significantly affect spore production in C. difficile, although vancomycin slightly affected sporulation of a few isolates. Ciprofloxacin inhibited sporulation of ribotype 027 isolates mainly. Interestingly, sub-MIC concentrations of piperacillin/tazobactam reduced spore formation in several isolates. However, the most striking observation was made with tigecycline, with an important reduction of spore formation in most isolates.

Conclusions
The capacity of C. difficile to sporulate can be significantly affected by certain antibiotics. The reduced sporulation observed with tigecycline and piperacillin/tazobactam might explain why these antibiotics are generally associated with lower risk of C. difficile infections. In addition, the inhibition of sporulation might partly explain the apparent efficacy of tigecycline for treatment of patients with recurrent infection.
The prevalence of severe maternal morbidity and near miss and associated factors in Sergipe, Northeast Brazil
Authors: Galvão Larissa Paes Leme , Alvim-Pereira Fabiano , de Mendonça Caio Menezes Machado , Menezes Filipe Emanuel Fonseca , Góis Kaique Andre do Nascimento , Ribeiro Jr Ruy Farias , Gurgel Ricardo Queiroz 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
The investigation of severe maternal morbidity (SAMM) and maternal near miss (NM) and associated risk factors is important for the global reduction of maternal mortality. This study investigated the prevalence of SAMM and NM cases and the associated risk factors in two reference maternity hospitals in a capital city in Northeast-Brazil.

Methods
A cross-sectional study with a nested case–control component was conducted from June-2011 to May-2012. Case identification was prospective and data collection was performed according to WHO criteria and definitions. Odds ratio with confidence intervals and multivariate analysis were used whenever possible.

Results
There were 16,243 deliveries, 1,102 SAMM cases, 77 NM cases and 17 maternal deaths. The maternal NM outcome ratio was 5.8 cases/1,000 live births (LB); the total prevalence of SAMM + NM was 72.6 cases/1,000 LB, the maternal near miss: mortality ratio was 4.5cases/1 maternal death (18% of mortality index). Management-based criteria were the most common events for NM (87.1%) and hypertensive disorders for SAMM (67.5%). Higher age, previous abortion and caesarean delivery, the non-adhesion to antenatal care, current caesarean delivery and bad perinatal results were associated with SAMM/NM. In the multivariate analysis, patient’s status, previous caesarian and abortion and level of consciousness were significant when analyzed together.

Conclusions
SAMM and NM situations were prevalent in the studied population and some risk factors seem to be associated with the event, particularly previous gestational antecedents. Protocols based on SAMM/NM situations can save lives and decrease maternal mortality.
Academic performance, educational aspiration and birth outcomes among adolescent mothers: a national longitudinal study
Authors: Xie Yiqiong , Harville Emily Wheeler , Madkour Aubrey Spriggs 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Maternal educational attainment has been associated with birth outcomes among adult mothers. However, limited research explores whether academic performance and educational aspiration influence birth outcomes among adolescent mothers.

Methods
Data from Waves I and IV of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) were used. Adolescent girls whose first pregnancy occurred after Wave I, during their adolescence, and ended with a singleton live birth were included. Adolescents’ grade point average (GPA), experience of ever skipping a grade and ever repeating a grade, and their aspiration to attend college were examined as predictors of birth outcomes (birthweight and gestational age; n = 763). Univariate statistics, bivariate analyses and multivariable models were run stratified on race using survey procedures.

Results
Among Black adolescents, those who ever skipped a grade had higher offspring’s birthweight. Among non-Black adolescents, ever skipping a grade and higher educational aspiration were associated with higher offspring’s birthweight; ever skipping a grade was also associated with higher gestational age. GPA was not statistically significantly associated with either birth outcome. The addition of smoking during pregnancy and prenatal care visit into the multivariable models did not change these associations.

Conclusions
Some indicators of higher academic performance and aspiration are associated with better birth outcomes among adolescents. Investing in improving educational opportunities may improve birth outcomes among teenage mothers.
Potential point of care tests (POCTs) for maternal health in Peru, perspectives of pregnant women and their partners
Authors: Bayer Angela M , Najarro Lizzete , Zevallos Mercedes , García Patricia J 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Globally, no qualitative studies have explored the perspectives of women and their partners about the integration of technology – and specifically diagnostic testing technologies – into antenatal care. The study objective was to describe the demand side for pregnancy-related diagnostic tests from the perspective of Peruvian consumers, including female and male community members, by engaging participants about their awareness of and care-seeking for pregnancy-related diagnostic tests and their preferred characteristics and testing conditions for pregnancy-related point-of-care diagnostic tests (POCTs).

Methods
Sixty-seven mothers and fathers of children under one from the peri-urban coast and the peri-urban and rural highlands and jungle of Peru participated in ten focus groups.

Results
Participants think that pregnancy-related diagnostic tests are important and they and their fellow community members are committed to ensuring that pregnant women receive the tests they need. Participants expressed clear demands for pregnancy-related POCTs, including important characteristics for the tests themselves (certification, rapid, reliable results) and for test implementation (well-trained, personable good communicators as test administrators at well-equipped, convenient testing sites). Participants emphasized the importance of short waiting times and explained that many people have some ability to pay for POCTs, particularly if they are innovative, rapid or multiplex.

Conclusions
Engaging future POCT users as consumers who are able to make key decisions about the development and implementation of pregnancy-related POCTs is valuable and informative.
Distribution and dissemination of the Val1016Ile and Phe1534Cys Kdr mutations in Aedes aegypti Brazilian natural populations
Authors: Linss Jutta Gerlinde Birggitt , Brito Luiz Paulo , Garcia Gabriela Azambuja , Araki Alejandra Saori , Bruno Rafaela Vieira , Lima José Bento Pereira , Valle Denise , Martins Ademir Jesus 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe chemical control of the mosquitoAedes aegypti, the major vector of dengue, is being seriously threatened due to the development of pyrethroid resistance. Substitutions in the 1016 and 1534 sites of the voltage gated sodium channel (AaNaV), commonly known askdrmutations, confer the mosquito with knockdown resistance. Our aim was to evaluate the allelic composition of natural populations of BrazilianAe. aegyptiat bothkdrsites.MethodsThe AaNaVIIIS6 region was cloned and sequenced from three Brazilian populations. Additionally, individual mosquitoes from 30 populations throughout the country were genotyped for 1016 and 1534 sites, based in allele-specific PCR. For individual genotypes both sites were considered as a single locus.ResultsThe 350 bp sequence spanning the IIIS6 region of theAaNaVgene revealed the occurrence of thekdrmutation Phe1534Cys in Brazil. Concerning the individual genotyping, beyond the susceptible wild-type (NaVS), twokdralleles were identified: substitutions restricted to the 1534 position (NaVR1) or simultaneous substitutions in both 1016 and 1534 sites (NaVR2). A clear regional distribution pattern of these alleles was observed. The NaVR1kdrallele occurred in all localities, while NaVR2was more frequent in the Central and Southeastern localities. Locations that were sampled multiple times in the course of a decade revealed an increase in frequency of thekdrmutations, mainly the double mutant allele NaVR2. Recent samples also indicate that NaVR2is spreading towards the Northern region.ConclusionsWe have found that in addition to the previously reported Val1016Ilekdrmutation, the Phe1534Cys mutation also occurs in Brazil. Allelic composition at both sites was important to elucidate the actual distribution ofkdrmutations throughout the country. Studies to determine gene flow and the fitness costs of thesekdralleles are underway and will be important to better understand the dynamics ofAe. aegyptipyrethroid resistance.