bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA-15b/16 Attenuates Vascular Neointima Formation by Promoting the Contractile Phenotype of Vascular Smooth Muscle Through Targeting YAP
Authors: Xu Fei , Ahmed Abu Shufian Ishtiaq , Kang Xiuhua , Hu Guoqing , Liu Fang , Zhang Wei , Zhou Jiliang 
Published: August 2015

Objective—
To investigate the functional role of the microRNA (miR)-15b/16 in vascular smooth muscle (SM) phenotypic modulation.

Approach and Results—
We found that miR-15b/16 is one of the most abundant mRs expressed in contractile vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). However, when contractile VSMCs get converted to a synthetic phenotype, miR-15b/16 expression is significantly reduced. Knocking down endogenous miR-15b/16 in VSMCs attenuates SM-specific gene expression but promotes VSMC proliferation and migration. Conversely, overexpression of miR-15b/16 promotes SM contractile gene expression while attenuating VSMC migration and proliferation. Consistent with this, overexpression of miR-15b/16 in a rat carotid balloon injury model markedly attenuates injury-induced SM dedifferentiation and neointima formation. Mechanistically, we identified the potent oncoprotein yes-associated protein (YAP) as a downstream target of miR-15b/16 in VSMCs. Reporter assays validated that miR-15b/16 targets YAP’s 3′ untranslated region. Moreover, overexpression of miR-15b/16 significantly represses YAP expression, whereas conversely, depletion of endogenous miR-15b/16 results in upregulation of YAP expression.

Conclusions—
These results indicate that miR-15b/16 plays a critical role in SM phenotypic modulation at least partly through targeting YAP. Restoring expression of miR-15b/16 would be a potential therapeutic approach for treatment of proliferative vascular diseases.
β
3
Integrin Promotes Long-Lasting Activation and Polarization of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2 by Immobilized Ligand
Authors: Ravelli Cosetta , Grillo Elisabetta , Corsini Michela , Coltrini Daniela , Presta Marco , Mitola Stefania 
Published: August 2015

Objective—
During neovessel formation, angiogenic growth factors associate with the extracellular matrix. These immobilized factors represent a persistent stimulus for the otherwise quiescent endothelial cells (ECs), driving directional EC migration and proliferation and leading to new blood vessel growth. Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) is the main mediator of angiogenesis. Although VEGFR2 signaling has been deeply characterized, little is known about its subcellular localization during neovessel formation. Aim of this study was the characterization and molecular determinants of activated VEGFR2 localization in ECs during neovessel formation in response to matrix-immobilized ligand.

Approach and Results—

Here we demonstrate that ECs stimulated by extracellular matrix–associated gremlin, a noncanonical VEGFR2 ligand, are polarized and relocate the receptor in close contact with the angiogenic factor–enriched matrix both in vitro and in vivo. GM1 (monosialotetrahexosylganglioside)-positive planar lipid rafts, β
3
integrin receptors, and the intracellular signaling transducers focal adhesion kinase and RhoA (Ras homolog gene family, member A) cooperate to promote VEGFR2 long-term polarization and activation.

Conclusions—

A ligand anchored to the extracellular matrix induces VEGFR2 polarization in ECs. Long-lasting VEGFR2 relocation is closely dependent on lipid raft integrity and activation of β
3
integrin pathway. The study of the endothelial responses to immobilized growth factors may offer insights into the angiogenic process in physiological and pathological conditions, including cancer, and for a better engineering of synthetic tissue scaffolds to blend with the host vasculature.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Acute Incidental Infarcts
Authors: Saini Monica , Suministrado Ma Serrie P. , Hilal Saima , Dong Yan Hong , Venketasubramanian Narayanaswamy , Ikram Mohammad K. , Chen Christopher 
Published: August 2015

Background and Purpose—
The study of silent stroke has been limited to imaging of chronic infarcts; acute incidental infarcts (AII) detected on brain magnetic resonance imaging have been less investigated. This study aims to describe prevalence and risk factors of AII in a community and a clinic-based population.

Methods—
Subjects were drawn from 2 ongoing studies: Epidemiology of Dementia in Singapore study, which is a subsample from a population-based study, and a clinic-based case–control study. Subjects from both studies underwent similar clinical and neuropsychological assessments and brain magnetic resonance imaging. Prevalence of AII from these studies was determined. Subsequently, risk factors of AII were examined using multivariable logistic regression models.

Results—

AII were seen in 7 of 623 (1.2%) subjects in Epidemiology of Dementia in Singapore (mean age, 70.9±6.8 years; 45% men) and in 12 of 389 (3.2%) subjects (mean age, 72.1±8.3 years; 46% men) in the clinic-based study. AII were present in 0.8% of subjects with no cognitive impairment, 1.9% of those with cognitive impairment not dementia, and 4.2% of subjects with dementia. Significant association of AII was found with cerebral microbleeds (≥5) in the Epidemiology of Dementia in Singapore (odds ratio, 6.76; 95% confidence interval, 1.28–35.65;
P
=0.02) and in the clinic-based cohort (odds ratio, 4.65; 95% confidence interval, 1.39–15.53;
P
=0.01). There was no association of AII with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or hyperlipidemia.

Conclusions—
AII are more likely to be present in those with cognitive impairment. Although a cause–effect relationship between the presence of AII and cognitive impairment is plausible, the association may be because of under-reporting of symptoms by individuals with cognitive impairment. The association between AII and cerebral microbleeds may indicate cerebral vasculopathy, independent of traditional vascular risk factors.
Fluoxetine Maintains a State of Heightened Responsiveness to Motor Training Early After Stroke in a Mouse Model
Authors: Ng Kwan L. , Gibson Ellen M. , Hubbard Robert , Yang Juemin , Caffo Brian , O’Brien Richard J. , Krakauer John W. , Zeiler Steven R. 
Published: August 2015

Background and Purpose—
Data from both humans and animal models suggest that most recovery from motor impairment after stroke occurs in a sensitive period that lasts only weeks and is mediated, in part, by an increased responsiveness to training. Here, we used a mouse model of focal cortical stroke to test 2 hypotheses. First, we investigated whether responsiveness to training decreases over time after stroke. Second, we tested whether fluoxetine, which can influence synaptic plasticity and stroke recovery, can prolong the period over which large training-related gains can be elicited after stroke.

Methods—
Mice were trained to perform a skilled prehension task to an asymptotic level of performance after which they underwent stroke induction in the caudal forelimb area. The mice were then retrained after a 1- or 7-day delay with and without fluoxetine.

Results—
Recovery of prehension after a caudal forelimb area stroke was complete if training was initiated 1 day after stroke but incomplete if it was delayed by 7 days. In contrast, if fluoxetine was administered at 24 hours after stroke, then complete recovery of prehension was observed even with the 7-day training delay. Fluoxetine seemed to mediate its beneficial effect by reducing inhibitory interneuron expression in intact premotor cortex rather than through effects on infarct volume or cell death.

Conclusions—
There is a gradient of diminishing responsiveness to motor training over the first week after stroke. Fluoxetine can overcome this gradient and maintain maximal levels of responsiveness to training even 7 days after stroke.
Changes in Aridity across Mexico in the Second Half of the Twentieth Century
Authors: Tereshchenko Iryna , Zolotokrylin Alexander N. , Cherenkova Elena A. , Monzón Cesar Octavio , Brito-Castillo Luis , Titkova Tatiana B. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractSix regions in Mexico, with typical interannual changes in the aridity index, have been defined by the 1951–2001 meteorological dataset. Peak months of rainfall differ within the regions. Most of the land in the Mexican terrain has had a slow aridization since the early 1980s. The decline in the aridity index in the early 1950s and late 1990s was caused by droughts in the area. The distinctive features of the aridization of Mexican dry lands are characterized by steady and extensive droughts during 1948–57, 1960–65, and 1994–2003 in the second half of the twentieth century. During the drought of 1951–57 substantial aridization in most of the dry lands was observed, including the Sierra Madre Occidental, Sierra Madre Oriental, and Mexican Altiplano. Aridization of dry lands during the drought in 1960–65 affected mostly the southern part of the Mexican Altiplano, the Sierra Madre del Sur, and the Yucatán Peninsula. For the drought in the 1990s, one special feature of the aridization was its propagation primarily beyond the Mexican Altiplano. Increased aridization of dry lands caused by long-term droughts during the last decade of the twentieth century did not result in a sizeable shift of the southern boundary of the dry lands. The only exception is the southern boundary (aridity index = 0.75) in the state of Sinaloa. In this area, the boundary moved southward and aridization intensified. The results obtained here can be used in studies of possible anthropogenic impact on the drought of the twentieth century’s last decade in Mexico, which includes changes in land use.
Identifying depression post-stroke in patients with aphasia: a systematic review of the reliability, validity and feasibility of available instruments
Authors: van Dijk Mariska J , de Man-van Ginkel Janneke M , Hafsteinsdóttir Thóra B , Schuurmans Marieke J 
Published: August 2015

Objective: To identify and critically appraise the evidence for instruments assessing depression in stroke patients with aphasia. Methods: The PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Psych Info and Cochrane databases were searched from inception until May 2015. Results: Of the 383 titles found in the search, 15 articles met the inclusion criteria and six instruments were identified: The Aphasic Depression Rating Scale, the Clinical Global Impression-Scale, the Stroke Aphasic Depression Questionnaire (four versions), the Signs of Depression Scale, the Visual Analogue Mood Scale (three versions) and the Visual Analogue Self Esteem Scale. Supporting evidence for reliability and validity was limited owing to methodological flaws in the studies influencing the ratings of methodological quality. Feasibility data were available for all instruments. Rating time of the instruments ranged from less than one minute to five minutes, two instruments required extensive training. Conclusion: A number of instruments to assess depressive symptoms in patients with aphasia are available. None of the instruments however, were found to be sufficiently investigated and most of the studies identified were of low methodological quality. Given the present evidence, the Stroke Aphasic Depression Questionnaire-10, the Stroke Aphasic Depression Questionnaire-H10 and the Signs of Depression Scale are the most feasible and can be recommended for clinical practice.
MR spectroscopy for assessing the effects of oxytocin on marrow adipogenesis induced by glucocorticoid in rabbits
Authors: Li Baoqing , Jiang Yuqing , Sun Jinlei , Liang Jie , Jin Yulian 
Published: August 2015

Background Previous studies suggest that oxytocin (OT) negatively modulates adipogenesis while promoting osteogenesis in vitro. Because of its effects on marrow stromal cells, OT might have potential utility in therapy for glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIO). Purpose To explore the effects of OT on marrow adipogenesis in a rabbit model of GIO. Material and Methods Thirty-six-month-old female New Zealand rabbits were randomly assigned to the control, GIO, and GIO + OT groups. Magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy and multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) were performed to detect marrow fat content (MFC) and bone mineral density (BMD) at baseline, and 1, 2, and 3 months. After 3 months of treatment, marrow adipocytes were quantitatively evaluated by histopathology. Results In the GIO group, MFC substantially increased from 34.1% to 43.2% at month 1, and it was maintained until month 3 (by 59.2%, all P <0.01). MFC values in the GIO group were significantly different from the control and OT-treated groups over time. Early OT treatment reversed marrow adiposity to levels of the controls. BMD values were significantly lower in the GIO group at months 2 and 3 compared to the controls; however, partial recovery of vertebral BMD (87.1% of baseline) and femoral BMD (89.3% of baseline) in the OT-treated group were observed. The mean diameter and density of adipocyte and percentage of adipocyte area increased by 30.0%, 70.1%, and 88.9%, respectively (all P <0.05) in the GIO group, but remained unchanged in the OT-treated group. Conclusion Early OT treatment was sufficient to eliminate glucocorticoid-induced marrow adiposity.
Intralesional Vitamin D Injection May Be an Effective Treatment Option for Warts
Authors: Aktaş Habibullah , Ergin Can , Demir Betül , Ekiz Özlem 
Published: August 2015

Background: Plantar warts are typically resistant to treatment. In recent years, treatments have included administration of intralesional tuberculin; measles, mumps, rubella vaccine; and Candida albicans antigen immunotherapy. To the best of our knowledge, there are no reports of intralesional vitamin D administration for the treatment of warts. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intralesional vitamin D treatment for plantar warts. Methods: Twenty patients with single or multiple plantar warts were included in this study. Vitamin D3 (0.2 mL, 7.5 mg/mL) was injected into the base of the warts after prilocaine (0.1 mL, 20 mg/mL) injection. A maximum of 5 warts were treated in 1 session, with at maximum 2 injections performed at 4-week intervals. Results: In total, 16 of 20 patients (80%) showed complete resolution of warts, and 1 patient showed partial resolution. Three patients failed to show any response. No recurrence or serious adverse effects were observed. Conclusion: Intralesional vitamin D3 may be an effective treatment option for warts.
The growth pattern of the human intestine and its mesentery
Authors: Soffers Jelly HM , Hikspoors Jill PJM , Mekonen Hayelom K. , Koehler S. Eleonore , Lamers Wouter H. 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Background
It remains unclear to what extent midgut rotation determines human intestinal topography and pathology. We reinvestigated the midgut during its looping and herniation phases of development, using novel 3D visualization techniques.

Results
We distinguished 3 generations of midgut loops. The topography of primary and secondary loops was constant, but that of tertiary loops not. The orientation of the primary loop changed from sagittal to transverse due to the descent of ventral structures in a body with a still helical body axis. The 1st secondary loop (duodenum, proximal jejunum) developed intraabdominally towards a left-sided position. The 2nd secondary loop (distal jejunum) assumed a left-sided position inside the hernia before returning, while the 3rd and 4th secondary loops retained near-midline positions. Intestinal return into the abdomen resembled a backward sliding movement. Only after return, the 4th secondary loop (distal ileum, cecum) rapidly “slid” into the right lower abdomen. The seemingly random position of the tertiary small-intestinal loops may have a biomechanical origin.

Conclusions
The interpretation of “intestinal rotation” as a mechanistic rather than a descriptive concept underlies much of the confusion accompanying the physiological herniation. We argue, instead, that the concept of “en-bloc rotation” of the developing midgut is a fallacy of schematic drawings. Primary, secondary and tertiary loops arise in a hierarchical fashion. The predictable position and growth of secondary loops is pre-patterned and determines adult intestinal topography. We hypothesize based on published accounts that malrotations result from stunted development of secondary loops.
Characterisation of neurons derived from a cortical human neural stem cell line CTX0E16
Authors: Anderson Greg W. , Deans P. J. Michael , Taylor Ruth D T , Raval Pooja , Chen Ding , Lowder Harrison , Murkerji Srishti , Andreae Laura C. , Williams Brenda P. , Srivastava Deepak P. 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Introduction
Conditionally immortalised human neural progenitor cells (hNPCs) represent a robust source of native neural cells to investigate physiological mechanisms in both health and disease. However, in order to recognise the utility of such cells, it is critical to determine whether they retain characteristics of their tissue of origin and generate appropriate neural cell types upon differentiation. To this end, we have characterised the conditionally immortalised, cortically-derived, human NPC line, CTX0E16, investigating the molecular and cellular phenotype of differentiated neurons to determine whether they possess characteristics of cortical glutamatergic neurons.

Methods
Differentiated CTX0E16 cells were characterised by assessing expression of several neural fates markers, and examination of developing neuronal morphology. Expression of neurotransmitter receptors, signalling proteins and related proteins were assessed by q- and RT-PCR and complemented by Ca2+ imaging, electrophysiology and assessment of ERK signalling in response to neurotransmitter ligand application. Finally, differentiated neurons were assessed for their ability to form putative synapses and to respond to activity-dependent stimulation.

Results
Differentiation of CTX0E16 hNPCs predominately resulted in the generation of neurons expressing markers of cortical and glutamatergic (excitatory) fate, and with a typical polarized neuronal morphology. Gene expression analysis confirmed an upregulation in the expression of cortical, glutamatergic and signalling proteins following differentiation. CTX0E16 neurons demonstrated Ca2+ and ERK1/2 responses following exogenous neurotransmitter application, and after 6 weeks displayed spontaneous Ca2+ transients and electrophysiological properties consistent with that of immature neurons. Differentiated CTX0E16 neurons also expressed a range of pre- and post-synaptic proteins that co-localized along distal dendrites, and moreover, displayed structural plasticity in response to modulation of neuronal activity.

Conclusions
Taken together, these findings demonstrate that the CTX0E16 hNPC line is a robust source of cortical neurons, which display functional properties consistent with a glutamatergic phenotype. Thus CTX0E16 neurons can be used to study cortical cell function, and furthermore, as these neurons express a range of disease-associated genes, they represent an ideal platform with which to investigate neurodevelopmental mechanisms in native human cells in health and disease.
A new hybrid algorithm and its numerical realization for two nonexpansive mappings
Authors: Dong Qiao-Li , He Songnian , Cho Yeol Je 
Published: August 2015

AbstractIn the paper, first, we introduce a new hybrid projection algorithm and present its strong convergence theorem. Next, we analyze different hybrid algorithms in computing and conclude that our proposed algorithm has an advantage. Finally, the numerical experiments validate the efficiency and advantages of the new algorithm.
Remittances, school quality, and household education expenditures in Nepal
Authors: Bansak Cynthia , Chezum Brian , Giri Animesh 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A heightened interest in understanding the remitting practices of immigrants and their impact on a variety of economic indicators has emerged as remittances to developing countries have risen substantially over the past decade. If remittances primarily enhance consumption, they may have no lasting impact on economic growth. However, through asset accumulation and human capital investment, remittances may serve as a vehicle for growth. In this paper, we use the 2010 Nepal Living Standards Survey III (NLSS III) to examine how remittances affect household expenditures on human capital investment. Overall, our findings suggest that at the margin, remittances do contribute to human capital investment, but this effect varies substantially by school quality within Nepal. In addition, our results indicate that internal remittances (remittances from household members migrating internally) have a greater impact on education than do external remittances. We posit that this may be due to a higher value placed on Nepali education by internal migrants as compared to the education needed for foreign job opportunities by migrants abroad.

JEL codes: J61, I25, F22, F24, H52, O15
Income gradients within child and adolescent antisocial
behaviours
Authors: Piotrowska Patrycja J. , Stride Christopher B. , Maughan Barbara , Goodman Robert , McCaw Liz , Rowe Richard 
Published: August 2015

BackgroundLow income is a widely studied risk factor for child and adolescent
behavioural difficulties. Previous research on this relationship has
produced mixed findings.AimsTo investigate the level, shape and homogeneity of income gradients in
different types of antisocial behaviour.MethodA representative sample of 7977 British children and adolescents, aged
5–16 years, was analysed. Hypotheses concerning the shapes and
homogeneity of the relationships between family socioeconomic status and
multiple antisocial behaviour outcomes, including clinical diagnoses of
oppositional-defiant disorder, conduct disorder and symptom subscales,
such as irritability and hurtfulness, were tested by structural equation
models.ResultsConsistent income gradients were demonstrated across all antisocial
behaviours studied. Disorder prevalence and mean symptom counts decreased
across income quintiles in a non-linear fashion.ConclusionsOur findings emphasise that income gradients are similar across different
forms of antisocial behaviour and indicate that income may lead to
greater behavioural differences in the mid-income range and less
variation at low- and high-income extremes.
Complications and mortality in patients with schizophrenia and
diabetes: Population-based cohort study
Authors: Wu Chi-Shin , Lai Mei-Shu , Gau Susan Shur-Fen 
Published: August 2015

BackgroundThe long-term outcome of patients with both diabetes and schizophrenia
remains unclear.AimsTo explore whether having schizophrenia increases the risk of advanced
complications and mortality in people with diabetes.MethodThis is a population-based matched cohort study using Taiwan's National
Health Insurance Research Database. A total of 11 247 participants with
diabetes and schizophrenia and 11 247 participants with diabetes but not
schizophrenia were enrolled. We used Cox proportional hazard models to
determine the effect of schizophrenia on macrovascular and microvascular
complications, and all-cause mortality.ResultsThe adjusted hazard ratios were 1.49 (95% CI 1.32–1.68) for macrovascular
complications, 1.05 (95% CI 0.91–1.21) for microvascular complications
and 3.68 (95% CI 3.21–4.22) for all-cause mortality in patients with
diabetes and schizophrenia compared with those patients with diabetes but
not schizophrenia.ConclusionsPatients with both diabetes and schizophrenia had an increased risk of
macrovascular complications and all-cause mortality but did not have
statistically significant elevated risk of microvascular
complications.