bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of 9p21 and 2q36 variants and arterial stiffness in the prediction of coronary artery disease
Authors: Vakalis Konstantinos , Bechlioulis Aris , Naka Katerina K. , Chatzikyriakidou Anthoula , Gartzonika Konstantina , Vezyraki Patra , Kolios Georgios , Pappas Konstantinos , Katsouras Christos S. , Georgiou Ioannis , Michalis Lampros K. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundGenetic polymorphisms and arterial stiffness indices have been associated with cardiovascular prognosis and the presence and extent of angiographic coronary artery disease (CAD). We aimed to investigate whether arterial stiffness indices and 9p21 and 2q36 variants may improve prediction of CAD presence and extent when added to classical cardiovascular risk factors in patients at high risk for CAD.Materials and methodsIn this cross‐sectional study, we enrolled 183 consecutive patients with suspected stable CAD (age 61 ± 9 years, 134 males) referred for diagnostic coronary angiography. Framingham risk score (FRS) was calculated. Arterial stiffness was assessed by carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) and central augmentation index (AIx) using applanation tonometry. Genetic polymorphisms of 9p21 (rs1333049) and 2q36 (rs2943634) loci were also analysed.ResultsHigher FRS and PWV and the presence of rs2943634 risk allele were independent predictors of CAD (Nagelkerke R2 0·252, P < 0·001), while higher FRS and the presence of rs1333049 risk allele were independent predictors of multivessel CAD (Nagelkerke R2 0·190, P < 0·001). Genetic polymorphisms and vascular indices did not improve the predictive accuracy of FRS‐based models (P > 0·1 for all) for CAD presence or extent.ConclusionsIn these high‐risk patients, 9p21 and 2q36 variants and PWV were independently associated with CAD presence and extent, but the addition of both genetic data and arterial stiffness indices to FRS did not improve the prediction of CAD compared with FRS alone. Further studies are needed to clarify the prognostic role of genetic and vascular indices in the prediction of angiographic CAD.
FGF‐23 dysregulates calcium homeostasis and electrophysiological properties in HL‐1 atrial cells
Authors: Kao Yu‐Hsun , Chen Yao‐Chang , Lin Yung‐Kuo , Shiu Rong‐Jie , Chao Tze‐Fan , Chen Shih‐Ann , Chen Yi‐Jen 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundFibroblast growth factor (FGF)‐23 is a key regulator of phosphate homeostasis. Higher FGF‐23 levels are correlated with poor outcomes in cardiovascular diseases. FGF‐23 can produce cardiac hypertrophy and increase intracellular calcium, which can change cardiac electrical activity. However, it is not clear whether FGF‐23 possesses arrhythmogenic potential through calcium dysregulation. Therefore, the purposes of this study were to evaluate the electrophysiological effects of FGF‐23 and identify the underlying mechanisms.MethodsPatch clamp, confocal microscope with Fluo‐4 fluorescence, and Western blot analyses were used to evaluate the electrophysiological characteristics, calcium homeostasis and calcium regulatory proteins in HL‐1 atrial myocytes with and without FGF‐23 (10 and 25 ng/mL) incubation for 24 h.ResultsFGF‐23 (25 ng/mL) increased L‐type calcium currents, calcium transient and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ contents in HL‐1 cells. FGF‐23 (25 ng/mL)‐treated cells (n = 14) had greater incidences (57%, 17% and 15%, P < 0·05) of delayed afterdepolarizations than control (n = 12) and FGF‐23 (10 ng/mL)‐treated cells (n = 13). Compared with control cells, FGF‐23 (25 ng/mL)‐treated cells (n = 14) exhibited increased phosphorylation of calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase IIδ and phospholamban (PLB) at threonine 17 but had similar phosphorylation extents of PLB at serine 16, total PLB and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase protein. Moreover, the FGF receptor inhibitor (PD173074, 10 nM), calmodulin inhibitor (W7, 5 μM) and phospholipase C inhibitor (U73122, 1 μM) attenuated the effects of FGF‐23 on calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II phosphorylation.ConclusionsFGF‐23 increases HL‐1 cells arrhythmogenesis with calcium dysregulation through modulating calcium‐handling proteins.
Melanocortin 4 receptor activation inhibits presynaptic N‐type calcium channels in amygdaloid complex neurons
Authors: Agosti Francina , López Soto Eduardo J. , Cabral Agustina , Castrogiovanni Daniel , Schioth Helgi B. , Perelló Mario , Raingo Jesica 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) is a G protein‐coupled receptor involved in food intake and energy expenditure regulation. MC4R activation modifies neuronal activity but the molecular mechanisms by which this regulation occurs remain unclear. Here, we tested the hypothesis that MC4R activation regulates the activity of voltage‐gated calcium channels and, as a consequence, synaptic activity. We also tested whether the proposed effect occurs in the amygdala, a brain area known to mediate the anorexigenic actions of MC4R signaling. Using the patch‐clamp technique, we found that the activation of MC4R with its agonist melanotan II specifically inhibited 34.5 ± 1.5% of N‐type calcium currents in transiently transfected HEK293 cells. This inhibition was concentration‐dependent, voltage‐independent and occluded by the Gαs pathway inhibitor cholera toxin. Moreover, we found that melanotan II specifically inhibited 25.9 ± 2.0% of native N‐type calcium currents and 55.4 ± 14.4% of evoked inhibitory postsynaptic currents in mouse cultured amygdala neurons. In vivo, we found that the MC4R agonist RO27‐3225 increased the marker of cellular activity c‐Fos in several components of the amygdala, whereas the N‐type channel blocker ω conotoxin GVIA increased c‐Fos expression exclusively in the central subdivision of the amygdala. Thus, MC4R specifically inhibited the presynaptic N‐type channel subtype, and this inhibition may be important for the effects of melanocortin in the central subdivision of the amygdala.
Relative Cost/Benefit Trade‐Off Between Cover‐Seeking and Escape Behaviour in an Ancestral Fish: The Importance of Structural Habitat Heterogeneity
Authors: Wishingrad Van , Chivers Douglas P. , Ferrari Maud C. O. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractFleeing from predators and moving into protective habitats are two common antipredator behaviours in the animal kingdom. Surprisingly, the relative cost/benefit trade‐off of each behavioural option has rarely been examined empirically. Here, we investigate the interplay between decisions surrounding escape behaviour and rocky microhabitat occupancy in lake sturgeon, Acipenser fulvescens. In high‐risk clear‐water environments, sturgeon responded to danger by evoking an escape response and by seeking cover in rocky microhabitats. However, in low‐risk turbid environments, we found that sturgeon responded to danger by seeking cover in rocky microhabitats, but not fleeing to a significant degree. Cover‐seeking behaviour may therefore be a relatively low‐cost/high‐benefit antipredator strategy. These findings highlight the importance of structural habitat heterogeneity for prey animals in predator‐dominated landscapes.
Why mammalian wound‐healing researchers may wish to turn to Drosophila as a model
Authors: Muñoz‐Soriano Verónica , López‐Domenech Sandra , Paricio Nuria 
Published: June 2014

AbstractWound healing is an essential and complex biological process that allows tissue continuity and functioning to be restored after injury. Understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying wound repair is essential to develop new therapies that could be useful not only to accelerate the normal healing process but also to treat healing pathologies that appear as a consequence of improper wound resolution. Numerous models have been developed to study wound healing both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro models have been useful to study some steps of epithelial repair. However, the development of effective treatments for wound healing is still required, and this could mainly be achieved using animal models. Although rodent models are currently preferred to study this process, they also have some limitations. Currently, the fruit fly Drosophila is a well‐established model to study processes relevant to human health and is becoming one of the favourite model organisms in biomedical research. The reason for this success is that it can be effectively used in target discovery and drug screens. In such a scenario, we would like to provide a defense for using Drosophila as an in vivo model of wound healing, assuming that many mammalian researchers may not be initially convinced with the idea. In this paper, we discuss the benefits and limitations of using Drosophila in wound‐healing research, especially presenting this organism as a promising tool for the identification of new therapeutic targets and drugs in this context.
When is enough … enough? Developing consensus of definition of failure of immune tolerance induction in patients with haemophilia and inhibitors
Authors: Barnes C. , Brown S. A. , Curtin J. , Dunkley S. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryImmune tolerance induction (ITI) is the preferred management of haemophilia A patients who develop high titre inhibitors against factor VIII. However, the optimal ITI regimen, predictors of ITI outcome and definitions of successful and unsuccessful ITI remain unclear. The aim of this project was to develop a consensus on the definition of ITI treatment failure for Australian clinical practice using a modified Delphi approach. Three consecutive surveys were distributed to the directors of 17 haemophilia treatment centres in Australia. Participants were asked to rate their agreement with definitions of ITI treatment failure generated from a literature review. Thirty‐five statements regarding ITI achieved consensus (majority agree or strongly agree) during the three survey rounds. After round 3, four statements achieved majority disagreement, and for two statements no consensus was reached. Our study demonstrates that clinicians in Australia necessitate an arbitrary time to assess ITI failure, but that clinical outcomes of ITI are important in assessing response. Assessment over any 3‐ to 6‐month period without a 20% reduction in inhibitor titre is suggestive of failure, but a reduction in bleeding phenotype alone may be sufficient to continue ITI. Overall, a period of 3 or 5 years of ITI may be required to determine response to ITI. Documentation of improvement in clinical measures, supported by the laboratory features of factor VIII inhibitor levels and pharmacokinetics, is essential in assessing the success of failure of ITI in these patients.
‘All illness is personal to that individual’: a qualitative study of patients’ perspectives on treatment adherence in bronchiectasis
Authors: McCullough Amanda R. , Tunney Michael M. , Elborn J. Stuart , Bradley Judy M. , Hughes Carmel M. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundAdherence to treatment is low in bronchiectasis and is associated with poorer health outcomes. Factors affecting adherence decisions have not been explored in patients with bronchiectasis.ObjectiveWe aimed to explore patients’ perspectives on adherence, factors affecting adherence decision making and to develop a conceptual model explaining this decision‐making process in adults with bronchiectasis.MethodsAdults with bronchiectasis participated in one‐to‐one semi‐structured interviews. Interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed independently by two researchers using thematic analysis. Data from core themes were extracted, categorized into factors affecting adherence decision making and used to develop the conceptual model.ResultsParticipants’ beliefs about treatment, the practical aspects of managing treatment, their trust in health‐care professionals and acceptance of disease and treatment were important aspects of treatment adherence. The conceptual model demonstrated that adherence decisions were influenced by participants’ individual balance of barriers and motivating factors (treatment‐related, disease‐related, health‐care‐related, personal and social factors).ConclusionAdherence decision‐making in bronchiectasis is complex, but there is the potential to enhance adherence by understanding patients’ specific barriers and motivators to adherence and using this to tailor adherence strategies to individual patients and treatments.
MicroRNA‐100‐5p indirectly modulates the expression of Il6, Ptgs1/2 and Tlr4 mRNA in the mouse follicular dendritic cell‐like cell line, FL‐Y
Authors: Aungier Susan R. , Ohmori Hitoshi , Clinton Michael , Mabbott Neil A. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryFollicular dendritic cells (FDC) are important stromal cells within the B‐cell follicles and germinal centres (GC) of secondary lymphoid tissues. FDC trap and retain native antigens on their surfaces in the form of immune complexes that they display to B cells, in order to select those cells with the highest antigen affinity. MicroRNAs are short, non‐coding RNAs that are approximately 18–25 nucleotides in length that regulate gene expression at the post‐transcriptional level by repressing the translation of target genes. In the current study, in vivo and in vitro systems were used to identify microRNAs that were potentially expressed by FDC. Constitutive lymphotoxin‐β receptor (LTβR) stimulation is required to maintain FDC in their differentiated state. We show that the rapid de‐differentiation of spleen FDC that accompanied LTβR‐blockade, coincided with a significant decrease in the expression of mmu‐miR‐100‐5p, mmu‐miR‐138‐5p and mmu‐miR‐2137. These microRNAs were shown to be expressed in the FDC‐like cell line, FL‐YB, and specific inhibition of mmu‐miR‐100‐5p significantly enhanced expression of Il6, Ptgs1/2 and Tlr4 mRNA in this cell line. The expression of Il6, Ptgs1/2 and Tlr4 by FDC play important roles in regulating GC size and promoting high‐affinity antibody responses, so it is plausible that mmu‐miR‐100‐5p may help to regulate the expression of these genes during GC reactions.
Prefabricated Composite Resin Veneers – A Clinical Review
Authors: Gomes George , Perdigão Jorge 
Published: June 2014

AbstractObjectiveThis clinical technique article is focused on the use of prefabricated veneers to enhance the esthetic appearance of the anterior dentition in patients who needed an alternative esthetic solution more affordable than traditional porcelain veneers.Clinical considerationsBecause prefabricated composite veneer systems have been recently introduced, they are not widely used. TheComponeer system (Coltene,Altstätten,Switzerland) contains thin pre‐polymerized hybrid composite shells, several shades of a direct hybrid composite resin, an etch‐and‐rinse adhesive system, and restorative accessories including finishing points and disks. The prefabricated restorations can be customized in the mouth for color and shape. The technique described in this article can be used to restore function and esthetics in one office visit.ConclusionsThe prefabricated composite veneer technique has some of the advantages of direct composite restorations, as only one session is required without the need to take impressions to send to the dental laboratory. This new treatment option may open new opportunities for dental professionals and their patients. However, it is paramount to carry out controlled clinical studies with this restorative technique prior to recommending it without restrictions in general practice.Clinical SignificanceThe clinical technique described in this paper has the potential for being used routinely to lengthen anterior teeth, to correct malpositioned teeth, to mask discolorations, and to close diastemas. The technique can also be used to restore extensive caries lesions and tooth fractures, and to refurbish large old anterior restorations, especially when other treatment options are out of reach for the patient for financial reasons.
Medical, psychological and social features in a large cohort of adults with Prader–Willi syndrome: experience from a dedicated centre in France
Authors: Laurier V. , Lapeyrade A. , Copet P. , Demeer G. , Silvie M. , Bieth E. , Coupaye M. , Poitou C. , Lorenzini F. , Labrousse F. , Molinas C. , Tauber M. , Thuilleaux D. , Jauregi J. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundPrader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is a developmental genetic disorder characterised by a variable expression of medical, cognitive and behavioural symptoms. In adulthood, the prevalence and severity of these symptoms determine the quality of life of the affected persons. Because of their rare disease condition, data on health and social problems in adults with PWS are scarce. In this research, we present medical, psychological and social features of a large cohort of adults admitted to a specialised PWS centre in France and analyse the differences according to genotype, gender and age.MethodsData from154 patients (68 men/86 women), with a median age of 27 years (range 16–54), were collected during their stay in our centre. Clinical histories were completed using information from parents or main caregivers, and the same medical team performed the diagnosis of different clinical conditions. Statistical analyses were performed to determine the influence of factors such as genotype, age or gender.ResultsPaternal deletion genotype was the most frequent (65%) at all ages. Most patients had mild or moderate intellectual disability (87%). Only 30% had studied beyond primary school and 70% were in some special educational or working programme. Most of them lived in the family home (57%). The most prevalent somatic comorbidities were scoliosis (78%), respiratory problems (75%), dermatological lesions (50%), hyperlipidaemia (35%), hypothyroidism (26%), Type 2 diabetes mellitus (25%) and lymph oedema (22%). Some form of psychotropic treatment was prescribed in 58% of subjects, and sex hormones in 43%. Patients with deletion had a higher body mass index (44 vs. 38.9 kg/m2) and displayed higher frequency of sleep apnoeas. Non‐deletion patients received insulin treatment (19% vs. 4%) and antipsychotic treatment (54.8% vs. 32.7%) more frequently. No difference was observed in the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes between the two genotype groups. Patients >27 years of age had a higher rate of comorbidities (Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, respiratory problems and lymph oedema). Gender differences were minor.ConclusionsAdult patients with PWS showed high prevalence of comorbid health problems that need to be monitored for early treatment. Some of them are influenced by genotype and age. Another salient problem concerns the lack of adapted structures for better social integration. Further data about the real life and health conditions of adults with PWS are necessary to further our knowledge of the natural history of the disease and to design appropriate care strategies.
Diagnostic and Prognostic Impact of pc‐ASPECTS Applied to Perfusion CT in the Basilar Artery International Cooperation Study
Authors: Pallesen Lars‐Peder , Gerber Johannes , Dzialowski Imanuel , van der Hoeven Erik J.R.J. , Michel Patrik , Pfefferkorn Thomas , Ozdoba Christoph , Kappelle L. Jaap , Wiedemann Baerbel , Khomenko Andrei , Algra Ale , Hill Michael D. , von Kummer Ruediger , Demchuk Andrew M. , Schonewille Wouter J. , Puetz Volker ,   On behalf of the BASICS Study Group
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEThe posterior circulation Acute Stroke Prognosis Early CT Score (pc‐APECTS) applied to CT angiography source images (CTA‐SI) predicts the functional outcome of patients in the Basilar Artery International Cooperation Study (BASICS). We assessed the diagnostic and prognostic impact of pc‐ASPECTS applied to perfusion CT (CTP) in the BASICS registry population.METHODSWe applied pc‐ASPECTS to CTA‐SI and cerebral blood flow (CBF), cerebral blood volume (CBV), and mean transit time (MTT) parameter maps of BASICS patients with CTA and CTP studies performed. Hypoattenuation on CTA‐SI, relative reduction in CBV or CBF, or relative increase in MTT were rated as abnormal.RESULTSCTA and CTP were available in 27/592 BASICS patients (4.6%). The proportion of patients with any perfusion abnormality was highest for MTT (93%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 76%‐99%), compared with 78% (58%‐91%) for CTA‐SI and CBF, and 46% (27%‐67%) for CBV (P < .001). All 3 patients with a CBV pc‐ASPECTS < 8 compared to 6/23 patients with a CBV pc‐ASPECTS ≥ 8 had died at 1 month (RR 3.8; 95% CI, 1.9‐7.6).CONCLUSIONCTP was performed in a minority of the BASICS registry population. Perfusion disturbances in the posterior circulation were most pronounced on MTT parameter maps. CBV pc‐ASPECTS < 8 may indicate patients with high case fatality.
Natural history of snoring in Hong Kong adolescents
Authors: Ng Daniel K , Chan Chung‐hong , Ng Eugene P 
Published: June 2014

AimTo determine the natural history of snoring in children when they reached adolescence and the underlying risk factors for persistence of habitual snoring.MethodsA follow‐up telephone survey was conducted to determine the natural history of snoring in children who reached adolescence. The targeted interviewees of the follow‐up survey were parents of 3047 children. Adolescents who were snoring ≥6 nights a week were defined as habitual snorers. Potential risk factors for persistent and incident habitual snoring were studied, including age, gender, allergic rhinitis, asthma, body mass index (BMI), sleep duration and daytime sleepiness.ResultsOf the 3047 subjects, 2005 (65.8%) were successfully interviewed by phone. The prevalence of habitual snorers was 12.7%. Ninety‐one adolescents were persistent habitual snorers. Allergic rhinitis, male gender and higher BMI at follow‐up were identified as significant risk factors for persistent habitual snoring. A further 163 children were identified as incident habitual snorers. The risk factors for incident habitual snoring included male gender, asthma, higher BMI at follow‐up and younger age at the first survey. In the current study, the mean sleep duration was 7.6 ± 1.0 h. Overall, 90% of the current cohort slept less than the lower limit of international recommendations for sleep duration.ConclusionsAround 40.6% of habitually snoring children continued to snore habitually as adolescents in the current study, while 9.2% of the initial non‐habitual snorers became habitual snorers. Male gender and higher BMI were significant risk factors for both persistent and incident habitual snoring.