bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Percutaneous Steerable Robotic Tool Delivery Platform and Metal Microelectromechanical Systems Device for Tissue Manipulation and Approximation
Authors: Vasilyev Nikolay V. , Gosline Andrew H. , Butler Evan , Lang Nora , Codd Patrick J. , Yamauchi Haruo , Feins Eric N. , Folk Chris R. , Cohen Adam L. , Chen Richard , Zurakowski David , del Nido Pedro J. , Dupont Pierre E. 
Published: July 2013

Background—
Beating-heart image-guided intracardiac interventions have been evolving rapidly. To extend the domain of catheter-based and transcardiac interventions into reconstructive surgery, a new robotic tool delivery platform and a tissue approximation device have been developed. Initial results using these tools to perform patent foramen ovale closure are described.

Methods and Results—
A robotic tool delivery platform comprising superelastic metal tubes provides the capability of delivering and manipulating tools and devices inside the beating heart. A new device technology is also presented that uses a metal-based microelectromechanical systems–manufacturing process to produce fully assembled and fully functional millimeter-scale tools. As a demonstration of both technologies, patent foramen ovale creation and closure was performed in a swine model. In the first group of animals (n=10), a preliminary study was performed. The procedural technique was validated with a transcardiac hand-held delivery platform and epicardial echocardiography, video-assisted cardioscopy, and fluoroscopy. In the second group (n=9), the procedure was performed percutaneously using the robotic tool delivery platform under epicardial echocardiography and fluoroscopy imaging. All patent foramen ovales were completely closed in the first group. In the second group, the patent foramen ovale was not successfully created in 1 animal, and the defects were completely closed in 6 of the 8 remaining animals.

Conclusions—
In contrast to existing robotic catheter technologies, the robotic tool delivery platform uses a combination of stiffness and active steerability along its length to provide the positioning accuracy and force-application capability necessary for tissue manipulation. In combination with a microelectromechanical systems tool technology, it can enable reconstructive procedures inside the beating heart.
Impact of Stent Surface on Thrombogenicity and Vascular Healing
Authors: Eppihimer Michael J. , Sushkova Natalia , Grimsby Jessica L. , Efimova Natalia , Kai Wang , Larson Steve , Forsyth Bruce , Huibregtse Barbara A. , Dawkins Keith D. , Wilson Gregory J. , Granada Juan F. 
Published: July 2013

Background—
Emerging drug-eluting stent technologies are evolving toward the elimination of polymeric component used as the method for modulating drug delivery. Although this technological approach seems to be biologically appealing, the impact of durable polymers and metallic stent surfaces on vascular healing remains unclear. In the present study, we aimed to compare the independent effect of a durable polymer and a metallic stent surface on thrombogenicity and endothelial cell coverage using different in vitro and in vivo experimental models.

Methods and Results—

Platinum chromium (PtCr) and polyvinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropene (PVDF-HFP)–coated surfaces were evaluated in this study. Thrombogenicity was assessed by exposing all surfaces to human blood under shear flow conditions. The inflammatory potential of the material was evaluated by measuring cytokine release from THP-1 cells exposed to all surfaces for 24 hours. Endothelial cell coverage was evaluated by detection of CD31 after the stents were exposed to human coronary artery endothelial cells for ≤14 days. Platelet adhesion (
P
<0.01) and activation (
P
=0.03) on PVDF-HFP were greater than on PtCr. In vivo, PVDF-HFP revealed more neointimal area (
P
<0.01) and residual parastrut fibrin (
P
=0.01) at 30 days compared with PtCr. PtCr displayed higher endothelialization rates and higher vascular endothelial-cadherin expression at 7 and 14 days (
P
=0.02) compared with PVDF-HFP.

Conclusions—
Thrombogenicity and vascular healing differ among metallic and polymeric stent surfaces. PVDF-HFP exhibits higher degrees of platelet activation–adhesion and thrombus accumulation in vivo compared with PtCr. PtCr displayed higher degrees of endothelial surface coverage compared with PVDF-HFP surfaces.
Stent Revascularization Restores Cortical Blood Flow and Reverses Tissue Hypoxia in Atherosclerotic Renal Artery Stenosis but Fails to Reverse Inflammatory Pathways or Glomerular Filtration Rate
Authors: Saad Ahmed , Herrmann Sandra M.S. , Crane John , Glockner James F. , Mckusick Michael A. , Misra Sanjay , Eirin Alfonso , Ebrahimi Behzad , Lerman Lilach O. , Textor Stephen C. 
Published: July 2013

Background—
Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS) is known to reduce renal blood flow, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and amplify kidney hypoxia, but the relationships between these factors and tubulointerstitial injury in the poststenotic kidney are poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of renal revascularization in ARAS on renal tissue hypoxia and renal injury.

Methods and Results—

Inpatient studies were performed in patients with ARAS (n=17; >60% occlusion) before and 3 months after stent revascularization, or in patients with essential hypertension (n=32), during fixed Na
+
intake and angiotensin converting enzyme/angiotensin receptors blockers Rx. Single kidney cortical, medullary perfusion, and renal blood flow were measured using multidetector computed tomography, and GFR by iothalamate clearance. Tissue deoxyhemoglobin levels (
R
2
*) were measured by blood oxygen level–dependent MRI at 3T, as was fractional kidney hypoxia (percentage of axial area with
R
2
*>30/s). In addition, we measured renal vein levels of neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and tumor necrosis factor-α. Pre-stent single kidney renal blood flow, perfusion, and GFR were reduced in the poststenotic kidney. Renal vein neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin, tumor necrosis factor-α, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and fractional hypoxia were higher in untreated ARAS than in essential hypertension. After stent revascularization, fractional hypoxia fell (
P
<0.002) with increased cortical perfusion and blood flow, whereas GFR and neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and tumor necrosis factor-α remained unchanged.

Conclusions—
These data demonstrate that despite reversal of renal hypoxia and partial restoration of renal blood flow after revascularization, inflammatory cytokines and injury biomarkers remained elevated and GFR failed to recover in ARAS. Restoration of vessel patency alone failed to reverse tubulointerstitial damage and partly explains the limited clinical benefit of renal stenting. These results identify potential therapeutic targets for recovery of kidney function in renovascular disease.
Impaired lung function and health status in adult survivors of bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Gough Aisling , Linden Mark , Spence Dale , Patterson Chris C. , Halliday Henry L. , McGarvey Lorcan P.A. 
Published: July 2013

More infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) now survive to adulthood, but little is known regarding persisting respiratory impairment. We report respiratory symptoms, lung function and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adult BPD survivors compared with preterm (non-BPD) and full-term controls.Respiratory symptoms (European Community Respiratory Health Survey) and HRQoL (EuroQol (EQ)-5D) were measured in 72 adult BPD survivors (mean±sdstudy age 24.1±4.0 years; mean±sdgestational age 27.1±2.1 weeks; and mean±sdbirth weight 955±256 g) cared for in the regional neonatal intensive care unit, Royal Maternity Hospital, Belfast, UK (between 1978 and 1993). These were compared with 57 non-BPD controls (mean±sdstudy age 25.3±4.0 years; mean±sdgestational age 31.0±2.5 weeks; and mean±sdbirth weight 1238±222 g) and 78 full-term controls (mean±sdstudy age 25.7±3.8 years; mean±sdgestational age 39.7±1.4 weeks; and mean±sdbirth weight 3514±456 g) cared for at the same hospital. Spirometry was performed on 56 BPD, 40 non-BPD and 55 full-term participants.BPD subjects were twice as likely to report wheeze and three times more likely to use asthma medication than controls. BPD adults had significantly lower forced expiratory volume in 1 s and forced expiratory flow at 25–75% of forced vital capacity than both the preterm non-BPD and full-term controls (all p<0.01). Mean EQ-5D was 6 points lower in BPD adults compared to full-term controls (p<0.05).BPD survivors have significant respiratory and quality of life impairment persisting into adulthood.
Reductive evolution and the loss of PDC/PAS domains from the genus Staphylococcus
Authors: Shah Neethu , Gaupp Rosmarie , Moriyama Hideaki , Eskridge Kent M , Moriyama Etsuko N , Somerville Greg A 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
The Per-Arnt-Sim (PAS) domain represents a ubiquitous structural fold that is involved in bacterial sensing and adaptation systems, including several virulence related functions. Although PAS domains and the subclass of PhoQ-DcuS-CitA (PDC) domains have a common structure, there is limited amino acid sequence similarity. To gain greater insight into the evolution of PDC/PAS domains present in the bacterial kingdom and staphylococci in specific, the PDC/PAS domains from the genomic sequences of 48 bacteria, representing 5 phyla, were identified using the sensitive search method based on HMM-to-HMM comparisons (HHblits).

Results
A total of 1,007 PAS domains and 686 PDC domains distributed over 1,174 proteins were identified. For 28 Gram-positive bacteria, the distribution, organization, and molecular evolution of PDC/PAS domains were analyzed in greater detail, with a special emphasis on the genus Staphylococcus. Compared to other bacteria the staphylococci have relatively fewer proteins (6–9) containing PDC/PAS domains. As a general rule, the staphylococcal genomes examined in this study contain a core group of seven PDC/PAS domain-containing proteins consisting of WalK, SrrB, PhoR, ArlS, HssS, NreB, and GdpP. The exceptions to this rule are: 1) S. saprophyticus lacks the core NreB protein; 2) S. carnosus has two additional PAS domain containing proteins; 3) S. epidermidis, S. aureus, and S. pseudintermedius have an additional protein with two PDC domains that is predicted to code for a sensor histidine kinase; 4) S. lugdunensis has an additional PDC containing protein predicted to be a sensor histidine kinase.

Conclusions
This comprehensive analysis demonstrates that variation in PDC/PAS domains among bacteria has limited correlations to the genome size or pathogenicity; however, our analysis established that bacteria having a motile phase in their life cycle have significantly more PDC/PAS-containing proteins. In addition, our analysis revealed a tremendous amount of variation in the number of PDC/PAS-containing proteins within genera. This variation extended to the Staphylococcus genus, which had between 6 and 9 PDC/PAS proteins and some of these appear to be previously undescribed signaling proteins. This latter point is important because most staphylococcal proteins that contain PDC/PAS domains regulate virulence factor synthesis or antibiotic resistance.
Perceptions of vulnerability to a future outbreak: a study of horse managers affected by the first Australian equine influenza outbreak
Authors: Schemann Kathrin , Firestone Simon M , Taylor Melanie R , Toribio Jenny-Ann LML , Ward Michael P , Dhand Navneet K 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
A growing body of work shows the benefits of applying social cognitive behavioural theory to investigate infection control and biosecurity practices. Protection motivation theory has been used to predict protective health behaviours. The theory outlines that a perception of a lack of vulnerability to a disease contributes to a reduced threat appraisal, which results in poorer motivation, and is linked to poorer compliance with advised health protective behaviours. This study, conducted following the first-ever outbreak of equine influenza in Australia in 2007, identified factors associated with horse managers’ perceived vulnerability to a future equine influenza outbreak.

Results
Of the 200 respondents, 31.9% perceived themselves to be very vulnerable, 36.6% vulnerable and 31.4% not vulnerable to a future outbreak of equine influenza. Multivariable logistic regression modelling revealed that managers involved in horse racing and those on rural horse premises perceived themselves to have low levels of vulnerability. Managers of horse premises that experienced infection in their horses in 2007 and those seeking infection control information from specific sources reported increased levels of perceived vulnerability to a future outbreak.

Conclusion
Different groups across the horse industry perceived differing levels of vulnerability to a future outbreak. Increased vulnerability contributes to favourable infection control behaviour and hence these findings are important for understanding uptake of recommended infection control measures. Future biosecurity communication strategies should be delivered through information sources suitable for the horse racing and rural sectors.
Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Portuguese version of the DYMUS questionnaire for the assessment of dysphagia in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Sales Déborah S , Alvarenga Regina MP , Vasconcelos Claudia CF , Silva Roberta G , Thuler Luiz CS 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the DYMUS questionnaire for the assessment of dysphagia in multiple sclerosis. The original English version of the DYMUS was translated using the forward-backward technique, cross-culturally adaptated, pilot-tested in 40 patients, and then applied to 100 multiple sclerosis patients to assess the reliability and construct validity. Construct validity was assessed by Mann–Whitney test and Spearman’s correlation coefficient (rs). The internal consistency of the questionnaire was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and inter-item correlation. DYMUS-BR internal consistency was high (Cronbach’s alpha= 0.72); Cronbach’s alpha was 0.65 for the ‘dysphagia for solids’ subscale and 0.67 for the ‘dysphagia for liquids’ subscale and positive inter-item correlations was found between all items, except for weight loss question. Significant association (p<0.001) and correlation (rs = 0,357; p = 0.01) was found between DYMUS-BR and dysphagia self-assessment. The DYMUS-BR questionnaire maintained the characteristics of that originally described, demonstrating to be a reliable, valid, easy and consistent tool to be used by health professionals for preliminary selection of Brazilian MS patients who need more specific instrumental analyses of swallowing.
NGF signaling in PC12 cells: the cooperation of p75NTR with TrkA is needed for the activation of both mTORC2 and the PI3K signalling cascade
Authors: Negrini Sara , D'Alessandro Rosalba , Meldolesi Jacopo 
Published: July 2013

Summary
PC12-27, a PC12 clone characterized by high levels of the transcription repressor REST and by very low mTORC2 activity, had been shown to be unresponsive to NGF, possibly because of its lack of the specific TrkA receptor. The neurotrophin receptor repressed by high REST in PC12-27 cells, however, is shown now to be not TrkA, which is normal, but p75NTR, whose expression is inhibited at the transcriptional level. When treated with NGF, the PC12-27 cells lacking p75NTR exhibited a defective TrkA autophosphorylation restricted, however, to the TrkA(Y490) site, and an impairment of the PI3K signaling cascade. This defect was sustained in part by a mTORC1-dependent feed-back inhibition that in wtPC12 cells appeared marginal. Transfection of p75NTR to a level and surface distribution analogous to wtPC12 did not modify various high REST-dependent properties of PC12-27 cells such as high β-catenin, low TSC2 and high proliferation rate. In contrast, the defective PI3K signaling cascade and its associated mTORC2 activity were largely rescued together with the NGF-induced neurite outgrowth response. These changes were not due to p75NTR alone but required its cooperation with TrkA. Our results demonstrate that, in PC12, high REST induces alterations of NGF signaling which, however, are indirect, dependent on the repression of p75NTR; and that the well-known potentiation by p75NTR of the TrkA signaling does not concern all the effects induced by NGF but primarily the PI3K cascade and its associated mTORC2, a complex known to play an important role in neural cell differentiation.
Otx2 expression and implications for olfactory imprinting in the anemonefish, Amphiprion percula
Authors: Veilleux Heather D. , Van Herwerden Lynne , Cole Nicholas J. , Don Emily K. , De Santis Christian , Dixson Danielle L. , Wenger Amelia S. , Munday Philip L. 
Published: July 2013

Summary
The otx2 gene encodes a transcription factor (OTX2) essential in the formation of the brain and sensory systems. Specifically, OTX2-positive cells are associated with axons in the olfactory system of mice and otx2 is upregulated in odour-exposed zebrafish, indicating a possible role in olfactory imprinting. In this study, otx2 was used as a candidate gene to investigate the molecular mechanisms of olfactory imprinting to settlement cues in the coral reef anemonefish, Amphiprion percula. The A. percula otx2 (Ap-otx2) gene was elucidated, validated, and its expression tested in settlement-stage A. percula by exposing them to behaviourally relevant olfactory settlement cues in the first 24 hours post-hatching, or daily throughout the larval phase. In-situ hybridisation revealed expression of Ap-otx2 throughout the olfactory epithelium with increased transcript staining in odour-exposed settlement-stage larval fish compared to no-odour controls, in all scenarios. This suggests that Ap-otx2 may be involved in olfactory imprinting to behaviourally relevant settlement odours in A. percula.
Multicolor Saccharide-analysis Sensor Arrays Based on Boronic Acid-containing Thin Films Combined with Various Anionic Dyes
Authors: Iwami Yuto , Yamamoto Hiroki , Kanekiyo Yasumasa 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
A novel saccharide sensor array that shows distinct color changes was developed. By copolymerizing a boronic acid monomer and an amine monomer on a pattern-printed microscope slide, boronic acid-containing thin films were obtained. After adsorbing anionic dyes on the thin films, the sensor array thus obtained was immersed in aqueous saccharide solutions. As the saccharide concentration increased, the sensor array distinctly changed its color. This methodology enables us to measure saccharide concentration with ease by pattern-based sensing utilizing multiple color changes of the sensor array.
Final height and IGF1 in adult survivors of Wilms tumour
Authors: Blijdorp K , van den Heuvel-Eibrink M M , Pieters R , Pluijm S M F , Wagner A , Segers H , van der Lely A J , Neggers S J C M M 
Published: July 2013

ObjectiveOne-sided nephrectomy is followed by increased levels of IGF1, associated with linear growth during childhood. The aim was to evaluate final height and IGF1 levels in nephrectomized Wilms tumour survivors when compared with healthy Dutch references and survivors of other cancer types.DesignCross-sectional retrospective study.MethodsData of 575 adult childhood cancer survivors were analysed. Median follow-up time was 17.8 (range 5.0–48.8) years. Analysis of (co)variance was performed to evaluate differences between subgroups: nephrectomized Wilms survivors treated with or without abdominal irradiation (n=41 and n=36) and survivors of other cancer types treated with or without irradiation involving the cranium, abdomen or total body (n=149 and n=349). Main outcome measures were IGF1 and height, expressed as SDS.ResultsAfter adjustment for age at diagnosis, former corticosteroid treatment and renal impairment, height SDS in non-irradiated nephrectomized Wilms survivors was significantly higher than that in non-irradiated survivors of other cancer types (estimated mean SDS −0.09 vs −0.49, P=0.044), abdominal irradiated survivors (SDS −0.70, P=0.015) and other irradiated survivors (SDS −1.47, P<0.001). Non-irradiated nephrectomized Wilms tumour survivors had significantly higher IGF1 SDS than other irradiated survivors (estimated mean SDS −0.05 vs −1.36, P<0.001 and 0.11 vs 1.37, P<0.001), while there was no significant difference with the other two subgroups.ConclusionsAdult survivors of Wilms tumour showed better attainment of final height and relatively higher IGF1 levels than those of other cancer types who had significantly shorter stature and lower IGF1 levels than Dutch references.
Degradation of terephthalic acid by a newly isolated strain of Arthrobacter sp.0574
Authors: Zhang Yi-Mei , Sun Yao-Qun , Wang Zhi-Jiang , Zhang Jie 
Published: July 2013

Terephthalic acid is an important industrial chemical but its production typically generates 3–10 tons of wastewater, which is a significant source of pollution. Although recent research has shown that terephthalic acid can be degraded by physical and chemical methods, these methods are complex and expensive. Microbial degradation of terephthalic acid is a popular alternative because it is environmentally friendly. We isolated a Gram-positive strain capable of growing aerobically on terephthalic acid as the sole carbon and energy source. It was identified as Arthrobacter sp. by 16S rDNA sequencing and its physiological and biochemical characteristics. For terephthalic acid degradation, the optimal temperature of the resting cells was 30 °C, optimal shaking speed was 150 rpm, the most suitable pH was 7.0, and the ability to degrade terephthalic acid was inhibited by concentrations of terephthalic acid above 10 g/L.
Exception-Based Surveillance: Strategy for Saturation Monitoring In Shallow Offshore Field of Niger Delta
Authors: Abdul-Kareem Abiola , Anyaehie James 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Cased-Hole logging is carried out to understand post-production well saturation profiles, and subsequently, to infer the reservoir fluid distribution, especially when multiple wells dispersed across the reservoir is logged. This process promotes further oil and gas development (proper well placement). It is also used for reserves booking and production optimisation from the existing completions. The concept can also be used to conduct saturation monitoring on a routine basis to observe wells and to ensure that field statuses adhere to the Wells and Reservoir Management (WRM) minimum standards and to proper reservoir management practices.
Effective strategic mapping of reservoir fluid distribution using post-production saturation logs, either from open hole and/or cased hole data has led to an improved understanding of reservoir fluid dynamics in Shallow offshore field of Niger Delta. Saturation logs have been used to update the dynamic models in the field. The general direction of water ingress in the reservoirs can now be predicted; hence the need for saturation logging is only carried out on an exception-basis.
In accordance with Exception-Based Surveillance (EBS) concept, data should be acquired on a ‘need only basis’. This is a departure from the traditional routine acquisition. According to the EBS concept, the main issue is to determine when data gathering is needed. Clearly, data requirements will differ from reservoir to reservoir or from well to well. This also underscores the view that data acquisition on a routine basis may not address some specific reservoir/well peculiarities.
The focus of this paper is to describe how the proposed saturation monitoring process, can be managed via EBS for a Shallow offshore field of Niger Delta, using five monitoring wells.