bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamic biological changes in fibroblasts during hypertrophic scar formation and regression
Authors: Chun Qing , ZhiYong Wang , Fei Song , XiQiao Wang 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe human hypertrophic scar undergoes hyperplasia and regression during progression. This study aimed to investigate whether fibroblasts in scar tissue undergo biological changes during the formation and regression of human hypertrophic scar. Using 32 scar samples, we measured collagen production by Masson's staining and the expression levels of transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by immunohistochemistry. In addition, fibroblasts from scar tissue were isolated and cultured, and total RNA was extracted for measurement of TGF‐β1, VEGF and collagen transcript levels by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Masson's staining showed that the number of fibroblasts and microvessels increased gradually in early and proliferative scars but decreased in regressive scars. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the expression of TGF‐β1 and VEGF increased in early scars, peaked in proliferative scars and decreased in regressive scars. Moreover, the expression of TGF‐β1, VEGF, collagen I and collagen III mRNAs also increased in early and proliferative scars and decreased significantly in regressive scars. Dynamic changes in fibroblast biology correlated with the formation and progression of hypertrophic scar.
Overexpression of miR‐483‐5p/3p cooperate to inhibit mouse liver fibrosis by suppressing the TGF‐β stimulated HSCs in transgenic mice
Authors: Li Fuyuan , Ma Ning , Zhao Ruiqi , Wu Guodong , Zhang Yanfen , Qiao Yu , Han Dong , Xu Ya , Xiang Ying , Yan Bingzhu , Jin Jianfeng , Lv Guixiang , Wang Lei , Xu Changqing , Gao Xu , Luo Shanshun 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe transition from liver fibrosis to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been suggested to be a continuous and developmental pathological process. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are recently discovered molecules that regulate the expression of genes involved in liver disease. Many reports demonstrate that miR‐483‐5p and miR‐483‐3p, which originate from miR‐483, are up‐regulated in HCC, and their oncogenic targets have been identified. However, recent studies have suggested that miR‐483‐5p/3p is partially down‐regulated in HCC samples and is down‐regulated in rat liver fibrosis. Therefore, the aberrant expression and function of miR‐483 in liver fibrosis remains elusive. In this study, we demonstrate that overexpression of miR‐483 in vivo inhibits mouse liver fibrosis induced by CCl4. We demonstrate that miR‐483‐5p/3p acts together to target two pro‐fibrosis factors, platelet‐derived growth factor‐β and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2, which suppress the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) LX‐2. Our work identifies the pathway that regulates liver fibrosis by inhibiting the activation of HSCs.
Ciliates and the Rare Biosphere: A Review
Authors: Dunthorn Micah , Stoeck Thorsten , Clamp John , Warren Alan , Mahé Frédéric 
Published: May 2014

AbstractHere we provide a brief review of the rare biosphere from the perspective of ciliates and other microbial eukaryotes. We trace research on rarity from its lack of much in‐depth focus in morphological and Sanger sequencing projects, to its central importance in analyses using high throughput sequencing strategies. The problem that the rare biosphere is potentially comprised of mostly errors is then discussed in the light of asking community‐comparative, novel‐diversity, and ecosystem‐functioning questions.
Ciliates along Oxyclines of Permanently Stratified Marine Water Columns
Authors: Edgcomb Virginia P. , Pachiadaki Maria 
Published: May 2014

AbstractStudies of microbial communities in areas of the world where permanent marine water column oxyclines exist suggest they are “hotspots” of microbial activity, and that these water features and the anoxic waters below them are inhabited by diverse protist taxa, including ciliates. These communities have minimal taxonomic overlap with those in overlying oxic water columns. Some ciliate taxa have been detected in multiple locations where these stable water column oxyclines exist; however, differences in such factors as hydrochemistry in the habitats that have been studied suggest local selection for distinct communities. We compare published data on ciliate communities from studies of deep marine water column oxyclines in Caricao Basin, Venezuela, and the Black Sea, with data from coastal, shallower oxycline waters in Framvaren and Mariager fjords, and from several deep‐sea hypersaline anoxic basins in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Putative symbioses between Bacteria, Archaea, and ciliates observed along these oxyclines suggests a strategy of cooperative metabolism for survival that includes chemosynthetic autotrophy and exchanges of metabolic intermediates or end products between hosts and their prokaryotic partners.
Ciliates and the Rare Biosphere—Community Ecology and Population Dynamics
Authors: Weisse Thomas 
Published: May 2014

AbstractApplication of deep sequencing technologies to environmental samples and some detailed morphological studies suggest that there is a vast, yet unexplored rare ciliate biosphere, tentatively defined in terms of operational taxonomic units. However, very few studies complemented molecular and phylogenetic data with morphological and ecological descriptions of the species inventory. This is mainly because the sampling effort increases strongly with decreasing species abundance. In spite of this limited knowledge, it is clear that species that are rare under certain environmental conditions (temporal rare biosphere) may become abundant when the physical, chemical, and biological variables of their habitat change. Furthermore, some species may always be present in low numbers if their dispersal rates are exceedingly high (accidental rare biosphere). An intriguing question is whether there are some species that are always rare, i.e., in every suitable environment. This permanent rare biosphere is conceptually different from the temporal rare biosphere. This review characterizes typical aquatic habitats of the rare ciliate biosphere, portrays different scenarios under which some or even many species may be permanently rare (background fauna), and identifies some fundamental questions that need to be addressed to achieve a better understanding of the population dynamics of the rare ciliate biosphere.
External Financing in the Life Insurance Industry: Evidence From the Financial Crisis
Authors: Berry‐Stölzle Thomas R. , Nini Gregory P. , Wende Sabine 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe financial crisis and subsequent recession generated sizable operating losses for life insurance companies, yet the consequences were far less significant than for other financial intermediaries. The ability to quickly generate new capital through external issuance and dividend reductions let life insurers maintain healthy levels of equity capital. We use this experience to examine the causes and consequences of external capital issuance by U.S. life insurance companies. We show that, in general, new capital is issued both to support the growth of new business and to replace capital depleted by operating losses. This second channel is particularly important during macroeconomic recessions. Notably, we do not find any evidence that insurers had difficulty generating new capital, unlike other financial service providers that required large amounts of public support. For life insurers, what changed following the financial crisis was the demand to raise external capital, but the supply of external capital appears to have remained constant.
On Lawsuits, Corporate Governance, and Directors' and Officers' Liability Insurance
Authors: Gillan Stuart L. , Panasian Christine A. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractWe examine whether information about firms' directors' and officers' (D&O) liability insurance coverage provides insights into the likelihood of shareholder lawsuits. Using Canadian firms, we find evidence that firms with D&O insurance coverage are more likely to be sued and that the likelihood of litigation increases with increased coverage. These findings are consistent with managerial opportunism or moral hazard related to the insurance purchase decision. We also find that higher premiums are associated with the likelihood of litigation, indicating that insurers price this behavior. Taken together, the findings suggest that coverage and premium levels have the potential to convey information about lawsuit likelihood, and a firm's governance quality, to the marketplace.
Evaluation of toxicities from combined metronomic and maximal‐tolerated dose chemotherapy in dogs with osteosarcoma
Authors: Bracha S. , Walshaw R. , Danton T. , Holland S. , Ruaux C. , Obradovich J. 
Published: May 2014

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the tolerability of a piroxicam and cyclophosphamide metronomic treatment protocol combined with carboplatin alone or carboplatin and doxorubicin at maximal‐tolerated doses.METHODSRetrospective study of 30 dogs diagnosed with osteosarcoma. All dogs underwent amputation and chemotherapy treatment with one of the two maximal‐tolerated dose protocols. Metronomic chemotherapy was administered in conjunction with these protocols, and continued subsequently. The protocols included 0 · 3 mg/kg piroxicam and 10 to 12 mg/M2cyclophosphamide with 300 mg/M2carboplatin alone, or 300 mg/M2carboplatin alternating with 30 mg/M2doxorubicin.RESULTSFourteen dogs were treated with the carboplatin and metronomic protocol and 16 were treated with the carboplatin alternating with doxorubicin and metronomic protocol. Grades 3 and 4 toxicities overall were significantly (P = 0 · 018) more common in the former group. The disease‐free interval of the carboplatin and metronomic group was 192 days, which was not significantly different (P = 0 · 916) to the 182 days for the carboplatin alternating with doxorubicin and metronomic group. The median survival times of the two groups were 217 and 189 days, respectively.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEPiroxicam and cyclophosphamide metronomic protocols can be safely administered in combination with maximal‐tolerated dose chemotherapy protocols. A significantly higher frequency of toxicities was observed in dogs treated with the carboplatin and metronomic protocol.
Scaling functional diversity of small mammals in desert systems
Authors: Rodríguez D. , Ojeda R. A. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAlthough scaling biodiversity is a common topic in ecology, scaling functional biodiversity is a major theoretical and analytical challenge, mainly because trait differentiation and regulating processes occur at different spatial scales. Here, we propose a method to scale functional biodiversity by comparing the relative dominance of convergent versus divergent functional traits across environmental gradients. Particularly, in highly variable systems such as deserts, one would expect species convergence in the use of an abundant resource through niche filtering, promoting functional redundancy (stability hypothesis), but at which spatial scale? We tested this approach using small mammal assemblages of the Monte Desert (Argentina, South America) and found that divergent traits are dominant on smaller spatial scales, whereas convergent traits are present only at the highest spatial scale. Functional complementarity was recorded at the community and meta‐community levels, suggesting that niche partitioning is the main regulating process and diet the major divergent trait. At regional scale, divergent traits were also present, indicating that biodiversity is also regulated by niche filtering. Finally, we found that the stability hypothesis cannot be generalized for desert systems but depends on the spatial scale. This novel approach offers new insights into the search for an integrative perspective on functional biodiversity.
Self‐defence may not be enough: moonlight avoidance in a large, spiny rodent
Authors: Mori E. , Nourisson D. H. , Lovari S. , Romeo G. , Sforzi A. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractPredation avoidance is one of the main factors determining nocturnal activity of mammals, which has been shaped by evolution in relation to local environmental variables. The nocturnal activity of 16 female and 11 male radio‐tagged adult crested porcupines Hystrix cristata was studied in four study sites of Southern Tuscany (Central Italy), with different environmental features. The activity patterns of porcupines, monitored for 16–23 h per week per individual, were correlated to lunar phases, in open/closed habitat types, throughout the year. The median duration of nocturnal activity was 7 h and 38 min, with no significant seasonal variation. Moonlight avoidance was shown in all our study sites, throughout the year, especially in open habitats. Full moon, irrespective of its visibility, always inhibited activity of this large rodent. Old World porcupines originated 5 million years ago in the forests of Asia and Africa, where a number of large carnivores must have preyed – and still prey – on them. Most likely, moonlight avoidance evolved as an antipredatory behaviour. In areas with no or little predation risk for example our study sites, moonlight avoidance could have been kept in the repertoire of porcupines because of its non‐maladaptive nature.
An holistic ecological analysis of the diet of Cory's shearwaters using prey morphological characters and DNA barcoding
Authors: Alonso Hany , Granadeiro José P. , Waap Silke , Xavier José , Symondson William O. C. , Ramos Jaime A. , Catry Paulo 
Published: May 2014

AbstractKnowledge of the dietary choices and trophic niches of organisms is the key to understanding their roles in ecosystems. In seabird diet studies, prey identification is a difficult challenge, often yielding results with technique‐specific biases. Additionally, sampling efforts are often not extensive enough to reveal intrapopulational variation. Immature animals, which may constitute up to 50% of a population, may occupy a significantly different trophic niche to more experienced birds, but this remains largely unexplored. We investigated the diet of Cory's shearwater (Calonectris diomedea) from Selvagem Grande, an island located off the northwest African coast, collecting a total of 698 regurgitate samples over three consecutive breeding seasons. The diet was assessed using two complementary approaches for prey identification: conventional morphological analysis (using fish vertebrae, otoliths and cephalopod beaks) and DNA barcoding of the 16S rRNA mitochondrial gene, in cases where a positive identification could not be retrieved. Species assignments employed BLAST and distance‐based methods, as well as direct optimization of the tree length based on unaligned sequences in POY. This method resulted in robust tree estimates and species assignments, showing its potential for DNA barcoding of stomach contents using hypervariable markers such as the 16S. The molecular approach increased taxonomic resolution and revealed an additional 17 taxa. Diet differed significantly according to breeding status, sex, breeding phase (prelaying and chick rearing) and year. Such direct evidence of trophic segregation within the same population has rarely been shown in seabirds and highlights the importance of including such variables in ecosystem‐based management approaches.
Guideline implementation powered by feedback and education improves manual hyperinflation performance
Authors: Paulus Frederique , Binnekade Jan M , Middelhoek Pauline , Vroom Margreeth B , SchuItz Marcus J 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTAimTo determine whether a literature‐based guideline, powered by educational meetings and individual feedback, improves manual hyperinflation (MH) performance by intensive care unit (ICU) nurses.BackgroundMH is frequently applied in intubated and mechanically ventilated ICU patients. MH is a complex intervention, and large variation in its performance has been found.Materials and methodsFirst, a literature‐based guideline on MH was developed. The intervention consisted of education of this guideline and individual feedback. Before and 3 months after the intervention, ICU nurses performed MH maneuvers in a skills laboratory. Data collected included applied volumes, peak inspiratory flows (PIF) and peak expiratory flows (PEF), and the use of inspiratory holds.ResultsEighty nurses participated. Decrease of PIF was not statistically significant. PEF increased from 52 ± 7 to 83 ± 23 L/min (P < 0·01). PIF to PEF ratio decreased from 1·4 [1·1–1·7] to 0·8 [0·6–1·1] (P < 0·01). Peak inspiratory pressures decreased from 40 ± 14 to 19 ± 6 cm H2O (P < 0·01). The proportion of nurses applying inspiratory holds increased from 14% to 58%; use of rapid release of the resuscitation bag, considered mandatory, increased from 4% to 61%.ConclusionImplementation of a literature‐based guideline on MH, powered by educational meetings and individual feedback, improves MH performance by ICU nurses.Relevance to clinical practiceIf it is decided to practice MH in the care of the intubated and mechanical ventilated patient, a standardized, uniform performed MH procedure is a prerequisite.
Randomized Controlled Trial of Perioperative ICD Management: Magnet Application versus Reprogramming
Authors: GIFFORD JANET , LARIMER KAREN , THOMAS CELIA , MAY PATRICIA , STANHOPE STEPHEN , GAMI APOOR 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundThere are insufficient data to guide perioperative implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) management for patients undergoing surgical procedures using electrocautery.MethodsWe conducted a multicenter randomized controlled trial of patients with ICDs undergoing surgery with monopolar electrocautery. Subjects were randomized to an “Off” group (ICD therapy programmed off, then postoperatively programmed on) or a “Magnet” group (ICD therapy suspended with a magnet and no immediate postoperative ICD interrogation). Also, a registry was maintained of ICD patients with procedures within 6 inches of the ICD (all programmed off). The primary endpoint was ICD off time with secondary endpoints being caregiver handoffs and incidence of electromagnetic interference (EMI).ResultsAll patients (n = 80) had pectoral ICDs. Subject demographics were well matched in each group, and duration of electrocautery was similar (80 minutes vs 64 minutes, P = 0.58). The mean “excess” ICD off time (ICD off time – electrocautery time) was significantly higher in the Off group than the Magnet group (115 minutes vs 28 minutes, P < 0.001). Mean number of caregiver handoffs were higher in the Off group (6.6 vs 5.5, P < 0.001). There was no EMI in any lower abdominal or lower extremity procedures. Neither group had arrhythmic events or device reset.ConclusionA magnet protocol simplifies perioperative ICD management for procedures using electrocautery more than 6 inches from the ICD. This protocol results in significantly shorter time with ICD therapy off, fewer provider handoffs, no risk of inadvertently discharging patients home with ICD therapies off, and no device reset.
Best practices in the pediatric pretransplant psychosocial evaluation
Authors: Lefkowitz Debra S. , Fitzgerald Christopher J. , Zelikovsky Nataliya , Barlow Katherine , Wray Jo 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAssessment of psychosocial functioning is an often‐included component of the pretransplant evaluation process. This study reviews several domains of assessment that have been related to post‐transplant outcomes across solid organ transplant populations. These include evaluation of patient and family past adherence, knowledge about the transplantation process, and their neurocognitive, psychological, and family functioning. To date, few comprehensive pretransplant evaluation measures have been standardized for use with children; however, several assessment measures used to evaluate the aforementioned domains are reviewed throughout the study. Additionally, this article discusses some developmental, illness‐specific, and cultural considerations in conducting the psychosocial evaluation. We also discuss ethical issues specific to the pediatric psychosocial evaluation. Recommendations are advanced to promote a comprehensive evaluation that identifies family strengths and risk factors as they begin the transplant journey.
Three‐yr safety and efficacy of everolimus and low‐dose cyclosporine in de novo pediatric kidney transplant patients
Authors: Ferraresso Mariano , Belingheri Mirco , Ginevri Fabrizio , Murer Luisa , Dello Strologo Luca , Cardillo Massimo , Parodi Angelica , Ghirardo Giulia , Guzzo Isabella , Innocente Annalisa , Ghio Luciana 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe three yr results of a multicenter trial in de novo pediatric KT treated with a proliferative signal inhibitor and low dose CNI are presented. Thirty‐seven children (9.1 ± 5 yr old) received basiliximab, cyclosporine A (CyA C2:1400 ng/mL), (MMF C0:1.5–3 μg/mL), and prednisone. Three wk later everolimus was started (C0:5–10 ng/mL), CyA was reduced (C2:600 ng/mL after 90 days 300 ng/mL), and MMF discontinued. During the three‐yr period patient and graft survivals were 96%. One patient died for causes unrelated to the immunosuppression. Cumulative acute rejection rate including protocol and indication biopsies was 21.9%. None of the patients had signs of chronic humoral rejection. Incidence of dnDSA was 5%, 11%, and 22% at one, two, and three yr post‐transplant, respectively. Mean glomerular filtration rate measured at one yr and three yr post‐transplant was 105.5 ± 31 and 110.7 ± 27 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. A growth velocity of 7.7 ± 6.7 cm/yr was achieved with positive catch‐up growth. No malignancy or post‐transplant lymphoproliferative diseases were diagnosed. In conclusion, the treatment based on basiliximab induction, everolimus, low‐dose cyclosporine, and low‐dose prednisone leads to good long‐term efficacy in de novo pediatric KT recipients.
Home care during neutropenia after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children and adolescents is safe and may be more advantageous than isolation in hospital
Authors: Ringdén Olle , Remberger Mats , Törlén Johan , Engström Mats , Fjaertoft Gustav , Mattsson Jonas , Svahn Britt‐Marie 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAfter ASCT, children are isolated in hospital to prevent neutropenic infections. Patients living within two‐h drive from the hospital were given the option of treatment at home after ASCT. Daily visits by an experienced nurse and phone calls from a physician from the unit were included in the protocol. We compared 29 children and adolescents treated at home with 58 matched hospital controls. The children spent a median time of 13 days at home (range 2–24 days) and 6 (0–35) days in hospital. The cumulative incidence of acute GVHD grades II–IV was 21% in the home‐care children and 39% in the controls (p = 0.1). Chronic GVHD and probability of relapse were similar in the two groups. TRM at five yr was 11% in the home‐care patients and 18% in the controls. Overall survival at three yr was 77% and 62%, respectively (p = 0.33). None of the patients died at home. Median costs were 38 748 euros in the home‐care patients and 49 282 euros in those treated in the hospital (p = 0.2). We conclude that it is safe for children and adolescents to be treated at home during the pancytopenic phase after ASCT.