bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The sinus venosus myocardium contributes to the atrioventricular canal: potential role during atrioventricular node development?
Authors: Kelder Tim P. , Vicente‐Steijn Rebecca , Harryvan Tom J. , Kosmidis Georgios , Gittenberger‐de Groot Adriana C. , Poelmann Rob E. , Schalij Martin J. , DeRuiter Marco C. , Jongbloed Monique R.M. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe presence of distinct electrophysiological pathways within the atrioventricular node (AVN) is a prerequisite for atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia to occur. In this study, the different cell contributions that may account for the anatomical and functional heterogeneity of the AVN were investigated. To study the temporal development of the AVN, the expression pattern of ISL1, expressed in cardiac progenitor cells, was studied in sequential stages performing co‐staining with myocardial markers (TNNI2 and NKX2‐5) and HCN4 (cardiac conduction system marker). An ISL1+/TNNI2+/HCN4+ continuity between the myocardium of the sinus venosus and atrioventricular canal was identified in the region of the putative AVN, which showed a pacemaker‐like phenotype based on single cell patch‐clamp experiments. Furthermore, qPCR analysis showed that even during early development, different cell populations can be identified in the region of the putative AVN. Fate mapping was performed by in ovo vital dye microinjection. Embryos were harvested and analysed 24 and 48 hrs post‐injection. These experiments showed incorporation of sinus venosus myocardium in the posterior region of the atrioventricular canal. The myocardium of the sinus venosus contributes to the atrioventricular canal. It is postulated that the myocardium of the sinus venosus contributes to nodal extensions or transitional cells of the AVN since these cells are located in the posterior region of the AVN. This finding may help to understand the origin of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia.
Gene expression modulation in TGF‐β3‐mediated rabbit bone marrow stem cells using electrospun scaffolds of various stiffness
Authors: Guo Qianping , Liu Chen , Li Jun , Zhu Caihong , Yang Huilin , Li Bin 
Published: March 2015

AbstractTissue engineering has recently evolved into a promising approach for annulus fibrosus (AF) regeneration. However, selection of an ideal cell source, which can be readily differentiated into AF cells of various regions, remains challenging because of the heterogeneity of AF tissue. In this study, we set out to explore the feasibility of using transforming growth factor‐β3‐mediated bone marrow stem cells (tBMSCs) for AF tissue engineering. Since the differentiation of stem cells significantly relies on the stiffness of substrate, we fabricated nanofibrous scaffolds from a series of biodegradable poly(ether carbonate urethane)‐urea (PECUU) materials whose elastic modulus approximated that of native AF tissue. We cultured tBMSCs on PECUU scaffolds and compared their gene expression profile to AF‐derived stem cells (AFSCs), the newly identified AF tissue‐specific stem cells. As predicted, the expression of collagen‐I in both tBMSCs and AFSCs increased with scaffold stiffness, whereas the expression of collagen‐II and aggrecan genes showed an opposite trend. Interestingly, the expression of collagen‐I, collagen‐II and aggrecan genes in tBMSCs on PECUU scaffolds were consistently higher than those in AFSCs regardless of scaffold stiffness. In addition, the cell traction forces (CTFs) of both tBMSCs and AFSCs gradually decreased with scaffold stiffness, which is similar to the CTF change of cells from inner to outer regions of native AF tissue. Together, findings from this study indicate that tBMSCs had strong tendency to differentiate into various types of AF cells and presented gene expression profiles similar to AFSCs, thereby establishing a rationale for the use of tBMSCs in AF tissue engineering.
Expression of TCR‐Vβ peptides by murine bone marrow cells does not identify T‐cell progenitors
Authors: Abbey Janice L. , Karsunky Holger , Serwold Thomas , Papathanasiou Peter , Weissman Irving L. , O'Neill Helen C. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractGermline transcription has been described for both immunoglobulin and T‐cell receptor (TCR) genes, raising questions of their functional significance during haematopoiesis. Previously, an immature murine T‐cell line was shown to bind antibody to TCR‐Vβ8.2 in absence of anti‐Cβ antibody binding, and an equivalent cell subset was also identified in the mesenteric lymph node. Here, we investigate whether germline transcription and cell surface Vβ8.2 expression could therefore represent a potential marker of T‐cell progenitors. Cells with the TCR phenotype of Vβ8.2+Cβ− are found in several lymphoid sites, and among the lineage‐negative (Lin−) fraction of hematopoietic progenitors in bone marrow (BM). Cell surface marker analysis of these cells identified subsets reflecting common lymphoid progenitors, common myeloid progenitors and multipotential progenitors. To assess whether the Lin−Vβ8.2+Cβ− BM subset contains hematopoietic progenitors, cells were sorted and adoptively transferred into sub‐lethally irradiated recipients. No T‐cell or myeloid progeny were detected following introduction of cells via the intrathymic or intravenous routes. However, B‐cell development was detected in spleen. This pattern of restricted in vivo reconstitution disputes Lin−Vβ8.2+Cβ− BM cells as committed T‐cell progenitors, but raises the possibility of progenitors with potential for B‐cell development.
In vivo reflectance confocal microscopy of equivocal melanocytic lesions detected by digital dermoscopy follow‐up
Authors: Lovatto L. , Carrera C. , Salerni G. , Alós L. , Malvehy J. , Puig S. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundDigital follow‐up is a useful method for the detection of melanoma in atypical mole syndrome patients. The combination of digital follow‐up (DFU) and reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) could be useful to increase the accuracy in the classification of equivocal lesions in atypical mole syndrome patients.ObjectivesTo assess the impact of RCM analysis on sensitivity and specificity of digital follow‐up in a high‐risk melanoma setting.MethodsRetrospective study with dermoscopy and RCM of consecutive equivocal atypical melanocytic lesions exhibiting changes in digital dermoscopy in a referral centre.ResultsSixty‐four lesions from 51 patients were included. Thirteen changing lesions (20.3%) corresponded to eight melanomas in situ and five invasive melanomas with Breslow less than 1 mm. Fifty‐one lesions corresponded to melanocytic naevus with variable atypia. Total dermoscopy scores were not different between naevus and melanoma neither in the baseline (mean 5.06 and 5.24; P = 0.37) nor in the follow‐up dermoscopic control (mean 5.44 and 5.55; P = 0.37). The only significant dermoscopic feature associated with melanoma in multivariate analysis was the presence of streaks after follow‐up (P = 0.027; OR = 3.6; CI 1.50–8.70). The confocal microscopy evaluation (by means both the Modena and Barcelona methods) showed a sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of melanoma of 100% and 69% respectively. Based on our experience, the combination of RCM and DFU could have avoided 35 of 51 nevi excised.ConclusionsReflectance confocal microscopy evaluation of equivocal lesions detected by DFU improved the accuracy in the detection of melanoma. The combination of dermoscopy, DFU and confocal microscopy in equivocal lesions can be useful to dramatically reduce the number of excisions of benign lesions in atypical mole syndrome patients.
Segmental hypomelanosis and hypermelanosis arranged in a checkerboard pattern are distinct naevi: flag‐like hypomelanotic naevus and flag‐like hypermelanotic naevus
Authors: Torchia D. , Happle R. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe categorization of congenital hypo‐ or hyperpigmented skin lesions following a segmental pattern has been a long‐lasting matter of debate and have been reported under various and often incorrect terms. To reassess published hypomelanotic and hypermelanotic lesions that did not follow Blaschko lines nor a phylloid pattern of mosaicism, we carried out an extensive and critical review of the worldwide literature. Seventy‐four retrieved cases consisted of lateralized hypomelanotic lesions arranged in a flag‐like pattern or appearing as large patches of grossly oval or angulated shape and sharp, serrated margins. Sometimes lesions harboured maculopapular melanocytic naevi or cooccurred with other segmentally arranged naevi. A probably non‐random association with extracutaneous anomalies was also reported on rare occasions. In 70 cases, lateralized hypermelanotic patches were arranged in a flag‐like pattern that often appeared as large quadrangular patches. Sometimes lesions harboured Spitz naevi. Ten cases belonged to phacomatosis melanorosea, whereas several others were part of so far uncategorized cases of phacomatosis pigmentovascularis. Flag‐like hypomelanosis is a distinct naevus type, for which the term ‘flag‐like hypomelanotic naevus’ is suggested. Its cooccurrence with extracutaneous abnormalities might represent a specific syndrome. Flag‐like hypermelanosis is a distinct naevus type, for which the term ‘flag‐like hypermelanotic naevus’ is suggested. Its co‐occurrence with naevus roseus defines phacomatosis melanorosea. Flag‐like hypermelanotic naevus should be distinguished from the checkerboard‐like areas of darker skin as observed in chimaeras.
Spatial and numerical relationships of arthropod communities associated with key pests of maize
Authors: Lundgren J. G. , McDonald T. , Rand T. A. , Fausti S. W. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractPest management largely focuses on managing individual pest species with little concern for the diverse communities that co‐occur with key pests and potentially shape their population dynamics. During anthesis, we described the foliar arthropod communities on 53 maize farms throughout the region of eastern South Dakota. The resulting communities were examined for trends in local associations in the abundances of taxa with key pests in the system (rootworms [Diabrotica spp.], European corn borers [Ostrinia nubilalis], aphids and Western bean cutworm [Striacosta albicosta]) using regression analyses. Regional spatial clustering in the abundances of key pests with members of the community was explored using Moran's I test statistic. The distributions of rootworms and European corn borer were mapped. A total of 37 185 arthropods representing at least 91 taxa were collected in South Dakota maize; there was an average of 5.06 predators and 8.29 herbivores found per plant. Key pests were never found at economically threatening levels (with one exception for Diabrotica). Numerous species were consistently numerically associated with each of the key pests across the farms during anthesis. Occasionally, these pests shared species with which they were locally associated with; for example, coccinellid egg abundances were predictive of the abundances of all key pest species except rootworm adults. Spatial analysis across the region suggested that species co‐occurred with key pests based on local characteristics surrounding the fields, rather than as a result of regional characteristics. Exceptions were documented; namely aphids and Western bean cutworms that spatially clustered with a handful of other members of the community. The results of the study point out that the abundances of key pests of maize were interconnected through indirect associations in the abundances of other members of the community. These associations may be useful for manipulating maize agroecosystems to minimize the effects of maize pests.
Heterogeneity of Physical Function Responses to Exercise Training in Older Adults
Authors: Chmelo Elizabeth A. , Crotts Charlotte I. , Newman Jill C. , Brinkley Tina E. , Lyles Mary F. , Leng Xiaoyan , Marsh Anthony P. , Nicklas Barbara J. 
Published: March 2015

ObjectivesTo describe the interindividual variability in physical function responses to supervised resistance and aerobic exercise training interventions in older adults.DesignData analysis of two randomized, controlled exercise trials.SettingCommunity‐based research centers.ParticipantsOverweight and obese (body mass index (BMI) ≥27.0 kg/m2) sedentary men and women aged 65 to 79 (N = 95).InterventionFive months of 4 d/wk of aerobic training (AT, n = 40) or 3 d/wk of resistance training (RT, n = 55).MeasurementsPhysical function assessments: global measure of lower extremity function (Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB)), 400‐m walk, peak aerobic capacity (VO2peak), and knee extensor strength.ResultsOn average, both exercise interventions significantly improved physical function. For AT, there was a 7.9% increase in VO2peak; individual absolute increases varied from 0.4 to 4.3 mL/kg per minute, and four participants (13%) showed no change or a decrease in VO2peak. For RT, knee extensor strength improved an average of 8.1%; individual increases varied from 1.2 to 63.7 Nm, and 16 participants (30%) showed no change or a decrease in strength. Usual gait speed, 400‐m walk time, chair rise time, and SPPB improved for the majority of AT participants and usual gait speed, chair rise time, and SPPB improved for the majority of RT participants, but there was wide variation in the magnitude of improvement. Only change in 400‐m walk time with RT was related to exercise adherence (correlation coefficient = −0.31, P = .004).ConclusionDespite sufficient levels of adherence to both exercise interventions, some participants did not improve function, and the magnitude of improvement varied widely. Additional research is needed to identify factors that optimize responsiveness to exercise to maximize its functional benefits in older adults.
A High‐Resolution Approach to Mapping Energy Flows through Water Infrastructure Systems
Authors: Spang Edward S. , Loge Frank J. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryUsing data from the water service area of the East Bay Municipal Utility District in Northern California, we develop and discuss a method for assessing, at a high resolution, the energy intensity of water treated and delivered to customers of a major metropolitan water district. This method extends previous efforts by integrating hourly data from supervisory control and data acquisition systems with calculations based on the actual structure of the engineered infrastructure to produce a detailed understanding of energy use in space and time within the territory of a large‐scale urban water provider. We found significant variations in the energy intensity of delivered potable water resulting from seasonal and topographic effects. This method enhances our understanding of the energy inputs for potable water systems and can be applied to the entire delivery and postuse water life cycle. A nuanced understanding of water's energy intensity in an urban setting enables more intelligent, targeted efforts to jointly conserve water and energy resources that take seasonal, distance, and elevation effects into account.
Critical role of the miR‐200 family in regulating differentiation and proliferation of neurons
Authors: Pandey Ankita , Singh Parul , Jauhari Abhishek , Singh Tanisha , Khan Farah , Pant Aditya B. , Parmar Devendra , Yadav Sanjay 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe generation of differentiated and functional neurons is a complex process, which requires coordinated expression of several proteins and microRNAs (miRNAs). The present study using nerve growth factor (NGF)‐differentiated PC12 cells led to the identification of miR‐200, miR‐221/222 and miR‐34 families as major up‐regulated miRNAs in fully differentiated neurons. Similar to PC12 cells, induction of miR‐200 family was observed in differentiating neural stem cells, demonstrating a direct role of miR‐200 family in neuronal differentiation. Over‐expression of miR‐200 induced neurite formation in PC12 cells and regulated neuronal markers in favour of differentiation. However, inhibition of miR‐200 induced proliferation of PC12 cells. In differentiating PC12 cells and neural stem cells, an inverse relationship was observed between expression of reprogramming transcription factors (SOX2, KLF4, NANOG, OCT4 and PAX6) and miR‐200. Over‐expression of miR‐200 in PC12 cells significantly down‐regulated mRNA and protein levels of SOX2 and KLF4. Moreover, we observed two phases of dramatic down‐regulation of miR‐200 expression in developing rat brains correlating with periods of neuronal proliferation. In conclusion, our results indicate that increased expression of the miR‐200 family promotes neuronal differentiation, while decreased expression of the miR‐200 family promotes neuronal proliferation by targeting SOX2 and KLF4.
Surveying the hidden attitudes of hospital nurses’ towards poverty
Authors: Wittenauer James , Ludwick Ruth , Baughman Kristin , Fishbein Rebecca 
Published: March 2015

Aims and objectivesTo explore the attitudes held by registered nurses about persons living in poverty.BackgroundAs a profession, nursing has strong commitment to advocating for the socioeconomically disadvantaged. The links among poverty and health disparities are well established and research demonstrates that attitudes of providers can influence how those in poverty use health services. Although nurses are the largest sector of healthcare providers globally, little research has been published on their attitudes towards patients they care for who live in poverty.DesignCross‐sectional survey.MethodsUsed a convenience sample of 117 registered nurses who completed the Attitudes Towards Poverty Short Form that contained three subscales. Regression analysis was used to examine the associations between the nurses' age, education, and years of experience, political views and financial security with their total score and subscale scores.ResultsNurses were more likely to agree with stigmatising statements than statements that attributed poverty to personal deficiency or structural factors. In the multivariate analysis, years of experience were associated with more positive attitudes towards those living in poverty. Nurses with the most experience had less stigmatising beliefs about poverty and were more likely to endorse structural explanations. Those with a baccalaureate education were also more likely to endorse structural explanations for poverty.ConclusionsGaining knowledge about attitudes towards and the factors influencing those attitudes, for example, education, are important in helping combat the disparities associated with poverty.Relevance to clinical practiceNurses have a duty to evaluate their individual attitudes and biases towards those living in poverty and how those attitudes and biases may influence daily practice. Assessing nurses' attitudes towards poverty may aid in better means of empowering nurses to seek solutions that will improve health conditions for those living in poverty.
Validation of the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index in complete denture wearers
Authors: Campos J. A. D. B. , Zucoloto M. L. , Geremias R. F. , Nogueira S. S. , Maroco J. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryTo perform a validation of the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) for complete denture wearers and present a proposal for estimation of perceived oral health. This is a cross‐sectional study with non‐probabilistic sampling. A total of 211 subjects with a mean age of 62·5 (s.d. = 11·4) years participated, being 169 female. The GOHAI was applied in a personal interview. The construct/convergent/discriminant validity was tested using structural equation modelling. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to verify the fit of three proposals of the GOHAI: three‐factor, one‐factor and second‐order hierarchical models. The stability of the models was evaluated in independent samples. The three‐factor model presented an inadequate fit, and items 3, 4 and 9 were removed. The new structure presented an acceptable fit and strong invariance in independent samples. The convergent, discriminant validity and internal consistency were below adequate. The one‐factor model presented an adequate fit to the sample. Convergent validity was compromised. A strong invariance of the one‐factor model was observed. To calculate the overall scores of the GOHAI factors (three‐factor model) or of the oral health perception (one‐factor model), a matrix of regression weights for each item in the model was presented as a suggestion. We found an adequate fit of the both structures of the GOHAI for denture wearers, but the three‐factor structure was more parsimonious. We suggested considering the weights of the regression model to calculate the overall score of perceived oral health or of its factors in different samples.
Increased risk of hip fracture associated with dually treated HIV/hepatitis B virus coinfection
Authors: Byrne D. D. , Newcomb C. W. , Carbonari D. M. , Nezamzadeh M. S. , Leidl K. B. F. , Herlim M. , Yang Y. X. , Hennessy S. , Kostman J. R. , Leonard M. B. , Localio A. R. , Lo Re V. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryHIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections are each associated with reduced bone mineral density, but it is unclear whether HIV/HBV coinfection is associated with an increased risk of fracture. We determined whether dually treated HIV/HBV patients had a higher incidence of hip fracture compared to treated HBV‐monoinfected, antiretroviral therapy (ART)‐treated HIV‐monoinfected and HIV/HBV‐uninfected patients. We conducted a cohort study among 4156 dually treated HIV/HBV‐coinfected, 2053 treated HBV‐monoinfected, 96 253 ART‐treated HIV‐monoinfected, and 746 794 randomly sampled uninfected persons within the US Medicaid populations of California, Florida, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania (1999–2007). Coinfected patients were matched on propensity score to persons in each comparator cohort. Weighted survival models accounting for competing risks were used to estimate cumulative incidences and hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of incident hip fracture for dually treated coinfected patients compared to (i) HBV‐monoinfected receiving nucleos(t)ide analogue or interferon alfa therapy, (ii) HIV‐monoinfected on ART and (iii) uninfected persons. Dually treated coinfected patients had a higher cumulative incidence of hip fracture compared to ART‐treated HIV‐monoinfected (at 5 years: 1.70% vs 1.24%; adjusted HR, 1.37 [95% CI, 1.03–1.83]) and uninfected (at 5 years: 1.64% vs 1.22%; adjusted HR, 1.35 [95% CI, 1.03–1.84]) persons. The cumulative incidence of hip fracture was higher among coinfected than treated HBV‐monoinfected patients (at 5 years: 0.70% vs 0.27%), but this difference was not statistically significant in competing risk analysis (adjusted HR, 2.62 [95% CI, 0.92–7.51]). Among Medicaid enrollees, the risk of hip fracture was higher among dually treated HIV/HBV‐coinfected patients than ART‐treated HIV‐monoinfected and uninfected persons.
Where next for hepatitis B and C surveillance?
Authors: Wiktor S. Z. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryHepatitis B and C infections are responsible for significant burden of disease accounting for 1.3 million deaths globally. There is a lack of quality data on the burden of disease due to these infections. One approach to informing policy makers on trends in hepatitis B and C is through case reporting of diagnosed cases. Data on these cases can identify outbreaks of hepatitis and monitor trends in acute and chronic infection. The European Centers for Disease Control (ECDC) has developed standardized case definitions and a harmonized reporting framework. Two articles in this issue summarize the trends in hepatitis B and C infection in Europe. The results show considerable variability in reported cases across countries, reflecting in part differences in testing practices. Risk factor information highlights the continued importance of injecting drug use as a risk factor for hepatitis C infection. Hepatitis case reporting provides valuable information, and more complete reporting will improve the utility of the data. For a comprehensive epidemiologic assessment of the burden of hepatitis, case reporting should be complemented by other sources of data, such as serologic and behavioural surveys.