bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Engineering three‐dimensional constructs of the periodontal ligament in hyaluronan–gelatin hydrogel films and a mechanically active environment
Authors: Saminathan A. , Vinoth K. J. , Low H. H. , Cao T. , Meikle M. C. 
Published: April 2013

Background and ObjectivePeriodontal ligament (PDL) cells in stationary two‐dimensional culture systems are in a double default state. Our aim therefore was to engineer and characterize three‐dimensional constructs, by seeding PDL cells into hyaluronan–gelatin hydrogel films (80–100 μm) in a format capable of being mechanically deformed.Material and MethodsHuman PDL constructs were cultured with and without connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF)‐2 in (i) stationary cultures, and (ii) mechanically active cultures subjected to cyclic strains of 12% at 0.2 Hz each min, 6 h/d, in a Flexercell FX‐4000 Strain Unit. The following parameters were measured: cell number and viability by laser scanning confocal microscopy; cell proliferation with the MTS assay; the expression of a panel of 18 genes using real‐time RT‐PCR; matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 1–3, TIMP‐1, CTGF and FGF‐2 protein levels in supernatants from mechanically activated cultures with Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. Constructs from stationary cultures were also examined by scanning electron microscopy and immunostained for actin and vinculin.ResultsAlthough initially randomly distributed, the cells became organized into a bilayer by day 7; apoptotic cells remained constant at approximately 5% of the total. CTGF/FGF‐2 stimulated cell proliferation in stationary cultures, but relative quantity values suggested modest effects on gene expression. Two transcription factors (RUNX2 and PPARG), two collagens (COL1A1, COL3A1), four MMPs (MMP‐1–3, TIMP‐1), TGFB1, RANKL, OPG and P4HB were detected by gel electrophoresis and Ct values < 35. In mechanically active cultures, with the exception of P4HB, TGFB1 and RANKL, each was upregulated at some point in the time scale, as was the synthesis of MMPs and TIMP‐1. SOX9, MYOD, SP7, BMP2, BGLAP or COL2A1 were not detected in either stationary or mechanically active cultures.ConclusionThree‐dimensional tissue constructs provide additional complexity to monolayer culture systems, and suggest some of the assumptions regarding cell growth, differentiation and matrix turnover based on two‐dimensional cultures may not apply to cells in three‐dimensional matrices. Primarily developed as a transitional in vitro model for studying cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions in tooth support, the system is also suitable for investigating the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases, and importantly from the clinical point of view, in a mechanically active environment.
Early anther ablation triggers parthenocarpic fruit development in tomato
Authors: Medina Mónica , Roque Edelín , Pineda Benito , Cañas Luis , Rodriguez‐Concepción Manuel , Beltrán José Pío , Gómez‐Mena Concepción 
Published: April 2013

SummaryFruit set and fruit development in tomato is largely affected by changes in environmental conditions, therefore autonomous fruit set independent of fertilization is a highly desirable trait in tomato. Here, we report the production and characterization of male‐sterile transgenic plants that produce parthenocarpic fruits in two tomato cultivars (Micro‐Tom and Moneymaker). We generated male‐sterility using the cytotoxic gene barnase targeted to the anthers with the PsEND1 anther‐specific promoter. The ovaries of these plants grew in the absence of fertilization producing seedless, parthenocarpic fruits. Early anther ablation is essential to trigger the developing of the transgenic ovaries into fruits, in the absence of the signals usually generated during pollination and fertilization. Ovaries are fully functional and can be manually pollinated to obtain seeds. The transgenic plants obtained in the commercial cultivar Moneymaker show that the parthenocarpic development of the fruit does not have negative consequences in fruit quality. Throughout metabolomic analyses of the tomato fruits, we have identified two elite lines which showed increased levels of several health promoting metabolites and volatile compounds. Thus, early anther ablation can be considered a useful tool to promote fruit set and to obtain seedless and good quality fruits in tomato plants. These plants are also useful parental lines to be used in hybrid breeding approaches.
Anxiety disorders and drug dependence: Evidence on sequence and specificity among adults
Authors: Goodwin Renee D. , Stein Dan J. 
Published: April 2013

AimThe goal of this study was to investigate the relation between specific anxiety disorders and substance dependence, adjusting for potentially confounding demographic factors (e.g. sex) and comorbidity (e.g. alcohol dependence, major depression), among adults in the USA.MethodsData were drawn from the National Comorbidity Survey (NCS), a nationally representative population sample of the US adult population aged 15–54. The temporal sequence of onset of anxiety and substance dependence disorders was examined.ResultsSubstance dependence temporally precedes several anxiety disorders, particularly panic disorder. Specifically, a history of past substance dependence predicts current panic disorder (odds ratio [OR] = 2.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.29, 5.32), social phobia (OR = 1.7, 95%CI = 1.12, 2.41), and agoraphobia (OR = 1.78, 95%CI = 1.08, 2.94). Conversely, in more than 50% of substance abuse disorder cases, in nearly 40% of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) cases, and in nearly 30% of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) cases, the anxiety disorder has first onset. Similarly, a lifetime history of social phobia, PTSD, or GAD significantly predicts lifetime substance dependence (OR = 1.51 for social phobia, 2.06 for PTSD, 1.45 for GAD).ConclusionFor any particular anxiety disorder, a diagnosis of substance abuse can occur prior to or subsequent to an anxiety disorder. Nevertheless, there is also evidence for the specificity of some associations between anxiety and substance dependence disorders; these are independent of the effects of sex and other comorbid disorders, may be causal in nature, and deserve particular attention in clinical settings. The possibility that within a particular anxiety disorder there are a variety of mechanisms of association with various substances should be addressed in future work.
Month of birth and mood seasonality: A comparison between countries in the northern and southern hemispheres
Authors: Tonetti Lorenzo , Milfont Taciano L. , Tilyard Benjamin A. , Natale Vincenzo 
Published: April 2013

AimsA previous study has reported a significant month‐of‐birth effect on mood seasonality in the northern hemisphere. Higher mood seasonality was observed for university students born during spring or summer months (long photoperiod) compared to those born during autumn or winter months (short photoperiod). The aim of this study was to test the hypothesized photoperiod effect by comparing the correlation between month of birth and mood seasonality in two countries located at the opposite poles of the terrestrial globe: Italy (northern hemisphere) and New Zealand (southern hemisphere). On the basis of the photoperiod‐at‐birth hypothesis, we expected to find higher mood seasonality among individuals born in months with longer photoperiods in both countries.MethodsThe Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire was administered to 1514 young adults (1088 women, 426 men; 1027 Italians, 487 New Zealanders), with ages ranging from 18 to 34 years. The Global Seasonality Score, which is a measure of mood seasonality, was calculated from the Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire.ResultsA significant overall month‐of‐birth effect was observed on the Global Seasonality Score, but only for men. Men born in April and August (corresponding in Italy to a long photoperiod, in New Zealand to a short photoperiod) had higher mood seasonality than those born in February, regardless of country.ConclusionsA significant month‐of‐birth effect was found on mood seasonality, but results do not support the hypothesis based on the photoperiod effect.
Platelet and serum calcium and magnesium concentration in suicidal and non‐suicidal schizophrenic patients
Authors: Ruljancic Nedjeljka , Mihanovic Mate , Cepelak Ivana , Bakliza Ana 
Published: April 2013

AimThe main processes modulated by Ca and involved in the cause of schizophrenia are alteration in the dopamine and glutamate neurotransmitter system. Intracellular effects of Mg‐ions are opposite to Ca‐ions in competition at K‐ion channels, in Na/K‐ATP‐ase activity, cAMP/cGMP concentration and Ca‐ion currents in pre‐ and postsynaptic membranes. We conducted this research due to the incongruent results on Ca and Mg concentration that have been published until now and to determine platelet Mg concentration in suicidal and non‐suicidal schizophrenic patients.MethodsA group of schizophrenic patients consisted of 23 patients with attempted suicide (S‐SCH) and 48 patients without suicidal behavior (K‐SCH) diagnosed according to ICD‐10 diagnosis (F20.0) with or without intentional self‐harm (X60–X84). The control group (K) included 99 healthy voluntary blood donors. The Mg and Ca concentration in platelets and serum was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry on the AAnalyst 200.ResultsUsing one‐way anova test and manifold application of the Student–Newman–Keuls post‐hoc test we established that there were higher concentrations of platelet Mg (μmol/109 platelets) (P = 0.009, F = 4.89) and lower concentrations of serum Ca (mmol/L) (P < 0.001, F = 19.18) in the S‐SCH group of patients and higher concentrations of platelet Ca/Mg ratio in the K‐SCH group of patients (P = 0.006, F = 5.37).ConclusionA higher Ca/Mg ratio in the platelets of non‐suicidal patients confirms indirect higher Ca concentration. Higher Mg concentration in the platelets of suicidal patients, considered a Ca antagonist, may represent a compensatory attempt to restrain Ca activity.
ECLS for children with late (post‐discharge) rejection after heart transplantation
Authors: Lammers Astrid E. , Burch Michael , Brown Katherine L. , Hoschtitzky Johan A. , Lunnon‐Wood Tracey , Wray Jo , van Doorn Carin , Goldman Allan P. , Hoskote Aparna 
Published: April 2013

AbstractRejection with acute hemodynamic compromise after OHT is rare in children, and is associated with poor survival. We retrospectively reviewed the management, course and outcome of recipients with late (following initial hospital discharge) rejection with acute hemodynamic compromise who were supported on ECLS. Of 197 consecutive children undergoing OHT (84 male; mean [SD] age 8.3 [5.7] [range 0.1–18.8 yr]) between 2/2002 and 10/2012, 187 children survived and were discharged from hospital. Mean (SD) follow‐up was 5.0 (3.1) (range 0.1–10.6) yr. During follow‐up, seven presented with severe hemodynamic compromise after transplantation (of whom one patient had been transplanted elsewhere). All seven children, who presented in hemodynamic collapse with poor cardiac function refractory to inotropic support, were placed on ECLS—two following in‐hospital cardiac arrest. The median duration of ECLS was 6 (range 5–15) days. All survived to decannulation, with one death from overwhelming sepsis 20 days after presentation. The median (range) duration (in days) of inotropic requirement post ECLS was 11 (5–27), the median ventilation time was 8 (7–30), median ICU length of stay was 14 (10–54), and median hospitalization was 24 (19–118). In all, ventricular function normalized (FS >28%) within 10 (7–22) days. There was significant short‐term morbidity; however, over a median follow‐up of 5.9 (range 0.7–9.2) yr, all survivors have good functional status with no significant apparent neurological sequelae. ECLS thus appears to be a good rescue therapy for children with severe acute rejection post OHT, refractory to conventional treatment, leading to good medium‐term outcome.
Successful fludarabine‐based hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in a pediatric patient with idiopathic CD4+ lymphocytopenia
Authors: Hamidieh Amir Ali , Pourpak Zahra , Hamdi Amir , Nabavi Mohammad , Ghavamzadeh Ardeshir 
Published: April 2013

AbstractIdiopathic CD4+ lymphocytopenia (ICL) is a rare immunodeficiency disease with severe CD4 T‐cell depletion, leading to serious opportunistic infections. The optimal treatment of ICL has not been determined, especially in severe form of the disease. Here, we report an eight‐yr‐old girl with ICL who was successfully treated with fludarabine‐based conditioning HSCT. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first pediatric ICL case that was treated by HSCT. Allogeneic HSCT with a reduced intensity condition (RIC) regimen may be a feasible and curative treatment option in ICL patients with recurrent life‐threatening complications.
Factors Associated with Health Promotion in Megachurches: Implications for Prevention
Authors: Bopp Melissa , Webb Benjamin 
Published: April 2013

AbstractObjectiveMegachurches (churches with 2,000 + attendance) represent a community institution with extensive reach within the United States population, although little is known about their health and wellness programming (HWP). The purpose of this study was to examine factors associated with HWP in megachurches.Design and SampleStaff at megachurches were recruited to take an online survey.MeasuresQuestions addressed HWP, church demographics, health promotion‐related beliefs, barriers, existing resources, and leader involvement (response rate 15.4%). Univariate and multiple regression analyses were used to examine influences on HWP. Results: Respondents (n = 110 churches) indicated that churches were primarily Baptist (23.6%) or Nondenominational (21.1%), had 2,500–4,999 congregation members (44.5%), primarily White congregation members (83.5%), and 31–60 employees (45.4%). More positive leader, advisory board, and church member perceptions of health and wellness, a supportive church doctrine for health, leader involvement in HWP, and the number of health‐related and physical activity resources were positively associated with HWP (p < .05). Reporting fewer barriers was positively associated with HWP. The full regression model explained 56% of the variance in HWP, with number of health resources and church size as positive influences.ConclusionsTargeting the social environment for health, implementing health‐related policies and environmental changes could result in successful interventions for preventing chronic disease.
Protection Strategies of Cosmarium strains (Zygnematophyceae, Streptophyta) Isolated from Various Geographic Regions Against Excessive Photosynthetically Active Radiation
Authors: Stamenković Marija , Hanelt Dieter 
Published: April 2013

AbstractNumerous in vitro investigations have suggested that macroalgae exhibit regular geographic and depth distribution patterns in accordance with the light and temperature predominance at their habitats; however, there have been only a few similar studies concerning microalgae. We examined the potential influence of irradiance on patterns of distribution of four Cosmarium strains isolated from various climatic zones and cultured long term (>15 years) under a constant temperature–light regime. All the Cosmarium strains demonstrated physiological responses that were consistent with the light intensity prevailing at their source location, confirming that these responses are genetically preserved, as concluded from chlorophyll fluorescence and oxygen evolution rates measurements. Addition of inhibitors of chloroplast‐encoded protein synthesis (chloramphenicol and streptomycin) and violaxanthin de‐epoxidase (dithiothreitol) indicated that the Cosmarium strains developed “sun‐ or shade‐plant” protection strategies, in accordance with the climate at their sampling sites. The polar Cosmarium strains exhibited a “shade‐plant strategy”—to suffer some photoinhibition, but acquire increasing protection from photoinhibited PSII centers, whereas the tropical strains displayed a “sun‐plant strategy”—to counteract photoinhibition of PSII by a high rate of repair of photoinhibited PSII reaction centers and a high xanthophyll cycle turnover.
The Effect of Diasporic Business Networks on International Trade Flows
Authors: Sangita Seema 
Published: April 2013

AbstractInternational migration flows increase bilateral trade flows between countries through different channels, including creation of diasporic networks that transmit information. These networks have the potential to reduce information barriers and search costs in international trade. This paper quantifies the information effect of diaspora networks, using a panel data set of bilateral migration stocks and bilateral trade data that has been classified into intermediate and final goods. It shows that the migrants' role in exchange of information through business networks does lead to a significant increase in trade among countries. Moreover, the paper finds that this effect is greatest in the case of differentiated goods and that the highly educated migrants are most effective in business networking. Also, this paper addresses the issue of direction of causality between international migration and trade by creating a unique instrumental variable based on citizenship laws of the countries of destination.
Hand Ischemia Associated With Dialysis Vascular Access: An Individualized Access Flow‐based Approach to Therapy
Authors: Beathard Gerald A. , Spergel Lawrence M. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractWith the rise in the median age of hemodialysis patients, the increasing numbers of patients with multiple risk factors for vascular disease, and the efforts being made to increase the creation of autogenous arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs), dialysis access‐related steal syndrome (DASS) has become a growing problem. This syndrome, caused by arterial insufficiency distal to the arteriovenous access due to diversion of blood into the access, is a potentially devastating complication. It is crucial that physicians who manage hemodialysis patients and perform vascular access procedures have a comprehensive understanding of the pathophysiology, symptoms, diagnostic maneuvers, and treatment options for DASS. The goals of management must be twofold—relieve the ischemia and preserve the access. The choice of any intervention, if such is necessary, should be based upon the clinical features presented by that individual patient; the clinical condition and prognosis of the patient, stage of the disease, location of the arterial anastomosis, and the level of blood flow within the access. This review presents information that supports an individualized, physiologic approach to this condition.
Developmental transcriptional profiling reveals key insights into Triticeae reproductive development
Authors: Tran Frances , Penniket Carolyn , Patel Rohan V. , Provart Nicholas J. , Laroche André , Rowland Owen , Robert Laurian S. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryDespite their importance, there remains a paucity of large‐scale gene expression‐based studies of reproductive development in species belonging to the Triticeae. As a first step to address this deficiency, a gene expression atlas of triticale reproductive development was generated using the 55K Affymetrix GeneChip® wheat genome array. The global transcriptional profiles of the anther/pollen, ovary and stigma were analyzed at concurrent developmental stages, and co‐expressed as well as preferentially expressed genes were identified. Data analysis revealed both novel and conserved regulatory factors underlying Triticeae floral development and function. This comprehensive resource rests upon detailed gene annotations, and the expression profiles are readily accessible via a web browser.
Rejuvenation of ATP during storage does not reverse effects of the hypothermic storage lesion
Authors: Tchir Jayme D.R. , Acker Jason P. , Holovati Jelena L. 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundHypothermic storage (HS) of red blood cells (RBCs) leads to a progressive deterioration of cell quality. Mitigating these deleterious changes could allow maintenance or even an improvement of RBC in vitro quality. The aim was to determine the effect of a cold rejuvenation treatment of RBCs and in particular to assess the connection between ATP levels, RBC deformability, and morphology during RBC storage.Study Design and MethodsA pool‐and‐split design of leukoreduced CPD–saline‐adenine‐glucose‐mannitol–packed RBC units was used to generate three groups: untreated controls, sham‐treated units, and units treated with a cold (1‐6°C) rejuvenation solution on Day 28, 35, or 42 of cold storage. Units were followed until Day 49 of storage and assessed for ATP concentration, morphology, deformability, and other in vitro quality variables including hemolysis, pH, and supernatant potassium levels.ResultsAt every treatment time, rejuvenation was associated with a significant increase in intracellular ATP (p < 0.01). On Day 28, rejuvenation was accompanied by a significant decrease in deformability 1 week after treatment (p < 0.01). Rejuvenation on Day 28, but not Day 35 or 42, was also associated with a significant change in morphology (p < 0.01). Of the in vitro quality variables measured, most changed during cold storage, but differences among treatment groups were not observed.ConclusionThe results of our study demonstrate a cold rejuvenation of RBCs during HS increases intracellular ATP, but that this change does not ameliorate, or exacerbate, the metabolic or biochemical symptoms of the storage lesion.
Numerical study of ultra‐low field nuclear magnetic resonance relaxometry utilizing a single axis magnetometer for signal detection
Authors: Vogel Michael W. , Vegh Viktor , Reutens David C. 
Published: April 2013

Purpose:This paper investigates optimal placement of a localized single‐axis magnetometer for ultralow field (ULF) relaxometry in view of various sample shapes and sizes.Methods:The authors used finite element method for the numerical analysis to determine the sample magnetic field environment and evaluate the optimal location of the single‐axis magnetometer.Results:Given the different samples, the authors analysed the magnetic field distribution around the sample and determined the optimal orientation and possible positions of the sensor to maximize signal strength, that is, the power of the free induction decay. The authors demonstrate that a glass vial with flat bottom and 10 ml volume is the best structure to achieve the highest signal out of samples studied.Conclusions:This paper demonstrates the importance of taking into account the combined effects of sensor configuration and sample parameters for signal generation prior to designing and constructing ULF systems with a single‐axis magnetometer. Through numerical simulations the authors were able to optimize structural parameters, such as sample shape and size, sensor orientation and location, to maximize the measured signal in ultralow field relaxometry.