bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Uncovering the cellular and molecular changes in tendon stem/progenitor cells attributed to tendon aging and degeneration
Authors: Kohler Julia , Popov Cvetan , Klotz Barbara , Alberton Paolo , Prall Wolf Christian , Haasters Florian , Müller‐Deubert Sigrid , Ebert Regina , Klein‐Hitpass Ludger , Jakob Franz , Schieker Matthias , Docheva Denitsa 
Published: July 2013

SummaryAlthough the link between altered stem cell properties and tissue aging has been recognized, the molecular and cellular processes of tendon aging have not been elucidated. As tendons contain stem/progenitor cells (TSPC), we investigated whether the molecular and cellular attributes of TSPC alter during tendon aging and degeneration. Comparing TSPC derived from young/healthy (Y‐TSPC) and aged/degenerated human Achilles tendon biopsies (A‐TSPC), we observed that A‐TSPC exhibit a profound self‐renewal and clonogenic deficits, while their multipotency was still retained. Senescence analysis showed a premature entry into senescence of the A‐TSPC, a finding accompanied by an upregulation of p16INK4A. To identify age‐related molecular factors, we performed microarray and gene ontology analyses. These analyses revealed an intriguing transcriptomal shift in A‐TSPC, where the most differentially expressed probesets encode for genes regulating cell adhesion, migration, and actin cytoskeleton. Time‐lapse analysis showed that A‐TSPC exhibit decelerated motion and delayed wound closure concomitant to a higher actin stress fiber content and a slower turnover of actin filaments. Lastly, based on the expression analyses of microarray candidates, we suggest that dysregulated cell–matrix interactions and the ROCK kinase pathway might be key players in TSPC aging. Taken together, we propose that during tendon aging and degeneration, the TSPC pool is becoming exhausted in terms of size and functional fitness. Thus, our study provides the first fundamental basis for further exploration into the molecular mechanisms behind tendon aging and degeneration as well as for the selection of novel tendon‐specific therapeutical targets.
Exploring the effect of aquatic exercise on behaviour and psychological well‐being in people with moderate to severe dementia: A pilot study of the Watermemories Swimming Club
Authors: Neville Christine , Henwood Tim , Beattie Elizabeth , Fielding Elaine 
Published: July 2013

AimTo explore the effects of a dementia‐specific, aquatic exercise intervention on behavioural and psychological symptoms in people with dementia (BPSD).MethodResidents from two aged care facilities in Queensland, Australia, received a 12‐week intervention consisting of aquatic exercises for strength, agility, flexibility, balance and relaxation. The Psychological Well‐Being in Cognitively Impaired Persons Scale (PW‐BCIP) and the Revised Memory and Behaviour Problems Checklist (RMBPC) were completed by registered nurses at baseline, week 6, week 9 and post intervention.ResultsTen women and one man (median age = 88.4 years, interquartile range = 12.3) participated. Statistically significant declines in the RMBPC and PW‐BCIP were observed over the study period.ConclusionPreliminary evidence suggests that a dementia‐specific, aquatic exercise intervention reduces BPSD and improves psychological well‐being in people with moderate to severe dementia. With further testing, this innovative intervention may prove effective in addressing some of the most challenging aspects of dementia care.
Network‐Based Penalized Regression With Application to Genomic Data
Authors: Kim Sunkyung , Pan Wei , Shen Xiaotong 
Published: July 2013

SummaryPenalized regression approaches are attractive in dealing with high‐dimensional data such as arising in high‐throughput genomic studies. New methods have been introduced to utilize the network structure of predictors, for example, gene networks, to improve parameter estimation and variable selection. All the existing network‐based penalized methods are based on an assumption that parameters, for example, regression coefficients, of neighboring nodes in a network are close in magnitude, which however may not hold. Here we propose a novel penalized regression method based on a weaker prior assumption that the parameters of neighboring nodes in a network are likely to be zero (or non‐zero) at the same time, regardless of their specific magnitudes. We propose a novel non‐convex penalty function to incorporate this prior, and an algorithm based on difference convex programming. We use simulated data and two breast cancer gene expression datasets to demonstrate the advantages of the proposed methods over some existing methods. Our proposed methods can be applied to more general problems for group variable selection.
The nature of teacher engagement at an online high school
Authors: Borup Jered , Graham Charles R. , Drysdale Jeffery S. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractLittle research has examined the critical components of successful K‐12 online schools, due in part to the theoretical focus of current frameworks on higher education rather than characteristics of K‐12 online learners and environments. Using K‐12 online research, this paper examined teaching presence as explained by the Community of Inquiry framework and identified additional teacher roles that needed stronger emphasis. We termed the new construct teacher engagement. Teacher engagement was shown to be helpful in describing and identifying effective teacher practices at the Open High School of Utah (OHSU), a successful online charter school. Through a series of 22 interviews with over half of the OHSU faculty, it was found that teachers worked to improve student outcomes by (1) designing and organizing learning activities, (2) facilitating discourse with students and parents, (3) providing students with one‐on‐one instruction, (4) nurturing a safe and caring learning environment, (5) motivating students to engage in learning activities and (6) closely monitoring student behavior and learning. These six elements describe the core of teacher engagement.
Pfannenstiel laparoendoscopic single‐site (LESS) vs conventional multiport laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy: a prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Richstone Lee , Rais‐Bahrami Soroush , Waingankar Nikhil , Hillelsohn Joel H. , Andonian Sero , Schwartz Michael J. , Kavoussi Louis R. 
Published: July 2013

Objective
To present outcomes of a randomized, patient‐blinded controlled trial on Pfannenstiel laparoendoscopic single‐site (LESS) vs conventional multiport laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy.
Patients and Methods
Patients presenting as left kidney donors between January 2009 and November 2011 were randomized to LESS donor nephrectomy (LESS‐DN: n = 15) or conventional laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN: n = 14).
Patients were blinded to the surgical approach preoperatively and attempts to continue patient blinding postoperatively were made by applying dressings consistent with multiple conventional laparoscopic incisions for all patients.
De‐identified data related to the operation, peri‐operative course and postoperative follow‐up were prospectively collected and compared between the two groups with an intention‐to‐treat analysis.
Results
There were no significant differences between the groups when comparing operating time, estimated blood loss (EBL), i.v. fluid administration, renal allograft warm ischaemia time (WIT), length of hospital stay (LOS) and total inpatient analgesic requirements.
Quantitative pain assessment was not significantly different on postoperative day (POD) #0, however, it was significantly lower in the LESS‐DN group, beginning on POD #1 (P < 0.05).
The changes in haematocrit and serum creatinine in the two groups were not significantly different, and there were no blood transfusions in either group, nor was there a decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate to <60 mL/min per 1.73 m2 of body surface area in any patients.
Two patients in the LESS‐DN group were converted to conventional LDN, both because of failure to progress effectively.
All allografts were functional at the time of transplantation and revascularization, with no cases of hyperacute rejection.
Conclusions
Peri‐operative variables including EBL, WIT and LOS were equivalent when comparing Pfannenstiel LESS‐DN with conventional LDN.
Patient‐reported visual analogue pain scale scores were significantly lower in the LESS‐DN group beginning on the first postoperative day.
MicroRNA‐124 Protects Neurons Against Apoptosis in Cerebral Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Sun Yang , Gui Huan , Li Qi , Luo Zhu‐Min , Zheng Min‐Jun , Duan Jun‐Li , Liu Xia 
Published: July 2013

SummaryAimsTo explore the role and underlying mechanism of miR‐124 in stroke.MethodsmiR‐124 expression was determined by real‐time PCR. The effect of miR‐124 on infarct area was assessed in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mice. The influence of miR‐124 on oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) induced neuron apoptosis and death was examined by immunofluorescence. The effect of miR‐124 on apoptosis‐related proteins was determined by Western blot.ResultsThe level of miR‐124 is significantly increased in ischemic penumbra as compared with that in nonischemic area of MACO mice. Brain tissue of stroke‐prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR‐SP) also showed higher level of miR‐124 as compared with that of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Consistently, OGD treatment obviously increased miR‐124 level in primary neurons. In vivo, miR‐124 overexpression significantly decreased, while miR‐124 knockdown significantly increased, the infarct area of MCAO mice. In vitro, gain or loss of miR‐124 function resulted in reduced or increased neuron apoptosis and death induced by OGD, and increased or reduced antiapoptosis protein, Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xl, respectively.ConclusionsmiR‐124 plays a neurons‐protective role via apoptosis‐inhibiting pathway in ischemic stroke.
Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 4 Mediates Hypotonicity‐Induced Enhancement of Synaptic Transmission in Hippocampal Slices
Authors: Li Lin , Yin Jun , Jie Ping‐Hui , Lu Zi‐Hong , Zhou Li‐Bin , Chen Lei , Chen Ling 
Published: July 2013

SummaryAim and methodsChanges in cerebrospinal fluid osmotic pressure modulate brain excitability. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4), which is sensitive to hypotonic stimulation, is expressed in hippocampus. The present study investigated the effect of hypotonic stimulation on hippocampal synaptic transmission and the role of TRPV4 in hypotonicity‐action using electrophysiological recording and pharmacological technique.ResultsAccompanied with the decrease in paired pulse facilitation, field excitatory postsynaptic potential (fEPSP) was enhanced by hypotonicity and TRPV4 agonist 4α‐PDD in hippocampal slices, which was sensitive to TRPV4 antagonist HC‐067047. Hypotonicity‐induced increase in fEPSP was blocked by α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor antagonist, but not N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor or N‐ or P/Q‐type voltage‐gated calcium channel antagonist. High voltage‐gated calcium current (ICa) in hippocampal CA3 pyramidal neurons was not affected by hypotonicity. AMPA‐activated current (IAMPA) in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons was increased by hypotonicity and 4α‐PDD, which was attenuated by HC‐067047. Inhibition of protein kinase C or protein kinase A markedly attenuated hypotonicity‐increased IAMPA, whereas antagonism of calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II had no such effect.ConclusionTRPV4 is involved in hypotonicity‐induced enhancement of hippocampal synaptic transmission, which may be mediated through promoting presynaptic glutamate release and increasing postsynaptic AMPA receptor function.
A Rare Case of Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Mass
Authors: Srinivas Sunil Kumar , Subramanyam Kasamsetty , Ramalingam Rangaraj , Bhat Seetharama , Kalpana Saligrama Ramegowda , Manjunath Cholenahally Nanjappa 
Published: July 2013

Thrombus formation in left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) of a normal heart is a very rare occurrence. A 23‐year‐old male who presented with syncope, on evaluation found to have obstructing mass in the LVOT. His heart was otherwise normal. His investigations were not contributory except for significant eosinophilia. Due to recurrence of syncope he underwent emergency surgery for extraction of the mass, which on histopathological examination was found to be organizing thrombus. His eosinophil count normalized after the surgery. Tests for hypercoaguable states and investigations for known cause of eosinophilia were normal. There was no recurrence of thrombus or eosinophilia at 6 months after surgery. He was diagnosed to have obstructive LVOT thrombus in a normal heart secondary to transient eosinophilia. Presentation of this interesting case with literature on left ventricular thrombus and eosinophilia is discussed.
Subaltern Lives: History, Identity and Memory in the Indian Ocean World
Authors: Anderson Clare 
Published: July 2013

AbstractIn this paper, I will explore some of the methodological challenges of writing subaltern histories of the Indian Ocean. I will argue that the intense mobility that underpinned society and social transformation on water, land, littoral and river rendered subaltern peoples targets of colonial management and surveillance, within and across European empires. Though productive of a rich disciplinary archive, that archive is scattered across cities, states and nations, and this has had important implications for the production of national or imperial‐centred ‘history.’ I will try to suggest some of the ways in which we can work ‘along the archival grain,’ to bring histories of continents, islands and empires into dialogue with histories of slavery, migration and forced labour. Drawing on the rich possibilities of ethnographic and anthropological research with the descendants of slaves, indentured labourers and convicts, I will also argue for a specifically feminist methodological approach to the study of people's sense of history and identity in the world today. As genealogical resources proliferate, I will urge in particular productive engagement with family historians, as well as with community associations and their everyday material sites of historical memory.
Histological spectrum of mycophenolate mofetil‐related colitis: association with apoptosis
Authors: Liapis George , Boletis John , Skalioti Chrysanthi , Bamias George , Tsimaratou Katerina , Patsouris Efstratios , Delladetsima Ioanna 
Published: July 2013

AimsThe main purpose of this study was to define diagnostic histological characteristics of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF)‐related colitis in association with crypt epithelial cell turnover.Methods and resultsThe examined material included 43 colonic biopsies from renal transplant recipients with MMF administration and persistent diarrhoea. Thirty‐three cases showed MMF‐related colitis, while 10 showed no significant changes. The histological findings were scored and correlated with the apoptotic index (AI) and with the proliferation rate (PR) of the crypt epithelium examined by TUNEL assay and Ki‐67 immunoexpression. Ten cases of Crohn disease and 10 of ulcerative colitis were used as comparative groups. Crypt distortion and loss as well as increased apoptosis constituted the main features, their degree and combination leading either to an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)‐like (82%) or to a graft‐versus‐host disease‐like pattern (18%). A high AI was associated more frequently with moderate and severe crypt distortion, while the values were significantly higher compared with the control groups (P < 0.01). High PR was noted in 18 of 29 (62.1%) of the cases.ConclusionsThe diagnostic hallmark of MMF‐related colitis is an IBD‐like histological pattern in association with increased epithelial apoptosis, while apoptotic cell death seems to be a potential pathogenetic factor of mucosa injury.
Physico‐Chemical Properties of Sourdough Bread Production Using Selected Lactobacilli Starter Cultures
Authors: Tamani R.J. , Goh K.K.T. , Brennan C.S. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe acidification properties and technological performance (dough elasticity and bread volume) of four individual lactic acid bacteria (LAB) starter cultures (Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus LB18; Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus CNRZ 737; Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus 2483; Lactobacillus helveticus LH30) were investigated in relation to dough and bread quality derived from a sourdough fermentation. A plain dough mixture (without LAB starter cultures) was used as a control against the sourdough systems with added cultures. The exopolysaccharide (EPS) producing LAB starter cultures significantly increased dough stickiness and extendibility compared with the plain dough system. Total EPS production by the LAB cultures during sourdough formation differed depending on the culture used (in the order of NCFB 2483 > Z737 > LB18 > LH30). The viscoelastic nature of the dough was increased with the use of LAB cultures. Bread volume significantly increased with the inclusion of EPS cultures. Bread staling (as determined by the extent of firming of bread) was reduced with the use of ropy cultures. Increased exopolysaccharide production during dough formation appeared to be associated with reduced staling and increased bread volume.Practical ApplicationsSourdough bread and cereal products have experienced increased attention from consumers for either health or sensorial reasons. The current research investigate the potential use of a selected range of exopolysaccharide producing starter strains in an attempt to characterise textural and sensorial qualities derived from ropy and nonropy lactic acid bacteria (LAB) starter cultures. The results indicate a clear potential for these LAB cultures in improving consumer quality and shelf‐life stability of sourdough products.
Skin mycoflora of Cebus primates kept in captivity and semicaptivity
Authors: Fedullo José Daniel L. , Rossi Claudio N. , Gambale Walderez , Germano Pedro Manuel L. , Larsson Carlos Eduardo 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundThis study was performed to determine the fungal mycoflora in healthy tufted capuchins primates (Cebus sp) kept in captivity and semicaptivity to allow a more realistic interpretation on the basis of fungi isolated from their skin. Furthermore, we aimed at evaluating the potential risk of infection to humans by fungi perpetuated in the tegument of monkeys of this genus.MethodsFor the collection of skin material, the carpet method was used, followed by seeding in Sabouraud dextrose agar culture media, Mycosel agar, Dermatophyte Test Medium and Sabouraud agar supplemented with olive oil.ResultsSeventeen genera of fungi were detected, being three of them isolated only in the captivity animals (Acremonium – Cephalosporium, Phoma and Trichosporon). The genera of fungi with the higher frequencies were identified in the semicaptivity capuchins (Fusarium, Aspergillus and Penicillium).ConclusionsMany of the genera of fungi identified are potential pathogens for immune‐compromised monkeys and humans.
Autonomic response to a visceral stressor is dysregulated in irritable bowel syndrome and correlates with duration of disease
Authors: Cheng P. , Shih W. , Alberto M. , Presson A. P. , Licudine A. , Mayer E. A. , Naliboff B. D. , Chang L. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies reported altered autonomic nervous system (ANS) responses in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) at baseline and to colonic balloon distension. This study examined heart rate variability (HRV) and plasma catecholamines as an index of ANS responsiveness in IBS during flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS) and explored associations of HRV with clinical measures.MethodsRome III‐positive IBS patients and healthy controls completed questionnaires measuring gastrointestinal and psychological symptoms. Heart rate variability measures were calculated using electrocardiogram (ECG) data at rest and during FS. Plasma catecholamines were measured before and after the FS. Linear mixed effects models were used to compare HRV with IBS status and IBS duration across six time points. Significance was assessed at the 0.05 level.Key ResultsThirty‐six IBS patients (53% F, mean age 37.89) and 31 controls (58% F, mean age 37.26) participated. After adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, and current anxiety symptoms, IBS patients had a non‐significant lower cardiovagal tone (P = 0.436) and higher cardiosympathetic balance (P = 0.316) at rest. During FS, controls showed a transient increase in cardiosympathetic balance and decrease in cardiovagal tone. However, IBS patients had significantly less cardiosympathetic and cardiovagal responsiveness both leading up to (P = 0.003, P = 0.005) and following (P = 0.001) this stimulus. Those with longer duration of disease had less cardiosympathetic (P = 0.014) and cardiovagal (P = 0.009) responsiveness than those with shorter duration. No differences in catecholamines between IBS and controls were found.Conclusions & InferencesIrritable bowel syndrome demonstrated dysregulated ANS responses to a visceral stressor which could be related to disease duration. Therefore, autonomic dysregulation is an objective physiologic correlate of IBS.
Clinical, Echocardiographic, and Neurohormonal Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: Are They Interchangeable?
Authors: HOOGSLAG GEORGETTE E. , HÖKE ULAS , THIJSSEN JOEP , AUGER DOMINIQUE , MARSAN NINA AJMONE , WOLTERBEEK RON , HOLMAN EDUARD R. , SCHALIJ MARTIN J. , BAX JEROEN J. , VERWEY HARRIETTE F. , DELGADO VICTORIA 
Published: July 2013

BackgroundThe relationship between changes in N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) and echocardiographic or clinical definitions of response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has not been evaluated. The aims of the present evaluation were to assess: (1) the relationship between changes in NT‐proBNP after 6 months of CRT and clinical and echocardiographic responses; (2) the association between NT‐proBNP changes and long‐term outcome.MethodsIn 170 patients treated with CRT (age 61 ± 11 years, 75% male), clinical and echocardiographic parameters and circulating NT‐proBNP levels were assessed at baseline and 6 months after CRT. At 6 months follow‐up, improvement in New York Heart Association class ≥1 point, decrease in left ventricular end‐systolic volume ≥15%, and decrease in NT‐proBNP ≥15% defined clinical, echocardiographic, and neurohormonal CRT response, respectively. All‐cause mortality data were collected and related to neurohormonal response.ResultsNeurohormonal, echocardiographic, and clinical response rates were 54%, 58%, and 66%, respectively. The majority of patients (71%) showing echocardiographic response had NT‐proBNP reduction ≥15%. In contrast, only 58% of patients who showed clinical response also had NT‐proBNP reduction ≥15%. During a median follow‐up of 32 months, 40 patients died. Patients with neurohormonal response demonstrated a superior long‐term outcome compared to patients without neurohormonal response (log‐rank P = 0.02).ConclusionsNT‐proBNP reduction ≥15% showed better agreement with echocardiographic response compared to clinical response. Neurohormonal response was associated with superior long‐term outcome compared to insufficient reduction in NT‐proBNP levels