bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stem Cell Factor Is a Potent Endothelial Permeability Factor
Authors: Kim Ji Yeon , Choi Jun-Sub , Song Sun-Hwa , Im Ji-Eun , Kim Jung-Mo , Kim Kyungjong , Kwon Soonboem , Shin Hwa Kyoung , Joo Choun-Ki , Lee Byung Ho , Suh Wonhee 
Published: May 2014

Objective—
Although stem cell factor (SCF) has been shown to play a critical role in hematopoiesis, gametogenesis, and melanogenesis, the function of SCF in the regulation of vascular integrity has not been studied.

Approach and Results—
We demonstrated that SCF binds to and activates the cKit receptor in endothelial cells, thereby increasing the internalization of vascular endothelial-cadherin and enhancing extravasation of dyes to a similar extent as vascular endothelial growth factor. SCF-mediated cKit activation in endothelial cells enhanced the phosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase via the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt signaling pathway and subsequently increased the production of NO. Inhibition of endothelial NO synthase expression and NO synthesis using small interfering RNA knockdown and chemical inhibitors substantially diminished the ability of SCF to increase the internalization of vascular endothelial-cadherin and in vitro endothelial permeability. SCF-induced increase in extravasation of the dyes was abrogated in endothelial NO synthase knockout mice, which indicates that endothelial NO synthase–mediated NO production was responsible for the SCF-induced vascular leakage. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the expression of SCF and cKit was significantly higher in the retina of streptozotocin-injected diabetic mice than in the nondiabetic control animals. Depletion of SCF by intravitreous injection of anti-SCF–neutralizing immunoglobulin G significantly prevented vascular hyperpermeability in the retinas of streptozotocin-injected diabetic mice.

Conclusions—
Our data reveal that SCF disrupts the endothelial adherens junction and enhances vascular leakage, as well as suggest that anti-SCF/cKit therapy may hold promise as a potential therapy for the treatment of hyperpermeable vascular diseases.
Rap1b in Smooth Muscle and Endothelium Is Required for Maintenance of Vascular Tone and Normal Blood Pressure
Authors: Lakshmikanthan Sribalaji , Zieba Bartosz J. , Ge Zhi-Dong , Momotani Ko , Zheng Xiaodong , Lund Hayley , Artamonov Mykhaylo V. , Maas Jason E. , Szabo Aniko , Zhang David X. , Auchampach John A. , Mattson David L. , Somlyo Avril V. , Chrzanowska-Wodnicka Magdalena 
Published: May 2014

Objective—

Small GTPase Ras-related protein 1 (Rap1b) controls several basic cellular phenomena, and its deletion in mice leads to several cardiovascular defects, including impaired adhesion of blood cells and defective angiogenesis. We found that
Rap1b
−/−
mice develop cardiac hypertrophy and hypertension. Therefore, we examined the function of Rap1b in regulation of blood pressure.

Approach and Results—

Rap1b
−/−
mice developed cardiac hypertrophy and elevated blood pressure, but maintained a normal heart rate. Correcting elevated blood pressure with losartan, an angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist, alleviated cardiac hypertrophy in
Rap1b
−/−
mice, suggesting a possibility that cardiac hypertrophy develops secondary to hypertension. The indices of renal function and plasma renin activity were normal in
Rap1b
−/−
mice. Ex vivo, we examined whether the effect of Rap1b deletion on smooth muscle–mediated vessel contraction and endothelium-dependent vessel dilation, 2 major mechanisms controlling basal vascular tone, was the basis for the hypertension. We found increased contractility on stimulation with a thromboxane analog or angiotensin II or phenylephrine along with increased inhibitory phosphorylation of myosin phosphatase under basal conditions consistent with elevated basal tone and the observed hypertension. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate–dependent relaxation in response to Rap1 activator, Epac, was decreased in vessels from
Rap1b
−/−
mice. Defective endothelial release of dilatory nitric oxide in response to elevated blood flow leads to hypertension. We found that nitric oxide–dependent vasodilation was significantly inhibited in Rap1b-deficient vessels.

Conclusions—
This is the first report to indicate that Rap1b in both smooth muscle and endothelium plays a key role in maintaining blood pressure by controlling normal vascular tone.
Targeted Delivery of Pulmonary Arterial Endothelial Cells Overexpressing Interleukin-8 Receptors Attenuates Monocrotaline-Induced Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling
Authors: Fu Jinyan , Chen Yiu-Fai , Zhao Xiangmin , Creighton Judy R. , Guo Yuanyuan , Hage Fadi G. , Oparil Suzanne , Xing Daisy D. 
Published: May 2014

Objective—
Interleukin-8 (IL-8) receptors IL8RA and IL8RB (IL8RA/B) on neutrophil membranes bind to IL-8 with high affinity and play a critical role in neutrophil recruitment to sites of injury and inflammation. This study tested the hypothesis that administration of rat pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (ECs) overexpressing IL8RA/B can accelerate the adhesion of ECs to the injured lung and inhibit monocrotaline-induced pulmonary inflammation, arterial thickening and hypertension, and right ventricular hypertrophy.

Approach and Results—

The treatment groups included 10-week-old ovariectomized Sprague-Dawley rats that received subcutaneous injection of PBS (vehicle), a single injection of monocrotaline (monocrotaline alone, 60 mg/kg, SC), monocrotaline followed by intravenous transfusion of ECs transduced with the empty adenoviral vector (null-EC), and monocrotaline followed by intravenous transfusion of ECs overexpressing IL8RA/B (1.5×10
6
cells/rat). Two days or 4 weeks after monocrotaline treatment, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, inducible nitric oxide synthase, cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant-2β (IL-8 equivalent in rat), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression, neutrophil and macrophage infiltration into pulmonary arterioles, and arteriolar and alveolar morphology were measured by histological and immunohistochemical techniques. Proinflammatory cytokine/chemokine protein levels were measured by Multiplex rat-specific magnetic bead–based sandwich immunoassay in total lung homogenates. Transfusion of ECs overexpressing IL8RA/B significantly reduced monocrotaline-induced neutrophil infiltration and proinflammatory mediator (IL-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, inducible nitric oxide synthase, cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant, and macrophage inflammatory protein-2) expression in lungs and pulmonary arterioles and alveoli, pulmonary arterial pressure, and pulmonary arterial and right ventricular hypertrophy and remodeling.

Conclusions—
These provocative findings suggest that targeted delivery of ECs overexpressing IL8RA/B is effective in repairing the injured pulmonary vasculature.
Mechanisms of Right Ventricular Electromechanical Dyssynchrony and Mechanical Inefficiency in Children After Repair of Tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Hui Wei , Slorach Cameron , Dragulescu Andreea , Mertens Luc , Bijnens Bart , Friedberg Mark K. 
Published: May 2014

Background—
Right bundle branch block and right ventricular (RV) dysfunction are common after tetralogy of Fallot repair (rTOF). We hypothesized that right bundle branch block is associated with specific RV mechanical dyssynchrony and inefficient contraction.

Methods and Results—

We studied rTOF children and age-matched controls. QRS duration and morphology were assessed. RV mechanical dyssynchrony, indicated by early septal activation (right-sided septal flash), RV lateral wall prestretch/late contraction, postsystolic shortening, and intraventricular delay were analyzed using 2-dimensional strain echocardiography. Peak oxygen consumption reflected exercise capacity. Pulmonary regurgitation and RV volumes were assessed by MRI. Forty-six rTOF patients and 46 controls were studied. Ninety-three percent of rTOF patients demonstrated a right-sided septal flash with simultaneous RV basal lateral wall prestretch/late activation. The RV basal segment was the most delayed in onset (115 [0–194] versus 35 [0–96] ms) and termination (462 [369–706] versus 412 [325–529] ms) of longitudinal shortening, with postsystolic shortening. QRS duration correlated with RV basal time to onset and peak shortening (
P
<0.05). Intra-RV delay was higher in rTOF (
P
<0.05) in association with RV dilatation (
r
=0.33;
P
=0.04). In rTOF, RV mechanics were inefficient, with prestretch and postsystolic shortening comprising 15±11% and 16±9% of total shortening, respectively. A composite parameter of electric and mechanical dyssynchrony correlated with RV end-diastolic volume (
r
=0.39;
P
=0.03).

Conclusions—
Typical electromechanical dyssynchrony associated with mechanical inefficiency, regional dysfunction, and RV dilatation is common in rTOF children, possibly contributing to progressive RV dysfunction. The potential of cardiac resynchronization in appropriate patients requires further study.
Activities of Daily Living Is a Critical Factor in Predicting Outcome After Carotid Endarterectomy in Asymptomatic Patients
Authors: Dayama Anand , Pimple Pratik , Badrinathan Barath , Lee Richard , Reeves James G. 
Published: May 2014

Background and Purpose—
Ability to perform basic daily activity represented by functional status (FNS) before surgery can be assessed in the clinic for determining health status of the patient. We sought to study the effect of FNS on postoperative outcomes after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in a national data set.

Methods—
National Surgical Quality Improvement Project is a national data set, which includes data from >300 hospitals. Patients who underwent CEA were identified by Current Procedural Terminology code and divided into 3 categories based on FNS: independent, partially dependent, and dependent. Thirty-day postoperative stroke, death, and other postoperative complications were identified as the study end point. We used multivariate logistic regression to estimate odds ratio for outcomes while controlling for sex, race, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, smoking, and other confounders.

Results—

Of 19 748 CEAs, 19 348 (97.97%) were functionally independent, 377 (1.99%) were functionally partially dependent, and 23 (0.12%) were functionallydependent. In functionally independent group, there were 196 (1.01%) strokes, 84 (0.43%) deaths, and 1416 (7.17%) other complications, whereas in the functionally partially dependent group, there were 14 (3.71%) strokes, 10 (2.65%) deaths, and 80 (21.22%) other complications. In multivariable risk-adjusted model, using functionally independent as reference, functionally partially dependent was associated with death (odds ratio, 3.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.6–6.8;
P
<0.001), stroke (odds ratio, 3; 95% confidence interval, 1.7–5.4;
P
<0.001), and other complications (odds ratio, 2.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.9–3.2;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—
In this national data set, patient’s inability to perform basic activities of independent living is associated with adverse postoperative outcomes after CEA. Hence, FNS should be vigilantly assessed in clinic for risk stratification along with other objective factors for gauging risk of adverse outcomes after CEA.
Safety of Thrombolysis in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke and Cerebral Cavernous Malformations
Authors: Erdur Hebun , Scheitz Jan F. , Tütüncü Serdar , Fiebach Jochen B. , Endres Matthias , Werring David J. , Nolte Christian H. 
Published: May 2014

Background and Purpose—
Data on safety of intravenous thrombolysis with recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator for acute ischemic stroke in patients with coexisting cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are scarce. We assessed the risk of thrombolysis-associated hemorrhage in these patients.

Methods—
We searched our tertiary care hospital thrombolysis register for patients with CCM confirmed by MRI (3 T, Siemens, TimTrio) before thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke. CCMs were graded into subtypes according to the Zabramski classification on the basis of their MRI appearance. The primary end point was symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage according to European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study III (ECASS III) criteria. The secondary end point was any parenchymal hemorrhage.

Results—

In a total of 350 patients (median age, 76 years; interquartile range, 68–84; median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, 8; interquartile range, 5–14; 51.4% women), CCMs were found in 9 patients (2.6%). Seven patients had a single CCM, and 2 patients had multiple CCMs with a total number of 12 CCMs in all patients. The subtype of CCMs was type III in 9 cases and type I in 3 cases. Symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage occurred in 1 of 9 patients with CCM versus 11 of 341 patients without CCM (
P
=0.27). Parenchymal hemorrhage occurred in 2 of 9 patients with CCM versus 27 of 341 patients (
P
=0.17) without CCM.

Conclusions—
Given the limitations of our study (mainly low number of patients with CCM), the risk of thrombolysis-associated hemorrhage in patients with CCM remains uncertain. Although our data do not suggest an increased hazard from thrombolysis in patients with CCM, larger studies are necessary to determine definitively the influence of CCMs on parenchymal hemorrhage and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage.
Complex Atheromatous Plaques in the Descending Aorta and the Risk of Stroke
Authors: Katsanos Aristeidis H. , Giannopoulos Sotirios , Kosmidou Maria , Voumvourakis Konstantinos , Parissis John T. , Kyritsis Athanassios P. , Tsivgoulis Georgios 
Published: May 2014

Background and Purpose—
Proximal aortic plaques, especially in the aortic arch, have already been established as an important cause of stroke and peripheral embolism. However, aortic plaques situated in the descending thoracic aorta have recently been postulated as a potential embolic source in patients with cryptogenic cerebral infarction through retrograde aortic flow. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential association of descending aorta atheromatosis with cerebral ischemia.

Methods—
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of all available prospective observational studies reporting the prevalence of complex atheromatous plaques in the descending aorta in patients with stroke and in unselected populations undergoing examination with transesophageal echocardiography.

Results—

We identified 11 eligible studies including a total of 4000 patients (667 patients with stroke and 3333 unselected individuals; mean age, 65 years; 55% men). On baseline transesophageal echocardiograpic examination, the prevalence of complex atheromatous plaques in the descending aorta was higher (
P
=0.001) in patients with stroke (25.4%; 95% confidence interval, 14.6–40.4%) compared with unselected individuals (6.1%; 95% confidence interval, 3.4–10%). However, no significant difference (
P
=0.059) in the prevalence of complex atheromatous plaques in the descending aorta was found between patients with cryptogenic (21.8%; 95% confidence interval, 17.5–26.9%) and unclassified (28.3%; 95% confidence interval, 23.9–33.1%) cerebral infarction.

Conclusions—
Our findings indicate that the presence of complex plaques in the descending aorta is presumably a marker of generalized atherosclerosis and high vascular risk. The present analyses do not provide any further evidence for a direct causal relationship between descending aorta atherosclerosis and cerebral embolism.
Atrocalopteryx auco spec. nov. from Vietnam, with taxonomic notes on its congeners (Odonata: Calopterygidae)
Authors: HÄMÄLÄINEN MATTI 
Published: May 2014

Atrocalopteryx auco Hämäläinen, spec. nov. (holotype ♂, from Vietnam, Lang Son province, Huu Lien, Tan Lai, alt. 260 m, 9 June 2008, deposited at RMNH, Leiden, The Netherlands) is described and illustrated for both sexes and compared with other species in the genus. The new combination Atrocalopteryx laosica (Fraser, 1933), comb. nov. is made. An annotated list of Atrocalopteryx species and keys to both sexes are presented. Male of A. auco differs from the other two completely opaque-winged species (A. atrata and A. atrocyana) by having yellowish crossveins on the under surface of the wings and by having the underside of abdominal segments 8–10 strikingly yellowish. The female of A. auco can be easily separated from A. atrata and A. atrocyana by the presence of whitish pseudopterostigma in both wings. Problems in the definition of the genus Atrocalopteryx are discussed.
Does Rhinoplasty Reduce Nasal Patency?
Authors: Celebi Saban , Caglar Erdem , Yilmaz Baki , Develioglu Omer , Topak Murat , İs Halim , Kulekci Mehmet 
Published: May 2014

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of rhinoplasty on subjective and objective assessment of nasal patency in patients who underwent rhinoplasty for cosmetic reasons only. Setting: Tertiary referral center. Design: Prospective, clinical study. Subject and Methods: A total of 50 adult patients who underwent rhinoplasty were included in the study. Preoperative and postoperative photographs of the nasal profile (frontal, lateral, and oblique) were obtained. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used for the subjective evaluation of nasal obstruction (0 being the minimum, 10 being the maximum amount of nasal patency). Objective evaluation of nasal obstruction was performed with a peak nasal inspiratory flowmeter (PNIF). Results: Preoperative mean VAS scores and PNIF values of the patients were 7.36 ± 0.83 and 115.10 ± 17.45, respectively. Postoperative mean VAS scores and PNIF values of the patients were 7.42 ± 0.73 and 115.30 ± 16.7, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between any of the pre- and postoperative subjective and objective parameters ( P > .05). Conclusion: Reduction rhinoplasty has been shown not to reduce nasal patency.
Notch1 Overexpression Associates With Poor Prognosis in Human Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Li Dawei , Dong Pin , Wu Chunping , Cao Pengyu , Zhou Liang 
Published: May 2014

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the expression of Notch1 in human laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) tissues and its relationship to clinicopathologic characteristics as well as their prognostic value in LSCC. Methods: Samples from 106 patients with LSCC were analyzed for Notch1 expression by immunohistochemical staining. The relationship between Notch1 expression and clinicopathologic parameters was subsequently analyzed. Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis of patient survival were examined using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards model, respectively. Results: We found that Notch1 had positive expression in 71 of 106 cases of LSCC (66.98%), which was obviously higher than laryngeal normal tissues ( P < .01) and significantly correlated with the clinical stage, lymph node metastasis, and histological grade (all Ps < .05). Univariate analysis revealed that Notch1 expression tended to show an unfavorable influence on overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) (both Ps < .01). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that Notch1 was an independent prognostic factor for patients with LSCC ( P < .05). Conclusion: These results reveal that Notch1 expression is a potential prognostic factor for malignant progression, metastasis, and survival of LSCC patients. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that high expression of Notch1 was associated with unfavorable OS and DFS in LSCC patients.
At the heart of an early psychosis centre: the core components of the 2014 Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre model for Australian communities
Authors: Hughes Frank , Stavely Heather , Simpson Raelene , Goldstone Sherilyn , Pennell Kerryn , McGorry Patrick 
Published: May 2014

Objective: To describe the core components of the Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre service model as the template agreed with the Australian Federal Government for national upscaling. The Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre model of early intervention has two main goals: to reduce the period of time between the onset of psychosis and the commencement of treatment and to bring about symptomatic recovery and restore the normal developmental trajectory as early as possible. Conclusions: The Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre comprises three elements of service provision for young people experiencing a first episode of psychosis: (i) early detection; (ii) acute care during and immediately following a crisis; (iii) recovery-focused continuing care, featuring multimodal interventions to enable the young person to maintain or regain their social, academic and/or career trajectory during the critical first 2–5 years following the onset of a psychotic illness. It does this via a combination of 16 core components, which provide a flexible, comprehensive, integrated service that is able to respond quickly, appropriately and consistently to the individual needs of the young person and their family. Innovative service reforms, such as Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre, that recognise the value of early intervention are crucial to reducing the impact of serious mental illness on young people and their families and, ultimately, on our society.
Use of restrictive interventions in a child and adolescent inpatient unit – predictors of use and effect on patient outcomes
Authors: Duke Suzanne G , Scott James , Dean Angela J 
Published: May 2014

Objectives: Restrictive interventions (seclusion, physical restraint, and use of acute/p.r.n. sedation) may have negative effects on patients. Identifying factors associated with use of restrictive interventions and examining their effect on admission outcomes is important for optimising inpatient psychiatric care. Methods: This study documented use of restrictive interventions within a child and adolescent psychiatric inpatient unit for 15 months. Two models examined predictors of use of restrictive interventions: (i) incident characteristics; and (ii) patient characteristics. The relationship between use of restrictive interventions and global clinical outcomes was also examined. Results: Of 134 patients admitted during the study period (61.9% female, mean age=13.8±2.9 years), 26.9% received at least one restrictive intervention. Incident factors associated with restrictive interventions were: physical aggression, early admission stage, and occurrence in private space. Patient factors that predicted use of restrictive interventions were developmental disorder and younger age. Use of restrictive interventions was not associated with increased length of stay or diminished improvement in global symptom ratings. Conclusions: Further research is needed to identify best practice in children at high risk for receiving restrictive interventions.