bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pluripotent Stem Cell-Engineered Cell Sheets Reassembled with Defined Cardiovascular Populations Ameliorate Reduction in Infarct Heart Function Through Cardiomyocyte-Mediated Neovascularization
Authors: Masumoto Hidetoshi , Matsuo Takehiko , Yamamizu Kohei , Uosaki Hideki , Narazaki Genta , Katayama Shiori , Marui Akira , Shimizu Tatsuya , Ikeda Tadashi , Okano Teruo , Sakata Ryuzo , Yamashita Jun K. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAlthough stem cell therapy is a promising strategy for cardiac restoration, the heterogeneity of transplanted cells has been hampering the precise understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms. Previously, we established a cardiovascular cell differentiation system from mouse pluripotent stem cells, in which cardiomyocytes (CMs), endothelial cells (ECs), and mural cells (MCs) can be systematically induced and purified. Combining this with cell sheet technology, we generated cardiac tissue sheets reassembled with defined cardiovascular populations. Here, we show the potentials and mechanisms of cardiac tissue sheet transplantation in cardiac function after myocardial infarction (MI). Transplantation of the cardiac tissue sheet to a rat MI model showed significant and sustained improvement of systolic function accompanied by neovascularization. Reduction of the infarct wall thinning and fibrotic length indicated the attenuation of left ventricular remodeling. Cell tracing with species-specific fluorescent in situ hybridization after transplantation revealed a relatively early loss of transplanted cells and an increase in endogenous neovascularization in the proximity of the graft, suggesting an indirect angiogenic effect of cardiac tissue sheets rather than direct CM contributions. We prospectively dissected the functional mechanisms with cell type-controlled sheet analyses. Sheet CMs were the main source of vascular endothelial growth factor. Transplantation of sheets lacking CMs resulted in the disappearance of neovascularization and subsequent functional improvement, indicating that the beneficial effects of the sheet were achieved by sheet CMs. ECs and MCs enhanced the sheet functions and structural integration. Supplying CMs to ischemic regions with cellular interaction could be a strategic key in future cardiac cell therapy.Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Place identity and climate change adaptation: a synthesis and framework for understanding
Authors: Fresque‐Baxter Jennifer A. , Armitage Derek 
Published: March 2012

AbstractMost research on climate change adaptation emphasizes the material and objective assets that build the capacity to adapt. Nonmaterial or ‘subjective’ attributes of adaptation (e.g. identity, beliefs, and values) are more difficult to quantify, and research in this area is less developed. Further effort is required to develop and test frameworks that facilitate a systematic examination of the subjective attributes of climate change adaptation. This article outlines the contribution of place identity theory as a lens through which to systematically examine how person–place bonds influence climate change adaptation. We provide a working typology of three interconnected place identity approaches to help elucidate this relationship. Each has strengths and weaknesses, depending on the theoretical and practical contexts within which they are used. The ‘cognitive‐behavioral approach’ has important utility in addressing how place identity shapes climate change perceptions and behavior; it can, however, be limited due to cognitive complexity and lack of richness from quantitative methodologies. The ‘health and well‐being approach’ addresses the often underemphasized health and well‐being impacts from climate change on place and identity, though the subjective nature of health must be considered in such an approach. The ‘collective action approach’ offers important insight into using place identity as a mechanism to foster collective opportunities for climate change adaptation. With such an approach, however, care must be taken to ensure inclusive representation of subgroup identities. We conclude by reflecting on how place identity theory can foster improved understanding in a critically important and emerging area of climate change adaptation research. WIREs Clim Change 2012. doi: 10.1002/wcc.164This article is categorized under:

Perceptions, Behavior, and Communication of Climate Change > Behavior Change and Responses
Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change > Values‐Based Approach to Vulnerability and Adaptation
International tourism and climate change
Authors: Scott Daniel , Gössling Stefan , Hall C. Michael 
Published: March 2012

AbstractTourism is a major global economic sector that is undergoing tremendous growth in emerging economies and is often touted as salient for development and poverty alleviation in developing countries. Tourism is recognized as a highly climate‐sensitive sector, one that is also strongly influenced by environmental and socioeconomic change influenced by climate change, and is also a growing contributor to anthropogenic climate change. This article outlines the complex interrelationships between climate change and the multiple components of the international tourism system. Five focal themes that have developed within the literature on the consequences of climate change for tourism are then critically reviewed: climatic change and temporal and geographic shifts in tourism demand, climate‐induced environmental change and destination competitiveness within three major market segments (winter sports tourism, coastal tourism, and nature‐based tourism), and mitigation policy developments and future tourist mobility. The review highlights the differential vulnerability of tourism destinations and that the resultant changes in competitiveness and sustainability will transform some international tourism markets. Feedbacks throughout the tourism system mean that all destinations will need to adapt to the risks and opportunities posed by climate change and climate policy. While notable progress has been made in the last decade, a number of important knowledge gaps in each of the major impact areas, key regional knowledge gaps, and both tourist and tourism operator perceptions of climate change risks and adaptive capacity indicate that the tourism sector is not currently well prepared for the challenges of climate change. WIREs Clim Change 2012. doi: 10.1002/wcc.165This article is categorized under:

Climate and Development > Decoupling Emissions from Development
mGlu receptors in the retina
Authors: Dhingra Anuradha , Vardi Noga 
Published: March 2012

AbstractGlutamate, a key neurotransmitter in the vertebrate retina, acts via ionotropic and metabotropic receptors. Retina expresses mRNA for all metabotropic glutamate receptors and proteins for all but mGluR3. Every retinal cell class expresses one or more of these receptors. In general, these receptors are present presynaptically and serve to modulate synaptic transmission. While mGluRs on the photoreceptor terminal act as autoreceptors to titer glutamate levels, those on the horizontal cell processes seem to shape the light response. Similarly, autoreceptors on bipolar axon terminals modulate glutamate release and the receptors on amacrine and ganglion cells modulate feedforward signals by modulating K+ or Ca2+current to fine tune light responses. Since most of the mGluR subtypes are present in amacrine and ganglion cells that belong to many cell types, the pathways downstream of mGluRs are highly diverse with primarily modulatory effects. An exception to most mGluRs that have a modulatory function is mGluR6 because it plays a key role in the feedforward transmission from photoreceptors to ON bipolar cells and is also required for the correct localization of the synaptic proteins in the dendritic tips. In humans, mutations in the gene encoding mGluR6 cause autosomal recessive night blindness. In addition, mGluRs appear to play a trophic role in development and after retinal damage, suggesting potential future therapeutic implications. WIREs Membr Transp Signal 2012, 1:641–653. doi: 10.1002/wmts.43For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
Probing strongly interacting W’s at the ILC with polarized beams
Authors: Ananthanarayan B. , Patra Monalisa , Poulose P. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractWe study the possibility of fingerprinting a strongly interactingWboson sector which is consistent with present day LHC searches at the ILC with longitudinal as well as transversely polarized electron and positron beams. We account for the final state interaction using a suitable Omnès formalism in terms of a plausible resonance description, and carry out thorough analyses of cross sections, asymmetries and angular distributions of the W′s. We carry out a comparison with other extensions of the Standard Model, where heavy additional Z′bosons arise naturally. We also consider the effect of the strong final state interaction on a correlation that depends on$ \left( {{\phi_{ - }} - {\phi_{ + }}} \right) $, where theϕ∓are the azimuthal angles of decay leptons, and find that it is a useful discriminant.
Evaluation of the Appendicitis Inflammatory Response Score for Patients with Acute Appendicitis
Authors: de Castro S. M. M. , Ünlü Ç. , Steller E. Ph. , van Wagensveld B. A. , Vrouenraets B. C. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackgroundAcute appendicitis is still a difficult diagnosis. Scoring systems are designed to aid in the clinical assessment of patients with acute appendicitis. The Alvarado score is the most well known and best performing in validation studies. The purpose of the present study was to externally validate a recently developed appendicitis inflammatory response (AIR) score and compare it to the Alvarado score.MethodsThe present study selected consecutive patients who presented with suspicion of acute appendicitis between 2006 and 2009. Variables necessary to evaluate the scoring systems were registered. The diagnostic performance of the two scores was compared.ResultsThe present study included 941 consecutive patients with suspicion of acute appendicitis. There were 410 male patients (44%) and 531 female patients (56%). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the AIR score was 0.96 and significantly better than the area under the curve of 0.82 of the Alvarado score (p < 0.05). The AIR score also outperformed the Alvarado score when analyzing the more difficult patients, including women, children, and the elderly.ConclusionsThis study externally validates the AIR Score for patients with acute appendicitis. The scoring system has a high discriminating power and outperforms the Alvarado score.
The Role of a State‐Level Prevention Support System in Promoting High‐Quality Implementation and Sustainability of Evidence‐Based Programs
Authors: Rhoades Brittany L. , Bumbarger Brian K. , Moore Julia E. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAlthough numerous evidence‐based programs (EBPs) have been proven effective in research trials and are being widely promoted through federal, state, and philanthropic dollars, few have been “scaled up” in a manner likely to have a measurable impact on today's critical social problems. The Interactive Systems Framework for Dissemination and Implementation (ISF) explicates three systems that are critical in addressing the barriers that prevent these programs from having their intended public health impact. In this article we describe the relevance of these systems in a real‐world context with a specific focus on the Prevention Support System (PSS). We expand on the ISF model by presenting funders and policy‐makers as active and engaged stakeholders, and demonstrate how a state‐level PSS has used empirical evidence to inform general and program‐specific capacity‐building and support interactions among researchers, funders, and practitioners in Pennsylvania. By embracing this expanded ISF framework as a conceptual model for the wide‐scale dissemination and support of EBPs, and recognizing the need for a distinct state‐level PSS, Pennsylvania has created an infrastructure to effectively address the primary barriers to moving from lists of EBPs to achieving population‐level public health improvement.Special Issue: Advances in Bridging Research and Practice Using the Interactive System Framework for Dissemination and Implementation; Guest Editors: Abraham Wandersman, Paul Flaspohler, Catherine A. Lesesne, Richard Puddy; Action Editor: Emilie Phillips Smith
Establishing and Evaluating the Key Functions of an Interactive Systems Framework Using an Assets‐Getting to Outcomes Intervention
Authors: Chinman Matthew , Acosta Joie , Ebener Patricia , Q Burkhart  , Clifford Michael , Corsello Maryann , Duffey Tim , Hunter Sarah , Jones Margaret , Lahti Michel , Malone Patrick S. , Paddock Susan , Phillips Andrea , Savell Susan , Scales Peter C. , Tellett-Royce Nancy 
Published: March 2012

AbstractCommunity practitioners can face difficulty in achieving outcomes demonstrated by prevention science. Building a community practitioner's prevention capacity—the knowledge and skills needed to conduct critical prevention practices—could improve the quality of prevention and its outcomes. The purpose of this article is to: (1) describe how an intervention called Assets‐Getting To Outcomes (AGTO) was used to establish the key functions of the ISF and present early lessons learned from that intervention's first 6 months and (2) examine whether there is an empirical relationship between practitioner capacity at the individual level and the performance of prevention at the program level—a relationship predicted by the ISF but untested. The article describes an operationalization of the ISF in the context of a five‐year randomized controlled efficacy trial that combines two complementary models designed to build capacity: Getting To Outcomes (GTO) and Developmental Assets. The trial compares programs and individual practitioners from six community‐based coalitions using AGTO with programs and practitioners from six similar coalitions that are not. In this article, we primarily focus on what the ISF calls innovation specific capacity and discuss how the combined AGTO innovation structures and uses feedback about its capacity‐building activities, which can serve as a model for implementing the ISF. Focus group discussions used to gather lessons learned from the first 6 months of the AGTO intervention suggest that while the ISF may have been conceptualized as three distinct systems, in practice they are less distinct. Findings from the baseline wave of data collection of individual capacity and program performance suggest that practitioner capacity predicts, in part, performance of prevention programs. Empirically linking practitioner capacity and performance of prevention provides empirical support for both the ISF and AGTO.Special Issue: Advances in Bridging Research and Practice Using the Interactive System Framework for Dissemination and Implementation; Guest Editors: Abraham Wandersman, Paul Flaspohler, Catherine A. Lesesne, Richard Puddy; Action Editor: Emilie Phillips Smith
Living situation, occupation and health‐related quality of life in adult patients with classic galactosemia
Authors: Hoffmann Björn , Dragano Nico , Schweitzer‐Krantz Susanne 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackgroundGalactose‐1‐phosphate uridyltransferase deficicency is well known as the underlying defect in classic galactosemia. However, little is known about the consequences of this defect beyond physical disease. Aim: To evaluate psychosocial, educational and occupational outcome as well as health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in adult German patients with galactosemia and to compare information with data from patients with phenylketonuria as well as the general German population.MethodsMembers of the German patient support group for galactosemia received invitation, informed consent form and questionnaires by regular mail from the patient support group. Participation was voluntary.ResultsForty‐one out of 66 invited patients participated in this study. Nearly 2/3 of the patients were singles, and the majority of patients were still living with their parents. Frequently, patients had no school leaving certificate, and 30% of the patients had never started or never completed an apprenticeship. Getting along with galactosemia was rated as ‘very good’ or ‘good’ although following the diet was a burden. Social well‐being and social functioning was lower compared to patients with PKU.DiscussionPatients with galactosemia need a multi‐professional team not only focusing on physical and/or biochemical aspects of disease but including also psycho‐social dimensions of life.
Lysosomal delivery of therapeutic enzymes in cell models of Fabry disease
Authors: Marchesan D. , Cox T. M. , Deegan P. B. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe success of enzymatic replacement in Gaucher disease has stimulated development of targeted protein replacement for other lysosomal disorders, including Anderson‐Fabry disease, which causes fatal cardiac, cerebrovascular and renal injury: deficiency of lysosomal α‐Galactosidase A induces accumulation of glycosphingolipids. Endothelial cell storage was the primary endpoint in a clinical trial that led to market authorization. Two α‐Galactosidase A preparations are licensed worldwide, but fatal outcomes persist, with storage remaining in many tissues. We compare mechanisms of uptake of α ‐Galactosidase A into cells relevant to Fabry disease, in order to investigate if the enzyme is targeted to the lysosomes in a mannose‐6‐phosphate receptor dependent fashion, as generally believed. α ‐Galactosidase A uptake was examined in fibroblasts, four different endothelial cell models, and hepatic cells in vitro. Uptake of europium‐labeled human α ‐Galactosidase A was measured by time‐resolved fluorescence. Ligand‐specific uptake was quantified in inhibitor studies. Targeting to the lysosome was determined by precipitation and by confocal microscopy. The quantity and location of cation‐independent mannose‐6‐phosphate receptors in the different cell models were investigated using confocal microscopy. Uptake and delivery of α ‐Galactosidase A to lysosomes in fibroblasts is mediated by the canonical mannose‐6‐phosphate receptor pathway, but in endothelial cells in vitro this mechanism does not operate. Moreover, this observation is supported by a striking paucity of expression of cation independent mannose‐6‐phosphate receptors on the plasma membrane of the four endothelial cell models and by little delivery of enzyme to lysosomes, when compared with fibroblasts. If these observations are confirmed in vivo, alternative mechanisms will be needed to explain the ready clearance of storage from endothelial cells in patients undergoing enzyme replacement therapy.
In vivo catecholaminergic metabolism in the medial prefrontal cortex of ENU2 mice: an investigation of the cortical dopamine deficit in phenylketonuria
Authors: Pascucci Tiziana , Giacovazzo Giacomo , Andolina Diego , Conversi David , Cruciani Fabio , Cabib Simona , Puglisi‐Allegra Stefano 
Published: March 2012

AbstractObjectivePhenylketonuria (PKU) is an inherited metabolic disease characterized by plasma hyperphenylalaninemia and several neurological symptoms that can be controlled by rigorous dietetic treatment. The cellular mechanisms underlying impaired brain functions are still unclear. It has been proposed, however, that phenylalanine interference in cognitive functions depends on impaired dopamine (DA) transmission in the prefrontal cortical area due to reduced availability of the precursor tyrosine. Here, using Pahenu2 (ENU2) mice, the genetic murine model of PKU, we investigated all metabolic steps of catecholamine neurotransmission within the medial preFrontal Cortex (mpFC), availability of the precursor tyrosine, synthesis and release, to find an easy way to reinstate normal cortical DA neurotransmission.Methods and resultsAnalysis of blood and brain levels of tyrosine showed reduced plasma and cerebral levels of tyrosine in ENU2 mice. Western blot analysis demonstrated deficient tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) protein levels in mpFC of ENU2 mice. Cortical TH activity, determined in vivo by measuring the accumulation of l‐3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine (L‐DOPA) in mpFC after inhibition of L‐aromatic acid decarboxylase with NSD‐1015, was reduced in ENU2 mice. Finally, a very low dose of L‐DOPA, which bypasses the phenylalanine‐inhibited metabolic steps, restored DA prefrontal transmission to levels found in healthy mice.ConclusionThe data suggests that a strategy of using tyrosine supplementation to treat PKU is unlikely to be effective, whereas small dose L‐DOPA administration is likely to have a positive therapeutic effect.
Clinical characteristics of adults with slowly progressing mucopolysaccharidosis VI: a case series
Authors: Thümler Anke , Miebach Elke , Lampe Christina , Pitz Susanne , Kamin Wolfgang , Kampmann Christoph , Link Bianca , Mengel Eugen 
Published: March 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo assess clinical features and general health status of adult patients with mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) VI.MethodsThis report includes the clinical history of patients older than 18 years with slowly progressing MPS VI and the retrospective analysis of the outcomes of available data collected between September 2003 and October 2008 at the Center of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg‐University of Mainz, Germany. Variables included were urinary glycosaminoglycan (uGAG) level, mutation analysis, body height, forced vital capacity (FVC), 6‐minute walk test, echocardiographic findings, the need for craniocervical decompression surgery, orthopaedic findings and ophthalmological assessments.ResultsThe analysis included nine patients with MPS VI aged 19‐29 years. The median age at diagnosis was 12 (range 6–20) years. At the time of the assessment (median age 25 years), median uGAG was 29 (range 15‐149) μg/mg creatinine and median height 152 (range 136–161) cm. All patients had a FVC below standard values, seven showed reduced endurance in the 6‐minute‐walk test, all had valve changes with valve replacement in three, two underwent craniocervical decompression surgery, two underwent carpal tunnel surgery, five had ear/nose/throat (ENT) interventions, seven had hip pain/dysplasia, seven had corneal clouding and two were visually impaired.ConclusionsAlthough patients with slowly progressing MPS VI are a heterogeneous group showing disease manifestations in several organs, they seem to have some typical characteristics in common. Despite the attenuated clinical course, many of these patients show severe morbidity. Therefore, early diagnosis and proper follow‐up and treatment are essential.
Direct‐to‐Consumer Genetic Testing: Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Myers Melanie F. , Bernhardt Barbara A. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThis issue of the Journal of Genetic Counseling is devoted to direct‐to‐consumer (DTC) genetic testing. The 15 articles in this special issue address practice considerations for genetic counselors and other health care professionals; the benefits and limitations of DTC genetic testing; consumer and provider attitudes towards and experience with DTC testing; and the roles and educational needs of genetic counselors and other health care providers in providing and interpreting DTC genetic testing. In this introduction to the special issue, we provide a brief background on DTC genetic testing, summarize the important contribution of the articles included in this issue, and outline the essential work that still needs to be done as genetic counselors are increasingly engaged in discussions, education, and research about DTC genetic testing.