bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatic stellate cells secrete Ccl5 to induce hepatocyte steatosis
Authors: Kim Byeong-Moo , Abdelfattah Ahmed Maher , Vasan Robin , Fuchs Bryan C. , Choi Michael Y.
Published: May 2018

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) encompasses a wide spectrum of disease severity, starting from pure steatosis, leading to fatty inflammation labeled as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and finally fibrosis leading to cirrhosis. Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are known to contribute to fibrosis, but less is known about their function during NAFLD’s early stages prior to fibrosis. We developed an ex vivo assay that cocultures primary HSCs from mouse models of liver disease with healthy hepatocytes to study their interaction. Our data indicate that chemokine Ccl5 is one of the HSC-secreted mediators in early NASH in humans and in mice fed with choline-deficient, L-amino acid defined, high fat diet. Furthermore, Ccl5 directly induces steatosis and pro-inflammatory factors in healthy hepatocytes through the receptor Ccr5. Although Ccl5 is already known to be secreted by many liver cell types including HSCs and its pro-fibrotic role well characterized, its pro-steatotic action has not been recognized until now. Similarly, the function of HSCs in fibrogenesis is widely accepted, but their pro-steatotic role has been unclear. Our result suggests that in early NASH, HSCs secrete Ccl5 which contributes to a broad array of mechanisms by which hepatic steatosis and inflammation are achieved.
Environmental suitability models predict population density, performance and body condition for microendemic salamanders
Authors: Lunghi Enrico , Manenti Raoul , Mulargia Manuela , Veith Michael , Corti Claudia , Ficetola Gentile Francesco
Published: May 2018

Species can show strong variation of local abundance across their ranges. Recent analyses suggested that variation in abundance can be related to environmental suitability, as the highest abundances are often observed in populations living in the most suitable areas. However, there is limited information on the mechanisms through which variation in environmental suitability determines abundance. We analysed populations of the microendemic salamander Hydromantes flavus, and tested several hypotheses on potential relationships linking environmental suitability to population parameters. For multiple populations across the whole species range, we assessed suitability using species distribution models, and measured density, activity level, food intake and body condition index. In high-suitability sites, the density of salamanders was up to 30-times higher than in the least suitable ones. Variation in activity levels and population performance can explain such variation of abundance. In high-suitability sites, salamanders were active close to the surface, and showed a low frequency of empty stomachs. Furthermore, when taking into account seasonal variation, body condition was better in the most suitable sites. Our results show that the strong relationship between environmental suitability and population abundance can be mediated by the variation of parameters strongly linked to individual performance and fitness.
Breast cancer associated germline structural variants harboring small noncoding RNAs impact post-transcriptional gene regulation
Authors: Kumaran Mahalakshmi , Krishnan Preethi , Cass Carol E. , Hubaux Roland , Lam Wan , Yasui Yutaka , Damaraju Sambasivarao
Published: May 2018

Copy Number Variants (CNVs) are a class of structural variations of DNA. Germline CNVs are known to confer disease susceptibility, but their role in breast cancer warrants further investigations. We hypothesized that breast cancer associated germline CNVs contribute to disease risk through gene dosage or other post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms, possibly through tissue specific expression of CNV-embedded small-noncoding RNAs (CNV-sncRNAs). Our objectives are to identify breast cancer associated CNVs using a genome wide association study (GWAS), identify sncRNA genes embedded within CNVs, confirm breast tissue (tumor and normal) expression of the sncRNAs, correlate their expression with germline copy status and identify pathways influenced by the genes regulated by sncRNAs. We used an association study design and accessed germline CNV data generated on Affymetrix Human SNP 6.0 array in 686 (in-house data) and 495 (TCGA data) subjects served as discovery and validation cohorts. We identified 1812 breast cancer associated CNVs harboring miRNAs (n = 38), piRNAs (n = 9865), snoRNAs (n = 71) and tRNAs (n = 12) genes. A subset of CNV-sncRNAs expressed in breast tissue, also showed correlation with germline copy status. We identified targets potentially regulated by miRNAs and snoRNAs. In summary, we demonstrate the potential impact of embedded CNV-sncRNAs on expression and regulation of down-stream targets.
Correlating Photoluminescence and Structural Properties of Uncapped and GaAs-Capped Epitaxial InGaAs Quantum Dots
Authors: Dey Arka B. , Sanyal Milan K. , Farrer Ian , Perumal Karthick , Ritchie David A. , Li Qianqian , Wu Jinsong , Dravid Vinayak
Published: May 2018

The understanding of the correlation between structural and photoluminescence (PL) properties of self-assembled semiconductor quantum dots (QDs), particularly InGaAs QDs grown on (001) GaAs substrates, is crucial for both fundamental research and optoelectronic device applications. So far structural and PL properties have been probed from two different epitaxial layers, namely top-capped and buried layers respectively. Here, we report for the first time both structural and PL measurements from an uncapped layer of InGaAs QDs to correlate directly composition, strain and shape of QDs with the optical properties. Synchrotron X-ray scattering measurements show migration of In atom from the apex of QDs giving systematic reduction of height and enlargement of QDs base in the capping process. The optical transitions show systematic reduction in the energy of ground state and the first excited state transition lines with increase in capping but the energy of the second excited state line remain unchanged. We also found that the excitons are confined at the base region of these elliptically shaped QDs showing an interesting volume-dependent confinement energy scaling of 0.3 instead of 0.67 expected for spherical dots. The presented method will help us tuning the growth of QDs to achieve desired optical properties.
Allatostatin C modulates nociception and immunity in Drosophila
Authors: Bachtel Nathaniel D. , Hovsepian Gary A. , Nixon Douglas F. , Eleftherianos Ioannis
Published: May 2018

Bacterial induced inflammatory responses cause pain through direct activation of nociceptive neurons, and the ablation of these neurons leads to increased immune infiltration. In this study, we investigated nociceptive-immune interactions inDrosophilaand the role these interactions play during pathogenic bacterial infection. After bacterial infection, we found robust upregulation of ligand-gated ion channels and allatostatin receptors involved in nociception, which potentially leads to hyperalgesia. We further found thatAllatostatin-C Receptor 2 (AstC-R2)plays a crucial role in host survival during infection with the pathogenic bacteriumPhotorhabdus luminescens. Upon examination of immune signaling inAstC-R2deficient mutants, we demonstrated thatAllatostatin-C Receptor 2specifically inhibits the Immune deficiency pathway, and knockdown of AstC-R2leads to overproduction of antimicrobial peptides related to this pathway and decreased host survival. This study provides mechanistic insights into the importance of microbe-nociceptor interactions during bacterial challenge. We posit thatAllatostatin Cis an immunosuppressive substance released by nociceptors orDrosophilahemocytes that dampensIMDsignaling in order to either prevent immunopathology or to reduce unnecessary metabolic cost after microbial stimulation.AstC-R2also acts to dampen thermal nociception in the absence of infection, suggesting an intrinsic neuronal role in mediating these processes during homeostatic conditions. Further examination into the signaling mechanisms by whichAllatostatin-Calters immunity and nociception inDrosophilamay reveal conserved pathways which can be utilized towards therapeutically targeting inflammatory pain and chronic inflammation.
MicroRNA and transcriptome analysis in periocular Sebaceous Gland Carcinoma
Authors: Bladen John C. , Wang Jun , Sangaralingam Ajanthah , Moosajee Mariya , Fitchett Caroline , Chelala Claude , Beaconsfield Michele , O’Toole Edel A. , Philpott Michael P. , Ezra Daniel G.
Published: May 2018

Sebaceous gland carcinoma (SGC) is a rare, but life-threatening condition with a predilection for the periocular region. Eyelid SGC can be broadly categorised into two subtypes, namely either nodular or pagetoid with the latter being more aggressive and requiring radical excision to save life. We have identified key altered microRNAs (miRNA) involved in SGC shared by both subtypes, hsa-miR-34a-5p and hsa-miR-16-5p. However, their gene targetsBCL2andMYCwere differentially expressed with both overexpressed in pagetoid but unchanged in nodular suggesting different modes of action of these two miRNAs onBCL/MYCexpression. Hsa-miR-150p is nodular-specifically overexpressed, and its targetZEB1was significantly downregulated in nodular SGC suggesting a tumour suppressor role. Invasive pagetoid subtype demonstrated specific overexpression of hsa-miR-205 and downregulation of hsa-miR-199a. Correspondingly, miRNA gene targets,EZH2(by hsa-miR-205) andCD44(by hsa-miR-199a), were both overexpressed in pagetoid SGC. CD44 has been identified as a potential cancer stem cell marker in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and its overexpression in pagetoid cells represents a novel treatment target. Aberrant miRNAs and their gene targets have been identified in both SGC subtypes, paving the way for better molecular understanding of these tumours and identifying new treatment targets.
On the relationship between the specific heat enhancement of salt-based nanofluids and the ionic exchange capacity of nanoparticles
Authors: Mondragón Rosa , Juliá J. Enrique , Cabedo Luis , Navarrete Nuria
Published: May 2018

Nanoparticles have been used in thermal applications to increase the specific heat of the molten salts used in Concentrated Solar Power plants for thermal energy storage. Although several mechanisms for abnormal enhancement have been proposed, they are still being investigated and more research is necessary. However, this nanoparticle-salt interaction can also be found in chemical applications in which nanoparticles have proved suitable to be used as an adsorbent for nitrate removal given their high specific surface, reactivity and ionic exchange capacity. In this work, the ionic exchange capacity mechanism for the nanoparticles functionalization phenomenon was evaluated. The ionic exchange capacity of silica and alumina nanoparticles dispersed in lithium, sodium and potassium nitrates was measured. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy tests confirmed the adsorption of nitrate ions on the nanoparticle surface. A relationship between the ionic exchange capacity of nanoparticles and the specific heat enhancement of doped molten salts was proposed for the first time.
Tunable phase stability and contact resistance of monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides contacts with metal
Authors: Ouyang Bin , Xiong Shiyun , Jing Yuhang
Published: May 2018

Monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides/metal (MX2/metal) based transistors have been widely studied. However, further development is hindered by the large contact resistance between MX2 and metal contact. In this paper, we demonstrated that interfacial charge transfer between MX2 and metal is the key for tuning contact resistance. With the lattice misfit criterion applied to screen combination of MX2s and metals, it has been found out that both phase stability of MX2 and contact nature between MX2 and metal will be sensitively affected by interfacial charge transfer. Additionally, we have identified seven MX2/metal systems that can potentially form zero Schottky barrier contacts utilizing phase engineering. On base of interfacial charge calculations and contact resistance analysis, we have presented three types of MX2/metal contacts that can be formed with distinguished contact resistance. Our theoretical results not only demonstrate various choice of MX2/metal designs in order to achieve different amounts of interfacial charge transfer as well as manipulate contact resistance, but also shed light on designing ohmic contacts in MX2/metal systems.
Correction: Corrigendum: Collocated observations of cloud condensation nuclei, particle size distributions, and chemical composition
Authors: Schmale Julia , Henning Silvia , Henzing Bas , Keskinen Helmi , Sellegri Karine , Ovadnevaite Jurgita , Bougiatioti Aikaterini , Kalivitis Nikos , Stavroulas Iasonas , Jefferson Anne , Park Minsu , Schlag Patrick , Kristensson Adam , Iwamoto Yoko , Pringle Kirsty , Reddington Carly , Aalto Pasi , Äijälä Mikko , Baltensperger Urs , Bialek Jakub , Birmili Wolfram , Bukowiecki Nicolas , Ehn Mikael , Fjæraa Ann Mari , Fiebig Markus , Frank Göran , Fröhlich Roman , Frumau Arnoud , Furuya Masaki , Hammer Emanuel , Heikkinen Liine , Herrmann Erik , Holzinger Rupert , Hyono Hiroyuki , Kanakidou Maria , Kiendler-Scharr Astrid , Kinouchi Kento , Kos Gerard , Kulmala Markku , Mihalopoulos Nikolaos , Motos Ghislain , Nenes Athanasios , O’Dowd Colin , Paramonov Mikhail , Petäjä Tuukka , Picard David , Poulain Laurent , Prévôt André Stephan Henry , Slowik Jay , Sonntag Andre , Swietlicki Erik , Svenningsson Birgitta , Tsurumaru Hiroshi , Wiedensohler Alfred , Wittbom Cerina , Ogren John A. , Matsuki Atsushi , Yum Seong Soo , Myhre Cathrine Lund , Carslaw Ken , Stratmann Frank , Gysel Martin
Published: May 2018

Scientific Data 4:170003 doi: 10.1038/sdata.2017.3 (2018); Published 14 March 2017; Updated 8 May 2018 The affiliation of Cathrine Lund Myhre was incorrectly stated in the original publication. It is: 19 NILU -Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Instituttveien 18, Kjeller 2007, Norway.
Integration of phospholipid-hyaluronic acid-methotrexate nanocarrier assembly and amphiphilic drug–drug conjugate for synergistic targeted delivery and combinational tumor therapy
Authors: Li Yang , Zhang Huabing , Chen Yilin , Ma Jinyuan , Lin Jinyan , Zhang Yinying , Fan Zhongxiong , Su Guanghao , Xie Liya , Zhu Xuan , Hou Zhenqing
Published: May 2018

A novel synergistic-targeting polymeric delivery system was developed to carry drug–drug conjugate for boosting dual-drug co-delivery and combinational tumor therapy.
Peptide coatings enhance keratinocyte attachment towards improving the peri-implant mucosal seal
Authors: Koidou Vasiliki P. , Argyris Prokopios P. , Skoe Erik P. , Mota Siqueira Juliana , Chen Xi , Zhang Lei , Hinrichs James E. , Costalonga Massimo , Aparicio Conrado
Published: May 2018

Preventing dental peri-implantitis is critical. We coated Ti with laminin and ameloblastin-derived peptides to induce beneficial interactions with epithelial cells. This has potential to attach and maintain a long-lasting soft tissue barrier around the implant to prevent bacterial colonization.
Promotion of neurite outgrowth by rationally designed NGF-β binding peptide nanofibers
Authors: Okur Zeynep , Senturk Oya I. , Yilmaz Canelif , Gulseren Gulcihan , Mammadov Busra , Guler Mustafa O. , Tekinay Ayse B.
Published: May 2018

Promotion of neurite outgrowth is an important limiting step for regeneration in nerve injury and depends strongly on the local expression of nerve growth factor (NGF).
Opposite mechanoluminescence behavior of two isomers with different linkage positions
Authors: Liu Fan , Tu Jin , Wang Xiaorui , Wang Jiaqiang , Gong Yanbing , Han Mengmeng , Dang Xianxi , Liao Qiuyan , Peng Qian , Li Qianqian , Li Zhen
Published: May 2018

A new strategy for producing pure organic “high molecular weight” ML luminogens was proposed by simply changing linkage positions between aromatic blocks.
Anion recovery from water by cross-linked cationic surfactant nanoparticles across dialysis membranes
Authors: Chen Ming , Jafvert Chad T.
Published: May 2018

Ion exchange selectivity coefficients for a new cross-linked micellar nanoparticle are reported and are used to predict specific ion recovery (e.g., phosphate) across dialysis membranes.
Nanoengineering ABO3active sites from low-energy routes (TX100-stabilised water-in-oil microemulsions, surface segregation and surface complexation on colloidal AlOOH/sol–gel Al2O3surfaces) for pollution control catalysis
Authors: Worsley M. P. , Forrest P. N. , Roesch S. , Thatcher C. , Sermon P. A. , Kaur P.
Published: May 2018

LaCoO3nanoparticles are active in CO and propane oxidation when adsorbed on AlOOH.
Multiple pulse coherent dynamics and wave packet control of the N2a′′1Σ+g dark state by attosecond four-wave mixing
Authors: Warrick Erika R. , Fidler Ashley P. , Cao Wei , Bloch Etienne , Neumark Daniel M. , Leone Stephen R.
Published: May 2018

Dark states of molecular nitrogen in the XUV region are spectroscopically investigated using few-femtosecond dynamic wave packet control.
Enhanced catalytic performance of cobalt nanoparticles coated with a N,P-codoped carbon shell derived from biomass for transfer hydrogenation of functionalized nitroarenes
Authors: Duan Yanan , Song Tao , Dong Xiaosu , Yang Yong
Published: May 2018

A heterogeneous and reusable non-noble cobalt nanoparticles encapsulated with a N,P-codoped carbon shell derived from biomass has been firstly developed for efficient and selective catalytic transfer hydrogenation of functionalized nitroarenes to anilines.
The correlation between multiple variable factors and the autocatalytic properties of cerium oxide nanoparticles based on cell viability
Authors: Li Changyan , Shi Xiangcheng , Bao Liang , Yang Jingjie , Damirin Alatangaole , Zhang Jun
Published: May 2018

A new strategy was developed for evaluating the autocatalytic property of Ce NPs under optimized reaction conditions by the PLSR method.
Low-frequency polarization in molecular-scale noble-metal/metal–oxide nanocomposites
Authors: Hally David J. T. , Paci Irina
Published: May 2018

New methods for calculating the polarization response in metal/metal–oxide nanocomposites using the Modern Theory of Polarization, with partitioning into inclusion and matrix contributions.
The design and fabrication of supramolecular semiconductor nanowires formed by benzothienobenzothiophene (BTBT)-conjugated peptides
Authors: Khalily Mohammad Aref , Usta Hakan , Ozdemir Mehmet , Bakan Gokhan , Dikecoglu F. Begum , Edwards-Gayle Charlotte , Hutchinson Jessica A. , Hamley Ian W. , Dana Aykutlu , Guler Mustafa O.
Published: May 2018

Self-assembled peptide nanostructures containing π-Conjugated small molecules based on a [1]benzothieno [3,2-b]benzothiophene (BTBT) unit are shown as solution-processable semiconducting materials for potential use in tissue engineering, bioelectronics and (opto)electronics.
A biocompatible diazosulfonate initiator for direct encapsulation of human stem cellsviatwo-photon polymerization
Authors: Tromayer Maximilian , Dobos Agnes , Gruber Peter , Ajami Aliasghar , Dedic Roman , Ovsianikov Aleksandr , Liska Robert
Published: May 2018

A cleavable, biocompatible diazosulfonate two-photon initiator (2PI) was developed overcoming limitations caused by the toxicity of state-of-the-art bimolecular 2PIs.
Fully-automated magnetic stirring-assisted lab-in-syringe dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction for the determination of arsenic species in rice samples
Authors: Wang Xiaojun , Xu Guoliang , Chen Peng , Sun Yueshu , Yao Xiaoting , Lv Yan , Guo Weiwei , Wang Guozhen
Published: May 2018

The schematic of the MAS-LIS-DLLME system. D, detection system; SP, syringe pump; SV, three-way solenoid valve; W, waste; MPV, multiposition valve.
Water wettability of graphene: interplay between the interfacial water structure and the electronic structure
Authors: Liu Jian , Lai Chia-Yun , Zhang Yu-Yang , Chiesa Matteo , Pantelides Sokrates T.
Published: May 2018

Wettability of graphene is characterized from first principles.
Trimerisation of carbon suboxide at a di-titanium centre to form a pyrone ring system
Authors: Tsoureas Nikolaos , Green Jennifer C. , Cloke F. Geoffrey N. , Puschmann Horst , Roe S. Mark , Tizzard Graham
Published: May 2018

Bis(pentalene)dititanium Ti2(μ:η5,η5-Pn†)2 trimerises carbon suboxide (OCCCO) to form [{Ti2(μ:η5,η5-Pn†)2}{μ-C9O6}], which contains a 4-pyrone core, via the monoadduct [Ti2(μ:η5,η5-Pn†)2 (η2-C3O2)].
Phase separation in mixed polymer brushes on nanoparticle surfaces enables the generation of anisotropic nanoarchitectures
Authors: Rossner Christian , Tang Qiyun , Müller Marcus , Kothleitner Gerald
Published: May 2018

Anisotropic nanoparticle arrangements formedviaphase separation in mixed polymer brushes and site-specific functionalization are studied by experiment and simulation.
3D carbon foam-supported WS2nanosheets for cable-shaped flexible sodium ion batteries
Authors: Wang Ye , Kong Dezhi , Huang Shaozhuan , Shi Yumeng , Ding Meng , Von Lim Yew , Xu Tingting , Chen Fuming , Li Xinjian , Yang Hui Ying
Published: May 2018

NGQDs-WS2/3DCF three-dimensional nanoarchitecture was designed and synthesized as a high-performance flexible and free-standing anode electrode for cable-shaped sodium-ion batteries.
Covalent organic frameworks: a platform for the experimental establishment of the influence of intermolecular distance on phosphorescence
Authors: Wang Shan , Ma Li , Wang Qianyou , Shao Pengpeng , Ma Dou , Yuan Shuai , Lei Peng , Li Pengfei , Feng Xiao , Wang Bo
Published: May 2018

Phosphorescent 2D covalent organic frameworks were utilized as a research platform to study the relationship between phosphorescence emission and interlayer distance.
Molecular identification and characterization of Sarcocystis spp. in horsemeat and beef marketed in Japan
Authors: Murata Rie , Suzuki Jun , Hyuga Ayako , Shinkai Takayuki , Sadamasu Kenji
Published: May 2018

Human Sarcocystis infections are known to be caused by the ingestion of raw or undercooked beef or pork containing mature sarcocysts of Sarcocystis hominis or S. suihominis, respectively. In addition, several cases of parasitic food poisoning in Japan have recently been reported after consumption of raw horsemeat containing sarcocysts of S. fayeri. In this study, the presence of sarcocysts in 28 horsemeat and 121 beef samples collected in Tokyo was investigated. Sarcocysts of S. fayeri were found in 16 horsemeat samples. Sarcocysts of S. hominis were not detected in beef samples, while sarcocysts of S. cruzi were detected in 60 beef samples. In addition, S. hirsuta and S. bovini were isolated only from New Zealand beef samples. Bradyzoites in sarcocysts collected from 62/73 sarcocyst-positive refrigerated horsemeat and beef samples were determined to be viable. Molecular analysis of S. fayeri 18S rRNA gene sequences revealed that intraspecific variation among eight individual bradyzoites from a single sarcocyst was as high as 9.8%. In contrast, mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (mtDNA cox1) gene sequences from the six fragments of a single sarcocyst were 100% identical. Sarcocysts of S. bovini isolated from beef also exhibited intraspecific variation in 18S rRNA gene sequences and had to be cloned before sequencing, while mtDNA cox1 gene sequences were obtained by direct sequencing. Therefore, we conclude that molecular analysis of the mtDNA cox1 gene is the most useful for identification of Sarcocystis species. This study provides the first published partial sequence of the S. fayeri mtDNA cox1 gene.
Chronische, nicht dialysepflichtige
Niereninsuffizienz
Authors: Reshetnik Alexander
Published: May 2018

Patienten mit chronischer Niereninsuffizienz (CNI) haben ein hohes
kardiovaskuläres Risiko. Gleichzeitig weist der arterielle Hypertonus eine hohe
Prävalenz in diesem Kollektiv auf. Entsprechend der vorhandenen Evidenz
profitieren die Patienten mit CNI von einer Blutdruckeinstellung. Insbesondere
bei albuminurischen Patienten sollten RAAS-Blocker die Medikamente der ersten
Wahl sein. Aufgrund des meist höheren Alters und vorhandener Komorbiditäten sind
diese Patienten unter der antihypertensiven Therapie strenger hinsichtlich der
Nebenwirkungen wie akutes Nierenversagen, Elektrolytstörungen, Orthostase und
Synkopen zu überwachen.
Sekundärglaukom bei Uveitis
Authors: Lommatzsch Claudia , Heinz Carsten
Published: May 2018

Ein Augeninnendruckanstieg mit Entwicklung von glaukomatösen Schäden ist eine häufige Komplikation im Rahmen einer Uveitis. Die Prävalenz hat eine große Spannbreite in Abhängigkeit von unterschiedlichen Faktoren wie z. B. der zugrunde liegenden Uveitisform und der Erkrankungsdauer. Pathogenetisch muss zwischen einer sekundären Engwinkelkomponente und dem häufiger auftretenden Offenwinkelglaukom unterschieden werden. In der Diagnostik kommt neben der klinischen Sehnervenkopfbeurteilung, Perimetrie und Tonometrie die Verwendung von bildgebenden Untersuchungsgeräten wie z. B. OCT oder HRT zum Tragen. Im Rahmen eines uveitischen Glaukoms können die glaukomtypischen Veränderungen im Vergleich zu anderen Glaukomformen geringer ausgeprägt sein bzw. durch Netzhautschwellungen kaschiert werden. Therapeutisch ist die medikamentöse Therapie in Form von augeninnendrucksenkenden Augentropfen weiterhin First-Line-Empfehlung, wobei die Verwendung von lokalen Karboanhydrasehemmern oder Betablockern, je nach vorliegenden Kontraindikationen, primär zu bevorzugen ist. Eine operative Therapie schließt sich an eine erfolglose oder unzureichende konservative Therapie an. Die adäquate Operationstechnik ist vom jeweiligen Befund abhängig und umfasst zurzeit vorrangig Techniken wie filtrierende Operationen oder Glaukomdrainage-Implantate.
A structured light laser probe for gastrointestinal polyp size measurement: a preliminary comparative study
Authors: Visentini-Scarzanella Marco , Kawasaki Hiroshi , Furukawa Ryo , Bonino Marco , Arolfo Simone , Lo Secco Giacomo , Arezzo Alberto , Menciassi Arianna , Dario Paolo , Ciuti Gastone
Published: May 2018

Background and study aims Polyp size measurement is an important diagnostic step during gastrointestinal endoscopy, and is mainly performed by visual inspection. However, lack of depth perception and objective reference points are acknowledged factors contributing to measurement errors in polyp size. In this paper, we describe the proof-of-concept of a polyp measurement device based on structured light technology for future endoscopes.

Patients and methods Measurement accuracy, time, user confidence, and satisfaction were evaluated for polyp size assessment by (a) visual inspection, (b) open biopsy forceps of known size, (c) ruled snare, and (d) structured light probe, for a total of 392 independent polyp measurements in ex vivo porcine stomachs.

Results Visual assessment resulted in a median estimation error of 2.2 mm, IQR = 2.6 mm. The proposed probe can reduce the error to 1.5 mm, IQR = 1.67 mm (P = 0.002, 95 %CI) and its performance was found to be statistically similar to using forceps for reference (P = 0.81, 95 %CI) or ruled snare (P = 0.99, 95 %CI), while not occluding the tool channel. Timing performance with the probe was measured to be on average 54.75 seconds per polyp. This was significantly slower than visual assessment (20.7 seconds per polyp, P = 0.005, 95 %CI) but not significantly different from using a snare (68.5 seconds per polyp, P = 0.73, 95 %CI). However, the probe’s timing performance was partly due to lens cleaning problems in our preliminary design. Reported average satisfaction on a 0 – 10 range was highest for the proposed probe (7.92), visual assessment (7.01), and reference forceps (7.82), while significantly lower for snare users with a score of 4.42 (P = 0.035, 95 %CI).

Conclusions The common practice of visual assessment of polyp size was found to be significantly less accurate than tool-based assessment, but easy to carry out. The proposed technology offers an accuracy on par with using a reference tool or ruled snare with the same satisfaction levels of visual assessment and without occluding the tool channel. Further study will improve the design to reduce the operating time by integrating the probe within the scope tip.
Hemodialysis is a strong risk factor for post-endoscopic sphincterotomy bleeding in patients with choledocholithiasis
Authors: Nakaji So , Hirata Nobuto , Matsui Hiroki , Shiratori Toshiyasu , Kobayashi Masayoshi , Yoshimura Shigenobu , Kanda Keisuke , Kawamitsu Natsuki , Harasawa Hisato
Published: May 2018

Background and study aims Hemodialysis (HD) is considered one of the risk factors for post-endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) bleeding. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective study to evaluate HD as a risk factor for post-ES bleeding in patients with choledocholithiasis.

Patients and methods We used the post-ES bleeding rate as the main outcome measure. To evaluate the influence of HD on the risk of post-ES bleeding, logistic regression and propensity score analyses were conducted. In addition, univariate analysis-based comparisons of various clinical parameters (as secondary outcome measures) were performed between the patients in the HD and non-HD groups that experienced post-ES bleeding.

Results A total of 1518 patients were enrolled. In the multivariate analysis, a platelet count of < 50,000, anticoagulant therapy, bleeding during ES, and HD were found to be significantly associated with post-ES bleeding (odds ratio [OR]: 35.30, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 3.81 – 328.00; OR: 4.39, 95 % CI: 1.53 – 12.60; OR: 4.28, 95 % CI: 2.30 – 7.97; and OR: 13.30, 95 % CI: 5.78 – 30.80, respectively). Propensity score matching created 28 matched pairs. Propensity score analysis showed that the risk difference between the groups was 0.214 (95 % CI: 0.022 – 0.407). In a comparison between the patients in the HD and non-HD groups that suffered post-ES bleeding, it was found that the post-ES bleeding was significantly more severe in the HD group (p = 0.033), and massive blood transfusions and long periods of hospitalization were more frequently required in the HD group (p = 0.008 and p < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion HD is an independent risk factor for post-ES bleeding and makes post-ES bleeding more serious.
Systemische Kortikosteroide bei nicht infektiöser Uveitis
Authors: Neß Thomas
Published: May 2018

Kortikosteroide sind essenzieller Bestandteil bei der Behandlung einer nicht infektiösen Uveitis, von rheumatischen Erkrankungen, Autoimmunerkrankungen, Allergien oder bei der Behandlung oder Verhinderung einer Transplantatabstoßung. Neben den gewünschten Effekten auf das Immunsystem kann eine Langzeittherapie mit Kortikosteroiden auch zu einer ganzen Reihe von unerwünschten Wirkungen führen. Deshalb sollte die Therapie mit systemischen Kortikosteroiden in geeigneter Dosierung und mit einem ausreichenden Monitoring und einer adäquaten Prophylaxe erfolgen.
Paraparesis after Lumbar Drain Placement and Catheter Tear: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Kumar Mithilesh , Bhutani Rachna , Jain Neetu , Sood Jayashree
Published: May 2018

Lumbar spinal drain placement is being done with increasing frequency either to reduce intracranial pressure or facilitate view of surgical field in neurosurgical procedures. Complications due to fracture of catheter and/or retained catheter are rare and underreported but are of concern. The management of such a complication, surgical or conservative, depends on location of retained fragment of catheter, patient condition, or resulting complications due to catheter shearing. In this case, the position of the retained catheter fragment does not explain the subsequent paraparesis, which resolved with conservative management. Since there are no guidelines to handle such cases, it is important to individualize patient management. Proper positioning, technique and expertise, and some changes in Tuohy needle tip are required to reduce complications due to broken spinal drains. This case report emphasizes on the measures that can be taken to prevent shearing of spinal catheter.
A Feminist Menagerie
Authors: Giraud Eva , Hollin Greg , Potts Tracey , Forsyth Isla
Published: May 2018

This paper appraises the role of critical-feminist figurations within the environmental humanities, focusing on the capacity of figures to produce situated environmental knowledges and pose site-specific ethical obligations. We turn to four environments—the home, the skies, the seas and the microscopic—to examine the work that various figures do in these contexts. We elucidate how diverse figures—ranging from companion animals to birds, undersea creatures and bugs—reflect productive traffic between longstanding concerns in feminist theory and the environmental humanities, and generate new insights related to situated knowledges, feminist care-ethics and the politics of everyday sensory encounters. We also argue, however, that certain figures have tested the limits of theoretical approaches which have emerged as the product of dialogue between feminist theory and environmental studies. In particular, we explore how particular figures have complicated ethical questions of how to intervene in broad environmental threats borne of anthropogenic activities, and of who or what to include in relational ethical frameworks.
Kinship across Species: Learning to Care for Nonhuman Others
Authors: Desai Shruti , Smith Harriet
Published: May 2018

This essay responds to Donna J. Haraway's (2016) provocation to ‘stay with the trouble’ of learning to live well with nonhumans as kin, through practice-based approaches to learning to care for nonhuman others. The cases examine the promotion of care for trees through mobile game apps for forest conservation, and kinship relations with city farm animals in Kentish Town, London. The cases are analysed with a view to how they articulate care practices as a means of making kin. Two concepts are proposed, ‘learning from’ and ‘facing’ the Other, which are thickened through discussions of how caring takes place in each case in relation to a particular category of nonhuman other: animated tree and urban farm animal. Thus while attendant to situations of care involving a specific nonhuman subject, the cases also broker thinking on learning from and facing (the) other kinds of trees and animals, and the interspecies dynamics of which they are a part. The intersectional implications of the practice sites and participants are elaborated, to complexify and affirm situated but also reflexive approaches to caring. In doing this, the authors attend to their own positionalities, seeking to diversify Western-based ecofeminist engagements with caring, while asking what their research can do for the nonhuman other. They formulate and apply a collaborative methodological approach to the case studies, developed through cultivating attentiveness to the nonhuman subject of research. The authors consider in particular how attentiveness to the nonhuman other can facilitate practices of knowing that further a non-anthropocentric and non-innocent ethic of caring. By further interconnecting situations of caring for nonhuman animals and plants, the authors advocate for practices of care that antagonise how species boundaries are drawn and explore the implications for learning to care for nonhumans as kin.
A non-Fourier approach towards the analysis of heat transfer enhancement with water based nanofluids through a channel
Authors: Dil Taimoor , Khan M. Sabeel
Published: May 2018

In this article, a non-Fourier approach to model the heat transfer phenomenon in nanofluids having application to automotive industry is studied. In this respect, a recently proposed hyperbolic heat flux equation is embedded into the heat energy equation and thereby incorporating the effect of thermal relaxation time. Nanofluids are formed by considering copper oxide (CuO), Titanium dioxide (TiO2) and Aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nano-solid particles in the base fluid. The flow governing system of PDEs along with boundary conditions is transformed into its respective coupled system of nonlinear ODEs using suitable similarity functions. Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg (RK-5) numerical scheme embedded with shooting method is implemented and used to solve the obtained boundary value problem. Numerical simulations are performed and tabulated to analyze the influence of solid volume fraction on local coefficient of skin-friction and Nusselt number. A comparison is made between the results by Fourier and present heat flux model. We conclude that the presented new approach is more general and thus allows predicting the influence of thermal relaxation time on the heat transfer characteristics. Moreover, consideration of present model over the Fourier model helps to predict the actual temporal behavior of solution.
Hall effect measurement for precise sheet resistance and thickness evaluation of Ruthenium thin films using non-equidistant four-point probes
Authors: Østerberg Frederik Westergaard , Witthøft Maria-Louise , Dutta Shibesh , Meersschaut Johan , Adelmann Christoph , Nielsen Peter Folmer , Hansen Ole , Petersen Dirch Hjorth
Published: May 2018

We present a new micro Hall effect measurement method using non-equidistant electrodes. We show theoretically and verify experimentally that it is advantageous to use non-equidistant electrodes for samples with low Hall sheet resistance. We demonstrate the new method by experiments where Hall sheet carrier densities and Hall mobilities of Ruthenium thin films (3-30 nm) are determined. The measurements show that it is possible to measure Hall mobilities as low as 1 cm2V−1s−1 with a relative standard deviation of 2-3%. We show a linear relation between measured Hall sheet carrier density and film thickness. Thus, the method can be used to monitor thickness variations of ultra-thin metal films.
Solution of Schrödinger equation for two different potentials using extended Nikiforov-Uvarov method and polynomial solutions of biconfluent Heun equation
Authors: Karayer H. , Demirhan D. , Büyükkılıç F.
Published: May 2018

Exact solutions of the Schrödinger equation for two different potentials are presented by using the extended Nikiforov-Uvarov method. The first one is the inverse square root potential which is a long-range potential and the second one is a combination of Coulomb, linear, and harmonic potentials which is often used to describe quarkonium. Eigenstate solutions are obtained in a systematic way without using any ansatz or transformation. Eigenfunctions for considered potentials are given in terms of biconfluent Heun polynomials.
Efficient sampling of puckering states of monosaccharides through replica exchange with solute tempering and bond softening
Authors: Wang Lingle , Berne B. J.
Published: May 2018

A molecular-level understanding of the structure, dynamics, and reactivity of carbohydrates is fundamental to the understanding of a range of key biological processes. The six-membered pyranose ring, a central component of biological monosaccharides and carbohydrates, has many different puckering conformations, and the conformational free energy landscape of these biologically important monosaccharides remains elusive. The puckering conformations of monosaccharides are separated by high energy barriers, which pose a great challenge for the complete sampling of these important conformations and accurate modeling of these systems. While metadynamics or umbrella sampling methods have been used to study the conformational space of monosaccharides, these methods might be difficult to generalize to other complex ring systems with more degrees of freedom. In this paper, we introduce a new enhanced sampling method for the rapid sampling over high energy barriers that combines our previously developed enhanced sampling method REST (replica exchange with solute tempering) with a bond softening (BOS) scheme that makes a chemical bond in the ring weaker as one ascends the replica ladder. We call this new method replica exchange with solute tempering and bond softening (REST/BOS). We demonstrate the superior sampling efficiency of REST/BOS over other commonly used enhanced sampling methods, including temperature replica exchange method and REST. The conformational free energy landscape of four biologically important monosaccharides, namely, α-glucose, β-glucose, β-mannose, and β-xylose, is studied using REST/BOS, and results are compared with previous experimental and theoretical studies.
Influence of different inclusion levels and chain length of inulin on microbial ecology and the state of mucosal protective barrier in the large intestine of young pigs
Authors: Barszcz M. , Taciak M. , Skomiał J.
Published: May 2018

The objective of the study was to examine the effect of inulin level, in regard to its degree of polymerisation (DP), on microbial activity and mucosal immune system of the large intestine of pigs. A total of 56 castrated male piglets (PIC × Penarlan P76) were allocated to seven groups and fed from the 10th day of life cereal-based diets without the addition of inulin or with 1%, 2% or 3% of inulin with an average DP of 10 (IN10) or 23 (IN23). Pigs were sacrificed at the age of 50 days. Feeding IN10 diets increased fructan concentration in the large intestine compared with IN23 diets, but did not affect microbial activity, except for digesta pH and mucinase activity in the middle colon, which were greater at the 1% level compared with the control group and other IN10 diets, respectively. The concentration of secretory immunoglobulin A in the caecum and middle colon was reduced by the 1% IN10 diet compared with the control group. Pigs fed the 2% IN23 diet had a higher butyric acid concentration in the caecum and proximal colon and greater isoacid concentrations in the middle and distal colon in comparison to the control. Dietary level of IN23 did not affect secretory immunoglobulin A concentration but the count of caecal intraepithelial lymphocytes was higher in pigs on the 1% IN23 diet than on the control diet. Neither IN10 nor IN23 diets affected populations of Bifidobacterium or Lactobacillus spp. In conclusion, the effects of inulin in the large intestine of pigs depended on dietary level and DP. IN23 increased short-chain fatty acid production at the 2% level and slightly activated mucosal immune status at the 1% level.
Fatty acid profile, oxidative stability and sensory quality of breast meat from turkeys fed diets with graded levels of flaxseed oil for different periods of time
Authors: Jankowski Jan , Zduńczyk Zenon , Mikulski Dariusz , Juśkiewicz Jerzy , Pomianowski Janusz F. , Zduńczyk Przemysław
Published: May 2018

The effect of partial or complete substitution (2.5% and 5%, respectively) of flaxseed oil for soybean oil on the fatty acid profile, oxidative stability and sensory quality of turkey breast meat was studied. Turkeys were fed experimental diets for 3, 4, 5 or 6 weeks before being slaughtered at 16 weeks of age. The percentages of α-linolenic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid in the total fatty acid pool of meat were determined by dietary intake and feeding duration. Even a prolonged dietary treatment with 5% flaxseed oil did not significantly increase the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances content of the turkey meat and did not have a detrimental effect on the sensory properties. The recommended n-6 : n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids ratio (<4 : 1) in turkey meat can be easily achieved by feeding turkeys a diet containing 2.5% flaxseed oil for 3 weeks. To maintain the above ratio and increase eicosapentaenoic acid concentrations in the meat, the diet should contain 5% flaxseed oil.
Integrative systematic revision of a Mediterranean earthworm family: Hormogastridae (Annelida, Oligochaeta)
Authors: Marchán Daniel Fernández , Fernández Rosa , de Sosa Irene , Sánchez Nuria , Cosín Darío J. Díaz , Novo Marta
Published: May 2018

The problem of reconciling earthworm taxonomy and phylogeny has shown advances with the application of molecular techniques, yet they have proven insufficient. Integrative systematics could solve this by combining multiple sources of evolutionary information. Relatively low diversity, restricted range and low nomenclatural conflict make Hormogastridae Michaelsen, 1900 a desirable target for an integrative systematics approach. The main systematic conflicts within this family are the polyphyly of the species Hormogaster pretiosa Michaelsen, 1899, the widespread presence of cryptic lineages, the lack of resolution of supraspecific relationships and the paraphyly of the genus Hormogaster Rosa, 1877 (found to be composed of four well-supported genus-level clades by molecular phylogenetic inference). This work integrates all the existing information by performing phylogenetic inference based on morphological, molecular and total evidence datasets, comparing their performance with the topology obtained by phylogenomic analyses. It also includes a comparative study of representatives of the main clades based on microcomputed tomography (µCT) reconstructions. The addition of morphological characters improved the resolution of the Hormogastridae tree; ancestral state reconstruction displayed the evolution of character states and provided morphological diagnoses for the genera within a new system, which incorporates information about ecological niches and biogeography.
An overview of the general practice nurse workforce in Australia, 2012–15
Authors: Heywood Troy , Laurence Caroline
Published: May 2018

Several surveys of the general practice nurse (GPN) workforce have been undertaken in Australia over the last decade, but they have limitations, which mean that the workforce is not well-understood. The aim of this study is to describe the profile of the GPN workforce using the dataset available through the Australia Health Practitioner Registration Agency and to explore how it differs from the non-GPN nursing workforce, and if this workforce is changing over time. Data from labour force surveys conducted from 2012 to 2015 were used. Variables examined were age group, gender, remoteness area, hours worked, nurse type (enrolled (EN) or registered (RN)), years in the workforce and also intended years of work before exiting the workforce. When compared with the broader nursing workforce, a greater proportion of GPNs in 2015 were older (60 v. 51%), worked part-time (65 v. 48%) and worked in regional areas (35 v. 26%). Additionally, the characteristics of GPNs has changed between 2012 and 2015, with an increased proportion of younger nurses, more registered nurses and fewer working in remote areas. To ensure a sustainable workforce, particularly in rural and remote areas, strategies to recruit and retain this workforce will be needed.