bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reverse genetics reveals single gene of every candidate on Hybrid sterility, X Chromosome QTL 2 (Hstx2) are dispensable for spermatogenesis
Authors: Morimoto Kento , Numata Koki , Daitoku Yoko , Hamada Yuko , Kobayashi Keiko , Kato Kanako , Suzuki Hayate , Ayabe Shinya , Yoshiki Atsushi , Takahashi Satoru , Murata Kazuya , Mizuno Seiya , Sugiyama Fumihiro 
Published: June 2020

AbstractF1 hybrid progenies between related subspecies often show hybrid sterility (HS) or inviability. HS is caused by failure of meiotic chromosome synapsis and sex body formation in house mouse. Previous studies identified two HS critical genomic regions named Hstx2 on Chr X and Hst1 on Chr 17 by murine forward genetic approaches. HS gene on Hst1 was reported to be Prdm9. Intersubspecific polymorphisms of Prdm9 induce HS in hybrids, and Prdm9 null mutation leads to sterility in the inbred strain. However, HS gene on Hstx2 remains unknown. Here, using knock-out studies, we showed that HS candidate genes on Hstx2 are not individually essential for spermatogenesis in B6 strain. We examined 12 genes on Hstx2: Ctag2, 4930447F04Rik, Mir743, Mir465d, Mir465c-2, Mir465b-1, Mir465c-1, Mir465, Gm1140, Gm14692, 4933436I01Rik, and Gm6812. These genes were expressed in adult testes, and showed intersubspecific polymorphisms on expressed regions. This first reverse genetic approach to identify HS gene on Hstx2 suggested that the loss of function of any one HS candidate gene does not cause complete sterility, unlike Prdm9. Thus, the mechanism(s) of HS by the HS gene on Hstx2 might be different from that of Prdm9.
Infection by cyst nematodes induces rapid remodelling of developing xylem vessels in wheat roots
Authors: Levin Kara A. , Tucker Matthew R. , Bird David McK. , Mather Diane E. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractCyst nematodes induce host-plant root cells to form syncytia from which the nematodes feed. Comprehensive histological investigation of these feeding sites is complicated by their variable shape and their positions deep within root tissue. Using tissue clearing and confocal microscopy, we examined thick (up to 150 μm) sections of wheat roots infected by cereal cyst nematodes (Heterodera avenae). This approach provided clear views of feeding sites and surrounding tissues, with resolution sufficient to reveal spatial relationships among nematodes, syncytia and host vascular tissues at the cellular level. Regions of metaxylem vessels near syncytia were found to have deviated from classical developmental patterns. Xylem vessel elements in these regions had failed to elongate but had undergone radial expansion, becoming short and plump rather than long and cylindrical. Further investigation revealed that vessel elements cease to elongate shortly after infection and that they later experience delays in secondary thickening (lignification) of their outer cell walls. Some of these elements were eventually incorporated into syncytial feeding sites. By interfering with a developmental program that normally leads to programmed cell death, H. avenae may permit xylem vessel elements to remain alive for later exploitation by the parasite.
Inhibition of ROCK2 alleviates renal fibrosis and the metabolic disorders in the proximal tubular epithelial cells
Authors: You Ran , Zhou Wei , Li Yanwei , Zhang Yue , Huang Songming , Jia Zhanjun , Zhang Aihua 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Non-specific inhibition of Rho-associated kinases (ROCKs) alleviated renal fibrosis in the unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model, while genetic deletion of ROCK1 did not affect renal pathology in mice. Thus, whether ROCK2 plays a role in renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis needs to be clarified. In the present study, a selective inhibitor against ROCK2 or genetic approach was used to investigate the role of ROCK2 in renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis. In the fibrotic kidneys of chronic kidney diseases (CKDs) patients, we observed an enhanced expression of ROCK2 with a positive correlation with interstitial fibrosis. In mice, the ROCK2 protein level was time-dependently increased in the UUO model. By treating CKD animals with KD025 at the dosage of 50 mg/kg/day via intraperitoneal injection, the renal fibrosis shown by Masson’s trichrome staining was significantly alleviated along with the reduced expression of fibrotic genes. In vitro, inhibiting ROCK2 by KD025 or ROCK2 knockdown/knockout significantly blunted the pro-fibrotic response in transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-stimulated mouse renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (mPTCs). Moreover, impaired cellular metabolism was reported as a crucial pathogenic factor in CKD. By metabolomics analysis, we found that KD025 restored the metabolic disturbance, including the impaired glutathione metabolism in TGF-β1-stimulated tubular epithelial cells. Consistently, KD025 increased antioxidative stress enzymes and nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in fibrotic models. In addition, KD025 decreased the infiltration of macrophages and inflammatory response in fibrotic kidneys and blunted the activation of macrophages in vitro. In conclusion, inhibition of ROCK2 may serve as a potential novel therapy for renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in CKD.
Primärer Hyperaldosteronismus – warum diagnostizieren wir immer noch so wenige Patienten?
Authors: Handgriff Laura , Reincke Martin 
Published: June 2020

Was ist neu?
Definition, Klassifizierung und Prävalenz Der primäre Hyperaldosteronismus (PA) ist die häufigste chirurgisch therapierbare Form der sekundären Hypertonie. Hauptursachen des PA sind ein 1-seitiges Aldosteron-produzierendes Nebennierenadenom oder eine bilaterale idiopathische Nebennierenrindenhyperplasie (Bilateral Adrenal Hyperplasia, BAH). In den letzten Jahren ist das Phänomen der autonomen Kortisol-Co-Sekretion (ACS) im Rahmen des Conn-Syndroms in den Fokus gerückt. Während der Mineralokortikoidexzess für die Hypertonie verantwortlich ist, scheint die ACS vor allem zu metabolischen Komorbiditäten wie erhöhtem BMI, gestörter Glukosetoleranz und Diabetes mellitus Typ 2 zu führen. Das sogenannte „Connshing“-Syndrom (zusammengezogen von Conn- und Cushing-Syndrom) wird als neuer metabolischer Subtyp angesehen.
Diagnose Folgende Hypertoniegruppen sollen unter anderem gescreent werden (etwa 50 % aller Hypertoniker): Patienten mit therapierefraktärer Hypertonie, mit arterieller Hypertonie und Hypokaliämien, mit arterieller Hypertonie und obstruktivem Schlafapnoe-Syndrom (OSAS), mit arterieller Hypertonie und adrenalem Nebennierenzufallstumor, mit Hypertonie und Blutdruck > 150/90 mmHg sowie jüngere Patienten mit Hypertonie. Das Screening erfolgt mittels des Aldosteron-Renin-Quotienten. Der nächste Schritt ist häufig die Bestätigung der Diagnose PA mittels Kochsalzbelastungs- und/oder Captopril-Test. Neu ist, dass bei sehr ausgeprägtem biochemischem Phänotyp, z. B. bei Patienten mit spontaner Hypokaliämie sowie maximal supprimierten Renin- und Aldosteron-Werten > 550 pmol/l, ohne weiteren Bestätigungstest direkt eine Subtypdifferenzierung erfolgen kann. Die Subtypdifferenzierung erfolgt mittels CT-Bildgebung der Nebennieren und (als Goldstandard) Nebennierenvenenkatheterisierung. Bei technisch nicht erfolgreichen Katheterisierungen werden nuklearmedizinische Verfahren (z. B. CXCR4-PET/CT) in Einzelfällen eingesetzt.
Therapie Bei gesichertem unilateralem PA ist eine Adrenalektomie indiziert. Entsprechend der Primary-Aldosteronism-Surgical-Outcome-Study-Kriterien profitieren Frauen, jüngere Patienten (< 50 Jahre), Patienten mit geringerer Laufzeit der Hypertonie (< 5 Jahre) und Patienten mit geringerer Anzahl (< 2) von Antihypertensiva am meisten von einer Adrenalektomie. Im Fall einer BAH sollte eine Therapie mittels Spironolacton (initial 25–50 mg/d) eingeleitet werden, mit entsprechender Steigerungsoption zum Anheben des Renin als Ziel.
Therapiestrategien der Psoriasisarthritis
Authors: Köhm Michaela , Burkhardt Harald , Behrens Frank 
Published: June 2020

Was ist neu?
Bestehende Therapieempfehlungen und deren Limitationen In den letzten Jahren haben sich die Basistherapieoptionen für die Behandlung der Psoriasisarthritis deutlich erweitert. Das Sicherheitsprofil der verfügbaren Therapien ist gut untersucht und für die verschiedenen Präparate bekannt. Verschiedene Empfehlungen zur Auswahl und Steuerung der geeigneten Therapie stehen dem Behandler zur Verfügung. Hierbei finden die Empfehlungen der European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) und der Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA) national und international in der Routine Anwendung.
Zugelassene Therapieoptionen zur Behandlung der Psoriasisarthritis csDMARD-Therapien haben im Vergleich zur RA in der PsA-Behandlung eine schlechte Evidenzlage. Für neue Substanzen in den Kategorien tsDMARD und bDMARD liegen höhere Evidenzniveaus vor. Da neue Therapien unterschiedliche Zielstrukturen adressieren, bieten sich zunehmend Chancen der personalisierten und individualisierten Therapieentscheidung. Gerade neue pathophysiologische Erkenntnisse zum Erkrankungsbild und die daraus resultierenden Therapieoptionen, die gezielt spezifische Targets adressieren, bieten Möglichkeiten einer immer differenzierteren und individualisierten medikamentösen Behandlung zur Verbesserung der Versorgung der PsA-Patienten, vor allem mit Fokus auf personalisierte Strategien zur optimalen Behandlung verschiedener Manifestationsformen und -muster.
Randomisierte kontrollierte Studien und deren Relevanz für den Versorgungsalltag Studienendpunkte randomisierter kontrollierter Studien, deren Studiendesign oft aus der rheumatoiden Arthritis entliehen ist, dienen auch aufgrund der großen Heterogenität der Erkrankung kaum als Basis für individuelle Therapieentscheidungen. Ein mehrschrittiges Vorgehen bei der Auswahl eines individualisierten Behandlungsregimes ist wichtig unter Berücksichtigung der klinischen Manifestation, potenzieller Begleiterkrankungen, von Langzeitsicherheitsaspekten, Kontraindikationen, Applikationsformen und nicht zuletzt des Patientenwunschs.
Vom Trampelpfad zum offiziellen Gehweg: Das neue Therapiekonzept bei leichtem Asthma
Authors: Lommatzsch Marek 
Published: June 2020

Was ist neu?
Inhalative Therapie bei leichtem Asthma Bislang wurden Patienten mit leichtem Asthma mit einer reinen Beta-Mimetika-Bedarfstherapie (z. B. Salbutamol als Dosieraerosol bei Bedarf) versorgt, ab Stufe 2 (Beschwerden mindestens 2-mal pro Woche) wurde eine niedrigdosierte Dauer-Monotherapie mit einem inhalativen Steroid (ICS) empfohlen. Fixkombinationen aus ICS und Formoterol sind in Europa bisher nur zur Langzeittherapie zugelassen und wurden bislang erst ab Stufe 3 empfohlen.
Paradigmenwechsel in der neuen internationalen Leitlinie 2019 Die neue internationale Asthma-Leitlinie der GINA empfiehlt eine reine ICS-Formoterol-Bedarfstherapie, sowohl in Stufe 1 (dort als bevorzugte Option) als auch in Stufe 2 (dort als gleichwertige Option). Eine Zulassung hierfür liegt zwar in Europa noch nicht vor, das Therapieprinzip wird sich aber aufgrund der Sicherheit, der Wirksamkeit und der Praktikabilität in Europa in den nächsten Jahren durchsetzen.
Transcranial Sonography Findings in Alzheimer’s Disease: A New Imaging Biomarker
Authors: Yilmaz Rezzak , Granert Oliver , Schäffer Eva , Jensen-Kondering Ulf , Schulze Sarah , Bartsch Thorsten , Berg Daniela 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Objective To validate transcranial sonography (TCS) as a novel imaging tool for the assessment of medial temporal lobe (MTL) atrophy (MTA).
Materials and Methods Participants with Alzheimer’s disease (AD, n = 30) and age-sex-matched controls (n = 30) underwent TCS and MRI. On TCS, MTL structures (choroidal fissure (CF) and temporal horn (TH)) were measured and combined to create an MTA score in sonography (MTA-S). Furthermore, both THs and the third ventricle were combined to form the ventricle enlargement score in sonography (VES-S). On MRI, the MTL was evaluated by linear measurements, MTA scale and hippocampal volumetry. Validation was performed by comparing imaging methods and the patient group.
Results Intraclass correlations for CF and TH showed substantial intra/inter-rater reliability (> 0.80). TCS and MRI showed strong to moderate correlation regarding TH (right = 0.88, left = 0.89) and CF (right = 0.70, left = 0.47). MTA-S correlated significantly with the hippocampal volume (right = –0.51, left = –0.47), predicted group membership in logistic regression (Exp(B) right = 3.0, left = 2.7), and could separate AD patients from controls (AUC = 0.93). An MTA-S of 6 mm and 10 mm discriminated MRI MTA scores 0–1 (from 2–4) and MTA score 4 (from 0–3) with 100 % specificity, respectively. VES-S also showed a moderate correlation with the hippocampal volume (r = –0.66) and could differentiate AD patients from controls (AUC = 0.93).
Conclusion Our results suggest that TCS may be an alternative imaging tool for the assessment of MTL atrophy and ventricular enlargement for patients in whom MRI scanning is not possible. Additionally, TCS offers a practical, patient-friendly and inexpensive option for the screening and follow-up of individuals with AD.
Leadership and Ethics: Virtue Ethics as a Model for Leadership Development
Authors: Gentry Lonnie , Fleshman James W. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractLeaders are held to the highest of standards in both performance and ethics. The same is true for leaders in medicine. Thus, medical leaders must give attention to ethical development as well as performance development. Virtue ethics provide a way for the leader to develop ethically. Virtue ethics is the oldest form of ethics. Although other ethical approaches focus on external considerations, virtue ethics focuses on the inward development of character. Following the examples of virtuous people and developing habits of virtue are critical with this approach. The cardinal virtues of prudence, courage, temperance, and justice are considered the most important. Specific virtue lists have also been developed for medical practitioners. All of these virtues can contribute to the enhancement of leadership skills. The virtue approach is especially helpful for leaders because it motivates one to excel in whatever endeavor pursued, whether medicine, leadership, relationships, or life.
Glycoprotein VI is not a Functional Platelet Receptor for Fibrin Formed in Plasma or Blood
Authors: Zhang Danmei , Ebrahim Mariam , Adler Kristin , Blanchet Xavier , Jamasbi Janina , Megens Remco T. A. , Uhland Kerstin , Ungerer Martin , Münch Götz , Deckmyn Hans , Weber Christian , Elia Natalie , Lorenz Reinhard , Siess Wolfgang 
Published: June 2020

AbstractGlycoprotein VI (GPVI), a platelet collagen receptor, is crucial in mediating atherothrombosis. Besides collagen, injured plaques expose tissue factor (TF) that triggers fibrin formation. Previous studies reported that GPVI also is a platelet receptor for fibrinogen and fibrin. We studied the effect of anti-GPVI antibodies and inhibitors of GPVI signaling kinases (Syk and Btk) on platelet adhesion and aggregate formation onto immobilized fibrinogen and different types of fibrin under arterial flow conditions. Fibrin was prepared from isolated fibrinogen (“pure fibrin”), recombinant fibrinogen (“recombinant fibrin”), or generated more physiologically from endogenous fibrinogen in plasma (“plasma fibrin”) or by exposing TF-coated surfaces to flowing blood (“blood fibrin”). Inhibition of GPVI and Syk did not inhibit platelet adhesion and aggregate formation onto fibrinogen. In contrast anti-GPVI antibodies, inhibitors of Syk and Btk and the anti-GPIb antibody 6B4 inhibited platelet aggregate formation onto pure and recombinant fibrin. However, inhibition of GPVI and GPVI signaling did not significantly reduce platelet coverage of plasma fibrin and blood fibrin. Plasma fibrin contained many proteins incorporated during clot formation. Advanced optical imaging revealed plasma fibrin as a spongiform cushion with thicker, knotty, and long fibers and little activation of adhering platelets. Albumin intercalated in plasma fibrin fibers left only little space for platelet attachment. Pure fibrin was different showing a dense mesh of thin fibers with strongly activated platelets. We conclude that fibrin formed in plasma and blood contains plasma proteins shielding GPVI-activating epitopes. Our findings do not support a role of GPVI for platelet activation by physiologic fibrin.
Treatment of Venous Thromboembolism in Special Populations with Direct Oral Anticoagulants
Authors: Bavalia Roisin , Middeldorp Saskia , Weisser Gerhard , Espinola-Klein Christine 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAs a result of the successful completion of their respective phase III studies compared with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), four direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have been approved for the treatment and secondary prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE). These DOACs—apixaban, dabigatran, edoxaban, and rivaroxaban—have subsequently seen a steady uptake among clinicians since their approval. Despite the suitability of DOACs for a broad range of patients, they are not appropriate in certain situations, whereas in others they require additional considerations such as dose reductions. Subanalyses of phase III trials and studies on specific VTE patient populations have been conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the DOACs in a broad range of settings, such as patients with renal impairment, patients with cancer, patients of childbearing potential, patients with multiple comorbidities and pediatric patients. Furthermore, many recent guidance documents from important hematological societies and other specialists have incorporated several of these developments. These documents also identify the patients for whom DOACs are not suitable and where traditional anticoagulation options such as heparins or VKAs should be considered instead. This review provides an overview of key VTE patient subgroups, the clinical evidence supporting the use of anticoagulation in these patients, and a discussion of the most appropriate approaches to their management, including considerations such as dosing, acute and extended treatment durations, and DOAC selection.
Translating the oral tradition of community literature
Authors: Luhar Sahdev , Nimavat Dushyant 
Published: June 2020

AbstractCommunity literature, here, refers to a body of oral literatures by the diverse ethnic groups of India that speak thousands of indigenous languages. Many less explored indigenous groups with living oral traditions are found in India but their orality is not yet documented. In our attempts to find such cultural groups, we came across many cultural groups that are being ignored because of their small population, lack of political backup, lack of governmental upliftment policies, socio-economic conditions, or lifestyle. The cultural groups that are being referred to here are not the communities that live in tribal or forest areas but they are groups of people that live among us in our cities or villages. These groups mainly consist of migrating populations whose members wander here and there to earn their livelihood. These are the cursed communities in the sense that they have been ignored by all – by the government itself and also by the dominant cultural groups. In this paper, we try to record our own experiences and the difficulties that we faced while translating the oral tradition of such a cultural group – the Gādaliyā Luhār community. This paper also tries to show how translation is a two-tier (or a three-tier) process in countries such as India where the majority of marginalised cultural groups speak indigenous languages or dialects.
Modeling and simulation of an antenna with optimized AMC reflecting layer for gain and front-to-back ratio enhancement for 5G applications
Authors: Hocini A , Melouki N , Denidni T A 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
A low-profiled microstrip patch antenna for application in the 5G wireless communication systems is backed by a reflecting layer based on an optimized artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) to enhance the gain and the front-to-back ratio. The design and analyses process were carried out using the full-wave commercial simulator CST Microwave Studio in parallel with Matlab, using the embedded CST to Matlab VBA-based interface to create an automated simulation environment and to design both a conventional antenna and the proposed one. A genetic algorithm (GA) is used to optimize the AMC reflecting layer to achieve maximum gain and front-to-back ratio around the frequency band of interest. The results yield an important enhancement in the peak gain and front-to-back ratio, alongside a low side-lobe level (SLL) due to the successful surface waves suppression, thus making this antenna design a good candidate for future wireless communication systems.
Poly(vinyl alcohol)-based thin films for optical humidity sensing
Authors: Lazarova K , Bozhilova S , Christova D , Babeva T 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The optical and humidity-sensing properties are studied of hydrophobically modified PVA, namely poly(vinyl alcohol-co-vinyl acetal)s of varied copolymer composition. Copolymers are synthesized by reacting PVA with acetaldehyde in aqueous solution, thus introducing cyclic acetal functionalities in the polymer chain. Thin polymer films are deposited by spin-coating and their optical properties are studied as a function of the copolymer composition, i.e., degree of acetalization. Reflectance measurements at different relative humidities in the range 5 – 95 % RH are conducted in order to probe the sensing behavior. The comparison with neat PVA thin films confirms the influence of the copolymer’s acetal fraction on the optical and sensing properties and degree of hysteresis. The feasibility of applying poly(vinyl alcohol-co-vinyl acetal) thin films for optical sensing of humidity is demonstrated and discussed.
Optimization of ALD grown Ni-, Co- and Fe-doped ZnO films
Authors: Blagoev B , Terziyska P , Mehandzhiev V , Tzvetkov P , Kovacheva D , Avramova I , Ivanova T , Gesheva K , Paskaleva A 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Ni-, Co- and Fe-doped ZnO films were grown by atomic layer deposition on Si and glass substrates. The structures prepared were studied and characterized by XRD, XPS, ellipsometry and FTIR. The crystalline ZnO structure showed a strong dependence on the substrate used and the type of transition metal ion despite of the low doping levels.
Microstructural characterization of nanocomposites produced by laser ablation in a magnetic field
Authors: Nikov Ru , Avdeev G , Dikovska A , Koleva M , Nedyalkov N 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
We present a microstructural study of nanocomposite samples based on iron oxide and a noble or a transition metal. The samples were produced by laser ablation in air at atmospheric pressure in the presence of a magnetic field. This technology allows production of oriented nanowires composed by nanoparticles. We applied a simultaneous laser ablation of two targets in an external magnetic field. The targets used for the ablation were a magnetic material (iron) and a noble or a transition metal (silver, gold or cobalt). The presence of a magnetic field during the deposition results in arranging the nanoparticles formed in the plasma plume into micrometric nanowires on the substrate. The structural analyses confirms that the samples are composed by iron oxide and a noble or a transition metal.