bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Muc2 mucin coats murine Paneth cell granules and facilitates their content release and dispersion
Authors: Stahl Martin , Tremblay Sarah , Montero Marinieve , Vogl Wayne , Xia Lijun , Jacobson Kevan , Menendez Alfredo , Vallance Bruce A. 
Published: April 2018

Paneth cells are a key subset of secretory epithelial cells found at the base of small intestinal crypts. Unlike intestinal goblet cells, which secrete the mucin Muc2, Paneth cells are best known for producing an array of antimicrobial factors. We unexpectedly identified Muc2 staining localized around Paneth cell granules. Electron microscopy (EM) confirmed an electron lucent halo around these granules, which was lost in Paneth cells from Muc2-deficient (−/−) mice. EM and immunostaining for lysozyme revealed that Muc2−/− Paneth cells contained larger, more densely packed granules within their cytoplasm, and we detected defects in the transcription of key antimicrobial genes in the ileal tissues of Muc2−/− mice. Enteroids derived from the small intestine of wild-type and Muc2−/− mice revealed phenotypic differences in Paneth cells similar to those seen in vivo. Moreover, lysozyme-containing granule release from Muc2−/− enteroid Paneth cells was shown to be impaired. Surprisingly, Paneth cells within human ileal and duodenal tissues were found to be Muc2 negative. Thus Muc2 plays an important role in murine Paneth cells, suggesting links in function with goblet cells; however human Paneth cells lack Muc2, highlighting that caution should be applied when linking murine to human Paneth cell functions. NEW & NOTEWORTHY We demonstrate for the first time that murine Paneth cell granules possess a halo comprised of the mucin Muc2. The presence of Muc2 exerts an impact on Paneth cell granule size and number and facilitates the release and dispersal of antimicrobials into the mucus layer. Interestingly, despite the importance of Muc2 in murine Paneth cell function, our analysis of Muc2 in human intestinal tissues revealed no trace of Muc2 expression by human Paneth cells.
A noninterfering system to measure in-cage spontaneous physical activity in mice
Authors: Poffé Chiel , Dalle Sebastiaan , Kainz Hans , Berardi Emanuele , Hespel Peter 
Published: April 2018

Due to lack of low-cost and convenient measurement procedures, uncontrolled changes in spontaneous physical activity (SPA) level often are insufficiently considered as a confounding factor in rodent studies. Nonetheless, alterations in SPA can significantly impact on a wide range of physiological measurements. Therefore, we developed an accurate, low-cost video tracking procedure to allow routine assessment of SPA in the home cage of experimental animals (i.e., mice) and in the absence of any distress that might cause alterations in SPA. SPA parameters acquired (movement distance, movement time, and movement speed) with the novel tracking system were identical to those simultaneously obtained with a high-end and well-validated movement-tracking device (mean error = 0.15 ± 0.07%, r = 0.99, P < 0.001). To further validate the setup, we also demonstrated caffeine-induced stimulation of SPA (195% more activity compared with vehicle, P < 0.01), we adequately reproduced typical SPA fluctuations inherent to day/night cycles (146 and 702% more active during nocturnal compared with diurnal cycle for Balb/c and C57BL/6J mice, respectively, P < 0.001), and we confirmed previously documented SPA differences between animal strains (24% less activity in C57BL/6J mice compared with Balb/c mice, P < 0.05). Taken together, we provide data to prove that this novel low-cost methodology can be conveniently used in any mouse experiment where uncontrolled changes in SPA due to experimental interventions might confound data interpretation. By analogy, the system can be used to document a beneficial impact of therapeutic interventions on SPA in any disease mouse model.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We developed a low-cost procedure to routinely measure SPA in mice. The procedure maintains normal SPA because the animals continue to stay in their home cage in the absence of any external manipulation by the investigators and under habitual dark/light ambient conditions. This novel methodology can be conveniently used in any mouse experiment to quantify experimentally induced alterations in SPA or to assess natural variations in SPA that might confound data interpretation.
TK Inhibitor Pazopanib Primes DCs by Downregulation of the β-Catenin Pathway
Authors: Zizzari Ilaria Grazia , Napoletano Chiara , Botticelli Andrea , Caponnetto Salvatore , Calabrò Fabio , Gelibter Alain , Rughetti Aurelia , Ruscito Ilary , Rahimi Hassan , Rossi Ernesto , Schinzari Giovanni , Marchetti Paolo , Nuti Marianna 
Published: April 2018

AbstractTyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) target angiogenesis by affecting, for example, the VEGF receptors in tumors and have improved outcomes for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have also been proposed for treatment of mRCC with encouraging results. A better understanding of the activity of immune cells in mRCC, the immunomodulatory effects of TKIs, and the characteristics defining patients most likely to benefit from various therapies will help optimize immunotherapeutic approaches. In this study, we investigated the influence of the TKI pazopanib on dendritic cell (DC) performance and immune priming. Pazopanib improved DC differentiation and performance by promoting upregulation of the maturation markers HLA-DR, CD40, and CCR7; decreasing IL10 production and endocytosis; and increasing T-cell proliferation. PD-L1 expression was also downregulated. Our results demonstrate that pazopanib inhibits the Erk/β-catenin pathway, suggesting this pathway might be involved in increased DC activation. Similar results were confirmed in DCs differentiated from mRCC patients during pazopanib treatment. In treated patients pazopanib appeared to enhance a circulating CD4+ T-cell population that expresses CD137 (4-1BB). These results suggest that a potentially exploitable immunomodulatory effect induced by pazopanib could improve responses of patients with mRCC in customized protocols combining TKIs with ICI immunotherapy. Cancer Immunol Res; 6(6); 711–22. ©2018 AACR.
Computer-Assisted Quantitative Assessment of Prostatic Calcifications in Patients with Chronic Prostatitis
Authors: Boltri Matteo , Magri Vittorio , Montanari Emanuele , Perletti Gianpaolo , Trinchieri Alberto 
Published: April 2018

<b><i>Background:</i></b> The aim of this study was the development of quantitative assessment of prostatic calcifications at prostatic ultrasound examination by the use of an image analyzer. <b><i>Materials and Methods:</i></b> A group of 82 patients was evaluated by medical history, physical, and transrectal ultrasound examination. Patients had a urethral swab, a 4-specimen study and culture of the seminal fluid. Patients were classified according to National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases/National Institutes of Health. Subjective symptoms were scored by Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (CPSI) questionnaire. Ultrasound images were analyzed by the digital processing software Image J to quantitatively assess the presence of calcifications. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Computer-assessed calcified areas were significantly higher in chronic bacterial prostatitis (<i>n</i> = 18; group II; 6.76 ± 8.09%) than in the chronic pelvic pain syndrome group IIIa (<i>n</i> = 26; 2.07 ± 1.01%) and IIIb (<i>n</i> = 38; 2.31 ± 2.18%). The area of calcification of the prostate was significantly related to the CPSI score for domains of micturition (<i>r</i> = 0.278, <i>p</i> = 0.023), Prostatic Specific Antigen values (<i>r</i> = 0341, <i>p</i> = 0.005), postvoiding residual urine (<i>r</i> = 0.262, <i>p</i> = 0.032), total prostate volume (<i>r</i> = 0.592, <i>p</i> = 0.000), and adenoma volume (<i>r</i> = 0.593; <i>p</i> = 0.000).<b><i> Conclusions:</i></b> The presence of calcifications is more frequently observed in patients with chronic bacterial prostatitis and is related to urinary symptoms.
Mucosally Expressed Cytokines are Associated with the Esophageal Motility Function
Authors: Fukaura Keita , Ihara Eikichi , Ogino Haruei , Iboshi Yoichiro , Muta Kazumasa , Xiaopeng Bai , Hamada Shohei , Hata Yoshitaka , Iwasa Tsutomu , Aso Akira , Nakamura Kazuhiko , Ogawa Yoshihiro 
Published: April 2018

Background and Aim: Although basic research has shown that certain cytokines affect gastrointestinal motility, the clinical evidence is lacking. The objective of this study was to explore the association between mucosally expressed cytokines and the esophageal motility function in humans. Methods: We enrolled a total of 57 patients with suspected esophageal motility disorders (EMDs) who underwent high-resolution manometry. Results: The diagnoses of the patients were as follows: normal esophageal motility (n = 25), ineffective esophageal motility (n = 5), esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO; n = 10), distal esophageal spasm (n = 5), achalasia (n = 10), absent contractility (n = 1), and jackhammer esophagus (n = 1). The expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) was significantly higher in EGJOO (14.6, 14.0–15.8, n = 10) than in normal esophageal motility (13.3, 12.8–14.1, n = 25); however, there was no difference in the expression of TNF-α between achalasia (13.4, 13.0–14.1, n = 10) and normal esophageal motility (13.3, 12.8–14.1, n = 25). EGJOO was discriminated from achalasia/normal by a linear discriminant analysis (AUC = 0.917). A multivariable regression analysis revealed that interleukin (IL)-13 and IL-23A were predictive of the distal contractile integral, whereas TNF-α and IL-6 were predictive of the basal EGJ pressure. Conclusions: The esophageal motility was associated with mucosally expressed cytokines in humans; these cytokines could be useful targets for the diagnosis and treatment of EMDs.
Comparison of Small Bowel Lesions Using Capsule Endoscopy in Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Ninomiya Kazeo , Hisabe Takashi , Okado Yuki , Takada Yasumichi , Yamaoka Rino , Sato Yuho , Kishi Masahiro , Takatsu Noritaka , Matsui Toshiyuki , Ueki Toshiharu , Yao Kenshi , Hirai Fumihito 
Published: April 2018

Background: Capsule endoscopy (CE) has allowed the characterization of small bowel lesions. However, small bowel lesions in ulcerative colitis (UC) have not been elucidated and no studies have compared between UC and Crohn’s disease (CD). Aim: The objective of this study was to investigate the small bowel lesions in UC, and to characterize UC lesions by comparison with CD. Methods: Subjects comprised 54 UC patients and 39 CD patients who underwent CE. We retrospectively investigated characteristics of small bowel lesions in UC. We also compared endoscopic findings and degree of inflammation between UC and CD. Results: The incidence of small bowel lesions in UC was 27.8%. The group with small bowel lesions exhibited higher endoscopic activity in the colon than without small bowel lesions (p = 0.002). Comparing small bowel lesions between UC and CD, significantly more ulcerative lesions, notched appearance, longitudinal tendency of lesions, and cobblestone appearance were seen in CD. The Lewis score was significantly higher in CD than UC in the second and third tertiles (205 ± 379 vs. 73 ± 223, p = 0.01; 358 ± 449 vs. 105 ± 333, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Small bowel lesions in UC were linked to colonic activity. UC and CD differ in terms of the morphology and distribution of small bowel lesions.
High –Performance using Neural Networks in Direct Torque Control for Asynchronous Machine
Authors: Mekrini Zineb , Bri Seddik 
Published: April 2018

<p><span>This article investigates solution for the biggest problem of the Direct Torque Control on the asynchronous machine to have the high dynamic performance with very simple hysteresis control scheme. The Conventional Direct Torque Control (CDTC) suffers from some drawbacks such as high current, flux and torque ripple, as well as flux control at very low speed. In this paper, we propose an intelligent approach to improve the direct torque control of induction machine which is an artificial neural networks control. The principle, the numerical procedure and the performances of this method are presented. Simulations results show that the proposed ANN-DTC strategy effectively reduces the torque and flux ripples at low switching frequency, compared with Fuzzy Logic DTC and The Conventional DTC.</span></p>
O adolescente em conflito com a lei em relatórios institucionais: pastas e prontuários do “Complexo do Tatuapé” (Febem, São Paulo/SP, 1990-2006)
Authors: Lima Juliana Vinuto , Alvarez Marcos César 
Published: April 2018

Este trabalho analisa os rótulos mobilizados por funcionários que atuam em medida socioeducativa de internação para atribuir sentido ao comportamento do adolescente em conflito com a lei. Para tanto, será desenvolvida uma análise documental de relatórios institucionais, a fim de compreender tais classificações e o contexto nas quais emergem. Tais rótulos revelam ressignificações de normativas por parte dos referidos profissionais, que não consideram todos os adolescentes igualmente, levando em conta sua fase de desenvolvimento, mas apenas aqueles que atendem às expectativas construídas. Assim, é possível perceber uma vinculação de novos valores às identidades dos jovens internados, rotulando-os e construindo uma gramática moral compartilhada.
Trabalho em call centers em Portugal e no Brasil: a precarização vista pelos operadores
Authors: Costa Hermes Augusto , Costa Elizardo Scarpati 
Published: April 2018

Um retrato contemporâneo do mercado de trabalho em países como Portugal e Brasil permite identificar várias modalidades de precarização. Depois de uma breve reflexão teórica sobre a precariedade, as modalidades de precarização e os mecanismos regulatórios adotados nos dois países, o texto sintetiza alguns resultados de uma pesquisa empírica realizada em dois call centers no setor das telecomunicações situados em cidades (portuguesa e brasileira) de média dimensão. Analisam-se as percepções dos operadores de atendimento telefônico sobre o processo de trabalho e argumenta-se que, apesar das diferenças de performance econômica dos dois países nos últimos anos, as relações de trabalho instáveis e precárias têm-se tornado a norma nos call centers estudados.
<b>On the occurrence of the rare Long-nosed Stargazer <I>Ichthyscopus lebeck</I> (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) (Uranoscopidae) in the coastal waters off Visakhapatnam, India</b>
Authors: Velamala Govinda Rao , Naranji Muddula Krishna 
Published: April 2018

Ichthyscopus lebeck (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) is recorded for the first time from Visakhapatnam coastal waters, Andhra Pradesh, India. The specimens were collected from Visakhapatnam fisheries harbour. The morphometric and meristic characters, and description of the collected specimens are presented in this study.
<b>Sighting trend of the Indian Skimmer (Charidiformes: Laridae: <I>Rynchops albicollis</I> Swainson, 1838) in National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary (1984–2016) reflecting on the feasibility of long-term ecological monitoring</b>
Authors: Singh L. A.K. , Sharma R. K. 
Published: April 2018

River Chambal, in northwestern India, is a tributary of the Gangetic River system. It flows through the states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh (MP) and Uttar Pradesh (UP), and the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary (NCGS) encompasses a 572km stretch of the river from Keshoraipatan in Rajasthan to Pachhnada in UP. The sanctuary includes about 15km of river Yamuna after confluence with Chambal. During annual monitoring of Gharial in Chambal the Indian Skimmer, Rhynchops albicollis numbers were also counted in 12 study zones for 17 observation years spread between 1984–85 and 2015–16. The number of skimmers was below 355 for 15 of the 17 observation years. Skimmer counts were higher in 1995 at 555 individuals. The count for different study zones is not uniform, but with reference to Rajghat at the crossing of National Highway number-3, the count upstream is lower than downstream with an exception in the year 2011. The river downstream appears to be a better skimmer habitat with better availability of fish, and long stretches of flowing water along low-lying sandy banks. The study calls for continued, coordinated and strengthened attention to NCGS for added conservation of locally migrating birds. The research and management connect in NCGS is a model where long term ecological monitoring has been possible because of simple and implementable protocols that were used unchanged over such a long period by a set of identified field personnel.
<b>Water striders, the genus Cylindrostethus Mayr (Insecta: Heteroptera: Gerridae) from India with a new record</b>
Authors: Jehamalar E. Eyarin , Chandra Kailash , Srinivasan G. 
Published: April 2018

The genus Cylindrostethus Mayr, 1865 from India is studied. Prior to this study C. productus (Spinola, 1837) and C. scrutator (Kirkaldy, 1899) of Cylindrostethus were known from India. The record of C. scrutator (Kirkaldy, 1899) from India is doubtful. Study of gerrid specimens from Andaman Islands revealed one more additional species, C. costalis costalis Schmidt, 1915 new to Indian fauna. So, presently two species of this genus are known from India namely C. costalis costalis and C. productus, both belonging to the C. costalis species group (Polhemus 1994). A detailed study has been made of the male and female genitalia of Cylindrostethus known from India.
<b>Conservation assessment of two rare gingers (Zingiberaceae) from Dampa Tiger Reserve, Mizoram, India</b>
Authors: Kumar Pankaj , Singh Priya 
Published: April 2018

This work reports the distribution of two rare Zingiberaceae, Globba spathulata and Hemiorchis pantlingii, in Dampa Tiger Reserve, a protected area, located in Mizoram, northeastern India. Both these species have a distribution restricted to the northeastern part of India and the adjoining countries of Bangladesh, Myanmar and northern Thailand. In this study, we enumerate the species, present their current global distribution and conduct a conservation assessment for them. The study indicates presence of rare floral species in the protected landscape, and a lack of ecological and conservation attention to the region. A conservation assessment conducted for both species, based on their existing global distribution and potential threats, identifies the species as ‘Vulnerable’.
<b>Additional reports of solitary potter wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Eumeninae) in Bhutan</b>
Authors: Nidup Tshering , Klein Wim , Kumar P. Girish , Dorji Phurpa 
Published: April 2018

The knowledge on subfamily Eumeninae is still in its infancy in Bhutan. Eumenid species of Bhutan is increased to 22 with the report of 11 more species and an additional subspecies in this paper. The species Antepipona bhutanensis, endemic to Bhutan, is reported here after 42 years of its original description, through two male specimens from Paro and Chhukha districts. Its distribution range is expanded to Chhukha District. Parasitic mite association is reported in two males of Antodynerus limbatus collected at 222m and 720m altitude.
<b><I>Anemone trullifolia</I> and <I>Berberis angulosa</I> as new records to the flora of the western Himalaya, India</b>
Authors: Rai Ishwari Datt , Singh Gajendra , Rawat Gopal Singh 
Published: April 2018

The western Himalaya represent an important and distinct botanical sub-region and biogeographic zone in the Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot. There is a long history of floral exploration in this region as compared to the eastern Himalaya; however, recent additions of several species to western Himalayan flora reveal remote areas yet to be explored intensively. The present reports on Anemone trullifolia and Berberis angulosa from the subalpine-alpine areas of western Himalaya also emphasize the need for further exploration. In this article, a brief description of these species is presented along with distribution, ecology, phytogeographical notes and photographs are provided for easy identification.
<b>The first report of two thread-legged assassin bugs (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Emesinae) from India</b>
Authors: Sarode Balasaheb V. , Boyane Swapnil S. , Ghate Hemant V. 
Published: April 2018

Two Emesinae bugs, namely Stenolemus crassirostris Stål, 1871, and Gardena brevicollis Stål, 1871, are being reported for the first time from India. Both are widespread species but have never been recorded from India.
Association of Total and Differential Leukocyte Counts With Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality in the UK Biobank
Authors: Welsh Claire , Welsh Paul , Mark Patrick B. , Celis-Morales Carlos A. , Lewsey James , Gray Stuart R. , Lyall Donald M. , Iliodromiti Stamatina , Gill Jason M.R. , Pell Jill , Jhund Pardeep S. , Sattar Naveed 
Published: April 2018

Objective—
Elevated white blood cell count is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We aimed to investigate whether specific leukocyte subpopulations, which may more closely indicate a specific inflammatory pathway, are specifically associated with CVD.

Approach and Results—

Participants (478 259) from UK Biobank with data for white blood cell count were included. Death because of CVD (n=1377) and non-CVD causes (n=8987) occurred during median follow-up time of 7.0 years (interquartile range, 6.3–7.6). In Cox models, deciles of leukocyte counts (lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils) were examined using the fifth decile as the referent group. Models were stratified by sex and adjusted for a range of classical risk factors. A sensitivity analysis excluded participants with baseline comorbidites and the first 2 years of follow-up. Men (hazard ratio [HR], 1.59; 95% confidence interval, 1.22–2.08) and women (HR, 2.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.38–3.35) in the highest decile of neutrophil count were at higher risk of CVD mortality and nonfatal CVD (men HR, 1.28; 95% confidence interval, 1.16–1.42 and women HR, 1.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.06–1.38). In the sensitivity analysis, the power to investigate CVD mortality was limited, but for both sexes combined, the linear HRs for a 1×10
9
/L cell count increase in white blood cell count and neutrophils, respectively, was 1.05 (1.03–1.07) and 1.07 (1.04–1.11).

Conclusions—
Among circulating leukocyte subpopulations, neutrophil count in men was most consistently associated with fatal and nonfatal CVD. Further studies of interventions that lower circulating neutrophils, such as canakinumab, are required to investigate causality.