bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Complex effects of atmospheric parameters on acute cardiovascular diseases and major cardiovascular risk factors: data from the CardiometeorologySM study
Authors: Boussoussou Nora , Boussoussou Melinda , Merész Gergő , Rakovics Márton , Entz László , Nemes Attila 
Published: April 2019

AbstractSeveral studies have examined the cardiovascular effects of atmospheric parameters as separate factors; however, few have investigated atmospheric parameters’ joint effects. We aim to explore the joint effects of atmospheric parameters on acute cardiovascular diseases (ACVDs) and on major cardiovascular risk factors (CRFs). We correlated all ACVD admissions with major CRFs and local atmospheric conditions during a 5-year study period. A seasonal variation was detected in a higher incidence rate during cold atmospheric conditions. There were significant incidence relative ratios, including: 1.140 (95% CI [1.020, 1.283]) for daily temperature change (≥5 °C); 0.991 (95% CI [0.988, 0.994]) for average daily temperature; and 1.290 (95% CI [1.090, 1.599]) for the interaction of daily temperature change (≥5 °C) with humidity change (≥40%). We observed a significant association between the atmospheric parameters’ joint effects and hyperlipidaemia, diabetes, and previous ACVDs. Patients with diabetes had the highest significant incidence relative ratio at 2.429 (95% CI [1.088, 5.424]) for humidity-temperature interactions. Thus, the atmospheric parameters’ joint effects play an important role as minor CRFs. These unfavourable atmospheric situations are predicted to increase the number of ACVDs mainly. Our study may help to organize prevention strategies more effectively and to reduce cardiovascular risks.
Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis in obese women predicts an epigenetic signature for future endometrial cancer
Authors: Nagashima Masaru , Miwa Naofumi , Hirasawa Hajime , Katagiri Yukiko , Takamatsu Ken , Morita Mineto 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAberrant DNA methylation is associated with the oncogenesis of a variety of human cancers, including endometrial cancer (EC), the seventh most common cancer among women. Obesity is known to be a high-risk factor for EC; however, whether obesity influences DNA methylation in the presymptomatic uterus and if this influences EC development remain unclear. Here, we performed genome-wide DNA methylation analysis of isolated endometrial epithelial cells obtained from obese presymptomatic participants. Using the Illumina MethylationEPIC array (850 K), we identified 592 differentially methylated regions (DMRs), most of which undergo hypomethylated changes. These DMRs were enriched for pyrimidine metabolism, Epstein-Barr virus infection, and B cell signaling pathways, indicating obesity-related dysregulation of certain metabolic processes in the presymptomatic uterus. Comparison of the DMRs with those in stage I EC revealed that 54 DMRs overlapped; additionally, B cell signaling and Epstein-Barr virus infection pathways were shared between the presymptomatic uterus of obese women and stage I EC with greater hypomethylation in women with EC than in presymptomatic obese women. These findings indicated that obesity influences DNA methylation in presymptomatic endometrial epithelial cells, and persistent dysregulation of DNA methylation in obese women may result in EC development.
The relationship between thyroid dysfunction and nephrotic syndrome: a clinicopathological study
Authors: Li Ling-Zhi , Hu Yao , Ai Shuang-Lan , Cheng Lu , Liu Jing , Morris Emily , Li Yi , Gou Shen-Ju , Fu Ping 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAbnormalities of thyroid function are common in patients with nephrotic syndrome (NS). However, a limited number of studies have reported on the association between clinicopathologic features and thyroid dysfunction in patients with NS. We retrospectively studied 317 patients who had been definitively diagnosed with NS. The NS patients with thyroid dysfunction showed higher urine protein, creatinine and lipid levels and lower albumin and hemoglobin than those with normal thyroid function, with no significant differences of pathological types. After dividing thyroid dysfunction groups into five subgroups, interestingly, membranous nephropathy was the most common pathologic type, both in normal thyroid group and in subclinical hypothyroidism group (40.4% and 46.7%, respectively), followed by minimal change disease (28.1% and 21.7%, respectively); while in the hypothyroid, low T3, and low T3T4 groups minimal change disease is now the leading type (48.8%, 33.3% and 38.6%, respectively). High levels of urinary protein, creatinine, cholesterol, and platelets were independent risk factors predicting thyroid dysfunction, while higher albumin and hemoglobin were protective factors. We demonstrated that the type of renal pathology was different among NS patients in different thyroid dysfunction subgroups. Interpretation of the interactions between thyroid and renal function is a challenge for clinicians involved in the treatment of patients with NS.
Iroquois transcription factor irx2a is required for multiciliated and transporter cell fate decisions during zebrafish pronephros development
Authors: Marra Amanda N. , Cheng Christina N. , Adeeb Basma , Addiego Amanda , Wesselman Hannah M. , Chambers Brooke E. , Chambers Joseph M. , Wingert Rebecca A. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe genetic regulation of nephron patterning during kidney organogenesis remains poorly understood. Nephron tubules in zebrafish are composed of segment populations that have unique absorptive and secretory roles, as well as multiciliated cells (MCCs) that govern fluid flow. Here, we report that the transcription factor iroquois 2a (irx2a) is requisite for zebrafish nephrogenesis. irx2a transcripts localized to the developing pronephros and maturing MCCs, and loss of function altered formation of two segment populations and reduced MCC number. Interestingly, irx2a deficient embryos had reduced expression of an essential MCC gene ets variant 5a (etv5a), and were rescued by etv5a overexpression, supporting the conclusion that etv5a acts downstream of irx2a to control MCC ontogeny. Finally, we found that retinoic acid (RA) signaling affects the irx2a expression domain in renal progenitors, positioning irx2a downstream of RA. In sum, this work reveals new roles for irx2a during nephrogenesis, identifying irx2a as a crucial connection between RA signaling, segmentation, and the control of etv5a mediated MCC formation. Further investigation of the genetic players involved in these events will enhance our understanding of the molecular pathways that govern renal development, which can be used help create therapeutics to treat congenital and acquired kidney diseases.
Pristimerin inhibits glioma progression by targeting AGO2 and PTPN1 expression via miR-542-5p
Authors: Li Zaiyu , Hu Cong , Zhen Yu , Pang Bo , Yi Huanfa , Chen Xianglin 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
Glioblastoma multiform is the most common and malignant primary tumor of the central nervous system in adults, the high recurrence rate and poor prognosis are critical priorities. Pristimerin is a naturally occurring quinone methide triterpenoid isolated from the Celastraceae and Hippocrateaceae families. Its anticancer effects have garnered considerable attention; nonetheless, the mechanisms of action remain unknown. To predict the hub genes of pristimerin, PharmMapper and the Coremine database were used to identify 13 potential protein targets; protein–protein interaction, for which functional enrichment analyses were performed. Compound-target, target-pathway, and compound-target-pathway networks were constructed using Cytoscape. Biological process analysis first revealed that enrichment of these target genes correlated with negative regulation of symbiont growth in the host, and regulation of chronic inflammatory response to antigenic stimulus. Survival analysis in cBioPortal showed that protein tyrosine phosphatase, non-receptor type 1 (PTPN1) and Argonaute 2 (AGO2) might be involved in the carcinogenesis, invasion, or recurrence of diffuse glioma. In addition, we observed that low-dose pristimerin inhibited the viability of glioma cells, while miR-542-5p in vitro; and reduced PTPN1 expression. Notably, high-dose pristimerin induced apoptosis. Furthermore, miR-542-5p silence with siRNA in glioma cells lead to the elevation in AGO2, and decreased PTPN1 level. The effect was obviously post pristimerin treatment and miR-542-5p suppression. In conclusion, pristimerin inhibited glioma progression through AGO2 and PTPN1 expression via a canonical miRNA-mediated mechanism.
LncRNA CASC2 is up-regulated in osteoarthritis and participates in the regulation of IL-17 expression and chondrocyte proliferation and apoptosis
Authors: Huang Tao , Wang Jian , Zhou Yuan , Zhao Yi , Hang Donghua , Cao Yun 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) CASC2 is a key player in cancer biology. Our new findings showed that both lncRNA CASC2 and IL-17 were up-regulated in plasma of osteoarthritis patients. Plasma levels of lncRNA CASC2 and IL-17 were significantly and positive correlated only in osteoarthritis patients. Overexpression of lncRNA CASC2 led to up-regulated expression of IL-17 in cells of human chondrocyte cell line CHON-001 (ATCC® CRL-2846™). In addition, overexpression of lncRNA CASC2 inhibited the proliferation, and promoted the apoptosis of chondrocyte. Therefore, lncRNA CASC2 is up-regulated in osteoarthritis and participates in the regulation of IL-17 expression and chondrocyte proliferation and apoptosis.
TGF-β prevents the denervation-induced reduction of bone formation and promotes the bone regeneration through inhibiting ubiquitin-proteasome pathway
Authors: Yu Zhen , Li Ye , Wang Yining , Chen Yuting , Wu Mengfan , Wang Zijue , Song Minkai , Lu Feng , Lu Xiaohe , Dong Ziqing 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
Background: Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) can stimulate osteogenesis as a multifunctional protein. The present study was to explore if TGF-β can prevent denervation-induced reduction of bone formation.
Materials & methods: The 6-week-old male mice were treated with recombinant human TGF-β1 (rhTGF-β1). Bone formation, endochondral bone growth rates, and gene expression of osteoblast markers were measured in the skeletal tissue by real-time PCR.
Results: RhTGF-β1 treatment prevented the denervation-induced decrease in bone formation rates, endochondral growth, and expression of Cbfa1/Runx2 (runt-related transcription factor 2), Ostecalcin (OC), and ColIA1. TGF-β1 partially inhibited the denervation-induced ubiquitination of Cbfa1/Runx2 in mouse cancellous bones via ubiquitin-proteasome pathway.
Conclusion: TGF-β prevents denervation-induced reduction of bone formation and promotes the bone regeneration through inhibiting ubiquitin-proteasome pathway at least partially.
LncRNA TP73-AS1 down-regulates miR-139-3p to promote retinoblastoma cell proliferation
Authors: Xia Zhaoxia , Yang Xiaoxi , Wu Shuduan , Feng Zhizhen , Qu Lei , Chen Xianghua , Liu Linyu , Ma Yanling 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
Our study aimed to investigate the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) TP73-AS1 in retinoblastoma (Rb). In the present study, we found that TP73-AS1 was up-regulated, while miR-139–3p was down-regulated in Rb. TP73-AS1 and miR-139-3p were inversely correlated in Rb tissues. In cells of Rb cell lines, overexpression of miR-139-3p failed to affect TP73-AS1, while TP73-AS1 overexpression caused the down-regulated miR-139-3p. TP73-AS1 overexpression caused promoted proliferation of Rb cells but showed no significant effects on cell migration and invasion. miR-139-3p overexpression played an opposite role and attenuated the effects of TP73-AS1 overexpression. Therefore, lncRNA TP73-AS1 may down-regulate miR-139-3p to promote Rb cell proliferation.
Relationship between neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio and short-term prognosis in the chronic obstructive pulmonary patients with acute exacerbation
Authors: Liu Jia , Liu Jie , Zou Yong 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
We retrospectively collected data from a large sample size of population and explore the relationship between neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and adverse outcomes, and assessed the clinical prognostic utility of NLR in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary patients with acute exacerbation (AECOPD). We reviewed 3 years medical case records, 622 patients were identified including 48 died and 574 alive. Compared with alive group, the died group had significantly elevated neutrophils, lymphocyte, and NLR level (P&lt;0.001). The high-sensitive C-protein level of died group was also higher compared with alive group (7.48 ± 4.2 vs 1.26 ± 0.56, vs P&lt;0.001). The univariate logistic regression indicated that elevated NLR level was associated with the increased of adverse outcome (odds ratio [OR] = 4.59, 95% CI: 2.27–8.94, P&lt;0.001). After adjusted potential confounding factors, the elevated NLR level was still associated with adverse outcomes in the chronic obstructive pulmonary patients with acute exacerbation (OR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.21–3.48, P=0.008). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for death at 90 days was 0.742 (95% CI: 0.554–0.881). NLR cutoff of &gt;4.19 had a sensitivity of 71.4% and specificity of 74.2%. Our results suggested that NLR, as a rapid, inexpensive and easily obtained blood routine index was associated with short-term adverse outcomes in patients with AECOPD. The elevated NLR predicted the increased the risk of 90-day mortality in patients with AECOPD.
Prenatal cold exposure causes hypertension in offspring by hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system
Authors: Chen Ken , Sun Dongdong , Qu Shuang , Chen Yue , Wang Jialiang , Zhou Lin , Jose Pedro A. , Yang Yongjian , Zeng Chunyu 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
Environmental temperature plays a role in the variation of blood pressure. Maternal cold stress could affect the physiological phenotype of the offspring, including blood pressure elevation. In the present study, we found that adult offspring of dams exposed to cold have increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and decreased urine volume and sodium excretion, accompanied by increased heart rate and heart rate variability, secondary to increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system. Renal denervation or adrenergic receptor blockade decreased blood pressure and increased sodium excretion. The increase in peripheral sympathetic nerve activity can be ascribed to the central nervous system because administration of clonidine, a centrally acting α2 adrenergic receptor agonist, lowered blood pressure to a greater degree in the prenatal cold-exposed than control offspring. Moreover, these prenatal cold-exposed offspring had hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) disorder because magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed decreased N-acetylaspartate and increased choline and creatine ratios in the PVN. Additional studies found that prenatal cold exposure impaired the balance between inhibitory and excitatory neurons. This led to PVN overactivation that was related to enhanced PVN-angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor expression and function. Microinjection of the AT1 receptor antagonist losartan in the PVN lowered blood pressure to a greater extent in prenatal cold-exposed that control offspring. The present study provides evidence for overactive peripheral and central sympathetic nervous systems in the pathogenesis of prenatal cold-induced hypertension. Central AT1 receptor blockade in the PVN may be a key step for treatment of this type hypertension.
Homöopathie und intellektuelle Redlichkeit – Eine Stellungnahme
Authors: Matthiessen Peter F. 
Published: April 2019

SummaryAngesichts fehlender Plausibilität zu den Wirkprinzipien der Homöopathie ist es Mode geworden, deren therapeutische Wirksamkeit in Abrede zu stellen, obwohl die hierzu publizierte Evidenz für eine Wirksamkeit spricht. Dennoch werden als Ausdruck von Ignoranz oder einer bewussten Stimmungsmache gegen die Homöopathie wissenschaftliche Fehlinformationen lanciert. Die vorliegende Publikation zeigt an drei ausgewählten Beispielen aus jüngster Zeit unter Berücksichtigung der tatsächlichen Beleglage die fehlende Seriosität dieser Aktivitäten auf.Im Namen des Dialogforum Pluralismus in der Medizin (DPM) und weiterer etablierter und repräsentativer Ärzteorganisationen wird das Erfordernis einer evidenzbasierten Integrativen Medizin sowie seine zunehmende Bedeutung an führenden medizinischen Fakultäten in den USA ebenso wie in Deutschland dargelegt. Es wird aufgezeigt, dass eine vollorchestrierte Gesundheitsversorgung, die den individuell unterschiedlichen Bedürfnissen und Präferenzen der Bevölkerung zu entsprechen sucht, eine Integrative Medizin als ein zwar kritisches, aber unvoreingenommenes Kooperationsgefüge zwischen Mainstreammedizin und ausgewählten komplementärmedizinischen Ansätzen zu seiner Grundlage bedarf.In diesem Zusammenhang wird auf einen von allen Mitgliedern des Dialogforum verfassten Grundsatzartikel zur Professionalität verwiesen, demzufolge sowohl für die konventionelle Medizin als auch für die Komplementärmedizin gleichermaßen eine Verpflichtung zur Wissenschaftlichkeit besteht. Bereits Ludwig Fleck und Thomas Kuhn haben aufgezeigt, dass die Anhänger eines bestimmten Paradigmas bestrebt sind, das je eigene Paradigma durch den Staat zu privilegieren. Der vorliegende Artikel verweist jedoch darauf, dass dem Staat nach § 5 Abs. 3 des Grundgesetzes ein Wissenschaftsrichtertum im Sinne der Parteiergreifung für ein bestimmtes Paradigma grundsätzlich untersagt ist. Darüber hinaus wird darauf verwiesen, dass die Monopolisierung eines einzigen Paradigmas mit der Ausbildung totalitärer Denkstrukturen einhergeht. In einem abschließenden Votum verwahren sich die Unterzeichner, die neben etablierten Ärzteorganisationen aus einer Vielzahl ausgewiesener Ärzte und Wissenschaftler bestehen, gegen die Verfolgung totalitärer, mit dem Grundgesetz kollidierender Denkfiguren in unserem Gesundheitswesen.
Gemeinsam stark
Authors: Goller Ina , Bronnsack Tanja 
Published: April 2019

ZusammenfassungWeil Behandlungsprozesse immer straffer und interdisziplinäre Bereiche verstärkt
ausgebaut werden, müssen Pflegende noch mehr zusammenarbeiten – untereinander
und mit anderen Berufsgruppen. Doch wie wird man gemeinsam stark?
Management von Urethralsteinen beim Hund mittels
pneumatischer und laserenergetischer Lithotripsie
Authors: Pantke Peter 
Published: April 2019

Zusammenfassung
Gegenstand und Ziel Beschreibung der klinischen Erfahrungen mit zwei
verschiedenen Lithotripsieverfahren zur Behandlung von Harnröhrensteinen beim
Hund.
Material und Methoden Retrospektive Auswertung (Oktober 2016 bis November
2017) klinischer Daten von Hunden mit Harnröhrensteinen, bei denen eine
transurethrale pneumatische oder laserenergetische Lithotripsie erfolgte.
Ergebnisse Im genannten Zeitraum wurde bei 28 Rüden und 5 Hündinnen mit
Harnröhrensteinen eine pneumatische (39 %) oder eine laserenergetische (61 %)
Lithotripsie durchgeführt. In der Harnröhre konnten mit beiden Verfahren
Steinfreiheitsraten von 100 % bei Hündinnen und von 85 % bei Rüden erreicht
werden. Bei 3 der 28 Rüden (11 %) zeigte sich das endoskopische Bild einer
hochgradigen polypoiden Urethritis, die das Urethralumen trotz
Konkremententfernung weiter einengte und die Anlage einer Urethralfistel
erforderte. Bei 8 der 28 Rüden (29 %) und bei 1 der 5 Hündinnen (20 %) wurde
zusätzlich eine Zystolithotomie notwendig, um eine vollständige Steinfreiheit im
unteren Harntrakt zu erreichen.
Schlussfolgerung und klinische Relevanz Eine transurethrale Lithotripsie
von Harnröhrensteinen lässt sich beim Hund mit relativ hoher Erfolgsquote sowohl
pneumatisch als auch laserenergetisch durchführen. Bei gravierenden
Gewebeveränderungen der Harnröhrenschleimhaut können zusätzliche chirurgische
oder interventionelle Maßnahmen zur Wiederherstellung der Harnröhrenfunktion
erforderlich werden.
Total and Regional Body Composition of NCAA Division I Collegiate Baseball Athletes
Authors: Czeck Madeline A. , Raymond-Pope Christiana J. , Bosch Tyler A. , Bach Christopher W. , Oliver Jonathan M. , Carbuhn Aaron , Stanforth Philip R. , Dengel Donald R. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThis study’s purpose was to evaluate total, regional, and throwing versus non-throwing arm body composition measurements between various positions of NCAA Division I male baseball players using dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Two hundred and one collegiate baseball athletes were measured using DXA. Visceral adipose tissue (VAT), total and regional fat mass (FM), lean mass (LM), and bone mineral density (BMD) were measured. Athletes were separated into: pitchers (n=92), catchers (n=25), outfielders (n=43), and infielders (n=41). ANOVA and Tukey’s honest significant difference assessed total and regional differences between positions. Infielders had significantly (p<0.05) lower total LM than pitchers and outfielders. Additionally, outfielders had significantly lower total FM compared to pitchers and catchers. No significant differences between positions were observed for total BMD and VAT. Pitchers’ and infielders’ throwing arm demonstrated significantly greater total mass, FM, LM, and BMD compared to the non-throwing arm. Further, outfielders’ throwing arm total mass, LM, and BMD were significantly higher vs. the non-throwing arm. Significant differences were observed in total and regional body composition measurements across position, in addition to differences in throwing arm vs. non-throwing arm composition. These measurement values are important to coaches and trainers as normative positional DXA data for collegiate baseball players.
Factor XIII Prevents Pulmonary Emboli in Mice by Stabilizing Deep Vein Thrombi
Authors: Shaya Shana A. , Gani Dhulfiha Muzafar , Weitz Jeffrey I. , Kim Paul Y. , Gross Peter L. 
Published: April 2019

Background Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can lead to pulmonary embolism (PE), but the mechanisms responsible for this progression are unknown. Previously, we showed that inhibition of thrombin-mediated activation of factor (F) XIII promotes venous thrombus stability in a murine model.
Aim In this study, we investigate the consequence of attenuating fibrinolysis, using FXIII, α2-antiplasmin (α2-AP) or ε-aminocaproic acid (EACA) supplementation, on clot lysis and venous thrombus stability using the same mouse model.
Methods In vitro plasma clot lysis assay shows that EACA and α2-AP but not FXIII, inhibit fibrinolysis. Ferric chloride induced thrombi in the femoral vein of mice. After thrombus formation, mice received saline, EACA, α2-AP or FXIII, with or without dalteparin or dabigatran. Thrombus sizes and embolization over 2 hours were visualized using intravital videomicroscopy. Lungs were sectioned to quantify emboli presence via histology.
Results The change in thrombus size over time was significantly greater after EACA treatment, but not FXIII or α2-AP supplementation, compared with saline. α2-AP-supplementation did not alter thrombus stability. Thrombi were more stable following EACA treatment and FXIII supplementation as evidenced by less embolic events and PE burden, even when they were anticoagulated with either dalteparin or dabigatran.
Conclusion FXIII supplementation stabilized venous thrombi, even in the presence of anticoagulants, and did not alter thrombus size. Supplemental FXIII may be useful to stabilize DVT and be an alternative adjunctive treatment to minimize PE, even when anticoagulants are used.