bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lens nuclear opacity quantitation with long-range swept-source optical coherence tomography: correlation to LOCS III and a Scheimpflug imaging-based grading system
Authors: Chen Ding , Li Zhangliang , Huang Jinhai , Yu Liuqing , Liu Songjia , Zhao Yun-e 
Published: October 2018

PurposeTo quantitate lens nuclear opacity using long-range swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) images and to evaluate the correlation of this method to Lens Opacities Classification System III (LOCS III) and a Scheimpflug imaging-based grading system (Pentacam Nuclear Stage function; PNS).MethodsThis study enrolled 120 participants (120 eyes) with age-related nuclear cataracts. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), LOCS III nuclear opalescence (NO) and nuclear colour (NC) were obtained. The nuclear density measured using PNS function (NDPNS) was recorded. Three successive series of long-range SS-OCT images were captured, and the nuclear region was analysed using ImageJ (NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA) to generate SS-OCT image-based nuclear density (NDSS-OCT). The repeatability of NDSS-OCTmeasurement was evaluated using within-subject coefficient of variation (CVw) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Correlations of NDSS-OCTwith NO and NC, BCVA and NDPNSwere analysed. According to the integrity of nucleus imaged by Pentacam, patients were divided into two groups, and the parameters were compared between groups.ResultsThe CVwand ICC for NDSS-OCTmeasurement were 1.5 % and 0.994, respectively. The NDSS-OCTsignificantly correlated with NO (r=0.831), NC (r=0.873), BCVA (r=0.655) and NDPNS(r=0.891). The NDSS-OCT, NO and NC, and BCVA were significantly different between the two groups.ConclusionLens nuclear opacity quantitation using long-range SS-OCT images was repeatable and correlated well with LOCS III and PNS function. The Scheimpflug principle had a limitation in imaging dense nucleus. Long-range SS-OCT seems more promising for objectively and quantitatively assessing lens nuclear opacity.
Medical services at the 2017 Sapporo Asian winter games: injury and illness epidemiology at a 34-nation multisport event
Authors: Watanabe Kota , Akama Takao , Asakawa Shin , Fukuda Kimitaka , Sakai Hiroya , Okuwaki Toru , Imai Tomohito , Sato Hiroko , Katayose Masaki , Jegathesan Manikavasagam , Shamali Nadia Al 
Published: October 2018

ObjectivesWe describe the medical services provided and report the injuries and illnesses that occurred at the eighth Asian Winter Games 2017.MethodsA total of 2010 athletes and team officials from 32 National Olympic Committees and 2 guest countries attended this event; medical services were provided for 16 days. Medical data (medical care and physiotherapy) were collected for the same period by the organising committee for athletes and non-athletes (team officials, workforce, media and spectators) and recorded on the electronic medical record system at the medical rooms in the venues and the team residences.ResultsWe recorded 745 medical encounters (medical care, 443; physiotherapy, 302), of which 549 (74%) were among athletes. There were 214 injuries as well as 144 illnesses and other medical conditions. Of the 1164 athletes, 549 (47%) utilised the services. Ice hockey, snowboarding and alpine skiing had high rate of medical encounters. More than half of the delegations were not accompanied by team doctor, and rate of medical encounters was high in these teams. The vast majority of patients transferred to hospital for further care were mostly athletes (n=36 out of 41), mostly alpine skiers and ice hockey players.ConclusionInjuries and illnesses varied depending on NOC medical staffing and sport events. These data will serve organisers of medical and physiotherapy services in the Asian Winter Games and similar large events.
An 8-Bit Ultra-Low-Power, Low-Voltage Current Steering DAC Utilizing a New Segmented Structure
Authors: Bandali Mehdi , Hassanzadeh Alireza , Ghashghaie Masoume , Hashemipour Omid 
Published: October 2018

In this paper, an 8-bit ultra-low-power, low-voltage current steering digital-to-analog converter (DAC) is presented. The proposed DAC employs a new segmented structure that results in low integral nonlinearity (INL) and high spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR). Moreover, this DAC utilizes a low-voltage current cell. The low-voltage characteristic of the current cell is achieved by connecting the body of MOSFET switches to their sources. Utilizing a low supply voltage along with a low bias current in the current cells results in about 623.81-[Formula: see text]W power consumption in 140-MS/s sample rate, which is very small compared to previous reports. The post-layout simulation results in 180-nm CMOS technology and [Formula: see text]-V supply voltage with the sample rate of 140[Formula: see text]MS/s show SFDR [Formula: see text] 64.37[Formula: see text]dB in the Nyquist range. The differential nonlinearity (DNL) and INL of the presented DAC are 0.1254 LSB and 0.1491 LSB, respectively.
Quality of life after spinal cord injury in Thai individuals: A mixed-methods study
Authors: Foongchomcheay Anchalee , Eitivipart Aitthanatt Chachris , Kespichayawattana Jiraporn , Muangngoen Monticha 
Published: October 2018

Background: Patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) face various health-related difficulties. Physical limitations and health-related complications in individuals with SCI can lead to activity restrictions and lowering their quality of life (QoL). It is important to assess the QoL in population with SCI to gain more valuable insights into aspects of health-related QoL (HRQoL) that could play a key role in improving care for persons with SCI. Objective: To quantitatively measure the QoL in persons with SCI in Thailand and expand the results through qualitative investigation to provide meaning, context and depth of “how” and “why” they rated, defined and addressed their QoL in that way. Methods: The philosophical assumption of this study was set based on the post-positivist views using mixed-methods sequential explanatory design. The quantitative data were collected and analyzed in 101 Thai individuals with SCI using standardized Thai version of the Short Form Health Survey version 2 (SF-36v2), followed by the qualitative investigation of semi-structured interviews in 11 volunteers who participated in the SF-36v2 phase. Priority is given to quantitative data. The data integration occurred at the qualitative data collection through the data interpretation and discussion stage. Results: With regard to quantitative data, a recent study found a statistically significant difference [Formula: see text] in four domains for male and three domains for the female when comparing the SF-36 Thai normative data with SF-36v2 SCI data. Qualitative data revealed that the most salient themes of HRQoL in individuals with SCI were “supporting factors toward QoL” and “driving force post injury”. The integration of the findings revealed that the qualitative data could individually explain and define QoL as well as support quantitative results. The connection of both findings indicated that the higher scores in psycho-social variables and lower scores in physical domains of SF-36v2 in Thai persons with SCI may be due to unique Thai family traditions and community values. Conclusion: The scores on SF-36v2 and the replies in the qualitative investigation of QoL themes of Thai individuals with SCI were similar to those of other research, but this study is unique in that it specifically represents the Thai socio-environmental-cultural aspects.
Creation of an atlas of lake-sediment geochemistry of Western Labrador and Northeastern Québec
Authors: Amor Stephen , McCurdy Martin , Garrett Robert 
Published: October 2018

A geochemical database of 21 678 lake-sediment samples, analysed for 53 elements by ICP-MS after aqua-regia digestion, has been created. Statistical tests and plots of the combined data (in some cases, after the application of levelling functions) show that the disharmony that existed previously – between analyses that employed digestions of differing strengths – can be largely alleviated. This allows the creation of integrated geochemical maps of an area of almost 300 000 km
2
.

Many of the large-scale geochemical features revealed by the data are related to the rocks of the Paleoproterozoic ‘Labrador Trough’, within the region termed the New Quebec Orogen. However, those that are defined by an association of Rb, K, Ti, Li, Cs, Mg, Ga, Sn and Th, correlated negatively with LOI, Hg, Se, S, Ag, Cd, Ca and Sr may be related to the relative amounts of organic and inorganic clastic material in the lake sediment, rather than bedrock geology.
It is hoped that the merged data will provide assistance to the geological mapping of this large area, as well as providing a stimulus for mineral exploration.
Effects of exercise training and TrkB blockade on cardiac function and BDNF-TrkB signaling postmyocardial infarction in rats
Authors: Lee Heow Won , Ahmad Monir , Weldrick Jonathan J. , Wang Hong-Wei , Burgon Patrick G. , Leenen Frans H. H. 
Published: October 2018

Exercise training is beneficial for preserving cardiac function postmyocardial infarction (post-MI), but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. We investigated one possible mechanism, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) signaling, with the TrkB blocker ANA-12 (0.5 mg·kg−1·day−1). Male Wistar rats underwent sham surgery or ligation of the left descending coronary artery. The surviving MI rats were allocated as follows: sedentary MI rats treated with vehicle, exercise-trained MI rats treated with vehicle, and exercise-trained MI rats treated with ANA-12. Exercise training was done 5 days/wk for 4 wk on a motor-driven treadmill. At the end, left ventricular (LV) function was evaluated by echocardiography and a Millar catheter. Mature BDNF and downstream effectors of BDNF-TrkB signaling, Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), Akt, and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), were assessed in the noninfarct area of the LV by Western blot analysis. Exercise training increased stroke volume and cardiac index and attenuated the decrease in ejection fraction (EF) and increase in LV end-diastolic pressure post-MI. ANA-12 blocked the improvement of EF and attenuated the increases in stroke volume and cardiac index but did not affect LV end-diastolic pressure. Exercise training post-MI prevented decreases in mature BDNF, phosphorylated (p-)CaMKII, p-Akt, and p-AMPKα expression. These effects were all blocked by ANA-12 except for p-AMPKα. In conclusion, the exercise-induced improvement of EF is mediated by the BDNF-TrkB axis and the downstream effectors CaMKII and Akt. BDNF-TrkB signaling appears to contribute to the improvement in systolic function by exercise training. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Exercise training improves ejection fraction and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) and increases stroke volume and cardiac index in rats postmyocardial infarction (post-MI). The improvement of EF but not LVEDP is mediated by activation of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) axis and downstream effectors Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) and Akt. This suggests that activation of BDNF-TrkB signaling and CaMKII and Akt is a promising target to attenuate progressive cardiac dysfunction post-MI.
Microfluidic Modeling of Thrombolysis
Authors: Loyau Stéphane , Ho-Tin-Noé Benoit , Bourrienne Marie-Charlotte , Boulaftali Yacine , Jandrot-Perrus Martine 
Published: October 2018

Objective—
Despite the high clinical relevance of thrombolysis, models for its study in human flowing blood are lacking. Our objective was to develop a microfluidic model for comparative evaluation of thrombolytic therapeutic strategies.

Approach and Results—
Citrated human blood was supplemented with 3,3′-dihexyloxacarbocyanine iodide and Alexa Fluor 647 fibrinogen conjugate, recalcified, and perfused for 3 to 4 minutes at venous or arterial wall shear rate in microfluidic flow chambers coated with collagen and tissue factor to generate nonocclusive fluorescent thrombi. A second perfusion was performed for 10 minutes with rhodamine-6G-labeled citrated whole blood, supplemented or not with r-tPA (recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator), fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated r-tPA, and Alexa Fluor 568 plasminogen conjugate. Plasminogen and r-tPA bound to preformed thrombi and r-tPA caused a concentration-dependent decrease in thrombus fibrin content (up to 50% reduction at 15 µg/mL r-tPA) as assessed by fluorescence microscopy. Fibrinolysis was confirmed by measurement of D-dimers in the output flow. Remarkably, despite ongoing fibrinolysis, new platelets continued to be recruited to the thrombus under lysis. Under the arterial condition, combining r-tPA with hirudin enhanced fibrinolysis but did not prevent the recruitment of new platelets, which was, however, prevented by antiplatelet agents (ticagrelor or the GPVI [glycoprotein VI]-blocking antigen-binding fragment 9O12).

Conclusions—
Our microfluidic thrombolysis model is suitable for studying thrombolysis and testing the efficacy of drugs used in combination with r-tPA. Real-time analysis of fibrin and platelets during r-tPA-mediated fibrinolysis at arterial or venous flow conditions showed that platelets continue to accumulate during fibrinolysis. Such platelet accumulation may impair r-tPA-mediated recanalization.
Contribution of the TNF-α (Tumor Necrosis Factor-α)–TNF-Rp55 (Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor p55) Axis in the Resolution of Venous Thrombus
Authors: Nosaka Mizuho , Ishida Yuko , Kimura Akihiko , Kuninaka Yumi , Taruya Akira , Furuta Machi , Mukaida Naofumi , Kondo Toshikazu 
Published: October 2018

Objective—

Deep vein thrombosis results from a combination of risk factors including genetic conditions, obesity, drugs, pregnancy, aging, and malignancy. We examined pathophysiological roles of the TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-α)–TNF-Rp55 (tumor necrosis factor receptor p55) axis in thrombus resolution using
Tnfrp5
5
−/−
(TNF-Rp55–deficient) mice.

Approach and Results—

On ligating the inferior vena cava of wild-type (WT) mice, venous thrombi formed and grew progressively until 5 days but shrunk to <50% of the thrombus weight at day 14. Concomitantly, inferior vena cava ligation enhanced intrathrombotic gene expression of
Tnfa
and
Tnfrp55
, and intrathrombotic macrophages expressed both TNF-α and TNF-Rp55 proteins. In
Tnfrp5
5
−/−
mice treated with the same manner, thrombus formed at a similar rate for 5 days, but shrinking was delayed compared with WT mice. Moreover, the blood flow recovery in thrombosed inferior vena cava was suspended in
Tnfrp5
5
−/−
mice compared with WT mice. Intrathrombotic
Plau
(urokinase-type plasminogen activator),
Mmp2
(matrix metalloproteinase 2), and
Mmp9
(matrix metalloproteinase 9) mRNA expression was significantly reduced in
Tnfrp5
5
−/−
mice, compared with WT ones. Supportingly, the administration of anti–TNF-α antibody or TNF-α inhibitor (etanercept) delayed the thrombus resolution in WT mice. Furthermore, TNF-α treatment enhanced gene expression of
Plau
,
Mmp2
, and
Mmp9
in WT macrophages but not
Tnfrp5
5
−/−
macrophages. These effects were significantly suppressed by ERK (extracellular signal regulated kinase) and NF-κB (nuclear factor-kappa B) inhibitors. Therefore, the lack of TNF-Rp55 has detrimental roles in the thrombus resolution by suppressing PLAU, MMP-2, and MMP-9 expression. In contrast, TNF-α administration accelerated thrombus resolution in WT but not
Tnfrp5
5
−/−
mice.

Conclusions—
The TNF-α–TNF-Rp55 axis may have essential roles in the resolution of venous thrombus in mice.
Inflammasome Activation Aggravates Cutaneous Xanthomatosis and Atherosclerosis in ACAT1 (Acyl-CoA Cholesterol Acyltransferase 1) Deficiency in Bone Marrow
Authors: Wakabayashi Tetsuji , Takahashi Manabu , Yamamuro Daisuke , Karasawa Tadayoshi , Takei Akihito , Takei Shoko , Yamazaki Hisataka , Nagashima Shuichi , Ebihara Ken , Takahashi Masafumi , Ishibashi Shun 
Published: October 2018

Objective—
ACAT1 (Acyl-CoA cholesterol acyltransferase 1) esterifies cellular free cholesterol, thereby converting macrophages to cholesteryl ester-laden foam cells in atherosclerotic lesions and cutaneous xanthoma. Paradoxically, however, loss of ACAT1 in bone marrow causes the aggravation of atherosclerosis and the development of severe cutaneous xanthoma in hyperlipidemic mice. Recently, it has been reported that cholesterol crystals activate NLRP3 (NACHT, LRR [leucine-rich repeats], and PYD [pyrin domain] domain-containing protein 3) inflammasomes, thereby contributing to the development of atherosclerosis. The present study aimed to clarify the role of NLRP3 inflammasomes in the worsening of atherosclerosis and cutaneous xanthoma induced by ACAT1 deficiency.

Approach and Results—

Ldlr
-null mice were transplanted with bone marrow from WT (wild type) mice and mice lacking ACAT1, NLRP3, or both. After the 4 types of mice were fed high-cholesterol diets, we compared their atherosclerosis and skin lesions. The mice transplanted with
Acat1
-null bone marrow developed severe cutaneous xanthoma, which was filled with numerous macrophages and cholesterol clefts and had markedly increased expression of inflammatory cytokines, and increased atherosclerosis. Loss of NLRP3 completely reversed the cutaneous xanthoma, whereas it improved the atherosclerosis only partially.
Acat1
-null peritoneal macrophages showed enhanced expression of CHOP (C/EBP [CCAAT/enhancer binding protein] homologous protein) and TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-α) but no evidence of inflammasome activation, after treatment with acetylated LDL (low-density lipoprotein).

Conclusions—
Elimination of ACAT1 in bone marrow-derived cells aggravates cutaneous xanthoma and atherosclerosis. The development of cutaneous xanthoma is induced mainly via the NLRP3 inflammasome activation.
Interactions Between Regulatory Variants in
CYP7A1
(Cholesterol 7α-Hydroxylase) Promoter and Enhancer Regions Regulate CYP7A1 Expression
Authors: Wang Danxin , Hartmann Katherine , Seweryn Michal , Sadee Wolfgang 
Published: October 2018

Background:

CYP7A1 (cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase) catalyzes the rate-limiting step in bile acid biosynthesis from cholesterol—a main pathway for cholesterol removal from the body.
CYP7A1
single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are associated with total cholesterol and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) levels, risk of cardiovascular diseases, and other phenotypes; however, results are inconsistent, and causative variants remain uncertain, except for a frequent promoter SNP (rs3808607).

Methods:
We used chromatin conformation capture (4C assay), chromatin immunoprecipitation qPCR assay in hepatocytes, and CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)-mediated genome editing in hepatocellular carcinoma cell line cells to identify regulatory regions for CYP7A1. We then screened for SNPs located in regulatory regions, testing effects on reporter gene assays and on hepatic CYP7A1 expression by measuring allelic mRNA expression imbalance.

Results:

4C assays showed several regions interacting with
CYP7A1
promoter. CRISPR-mediated genome editing in hepatocellular carcinoma cell line cells revealed a novel
CYP7A1
enhancer and a repressor region, located >10 kb downstream of the
CYP7A1
promoter. SNP screening with an allelic mRNA expression imbalance in human livers and reporter gene assays identified a frequent functional SNP (rs9297994) located in the downstream
CYP7A1
enhancer region. SNP rs9297994 is in high linkage disequilibrium with promoter SNP rs3808607 but has opposite effects on CYP7A1 mRNA expression. Their combined effects using a 2-SNP model robustly associate with hepatic CYP7A1 mRNA expression, ranging >2 orders of magnitude. Moreover, only the 2-SNP model, but not each SNP alone, is significantly associated with LDL levels, risk of coronary artery disease, statin response, and diabetes mellitus in several clinical cohorts, including CATHGEN (Catheterization Genetics) and Framingham.

Conclusions:
Two interacting regulatory SNPs modulate CYP7A1 expression and are associated with risk of coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus.
Procedural Success and Outcomes With Increasing Use of Enabling Strategies for Chronic Total Occlusion Intervention
Authors: Kinnaird Tim , Gallagher Sean , Cockburn James , Sirker Alex , Ludman Peter , de Belder Mark , Smith Elliot , Anderson Richard , Strange Julian , Mamas Mamas , Hildick-Smith David ,   on behalf of the British Cardiovascular Intervention Society and the National Institute for Cardiovascular Outcomes Research
Published: October 2018

Background:
Enabling strategies (ESs) are increasingly used during percutaneous coronary intervention for chronic total occlusive disease (CTO-PCI), enhancing procedural success. Using the British Cardiovascular Society dataset, we examined changes in the use of ESs and procedural/clinical outcomes for CTO-PCI.

Methods and Results:

ESs were defined as intravascular ultrasound, rotational/laser atherectomy, dual arterial access, use of microcatheters, penetration catheters or CrossBoss, and procedures categorized by number of ESs used. Data were analysed on all elective CTO-PCI procedures performed in England and Wales between 2006 and 2014. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of procedural success. During 28 050 CTO-PCIs, there were significant temporal increases in ES use. There was a stepwise increase in CTO success with increased ES use, with 83.8% of cases successful where ≥3 ESs were used. Overall, CTO-PCI success rate for the whole cohort increased from 55.4% in 2006 to 66.9% in 2014 (
P
<0.001), but the greatest increase in procedural success was associated with ≥3 ES use. In multivariable analysis, any ES use and the number of ESs used were predictive of procedural success. Coronary perforation increased from 1.2% with zero ES use to 4.0% with ≥3 (
P
<0.001). After adjustment, although arterial complication, in-hospital bleeding, in-hospital mortality, and major adverse cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events remained more likely with ES use, 30-day mortality was not significantly different between groups.

Conclusions:
ES use during CTO-PCI was associated with significant improvements in CTO-PCI success. ES use was associated with increased procedural complications and in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events, but not with 30-day mortality.