bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Administration of activated lymphocyte-derived DNA accelerates and aggravates lupus nephritis in B6/lpr mice: a new approach to modify a lupus murine model
Authors: Zhu Y , Yue Y , Xiong S 
Published: April 2018

SummaryB6/lpr mouse strain is a well-known systemic lupus erythematosus murine model characterized by uncontrolled lymphoproliferation and autoantibody production. However, it displays a delayed and mild development of lupus nephritis (LN), which is not conducive to the research of the pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies of this condition. Our previous study demonstrated that activated lymphocyte-derived DNA (ALD-DNA) could induce high urine protein levels and severe glomerulonephritis (GN) in BALB/c mice. In the present study, we tried to remedy delayed urine protein production and mild GN in B6/lpr mice via ALD-DNA immunization. We found that urine protein levels were enhanced significantly in B6/lpr mice 4 weeks after ALD-DNA immunization compared with those in unactivated lymphocyte-derived (UnALD)-DNA- and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)-treated controls. Moreover, more serious GN and glomerular immune complex were observed in ALD-DNA-immunized B6/lpr mice. We further explored the mechanism, and found that ALD-DNA immunization promoted T helper type 17 (Th17) cell enrichment remarkably, which enhanced the proportion of autoantibody-secreting plasma cells and promoted the production of anti-dsDNA autoantibodies, leading to accelerated and aggravated LN. Our data demonstrated that ALD-DNA immunization could remedy delayed urine protein production and mild GN in B6/lpr mouse, which makes it more suitable for studies on the pathogenesis of and therapeutic strategies against LN.
The neuroprotective and antidepressant‐like effects of Hcyb1, a novel selective PDE2 inhibitor
Authors: Liu Li , Zheng Jing , Huang Xian‐Feng , Zhu Xia , Ding Shu‐Ming , Ke Heng‐Ming , O'Donnell James M. , Zhang Han‐Ting , Song Guo‐Qiang , Xu Ying 
Published: April 2018

SummaryAimsDepression is currently the most common mood disorder. Regulation of intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and/or cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signaling by phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibition has been paid much attention for treatment of depression. This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of Hcyb1, a novel PDE2 inhibitor, in HT‐22 cells and antidepressant‐like effects in mouse models of depression.MethodsHcyb1 was synthesized and its selectivity upon PDE2 was tested. Moreover, HT‐22 hippocampal cells were used to determine the effects of Hcyb1 on cell viability, cyclic nucleotide levels, and the downstream molecules related to cAMP/cGMP signaling by neurochemical, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent, and immunoblot assays in vitro. The antidepressant‐like effects of Hcyb1 were also determined in the forced swimming and tail suspension tests in mice.ResultsHcyb1 had a highly selective inhibition of PDE2A (IC50 = 0.57 ± 0.03 μmol/L) and over 250‐fold selectivity against other recombinant PDE family members. Hcyb1 at concentrations of 10−10 and 10−9 mol/L significantly increased cell viability after treatment for 24 hours. At concentrations of 10−9~10−7 mol/L, Hcyb1 also increased cGMP levels by 1.7~2.3 folds after 10‐minute treatment. Furthermore, Hcyb1 at the concentrations of 10−9 mol/L increased both cGMP and cAMP levels 24 hours after treatment. The levels of phosphorylation of CREB and BDNF were also increased by Hcyb1 treatment in HT‐22 cells for 24 hours. Finally, in the in vivo tests, Hcyb1 (0.5, 1, and 2 mg/kg, i.g.) decreased the immobility time in both forced swimming and tail suspension tests, without altering locomotor activity.ConclusionThese results suggest that the novel PDE2 inhibitor Hcyb1 produced neuroprotective and antidepressant‐like effects most likely mediated by cAMP/cGMP‐CREB‐BDNF signaling.
Hospital readmissions in diabetic kidney transplant recipients with peripheral vascular disease
Authors: Lubetzky Michelle , Kamal Layla , Ajaimy Maria , Akalin Enver , Kayler Liise 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe benefits of kidney transplantation in diabetic patients with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) are unclear. While patients may have improved survival compared to dialysis, the burden of care after transplant has not been assessed.MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of adult diabetic kidney‐only transplant recipients with and without PVD transplanted from January 2012 until June 30, 2015.ResultsOf 203 diabetic kidney transplant recipients, 56 (27.6%) had PVD and 147 (72.4%) had no PVD. At a median of 3.14 years follow‐up, there were no significant differences in 30‐, 90‐, or 1‐year readmission rates. At 1 year after transplant, PVD patients were significantly more likely to have a greater sum of unplanned inpatient days (44.6% vs 27.9% with ≥10 inpatient days, P = .03) and at least 1 reoperation (28.6% vs. 8.7%, P < .01). At 1 year post‐transplant, there were similar rates of graft‐related reoperations; however, patients with PVD had significantly increased rates of non‐graft‐related operations of which 31.2% were PVD‐related.ConclusionsDiabetic patients with PVD utilize more resources after kidney transplant, spending more time in the hospital and undergoing more post‐transplant operations. The causes of readmission are predominantly related to progression of PVD rather than allograft complications.
Age‐related trends in cardiometabolic disease among adults with cerebral palsy
Authors: Peterson Mark D , Kamdar Neil , Hurvitz Edward A 
Published: April 2018

AimTo examine the longitudinal trends of cardiometabolic diseases in a large sample of adults with cerebral palsy (CP).MethodThe Optum Clinformatics Data Mart is a de‐identified nationwide claims database of beneficiaries from a single private payer. Beneficiaries were included if they had an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification code for a diagnosis of CP. Adults with at least 3 years of continuous enrollment on a single plan between 2002 and 2009 were included in the final analyses (n=2659). We examined the longitudinal trends of incident diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, cardiac dysrhythmias, and atherosclerosis, stratified by age categories: 18 to 39 years, 40 to 59 years, and 60 years and over. Kaplan–Meier product‐limit survival curves were compared across age categories for each of the cardiometabolic outcomes, and a Cox proportional hazards regression was run to determine adjusted hazard ratios.ResultsThe cumulative incidence of each of the cardiometabolic diseases ranged from 6.0% for atherosclerosis to 34.4% for hypercholesterolemia at 3 years and over. Risk‐adjusted Cox proportional hazard models revealed that age was a robust predictor of survival for each outcome, with higher hazard ratio ranges in middle age (hazard ratio 1.41–2.72) and older adults (hazard ratio 2.20–5.93) compared with young adults.InterpretationAdults with CP have high rates of cardiometabolic diseases; and disease‐free survival shortens significantly with higher ages.What this paper adds

Adults with cerebral palsy have high rates of cardiometabolic diseases.

Disease‐free survival of all cardiometabolic diseases shortens significantly with higher ages.

The highest rates were for hypercholesterolemia and hypertension.
Topical retinol attenuates stress‐induced ageing signs in human skin ex vivo, throughEGFR activation viaEGF, but notERK andAP‐1 activation
Authors: Romana‐Souza Bruna , Silva‐Xavier Welker , Monte‐Alto‐Costa Andréa 
Published: April 2018

AbstractStress‐induced oxidative damage and the inflammatory response lead to degradation of collagen and elastic fibres and wrinkle formation. Topical retinol (or vitamin A) can be a strategy to attenuate the effects of stress in skin as it promotes collagen and elastic fibre production and reduces protease synthesis. This study investigated the effect of topical retinol in stressed human skin using in vitro and ex vivo models. Human skin explants were treated with high levels of epinephrine (as observed in stressed patients) and topically with retinol for 13 days. Human dermal fibroblasts were treated with conditioned medium of ex vivo retinol‐treated and non‐stressed (without epinephrine) human skin for 24 hours. In ex vivo human skin, retinol reversed the epinephrine‐induced reduction in epidermal proliferation and differentiation, normalizing epidermal thickness. Retinol also inhibited the epinephrine‐induced reduction in elastic fibre deposition and organization, restoring dermal thickness. In addition, retinol reversed the epinephrine‐induced increase in c‐JUN protein expression, but it did not alter extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK) phosphorylation in ex vivo human skin. Conditioned medium of ex vivo retinol‐treated and non‐stressed human skin presented an increased protein expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF). In human dermal fibroblasts, conditioned medium of ex vivo retinol‐treated and non‐stressed human skin increased protein and gene expression of fibrillin‐1 and protein expression of EGF receptor (EGFR). In conclusion, topical retinol attenuates stress‐induced skin ageing signs in human skin ex vivo, probably through EGFR activation via EGF, but not by the stress‐activated ERK 1/2 and c‐JUN pathways.
The convergence theory for vitiligo: A reappraisal
Authors: Kundu Roopal V. , Mhlaba Julia M. , Rangel Stephanie M. , Le Poole I. Caroline 
Published: April 2018

AbstractVitiligo is characterized by progressive loss of skin pigmentation. The search for aetiologic factors has led to the biochemical, the neurologic and the autoimmune theory. The convergence theory was then proposed several years ago to incorporate existing theories of vitiligo development into a single overview of vitiligo aetiology. The viewpoint that vitiligo is not caused only by predisposing mutations, or only by melanocytes responding to chemical/radiation exposure, or only by hyperreactive T cells, but rather results from a combination of aetiologic factors that impact melanocyte viability, has certainly stood the test of time. New findings have since informed the description of progressive depigmentation. Understanding the relative importance of such aetiologic factors combined with a careful selection of the most targetable pathways will continue to drive the next phase in vitiligo research: the development of effective therapeutics. In that arena, it is likewise important to acknowledge that pathways affected in some patients may not be altered in others. Taken together, the convergence theory continues to provide a comprehensive viewpoint of vitiligo aetiology. The theory serves to intertwine aetiologic pathways and will help to define pathways amenable to disease intervention in individual patients.
Contribution of sea ice microbial production to Antarctic benthic communities is driven by sea ice dynamics and composition of functional guilds
Authors: Wing Stephen R. , Leichter James J. , Wing Lucy C. , Stokes Dale , Genovese Sal J. , McMullin Rebecca M. , Shatova Olya A. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractOrganic matter produced by the sea ice microbial community (SIMCo) is an important link between sea ice dynamics and secondary production in near‐shore food webs of Antarctica. Sea ice conditions in McMurdo Sound were quantified from time series of MODIS satellite images for Sept. 1 through Feb. 28 of 2007–2015. A predictable sea ice persistence gradient along the length of the Sound and evidence for a distinct change in sea ice dynamics in 2011 were observed. We used stable isotope analysis (δ13C and δ15N) of SIMCo, suspended particulate organic matter (SPOM) and shallow water (10–20 m) macroinvertebrates to reveal patterns in trophic structure of, and incorporation of organic matter from SIMCo into, benthic communities at eight sites distributed along the sea ice persistence gradient. Mass‐balance analysis revealed distinct trophic architecture among communities and large fluxes of SIMCo into the near‐shore food web, with the estimates ranging from 2 to 84% of organic matter derived from SIMCo for individual species. Analysis of patterns in density, and biomass of macroinvertebrate communities among sites allowed us to model net incorporation of organic matter from SIMCo, in terms of biomass per unit area (g/m2), into benthic communities. Here, organic matter derived from SIMCo supported 39 to 71 per cent of total biomass. Furthermore, for six species, we observed declines in contribution of SIMCo between years with persistent sea ice (2008–2009) and years with extensive sea ice breakout (2012–2015). Our data demonstrate the vital role of SIMCo in ecosystem function in Antarctica and strong linkages between sea ice dynamics and near‐shore secondary productivity. These results have important implications for our understanding of how benthic communities will respond to changes in sea ice dynamics associated with climate change and highlight the important role of shallow water macroinvertebrate communities as sentinels of change for the Antarctic marine ecosystem.
Multi‐Objective Optimization of Managed Aquifer Recharge
Authors: Fatkhutdinov Aybulat , Stefan Catalin 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThis study demonstrates the utilization of a multi‐objective hybrid global/local optimization algorithm for solving managed aquifer recharge (MAR) design problems, in which the decision variables included spatial arrangement of water injection and abstraction wells and time‐variant rates of pumping and injection. The objective of the optimization was to maximize the efficiency of the MAR scheme, which includes both quantitative and qualitative aspects. The case study used to demonstrate the capabilities of the proposed approach is based on a published report on designing a real MAR site with defined aquifer properties, chemical groundwater characteristics as well as quality and volumes of injected water. The demonstration problems include steady state and transient scenarios. The steady state scenario demonstrates optimization of spatial arrangement of multiple injection and recovery wells, whereas the transient scenario was developed with the purpose of finding optimal regimes of water injection and recovery at a single location. Both problems were defined as multi‐objective problems. The scenarios were simulated by applying coupled numerical groundwater flow and solute transport models: MODFLOW‐2005 and MT3D‐USGS. The applied optimization method was a combination of global (the non‐dominated sorting genetic algorithm [NSGA‐2]) and local (the Nelder‐Mead downhill simplex search algorithms). The analysis of the resulting Pareto optimal solutions led to the discovery of valuable patterns and dependencies between the decision variables, model properties, and problem objectives. Additionally, the performance of the traditional global and the hybrid optimization schemes were compared.
Mental accounting and behavioural hierarchy: Understanding consumer budgeting behaviour
Authors: Xiao Jing Jian , O'Neill Barbara 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBudgeting is an important step in consumer finance. Budgeting behaviour is considered a desirable financial behaviour to indicate consumer financial capability. However, systematic research on budgeting behaviour with a large scale national sample is limited. The purpose of this study was to address this research gap and examine characteristics of budgeting behaviour from the perspective of a behavioural hierarchy, which is related to mental accounting. The assumption holds that consumer financial behaviours may be performed in a hierarchical manner along with an increase in economic resources. Using data from the 2015 National Financial Capability Study, evidence suggests that budgeting behaviour is at the lower end of the behavioural hierarchy. This finding has implications for consumer financial professionals.
Subungual exostosis and subungual osteochondromas: a description of 25 cases
Authors: Göktay Fatih , Atış Güldehan , Güneş Pembegül , Macit Betül , Çelik Nil Su , Gürdal Kösem Esra 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundSubungual exostosis (SE) and subungual osteochondroma (SO) are an uncommon, benign tumor of the distal phalanx. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate clinical, demographical, and radiological features; treatment modalities; and follow‐up results in SE and SO cases.MethodsTwenty‐five cases were confirmed histopathologically as SE or SO. At the time of admission, clinical data were obtained on the age and sex of the patient, duration of symptoms, presence of pain, previous diagnoses and treatments, concomitant systemic diseases, family history, lesional localization, clinical and radiological features of the lesion, surgical treatment methods, and duration of follow‐up.ResultsThere were 14 patients in the SE group and 11 patients in the SO group. There was no statistically significant difference in gender, age, duration of symptoms, or pain between the two groups. Regarding the locations of the lesions, two (14.28%) were on the hands, 12 (85.72%) lesions were on the toes, 11 (91.67%) of which were on the great toe, and one (8.33%) was on the small toe of the left foot in the SE group. All the osteochondroma lesions were located on the toes. In five (45%) cases, the lesion was on the great toe. Two patients had residual lesions in the SE group. Recurrence occurred in one case in the SO group.ConclusionsClinically and histopathologically, SE and SO appear to be two different entities. When diagnosed correctly and treated appropriately, the lesions have good functional and cosmetic results, as well as a very low recurrence rate.
Clinical and molecular characterization and response to acitretin in three families with Sjögren‐Larsson syndrome
Authors: Vural Seçil , Vural Atay , Akçimen Fulya , Bağci Işın S. , Tunca Ceren , Gündoğdu Eken Asli , Ruzicka Thomas , Başak A. Nazli 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIntroductionSjögren‐Larsson syndrome (SLS) is a rare congenital disorder characterized by the triad of ichthyosis, spasticity, and mental retardation. Patients are usually referred to dermatology clinics during infancy. As paraplegia becomes the most debilitating symptom of the disease within a few years, ichthyosis, although a major burden for the patient, takes a back seat. Optimum treatment of ichthyosis in these children and the effect of treatment on different aspects such as severity of the ichthyosis, pruritus, or quality of life of the patients’ and their caregivers is not well established.Materials and MethodsGenetic background of eight patients from three families diagnosed clinically with SLS was determined with whole‐exome and Sanger sequencing. Clinical phenotypes, laboratory findings, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and treatment of the ichthyosis with acitretin were assessed.ResultsAll patients had the classical triad of Sjögren‐Larsson syndrome. Genetic analysis revealed that one patient had a novel c.799‐1 (+/+) homozygous splicing mutation in the ALDH3A2 gene. Other patients had the c.683G>A p.R228H (NM_000382.2) mutation in the same gene. Other manifestations included skeletal anomalies, enamel hypoplasia, bilateral T2‐hyperintensities in white matter, and moderate–severe pruritus. Acitretin treatment in a maintenance dose of 0.25 mg/kg/day decreased the severity of ichthyosis in all children. It increased quality of life significantly in all of the children and their caregivers.ConclusionWe conclude that ichthyosis can be treated effectively with low‐dose acitretin in children with Sjögren‐Larsson syndrome, and this treatment is associated with a significant improvement in the quality of life.
Decreased protein C function predicts mortality in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Patil A. G. , Bihari C. , Shewade H. D. , Nigam N. , Sarin S. K. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIntroductionProtein C (PrC), a physiological anticoagulant, regulates inflammation and cell death and has known predictive/therapeutic roles in sepsis. Accumulating evidences suggest plasma hypercoagulability results in progression of fibrosis and formation of microclots causing end‐organ dysfunction. We investigated a possible association between natural anticoagulants—PrC, protein S (PrS) and antithrombin III (AT)—and clinical outcomes in cirrhotics.MethodsFunctional PrC, PrS and AT were analysed in 515 cirrhotic patients and compared with 229 noncirrhotics. Among those with cirrhosis, we conducted multivariable predictive model on 3‐month survival to assess the prognostic ability of anticoagulants.ResultsProtein C (P < .001), PrS (P < .001) and AT (P < .001) levels were lower in cirrhotics compared with noncirrhotics. In addition, patients with Child‐Pugh (CP)‐C had significantly lower (P < .05) functional PrC, PrS and AT levels than CP‐B, CP‐A and noncirrhotic patients. Low PrC function correlated with markers of liver dysfunction and inflammation: INR(r = −.72, P < .001), bilirubin (r = −.620, P < .001), albumin (r = .539, P < .001), creatinine (r = −.417, P < .001), ferritin (r = −.68, P = .035), procalcitonin (r = −.79, P = .01), raised ESR (r = .56, P < .001) and liver fibrosis (r = −.840, P < .001). Patients who died (n = 160) had significantly lower median PrC function (23.8%, 16.3‐33.0]) compared with those who remained alive (74.9%, [59.7‐92.5]); P < .001. In a multivariable predictive model using PrC, and MELD score, we found a significant impact of low PrC levels on survival (P < .001, IRR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.96‐0.98). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed that functional PrC levels <52% were associated with increased mortality (P < .001).ConclusionLow functional protein C level correlated with markers of liver dysfunction, inflammation and sepsis and independently predicted mortality at 3 months in cirrhotics, especially if functional levels were <52%.
Establishment of new complete blood count reference values for healthy Thai adults
Authors: Wongkrajang P. , Chinswangwatanakul W. , Mokkhamakkun C. , Chuangsuwanich N. , Wesarachkitti B. , Thaowto B. , Laiwejpithaya S. , Komkhum O. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIntroductionLaboratory reference ranges are essential for diagnostic orientation and treatment decision. As complete blood count parameters are influenced by various factors, including gender, geographic origin, and ethnic origin, it is important to establish specific hematologic reference values for specific populations.MethodsThis study was conducted at the Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. Blood samples were taken from healthy adults aged 18‐60 years that attended a health check‐up program at our hospital during February 2015 to July 2015. Hematologic and routine chemistry analysis were performed. Participants were determined to be healthy based on medical history and routine medical examinations. Serum vitamin B12, folate, ferritin, and hemoglobin typing were also analyzed to exclude the possible presence of anemia.ResultsA statistically significant difference was observed between males and females for Hb level, hematocrit level, red blood cell count, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, percentage neutrophils, monocytes and eosinophils, and absolute neutrophil, lymphocyte, basophil, and platelet counts. Accordingly, gender‐specific reference intervals were established for all complete blood count parameters in healthy Thai adult population.ConclusionsThe reference value ranges established in this study reflect significant differences between genders. It is possible that these reference ranges may be generalizable to adults living in Thailand. The findings of this study emphasize the importance of establishing specific hematologic reference values for specific populations.