bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elevated levels of serum nitrite and nitrate, NOx, are associated with increased total and cardiovascular mortality in an 8‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Gumanova Nadezhda G. , Deev Alexander D. , Kots Alexander Y. , Shalnova Svetlana A. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundNitric oxide (NO) is one of the key regulators of vascular function. Abnormal NO signalling is linked to various cardiovascular diseases. We studied associations between circulating levels of NO metabolites, nitrite and nitrate (NOx) and total and cardiovascular mortality in a prospective 8‐year follow‐up cohort study in 1869 patients aged over 55 years.Materials and methodsThe Cox proportional hazard ratio (HR) regression models were adjusted for multiple risk‐related variables. Post hoc Kaplan‐Meier survival curves were compared by the Log‐rank test.ResultsProportional Cox regression analysis demonstrated that high serum levels of NOx over 70 µmol/L were associated with elevated total mortality (HR 1.4; 95% CI: 1.06‐1.80; P = 0.02) and cardiovascular mortality (HR 1.4; 95% CI: 0.98‐1.98; P = 0.03) when HR was adjusted for age, sex, smoking and urinary creatinine. Additional adjustments for various mortality‐associated baseline comorbidities did not influence associations of elevated NOx with total and cardiovascular mortality. Association of elevated NOx with total mortality persisted in the multivariate regression model combining a number of other characteristics while association of NOx with cardiovascular mortality became non‐significant in the multivariate model. Specific subset of patients contributing to these associations was determined by Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis indicating that cardiovascular and total mortality were increased in men with high serum levels of NOx over 70 µmol/L (Log‐rank test P = 0.01). These associations were not observed in women.ConclusionElevated concentrations of serum NOx over 70 µmol/L can be used to predict mortality in men over 55 years of age.
Haematological malignancy: Are we measuring what is important to patients? A systematic review of quality‐of‐life instruments
Authors: Goswami Pushpendra , Khatib Yasmin , Salek Sam 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe wide range of health‐related quality‐of‐life (HRQoL) instruments used in haematology makes it challenging for haematologists and other care team members in practice to select, use and understand the scoring system and finally interpret the results. The main objectives of this study were to: (a) provide a comprehensive list of quality‐of‐life issues important to patients suffering from haematological malignancies, identified through the literature; (b) provide a list of health‐related quality‐of‐life (HRQoL) instruments used in haematological malignancies in both daily clinical practice and research; and (c) evaluate the relevance and comprehensibility of the identified instruments in haematological malignancies. Systematic literature review of two databases, followed by addition of articles by manual searching, was carried out. The articles focusing on the primary studies, which have used semi‐structured/structured interviews or surveys to identify issues important to HM patients, and other studies describing the results of testing measurement properties, such as reliability, validity and responsiveness of the instruments currently used to evaluate the HRQoL in different HMs, were included. Fifty‐seven studies reported development and validation of 30 HRQoL instruments, which have been used in haematology. Twenty‐four studies were identified using qualitative methods to report HRQoL issues and symptoms from a patient's perspective. No identified instrument captured all the issues identified from the qualitative studies. None of the instruments reviewed appeared to have been developed for use in clinical practice and specifically for patients with HM, except MyPOS. Furthermore, measurement properties were established, largely, in clinical trial scenarios. There is a need for development of a new HRQoL instrument entirely based on involvement of patients with haematological malignancies.
Thalamic morphometric changes induced by first‐person action videogame training
Authors: Momi Davide , Smeralda Carmelo , Sprugnoli Giulia , Neri Francesco , Rossi Simone , Rossi Alessandro , Di Lorenzo Giorgio , Santarnecchi Emiliano 
Published: December 2018

AbstractCross‐sectional data suggest videogaming as promoting modifications in perceptual and cognitive skills of players, as well as inducing structural brain changes. However, whether such changes are both possible after a systematic gaming exposure, and last beyond the training period, is not known. Here, we originally quantified immediate and long‐lasting cognitive and morphometric impact of a systematic gaming experience on a first‐person shooter (FPS) game. Thirty‐five healthy participants, assigned to a videogaming and a control group, underwent a cognitive assessment and structural magnetic resonance imaging at baseline (T0), immediately post‐gaming (T1) and after 3 months (T2). Enhancements of cognitive performance were found on perceptual and attentional measures at both T1 and T2. Morphometric analysis revealed immediate structural changes involving bilateral medial and posterior thalamic nuclei, as well as bilateral superior temporal gyrus, right precentral gyrus, and left middle occipital gyrus. Notably, significant changes in pulvinar volume were still present at T2, while a voxel‐wise regression analysis also linked baseline pulvinar volume and individual changes in gaming performance. Present findings extend over the notion that videogame playing might impact cognitive and brain functioning in a beneficial way, originally showing long‐term brain structural changes even months after gaming practice. The involvement of posterior thalamic structures highlights a potential link between FPS games and thalamo‐cortical networks related to attention mechanisms and multisensory integration processing.
Muscle ciliary neurotrophic factor receptor α contributes to motor neuron STAT3 activation following peripheral nerve lesion
Authors: Lee Nancy , Spearry Rachel P. , Rydyznski Carolyn E. , MacLennan A. John 
Published: December 2018

AbstractExpression of the ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) receptor essential ligand binding subunit, CNTF receptor α (CNTFRα), is induced in motor neurons and skeletal muscle following peripheral nerve lesion. We previously found muscle CNTFRα promotes motor neuron axon regeneration post‐lesion. Both nerve lesion and CNTF administration activate motor neuron signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), a transcription factor implicated in axon growth, suggesting CNTF receptors may contribute to the lesion‐induced STAT3 activation. However, many receptor types signal through STAT3, and if CNTF receptors contribute, motor neuron receptors seemed most likely to regulate motor neuron STAT3. To determine the role played by muscle CNTFRα, we used in vivo, muscle‐specific CNTFRα depletion in mice and report here that this selectively impairs the second phase, sustained motor neuron STAT3 activation post‐lesion. Thus, muscle CNTFRα makes an essential contribution to motor neuron STAT3 activation during axon regeneration and may thereby promote axon regeneration through such signaling. We also report CNTFRα quantitative PCR suggesting involvement of many denervated muscle types, as well as muscle damaged at the lesion site. The present data add to the evidence suggesting that enhancing muscle CNTFRα expression may promote motor neuron regeneration in trauma and disease.
Insular resting state functional connectivity is associated with gut microbiota diversity
Authors: Curtis Kaylah , Stewart Christopher J. , Robinson Meghan , Molfese David L. , Gosnell Savannah N. , Kosten Thomas R. , Petrosino Joseph F. , De La Garza Richard , Salas Ramiro 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe gut microbiota has recently gained attention as a possible modulator of brain activity. A number of reports suggest that the microbiota may be associated with neuropsychiatric conditions such as major depressive disorder, autism and anxiety. The gut microbiota is thought to influence the brain via vagus nerve signalling, among other possible mechanisms. The insula processes and integrates these vagal signals. To determine if microbiota diversity and structure modulate brain activity, we collected faecal samples and examined insular function using resting state functional connectivity (RSFC). Thirty healthy participants (non‐smokers, tobacco smokers and electronic cigarette users, n = 10 each) were studied. We found that the RSFC between the insula and several regions (frontal pole left, lateral occipital cortex right, lingual gyrus right and cerebellum 4, 5 and vermis 9) were associated with bacterial microbiota diversity and structure. In addition, two specific bacteria genera, Prevotella and Bacteroides, were specifically different in tobacco smokers and also associated with insular connectivity. In conclusion, we show that insular connectivity is associated with microbiome diversity, structure and at least two specific bateria genera. Furthemore, this association is potentially modulated by tobacco smoking, although the sample sizes for the different smoking groups were small and this result needs validation in a larger cohort. While replication is necessary, the microbiota is a readily accessible therapeutic target for modulating insular connectivity, which has previously been shown to be abnormal in anxiety and tobacco use disorders.
The overlooked aspect of excitotoxicity: Glutamate‐independent excitotoxicity in traumatic brain injuries
Authors: Tehse Joel , Taghibiglou Changiz 
Published: December 2018

AbstractTraumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading major cause of morbidity and mortality in youth and individuals under 45 year age. A wide variety of cellular and molecular mechanisms have been identified contributing to the pathogenesis of TBI. A better understanding of the pathophysiology behind TBI is essential for providing more effective treatment. Excitotoxicity as one of the secondary molecular events is a major contributing factor in apoptosis and neuronal death following the initial injury in TBI. Excitotoxicity is the rapid overload and influx of calcium into the cell cytoplasm, activating a series of deleterious signaling cascades causing the cell to undergo apoptosis. Conventional understanding is that the rapid influx of calcium is initiated through glutamate release. However, there are overlooked glutamate‐independent mechanisms that cause the rapid calcium influx into the neuronal cytoplasm, evoking or contributing to excitotoxicity. Therefore, the focus of this review will be on the role of the glutamate‐independent excitotoxic mechanisms of the mechanosensitive response of NMDA receptors, mechanoporation of the cell membrane, ischemia, and the release of calcium from intracellular stores. In conclusion, the shear and stretch forces during a TBI event may result in the mechanosensitive activation of NMDA receptors which contribute to glutamate‐independent excitotoxicity.
Orf virus infection of human keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts: Limited virus detection and interference with intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 up‐regulation
Authors: Schneider Laura E. , Protschka Martina , Müller Uwe , Muhsen Mahmod , Magin Thomas M. , Anderegg Ulf , Saalbach Anja , Büttner Mathias , Alber Gottfried , Siegemund Sabine 
Published: December 2018

AbstractOrf virus (Parapoxvirus ovis, ORFV) is a dermatotropic virus causing pustular dermatitis in small ruminants and humans. We analysed isolated human primary keratinocytes (KC) and dermal fibroblasts (FB) for cell death and virus replication by infection with a patient‐derived ORFV isolate. ORFV infection was associated with rapid induction of cell death in KC allowing for considerable virus removal. Upon infection with ORFV, KC and FB harboured intracytoplasmic ORFV and showed viral protein presence; however, missing virus spread indicated an abortive infection. Upon ORFV exposure, KC but not FB secreted the pro‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)‐6. ORFV infection enhanced the frequency of KC expressing intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)‐1 which was independent of IL‐6. Interestingly, ORFV inhibited ICAM‐1 up‐regulation on infected but not on non‐infected KC. Even interferon‐γ, a potent inducer of ICAM‐1, up‐regulated ICAM‐1 only on non‐infected KC. Transfer of ORFV‐free supernatant from infected to non‐infected KC induced ICAM‐1 on non‐infected KC pointing to the involvement of soluble mediator(s). Similarly as in KC, in FB interference with ICAM‐1 up‐regulation by ORFV infection was also observed. In conclusion, we shed light on epidermal and dermal defense mechanisms to ORFV infection and point to a novel ICAM‐1‐related immune evasion mechanism of ORFV in human skin.
UV‐B‐activated B16 melanoma cells or HaCaT keratinocytes accelerate signaling pathways associated with melanogenesis via ANGPTL 2 induction, an activity antagonized by Chrysanthemum extract
Authors: Satou Gaku , Maji Daisuke , Isamoto Takayuki , Oike Yuichi , Endo Motoyoshi 
Published: December 2018

AbstractSunburn causes inflammation, which increases melanin production in skin and causes hyperpigmentation. Angiopoietin‐like protein (ANGPTL) 2 is an inflammatory mediator induced in sun‐exposed skin areas. However, whether ANGPTL2 functions in melanin production remains unclear. To assess this possibility, we overexpressed Angptl2 in the melanoma line B16 and in the keratinocyte line HaCaT. Relative to controls, Angptl2‐expressing B16 cells produced higher melanin levels via tyrosinase induction. Accordingly, Angptl2‐expressing HaCaT cells secreted relatively high levels of both endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) and α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (α‐MSH). Moreover, treatment with an extract from Chrysanthemum indicum × Erigeron annuus (CE) suppressed ANGPTL2 expression and repressed tyrosinase induction in melanocytes and of α‐MSH and ET‐1 in keratinocytes. Our data suggest that ANGPTL2 expression in keratinocytes and melanin‐producing cells accelerates pigment production and that treatment of skin with a CE extract could prevent melanin accumulation.
In vitro and in vivo evidence of tyrosinase inhibitory activity of a synthesized (Z)‐5‐(3‐hydroxy‐4‐methoxybenzylidene)‐2‐thioxothiazolidin‐4‐one (5‐HMT)
Authors: Bang EunJin , Lee Eun Kyeong , Noh Sang‐Gyun , Jung Hee Jin , Moon Kyoung Mi , Park Mi Hwa , Park Yeo Jin , Hyun Min Kyung , Lee A Kyoung , Kim Su Jeong , Yang Jungho , Park Yujin , Chun Pusoon , Moon Hyung Ryong , Chung Hae Young 
Published: December 2018

AbstractTyrosinase is a key enzyme that catalyses the initial rate‐limiting steps of melanin synthesis. Due to its critical role in melanogenesis, various attempts were made to find potent tyrosinase inhibitors although many were not safe and effective in vivo. We evaluated tyrosinase inhibitory activity of six compounds. Among them, (Z)‐5‐(3‐hydroxy‐4‐methoxybenzylidene)‐2‐thioxothiazolidin‐4‐one (5‐HMT) had the greatest inhibitory effect and potency as the IC50 value of 5‐HMT was lower than that of kojic acid, widely‐known tyrosinase inhibitor. Based on in silico docking simulation, 5‐HMT had a greater binding affinity than kojic acid with a different binding conformation in the tyrosinase catalytic site. Furthermore, its skin depigmentation effect was confirmed in vivo as 5‐HMT topical treatment significantly reduced UVB‐induced melanogenesis in HRM2 hairless mice. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that 5‐HMT has a greater binding affinity and inhibitory effect on tyrosinase and may be a potential candidate for a therapeutic agent for preventing melanogenesis.
Quantum‐dots‐precipitated rare‐earth‐doped glass for ultra‐broadband mid‐infrared emissions
Authors: Wang Weichao , Xiao Yongbao , Zhou Bo , Xu Shanhui , Zhang Qinyuan 
Published: December 2018

AbstractMid‐infrared (MIR) fiber lasers have wide application prospects and great commercial value in the fields of medical operation, remote sensing and military weapon, etc. At present, Tm3+‐doped glass can obtain broadband luminescence at 2 μm, the introduction of Ho3+ or Er3+ ions also shows a tunable MIR emission but with limited success. Herein, the rare‐earth (RE) doped glass with quantum dots (QDs) precipitation is proposed for achieving ultra‐broadband MIR emissions. The types and sizes of QDs are determined by the XRD and TEM, and their optical properties are further characterized by the absorption and emission spectra as well as the lifetime decay curves. It is found that the diameter of the QDs is gradually increased from 1.7 to 5.1 nm by increasing the heat‐treated temperature from 490°C to 530°C, respectively. Interestingly, an ultra‐broadband emission covering 1400‐2600 nm is achieved from the heat‐treated glass upon the excitation of 808 nm laser diode as a result of an overlapped emission from Tm3+ and PbS. All results suggest that these QDs‐precipitated RE‐doped glasses have important application prospects in ultra‐broadband MIR laser glass, glass fiber, and fiber lasers.
Dilute magnetic semiconductor of ZnCoSe thin films: Structural, optical, and magnetic characteristics
Authors: Shaaban Essam R. , Mahasen Mohamed M. , Soraya Mohmoud M. , Yousef El Sayed , Mahmoud Safwat A. , Ali Gomaa A. M. , Elshaikh Haroun A. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractA series of Zn1−xCoxSe (x = 0, 0.025, 0.050, 0.075, and 0.100) films using were evaporated (thickness of 1 μm) using electron beam gun. The effect of Co doping on the structural, optical, and magnetic properties has been investigated. X‐ray diffraction studies confirm formation of zinc blend structure for all Zn1−xCoxSe films. The crystallite size increases and the lattice strain decreases with the increase in Co content. The elemental constituents were characterized by energy dispersive X‐ray. Optical studies showed an increase in refractive index and a decrease in energy gap with the increase in the cobalt doping. The dispersion of the refractive index has been analyzed in terms of the Wemple‐DiDomenico single oscillator model. The oscillator parameters including the single oscillator energy (Eo), the dispersion energy (Ed), and the static refractive index (n0) were estimated. Magnetization measurements via vibrating sample magnetometer showed a hysteresis loop and confirmed room‐temperature ferromagnetism in Co‐doped ZnSe films.
Dual‐grained (Ti, W)C–Ni cermets by two‐step carbonization: Hot isotropic press sintering of NiTiW alloys and colloidal graphite
Authors: Xiong Huiwen , Wen Yu , Li Zhiyou , Zhou Kechao 
Published: December 2018

AbstractReactive sintering of crushed metals and carbon is advantageous for preparing toughened complete solid‐solution cermets (CSCs). Here, dual‐grained (Ti0.6, W0.4)C–18Ni cermets were prepared using a two‐step carbonization method. High‐energy milling of Ni–Ti–W–C (Ni(Ti0.6, W0.4)4C) mixture afforded NiTiW solid solution, which was then transformed into Ni6W6C by heating at 1250°C. Twinned (Ti, W)C platelets were formed by the carbonization of Ni2W4C during liquid sintering. W atoms that accumulated in the (111) planes of TiC promoted the {111} twin formation, leading to sandwich‐type (Ti, W)C platelets. Dense (Ti0.6, W0.4)C–18Ni cermets were obtained by hot isostatic press sintering in Ar with satisfactory Hv of 12.8 ± 0.2 GPa, high strength of 1960 ± 84 MPa and toughness of 15.80 ± 0.6 MPa·m1/2. A higher sintering temperature or graphite content accelerated the carbonization, resulting in coarser platelets with decreased aspect ratio. This study provides a new approach to modify the microstructure of CSCs and a method for preparing dual‐grained cermets.
Determination of ceramic flaw populations from component strengths
Authors: Cook Robert F. , DelRio Frank W. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractA procedure is outlined for determining the population of flaws in manufactured ceramics from strength measurements of sampled components. The broad applicability of the procedure is demonstrated in a quantitative manner, using strength measurements from a range of ceramic materials (eg, glass, glass‐ceramic, single crystal, and polycrystal) with different flaw types (eg, bulk, surface, and edge). The deconvoluted flaw populations are mostly dominated by small flaws with extended large flaw tails and are all in domains of tens of micrometers. The procedure greatly extends the useful information to be gained by ceramics manufacturers and designers from strength distribution measurements and emphasizes the importance of identifying strength‐limiting characteristics within a flaw population.
Monolithic silicon carbide with interconnected and hierarchical pores fabricated by reaction‐induced phase separation
Authors: Zhang Bo‐xing , Zhang Yubei , Luo Zhenhua , Han Weijian , Qiu Wenfeng , Zhao Tong 
Published: December 2018

AbstractHierarchically porous silicon carbide (SiC) monoliths were fabricated based on polycarbosilane (PCS), divinyl benzene (DVB), and decalin, by a sequence of procedures including catalyst‐free hydrosilylation reaction‐induced phase separation, ambient‐pressure drying, calcination, and HF etching. The influences of ratios of each component on the phase separation were systematically studied. It was found that isotactic polypropylene added as a nonreactive additive could effectively tailor the microstructure and improve the mechanical properties of SiC monoliths. The resultant SiC monoliths mainly consisted of β‐SiC nanocrystals, and possessed low bulk density (0.7 g/cm3), high porosity (78%), large specific area (100.6 m2/g), high compressive strength (13.5 ± 1.6 MPa), and hierarchical pores (macropores around 350 nm, mesopores around 4 and 20 nm). These properties make SiC monoliths promising materials for catalyst/catalyst support, gas separator, and the reinforcement of high‐temperature composites.
Association between family history of colorectal cancer and the risk of metachronous colorectal neoplasia following polypectomy in patients aged < 50 years
Authors: Kim Nam Hee , Jung Yoon Suk , Park Jung Ho , Park Dong Il , Sohn Chong Il 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackground and AimThe relationship between a family history of colorectal cancer (CRC) and the risk of metachronous colorectal neoplasia (CRN) following polypectomy remains unknown. We aimed to compare the risk of metachronous CRN according to CRC family history in groups of patients aged < 50 and ≥ 50 years.MethodsWe studied patients who underwent ≥ 1 adenoma removal between 2010 and 2014 and follow‐up surveillance colonoscopic examinations until 2017.ResultsAmong the 9866 patients studied, 544 (5.5%) had ≥ 1 first‐degree relatives (FDRs) affected by CRC. In patients aged < 50 years (n = 7787), as compared with having no family history of CRC, a positive family history in any FDR (hazard ratio [HR] 1.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16–1.62), a father (HR 1.35, 95% CI 1.09–1.68), or a mother (HR 1.32, 95% CI 1.005–1.74) was associated with an increased risk of metachronous CRN after adjusting for confounding factors. However, in patients aged ≥ 50 years (n = 2079), there was no significant association between having an FDR with CRC and the risk of metachronous CRN. For metachronous advanced CRN, the association between its risk and family history of CRC was not observed in either the < 50 years or ≥ 50 years of age group.ConclusionsHaving an FDR with CRC at a young age (< 50 years) appears to be closely related to the risk of metachronous CRN. However, considering that the risk of metachronous advanced CRN did not depend on CRC family history, the interval of post‐polypectomy surveillance colonoscopy may not need to be adjusted depending on CRC family history.