bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Amelioration of diabetic nephropathy in db/db mice treated with tibetan medicine formula Siwei Jianghuang Decoction Powder extract
Authors: Lai Xianrong , Tong Dong , Ai Xiaopeng , Wu Jiasi , Luo Yu , Zuo Fang , Wei Zhicheng , Li Yanqiao , Huang Wanyi , Wang Wenqian , Jiang Qing , Meng Xianli , Zeng Yong , Wang Ping 
Published: November 2018

AbstractSiwei Jianghuang Decoction Powder (SWJH) documented originally in the Four Medical Tantras-Blue Glaze exhibited beneficial effects on diabetic nephropathy (DN) via combined synergistically action of multiple formula components including Curcumae longae Rhizoma, Berberidis dictyophyllae Cortex, Phyllanthi Fructus and Tribuli Fructus. This study investigated the effects of SWJH on DN in db/db mice and possible underlying mechanisms. The ten weeks old db/db mice treated with SWJH by intra-gastric administration once a day for 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, body weight, water and food intake of mice were recorded. The level of fasting blood glucose (FBG) was measured. Serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urine microalbumin (UMAlb), serum uric acid (UA) and urinary albumin excretion (UAE) were detected. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to test serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Real-time PCR and Western blot analysis were used to test mRNA and protein expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), VEGF and TGF-β1 in kidney tissue. SWJH treatment significantly reduced the levels of FBG, Scr, BUN, UMAlb, UA and UAE and retarded renal fibrosis. SWJH treatment further significantly reduced serum TGF-β1 level and downregulated the expression of HIF-1α, VEGF and TGF-β1 at both mRNA and protein levels. Principal component analysis and partial least squares regression and hierarchical cluster analysis demonstrated that SWJH treatment significantly ameliorated renal damage in DN mice. These consequences suggested that SWJH formulations were effective in the treatment of DN through regulating the HIF-1α, VEGF and TGF-β1 overexpression.
Insights into the Role of Plasma in Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Vapor Deposition of Titanium Dioxide Thin Films
Authors: Kang Seongchan , Mauchauffé Rodolphe , You Yong Sung , Moon Se Youn 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIn this work, the effect of plasma on the chemistry and morphology of coatings deposited by Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (AP-PECVD) is investigated. To do so, plasma deposited amorphous titanium dioxide (TiO2) thin films are compared to thin films deposited using Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Vapor Deposition (AP-CVD) not involving the use of plasma. We focus here on the effect and the interest of plasma in the AP-PECVD process over AP-CVD for low substrate temperature deposition. The advantages of AP-PECVD over AP-CVD are often suggested in many articles however no direct evidence of the role of the plasma for TiO2 deposition at atmospheric pressure was reported. Hence, herein, the deposition via both methods is directly compared by depositing coatings with and without plasma using the same CVD reactor. Through the control of the plasma parameters, we are able to form low carbon coatings at low temperature with a deposition rate twice faster than AP-CVD, clearly showing the interest of plasma. Plasma enhanced methods are promising for the deposition of coatings at industrial scale over large surface and at high rate.
No evidence for kin protection in the expression of sickness behaviors in house mice
Authors: Lopes Patricia C. , Block Per , Pontiggia Alice , Lindholm Anna K. , König Barbara 
Published: November 2018

AbstractWhen infected, animals change their behaviors in several ways, including by decreasing their activity, their food and water intake, and their interest in social interactions. These behavioral alterations are collectively called sickness behaviors and, for several decades, the main hypotheses put forward to explain this phenomenon were that engaging in sickness behaviors facilitated the fever response and improved the likelihood of host survival. However, a new hypothesis was recently proposed suggesting that engaging in sickness behaviors may serve to protect kin. We tested this kin protection hypothesis by combining a field and a laboratory experiment in house mice. In both experiments, we induced sickness behaviors by administration of a pro-inflammatory agent. In the field experiment, we then collected genetic data and assessed whether relatedness affected the intensity of sickness behaviors. In the lab experiment, we manipulated relatedness in small social groups and assessed whether having a closely related individual (a sibling) in the group altered social interactions or visits to common resources (such as food and water containers) once immune-challenged. Our results do not support the kinship protection hypothesis and therefore advance our understanding of why such an apparently costly set of behavioral changes would be evolutionarily maintained.
Risk Of Human Dietary Exposure To Organochlorine Pesticide Residues In Fruits From Ghana
Authors: Forkuoh Frederick , Boadi Nathaniel Owusu , Borquaye Lawrence Sheringham , Afful Samuel 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe objectives of this present study were to assess the level of organochlorine pesticide (OCP) residues in fruits and to determine the potential health risks associated with the exposure to these pesticides. A total of 120 fruits (watermelon, pineapple, and banana) were collected from five communities and a local market within the Mampong Municipality and analyzed for organochlorine pesticide residues. The results showed that the concentrations ranged from not detectable (ND)–48.22 ng/g for DDTs, ND–19.03 ng/g for HCHs, ND–4.10 ng/g for CHLs, ND–22.84 ng/g for Aldrin, and ND–11.53 ng/g for other OCPs. Levels of methoxychlor, Aldrin and gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) exceeded the maximum residue limits in watermelon. Estimated health risk revealed that Aldrin in watermelon could pose potential toxicity to the consumer. Estimated average daily intake for Aldrin was above the acceptable average daily intake.
Speech Impairment in Boys With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Terband Hayo , Spruit Manon , Maassen Ben 
Published: November 2018

BackgroundFetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are a highly prevalent spectrum of patterns of congenital defects resulting from prenatal exposure to alcohol. Approximately 90% of the cases involve speech impairment. Yet, to date, no detailed symptom profiles nor dedicated treatment plans are available for this population.PurposeThis study set out to chart the speech and speech motor characteristics in boys with FASD to profile the concomitant speech impairment and identify possible underlying mechanisms.MethodTen boys with FASD (4.5–10.3 years old) and 26 typically developing children (4.1–8.7 years old; 14 boys, 12 girls) participated in the study. Speech production and perception, and oral motor data were collected by standardized tests.ResultsThe boys with FASD showed reduced scores on all tasks as well as a deviant pattern of correlations between production and perception tasks and intelligibility compared with the typically developing children. Speech motor profiles showed specific problems with nonword repetition and tongue control.ConclusionsFindings indicate that the speech impairment in boys with FASD results from a combination of deficits in multiple subsystems and should be approached as a disorder rather than a developmental delay. The results suggest that reduced speech motor planning/programming, auditory discrimination, and oral motor abilities should be considered in long-term, individually tailored treatment.
The Accuracy of Smartphone Sound Level Meter Applications With and Without Calibration
Authors: Serpanos Yula C. , Renne Brittany , Schoepflin Janet R. , Davis Diane 
Published: November 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to determine the accuracy of smartphone sound level meter applications (SLMAs) with calibration features across stimulus levels and for ambient room noise measures in the clinical setting.

Method
The accuracy of 3 iOS-based smartphone SLMAs (SLMA1: Analyzer [Version 2.7.2, DSP Mobile], SLMA2: Sound Level Meter Pro [Version 2.2, Mint Muse LLC], and SLMA3: SPL Meter [Version 9.3, Andrew Smith, Studio Six Digital]), using a single smartphone device (iPhone 6S Model A1688, iOS 9.3.4, Apple), was evaluated with and without calibration using a 1000-Hz narrowband noise (NBN) and white noise (WN) stimuli over a range of sound levels (20–100 dB) and in ambient noise measures of 8 speech and hearing room environments. A simultaneous and corresponding SLMA and Type 1 sound level meter (SLM) measure per condition were documented with a photo image; each condition was replicated 5 times. Mean SLMA and SLM measures were compared. SLMA measures were considered accurate if within ± 2 dB of the SLM.

Results

Measures of NBN and WN signals using these SLMAs were accurate at levels above 40–50 dB when calibrated. NBN and WN signals using some SLMAs were significantly (
p
< .05) more accurate with calibration at levels > 40 to 50 dB. SLMA measures with or without calibration adjustment were inaccurate and overestimated room ambient noise levels < 50 dB.

Conclusions
These findings suggest that some SLMAs are accurate for measuring NBN and WN stimuli within the range of 50–100 dB in sound-treated environments when calibrated. However, outcomes indicated that some SLMAs, even with calibration, overestimated low ambient noise levels and may not accurately verify quiet room environments < 50 dB for clinical services. These results should not be generalized for all smartphone types, and continued research on SLMAs using next-generation smartphone devices is warranted.
Extrasolar planets and brown dwarfs around AF-type stars
Authors: Borgniet S. , Lagrange A.-M. , Meunier N. , Galland F. , Arnold L. , Astudillo-Defru N. , Beuzit J.-L. , Boisse I. , Bonfils X. , Bouchy F. , Debondt K. , Deleuil M. , Delfosse X. , Desort M. , Díaz R. F. , Eggenberger A. , Ehrenreich D. , Forveille T. , Hébrard G. , Loeillet B. , Lovis C. , Montagnier G. , Moutou C. , Pepe F. , Perrier C. , Pont F. , Queloz D. , Santerne A. , Santos N. C. , Ségransan D. , da Silva R. , Sivan J. P. , Udry S. , Vidal-Madjar A. 
Published: November 2018

Context.The impact of stellar mass on the properties of giant planets is still not fully understood. Main-sequence (MS) stars more massive than the Sun remain relatively unexplored in radial velocity (RV) surveys, due to their characteristics which hinder classical RV measurements.Aims.Our aim is to characterize the close (up to ~2 au) giant planet (GP) and brown dwarf (BD) population around AF MS stars and compare this population to stars with different masses.Methods.We used the SOPHIEspectrograph located on the 1.93 m telescope at Observatoire de Haute-Provence to observe 125 northern, MS AF dwarfs. We used our dedicated SAFIRsoftware to compute the RV and other spectroscopic observables. We characterized the detected substellar companions and computed the GP and BD occurrence rates combining the present SOPHIEsurvey and a similar HARPSsurvey.Results.We present new data on two known planetary systems around the F5-6V dwarfs HD 16232 and HD 113337. For the latter, we report an additional RV variation that might be induced by a second GP on a wider orbit. We also report the detection of 15 binaries or massive substellar companions with high-amplitude RV variations or long-term RV trends. Based on 225 targets observed with SOPHIEand/or HARPS, we constrain the BD frequency within 2–3 au around AF stars to be below 4% (1σ). For Jupiter-mass GPs within 2–3 au (periods ≤103days), we find the occurrence rate to be 3.7−1+3% around AF stars with masses <1.5M⊙, and to be ≤6% (1σ) around AF stars with masses >1.5M⊙. For periods shorter than 10 days, we find the GP occurrence rate to be below 3 and 4.5% (1σ), respectively. Our results are compatible with the GP frequency reported around FGK dwarfs and are compatible with a possible increase in GP orbital periods with stellar mass as predicted by formation models.
Convective cells in Betelgeuse: imaging through spectropolarimetry
Authors: López Ariste A. , Mathias P. , Tessore B. , Lèbre A. , Aurière M. , Petit P. , Ikhenache N. , Josselin E. , Morin J. , Montargès M. 
Published: November 2018

Aims. We assess the ability to image the photosphere of red supergiants and, in particular Betelgeuse, through the modelling of the observed linear polarization in atomic spectral lines. We also aim to analyse the resulting images over time, to measure the size and dynamics of the convective structures in these stars.
Methods. Rayleigh scattering polarizes the continuum and spectral lines depolarize it. This depolarization is seen as a linear polarization signal parallel to the radial direction on the stellar disk. Integrated over the disk, it would result in a null signal, except if brightness asymmetries/inhomogeneities are present. This is the basic concept behind our imaging technique. Through several tests and comparisons, we have tried to assess and extend its validity, and to determine what can be learnt unambiguously through it.
Results. The several tests and comparisons performed prove that our technique reliably retrieves the salient brightness structures in the photosphere of Betelgeuse, and should be relevant to other red supergiants. For Betelgeuse, we demonstrate that these structures we infer are convective cells, with a characteristic size of more than 60% of the stellar radius. We also derive the characteristic upflow and downflow speeds, 22 and 10 km s−1, respectively. We find weak magnetic fields concentrated in the downflow lanes in between granules, similar to the quiet sun magnetism. We follow those convective structures in time. Changes happen on timescales of 1 week, but individual structures can be tracked over 4 yr of observations.
Conclusions. The measured characteristics of the convection in Betelgeuse confirm the predictions of numerical simulations in both the strong, supersonic upflows and the size of the convective cells. They also concur in the presence of weak magnetic fields that are completely dominated by the convective flows and constrained to the dark lanes of down-flowing plasma.
Can Sonographic Fetal Biometry Predict Adverse Perinatal Outcome?
Authors: Pretscher Jutta , Schwenke Eva , Baier Friederike , Kehl Sven , Schneider Michael , Stumpfe Florian , Schmid Matthias , Beckmann Matthias , Mayr Andreas , Schild Ralf , Faschingbauer Florian 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
Objective To evaluate the association of sonographic fetal biometry (sonographic head circumference (soHC), sonographic abdominal circumference (soAC), estimated fetal weight (EFW)) with mode of delivery and adverse perinatal outcome.
Methods Singleton pregnancies with a gestational age ≥ 37 weeks and an ultrasound examination with complete biometric parameters within 7 days before delivery were retrospectively included. The association between soHC, soAC, EFW and fetal (5-min Apgar < 7, pH < 7.1, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, shoulder dystocia (ShD)) and maternal (obstetric intervention (OI): caesarean or vaginal operative delivery, obstetric anal sphincter injury syndrome (OASIS), postpartum hemorrhage (pph)) adverse outcomes were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.
Results 12 396 women were included and 3479 (28.07 %) needed an OI. Multivariate analyses demonstrated significant contributions for the prediction of OI by soHC and soAC, whereas EFW did not reach significance. The highest OR was shown for soHC (1087, p < 0.001). ShD occurred in 73 (0.59 %) of the deliveries. Multivariate analyses showed that significant contributions for the prediction of ShD were provided only by soAC (OR 1460, p = 0.007). For the other maternal and neonatal adverse outcome parameters, no significant association with the biometric measurements could be demonstrated in the multivariate analyses. The overall detection rates for the prediction of adverse perinatal outcome by the different biometric parameters and EFW were poor.
Conclusion Obstetric management decisions should not be based solely on measurements of biometric parameters or EFW.
Impact of Brain Fatty Acid Signaling on Peripheral Insulin Action in Mice
Authors: Neschen Susanne , Wu Moya , Fuchs Christiane , Kondofersky Ivan , Theis Fabian J. , de Angelis Martin Hrabě , Häring Hans-Ulrich , Sartorius Tina 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
Aims and Methods Glucose homeostasis and energy balance are under control by peripheral and brain processes. Especially insulin signaling in the brain seems to impact whole body glucose homeostasis and interacts with fatty acid signaling. In humans circulating saturated fatty acids are negatively associated with brain insulin action while animal studies suggest both positive and negative interactions of fatty acids and insulin brain action. This apparent discrepancy might reflect a difference between acute and chronic fatty acid signaling. To address this question we investigated the acute effect of an intracerebroventricular palmitic acid administration on peripheral glucose homeostasis. We developed and implemented a method for simultaneous monitoring of brain activity and peripheral insulin action in freely moving mice by combining radiotelemetry electrocorticography (ECoG) and euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamps. This method allowed gaining insight in the early kinetics of brain fatty acid signaling and its contemporaneous effect on liver function in vivo, which, to our knowledge, has not been assessed so far in mice.
Results Insulin-induced brain activity in the theta and beta band was decreased by acute intracerebroventricular application of palmitic acid. Peripherally it amplified insulin action as demonstrated by a significant inhibition of endogenous glucose production and increased glucose infusion rate. Moreover, our results further revealed that the brain effect of peripheral insulin is modulated by palmitic acid load in the brain.
Conclusion These findings suggest that insulin action is amplified in the periphery and attenuated in the brain by acute palmitic acid application. Thus, our results indicate that acute palmitic acid signaling in the brain may be different from chronic effects.
S3-Leitlinie Polytrauma – Was muss der Notarzt wissen?
Authors: Helm Matthias , Kulla Martin , Hossfeld Björn 
Published: November 2018

ZusammenfassungIn diesem Beitrag wird auf die für den Notarzt und Rettungsdienst relevanten Empfehlungen der aktuell gültigen S3-Leitlinie Polytrauma/Schwerverletztenversorgung anhand des gültigen <C>ABCDE-Schemas eingegangen, die im Jahr 2016 aktualisiert worden war.
Evidence for a Role of ACTN3 R577X Polymorphism in Football Player’s Career Progression
Authors: Coelho Daniel , Pimenta Eduardo , Rosse Izinara , de Castro Bruno , Becker Lenice , de Oliveira Emerson , Carvalho Maria , Garcia Emerson 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe aim was to investigate a possible role of the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism in a Brazilian football player’s career progression. 2 questions were formulated: 1. Does ACTN3 polymorphism affect the probability of an individual being a professional football player? 2. Does this polymorphism affect the progression of the athlete throughout his career? The study included 353 players from first division Brazilian football clubs in the following categories: under-14 (U-14), U-15, U-17, U-20, and professional (PRO). The control group (CON) was composed of 100 healthy non-athletes. The chi-squared test was used to assess differences between the allele and genotype frequencies. Comparing football categories, the XX genotype was less frequent among professional players than in the U-20 (p<0.05) or the U-15 category (p<0.05). The RX genotype also presented more frequently in the PRO category than the U-14 category (p<0.05). Moreover, a trend towards a higher frequency of the RX genotype and a lower frequency of the XX genotype was observed in the professional category compared to U-20. These results suggest that the genotype in the ACTN3 polymorphism affects the probability of a football player progressing throughout his career and becoming professional, meaning that playing football selects against the ACTN3 XX genotype.
Musculoskeletal Imaging: Current Practice and Future Directions
Authors: Adams Niamh , Walsh John , Hynes John , Eustace Sarah , Kavanagh Eoin , Farrell Terence 
Published: November 2018

AbstractMusculoskeletal (MSK) radiology plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and management of MSK disorders and has rapidly expanded in tandem with advances in technology and improved access to imaging. Although anatomical imaging remains the mainstay of MSK radiology, significant progress has been made in functional and molecular imaging as well as in hybrid imaging with an expanding armament of technologies becoming available or in development. A vast array of research is occurring in MSK imaging, and this review article highlights some of the most promising current and future clinical applications in development in each of the major imaging modalities. Identifying the clinical utility of these technologies in an era of rising health care costs is an important challenge for MSK radiologists.
The Impact of Aspirin on Ultrasound Markers of Uteroplacental Flow in Low-Risk Pregnancy: Secondary Analysis of a Multicenter RCT
Authors: Mulcahy Cecilia , Mone Fionnuala , McParland Peter , Breathnach Fionnuala , Cody Fiona , Morrison John J. , Higgins John , Daly Sean , Dornan Samina , Cotter Amanda , Dicker Patrick , Tully Elizabeth , Malone Fergal D. , McAuliffe Fionnuala M. 
Published: November 2018

Objective This article evaluates the effect of low-dose aspirin on uterine artery (UtA) Doppler, placental volume, and vascularization flow indices in low-risk pregnancy.
Study Design In this secondary analysis of the TEST randomized controlled trial, low-risk nulliparous women were originally randomized at 11 weeks to: (1) routine aspirin 75 mg; (2) no aspirin; and (3) aspirin based upon the preeclampsia Fetal Medicine Foundation screening test. UtA Doppler, three-dimensional (3D) placental volume, and vascularization flow indices were assessed prior to and 6 weeks postaspirin commencement.
Results A total of 546 women were included (aspirin n = 192, no aspirin n = 354). Between first and second trimesters, aspirin use was not associated with a change in UtA Doppler, placental volume, or vascular flow indices. There was no significant difference in the change in UtA Doppler pulsatility index (PI) Z-scores or notching (PI Z-score –0.2 vs. –0.2, p = 0.17), nor was there a significant change in placental volume Z-score and vascular flow indices (volume Z-score change: 0.74 vs. 0.62, p = 0.34).
Conclusion Low-dose aspirin commenced at 11 weeks in low-risk women does not appear to improve uterine and placental perfusion or placental volume. Any perceived effect on uteroplacental vasculature is not reflected in changes in placental volume nor uteroplacental flow as assessed by two-dimensional and 3D ultrasound.