bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuron-Specific HuR-Deficient Mice Spontaneously Develop Motor Neuron Disease
Authors: Sun Kevin , Li Xiao , Chen Xing , Bai Ying , Zhou Gao , Kokiko-Cochran Olga N. , Lamb Bruce , Hamilton Thomas A. , Lin Ching-Yi , Lee Yu-Shang , Herjan Tomasz 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Human Ag R (HuR) is an RNA binding protein in the ELAVL protein family. To study the neuron-specific function of HuR, we generated inducible, neuron-specific HuR-deficient mice of both sexes. After tamoxifen-induced deletion of HuR, these mice developed a phenotype consisting of poor balance, decreased movement, and decreased strength. They performed significantly worse on the rotarod test compared with littermate control mice, indicating coordination deficiency. Using the grip-strength test, it was also determined that the forelimbs of neuron-specific HuR-deficient mice were much weaker than littermate control mice. Immunostaining of the brain and cervical spinal cord showed that HuR-deficient neurons had increased levels of cleaved caspase-3, a hallmark of cell apoptosis. Caspase-3 cleavage was especially strong in pyramidal neurons and α motor neurons of HuR-deficient mice. Genome-wide microarray and real-time PCR analysis further indicated that HuR deficiency in neurons resulted in altered expression of genes in the brain involved in cell growth, including trichoplein keratin filament–binding protein, Cdkn2c, G-protein signaling modulator 2, immediate early response 2, superoxide dismutase 1, and Bcl2. The additional enriched Gene Ontology terms in the brain tissues of neuron-specific HuR-deficient mice were largely related to inflammation, including IFN-induced genes and complement components. Importantly, some of these HuR-regulated genes were also significantly altered in the brain and spinal cord of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Additionally, neuronal HuR deficiency resulted in the redistribution of TDP43 to cytosolic granules, which has been linked to motor neuron disease. Taken together, we propose that this neuron-specific HuR-deficient mouse strain can potentially be used as a motor neuron disease model.
Circadian Rhythms Influence the Severity of Sepsis in Mice via a TLR2-Dependent, Leukocyte-Intrinsic Mechanism
Authors: Heipertz Erica L. , Harper Jourdan , Lopez Charlie A. , Fikrig Erol , Hughes Michael E. , Walker Wendy E. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Circadian rhythms coordinate an organism’s activities and biological processes to the optimal time in the 24-h daylight cycle. We previously demonstrated that male C57BL/6 mice develop sepsis more rapidly when the disease is induced in the nighttime versus the daytime. In this report, we elucidate the mechanism of this diurnal difference. Sepsis was induced via cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) at zeitgeber time (ZT)–19 (2 am) or ZT-7 (2 pm). Like the males used in our prior study, female C57BL/6 mice had a worse outcome when CLP was induced at ZT-19 versus ZT-7, and these effects persisted when we pooled the data from both sexes. In contrast, mice with a mutated Period 2 (Per2) gene had a similar outcome when CLP was induced at ZT-19 versus ZT-7. Bone marrow chimeras reconstituted with C57BL/6 immune cells exhibited a worse outcome when sepsis was induced at ZT-19 versus ZT-7, whereas chimeras with Per2-mutated immune cells did not. Next, murine macrophages were subjected to serum shock to synchronize circadian rhythms and exposed to bacteria cultured from the mouse cecum at 4-h intervals for 48 h. We observed that IL-6 production oscillated with a 24-h period in C57BL/6 cells exposed to cecal bacteria. Interestingly, we observed a similar pattern when cells were exposed to the TLR2 agonist lipoteichoic acid. Furthermore, TLR2-knockout mice exhibited a similar sepsis phenotype when CLP was induced at ZT-19 versus ZT-7. Together, these data suggest that circadian rhythms in immune cells mediate diurnal variations in murine sepsis severity via a TLR2-dependent mechanism.
Perinodal Adipose Tissue Participates in Immune Protection through a Lymphatic Vessel–Independent Route
Authors: Lin Yujia , Leung Glory , Louie Dante , Bogoslowski Ania , Ross James , Kubes Paul , von der Weid Pierre-Yves , Liao Shan 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Lymphatic vessels remove and transport excess interstitial fluid to lymph nodes (LNs) for fluid balance and immune protection. LNs are typically surrounded by perinodal adipose tissue (PAT). However, PAT is a blood vessel–rich but lymphatic-rare tissue; therefore, how excess fluid in PAT is removed remains unclear. Using C57BL/6 mice, fluorescent dye tracing and transmission electron microscopy results suggest that fluid in PAT can travel to the LN via collagen I+ channels (PAT-LN conduits), merge into a collagen-rich space between the PAT and LN capsule (PAT-LN sinus), and may enter the LN via the LN capsule–associated conduits. This newly identified route of fluid flow allows fluid to enter the draining LN even when the afferent lymphatic vessels are blocked, indicating that fluid trafficking in PAT-LN conduits is not dependent on functional lymphatic vessels. Similar to lymphatic vessels, PAT-LN conduits can deliver Ags to the LN for immune protection. Additionally, Staphylococcus aureus from intradermal or i.v. infection may use PAT-LN conduits to infect PAT and stimulate PAT immune protection. Our studies revealed a new route of material exchange between PAT and the LN. Ag accumulation and bacterial infection in PAT demonstrate that PAT not only provides energy and regulatory factors, but can also directly participate in immune protection, indicating a new immune function of PAT for host immunity.
Safety comparison of over the counter bleaching with professionally prescribed home bleaching agent
Authors: Singh Japsimretjit Kaur Manjit , Sengut Masturah , Halim Mohamad Syahrizal , Ab-Ghani Zuryati , Rahman Normastura Abd 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Aims: This aimed to compare the colour changes, microhardness, and surface roughness of the human natural tooth after bleaching treatment with a professional home bleaching agent and over-the-counter (OTC) bleaching agent. Settings and Design: This was an in vitro study using extracted human teeth stained with human blood as specimens. Materials and Methods: Fifty-seven human natural teeth were embedded in acrylic of 2.5 mm thickness and 14 mm × 8 mm surface area. The samples were stained with human blood before they were divided into three groups (n = 19 per group) of control (C), Professional Bleaching Opalescence PF 15% (PB), and OTC Whitelight Tooth Whitening set (WL) before being treated with the respective bleaching agents for 10 days. Color changes were measured as colorimetric measurements (L*, a*, and b* values) were recorded during prestaining, poststaining, and postbleaching, while microhardness and surface roughness measurements were recorded for pre- and postbleaching. Statistical Analysis: Statistical analysis was done with SPSS (IBM Statistic, California, USA) version 22.0. Paired t-test and nonparametric analysis (Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test) were used to analyze the data. P value was set as significant at P < 0.05. Results: The color changes in PB group was not significantly better compared with WL group (PB: 12.2 [4.07] and WL: 12.2 [4.32]). Whereas significant difference was noticed in microhardness after bleaching in PB group with a higher VHN number (500.4 [121.10]) compared with WL group (471.0 [114.47]) . The surface roughness (Ra) remain the same for all experimental groups. Conclusions: Both professional home bleaching agent and OTC bleaching agents showed similar efficacy, with no effect on surface roughness, and both caused an increase in microhardness.
Addressing Prescription Discrepancies in Renal Patients: A Prospective Audit
Authors: Lam S , Docherty S , Taylor JE 
Published: May 2018

Background Management of chronic renal failure requires complex medication regimens to manage hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes, phosphate, anaemia and acidosis. Patient engagement in medicine management is essential to avoid potential harm. Methods We prospectively audited the rate of discrepancies between our hospital record of patient medications and their current prescription. We investigated whether changes to appointment letters reduced the number of discrepancies. Results The proportion of patients attending renal outpatient clinics failing to bring a list or unable to recall their medications fell over a 3-year period following changes to appointment letters (median proportion: 0.45 in 2014, 0.36 in 2015, 0.30 in 2016, Chi-sq = 46.94, p < 0.001); percentage of patients forgetting to bring a list with significant prescription discrepancies fell from 10.9% in 2014 to 3.9% in 2016). Conclusion Changes to appointment letters can potentially improve prescribing safety in an outpatient setting.
An Outbreak of Japanese Encephalitis in a Non-Endemic Region of North-East India
Authors: McNaughton H , Singh A , Khan SA 
Published: May 2018

Background There are few comprehensive reports of epidemic Japanese encephalitis in a previously unaffected region. We report our experience of a first-ever outbreak of it in Sonitpur District, Assam, India, with 45 laboratory-confirmed cases at a single hospital. Method Between 2 July and 11 August 2008, patients meeting the WHO definition of acute encephalitis syndrome were assessed in a single hospital and had tests including blood and cerebrospinal fluid for Japanese encephalitis antibody titres. Results Ninety-six cases meeting the definition of acute encephalitis syndrome were identified with 45 cases of Japanese encephalitis confirmed by cerebrospinal fluid or blood results. For Japanese encephalitis positive patients, mean age was 36 (range 4-80). Of the 45, 11 (24%) died and a further 21 (47%) had significant residual deficits. Focal neurological signs (40%) and seizures (25%) were common. Conclusion An effective Japanese encephalitis vaccine is the key intervention for limiting the population impact of this disease. Identification of these cases led to a district-wide mass vaccination campaign.
An Incidental Finding of Severe Hyperferritinaemia: A Lesson to be Learned
Authors: Fretwell TB , Hanna M 
Published: May 2018

Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is a rare, under-recognised and often misdiagnosed condition, characterised by a hyperinflammatory response to malignancy or infection. In this case, the cause was a bone marrow isolated anaplastic large cell lymphoma without radiological evidence of systemic disease, a phenomenon rarely described. We present the case of a previously fit and well 64-year-old female who presented on multiple occasions to primary and secondary care in a stable condition with an undifferentiated illness with the only consistent feature being a marked, unexplained hyperferritinaemia. The history highlights the importance of ferritin as a marker of phagocytic activity and how severely high levels, even in the well patient, should prompt early bone marrow biopsy. The prognosis of haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is invariably poor as the condition is usually secondary to a serious underlying disease such as haematological malignancy as in this case., The diagnostic difficulty often leads to delayed recognition and treatment.
The Uk Academic Foundation Programmes: Are the Objectives Being Met?
Authors: Ologunde R , Sismey G , Kelley T 
Published: May 2018

Background Since the Academic Foundation Programme was established in the UK in 2005 a number of trainees have participated in this programme; however, there are few published national data on the experiences of these academic trainees. We aimed to assess the perceived value and challenges of training on the AFP. Methods In March 2017, an anonymous electronic questionnaire was distributed to all Academic Foundation Programme trainees in the UK, via their local foundation school administrators. Results Fifty-six respondents completed the survey from 9 out of the 15 Academic Units of Application. Of these, 82% were undertaking a research based Academic Foundation Programme; however, 41% reported not having access to any training on research methods and governance. Sixty-six percent reported they were aware of the aims and expected outcomes of the Academic Foundation Programme, but the self-reported achievement of academic compendium outcomes was relatively low. Sixty-three percent rated the quality of their experience on the Academic Foundation Programme as excellent or good and 75% reported that they intended to continue in academia. Most trainees (64%) reported that the completion of a postgraduate qualification as part of their Academic Foundation Programme would improve the programme. Conclusion The Academic Foundation Programme plays a valuable role in trainees’ development and preparing them for a career in academia. However, the objectives of the programme are currently not being uniformly achieved. Furthermore, trainees feel there remains room for improvement in the design of the Programme.
Observation of Kelvin–Helmholtz instabilities and gravity waves in the summer mesopause above Andenes in Northern Norway
Authors: Stober Gunter , Sommer Svenja , Schult Carsten , Latteck Ralph , Chau Jorge L. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract. We present observations obtained with the Middle Atmosphere Alomar Radar System (MAARSY) to investigate short-period wave-like features using polar mesospheric summer echoes (PMSEs) as a tracer for the neutral dynamics. We conducted a multibeam experiment including 67 different beam directions during a 9-day campaign in June 2013. We identified two Kelvin–Helmholtz instability (KHI) events from the signal morphology of PMSE. The MAARSY observations are complemented by collocated meteor radar wind data to determine the mesoscale gravity wave activity and the vertical structure of the wind field above the PMSE. The KHIs occurred in a strong shear flow with Richardson numbers Ri < 0.25. In addition, we observed 15 wave-like events in our MAARSY multibeam observations applying a sophisticated decomposition of the radial velocity measurements using volume velocity processing. We retrieved the horizontal wavelength, intrinsic frequency, propagation direction, and phase speed from the horizontally resolved wind variability for 15 events. These events showed horizontal wavelengths between 20 and 40 km, vertical wavelengths between 5 and 10 km, and rather high intrinsic phase speeds between 45 and 85 m s−1 with intrinsic periods of 5–10 min.
Historical Prevalence of Radiological Appendicular Osteoarthritis in Cats (1972–1973)
Authors: Godfrey David , Vaughan Leslie 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACTInterest in feline osteoarthritis has grown recently; this might be due to increased prevalence or increased awareness. This study records the presence of appendicular osteoarthritis in a subset of the United Kingdom cat population in the 1970s and estimates its prevalence. One hundred cats euthanized in 1972–1973 had a series of skeletal radiographic images taken post mortem. Each joint was put into a set with or without osteoarthritis according to the presence or absence of a specified set of radiographic features. Limited historical data were analyzed. The prevalence of osteoarthritis in these cats was 74%. There is no evidence that feline osteoarthritis is a “novel” disease. The prevalence was similar to recent prospective radiological surveys. Recent interest in the condition may have derived from more attention being paid to feline medicine and welfare.
Las estadísticas de juego y la previsión de éxito entre los equipos de la Liga Portuguesa de Basquetebol
Authors: Janeira M. A. , Guimarães E. 
Published: May 2018

<p>Fueron analizados 19 indicadores estadísticos, recogidos en los 110 partidos de la primera fase de la Temporada Regular y en los 28 partidos de los <em>Playoffs</em> de la Liga Portuguesa de Basquetebol (LPB), de la temporada 2015/2016, con el objetivo de determinar cuáles son los indicadores del juego que mejor predicen el éxito de los equipos (definido por el porcentaje de éxito). El análisis de la regresión múltiple, mostró que la media de rebotes defensivos por partido y la media de lanzamientos de 2 puntos anotados por partido, fueron los mejores predictores del éxito de los equipos en la primera fase de la temporada regular, explicando 96,8% de la varianza del porcentaje de éxito. En los partidos de <em>Playoff</em>, los resultados mostraron que la media de rebotes defensivos por partido fue el único predictor del éxito de los equipos en esta fase de la competición, explicando un total de 53,5% de la varianza del porcentaje de éxito. Los resultados de estudio muestran que el éxito en las diferentes fases de la LPB está más asociado a la dimensión defensiva del juego.</p><p> </p><p><strong> </strong></p>
Harnessing Human Decellularized Blood Vessel Matrices and Cellular Construct Implants to Promote Bone Healing in an Ex Vivo Organotypic Bone Defect Model
Authors: Inglis Stefanie , Schneider Karl Heinrich , Kanczler Janos M. , Redl Heinz , Oreffo Richard O. C. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractDecellularized matrices offer a beneficial substitute for biomimetic scaffolds in tissue engineering. The current study examines the potential of decellularized placental vessel sleeves (PVS) as a periosteal protective sleeve to enhance bone regeneration in embryonic day 18 chick femurs contained within the PVS and cultured organotypically over a 10 day period. The femurs are inserted into decellularized biocompatibility‐tested PVS and maintained in an organotypic culture for a period of 10 days. In femurs containing decellularized PVS, a significant increase in bone volume (p< 0.001) is evident, demonstrated by microcomputed tomography (µCT) compared to femurs without PVS. Histological and immunohistological analyses reveal extensive integration of decellularized PVS with the bone periosteum, and enhanced conservation of bone architecture within the PVS. In addition, the expressions of hypoxia inducible factor‐1 alpha (HIF‐1α), type II collagen (COL‐II), and proteoglycans are observed, indicating a possible repair mechanism via a cartilaginous stage of the bone tissue within the sleeve. The use of decellularized matrices like PVS offers a promising therapeutic strategy in surgical tissue replacement, promoting biocompatibility and architecture of the tissue as well as a factor‐rich niche environment with negligible immunogenicity.
Multifunctional Smart Skin Adhesive Patches for Advanced Health Care
Authors: Hwang Insol , Kim Hong Nam , Seong Minho , Lee Sang‐Hyeon , Kang Minsu , Yi Hoon , Bae Won Gyu , Kwak Moon Kyu , Jeong Hoon Eui 
Published: May 2018

AbstractA skin adhesive patch is the most fundamental and widely used medical device for diverse health‐care purposes. Conventional skin adhesive patches have been mainly utilized for routine medical purposes such as wound management, fixation of medical devices, and simple drug release. In contrast to traditional skin adhesive patches, recently developed patches incorporate multiple key functions of bulky medical devices into a thin, flexible patch based on emerging nanomaterials and flexible electronic technologies. Consequently, the meaning of the term “skin adhesive patch” becomes broader and smarter compared to the traditional term. This review summarizes recent efforts undertaken in the development of multifunctional advanced skin adhesive patches, and briefly describes future directions and challenges toward the next generation of smart skin adhesive patches for ubiquitous personalized health care.
Amphiphilic Block Copolymers Directed Interface Coassembly to Construct Multifunctional Microspheres with Magnetic Core and Monolayer Mesoporous Aluminosilicate Shell
Authors: Zhang Yu , Yue Qin , Yu Lei , Yang Xuanyu , Hou Xiu‐Feng , Zhao Dongyuan , Cheng Xiaowei , Deng Yonghui 
Published: May 2018

AbstractCore–shell magnetic porous microspheres have wide applications in drug delivery, catalysis and bioseparation, and so on. However, it is great challenge to controllably synthesize magnetic porous microspheres with uniform well‐aligned accessible large mesopores (>10 nm) which are highly desired for applications involving immobilization or adsorption of large guest molecules or nanoobjects. In this study, a facile and general amphiphilic block copolymer directed interfacial coassembly strategy is developed to synthesize core–shell magnetic mesoporous microspheres with a monolayer of mesoporous shell of different composition (FDUcs‐17D), such as core–shell magnetic mesoporous aluminosilicate (CS‐MMAS), silica (CS‐MMS), and zirconia‐silica (CS‐MMZS), open and large pores by employing polystyrene‐block‐poly (4‐vinylpyridine) (PS‐b‐P4VP) as an interface structure directing agent and aluminum acetylacetonate (Al(acac)3), zirconium acetylacetonate, and tetraethyl orthosilicate as shell precursors. The obtained CS‐MMAS microspheres possess magnetic core, perpendicular mesopores (20–32 nm) in the shell, high surface area (244.7 m2 g−1), and abundant acid sites (0.44 mmol g−1), and as a result, they exhibit superior performance in removal of organophosphorus pesticides (fenthion) with a fast adsorption dynamics and high adsorption capacity. CS‐MMAS microspheres loaded with Au nanoparticles (≈3.5 nm) behavior as a highly active heterogeneous nanocatalyst for N‐alkylation reaction for producing N‐phenylbenzylamine with a selectivity and yields of over 90% and good magnetic recyclability.
Peptide‐Based Approaches to Fight Biofouling
Authors: Sakala Gowri Priya , Reches Meital 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBiofouling is the undesirable accumulation of organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and barnacles on surfaces. It is a serious problem in many areas of our lives including health, food, water, and energy. For example, biofouling on medical devices causes hospital‐acquired infections. These infections caused by bacteria are often resistant to conventional antibiotics and therefore increase the number of deaths related to hospitalization. One of the solutions to avoid biofouling is to coat the surfaces with a material that resists biofouling by either killing the organisms (i.e., antimicrobial coating) or preventing their adhesion to the surface (i.e., antifouling coating). These coating solutions include the usage of biocidal agents, antibiotics, nanoparticles, polymers, and polycationic materials. Each of these solutions, however, has certain drawbacks. These include lack of long‐term stability, low biocompatibility, and high toxicity. In this context, peptide‐based materials gain considerable attention as antifouling and antimicrobial coatings. This is due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and low toxicity profile. Here, the various types of peptide‐based materials utilized as antifouling coatings are reviewed. Recent reports show the importance of these peptide‐based coatings for applications ranging from biomedical implants to biosensors.