bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EE score: an index for simple differentiation of homozygous hemoglobin E and hemoglobin E-β0-thalassemia
Authors: Singha Kritsada , Fucharoen Goonnapa , Sanchaisuriya Kanokwan , Fucharoen Supan 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

Background:
The objective of the study was to describe a formula based on hemoglobin (Hb)A2 and HbF levels for differentiation of homozygous HbE and HbE-β-thalassemia.

Methods:
A total of 1256 subjects suspected for homozygous HbE or HbE-β0-thalassemia were recruited at the ongoing thalassemia screening program at Khon Kaen University, Thailand. Hb analysis was done using capillary electrophoresis. Genotyping was based on DNA analysis. An arbitrary formula based on HbA2 and HbF was developed statistically for differentiation of the two conditions. Validation was carried out prospectively on another 139 subjects encountered at routine laboratory.

Results:
Among 1256 subjects, Hb and DNA analyses identified cases with homozygous HbE (n=1076, 85.7%), HbE-β0-thalassemia (n=140, 11.1%), HbE-δβ0-thalassemia (n=30, 2.4%) and unknown HbE-related disorder (n=10, 0.8%). An inverse correlation between the amounts of HbA2 and HbF in HbE-β0-thalassemia was observed. With differences in the amounts of HbA2 and HbF between the groups, an arbitrary score (7.3 HbA2+HbF) was developed where score above 60 indicated HbE-β0-thalassemia. Application of this score on another 139 subjects showed accurate prediction of HbE-β0-thalassemia with 100% sensitivity, 96.5% specificity, 85.7% positive predictive value and 100% negative predictive value. Successful application onto couples at risk was demonstrated.

Conclusions:
An established score should prove useful in the differentiation of homozygous HbE and HbE-β0-thalassemia in routine setting and lead to a significant reduction in number of referring cases for molecular testing.
Progress in the treatment of fungal infections of the central nervous system
Authors: Li Xuemei , Li Xiaoxia 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
The incidence of fungal infections of the central nervous system (CNS) has gradually increased in recent years. Intracranial fungal infection can be classified as diffuse and focal infections. The clinical manifestations of these infections include fever and cranial pressure caused by meningitis or meningoencephalitis, as well as focal neurological defects caused by lesions in the intracranial space. Diagnosing fungal infections of the CNS requires comprehensive analysis of the patient’s medical history, epidemiology, underlying disease, clinical manifestation, imaging manifestations, and results from various laboratory tests. The identification of fungal bodies or structures in brain tissue or cerebrospinal fluid specimens is the golden standard of diagnosis. The principles for the treatment of fungal infections of the CNS are the effective control of pathogenic risk factors, use of effective antifungal drugs, and the active implementation of surgical intervention for fungal abscesses and granulomas. In the meantime, new diagnoses and treatments should be actively explored to improve the prognosis of patients.
NADPH promotes the rapid growth of the tumor
Authors: Hao Sheng 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
NADPH oxidase is the main source of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS plays an important role in a variety of tumor types. The ROS mediated by NADPH oxidase increases the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor alpha (HIF-α) through multiple signaling pathways in tumor, and HIF-α could be regulated and controlled by downstream multiple targeted genes such as vascular endothelial growth factor, glucose transporter to promote tumor angiogenesis, cell energy metabolism reprogram and tumor metastasis. Meanwhile, HIF-α can also regulate the expression of NADPH oxidase by ROS, thus further promoting development of tumor. In this review, we summarized the functions of NADPH in tumorigenesis and discussed their potential implications in cancer therapy.
Modelling of Chemical Reactors: From Systemic Approach to Compartmental Modelling
Authors: Haag Jérémie , Gentric Caroline , Lemaitre Cécile , Leclerc Jean-Pierre 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
To take into account the impact of hydrodynamics on their behavior, chemical reactors are traditionally modeled as an association of smaller ideal reactors: perfectly stirred or plug flow reactors. This modeling is mainly based on the reactor hydrodynamics but sometimes also on phenomena governing the considered process such as heat or mass transfer or chemical reaction. The approaches encountered in the literature start from the most basic one in which the whole reactor is considered as an ideal reactor, up to a very fine discretization using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). In between, the reactor can be described as an association of a small number of ideal reactors: this is the systemic approach. Another intermediate approach has also been recently developed: the compartmental method, where all compartments are assumed to be perfectly mixed. In the compartment method, the compartment number is significantly more important than in the systemic approach - but lower than for CFD. Furthermore, these compartments are chosen to be relevant regarding their position in space as opposed to systemic models in which, in most of cases, only the global physical behavior is taken into account. Compared to CFD, compartment models are less computationally demanding while taking into account the most important flow features. The present review describes the different types of modeling commonly used in chemical reaction engineering during the last 60 years from the systemic approach to CFD, with a focus on the attractive compartmental modelling. In particular, the methodologies encountered to determine the compartment structure are detailed, as well as the different possibilities to determine the turbulent fluxes between compartments.
Tenckhoff tunneled peritoneal catheter placement in the palliative treatment of malignant ascites: technical results and overall clinical outcome
Authors: Maleux Geert , Indesteege Inge , Laenen Annouschka , Verslype Chris , Vergote Ignace , Prenen Hans 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

Background
To assess the technical and clinical outcome of percutaneous insertion of tunneled peritoneal catheters in the palliative treatment of refractory malignant ascites and to determine the safety and feasibility of intraperitoneal administration of cytotoxic drugs through the tunneled catheter.

Materials and methods
Consecutive patients palliatively treated with a tunneled peritoneal catheter to drain the malignant ascites were identified. Patients’ medical history, procedural and clinical follow-up data, including complications and estimated survival, were reviewed. Additionally, a sub analysis of the patients with widespread ovarian cancer and refractory ascites treated with or without intraperitoneal administration of cytotoxic drugs was made.

Results
In all 94 patients it was technically feasible to insert the peritoneal drainage catheter and to drain a median of 3260 cc (range 100 cc – 8500 cc) of malignant ascitic fluid. Post procedural complications included catheter infection (n = 2; 2%), fluid leakage around the entry site (n = 4; 4%), catheter occlusion (n = 2; 2%), sleeve formation around the catheter tip (n = 1; 1%) and accidental loss of the catheter (n = 1; 1%). There was no increase in catheter infection rate in patients treated with or without intraperitoneal administration of cytotoxic drugs. Median overall survival after catheter insertion is 1.7 months.

Conclusions
Percutaneous insertion of a tunneled Tenckhoff catheter for the palliative drainage of malignant ascites and intraperitoneal infusion of cytotoxic drugs is feasible and associated with a very low complication rate, including catheter infection. These tunneled peritoneal lines are beneficial for symptomatic palliative treatment of refractory ascites and allow safe intraperitoneal chemotherapy.
Electrochemotherapy in pancreatic adenocarcinoma treatment: pre-clinical and clinical studies
Authors: Bimonte Sabrina , Leongito Maddalena , Granata Vincenza , Barbieri Antonio , Vecchio Vitale del , Falco Michela , Nasto Aurelio , Albino Vittorio , Piccirillo Mauro , Palaia Raffaele , Amore Alfonso , Giacomo Raimondo di , Lastoria Secondo , Setola Sergio Venanzio , Fusco Roberta , Petrillo Antonella , Izzo Francesco 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

Background
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is currently one of the deadliest cancers with high mortality rate. This disease leads to an aggressive local invasion and early metastases, and is poorly responsive to treatment with chemotherapy or chemo-radiotherapy. Radical resection is still the only curative treatment for pancreatic cancer, but it is generally accepted that a multimodality strategy is necessary for its management. Therefore, new alternative therapies have been considered for local treatment.

Conclusions
Chemotherapeutic resistance in pancreatic cancer is associated to a low penetration of drugs into tumour cells due to the presence of fibrotic stroma surrounding cells. In order to increase the uptake of chemotherapeutic drugs into tumour cells, electrochemotherapy can be used for treatment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma leading to an increased tumour response rate. This review will summarize the published papers reported in literature on the efficacy and safety of electrochemotherapy in pre-clinical and clinical studies on pancreatic cancer.
Medical physics in Europe following recommendations of the International Atomic Energy Agency
Authors: Casar Bozidar , Lopes Maria do Carmo , Drljević Advan , Gershkevitsh Eduard , Pesznyak Csilla 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

Background
Medical physics is a health profession where principles of applied physics are mostly directed towards the application of ionizing radiation in medicine. The key role of the medical physics expert in safe and effective use of ionizing radiation in medicine was widely recognized in recent European reference documents like the European Union Council Directive 2013/59/EURATOM (2014), and European Commission Radiation Protection No. 174, European Guidelines on Medical Physics Expert (2014). Also the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been outspoken in supporting and fostering the status of medical physics in radiation medicine through multiple initiatives as technical and cooperation projects and important documents like IAEA Human Health Series No. 25, Roles and Responsibilities, and Education and Training Requirements for Clinically Qualified Medical Physicists (2013) and the International Basic Safety Standards, General Safety Requirements Part 3 (2014). The significance of these documents and the recognition of the present insufficient fulfilment of the requirements and recommendations in many European countries have led the IAEA to organize in 2015 the Regional Meeting on Medical Physics in Europe, where major issues in medical physics in Europe were discussed. Most important outcomes of the meeting were the recommendations addressed to European member states and the survey on medical physics status in Europe conducted by the IAEA and European Federation of Organizations for Medical Physics.

Conclusions
Published recommendations of IAEA Regional Meeting on Medical Physics in Europe shall be followed and enforced in all European states. Appropriate qualification framework including education, clinical specialization, certification and registration of medical physicists shall be established and international recommendation regarding staffing levels in the field of medical physics shall be fulfilled in particular. European states have clear legal and moral responsibility to effectively transpose Basic Safety Standards into national legislation in order to ensure high quality and safety in patient healthcare.
Translatome Regulation in Neuronal Injury and Axon Regrowth
Authors: Rozenbaum Meir , Rajman Marek , Rishal Ida , Koppel Indrek , Koley Sandip , Medzihradszky Katalin F. , Oses-Prieto Juan A. , Kawaguchi Riki , Amieux Paul S. , Burlingame Alma L. , Coppola Giovanni , Fainzilber Mike 
Published: April 2018

AbstractTranscriptional events leading to outgrowth of neuronal axons have been intensively studied, but the role of translational regulation in this process is not well understood. Here, we use translatome analyses by ribosome pull-down and protein synthesis characterization by metabolic isotopic labeling to study nerve injury and axon outgrowth proteomes in rodent dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) and sensory neurons. We identify over 1600 gene products that are primarily translationally regulated in DRG neurons after nerve injury, many of which contain a 5’UTR cytosine-enriched regulator of translation (CERT) motif, implicating the translation initiation factor Eif4e in the injury response. We further identified approximately 200 proteins that undergo robust de novo synthesis in the initial stages of axon growth. ApoE is one of the highly synthesized proteins in neurons, and its receptor binding inhibition or knockout affects axon outgrowth. These findings provide a resource for future analyses of the role of translational regulation in neuronal injury responses and axon extension.
Neuregulin 1 Type I Overexpression Is Associated with Reduced NMDA Receptor–Mediated Synaptic Signaling in Hippocampal Interneurons Expressing PV or CCK
Authors: Kotzadimitriou Dimitrios , Nissen Wiebke , Paizs Melinda , Newton Kathryn , Harrison Paul J. , Paulsen Ole , Lamsa Karri 
Published: April 2018

AbstractHypofunction ofN-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) in inhibitory GABAergic interneurons is implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia (SZ), a heritable disorder with many susceptibility genes. However, it is still unclear how SZ risk genes interfere with NMDAR-mediated synaptic transmission in diverse inhibitory interneuron populations. One putative risk gene is neuregulin 1 (NRG1), which signals via the receptor tyrosine kinase ErbB4, itself a schizophrenia risk gene. The type I isoform ofNRG1shows increased expression in the brain of SZ patients, and ErbB4 is enriched in GABAergic interneurons expressing parvalbumin (PV) or cholecystokinin (CCK). Here, we investigated ErbB4 expression and synaptic transmission in interneuronal populations of the hippocampus of transgenic mice overexpressing NRG1 type I (NRG1tg-type-Imice). Immunohistochemical analyses confirmed that ErbB4 was coexpressed with either PV or CCK in hippocampal interneurons, but we observed a reduced number of ErbB4-immunopositive interneurons in the NRG1tg-type-Imice. NMDAR-mediated currents in interneurons expressing PV (including PV+basket cells) or CCK were reduced in NRG1tg-type-Imice compared to their littermate controls. We found no difference in AMPA receptor–mediated currents. Optogenetic activation (5 pulses at 20 Hz) of local glutamatergic fibers revealed a decreased NMDAR-mediated contribution to disynaptic GABAergic inhibition of pyramidal cells in the NRG1tg-type-Imice. GABAergic synaptic transmission from either PV+or CCK+interneurons, and glutamatergic transmission onto pyramidal cells, did not significantly differ between genotypes. The results indicate that synaptic NMDAR-mediated signaling in hippocampal interneurons is sensitive to chronically elevated NGR1 type I levels. This may contribute to the pathophysiological consequences of increasedNRG1expression in SZ.
Distribution of Spinal Neuronal Networks Controlling Forward and Backward Locomotion
Authors: Merkulyeva Natalia , Veshchitskii Aleksandr , Gorsky Oleg , Pavlova Natalia , Zelenin Pavel V. , Gerasimenko Yury , Deliagina Tatiana G. , Musienko Pavel 
Published: April 2018

Higher vertebrates, including humans, are capable not only of forward (FW) locomotion but also of walking in other directions relative to the body axis [backward (BW), sideways, etc.]. Although the neural mechanisms responsible for controlling FW locomotion have been studied in considerable detail, the mechanisms controlling steps in other directions are mostly unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the distribution of spinal neuronal networks controlling FW and BW locomotion. First, we applied electrical epidural stimulation (ES) to different segments of the spinal cord from L2 to S2 to reveal zones triggering FW and BW locomotion in decerebrate cats of either sex. Second, to determine the location of spinal neurons activated during FW and BW locomotion, we used c-Fos immunostaining. We found that the neuronal networks responsible for FW locomotion were distributed broadly in the lumbosacral spinal cord and could be activated by ES of any segment from L3 to S2. By contrast, networks generating BW locomotion were activated by ES of a limited zone from the caudal part of L5 to the caudal part of L7. In the intermediate part of the gray matter within this zone, a significantly higher number of c-Fos-positive interneurons was revealed in BW-stepping cats compared with FW-stepping cats. We suggest that this region of the spinal cord contains the network that determines the BW direction of locomotion.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTSequential and single steps in various directions relative to the body axis [forward (FW), backward (BW), sideways, etc.] are used during locomotion and to correct for perturbations, respectively. The mechanisms controlling step direction are unknown. In the present study, for the first time we compared the distributions of spinal neuronal networks controlling FW and BW locomotion. Using a marker to visualize active neurons, we demonstrated that in the intermediate part of the gray matter within L6 and L7 spinal segments, significantly more neurons were activated during BW locomotion than during FW locomotion. We suggest that the network determining the BW direction of stepping is located in this area.
Subclinical hypothyroidism in pregnant rats impaired learning and memory of their offspring by promoting the p75NTR signal pathway
Authors: Zhang Fan , Chen Jian , Lin Xinyue , Peng Shiqiao , Yu Xiaohui , Shan Zhongyan , Teng Weiping 
Published: April 2018

ObjectiveMaternal hypothyroidism during pregnancy can affect the neurodevelopment of their offspring. This study aimed to investigate the effects of maternal subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) on spatial learning and memory, and its relationship with the apoptotic factors in cerebral cortex of the offspring.MethodsFemale adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 15 per group): control (CON) group, SCH group and overt hypothyroidism (OH) group. Spatial learning and memory in the offspring were evaluated by long-term potentiation (LTP) and Morris water-maze (MWM) test. The protein expression of the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR), phospho-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK), the pro-apoptotic protein p53 and Bax were detected by Western blotting.ResultsThe Pups in the SCH and OH groups showed longer escape latencies in the MWM and decreased field-excitatory post synaptic potentials in LTP tests compared with those in the CON group. p75NTR, p-JNK, p53 and Bax expression levels in the cerebral cortex increased in pups in the SCH and OH groups compared with those in the CON group.ConclusionsMaternal SCH during pregnancy may impair spatial learning and memory in the offspring and may be associated with the increased apoptosis in the cerebral cortex.
Features of Social and Educational Support of Young Parents and their Children
Authors: Mykhailyshyn Halyna , Budnyk Olena 
Published: April 2018

The article presents social and educational aspects of early (teenage) pregnancy, young motherhood. The authors grounded negative consequences of early pregnancy and the peculiarities of social and educational support for young parents and their children. The authors described experience Centre for Teen Parents: moral and psychological preparation of pregnant teenagers to deliver the baby, directions and methods of working with young families, especially setting up comfortable psychological interaction using innovative methods of working with preschool children, providing conditions for young mothers to continue education in schools, counseling young families on resolving housing issues, financial support and others.
The paper emphasizes the need for preventive work to keep teenagers from pregnancy, carrying out social and educational events in terms of promoting healthy and responsible parenthood and others
Insertion / Deletion Polymorphism of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Gene Does Not Contribute to Chronic Kidney Disease in Palestine
Authors: Abuaisha Asmaa Mahmoud , Marzoq Lamia Faisal Abou , Eljbour Mai Sufian , Fayyad Eman Saad , Baraka Abeer Kamal , Serakinci Nedime 
Published: April 2018

Background: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is progressive kidney damage in which the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) decreases by 15% of that performed by normal kidneys, with the result that the kidneys are no longer to function effectively and this condition is treated with either kidney transplantation or dialysis. Hemodialysis (HD) is a process in which the blood passes through a machine (dialyzer) to remove waste. Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) is one of the major components of the renin-angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) that is responsible for blood pressure regulation. Insertion/Deletion I/D polymorphism of a 287 bp Alu repeat sequence in introns 16 of the ACE gene results in three genotypes I/D, D/D and I/I. The aims of this study were to evaluate ACE genotypes and allele frequency among HD patients and control subjects and to examine the association between ACE genotypes with HD risk.
Methods: A retrospective case-control study included 186 subjects, 86 HD patients and 100 healthy individuals as a control. EDTA whole blood samples were collected from all participants for DNA extraction, and the ACE gene polymorphism was analyzed by using the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique. Additionally, all individuals were requested to complete the questionnaire.
Results: The initial results demonstrated that the D/D genotype was the most common genotype in all subjects and the association between ACE genotypes with HD occurrence was not statistically significant in the Gaza Strip-Palestine. Furthermore, no statistically significant association was detected between the polymorphism and the study groups (p-value = 0.511).
Duas leituras de um movimento: Norbert Elias e Ttheodor W. Adorno, sobre o processo civilizador
Authors: Vaz Alexandre Fernandez 
Published: April 2018

No presente trabalho analiso um texto de Norbert Elias que corresponde ao discurso por ele proferido quando do recebimento do prêmio Theodor W. Adorno, em Frankfurt, 1977. No texto de Elias, que se chama Discurso sobre Adorno: Respeito e Crítica, confluem comentários pessoais e teóricos sobre Theodor W. Adorno, seu contemporâneo, mas com o qual teve relação muito superficial. Os comentários de Elias estão centrados, em grande parte, nas dificuldades e apuros do humanismo marxista de Adorno. Suas críticas referem-se principalmente aos supostos limites impostos pelo pensamento de Marx às reflexões de Adorno. É esse o ponto principal de minha análise, na qual problematizo essa crítica de Elias, levantando argumentos que procuram contrariar as observações a respeito da Obra de Adorno, sobretudo no que se refere à sua relação com o marxismo.