bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HIV-1 Envelope Glycoproteins Induce the Production of TNF-α and IL-10 in Human Monocytes by Activating Calcium Pathway
Authors: Planès Rémi , Serrero Manutea , Leghmari Kaoutar , BenMohamed Lbachir , Bahraoui Elmostafa 
Published: November 2018

AbstractHuman HIV-1 infection leads inevitably to a chronic hyper-immune-activation. However, the nature of the targeted receptors and the pathways involved remain to be fully elucidated. We demonstrate that X4-tropic gp120 induced the production of TNF-α and IL-10 by monocytes through activation of a cell membrane receptor, distinct from the CD4, CXCR4, and MR receptors. Gp120 failed to stimulate IL-10 and TNF-α production by monocytes in Ca2+free medium. This failure was total for IL-10 and partial for TNF-α. However, IL-10 and TNF-α production was fully restored following the addition of exogenous calcium. Accordingly, addition of BAPTA-AM and cyclosporine-A, fully and partially inhibited IL-10 and TNF-α respectively. The PKA pathway was crucial for IL-10 production but only partially involved in gp120-induced TNF-α. The PLC pathway was partially and equivalently involved in gp120-induced TNF-α and IL-10. Moreover, the inhibition of PI3K, ERK1/2, p38 MAP-kinases and NF-κB pathways totally abolished the production of both cytokines. In conclusion, this study revealed the crucial calcium signaling pathway triggered by HIV-1 gp120 to control the production of these two cytokines: TNF-α and IL-10. The finding could help in the development of a new therapeutic strategy to alleviate the chronic hyper-immune-activation observed in HIV-1 infected patients.
A refined two-step oligoribonucleotide interference-PCR method for precise discrimination of nucleotide differences
Authors: Fujita Toshitsugu , Yuno Miyuki , Kitaura Fusako , Fujii Hodaka 
Published: November 2018

AbstractWe previously developed oligoribonucleotide (ORN) interference-PCR (ORNi-PCR), in which an ORN hybridises with a complementary DNA sequence and inhibits PCR amplification across the sequence in a sequence-specific manner. Suppression of target amplification by ORNi-PCR can be used to detect nucleotide differences such as mutations in a target sequence. In the present study, we refined the ORNi-PCR method and established a detailed technical protocol to precisely discriminate single-nucleotide differences. We first revealed that a two-step (denaturing and annealing plus elongation) rather than a standard three-step (denaturing, annealing and elongation) method is more suitable for stably hybridising an ORN to its target DNA sequence for sequence-specific suppression of target amplification. We then optimised the ORNi-PCR method using two-step cycles and established a step-by-step technical protocol. The optimised Two-Step ORNi-PCR method could discriminate single-nucleotide differences in genomic DNA or cDNA introduced by genome editing or mutations in cancer cells. In addition, we showed that Two-Step ORNi-PCR can detect the cancer cells possessing a single nucleotide mutation in a target locus mixed with a large number of cells harboring wild-type sequences in the locus so that the number of the cancer cells is only 0.2% of the total cell number. Two-Step ORNi-PCR is useful for simple, precise, cost-effective and positive detection of nucleotide differences in a wide range of molecular biology and medical applications.
Characterization of fume particles generated during arc welding with various covered electrodes
Authors: Kirichenko K. Yu. , Agoshkov A. I. , Drozd V. A. , Gridasov A. V. , Kholodov A. S. , Kobylyakov S. P. , Kosyanov D. Yu. , Zakharenko A. M. , Karabtsov A. A. , Shimanskii S. R. , Stratidakis A. K. , Mezhuev Ya. O. , Tsatsakis A. M. , Golokhvast K. S. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractArc welding operations are considered to be risky procedures by generating hazardous welding fume for human health. This study focuses on the key characteristics, as well as dispersion models, of welding fumes within a work zone. Commercial and widely used types of electrodes with various types of covering (rutile, basic, acidic and rutile-cellulose) were used in a series of experiments on arc welding operations, under 100 and 150 amps of electric current. According to the results of this study, maximum levels of pollution with particles of PM10 fraction occur in the workspace during arc welding operations. Disregarding the types of electrodes used, the 3D models of dispersion of the РМ10 particles at the floor plane exhibit corrugated morphologies while also demonstrate high concentrations of the РМ10 particles at distances 0–3 m and 4–5 m from the emission source. The morphology of these particles is represented by solid and hollow spheres, ‘nucleus-shell’ structures, perforated spheres, sharp-edged plates, agglomerates of the tree-like (coral) shape. At last the bifractional mechanism of fume particle formation for this type of electrodes is also shown and described. In this article results are reported, which demonstrate the hazards of the arc welding process for human health. The results of the characterization of WFs reported improve our understanding of risks that these operations pose to human health and may strengthen the need for their control and mitigation.
Suppression of Hepatic Bile Acid Synthesis by a non-tumorigenic FGF19 analogue Protects Mice from Fibrosis and Hepatocarcinogenesis
Authors: Gadaleta Raffaella Maria , Scialpi Natasha , Peres Claudia , Cariello Marica , Ko Brian , Luo Jian , Porru Emanuele , Roda Aldo , Sabbà Carlo , Moschetta Antonio 
Published: November 2018

AbstractCritical regulation of bile acid (BA) pool size and composition occurs via an intensive molecular crosstalk between the liver and gut, orchestrated by the combined actions of the nuclear Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and the enterokine fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) with the final aim of reducing hepatic BA synthesis in a negative feedback fashion. Disruption of BA homeostasis with increased hepatic BA toxic levels leads to higher incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). While native FGF19 has anti-cholestatic and anti-fibrotic activity in the liver, it retains peculiar pro-tumorigenic actions. Thus, novel analogues have been generated to avoid tumorigenic capacity and maintain BA metabolic action. Here, using BA related Abcb4−/− and Fxr−/− mouse models of spontaneous hepatic fibrosis and HCC, we explored the role of a novel engineered variant of FGF19 protein, called FGF19-M52, which fully retains BA regulatory activity but is devoid of the pro-tumoral activity. Expression of the BA synthesis rate-limiting enzyme Cyp7a1 is reduced in FGF19-M52-treated mice compared to the GFP-treated control group with consequent reduction of BA pool and hepatic concentration. Treatment with the non-tumorigenic FGF19-M52 strongly protects Abcb4−/− and Fxr−/− mice from spontaneous hepatic fibrosis, cellular proliferation and HCC formation in terms of tumor number and size, with significant reduction of biochemical parameters of liver damage and reduced expression of several genes driving the proliferative and inflammatory hepatic scenario. Our data bona fide suggest the therapeutic potential of targeting the FXR-FGF19 axis to reduce hepatic BA synthesis in the control of BA-associated risk of fibrosis and hepatocarcinoma development.
Effect-based assessment of recipient waters impacted by on-site, small scale, and large scale waste water treatment facilities – combining passive sampling with in vitro bioassays and chemical analysis
Authors: Rosenmai Anna Kjerstine , Lundqvist Johan , Gago-Ferrero Pablo , Mandava Geeta , Ahrens Lutz , Wiberg Karin , Oskarsson Agneta 
Published: November 2018

AbstractWaste water treatment facilities are a major sources of organic micropollutants (MPs) in surface water. In this study, surface water samples were collected from seven sites along a river system in Uppsala, Sweden, during four seasons and evaluated based on the occurrence of MPs in the samples and bioactivity using in vitro bioassays. The sampling sites were differentially impacted by on-site sewage treatment facilities (OSSFs), small scale, and large scale waste water treatment plants (WWTPs). The bioassays used included activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), estrogen receptor (ER), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NFkB), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and androgen receptor (AR). Occurrence of 80 MPs, were analyzed using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. Most water samples induced AhR activity, and all sampling sites showed a similar profile regarding this activity. With the exception of one water sample, we did not detect any NFkB, Nrf2 or AR activity of the water samples. The exception was a sample impacted by OSSFs, which showed an activity in multiple bioassays, but the activity could not be explained by the occurrence of target MPs. The occurrence of MPs showed a spatial trend, with the highest number and amount of MPs detected in the samples collected downstream of the WWTPs, where up to 47 MPs were detected in one single sample. A seasonal variation was observed with highest levels of MPs and highest AhR activities in samples collected in June and September 2015. However, neither the seasonal activity nor the on-site activity could be explained by the measured MPs, suggesting unknown contributory agents in the water.
US gynecologists’ estimates and beliefs regarding ovarian cancer screening’s effectiveness 5 years after release of the PLCO evidence
Authors: Wegwarth Odette , Gigerenzer Gerd 
Published: November 2018

AbstractEfficient patient care requires the conscientious use of current best evidence. Such evidence on ovarian cancer screening showed that the screening has no survival benefit but considerable harms; currently no medical organization recommends it. In a cross-sectional online survey study with 401 US outpatient gynecologists we investigated whether they follow the recommendation of their medical organizations in daily practice and report estimates of ovarian cancer screening’s effectiveness that approximate current best evidence (within a ± 10 percent margin of error), and if not, whether a fact box intervention summarizing current best evidence improves judgments. Depending on question, 44.6% to 96.8% reported estimates and beliefs regarding screening’s effectiveness that diverged from evidence, and 57.6% reported regularly recommending the screening. Gynecologists who recommend screening overestimated the benefit and underestimated the harms more frequently. After seeing the fact box, 51.6% revised initial estimates and beliefs, and the proportion of responses approximating best evidence increased on all measures (e.g., mortality reduction: 32.9% [95% CI, 26.5 to 39.7] before intervention, 77.3% [71.0 to 82.8] after intervention). Overall, results highlight the need for intensified training programs on the interpretation of medical evidence. The provision of fact box summaries in medical journals may additionally improve the practice of evidence-based medicine.
Core genes in diverse dinoflagellate lineages include a wealth of conserved dark genes with unknown functions
Authors: Stephens Timothy G. , Ragan Mark A. , Bhattacharya Debashish , Chan Cheong Xin 
Published: November 2018

AbstractDinoflagellates are a diverse group of unicellular primary producers and grazers that exhibit some of the most remarkable features known among eukaryotes. These include gigabase-sized nuclear genomes, permanently condensed chromosomes and highly reduced organelle DNA. However, the genetic inventory that allows dinoflagellates to thrive in diverse ecological niches is poorly characterised. Here we systematically assess the functional capacity of 3,368,684 predicted proteins from 47 transcriptome datasets spanning eight dinoflagellate orders. We find that 1,232,023 proteins do not share significant sequence similarity to known sequences, i.e. are “dark”. Of these, we consider 441,006 (13.1% of overall proteins) that are found in multiple taxa, or occur as alternative splice variants, to comprise the high-confidence dark proteins. Even with unknown function, 43.3% of these dark proteins can be annotated with conserved structural features using an exhaustive search against available data, validating their existence and importance. Furthermore, these dark proteins and their putative homologs are largely lineage-specific and recovered in multiple taxa. We also identified conserved functions in all dinoflagellates, and those specific to toxin-producing, symbiotic, and cold-adapted lineages. Our results demonstrate the remarkable divergence of gene functions in dinoflagellates, and provide a platform for investigations into the diversification of these ecologically important organisms.
Differenzialdiagnostische Fallstricke aus der Dermatochirurgie
Authors: John Katrin , John Endres , Friedling Franziska , Lange Danica , Meyer Frank , Stadie Volker 
Published: November 2018

AbstractEvaluation of skin diseases can be challenging for non-dermatologists. Even obvious well-characterized skin pathologies might be misleading and thus treatment can fail. Particularly the differentiation of surgical treated entities is important, for example the management of a wound healing disturbance profoundly differs from that of a pyoderma gangrenosum. This article outlines several easily mistaken pairs of dermatologic entities on one hand and surgical on the other. For example, a livedo vasculopathy can be confused with a leg ulcer, a nail melanoma with a simple hematoma and finally a hidradenitis suppurativa with an axillary abscess. Typical clinical signs and anamnestic data may often lead to the right diagnosis also assisted by the simple fact to “keep it in mind“.
Akutes Nierenversagen bei einer gesunden jungen Frau
Authors: Kleine Guido 
Published: November 2018

Zusammenfassung
Anamnese Eine bisher gesunde junge Frau wird wegen eines akuten Nierenversagens mit Hyperkalzämie stationär aufgenommen.
Untersuchungen und Diagnose Ein Plasmozytom, eine infektiöse und nicht infektiöse entzündliche Genese wurden ausgeschlossen, ebenso eine Sarkoidose. Entscheidend für die Diagnose einer Hypervitaminose waren anamnestische Hinweise.
Therapie und Verlauf Unter einer forcierten Diurese kommt es zu einer vollständigen Normalisierung der Hyperkalzämie und zu einer deutlichen Besserung der Nierenfunktion.
Folgerung Als potenziell nephrotoxische Substanzen sind auch frei zugängliche Präparate in Erwägung zu ziehen.
Kastration von Hund und Katze – eine Betrachtung aus ganzheitlicher Sicht
Authors: Bolbecher Gisela , Smit-Fornahl Brigitta 
Published: November 2018

ZusammenfassungDie in den letzten Jahren scheinbar gängige Praxis, Haustiere grundsätzlich zu kastrieren, sollte unter Einbeziehung neuer Studien über die Folgen eines solchen Eingriffes und unter Berücksichtigung der ethischen und gesetzlichen Rahmenbedingungen, neu überdacht werden. Der kompetenten und einfühlsamen Beratung der Tierhalter durch uns Tierärzte kommt damit eine große Bedeutung zu.
Explosive Resistance Training Using Elastic Bands in Young Female Team Handball Players
Authors: Andersen Vidar , Fimland Marius , Cumming Kristoffer , Vraalsen Øyvind , Saeterbakken Atle 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe aim of the study was to examine the effects of full-body elastic resistance band training in young female team handball players. 12 players (16.5±0.7 years, 166±5.0 cm, 65.9±8.8 kg) completed an 11-week control period followed by a 9-week elastic resistance band training period. The training program, consisting of 6 exercises, was incorporated into the teams’ regular handball training sessions 3 times per week. Each exercise was performed with 3 sets of 6–10 explosive repetitions (5–9 on the Borg CR10 Scale®). The maximal power output in squat and bench press, jump height, throwing velocity and repeated agility run was tested before and after the control and training periods. The elastic resistance band period had greater improvement vs. the control period for countermovement jump with or without arm swing (10% vs. –6 to –2%) and power output at lighter loads (10 to 12% vs. –6 to 0%). For the 3 throwing velocity tests, there were tendencies towards increased velocity in the elastic resistance band period compared to the control period (p=0.07–0.10). For the repeated agility run, there was a reduction in the mean and fastest time compared to the training period (2 to 3% vs. –1 to 1%). In conclusion, a brief, elastic resistance band training program, incorporated into the regular handball training sessions, improved explosive lower-limb performance in young female handball players more than handball training alone.
Unilateral Conditioning Contractions Enhance Power Output in Elite Short Track Speed Skaters
Authors: Gimenez Philippe , Chicoine Evelyne , Amarantini David , Maso Fabien , Tremblay Jonathan 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe objective of the present study was to assess the effect of unilateral lower-body-conditioning muscle contractions during multiple sets of fatiguing repeated jumps in elite athletes. Five elite short-track speed-skating athletes performed 9 sets of 6 maximal consecutive jumps on 2 separate occasions: with (COND) and without (CTRL) preliminary voluntary conditioning contractions (CC) 5 min before the beginning of the sets. The CC consisted of 2 consecutive 3 s maximal unilateral isometric squats against a fixed bar, resulting in a 6 s overall isometric contraction per leg. For each set, power output (PO) was measured using a linear position transducer and averaged over the 6 corresponding repeated jumps. The results showed that PO was significantly greater during the test in COND than in CTRL (p<0.01). PO significantly decreased with sets, by 19.4±4.7  and 15.2±7.6% (p<0.001) between the first and last set in COND and CTRL, respectively. A 2×3 s maximal unilateral isometric CC, performed 5 min before unloaded repeated jumps, significantly increased mean PO. These results suggest that unilateral conditioning contractions can enhance performance in subsequent bilateral repeated jumps.
HIV, Herpes Zoster, Homeopathy and Hope: A Case Report
Authors: Sharma Rashmi 
Published: November 2018

AbstractHIV-AIDS is an epidemic that causes an excessive load on the health care system. In the last decade, HIV has erupted worldwide. Homeopathy holds the potential for improving patients' well-being and prolonging life by ameliorating the draining side effects of anti-retro viral (ARV) drugs. This article attempts to bridge the gap between homeopathic and conventional therapeutic plans. The author has cited a case from a clinical setting where a patient discontinued ARV drugs, and consulted a homeopath for herpes zoster infection. The patient was followed up for 1 year, was relieved from symptoms and remained free from opportunistic infections. Homeopathy helped him; he regained confidence in himself and the homeopathic therapeutic measures. The case illustrated here, which has shown improvement in both subjective and objective parameters, may be used for the management of patients suffering from HIV or AIDS.
Homoeopathic Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Case Series
Authors: Gupta Girish , Kumar Arun , Sexena Reteka , Nayak Chaturbhuja 
Published: November 2018

Background Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common diseases in age group above 50 years. Symptoms relating to urination are usually frequency, urgency, and hesitancy and vary from case to case. Very few studies are reported on homoeopathic treatment of BPH. Hence, an evidence-based observational study on five patients of BPH was done using homoeopathic medicines. The objective of this case series is to assess the usefulness of individualised homoeopathic medicines in the treatment of cases of BPH.
Methodology An open-label observational prospective study was done on patients of BPH at Gaurang Clinic and Centre for Homoeopathic Research, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, and five patients included in this cases series were treated during 2007–2009. Individualised homoeopathic medicines were prescribed to these patients, after proper case taking, repertorisation and consultation of Materia Medica. Patients were assessed using parameters like International Prostate Symptom Score, uroflowmetry, ultrasonography and prostate-specific antigen.
Results Baseline and post-treatment parameters were assessed, which showed significant improvement in post-treatment values along with relief of symptoms in all five patients.
Conclusion Results of the study are encouraging and in accordance with the basic principles of homoeopathic prescribing (i.e. classical approach), exhibiting the benefits of constitutional medicines. All the patients showed improvement in their symptoms and laboratory parameters. However, studies with larger sample size and randomised controlled trial study design are suggested.
TachoSil Dural Reconstruction in Extracranial-Intracranial Bypass Surgeries
Authors: Jahromi Behnam , Ludtka Christopher , Schwan Stefan , Ota Nakao , Meisel Hans , Tanikawa Rokuya , Lawton Michael , Goehre Felix , Tews Julia 
Published: November 2018

Background Superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) bypass is a treatment option for hemodynamic insufficiency in the anterior cerebral circulation. Complications associated with extracranial-intracranial bypass surgeries are ischemic strokes caused by bypass failure, wound-healing disorders, and further issues from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. CSF leakage can provide pathways for infection. It is well known in general neurosurgery that watertight closure of the dura mater is necessary to prevent such complications.
Objective To provide a technical description of TachoSil dural reconstruction in standard STA-MCA bypasses and their follow-up analyses.
Methods In this technical report with observational follow-up, the dura mater was closed partially by adaptive sutures, and the perforation site of the donor vessel was sealed with TachoSil. TachoSil is a collagen sponge covered with clotting factors that provides hemostatic and sealing effects.
Results Our study included eight cases of standard STA-MCA bypasses that had been operated between July 2015 and September 2016. Follow-up examinations were completed for all patients at 1 month and 6 months after surgery. Duplex and Doppler ultrasound demonstrated regular bypass patency in all patients without increased flow velocity at the perforation sites, which is a possible sign of stenosis. No wound-healing disorders or CSF leakage occurred. No cerebrovascular stroke events were observed.
Conclusion Duraplasty with TachoSil enables the elastic reconstruction of the dura perforation gap in standard extracranial-intracranial bypass surgeries.