bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intrauterine smoke exposure deregulates lung function, pulmonary transcriptomes, and in particular insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 in a sex-specific manner
Authors: Dehmel Stefan , Nathan Petra , Bartel Sabine , El-Merhie Natalia , Scherb Hagen , Milger Katrin , John-Schuster Gerrit , Yildirim Ali Oender , Hylkema Machteld , Irmler Martin , Beckers Johannes , Schaub Bianca , Eickelberg Oliver , Krauss-Etschmann Susanne 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPrenatal exposure to tobacco smoke is a significant risk-factor for airway disease development. Furthermore, the high prevalence of pregnant smoking women requires the establishment of strategies for offspring lung protection. Therefore, we here aimed to understand the molecular mechanism of how prenatal smoke exposure affects fetal lung development. We used a mouse model recapitulating clinical findings of prenatally exposed children, where pregnant mice were exposed to smoke until c-section or spontaneous delivery, and offspring weight development and lung function was monitored. Additionally, we investigated pulmonary transcriptome changes in fetal lungs (GD18.5) by mRNA/miRNA arrays, network analyses and qPCR. The results demonstrated that prenatally exposed mice showed intrauterine and postnatal growth retardation, and impaired lung function. 1340 genes and 133 miRNAs were found to be significantly dysregulated by in utero smoke exposure, and we identified Insulin-like growth factor 1 (Igf1) as a top hierarchical node in a network analysis. Moreover, Igf1 mRNA was increased in female murine offspring and in prenatally exposed children. These findings suggest that prenatal smoking is associated with a dysregulation of several genes, including Igf1 in a sex-specific manner. Thus, our results could represent a novel link between smoke exposure, abberant lung development and impaired lung function.
The cell wall hydrolase Pmp23 is important for assembly and stability of the division ring in Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Jacq Maxime , Arthaud Christopher , Manuse Sylvie , Mercy Chryslène , Bellard Laure , Peters Katharina , Gallet Benoit , Galindo Jennifer , Doan Thierry , Vollmer Waldemar , Brun Yves V. , VanNieuwenhze Michael S. , Di Guilmi Anne Marie , Vernet Thierry , Grangeasse Christophe , Morlot Cecile 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBacterial division is intimately linked to synthesis and remodeling of the peptidoglycan, a cage-like polymer that surrounds the bacterial cell, providing shape and mechanical resistance. The bacterial division machinery, which is scaffolded by the cytoskeleton protein FtsZ, includes proteins with enzymatic, structural or regulatory functions. These proteins establish a complex network of transient functional and/or physical interactions which preserve cell shape and cell integrity. Cell wall hydrolases required for peptidoglycan remodeling are major contributors to this mechanism. Consistent with this, their deletion or depletion often results in morphological and/or division defects. However, the exact function of most of them remains elusive. In this work, we show that the putative lysozyme activity of the cell wall hydrolase Pmp23 is important for proper morphology and cell division in the opportunistic human pathogenStreptococcus pneumoniae. Our data indicate that active Pmp23 is required for proper localization of the Z-ring and the FtsZ-positioning protein MapZ. In addition, Pmp23 localizes to the division site and interacts directly with the essential peptidoglycan synthase PBP2x. Altogether, our data reveal a new regulatory function for peptidoglycan hydrolases.
Falls and Recurrent Falls among Adults in A Multi-ethnic Asian Population: The Singapore Epidemiology of Eye Diseases Study
Authors: Dai Wei , Tham Yih-Chung , Chee Miao-Li , Tan Nicholas Y. Q. , Wong Kah-Hie , Majithia Shivani , Sabanayagam Charumathi , Lamoureux Ecosse , Wong Tien-Yin , Cheng Ching-Yu 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWe evaluated the rate and risk factors associated with falls and recurrent falls in a multi-ethnic Asian population. 10,009 participants aged ≥40 years (mean[SD] age = 58.9[10.4] years) underwent clinical examinations and completed interviewer-administered questionnaires. Participants who self-reported at least one fall or ≥2 falls in past 12 months were defined as fallers and recurrent fallers, respectively. Age-standardized rates for falls and recurrent falls were 13.8% (95%CI, 13.1–14.6%) and 4.6% (95%CI, 4.2–5.1%), respectively. Multivariable analyses showed older age (OR = 1.20; 95%CI, 1.11–1.30), female gender (OR = 1.79; 95%CI, 1.54–2.07), diabetes (OR = 1.22; 95%CI, 1.07–1.40), cardiovascular disease (CVD, OR = 1.37; 95%CI, 1.14–1.65), ≥3 systemic comorbidities (OR = 1.35; 95%CI, 1.09–1.67), lower European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) score (OR = 1.36; 95%CI, 1.29–1.44), alcohol consumption (OR = 1.41, 95%CI, 1.11–1.78) and presenting visual impairment (VI, OR = 1.23; 95%CI, 1.02–1.47) were associated with falls. For recurrent falls, female gender (OR = 2.27; 95%CI, 1.75–2.94), diabetes (OR = 1.28; 95%CI, 1.03–1.61), CVD (OR = 2.00; 95%CI, 1.53–2.62), ≥3 systemic comorbidities (OR = 1.69; 95%CI, 1.19–2.39), lower EQ-5D score (OR = 1.47; 95%CI, 1.35–1.59), living in 1–2 room public flat (OR = 1.57; 95%CI, 1.05–2.33), monthly income <2000 Singapore Dollar (OR = 1.62; 95%CI, 1.13–2.31), alcohol consumption (OR = 1.81, 95%CI, 1.23–2.66) and presenting VI (OR = 1.34; 95%CI, 1.01–1.79) were significant risk factors. These findings will be useful for the formulation of fall prevention programs.
Elucidation of inhibitory effects on metastatic sentinel lymph nodes of breast cancer during One-Step Nucleic Acid Amplification
Authors: Horimoto Yoshiya , Tanabe Masahiko , Kazuno Saiko , Miura Yoshiki , Mogushi Kaoru , Sonoue Hiroshi , Arakawa Atsushi , Kajino Kazunori , Kobayashi Toshiyuki , Saito Mitsue 
Published: May 2018

AbstractOne-step nucleic acid amplification (OSNA) is an established method for intraoperative diagnosis of breast cancer metastasis in sentinel lymph nodes, based on quantification of CK19 mRNA, specific to breast epithelial cells. Inhibitors interfere with the PCR amplification process of PCR. Thus, OSNA, based on gene amplification without RNA purification, might be impacted by numerous factors persisting in a sample, and thereby potentially acting as PCR inhibitors. However, neither the characteristics of breast cancers showing inhibitory effects during OSNA, nor any of the possible inhibitors, have as yet been identified. Inhibitory effects detected during OSNA in 72 metastatic lymph nodes and the patients’ clinicopathological features were examined. Left-over OSNA samples were analyzed with mass spectrometry to identify proteins possibly acting as inhibitors. Most tumors showed inhibitory effects, though to varying degrees. Large tumor, young age and high tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte counts were related to stronger inhibitory effects. Proteome analysis revealed elevations in RPB9 protein and EIF2 signaling upregulation in samples showing strong inhibitory effects. Tumors showing strong inhibitory effects had clinically relevant characteristics, including large size and extensive tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte involvement. Identifying inhibitors in OSNA might provide new insights into breast cancer biology as well as advancing the current technology.
Voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels promote branching morphogenesis of salivary glands by patterning differential growth
Authors: Kim J. M. , Choi S. , Lee S. W. , Park K. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBranching morphogenesis is a crucial part of early developmental processes in diverse organs, but the detailed mechanism of this morphogenic event remains to be elucidated. Here we introduce an unknown mechanism leading to branching morphogenesis using mouse embryonic organotypic cultures with time-lapse live imaging. We found spatially expressed L-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels (VDCCs) in the peripheral layers of developing epithelial buds and identified the VDCCs as a core signaling mediator for patterning branching architecture. In this process, differential growth in peripheral layers by VDCC-induced ERK activity promoted cleft formation through an epithelial buckling-folding mechanism. Our findings reveal an unexpected role of VDCCs in developmental processes, and address a fundamental question regarding the initial process of branching morphogenesis.
Criteria to Classify Children as Having Auditory Processing Disorders
Authors: Yathiraj Asha , Vanaja Chitnahalli Shankaranarayan 
Published: May 2018

PurposeThe study aimed to determine a criterion to diagnose the presence of auditory processing disorder (APD) in children.MethodUsing a standard comparison design, 280 children “not at risk” for APD and 100 children “at risk” for APD were evaluated on 4 different tests: Speech-in-Noise Test in Indian English (Yathiraj, Vanaja, & Muthuselvi, 2010), Dichotic Consonant–Vowel (Yathiraj, 1999), Duration Pattern Test (Musiek, Baran, & Pinheiro, 1990), and the Revised Auditory Memory and Sequencing Test in Indian English (Yathiraj, Vanaja, & Muthuselvi, 2010). The age of the children ranged from 6 to 10 years.ResultsWith a cutoff criterion of 1SDbelow the mean of the test scores, 8% of the children “at risk” for APD passed all the tests, whereas 28% passed with a criterion of 2SDs below the mean scores. The tests most frequently failed by these children were Speech-in-Noise Test in Indian English and Dichotic Consonant–Vowel.ConclusionsA cutoff criterion of 2SDs below the mean scores of typically developing children is recommended to diagnose children as having APD if they performed poorly on only one test. For children who performed poorly on more than one test, a cutoff criterion of 1SDbelow the mean scores of typically developing children is recommended.
Multi-band high resolution spectroscopy rules out the hot Jupiter BD+20 1790b
Authors: Carleo I. , Benatti S. , Lanza A. F. , Gratton R. , Claudi R. , Desidera S. , Mace G. N. , Messina S. , Sanna N. , Sissa E. , Ghedina A. , Ghinassi F. , Guerra J. , Harutyunyan A. , Micela G. , Molinari E. , Oliva E. , Tozzi A. , Baffa C. , Baruffolo A. , Bignamini A. , Buchschacher N. , Cecconi M. , Cosentino R. , Endl M. , Falcini G. , Fantinel D. , Fini L. , Fugazza D. , Galli A. , Giani E. , González C. , González-Álvarez E. , González M. , Hernandez N. , Hernandez Diaz M. , Iuzzolino M. , Kaplan K. F. , Kidder B. T. , Lodi M. , Malavolta L. , Maldonado J. , Origlia L. , Perez Ventura H. , Puglisi A. , Rainer M. , Riverol L. , Riverol C. , San Juan J. , Scuderi S. , Seemann U. , Sokal K. R. , Sozzetti A. , Sozzi M. 
Published: May 2018

Context. Stellar activity is currently challenging the detection of young planets via the radial velocity (RV) technique.
Aims. We attempt to definitively discriminate the nature of the RV variations for the young active K5 star BD+20 1790, for which visible (VIS) RV measurements show divergent results on the existence of a substellar companion.
Methods. We compare VIS data with high precision RVs in the near-infrared (NIR) range by using the GIANO–B and IGRINS spectrographs. In addition, we present for the first time simultaneous VIS-NIR observations obtained with GIARPS (GIANO–B and HARPS–N) at Telescopio Nazionale Galileo (TNG). Orbital RVs are achromatic, so the RV amplitude does not change at different wavelengths, while stellar activity induces wavelength-dependent RV variations, which are significantly reduced in the NIR range with respect to the VIS.
Results. The NIR radial velocity measurements from GIANO–B and IGRINS show an average amplitude of about one quarter with respect to previously published VIS data, as expected when the RV jitter is due to stellar activity. Coeval multi-band photometry surprisingly shows larger amplitudes in the NIR range, explainable with a mixture of cool and hot spots in the same active region.
Conclusions. In this work, the claimed massive planet around BD+20 1790 is ruled out by our data. We exploited the crucial role of multi-wavelength spectroscopy when observing young active stars: thanks to facilities like GIARPS that provide simultaneous observations, this method can reach its maximum potential.
Hormones and Auditory Perception: Study of Dichotic Listening in Women during the Menstrual Cycle
Authors: Carneiro Cláudia , Almeida Anna , Ribas Angela , Kluk-De Kort Karolina , Lima Daviany , Araújo Aline , Ferreira Danilo Augusto , Martins Mariana , Freitas Thais , de Rosa Marine 
Published: May 2018

Introduction Dichotic listening refers to the ability to hear different sounds presented to each ear simultaneously.
Objective The aim of the present study was to assess dichotic listening in women throughout the menstrual cycle.
Methods The volunteers who met the eligibility criteria participated in a dichotic listening assessment composed of three tests: 1) staggered spondaic word test; 2) dichotic digits test; and 3) consonant-vowel test. The female participants were tested during two different phases of the menstrual cycle: the follicular (days 11 to 13) and luteal (days 23 to 26) phases. The phases were confirmed by measuring serum levels of the hormone estradiol.
Results A total of 20 volunteers aged 18 to 49 years participated in the study (9 females and 11 males). In test 1, only the right ear of females showed better performance during the follicular phase (high estrogen levels), compared with the luteal phase (low estrogen levels); in test 2, there were no significant differences for any of the groups; and in test 3, both males and females showed significantly better performance in their right ear compared with their left ear.
Conclusion The better performance of females during the follicular phase of the cycle may indicate that estrogen levels might have an influence on dichotic listening in women.
Hearing Assessment of Neonates at Risk for Hearing Loss at a Hearing Health High Complexity Service: An Electrophysiological Assessment
Authors: Reis Flavia Mara , Gonçalves Claudia , Conto Juliana , Iantas Milena , Lüders Débora , Marques Jair 
Published: May 2018

Introduction Hearing is the main sensory access in the first years of life. Therefore, early detection and intervention of hearing impairment must begin before the first year of age.
Objective To analyze the results of the electrophysiological hearing assessment of children at risk for hearing loss as part of the newborn hearing screening (NHS).
Methods This is a cross-sectional study held at a hearing health public service clinic located in Brazil, with 104 babies at risks factors for hearing loss referred by public hospitals. A questionnaire was applied to parents, and the auditory brainstem response (ABR) test was held, identifying those with alterations in the results. The outcome of the NHS was also analyzed regarding risk factor, gestational age and gender.
Results Among the 104 subjects, most of them were male (53.85%), and the main risk factor found was the admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for a period longer than 5 days (50.93%). Eighty-five (81.73%) subjects were screened by NHS at the maternity and 40% of them failed the test. Through the ABR test, 6 (5.77%) infants evidenced sensorineural hearing loss, 4 of them being diagnosed at 4 months, and 2 at 6 months of age; all of them failed the NHS and had family history and admission at NICU for over 5 days as the most prevalent hearing risks; in addition, family members of all children perceived their hearing impairment.
Conclusion Advances could be observed regarding the age of the diagnosis after the implementation of the NHS held at the analyzed public service clinic.
Handmade Traction Wrist Tower
Authors: Zolotov Alexander 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe article presents handmade traction wrist tower, made from improvised means, which can be an alternative for expensive branded traction devices. The proposed device can be used successfully for wrist joint arthroscopy, as well as for performing various surgical procedures on the wrist and forearm, when traction is needed. This a Level IV study.
CONTRA: Postoperative Epiduralanalgesie – der Goldstandard?
Authors: Gerbershagen Hans 
Published: May 2018

ZusammenfassungDie Epiduralanalgesie (EDA) kann nicht für alle Eingriffe mit mittelstarkem bis starkem Schmerzniveau der Goldstandard der Therapie sein. Die EDA ist der PCA (patientenkontrollierte Analgesie) und den oralen Analgetika in Bezug auf Reduktion der postoperativen Schmerzintensität überlegen [1]. Mögliche schwerwiegende Komplikationen sowie die höheren Kosten der EDA erfordern aber eine sorgfältige, evidenzbasierte operationsspezifische Abwägung.
PRO: Epiduralanalgesie – Goldstandard bei abdominalen und thorakalen Eingriffen
Authors: Listing Hannah , Pöpping Daniel 
Published: May 2018

ZusammenfassungDie Kombination aus thorakaler Epiduralanalgesie (TEA) und Allgemeinanästhesie hat sich bei großen abdominellen und thorakalen Operationen aufgrund der ausgezeichneten Analgesiequalität bewährt 1. Komplikationen sind selten, aber potenziell schwerwiegend – sie müssen rasch erkannt und therapiert werden. Daher sollte die TEA in ein den gesamten perioperativen Verlauf umfassendes Konzept integriert sein, wie es in diesem Beitrag vorgestellt wird.
Efficacy and tolerability of linaclotide in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation in a real‑world setting – results from a German noninterventional study
Authors: Andresen Viola , Miehlke Stephan , Beck Elmar , Wiseman Gwen , Layer Peter 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Background Linaclotide is a minimally absorbed peptide guanylate cyclase-C agonist approved for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). This study assessed the efficacy and tolerability of linaclotide in IBS-C in routine clinical practice in Germany.
Methods This was a 52-week, noninterventional study of linaclotide in patients aged ≥ 18 years with moderate to severe IBS-C. Severity of abdominal pain and bloating and frequency of bowel movements were assessed over 5 study visits. Treatment-related adverse events were recorded.
Results The study enrolled 375 patients; the mean observation duration was 4.4 months. Linaclotide marketing was halted during the study period for economic reasons, accounting for low patient numbers and short observation duration. Linaclotide significantly reduced mean (standard deviation [SD]) scores between treatment start (visit 1) and study end (visit 5) for abdominal pain intensity (visit 1: 4.87 [2.63] vs. visit 5: 2.40 [2.20], p < 0.0001), mean [SD] bloating intensity (visit 1: 5.30 [2.70] vs. visit 5: 2.86 [2.34], p < 0.0001), and increased mean [SD] bowel movement frequency (visit 1: 2.71 [1.80] vs. 4.38 [1.86], p < 0.0001). Diarrhea, occurring in 5.1 % of patients, was the most common adverse event.
Conclusion Linaclotide is effective in improving the major symptoms of IBS-C and demonstrates a favorable safety profile in the real-world environment of routine clinical practice. DRKS (www.drks.de/): DRKS00005088.
Prime Minister Abe’s challenge to the Japanese Postwar Constitution
Authors: Okuda Hiroko , Suzuki Takeshi 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Japan has transformed itself from a militaristic, imperialist state into a pacifist, democratic country as well as a reliable U.S. ally. However, postwar Japan has had two responses to the lost war. On the one hand, conservatives often found it difficult to reconcile themselves with the reality of losing the last war. On the other hand, liberals found themselves at home in line with the Japanese postwar democracy based on the country’s embrace of the no war ideal. Taking into account the tension intrinsic to Japanese interpretations of the postwar Constitution, this study will explore the way in which Prime Minister Abe made confrontational strategic maneuvering in political argumentation. By doing so, it will explicate how Abe sought to identify the context in the way that one should view a reality.
Children’s use of gesture and action with static and dynamic verbs
Authors: Andrén Mats , Blomberg Johan 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
The present study investigates the use of gestures by 18-, 24- and 30-month-old Swedish children, as well as their practical actions in coordination with verbs. Previous research on connections between children’s verbs and gestures has mainly focused only on iconic gestures and action verbs. We expand the research foci in two ways: we look both at gestures and at practical actions, examining how the two are coordinated with static verbs (e.g. sleep) and dynamic verbs (e.g. fall). Thanks to these additional distinctions, we have found that iconic gestures and iconic actions (the latter in particular) most commonly occurred with dynamic verbs. Static verbs were most commonly accompanied by deictic actions and deictic gestures (the latter in particular). At 30 months, deictic bodily expressions, including both gestures and actions, increased, whereas iconic expressions decreased. We suggest that this may reflect a transition to less redundant ways of using bodily expressions at 30 months, where bodily movement increasingly takes on the role of specifying verb arguments rather than expressing the semantics of the verb itself.
Gestural depiction of motion events in narrative increases symbolic distance with age
Authors: Sekine Kazuki , Wood Catharine , Kita Sotaro 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWe examined gesture representation of motion events in narratives produced by three- and nine-year-olds, and adults. Two aspects of gestural depiction were analysed: how protagonists were depicted, and how gesture space was used. We found that older groups were more likely to express protagonists as an object that a gesturing hand held and manipulated, and less likely to express protagonists with whole-body enactment gestures. Furthermore, for older groups, gesture space increasingly became less similar to narrated space. The older groups were less likely to use large gestures or gestures in the periphery of the gesture space to represent movements that were large relative to a protagonist’s body or that took place next to a protagonist. They were also less likely to produce gestures on a physical surface (e.g. table) to represent movement on a surface in narrated events. The development of gestural depiction indicates that older speakers become less immersed in the story world and start to control and manipulate story representation from an outside perspective in a bounded and stage-like gesture space. We discuss this developmental shift in terms of increasingsymbolic distancing(Werner & Kaplan, 1963).
Murine intestinal organoids resemble intestinal epithelium in their microRNA profiles
Authors: Ohsaka Fumina , Sonoyama Kei 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Intestinal organoids were established as an ex vivo model of the intestinal epithelium. We investigated whether organoids resemble the intestinal epithelium in their microRNA (miRNA) profiles. Total RNA samples were obtained from crypt and villus fractions in murine intestine and from cultured organoids. Microarray analysis showed that organoids largely resembled intestinal epithelial cells in their miRNA profiles. In silico prediction followed by qRT-PCR suggested that six genes are regulated by corresponding miRNAs along the crypt-villus axis, suggesting miRNA regulation of epithelial cell renewal in the intestine. However, such expression patterns of miRNAs and their target mRNAs were not reproduced during organoids maturation. This might be due to lack of luminal factors and endocrine, nervous, and immune systems in organoids and different cell populations between in vivo epithelium and organoids. Nevertheless, we propose that intestinal organoids provide a useful in vitro model to investigate miRNA expression in intestinal epithelial cells.