bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intravenous C16 and angiopoietin-1 improve the efficacy of placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cell therapy for EAE
Authors: Tian Ke-wei , Zhang Yuan-yuan , Jiang Hong , Han Shu 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe placenta has emerged as an attractive source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) because of the absence of ethical issues, non-invasive access, and abundant yield. However, inflammatory cell invasion into grafts negatively impacts the survival and efficacy of transplanted cells. Previous studies have shown that synthetic C16 peptide can competitively block the transmigration of leukocytes into the central nerve system, while angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) can inhibit inflammation-induced blood vessel leakage and inflammatory cell infiltration in rats with experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE). In this study, we investigated the effects of intravenous administration of C16 and Ang-1 on the efficacy of placenta-derived MSC (PMSC) transplantation in a rat model of EAE. We found that, compared with PMSCs alone, treatment with PMSCs along with intravenously administered C16 and Ang-1 was more effective at ameliorating demyelination/neuronal loss and neurological dysfunction, reducing inflammatory cell infiltration, perivascular edema, and reactive astrogliosis (p < 0.05). Mechanistic studies revealed that intravenous C16 and Ang-1 increased PMSC engraftment in the central nervous system and promoted expression of the neurotropic proteins brain-derived neurotrophic factor, growth-associated protein 43, and p75 neurotrophin receptor as well as the neuronal-glial lineage markers neurofilament protein 200 and myelin basic protein in the engrafted PMSCs.
On the Precise Tuning of Optical Filtering Features in Nanoporous Anodic Alumina Distributed Bragg Reflectors
Authors: Law Cheryl Suwen , Lim Siew Yee , Santos Abel 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThis study presents a nanofabrication approach that enables the production of nanoporous anodic alumina distributed Bragg reflectors (NAA-DBRs) with finely engineered light filtering features across the spectral regions. The photonic stopband (PSB) of these NAA-based photonic crystal (PC) structures is precisely tuned by an apodization strategy applied during stepwise pulse anodization with the aim of engineering the effective medium of NAA-DBRs in depth. We systematically assess the effect of different fabrication parameters such as apodization function (i.e. linear positive, linear negative, logarithmic positive and logarithmic negative), amplitude difference (from 0.105 to 0.420 mA cm−2), current density offset (from 0.140 to 0.560 mA cm−2), anodization period (from 1100 to 1700 s), and pore widening time (from 0 to 6 min) on the quality and central wavelength of the PSB of NAA-DBRs. The PSB’s features these PC structures are demonstrated to be highly tunable with the fabrication parameters, where a logarithmic negative apodization is found to be the most effective function to produce NAA-DBRs with high quality PSBs across the UV-visible-NIR spectrum. Our study establishes that apodized NAA-DBRs are more sensitive to changes in their effective medium than non-apodized NAA-DBRs, making them more suitable sensing platforms to develop advanced optical sensing systems.
Extended depth-resolved imaging through a thin scattering medium with PSF manipulation
Authors: Xie Xiangsheng , Zhuang Huichang , He Hexiang , Xu Xiaoqing , Liang Haowen , Liu Yikun , Zhou Jianying 
Published: March 2018

AbstractHuman ability to visualize an image is usually hindered by optical scattering. Recent extensive studies have promoted imaging technique through turbid materials to a reality where color image can be restored behind scattering media in real time. The big challenge now is to recover objects in a large field of view with depth resolving ability. Based on the existing research results, we systematically study the physical relationship between speckles generated from objects at different planes. By manipulating a given single point spread function, depth-resolved imaging through a thin scattering medium can be extended beyond the original depth of field (DOF). Experimental testing of standard scattering media shows that the DOF can be extended up to 5 times and the physical mechanism is depicted. This extended DOF is benefit to 3D imaging through scattering environment, and it is expected to have important applications in science, technology, bio-medical, security and defense.
Grass Carp Prolactin Gene: Structural Characterization and Signal Transduction for PACAP-induced Prolactin Promoter Activity
Authors: Lin Chengyuan , Bai Jin , He Mulan , Wong Anderson O. L. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIn this study, structural analysis of grass carp prolactin (PRL) gene was performed and the signaling mechanisms for pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) regulation of PRL promoter activity were investigated. In αT3-1 cells, PRL promoter activity could be induced by oPACAP38which was blocked by PACAP antagonist but not the VIP antagonist. The stimulatory effect of oPACAP38was mimicked by activation of AC/cAMP and voltage-sensitive Ca2+channel (VSCC) signaling, or induction of Ca2+entry. In parallel, PACAP-induced PRL promoter activity was negated or inhibited by suppressing cAMP production, inhibiting PKA activity, removal of extracellular Ca2+, VSCC blockade, calmodulin (CaM) antagonism, and inactivation of CaM kinase II. Similar sensitivity to L-type VSCC, CaM and CaM kinase II inhibition were also observed by substituting cAMP analog for oPACAP38as the stimulant for PRL promoter activity. Moreover, PACAP-induced PRL promoter activity was also blocked by inhibition of PLC signaling, attenuation of [Ca2+]i immobilization via IP3 receptors, and blockade of PI3K/P70S6Kpathway. The PACAP-induced PRL promoter activation may involve transactivation of the transcription factor CREB. These results suggest that PACAP can stimulate PRL promoter activation by PAC1 mediated functional coupling of the Ca2+/CaM/CaM kinase II cascades with the AC/cAMP/PKA pathway. Apparently, other signaling pathways, including PLC/IP3 and PI3K/P70S6Kcascades, may also be involved in PACAP induction of PRL gene transcription.
Comminuted Fracture of the Body of the Trapezium and Thumb Carpometacarpal Dislocation: A Particular Pattern
Authors: Alonso Laura , Couceiro José 
Published: March 2018

AbstractTrapezium fractures are uncommon injuries. Our case is that of a thumb carpometacarpal joint dislocation associated to a partly comminuted fracture of the body of the trapezium. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this particular variation has not been previously reported in the indexed literature.
Cystic Encephalomalacia following Vasculopathy and Vasospasm of Proximal Intracranial Arteries Due to Pneumococcal Meningitis in a Infant
Authors: Janzarik Wibke , Franck Peter , Hufnagel Markus , Beck Christopher , Korinthenberg Rudolf , Pschibul Alexander 
Published: March 2018

AbstractDespite the availability of modern antibiotics, pneumococcal meningitis in both children and adults remains a severe disease—one known to frequently cause grave complications and residual disability. Although the appearance of arterial vasospasms in bacterial meningitis systematically has been investigated and reported on for adult patients, such research is lacking when it comes to infants. We report on a 4-week-old infant who, 6 days after onset of pneumococcal meningitis, suffered severe neurological deterioration with treatment-resistant seizures and coma. Generalized cortical and subcortical edema developed in conjunction with diminished cerebral blood flow, as depicted in magnetic resonance angiography and serial Doppler-sonographic examinations. The ischemia resulted in extensive cystic encephalomalacia. We propose that the degree of variation in cerebral blood flow in the acute phase was the result of an extensive arterial vasculopathy involving vasospasms. Awareness of this complication and prospective serial Doppler-sonographic examinations may improve our understanding of the connection between brain edema and vasculopathy. At present, however, no effective treatment appears available.
Outcomes of Craniofacial Open Surgery in Octogenarians
Authors: Ringel Barak , Carmel-Neiderman Narin , Ben-Ner Daniel , Pery Aviyah , Safadi Ahmad , Abergel Avraham , Margalit Nevo , Fliss Dan 
Published: March 2018

Introduction The steady increase in average life expectancy has led to a rise in the number of referrals of elderly patients for major operations. It is not clear whether age itself is a risk factor for morbidity and mortality after skull base operations. We investigated a possible link among a cohort of patients older than 80 years of age who underwent those surgeries in our department.
Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent skull base surgery at the TASMC (Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center) between 2000 and 2016.
Results A total of 369 patients underwent open skull base surgeries in our institution, and 13 were patients older than 80 years. The median age of the octogenarians was 83.4 (range 80–89), and the male-to-female ratio was 7:6. Twelve patients had major systemic comorbidities. Four patients had major complications associated with surgery: three had early wound complications, and one each had early central nervous system complications, early and late systemic complications, and late orbital complications. This complication rate is comparable to that of our younger group of 356 patients. The overall survival rate was measured for 30 days, 1 year, and 3 years, and it was not significantly different between the octogenarians and that of the younger patients. Further comparison of the elderly group with 13 matched younger patients revealed no difference of morbidity and mortality between the two groups.
Conclusions Despite their systemic comorbidities, the morbidity and mortality rates associated with skull base surgery in octogenarians appear to be comparable to that of younger patients undergoing the same procedures.
Unusual Presentation of Childhood Reversible Angiopathy: Aphasia due to Acute Bilateral Paramedian Thalamic Infarct
Authors: Othman Makram , Massoud Leila , Kamoun Fatma , Triki Chahnez , Moalla Khadija 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAn 8-year-old right-handed girl manifested aphasia after bilateral thalamic infarcts. The features of thalamic aphasia are similar to that of previously reported patients with thalamic lesions. Paucity of speech, reduced voice volume, some paraphasia, and severe dysgraphia were present, but comprehension and repetition were preserved. Thalamic aphasia is usually associated with left thalamic lesions. Our patient also had spatial neglect and anosognosia probably due to right thalamic infarction. She had recovered near-normal speech after rehabilitation.
Similar Aquaporin9 and MAPK Expression Profiles in the Liver of Types 1 and 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Hou Jiaojiao , Li Yuan , Ren Xüxia , Gao Fei , Chen Yuqin , Yi Yaoxing , Kang Lili , Luo Yürui , Yang Mei 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAquaporin-9 (AQP9) is an aquaglyceroporin that biophysically conducts water, glycerol, and other small solutes. AQP9 is expressed in hepatocytes on the sinusoidal surfaces of hepatocyte plates in the liver, where it is considered responsible for the glycerol uptake in gluconeogenesis. However, limited information is available on the expression and regulating mechanism of AQP9 in different hyperglycemia models. Thus, this study examined the expression patterns of AQP9 and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in Types 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) to clarify the roles and regulating mechanism of AQP9 in gluconeogenesis. Compared with the control group, the AQP9 expression significantly increased in both Types 1 and 2 DM, and the increased expression was associated with the activation of phosphorylated JNK (p-JNK) and the inhibition of phosphorylated p38 (p-p38). By contrast, phosphorylated ERK remained stable in the liver with Type 1 or 2 DM. These effects could be reversed by insulin treatment. That is, insulin downregulated AQP9 by inhibiting p-JNK and activating p-p38. The upregulation of AQP9 could be involved in gluconeogenesis and co-regulated by the JNK and p38 MAPK pathway in both Types 1 and 2 DM.
Leitlinie zur Diagnostik und Therapie von Patienten mit chronisch obstruktiver Bronchitis und Lungenemphysem (COPD)
Authors: Vogelmeier C. , Buhl R. , Burghuber O. , Criée C.-P. , Ewig S. , Godnic-Cvar J. , Hartl S. , Herth F. , Kardos P. , Kenn K. , Nowak D. , Rabe K. , Studnicka M. , Watz H. , Welte T. , Windisch W. , Worth H. ,   unter Mitwirkung der folgenden wissenschaftlichen Fachgesellschaften: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Arbeitsmedizin und Umweltmedizin e.V.,   Deutsche Gesellschaft für Rehabilitationswissenschaften e.V.
Published: March 2018

ZusammenfassungDas vorliegende Dokument ist eine Neufassung und Aktualisierung der Leitlinie zur Diagnostik und Therapie von Patienten mit COPD, die die bisherige Version aus dem Jahr 2007 ablöst. Die Fülle an neuen Erkenntnissen zu Risikofaktoren, Diagnostik, Schweregradeinschätzung, Prävention und medikamentösen sowie nicht medikamentösen Therapiemaßnahmen machten eine umfassende Überarbeitung erforderlich. Die neue Leitlinie baut auf das GOLD-Dokument unter Berücksichtigung von Besonderheiten in Deutschland und Österreich auf.
Effect of Vitamin K Supplementation on Glycemic Control: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials
Authors: Shahdadian Farnaz , Mohammadi Hamed , Rouhani Mohammad 
Published: March 2018

AbstractType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most important public health issues. Vitamin K supplementation might have favorable effect on risk factors of T2DM. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of interventional studies to examine the effect of vitamin K supplementation on glycemic indices. A systematic search was performed in electronic databases including PubMed, Science Direct, ProQuest, Institute of Scientific Information Web of Science, and Google scholar up to July 2017. We used a random effects model to estimate pooled effect size of fasting blood sugar (FBS), 2-h oral glucose tolerance test (2-h OGTT), fasting insulin (FINS), and homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Five clinical trials (533 participants) fulfilled the eligibility criteria of the present meta-analysis. Overall, meta-analysis could not show any beneficial effect of vitamin K supplementation on FBS (–0.91 mg/dl, 95% CI: –2.57, 0.76, p=0.28), FINS (–0.35 μIU/ml, 95% CI: –1.70, 1.00, p=0.61), HOMA-IR (–0.06, 95% CI: –0.32, –0.19, p=0.63), and 2-h OGTT (–4.00 mg/dl, 95% CI: –20.00, 11.99, p=0.62). Sensitivity analysis showed that overall estimates were not affected by elimination of any study. We did not observe any evidence regarding publication bias. In conclusion, vitamin K supplementation had no signiﬁcant effect on glycemic control in healthy subjects. However, further studies should be performed on diabetic and pre-diabetic patients to determine the effect of vitamin K supplementation on impaired glycemic control.
Structure and mechanism of the deformation of Grade 2 titanium in plastometric studies
Authors: Bańczerowski Jakub , Jeleńkowski Jerzy , Skalski Konstanty , Sawicki Sylwester , Wachowski Marcin 
Published: March 2018

In this paper, the results of plastometric and material studies on grade 2 titanium are presented. Cylindrical titanium samples were compressed at elevated temperatures on a Gleeble thermo-mechanical simulator. The process was captured in the form of stress-strain diagrams. Then, for the chosen-deformed samples, structural studies were performed on a digital light microscope. On the basis of the results, it was possible to determine the plastometric processing conditions that are most suitable for the fragmentation of the grains of the tested titanium. In order to find optimal processing parameters, it was also important to describe the plastometric process through the appropriate constitutive equations. Material constants in this equation were determined on the basis of a hyperbolic sinusoidal equation. This paper is part of a thematic issue on Titanium.
Establishment of plasmid vector and allelic exchange mutagenesis systems in a mycobacterial strain that is able to degrade polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon
Authors: Kishida Kouhei , Ogawa Natsumi , Ichihashi Eikichi , Kato Hiromi , Nagata Yuji , Ohtsubo Yoshiyuki , Tsuda Masataka 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Plasmid vector and allelic exchange mutagenesis systems were established for the genetic analysis of a phenanthrene-degrading mycobacterial strain, Mycobacterium sp. EPa45. Successful application of these systems revealed the necessity of the EPa45 phdI gene for the degradation of 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoate, which has been proposed to be an intermediate product in the degradation pathway of phenanthrene.
The Pivot Point between Problem Presentation and Advice in a Health Helpline Service
Authors: Bloch Steven , Antaki Charles 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
This article examines interactions between callers to a health helpline and specialist nurses. Helpline call-takers must judge the appropriate moment to move from listening to the caller's problem to offering them the appropriate service. In a study of Parkinson's UK nurse call-takers, we find that the pivot is the point at which the caller reports the upshot of their trouble in terms of an impact on their daily life. Indeed, if the caller seems likely not to produce this upshot report, it is generated by the call-taker. Using the method of conversation analysis, we analyse how these upshot formulations are reached, and how the call-taker subsequently edits them to deliver a service that stays within their institutional guidelines. The findings contribute to sociological and clinical understandings about how health problems are framed and managed interactionally to reach a deliverable outcome for both participants in a helpline environment.
Disruptive sexual selection on male body size in the polyphenic black scavenger fly Sepsis thoracica
Authors: Busso Juan Pablo , Blanckenhorn Wolf U 
Published: March 2018

AbstractSexual selection has 2 main components, female preference and male–male competition, which can lead males to adopt alternative reproductive tactics to optimize their reproductive success. Two traits that significantly influence reproductive success are body size and coloration, as they can facilitate access to females through male contests or as female attractors. We investigated whether, and if so which mechanism of sexual selection contributes to the maintenance, and possibly even the establishment, of 2 almost discrete male morphs in the polyphenic black scavenger fly Sepsis thoracica (Diptera: Sepsidae): small and black, or large and amber. We performed 2 complementary laboratory experiments to evaluate the mating success of the different male morphs and the behaviors (of both males and females) presumably mediating their mating success. We found evidence for intraspecific disruptive sexual selection on male body size that is mediated by male–male interactions, and significant positive directional selection on body size that interacted with (directional) selection on coloration, likely contributing to the origin and/or maintenance of the threshold relationship between the 2 traits in this species. The simultaneous occurrence of disruptive selection and polyphenism in S. thoracica supports the role of sexual selection in the intraspecific diversification of coupled traits (here body size and coloration), which could be a speciation starting point.
A Wake-up Call for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Providers: Obstructive Sleep Apnea in People Living With HIV
Authors: Owens Robert L , Hicks Charles B 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is defined by repetitive collapse of the upper airway during sleep leading to transient hypoxemia and arousals from sleep. Surges in sympathetic activity, repeated oxygen desaturation, and sleep fragmentation can lead to cardiovascular (eg, myocardial infarction) and neurocognitive (eg, excessive daytime sleepiness) consequences. Emerging data suggest that OSA is common in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) and that traditional risk factors for OSA, such as obesity, are not highly predictive of OSA in PLWH. Untreated OSA is associated with increased fatigue and levels of inflammation. Despite these data, most PLWH with OSA remain undiagnosed and untreated. Improved awareness of OSA among healthcare providers and greater use of OSA diagnostic approaches have the potential to substantially improve quality of life and outcomes in PLWH.
Featured Article: Interpersonal Stressors and Resources as Predictors of Adolescent Adjustment Following Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Lantagne Ann , Peterson Robin L , Kirkwood Michael W , Taylor H Gerry , Stancin Terry , Yeates Keith Owen , Wade Shari L 
Published: March 2018

Abstract

Objective
The present study sought to examine adolescents’ perceptions of their interpersonal stressors and resources across parent, sibling, friend, and school relationships, and the longitudinal associations with self-reported adjustment after traumatic brain injury (TBI) over a 12-month period.

Methods
We examined the main effects of stressors and resources on internalizing and externalizing symptoms in 152 adolescents who had sustained complicated mild-to-severe TBI. We also investigated the conjoint effects of stressors and resources and the moderating effects of TBI severity with stressors and resources on outcomes.

Results
High stressors consistently predicted worse adjustment. High resources were generally only associated with fewer internalizing symptoms. Main effects were qualified by interactions between school stressors and resources in predicting externalizing symptoms and between friend stressors and resources in predicting internalizing and externalizing symptoms. For school stressors, the effects of resources on externalizing symptoms functioned as a buffer. In comparison, the buffering effects of friend resources on internalizing and externalizing symptoms disappeared at moderate-to-high levels of friend stress. Moderating effects of TBI severity were also observed, such that as family resources increased, only adolescents with complicated mild-to-moderate TBI, but not those with severe TBI, experienced decreases in internalizing and eternalizing symptoms.

Conclusion
Interpersonal stressors and social support have important implications for adolescent adjustment after TBI. Adolescents with low levels of school resources, with high levels of friend stress, and who sustain severe TBI are at greatest risk for difficulties with adjustment.
Military Preventive Medicine and Medical Surveillance in the Post-Cold War Era
Authors: Brundage John F. 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
In response to the end of the cold war, the United States developed new foreign policy and national security strategies. As a result, many medical support concepts that were operative during the cold war were invalidated. Recently, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff provided direction and guidance for long-range strategic planning (Joint Vision 2010). Medical support doctrine that is being developed within the framework of Joint Vision 2010 relies on currently unavailable preventive medicine and medical surveillance capabilities. This report analyzes the relevance and roles of military preventive medicine and medical surveillance in the context of post-cold war resource constraints and military medical support needs, presents the rationale for and objectives of a demand-reduction medical support strategy, and outlines the roles, responsibilities, and characteristics of a defense medical surveillance system.