bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultraviolet-irradiated endothelial cells secrete stem cell factor and induce epidermal pigmentation
Authors: Kim Misun , Shibata Takako , Kwon Soohyun , Park Tae Jun , Kang Hee Young 
Published: March 2018

AbstractUltraviolet (UV)-associated hyperpigmented skins are characterized with increased vasculature underlying pigmentation, suggestive of the possible biological role of endothelial cells in the regulation of skin pigmentation during UV irradiation. In this study, we showed that UV-irradiated endothelial cells significantly increased the pigmentation of melanocytes through epithelial-mesenchymal crosstalk. The stimulatory effect of endothelial cells was further demonstrated usingex vivohuman skin. RNA sequence analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed that endothelial cells secrete more stem cell factor (SCF) upon UV irradiation than non-irradiated cells. The increased pigmentation elicited by endothelial cells was abrogated following inhibition of SCF/c-KIT signaling. Together these results suggest that endothelial cells are activated upon UV exposure to release melanogenic factors such as SCF, which contributes to the development of skin hyperpigmentation during chronic sun exposure.
An optical system via liquid crystal photonic devices for photobiomodulation
Authors: Chang Chia-Ming , Lin Yi-Hsin , Srivastava Abhishek Kumar , Chigrinov Vladimir Grigorievich 
Published: March 2018

AbstractPhotobiomodulation or low-level light therapy (LLLT) has extensive applications based on light-induced effects in biological systems. Photobiomodulation remains controversial because of a poorly understood biochemical mechanism limited by the well-known biphasic dose response or Arndt-Schulz curve. The Arndt-Schulz curve states that an optimal dose of light is a key factor for realizing a therapeutic effect. In this report, we demonstrate a tunable optical system for photobiomodulation to aid physicians in overcoming the constraints of light due to biphasic dose response. The tunable optical system is based on a white light-emitting diode and four liquid crystal (LC) photonic devices: three LC phase retarders, and one LC lens. The output light of the tunable optical system exhibits electrical tunability for the wavelength, energy density and beam size. The operating principle is introduced, and the experimental results are presented. The proposed concept can be further extended to other electrically tunable photonic devices for different clinical purposes for photobiomodulation.
Purkinje cell BKchannel ablation induces abnormal rhythm in deep cerebellar nuclei and prevents LTD
Authors: Cheron Guy , Márquez-Ruiz Javier , Cheron Julian , Prigogine Cynthia , Ammann Claudia , Lukowski Robert , Ruth Peter , Dan Bernard 
Published: March 2018

AbstractPurkinje cells (PC) control deep cerebellar nuclei (DCN), which in turn inhibit inferior olive nucleus, closing a positive feedback loop via climbing fibers. PC highly express potassium BK channels but their contribution to the olivo-cerebellar loop is not clear. Using multiple-unit recordings in alert mice we found in that selective deletion of BK channels in PC induces a decrease in their simple spike firing with a beta-range bursting pattern and fast intraburst frequency (~200 Hz). To determine the impact of this abnormal rhythm on the olivo-cerebellar loop we analyzed simultaneous rhythmicity in different cerebellar structures. We found that this abnormal PC rhythmicity is transmitted to DCN neurons with no effect on their mean firing frequency. Long term depression at the parallel-PC synapses was altered and the intra-burst complex spike spikelets frequency was increased without modification of the mean complex spike frequency in BK-PC−/−mice. We argue that the ataxia present in these conditional knockout mice could be explained by rhythmic disruptions transmitted from mutant PC to DCN but not by rate code modification only. This suggests a neuronal mechanism for ataxia with possible implications for human disease.
Investigation of 12 X-STR loci in Mongolian and Eastern Han populations of China with comparison to other populations
Authors: Tao Ruiyang , Zhang Jiashuo , Bian Yingnan , Dong Rixia , Liu Xiling , Jin Chao , Zhu Ruxin , Zhang Suhua , Li Chengtao 
Published: March 2018

AbstractDue to the unique inheritance pattern, X-chromosomal short tandem repeats (X-STRs) have several advantages in complex kinship cases, such as deficiency cases or grandparent-grandchild and half-sisters testing. In our study, 541 unrelated individuals gathered from Mongolian and Eastern Chinese Han populations were successfully genotyped using the Investigator Argus X-12 kit. We calculated allele/haplotype frequencies and other forensic parameters of the two populations and further explored their genetic distance with already published Chinese populations and six global populations. Our results showed that the 12 X-STR markers were highly informative in the two populations when compared with nine other Chinese populations: significant differences were found at several loci. Geographically neighboring populations or different ethnic groups within the same area appeared to have closer evolutionary relationships. We also analyzed population genetic structure by performing clustering with the STRUCTURE program and Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA), and we found that the Chinese and other populations enrolled in this study could be distinguished. Furthermore, Mongolian males were distinguishable from the other studied males by a moderate genetic distance. Our study also expanded the X-STR database, which could facilitate the appropriate application of the 12 X-STR markers in the forensic field in China.
Latent class modeling to compare testing platforms for detection of antibodies against the Chlamydia trachomatis antigen Pgp3
Authors: Wiegand Ryan E. , Cooley Gretchen , Goodhew Brook , Banniettis Natalie , Kohlhoff Stephan , Gwyn Sarah , Martin Diana L. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractLatent class modeling can be used to combine the results of multiple tests to compare the sensitivity and specificity of those tests in the absence of a gold standard. Seroepidemiology for chlamydia infection may be useful for determining the cumulative risk of infection within a population. Initial studies using theChlamydia trachomatisimmunodominant antigen Pgp3 have shown utility for seroepidemiology of sexually transmitted chlamydia and the eye disease trachoma. We present our latent class modeling results for comparison of antibody data obtained from three different Pgp3-based platforms – multiplex bead array, ELISA, and lateral flow assay. Sensitivity and specificity estimates from the best fitting latent class models were similar to estimates derived from those previously obtained using a nucleic acid amplification test as a gold standard for sensitivity and non-endemic pediatric specimens for specificity, although the estimates from latent class models had wider confidence intervals. The modeling process and evaluation highlighted the importance of including as many antibody tests as possible when fitting a latent class model to ensure that as many patterns as possible are available for evaluation. Future studies designed to evaluate antibody test performance in the absence of a gold standard should utilize as many tests as possible.
Suspension Palatoplasty for Obstructive Sleep Apnea- A Preliminary Study
Authors: Li Hsueh-Yu , Lee Li-Ang , Kezirian Eric J. , Nakayama Meiho 
Published: March 2018

AbstractSuspension palatoplasty, a new surgical technique to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), has been developed to correct the retropalatal obstruction in patients with small tonsils (grade I/II) and anterior-posterior palatal (A-P) obstruction. The objecteive of this preliminary study was to investigate the effectiveness and change in retropalatal airway dimensions after suspension palatoplasty. This retrospective case series study included 25 consecutive male adults with OSA. Unique technical features of suspension palatoplasty are exposure of pterygomandibular raphe and suspension of palatopharyngeus muscle to the raphe. Six months after suspension palatoplasty, apnea-hyponea index significantly reduced from 39.8 to 15.1 (effect size = 1.6). None experienced postoperative bleeding and velopharyngeal insufficiency 1 month following surgery. Subjective snoring severity (visual analogue scale) and daytime sleepiness (the Epworth Sleepiness Scale) significantly improved (8.7 vs 2.0 and 10.2 vs 4.9, respectively). A-P dimension of the retropalatal airspace widened significantly on perioperative endoscopy (23.0 units vs 184.6 unites) as well as posterior air space in cephalometry (7.6 mm vs 10.2 mm). Our preliminary findings show that suspension palatoplasty seems to be an effective OSA surgery in the specific patient population with minimal complications, however, further studies including a large number of patients are required to confirm the findings.
Nouvelles données historiques sur les premiers dinosaures trouvés en France
Authors: Brignon Arnaud 
Published: March 2018

Cet article passe en revue les premières découvertes de dinosaures faites en France avant que le terme Dinosauria n’ait été introduit par Richard Owen en 1842. En mettant à part les premières découvertes du théropodeStreptospondylus altdorfensisfaites auXVIIIesiècle par Charles Bacheley dans le Jurassique des Vaches Noires, les principaux résultats démontrés ici sont les suivants (par ordre chronologique) : 1) les premiers restes de dinosaures (dents de théropodes) du Calcaire de Caen (Bathonien) furent collectés par Arcisse de Caumont dans les carrières de Quilly en, ou avant, avril 1826 et la première mention de cette découverte fut publiée en 1827 ; 2) les restes de théropode que William Buckland avait observés en octobre 1826 dans le Cabinet d’Histoire naturelle de Besançon furent signalés dans une publication dès 1830 ; 3) la première mention à un dinosaure du Jurassique supérieur du Boulonnais fut longtemps considérée avoir été celle faite par Constant Prévost en 1839. Des dents d’un théropode et d’un dinosaure herbivore furent, semble-t-il, découvertes dans ces formations par Eugène Robert en automne 1833. Une autre dent de théropode, celle-ci identifiable de manière incontestable, fut collectée en, ou avant, juillet 1835 par Bruno Marmin comme en atteste une lettre inédite à Jules Desnoyers ; 4) Le genrePoekilopleuronEudes-Deslongchamps, 1836 et son espèce typeP. bucklandiiEudes-Deslongchamps, 1836, du Calcaire de Caen (Bathonien moyen), ont été créés de manière valide en 1836 ; 5) l’humérus de sauropode découvert dans le Crétacé supérieur de la plaine de Lisle près de Périgueux et figuré par Paul Gervais en 1852 fut donné au Muséum d’Histoire naturelle à Paris par un certain Simon Bornet en 1841 ; 6) l’humérus de sauropode du grès vert (Albien) de Bédoin près du mont Ventoux, décrit par Gervais en 1852 sous le nom d’Aepisaurus elephantinus, fut découvert par Prosper Renaux en 1841. Ce dernier effectua des dessins du spécimen à partir desquels une lithographie restée inédite fut réalisée. Renaux est ainsi le premier à avoir découvert et étudié un dinosaure, authentifié de manière incontestable, dans le Crétacé provençal. Les affinités de cet os avec les genresMegalosaurusetIguanodonfurent reconnues par Henri Marie Ducrotay de Blainville dès 1842.
Impact of Chronic Cannabis Use on Auditory Mismatch Negativity Generation in Schizophrenia Patients
Authors: Roser Patrik , Pichler Eva-Maria , Habermeyer Benedikt , Kawohl Wolfram , Juckel Georg 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Introduction Cannabis use disorders (CUD) are highly prevalent among patients with schizophrenia (SCZ). Deficient mismatch negativity (MMN) generation is a characteristic finding in SCZ patients and cannabis users. This study therefore examined the effects of CUD on MMN generation in SCZ patients.
Methods Twenty SCZ − CUD patients, 21 SCZ+CUD patients, and 20 healthy controls (HC) were included in this study. MMN to frequency and duration deviants was elicited within an auditory oddball paradigm and recorded by 32 channel EEG.
Results As expected, SCZ − CUD patients showed reduced frontocentral MMN amplitudes to duration deviants compared to HC. Interestingly, SCZ+CUD patients demonstrated greater MMN amplitudes to duration deviants compared to SCZ − CUD patients at central electrodes with no differences compared to HC.
Discussion These results demonstrate that comorbid cannabis use in SCZ patients might be associated with superior cognitive functioning. It can be assumed that the association between cannabis use and better cognitive performance may be due to a subgroup of cognitively less impaired SCZ patients characterized by lower genetic vulnerability for psychosis.
Ginkgo biloba Food Supplements on the European Market – Adulteration Patterns Revealed by Quality Control of Selected Samples
Authors: Czigle Szilvia , Tóth Jaroslav , Jedlinszki Nikoletta , Háznagy-Radnai Erzsébet , Csupor Dezső , Tekeľová Daniela 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe aim of this study was to prove whether Ginkgo biloba food supplements on the European market comply with pharmaceutical quality, and whether their composition satisfies the European Pharmacopoeia criteria. Medicinal products containing a standardised Ginkgo leaf extract are used for the improvement of cognitive impairment and quality of life in mild dementia. Further, Ginkgonis folium is used for the treatment of peripheral circulation disorders. Pharmacopoeial Ginkgo dry extract contains 22.0 – 27.0% flavonoids and 5.4 – 6.6% terpene lactones (ginkgolides, bilobalide). In addition to its widespread use as an herbal medicine (herbal medicinal product), the same extract can be an ingredient in food supplements. The content of active secondary metabolites was quantified in a number of European food supplements containing Ginkgo dry extract or Ginkgo leaf. Flavonoids were quantified using a modified pharmacopoeial HPLC-UV method, and terpene lactones (ginkgolides A, B, C, and bilobalide) using LC-MS/MS. Some Ginkgo leaf supplement samples were also analysed by microscopy. The quality of food supplements on the European market is dubious. In this paper, we present selected examples of several methods of adulteration and falsification, including higher/lower doses of Ginkgo dry extract or Ginkgo leaf than declared and the addition of undeclared extraneous materials. These examples reveal several patterns in the manufacturing of adulterated products.
Maternal Age at Delivery and Enzyme Polymorphisms in Children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Gloria-Bottini Fulvia , Neri Anna , Saccucci Patrizia , Manca Bitti Maria , Rapini Novella , Renzetti Gabriele , Magrini Andrea , Bottini Egidio 
Published: March 2018

AbstractFetal genetic adaptation to environment of aging women could result in positive selection of genes that during extrauterine life increases the risk of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). We have examined the distribution of three genetic polymorphisms (acid phosphatase locus 1 [ACP1], p53 codon 72, and PTPN22) involved in T1DM risk in relation to maternal age at delivery. p53 codon 72 was determined in 281 T1DM children, ACP1 in 207 children, and PTPN22 in 216 children. Controls (blood donors) were 351 for ACP1, 271 for PTPN22, and 730 for p53 codon 72. Genotypes were determined by DNA analysis. The proportions of the three genotypes associated with T1DM are much greater in T1DM children from older mothers than in those from young mothers and in controls. The data support the hypothesis that advanced maternal age favors a positive selection of genes more adapted to the uterine environment of older women: these genes predispose to T1DM during extrauterine life.
Sport und Bewegung mit und nach Krebs – wer profitiert, was ist gesichert?
Authors: Steindorf Karen , Schmidt Martina , Zimmer Philipp 
Published: March 2018

AbstractA growing number of literature reports positive effects of physical activity and exercise. These effects concern prevention, mortality and progress of cancer. Furthermore they show a reduction of disease- and treatment-specific side effects, which implies a better patients’ quality of life. Evidence shows a decreased mortality risk in patients with physically active cancer of colon, breast, ovaries and prostate. Activity recommendations for patients with cancer do not differ from those for healthy persons. However, a decrease in physical activity can be observed in many cancer patients after diagnosis, and this fact concludes to a reduced physical capacity – although just physical capacity helps to overcome the burden of medical treatment and to recover. In fact, tailored exercise programs can counteract a decrease in physical capacity successfully. Further they reduce side effects such as fatigue, incontinence and lymphedema. Moreover, first studies report a positive influence on: chemotherapy-induced polyneuropathies, cancer-related cognitive impairments, bone health and sleep. Finally, an enormous number of investigations showed that exercise interventions can improve psychosocial factors (e. g. mood and self-esteem). Except for very few conditions, such as extremely impaired blood cell counts and days when cardio- or nephrotoxic drugs are given, physical activity should be recommended. Especially during medical treatment, physicians and therapists are prompted to interact closely in order to prevent general activity prohibitions. Physical activity and exercise programs represent a unique and low-cost chance for cancer patients to influence the course of their own disease positively. More effort is necessary to improve professional activity offers for cancer patients and survivors and to specify activity recommendations.
Psychoonkologische Versorgung: eine Herausforderung
Authors: Mehnert Anja , Koranyi Susan 
Published: March 2018

AbstractCancer patients and their relatives suffer from multiple psychological and social problems associated with the illness itself and its treatment. The major challenge for an excellent psychooncological support is the further development and nationwide implementation of effective, patient-centered, quality assured, and affordable concepts of treatment and care.
Impact of Autoimmune Thyroiditis on Reproductive and Metabolic Parameters in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Ulrich Jan , Goerges Julia , Keck Christoph , Müller-Wieland Dirk , Diederich Sven , Janssen Onno 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Background Autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) has been found to be associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The aim of this retrospective cohort study using data from a fertility clinic, with patients recruited from 2009 to 2010, was to confirm the higher prevalence of AIT in PCOS and to evaluate the impact of AIT on reproductive and metabolic parameters of PCOS patients.
Methods Patients comprised 827 PCOS subjects seen for reproductive or metabolic complaints. Patients presenting primarily for thyroid problems were excluded. All patients were tested for the presence of AIT by laboratory testing and thyroid ultrasound. The impact of AIT on PCOS was evaluated by determination of reproductive and metabolic parameters.
Results Patients with PCOS and AIT as compared to those only with PCOS, had a lower prevalence of elevated testosterone (45 vs. 61%; p=0,0001), free androgen index (5,96±5,41 vs. 7,02±7,6; p<0,001) and hyperandrogenemia (66 vs. 78%; p<0,001). Also testosterone levels were lower in PCOS patients with AIT (0,50±0,30 vs. 0,63±0,71; p=0,0006). Consequently, in these patients, hirsutism was less frequent (51 vs. 66%; p=0,0021). There was no difference in the prevalence of acne, alopecia, a-/ or oligomenorrhea or PCO-morphology in the two patient groups. Patients with PCOS and AIT were more obese by 2 kg/m² BMI on average. A higher BMI correlated with a higher TSH value, although all patients were euthyroid.
Conclusions AIT is more prevalent in PCOS than in controls. PCOS patients with AIT have less severe hyperandrogenemia and hyperandrogenism but are likely to suffer from an elevated metabolic risk.
Offenes Foramen ovale: gute Gründe, es zu verschließen
Authors: Meier Bernhard 
Published: March 2018

AbstractA patent foramen ovale (PFO) is not to be considered a disease as it is present in about 25 % of people. Yet, it is the prime reason for paradoxical embolism that can cause serious problems, such as death, stroke, myocardial infarction, and peripheral ischemia. The frequency of such events is probably underestimated as other causes tend to be blamed for them. Device PFO closure can be easily accomplished as outpatient procedure with minimal discomfort and risk and it has been referred to as mechanical vaccination. Randomized trials have proved its value for reduction of recurrent stroke. There is also good evidence that PFO closure solves problems like platypnoea orthodeoxia and exercise desaturation, improves migraine, and is helpful in sleep apnoea. In addition, it renders diving and high altitude climbing safer. The absolute risk of a PFO is dependent on its size and its association with an atrial septal aneurysm, a Eustachian valve, or a Chiari network. The number needed to treat to prevent one stroke by PFO closure may be as low as 2 over lifetime in selected patients.
The Beneficial Effects of Trimetazidine on Reperfusion–Induced Arrhythmia in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Ramezani-Aliakbari Fatemeh , Badavi Mohammad , Dianat Mahin , Mard Seyed , Ahangarpour Akram 
Published: March 2018

AbstractTrimetazidine (TMZ), as an anti-ischemic drug, plays a critical role in protecting against cardiovascular complications induced by diabetes. This study was therefore aimed to evaluate the protective effects of TMZ on reperfusion-induced arrhythmias in the diabetic rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (250±20 g) were randomly assigned to four (n=8): control rats (C), alloxan induced diabetic rats (D), diabetic rats treated with TMZ (10 mg/kg, D+T10), diabetic rats treated with TMZ (30 mg/kg, D+T30). TMZ was treated orally once daily for 8 weeks. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan (120 mg/kg). Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) was carried out via 30 min of ischemia and following120-min reperfusion. The magnitude and score of arrhythmia, the left ventricular function, infarct size, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), myocardial creatine kinase (CK-MB) and troponin (cTnI) were measured. The findings were evaluated by two-way repeated measures and one-way ANOVA followed by LSD post hoc test and Fisher's exact test for incidence percentage. The duration, incidence and score of arrhythmia (p<0.001), infarct size (p<0.01) were significantly increased, the cardiac contractility (±dp/dt), LDH, CK-MB (p<0.001) and cTnI (p<0.05) were significantly decreased in the diabetic rats in comparison with the control group. However, treatment with TMZ in the diabetic rats was significantly improved the duration (p<0.001), incidence and score of arrhythmia,±dp/dt LDH, CK-MB, cTnI (p<0.05) and infarct size (p<0.01) in comparison with the untreated diabetic group. The present study indicates anti-arrhythmic effect of TMZ in reducing arrhythmias induced by reperfusion in the diabetic rats.