bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diosgenin restores Aβ-induced axonal degeneration by reducing the expression of heat shock cognate 70 (HSC70)
Authors: Yang Ximeng , Tohda Chihiro 
Published: July 2018

AbstractWe previously found diosgenin, an herbal drug-derived steroid sapogenin, to be remarkably effective at restoring Aβ-induced axonal degeneration and improving memory function in model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), 5XFAD mouse. In this study, we investigated the downstream signaling of diosgenin and explored new therapeutic targets in AD. We showed that the expression of heat shock cognate (HSC) 70 was increased in Aβ-treated neurons and in 5XFAD mice but was decreased by diosgenin treatment. In addition, knockdown of HSC70 significantly promoted axonal growth in neurons. As an association molecule of HSC70 in neurons, α-tubulin was detected by immunoprecipitation. After Aβ treatment, α-tubulin expression was greatly reduced in the degenerated axons, suggesting that a decline in α-tubulin may be one of the factors which correlates with axonal disruption in AD pathology. We hypothesized that the degradation of α-tubulin is triggered by the chaperone activity of HSC70. However, diosgenin significantly normalized the α-tubulin level, a potentially critical process for axonal formation. Our study indicated that reducing the HSC70 level is a new possible therapeutic target of axonal regeneration in AD.
Intrinsic and extrinsic drops in open-circuit voltage and conversion efficiency in solar cells with quantum dots embedded in host materials
Authors: Zhu Lin , Akiyama Hidefumi , Kanemitsu Yoshihiko 
Published: July 2018

AbstractWe systematically analyzed the detailed-balance-limit-conversion efficiency of solar cells with quantum dots (QDs) embedded in host materials. We calculated their open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current, and conversion efficiency within single-photon absorption conditions, both in the radiative limit and in other cases with non-radiative recombination loss, using modeled absorption band with various absorptivities and energy widths formed below that of the host material. Our results quantitatively revealed the existence of intrinsic and significant drops in the open-circuit voltage and conversion efficiency of QD solar cells, in addition to extrinsic drops due to degraded material quality.
No evidence for confounding orientation-dependent fixational eye movements under baseline conditions
Authors: Thielen Jordy , van Lier Rob , van Gerven Marcel 
Published: July 2018

AbstractDecoding has become a standard analysis technique for contemporary cognitive neuroscience. Already more than a decade ago, it was shown that orientation information could be decoded from functional magnetic resonance imaging voxel time series. However, the underlying neural mechanism driving the decodable information is still under debate. Here, we investigated whether eye movements and pupil dilation during attempted fixation and passive viewing of visually presented square-wave grating stimuli could explain orientation decoding. We hypothesized that there are confounding orientation-dependent fixational eye movements (e.g., microsaccades), which systematically alter brain activity, and hence can be the source of decodable information. We repeated one of the original orientation decoding studies, but recorded eye movements instead of brain activity. We found no evidence that stimulus orientation can be decoded from eye movements under baseline conditions, but cannot rule out the potential confounding effect of eye movements under different conditions. With this study, we emphasize the importance, and show the implications of such potential confounding eye movements for decoding studies and cognitive neuroscience in general.
Sinnvoller Antibiotikaeinsatz beim älteren Menschen
Authors: Heppner Hans , Walger Peter 
Published: July 2018

Was ist neu?
Pharmakokinetische Veränderungen Bereits von Anfang an muss eine adäquate Konzentration am Wirkort erreicht werden und daher erfolgt Erstdosis des Antibiotikums ohne Berücksichtigung einer Einschränkung der Nierenfunktion. Hierbei spielt auch die prolongierte Gabe eine Rolle. Bei Antibiotika, die über die Konzentrationsabhängigkeit wirken (Aminoglykoside, zyklische Lipopeptide), müssen bei Vorliegen einer eingeschränkten Nierenfunktion die Dosisintervalle verlängert werden. Bei Antibiotika mit zeitabhängiger Wirksamkeit (Betalaktame, Makrolide, Linezolid, Clindamycin) muss, bei gleich bleibenden Dosisintervallen, die Dosis reduziert werden.
Antibiotikaauswahl Die Indikation zur Therapie ist immer in Abhängigkeit vom Schweregrad der Symptome und vom Risikoprofil abhängig. Biologische Nebenwirkungen wie c. difficile Infektionen (CDI) sind bei geriatrischen Patienten besonders zu beachten.
Antibiotic Stewardship Neben der Auswahl der Wirksubstanz sind immer Dauer, Dosis und Dosisintervall der Therapie im Fokus, um eine Verbesserung der Qualität in der Verordnung zu gewährleisten. Das beste klinische Behandlungsergebnis soll unter Minimierung von Toxizität, Resistenzentwicklung und Kosten erreicht werden.
Antibiotikaassoziierte Nebenwirkungen/Interaktionen Beim älteren Patienten sind aufgrund der Multimedikation mehr medikamentöse Nebenwirkungen und Interaktionen zu erwarten. De Einsatz von Cephalosporinen oder Fluorchinolonen als Primärtherapie sollte wegen des Risikos der Clostridium-difficile-Infektion vermieden werden.
Empfehlung zum Calcitonin-Screening bei Struma nodosa
Authors: Frank-Raue Karin , Schott Matthias , Raue Friedhelm ,   im Namen der Sektion Schilddrüse der DGE
Published: July 2018

Was ist neu?
Calcitonin-Bestimmung Die neuen vollautomatischen Chemilumineszenz-Immunoassays erlauben eine sichere Festlegung geschlechtsspezifischer oberer Referenzwerte für Calcitonin.
Calcitonin-Erhöhung Der Graubereich mit unspezifisch erhöhten Calcitonin-Spiegeln durch andere Erkrankungen oder Medikamente ist inzwischen besser zu definieren.
Calcitonin-Screening bei Struma nodosa Eine Empfehlung zur Schilddrüsenoperation wird ab einem basalen Calcitonin-Grenzwert von über 30 pg/ml bei Frauen und über 60 pg/ml bei Männern gesehen. Damit gelingt aus unserer Sicht eine gute Balance zwischen Übertherapie, d. h. Schilddrüsenoperationen bei erhöhtem Calcitonin und benigner Histologie, und dem Risiko, ein im Frühstadium befindliches MTC zu übersehen. Die Durchführung eines Calcitonin-Stimulationstests ist nicht mehr erforderlich. Werte im Graubereich (20 – 30 pg/ml bei Frauen und 30 – 60 pg/ml bei Männern) sollten im Abstand von 3 – 6 Monaten kontrolliert und bei Überschreitung der Grenzwerte operiert werden. Berücksichtigt man zusätzlich die Tatsache, dass bei Calcitonin-Werten < 100 pg/ml eine nahezu 100 %ige Heilungsrate zu erreichen ist, führt dies zu einer weiteren Verbesserung der Zuverlässigkeit in der Nutzung basaler Calcitonin-Werte im Calcitonin-Screening der Struma nodosa.
Calcitonin-Screening bei familiären medullären Schilddrüsenkarzinomen Zum Ausschluss einer hereditären Variante eines medullären Schilddrüsenkarzinoms (RET-Mutation) sollte bei Erstdiagnose eine molekulargenetische Untersuchung erfolgen. Ein Phäochromozytom und ein primärer Hyperparathyreoidismus sollten vor Thyreoidektomie ausgeschlossen/diagnostiziert werden. Der optimale Zeitpunkt der prophylaktischen Thyreoidektomie wird unter Berücksichtigung des Aggressionspotenzials der RET-Mutation und des Calcitonin-Spiegels gewählt.
Impfungen: Was ist neu?
Authors: Seybold Ulrich 
Published: July 2018

Was ist neu?
Influenza Ab der Saison 2018/19 werden ausschließlich quadrivalente Influenzaimpfstoffe zum Einsatz kommen.
Meningokokken Auch nach Verfügbarkeit von jeweils 2 Präparaten für die MenACWY- und MenB-Impfung empfiehlt die Ständige Impfkommission (STIKO) diese nur bei spezifischen Immundefekten, für Kinder weiter nur die MenC-Impfung ab 12 Monaten.
HPV Die STIKO empfiehlt 2018/19 erstmals die HPV-Impfung auch für Jungen, jedoch weiter nicht für Erwachsene. Weiter keine Präferenz des nonavalenten Impfstoffs.
Herpes Zoster Überzeugende Studiendaten für den seit Mai 2018 verfügbaren adjuvantierten Subunit-Zoster-Impfstoff lassen eine Stellungnahme der STIKO erwarten.
CMV Negative Studienergebnisse für die DNA-Vakzine ASP0113 bei Nieren- und Stammzelltransplantat-Empfängern bedeuten eine Verzögerung auf dem Weg zu einer CMV-Impfung.
Ebola Der erst im Rahmen des Ausbruchs 2013 – 2016 entwickelte rVSV-ZEBOV-Impfstoff wird bereits im aktuellen Ausbruch im Kongo eingesetzt.
Molecular Signatures of Lithium Treatment: Current Knowledge
Authors: Bellivier Frank , Marie-Claire Cynthia 
Published: July 2018

AbstractLithium (Li) is the key mood stabilizer in the prevention of mood recurrences and suicide in bipolar disorders. However, only one-third of patients become asymptomatic with Li treatment, and to date, no clinical markers can predict this response variability. Li is a multitargeting drug, complicating an understanding of its mechanisms of action. The present article reviews Li’s various biological effects, including those obtained in transcriptomic and epigenetic studies, in both humans and animal models. A molecular signature of the therapeutic response to Li is urgently required, including possibly from the circulation. This would better clarify the therapeutic mechanism of Li’s action as well as the development of clinical biomarkers. As such, the biological underpinnings of Li’s beneficial effects should provide clearer understanding of the varying pathophysiological processes in bipolar disorder presentations, with implications for classification and clinical management, possibly leading to a personalized prescription.
The Effect of Gluten-Free Diet on Thyroid Autoimmunity in Drug-Naïve Women with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: A Pilot Study
Authors: Krysiak Robert , Szkróbka Witold , Okopień Bogusław 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
Background Autoimmune thyroid disease is often accompanied by celiac disease.
Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a gluten-free diet affects thyroid autoimmunity, hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis activity and thyroid function tests in women with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and incidentally found positive anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies.
Methods The study included 34 women with autoimmune thyroiditis divided into two group. The patients belonging to the first one (group A, n=16) complied with the gluten-free diet for 6 months, while the remaining patients (group B, n=18) remained without any dietary treatment. Serum titers of thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibodies, as well as serum levels of thyrotropin, free thyroid hormones and 25-hydroxyvitamin D were measured at the beginning of the study and 6 months later. Based on thyrotropin and free thyroid hormone levels, Jostel’s thyrotropin index, the SPINA-GT index and the SPINA-GD index were calculated.
Results All patients completed the study protocol. In group B, serum thyrotropin and free thyroid hormones levels, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels as well as the calculated indices remained at the similar levels. The gluten-free diet reduced thyroid antibody titers, as well as slightly increased 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and the SPINA-GT index. In group A, the impact on TPOAb and TgAb titers correlated with the changes in the SPINA-GT index, whereas the impact on TPOAb with the changes in 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels.
Conclusions The obtained results suggest that the gluten-free diet may bring clinical benefits to women with autoimmune thyroid disease.
Chronic Alcoholism Decreases Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Levels in Human Plasma, Erythrocytes, and Platelets – Influence of Chronic Liver Disease
Authors: Pita María-Luisa , Rubio José-María , Murillo María-Luisa , Carreras Olimpia , Delgado Mariá-José 
Published: July 2018

SummaryThe effect of chronic ethanol ingestion on fatty acid composition of plasma, erythrocyte and platelet phospholipids and on plasma 6-keto-PGF1α was studied. Two groups of alcoholic subjects, one of them with chronic liver disease, were studied and compared to a control group of healthy subjects. Linoleic acid was not affected by alcoholism but its larger metabolites arachidonic acid (20:4n6) and docosatetraenoic acid (22: 4n6) tended to be lower in erythrocytes and platelets of both groups of alcoholic patients; the decrease was more marked in the presence of chronic liver disease. Docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n3) was markedly decreased in plasma, erythrocytes and platelets obtained from alcoholic patients with chronic liver disease. Plasma levels of 6-keto-PGF1α, a metabolite of prostacyclin (PGI2), remained unchanged. We conclude that chronic ethanol ingestion induces important changes in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, mainly in platelets, and that these changes are exacerbated when patients suffer from chronic liver disease.
Factor VII Toyama (Thr 359 Met): A Homozygous Missense Mutation Causing Severe Type I Deficiency
Authors: Ozawa Tetsuo , Niiya Kenji , Higuchi Wataru , Sakuragawa Nobuo 
Published: July 2018

SummaryWe performed a DNA analysis on a patient with severe type I factor VII deficiency by the polymerase chain reaction amplification and a direct DNA sequencing method. The proband was a 66-year-old Japanese woman who had recurrent episodes of excessive bleeding after dental extraction. The functional and antigenic levels of plasma factor VII markedly reduced to 1.6% and 2% of normal, respectively. However, she had no serious symptoms such as intracranial or intraarticular hemorrhage. The analysis revealed that the patient was homozygous for a missense mutation, Thr (ACG) to Met (ATG) at codon 359 in the catalytic domain. Her deceased parents were first cousins, and their consanguineous marriage presumably resulted in the homozygosity in her.This patient was the first case of homozygote for the Thr359Met mutation, though heterozygotes for the mutation were previously found in an Italian family.
Electrospray Ionisation Analysis of Human Fibrinogen
Authors: Brennan Stephen O 
Published: July 2018

SummaryFibrinogen, a 340 kDa glycoprotein, was purified from human plasma, separated into its constituent polypeptide chains and analyzed by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Six individual plasmas were examined, and whilst the Aα chain appeared homogeneous, the Bβ and γ chains were heterogeneous with the predominant form of each lacking a single sialic acid residue. The mean molecular masses of the dominant γ and Bβ isoforms were 48,366 and 54,200 Da with standard deviations of 10 and 12 Da respectively compared to predictions, based on amino acid and carbohydrate sequences, of 48,368 and 54,213 Da. The mean mass of the Aa chain was 66,196 Da but this showed significantly more variation with a standard deviation of 64 Da. This probably reflects genetic and/or post-translational differences, since there is non-stoichiometric phosphorylation at Ser 3 and 345 and the expected residue weight of the non-phosphorylated chain is 66,132 Da.After treatment with thrombin the fibrin β chain showed a decrease in mass of 1542 Da in good agreement with the expected decrease of 1535 Da resulting from loss of the B peptide. Loss of the A peptide from the α chain resulted in a decrease of 1546 Da compared to an expected loss of 1519 Da for non-phosphorylated A peptide. On prolonged thrombin incubations factor XIII induced γ-γ dimers were observed at 96,896 Da.
The Feasibility of a Modified Exclusive Endoscopic Transcanal Transpromontorial Approach for Vestibular Schwannomas
Authors: Moon In , Cha Dongchul , Nam Sung-Il , Lee Hyun-Jin , Choi Jae 
Published: July 2018

Objective We evaluated the feasibility of an exclusive endoscopic transcanal transpromontorial approach (EETTA) for the treatment of small vestibular schwannomas (VSs) limited to the internal auditory canal (IAC), and introduced a modification without external auditory canal closure.
Methods Between June 2016 and June 2017, seven patients with VS underwent surgery using a modified EETTA. Treatment outcomes, including efficacy of tumor resection, preservation of function, operation time, and quality of life (QOL), were evaluated.
Results The patients preoperatively exhibited Koos Grade I/II tumors and severe-to-profound hearing loss. Gross total resection was accomplished in all cases. There were no major complications, and all patients exhibited normal facial nerve function immediately after surgery. The mean follow-up period was 12.9 months. The operation time (average 196.3 ± 64.9 minutes) and hospitalization period (average 7.4 ± 1.0 days) were favorable. Short Form-36 scores for QOL showed unremarkable results compared with previous reports.
Conclusions The modified EETTA was effective in the removal of VSs in the IAC. It can be an alternative surgical option for small VSs.
Combined David and Frozen Elephant Trunk Procedure in Acute Aortic Dissection
Authors: Goebel Nora , Nagib Ragi , Salehi-Gilani Schahriar , Ahad Samir , Albert Marc , Ursulescu Adrian , Franke Ulrich F.W. 
Published: July 2018

Background Valve sparing aortic root repair by reimplantation (David procedure) is an established technique in acute aortic dissection Stanford type A involving the aortic root. In DeBakey type I dissection, aortic arch replacement using the frozen elephant trunk (FET) was introduced to promote aortic remodeling of the downstream aorta. The combination of these two complex procedures represents a challenging surgical strategy and was considered too risky so far.
Methods All patients with acute aortic dissection DeBakey type I undergoing valve sparing aortic root repair by reimplantation technique of David combined with extended aortic repair using the FET at our center between October 2009 and December 2016 were evaluated. Outcomes are compared with patients who underwent prosthetic aortic root replacement and FET for aortic dissection in the same timeframe.
Results A total of 28 patients received combined David and FET procedure, while 20 patients received prosthetic aortic root replacement and FET procedure. Thirty-day mortality was 10.7% (n = 3) for the David group and 20% (n = 4) for the root replacement group (p = 0.43). Postoperative echocardiographic control revealed an excellent aortic valve function with regurgitation grade 0° or maximum grade I° and a mean gradient of 4.3 ± 2.1 mm Hg in all patients in the David group versus 7.2 ± 2.4 mm Hg in the aortic root replacement group, p = 0.003. Computed tomography angiography scan showed positive aortic remodeling in all but three patients (91.9%). Mid-term follow-up survival was 82.1% in the David group and 68.4% in the root replacement group, p = 0.28. There was no need for reintervention at the root or descending aorta.
Conclusion Simultaneous application of the David and FET procedure in patients with acute aortic dissection is safe and feasible in experienced hands as compared with standard aortic root replacement plus FET. The mid-term outcomes are encouraging and noninferior to conventional surgery results.
Excessive Salivation as a Hidden Comorbidity of Basal Ganglia Germ Cell Tumor
Authors: Kobayashi Kenichiro , Suehiro Minoru , Maihara Toshiro , Usami Ikuya , Heike Toshio 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe progression of basal ganglia germ cell tumor (BGGCT) is slow and insidious, and the diagnosis is often delayed. We report here an 11-year-old boy with BGGCT associated with psychomotor deterioration and excessive salivation. Serial salivary gland scintigraphy and single photon emission computed tomography suggested that the dysregulation of basal ganglia to cortical circuitry accounts for the neurological comorbidity associated with BGGCT. We also found that topical scopolamine patches are safe and effective to suppress excessive salivation.
Clinical Trial Registration: No.
Barriers to Postpartum Glucose Testing in Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Has Phinnara , Kanno Lindsey , Sullivan Adam , Clark Melissa , Werner Erika 
Published: July 2018

Objective To identify barriers to postpartum glucose testing in women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
Materials and Methods This is a prospective cohort study of 300 women with GDM who completed questionnaires on socioeconomic barriers and validated instruments to measure trust in their clinician and health agency. At 12 weeks' postpartum, women were recontacted and postpartum records were collected. Women who completed glucose testing between 4 and 12 weeks' postpartum were compared with women who did not with regard to modifiable and nonmodifiable barriers to care.
Results Of the 373 women approached, 300 (80%) consented to participate, completed surveys on postpartum day 2, and had records retrieved at 12 weeks' postpartum. Validated instruments used showed internal consistency (Cronbach's α > 0.6). Only 126 (42%) of the participants completed postpartum glucose testing, and these women were more likely to have reliable transportation, private insurance, college degrees, and higher annual household incomes (p < 0.05). Postpartum glucose testing was also associated with trust in clinicians (p = 0.01) but not health agency (p = 0.66). The association between trust and postpartum glucose testing persisted after adjusting for nonmodifiable barriers.
Conclusion Maximizing trust in clinicians should be a focus of prenatal GDM care to maximize the likelihood of postpartum glucose testing.
Warsaw breakage syndrome DDX11 helicase acts jointly with RAD17 in the repair of bulky lesions and replication through abasic sites
Authors: Abe Takuya , Ooka Masato , Kawasumi Ryotaro , Miyata Keiji , Takata Minoru , Hirota Kouji , Branzei Dana 
Published: July 2018

Significance
Warsaw breakage syndrome, a developmental disorder caused by mutations in the conserved DDX11/ChlR1 DNA helicase, shows features of genome instability partly overlapping with those of Fanconi anemia (FA). Here, using avian cellular models of DDX11 deficiency, we find that DDX11 functions as backup to the FA pathway and facilitates, jointly with the checkpoint clamp 9-1-1, a homologous recombination pathway of DNA bulky-lesion repair that does not affect replication fork speed and stalled fork stability. DDX11 also promotes diversification of the immunoglobulin-variable gene locus by facilitating hypermutation and gene conversion at programmed abasic sites that constitute endogenous replication blocks. The results suggest commonality between postreplicative gap filling and replication through abasic sites and pinpoint DDX11 as a critical player in both these processes.
p53-inducible DPYSL4 associates with mitochondrial supercomplexes and regulates energy metabolism in adipocytes and cancer cells
Authors: Nagano Hidekazu , Hashimoto Naoko , Nakayama Akitoshi , Suzuki Sawako , Miyabayashi Yui , Yamato Azusa , Higuchi Seiichiro , Fujimoto Masanori , Sakuma Ikki , Beppu Minako , Yokoyama Masataka , Suzuki Yutaka , Sugano Sumio , Ikeda Kazuhiro , Tatsuno Ichiro , Manabe Ichiro , Yokote Koutaro , Inoue Satoshi , Tanaka Tomoaki 
Published: July 2018

SignificanceWe herein performed RNA sequencing to show that DPYSL4 is a p53-inducible regulator of energy metabolism in both cancer cells and normal cells, such as adipocytes. DPYSL4 was found to localize in both cytosol and mitochondria, particularly in associations with mitochondrial supercomplexes, providing a potential mechanism for its regulation of OXPHOS and cellular energy supply. Furthermore, DPYSL4 expression suppressed tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Together, these results suggest a potential link between p53-inducible DPYSL4 and the pathophysiology of cancer and metabolic disorders, possibly via its energy-regulating function.