bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression analysis of extracellular microRNA in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis
Authors: Kishore Amit , Navratilova Zdenka , Kolek Vitezslav , Novosadova Eva , Čépe Klára , du Bois Roland M. , Petrek Martin 
Published: June 2018

ABSTRACTBackground and objectiveMicroRNA (miRNA) are transcriptional regulators implicated in pulmonary sarcoidosis and packaged in extracellular vesicles (EV) during cellular communication. We characterized EV and investigated miRNA expression in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid from sarcoidosis patients.MethodsEV were characterized for size(s) using dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis and protein markers by immunoblotting. Twelve extracellular and 5 cellular miRNA were investigated in BAL from 16 chest X‐ray stage‐I (CXR‐I) and 17 CXR stage‐II (CXR‐II) sarcoidosis patients. Associations between miRNA and disease characteristics (extrapulmonary involvement, pulmonary function and BAL cell profile) were statistically analysed.ResultsBAL from sarcoidosis patients contained exosomes and microvesicles (MV) as EV. In these EV, expression of miR‐146a (P = 0.007), miR‐150 (P = 0.003) and BAL cellular miR‐21 (P = 0.01) was increased in CXR‐II compared with CXR‐I. Other detected EV (miR‐21 and miR‐26a) and cellular (miR‐31, miR‐129‐3p, miR‐146a and miR‐452) miRNA were not differentially expressed. The investigated miRNA did not reflect extrapulmonary involvement, but EV miR‐146a and miR‐150 were negatively correlated with pulmonary function (miR‐146a with vital capacity (VC; Spearman's correlation coefficient (rs), P = −0.657, 0.007), percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1; −0.662, 0.006) and FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio (−0.649, 0.008); miR‐150 correlated negatively with VC (−0.584, 0.019) and FEV1/FVC ratio (−0.746, 0.001) in CXR‐II cases).ConclusionOur data provide evidence that exosomes and microvesicles as extracellular vesicles are present in the bronchoalveolar space of sarcoidosis patients and they differentially express EV miRNA (miR‐146a and miR‐150), the expression of which correlates negatively with pulmonary function indices. The significance of these findings for disease pathophysiology and clinical course require further investigation.
Unusual findings on infantile cortical hyperostosis: A case report
Authors: Sarmento Viviane A , Rubira‐Bullen Izabel Regina F , Zanda Marcelo J , Sampieri Marcelo Bonifácio S , Yaedú Renato Y F , Santos Paulo Sérgio S 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundCaffey's disease is a rare syndrome, usually self‐limiting, affecting newborn and young infants. On radiological exams, the cortical hyperostosis is always present, associated or not to soft tissue swelling. Other radiographic presentations are described as lytic areas.AimThis article has the objective to relate computed tomography (CT) findings of Caffey's disease, where lytic lesion on mandibular angle was the principal radiological manifestation.Methods and resultsThree‐dimensional reconstructions were performed to demonstrate the initial aspect and the healing process.ConclusionThis report shows unusual radiological characteristics of Caffey's disease on CT and its progressive resolution.
High jump demands in professional volleyball—large variability exists between players and player positions
Authors: Skazalski Christopher , Whiteley Rod , Bahr Roald 
Published: June 2018

Training volume has been associated with jumper's knee in volleyball players, but jump variability among professionals has not been investigated and individual jump demands are unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine position‐specific jump demands required for training and competition during a professional volleyball season and to investigate the individual variability associated with jump load. Jumps performed by 14 professional players during one season of training and competition were timestamped, individually assigned, and recorded for jump height. Jump counts, heights, and frequency were analyzed to determine the specific jump load performed by players at each position during training and match play. A total of 129 173 jumps were performed during 142 sessions (108 practices, 27 matches, 7 friendly matches). Setters performed the greatest volume of jumps (121 jumps/training session). Opposites performed more high‐intensity jumps than their teammates (median season jump height: 69% of maximum). Substantial weekly jump count variability was observed, 18 of 28 weeks included at least one player with a twofold increase in jump load or a player returning to volleyball after performing no jumps the previous week. Additionally, each player had at least 1 week with a twofold increase in jumps. Jump demands are high in professional volleyball, and performance programs should be tailored to the match and training demands required at each position. Jump loads are highly variable—substantial week‐to‐week increases were observed for both the team and individual players. As a result, monitoring individual jump load seems necessary.
New age constraints on the western Betic intramontane basins: A late Tortonian closure of the Guadalhorce Corridor?
Authors: van der Schee Marlies , van den Berg Bas C. J. , Capella Walter , Simon Dirk , Sierro Francisco J. , Krijgsman Wout 
Published: June 2018

AbstractSeveral gateways connected the Mediterranean with the Atlantic during the late Miocene but the timing of closure and therefore their role prior to and during the Messinian Salinity Crisis (5.97–5.33 Ma) is still under debate. The timing of closure of the Guadalhorce Corridor is especially disputed as the common lack of marine microfossils hampers precise age determination. Here we present new biostratigraphic age constraints on the sediments of the Ronda, Antequera and Arcos regions, which formed the northern part of the Guadalhorce Corridor. The general presence ofGloborotalia menardii4 in the youngest deep‐marine sediments of all three regions indicates a late Tortonian age, older than 7.51 Ma. We conclude that the Guadalhorce Corridor closed during the late Tortonian, well before the onset of the Messinian Salinity Crisis and that the late Tortonian tectonic uplift of the eastern Betics extended into the western Betics.
Cost and cost‐effectiveness of transitioning to universal initiation of lifelong antiretroviral therapy for allHIV‐positive pregnant and breastfeeding women in Swaziland
Authors: Cunnama L. , Abrams E. J. , Myer L. , Gachuhi A. , Dlamini N. , Hlophe T. , Kikuvi J. , Langwenya N. , Mthethwa S. , Mudonhi D. , Nhlabatsi B. , Nuwagaba‐Biribonwoha H. , Okello V. , Sahabo R. , Zerbe A. , Sinanovic E. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the costs and cost‐effectiveness of transitioning from antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation based onCD4 cell count andWHOclinical staging (‘Option A’) to universalART(‘Option B+’) for allHIV‐infected pregnant and breastfeeding women in Swaziland.MethodsWe measured the total costs of prevention of mother‐to‐childHIVtransmission (PMTCT) service delivery at public sector facilities with empirical cost data collected at three points in time: once under Option A and again twice after transition to the Option B+ approach. The cost per woman treated per month includes recurrent costs (personnel, overheads, medication and diagnostic tests) and capital costs (buildings, furniture, start‐up costs and training). Cost‐effectiveness was estimated from the health services perspective as the cost per woman retained in care through 6 months postpartum. This analysis is nested within a larger stepped‐wedge evaluation, which demonstrated a 26% increase in maternal retention after the transition to Option B+.ResultsAcross the five sites, the total cost forPMTCTduring the study period (from August 2013 to October 2015, in 2015US$) was $868,426 for Option B+ and $680 508 for Option A. The cost per woman treated per month was $183 for a woman onARTunder Option B+, and $127 and $118 for a woman onARTand zidovudine (AZT), respectively, under Option A. The weighted average cost per woman treated on Option B+ was $826 compared to $525 under Option A. The main cost drivers were the start‐up costs, additional training provided and staff time spent onPMTCTtasks for Option B+. The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio was estimated at $912 for every additional mother retained in care through six months postpartum.ConclusionsThe cost and cost‐effectiveness outcomes from this study indicate that there is a robust economic case for pursuing the Option B+ approach in Swaziland and similar settings such as South Africa. Furthermore, these costs can be used to aid decision making and budgeting, for similar settings transitioning to test and treat strategy.
Patterns of occurrence of dengue and chikungunya, and spatial distribution of mosquito vector Aedes albopictus in Swabi district, Pakistan
Authors: Hira Fatima Syeda , Asad Ali , Farrah Zaidi , Basit Rasheed Syed , Mehreen Fatima , Muhammad Khisroon 
Published: June 2018

AbstractObjectiveTwo principal vector species, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, are known for transmission of dengue (DEN) and chikungunya (CHK) in Pakistan. We aimed to investigate their spatial and temporal distribution.Methods and ResultsThe Maximum Entropy algorithm revealed current climatic suitability of A. albopictus by highlighting variables contributing to its spatial distribution: Land use cover was the most important environmental factor (63.1%) followed by elevation‐normalised difference vegetation index (10.9%), NDVI (8.5%) and annual precipitation (7.9%). As per Normalized Difference Vegetation Index values, the vector's presence was highly likely in areas with little vegetation such as built‐up spaces or uncultivated fields, and in areas with sparse vegetation such as grasslands and cultivated fields. Temperature variables showed differing effects on vector ecology with annual temperature being the most important. Logistic regression models showed that presence of the vector, build‐up and distance to roads contributed significantly to the distribution of both DEN and CHIK.ConclusionIn Swabi, the mean temperatures of warmest and driest quarters are more important in the spatial distribution of A. albopictus than mean temperatures of the wettest and coldest quarters. Finally, disease modelling reflects a high probability for both DEN and CHIK in the same regions over a huge area.
Canine meningiomas treated with three‐dimensional conformal radiation therapy require magnetic resonance imaging to avoid a geographic miss
Authors: Berlato Davide , Zwingenberger Allison L , Ruiz‐Drebing Matias , Pradel Julie , Clark Nicola , Kent Michael S 
Published: June 2018

AbstractExact target volume definition is an essential prerequisite for modern radiotherapy treatment planning. Contouring the gross tumor volume of brain tumors on computed tomography (CT) images coregistered with magnetic resonance images is standard practice in human medicine. In this retrospective study, including only cases with an imaging diagnosis of meningioma, we hypothesized that the gross tumor volume contoured from the contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (gross tumor volume‐MRI) is larger when compared to the gross tumor volume contoured using contrast‐enhanced CT (gross tumor volume‐CT). A total of 22 dogs were included in the study. Interestingly, there was a significant statistical difference between the gross tumor volume‐CT and the gross tumor volume‐MRI (P = 0.001). The gross tumor volume‐MRI was larger than the gross tumor volume‐CT in all, but two cases. The mean ratio between gross tumor volume‐MRI and gross tumor volume‐CT was 1.43 (range 0.84–4.00). The mean overlap between gross tumor volume‐CT and gross tumor volume‐MRI was 68% (range 22–86%), while a mean of 26% of the composite gross tumor volume was defined only by MRI (range 4–76%) and a mean of 6% only by CT (range 0–22%). These findings suggest that CT and MRI are complementary modalities in radiation planning of meningiomas and their composite volume should be used to avoid geographical miss of neoplastic tissue. When the MRI is not available for planning, a margin of 0.3 cm around the gross tumor volume‐CT could reduce the probability of a geographical miss. However, such numerical correction cannot be applied to the clinical practice until it is validated in a properly designed treatment planning study.
Determinants of slowed conduction in premature ventricular beats induced during programmed stimulations in perfused guinea‐pig heart
Authors: Osadchii Oleg E. 
Published: June 2018

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
Is the slowed conduction upon premature ventricular activations during clinical electrophysiological testing attributable to the prolonged activation latency, or increased impulse propagation time, or both?

What is the main finding and its importance?
Prolonged activation latency at the stimulation site is the critical determinant of conduction slowing and associated changes in the ventricular response intervals in premature beats initiated during phase 3 repolarization in perfused guinea‐pig heart. These relations are likely to have an effect on arrhythmia induction and termination independently of the presence of ventricular conduction defects or the proximity of the stimulation site to the re‐entrant circuit.

AbstractDuring cardiac electrophysiological testing, slowed conduction upon premature ventricular activation can limit the delivery of the closely coupled impulses from the stimulation site to the region of tachycardia origin. In order to examine the contributing factors, in this study, cardiac conduction intervals and refractory periods were determined from left ventricular (LV) and the right ventricular (RV) monophasic action potential recordings obtained in perfused guinea‐pig hearts. A premature activation induced immediately after the termination of the refractory period was associated with conduction slowing. The latter was primarily accounted for by the markedly increased (+54%) activation latency at the LV stimulation site, with only negligible changes (+12%) noted in the LV‐to‐RV delay. The prolonged activation latency was acting to limit the shortest interval at which two successive action potentials can be induced in the LV and RV chambers. The prolongation of the activation latency in premature beats was accentuated upon an increase in the stimulating current intensity, or during hypokalaemia. This change was related to the reduced ratio of the refractory period to the action potential duration, which allowed extrastimulus capture to occur earlier during phase 3 repolarization. Flecainide, a Na+ channel blocker, prolonged both the activation latency and the LV‐to‐RV delay, without changing their relative contributions to conduction slowing. In summary, these findings suggest that the activation latency is the critical determinant of conduction slowing and associated changes in the ventricular response intervals upon extrastimulus application during phase 3 of the action potential.
The choroid plexus sodium‐bicarbonate cotransporter NBCe2 regulates mouse cerebrospinal fluid pH
Authors: Christensen Henriette L. , Barbuskaite Dagne , Rojek Aleksandra , Malte Hans , Christensen Inga B. , Füchtbauer Annette C. , Füchtbauer Ernst‐Martin , Wang Tobias , Praetorius Jeppe , Damkier Helle H. 
Published: June 2018

Key points
Normal pH is crucial for proper functioning of the brain, and disorders increasing the level of CO2 in the blood lead to a decrease in brain pH.
CO2 can easily cross the barriers of the brain and will activate chemoreceptors leading to an increased exhalation of CO2.
The low pH, however, is harmful and bases such as HCO3− are imported across the brain barriers in order to normalize brain pH.
We show that the HCO3− transporter NBCe2 in the choroid plexus of the blood‐cerebrospinal fluid barrier is absolutely necessary for normalizing CSF pH during high levels of CO2.
This discovery represents a significant step in understanding the molecular mechanisms behind regulation of CSF pH during acid‐base disturbances, such as chronic lung disease.
AbstractThe choroid plexus epithelium (CPE) is located in the brain ventricles where it produces the majority of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The hypothesis that normal brain function is sustained by CPE‐mediated CSF pH regulation by extrusion of acid‐base equivalents was tested by determining the contribution of the electrogenic Na+‐HCO3− cotransporter NBCe2 to CSF pH regulation. A novel strain of NBCe2 (Slc4a5) knockout (KO) mice was generated and validated. The base extrusion rate after intracellular alkalization was reduced by 77% in NBCe2 KO mouse CPE cells compared to control mice. NBCe2 KO mice and mice with CPE‐targeted NBCe2 siRNA knockdown displayed a reduction in CSF pH recovery during hypercapnia‐induced acidosis of approximately 85% and 90%, respectively, compared to control mice. NBCe2 KO did not affect baseline respiration rate or tidal volume, and the NBCe2 KO and wild‐type (WT) mice displayed similar ventilatory responses to 5% CO2 exposure. NBCe2 KO mice were not protected against pharmacological or heating‐induced seizure development. In conclusion, we establish the concept that the CPE is involved in the regulation of CSF pH by demonstrating that NBCe2 is necessary for proper CSF pH recovery after hypercapnia‐induced acidosis.
Non-classical monocytes as mediators of tissue destruction in arthritis
Authors: Puchner Antonia , Saferding Victoria , Bonelli Michael , Mikami Yohei , Hofmann Melanie , Brunner Julia S , Caldera Michael , Goncalves-Alves Eliana , Binder Nikolaus B , Fischer Anita , Simader Elisabeth , Steiner Carl-Walter , Leiss Harald , Hayer Silvia , Niederreiter Birgit , Karonitsch Thomas , Koenders Marije I , Podesser Bruno K , O’Shea John J , Menche Jörg , Smolen Josef S , Redlich Kurt , Blüml Stephan 
Published: June 2018

ObjectivesBone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis is mediated by osteoclasts (OC), which are derived from precursor cells of the myeloid lineage. The role of the two monocyte subsets, classical monocytes (expressing CD115, Ly6C and CCR2) and non-classical monocytes (which are CD115 positive, but low in Ly6C and CCR2), in serving as precursors for OC in arthritis is still elusive.MethodsWe investigated CCR2−/− mice, which lack circulating classical monocytes, crossed into hTNFtg mice for the extent of joint damage. We analysed monocyte subsets in hTNFtg and K/BxN serum transfer arthritis by flow cytometry. We sorted monocyte subsets and analysed their potential to differentiate into OC and their transcriptional response in response to RANKL by RNA sequencing. With these data, we performed a gene ontology enrichment analysis and gene set enrichment analysis.ResultsWe show that in hTNFtg arthritis local bone erosion and OC generation are even enhanced in the absence of CCR2. We further show the numbers of non-classical monocytes in blood are elevated and are significantly correlated with histological signs of joint destruction. Sorted non-classical monocytes display an increased capacity to differentiate into OCs. This is associated with an increased expression of signal transduction components of RANK, most importantly TRAF6, leading to an increased responsiveness to RANKL.ConclusionTherefore, non-classical monocytes are pivotal cells in arthritis tissue damage and a possible target for therapeutically intervention for the prevention of inflammatory joint damage.
A general renormalization procedure on the one-dimensional lattice and decay of correlations
Authors: Lopes Artur O. 
Published: June 2018

We present a general form of renormalization operator [Formula: see text] acting on potentials [Formula: see text]. We exhibit the analytical expression of the fixed point potential [Formula: see text] for such operator [Formula: see text]. This potential can be expressed in a natural way in terms of a certain integral over the Hausdorff probability on a Cantor type set on the interval [0,1]. This result generalizes a previous one by Baraviera, Leplaideur and Lopes where the fixed point potential [Formula: see text] was of Hofbauer type. For the potentials of Hofbauer type (a well-known case of phase transition) the decay is like [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]. Among other things we present the estimation of the decay of correlation of the equilibrium probability associated to the fixed potential [Formula: see text] of our general renormalization procedure. In some cases we get polynomial decay like [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and in others a decay faster than [Formula: see text], when [Formula: see text]. The potentials [Formula: see text] we consider here are elements of the so-called family of Walters’ potentials on [Formula: see text] which generalizes a family of potentials considered initially by Hofbauer. For these potentials some explicit expressions for the eigenfunctions are known. In a final section we also show that given any choice [Formula: see text] of real numbers varying with [Formula: see text] there exists a potential [Formula: see text] on the class defined by Walters which has a invariant probability with such numbers as the coefficients of correlation (for a certain explicit observable function).
Antifibrotic cardioprotection of berberine via downregulating myocardial IGF-1 receptor-regulated MMP-2/MMP-9 expression in diabetic rats
Authors: Li Guohua , Xing Wenjuan , Zhang Min , Geng Fenghao , Yang Hongyan , Zhang Haifeng , Zhang Xing , Li Jia , Dong Ling , Gao Feng 
Published: June 2018

Diabetic cardiac fibrosis increases ventricular stiffness and facilitates the occurrence of diastolic dysfunction. Our previous studies have shown that berberine, a natural alkaloid, attenuates cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury in diabetic rats. The aim of present study was to investigate the effects of long-term berberine treatment on cardiac remodeling in diabetic rats and the underlying mechanisms. Diabetic rats induced by low-dose streptozotocin injection combined with 8 wk of high-fat diet displayed significant cardiac matrix collagen deposition and dysfunction, whereas berberine administration (200 mg·kg−1·day−1, gavage 4 wk) significantly ameliorated cardiac fibrosis and dysfunction and reduced cardiac IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) expression in diabetic rats. Interestingly, IGF-1R expression was upregulated in cardiac fibroblasts isolated from diabetic hearts or cultured in high-glucose conditions (30 mM). High glucose treatment or IGF-1R overexpression increased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2/MMP-9 expression, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and collagen type I expression in cardiac fibroblasts. In contrast, berberine treatment significantly inhibited IGF-1R expression and exerted an antifibrotic effect in high glucose-cultured cardiac fibroblasts, as manifested by decreased MMP-2/MMP-9, α-SMA, and collagen type I expression, whereas IGF-1R siRNA plus berberine treatment did not further enhance this antifibrotic effect compared with berberine treatment alone. Taken together, long-term berberine treatment ameliorates cardiac fibrosis and dysfunction by downregulating IGF-1R expression in cardiac fibroblasts and subsequently reducing MMP-2/MMP-9, α-SMA, and collagen type I expression in diabetic hearts. The findings suggest the therapeutic potential of berberine for diabetic cardiomyopathy associated with cardiac fibrosis. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Berberine downregulated IGF-1 receptor expression and matrix metalloproteinase-2/matrix metalloproteinase-9 levels in cardiac fibroblasts and thus inhibited fibroblast differentiation and collagen overproduction in diabetic hearts, suggesting a novel mechanism for antifibrotic cardioprotection of berberine in type 2 diabetes.