bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary pericytes regulate lung morphogenesis
Authors: Kato Katsuhiro , Diéguez-Hurtado Rodrigo , Park Do Young , Hong Seon Pyo , Kato-Azuma Sakiko , Adams Susanne , Stehling Martin , Trappmann Britta , Wrana Jeffrey L. , Koh Gou Young , Adams Ralf H. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBlood vessels are essential for blood circulation but also control organ growth, homeostasis, and regeneration, which has been attributed to the release of paracrine signals by endothelial cells. Endothelial tubules are associated with specialised mesenchymal cells, termed pericytes, which help to maintain vessel wall integrity. Here we identify pericytes as regulators of epithelial and endothelial morphogenesis in postnatal lung. Mice lacking expression of the Hippo pathway components YAP and TAZ in pericytes show defective alveologenesis. Mutant pericytes are present in normal numbers but display strongly reduced expression of hepatocyte growth factor leading to impaired activation of the c-Met receptor, which is expressed by alveolar epithelial cells. YAP and TAZ are also required for expression of angiopoietin-1 by pulmonary pericytes, which also controls hepatocyte growth factor expression and thereby alveologenesis in an autocrine fashion. These findings establish that pericytes have important, organ-specific signalling properties and coordinate the behavior of epithelial and vascular cells during lung morphogenesis.
The annual rate of coronary artery calcification with combination therapy with a PCSK9 inhibitor and a statin is lower than that with statin monotherapy
Authors: Ikegami Yuichi , Inoue Ikuo , Inoue Kaiji , Shinoda Yuichi , Iida Shinichiro , Goto Seiichi , Nakano Takanari , Shimada Akira , Noda Mistuhiko 
Published: June 2018

AbstractStatins and/or PCSK9 inhibitors cause the regression of coronary atheroma and reduce clinical events. However, it currently remains unclear whether these drugs modulate coronary atheroma calcification in vivo. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores (Agatston Units, AUs) were estimated in 120 patients receiving coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) (63% males; median age 56 years). The CAC scores were compared among the three groups: (1) neither statin nor PCSK9 inhibitor therapy, (2) statin monotherapy, and (3) statin and PCSK9 inhibitor combination therapy in an unpaired cross-sectional study. Additionally, CCTA was performed twice at an interval in 15 patients undergoing statin monotherapy to compare the previous (baseline) and subsequent (follow-up) CAC scores in a paired longitudinal study. In addition, a PCSK9 inhibitor was administered to 16 patients undergoing statin therapy. Before and after that, CCTA was performed twice to compare the previous and subsequent CAC scores in a paired longitudinal study. The unpaired cross-sectional study and paired longitudinal study consist of completely different patients. Among 120 patients, 40 (33%) had a CAC score >100 AUs. The median CAC score increased in the following order: statin group, statin and PCSK9 group, and no-statin-no-PCSK9 group. Annual CAC score progression was 29.7% by statin monotherapy and 14.3% following the addition of the PCSK9 inhibitor to statin therapy. The annual rate of CAC with the combination therapy with a PCSK9 inhibitor and a statin is lower than that with statin monotherapy. CAC may be prevented with PCSK9 Inhibitor.
Tubular iron deposition and iron handling proteins in human healthy kidney and chronic kidney disease
Authors: van Raaij Sanne , van Swelm Rachel , Bouman Karlijn , Cliteur Maaike , van den Heuvel Marius C. , Pertijs Jeanne , Patel Dominic , Bass Paul , van Goor Harry , Unwin Robert , Srai Surjit Kaila , Swinkels Dorine 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIron is suggested to play a detrimental role in the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The kidney recycles iron back into the circulation. However, the localization of proteins relevant for physiological tubular iron handling and their potential role in CKD remain unclear. We examined associations between iron deposition, expression of iron handling proteins and tubular injury in kidney biopsies from CKD patients and healthy controls using immunohistochemistry. Iron was deposited in proximal (PT) and distal tubules (DT) in 33% of CKD biopsies, predominantly in pathologies with glomerular dysfunction, but absent in controls. In healthy kidney, PT contained proteins required for iron recycling including putative iron importers ZIP8, ZIP14, DMT1, iron storage proteins L- and H-ferritin and iron exporter ferroportin, while DT only contained ZIP8, ZIP14, and DMT1. In CKD, iron deposition associated with increased intensity of iron importers (ZIP14, ZIP8), storage proteins (L-, H-ferritin), and/or decreased ferroportin abundance. This demonstrates that tubular iron accumulation may result from increased iron uptake and/or inadequate iron export. Iron deposition associated with oxidative injury as indicated by heme oxygenase-1 abundance. In conclusion, iron deposition is relatively common in CKD, and may result from altered molecular iron handling and may contribute to renal injury.
Bayesian Multi-Plate High-Throughput Screening of Compounds
Authors: Shterev Ivo D. , Dunson David B. , Chan Cliburn , Sempowski Gregory D. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractHigh-throughput screening of compounds (chemicals) is an essential part of drug discovery, involving thousands to millions of compounds, with the purpose of identifying candidate hits. Most statistical tools, including the industry standard B-score method, work on individual compound plates and do not exploit cross-plate correlation or statistical strength among plates. We present a new statistical framework for high-throughput screening of compounds based on Bayesian nonparametric modeling. The proposed approach is able to identify candidate hits from multiple plates simultaneously, sharing statistical strength among plates and providing more robust estimates of compound activity. It can flexibly accommodate arbitrary distributions of compound activities and is applicable to any plate geometry. The algorithm provides a principled statistical approach for hit identification and false discovery rate control. Experiments demonstrate significant improvements in hit identification sensitivity and specificity over the B-score and R-score methods, which are highly sensitive to threshold choice. These improvements are maintained at low hit rates. The framework is implemented as an efficient extension package and is suitable for large scale data sets.
Recovery of Degraded-Beyond-Recognition 19th Century Daguerreotypes with Rapid High Dynamic Range Elemental X-ray Fluorescence Imaging of Mercury L Emission
Authors: Kozachuk Madalena S. , Sham Tsun-Kong , Martin Ronald R. , Nelson Andrew J. , Coulthard Ian , McElhone John P. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractA daguerreotype image, the first commercialized photographic process, is composed of silver-mercury, and often silver-mercury-gold amalgam particles on the surface of a silver-coated copper plate. Specular and diffuse reflectance of light from these image particles produces the range of gray tones that typify these 19thcentury images. By mapping the mercury distribution with rapid-scanning, synchrotron-based micro-X-ray fluorescence (μ-XRF) imaging, full portraits, which to the naked eye are obscured entirely by extensive corrosion, can be retrieved in a non-invasive, non-contact, and non-destructive manner. This work furthers the chemical understanding regarding the production of these images and suggests that mercury is retained in the image particles despite surface degradation. Most importantly, μ-XRF imaging provides curators with an image recovery method for degraded daguerreotypes, even if the artifact’s condition is beyond traditional conservation treatments.
Fast preparation of carbon spheres from enzymatic hydrolysis lignin: Effects of hydrothermal carbonization conditions
Authors: Mao Haiyan , Chen Xianwen , Huang Runzhou , Chen Minzhi , Yang Rui , Lan Pin , Zhou Meijun , Zhang Feng , Yang Yu , Zhou Xiaoyan 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThis study explores the effect of carbon sphere preparation conditions on the morphology of the carbon spheres and the micropore development by fast potassium hydroxide activation via microwave heating. Enzymatic hydrolysis lignin is used as the precursor for carbon sphere preparation via environmentally friendly hydrothermal carbonization. The effects of various carbonization temperatures, carbonization times and reaction concentrations on the physical morphology of the carbon sphere surfaces are investigated. The Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area, yield and scanning electron microscopic images are used to characterize the carbon spheres. High carbonization temperatures and times result in large particle sizes, high sphericity, uniform size, and high dispersity of the carbon spheres. The best carbon spheres are obtained at 270 °C for 7 hours with a reaction concentration of 0.06 g ml−1 and a particle size of 3–6 μm. After activation, the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area of the activated carbon spheres increases from 248 m2 g−1 to 1278 m2 g−1. Carbon spheres activated by treatment with fast potassium hydroxide and microwave heating can develop micropores that enhance the adsorptive capacity for small molecules, such as gases. Enzymatic hydrolysis lignin-derived carbon spheres formed via hydrothermal carbonization should be potentially sustainable materials applicable in energy and environmental fields.
Atlantic salmon skin barrier functions gradually enhance after seawater transfer
Authors: Karlsen Christian , Ytteborg Elisabeth , Timmerhaus Gerrit , Høst Vibeke , Handeland Sigurd , Jørgensen Sven Martin , Krasnov Aleksei 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAtlantic salmon farming operates with high production intensities where skin integrity is recognized as a central factor and indicator for animal health and welfare. In the described trial, the skin development and its immune status in healthy Atlantic salmon reared in two different systems, a traditional open net-pen system and a semi-closed containment system, were investigated. Freshwater smolts were compared to post-smolts after 1 and 4 months in seawater. Growth performance, when adjusted for temperature, was equal between the systems. Skin analyses, including epidermis and dermis, showed that thickness and mucus cell numbers increased in pace with the growth and time post seawater transfer (PST). Gene expression changes suggested similar processes with development of connective tissue, formation of extracellular matrix and augmented cutaneous secretion, changes in mucus protein composition and overall increased immune activity related to gradually enforced protection against pathogens. Results suggest a gradual morphological development in skin with a delayed recovery of immune functions PST. It is possible that Atlantic salmon could experience increased susceptibility to infectious agents and risk of diseases during the first post-smolt period.
Chemical exchange saturation transfer MRI shows low cerebral 2-deoxy-D-glucose uptake in a model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Tolomeo Daniele , Micotti Edoardo , Serra Sonia Colombo , Chappell Michael , Snellman Anniina , Forloni Gianluigi 
Published: June 2018

AbstractGlucose is the central nervous system’s only energy source. Imaging techniques capable to detect pathological alterations of the brain metabolism are useful in different diagnostic processes. Such techniques are also beneficial for assessing the evaluation efficacy of therapies in pre-clinical and clinical stages of diseases. Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a possible alternative to positron emission tomography (PET) imaging that has been widely explored in cancer research in humans and animal models. We propose that pathological alterations in brain 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) uptake, typical of neurodegenerative diseases, can be detected with CEST MRI. Transgenic mice overexpressing a mutated form of amyloid precusrsor protein (APP23), a model of Alzheimer’s disease, analyzed with CEST MRI showed a clear reduction of 2DG uptake in different brain regions. This was reminiscent of the cerebral condition observed in Alzheimer’s patients. The results indicate the feasibility of CEST for analyzing the brain metabolic state, with better image resolution than PET in experimental models.
Two-dimensional materials with piezoelectric and ferroelectric functionalities
Authors: Cui Chaojie , Xue Fei , Hu Wei-Jin , Li Lain-Jong 
Published: June 2018

AbstractTwo-dimensional (2D) layered materials with a non-centrosymmetric structure exhibit great potential for nano-scale electromechanical systems and electronic devices. Piezoelectric and ferroelectric 2D materials draw growing interest for applications in energy harvesting, electronics, and optoelectronics. This article first reviews the preparation of these functional 2D layered materials, including exfoliation methods and vapor phase deposition growth, followed by a general introduction to various piezo/ferro-electric characterization methods. Typical 2D piezoelectric and ferroelectric materials and their electronic properties, together with their potential applications, are also introduced. Finally, future research directions for 2D piezoelectric and ferroelectric materials are discussed.
Developing design criteria for organic solar cells using well-absorbing non-fullerene acceptors
Authors: Krückemeier Lisa , Kaienburg Pascal , Flohre Jan , Bittkau Karsten , Zonno Irene , Krogmeier Benedikt , Kirchartz Thomas 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIn recent years, efficiencies of bulk heterojunction solar cells have risen substantially mostly due to the development of well-absorbing small molecules that replace fullerenes as the acceptor molecule. The improved light absorption due to the combination of two strongly absorbing molecules raises the question, how to best combine the absorption onsets of the donor and acceptor molecule to maximize efficiency. By using numerical simulations, we explain under which circumstances complementary absorption or overlapping absorption bands of the two molecules will be more beneficial for efficiency. Only when mobility and lifetime of charge carriers are sufficiently high to allow sufficient charge collection for layer thicknesses around the second interference maximum, a combination of complementary absorbing molecules is more efficient. For smaller thicknesses, a blend of molecules with the same absorption onset achieves higher efficiencies.
Arzneimittelverordnung bei Patienten mit chronischer Niereninsuffizienz in der hausärztlichen Versorgung
Authors: Mahner Maria , Raus Christina , Ludwig Fabian , Weckmann Gesine , Stracke Sylvia , Chenot Jean-François 
Published: June 2018

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund Viele Medikamente erfordern bei Patienten mit CKD (chronic kidney disease) eine Dosisanpassung oder sind kontraindiziert, um Nebenwirkungen zu vermeiden. Ziel der Studie war es zu untersuchen, wie gut die Medikation bei Patienten mit CKD in der Hausarztpraxis an die Nierenfunktion angepasst ist, welche Medikamente häufig fehlverordnet werden und Prädiktoren für Fehlverordnungen zu identifizieren.
Methoden Im Rahmen einer Querschnittstudie in 34 Hausarztpraxen wurde die Medikation von Patienten mit einer CKD-Stadium ≥ 3 auf Grundlage der Fachinformation ausgewertet. Bei Fehlverordnungen wurden kontraindizierte und überdosierte Verordnungen unterschieden. Prädiktive Faktoren für Fehlverordnungen wurden mittels logistischer Regressionsanalyse untersucht.
Ergebnisse 589 Patienten (Ø 78 Jahre, 63 % weiblich) mit einem CKD-Stadium ≥ 3 aus 34 Hausarztpraxen wurden eingeschlossen. Sie erhielten 5102 Verordnungen (94,6 % Dauermedikationen, 5,4 % Bedarfsmedikationen). 4,2 % aller Verordnungen waren nach Auswertung der Fachinformationen in der gegebenen Dosierung kontraindiziert (2,1 %) oder überdosiert (2,1 %). Bei 173 Patienten (29 %) war mindestens eine Verordnung betroffen. Der Anteil der Fehlverordnungen sank bei Berücksichtigung neuerer Empfehlungen auf 3,5 %. Die häufigsten Fehlverordnungen betrafen ACE-Hemmer, orale Antidiabetika, Diuretika, Methotrexat und Kaliumpräparate. Prädiktoren für Fehlverordnungen waren CKD-Stadium ≥ 3b und die Anzahl der verordneten Dauermedikamente.
Diskussion Ein Viertel aller Patienten hatte mindestens eine formal unangepasste Verordnung. Trotzdem war der Anteil der formalen Fehlverordnungen an der Gesamtzahl aller Verordnungen gering. Unter Berücksichtigung von Empfehlungen der Fachgesellschaften sank die Zahl der formalen Fehlverordnungen. Zur klinischen Relevanz der Fehlverordnungen fehlen valide Daten und hier besteht weiterer Forschungsbedarf. Wegen des hohen Aufwands des Einzelabgleichs sollten sich Maßnahmen zur Qualitätssicherung auf Patienten mit CKD-Stadium ≥ 3b, Patienten mit Polypharmazie und auf kritische Wirkstoffe konzentrieren.
Polaritätsanalyse und Asperger-Syndrom
Authors: Frei Heiner 
Published: June 2018

ZusammenfassungDas Asperger-Syndrom gehört zum Autismus-Spektrum und ist charakterisiert durch ein auffälliges Sozialverhalten, stereotypes Benehmen und z. T. ausgeprägte Spezialinteressen. Dem Syndrom liegen multiple Wahrnehmungsstörungen zugrunde – eine Gemeinsamkeit mit dem ADS/ADHS, welche es ermöglicht, bei der homöopathischen Mittelbestimmung bei beiden Leiden identisch vorzugehen. Dieser Artikel erläutert die Besonderheiten der Mittelbestimmung mit Polaritätsanalyse an 2 Fallbeispielen. Mit Verlaufsbeobachtungen bei 20 Patienten wird aufgezeigt, dass die Homöopathie einen wesentlichen Beitrag zur Behandlung des Asperger-Syndroms leisten kann. Die Resultate werden verglichen mit denjenigen der ADS-/ADHS-Behandlung.
Volumetric laser endomicroscopy in the biliary and pancreatic ducts: a feasibility study with histological correlation
Authors: Corral Juan E. , Mousa Omar Y. , Krishna Murli , Levink Iris J. M. , Pursell Khela R. , Afsh Mohammad , Kröner Paul T. , Harnois Denise M. , Wolfsen Herbert C. , Wallace Michael B. , Lukens Frank J. 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
Background Volumetric laser endomicroscopy (VLE) provides circumferential images 3 mm into the biliary and pancreatic ducts. We aimed to correlate VLE images with the normal and abnormal microstructure of these ducts.
Methods: Samples from patients undergoing hepatic or pancreatic resection were evaluated. VLE images were collected using a low-profile VLE catheter inserted manually into the biliary and pancreatic ducts ex vivo. Histological correlation was assessed by two unblinded investigators.
Results 25 patients (20 liver and 5 pancreatic samples) and 111 images were analyzed. VLE revealed three histological layers: epithelium, connective tissue, and parenchyma. It identified distinctive patterns for primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), pancreatic cysts, neuroendocrine tumor, and adenocarcinoma adjacent to the pancreatic duct or ampulla. VLE failed to identify dysplasia in a dominant stricture and inflammatory infiltrates in PSC. Reflectivity measurements of the liver parenchyma diagnosed liver cirrhosis with high sensitivity.
Conclusions VLE can identify histological changes in the biliary and pancreatic ducts allowing real-time diagnosis. Further studies are needed to measure the accuracy of VLE in a larger sample and to validate our findings in vivo.
Periradicular Infiltration of the Cervical Spine: How New CT Scanner Techniques and Protocol Modifications Contribute to the Achievement of Low-Dose Interventions
Authors: Elsholtz Fabian , Kamp Julia , Vahldiek Janis , Hamm Bernd , Niehues Stefan 
Published: June 2018

Purpose CT-guided periradicular infiltration of the cervical spine is an effective symptomatic treatment in patients with radiculopathy-associated pain syndromes. This study evaluates the robustness and safety of a low-dose protocol on a CT scanner with iterative reconstruction software.
Materials and Methods A total of 183 patients who underwent periradicular infiltration therapy of the cervical spine were included in this study. 82 interventions were performed on a new CT scanner with a new intervention protocol using an iterative reconstruction algorithm. Spot scanning was implemented for planning and a basic low-dose setup of 80 kVp and 5 mAs was established during intermittent fluoroscopy. The comparison group included 101 prior interventions on a scanner without iterative reconstruction. The dose-length product (DLP), number of acquisitions, pain reduction on a numeric analog scale, and protocol changes to achieve a safe intervention were recorded.
Results The median DLP for the whole intervention was 24.3 mGy*cm in the comparison group and 1.8 mGy*cm in the study group. The median pain reduction was –3 in the study group and –2 in the comparison group. A 5 mAs increase in the tube current-time product was required in 5 patients of the study group.
Conclusion Implementation of a new scanner and intervention protocol resulted in a 92.6 % dose reduction without a compromise in safety and pain relief. The dose needed here is more than 75 % lower than doses used for similar interventions in published studies. An increase of the tube current-time product was needed in only 6 % of interventions.
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Aneurysmal Bone Cyst—An Unusual Presentation of Wrist Pain
Authors: Shukla Rajeev , Jain Nikhil 
Published: June 2018

Introduction Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a cystic benign expansile lytic bone lesion, resembling multiple intraosseous blood-filled spaces. It is most commonly seen in the first two decades of life. Most frequent sites of involvement are metaphysis of proximal and distal femur, proximal tibia, and posterior elements of spine. It is seen more frequently in females. ABC of distal ulna is rarely reported in the literature.
Case Presentation We are reporting a case of ABC of a rare location—distal ulna—in a young male, which was successfully treated with extended curettage, and the cavity was filled with bone graft, with K-wire stabilization.
A Long-term Estrogen Deficiency in Ovariectomized Mice is Associated with Disturbances in Fatty Acid Oxidation and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Oliveira Monique Cristine de , Campos-Shimada Lilian Brites , Marçal-Natali Maria Raquel , Ishii-Iwamoto Emy Luiza , Salgueiro-Pagadigorria Clairce Luzia 
Published: June 2018

Objective The aim of this work was to evaluate the changes caused by estrogen deficiency in lipid metabolism.
Methods This study encompassed direct measurements of plasma biochemical analyses, liver lipid contents, and assessments of the mitochondrial β-oxidation capacity as well as an evaluation of the liver redox status in an animal model of estrogen deficiency.
Results When compared with control mice, the livers of ovariectomized (OVX) mice presented considerable accretions in their lipid contents, which were accompanied by increased levels of lipid peroxidation in liver homogenates and mitochondria from OVX groups and decreased reduced glutathione (GSH) contents. In isolated mitochondria, estrogen deficiency inhibited mitochondrial β-oxidation of fatty acids irrespective of their chain length. The liver mitochondrial and peroxisomal H2O2 generations in OVX mice were increased. Additionally, the activities of all antioxidant enzymes assessed were decreased.
Conclusion These data provide one potential explanation for the increased susceptibility to metabolic diseases observed after menopause.