bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hepatic stellate cells secrete Ccl5 to induce hepatocyte steatosis
Authors: Kim Byeong-Moo , Abdelfattah Ahmed Maher , Vasan Robin , Fuchs Bryan C. , Choi Michael Y. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) encompasses a wide spectrum of disease severity, starting from pure steatosis, leading to fatty inflammation labeled as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and finally fibrosis leading to cirrhosis. Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are known to contribute to fibrosis, but less is known about their function during NAFLD’s early stages prior to fibrosis. We developed an ex vivo assay that cocultures primary HSCs from mouse models of liver disease with healthy hepatocytes to study their interaction. Our data indicate that chemokine Ccl5 is one of the HSC-secreted mediators in early NASH in humans and in mice fed with choline-deficient, L-amino acid defined, high fat diet. Furthermore, Ccl5 directly induces steatosis and pro-inflammatory factors in healthy hepatocytes through the receptor Ccr5. Although Ccl5 is already known to be secreted by many liver cell types including HSCs and its pro-fibrotic role well characterized, its pro-steatotic action has not been recognized until now. Similarly, the function of HSCs in fibrogenesis is widely accepted, but their pro-steatotic role has been unclear. Our result suggests that in early NASH, HSCs secrete Ccl5 which contributes to a broad array of mechanisms by which hepatic steatosis and inflammation are achieved.
Environmental suitability models predict population density, performance and body condition for microendemic salamanders
Authors: Lunghi Enrico , Manenti Raoul , Mulargia Manuela , Veith Michael , Corti Claudia , Ficetola Gentile Francesco 
Published: May 2018

AbstractSpecies can show strong variation of local abundance across their ranges. Recent analyses suggested that variation in abundance can be related to environmental suitability, as the highest abundances are often observed in populations living in the most suitable areas. However, there is limited information on the mechanisms through which variation in environmental suitability determines abundance. We analysed populations of the microendemic salamander Hydromantes flavus, and tested several hypotheses on potential relationships linking environmental suitability to population parameters. For multiple populations across the whole species range, we assessed suitability using species distribution models, and measured density, activity level, food intake and body condition index. In high-suitability sites, the density of salamanders was up to 30-times higher than in the least suitable ones. Variation in activity levels and population performance can explain such variation of abundance. In high-suitability sites, salamanders were active close to the surface, and showed a low frequency of empty stomachs. Furthermore, when taking into account seasonal variation, body condition was better in the most suitable sites. Our results show that the strong relationship between environmental suitability and population abundance can be mediated by the variation of parameters strongly linked to individual performance and fitness.
Breast cancer associated germline structural variants harboring small noncoding RNAs impact post-transcriptional gene regulation
Authors: Kumaran Mahalakshmi , Krishnan Preethi , Cass Carol E. , Hubaux Roland , Lam Wan , Yasui Yutaka , Damaraju Sambasivarao 
Published: May 2018

AbstractCopy Number Variants (CNVs) are a class of structural variations of DNA. Germline CNVs are known to confer disease susceptibility, but their role in breast cancer warrants further investigations. We hypothesized that breast cancer associated germline CNVs contribute to disease risk through gene dosage or other post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms, possibly through tissue specific expression of CNV-embedded small-noncoding RNAs (CNV-sncRNAs). Our objectives are to identify breast cancer associated CNVs using a genome wide association study (GWAS), identify sncRNA genes embedded within CNVs, confirm breast tissue (tumor and normal) expression of the sncRNAs, correlate their expression with germline copy status and identify pathways influenced by the genes regulated by sncRNAs. We used an association study design and accessed germline CNV data generated on Affymetrix Human SNP 6.0 array in 686 (in-house data) and 495 (TCGA data) subjects served as discovery and validation cohorts. We identified 1812 breast cancer associated CNVs harboring miRNAs (n = 38), piRNAs (n = 9865), snoRNAs (n = 71) and tRNAs (n = 12) genes. A subset of CNV-sncRNAs expressed in breast tissue, also showed correlation with germline copy status. We identified targets potentially regulated by miRNAs and snoRNAs. In summary, we demonstrate the potential impact of embedded CNV-sncRNAs on expression and regulation of down-stream targets.
Correlating Photoluminescence and Structural Properties of Uncapped and GaAs-Capped Epitaxial InGaAs Quantum Dots
Authors: Dey Arka B. , Sanyal Milan K. , Farrer Ian , Perumal Karthick , Ritchie David A. , Li Qianqian , Wu Jinsong , Dravid Vinayak 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe understanding of the correlation between structural and photoluminescence (PL) properties of self-assembled semiconductor quantum dots (QDs), particularly InGaAs QDs grown on (001) GaAs substrates, is crucial for both fundamental research and optoelectronic device applications. So far structural and PL properties have been probed from two different epitaxial layers, namely top-capped and buried layers respectively. Here, we report for the first time both structural and PL measurements from an uncapped layer of InGaAs QDs to correlate directly composition, strain and shape of QDs with the optical properties. Synchrotron X-ray scattering measurements show migration of In atom from the apex of QDs giving systematic reduction of height and enlargement of QDs base in the capping process. The optical transitions show systematic reduction in the energy of ground state and the first excited state transition lines with increase in capping but the energy of the second excited state line remain unchanged. We also found that the excitons are confined at the base region of these elliptically shaped QDs showing an interesting volume-dependent confinement energy scaling of 0.3 instead of 0.67 expected for spherical dots. The presented method will help us tuning the growth of QDs to achieve desired optical properties.
Allatostatin C modulates nociception and immunity in Drosophila
Authors: Bachtel Nathaniel D. , Hovsepian Gary A. , Nixon Douglas F. , Eleftherianos Ioannis 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBacterial induced inflammatory responses cause pain through direct activation of nociceptive neurons, and the ablation of these neurons leads to increased immune infiltration. In this study, we investigated nociceptive-immune interactions inDrosophilaand the role these interactions play during pathogenic bacterial infection. After bacterial infection, we found robust upregulation of ligand-gated ion channels and allatostatin receptors involved in nociception, which potentially leads to hyperalgesia. We further found thatAllatostatin-C Receptor 2 (AstC-R2)plays a crucial role in host survival during infection with the pathogenic bacteriumPhotorhabdus luminescens. Upon examination of immune signaling inAstC-R2deficient mutants, we demonstrated thatAllatostatin-C Receptor 2specifically inhibits the Immune deficiency pathway, and knockdown of AstC-R2leads to overproduction of antimicrobial peptides related to this pathway and decreased host survival. This study provides mechanistic insights into the importance of microbe-nociceptor interactions during bacterial challenge. We posit thatAllatostatin Cis an immunosuppressive substance released by nociceptors orDrosophilahemocytes that dampensIMDsignaling in order to either prevent immunopathology or to reduce unnecessary metabolic cost after microbial stimulation.AstC-R2also acts to dampen thermal nociception in the absence of infection, suggesting an intrinsic neuronal role in mediating these processes during homeostatic conditions. Further examination into the signaling mechanisms by whichAllatostatin-Calters immunity and nociception inDrosophilamay reveal conserved pathways which can be utilized towards therapeutically targeting inflammatory pain and chronic inflammation.
MicroRNA and transcriptome analysis in periocular Sebaceous Gland Carcinoma
Authors: Bladen John C. , Wang Jun , Sangaralingam Ajanthah , Moosajee Mariya , Fitchett Caroline , Chelala Claude , Beaconsfield Michele , O’Toole Edel A. , Philpott Michael P. , Ezra Daniel G. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractSebaceous gland carcinoma (SGC) is a rare, but life-threatening condition with a predilection for the periocular region. Eyelid SGC can be broadly categorised into two subtypes, namely either nodular or pagetoid with the latter being more aggressive and requiring radical excision to save life. We have identified key altered microRNAs (miRNA) involved in SGC shared by both subtypes, hsa-miR-34a-5p and hsa-miR-16-5p. However, their gene targetsBCL2andMYCwere differentially expressed with both overexpressed in pagetoid but unchanged in nodular suggesting different modes of action of these two miRNAs onBCL/MYCexpression. Hsa-miR-150p is nodular-specifically overexpressed, and its targetZEB1was significantly downregulated in nodular SGC suggesting a tumour suppressor role. Invasive pagetoid subtype demonstrated specific overexpression of hsa-miR-205 and downregulation of hsa-miR-199a. Correspondingly, miRNA gene targets,EZH2(by hsa-miR-205) andCD44(by hsa-miR-199a), were both overexpressed in pagetoid SGC. CD44 has been identified as a potential cancer stem cell marker in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and its overexpression in pagetoid cells represents a novel treatment target. Aberrant miRNAs and their gene targets have been identified in both SGC subtypes, paving the way for better molecular understanding of these tumours and identifying new treatment targets.
On the relationship between the specific heat enhancement of salt-based nanofluids and the ionic exchange capacity of nanoparticles
Authors: Mondragón Rosa , Juliá J. Enrique , Cabedo Luis , Navarrete Nuria 
Published: May 2018

AbstractNanoparticles have been used in thermal applications to increase the specific heat of the molten salts used in Concentrated Solar Power plants for thermal energy storage. Although several mechanisms for abnormal enhancement have been proposed, they are still being investigated and more research is necessary. However, this nanoparticle-salt interaction can also be found in chemical applications in which nanoparticles have proved suitable to be used as an adsorbent for nitrate removal given their high specific surface, reactivity and ionic exchange capacity. In this work, the ionic exchange capacity mechanism for the nanoparticles functionalization phenomenon was evaluated. The ionic exchange capacity of silica and alumina nanoparticles dispersed in lithium, sodium and potassium nitrates was measured. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy tests confirmed the adsorption of nitrate ions on the nanoparticle surface. A relationship between the ionic exchange capacity of nanoparticles and the specific heat enhancement of doped molten salts was proposed for the first time.
Tunable phase stability and contact resistance of monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides contacts with metal
Authors: Ouyang Bin , Xiong Shiyun , Jing Yuhang 
Published: May 2018

AbstractMonolayer transition metal dichalcogenides/metal (MX2/metal) based transistors have been widely studied. However, further development is hindered by the large contact resistance between MX2 and metal contact. In this paper, we demonstrated that interfacial charge transfer between MX2 and metal is the key for tuning contact resistance. With the lattice misfit criterion applied to screen combination of MX2s and metals, it has been found out that both phase stability of MX2 and contact nature between MX2 and metal will be sensitively affected by interfacial charge transfer. Additionally, we have identified seven MX2/metal systems that can potentially form zero Schottky barrier contacts utilizing phase engineering. On base of interfacial charge calculations and contact resistance analysis, we have presented three types of MX2/metal contacts that can be formed with distinguished contact resistance. Our theoretical results not only demonstrate various choice of MX2/metal designs in order to achieve different amounts of interfacial charge transfer as well as manipulate contact resistance, but also shed light on designing ohmic contacts in MX2/metal systems.
Chronische, nicht dialysepflichtige
Niereninsuffizienz
Authors: Reshetnik Alexander 
Published: May 2018

ZusammenfassungPatienten mit chronischer Niereninsuffizienz (CNI) haben ein hohes
kardiovaskuläres Risiko. Gleichzeitig weist der arterielle Hypertonus eine hohe
Prävalenz in diesem Kollektiv auf. Entsprechend der vorhandenen Evidenz
profitieren die Patienten mit CNI von einer Blutdruckeinstellung. Insbesondere
bei albuminurischen Patienten sollten RAAS-Blocker die Medikamente der ersten
Wahl sein. Aufgrund des meist höheren Alters und vorhandener Komorbiditäten sind
diese Patienten unter der antihypertensiven Therapie strenger hinsichtlich der
Nebenwirkungen wie akutes Nierenversagen, Elektrolytstörungen, Orthostase und
Synkopen zu überwachen.
Sekundärglaukom bei Uveitis
Authors: Lommatzsch Claudia , Heinz Carsten 
Published: May 2018

ZusammenfassungEin Augeninnendruckanstieg mit Entwicklung von glaukomatösen Schäden ist eine häufige Komplikation im Rahmen einer Uveitis. Die Prävalenz hat eine große Spannbreite in Abhängigkeit von unterschiedlichen Faktoren wie z. B. der zugrunde liegenden Uveitisform und der Erkrankungsdauer. Pathogenetisch muss zwischen einer sekundären Engwinkelkomponente und dem häufiger auftretenden Offenwinkelglaukom unterschieden werden. In der Diagnostik kommt neben der klinischen Sehnervenkopfbeurteilung, Perimetrie und Tonometrie die Verwendung von bildgebenden Untersuchungsgeräten wie z. B. OCT oder HRT zum Tragen. Im Rahmen eines uveitischen Glaukoms können die glaukomtypischen Veränderungen im Vergleich zu anderen Glaukomformen geringer ausgeprägt sein bzw. durch Netzhautschwellungen kaschiert werden. Therapeutisch ist die medikamentöse Therapie in Form von augeninnendrucksenkenden Augentropfen weiterhin First-Line-Empfehlung, wobei die Verwendung von lokalen Karboanhydrasehemmern oder Betablockern, je nach vorliegenden Kontraindikationen, primär zu bevorzugen ist. Eine operative Therapie schließt sich an eine erfolglose oder unzureichende konservative Therapie an. Die adäquate Operationstechnik ist vom jeweiligen Befund abhängig und umfasst zurzeit vorrangig Techniken wie filtrierende Operationen oder Glaukomdrainage-Implantate.
A structured light laser probe for gastrointestinal polyp size measurement: a preliminary comparative study
Authors: Visentini-Scarzanella Marco , Kawasaki Hiroshi , Furukawa Ryo , Bonino Marco , Arolfo Simone , Lo Secco Giacomo , Arezzo Alberto , Menciassi Arianna , Dario Paolo , Ciuti Gastone 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Background and study aims Polyp size measurement is an important diagnostic step during gastrointestinal endoscopy, and is mainly performed by visual inspection. However, lack of depth perception and objective reference points are acknowledged factors contributing to measurement errors in polyp size. In this paper, we describe the proof-of-concept of a polyp measurement device based on structured light technology for future endoscopes.
Patients and methods Measurement accuracy, time, user confidence, and satisfaction were evaluated for polyp size assessment by (a) visual inspection, (b) open biopsy forceps of known size, (c) ruled snare, and (d) structured light probe, for a total of 392 independent polyp measurements in ex vivo porcine stomachs.
Results Visual assessment resulted in a median estimation error of 2.2 mm, IQR = 2.6 mm. The proposed probe can reduce the error to 1.5 mm, IQR = 1.67 mm (P = 0.002, 95 %CI) and its performance was found to be statistically similar to using forceps for reference (P = 0.81, 95 %CI) or ruled snare (P = 0.99, 95 %CI), while not occluding the tool channel. Timing performance with the probe was measured to be on average 54.75 seconds per polyp. This was significantly slower than visual assessment (20.7 seconds per polyp, P = 0.005, 95 %CI) but not significantly different from using a snare (68.5 seconds per polyp, P = 0.73, 95 %CI). However, the probe’s timing performance was partly due to lens cleaning problems in our preliminary design. Reported average satisfaction on a 0 – 10 range was highest for the proposed probe (7.92), visual assessment (7.01), and reference forceps (7.82), while significantly lower for snare users with a score of 4.42 (P = 0.035, 95 %CI).
Conclusions The common practice of visual assessment of polyp size was found to be significantly less accurate than tool-based assessment, but easy to carry out. The proposed technology offers an accuracy on par with using a reference tool or ruled snare with the same satisfaction levels of visual assessment and without occluding the tool channel. Further study will improve the design to reduce the operating time by integrating the probe within the scope tip.
Hemodialysis is a strong risk factor for post-endoscopic sphincterotomy bleeding in patients with choledocholithiasis
Authors: Nakaji So , Hirata Nobuto , Matsui Hiroki , Shiratori Toshiyasu , Kobayashi Masayoshi , Yoshimura Shigenobu , Kanda Keisuke , Kawamitsu Natsuki , Harasawa Hisato 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Background and study aims Hemodialysis (HD) is considered one of the risk factors for post-endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) bleeding. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective study to evaluate HD as a risk factor for post-ES bleeding in patients with choledocholithiasis.
Patients and methods We used the post-ES bleeding rate as the main outcome measure. To evaluate the influence of HD on the risk of post-ES bleeding, logistic regression and propensity score analyses were conducted. In addition, univariate analysis-based comparisons of various clinical parameters (as secondary outcome measures) were performed between the patients in the HD and non-HD groups that experienced post-ES bleeding.
Results A total of 1518 patients were enrolled. In the multivariate analysis, a platelet count of < 50,000, anticoagulant therapy, bleeding during ES, and HD were found to be significantly associated with post-ES bleeding (odds ratio [OR]: 35.30, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 3.81 – 328.00; OR: 4.39, 95 % CI: 1.53 – 12.60; OR: 4.28, 95 % CI: 2.30 – 7.97; and OR: 13.30, 95 % CI: 5.78 – 30.80, respectively). Propensity score matching created 28 matched pairs. Propensity score analysis showed that the risk difference between the groups was 0.214 (95 % CI: 0.022 – 0.407). In a comparison between the patients in the HD and non-HD groups that suffered post-ES bleeding, it was found that the post-ES bleeding was significantly more severe in the HD group (p = 0.033), and massive blood transfusions and long periods of hospitalization were more frequently required in the HD group (p = 0.008 and p < 0.001, respectively).
Conclusion HD is an independent risk factor for post-ES bleeding and makes post-ES bleeding more serious.
Systemische Kortikosteroide bei nicht infektiöser Uveitis
Authors: Neß Thomas 
Published: May 2018

ZusammenfassungKortikosteroide sind essenzieller Bestandteil bei der Behandlung einer nicht infektiösen Uveitis, von rheumatischen Erkrankungen, Autoimmunerkrankungen, Allergien oder bei der Behandlung oder Verhinderung einer Transplantatabstoßung. Neben den gewünschten Effekten auf das Immunsystem kann eine Langzeittherapie mit Kortikosteroiden auch zu einer ganzen Reihe von unerwünschten Wirkungen führen. Deshalb sollte die Therapie mit systemischen Kortikosteroiden in geeigneter Dosierung und mit einem ausreichenden Monitoring und einer adäquaten Prophylaxe erfolgen.
Paraparesis after Lumbar Drain Placement and Catheter Tear: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Kumar Mithilesh , Bhutani Rachna , Jain Neetu , Sood Jayashree 
Published: May 2018

AbstractLumbar spinal drain placement is being done with increasing frequency either to reduce intracranial pressure or facilitate view of surgical field in neurosurgical procedures. Complications due to fracture of catheter and/or retained catheter are rare and underreported but are of concern. The management of such a complication, surgical or conservative, depends on location of retained fragment of catheter, patient condition, or resulting complications due to catheter shearing. In this case, the position of the retained catheter fragment does not explain the subsequent paraparesis, which resolved with conservative management. Since there are no guidelines to handle such cases, it is important to individualize patient management. Proper positioning, technique and expertise, and some changes in Tuohy needle tip are required to reduce complications due to broken spinal drains. This case report emphasizes on the measures that can be taken to prevent shearing of spinal catheter.
Caffeine ingestion changes time‐motion and technical‐tactical aspects in simulated boxing matches: A randomized double‐blind PLA‐controlled crossover study
Authors: Coswig Victor Silveira , Gentil Paulo , Irigon Francine , Del Vecchio Fabrício Boscolo 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe number of offensive actions and glycolytic energy in combat sports both increase with caffeine (CAF) ingestion. In addition, the effects of CAF on technical‐tactical and time‐motion analysis and physiological parameters in boxing are unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effects of CAF ingestion on physiological parameters and the notational analysis of boxing matches. Ten male boxers were recruited; the participants ingested 6 mg kg−1 BM of CAF or placebo (PLA) 30 min prior to the match in a crossover design. Heart rate (HR) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were collected before and after each of three 2 min rounds, interspersed by 1‐min recovery; the matches were recorded for notational analysis. A two‐way ANOVA for repeated measures was used for the physiological variables, and a three‐way ANOVA with repeated measures was used for technical‐tactical and time‐motion variables. Statistical differences were found for HR and RPE between rounds (F(6, 54) = 131.3, p = .001; = 0.93 and F(2, 18) = 40.6, p = .001; = 0.81, respectively) but not between conditions (F(1, 9) = 0.46; p = .51; = 0.05 and F(1, 9) = 0.02, p = .89; = 0.002, respectively). The CAF condition induced a greater duration of interaction blocks (CAF = 6.5 ± 1.8 s; PLA = 4.4 ± 0.9 s; p = .01). Effort:pause ratio was 4.4 s:8.7 s (approx. 1:2) for PLA and 6.5 s:9.4 s (1:1.44) for CAF, which were significantly different (p < .05). In conclusion, 6 mg kg−1 BM of CAF prior to simulated boxing matches induces a greater duration of high‐intensity actions, with no effects on internal load markers.