bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detection of Hepatitis B Genotypes in HBsAg & HBeAg Carriers
Authors: Khan Salman , Madan Molly 
Published: October 2018

Objective:- Hepatitis B is noteworthy medical issues that may include the late continuation of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The present study aimed for the detection and diffrentiation of Hepatitis B virus HBsAg inactive non-replicative carriers, HBeAg-positive inactive replicative carriers, active carriers & HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B by Real Time PCR and their genotyping
Methods: This research conducted on 245 positive for HBsAg, 118 (48.16 %) were male and 127 (51.84%) were female patients, which was performed in central research station labortory of Microbiology at netaji subhash Chandra Bose subharti Medical College and Hospital, Meerut Between march 2016 to November 2017 The sera were separated and screened for HBsAg by ELISA kit. Positive samples for HBsAg were tested for HBeAg ELISA kit and DNA Viral load then sequenced for genotying
Results:. Of the 245 HBsAg Positive case 55 (1.12%) were HBeAg positive. In 16 PCR positive and HBV genotyping, In HBsAg inactive Non-Replicative 37.5% (n=6) genotype-B and 6.25% (n=1) genotype-A, In HBeAg inactive Replicative 12.5% (n=2) genotype-B and 12.5% (n=2) genotype-A and In HBeAg Active Chronic Hepatitis B 18.75% (n=3) genotype-B and 12.5% (n=2) genotype-A were detected
Conclusions: Management strategy, using HBsAg, HBeAg and HBV DNA viral load, seems adequate for the confirmation and diffrentiation of Hepatitis B virus inactive, active carriers & HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients and genotype B was more prevalent in comparission to genotype A. Distribution of carriers & genotypes, help physicians to prescribe proper antiviral/interferon therapy according to current genotyping pattern in this region
Keywords: Hepatitis B virus, Carrier State, HBsAg, HBeAg, RT-PCR
Conference report: Word-Formation Theories III & Typology and Universals in "Word-Formation IV", June 27–30, 2018; Košice, Slovakia
Authors: Kalafus Antoniová Vesna 
Published: October 2018

Department of British and American Studies in cooperation with SKASE (The Slovak Association for the Study of English) organized the Word-Formation Theories III & Typology and Universals in Word-Formation IV Conference. The Conference took place at P.J. Šafárik University in Košice, Slovakia, from 27 June to 30 June 2018. The event was organized by Slávka Tomaščíková, Lívia Körtvélyessy and Pavol Štekauer (P.J. Šafárik University in Košice, Slovakia) and with the support of the APVV project No: APVV-16–0035 Research into extralinguistic factors of word-formation and word-interpretation. The program and the book of abstracts are available at the conference homepage http://kaa.ff.upjs.sk/en/alumni-club/33/word-formation-theories-iii-typology-and-universals-in-word-formation-iv.

Dieser Beitrag ist ursprünglich im Peter-Lang-Verlag erschienen (https://www.ingentaconnect.com/contentone/plg/jwf/2018/00000002/00000002/art00004)
Pathogenesis of Polyglutamine Diseases
Authors: Sahashi Kentaro , Katsuno Masahisa 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases are inherited neurodegenerative disorders caused by expansions in the distinct genes harbouring a (cytosine‐adenine‐guanine) CAG‐trinucleotide repeat, which is translated into an expanded polyQ tract within the encoded protein. This induces toxic protein aggregates, which eventually causes neurodegeneration and the spreading of pathology. Nine polyQ diseases have been reported so far; spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy, the first identified polyQ disease in 1991, followed by Huntington disease, dentatorubral–pallidoluysian atrophy and six types of spinocerebellar ataxia. PolyQ diseases elicit common phenotypes of late‐onset, progressive neurodegeneration and the presence of intracellular aggregates, especially in the affected neurons. In addition, toxic roles of expanded repeat‐containing RNAs are implicated as the additional mechanisms of polyQ diseases. Nearly 30 years since the discovery of expanded CAG repeats as a cause of neurodegeneration, the mechanism of vulnerability of specific neuronal populations still remains an enigma.

Key Concepts

Polyglutamine diseases are late‐onset, inherited neurodegenerative disorders, caused by expansions of a CAG‐trinucleotide repeat encoding glutamine in nine distinct genes.

CAG expansions confer a gain‐of‐function toxicity, occasionally with a concomitant loss or augmentation of function of a native protein.

The repeat length of polymorphic CAG trinucleotides is correlated with disease severity and age of onset.

Despite the ubiquitous expression of the mutated genes, CAG‐expansion mutations cause dysfunction and degeneration in specific neuronal subpopulations and present a great diversity of clinical disease manifestations.

Toxic repeat‐expanded RNAs and transneuronal propagation of pathogenic proteins would also play a role in the specific pathogenesis of polyglutamine diseases.
Moral Enhancement – And the Opposite: Making People More or Less Moral
Authors: Dubljević Veljko , Ranisch Robert 
Published: October 2018

Abstract‘Moral enhancement’ refers to the possibility of using biomedical means for making individuals morally better in practice. It has generated a heated debate, especially in terms of the strategies for enhancement, the means that provide the desired enhancement effects and the populations that are supposed to be enhanced. It is important to note the history of moral enhancement, reasons that have been given in the recent discussions for engaging in moral enhancement and possible targets of intervention (cognition, volition or effect). There is some evidence that suggests that psychopharmacological (Oxytocin and stimulant drugs), electromagnetic (noninvasive brain stimulation) and genetic means (selective reproduction and direct genome editing) could be used for such a purpose. However, no safe and effective means of moral enhancement are available at this time.Key ConceptsMoral enhancement refers to the (speculative) possibility of using biomedical means for making individuals morally better.Bioliberals typically emphasise the importance of morphological and reproductive freedom in a liberal state.Transhumanists do not merely want to enhance humanity but overcome the limits of humankind and guide evolution towards a ‘posthuman’ age.Moral malleability refers to the idea that moral cognition is amenable to pharmacological, electromagnetic and possibly even genetic interventions.Psychopathic individuals have impaired capacity for empathy, guilt and remorse, and consequently commit a disproportionate amount of immoral acts, thus they are considered the key population in need of moral enhancement.
Habenula
Authors: Mathis Victor , Kenny Paul J 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

The habenula is a diencephalic brain region that has attracted growing interest over the past decade because of its role in reward‐related behaviours and potential involvement in neuropsychiatric disorders in which reward processes are perturbed. The habenula exerts remarkable control over major dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmitter systems and has been implicated in a plethora of complex behavioural processes. It has been hypothesised that the habenula integrates information regarding rewarding and aversive stimuli and participates in the selection of behavioural strategies to maximise rewarding outcomes. Habenular activity is highly responsive to drugs of abuse and alterations in its activity may contribute to the negative emotional states during periods of drug abstinence that may precipitate the emergence of compulsive drug seeking behaviours. Thus, the habenula appears today as a hot topic in the neuroscience field in regard to its proper role such as to its potential implication in several pathologies like addiction.

Key Concepts

The habenula is a well‐conserved structure, divided in a medial and a lateral part, controlling the monoaminergic centres of the brain.

The medial and the lateral habenula, even if they belong to a same complex (the habenular complex or habenula), present important differences in term of connectivity and neurochemical markers.

The habenula location allows it to convey information from the telencephalon to the midbrain regions, regarding the rewarding properties such as the emotional aspect of a situation.

It is now well described that drug of abuse, such as nicotine and cocaine, induce important alterations of the medial and lateral habenula activity respectively.

Drug‐induced alteration of the habenular nuclei may lead to severe negative states and participate to withdrawal symptoms, such as depression.
Floral Mimicry
Authors: Goodrich Katherine R 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Mimicry involves an organism copying the phenotype of a model so that another organism (operator) mistakes the mimic for the model. Mistaking mimic for model, the operator behaves in a way that benefits the mimic. In floral mimicry, the mimic is a flower that dupes the operator into acting as pollinator. The model, sought by the operator and mimicked by the flower, can be anything from a rewarding flower, to a sexually receptive female insect, to a pile of dung. Floral mimicry is found in many angiosperm families, most commonly in orchids. Pollination strategies involving mimicry allow us to address questions about how natural selection might favour transitions from rewarding to nonrewarding (deceptive) flowers, and in some scenarios, transitions from ‘traditional’ floral phenotypes to elaborate floral phenotypes mimicking animals, fungi or microbial decomposition of different substrates. These scenarios also allow us to address questions about pollinator sensory perception, learning and behaviour.

Key Concepts

Pollination strategies involving floral mimicry provide fascinating systems by which to study ecology and evolution.

Both Batesian and Müllerian mimicry are used as pollination strategies.

In Batesian floral mimicry, a nonrewarding flower may mimic a rewarding flower or a nonfloral resource such as carrion or dung.

There is currently some disagreement over definitions, classifications and expectations of mimicry in natural systems including pollination ecology.

When investigating potential mimicry in pollination, it is important to identify an ecologically relevant model and to understand the behavioural motivation of the operator (pollinator).
Protein production is an early biomarker for RNA‐targeted therapies
Authors: Self Wade K. , Schoch Kathleen M. , Alex Jacob , Barthélemy Nicolas , Bollinger James G. , Sato Chihiro , Cole Tracy , Kordasiewicz Holly B. , Swayze Eric , Bateman Randall J. , Miller Timothy M. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectivesClinical trials for progressive neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's Disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis have been hindered due to the absence of effective pharmacodynamics markers to assay target engagement. We tested whether measurements of new protein production would be a viable pharmacodynamics tool for RNA‐targeted therapies.MethodsTransgenic animal models expressing human proteins implicated in neurodegenerative disorders – microtubule‐associated protein tau (hTau) or superoxide dismutase‐1 (hSOD1) – were treated with antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) delivered to the central nervous system to target these human mRNA transcripts. Simultaneously, animals were administered 13C6‐leucine via drinking water to measure new protein synthesis after ASO treatment. Measures of new protein synthesis and protein concentration were assayed at designated time points after ASO treatment using targeted proteomics.ResultsASO treatment lowered hTau mRNA and protein production (measured by 13C6‐leucine‐labeled hTau protein) earlier than total hTau protein concentration in transgenic mouse cortex. In the CSF of hSOD1 transgenic rats, ASO treatment lowered newly generated hSOD1 protein driven by decreases in newly synthesized hSOD1 protein, not overall protein concentration, 30 days after treatment. At later time points, decreases in newly generated protein were still observed after mRNA lowering reached a steady state after ASO treatment.InterpretationMeasures of newly generated protein show earlier pharmacodynamics changes for RNA‐lowering therapeutics compared with total protein concentration. Early in ASO treatment, decreases in newly generated protein are driven by changes in newly synthesized protein. Measuring new protein production in CSF may be a promising early pharmacodynamics marker for RNA‐targeted therapeutics.
Ultrathin 2D Cobalt Zeolite‐Imidazole Framework Nanosheets for Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Jayaramulu Kolleboyina , Masa Justus , Morales Dulce M. , Tomanec Ondrej , Ranc Vaclav , Petr Martin , Wilde Patrick , Chen Yen‐Ting , Zboril Radek , Schuhmann Wolfgang , Fischer Roland A. 
Published: October 2018

Abstract2D layered materials, including metal‐di‐chalcogenides and transition metal layered double hydroxides, among others, are intensively studied because of new properties that emerge from their 2D confinement, which are attractive for advanced applications. Herein, 2D cobalt ion (Co2+) and benzimidazole (bIm) based zeolite‐imidazole framework nanosheets, ZIF‐9(III), are reported as exceptionally efficient electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Specifically, liquid‐phase ultrasonication is applied to exfoliate a [Co4(bIm)16] zeolite‐imidazole framework (ZIF), named as ZIF‐9(III) phase, into nanoscale sheets. ZIF‐9(III) is selectively prepared through simple mechanical grinding of cobalt nitrate and benzimidazole in the presence of a small amount of ethanol. The resultant exfoliated nanosheets exhibit significantly higher OER activity in alkaline conditions than the corresponding bulk phases ZIF‐9 and ZIF‐9(III). The electrochemical and physicochemical characterization data support the assignment of the OER activity of the exfoliated nanosheet derived material to nitrogen coordinated cobalt oxyhydroxide N4CoOOH sites, following a mechanism known for Co‐porphyrin and related systems. Thus, exfoliated 2D nanosheets hold promise as potential alternatives to commercial noble metal electrocatalysts for the OER.
Environmental enrichment has minimal effects on behavior in the Shank3 complete knockout model of autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Hulbert Samuel W. , Bey Alexandra L. , Jiang Yong‐hui 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIntroductionSeveral studies have supported the use of enriched environments to prevent the manifestation of ASD‐like phenotypes in laboratory rodents. While the translational value of such experiments is unknown, the findings have been relatively consistent across many different models.MethodsIn the current study, we tested the effects of early environmental enrichment on a mouse model of ASD with high construct validity, the Shank3 ∆e4–22 mice our laboratory previously generated and characterized.ResultsContrary to previous reports, we found no benefits of enriched rearing, including no change in repetitive self‐grooming or hole‐board exploration. Instead, we found that early environmental enrichment increased anxiety‐like behavior in all mice regardless of genotype and decreased motor performance specifically in wild‐type mice.ConclusionsAlthough using a different enrichment protocol may have rescued the phenotypes in our mouse model, these results suggest that a “one‐size fits all” approach may not be the best when it comes to behavioral intervention for ASD and underscores the need for effective pharmaceutical development in certain genetic syndromes with severe symptom presentation.
High‐Voltage Supercapacitors Based on Aqueous Electrolytes
Authors: Zang Xining , Shen Caiwei , Sanghadasa Mohan , Lin Liwei 
Published: October 2018

AbstractSupercapacitors with high power density and life cycles are an important family of power supplies among energy storage systems. The operating voltage window of a supercapacitor is determined by both the chemistry of electrode materials and the electrochemical kinetics of electrolytes while the water hydrolysis potential of 1.23 V is the typical limit for capacitors based on aqueous electrolytes. Here, we briefly outline the working mechanism of electrochemical supercapacitors, including electron double layer capacitors (EDLC) and pseudo‐capacitors, and investigate the limitations of their working voltages. The principles and examples of different designs of electrodes and electrolytes for high‐voltage supercapacitors beyond the hydrolysis limit are discussed, such as asymmetric electrodes, high concentration electrolytes, and electrolytes with different pH values. Insights into high voltage capacitor cells and future prospects are provided for the development of electrochemical energy storage systems.
The impact of rapid on‐site evaluation on thyroid fine‐needle aspiration biopsy: A 2‐year cancer center institutional experience
Authors: Pastorello Ricardo G. , Destefani Camila , Pinto Pedro H. , Credidio Caroline H. , Reis Rafael X. , Rodrigues Thiago de A. , Toledo Maryane C. de , De Brot Louise , Costa Felipe de A. , do Nascimento Antonio G. , Pinto Clóvis A. L. , Saieg Mauro A. 
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUNDThe impact of rapid on‐site evaluation (ROSE) on thyroid aspirates has been a matter of extensive debate. In the current study, the authors reviewed all thyroid fine‐needle aspiration biopsies (FNABs) performed in their service in recent years to evaluate the impact of ROSE on final adequacy and diagnostic rates.METHODSAll ultrasound‐guided FNABs of the thyroid performed between July 2015 and July 2017 were included retrospectively. ROSE was performed by experienced cytopathologists, with production of Romanowsky‐stained slides for immediate evaluation. When ROSE was not performed, a total of 3 needle passes were performed as the default. Final specimen adequacy and the risk of malignancy (ROM) of each The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC) category were calculated in the 2 groups (ROSE and non‐ROSE) and compared using the chi‐square test.RESULTSAn initial search obtained 4649 cytology specimens, 3469 of which (74.6%) underwent ROSE and 1180 of which (25.4%) did not. Patients were predominantly female (85.4%), with a mean age of 53 years. Specimen adequacy was found to be significantly higher in the ROSE group (93.4% vs 69.4%; P<.0001), with a mean number of needle passes necessary for an adequate diagnosis of 1.48 ± 0.71 (median, 1.0 needle passes; range, 1‐5 needle passes). No statistical difference was observed with regard to the ROM for each TBSRTC category when the 2 groups (ROSE and non‐ROSE) were compared.CONCLUSIONSThe current study data support ROSE as a valuable technique in thyroid FNAB. It was proven to significantly improve specimen adequacy with a decreased mean number of needle passes necessary to achieve an adequate cytological diagnosis and no impact on the ROM for any TBSRTC category.
A general method to stabilize unstable periodic orbits for switched dynamical systems with a periodically moving threshold
Authors: Miino Yuu , Ito Daisuke , Asahara Hiroyuki , Kousaka Takuji , Ueta Tetsushi 
Published: October 2018

SummaryIn the previous study, a method to control chaos for switched dynamical systems with constant threshold value has been proposed. In this paper, we extend this method to the systems including a periodically moving threshold. The main control scheme is based on the pole placement; then, a small control perturbation added to the moving threshold value can stabilize an unstable periodic orbit embedded within a chaotic attractor. For an arbitrary periodic function of the threshold movement, we mathematically derive the variational equations, the state feedback parameters, and a control gain by composing a suitable Poincaré map. As examples, we illustrate control implementations for systems with thresholds whose movement waveforms are sinusoidal and sawtooth‐shape, and unstable one and two periodic orbits in each circuit are stabilized in numerical and circuit experiments. In these experiments, we confirm enough convergence of the control input.
Lessons from Drosophila Pointed, an ETS family transcription factor and key nuclear effector of the RTK signaling pathway
Authors: Vivekanand Pavithra 
Published: October 2018

SummaryThe ETS family of transcription factors are evolutionarily conserved throughout the metazoan lineage and are critical for regulating cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and migration. All members have an ETS DNA binding domain, while a subset also has a protein–protein interaction domain called the SAM domain. Pointed (Pnt), an ETS transcriptional activator functions downstream of the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling pathway to regulate diverse processes during the development of Drosophila. This review highlights the indispensable role that Pnt plays in regulating normal development and how continued investigation into its function and regulation will provide key mechanistic insight into understanding why the de‐regulation of its vertebrate orthologs, ETS1 and ETS2 results in cancer.
Breath Figures decorated silicon oxinitride ceramic surfaces with controlled Si ions release for enhanced osteoinduction
Authors: Carlomagno Cristiano , Motta Antonella , Sorarù Giandomenico , Aswath Pranesh , Migliaresi Claudio , Maniglio Devid 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBioactive coatings are usually applied to bone and dental prostheses to enhance the integration and their stability in the bone. Recently, silicon (Si) oxynitride ceramics have been demonstrated to possess osteoconductive properties due to the release of Si ions, particularly important in the early stage of bone formation. In addition, the pattern of the bone contacting surface has been reported to affect cells’ differentiation and metabolic activity. In this work, we propose the Breath Figure (BF) process combined with a pyrolysis step, starting from a photo‐crosslinkable alkoxy silicone precursor, as a method to realize bioactive patterned coating on metal bone and dental prostheses. Four different surface patterned coatings were applied to Ti4Al6V disks starting from solutions with different precursor concentrations. Morphology, chemical composition, and Si ions’ release were evaluated and compared. Moreover, all samples underwent to biological in vitro testing with human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) in comparison with the uncoated titanium alloy. The results indicated that the Si released from the coatings determined an increase in the cellular activity with the BF pattern influencing the hMSCs’ initial adhesion and proliferation. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1284–1294, 2019.
HOXD‐AS1 is a predictor of clinical progression and functions as an oncogenic lncRNAs in papillary thyroid cancer
Authors: Xu Kai , Feng Ying 
Published: October 2018

AbstractLong noncoding RNA HOXD cluster antisense RNA 1 (HOXD‐AS1) has been found to play a crucial role in the tumorigenesis and progression of human cancer. However, the role of HOXD‐AS1 in papillary thyroid cancer is still unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical value and biological function of HOXD‐AS1 in papillary thyroid cancer. The results showed HOXD‐AS1 is overexpressed in papillary thyroid cancer tissues and cell lines compared with matching nontumor tissue specimens and normal thyroid cell line, respectively. High expression of HOXD‐AS1 was associated with elderly people, advanced clinical stage, large tumor size, present lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis. There was no significant correlation between HOXD‐AS1 expression and disease‐free survival or overall survival in this cohort from the TCGA database. The study in vitro suggested reduced HOXD‐AS1 expression inhibited papillary thyroid cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and promoted cell‐cycle arrest. In conclusion, HOXD‐AS1 is a biomarker for predicting clinical progression in papillary thyroid cancer.