bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High renal DC‐SIGN+ cell density is associated with severe renal lesions and poor prognosis in patients with immunoglobulin A nephropathy
Authors: Wang Yuxi , Hu Zhizhi , Wu Jianliang , Wang Pengge , Yang Qian , Li Yueqiang , Zhu Fengming , Yang Juan , Deng Yuanjun , Han Min , Yao Ying , Zeng Rui , Pei Guangchang , Xu Gang 
Published: December 2018

Background and aimsIn this observational cohort study, we assessed the prognostic value of DC‐SIGN+ cells in the pathogenesis and progression of IgA nephropathy (IgAN).Methods and resultsA total of 139 adult IgAN patients were enrolled into this study from June 2009 to June 2010. We characterised DC‐SIGN+ cells by immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence in renal biopsy tissue. Correlations between the DC‐SIGN, intercellular adhesion molecule 3 (ICAM‐3), CD4 and CD8 were evaluated. Patients were classified into the DC‐SIGNhigh and DC‐SIGNlow groups. Depending on an average of 100‐month follow‐up, the predictive value of DC‐SIGN+ cells in IgAN progression was analysed. DC‐SIGN+ cells were found frequently in IgAN kidneys while rarely observed in normal kidneys, and almost all DC‐SIGN+ cells expressed MHC‐II. We also found that DC‐SIGN+ cells were adjacent to ICAM‐3‐positive CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes. The density of DC‐SIGN+ cells was positively and linearly correlated with the density of ICAM‐3+ cells, CD4+ cells and CD8+ cells in renal biopsy tissues. In the DC‐SIGNhigh group, the degree of renal lesion and inflammatory cell infiltration was more severe compared to the DC‐SIGNlow group. Patients in the DC‐SIGNhigh group also had increased incidences of deteriorating renal function during the follow up compared to patients in the DC‐SIGNlow group.ConclusionsDC‐SIGN+ cells probably served as a potential contributor to exacerbate local inflammatory response. The density of DC‐SIGN+ cells was associated with the severity of renal lesions of the patients. High renal DC‐SIGN+ cell density might be used as a predictor of poor prognosis in patients with IgAN.
Circumventing regulatory safeguards:Laricobiusspp. and biocontrol of the hemlock woolly adelgid
Authors: Leppanen Christy , Frank David M. , Simberloff Daniel 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBiological control entails introducing non‐native natural enemies to control weeds and pests. Instances of poorly regulated biocontrol have had harmful consequences leading to significant efforts to improve risk assessment of agents before release.Laricobius naganoensis(Coleoptera: Derodontidae) was inadvertently imported to eastern North America withLaricobius osakensis, introduced from Japan to control the hemlock woolly adelgidAdelges tsugae(Hemiptera: Adelgidae). The United States Department of Agriculture (U.S.D.A.) subsequently permitted introduction ofL. naganoensisas a biocontrol agent and contaminant, requiring no study or monitoring owing to difficulty of the effort required to distinguish it fromL. osakensis.The Plant Protection Act of 2000 (7 U.S.C. § § 7701–7786) assigns U.S.D.A. responsibility for vetting and reducing risk from biocontrol agents while ensuring the process is transparent, accessible, and based on scientific evidence. Typically, release of a new agent involves a 30‐day period when the public may review and comment on an assessment of risk associated with the introduction, an Environmental Assessment (EA). No public review and comment period was allowed beforeL. naganoensis’introduction, and theEAwas not made public.Biocontrol practitioners and stakeholders agree that critical scientific evaluation of multiple lines of evidence is necessary to evaluate risk associated with new introductions. The importance of accurate agent identification and avoidance of contamination has long been recognised, and procedures to minimise risk are well known. While such processes might be difficult to implement, those challenges should not justify a release that circumvents regulatory safeguards.
Ultrastructural and elemental characterization of the extracorporeal tube of the sessile rotifer Floscularia conifera (Rotifera: Gnesiotrocha)
Authors: Yang Hui , Hochberg Rick 
Published: December 2018

AbstractRotifers are aquatic microinvertebrates that live in the plankton or in the benthos, which may include a variety of macrophytes. Among these periphytic forms of rotifers, some have taken up a sessile existence and secrete protective tubes around their bodies. One type of tube common to species of Floscularia is made of small round pellets. To date, the building process and some fine structural details are known for Floscularia ringens, but many questions about the composition of the tube and its ultrastructure still remain unanswered. Here, we use transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS) to study the ultrastructure of the pellets and their elemental composition, respectively, in the putative sister species, Floscularia conifera. We revealed several new details that add important information about the physiology of tube‐making in species of Floscularia. First, we note an inner secretory membrane that is thin, electron lucent, and supports the external pellets. The pellets are relatively consistent in size and have a small depression on their inner surface. All pellets are individually wrapped in a secretory membrane that completely encapsulates suspended materials collected from the surrounding water. Elemental signatures of pellets reveal they consist mostly of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and oxygen (O), with some silicon (Si) content that is likely the result of diatom shells. Other trace elements such as iron (Fe) and sodium (Na) are also present and likely the result of incorporated bacteria and suspended materials. When larval rotifers are cultured in filtered pond water, the pellets consist mostly of C and O, with little N and no Si; Fe is present in smaller amounts. These new discoveries provide a better understanding of the physiology of rotifer tube construction and tube composition, and their future utility in understanding if and how changes in freshwater environments might impact these factors.
The Transnational Constitution of Europe's Social Market Economies: A Question of Constitutional Imbalances?
Authors: Kjaer Poul F. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThroughout its history the European integration process has not undermined but rather strengthened the autonomy of member statesvis‐à‐viswider societal interests in relation to political economy, labour markets and social provisions. Both the ‘golden age nation state’ of the 1960s as well as the considerable transformations of member state political economies over the past decades, and especially after the euro‐crisis, was to a considerable degree orchestrated through transnational, most notably European, arrangements. In both cases the primary objective has been to strengthen state capacities of public power and law against the encroachment of private interests into the state. In spite of this continuity, considerable changes can be observed in the substantial economic policies advanced due to the switch from a Keynesian to a monetarist economic paradigm. It is suggested that the debate on constitutional imbalances between the EU's economic and social constitutions should be seen in this light.
A potential contribution of trappin‐2 to the development of vasculopathy in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Miyagawa T. , Asano Y. , Saigusa R. , Hirabayashi M. , Yamashita T. , Taniguchi T. , Takahashi T. , Nakamura K. , Miura S. , Yoshizaki A. , Miyagaki T. , Sato S. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundTrappin‐2/pre‐elafin is an endogenous inhibitor of human neutrophil elastase involved in inflammation, innate immunity and vascular remodelling, which consist of the complex pathological process of systemic sclerosis (SSc).ObjectivesTo clarify the potential role of trappin‐2 in SSc.MethodsSerum trappin‐2 levels were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in 51 SSc and 18 healthy subjects. Trappin‐2 expression was evaluated in SSc lesional skin and cultured endothelial cells treated with FLI1 siRNA by immunohistochemistry, reverse transcription‐real‐time PCR and/or immunoblotting. Friend leukaemia virus integration 1 (Fli1) binding to the PI3 promoter was assessed by chromatin immunoprecipitation.ResultsSince serum trappin‐2 levels inversely correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate in SSc patients with renal dysfunction, SSc patients with normal renal function were analysed. Although serum trappin‐2 levels were comparable between diffuse cutaneous SSc, limited cutaneous SSc and control subjects, the prevalence of digital ulcers or elevated right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) was significantly higher in SSc patients with elevated serum trappin‐2 levels than in those with normal levels. Furthermore, serum trappin‐2 levels were significantly increased in SSc patients with digital ulcers or elevated RVSP compared to those without. Moreover, serum trappin‐2 levels positively correlated with RVSP values in SSc patients. Importantly, trappin‐2 expression was enhanced in small vessels of SSc lesional skin. In cultured endothelial cells, trappin‐2 expression was elevated by gene silencing of FLI1 at mRNA and protein levels and Fli1 occupied the PI3 promoter.ConclusionsEndothelial trappin‐2 up‐regulation partially due to Fli1 deficiency can be associated with the development of SSc vasculopathy.
Non‐genetic and genetic predictors of a superficial first basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Verkouteren J.A.C. , Pardo L.M. , Uitterlinden A.G. , Nijsten T. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundSeveral observational studies have suggested differences in the risk factor profile between patients with superficial basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and non‐superficial BCCs.ObjectiveTo test the reproducibility of previous study findings and to find new genetic and non‐genetic predictors for patients with a superficial first BCC.MethodsA total of 14.628 participants of northwestern European descent aged 45 years or older from a prospective population‐based cohort study (Rotterdam Study) were linked with the Dutch Pathology Registry (PALGA) of whom 1528 were identified as BCC patients. After exclusion, 948 eligible BCC patients remained for further non‐genetic analyses and 1014 for genetic analyses. We included 11 phenotypic, environmental and tumour‐specific characteristics, and 20 candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) as potential predictors for patients with a superficial first BCC. We performed binary logistic multivariable regression analyses.ResultsWe found that patients with a superficial first BCC were significantly younger, almost two times more often female and 12–18 times more likely to have their BCC on the trunk or extremities than patients with a non‐superficial first BCC. One SNP (rs12203592), mapped to IRF4, looked promising (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.13–2.97, P‐value <0.05), but after adjustment for multiple testing, no significant differences in genetic make‐up between superficial BCC and non‐superficial BCC patients were found.ConclusionWe conclude that patients with a superficial BCC differ from non‐superficial BCC patients with respect to environmental factors (tumour localization as a proxy for UVR exposure) and phenotypic characteristics (age and sex), but we found no difference in genotype. As superficial BCC patients develop their first BCCs at a younger age, they could be at higher lifetime risk for subsequent skin cancers and therefore be an important group for secondary prevention.
Intracerebroventricular administration of sulphated cholecystokinin octapeptide induces anxiety‐like behaviour in goldfish
Authors: Sachuriga  , Iinuma Naoto , Shibata Haruki , Yoshida Daisuke , Konno Norifumi , Nakamachi Tomoya , Matsuda Kouhei 
Published: December 2018

AbstractSulphated cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK‐8s) is involved in feeding regulation as an anorexigenic neuropeptide in vertebrates. In rodents, i.c.v. administration of CCK‐8s has been shown to affect not only feeding behaviour, but also psychomotor activity. However, there is still no information available concerning the psychophysiological effects of CCK‐8s in goldfish. Therefore, in the present study, we examined the effect of synthetic goldfish (gf) CCK‐8s on psychomotor activity in this species. Intracerebroventricular administration of gfCCK‐8s at 0.1, 0.5 and 2.5 pmol g‐1 body weight (BW) did not affect swimming distance (locomotor activity). Because goldfish prefer the lower to the upper area of a tank, we used this as a preference test (upper/lower test) to assess anxiety‐like behaviour. Intracerebroventricular administration of gfCCK‐8s at 2.5 pmol g‐1 BW shortened the time spent in the upper area. The action of gfCCK‐8s mimicked that of FG‐7142 (the central‐type benzodiazepine receptor inverse agonist, an anxiogenic agent) at 5 and 10 pmol g‐1 BW. The anxiogenic‐like effect of gfCCK‐8s was abolished by treatment with the CCK receptor antagonist proglumide at 50 pmol g‐1 BW. We also investigated the localisation of CCK/gastrin‐like immunoreactivity in the goldfish brain. CCK/gastrin‐like immunoreactivity was observed in the anxiety‐related regions (the nucleus habenularis and the interpeduncular nucleus). These data indicate that gfCCK‐8s potently affects psychomotor activity in goldfish, and exerts an anxiogenic‐like effect via the CCK receptor‐signalling pathway.
A new approach to lower eyelid‐cheek junction rejuvenation
Authors: Liu Liu , Wang Heng , Wang Zhen‐Jun 
Published: December 2018

SummaryBackgroundAnti‐aging in lower eyelid‐cheek junction area has always been the upmost widely sought of cosmetic surgery. Removal of orbital fat from inside or outside, removal of part of the skin or even the orbicularis muscle, superficial pull and deep fill and a series of surgical procedures like these have been or are becoming the mainstream of clinical practice. However, aging involves a variety of tissues and causes, which is a dynamic and continuous process. Conventional or a single method cannot fundamentally solve all of the problems of the aging in lower eyelid‐cheek junction area. Therefore, we propose a better‐organized surgical approach based on the whole anatomy of lower eyelid‐cheek junction area.MethodsA total of 103 patients received lower eyelid‐cheek junction rejuvenation surgery from September 2014 to September 2017 in our department. Efficacy of surgeries was delineated and scored by both patients and surgeons.ResultsAll patients of different ages, genders were relatively satisfied with the lower eyelid‐cheek junction rejuvenation surgery in our department. Patients with different past histories of cosmetic surgeries could all benefit from the lower eyelid‐cheek junction rejuvenation surgery.ConclusionRejuvenation of lower eyelid‐cheek junction area should be based on a thorough understanding of periorbital anatomy, age‐related changes of the lid‐cheek junction, and the variables controlling lower lid tone and position. The surgical strategies are best used in a graded fashion.
The relation between androgenetic thin hair diagnosed by trichoscope and benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Monib Khaled Mohey Eldin , Hussein Mohamed Saber , Kandeel Wael Saber 
Published: December 2018

SummaryBackgroundAndrogenetic alopecia carries a major cosmetic disfigurement and benign prostatic hyperplasia is associated with many urinary tract symptoms and both diseases are mediated by dihydrotestosterone.ObjectivesThe study aimed to determine the relationship between hair diameter in androgenetic alopecia diagnosed, by trichoscope, to benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms and signs.MethodsFifty androgenetic alopecia males and 50 normal males as control were included. We used trichoscope for hair examination, transrectal ultrasound for prostate volume, and urodynamic inspectoscope for urinary symptoms, serum total testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and total prostatic specific antigen were measured in blood samples. All participants answered the International prostate symptom score questionnaire and the International Index of Erectile Function score questionnaire.ResultsA significant difference between patient and control groups was detected as regards hair thickness (P = 0.001), prostatic volume (P = 0.013), urinary symptoms, prostatic specific antigen level (P = 0.015). A significant difference was detected between thin (<0.03 mm, n = 26) and medium to thick hair (>0.03, n = 24) subgroups of patients as regards age (P = 0.001), dihydrotestosterone level (P = 0.001), testosterone level (P = 0.001), and urinary symptoms (P = 0.001).ConclusionAndrogenetic alopecia patients with thin hair diagnosed by trichoscopy are more prone to prostatic enlargement and its related symptoms. Androgenetic alopecia severity can be diagnosed by trichoscopy in addition to Hamilton‐Norwood scale.
Influence of miR‐520e‐mediated MAPK signalling pathway on HBV replication and regulation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via targeting EphA2
Authors: Tian Jing‐hui , Liu Wen‐dong , Zhang Zhi‐yong , Tang Li‐hua , Li Dong , Tian Zhao‐ju , Lin Shao‐wei , Li Ying‐jie 
Published: December 2018

SummaryWe determined the role of miR‐520e in the replication of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. MiR‐520e and EPH receptor A2 (EphA2) in HBV‐positive HCC tissues and cells were detected, and we studied the impact of miR‐520e and the EphA2 receptor in cellular and murine HBV replication models. We find that MiR‐520e was upregulated and EphA2 was downregulated in HBV‐positive HCC tissues and cells. MiR‐520e was decreased in Huh7‐X and HepG2‐X cells in which HBx was stably expressed, but was dose‐dependently elevated after interfering with HBx. Additionally, miR‐520e mimic and si‐EphA2 groups were reduced in association with increases in HBV DNA content, HBsAg and HBeAg levels, cell proliferation and were enhanced in the expressions of EphA2, p‐p38MAPK/p38MAPK, phosphorylated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (p‐ERK1/2)/ERK1/2 and cell apoptosis. Furthermore, si‐EphA2 reversed the promotion effect of miR‐520e inhibitor on HBV replication and tumour cell growth. Upregulating miR‐520e in rAAV8‐1.3HBV‐infected mouse resulted in reduced EphA2 in liver tissues and HBV DNA content in serum. We find that MiR‐520e was decreased in HBV‐positive HCC, while overexpression of miR‐520e blocked p38MAPK and ERK1/2 signalling pathways by an inhibitory effect on EphA2 and ultimately reduced HBV replication and inhibited tumour cell growth. These data indicate a role for miR‐520e in the regulation of HBV replication.
Allergen‐specific immunoglobulin E in sera of horses affected with insect bite hypersensitivity, severe equine asthma or both conditions
Authors: Verdon Maëva , Lanz Simone , Rhyner Claudio , Gerber Vinzenz , Marti Eliane 
Published: December 2018

BackgroundGenetic, epidemiologic, and clinical evidence suggests that, in horses, there are manifestations of hypersensitivity that can occur together.ObjectivesTo investigate whether concurrent insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) and severe equine asthma (EA) is associated with higher allergen‐specific and total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) concentrations than only EA or IBH.AnimalsHealthy control horses (C, n = 40), horses with IBH (IBH, n = 24), severe EA (EA, n = 18), and both conditions (IBH/EA, n = 23) were included.MethodsIn our retrospective comparative study, sera from horses with signs of severe EA, IBH, and control animals were used. IgE specific for 15 recombinant (r) allergens as well as total serum IgE concentrations were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsGroup IBH (median sum r‐Culicoides IgE: optical density at 405 nm [OD405] = 3.54 [0.48‐15.07]) and group IBH/EA (OD405 = 4.55 [0.46‐17.15]) had significantly (P < .001) higher IgE against Culicoides r‐allergens than groups C (OD405 = 0.44 [0.21‐2.05]) and EA (OD405 = 0.6 [0.2‐2.9]). There were no significant (P > .05) differences between group IBH and group IBH/EA. No significant differences among the groups were found for the other r‐allergens or total serum IgE concentration. Compared to controls, horses with severe IBH had significantly increased IgE concentration to 5 Culicoides r‐allergens (P < .05), whereas horses with moderate IBH had significantly increased IgE concentration to only 3 Culicoides r‐allergens (P < .05).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceSusceptibility of IBH‐affected horses to develop EA is likely not associated with IgE‐mediated immune reactions but with other immunopathological mechanisms.
Viral testing of 10 cases of Theiler's disease and 37 in‐contact horses in the absence of equine biologic product administration: A prospective study (2014‐2018)
Authors: Tomlinson Joy E. , Tennant Bud C. , Struzyna Alyssa , Mrad Dawn , Browne Nimet , Whelchel Dorothy , Johnson Philip J. , Jamieson Camilla , Löhr Christiane V. , Bildfell Robert , McKenzie Erica C. , Laverack Melissa , Renshaw Randall W. , Dubovi Edward , Kapoor Amit , Meirs Richard S. , Belgrave Rodney , Engiles Julie , Van de Walle Gerlinde R. , Divers Thomas J. 
Published: December 2018

BackgroundA novel equine parvovirus (EqPV‐H) was recently discovered in the equine liver with Theiler's disease.ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of EqPV‐H infection in naturally occurring Theiler's disease cases and in‐contact horses in the absence of historical equine biologic product administration.AnimalsTen cases of Theiler's disease from 6 separate properties were included in the study, based on the criteria of acute onset of clinical signs of liver failure with laboratory or histopathologic findings characteristic of Theiler's disease and no history of receiving an equine biologic product within the preceding 4 months. In addition, 37 in‐contact horses from 4 of the 6 properties were screened for EqPV‐H infection and hepatitis.MethodsIn prospective case series, cases were diagnosed with Theiler's disease by the attending veterinarian and were tested for EqPV‐H by PCR of liver or serum. In‐contact horses were assessed via serum chemistry and PCR at the attending veterinarian's discretion. Hepatitis was defined as serum gamma‐glutamyltransferase activity above reference interval. The association of EqPV‐H with hepatitis was determined by Fisher's exact test.ResultsNine of 10 (90%) Theiler's disease cases and 54% of tested in‐contact horses were EqPV‐H positive. Hepatitis was significantly associated with EqPV‐H infection (P = .036).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceAlthough further study is required to identify EqPV‐H as the causative agent of Theiler's disease, EqPV‐H appears strongly associated with cases of fatal Theiler's disease and subclinical hepatitis in horses in contact with those cases. The prevalence of EqPV‐H infection on affected properties can be high.