bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reporting Heterogeneity and Health Disparities Across Gender and Education Levels: Evidence From Four Countries
Authors: Molina Teresa 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
I use anchoring vignettes from Indonesia, the United States, England, and China to study the extent to which differences in self-reported health across gender and education levels can be explained by the use of different response thresholds. To determine whether statistically significant differences between groups remain after adjusting thresholds, I calculate standard errors for the simulated probabilities, largely ignored in previous literature. Accounting for reporting heterogeneity reduces the gender gap in many health domains across the four countries, but to varying degrees. Health disparities across education levels persist and even widen after equalizing thresholds across the two groups.
Use of risk of malignancy index to indicate frozen section analysis in the surgical care of women with ovarian tumors
Authors: van den Akker Petronella A.J. , Zusterzeel Petra L.M. , Aalders Anette L. , Snijders Marc P.L.M. , Samlal Rahul A.K. , Vollebergh Jos H.A. , Kluivers Kirsten B. , Massuger Leon F.A.G. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the importance of the risk of malignancy index (RMI) in the decision to perform frozen section analysis among women with ovarian tumors.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted in 11 centers in the Netherlands. Women who underwent surgical treatment of an ovarian mass with unknown histology between January 2005 and September 2009 were included. The RMI was calculated retrospectively. Frozen section analysis and RMI values were assessed for patients with benign, borderline, and malignant ovarian tumors on final histopathology.ResultsOverall, 670 women were included. Frozen sections were performed in 323 (48.2%) patients, of whom 206 (63.8%) were diagnosed with benign ovarian tumors, 55 (17.0%) with borderline tumors, and 62 (19.2%) with malignant tumors. Overall, 109 (16.3%) women had an RMI below 20, 106 (97.2%) of whom had benign histology results. Among 235 patients with an RMI over 100, 3 (1.3%) postmenopausal women had malignancies that were missed because frozen sections were not performed.ConclusionWomen with an RMI below 20 have a low risk of malignancy and therefore do not require frozen section analysis. Postmenopausal women with an RMI greater than 100 should be referred to centers where frozen sections can be performed, and proper facilities and expertise are available to perform staging procedures if necessary.
Acute calcular cholangitis in a diverse multi-ethnic population
Authors: Allam H. , Al Dosouky M. , Abdelaziem S. , Hashish Mohamed S. , Farooq A. , El Nagar A. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Of the common complications of gallstones, acute cholangitis (AC) is the most rapidly lethal entity, making accurate diagnosis and early treatment imperative. Studies that report on the risk factors for the development of AC secondary to bile duct stones are rare. The aim of the present study is to identify clinical, laboratory and radiological factors that can predict which patients may develop cholangitis.

Patients and methods:
The study is a retrospective case–control study based on patients admitted to Hamad General Hospital from June 2008 to November 2012 with a diagnosis of AC secondary to CBD stones. The control subjects were patients admitted during the same period with obstructive lithiasic jaundice, but not complicated by cholangitis. Countries of origin, age, sex, history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, chronic liver disease, previous similar attack, previous cholecystectomy, previous bariatric surgery procedure, small bowel resection, significant weight loss and Crohn's disease were studied. Also, complete blood count (CBC), prothrombin time (PT), liver enzymes (ALT and AST), bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, albumin, amylase creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were studied. Finally the diagnostic investigations and the surgical and endoscopic procedures have been reported. Statistical analysis was performed.

Results:
A total of 112 patients of 24 different nationalities (70 men and 42 women) were included in this study. Fifty-three patients (43.4%) presented with AC (cases group), and 59 (56.6%) were admitted for management of obstructive jaundice. Although Asians had a greater prevalence of cholangitis (57.4%) compared to Middle Easterners (35.7%) and Africans (33.3%), this was not statistically significant (P = 0.066). Laboratory tests significantly correlated to AC were leukocytosis (P < 0.001), elevated Bilirubin (P = 0.005), prolonged prothrombin time (P = 0.001), elevated INR (P = 0.001), elevated serum Creatinine (P = 0.001) and BUN (P = 0.001). In univariate analysis, the logistic regression model showed that dark urine, fever, elevated WBC and BUN were strongly associated with cholangitis.

Conclusions:
Typical clinical signs of acute cholangitis, history of chronic liver disease, together with certain biochemical criteria are strongly associated with occurrence of acute lithiasic cholangitis. Further study on a larger sample of patients is required to confirm these findings and as an attempt to create a reproducible and simple scoring system able to predict and consequently facilitate early intervention in such cases.

Highlights:
Phosphodiesterase inhibitor KMUP‐3 displays cardioprotection via protein kinase G and increases cardiac output via G‐protein‐coupled receptor agonist activity and Ca2+ sensitization
Authors: Liu Chung‐Pin , Yeh Jwu‐Lai , Liou Shu‐Fen , Wu Bin‐Nan , Chen Ing‐Jun 
Published: February 2016

AbstractKMUP‐3 (7‐{2‐[4‐(4‐nitrobenzene) piperazinyl]ethyl}‐1, 3‐dimethylxanthine) displays cardioprotection and increases cardiac output, and is suggested to increase cardiac performance and improve myocardial infarction. To determine whether KMUP‐3 improves outcomes in hypoperfused myocardium by inducing Ca2+ sensitization to oppose protein kinase (PK)G‐mediated Ca2+ blockade, we measured left ventricular systolic blood pressure, maximal rates of pressure development, mean arterial pressure and heart rate in rats, and measured contractility and expression of PKs/RhoA/Rho kinase (ROCK)II in beating guinea pig left atria. Hemodynamic changes induced by KMUP‐3 (0.5–3.0 mg/kg, intravenously) were inhibited by Y27632 [(R)‐(+)‐trans‐4‐1‐aminoethyl)‐N‐(4‐Pyridyl) cyclohexane carboxamide] and ketanserin (1 mg/kg, intravenously). In electrically stimulated left guinea pig atria, positive inotropy induced by KMUP‐3 (0.1–100μM) was inhibited by the endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) inhibitors N‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME) and 7‐nitroindazole, cyclic AMP antagonist SQ22536 [9‐(terahydro‐2‐furanyl)‐9H‐purin‐6‐amine], soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) antagonist ODQ (1H‐[1,2,4] oxadiazolo[4,3‐a] quinoxalin‐1‐one), RhoA inhibitor C3 exoenzyme, β‐blocker propranolol, 5‐hydroxytryptamine 2A antagonist ketanserin, ROCK inhibitor Y27632 and KMUP‐1 (7‐{2‐[4‐(2‐chlorobenzene) piperazinyl]ethyl}‐1, 3‐dimethylxanthine) at 10μM. Western blotting assays indicated that KMUP‐3 (0.1–10μM) increased PKA, RhoA/ROCKII, and PKC translocation and CIP‐17 (an endogenous 17‐kDa inhibitory protein) activation. In spontaneous right atria, KMUP‐3 induced negative chronotropy that was blunted by 7‐nitroindazole and atropine. In neonatal myocytes, L‐NAME inhibited KMUP‐3‐induced eNOS phosphorylation and RhoA/ROCK activation. In H9c2 cells, Y‐27632 (50μM) and PKG antagonist KT5823 [2,3,9,10,11,12‐hexahydro‐10R‐ methoxy‐2,9‐dimethyl‐1‐oxo‐9S,12R‐epoxy‐1H‐diindolo(1,2,3‐fg:3′,2′,1′‐kl) pyrrolo(3,4‐i)(1,6)benzodiazocine‐10‐carboxylic acid, methyl ester] (3μM) reversed KMUP‐3 (1–100μM)‐induced Ca2+‐entry blockade. GPCR agonist activity of KMUP‐3 appeared opposed to KMUP‐1, and increased cardiac output via Ca2+ sensitization, and displayed cardioprotection via cyclic GMP/PKG‐mediated myocardial preconditioning in animal studies.
Franciscus Sylvius on Clinical Teaching, Iatrochemistry and Brain Anatomy
Authors: Parent André 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBorn in Hanau, Germany, in 1614, Franciscus (Dele Boë) Sylvius received his medical doctor diploma from Basel University in 1637 and became Professor of Practical Medicine at Leiden University in 1658. One of the founders of medical biochemistry, Sylvius was also an outstanding anatomopathologist, with contributions ranging from the first description of the pulmonary tubercles to that of the lateral fissure of the brain. Thanks to Sylvius, a gifted teacher and one of the greatest physicians of his time, Leiden became a major European medical training center. He died in 1772 after having served asRector Magnificusat Leiden University.
Microscopy and Microanalysis of Blood in a Snake Head Fish, Channa gachua Exposed to Environmental Pollution
Authors: Pala Eva M. , Dey Sudip 
Published: February 2016

AbstractConventional and highly sophisticated analytical methods (Cyria et al., 1989; Massar et al., 2012a) were used to analyze micro-structural and micro-analytical aspects of the blood of snake head fish, Channa gachua, exposed to municipal wastes and city garbage. Red (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) counts and hemhemoglobin content were found to be higher in pollution affected fish as compared with control. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the occurrence of abnormal erythrocytes such as crenated cells, echinocytes, lobopodial projections, membrane internalization, spherocytes, ruptured cells, contracted cells, depression, and uneven elongation of erythrocyte membranes in fish inhabiting the polluted sites. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) revealed the presence of silicon and lead in the RBCs of pollution affected fish. Significance of the study includes the highly sophisticated analytical approach, which revealed the aforementioned micro-structural abnormalities.
p38 MAPK regulates the Wnt inhibitor Dickkopf-1 in osteotropic prostate cancer cells
Authors: Browne A J , Göbel A , Thiele S , Hofbauer L C , Rauner M , Rachner T D 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe Wnt inhibitor Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) has been associated with the occurrence of bone metastases in osteotropic prostate cancer by inhibiting osteoblastogenesis. P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity is also dysregulated in advanced prostate cancer. However, the impact of p38 MAPK signaling on DKK-1 remains unknown. Inhibition of p38 MAPK signaling in osteolytic PC3 cells by small molecule inhibitors (doramapimod, LY2228820 and SB202190) suppressed DKK-1 expression, whereas activation of p38 MAPK by anisomycin increased DKK-1. Further dissection by targeting individual p38 MAPK isoforms with siRNA revealed a stronger role for MAPK11 than MAPK14 and MAPK12 in the regulation of DKK-1. Moreover, prostate cancer cells with a predominantly osteolytic phenotype produced sufficient amounts of DKK-1 to inhibit Wnt3a-induced osteoblastic differentiation in C2C12 cells. This inhibition was blocked directly by neutralizing DKK-1 using a specific antibody and also indirectly by blocking p38 MAPK. Furthermore, tissue expression in human prostate cancer revealed a correlation between p38 MAPK and DKK-1 expression with higher expression in tumor compared with normal tissues. These results reveal that p38 MAPK regulates DKK-1 in prostate cancer and may present a potential target in osteolytic prostate cancers.
1s-intraexcitonic dynamics in monolayer MoS2 probed by ultrafast mid-infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Cha Soonyoung , Sung Ji Ho , Sim Sangwan , Park Jun , Heo Hoseok , Jo Moon-Ho , Choi Hyunyong 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe 1s exciton—the ground state of a bound electron-hole pair—is central to understanding the photoresponse of monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides. Above the 1s exciton, recent visible and near-infrared investigations have revealed that the excited excitons are much richer, exhibiting a series of Rydberg-like states. A natural question is then how the internal excitonic transitions are interrelated on photoexcitation. Accessing these intraexcitonic transitions, however, demands a fundamentally different experimental tool capable of probing optical transitions from 1s ‘bright’ to np ‘dark’ states. Here we employ ultrafast mid-infrared spectroscopy to explore the 1s intraexcitonic transitions in monolayer MoS2. We observed twofold 1s→3p intraexcitonic transitions within the A and B excitons and 1s→2p transition between the A and B excitons. Our results revealed that it takes about 0.7 ps for the 1s A exciton to reach quasi-equilibrium; a characteristic time that is associated with a rapid population transfer from the 1s B exciton, providing rich characteristics of many-body exciton dynamics in two-dimensional materials.
Topological Properties of Atomic Lead Film with Honeycomb Structure
Authors: Lu Y. H. , Zhou D. , Wang T. , Yang Shengyuan A. , Jiang J. Z. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractLarge bandgap is desired for the fundamental research as well as applications of topological insulators. Based on first-principles calculations, here we predict a new family of two-dimensional (2D) topological insulators in functionalized atomic lead films Pb-X (X = H, F, Cl, Br, I and SiH3). All of them have large bandgaps with the largest one above 1 eV, far beyond the recorded gap values and large enough for practical applications even at room temperature. Besides chemical functionalization, external strain can also effectively tune the bandgap while keeping the topological phase. Thus, the topological properties of these materials are quite robust and as a result there exist 1D topological edge channels against backscattering. We further show that the 2D Pb structure can be encapsulated by SiO2 with very small lattice mismatch and still maintains its topological character. All these features make the 2D atomic Pb films a promising platform for fabricating novel topological electronic devices.
Specific regulation of PRMT1 expression by PIAS1 and RKIP in BEAS-2B epithelia cells and HFL-1 fibroblasts in lung inflammation
Authors: Liu Li , Sun Qingzhu , Bao Rujuan , Roth Michael , Zhong Bo , Lan Xi , Tian Jia , He Qirui , Li Dongmin , Sun Jian , Yang Xudong , Lu Shemin 
Published: February 2016

AbstractProtein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) catalyzes methylation of histones and other cellular proteins, and thus regulates gene transcription and protein activity. In antigen-induced pulmonary inflammation (AIPI) PRMT1 was up-regulated in the epithelium, while in chronic AIPI, increased PRMT1 shifted to fibroblasts. In this study we investigated the cell type specific regulatory mechanism of PRMT1. Epithelial cells and fibroblasts were stimulated with IL-4 or IL-1β. Gene and protein expression were determined by RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry staining and Western blotting. Signaling pathway inhibitors, siRNAs and shRNA were used to determine the regulatory mechanism of PRMT1. The results showed that IL-4 up-regulated PRMT1 through STAT6 signaling in epithelial cells, while IL-1β regulated PRMT1 through NF-κB in fibroblasts. The NF-kB inhibitor protein RKIP was highly expressed in epithelial cells and blocked IL-1β induced PRMT1 up-regulation; while the STAT6 inhibitor protein PIAS1 was expressed in fibroblasts and suppressed IL-4 induced PRMT1 expression. Furthermore, IL-4 stimulated epithelial cells to release IL-1β which up-regulated PRMT1 expression in fibroblasts. In conclusion, the inhibitor proteins RKIP and PIAS1 regulated the cell type and signaling specific expression of PRMT1. Thus PRMT1 expression in structural lung cells in asthma can be considered as potential target for new therapeutic intervention.
Discovery of novel PDE9 inhibitors capable of inhibiting Aβ aggregation as potential candidates for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Su Tao , Zhang Tianhua , Xie Shishun , Yan Jun , Wu Yinuo , Li Xingshu , Huang Ling , Luo Hai-Bin 
Published: February 2016

AbstractRecently, phosphodiesterase-9 (PDE9) inhibitors and biometal-chelators have received much attention as potential therapeutics for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Here, we designed, synthesized and evaluated a novel series of PDE9 inhibitors with the ability to chelate metal ions. The bioassay results showed that most of these molecules strongly inhibited PDE9 activity. Compound 16 showed an IC50 of 34 nM against PDE9 and more than 55-fold selectivity against other PDEs. In addition, this compound displayed remarkable metal-chelating capacity and a considerable ability to halt copper redox cycling. Notably, in comparison to the reference compound clioquinol, it inhibited metal-induced Aβ1-42 aggregation more effectively and promoted greater disassembly of the highly structured Aβ fibrils generated through Cu2+-induced Aβ aggregation. These activities of 16, together with its favorable blood-brain barrier permeability, suggest that 16 may be a promising compound for treatment of AD.
Dynamic coupling of plasmonic resonators
Authors: Lee Suyeon , Park Q-Han 
Published: February 2016

AbstractWe clarify the nature of dynamic coupling in plasmonic resonators and determine the dynamic coupling coefficient using a simple analytic model. We show that plasmonic resonators, such as subwavelength holes in a metal film which can be treated as bound charge oscillators, couple to each other through the retarded interaction of oscillating screened charges. Our dynamic coupling model offers, for the first time, a quantitative analytic description of the fundamental symmetric and anti-symmetric modes of coupled resonators which agrees with experimental results. Our model also reveals that plasmonic electromagnetically induced transparency arises in any coupled resonators of slightly unequal lengths, as confirmed by a rigorous numerical calculation and experiments.
Trend of cancer risk of Chinese inhabitants to dioxins due to changes in dietary patterns: 1980–2009
Authors: Huang Tao , Jiang Wanyanhan , Ling Zaili , Zhao Yuan , Gao Hong , Ma Jianmin 
Published: February 2016

AbstractFood ingestion is a major route for human exposure and body burden to dioxins. We estimated the potential influence of changes in dietary patterns in Chinese population on human health risk to 2,3,7,8-TCDD (2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin) over the last three decades. We performed multiple modeling scenario investigations to discriminate the contribution of 2,3,7,8-TCDD emissions and changes in dietary patterns to the cancer risks (CR) to dioxins. Results showed that changes in dietary patterns, featured by decreasing consumption of total grain (including all unprocessed grains) and vegetables and increasing intake of animal-derived foodstuffs, caused increasing CR from 7.3 × 10−8in 1980 to 1.1 × 10−7in 2009. Varying dietary patterns contributed 17% to the CR of Chinese population in 2009 under the fixed emission in 1980. The CR to 2,3,7,8-TCDD in urban and eastern China residents was higher considerably than those who lived in rural area and western China, attributable to higher emissions, household income, and greater intake of animal-derived foodstuffs in urban and eastern China inhabitants. On the other hand, more rapid increasing trend of the CR was found in rural residents due to their more rapid increase in the consumption of fat-dominated foods as compared with urban residents.
Identifying protective Streptococcus pyogenes vaccine antigens recognized by both B and T cells in human adults and children
Authors: Mortensen Rasmus , Nissen Thomas Nørrelykke , Fredslund Sine , Rosenkrands Ida , Christensen Jan Pravsgaard , Andersen Peter , Dietrich Jes 
Published: February 2016

AbstractNo commercial vaccine exists against Group A streptococci (GAS; Streptococcus pyogenes) and only little is known about anti-GAS protective immunity. In our effort to discover new protective vaccine candidates, we selected 21 antigens based on an in silico evaluation. These were all well-conserved among different GAS strains, upregulated in host-pathogen interaction studies and predicted to be extracellular or associated with the surface of the bacteria. The antigens were tested for both antibody recognition and T cell responses in human adults and children. The antigenicity of a selected group of antigens was further validated using a high-density peptide array technology that also identified the linear epitopes. Based on immunological recognition, four targets were selected and tested for protective capabilities in an experimental GAS infection model in mice. Shown for the first time, three of these targets (spy0469, spy1228 and spy1801) conferred significant protection whereas one (spy1643) did not.
Essential Roles of RNA-binding Protein HuR in Activation of Hepatic Stellate Cells Induced by Transforming Growth Factor-β1
Authors: Ge Jingjing , Chang Na , Zhao Zhongxin , Tian Lei , Duan Xianghui , Yang Lin , Li Liying 
Published: February 2016

AbstractRNA-binding protein HuR mediates transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-induced profibrogenic actions. Up-regulation of Sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) is involved in TGF-β1-induced activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in liver fibrogenesis. However, the molecular mechanism of TGF-β1 regulates SphK1 remains unclear. This study was designed to investigate the role of HuR in TGF-β1-induced SphK1 expression and identify a new molecular mechanism in liver fibrogenensis. In vivo, HuR expression was increased, translocated to cytoplasm and bound to SphK1 mRNA in carbon tetrachloride- and bile duct ligation-induced mouse fibrotic liver. HuR mRNA expression had a positive correlation with mRNA expressions of SphK1 and fibrotic markers, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and Collagen α1(I), respectively. In vitro, up-regulation of SphK1 and activation of HSCs stimulated by TGF-β1 depended on HuR cytoplasmic accumulation. The effects of TGF-β1 were diminished when HuR was silenced or HuR cytoplasmic translocation was blocked. Meanwhile, overexpression of HuR mimicked the effects of TGF-β1. Furthermore, TGF-β1 prolonged half-life of SphK1 mRNA by promoting its binding to HuR. Pharmacological or siRNA-induced SphK1 inhibition abrogated HuR-mediated HSC activation. In conclusion, our data suggested that HuR bound to SphK1 mRNA and played a crucial role in TGF-β1-induced HSC activation.
Differential expression of p38 MAPK α, β, γ, δ isoforms in nucleus pulposus modulates macrophage polarization in intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Yang Chen , Cao Peng , Gao Yang , Wu Ming , Lin Yun , Tian Ye , Yuan Wen 
Published: February 2016

AbstractP38MAPK mediates cytokine induced inflammation in nucleus pulposus (NP) cells and involves in multiple cellular processes which are related to intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). The aim of this study was to investigate the expression, activation and function of p38 MAPK isoforms (α,β, γ and δ) in degenerative NP and the effect of p38 activation in NP cells on macrophage polarization. P38 α, β and δ isoforms are preferential expressed, whereas the p38γ isoform is absent in human NP tissue. LV-sh-p38α, sh-p38β transfection in NP cells significantly decreased the ADAMTS-4,-5, MMP-13,CCL3 expression and restored collagen-II and aggrecan expression upon IL-1β stimulation. As compared with p38α and p38β, p38δ exhibited an opposite effect on ADAMTS-4,-5, MMP-13 and aggrecan expression in NP cells. Furthermore, the production of GM-CSF and IFNγ which were trigged by p38α or p38β in NP cells induced macrophage polarization into M1 phenotype. Our finding indicates that p38 MAPK α, β and δ isoform are predominantly expressed and activated in IDD. P38 positive NP cells modulate macrophage polarization through the production of GM-CSF and IFNγ. Hence, Our study suggests that selectively targeting p38 isoforms could ameliorate the inflammation in IDD and regard IDD progression.