bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human podocytes express functional thermosensitive TRPV channels
Authors: Ambrus Lídia , Kelemen Balázs , Szabó Tamás , Bíró Tamás , Tóth Balázs István 
Published: September 2017

Background and PurposeHeat‐sensitive transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) channels are expressed in various epithelial tissues regulating, among else, barrier functions. Their expression is well established in the distal nephron; however, we have no data about their presence in podocytes. As podocytes are indispensable in the formation of the glomerular filtration barrier, we investigated the presence and function of Ca2+‐permeable TRPV1–4 channels in human podocyte cultures.Experimental ApproachExpression of TRPV1–4 channels was investigated at protein (immunocytochemistry, Western blot) and mRNA (Q‐PCR) level in a conditionally immortalized human podocyte cell line. Channel function was assessed by measuring intracellular Ca2+ concentration using Flou‐4 Ca2+‐indicator dye and patch clamp electrophysiology upon applying various activators and inhibitors.Key ResultsThermosensitive TRP channels were expressed in podocytes. The TRPV1‐specific agonists capsaicin and resiniferatoxin did not affect the intracellular Ca2+ concentration. Cannabidiol, an activator of TRPV2 and TRPV4 channels, induced moderate Ca2+‐influxes, inhibited by both tranilast and HC067047, blockers of TRPV2 and TRPV4 channels respectively. The TRPV4‐specific agonists GSK1016790A and 4α‐phorbol 12,13‐didecanoate induced robust Ca2+‐signals which were abolished by HC067047. Non‐specific agonists of TRPV3 channels induced marked Ca2+ transients. However, TRPV3 channel blockers, ruthenium red and isopentenyl diphosphate only partly inhibited the responses and TRPV3 silencing was ineffective suggesting remarkable off‐target effects of the compounds.Conclusion and ImplicationsOur results indicate the functional presence of TRPV4 and other thermosensitive TRPV channels in human podocytes and raise the possibility of their involvement in the regulation of glomerular filtration barrier.
Characterization of ascites‐derived tumor cells from an endometrial cancer patient
Authors: Li Xuelu , Zhu Dandan , Li Ning , Yang Hui , Zhao Zuowei , Li Man 
Published: September 2017

Improved treatment outcomes for the endometrial cancer patient requires precision methods to investigate the biology of this disease and clinically relevant models to test treatment drugs. Hence, we applied a personalized platform to investigate whether in vitro and in vivo models could accurately predict effective treatment regimens. We successfully expanded ascites‐derived tumor cells from an endometrial cancer patient with malignant ascites using ascites collected prior to chemotherapy treatment. Hematoxylin–eosin and immunohistochemistry staining of ascites‐derived tumor cells confirmed the source of endometrial cancer cells. Ascites‐derived tumor cells were sensitive to cisplatin and doxorubicin single‐agent treatments in CCK‐8 assay and 3‐D culture, a condition that more closely mimics the in vivo environment. We further showed that ascites‐derived tumor cells from this patient could form tumors in NOD/SCID mice with preserved morphological characteristics. A remarkable concordance between the clinical response of cisplatin and the results of in vitro and in vivo drug tests reflected the reliability of our personalized approach in this case. Together, our results indicated that an effective platform for ex vivo and in vivo culture of ascites‐derived tumor cells from our endometrial cancer patient could be applied to identify treatment options, and may be commonly used in treating cancer patients with malignant ascites in the future.
Expression of CCL5 is induced by polyinosinic : polycytidylic acid in cultured hCMEC/D3 human brain microvascular endothelial cells
Authors: Arai Akine , Yoshida Hidemi , Hayakari Ryo , Matsumiya Tomoh , Kawaguchi Shogo , Seya Kazuhiko , Tanaka Hiroshi , Imaizumi Tadaatsu 
Published: September 2017

AbstractObjectiveBrain microvascular endothelial cells are one of the cell types that form the blood–brain barrier, and play an important role in the defense system of the brain. Toll‐like receptor 3 (TLR3) is a pattern‐recognition receptor against double‐stranded RNA, and TLR3 signaling is important in antiviral innate immune reactions. However, TLR3 signaling in brain microvascular endothelial cells is not well understood. We aimed to investigate the role of TLR3 signaling in chemokine CCL5 production in human brain microvascular endothelial cells.MethodsThe hCMEC/D3 human brain microvascular endothelial cells were cultured, and treated with an authentic TLR3 agonist polyinosinic : polycytidylic acid. The expression of CCL5 was examined using quantitative real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Involvement of TLR3, interferon (IFN)‐β, or IFN‐λ1, IFN‐regulatory factor 3 or nuclear factor‐κB p65 in this reaction was examined using RNA interference. Translocation of p65 into the nucleus was examined using immunofluorescence staining.ResultsTreatment of cells with polyinosinic : polycytidylic acid induced the expression of CCL5, IFN‐β and IFN‐λ1, and also the translocation of p65 into the nucleus. Knockdown of TLR3, IFN‐regulatory factor 3 or p65 inhibited the induction of these molecules, while knockdown of neither IFN‐β nor IFN‐λ1 affected the expression of CCL5.ConclusionsTLR3 activation by polyinosinic : polycytidylic acid induces the expression of CCL5 in cultured hCMEC/D3 cells, and IFN‐regulatory factor 3 and p65 are involved in this reaction. CCL5 induced by TLR3 signaling in brain microvascular endothelial cells might contribute to antiviral protective reactions and/or detrimental responses associated with viral infection in the brain.
The effect of side of implantation on unilateral cochlear implant performance in patients with prelingual and postlingual sensorineural hearing loss: A systematic review
Authors: Kraaijenga V.J.C. , Derksen T.C. , Stegeman I. , Smit A.L. 
Published: September 2017

ObjectiveCerebral lateralisation of language processing leads to a right ear advantage in normal hearing subjects. The aim of this study was to present a systematic overview of the effect of implantation side on postoperative cochlear implant performance in patients with symmetrical severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss.Data sourcesPubMed, Embase and The Cochrane Library databases.Research methodsDatabases were searched from database inception up to 9 January 2017 for cochlear implant and side and all synonyms. Title, abstract and full‐text of retrieved articles were screened for eligibility. Then, directness of evidence and risk of bias were assessed. For the included articles, study characteristics and outcome data (hearing and language development) were extracted.Results2541 unique articles were screened, of which twenty were eligible for critical appraisal. No randomised controlled trials were identified. Twelve studies with a high directness of evidence remained for data extraction. Four of six studies including children with pre‐lingual sensorineural hearing loss and four of seven studies investigating adults with postlingual sensorineural hearing loss found a right ear advantage in at least one outcome measurement related to cochlear implant performance.ConclusionThe available evidence on the effect of side of implantation is of low quality, as study populations and outcome measures are heterogeneous. The majority of studies reveals evidence for a right ear advantage in prelingually deafened children as well as postlingually deafened adults. In view of the present evidence and as no left ear advantage was identified, we cautiously advise implanting the cochlear implant in the right ear when other prognostic factors do not favour the left ear and sensorineural hearing loss is symmetrical.
Do OECD‐type governance principles have economic value for Vietnamese firms at IPO?
Authors: Ngo My Tran , Jorissen Ann , Nonneman Walter 
Published: September 2017

AbstractManuscript TypeEmpiricalResearch QuestionUsing agency and resource dependency insights this paper examines first which type of firm‐level antecedents trigger the adoption of OECD‐type governance principles by Vietnamese listed firms at IPO. Subsequently this paper investigates whether the adoption of these governance principles leads to higher firm values at IPO and whether stricter governance is related to transparency after IPO.Research FindingsWith respect to the antecedents of OECD‐type governance in Vietnam this study finds that firms with foreign shareholders and younger firms adopt these governance principles. The adoption of stricter governance principles, especially in terms of strict supervisory board independence, as well as the appointment of directors with multiple director seats are beneficial for firm value at IPO. Governance transparency after IPO is unrelated to a firm's governance characteristics but positively associated with increasing firm size.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsThe results show that agency insights are applicable in a context of concentrated ownership, low investor protection and weak enforcement, since stricter board independence leads to higher firm value. In addition resource dependence theory explains the choice of directors and provides evidence that boards with better network potential lead to higher firm value in this relationship‐based emerging market.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsVietnamese firms benefit from higher value at IPO when they adopt stricter internal governance mechanisms and appoint directors holding multiple board seats. However, to ensure compliance with governance and transparency principles, formal institutional changes related to stricter enforcement of the regulation are of utmost importance.
Loading rate and contraction duration effects on in vivo human Achilles tendon mechanical properties
Authors: McCrum Christopher , Oberländer Kai D. , Epro Gaspar , Krauss Peter , James Darren C. , Reeves Neil D. , Karamanidis Kiros 
Published: September 2017

SummaryTendons are viscoelastic, which implies loading rate dependency, but loading rates of contractions are often not controlled during assessment of human tendon mechanical properties in vivo. We investigated the effects of sustained submaximal isometric plantarflexion contractions, which potentially negate loading rate dependency, on the stiffness of the human Achilles tendon in vivo using dynamometry and ultrasonography. Maximum voluntary contractions (high loading rate), ramp maximum force contractions with 3 s loading (lower loading rate) and sustained contractions (held for 3 s) at 25%, 50% and 80% of maximal tendon force were conducted. No loading rate effect on stiffness (25–80% max. tendon force) was found. However, loading rate effects were seen up to 25% of maximum tendon force, which were reduced by the sustained method. Sustained plantarflexion contractions may negate loading rate effects on tendon mechanical properties and appear suitable for assessing human Achilles tendon stiffness in vivo.
Overcoming the other‐race effect in infancy with multisensory redundancy: 10–12‐month‐olds discriminate dynamic other‐race faces producing speech
Authors: Minar Nicholas J. , Lewkowicz David J. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractWe tested 4–6‐ and 10–12‐month‐old infants to investigate whether the often‐reported decline in infant sensitivity to other‐race faces may reflect responsiveness to static or dynamic/silent faces rather than a general process of perceptual narrowing. Across three experiments, we tested discrimination of either dynamic own‐race or other‐race faces which were either accompanied by a speech syllable, no sound, or a non‐speech sound. Results indicated that 4–6‐ and 10–12‐month‐old infants discriminated own‐race as well as other‐race faces accompanied by a speech syllable, that only the 10–12‐month‐olds discriminated silent own‐race faces, and that 4–6‐month‐old infants discriminated own‐race and other‐race faces accompanied by a non‐speech sound but that 10–12‐month‐old infants only discriminated own‐race faces accompanied by a non‐speech sound. Overall, the results suggest that the ORE reported to date reflects infant responsiveness to static or dynamic/silent faces rather than a general process of perceptual narrowing.
Can vigilance‐focused governance reforms improve service delivery? The case of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) in Bihar, India
Authors: Verma Rajiv , Gupta Saurabh , Birner Regina 
Published: September 2017

AbstractChild undernourishment is a major challenge in India even though the government has, since 1975, been running the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), one of the largest programmes of this type in the world. Ever since its inception, this scheme has been marred by various governance challenges: widespread corruption, absenteeism and targeting problems, more visible in states like Bihar than in others. The ruling dispensation in Bihar has instituted major reforms to tackle these problems. These include regular inspection of service delivery centres, strict monitoring of funds, swift disciplinary action and vigilance through community participation. While these reforms are generally accepted as good in theory, research‐based empirical evidence of their impact on the ground is scarce. This article tries to fill this gap through an in‐depth case study of ICDS in Bihar. The findings indicate that, contrary to conventional thinking about good governance, the vigilance‐focused reforms along with community‐based monitoring have not been successful in curbing systemic corruption. The study concludes that alternative approaches are required to resolve the governance problems in ICDS. These include tackling the problems of understaffing and heavy workloads, and providing stronger incentives to the frontline service providers.
Exchange traded funds and asset return correlations
Authors: Da Zhi , Shive Sophie 
Published: September 2017

AbstractWe provide novel evidence supporting the notion that arbitrageurs can contribute to return comovement via exchange trade funds (ETF) arbitrage. Using a large sample of US equity ETF holdings, we document the link between measures of ETF activity and return comovement at both the fund and the stock levels, after controlling for a host of variables and fixed effects and by exploiting the ‘discontinuity’ between stock indices. The effect is also stronger among small and illiquid stocks. An examination of ETF return autocorrelations and stock lagged beta provides evidence for price reversal, suggesting that some ETF‐driven return comovement may be excessive.
The effects of subcurative praziquantel treatment on life‐history traits and trade‐offs in drug‐resistant Schistosoma mansoni
Authors: Viana Mafalda , Faust Christina L. , Haydon Daniel T. , Webster Joanne P. , Lamberton Poppy H. L. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractNatural selection acts on all organisms, including parasites, to maximize reproductive fitness. Drug resistance traits are often associated with life‐history costs in the absence of treatment. Schistosomiasis control programmes rely on mass drug administration to reduce human morbidity and mortality. Although hotspots of reduced drug efficacy have been reported, resistance is not widespread. Using Bayesian state‐space models (SSMs) fitted to data from an in vivo laboratory system, we tested the hypothesis that the spread of resistant Schistosoma mansoni may be limited by life‐history costs not present in susceptible counterparts. S. mansoni parasites from a praziquantel‐susceptible (S), a praziquantel‐resistant (R) or a mixed line of originally resistant and susceptible parasites (RS) were exposed to a range of praziquantel doses. Parasite numbers at each life stage were quantified in their molluscan intermediate and murine definitive hosts across four generations, and SSMs were used to estimate key life‐history parameters for each experimental group over time. Model outputs illustrated that parasite adult survival and fecundity in the murine host decreased across all lines, including R, with increasing drug pressure. Trade‐offs between adult survival and fecundity were observed in all untreated lines, and these remained strong in S with praziquantel pressure. In contrast, trade‐offs between adult survival and fecundity were lost under praziquantel pressure in R. As expected, parasite life‐history traits within the molluscan host were complex, but trade‐offs were demonstrated between parasite establishment and cercarial output. The observed trade‐offs between generations within hosts, which were modified by praziquantel treatment in the R line, could limit the spread of R parasites under praziquantel pressure. Whilst such complex life‐history costs may be difficult to detect using standard empirical methods, we demonstrate that SSMs provide robust estimates of life‐history parameters, aiding our understanding of costs and trade‐offs of resistant parasites within this system and beyond.
Dispersion of SiC powder suspension in mullite sol and influence on properties of sintered ceramics
Authors: Baitalik Sanchita , Kayal Nijhuma 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe dispersion behavior of SiC powders in various concentration of mullite sol was studied by zeta potential, rheological, and sedimentation measurements. Effect of pH, sol concentration, solid loading on the rheological properties are discussed in detail. The lowest viscosity and sedimentation was obtained for 45 wt% SiC powders dispersed in 15 wt% mullite sol, at pH ~2. The adsorption isotherms belong to Langmuir type and optimum concentration of mullite for maximum dispersion was found to be ~0.036 g/m2. The stabilization mechanism of SiC powder into mullite precursor sol was explained by Derjaguin‐Landau‐Vervey‐Overbeek (DLVO) theory. Coating was confirmed by transmittance electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy analysis. Further sintering of the mullite‐coated SiC powder compact at 1300°C produced porous SiC ceramic with porosity ~40 vol% and pore diameter ~3 μm. The corrosion behavior of the ceramics was studied in strong acid medium at 90°C and compared with the ceramics obtained from uncoated SiC powder.
Responding to child maltreatment: Comparison between the USA and China
Authors: Xu Yanfeng , Bright Charlotte Lyn , Ahn Haksoon 
Published: September 2017

A recent study estimated that over one‐fourth of Chinese children have suffered maltreatment (Fang et al., 2015). However, the current child welfare policy in China is limited to orphans, abandoned children, and children with disabilities. Also, there is very little comparative research in China on Chinese and other countries’ child welfare systems. The purpose of this study was to analyze applicable US and Chinese child welfare policies, identify gaps in Chinese policy regarding child maltreatment, and make recommendations for a policy agenda for improving child welfare in China based on cultural values and existing policy structures. Results show that China has considerable capacity to make improvements in child protective services, foster care, and adoption policies. Based on the results of this study, several implications are provided to develop China's child maltreatment policy to increase children's outcomes of well‐being, safety, and permanency.Key Practitioner Message: • To understand the background and system of current Chinese child maltreatment policy; • To review US child maltreatment policy and its implementation to identify gaps in the Chinese child maltreatment system; • To provide policy suggestions to develop Chinese child maltreatment policy and provide recommendations for social work education and practice in China.
Diagnosis and treatment of patients with prostatic abscess in the post‐antibiotic era
Authors: Ackerman Anne Lenore , Parameshwar Pooja S , Anger Jennifer T 
Published: September 2017

AbstractWe reviewed the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, treatment options and outcomes of prostatic abscess in the post‐antibiotic era, focusing on how patient risk factors and the emergence of multidrug‐resistant organisms influence management of the condition. A MEDLINE search for “prostate abscess” or “prostatic abscess” was carried out. Prostate abscess is no longer considered a consequence of untreated urinary infection; now, men with prostatic abscess are typically debilitated or immunologically compromised, with >50% of patients having diabetes. In younger men, prostatic abscess can be the initial presentation of such chronic conditions. In older men, prostatic abscess is increasingly a complication of benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostate biopsy. Diagnosis is based on a physical examination, leukocytosis, leukocyturia and transrectal ultrasound, with magnetic resonance imaging serving as the preferred confirmatory imaging modality. Treatment of prostatic abscess is changing as a result of the emergence of atypical and drug‐resistant organisms, such as extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase‐producing enterobacteriaceae and methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus. As many as 75% of infections are resistant to first‐generation antibiotics, necessitating aggressive therapy with broad‐spectrum parenteral antibiotics, such as third‐generation cephalosporins, aztreonam or antibiotic combinations. A total of 80% of patients require early surgical drainage, frequently through a transurethral approach. In the post‐antibiotic era, prostatic abscess is evolving from an uncommon complication of urinary infection to a consequence of immunodeficiency, growing antibiotic resistance and urological manipulation. This condition, primarily affecting patients with chronic medical conditions rendering them susceptible to atypical, drug‐resistant organisms, requires prompt aggressive intervention with contemporary antibiotic therapy and surgical drainage.
TLR3 contributes to persistent autophagy and heart failure in mice after myocardial infarction
Authors: Gao Ting , Zhang Shao‐Ping , Wang Jian‐Fei , Liu Li , Wang Yin , Cao Zhi‐Yong , Hu Qi‐Kuan , Yuan Wen‐Jun , Lin Li 
Published: September 2017

AbstractToll‐like receptors (TLRs) are essential immunoreceptors involved in host defence against invading microbes. Recent studies indicate that certain TLRs activate immunological autophagy to eliminate microbes. It remains unknown whether TLRs regulate autophagy to play a role in the heart. This study examined this question. The activation of TLR3 in cultured cardiomyocytes was observed to increase protein levels of autophagic components, including LC3‐II, a specific marker for autophagy induction, and p62/SQSTM1, an autophagy receptor normally degraded in the final step of autophagy. The results of transfection with a tandem mRFP‐GFP‐LC3 adenovirus and use of an autophagic flux inhibitor chloroquine both suggested that TLR3 in cardiomyocytes promotes autophagy induction without affecting autophagic flux. Gene‐knockdown experiments showed that the TRIF‐dependent pathway mediated the autophagic effect of TLR3. In the mouse model of chronic myocardial infarction, persistent autophagy was observed, concomitant with up‐regulated TLR3 expression and increased TLR3‐Trif signalling. Germline knockout (KO) of TLR3 inhibited autophagy, reduced infarct size, attenuated heart failure and improved survival. These protective effects were abolished by in vivo administration of an autophagy inducer rapamycin. Similar to the results obtained in cultured cardiomyocytes, TLR3‐KO did not prevent autophagic flux in mouse heart. Additionally, this study failed to detect the involvement of inflammation in TLR3‐KO‐derived protection, as wild‐type and TLR3‐KO hearts were comparable in inflammatory activity. It is concluded that up‐regulated TLR3 expression and signalling contributes to persistent autophagy following MI, which promotes heart failure and lethality.