bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Large Mammal Use of Seminatural Grasslands and Implications for Aviation Strike Risk
Authors: Iglay Raymond B. , Schwarz Kristin B. , Belant Jerrold L. , Martin James A. , Wang Guiming , DeVault Travis L. 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
Large mammals pose a significant risk to U.S. aircraft safety within airport operation areas and cost airlines millions of dollars in repairs annually. Native warm-season grass polycultures and switchgrass monocultures offer alternative land covers for airports that could benefit current risk-mitigation efforts in addition to offering economic and environmental benefits. We compared use of a native warm-season grass polyculture and switchgrass Panicum virgatum monoculture by white-tailed deer (deer; Odocoileus virginianus) and coyote Canis latrans, using remote cameras in Mississippi, during 2011–2012. Coyotes and deer were observed 27% and 51% less in switchgrass monoculture than in native warm-season grass polyculture, respectively. However, November detections and cumulative hazard score demonstrated the greatest differences between treatments, especially for deer. Considering deer and coyotes are among the most hazardous mammal species to aircraft, switchgrass monocultures could be a better alternative land cover than native warm-season grass polycultures for some airport turf areas. Increased land coverage of switchgrass monocultures could benefit airport wildlife-hazard mitigation but needs validation by comparing alternative land covers to more traditional airport land covers.
Revisiting the Road Map of Medullary Thymic Epithelial Cell Differentiation
Authors: Michel Chloé , Miller Corey N. , Küchler Rita , Brors Benedikt , Anderson Mark S. , Kyewski Bruno , Pinto Sheena 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
The basic two-step terminal differentiation model of the medullary thymic epithelial cell (mTEC) lineage from immature MHC class II (MHCII)lo to mature MHCIIhi mTECs has recently been extended to include a third stage, namely the post-Aire MHCIIlo subset as identified by lineage-tracing models. However, a suitable surface marker distinguishing the phenotypically overlapping pre- from the post-Aire MHCIIlo stage has been lacking. In this study, we introduce the lectin Tetragonolobus purpureas agglutinin (TPA) as a novel cell surface marker that allows for such delineation. Based on our data, we derived the following sequence of mTEC differentiation: TPAloMHCIIlo → TPAloMHCIIhi → TPAhiMHCIIhi → TPAhiMHCIIlo. Surprisingly, in the steady-state postnatal thymus TPAloMHCIIlo pre-Aire rather than terminally differentiated post-Aire TPAhiMHCIIlo mTECs were marked for apoptosis at an exceptionally high rate of ∼70%. Hence, only the minor cycling fraction of the MHCIIlo subset (&lt;20%) potentially qualified as mTEC precursors. FoxN1 expression inversely correlated with the fraction of slow cycling and apoptotic cells within the four TPA subsets. TPA also further subdivided human mTECs, although with different subset distribution. Our revised road map emphazises close parallels of terminal mTEC development with that of skin, undergoing an alternative route of cell death, namely cornification rather than apoptosis. The high rate of apoptosis in pre-Aire MHCIIlo mTECs points to a “quality control” step during early mTEC differentiation.
Loss of NLRX1 Exacerbates Neural Tissue Damage and NF-κB Signaling following Brain Injury
Authors: Theus Michelle H. , Brickler Thomas , Meza Armand L. , Coutermarsh-Ott Sheryl , Hazy Amanda , Gris Denis , Allen Irving C. 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
Traumatic and nontraumatic brain injury results from severe disruptions in the cellular microenvironment leading to massive loss of neuronal populations and increased neuroinflammation. The progressive cascade of secondary events, including ischemia, inflammation, excitotoxicity, and free-radical release, contribute to neural tissue damage. NLRX1 is a member of the NLR family of pattern recognition receptors and is a potent negative regulator of several pathways that significantly modulate many of these events. Thus, we hypothesized that NLRX1 limits immune system signaling in the brain following trauma. To evaluate this hypothesis, we used Nlrx1−/− mice in a controlled cortical impact (CCI) injury murine model of traumatic brain injury (TBI). In this article, we show that Nlrx1−/− mice exhibited significantly larger brain lesions and increased motor deficits following CCI injury. Mechanistically, our data indicate that the NF-κB signaling cascade is significantly upregulated in Nlrx1−/− animals. This upregulation is associated with increased microglia and macrophage populations in the cortical lesion. Using a mouse neuroblastoma cell line (N2A), we also found that NLRX1 significantly reduced apoptosis under hypoxic conditions. In human patients, we identify 15 NLRs that are significantly dysregulated, including significant downregulation of NLRX1 in brain injury following aneurysm. We further demonstrate a concurrent increase in NF-κB signaling that is correlated with aneurysm severity in these human subjects. Together, our data extend the function of NLRX1 beyond its currently characterized role in host–pathogen defense and identify this highly novel NLR as a significant modulator of brain injury progression.
DNA Vaccination by Electroporation Amplifies Broadly Cross-Restricted Public TCR Clonotypes Shared with HIV Controllers
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Madhura , Galperin Moran , Patgaonkar Mandar , Vasan Sandhya , Ho David D. , Nouël Alexandre , Claireaux Mathieu , Benati Daniela , Lambotte Olivier , Huang Yaoxing , Chakrabarti Lisa A. 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
Rare patients who spontaneously control HIV replication provide a useful model to inform HIV vaccine development. HIV controllers develop particularly efficient antiviral CD4+ T cell responses mediated by shared high-affinity TCRs. To determine whether the candidate DNA vaccine ADVAX could induce similar responses, we analyzed Gag-specific primary CD4+ T cells from healthy volunteers who received ADVAX DNA by electroporation. Vaccinated volunteers had an immunodominant response to the Gag293 epitope with a functional avidity intermediate between that of controllers and treated patients. The TCR repertoire of Gag293-specific CD4+ T cells proved highly biased, with a predominant usage of the TCRβ variable gene 2 (TRBV2) in vaccinees as well as controllers. TCRα variable gene (TRAV) gene usage was more diverse, with the dominance of TRAV29 over TRAV24 genes in vaccinees, whereas TRAV24 predominated in controllers. Sequence analysis revealed an unexpected degree of overlap between the specific repertoires of vaccinees and controllers, with the sharing of TRAV24 and TRBV2 public motifs (&gt;30%) and of public clonotypes characteristic of high-affinity TCRs. MHC class II tetramer binding revealed a broad HLA-DR cross-restriction, explaining how Gag293-specific public clonotypes could be selected in individuals with diverse genetic backgrounds. TRAV29 clonotypes also proved cross-restricted, but conferred responses of lower functional avidity upon TCR transfer. In conclusion, DNA vaccination by electroporation primed for TCR clonotypes that were associated with HIV control, highlighting the potential of this vaccine delivery method. To our knowledge, this study provides the first proof-of-concept that clonotypic analysis may be used as a tool to monitor the quality of vaccine-induced responses and modulate these toward “controller-like” responses.
Strength, Size, and Muscle Quality in the Upper Arm following Unilateral Training in Younger and Older Males and Females
Authors: Tanton Leah C. , Cappaert Thomas A. , Gordon Paul M. , Zoeller Robert F. , Angelopoulos Theodore J. , Price Thomas B. , Thompson Paul D. , Moyna Niall M. , Seip Richard L. , Pescatello Linda S. , Devaney Joseph M. , Gordish-Dressman Heather , Hoffman Eric P. , Visich Paul S. 
Published: October 2017

Purpose To assess strength, size, and muscle quality differences between younger and older males and females in response to training. Methods The bicep and tricep of the non-dominant arm were trained for twelve weeks in younger and older males and females (n = 41). The bicep of both arms were assessed pre and post for muscle strength using one-repetition maximum (1 RM) testing, and size using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results Strength (p < 0.05), mCSA (p < 0.05), and 1 RM MQ (p < 0.00) increased in response to training in all subjects regardless of age or gender. Younger and older subjects had similar increases in strength (45.49 ± 15.30% vs. 42.67 ± 26.67% respectively), mCSA (16.22 ± 7.98% vs. 19.17 ± 6.19% respectively), and 1RM MQ (25.73 ± 15.76 vs. 19.67 ± 20.66 respectively). Women increased their strength (55.59 ± 19.45% vs. 32.87 ± 15.66% p < 0.00 respectively), size (20.36 ± 6.29% vs. 14.72 ± 7.28% p < 0.02 respectively), and 1 RM MQ (29.74 ± 18.33% vs. 16.30 ± 15.59% p <.02) more than men. In comparing age and gender, younger females increased their strength more than older males (56.42 ± 12.92% vs. 29.17 ± 21.8% p <.02 respectively). Older females also increased their strength more than older males (54.68 ± 25.73 vs. 29.17 ± 21.80% respectively). Younger females increased their 1 RM MQ more than older males (.18 ± .08 kg/cm vs. .06 ± .08 kg/cm p <.02 respectively). Conclusion Strength and mCSA increases similarly in older and younger subjects. However, the overall strength and quality of the muscle seems to improve more in women than in men.
Relationship between Lymph Node Volume and Pain following Certolizumab Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis Flare: A Pilot Study
Authors: Rahimi Homaira , Dieudonne Gregory , Kheyfits Valeriy , Bouta Echoe M. , Wood Ronald W. , Barrett Rick , Moorehead Sharon , Schwarz Edward M. , Ritchlin Christopher T. 
Published: October 2017

Objectives The mechanisms that trigger flare in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are unknown. In murine arthritis models, dysfunctional lymph node (LN) drainage is associated with joint flare. To examine if LN alterations are associated with RA flare, we analyzed the change in LN volume via contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI) in patients with active joint flare at baseline and 16 weeks after certolizumab pegol (CZP) therapy. We also assessed the changes in popliteal or epitrochlear LN volumes versus the Rheumatoid and Arthritis Outcome Score (RAOS) (knee), or the Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ; wrist/hand), and Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28), at baseline and 16 weeks. Results Total LN volume in 7 of 10 patients with measurable LN on CE-MRI significantly decreased 16 weeks after CZP therapy (mean decrease 37%; P = 0.0019). Improvement in knee pain measured by the RAOS ( P = 0.03) inversely correlated with a decrease in total popliteal LN volume ( R2 = 0.94). All patients demonstrated significant improvement in DAS28 (mean decrease 1.48; P = 0.0002). For flare in the hand, significant improvement in activities of daily living (ADL) as measured by the MHQ was observed (left hand mean improvement 20%; P = 0.02; right hand mean improvement 37%; P = 0.03). Conclusion RA patients with the smallest change in LN volume during anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy experienced the greatest pain relief in symptomatic knee joints. Moreover, the remarkably linear inverse correlation between LN volume and joint pain observed in this small clinical pilot provides initial evidence to support the concept that dynamic changes in draining LN volume are a biomarker of clinical response to therapy in RA.
Racial Disparities on Glycemic Control and Lipid Profiles in Children with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Ashraf Ambika , Li Yufeng , Franklin Frank , McCormick Kenneth , Moreland Elaine 
Published: October 2017

Objective We assessed the racial (Black–White) differences in glycemic control, prevalence of abnormal lipid profiles and factors influencing temporal trends in children with type 1 diabetes (T1DM). Methods This retrospective study was done in children with T1DM. The outcome measure was based on glycemic control and all lipid determinations which were stratified according to the published guidelines. Results The study included 181 children; 76.2% Whites and 23.8% Blacks. The mean glycated hemoglobin (A1C) was higher in Blacks than in Whites (p < 0.0001). Blacks had elevated total cholesterol (TC) (p = 0.0013), lower TC/HDL ratio (p < 0.0001) and higher concentration of HDL (<0.0001) when compared to Whites. The longitudinal analyses over a 5 year period showed changes in A1C significantly associated with changes in the lipid profiles. The lipid profiles in Blacks were more altered by the trend in A1C with changes in the TC (p = 0.0079), non-HDL (p < 0.0001) and HDL (p < 0.0001). Conclusions Black children with T1DM have poorer glycemic control. However they retained excellent levels of HDL when compared to Whites.
Clinical Medicine: Endocrinology and Diabetes: Gender-associated Differences in Weight Gain, Insulin Requirement and Metabolic control in Newly Insulin-treated Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Secondary Sulfonylurea Failure–-a One-year Observation
Authors: Biesenbach Georg , Bodlaj Gert , Pieringer Herwig 
Published: October 2017

Objective The aim of the present study was to determine differences between male and female type 2 diabetic patients concerning body weight, metabolic control, insulin requirement and prevalence of vascular diseases during the first year insulin therapy. Patients and Methods We investigated 102 newly insulin-treated type 2 diabetic patients (60 female) with secondary sulfonylurea failure. Observation period was the first year insulin therapy. We compared BMI, HbA1c, lipids and insulin requirement at the begin and after one year, C-peptide and prevalence of vascular diseases at the start of insulin therapy. Results At the start of insulin substitution, omen had a higher BMI (27 + 3 versus 25 + 3; p < 0.05). Women also required a higher insulin dose than did men (28 + 6 versus 24 + 6 IU/day) Mean HbA1c and cholesterol levels were similar in both groups whereas triglycerides were higher in women (244 + 88 versus 203 + 76 mg/dl; p < 0.05). Both groups achieved a similar gain in body weight after one year (+2.5% versus +2.6%; NS). HbA1c decreased from 9.2 + 1.1 to 7.4% + 0.9% (–19%) in women and from 9.4 + 1.1 to 7.5% + 1.0% (–20%) in men. The prevalence of vascular diseases was not significantly different in both groups. Conclusions At the start of insulin therapy female type 2 diabetic patients showed a significant higher BMI and a higher insulin requirement than male patients. The metabolic control was similar in men and women, only the triglycerides were higher in the female patients. Weight gain and increase of needed insulin as well as prevalence of macroangiopathy were the same in both groups.
The Impact of Obesity on Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes in the General Population and in patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Palmer Jayne , Kalsekar Anupama , Boye Kristina , Goodall Gordon 
Published: October 2017

Objectives There is an established causal link between obesity and cardiovascular outcomes. The aim of this review was to determine whether an independent relationship exists between anthropometric measurements of weight (typically body mass index [BMI]) and cardiovascular outcomes (e.g. angina, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, stroke, and mortality due to cardiovascular disease) in the general population and in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods A review of the medical literature published between 1988 and May 2008 was conducted using the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane and Center for Review and Dissemination databases. Studies longer than 12 months, with ≥500 adult subjects and published in English were included. Results In studies conducted in general populations there was an overall trend towards increased risk for adverse cardiovascular outcomes with increasing BMI. The nature and strength of this relationship varied according to the measurement used (e.g. BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio) and the population studied, with notable differences observed in Asian/Asia-Pacific compared with European or North American-based studies. However, data from diabetes-specific populations are limited. Conclusions In general, the degree of being overweight or obese was associated with an elevated risk of adverse cardiovascular events and mortality. Although inextricable links exist between obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in the general population, the extent to which findings can be extrapolated to a diabetes-specific population is limited.
Chronic Complications of Diabetes in Iraq: Experience from Southern Iraq
Authors: Mansour Abbas Ali 
Published: October 2017

Background The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of chronic complications in type 2 diabetic patients in Basrah (Southern Iraq). Methods This was a longitudinal descriptive study for patients with diabetes registered in Al-Faiha Diabetes and Endocrine Centre in Basrah (Southern Iraq) for the period from April 2003 to end of February 2009. Results Out of 4,926 patients enrolled, 51.0% were women, mean age was 55.0 ± 13.1 years and 67.6% were overweight or obese. Those with duration of diabetes more than 5 years constituted 50.6% and only 25.3% were on insulin. Mean Hemoglobin A1C was 9.3 ± 2.0. The prevalence of the 16 complications studied were as follows: Hypertension in 31.0%, peripheral neuropathy in 13.8%, ischemic heart disease in 7.8%, proteinuria in 6.6%, cereberovascular accident in 4.6%, interdigital fungal infection in 4.3%, heart failure in 3.4%, and erectile dysfunction in 6.0%. In this study 2.8% of patients died of cardiovascular causes, 2.7% developed diabetic foot, 2.4% had non-alcoholic fatty liver, 0.7% had amputation, 0.4% developed ophthalmoplegia, 0.2% had peripheral vascular disease, and 0.04% developed mucormycosis. The chronic complications which were more seen in those with diabetes more than 5 years were hypertension, peripheral neuropathy, ischemic heart disease, proteinuria, cereberovascular accident, heart failure, erectile dysfunction, cardiovascular death, diabetic foot, amputation and peripheral vascular disease. Conclusion This study provided the baseline for chronic complications of diabetes in Iraq. Screening for early complications is recommended.
HbA1c is an Independent Determinant of Renal Vascular Resistance Estimated by Doppler Sonography in Non-Diabetic Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Miyoshi Ken-ichi , Okura Takafumi , Nagao Tomoaki , Jotoku Masanori , Enomoto Daijiro , Irita Jun , Kurata Mie , Higaki Jitsuo 
Published: October 2017

Background Diabetic nephropathy is a progressive disease that leads to renal failure and end stage renal disease. A frequent and early manifestation of diabetic nephropathy is hyaline arteriolosclerosis. The noninvasive method for estimating the severity of arteriolosclerosis is measurement of the renal resistive index (RI). In this study, we determined whether or not normal blood glucose control, classified as an HbA1c < 5.8%, was a sufficiently low level to prevent arteriolosclerosis in patients with essential hypertension. Methods The study subjects were 93 patients with essential hypertension with HbA1c levels <5.8%. Patients with a history of medication for diabetes mellitus were excluded. Blood flow velocity of the renal interlobar arteries was assessed by a Doppler ultrasonography and the RI calculated. Results RI correlated positively with age, body mass index, pulse pressure, pulse rate and HbA1c, and negatively with diastolic blood pressure. A multivariate analysis identified age, pulse pressure and HbA1c as significant independent determinants of RI. Our data show that RI correlates with HbA1c independent of other variables, even in normoglycemic patients with HbA1c levels <5.8%. Conclusions The results of this cross-sectional study suggest that blood glucose levels should be kept as low as possible in order to prevent arteriolosclerosis in the kidney in hypertensive patients.
The Switch Study: Switching from BHI 30 Novolet® to BIAsp 30 Flexpen®: Clinical Observations from the Netherlands. Treatment Satisfaction when Switching from BHI 30 NovoLet® to BIAsp 30 FlexPen®
Authors: Appelman-Dijkstra Natasha M. , Sonneveld Marjolein , Tom Beril , Geelhoed-Duijvestijn Petronella H.L.M. 
Published: October 2017

Aim An open label non-randomized observational study was performed to observe and investigate the process of switching from premixed human insulin 30/70 (BHI 30) in NovoLet® to biphasic insulin aspart 30/70 (BIAsp 30) in FlexPen® in an outpatient setting; in terms of insulin dose, efficacy, hypoglycemic episodes, quality of life (WHO-5) and treatment satisfaction (ITSQ; Insulin Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire). Methods Type 2 diabetic patients (aged ≥ 18 yrs) treated with BHI30 in NovoLet® who were switched to BIAsp 30 in FlexPen® were included in an open-labeled, multicenter, non-randomized, observational study. At baseline and 8 ± 2 weeks after switching to BIAsp 30 FlexPen® HbA1c, insulin dose, number of hypoglycemic events and quality of life were measured. Results A total of 196 patients (54.3% female, aged 64.8 ± 12 years) with type 2 diabetes completed the study. Total insulin dose remained stable 52.8 ± 24.9 units at baseline vs. 52.0 ± 25.6 units after 8 weeks of treatment, as did HbA1c, 7.7 ± 1.4% at baseline vs. 7.7% ± 1.4%. No weight change was reported (81.6 ± 16.6 kg vs. 81.5 ± 16.7 kg). With BIAsp 30, a significantly lower number of total hypoglycemic episodes were reported (127 compared to 188 with BHI 30, p < 0.001). Significance remained for the subclasses separately (daytime 142 vs. 98, p = 0.005; and nocturnal 46 vs. 29, p = 0.05). ITSQ results confirmed these findings: total score on ‘hypoglycemic’ subscale improved significantly from 78 ± 16.8 to 83 ± 16.0 (p = 0.009). The overall score improved significantly from 82.2 ± 14.6 to 85.5 ± 13.9 (p = 0.036). 85% percent of the patients were satisfied with the FlexPen® device and 89.1% wanted to continue treatment with FlexPen®. The WHO-5 scores after the final visit showed no general quality of life problems with average scores between 2.7 and 3.3. Conclusion The results of this study provided evidence that switching from BHI 30 NovoLet® to BIAsp 30 FlexPen® can be done easily on a unit by unit basis in daily practice in type 2 diabetic patients. After 8 weeks of treatment with BIAsp 30 there was a significant decrease in hypoglycemic episodes accompanied by a significant increase in treatment satisfaction.