bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Schwann cells are activated by ATP released from neurons in an in vitro cellular model of Miller Fisher syndrome
Authors: Rodella Umberto , Negro Samuele , Scorzeto Michele , Bergamin Elisanna , Jalink Kees , Montecucco Cesare , Yuki Nobuhiro , Rigoni Michela 
Published: January 2017

The neuromuscular junction is exposed to different types of insults including mechanical traumas, toxins or autoimmune antibodies and, accordingly, has retained through evolution a remarkable ability to regenerate. Regeneration is driven by multiple signals that are exchanged among the cellular components of the junction. These signals are largely unknown.
Miller Fisher syndrome is a variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome caused by autoimmune antibodies specific for epitopes of peripheral axon terminals. Using an animal model of Miller Fisher syndrome, we recently reported that a monoclonal anti-polysialoganglioside GQ1b antibody plus complement damages nerve terminals with production of mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide, that activates Schwann cells. Several additional signaling molecules are likely to be involved in the activation of the regenerative program in these cells.
Using an in vitro cellular model consisting of co-cultured primary neurons and Schwann cells, we found that ATP is released by neurons injured by the anti-GQ1b antibody plus complement. Neuron derived ATP acts as alarm messenger for Schwann cells, where it induces the activation of intracellular pathways including calcium signaling, cyclic AMP and CREB, which in turn produce signals that promote nerve regeneration.
These results contribute to define the cross-talk taking place at the neuromuscular junction attacked by anti-gangliosides autoantibodies plus complement, functional to nerve regeneration, that are likely to be valid also for other peripheral neuropathies.
Human cactin interacts with DHX8 and SRRM2 to assure efficient pre-mRNA splicing and sister chromatid cohesion
Authors: Zanini Isabella M. Y. , Soneson Charlotte , Lorenzi Luca E. , Azzalin Claus M. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT
Cactins constitute a family of eukaryotic proteins broadly conserved from yeast to human and required for fundamental processes such as cell proliferation, genome stability maintenance, organismal development and immune response. Cactin proteins have been found to associate with the spliceosome in several model organisms, nevertheless their molecular functions await elucidation. Here we show that depletion of human cactin leads to premature sister chromatid separation, genome instability and cell proliferation arrest. Moreover, cactin is essential for efficient splicing of thousands of pre-mRNAs, and incomplete splicing of the pre-mRNA of sororin (also known as CDCA5), a cohesin-associated factor, is largely responsible for the aberrant chromatid separation in cactin-depleted cells. Lastly, cactin physically and functionally interacts with the spliceosome-associated factors DHX8 and SRRM2. We propose that cellular complexes comprising cactin, DHX8 and SRRM2 sustain precise chromosome segregation, genome stability and cell proliferation by allowing faithful splicing of specific pre-mRNAs. Our data point to novel pathways of gene expression regulation dependent on cactin, and provide an explanation for the pleiotropic dysfunctions deriving from cactin inactivation in distant eukaryotes.
Paediatric bone and joint infection
Authors: Iliadis Alexios D. , Ramachandran Manoj 
Published: January 2017

Despite advances in understanding and management, paediatric osteoarticular infections continue to pose diagnostic difficulties for clinicians. Delays in diagnosis can lead to potentially devastating morbidity. No single investigation, including joint aspiration, is sufficiently reliable to diagnose conclusively paediatric bone and joint infection. Diagnosis should be based on a combination of clinical signs, imaging and laboratory investigations. Algorithms should supplement, and not replace, clinical decision making in all cases. The roles of aspiration, arthrotomy and arthroscopy in the treatment of septic arthritis are not clearly defined. There is a very limited role for surgery in the management of acute haematogenous osteomyelitis. The ideal duration and mode of administration of antibiotic therapy for osteoarticular paediatric infection is not yet fully defined but there is increasing evidence that shorter courses (three weeks) and early conversion (day four) to oral administration is safe and effective in appropriate cases. Clear and concise antibiotic guidelines should be available based on local population characteristics, pathogens and their sensitivities. Kingella kingae is increasingly identified through polymerase chain reaction and is now recognised as the commonest pathogen in children aged under four years. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Panton-Valentine leukocidin-producing strains of Staph. aureus are being increasingly reported. A multidisciplinary integrated evidence-based approach is required to optimise outcomes. Further large-scale, multicentre studies are needed to delineate the optimal management of paediatric osteoarticular infection. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2017;1:7-12. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.2.160027.
Serum levels of endothelial monocyte activating polypeptide-II in type 1 diabetes patients with microangyopathy and arterial hypertention.
Authors: Mogylnytska Liliya A. , Mankovsky Boris N. 
Published: January 2017

Aim. Тo determine the serum level of EMAP-II in type 1 diabetic patients with microangyopathy and arterial hypertention.Materials and methods We examined 23 type 1 diabetic patient with microangyopathy and arterial hypertention, 10 type 1 diabetic patient with microangyopathy without hypertention and 28 control subjects. Serum levels of EMAP-II were determined by immunoenzyme assay. The data were presented as means±SD. Results. We found an increased serum level of EMAP-II in type 1 diabetic patients with microangyopathy and arterial hypertention compared to control group (5,23±1,66 ng/ml and 1,25±0,76 ng/ml respectively, р0,01), and in type 1 diabetic patients with microangyopathy and arterial hypertension compared to group without hypertension (5,23±1,66 ng/ml and 3,63±1,9 ng/ml respectively, р0,01). Also, the level of EMAP-II correlated with key markers of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, inverse correlated with endothelium-dependent dilatation (p0,05).Conclusion. The revealed change of EMAP-II could reflect an endothelial dysfunction in patients with type 1 diabetes with microangyopathy and arterial hypertension. Arterial hypertension, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia appears to be significant factor to contributing elevation of EMAP-II.Keywords: Endothelial monocyte activating polypeptide II, endothelial dysfunction, type 1 diabetes, arterial hypertension.
Clinical and metabolic factors associated with chronic low-grade inflammation in type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Klimontov Vadim V. , Tyan Nadezda V. , Fazullina Olga N. , Myakina Natalia E. , Lykov Alexander P. , Konenkov Vladimir I. 
Published: January 2017

Aim. To identify the clinical and metabolic factors associated with serum concentration of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and α1-acid glycoprotein (α1-AGP) in patients with type 2 diabetes.Material and methods. The study involved 210 patients with type 2 diabetes. Levels of hsCRP and α1-AGP were measured using ELISA and compared with those of the control (30 healthy normal individuals). Levels of acute-phase proteins, fat mass and glucose variability (GV) were compared among demographic, anthropometric, biochemical and haematological parameters. The fat mass was determined with Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). GV parameters including mean amplitude of glycaemic excursions, continuous overlapping net glycaemic action (CONGA), J-index, M-value and mean absolute glucose change (MAG) were derived from continuous glucose monitoring.Results. Levels of hsCRP and α1-AGP significantly increased (p 0.0001) in patients with diabetes compared with controls. hsCRP level positively correlated with total, truncal and android fat (r = 0.34, r = 0.28 and r = 0.31; respectively, p 0.00004). α1-AGP level showed no relationship with fat mass but positively correlated with mean glucose, CONGA, M-value and MAG (r = 0.38, r = 0.36, r = 0.43 and r = 0.4; respectively, p 0.0001). Patients with the highest hsCRP levels (75 percentile) had a greater body mass index (p = 0.00009) as well as truncal and android fat mass (p = 0.04 and p = 0.03, respectively) than those with the lowest levels (25 percentile). High level of α1-AGP (75 percentile) was associated with urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (p = 0.01) and GV indices (M-value: p = 0.02, MAG: p = 0.04).Conclusions. Levels of acute-phase proteins (hsCRP and α1-AGP) increased in patients with type 2 diabetes. Levels of hsCRP were associated with fat mass; meanwhile, α1-AGP levels were associated with short-time GV in these patients. The results lend support to the notion that both obesity and enhanced GV are involved in the development of chronic low-grade inflammation associated with type 2 diabetes.
Insulin resistance: the conflict between biological settings of energy metabolism and human lifestyle (a glance at the problem from evolutionary viewpoint)
Authors: Titov Vladimir Nicolaevich , Shirinsky Vladimir Pavlovich 
Published: January 2017

A biological function of the phylogenetically late humoral mediator insulin is to provide energy substrates for locomotion, i.e. movement resulting from contraction of striated muscles. Insulin is able to meet this evolutionary demand of an organism by means of the effective ATP production in the mitochondria. Exogenous fatty acids, optimised endogenous fatty acids produced from glucose and glucose itself are the major substrates for ATP synthesis. Cells stimulated by insulin produce ω-9 С18:1 oleic acid from glucose. This fatty acid is oxidised by the mitochondria at a higher rate than exogenous and endogenous C16:0 palmitic fatty acid. In the normal state of insulin system and mitochondria, the frequent cause of insulin resistance is the non-optimal properties of dietary fatty acids supplied for oxidation by the mitochondria. Dietary excess of saturated palmitic fatty acid over monogenic oleic fatty acid causes insulin resistance to develop. Insulin resistance syndrome is the condition of in vivo energy deficiency and insufficient production of ATP for the realisation of the biological adaptation and compensation. Insulin effectively inhibits lipolysis only in phylogenetically late subcutaneous adipocytes but not in phylogenetically early visceral fat cells of the omentum. Discrepancy in the regulation of energy substrate metabolism against the background of a ‘relative biological perfection’ of higher mammals is the aetiological basis of insulin resistance.
Understanding the NS/NNS division of labor in the creation and assessment of a Japanese university English entrance exam
Authors: Brown Charles Allen 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe native speaker (NS) traditionally enjoyed a powerful position in language education. Later, critical applied linguists came to question this situation, arguing for the value of the non-native speaking (NNS) teacher. Despite this, research documents the status retained by the NS in language education in Japan. The present study adds to this discussion through an examination of one case in which NS and NNS work side by side: creating and assessing an entrance exam for one university in Japan. Drawing upon ethnographic methods, I examine differences in the involvement of these two groups in these processes with a focus upon the beliefs about language associated with this division of labor. Rather than indicating a situation in which NS linguistic knowledge simply trumped that held by the Japanese faculty, results reveal a more nuanced situation: The Japanese faculty guided the NS to adapt their language to align with what they – the Japanese faculty – viewed as language appropriate for such an exam. This paper is significant in elaborating upon the relationship between the NS and NNS in language education while also shedding light on practices surrounding university entrance exams.
To postpone or not to postpone? Examining access policy on early foreign language learning from second language acquisition and language planning and policy perspectives
Authors: Zein Mochamad Subhan 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThis paper examines the suggestion to postpone instruction on early foreign language learning, from both second language acquisition (SLA) and language planning and policy (LPP) perspectives. Contrary to the widely held belief that SLA research on age effects can inform policymakers as to when to start instruction, this paper demonstrates that such research may not offer much to language policymaking. The paper argues that the use of a more pragmatic approach in the transdisciplinarity of SLA and LPP emphasizing research into the benefits of instruction for children should be the underpinning SLA-based rationale for early foreign language learning policies. The paper contends that collaborative work between policymakers and researchers working in LPP and/or SLA domains in an SLA-LPP consortium could help address the problems occurring in the micro-context of policy interpretation and enactment with a primary focus oninput enhancementrather thanpostponement.
Inside in French
Authors: Gréa Philippe 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThis article concerns five French prepositions that mark an inclusion relation and are ordinarily considered to be synonyms ofdans‘in’. The first is a simple preposition:parmi‘among’. The other four are complex prepositions built from nouns of internal location (au centre de‘at the centre of’,au milieu de‘in the middle of’) and from names of body parts (au cœur de‘at the heart of’ andau sein dewhose word-for-word translation is ‘at the breast/bosom of’ but stands for ‘within’ ‘in’ or ‘among’ depending on the context). We will examine them from two different, yet complementary points of view. As part of a statistical approach, we use an association measure to determine the distributional trends of each preposition. In addition, we explore in greater detail the semantic mechanisms brought into play using the theoretical framework of Cognitive Grammar. This double analysis leads us to demonstrate that these prepositions are far from synonymous and involve very different types of constraints.
Validity and reliability of insomnia severity index and its correlation with pittsburgh sleep quality index in poor sleepers among Indian university students
Authors: Veqar Zubia , Hussain Mohammed Ejaz 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

Objective:
Insomnia severity index (ISI) is a widely used scale in various demographic groups but its psychometric properties have not been established in a sample of Indian subjects. This study was conducted as a preliminary study to extend and confirm the applicability of ISI to an Indian population of university students and to establish its correlation with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).

Materials and methods:
The study was conducted among the student population of Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India, with due approval by the institutional ethical committee. Twenty-five poor sleepers with a mean age of 25.24±7.04 years and a BMI of 24.2±2.5 kg/m2 were recruited for the study from the university population. They were administered ISI and PSQI on test day and the same was repeated after 1 week.

Results:
The test-retest reliability for ISI (intra-class correlation coefficient, ICC2,1−0.84) was excellent. It was further established by the Bland-Altman graph and scatter plot. The results also showed that ISI (Pearson’s coefficient r−0.45) had a strong positive correlation with PSQI. Internal consistency for the ISI (Cronbach’s α–0.84) was excellent.

Conclusion:
The study findings suggest that ISI has excellent internal consistency, test-retest reliability and validity for the university population of poor sleepers in India. Hence, it can prove to be a good tool for screening insomnia in the current population.
Prevalence of communication between mothers and daughters on sexuality and associated factors in Sagamu, southwest Nigeria
Authors: Opawale Oluwadamilola A. , Animasahun Victor J. , Chapman Helena J. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

Background:
As adolescents transition from childhood to adulthood, effective mother-daughter communication on sexuality plays a role in reducing high-risk behaviours linked to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and early pregnancy and childbirth. The objective of the study was to examine the prevalence of mother-daughter communication on sexuality and associated factors in Sagamu, southwest Nigeria.

Methods:
Using multistage sampling, surveys were conducted using 234 female youth enrolled at a secondary school. The chi-square or Fisher’s exact test was used to examine associations between categorical variables. The independent sample t-test was used to compare mean values of variables with reported evidence of mother-daughter communication on sexuality.

Results:
The mean age of respondents was 16+1.56 years. The majority (89.7%) had engaged in mother-daughter communication on sexuality, but three-quarters (80.8%) of the respondents could not freely discuss sexuality with their mothers. About one-third (31.6%) of the respondents reported at least one sexual encounter with the mean age of sexual debut of 14.23±2.12 years. Mother-daughter communication on sexuality was significantly associated with religion (p=0.047), mother’s age (p=0.019), who the respondents live with (p=0.029), mother’s highest educational status (p<0.001), age of sexual debut (p=0.030), and condom use (p<0.001), but not with freedom to discuss sexuality with their mother (p=0.552) or freedom to introduce male friends to their mother (p=0.077).

Conclusion:
Despite the high prevalence of mother-daughter communication on sexuality, mothers’ approach appeared unfriendly, as most girls could not freely discuss topics concerning sexuality with their mothers. Poor communication on sexuality was associated with sexual risk behaviours. Mothers should engage in adolescent-friendly transferring of knowledge on sexuality in order to reduce pregnancy rates and HIV transmission in female adolescents.
Two-Dimensional Optical CDMA System Parameters Limitations for Wavelength Hopping/Time-Spreading Scheme based on Simulation Experiment
Authors: Kandouci Chahinaz , Djebbari Ali 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
A new family of two-dimensional optical hybrid code which employs zero cross-correlation (ZCC) codes, constructed by the balanced incomplete block design BIBD, as both time-spreading and wavelength hopping patterns are used in this paper. The obtained codes have both off-peak autocorrelation and cross-correlation values respectively equal to zero and unity. The work in this paper is a computer experiment performed using Optisystem 9.0 software program as a simulator to determine the wavelength hopping/time spreading (WH/TS) OCDMA system performances limitations. Five system parameters were considered in this work: the optical fiber length (transmission distance), the bitrate, the chip spacing and the transmitted power. This paper shows for what sufficient system performance parameters (BER≤10−9, Q≥6) the system can stand for.
Quantification of mechanical dyssynchrony in growth restricted fetuses and normal controls using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE)
Authors: Krause Kristina , Möllers Mareike , Hammer Kerstin , Falkenberg Maria Karina , Möllmann Ute , Görlich Dennis , Klockenbusch Walter , Schmitz Ralf 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

Purpose:
To evaluate longitudinal mechanical dyssynchrony in normally grown fetuses by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) and to compare longitudinal mechanical dyssynchrony in fetal growth restriction (FGR) with normal controls.

Materials and methods:
A prospective study was performed on 30 FGR and 62 normally grown fetuses, including 30 controls matched by gestational age, using STE and a transversal four-chamber view. Data analysis was carried out with a high frame rate of about 175 frames/s. Dyssynchrony was analyzed offline with QLab 9 (Philips Medical Systems, Andover, MA, USA) as time differences between peaks in strain of both ventricles and the septum. Inter- and intraventricular and intraseptal dyssynchrony were obtained and inter- and intraobserver reliability was analyzed.

Results:
Longitudinal mechanical dyssynchrony was feasible in all cases, with high inter- and intraobserver reliability. Levels of inter- and intraventricular dyssynchrony were higher in the FGR than in the control group.

Conclusion:
Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) is a reliable technique for cardiac function assessment in the fetal heart. Interventricular dyssynchrony could be a potential parameter for early detection of subclinical myocardial dysfunction before other parameters demand intervention. The future clinical role of longitudinal mechanical dyssynchrony needs to be verified in larger studies and with a technique customized for prenatal echocardiography.
Preimplantation 3D ultrasound: current uses and challenges
Authors: Arya Sushila , Kupesic Plavsic Sanja 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe preimplantation ultrasound (US) refers to targeted imaging of the uterus and adnexa prior to assisted reproductive techniques (ART) to optimize the infertility treatment outcomes. After a thorough evidence based literature review, we propose the use of transvaginal three-dimensional (3D) US during the early follicular phase. A systematic approach for 3D US examination consists of a detailed examination of the uterine shape, size and contour, evaluation of the endometrial thickness, volume, pattern and vascularity, and assessment of the junctional zone regularity, echogenicity and thickness. Uterine anatomy is explored in the coronal plane by simultaneous visualization of the uterine cavity, the external surface of the fundus and cervix. Saline infusion sonogram (SIS) is recommended for patients with increased endometrial volume, abnormal endometrial pattern and irregular uterine cavity shape suggestive of Müllerian duct anomalies or acquired intracavitary abnormalities. Myometrial lesions should be recognized and proper dimensions and locations should be ascertained. Ovarian dimensions and volume are measured and the antral follicle count is recorded. Adnexa are carefully assessed for masses, endometriosis and dilated tubes. Color power Doppler US may be applied to evaluate vascularity of the ovaries and pelvic lesions. Hysterosalpingo-contrast-sonography (Hy-Co-Sy) should be optimally utilized for assessment of tubal patency. Accessibility and mobility of the ovaries should be checked in real time for better planning of the ultrasound-guided oocyte retrieval. The cul-de-sac is assessed for the presence of free fluid or masses.
Material Parts in Social Structures
Authors: Elder-Vass Dave 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThere has been much debate on whether and how groups of human agents can constitute social structures with causal significance. Both sides in this debate, however, implicitly privilege human individuals over non-human material objects and tend to ignore the possibility that such objects might also play a significant role in social structures. This paper argues that social entities are often composed of both human agents and non-human material objects, and that both may make essential contributions to their causal influence. In such cases the causal influence of social structures should be attributed to the emergent causal powers of what I call socio-technical entities.