bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bone marrow endothelial progenitor cells activate hepatic stellate cells and aggravate carbon tetrachloride induced liver fibrosis in mice via paracrine factors
Authors: Garg Manali , Kaur Savneet , Banik Arpita , Kumar Vikash , Rastogi Archana , Sarin Shiv K. , Mukhopadhyay Asok , Trehanpati Nirupma 
Published: July 2017

AbstractObjectivesBone marrow derived endothelial progenitor cells (BM‐EPCs) are increased in chronic liver disease (CLD). Their role in hepatic fibrosis and regeneration remains an area of intense studies. We investigated the migration and secretory functions of BM‐EPCs in fibrotic mice liver.Materials and methodsBone marrow cells from C57BL6‐GFP mice were transplanted into the femur of irradiated C57BL6 mice, followed by CCl4 doses for 8 weeks, to develop hepatic fibrosis (n = 36). Transplanted C57BL6 mice without CCl4 treatment were used as controls. EPCs were analyzed in BM, blood and liver by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. VEGF and TGF‐β were analysed in the hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and BM‐EPCs co‐cultures using ELISAs.ResultsThere was a significant migration of EPCs from BM to blood and to the liver (P ≤ 0.01). Percentage of GFP+CD31+ EPCs and collagen proportionate area was substantially increased in the liver at 4th week of CCl4 dosage compared to the controls (19.8% vs 1.9%, P ≤ 0.05). Levels of VEGF (533.6 pg/ml) and TGF‐β (327.44 pg/ml) also increased significantly, when HSCs were treated with the EPC conditioned medium, as compared to controls (25.66 pg/ml and 5.87 pg/ml, respectively; P ≤ 0.001).ConclusionsPresent findings suggest that BM‐EPCs migrate to the liver during CCl4‐induced liver injury and contribute to fibrosis.
Developmental trajectory of neural specialization for letter and number visual processing
Authors: Park Joonkoo , van den Berg Berry , Chiang Crystal , Woldorff Marty G. , Brannon Elizabeth M. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAdult neuroimaging studies have demonstrated dissociable neural activation patterns in the visual cortex in response to letters (Latin alphabet) and numbers (Arabic numerals), which suggest a strong experiential influence of reading and mathematics on the human visual system. Here, developmental trajectories in the event‐related potential (ERP) patterns evoked by visual processing of letters, numbers, and false fonts were examined in four different age groups (7‐, 10‐, 15‐year‐olds, and young adults). The 15‐year‐olds and adults showed greater neural sensitivity to letters over numbers in the left visual cortex and the reverse pattern in the right visual cortex, extending previous findings in adults to teenagers. In marked contrast, 7‐ and 10‐year‐olds did not show this dissociable neural pattern. Furthermore, the contrast of familiar stimuli (letters or numbers) versus unfamiliar ones (false fonts) showed stark ERP differences between the younger (7‐ and 10‐year‐olds) and the older (15‐year‐olds and adults) participants. These results suggest that both coarse (familiar versus unfamiliar) and fine (letters versus numbers) tuning for letters and numbers continue throughout childhood and early adolescence, demonstrating a profound impact of uniquely human cultural inventions on visual cognition and its development.
Apelin administration improves insulin sensitivity in overweight men during hyperinsulinaemic‐euglycaemic clamp
Authors: Gourdy Pierre , Cazals Laurent , Thalamas Claire , Sommet Agnès , Calvas Fabienne , Galitzky Monique , Vinel Claire , Dray Cédric , Hanaire Hélène , Castan‐Laurell Isabelle , Valet Philippe 
Published: July 2017

AimsApelin is a recently identified adipokine known to improve glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in murine models. This study was dedicated to the proof of concept that apelin administration also enhances insulin sensitivity in humans.Materials and MethodsHealthy overweight men were enrolled in this randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over study that successively considered the efficacy and the tolerance of 2 doses of (pyr1)‐Apelin‐13. A first group of subjects received 9 nmol/kg (n = 8) of (pyr1)‐Apelin‐13 and, after examination of safety data, a second group received 30 nmol/kg (n = 8). Each volunteer underwent 2 hyperinsulinaemic‐euglycaemic clamps where the basal level of glucose infusion rate (GIR) was measured from the 90th to the 120th minute (level 1). Continuous intravenous administration of apelin or placebo was ongoing for 2 hours and GIR was finally evaluated from the 210th to the 240th minute (level 2). Primary evaluation endpoint was the difference in GIR between level 2 and level 1 (ΔGIR).ResultsA slight increase in ΔGIR was observed with the low apelin dose (0.65 ± 0.71 mg/kg/min, P = .055) whereas the highest dose significantly improved insulin sensitivity (0.82 ± 0.71 mg/kg/min, P = .033). Cardiovascular monitoring and safety reports did not reveal any side effect of apelin administration.ConclusionAs the first demonstration of the insulin‐sensitizing action of apelin in humans, alongside numerous studies in rodents, this trial confirms that the apelin/APJ pathway should be considered as a new target to design alternative therapeutic strategies to control insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic patients.
An observational study of microcirculation in dialysis patients and kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Yeh Yu Chang , Chao Anne , Lee Chih‐Yuan , Lee Chen‐Tse , Yeh Chi‐Chuan , Liu Chih‐Min , Tsai Meng‐Kun 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundMicrocirculatory dysfunction contributes to acute and chronic kidney diseases. To the best of our knowledge, no study has compared differences in microcirculation among healthy volunteers, dialysis patients and kidney transplant recipients.Materials and methodsSublingual microcirculation was examined using sidestream dark field imaging and was compared among 90 healthy volunteers, 40 dialysis patients and 40 kidney transplant recipients. The gender effect on microcirculation and the correlations among the microcirculation parameters, age, body mass index, heart rate and blood pressure were analysed.ResultsTotal small vessel density, perfused small vessel density and the proportion of perfused small vessels were lower in the dialysis patients than in the healthy volunteers and kidney transplant recipients [total small vessel density; healthy volunteers vs. dialysis patients vs. kidney transplant recipients, 25·2 (2·3) vs. 22·8 (2·6) vs. 24·2 (2·9) mm/mm2, P < 0·001]. Systolic blood pressure showed a weak negative correlation with the microvascular flow index scores in the healthy volunteers. By contrast, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure showed weak positive correlations with proportion of perfused small vessels and the microvascular flow index scores in the dialysis patients.ConclusionsMicrocirculatory dysfunction is noted in dialysis patients, and this alteration is ameliorated in KT recipients. The positive correlation between blood pressure and microcirculation in dialysis patients suggests that additional studies should investigate the optimal goal of blood pressure management for dialysis patients.
Multibiomarker analysis in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Schernthaner Christiana , Lichtenauer Michael , Wernly Bernhard , Paar Vera , Pistulli Rudin , Rohm Ilonka , Jung Christian , Figulla Hans‐Reiner , Yilmaz Attila , Cadamuro Janne , Haschke‐Becher Elisabeth , Pernow John , Schulze Paul Christian , Hoppe Uta C. , Kretzschmar Daniel 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundNovel biomarkers representing different pathobiological pathways and their role in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) were studied.MethodsWe retrospectively analysed serum levels of soluble suppression of tumorigenicity (sST2), growth‐differentiation factor‐15 (GDF‐15), soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR), heart‐type fatty acid‐binding protein (H‐FABP) and plasma fetuin A in blood of patients with AMI (STEMI, n = 61; NSTEMI, n = 57) compared to controls with excluded coronary artery disease (n = 76). Furthermore, detailed correlation analysis was performed.ResultsCompared with controls, in patients with STEMI and NSTEMI higher levels expressed as median of sST2 in pg/mL (STEMI: 13210·9, NSTEMI: 11989·1, control: 5248; P < 0·001), GDF‐15 in pg/mL (STEMI: 818·8, NSTEMI 677·5, control 548·6; P < 0·001), suPAR in pg/mL (STEMI: 3461·1, NSTEMI: 3466·7, control: 2463·6; P < 0·001), H‐FABP in ng/mL (STEMI: 5·8, NSTEMI: 5·4, control: 0·0; P < 0·001) and lower plasma fetuin A levels in μg/mL (STEMI: 95, NSTEMI: 54, control: 116·6; P < 0·001) were detected. Correlation analysis found clinical and biochemical parameters such as ejection fraction, length of hospital stay, creatine kinase, NT‐proBNP and hs Troponin T levels as well as inflammatory markers (CRP, leucocytes) to be significantly correlated with novel biomarkers.ConclusionPlasma levels of novel biomarkers were significantly elevated (sST2, GDF‐15, H‐FABP, suPAR) or inversely downregulated (fetuin A) in patients with AMI compared to a control group with excluded coronary artery disease. Significant correlations with various clinical parameters and standard biochemical markers were found.
Nerve ultrasound as follow‐up tool in treated multifocal motor neuropathy
Authors: Rattay T. W. , Winter N. , Décard B. F. , Dammeier N. M. , Härtig F. , Ceanga M. , Axer H. , Grimm A. 
Published: July 2017

Background and purposeHigh‐resolution ultrasound is a valuable tool in supporting the diagnosis of multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) but longitudinal data under therapy are lacking.MethodsThe change in peripheral nerve ultrasound pattern in patients with MMN was assessed over time. Patients with MMN received a thorough initial examination and follow‐up over a period of 6–12 months using high‐resolution ultrasound of the cervical roots and the nerves of the arms and legs, nerve conduction studies, Medical Research Council Sum Score (MRCSS) and Rotterdam Inflammatory Neuropathy Cause and Treatment Group (INCAT) score to evaluate changes under treatment. The Ultrasound Pattern Sum Score (UPSS) was used as standardized peripheral nerve ultrasound protocol.ResultsSeventeen patients with MMN received initial examinations of whom 12 were successfully followed up. All patients with MMN showed at least localized but often multifocal peripheral nerve enlargement. An enlarged overall cross‐sectional area as well as enlarged single fascicles (>3 mm²) in clinically and electrophysiologically affected (>90%) and unaffected (>70%) nerves were found. The UPSS did not correlate with clinical disability at both visits. However, the change in clinical disability (evaluated as difference in MRCSS) and the change in UPSS correlated significantly inversely (P = 0.004).ConclusionsHigh‐resolution sonography of peripheral nerves revealed multifocal nerve enlargement in MMN. Distinct enlargement patterns may support the diagnosis. Ultrasound findings did not correlate well with clinical severity or electrophysiological findings at initial presentation. As changes in UPSS correlated significantly with the clinical course in terms of muscle strength (MRCSS), sonographic assessment may represent a useful tool for therapeutic monitoring.
Neuronal decanoic acid oxidation is markedly lower than that of octanoic acid: A mechanistic insight into the medium‐chain triglyceride ketogenic diet
Authors: Khabbush Aziza , Orford Michael , Tsai Yi‐Chen , Rutherford Tricia , O'Donnell Maura , Eaton Simon , Heales Simon J. R. 
Published: July 2017

SummaryObjectiveThe medium‐chain triglyceride (MCT) ketogenic diet contains both octanoic (C8) and decanoic (C10) acids. The diet is an effective treatment for pharmacoresistant epilepsy. Although the exact mechanism for its efficacy is not known, it is emerging that C10, but not C8, interacts with targets that can explain antiseizure effects, for example, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (eliciting mitochondrial biogenesis and increased antioxidant status) and the α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid receptor. For such effects to occur, significant concentrations of C10 are likely to be required in the brain.MethodsTo investigate how this might occur, we measured the β‐oxidation rate of 13C‐labeled C8 and C10 in neuronal SH‐SY5Y cells using isotope‐ratio mass spectrometry. The effects of carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT1) inhibition, with the CPT1 inhibitor etomoxir, on C8 and C10 β‐oxidation were also investigated.ResultsBoth fatty acids were catabolized, as judged by 13CO2 release. However, C10 was β‐oxidized at a significantly lower rate, 20% that of C8. This difference was explained by a clear dependence of C10 on CPT1 activity, which is low in neurons, whereas 66% of C8 β‐oxidation was independent of CPT1. In addition, C10 β‐oxidation was decreased further in the presence of C8.SignificanceIt is concluded that, because CPT1 is poorly expressed in the brain, C10 is relatively spared from β‐oxidation and can accumulate. This is further facilitated by the presence of C8 in the MCT ketogenic diet, which has a sparing effect upon C10 β‐oxidation.
Non‐myopic portfolio choice with unpredictable returns: The jump‐to‐default case
Authors: Battauz Anna , Sbuelz Alessandro 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIf a risky asset is subject to a jump‐to‐default event, the investment horizon affects the optimal portfolio rule, even if the asset returns are unpredictable. The optimal rule solves a non‐linear differential equation that, by not depending on the investor's pre‐default value function, allows for its direct computation. Importantly for financial planners offering portfolio advice for the long term, tiny amounts of constant jump‐to‐default risk induce marked time variation in the optimal portfolios of long‐run conservative investors. Our results are robust to the introduction of multiple non‐defaultable risky assets.
Reason for the transition of fatigue crack initiation site from surface to subsurface inclusions in high‐strength steels
Authors: Grad P. , Kerscher E. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe fatigue crack initiation in high‐strength steels at surface inclusions is linked to high stress amplitudes. Low stress amplitudes are associated with a crack initiation at subsurface inclusions. The aim of the paper is to gain insight regarding the factors that lead to the transition of the crack initiation site from the surface to the interior. On the basis of fatigue tests and fracture mechanics evaluation, it was determined that the transition of the crack initiation site is effected by a constant threshold value for crack initiation at the surface and different crack propagation rates at the surface as opposed to the interior. It is shown that with lower stress amplitudes no critical inclusions with stress intensity factors above this threshold value are positioned at the specimen's surface. Therefore, the cumulative number of inclusions on the surface is calculated based on the cumulative number of inclusions in a metallographic section.
Productivity influences trophic structure in a temporally forced aquatic ecosystem
Authors: Mazumder Debashish , Saintilan Neil , Wen Li , Kobayashi Tsuyoshi , Rogers Kerrylee 
Published: July 2017

Abstract

Previous studies on the relationship between ecosystem productivity, size and food‐chain length have been restricted to comparisons between locations.

We examined the effect of temporal variability in productivity on trophic structure of a floodplain ecosystem, hypothesising that during the wet‐flood pulses, the increased resource availability might lead to higher food‐chain lengths.

We examined multiple common sampling locations and species during a severe El Niño drought which followed a consecutive series of historically wet La Niña years, comparing trophic position and dietary sources.

While carbon stable isotopes showed no significant difference between the two phases, nitrogen stable isotopes indicated that most species were feeding higher in the food chain in the wet phase.

The results suggest that oscillations in climate phase‐driven changes have effects on food‐chain lengths through changes in productivity, without the introduction of new sources of carbon or changes to the composition of higher‐order predators.
Fiscal Equalization and Tax Enforcement
Authors: Bönke Timm , Schröder Carsten , Jochimsen Beate 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIn many countries organized as federations, fiscal equalization schemes have been implemented to mitigate vertical or horizontal imbalances. Such schemes usually imply that the member states of the federation can only partly internalize (marginal) tax revenue before redistribution. Aside from the internalized marginal revenue, referred to as the marginal tax-back rate, the remainder is redistributed. We investigate the extent to which state-level authorities in such federation under-exploit their tax bases. By means of a stylized model, we show that the member states have an incentive to align the effective tax rates on their residents with the level of the marginal tax-back rate. We empirically test the model using state-level and micro-level taxpayer data, OLS regressions and natural experiments. Our empirical findings support the results from our theoretical model. Particularly, we find that states with a higher marginal tax-back rate exploit the tax base to a higher extent.
Comparison of Electrostatic and Non‐Electrostatic Models for U(VI) Sorption on Aquifer Sediments
Authors: Arora Bhavna , Davis James A. , Spycher Nicolas F. , Dong Wenming , Wainwright Haruko M. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractA non‐electrostatic generalized composite surface complexation model (SCM) was developed for U(VI) sorption on contaminated F‐Area sediments from the U.S. Department of Energy Savannah River Site, South Carolina. The objective of this study was to test if a simpler, semi‐empirical, non‐electrostatic U(VI) sorption model (NEM) could achieve the same predictive performance as a SCM with electrostatic correction terms in describing U(VI) plume evolution and long‐term mobility. One‐dimensional reactive transport simulations considering key hydrodynamic processes, Al and Fe minerals, as well as H+ and U surface complexation, with and without electrostatic correction terms, were conducted. The NEM was first calibrated with laboratory batch H+ and U(VI) sorption data on F‐Area sediments, and then the surface area of the NEM was adjusted to match field observations of dissolved U(VI). Modeling results indicate that the calibrated NEM was able to perform as well as the previously developed electrostatic model in predicting the long‐term evolution of H+ and U(VI) at the site, given the variability of field‐site data. The electrostatic and NEM models yield somewhat different results for the time period when basin discharge was active; however, it is not clear which modeling approach may be better to model this early time period because groundwater quality data during this period were not available. A key finding of this study is that the applicability of NEM (and thus robustness of its predictions) to the field system evolves with time and is strongly dependent on the pH range that was used to develop the model.
Role of oxidative stress in melasma: a prospective study on serum and blood markers of oxidative stress in melasma patients
Authors: Choubey Vikrant , Sarkar Rashmi , Garg Vijay , Kaushik Smita , Ghunawat Sneha , Sonthalia Sidharth 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundMelasma is a common pigmentary disorder presenting in the dermatological clinic. Many factors have been implicated in the pathogenesis, however, the cause still remains elusive. Recently the effect of oxidative damage has been proposed in the etiopathogenesis of melasma. This study was undertaken to evaluate the role of oxidative stress in patients with melasma.Material and methodsFifty patients with melasma, age 18 years of age and older, and an equal number of age and sex‐matched controls were included in the study. Baseline severity assessment using the modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (modified MASI score) was done in all patients. Serum malondialdehyde, blood superoxide dismutase, and blood glutathione peroxidase levels were measured in cases and controls group and results were compared.ResultThe serum levels of malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and blood glutathione were significantly higher among the cases compared to controls. The difference in the serum concentrations was significant between the two groups (P < 0.01). A positive correlation was found between these enzyme levels and severity of melasma (modified MASI score); however, this correlation was statistically significant with serum malondialdehyde only. The level of oxidative stress among the male and female melasma patients was not statistically different.ConclusionOxidative stress was found to be increased in cases of melasma compared to the control group in this study. This substantiates the role of oxidative stress in etiopathogenesis of melasma; however, further studies are required to reach a definitive conclusion.
Wealth‐to‐Income Ratio and Stock Market Movements: Evidence from a Nonparametric Causality Test
Authors: Balcilar Mehmet , Gupta Rangan , Sousa Ricardo M. , Wohar Mark E. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractWe use a nonparametric causality‐in‐quantile test to analyze the predictive ability of the wealth‐to‐income ratio (wy) for excess stock returns and their volatility. Our results reveal that the wy is nonlinearly related with excess stock returns, and hence, results from linear Granger causality tests cannot be deemed robust. When we apply the nonparametric causality‐in‐quantile test, we find that the wy can predict excess stock returns over the majority of the conditional distribution, with the exception being the extreme ends, that is, when the market is in deep bear or bull phases. However, the wy has no predictability for the volatility of excess stock returns.
Chronic periodontitis is associated with platelet factor 4 (PF4) secretion: A pilot study
Authors: Brousseau‐Nault Mathieu , Kizhakkedathu Jayachandran N. , Kim Hugh 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAimPlatelets contribute to chronic inflammation, but their role in periodontitis is not well understood. The aim of this study was to compare platelet recruitment and activation in healthy and inflamed periodontium.Materials and MethodsGingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were obtained from sites of healthy periodontium, gingivitis and periodontitis. Platelets were quantified in the GCF by staining and microscopy. GCF concentrations of platelet factor 4 (PF4) [PF4]GCF and glycoprotein IIbIIIa ([GPIIbIIIa]GCF) were determined by ELISA. Blood samples were obtained from the three patient groups. Platelets were isolated from whole blood and stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Porphyromonas gingivalis to evaluate and compare the LPS‐induced PF4 release.ResultsCompared to controls, platelet recruitment was increased at gingivitis and periodontitis sites, based on platelet counts and [GPIIbIIIa]GCF. [PF4]GCF was elevated in periodontal pockets but not at gingivitis or healthy sites. Circulating plasma levels of PF4 were higher in patients with generalized severe periodontitis (SP), compared to patients with gingivitis or healthy periodontium. Platelets isolated from SP patients contained and released more PF4 in response to P. gingivalis LPS than platelets from gingivitis or periodontally healthy patients.ConclusionsPeriodontitis is associated with increased platelet activation and PF4 release, both locally and systemically.