bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Revisiting the role of interleukin-8 in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Risnik Denise , Podaza Enrique , Almejún María B. , Colado Ana , Elías Esteban E. , Bezares Raimundo F. , Fernández-Grecco Horacio , Cranco Santiago , Sánchez-Ávalos Julio C. , Borge Mercedes , Gamberale Romina , Giordano Mirta 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe proliferation and survival of malignant B cells in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) depend on signals from the microenvironment in lymphoid tissues. Among a plethora of soluble factors, IL-8 has been considered one of the most relevant to support CLL B cell progression in an autocrine fashion, even though the expression of IL-8 receptors, CXCR1 and CXCR2, on leukemic B cells has not been reported. Here we show that circulating CLL B cells neither express CXCR1 or CXCR2 nor they respond to exogenous IL-8 when cultured in vitro alone or in the presence of monocytes/nurse-like cells. By intracellular staining and ELISA we show that highly purified CLL B cells do not produce IL-8 spontaneously or upon activation through the B cell receptor. By contrast, we found that a minor proportion (<0.5%) of contaminating monocytes in enriched suspensions of leukemic cells might be the actual source of IL-8 due to their strong capacity to release this cytokine. Altogether our results indicate that CLL B cells are not able to secrete or respond to IL-8 and highlight the importance of methodological details in in vitro experiments.
Nkx6.1 decline accompanies mitochondrial DNA reduction but subtle nucleoid size decrease in pancreatic islet β-cells of diabetic Goto Kakizaki rats
Authors: Špaček Tomáš , Pavluch Vojtěch , Alán Lukáš , Capková Nikola , Engstová Hana , Dlasková Andrea , Berková Zuzana , Saudek František , Ježek Petr 
Published: November 2017

AbstractHypertrophic pancreatic islets (PI) of Goto Kakizaki (GK) diabetic rats contain a lower number of β-cellsvs. non-diabetic Wistar rat PI. Remaining β-cells contain reduced mitochondrial (mt) DNApernucleus (copy number), probably due to declining mtDNA replication machinery, decreased mt biogenesis or enhanced mitophagy. We confirmed mtDNA copy number decrease down to <30% in PI of one-year-old GK rats. Studying relations to mt nucleoids sizes, we employed 3D superresolution fluorescent photoactivable localization microscopy (FPALM) with lentivirally transduced Eos conjugate of mt single-stranded-DNA-binding protein (mtSSB) or transcription factor TFAM; or by 3D immunocytochemistry. mtSSB (binding transcription or replication nucleoids) contoured “nucleoids” which were smaller by 25% (less diameters >150 nm) in GK β-cells. Eos-TFAM-visualized nucleoids, composed of 72% localized TFAM, were smaller by 10% (immunochemically by 3%). A theoretical ~70% decrease in cell nucleoid number (spatial density) was not observed, rejecting model of single mtDNApernucleoid. The β-cell maintenance factor Nkx6.1 mRNA and protein were declining with age (>12-fold, 10 months) and decreasing with fasting hyperglycemia in GK rats, probably predetermining the impaired mtDNA replication (copy number decrease), while spatial expansion of mtDNA kept nucleoids with only smaller sizes than those containing much higher mtDNA in non-diabetic β-cells.
KLF5 promotes cervical cancer proliferation, migration and invasion in a manner partly dependent on TNFRSF11a expression
Authors: Ma Dong , Chang Ling-Ya , Zhao Shan , Zhao Jun-Jian , Xiong Yan-Jie , Cao Fu-Yuan , Yuan Lu , Zhang Qi , Wang Xin-Yue , Geng Mei-Li , Zheng Huan-Yu , Li Ou 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAlthough the transcription factor Krüppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) plays important roles in both inflammation and cancer, the mechanism by which this factor promotes cervical carcinogenesis remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrated a potential role for tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 11a (TNFRSF11a), the corresponding gene of which is a direct binding target of KLF5, in tumour cell proliferation and invasiveness. Coexpression of KLF5 and TNFRSF11a correlated significantly with tumorigenesis in cervical tissues (P < 0.05) and manipulation of KLF5 expression positively affected TNFRSF11a mRNA and protein expression. Functionally, KLF5 promoted cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasiveness in a manner dependent partly on TNFRSF11a expression. Moreover, in vivo functional TNFRSF11a-knockdown mouse studies revealed suppression of tumorigenicity and liver metastatic potential. Notably, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α induced KLF5 expression by activating the p38 signalling pathway and high KLF5 and TNFRSF11a expression increased the risk of death in patients with cervical squamous cell carcinoma. Our results demonstrate that KLF5 and TNFRSF11a promote cervical cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasiveness.
Hyperspectral Raman imaging of neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in brain tissue from Alzheimer’s disease patients
Authors: Michael Ralph , Lenferink Aufried , Vrensen Gijs F. J. M. , Gelpi Ellen , Barraquer Rafael I. , Otto Cees 
Published: November 2017

AbstractNeuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles are crucial morphological criteria for the definite diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. We evaluated 12 unstained frontal cortex and hippocampus samples from 3 brain donors with Alzheimer’s disease and 1 control with hyperspectral Raman microscopy on samples of 30 × 30 µm. Data matrices of 64 × 64 pixels were used to quantify different tissue components including proteins, lipids, water and beta-sheets for imaging at 0.47 µm spatial resolution. Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed to visualize regions with high Raman spectral similarities. The Raman images of proteins, lipids, water and beta-sheets matched with classical brain morphology. Protein content was 2.0 times, the beta-sheet content 5.6 times and Raman broad-band autofluorescence was 2.4 times higher inside the plaques and tangles than in the surrounding tissue. The lipid content was practically equal inside and outside. Broad-band autofluorescence showed some correlation with protein content and a better correlation with beta-sheet content. Hyperspectral Raman imaging combined with hierarchical cluster analysis allows for the identification of neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in unstained, label-free slices of human Alzheimer’s disease brain tissue. It permits simultaneous quantification and distinction of several tissue components such as proteins, lipids, water and beta-sheets.
Comparison of (R)-ketamine and lanicemine on depression-like phenotype and abnormal composition of gut microbiota in a social defeat stress model
Authors: Qu Youge , Yang Chun , Ren Qian , Ma Min , Dong Chao , Hashimoto Kenji 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAccumulating evidence suggests a key role of the gut–microbiota–brain axis in the antidepressant actions of certain compounds. Ketamine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist, showed rapid and sustained antidepressant effects in treatment-resistant depressed patients. In contrast, another NMDAR antagonist, lanicemine, did not exhibit antidepressant effects in such patients. (R)-ketamine, the (R)-enantiomer of ketamine, has rapid-acting and long-lasting antidepressant effects in rodent models of depression. Here we compared the effects of (R)-ketamine and lanicemine on depression-like phenotype and the composition of the gut microbiota in susceptible mice after chronic social defeat stress (CSDS). In behavioral tests, (R)-ketamine showed antidepressant effects in the susceptible mice, whereas lanicemine did not. The 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing of feces demonstrated that (R)-ketamine, but not lanicemine, significantly attenuated the altered levels of Bacteroidales, Clostridiales and Ruminococcaceae in the susceptible mice after CSDS. At the genus level, (R)-ketamine significantly attenuated the marked increase of Clostridium in the susceptible mice. In contrast, the effects of lanicemine were less potent than those of (R)-ketamine. This study suggests that the antidepressant effects of (R)-ketamine might be partly mediated by the restoration of altered compositions of the gut microbiota in a CSDS model.
Sympathetic transmitters control thermogenic efficacy of brown adipocytes by modulating mitochondrial complex V
Authors: Xie Tao-Rong , Liu Chun-Feng , Kang Jian-Sheng 
Published: November 2017

AbstractObesity is a worldwide epidemic and results from excessive energy intake or inefficient energy expenditure. It is promising to utilize the thermogenic function of brown adipose tissue for obesity intervention. However, the mechanisms controlling the efficacy of norepinephrine-induced thermogenesis in brown adipocytes remain elusive. Here we demonstrate that norepinephrine (NE) induces low-efficacy thermogenesis, evoking both heterogeneous changes (ΔΨm and ΔpH) and homogenous responses, one of which is that NE stimulation causes large amounts of ATP consumption in brown adipocytes. We reveal that the proton-ATPase activity of mitochondrial complex V is a key factor that antagonizes proton leakage by UCP1 and determines the efficacy of NE-induced thermogenesis in brown adipocytes. Furthermore, to avoid unnecessary and undesired heat production, we reveal that ATP is a necessary sympathetic cotransmitter for the high efficacy and specificity of NE-induced thermogenesis in brown adipocytes as it increases intracellular calcium concentrations and upregulates the ATP synthase activity of complex V. Thus, we demonstrate the modulation mechanism of thermogenic efficacy in brown adipocytes. These findings imply new strategies to partially or fully utilize the thermogenic capacity of brown adipocytes to identify therapeutic targets for the treatment of obesity and diabetes.
Interfering With Inner Speech Selectively Disrupts Problem Solving and Is Linked With Real-World Executive Functioning
Authors: Wallace Gregory L. , Peng Cynthia S. , Williams David 
Published: November 2017

PurposeAccording to Vygotskian theory, verbal thinking serves to guide our behavior and underpins critical self-regulatory functions. Indeed, numerous studies now link inner speech usage with performance on tests of executive function (EF). However, the selectivity of inner speech contributions to multifactorial executive planning performance and links with real-world functioning are limited. Therefore, the present study seeks to fill this gap in our knowledge.MethodFifty-one adults completed the Tower of London under 2 conditions, (a) articulatory suppression and (b) foot tapping, and provided self-ratings of real-world executive functioning (utilizing the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function–Adult Version; Roth, Isquith, & Gioia, 2006).ResultsInterfering with inner speech selectively disrupted Tower of London performance over and above a simultaneous motor task (i.e., foot tapping). Furthermore, this selectivity in performance was linked with real-world self-monitoring.ConclusionThese results provide further evidence for specific links between verbal thinking and EF (particularly using multifactorial tasks of planning) and suggest that inner speech might serve as a key intervention target in clinical disorders where EF deficits are prominent.
Acute Pituitary Apoplexy following Snake Bite: A Rare but Treatable Complication
Authors: Barad Narendrakumar 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPoisonous snake bite is one of the important public health hazards in developing countries, such as India, where majority of the population resides in rural areas. Among various poisonous species of snakes, Russell's viper venom causes neurotoxicity, myotoxicity, hemolysis, and coagulopathies leading to shock and acute kidney injury. Pituitary apoplexy causing acute hypopituitarism is an extremely rare but treatable complication following viper bite. Here in, we report the case of a 14-year-old boy admitted with Russell's viper bite complicated by disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), acute kidney injury, and pituitary apoplexy with secondary acute hypopituitarism.
Effects of Drop-height and Surface Instability on Jump Performance and Knee Kinematics
Authors: Lesinski Melanie , Prieske Olaf , Beurskens Rainer , Behm David , Granacher Urs 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to examine the combined effects of drop-height and surface condition on drop jump (DJ) performance and knee joint kinematics. DJ performance, sagittal and frontal plane knee joint kinematics were measured in jump experienced young male and female adults during DJs on stable, unstable and highly unstable surfaces using different drop-heights (20, 40, 60 cm). Findings revealed impaired DJ performance (Δ5–16%; p<0.05; 1.43≤d≤2.82), reduced knee valgus motion (Δ33–52%; p<0.001; 2.70≤d≤3.59), and larger maximum knee flexion angles (Δ13–19%; p<0.01; 1.74≤d≤1.75) when using higher (60 cm) compared to lower drop-heights (≤40 cm). Further, lower knee flexion angles and velocity were found (Δ8-16%; p<0.01; 1.49≤d≤2.38) with increasing surface instability. When performing DJs from high (60 cm) compared to moderate drop-heights (40 cm) on highly unstable surfaces, higher knee flexion velocity and maximum knee valgus angles were found (Δ15–19%; p<0.01; 1.50≤d≤1.53). No significant main and/or interaction effects were observed for the factor sex. In conclusion, knee motion strategies were modified by the factors ‘drop-height’ and/or ‘surface instability’. The combination of high drop-heights (>40 cm) together with highly unstable surfaces should be used cautiously during plyometrics because this may increase the risk of injury due to higher knee valgus stress.
The Force-Velocity Relationship in Older People: Reliability and Validity of a Systematic Procedure
Authors: Alcazar Julian , Rodriguez-Lopez Carlos , Ara Ignacio , Alfaro-Acha Ana , Mañas-Bote Asier , Guadalupe-Grau Amelia , García-García Francisco , Alegre Luis 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis study compared the reliability and validity of different protocols evaluating the force-velocity (F-V) relationship and muscle power in older adults. Thirty-one older men and women (75.8±4.7 years) underwent two F-V tests by collecting the mean and peak force and velocity data exerted against increasing loads until one repetition maximum (1RM) was achieved in the leg press exercise. Two attempts per load were performed, with a third attempt when F-V points deviated from the linear F-V regression equation. Then, the subjects performed 2×3 repetitions at 60% 1RM to compare purely concentric and eccentric-concentric repetitions. The Short Physical Performance Battery was conducted to assess the validity of the different protocols. Significant differences were found in maximal power (Pmax) between mean and peak values and between protocols differing in the number of attempts per load (p<0.01). Registering mean values, a third attempt, and multiple loads (>3), was significantly more reliable (Pmax: CV=2.6%; ICC=0.99) than the other alternatives. Mean values were also observed to be more associated with physical function than peak values (R2=0.34 and 0.15, respectively; p<0.05). No significant differences were observed between concentric and eccentric-concentric repetitions. Thus, collecting mean force and velocity values against multiple loads, while monitoring the linearity of the F-V relationship, seemed to be the more adequate procedure to assess the F-V profile and muscle power in older adults.
Digital society and capitalism
Authors: Grimshaw Mike 
Published: November 2017

AbstractDigital society has been lauded as emancipatory and freeing individuals from the constrictions of time and place and yet also critiqued as introducing a type of techno-feudalism of data extraction. The vaunted freedom of work and leisure time, work-space and leisure-place, has occurred to some, yet for many others it has created the collapse of work and non-work time and space into a digital surveillance of work, identity and social interaction. There are also issues of technological inequality and generational differences. This paper introduces some of the questions that arise concerning the impacts and challenges that digital society provides for and against capitalism.
The Common Agricultural Policy.
Authors: Shucksmith M. , Thomson K. J. , Roberts D. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

This chapter summarizes the territorial aspects of the rural areas and agricultural sector in the enlarged EU, and describes the Common Agricultural Policy/Rural Development Policy (CAP/RDP) in some detail, emphasizing its territorial elements, or lack of them. CAP/RDP measures and expenditures, current CAP reforms, and the pre-accession and enlargement aspects of the CAP/RDP, are examined.
Dynamics of the United States high fructose corn sweetener market.
Authors: Evans E. A. , Davis C. G. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

The dynamics of the high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) industry in the USA was analysed based on the space-state model and the Kalman-Filter technique. The results demonstrated that structural drift has been an important component of the derived demand for HFCS in the USA over time. The intercept coefficient of HFCS was significant, and indicated an asymptotic growth pattern. This characteristic supports the view, held by some industry experts, that the HFCS industry in 1998 is in a mature stage and has reached the limit of its technological applicability to various uses as far as the US sweetener market is concerned. The results also revealed that the demand for HFCS has become relatively less elastic. This finding is consistent with the views of some industry experts that HFCS is establishing its own market and is being regarded in certain uses as a superior product to liquid sugar (LS). Thus, the shift away from LS, which has occurred in the sweetener market in some uses, might be structural, and a simple reduction in the price of sugar might not cause a major reversal of the pattern of sweetener use in the USA. The cross-price elasticity of HFCS with respect to sugar was found to be nonsignificant at any reasonable level.
Propylene oxide as a potential alternative to methyl bromide.
Authors: Isİkber A. A. , Navarro S. , Finkelman S. , Azrieli A. , Rindner M. , Dias R. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

The relative effectiveness of propylene oxide (PPO) alone and in combination with vacuum (100 mm Hg) or 92% CO2 against all the life stages of Tribolium castaneum during short exposure times was evaluated. Sorption of PPO by wheat, cacao bean and maize at initial concentration of 82 mg/litre for a 4-h exposure was determined. The tests were carried out in desiccators at 30°C and 70% relative humidity. Exposures to vacuum or 92% CO2 alone, and an untreated control, were conducted in each test. The order of tolerance of the life stages to PPO was pupae > larvae > adults > eggs; these stages required a concentration of 147, 84, 55 and 30 mg/litre, respectively, to achieve LD99 for a 4-h exposure. PPO in combination with 100-mm Hg vacuum or 92% CO2 produced a significant decrease in the LD99 of the larvae, pupae and adults (6.2- to 7.1-fold) compared with exposure to PPO alone. A negligible mortality of all life stages except eggs was observed when these stages were exposed to 92% CO2 or vacuum (100 mm Hg) alone for 4 h. The results suggest that vacuum and CO2 have a synergistic effect on the insects when they are exposed to PPO. Sorption of PPO by wheat, cacao bean and maize after a 4-h exposure time varied between 57 and 79% of the initial concentration. This study suggests that combination of PPO with CO2 or vacuum could be a potential alternative to methyl bromide.
Naturally occurring acute selenium toxicosis in sheep.
Authors: Tiwary A. K. , Panter K. E. , Stegelmeier B. L. , James L. F. , Hall J. O. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate on the reported case of selenium poisoning in the Soda Spring in Idaho, USA by conducting an experiment which will imitate the conditions of the reported incident of selenium poisoning. Eight crossbred lambs (3 months old) were used in this study. Two of the eight lambs were administered 6 mg/kg organic Se as SeMeT while the other two lambs were given 8 mg/kg of organice selenium as SeMet the remaining four lambs served as control. Various plant samples (Grindelia spp., Aster eatonii and Medicago sativa) which were believed to be eaten by the animals were analyzed for selenium content using ICP/MS. Results showed that selenium content was quite variable between and within plant species, and all tested plant samples contained toxic selenium concentrations. Dietary Se concentration above 5 ppm is known to cause chronic Se poisoning in animals. Results also showed that most losses from acute Se poisoning occur within 1 to 3 days of intoxication and are characterized by depression, dyspnea, lesions of the liver and death. These findings were consistent with observations in the reported case and the SeMet dosed experimental lambs. The source of excessive Se in the field case was suspected to be the plant material that is known to predominantly contain organic selenium.
Leukoencephalomalacia in mules in Northern Brazil.
Authors: Riet-Correa G. , Duarte M. D. , Cerqueira V. D. , Oliveira C. M. C. , Riet-Correa F. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

In June 2004, an outbreak of leukoencephalomalacia in mules from the state of Pará, northern Brazil, was reported. The disease affected 13 of the 80 mules in the farm. Until one week before the outbreak, the mules were supplemented daily with 60 kg of ground whole maize and 30 kg of African palm oil meal. One week before the outbreak, the amount of food was increased to 150 kg of the ground maize, 60 kg of African palm oil and 120 kg of poultry litter. The clinical signs in the affected mules were ataxia, muscular tremors, aggressiveness, absence of palpebral reflex, decreased tongue and upper and lower lip tone, decreased sensibility of the face and palate, and muscular slackening. All animals died with 10-24 h after manifestation of clinical signs. Postmortem examination revealed cavitations, haemorrhages and yellow discolouration in the thalamus and mesencephalon. Mild haemorrhagic lesions were also observed in the pons. Histopathologically, areas of malacia in the white matter were characterized by a vacuolated neutrophils with oedema and haemorrhages. No significant lesions were observed in other organs. The differences in clinical signs and location of the lesions in mules with those reported in horses and donkeys are discussed. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report on leukoencephalomalacia in mules in Brazil.
Standardization of (higher) education in Europe – policy coordination 2.0?
Authors: Elken Mari 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe European educational landscape is changing. Education remains formally under the sphere of the nation states and has traditionally been resistant towards EU involvement. Several recent initiatives from joint policy-making point towards increased standardization as a key element of European integration in education and higher education. The article builds on the notion of standards-based governance and outlines this as a distinct mode for policy-making in the EU, emphasizing incentives and voluntary implementation, the use of expertise and technical calibration, their quasi-regulatory nature of the process. The article draws on a number of empirical examples to show how standards have been used for higher education policy on EU level.