bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pak2 is essential for the function of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells through maintaining a suppressive Treg phenotype
Authors: O’Hagan Kyle L. , Miller Stephen D. , Phee Hyewon 
Published: November 2017

AbstractFoxp3, a key transcription factor that drives lineage differentiation of regulatory T cells (Tregs), was thought to imprint a unique and irreversible genetic signature within Tregs. Recent evidence, however, suggests that loss or attenuation of Foxp3 expression can cause Tregs to de-differentiate into effector T cells capable of producing proinflammatory cytokines. Herein, we report that the signaling kinase, p21-activated kinase 2 (Pak2), is essential for maintaining Treg stability and suppressive function. Loss of Pak2, specifically in Tregs, resulted in reduced expression of multiple Treg functional molecules, including Foxp3, CD25, Nrp-1 and CTLA-4, coupled with a loss of Treg suppressive function in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, Pak2-deficient Tregs gained expression of Th2-associated cytokines and the transcription factor, Gata3, becoming Th2-like cells, explaining their inability to regulate immune responses. Collectively, these findings suggest Pak2 as an important signaling molecule for guarding against aberrant immune responses through regulating the stability of Foxp3+ Tregs and maintaining a suppressive Treg phenotype.
Heterogeneous responses of temperate-zone amphibian populations to climate change complicates conservation planning
Authors: Muths E. , Chambert T. , Schmidt B. R. , Miller D. A. W. , Hossack B. R. , Joly P. , Grolet O. , Green D. M. , Pilliod D. S. , Cheylan M. , Fisher R. N. , McCaffery R. M. , Adams M. J. , Palen W. J. , Arntzen J. W. , Garwood J. , Fellers G. , Thirion J.-M. , Besnard A. , Grant E. H. Campbell 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe pervasive and unabated nature of global amphibian declines suggests common demographic responses to a given driver, and quantification of major drivers and responses could inform broad-scale conservation actions. We explored the influence of climate on demographic parameters (i.e., changes in the probabilities of survival and recruitment) using 31 datasets from temperate zone amphibian populations (North America and Europe) with more than a decade of observations each. There was evidence for an influence of climate on population demographic rates, but the direction and magnitude of responses to climate drivers was highly variable among taxa and among populations within taxa. These results reveal that climate drivers interact with variation in life-history traits and population-specific attributes resulting in a diversity of responses. This heterogeneity complicates the identification of conservation ‘rules of thumb’ for these taxa, and supports the notion of local focus as the most effective approach to overcome global-scale conservation challenges.
Comparative analysis of double-stranded RNA degradation and processing in insects
Authors: Singh Indrakant K. , Singh Satnam , Mogilicherla Kanakachari , Shukla Jayendra Nath , Palli Subba Reddy 
Published: November 2017

AbstractRNA interference (RNAi) based methods are being developed for pest management. A few products for control of coleopteran pests are expected to be commercialized soon. However, variability in RNAi efficiency among insects is preventing the widespread use of this technology. In this study, we conducted research to identify reasons for variability in RNAi efficiency among thirty-seven (37) insects belonging to five orders. Studies on double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) degradation by dsRNases and processing of labeled dsRNA to siRNA showed that both dsRNA degradation and processing are variable among insects belonging to different orders as well as among different insect species within the same order. We identified homologs of key RNAi genes in the genomes of some of these insects and studied their domain architecture. These data suggest that dsRNA digestion by dsRNases and its processing to siRNAs in the cells are among the major factors contributing to differential RNAi efficiency reported among insects.
A Random Categorization Model for Hierarchical Taxonomies
Authors: D’Amico Guido , Rabadan Raul , Kleban Matthew 
Published: November 2017

AbstractA taxonomy is a standardized framework to classify and organize items into categories. Hierarchical taxonomies are ubiquitous, ranging from the classification of organisms to the file system on a computer. Characterizing the typical distribution of items within taxonomic categories is an important question with applications in many disciplines. Ecologists have long sought to account for the patterns observed in species-abundance distributions (the number of individuals per species found in some sample), and computer scientists study the distribution of files per directory. Is there a universal statistical distribution describing how many items are typically found in each category in large taxonomies? Here, we analyze a wide array of large, real-world datasets – including items lost and found on the New York City transit system, library books, and a bacterial microbiome – and discover such an underlying commonality. A simple, non-parametric branching model that randomly categorizes items and takes as input only the total number of items and the total number of categories is quite successful in reproducing the observed abundance distributions. This result may shed light on patterns in species-abundance distributions long observed in ecology. The model also predicts the number of taxonomic categories that remain unrepresented in a finite sample.
Vitamin K2 Prevents Lymphoma in Drosophila
Authors: Dragh Maytham A. , Xu Zhiliang , Al-Allak Zainab S. , Hong Ling 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPrevious studies have established the anticancer effect of vitamin K2 (VK2). However, its effect on lymphoma induced by UBIAD1/heix mutation in Drosophila remains unknown. Therefore, we aimed to develop an in vivo model of lymphoma for the precise characterization of lymphoma phenotypes. We also aimed to improve the understanding of the mechanisms that underlie the preventative effects of VK2 on lymphoma. Our results demonstrated that VK2 prevents lymphoma by acting as an electron carrier and by correcting the function and structure of mitochondria by inhibiting mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production mtROS. Our work identifies mitochondria as a key player in cancer therapy strategies.
E-cadherin dynamics is regulated by galectin-7 at epithelial cell surface
Authors: Advedissian Tamara , Proux-Gillardeaux Véronique , Nkosi Rachel , Peyret Grégoire , Nguyen Thao , Poirier Françoise , Viguier Mireille , Deshayes Frédérique 
Published: November 2017

AbstractRe-epithelialisation of wounded epidermis is ensured by collective cell migration of keratinocytes. Efficient collective migration requires the maintenance of intercellular adhesion, notably through adherens junctions, to favour cell communication, support tension forces and coordinated movement . Galectin-7, a soluble lectin expressed in stratified epithelia, has been previously implicated in cell migration and intercellular adhesion. Here, we revealed a new function of galectin-7 in the control of directionality and collective behaviour in migrating keratinocytes. Consistently, we identified galectin-7 as a direct partner of E-cadherin, a key component of adherens junctions. Unexpectedly, this interaction does not require glycosylation motifs. Focusing on the underlying mechanisms, we showed that galectin-7 stabilizes E-cadherin at the plasma membrane, restraining its endocytosis. Interestingly, galectin-7 silencing decreases E-cadherin-mediated intercellular adhesion. Consequently, this study not only identifies a new stabilizer of adherens junctions but also emphasises the importance of the interplay between E-cadherin turnover and intercellular adhesion strength.
Analysis method of feeder partition capacity considering power supply security and distributed generation
Authors: Wang Weifu , Cao Zhaojing , Sun Ke , He De , Sun Yanjun , Li Chunxiao , Sun Ming , Dong Shufeng 
Published: November 2017

Large‐scale integration of distributed generation (DG) increases the stability of the distribution network which in turn makes the network structure more complex to analyse. Thus, this study proposes a feeder partition available capacity calculation model considering N − 1 security verification and DG, in order to provide data support for distribution network's operation and planning. Firstly, the authors discuss DG's different categories and respective treatment in N − 1 fault. Secondly, a calculation method of feeder partition available capacity is proposed for the distribution network with a high permeability of DG. Finally, the calculation results of a practical distribution network prove the practicability and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Nasogastric Feeding Tubes May Not Contribute to Gastroesophageal Reflux in Preterm Infants
Authors: Murthy Swati , Funderburk Apryle , Abraham Sheeja , Epstein Michele , DiPalma Joan , Aghai Zubair 
Published: November 2017

Objective The objective was to determine if the presence of a nasogastric (NG) feeding tube is associated with increased gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and acid exposure in preterm infants.
Study Design This is a retrospective study on preterm infants [gestational age (GA) <37 weeks] who were evaluated by multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH monitoring (MII-pH) between October 2009 and March 2016. Infants were divided into two groups, NG tube present and no feeding tube. GER events per hour and the percent of time with pH <4 during a 24-hour period were then compared.
Results Eighty-three infants were included, 41 had an NG tube present and 42 did not. The group without an NG tube had significantly more reflux events per hour (2.3 ± 2.9 vs. 1.3 ± 0.8, p < 0.05) even after adjusting for differences in birth weight, GA, corrected GA, and total fluid intake. There was no significant difference in acidic events per hour and acid exposure time between the two groups.
Conclusion The presence of a 5-French NG tube is not associated with an increase in GER or acid exposure in preterm infants. In fact, it appears that infants fed through an NG tube have fewer episodes of GER.
Terminology and Legislation referring to Percutaneous Facet Procedures to Treat Low Back Pain in Brazil – Current Status
Authors: Joaquim Andrei Fernandes , Milano Jeronimo Buzetti , Daniel Jefferson Walter , Mudo Marcelo Luis , Botelho Ricardo Vieira 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIncongruities in the terminology and in the Brazilian legislation about percutaneous facet procedures (PFPs) for the treatment of chronic lower back pain are frequently the subject of litigations between health professionals and supplementary healthcare providers. The Brazilian Hierarchical Classification of Medical Procedures (CBHPM, in the Portuguese acronym) describes four types of PFPs, while the Brazilian Unified Supplementary Health Terminology (TUSS, in the Portuguese acronym) describes five distinct lumbar PFPs, which correlate with the ones described on the List of Procedures and Events in Health, created by the Brazilian National Agency of Supplementary Health (ANS, in the Portuguese acronym). In the present paper, we review the terminology of the procedures, proposing the unification of the terminology and the abolition of redundancies in the tables. Finally, we developed a single terminology proposal for the PFPs based on their complexity and objectives to be used for the treatment of lower back pain.
Screening exekutiver Funktionen bei Parkinson-Patienten durch den neuen Schnelltest PAL-5
Authors: Scheffels Jannik Florian , Engels Jasmin Elaine , Kalbe Elke , Kessler Josef 
Published: November 2017

ZusammenfassungMorbus Parkinson ist nach der Demenz vom Alzheimer-Typ die zweithäufigste chronische neurodegenerative Erkrankung weltweit. Neben den
charakteristischen motorischen Symptomen der Krankheit, insbesondere der Bradykinese, treten häufig bereits vor Beginn der Erkrankung
leichte kognitive Beeinträchtigungen (PD-MCI) auf, die vor allem die Exekutivfunktionen betreffen. Um solche kognitiven Beeinträchtigungen
frühzeitig zu erkennen, ist initial die Durchführung eines Screenings wünschenswert. Der neu entwickelte kognitive Schnelltest
Paarassoziationslernen-5 („PAL-5“) wurde konzipiert, um die Leitsymptomatik kognitiver Störungen – nämlich exekutive Beeinträchtigungen –
bei Parkinson-Patienten zu erkennen. Dieser besteht aus einem unmittelbaren Abruf von fünf inkompatiblen und neu zusammengefügten Wortpaaren
(Hauptstädte vs. Länder), einer intermediären formallexikalischen Wortflüssigkeitsaufgabe („FAS-Test“) und einem anschließenden verzögerten
Abruf. Damit werden die drei Kernprozesse exekutiver Funktionen getestet: kognitive Flexibilität, Inhibition und Gedächtnis. An der Klinik
und Poliklinik für Neurologie der Universitätsklinik Köln wurde der PAL-5 in den Jahren von 2014 bis 2016 insgesamt an 154
Parkinson-Patienten, 115 kognitiv Beeinträchtigten ohne Parkinson-Diagnose und 115 Kontrollprobanden durchgeführt (N = 384). Für eine
Retest-Reliabilitätsbestimmung wurden außerdem weitere 42 Kontrollprobanden herangezogen, die im Zeitraum von Februar bis Juli 2017, in
einem Abstand von jeweils vier Monaten zwischen der ersten und zweiten Testung, untersucht wurden. Es stellten sich hochsignifikante
Gruppenunterschiede in den Subtests des PAL-5 heraus. Parkinson-Patienten sowie kognitiv Beeinträchtigte schnitten signifikant schlechter ab
als die Kontrollprobanden. Zwischen den Parkinson-Patienten und kognitiv Beeinträchtigten gab es keine signifikanten Gruppenunterschiede in
den Testscores. Außerdem zeigten sich mittelhohe bis hohe Korrelationen zwischen PAL-5 und MMST sowie PAL-5 und PANDA (jeweils
p < 0,001). In der ROC-Analyse für den PAL-5-Gesamtwert bei Parkinson-Patienten mit einem Score von weniger als 11 Punkten zeigte sich
eine AUC von 0,91. Ein Summenscore von ≤ 10 scheint daher praktikabel zu sein, um kognitive Defizite – vor allem exekutive
Funktionsstörungen und Gedächtnisbeeinträchtigungen – bei Parkinsonerkrankten zu erkennen. Es hat sich gezeigt, dass die Kombination von
kognitiver Flexibilität, Inhibition und Gedächtnis eine kurze sinnvolle Zusammenstellung für ein Screeningverfahren von Parkinson-Patienten
ist.
Die Angst vor dem Tod und ihre Bedeutung für die Psychiatrie
Authors: Juckel Georg , Mavrogiorgou Paraskevi 
Published: November 2017

ZusammenfassungDie Auseinandersetzung mit dem Tod und der Angst vor dem Tod begleitet den Menschen seit jeher, welche sich in den verschiedenen
philosophischen und religiösen Positionen widerspiegelt. Auffallend ist es jedoch, dass im Hinblick auf die psychiatrischen Störungen die
Beschäftigung mit diesem Thema ausgesprochen mäßig ist. Jedoch lässt die bisherige wenige Literatur vermuten, dass die „Angst vor dem Tod“
im psychopathologisch veränderten Erleben psychiatrischer Patienten eine große Rolle spielt, deren Ausmaß bislang unzureichend erfasst wird.
Es werden die Begrifflichkeiten geklärt und insbesondere die Problematik des Ich-Zerfalls bei Patienten mit Schizophrenie als Ausdruck von
Angst vor dem Tod näher thematisiert. Dabei wird u. a. auf die wenigen Studien zur Angst vor dem Tod bei psychischen Störungen, ihre
Psychodynamik und Ansätze der sog. Terror-Management-Theorie eingegangen. Damit soll auf dieses Thema als wichtiger Teil unseres
Fachgebietes hingewiesen und mehr Forschung diesbezüglich initiiert werden.
Contributions of primate prefrontal cortex and medial temporal lobe to temporal-order memory
Authors: Naya Yuji , Chen He , Yang Cen , Suzuki Wendy A. 
Published: November 2017

Significance
We compared the patterns of neural activity in cells in the lateral prefrontal cortex (PFC) with cells in three areas within the medial temporal lobes (MTL) and visual area TE in nonhuman primates during the encoding phase of a temporal-order memory task. While many cells in both regions signaled information about item identity, temporal order, and the combination of the two, cells in these regions used largely distinct encoding strategies. PFC signaled specific information about the conjunction of item and temporal order and prominent stimulus-selective delay activity that is well suited for planning actions. By contrast, MTL areas exhibited item-based signals modulated by temporal order as well as prominent incremental timing signals that are well suited for episodic encoding.
Lack of Detection of New Amphetamine-Like Drugs Using Conventional Urinary Immunoassays
Authors: Begeman Anja , Franssen Eric J. F. 
Published: November 2017

Background:The number of reports of serious adverse effects and intoxication after the use of the new drug 4-fluoroamphetamine (4-FA) increases. At the Emergency Department of the OLVG-Oost Hospital in Amsterdam, an on-site drug test, the Triage TOX Drug Screen, is available to assist in a rapid diagnosis. In less urgent cases, an EMIT II Plus immunoassay is used to determine semiquantitatively the presence of drugs of abuse (DOA). The antibodies in these immunoassays are designed to detect classic DOA and its urinary metabolites. Amphetamine-like drugs that may cause serious toxicity or impairment may not cross-react with the available immunoassay kits, and therefore may stay undetected. The question arises as to whether 4-FA and paramethoxymethamphetamine (PMMA) are detectable in the toxicological screening procedures commonly used for testing in urine.Methods:Synthetic urine was spiked with the drug under investigation to create spiking standards of 50, 100, 250, 500, 2500, and 5000 ng/mL. Urine drug screens were performed on the automated analyzer Biosite Triage MeterPro using the Triage TOX Drug Screen test and on a Siemens Drug Testing System Viva-E using the EMIT II Plus Ecstasy Assay and the EMIT II Plus Amphetamines Assay.Results:In this concentration range, the EMIT II Plus did not screen positive for PMMA, but there was some cross-reactivity for PMMA on the EMIT II Plus Ecstasy assay. The Triage TOX Drug Screen did test positive for PMMA at a concentration of 2500 ng/mL. The EMIT II Plus Amphetamines did test positive for 4-FA at a concentration of 5000 ng/mL, whereas the Ecstasy [3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)] assay only showed low cross-reactivity for 4-FA. The Triage TOX Drug Screen did not test positive for 4-FA.Conclusions:The available immunoassays lack sensitivity to detect 4-FA and PMMA in lower urine concentrations. Awareness of the fact that novel DOA may lead to false-negative urinary drug tests is of great importance.
Evaluation of Long-term Anatomic Changes Following Canaloplasty With Anterior Segment Spectral-domain Optical Coherence Tomography and Ultrasound Biomicroscopy
Authors: Kuerten David , Plange Niklas , Becker Jakob , Walter Peter , Fuest Matthias 
Published: November 2017

Background:
To analyze long-term structural changes in conjunctiva, sclera and Schlemm canal (SC) with anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) and ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) following uncomplicated canaloplasty.

Materials and Methods:
Fifteen patients with planned canaloplasty and no intraoperative complications were included in this prospective study. AS-OCT images were acquired at 1, 3, 6 months and at a long-term time point (20±4.9 mo) postsurgery. UBM images were acquired at 3, 6 months and long-term after canaloplasty. The surgical site was evaluated for the presence of SC, transscleral filtration, a scleral lake, and the visibility of intra-Schlemm sutures. The SC’s height and width were measured at the 3 and 9 o’clock limbus position.

Results:
Following canaloplasty, the intraocular pressure was successfully reduced from 23.43±5.52 to 12.6±1.78 mm Hg (P<0.0001) at the final control visit. Topical medication was reduced from 2.9±1.1 to 0.4±0.6 over the same period. SC’s increase in height was higher than that in width at the last visit (height: +351%, P=0.0004, width: +144%, P=0.002). With the UBM the SC was easily identifiable by the reflection of the tractions sutures in 75% of the patients at the last visit. Transscleral filtration was detectable in 42% of the patients at the last visit using AS-OCT and a scleral lake was still detectable by OCT in 25% of the patients and even in 42% of the patients by UBM.

Conclusions:
Persisting anatomic changes of SC, a transscleral filtration and a scleral lake can be recorded by AS-OCT and UBM long-term after successful canaloplasty.
An Autologous Leukocyte-Reduced Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy for Chronic Injury of the Medial Collateral Ligament in the Knee: A Report of 3 Successful Cases
Authors: Yoshida Mamoru , Marumo Keishi 
Published: November 2017

Abstract:
Some patients complain of chronic persistent medial knee pain after isolated low-grade injuries of medial collateral ligaments (MCL). These injuries often respond to various conservative treatments but insufficient healing of ligaments is believed to be responsible for symptoms in this group of patients. We report on successful treatment of chronically symptomatic MCL injuries in 3 patients using autologous leukocyte-reduced platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. There were 3 men with a mean age of 39.3 years and a mean disease duration of 10 months. Magnetic resonance imaging showed discontinuities of superficial layers and thickness of deep layers in the proximal MCL. After PRP injections, all cases returned to their sport activities at a previous level as without symptoms, and complete healing of proximal ligaments was identified on magnetic resonance images. The outcomes indicated that PRP injections led to successful repair for chronic injuries of MCL in knees.
Approaches and techniques to avoid development or progression of acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Beloncle François , Mercat Alain 
Published: November 2017

Purpose of review
Despite major improvement in ventilation strategies, hospital mortality and morbidity of the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remain high. A lot of therapies have been shown to be ineffective for established ARDS. There is a growing interest in strategies aiming at avoiding development and progression of ARDS.

Recent findings
Recent advances in this field have explored identification of patients at high-risk, nonspecific measures to limit the risks of inflammation, infection and fluid overload, prevention strategies of ventilator-induced lung injury and patient self-inflicted lung injury, and pharmacological treatments.

Summary
There is potential for improvement in the management of patients admitted to intensive care unit to reduce ARDS incidence. Apart from nonspecific measures, prevention of ventilator-induced lung injury and patient self-inflicted lung injury are of major importance.