bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictive feedback to V1 dynamically updates with sensory input
Authors: Edwards Grace , Vetter Petra , McGruer Fiona , Petro Lucy S. , Muckli Lars 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPredictive coding theories propose that the brain creates internal models of the environment to predict upcoming sensory input. Hierarchical predictive coding models of vision postulate that higher visual areas generate predictions of sensory inputs and feed them back to early visual cortex. In V1, sensory inputs that do not match the predictions lead to amplified brain activation, but does this amplification process dynamically update to new retinotopic locations with eye-movements? We investigated the effect of eye-movements in predictive feedback using functional brain imaging and eye-tracking whilst presenting an apparent motion illusion. Apparent motion induces an internal model of motion, during which sensory predictions of the illusory motion feed back to V1. We observed attenuated BOLD responses to predicted stimuli at the new post-saccadic location in V1. Therefore, pre-saccadic predictions update their retinotopic location in time for post-saccadic input, validating dynamic predictive coding theories in V1.
Diverse Changes of Circulating Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Levels in Hepatitis B Virus-Related Diseases
Authors: Wu Liang , Pan Qingchun , Wu Guangyu , Qian Lingling , Zhang Jing , Zhang Lei , Fang Qichen , Zang Guoqing , Wang Yudong , Lau George , Li Huating , Jia Weiping 
Published: November 2017

AbstractFibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), a stress-induced hormone in the liver, has been shown the protective functions in pathological conditions. The study investigated the association of circulating FGF21 with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and its related diseases. Serum FGF21 levels were measured in 33 acute hepatitis B (AHB), 75 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and 66 CHB patients with advanced liver diseases including liver cirrhosis, acute-on-chronic liver failure (ALCF) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) together with 200 age- and BMI-matched healthy controls. FGF21 levels were significantly increased in AHB patients and rapidly returned to normal levels after treatment. FGF21 levels reflected the degree of liver injury caused by AHB. However, serum FGF21 levels were decreased in CHB patients especially in those who developed cirrhosis and were associated with hepatic protein synthesis capacity. Serum FGF21 in CHB patients were increased with the occurrence of ACLF. Notably, in CHB patients who developed HCC, serum FGF21 exhibited a dramatic increase, which may provide important information on monitoring tumorigenesis in CHB patients. In conclusion, we revealed the diverse changes of circulating FGF21 in HBV-related diseases. FGF21 may be a useful biomarker in monitoring the tumorigenesis in patients with CHB.
Topological States Characterized by Mirror Winding Numbers in Graphene with Bond Modulation
Authors: Kariyado Toshikaze , Hu Xiao 
Published: November 2017

AbstractLocalized electrons appear at the zigzag-shaped edge of graphene due to quantum interference. Here we propose a way for harnessing the edge electronic states to make them mobile, by incorporating a topological view point. The manipulation required is to introduce a pattern of strong-weak bonds between neighboring carbon atoms, and to put side by side two graphene sheets with strong-weak alternation conjugating to each other. The electrons with up and down pseudospins propagate in opposite directions at the interface, similar to the prominent quantum spin Hall effect. The system is characterized by a topological index, the mirror winding number, with its root lying in the Su-Schrieffer-Heeger model for polymer. Taking this point of view, one is rewarded by several ways for decorating graphene edge which result in similar mobile electronic states with topological protection. This work demonstrates that celebrated nanotechnology can be used to derive topological states.
Comparison of two-year outcomes after photodynamic therapy with ranibizumab or aflibercept for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy
Authors: Kikushima Wataru , Sakurada Yoichi , Sugiyama Atsushi , Yoneyama Seigo , Tanabe Naohiko , Matsubara Mio , Mabuchi Fumihiko , Iijima Hiroyuki 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPhotodynamic therapy (PDT) combined with intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents is currently the first-line treatment for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), along with anti-VEGF monotherapy. In this study, 100 eyes with treatment-naïve PCV were initially treated with PDT combined with intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR; n = 57) or aflibercept (IVA; n = 43). We compared two-year outcomes between these two groups and investigated factors associated with visual improvement and retreatment over 24 months. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was significantly improved in both groups (P < 0.001) at 24 months. Multiple regression analysis revealed that visual improvement at 24 months was associated with female (P = 0.030), worse baseline BCVA (P = 3.0 × 10−6), smaller greatest linear dimension (GLD; P = 2.0 × 10−4), and treatment with IVA rather than IVR (P = 0.016). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that absence of retreatment was associated with younger age (P = 2.2 × 10−4), female (P = 1.2 × 10−3), and the non-risk variants of ARMS2 A69S (P = 6.0 × 10−4). Although there were no significant differences in the retreatment rate between the two groups, PDT/IVA may be superior to PDT/IVR in terms of visual improvement at 24 months.
Dynamic modulation of the perceptual load on microsaccades during a selective spatial attention task
Authors: Xue Linyan , Huang Dan , Wang Tong , Hu Qiyi , Chai Xinyu , Li Liming , Chen Yao 
Published: November 2017

AbstractSelective spatial attention enhances task performance at restricted regions within the visual field. The magnitude of this effect depends on the level of attentional load, which determines the efficiency of distractor rejection. Mechanisms of attentional load include perceptual selection and/or cognitive control involving working memory. Recent studies have provided evidence that microsaccades are influenced by spatial attention. Therefore, microsaccade activities may be exploited to help understand the dynamic control of selective attention under different load levels. However, previous reports in humans on the effect of attentional load on microsaccades are inconsistent, and it is not clear to what extent these results and the dynamic changes of microsaccade activities are similar in monkeys. We trained monkeys to perform a color detection task in which the perceptual load was manipulated by task difficulty with limited involvement of working memory. Our results indicate that during the task with high perceptual load, the rate and amplitude of microsaccades immediately before the target color change were significantly suppressed. We also found that the occurrence of microsaccades before the monkeys’ detection response deteriorated their performance, especially in the hard task. We propose that the activity of microsaccades might be an efficacious indicator of the perceptual load.
Interventions for management of post-stroke depression: A Bayesian network meta-analysis of 23 randomized controlled trials
Authors: Deng Linghui , Sun Xuejun , Qiu Shi , Xiong Yao , Li Yuxiao , Wang Lu , Wei Qiang , Wang Deren , Liu Ming 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPost-stroke depression (PSD) is an important complication of stroke, leading to increased disability and mortality. Given that there is no consensus on which treatment is optimal for PSD, we aimed to evaluate the relative efficacies of available pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. We conducted a network meta-analysis to incorporate evidence from relevant trials and provide direct and indirect comparisons. We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Embase until November 1, 2016 for randomized controlled trials involving different pharmacological and non-pharmacological PSD treatment interventions. The primary outcome was reduction in the Hamilton depression scale (HAMD) score. This study is registered with PROSPERO (number, CRD42016049049). Of a total of 1,152 studies, 23 randomized trials comprising 1,542 participants were included. Nine PSD treatment interventions were considered. Noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (NRI) was associated with the highest reduction in the HAMD score, followed by tricyclic antidepressant (TCA), psychotherapy plus antidepressant, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). This study indicated that NRIs, SSRIs, and TCAs are associated with a considerable higher HAMD score reduction compared with the control treatment. rTMS is a beneficial therapeutic approach for managing PSD to obtain good response to treatments compared with the control treatment.
Differential effects on membrane permeability and viability of human keratinocyte cells undergoing very low intensity megasonic fields
Authors: Domenici F. , Brasili F. , Giantulli S. , Cerroni B. , Bedini A. , Giliberti C. , Palomba R. , Silvestri I. , Morrone S. , Paradossi G. , Mattei M. , Bordi F. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAmong different therapeutic applications of Ultrasound (US), transient membrane sonoporation (SP) - a temporary, non-lethal porosity, mechanically induced in cell membranes through US exposure - represents a compelling opportunity towards an efficient and safe drug delivery. Nevertheless, progresses in this field have been limited by an insufficient understanding of the potential cytotoxic effects of US related to the failure of the cellular repair and to the possible activation of inflammatory pathway. In this framework we studied the in vitro effects of very low-intensity US on a human keratinocyte cell line, which represents an ideal model system of skin protective barrier cells which are the first to be involved during medical US treatments. Bioeffects linked to US application at 1 MHz varying the exposure parameters were investigated by fluorescence microscopy and fluorescence activated cell sorting. Our results indicate that keratinocytes undergoing low US doses can uptake drug model molecules with size and efficiency which depend on exposure parameters. According to sub-cavitation SP models, we have identified the range of doses triggering transient membrane SP, actually with negligible biological damage. By increasing US doses we observed a reduced cells viability and an inflammatory gene overexpression enlightening novel healthy relevant strategies.
Proof of concept for a passive sampler for monitoring of gaseous elemental mercury in artisanal gold mining
Authors: de Barros Santos Elias , Moher Paleah , Ferlin Stacy , Fostier Anne Hélène , Mazali Italo Odone , Telmer Kevin , Brolo Alexandre Guimarães 
Published: November 2017

AbstractMercury emissions from artisanal gold mining operations occurring in roughly 80 developing countries are a major workplace health hazard for millions of people as well as the largest contributor to global mercury pollution. There are no portable, cheap, and rapid methods able to inform workers or health practitioners of mercury exposureon sitein remote locations. In this work, a proof of concept for a miniaturized mercury sampler, prepared by the direct reduction of gold into the porous nanostructures of Vycor glass (PVG), is introduced. Mercury retention on the PVG/Au sampler induces significant color changes, due to the formation of Au-Hg amalgam that affects the surface plasmon resonance characteristics of the material. The color change can potentially be quantified by the analysis of pictures obtained with a cell phone camera rapidly and onsite. Laboratory experiments showed the viability of using PVG/Au as passive sampler for monitoring of Hg°. PVG/Au samplers were then deployed in an artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) operations in Burkina Faso and it was able to indicate personal mercury exposures. The amount of mercury quantified in the samplers for all miners was higher than the current personal exposure limit set by the US Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA).
Accurate quantification of homologous recombination in zebrafish: brca2 deficiency as a paradigm
Authors: Vierstraete Jeroen , Willaert Andy , Vermassen Petra , Coucke Paul J. , Vral Anne , Claes Kathleen B. M. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractHomologous Recombination (HR) repair is essential for repairing DNA double strand breaks (DSB) in dividing cells and preventing tumorigenesis. BRCA2 plays an important role in HR by recruiting the DNA recombinase RAD51 to the DSB. Despite being a popular model organism in genetic and cancer research, knowledge on the conservation of the HR pathway and function of zebrafish Brca2 is limited. To evaluate this, we developed a Rad51 foci assay in zebrafish embryos. We identified the zebrafish embryonic intestinal tissue as an ideal target for Rad51 immunostaining. After inducing DSB through irradiation, Rad51 foci were present in irradiated embryos but not in unirradiated controls. We present a method for accurate quantification of HR. Both morpholino-induced knockdown and knockout of Brca2 lead to almost complete absence of Rad51 foci in irradiated embryos. These findings indicate conserved function of Brca2 in zebrafish. Interestingly, a statistically significant decrease in Rad51 foci was observed in Brca2 heterozygous carriers compared to wild types, indicative of haploinsufficiency, a hypothesised cause of some tumours in patients with a germline BRCA2 mutation. In conclusion, we demonstrated the suitability of zebrafish as an excellent in vivo model system for studying the HR pathway and its functionality.
Cell-free protein synthesis from non-growing, stressed Escherichia coli
Authors: Failmezger Jurek , Rauter Michael , Nitschel Robert , Kraml Michael , Siemann-Herzberg Martin 
Published: November 2017

AbstractCell-free protein synthesis is a versatile protein production system. Performance of the protein synthesis depends on highly active cytoplasmic extracts. Extracts from E. coli are believed to work best; they are routinely obtained from exponential growing cells, aiming to capture the most active translation system. Here, we report an active cell-free protein synthesis system derived from cells harvested at non-growth, stressed conditions. We found a downshift of ribosomes and proteins. However, a characterization revealed that the stoichiometry of ribosomes and key translation factors was conserved, pointing to a fully intact translation system. This was emphasized by synthesis rates, which were comparable to those of systems obtained from fast-growing cells. Our approach is less laborious than traditional extract preparation methods and multiplies the yield of extract per cultivation. This simplified growth protocol has the potential to attract new entrants to cell-free protein synthesis and to broaden the pool of applications. In this respect, a translation system originating from heat stressed, non-growing E. coli enabled an extension of endogenous transcription units. This was demonstrated by the sigma factor depending activation of parallel transcription. Our cell-free expression platform adds to the existing versatility of cell-free translation systems and presents a tool for cell-free biology.
A Dorsal Approach for Ulnar Shortening Osteotomy
Authors: Notermans Bo , Maarse Wiesje , Schuurman Arnold 
Published: November 2017

Aim This study aims to evaluate the long-term complications, results, and patient satisfaction rates of a dorsally approached ulnar shortening osteotomy for ulnar impaction syndrome.
Methods A retrospective chart review of 20 patients was performed. Primary outcomes of interest were subjective, measured using the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) score, Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, and the third questionnaire about patient satisfaction, composed by the authors. Secondary outcomes included hardware removal due to irritation and other complications.
Results Mean postoperative functional score of PRWE was 28 (standard deviation [SD], 30) and DASH 20 (SD, 26), respectively. Fifteen patients were satisfied with the operation. Removal of hardware was noted in six patients. In one patient plate breakage occurred.
Conclusion Similar postoperative functional scores and complications were seen in patients undergoing an ulnar shortening osteotomy with a dorsally placed plate for ulnar impaction syndrome, compared with other plate placement localizations. The incidence of plate removal is also comparable to previously described results. As the dorsally placed plate and freehand technique, are relatively easy, we feel that it has a place in the treatment of ulnar impaction syndrome.
Level of Evidence Level IV, retrospective cohort study.
Der parteiische Gutachter – das unbekannte Wesen
Authors: Meins Wolfgang 
Published: November 2017

ZusammenfassungIn der veröffentlichten wissenschaftlichen Diskussion wird dem Thema des parteiischen medizinischen Gutachters bzw. Gutachtens bisher so gut
wie keine Beachtung geschenkt. Vor dem Hintergrund einer langjährigen gutachterlichen Tätigkeit als Nervenarzt zu zivil- und
sozialrechtlichen Fragen wird erstmals versucht, die Problematik systematisch zu beschreiben und zu analysieren. Neben definitorischen
Fragen geht es dabei v. a. um mögliche Kennzeichen parteiischer Gutachten – unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der Rolle von Versicherungs-
und Privatgutachtern. Abschließend werden Vorschläge zur Prävention und besseren Erfassung von parteiischen Gutachten zur Diskussion
gestellt.
Impact of Type of Sport, Gender and Age on Red Blood Cell Deformability of Elite Athletes
Authors: Tomschi Fabian , Bloch Wilhelm , Grau Marijke 
Published: November 2017

AbstractOur objective was to detect possible differences in red blood cell (RBC) deformability of elite athletes performing different types of sports and being of different age and gender.182 athletes were included in this cross-sectional study. RBC deformability was measured using the laser-assisted optical rotational cell-analyzer. Maximal elongation index (EI max) and shear stress at half-maximum deformation (SS 1/2) were calculated. The ratio SS 1/2 /EI max (EI Ratio) was calculated with low values representing high RBC deformation. Hematocrit (Hct) and mean cellular volume (MCV) were determined in venous blood. Overall RBC deformability did not differ between male and female athletes but, when separated by age of the subjects, RBC deformability increased with age in male but not in female athletes. RBC deformability was lower in Combat sports compared other sport groups. Hct was higher in male compared to female athletes while no difference was observed for MCV. MCV and Hct increased with increasing age. A negative correlation was found between the EI Ratio and MCV and between EI Ratio and Hct. Conclusion: RBC deformability is influenced by age and endurance rate of the sport which suggests that the RBC system may adapt to changing conditions such as adolescence with the onset effects of sex hormones or physical exercise.
Effect of Melatonin Supplementation on Antioxidant Status and DNA Damage in High Intensity Trained Athletes
Authors: Ortiz-Franco Manuel , Planells Elena , Quintero Bartholomé , Acuña-Castroviejo Dario , Rusanova Iryna , Escames Germaine , Molina-López Jorge 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of melatonin supplementation on antioxidant capacity and DNA damage in high intensity interval training (HIIT) athletes. A 2-week randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial with two groups was conducted. Placebo (PG) and melatonin (MG) (20 mg/d) athletes were monitored over a two-week period of HIIT and strength training. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and the glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were analysed in blood samples. DNA damage was measured in isolated lymphocytes by comet assay prior to and immediately after exercise. The supplementation increased plasma melatonin levels in the melatonin-treated group (p<0.05) after two weeks of intervention. Analysis of antioxidant status indicated higher (p<0.05) TAC and GPx in MG than PG post-intervention. No differences were found in SOD enzyme activity. DNA damage was diminished in MG (p<0.05) compared to PG in post-training conditions. Antioxidant status was associated with DNA damage (r=-0.679; p=0.047) in the melatonin-treated athletes. The present study suggest that melatonin supplementation improves antioxidant status and may prove to have beneficial effects preventing DNA damage induced by high intensity training.
Stationäre psychodynamisch orientierte multimodale Therapie von Patienten mit Borderline-Persönlichkeitsstörung: Wirksamkeit, Response und Drop-out
Authors: del Pozo Melina , Kliem Sören , Mestel Robert , Votsmeier-Röhr Achim , Kröger Christoph 
Published: November 2017

ZusammenfassungPsychodynamisch orientierte multimodale Therapien haben sich in der ambulanten Behandlung der Borderline-Persönlichkeitsstörung (BPD) als wirksam erwiesen. Bisher hat keine Studie über Wirksamkeit, Response und Drop-out eines psychodynamisch orientierten multimodalen Therapieansatzes im stationären Setting (PDOMK) berichtet. In dieser Studie wurden die Ergebnisse von 269 Patienten, die an einer 3-monatigen stationären Therapie teilgenommen haben, mit Ergebnissen aus früheren Studien verglichen. Als wichtigster Indikator für den Therapieerfolg wurde das Borderline-Persönlichkeits-Inventar (CUT-20-R) herangezogen. Therapieerfolg wurde in Effektstärken (ES) sowie Response- und Remissionsraten ausgedrückt. Im Prä-Post-Vergleich des CUT-20-R betrug die ES 0,74. Die Responserate betrug 34,6% und die Remissionsrate 2,6%. 50,6% der teilnehmenden Patienten zeigten keine Veränderung in ihrer BPD-spezifischen Symptomatik, 6,7% verschlechterten sich und 27,5% beendeten die Therapie vorzeitig. Das Dropout-Risiko war bei Männern sowie Patienten mit einer abhängigen Persönlichkeitsstörung erhöht. Die Ergebnisse sprechen dafür, dass PDOMK bei einigen, jedoch nicht bei allen BPD-Patienten wirksam sein kann. Aufgrund der methodischen Einschränkungen dieser Studie sollten zukünftige Arbeiten die Wirksamkeit von PDOMK in einem randomisiert-kontrollierten Design untersuchen.