bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decreased Serotonin Levels and Serotonin-Mediated Osteoblastic Inhibitory Signaling in Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Klavdianou Kalliopi , Liossis Stamatis-Nick , Papachristou Dionysios J , Theocharis Georgios , Sirinian Chaido , Kottorou Anastasia , Filippopoulou Alexandra , Andonopoulos Andrew P , Daoussis Dimitrios 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACT

Evidence suggests that serotonin is an inhibitor of bone formation. We aimed to assess: 1) serum serotonin levels in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a prototype bone-forming disease, compared with patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and healthy subjects; 2) the effect(s) of TNFα blockers on serum serotonin levels in patients with AS and RA; and 3) the effect(s) of serum of AS patients on serotonin signaling. Serum serotonin levels were measured in 47 patients with AS, 28 patients with RA, and 40 healthy subjects by radioimmunoassay; t test was used to assess differences between groups. The effect of serum on serotonin signaling was assessed using the human osteoblastic cell line Saos2, evaluating levels of phospho-CREB by Western immunoblots. Serotonin serum levels were significantly lower in patients with AS compared with healthy subjects (mean ± SEM ng/mL 122.9 ± 11.6 versus 177.4 ± 24.58, p = 0.038) and patients with RA (mean ± SEM ng/mL 244.8 ± 37.5, p = 0.0004). Patients with AS receiving TNFα blockers had significantly lower serotonin levels compared with patients with AS not on such treatment (mean ± SEM ng/mL 95.8 ± 14.9 versus 149.2 ± 16.0, p = 0.019). Serotonin serum levels were inversely correlated with pCREB induction in osteoblast-like Saos-2 cells. Serotonin levels are low in patients with AS and decrease even further during anti-TNFα treatment. Differences in serotonin levels are shown to have a functional impact on osteoblast-like Saos-2 cells. Therefore, serotonin may be involved in new bone formation in AS. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Relation between the upper ocean heat content in the equatorial Atlantic during boreal spring and the Indian monsoon rainfall during June–September
Authors: Pottapinjara Vijay , Girishkumar M. S. , Sivareddy S. , Ravichandran M. , Murtugudde R. 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTEarlier studies have identified a teleconnection between the Atlantic zonal mode (AZM) and Indian summer monsoon rainfall (ISMR), both of which are active during the boreal summer (AZM: June–August; ISMR: June–September). It is known that El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO)‐like coupled dynamics are operational in the tropical Atlantic during the AZM events. Our goal here is to extend this process understanding to seek a predictive relation between the tropical Atlantic and the ISMR based on these known teleconnections. Monthly composite analysis of the zonal surface winds, heat content, and sea surface temperature (SST) in the equatorial Atlantic tells us that signatures of a warm or cold AZM event begin to emerge as early as January of that year. We found significant correlations between the ISMR and the low level zonal winds in the western equatorial Atlantic and heat content in the eastern equatorial Atlantic in the boreal spring season. Tracking coherent changes in these winds and the evolution of the heat content in the deep tropical Atlantic in the boreal spring may offer the potential for skillful predictions of the ensuing summer monsoon anomalies, especially during non‐ENSO years when the predictability of ISMR tends to be low.
Spatio‐temporal variability of the properties of mesoscale convective systems over a complex terrain as observed byTRMMsensors
Authors: Choudhury Hupesh , Roy Partha , Kalita Sarbeswar , Sharma Sanjay 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTA study of spatio‐temporal variability of the properties of mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) is carried out during 1998–2012 over a complex terrain (20°–30°N; 80°–100°E). The regions of the maximum population and the most intenseMCSsare not associated with the maximum rainfall. The deepestMCSsare not necessarily the most intense and they are predominantly found during monsoon seasons. The most intenseMCSsare found during pre‐monsoon over the region A (the plains of Gangetic West Bengal, Bangladesh and Chota Nagpur Plateau) with significant reduction in intensity in monsoon. Region B (the eastern Himalaya foothills and Pegu Yoma highland) consists of relatively weakMCSswith marginal changes in their intensity from pre‐monsoon to monsoon. There is a longitudinal shift in the position of the most intenseMCSsduring pre‐monsoon to monsoon. Region A is associated with larger ice effective radius and ice water content in the mixed phase region compared to Region B, with significantly higher values during pre‐monsoon. During pre‐monsoon,MCSsover the regions A and B have continental and marine characteristics, respectively, whereas during monsoon both the regions have marine characteristics. There is an increasing trend in precipitation height over both the regions. For population as well as intensity, there is a contrast trend between regionsA(decreasing) andB(increasing), which is supported by the trend of convective available potential energy (CAPE). During pre‐monsoon (monsoon) season, region A is associated with moderate (moderate) value ofCAPEand high (low) values of wind shear; Whereas region B is associated with low (moderate)CAPEand high (low) values of wind shear. Overall significant spatio‐temporal variability in the properties ofMCSsis observed, which is associated with distinctly different thermodynamical, dynamical and microphysical processes.
Platelets and plasma stimulate sheep rotator cuff tendon tenocytes when cultured in an extracellular matrix scaffold
Authors: Kelly Brian A. , Proffen Benedikt L. , Haslauer Carla M. , Murray Martha M. 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTThe addition of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) to rotator cuff repair has not translated into improved outcomes after surgery. However, recent work stimulating ligament healing has demonstrated improved outcomes when PRP or whole blood is combined with an extracellular matrix carrier. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of three components of blood (plasma, platelets, and macrophages) on the in vitro activity of ovine rotator cuff cells cultured in an extracellular matrix environment. Tenocytes were obtained from six ovine infraspinatus tendons and cultured over 14 days in an extracellular matrix scaffold with the following additives: (1) plasma (PPP), (2) plasma and platelets (PAP), (3) plasma and macrophages (PPPM), (4) plasma, platelets and macrophages (PAPM), (5) phosphate buffered saline (PBS), and (6) PBS with macrophages (PBSM). Assays measuring cellular metabolism (AlamarBlue), proliferation (Quantitative DNA assay), synthesis of collagen and cytokines (SIRCOL, TNF‐α and IL‐10 ELISA, and MMP assay), and collagen gene expression (qPCR) were performed over the duration of the experiment, as well as histology at the conclusion. Plasma was found to stimulate cell attachment and spreading on the scaffold, as well as cellular proliferation. Platelets also stimulated cell proliferation, cellular metabolism, transition of cells to a myofibroblast phenotype, and contraction of the scaffolds. The addition of macrophages did not have any significant effect on the sheep rotator cuff cells in vitro. In vivo studies are needed to determine whether these changes in cellular function will translate into improved tendon healing. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:623–629, 2016.
Synergistic effect of exogeneous and endogeneous electrostimulation on osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells seeded on silk scaffolds
Authors: Çakmak Anıl S. , Çakmak Soner , White James D. , Raja Waseem K. , Kim Kyungsook , Yiğit Sezin , Kaplan David L. , Gümüşderelioğlu Menemşe 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTBioelectrical regulation of bone fracture healing is important for many cellular events such as proliferation, migration, and differentiation. The aim of this study was to investigate the osteogenic differentiation potential of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) cultivated on silk scaffolds in response to different modes of electrostimulation (e.g., exogeneous and/or endogeneous). Endogeneous electrophysiology was altered through the use of monensin (10 nM) and glibenclamide (10 μM), along with external electrostimulation (60 kHz; 100–500 mV). Monensin enhanced the expression of early osteogenic markers such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and runt‐related transcription factor 2 (RUNX‐2). When exogeneous electrostimulation was combined with glibenclamide, more mature osteogenic marker upregulation based on bone sialoprotein expression (BSP) and mineralization was found. These results suggest the potential to exploit both exogeneous and endogeneous biophysical control of cell functions towards tissue‐specific goals. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:581–590, 2016.
Postoperative hepatitis B virus reactivation and surgery‐induced immunosuppression in patients with hepatitis B‐related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Xie Zhi‐Bo , Zhu Shao‐Liang , Peng Yu‐Chong , Chen Jie , Wang Xiao‐Bo , Ma Liang , Bai Tao , Xiang Bang‐De , Li Le‐Qun , Zhong Jian‐Hong 
Published: September 2015

BackgroundHepatectomy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients lead to postoperative hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation (PHR) as well as immunosuppression.MethodsThis prospective study involved 135 HBV‐related HCC patients and 42 control hepatic hemangioma patients.ResultsAmong HCC patients, 26 (19.3%) suffered PHR. Risk factors for PHR were HBV‐cAg S1 positivity [hazard ratio (HR) = 404.82, P = 0.004], high preoperative total bilirubin level (HR = 186.38, P = 0.036), small preoperative proportions of CD3−CD16 + CD56 + cells (HR = 0.01, P = 0.014) and CD19 + B cells (HR = 0.02, P = 0.016), blood transfusion (HR = 157.03, P = 0.006) and high liver cirrhosis S score (HR = 270.45, P = 0.004). On postoperative day (POD) 3, PHR patients showed much greater immunosuppression than non‐PHR patients based on proportions of T cells (CD3+, CD3 + CD4+, CD3 + CD8+), B cells (CD19+) and on levels of IgG, IgA antibodies, complement proteins C3, and C4. By POD 7, PHR patients had partially recovered but not as quickly as non‐PHR patients: PHR patients still showed deficits in T cells (CD3+, CD3 + CD4+), CD3−CD16 + CD56+ cells and in levels of IgM, C3, C4, and C‐reactive protein.ConclusionPHR may be associated with resection‐induced immunosuppression in patients with HBV‐related HCC. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015;112:634–642. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Correlation of minimal extrathyroidal extension with pathologic features of lymph node metastasis in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Lee Hyoung Shin , Park Chanwoo , Kim Sung Won , Park Taejung , Chun Bong Kwon , Hong Jong Chul , Lee Kang Dae 
Published: September 2015

BackgroundThe impact of minimal extrathyroidal extension (mETE) to the prognosis of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is controversial. In this study, we investigated whether mETE is related to the aggressive biology of metastatic lymph node (LN) in patients with PTC.MethodsA retrospective review of 369 patients who had biopsy‐confirmed cervical LN metastasis after initial surgery for PTC was conducted. The correlations of mETE with the specific features of metastatic LNs such as the LN size, number, LN ratio, and presence of extranodal extension (ENE) were statistically analyzed.ResultsSize of the primary tumor (≥1 cm) had independent correlations to mETE (HR = 5.750). While mETE was related to number of metastatic LNs (≥5), LN ratio (≥0.31) and ENE in univariate analysis, only ENE (HR = 2.322) was independently correlated to mETE in our series. Along with mETE, size of primary tumor (≥1 cm) had significant impact on ENE (HR = 2.107).ConclusionMinimal ETE particularly those with larger primary tumor (≥1 cm) may be still considered as a significant factor regarding the management of cervical LNs in patients with PTC. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015;112:592–596. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence‐guided laparoscopic adrenalectomy
Authors: DeLong Jonathan C. , Chakedis Jeffrey M. , Hosseini Ava , Kelly Kaitlyn J. , Horgan Santiago , Bouvet Michael 
Published: September 2015

ObjectiveLaparoscopic adrenalectomy has become the standard of care for many adrenal tumors. However, the success of the operation hinges on identifying the adrenal vein and complete tumor resection. We demonstrate the use of a commercially available near infrared fluorescent imaging system to clearly delineate the vascular anatomy of adrenal neoplasms and enhance the border between tumor and normal tissue. We hypothesize that this will increase the safety of laparoscopic adrenalectomy.Materials and MethodsWe performed laparoscopic adrenalectomy utilizing indocyanine green (ICG) and a specialized laparoscopic fluorescence imaging system on four consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic adrenalectomy over a 4‐month period.ResultsThe adrenal arteries and vein were vividly enhanced with ICG fluorescence guidance, and the border between tumor and adjacent tissue was clearly demarcated. The operations were performed safely with minimal blood loss and short operative times. There were no complications.ConclusionsAdrenal neoplasms can be resected laparoscopically under ICG fluorescence guidance and can be used to clearly identify vascular structures and enhance the borders of the tumor. This technique allows for clear identification of the adrenal vein and has the potential to improve the safety of laparoscopic adrenalectomy. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015;112:650–653. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Wound healing in the flight membranes of wild big brown bats
Authors: Pollock Tyler , Moreno Christian R. , Sánchez Lida , Ceballos‐Vasquez Alejandra , Faure Paul A. , Mora Emanuel C. 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTThe flight membranes of bats are susceptible to damage (e.g., holes and tears) from a number of sources, including impacts with natural and man‐made objects, fighting between conspecifics, and attacks by predators or pathogens. Biologists routinely biopsy bat wings as a method of tissue collection for molecular research, and sometimes for the temporary identification of animals in the field. A previous study reported that captive big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) rapidly and completely healed flight membrane wounds. Given that limited care is provided to animals following tissue biopsy in the field, we sought to determine whether healing times for wounds from bats in captivity were applicable to bats in the wild. We measured and compared healing times of wounds in the wing and tail membranes of 50 non‐reproductive female big brown bats from a wild population in Cuba following recapture. Tail wounds healed significantly faster than wing wounds of the same size, likely because of the increased thickness and vasculature of the tail membrane. Our data are concordant with a previous laboratory study in captive big brown bats, and confirm that tail membrane biopsies are better for obtaining tissue samples for molecular work because tail wounds heal faster than wing wounds. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
A cost and time analysis of laryngology procedures in the endoscopy suite versus the operating room
Authors: Hillel Alexander T. , Ochsner Matthew C. , Johns Michael M. , Klein Adam M. 
Published: September 2015

Objectives/HypothesisTo assess the costs, charges, reimbursement, and efficiency of performing awake laryngology procedures in an endoscopy suite (ES) compared with like procedures performed in the operating room (OR).Study DesignRetrospective review of billing records.MethodsCost, charges, and reimbursements for the hospital, surgeon, and anesthesiologist were compared between ES injection laryngoplasty and laser excision procedures and matched case controls in the OR. Time spent in 1) the preoperative unit, 2) the operating or endoscopy suite, and 3) recovery unit were compared between OR and ES procedures.ResultsHospital expenses were significantly less for ES procedures when compared to OR procedures. Reimbursement was similar for ES and OR injection laryngoplasty, though greater for OR laser excisions. Net balance (reimbursement–expenses) was greater for ES procedures. A predictive model of payer costs over a 3‐year period showed similar costs for ES and OR laser procedures and reduced costs for ES compared to OR injection laryngoplasty. Times spent preoperatively and the procedure were significantly less for ES procedures.ConclusionsFor individual laryngology procedures, the ES reduces time and costs compared to the OR, increasing otolaryngologist and hospital efficiency. This reveals cost and time savings of ES injection laryngoplasty, which occurs at a similar frequency as OR injection laryngoplasty. Given the increased frequency for ES laser procedures, total costs are similar for ES and OR laser excision of papilloma, which usually require repeated procedures. When regulated office space is unavailable, endoscopy rooms represent an alternative setting for unsedated laryngology procedures.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 126:1385–1389, 2016
Progressive cranial nerve involvement and grading of facial paralysis in gelsolin amyloidosis
Authors: Pihlamaa Tiia , Salmi Tapani , Suominen Sinikka , Kiuru‐Enari Sari 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTIntroductionHereditary gelsolin amyloidosis (GA) is a rare condition caused by the gelsolin gene mutation. The diagnostic triad includes corneal lattice dystrophy (type 2), progressive bilateral facial paralysis, and cutis laxa. Detailed information on facial paralysis in GA and the extent of cranial nerve injury is lacking.Methods29 GA patients undergoing facial corrective surgery were interviewed, examined, and studied electroneurophysiologically.ResultsAll showed dysfunction of facial (VII) and trigeminal (V) nerves, two‐thirds of oculomotor (III) and hypoglossal (XII) nerves, and half of vestibulocochlear (acoustic) (VIII) nerve. Clinical involvement of frontal, zygomatic, and buccal facial nerve branches was seen in 97%, 83%, and 52% of patients, respectively. Electromyography showed marked motor unit potential loss in facial musculature.ConclusionsCranial nerve involvement in GA is more widespread than previously described, and correlates with age, severity of facial paralysis, and electromyographic findings. We describe a grading method for bilateral facial paralysis in GA, which is essential for evaluation of disease progression and the need for treatment. Muscle Nerve 53: 762–769, 2016
Physical mechanisms responsible for the water‐induced degradation of PC61BM P3HT photovoltaic thin films
Authors: Parnell Andrew J. , Cadby Ashley J. , Dunbar Alan D. F. , Roberts George L. , Plumridge Alex , Dalgliesh Robert M. , Skoda Maximilian W. A. , Jones Richard A. L. 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTWe show that [6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC61BM) at the surface of thin film blends of poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT):PC61BM can be patterned by water. Using a series of heating and cooling steps, water droplets condense onto the blend film surface. This is possible due to the liquid‐like, water swollen layer of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate. Breath pattern water deformation and subsequent drying on the film surface results in isolated PC61BM structures, showing that migration of PC61BM takes place. This was confirmed by selective wavelength illumination to spatially map the photoluminescence from the P3HT and PC61BM. Within a device, redistribution of the surface PC61BM into aggregates would be catastrophic, as it would markedly alter device performance. We also postulate that repeated volume change of the poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate layer by water swelling may be, in part, responsible for the delamination failure mechanism in thin film solar cells devices. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2016, 54, 141–146
Validation of the Brazilian version of the childhood asthma control test (c‐ACT)
Authors: Oliveira Suelen G. , Sarria Edgar E. , Roncada Cristian , Stein Renato T. , Pitrez Paulo M. , Mattiello Rita 
Published: September 2015

SummaryBackgroundChildren's perception of their symptoms has proved reliable and relevant to disease management and should be considered when assessing their asthma control. The aim of the study is to validate the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Childhood Asthma Control Test (c‐ACT) in children aged 4–11 years.MethodsThis is a cross‐sectional study in children diagnosed with asthma undergoing treatment in a pediatric pulmonology outpatient clinic in Porto Alegre, Brazil. The translation and linguistic adaptation of the instrument were performed in accordance with international recommendations for questionnaire validation.ResultsA total of 105 participants were included, aged 4–11 years. Validity: all correlations between the total score and items on the questionnaire were significant and obtained values of r ≥ 0.3, and c‐ACT means showed statistically significant differences between the GINA categories (P < 0.01). The controlled asthma group showed significantly higher c‐ACT scores than those of uncontrolled asthma group (controlled 22.0 ± 2.9 vs. uncontrolled 16.3 ± 5.3 P < 0.01); and partially controlled asthma group showed significantly higher c‐ACT scores than those of uncontrolled asthma group (partially controlled 20.0 ± 4.0 vs. uncontrolled 16.3 ± 5.3 P = 0.03). Correlations between the c‐ACT total score and spirometry and nitric oxide were poor (r = 0.020; P = 0.866 and r = 0.035; P = 0.753, respectively). Reliability: the α–C coefficient for the c‐ACT total score was 0.677 (95%CI 0.573–0763). Sensitivity to change had an effect size of 0.8 and an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.598. No floor or ceiling effects were observed.ConclusionThe Brazilian version of the Childhood Asthma Control Test proved to be valid and reliable in children aged 4–11 years. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:358–363. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modeling conformational redox‐switch modulation of human succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase
Authors: Tamazian Gaik , Ho Chang Jeong , Knyazev Sergey , Stepanov Eugene , Kim Kyung‐Jin , Porozov Yuri 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTSuccinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH) converts succinic semialdehyde (SSA) to succinic acid in the mitochondrial matrix and is involved in the metabolism of the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA). The molecular structure of human SSADH revealed the intrinsic regulatory mechanism—redox‐switch modulation—by which large conformational changes are brought about in the catalytic loop through disulfide bonding. The crystal structures revealed two SSADH conformations, and computational modeling of transformation between them can provide substantial insights into detailed dynamic redox modulation. On the basis of these two clear crystal structures, we modeled the conformational motion between these structures in silico. For that purpose, we proposed and used a geometry‐based coarse‐grained mathematical model of long‐range protein motion and the related modeling algorithm. The algorithm is based on solving the special optimization problem, which is similar to the classical Monge–Kantorovich mass transportation problem. The modeled transformation was supported by another morphing method based on a completely different framework. The result of the modeling facilitates better interpretation and understanding of the SSADH biological role. Proteins 2015; 83:2217–2229. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.