bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Angiotensin II induces skin fibrosis: a novel mouse model of dermal fibrosis
Authors: Stawski Lukasz , Han Rong , Bujor Andreea M , Trojanowska Maria 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Introduction
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology characterized by fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Ang II (angiotensin II), a vasoconstrictive peptide, is a well-known inducer of kidney, heart, and liver fibrosis. The goal of this study was to investigate the profibrotic potential of Ang II in the mouse skin.

Methods
Ang II was administered by subcutaneous osmotic mini pumps to C57BL/6 male mice. Collagen-content measurements were performed with Gomori Trichrome staining and hydroxyproline assay. The mRNA expression level of collagens, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, CTGF, αSMA, CD3, Emr1, CD45/B220, MCP1, and FSP1 were quantified with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Immunostaining was performed for markers of inflammation and fibrosis, including, phospho-Smad2, αSMA, CD3, Mac3, CD45/B220, and CD163B. Fibrocytes were identified by double staining with CD45/FSP1 and CD45/PH4. Endothelial cells undergoing endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) were identified by double staining with VE-cadherin/FSP1.

Results
Ang II-infused mice develop prominent dermal fibrosis in the area proximal to the pump, as shown by increased collagen and CTGF mRNA levels, increased hydroxyproline content, and more tightly packed collagen fibers. In addition, elevated mRNA levels of TGF-β2 and TGF-β3 along with increased expression of pSmad2 were observed in the skin of Ang II-treated mice. Dermal fibrosis was accompanied by an increased number of infiltrating fibrocytes, and an increased number of αSMA-positive cells, as well as CD163B+ macrophages in the upper dermis. This correlated with significantly increased mRNA levels of αSMA, Emr1, and MCP1. Infiltration of CD3-, CD45/B220-, and Mac3-positive cells was observed mainly in the hypodermis. Furthermore, an increased number of double-positive VE-cadherin/FSP1 cells were detected in the hypodermis only.

Conclusions
This work demonstrates that Ang II induces both inflammation and fibrosis in the skin via MCP1 upregulation and accumulation of activated fibroblasts. Additionally, our data suggest that populations of these fibroblasts originate from circulating blood cells. Ang II infusion via osmotic minipumps could serve as a useful mouse model of skin fibrosis to gain new insights into pathogenic mechanisms and to test new antifibrotic therapies.
Continuous venovenous hemodialysis with regional citrate anticoagulation in patients with liver failure: a prospective observational study
Authors: Schultheiß Caroline , Saugel Bernd , Phillip Veit , Thies Philipp , Noe Sebastian , Mayr Ulrich , Haller Bernhard , Einwächter Henrik , Schmid Roland M , Huber Wolfgang 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Introduction
Liver failure patients might be at risk for citrate accumulation during continuous venovenous hemodialysis (CVVHD) with regional citrate anticoagulation. The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive capability of baseline liver function parameters regarding citrate accumulation, expressed as an increase in the calcium total/calcium ionized (Catot/Caion) ratio ≥2.5, and to describe the feasibility of citrate CVVHD in liver failure patients.

Methods
We conducted a prospective observational study in medical ICU patients treated in a German university hospital. We performed 43 CVVHD runs using citrate for regional anticoagulation in 28 critically ill patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis or acute liver failure (maximum of two CVVHD runs per patient). Liver function was characterized before CVVHD using laboratory parameters, calculation of Child-Pugh and Model of End-stage Liver Disease scores, and determination of the plasma disappearance rate of indocyanine green. In addition to blood gas analysis, we measured total calcium and citrate in serum at baseline and after definitive time points for each CVVHD run.

Results
Accumulation of citrate in serum correlated with an increase in the Catot/Caion ratio. Although the critical upper threshold of Catot/Caion ratio ≥2.5 was exceeded 10 times in seven different CVVHD runs, equalization of initial metabolic acidosis was possible without major disturbances of acid-base and electrolyte status. Standard laboratory liver function parameters showed poor predictive capabilities regarding citrate accumulation in terms of an elevated Catot/Caion ratio ≥2.5. In contrast, serum lactate ≥3.4 mmol/l and prothrombin time ≤26% predicted an increase in the Catot/Caion ratio ≥2.5 with high sensitivity (86% for both lactate and prothrombin time) and specificity (86% for lactate, 92% for prothrombin time).

Conclusions
Despite substantial accumulation of citrate in serum, CVVHD with regional citrate anticoagulation seems feasible in patients with severely impaired liver function. Citrate accumulation in serum is reflected by an increase in the Catot/Caion ratio. To identify patients at risk for citrate accumulation in terms of a Catot/Caion ratio ≥2.5, baseline serum lactate (threshold ≥3.4 mmol/l) and prothrombin time (threshold ≤26%) may be useful for risk prediction in daily clinical practice. Careful monitoring of electrolytes and acid-base status is mandatory to ensure patient safety.
Brain–gut–adipose-tissue communication pathways at a glance
Authors: Yi Chun-Xia , Tschöp Matthias H. 
Published: August 2012

One of the ‘side effects’ of our modern lifestyle is a range of metabolic diseases: the incidence of obesity, type 2 diabetes and associated cardiovascular diseases has grown to pandemic proportions. This increase, which shows no sign of reversing course, has occurred despite education and new treatment options, and is largely due to a lack of knowledge about the precise pathology and etiology of metabolic disorders. Accumulating evidence suggests that the communication pathways linking the brain, gut and adipose tissue might be promising intervention points for metabolic disorders. To maintain energy homeostasis, the brain must tightly monitor the peripheral energy state. This monitoring is also extremely important for the brain’s survival, because the brain does not store energy but depends solely on a continuous supply of nutrients from the general circulation. Two major groups of metabolic inputs inform the brain about the peripheral energy state: short-term signals produced by the gut system and long-term signals produced by adipose tissue. After central integration of these inputs, the brain generates neuronal and hormonal outputs to balance energy intake with expenditure.
Miscommunication between the gut, brain and adipose tissue, or the degradation of input signals once inside the brain, lead to the brain misunderstanding the peripheral energy state. Under certain circumstances, the brain responds to this miscommunication by increasing energy intake and production, eventually causing metabolic disorders. This poster article overviews current knowledge about communication pathways between the brain, gut and adipose tissue, and discusses potential research directions that might lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying metabolic disorders.
A stingless bee can use visual odometry to estimate both height and distance
Authors: Eckles M. A. , Roubik D. W. , Nieh J. C. 
Published: August 2012

SUMMARYBees move and forage within three dimensions and rely heavily on vision for navigation. The use of vision-based odometry has been studied extensively in horizontal distance measurement, but not vertical distance measurement. The honey bee Apis mellifera and the stingless bee Melipona seminigra measure distance visually using optic flow–movement of images as they pass across the retina. The honey bees gauge height using image motion in the ventral visual field. The stingless bees forage at different tropical forest canopy levels, ranging up to 40 m at our site. Thus, estimating height would be advantageous. We provide the first evidence that the stingless bee Melipona panamica utilizes optic flow information to gauge not only distance traveled but also height above ground, by processing information primarily from the lateral visual field. After training bees to forage at a set height in a vertical tunnel lined with black and white stripes, we observed foragers that explored a new tunnel with no feeder. In a new tunnel, bees searched at the same height they were trained to. In a narrower tunnel, bees experienced more image motion and significantly lowered their search height. In a wider tunnel, bees experienced less image motion and searched at significantly greater heights. In a tunnel without optic cues, bees were disoriented and searched at random heights. A horizontal tunnel testing these variables similarly affected foraging, but bees exhibited less precision (greater variance in search positions). Accurately gauging flight height above ground may be crucial for this species and others that compete for resources located at heights ranging from ground level to the high tropical forest canopies.
Use of 4-mg/kg/24-Hour Empiric Aminoglycoside dosing in Preoperative Neonates with Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Moffett Brady S , Rossano Joseph W 
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND: Empiric dosing of gentamicin has not been evaluated in critically ill neonates with unrepaired congenital heart disease (CHD). Many factors may alter gentamicin pharmacokinetics in this patient population and there are few data describing gentamicin dosing regimens in this patient population. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether an empiric gentamicin dosing regimen for neonates achieves acceptable serum trough concentrations in neonatal patients with unrepaired CHD receiving alprostadil. METHODS: Term neonates with unrepaired CHD who received gentamicin for empiric treatment of sepsis were identified over a 3-year period. Patients were included if they received gentamicin 4 mg/kg/dose every 24 hours, were receiving alprostadil for maintenance of a patent ductus arteriosus, and had at least one gentamicin serum trough concentration determined. Patients were evaluated to determine whether they achieved a serum trough concentration of <1 mg/L, and differences in patient characteristics were noted for those who achieved an appropriate trough concentration and those who did not. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients met study criteria, and 22% of patients had a trough gentamicin concentration of <1 mg/L at a mean (SD) time of 23.6 (0.3) hours after a dose. Few statistically significant differences in patient characteristics were noted for those who achieved an appropriate serum trough concentration and those who did not, and included Apgar scores at 1 minute and later day of life at admission. CONCLUSIONS: Current empiric gentamicin dosing regimens may not be appropriate for critically ill neonates with unrepaired CHD. Routine serum concentration monitoring may be warranted in this population.
Extracellular Alpha-Synuclein Oligomers Modulate Synaptic Transmission and Impair LTP Via NMDA-Receptor Activation
Authors: Diógenes Maria José , Dias Raquel B. , Rombo Diogo M. , Vicente Miranda Hugo , Maiolino Francesca , Guerreiro Patrícia , Näsström Thomas , Franquelim Henri G. , Oliveira Luís M.A. , Castanho Miguel A.R.B. , Lannfelt Lars , Bergström Joakim , Ingelsson Martin , Quintas Alexandre , Sebastião Ana M. , Lopes Luísa V. , Outeiro Tiago Fleming 
Published: August 2012

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common representative of a group of disorders known as synucleinopathies, in which misfolding and aggregation of α-synuclein (a-syn) in various brain regions is the major pathological hallmark. Indeed, the motor symptoms in PD are caused by a heterogeneous degeneration of brain neurons not only in substantia nigra pars compacta but also in other extrastriatal areas of the brain. In addition to the well known motor dysfunction in PD patients, cognitive deficits and memory impairment are also an important part of the disorder, probably due to disruption of synaptic transmission and plasticity in extrastriatal areas, including the hippocampus.Here, we investigated the impact of a-syn aggregation on AMPA and NMDA receptor-mediated rat hippocampal (CA3-CA1) synaptic transmission and long-term potentiation (LTP), the neurophysiological basis for learning and memory. Our data show that prolonged exposure to a-syn oligomers, but not monomers or fibrils, increases basal synaptic transmission through NMDA receptor activation, triggering enhanced contribution of calcium-permeable AMPA receptors. Slices treated with a-syn oligomers were unable to respond with further potentiation to theta-burst stimulation, leading to impaired LTP. Prior delivery of a low-frequency train reinstated the ability to express LTP, implying that exposure to a-syn oligomers drives the increase of glutamatergic synaptic transmission, preventing further potentiation by physiological stimuli.Our novel findings provide mechanistic insight on how a-syn oligomers may trigger neuronal dysfunction and toxicity in PD and other synucleinopathies.
Challenging New Conservative Regimes in South Korea and Taiwan
Authors: Ho Ming-sho , Hong Chen-Shuo 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
This article compares anti-American beef politics in South Korea (2008) and Taiwan (2009) to solve the puzzle of why two similar social protests resulted in dissimilar outcomes. Given the highly comparable political contexts of conservative ascendancy, we argue that cultural factors determined the movement trajectories. The presence of anti-Americanism and the centrality of beef in the national diet produced a strong anti-government movement in Korea but not in Taiwan.
The Meyer–Neldel rule in amorphous TiO2 films with different Fe content
Authors: Mardare Diana , Yildiz Abdullah , Apetrei Radu , Rambu Petronela , Florea Daniel , Gheorghe Nicoleta Georgiana , Macovei Dan , Teodorescu Cristian Mihail , Luca Dumitru 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Preparation and Photocatalytic Activity Study of p-CuO/n-ZnO composites
Authors: Sapkota Bedanga B , Mishra Sanjay R 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTIn this paper, efficacy of p-n junction p-CuO/n-ZnO composite is assessed as a potential photocatalyst by monitoring degradation of methylene blue (MB) in the presence of UV light. The p-n junction photocatalyst, p-CuO/n-ZnO, was prepared by ball milling of ZnO and CuO in water. The structural properties of p-CuO/n-ZnO composite were characterized by x-ray diffractometer and surface charge properties via zeta potential measurement. The degradation of MB in the presence of composite powder was monitored via UV-vis spectrometer. Various studies affecting the degradation rate of MB were conducted as a function of weight fraction of CuO in the composite and ball milling time. The highest degradation rate of MB was achieved in CuO (10 Wt.%)/ZnO for which high negative zeta potential was recorded. The MB degradation efficiency was found to decrease with the samples ball milled for time longer than 12 hours due to increased agglomeration of particles. The mechanisms that influence the photocatalytic activity of p-CuO/n-ZnO are discussed based on the p-n junction principle.
Enhanced response characteristics of SnO2-ZnO hetrostructures loaded with nanoscale catalyst clusters for methane gas detection
Authors: Haridas Divya , Gupta Vinay 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTMethane is an important explosive gas, used extensively at the domestic and industrial sites. It is the main constituent of natural gas, which is the main fuel supplied to homes and industries including automobiles. Detection of trace level of methane gas is very important to avoid any accidental explosion due to its leakage and may cause loss of valuable human life and property. The present paper is focused on the development of new sensing material in the form of composites to improve sensitivity, selectivity and stability. Present work shows the enhanced response of SnO2-ZnO composite structures for methane sensing and further increases its sensing response by loading appropriate catalyst on the sensor surface keeping in view of Fermi energy control mechanism and spillover mechanism. A stable sensor response of 77-85 % was obtained for SnO2-ZnO-Pd sensor structure over a wider range of temperature (160-260oC).
Thermo-chemical metastability of multilayer epitaxial graphene oxide: Experiments and density functional theory calculations
Authors: Zhou Si , Kim S. , Hu Y. , Berger C. , de Heer W. , Riedo Elisa , Bongiorno Angelo 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTGraphene oxide holds great promise for future applications in nano-technology. The chemistry of this material is not well understood. This understanding is crucial to enable future applications of graphene oxide. In this study, experiments and density functional theory calculations are combined to elucidate the chemical properties of multilayer graphene oxide obtained by oxidizing epitaxial graphene grown on silicon carbide via the Hummers method. This study shows that at room temperature as prepared graphene oxide films exhibit a uniform and homogeneous structure, include a minimal amount of edges and holes, and have an oxidation ratio of about 0.44. The comparison with density-functional calculations shows that graphene oxide includes a minimal amount of intercalated water molecules and well-defined fractions of epoxide and hydroxyl groups.
Poverty Increases Type 2 Diabetes Incidence and Inequality of Care Despite Universal Health Coverage
Authors: Hsu Chih-Cheng , Lee Cheng-Hua , Wahlqvist Mark L. , Huang Hsiao-Ling , Chang Hsing-Yi , Chen Likwang , Shih Shu-Fang , Shin Shyi-Jang , Tsai Wen-Chen , Chen Ted , Huang Chi-Ting , Cheng Jur-Shan 
Published: August 2012

OBJECTIVE
The discrepancy of diabetes incidence and care between socioeconomic statuses has seldom been studied concurrently in nations with universal health coverage. We aimed to delineate whether income disparity is associated with diabetes incidence and inequality of care under a national health insurance (NHI) program in Asia.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
From the Taiwan NHI database in 2000, a representative cohort aged ≥20 years and free of diabetes (n = 600,662) were followed up until 2005. We regarded individuals exempt from paying the NHI premium as being poor. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were used to discover any excess risk of diabetes in the poor population. The indicators used to evaluate quality of diabetes care included the proportion of diabetic patients identified through hospitalization, visits to diabetes clinics, and completion of recommended diabetes tests.

RESULTS
The incidence of type 2 diabetes in the poor population was 20.4 per 1,000 person-years (HR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.3–1.7). Compared with their middle-income counterparts, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for the poor population incidentally identified as having diabetes through hospitalization was 2.2 (P &lt; 0.001). Poor persons with diabetes were less likely to visit any diabetes clinic (OR, 0.4; P &lt; 0.001). The ORs for the poor population with diabetes to receive tests for glycated hemoglobin, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and retinopathy were 0.6 (0.4–0.9), 0.4 (0.2–0.7), 0.5 (0.4–0.8), and 0.4 (0.2–0.9), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS
Poverty is associated not only with higher diabetes incidence but also with inequality of diabetes care in a northeast Asian population, despite universal health coverage.
Mortality Among Low-Income African Americans and Whites With Diabetes
Authors: Conway Baqiyyah N. , May Michael E. , Blot William J. 
Published: August 2012

OBJECTIVE
To estimate mortality rates and risk factors for mortality in a low-socioeconomic status (SES) population of African Americans and whites with diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We determined mortality among African Americans and whites aged 40–79 years with (n = 12,498) and without (n = 49,914) diabetes at entry into a cohort of participants recruited from government-funded community health centers. Multivariable Cox analysis was used to estimate mortality hazard ratios (HRs) (95% CI) among those with versus those without diabetes and among those with diabetes according to patient characteristics.

RESULTS
During follow-up (mean 5.9 years), 13.5% of those with and 7.3% of those without diabetes died. All-cause mortality risk was higher among those with versus without diabetes for both African Americans (HR 1.84 [95% CI 1.71–1.99]) and whites (1.80 [1.58–2.04]), although among those with diabetes, mortality was lower among African Americans than whites (0.78 [0.69–0.87]). Mortality risk increased with duration of diabetes and was greater among patients on insulin therapy and reporting histories of cardiovascular disease (CVD), hypertension, and stroke. The HRs associated with these multiple risk factors tended to be similar by sex and race, with the exception of a differentially higher impact of prevalent CVD on mortality among African Americans (interaction P value = 0.03), despite a lower baseline prevalence of CVD.

CONCLUSIONS
In this population with similarly low SES and access to health care, strong and generally similar predictors of mortality were identified for African Americans and whites with diabetes, with African Americans at a moderately but significantly lower mortality risk.
Medication Nonadherence in Diabetes
Authors: Egede Leonard E. , Gebregziabher Mulugeta , Dismuke Clara E. , Lynch Cheryl P. , Axon R. Neal , Zhao Yumin , Mauldin Patrick D. 
Published: August 2012

OBJECTIVETo examine the longitudinal effects of medication nonadherence (MNA) on key costs and estimate potential savings from increased adherence using a novel methodology that accounts for shared correlation among cost categories.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSVeterans with type 2 diabetes (740,195) were followed from January 2002 until death, loss to follow-up, or December 2006. A novel multivariate, generalized, linear, mixed modeling approach was used to assess the differential effect of MNA, defined as medication possession ratio (MPR) ≥0.8 on healthcare costs. A sensitivity analysis was performed to assess potential cost savings at different MNA levels using the Consumer Price Index to adjust estimates to 2012 dollar value.RESULTSMean MPR for the full sample over 5 years was 0.78, with a mean of 0.93 for the adherent group and 0.58 for the MNA group. In fully adjusted models, all annual cost categories increased ∼3% per year (P = 0.001) during the 5-year study time period. MNA was associated with a 37% lower pharmacy cost, 7% lower outpatient cost, and 41% higher inpatient cost. Based on sensitivity analyses, improving adherence in the MNA group would result in annual estimated cost savings ranging from ∼$661 million (MPR &lt;0.6 vs. ≥0.6) to ∼$1.16 billion (MPR &lt;1 vs. 1). Maximal incremental annual savings would occur by raising MPR from &lt;0.8 to ≥0.8 ($204,530,778) among MNA subjects.CONCLUSIONSAggressive strategies and policies are needed to achieve optimal medication adherence in diabetes. Such approaches may further the so-called “triple aim” of achieving better health, better quality care, and lower cost.
The shaping of the Lutheran teaching profession and Lutheran families of teachers in the 16th and 17th centuries
Authors: Bernát Libor 
Published: August 2012

The shaping of the Lutheran teaching profession and Lutheran families of teachers in the 16th and 17th centuries
The article deals with changes in the status of teachers and the shaping of Lutheran families of teachers in the 16th and 17th centuries in the Trenčín, Liptov and Orava districts of the superintendency. It describes the formation of the families and their background.