bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Psychic energy and synchronicity
Authors: Zabriskie Beverley 
Published: March 2014

AbstractGiven Jung's interest in physics’ formulations of psychic energy and the concept of time, overlaps and convergences in the themes addressed in analytical psychology and in quantum physics are to be expected. These are informed by the active intersections between the matter of mind and mindfulness re matter. In 1911, Jung initiated dinners with Einstein. Jung's definition of libido in the pivotal 1912 Fordham Lectures reveals the influence of these conversations. Twenty years later, a significant period in physics, Wolfgang Pauli contacted Jung. Their collaboration led to the theory of synchronicity.
Collecting and Analyzing DNA Evidence from Fingernails: A Comparative Study,,
Authors: Hebda Lisa M. , Doran Ashley E. , Foran David R. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractForensic practitioners and crime laboratories regularly collect and analyze fingernail evidence; however, the best techniques for processing such evidence have not been established. In this study, numerous aspects of fingernail evidence processing—collection of exogenous cells, transportation, purification of DNA, and STR analysis—were analyzed using fingernails harboring applied blood or epithelial cells from scratchings. Autosomal STR mixtures resulted when fingernails were soaked or swabbed, while scrapings rarely generated mixtures but exhibited allelic dropout. Y‐STRs yielded single source profiles, with scrapings again showing dropout. A silica‐based kit extraction recovered significantly more exogenous DNA than did organic extraction, neither of which was affected by nail polish. Swabbing nails in succession resulted in some cross‐contamination from exogenous material, while transporting nails together did not, although there was loss of exogenous cells. Optimized nail processing produced complete Y‐STR profiles of male volunteers from female fingernails following scratchings.
Relationship Between Residual Renal Function and Serum Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 in Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Yamada Shunsuke , Tsuruya Kazuhiko , Taniguchi Masatomo , Yoshida Hisako , Tokumoto Masanori , Hasegawa Shoko , Tanaka Shigeru , Eriguchi Masahiro , Nakano Toshiaki , Kitazono Takanari 
Published: March 2014

AbstractFibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) levels in dialysis patients are influenced by various factors, including phosphorus load. However, the clinical parameters that determine serum FGF23 levels in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) remain unclear. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of clinical factors, on serum FGF23 levels, with an emphasis on residual renal function (RRF). This cross‐sectional study included 56 outpatients undergoing PD therapy. Urine volume ≥100 mL/day or renal creatinine (Cr) clearance was used as a surrogate marker for RRF. Clinical characteristics were compared between patients with and without RRF. Linear regression analysis was conducted with serum FGF23 level as the dependent variable and renal Cr clearance as the main independent variable. The median and interquartile range of serum FGF23 levels were 5970 (1451–11 688) pg/mL. Patients with RRF showed higher urinary and total phosphate eliminations, and lower serum FGF23 and phosphate levels than patients without RRF. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that the renal Cr clearance and serum phosphate and dialysis history were negatively associated with serum FGF23 levels, even after adjusting for potential confounders including peritoneal Cr clearance. Further, the predictabilities of serum FGF23 were comparable among renal Cr clearance, Kt/V for urea, and renal phosphate clearance. RRF determined by renal Cr clearance or residual urine volume is an independent negative determinant of serum FGF23 levels in PD patients.
GLCCI1 variant accelerates pulmonary function decline in patients with asthma receiving inhaled corticosteroids
Authors: Izuhara Y. , Matsumoto H. , Kanemitsu Y. , Izuhara K. , Tohda Y. , Horiguchi T. , Kita H. , Kuwabara K. , Tomii K. , Otsuka K. , Fujimura M. , Ohkura N. , Tomita K. , Yokoyama A. , Ohnishi H. , Nakano Y. , Oguma T. , Hozawa S. , Nagasaki T. , Ito I. , Oguma T. , Inoue H. , Tajiri T. , Iwata T. , Ono J. , Ohta S. , Tamari M. , Hirota T. , Yokoyama T. , Niimi A. , Mishima M. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundIn steroid‐naive patients with asthma, several gene variants are associated with a short‐term response to inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) treatment; this has mostly been observed in Caucasians. However, not many studies have been conducted for other ethnicities. Here, we aimed to determine the relationship between the annual decline in forced expiratory flow volume in one second (FEV1) and the variant of the glucocorticoid‐induced transcript 1 gene (GLCCI1) in Japanese patients with asthma receiving long‐term ICS treatment, taking into account the effect of high serum periostin levels, a known association factor of pulmonary function decline and a marker of refractory eosinophilic/Th2 inflammation.MethodsIn this study, 224 patients with asthma receiving ICS treatment for at least 4 years were enrolled. The effects of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in GLCCI1, stress‐induced phosphoprotein 1 (STIP1), and T gene on the decline in FEV1 of 30 ml/year or greater were determined.ResultsBesides the known contributing factors, that is, the most intensive treatment step, ex‐smoking, and high serum periostin levels (≥95 ng/ml), the GG genotype of GLCCI1 rs37973, and not other SNPs, was independently associated with a decline in FEV1 of 30 ml/year or greater. When patients were stratified according to their serum periostin levels, the GG genotype of rs37973 was significantly associated with blood eosinophilia (≥250/μl) in the high serum periostin group.ConclusionsA GLCCI1 variant is a risk factor of pulmonary function decline in Japanese patients with asthma receiving long‐term ICS treatment. Thus, GLCCI1 may be associated with response to ICS across ethnicities.
A reproducible automated segmentation algorithm for corneal epithelium cell images from in vivo laser scanning confocal microscopy
Authors: Bullet Julien , Gaujoux Thomas , Borderie Vincent , Bloch Isabelle , Laroche Laurent 
Published: March 2014

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate an automated process to find borders of corneal basal epithelial cells in pictures obtained from in vivo laser scanning confocal microscopy (Heidelberg Retina Tomograph III with Rostock corneal module).MethodsOn a sample of 20 normal corneal epithelial pictures, images were segmented through an automated four‐step segmentation algorithm. Steps of the algorithm included noise reduction through a fast Fourier transform (FFT) band‐pass filter, image binarization with a mean value threshold, watershed segmentation algorithm on distance map to separate fused cells and Voronoi diagram segmentation algorithm (which gives a final mask of cell borders). Cells were then automatically counted using this border mask. On the original image either with contrast enhancement or noise reduction, cells were manually counted by a trained operator.ResultsThe average cell density was 7722.5 cells/mm2 as assessed by automated analysis and 7732.5 cells/mm2 as assessed by manual analysis (p = 0.93). Correlation between automated and manual analysis was strong (r = 0.974 [0.934–0.990], p < 0.001). Bland–Altman method gives a mean difference in density of 10 cells/mm2 and a limits of agreement ranging from −971 to +991 cells/mm2. Visually, the algorithm correctly found almost all borders.ConclusionThis automated segmentation algorithm is worth for assessing corneal epithelial basal cell density and morphometry. This procedure is fully reproducible, with no operator‐induced variability.
Role of non‐coding RNAs in pancreatic beta‐cell development and physiology
Authors: Eliasson L. , Esguerra J. L. S. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe progression of diabetes is accompanied by increasing demand to the beta‐cells to produce and secrete more insulin, requiring complex beta‐cell adaptations. Functionally active and ubiquitous non‐coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have the capacity to take part in such adaptations as they have been shown to be key regulatory molecules in various biological processes. In the pancreatic islets, the function of ncRNAs and their contribution to disease development is beginning to be understood. Here, we review the different classes of ncRNAs, such as long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), and their potential contribution to insulin secretion. A special focus will be on miRNAs and their regulatory function in beta‐cell physiology and insulin exocytosis. As important players in gene regulation, ncRNAs have huge potential in opening innovative therapeutic avenues against diabetes and associated complications.
Modular organization of cardiac energy metabolism: energy conversion, transfer and feedback regulation
Authors: Guzun R. , Kaambre T. , Bagur R. , Grichine A. , Usson Y. , Varikmaa M. , Anmann T. , Tepp K. , Timohhina N. , Shevchuk I. , Chekulayev V. , Boucher F. , Dos Santos P. , Schlattner U. , Wallimann T. , Kuznetsov A. V. , Dzeja P. , Aliev M. , Saks V. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractTo meet high cellular demands, the energy metabolism of cardiac muscles is organized by precise and coordinated functioning of intracellular energetic units (ICEUs). ICEUs represent structural and functional modules integrating multiple fluxes at sites of ATP generation in mitochondria and ATP utilization by myofibrillar, sarcoplasmic reticulum and sarcolemma ion‐pump ATPases. The role of ICEUs is to enhance the efficiency of vectorial intracellular energy transfer and fine tuning of oxidative ATP synthesis maintaining stable metabolite levels to adjust to intracellular energy needs through the dynamic system of compartmentalized phosphoryl transfer networks. One of the key elements in regulation of energy flux distribution and feedback communication is the selective permeability of mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM) which represents a bottleneck in adenine nucleotide and other energy metabolite transfer and microcompartmentalization. Based on the experimental and theoretical (mathematical modelling) arguments, we describe regulation of mitochondrial ATP synthesis within ICEUs allowing heart workload to be linearly correlated with oxygen consumption ensuring conditions of metabolic stability, signal communication and synchronization. Particular attention was paid to the structure–function relationship in the development of ICEU, and the role of mitochondria interaction with cytoskeletal proteins, like tubulin, in the regulation of MOM permeability in response to energy metabolic signals providing regulation of mitochondrial respiration. Emphasis was given to the importance of creatine metabolism for the cardiac energy homoeostasis.
Changes in the activity and expression of protein phosphatase‐1 accompany the differential regulation of NHE3 before and after the onset of hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Crajoinas R. O. , Pessoa T. D. , Rodrigues M. V. , Malnic G. , Girardi A. C. C. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAimThe Na+/H+ exchanger NHE3 activity decreases in the proximal tubule of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) as blood pressure increases, and this reduction is correlated with higher NHE3 phosphorylation levels at the PKA consensus site serine 552. This study tested the hypothesis that this lowered NHE3 activity is associated with an increase in PKA activity and expression, and/or a decrease in protein phosphatase‐1 (PP1) activity and expression.MethodsProximal tubule NHE3 activity was measured as the rate of bicarbonate reabsorption by stationary microperfusion. NHE3 phosphorylation and protein expression were determined by immunoblotting. PKA and PP1 activities were determined using specific substrates under optimal enzymatic conditions.ResultsThe PKA activator, 6‐MB‐cAMP, increased the phosphorylation levels of NHE3 at serine 552 in the renal cortex; this increase happens to a much greater extent in young pre‐hypertensive SHRs (Y‐SHRs) compared to adult SHRs with established hypertension (A‐SHRs). Likewise, the inhibitory effect of 6‐MB‐cAMP on NHE3 transport activity was much more pronounced in the proximal tubules of Y‐SHRs than in those of A‐SHRs. Renal cortical activity of PKA was not significantly different between Y‐SHRs and A‐SHRs. On the other hand, Y‐SHRs exhibited higher protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) activity, and their expression of the PP1 catalytic subunit PP1α in the renal cortex was also higher than in A‐SHRs.ConclusionCollectively, these results support the idea that the lower NHE3 transport activity and higher phosphorylation occurring after the development of hypertension in SHRs are due, at least in part, to reduced PP1‐mediated dephosphorylation of NHE3 at serine 552.
Anti‐viral therapy for prevention of perinatalHBVtransmission: extending therapy beyond birth does not protect against post‐partum flare
Authors: Nguyen V. , Tan P. K. , Greenup A.‐J. , Glass A. , Davison S. , Samarasinghe D. , Holdaway S. , Strasser S. I. , Chatterjee U. , Jackson K. , Locarnini S. A. , Levy M. T. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryBackgroundAntepartum anti‐viral therapy (AVT) is often administered to prevent perinatal transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Little is known about the effect ofAVTon post‐partum flare rates and severity.AimTo examine whether extendingAVTbeyond birth influences the post‐partum course.MethodsOne hundred and one pregnancies in 91 women with HBV DNA levels ≥log 7 IU/mLwere included. AVT (initially lamivudine, later tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) was commenced from 32 weeks gestation and stopped soon after birth and at 12 weeks post‐partum. Outcomes according to post‐partum treatment duration were examined: Group 1 = AVT ≤4 weeks (n = 44), Group 2 = AVT >4 weeks (n = 43), Group 3 = no AVT (n = 14).ResultsThe majority of women were HBeAg+ (97%), median age 29 years, baseline HBV DNA log 8.0 IU/mLand follow‐up 48 weeks post‐partum. Post‐partum treatment duration was 2 weeks for Group 1 and 12 weeks for Group 2,P < 0.01. Flare rates were not significantly different: Group 1 = 22/44 (50%), Group 2 = 17/43 (40%) and Group 3 = 4/14 (29%),P = 0.32. Onset of flare was similar at 8/10/9 weeks post‐partum for Groups 1/2/3 respectively,P = 0.34. The majority of flares spontaneously resolved. HBeAg seroconversion (n = 1/5/1 in Groups 1/2/3,P = 0.27) was not associated with treatment duration or the occurrence of a post‐partum flare.ConclusionsPost‐partum flares are common and usually arise early after delivery. They are often mild in severity and most spontaneously resolve. Extending anti‐viral therapy does not protect against post‐partum flares or affectHBeAg seroconversion rates.
Instrument breakage as a complication of elbow arthroscopy in a dog
Authors: Grand JG , Roig JA , de Swarte M 
Published: March 2014

Case reportWe describe an unusual complication of a routine arthroscopic procedure to treat fragmentation of the medial portion of the coronoid process in a 1‐year‐oldLabradorRetriever. While the lesion was being curetted, the tip of the arthroscopic curette broke off. Attempts were made to remove it, but failed, and the broken fragment migrated out of the arthroscopic field. Conversion from arthroscopy to arthrotomy was unsuccessful. On intraoperative radiographs, the metallic fragment was detected in the radial fossa of the humeral condyle. A limited surgical approach to this area, guided by ultrasound, also proved ineffective. Finally, the broken curette tip was left in situ. The dog made an uneventful recovery and 6 months after surgery it showed no lameness except after rest and there was no evidence of migration of the metallic fragment on radiographs.ConclusionsOn such occasions, we recommend: (1) stop both the inflow and outflow of fluids; (2) attempt arthroscopic retrieval with a magnetic retriever and large forceps; (3) use diagnostic imaging to localise the broken fragment if it migrates out of the arthroscopic field; and (4) leave in situ if it is no longer accessible to arthroscopic extraction. This is the first report of an instrument breakage during arthroscopy in a dog.
Can Physical Exercise or Food Deprivation Cause Release of Fat‐Stored Cannabinoids?
Authors: Westin Andreas Austgulen , Mjønes George , Burchardt Ola , Fuskevåg Ole Martin , Slørdal Lars 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate whether physical exercise or food deprivation may increase cannabinoid levels in serum or urine in abstinent chronic cannabis users. The study took place in a drug detoxification ward parallel to study participants receiving treatment. Six chronic, daily cannabis users (one female, five males, average age 30.0 years; BMI 20.8) were exposed to a 45‐min. moderate‐intensity workout and a 24‐hr period of food deprivation. Serum samples were drawn prior to and after interventions and analysed for ∆9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and 11‐nor‐9‐carboxy‐∆9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THCCOOH) by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LCMSMS), and all voided urine was tested for THCCOOH by LCMSMS and normalized to the creatinine levels, yielding ng/mg ratios. There were no major differences in the measured cannabinoid levels in serum or urine before and after physical exercise or food deprivation. We conclude that exercise and/or food deprivation are unlikely to cause sufficient cannabinoid concentration changes to hamper correct interpretations in drug testing programmes.
Impaired proplatelet formation in immune thrombocytopenia: a novel mechanism contributing to decreased platelet count
Authors: Lev Paola R. , Grodzielski Matías , Goette Nora P. , Glembotsky Ana C. , Espasandin Yesica R. , Pierdominici Marta S. , Contrufo Geraldine , Montero Verónica S. , Ferrari Luciana , Molinas Felisa C. , Heller Paula G. , Marta Rosana F. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryThe pathophysiological mechanisms contributing to the decreased platelet count in immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) are not entirely understood. Here, we investigated the key step of proplatelet formation (PPF) by studying the effect of ITP plasma in thrombopoiesis. Normal cord blood‐derived mature megakaryocytes were cultured in the presence of recalcified plasma from ITP patients, and PPF was evaluated by microscopic analysis. Patient samples induced a dose‐dependent inhibition in PPF, as well as decreased complexity of proplatelet architecture. Although slightly increased, plasma‐induced megakaryocyte apoptosis was not related to PPF impairment. Purified IgG reproduced the inhibitory effect, while platelet‐adsorbed plasma induced its reversion, suggesting the involvement of auto‐antibodies in the inhibition of thrombopoiesis. Impaired PPF, induced by ITP plasmas bearing anti‐GPIIb‐IIIa antibodies, was related to their ability to interfere with the normal function of this integrin, as assessed by megakaryocyte PAC‐1 binding and β3 integrin phosphorylation while the presence of anti‐glycoprotein Ia‐IIa auto‐antibodies was associated with loss of normal inhibition of PPF induced by type I collagen. In conclusion, abnormal thrombopoiesis comprising decreased PPF and morphological changes in proplatelet structure are induced by patient samples, unveiling new mechanisms contributing to decreased platelet count in ITP.
Osteonecrosis of the jaw and renal safety in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: Medical Research Council Myeloma IX Study results
Authors: Jackson Graham H. , Morgan Gareth J. , Davies Faith E. , Wu Ping , Gregory Walter M. , Bell Sue E. , Szubert Alexander J. , Navarro Coy Nuria , Drayson Mark T. , Owen Roger G. , Feyler Sylvia , Ashcroft Andrew J. , Ross Fiona M. , Byrne Jennifer , Roddie Huw , Rudin Claudius , Boyd Kevin D. , Osborne Wendy L. , Cook Gordon , Child J. Anthony 
Published: March 2014

SummaryBisphosphonates are recommended in patients with osteolytic lesions secondary to multiple myeloma. We report on the safety of bisphosphonate therapy with long‐term follow‐up in the Medical Research Council Myeloma IX study. Patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma were randomised to zoledronic acid (ZOL; 4 mg intravenously every 21–28 d) or clodronate (CLO; 1600 mg/d orally) plus chemotherapy. Among 1960 patients (5·9‐year median follow‐up), both bisphosphonates were well tolerated. Acute renal failure events were similar between groups (ZOL 5·2% vs. CLO 5·8% at 2 years; incidence plateaued thereafter). The overall incidence of confirmed osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) was low, but higher with ZOL (ZOL 3·7% vs. CLO 0·5%; P < 0·0001). ONJ events were generally low grade and most occurred between 8 and 30 months (median time to ONJ, 23·7 months). Among 10 patients with ONJ recovery data, four patients in the ZOL group completely recovered, two patients improved, and three patients experienced no improvement; one CLO patient experienced no improvement. Dental surgery or trauma preceded ONJ in six ZOL patients. The incidence of renal adverse events was similar for ZOL and CLO. ONJ incidence remained low and was lower with CLO compared to ZOL. We have seen no further ONJ cases to date.
Neuropathological Staging of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2 by Semiquantitative 1C2‐Positive Neuron Typing. Nuclear Translocation of Cytoplasmic 1C2 Underlies Disease Progression of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2
Authors: Koyano Shigeru , Yagishita Saburo , Kuroiwa Yoshiyuki , Tanaka Fumiaki , Uchihara Toshiki 
Published: March 2014

AbstractSpinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) is a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder caused by the expansion of the trinucleotide CAG repeats encoding elongated polyglutamine tract in ataxin‐2, the SCA2 gene product. Polyglutamine diseases comprise nine genetic entities, including seven different forms of spinocerebellar ataxias, Huntington's disease, and spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy. These are pathologically characterized by neuronal loss and intranuclear aggregates or inclusions of mutant proteins including expanded polyglutamine in selected neuronal groups. Previously, we examined immunolocalization of ubiquitin, expanded polyglutamine (probed by 1C2 antibody), and ataxin‐2 in genetically confirmed SCA2 patients. In the present study, we expanded this approach by distinguishing different patterns of subcellular 1C2 immunoreactivity (“granular cytoplasmic,” “cytoplasmic and nuclear” and “nuclear with inclusions.”) and by quantifying their regional frequencies in three autopsied SCA2 brains at different stage of the disease. Comparison with neuronal loss and gliosis revealed that overall 1C2 immunoreactivity was paralleled with their severity. Furthermore, appearance of granular cytoplasmic pattern corresponded to early stage, cytoplasmic and nuclear pattern to active stage, and nuclear with inclusions pattern to final stage. We conclude that this 1C2‐immunoreactive typing may be useful for evaluating the overall severity and extent of affected regions and estimating the neuropathological stage of SCA2.