bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Androgen Receptor Action in Osteoblasts in Male Mice Is Dependent on Their Stage of Maturation
Authors: Russell Patricia K , Clarke Michele V , Cheong Karey , Anderson Paul H , Morris Howard A , Wiren Kristine M , Zajac Jeffrey D , Davey Rachel A 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACT

Androgen action via the androgen receptor (AR) is essential for normal skeletal growth and bone maintenance post-puberty in males; however, the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which androgens exert their actions in osteoblasts remains relatively unexplored in vivo. To identify autonomous AR actions in osteoblasts independent of AR signaling in other tissues, we compared the extent to which the bone phenotype of the Global-ARKO mouse was restored by replacing the AR in osteoblasts commencing at either the 1) proliferative or 2) mineralization stage of their maturation. In trabecular bone, androgens stimulated trabecular bone accrual during growth via the AR in proliferating osteoblasts and maintained trabecular bone post-puberty via the AR in mineralizing osteoblasts, with its predominant action being to inhibit bone resorption by decreasing the ratio of receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) to osteoprotegerin (OPG) gene expression. During growth, replacement of the AR in proliferating but not mineralizing osteoblasts of Global-ARKOs was able to partially restore periosteal circumference, supporting the concept that androgen action in cortical bone to increase bone size during growth is mediated via the AR in proliferating osteoblasts. This study provides further significant insight into the mechanism of androgen action via the AR in osteoblasts, demonstrating that it is dependent on the stage of osteoblast maturation. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Pharmacokinetics of doripenem during high volume hemodiafiltration in patients with septic shock
Authors: Tamme Kadri , Oselin Kersti , Kipper Karin , Low Kaywei , Standing Joseph F. , Metsvaht Tuuli , Karjagin Juri , Herodes Koit , Kern Hartmut , Starkopf Joel 
Published: November 2014

AbstractPharmacokinetics (PK) of doripenem was determined during high volume hemodiafiltration (HVHDF) in patients with septic shock. A single 500 mg dose of doripenem was administered as a 1 hour infusion during HVHDF to 9 patients. Arterial blood samples were collected before and at 30 or 60 minute intervals over 8 hours (12 samples) after study drug administration. Doripenem concentrations were determined by ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. Population PK analysis and Monte Carlo simulation of 1,000 subjects were performed. The median convective volume of HVHDF was 10.3 L/h and urine output during the sampling period was 70 mL. The population mean total doripenem clearance on HVHDF was 6.82 L/h, volume of distribution of central compartment 10.8 L, and of peripheral compartment 12.1 L. Doses of 500 mg every 8 hours resulted in 88.5% probability of attaining the target of 50% time over MIC for bacteria with MIC = 2 µg/mL at 48 hours, when doubling of MIC during that time was assumed. Significant elimination of doripenem occurs during HVHDF. Doses of 500 mg every 8 hours are necessary for treatment of infections caused by susceptible bacteria during extended HVHDF.
Clinical profiles of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis in the elderly
Authors: Tanaka Atsushi , Tazuma Susumu , Okazaki Kazuichi , Tsubouchi Hirohito , Inui Kazuo , Takikawa Hajime 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackgroundIn 2012 we conducted a nationwide survey for primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and isolated IgG4‐related sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4‐SC) in Japan, and demonstrated the young as well as the elderly individuals were at higher risk for development of PSC. In the current study we aimed to further clarify the clinical profiles of PSC in the elderly, compared with PSC in the young and IgG4‐SC.MethodsThe design was a questionnaires‐based, multi‐center retrospective study. The enrolled subjects were patients with PSC and isolated IgG4‐SC diagnosed after 2005. Since the median of age of patients with PSC was 48.1, we defined those who developed the disease at the age older than 48.1 as PSC in the elderly, and the rest as PSC in the young.ResultsWe defined 98 and 99 patients as PSC in the elderly and in the young, respectively. Although symptoms and biochemistries at presentation were similar, serum IgA and IgM levels were significantly higher and lower in the elderly PSC compared to the young PSC, respectively (P < 0.001, P < 0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of serum IgG4 levels were 89.5% and 88.9% for discriminating the elderly PSC and IgG4‐SC. In terms of complications, prevalence of IBD was 12% in the elderly PSC and 57% in the young PSC, the latter being comparable to those in Europe and the USA.ConclusionIt is reasoned to conclude that PSC in the young resembles those in Europe and the USA in terms of the onset age and prevalence of IBD, while PSC in the elderly is really unique in Japan.
Biological markers of hepatocellular carcinoma for use as selection criteria in liver transplantation
Authors: Takada Yasutsugu , Tohyama Taiji , Watanabe Jota 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe Milan criteria (MC) have been widely accepted as an effective way of selecting patients with early‐stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) for curative liver transplantation (LT). However, since a substantial subset of HCC patients exists that is beyond the MC but with the potential for good outcomes after LT, several institutions have recently proposed new extended criteria. To explore optimal criteria that can reasonably predict the risk of recurrence, it is considered that new markers of biological behavior are needed in addition to morphological tumor size and number. Several promising candidates for such biological markers have been reported, including serum tumor markers such as alpha‐fetoprotein and des‐gamma‐carboxy prothrombin, inflammatory markers such as C‐reactive protein and neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, response to pre‐transplant treatments for bridging therapy or down‐staging, and fluorine‐18‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography. However, the role of these biological markers in patient selection criteria for LT has yet to be clarified. This review article aims to summarize the results of recent reported studies and to display perspectives for the establishment of optimal criteria that incorporate such biological markers.
PPARγ is involved in the hyperglycemia‐induced inflammatory responses and collagen degradation in human chondrocytes and diabetic mouse cartilages
Authors: Chen Ying‐Ju , Chan Ding‐Cheng , Lan Kuo‐Cheng , Wang Ching‐Chia , Chen Chang‐Mu , Chao Sung‐Chuan , Tsai Keh‐Sung , Yang Rong‐Sen , Liu Shing‐Hwa 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTDiabetic hyperglycemia has been suggested to play a role in osteoarthritis. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPARγ) was implicated in several pathological conditions including diabetes and inflammation. The detailed effects and mechanisms of hyperglycemia on cartilage damage still need to be clarified. Here, we investigated the role of PPARγ in hyperglycemia‐triggered chondrocyte/cartilage damages using a human chondrocyte culture model and a diabetic mouse model. Human chondrocytes were cultured and treated with high concentration of glucose (30 mM) to mimic hyperglycemia in the presence or absence of pioglitazone, a PPARγ agonist. Streptozotocin (STZ) was used to induce mouse diabetes. Our data showed that high glucose induced the protein expressions of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and production of prostaglandin‐E2 (PGE2), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and metalloproteinase‐13 (MMP‐13), but decreased the protein expression of collagen II and PPARγ in human chondrocytes. These alterations in high glucose‐treated human chondrocytes could be reversed by pioglitazone in a dose‐dependent manner. Moreover, pioglitazone administration could also significantly reverse the hyperglycemia, formation of AGEs, productions of IL‐6 and MMP‐13, and cartilage damage in STZ‐induced diabetic mice. Taken together, these findings suggest that hyperglycemia down‐regulates PPARγ expression and induces inflammatory and catabolic responses in human chondrocytes and diabetic mouse cartilages. © 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:???–???, 2015.
BDNF repairs podocyte damage by microRNA‐mediated increase of actin polymerization
Authors: Li Min , Armelloni Silvia , Zennaro Cristina , Wei Changli , Corbelli Alessandro , Ikehata Masami , Berra Silvia , Giardino Laura , Mattinzoli Deborah , Watanabe Shojiro , Agostoni Carlo , Edefonti Alberto , Reiser Jochen , Messa Piergiorgio , Rastaldi Maria Pia 
Published: November 2014

AbstractIdiopathic focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a progressive and proteinuric kidney disease that starts with podocyte injury. Podocytes cover the external side of the glomerular capillary by a complex web of primary and secondary ramifications. Similar to dendritic spines of neuronal cells, podocyte processes rely on a dynamic actin‐based cytoskeletal architecture to maintain shape and function. Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a pleiotropic neurotrophin that binds to the tropomyosin‐related kinase B receptor (TrkB) and has crucial roles in neuron maturation, survival, and activity. In neuronal cultures, exogenously added BDNF increases the number and size of dendritic spines. In animal models, BDNF administration is beneficial in both central and peripheral nervous system disorders. Here we show that BDNF has a TrkB‐dependent trophic activity on podocyte cell processes; by affecting microRNA‐134 and microRNA‐132 signalling, BDNF up‐regulates Limk1 translation and phosphorylation, and increases cofilin phosphorylation, which results in actin polymerization. Importantly, BDNF effectively repairs podocyte damage in vitro, and contrasts proteinuria and glomerular lesions in in vivo models of FSGS, opening a potential new perspective to the treatment of podocyte disorders. Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanical and microstructural characterization of sulfonated pentablock copolymer membranes
Authors: Laprade Evan J. , Liaw Chya‐Yan , Jiang Zhang , Shull Kenneth R. 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTCreep experiments utilizing a membrane inflation geometry were used to characterize the mechanical properties of pentablock copolymer membranes designed for water purification applications. Membranes were formed by casting from micellar solutions, and structure development during the casting process was followed in real time with grazing incidence small angle X‐ray scattering. The thin film morphologies were consistent with previously published results obtained for much thicker solvent cast films. The biaxial creep compliance of the films for applied stresses in the megapascal range increased substantially as the degree of sulfonation and consequent hydration of the middle block was increased. The sulfonation level was much more important than the overall degree of ordering in determining the creep compliance of the hydrated membranes. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2015, 53, 39–47
Conductivity patterning with Physarum polycephalum: natural growth and deflecting
Authors: Dimonte Alice , Berzina Tatiana , Cifarelli Angelica , Chiesi Valentina , Albertini Franca , Erokhin Victor 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe present work is dedicated to the use of Physarum polycephalum slime mold, an unicellular organism self‐adapting, self‐repairing and self‐repellent, for the realization of elements for unconventional computational systems. Physarum continuously changes its shape under the influence of different stimuli like attractors (food in the most of cases) and repellents (light, temperature, humidity, chemicals), creating optimized networks. Here we introduced a new, softer, element able to influence the motion and the shape of Physarum: the DEFLECTOR. Physarum polycephalum, loaded with magnetic particles and placed under a magnetic field, is conditioned in its active zones routing and shape topology networks. Thus, slime mold can be used as particles carrier and, moreover, it is possible to deflect the mold movement and realize chemical composites in defined places what allows to consider Physarum as a simple version of bio‐robot. On the other hand, we have realized the idea of creating networks with the varied conductivity with the slime mold on polyaniline (PANI) substrates. As the result, it was shown that Physarum growth results in the changing of the conductivity state of PANI layers in different ways, providing negative and positive patterning of the sample.The possibility to control mold's direction with a deflector together with the capability of Physarum to pattern PANI surfaces are the main points of this work. This paper opens new possibilities of the development in many fields and areas from the electrical circuit design and the bio‐actuators (bio‐) robot research, up to the unconventional computing and realization of a novel category of polymer‐mold‐modified. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Morphologic, structural, and optical characterization of sol‐gel derived TiO2 thin films for memristive devices
Authors: Prusakova Valentina , Armellini Cristina , Carpentiero Alessandro , Chiappini Andrea , Collini Cristian , Dirè Sandra , Ferrari Maurizio , Lorenzelli Leandro , Nardello Marco , Normani Simone , Vaccari Alessandro , Chiasera Alessandro 
Published: November 2014

AbstractSol‐gel derived TiO2 thin films were prepared by spin‐ coating from an alcoholic solution of titanium isopropoxide. With the aim to develop titania layers suitable for memristive devices, the films were deposited onto test structures based on fused silica quartz substrates patterned with a Ti (5nm)/Pt (50nm) layer. The reported fabrication protocol is suitable for the development of a memristive device. Optical, structural, and morphological features of the samples were investigated with complementary techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), prism coupling m‐line and micro‐Raman spectroscopy as well as transmittance and profilometry measurements. The quality of the surface of the obtained films was evaluated by SEM technique, and the morphology of samples deposited with different fabrication protocols was investigated. Additionally, a computer code for the refractive index and thickness estimation from the transmittance spectra was developed by unconstrained optimization procedure. The results of simulation were in good agreement with the experimental data obtained by m‐line measurements. Moreover, the porosity of a specific set of test unannealed films has been estimated. TiO2 films exhibit thickness of tens of nm, and micro‐Raman spectroscopy in conjunction with SEM indicate the presence of anatase phase after thermal annealing at 400 °C. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Crystalline structure and optical properties of GaS‐CdS nanocomposite
Authors: Caraman Iuliana , Vatavu Elmira , Leontie Liviu , Stamate Marius , Untila Dumitru 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe GaS‐CdS composite has been obtained by intercalation of Cd in GaS single crystalline plates. The XRD analysis show that peaks determined by CdS and CdGa2S4 are found along with GaS characteristic reflection in intercalated samples. The spectral dependence of absorption coefficient for the GaS‐CdS composite is determined by both absorption mechanisms in GaS and in CdS components for α > 103 cm–1. The photoluminescence spectrum (78 K) of the composite consists of radiative recombination bands characteristic for both CdS and GaS. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid, a Bile Acid, Promotes Blood Vessel Repair by Recruiting Vasculogenic Progenitor Cells
Authors: Cho Jin Gu , Lee Jun Hee , Hong Shin Hee , Lee Han Na , Kim Chul Min , Kim Seo Yoon , Yoon Kang Jun , Oh Bae Jun , Kim Jae Hyeon , Jung Seok Yoon , Asahara Takayuki , Kwon Sang-Mo , Park Sang Gyu 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Although serum bile acid concentrations are approximately 10 µM in healthy subjects, the crosstalk between the biliary system and vascular repair has never been investigated. In this study, tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) induced dissociation of CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) from stromal cells by reducing adhesion molecule expression. TUDCA increased CD34+/Sca1+ progenitors in mice peripheral blood (PB), and CD34+, CD31+, and c-kit+ progenitors in human PB. In addition, TUDCA increased differentiation of CD34+ HSCs into EPC lineage cells via Akt activation. EPC invasion was increased by TUDCA, which was mediated by fibroblast activating protein via Akt activation. Interestingly, TUDCA induced integration of EPCs into human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) by increasing adhesion molecule expression. In the mouse hind limb ischemia model, TUDCA promoted blood perfusion by enhancing angiogenesis through recruitment of Flk-1+/CD34+ and Sca-1+/c-kit+ progenitors into damaged tissue. In GFP+ bone marrow-transplanted hind limb ischemia, TUDCA induced recruitment of GFP+/c-kit+ progenitors to the ischemic area, resulting in an increased blood perfusion ratio. Histological analysis suggested that GFP+ progenitors mobilized from bone marrow, integrated into blood vessels, and differentiated into VEGFR+ cells. In addition, TUDCA decreased cellular senescence by reducing levels of p53, p21, and reactive oxygen species and increased nitric oxide. Transplantation of TUDCA-primed senescent EPCs in hind limb ischemia significantly improved blood vessel regeneration, as compared with senescent EPCs. Our results suggested that TUDCA promoted neovascularization by enhancing the mobilization of stem/progenitor cells from bone marrow, their differentiation into EPCs, and their integration with preexisting endothelial cells. Stem Cells 2015;33:792–805
Privacy‐preserving authentication schemes for vehicular ad hoc networks: a survey
Authors: Lu Huang , Li Jie 
Published: November 2014

AbstractVehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) are expected in improving road safety and traffic conditions, in which security is essential. In VANETs, the authentication of the vehicular access control is a crucial security service for both inter‐vehicle and vehicle–roadside unit communications. Meanwhile, vehicles also have to be prevented from the misuse of the private information and the attacks on their privacy. There is a number of research work focusing on providing the anonymous authentication with preserved privacy in VANETs. In this paper, we specifically provide a survey on the privacy‐preserving authentication (PPA) schemes proposed for VANETs. We investigate and categorize the existing PPA schemes by their key cryptographies for authentication and the mechanisms for privacy preservation. We also provide a comparative study/summary of the advantages and disadvantages of the existing PPA schemes. Lastly, the open issues and future objectives are identified for PPA in VANETs. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The trajectory of cognitive decline in the pre-dementia phase in memory clinic visitors: findings from the 4C-MCI study
Authors: Hamel R. , Köhler S. , Sistermans N. , Koene T. , Pijnenburg Y. , van der Flier W. , Scheltens P. , Aalten P. , Verhey F. , Visser P. J. , Ramakers I. 
Published: November 2014

BackgroundWe investigated the course of decline in multiple cognitive domains in non-demented subjects from a memory clinic setting, and compared pattern, onset and magnitude of decline between subjects who progressed to Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia at follow-up and subjects who did not progress.MethodIn this retrospective cohort study 819 consecutive non-demented patients who visited the memory clinics in Maastricht or Amsterdam between 1987 and 2010 were followed until they became demented or for a maximum of 10 years (range 0.5–10 years). Differences in trajectories of episodic memory, executive functioning, verbal fluency, and information processing speed/attention between converters to AD dementia and subjects remaining non-demented were compared by means of random effects modelling.ResultsThe cognitive performance of converters and non-converters could already be differentiated seven (episodic memory) to three (verbal fluency and executive functioning) years prior to dementia diagnosis. Converters declined in these three domains, while non-converters remained stable on episodic memory and executive functioning and showed modest decline in verbal fluency. There was no evidence of decline in information processing speed/attention in either group.ConclusionsDifferences in cognitive performance between converters to AD dementia and subjects remaining non-demented could be established 7 years prior to diagnosis for episodic memory, with verbal fluency and executive functioning following several years later. Therefore, in addition to early episodic memory decline, decline in executive functions may also flag incident AD dementia. By contrast, change in information processing speed/attention seems less informative.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Resource-limited Health Systems–Considerations for Training and Delivery
Authors: Friesen Jason , Patterson Dean , Munjal Kevin 
Published: November 2014

AbstractIn the past 50 years, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has gained widespread recognition as a life-saving skill that can be taught successfully to the general public. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation can be considered a cost-effective intervention that requires minimal classroom training and low-cost equipment and supplies; it is commonly taught throughout much of the developed world. But, the simplicity of CPR training and its access for the general public may be misleading, as outcomes for patients in cardiopulmonary arrest are poor and survival is dependent upon a comprehensive “chain-of-survival,” which is something not achieved easily in resource-limited health care settings. In addition to the significant financial and physical resources needed to both train and develop basic CPR capabilities within a community, there is a range of ethical questions that should also be considered. This report describes some of the financial and ethical challenges that might result from CPR training in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). It is determined that for many health care systems, CPR training may have financial and ethically-deleterious, unintended consequences. Evidence shows Basic Life Support (BLS) skills training in a community is an effective intervention to improve public health. But, health care systems with limited resources should include CPR training only after considering the full implications of that intervention.FriesenJ, PattersonD, MunjalK. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation in resource-limited health systems–considerations for training and delivery. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2015;30(1):1-5.