bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of cystogenesis in nephrotic kidneys: a histopathological study
Authors: Saraga Marijan , Vukojević Katarina , Krželj Vjekoslav , Puretić Zvonimir , Bočina Ivana , Durdov Merica Glavina , Weber Stefanie , Dworniczak Bernd , Ljubanović Danica Galešić , Saraga-Babić Mirna 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is pathological condition characterized by heavy proteinuria. Our study investigates hypothesis that change in cell proliferation of proximal tubules influences primary cilia structure and function and promotes cystogenesis in congenital nephrotic syndrome of the Finnish type (CNF) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS).

Methods
CNF kidneys were analyzed genetically. Proliferation (Ki-67), apoptosis (caspase-3), and primary cilia (α-tubulin) length and structure were analyzed immunohistochemically and ultrastructurally in healthy, CNF and FSGS kidneys. Cyst diameters were measured and correlated with proliferation index.

Results
Proximal tubules cells of healthy kidneys did not proliferate. In nephrotic kidneys, tubules with apparently normal diameter covered by cuboidal/columnar epithelium (PTNC) contained 81.54% of proliferating cells in CNF and 36.18% in FSGS, while cysts covered with columnar epithelium (CC) contained 37.52% of proliferating cells in CNF and 45.23% in FSGS. The largest cysts, covered with squamous epithelium (CS) had 11.54% of proliferating cells in CNF and 13.76% in FSGS. Increase in cysts diameter correlated with changes in proliferation index, tubular cells shape, primary cilia formation and appearance of apoptotic cells.

Conclusions
We present a novel histopathological data on the structure and possible changes in function of tubular cell in NS kidneys during cystogenesis. We suggest existence of common principles of cystogenesis in CNF and FSGS kidneys, including serious disturbances of tubular cells proliferation and apoptosis, and faulty primary cilia signaling leading to deterioration of proteinuria in NS kidneys.
Prepare dispersed CIS nano-scale particles and spray coating CIS absorber layers using nano-scale precursors
Authors: Liou Jian-Chiun , Diao Chien-Chen , Lin Jing-Jenn , Chen Yen-Lin , Yang Cheng-Fu 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
In this study, the Mo-electrode thin films were deposited by a two-stepped process, and the high-purity copper indium selenide-based powder (CuInSe2, CIS) was fabricated by hydrothermal process by Nanowin Technology Co. Ltd. From the X-ray pattern of the CIS precursor, the mainly crystalline phase was CIS, and the almost undetectable CuSe phase was observed. Because the CIS powder was aggregated into micro-scale particles and the average particle sizes were approximately 3 to 8 μm, the CIS power was ground into nano-scale particles, then the 6 wt.% CIS particles were dispersed into isopropyl alcohol to get the solution for spray coating method. Then, 0.1 ml CIS solution was sprayed on the 20 mm × 10 mm Mo/glass substrates, and the heat treatment for the nano-scale CIS solution under various parameters was carried out in a selenization furnace. The annealing temperature was set at 550°C, and the annealing time was changed from 5 to 30 min, without extra Se content was added in the furnace. The influences of annealing time on the densification, crystallization, resistivity (ρ), hall mobility (μ), and carrier concentration of the CIS absorber layers were well investigated in this study.
Mixed type iteration for total asymptotically nonexpansive mappings in hyperbolic spaces
Authors: Zhao Liang-cai , Chang Shih-sen , Kim Jong Kyu 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to introduce the concept of total asymptotically nonexpansive mappings and to prove some Δ-convergence theorems of the mixed type iteration process to approximating a common fixed point for two asymptotically nonexpansive mappings and two total asymptotically nonexpansive mappings in hyperbolic spaces. The results presented in the paper extend and improve some recent results announced in the current literature.

MSC:47H09, 47H10.
Lentiviral Nef suppresses iron uptake in a strain specific manner through inhibition of Transferrin endocytosis
Authors: Koppensteiner Herwig , Höhne Kristin , Gondim Marcos Vinicius , Gobert Francois-Xavier , Widder Miriam , Gundlach Swantje , Heigele Anke , Kirchhoff Frank , Winkler Michael , Benaroch Philippe , Schindler Michael 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Increased cellular iron levels are associated with high mortality in HIV-1 infection. Moreover iron is an important cofactor for viral replication, raising the question whether highly divergent lentiviruses actively modulate iron homeostasis. Here, we evaluated the effect on cellular iron uptake upon expression of the accessory protein Nef from different lentiviral strains.

Results
Surface Transferrin receptor (TfR) levels are unaffected by Nef proteins of HIV-1 and its simian precursors but elevated in cells expressing Nefs from most other primate lentiviruses due to reduced TfR internalization. The SIV Nef-mediated reduction of TfR endocytosis is dependent on an N-terminal AP2 binding motif that is not required for downmodulation of CD4, CD28, CD3 or MHCI. Importantly, SIV Nef-induced inhibition of TfR endocytosis leads to the reduction of Transferrin uptake and intracellular iron concentration and is accompanied by attenuated lentiviral replication in macrophages.

Conclusion
Inhibition of Transferrin and thereby iron uptake by SIV Nef might limit viral replication in myeloid cells. Furthermore, this new SIV Nef function could represent a virus-host adaptation that evolved in natural SIV-infected monkeys.
In vitro determinants of asbestos fiber toxicity: effect on the relative toxicity of Libby amphibole in primary human airway epithelial cells
Authors: Duncan Kelly E , Cook Philip M , Gavett Stephen H , Dailey Lisa A , Mahoney Ron K , Ghio Andrew J , Roggli Victor L , Devlin Robert B 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundAn abnormally high incidence of lung disease has been observed in the residents of Libby, Montana, which has been attributed to occupational and environmental exposure to fibrous amphiboles originating from a nearby contaminated vermiculite mine. The composition of Libby amphibole (LA) is complex and minimal toxicity data are available. In this study, we conduct a comparative particle toxicity analysis of LA compared with standard reference asbestiform amphibole samples.MethodsPrimary human airway epithelial cells (HAEC) were exposed to two different LA samples as well as standard amphibole reference samples. Analysis of the samples included a complete particle size distribution analysis, calculation of surface area by electron microscopy and by gas adsorption and quantification of surface-conjugated iron and hydroxyl radical production by the fibers. Interleukin-8 mRNA levels were quantified by qRT-PCR to measure relative pro-inflammatory response induced in HAEC in response to amphibole fiber exposure. The relative contribution of key physicochemical determinants on the observed pro-inflammatory response were also evaluated.ResultsThe RTI amosite reference sample contained the longest fibers and demonstrated the greatest potency at increasing IL-8 transcript levels when evaluated on an equal mass basis. The two LA samples and the UICC amosite reference sample consisted of similar particle numbers per milligram as well as similar particle size distributions and induced comparable levels of IL-8 mRNA. A strong correlation was observed between the elongated particle (aspect ratio ≥3:1) dose metrics of length and external surface area. Expression of the IL-8 data with respect to either of these metrics eliminated the differential response between the RTI amosite sample and the other samples that was observed when HAEC were exposed on an equal mass basis.ConclusionsOn an equal mass basis, LA is as potent as the UICC amosite reference sample at inducing a pro-inflammatory response in HAEC but is less potent than the RTI amosite sample. The results of this study show that the particle length and particle surface area are highly correlated metrics that contribute significantly to the toxicological potential of these amphibole samples with respect to the inflammogenic response induced in airway epithelial cells.
The auditory roles of the gas bladder and suprabranchial chamber in walking catfish (Clarias batrachus)
Authors: Shao Yi Ta , Chen I-Shiung , Yan Hong Young 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
The enhanced auditory abilities of certain fish are dependent on specialized hearing structures. Several gas-holding structures, including the suprabranchial chamber, otic gas bladder, and Weberian apparatus-linked gas bladder, have been demonstrated to improve the hearing ability of fish. The walking catfish (Clarias batrachus), a benthic species, is unique in that it has both a suprabranchial chamber (SC) and a Weberian apparatus-linked, encapsulated gas bladder (WGB). This study aimed to investigate the respective roles of these two structures in contributing to the overall hearing ability of walking catfish.

Results
The auditory evoked potentials method was used to measure hearing thresholds in intact fish and fish with a deflated WGB and/or SC. Gas removal from the WGB increased auditory thresholds at all frequencies tested (0.4 to 5.0 kHz), whereas injection of water into the SC shifted the threshold only at frequencies below 3.0 kHz. However, such a correlation was not observed for the SC at 4.0 and 5.0 kHz.

Conclusions
The findings indicated that both the encapsulated WGB and the SC had an accessory auditory role. However, WGB enhanced hearing abilities in the whole frequency range, whereas SC did not.
Specialist ‘restoration mortars’ for stone elements: a comparison of the physical properties of two stone repair materials
Authors: Torney Clare , Forster Alan M , Szadurski Ewan M 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
The perceived increasing use of ‘restoration mortars’ for the conservation of historic masonry is often viewed as controversial due to the long-standing contention associated with ‘plastic’ repairs in the heritage sector. Almost innumerable traditionally built sandstone structures exist worldwide and the wide scale use of restoration mortars for their repair is evident on a national and international level. Use of largely incompatible, impermeable and/or highly cementitious materials in the past is the cause of many problems, particularly associated with moisture entrapment. These issues, that continue several decades after a material’s use, raise the question of whether similar problems are likely to arise in the future due to the use of restoration mortars.

Results
The chemical and physical characteristics of two restoration mortars are determined by laboratory testing. This work revealed significant differences in the physical properties of two restoration mortar materials, but also between these and the physical properties of two natural sandstones. Material characterisation reveals differences between the composition of the binders and aggregates in the two restoration mortars tested. Significant differences in their strength and water diffusion properties were noted.

Conclusions
The results provide an indication of material performance and a platform for objective decision-making on the suitability and specification of these materials. This work is of particular importance in the heritage sector, but its applicability is not limited to historic buildings. Comparison of the materials properties presented in this paper with the characteristics of representative sandstone substrates can give an indication of material compatibility. This research is aimed at stimulating further testing into the interactions of these materials within the context of historic masonry substrates.
Accuracy of verbal self-reported blood glucose in teenagers with type I diabetes at diabetes ski camp
Authors: Chae Matthew , Reith David M , Tomlinson Paul A , Rayns Jenny , Wheeler Benjamin J 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Background
While there have been considerable advances in diabetes management, self-monitoring of blood glucose remains vital. A number of studies, predominantly in adults, have confirmed that logbook entries are prone to a number of common errors. To date, no studies in either adults or children have looked at the accuracy of verbally reported self-monitored blood glucose levels (SMBG). Our aim was to determine the accuracy of verbally reported SMBG levels in adolescents at a diabetes camp.

Methods
Dual Data (verbally reported and meter-downloaded values) were obtained as part of camp safety monitoring from 20 adolescents (aged 13–18 years) attending a 3 day diabetes winter camp. Blood glucose values were classified as: accurate, absent/phantom, or modified - verbally reported value > / < meter downloaded value. No participant had prior awareness of the planned meter data download at camp conclusion.

Results
Discrepancies between verbally reported and meter downloaded values were observed in 14/20 (70%) participants and in 53/394 (13.5%) instances of testing. Absent/Phantom readings were the most common error at 30/394 (7.6%). Errors relating to hypoglycaemia were seen in 8/47 (17%) hypoglycaemia-related incidents of testing. No relationship with HbA1c was found between those with reporting errors and those without (p > 0.05).

Conclusion
While 70% of adolescents had errors, the overall error rate at 13.5% is lower than that previously reported for logbook studies. While this rate is lower than expected, misreporting remains a concern, particularly in the context of diabetes camp and exercise induced hypoglycaemia.
Association between individual quadriceps muscle volume/enthesis and patello femoral joint cartilage morphology
Authors: Toumi Hechmi , Best Thomas M , Mazor Marija , Coursier Raphael , Pinti Antonio , Lespessailles Eric 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Introduction
The aim of this study was to determine the association between individual quadriceps muscle volumes and the quadriceps enthesis structures and cartilage morphology at the patellofemoral joint (PFJ).

Methods
We studied 12 cadavers (age 75 ± 5 years). For both legs, individual quadriceps muscles (vastus lateralis (VL), rectus femoris (RF), vastus intermedialis (VI) and vastus medialis (VM)) were dissected and their volumes measured. Cartilage areas at the PFJ were classified using the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) score. Histological sections were evaluated at the quadriceps tendon enthesis (laterally, centrally and medially). Several variables were calculated on the binary images based on two-dimensional analysis. These were apparent bone area (BA) and apparent trabecular thickness (TH). A Spearman rank test was used to determine the strength of correlation between individual quadriceps muscles volume, the structure of the quadriceps tendon enthesis and the ICRS score.

Results
The thickness of calcified fibrocartilage tissue was significantly greater in the central part of the enthesis than both medially (P = 0.03) and laterally (P = 0.04). Uncalcified fibrocartilage was significantly thicker laterally (P = 0.04) and centrally (P = 0.02) than medially. Muscle volume was highest (P <0.05) for the VL, followed by the VI, VM and RF. There was no association between total and individual muscle volumes and ICRS or BA. However, there was a strong positive correlation (r = 0.81) between the VL/VM volume ratio and BA ratio (bone volume at the lateral part divided by bone volume at the medial part). There was a moderate positive correlation between VL/VM and ICRS (r = 0.65) and between ICRS and BA ratio (lateral/medial; r = 0.74).

Conclusions
Individual and total quadriceps volumes were not correlated with cartilage loss at the PFJ or fibrocartilage thickness. However, both VL/VM and BA ratio (lateral/medial) were positively correlated with ICRS scoring and therefore could be a tool for predicting degree of PFJ osteoarthritis severity.
Psychiatry and the dark side: eugenics, Nazi and Soviet psychiatry
Authors: Luty Jason 
Published: January 2014

SummaryPsychiatrist Thomas Szasz fought coercion (compulsory detention) and denied that mental illness existed. Although he was regarded as a maverick, his ideas are much more plausible when one discovers that between 1939 and 1941, up to 100 000 mentally ill people, including 5000 children, were killed in Nazi Germany. In the course of the Nazi regime, over 400 000 forced sterilisations took place, mainly of people with mental illnesses. Other countries, including Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland, had active forced sterilisation programmes and eugenics laws. Similar laws were implemented in the USA, with up to 25 000 forced sterilisations. These atrocities were enabled and facilitated by psychiatrists of the time and are only one example of the dark side of the profession. This article reviews some of these aspects of the history of psychiatry, including Germany's eugenics programme and the former USSR's detention of dissidents under the guise of psychiatric treatment.
Cognitive–behavioural therapy for the symptoms of schizophrenia: systematic review and meta-analysis with examination of potential bias
Authors: Jauhar S. , McKenna P. J. , Radua J. , Fung E. , Salvador R. , Laws K. R. 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundCognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) is considered to be effective for the symptoms of schizophrenia. However, this view is based mainly on meta-analysis, whose findings can be influenced by failure to consider sources of bias.AimsTo conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effectiveness of CBT for schizophrenic symptoms that includes an examination of potential sources of bias.MethodData were pooled from randomised trials providing end-of-study data on overall, positive and negative symptoms. The moderating effects of randomisation, masking of outcome assessments, incompleteness of outcome data and use of a control intervention were examined. Publication bias was also investigated.ResultsPooled effect sizes were −0.33 (95% CI −0.47 to −0.19) in 34 studies of overall symptoms, −0.25 (95% CI −0.37 to −0.13) in 33 studies of positive symptoms and −0.13 (95% CI −0.25 to −0.01) in 34 studies of negative symptoms. Masking significantly moderated effect size in the meta-analyses of overall symptoms (effect sizes −0.62 (95% CI −0.88 to −0.35) v. −0.15 (95% CI −0.27 to −0.03), P = 0.001) and positive symptoms (effect sizes −0.57 (95% CI −0.76 to −0.39) v. −0.08 (95% CI −0.18 to 0.03), P<0.001). Use of a control intervention did not moderate effect size in any of the analyses. There was no consistent evidence of publication bias across different analyses.ConclusionsCognitive–behavioural therapy has a therapeutic effect on schizophrenic symptoms in the ‘small’ range. This reduces further when sources of bias, particularly masking, are controlled for.
Effectiveness of psychotherapy for severe somatoform disorder: meta-analysis
Authors: Koelen Jurrijn A. , Houtveen Jan H. , Abbass Allan , Luyten Patrick , Eurelings-Bontekoe Elisabeth H. M. , Van Broeckhuysen-Kloth Saskia A. M. , Bühring Martina E. F. , Geenen Rinie 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundPatients with severe somatoform disorder (in secondary and tertiary care) typically experience functional impairment associated with physical symptoms and mental distress. Although psychotherapy is the preferred treatment, its effectiveness remains to be demonstrated.AimsTo examine the effectiveness of psychotherapy for severe somatoform disorder in secondary and tertiary care compared with treatment as usual (TAU) but not waiting-list conditions.MethodMain inclusion criteria were presence of a somatoform disorder according to established diagnostic criteria and receiving psychotherapy for somatoform disorder in secondary and tertiary care. Both randomised and non-randomised trials were included. The evaluated outcome domains were physical symptoms, psychological symptoms (depression, anxiety, anger, general symptoms) and functional impairment (health, life satisfaction, interpersonal problems, maladaptive cognitions and behaviour).ResultsTen randomised and six non-randomised trials were included, comprising 890 patients receiving psychotherapy and 548 patients receiving TAU. Psychotherapy was more effective than TAU for physical symptoms (d= 0.80v.d= 0.31,P<0.05) and functional impairment (d= 0.45v.d= 0.15,P<0.01), but not for psychological symptoms (d= 0.75v.d= 0.51,P= 0.21). These effects were maintained at follow-up.ConclusionsOverall findings suggest that psychotherapy is effective in severe somatoform disorder. Future randomised controlled studies should examine specific interventions and mechanisms of change.
Mechanisms and Physiological Significance of the Cholinergic Control of Pancreatic β-Cell Function
Authors: Gilon Patrick , Henquin Jean-Claude 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAcetylcholine (ACh), the major parasympathetic neurotransmitter, is released by intrapancreatic nerve endings during the preabsorptive and absorptive phases of feeding. In β-cells, ACh binds to muscarinic M3 receptors and exerts complex effects, which culminate in an increase of glucose (nutrient)-induced insulin secretion. Activation of PLC generates diacylglycerol. Activation of PLA2 produces arachidonic acid and lysophosphatidylcholine. These phospholipid-derived messengers, particularly diacylglycerol, activate PKC, thereby increasing the efficiency of free cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]c) on exocytosis of insulin granules. IP3, also produced by PLC, causes a rapid elevation of [Ca2+]c by mobilizing Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum; the resulting fall in Ca2+ in the organelle produces a small capacitative Ca2+ entry. ACh also depolarizes the plasma membrane of β-cells by a Na+- dependent mechanism. When the plasma membrane is already depolarized by secretagogues such as glucose, this additional depolarization induces a sustained increase in [Ca2+]c. Surprisingly, ACh can also inhibit voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels and stimulate Ca2+ efflux when [Ca2+]c is elevated. However, under physiological conditions, the net effect of ACh on [Ca2+]c is always positive. The insulinotropic effect of ACh results from two mechanisms: one involves a rise in [Ca2+]c and the other involves a marked, PKC-mediated increase in the efficiency of Ca2+ on exocytosis. The paper also discusses the mechanisms explaining the glucose dependence of the effects of ACh on insulin release.