bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
NADPH Oxidase 4 Is Expressed in Pulmonary Artery Adventitia and Contributes to Hypertensive Vascular Remodeling
Authors: Barman Scott A. , Chen Feng , Su Yunchao , Dimitropoulou Christiana , Wang Yusi , Catravas John D. , Han Weihong , Orfi Laszlo , Szantai-Kis Csaba , Keri Gyorgy , Szabadkai Istvan , Barabutis Nektarios , Rafikova Olga , Rafikov Ruslan , Black Stephen M. , Jonigk Danny , Giannis Athanassios , Asmis Reto , Stepp David W. , Ramesh Ganesan , Fulton David J.R. 
Published: June 2014

Objective—
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive disease arising from remodeling and narrowing of pulmonary arteries (PAs) resulting in high pulmonary blood pressure and ultimately right ventricular failure. Elevated production of reactive oxygen species by NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) is associated with increased pressure in PH. However, the cellular location of Nox4 and its contribution to aberrant vascular remodeling in PH remains poorly understood. Therefore, we sought to identify the vascular cells expressing Nox4 in PAs and determine the functional relevance of Nox4 in PH.

Approach and Results—
Elevated expression of Nox4 was detected in hypertensive PAs from 3 rat PH models and human PH using qualititative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and immunofluorescence. In the vascular wall, Nox4 was detected in both endothelium and adventitia, and perivascular staining was prominently increased in hypertensive lung sections, colocalizing with cells expressing fibroblast and monocyte markers and matching the adventitial location of reactive oxygen species production. Small-molecule inhibitors of Nox4 reduced adventitial reactive oxygen species generation and vascular remodeling as well as ameliorating right ventricular hypertrophy and noninvasive indices of PA stiffness in monocrotaline-treated rats as determined by morphometric analysis and high-resolution digital ultrasound. Nox4 inhibitors improved PH in both prevention and reversal protocols and reduced the expression of fibroblast markers in isolated PAs. In fibroblasts, Nox4 overexpression stimulated migration and proliferation and was necessary for matrix gene expression.

Conclusion—
These findings indicate that Nox4 is prominently expressed in the adventitia and contributes to altered fibroblast behavior, hypertensive vascular remodeling, and development of PH.
High-Resolution Magnetic Resonance Wall Imaging Findings of Moyamoya Disease
Authors: Ryoo Sookyung , Cha Jihoon , Kim Suk Jae , Choi Jin Wook , Ki Chang-Seok , Kim Keon Ha , Jeon Pyoung , Kim Jong-Soo , Hong Seung-Chyul , Bang Oh Young 
Published: June 2014

Background and Purpose—
Diagnosis of Moyamoya disease (MMD) is based on the characteristic angiographic findings. However, differentiating MMD from intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) is difficult. We compared vessel wall imaging findings on high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging between MMD and ICAD.

Methods—
High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging was performed on 32 patients with angiographically proven MMD and 16 patients with acute infarcts because of ICAD. Bilateral internal carotid arteries and steno-occlusive middle cerebral artery were analyzed for wall enhancement and remodeling.

Results—

Enhancement patterns and distribution were different. Most patients with MMD (90.6%) showed concentric enhancement on distal internal carotid arteries and middle cerebral arteries, whereas focal eccentric enhancement was observed on the symptomatic segment in ICAD. MMD was characterized by middle cerebral artery shrinkage; the remodeling index and wall area were lower in MMD than in ICAD (remodeling index, 0.19±0.11 versus 1.00±0.43; wall area, 0.32±0.22 versus 6.00±2.72;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—
MMD was characterized by concentric enhancement on bilateral distal internal carotid arteries and shrinkage of middle cerebral artery, regardless of symptoms.
Incidence of Symptomatic Hemorrhage in Patients With Lobar Microbleeds
Authors: van Etten Ellis S. , Auriel Eitan , Haley Kellen E. , Ayres Alison M. , Vashkevich Anastasia , Schwab Kristin M. , Rosand Jonathan , Viswanathan Anand , Greenberg Steven M. , Gurol M. Edip 
Published: June 2014

Background and Purpose—
Lobar microbleeds suggestive of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) are often identified on MRI in the absence of lobar intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). We compared the baseline characteristics and risk of subsequent ICH among such patients to those presenting with CAA-related lobar ICH.

Methods—
Clinical data (demographics, risk factors), apolipoprotein E genotype, neuroimaging markers of CAA severity (microbleed counts, leukoaraiosis volume), and clinical outcomes (incidence rates of ICH and death during a mean follow-up of 5.3±3.8 years) were compared between 63 patients enrolled because of incidentally found microbleeds and 316 with CAA-related ICH, in our prospectively enrolled cohort. Predictors of incident ICH were explored in the microbleed-only patients using multivariable Cox regression models.

Results—

Microbleed-only patients shared similar demographic, apolipoprotein E, and vascular risk profiles with lobar ICH patients, but had more lobar microbleeds (median, 10 versus 2;
P
<0.001) and higher leukoaraiosis volumes (median, 31 versus 23 mL;
P
=0.02). Microbleed-only patients had a nontrivial incidence rate of ICH, not different from patients presenting with ICH (5 versus 8.9 per 100 person-years; adjusted hazard ratio, 0.58; 95% confidence interval, 0.31–1.06;
P
=0.08). Microbleed-only patients had a higher mortality rate (hazard ratio, 1.67; 95% confidence interval, 1.1–2.6) compared with ICH survivors. Warfarin use and increasing age were independent predictors of future ICH among microbleed-only patients after correction for other covariates.

Conclusions—
Patients presenting with isolated lobar microbleeds on MRI have a genetic, neuroimaging, and hemorrhagic risk profile suggestive of severe CAA pathology. They have a substantial risk of incident ICH, potentially affecting decisions regarding anticoagulation in clinical situations.
Predictors of Early Mortality in Young Adults After Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Koivunen Riku-Jaakko , Satopää Jarno , Haapaniemi Elena , Strbian Daniel , Meretoja Atte , Mustanoja Satu , Silvennoinen Heli , Salonen Oili , Niemelä Mika , Tatlisumak Turgut , Putaala Jukka 
Published: June 2014

Background and Purpose—
Patient and radiological characteristics of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), surgical treatment, and outcome after ICH are interrelated. Our purpose was to define whether these characteristics or surgical treatment correlate with mortality among young adults.

Methods—
We retrospectively reviewed clinical and imaging data of all first-ever nontraumatic patients with ICH between 16 and 49 years of age treated in our hospital between January 2000 and March 2010 and linked these data with national causes of death registry. A logistic regression analysis of factors associated with 3-month mortality and a propensity score comparison between patients treated conservatively and operatively was performed.

Results—

Among the 325 eligible patients (59.4% men), factors associated with 3-month mortality included higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, infratentorial location, hydrocephalus, herniation, and multiple hemorrhages. Adjusted for these factors, as well as demographics, ICH volume, and the underlying cause, surgical evacuation was associated with lower 3-month mortality (odds ratio, 0.06; 95% confidence interval, 0.02–0.21). In propensity score–matched analysis, 3-month case fatality rates were 3-fold in those treated conservatively (27.5% versus 7.8%;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—
The predictors of short-term case fatality are alike in young and elderly patients with ICH. However, initial hematoma evacuation was associated with lower 3-month case fatality in our young patients with ICH.
The Influence of an SST Front on a Heavy Rainfall Event over Coastal Taiwan during TiMREX
Authors: Toy Michael D. , Johnson Richard H. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
A long-lived heavy precipitation area was observed along the southwest coast of Taiwan from 13 to 18 June 2008 during the Terrain-Influenced Monsoon Rainfall Experiment (TiMREX). Rainfall amounts exceeded 500 mm along portions of the coast, and the coastal plains experienced severe flooding. The precipitation systems were influenced by blocking effects, as the southerly moist monsoon flow impinged on the island. A relatively strong gradient in the sea surface temperature (SST) off the southwest coast of Taiwan existed during the rainfall event. Mesoscale SST fronts are known to influence the planetary boundary layer (PBL) such that low-level convergence and precipitation are enhanced under certain circumstances. In this study, the authors investigate the role of the SST front in enhancing the 13–18 June 2008 precipitation event over Taiwan using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model. In control simulations with the observed SST, there is a transition from a well-mixed to a stable PBL across the front, causing the low-level flow to decelerate, resulting in an enhancement of horizontal convergence. Such a transition in the PBL and the associated convergence is greatly reduced in smoothed SST gradient model simulations, which produce over 20% less precipitation over southwest Taiwan. Sensitivity tests show that, qualitatively, the results are independent of the existence of the island of Taiwan. These findings indicate that the SST gradient over the northern South China Sea during the early summer monsoon can have a significant impact on the intensity of rainfall over Taiwan.
Where the Least Rainfall Occurs in the Sahara Desert, the TRMM Radar Reveals a Different Pattern of Rainfall Each Season
Authors: Kelley Owen A. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractSome previous studies were unable to detect seasonal organization to the rainfall in the Sahara Desert, while others reported seasonal patterns only in the less-arid periphery of the Sahara. In contrast, the precipitation radar on the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite detects four rainy seasons in the part of the Sahara where the TRMM radar saw the least rainfall during a 15-yr period (1998–2012). According to the TRMM radar, approximately 20°–27°N, 22°–32°E is the portion of the Sahara that has the lowest average annual rain accumulation (1–5 mm yr−1). Winter (January and February) has light rain throughout this region but more rain to the north over the Mediterranean Sea. Spring (April and May) has heavier rain and has lightning observed by the TRMM Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS). Summer rain and lightning (July and August) occur primarily south of 23°N. At a maximum over the Red Sea, autumn rain and lightning (October and November) can be heavy in the northeastern portion of the study area, but these storms are unreliable: that is, the TRMM radar detects such storms in only 6 of the 15 years. These four rainy seasons are each separated by a comparatively drier month in the monthly rainfall climatology. The few rain gauges in this arid region broadly agree with the TRMM radar on the seasonal organization of rainfall. This seasonality is reason to reevaluate the idea that Saharan rainfall is highly irregular and unpredictable.
Using Microwave Backhaul Links to Optimize the Performance of Algorithms for Rainfall Estimation and Attenuation Correction
Authors: Trömel Silke , Ziegert Michael , Ryzhkov Alexander V. , Chwala Christian , Simmer Clemens 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
The variability in raindrop size distributions and attenuation effects are the two major sources of uncertainty in radar-based quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE) even when dual-polarization radars are used. New methods are introduced to exploit the measurements by commercial microwave radio links to reduce the uncertainties in both attenuation correction and rainfall estimation. The ratio α of specific attenuation A and specific differential phase KDP is the key parameter used in attenuation correction schemes and the recently introduced R(A) algorithm. It is demonstrated that the factor α can be optimized using microwave links at Ku band oriented along radar radials with an accuracy of about 20%–30%. The microwave links with arbitrary orientation can be utilized to optimize the intercepts in the R(KDP) and R(A) relations with an accuracy of about 25%. The performance of the suggested methods is tested using the polarimetric C-band radar operated by the German Weather Service on Mount Hohenpeissenberg in southern Germany and two radially oriented Ku-band microwave links from Ericsson GmbH.
Hajek Revisited
Authors: Young Nwanmegha , Abdelmessih Mikhail Wadie , Sasaki Clarence 
Published: June 2014

Objective: The predictability of laryngeal cancer spread is due in part to connective tissue membranes. These membranes function as barriers to cancer and divide the larynx into subunits. The field of laryngeal conservation surgery is based on these concepts. The quadrangular membrane plays an important role, hindering the lateral spread of cancer in the larynx. The composition of this membrane has not been well described in the literature. In this study, we examine basic characteristics of the quadrangular membrane using histological techniques. Methods: Whole organ sections of the larynx were used. These sections were examined under a microscope with stains specific for collagen and elastin. Results: Examination of the sections revealed that the quadrangular membrane is made up of closely woven undulating collagen and elastic fibers. Conclusion: The quadrangular membrane is a fibroelastic structure providing a barrier to cancer spread.
Two independent killing mechanisms of Candida albicans by human neutrophils: evidence from innate immunity defects
Authors: Gazendam Roel P. , van Hamme John L. , Tool Anton T. J. , van Houdt Michel , Verkuijlen Paul J. J. H. , Herbst Martin , Liese Johannes G. , van de Veerdonk Frank L. , Roos Dirk , van den Berg Timo K. , Kuijpers Taco W. 
Published: June 2014

Key Points
Human neutrophils use 2 independent mechanisms for the killing of unopsonized and serum-opsonized C albicans. Unopsonized Candida killing depends on CR3 and CARD9 but not dectin-1; opsonized Candida killing on FcγR, PKC, and NADPH oxidase activity.
Dietary regulation of PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β pathway in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Kitagishi Yasuko , Nakanishi Atsuko , Ogura Yasunori , Matsuda Satoru 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by the formation of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles composed of phosphorylated Tau. Several findings suggest that correcting signal dysregulation for Tau phosphorylation in AD may offer a potential therapeutic approach. The PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β pathway has been shown to play a pivotal role in neuroprotection, enhancing cell survival by stimulating cell proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis. This pathway appears to be crucial in AD because it promotes protein hyper-phosphorylation in Tau. Understanding those regulations may provide a better efficacy of new therapeutic approaches. In this review, we summarize advances in the involvement of the PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β pathways in cell signaling of neuronal cells. We also review recent studies on the features of several diets and the signaling pathway involved in AD.
Outcome predictors of intra-articular glucocorticoid treatment for knee synovitis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis – a prospective cohort study
Authors: Weitoft Tomas , Rönnelid Johan , Knight Ann , Lysholm Jörgen , Saxne Tore , Larsson Anders 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Intra-articular glucocorticoid treatment (IAGC) is widely used for symptom relief in arthritis. However, knowledge of factors predicting treatment outcome is limited. The aim of the present study was to identify response predictors of IAGC for knee synovitis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods
In this study 121 RA patients with synovitis of the knee were treated with intra-articular injections of 20 mg triamcinolone hexacetonide. They were followed for six months and the rate of clinical relapse was studied. Non-responders (relapse within 6 months) and responders were compared regarding patient characteristics and knee joint damage as determined by the Larsen-Dale index. In addition, matched samples of serum and synovial fluid were analysed for factors reflecting the inflammatory process (C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, tumour necrosis factor alpha, vascular endothelial growth factor), joint tissue turnover (cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, metalloproteinase 3), and autoimmunity (antinuclear antibodies, antibodies against citrullinated peptides, rheumatoid factor).

Results
During the observation period, 48 knees relapsed (40%). Non-responders had more radiographic joint damage than responders (P = 0.002) and the pre-treatment vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) level in synovial fluid was significantly higher in non-responders (P = 0.002).

Conclusions
Joint destruction is associated with poor outcome of IAGC for knee synovitis in RA. In addition, higher levels of VEGF in synovial fluid are found in non-responders, suggesting that locally produced VEGF is a biomarker for recurrence of synovial hyperplasia and the risk for arthritis relapse.
The PVH as a Site of CB1-Mediated Stimulation of Thermogenesis by MC4R Agonism in Male Rats
Authors: Monge-Roffarello Boris , Labbe Sebastien M. , Roy Marie-Claude , Lemay Marie-Laurence , Coneggo Estelle , Samson Pierre , Lanfray Damien , Richard Denis 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
The present study was designed to investigate the involvement of the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) in the stimulating effects of the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) agonism on whole-body and brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis. In a first series of experiments, whole-body and BAT thermogenesis were investigated in rats infused in the third ventricle of the brain with the MC4R agonist melanotan II (MTII) and the CB1 agonist δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (δ9-THC) or the CB1 antagonist AM251. Whole-body thermogenesis was measured by indirect calorimetry and BAT thermogenesis assessed from interscapular BAT (iBAT) temperature. δ9-THC blunted the effects of MTII on energy expenditure and iBAT temperature, whereas AM251 tended to potentiate the MTII effects. δ9-THC also blocked the stimulating effect of MTII on 14C-bromopalmitate and 3H-deoxyglucose uptakes in iBAT. Additionally, δ9-THC attenuated the stimulating effect of MTII on the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1-α (Pgc1α), type II iodothyronine deiodinase (Dio2), carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1B (Cpt1b), and uncoupling protein 1 (Ucp1). In a second series of experiments, we addressed the involvement of the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVH) in the CB1-mediated effects of MTII on iBAT thermogenesis, which were assessed following the infusion of MTII in the PVH and δ9-THC or AM251 in the fourth ventricle of the brain. We demonstrated the ability of δ9-THC to blunt MTII-induced iBAT temperature elevation. δ9-THC also blocked the PVH effect of MTII on 14C-bromopalmitate uptake as well as on Pgc1α and Dio2 expression in iBAT. Altogether the results of this study demonstrate the involvement of the PVH in the CB1-mediated stimulating effects of the MC4R agonist MTII on whole-body and BAT thermogenesis.
Long Term Exendin-4 Treatment Reduces Food Intake and Body Weight and Alters Expression of Brain Homeostatic and Reward Markers
Authors: Yang Yan , Moghadam Alexander A. , Cordner Zachary A. , Liang Nu-Chu , Moran Timothy H. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractRepeated administration of the long-acting glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist exendin-4 (EX-4) has been shown to reduce food intake and body weight and do so without a rebound increase in food intake after treatment termination. The current study examines the neural mechanisms underlying these actions. After 6 weeks of maintenance on a standard chow or a high-fat (HF) diet, male Sprague Dawley rats were treated with EX-4 (3.2 μg/kg, ip, twice a day) or vehicle for 9 consecutive days. Food intake and body weight (BW) were monitored daily. Expression of the genes for the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) peptides proopiomelanocortin (POMC), neuropeptide Y (NPY), and agouti gene-related protein was determined. Expression of the dopamine precursor tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) gene in the ventral tegmental area and genes for dopamine receptors 1 (D1R) and dopamine receptor 2 in the nucleus accumbens were also determined. Pair-fed groups were included to control for the effects of reduced food intake and BW. Treatment with EX-4 significantly decreased food intake and BW over the 9-day period in both the standard chow and HF groups. HF feeding decreased POMC without changing NPY/agouti gene-related protein gene expression in the ARC. Treatment with EX-4 increased POMC and decreased NPY expression independent of the reduction of food intake and BW. Mesolimbic TH and D1R gene expression were decreased significantly in chronic HF diet-fed rats, and these changes were reversed in both EX-4 and pair-fed conditions. These results suggest a role for increased POMC and decreased NPY expression in the ARC in the effects of EX-4 on food intake and BW. Our findings also suggest that EX-4 induced the recovery of mesolimbic TH and D1R expression in HF diet-fed rats may be secondary to HF intake reduction and/or weight loss.
Analyses of the mouthpart kinematics in Periplaneta americana (Blattodea, Blattidae) by using Synchrotron-based X-ray cineradiography
Authors: Schmitt Christian , Rack Alexander , Betz Oliver 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
The kinematics of the biting and chewing mouthparts of insects is a complex interaction of various components forming multiple jointed chains. The novel technique of in vivo cineradiography by means of Synchrotron radiation was used to elucidate the motion cycles in the cockroach Periplaneta americana. Digital X-ray footage sequences were used in order to calculate pre-defined angles and distances, each representing characteristic aspects of the movement pattern. We were able to analyze the interactions of the mouthpart components and to generate a functional model of maxillary movement by integrating kinematic results, morphological dissections, and fluorescence microscopy. During the opening and closing cycles that take 450-500 ms on average, we found strong correlations between the measured maxillary and mandibular angles, indicating a strong neural coordination of these movements, as manifested by strong antiphasic courses of the maxillae and the mandibles and antiphasic patterns of the rotation of the cardo about its basic articulation at the head and by the deflection between the cardo and stipes. In our functional model of the maxilla, its movement pattern is explained by the antagonistic activity of five adductor / promotor muscles and one adductor / remotor muscle. However, beyond the observed intersegmental and bilateral stereotypy, certain amounts of variation across subsequent cycles within a sequence were observed with respect to the degree of correlation between the various mouthparts and the maximum, minimum, and time course of the angular movements. Although generally correlated with the movement pattern of the mandibles and the maxillary cardo-stipes complex, such plastic behavior was especially observed in the maxillary palpi and the labium.