bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatio-temporal aspects of Ca2+ signalling: lessons from guard cells and pollen tubes
Authors: Konrad Kai Robert , Maierhofer Tobias , Hedrich Rainer 
Published: April 2018

AbstractChanges in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]cyt) serve to transmit information in eukaryotic cells. The involvement of this second messenger in plant cell growth as well as osmotic and water relations is well established. After almost 40 years of intense research on the coding and decoding of plant Ca2+ signals, numerous proteins involved in Ca2+ action have been identified. However, we are still far from understanding the complexity of Ca2+ networks. New in vivo Ca2+ imaging techniques combined with molecular genetics allow visualization of spatio-temporal aspects of Ca2+ signalling. In parallel, cell biology together with protein biochemistry and electrophysiology are able to dissect information processing by this second messenger in space and time. Here, we focus on the time-resolved changes in cellular events upon Ca2+ signals, concentrating on the two best-studied cell types, pollen tubes and guard cells. We put their signalling networks side by side, compare them with those of other cell types, and discuss rapid signalling in the context of Ca2+ transients and oscillations to regulate ion homeostasis.
Mohs Micrographic Surgery Volume and Payment Patterns Among Dermatologists in the Medicare Population, 2013
Authors: Johnstone Cameron , Joiner Keith A. , Pierce John , Krouse Robert S. 
Published: April 2018

Objectives:
Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) has expanded markedly in recent years but there is limited information on volume, practice patterns or reimbursement. This study characterizes MMS utilization in the Medicare population.

Materials and Methods:
We analyzed the Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data: Physician and Other Supplier Public Use File Calendar Year 2013 data set for provider service volume and reimbursement for dermatologists who did and did not perform MMS procedures.

Results:
Total Medicare-funded MMS procedures increased 25% from 2009 (558,447) to 2013 (700,262). Dermatologists who performed MMS had significantly more average services per provider (5419.4 vs. 3627.1, r=0.16, P<0.0001), were reimbursed significantly more in average total procedure-related compensation ($475,883.64 vs. $144,564.74, r=0.49, P<0.0001) than dermatologists who did not perform MMS, and made up 71.3% of the top decile of dermatologists ranked by total reimbursement received from Medicare. Total MMS service volume and reimbursement was concentrated among a subset of providers. Among MMS providers, a higher volume of MMS procedures was correlated with a greater likelihood of performing procedures on lesions located on the trunk, arms or legs (r=0.27, P<0.001).

Conclusions:
In 2013 reimbursement for MMS comprised almost 19% of the amount reimbursed by Medicare Part B Fee For Service to dermatologists and greater than half a percent of the total amount reimbursed to all physicians participating in the program. Further studies incorporating clinical and outcomes data are needed to evaluate appropriate utilization of this procedure.
Oncocytic Metaplasia in Melanocytic Tumors
Authors: Ahn Christine , DeSantis Emily , McCalmont Timothy 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Oncocytic metaplasia represents a histopathologic feature that can be observed in normal tissue such as salivary and lacrimal glands but may also constitute a degenerative metaplastic process as a result of repeated oxidative damage during cellular aging. Although cutaneous oncocytic metaplasia has been considered rare, the finding was seen in over one-third of melanocytic nevi prospectively evaluated, in one study. This case series reports on a small series of oncocytic melanocytic tumors, with the aim of describing this phenomenon in varied contexts and also describing the use of a mitochondrial antigen immunostain, which has not been previously reported.
Alterations of Inflammatory and Matrix Production Indices in Celiac Disease With Low Bone Mass on Long-term Gluten-free Diet
Authors: Di Stefano Michele , Bergonzi Manuela , Benedetti Irene , De Amici Mara , Torre Cristina , Brondino Natascia , Miceli Emanuela , Pagani Elisabetta , Marseglia Gian L. , Corazza Gino R. , Di Sabatino Antonio 
Published: April 2018

Background:
A clinically meaningful impairment of bone mass secondary to malabsorption is frequent in untreated celiac disease. In adult patients, a rigorous gluten-free diet (GFD) significantly improves, but does not always normalize, bone mineral density (BMD). The reason for this marginal response is unclear. Accordingly, we evaluated the role of both local and systemic factors for bone loss in celiac patients on long-term GFD.

Study:
In a prospective cohort, 22 patients with low lumbar and/or femoral BMD and 22 with normal BMD underwent bone and mineral metabolism evaluation: we tested calcium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone, and vitamin D; telopeptide of type I collagen, a bone resorption index; propeptide of type I procollagen, a bone neoformation index; receptor antagonist of NF-kB ligand, an osteoclast-stimulating factor; osteoprotegerin (OPG), a decoy receptor for RANKL. Sunlight exposure and physical exercise were measured.

Results:
Patients with bone loss showed prevalently osteopenia, severe osteoporosis was rare. In comparison with normal BMD patients, they showed higher serum OPG, telopeptide, and lower serum propeptide, suggesting an increased bone turnover. Lumbar T-score was negatively correlated with OPG, telopeptide and RANKL and positively with propeptide. Propeptide was negatively correlated with OPG and telopeptide. OPG was positively correlated with telopeptide.

Conclusions:
The persistent activation of inflammation should be considered the main pathophysiological mechanism for bone defect in celiac disease patients with bone loss on long-term GFD. High levels of OPG, an attempt at protective mechanism, and low levels of propeptide of type I procollagen, reflecting an insufficient matrix production, characterize this subgroup of patients.
An Altered Eating Experience: Attitudes Toward Feeding Assistance Among Younger and Older Adults
Authors: Shune Samantha E. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

Purpose
Feeding assistance is commonly used to alleviate mealtime difficulties and decrease risk. It is unclear how to best support the transition from independence to assisted feeding across the lifespan. The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine attitudes toward feeding assistance among healthy younger and older adults.

Design
Qualitative study.

Methods
A total of 17 younger and 19 older adults were interviewed following a simulated feeding (assisted and self-feeding) experience. Comments were coded for sensation (physical/emotional) and sentiment (positive/negative/neutral) and analyzed for common themes.

Findings
All participants commented primarily on the physical aspects of feeding assistance. Younger adults were more likely than older adults to make negative comments, particularly as related to the loss of independence. All participants indicated difficulties/differences with the feeding process stemming from their own preferences not being realized.

Conclusions/Clinical Relevance
Although all adults value independence in the aging process, younger adults may more negatively view receiving feeding assistance as a loss of independence. This suggests the need to redefine autonomy in the presence of increased dependence. It is also necessary to individualize the feeding process in order to incorporate individual identity into eating. Promoting interdependence as the consequence of feeding assistance, rather than dependence, can help support this time of transition and promote patient well-being.
Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection: Diagnostic Accuracy of Physical Examination, Imaging, and LRINEC Score
Authors: Fernando Shannon M. , Tran Alexandre , Cheng Wei , Rochwerg Bram , Kyeremanteng Kwadwo , Seely Andrew J. E. , Inaba Kenji , Perry Jeffrey J. 
Published: April 2018

Objective:
We sought to summarize accuracy of physical examination, imaging, and Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LRINEC) score in diagnosis of necrotizing soft tissue infection (NSTI) in adults with a soft tissue infection clinically concerning for NSTI.

Summary of Background Data:
NSTI is a life-threatening diagnosis. Delay to diagnosis and surgical management is associated with increased mortality.

Methods:
We searched 6 databases from inception through November 2017. We included English-language studies reporting diagnostic accuracy of testing or LRINEC Score. Outcome was NSTI confirmed by surgery or histopathology. Two reviewers screened all citations and extracted data independently. Summary measures were obtained from the Hierarchical Summary Receiver Operating Characteristic model.

Results:
From 2,290 citations, we included 23 studies (n = 5982). Of physical examination signs, pooled sensitivity and specificity for fever was 46.0% and 77.0% respectively, for hemorrhagic bullae 25.2% and 95.8%, and for hypotension 21.0% and 97.7%. Computed tomography (CT) had sensitivity of 88.5% and specificity of 93.3%, while plain radiography had sensitivity of 48.9% and specificity of 94.0%. Finally, LRINEC ≥ 6 had sensitivity of 68.2% and specificity of 84.8%, while LRINEC ≥ 8 had sensitivity of 40.8% and specificity of 94.9%.

Conclusions:
Absence of any 1 physical examination feature (eg, fever or hypotension) is not sufficient to rule-out NSTI. CT is superior to plain radiography. LRINEC had poor sensitivity, and should not be used to rule-out NSTI. Given the poor sensitivity of these tests, a high clinical suspicion warrants early surgical consultation for definitive diagnosis and management.
Number of Examined Lymph Nodes and Nodal Status Assessment in Distal Pancreatectomy for Body/Tail Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Malleo Giuseppe , Maggino Laura , Ferrone Cristina R. , Marchegiani Giovanni , Mino-Kenudson Mari , Capelli Paola , Rusev Borislav , Lillemoe Keith D. , Bassi Claudio , Fernàndez-del Castillo Carlos , Salvia Roberto 
Published: April 2018

Objective:
First, to assess the impact of the number of examined lymph nodes (ELNs) on staging and survival after distal pancreatectomy (DP) for pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Second, to identify the minimum number of ELNs (MNELNs) ensuring an accurate detection of nodal involvement. Third, to reappraise the role of lymph node (LN) parameters, including N-status and lymph node ratio (LNR).

Background:
In contrast with pancreatoduodenectomy, information on LN staging and the MNELN required in DP is lacking.

Methods:
Patients undergoing DP for PDAC at 2 academic hospitals from 2000 through 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. The eighth edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system was used. The MNELN was estimated using the binomial probability law. Survival analyses were performed separately for node-negative and node-positive patients using univariable and multivariable models.

Results:
The study population consisted of 240 patients. The median number of ELN was 21, significantly lower in node-negative patients as compared with node-positive patients (18.5 vs 24.0; P = 0.001). The proportion of node-positive patients increased with increasing numbers of ELNs, whereas LNR showed an inverse trend. The estimated MNELN was 20. The number of ELN (≥ or <20) was an independent prognostic factor only in node-negative patients [odds ratio (OR) 3.23 for ELN <20), suggesting a stage migration effect. In node-positive patients, N2-class, but not LNR, was a significant predictor of survival at multivariable analysis (OR 1.68).

Conclusion:
The number of ELN affects nodal staging in body/tail PDAC. At least 20 LNs are required for correct staging. N-status is superior to LNR in predicting survival of node-positive patients.
Preoperative Predictive Factors of Conversions in Laparoscopic Splenectomies
Authors: Vecchio Rosario , Milluzzo Sebastian M. , Troina Graziano , Cacciola Emma , Cacciola Rossella R. , Catalano Renato S. , Caputo Marco 
Published: April 2018

Purpose:
Presently, laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) is being performed for several indications in clinical practice. However, conversion to open surgery is occasionally required in some patients. We analyzed the intraoperative indications and potential preoperative predictors associated with conversion to open surgery in those presenting for LS.

Methods:
We reviewed 107 patients who underwent LS. We analyzed the surgical indications, spleen size, surgical procedure performed, operative time, rate of and indications for conversions, as well as postoperative complications.

Results:
Among the 15 patients (14.0%) who underwent conversion, the conversion was related to the occurrence of a splenic lymphoma in 10, severe bleeding in 3, a lack of anatomic definition in 1, and splenic candidiasis in 1 patient. A comparison between the results obtained in the initial 30 patients (LS performed during the learning curve) and those obtained in the remaining 77 patients, showed that conversions appeared to be related to the experience/expertise of the surgical team excluding patients with splenic malignancies. Conversion was not associated with a higher morbidity-mortality rate, but only a longer length of hospitalization.

Conclusions:
LS is a gold standard procedure when performed by experienced and competent surgeons. However, careful patient selection is recommended before using the laparoscopic approach in those presenting with splenic malignancies.
Determination of cyanide in bamboo shoots by microdiffusion combined with ion chromatography–pulsed amperometric detection
Authors: Ding Ming , Wang Kailiang 
Published: April 2018

A practical method for the determination of cyanide in bamboo shoots has been developed using microdiffusion preparation integrated with ion chromatography–pulsed amperometric detection (IC-PAD). Cyanide was released from bamboo shoots after Conway cell microdiffusion, and then analysed by IC-PAD. In comparison with the previously reported methods, derivatization and ion-pairing agent addition were not required in this proposed microdiffusion combined with IC-PAD method. The microdiffusion parameters were optimized including hydrolysis systems, temperature, time, and so on. Under the optimum conditions, the linear range of the calibration curve for cyanide was 0.2–200.0 µg kg
−1
with satisfactory correlation coefficients of 0.9996 and the limit of detection was 0.2 µg kg
−1
(
S/N
= 3). The spiked recovery range was from 92.8 to 98.6%. The intra-day and inter-day relative standard deviations of cyanide were 2.7–14.9% and 3.0–18.3%, respectively. This method was proved to be convenient in operation with high sensitivity, precision and accuracy, and was successfully applied in the determination of cyanide in bamboo shoot samples.
High quality whole genome sequence of an abundant Holarctic odontocete, the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena)
Authors: Autenrieth Marijke , Hartmann Stefanie , Lah Ljerka , Roos Anna , Dennis Alice B. , Tiedemann Ralph 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) is a highly mobile cetacean found in waters across the Northern hemisphere. It occurs in coastal water and inhabits water basins that vary broadly in salinity, temperature, and food availability. These diverse habitats could drive differentiation among populations. Here we report the first harbour porpoise genome, assembled de novo from a Swedish Kattegat individual. The genome is one of the most complete cetacean genomes currently available, with a total size of 2.7 Gb and 50% of the total length found in just 34 scaffolds. Using the largest 122 scaffolds, we were able to validate a high level of homology to the chromosome-level genome assembly of the closest related species for which such resource was available, the domestic cattle (Bos taurus). The draft annotation comprises 22,154 predicted gene models, which we further annotated through matches to the NCBI nucleotide database, GO categorization, and motif prediction. To infer the adaptive abilities of this species, as well as their population history, we performed a Bayesian skyline analysis, and produced results that are concordant with the demographic history of this species, including expansion and fragmentation events. Overall, this genome assembly, together with the draft annotation, represents a crucial addition to the limited genetic markers currently available for the study of porpoises and Phocoenidae conservation, phylogeny, and evolution.
3D Functional Ultrasound Imaging of Pigeons
Authors: Rau Richard , Kruizinga Pieter , Mastik Frits , Belau Markus , de Jong Nico , Bosch Johannes G. , Scheffer Wolfgang , Maret Georg 
Published: April 2018

AbstractRecent advances in ultrasound Doppler imaging have allowed to visualize brain activity in small mammalian species such as rats and mice. In birds, this type of functional ultrasound imaging was impossible up to now because birds have physiological characteristics that are unfavorable for current functional ultrasound acquisition schemes. Here, we introduce a high-definition functional ultrasound acquisition method (HDfUS) acquiring 20,000 frames per second continuously. This enabled first successful functional studies on awake pigeons subjected to auditory and visual stimulation. We show that the improved spatiotemporal resolution and sensitivity of HDfUS allows to visualize and investigate the temporally resolved 3D neural activity evoked by a complex stimulation pattern, such as a moving light source. This illustrates the enormous potential of HDfUS imaging to become a new standard functional brain imaging method revealing unknown, stimulus related hemodynamics at excellent signal-to-noise ratio and spatiotemporal resolution.Highlights- We describe a novel ultrafast functional ultrasound technique (HDfUS)- HDfUS offers continuous recording with unmatched spatiotemporal resolution- HDfUS allows to resolve complex 4D neurovascular responses in the brain- First fUS study on non-mammalian species
A novel framework for inferring parameters of transmission from viral sequence data
Authors: Lumby Casper K , Nene Nuno R , Illingworth Christopher J R 
Published: April 2018

AbstractTransmission between hosts is a critical part of the viral lifecycle. Recent studies of viral transmission have used genome sequence data to evaluate the number of particles transmitted between hosts, and the role of selection as it operates during the transmission process. However, the interpretation of sequence data describing transmission events is a challenging task. We here present a novel and comprehensive framework for using short-read sequence data to understand viral transmission events. Our model describes transmission as an event involving whole viruses, rather than independent alleles. We demonstrate how selection and noisy sequence data may each affect inferences of the population bottleneck, and identify circumstances in which selection for increased viral transmission may or may not be identified. Applying our model to data from a previous experimental transmission study, we show that our approach grants a more quantitative insight into viral transmission, inferring that between 2 to 6 viruses initiated infection, and allowing for a more informed interpretation of transmission events. While our model is here applied to influenza transmission, the framework we present is highly generalisable to other systems. Our work provides new opportunities for studying viral transmission.
AchE-OGT dual inhibitors: Potential Partners in Handling Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Sharma Mukta , Jainarayanan Ashwin K. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe emerging role of O-GlcNAc Transferase (OGT) and tau protein in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) holds promises for the treatment of this life-threatening neurodegenerative disorder. In view of the availability of 3D structure of OGT, we attempted to develop structure-based pharmacophore model to elucidate specific structural requirements for binding of inhibitors to the active site of OGT. During the course of study we discovered that donepezil, an old and trusted Acetylcholinesterase (AchE) inhibitor also possess the pharmacophoric sites important for interaction with OGT active site. To further explore the specific interactions of donepezil with OGT, we performed molecular docking studies using CDocker. The results of molecular docking and structure-based pharmacophore mapping revealed that donepezil has the required structural features to interact with various OGT active site amino acids like Lys842, His920, Leu653, Gly654, Asn838, and Thr921 in addition to its AchE interaction abilities. Our findings could be an important breakthrough in the design of OGT specific and/or AchE OGT dual inhibitors.
Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) of Upregulated Genes in Cocaine Addiction Reveals miRNAs as Potential Therapeutic Agents
Authors: Ahammad Ishtiaque 
Published: April 2018

AbstractCocaine addiction is a global health problem that causes substantial damage to the health of addicted individuals around the world. Dopamine synthesizing neurons in the brain play a vital role in the addiction to cocaine. But the underlying molecular mechanisms that help cocaine exert its addictive effect have not been very well understood. Bioinformatics can be a useful tool in the attempt to broaden our understanding in this area. In the present study, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was carried out on the upregulated genes from a dataset of Dopamine synthesizing neurons of post-mortem human brain of cocaine addicts. As a result of this analysis, 3 miRNAs have been identified as having significant influence on transcription of the upregulated genes. These 3 miRNAs hold therapeutic potential for the treatment of cocaine addiction.
Design and analysis of a Proportional-Integral-Derivative controller with biological molecules
Authors: Chevalier Michael , Gómez-Schiavon Mariana , Ng Andrew , El-Samad Hana 
Published: April 2018

SummaryThe ability of cells to regulate their function through feedback control is a fundamental underpinning of life. The capability to engineer de novo feedback control with biological molecules is ushering in an era of robust functionality for many applications in biotechnology and medicine. To fulfill their potential, feedback control strategies implemented with biological molecules need to be generalizable, modular and operationally predictable. Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) control fulfills this role for technological systems and is a commonly used strategy in engineering. Integral feedback control allows a system to return to an invariant steady-state value after step disturbances, hence enabling its robust operation. Proportional and derivative feedback control used with integral control help sculpt the dynamics of the return to steady-state following perturbation. Recently, a biomolecular implementation of integral control was proposed based on an antithetic motif in which two molecules interact stoichiometrically to annihilate each other’s function. In this work, we report how proportional and derivative implementations can be layered on top of this integral architecture to achieve a biochemical PID control design. We illustrate through computational and analytical treatments that the addition of proportional and derivative control improves performance, and discuss practical biomolecular implementations of these control strategies.