bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Apicomplexa-specific glucosamine-6-phosphate N-acetyltransferase gene family encodes a key enzyme for glycoconjugate synthesis with potential as therapeutic target
Authors: Cova Marta , López-Gutiérrez Borja , Artigas-Jerónimo Sara , González-Díaz Aida , Bandini Giulia , Maere Steven , Carretero-Paulet Lorenzo , Izquierdo Luis 
Published: February 2018

AbstractApicomplexa form a phylum of obligate parasitic protozoa of great clinical and veterinary importance. These parasites synthesize glycoconjugates for their survival and infectivity, but the enzymatic steps required to generate the glycosylation precursors are not completely characterized. In particular, glucosamine-phosphate N-acetyltransferase (GNA1) activity, needed to produce the essential UDP-N-acetylglucosamine (UDP-GlcNAc) donor, has not been identified in any Apicomplexa. We scanned the genomes of Plasmodium falciparum and representatives from six additional main lineages of the phylum for proteins containing the Gcn5-related N-acetyltransferase (GNAT) domain. One family of GNAT-domain containing proteins, composed by a P. falciparum sequence and its six apicomplexan orthologs, rescued the growth of a yeast temperature-sensitive GNA1 mutant. Heterologous expression and in vitro assays confirmed the GNA1 enzymatic activity in all lineages. Sequence, phylogenetic and synteny analyses suggest an independent origin of the Apicomplexa-specific GNA1 family, parallel to the evolution of a different GNA1 family in other eukaryotes. The inability to disrupt an otherwise modifiable gene target suggests that the enzyme is essential for P. falciparum growth. The relevance of UDP-GlcNAc for parasite viability, together with the independent evolution and unique sequence features of Apicomplexa GNA1, highlights the potential of this enzyme as a selective therapeutic target against apicomplexans.
Exponential energy harvesting through repetitive reconfigurations of a system of capacitors
Authors: Yu Jian , Ma Enze , Ma Tianwei 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIn conventional energy harvesting systems, energy can be extracted from a fixed-level source at a constant rate at best. The resulting growth of harvested energy is bound by a linear function. Here we show that exponential energy harvesting can be achieved in a system of reconfigurable energy storage elements. The exponential extraction results from the positive feedback of the system potential energy due to repetitive system reconfigurations. The concept is studied theoretically and validated with results from systems of droplet capacitors. A device with three 300 μL mercury drops can generate an exponentially growing voltage that reaches 168 V within a few cycles of a low-level and low-frequency mechanical excitation. The same device with water drops can generate a similarly growing voltage that reaches 56 V. This concept holds potential in DC power generation and may be applied in other energy domains.
ImmPort, toward repurposing of open access immunological assay data for translational and clinical research
Authors: Bhattacharya Sanchita , Dunn Patrick , Thomas Cristel G. , Smith Barry , Schaefer Henry , Chen Jieming , Hu Zicheng , Zalocusky Kelly A. , Shankar Ravi D. , Shen-Orr Shai S. , Thomson Elizabeth , Wiser Jeffrey , Butte Atul J. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractImmunology researchers are beginning to explore the possibilities of reproducibility, reuse and secondary analyses of immunology data. Open-access datasets are being applied in the validation of the methods used in the original studies, leveraging studies for meta-analysis, or generating new hypotheses. To promote these goals, the ImmPort data repository was created for the broader research community to explore the wide spectrum of clinical and basic research data and associated findings. The ImmPort ecosystem consists of four components–Private Data, Shared Data, Data Analysis, and Resources—for data archiving, dissemination, analyses, and reuse. To date, more than 300 studies have been made freely available through the Shared Data portal (www.immport.org/immport-open), which allows research data to be repurposed to accelerate the translation of new insights into discoveries.
A new, short-recorded photoplethysmogram dataset for blood pressure monitoring in China
Authors: Liang Yongbo , Chen Zhencheng , Liu Guiyong , Elgendi Mohamed 
Published: February 2018

AbstractOpen clinical trial data provide a valuable opportunity for researchers worldwide to assess new hypotheses, validate published results, and collaborate for scientific advances in medical research. Here, we present a health dataset for the non-invasive detection of cardiovascular disease (CVD), containing 657 data segments from 219 subjects. The dataset covers an age range of 20–89 years and records of diseases including hypertension and diabetes. Data acquisition was carried out under the control of standard experimental conditions and specifications. This dataset can be used to carry out the study of photoplethysmograph (PPG) signal quality evaluation and to explore the intrinsic relationship between the PPG waveform and cardiovascular disease to discover and evaluate latent characteristic information contained in PPG signals. These data can also be used to study early and noninvasive screening of common CVD such as hypertension and other related CVD diseases such as diabetes.
Interoperable and accessible census and survey data from IPUMS
Authors: Kugler Tracy A. , Fitch Catherine A. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe first version of the Integrated Public Use Microdata Series (IPUMS) was released to users in 1993, and since that time IPUMS has come to stand for interoperable and accessible census and survey data. Initially created to harmonize U.S. census microdata over time, IPUMS now includes microdata from the U.S. and international censuses and from surveys on health, employment, and other topics. IPUMS also provides geo-spatial data, aggregate population data, and environmental data. IPUMS supports ten data products, each disseminating an integrated data collection with a set of tools that make complex data easy to find, access, and use. Key features are record-level integration to create interoperable datasets, user-friendly interfaces, and comprehensive metadata and documentation. The IPUMS philosophy aligns closely with the FAIR principles of findability, accessibility, interoperability, and re-usability. IPUMS data have catalyzed knowledge generation across a wide range of social science and other disciplines, as evidenced by the large volume of publications and other products created by the vast IPUMS user community.
Physiological Approach to Sodium Supplementation in Preterm Infants
Authors: Segar David , Segar Elizabeth , Harshman Lyndsay , Dagle John , Carlson Susan , Segar Jeffrey 
Published: February 2018

Objective To implement and evaluate a clinical practice algorithm to identify preterm infants with sodium deficiency and guide sodium supplementation based on urine sodium concentrations.
Study Design Urine sodium concentration was measured in infants born at 260/7 to 296/7 weeks' gestation at 2-week intervals. Sodium supplementation was based on the urine sodium algorithm. Growth and respiratory outcomes in this cohort were compared with a matched cohort cared for in our neonatal intensive care unit prior to algorithm implementation (2014–2015 cohort).
Results Data were compared for 50 infants in the 2014–2015 cohort and 40 infants in the 2016 cohort. Urine sodium concentration met criteria for supplementation in 75% of the 2016 cohort infants within the first 4 weeks after birth. Average daily sodium intake was greater in the 2016 cohort compared with the 2014–2015 cohort (p < 0.05). Caloric, protein, and total fluid intakes were similar between cohorts. The change in weight Z-score between 2 and 8 weeks of age was significantly greater in the 2016 versus 2014–2015 cohort (0.32 ± 0.05 vs. –0.01 ± 0.08; p < 0.01). No impact on respiratory status at 28 days of age or 36 weeks of postmenstrual age was identified.
Conclusion Institution of a clinical practice algorithm to instruct clinicians on sodium supplementation in preterm infants may improve growth outcomes.
Impact of Hippotherapy on Gross Motor Function and Quality of Life in Children with Bilateral Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Open-Label Crossover Study
Authors: Deutz Ute , Heussen Nicole , Weigt-Usinger Katharina , Leiz Steffen , Raabe Christa , Polster Tilman , Daniela Steinbüchel , Moll Christine , Lücke Thomas , Krägeloh-Mann Ingeborg , Hollmann Helmut , Häusler Martin 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis study investigated the effect of hippotherapy on gross motor function (Gross Motor Function Measure [GMFM]-66, GMFM dimension E and D) and quality of life (Child Health Questionnaire [CHQ 28], KIDSCREEN-27 parental versions) in children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy. Seventy-three children (age: 9.1 ± 3.3 years; male = 44; GMFCS levels II = 27; III = 17; IV = 29) were randomized to an early (n = 35) or late (n = 38) treatment group. Data from 66 probands were available for further analysis. Probands received hippotherapy once to twice weekly during a period of 16 to 20 weeks (mean: 17 treatments) in a crossover approach. Whereas no significant changes were found for total GMFM scores and quality of life parameters, a significant increase in GMFM dimension E was found. Children terminating the study early showed lower mean psychosocial quality of life scores than children who completed the whole study (CHQ-28 “psychosocial dimension”; KIDSCREEN-27 “mood and emotional dimension”). Our data are in line with previous reports and suggest that hippotherapy shows distinct therapeutic strengths with regard to promoting upright stand and gait in children with cerebral palsy. Children with higher psychosocial burden of disease may need special support to get access to and benefit from intensified physiotherapy programs.
Secondary Lingular Sleeve Resection to Avoid Pneumonectomy Following Bronchial Anastomotic Dehiscence after Left Lower Lobe Sleeve Resection for Destroyed Lung Syndrome
Authors: Bölükbas Servet , Zanner Robert , Eberlein Michael , Biancosino Christian , Redwan Bassam 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBronchial sleeve resections are technically demanding procedures compared with lobectomies. In case of bronchial anastomotic dehiscence, secondary pneumonectomy is the treatment of choice. However, a secondary pneumonectomy is usually associated with high morbidity and mortality. Here, we first report, to the best of our knowledge, a secondary lingular sleeve resection following bronchial anastomotic dehiscence after left lower lobe sleeve resection in a patient with a destroyed lobe syndrome due to a pseudotumor. This approach enabled the avoidance of secondary pneumonectomy, hence reducing the possible pneumonectomy-associated complications.
Änderungen der Pharmakotherapie nach Adipositas-Chirurgie - eine monozentrische Erhebung
Authors: Hansen A. , Mall J. W. , Engeli S. 
Published: February 2018

ZusammenfassungDie Arzneimitteltherapie des adipösen Patienten wird durch vielfältige ungeklärte Fragen erschwert und die Situation wird noch komplizierter, wenn sich ein Patient einer gewichtsreduzierenden Operation unterzieht. Postoperative Änderungen der Medikation hängen nicht nur mit der veränderten Pharmakokinetik einzelner Arzneimittel zusammen, sondern auch mit der Änderung von Begleiterkrankungen. Unsere Akten- und Fragebogenauswertung ergab für 88 Patienten eines zertifizierten Adipositas-Chirurgie-Zentrums eine Reduktion des BMI um 18,4 kg/m2 ein Jahr nach Operation bei 71% Schlauchmagenoperationen. Wie erwartet, ging die Gewichtsreduktion mit einem signifikant reduzierten Bedarf an blutzucker- (-76%) und blutdrucksenkenden (-60%) Arzneimitteln einher, der Bedarf an Eisensubstitution stieg an. Entgegen unserer Erwartung blieb die antidepressive Therapie unverändert und die Verordnungen analgetischer Arzneimittel nahmen an. Die Verordnungsraten von Protonenpumpen-Hemmern veränderten sich dynamisch von 50% präoperativ zu annähernd 100% direct postoperativ zu 50% ein Jahr postoperativ, was auch durch die Prophylaxe zur Sicherung der gastrointestinalen Wundheilung zu erklären ist.
Die Nutzung von E-Zigaretten in der deutschen Bevölkerung – Ergebnisse des Epidemiologischen Suchtsurvey 2015
Authors: Atzendorf Josefine , de Matos Elena Gomes , Kröger Christoph , Kraus Ludwig , Piontek Daniela 
Published: February 2018

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund Schätzungen zum E-Zigarettenkonsum in Deutschland variieren erheblich. Die Nutzung von E-Zigaretten zur Tabakentwöhnung wird kritisch diskutiert. Anhand aktueller Daten soll die Verbreitung des Konsums von E-Zigaretten und deren Nutzung in der erwachsenen Allgemeinbevölkerung Deutschlands dargestellt werden.
Methoden Als Datenbasis diente der Epidemiologische Suchtsurvey 2015, eine bundesweite Befragung von 18- bis 64-jährigen in Deutschland (n=9,204; Rücklaufquote: 52,2%).
Ergebnisse E-Zigaretten waren einem Großteil der Befragten bekannt (85,3%, 43,5 Mio.), wohingegen lediglich 2,9% (1,5 Mio.) E-Zigaretten in den letzten 30 Tagen genutzt hatten. Jüngere Personen (OR=0,95, 95%-KI=(0,93; 0,97)), Männer (OR=1,45, 95%-KI=(1,02; 2,07)) und Raucher (OR=12,53, 95%-KI=(8,71; 18,03)) zeigten ein signifikant höheres Risiko, E-Zigaretten zu konsumieren. Etwa ein Drittel (36,6%) der Raucher und Ex-Raucher konventioneller Zigaretten nutzte E-Zigaretten zur Tabakentwöhnung, wovon ein Fünftel (21,3%) mit dem Rauchen aufhören konnte.
Schlussfolgerungen E-Zigarettennutzer scheinen häufiger männlich, jünger und Raucher konventioneller Zigaretten zu sein. Neben Neugierde ist die Veränderung des Rauchverhaltens ein bedeutendes Konsummotiv. Die Ergebnisse deuten darauf hin, dass der Gebrauch von E-Zigaretten vereinzelt zur Tabakentwöhnung beitragen kann, die Mehrheit der Nutzer aber weiterhin konventionelle und/oder E-Zigaretten konsumiert.
Alltag und Rheuma
Authors: Schmale-Grede Rotraut , Baseler Gudrun , Köhler Insa , Rink Marion 
Published: February 2018

ZusammenfassungFür Menschen mit rheumatischen Erkrankungen ist der Alltag mit vielen Hürden versehen. Um Informationen über die Lebenssituation und die Unterstützungsmöglichkeiten für rheumakranke Menschen zu erhalten, hat die Deutsche Rheuma-Liga 2013/2014 eine Befragung bei Nichtmitgliedern (n=200) und Mitgliedern (n=325) durchgeführt. Für die Befragung wurde eine Stichprobe aus der Grundgesamtheit der Mitglieder der Landesverbände der Deutschen Rheuma-Liga und der Deutschen Vereinigung Morbus Bechterew gezogen. Die Nichtmitglieder wurden über Ärzte und Anzeigen rekrutiert. Es wurde sichergestellt, dass die befragten Mitglieder und Nichtmitglieder anteilig in Alter, Geschlecht und Diagnosen der Gesamtheit der Mitglieder der Rheuma-Liga entsprechen. In der Befragung der Deutschen Rheuma-Liga werden Familie und Partnerschaft als Ressource für Hilfe und Unterstützung bei der Krankheitsbewältigung benannt. Flexibilität im Hinblick auf die eigene Lebensplanung wird von Betroffenen als Grundvoraussetzung zur Bewältigung von steigenden funktionellen Einschränkungen erlebt. Autonomie und Selbstversorgung haben eine hohe Bedeutung für die Betroffenen. In der Befragung nannten die Betroffenen Mitglieder und Nichtmitglieder Einschränkungen durch die Erkrankung am häufigsten für den Bereich Hobbies und Sport, danach Alltag. 2013 haben immer noch mehr als ein Drittel der Befragten einen Hilfebedarf bei Haushaltsführung und Einkaufen angegeben. Von den Mitgliedern wurde dabei häufiger ein Hilfebedarf angegeben. Hilfe wird v. a. durch Mitglieder der Familie, durch Partner, Eltern, Geschwister, sowie durch Kinder und Schwiegerkinder in Anspruch genommen. Barrieren werden durch gesellschaftliche Rahmenbedingungen häufig erst produziert, z. B. durch bauliche Gegebenheiten, andere Hürden resultieren aus den krankheitsbedingten Funktionsbeeinträchtigungen und erfordern einen Ausgleich dieser Nachteile. Beides ist rechtlich in vielen Bereichen in Deutschland umfassend geregelt. Hier sollten Betroffene unterstützt werden, diese Rechte wahrzunehmen. Die Unterstützung durch den behandelnden Arzt ist dabei von hoher Bedeutung. Auch im Hinblick auf den Erhalt der Erwerbsfähigkeit kommt den behandelnden Ärzten aufgrund der Wechselwirkungen zwischen persönlichen Eigenschaften, Umweltfaktoren und den körperlichen Wirkungen der Erkrankung, die die berufliche Teilhabe beeinflussen, eine Schlüsselrolle zu.
Allergie und Mikrobiota
Authors: Schnitzer Susanne , Schmidt Rainer 
Published: February 2018

ZusammenfassungNoch immer wird eine allergische Reaktion als schicksalhaftes Geschehen angesehen, deren genetische Verankerung bewiesen und eine Erkrankung unvermeidbar ist. Diese Sichtweise rechtfertigt die klassischen symptomatischen Behandlungsstrategien. Systemisch gesehen entwickelt sich die allergische Reaktion jedoch aus dem immunologischen Bestreben, die menschliche Integrität gegenüber einer grundsätzlich feindlichen Umwelt zu wahren oder wiederherzustellen. Mit neuen Erkenntnissen über die menschliche Mikrobiota und das Mikrobiom sowie ihrem komplexen Zusammenspiel mit Schleimhautorgan, Immunsystem und Stoffwechsel werden Therapieansätze der Mikrobiologischen Therapie zunehmend verstanden. Kausale sowie präventive Therapieansätze für chronisch entzündliche Krankheitsbilder eröffnen sich.
Identification of a highly neurotoxic α-synuclein species inducing mitochondrial damage and mitophagy in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Grassi Diego , Howard Shannon , Zhou Minghai , Diaz-Perez Natalia , Urban Nicolai T. , Guerrero-Given Debbie , Kamasawa Naomi , Volpicelli-Daley Laura A. , LoGrasso Philip , Lasmézas Corinne Ida 
Published: February 2018

Significance
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease linked to the misfolding and aggregation of a protein called “α-synuclein.” α-Synuclein aggregates found in the brains of PD patients are called “Lewy bodies” and “Lewy neurites.” We discovered the existence of a type of α-synuclein aggregate, smaller than previously described and conformationally distinct, that we called “pα-syn*.” Pα-syn* was present in neuronal cultures and mice brains injected with recombinant α-synuclein fibrils as well as in the brains of PD patients. We showed that pα-syn* is made of trimmed α-synuclein resulting from a failed cellular attempt to degrade fibrillar α-synuclein aggregates. We found that pα-syn* is a major neurotoxic species inducing mitochondrial damage, fission, and mitophagy, therefore constituting a central player in PD pathogenesis.
Proteome profiling of extracellular vesicles captured with the affinity peptide Vn96: comparison of Laemmli and TRIzol© protein‐extraction methods
Authors: Joy Andrew P. , Ayre D. Craig , Chute Ian C. , Beauregard Annie‐Pier , Wajnberg Gabriel , Ghosh Anirban , Lewis Stephen M. , Ouellette Rodney J. , Barnett David A. 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTSample amount is often a limiting factor for multi‐parametric analyses that encompass at least three areas of ‘‐omics’ research: genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics. Limited sample amounts are also an important consideration when these multi‐parametric analyses are performed on extracellular vesicles (EVs), as the amount of EVs (and EV cargo) that can be isolated is often very low. It is well understood that a monophasic solution of phenol and guanidine isothiocyanate (i.e. TRIzol©) can simultaneously isolate DNA, RNA and proteins from biological samples; however, it is most commonly used for the extraction of RNA. Validation of this reagent for the isolation of multiple classes of biological molecules from EVs would provide a widely applicable method for performing multi‐parametric analyses of EV material. In this report, we describe a comparison of proteins identified from EVs processed with either TRIzol© or the conventional Laemmli buffer protein‐extraction reagents. EVs were isolated from 3 mL of cell‐culture supernatant derived from MCF‐10A, MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231 cells using the Vn96 EV capture technology. For the TRIzol© extraction protocol, proteins were precipitated with acetone from the organic phase and then re‐solubilized in a mixture of 8M urea, 0.2% SDS and 1 M Tris‐HCl pH 6.8, followed by dilution in 5× loading buffer prior to fractionation with 1D SDS‐PAGE. NanoLC‐MS/MS of the trypsin‐digested proteins was used to generate proteomic profiles from EV protein samples extracted with each method. Of the identified proteins, 57.7%, 69.2% and 57.0% were common to both extraction methods for EVs from MCF‐10A, MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231, respectively. Our results suggest that TRIzol© extraction of proteins from EVs has significant equivalence to the traditional Laemmli method. The advantage of using TRIzol© reagent is the ability to accumulate multi‐parametric data (e.g., RNA and protein profiles) on the same limited EV sample while minimizing sample preparation and processing time.
MicroRNAs in Peripheral Mononuclear Cells as Potential Biomarkers in Hypertensive Patients With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Marketou Maria E , Kontaraki Joanna E , Maragkoudakis Spyros , Patrianakos Alexandros , Konstantinou John , Nakou Helen , Vougia Despoina , Logakis John , Chlouverakis Gregory , Vardas Panos E , Parthenakis Fragiskos I 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

BACKGROUND
MicroRNAs (miRs) regulate gene expression and play an important role in ventricular and vascular remodeling. However, there are limited data regarding their role in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The aim of this study was to assess gene expression of miR-1, miR-133a, miR-21, miR-208b, miR-499, and miR-26b in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in hypertensive patients with HFpEF and to evaluate their association with their exercise capacity.

METHODS
We included 56 hypertensive patients with HFpEF (age 67.29 ± 7.75 years). Forty-two hypertensive patients without HFpEF (age 66.83 ± 7.17 years) served as controls. All subjects underwent a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPXT). PBMCs were isolated and levels of miRs were determined by quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS
For hypertensive patients with HFpEF, higher expression levels in PBMCs were found only for miR-26b (7.6 ± 7.3 vs. 4.0 ± 3.6, P = 0.002), miR-208b (28.8 ± 35.3 vs. 7.5 ± 13.3, P &lt; 0.001), and miR-499 (14.2 ± 22.4 versus 3.5 ± 2.9, P = 0.001). The strongest correlations with CPXT parameters were found for miR-208b levels, which had a positive correlation with maximal oxygen uptake (peakVO2) (r = 0.671, P &lt; 0.001), exercise duration (r = 0.445, P = 0.001), and minute ventilation–carbon dioxide production relationship (VE/VCO2) (r = 0.437, P = 0.001) in the HFpEF group.

CONCLUSIONS
miR-26b, miR-208b, and miR-499 show a distinct in profile in hypertensive patients with HFpEF that is related with functional capacity. Further studies are needed to assess the role of miRs as prognostic tools or as therapeutic targets in those patients.