bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differentiation of periapical granulomas and cysts by using dental MRI: a pilot study
Authors: Juerchott Alexander , Pfefferle Thorsten , Flechtenmacher Christa , Mente Johannes , Bendszus Martin , Heiland Sabine , Hilgenfeld Tim 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate whether periapical granulomas can be differentiated from periapical cysts in vivo by using dental magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Prior to apicoectomy, 11 patients with radiographically confirmed periapical lesions underwent dental MRI, including fat-saturated T2-weighted (T2wFS) images, non-contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images with and without fat saturation (T1w/T1wFS), and contrast-enhanced fat-saturated T1-weighted (T1wFS+C) images. Two independent observers performed structured image analysis of MRI datasets twice. A total of 15 diagnostic MRI criteria were evaluated, and histopathological results (6 granulomas and 5 cysts) were compared with MRI characteristics. Statistical analysis was performed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Cohen’s kappa (κ), Mann–Whitney U-test and Fisher’s exact test. Lesion identification and consecutive structured image analysis was possible on T2wFS and T1wFS+C MRI images. A high reproducibility was shown for MRI measurements of the maximum lesion diameter (intraobserver ICC = 0.996/0.998; interobserver ICC = 0.997), for the “peripheral rim” thickness (intraobserver ICC = 0.988/0.984; interobserver ICC = 0.970), and for all non-quantitative MRI criteria (intraobserver-κ = 0.990/0.995; interobserver-κ = 0.988). In accordance with histopathological results, six MRI criteria allowed for a clear differentiation between cysts and granulomas: (1) outer margin of lesion, (2) texture of “peripheral rim” in T1wFS+C, (3) texture of “lesion center” in T2wFS, (4) surrounding tissue involvement in T2wFS, (5) surrounding tissue involvement in T1wFS+C and (6) maximum “peripheral rim” thickness (all: P < 0.05). In conclusion, this pilot study indicates that radiation-free dental MRI enables a reliable differentiation between periapical cysts and granulomas in vivo. Thus, MRI may substantially improve treatment strategies and help to avoid unnecessary surgery in apical periodontitis.
Dlx1/2 and Otp coordinate the production of hypothalamic GHRH- and AgRP-neurons
Authors: Lee Bora , Kim Janghyun , An Taekyeong , Kim Sangsoo , Patel Esha M. , Raber Jacob , Lee Soo-Kyung , Lee Seunghee , Lee Jae W. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractDespite critical roles of the hypothalamic arcuate neurons in controlling the growth and energy homeostasis, the gene regulatory network directing their development remains unclear. Here we report that the transcription factors Dlx1/2 and Otp coordinate the balanced generation of the two functionally related neurons in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus, GHRH-neurons promoting the growth and AgRP-neurons controlling the feeding and energy expenditure. Dlx1/2-deficient mice show a loss-of-GHRH-neurons and an increase of AgRP-neurons, and consistently develop dwarfism and consume less energy. These results indicate that Dlx1/2 are crucial for specifying the GHRH-neuronal identity and, simultaneously, for suppressing AgRP-neuronal fate. We further show that Otp is required for the generation of AgRP-neurons and that Dlx1/2 repress the expression of Otp by directly binding the Otp gene. Together, our study demonstrates that the identity of GHRH- and AgRP-neurons is synchronously specified and segregated by the Dlx1/2-Otp gene regulatory axis.
Neuromelanin organelles are specialized autolysosomes that accumulate undegraded proteins and lipids in aging human brain and are likely involved in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Zucca Fabio A. , Vanna Renzo , Cupaioli Francesca A. , Bellei Chiara , De Palma Antonella , Di Silvestre Dario , Mauri Pierluigi , Grassi Sara , Prinetti Alessandro , Casella Luigi , Sulzer David , Zecca Luigi 
Published: May 2018

AbstractDuring aging, neuronal organelles filled with neuromelanin (a dark-brown pigment) and lipid bodies accumulate in the brain, particularly in the substantia nigra, a region targeted in Parkinson’s disease. We have investigated protein and lipid systems involved in the formation of these organelles and in the synthesis of the neuromelanin of human substantia nigra. Membrane and matrix proteins characteristic of lysosomes were found in neuromelanin-containing organelles at a lower number than in typical lysosomes, indicating a reduced enzymatic activity and likely impaired capacity for lysosomal and autophagosomal fusion. The presence of proteins involved in lipid transport may explain the accumulation of lipid bodies in the organelle and the lipid component in neuromelanin structure. The major lipids observed in lipid bodies of the organelle are dolichols with lower amounts of other lipids. Proteins of aggregation and degradation pathways were present, suggesting a role for accumulation by this organelle when the ubiquitin-proteasome system is inadequate. The presence of proteins associated with aging and storage diseases may reflect impaired autophagic degradation or impaired function of lysosomal enzymes. The identification of typical autophagy proteins and double membranes demonstrates the organelle’s autophagic nature and indicates that it has engulfed neuromelanin precursors from the cytosol. Based on these data, it appears that the neuromelanin-containing organelle has a very slow turnover during the life of a neuron and represents an intracellular compartment of final destination for numerous molecules not degraded by other systems.
Microfluidic cell sorting: Towards improved biocompatibility of extracorporeal lung assist devices
Authors: Bleilevens Christian , Lölsberg Jonas , Cinar Arne , Knoben Maren , Grottke Oliver , Rossaint Rolf , Wessling Matthias 
Published: May 2018

AbstractExtracorporeal lung assist technology is one of the last options in critical care medicine to treat patients suffering from severe oxygenation and decarboxylation disorders. Platelet activation along with the consequent thrombus formation is a potentially life-threatening complication of this technique. To avoid platelet-dependent clot formation, this study aims at developing a microfluidic cell sorting chip that can bypass platelets prior to the membrane oxygenator of the extracorporeal lung assist device. The cell sorting chips were produced by maskless dip-in laser lithography, followed by soft lithography replication using PDMS. Citrated porcine whole blood with a clinically relevant haematocrit of 17% was used for the cell sorting experiments involving three different blood flow rates. The joint effects of flow focusing and hydrodynamic lifting forces within the cell sorting chip resulted in a reduction of up to 57% of the baseline platelet count. This cell sorting strategy is suitable for the continuous and label-free separation of red blood cells and platelets and is potentially applicable for increasing the biocompatibility and lifetime of current extracorporeal lung assist devices.
Identification of the miRNAome of early mesoderm progenitor cells and cardiomyocytes derived from human pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Garate Ximena , La Greca Alejandro , Neiman Gabriel , Blüguermann Carolina , Santín Velazque Natalia Lucía , Moro Lucía Natalia , Luzzani Carlos , Scassa Maria Elida , Sevlever Gustavo Emilio , Romorini Leonardo , Miriuka Santiago Gabriel 
Published: May 2018

AbstractMicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs involved in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression related to many cellular functions. We performed a small-RNAseq analysis of cardiac differentiation from pluripotent stem cells. Our analyses identified some new aspects about microRNA expression in this differentiation process. First, we described a dynamic expression profile of microRNAs where some of them are clustered according to their expression level. Second, we described the extensive network of isomiRs and ADAR modifications. Third, we identified the microRNAs families and clusters involved in the establishment of cardiac lineage and define the mirRNAome based on these groups. Finally, we were able to determine a more accurate miRNAome associated with cardiomyocytes by comparing the expressed microRNAs with other mature cells. MicroRNAs exert their effect in a complex and interconnected way, making necessary a global analysis to better understand their role. Our data expands the knowledge of microRNAs and their implications in cardiomyogenesis.
Relationship between agro-environmental variables and breeding Hylids in rice paddies
Authors: Borzée Amaël , Heo Kyongman , Jang Yikweon 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWhen natural wetlands are destroyed, many anuran species are forced to breed in alternative habitats such as rice paddies. We conducted field surveys for the endangeredDryophytes suweonensisand the numerousD. japonicus, from the beginning of the breeding season until two weeks after its peak. We recorded the presence, number of individuals and calling indices for each species. We hypothesized thatD. japonicuswould start breeding earlier thanD. suweonensis, which would have originally been breeding solely in floodplains. The results of our analyses demonstrate that the rice cultivation phase was the most important factor in predicting the calling activities of both species. Furthermore, peak calling activities of both species matched the optimal hydroperiod in rice paddies. In addition,D. japonicusbreeding behaviour was influenced by environmental variables such as temperature, whereasD. suweonensisseemed to require the planting of rice seedlings to initiate breeding. Therefore, as bothDryophytesspecies’ breeding activities are influenced by agro-environmental variables, this study highlights the importance of also preserving anthropogenically modified landscapes for the conservation of species.
Vitamin D Metabolism-Related Gene Haplotypes and Their Association with Metabolic Disturbances Among African-American Urban Adults
Authors: Beydoun May A. , Hossain Sharmin , Tajuddin Salman M. , Canas Jose A. , Kuczmarski Marie , Beydoun Hind A. , Evans Michele K. , Zonderman Alan B. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractEpidemiological studies have confirmed associations of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and vitamin D-related gene polymorphisms with adiposity and other metabolic disturbances. Those associations may be sex-specific. We evaluated the cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships between metabolic disturbances and haplotypes constructed from single nucleotide polymorphisms of VDR (BsmI:G/A: rs1544410; ApaI:A/C: rs7975232; and TaqI:G/A: rs731236) and MEGALIN (rs3755166:G/A; rs2075252:C/T and rs2228171:C/T) genes, in a sample of African-American adults. From 1,024 African Americans participating in the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span (HANDLS, 2004–2013, Baltimore, MD), our analyses included 539 participants with complete genetic, baseline covariate and metabolic outcome data (at baseline and follow-up). Mean ± SD period of follow-up was 4.64 ± 0.93 y. Multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards and logistic regression models were conducted. Among key findings, in men, incident hypertension was inversely related to MEGALIN1 (GCC), [HR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.23–0.90, p = 0.024]. Overall, there was a direct, linear dose-response association between VDR2 (AAG: BAt) and MetS at baseline [OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.11–2.31, p = 0.012], while among men, VDR3 (GAA: bAT) was inversely related to baseline MetS [OR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.19–0.81, p = 0.011]. In conclusion, VDR and MEGALIN gene variations can affect prevalent MetS and the incidence rate of hypertension, respectively, among African-American urban adults.
Assessment of Central Visual Function in Patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa
Authors: Fujiwara Kohta , Ikeda Yasuhiro , Murakami Yusuke , Tachibana Takashi , Funatsu Jun , Koyanagi Yoshito , Nakatake Shunji , Yoshida Noriko , Nakao Shintaro , Hisatomi Toshio , Yoshida Shigeo , Yoshitomi Takeshi , Ishibashi Tatsuro , Sonoda Koh-Hei 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn order to clarify the disease progression in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and its related factors, reliable data on the changes in central visual function in RP are needed. In this longitudinal study, we examined 118 patients who were diagnosed with typical RP. Visual acuity (VA), visual field using a Humphrey Field Analyzer with the central 10-2 SITA-Standard program, and optical coherence tomography measurements were obtained. The slopes, which were derived from serial values of mean deviation (MD), macular sensitivity (MS), or foveal sensitivity (FS) obtained for each eye by a linear mixed model, were used for analysis. MS and FS were calculated as the average retinal sensitivity of 12 and 4 central points respectively. There were statistically significant interactions of times with levels of the central subfield thickness (CST) on the slopes of MS and FS. Compared to the eyes without macular complications, the eyes with macular complications had steeper MD, MS and FS slopes, and this interaction was no significant, but marginal trend for the MS or FS slope (P = 0.10, 0.05, respectively). The central retinal sensitivity (i.e., MS and FS) slopes calculated were effective indices of the progression of central visual function in RP.
A 2-transcript host cell signature distinguishes viral from bacterial diarrhea and it is influenced by the severity of symptoms
Authors: Barral-Arca R. , Pardo-Seco J. , Martinón-Torres F. , Salas A. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractRecently, a biomarker signature consisting of 2-transcript host RNAs was proposed for discriminating bacterial from viral infections in febrile children. We evaluated the performance of this signature in a different disease scenario, namely a cohort of Mexican children (n = 174) suffering from acute diarrhea of different infectious etiologies. We first examined the admixed background of the patients, indicating that most of them have a predominantly Native American genetic ancestry with a variable amount of European background (ranging from 0% to 57%). The results confirm that the RNA test can discriminate between viral and bacterial causes of infection (t-test; P-value = 6.94×10−11; AUC = 80%; sensitivity: 68% [95% CI: 55%–79%]; specificity: 84% [95% CI: 78%–90%]), but the strength of the signal differs substantially depending on the causal pathogen, with the stronger signal being that of Shigella (P-value = 3.14 × 10−12; AUC = 89; sensitivity: 70% [95% CI: 57%–83%]; specificity: 100% [95% CI: 100%–100%]). The accuracy of this test improves significantly when excluding mild cases (P-value = 2.13 × 10−6; AUC = 85%; sensitivity: 79% [95% CI: 58%–95%]; specificity: 78% [95% CI: 65%–88%]). The results broaden the scope of previous studies by incorporating different pathogens, variable levels of disease severity, and different ancestral background of patients, and add confirmatory support to the clinical utility of these 2-transcript biomarkers.
Hematopoietic Stem Cells as a Novel Source of Dental Tissue Cells
Authors: Wilson Katie R. , Kang In-Hong , Baliga Uday , Xiong Ying , Chatterjee Shilpak , Moore Emily , Parthiban Beneta , Thyagarajan Krishnamurthy , Borke James L. , Mehrotra Shikhar , Kirkwood Keith L. , LaRue Amanda C. , Ogawa Makio , Mehrotra Meenal 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWhile earlier studies have suggested that cells positive for hematopoietic markers can be found in dental tissues, it has yet to be confirmed. To conclusively demonstrate this, we utilized a unique transgenic model in which all hematopoietic cells are green fluorescent protein+ (GFP+). Pulp, periodontal ligament (PDL) and alveolar bone (AvB) cell culture analysis demonstrated numerous GFP+ cells, which were also CD45+ (indicating hematopoietic origin) and co-expressed markers of cellular populations in pulp (dentin matrix protein-1, dentin sialophosphoprotein, alpha smooth muscle actin [ASMA], osteocalcin), in PDL (periostin, ASMA, vimentin, osteocalcin) and in AvB (Runx-2, bone sialoprotein, alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin). Transplantation of clonal population derived from a single GFP+ hematopoietic stem cell (HSC), into lethally irradiated recipient mice, demonstrated numerous GFP+ cells within dental tissues of recipient mice, which also stained for markers of cell populations in pulp, PDL and AvB (used above), indicating that transplanted HSCs can differentiate into cells in dental tissues. These hematopoietic-derived cells deposited collagen and can differentiate in osteogenic media, indicating that they are functional. Thus, our studies demonstrate, for the first time, that cells in pulp, PDL and AvB can have a hematopoietic origin, thereby opening new avenues of therapy for dental diseases and injuries.
Extraction and quantification of biofilm bacteria: Method optimized for urinary catheters
Authors: Mandakhalikar Kedar Diwakar , Rahmat Juwita Norasmara , Chiong Edmund , Neoh Koon Gee , Shen Liang , Tambyah Paul Anantharajah 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBacterial biofilms are responsible for the failure of many medical devices such as urinary catheters and are associated with many infectious and non-infectious complications. Preclinical and clinical evaluation of novel catheter coatings to prevent these infections needs to accurately quantify the bacterial load in the biofilm in vitro and ex vivo. There is currently no uniform gold standard for biofilm quantification for different surfaces and established biofilms. We have tried to establish a simple, accurate and reproducible method for extraction and measurement of biofilm bacteria on indwelling catheters, using a combination of vortexing and sonication. We demonstrate the usefulness of this method for catheters of different sizes – 3 Fr to 14 Fr – in vitro, in murine and porcine models, and indwelling in human clinical subjects. We also demonstrate consistent results with complex and polymicrobial biofilms. We believe that this standardized reproducible method will assist the assessment of biofilms in general and urological devices in particular in efforts to harness novel technologies to prevent healthcare associated infections.
Neuromolecular basis of faded perception associated with unreality experience
Authors: Yokokawa Keita , Ito Takehito , Takahata Keisuke , Takano Harumasa , Kimura Yasuyuki , Ichise Masanori , Ikoma Yoko , Isato Ayako , Zhang Ming-Rong , Kawamura Kazunori , Ito Hiroshi , Takahashi Hidehiko , Suhara Tetsuya , Yamada Makiko 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPerceptual changes in shape, size, or color are observed in patients with derealization symptoms; however, the underlying neural and molecular mechanisms are not well understood. The current study explored the relationship between neural activity associated with altered colorfulness perception assessed by fMRI and striatal dopamine D2receptor availability measured by [11C]raclopride PET in healthy participants. Inside an fMRI scanner, participants performed the saturation adaptation task, where they rated how much vivid/faded visual objects looked like real/unreal ones using a visual analog scale. We found that participants experienced greater unreality when they perceived fadedness than vividness despite physically identical saturation. The combined fMRI and PET analyses revealed that the faded perception-related activities of the dorsolateral prefrontal and parietal cortex were positively correlated with striatal D2receptor availability. This finding may help to understand the neuromolecular mechanisms of faded perception associated with feeling unreal in derealization symptoms.
Brain APOE expression quantitative trait loci-based association study identified one susceptibility locus for Alzheimer’s disease by interacting with APOE ε4
Authors: Zhang Aiqian , Zhao Qingnan , Xu Dabao , Jiang Shan 
Published: May 2018

AbstractSome studies have demonstrated interactions of AD-risk single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in non-APOEregions withAPOEgenotype. Nevertheless, no study reported interactions of expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) forAPOEwithAPOEgenotype. In present study, we included 9286 unrelated AD patients and 8479 normal controls from 12 cohorts of NIA Genetics of Alzheimer’s Disease Data Storage Site (NIAGADS) and Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). 34 unrelated brain eQTLs forAPOEwere compiled from BRAINEAC and GTEx. We used multi-covariate logistic regression analysis to identify eQTLs interacted withAPOEε4. Adjusted for age and gender, substantia nigra eQTL rs438811 forAPOEshowed significantly strong interaction withAPOEε4 status (OR, 1.448; CI, 1.124–1.430;P-value = 7.94 × 10−6).APOEε4-based sub-group analyses revealed that carrying one minor allele T of rs438811 can increase the opportunity of developing to AD by 26.75% inAPOEε4 carriers but not in non-carriers. We revealed substantia nigra eQTL rs438811 forAPOEcan interact withAPOEε4 and confers risk inAPOEε4 carriers only.
Randomised Controlled Clinical Trial Investigating The Impact of Implementation Planning on Behaviour Related to The Diet
Authors: O’Toole S. , Newton T. , Moazzez R. , Hasan A. , Bartlett D. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThere is a perceived gap between dietary advice given by health practitioners and adherence to the advice by patients. We investigated whether a behaviour change technique (implementation-planning) was more effective than standard-of-care diet advice at reducing dietary acid intake using quantitative erosive tooth wear progression as an objective clinical outcome. This study was a randomised controlled, double-blind, single-centre clinical trial in the UK. Participants (n = 60) with high dietary acid intake (≥2 daily), were recruited and randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either implementation-planning or standard-of-care diet advice in a single clinical session. Questionnaires and impressions were taken at baseline and 6 months later. Dental casts were scanned using laser profilometry and superimposed using surface-matching software. Data were analysed per protocol and intention-to-treat using independent t-tests and Mann-Whitney tests. The intervention group reduced their dietary acid intake between meals to 1 intake per day compared to 2 intakes per day for the controls and demonstrated reduced dental hard tissue volume loss (−0.00 mm3 (SD = 0.01)) compared to controls (−0.07 mm3 (SD 0.17)), p = 0.049. This paper supports the use of implementation planning in clinical practice and presents a non-invasive method of intervention assessment in behaviour change. Larger trials are needed to confirm the generalisability of results.
Transcriptomic response of breast cancer cells to anacardic acid
Authors: Schultz David J. , Krishna Abirami , Vittitow Stephany L. , Alizadeh-Rad Negin , Muluhngwi Penn , Rouchka Eric C. , Klinge Carolyn M. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAnacardic acid (AnAc), a potential dietary agent for preventing and treating breast cancer, inhibited the proliferation of estrogen receptor α (ERα) positive MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 triple negative breast cancer cells. To characterize potential regulators of AnAc action, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells were treated for 6 h with purified AnAc 24:1n5 congener followed by next generation transcriptomic sequencing (RNA-seq) and network analysis. We reported that AnAc-differentially regulated miRNA transcriptomes in each cell line and now identify AnAc-regulated changes in mRNA and lncRNA transcript expression. In MCF-7 cells, 80 AnAc-responsive genes were identified, including lncRNA MIR22HG. More AnAc-responsive genes (886) were identified in MDA-MB-231 cells. Only six genes were commonly altered by AnAc in both cell lines: SCD, INSIG1, and TGM2 were decreased and PDK4, GPR176, and ZBT20 were increased. Modeling of AnAc-induced gene changes suggests that AnAc inhibits monounsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis in both cell lines and increases endoplasmic reticulum stress in MDA-MB-231 cells. Since modeling of downregulated genes implicated NFκB in MCF-7, we confirmed that AnAc inhibited TNFα-induced NFκB reporter activity in MCF-7 cells. These data identify new targets and pathways that may account for AnAc’s anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activity.