bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of cell penetrating peptide-conjugated coactivator-associated arginine methyltransferase 1 (CPP-CARM1) on the cloned mouse embryonic development
Authors: Bang Jae-Il , Lee Eun-Hye , Lee Ah Reum , Il Lee Jin , Choi Seo Hye , Seol Dong-Won , Park Chang-Hwan , Lee Dong Ryul 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAbnormalities in gene expression that negatively affect embryonic development are frequently observed in cloned embryos generated by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). In the present study, we successfully produced a cell-penetrating peptide (CPP)-conjugated with coactivator-associated arginine methyltransferase 1 (CARM1) protein from mammalian cells and confirmed introduction into donor somatic cells and cloned 8-cell embryos within 3 hours after addition to culture medium. In addition, H3R17 dimethylation and embryonic development up to the blastocyst stage were increased in the group treated with exogenous CPP-CARM1 protein compared with the untreated group (control). Interestingly, the number of total cells and trophectoderm in blastocysts as well as implantation rate were significantly increased in the CPP-CARM1 protein-treated group. However, the cell number of inner cell mass (ICM) was not changed compared with the control group; similarly, expression of pluripotency-related genes Oct4 and Nanog (ICM markers) was not significantly different between groups. On the other hand, expression of the implantation-related gene Cdx2 (trophectoderm marker) was transiently increased after treatment with CPP-CARM1 protein. On the basis of these results, we conclude that supplementation with exogenous CPP-CARM1 protein improves embryonic development of cloned embryos through regulation of histone methylation and gene expression. In addition, our results suggest that CPP-CARM1 protein may be a useful tool for strengthening implantation of mammalian embryos.
ME1 promotes basal-like breast cancer progression and associates with poor prognosis
Authors: Liao Ruocen , Ren Guoping , Liu Huixin , Chen Xingyu , Cao Qianhua , Wu Xuebiao , Li Jun , Dong Chenfang 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBasal-like breast cancer (BLBC) is associated with a poor clinical outcome due to the few treatment options and absence of effective targeted agents. Here, we show that malic enzyme 1 (ME1) is dramatically upregulated in BLBC due to ME1 copy number amplification. ME1 expression increases glucose uptake and lactate production, and reduces oxygen consumption, leading to aerobic glycolysis. ME1 expression promotes, whereas knockdown of ME1 expression suppresses tumorigenicity. In breast cancer patients, ME1 expression is positively correlated with large tumor size, high grade, poor survival, and chemotherapy resistance. Our study not only contributes to a new understanding of how metabolic reprogramming contributes to BLBC progression, but also provides a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target for this challenging disease.
Calpain-mediated tau fragmentation is altered in Alzheimer’s disease progression
Authors: Chen Hsu-Hsin , Liu Peter , Auger Paul , Lee Seung-Hye , Adolfsson Oskar , Rey-Bellet Lorianne , Lafrance-Vanasse Julien , Friedman Brad A. , Pihlgren Maria , Muhs Andreas , Pfeifer Andrea , Ernst James , Ayalon Gai , Wildsmith Kristin R. , Beach Thomas G. , van der Brug Marcel P. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe aggregation of intracellular tau protein is a major hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The extent and the stereotypical spread of tau pathology in the AD brain are correlated with cognitive decline during disease progression. Here we present an in-depth analysis of endogenous tau fragmentation in a well-characterized cohort of AD and age-matched control subjects. Using protein mass spectrometry and Edman degradation to interrogate endogenous tau fragments in the human brain, we identified two novel proteolytic sites, G323 and G326, as major tau cleavage events in both normal and AD cortex. These sites are located within the sequence recently identified as the structural core of tau protofilaments, suggesting an inhibitory mechanism of fibril formation. In contrast, a different set of novel cleavages showed a distinct increase in late stage AD. These disease-associated sites are located outside of the protofilament core sequence. We demonstrate that calpain 1 specifically cleaves at both the normal and diseased sites in vitro, and the site selection is conformation-dependent. Monomeric tau is predominantly cleaved at G323/G326 (normal sites), whereas oligomerization increases cleavages at the late-AD-associated sites. The fragmentation patterns specific to disease and healthy states suggest novel regulatory mechanisms of tau aggregation in the human brain.
Luminescence lifetime encoding in time-domain flow cytometry
Authors: Kage Daniel , Hoffmann Katrin , Wittkamp Marc , Ameskamp Jens , Göhde Wolfgang , Resch-Genger Ute 
Published: November 2018

AbstractTime-resolved flow cytometry represents an alternative to commonly applied spectral or intensity multiplexing in bioanalytics. At present, the vast majority of the reports on this topic focuses on phase-domain techniques and specific applications. In this report, we present a flow cytometry platform with time-resolved detection based on a compact setup and straightforward time-domain measurements utilizing lifetime-encoded beads with lifetimes in the nanosecond range. We provide general assessment of time-domain flow cytometry and discuss the concept of this platform to address achievable resolution limits, data analysis, and requirements on suitable encoding dyes. Experimental data are complemented by numerical calculations on photon count numbers and impact of noise and measurement time on the obtained lifetime values.
High Oxygen Exchange to Music Indicates Auditory Distractibility in Acquired Brain Injury: An fNIRS Study with a Vector-Based Phase Analysis
Authors: Jeong Eunju , Ryu Hokyoung , Shin Joon-Ho , Kwon Gyu Hyun , Jo Geonsang , Lee Ji-Yeong 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAttention deficits due to auditory distractibility are pervasive among patients with acquired brain injury (ABI). It remains unclear, however, whether attention deficits following ABI specific to auditory modality are associated with altered haemodynamic responses. Here, we examined cerebral haemodynamic changes using functional near-infrared spectroscopy combined with a topological vector-based analysis method. A total of thirty-seven participants (22 healthy adults, 15 patients with ABI) performed a melodic contour identification task (CIT) that simulates auditory distractibility. Findings demonstrated that the melodic CIT was able to detect auditory distractibility in patients with ABI. The rate-corrected score showed that the ABI group performed significantly worse than the non-ABI group in both CIT1 (target contour identification against environmental sounds) and CIT2 (target contour identification against target-like distraction). Phase-associated response intensity during the CITs was greater in the ABI group than in the non-ABI group. Moreover, there existed a significant interaction effect in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) during CIT1 and CIT2. These findings indicated that stronger hemodynamic responses involving oxygen exchange in the left DLPFC can serve as a biomarker for evaluating and monitoring auditory distractibility, which could potentially lead to the discovery of the underlying mechanism that causes auditory attention deficits in patients with ABI.
Hepatokine α1-Microglobulin Signaling Exacerbates Inflammation and Disturbs Fibrotic Repair in Mouse Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Hakuno Daihiko , Kimura Masahiro , Ito Shinji , Satoh Junko , Nakashima Yasuhiro , Horie Takahiro , Kuwabara Yasuhide , Nishiga Masataka , Ide Yuya , Baba Osamu , Nishi Hitoo , Nakao Tetsushi , Nishino Tomohiro , Nakazeki Fumiko , Koyama Satoshi , Hanada Ritsuko , Randolph Ruiz R. , Endo Jin , Kimura Takeshi , Ono Koh 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAcute cardiac rupture and adverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling causing heart failure are serious complications of acute myocardial infarction (MI). While cardio-hepatic interactions have been recognized, their role in MI remains unknown. We treated cultured cardiomyocytes with conditioned media from various cell types and analyzed the media by mass spectrometry to identify α1-microglobulin (AM) as an Akt-activating hepatokine. In mouse MI model, AM protein transiently distributed in the infarct and border zones during the acute phase, reflecting infiltration of AM-bound macrophages. AM stimulation activated Akt, NFκB, and ERK signaling and enhanced inflammation as well as macrophage migration and polarization, while inhibited fibrogenesis-related mRNA expression in cultured macrophages and cardiac fibroblasts. Intramyocardial AM administration exacerbated macrophage infiltration, inflammation, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 mRNA expression in the infarct and border zones, whereas disturbed fibrotic repair, then provoked acute cardiac rupture in MI. Shotgun proteomics and lipid pull-down analysis found that AM partly binds to phosphatidic acid (PA) for its signaling and function. Furthermore, systemic delivery of a selective inhibitor of diacylglycerol kinase α-mediated PA synthesis notably reduced macrophage infiltration, inflammation, matrix metalloproteinase activity, and adverse LV remodeling in MI. Therefore, targeting AM signaling could be a novel pharmacological option to mitigate adverse LV remodeling in MI.
Resonant scattering by excited ions as an indicator of the precipitation of charged particles into the atmosphere
Authors: Bychkov Vasily , Perezhogin Andrey , Seredkin Ilya 
Published: November 2018

The results of two-frequency lidar sounding of the atmosphere from the altitudes of 100-500 km are presented. The data were obtained in 2017 at a lidar site located in Kamchatka. One lidar channel is applied to investigate the aerosol formations in the middle atmosphere and to issue the resonance scattering on excited ions of atomic nitrogen in the upper atmosphere. Nd:YAG laser operating on the wavelength of 532 nm is used in this channel. A dye laser with tunable frequency is applied in the second channel. The wavelength of 561.1 nm corresponds to the chosen dipole transition between the excited states of atomic oxygen. Defined light-scattering layers were discovered in the region of 200-400 km. They are caused by presence of excited states of atomic oxygen and nitrogen ions.
The possibility of reconstruction of excited ions Nh-profile and determination of precipitated electron fluxes spectra by the lidar method is shown. The possibility of manifesting resonance scattering and formation of imaginary aerosol layers in the middle atmosphere is discussed.
Liuwei Dihuang exhibits antidiabetic effects through inhibiting α-amylase and α-glucosidase
Authors: Wang Huafu , Gang Huang , Zhou Shuxin , Liu Lixian , Ding Ting , Gui Zhihong , Chu Weihua 
Published: November 2018

Objective: Liuwei Dihuang (LWDH) is a famous traditional herbal medicine formula in China that may regulate the balance of kidney yin yang and has been used to restore functional insufficiency of the kidney for a long time in China.Methods: In this study, the water extract of LWDH was tested for its α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase inhibitory activities, and its anti-diabetic property in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice was also analyzed.Results: LWDH extract inhibited α-Glucosidase and α-Amylase activities in a dose- dependent manner. Treatment of streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice with LWDH extract decreased camp, fasting blood glucose, TC, TG, LDL-c, HbA1C, Urine volume levels and Urine sugar, increased HDL-c level when compared to STZ induced diabetic mice.Conclusion: This study demonstrates that extract of LWDH can inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities and shows anti-diabetic effect in a mice preclinical model.
Knock-down of filaggrin influences the mitogen-activated protein kinases signaling pathway in normal human epidermal keratinocytes
Authors: Wang Shumei , Qiu Liyun , Meng Xianguang , Dang Ningning 
Published: November 2018

Background: Filaggrin is an essential structural protein of the stratum corneum binding to the keratin intermediate filaments to form a dense protein-lipid matrix. However, the function of filaggrin in epidermal terminal differentiation is not completely understood.
Aim: To evaluate the effects of filaggrin on normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) and to investigate the relevant mechanisms.
Methods: Short hairpin RNA (shRNA) technology was used to knock-down filaggrin in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs). Western blot and real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) were performed to detect expression of filaggrin, differentiation-related proteins and MAPK-related proteins.
Results: Filaggrin was successfully knocked down in NHEKs (99% efficiency). We found that the lack of filaggrin significantly decreased the expression of some differentiation-related proteins, including Cytokeratin 5 protein, Cytokeratin 14 protein, ST14 protein and SPRR3 protein (P<0.05). In addition, filaggrin knock-down significantly decreased expression of p-p38, p-ERK1/2, p-JNK, p-Akt, and p-NF-κB in NHEKs.
Conclusion: Our study shows that filaggrin regulates epidermal terminal differentiation and impairs MAPK signaling pathway in normal human epidermal keratinocytes.
Relationship between depression and blood cytokine levels in lung cancer patients
Authors: Liu Wen-Juan , Wang Xiao-Dan , Wu Wei , Huang Xiao 
Published: November 2018

Objective: To study the correlation between depression and blood cytokine levels in lung cancer patients.Methods: 92 patients with advanced lung cancer were evaluated for depression using the scoring index of depression self-rating scale. Lack of depression (n=24), mild depression (n=45), and moderate depression (n=23) were found in the cohort. Meanwhile, 40 healthy subjects were selected as the control group. The levels of IL-10, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α in each group were detected by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and their correlation with the degree of depression was analyzed.Results: The levels of IL-10, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α were all higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). Moreover, the depression statuses of patients with lung cancer were positively correlated with IL-10, IL-6, and TNF-α levels (r = 0.705, 0.301, and 0.446, P<0.01); however, the level of IL-8 was not relevant (r=0.136, p>0.05).Conclusion: Serum levels of IL-10, IL-6, and TNF-α are associated with depression scoring in patients with lung cancer.
Complement protein C5a enhances the β-amyloid-induced neuro-inflammatory response in microglia in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: An Xiao-qun , Xi Wei , Gu Chen-yun , Huang Xiao 
Published: November 2018

Objective: The dysregulation of neuro-inflammation is one of the attributes of the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Over-expression of complement proteins co-localizes with neurofibrillary tangles, thereby indicating that a complement system may be involved in neuro-inflammation. Here, we report the influence of complement activation on the neuro-inflammation using a microglial cell line.
Methods: first, we performed a cytotoxic assay using the microglial cells BV-2. Second, after treatment of BV-2 cells with Aβ42 and/ or C5a, the anaphylatoxin derived from C5, we determined the expression levels of the pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Finally, we explored whether this neuroinflammatory response was mediated by JAK/ STAT3 signaling.
Results: C5a had an enhanced effect on the neural cell viability of BV-2 cells treated with Aβ42. In addition, C5a also increased the Aβ-induced neuro-inflammatory response, and these effects were blocked by the C5aR antagonist, PMX205. Finally, we demonstrated that the neuro-inflammatory responses induced by Aβ and C5a were mediated through JAK/STAT3 signaling. By blocking this pathway with an antagonist, AG490, the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 was alleviated.
Conclusion: The complement protein C5a could exaggerate the Aβ-induced neuroinflammatory response in microglia, and C5aR may be a potential therapeutic tool for AD treatment.
Postural state of preschoolers on territory of Ružomberok and Martin, Slovakia
Authors: Kolarova Marina 
Published: November 2018

Postural disorders are the current problems of the present time and can be monitored in each age group and today they are not rare even among pre-schoolers. Untreated postural disorders can cause spinal deformity, pain, neurological symptoms or disorders of movement patterns. It is therefore extremely important to monitor and assess their occurrence as early as in pre-school age, when posture is still developing and taking the form and, if irregularities are found, take relevant preventive measures. This is the reason we conducted the assessment of posture among pre-schoolers. Within the project Healthy little back carried out in Ružomberok and Martin we examined 111 pre-schoolers aged 5–6. Their posture was assessed using aspexia. The aim of the examination was to determine the posture of body parts and then assess the overall posture. To assess the posture we used a modified methodology of Napoleon Wolanski. Results: 48.65% pre-schoolers with physiologic posture, 36.94% with initial postural disorder and 14.41% with serious postural disorders. Less than half of pre-schoolers have physiological posture and it is therefore necessary to implement preventive measures and programs in kindergartens to avoid the situation to worsen.
Comparison of outcomes for supine vs. prone position ERCP: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mashiana Harmeet Singh , Jayaraj Mahendran , Mohan Babu Pappu , Ohning Gordon , Adler Douglas G. 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
Background While endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is usually performed in the prone position, some studies have advocated for ERCP in the supine position. Studies comparing the technical success and safety outcomes have shown variable results. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting the comparison between the two positions for ERCP outcomes.
Methods We conducted a search of electronic databases and conference proceedings including PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases (from inception through October 2016) to identify studies that reported the comparison of technical success and safety outcomes between supine and prone ERCP. The primary outcome was to estimate the pooled rates of technical success. The secondary outcome was to estimate the risks of complications, such as cardiopulmonary and post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP).
Results Six studies reporting on 309 supine and 1415 prone ERCPs were identified. The pooled technical success rates for completion of ERCP in supine and prone positions were 89.1 % (95 %CI = 80.9 – 94.0) and 95.6 % (95 %CI = 91.5 – 97.7), respectively. The pooled rates for complications (cardiopulmonary and PEP) in the supine position were 37.5 % (95 %CI = 19.1 – 60.3) and 3.5 % (95 %CI = 1.6 – 7.3), respectively. The pooled rates for complications (cardiopulmonary and PEP) in the prone position were 41.0 % (95 %CI = 20.9 – 64.8) and 3.9 % (95 %CI = 2.4 – 6.4), respectively. The mean time required for the procedure was 30 minutes and 29.8 minutes for supine and prone positions, respectively. Substantial heterogeneity was noted in the analysis.
Conclusion Prone ERCPs have a higher technical success rate with a slightly lower mean duration but a higher number of adverse events. The decision with regard to patient position should be made after evaluating the overall clinical scenario.
Recurrent esophagogastric variceal bleeding due to portal vein thrombosis caused by protein S deficiency
Authors: Zhou Haoxiong , Xuan Jieying , Lin Xianyi , Guo Yunwei 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackground and study aims Esophagogastric variceal bleeding (EGVB) is common in patients with portal vein thrombosis (PVT). Hereditary deficiencies in natural anticoagulant proteins, such as protein S, might contribute to PVT. However, recurrent EGVB caused by PVT in patients with protein S deficiency is seldom reported. Herein, we present the case of a 38-year-old man with protein S deficiency complicated with PVT. The patient suffered recurrent EGVB for 7 years. He underwent splenectomy plus pericardial revascularization and sequential endoscopic therapy, including one gastric variceal obturation (GVO) procedure and two esophageal variceal ligations (EVL) to eradicate the varices. Rivaroxaban was administrated to reduce risk of thrombotic events. The patient is currently well without rebleeding after 1 year of follow-up. To our knowledge there is no consensus on management of recurrent EGVB on the basis of thrombophilia complicated with PVT. According to our practice, sequential endoscopic therapy combined with anticoagulant appears to be effective and safe.
Exclusively endoscopic approach to treating gastric perforation caused by an intragastric balloon: case series and literature review
Authors: Barrichello Junior Sérgio Alexandre , Ribeiro Igor Braga , Fittipaldi-Fernandez Ricardo José , Hoff Ana Carolina , de Moura Diogo Turiani Hourneaux , Minata Mauricio Kazuyoshi , de Souza Thiago Ferreira , Galvão Neto Manoel dos Passos , de Moura Eduardo Guimarães Hourneaux 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
Background and study aims Obesity is a serious disease, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. Intragastric balloons (IGBs) have been in use since the 1980s. After the insertion of an IGB, complications such as migration of the device and even severe gastric perforation can occur, requiring laparoscopic surgery. Here, we report three cases of gastric perforation after IGB insertion. In all three cases, the perforation was successfully repaired through an exclusively endoscopic approach.
Risk Factors of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome for Male Patient
Undergoing Carpal Tunnel Release
Authors: Lee Jun-Ku , Lee Soo-Hyun , Kim Banghyun , Jung Kyunghun , Park Inkeun , Han Soo-Hong 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
Introduction Although the major cause of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)
remains idiopathic, many male CTS patients are clinically different from female
patients and often have specific risk factors associated with their conditions.
An accurate analysis of such propensity has yet to be established. The purpose
of this study is to compare male and female patients by analyzing the risk
factors associated with CTS patients who underwent surgical treatment, with
focus on their occupation.
Patients/Material and Methods retrospective chart review of 818 patients
with CTS was performed to identify the associated risk factors. Patients were
stratified by gender: female (n = 707, 86.4 %) and male (n = 111, 13.6 %). The
mean patient age was 54.5 (range: 16–85 yr.) for all groups. The medical history
and risk factors of each patient was thoroughly reviewed by medical charts and
telephone survey. We categorized the risk factors of CTS into 7 categories:
anatomic, neuropathic, inflammatory, alteration of fluid balance, distal radius
fracture associated, occupational risk factor related, and idiopathic.
Occupations of CTS patients were divided into high risk occupations (vibratory
tools, assembly jobs, and food processing and packaging jobs, and other
occupations of repetitive wrist motion and forceful gripping) and nonrisk
occupations. All variables were analyzed with chi-square or Fisher’s exact test
for differences between men and women.
Results The number of individuals with known risk factors of CTS was
greater in male, compared to that of female patients; 97 (87.4 %) male patients
had the risk factors of CTS, while 361 (51.1 %) female patients (p < 0.001)
did. In subgroup analysis of risk factors, male patients had frequent risk
factors in neuropathic, inflammatory, and alteration of fluid balance
(p < 0.001). Occupational risk was strongly associated with male gender
(p < 0.001).
Conclusion Male CTS patients who underwent surgery are more likely to have
a reason and have many occupational risk factors than women.