bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuromelanin-sensitive MRI as a noninvasive proxy measure of dopamine function in the human brain
Authors: Cassidy Clifford M. , Zucca Fabio A. , Girgis Ragy R. , Baker Seth C. , Weinstein Jodi J. , Sharp Madeleine E. , Bellei Chiara , Valmadre Alice , Vanegas Nora , Kegeles Lawrence S. , Brucato Gary , Kang Un Jung , Sulzer David , Zecca Luigi , Abi-Dargham Anissa , Horga Guillermo 
Published: February 2019

Significance
Neuromelanin-sensitive MRI (NM-MRI) purports to detect the content of neuromelanin (NM), a product of dopamine metabolism that accumulates in the substantia nigra (SN). Prior work has shown that NM-MRI provides a marker of SN integrity in Parkinson’s disease. Here, we show that it may additionally provide a marker of dopamine function in the human nigrostriatal pathway. Supporting this, we found that NM-MRI signal correlated with NM concentration, dopamine levels in the striatum, SN blood flow, and severity of psychosis in schizophrenia, all in the absence of neurodegeneration. Thus, noninvasive NM-MRI is a promising tool that could have diverse research and clinical applications to investigate in vivo the role of dopamine in neuropsychiatric illness.
Elementary response triggered by transducin in retinal rods
Authors: Yue Wendy W. S. , Silverman Daniel , Ren Xiaozhi , Frederiksen Rikard , Sakai Kazumi , Yamashita Takahiro , Shichida Yoshinori , Cornwall M. Carter , Chen Jeannie , Yau King-Wai 
Published: February 2019

SignificanceFor decades, amplification at the step of rhodopsin–G protein (transducin) interaction in rod phototransduction has been believed to be ∼500, a high value often generalized to other G protein-coupled receptor pathways. Recently, there have been indications that this amplification may be considerably lower. Nonetheless, disputes persist because of the large variation in estimates obtained by different groups, plus the drawback that some key measurements used in such estimates came from experiments on nonintact rods. As such, the dogma continues in textbooks. Here, we report experiments entirely on intact rods to measure the effect of a single transducin molecule via the transducin–phosphodiesterase (PDE) complex, and conclude that a photoexcited rhodopsin activates effectively only ∼12–14 transducin–PDE effector complexes.
Calpain drives pyroptotic vimentin cleavage, intermediate filament loss, and cell rupture that mediates immunostimulation
Authors: Davis Michael A. , Fairgrieve Marian R. , Den Hartigh Andreas , Yakovenko Olga , Duvvuri Bhargavi , Lood Christian , Thomas Wendy E. , Fink Susan L. , Gale Michael 
Published: February 2019

SignificancePyroptosis is a form of inflammatory cell death. It is driven by plasma membrane pore formation that is thought to rupture cells through osmotic influx, thereby releasing intracellular content that initiates an inflammatory response to fight acute infection and tissue damage. However, when chronic or unregulated, this process can drive autoimmune disease and cancer. Here, we show that pyroptotic cells do not undergo rupture in culture. Instead, the calcium-dependent protease calpain destroys intermediate filaments, which provide mechanical resilience to cells. As a result, cells are susceptible to rupture by mechanical disruption from shear stress or compression as occurs in the blood stream or within tissues. Thus, our data reveal potential targets for the therapeutic intervention of autoimmune diseases and cancer.
Photoexcitation-controlled self-recoverable molecular aggregation for flicker phosphorescence
Authors: Jia Xiaoyong , Shao Cancan , Bai Xin , Zhou Qiaohui , Wu Bin , Wang Linjun , Yue Bingbing , Zhu Haiming , Zhu Liangliang 
Published: February 2019

Significance
We employed photoexcitation as a unique control method to manipulate molecular aggregation and emission to advance luminescent probe techniques. This study harnesses dynamical and rhythmical photoluminescence to strengthen visualization in bioimaging. These advantages are based on the merit of a type of photocontrollable material, which can undergo fast and self-recoverable aggregation-induced phosphorescence while mostly avoiding possible side reactions and fatigue accumulation, compared with traditional bidirectional manipulations.
Ultrasonic Tomography of Brick Columns Based on FEM Calculations
Authors: Zielinska Monika , Rucka Magdalena 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Ultrasonic tomography is one of the most developed method of non-destructive testing. Despite being used mainly in medicine, it is becoming more and more popular as a method for monitoring of structural elements. It allows to examine the internal structure and technical condition of the tested element. This paper investigates the influence of crosssectional geometry on an obtained tomographic image. Wave propagation signals were obtained using finite element method (FEM). The analysis was conducted on six models of solid brick columns with a square section. The first one constituting a reference model was made in the form of a full column. The other models contained internal inclusions affecting propagating waves such as: a hole or a steel plate, circular bar and square pipe adhesively bonded with mortar. The obtained results of the analysis presented in the study allowed to assess the ultrasonic tomography usability for masonry structures.

A post-publication change was made to this article on 12 Mar 2020 to add acknowledgement of funding.
Atorvastatin: A hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitor
Authors: Malinowski Jennifer M. 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
The pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, adverse effects, interactions, and formulary considerations of atorvastatin relative to other hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) are discussed.
Atorvastatin calcium, a synthetic stereoisomer of a pentasubstituted pyrrole, prevents the conversion of HMG-CoA by competitive and selective inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase. This limits cholesterol formation. Atorvastatin undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism; the first-pass effect is saturable at higher doses. Time to maximum plasma concentration ranges from one to four hours. The plasma elimination half-life is considerably longer than for other statins. Like other statins, atorvastatin reduces low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and total cholesterol in patients with hypercholesterolemia. However, the reductions achieved with atorvastatin exceed those for other statins. Atorvastatin recipients are more likely to achieve LDL-C goals and to do so more quickly. Atorvastatin also moderately reduces triglyceride levels in patients with hypertriglyceridemia and may play a role in the management of familial hypercholesterolemia. Adequate lipid control with atorvastatin monotherapy may preclude the need for combination drug therapy in some patients. The adverse effects of atorvastatin include mild gastrointestinal disturbances, increased liver enzyme levels, and myalgia. Drug interactions involving atorvastatin can be expected to parallel those of other statins metabolized via CYP3A4. Atorvastatin has become a popular addition to hospital formularies, even though formal pharmacoeconomic analyses are lacking.
Atorvastatin effectively reduces blood lipids and may offer some advantages over other statins, but more studies are needed to clarify its optimal role in pharmacotherapy.
Urokinase activity after freezing: implications for thrombolysis in intraventricular hemorrhage
Authors: Rhoney Denise H. , Coplin William M. , Zaran Frank K. , Brish Linda K. , Weingarten Cindy M. 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
The retention of urokinase activity after frozen storage was studied.
Urokinase powder was reconstituted aseptically in sterile water for injection or preservative-free 0.9% sodium chloride injection to a final concentration of 5000 IU/mL. Samples were stored in 5-mL plastic syringes at -20 or -70 degrees C for up to six months. Samples containing urokinase 25,000 IU/mL were similarly prepared by using sodium chloride injection as the diluent and were stored frozen at the same temperatures for up to 93 days. Urokinase activity was measured with a chromogenic assay at each test interval. Samples were also cultured after thawing to evaluate their potential to support microbial growth.
The activity of urokinase at either concentration did not change appreciably during the study period. The method of thawing-at room temperature or in a refrigerator-had no effect on urokinase activity. No microbial growth was observed.
Urokinase 5000 IU/mL did not show any changes in activity when reconstituted with sterile water for injection or 0.9% sodium chloride injection and frozen for up to six months. Urokinase 25,000 IU/mL in sodium chloride injection was also stable after 93 days of frozen storage.
Concussion History and Career Status Influence Performance on Baseline Assessments in Elite Football Players
Authors: Cookinham Brittani , Swank Chad 
Published: February 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo determine if concussion history and career status is associated with neurocognitive performance in elite football players.MethodsThe study design was a cross-sectional single assessment. Fifty-seven elite football players (age 29.39 ± 7.49 years) categorized as draft prospects, active professional players, and retired professional players were assessed on the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool – third edition (SCAT-3), in an outpatient therapy setting.ResultsCommon symptoms were the following: fatigue (45.6%), trouble falling asleep (35.1%), difficulty remembering (33.3%) and irritability (22.8%); 36.8% reported no symptoms. The low concussion (0–1) group reported fewer symptoms (U = 608.50, p &lt; .001), less symptom severity (U = 598.00, p = −.001), and produced greater scores on the Standardized Assessment of Concussion (SAC) total scores compared to the multiple concussion (2+) group (U = 253.00, p = .024), but no differences were observed on modified Balance Error Scoring System (m-BESS) scores (U = 501.50, p = .066) on the Mann–Whitney U test. The Kruskal–Wallis test and post-hoc analysis indicated retired players were significantly different from draft prospects and current professional players for total symptom scores (p &lt; .001), total symptom severity (p &lt; .001), SAC total scores (p = .030), and m-BESS (p &lt; .001).ConclusionsConcussion history and career status appear associated with total symptoms, symptom severity, performance on the SAC, and the m-BESS in elite football players. With this in mind, future research is recommended to determine longitudinal impact for elite football players.
Benefits of dimension reduction in penalized regression methods for high-dimensional grouped data: a case study in low sample size
Authors: Ajana Soufiane , Acar Niyazi , Bretillon Lionel , Hejblum Boris P , Jacqmin-Gadda Hélène , Delcourt Cécile ,   for the BLISAR Study Group, Acar Niyazi , Ajana Soufiane , Berdeaux Olivier , Bouton Sylvain , Bretillon Lionel , Bron Alain , Buaud Benjamin , Cabaret Stéphanie , Cougnard-Grégoire Audrey , Creuzot-Garcher Catherine , Delcourt Cécile , Delyfer Marie-Noelle , Féart-Couret Catherine , Febvret Valérie , Grégoire Stéphane , He Zhiguo , Korobelnik Jean-François , Martine Lucy , Merle Bénédicte , Vaysse Carole 
Published: February 2019

AbstractMotivationIn some prediction analyses, predictors have a natural grouping structure and selecting predictors accounting for this additional information could be more effective for predicting the outcome accurately. Moreover, in a high dimension low sample size framework, obtaining a good predictive model becomes very challenging. The objective of this work was to investigate the benefits of dimension reduction in penalized regression methods, in terms of prediction performance and variable selection consistency, in high dimension low sample size data. Using two real datasets, we compared the performances of lasso, elastic net, group lasso, sparse group lasso, sparse partial least squares (PLS), group PLS and sparse group PLS.ResultsConsidering dimension reduction in penalized regression methods improved the prediction accuracy. The sparse group PLS reached the lowest prediction error while consistently selecting a few predictors from a single group.Availability and implementationR codes for the prediction methods are freely available at https://github.com/SoufianeAjana/Blisar.Supplementary informationSupplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Ghana’s Child Panels: Effective Child Protection and Juvenile Justice System or Superfluous Creation?
Authors: Adu-Gyamfi Jones 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
In accordance with the United Nations’ requirements for dealing with juvenile offenders, Ghana’s Children Act 1998 mandated local authorities to establish child panels to mediate minor offences committed by children. However, to date there has not been any research that has examined the functioning and effectiveness of the child panels. This research examined the operationalisation and effectiveness of child panels in Ghana. The study involved the use of semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with panel members of four local authorities. Findings showed that the child panels are not functioning effectively in Ghana. The relevance of the child panels has been questioned since it was found to be duplicating the roles of some other child welfare agencies. This article discusses the challenges impeding the effectiveness of the child panels and outlines recommendations to improve their effectiveness.
Simplified frozen elephant trunk technique for combined open and endovascular treatment of extensive aortic diseases
Authors: Detter Christian , Demal Till Joscha , Bax Lennart , Tsilimparis Nikolaos , Kölbel Tilo , von Kodolitsch Yskert , Vettorazzi Eik , Reichenspurner Hermann , Brickwedel Jens 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:
This study aims to analyse the impact of a simplified frozen elephant trunk (FET) technique on early outcome.

METHODS:
Between October 2010 and August 2018, 92 consecutive patients (mean age 64.4 ± 12.2 years) underwent FET surgery. Underlying pathologies were thoracic aneurysm in 35 patients, acute aortic dissection in 25 patients and chronic dissection in 32 patients. Thirty patients underwent a simplified FET technique with deployment of the stent graft in arch zone 2 with an extra-anatomic bypass to the distal left subclavian artery using the third branch of the Thoraflex™ Hybrid Plexus prosthesis via a supraclavicular access during reperfusion. These patients were compared to 62 patients who received the conventional FET procedure, in which a distal anastomosis is performed in arch zone 3.

RESULTS:
Circulatory arrest (41.7 ± 10.5 vs 76.5 ± 33.0 min; P < 0.001) and antegrade cerebral perfusion times (60.9 ± 13.5 vs 92.1 ± 33.1 min; P < 0.001) were significantly reduced in zone 2 vs zone 3 patients, respectively. The 30-day mortality rate was 3.3% (n = 1) in zone 2 patients vs 17.7% (n = 11) in zone 3 patients (P = 0.75). Stent deployment in zone 2 was associated with significantly reduced rates of postoperative stroke [zone 2: n = 0 (0.0%); zone 3: n = 11 (17.7%), P = 0.046] and recurrent nerve palsy [zone 2: n = 1 (3.3%); zone 3: n = 14 (22.6%), P = 0.020).

CONCLUSIONS:
Simplifying the FET procedure leads to reduced circulatory arrest and cerebral perfusion times and improves early outcome.
Patient–prosthesis mismatch in mitral annuloplasty for degenerative mitral regurgitation: an ignored issue
Authors: Ma Wenrui , Shi Wei , Wu Weihua , Ma Xinyu , Kong Ye , Zhu Dan , Zhang Wei 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Elevated postoperative transmitral gradient (TMG), partially induced by a small annuloplasty ring, is associated with late atrial fibrillation (AF) after mitral valve repair. Here, we aimed to provide the optimal cut-off of prosthetic ring size to reduce patient–prosthesis mismatch (PPM) after mitral annuloplasty.

METHODS
From 2006 to 2017, 262 patients who underwent mitral valve repair for degenerative pathologies were retrospectively studied. The relationships of body surface area (BSA)–indexed prosthetic orifice area (POAi)–postoperative TMG and POAi–late AF were tested using regression curves and receiver operating characteristic curves, respectively. The optimal cut-off of POAi predictive of late AF was used to define PPM. Baseline and follow-up data of patients with and without PPM were compared in propensity score-matched cohorts.

RESULTS
In-hospital mortality was 0. Late AF was observed in 9.2% (24/262) patients during a median follow-up of 3.8 years. An exponential model was best fitted based on the POAi–postoperative TMG relationship (P < 0.001). Using late AF as the dependent variable, the optimal cut-off for PPM was POAi ≤2.28 cm2/m2 (c-statistic 0.71; sensitivity 0.61; specificity 0.80; P < 0.001). PPM was identified in 113 (43.1%) patients. After propensity score matching, the estimated 5-year rate of late AF was significantly higher in PPM patients than in non-PPM patients (24% vs 5%; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS
Postoperative TMG increases significantly with a small POAi for full ring annuloplasty. A patient’s BSA should be considered in addition to valvular dimensions during the selection of a proper ring size to reduce PPM-related AF.
Carotid Intima–Media Thickness and Markers of Brain Health in a Biracial Middle-Aged Cohort: CARDIA Brain MRI Sub-study
Authors: Cermakova Pavla , Ding Jie , Meirelles Osorio , Reis Jared , Religa Dorota , Schreiner Pamela J , Jacobs David R , Bryan R Nick , Launer Lenore J 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Background
We investigated whether carotid intima–media thickness is associated with measures of cerebral blood flow (CBF), white matter hyperintensities, and brain volume in a biracial cohort of middle-aged individuals.

Methods
We performed a cross-sectional cohort study based on data from a multicenter, population-based study Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults. Using linear and logistic regression, we estimated the association of the composite intima–media thickness measured in three segments of carotid arteries (common carotid artery, carotid artery bulb, and internal carotid artery) with volume (cm3) and CBF (mL/100 g/min) in the total brain and gray matter as well as volume of white matter hyperintensities (cm3).

Results
In the analysis, 461 participants (54% women, 34% African Americans) were included. Greater intima–media thickness was associated with lower CBF in gray matter (β=−1.36; p = .04) and total brain (β=−1.26; p = .04), adjusting for age, sex, race, education, and total brain volume. The associations became statistically nonsignificant after further controlling for cardiovascular risk factors. Intima–media thickness was not associated with volumes of total brain, gray matter, and white matter hyperintensities.

Conclusions
This study suggests that lower CBF in middle age is associated with markers of atherosclerosis in the carotid arteries. This association may reflect early long-term exposure to traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Early intervention on atherosclerotic risk factors may modulate the trajectory of CBF as people age and develop brain pathology.
Whole Exome Sequencing of Ulcerative Colitis–associated Colorectal Cancer Based on Novel Somatic Mutations Identified in Chinese Patients
Authors: Yan Pengguang , Wang Yanan , Meng Xiangchen , Yang Hong , Liu Zhanju , Qian Jiaming , Zhou Weixun , Li Jingnan 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundCarcinogenesis is a severe consequence of chronic ulcerative colitis. We investigated the somatic mutations and pathway alterations in ulcerative colitis–associated colorectal cancer (CRC) in Chinese patients compared with sporadic CRCs to reveal potential therapeutic targets in ulcerative colitis–associated CRC.MethodsWhole exome sequencing was performed on archival tumor tissues and paired adjacent nondysplastic mucosa from 10 ulcerative colitis–associated CRC patients at a high risk of carcinogenesis. Genomic alteration profiles from 223 primary CRCs from The Cancer Genome Atlas served as sporadic CRC controls. A meta-analysis was performed to investigate differences in major genetic mutations between ulcerative colitis–associated and Crohn’s disease–associated CRCs.ResultsWe identified 44 nonsilent recurrent somatic mutations via whole exome sequencing, including 25 deleterious mutations involved in apoptosis and the PI3K-Akt pathway (COL6A3, FN1), autophagy (ULK1), cell adhesion (PODXL, PTPRT, ZFHX4), and epigenetic regulation (ARID1A, NCOR2, KMT2D, NCOA6, MECP2, SUPT6H). In total, 11 of the 25 mutated genes significantly differed between ulcerative colitis–associated CRC and sporadic CRC (APC, APOB, MECP2, NCOR2, NTRK2, PODXL, RABGAP1, SIK3, SUPT6H, ULK1, USP48). Somatic TP53 mutations occurred in 33% of ulcerative colitis–associated CRCs. Subsequent meta-analysis revealed distinct mutation profiles for Crohn’s disease– and ulcerative colitis–associated CRCs. Mutations involving the NF-kB pathway and epigenetic regulation were more common in ulcerative colitis–associated CRCs than in sporadic CRCs.ConclusionDistinct genomic alteration profiles of deleterious somatic mutations were found in ulcerative colitis–associated and sporadic CRCs. Mutations of epigenetic regulators, such as KMT2D and NCOA6, were common, suggesting an epigenetic pathomechanism for colitis-associated carcinoma in Chinese patients.
Faecalibacterium prausnitzii produces butyrate to decrease c-Myc-related metabolism and Th17 differentiation by inhibiting histone deacetylase 3
Authors: Zhang Mingming , Zhou Lixing , Wang Yuming , Dorfman Robert Gregory , Tang Dehua , Xu Lei , Pan Yida , Zhou Qian , Li Yang , Yin Yuyao , Zhao Shimin , Wu Jianlin , Yu Chenggong 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Decreased levels of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (F. prausnitzii), whose supernatant plays an anti-inflammatory effect, are frequently found in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. However, the anti-inflammatory products in F. prausnitzii supernatant and the mechanism have not been fully investigated. Here we found that F. prausnitzii and F. prausnitzii-derived butyrate were decreased in the intestines of IBD patients. Supplementation with F. prausnitzii supernatant and butyrate could ameliorate colitis in an animal model. Butyrate, but not other substances produced by F. prausnitzii, exerted an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the differentiation of T helper 17 (Th17) cells. The mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of the butyrate produced by F. prausnitzii involved the enhancement of the acetylation-promoted degradation of c-Myc through histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) inhibition. In conclusion, F. prausnitzii produced butyrate to decrease Th17 differentiation and attenuate colitis through inhibiting HDAC3 and c-Myc-related metabolism in T cells. The use of F. prausnitzii may be an effective new approach to decrease the level of Th17 cells in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.