bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Defective Base Excision Repair of Oxidative DNA Damage in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Promotes Atherosclerosis
Authors: Shah Aarti , Gray Kelly , Figg Nichola , Finigan Alison , Starks Lakshi , Bennett Martin 
Published: April 2018

Background:
Atherosclerotic plaques demonstrate extensive accumulation of oxidative DNA damage, predominantly as 8-oxoguanine (8oxoG) lesions. 8oxoG is repaired by base excision repair enzymes; however, the mechanisms regulating 8oxoG accumulation in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and its effects on their function and in atherosclerosis are unknown.

Methods:

We studied levels of 8oxoG and its regulatory enzymes in human atherosclerosis, the mechanisms regulating 8oxoG repair and the base excision repair enzyme 8oxoG DNA glycosylase I (OGG1) in VSMCs in vitro, and the effects of reducing 8oxoG in VSMCs in atherosclerosis in ApoE
−/−
mice.

Results:

Human plaque VSMCs showed defective nuclear 8oxoG repair, associated with reduced acetylation of OGG1. OGG1 was a key regulatory enzyme of 8oxoG repair in VSMCs, and its acetylation was crucial to its repair function through regulation of protein stability and expression. p300 and sirtuin 1 were identified as the OGG1 acetyltransferase and deacetylase regulators, respectively, and both proteins interacted with OGG1 and regulated OGG1 acetylation at endogenous levels. However, p300 levels were decreased in human plaque VSMCs and in response to oxidative stress, suggesting that reactive oxygen species–induced regulation of OGG1 acetylation could be caused by reactive oxygen species–induced decrease in p300 expression. We generated mice that express VSMC-restricted OGG1 or an acetylation defective version (SM22α-OGG1 and SM22α-OGG1
K-R
mice) and crossed them with ApoE
−/−
mice. We also studied ApoE
−/−
mice deficient in OGG1 (OGG1
−/−
). OGG1
−/−
mice showed increased 8oxoG in vivo and increased atherosclerosis, whereas mice expressing VSMC-specific OGG1 but not the acetylation mutant OGG1
K-R
showed markedly reduced intracellular 8oxoG and reduced atherosclerosis. VSMC OGG1 reduced telomere 8oxoG accumulation, DNA strand breaks, cell death and senescence after oxidant stress, and activation of proinflammatory pathways.

Conclusions:
We identify defective 8oxoG base excision repair in human atherosclerotic plaque VSMCs, OGG1 as a major 8oxoG repair enzyme in VSMCs, and p300/sirtuin 1 as major regulators of OGG1 through acetylation/deacetylation. Reducing oxidative damage by rescuing OGG1 activity reduces plaque development, indicating the detrimental effects of 8oxoG on VSMC function.
Prevalence of Poststroke Neurocognitive Disorders Using National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke-Canadian Stroke Network, VASCOG Criteria (Vascular Behavioral and Cognitive Disorders), and Optimized Criteria of Cognitive Deficit
Authors: Barbay Mélanie , Taillia Hervé , Nédélec-Ciceri Claudine , Bompaire Flavie , Bonnin Camille , Varvat Jérôme , Grangette Françoise , Diouf Momar , Wiener Emmanuel , Mas Jean-Louis , Roussel Martine , Godefroy Olivier 
Published: April 2018

Background and Purpose—
The prevalence of poststroke neurocognitive disorder (NCD) has yet to be accurately determined. The primary objective of the present study was to optimize operationalization of the criterion for NCD by using an external validity criterion.

Methods—
The GRECOG-VASC cohort (Groupe de Réflexion pour l'Évaluation Cognitive Vasculaire) of 404 stroke patients with cerebral infarct (91.3%) or hemorrhage (18.7%) was assessed 6 months poststroke and 1003 healthy controls, with the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke-Canadian Stroke Network standardized battery. Three dimensions of the criterion for cognitive impairment were systematically examined by using the false-positive rate as an external validity criterion. Diagnosis of mild and major NCD was based on the VASCOG criteria (Vascular Behavioral and Cognitive Disorders). The mechanisms of functional decline were systematically assessed.

Results—

The optimal criterion for cognitive impairment was the shortened summary score (ie, averaged performance for action speed, executive functions, and language) because it was associated with the highest (
P
=0.0001) corrected true-positive rate (43.5%) and a false-positive rate ≤5%. Using this criterion, the mean (95% confidence interval) prevalence of poststroke NCD was 49.5% (44.6–54.4), most of which corresponded to mild NCD (39.1%; 95% confidence interval, 34.4–43.9) rather than dementia (10.4%; 95% confidence interval, 7.4–13.4).

Conclusions—
This study is the first to have optimized the operationalization of the criterion for poststroke cognitive impairment. It documented the prevalence of poststroke NCD in the GRECOG-VASC cohort and showed that mild cognitive impairment accounts for 80% of the affected patients. Finally, the method developed in the present study offers a means of harmonizing the diagnosis of NCD.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01339195.
Lanmaoa rubriceps, a new bolete from tropical China
Authors: CHAI HUI , LIANG ZHI-QUN , JIANG SHUAI , FU XUN-LONG , ZENG NIAN-KAI 
Published: April 2018

Lanmaoa rubriceps (Boletaceae, Boletales) is described as a new species from Hainan Province, a tropical region of China. It is morphologically characterized by a red, crimson to orange-red pileus, a hymenophore with stuffed pores when young, pores staining blue and then changing to red-brown when injured, stipe surface staining blue when injured, and a trichodermal pileipellis with uninflated hyphae. Phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequences from part of the 28S gene, the nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, and part of the translation elongation factor 1-α gene (tef1-α) also confirmed that L. rubriceps forms an independent lineage within Lanmaoa. Consequently, a detailed description, color photos of fresh basidiomata and line-drawings of microstructures are presented. It’s worth noting that L. rubriceps falls into the genus Lanmaoa phylogenetically but morphological features of the new species match the concept of the genus Cyanoboletus. The reason for the incongruence of molecular and morphological results is that the two most closely related genera share overlapping morphological features and the most important diagnostic feature of Lanmaoa is not constant. In light of these facts, lumping of Lanmaoa and Cyanoboletus into a single genus seems justified.
Hydroclimate Variability and Change over the Mekong River Basin: Modeling and Predictability and Policy Implications
Authors: Ruiz-Barradas Alfredo , Nigam Sumant 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
The Mekong River is the lifeblood of the Southeast (SE) Asian economies. In situ and satellite-based precipitation are analyzed to assess the amount of water received as precipitation in the river basin (Mekong basin water), in particular, the amount each country receives. Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia contribute ~75% of the basin water during March–September, whereas China’s contribution is 10%–15%, except in winter when it rises to 25%. The processing of Mekong basin water into Mekong streamflow entails accounting for the uncertain water losses but, interestingly, interannual variations in Mekong basin water can be processed into Mekong streamflow using a simple hydrologic model, which is validated using monthly river discharge data from four stations. Preliminary evidence for the impact of upbasin dams on downstream flow, especially the timing of peak summer flow, is presented. Characterization of El Niño’s influence on SE Asian rainfall reveals significant rainfall reductions in the fall preceding and the spring following El Niño’s peak phase (winter); such reductions at the bookends of the dry season in SE Asia (winter) generate droughts, as in 2015–16. The linear trend in twentieth-century rainfall assesses the vulnerability of the region to climate change. The analysis indicates the feasibility of streamflow prediction using a simple hydrologic model driven by high-resolution precipitation observations and forecasts. It raises the prospects of drought prediction based on El Niño’s emergence/forecast. Finally, by showing the Mekong to be largely a rain-fed and not snowmelt-fed river, it provides quantitative context for assessing the notion of Chinese control on the lower Mekong via upbasin dams.
Abdominal organ protection strategy for aortic arch aneurysm surgery
Authors: Miyamoto Satoshi , Takahashi Shinya , Okahara Shigeyuki , Takahashi Hidenobu , Katayama Keijiro , Watanabe Masazumi , Maeda Kazuki , Go Seimei , Morita Shohei , Kurosaki Tatsuya , Herlambang Bagus , Sueda Taijiro 
Published: April 2018

Introduction: Body temperature maintained during open distal anastomosis in patients who undergo aortic surgery has been showing an upward trend; however, a higher temperature may increase visceral organ and spinal cord injury. Distal perfusion may reduce abdominal organ injury, especially acute kidney injury (AKI). Methods: From 2009 to 2016, 56 patients who underwent ascending aortic and/or aortic arch surgery were enrolled. Open distal anastomosis was performed using one of three protection strategies: 1) systemic temperature of 25°C followed by selective cerebral perfusion (SCP) with lower body circulatory arrest (Group CA25, n=27); 2) systemic temperature of 28°C followed by SCP with lower body circulatory arrest (Group CA28, n=4); and 3) systemic temperature of 28°C followed by SCP with distal aortic perfusion (Group DP, n=25). Results: During the postoperative course, levels of blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, liver enzymes, lactate dehydrogenase and lactate in Groups CA28 and CA25 were significantly higher than those in Group DP. AKI defined by the AKI Network occurred in 28 cases (50%) and 3 cases required permanent hemodialysis. AKI was significantly higher in Groups CA25 and CA28 than in Group DP (p=0.026). Mid-term follow-up showed that patients who developed postoperative AKI were more likely to suffer from cardiovascular events. Conclusions: Distal perfusion during open distal anastomosis reduced kidney and liver injury after thoracic aortic surgery despite an increased body temperature of up to 28°C. This strategy may be useful to prevent AKI, liver dysfunction, the need for hemodialysis and multiple organ failure and could improve mid-term results.
MEF2C promotes gefitinib resistance in hepatic cancer cells through regulating MIG6 transcription
Authors: Zhang Hui , Liu Wei , Wang Zhi , Meng Lin , Wang Yunhua , Yan Huawu , Li Lin 
Published: April 2018

Introduction: Mitogen-inducible gene 6 ( MIG6) holds a special position in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) resistance. As MIG6 regulates the activity of EGFR signal pathway negatively, high level of MIG6 can increase the EGFR TKI resistance of cancer cells, and limit the therapeutic action of EGFR TKI, such as gefitinib or erlotinib. Therefore, better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of EGFR TKI resistance holds great value in cancer therapy. Methods: In our study, we mainly explored the function of transcription activator, myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C), on MIG6 expression as well as gefitinib-resistant ability of hepatic cancer cells. Results: Our results indicated that both MEF2C and MIG6 could be upregulated in gefitinib-resistant cancer tissues and cancer cell lines compared with gefitinib-sensitive ones. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay and dual luciferase assay showed that MEF2C could bind to the MEF2C element in the promoter sequence of MIG6 and promote the transcription of MIG6. This effect increased the gefitinib-resistant ability of cancer cells. Therefore, MEF2C knockdown inhibited the gefitinib resistance and limited the proliferation of hepatic cancer cells in vitro and in vivo, while overexpression of MEF2C showed opposite effect on cancer cell proliferation. Conclusion: Our study provides novel insight into the regulation mechanism of MIG6 and suggests potential implications for the therapeutic strategies of gefitinib resistance through inhibiting MEF2C in hepatic cancer cells.
Predictive value of dual-time 18F-FDG PET/CT to distinguish primary lung and metastatic adenocarcinoma in solitary pulmonary nodule
Authors: Pahk Kisoo , Chung Jae Ho , Kim Sungeun , Lee Sung Ho 
Published: April 2018

Aims and background: Distinction between primary lung adenocarcinoma and metastatic adenocarcinoma from extrapulmonary origin in solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN) is crucial for cancer treatment. We investigated the predictive role of dual-time-point 18F-FDG PET/CT to distinguish primary and metastatic lung adenocarcinoma in SPN. Methods: A total of 96 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed SPN and biopsy-proven adenocarcinoma were enrolled in this study, retrospectively (54 male; 42 female; age 59.68 ± 8.2 years). They all underwent dual-time-point 18F-FDG PET/CT at 60 minutes (early) for whole body and 120 minutes (delayed) for chest region after FDG injection. Maximum standardized uptake values (early SUVmax and delayed SUVmax) and retention index (RI) were acquired for analysis. Final pathology results were confirmed by surgical specimens. Results: Metastatic adenocarcinoma showed significantly higher early SUVmax, delayed SUVmax, and RI compared to primary lung adenocarcinoma. Delayed SUVmax and RI presented superior diagnostic performance for prediction of metastatic adenocarcinoma than early 18F-FDG PET/CT. Among metastatic adenocarcinoma, metastasis from colorectal origin showed significantly higher RI than from other origins. In addition, RI significantly predicted metastatic adenocarcinoma from colorectal cancer than early or delayed SUVmax. Conclusions: Dual-timepoint 18F-FDG PET/CT can be useful to distinguish primary and metastatic lung adenocarcinoma in SPN. Furthermore, it may also be useful to predict metastatic adenocarcinoma from colorectal origin.
Factors associated to chronic migraine with medication overuse: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Viana Michele , Bottiroli Sara , Sances Grazia , Ghiotto Natascia , Allena Marta , Guaschino Elena , Nappi Giuseppe , Tassorelli Cristina 
Published: April 2018

Background and aim Factors implicated in the evolution of episodic migraine into chronic migraine are largely elusive. Medication overuse is considered to be one of the main determinants, but other possible clinical and psychological factors can play a role. The aim of this study is to identify factors that are associated with chronic migraine with medication overuse. Method We enrolled consecutive migraine patients, subdividing them in two groups: Subjects with a long history of episodic migraine and subjects with chronic migraine and medication overuse. We then compared their clinical and psychological variables in a cross-sectional study. Results Three hundred and eighteen patients were enrolled, of which 156 were episodic migraine and 162 were chronic migraine and medication overuse patients. The mean age was 42.1 ± 10.3, 80.8% were female. The duration of migraine was 24.6 years in episodic migraine and 24.0 years in chronic migraine and medication overuse ( p = 0.57). After the multivariate analysis, the factors associated to chronic migraine and medication overuse were: Marital status (married vs. unmarried, OR 3.65, 95% CI 1.63–8.19, p = 0.002; separated/divorced/widowed vs. unmarried, OR 4.19, 95% CI 1.13–15.47, p = 0.031), physical activity (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.19–0.91, p = 0.029), age at onset of migraine (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.89–0.98, p = 0.016), use of at least one migraine preventive medication (OR 2.36, 95% CI 1.18–4.71, p = 0.014), history of depression (OR 2.91, 95% CI 1.25–6.73, p = 0.012), insomnia associated with the use of hypnotics (OR 5.59, 95% CI 1.65–18.93, p = 0.006), traumatic head injuries (OR 3.54, 95% CI 1.57–7.99, p = 0.002), snoring (OR 2.24, 95% CI 1.05–4.79, p = 0.036), previous and/or actual use of combined oral contraceptives (OR 3.38, 95% CI 1.10–10.3, p = 0.031) and higher scores in the Childhood Trauma questionnaire (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.09–2.02, p = 0.012). Conclusion We considered several aspects that may be involved in the development of chronic migraine and medication overuse. A multivariate analysis identified 10 factors belonging to five different areas, to suggest that chronic migraine and medication overuse onset is likely influenced by a complex mixture of factors. This information is useful when planning strategies to prevent and manage chronic migraine and medication overuse.
The Bioartificial Organ: Review and Progress Report
Authors: Schmer G. , Rastelli L. , Newman M.L. , Dennis M.B. , Holcenberg J.S. 
Published: April 2018

A definition and a review is given for the bioartificial organ. In addition new developments are reported with the successful lyophilization of enzime filled RCG with cryoprotective polyethylene glycol (PEG). The successful use of an enzyme reactor consisting of crosslinked fibrin with asparaginase covalently attached is reported in sheep. The small organ (0.4 m2) removes 70% of the animal's asparagine in 6 hours. No enzyme leakage down to 10-5 units per ml. plasma could be found. The highly preserved substrate affinity of insolubilized asparaginase as well as its high activity and stability when bound to fibrin are additional outstanding features of this system.
Effect of PGI2 Infusion During Long Term Extracorporeal Circulation with Membrane Lung in Sheep
Authors: Uziel L. , Agostoni A. , Pirovano E. , Pesenti A. , Pelizzola A. , Gattinoni L. , Galmarini D. 
Published: April 2018

PGI2 plus very low dose of heparin was infused in 6 lambs connected for long term extracorporeal circulation with a membrane lung. Hemodynamic and hemostasis parameters were compared to those of a control group treated only with standard doses of heparin. PGI2 efficacy in inhibiting platelet aggregation and platelet fall was confirmed. A small platelet release, measured as antiheparin activity, was observed during all the by-pass, but did not influence platelet capacity of recovering when PGI2 effect dissolved. Heparin needed resulted less than a quarter of the quantity used for the control group. In our experimental conditions the hemodynamic changes were mainly limited to a decrease in diastolic blood pressure.
The role of Hemolysis during Extracorporeal Homologous Liver Perfusion
Authors: Fischer M. , Jokiel H.J. , Sommoggy S. v. , Wustrow T. 
Published: April 2018

The rate of hemolysis and the behaviour of platelets were investigated during extracorporeal pig liver perfusions. In 8 animals whose iliac vessels had been cannulated and which were perfused for 6 hours in our circuit, packed cell volume, number of red blood cells and concentration of hemoglobin changed moderately after hemodilution with the machine's priming volume. Similiar results were obtained in 10 pigs which were perfused with homologous isolated pig livers up to 6 hours. The best parameter to determine hemolysis was the plasma hemoglobin. Its level was twice as high as the initial value after mixture of the blood with the machine's priming volume in the iliac bypass experiments. Instead it remained practically unchanged throughout 6 hours of extracorporeal liver perfusions. The liver seemed to act as a filter under these experimental conditions. It had similar filtration effects on the enzymes LDH and alpha-HBDG which are set free in hemolysis. The decrease of platelets was more pronounced in extracorporeal liver perfusions than in iliac bypass experiments. Especially the functioning platelets decreased significantly in extracorporeal liver perfusions after 4–5 hours. The filtration effect of the liver seemed to be due to its intact RES. Xenogenous immunreactions played a minor role.
L-Glutaminase and L-Asparaginase by Extracorporeal Route in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Therapy
Authors: Giordano C. , Esposito R. , Mazzola G. , Vecchio G. , Pluvio M. , Cirillo D. , Capasso G.B. , Buonanno G. 
Published: April 2018

Use of L-asparaginase by the extracorporeal route in the therapy of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has been proposed. Results, however, are not so satisfactory as i.v. administration of this enzyme, because the levels of L-asparagine do not fall for a sufficient length of time due to the antagonistic action of the L-asparagine-synthetase. To avoid the L-asparagine rebound we have utilized, by extracorporeal route, L-glutaminase together with L-asparaginase, in order to reduce L-asparagine and L-glutamine levels. We have therefore performed a series of experiments in vitro and in vivo either using L-asparaginase alone or together with L-glutaminase. Results show that, contrary to what happens when L-asparaginase is used alone, L-asparagine levels decrease and remain low even after 24 hours from the treatment, when L-glutaminase is added to the system. Thus a lowering of L-glutamine levels, which seems to play an important role in the therapy of ALL, is obtained.
Study of the Hemocoagulative Parameters in Hemoperfusion on Polymer Coated Resins
Authors: Marrano D. , Plicchi G. , Spighi M. , Casadei M. Maldini , Betti V. , Andollina A. , Liguori L. , Campione O. , Roversi C.A. , Giulianini G. 
Published: April 2018

A hemoperfusion column containing anionic exchange resin coated with a new polymer has been tested in vivo for blood compatibility. The hemocoagulative parameters, evaluated before and after the cartridge during hemoperfusion, did not show any significant alteration even as regards the number and the functionality of the platelets nor as regards a possible activation of the fibrinolysis process. On the basis of these results, the hemoperfusion system examined can be regarded as hemocompatible from the hemocoagulative standpoint.
Fistula Survival in Single Needle Hemodialysis
Authors: De Clippele M. , Vanholder R. , De Roose J. , Derom F. , Ringoir S. 
Published: April 2018

This study presents an average follow up per patient of 33.5 ± 3.7 and 70.1 ± 5.9 months (hospital and home dialysis) showing an actuarial fistula survival rate of 86.2% and 85.5% respectively after 5 years. The data suggest a satisfactory survival rate of the fistula when a single needle technique is used in comparison to the survival observed with the two needles technique.
Therapeutic Leukapheresis in a Patient with Prolymphocytic Transformation of B-cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Steenssens L. , Van Camp B. 
Published: April 2018

A 64-year old woman with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) developed a prolymphocytic transformation with severe anemia, thrombocytopenia and deterioration of the general clinical condition. Neither treatment with chlorambucil and prednisolone, nor a combination chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisolone) were successful. Splenectomy was not considered as the bone marrow presented signs of dyserythropoiesis. Encouraged by the results of therapeutic leukapheresis in different forms of leukemia, it was decided to start such therapy in our patient. During a seven-month period, thirty weekly aphereses were performed. The white blood cell count did not decrease, but the clinical condition of the patient improved dramatically.
A Native whole Blood Test for the Evaluation of Blood-surface Interaction: Determination of Thromboxane Production
Authors: Mantovani E. , Marconi W. , Cebo B. , Togna A.R. , Togna G. , Caprino L. 
Published: April 2018

The method developed to evaluate the hemocompatibility of artificial materials involves the determination of thromboxane production during the clotting of rabbit blood, in test tubes of different materials. The concentration of serum TXB2 obtained after incubation of whole blood in glass test tubes, for 40 min at 37°C, averaged 416.8 ± 23.3 ng/ml (mean ± SE). Polymethylpentene, recognised as having a relatively poor blood compatibility, elicited 309.5 ± 17.2 ng/ml of serum TXB2, while silicone and Avcothane, considered of better hemocompatibility, showed thromboxane levels of 276.2 ± 28.2 and 222.9 ± 31.5 ng/ml, respectively. These values validate the usefulness of the proposed method as a preliminary in vitro screening test of artificial materials intended for biomedical application.