bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fluvastatin protects cochleae from damage by high-level noise
Authors: Richter Claus-Peter , Young Hunter , Richter Sonja V. , Smith-Bronstein Virginia , Stock Stuart R. , Xiao Xianghui , Soriano Carmen , Whitlon Donna S. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractExposure to noise and ototoxic drugs are responsible for much of the debilitating hearing loss experienced by about 350 million people worldwide. Beyond hearing aids and cochlear implants, there have been no other FDA approved drug interventions established in the clinic that would either protect or reverse the effects of hearing loss. Using Auditory Brainstem Responses (ABR) in a guinea pig model, we demonstrate that fluvastatin, an inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme of the mevalonate pathway, protects against loss of cochlear function initiated by high intensity noise. A novel synchrotron radiation based X-ray tomographic method that imaged soft tissues at micrometer resolution in unsectioned cochleae, allowed an efficient, qualitative evaluation of the three-dimensional internal structure of the intact organ. For quantitative measures, plastic embedded cochleae were sectioned followed by hair cell counting. Protection in noise-exposed cochleae is associated with retention of inner and outer hair cells. This study demonstrates the potential of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, already vetted in human medicine for other purposes, to protect against noise induced hearing loss.
Enhanced Electrochemical Properties of Zr4+-doped Li1.20[Mn0.52Ni0.20Co0.08]O2 Cathode Material for Lithium-ion Battery at Elevated Temperature
Authors: Lu Yi , Pang Min , Shi Shiliang , Ye Qing , Tian Zhaojun , Wang Tao 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe typical co-precipitation method was adopted to synthesized the Li-excess Li1.20[Mn0.52−xZr
x
Ni0.20Co0.08]O2 (x = 0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03) series cathode materials. The influences of Zr4+ doping modification on the microstructure and micromorphology of Li1.20[Mn0.52Ni0.20Co0.08]O2 cathode materials were studied intensively by the combinations of XRD, SEM, LPS and XPS. Besides, after the doping modification with zirconium ions, Li1.20[Mn0.52Ni0.20Co0.08]O2 cathode demonstrated the lower cation mixing, superior cycling performance and higher rate capacities. Among the four cathode materials, the Li1.20[Mn0.50Zr0.02Ni0.20Co0.08]O2 exhibited the prime electrochemical properties with a capacity retention of 88.7% (201.0 mAh g−1) after 100 cycles at 45 °C and a discharge capacity of 114.7 mAh g−1 at 2 C rate. The EIS results showed that the Zr4+ doping modification can relieve the thickening of SEI films on the surface of cathode and accelerate the Li+ diffusion rate during the charge and discharge process.
Permeability and ammonia selectivity in aquaporin TIP2;1: linking structure to function
Authors: Lindahl Viveca , Gourdon Pontus , Andersson Magnus , Hess Berk 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAquaporin TIP2;1 is a protein channel permeable to both water and ammonia. The structural origin of ammonia selectivity remains obscure, but experiments have revealed that a double mutation renders it impermeable to ammonia without affecting water permeability. Here, we aim to reproduce and explain these observations by performing an extensive mutational study using microsecond long molecular dynamics simulations, applying the two popular force fields CHARMM36 and Amber ff99SB-ILDN. We calculate permeabilities and free energies along the channel axis for ammonia and water. For one force field, the permeability of the double mutant decreases by a factor of 2.5 for water and 4 for ammonia, increasing water selectivity by a factor of 1.6. We attribute this effect to decreased entropy of water in the pore, due to the observed increase in pore–water interactions and narrower pore. Additionally, we observe spontaneous opening and closing of the pore on the cytosolic side, which suggests a gating mechanism for the pore. Our results show that sampling methods and simulation times are sufficient to delineate even subtle effects of mutations on structure and function and to capture important long-timescale events, but also underline the importance of improving models further.
Development and application of a rapid Mycobacterium tuberculosis detection technique using polymerase spiral reaction
Authors: Liu Wei , Zou Dayang , He Xiaoming , Ao Da , Su Yuxin , Yang Zhan , Huang Simo , Zhao Qinghe , Tang Yue , Ma Wen , Lu Yongfeng , Wang Jing , Wang Xinjing , Huang Liuyu 
Published: February 2018

AbstractMycobacterium tuberculosis is an age-old bacterium that is difficult to eliminate. A simple and rapid diagnostic method is of great importance to prevent the spread of M. tuberculosis. Here, we developed a low-cost rapid M. tuberculosis nucleic acid detection technique, named GenePop, which enabled the storage and transport of M. tuberculosis diagnostic reagent at ambient temperatures, without the need for professional operations or expensive instrumentation. Using a vitrification method, we vitrified heat-unstable components onto the cap of a reaction tube, and placed heat-stable components at the bottom of the reaction tube by sealing them with paraffin wax. The all-in-one detection tube, when used together with our other invention—a multi-functional sample treatment tube pre-filled with a nucleic acid-releasing agent—only required three simple steps to yield results. A comparative analysis with a commercial qPCR kit for M. tuberculosis indicated that our new technique had a concordance rate of 91.6%, showing no cross-reactivity with 11 other bacteria. The complete operation time was only 65 min. It is suitable for use in field settings or by personnel in grass-root units, and is applicable in household activities, hence can be used in developing countries.
The effect of air pulse-driven whole eye motion on the association between corneal hysteresis and glaucomatous visual field progression
Authors: Aoki Shuichiro , Murata Hiroshi , Matsuura Masato , Fujino Yuri , Nakakura Shunsuke , Nakao Yoshitaka , Kiuchi Yoshiaki , Asaoka Ryo 
Published: February 2018

AbstractCorneal hysteresis (CH) measured with Ocular Response Analyzer (Reichert: ORA) has been reported to be closely related to the glaucomatous visual field (VF) progression. The air pulse applied to an eye not only induces corneal deformation, but also whole eye motion (WEM), which may result in an inaccurate measurement of CH. Here we investigated the influence of air pulse-driven WEM measured with the Corivs ST (CST®, OCULUS) on the relationship between CH and VF progression in primary open angle-glaucoma patients. Using the CST parameters of the maximal WEM displacement (WEM-d) and the time to reach that displacement (WEM-t), the eyes were classified into subgroups (WEM-d low- and high-group, and WEM-t short- and long-group). For the whole population and all subgroups, the optimal linear mixed model to describe mean of total deviation (mTD) progression rate with eight reliable VFs was selected from all combinations of seven parameters including CH. As a result, optimal models for the mTD progression rate included CH in the whole population, the WEM-d low- group and the WEM-t short-group, but not in the WEM-d high-group and the WEM-t long-group. Our findings indicated association between CH and glaucomatous progression can be weakened because of large WEM.
Origin, evolution, and distribution of the molecular machinery for biosynthesis of sialylated lipooligosaccharide structures in Campylobacter coli
Authors: Culebro Alejandra , Machado Miguel P. , Carriço João André , Rossi Mirko 
Published: February 2018

AbstractCampylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli are the most common cause of bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide. Additionally, C. jejuni is the most common bacterial etiological agent in the autoimmune Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Ganglioside mimicry by C. jejuni lipooligosaccharide (LOS) is the triggering factor of the disease. LOS-associated genes involved in the synthesis and transfer of sialic acid (glycosyltranferases belonging to family GT-42) are essential in C. jejuni to synthesize ganglioside-like LOS. Despite being isolated from GBS patients, scarce genetic evidence supports C. coli role in the disease. In this study, through data mining and bioinformatics analysis, C. coli is shown to possess a larger GT-42 glycosyltransferase repertoire than C. jejuni. Although GT-42 glycosyltransferases are widely distributed in C. coli population, only a fraction of C. coli strains (1%) are very likely able to express ganglioside mimics. Even though the activity of C. coli specific GT-42 enzymes and their role in shaping the bacterial population are yet to be explored, evidence presented herein suggest that loss of function of some LOS-associated genes occurred during agriculture niche adaptation.
New insights into gelatinization mechanisms of cereal endosperm starches
Authors: Wang Shujun , Chao Chen , Xiang Fengjuan , Zhang Xiu , Wang Shuo , Copeland Les 
Published: February 2018

AbstractA thorough understanding of starch gelatinization is needed to control starch functional properties for food processing and human nutrition. Here, we reveal the mechanism of structural disassembly of rice, maize and wheat starch granules during thermal transitions in which a Rapid Visco Analyzer (RVA) was used to pre-heat the starches to certain transition points in the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) heating profiles. This was done to generate sufficient material for structural analyses. The results from DSC, Raman, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses all showed that at the conclusion temperature (Tc) of the DSC endotherm rice starch gelatinization was complete, whereas residual structural order remained in maize and wheat starches. Gelatinization of wheat and maize starch was complete at a temperature higher than Tc in the profile, which we define as the end temperature (Te). We propose that Te would be better to define the completion point of starch gelatinization than Tc.
4‐aminobenzensulphonate‐assisted enhanced hydrophily of carbon nanotubes and simultaneous uniform dispersion of PtRu nanoparticles
Authors: Wu Bohua , Zhu Jiajin , Yin Siyuan , Li Xue , Chu Jia , Xiong Shanxin 
Published: February 2018

A 4‐aminobenzensulphonate (p‐ABS)‐assisted strategy has been proposed to separate the aggregations of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and deposit PtRu nanoparticles on them with holonomic graphitic structures. In this work, as an efficient dispersing agent, 0.5 wt% of p‐ABS in isopropanol/water solution can drastically separate CNTs aggregations. Meanwhile, under the help of p‐ABS, high dispersion of PtRu nanoparticles is anchored on CNTs surface with small average diameter (3.0 ± 0.5 nm). It is clear that p‐ABS acts as dispersant, stabiliser and linker in the proposed strategy. The obtained PtRu/p‐ABS‐CNTs nanohybrids were applied as electrocatalysts for methanol oxidation and showed enhanced catalytic activity and stability. Due to the introduction of the amino (−NH2) and sulphonic acid (−SO3 H) groups onto CNTs by non‐covalent method, it ensures PtRu nanoparticles with the advantages of high dispersion, small particle size, locating in triple‐phase zones to increase Pt utilisation and reduces the electrochemical corrosion of p‐ABS‐CNTs, which result in the improved catalytic performance. This work demonstrates an alternative approach to fabricate CNTs supported superior noble metal catalysts for broad applications in fuel cells and chemo/biosensors.
Low Subfrontal Dural Opening for Anterior Clinoid Meningioma
Authors: Chicoine Michael 
Published: February 2018

Introduction A variety of dural openings are described for frontal–temporal and cranio-orbital craniotomies. As with any surgical technique, the goal is to optimally and safely address the pathology, minimize normal anatomy disruption, and optimize postoperative recovery. This study reports a modified dural opening for frontal–temporal approaches which minimizes brain exposure while facilitating visualization for neoplastic and vascular lesions of the anterior clinoid, supra- and parasellar and adjacent regions.
Methods A sample case is presented for which a low subfrontal dural exposure was utilized for tumor resection. The clinical presentation, surgical procedure, and outcome are summarized including a video detailing the surgical technique.
Results A 63-year-old female with gradual left eye vision loss and tumor enlargement on serial imaging. The small dural-based tumor arose from the left anterior clinoid and optic canal region compressing the optic nerve. The video shows a left frontal–temporal craniotomy used to perform extradural anterior clinoidectomy and optic canal decompression. The novel low subfrontal dural opening without fixed brain retraction allowed dural opening around the optic canal and clinoidectomy region to resect tumor and complete optic nerve decompression. Postoperatively, the patient did well with significant recovery of vision and follow-up at 2.5 years shows no evidence of tumor recurrence.
Conclusion The novel low subfrontal dural opening provides access to lesions of the supra-and para-sellar and adjacent regions, and preservation of much of the dura avoids some of the risks of intradural dissection including Sylvian fissure dissection and brain retractionThe link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/Jc7wvR4PTFk.
Amplitude-Integrated EEG and Cerebral Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Cooled, Asphyxiated Infants
Authors: Niezen C. K. , Bos A. F. , Sival D. A. , Meiners L. C. , ter Horst H. J. 
Published: February 2018

Objective To assess the predictive value of amplitude-integrated electroencephalography EEG (aEEG) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) during therapeutic hypothermia.
Patients and Methods We studied 39 cooled, asphyxiated infants. We assessed aEEG and calculated mean regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rcSO2) during and after treatment. At 30 months, we performed a neurological examination and administered the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, 3rd edition. We calculated the odds ratios (ORs) of abnormal aEEG and rcSO2 for severely abnormal outcome.
Results At 6 and 12 hours, severely abnormal aEEGs predicted severely abnormal outcomes (OR, 7.7 [95% confidence interval, CI, 1.39–42.6] and 24.4 [95% CI 4.2–143] respectively), as did epileptic activity (OR 28.9, 4.6–183). During the first 48 hours, rcSO2 was not associated with outcome, but at 72 hours after birth and after rewarming it was, with ORs for severely abnormal outcomes of 12.8 (1.31–124) and 21.6 (1.05–189), respectively. In multivariate analyses, aEEG and rcSO2 remained independently predictive in the model at 48 hours and significantly from 72 hours after birth onward.
Conclusion aEEG was a strong predictor of adverse outcome. After 48 hours of cooling, a higher rcSO2 was associated with a severely abnormal outcome, adding to the predictive value of aEEG in cooled, asphyxiated infants.
Association of Resident Duty Hour Restrictions, Level of Trainee, and Number of Available Residents with Mortality in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Clement Karin , Lacroix Guy , Bélanger Sylvie , Julien Anne-Sophie , Piedboeuf Bruno , Beltempo Marc 
Published: February 2018

Objective This article assesses the effect of reducing consecutive hours worked by residents from 24 to 16 hours on yearly total hours worked per resident in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and evaluates the association of resident duty hour reform, level of trainee, and the number of residents present at admission with mortality in the NICU.
Study Design This is a 6-year retrospective cohort study including all pediatric residents working in a Level 3 NICU (N = 185) and infants admitted to the NICU (N = 8,159). Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) were estimated for mortality with respect to Epoch (2008–2011 [24-hour shifts] versus 2011–2014 [16-hour shifts]), level of trainee, and the number of residents present at admission.
Results The reduction in maximum consecutive hours worked was associated with a significant reduction of the median yearly total hours worked per resident in the NICU (381 hour vs. 276 hour, p < 0.01). Early mortality rate was 1.2% (50/4,107) before the resident duty hour reform and 0.8% (33/4,052) after the reform (aOR, 0.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.33–0.98). Neither level of trainee (aOR, 1.22; 95% CI, 0.71–2.10; junior vs. senior) nor the number of residents present at admission (aOR, 2.08; 95% CI, 0.43–10.02, 5–8 residents vs. 0–2 residents) were associated with early mortality. Resident duty hour reform was not associated with hospital mortality (aOR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.50–1.07; after vs. before resident duty hour reform).
Conclusion Resident duty hour restrictions were associated with a reduction in the number of yearly hours worked by residents in the NICU as well as a significant decrease in adjusted odds of early mortality but not of hospital mortality in admitted neonates.
Effects of the Reactive Metabolite Methylglyoxal on Cellular Signalling, Insulin Action and Metabolism – What We Know in Mammals and What We Can Learn From Yeast
Authors: Zemva Johanna , Pfaff Daniel , Groener Jan , Fleming Thomas , Herzig Stephan , Teleman Aurelio , Nawroth Peter , Tyedmers Jens 
Published: February 2018

AbstractLevels of reactive metabolites such as reactive carbonyl and oxygen species are increased in patients with diabetes mellitus. The most important reactive dicarbonyl species, methylglyoxal (MG), formed as by-product during glucose metabolism, is more and more recognized as a trigger for the development and progression of diabetic complications. Although it is clear that MG provokes toxic effects, it is currently not well understood what cellular changes MG induces on a molecular level that may lead to pathophysiological conditions found in long-term diabetic complications. Here we review the current knowledge about the molecular effects that MG can induce in a cell. Within the mammalian system, we will focus mostly on the metabolic effects MG exerts when applied systemically to rodents or when applied in vitro to pancreatic β-cells and adipocytes. Due to the common limitations associated with complex model organisms, we then summarize how yeast as a very simple model organism can help to gain valuable comprehensive information on general defence pathways cells exert in response to MG stress. Pioneering studies in additional rather simple eukaryotic model organisms suggest that many cellular reactions in response to MG are highly conserved throughout evolution.
Was wissen wir über die Osteitis pubis bei Sporttreibenden?
Authors: Kelm Jens , Ludwig Oliver , André Jan , Maas Stefan , Hopp Sascha 
Published: February 2018

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund Die Osteitis pubis ist eine häufige Ursache chronischer Leistenbeschwerden. Aufgrund hoher klinischer Unsicherheit sowie dem unterschiedlichen Verlauf der Erkrankung wird die Diagnose nicht selten erst spät gestellt. Das Krankheitsbild betrifft insbesondere Sportlerinnen und Sportler, wobei auch Patienten aus den Bereichen Orthopädie, Traumatologie, Neurologie, Urologie, Gynäkologie sowie der Rheumatologie betroffen sein können. Therapeutisch kommen sowohl konservative als auch operative Verfahren zum Einsatz.
Material und Methoden Systematische Literaturrecherche, deskriptive Darstellung der Studienlage und Interpretation der Ergebnisse im Sinne der evidenzbasierten Medizin.
Ergebnisse Das wissenschaftliche Niveau der Studien über die Osteitis pubis ist, wie die Anzahl der in Studien inkludierten Sporttreibenden, insgesamt niedrig. Aufgrund der Heterogenität der Publikationen ist ihr statistischer Vergleich methodisch schwierig. Klinisch führendes Symptom der Osteitis pubis ist die schmerzhafte Symphysis pubica, wobei ein klassisches pathognomonisches Zeichen fehlt. Die Diagnose basiert nach Ausschluss zahlreicher Differentialdiagnosen (z. B. „Sportlerleiste“, FA-Impingement, Adduktorenläsion) auf der Zusammenschau von Anamnese, klinischer Untersuchung sowie bildgebender Verfahren. Die Osteitis pubis ist eine durch Sportkarenz oftmals selbstlimitierende Erkrankung, die initial konservativ behandelt wird. Bei frustranem Verlauf sind operative Verfahren, in Abhängigkeit der Begleitpathologien, in Betracht zu ziehen.
Schlussfolgerung Es existieren bis dato keine Leitlinien hinsichtlich Diagnostik und Therapie der Osteitis pubis, allerdings ein Konsens darüber, dass der operativen Behandlung eine konservative vorangehen muss. Das Evidenzniveau der Studien ist niedrig. Eine metaanalytische Auswertung ist mit den derzeitig vorhandenen Publikationen nicht möglich. Die Anzahl der untersuchten Sporttreibenden ist in Relation zu den sozioökonomischen Folgen der Erkrankung, insbesondere im Profisport, niedrig.
Association of Low Urine pH with Insulin Resistance in Non-Diabetic Japanese Subjects
Authors: Shimodaira Masanori , Okaniwa Shinji , Nakayama Tomohiro 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Background Epidemiology studies have revealed that patients with obesity, hyperglycemia, or hypertension are associated with a decreased urine pH. These metabolic disorders are related to insulin resistance; however, the association between urine pH and insulin resistance remains unclear.
Methods To evaluate this association while controlling for covariates, the present study was conducted in 1084 non-diabetic Japanese subjects undergoing health examination. Fasting urine pH was analyzed using an automated urine dipstick analyzer. The subjects were divided into five groups according to urine pH: those with pH <5.5, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, and >6.5. Insulin resistance was determined using the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and divided into three categories: lower, middle, and higher tertiles of HOMA-IR. Analysis of covariance and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to control confounding factors including serum uric acid.
Results Analysis of covariance showed an increase in the mean HOMA-IR from 1.26, 1.46, 1.69, and 1.75 to 1.89 with a decrease in urine pH (p<0.001). Subjects with urine pH ≤5.5 had a significantly higher HOMA-IR than those with urine pH>6.5. Furthermore, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that urine pH had an inverse and independent association with HOMA-IR. In subjects with urine pH 5.5 and <5.5, adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for the incidence of higher tertile of HOMA-IR was 1.34 (1.04–1.73) and 1.52 (1.09–2.13), respectively (reference, subjects with a urine pH>6.5).
Conclusion Insulin resistance is independently associated with a lower urine pH, possibly via lower formation of ammonium in the kidneys.
Serum CTRP3 Level is Associated with Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Xu Zhong-Hua , Zhang Xing , Xie Hua , He Jin , Zhang Wen-Chao , Jing Dan-Feng , Luo Xiang 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Background As a novel adipokine, CTRP3 involves in various functions of energy metabolism. Recent advance reveals a complex interaction between bone and adipose tissue via the secretion of adipokines.
Aims A hospital-based case-control study was conducted to investigate the role of serum CTRP3 in osteoporosis among postmenopausal women.
Methods Serum levels of CTRP3 and osteocalcin were measured. Bone mineral density (BMD) was obtained on femoral neck and lumbar spines by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry.
Results Serum CTRP3 level was lower in subjects with osteoporosis (76.7±22.1 ng/ml) than it in controls (89.4±22.5 ng/ml) (P<0.001). Meanwhile, the frequency of osteoporosis presented a significant decrease (66.4%, 53.9% and 35.9%, P<0.001), in the tertiles of serum CTRP3. Furthermore, serum CTRP3 witnessed an association with a lower risk of osteoporosis (adjusted odds ratio=0.973, 95% confidence interval [0.963–0.983], P<0.001). Lastly, serum CTRP3 level was positively correlated with femoral BMD (r=0.403, P<0.001), lumbar BMD (r=0.368, P<0.001), and HDL-C (r=0.118, P=0.022), among all participants after adjustment. Meanwhile, CTRP3 presented negative correlations with HOMA-IR (r=−0.136, P=0.008) and insulin (r=−0.192, P <0.001).
Conclusions It shows that a decreased serum level of CTRP3 was independently associated with osteoporosis.