bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Periostin contributes to the maturation and shape retention of tissue-engineered cartilage
Authors: Inaki Ryoko , Fujihara Yuko , Kudo Akira , Misawa Masaki , Hikita Atsuhiko , Takato Tsuyoshi , Hoshi Kazuto 
Published: July 2018

AbstractTraditional tissue-engineered cartilage applied in clinical practice consists of cell suspensions or gel-form materials for which it is difficult to maintain their shapes. Although biodegradable polymer scaffolds are used for shape retention, deformation after transplantation can occur. Here, we showed that periostin (PN), which is abundantly expressed in fibrous tissues, contributes to the maturation and shape retention of tissue-engineered cartilage through conformational changes in collagen molecules. The tissue-engineered cartilage transplanted in an environment lacking PN exhibited irregular shapes, while transplants originating from chondrocytes lacking PN showed limited regeneration. In thein vitroassay, PN added to the culture medium of chondrocytes failed to show any effects, while the 3D culture embedded within the collagen gel premixed with PN (10 μg/mL) enhanced chondrogenesis. The PN-mediated collagen structure enhanced the mechanical strength of the surrounding fibrous tissues and activated chondrocyte extracellular signaling by interstitial fibrous tissues.
Overexpression of Tisochrysis lutea Akd1 identifies a key cold-induced alkenone desaturase enzyme
Authors: Endo Hirotoshi , Hanawa Yutaka , Araie Hiroya , Suzuki Iwane , Shiraiwa Yoshihiro 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAlkenones are unusual long-chain neutral lipids that were first identified in oceanic sediments. Currently they are regarded as reliable palaeothermometers, since their unsaturation status changes depending on temperature. These molecules are synthesised by specific haptophyte algae and are stored in the lipid body as the main energy storage molecules. However, the molecular mechanisms that regulate the alkenone biosynthetic pathway, especially the low temperature-dependent desaturation reaction, have not been elucidated. Here, using an alkenone-producing haptophyte alga, Tisochrysis lutea, we show that the alkenone desaturation reaction is catalysed by a newly identified desaturase. We first isolated two candidate desaturase genes and found that one of these genes was drastically upregulated in response to cold stress. Gas chromatographic analysis revealed that the overexpression of this gene, named as Akd1 finally, increased the conversion of di-unsaturated C37-alkenone to tri-unsaturated molecule by alkenone desaturation, even at a high temperature when endogenous desaturation is efficiently suppressed. We anticipate that the Akd1 gene will be of great help for elucidating more detailed mechanisms of temperature response of alkenone desaturation, and identification of active species contributing alkenone production in metagenomic and/or metatranscriptomic studies in the field of oceanic biogeochemistry.
Analysis of public RNA-sequencing data reveals biological consequences of genetic heterogeneity in cell line populations
Authors: Fasterius Erik , Al-Khalili Szigyarto Cristina 
Published: July 2018

AbstractMeta-analysis of datasets available in public repositories are used to gather and summarise experiments performed across laboratories, as well as to explore consistency of scientific findings. As data quality and biological equivalency across samples may obscure such analyses and consequently their conclusions, we investigated the comparability of 85 public RNA-seq cell line datasets. Thousands of pairwise comparisons of single nucleotide variants in 139 samples revealed variable genetic heterogeneity of the eight cell line populations analysed as well as variable data quality. The H9 and HCT116 cell lines were found to be remarkably stable across laboratories (with median concordances of 99.2% and 98.5%, respectively), in contrast to the highly variable HeLa cells (89.3%). We show that the genetic heterogeneity encountered greatly affects gene expression between same-cell comparisons, highlighting the importance of interrogating the biological equivalency of samples when comparing experimental datasets. Both the number of differentially expressed genes and the expression levels negatively correlate with the genetic heterogeneity. Finally, we demonstrate how comparing genetically heterogeneous datasets affect gene expression analyses and that high dissimilarity between same-cell datasets alters the expression of more than 300 cancer-related genes, which are often the focus of studies using cell lines.
KampoDB, database of predicted targets and functional annotations of natural medicines
Authors: Sawada Ryusuke , Iwata Michio , Umezaki Masahito , Usui Yoshihiko , Kobayashi Toshikazu , Kubono Takaki , Hayashi Shusaku , Kadowaki Makoto , Yamanishi Yoshihiro 
Published: July 2018

AbstractNatural medicines (i.e., herbal medicines, traditional formulas) are useful for treatment of multifactorial and chronic diseases. Here, we present KampoDB (http://wakanmoview.inm.u-toyama.ac.jp/kampo/), a novel platform for the analysis of natural medicines, which provides various useful scientific resources on Japanese traditional formulas Kampo medicines, constituent herbal drugs, constituent compounds, and target proteins of these constituent compounds. Potential target proteins of these constituent compounds were predicted by docking simulations and machine learning methods based on large-scale omics data (e.g., genome, proteome, metabolome, interactome). The current version of KampoDB contains 42 Kampo medicines, 54 crude drugs, 1230 constituent compounds, 460 known target proteins, and 1369 potential target proteins, and has functional annotations for biological pathways and molecular functions. KampoDB is useful for mode-of-action analysis of natural medicines and prediction of new indications for a wide range of diseases.
Relationship between Anaemia, Haemolysis, Inflammation and Haem Oxygenase-1 at Admission with Sepsis: a pilot study
Authors: Ekregbesi Phebe , Shankar-Hari Manu , Bottomley Christian , Riley Eleanor M. , Mooney Jason P. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractUpregulation of haem oxygenase-1 (HO-1), due to haemolysis and/or inflammation, can lead to impaired immune function. Anaemia is common among sepsis patients, but the consequences of sepsis-associated anaemia are poorly understood. Here, our objective was to determine the prevalence and extent of anaemia, haemolysis, inflammation, and HO-1 induction after early hospital admission. We hypothesised that inflammation- or infection-induced haemolysis contributes to sepsis-associated anaemia and that this will lead to expression of HO-1. In this study, plasma obtained from seventy adult patients within 12 hours of admission to intensive care due to sepsis were analysed for anaemia, haemolysis and inflammatory markers by ELISA and microbead array. The majority (82.6%) of patients were anaemic with evidence of haemolysis (raised haem, haptoglobin, haemopexin, and HO-1 concentrations). Interestingly, concentrations of both haemoglobin and IL-10 were moderately positively correlated with HO-1 concentration (Hb: r = 0.32, p = 0.007; IL-10 r = 0.39, p = 0.0008) whereas HO-1 concentration was weakly negatively correlated with haemopexin (r = −0.23, p = 0.055). Anaemia, while common, was not associated with HO-1 concentration. After adjusting for confounding, HO-1 induction appears to be associated primarily with IL-10 concentration rather than haemolysis. Disease severity at diagnosis was correlated with early plasma IL-10 (r = 0.35, p = 0.003) and HO-1 (r = 0.24, p = 0.048) concentrations. Notably, admission levels of haem, HO-1, and IL-10 were indicators of survival.
Validity of the RSA-RANDOM Test for Young Soccer Players
Authors: Martin Victor , Sanchez-Sanchez Javier , Ramírez-Campillo Rodrigo , Nakamura Fábio , Gonzalo-Skok Oliver 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe present study aimed to examine the reliability, usefulness, responsiveness, age-related differences and construct validity of a novel decision-making RSA test (RSA-RANDOM test) in young soccer players. Twenty-five young male soccer players performed the RSA-RANDOM test on 2 occasions separated by 5–7 days to assess test-retest reliability and determine a priori usefulness. Furthermore, the same players executed the RSA-RANDOM test 4 times throughout the season to analyse responsiveness. Forty-five players (U–13 to U–17) were evaluated in such test to examine age-related differences. Finally, 9 players were used to determine the construct validity of the test. Reliability scores showed a high intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC=0.88 to 0.90) and low coefficient of variation (CV=1.0–1.2%). The responsiveness of the RSA-RANDOM test was good, as the typical short- (1.2–1.9%), mid- (1.4–2.4%) and long-term (2.3–3.2%) changes in RSA-RANDOM performance were higher than the CV. Age-related differences analysis showed better RSA-RANDOM performance as age increased in young soccer players. Low (r=−0.50) to moderate (r=−0.75) relationships were found between the RSA-RANDOM test variables (RSA best and mean times) with high-intensity and total distance covered, respectively. A novel decision-making RSA test (RSA-RANDOM) has shown to be reliable and valid in young soccer players.
Vitamina D tem influência nos implantes dentários?
Authors: Bubola Julia , Ferreira Rafael , Sant'Ana Adriana , Rezende Maria , Greghi Sebastião , Damante Carla , Zangrando Mariana 
Published: July 2018

ResumoA vitamina D (calciferol) possui papel importante no metabolismo ósseo (turnover), mantendo os níveis de cálcio e fósforo no sangue. A principal fonte de produção é pela pele estimulada pelos raios solares, porém, as características da vida moderna como o receio de danos dermatológicos e uso de agentes protetores têm dificultado/diminuído a exposição ao sol. Desta forma, há o comprometimento da síntese adequada dessa vitamina, o que pode influenciar negativamente no sucesso clínico de implantes dentários. O objetivo dessa revisão de literatura é abordar a importância da vitamina D e o efeito de sua deficiência sobre a saúde sistêmica e a repercussão na cavidade bucal com implantes dentários. Para isso, foi realizado uma busca nas bases de dados Scielo, Pubmed e Scopus com os descritores: “deficiency and vitamin D and dental implants”. Foram selecionados 13 artigos para revisão e análise dos dados. A carência de vitamina D gera inúmeras alterações, desde hipocalcemia leve, perda de osso trabecular, como a quadros graves com comprometimento ósseo, muscular, imunológico e metabólico. No caso de suspeita de deficiência de vitamina D no paciente que irá receber ou possui implante dentário, deve-se encaminhar o paciente a um médico e nutricionista, que analisará a existência real da hipovitaminose e indicará uma adequada abordagem terapêutica. Os estudos in vitro e em animais demonstram os efeitos da deficiência ou efeito da suplementação da vitamina D no metabolismo ósseo ao redor de implantes dentários. Já os estudos em humanos apresentam grande heterogenidade, não apresentando uma ligação entre baixos níveis séricos de vitamina D com o risco aumentado na perda precoce de implantes. Portanto, são necessárias mais pesquisas, incluindo investigações clínicas longitudinais e revisões sistemáticas, que possam elucidar melhor os mecanismos de ação da vitamina D nos processos de metabolismo ósseo e de osseointegração, auxiliando cirugiões-dentistas, médicos e nutricionistas quando em contato com os pacientes que utilizam ou irão utilizar implantes dentários.
Avaliação dos níveis de ferritina e vitamina B12 em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica suplementados com polivitamínico
Authors: Reis Maria , Almeida Júlia , Amorim Maria , Amaral Daniela , Gregório Eric 
Published: July 2018

ResumoAs carências nutricionais de ferro e vitamina B12 são as principais alterações que colocam em risco o sucesso da cirurgia bariátrica. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar os níveis da ferritina e da vitamina B12 em pacientes com obesidade grau III do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), submetidos à derivação gastrojejunal em Y de Roux (BPGYR), suplementados gratuitamente com o produto Materna®. Esse polivitamínico foi distribuído aos 40 pacientes gratuitamente pelo período de 24 meses e 23 pacientes, o grupo controle, não receberam o medicamento. A comparação da ferritina e vitamina B12 em pacientes submetidos ao BPGYR, com suplementação gratuita foram superiores a aqueles observados para o grupo controle. Conclui-se que o fornecimento gratuito do Materna pelo SUS aos pacientes submetidos ao BPGYR é uma medida recomendada para o controle adequado e a aderência do paciente ao tratamento.
Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Primary School Teachers on Nutrition and Food
Authors: Falkenbach Danielle , D'avila Helen , Mello Elza 
Published: July 2018

Introdution The teacher's formation is a paramount condition for the education in health.
Objective To develop a questionnaire and assess knowledge, attitudes and practices of early years school teachers.
Methodology a questionnaire about nutrition and feeding was applied. The subjects were teachers from pre-school to 5th grade of Elementary School.
Results There were 288 teachers in the survey. They were all in favor of the promotion of a healthy feeding in school. The source of information mostly used was the textbook. 76% thought they had good knowledge about a healthy diet. The average number of positive/correct answers was 21 (48%).
Conclusions The knowledge about nutrition and feeding were insufficient and the general performance in the questionnaire was low. Actions that aim at qualifying the teachers are urgent, so that they can develop the necessary tools to promote a healthy feeding in schools.
Unión cráneo-cervical – anatomía normal y correlación con imágenes
Authors: Sgarbi Nicolás , Telis Osmar 
Published: July 2018

ResumenLa solicitud de estudios de imagen en pacientes con trauma cervical es muy frecuente en la práctica diaria. Esa patología es causa relativamente frecuente de discapacidad en pacientes jóvenes junto con el trauma encéfalo craneano. En un porcentaje no despreciable de los casos, las lesiones traumáticas comprometen la unión cráneo-cervical y en esos pacientes, la morbi-mortalidad es más significativa. La transición entre el cráneo y el raquis se basa en un conjunto de estructuras óseas relacionadas por articulaciones muy móviles y estabilizadas por un grupo de ligamentos y músculos que le brindan al mismo tiempo gran solidez. Para una correcta interpretación de los estudios de imagen de uso corriente en la clínica, es fundamental un sólido conocimiento anatómico de la unión cráneo-cervical y sus componentes. Es el objetivo de esta revisión, sistematizar la anatomía de la unión cráneo-cervical con especial énfasis en sus ligamentos, analizar la fisiología de sus movimientos y el concepto de estabilidad para luego realizar una correlación con tomografía computada multi-detector y resonancia magnética.
Prevention of Postoperative Deep Vein Thrombosis by a Combination of Subcutaneous Heparin with Subcutaneous Dihydroergotamine or Oral Sulphinpyrazone
Authors: Veth Gerda , Meuwissen Otger J A Th , van Houwelingen Hans C , Sixma Jan J 
Published: July 2018

SummaryIn a randomized clinical trial the effect of subcutaneous heparin alone or in combination with dihydroergotamine or sulphinpyrazone in preventing postoperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was studied. Sodium heparin (5000 IU) was administered subcutaneously twice daily; dihydroergotamine (1/2 mg) was also administered subcutaneously twice daily, and sulphinpyrazone (400 mg) was administered orally or intravenously twice daily. Administration occurred for at least 7 days. The diagnosis DVT was made with the radiofibrinogen uptake test. 358 patients undergoing major elective abdominal surgery were allocated to three treatment groups: heparin alone (Hep), heparin + dihydroergotamine (DHE-Hep) and heparin + sulphinpyrazone (Sulph-Hep). The frequency of DVT was 14/114 in Hep, 10/115 in DHE-Hep and 20/114 in Sulph-Hep. These differences were not significant. After application of the “logistic regression” procedure of Cox (1) it turned out that the major risk factors for developing DVT were age, sex, weight, type of operation and presence of diabetes mellitus. Also a significant treatment influence was observed (p = 0.001). This treatment effect was most probably due to improvement in the DHE-Hep group.The results in the Sulph-Hep group were not significantly different from those in the Hep group. A risk index was formulated on the basis of the above mentioned risk factors by which the chance of occurrence of DVT during heparin prophylaxis in an individual patient could be predicted. Patients that should receive additional prophylactic treatment can be defined by using this risk index.
Studies on Platelets of Patients with Inherited Platelet Disorders Suggest that Collagen-Induced Fibrinogen Binding to Membrane Receptors Requires Secreted ADP but Not Released α-Granule Proteins
Authors: Legrand Chantal , Nurden Alan T 
Published: July 2018

SummaryCollagen induces a saturable 125I-fibrinogen binding to normal human platelets. A role for secreted ADP in this process is supported by studies on 2 patients with the Chédiak-Higashi syndrome. Both collagen-induced nucleotide release and 125I-fibrinogen binding were strongly reduced while ADP-induced fibrinogen binding was normal. Platelets from 2 patients with the gray platelet syndrome bound normal amounts of 125I-fibrinogen in the presence of ADP or collagen despite the severe reduction of secretable α-granule proteins. Binding did not occur to collagen-stimulated type I thrombasthenic platelets which lacked GPIIb-IIIa complexes but was detected in amounts which correlated with the residual concentrations of GPIIb-IIIa in the platelets of a patient with type II disease. Our results allow us to propose that collagen-induced fibrinogen binding to normal platelets requires the presence of GPIIb-IIIa complexes and secreted ADP but proceeds independently of α-granule release.
Protein C Antigen Levels in Major Abdominal Surgery: Relationships to Deep Vein Thrombosis, Malignancy and Treatment with Stanozolol
Authors: Blamey S L , Lowe G D O , Bertina R M , Kluft C , Sue-Ling H M , Davies J A , Forbes C D 
Published: July 2018

SummaryActivated protein C is a potent inhibitor of coagulation, and familial protein C deficiency has been associated with recurrent venous thrombosis. We have investigated protein C antigen levels in patients undergoing major elective abdominal surgery, to determine their relationships to postoperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT), malignancy, and preoperative treatment with intramuscular or oral stanozolol. Preoperative and postoperative protein C levels were not significantly different in patients with and without DVT (detected by 125I-fibrinogen leg scans), nor in patients with and without malignancy. In a placebo group (n = 26), a significant fall in protein C was maximal on the first postoperative day and persisted for 7 days. In a group given intramuscular stanozolol, 50 mg on the preoperative day (n = 23) stanozolol shortened the duration of the postoperative fall in protein C, but did not prevent DVT. In a group given oral stanozolol, 10 mg/day for 2 weeks before and 1 week after operation (n = 11), stanozolol significantly increased protein C levels prior to surgery, hence maintaining protein C at pretreatment levels after surgery. The effect of this regimen on the incidence of DVT is under study.
Hepatic Clearance of Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator in Rats
Authors: Emeis J J , van den Hoogen C M , Jense D 
Published: July 2018

SummaryThe clearance of tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) was studied, in rats, by use of a functional assay for t-PA. Half-lives in the circulation were about one minute both for human (melanoma cell-derived) t-PA and for the rat’s own t-PA. The clearance of t-PA required an intact liver blood flow. In isolated liver perfusion experiments the hepatic extraction of t-PA did not require any plasma proteins, including fast-acting t-PA inhibitor. Competition experiments, using monosaccharides, suggested that known hepatic glycoprotein receptors were not involved in hepatic t-PA extraction.
The Heparin-Mobilisable Pool of Platelet Factor 4: A Comparison of Intravenous and Subcutaneous Heparin and Kabi Heparin Fragment 2165
Authors: O’Brien J R , Etherington M D , Pashley Michelle A 
Published: July 2018

SummarySome clinical advantages are claimed for low molecular weight heparin so the mobilisation of platelet factor 4 (PF 4) from the endothelial pool by the heparins may be relevant. Unfractionated (UF) heparin has been compared with Kabi heparin fragment 2165. A single intravenous (i. v.) injection of 60 iu/kg heparin was compared with 5000 anti-Xa units of Kabi-2165. Less PF 4 was mobilised by Kabi-2165 and some apparently remained in the pool and was released when the pool was subsequently challenged by giving i.v. heparin. Subcutaneous (s. c.) injections of 5000 iu heparin twice daily were compared with 5000 anti-Xa units of Kabi-2165 once daily, each given for a week. The plasma PF 4 was never raised yet when finally challenged with i.v. heparin the pool was “empty” or refractory after the s.c. heparin but some PF 4 remained after the s.c. Kabi-2165. The two glycosaminogly-cans (GAGs) had widely differing half-lives but the t/2 of the PF 4 mobilised by the two GAGs was similar even though the PF 4 is apparently bound to the GAG.
Fibrinopeptide A in Urine from Patients with Venous Thromboembolism, Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation and Rheumatoid Arthritis - Evidence for Dephosphorylation and Carboxyterminal Degradation of the Peptide by the Kidney
Authors: Leeksma O C , Meijer-Huizinga F , Dalen E A Stoepman-van , Aken W G van , Mourik J A van 
Published: July 2018

SummaryUrinary fibrinopeptide A immunoreactivity was determined by radioimmunoassay using two anti-fibrinopeptide A sera with a different specificity in patients with venous thromboembolism, disseminated intravascular coagulation and rheumatoid arthritis. Elevated levels were frequently observed with both sera, and intravenous administration of heparin in patients with a thromboembolic disorder resulted in a decline of urinary fibrinopeptide A (FPA) concentrations to normal or nearly normal values. For both sera significant correlations with plasma levels were found although one of the sera reacted significantly better with the material in urine samples from these patients than the other (p <0.0001, n = 73). Analysis of urinary fibrinopeptide A immunoreactivity by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) provided evidence that A peptide material present in this body fluid was heterogeneous. In view of the characteristics of the antisera used in this study, data suggest that urinary FPA immunoreactivity consists to a large extent of carboxyterminally degraded FPA. Excretion of circulating FPA immunoreactive material through the kidneys apparently involves dephosphorylation and carboxyterminal breakdown of the A peptide. Since both synthetic and native phosphorylated or unphosphorylated fibrinopeptide A appeared to be stable in urine in vitro, an active role of the kidney in degrading the A peptide is likely.