bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human notochordal cell transcriptome unveils potential regulators of cell function in the developing intervertebral disc
Authors: Rodrigues-Pinto Ricardo , Ward Lizzy , Humphreys Matthew , Zeef Leo A. H. , Berry Andrew , Hanley Karen Piper , Hanley Neil , Richardson Stephen M. , Hoyland Judith A. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe adult nucleus pulposus originates from the embryonic notochord, but loss of notochordal cells with skeletal maturity in humans is thought to contribute to the onset of intervertebral disc degeneration. Thus, defining the phenotype of human embryonic/fetal notochordal cells is essential for understanding their roles and for development of novel therapies. However, a detailed transcriptomic profiling of human notochordal cells has never been achieved. In this study, the notochord-specific marker CD24 was used to specifically label and isolate (using FACS) notochordal cells from human embryonic and fetal spines (7.5–14 weeks post-conception). Microarray analysis and qPCR validation identified CD24, STMN2, RTN1, PRPH, CXCL12, IGF1, MAP1B, ISL1, CLDN1 and THBS2 as notochord-specific markers. Expression of these markers was confirmed in nucleus pulposus cells from aged and degenerate discs. Ingenuity pathway analysis revealed molecules involved in inhibition of vascularisation (WISP2, Noggin and EDN2) and inflammation (IL1-RN) to be master regulators of notochordal genes. Importantly, this study has, for the first time, defined the human notochordal cell transcriptome and suggests inhibition of inflammation and vascularisation may be key roles for notochordal cells during intervertebral disc development. The molecules and pathways identified in this study have potential for use in developing strategies to retard/prevent disc degeneration, or regenerate tissue.
Endogenous Galectin-9 Suppresses Apoptosis in Human Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Fibroblasts
Authors: Pearson Mark J. , Bik Magdalena A. , Ospelt Caroline , Naylor Amy J. , Wehmeyer Corinna , Jones Simon W. , Buckley Christopher D. , Gay Steffen , Filer Andrew , Lord Janet M. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractGalectin-9 (Gal9) has been postulated to have anti-inflammatory properties based on the ability of exogenous Gal9 to induce apoptosis in synovial fibroblasts in animal models of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Here we aimed to assess the potential role of endogenous Galectins, including Gal9, in the inflammatory pathology of the RA synovium in humans. Firstly expression of Galectins 1–9 was determined in synovial fibroblasts (RASF) and dermal fibroblasts (DF) isolated from RA patients, the latter representing a non-inflamed site. We then further challenged the cells with pro-inflammatory TLR agonists and cytokines and assessed Galectin expression. Gal9 was found to be differentially and abundantly expressed in RASF compared to DF. Agonists of TLR3 and TLR4, along with IFNgamma were also found to induce Gal9 expression in RASF. siRNA was then used to knock-down Gal9 expression in RASF and the effects of this on apoptosis and cell viability were assessed. Increased apoptosis was observed in RASF following Gal9 knock-down. We conclude that, unlike exogenous Gal9, endogenous Gal9 is protective against apoptosis and enhances synovial fibroblast viability suggesting that its role in RA is both pathogenic and pro-inflammatory.
Structural insights into betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase (BADH2) from Oryza sativa explored by modeling and simulations
Authors: Baicharoen Apisara , Vijayan Ranjit , Pongprayoon Prapasiri 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBetaine aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (BADH2) plays a key role in the accumulation of 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2AP), a fragrant compound in rice (Oryza sativa). BADH2 catalyses the oxidation of aminoaldehydes to carboxylic acids. An inactive BADH2 is known to promote fragrance in rice. The 3D structure and atomic level protein-ligand interactions are currently unknown. Here, the 3D dimeric structure of BADH2 was modeled using homology modeling. Furthermore, two 0.5 µs simulations were performed to explore the nature of BADH2 dimer structurally and dynamically. Each monomer comprises of 3 domains (substrate-binding, NAD+-binding, and oligomerization domains). The NAD+-binding domain is the most mobile. A scissor-like motion was observed between the monomers. Inside the binding pocket, N162 and E260 are tethered by strong hydrogen bonds to residues in close proximity. In contrast, the catalytic C294 is very mobile and interacts occasionally with N162. The flexibility of the nucleophilic C294 could facilitate the attack of free carbonyl on an aldehyde substrate. Key inter-subunit salt bridges contributing to dimerization were also identified. E487, D491, E492, K498, and K502 were found to form strong salt bridges with charged residues on the adjacent monomer. Specifically, the nearly permanent R430-E487 hydrogen bond (>90%) highlights its key role in dimer association. Structural and dynamic insights of BADH2 obtained here could play a role in the improvement of rice fragrance, which could lead to an enhancement in rice quality and market price.
Evolutionary specialization of MscCG, an MscS-like mechanosensitive channel, in amino acid transport in Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Nakayama Yoshitaka , Komazawa Kosuke , Bavi Navid , Hashimoto Ken-ichi , Kawasaki Hisashi , Martinac Boris 
Published: August 2018

AbstractMscCG, a mechanosensitive channel of Corynebacterium glutamicum provides a major export mechanism for glutamate in this Gram-positive bacterium, which has for many years been used for industrial production of glutamate and other amino acids. The functional characterization of MscCG is therefore, of great significance to understand its conductive properties for different amino acids. Here we report the first successful giant spheroplast preparation of C. glutamicum amenable to the patch clamp technique, which enabled us to investigate mechanosensitive channel activities of MscCG in the native membrane of this bacterium. Single channel recordings from these spheroplasts revealed the presence of three types of mechanosensitive channels, MscCG, MscCG2, and CgMscL, which differ largely from each other in their conductance and mechanosensitivity. MscCG has a relatively small conductance of ~340 pS followed by an intermediate MscCG2 conductance of ~1.0 nS and comparably very large conductance of 3.7 nS exhibited by CgMscL. By applying Laplace’s law, we determined that very moderate membrane tension of ~5.5 mN/m was required for half activation of MscCG compared to ~12 mN/m required for half activation of both MscCG2 and CgMscL. Furthermore, by combining the micropipette aspiration technique with molecular dynamics simulations we measured mechanical properties of the C. glutamicum membrane, whose area elasticity module of KA ≈ 15 mN/m is characteristic of a very soft membrane compared to the three times larger area expansion modulus of KA ≈ 44 mN/m of the more elastic E. coli membrane. Moreover, we demonstrate that the “soft” properties of the C. glutamicum membrane have a significant impact on the MscCG gating characterized by a strong voltage-dependent hysteresis in the membrane of C. glutamicum compared to a complete absence of the hysteresis in the E. coli cell membrane. We thus propose that MscCG has evolved and adapted as an MscS-like channel to the mechanical properties of the C. glutamicum membrane enabling the channel to specialize in transport of amino acids such as glutamate, which are major osmolytes helping the bacterial cells survive extreme osmotic stress.
Effects of Post-Anthesis Nitrogen Uptake and Translocation on Photosynthetic Production and Rice Yield
Authors: Wu Hui , Xiang Jing , Zhang Yuping , Zhang Yikai , Peng Shaobing , Chen Huizhe , Zhu Defeng 
Published: August 2018

AbstractPost-anthesis nitrogen uptake and translocation play critical roles in photosynthetic assimilation and grain filling. However, their effects on leaf stay-green characteristics, dry matter accumulation, and translocation after anthesis remain unclear. In this study, post-anthesis N uptake and translocation between two different rice genotypes (Yongyou12 and Zhongzheyou1) were compared through soil nitrogen leaching treatments at the meiosis stage (MST) and anthesis stage(AST) respectively, and their effects on leaf stay-green duration, photosynthesis, dry matter accumulation and translocation during ripening and yield formation were estimated. The results showed that the soil nitrate-N and ammonium-N contents in Yongyou12 pots decreased significantly, and post-anthesis N uptake was 2.0–3.4 fold higher in Yongyou12 than in Zhongzheyou1. The activities of N-metabolism enzymes and antioxidant enzymes were higher, and flag-leaf photosynthesis and dry matter accumulation during ripening were greater, in Yongyou12 than in Zhongzheyou1. However, insufficient available soil N led to significant decreases in the activities of N- metabolism enzymes, decreased flag-leaf photosynthesis, increased translocation of dry matter and N pre-anthesis, accelerated leaf senescence, shorter duration of the leaf stay-green period, and decreased dry matter accumulation and grain plumpness. In addition, the effect of N uptake after anthesis on yield is greater for rice genotypes that depend on post-anthesis dry matter accumulation and an expanded sink capacity.
Interaction of polyamines, abscisic acid and proline under osmotic stress in the leaves of wheat plants
Authors: Pál Magda , Tajti Judit , Szalai Gabriella , Peeva Violeta , Végh Balázs , Janda Tibor 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe exact relationship between polyamine, abscisic acid and proline metabolisms is still poorly understood. In the present study, the effects of putrescine and abscisic acid treatments alone or in combination with polyethylene glycol-induced osmotic stress were investigated in young wheat plants. It was observed that abscisic acid plays a role in the coordinated regulation of the proline and polyamine biosynthetic pathways, which compounds are related to each other through a common precursor. Abscisic acid pre-treatment induced similar alteration of polyamine contents as the osmotic stress, namely increased the putrescine, but decreased the spermidine contents in the leaves. These changes were mainly related to the polyamine cycle, as both the synthesis and peroxisomal oxidation of polyamines have been induced at gene expression level. Although abscisic acid and osmotic stress influenced the proline metabolism differently, the highest proline accumulation was observed in the case of abscisic acid treatments. The proline metabolism was partly regulated independently and not in an antagonistic manner from polyamine synthesis. Results suggest that the connection, which exists between polyamine metabolism and abscisic acid signalling leads to the controlled regulation and maintenance of polyamine and proline levels under osmotic stress conditions in wheat seedlings.
Heterogeneity in topographic control on velocities of Western Himalayan glaciers
Authors: Sam Lydia , Bhardwaj Anshuman , Kumar Rajesh , Buchroithner Manfred F. , Martín-Torres F. Javier 
Published: August 2018

AbstractStudies of the seasonal and annual patterns of glacier velocities improve our understanding of the ice volume, topography, responses to climate change, and surge events of glaciers. Such studies are especially relevant and equally rare for the Himalayan glaciers, which supply many rivers that sustain some of the most heavily populated mountainous regions in the world. In particular, the control of the hypsometric distribution of geomorphometric parameters, such as slope, aspect, and curvature, on the dynamics of Himalayan glaciers have never been studied so far, at the river basin scale. Here, we present the degree to which topographic and hypsometric parameters affect the seasonal and annual average flow velocities of 112 glaciers in the Baspa River basin in the Western Indian Himalaya by analysing Global Land Ice Velocity Extraction from Landsat 8 (GoLIVE) datasets for the years 2013–2017. We observe, (i) significant heterogeneity in topographic controls on the velocities of these glaciers, (ii) elevation and the seasons play important roles in regulating the degree to which morphometric parameters (slope, aspect, and curvature) affect these velocities, (iii) a possible polythermal regime promoting both sliding and deformational forms of motion in a majority of these glaciers, and (iv) a detailed analysis of complex topographic controls within various elevation zones using a novel hypso-morphometric approach. These findings can help us to better model the dynamics of Himalayan glaciers and their responses to the future climatic scenarios. The inferences also suggest the need to incorporate dynamic topography in glacio-hydrological models in the wake of constant glacial evolutions.
Global urban climatology: a meta-analysis of air temperature trends (1960–2009)
Authors: Varquez Alvin C. G. , Kanda Manabu 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAir temperature trends (1960–2009) based on stations in cities, minus those based on global surface temperature datasets, are defined herein as urban heat island (UHI) trends. Urban climate was examined globally by comparing UHI trends with indices of geophysical factors, including background climate, latitude, and diurnal temperature range (DTR) and indices of artificial factors, including anthropogenic heat emission (AHE) and population indices. Surprisingly, a better relationship was found between UHI trends and DTR—an integrated geophysical index representing thermal inertia—than with the indices of artificial factors. Thus, while an increase in sensible heat (mechanism 1) triggers UHI formation, this study infers that large thermal inertia (mechanism 2) contributes significantly on UHI. The correlation of UHI trends with other indices can be explained by both mechanisms.
Notfallaufkommen in der Plastischen Chirurgie - Auswertung der Notfallvorstellungen einer Universitätsklinik für Plastische Chirurgie und
Handchirurgie
Authors: Alawi Seyed Arash , Werner Dennis , Könneker Sören , Achenbach Johannes , Vogt Peter M. , Jokuszies Andreas 
Published: August 2018

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund Interdisziplinäre Notfallambulanzen in Deutschland mit plastisch- und handchirurgischer Fachabteilung erfahren ein zunehmendes
Patientenaufkommen. Dabei kann es in sogenannten „Stoßzeiten“ zu Kapazitätsüberschreitungen mit langen Wartezeiten und Verzug der Behandlung von dringlichen
Notfällen kommen. Vermeintlich als Notfall deklarierte Handverletzungen binden in nicht unerheblichem Ausmaße personelle und strukturelle Kapazitäten in der
Notfallversorgung. Auch für das Fach der Plastischen Chirurgie wird eine mehrheitlich unberechtigte Notfall-Vorstellung vermutet. Mit der Erhebung der Daten
erfolgt eine Analyse der Notfälle zum besseren Verständnis des erhöhten Patientenaufkommens mit dem Ziel, mögliche Lösungen für die Entlastung der
Notfallversorgung aufzuzeigen.
Methoden Es wurden alle Patientenvorstellungen in der interdisziplinären Notaufnahme der Medizinischen Hochschule Hannover, die der Klinik für Plastische,
Ästhetische, Hand- und Wiederherstellungschirurgie zugeordnet wurden, im Zeitraum von 2016–2017 retrospektiv ausgewertet. Dabei wurden die
Vorstellungsdiagnosen, die Wartezeiten, sowie die Verteilung der Vorstellungen über 24h an 7 Wochentagen ausgewertet. Weiterhin erfolgte die retrospektive
Analyse der medizinischen Rechtfertigung einer Notfallvorstellung und die Notwendigkeit einer stationären Aufnahme.
Ergebnisse Insgesamt stellten sich 2768 Patienten innerhalb eines Jahres in der Notfallambulanz vor. Das Durchschnittsalter betrug 40 Jahre (Median x̅ =
37 Jahre, männlich 59 %/weiblich 41 %). Gründe für die Vorstellung waren Verletzungen an der oberen Extremität mit Schnitt-/Sägeverletzungen (25 %,n = 697),
gefolgt von weiteren Traumata wie z.B. Riss-Quetschwunden und Bissverletzungen (22 %,n = 611) und Verbrennungen/Verätzungen (17 %,n = 477). Die Verteilung der
notfallmäßigen Vorstellungen über den Tagesverlauf zeigte ein Maximum zwischen 9:00–13:00 Uhr während über die Wochentage keine signifikanten Unterschiede
festzustellen waren. Von 2450 Patienten waren 69 % „berechtige“ Notfälle, die einer unmittelbaren Versorgung bedurften. In 24 % (n = 583) dieser Fälle erfolgte
die stationäre Aufnahme. Bei 45 % bestand nach der Primärversorgung keine Indikation zur stationären Aufnahme. Die Wartezeit für 2450 Patienten betrug im
Durchschnitt 2,23 h (median = 1,43 h).
Diskussion Die Etablierung vorangesetzter Selektierungsstrukturen mit Erstellung von Versorgungsgraden und der Ausbau von Portalpraxen ist notwendig, um
die Mehrheit der plastisch- und handchirurgischen Notfälle durch eine selektive Patientensteuerung in geeignete medizinische Einrichtungen weiterzuleiten.
Praxis der Telemedizin in Deutschland heute
Authors: Schenkel Johannes 
Published: August 2018

ZusammenfassungSchon heute sind einige telemedizinische Verfahren wie die Teleradiologie oder die Versorgung von Schlaganfallpatienten abseits der Stroke-Units weit verbreitet. Auch Gesundheits-Apps dringen mit hoher Dynamik in die gesundheitliche Versorgung ein. Welche Entwicklungen auf dem Gebiet zu erwarten sind, welche Konsequenzen dies für die Praxis hat und was rechtlich beachtet werden muss, zeigt dieser Artikel.
50/50 Jubiläum DGPRÄC und HaMiPla
Authors: Giunta Riccardo E. 
Published: August 2018

ZusammenfassungLiebe Leserinnen und Leser,in diesem Jahr wird die Deutsche Gesellschaft der Plastischen, Rekonstruktiven und Ästhetischen Chirurgen (DGPRÄC) 50 Jahre alt. In meiner Doppelfunktion als
Herausgeber der vorliegenden Zeitschrift Handchirurgie Mikrochirurgie Plastische Chirurgie, die das wissenschaftliche Organ der DGPRÄC ist, und als derzeitiger
Präsident der DGPRÄC darf ich heute der Gesellschaft zu diesem Jubiläum gratulieren! Dies ist ganz besonders bemerkenswert, insofern sich auch die vorliegende
Zeitschrift aktuell in ihrem 50. Jahrgang befindet und wir damit in diesem Jahr gleichzeitig zwei 50-Jahre-Jubiläen feiern dürfen. Zum Jubiläumskongress in Bochum
zieren dementsprechend das Jubiläumslogo der Gesellschaft und das der Zeitschrift die Titelseite dieser Ausgabe.
Dedicated CT and MRI Techniques for the Evaluation of the Postoperative Knee
Authors: Khodarahmi Iman , Fishman Elliot , Fritz Jan 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAdvances in surgical techniques, orthopaedic implant design, and higher demands for improved functionality of the aging population have resulted in a high prevalence of patients with metallic implants about the knee. Total knee arthroplasty, knee-replacing tumor prostheses, and osteosynthesis implants create various imaging artifacts and pose special challenges for the imaging evaluation with computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). CT artifacts can be effectively mitigated with metal artifact reduction reconstruction algorithms, dual-energy data acquisition with virtual monoenergetic extrapolation, and three-dimensional postprocessing techniques, such as volume and cinematic rendering. Artifacts related to metal implants on MRI can be reduced via optimization of the scan parameters and using advanced techniques such as multi-acquisition variable-resonance image combination, and slice encoding for metal artifact correction.
Imaging of Postoperative Infection at the Knee Joint
Authors: Gimber Lana , Omar Imran , Klauser Andrea , Miller Michael , Wild Jason , Chadaz Tyson , Taljanovic Mihra 
Published: August 2018

AbstractPostoperative infections of the knee are uncommon but may occur with joint arthroplasties, fracture fixation, or after arthroscopic procedures. The ultimate diagnosis is made by joint aspiration or tissue sampling. Joint aspiration and tissue sampling can be performed under imaging guidance or intraoperatively. Imaging is an important adjunct to clinical and laboratory findings and should start with radiographs. Cross-sectional imaging including magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, computed tomography (CT), nuclear studies, and ultrasound (US) are frequently used if the diagnosis is in doubt and to evaluate the extent of disease. We discuss the current algorithm in the diagnosis of various postoperative infections of the knee joint. The article addresses the utility of radiography, MR imaging, CT, US, and the most commonly used nuclear studies in the diagnosis of various postoperative knee infections and the imaging appearances of these infections on each of these diagnostic modalities.
Mapping the Flow of Pediatric Trauma Patients Using Process Mining
Authors: Durojaiye Ashimiyu , McGeorge Nicolette , Puett Lisa , Stewart Dylan , Fackler James , Hoonakker Peter , Lehmann Harold , Gurses Ayse 
Published: August 2018

Background Inhospital pediatric trauma care typically spans multiple locations, which influences the use of resources, that could be improved by gaining a better understanding of the inhospital flow of patients and identifying opportunities for improvement.
Objectives To describe a process mining approach for mapping the inhospital flow of pediatric trauma patients, to identify and characterize the major patient pathways and care transitions, and to identify opportunities for patient flow and triage improvement.
Methods From the trauma registry of a level I pediatric trauma center, data were extracted regarding the two highest trauma activation levels, Alpha (n = 228) and Bravo (n = 1,713). An event log was generated from the admission, discharge, and transfer data from which patient pathways and care transitions were identified and described. The Flexible Heuristics Miner algorithm was used to generate a process map for the cohort, and separate process maps for Alpha and Bravo encounters, which were assessed for conformance when fitness value was less than 0.950, with the identification and comparison of conforming and nonconforming encounters.
Results The process map for the cohort was similar to a validated process map derived through qualitative methods. The process map for Bravo encounters had a relatively low fitness of 0.887, and 96 (5.6%) encounters were identified as nonconforming with characteristics comparable to Alpha encounters. In total, 28 patient pathways and 20 care transitions were identified. The top five patient pathways were traversed by 92.1% of patients, whereas the top five care transitions accounted for 87.5% of all care transitions. A larger-than-expected number of discharges from the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) were identified, with 84.2% involving discharge to home without the need for home care services.
Conclusion Process mining was successfully applied to derive process maps from trauma registry data and to identify opportunities for trauma triage improvement and optimization of PICU use.
Chronische Schmerzerkrankung und Bewegung/Aktivität/Sport
Authors: Pfingsten M. 
Published: August 2018

ZusammenfassungPatienten mit Schmerzen zeigen oftmals ein bestimmtes Verhalten, das sich vorrangig durch Inaktivität, Schonung und Vermeidung auszeichnet. Dieses Verhalten wird als ein aufrechterhaltender Mechanismus in der Chronifizierung von Schmerzerkrankungen angesehen. Im Rahmen des sogenannten Angst-Vermeidungs-Modells sind die kognitiven, emotionalen und verhaltensmäßigen Zusammenhänge dieses Verhaltens dargestellt, das durch Lernprinzipien der operanten Konditionierung erklärbar wird. Dieses gelernte Verhalten ist sehr löschungsresistent und Patienten finden selbstständig oftmals keinen Ausweg mehr daraus. Die oftmals zu beobachtende Inaktivität von Menschen mit Schmerzerkrankungen hat damit einen psychologischen Hintergrund, der nicht im direkten bzw. bewussten Einfluss der Betroffenen selbst steht. Für das Ablegen dieses Vermeidungsverhaltens und für die Wiederaufnahme normalen körperlich aktiven Verhaltens können verhaltenstherapeutische Prinzipien hilf-reich sein, die in Patienteninformationen bzw. der Ausgestaltung körperlicher Aktivierungsprogramme Berücksichtigung finden. Derartige Mechanismen scheinen auch bei Rheumapatienten Relevanz zu haben.