bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fetal myocardial performance index in assessment and management of small‐for‐gestational‐age fetus: a cohort and nested case–control study
Authors: Henry A. , Alphonse J. , Tynan D. , Welsh A. W. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the clinical utility of the fetal myocardial performance index (MPI) in assessment and management of the small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) fetus/growth‐restricted fetus (FGR).MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study in metropolitan Australia of patients referred in the period June 2012 to March 2015 to fetal medicine services at 24–38 weeks' gestation for suspected singleton SGA/FGR (estimated fetal weight (EFW) < 10th centile with or without abnormal umbilical artery (UA) Doppler) pregnancy. Patients had MPI assessed in addition to routine measures, and were followed through to birth. We compared MPI values against those of a local reference population and gestational age‐matched controls, and assessed the correlation with perinatal outcome and other Doppler measures.ResultsFifty‐two cases were included, 38 diagnosed < 32 weeks and 14 diagnosed ≥ 32 weeks. None demonstrated significantly elevated left, right or delta MPI compared with the reference population or with gestational age‐matched controls at the time of first MPI evaluation. There were no consistent longitudinal patterns in MPI that would suggest its clinical utility. The mean ± SD gestational age at delivery was 34.6 ± 3.8 weeks and birth weight was 1.7 ± 0.6 kg, and the median neonatal hospital admission time was 27 days, confirming a pathological cohort. There were no significant correlations between left, right or delta‐MPI and perinatal outcome, although there were significant correlations between UA, middle cerebral artery (MCA) and ductus venosus (DV) Doppler and perinatal outcome (birth weight, gestational age at birth and length of neonatal hospital stay). Exploratory subgroup comparisons (EFW < 3rd vs 3rd–10th centile; early‐ vs late‐onset; abnormal vs normal UA Doppler) found only minor differences in MPI, reaching statistical, but not clinical, significance, only in the EFW < 3rd vs 3rd–10th centile comparison.ConclusionsMPI did not demonstrate clinical utility in either triage or longitudinal follow‐up of an SGA/FGR cohort presenting to fetal medicine services. Given that prior research suggesting its utility originates from single‐center cohorts, while multicenter, large cohorts have suggested little utility or no additional utility if routine UA/MCA/DV Doppler is performed, publication bias may have affected previous reports. It seems unlikely that MPI has clinical utility in assessment and management of SGA/FGR fetuses. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Antibodies from plants for bionanomaterials
Authors: Edgue Gueven , Twyman Richard M , Beiss Veronique , Fischer Rainer , Sack Markus 
Published: March 2017

Antibodies are produced as part of the vertebrate adaptive immune response and are not naturally made by plants. However, antibody DNA sequences can be introduced into plants, and together with laboratory technologies that allow the design of antibodies recognizing any conceivable molecular structure, plants can be used as ‘green factories’ to produce any antibody at all. The advent of plant‐based transient expression systems in particular allows the rapid, convenient, and safe production of antibodies, ranging from laboratory‐scale expression to industrial‐scale manufacturing. The key features of plant‐based production include safety, speed, low cost, and convenience, allowing newcomers to rapidly master the technology and use it to its full advantage. Manufacturing in plants has recently achieved significant milestones and offers more than just an alternative to established microbial and mammalian cell platforms. The use of plants for product development in particular offers the power and flexibility to easily coexpress many different genes, allowing the plug‐and‐play construction of novel bionanomaterials, perfectly complementing existing approaches based on plant virus‐like particles. As well as producing single antibodies for applications in medicine, agriculture, and industry, plants can be used to produce antibody‐based supramolecular structures and scaffolds as a new generation of green bionanomaterials that promise a bright future based on clean and renewable nanotechnology applications. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2017, 9:e1462. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1462This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies
Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging
Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Protein and Virus-Based Structures
Trends in Procedures at Major Trauma Centres in New South Wales, Australia: An Analysis of State‐Wide Trauma Data
Authors: Oliver Matthew , Dinh Michael M. , Curtis Kate , Paschkewitz Royce , Rigby Oran , Balogh Zsolt J. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractObjectivesTo describe the trend in major trauma surgical procedures and interventional radiology in major trauma patients in Australia over the past 6 years.MethodsThis was a retrospective review of adult major trauma (Injury Severity Score greater than 15) patients using the New South Wales Statewide Trauma Registry between 2009 and 2014. Major trauma surgical procedures were classified into abdominal, neurosurgery, cardiothoracic and interventional radiology. The proportion of patients undergoing such procedures per year was the outcome of interest.ResultsThere were around ten thousand cases analysed. The proportion of cases undergoing interventional radiology procedures increased from 1% in 2009 to around 6% in 2014. Other major trauma surgical procedures remained stable. Only around 100 laparotomies were performed in 2014. The predictors of having an IR procedure performed were increasing from 2009 (OR 1.5 95% CI 1.4, 1.6 p < 0.001), hypotension (OR 1.5 95% CI 1.1, 2.1 n = 0.01), severe abdominal injury (OR 4.2 95% CI 3.2, 5.3 p < 0.001) and lower limb (including pelvic) injury (OR 3.8 95% CI 3.0, 4.7 p < 0.001).ConclusionThere has been a rapid increase in the use of interventional radiology over the past few years which will need to be addressed in future trauma service planning and models of care.
Oligomeric State and Thermal Stability of Apo- and Holo- Human Ornithine δ-Aminotransferase
Authors: Montioli Riccardo , Zamparelli Carlotta , Borri Voltattorni Carla , Cellini Barbara 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
Human ornithine δ-aminotransferase (hOAT) (EC 2.6.1.13) is a mitochondrial pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP)-dependent aminotransferase whose deficit is associated with gyrate atrophy, a rare autosomal recessive disorder causing progressive blindness and chorioretinal degeneration. Here, both the apo- and holo-form of recombinant hOAT were characterized by means of spectroscopic, kinetic, chromatographic and computational techniques. The results indicate that apo and holo-hOAT (a) show a similar tertiary structure, even if apo displays a more pronounced exposure of hydrophobic patches, (b) exhibit a tetrameric structure with a tetramer-dimer equilibrium dissociation constant about fivefold higher for the apoform with respect to the holoform, and (c) have apparent Tm values of 46 and 67 °C, respectively. Moreover, unlike holo-hOAT, apo-hOAT is prone to unfolding and aggregation under physiological conditions. We also identified Arg217 as an important hot-spot at the dimer–dimer interface of hOAT and demonstrated that the artificial dimeric variant R217A exhibits spectroscopic properties, Tm values and catalytic features similar to those of the tetrameric species. This finding indicates that the catalytic unit of hOAT is the dimer. However, under physiological conditions the apo-tetramer is slightly less prone to unfolding and aggregation than the apo-dimer. The possible implications of the data for the intracellular stability and regulation of hOAT are discussed.
Implementation of Neurocritical Care Is Associated With Improved Outcomes in Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Sekhon Mypinder S. , Gooderham Peter , Toyota Brian , Kherzi Navid , Hu Vivien , Dhingra Vinay K. , Hameed Morad S. , Chittock Dean R. , Griesdale Donald E. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackground Traditionally, the delivery of dedicated neurocritical care (NCC) occurs in distinct NCC units and is associated with improved outcomes. Institution-specific logistical challenges pose barriers to the development of distinct NCC units; therefore, we developed a consultancy NCC service coupled with the implementation of invasive multimodal neuromonitoring, within a medical-surgical intensive care unit. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of a consultancy NCC program on neurologic outcomes in severe traumatic brain injury patients. Methods: We conducted a single-center quasi-experimental uncontrolled pre- and post-NCC study in severe traumatic brain injury patients (Glasgow Coma Scale ≤8). The NCC program includes consultation with a neurointensivist and neurosurgeon and multimodal neuromonitoring. Demographic, injury severity metrics, neurophysiologic data, and therapeutic interventions were collected. Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) at 6 months was the primary outcome. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression was used to model the association between NCC implementation and GOS at 6 months. Results: A total of 113 patients were identified: 76 pre-NCC and 37 post-NCC. Mean age was 39 years (standard deviation [SD], 2) and 87 of 113 (77%) patients were male. Median admission motor score was 3 (interquartile ratio, 1-4). Daily mean arterial pressure was higher (95 mmHg [SD, 10]) versus (88 mmHg [SD, 10], p<0.001) and daily mean core body temperature was lower (36.6°C [SD, 0.90]) versus (37.2°C [SD, 1.0], p=0.001) post-NCC compared with pre-NCC, respectively. Multivariable regression modelling revealed the NCC program was associated with a 2.5 increased odds (odds ratios, 2.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-5.3; p=0.022) of improved 6-month GOS. Conclusions: Implementation of a NCC program is associated with improved 6 month GOS in severe TBI patients.
Recognizing sexual dimorphism in the fossil record: lessons from nonavian dinosaurs
Authors: Mallon Jordan C. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe demonstration of sexual dimorphism in the fossil record can provide vital information about the role that sexual selection has played in the evolution of life. However, statistically robust inferences of sexual dimorphism in fossil organisms are exceedingly difficult to establish, owing to issues of sample size, experimental control, and methodology. This is particularly so in the case of dinosaurs, for which sexual dimorphism has been posited in many species, yet quantifiable data are often lacking. This study presents the first statistical investigation of sexual dimorphism across Dinosauria. It revisits prior analyses that purport to find quantitative evidence for sexual dimorphism in nine dinosaur species. After the available morphological data were subjected to a suite of statistical tests (normality and unimodality tests and mixture modeling), no evidence for sexual dimorphism was found in any of the examined taxa, contrary to conventional wisdom. This is not to say that dinosaurs were not sexually dimorphic (phylogenetic inference suggests they may well have been), only that the available evidence precludes its detection. A priori knowledge of the sexes would greatly facilitate the assessment of sexual dimorphism in the fossil record, and it is suggested that unambiguous indicators of sex (e.g., presence of eggs, embryos, medullary bone) be used to this end.
Association between urinary metabolic profile and the intestinal effects of cocoa in rats
Authors: Massot-Cladera Malen , Mayneris-Perxachs Jordi , Costabile Adele , Swann Jonathan R. , Franch Àngels , Pérez-Cano Francisco J. , Castell Margarida 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe aim of this study was to elucidate the relationship between the urinary metabolic fingerprint and the effects of cocoa and cocoa fibre on body weight, hormone metabolism, intestinal immunity and microbiota composition. To this effect, Wistar rats were fed, for 3 weeks, a diet containing 10 % cocoa (C10) or two other diets with same the proportion of fibres: one based on cocoa fibre (CF) and another containing inulin as a reference (REF) diet. The rats’ 24 h urine samples were analysed by an untargeted 1H NMR spectroscopy-based metabonomic approach. Concentrations of faecal IgA and plasma metabolic hormones were also quantified. The C10 diet decreased the intestinal IgA, plasma glucagon-like peptide-1 and glucagon concentrations and increased ghrelin levels compared with those in the REF group. Clear differences were observed between the metabolic profiles from the C10 group and those from the CF group. Urine metabolites derived from cocoa correlated with the cocoa effects on body weight, immunity and the gut microbiota. Overall, cocoa intake alters the host and bacterial metabolism concerning energy and amino acid pathways, leading to a metabolic signature that can be used as a marker for consumption. This metabolic profile correlates with body weight, metabolic hormones, intestinal immunity and microbiota composition.
Avian malaria, ecological host traits and mosquito abundance in southeastern Amazonia
Authors: FECCHIO ALAN , ELLIS VINCENZO A. , BELL JEFFREY A. , ANDRETTI CHRISTIAN B. , D'HORTA FERNANDO M. , SILVA ALLAN M. , TKACH VASYL V. , WECKSTEIN JASON D. 
Published: March 2017

SUMMARYAvian malaria is a vector transmitted disease caused byPlasmodiumand recent studies suggest that variation in its prevalence across avian hosts is correlated with a variety of ecological traits. Here we examine the relationship between prevalence and diversity ofPlasmodiumlineages in southeastern Amazonia and: (1) host ecological traits (nest location, nest type, flocking behaviour and diet); (2) density and diversity of avian hosts; (3) abundance and diversity of mosquitoes; and (4) season. We used molecular methods to detectPlasmodiumin blood samples from 675 individual birds of 120 species. Based on cytochromebsequences, we recovered 89 lineages ofPlasmodiumfrom 136 infected individuals sampled across seven localities.Plasmodiumprevalence was homogeneous over time (dry season and flooding season) and space, but heterogeneous among 51 avian host species. Variation in prevalence among bird species was not explained by avian ecological traits, density of avian hosts, or mosquito abundance. However,Plasmodiumlineage diversity was positively correlated with mosquito abundance. Interestingly, our results suggest that avian host traits are less important determinants ofPlasmodiumprevalence and diversity in southeastern Amazonia than in other regions in which they have been investigated.
The state of the art in semantic relatedness: a framework for comparison
Authors: Feng Yue , Bagheri Ebrahim , Ensan Faezeh , Jovanovic Jelena 
Published: March 2017

AbstractSemantic relatedness (SR) is a form of measurement that quantitatively identifies the relationship between two words or concepts based on the similarity or closeness of their meaning. In the recent years, there have been noteworthy efforts to compute SR between pairs of words or concepts by exploiting various knowledge resources such as linguistically structured (e.g. WordNet) and collaboratively developed knowledge bases (e.g. Wikipedia), among others. The existing approaches rely on different methods for utilizing these knowledge resources, for instance, methods that depend on the path between two words, or a vector representation of the word descriptions. The purpose of this paper is to review and present the state of the art in SR research through a hierarchical framework. The dimensions of the proposed framework cover three main aspects of SR approaches including the resources they rely on, the computational methods applied on the resources for developing a relatedness metric, and the evaluation models that are used for measuring their effectiveness. We have selected 14 representative SR approaches to be analyzed using our framework. We compare and critically review each of them through the dimensions of our framework, thus, identifying strengths and weaknesses of each approach. In addition, we provide guidelines for researchers and practitioners on how to select the most relevant SR method for their purpose. Finally, based on the comparative analysis of the reviewed relatedness measures, we identify existing challenges and potentially valuable future research directions in this domain.
New numerical determination of habitability in the Galaxy: the SETI connection
Authors: Ramirez Rodrigo , Gómez-Muñoz Marco A. , Vázquez Roberto , Núñez Patricia G. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIn this paper, we determine the habitability of Sun-like stars in the Galaxy using Monte Carlo simulations, which are guided by the factors of the Drake Equation for the considerations on the astrophysical and biological parameters needed to generate and maintain life on a planet's surface. We used a simple star distribution, initial mass function and star formation history to reproduce the properties and distribution of stars within the Galaxy. Using updated exoplanet data from the Kepler mission, we assign planets to some of the stars, and then follow the evolution of life on the planets that met the habitability criteria using two different civilization hypotheses. We predict that around 51% of Earth-like planets in the habitable zone (HZ) are inhabited by primitive life and 4% by technological life. We apply the results to the Kepler field of view, and predicted that there should be at least six Earth-like planets in the HZ, three of them inhabited by primitive life. According to our model, non-technological life is very common if there are the right conditions, but communicative civilizations are less likely to exist and detect. Nonetheless, we predict a considerable number of detectable civilizations within our Galaxy, making it worthwhile to keep searching.
Muslim American Policy Advocacy and the Palestinian Israeli Conflict: Claims-making and the Pursuit of Group Rights
Authors: Cury Emily 
Published: March 2017

AbstractSince the attacks of September 11, 2001, United States Muslims have been increasingly targeted as “others,” accused of holding dual-loyalties, and seen as potentially subversive. Nevertheless, Muslim American interest groups have not recoiled from foreign policy engagement. I argue that this is because mobilizing around symbolic foreign policy issues provides them with an opportunity to access the policy dialogue as a minority group making rights claims. To illustrate this argument, I conduct a discourse analysis of Muslim American policy engagement toward the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. I rely on primary documents produced by the Council on American Islamic Relations and the Muslim Public Affairs Council, the two leading United States Muslims organizations, as well as interviews conducted with institutional elites. I find that, through their policy advocacy, these organizations are framing their demands around United States interests and minority group rights, while positioning themselves as the legitimate representatives of the Muslim American community.One of the most important issues to us is, of course, the Palestinian Israeli issue because this is central to what America is in the Middle East and the Muslim world.1—Salam Al-MarayatiAll I want from you, Mr. Policymaker is [for you] to listen to the other side of the story. I have a narrative that you didn't have a chance to hear, so let me give it to you and as-salamu alaykum [peace be upon you].2—Dr. Maher Hathout
Inhibition of delta-secretase improves cognitive functions in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Zhang Zhentao , Obianyo Obiamaka , Dall Elfriede , Du Yuhong , Fu Haian , Liu Xia , Kang Seong Su , Song Mingke , Yu Shan-Ping , Cabrele Chiara , Schubert Mario , Li Xiaoguang , Wang Jian-Zhi , Brandstetter Hans , Ye Keqiang 
Published: March 2017

Abstractδ-secretase, also known as asparagine endopeptidase (AEP) or legumain, is a lysosomal cysteine protease that cleaves both amyloid precursor protein (APP) and tau, mediating the amyloid-β and tau pathology in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Here we report the therapeutic effect of an orally bioactive and brain permeable δ-secretase inhibitor in mouse models of AD. We performed a high-throughput screen and identified a non-toxic and selective δ-secretase inhibitor, termed compound 11, that specifically blocks δ-secretase but not other related cysteine proteases. Co-crystal structure analysis revealed a dual active site-directed and allosteric inhibition mode of this compound class. Chronic treatment of tau P301S and 5XFAD transgenic mice with this inhibitor reduces tau and APP cleavage, ameliorates synapse loss and augments long-term potentiation, resulting in protection of memory. Therefore, these findings demonstrate that this δ-secretase inhibitor may be an effective clinical therapeutic agent towards AD.
Rational combination of oncolytic vaccinia virus and PD-L1 blockade works synergistically to enhance therapeutic efficacy
Authors: Liu Zuqiang , Ravindranathan Roshni , Kalinski Pawel , Guo Z. Sheng , Bartlett David L. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBoth anti-PD1/PD-L1 therapy and oncolytic virotherapy have demonstrated promise, yet have exhibited efficacy in only a small fraction of cancer patients. Here we hypothesized that an oncolytic poxvirus would attract T cells into the tumour, and induce PD-L1 expression in cancer and immune cells, leading to more susceptible targets for anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy. Our results demonstrate in colon and ovarian cancer models that an oncolytic vaccinia virus attracts effector T cells and induces PD-L1 expression on both cancer and immune cells in the tumour. The dual therapy reduces PD-L1+ cells and facilitates non-redundant tumour infiltration of effector CD8+, CD4+ T cells, with increased IFN-γ, ICOS, granzyme B and perforin expression. Furthermore, the treatment reduces the virus-induced PD-L1+ DC, MDSC, TAM and Treg, as well as co-inhibitory molecules-double-positive, severely exhausted PD-1+CD8+ T cells, leading to reduced tumour burden and improved survival. This combinatorial therapy may be applicable to a much wider population of cancer patients.
The structure of Zika virus NS5 reveals a conserved domain conformation
Authors: Wang Boxiao , Tan Xiao-Feng , Thurmond Stephanie , Zhang Zhi-Min , Lin Asher , Hai Rong , Song Jikui 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe recent outbreak of Zika virus (ZIKV) has imposed a serious threat to public health. Here we report the crystal structure of the ZIKV NS5 protein in complex with S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine, in which the tandem methyltransferase (MTase) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) domains stack into one of the two alternative conformations of flavivirus NS5 proteins. The activity of this NS5 protein is verified through a de novo RdRp assay on a subgenomic ZIKV RNA template. Importantly, our structural analysis leads to the identification of a potential drug-binding site of ZIKV NS5, which might facilitate the development of novel antivirals for ZIKV.