bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The comparative role of echocardiography and MRI for identifying critical lesions in patients with single-ventricle physiology, before bidirectional cavopulmonary connection
Authors: Krupickova Sylvia , Quail Michael A. , Yates Robert , Gebauer Roman , Hughes Marina , Marek Jan 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackgroundIn the era of multi-modality imaging, this study compared contemporary, pre-operative echocardiography and cardiac MRI in predicting the need for intervention on additional lesions before surgical bidirectional cavopulmonary connection.MethodsA total of 72 patients undergoing bidirectional cavopulmonary connection for single-ventricle palliation between 2007 and 2012, who underwent pre-operative assessment using both echocardiography and MRI, were included. The pre-determined outcome measure was any additional surgical or catheter-based intervention within 6 months of bidirectional cavopulmonary connection. Indices assessed were as follows: indexed dimensions of right and left pulmonary arteries, coarctation of the aorta, adequacy of interatrial communication, and degree of atrioventricular valve regurgitation.ResultsMedian age at bidirectional cavopulmonary connection was 160 days (interquartile range 121–284). The following MRI parameters predicted intervention: Z score for right pulmonary artery (odds ratio 1.77 (95% confidence interval 1.12–2.79, p=0.014)) and left pulmonary artery dimensions (odds ratio 1.45 (1.04–2.00, p=0.027)) and left pulmonary artery report conclusion (odds ratio 1.57 (1.06–2.33)). The magnetic resonance report predicted aortic arch intervention (odds ratio 11.5 (3.5–37.7, p=0.00006)). The need for atrioventricular valve repair was associated only with magnetic resonance regurgitation fraction score (odds ratio 22.4 (1.7–295.1, p=0.018)). Echocardiography assessment was superior to MRI for predicting intervention on interatrial septum (odds ratio 27.7 (6.3–121.6, p=0.00001)).ConclusionFor branch pulmonary arteries, aortic arch, and atrioventricular valve regurgitation, MRI parameters more reliably predict the need for intervention; however, echocardiography more accurately identified the adequacy of interatrial communication. Approaching bidirectional cavopulmonary connection, the diagnostic strengths of MRI and echocardiography should be acknowledged when considering intervention.
Future Humanitarian Crises: Challenges for Practice, Policy, and Public Health
Authors: Burkle Frederick M. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAfter more than three decades of preoccupation with wars and internal political conflicts, the humanitarian community has the opportunity to re-evaluate what humanitarian crises will dominate both policy and practice in the future. In reality, these crises are already active and some are over the tipping point of recovery. These crises share the common thread of being major public health emergencies which, with a preponderance of excess or indirect mortality and morbidity dominating the consequences, requires new approaches, including unprecedented improvements and alterations in education, training, research, strategic planning, and policy and treaty agendas. Unfortunately, political solutions offered up to date are nation-state centric and miss opportunities to provide what must be global solutions. Public health, redefined as the infra-structure and systems necessary to allow communities, urban settings, and nation-states to provide physical and social protections to their populations has become an essential element of all disciplines from medicine, engineering, law, social sciences, and economics. Public health, which must be recognized as a strategic and security issue should take precedence over politics at every level, not be driven by political motives, and be globally monitored.
Prior Exposure to Major Flooding Increases Individual Preparedness in High-Risk Populations
Authors: Coulston J.E. , Deeny P. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIntroduction:July 2007 brought unprecedented levels of flooding to the United Kingdom. Health and financial implications were vast and still are emerging. Hydrological disasters will increase in frequency. Therefore, individual preparedness is paramount, as it may mitigate some of the devastating impacts of flooding. Literature on individual preparedness for flooding is scarce, so it is key that current levels of awareness, information gathering, and protective behaviors are investigated. It also is not clear whether being in a high-risk area or having recent exposure to flooding are motivational factors for preparedness.Objectives:The objectives of this study were to: (1) ascertain whether prior experience with flooding is a strong motivational factor for preparedness for future flooding episodes; and (2) assess preparedness in populations at high risk for flooding.Methods:A prospective questionnaire survey was sent to individuals living in two towns in the United Kingdom, Monmouth and Tewkesbury. Both towns are deemed to be at significant risk for flooding, and Tewkesbury was severely affected by the July 2007 flooding disaster. Data were obtained from these two populations and analyzed.Results:A total of 125 responses (of 200) were returned, and demographic data indicated no major differences between the two populations. The number of protective behaviors was higher from participants from Tewksbury (flood risk and exposure; p = 0.004). Participants from Tewkesbury were more likely to be aware of living in a flood-risk area and of the emergency systems present in the area, and feel prepared for future episodes of major flooding (p = 0.03, p = 0.005).Awareness of living in a flood risk-area increased the likelihood of being knowledgeable about emergency systems and adopting protective behaviors (p = 0.0053, p = 0.043). However, feeling prepared for future episodes of flooding was not associated with a strong increase in knowledge gained to prepare for flooding or having an increased number of protective behaviors.Conclusions:Awareness of being at-risk for flooding is vital for self-protective behavior. Both awareness of risk and recent exposure are motivational for flood preparedness. Recent exposure to flooding increases awareness, but it is unknown how long this effect will last. Recent exposure increases the preparedness of individuals for major flooding 18 months after major flooding and, if it continues, will help mitigate the devastating health, financial, and social effects of major flooding.
Health-Related Quality of Life and Its Relationship to Neurological Outcome in Child Survivors of Stroke
Authors: Friefeld Sharon , Yeboah Ophelia , Jones Janalynn E. , deVeber Gabrielle 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackground:Ischemic stroke during infancy and childhood has the potential to result in neurological impairments and affect a child's ability to function at home, school, and play. There are limited data on the effect of ischemic stroke on quality of life (QOL) of child survivors of ischemic stroke.Objective:To examine parent and child perspectives on QOL and examine factors that correlate with reduced QOL for child survivors of stroke.Methods:A prospective single-center cohort design was used. Participants included children 2–18 years of age surviving ischemic stroke. The Pediatric Quality of Life 4.0 Generic Inventory Scale (PedsQL) parent proxy -report (2–18 years of age) and child self-report (5–18 years of age) were completed by participants. Scores were compared with standardized normative data of healthy children and those with chronic medical conditions. Neurological deficits were measured with the Pediatric Stroke Outcome Measure, a standardized evaluation for children. The relationships between stroke type, neurological deficit, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) were examined.Results:We assessed the QOL in 84 children with arterial ischemic stroke and 16 with cerebral sinovenous thrombosis at a mean age of 8.4 (4.12) years; 4.4 (2.93) years after their stroke. Results showed that both the parent-proxy and child self-report HRQOL scores were significantly reduced (P&lt;.01) compared with normative data of healthy children. Of greatest concern for both parents and children was the effect of stroke on school, followed by its impact on emotional and social functions. In contrast to other studies, scores in physical domain were better than those in the psychosocial domain. Multivariate analysis showed that of neurological deficits after stroke was a significant predictor of poor HRQOL (P&lt;. 05). The children with poor neurological recovery had the lowest mean PedsQL scores and their QOL was significantly poorer compared with normative data of children with chronic health, conditions (ie, diabetes, cancer).Conclusion:The PedsQL appears to be a promising assessment tool of HRQOL for children following stroke. Both parent and child perspectives should be included because of the potential for there to be significant differences in perspectives. Although severity of neurological outcome is a significant predictor of reduced HRQOL, it accounted for a small proportion of variance in QOL scores. Further research is required to delineate other factors that are significant predictors of outcome.
Factors Impacting the Selection of Antidepressant Treatment in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder at Risk for Nonadherence
Authors: Shelton Charles 
Published: February 2016

AbstractTreatment with the newer generation antidepressants is considered generally effective for most patients with major depressive disorder when taken in accordance with treatment guidelines. However, multiple clinical studies have demonstrated that rates of patient adherence to antidepressants are inadequate, specifically with regard to long-term maintenance treatment. Tolerability issues associated with antidepressants can increase the risk for patient nonadherence and result in subsequent relapse of depressive symptoms. Comorbid symptoms of anxiety also influence psychiatrists' choice of antidepressants for patients with depression. Physicians can improve long-term patient outcomes for patients with major depressive disorder by considering the possibility of drug-drug interactions before prescribing a specific antidepressant.
MicroRNA-222 regulates muscle alternative splicing through Rbm24 during differentiation of skeletal muscle cells
Authors: Cardinali B , Cappella M , Provenzano C , Garcia-Manteiga J M , Lazarevic D , Cittaro D , Martelli F , Falcone G 
Published: February 2016

AbstractA number of microRNAs have been shown to regulate skeletal muscle development and differentiation. MicroRNA-222 is downregulated during myogenic differentiation and its overexpression leads to alteration of muscle differentiation process and specialized structures. By using RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) pulldown followed by RNA sequencing, combined with in silico microRNA target prediction, we have identified two new targets of microRNA-222 involved in the regulation of myogenic differentiation, Ahnak and Rbm24. Specifically, the RNA-binding protein Rbm24 is a major regulator of muscle-specific alternative splicing and its downregulation by microRNA-222 results in defective exon inclusion impairing the production of muscle-specific isoforms of Coro6, Fxr1 and NACA transcripts. Reconstitution of normal levels of Rbm24 in cells overexpressing microRNA-222 rescues muscle-specific splicing. In conclusion, we have identified a new function of microRNA-222 leading to alteration of myogenic differentiation at the level of alternative splicing, and we provide evidence that this effect is mediated by Rbm24 protein.
A monoclonal antibody against KCNK9 K+ channel extracellular domain inhibits tumour growth and metastasis
Authors: Sun Han , Luo Liqun , Lal Bachchu , Ma Xinrong , Chen Lieping , Hann Christine L. , Fulton Amy M. , Leahy Daniel J. , Laterra John , Li Min 
Published: February 2016

AbstractTwo-pore domain potassium (K2P) channels act to maintain cell resting membrane potential—a prerequisite for many biological processes. KCNK9, a member of K2P family, is implicated in cancer, owing to its overexpression in human tumours and its ability to promote neoplastic cell survival and growth. However, KCNK9’s underlying contributions to malignancy remain elusive due to the absence of specific modulators. Here we describe the development of monoclonal antibodies against the KCNK9 extracellular domain and their functional effects. We show that one antibody (Y4) with the highest affinity binding induces channel internalization. The addition of Y4 to KCNK9-expressing carcinoma cells reduces cell viability and increases cell death. Systemic administration of Y4 effectively inhibits growth of human lung cancer xenografts and murine breast cancer metastasis in mice. Evidence for Y4-mediated carcinoma cell autonomous and immune-dependent cytotoxicity is presented. Our study reveals that antibody-based KCNK9 targeting is a promising therapeutic strategy in KCNK9-expressing malignancies.
Temperature-feedback upconversion nanocomposite for accurate photothermal therapy at facile temperature
Authors: Zhu Xingjun , Feng Wei , Chang Jian , Tan Yan-Wen , Li Jiachang , Chen Min , Sun Yun , Li Fuyou 
Published: February 2016

AbstractPhotothermal therapy (PTT) at present, following the temperature definition for conventional thermal therapy, usually keeps the temperature of lesions at 42–45 °C or even higher. Such high temperature kills cancer cells but also increases the damage of normal tissues near lesions through heat conduction and thus brings about more side effects and inhibits therapeutic accuracy. Here we use temperature-feedback upconversion nanoparticle combined with photothermal material for real-time monitoring of microscopic temperature in PTT. We observe that microscopic temperature of photothermal material upon illumination is high enough to kill cancer cells when the temperature of lesions is still low enough to prevent damage to normal tissue. On the basis of the above phenomenon, we further realize high spatial resolution photothermal ablation of labelled tumour with minimal damage to normal tissues in vivo. Our work points to a method for investigating photothermal properties at nanoscale, and for the development of new generation of PTT strategy.
VAMP7 regulates constitutive membrane incorporation of the cold-activated channel TRPM8
Authors: Ghosh Debapriya , Pinto Silvia , Danglot Lydia , Vandewauw Ine , Segal Andrei , Van Ranst Nele , Benoit Melissa , Janssens Annelies , Vennekens Rudi , Vanden Berghe Pieter , Galli Thierry , Vriens Joris , Voets Thomas 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe cation channel TRPM8 plays a central role in the somatosensory system, as a key sensor of innocuously cold temperatures and cooling agents. Although increased functional expression of TRPM8 has been implicated in various forms of pathological cold hypersensitivity, little is known about the cellular and molecular mechanisms that determine TRPM8 abundance at the plasma membrane. Here we demonstrate constitutive transport of TRPM8 towards the plasma membrane in atypical, non-acidic transport vesicles that contain lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1), and provide evidence that vesicle-associated membrane protein 7 (VAMP7) mediates fusion of these vesicles with the plasma membrane. In line herewith, VAMP7-deficient mice exhibit reduced functional expression of TRPM8 in sensory neurons and concomitant deficits in cold avoidance and icilin-induced cold hypersensitivity. Our results uncover a cellular pathway that controls functional plasma membrane incorporation of a temperature-sensitive TRP channel, and thus regulates thermosensitivity in vivo.
Open access resources for genome-wide association mapping in rice
Authors: McCouch Susan R. , Wright Mark H. , Tung Chih-Wei , Maron Lyza G. , McNally Kenneth L. , Fitzgerald Melissa , Singh Namrata , DeClerck Genevieve , Agosto-Perez Francisco , Korniliev Pavel , Greenberg Anthony J. , Naredo Ma. Elizabeth B. , Mercado Sheila Mae Q. , Harrington Sandra E. , Shi Yuxin , Branchini Darcy A. , Kuser-Falcão Paula R. , Leung Hei , Ebana Kowaru , Yano Masahiro , Eizenga Georgia , McClung Anna , Mezey Jason 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIncreasing food production is essential to meet the demands of a growing human population, with its rising income levels and nutritional expectations. To address the demand, plant breeders seek new sources of genetic variation to enhance the productivity, sustainability and resilience of crop varieties. Here we launch a high-resolution, open-access research platform to facilitate genome-wide association mapping in rice, a staple food crop. The platform provides an immortal collection of diverse germplasm, a high-density single-nucleotide polymorphism data set tailored for gene discovery, well-documented analytical strategies, and a suite of bioinformatics resources to facilitate biological interpretation. Using grain length, we demonstrate the power and resolution of our new high-density rice array, the accompanying genotypic data set, and an expanded diversity panel for detecting major and minor effect QTLs and subpopulation-specific alleles, with immediate implications for rice improvement.
A role for diatom-like silicon transporters in calcifying coccolithophores
Authors: Durak Grażyna M. , Taylor Alison R. , Walker Charlotte E. , Probert Ian , de Vargas Colomban , Audic Stephane , Schroeder Declan , Brownlee Colin , Wheeler Glen L. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBiomineralization by marine phytoplankton, such as the silicifying diatoms and calcifying coccolithophores, plays an important role in carbon and nutrient cycling in the oceans. Silicification and calcification are distinct cellular processes with no known common mechanisms. It is thought that coccolithophores are able to outcompete diatoms in Si-depleted waters, which can contribute to the formation of coccolithophore blooms. Here we show that an expanded family of diatom-like silicon transporters (SITs) are present in both silicifying and calcifying haptophyte phytoplankton, including some globally important coccolithophores. Si is required for calcification in these coccolithophores, indicating that Si uptake contributes to the very different forms of biomineralization in diatoms and coccolithophores. Significantly, SITs and the requirement for Si are absent from highly abundant bloom-forming coccolithophores, such asEmiliania huxleyi. These very different requirements for Si in coccolithophores are likely to have major influence on their competitive interactions with diatoms and other siliceous phytoplankton.
Quantum electric-dipole liquid on a triangular lattice
Authors: Shen Shi-Peng , Wu Jia-Chuan , Song Jun-Da , Sun Xue-Feng , Yang Yi-Feng , Chai Yi-Sheng , Shang Da-Shan , Wang Shou-Guo , Scott James F. , Sun Young 
Published: February 2016

AbstractGeometric frustration and quantum fluctuations may prohibit the formation of long-range ordering even at the lowest temperature, and therefore liquid-like ground states could be expected. A good example is the quantum spin liquid in frustrated magnets. Geometric frustration and quantum fluctuations can happen beyond magnetic systems. Here we propose that quantum electric-dipole liquids, analogues of quantum spin liquids, could emerge in frustrated dielectrics where antiferroelectrically coupled electric dipoles reside on a triangular lattice. The quantum paraelectric hexaferrite BaFe12O19 with geometric frustration represents a promising candidate for the proposed electric-dipole liquid. We present a series of experimental lines of evidence, including dielectric permittivity, heat capacity and thermal conductivity measured down to 66 mK, to reveal the existence of an unusual liquid-like quantum phase in BaFe12O19, characterized by itinerant low-energy excitations with a small gap. The possible quantum liquids of electric dipoles in frustrated dielectrics open up a fresh playground for fundamental physics.
Structure of the poly-C9 component of the complement membrane attack complex
Authors: Dudkina Natalya V. , Spicer Bradley A. , Reboul Cyril F. , Conroy Paul J. , Lukoyanova Natalya , Elmlund Hans , Law Ruby H. P. , Ekkel Susan M. , Kondos Stephanie C. , Goode Robert J. A. , Ramm Georg , Whisstock James C. , Saibil Helen R. , Dunstone Michelle A. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe membrane attack complex (MAC)/perforin-like protein complement component 9 (C9) is the major component of the MAC, a multi-protein complex that forms pores in the membrane of target pathogens. In contrast to homologous proteins such as perforin and the cholesterol-dependent cytolysins (CDCs), all of which require the membrane for oligomerisation, C9 assembles directly onto the nascent MAC from solution. However, the molecular mechanism of MAC assembly remains to be understood. Here we present the 8 Å cryo-EM structure of a soluble form of the poly-C9 component of the MAC. These data reveal a 22-fold symmetrical arrangement of C9 molecules that yield an 88-strand pore-forming β-barrel. The N-terminal thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) domain forms an unexpectedly extensive part of the oligomerisation interface, thus likely facilitating solution-based assembly. These TSP1 interactions may also explain how additional C9 subunits can be recruited to the growing MAC subsequent to membrane insertion.
Activating frataxin expression by repeat-targeted nucleic acids
Authors: Li Liande , Matsui Masayuki , Corey David R. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractFriedreich’s ataxia is an incurable genetic disorder caused by a mutant expansion of the trinucleotide GAA within an intronic FXN RNA. This expansion leads to reduced expression of frataxin (FXN) protein and evidence suggests that transcriptional repression is caused by an R-loop that forms between the expanded repeat RNA and complementary genomic DNA. Synthetic agents that increase levels of FXN protein might alleviate the disease. We demonstrate that introducing anti-GAA duplex RNAs or single-stranded locked nucleic acids into patient-derived cells increases FXN protein expression to levels similar to analogous wild-type cells. Our data are significant because synthetic nucleic acids that target GAA repeats can be lead compounds for restoring curative FXN levels. More broadly, our results demonstrate that interfering with R-loop formation can trigger gene activation and reveal a new strategy for upregulating gene expression.
Microbial metabolomics in open microscale platforms
Authors: Barkal Layla J. , Theberge Ashleigh B. , Guo Chun-Jun , Spraker Joe , Rappert Lucas , Berthier Jean , Brakke Kenneth A. , Wang Clay C. C. , Beebe David J. , Keller Nancy P. , Berthier Erwin 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe microbial secondary metabolome encompasses great synthetic diversity, empowering microbes to tune their chemical responses to changing microenvironments. Traditional metabolomics methods are ill-equipped to probe a wide variety of environments or environmental dynamics. Here we introduce a class of microscale culture platforms to analyse chemical diversity of fungal and bacterial secondary metabolomes. By leveraging stable biphasic interfaces to integrate microculture with small molecule isolation via liquid–liquid extraction, we enable metabolomics-scale analysis using mass spectrometry. This platform facilitates exploration of culture microenvironments (including rare media typically inaccessible using established methods), unusual organic solvents for metabolite isolation and microbial mutants. UtilizingAspergillus, a fungal genus known for its rich secondary metabolism, we characterize the effects of culture geometry and growth matrix on secondary metabolism, highlighting the potential use of microscale systems to unlock unknown or cryptic secondary metabolites for natural products discovery. Finally, we demonstrate the potential for this class of microfluidic systems to study interkingdom communication between fungi and bacteria.