bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nucleocytoplasmic Shuttling of Histone Deacetylase 9 Controls Activity-Dependent Thalamocortical Axon Branching
Authors: Alchini Ricardo , Sato Haruka , Matsumoto Naoyuki , Shimogori Tomomi , Sugo Noriyuki , Yamamoto Nobuhiko 
Published: July 2017

AbstractDuring development, thalamocortical (TC) axons form branches in an activity-dependent fashion. Here we investigated how neuronal activity is converted to molecular signals, focusing on an epigenetic mechanism involving histone deacetylases (HDACs). Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that HDAC9 was translocated from the nucleus to the cytoplasm of thalamic cells during the first postnatal week in rats. In organotypic co-cultures of the thalamus and cortex, fluorescent protein-tagged HDAC9 also exhibited nuclueocytoplasmic translocation in thalamic cells during culturing, which was reversed by tetrodotoxin treatment. Transfection with a mutant HDAC9 that interferes with the translocation markedly decreased TC axon branching in the culture. Similarly, TC axon branching was significantly decreased by the mutant HDAC9 gene transfer in vivo. However, axonal branching was restored by disrupting the interaction between HDAC9 and myocyte-specific enhancer factor 2 (MEF2). Taken together, the present results demonstrate that the nucleocytoplasmic translocation of HDAC9 plays a critical role in activity-dependent TC axon branching by affecting transcriptional regulation and downstream signaling pathways.
Evaluating the effects of material properties of artificial meniscal implant in the human knee joint using finite element analysis
Authors: Shriram Duraisamy , Praveen Kumar Gideon , Cui Fangsen , Lee Yee Han Dave , Subburaj Karupppasamy 
Published: July 2017

AbstractArtificial meniscal implants may replace severely injured meniscus and restore the normal functionality of the knee joint. Implant material stiffness and shape influence the longevity of implantations. This study, using 3D finite element analysis, aimed to evaluate the effects of material stiffness variations of anatomically shaped artificial meniscal implant in the knee joint. Finite element simulations were conducted on five different cases including intact knee, medial meniscectomized knee, and the knee joint with the meniscal implant with three distinct material stiffness. Cartilage contact pressures, compression stresses, shear stresses, and implant kinematics (medial-lateral and posterior-anterior displacement) were evaluated for an axial compressive load of 1150 N at full extension. Compared to the meniscectomized knee, the knee joint with the meniscal implant induced lower peak cartilage contact pressure and reduced the cartilage regions loaded with contact pressures greater than the peak cartilage contact pressure induced by the intact knee. Results of the current study also demonstrate that cartilage contact pressures and implant displacement are sensitive to the implant material stiffness. The meniscal implant with a stiffness of 11 MPa restores the intact knee contact mechanics, thereby reducing the risk of physiological damage to the articular cartilage.
Control of crystallization behaviour of supercooled liquid composed of lithium disilicate on platinum substrate
Authors: Tashiro Masanori , Sukenaga Sohei , Shibata Hiroyuki 
Published: July 2017

AbstractCrystalline lithium disilicate (Li2Si2O5, LS2) materials, which have excellent mechanical properties with high transparency, should be obtained efficiently through the crystallization of supercooled liquid composed of LS2. However, in addition to LS2, a lithium monosilicate (Li2SiO3, LS) phase is also precipitated during the crystallization of the liquid. The precipitation of the LS phase renders it difficult to obtain a single-phase LS2 material. Here, we show that by altering the oxygen partial pressure, it is possible to change the selectivity of the precipitated phase by controlling the interfacial phenomena that occur between the liquid and platinum contact material. During cooling of the supercooled liquid, the type of precipitated phase can be controlled by optimizing the atmosphere and type of contact material. This methodology can be applied for the fabrication of other functional materials and does not require the use of other additives.
The relationship between folding and activity in UreG, an intrinsically disordered enzyme
Authors: Palombo Marta , Bonucci Alessio , Etienne Emilien , Ciurli Stefano , Uversky Vladimir N. , Guigliarelli Bruno , Belle Valérie , Mileo Elisabetta , Zambelli Barbara 
Published: July 2017

AbstractA growing body of literature on intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) led scientists to rethink the structure-function paradigm of protein folding. Enzymes are often considered an exception to the rule of intrinsic disorder (ID), believed to require a unique structure for catalysis. However, recent studies revealed the presence of disorder in several functional native enzymes. In the present work, we address the importance of dynamics for catalysis, by investigating the relationship between folding and activity in Sporosarcina pasteurii UreG (SpUreG), a P-loop GTPase and the first discovered native ID enzyme, involved in the maturation of the nickel-containing urease. The effect of denaturants and osmolytes on protein structure and activity was analyzed using circular dichroism (CD), Site-Directed Spin Labeling (SDSL) coupled to EPR spectroscopy, and enzymatic assays. Our data show that SpUreG needs a “flexibility window” to be catalytically competent, with both too low and too high mobility being detrimental for its activity.
The Effect of Electrical Stimulation of the Calf Muscle on Leg Fluid Accumulation over a Long Period of Sitting
Authors: Vena Daniel , Rubianto Jonathan , Popovic Milos R. , Fernie Geoff R. , Yadollahi Azadeh 
Published: July 2017

AbstractLeg fluid accumulation during sedentary behaviours such as sitting can lead to leg edema and associated adverse health consequences. This study investigates the use calf muscle electrical stimulation (ES) to reduce seated leg fluid accumulation. Thirteen non-obese, normotensive men (mean age 51 yr.) with sleep apnea were enrolled in the study. Participants first lay supine for 30 minutes to equalize fluid distribution and then sat for 150 minutes. While seated, participants received either active or sham ES of the calf muscles, according to random assignment. Participants returned one-week later to cross over to the other study condition. Leg fluid was measured continuously while sitting using the bioelectrical impedance method. Fluid accumulation in the leg was reduced by more than 40% using active ES, compared to sham ES (∆ = 51.9 ± 8.8 ml vs. ∆ = 91.5 ± 8.9 ml, P < 0.001). In summary, calf muscle ES is an effective method for reducing accumulation of fluid during long sedentary periods and has potential use as a device for preventing leg edema to treat associated health consequences in at-risk groups and settings.
An easy gene assembling strategy for light-promoted transfection by combining host-guest interaction of cucurbit[7]uril and gold nanoparticles
Authors: Du Jianwei , Zhang Peng , Zhao Xiao , Wang Youxiang 
Published: July 2017

AbstractCucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]), a representative member of the host family cucurbit[n]uril, can host-guest interact with many guest molecules such as adamantane, viologen and naphthalene derivatives. This host-guest interaction provides an easy strategy in gene vector assembling. Furthermore, CB[7] can self-assemble on gold nanospheres (AuNSs). Herein, the combination of CB[7] and AuNSs provides both advantages of host-guest interaction and photo-thermal effect of AuNSs. In this study, polyethyleneimine (PEI) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) were separately interacted with CB[7] via host-guest interaction. Then by assembling on AuNSs, PEI and PEG were combined together to condense DNA into polyplexes as well as enhance circulation stability of the polyplexes. These gene vectors were found to have high cellular uptake efficiency and low cytotoxicity. Furthermore, the well distributed AuNSs in the polyplexes could transform light into heat under light exposure because of the photo-thermal effect. This was found to effectively promote the entry of gene into cytoplasm and highly enhanced gene transfection efficiency.
New insights into the karyotype evolution of the free-living flatworm Macrostomum lignano (Platyhelminthes, Turbellaria)
Authors: Zadesenets Kira S. , Schärer Lukas , Rubtsov Nikolay B. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe free-living flatworm Macrostomum lignano is a model organism for evolutionary and developmental biology studies. Recently, an unusual karyotypic diversity was revealed in this species. Specifically, worms are either ‘normal’ 2n = 8, or they are aneuploid with one or two additional large chromosome(s) (i.e. 2n = 9 or 2n = 10, respectively). Aneuploid worms did not show visible behavioral or morphological abnormalities and were successful in reproduction. In this study, we generated microdissected DNA probes from chromosome 1 (further called MLI1), chromosome 2 (MLI2), and a pair of similar-sized smaller chromosomes (MLI3, MLI4). FISH using these probes revealed that MLI1 consists of contiguous regions homologous to MLI2-MLI4, suggesting that MLI1 arose due to the whole genome duplication and subsequent fusion of one full chromosome set into one large metacentric chromosome. Therefore, one presumably full haploid genome was packed into MLI1, leading to hidden tetraploidy in the M. lignano genome. The study of Macrostomum sp. 8 — a sibling species of M. lignano — revealed that it usually has one additional pair of large chromosomes (2n = 10) showing a high homology to MLI1, thus suggesting hidden hexaploidy in its genome. Possible evolutionary scenarios for the emergence of the M. lignano and Macrostomum sp. 8 genomes are discussed.
Detoxifikation
Authors: Bieger Wilfried P. 
Published: July 2017

SummaryIn Phase I der Entgiftung werden Endo- und Exotoxine aktiviert, in Phase II mit verschiedenen Verbindungen konjugiert und anschließend mit Urin oder Galle ausgeschieden. Wichtige Bestandteile der Detoxifikation sind zudem der Transport von Konjugaten über Membranen durch Antiportersysteme sowie die luminale Entgiftung. Unzureichende Detoxifikation wird mit zahlreichen Erkrankungen in Verbindung gebracht. Ein Beitrag von Polymorphismen der Entgiftungsenzyme zur Krebsentstehung wird diskutiert.
Subunit conformational variation within individual GroEL oligomers resolved by Cryo-EM
Authors: Roh Soung-Hun , Hryc Corey F. , Jeong Hyun-Hwan , Fei Xue , Jakana Joanita , Lorimer George H. , Chiu Wah 
Published: July 2017

Significance
Using cryo-EM and expanding on focused classification allowed for the bacterial chaperone, GroEL, to be structurally resolved at atomic detail one particle at a time. This approach differs from generating the traditional structural ensemble average of presumably identical particle images. Three dominant subunit conformations were identified, and their spatial distributions were found to be different in each individual GroEL oligomer. This strategy demonstrates the application of cryo-EM to characterize the biophysical properties of structural dynamics of individual molecular machines one at a time.
SPATKIN: a simulator for rule-based modeling of biomolecular site dynamics on surfaces
Authors: Kochańczyk Marek , Hlavacek William S , Lipniacki Tomasz 
Published: July 2017

Abstract

Summary
Rule-based modeling is a powerful approach for studying biomolecular site dynamics. Here, we present SPATKIN, a general-purpose simulator for rule-based modeling in two spatial dimensions. The simulation algorithm is a lattice-based method that tracks Brownian motion of individual molecules and the stochastic firing of rule-defined reaction events. Because rules are used as event generators, the algorithm is network-free, meaning that it does not require to generate the complete reaction network implied by rules prior to simulation. In a simulation, each molecule (or complex of molecules) is taken to occupy a single lattice site that cannot be shared with another molecule (or complex). SPATKIN is capable of simulating a wide array of membrane-associated processes, including adsorption, desorption and crowding. Models are specified using an extension of the BioNetGen language, which allows to account for spatial features of the simulated process.

Availability and implementation
The C ++ source code for SPATKIN is distributed freely under the terms of the GNU GPLv3 license. The source code can be compiled for execution on popular platforms (Windows, Mac and Linux). An installer for 64-bit Windows and a macOS app are available. The source code and precompiled binaries are available at the SPATKIN Web site (http://pmbm.ippt.pan.pl/software/spatkin).

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Assessment of Optimal Imaging Protocol Sequences After Laser-Induced Thermal Therapy for Intracranial Tumors
Authors: Parisi Anthony J , Sundararajan Sri Hari , Garg Rahul , Hargreaves Eric L , Patel Nitesh V , Danish Shabbar F 
Published: July 2017

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Magnetic resonance-guided laser-induced thermal therapy (MRgLITT) is a novel, minimally invasive method currently being used to treat a wide range of intracranial pathologies. No accepted guidelines exist on what the appropriate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences are for evaluating short-term postablation changes, especially when patients are not able to receive gadolinium.

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate which MRI sequences provide the greatest inter-rater reliability and least amount of variability in assessment of ablation volume after MRgLITT for intracranial neoplasms.

METHODS
Twenty patients who received MRgLITT were included. Three raters calculated volumetric measurements on postprocedural axial spoiled gradient recalled (SPGR), fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and gradient echo (GRE) sequences. Measured volumes were analyzed using intraclass correlation to determine which protocol had the most concordance among the 3 raters.

RESULTS
Postcontrast SPGR sequences were most concordant in our study, with an intraclass correlation of 0.981. DWI was the next-most concordant imaging sequence with an intraclass correlation of 0.958. The least concordant were GRE (0.895) and FLAIR (0.866) images. SPGR was also the least variable and had the most consistent volume ratings compared to the other sequences.

CONCLUSION
This study is the first to evaluate the inter-rater reliability of different MRI sequence protocols in the context of post-MRgLITT volumetric evaluation. SPGR postcontrast images facilitate the greatest interobserver concordance when characterizing post-MRgLITT tumor appearance and volumetrics, with DWI ranked second. Based on our findings, SPGR sequences are likely to yield the highest degree of concordance in post-MRgLITT lesion evaluation. When gadolinium cannot be given, DWI should provide the next most reliable estimation.
Syndesmotic Ankle Fractures
Authors: Michelson James D. , Wright Michael , Blankstein Michael 
Published: July 2017

Objectives:
The diagnosis and treatment of syndesmotic ankle fractures is controversial. This systematic review was performed to clarify the current understanding addressing several clinical questions that arise in the treatment of such injuries.

Data Sources:
The English language literature was searched using PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science. The search terms were “syndesmosis” or “syndesmotic” in combination with the terms “ankle fracture” or “fracture.” The included dates were between 1967 and July 2015.

Study Selection:
Inclusion criteria were number of patients >20, patient age ≥18 years, follow-up ≥1 year, ankle fracture classification was reported, criteria for surgery was reported, technique of surgery was reported, and a validated outcome measure was used. Studies limited to biomechanical or imaging investigations were excluded.

Data Extraction:
Information was abstracted using a standardized template, which encompassed the inclusion criteria together with the study type, postoperative regimen, and complications. Study quality was evaluated using the modified CONSORT statement and Coleman criteria. Study bias was assessed, and methodological quality was rated. Any difference in ratings was resolved by consensus.

Data Synthesis:
None.

Conclusions:
The overall quality of the studies was poor. The number or placement of syndesmotic screws or the breakage of trans-syndesmotic screws postoperatively had no adverse effect on outcomes (both with moderate strength of evidence). The use of alternative fixation devices (bioabsorbable and endobutton) had poor strength of evidence, as did the opinion that nondisplaced, unstable by stress test, syndesmotic injuries required fixation. There are insufficient data that link subtle rotational syndesmotic malreduction to clinical outcomes.

Level of Evidence:
Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Patulous Eustachian Tube and Otitis Media With Effusion as Complications After Trigeminal Nerve Injury
Authors: Ikeda Ryoukichi , Kobayashi Toshimitsu , Yoshida Masayuki , Yoshida Naohiro , Kikuchi Toshiaki , Oshima Takeshi , Kawase Tetsuaki , Katori Yukio 
Published: July 2017

Objectives:
To describe three patients of patulous Eustachian tube (pET) after trigeminal nerve injury and to demonstrate for the first time their magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings to hypothesize the mechanism of the pET after trigeminal nerve injury.

Patients:
Three patients presented with autophony after trigeminal nerve injury caused by the removal of intracranial tumors.

Main Outcome Measures:
Clinical patient records, audiological data, and MRI.

Results:
Each patient initially developed transient otitis media with effusion (OME) within a few months after surgery and subsequently developed pET. The MRI of the three patients when they developed pET demonstrated atrophy and fat infiltration of the muscles innervated by the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve.

Conclusion:
All three patients transiently manifested OME before pET was diagnosed. Based on the MRI findings and anatomical considerations, this chronological transition from OME to pET was speculated as an initial motor paralysis of the tensor veli palatini muscle, followed by volume decrease of the muscles in the vicinity of the ET due to denervation atrophy and fat infiltration, which resulted in ET closing failure.
Gender Differences in Outcomes of Antiretroviral Treatment Among HIV-Infected Patients in China: A Retrospective Cohort Study, 2010–2015
Authors: Chen Meiling , Dou Zhihui , Wang Liming , Wu Yasong , Zhao Decai , Gan Xiumin , Hu Ran , Ma Ye , Zhang Fujie 
Published: July 2017

Backgroud:
Women now account for about half of all people living with HIV worldwide, but researchers lack clear information and large population-based study about gender differences in treatment outcomes.

Methods:
A nationwide retrospective observational cohort study with data from the China National Free Antiretroviral Treatment Program was performed. Antiretroviral-naive patients older than 18 years initiating standard antiretroviral therapy between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2011, were included and followed up to December 31, 2015. We used modified Poisson regression models to estimate the impact of gender on virological suppression and retention in treatment, and Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard models to evaluate gender difference in mortality.

Results:
Sixty-eight thousand six hundred forty-six patients [46,083 (67.1%) men and 22,563 (32.9%) women] with HIV met eligibility criteria. Women were significantly more likely to achieve virological suppression than men both at 12 months [adjusted relative risk (aRR) 1.02, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01 to 1.03, P < 0.001] and 48 months (aRR 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00 to 1.02, P = 0.005) after initiating antiretroviral treatment. Women were also more likely to remain in treatment at 12 months (aRR 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.02, P < 0.001) and 48 months (aRR 1.04, 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.05, P < 0.001), although the difference became insignificant in alive patients. All-cause mortality was lower in women than in men (2.34 vs. 4.03 deaths/100PY, adjusted hazard ratio 0.72, 95% CI: 0.67 to 0.77, P < 0.001).

Conclusions:
In China, women are more likely to achieve virological suppression, remain in treatment, and have a significantly lower risk of death than men. Future studies could take both biological and sociobehavioral factors into analysis to clarify the influence factors.
Laparoscopic Appendectomy for Complicated Acute Appendicitis in the Elderly: A Single-center Experience
Authors: Yang Jiahua , Yu Kun , Li Wei , Si Xianke , Zhang Jixun , Wu Wentao , Cao Yijun 
Published: July 2017

Background:
The use of laparoscopic appendectomy for complicated acute appendicitis remains controversial in the elderly. This study aimed to compare the postoperative outcomes of elderly patients who received either laparoscopic appendectomy or open appendectomy.

Patients and Methods:
A single-centre retrospective analysis of the clinical records of elderly patients (age, above 65 y) who underwent operations from January 2012 to November 2015 was performed. Demographic data, intraoperative variables, length of stay, and surgical complications were retrieved.

Results:
A total of 145 elderly patients were preoperatively diagnosed with acute appendicitis. There were 43 (29.66%) complicated and 102 (70.34%) uncomplicated appendicitis cases. A total of 65 (44.83%) procedures were performed using the open technique (OA group) and 80 (55.17%) using the laparoscopic technique (LA group). In the laparoscopic group, 19 (23.75%) patients had complicated acute appendicitis (CLA group), and 61 (76.25%) had uncomplicated acute appendicitis (UCLA group). In the complicated group, 19 (44.19%) patients underwent operation using the laparoscopic technique (CLA group) and 24 (55.81%) using the open technique (COA group). There were no significant differences between the LA and OA groups in terms of age, sex distribution, duration of symptoms, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, white blood cells, complicated appendicitis, operation time, drain apposition, days to resumption of liquids, and postoperative complications (P>0.05). Significant differences were found in days to start walking and days to resumption of solids in the LA group (P<0.05). The OA group had a longer length of hospital stay than the LA group (P<0.05). Postoperative complications were not significantly different between the groups (P>0.05). The CLA group had a significantly longer duration of symptoms, operation times, days to resumption of liquids, and days to resumption of solids than the UCLA group (P<0.05). The COA group had significantly longer days to walking and hospital stays than the CLA group (P<0.05).

Conclusions:
Our study demonstrated that using LA to treat complicated acute appendicitis in the elderly was not associated with additional surgical complications. Therefore, it seems feasible to use LA as a safe technique for complicated acute appendicitis in the elderly.