bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protein regulation of induced pluripotent stem cells by transplanting in a Huntington's animal model
Authors: Mu S. , Han L. , Zhou G. , Mo C. , Duan J. , He Z. , Wang Z. , Ren L. , Zhang J. 
Published: February 2016

AimsThe purpose of this study was to determine the functional recovery and protein regulation by transplanted induced pluripotent stem cells in a rat model of Huntington's disease (HD).MethodsIn a quinolinic acid‐induced rat model of striatal degeneration, induced pluripotent stem cells were transplanted into the ipsilateral lateral ventricle 10 days after the quinolinic acid injection. At 8 weeks after transplantation, fluorodeoxyglucose‐PET/CT scan and balance‐beam test were performed to evaluate the functional recovery of experimental rats. In addition, immunofluorescence and protein array analysis were used to investigate the regulation of stimulated protein expression in the striatum.ResultsAt 8 weeks after induced pluripotent stem cell transplantation, motor function was improved in comparison with the quinolinic acid‐treated rats. High fluorodeoxyglucose accumulation in the injured striatum was also observed by PET/CT scans. In addition, immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that implanted cells migrated from the lateral ventricle into the lesioned striatum and differentiated into striatal projection neurons. Array analysis showed a significant upregulation of GFR (Glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor receptor) alpha‐1, Adiponectin/Acrp30, basic‐fibroblast growth factors, MIP‐1 (Macrophage‐inflammatory protein) alpha and leptin, as well as downregulation of cytokine‐induced neutrophil chemoattractant‐3 in striatum after transplantatation of induced pluripotent stem cells in comparison with the quinolinic acid ‐treated rats.ConclusionsThe findings in this work indicate that transplantation of induced pluripotent stem cells is a promising therapeutic candidate for HD.
Duloxetine increases the effects of levodopa in a rat model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Nishijima Haruo , Ueno Tatsuya , Ueno Shinya , Tomiyama Masahiko 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackgroundIn patients with advanced Parkinson's disease, serotonergic and noradrenergic systems act as surrogates for the failing dopaminergic system. Treatment with a serotonin–noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor might help maintain levodopa‐derived dopamine levels in the dopamine‐denervated striatum. However, clinical utility of a serotonin–noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor for treatment of motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease is not yet clear.AimTo investigate whether pretreatment with duloxetine, one of the serotonin–noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors, has any impact on the effects of levodopa in a rat model of Parkinson's disease.MethodsWe used 6‐hydroxydopamine‐lesioned hemiparkinsonian rats. One group received duloxetine for 5 days and the other group received the same dose of saline. Levodopa was injected into each rat 6 h after the last administration of duloxetine or saline. An abnormal involuntary movement score was measured every 20 min during the 3‐h period after the injection of levodopa.ResultsLevodopa‐induced abnormal involuntary movement was significantly enhanced in duloxetine‐treated rats when compared with saline‐treated rats.ConclusionDuloxetine appears to increase the effects of levodopa in a rat model of Parkinson's disease, although it might increase the risk of levodopa‐induced dyskinesia.
Life span and structure of ephemeral root modules of different functional groups from a desert system
Authors: Liu Bo , He Junxia , Zeng Fanjiang , Lei Jiaqiang , Arndt Stefan K. 
Published: February 2016

Summary

The terminal branch orders of plant root systems have been proposed as short‐lived ‘ephemeral’ modules specialized for resource absorption. The occurrence of ephemeral root modules has so far only been reported for a temperate tree species and it is unclear if the concept also applies to other woody (shrub, tree) and herb species.

Fine roots of 12 perennial dicotyledonous herb, shrub and tree species were monitored for two growing seasons using a branch‐order classification, sequential sampling and rhizotrons in the Taklamakan desert.

Two root modules existed in all three plant functional groups. Among the first five branch orders, the first two (perennial herbs, shrubs) or three (trees) root orders were ephemeral and had a primary anatomical structure, high nitrogen (N) concentrations, high respiration rates and very short life spans of 1–4 months, whereas the last two branch orders in all functional groups were perennial, with thicker diameters, no or collapsed cortex, distinct secondary growth, low N concentrations, low respiration rates, but much longer life spans.

Ephemeral, short‐lived root modules and long‐lived, persistent root modules seem to be a general feature across many plant functional groups and could represent a basic root system design.
Cool night‐time temperatures induce the expression ofCONSTANSandFLOWERING LOCUS Tto regulate flowering in Arabidopsis
Authors: Kinmonth‐Schultz Hannah A. , Tong Xinran , Lee Jae , Song Young Hun , Ito Shogo , Kim Soo‐Hyung , Imaizumi Takato 
Published: February 2016

SummaryDay length and ambient temperature are major stimuli controlling flowering time. To understand flowering mechanisms in more natural conditions, we explored the effect of daily light and temperature changes onArabidopsis thaliana.Seedlings were exposed to different day/night temperature and day‐length treatments to assess expression changes in flowering genes.Cooler temperature treatments increasedCONSTANS(CO) transcript levels at night. Night‐timeCOinduction was diminished inflowering bhlh(fbh)‐quadruple mutants.FLOWERING LOCUS T(FT) transcript levels were reduced at dusk, but increased at the end of cooler nights. The dusk suppression, which was alleviated inshort vegetative phase(svp) mutants, occurred particularly in younger seedlings, whereas the increase during the night continued over 2 wk. Cooler temperature treatments altered the levels ofFLOWERING LOCUS M‐β(FLM‐β) andFLM‐δsplice variants.FTlevels correlated strongly with flowering time across treatments.Day/night temperature changes modulate photoperiodic flowering by changingFTaccumulation patterns. Cooler night‐time temperatures enhance FLOWERING BHLH (FBH)‐dependent induction ofCOand consequently increase CO protein. When plants are young, cooler temperatures suppressFTat dusk through SHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE (SVP) function, perhaps to suppress precocious flowering. Our results suggest day length and diurnal temperature changes combine to modulateFTand flowering time.
Analgesic and Sensory Effects of the Pecs Local Anesthetic Block in Patients with Persistent Pain after Breast Cancer Surgery: A Pilot Study
Authors: Wijayasinghe Nelun , Andersen Kenneth G. , Kehlet Henrik 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackgroundPersistent pain after breast cancer surgery (PPBCS) develops in 15% to 25% of patients, sometimes years after surgery. Approximately 50% of PPBCS patients have neuropathic pain in the breast, which may be due to dysfunction of the pectoral nerves. The Pecs local anesthetic block proposes to block these nerves and has provided pain relief for patients undergoing breast cancer surgery, but has yet to be evaluated in patients with PPBCS.MethodsThe aim of this pilot study was to examine the effects of the Pecs block on summed pain intensity (SPI) and sensory function (through quantitative sensory testing [QST]) in eight patients with PPBCS. SPI and QST measurements were recorded before and 30 minutes after administration of the Pecs block (20 mL 0.25% bupivacaine). Pain intensity and sleep interference were measured daily before and after the block for 7 days.ResultsPatients experienced analgesia (P = 0.008) and reduced hypoesthesia areas to cold (P = 0.004) and warmth (P = 0.01) after 30 minutes. The reported pain relief (P = 0.02) and reduced sleep interference (P = 0.01) persisted for 7 days after the block.ConclusionsThis pilot study suggests that the pectoral nerves play a role in the maintenance of pain in the breast area in PPBCS and begs for further research.
Small RNA and degradome deep sequencing reveals drought‐and tissue‐specific micrornas and their important roles in drought‐sensitive and drought‐tolerant tomato genotypes
Authors: Candar‐Cakir Bilgin , Arican Ercan , Zhang Baohong 
Published: February 2016

SummaryDrought stress has adverse impacts on plant production and productivity. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are one class of noncoding RNAs regulating gene expression post‐transcriptionally. In this study, we employed small RNA and degradome sequencing to systematically investigate the tissue‐specific miRNAs responsible to drought stress, which are understudied in tomato. For this purpose, root and upground tissues of two different drought‐responsive tomato genotypes (Lycopersicon esculentum as sensitive and L. esculentum var. cerasiforme as tolerant) were subjected to stress with 5% polyethylene glycol for 7 days. A total of 699 conserved miRNAs belonging to 578 families were determined and 688 miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed between different treatments, tissues and genotypes. Using degradome sequencing, 44 target genes were identified associated with 36 miRNA families. Drought‐related miRNAs and their targets were enriched functionally by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses. Totally, 53 miRNAs targeted 23 key drought stress‐ and tissue development‐related genes, including DRP (dehydration‐responsive protein), GTs (glycosyltransferases), ERF (ethylene responsive factor), PSII (photosystem II) protein, HD‐ZIP (homeodomain‐leucine zipper), MYB and NAC‐domain transcription factors. miR160, miR165, miR166, miR171, miR398, miR408, miR827, miR9472, miR9476 and miR9552 were the key miRNAs functioning in regulation of these genes and involving in tomato response to drought stress. Additionally, plant hormone signal transduction pathway genes were differentially regulated by miR169, miR172, miR393, miR5641, miR5658 and miR7997 in both tissues of both sensitive and tolerant genotypes. These results provide new insight into the regulatory role of miRNAs in drought response with plant hormone signal transduction and drought‐tolerant tomato breeding.
Does Order of Application of Emollient and Topical Corticosteroids Make a Difference in the Severity of Atopic Eczema in Children?
Authors: Ng Su Yuen , Begum Sabeera , Chong Sze Yee 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackgroundAtopic eczema (AE) is a common chronic inflammatory skin disorder in children, with emollients and topical corticosteroids (TCSs) commonly prescribed as treatment. There is no published guidance on the correct order of application of emollient and TCS in children with AE.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to determine whether the order of application of emollient and TCS makes a difference in the severity of AE in children.MethodsForty‐six patients ages 4 months to 5 years with moderate to severe AE were randomized to two groups: group A applied emollient followed by TCS 15 minutes later twice daily, and group B applied TCS followed by emollient 15 minutes later twice daily for 2 weeks.ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference in the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score, percentage of body surface area (BSA) affected, or itch score between groups A and B (p > 0.05). Group A had statistically significant improvement in the EASI score, percentage BSA affected, and itch score from baseline to weeks 1 and 2; group B demonstrated statistically significant improvement only in the EASI score from baseline to week 1 and in itch score from baseline to week 2. There was no difference in adverse events between the groups.ConclusionThis study suggests that the order of application of emollient and TCS does not matter in the treatment of AE in children and that parents can apply topical medications in whichever order they prefer.
Living donor domino liver transplantation using a maple syrup urine disease donor: A case series of three children – The first report from Japan
Authors: Matsunami Masatoshi , Fukuda Akinari , Sasaki Kengo , Uchida Hajime , Shigeta Takanobu , Hirata Yoshihiro , Kanazawa Hiroyuki , Horikawa Reiko , Nakazawa Atsuko , Suzuki Tatsuya , Mizuta Koichi , Kasahara Mureo 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAs the priority of LD‐Domino LT is the safety of the first recipient, limitations and technical difficulties in the second recipient often occur. The most technically challenging part of LD‐Domino LT is the reconstruction of the vessels. For the reconstruction of HVs, the native HVs were exteriorized as far as possible using a CUSA because longer extensive HVs are essential for facilitating the reconstruction. At the back table, the HVs of the domino graft were sutured together, and the single cuff of the HVs was anastomosed to the IVC by joining the orifices. The HAs, the presence of insufficient length, and multiple vessels in the whole liver rendered the reconstruction more difficult. We determined the dividing sites of the vessels according to the preoperative 3D‐CT findings obtained in two institutions. This is the first case series using grafts in DLT obtained from LDLT for patients with MSUD between two institutions. In conclusion, LD‐Domino LT is a safe and feasible therapeutic option to expand the donor pool by technical refinement in the reconstruction of the second recipient. Further studies with a greater accumulation of patients and a longer follow‐up will be necessary to establish LD‐Domino LT using an MSUD donor.
Management of behavioural symptoms of dementia in a specialized unit care
Authors: Saidlitz Pascal , Sourdet Sandrine , Voisin Thierry , Vellas Bruno 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackgroundIn France, the Alzheimer Plan 2008–2012 has enabled the development of units specialized in managing the behavioural and psychological disorders found in cognitive pathologies, with an emphasis on both pharmacological and non‐pharmacological treatments. The aim of this study was to analyze the evolution of behavioural symptoms, autonomy, and psychotropic drug prescriptions at a cognitive and behavioural unit in Toulouse, France.MethodsProspective study, with systematic analyze of data for patients hospitalized in a cognitive and behavioral unit.ResultsThis 2‐year study included 199 patients. Behavioural symptoms were significantly improved during the follow‐up period and remained so after discharge. Autonomy, especially in walking, was not altered. The prescription of psychotropic drugs, such as neuroleptics, was significantly lower at discharge.ConclusionThis study showed the effectiveness of overall care, with an emphasis on pharmacological and non‐pharmacological treatments, in managing disruptive behavioural symptoms in a specialized unit.
An Approach to Cluster EU Member States into Groups According to Pathways of Salmonella in the Farm‐to‐Consumption Chain for Pork Products
Authors: Vigre Håkan , Domingues Ana Rita Coutinho Calado , Pedersen Ulrik Bo , Hald Tine 
Published: February 2016

The aim of the project as the cluster analysis was to in part to develop a generic structured quantitative microbiological risk assessment (QMRA) model of human salmonellosis due to pork consumption in EU member states (MSs), and the objective of the cluster analysis was to group the EU MSs according to the relative contribution of different pathways of Salmonella in the farm‐to‐consumption chain of pork products. In the development of the model, by selecting a case study MS from each cluster the model was developed to represent different aspects of pig production, pork production, and consumption of pork products across EU states. The objective of the cluster analysis was to aggregate MSs into groups of countries with similar importance of different pathways of Salmonella in the farm‐to‐consumption chain using available, and where possible, universal register data related to the pork production and consumption in each country. Based on MS‐specific information about distribution of (i) small and large farms, (ii) small and large slaughterhouses, (iii) amount of pork meat consumed, and (iv) amount of sausages consumed we used nonhierarchical and hierarchical cluster analysis to group the MSs.The cluster solutions were validated internally using statistic measures and externally by comparing the clustered MSs with an estimated human incidence of salmonellosis due to pork products in the MSs. Finally, each cluster was characterized qualitatively using the centroids of the clusters.
Doing More Than Caring About Quality
Authors: Maddux Franklin W. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe treatment of chronically ill patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) receiving dialysis therapies has advanced greatly over the years and accomplished many successes in prolonging the life of patients with ESRD, yet has had considerable failures due to the inability to compensate for all functions of the kidneys. In addition, the focus to achieve quality goals for laboratories and vascular access measures may indicate a good quality of care from providers, but meeting these clinical and physiological goals may not fully maximize individual benefit to a patient, may not be aligned with the patient's care goals, and could conceivably impact negatively the patient's experience of care and quality of life. The age of individualized patient centered care is forthcoming with advancements in technology and our understanding of the treatment of renal diseases. The future holds promise for enhancing the quality provided to each patient but will require nephrologists to overcome numerous hurdles. This article provides an opinion on principles that may fundamentally improve the quality of renal disease care in the future and represents themes that can enhance quality, safety, and efficiency in the health care delivery system. It is believed that quality measured from a patient centric perspective will shift the treatment for these chronic disorders to better meet each patient's needs and goals, while evolving an enhanced delivery system for the care of all ESRD patients.
Reappraisal of Precambrian sheet‐braided rivers: Evidence for 1·9 Ga deep‐channelled drainage
Authors: Ielpi Alessandro , Rainbird Robert H. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe repetitive sedimentology of many Precambrian sheet‐dominated fluvial sandstones favoured their attribution to unconfined depositional processes. This article presents outcrop evidence for deep‐channelled drainage in the 1·9 Ga Burnside River Formation of Kilohigok Basin, Arctic Canada. On the ground, sheet‐like sandbodies with ubiquitous cross‐bedding are at first consistent with classic, unconfined depositional models. However, satellite and oblique‐aerial imagery of sections up to 15 km wide and 500 m thick reveals the occurrence of incised palaeovalleys hosting clustered, kilometre‐scale, channel bodies with attached large foreset bars pointing to downstream‐lateral accretion, sand sheets with aspect ratios (i.e. width to thickness) as high as 2500, and scattered aeolian intervals. The genetic association of these architectural elements points to aggradational fluvial piedmonts composed of low‐relief unit bars generated by braidplain channels several metres deep. Preservation of aeolianites was facilitated by fluctuating groundwater table and accommodation. Fluvial piedmonts were transected by weakly sinuous channel belts up to 25 m deep and characterized by through‐going or tributary planform. Aspect ratios comparable with those of late Palaeozoic to modern braided channels disprove the inference that all Precambrian streams readily widened in response to increased discharge. Previous facies models for large‐scale Precambrian sheet‐braided rivers failed to depict entire channel forms, possibly because they could not be resolved by ground‐based observations. Based on their limited geomorphic variability and abundance of architectural elements with very high aspect ratios, this study recommends that large sheet‐braided fluvial systems should still be considered separately from their post‐Silurian (i.e. vegetated) braided counterparts. Parallels between sheet‐braided and modern dryland rivers do not, however, reconcile with the deep, perennial, channelized processes described here. Yet, distal sand‐bed and perennial reaches of modern sandur plains remain the closest analogue to sheet‐braided rivers. This conjecture contradicts the assumption that all Precambrian rivers were prone to simulate seasonal behaviours independently from their actual climate regime.
Twin anchors of the soybean isoflavonoid metabolon: evidence for tethering of the complex to the endoplasmic reticulum by IFS and C4H
Authors: Dastmalchi Mehran , Bernards Mark A. , Dhaubhadel Sangeeta 
Published: February 2016

SummaryIsoflavonoids are specialized plant metabolites, almost exclusive to legumes, and their biosynthesis forms a branch of the diverse phenylpropanoid pathway. Plant metabolism may be coordinated at many levels, including formation of protein complexes, or ‘metabolons’, which represent the molecular level of organization. Here, we have confirmed the existence of the long‐postulated isoflavonoid metabolon by identifying elements of the complex, their subcellular localizations and their interactions. Isoflavone synthase (IFS) and cinnamate 4–hydroxylase (C4H) have been shown to be tandem P450 enzymes that are anchored in the ER, interacting with soluble enzymes of the phenylpropanoid and isoflavonoid pathways (chalcone synthase, chalcone reductase and chalcone isomerase). The soluble enzymes of these pathways, whether localized to the cytoplasm or nucleus, are tethered to the ER through interaction with these P450s. The complex is also held together by interactions between the soluble elements. We provide evidence for IFS interaction with upstream and non‐consecutive enzymes. The existence of such a protein complex suggests a possible mechanism for flux of metabolites into the isoflavonoid pathway. Further, through interaction studies, we identified several candidates that are associated with GmIFS2, an isoform of IFS, in soybean hairy roots. This list provides additional candidates for various biosynthetic and structural elements that are involved in isoflavonoid production. Our interaction studies provide valuable information about isoform specificity among isoflavonoid enzymes, which may guide future engineering of the pathway in legumes or help overcome bottlenecks in heterologous expression.