bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diisopropylglutathione ester protects A549 cells from the cytotoxic effects of sulphur mustard
Authors: Lindsay Christopher D , Hambrook Joy L 
Published: January 2017

The A549 cell line was used to assess the ability of diisopropylglutathione (DIPE) to protect against a 100 mM challenge dose of sulphur mustard (HD) using gentian violet (GV), thiazolyl blue (MTT) and neutral red (NR) assays as indicators of cell culture viability. As part of a continuing study of the efficacy of protective nucleophiles as candidate treatments for HD poisoning, several different combinations of protectant and HD were used to determine the optimal means of protecting A549 cells from the effects of HD. It was found that DIPE (4 mM) could protect cells against the effects of HD though for optimal effect, DIPE had to be present at the time of HD challenge. Cultures protected with DIPE were up to 2.9- fold more viable than HD exposed cells 48 h after HD challenge when using the GV, MTT and NR assays to assess viability. Observations by phase contrast microscopy of GV stained cultures confirmed these findings. Pretreating A549 cultures with DIPE for 1 h followed by its removal prior to HD challenge did maintain cell viability, though at a relatively low level (only up to 1.4- fold more viable than HD only exposed cells). DIPE was also able to protect HD exposed A549 cultures when added to cell cultures at intervals of up to 12 to 15 min after the initial HD exposure, though viability tended to decrease over this period, so that at 1 h, addition of DIPE did not maintain the viability of the cultures. This is the first such report of the anti-HD protectant properties of DIPE in A549 cells. It is concluded that the protection observed against HD is probably largely due to extracellular inactivation of HD by DIPE.
Alterations in rat erythrocyte membrane due to hexachlorocyclohexane (technical) exposure
Authors: Bhalla Pankaj , Agrawal Deepa 
Published: January 2017

1 Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), an organochlorine pesticide having hydrophobic molecule is known to act on membranes. HCH mediated alterations in erythrocyte membrane occur through disorganization of the lipid bilayer. Therefore the changes in erythrocyte membrane fluidity, osmotic fragility and certain membrane bound enzymes were studied. Administration of HCH (technical) to rats at 5 mg/kg, orally, 5 days a week for 1, 2 and 3 months caused marked increase in erythrocyte membrane fluidity, osmotic fragility anddecreaseinlevelsofNa+, K+-ATPase, acetylcholinesterase in erythrocytes and glutathione in blood. 2 These changes indicate that HCH adversely affects membrane structure and function.
Comparison of Road Traffic Noise Calculation Models
Authors: van den Berg Martin , Gerretsen Eddy 
Published: January 2017

The results of a round robin test on road-traffic noise calculation schemes are presented and analyzed for differences. On the basis of the information supplied, corrections were applied to make results more comparable. Every day situations, as simple as possible were presented, such as straight, asphalted roads with no reflections, ramps, curves or blocks. The spread in results is large, from 6 to 10 dB, with larger differences for the motorways and for the night situation. On closer examination of the calculation models the source models were seen to cause the largest differences. The conclusion is therefore that before comparing noise levels and standards between countries, one should be aware that large unexplainable differences result when the same situations are calculated with different methods. The differences vary between 6 and 10 dB(A), even after correction. This means that the differences when comparing official outcomes (according to the national standards) may be even larger. The need for combined effort to establish a common calculation method is obvious. From the data it seems impossible to prepare a translation between methods since the differences lack any trend.
Housing Development on Brownfield Sites
Authors: Bieback Karin 
Published: January 2017

Official housing statistics project an increase in households by 3.8 million in England between 1996 and 2021.1 In its Strategy for Sustainable Development in the UK, the Government declared its aim to offer everyone the opportunity of a decent home.2 But where are all these new households to go? Housing accounts for about 70% of the consumption of greenfield land by urban development and while in 1991, 10.6% of England's land area had been built upon, this is likely to rise to 11.9% by 2016, if current trends continue.3 The pace at which land is being consumed by urban development is considered as one of the major threats to the achievement of sustainable development,4 which requires the ‘prudent use of natural resources’, a principle to which the Government has also committed itself.5 Consequently, sustainable development requires using as little previously undeveloped land for new development as possible. One way to reduce the land use of housing is to build as many new dwellings as possible on previously developed land.6 Therefore in 1995 the Government set a target of 50% for the proportion of additional homes in England to be built on previously developed land, or provided through conversions7 of existing buildings.8 In 1998 the target was increased to 60% by 2008.9 However, development on brownfield land will not always be the best solution considering the environmental impacts of the development as a whole. The location of housing, for example, is a crucial aspect in determining the creation of needs for energy (another very important sustainability issue). It can be assumed that housing development within existing urban areas is generally more sustainable in energy terms, as it reduces the need for transportation and higher densities of dwellings require less energy for space heating.10 Therefore, the aim should be to increase the amount of new housing development on brownfield land within urban areas. This article examines which obstacles need to be overcome and which instruments are available to achieve the governmental target.
Urinary Incontinence in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Lee Hsiang-Ying , Li Ching-Chia , Juan Yung-Shun , Chang Yu-Han , Yeh Hsin-Chih , Tsai Chia-Chun , Chueh Kuang-Shun , Wu Wen-Jeng , Yang Yuan-Han 
Published: January 2017

Objectives: Urinary incontinence (UI) is more prevalent in the elderly populations with dementia than without dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia. Urinary incontinence may complicate AD morbidity and mortality. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and annual incidence and determine the risk possibility of UI, which is the main type of incontinence in patients with AD in Taiwan. Methods: A total of 933 patients with AD were included in the study cohort, and a total of 2799 patients without AD by 1:3 proportion compared to the study cohort were used as a matched cohort. All participants were selected from the National Health Insurance Research Database in 2000 sample population. We utilize Cox proportional hazard regression to evaluate the risk of UI and cumulative incidence ratio curve to analyze the cumulative incidence function. Prevalence and annual incidence rate are calculated in individual medication including rivastigmine, donepezil, galantamine, and memantine only being initiated in patients with AD. Results: The risk of UI is higher in AD cohort (hazard ratio: 1.54, 95% confidence interval: 1.13-2.09). The cumulative incidence ratio of UI event between AD cohort and matched cohort presents statistical significance ( P < .001). Annual incidence and prevalence of UI in patients with AD are 6.2% and 4.2%, respectively. Conclusion: The present results suggest that the risk of UI is higher in patients with AD than in the general population.
Effects of Stenting the Parent Artery on Aneurysm Filling and Gene Expression of Various Potential Factors Involved in Healing of Experimental Aneurysms
Authors: Darsaut T. , Salazkin I. , Ogoudikpe C. , Gevry G. , Bouzeghrane F. , Raymond J. 
Published: January 2017

Intracranial stents are increasingly used in the endovascular treatment of aneurysms, but very little is known regarding their effect on the cellular and molecular evolution of aneurysms. Bilateral venous pouch lateral wall carotid aneurysms were created in 20 dogs. All dogs then underwent angiography and balloon-expandable stenting of one aneurysm four to six weeks later. Fifteen dogs underwent aneurysm harvesting at one day (n=3), four days (n=4), seven days (n=3), and 14 days (n=5) for mRNA expression analysis, using axial sections taken from the aneurysm neck and fundus for RT-PCR amplification of four cytokines or growth factors: TNF-a, TGF-b1, MCP-1, and PDGF-BB; two adhesion molecules: VCAM-1 and PECAM-1; five matrix modifying agents; MMP-2, 9, TIMPs 1, 3, 4, and two cellular markers: CD34 and a-SMA. Five other dogs, sacrificed at 12 weeks, were examined for extent of filling of the aneurysm neck with organized tissue and for neointima formation at the aneurysm ostium. Angiography was performed prior to sacrifice in all animals, and compared with initial studies. Eleven out of 20 stented aneurysms showed a favorable angiographic evolution, while none of the 20 non-stented aneurysms improved (p=0.001). Pathology showed partially occluded aneurysms, with neointima formation around the stent struts. Observed trends in mRNA expression, that stenting increased expression of genes involved in organization and neointima formation, agreed with experimental hypotheses, but differences between stented and non-stented aneurysms did not reach statistical significance. Parent vessel stenting was associated with angiographic improvement of aneurysm appearance. Modifications in mRNA expression patterns following stenting deserve further study to better establish potential molecular targets to promote aneurysm healing.
Unilateral Moyamoya Phenomenon Due to MCA Occlusion in a Child Presenting with Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Srikanth S.G. , Nagarajan K. , Chandrashekar H.S. , Vasudev M.K. , Pillai Shibu V. 
Published: January 2017

Spontaneous middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion leading to moyamoya phenomenon is different from classical moyamoya disease. Previous studies have reported such phenomena in adults with ischemic lesions, except for a solitary case in a child. We report a case of a ten-year old girl who presented with a deep intracerebral hematoma and a normal ipsilateral middle cerebral artery on initial evaluation by CT. Subsequently, on follow-up angiography, the ipsilateral MCA was occluded with evidence of unilateral basal lenticulostriate and transdural collateral supply causing a ‘moyamoya’ phenomenon. This report discusses a rare and interesting disease from the perspective of ‘moyamoya’ phenomenon and angiogenesis.
Sample size calculation in survival trials accounting for time-varying relationship between noncompliance and risk of outcome event
Authors: Li Bingbing , Grambsch Patricia 
Published: January 2017

Background Most methods of sample size calculations for survival trials adjust the estimated outcome event rates for noncompliance based on the assumption that non-compliance is independent of the risk of the outcome event although there has been published evidence that noncompliers are often at a higher risk than compliers. More recent work has started to consider the situations of informative noncompliance and different risks for noncompliers. However, the possibility of a time-varying association between noncompliance and risk has been ignored. Our analysis indicated a strong time-varying relationship between noncompliance defined as permanent discontinuation of study treatments and risk of the outcome event in the CONVINCE trial. Purpose The purpose of this research is to develop methods for the log-rank sample size calculations for two-arm clinical trials that allow for the relationship between risk and noncompliance to vary over time and to study how sample size requirements vary with different patterns of the time relationship. Methods The method developed takes Lakatos’ Markov chain approach as a basis, modifying it to incorporate time dynamics, and emphasizing permanent discontinuation of study medication as the form of noncompliance to be considered. Results Results with our method show that sample size depends on the relative rates of noncompliance in the two arms, the hazard for the outcome event following non-compliance, whether it involves switching to the hazard of the opposite arm or is common to both arms, and whether noncompliance occurs early or late in the trial. These factors interact with each other in complex ways, precluding simple summaries. Limitations This research focuses on two-arm clinical trials with time to event as primary outcome measure. The method developed is not directly applicable to trials with more complicated designs and/or trials with other types of primary outcome. Conclusions The pattern of the relationship between noncompliance and risk can have a dramatic impact on the sample size and power calculations in survival studies. The method introduced provides a useful tool for investigators to explore the optimal sample size accounting for various dynamic associations between noncompliance and risk.
The class I scavenger receptor CD163 promotes internalization of ADAMTS13 by macrophages
Authors: Verbij Fabian C. , Sorvillo Nicoletta , Kaijen Paul H. P. , Hrdinova Johana , Peyron Ivan , Fijnheer Rob , ten Brinke Anja , Meijer Alexander B. , van Alphen Floris P. J. , van den Berg Timo K. , Graversen Jonas J. H. , Moestrup Soren K. , Voorberg Jan 
Published: January 2017

AbstractInternalization of ADAMTS13 by macrophages may contribute to its clearance from the circulation. Here we investigated endocytic mechanisms that contribute to the uptake of ADAMTS13 by macrophages. Human monocyte-derived macrophages were used to monitor the uptake of fluorescently labeled recombinant ADAMTS13 by flow cytometry. Internalization of ADAMTS13 was blocked upon addition of the cell-permeable dynamin inhibitor dynasore. Partial blocking of ADAMTS13 uptake was observed by using mannan; however, uptake was not affected by an antibody that blocked binding to the macrophage mannose receptor CD206, which suggests that other endocytic receptors contribute to the internalization of ADAMTS13 by macrophages. A pull-down with ADAMTS13 and subsequent mass spectrometric analysis identified the class I scavenger receptor CD163 as a candidate receptor for ADAMTS13. Blocking experiments with monoclonal anti-CD163 antibody EDHu-1 resulted in decreased ADAMTS13 internalization by macrophages. Pronounced inhibition of ADAMTS13 uptake by EDHu-1 was observed in CD163 high-expressing macrophages. In agreement with these findings, CD163-expressing Chinese hamster ovary cells were capable of rapidly internalizing ADAMTS13. Surface plasmon resonance revealed binding of ADAMTS13 to scavenger receptor cysteine-rich domains 1-9 and 1-5 of CD163. Taken together, our data identify CD163 as a major endocytic receptor for ADAMTS13 on macrophages.
Vascular mapping of the retroauricular skin – proposal for a posterior superior surgical incision for transcutaneous bone-conduction hearing implants
Authors: Perenyi Adam , Bere Zsofia , Jarabin Janos , Sztano Balazs , Kukla Edit , Bikhazi Ziad , Tiszlavicz Laszlo , Toth Ferenc , Kiss Jozsef Geza , Rovo Laszlo 
Published: January 2017

Background Passive transcutaneous osseointegrated hearing implant systems have become increasingly popular more recently. The area over the implant is vulnerable due to vibration and pressure from the externally worn sound processor. Good perfusion and neural integrity has the potential to reduce complications. The authors’ objective was to determine the ideal surgical exposure to maintain perfusion and neural integrity and decrease surgical time as a result of reduced bleeding. Methods The vascular anatomy of the temporal-parietal soft tissue was examined in a total of 50 subjects. Imaging diagnostics included magnetic resonance angiography in 12 and Doppler ultrasound in 25 healthy subjects to reveal the arterial network. Cadaver dissection of 13 subjects formed the control group. The prevalence of the arteries were statistically analyzed with sector analysis in the surgically relevant area. Results The main arterial branches of this region could be well identified with each method. Statistical analysis showed that the arterial pattern was similar in all subjects. The prevalence of major arteries is low in the upper posterior area though large in proximity to the auricle region. Conclusions Diverse methods indicate the advantages of a posterior superior incision because the major arteries and nerves are at less risk of damage and best preserved. Although injury to these structures is rare, when it occurs, the distal flow is compromised and the peri-implant area is left intact. Hand-held Doppler is efficient and cost-effective in finding the best position for incision, if necessary, in subjects with a history of surgical stress to the retroauricular skin. Trial registration This was a non-interventional study.
High-quality draft genome sequence of Rhizobium mesoamericanum strain STM6155, a Mimosa pudica microsymbiont from New Caledonia
Authors: Klonowska Agnieszka , López-López Aline , Moulin Lionel , Ardley Julie , Gollagher Margaret , Marinova Dora , Tian Rui , Huntemann Marcel , Reddy T.B.K. , Varghese Neha , Woyke Tanja , Markowitz Victor , Ivanova Natalia , Seshadri Rekha , Baeshen Mohamed N. , Baeshen Nabih A. , Kyrpides Nikos , Reeve Wayne 
Published: January 2017

AbstractRhizobium mesoamericanum STM6155 (INSCD = ATYY01000000) is an aerobic, motile, Gram-negative, non-spore-forming rod that can exist as a soil saprophyte or as an effective nitrogen fixing microsymbiont of the legume Mimosa pudica L.. STM6155 was isolated in 2009 from a nodule of the trap host M. pudica grown in nickel-rich soil collected near Mont Dore, New Caledonia. R. mesoamericanum STM6155 was selected as part of the DOE Joint Genome Institute 2010 Genomic Encyclopedia for Bacteria and Archaea-Root Nodule Bacteria (GEBA-RNB) genome sequencing project. Here we describe the symbiotic properties of R. mesoamericanum STM6155, together with its genome sequence information and annotation. The 6,927,906 bp high-quality draft genome is arranged into 147 scaffolds of 152 contigs containing 6855 protein-coding genes and 71 RNA-only encoding genes. Strain STM6155 forms an ANI clique (ID 2435) with the sequenced R. mesoamericanum strain STM3625, and the nodulation genes are highly conserved in these strains and the type strain of Rhizobium grahamii CCGE501T. Within the STM6155 genome, we have identified a chr chromate efflux gene cluster of six genes arranged into two putative operons and we postulate that this cluster is important for the survival of STM6155 in ultramafic soils containing high concentrations of chromate.
High-throughput analysis reveals novel maternal germline RNAs crucial for primordial germ cell preservation and proper migration
Authors: Owens Dawn A. , Butler Amanda M. , Aguero Tristan H. , Newman Karen M. , Van Booven Derek , King Mary Lou 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTDuring oogenesis, hundreds of maternal RNAs are selectively localized to the animal or vegetal pole, including determinants of somatic and germline fates. Although microarray analysis has identified localized determinants, it is not comprehensive and is limited to known transcripts. Here, we utilized high-throughput RNA-sequencing analysis to comprehensively interrogate animal and vegetal pole RNAs in the fully grown Xenopus laevis oocyte. We identified 411 (198 annotated) and 27 (15 annotated) enriched mRNAs at the vegetal and animal pole, respectively. Ninety were novel mRNAs over 4-fold enriched at the vegetal pole and six were over 10-fold enriched at the animal pole. Unlike mRNAs, microRNAs were not asymmetrically distributed. Whole-mount in situ hybridization confirmed that all 17 selected mRNAs were localized. Biological function and network analysis of vegetally enriched transcripts identified protein-modifying enzymes, receptors, ligands, RNA-binding proteins, transcription factors and co-factors with five defining hubs linking 47 genes in a network. Initial functional studies of maternal vegetally localized mRNAs show that sox7 plays a novel and important role in primordial germ cell (PGC) development and that ephrinB1 (efnb1) is required for proper PGC migration. We propose potential pathways operating at the vegetal pole that highlight where future investigations might be most fruitful.
Basal filopodia and vascular mechanical stress organize fibronectin into pillars bridging the mesoderm-endoderm gap
Authors: Sato Yuki , Nagatoshi Kei , Hamano Ayumi , Imamura Yuko , Huss David , Uchida Seiichi , Lansford Rusty 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT
Cells may exchange information with other cells and tissues by exerting forces on the extracellular matrix (ECM). Fibronectin (FN) is an important ECM component that forms fibrils through cell contacts and creates directionally biased geometry. Here, we demonstrate that FN is deposited as pillars between widely separated germ layers, namely the somitic mesoderm and the endoderm, in quail embryos. Alongside the FN pillars, long filopodia protrude from the basal surfaces of somite epithelial cells. Loss-of-function of Ena/VASP, α5β1-integrins or talin in the somitic cells abolished the FN pillars, indicating that FN pillar formation is dependent on the basal filopodia through these molecules. The basal filopodia and FN pillars are also necessary for proper somite morphogenesis. We identified a new mechanism contributing to FN pillar formation by focusing on cyclic expansion of adjacent dorsal aorta. Maintenance of the directional alignment of the FN pillars depends on pulsatile blood flow through the dorsal aortae. These results suggest that the FN pillars are specifically established through filopodia-mediated and pulsating force-related mechanisms.
Brassinosteroid signaling directs formative cell divisions and protophloem differentiation in Arabidopsis root meristems
Authors: Kang Yeon Hee , Breda Alice , Hardtke Christian S. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT
Brassinosteroids (BRs) trigger an intracellular signaling cascade through its receptors BR INSENSITIVE 1 (BRI1), BRI1-LIKE 1 (BRL1) and BRL3. Recent studies suggest that BR-independent inputs related to vascular differentiation, for instance root protophloem development, modulate downstream BR signaling components. Here, we report that protophloem sieve element differentiation is indeed impaired in bri1 brl1 brl3 mutants, although this effect might not be mediated by canonical downstream BR signaling components. We also found that their small meristem size is entirely explained by reduced cell elongation, which is, however, accompanied by supernumerary formative cell divisions in the radial dimension. Thus, reduced cell expansion in conjunction with growth retardation, because of the need to accommodate supernumerary formative divisions, can account for the overall short root phenotype of BR signaling mutants. Tissue-specific re-addition of BRI1 activity partially rescued subsets of these defects through partly cell-autonomous, partly non-cell-autonomous effects. However, protophloem-specific BRI1 expression essentially rescued all major bri1 brl1 brl3 root meristem phenotypes. Our data suggest that BR perception in the protophloem is sufficient to systemically convey BR action in the root meristem context.