bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence, management, and prognosis of bladder cancer in patients with neurogenic bladder: A systematic review
Authors: Ismail Salima , Karsenty Gilles , Chartier‐Kastler Emmanuel , Cussenot Olivier , Compérat Eva , Rouprêt Morgan , Phé Véronique 
Published: November 2017

AimTo perform a systematic review of the literature regarding epidemiology, diagnosis, management and prognosis of bladder cancer in the neuro‐urological patient population, in order to serve as a basis for future recommendations and research.MethodsA systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA‐Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyzes Statement. Embase was searched for studies providing data on epidemiology, diagnosis, management and prognosis of bladder cancer in neuro‐urological patients.ResultsAfter screening 637 abstracts, 15 studies (13 retrospective and 2 prospective studies) were included in this study. We identified 332 patients (0.3%) who were diagnosed with bladder cancer. This mostly affected mostly men (59.3%) and spinal cord injured patients (98.8%). Mean age at diagnosis was 56.1 years. Bladder cancer occurred after a long period of evolution of the neurological disease (24.9 years). Gross hematuria was the predominating presenting symptom (31.6% of cases). Indwelling urethral or supra‐pubic catheters were used in 44.5% of patients. The most frequent histological subtype of bladder cancer was transitional cell carcinoma (53.1%), followed by squamous cell carcinoma (33.5%). Muscle‐invasive bladder cancer was reported in 67.7% of patients. The mean cancer‐specific mortality rate was of 47.1%.ConclusionsThe prevalence and high mortality rate of bladder cancer in neuro‐urological patients underlines the importance of long‐term follow‐up in this specific population. This highlights the necessity of further studies in this field.
Transdermal light neuromodulation: Optogenetics in the murine urinary tract
Authors: Wallace Shannon L. , Kelley Robert S. , Mehta Shailja , Descalzi Giannina , Fantl John A. , Ascher‐Walsh Charles 
Published: November 2017

BackgroundOptogenetics is a biologic technique that uses light to control living neurons, which have been genetically modified to express light‐sensitive ion‐channels.ObjectivesUsing an adenovirus to modify the sciatic nerves of mice, we aim to demonstrate peripheral neuromodulation of bladder pain using transdermal light.Study DesignThis pilot study is divided into: A) Confirmation and Application and B) Behavioral Step. A) Six mice were injected with AAV6‐hSyn‐ChR2(H134R)‐eYFP virus into their sciatic nerves. This encoded an excitatory opsin, enabling light‐inducible stimulation. At 4‐6 weeks after injection, we induced foot pain responses with an activating blue 475 nm wavelength of light. B) Two optogenetically primed mice and two control mice underwent anesthesia and capsaicin was instilled into their bladders via catheter. The catheters were removed and the mice awoke in a chamber that exposed them to either blue 475 nm light or no light. Groin licking was scored in a binary fashion by two blinded observers.ResultsA) All six mice exhibited pain response to 475 nm blue light either by licking of foot or avoidance of light. B) The optogenetically primed mice had a 48% reduction in bladder pain behavior when exposed to blue 475 nm light whereas the control mice had a 18% reduction.ConclusionTo our knowledge this is the first demonstration of the application of optogenetics to modulate sensation in the lower urinary tract. It suggests that the process of priming peripheral nerves for optogenetic modulation is possible and can be used to study bladder pain response in mice.
Fundraising as women's work? Examining the profession with a gender lens
Authors: Dale Elizabeth J. 
Published: November 2017

Fundraising is a mission‐critical area for nonprofit organizations and has emerged as a professional field in the past 50 years. This paper explores the gendered nature of fundraising work and its feminization as a profession over time, while simultaneously documenting the persistence of a gender pay gap and male overrepresentation in senior‐level positions in both North America and in the UK. The application of gender theory reveals that fundraising roles and responsibilities rely on key relationship‐building and organizational tasks, which are commonly associated with stereotypical women's work and are, thus, valued less in a patriarchal society. As a result, the devaluing of fundraising as mission‐critical work, and a career suitable for both women and men, may limit the credibility and power of the nonprofit sector to represent diverse voices and enhance democratic values in society. The article concludes with recommendations for research and practice.
Endemic warfare and dental health in historic period archaeological series from Croatia
Authors: Šlaus M. , Bedić Ž. , Bačić A. , Bradić J. , Vodanović M. , Brkić H. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis study assesses the prevalence and distribution of caries, antemortem tooth loss, abscesses, calculus, alveolar bone resorption, and tooth wear in two large composite archaeological series from Croatia in order to determine the effects that long‐term, endemic warfare had on dental health and nutrition. The first series consists of dental material belonging to three cemeteries dated to the late medieval period (1100–1400), a period characterised by rapid social development, increased urbanisation, growth of trade, and an increase of monetary economy. The second belongs to three cemeteries from the early modern period (1400–1700) during which time Croatia was exposed to incessant Ottoman raiding and the gradual subjugation and incorporation of various Croatian territories into the Ottoman Empire.Analyses of 4,789 permanent teeth belonging to adult males and females show significantly lower frequencies of carious lesions, abscesses, alveolar resorption, and heavy dental wear during the early modern period suggesting a significant change in alimentary habits with, surprisingly, better nutrition and a higher dependence on proteins during the period that Croatia was involved in low‐intensity, endemic warfare.The improvement in dental health noted in the Ottoman period series was the result of a combination of circumstances that includes mass emigration of local populations caused by incessant Ottoman raiding, the resulting economic decline and wholesale abandonment of these territories, and the subsequent resettlement of these territories by a new group of peoples known as Vlachs who practised a different subsistence strategy based on pastoralism and cattle farming.
Effect of phase transitions on the electrical properties of polymer/carbon nanotube and polymer/graphene nanoplatelet composites with different conductive network structures
Authors: Xiang Dong , Wang Lei , Tang Yuhao , Zhao Chunxia , Harkin‐Jones Eileen , Li Yuntao 
Published: November 2017

AbstractMulti‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)‐ and graphene nanoplatelet (GNP)‐filled high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) composites with dispersed and segregated network structures were prepared by solution‐assisted mixing. Simultaneous DC conductivity and differential scanning calorimetry were used to measure electrical conductivity during composite thermal phase transitions. It was found that the conductive network is deformed during melting and rebuilt again during annealing due to the re‐agglomeration of nanofillers. The rebuilding of the structure is significantly affected by the original network structure and by the shape and loading of the nanofillers. Both deformation and reorganization of the network lead to drastic changes in the conductivity of the composites. The crystallization process also affects the conductive network to some extent and the subsequent volume shrinkage of the polymeric matrix after crystallization results in a further decrease in the resistivity of HDPE/GNP composites. Classical electrical percolation theory combined with a kinetic equation is used to describe the conductivity recovery of composites during annealing, and the results are found to be in good agreement with experimental data. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Prosystemin, a prohormone that modulates plant defense barriers, is an intrinsically disordered protein
Authors: Buonanno Martina , Coppola Mariangela , Di Lelio Ilaria , Molisso Donata , Leone Marilisa , Pennacchio Francesco , Langella Emma , Rao Rosa , Monti Simona Maria 
Published: November 2017

AbstractProsystemin, originally isolated from Lycopersicon esculentum, is a tomato pro‐hormone of 200 aminoacid residues which releases a bioactive peptide of 18 aminoacids called Systemin. This signaling peptide is involved in the activation of defense genes in solanaceous plants in response to herbivore feeding damage. Using biochemical, biophysical and bioinformatics approaches we characterized Prosystemin, showing that it is an intrinsically disordered protein possessing a few secondary structure elements within the sequence. Plant treatment with recombinant Prosystemin promotes early and late plant defense genes, which limit the development and survival of Spodoptera littoralis larvae fed with treated plants.
Global substrate specificity profiling of post‐translational modifying enzymes
Authors: Ivry Sam L. , Meyer Nicole O. , Winter Michael B. , Bohn Markus F. , Knudsen Giselle M. , O'Donoghue Anthony J. , Craik Charles S. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractEnzymes that modify the proteome, referred to as post‐translational modifying (PTM) enzymes, are central regulators of cellular signaling. Determining the substrate specificity of PTM enzymes is a critical step in unraveling their biological functions both in normal physiological processes and in disease states. Advances in peptide chemistry over the last century have enabled the rapid generation of peptide libraries for querying substrate recognition by PTM enzymes. In this article, we highlight various peptide‐based approaches for analysis of PTM enzyme substrate specificity. We focus on the application of these technologies to proteases and also discuss specific examples in which they have been used to uncover the substrate specificity of other types of PTM enzymes, such as kinases. In particular, we highlight our multiplex substrate profiling by mass spectrometry (MSP‐MS) assay, which uses a rationally designed, physicochemically diverse library of tetradecapeptides. We show how this method has been applied to PTM enzymes to uncover biological function, and guide substrate and inhibitor design. We also briefly discuss how this technique can be combined with other methods to gain a systems‐level understanding of PTM enzyme regulation and function.
Evaluation of the effect of quercetin treatment on CYP2C9 enzyme activity of diclofenac in healthy human volunteers
Authors: Bedada Satish Kumar , Neerati Prasad 
Published: November 2017

The purpose of present study was to evaluate the effect of quercetin on pharmacokinetics of diclofenac sodium (DIC) in healthy volunteers. The open‐label, 2 period, sequential study was conducted in 12 healthy volunteers. DIC 100 mg was administered during control and after quercetin phases. Quercetin 500 mg was administered twice daily for 10 days during quercetin phase. Treatment with quercetin significantly enhanced maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), area under the curve (AUC0‐∞), and half life, while significantly decreased elimination rate constant (kel) and apparent oral clearance (CL/F) of DIC compared with control. On the other hand, Cmax and AUC0‐∞ of 4‐hydroxydiclofenac (4‐OHDIC) were decreased after quercetin treatment. In addition, geometric mean ratios and 90% confidence intervals for Cmax and AUC0‐∞ of DIC and 4‐OHDIC were both out of the no‐effect limits of 0.80–1.25, which indicates a significant pharmacokinetic interaction between quercetin and DIC. Furthermore, quercetin treatment significantly decreased metabolic ratios of Cmax and AUC0‐∞ suggesting that reduced formation of DIC to 4‐OHDIC. The results suggest that quercetin might have inhibited CYP2C9‐mediated metabolism of DIC. Accordingly, caution should be taken when quercetin is used in combination with therapeutic drugs metabolized by CYP2C9, and dose adjustment of CYP2C9 substrates may be necessary.
Beneficial effects of an investigational wristband containing Synsepalum dulcificum (miracle fruit) seed oil on the performance of hand and finger motor skills in healthy subjects: A randomized controlled preliminary study
Authors: Gorin Steven , Wakeford Charles , Zhang Guodong , Sukamtoh Elvira , Matteliano Charles Joseph , Finch Alfred Earl 
Published: November 2017

Miracle fruit (Synsepalum dulcificum) seed oil (MFSO) contains phytochemicals and nutrients reported to affect musculoskeletal performance. The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of a compression wristband containing MFSO on its ability to measurably improve the hand and finger motor skills of participants. Healthy right‐handed participants (n = 38) were randomized in this double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study of MFSO and vehicle wristbands. Subjects wore the wristband on their left hand 4–6 weeks and then only on their right hand 2–4 weeks; the contralateral untreated hand served as an additional control. Twelve hand/finger motor skills were measured using quantitative bio‐instrumentation tests, and subject self‐assessment questionnaires were conducted. With each hand, in 9/12 tests, the MFSO group showed a clinically meaningful average improvement compared with an average worsening in the vehicle group. Statistical superiority to the control treatment group was exhibited in 9/12 tests for each hand (p < .01). After discontinuing the MFSO wristband on the left hand, test values regressed toward baseline levels. Subjects favored the MFSO wristband over the control, rating it as effective in improving their motor skills. Use of the MFSO wristband may improve an individual's manual dexterity skills and ability to maintain this performance.
Berberine impairs embryonic development in vitro and in vivo through oxidative stress‐mediated apoptotic processes
Authors: Huang Chien‐Hsun , Huang Zi‐Wei , Ho Feng‐Ming , Chan Wen‐Hsiung 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBerberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid isolated from several traditional Chinese herbal medicines, has been shown to suppress growth and induce apoptosis in some tumor cell lines. However, berberine has also been reported to attenuate H2O2‐induced oxidative injury and apoptosis. The basis for these ambiguous effects of berberine—triggering or preventing apoptosis—has not been well characterized to date. In the current investigation, we examined whether berberine exerts cytotoxic effects on mouse embryos at the blastocyst stage and affects subsequent embryonic development in vitro and in vivo. Treatment of blastocysts with berberine (2.5‐10 μM) induced a significant increase in apoptosis and a corresponding decrease in trophectoderm cell number. Moreover, the implantation success rate of blastocysts pretreated with berberine was lower than that of their control counterparts. Pretreatment with berberine was also associated with increased resorption of postimplantation embryos and decreased fetal weight. In an animal model, intravenous injection of berberine (2, 4, or 6 mg/kg body weight/d) for 4 days resulted in apoptosis of blastocyst cells and early embryonic developmental injury. Berberine‐induced injury of mouse blastocysts appeared to be attributable to oxidative stress‐triggered intrinsic apoptotic signaling processes that impaired preimplantation and postimplantation embryonic development. Taken together, our results clearly demonstrate that berberine induces apoptosis and retards early preimplantation and postimplantation development of mouse embryos, both in vitro and in vivo.
Computational challenges in Astrochemistry
Authors: Biczysko Malgorzata , Bloino Julien , Puzzarini Cristina 
Published: November 2017

Cosmic evolution is the tale of progressive transition from simplicity to complexity. The newborn universe starts with the simplest atoms formed after the Big Bang and proceeds toward ‘astronomical complex organic molecules’ (astroCOMs). Understanding the chemical evolution of the universe is one of the main aims of Astrochemistry, with the starting point being the knowledge whether a molecule is present in the astronomical environment under consideration and, if so, its abundance. However, the interpretation of astronomical detections and the identification of molecules are not all straightforward. In particular, molecular species characterized by large amplitude motions represent a major challenge for molecular spectroscopy and, in particular, for computational spectroscopy. More in general, for flexible systems, the conformational equilibrium needs to be taken into account and accurately investigated. It is shown that crucial challenges in the computational spectroscopy of astroCOMs can be successfully overcome by combining state‐of‐the‐art quantum‐mechanical approaches withad hoctreatments of the nuclear motion, thus demonstrating that the rotational and vibrational features can be predicted with the proper accuracy. The second key step in Astrochemistry is understanding how astroCOMs are formed and how they chemically evolve toward more complex species. The challenges in the computational chemistry of astroCOMs are related to the derivation of feasible formation routes in the typically harsh conditions (extremely low temperature and density) of the interstellar medium, as well as the understanding of the chemical evolution of small species toward macromolecules. Within the transition state theory, for instance, it is possible to obtain new astrochemical information by identifying the intermediate species and transition states connecting them in a plausible formation route. Depending on the sophistication of the model, different quantities may be needed. Nevertheless, accuracy can be critical, thus requiring state‐of‐the‐art computational approaches to derive geometries, energies, spectroscopic properties, and thermochemical data for each relevant structure along the reaction path.This article is categorized under:Theoretical and Physical Chemistry > SpectroscopyElectronic Structure Theory > Ab Initio Electronic Structure MethodsElectronic Structure Theory > Density Functional Theory
“Where Does it Come from?” Experiences Among Survivors and Parents of Children with Retinoblastoma in Kenya
Authors: Gedleh Amal , Lee Siwon , Hill Jessica A. , Umukunda Yvonne , Qaiser Seemi , Kabiru Joy , Kimani Kahaki , Njambi Lucy , Kitonyi Grace , Dimaras Helen 
Published: November 2017

AbstractGenetic testing and counseling have become integral to the timely control of heritable cancers, like the childhood eye cancer retinoblastoma. This study aimed to determine attitudes, knowledge and experiences related to retinoblastoma genetics, among survivors and parents of children with retinoblastoma in Kenya. This qualitative study used focus groups as the primary data collection method, coupled with a brief demographic questionnaire. Study settings were Kenyatta National Hospital and Presbyterian Church of East Africa Kikuyu Hospital. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes. Thirty‐one individuals participated in five focus groups. Two main concepts emerged: (1) the origins of retinoblastoma are unclear, and (2) retinoblastoma is associated with significant challenges. The lack of clarity surrounding the origins of retinoblastoma was linked to limited knowledge of retinoblastoma genetics, and limited genetic counseling delivery and uptake. The challenges associated with retinoblastoma were discussed in terms of the impact of the diagnosis on individuals and families, and unmet healthcare needs related to the diagnosis. Next steps will incorporate these findings to develop evidence‐informed and accessible cancer genetic services in Kenya.
PMTDS: a computational method based on genetic interaction networks for Precision Medicine Target‐Drug Selection in cancer
Authors: Vasudevaraja Varshini , Renbarger Jamie , Girish Shah Ridhhi , Kinnebrew Garrett , Korc Murray , Wang Limei , Huo Yang , Liu Enze , Li Lang , Cheng Lijun 
Published: November 2017

BackgroundPrecision medicine attempts to tailor the right therapy for the right patient. Recent progress in large‐scale collection of patents’ tumor molecular profiles in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) provides a foundation for systematic discovery of potential drug targets specific to different types of cancer. However, we still lack powerful computational methods to effectively integrate multiple omics data and protein‐protein interaction network technology for an optimum target and drug recommendation for an individual patient.MethodsIn this study, a computation method, Precision Medicine Target‐
Drug Selection (PMTDS) based on genetic interaction networks is developed to select the optimum targets and associated drugs for precision medicine style treatment of cancer. The PMTDS system includes three parts: a personalized medicine knowledgebase for each cancer type, a genetic interaction network‐based algorithm and a single patient molecular profiles. The knowledgebase integrates cancer drugs, drug‐target databases and gene biological pathway networks. The molecular profiles of each tumor consists of DNA copy number alteration, gene mutation, and tumor gene expression variation compared to its adjacent normal tissue.ResultsThe novel integrated PMTDS system is applied to select candidate target‐drug pairs for 178 TCGA pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tumors. The experiment results show known drug targets (EGFR, IGF1R, ERBB2, NR1I2 and AKR1B1) of PDAC treatment are identified, which provides important evidence of the PMTDS algorithm’s accuracy. Other potential targets PTK6, ATF, SYK are, also, recommended for PDAC. Further validation is provided by comparison of selected targets with, both, cell line molecular profiles from the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) and drug response data from the Cancer Therapeutics Response Portal (CTRP). Results from experimental analysis of forty six individual pancreatic cancer samples show that drugs selected by PMTDS have more sample‐specific efficacy than the current clinical PDAC therapies.ConclusionsA novelty target and drug priority algorithm PMTDS is developed to identify optimum target‐drug pairs by integrating the knowledgebase base with a single patient’s genomics. The PMTDS system provides an accurate and reliable source for target and off‐label drug selection for precision cancer medicine.
Links between gendered leisure time in childhood and adolescence and gendered occupational aspirations
Authors: Lee Bora , Skinner Olivenne D. , McHale Susan M. 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTThe world of work remains gender‐segregated, and research is needed to identify factors that may give rise to women's and men's vocational choices. This study explored bidirectional relations between youth's gendered career aspirations and the proportions of youth's leisure time spent in stereotypically gendered activities and gendered social contexts. Participants were 203 youth (52% girls) from predominantly white, working and middle class families living in the US, who reported on their occupational aspirations and gendered interests in home interviews and on their daily activities in a series of 7 nightly phone interviews on two occasions, in middle childhood (Mage = 10.9) and in adolescence (Mage = 17.3). Path models revealed that aspirations predicted youth's time use more so than the reverse. Time in gendered social contexts, specifically time in female‐only contexts, but not time in gender‐typed activities, predicted career aspirations. Implications of these findings and suggestions for future research are discussed.