bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional interaction between FUS and SMN underlies SMA-like splicing changes in wild-type hFUS mice
Authors: Mirra Alessia , Rossi Simona , Scaricamazza Silvia , Di Salvio Michela , Salvatori Illari , Valle Cristiana , Rusmini Paola , Poletti Angelo , Cestra Gianluca , Carrì Maria Teresa , Cozzolino Mauro 
Published: May 2017

AbstractSeveral of the identified genetic factors in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) point to dysfunction in RNA processing as a major pathogenic mechanism. However, whether a precise RNA pathway is particularly affected remains unknown. Evidence suggests that FUS, that is mutated in familial ALS, and SMN, the causative factor in Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), cooperate to the same molecular pathway, i.e. regulation of alternative splicing, and that disturbances in SMN-regulated functions, either caused by depletion of SMN protein (as in the case of SMA) or by pathogenic interactions between FUS and SMN (as in the case of ALS) might be a common theme in both diseases. In this work, we followed these leads and tested their pathogenic relevance in vivo. FUS-associated ALS recapitulates, in transgenic mice, crucial molecular features that characterise mouse models of SMA, including defects in snRNPs distribution and in the alternative splicing of genes important for motor neurons. Notably, altering SMN levels by haploinsufficiency or overexpression does not impact the phenotypes of mouse or Drosophila models of FUS-mediated toxicity. Overall, these findings suggest that FUS and SMN functionally interact and that FUS may act downstream of SMN-regulated snRNP assembly in the regulation of alternative splicing and gene expression.
Phase-channel dynamics reveal the role of impurities and screening in a quasi-one-dimensional charge-density wave system
Authors: Thomson M. D. , Rabia K. , Meng F. , Bykov M. , van Smaalen S. , Roskos H. G. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractCharge density waves (CDWs), i.e. the periodic spatial modulation of coupled electronic and lattice density, are ubiquitous in low-dimensional conductors and have taken on renewed relevance due their role in state-of-the-art materials, e.g. high-T
c
superconductors, topological insulators and low-dimensional carbon. As CDWs are described by a complex order parameter to represent both the amplitude and phase, they are formally analogous to BCS superconductors and spin-waves, providing a prototype of collective phenomena for the further development of field theories and ab-initio calculations of complex solids. The low-energy excitations are mixed electron-phonon quanta which ideally separate into an amplitude and phase channel, and provide a sensitive probe of the ground state and non-equilibrium dynamics, including ultrafast photoinduced phase transitions. While recent studies of the amplitude modes have brought substantial progress aided by a phenomenological Ginzburg-Landau framework, we focus here on the phase modes using ultrafast terahertz spectroscopy. Experiments on K0.3MoO3 provide a more complete picture, and reveal a high sensitivity to interactions with impurities and screening effects from photogenerated carriers, both of which can be accounted for by generalizations of the model. Moreover, our considerations emphasize the need to revisit the treatment of inherent electronic damping in quantum-mechanical CDW theories.
Single-cell, single-mRNA analysis of Ccnb1 promoter regulation
Authors: Vishnoi Nidhi , Yao Jie 
Published: May 2017

AbstractPromoter activation drives gene transcriptional output. Here we report generating site-specifically integrated single-copy promoter transgenes and measuring their expression to indicate promoter activities at single-mRNA level. mRNA counts, Pol II density and Pol II firing rates of the Ccnb1 promoter transgene resembled those of the native Ccnb1 gene both among asynchronous cells and during the cell cycle. We observed distinct activation states of the Ccnb1 promoter among G1 and G2/M cells, suggesting cell cycle-independent origin of cell-to-cell variation in Ccnb1 promoter activation. Expressing a dominant-negative mutant of NF-YA, a key transcriptional activator of the Ccnb1 promoter, increased its “OFF”/“ON” time ratios but did not alter Pol II firing rates during the “ON” period. Furthermore, comparing H3K4me2 and H3K79me2 levels at the Ccnb1 promoter transgene and the native Ccnb1 gene indicated that the enrichment of these two active histone marks did not predispose higher transcriptional activities. In summary, this experimental system enables bridging transcription imaging with molecular analysis to provide novel insights into eukaryotic transcriptional regulation.
Associations between Left Ventricular Cavity Size and Cardiac Function and Overload Determined by Natriuretic Peptide Levels and a Covariance Structure Analysis
Authors: Yoshida Jun , Kawai Makoto , Minai Kosuke , Ogawa Kazuo , Ogawa Takayuki , Yoshimura Michihiro 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe effects of left ventricular (LV) cavity size on cardiac function and overload have not yet been fully elucidated. We performed a covariance structure analysis and drew theoretical path models to clarify the effects of hemodynamic parameters on the stroke volume index (SVI) as a marker of cardiac function and on the plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level as a marker of cardiac overload. We simultaneously measured various hemodynamic parameters and the BNP levels during cardiac catheterization in 1,715 inpatients of our institution. The current path models tested the validity of the Frank-Starling law in patients with heart failure using the SVI, the LV end-systolic volume index (LVESVI) and the LV end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVI). Using the BNP levels, the path models clearly demonstrated that LVESVI substantially augmented cardiac overload, whereas LVEDVI palliated this parameter. These volume indices exerted opposite effects on cardiac function and overload. These results advance the understanding of the relationships between LV cavity size and both cardiac function and overload and indicate the increasing importance of LV diastolic volume in heart failure and the utility of LVESVI as an important marker of cardiac remodeling for further relevant studies.
Weak stromal Caveolin-1 expression in colorectal liver metastases predicts poor prognosis after hepatectomy for liver-only colorectal metastases
Authors: Neofytou Kyriakos , Pikoulis Emmanouil , Petrou Athanasios , Agrogiannis Georgios , Petrides Christos , Papakonstandinou Ioannis , Papalambros Alexandros , Aggelou Anastasios , Kavatzas Nikolaos , Liakakos Theodoros , Felekouras Evangelos 
Published: May 2017

AbstractLoss of stromal Caveolin-1 (CAV1) expression is associated with poor prognosis in various cancers. We evaluated the prognostic value of CAV1 expression of both cancer cells and stromal cells in colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) in patients undergoing hepatectomy. In this retrospective study, 109 patients were enrolled. CAV1 expression was studied by immunohistochemistry. The staining was scored semiquantitatively as weak or strong. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated using both Kaplan–Meier and multivariate Coxregression methods. Weak stromal CAV1 expression was associated with decreased DFS and OS in univariate and in multivariate analysis (HR 2.00; 95% CI, 1.24–3.22; P = 0.004, and HR 2.47; 95% CI, 1.28–4.76; P = 0.007, respectively). Cancer cell CAV1 expression was not associated with DFS and OS. Five-year DFS and OS rates were 13% and 43%, respectively, in patients with weak stromal CAV1 expression and 40% and 71%, respectively, in patients with strong stromal CAV1 expression. In this study, we indicate that weak stromal CAV1 expression in CRLM is an adverse prognostic factor in patients who undergo liver resection for liver-only colorectal metastases. We suggest validation of this finding in an independent cohort and consideration of risk stratification for post-hepatectomy adjuvant follow-up and therapy.
Variation of Nanostructures, Molecular Interactions, and Anisotropic Elastic Moduli of Lignocellulosic Cell Walls with Moisture
Authors: Youssefian S. , Jakes J. E. , Rahbar N. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractA combination of experimental, theoretical and numerical studies is used to investigate the variation of elastic moduli of lignocellulosic (bamboo) fiber cell walls with moisture content (MC). Our Nanoindentation results show that the longitudinal elastic modulus initially increased to a maximum value at about 3% MC and then decreased linearly with increasing MC. In contrast, the transverse moduli decrease linearly with MC. We showed that amorphous materials in cell walls have key roles in the variation of elastic modulus with increasing MC. Elastic modulus of lignin, calculated by molecular dynamics simulations, increases initially with increasing MC, and then decreases. In contrast, elastic modulus of hemicellulose decreases constantly with MC. Below 10% MC, water molecules tend to break hydrogen bonds between polymer chains and form new hydrogen bond bridges between the polymer chains, while above 10% MC, water molecules aggregate together and create nano-droplets inside the materials. During the process of bridging, the fractional free volume of lignin decreases. The free volume reduction along with formation of hydrogen bond bridges causes a growth in elastic modulus of lignin at low MC. The constant increase of hemicellulose free volume, however, causes the aggregation of voids in the system and diminution of elastic properties.
The Fragment HMGA2-sh-3p20 from HMGA2 mRNA 3′UTR Promotes the Growth of Hepatoma Cells by Upregulating HMGA2
Authors: Wang Yuan , Chen Fuquan , Yang Zhe , Zhao Man , Zhang Shuqin , Gao Yuen , Feng Jinyan , Yang Guang , Zhang Weiying , Ye Lihong , Zhang Xiaodong 
Published: May 2017

AbstractHigh mobility group A2 (HMGA2) plays a crucial role in the development of cancer. However, the mechanism by which HMGA2 promotes the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. Here, we explore the hypothesis that HMGA2 may enhance the growth of hepatoma cells through a fragment based on the secondary structure of HMGA2 mRNA 3′-untranslated region (3′UTR). Bioinformatics analysis showed that HMGA2 mRNA displayed a hairpin structure within its 3′UTR, termed HMGA2-sh. Mechanistically, RNA immunoprecipitation assays showed that the microprocessor Drosha or DGCR8 interacted with HMGA2 mRNA in hepatoma cells. Then, Dicer contributes to the generation of the fragment HMGA2-sh-3p20 from the HMGA2-sh. HMGA2-sh-3p20 was screened by PCR analysis. Interestingly, HMGA2-sh-3p20 increased the expression of HMGA2 through antagonizing the tristetraprolin (TTP)-mediated degradation of HMGA2. HMGA2-sh-3p20 inhibited the expression of PTEN by targeting the 3′UTR of PTEN mRNA. In addition, the overexpression of PTEN could downregulate HMGA2 expression. Significantly, we documented the ability of HMGA2-sh-3p20 to promote the growth of hepatoma cells in vitro and in vivo. Thus, we conclude that the fragment HMGA2-sh-3p20 from HMGA2 mRNA 3′UTR promotes the growth of hepatoma cells by upregulating HMGA2. Our finding provides new insights into the mechanism by which HMGA2 enhances hepatocarcinogenesis.
Employer Reactions to Adductor Spasmodic Dysphonia: Exploring the Influence of Symptom Severity and Disclosure of Diagnosis During a Simulated Telephone Interview
Authors: Isetti Derek D. , Baylor Carolyn R. , Burns Michael I. , Eadie Tanya L. 
Published: May 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of symptom severity and disclosure of adductor spasmodic dysphonia (ADSD) on the perceptions of human resource personnel members (HRPs) during a simulated phone interview.

Method
One female speaker with ADSD was recorded reading an interview script at two time points: (a) pre-BOTOX injection (severe), and (b) post-BOTOX injection (mild). Thirty-two HRPs evaluated the recording in one of the two conditions via a qualitative structured interview. HRPs gave their recommendations regarding when and how to disclose ADSD.

Results
In the mild condition, no HRP perceived that the applicant had a voice disorder. Disclosure was not recommended as often, as an impairment was not initially noticed. However, 15/16 HRPs commented on the applicant's voice in the severe condition, with most suspecting she was a smoker or had lung/throat cancer. Disclosure in the severe condition was recommended more often, as it clarified symptoms that were noted at the outset.

Conclusions
Symptom severity in ADSD influences employer perceptions during the phone interview process. Incorrect assumptions may be made about applicants with severe symptoms, and apparentness of symptoms influences whether or not disclosure is recommended. Results have implications for counseling individuals with ADSD who are navigating the job interview process.
Spoken Language Production in Young Adults: Examining Syntactic Complexity
Authors: Nippold Marilyn A. , Frantz-Kaspar Megan W. , Vigeland Laura M. 
Published: May 2017

Purpose
In this study, we examined syntactic complexity in the spoken language samples of young adults. Its purpose was to contribute to the expanding knowledge base in later language development and to begin building a normative database of language samples that potentially could be used to evaluate young adults with known or suspected language impairment.

Method
Forty adults (mean age = 22 years, 10 months) with typical language development participated in an interview that consisted of 3 speaking tasks: a general conversation about common, everyday topics; a narrative retelling task that involved fables; and a question-and-answer, critical-thinking task about the fables. Each speaker's interview was audio-recorded, transcribed, broken into communication units, coded for main and subordinate clauses, entered into Systematic Analysis of Language Transcripts (Miller, Iglesias, & Nockerts, 2004), and analyzed for mean length of communication unit and clausal density.

Results
Both the narrative and critical-thinking tasks elicited significantly greater syntactic complexity than the conversational task. It was also found that syntactic complexity was significantly greater during the narrative task than the critical-thinking task.

Conclusion
Syntactic complexity was best revealed by a narrative task that involved fables. The study offers benchmarks for language development during early adulthood.
Role of New Media for the Young Pediatric Surgeon: Fighting Exponential Knowledge Growth with Moore's Law
Authors: Glenn Ian , Abdulhai Sophia , Ponsky Todd 
Published: May 2017

AbstractLike all physicians, the young pediatric surgeon must deal with an ever-growing body of scientific knowledge. The overabundance of new medical information which must be digested by practicing surgeons is reaching a breaking point such that radical adaptations will be required on the part of textbook publishing companies, medical societies, and peer-reviewed journals. This article first delves into the details of the problem in its current state and then draws on the authors' experience in innovations in medical education to prepare readers for the changing landscape of medical publishing as well as to inspire further modernization of the field. Included are a variety of interim solutions to the tremendous knowledge gap encountered.
Angular Stable Miniplate Fixation of Chronic Unstable Scaphoid Nonunion
Authors: Brink Peter , Poeze Martijn , Hannemann Pascal , Schormans Philip 
Published: May 2017

Background Around 5 to 15% of all scaphoid fractures result in nonunion. Treatment of long-lasting scaphoid nonunion remains a challenge for the treating surgeon. Healing of scaphoid nonunion is essential for prevention of scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse and the subsequent predictable pattern of radiocarpal osteoarthritis.
Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of fixation of the scaphoid nonunion with a volar angular stable miniplate and cancellous bone grafting. We hypothesized that this technique could be successful, even in patients with previous surgery for nonunion and in patients with a long duration of nonunion.
Patients and Methods A total of 21 patients enrolled in a single-center prospective cohort study. Healing of nonunion was assessed on multiplanar computed tomography scan of the wrist at a 3-month interval. Functional outcome was assessed by measuring grip strength, range of motion, and by means of the patient-rated wrist and hand evaluation (PRWHE) questionnaire.
Results During follow-up, 19 out of 21 patients (90%) showed radiological healing of the nonunion. The range of motion did not improve significantly. Postoperative PRWHE scores decreased by 34 points. Healing occurred regardless of the length of time of the nonunion (range: 6–183 months) and regardless of previous surgery (38% of patients).
Conclusion Volar angular stable miniplate fixation with autologous cancellous bone grafting is a successful technique for the treatment of chronic unstable scaphoid nonunion, even in patients with long-lasting nonunion and in patients who underwent previous surgery for a scaphoid fracture. Rotational interfragmentary stability might be an important determining factor for the successful treatment of unstable scaphoid nonunion.
Level of Evidence Level IV.
A meta-analysis of endoscopic ultrasound–fine-needle aspiration compared to endoscopic ultrasound–fine-needle biopsy: diagnostic yield and the value of onsite cytopathological assessment
Authors: Khan Muhammad , Grimm Ian , Ali Bilal , Nollan Richard , Tombazzi Claudio , Ismail Mohammad , Baron Todd 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Background The diagnostic yield of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is variable, and partly dependent upon rapid onsite evaluation (ROSE) by a cytopathologist. Second generation fine-needle biopsy (FNB) needles are being increasingly used to obtain core histological tissue samples.
Aims Studies comparing the diagnostic yield of EUS guided FNA versus FNB have reached conflicting conclusions. We therefore conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the diagnostic yield of FNA with FNB, and specifically evaluating the diagnostic value of ROSE while comparing the two types of needles.
Methods We searched several databases from inception to 10 April 2016 to identify studies comparing diagnostic yield of second generation FNB needles with standard FNA needles. Risk ratios (RR) were calculated for categorical outcomes of interest (diagnostic adequacy, diagnostic accuracy, and optimal quality histological cores obtained). Standard mean difference (SMD) was calculated for continuous variables (number of passes required for diagnosis). These were pooled using random effects model of meta-analysis to account for heterogeneity. Meta-regression was conducted to evaluate the effect of ROSE on various outcomes of interest.
Results Fifteen studies with a total of 1024 patients were included in the analysis. We found no significant difference in diagnostic adequacy [RR 0.98 (0.91, 1.06), (I
2 = 51 %)]. Although not statistically significant (P = 0.06), by meta-regression, in the absence of ROSE, FNB showed a relatively better diagnostic adequacy. For solid pancreatic lesions only, there was no difference in diagnostic adequacy [RR 0.96 (0.86, 1.09), (I
2 = 66 %)]. By meta-regression, in the absence of ROSE, FNB was associated with better diagnostic adequacy (P = 0.02). There was no difference in diagnostic accuracy [RR 0.99 (0.95, 1.03), (I
2 = 27 %)] or optimal quality core histological sample procurement [RR 0.97 (0.89, 1.05), (I
2 = 9.6 %)]. However, FNB established diagnosis with fewer passes [SMD 0.93 (0.45, 1.42), (I
2 = 84 %)]. The absence of ROSE was associated with a higher SMD, i. e., in the presence of an onsite pathologist, FNA required relatively fewer passes to establish the diagnosis than in the absence of an onsite pathologist.
Conclusions There is no significant difference in the diagnostic yield between FNA and FNB, when FNA is accompanied by ROSE. However, in the absence of ROSE, FNB is associated with a relatively better diagnostic adequacy in solid pancreatic lesions. Also, FNB requires fewer passes to establish the diagnosis.
Aktueller Status der Wirbelsäulenchirurgie in Deutschland – Ergebnisse einer Umfrage unter Mitgliedern der Deutschen Wirbelsäulengesellschaft
Authors: Marquardt Antje , Bühn Stefanie , Pieper Dawid , Rauschmann Michael , Fleege Christoph 
Published: May 2017

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund Mono- (MSS) und bisegmentale Spondylodesen (BSS) sind in deutschen Krankenhäusern häufig durchgeführte Eingriffe. Trotz des hohen Fallvolumens gibt es kaum Daten über die Behandlungsabläufe und medizinischen Versorgungskonzepte während und nach dem Krankenhausaufenthalt. Ziel der Umfrage war es, einen detaillierten Einblick in die Behandlungsprozesse sowie medizinischen Ansätze in der elektiven MSS- und BSS-Versorgung in Deutschland zu erhalten. Auf Basis der erhobenen Daten sollen zudem Möglichkeiten für eine optimierte Patientenversorgung aufgezeigt werden.
Materialien und Methoden Über einen Newsletter wurden Mitglieder der Deutschen Wirbelsäulengesellschaft (DWG) eingeladen, an der Befragung teilzunehmen. 209 leitende Ärzte wurden zu Themen wie Verweildauer, Behandlungsablauf und Ergebnismessung befragt.
Ergebnisse Für die statistische Auswertung wurden Daten aus 142 Fragebögen berücksichtigt. In einigen Aspekten gibt es ein einheitliches Vorgehen, beispielsweise bei der präoperativen Information des Patienten über den Behandlungsablauf und der Entlassung auf Basis qualitativer Kriterien. Gleichzeitig existiert eine große Spannweite in der Verweildauer und eine starke Varianz im Vorgehen bei Rehabilitation, Restriktionen, prä- und postoperativer Ergebnismessung, radiologischer Kontrolle und interdisziplinärer Abstimmung.
Schlussfolgerung Mehr als die Hälfte der befragten Ärzte gab an, einem strukturierten Behandlungsschema zu folgen. Gleichzeitig zeigen die Ergebnisse der Befragung ein sehr heterogenes Vorgehen im Rahmen der MSS- und BSS-Versorgung in Deutschland. Zudem wird deutlich, dass dies besonders ausgeprägt ist in den Teilaspekten der Behandlung, bei denen ein Mangel an Evidenz vorliegt. Die Ergebnisse geben erste wichtige Hinweise, in welchen Aspekten Behandlungsabläufe und Organisationsstrukturen standardisiert werden können, um die Patientenversorgung zu optimieren.