bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pediatric flexible and rigid bronchoscopy in European centers—Availability and current practice
Authors: Schramm Dirk , Yu Yin , Wiemers Anna , Vossen Christina , Snijders Deborah , Krivec Uros , Priftis Kostas , Eber Ernst , Pohunek Petr 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAimEighteen years have passed since the last European survey concerning practices in pediatric bronchoscopy was conducted. Therefore, members of the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Pediatric Bronchology Group 7.7, initiated the “European Pediatric Bronchoscopy Survey 2015,” which aimed to assess the current state of this evolving diagnostic and therapeutic procedure in the field of pediatric respiratory medicine.MethodA questionnaire was sent to national representatives of 44 European countries with the request to distribute it to all centers performing pediatric bronchoscopies. Questions concerned the following areas of interest: number of procedures, personnel and technical equipment, indications, complications, anesthesia, and diagnostic possibilities.ResultsIn total, 198 European centers from 33 European countries participated in the survey. From 2012 to 2014 a total of 57 145 bronchoscopies were reported. Both flexible and rigid techniques were available at most of the centers. The most frequently mentioned indications were suspected aspiration, infection, radiographic abnormalities, airway obstruction, and cough.Hypoxemia, airway obstruction, and cough were the most common complications mentioned, followed by airway hemorrhage. Most centers were able to perform bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and endobronchial biopsies and some performed more special procedures, such as transbronchial biopsies. Interventions like balloon dilation, laser procedures, or stent placement were less common and rarely available.ConclusionCompared to the 1997 survey, our results suggest that pediatric bronchoscopy has become more widely available and established in Europe. Different practices in individual countries suggest that more effort should be put on standardizing bronchoscopic procedures across Europe.
Trans‐nasal flexible bronchoscopy in wheezing children: Diagnostic yield, impact on therapy, and prevalence of laryngeal cleft
Authors: Boesch Richard P. , Baughn Julie M. , Cofer Shelagh A. , Balakrishnan Karthik 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAimPersistent or recurrent wheezing is a common indication for flexible bronchoscopy, as anatomic and infectious or inflammatory changes are highly prevalent. We sought to evaluate the prevalence of anatomic, infectious, and inflammatory disease in a cohort of children undergoing flexible bronchoscopy for wheezing or poorly controlled asthma.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed all children <18 years old who underwent flexible bronchoscopy at our center from October 29, 2012‐December 31, 2016 for the primary or secondary indication of wheezing (persistent, frequently recurring, or atypical) or poorly controlled asthma.ResultsA total of 101 procedures were identified in 94 patients, aged 3 months to 18 years. Potential anatomic causes for wheezing identified in 45.7% of patients and inflammatory changes in 49.5% of procedures. This included the identification of a laryngeal cleft in 17% for which half required medical or surgical management. Tracheobronchomalacia was the most commonly identified anatomic lesion. Thirty children from this cohort had poorly controlled asthma. Among this subgroup, 54% had increased neutrophils on BAL and 30% had an anatomic contributor to wheezing, including one with a laryngeal cleft. Based on findings from flexible bronchoscopy, management changes made in 63.8% of patients. This included medication changes in 54 and surgical intervention in 9.DiscussionWe conclude that transnasal flexible bronchoscopy has high yield in children with recurrent, persistent, or atypical wheezing and those with poorly controlled asthma. Laryngeal cleft has a reasonably high prevalence that warrants specific evaluation in this population.
Hyperactive mTOR induces neuroendocrine differentiation in prostate cancer cell with concurrent up‐regulation of IRF1
Authors: Kanayama Mayuko , Hayano Toshiya , Koebis Michinori , Maeda Tatsuya , Tabe Yoko , Horie Shigeo , Aiba Atsu 
Published: September 2017

BackgroundNeuroendocrine‐differentiated prostate cancer (NEPCa) is refractory to androgen deprivation therapy and shows a poor prognosis. The underlying mechanisms responsible for neuroendocrine differentiation (NED) are yet to be clarified. In this study, we investigated the role of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in NEPCa.MethodsWe utilized a gain‐of‐function analysis by establishing a human PCa LNCaP stable line that expresses hyperactive mTOR (LNCaP‐mTOR). Then, we employed a comprehensive mass spectrometric analysis to identify a key transcription factor in LNCaP‐mTOR, followed by a loss‐of‐function analysis using CRISPR/Cas system.ResultsThe activation of mTOR induced NED. We observed significant cell growth arrest in NED of LNCaP‐mTOR, which accompanied increased expression of p21WAF1/CIP1. A comprehensive mass spectrometric analysis identified interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1) as a key transcription factor in growth arrest of LNCaP‐mTOR. The disruption of IRF1 gene in LNCaP‐mTOR reversed cell growth arrest along with the suppression of its target p21WAF1/CIP1. These results indicate that the growth arrest in NED is at least in part dependent on IRF1 through the induction of p21WAF1/CIP1.ConclusionsWe identified active mTOR as a novel inducer of NED, and elucidated a mechanism underlying the malignant transformation of NEPCa by recapitulating NED in vitro.
Sexual steroids in serum and prostatic tissue of human non‐cancerous prostate (STERPROSER trial)
Authors: Neuzillet Yann , Raynaud Jean‐Pierre , Radulescu Camélia , Fiet Jean , Giton Franck , Dreyfus Jean‐François , Ghoneim Tarek P. , Lebret Thierry , Botto Henry 
Published: September 2017

BackgroundThe specific involvement of the sex steroids in the growth of the prostatic tissue remains unclear. Sex steroid concentrations in plasma and in fresh surgical samples of benign central prostate were correlated to prostate volume.MethodsMonocentric prospective study performed between September 2014 and January 2017. Age, obesity parameters, and both serum and intraprostatic concentrations of sex steroids were collected complying with the latest Endocrine Society guidelines and the steroids assessed by GC/MS. Statistical calculations were adjusted for age and body mass index (BMI).ResultsThirty‐two patients, equally divided between normal‐ and high‐volume prostate groups, were included in the analysis. High‐volume prostate patients were older, heavier and had higher BMI. Comparison adjusted for age and BMI showed higher DHT concentrations in high‐volume prostate. Both normal‐ and high‐volume prostate tissues concentrate sex steroids in a similar way. Comparison of enzymatic activity surrogate marker ratios within tissue highlighted similar TT/E1 and TT/E2 ratios, and higher DHT/E1 ratio and lower DHT/PSA ratio in the high‐volume prostates.ConclusionsSTERPROSER trial provides evidence for higher DHT concentration in highvolume prostates, that could reflect either higher 5‐alpha reductase expression or lower expression of downstream metabolizing enzymes such as 3a‐hydoxysteroid dehydrogenase.
The HIV‐1 p66 homodimeric RT exhibits different conformations in the binding‐competent and ‐incompetent NNRTI site
Authors: Sharaf Naima G. , Xi Zhaoyong , Ishima Rieko , Gronenborn Angela M. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractNon‐nucleoside inhibitors of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 reverse transcriptase (RT), NNRTIs, which bind to the p66/p51 heterodimeric RT, also interact with the p66/p66 homodimer, whose structure is unknown. 19F nuclear magnetic resonance of a single 4‐trifluoromethylphenylalanine (tfmF) residue, incorporated into the NNRTI binding pocket of the p66/p66 homodimer at position 181, was used to investigate NNRTI binding. In the NNRTI‐bound homodimer complex, two different 19F signals are observed, with the resonance frequencies matching those of the NNRTI‐bound p66/p51 heterodimer spectra, in which the individual p66‐subunit or p51‐subunit were labeled with tfmF at positions 181. These data suggest that the NNRTI‐bound p66/p66 homodimer conformation, particularly around residue 181, is very similar to that in the p66/p51 heterodimer, explaining why NNRTI binding to p66/p66 enhances dimer formation.
Archaea S‐layer nanotube from a “black smoker” in complex with cyclo‐octasulfur (S8) rings
Authors: McDougall Matthew , Francisco Olga , Harder‐Viddal Candice , Roshko Roy , Meier Markus , Stetefeld Jörg 
Published: September 2017

AbstractElemental sulfur exists primarily as an ring and serves as terminal electron acceptor for a variety of sulfur‐fermenting bacteria. Hyperthermophilic archaea from black smoker vents are an exciting research tool to advance our knowledge of sulfur respiration under extreme conditions. Here, we use a hybrid method approach to demonstrate that the proteinaceous cavities of the S‐layer nanotube of the hyperthermophilic archaeon Staphylothermus marinus act as a storage reservoir for cyclo‐octasulfur . Fully atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed and the method of multiconfigurational thermodynamic integration was employed to compute the absolute free energy for transferring a ring of elemental sulfur from an aqueous bath into the largest hydrophobic cavity of a fragment of archaeal tetrabrachion. Comparisons with earlier MD studies of the free energy of hydration as a function of water occupancy in the same cavity of archaeal tetrabrachion show that the sulfur ring is energetically favored over water.
Genetically engineering better fungal biopesticides
Authors: Lovett Brian , St. Leger Raymond John 
Published: September 2017

AbstractMicrobial insect pathogens offer an alternative means of pest control with the potential to wean us off our heavy reliance on chemical pesticides. Insect pathogenic fungi play an important natural role in controlling disease vectors and agricultural pests. Most commercial products employ Ascomycetes in the genera Metarhizium and Beauveria. However, their utilization has been limited by inconsistent field results as a consequence of sensitivity to abiotic stresses and naturally low virulence. Other naturally occurring biocontrol agents also face these hurdles to successful application, but the availability of complete genomes and recombinant DNA technologies have facilitated design of multiple fungal pathogens with enhanced virulence and stress resistance. Many natural and synthetic genes have been inserted into entomopathogen genomes. Some of the biggest gains in virulence have been obtained using genes encoding neurotoxic peptides, peptides that manipulate host physiology and proteases and chitinases that degrade the insect cuticle. Prokaryotes, particularly extremophiles, are useful sources of genes for improving entomopathogen resistance to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. These biological insecticides are environmentally friendly and cost‐effective insect pest control options. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Investigation of the effects of storage and freezing on mixes of heavy‐labeled metabolite and amino acid standards
Authors: Culp‐Hill Rachel , Reisz Julie A. , Hansen Kirk C. , D'Alessandro Angelo 
Published: September 2017

RationaleHigh‐throughput metabolomics has now made it possible for small/medium‐sized laboratories to analyze thousands of samples/year from the most diverse biological matrices including biofluids, cell and tissue extracts. In large‐scale metabolomics studies, stable‐isotope‐labeled standards are increasingly used to normalize for matrix effects and control for technical reproducibility (e.g. extraction efficiency, chromatographic retention times and mass spectrometry signal stability). However, it is currently unknown how stable mixes of commercially available standards are following repeated freeze/thaw cycles or prolonged storage of aliquots.MethodsStandard mixes for 13C, 15N or deuterated isotopologues of amino acids and key metabolites from the central carbon and nitrogen pathways (e.g. glycolysis, Krebs cycle, redox homeostasis, purines) were either repeatedly frozen/thawed for up to 10 cycles or diluted into aliquots prior to frozen storage for up to 42 days. Samples were characterized by ultra‐high‐pressure liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry to determine the stability of the aliquoted standards upon freezing/thawing or prolonged storage.ResultsMetabolite standards were stable over up to 10 freeze/thaw cycles, with the exception of adenosine and glutathione, showing technical variability across aliquots in a freeze/thaw‐cycle‐independent fashion. Storage for up to 42 days of mixes of commercially available standards did not significantly affect the stability of amino acid or metabolite standards for the first 2 weeks, while progressive degradation (statistically significant for fumarate) was observed after 3 weeks.ConclusionsRefrigerated or frozen preservation for at least 2 weeks of aliquoted heavy‐labeled standard mixes for metabolomics analysis is a feasible and time‐/resource‐saving strategy for standard metabolomics laboratories.
Response to hepatitis B vaccination in patients with liver cirrhosis
Authors: Aggeletopoulou Ioanna , Davoulou Panagiota , Konstantakis Christos , Thomopoulos Konstantinos , Triantos Christos 
Published: September 2017

SummaryHepatitis B vaccination is strongly recommended for all infants and children but also for adults who are at risk of HBV infection. Attempts to immunize patients with liver cirrhosis have been proven relatively ineffective, and several strategies have already been used to improve the immune response in this group. The primary aim of this review is to examine, discuss, and summarize the immunogenicity of hepatitis B vaccination in patients with liver cirrhosis. MEDLINE search identified 11 studies (n = 961). The dose of the vaccine and the schedule of the vaccination varied. The response rates to the HBV vaccination ranged from 16% to 87% among patients with cirrhosis regardless of the number and vaccine dose. In particular, patients who received the standard dose of vaccination achieved seroprotection rates ranged from 16% to 79% (mean response rate 38%) and those who received a double dose achieved relatively better seroprotection rates (range: 26%‐87%; mean response rate 53%). The overall mean response rate to the HBV vaccination was 47%. In conclusion, cirrhotic patients achieve lower seroprotection rates after the completion of HBV vaccination series. Several strategies have tried to improve the immunogenicity; however, there is a great need for additional studies to further explore (1) the immune response in relation to poor vaccination responsiveness confounding factors, (2) novel strategies to improve immunogenicity, and (3) the immune mechanism underlying the differences in response rates to HBV vaccination.
Micro–macro compatibility: When does a complex systems approach strongly benefit science learning?
Authors: Samon Sigal , Levy Sharona T. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe study explores how a complexity approach empowers science learning. A complexity approach represents systems as many interacting entities. The construct of micro–macro compatibility is introduced, the degree of similarity between behaviors at the micro‐ and macro‐levels of the system. Seventh‐grade students’ learning about gases was studied using questionnaires and interviews. An experimental group (n = 47) learned with a complexity curriculum that included agent‐based computer models, a workbook, class discussions, and laboratory experiments. A comparison group (n = 45) learned with a normative curriculum, incorporating lectures, a textbook, class discussions, and laboratory experiments. Significant learning gains and strong effect sizes were found in the experimental group's overall learning. Diffusion, density, and kinetic molecular theory were learned better with a complexity approach. Pressure, temperature, and the gas laws were learned similarly with both approaches. Learning to notice micro‐level behaviors and their probabilistic nature was greater with the complexity approach. Analysis showed that only concepts that have less “micro–macro compatibility” were learned better with a complexity approach. Thus, a complexity approach helps separate the microbehaviors and then relate them to the macrobehaviors when these behaviors are dissimilar. We discuss how micro–macro compatibility helps point to concepts whose learning would benefit strongly from a complexity approach.
I can do that alone…or not? How idea generators juggle between the pros and cons of teamwork
Authors: Deichmann Dirk , Jensen Michael 
Published: September 2017

Research summary: The advantages of working with a team to develop an idea are well established, but surprisingly, little is known about why some idea generators ignore these advantages by developing their ideas alone. To answer this question, we study two important trade‐offs. First, working with a team provides access to additional resources but also leads to increased coordination costs. Second, sharing the risks and costs of developing an idea necessitates sharing the potential rewards of a successful idea. We use unique data on idea generators and their submission of ideas to an innovation program in a large European company between 1996 and 2008 to show how the two different trade‐offs affect the decision of idea generators to collaborate with a team.
Managerial summary: Organizations usually form teams to develop and execute innovative ideas. When people have the choice, however, will they also form a team or will they develop ideas alone? By studying idea generators and their voluntary submissions of breakthrough ideas to an innovation program, we find that the success rate is much higher for team ideas. Although teamwork has important benefits, idea generators will often develop incremental ideas alone and only accept increased coordination costs for developing radical ideas—this is even more so when they have prior team experiences. Moreover, only when idea generators were successful before and—even more so—when they developed that idea alone, will they be more open to sharing the rewards and risks of developing another idea with a team.
Increasing the fish diversity of the Triassic faunas of Gondwana: a new redfieldiiform (Actinopterygii) from the Middle Triassic of Argentina and its palaeobiogeographical implications
Authors: Gouiric‐Cavalli Soledad , Zavattieri Ana M. , Gutierrez Pedro R. , Cariglino Bárbara , Balarino Lucía 
Published: September 2017

AbstractA new actinopterygian, Calaichthys tehul gen. et sp. nov. is described on the basis of a few, well‐preserved specimens from the Anisian Cerro de Las Cabras Formation, Cuyo Basin in Mendoza Province. The new genus shows a combination of primitive characters (e.g. deep posterior region of the maxilla contacting the preopercle, a suspensorium backwardly oriented) and more advanced characters (e.g. distally segmented fin rays, hemiheterocercal caudal fin) and is thus considered to be a ‘subholostean’ fish. The new taxon is assigned to Redfieldiiformes on the basis of its single branchiostegal plate‐like ray, a median gular plate, pectoral fins with stout, stiff, mainly non‐segmented and distally branched fin rays, long and robust fringing fulcra in all fins, basal fulcra bordering both lobes of the caudal fin, and opposite dorsal and anal fins. Calaichthys is characterized by a combination of characters some of which are unique among redfieldiiforms (i.e. strongly ornamented but thin scales with a serrated posterior margin, smooth skull roof bones, extrascapulars with a bifid posterior margin, three suborbital bones, a hatchet‐shaped preopercle, rectangular and slender opercle, deep mouth gape, entopterygoid and ectopterygoid with small pointed teeth disposed in several series, unornamented rostral bone, massive pectoral fins and delicate dorsal, pelvic and anal fins). Calaichthys provides novel information about the anatomy of redfieldiiforms, in particular in relation with the fins and associated scaly elements, as well as the scale morphology and their disposition over the body. Our work confirms for the first time that redfieldiiforms occur in South America. Redfieldiiforms seem to have originated in Gondwana and shown two diversity peaks: in the Anisian and the Carnian. Calaichthys is coeval with those redfieldiiforms of the Middle Triassic (Anisian) of Africa and Australia dwelling in ephemeral lakes.
Human mating strategies: from past causes to present consequences
Authors: Marzoli Daniele , Havlíček Jan , Roberts S. Craig 
Published: September 2017

In both humans and nonhuman animals, mating strategies represent a set of evolutionary adaptations aimed at promoting individual fitness by means of reproduction with the best possible partners. Given this critical role, mating strategies influence numerous aspects of human life. In particular, between‐sex divergence in the intensity of intrasexual competition could account for robust cross‐cultural sex differences in psychology and behavior (e.g., personality, psychiatric disorders, social behavior, violence). Several other factors (including individual differences, relationship type and environment) affect—in an evolutionarily consistent manner—variation in mating strategy that individuals pursue (as one example, awareness of one's own attractiveness impinges on mating standards). Here we provide an overview of relevant theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence on variation in mating strategies. Given its multifaceted nature and intense research interest over several decades, this is a challenging task, and we highlight areas where further investigation is warranted in order to achieve a clearer picture and resolve apparent inconsistencies. However, we suggest that addressing outstanding questions using a variety of different methodological approaches, a deeper understanding of the cognitive representations involved in mating strategies is within reach.WIREs Cogn Sci2018, 9:e1456. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1456This article is categorized under:Cognitive Biology > Evolutionary Roots of CognitionNeuroscience > BehaviorNeuroscience > Cognition
Impaired fertility and motor function in a zebrafish model for classic galactosemia
Authors: Vanoevelen Jo M. , van Erven Britt , Bierau Jörgen , Huang Xiaoping , Berry Gerard T. , Vos Rein , Coelho Ana I. , Rubio‐Gozalbo M. Estela 
Published: September 2017

AbstractClassic galactosemia is a genetic disorder of galactose metabolism, caused by severe deficiency of galactose‐1‐phosphate uridylyltransferase (GALT) enzyme activity due to mutations of the GALT gene. Its pathogenesis is still not fully elucidated, and a therapy that prevents chronic impairments is lacking. In order to move research forward, there is a high need for a novel animal model, which allows organ studies throughout development and high‐throughput screening of pharmacologic compounds. Here, we describe the generation of a galt knockout zebrafish model and present its phenotypical characterization. Using a TALEN approach, a galt knockout line was successfully created. Accordingly, biochemical assays confirm essentially undetectable galt enzyme activity in homozygotes. Analogous to humans, galt knockout fish accumulate galactose‐1‐phosphate upon exposure to exogenous galactose. Furthermore, without prior exposure to exogenous galactose, they exhibit reduced motor activity and impaired fertility (lower egg quantity per mating, higher number of unsuccessful crossings), resembling the human phenotype(s) of neurological sequelae and subfertility. In conclusion, our galt knockout zebrafish model for classic galactosemia mimics the human phenotype(s) at biochemical and clinical levels. Future studies in our model will contribute to improved understanding and management of this disorder.