bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Artificial light at night affects body mass but not oxidative status in free-living nestling songbirds: an experimental study
Authors: Raap Thomas , Casasole Giulia , Costantini David , AbdElgawad Hamada , Asard Han , Pinxten Rianne , Eens Marcel 
Published: October 2016

AbstractArtificial light at night (ALAN), termed light pollution, is an increasingly important anthropogenic environmental pressure on wildlife. Exposure to unnatural lighting environments may have profound effects on animal physiology, particularly during early life. Here, we experimentally investigated for the first time the impact of ALAN on body mass and oxidative status during development, using nestlings of a free-living songbird, the great tit (Parus major), an important model species. Body mass and blood oxidative status were determined at baseline (=13 days after hatching) and again after a two night exposure to ALAN. Because it is very difficult to generalise the oxidative status from one or two measures we relied on a multi-biomarker approach. We determined multiple metrics of both antioxidant defences and oxidative damage: molecular antioxidants GSH, GSSG; antioxidant enzymes GPX, SOD, CAT; total non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity and damage markers protein carbonyls and TBARS. Light exposed nestlings showed no increase in body mass, in contrast to unexposed individuals. None of the metrics of oxidative status were affected. Nonetheless, our study provides experimental field evidence that ALAN may negatively affect free-living nestlings’ development and hence may have adverse consequences lasting throughout adulthood.
Stability and its mechanism in Ag/CoOx/Ag interface-type resistive switching device
Authors: Fu Jianbo , Hua Muxin , Ding Shilei , Chen Xuegang , Wu Rui , Liu Shunquan , Han Jingzhi , Wang Changsheng , Du Honglin , Yang Yingchang , Yang Jinbo 
Published: October 2016

AbstractStability is an important issue for the application of resistive switching (RS) devices. In this work, the endurance and retention properties of Ag/CoOx/Ag interface-type RS device were investigated. This device exhibits rectifying I–V curve, multilevel storage states and retention decay behavior, which are all related to the Schottky barrier at the interface. The device can switch for thousands of cycles without endurance failure and shows narrow resistance distributions with relatively low fluctuation. However, both the high and low resistance states spontaneously decay to an intermediate resistance state during the retention test. This retention decay phenomenon is due to the short lifetime τ (τ = 0.5 s) of the metastable pinning effect caused by the interface states. The data analysis indicated that the pinning effect is dependent on the depth and density of the interface state energy levels, which determine the retention stability and the switching ratio, respectively. This suggests that an appropriate interface structure can improve the stability of the interface-type RS device
The ubiquitin conjugating enzyme, TaU4 regulates wheat defence against the phytopathogen Zymoseptoria tritici
Authors: Millyard Linda , Lee Jack , Zhang Cunjin , Yates Gary , Sadanandom Ari 
Published: October 2016

AbstractMycosphaerella graminicola (Zymoseptoria tritici commonly known as Septoria), the causal agent of Septoria Leaf Blotch (STB), is considered one of the major threats to European wheat production. Previous studies have shown the importance of ubiquitination in plant defence against a multitude of pathogens. However the ubiquitination machinery in wheat is under studied, particularly E2 enzymes that have the ability to control the ubiquitination and thereby the fate of many different target proteins. In this study we identify an E2 enzyme, Triticum aestivum Ubiquitin conjugating enzyme 4 (TaU4) that functions in wheat defence against Septoria. We demonstrate TaU4 to be a bona fide E2 enzyme through an E2 charging assay. TaU4 localises in both the cytoplasm and nucleus, therefore potentially interacting with E3 ligases and substrate proteins in multiple compartments. Virus Induced Gene Silencing of TaU4 in wheat leaves resulted in delayed development of disease symptoms, reduced Septoria growth and reproduction. We conclude that TaU4 is a novel negative regulator of defence against Septoria.
Kinetics of ventilation-induced changes in diaphragmatic metabolism by bilateral phrenic pacing in a piglet model
Authors: Breuer Thomas , Hatam Nima , Grabiger Benjamin , Marx Gernot , Behnke Bradley J. , Weis Joachim , Kopp Ruedger , Gayan-Ramirez Ghislaine , Zoremba Norbert , Bruells Christian S. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractPerioperative necessity of deep sedation is inevitably associated with diaphragmatic inactivation. This study investigated 1) the feasibility of a new phrenic nerve stimulation method allowing early diaphragmatic activation even in deep sedation and, 2) metabolic changes within the diaphragm during mechanical ventilation compared to artificial activity. 12 piglets were separated into 2 groups. One group was mechanically ventilated for 12 hrs (CMV) and in the second group both phrenic nerves were stimulated via pacer wires inserted near the phrenic nerves to mimic spontaneous breathing (STIM). Lactate, pyruvate and glucose levels were measured continuously using microdialysis. Oxygen delivery and blood gases were measured during both conditions. Diaphragmatic stimulation generated sufficient tidal volumes in all STIM animals. Diaphragm lactate release increased in CMV transiently whereas in STIM lactate dropped during this same time point (2.6 vs. 0.9 mmol L−1 after 5:20 hrs; p < 0.001). CMV increased diaphragmatic pyruvate (40 vs. 146 μmol L−1 after 5:20 hrs between CMV and STIM; p < 0.0001), but not the lactate/pyruvate ratio. Diaphragmatic stimulation via regular electrodes is feasible to generate sufficient ventilation, even in deep sedation. Mechanical ventilation alters the metabolic state of the diaphragm, which might be one pathophysiologic origin of ventilator-induced diaphragmatic dysfunction. Occurrence of hypoxia was unlikely.
Network dismantling
Authors: Braunstein Alfredo , Dall’Asta Luca , Semerjian Guilhem , Zdeborová Lenka 
Published: October 2016

SignificanceMany systems of interest can be represented by a network of nodes connected by edges. In many circumstances, the existence of a giant component is necessary for the network to fulfill its function. Motivated by the need to understand optimal attack strategies, optimal spread of information, or immunization policies, we study the network dismantling problem (i.e., the search for a minimal set of nodes in which removal leaves the network broken into components of subextensive size). We give the size of the optimal dismantling set for random networks, propose an efficient dismantling algorithm for general networks that outperforms by a large margin existing strategies, and provide various insights about the problem.
Effect of oral theaflavin administration on body weight, fat, and muscle in healthy subjects: a randomized pilot study
Authors: Aizawa Teruki , Yamamoto Ayaka , Ueno Tomoya 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
Theaflavins are reddish-colored polyphenols in black tea. To test the efficacy of theaflavin administration on body fat and muscle, we performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study and investigated the effect of theaflavins administration on the body composition using of healthy subjects. In this study, 30 male and female Japanese were enrolled and participants were randomly allocated to receive placebo, theaflavin (50 or 100 mg/day), or catechin (400 mg/ml) for 10 weeks. The effects were evaluated using body weight, body fat percentage, subcutaneous fat percentage, and skeletal muscle percentage. Theaflavin administration significantly improved body fat percentage, subcutaneous fat percentage, and skeletal muscle percentage when compared to with the placebo. In contrast, there was no significant difference in all measured outcomes between the catechin and the placebo groups. The results indicate that oral administration of theaflavin had a beneficial effect on body fat and muscle in healthy individuals.
Complete Spontaneous Regression of Merkel Cell Carcinoma After Biopsy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Ahmadi Moghaddam Parnian , Cornejo Kristine M. , Hutchinson Lloyd , Tomaszewicz Keith , Dresser Karen , Deng April , O'Donnell Patrick 
Published: October 2016

Abstract:Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare primary cutaneous neuroendocrine tumor that typically occurs on the head and neck of the elderly and follows an aggressive clinical course. Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) has been identified in up to 80% of cases and has been shown to participate in MCC tumorigenesis. Complete spontaneous regression of MCC has been rarely reported in the literature. We describe a case of a 79-year-old man that presented with a rapidly growing, 3-cm mass on the left jaw. An incisional biopsy revealed MCC. Additional health issues were discovered in the preoperative workup of this patient which delayed treatment. One month after the biopsy, the lesion showed clinical regression in the absence of treatment. Wide excision of the biopsy site with sentinel lymph node dissection revealed no evidence of MCC 2 months later. The tumor cells in the patient's biopsy specimen were negative for MCPyV by polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry (CM2B4 antibody, Santa Cruz, CA). The exact mechanism for complete spontaneous regression in MCC is unknown. To our knowledge, only 2 previous studies evaluated the presence of MCPyV by polymerase chain reaction in MCC with spontaneous regression. Whether the presence or absence of MCPyV correlates with spontaneous regression warrants further investigation.
Progesterone as a tocolytic agent for preterm labor: a systematic review
Authors: Navathe Reshama , Berghella Vincenzo 
Published: October 2016

Purpose of review
Tocolytic agents have been used for over 60 years in the fight against preterm labor, which ultimately can lead to preterm birth. Currently, clinicians can choose from a variety of drug classes to achieve the primary goal of delaying delivery by 48 h, thereby allowing time for administration of corticosteroids for fetal lung maturity, and if appropriate, starting magnesium sulfate for fetal neuroprotection. However, there are currently no known therapies to maintain the tocolytic effect beyond those initial 48 h.

Recent findings
Progesterone, which has been used in the prevention of preterm birth for over 10 years, has long been known to have the effect of uterine quiescence. It was first studied as a tocolytic agent in the 1960s. In the last several years, more studies have been done that suggest a potential use for maintenance tocolysis after the successful arrest of preterm labor. Although the studies are conflicting, the meta-analyses on progesterone show some promise in different outcomes of delayed delivery, reduced incidence of preterm birth, and reduced neonatal morbidity.

Summary
Progesterone is currently the most promising agent for maintenance tocolysis. Although further trials are certainly needed, this is an exciting advancement in the realm of tocolysis.
CHOROIDAL SARCOID GRANULOMA SIMULATING PROSTATE CARCINOMA METASTASIS
Authors: Turkoglu Elif B. , Lally Sara E. , Shields Carol L. 
Published: October 2016

Purpose:
To report a case of choroidal sarcoid granuloma simulating choroidal metastasis in a patient with prostate carcinoma.

Method:
Case report.

Results:
A 66-year-old man was found to have an asymptomatic choroidal mass in his left eye. He had known history of pulmonary sarcoidosis without systemic involvement and prostate carcinoma without metastasis. On examination, visual acuity was 20/20 in each eye. Anterior segment was normal, without inflammatory sign in either eye. The right fundus was healthy. The left fundus revealed a yellow choroidal mass of 2 mm diameter, temporal to the foveola and without subretinal fluid, retinitis, or vitritis. Optical coherence tomography demonstrated a homogenous hyporeflective choroidal mass with intact retinal pigment epithelium and compression of choroidal vascular structures. Given the medical history and rarity of prostate metastasis to the uvea, choroidal sarcoid granuloma was considered and oral prednisone with a slow taper was given. After 2 months of therapy, tumor resolution with reduction in size was confirmed on optical coherence tomography.

Conclusion:
Choroidal sarcoid granuloma is a rare condition that can simulate choroidal metastasis. Treatment with prednisone can assist in establishing the diagnosis.
Removal of Self-Expanding Metallic Stents
Authors: Shah Shiwan K. , Jennings Jeffrey H. , Diaz-Mendoza Javier I. , Yessayan Lenar , Ray Cynthia , Simoff Michael J. 
Published: October 2016

Background:
Despite their safety profile, self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) have been difficult to remove. We aim to describe our experience in removal of SEMS at Henry Ford Hospital with a specific emphasis on safety.

Methods:
We reviewed the charts of all patients who underwent removal of a SEMS at Henry Ford Hospital between 2003 and 2013. We recorded demographic information, indication for initial stent placement, indication for stent removal, time to stent removal, procedure of removal, and any complications.

Results:
In all, 19 stents were removed in 16 separate procedures in 14 patients. The median age was 62 years, and 50% of the patients were female. Stents were removed at a median of 35 days (range, 2 to 595 d). No complications occurred in 10/16 (62.5%) procedures. In the remaining 5 patients, complications were not directly related to the stent removal, and serious complications were mostly related to severity of underlying lung disease. Of the 10 procedures done as outpatients, 70% were discharged immediately after the procedure.

Conclusions:
Removal of SEMS can be done safely. Routine postoperative ventilation and intensive care unit monitoring is not required. In the absence of severe underlying lung disease, patients can safely be discharged if there are no immediate postprocedure complications.
Histological features of pituitary adenomas and sellar region masses
Authors: Kleinschmidt-DeMasters Bette K. 
Published: October 2016

Purpose of review
Most pituitary region masses are pituitary adenomas; however, when other sellar region masses are encountered by clinicians or pathologists, the differential diagnosis can be broad. This review will focus on updates for pituitary adenomas, as well as briefly discuss some of these other entities: Rathke cleft cyst, hypophysitis, craniopharyngioma, pituicytoma, and spindle cell oncocytoma.

Recent findings
The use of new immunohistochemical (IHC) tools for assessing transcription factors, pituitary transcription factor-1, steroidogenic factor-1, and the not-yet-widely available Tpit IHC have provided insights into origin particularly of clinically silent and even hormone-negative pituitary adenomas. IHC for keratins coupled with use of E-cadherin IHC can serve to easily identify sparsely granulated growth hormone adenomas that behave more aggressively and may not respond well to some therapies. Thyroid transcription factor-1 IHC has shown common embryological lineage of pituicytoma, spindle cell oncocytoma, and granular cell tumor of neurohypophysis.

Summary
IHC supplements classification of pituitary adenoma subtypes for clinicians and can confirm diagnosis of nonpituitary adenoma sellar region masses.
The Fetal Care Team
Authors: Loyet Margaret , McLean Amy , Graham Karen , Antoine Cheryl , Fossick Kathy 
Published: October 2016

Abstract

Background:
Women carrying a fetus with a suspected or known fetal anomaly have complex needs such as emotional and informational support and help with the logistical aspects of arranging care and treatment from numerous specialists.

Improvement in Quality of Care for Women Carrying a Fetus with a Suspected or Known Fetal Anomaly:
Our fetal care team was initiated in 2012 to meet the needs of this high-risk pregnant population. The fetal care team nurse coordinator supports the woman and her family through all aspects of care during the pregnancy and neonatal period including scheduling appointments with multiple specialists, being there with her as a support person, keeping her updated, making sure she has accurate information about the fetal diagnosis, and helping her to navigate the complex healthcare system.

Results:
Since the program was started, the number of women enrolled has nearly doubled. Women overwhelmingly are satisfied with the various services and care provided by the nurse coordinators and believe the fetal care team has value for them.

Clinical Implications:
We present the development and operations of our fetal care team with a focus on the role of the fetal care team nurse coordinator.
Use of Treponemal Screening Assay Strength of Signal to Avoid Unnecessary Confirmatory Testing
Authors: Berry Gregory J. , Loeffelholz Michael J. 
Published: October 2016

Background
Our reverse syphilis testing algorithm consists of a treponemal IgG multiplex flow immunoassay (MFI) followed by both rapid plasma reagin titer and the Treponema pallidum particle agglutination (TPPA) test on specimens with a reactive MFI result. We report here the impact of a modified reverse algorithm, in which the strength of signal of the MFI is used to avoid unnecessary TPPA testing.

Methods
The Bioplex syphilis IgG MFI was used as the syphilis screening assay, and specimens with equivocal (antibody index 0.9 or 1.0), or reactive (antibody index ≥ 1.1) results were further tested by rapid plasma reagin titer and TPPA test. We performed a retrospective, descriptive analysis of all specimens received for syphilis screening between January and May of 2014. A cost analysis was performed, taking into account labor and reagent expenses.

Results
In our diverse patient population consisting of high-risk incarcerated persons, low-risk obstetrical/gynecological patients and high-risk miscellaneous clinic and inpatients, 430 (65%) of 665 MFI-positive specimens had antibody indices of 8 or greater. Greater than 99% of these specimens were reactive by the TPPA test. Avoiding TPPA testing of specimens with an MFI antibody index ≥8 would save over US $4800 annually in laboratory costs.

Conclusions
The TPPA testing is unnecessary on specimens with MFI antibody indices ≥8. This would substantially reduce the TPPA testing volume and also reduce laboratory expenses.
Genotype-Specific Concordance of Chlamydia trachomatis Genital Infection Within Heterosexual Partnerships
Authors: Schillinger Julia A. , Katz Barry P. , Markowitz Lauri E. , Braslins Phillip G. , Shrier Lydia A. , Madico Guillermo , Van Der Pol Barbara , Orr Donald P. , Rice Peter A. , Batteiger Byron E. 
Published: October 2016

Background
Sexual transmission rates of Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) cannot be measured directly; however, the study of concordance of Ct infection in sexual partnerships (dyads) can help to illuminate factors influencing Ct transmission.

Methods
Heterosexual men and women with Ct infection and their sex partners were enrolled and partner-specific coital and behavioral data collected for the prior 30 days. Microbiological data included Ct culture, and nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT), quantitative Ct polymerase chain reaction, and ompA genotyping. We measured Ct concordance in dyads and factors (correlates) associated with concordance.

Results
One hundred twenty-one women and 125 men formed 128 dyads. Overall, 72.9% of male partners of NAAT-positive women and 68.6% of female partners of NAAT-positive men were Ct-infected. Concordance was more common in dyads with culture-positive members (78.6% of male partners, 77% of female partners). Partners of women and men who were NAAT-positive only had lower concordance (33.3%, 46.4%, respectively). Women in concordant dyads had significantly higher median endocervical quantitative Ct polymerase chain reaction values (3,032) compared with CT-infected women in discordant dyads (1013 inclusion forming units DNA equivalents per mL; P < 0.01). Among 54 Ct-concordant dyads with ompA genotype data for both members, 96.2% had identical genotypes.

Conclusions
Higher organism load appears associated with concordance among women. Same-genotype chlamydial concordance was high in sexual partnerships. No behavioral factors were sufficiently discriminating to guide partner services activities. Findings may help model coitus-specific transmission probabilities.
Changes in Urinary Biomarkers Over 10 Years Is Associated With Viral Suppression in a Prospective Cohort of Women Living With HIV
Authors: Baxi Sanjiv M. , Scherzer Rebecca , Jotwani Vasantha , Estrella Michelle M. , Abraham Alison G. , Parikh Chirag R. , Bennett Michael R. , Cohen Mardge H. , Nowicki Marek J. , Gustafson Deborah R. , Sharma Anjali , Young Mary A. , Shlipak Michael G. ,   for the Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS)
Published: October 2016

Background:Urine biomarkers have helped identify persons at risk for progressing to kidney disease in the setting of HIV infection. We explored factors associated with changes in 3 urine biomarkers over 10 years among women living with HIV.Methods:Prospective cohort of 294 HIV-infected women from the multicenter Women's Interagency HIV Study. Predictors included HIV viral and immunological parameters, comorbid conditions, and health-related behaviors. Outcomes were patterns of changes of urine interleukin-18 (IL-18), albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR), and alpha-1-microglobulin (α1m) over 10 years. We used quantile regression to examine patterns of change in each urine biomarker during follow-up and multivariable analysis of variance regression to identify predictors of biomarker changes.Results:Over 10 years, the median concentrations of IL-18 declined from 120 to 64 pg/mL, α1m rose from 0.7 to 1.5 ng/mL, and ACR remained stable (9–8 mg/g). In multivariate analyses, the strongest predictors of increases in IL-18 were higher baseline body mass index, increase in waist circumference, higher follow-up HIV viral load, lower follow-up CD4 cell count, hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection, and higher follow-up high density lipoprotein cholesterol. Predictors of increasing concentration of α1m were lower CD4 cell counts, higher diastolic blood pressure, HCV coinfection, and smoking. Finally, determinants of ACR increases during follow-up were higher follow-up diastolic blood pressure, HCV coinfection, higher follow-up HIV viral load, and triglyceride concentration.Conclusions:Over 10 years, HIV disease status had different associations with each urine biomarker under study. Overall, the associations with changes in each biomarker support research into their use for longitudinal monitoring of kidney health.
Hi-C-constrained physical models of human chromosomes recover functionally-related properties of genome organization
Authors: Stefano Marco Di , Paulsen Jonas , Lien Tonje G. , Hovig Eivind , Micheletti Cristian 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACTCombining genome-wide structural models with phenomenological data is at the forefront of efforts to understand the organizational principles regulating the human genome. Here, we use chromosome-chromosome contact data as knowledge- based constraints for large-scale three-dimensional models of the human diploid genome. The resulting models remain minimally entangled and acquire several functional features that are observedin vivoand that were never used as input for the model. We find, for instance, that gene-rich, active regions are drawn towards the nuclear center, while gene poor and lamina-associated domains are pushed to the periphery. These and other properties persist upon adding local contact constraints, suggesting their compatibility with non-local constraints for the genome organization. The results show that suitable combinations of data analysis and physical modelling can expose the unexpectedly rich functionally-related properties implicit in chromosome-chromosome contact data. Specific directions are suggested for further developments based on combining experimental data analysis and genomic structural modelling.