bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LINE-1 hypomethylation is not a common event in preneoplastic stages of gastric carcinogenesis
Authors: Kupcinskas Juozas , Steponaitiene Ruta , Langner Cosima , Smailyte Giedre , Skieceviciene Jurgita , Kupcinskas Limas , Malfertheiner Peter , Link Alexander 
Published: June 2017

AbstractLINE-1 hypomethylation is widely accepted as marker for global genomic DNA hypomethylation, which is a frequent event in cancer. The aim of the study was to evaluate LINE-1 methylation status at different stages of gastric carcinogenesis and evaluate its prognostic potential in clinical settings. LINE-1 methylation was analyzed in 267 tissue samples by bisulfite pyrosequencing including primary colorectal cancer tissues (T-CRC) with corresponding adjacent colon mucosa (N-CRC), gastric cancer tissues (T-GC) with corresponding gastric mucosa (N-GC), normal gastric tissues (N), chronic non-atrophic and atrophic gastritis (CG). LINE-1 methylation level was lower in both T-GC and T-CRC when compared to paired adjacent tissues. No difference was observed for LINE-1 methylation status between patients with normal gastric mucosa, CG and N-GC. LINE-1 methylation in T-GC but not N-GC tended to correlate with age. Subgroup stratification analysis did not reveal significant differences in LINE-1 methylation status according to tumor stage, anatomical location, histological subtype, differentiation grade. We observed similar overall survival data between patients with high or low LINE-1 levels. In summary, LINE-1 hypomethylation is a characteristic feature in GC but not very common in early preneoplastic stages of gastric carcinogenesis. Prognostic role of LINE-1 hypomethylation in GC patients could not be confirmed in this cohort.
Cervical cancer stem cells manifest radioresistance: Association with upregulated AP-1 activity
Authors: Tyagi Abhishek , Vishnoi Kanchan , Kaur Harsimrut , Srivastava Yogesh , Roy Bal Gangadhar , Das Bhudev C. , Bharti Alok C. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractTranscription factor AP-1 plays a central role in HPV-mediated cervical carcinogenesis. AP-1 has also been implicated in chemo-radio-resistance but the mechanism(s) remained unexplored. In the present study, cervical cancer stem-like cells (CaCxSLCs) isolated and enriched from cervical cancer cell lines SiHa and C33a demonstrated an elevated AP-1 DNA-binding activity in comparison to non-stem cervical cancer cells. Upon UV-irradiation, CaCxSLCs showed a UV exposure duration-dependent higher proliferation and highly increased AP-1 activity whereas it was completely abolished in non-stem cancer cells. CaCxSLCs also showed differential overexpression of c-Fos and c-Jun at transcript as well as in protein level. The loss of AP-1 activity and expression was accompanied by decrease in cell viability and proliferation in UV-irradiated non-stem cancer cells. Interestingly, CaCxSLCs treated with curcumin prior to UV-irradiation abolished AP-1 activity and a concomitant reduction in SP cells leading to abrogation of sphere forming ability, loss of proliferation, induction of apoptosis and the cells were poorly tumorigenic. The curcumin pre-treatment abolished the expression of c-Fos and c-Jun but upregulated Fra-1 expression in UV-irradiated CaCxSLCs. Thus, the study suggests a critical role of AP-1 protein in the manifestation of radioresistance but targeting with curcumin helps in radiosensitizing CaCxSLCs through upregulation of Fra-1.
Heterogeneity of odorant identification impairment in patients with Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Umeda-Kameyama Yumi , Ishii Shinya , Kameyama Masashi , Kondo Kenji , Ochi Atsushi , Yamasoba Tatsuya , Ogawa Sumito , Akishita Masahiro 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAlzheimer’s disease (AD) patients exhibit olfactory dysfunction. However, the olfactory declineti precise nature is not fully understood. One hundred patients (60 AD, 28 amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), 12 Normal) were enrolled. All participants underwent olfactory function testing using an odour stick identification test for Japanese (OSIT-J). OSIT-J scores were significantly correlated with recall. We classified OSIT-J odorants into three groups: Category I, odorants that were difficult for normal aged subjects to identify; Category II, odorants that became harder to accurately identify with cognitive decline; and Category III, odorants that even AD patients could identify. We defined a “cognitive subset” consisting of six Category II OSIT-J odorants (perfume, rose, Japanese cypress, curry, India ink and gas leak odour). The ability to identify “cognitive subset” odours was significantly better indicator of cognitive status than the ability to identify “non-cognitive subset”, which consisted of the six remaining items. The ability to identify the gas leak odorant was decreased early in the aMCI stage, suggesting a need to reconsider the odours used to signal gas leaks. The “cognitive subset” would provide a more convenient and effective biomarker for diagnosing dementia in clinical settings.
A repeat length variation in myo-inositol monophosphatase gene contributes to seed size trait in chickpea
Authors: Dwivedi Vikas , Parida Swarup Kumar , Chattopadhyay Debasis 
Published: June 2017

AbstractChickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is the third most important food legume crop. Seed size is the most economically important trait for chickpea. To understand the genetic regulation of seed size in chickpea, the present study established a three-way association of CT repeat length variation of a simple sequence repeat (SSR) in myo-inositol monophosphatase gene (CaIMP) with seed weight and phytic acid content by large scale validation and genotyping in a set of genetically diverse germplasm accessions and two reciprocal intra-specific mapping populations. Germplasms and mapping individuals with CT repeat-length expansion in the 5′ untranslated region of CaIMP exhibited a pronounced increase in CaIMP protein level, enzymatic activity, seed-phytate content and seed weight. A chickpea transient expression system demonstrated this repeat-length variation influenced the translation of CaIMP mRNA, apparently by facilitating translation initiation. Our analyses proposed that the SSR marker derived from 5′ UTR of a CaIMP gene is a promising candidate for selection of seed size/weight for agronomic trait improvement of chickpea.
A variation in PANK2 gene is causing Pantothenate kinase-associated Neurodegeneration in a family from Jammu and Kashmir – India
Authors: Angural Arshia , Singh Inderpal , Mahajan Ankit , Pandoh Pranav , Dhar Manoj K , Kaul Sanjana , Verma Vijeshwar , Rai Ekta , Razdan Sushil , Kishore Pandita Kamal , Sharma Swarkar 
Published: June 2017

AbstractPantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration is a rare hereditary neurodegenerative disorder associated with nucleotide variation(s) in mitochondrial human Pantothenate kinase 2 (hPanK2) protein encoding PANK2 gene, and is characterized by symptoms of extra-pyramidal dysfunction and accumulation of non-heme iron predominantly in the basal ganglia of the brain. In this study, we describe a familial case of PKAN from the State of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), India based on the clinical findings and genetic screening of two affected siblings born to consanguineous normal parents. The patients present with early-onset, progressive extrapyramidal dysfunction, and brain Magnetic Resonance imaging (MRI) suggestive of symmetrical iron deposition in the globus pallidi. Screening the PANK2 gene in the patients as well as their unaffected family members revealed a functional single nucleotide variation, perfectly segregating in the patient’s family in an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. We also provide the results of in-silico analyses, predicting the functional consequence of the identified PANK2 variant.
Biomechanics of Knee Joints after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: He Chuan , He Wu , Wang Fuke , Tong Lu , Zhang Zhengguang , Jia Di , Wang Guoliang , Zheng Jiali , Chen Guangchao , Li Yanlin 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the biomechanical properties of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL); tibial, femoral articular cartilage; and meniscus in knee joints receiving computer-aided or conventional ACL reconstruction. Three-dimensional (3D) knee joint finite element models were established for healthy volunteers (normal group) and patients receiving computer-aided surgery (CAS) or conventional (traditional surgery [TS]) ACL reconstruction. The stress and stress distribution on the ACL, tibial, femoral articular cartilage, and meniscus were examined after force was applied on the 3D knee joint finite element models. No significant differences were observed in the stress on ACL among normal group, CAS group, and TS group when a femoral backward force was loaded. However, when a vertical force of 350 N was loaded on the knee joints, TS group had significant higher stress on the articular cartilage and meniscus than the other two groups at any flexion angle of 0, 30, 60, and 90 degrees. However, no significant differences were observed between CAS group and normal group. In conclusion, computer-aided ACL reconstruction has advantages over conventional surgery approach in restoring the biomechanical properties of knee joints, thus reducing the risk of damage to the knee joint cartilage and meniscus after ACL reconstruction.
Erregerscreening als sinnvolle Grundlage der Infektionsprophylaxe
Authors: Singer Dominique 
Published: June 2017

Liebe Leserinnen und Leser,bakterielle Infektionen stellen so etwas wie eine immerwährende Herausforderung für Geburtshelfer und Neonatologen dar: Nicht genug damit, dass sie zu den Hauptursachen der Frühgeburtlichkeit zählen und in Form der sogenannten Early- oder Late-onset-Sepsis nicht selten über das Outcome der Früh- und Neugeborenen mitbestimmen; noch dazu ist seit einigen Jahren das Phänomen multiresistenter Keime aufgetreten, die nicht mehr nur – unter dem Selektionsdruck von Breitbandantibiotika – auf den Intensivstationen herangezüchtet, sondern auch – infolge ihrer zunehmenden Verbreitung in der Bevölkerung – von außen in die Intensivstationen hineingetragen werden.
Venöse Paravasate nach Augmentation von Pedikelschrauben – ein unterschätztes Risiko
Authors: Prokop Axel , Sagerer Manuela , Rupp Wolfgang , Chmielnicki Marc 
Published: June 2017

ZusammenfassungMit zementaugmentierten Pedikelschrauben kann die Festigkeit von Fixateuren bei instabilen Wirbelfrakturen im Alter erhöht werden. Die Fixateure können minimalinvasiv und schnell eingebracht werden und verringern das Operationsrisiko. Wir haben von März 2012 bis Juli 2014 40 Patienten mit instabilen Wirbelfrakturen mit einem perkutanen augmentierten Fixateur versorgt. Das Durchschnittsalter betrug 77,5 Jahre. Kein Patient verstarb im Beobachtungszeitraum von 6 Monaten. Neurologische Ausfälle traten nicht auf. Die Schmerzen konnten von im Mittel 8,5 Punkten auf der VAS auf 4,1 Punkte postoperativ gesenkt werden. Durch die Operation konnte der Cobb-Winkel im Mittel um 4,1° verbessert werden. Nach 6 Monaten kam es nur zu einer Sinterung von 1° bis max. 4°, im Mittel 2,6°. Häufig kam es aber zu venösen Paravasaten durch Zementabflüsse aus den augmentierten Wirbeln bis hin zur Lungenembolie. Meist bleiben diese Embolien asymptomatisch. Wir berichten über einen Patienten, der unmittelbar nach der Zementapplikation aufgrund von Lungenembolien reanimationspflichtig wurde. Der Patient überlebte aufgrund der sofort durchgeführten intensivmedizinischen Maßnahmen. Das Risiko ist in der Literatur wenig bekannt und bislang unterschätzt trotz steigender Operationszahlen mit augmentierten Fixateuren. Eine Reduzierung des Risikos ist durch langsame Zementinjektion, kleinere Zementapplikatoren und kurzfristiger Überdruckbeatmung mit PEEP (positive expiratory pressure) möglich.
Behavioral tracing demonstrates dietary nutrient discrimination in two-spotted crickets Gryllus bimaculatus
Authors: Fukumura Keisuke , Nagata Shinji 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Animals select appropriate diets to meet their nutritional requirements. Here, we demonstrate the availability for analysis of feeding preference using an orthopteran, the two-spotted cricket Gryllus bimaculatus. A time-course study of these insects, involving continuous recording and tracing behavior for 9 h, allowed us to monitor discrimination of diet that contained various nutrients.
Linking metabolic network features to phenotypes using sparse group lasso
Authors: Samal Satya Swarup , Radulescu Ovidiu , Weber Andreas , Fröhlich Holger 
Published: June 2017

AbstractMotivationIntegration of metabolic networks with ‘-omics’ data has been a subject of recent research in order to better understand the behaviour of such networks with respect to differences between biological and clinical phenotypes. Under the conditions of steady state of the reaction network and the non-negativity of fluxes, metabolic networks can be algebraically decomposed into a set of sub-pathways often referred to as extreme currents (ECs). Our objective is to find the statistical association of such sub-pathways with given clinical outcomes, resulting in a particular instance of a self-contained gene set analysis method. In this direction, we propose a method based on sparse group lasso (SGL) to identify phenotype associated ECs based on gene expression data. SGL selects a sparse set of feature groups and also introduces sparsity within each group. Features in our model are clusters of ECs, and feature groups are defined based on correlations among these features.ResultsWe apply our method to metabolic networks from KEGG database and study the association of network features to prostate cancer (where the outcome is tumor and normal, respectively) as well as glioblastoma multiforme (where the outcome is survival time). In addition, simulations show the superior performance of our method compared to global test, which is an existing self-contained gene set analysis method.Availability and implementationR code (compatible with version 3.2.5) is available from http://www.abi.bit.uni-bonn.de/index.php?id=17.Supplementary informationSupplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Blockchain distributed ledger technologies for biomedical and health care applications
Authors: Kuo Tsung-Ting , Kim Hyeon-Eui , Ohno-Machado Lucila 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

Objectives
To introduce blockchain technologies, including their benefits, pitfalls, and the latest applications, to the biomedical and health care domains.

Target Audience
Biomedical and health care informatics researchers who would like to learn about blockchain technologies and their applications in the biomedical/health care domains.

Scope
The covered topics include: (1) introduction to the famous Bitcoin crypto-currency and the underlying blockchain technology; (2) features of blockchain; (3) review of alternative blockchain technologies; (4) emerging nonfinancial distributed ledger technologies and applications; (5) benefits of blockchain for biomedical/health care applications when compared to traditional distributed databases; (6) overview of the latest biomedical/health care applications of blockchain technologies; and (7) discussion of the potential challenges and proposed solutions of adopting blockchain technologies in biomedical/health care domains.
Simulation-based Assessment of the Management of Critical Events by Board-certified Anesthesiologists
Authors: Weinger Matthew B. , Banerjee Arna , Burden Amanda R. , McIvor William R. , Boulet John , Cooper Jeffrey B. , Steadman Randolph , Shotwell Matthew S. , Slagle Jason M. , DeMaria Samuel , Torsher Laurence , Sinz Elizabeth , Levine Adam I. , Rask John , Davis Fred , Park Christine , Gaba David M. 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

Background
We sought to determine whether mannequin-based simulation can reliably characterize how board-certified anesthesiologists manage simulated medical emergencies. Our primary focus was to identify gaps in performance and to establish psychometric properties of the assessment methods.

Methods
A total of 263 consenting board-certified anesthesiologists participating in existing simulation-based maintenance of certification courses at one of eight simulation centers were video recorded performing simulated emergency scenarios. Each participated in two 20-min, standardized, high-fidelity simulated medical crisis scenarios, once each as primary anesthesiologist and first responder. Via a Delphi technique, an independent panel of expert anesthesiologists identified critical performance elements for each scenario. Trained, blinded anesthesiologists rated video recordings using standardized rating tools. Measures included the percentage of critical performance elements observed and holistic (one to nine ordinal scale) ratings of participant’s technical and nontechnical performance. Raters also judged whether the performance was at a level expected of a board-certified anesthesiologist.

Results
Rater reliability for most measures was good. In 284 simulated emergencies, participants were rated as successfully completing 81% (interquartile range, 75 to 90%) of the critical performance elements. The median rating of both technical and nontechnical holistic performance was five, distributed across the nine-point scale. Approximately one-quarter of participants received low holistic ratings (i.e., three or less). Higher-rated performances were associated with younger age but not with previous simulation experience or other individual characteristics. Calling for help was associated with better individual and team performance.

Conclusions
Standardized simulation-based assessment identified performance gaps informing opportunities for improvement. If a substantial proportion of experienced anesthesiologists struggle with managing medical emergencies, continuing medical education activities should be reevaluated.
Clinicians’ Perception and Experience of Organ Donation From Brain-Dead Patients
Authors: Kentish-Barnes Nancy , Duranteau Jacques , Montlahuc Claire , Charpentier Julien , Martin-Lefevre Laurent , Joseph Liliane , Lefrant Jean-Yves , Fieux Fabienne , Renault Anne , Thuong Marie , Chevret Sylvie , Azoulay Elie 
Published: June 2017

Objective:
ICU clinicians are primarily involved in organ donation after brain death of ICU patients. Their perceptions of organ donation may affect outcomes. Our objective was to describe ICU clinician’s perceptions and experience of organ donation.

Design and Setting:
Cross-sectional study among physicians and nurses (90 ICUs in France). We used factorial correspondence analysis to describe categories of clinicians regarding their perceptions and experience of organ donation. Factors associated with a positive (motivating) or negative (stressful) experiences were studied using multivariate logistic regression.

Participants:
Physicians and nurses.

Measurements and Main Results:
Three thousand three hundred twenty-five clinicians working in 77 ICUs returned questionnaires. Professionals who experienced organ donation as motivating were younger (odds ratio, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.32–0.53; p < 0.001), more often potential organ donors (odds ratio, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.56–2.35; p < 0.001), less likely to describe inconsistency (odds ratio, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.23–0.8) or complexity (odds ratio, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.45–0.67) of their feelings versus their professional activity, less likely to report that organ donation was not a priority in their ICU (odds ratio, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.55–0.84), and more likely to have participated in meetings of transplant coordinators with relatives (odds ratio, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.37–2.14; p < 0.001). Professionals who felt organ donation was stressful were older (odds ratio, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.34–2.54; p < 0.001), less often physicians (odds ratio, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.44–0.77; p < 0.001), more likely to describe shift from curative care to organ donation as emotionally complex (odds ratio, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.52–2.21; p < 0.001), care of relatives of brain-dead patients as complex (odds ratio, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.32–1.93; p < 0.001), and inconsistency and complexity of personal feelings about organ donation versus professional activity (odds ratio, 3.25; 95% CI, 1.92–5.53; p < 0.001), and more likely to have little experience with caring for potential organ donors (odds ratio, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.09–2.04).

Conclusions:
Significant differences exist among ICU clinician’s perceptions of organ donation. Whether these differences affect family experience and consent rates deserves investigation.
The role of traction in membrane curvature generation
Authors: Alimohamadi H. , Vasan R. , Hassinger J.E. , Stachowiak J.C. , Rangamani P. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractCurvature of biological membranes can be generated by a variety of molecular mechanisms including protein scaffolding, compositional heterogeneity, and cytoskeletal forces. These mechanisms have the net effect of generating tractions (force per unit length) on the bilayer that are translated into distinct shapes of the membrane. Here, we demonstrate how the local shape of the membrane can be used to infer the traction acting locally on the membrane. We show that buds and tubes, two common membrane deformations studied in trafficking processes, have different traction distributions along the membrane and that these tractions are specific to the molecular mechanism used to generate these shapes. Furthermore, we show that the magnitude of an axial force applied to the membrane as well as that of an effective line tension can be calculated from these tractions. Finally, we consider the sensitivity of these quantities with respect to uncertainties in material properties and follow with a discussion on sources of uncertainty in membrane shape.
Differential activation of Fyn kinase distinguishes saturated and unsaturated fats in mouse macrophages
Authors: Tarabra Elena , Lee Ting-Wen An , Zammit Victor A , Vatish Manu , Yamada Eijiro , Pessin Jeffrey E , Bastie Claire C 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTDiet-induced obesity is associated with increased adipose tissue activated macrophage numbers. Yet, how macrophages integrate fatty acid (FA) signals remains unclear. We previously demonstrated that Fyn deficiency (FynKO) protects against high fat diet-induced adipose tissue macrophage accumulation. Herein, we show that inflammatory markers and reactive oxygen species are not induced in FynKO bone marrow-derived macrophages exposed to the saturated FA palmitate, suggesting that Fyn regulates macrophage function in response to FA signals. Saturated palmitate activates Fyn and re-localizes Fyn into the nucleus of RAW264.7, J774 and wild-type bone marrow-derived macrophages. Similarly, Fyn activity is increased in cells of AT stromal vascular fraction of high fat-fed control mice, with Fyn protein being located in the nucleus of these cells. We demonstrate that Fyn modulates palmitate-dependent oxidative stress in macrophages. Moreover, Fyn catalytic activity is necessary for its nuclear re-localization and downstream effects, as Fyn pharmacological inhibition abolishes palmitate-induced Fyn nuclear redistribution and palmitate-dependent increase of oxidative stress markers. Importantly, mono-or polyunsaturated FAs do not activate Fyn, and fail to re-localize Fyn to the nucleus. Together these data demonstrate that macrophages integrate nutritional FA signals via a differential activation of Fyn that distinguishes, at least partly, the effects of saturated versus unsaturated fats.
Pivot-and-bond model explains microtubule bundle formation
Authors: Prelogović Marcel , Winters Lora , Milas Ana , Tolić Iva M. , Pavin Nenad 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTDuring mitosis, bundles of microtubules form a spindle, but the physical mechanism of bundle formation is still not known. Here we show that random angular movement of microtubules around the spindle pole and forces exerted by passive cross-linking proteins are sufficient for the formation of stable microtubule bundles. We test these predictions by experiments in wild-type andase1Δ fission yeast cells. In conclusion, the angular motion drives the alignment of microtubules, which in turn allows the cross-linking proteins to connect the microtubules into a stable bundle.