bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy, a Novel Diagnostic Tool for Metastatic Cell Detection in the Cerebrospinal Fluid of Children with Medulloblastoma
Authors: Gershanov Sivan , Michowiz Shalom , Toledano Helen , Yahav Gilad , Barinfeld Orit , Hirshberg Avraham , Ben-Zvi Haim , Mircus Gabriel , Salmon-Divon Mali , Fixler Dror , Goldenberg-Cohen Nitza 
Published: June 2017

AbstractIn pediatric brain tumours, dissemination of malignant cells within the central nervous system confers poor prognosis and determines treatment intensity, but is often undetectable by imaging or cytology. This study describes the use of fluorescence lifetime (FLT) imaging microscopy (FLIM), a novel diagnostic tool, for detection of metastatic spread. The study group included 15 children with medulloblastoma and 2 with atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumour. Cells extracted from the tumour and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) 2 weeks postoperatively and repeatedly during chemo/radiotherapy were subjected to nuclear staining followed by FLT measurement and cytological study. Control CSF samples were collected from patients with infectious/inflammatory disease attending the same hospital. Median FLT was prolonged in tumour cells (4.27 ± 0.28 ns;P < 2.2*10−16) and CSF metastatic cells obtained before chemo/radiotherapy (6.28 ± 0.22 ns;P < 2.2*10−16); normal in inflammatory control cells (2.6 ± 0.04 ns) and cells from children without metastasis before chemo/radiotherapy (2.62 ± 0.23 ns;P = 0.858) and following treatment (2.62 ± 0.21 ns;P = 0.053); and short in CSF metastatic cells obtained after chemo/radiotherapy (2.40 ± 0.2 ns;P < 2.2*10−16). FLIM is a simple test that can potentially identify CSF spread of brain tumours. FLT changes in accordance with treatment, with significant prolonged median values in tumours and metastases. More accurate detection of metastatic cells may guide personalised treatment and improve the therapeutic outcome.
Comparing the plant diversity between artificial forest and nature growth forest in a giant panda habitat
Authors: Kang Dongwei , Wang Xiaorong , Li Shuang , Li Junqing 
Published: June 2017

AbstractArtificial restoration is an important way to restore forests, but little is known about its effect on the habitat restoration of the giant panda. In the present study, we investigated the characteristics of artificial forest in the Wanglang Nature Reserve to determine whether through succession it has formed a suitable habitat for the giant panda. We compared artificial forest characteristics with those of natural habitat used by the giant panda. We found that the dominant tree species in artificial forest differed from those in the natural habitat. The artificial forest had lower plant species richness and diversity in the tree and shrub layers than did the latter, and its community structure was characterized by smaller tree and bamboo sizes, and fewer and lower bamboo clumps, but more trees and larger shrub sizes. The typical community collocation of artificial forest was a “Picea asperata + no-bamboo” model, which differs starkly from the giant panda’s natural habitat. After several years of restoration, the artificial forest has failed to become a suitable habitat for the giant panda. Therefore, a simple way of planting individual trees cannot restore giant panda habitat; instead, habitat restoration should be based on the habitat requirements of the giant panda.
A novel imaging method for correlating 2D light microscopic data and 3D volume data based on block-face imaging
Authors: Tajika Yuki , Murakami Tohru , Iijima Keiya , Gotoh Hiroki , Takahashi-Ikezawa Maiko , Ueno Hitoshi , Yoshimoto Yuhei , Yorifuji Hiroshi 
Published: June 2017

AbstractWe have developed an imaging method designated as correlative light microscopy and block-face imaging (CoMBI), which contributes to improve the reliability of morphological analyses. This method can collect both the frozen sections and serial block-face images in a single specimen. The frozen section can be used for conventional light microscopic analysis to obtain 2-dimensional (2D) anatomical and molecular information, while serial block-face images can be used as 3-dimensional (3D) volume data for anatomical analysis. Thus, the sections maintain positional information in the specimen, and allows the correlation of 2D microscopic data and 3D volume data in a single specimen. The subjects can vary in size and type, and can cover most specimens encountered in biology. In addition, the required system for our method is characterized by cost-effectiveness. Here, we demonstrated the utility of CoMBI using specimens ranging in size from several millimeters to several centimeters, i.e., mouse embryos, human brainstem samples, and stag beetle larvae, and present successful correlation between the 2D light microscopic images and 3D volume data in a single specimen.
Structural insight for the recognition of G-quadruplex structure at human c-myc promoter sequence by flavonoid Quercetin
Authors: Tawani Arpita , Mishra Subodh Kumar , Kumar Amit 
Published: June 2017

AbstractSmall molecule ligands that could stabilize G-quadruplex structure formed at the promoter region of human c-myc oncogene will regulate its expression in cancer cells. Flavonoids, a group of naturally available small molecule, have been known for their various promising effects on human health. In present study, we have performed detailed biophysical studies for the interaction of human c-myc G-quadruplex DNA with nine representative flavonoids: Luteolin, Quercetin, Rutin, Genistein, Kaempferol, Puerarin, Hesperidin, Myricetin and Daidzein. We found by using fluorescence titration that Quercetin interacts with c-myc G-quadruplex DNA sequence Pu24T with highest affinity. This interaction was further explored by using NMR spectroscopy and we have derived the first solution structure for the complex formed between Quercetin and biologically significant c-myc promoter DNA sequence forming G-quadruplex structure. In present solution structure, Quercetin stacks at 5′ and 3′ G-tetrads of Pu24T G-quadruplex structure and stabilize it via π-π stacking interactions. Furthermore, in vitro studies on HeLa cells suggested that Quercetin induces apoptosis-mediated cell death and down-regulated c-myc gene expression. This study emphasizes the potential of flavonoids as a promising candidate for targeting c-myc promoter region and thus, could act as a potential anti-cancer agent.
Hif-1α Knockdown Reduces Glycolytic Metabolism and Induces Cell Death of Human Synovial Fibroblasts Under Normoxic Conditions
Authors: Del Rey Manuel J. , Valín Álvaro , Usategui Alicia , García-Herrero Carmen M. , Sánchez-Aragó María , Cuezva José M. , Galindo María , Bravo Beatriz , Cañete Juan D. , Blanco Francisco J. , Criado Gabriel , Pablos José L. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractIncreased glycolysis and HIF-1α activity are characteristics of cells under hypoxic or inflammatory conditions. Besides, in normal O2 environments, elevated rates of glycolysis support critical cellular mechanisms such as cell survival. The purpose of this study was to analyze the contribution of HIF-1α to the energy metabolism and survival of human synovial fibroblasts (SF) under normoxic conditions. HIF-1α was silenced using lentiviral vectors or small-interfering RNA (siRNA) duplexes. Expression analysis by qRT-PCR and western blot of known HIF-1α target genes in hypoxia demonstrated the presence of functional HIF-1α in normoxic SF and confirmed the glycolytic enzyme glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) as a HIF-1α target even in normoxia. HIF-1α silencing induced apoptotic cell death in cultured SF and, similarly, treatment with glycolytic, but not with OXPHOS inhibitors, induced SF death. Finally, in vivo HIF-1α targeting by siRNA showed a significant reduction in the viability of human SF engrafted into a murine air pouch. Our results demonstrate that SF are highly dependent on glycolytic metabolism and that HIF-1α plays a regulatory role in glycolysis even under aerobic conditions. Local targeting of HIF-1α provides a feasible strategy to reduce SF hyperplasia in chronic arthritic diseases.
Nitric oxide mediated transcriptional modulation enhances plant adaptive responses to arsenic stress
Authors: Singh Pradyumna Kumar , Indoliya Yuvraj , Chauhan Abhisekh Singh , Singh Surendra Pratap , Singh Amit Pal , Dwivedi Sanjay , Tripathi Rudra Deo , Chakrabarty Debasis 
Published: June 2017

AbstractArsenic (As) contamination in rice leads to yield decline and causes carcinogenic risk to human health. Although the role of nitric oxide (NO) in reducing As toxicity is known, NO-mediated genetic modulation in the plant during arsenic toxicity has not yet been established. We analyzed the key components of NO metabolism and the correlations between NO interaction and arsenic stress using rice as a relevant model plant. Illumina sequencing was used to investigate the NO-mediated genome-wide temporal transcriptomic modulation in rice root upon AsIII exposure during 12 days (d) of the growth period. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) was used as NO donor. SNP supplementation resulted in marked decrease in ROS, cell death and As accumulation during AsIII stress. NO was found to modulate metal transporters particularly NIP, NRAMP, ABC and iron transporters, stress related genes such as CytP450, GSTs, GRXs, TFs, amino acid, hormone(s), signaling and secondary metabolism genes involved in As detoxification. We detected NO-mediated change in jasmonic acid (JA) content during AsIII stress. The study infers that NO reduces AsIII toxicity through modulating regulatory networks involved in As detoxification and JA biosynthesis.
Residential radon exposure and brain cancer: an ecological study in a radon prone area (Galicia, Spain)
Authors: Ruano-Ravina Alberto , Aragonés Nuria , Kelsey Karl T. , Pérez-Ríos Mónica , Piñeiro-Lamas María , López-Abente Gonzalo , Barros-Dios Juan M. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractWe aimed to know if radon concentration is associated with municipal mortality due to brain cancer in Galicia, Spain. We designed an ecological study taking as study unit Galician municipalities. To be included, municipalities had to have at least three radon measurements. We correlated radon concentrations with municipal mortality due to these malignant tumors during the period 1999–2008. We calculated the relative risk of dying of brain cancers for each municipality and correlated this value with municipal radon concentration using Spearman’s Rho. 251 municipalities were included, with close to 3,500 radon measurements and an average of 14 radon measurements at each municipality. We observed a significant correlation between residential radon with brain cancer mortality for males and females and the intensity of the correlation was higher for females. These results were reinforced when the analysis was restricted to municipalities with more than 5 radon measurements: Spearman’s Rho 0.286 (p-value < 0.001) and Spearman’s Rho 0.509 (p-value < 0.001) for males and females, respectively. These results suggest an association between residential radon and brain cancer mortality. More research using more robust epidemiological designs is needed to confirm these findings.
Specific ablation of mouse Fam20C in cells expressing type I collagen leads to skeletal defects and hypophosphatemia
Authors: Liu Peihong , Ma Su , Zhang Hua , Liu Chao , Lu Yongbo , Chen Li , Qin Chunlin 
Published: June 2017

AbstractFAM20C mutations in humans cause Raine syndrome and our previous studies showed that global inactivation of mouse Fam20C led to bone and dental defects. By crossbreeding 2.3
kb Col 1a1-Cre mice with Fam20C
flox/flox
mice, we created 2.3
kb Col 1a1-Cre;Fam20C
foxl/flox
(cKO) mice, in which Fam20C was inactivated in cells expressing Type I collagen. This study showed that the long bones of cKO mice were shorter and had a lower level of mineralization compared to the normal mice. The collagen fibrils in Fam20C-deficient bone were disorganized and thicker while the growth plate cartilage in cKO mice was disorganized and wider compared to the normal mice. The Fam20C-deficient bone had a lower level of dentin matrix protein 1, and higher levels of osteopontin and bone sialoprotein than the normal. The blood of cKO mice had an elevated level of fibroblast growth factor 23 and reduced level of phosphorus. These findings indicate that inactivation of Fam20C in cells expressing type I collagen led to skeletal defects and hypophosphatemia. The altered levels of dentin matrix protein 1 and osteopontin in Fam20C-deficient bone may be significant contributors to the mineralized tissue defects in human patients and animals suffering from the functional loss of FAM20C.
Postprandial metabolic response of breast-fed infants and infants fed lactose-free vs regular infant formula: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Slupsky Carolyn M. , He Xuan , Hernell Olle , Andersson Yvonne , Rudolph Colin , Lönnerdal Bo , West Christina E. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractLactose intolerance is a major concern driving the growth of lactose-free foods including lactose-free infant formula. It is unknown what the metabolic consequence is of consumption of a formula where lactose has been replaced with corn syrup solids (CSS). Here, a randomized double-blinded intervention study was conducted where exclusively formula-fed infants were fed formula containing either lactose or CSS-based infant formula and compared with an equal number of exclusively breast-fed infants. Plasma metabolites and insulin were measured at baseline, 15, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min after feeding. Differences in plasma metabolite profiles for formula-fed infants included a rapid increase in circulating amino acids, creatinine and urea compared with breast-fed infants. At 120 min post-feeding, insulin was significantly elevated in formula-fed compared with breast-fed infants. Infants fed lactose-based formula had the highest levels of glucose at 120 min, and leucine, isoleucine, valine and proline at 90 and 120 min, whereas infants fed CSS-based formula had the lowest levels of non-esterified fatty acids at all time points, and glucose at 120 min. Overall, these differences highlight that changes in infant formula composition impact infant metabolism, and show that metabolomics is a powerful tool to help with development of improved infant formulas.
ZipA and FtsA* stabilize FtsZ-GDP miniring structures
Authors: Chen Yaodong , Huang Haiyan , Osawa Masaki , Erickson Harold P. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe cytokinetic division ring of Escherichia coli comprises filaments of FtsZ tethered to the membrane by FtsA and ZipA. Previous results suggested that ZipA is a Z-ring stabilizer, since in vitro experiments it is shown that ZipA enhanced FtsZ assembly and caused the filaments to bundles. However, this function of ZipA has been challenged by recent studies. First, ZipA-induced FtsZ bundling was not significant at pH greater than 7. Second, some FtsA mutants, such as FtsA* were able to bypass the need of ZipA. We reinvestigated the interaction of FtsZ with ZipA in vitro. We found that ZipA not only stabilized and bundled straight filaments of FtsZ-GTP, but also stabilized the highly curved filaments and miniring structures formed by FtsZ-GDP. FtsA* had a similar stabilization of FtsZ-GDP minirings. Our results suggest that ZipA and FtsA* may contribute to constriction by stabilizing this miniring conformation.
Effect of Visible Light on Vasospasticity of Post–Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Cerebrospinal Fluid
Authors: Omay Bulent , Aras Yavuz , Aydoseli Aydın , Ali Achmet , Erdem Tulin , Sencer Altay , Kiris Talat , Sabanci Pulat 
Published: June 2017

Background and Objective Cerebral vasospasm (CV) is a serious complication of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) with high morbidity and mortality rates. The mechanism of CV has not been determined. There are many theories related to this unsolved issue, one of which supports CV as a two-stage phenomenon from a pathophysiologic perspective. The first stage consists of inhibition of neuronal nitric oxide synthase by oxyhemoglobin, which results in a decrease of nitric oxide (NO) production. The second stage consists of an increase in the levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine through bilirubin oxidation products (BOXes), which are oxidized by-products of hemoglobin metabolism. These in turn inhibit endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), which results in the blockage of the second NO production mechanism. BOXes are sensitive to visible light, as is their precursor bilirubin. The hypothesis of CV prevention using the photosensitivity of BOXes was tested in this study.
Material and Methods Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) obtained from two patients with SAH was divided in half and either exposed to a standard dose of visible light or not exposed to any light. The CSF was spectrophotometrically investigated and the concentration of BOXes was measured. A comparison between CSF samples exposed to light and not exposed to light was made. Using two groups of 16 rats each, the vasospastic effect of the CSF exposed and not exposed to light on arteries of the cortical surface was measured. The cortex was exposed using the cranial window.
Results Spectrophotometric analysis revealed that the concentration of BOXes in the CSF decreased significantly after being exposed to visible light (p < 0.001). There was a significant difference of the vasospastic effect of CSF on exposed cortical arteries (p < 0.001).
Conclusion The concentration of BOXes and the vasospastic effect of CSF taken from patients with SAH were significantly reduced after being exposed to visible light if compared with CSF not exposed to light.
Novel (Oral) Anticoagulant Challenges in Surgery
Authors: Blennerhassett Richard , Favaloro Emmanuel , Pasalic Leonardo 
Published: June 2017

SummaryNon-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are a relatively recent therapeutic modality for the prevention of systemic thromboembolic complications of atrial fibrillation and the prevention and management of venous thromboembolic disease. Approved indications for this class of anticoagulants are likely to further expand as the results of ongoing and new clinical trials are published and clinical experience grows. Despite their convenience compared with traditional methods of anticoagulation, there remain a few potential pitfalls associated with their use in the perioperative setting. In particular, there is limited experience and evidence base regarding anticoagulant management in the perioperative setting, especially given the different NOACs available, which in turn are different from the classical anticoagulants. This narrative review synthesizes the recent advances in development of specific NOAC reversal agents and the understanding of the complexities of laboratory measurement of NOAC anticoagulant effects, and aims to provide practicing clinicians with basic evidence-based tools for perioperative management of patients taking NOACs.
Serum Concentration of Growth Differentiation Factor-15 Is Independently Associated with Global Platelet Function and Higher Fibrinogen Values in Adult Healthy Subjects
Authors: Salvagno Gian , Danese Elisa , Brocco Giorgio , Gelati Matteo , Montagnana Martina , Sanchis-Gomar Fabian , Favaloro Emmanuel , Lippi Giuseppe 
Published: June 2017

AbstractGrowth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) has recently emerged as a strong and independent predictor of cardiovascular events and mortality. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this important association remain speculative. This study was aimed to investigate the potential associations between the serum concentration of GDF-15 and clinical or laboratory parameters in a population of ostensibly healthy subjects. The study population consisted of 44 healthy volunteers enrolled from the laboratory staff (14 males and 30 females; mean age, 47 ± 11 years), who had their blood collected for assessing complete blood cell count, GDF-15, serum creatinine, albumin, cardiac troponin T, galectin-3, routine coagulation tests, D-dimer, von Willebrand factor, and platelet function testing using platelet function analyzer-100. In univariate analysis, serum GDF-15 was found to be positively associated with age and plasma fibrinogen, and negatively associated with renal function and collagen-epinephrine (CEPI). In multiple linear regression analysis, serum GDF-15 remained significantly associated with renal function, CEPI, and plasma fibrinogen. Healthy subjects with GDF-15 above the median value had a twofold probability of displaying shorter CEPI closure times. Taken together, these results suggest that higher serum values of GDF-15 may be associated with overall global platelet hyperactivity and increased plasma fibrinogen, so providing another plausible explanation for the association between GDF-15, cardiovascular events, and mortality.
Malaria in Children: Diagnostic Tools in Resource-Limited Settings
Authors: Jaturas Narong , Mahboob Tooba , Azman Nadiah , Tian-Chye Tan , Nissapatorn Veeranoot 
Published: June 2017

AbstractMalaria contributes to a major reason for the cause of fatality and serious health problems among children mainly in various parts of tropical Africa and Asia. The extraction of DNA plays a vital role in the diagnosis of this life-threatening parasite Plasmodium. Difficulties with existing extraction methods of DNA are increasing with time including detection limits, time duration, sensitivity, availability of chemicals, and cost. Consequently, there is now renewed interest in finding of novel methods for DNA extraction of Plasmodium. However, the extraction of DNA by using microwave irradiation is found to be most convenient and suitable due to its low-cost and usage of common chemical reagents especially for the children in poor resource settings. In addition, the low cost, noninvasive malaria diagnostics tests are needed to carry out particularly for children to avoid accidental infections which may happen due to drawing blood.
Safeguarding Infant Brains: A Multidisciplinary Challenge—Results of a Survey, Update on Current Scientific Evidence, and Recommendations on How to Deal with Possible Anesthetic Drug Neurotoxicity
Authors: Vlot John , Wijnen Rene , Weber Frank 
Published: June 2017

Introduction Potential neurotoxicity of anesthetic drugs has been among the most intensively discussed issue in pediatric anesthesia for more than 10 years. It remains unclear how far this discussion has reached the European pediatric surgical community. Our aim was to investigate the thoughts of pediatric surgeons regarding this topic. In addition, we provide an update on the current scientific evidence regarding neurotoxicity together with recommendations for clinical practice.
Materials and Methods A web-based survey to assess the thoughts of practicing European pediatric surgeons regarding neurotoxicity and how it may have influenced their daily practice of pediatric surgery was launched via the European Pediatric Surgeons' Association Web site.
Results A total of 72 responses could be analyzed. A majority of the respondents were interested in the topic but felt a need to further explore it. Thirty-one respondents have changed their daily practice of pediatric surgery due to potential anesthetic drug toxicity. Eighteen respondents reported to be concerned about neurotoxicity, 29 held a neutral position, and 8 were not concerned. Twenty-seven respondents found it a shared responsibility of the surgeon and the anesthesiologist to deal with the neurotoxicity issue. The majority of respondents found a necessity for further research on anesthetic drug neurotoxicity, assigning the highest priority to prospective longitudinal human studies and the lowest to animal studies.
Conclusion The neurotoxicity question has reached the pediatric surgical community. Currently available scientific data do not support the theory of anesthetic drug-induced neurotoxicity in young children. Recent interdisciplinary clinical research focuses on neurodevelopmental outcome after surgery in neonates and infants. The European Safe Anesthesia For Every Tot initiative suggests focusing on proper conduct of anesthesia in children rather than on possible anesthetic drug neurotoxicity.