bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential Effects of Retinoic Acid Concentrations in Regulating Blood–Brain Barrier Properties
Authors: Bonney Stephanie , Siegenthaler Julie A. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a multifaceted property of the brain vasculature that protects the brain and maintains homeostasis by tightly regulating the flux of ions, molecules, and cells across the vasculature. Blood vessels in the brain are formed by endothelial cells that acquire barrier properties, such as tight and adherens junctions, soon after the brain vasculature is formed. Endothelial WNT signaling is crucial to induce these BBB properties by regulating their expression and stabilization. Recent studies have implicated retinoic acid (RA) signaling in BBB development and shown that pharmacological concentrations of RA (≥5 µm) can induce BBB properties in cultured brain endothelial cells. However, a recent study demonstrated that RA inhibits endothelial WNT signaling during brain development, suggesting that RA does not promote BBB properties. We therefore investigated whether RA plays a physiological role in BBB development. We found that BBB function and junctional protein expression was unaffected in mouse mutants that have a reduced capacity to synthesize RA (Rdh10mutants). Furthermore, embryos exposed to a RA-enriched diet did not enhance BBB protein expression. Together, our data indicate that RA is not capable of inducing, nor is it required for, BBB protein expressionin vivo. Like other studies, we found that pharmacological concentrations of RA induce BBB genes in cultured murine brain endothelial cells, and this may involve activation of the LXR/RXR signaling pathway. Our data do not support a role for RA in BBB development, but confirm reports that pharmacological RA is a robust tool to induce BBB properties in culture.
Disruption of the Axonal Trafficking of Tyrosine Hydroxylase mRNA Impairs Catecholamine Biosynthesis in the Axons of Sympathetic Neurons
Authors: Aschrafi Armaz , Gioio Anthony E. , Dong Lijin , Kaplan Barry B. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractTyrosine hydroxylase (TH) is the enzyme that catalyzes the rate-limiting step in the biosynthesis of the catecholamine neurotransmitters. In a previous communication, evidence was provided that TH mRNA is trafficked to the axon, where it is locally translated. In addition, a 50-bp sequence element in the 3′untranslated region (3’UTR) of TH mRNA was identified that directs TH mRNA to distal axons (i.e., zip-code). In the present study, the hypothesis was tested that local translation of TH plays an important role in the biosynthesis of the catecholamine neurotransmitters in the axon and/or presynaptic nerve terminal. Toward this end, a targeted deletion of the axonal transport sequence element was developed, using the lentiviral delivery of the CRISPR/Cas9 system, and two guide RNA (gRNA) sequences flanking the 50-bpcis-acting regulatory element in rat superior cervical ganglion (SCG) neurons. Deletion of the axonal transport element reduced TH mRNA levels in the distal axons and reduced the axonal protein levels of TH and TH activity as measured by phosphorylation of SER40 in SCG neurons. Moreover, deletion of the zip-code diminished the axonal levels of dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE). Conversely, the local translation of exogenous TH mRNA in the distal axon enhanced TH levels and activity, and elevated axonal NE levels. Taken together, these results provide direct evidence to support the hypothesis that TH mRNA trafficking and local synthesis of TH play an important role in the synthesis of catecholamines in the axon and presynaptic terminal.
The Genetic Architecture of Ovariole Number inDrosophila melanogaster: Genes with Major, Quantitative, and Pleiotropic Effects
Authors: Lobell Amanda S , Kaspari Rachel R , Serrano Negron Yazmin L , Harbison Susan T 
Published: May 2017

AbstractOvariole number has a direct role in the number of eggs produced by an insect, suggesting that it is a key morphological fitness trait. Many studies have documented the variability of ovariole number and its relationship to other fitness and life-history traits in natural populations of Drosophila. However, the genes contributing to this variability are largely unknown. Here, we conducted a genome-wide association study of ovariole number in a natural population of flies. Using mutations and RNAi-mediated knockdown, we confirmed the effects of 24 candidate genes on ovariole number, including a novel gene, anneboleyn (formerly CG32000), that impacts both ovariole morphology and numbers of offspring produced. We also identified pleiotropic genes between ovariole number traits and sleep and activity behavior. While few polymorphisms overlapped between sleep parameters and ovariole number, 39 candidate genes were nevertheless in common. We verified the effects of seven genes on both ovariole number and sleep: bin3, blot, CG42389, kirre, slim, VAChT, and zfh1. Linkage disequilibrium among the polymorphisms in these common genes was low, suggesting that these polymorphisms may evolve independently.
Statistical Methods for Latent Class Quantitative Trait Loci Mapping
Authors: Ye Shuyun , Bacher Rhonda , Keller Mark P , Attie Alan D , Kendziorski Christina 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIdentifying the genetic basis of complex traits is an important problem with the potential to impact a broad range of biological endeavors. A number of effective statistical methods are available for quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping that allow for the efficient identification of multiple, potentially interacting, loci under a variety of experimental conditions. Although proven useful in hundreds of studies, the majority of these methods assumes a single model common to each subject, which may reduce power and accuracy when genetically distinct subclasses exist. To address this, we have developed an approach to enable latent class QTL mapping. The approach combines latent class regression with stepwise variable selection and traditional QTL mapping to estimate the number of subclasses in a population, and to identify the genetic model that best describes each subclass. Simulations demonstrate good performance of the method when latent classes are present as well as when they are not, with accurate estimation of QTL. Application of the method to case studies of obesity and diabetes in mouse gives insight into the genetic basis of related complex traits.
MULTICENTER ANALYSIS OF THE RESULTS OF APPLICATION OF DIRECT LATERAL INTERBODY FUSION (DLIF) AND TRANSCUTANEOUS TRANSPEDICULAR FIXATION IN PATIENTS WITH DEGENERATIVE DISC DISEASES OF THE LUMBAR SPINE
Authors: Byvaltsev V. A. , Kalinin A. A. , Akshulakov S. K. , Krivoshein A. E. , Kerimbayev T. T. , Stepanov I. A. 
Published: May 2017

Background: The technique of lateral lumbar interbody fusion for the surgical treatment of patients with degenerative diseases of the lumbar spine was developed in the early 2000s. But at the same time in modern literature there is no uniform approach to the use this technique, clinical outcomes and radiological findings are contradictory. Aims: to conduct a multicenter analysis of clinical outcomes and instrumental data of direct lateral interbody fusion (DLIF) approach combined with transcutaneous pedicle fixation in patients with single-level degenerative disc diseases of the lumbar spine. Materials and methods: The study included 103 patients (63 men and 40 women, mean age 45.8±9.7 years) who underwent surgery followed by DLIF transcutaneous pedicle fixation. The surgery was performed at neurosurgical and vertebrological departments in Irkutsk (Russia), Omsk (Russia), and Astana (Kazakhstan). Dynamic observation and comprehensive clinical and instrumental evaluation of the treatment results were carried out for an 18-month period after surgery. Results: After the simultaneous decompressive-stabilizing intervention, in all patients we detected a decrease in the severity of pain syndrome on VAS — from 6.9±1.6 to 1.7±1.2 cm (p0.001), and improved quality of life index (Oswestry) — from 21.3±6.8 to 12.3±4.4% (p0.001). The instrumental methods of examination determined the effective indirect decompression: an increase in the size of interbody gap in the middle of its department compared with the preoperative value from 8.6±3.1 to 15.7±4.2 mm (p0.001) and an increase in the area of the intervertebral foramen (on the left with an average of 98.7±32.3 and 156.8±45.1 mm2, p0.001; on the right —99.7±37.3 to 153.4±38.7 mm2, p0.001). We also registered the restoration of both the segmental (from 10.2±3.8 to 13.6±6.7°, p0.001) and regional (from 32.8±5.9 to 48.2±7.3°, р0.001) lumbar lordosis. Complete interbody fusion was diagnosed in 87 (86.4%) patients. Complications were observed in 8.7% of cases. Conclusions: DLIF technique combined with transcutaneous transpedicular stabilization has high clinical efficacy confirmed by significant reduction in the severity of pain according to VAS. The studied approach improves the quality of life of patients by Oswestry index and reveals a low number of postoperative complications. The described simultaneous minimally invasive method of surgical treatment in patients with degenerative disc diseases allows to restore the sagittal profile of the lumbar spine and implement an effective stabilization of the operated vertebral-motor segments with a high degree of formation of interbody bone block.
A Predictive Score for Thrombosis Associated with Breast, Colorectal, Lung, or Ovarian Cancer: The Prospective COMPASS–Cancer-Associated Thrombosis Study
Authors: Gerotziafas Grigoris T. , Taher Ali , Abdel-Razeq Hikmat , AboElnazar Essam , Spyropoulos Alex C. , El Shemmari Salem , Larsen Annette K. , Elalamy Ismail ,   on behalf of the COMPASS–CAT Working Group
Published: May 2017

Abstract

Background
The stratification of outpatients on chemotherapy for breast, colorectal, lung, and ovarian cancers at risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains an unmet clinical need. The derivation of a risk assessment model (RAM) for VTE in these patients was the aim of the study “Prospective Comparison of Methods for thromboembolic risk assessment with clinical Perceptions and AwareneSS in real life patients–Cancer Associated Thrombosis” (COMPASS–CAT).

Patients and Methods
The derivation cohort consisted of 1,023 outpatients. Patients on low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) thromboprophylaxis were excluded. Documented symptomatic VTE was the endpoint of the study.

Results
Patients had breast (61%), colorectal (17%), lung (13%), or ovarian cancer (8.6%) at localized (30%) or advanced stage (70%). In 64% of patients, cancer was diagnosed within the last 6 months prior to inclusion. Most of them were on chemotherapy when assessed. Symptomatic VTE occurred in 8.5% of patients. The COMPASS–CAT RAM includes the following variables: (a) anthracycline or anti-hormonal therapy, (b) time since cancer diagnosis, (c) central venous catheter, (d) stage of cancer, (e) presence of cardiovascular risk factors, (f) recent hospitalization for acute medical illness, (g) personal history of VTE, and (h) platelet count. At 6 months, patients stratified at low/intermediate and high-risk groups had VTE rates of 1.7% and 13.3%, respectively. The area under the curve of receiver operating characteristics analysis was 0.85. The sensitivity and specificity of the RAM were 88% and 52%, respectively. The negative and positive predictive values of the RAM were 98% and 13%, respectively.

Conclusion
The COMPASS–CAT RAM includes reliable and easily collected VTE risk predictors and, in contrast to the Khorana score, it is applicable after the initiation of anticancer treatment in patients with common solid tumors. Its robustness for stratification of patients at high and low/intermediate VTE risk needs to be externally validated.
Localized Adult Ewing Sarcoma: Favorable Outcomes with Alternating Vincristine, Doxorubicin, Cyclophosphamide, and Ifosfamide, Etoposide (VDC/IE)-Based Multimodality Therapy
Authors: Pretz Jennifer L. , Barysauskas Constance M. , George Suzanne , Hornick Jason L. , Raut Chandrajit. P. , Chen Yen-Lin E. , Marcus Karen J. , Choy Edwin , Hornicek Francis , Ready John E. , DeLaney Thomas F. , Baldini Elizabeth H. 
Published: May 2017

Abstract

Background
In children with localized Ewing sarcoma (ES), addition of ifosfamide and etoposide to cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and vincristine (VDC/IE) improved 5-year overall survival (OS) to 70%–80%. Prior to delivery of VDC/IE in adults, 5-year OS was &lt;50%. We reviewed our institutional outcomes for adults with ES who received VDC/IE-based treatment.

Materials and Methods
Between 1997–2013, 67 adults with localized ES were treated with curative intent. Local recurrence-free survival (LRFS), progression-free survival (PFS), and OS were determined using Kaplan-Meier method; comparisons were assessed with log-rank. Proportional hazard models were used to determine predictive factors.

Results
All patients received VDC/IE (median 14 cycles.) Local therapy was surgery for 33, radiation therapy for 17, or both for 17. Median follow-up for living patients was 5.2 years. Six patients had disease progression on therapy. Site of first failure was local for three, local and distant for two, and distant for ten. Five-year LRFS was 91%; 5-year LRFS was 96% for nonpelvic disease and 64% for pelvic disease (p = .003). Five-year PFS was 66%, and 5-year OS was 79%. On multivariate analysis, pelvic site had a 3.3 times increased risk of progression (p = .01).

Conclusion
Survival for adults with localized ES treated with VDC/IE-based multimodality therapy appears to be better than historical data and similar to excellent outcomes in children. Pelvic site of disease remains a predictor of worse outcome. Given the paucity of literature for adult ES, these data help validate VDC/IE-based therapy as an appropriate treatment approach for this rare disease in adults.
The Impact of a Hepatobiliary Multidisciplinary Team Assessment in Patients with Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Engstrand Jennie , Kartalis Nikolaos , Strömberg Cecilia , Broberg Mats , Stillström Anna , Lekberg Tobias , Jonas Eduard , Freedman Jacob , Nilsson Henrik 
Published: May 2017

Abstract

Background
Assessing patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLM) by a liver multidisciplinary team (MDT) results in higher resection rates and improved survival. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potentially improved resection rate in a defined cohort if all patients with CRCLM were evaluated by a liver MDT.

Patients and Methods
A retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer during 2008 in the greater Stockholm region was conducted. All patients with liver metastases (LM), detected during 5-year follow-up, were re-evaluated at a fictive liver MDT in which previous imaging studies, tumor characteristics, medical history, and patients’ own treatment preferences were presented. Treatment decisions for each patient were compared to the original management. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals were estimated for factors associated with referral to the liver MDT.

Results
Of 272 patients diagnosed with LM, 102 patients were discussed at an original liver MDT and 69 patients were eventually resected. At the fictive liver MDT, a further 22 patients were considered as resectable/potentially resectable, none previously assessed by a hepatobiliary surgeon. Factors influencing referral to liver MDT were age (OR 3.12, 1.72–5.65), American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) score (OR 0.34, 0.18–0.63; ASA 2 vs. ASA 3), and number of LM (OR 0.10, 0.04–0.22; 1–5 LM vs. &gt;10 LM), while gender (p = .194) and treatment at a teaching hospital (p = .838) were not.

Conclusion
A meaningful number of patients with liver metastases are not managed according to best available evidence and the potential for higher resection rates is substantial.
DESTINO DOS ANIMAIS SILVESTRES RECEBIDOS PELO CRIADOURO CONSERVACIONISTA DA UNIVERSIDADE DO VALE DO PARAÍBA
Authors: Oliveira Terezinha Fátima , Souza Marcellus P , Vlahovic Maiara , Lopes Karla Andressa Ruiz , De Campos Velho Nádia Maria Rodrigues 
Published: June 2017

A fauna silvestre vem sendo ameaçada pela constante retirada de animais da natureza. Como uma possibilidade de minimizar o problema foram criados empreendimentos que visam a conservação ex situ da fauna, fazendo a recepção, tratamento e reabilitação. O levantamento dos dados a respeito do recebimento e das reintroduções de animais silvestres foi realizado a partir da movimentação do plantel durante os anos de 2012 a 2014. No período amostrado o recebimento de animais totalizou em 3.270 exemplares, sendo 5,44% répteis, 83,42% aves e 11,14% mamíferos. No mesmo período foram reintroduzidos 2.798 animais, sendo 7,58% répteis, 82,02% aves e 10,40% mamíferos. Levando-se em consideração os dados apresentados observa-se que foram repatriados na natureza 85,56% dos animais recebidos de 2012 a 2014, indicando um sucesso das reabilitações e na colaboração da conservação das espécies de animais silvestres.
PROGRAMA A UNIÃO FAZ A VIDA, CONSTRUINDO VALORES
Authors: Bongiovani Anair 
Published: June 2017

Resumo - O presente artigo tem como objetivo analisar alguns projetos do programa “A União Faz a Vida”, programa este desenvolvido pala Fundação SICREDI, a partir de 1995 em diferentes escolas no território nacional. No ano de 2015 esteve presente em 249 municípios, atendendo aproximadamente 215.750 crianças e adolescentes, 17.807 educadores, está presente em 1.368 escolas. A análise aconteceu de forma qualitativa, sendo realizada a partir da leitura de diferentes projetos disponíveis no site da Fundação SICREDI, envolvendo escolas de diferentes regiões do Brasil. Por se tratar de um projeto que possui um grande número de participantes, optou-se pela análise de 5 projetos, levando em conta a região onde os mesmos foram aplicados, procurando selecionar cada um de um estado brasileiro. Todos os projetos analisados neste artigo estão publicados na página on-line do Programa A união Faz a Vida, mantido pela Fundação SICREDI.
A TEMÁTICA MEDICAMENTOS COMO CONTEXTO NO ENSINO DE QUÍMICA EM UMA ESCOLA PÚBLICA DE UBÁ-MG
Authors: Carias Tatiane Rocha , Corrêa Taís Arthur , Angelo Aline Aparecida 
Published: June 2017

A temática Medicamentos apresenta uma proposta interessante para o ensino de Química quando aplicados de forma contextualizada. O objetivo deste trabalho é a inserção do tema “medicamentos” como uma ferramenta para explicar funções orgânicas, relacionando o conteúdo de química com a automedicação, consumo excessivo e descarte de medicamento. Durante o desenvolvimento deste trabalho pode-se perceber maior participação dos alunos quando contextualizado com assuntos de seu cotidiano.
Role of insulin in management of type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Patil Sujay S. , Mehta Manthan , Thakare Vaishali , Shende Shrikrishna , Shirure Prashant A. , Swami Onkar C. 
Published: May 2017

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and its resultant morbidity and mortality is rapidly increasing. An important factor in reducing the microvascular complications of diabetes is strict glycemic control. Most patients require additional insulin therapy in spite of regularly taking oral anti-diabetic drugs. Though classically used later in the natural course of the disease, newer treatment guidelines suggest early initiation of insulin analogues. The discovery of insulin has been hailed as one of the most dramatic events in the history of diabetes, improving the life-span of most diabetics. Replacement insulin therapy should mimic physiological insulin release patterns. Modern insulin and its analogues have been developed to serve as an ideal replacement therapy. There are various insulin preparations available in the market and each of them has their own advantages and disadvantages. The modern insulin’s have been developed to overcome certain side effects of the older preparations. A range of insulin products are under development that aim to increase absorption prolong action and provide alternative delivery methods. Greater patient adherence is important since most patients are reticent about insulin therapy. This review describes the role of insulin in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Hypokalemia in hospitalized patients in tertiary care teaching hospital Belagavi, Karnataka, India: a retrospective study
Authors: Lokapur Anand , Badiger Raju , Somannavar Manjunath 
Published: May 2017

Background: Hypokalemia is well known condition in which serum potassium levels falls less than the normal level (normal range 3.5 to 5.1mmol/L). It has adverse effect on cardiac rhythm, blood pressure.1 The objective of the study was to look for causes and associated factors of hypokalemia.Methods: Patients age, sex, potassium value and primary diagnosis of hypokalemia patients collected from tertiary care teaching hospital retrospectively. Hypokalemia patients are classified based on the severity of hypokalemia, age, sex and primary diagnosis. Results: Study reveals that both males and females are equally affected by hypokalemia, individuals with age between 40 to 60 are most affected and less than 20 are least affected by hypokalemia.Conclusions: Hypokalemia is significantly associated with gastrointestinal and genitourinary disorders when compared with other disorders.
A study evaluating the awareness among general population towards common medical emergencies
Authors: Naqash Mohd Mubarik , Salati Sajad Ahmad , Bhat Arif Nabi , Akram Waseem , Gulzar Ishfaq 
Published: May 2017

Background: Basic life support has been found to be lifesaving in common medical emergencies. The level of awareness about emergency care in general population and the approach of the common people with regards to common medical emergencies is an important determinant of positive outcome.Methods: This study was conducted in 445 participants randomly selected from visitors of our outpatient department, to study the awareness in general public about the medical emergencies and basic life support skills.Results: This study was conducted in 445 participants randomly selected from visitors of our outpatient department, to study the awareness in general public about the medical emergencies and basic life support skills.Conclusions: Awareness about common medical emergencies is low in general public and there is a need to devise strategies to improve this awareness.