bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pannexin1 links lymphatic function to lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis
Authors: Molica Filippo , Meens Merlijn J. , Dubrot Juan , Ehrlich Avigail , Roth Christel L. , Morel Sandrine , Pelli Graziano , Vinet Laurent , Braunersreuther Vincent , Ratib Osman , Chanson Marc , Hugues Stephanie , Scemes Eliana , Kwak Brenda R. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractExtracellular ATP is a central signaling molecule in inflammatory responses. Pannexin1 (Panx1) channels release ATP in a controlled manner and have been implicated in various inflammatory pathologies, but their role in atherogenesis remains elusive. Using atherosclerosis-susceptible mouse models with ubiquitous deletion of Panx1 (Panx1
−/−
Apoe
−/−
) or with Cre recombinase-mediated deletion of Panx1 in endothelial cells and monocytes (Tie2-Cre
Tg
Panx1
fl/fl
Apoe
−/−
; Panx1
del
Apoe
−/−
), we identified a novel role for Panx1 in the lymphatic vasculature. Atherosclerotic lesion development in response to high-cholesterol diet was enhanced in Panx1
del
Apoe
−/−
mice, pointing to an atheroprotective role for Panx1 in endothelial and/or monocytic cells. Unexpectedly, atherogenesis was not changed in mice with ubiquitous Panx1 deletion, but Panx1
−/−
Apoe
−/−
mice displayed reduced body weight, serum cholesterol, triglycerides and free fatty acids, suggesting altered lipid metabolism in these Panx1-deficient mice. Mechanistically, Panx1
−/−
Apoe
−/−
mice showed impairment of lymphatic vessel function with decreased drainage of interstitial fluids and reduced dietary fat absorption. Thus, the detrimental effect of Panx1 deletion in endothelial and/or monocytic cells during atherogenesis is counterbalanced by an opposite effect resulting from impaired lymphatic function in ubiquitous Panx1-deficient mice. Collectively, our findings unveil a pivotal role of Panx1 in linking lymphatic function to lipid metabolism and atherosclerotic plaque development.
Automatic auditory and somatosensory brain responses in relation to cognitive abilities and physical fitness in older adults
Authors: Strömmer Juho M. , Põldver Nele , Waselius Tomi , Kirjavainen Ville , Järveläinen Saara , Björksten Sanni , Tarkka Ina M. , Astikainen Piia 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIn normal ageing, structural and functional changes in the brain lead to an altered processing of sensory stimuli and to changes in cognitive functions. The link between changes in sensory processing and cognition is not well understood, but physical fitness is suggested to be beneficial for both. We recorded event-related potentials to somatosensory and auditory stimuli in a passive change detection paradigm from 81 older and 38 young women and investigated their associations with cognitive performance. In older adults also associations to physical fitness were studied. The somatosensory mismatch response was attenuated in older adults and it associated with executive functions. Somatosensory P3a did not show group differences, but in older adults, it associated with physical fitness. Auditory N1 and P2 responses to repetitive stimuli were larger in amplitude in older than in young adults. There were no group differences in the auditory mismatch negativity, but it associated with working memory capacity in young but not in older adults. Our results indicate that in ageing, changes in stimulus encoding and deviance detection are observable in electrophysiological responses to task-irrelevant somatosensory and auditory stimuli, and the higher somatosensory response amplitudes are associated with better executive functions and physical fitness.
The recovery status from delayed graft function can predict long-term outcome after deceased donor kidney transplantation
Authors: Lee Juhan , Song Seung Hwan , Lee Jee Youn , Kim Deok Gie , Lee Jae Geun , Kim Beom Seok , Kim Myoung Soo , Huh Kyu Ha 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe effect of delayed graft function (DGF) recovery on long-term graft outcome is unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the association of DGF recovery status with long-term outcome. We analyzed 385 recipients who underwent single kidney transplantation from brain-dead donors between 2004 and 2015. Patients were grouped according to renal function at 1 month post-transplantation: control (without DGF); recovered DGF (glomerular filtration rate [GFR] ≥ 30 mL/min/1.73 m2); and incompletely recovered DGF group (GFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2). DGF occurred in 104 of 385 (27%) recipients. Of the DGF patients, 70 recovered from DGF and 34 incompletely recovered from DGF. Death-censored graft survival rates for control, recovered DGF, and incompletely recovered DGF groups were 95.3%, 94.7%, and 80.7%, respectively, at 5 years post-transplantation (P = 0.003). Incompletely recovered DGF was an independent risk factor for death-censored graft loss (HR = 3.410, 95%CI, 1.114-10.437). DGF was associated with increased risk for patient death regardless of DGF recovery status. Mean GFRs at 5 years were 65.5 ± 20.8, 62.2 ± 27.0, and 45.8 ± 15.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 for control, recovered, and incompletely recovered DGF groups, respectively (P < 0.001). Control group and recovered DGF patients had similar renal outcomes. However, DGF was associated with increased risk for patient death regardless of DGF recovery status.
Nucleotide and receptor density modulate binding of bacterial division FtsZ protein to ZipA containing lipid-coated microbeads
Authors: Sobrinos-Sanguino Marta , Zorrilla Silvia , Monterroso Begoña , Minton Allen P. , Rivas Germán 
Published: October 2017

AbstractZipA protein from Escherichia coli is one of the essential components of the division proto-ring that provides membrane tethering to the septation FtsZ protein. A sedimentation assay was used to measure the equilibrium binding of FtsZ-GDP and FtsZ-GTP to ZipA immobilized at controlled densities on the surface of microbeads coated with a phospholipid mixture resembling the composition of E. coli membrane. We found that for both nucleotide-bound species, the amount of bound FtsZ exceeds the monolayer capacity of the ZipA immobilized beads at high concentrations of free FtsZ. In the case of FtsZ-GDP, equilibrium binding does not appear to be saturable, whereas in the case of FtsZ-GTP equilibrium binding appears to be saturable. The difference between the two modes of binding is attributed to the difference between the composition of oligomers of free FtsZ-GDP and free FtsZ-GTP formed in solution.
The Staphylococcus aureus extracellular matrix protein (Emp) has a fibrous structure and binds to different extracellular matrices
Authors: Geraci Jennifer , Neubauer Svetlana , Pöllath Christine , Hansen Uwe , Rizzo Fabio , Krafft Christoph , Westermann Martin , Hussain Muzaffar , Peters Georg , Pletz Mathias W. , Löffler Bettina , Makarewicz Oliwia , Tuchscherr Lorena 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe extracellular matrix protein Emp of Staphylococcus aureus is a secreted adhesin that mediates interactions between the bacterial surface and extracellular host structures. However, its structure and role in staphylococcal pathogenesis remain unknown. Using multidisciplinary approaches, including circular dichroism (CD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, transmission electron (TEM) and immunogold transmission electron microscopy, functional ELISA assays and in silico techniques, we characterized the Emp protein. We demonstrated that Emp and its truncated forms bind to suprastructures in human skin, cartilage or bone, among which binding activity seems to be higher for skin compounds. The binding domain is located in the C-terminal part of the protein. CD spectroscopy revealed high contents of β-sheets (39.58%) and natively disordered structures (41.2%), and TEM suggested a fibrous structure consisting of Emp polymers. The N-terminus seems to be essential for polymerization. Due to the uncommonly high histidine content, we suggest that Emp represents a novel type of histidine-rich protein sharing structural similarities to leucine-rich repeats proteins as predicted by the I-TASSER algorithm. These new findings suggest a role of Emp in infections of deeper tissue and open new possibilities for the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
A trade-off between cognitive and physical performance, with relative preservation of brain function
Authors: Longman Daniel , Stock Jay T. , Wells Jonathan C. K. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractDebate surrounds the issue of how the large, metabolically expensive brains ofHomo sapienscan be energetically afforded. At the evolutionary level, decreased investment in muscularity, adiposity and the digestive tract allow for a larger brain. Developmentally, high neo-natal adiposity and preferential distribution of resources to the brain provide an energetic buffer during times of environmental stress. Through an experimental design, we investigated the hypothesis of a trade-off involving brain and muscle at the acute level in humans. Mental performance was measured by a free-recall test, and physical performance by power output on an indoor rowing ergometer. Sixty-two male student rowers performed the two tests in isolation, and then again simultaneously. Paired samplest-tests revealed that both power output and mental performance reduced when tested together compared to in isolation (t(61) = 9.699, p < 0.001 andt(61) = 8.975, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the decrease in physical performance was greater than the decrease in mental performance (t(61) = −2.069, p = 0.043). This is the first investigation to demonstrate an acute level trade-off between these two functions, and provides support for the selfish brain hypothesis due to the relative preservation of cognitive function over physical power output. The underlying mechanism is unclear, and requires further work.
Membrane binding of the insertion sequence of Proteus vulgaris L-amino acid deaminase stabilizes protein structure and increases catalytic activity
Authors: Ju Yingchen , Liu Zhihong , Zhang Zizhen , Duan Lijun , Liu Qi , Gu Qiong , Zhang Cheng , Xu Jun , Zhou Huihao 
Published: October 2017

AbstractProteus vulgarisL-amino acid deaminase (pvLAAD) belongs to a class of bacterial membrane-bound LAADs mainly express in genusProteus,ProvidenciaandMorganella. These LAADs employ a non-cleavable N-terminal twin-arginine translocation (Tat) peptide to transport across membrane and bind to bacterial surface. Recent studies revealed that a hydrophobic insertion sequence (INS) in these LAADs also interacts with bacterial membrane. However, the functional significance of INS-membrane interaction is not clear. In this study, we made site-directed mutagenesis on the surface-exposed hydrophobic residues ofpvLAAD INS, and we found that these mutations impaired the INS-membrane interaction but did not affectpvLAAD activity in the solution. We further found that when cell membrane is present, the catalytic activity can be increased by 8~10 folds for wild-type but not INS-mutatedpvLAAD, indicating that the INS-membrane interaction is necessary for increasing activity ofpvLAAD. Molecular dynamic (MD) simulations suggested that INS is flexible in the solution, and its conformational dynamics could lead to substrate channel distortion. Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy experiments indicated that bacterial membrane was able to maintain the conformation of INS. Our study suggests the function of the membrane binding of INS is to stabilizepvLAAD structure and increase its catalytic activity.
Contrasting glacier responses to recent climate change in high-mountain Asia
Authors: Sakai Akiko , Fujita Koji 
Published: October 2017

AbstractRecent studies of Asian glaciers have shown that glaciers in eastern Karakoram and West Kunlun have been slightly gaining mass while those in nearby Jammu Kashmir and Himalayas are losing mass, at rates of more than 0.5 m w.e.yr−1 and about 0.3 m w.e.yr−1, respectively. Two possible explanations have been proposed for this difference in glacier behaviour: spatial heterogeneity in climate change (climatic forcing) or differing glacier responses to climate change (glacier response). However, neither explanation has strong supporting evidence. Here, we examine the glacial response by calculating the mass-balance sensitivity to temperature change in high-mountain Asia. In support of the glacier-response explanation, we find a strong correlation between observed glacier surface-elevation changes and mass-balance sensitivity of glaciers. The high coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.61) suggests that spatially heterogeneous mass-balance sensitivity has more explanatory power than regionally different climate change for the recent contrasting glacier fluctuations in the high mountain Asia.
Robotics and Reproductive Surgery
Authors: Waldman Ian , Gargiulo Antonio , Estes Stephanie 
Published: October 2017

AbstractRobotic technology applied to laparoscopy augments the armamentarium of the reproductive specialist. Uterine leiomyomas, adenomyosis, endometriosis, adnexal masses, sterilization reversal, and fertility preservation techniques can all be addressed with a robotic surgery skill set. Additionally, new approaches with single site and natural orifice surgery will continue to maximize advanced opportunities for safe, effective, and cosmetically conscious (patient-centered) approaches to surgical care. Enhanced postoperative recovery pathways are fully adaptable to these robotic procedures and improve patient acceptability while controlling costs.
Best Practices in Counseling Young Female Cancer Survivors on Reproductive Health
Authors: Shliakhtsitsava Ksenya , Suresh Deepika , Hadnott Tracy , Su H. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIn the United States, there are more than 400,000 girls and young women of reproductive-age with a history of cancer. Cancer treatments including surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation can adversely impact their reproductive health. This review discusses infertility, contraception, and adverse pregnancy and child health outcomes in reproductive-aged cancer survivors, to increase awareness of these health risks for survivors and their health care providers. Infertility rates are modestly higher, while rates of using contraception and using highly effective contraceptive methods are lower in cancer survivors than in women without a history of cancer. During pregnancy, preterm births are also more common in survivors, resulting in more low-birth-weight offspring. Children of cancer survivors do not have more childhood cancers, birth defects, or chromosomal abnormalities than the general population, with the exception of families with hereditary cancer. Reproductive risks in survivors depend on cancer treatment exposures. For example, women with prior abdominal or pelvic radiation have additional risks of spontaneous abortions, small-for-gestational-age offspring and stillbirths, while those with prior chest radiation or anthracycline exposures have higher risks of cardiomyopathy. To help survivors achieve their reproductive goals safely, family planning and preconception counseling are central to survivorship care.
Does Postoperative Anticoagulation Therapy Lead to a Higher Success Rate for Microvascular Free-Tissue Transfer in the Head and Neck? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liu Jinglong , Shi Quan , Yang Shuo , Liu Bo , Guo Bin , Xu Juan 
Published: October 2017

Background Due to limited evidence, it is unclear whether postoperative anticoagulation therapy may lead to higher success rates for microvascular free-flap surgery in the head and neck. This review evaluated whether postoperative anticoagulation therapy can lead to a better result in head and neck reconstruction.
Methods PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were used to search for articles on the efficacy of postoperative antithrombotic therapy in free-flap transfer during head and neck reconstruction without language restrictions in February of 2017. A random-effects model was used to estimate the relative risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The measured outcomes were flap loss, thromboembolic events, and hematoma formation.
Results A total of 2,048 free-flap surgery procedures in the head and neck were analyzed. There was no significant difference in the occurrence of flap loss and thromboembolic events in the anticoagulation group compared with the nonanticoagulation group (RR = 1.25, 95% CI = 0.85–1.81, p = 0.26; and RR = 1.05, 95% CI = 0.74–1.48, p = 0.79, respectively). The risk of hematoma was twice as high in the anticoagulation group than the nonanticoagulation group, which was statistically significant (RR = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.08–3.76, p = 0.03).
Conclusion The findings from our meta-analysis indicate that postoperative anticoagulation therapy barely decreases the risks of flap loss and thromboembolic events in free-flap surgery in the head and neck. However, it may significantly increase the risk of hematoma formation. Considering the limitations of this meta-analysis, additional high-quality, multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Fresh versus Frozen Embryo Transfer in PCOS: Arguments for and Against
Authors: Wei Daimin , Chen Zi-Jiang , Ma Jinlong 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIn vitro fertilization (IVF) is a common infertility treatment for women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) who have failed to conceive in ovulation induction and who have other concomitant infertility factors. Women with PCOS tend to have an excess response to ovarian stimulation during IVF. Freeze-all strategy with deferred frozen embryo transfer was initially used to prevent ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in patients with a high risk. New evidence from randomized trials showed elective frozen embryo transfer in PCOS women with a low risk of OHSS could also lower the incidence of OHSS, improve live birth rate mainly by decreasing pregnancy loss, and increase birth weight of singleton infants compared with fresh embryo transfer. However, the risk of preeclampsia was higher after frozen than fresh embryo transfer. Observational studies and limited randomized trials showed the risks of other obstetric outcomes and long-term safety profile after frozen embryo transfers were at least as good as that after fresh embryo transfer. Summarily, current evidence showed elective freeze-all and frozen embryo transfer is generally superior to fresh embryo transfer to achieve live birth in women with PCOS; however, its effect on obstetric outcome and long-term outcome warrants further studies.
Prevention of multidrug-resistant infections from contaminated duodenoscopes: Position Statement of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) and European Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (ESGENA)
Authors: Beilenhoff Ulrike , Biering Holger , Blum Reinhard , Brljak Jadranka , Cimbro Monica , Dumonceau Jean-Marc , Hassan Cesare , Jung Michael , Neumann Christiane , Pietsch Michael , Pineau Lionel , Ponchon Thierry , Rejchrt Stanislav , Rey Jean-François , Schmidt Verona , Tillett Jayne , van Hooft Jeanin 
Published: October 2017

Patients should be informed about the benefits and risks of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)Only specially trained and competent personnel should carry out endoscope reprocessing.Manufacturers of duodenoscopes should provide detailed instructions on how to use and reprocess their equipment.In the case of modifications to their equipment, manufacturers should provide updated instructions for use.Detailed reprocessing protocols based on the manufacturer’s instructions for use should clearly lay out the different reprocessing steps necessary for each endoscope model.Appropriate cleaning equipment should be used for duodenoscopes in compliance with the manufacturer’s instructions for use. Only purpose-designed, endoscope type-specific, single-use cleaning brushes should be used, to ensure optimal cleaning. As soon as the endoscope is withdrawn from the patient, bedside cleaning should be performed, followed by leak testing, thorough manual cleaning steps, and automated reprocessing, in order to:In addition to the leak test, visual inspection of the distal end as well as regular maintenance of duodenoscopes should be performed according to the manufacturer’s instructions for use, in order to detect any damage at an early stage.The entire reprocessing procedure in endoscope washer-disinfectors (EWDs) should be validated according to the European and International Standard, EN ISO 15883. Routine technical tests of EWDs should be performed according to the validation reports.Microbiological surveillance of a proportion of the department’s endoscopes should be performed every 3 months, with the requirement that all endoscopes used in the unit are tested at least once a year.In the case of suspected endoscopy-related infection, the relevant device (e. g., endoscope, EWD) should be taken out of service until adequate corrective actions have been taken. Outbreaks should be managed by a multidisciplinary team, including endoscopy, hygiene, and microbiology experts, manufacturers, and regulatory bodies, according to national standards and/or laws. In the case of suspected multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) outbreaks, close cooperation between the endoscopy unit and the clinical health provider is essential (including infection control departments and hospital hygienists).
Chemical transferability of functional groups follows from the nearsightedness of electronic matter
Authors: Fias Stijn , Heidar-Zadeh Farnaz , Geerlings Paul , Ayers Paul W. 
Published: October 2017

Significance
The empirically observed transferability of functional groups is shown to follow from Kohn’s nearsightedness principle for electron density. To show this, we analytically calculated and analyzed the softness kernel for molecules. The relevance of this work touches on physics (the nearsightedness principle), molecular chemistry and materials science (chemical transferability and similarity), and computer science (machine-learning approaches for pharmaceutical and materials design).
Ligand-induced conformational dynamics of the
Escherichia coli
Na
+
/H
+
antiporter NhaA revealed by hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry
Authors: Eisinger Martin Lorenz , Dörrbaum Aline Ricarda , Michel Hartmut , Padan Etana , Langer Julian David 
Published: October 2017

Significance
Sodium ion/proton antiporters exchange sodium ions against protons across the membrane and are thereby essential for ion homeostasis inside living cells. The bacterial sodium ion/proton antiporter NhaA is the most important working model for this class of proteins. However, the structure of NhaA has only been determined at low pH where it is inactive. Nonetheless, different models were proposed for the mechanism of antiport. Here, we analyzed the conformational changes of unmodified NhaA upon ligand binding at physiological pH. We utilized hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry to monitor conformational changes of the entire protein. We observed that, upon ligand binding, NhaA undergoes a conformational change consisting of two movements, and propose a model that reconciles apparently conflicting data in the field.
PAF1 complex component Leo1 helps recruit
Drosophila
Myc to promoters
Authors: Gerlach Jennifer M. , Furrer Michael , Gallant Maria , Birkel Dirk , Baluapuri Apoorva , Wolf Elmar , Gallant Peter 
Published: October 2017

Significance
We identify the PAF1 complex component Leo1 as a factor that helps recruit Myc to its target genes. In particular when Myc is overexpressed, Leo1 becomes limiting for transcriptional regulation by Myc.