bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Local microRNA‐133a downregulation is associated with hypertrophy in the dyssynchronous heart
Authors: van Middendorp Lars B. , Kuiper Marion , Munts Chantal , Wouters Philippe , Maessen Jos G. , van Nieuwenhoven Frans A. , Prinzen Frits W. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAimsLeft bundle branch block (LBBB) creates considerable regional differences in mechanical load within the left ventricle (LV). We investigated expression of selected microRNAs (miRs) in relation to regional hypertrophy and fibrosis in LBBB hearts and their reversibility upon cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).Methods and resultsEighteen dogs were followed for 4 months after induction of LBBB, 10 of which received CRT after 2 months. Five additional dogs served as control. LV geometric changes were determined by echocardiography and myocardial strain by magnetic resonance imaging tagging. Expression levels of miRs, their target genes: connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), serum response factor (SRF), nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFATc4), and cardiomyocyte diameter and collagen deposition were measured in the septum and LV free wall (LVfw). In LBBB hearts, LVfw and septal systolic circumferential strain were 200% and 50% of control, respectively. This coincided with local hypertrophy in the LVfw. MiR‐133a expression was reduced by 33% in the LVfw, which corresponded with a selective increase of CTGF expression in the LVfw (279% of control). By contrast, no change was observed in SRF and NFATc4 expression was decreased in LBBB hearts. CRT normalized strain patterns and reversed miR‐133a and CTGF expression towards normal, expression of other miRs, related to remodelling, such as miR‐199b and miR‐155f, were not affected.ConclusionsIn the clinically relevant large animal model of LBBB, a close inverse relation exists between local hypertrophy and miR‐133a. Reduced miR‐133a correlated with increased CTGF levels but not with SRF and NFATc4.
Bioelectrochemical Systems for Measuring Microbial Cellular Functions
Authors: Selim Hend M. M. , Kamal Ahmed M. , Ali Dina M. M. , Hassan Rabeay Y. A. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIn bioelectrochemical systems (BESs), living microorganisms are capable of converting the chemical energy of degradable organic matters into bioelectricity. The electrical current outputs are dependent on the microbial cell viability and the biodegradation rates. Therefore, monitoring the current generative through the BES is promising for the microbial activity assessments. As compared to conventional microbiological methods, BESs are considered as non‐invasive techniques that offer rapid and sensitive detection of cellular functions (extra‐ and/or intracellular). Therefore, several progressions were made in the last 100 years in order to develop effective BESs. In this review, the involvements of materials sciences, microbiology, and electrochemistry in the effective designing and developments of BESs were intensively discussed. Due to the nanotechnology revolutions, manipulation of electrode materials led to the creation of different BES generations. Therefore, the impact of nanomaterials on the developments of the second and third generations of BESs is still the outlook of this promising research area.
High‐frequency oscillations detected in ECoG recordings correlate with cavernous malformation and seizure‐free outcome in a child with focal epilepsy: A case report
Authors: Liu Su , Quach Michael M. , Curry Daniel J. , Ummat Monika , Seto Elaine , Ince Nuri F. 
Published: April 2017

SummaryEpilepsy associated with cavernous malformation (CM) often requires surgical resection of seizure focus to achieve seizure‐free outcome. High‐frequency oscillations (HFOs) in intracranial electroencephalogram (EEG) are reported as potential biomarkers of epileptogenic regions, but to our knowledge there are no data on the existence of HFOs in CM‐caused epilepsy. Here we report our experience of the identification of the seizure focus in a 3‐year‐old pediatric patient with intractable epilepsy associated with CM. The electrocorticographic recordings were obtained from a 64‐contact grid over 2 days in the epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU). The spatial distribution of HFOs and epileptic spikes were estimated from recording segments right after the electrode placement, during sleep and awake states separately. The HFO distribution showed consistency with the perilesional region; the location of spikes varied over days and did not correlate with the lesion. The HFO spatial distribution was more compact in sleep state and pinpointed the contacts sitting on the CM border. Following the resection of the CM and the hemosiderin ring, the patient became seizure‐free. This is the first report describing HFOs in a pediatric patient with intractable epilepsy associated with CM and shows their potential in identifying the seizure focus.
Distinct prognostic roles and heterogeneity of TTF1 copy number and TTF1 protein expression in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Yoshimura Katsuhiro , Inoue Yusuke , Mori Kazutaka , Iwashita Yuji , Kahyo Tomoaki , Kawase Akikazu , Tanahashi Masayuki , Ogawa Hiroshi , Inui Naoki , Funai Kazuhito , Shinmura Kazuya , Niwa Hiroshi , Suda Takafumi , Sugimura Haruhiko 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF1) located on chromosome band 14q13.3 is an oncogene and a suppressor gene in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The prognostic relevance of TTF1 copy number alterations (CNAs) and their association with TTF1 protein expression are poorly understood. Here, we assessed TTF1 CNAs and protein expression using microarrays in a cohort of 636 NSCLC, including 423 adenocarcinoma (ADC) and 171 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). In addition, fluorescent in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry were performed. TTF1 CNAs were detected in 23% of NSCLC (23% of ADC and 20% of SCC). Specifically, TTF1 amplification and polysomy were observed in 5% and 18% of NSCLC, and in 7% and 16% of ADC, respectively. TTF1 expression was detected in 85% of ADC. TTF1 CNAs were significantly associated with advanced tumor stage, EGFR mutations, and TTF1 expression. A multivariate Cox hazards model analysis of overall survival and recurrence‐free survival demonstrated that both TTF1 amplification and polysomy were independent indicators of an unfavorable prognosis in patients with NSCLC. Survival was inversely correlated with TTF1 copy number. In contrast, TTF1 protein expression was an independent favorable prognostic factor. Intratumoral and intertumoral heterogeneities of TTF1 CNAs and TTF1 protein expression were assessed using primary cores from 138 pairs of primary tumors and corresponding nodal metastases. The concordance rate for TTF1 CNAs and TTF1 protein expression was high within tumors and between primary and metastatic tumors. Altogether, these results suggest that TTF1 CNAs are correlated with TTF1 protein expression, but have opposing effects on survival.
Experience with the TBM drive through clay rocks with low strength in the Boßler Tunnel
Authors: Voringer Jürgen , Zenz Reinhard , Meyer Anna‐Maria , Strauss Armin , Hofmann Arno 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe Tunnel Albaufstieg consortium won the contract with an alternative proposal to drive a section about 2.8 km long of the 8.8 km long Boßler Tunnel with a tunnel boring machine (TBM). The next section, where squeezing conditions were forecast, was to be tunnelled by the shotcrete method according to the tender documents. Manifold and extensive additional investigations delivered the basis for the extension of the TBM drive along the entire length of the Boßler Tunnels. The driving of the section through the Aalenian 1 geology was problem free due to the low strengths and good cuttability of the rock mass combined with its impermeability. The next section in the intercalation of claystone and sandstone of the Aalenian 2 was much more differentiated but managable. The breakthrough of the east bore of the Boßler Tunnel confirms to the responsible people for the client and contractor that the decision to follow the aim of consistent mechanised tunnelling had been correct.
The technical solution for working beneath the protected DB directorate building on the major Stuttgart 21 project
Authors: Vardijan Tomas , Pradel Michael 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBuilt in 1914, the listed Reichsbahn directorate building was formerly used as an administrative building by Deutsche Bahn AG in Stuttgart. The Stuttgart 21 Project requires new tracks from the Feuerbach and Bad Cannstatt Tunnels to be built, which branch off from 4 to 8 tracks in the area beneath the DB directorate. Complete demolition of the directorate building was not possible due to the objection of the listed monument authorities, the city administration, the municipal council of architects and the former building owner Vivico. In view of this the preservation of the main building was specified in the planning decision of 28/01/2005.In order for the new station to be constructed by cut‐and‐cover, part of the building had to be secured and underpinned. The design should also take into account two single‐track underground rail tunnels beneath the building and newly constructed temporary retaining structures. The temporary works required to distribute the building loads extended over an area of 800 m2, around half of the building footprint, and poses particular constraints on the design and construction approach due to the building preservation order and its inner city proximity.
Thriving in relation to cognitive impairment and neuropsychiatric symptoms in Swedish nursing home residents
Authors: Björk Sabine , Lövheim Hugo , Lindkvist Marie , Wimo Anders , Edvardsson David 
Published: April 2017

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to explore relations among thriving, cognitive function, and neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in nursing home residents.MethodsA national, cross‐sectional, randomized study of Swedish nursing home residents (N = 4831) was conducted between November 2013 and September 2014. Activities of daily life functioning, cognitive functioning, NPS, and thriving were assessed with the Katz activities of daily living, Gottfries' Cognitive Scale, Nursing Home version of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory, and Thriving of Older People Scale, respectively. Individual NPS were explored in relation to cognitive function. Simple linear and multiple regression models were used to explore thriving in relation to resident characteristics.ResultsAggression and depressive symptoms were identified as negatively associated with thriving regardless of resident cognitive functioning. At higher levels of cognitive functioning, several factors showed associations with thriving; however, at lower levels of cognitive functioning, only the degree of cognitive impairment and the NPS was associated with thriving. Most of the individual NPS formed nonlinear relationships with cognitive functioning with higher symptom scores in the middle stages of cognitive functioning. Exceptions were elation/euphoria and apathy, which increased linearly with severity of cognitive impairment.ConclusionsThe lower the cognitive functioning was, the fewer factors were associated with thriving. Aggression and depressive symptoms may indicate lower levels of thriving; thus, targeting these symptoms should be a priority in nursing homes. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Association between serotonin denervation and resting‐state functional connectivity in mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Barrett Frederick S. , Workman Clifford I. , Sair Haris I. , Savonenko Alena V. , Kraut Michael A. , Sodums Devin J. , Joo Jin J. , Nassery Najlla , Marano Christopher M. , Munro Cynthia A. , Brandt Jason , Zhou Yun , Wong Dean F. , Smith Gwenn S. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractResting‐state functional connectivity alterations have been demonstrated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) before the observation of AD neuropathology, but mechanisms driving these changes are not well understood. Serotonin neurodegeneration has been observed in MCI and AD and is associated with cognitive deficits and neuropsychiatric symptoms, but the role of the serotonin system in relation to brain network dysfunction has not been a major focus of investigation. The current study investigated the relationship between serotonin transporter availability (SERT; measured using positron emission tomography) and brain network functional connectivity (measured using resting‐state functional MRI) in 20 participants with MCI and 21 healthy controls. Two SERT regions of interest were selected for the analysis: the Dorsal Raphe Nuclei (DRN) and the precuneus which represent the cell bodies of origin and a cortical target of projections of the serotonin system, respectively. Both regions show decreased SERT in MCI compared to controls and are the site of early AD pathology. Average resting‐state functional connectivity did not differ between MCI and controls. Decreased SERT in DRN was associated with lower hippocampal resting‐state connectivity in MCI participants compared to controls. Decreased SERT in the right precuneus was also associated with lower resting‐state connectivity of the retrosplenial cortex to the dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex and higher resting‐state connectivity of the retrosplenial cortex to the posterior cingulate and in patients with MCI but not in controls. These results suggest that a serotonergic mechanism may underlie changes in brain functional connectivity in MCI. Hum Brain Mapp 38:3391–3401, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neural mechanisms underlying the reward‐related enhancement of motivation when remembering episodic memories with high difficulty
Authors: Shigemune Yayoi , Tsukiura Takashi , Nouchi Rui , Kambara Toshimune , Kawashima Ryuta 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe motivation to receive rewards enhances episodic memories, and the motivation is modulated by task difficulty. In episodic retrieval, however, functional neuroimaging evidence regarding the motivation that mediates interactions between reward and task difficulty is scarce. The present fMRI study investigated this issue. During encoding performed without fMRI, participants encoded Japanese words using either deep or shallow strategies, which led to variation in difficulty level during subsequent retrieval. During retrieval with fMRI, participants recognized the target words in either high or low monetary reward conditions. In the behavioral results, a reward‐related enhancement of memory was found only when the memory retrieval was difficult, and the rewarding effect on subjective motivation was greater in the retrieval of memories with high difficulty than those with low difficulty. The fMRI data showed that reward‐related increases in the activation of the substantia nigra/ventral tegmental area (SN/VTA), medial temporal lobe (MTL), dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC), and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) were greater during the retrieval of memories with high difficulty than those with low difficulty. Furthermore, reward‐related enhancement of functional connectivity between the SN/VTA and MTL and between the SN/VTA and dmPFC during the retrieval of memories with high difficulty was significantly correlated with reward‐related increases of retrieval accuracy and subjective motivation. The reward‐related enhancement of episodic retrieval and retrieval‐related motivation could be most effective when the level of retrieval difficulty is optimized. Such reward‐related enhancement of memory and motivation could be modulated by a network including the reward‐related SN/VTA, motivation‐related dmPFC, and memory‐related MTL.Hum Brain Mapp 38:3428–3443, 2017. ©2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Involvement of intracellular Zn2+ signaling in LTP at perforant pathway–CA1 pyramidal cell synapse
Authors: Tamano Haruna , Nishio Ryusuke , Takeda Atsushi 
Published: April 2017

AbstractPhysiological significance of synaptic Zn2+ signaling was examined at perforant pathway–CA1 pyramidal cell synapses. In vivo long‐term potentiation (LTP) at perforant pathway–CA1 pyramidal cell synapses was induced using a recording electrode attached to a microdialysis probe and the recording region was locally perfused with artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF) via the microdialysis probe. Perforant pathway LTP was not attenuated under perfusion with CaEDTA (10 mM), an extracellular Zn2+ chelator, but attenuated under perfusion with ZnAF‐2DA (50 μM), an intracellular Zn2+ chelator, suggesting that intracellular Zn2+ signaling is required for perforant pathway LTP. Even in rat brain slices bathed in CaEDTA in ACSF, intracellular Zn2+ level, which was measured with intracellular ZnAF‐2, was increased in the stratum lacunosum‐moleculare where perforant pathway–CA1 pyramidal cell synapses were contained after tetanic stimulation. These results suggest that intracellular Zn2+ signaling, which originates in internal stores/proteins, is involved in LTP at perforant pathway–CA1 pyramidal cell synapses. Because the influx of extracellular Zn2+, which originates in presynaptic Zn2+ release, is involved in LTP at Schaffer collateral‐CA1 pyramidal cell synapses, synapse‐dependent Zn2+ dynamics may be involved in plasticity of postsynaptic CA1 pyramidal cells.
Misoprostol use for second‐trimester termination of pregnancy among women with one or more previous cesarean deliveries
Authors: Cuellar Torriente Martin , Steinberg Wilhelm J. , Joubert Gina 
Published: April 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo establish the safety and efficacy of misoprostol for second‐trimester termination of pregnancy among women with one or more previous cesarean deliveries.MethodsIn a retrospective study, data were reviewed from women attending a reproductive health clinic in Bloemfontein, South Africa, for second‐trimester termination between 2010 and 2013. The study group, comprising women with one or more previous cesareans, was compared with a control group, comprising women with no previous cesarean or uterine scarring. Procedure‐specific information was compared, including misoprostol use, termination duration, need for other methods (e.g. oxytocin), placenta delivery, termination outcome, and bleeding.ResultsThe study group comprised 268 women: 231 (86.2%) with one and 37 (13.8%) with two previous cesareans. The control group comprised 266 women. Incomplete abortion was recorded in 223 (85.4%) of 261 women in the study group and 213 (80.4%) of 265 in the control group. The number of women with retained placenta was higher in the study than in the control group (158/261 [60.5%] vs 146/265 [55.1%]; P<0.001). Severe bleeding was observed only in the control group (7/266 [2.6%]). No uterine rupture was observed.ConclusionMisoprostol was safe for second‐trimester termination among women with previous cesareans; however, the efficacy of the local regimen was reduced owing to high placental retention.
RNA sensors of the innate immune system and their detection of pathogens
Authors: Chen Nanhua , Xia Pengpeng , Li Shuangjie , Zhang Tangjie , Wang Tony T. , Zhu Jianzhong 
Published: April 2017

SummaryThe innate immune system plays a critical role in pathogen recognition and initiation of protective immune response through the recognition of pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) by its pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). Nucleic acids including RNA and DNA have been recognized as very important PAMPs of pathogens especially for viruses. RNA are the major PAMPs of RNA viruses, to which most severe disease causing viruses belong thus posing a tougher challenge to human and animal health. Therefore, the understanding of the immune biology of RNA PRRs is critical for control of pathogen infections especially for RNA virus infections. RNA PRRs are comprised of TLR3, TLR7, TLR8, RIG‐I, MDA5, NLRP3, NOD2, and some other minorities. This review introduces these RNA PRRs by describing the cellular localizations, ligand recognitions, activation mechanisms, cell signaling pathways, and recognition of pathogens; the cross‐talks between various RNA PRRs are also reviewed. The deep insights of these RNA PRRs can be utilized to improve anti‐viral immune response. © 2017 IUBMB Life, 69(5):297–304, 2017
Insulin regulates Bbs4 during adipogenesis
Authors: Nahum Netta , Forti Efrat , Aksanov Olga , Birk Ruth 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBardet‐Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a pleiotropic autosomal recessive disorder associated with marked obesity, increased susceptibility to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. However, it is unknown whether the link between BBS and diabetes is indirect or direct. Adipogenesis and adipocyte function are regulated by hormonal stimuli, with insulin and insulin growth factor (IGF) playing an important role both in normal and impaired conditions. We have previously shown augmented transcript levels of BBS genes upon induction of adipogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of insulin in BBS. Through in vitro studies in adipocytes in which Bbs4 expression was either silenced (SiBbs4) or overexpressed (OEBbs4), we showed that insulin and IGF dose‐ and time‐dependently decrease transcription and protein expression of BBS genes during adipogenesis. Silencing of Bbs4 expression in adipocytes significantly impaired and reduced glucose uptake. This effect was reversed by Bbs4 overexpression. Inhibition of PI 3‐kinase resulted in upregulation of Bbs transcripts, suggesting that the PI3K pathway is involved in the regulation of these genes. In conclusion, we showed that insulin is a direct regulator of Bbs1, 2, 4 and 6. This hormonal regulation might indicate a metabolic link of these genes to obesity and metabolic syndrome. © 2017 IUBMB Life, 69(7):489–499, 2017
The stiffness of a crosslinked hyaluronan hydrogel affects its chondro‐induction activity on hADSCs
Authors: Teong Benjamin , Wu Shun‐Cheng , Chang Chien‐Mei , Chen Jhen‐Wei , Chen Hui‐Ting , Chen Chung‐Hwan , Chang Je‐Ken , Ho Mei‐Ling 
Published: April 2017

AbstractMatrix stiffness plays an important role in stem cell differentiation. This study reports the synthesis of methacrylated hyaluronan (MeHA) with different degrees of methacrylation, ranging from 15 to 140% per disaccharide unit, which corresponds to a matrix stiffness ranging from 1.5 to 8 KPa. The swelling ratio was inversely proportional to the matrix stiffness, but the water content remained constant at >97% of the hydrogel mass. A fibril‐like surface morphology and larger pore size were observed in lyophilized MeHA hydrogel with a lower stiffness. The matrix stiffness also affected the degradability of the MeHA hydrogel, where softer MeHA hydrogels (MeHA15 and MeHA30) were completely degraded within 6 days and a stiffer MeHA hydrogel (MeHA140) was able to retain ∼25% of its initial mass after 30 days. Subsequently, the crosslinked MeHA hydrogel was used as a scaffold to encapsulate human adipose‐derived stem cells (hADSCs). The embedded cells remained viable and expressed ∼11‐fold higher levels of aggrecan and 42‐fold higher levels of collagen type II in MeHA140 compared with ADSCs cultured in HA‐coated wells. In addition, cells grown in MeHA140 exhibited the highest rates of glycosaminoglycan and collagen type II synthesis of ∼5 ng/DNA and 0.4 ng/DNA, respectively. Immunofluorescence staining showed an increase of collagen type II synthesis in MeHA65, MeHA85 and MeHA140. This study showed that the matrix stiffness of a hydrogel can be modulated by the degree of methacrylation, thus affecting the efficacy of chondrogenesis in hADSCs. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 808–816, 2018.