bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of maternal low‐protein diet on parameters of locomotor activity in a rat model of cerebral palsy
Authors: Silva Kássia Oliveira Gomes da , Pereira Sabrina da Conceição , Portovedo Mariana , Milanski Marciane , Galindo Lígia Cristina Monteiro , Guzmán‐Quevedo Omar , Manhães‐de‐Castro Raul , Toscano Ana Elisa 
Published: May 2016

AbstractChildren with cerebral palsy have feeding difficulties that can contribute to undernutrition. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of early undernutrition on locomotor activity and the expression of the myofibrillar protein MuRF‐1 in an experimental model of cerebral palsy (CP). In order to achieve this aim, pregnant rats were divided into two groups according to the diet provided: Normal Protein (NP, n = 9) and Low Protein (LP, n = 12) groups. After birth, the pups were divided into four groups: Normal Protein Sham (NPS, n = 16), Normal Protein Cerebral Palsy (NPCP, n = 21), Low Protein Sham (LPS, n = 20) and Low Protein Cerebral Palsy (LPCP, n = 18) groups. The experimental cerebral palsy protocol consisted of two episodes of anoxia at birth and during the first days of life. Each day, nitrogen flow was used (9l/min during 12 min). After nitrogen exposure, sensorimotor restriction was performed 16 h per day, from the 2nd to the 28th postnatal day (PND). Locomotor activity was evaluated at 8th, 14th, 17th, 21th and 28th PND. At PND 29, soleus muscles were collected to analyse myofibrillar protein MuRF‐1. Our results show that CP animals decreased body weight (p < 0.001), which were associated with alterations of various parameters of locomotor activity (p < 0.05), compared to their control. Undernourished animals also showed a decrease (p < 0.05) in body weight and locomotor activity parameters. Moreover, CP decreased MuRF‐1 levels in nourished rats (p = 0.015) but not in undernourished rats. In summary, perinatal undernutrition exacerbated the negative effects of cerebral palsy on locomotor activity and muscle atrophy, but it appears not be mediated by changes in MuRF‐1 levels.
Thumb function and appearance following treatment of Wassel type III duplication thumbs
Authors: Zhang Haifeng , Du Zijing , Jiang Hao , Han Dong , Li Qingfeng 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACT

Objective:
The purpose of our study is to evaluate thumb function and appearance after surgical correction of Wassel type III thumbs polydactyly.

Methods:
We have reconstructed 28 cases of Wassel type III duplication thumbs, in which the duplicated digits were equal or almost equal in size by ablation of a radial digit. The extra thumb is osteotomized at the bifurcation level and excised except for the distal bone fragment supporting the nail bed and fillet flap. Meanwhile, the nail of the retained thumb should be reserved completely, and if the nail has relatively poor appearance it should be repaired by nail lengthening surgery. Eighteen cases were followed up for more than 3 years and were available for assessment using the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Hand evaluation form. The average age at follow-up was 5 years. The size of the nail and distal phalanx was measured to assess the growth of the thumb.

Results:
An average functional point was 12 points (maximum 14 points) and the cosmetic score averaged 3.6 (maximum 4 points) after the assessment. Slightly small nails without a central ridge were deemed acceptable. Second revision surgery is seldom. Long-term results after surgical reconstruction for duplication thumbs were excellent, and all patients and parents were satisfied with the cosmetic and functional results.

Conclusions:
This procedure is a helpful and effective way to provide functional and aesthetical thumb for Wassel type III duplication thumbs.

Highlights
Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome: Definition, Staging, and Ultrasound Assessment
Authors: Kontopoulos Eftichia , Chmait Ramen H. , Quintero Ruben A. 
Published: May 2016

Objective: The purpose of this article is to review the definition of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and the sonographic diagnostic assessment of these cases prior to therapy.Materials and Methods: The article addresses the terminology used to refer to the condition and describes the systematic ultrasound assessment of the condition, including the ultrasound diagnosis, the staging of the disease, cervical assessment and pre-operative mapping.Results: From an etymologic and medical point of view, the term ‘fetofetal transfusion’ is more appropriate than ‘TTTS’. However, as the latter, and its attendant acronym TTTS, have been widely adopted in the English language, it is impractical to change at this point. TTTS is defined sonographically in the combined presence of a maximum vertical pocket (MVP) of 8 cm or greater in one sac and 2 cm or less in the other sac, regardless of the gestational age at diagnosis. Staging of the condition using the Quintero staging system is practical, reproducible, and accepted. Transvaginal cervical length assessment should be an integral part of the ultrasound evaluation. Pre-operative mapping to anticipate the location of the placental vascular anastomoses and avoid injuring the dividing membrane is also discussed.Conclusions: The term ‘TTTS’ can continue to be used in the English medical literature. The condition can be diagnosed and assessed following a systematic ultrasound methodology. The use of such ultrasound methodology breaks the examination into a distinct set of components, assuring a comprehensive examination and proper communication among caregivers.
Clonal evolution in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia developing resistance to BTK inhibition
Authors: Burger Jan A. , Landau Dan A. , Taylor-Weiner Amaro , Bozic Ivana , Zhang Huidan , Sarosiek Kristopher , Wang Lili , Stewart Chip , Fan Jean , Hoellenriegel Julia , Sivina Mariela , Dubuc Adrian M. , Fraser Cameron , Han Yulong , Li Shuqiang , Livak Kenneth J. , Zou Lihua , Wan Youzhong , Konoplev Sergej , Sougnez Carrie , Brown Jennifer R. , Abruzzo Lynne V. , Carter Scott L. , Keating Michael J. , Davids Matthew S. , Wierda William G. , Cibulskis Kristian , Zenz Thorsten , Werner Lillian , Cin Paola Dal , Kharchencko Peter , Neuberg Donna , Kantarjian Hagop , Lander Eric , Gabriel Stacey , O’Brien Susan , Letai Anthony , Weitz David A. , Nowak Martin A. , Getz Gad , Wu Catherine J. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractResistance to the Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor ibrutinib has been attributed solely to mutations inBTKand related pathway molecules. Using whole-exome and deep-targeted sequencing, we dissect evolution of ibrutinib resistance in serial samples from five chronic lymphocytic leukaemia patients. In two patients, we detectBTK-C481Smutation or multiplePLCG2mutations. The other three patients exhibit an expansion of clones harbouringdel(8p) with additional driver mutations (EP300, MLL2andEIF2A), with one patient developingtrans-differentiation into CD19-negative histiocytic sarcoma. Using droplet-microfluidic technology and growth kinetic analyses, we demonstrate the presence of ibrutinib-resistant subclones and estimate subclone size before treatment initiation. Haploinsufficiency of TRAIL-R, a consequence ofdel(8p), results in TRAIL insensitivity, which may contribute to ibrutinib resistance. These findings demonstrate that the ibrutinib therapy favours selection and expansion of rare subclones already present before ibrutinib treatment, and provide insight into the heterogeneity of genetic changes associated with ibrutinib resistance.
Adaptive evolution of complex innovations through stepwise metabolic niche expansion
Authors: Szappanos Balázs , Fritzemeier Jonathan , Csörgő Bálint , Lázár Viktória , Lu Xiaowen , Fekete Gergely , Bálint Balázs , Herczeg Róbert , Nagy István , Notebaart Richard A. , Lercher Martin J. , Pál Csaba , Papp Balázs 
Published: May 2016

AbstractA central challenge in evolutionary biology concerns the mechanisms by which complex metabolic innovations requiring multiple mutations arise. Here, we propose that metabolic innovations accessible through the addition of a single reaction serve as stepping stones towards the later establishment of complex metabolic features in another environment. We demonstrate the feasibility of this hypothesis through three complementary analyses. First, using genome-scale metabolic modelling, we show that complex metabolic innovations in Escherichia coli can arise via changing nutrient conditions. Second, using phylogenetic approaches, we demonstrate that the acquisition patterns of complex metabolic pathways during the evolutionary history of bacterial genomes support the hypothesis. Third, we show how adaptation of laboratory populations of E. coli to one carbon source facilitates the later adaptation to another carbon source. Our work demonstrates how complex innovations can evolve through series of adaptive steps without the need to invoke non-adaptive processes.
A Small Molecule Inhibitor of PDK1/PLCγ1 Interaction Blocks Breast and Melanoma Cancer Cell Invasion
Authors: Raimondi Claudio , Calleja Veronique , Ferro Riccardo , Fantin Alessandro , Riley Andrew M. , Potter Barry V. L. , Brennan Caroline H. , Maffucci Tania , Larijani Banafshé , Falasca Marco 
Published: May 2016

AbstractStrong evidence suggests that phospholipase Cγ1 (PLCγ1) is a suitable target to counteract tumourigenesis and metastasis dissemination. We recently identified a novel signalling pathway required for PLCγ1 activation which involves formation of a protein complex with 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 (PDK1). In an effort to define novel strategies to inhibit PLCγ1-dependent signals we tested here whether a newly identified and highly specific PDK1 inhibitor, 2-O-benzyl-myo-inositol 1,3,4,5,6-pentakisphosphate (2-O-Bn-InsP5), could affect PDK1/PLCγ1 interaction and impair PLCγ1-dependent cellular functions in cancer cells. Here, we demonstrate that 2-O-Bn-InsP5 interacts specifically with the pleckstrin homology domain of PDK1 and impairs formation of a PDK1/PLCγ1 complex. 2-O-Bn-InsP5 is able to inhibit the epidermal growth factor-induced PLCγ1 phosphorylation and activity, ultimately resulting in impaired cancer cell migration and invasion. Importantly, we report that 2-O-Bn-InsP5 inhibits cancer cell dissemination in zebrafish xenotransplants. This work demonstrates that the PDK1/PLCγ1 complex is a potential therapeutic target to prevent metastasis and it identifies 2-O-Bn-InsP5 as a leading compound for development of anti-metastatic drugs.
Meta-analysis of studies using statins as a reducer for primary liver cancer risk
Authors: Zhong Guo-Chao , Liu Yan , Ye Yuan-Yuan , Hao Fa-Bao , Wang Kang , Gong Jian-Ping 
Published: May 2016

AbstractA protective effect of statins on primary liver cancer (PLC) risk has been suggested. However, issues about the dose–response relationship, the protective effect of individual statins and PLC risk reduction among at-risk populations remain unsolved. Therefore, a meta-analysis was conducted. PubMed and EMBASE were searched for studies providing the risk ratio (RR) on statins and PLC risk. Summary RRs were calculated using a random-effects model. Twenty-five studies were identified. Stain use was significantly associated with a reduced risk of PLC (RR = 0.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.53–0.69). The summary RR for every additional 50 cumulative defined daily doses per year was 0.87 (95% CI = 0.83–0.91). Evidence of a non-linear dose–response relationship between statins and PLC risk was found (Pnon-linearity < 0.01). All individual statins significantly reduced PLC risk and the risk reduction was more evident with rosuvastatin. The inverse association between statins and PLC risk remained among populations with common risk factors. Subgroup analyses revealed more significant reduction in PLC risk by statins in high- versus non-high-risk populations (Pinteraction = 0.02). Overall, these findings add to our understanding of the association between statins and PLC risk. Whether statin use is causally associated with a reduced risk of PLC should be further studied.
Periodically pulsed wet annealing approach for low-temperature processable amorphous InGaZnO thin film transistors with high electrical performance and ultrathin thickness
Authors: Kim Ye Kyun , Ahn Cheol Hyoun , Yun Myeong Gu , Cho Sung Woon , Kang Won Jun , Cho Hyung Koun 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIn this paper, a simple and controllable “wet pulse annealing” technique for the fabrication of flexible amorphous InGaZnO thin film transistors (a-IGZO TFTs) processed at low temperature (150 °C) by using scalable vacuum deposition is proposed. This method entailed the quick injection of water vapor for 0.1 s and purge treatment in dry ambient in one cycle; the supply content of water vapor was simply controlled by the number of pulse repetitions. The electrical transport characteristics revealed a remarkable performance of the a-IGZO TFTs prepared at the maximum process temperature of 150 °C (field-effect mobility of 13.3 cm2 V−1 s−1; Ion/Ioff ratio ≈ 108; reduced I-V hysteresis), comparable to that of a-IGZO TFTs annealed at 350 °C in dry ambient. Upon analysis of the angle-resolved x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the good performance was attributed to the effective suppression of the formation of hydroxide and oxygen-related defects. Finally, by using the wet pulse annealing process, we fabricated, on a plastic substrate, an ultrathin flexible a-IGZO TFT with good electrical and bending performances.
Nonmetallization and band inversion in beryllium dicarbide at high pressure
Authors: Du Henan , Feng Wanxiang , Li Fei , Wang Dashuai , Zhou Dan , Liu Yanhui 
Published: May 2016

AbstractCarbides have attracted much attention owing to their interesting physical and chemical properties. Here, we systematically investigated global energetically stable structures of BeC2 in the pressure range of 0–100 GPa using a first-principles structural search. A transition from the ambient-pressure α-phase to the high-pressure β-phase was theoretically predicted. Chemical bonding analysis revealed that the predicted phase transition is associated with the transformation from sp2 to sp3 C-C hybridization. The electrical conductivity of the high-pressure phase changed from a metal (α-phase) to a narrow bandgap semiconductor (β-phase) and the β-phase had an inverted band structure with positive pressure dependence. Interestingly, the β-phase was a topological insulator with the metallic surface states protected by the time-reversal symmetry of the crystal. The results indicate that pressure modulates the electronic band structure of BeC2, which is an important finding for fundamental physics and for a wide range of potential applications in electronic devices.
Survey of the genome of Pogostemon cablin provides insights into its evolutionary history and sesquiterpenoid biosynthesis
Authors: He Yang , Xiao Hongtao , Deng Cao , Xiong Liang , Nie Hu , Peng Cheng 
Published: May 2016

AbstractPogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth. (Patchouli) is an important traditional Chinese medicinal plant that has both essential oil value and a broad range of therapeutic effects. Here we report the first de novo assembled 1.15-Gb draft genome sequence for P. cablin from next-generation sequencing technology. Our assembly, with a misassembly rate of <4 bp per 100 kb, is ~73% of the predicted genome size (1.57 Gb). Analysis of whole-genome sequences identified 3,147,333 heterozygous single-nucleotide polymorphisms and 490,407 insertions and deletions, giving an estimated heterozygosity rate of 0.274%. A comprehensive annotation pipeline indicated that repetitive sequences make up 58.55% of the assemblies and that there are estimated 45,020 genes. Comparative genomics analysis showed that the Phrymaceae and Lamiaceae family split ~62.80 Mya and the divergence between patchouli and sesame occurred ~52.42 Mya, implying a potentially shared recent whole-genome duplication event. Analysis of gene homologs involved in sesquiterpenoid biosynthesis showed that patchouli contains key genes involved in more sesquiterpenoid types and has more copies of genes for each sesquiterpenoid type than several other related plant species. The patchouli genome will facilitate future research on secondary metabolic pathways and their regulation as well as potential selective breeding of patchouli.
Interactions of Multiple Atmospheric Circulation Drive the Drought in Tarim River Basin
Authors: Wu Yong-Ping , Feng Guo-Lin , Li Bai-Lian 
Published: May 2016

AbstractGlobal warming is likely to cause overall drying of land surfaces and aridity increasing leading to expansion of dry climate zones. There is an increased risk of extremely arid environment and large deserts developed progressively in the central Asia. However, the key factors causing the drying in mid-Asia remain inconclusive. Here, we analyzed the relationship among precipitation, water vapor transportation in Tarim River Basin (TRB) and Multiple Atmospheric Circulation (MAC) to explore the mechanism of MAC driving the drying in TRB, through comparing MAC between abundant and scarce precipitation years. We found that Westerly Circulation (WC) and Asian Summer Monsoon (ASM) are likely to promote the precipitation respectively. Whereas, they not only have their own influence but also restrict each other and facilitate the forming of peculiar water vapor transport channel for TRB, which is probably to restrain the precipitation and its distribution pattern and accelerate the drying in this region. Our results enrich the findings on mechanisms of wet places becoming wetter while dry areas getting drier under the global warming.
Decoupled form and function in disparate herbivorous dinosaur clades
Authors: Lautenschlager Stephan , Brassey Charlotte A. , Button David J. , Barrett Paul M. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractConvergent evolution, the acquisition of morphologically similar traits in unrelated taxa due to similar functional demands or environmental factors, is a common phenomenon in the animal kingdom. Consequently, the occurrence of similar form is used routinely to address fundamental questions in morphofunctional research and to infer function in fossils. However, such qualitative assessments can be misleading and it is essential to test form/function relationships quantitatively. The parallel occurrence of a suite of morphologically convergent craniodental characteristics in three herbivorous, phylogenetically disparate dinosaur clades (Sauropodomorpha, Ornithischia, Theropoda) provides an ideal test case. A combination of computational biomechanical models (Finite Element Analysis, Multibody Dynamics Analysis) demonstrate that despite a high degree of morphological similarity between representative taxa (Plateosaurus engelhardti, Stegosaurus stenops, Erlikosaurus andrewsi) from these clades, their biomechanical behaviours are notably different and difficult to predict on the basis of form alone. These functional differences likely reflect dietary specialisations, demonstrating the value of quantitative biomechanical approaches when evaluating form/function relationships in extinct taxa.
Correction of the Electrical and Thermal Extrinsic Effects in Thermoelectric Measurements by the Harman Method
Authors: Kang Min-Su , Roh Im-Jun , Lee Yun Goo , Baek Seung-Hyub , Kim Seong Keun , Ju Byeong-Kwon , Hyun Dow-Bin , Kim Jin-Sang , Kwon Beomjin 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAlthough the Harman method evaluates the thermoelectric figure-of-merit in a rapid and simple fashion, the accuracy of this method is affected by several electrical and thermal extrinsic factors that have not been thoroughly investigated. Here, we study the relevant extrinsic effects and a correction scheme for them. A finite element model simulates the electrical potential and temperature fields of a sample, and enables the detailed analysis of electrical and thermal transport. The model predicts that the measurement strongly depends on the materials, sample geometries, and contact resistance of the electrodes. To verify the model, we measure the thermoelectric properties of Bi2-Te3 based alloys with systematically varied sample geometries and either with a point or a surface current source. By comparing the model and experimental data, we understand how the measurement conditions determine the extrinsic effects, and, furthermore, able to extract the intrinsic thermoelectric properties. A correction scheme is proposed to eliminate the associated extrinsic effects for an accurate evaluation. This work will help the Harman method be more consistent and accurate and contribute to the development of thermoelectric materials.
Diverse Genetic Background of Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa from Mainland China and Emergence of an Extensively Drug-Resistant ST292 Clone in Kunming
Authors: Fan Xin , Wu Yue , Xiao Meng , Xu Zhi-Peng , Kudinha Timothy , Bazaj Alda , Kong Fanrong , Xu Ying-Chun 
Published: May 2016

AbstractFor a better understanding of the multidrug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDR-PA) epidemiology in mainland China, a nationwide surveillance network of 27 tertiary hospitals was established. Non-duplicate MDR-PA isolates from 254 cases of nosocomial infections, were collected during the period August 2011 to July 2012. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of nine antimicrobial agents were determined by broth micro-dilution method according to the CLSI guidelines [M7-A10]. Genotyping analysis was performed by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). The presence of acquired carbapenemases was also determined by molecular approaches for 233 carbapenem-resistant isolates. Carbapenemase genes were detected in 19 (8.2%) isolates, with 13 of these isolates encoding IMP-type enzymes, five with VIM-2 and one with KPC-2. MLST analysis revealed significant genetic diversity among the MDR-PA isolates studied and 91 STs (including 17 novel STs) were identified. However, a long-term outbreak of an emerging extensively drug-resistant (XDR) ST292/PFGE genotype A clone was detected in a hospital from Southwest China. This study has demonstrated that MDR-PA in mainland China have evolved from diverse genetic backgrounds. Evidence of clonal dissemination of the organism and nosocomial outbreaks in some regions, suggest a need to strengthen existing infection control measures.
Proteinuria as a Therapeutic Target in Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease: a Retrospective Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Chen Chang-Hsu , Wu Hon-Yen , Wang Chieh-Li , Yang Feng-Jung , Wu Pei-Chen , Hung Szu-Chun , Kan Wei-Chih , Yang Chung-Wei , Chiang Chih-Kang , Huang Jenq-Wen , Hung Kuan-Yu 
Published: May 2016

AbstractCurrent evidence of proteinuria reduction as a surrogate target in advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) is incomplete due to lack of patient-pooled database. We retrospectively studied a multicenter cohort of 1891 patients who were enrolled in the nationwide multidisciplinary pre-end stage renal disease care program with a baseline glomerular filtration rate (GFR) <45 mL/min/1.73 m2and followed longitudinally to investigate the effect of the change in proteinuria on renal death (defined as composite of dialysis and death occurring before initiation of dialysis). The group with a change in proteinuria ≤0.30 g/g (n = 1261) had lower cumulative probabilities of renal death (p < 0.001). In a linear regression model, a higher baseline proteinuria and a greater increase in proteinuria were associated with faster annual GFR decline. Cox’s analysis showed that every 1 unit increase in natural log(baseline proteinuria, 10 g/g) and every 0.1 g/g increase in the change in proteinuria resulted in 67% (HR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.46–1.91) and 1% (HR = 1.01, 95% CI: 1.01–1.01) greater risk of renal death respectively after adjusting for the effects of the other covariates. Our study provided a patient-based evidence to support proteinuria as a therapeutic target in advanced CKD.