bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tidal flow variability measured by impedance pneumography relates to childhood asthma risk
Authors: Seppä Ville-Pekka , Pelkonen Anna S. , Kotaniemi-Syrjänen Anne , Viik Jari , Mäkelä Mika J. , Malmberg L. Pekka 
Published: March 2016

Lung function variability is a fundamental feature of asthma but has been difficult to quantify in children due to methodological limitations. We assessed the feasibility and clinical implications of overnight flow variability measurement at home using impedance pneumography in young children.44 children aged 3–7 years with recurrent or persistent lower airway symptoms were recruited. Patients were divided into high- or lower-risk groups (HR and LR groups) based on their risk of asthma (modified Asthma Predictive Index), and a third group was formed of children who had a history of wheeze and who were treated with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS group). Tidal volume and the derived flow were recorded through skin electrodes using impedance pneumography at home during sleep. Quantities describing overnight change in expiratory flow–volume minimum curve shape correlation (CSRmin) and respiratory chaoticity (minimum noise limit (NLmin)) were derived.Recordings were successful in 34 children. CSRmindiffered between the HR and LR groups (p=0.002) and between the HR and ICS groups (p=0.003), indicating a stronger change in flow profile shape in the HR group. NLmindiffered between the HR and LR groups (p=0.014), indicating momentarily lowered chaoticity in the HR group.Impedance pneumography was found feasible for quantifying nocturnal lung function variability and the measured variability was associated with risk of asthma in young children.
Characterization of multiple sequence alignment errors using complete-likelihood score and position-shift map
Authors: Ezawa Kiyoshi 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Background
Reconstruction of multiple sequence alignments (MSAs) is a crucial step in most homology-based sequence analyses, which constitute an integral part of computational biology. To improve the accuracy of this crucial step, it is essential to better characterize errors that state-of-the-art aligners typically make. For this purpose, we here introduce two tools: the complete-likelihood score and the position-shift map.

Results
The logarithm of the total probability of a MSA under a stochastic model of sequence evolution along a time axis via substitutions, insertions and deletions (called the “complete-likelihood score” here) can serve as an ideal score of the MSA. A position-shift map, which maps the difference in each residue’s position between two MSAs onto one of them, can clearly visualize where and how MSA errors occurred and help disentangle composite errors. To characterize MSA errors using these tools, we constructed three sets of simulated MSAs of selectively neutral mammalian DNA sequences, with small, moderate and large divergences, under a stochastic evolutionary model with an empirically common power-law insertion/deletion length distribution. Then, we reconstructed MSAs using MAFFT and Prank as representative state-of-the-art single-optimum-search aligners. About 40–99% of the hundreds of thousands of gapped segments were involved in alignment errors. In a substantial fraction, from about 1/4 to over 3/4, of erroneously reconstructed segments, reconstructed MSAs by each aligner showed complete-likelihood scores not lower than those of the true MSAs. Out of the remaining errors, a majority by an iterative option of MAFFT showed discrepancies between the aligner-specific score and the complete-likelihood score, and a majority by Prank seemed due to inadequate exploration of the MSA space. Analyses by position-shift maps indicated that true MSAs are in considerable neighborhoods of reconstructed MSAs in about 80–99% of the erroneous segments for small and moderate divergences, but in only a minority for large divergences.

Conclusions
The results of this study suggest that measures to further improve the accuracy of reconstructed MSAs would substantially differ depending on the types of aligners. They also re-emphasize the importance of obtaining a probability distribution of fairly likely MSAs, instead of just searching for a single optimum MSA.
RETRACTED ARTICLE:
Hericium erinaceus mycelium and its isolated erinacine A protection from MPTP-induced neurotoxicity through the ER stress, triggering an apoptosis cascade
Authors: Kuo Hsing-Chun , Lu Chien-Chang , Shen Chien-Heng , Tung Shui-Yi , Hsieh Meng Chiao , Lee Ko-Chao , Lee Li-Ya , Chen Chin-Chu , Teng Chih-Chuan , Huang Wen-Shih , Chen Te-Chuan , Lee Kam-Fai 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Background
Hericium erinaceus is an edible mushroom; its various pharmacological effects which have been investigated. This study aimed to demonstrate whether efficacy of oral administration of H. erinaceus mycelium (HEM) and its isolated diterpenoid derivative, erinacine A, can act as an anti-neuroinflammatory agent to bring about neuroprotection using an MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) mouse model of Parkinson’s disease, which results in motor disturbances, in addition to elucidating the mechanisms involved.

Methods
Mice were treated with and without HEM or erinacine A, after MPTP injection for brain injuries by the degeneration of dopaminergic nigrostriatal neurons. The efficacy of oral administration of HEM improved MPTP-induced loss of tyrosine hydroxylase positive neurons and brain impairment in the substantia nigra pars compacta as measured by brain histological examination.

Results
Treatment with HEM reduced MPTP-induced dopaminergic cell loss, apoptotic cell death induced by oxidative stress, as well as the level of glutathione, nitrotyrosine and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE). Furthermore, HEM reversed MPTP-associated motor deficits, as revealed by the analysis of rotarod assessment. Our results demonstrated that erinacine A decreases the impairment of MPP-induced neuronal cell cytotoxicity and apoptosis, which were accompanied by ER stress-sustained activation of the IRE1α/TRAF2, JNK1/2 and p38 MAPK pathways, the expression of C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), IKB-β and NF-κB, as well as Fas and Bax.

Conclusion
These physiological and brain histological changes provide HEM neuron-protective insights into the progression of Parkinson’s disease, and this protective effect seems to exist both in vivo and in vitro.
The neglected role of abdominal compliance in organ-organ interactions
Authors: Malbrain Manu L. N. G. , Peeters Yannick , Wise Robert 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThis article is one of ten reviews selected from the Annual Update in Intensive Care and Emergency medicine 2016. Other selected articles can be found online at http://www.biomedcentral.com/collections/annualupdate2016. Further information about the Annual Update in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine is available from http://www.springer.com/series/8901.
Critically ill patients with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection
Authors: Al-Dorzi Hasan M. , Alsolamy Sami , Arabi Yaseen M. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThis article is one of ten reviews selected from the Annual Update in Intensive Care and Emergency medicine 2016. Other selected articles can be found online at http://www.biomedcentral.com/collections/annualupdate2016. Further information about the Annual Update in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine is available from http://www.springer.com/series/8901.
Abnormal movements in critical care patients with brain injury: a diagnostic approach
Authors: Hannawi Yousef , Abers Michael S. , Geocadin Romergryko G. , Mirski Marek A. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAbnormal movements are frequently encountered in patients with brain injury hospitalized in intensive care units (ICUs), yet characterization of these movements and their underlying pathophysiology is difficult due to the comatose or uncooperative state of the patient. In addition, the available diagnostic approaches are largely derived from outpatients with neurodegenerative or developmental disorders frequently encountered in the outpatient setting, thereby limiting the applicability to inpatients with acute brain injuries. Thus, we reviewed the available literature regarding abnormal movements encountered in acutely ill patients with brain injuries. We classified the brain injury into the following categories: anoxic, vascular, infectious, inflammatory, traumatic, toxic-metabolic, tumor-related and seizures. Then, we identified the abnormal movements seen in each category as well as their epidemiologic, semiologic and clinicopathologic correlates. We propose a practical paradigm that can be applied at the bedside for diagnosing abnormal movements in the ICU. This model seeks to classify observed abnormal movements in light of various patient-specific factors. It begins with classifying the patient’s level of consciousness. Then, it integrates the frequency and type of each movement with the availability of ancillary diagnostic tests and the specific etiology of brain injury.
Intravitreal administration of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells triggers a cytoprotective microenvironment in the retina of diabetic mice
Authors: Ezquer Marcelo , Urzua Cristhian A. , Montecino Scarleth , Leal Karla , Conget Paulette , Ezquer Fernando 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Background
Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes and the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in the Western world. The reduction in color/contrast sensitivity due to the loss of neural cells in the ganglion cell layer of the retina is an early event in the onset of diabetic retinopathy. Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are an attractive tool for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, since they could differentiate into neuronal cells, produce high levels of neurotrophic factors and reduce oxidative stress. Our aim was to determine whether the intravitreal administration of adipose-derived MSCs was able to prevent the loss of retinal ganglion cells in diabetic mice.

Methods
Diabetes was induced in C57BL6 mice by the administration of streptozotocin. When retinal pro-damage mechanisms were present, animals received a single intravitreal dose of 2 × 105 adipose-derived MSCs or the vehicle. Four and 12 weeks later we evaluated: (a) retinal ganglion cell number (immunofluorescence); (b) neurotrophic factor levels (real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)); (c) retinal apoptotic rate (TUNEL); (d) retinal levels of reactive oxygen species and oxidative damage (ELISA); (e) electrical response of the retina (electroretinography); (f) pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factor levels (RT-qPCR and ELISA); and (g) retinal blood vessels (angiography). Furthermore, 1, 4, 8 and 12 weeks post-MSC administration, the presence of donor cells in the retina and their differentiation into neural and perivascular-like cells were assessed (immunofluorescence and flow cytometry).

Results
MSC administration completely prevented retinal ganglion cell loss. Donor cells remained in the vitreous cavity and did not differentiate into neural or perivascular-like cells. Nevertheless, they increased the intraocular levels of several potent neurotrophic factors (nerve growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor) and reduced the oxidative damage in the retina. Additionally, MSC administration has a neutral effect on the electrical response of the retina and did not result in a pathological neovascularization.

Conclusions
Intravitreal administration of adipose-derived MSCs triggers an effective cytoprotective microenvironment in the retina of diabetic mice. Thus, MSCs represent an interesting tool in order to prevent diabetic retinopathy.
Effects of poly(L-lactide-ε-caprolactone) and magnesium hydroxide additives on physico-mechanical properties and degradation of poly(L-lactic acid)
Authors: Kang Eun Young , Lih Eugene , Kim Ik Hwan , Joung Yoon Ki , Han Dong Keun 
Published: March 2016

Abstract

Background

Biodegradable poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) is one of the most widely used polymer in biomedical devices, but it still has limitations such as inherent brittleness and acidic degradation products. In this work, PLLA blends with poly(L-lactide-ε-caprolactone) (PLCL) and Mg(OH)
2
were prepared by the thermal processing to improve their physico-mechanical and thermal properties. In addition, the neutralizing effect of Mg(OH)
2
was evaluated by degradation study.

Results

The elongation of PLLA remarkably increased from 3 to 164.4 % and the glass transition temperature (T
g
) of PLLA was slightly reduced from 61 to 52 °C by adding PLCL additive. Mg(OH)
2
in polymeric matrix not only improved the molecular weight reduction and mechanical strength of PLLA, but also neutralized the acidic byproducts generated during polyester degradation.

Conclusions

Therefore, the results demonstrated that the presence of PLCL and Mg(OH)
2
additives in PLLA matrix could prevent the thermal decomposition and control degradation behavior of polyester.
Evaluation of the validity and utility of a transdiagnostic psychosis dimension encompassing schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
Authors: Reininghaus Ulrich , Böhnke Jan R. , Hosang Georgina , Farmer Anne , Burns Tom , McGuffin Peter , Bentall Richard P. 
Published: March 2016

BackgroundIn recent years, the Kraepelinian dichotomy has been challenged in light of evidence on shared genetic and environmental factors for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, but empirical efforts to identify a transdiagnostic phenotype of psychosis remain remarkably limited.AimsTo investigate whether schizophrenia spectrum and bipolar disorder lie on a transdiagnostic spectrum with overlapping non-affective and affective psychotic symptoms.MethodMultidimensional item-response modelling was conducted on symptom ratings of the OPerational CRITeria (OPCRIT) system in 1168 patients with schizophrenia spectrum and bipolar disorder.ResultsA bifactor model with one general, transdiagnostic psychosis dimension underlying affective and non-affective psychotic symptoms and five specific dimensions of positive, negative, disorganised, manic and depressive symptoms provided the best model fit and diagnostic utility for categorical classification.ConclusionsOur findings provide support for including dimensional approaches into classification systems and a directly measurable clinical phenotype for cross-disorder investigations into shared genetic and environmental factors of psychosis.
Pasireotide Therapy of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1–Associated Neuroendocrine Tumors in Female Mice Deleted for an Men1 Allele Improves Survival and Reduces Tumor Progression
Authors: Walls Gerard V. , Stevenson Mark , Soukup Benjamin S. , Lines Kate E. , Grossman Ashley B. , Schmid Herbert A. , Thakker Rajesh V. 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Pasireotide, a somatostatin analog, is reported to have anti-proliferative effects in neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). We therefore assessed the efficacy of pasireotide for treating pancreatic and pituitary NETs that develop in a mouse model of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1). Men1+/− mice were treated from age 12 mo with 40 mg/kg pasireotide long-acting release formulation, or PBS, intramuscularly monthly for 9 mo. The Men1+/− mice had magnetic resonance imaging at 12 and 21 mo, and from 20 mo oral 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine for 1 mo, to assess tumor development and proliferation, respectively. NETs were collected at age 21 mo, and proliferation and apoptosis assessed by immunohistochemistry and TUNEL assays, respectively. Pasireotide-treated Men1+/− mice had increased survival (pasireotide, 80.9% vs PBS, 65.2%; P &lt; .05), with fewer mice developing pancreatic NETs (pasireotide, 86.9% vs PBS, 96.9%; P &lt; .05) and smaller increases in pituitary NET volumes (pre-treated vs post-treated, 0.803 ± 0.058 mm3 vs 2.872 ± 0.728 mm3 [pasireotide] compared with 0.844 ± 0.066 mm3 vs 8.847 ±1.948 mm3 [PBS]; P &lt; .01). In addition, pasireotide-treated mice had fewer pancreatic NETs compared with PBS-treated mice (2.36 ± 0.25 vs 3.72 ± 0.32, respectively; P &lt; .001), with decreased proliferation in pancreatic NETs (pasireotide, 0.35 ± 0.03% vs PBS, 0.78 ± 0.08%; P &lt; .0001) and pituitary NETs (pasireotide, 0.73 ±0.07% vs PBS, 1.81 ± 0.15%; P &lt; .0001), but increased apoptosis in pancreatic NETs (pasireotide, 0.42 ± 0.05% vs PBS, 0.19 ± 0.03%; P &lt; .001) and pituitary NETs (pasireotide, 14.75 ± 1.58% vs PBS, 2.35 ± 0.44%; P &lt; .001). Thus, pasireotide increased survival and inhibited pancreatic and pituitary NET growth, thereby indicating its potential as an anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic therapy.
A mutation in the tuft mouse disrupts TET1 activity and alters the expression of genes that are crucial for neural tube closure
Authors: Fong Keith S. K. , Hufnagel Robert B. , Khadka Vedbar S. , Corley Michael J. , Maunakea Alika K. , Fogelgren Ben , Ahmed Zubair M. , Lozanoff Scott 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACT
Genetic variations affecting neural tube closure along the head result in malformations of the face and brain. Neural tube defects (NTDs) are among the most common birth defects in humans. We previously reported a mouse mutant called tuft that arose spontaneously in our wild-type 3H1 colony. Adult tuft mice present midline craniofacial malformations with or without an anterior cephalocele. In addition, affected embryos presented neural tube closure defects resulting in insufficient closure of the anterior neuropore or exencephaly. Here, through whole-genome sequencing, we identified a nonsense mutation in the Tet1 gene, which encodes a methylcytosine dioxygenase (TET1), co-segregating with the tuft phenotype. This mutation resulted in premature termination that disrupts the catalytic domain that is involved in the demethylation of cytosine. We detected a significant loss of TET enzyme activity in the heads of tuft embryos that were homozygous for the mutation and had NTDs. RNA-Seq transcriptome analysis indicated that multiple gene pathways associated with neural tube closure were dysregulated in tuft embryo heads. Among them, the expressions of Cecr2, Epha7 and Grhl2 were significantly reduced in some embryos presenting neural tube closure defects, whereas one or more components of the non-canonical WNT signaling pathway mediating planar cell polarity and convergent extension were affected in others. We further show that the recombinant mutant TET1 protein was capable of entering the nucleus and affected the expression of endogenous Grhl2 in IMCD-3 (inner medullary collecting duct) cells. These results indicate that TET1 is an epigenetic determinant for regulating genes that are crucial to closure of the anterior neural tube and its mutation has implications to craniofacial development, as presented by the tuft mouse.
Psycho-Pedagogical Support of Schoolchildren in the Educational Process in the Context of Transition to the FGOS (by the Example of Primorye Territory): Problems and Prospects
Authors: ��������  , Shemilina Elena 
Published: March 2016

The paper deals with challenges of the modern system of national education, which result in the situation, where, on the one hand, the defi ciency of
cognitive processes arbitrariness and minimal brain dysfunction in some children are deepening, while, on the other hand, the scientists point to sound
evidence of accelerating psychological evolution and growth of numbers of gifted children. Meanwhile, the Federal Educational Standards are designed
for children with normal level of intellectual development. To address this contradiction, the author proposes to introduce the system of in-house psycho-
pedagogical support of students in the secondary school. By the example of adaptive schools the author shows, that the said gap can be successfully
overcome. Based on the analysis of regulatory documents relating to issues of psychological and pedagogical support of students in the educational
process at schools in Primorye Territory, it is concluded, that students, educated according to the new FGOS, lack the full-scale qualifi ed psychological and
educational assistance in the educational process. The ways to address this challenge are proposed.
Beyond yields: Climate change effects on specialty crop quality and agroecological management
Authors: Ahmed Selena , Stepp John Richard 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Climate change is impacting the sustainability of food systems through shifts in natural and human dimensions of agroecosystems that influence farmer livelihoods, consumer choices, and food security. This paper highlights the need for climate studies on specialty crops to focus not only on yields, but also on quality, as well as the ability of agroecological management to buffer climate effects on quality parameters. Crop quality refers to phytonutrient and secondary metabolite profiles and associated health and sensory properties that influence consumer buying decisions. Through two literature reviews, we provide examples of specialty crops that are vulnerable to climate effects on quality and examples of climate-resilient agroecological strategies. A range of specialty crops including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, stimulants, and herbs were identified to respond to climate variables with changes in quality. The review on climate-resilient strategies to mitigate effects on crop quality highlighted a major gap in the literature. However, agricultural diversification emerged as a promising strategy for climate resilience more broadly and highlights the need for future research to assess the potential of diversified agroecosystems to buffer climate effects on crop quality. We integrate the concepts from our literature review within a socio-ecological systems framework that takes into account feedbacks between crop quality, consumer responses, and agroecosystem management. The presented framework is especially useful for two themes in agricultural development and marketing, nutrition-sensitive agriculture and terroir, for informing the design of climate-change resilient specialty crop systems focused on management of quality and other ecosystem services towards promoting environmental and human wellbeing.
The knowledge of the artist and human survival
Authors: Klassen Helmut 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Marshall McLuhan’s assertion that the artist’s capacity for awareness of the medium character of reality represents a form of knowledge that is, ‘… now needed for (human) survival’ is employed to probe technology as world-view – reality mediated by representation – that is historically disremembered for the alienating condition of technopoly to prevail. The artist paradoxically renders the unconscious environmental character of mediation apparent to thought and sensibility, bringing ground in the figure/ground relationship to awareness as ground – without objectifying ground as figure – similar to knowledge of chora that Plato in Timaeus provocatively named, a kind of ‘bastard-reckoning’. Referring to Einstein, Grant, Heidegger, Descartes, and Arendt, technology as world-view is historically/philosophically un-framed to recuperate this non-objective sensibility of our worldreality within modes of praxis – thinking, making, and acting – as the foundation for re-forming our irrevocably intertwined social and natural worlds transformed to the point of devastation by technological activity.