bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
X-ray Structure and Enzymatic Activity Profile of a Core Papain-like Protease of MERS Coronavirus with utility for structure-based drug design
Authors: Clasman Jozlyn R. , Báez-Santos Yahira M. , Mettelman Robert C. , O’Brien Amornrat , Baker Susan C. , Mesecar Andrew D. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractUbiquitin-like domain 2 (Ubl2) is immediately adjacent to the N-terminus of the papain-like protease (PLpro) domain in coronavirus polyproteins, and it may play a critical role in protease regulation and stability as well as in viral infection. However, our recent cellular studies reveal that removing the Ubl2 domain from MERS PLpro has no effect on its ability to process the viral polyprotein or act as an interferon antagonist, which involves deubiquitinating and deISGylating cellular proteins. Here, we test the hypothesis that the Ubl2 domain is not required for the catalytic function of MERS PLpro in vitro. The X-ray structure of MERS PLpro-∆Ubl2 was determined to 1.9 Å and compared to PLpro containing the N-terminal Ubl2 domain. While the structures were nearly identical, the PLpro-∆Ubl2 enzyme revealed the intact structure of the substrate-binding loop. Moreover, PLpro-∆Ubl2 catalysis against different substrates and a purported inhibitor revealed no differences in catalytic efficiency, substrate specificity, and inhibition. Further, no changes in thermal stability were observed between enzymes. We conclude that the catalytic core of MERS PLpro, i.e. without the Ubl2 domain, is sufficient for catalysis and stability in vitro with utility to evaluate potential inhibitors as a platform for structure-based drug design.
Significance of oxygen transport through aquaporins
Authors: Zwiazek Janusz J. , Xu Hao , Tan Xiangfeng , Navarro-Ródenas Alfonso , Morte Asunción 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAquaporins are membrane integral proteins responsible for the transmembrane transport of water and other small neutral molecules. Despite their well-acknowledged importance in water transport, their significance in gas transport processes remains unclear. Growing evidence points to the involvement of plant aquaporins in CO2 delivery for photosynthesis. The role of these channel proteins in the transport of O2 and other gases may also be more important than previously envisioned. In this study, we examined O2 permeability of various human, plant, and fungal aquaporins by co-expressing heterologous aquaporin and myoglobin in yeast. Two of the most promising O2-transporters (Homo sapiens AQP1 and Nicotiana tabacum PIP1;3) were confirmed to facilitate O2 transport in the spectrophotometric assay using yeast protoplasts. The over-expression of NtPIP1;3 in yeasts significantly increased their O2 uptake rates in suspension culture. In N. tabacum roots subjected to hypoxic hydroponic conditions, the transcript levels of the O2-transporting aquaporin NtPIP1;3 significantly increased after the seven-day hypoxia treatment, which was accompanied by the increase of ATP levels in the apical root segments. Our results suggest that the functional significance of aquaporin-mediated O2 transport and the possibility of controlling the rate of transmembrane O2 transport should be further explored.
A mucin-like peptide from Fasciola hepatica instructs dendritic cells with parasite specific Th1-polarizing activity
Authors: Noya Verónica , Brossard Natalie , Rodríguez Ernesto , Dergan-Dylon L. Sebastián , Carmona Carlos , Rabinovich Gabriel A. , Freire Teresa 
Published: January 2017

AbstractFasciolosis is a trematode zoonosis of interest in public health and cattle production. We report here the immunostimulatory effect of a 66 mer mucin-like peptide fromFasciola hepatica(Fhmuc), which synergizes with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to promote dendritic cell (DC) maturation, endowing these cells with Th1-polarizing capacity. Exposure of DCs to Fhmuc in presence of LPS induced enhanced secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and expression of co-stimulatory molecules by DCs, promoting their T cell stimulatory capacity and selectively augmenting IFN-γ secretion by allogeneic T cells. Furthermore, exposure of DCs to Fhmuc augmented LPS-induced Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 expression on the cell surface. Finally, Fhmuc-conditioned DCs induced parasite specific-adaptive immunity with increased levels of IFN-γ secreted by splenocytes from vaccinated animals, and higher parasite-specific IgG antibodies. However, Fhmuc-treated DC conferred modest protection againstF. hepaticainfection highlighting the potent immuno-regulatory capacity of the parasite. In summary, this work highlights the capacity of a mucin-derived peptide fromF. hepaticato enhance LPS-maturation of DCs and induce parasite-specific immune responses with potential implications in vaccination and therapeutic strategies.
Glucose tolerance in mice exposed to light–dark stimulus patterns mirroring dayshift and rotating shift schedules
Authors: Figueiro Mariana G. , Radetsky Leora , Plitnick Barbara , Rea Mark S. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractGlucose tolerance was measured in (nocturnal) mice exposed to light–dark stimulus patterns simulating those that (diurnal) humans would experience while working dayshift (DSS) and 2 rotating night shift patterns (1 rotating night shift per week [RSS1] and 3 rotating night shifts per week [RSS3]). Oral glucose tolerance tests were administered at the same time and light phase during the third week of each experimental session. In contrast to the RSS1 and RSS3 conditions, glucose levels reduced more quickly for the DSS condition. Glucose area-under-the-curve measured for the DSS condition was also significantly less than that for the RSS1 and RSS3 conditions. Circadian disruption for the 3 light–dark patterns was quantified using phasor magnitude based on the 24-h light–dark patterns and their associated activity–rest patterns. Circadian disruption for mice in the DSS condition was significantly less than that for the RSS1 and RSS3 conditions. This study extends previous studies showing that even 1 night of shift work decreases glucose tolerance and that circadian disruption is linked to glucose tolerance in mice.
Axial quasi-static crushing behaviour of cylindrical woven kenaf fiber reinforced composites
Authors: Abdullah Noorhaslinda , Ismail Al Emran 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
This paper presents the crushing responses of cylindrical woven kenaf fibre reinforced composites under quasi-static compression. Kenaf fiber in the form of yarn is weaved into woven mat. It is then submerged into polyester bath before it is wrapped into a cylindrical shape. There are two important parameters investigated such as number of layers and fiber orientations. According to the experimental results, as expected increasing the number of layers increased the energy absorption performances. However, increasing the fibre orientations from 0o to 45o capable to decrease the energy absorption capability. It is also observed that during progressive collapses, localized buckling is the dominant failure mechanism where there is no large composite fragmentation occurred.
Mechanism of nuclear movements in a multinucleated cell
Authors: Gibeaux Romain , Politi Antonio Z. , Philippsen Peter , Nédélec François 
Published: January 2017

Multinucleated cells are important in many organisms, but the mechanisms governing the movements of nuclei sharing a common cytoplasm are not understood. In the hyphae of the plant pathogenic fungus Ashbya gossypii, nuclei move back and forth, occasionally bypassing each other, preventing the formation of nuclear clusters. This is essential for genetic stability. These movements depend on cytoplasmic microtubules emanating from the nuclei that are pulled by dynein motors anchored at the cortex. Using three-dimensional stochastic simulations with parameters constrained by the literature, we predict the cortical anchor density from the characteristics of nuclear movements. The model accounts for the complex nuclear movements seen in vivo, using a minimal set of experimentally determined ingredients. Of interest, these ingredients power the oscillations of the anaphase spindle in budding yeast, but in A. gossypii, this system is not restricted to a specific nuclear cycle stage, possibly as a result of adaptation to hyphal growth and multinuclearity.
LN2, CD10, and Ezrin Do Not Distinguish Between Atypical Fibroxanthoma and Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma or Predict Clinical Outcome
Authors: Hanlon Allison , Stasko Thomas , Christiansen Dan , Cyrus Nika , Galan Anjela 
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND
Atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) is a rare cutaneous spindled cell neoplasm. For both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, it is important to distinguish AFX from other poorly differentiated tumors, including undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS).

OBJECTIVE
The authors aimed to identify the clinical, histologic, and immunohistochemical expression of LN2, ezrin, and CD10 in AFX and UPS tumors.

METHODS AND MATERIALS
The authors retrospectively examined the charts of patients with AFX and UPS treated with Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) at 2 academic institutions. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and clinical course data were collected. Immunohistochemical stains were performed on primary and recurrent AFX and UPS tumors with monoclonal antibodies against the B-cell marker LN2 (CD74), CD10, and ezrin.

RESULTS
In the series of 169 patients with AFX included in this study, local recurrence was rare at 3%. In contrast, the seven patients with UPS had an aggressive clinical course with 1 local recurrence and 2 distant metastases. Immunohistochemistry staining for ezrin, LN2, and CD10 were similar in AFX and UPS tumors.

CONCLUSION
AFX can be treated with MMS with rare instances of recurrence. Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma has a more aggressive clinical course with increased risk for recurrence and metastasis. Staining with ezrin, LN2, and CD10 did not differentiate AFX or UPS tumors.
The Effect of Waxing Versus Shaving on the Efficacy of Laser Hair Removal
Authors: Al-Haddab Mohammed , Al-Khawajah Nour , Al-Ala'a Amal , Al-Majed Hadeel , Al-Shamlan Yafa , Al-Abdely Maymonah 
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND
Excessive hair is undesirable and represents both a social and emotional burden, especially among females. Laser hair removal (LHR) has gained popularity in the past 2 decades. It is a common practice to instruct patients not to pluck or wax their hair before undergoing LHR; only shaving is allowed to improve the efficacy of the LHR.

OBJECTIVE
To compare the percentage of hair reduction in preshaved versus prewax epilated axillae after LHR in healthy adult Saudi females.

METHODS AND MATERIALS
This study is a quantitative experimental pilot clinical trial. Twenty female volunteers were enrolled into this study; all underwent 3 laser sessions using a long-pulsed alexandrite laser. Their left axilla was prewaxed and right axilla was preshaved immediately before laser treatment. Hair was counted manually before and 6 months after the third laser session.

RESULTS
The right and left axillae both showed significant hair reduction, between the first session and the hair count 6 months after the third laser session. However, there was no statistically significant difference between these 2 means (p = .44).

CONCLUSION
There is no statistical difference in hair reduction after LHR whether the area is preshaved or prewax epilated.
CHARACTERISTICS OF EPIRETINAL MEMBRANE REMNANT EDGE BY OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY AFTER PARS PLANA VITRECTOMY
Authors: Gaber Raouf , You Qi Sheng , Muftuoglu Ilkay Kilic , Alam Mostafa , Tsai Frank F. , Mendoza Nadia , Freeman William R. 
Published: January 2017

Purpose:
To evaluate the incidence, characteristics, and the progression of epiretinal membrane (ERM) remnant edge seen by optical coherence tomography after ERM peeling.

Methods:
A retrospective chart review was conducted for 86 eyes of 85 consecutive patients who were diagnosed with ERM and underwent pars plana vitrectomy for epiretinal membrane peeling between 2013 and 2014. Data collected and analyzed included age, gender, preoperative and postoperative visual acuity, use of indocyanine green dye to stain internal limiting membrane, tamponade used after vitrectomy, ERM edge boundaries, presence of cystoid macular edema, and central foveal thickness.

Results:
An ERM remnant edge was detected in 33/86 study eyes (38.4%) at the first postoperative optical coherence tomography scan. Compared with those without an ERM remnant, patients with an ERM remnant after surgery were significantly older at baseline and had a higher incidence of ERM recurrence at their last visit. They were not significantly different in terms of gender, preoperative and postoperative visual acuity, reduction of central foveal thickness from baseline, proportion of eyes with preoperative ERM elevation on optical coherence tomography, presence of macular edema before surgery, intraoperative use of indocyanine green staining for ILM peeling, or tamponade used. Based on the edge morphology, we classified the ERM remnant into three types: Type 1 was flat and blended with the retina (14/33 eyes, 42.4%), Type 2 was flat but stepped (17/33 eyes, 51.5%), and Type 3 was elevated (2/33 eyes, 6.0%). A significantly higher risk of ERM recurrence was seen in Type 2 and Type 3 ERM remnants (75% and 100%, respectively) than Type 1 ERM remnants (10%).

Conclusion:
An ERM remnant edge was detected by optical coherence tomography after ERM peeling in 38.4% of eyes. The presence of a postoperative ERM edge was associated with a higher risk of ERM recurrence, particularly in Type 2 and Type 3 ERM remnants.
Scanning Electron Microscope Analysis of Stromal Surface Regularity in DSAEK Using Manual or Automated Microkeratomes or DMEK
Authors: Villarrubia Alberto , García Enrique , Cano-Ortiz Antonio , Membrillo Alberto , Sabala Antoni , Celis Javier , Salvador Antoni , Solana Jorge , Arango Alexandra , Sassot Irene 
Published: January 2017

Purpose:
To analyze differences in the stromal bed according to the method used to obtain the disc for endothelial transplant with 1) an automated microkeratome for Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK), 2) homogeneous dissection of Descemet membrane (Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty [DMEK]), or 3) a manual microkeratome used for DSAEK.

Methods:
We analyzed the stromal bed of 25 consecutive corneas used for endothelial transplantation, divided into 3 groups: 1) 11 samples cut with an automated microkeratome, 2) 5 samples used for DMEK, 3) 9 samples cut with a manual microkeratome. A scanning electron microscope was used to obtain an image of the center of the stromal bed. The irregularity index of the surface complementary to the stromal surface of the disc obtained for grafting was calculated with the Canny algorithm (0: completely smooth; 1: completely irregular).

Results:
At all thresholds studied (20, 30, 50, and 70), the mean irregularity index for group C (35.2, 24.4, 13.7, and 8.8, respectively) was higher than that of group A (26.2, 14.8, 6.7, and 4.0, respectively), which in turn was higher than that of group B (7.0, 4.2, 2.4, and 1.8, respectively). Differences were statistically significant among all groups and for all thresholds.

Conclusions:
Irregularity of the stromal bed after any dissection can be quantified using the Canny method. The use of an automated microkeratome for DSAEK reduces irregularity and helps obtain a surface more similar to that obtained with DMEK than with a manual microkeratome.
Factors Affecting the Ability of People With Diabetes to Avoid Hypoglycemia
Authors: Wu Fei-Ling , Wu En-Chang , Chang Yue-Cune , Hu Wen-Yu , Juang Jyuhn-Huarng , Yeh Mei Chang 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT

Background:
Hypoglycemia is recognized as a limiting factor in diabetes management. Fear of experiencing hypoglycemia may lead to lower quality of life, impaired glycemic control, and emotional distress, all of which impair the ability of patients to self-manage their diabetes effectively. Problem solving is central to diabetes self-management and may help patients achieve effective self-care of their disease.

Purpose:
The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of people with diabetes to avoid hypoglycemia and to explore associated factors.

Methods:
A cross-sectional, descriptive design was used for the study. Data were collected using a demographic and disease characteristics datasheet, the Hypoglycemic Problem Solving Scale, and the Disease-Associated Negative Mood Scale.

Results:
Three hundred thirteen participants were recruited, with a mean age of 55.49 years. The average item score for the questions on hypoglycemic problem-solving ability was 2.43 (SD = 0.75). In comparing Hypoglycemic Problem Solving Scale subscales, participants scored highest on the problem orientation subscales and lowest on the problem-solving skills subscales. Multiple regression analysis revealed that being younger and unmarried and having a higher level of education, a diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes, and a lower negative mood score were each significantly associated with greater problem-solving ability as regards hypoglycemic events.

Conclusions/Implications for Practice:
We suggest that patients with diabetes, especially those who are older or with lower levels of education, receive disease-related psychological interventions and that healthcare professionals teach problem-solving abilities in conjunction with hypoglycemia management.
The number of patients with chronic hepatitis C in times of new therapy options: a retrospective observational study on German health insurance funds data
Authors: Thönnes Stefanie , Friedel Heiko , Fröhlich Heike 
Published: January 2017

Aim/Objectives/Background
Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) virus infection is a leading cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality. In Germany, as in many other countries, there is a lack of comprehensive epidemiological data. Routine data from sickness funds can support the estimation of the true prevalence and incidence of CHC.

Methods
In this article, the results of annual and quarterly analyses of prevalence and incidence for the years 2007–2013 are presented using data of several German sickness funds.

Results
Overall, the prevalence rate remained relatively stable at 0.2%, which is lower than the general assumption for Germany of 0.3%.

Conclusion
We found that despite the introduction of the breakthrough designated triple therapies with telaprevir or boceprevir in 2011, there was no increase of prevalence or incidence between 2010 and 2011.
Oxygen saturation targeting by pulse oximetry in the extremely low gestational age neonate: a quixotic quest
Authors: Cummings James J. , Lakshminrusimha Satyan 
Published: January 2017

Purpose of review
A collaboration of comparative effectiveness research trials of pulse oximeter saturation (SpO2) targeting in extremely low-gestational-age neonates have begun to report their aggregate results. We examine the results of those trials, collectively referred to as the Neonatal Oxygenation Prospective Meta-analysis or NeOProM. We also discuss the uncertainties that remain and the clinical challenges that lie ahead.

Recent findings
The primary outcome from NeOProM was a composite of death or disability at 18–24 months corrected age. In 2016 the last of these reports was published. Although there were no differences in the primary outcome overall, analyses of secondary outcomes and data subsets following a pulse oximeter revision show significant treatment differences between targeting a lower compared with a higher SpO2.

Summary
NeOProM represents the largest collaborative clinical research study of SpO2 targets in extremely low-gestational-age neonates. Although aggregate results give us some insight into the feasibility and efficacy of SpO2 targeting in this population, many questions remain. A patient-level analysis, tracking individual outcomes based on actual SpO2 experienced, may shed some light on these questions. However, finding a single optimal SpO2 range seems unlikely.
Validation of Retention in HIV Care Status Using the New York City HIV Surveillance Registry and Clinical Care Data From a Large HIV Care Center
Authors: Pati Rituparna , Robbins Rebekkah S. , Braunstein Sarah L. 
Published: January 2017

Context:
Improving retention in care is a key element of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS). However, definitions for measuring retention in care are not standardized.

Objective:
To compare measures of retention based on both clinic visit data and HIV laboratory surveillance data.

Design:
Retrospective cohort study.

Setting:
New York City (NYC), New York.

Participants:
We matched adult patients with HIV infection seen at the Spencer Cox Center for Health (SCC) in 2010 or 2011 with the NYC HIV Surveillance Registry.

Main Outcome Measures:
Retention in care was measured on the basis of SCC electronic medical record (EMR) data (≥1 medical visits in 2012) and Surveillance Registry data (≥2 CD4/viral load [VL] tests ≥90 days apart in 2012).

Results:
There were 5746 adult HIV-infected patients seen at SCC between 2010 and 2011 who matched with the Surveillance Registry. Seventy-eight percent (n = 4469) had 1 or more medical visits at SCC in 2012 and were considered retained on the basis of the EMR definition, among which 3831 (86%) met the surveillance definition for retention in care. Patients who did not have a medical visit at SCC in 2012 (n = 1277) were lost to care in NYC (n = 485; 36%), engaged in care at an alternate provider (n = 622; 49%), or died after their last SCC visit (n = 197; 15%).

Implications:
This study is an important comparison of laboratory surveillance versus clinic visit-based measures of retention in care in an urban setting with the largest HIV epidemic in the country. Collaborative projects between local health departments and clinical care providers can help validate the care status of patients and inform the allocation of resources to reengage patients who are lost to care.

Conclusion:
The combined use of laboratory and clinic visit–based data to measure retention in care provides a more accurate representation of the care status of HIV-infected patients than use of a single data source alone. Routine sharing of data by public health institutions and clinical care providers would help target resources toward reengaging patients who are lost to care in jurisdictions with universal HIV-related laboratory reporting.
Standing Vs Supine; Does it Matter in Cough Stress Testing?
Authors: Patnam Radhika , Edenfield Autumn L. , Swift Steven E. 
Published: January 2017

Objectives
The aim of this study was to compare the sensitivity of cough stress test in the standing versus supine position in the evaluation of incontinent females.

Methods
We performed a prospective observational study of women with the chief complaint of urinary incontinence (UI) undergoing a provocative cough stress test (CST). Subjects underwent both a standing and a supine CST. Testing order was randomized via block randomization. Cough stress test was performed in a standard method via backfill of 200 mL or until the subject described strong urge. The subjects were asked to cough, and the physician documented urine leakage by direct observation. The gold standard for stress UI diagnosis was a positive CST in either position.

Results
Sixty subjects were enrolled, 38 (63%) tested positive on any CST, with 38 (63%) positive on standing compared with 29 (28%) positive on supine testing. Nine women (15%) had positive standing and negative supine testing. No subjects had negative standing with positive supine testing. There were no significant differences in positive tests between the 2 randomized groups (standing first and supine second vs. supine first and standing second). When compared with the gold standard of any positive provocative stress test, the supine CST has a sensitivity of 76%, whereas the standing CST has a sensitivity of 100%.

Conclusions
The standing CST is more sensitive than the supine CST and should be performed in any patient with a complaint of UI and negative supine CST. The order of testing either supine or standing first does not affect the results.