bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
AHAS Trp574Leu substitution in Raphanus sativus L.: screening, enzyme activity and fitness cost
Authors: Vercellino Roman B , Pandolfo Claudio E , Breccia Gabriela , Cantamutto Miguel , Presotto Alejandro 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDFeral radish (Raphanus sativus L.) is a problematic weed that has become resistant to acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS) inhibitor herbicides due to the Trp574Leu mutation. An AHAS gene mutation that causes herbicide resistance may have negative pleiotropic effects on plant fitness. This study reports the effects of the Trp574Leu mutation on AHAS activity and reproductive traits of R. sativus.RESULTSEight of 17 feral radish accessions presented individuals resistant to metsulfuron‐methyl at 0.5% to >90.0% and all the resistant individuals analyzed showed the Trp574Leu mutation. Without herbicide selection, the AHAS activity was 3.2‐fold higher in the susceptible accession than in the resistant one. The resistant accession was >9000‐fold more resistant to metsulfuron‐methyl and imazethapyr than the susceptible accession. Under low intraspecific competition during two growing seasons, AHAS‐resistant feral radish accessions showed 22–38% and 21–47% lower seed numbers and yield per plant than the susceptible accession.CONCLUSIONThis is the first report of fitness cost associated with the AHAS Trp574Leu mutation in R. sativus populations. This fitness cost could reduce frequency of the resistant allele without herbicide selection. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Visualization of the distribution of anthocyanin species in mice eyeball by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging
Authors: Yamada Shuhei , Zaima Nobuhiro , Yoshimura Yukihiro , Inaba Shiori , Fujimori Takamichi , Sogon Tetsuya , Moriyama Tatsuya 
Published: January 2018

RationaleAnthocyanins, which belong to a class of molecules called flavonoids, are known to have beneficial effects for both humans and animals. Many physiological functions have been attributed to anthocyanins since ancient times. The most important function is the relief of eyestrain, but the biodistribution of anthocyanins remains unknown. In this study, we analyzed the kinetics of anthocyanin species in mice eyeballs and surrounding tissues.MethodsWe used mice that were administered bilberry extract solution intraperitoneally. After harvesting eyeballs, cross‐sections were prepared using a cryostat and analyzed using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI‐MSI).ResultsVarious ions of anthocyanin species, m/z 419, 449, 463, 465, 479, and 493, were observed in MALDI‐MSI spectra. Most of these peaks corresponded to places considered to be extraocular muscles with the outer layer of the retina.ConclusionsThrough MALDI‐MSI and MALDI‐MS/MS analyses, we demonstrated that anthocyanin species are distributed at muscle tissues with the outer layer of the retina. It is speculated that anthocyanin species directly improve eyestrain at the extraocular muscles.
Efficient Synthesis of N‐Acylureas Using Copper Oxide Supported on Magnetic Nanoparticles in Deep Eutectic Solvent
Authors: Abbasi Sepideh , Miraki Maryam Kazemi , Radfar Iman , Karimi Meghdad , Heydari Akbar 
Published: January 2018

AbstractA unique combination of deep eutectic solvent (the combination of urea with choline chloride) and magnetic CuO@γ‐Fe2O3 nanoparticles as a green magnetic nanocatalyst promotes the synthesis of N‐acylureas from reaction carbodiimides with carboxylic acids. This reaction gives the corresponding N‐acylurea derivatives in good to high yields. Easy preparation and separation, inexpensive, insensitivity to moisture and reusability of the catalyst are significant features of this method.
A Nestin–Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 5–Dynamin-Related Protein 1 Axis Regulates Neural Stem/Progenitor Cell Stemness via a Metabolic Shift
Authors: Wang Jiancheng , Huang Yinong , Cai Jianye , Ke Qiong , Xiao Jiaqi , Huang Weijun , Li Hongyu , Qiu Yuan , Wang Yi , Zhang Bin , Wu Haoxiang , Zhang Yanan , Sui Xin , Bardeesi Adham Sameer A. , Xiang Andy Peng 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) transplantation provides an alternative approach for various central nervous system (CNS) diseases treatment, while the difficulties in NSPC acquisition and expansion limit their further application. Unveiling the mechanism of NSPC stemness regulation may contribute to its further application. Nestin, generally recognized as a marker of NSPCs, plays a crucial role in the CNS development and NSPC stemness maintenance. Here, we report that Nestin loss triggers mitochondrial network remodeling and enhances oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in NSPCs treated with Nestin RNA interference (RNAi). Mitochondrial morphology is dynamically controlled by the balance between fission and fusion mediators; one of these mediators, the pro-fission factor, dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), shows decreased activation in Nestin-knockdown cells. Upstream, Drp1 phosphorylation is under control of the cytosolic cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5). Inhibition of Cdk5 using RNAi or a chemical inhibitor (roscovitine) induces mitochondrial elongation and promotes mitochondrial respiration, indicating that Cdk5-dependent Drp1 phosphorylation participates in mitochondrial metabolism and NSPC stemness regulation. Strikingly, Nestin knockdown results in Cdk5 redistribution, with less remaining in the cytosol, leading to mitochondrial remodeling. We identify Nestin1-640 sequesters Cdk5 in the cytosol and phosphorylates Drp1 subsequently. Together, our results show that a Nestin-Cdk5-Drp1 axis negatively regulates mitochondrial OXPHOS, which is indispensable for the maintenance of NSPC stemness.
Operations for Suspected Neoplasms in a Resource‐Limited Setting: Experience and Challenges in the Eastern Democratic of Congo
Authors: Kalisya Luc Malemo , Bake Jacques Fadhili , Bigabwa Richard , Rothstein David H. , Cairo Sarah B. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIntroductionSurgery is an essential component of a functional health system, with surgical conditions accounting for nearly 11–15% of world disability. While communicable diseases continue to burden low‐ and low–middle‐income countries, non‐communicable diseases, such as cancer, are an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Preliminary data on malignancies in low‐ and middle‐income countries, specifically in Africa, suggest a higher mortality compared to other regions of the world, a difference partially explained by limited availability of screening and early detection systems as well as poorer access to treatment.ObjectiveTo evaluate the diagnosed tumor burden in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and review literature on existing and suspected barriers to accessing appropriate oncologic care.MethodsThis is a retrospective study carried out at Healthcare, Education, community Action, and Leadership development Africa, a 197‐bed tertiary referral hospital, in the Province of North Kivu, along the eastern border of the DRC from 2012 to 2015. Patient charts were reviewed for diagnoses of presumed malignancy with biopsy results.ResultsA total of 252 cases of suspected cancer were reviewed during the study period; 39.7% were men. The average age of patients was 43 years. Amongst adult patients, the most common presenting condition involved breast lesions with 5.8% diagnosis of fibrocystic breast changes and 2.9% invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast. 37.3% of female patients had lesions involving the cervix or uterus. The most common diagnosis amongst male adults was prostate disease (16.7% of men). For pediatric patients, the most common diagnoses involved bone and/or cartilage (27.3%) followed by skin and soft tissue lesions (20.0%). All patients underwent surgical resection of lesions; some patients were advised to travel out of country for chemotherapy and radiation for which follow‐up data are unavailable.ConclusionAdequate and timely treatment of malignancy in the DRC faces a multitude of challenges. Access to surgical services for diagnosis and management as well as chemotherapeutic agents is prohibitively limited. Increased collaboration with local clinicians and remote specialist consultants is needed to deliver subspecialty care in resource‐poor settings.
TRPV1 enhances the afferent response to P2X receptor activation in the mouse urinary bladder
Authors: Grundy Luke , Daly Donna M. , Chapple Christopher , Grundy David , Chess-Williams Russ 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBoth TRPV1 and P2X receptors present on bladder sensory nerve fibres have been implicated in mechanosensation during bladder filling. The aim of this study was to determine possible interactions between these receptors in modulating afferent nerve activity. In wildtype (TRPV1+/+) and TRPV1 knockout (TRPV1−/−) mice, bladder afferent nerve activity, intravesical pressure, and luminal ATP and acetylcholine levels were determined and also intracellular calcium responses of dissociated pelvic DRG neurones and primary mouse urothelial cells (PMUCs). Bladder afferent nerve responses to the purinergic agonist αβMethylene-ATP were depressed in TRPV1−/− mice (p ≤ 0.001) and also in TRPV1+/+ mice treated with the TRPV1-antagonist capsazepine (10 µM; p ≤ 0.001). These effects were independent of changes in bladder compliance or contractility. Responses of DRG neuron to αβMethylene-ATP (30 µM) were unchanged in the TRPV1−/− mice, but the proportion of responsive neurones was reduced (p ≤ 0.01). Although the TRPV1 agonist capsaicin (1 µM) did not evoke intracellular responses in PMUCs from TRPV1+/+ mice, luminal ATP levels were reduced in the TRPV1−/− mice (p ≤ 0.001) compared to wildtype. TRPV1 modulates P2X mediated afferent responses and provides a mechanistic basis for the decrease in sensory symptoms observed following resiniferatoxin and capsaicin treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms.
Murine splenic B cells express corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 2 that affect their viability during a stress response
Authors: Harlé Guillaume , Kaminski Sandra , Dubayle David , Frippiat Jean-Pol , Ropars Armelle 
Published: January 2018

AbstractChronic stress is now recognized as a risk factor for disease development and/or exacerbation. It has been shown to affect negatively the immune system and notably the humoral immune response. Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is known to play a crucial role in stress response. CRH receptors are expressed on different immune cells such as granulocytes, monocytes and T cells. However, up to now, no CRH receptor has been described on B cells which are key players of the humoral immune response. In order to highlight new pathways by which stress may impact immunity, we investigated the role of CRH in B cells. Here we show that splenic B cells express the CRH receptor 2 (CRHR2), but not CRHR1. This receptor is functional since CRH treatment of B cells activates different signaling pathways (e.g. p38) and decreases B cell viability. Finally, we show that immunization of mice with two types of antigens induces a more intense CRHR staining in secondary lymphoid organs where B cells are known to respond to the antigen. Altogether our results demonstrate, for the first time, that CRH is able to modulate directly B cell activity through the presence of CRHR2.
Root Morphological Traits and Spatial Distribution under Different Nitrogen Treatments and Their Relationship with Grain Yield in Super Hybrid Rice
Authors: Liu Ke , He Aibin , Ye Chang , Liu Shaowen , Lu Jian , Gao Mengtao , Fan Youzhong , Lu Bilin , Tian Xiaohai , Zhang Yunbo 
Published: January 2018

AbstractSucceeding in breeding super hybrid rice has been considered as a great progress in rice production in China. This on-farm study was conducted with Minirhizotron techniques to identify dynamic root morphological traits and distribution (0–30 cm) under different nitrogen treatments. Five elite super hybrid rice cultivars, Liangyoupeijiu (LYPJ), Yliangyou 1(YLY1), Yliangyou 2(YLY2), Yliangyou 900(YLY900) and Super 1000(S1000), were grown at four N levels: 0 kg ha−1 (N1), 210 kg ha−1 (N2), 300 kg ha−1 (N3) and 390 kg ha−1 (N4) in 2015 and 2016. Results showed these cultivars had greater root traits and higher grain yield under N3. Total root number (TRN) and total root length (TRL) of these cultivars reached maximum at 55 days after transplanting (DAT). The new released cultivars YLY900 and S1000 were featured with an improved root system among these cultivars. The percentage of root number on 10–20 cm soil was over 50% compared with other soil layer. A significant positive correlation was found between grain yield and both TRN and TRL at 10–20 cm soil layer (P < 0.01). Given this situation, the grain yield of super rice cultivars could be further improved by increasing the proportion of roots at 10–20 cm soil layer under suitable nitrogen management.
Fabrication of ultrahigh-precision hemispherical mirrors for quantum-optics applications
Authors: Higginbottom Daniel B. , Campbell Geoff T. , Araneda Gabriel , Fang Fengzhou , Colombe Yves , Buchler Ben C. , Lam Ping Koy 
Published: January 2018

AbstractHigh precision, high numerical aperture mirrors are desirable for mediating strong atom-light coupling in quantum optics applications and can also serve as important reference surfaces for optical metrology. In this work we demonstrate the fabrication of highly-precise hemispheric mirrors with numerical aperture NA = 0.996. The mirrors were fabricated from aluminum by single-point diamond turning using a stable ultra-precision lathe calibrated with an in-situ white-light interferometer. Our mirrors have a diameter of 25 mm and were characterized using a combination of wide-angle single-shot and small-angle stitched multi-shot interferometry. The measurements show root-mean-square (RMS) form errors consistently below 25 nm. The smoothest of our mirrors has a RMS error of 14 nm and a peak-to-valley (PV) error of 88 nm, which corresponds to a form accuracy of λ/50 for visible optics.
Burden between Undersupply and Overtreatment in the Care of Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax
Authors: Suttner Tobias , Neu Reiner , Potzger Tobias , Szöke Tamas , Grosser Christian , Ried Michael , Hofmann Hans-Stefan 
Published: December 2017

Background The optimal treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is still controversial. The purpose of this study was to analyze the incidence of recurrence, the recurrence-free time, and to identify risk factors for recurrence after PSP.
Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of 135 patients with PSP who were treated either conservatively with a chest tube (n = 87) or surgically with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS; n = 48) from January 2008 through December 2012.
Results In this study, 101 (74.8%) male and 34 (25.2%) female patients were included with a mean age of 35.7 years. The indications for surgery included blebs/bullae in the radiological images (n = 20), persistent air leaks (n = 15), or the occupations/wishes of the patients (n = 13). A first ipsilateral recurrent pneumothorax (true recurrence) was observed in 31.1% of all patients (VATS: 6.25%, conservative: 44.8%). Including contralateral recurrence, the overall first recurrence rate was 41.3% (VATS: 14.6%, conservative: 57.5%). The recurrence-free time did not differ significantly between the treatment groups (p = 0.51), and most recurrences were observed within the first 6 months after PSP. Independent risk factors identified for the first recurrence were conservative therapy (p = 0.0001), the size of the PSP (conservative; p = 0.016), and a body mass index <17 (VATS; 0.022). The risk for second and third recurrences of PSP was 17.5 and 70%, respectively, for both treatment groups, but it was 100% after conservative therapy.
Conclusion Surgery for PSP should be selected based on the risk factors and the patient's wishes to prevent first recurrences but also to avoid overtreatment. The treatment of first and subsequent PSP recurrences should be with surgery since conservative treatment is associated with a 100% recurrence rate.
Is 300 Seconds ACT Safe and Efficient during MiECC Procedures?
Authors: Bauer Adrian , Hausmann Harald , Schaarschmidt Jan , Szlapka Michal , Scharpenberg Martin , Eberle Thomas , Hasenkam J. 
Published: December 2017

Introduction The recommended minimum activated clotting time (ACT) level for cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) of 480 seconds originated from investigations with bubble oxygenators and uncoated extracorporeal circulation (ECC) systems. Modern minimal invasive ECC (MiECC) systems are completely closed circuits containing a membrane oxygenator and a tip-to-tip surface coating. We hypothesized that surface coating and the “closed-loop” design allow the MiECC to safely run with lower ACT levels and that an ACT level of 300 seconds can be safely applied without thromboembolic complications. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential risks during application of reduced heparin levels in patients undergoing coronary surgery.
Methods In this study, 68 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting with MiECC were randomized to either the study group with an ACT target of 300 seconds or the control group with an ACT of 450 seconds. All other factors of MiECC remained unchanged.
Results The study group received significantly less heparin and protamine (heparin [international units] median [min–max], Red_AC: 32,800 [23,000–51,500] vs. Full_AC: 50,000 [35,000–65,000] p < 0.001; protamine [international units], Red_AC: 18,000 [10,000–35,000] vs. Full_AC: 30,000 [20,000–45,000] p < 0.001). The ACT in the study group was significantly lower at the start of MiECC (mean ± standard deviation: study group 400 ± 112 vs. control group 633 ± 177; p < 0.0001). Before termination of CPB the ACT levels were: study group 344 ± 60 versus control group 506 ± 80. In both groups, the values of the endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) decreased simultaneously. None of the study participants experienced thromboembolic complications.
Conclusion Since no evidence of increased thrombin formation (ETP) was found from a laboratory standpoint, we concluded that the use of MiECC with a reduced anticoagulation strategy seems possible. This alternative anticoagulation strategy leads to significant reduction in dosages of both heparin and protamine. We can confidently move forward with investigating this anticoagulation concept. However, to establish clinical safety of ACT below 300 seconds, we need larger clinical studies.
“Five on a Dice” Port Placement Allows for Successful Robot-Assisted Left Pneumonectomy
Authors: Khan Najah , Fikfak Vid , Chan Edward , Kim Min 
Published: December 2017

Background Technology has evolved to facilitate pulmonary resection. The latest technological advances in computer-aided surgery (Da Vinci Xi) allow for more control during pulmonary resection.
Case Description A 59-year-old woman presented with two primary tumors of the left upper and lower lung. After induction chemotherapy, patient had a “five on a dice” port placement and technique was used to perform successful robot-assisted pneumonectomy. The patient was discharged home on postoperative day 3 without any complications.
Conclusions We have found that the “five on a dice” port placement allows for optimal control of the robot stapler and facilitates successful robot-assisted left pneumonectomy.
An Overview and Update of Femorofemoral Crossover Bypass Surgery as an Extra-Anatomic Bypass Procedure
Authors: Cayir Mustafa , Kumtepe Gencehan , Velioglu Yusuf , Atli Fahri , Muduroglu Ayhan , Gurbuz Orcun , Yuksel Ahmet 
Published: December 2017

AbstractFemorofemoral crossover bypass is a surgical arterial revascularization modality which is commonly performed for unilateral aortoiliac occlusive disease. It is primarily applied to patients with intermittent claudication or critical limb ischemia in whom underlying anatomic constraints rule out endovascular means of restoring in-line flow and those who do not qualify for anatomic reconstruction due to the comorbid conditions that preclude a more invasive open surgical approach. This surgical procedure may be also used as a complementary component of endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms when one aortoiliac arterial system is occluded to ensure exclusion of the aortic aneurysm. This review represents the current status of femorofemoral crossover bypass surgery as an extra-anatomic bypass procedure.
Three new flavonoids, proanthocyanidin, and accompanying phenolic constituents from Feijoa sellowiana
Authors: Aoyama Hiroe , Sakagami Hiroshi , Hatano Tsutomu 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Our investigation of phenolic constituents of fruits, flower buds, and leaves of Feijoa sellowiana led to the isolation of twenty-one phenolics including three new gossypetin glycosides 1–3, and also the purification of a proanthocyanidin fraction. A high-performance liquid chromatography method for simultaneous analysis of phenolic constituents was established and then used to investigate the phenolic profiles of the parts of the plant species, to show the presence of characteristic flavonoids and ellagic acid derivatives or ellagitannins in the extracts from fruits, flower buds, and leaves. The branch extract profile also suggested the presence of alkylated ellagic acids as characteristic constituents. Inhibitory effects of feijoa flavonoids on mushroom tyrosinase were seen, although in some cases this may have resulted from direct interaction with the enzyme. Cytotoxic effect of the proanthocyanidin fraction was also shown.
Nonparametric Bayesian inference for mean residual life functions in survival analysis
Authors: Poynor Valerie , Kottas Athanasios 
Published: January 2018

SUMMARYModeling and inference for survival analysis problems typically revolves around different functions related to the survival distribution. Here, we focus on the mean residual life (MRL) function, which provides the expected remaining lifetime given that a subject has survived (i.e. is event-free) up to a particular time. This function is of direct interest in reliability, medical, and actuarial fields. In addition to its practical interpretation, the MRL function characterizes the survival distribution. We develop general Bayesian nonparametric inference for MRL functions built from a Dirichlet process mixture model for the associated survival distribution. The resulting model for the MRL function admits a representation as a mixture of the kernel MRL functions with time-dependent mixture weights. This model structure allows for a wide range of shapes for the MRL function. Particular emphasis is placed on the selection of the mixture kernel, taken to be a gamma distribution, to obtain desirable properties for the MRL function arising from the mixture model. The inference method is illustrated with a data set of two experimental groups and a data set involving right censoring. The supplementary material available at Biostatistics online provides further results on empirical performance of the model, using simulated data examples.
Asymptotic Behaviour and Estimates of Slowly Varying Convolution Semigroups
Authors: Grzywny Tomasz , Ryznar Michał , Trojan Bartosz 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
We study the asymptotic formulas and estimates for the transition densities of isotropic unimodal convolution semigroups of probability measures on $\mathbb{R}^{d}$ under the assumption that its Lévy–Khintchine exponent varies slowly. We derive some new estimates of the transition densities and Green functions.