bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation between the methylation of the FUT1 promoter region and FUT1 expression in the duodenum of piglets from newborn to weaning
Authors: Dai Chaohui , Sun Li , Xia Riwei , Sun Shouyong , Zhu Guoqiang , Wu Shenglong , Bao Wenbin 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
Alpha-(1,2)-fucosyltransferase (FUT1) gene has some influence on economically important traits and disease resistance. DNA methylation plays an important role in human diseases but is relatively poorly studied in pigs by regulating the mRNA expression of genes. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of promoter methylation on the expression of FUT1 gene. We used bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP) and qPCR to analyze the methylation of the FUT1 5′-flanking region and FUT1 mRNA expression in the duodenum of Sutai piglets from newborn to weaning. FUT1 contains three CpG islands upstream of the start codon, of which two are located in the putative promoter region containing multiple promoter elements and transcription factor binding sites, such as CpG islands, a CAAT box, SP1, and EARLY-SEQ 1. The CpG island between nucleotides −1762 and −580 had a low degree of methylation, and its methylation level was significantly lower in 35-day-old piglets than 8- and 18-day-old piglets (P < 0.05). FUT1 mRNA expression was significantly higher in 35-day-old piglets than 8- and 18-day-old piglets (P < 0.05). Pearson’s correlation analysis showed that the methylation of the CpG island between nucleotides −1762 and −580 of FUT1 was significantly, negatively correlated with FUT1 mRNA expression (P < 0.05). These results demonstrate that differential methylation of CpG islands negatively regulates the expression of FUT1 in the porcine duodenum, suggesting a probable influence on the resistance of piglets to infection with ETEC F18.
Assessment of Cirrhotic Liver Enhancement with Multiphasic Computed Tomography Using a Faster Injection Rate, Late Arterial Phase, and Weight-Based Contrast Dosing
Authors: Eddy Kathleen , Costa Andreu F. 
Published: July 2017

Purpose This study aimed to update our liver computed tomography (CT) protocol according to published guidelines, and to quantitatively evaluate the effect of these modifications. Methods The modified liver CT protocol employed a faster injection rate (5 vs 3 mL/s), later arterial phase (20-second vs 10-second postbolus trigger), and weight-based dosing of iodinated contrast (1.7 mL/kg vs 100 mL fixed dose). Liver and vascular attenuation values were measured on CTs of patients with cirrhosis from January to September 2015 (old protocol, n = 49) and from October to December 2015 (modified protocol, n = 31). CTs were considered adequate if liver enhancement exceeded 50 Hounsfield units (HU) in portal venous phase, or when the unenhanced phase was unavailable, if a minimum iodine concentration of 500 mg I/kg was achieved. Attenuations and iodine concentrations were compared using the t test and the number of suboptimal studies was compared with Fisher's exact test. Results CTs acquired with the modified protocol demonstrated higher aortic ( P = .001) and portal vein ( P < .0001) attenuations in the arterial phase as well as greater hepatic attenuation on all postcontrast phases ( P = .0006, .002, and .003 for arterial, venous, and equilibrium phases, respectively). Hepatic enhancement in the portal venous phase (61 ± 15 HU vs 51 ± 16 HU; P = .0282) and iodine concentrations (595 ± 88 mg I/kg vs 456 ± 112 mg I/kg; P < .0001) were improved, and the number of suboptimal studies was reduced from 57% to 23% ( P = .01). Conclusions A liver CT protocol with later arterial phase, faster injection rate, and weight-based dosing of intravenous contrast significantly improves liver enhancement and iodine concentrations in patients with cirrhosis, resulting in significantly fewer suboptimal studies.
Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Prostate for Tumour Detection and Local Staging: Imaging in 1.5T and Histopathologic Correlation
Authors: Loggitsi Dimitra , Gyftopoulos Anastasios , Economopoulos Nikolaos , Apostolaki Aikaterini , Kalogeropoulos Theodoros , Thanos Anastasios , Alexopoulou Efthimia , Kelekis Nikolaos L. 
Published: July 2017

Purpose The study sought to prospectively evaluate which technique among T2-weighted images, dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), diffusion-weighted (DW) MRI, or a combination of the 2, is best suited for prostate cancer detection and local staging. Methods Twenty-seven consecutive patients with biopsy-proven adenocarcinoma of the prostate underwent MRI on a 1.5T scanner with a surface phased-array coil prior radical prostatectomy. Combined anatomical and functional imaging was performed with the use of T2-weighted sequences, DCE MRI, and DW MRI. We compared the imaging results with whole mount histopathology. Results For the multiparametric approach, significantly higher sensitivity values, that is, 53% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 41.0-64.1) were obtained as compared with each modality alone or any combination of the 3 modalities ( P < .05). The specificity for this multiparametric approach, being 90.3% (95% CI: 86.3-93.3) was not significantly higher ( P < .05) as compared with the values of the combination of T2+DCE MRI, DW+DCE MRI, or DCE MRI alone. Among the 3 techniques, DCE had the best performance for tumour detection in both the peripheral and the transition zone. High negative predictive value rates (>86%) were obtained for both tumour detection and local staging. Conclusions The combination of T2-weighted sequences, DCE MRI, and DW MRI yields higher diagnostic performance for tumour detection and local staging than can any of these techniques alone or even any combination of them.
Cerebral hypoperfusion is not associated with an increase in amyloid β pathology in middle‐aged or elderly people
Authors: Hansson Oskar , Palmqvist Sebastian , Ljung Hanna , Cronberg Tobias , van Westen Danielle , Smith Ruben 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIntroductionIt is hypothesized that cerebral hypoperfusion promotes the development of Alzheimer pathology. We therefore studied whether longstanding cerebral hypoperfusion is associated with Alzheimer pathology in nondemented humans.MethodsCerebral blood flow and amyloid β (18F‐Flutemetamol) positron emission tomography retention were assessed in eleven patients with unilateral occlusion of precerebral arteries resulting in chronic and uneven hypoperfusion. A subset of patients underwent tau (18F‐AV‐1451) positron emission tomography.ResultsThe blood flow was significantly reduced on the affected side of the brain in patients with unilateral occlusion of the internal carotid artery or stenosis of the middle cerebral artery. However, the cortical uptake of 18F‐Flutemetamol or 18F‐AV‐1451 was not altered.DiscussionOur results suggest that longstanding cerebral hypoperfusion in humans does not result in accumulation of amyloid β fibrils or tau aggregates.
The relationship between the CYP19 alleles rs727479A/C, rs700518A/G, and rs700519C/T and pregnancy outcome after assisted reproductive technology in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome in a Chinese population: A population‐based study
Authors: Dou Qian , Tan Li , Ma Li‐Ying , Sun Ying‐Pu 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThis study investigated the relationship between the CYP19 alleles, rs727479A/C, rs700518A/G, and rs700519C/T, and pregnancy outcome after assisted reproductive technology (ART) in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Between January 2012 and September 2015, 293 PCOS patients undergoing ART were randomly selected for the study. According to pregnancy outcome after ART, the patients were assigned to pregnancy and non‐pregnancy groups. CYP19 rs727479A/C, rs700518A/G and rs700519C/T genotypes were determined using the denaturing high‐performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) method. Haplotype frequencies of the CYP19 alleles rs727479A/C, rs700518A/G and rs700519C/T were estimated using the SHEsis platform. Logistic regression analysis was employed to analyze the factors influencing the pregnancy outcome after ART. The frequency of the AC + CC genotype of rs727479A/C was higher in the pregnancy group than in the non‐pregnancy group. The frequency of the CT + TT genotype of rs700519A/G was also higher in the pregnancy group than in the non‐pregnancy group. Haplotype analysis indicated that the AAC and AGT haplotypes both exhibited unfavorable influence on the pregnancy outcome after ART. The AAT and CGT haplotypes were favorable to the pregnancy outcome after ART. Logistic regression analysis suggested that the rs727479A/C AA genotype, the rs700519C/T CC genotype and body mass index (BMI) might exert unfavorable influence on the pregnancy outcome after ART for PCOS patients. These findings indicated that the CYP19 alleles rs727479A/C and rs700519C/T might be associated with the pregnancy outcome after ART in patients with PCOS.
Yarsagumba Fungus: Health Problems in the Himalayan Gold Rush
Authors: Koirala Pranawa , Pandit Bidur , Phuyal Pratibha , Zafren Ken 
Published: July 2017

Introduction Seasonal migration of people in search of Yarsagumba fungus creates a population of collectors that faces hardship and health risks in austere high-altitude settings. Methods In 2016, our 4-person team performed a 2-day health-needs survey of people collecting Yarsagumba fungus near the village of Yak Kharka (4020 m) in the Manang District of Nepal. Results There were approximately 800 people, both male and female, from age 10 to over 60, collecting Yarsagumba fungus. They had paid high prices for permits, hoping to recoup the cost and make a profit by selling specimens of Yarsagumba, but the fungus seemed scarce in 2016, resulting in a bleak economic forecast. Most collectors were living in austere conditions, walking long hours to the collection areas early in the morning and returning in the late afternoon. Most were subsisting on 1 daily meal. Health problems, including acute mountain sickness as well as respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses, were common. Yarsagumba has become harder to find in recent years, increasing hardships and risk of injury. Medical care was almost nonexistent. Conclusion As abundance decreases and demand increases, there is increasing pressure on collectors to find Yarsagumba. The collectors are an economically disadvantaged population who live in austere conditions at high altitude with poor shelter and sanitation, strenuous work, and limited availability of food. Health care resources are very limited. There are significant risks of illness, injury, and death. Targeted efforts by government entities and nongovernmental organizations might be beneficial in meeting the health needs.
Similarities Between Large Animal-Related and Motor Vehicle Crash-Related Injuries
Authors: Tremelling Abigail M. , Marley Robert A. , Marley Mackenzie B. , Woofter Christina M. , Docherty Courtney , Salvator Ann E. , Muakkassa Farid F. 
Published: July 2017

Objective Many Americans sustain large animal-related injuries (LARIs) from blunt trauma. We compare the injuries and management of LARI in our region of the United States with those of motor vehicle crashes (MVCs). Methods A 15-year retrospective study of trauma patients with LARI matched to MVC controls by Injury Severity Score (ISS), age, and sex was conducted. Values were statistically compared, and differences were considered statistically significant at P < .05. Results There were 156 LARI cases, of which 87% were related to horses, 8% to bulls, and the remainder to deer, mules, bison, cows, and rams. In the LARI group, the age was 42±18 years (mean±SD), ISS was 7±4, and 61% were females. The MVC group had a significantly longer length of hospital stay (5±5 vs 4±3 days) and blood alcohol concentration (35±84 vs 3±20 g/L). There were no significant differences in injury patterns between LARI and MVC; however, additional radiological studies (RS) were performed on MVC (9±6 vs 7±5). LARI patients were more often transferred from rural locations (39% vs 25%) and traveled further to our trauma center (40±32 vs 24±29 km) than did MVC patients. Conclusions LARI has a similar pattern of injury to MVC, but fewer RS. LARI typically occurred further away, requiring transfer from rural areas to our institution. We recommend a similar approach for the evaluation of LARI and MVC.
Stem cell-released oncolytic herpes simplex virus has therapeutic efficacy in brain metastatic melanomas
Authors: Du Wanlu , Seah Ivan , Bougazzoul Oumaima , Choi GiHun , Meeth Katrina , Bosenberg Marcus W. , Wakimoto Hiroaki , Fisher David , Shah Khalid 
Published: July 2017

Significance
This study provides an insight into stem cell-based oncolytic virus therapies for advanced melanoma tumors that have metastasized into the brain by developing clinically relevant mouse tumor models and testing the fate and efficacy of oncolytic herpes simplex virus-armed mesenchymal stem cells in such models. This study therefore overcomes the hurdles of systemic delivery of oncolytic viruses and provides a clinically applicable therapeutic platform to target melanoma brain metastasis.
Relations of Demographic and Clinical Factors With Cardiovascular Autonomic Function in a Population-Based Study: An Assessment By Quantile Regression
Authors: Sluyter John D , Hughes Alun D , Camargo Carlos A , Lowe Andrew , Scragg Robert K R 
Published: July 2017

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The relationships of many factors with cardiovascular autonomic function (CVAF) outcome parameters may not be uniform across the entire distribution of the outcome. We examined how demographic and clinical factors varied with different subgroups of CVAF parameters.

METHODS
Quantile regression was applied to a cross-sectional analysis of 4,167 adults (56% male; age range, 50–84 years) from 4 ethnic groups (3,419 New Zealand European, 303 Pacific, 227 Maori, and 218 South Asian) and without diagnosed cardiac arrhythmia. Pulse rate variability (root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) and SD of pulse intervals) and baroreflex sensitivity were response variables. Independent variables were age, sex, ethnicity, brachial and aortic blood pressure (BP) variables, body mass index (BMI), and diabetes.

RESULTS
Ordinary linear regression showed that age, sex, Pacific and Maori ethnicity, BP variables, BMI, and diabetes were associated with CVAF parameters. But quantile regression revealed that, across CVAF percentiles, the slopes for these relationships: (i) varied by more than 10-fold in several cases and sometimes changed direction and (ii) noticeably differed in magnitude often (by &gt;3–fold in several cases) compared to ordinary linear regression coefficients. For instance, age was inversely associated with RMSSD at the 10th percentile of this parameter (β = −0.12 ms/year, 95% confidence interval = −0.18 to −0.09 ms/year) but had a positive relationship at the 90th percentile (β = 3.17 ms/year, 95% confidence interval = 2.50 to 4.04 ms/year).

CONCLUSIONS
The relationships of demographic and clinical factors with CVAF parameters are, in many cases, not uniform. Quantile regression provides an improved assessment of these associations.
How Goal Specificity Shapes Motivation: A Reference Points Perspective
Authors: Wallace Scott G , Etkin Jordan 
Published: July 2017

AbstractConsumers often pursue goals that lack specific end states, such as goals to lose as much weight as possible or to pay off as much debt as possible. Yet despite considerable interest in the consequences of setting nonspecific (vs. specific) goals, how goal specificity affects motivation throughout goal pursuit is less well understood. The current research explores the role of reference points in shaping goal specificity’s effects. We propose that goal specificity alters what reference point consumers spontaneously adopt during goal pursuit: for specific goals, the end state tends to be more salient, but for nonspecific goals, the initial state should be more salient. Five studies investigate how this difference in focal reference points shapes (1) the relationship between goal progress and motivation, (2) when (i.e., at what level of goal progress) goal specificity produces the greatest difference in motivation, and (3) the underlying process driving these effects. Our findings advance understanding of the relationship between goal specificity, goal progress, and motivation, and in doing so, underscore the critical role that reference points play in goal-directed behavior. In addition, the findings offer practical insight into how best to set important financial, health, and other consumer goals to enhance motivation.
Disentangling metabolic functions of bacteria in the honey bee gut
Authors: Kešnerová Lucie , Mars Ruben A. T. , Ellegaard Kirsten M. , Troilo Michaël , Sauer Uwe , Engel Philipp 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIt is presently unclear how much individual community members contribute to the overall metabolic output of a gut microbiota. To address this question, we used the honey bee, which harbors a relatively simple and remarkably conserved gut microbiota with striking parallels to the mammalian system and importance for bee health. Using untargeted metabolomics, we profiled metabolic changes in gnotobiotic bees that were colonized with the complete microbiota reconstituted from cultured strains. We then determined the contribution of individual community members in mono-colonized bees, and recapitulated our findings usingin vitrocultures. Our results show that the honey bee gut microbiota utilizes a wide range of pollen-derived substrates including flavonoids and outer pollen wall components, suggesting a key role for degradation of recalcitrant secondary plant metabolites and pollen digestion. In turn, multiple species were responsible for the accumulation of organic acids and polyphenol degradation products, and a specific gut symbiont,Bifidobacterium asteroides, stimulated the production of host hormones known to impact bee development. While we found evidence for cross-feeding interactions, ∼80% of the identified metabolic changes were also observed in mono-colonized bees withLactobacillibeing responsible for the largest share of the metabolic output. These results suggest that bacteria in the honey bee gut colonize largely independent metabolic niches, which may be a general characteristic of gut microbiomes. Our study reveals diverse metabolic functions of gut bacteria that are likely to contribute to bee health, and provide fundamental insights into how metabolic functions are partitioned within gut communities.Author summaryHoney bees are important pollinators that harbor a simple gut microbiota with striking parallels to the mammalian system. This makes them relevant models to study gut microbiota functions and its impact on host health. We applied untargeted metabolomics to characterize metabolic changes induced by the gut microbiota, and to characterize contributions of the major community members. We find that the gut microbiota digests recalcitrant substrates derived from the bees’ pollen-diet. Most metabolic changes could be explained by the activity of individual community members suggesting substrate specificity and independent metabolic niches. Our study provides novel insights into the functional understanding of the bee gut microbiota and provides a framework for applying untargeted metabolomics to disentangle metabolic functions of gut bacteria.
Characterising maize viruses associated with maize lethal necrosis symptoms in sub Saharan Africa
Authors: Adams I.P. , Braidwood L.A. , Stomeo F. , Phiri N. , Uwumukiza B. , Feyissa B. , Mahuku G. , Wangi A. , Smith J. , Mumford R. , Boonham N. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractMaize lethal necrosis disease (MLN) is an emerging disease in East Africa caused by the introduction ofMaize chlorotic mottle virus(MCMV). Recent activity seeking to limit spread of the disease is reliant on effective diagnostics. Traditional diagnostics applied on samples with typical field symptoms of MLN have often given negative results using ELISA or PCR for MCMV andSugarcane mosaic virus(SCMV). Samples collected in the field with typical MLN symptoms were examined using next generation sequencing (NGS). SCMV was found to be more prevalent than suggested by targeted diagnostics. Additionally, the panel of samples were found to be infected with a range of other viruses, seven of which are described here for the first time. Although not previously identified in the region,Maize yellow mosaic virus(MYMV) was the most prevalent virus after MCMV. The development of targeted diagnostics for emerging viruses is complicated when the extent of field variation is unknown, something that can be negated by using NGS methods. As a result we explored MinION technology which may be more readily deployable in resource poor settings. The results show that this sequencer can diagnose known viruses and future iterations have the potential to identify novel viruses.
Platform for Closed Loop Neuromodulation Based on Dual Mode Biosignals
Authors: Mirza Khalid B. , Kulasekeram Nishanth , Cork Simon , Bloom Stephen , Nikolic Konstantin , Toumazou Christofer 
Published: July 2017

AbstractClosed loop neuromodulation, where the stimulation is controlled autonomously based on physiological events, has been more effective than open loop techniques. In the few existing closed loop implementations which have a feedback, indirect non-neurophysiological biomarkers have been typically used (e.g. heart rate, stomach distension). Although these biomarkers enable automatic initiation of neural stimulation, they do not enable intelligent control of stimulation dosage. In this paper, we present a novel closed loop neuromodulation platform based on a dual signal mode that is detecting electrical and chemical signatures of neural activity. We demonstrated it on a case of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). Vagal chemical (pH) signal is detected and used for initiatisng VNS and vagal compound action potential (CAP) signals are used to determine the stimulation dosage and pattern. Although we used the paradigm of appetite control and neurometabolic therapies, the platform developed here can be utilised for prototyping closed loop neuromodulation systems before adapting the final System-on-Chip (SoC) design.
Inert and seed-competent tau monomers suggest structural origins of aggregation
Authors: Mirbaha Hilda , Chen Dailu , Morozova Olga A. , Ruff Kiersten M. , Sharma Apurwa , Liu Xiaohua , Pappu Rohit V. , Colby David W. , Mirzaei Hamid , Joachimiak Lukasz A. , Diamond Marc I. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractTauopathies feature progressive accumulation of tau amyloids. Pathology may begin when these amplify from a protein template, or seed, whose structure is unknown. We have purified and characterized distinct forms of tau monomer—inert (Mi) and seed-competent (Ms). Recombinant Mstriggered intracellular tau aggregation, induced tau fibrillizationin vitro, and self-assembled. Msfrom Alzheimer’s disease also seeded aggregation and self-assembledin vitroto form seed-competent multimers. We used crosslinking with mass spectrometry to probe structural differences in Mivs. Ms. Crosslinks informed models of local peptide structure within the repeat domain which suggest relative inaccessibility of residues that drive aggregation (VQIINK/VQIVYK) in Mi, and exposure in Ms. Limited proteolysis supported this idea. Although tau monomer has been considered to be natively unstructured, our findings belie this assumption and suggest that initiation of pathological aggregation could begin with conversion of tau monomer from an inert to a seed-competent form.