bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of cell proliferation, migration and invasion by a glioma‐targeted fusion protein combining the p53 C terminus and MDM2‐binding domain
Authors: Yu Jiawen , Guo Meihua , Wang Ting , Li Xiang , Wang Dan , Wang Xinying , Zhang Qian , Wang Liang , Zhang Yang , Zhao Chunhui , Feng Bin 
Published: February 2016

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to develop multifunctional fusion proteins for targeting and delivering therapy elements into glioma cells.Materials and methodsMultifunctional fusion proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli and purified using Ni‐NTA resin affinity chromatography. Human glioma cells and primary astrocytes were used to analyse their functions. Targeting proteins location to glioma cells was observed by confocal microscopy. Effects of cell viability and proliferation were evaluated using the Cell Counting Kit 8 and colony formation assays. Glioma cell migration and invasion were assessed using transwell assays, and apoptosis was analysed by flow cytometry. In addition, changes in expression of proteins related to the cell cycle and apoptosis were determined by Western blotting.ResultsThe protein with highest bioactivity was GL1‐riHA2‐p53c+m‐TAT (GHPc+mT), which combines glioma‐targeting peptide GL1 (G), and C terminus (Pc) and mouse double minute domains (Pm) of p53, with the destabilizing lipid membrane peptide riHA2 (H) and cell‐penetrating peptide TAT (T). The purified fusion protein was stable in cell culture medium and specifically targeted, and was internalized by, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐overexpressing glioma cells (U87ΔEGFR). It inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion, while flow cytometric analysis showed increased apoptosis. In addition, GHPc+mT caused significant changes in expression of proteins related to the cell cycle and apoptosis.ConclusionGHPc+mT is a multifunctional protein combining targeting, inhibition of glioma cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis, providing some potential to be developed into an effective protein drug delivery system for glioma therapy.
Donor positive blood culture is associated with delayed graft function in kidney transplant recipients: a propensity score analysis of the UNOS database
Authors: Huaman Moises A. , Vilchez Valery , Mei Xiaonan , Davenport Daniel , Gedaly Roberto 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe effect of blood culture positive donor (BCPD) on delayed graft function (DGF) in kidney transplant recipients has not been well established.MethodsWe retrieved data from the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) registry on all adults who underwent primary, single organ deceased‐donor kidney transplantation in US between 2008 and 2013. Patients were classified in two cohorts: the BCPD cohort and the non‐BCPD cohort. We used propensity scores for 1:1 matching of BCPD and non‐BCPD cohorts. DGF, graft and patient survival at one yr were compared between cohorts using multivariable logistic and Cox regression models. DGF was defined as requiring dialysis within the first week post‐transplant.ResultsThere were 4126 (8.1%) recipients of BCPD during the study period. DGF was associated with BCPD (aOR; 1.15, 95% CI 1.07–1.24). This association was maintained in the propensity‐score matched analysis (p < 0.01). No association was found between BCPD and graft survival (aHR; 1.01, 95% CI, 0.92–1.09) or patient survival (aHR; 0.92, 95% CI, 0.82–1.04).ConclusionBlood culture positive donor was associated with DGF but did not impact graft or patient survival in deceased‐donor kidney transplants. This suggests a transient negative effect of BCPD that does not appear to translate into a more persistent deleterious outcome.
International recommendation for a comprehensive neuropathologic workup of epilepsy surgery brain tissue: A consensus Task Force report from the ILAE Commission on Diagnostic Methods
Authors: Blümcke Ingmar , Aronica Eleonora , Miyata Hajime , Sarnat Harvey B. , Thom Maria , Roessler Karl , Rydenhag Bertil , Jehi Lara , Krsek Pavel , Wiebe Samuel , Spreafico Roberto 
Published: February 2016

SummaryEpilepsy surgery is an effective treatment in many patients with drug‐resistant focal epilepsies. An early decision for surgical therapy is facilitated by a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)—visible brain lesion congruent with the electrophysiologically abnormal brain region. Recent advances in the pathologic diagnosis and classification of epileptogenic brain lesions are helpful for clinical correlation, outcome stratification, and patient management. However, application of international consensus classification systems to common epileptic pathologies (e.g., focal cortical dysplasia [FCD] and hippocampal sclerosis [HS]) necessitates standardized protocols for neuropathologic workup of epilepsy surgery specimens. To this end, the Task Force of Neuropathology from the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) Commission on Diagnostic Methods developed a consensus standard operational procedure for tissue inspection, distribution, and processing. The aims are to provide a systematic framework for histopathologic workup, meeting minimal standards and maximizing current and future opportunities for morphofunctional correlations and molecular studies for both clinical care and research. Whenever feasible, anatomically intact surgical specimens are desirable to enable systematic analysis in selective hippocampectomies, temporal lobe resections, and lesional or nonlesional neocortical samples. Correct orientation of sample and the sample's relation to neurophysiologically aberrant sites requires good communication between pathology and neurosurgical teams. Systematic tissue sampling of 5‐mm slabs along a defined anatomic axis and application of a limited immunohistochemical panel will ensure a reliable differential diagnosis of main pathologies encountered in epilepsy surgery.
Experimental Tests of the Function and Flexibility of Song Consistency in a Wild Bird
Authors: Taff Conor C. , Freeman‐Gallant Corey R. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractMeasures of bird song that capture aspects of motor performance, such as consistency, have become a major focus in understanding sexual selection on song. Despite accumulating evidence that consistency is related to reproductive success in many species, the relative importance of male–male interactions and female–male interactions is still unclear. We studied the function and flexibility of song consistency and song rate in common yellowthroat warblers (Geothlypis trichas). A previous study of this population found that song consistency—measured as the amount of variability within a bout of songs—was positively correlated with the likelihood of siring extrapair young. In this study, we conducted two experiments aimed at testing (1) the role of song consistency and rate in mediating male–male and male–female interactions and (2) whether song effort is flexibly adjusted to changes in social context. In the first experiment, we simulated a male territorial intrusion with song playbacks that varied in consistency and rate; focal males responded aggressively to playbacks, but their response did not differ with playback consistency or rate. In the second experiment, we presented focal males with a taxidermic female mount and female vocalizations; focal males approached the speaker, but continued to sing and did not perform the aggressive rattle vocalization observed during male encounters. Immediately after the simulated female encounter, focal males increased in song consistency. Taken together, our results are most consistent with the hypothesis that song consistency in common yellowthroats is primarily a female‐directed signal that is actively adjusted in response to rapidly changing social conditions.
Influence of the build orientation on the fatigue strength of EOS maraging steel produced by additive metal machine
Authors: Croccolo D. , De Agostinis M. , Fini S. , Olmi G. , Vranic A. , Ciric‐Kostic S. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThis paper presents a research dealing with the dependence of the fatigue strength of maraging steel parts, manufactured by direct selective laser sintering, on the production build orientation. Three sets of specimens have been manufactured according to the ISO 1143 Standard (2010) by EOSINT M280 additive manufacturing machine, with the following heat and mechanical treatments, in agreement with the recommendations by the material manufacturer and current literature. The expected outcomes are the Fatigue Limit values of the material and the maximum number of cycles observed at different stress levels for three different build orientations (three different angles, 0°, 45° and 90°, between the build direction and the longitudinal axis of the samples). The results have been processed and compared by statistical methods in order to determine the fatigue curves in the finite life domain and the fatigue limits, along with their confidence bands and intervals, and to investigate the significance of the build orientation factor.
Change, Choice, and Commercialization: Backpacker Routes in Southeast Asia
Authors: Hampton Mark P. , Hamzah Amran 
Published: February 2016

AbstractSoutheast Asia has the world's oldest and largest backpacker trails. This paper examines the geographies of such flows, drawing upon the largest survey to date of backpackers in Asia using qualitative research to survey the key changes from the 1970s to the 2000s. Backpacker trails have changed significantly and new routes have emerged including the “northern trail” (Bangkok–Cambodia–Vietnam–Laos). It is to be expected that routes change as backpackers constantly seek new places, pioneering for later mass tourism. However, this paper suggests that using institutionalization as a framework, these changing trails and backpacker “choices” can be seen as driven by growing commercialization and institutionalization. This then operates in combination with external variables (travel innovations—low cost airlines, and new transport networks); exogenous shock (political instability, terrorism); and growing regional competition from emerging destinations such as Vietnam and Cambodia.
Dog ownership status and self‐assessed health, life‐style and habitual physical activity in chronic hemodialysis patients
Authors: Kuban Magdalena , Królikowski Jerzy , Nowicki Michał 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIntroduction The Statement from the American Heart Association has emphasized a need for novel strategies that can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Taking a dog for a walk forces its owner to take physical activity. Several studies have explored the relationship between pet ownership and CVD and most reported benefits. This issue has not been investigated in dialysis patients. The aim of the study was to analyze the influence of pet ownership on health and physical activity in hemodialysis patients. Methods 270 chronic hemodialysis patients (172 male, 98 female, mean age 62.7 ± 14.0 years, hemodialysis vintage 4 ± 5 years) took part in the survey focused on their general health and physical activity. Findings Two hundred nineteen (81%) patients were mobile. One hundred sixteen participants had dog at home (43%). An additional physical activity was reported by 46 dog owners (40%) compared with 34 (23%) of nonowners (P = 0.002). Patients who often go for a walk were more often pet owners 49 (57%) than nonowners (n = 37, 43%; P = 0.004). Pet owners were younger (58.3 ± 13.6 vs. 66 ± 13.5 years). Body mass index (BMI) was similar. Patients with BMI from upper tertile (>27.5 kg/m2) and from lower (<23.9) were more often dog owners than from the middle (52.9%, 43.7%, and 31.4%). Dog owners were on dialysis for longer time (5.0 ± 6.5 vs. 3.5 ± 3.7 years; P = 0.02). Discussion Dog ownership appears to positively influence the level of physical activity. Age but not time on dialysis seems to be the most important factor that influences a decision to own a pet and undertake physical activity.
A Randomized Trial of Ketorolac vs Sumatripan vs Placebo Nasal Spray (KSPN) for Acute Migraine
Authors: Rao Aruna S. , Gelaye Bizu , Kurth Tobias , Dash Paul D. , Nitchie Haley , Peterlin B. Lee 
Published: February 2016

ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy of ketorolac nasal spray (NS) vs placebo and sumatriptan NS for the acute treatment of migraine.MethodsThis was a randomized, double‐blind, placebo and active‐comparator, crossover study. Adult migraineurs were randomized to ketorolac NS 31.5 mg, sumatriptan NS 20 mg, or placebo to treat three moderate to severe migraine attacks and switched treatments with each attack. Patients seeking headache care at a headache center or in response to community advertisement were recruited. Adult participants with episodic migraine who experienced ≥2 migraine attacks per month were eligible for the Ketorolac vs Sumatriptan vs Placebo Nasal Spray migraine study. Participants were randomized to treatment arms by a research pharmacist, in a 1:1:1 ratio using computer‐generated lists. The primary outcome was 2‐hour pain relief. Secondary outcomes included 2‐hour pain freedom and absence of migraine associated symptoms, and 24‐hour sustained pain relief and pain freedom.ResultsOf the 72 randomized participants, 54 (75%) treated at least one attack and 49 (68%) completed all three treatments, for a total of 152 treated migraine attacks. Both ketorolac NS (72.5%, P < .001) and sumatriptan NS (69.4%, P = .001) were more effective than placebo (38.3%) for 2‐hour pain relief and 2‐hour pain freedom (ketorolac: 43.1%, P = .004; sumatriptan: 36.7%, P = .046; placebo: 18.4%). Ketorolac NS, but not sumatriptan NS, was more effective than placebo in 2‐hour absence of nausea. Both ketorolac NS and sumatriptan NS were more effective than placebo for 24‐hour sustained pain relief (ketorolac: 49%, P < .001; sumatriptan: 31%, P = .01, placebo: 20%). Only ketorolac NS was superior to placebo for 24‐hour (ketorolac: 35.3%, P = .003; sumatriptan: 22.4%, P = .18, placebo: 12.2%) sustained pain freedom. Nasal burning and dysgeusia were the most common adverse effects for active treatments.ConclusionsThis study supports that ketorolac NS is superior to placebo and that it is non‐inferior to sumatriptan NS for the acute abortive treatment of migraine.
Prevalence of anaemia and iron deficiency in Portugal: the EMPIRE study
Authors: Fonseca C. , Marques F. , Robalo Nunes A. , Belo A. , Brilhante D. , Cortez J. 
Published: February 2016

BackgroundAnaemia and iron deficiency are major public health problems with great implications on quality of life.AimsTo establish the general prevalence of anaemia and iron deficiency in the adult Portuguese population and the prevalence by age, gender and region.MethodsThis was a population‐based, cross‐sectional study (EMPIRE study) based on a representative sample of 7980 adults residing in mainland Portugal, which were selected using a random route sampling method. Levels of haemoglobin, ferritin, creatinine and C‐reactive protein were measured by Point‐of‐Care assays; participants also completed a questionnaire about demography and medical history.ResultsThe measured prevalence of anaemia was 19.9% (95% confidence interval: 19.0–20.8%); 84% of cases were previously undiagnosed. Anaemia was more prevalent among women (20.8%), young adults (18−34 years) (22.8–30.5%), older adults (21.0%), and pregnant women (54.2%). Anaemia varied across regions: from 15.5% in the Center region to 24.9% in the South. Iron deficiency was also highly prevalent: 16.7% (ferritin <15 ng/mL), 31.9% (<30 ng/mL), 53.3% (<50 ng/mL) and 84.3% (<100 ng/mL). Iron deficiency anaemia represented most anaemia cases: 29.0% (ferritin <15 ng/mL), 54.8% (<30 ng/mL), 75.4% (<50 ng/mL) and 92.5% (<100 ng/mL).ConclusionAnaemia and iron deficiency are highly prevalent in Portugal and largely undiagnosed. Women, young adults and older individuals are more prone to present these conditions and there are marked regional asymmetries. Nationwide strategies for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of these conditions should be implemented.
Disorganization of the splenic microanatomy in ageing mice
Authors: Aw Danielle , Hilliard Lucy , Nishikawa Yoshio , Cadman Emma T. , Lawrence Rachel A. , Palmer Donald B. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryThe precise mechanisms responsible for immunosenescence still remain to be determined, however, considering the evidence that disruption of the organization of primary and secondary lymphoid organs results in immunodeficiency, we propose that this could be involved in the decline of immune responses with age. Therefore, we investigated the integrity of the splenic microarchitecture in mice of increasing age and its reorganization following immune challenge in young and old mice. Several differences in the anatomy of the spleen with age in both the immune and stromal cells were observed. There is an age‐related increase in the overall size of the white pulp, which occurs primarily within the T‐cell zone and is mirrored by the enlargement of the T‐cell stromal area, concurrent to the distinct boundary between T cells and B cells becoming less defined in older mice. In conjunction, there appears to be a loss of marginal zone macrophages, which is accompanied by an accumulation of fibroblasts in the spleens from older animals. Furthermore, whereas the reorganization of the white pulp is resolved after several days following antigenic challenge in young animals, it remains perturbed in older subjects. All these age‐related changes within the spleen could potentially contribute to the age‐dependent deficiencies in functional immunity.
Vasovagal Syncope: Hypothesis Focusing on Its Being a Clinical Feature Unique to Humans
Authors: BLANC JEAN‐JACQUES , BENDITT DAVID G. 
Published: February 2016

Vasovagal SyncopeHumans live primarily in the upright position; as a result, there is a constant struggle between gravity and needed supply of blood flow to the brain. In certain circumstances brain blood supply may become temporarily insufficient, resulting in syncope. Among the numerous causes of syncope in humans, vasovagal syncope (VVS) is by far the most common. However, despite intensive research, many aspects of the pathophysiology of VVS remain unknown; among these, one of the least well understood is the basis for why VVS is restricted, among vertebrates, to Homo sapiens. In this manuscript we review proposals that have been offered in an attempt to address the issue of the origin of VVS and, although highly speculative, we suggest a new hypothesis (the “brain theory”) to try to address the question of why humans, to the exclusion of other species, remain susceptible to VVS. This theory suggests that VVS evolved to offer protection to the brain's functional integrity under certain conditions of severe threat. Although seemingly a disadvantageous evolutionary adaptation, the faint causes the body to take on a gravitationally neutral position, and thereby provides a better chance of restoring brain blood supply and preserving long‐term brain function.
Clinical Presentation and Outcomes by Sex in Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy: Findings from the North American ARVC Registry
Authors: CHOUDHARY NAILA , TOMPKINS CHRISTINE , POLONSKY BRONISLAVA , MCNITT SCOTT , CALKINS HUGH , MARK ESTES N. A. , KRAHN ANDREW D. , LINK MARK S. , MARCUS FRANK I. , TOWBIN JEFFREY A. , ZAREBA WOJCIECH 
Published: February 2016

Clinical Presentation and OutcomesBackgroundSex differences in clinical presentation and outcomes of hereditary arrhythmias are commonly reported. We aimed to compare clinical presentation and outcomes in men and women with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) enrolled in the North American ARVC Registry.MethodsA total of 125 ARVC probands (55 females, mean age 38 ± 12; 70 males, mean age 41 ± 15) diagnosed, as either “affected” or “borderline” were included. Baseline clinical characteristics and time‐dependent outcomes including syncope, ventricular tachycardia (VT), fast VT (>240 bpm), ventricular fibrillation (VF), and death were compared between males and females.ResultsThe percentage of ARVC subjects diagnosed as “affected” (84% vs. 89%; P = 0.424) or “borderline” (16% vs. 11%; P = 0.424) was similar between females and males. Among the baseline characteristics, inverted T‐waves in V2 trended to be more common in women (P = 0.09), whereas abnormal signal‐averaged ECGs (SAECGs; P < 0.001) and inducible VT/VF (P = 0.026) were more frequent in men. During a mean follow‐up of 37 ± 20 months, the probability of ICD‐recorded VT/VF or death was not significantly different between men and women (P = 0.456). However, there was a trend toward lower risk of fast VT/VF or death in women compared to men (hazard ratio 0.41, 95% CI 0.151–1.113, P = 0.066). Abnormal SAECG and evidence of intramyocardial fat by cardiac MRI was associated with adverse outcomes in men (P = 0.006 and 0.02 respectively).ConclusionIn the North American ARVC Registry, we found similar frequency of “affected” and “borderline” subjects between men and women. Sex‐related differences were observed in baseline ECG, SAECG, Holter‐recorded ventricular arrhythmias, and VT inducibility. Men showed a trend toward greater risk of fast VT than women.
Dispelling myths concerning pigmented skin lesions
Authors: Piccolo V. , Russo T. , Giacomel J. , Lallas A. , Alfano R. , Argenziano G. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe history of medicine is replete with examples of debunked myths, and in daily clinical dermatological practice, we must still counter many misconceptions regarding pigmented lesions, both with patients and other medical practitioners. Debunking myths and attempting to explain the reasons for these erroneous beliefs are the purposes of this review. The literature review has been partially guided by the results obtained from an online questionnaire conducted on an Italian website (www.vediamocichiara.it) from February 15, 2015 to March 15, 2015. The remaining discussed were selected on the basis of the existing literature and our personal experience. In order to explore these misconceptions, the following are the seven most salient questions that require investigation: (i) Is it dangerous to excise moles?; (ii) Is it dangerous to traumatize moles?; (iii) Are plantar moles worrisome?; (iv) Is it necessary to selectively apply sunscreen to moles?; (v) Is it inadvisable to partially biopsy a melanoma?; (vi) Do moles turn into melanoma?; and (vii) Is it necessary to perform sentinel lymph node biopsy for thin melanomas and for atypical Spitz naevi? Myths are ubiquitous, being prevalent in dermatological practice, with many of them concerning pigmented skin lesions. By encouraging critical analysis by patients and medical practitioners, the birth and perpetuation of myths can potentially be minimized, for the ultimate benefit of patients. This requires a scientific approach to be rigorously applied to dermatology, with critical questioning of unsubstantiated hypotheses including those emanating from the mass media as well as from respected sources.