bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Establishment of bovine embryonic stem cells after knockdown of CDX2
Authors: Wu Xia , Song Miao , Yang Xi , Liu Xin , Liu Kun , Jiao Cuihua , Wang Jinze , Bai Chunling , Su Guanghua , Liu Xuefei , Li Guangpeng 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBovine embryonic stem cells (bESCs) have not been successfully established yet. One reason could be that CDX2, as the trophectoderm regulator, expresses in bovine inner cell mass (ICM), which probably becomes a technical barrier for maintaining the pluripotency of bESCs in vitro. We hypothesized that CDX2 knockdown (CDX2-KD) could remove such negative effort, which will be helpful for capturing complete and permanent capacity of pluripotency. Expression and localization of pluripotent genes were not affected in CDX2-KD blastocysts. The CDX2-KD bESCs grew into monolayers on feeder layer. Pluripotent genes expressed at an improved levels and lasted longer time in CDX2-KD bESCs, along with down-regulation of DNA methylation on promoters of both OCT4 and SOX2. The cystic structure typical for trophoblast cells did not show during culturing CDX2-KD bESCs. CDX2-KD bESC-derived Embryoid bodies showed with compact morphology and with the improved levels of differentiations in three germ layers. CDX2-KD bESCs still carried the capacity of forming teratomas with three germ layers after long-term culture. In summary, CDX2 in bovine ICM was inducer of trophoblast lineage with negative effect on maintenance of pluripotency of bESCs. Precise regulation CDX2 expression to switch on/off will be studied next for application on establishment of bESCs.
Crystal structure of MytiLec, a galactose-binding lectin from the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis with cytotoxicity against certain cancer cell types
Authors: Terada Daiki , Kawai Fumihiro , Noguchi Hiroki , Unzai Satoru , Hasan Imtiaj , Fujii Yuki , Park Sam-Yong , Ozeki Yasuhiro , Tame Jeremy R. H. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractMytiLec is a lectin, isolated from bivalves, with cytotoxic activity against cancer cell lines that express globotriaosyl ceramide, Galα(1,4)Galβ(1,4)Glcα1-Cer, on the cell surface. Functional analysis shows that the protein binds to the disaccharide melibiose, Galα(1,6)Glc and the trisaccharide globotriose, Galα(1,4)Galβ(1,4)Glc. Recombinant MytiLec expressed in bacteria showed the same haemagglutinating and cytotoxic activity against Burkitt’s lymphoma (Raji) cells as the native form. The crystal structure has been determined to atomic resolution, in the presence and absence of ligands, showing the protein to be a member of the β-trefoil family, but with a mode of ligand binding unique to a small group of related trefoil lectins. Each of the three pseudo-equivalent binding sites within the monomer shows ligand binding and the protein forms a tight dimer in solution. An engineered monomer mutant lost all cytotoxic activity against Raji cells, but retained some haemagglutination activity, showing that the quaternary structure of the protein is important for its cellular effects.
The relationship between apoptosis, chromatin configuration, histone modification and competence of oocytes: A study using the mouse ovary-holding stress model
Authors: Lin Juan , Chen Fei , Sun Ming-Ju , Zhu Jiang , Li You-Wei , Pan Liu-Zhu , Zhang Jie , Tan Jing-He 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThe epigenetic factors causing competence differences between SN (surrounded nucleolus) and NSN (non-surrounded nucleolus) oocytes, the significance for the increased histone acetylation and methylation in SN oocytes, and whether chromatin configuration or histone modification determines oocyte competence, are unclear. This study has addressed these issues by using the ovary-holding (OH) stress models where oocyte SN configuration was uncoupled from histone modifications and developmental potential. Prepubertal mouse ovaries containing high percentages of NSN oocytes were preserved at 37 or 39 °C for 1 or 2 h before examination for oocyte chromatin configuration, developmental competence, histone modification and apoptosis. Whereas 1-h OH at 37 °C caused a moderate apoptosis with increased oocyte competence, improved histone modification and a normal NSN-to-SN transition, harsher OH conditions induced a severe apoptosis with decreased oocyte competence, impaired histone modification and a pseudo (premature) NSN-to-SN transition. Observations on Fas/FasL expression and using the gld (generalized lymphoproliferative disorder) mice harboring FasL mutations indicated that OH triggered oocyte apoptosis with activation of the Fas signaling. It was concluded that OH stress caused oocyte apoptosis with activation of the Fas/FasL system and that oocyte competence was more closely correlated with histone modification than with chromatin configuration.
Meal size is a critical driver of weight gain in early childhood
Authors: Syrad Hayley , Llewellyn Clare H. , Johnson Laura , Boniface David , Jebb Susan A. , van Jaarsveld Cornelia H. M. , Wardle Jane 
Published: June 2016

AbstractLarger serving sizes and more frequent eating episodes have been implicated in the rising prevalence of obesity at a population level. This study examines the relative contributions of meal size and frequency to weight gain in a large sample of British children. Using 3-day diet diaries from 1939 children aged 21 months from the Gemini twin cohort, we assessed prospective associations between meal size, meal frequency and weight gain from two to five years. Separate longitudinal analyses demonstrated that every 10 kcal increase in meal size was associated with 1.5 g/wk or 4% (p = 0.005) faster growth rate, while meal frequency was not independently associated with growth (β = 0.3 g/wk p = 0.20). Including both meal parameters in the model strengthened associations (meal size: β = 2.6 g/wk, p < 0.001; meal frequency: β = 1.0 g/wk, p = 0.001). Taken together, the implication is that meal size promotes faster growth regardless of frequency, but meal frequency has a significant effect only if meal size is assumed to be held constant. Clearer advice on meal size and frequency, especially advice on appropriate meal size, may help prevent excess weight gain.
Preoperative Somatostatin Analogue Treatment Might Trigger Apoptosis and Autophagy in Tumor Tissues of Patients with Acromegaly: A Pilot Study
Authors: Dagistanli F. , Ozkaya H. , Kucukyoruk B. , Biceroglu H. , Metin D. , Gazioglu N. , Oz B. , Kadioglu P. , Ozturk M. 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the effect of preoperative somatostatin analog (SRL) treatment on proteins associated with apoptosis and autophagy in patients with acromegaly and to determine factors correlating with these parameters.
Methods: Ex-vivo tumor samples of 11 SRL-treated and 9 SRL-untreated patients were retrospectively included in the study. Apoptotic and autophagic proteins were determined via immunohistochemical staining and apoptosis was evaluated via in situ DNA end labeling (TUNEL).
Results: TUNEL, caspase-3, and ATG-5 immunopositivity was significantly increased (p<0.01, p=0.01, p=0.01, respectively), survivin and beclin-1 immunopositivity was significantly decreased (p=0.03, p=0.02, respectively) in SRL-treated patients as compared with SRL-untreated controls. Ki-67 index was decreased significantly in the SRL-treated group (p=0.01). Significant positive correlations were detected between TUNEL and caspase-3 immunopositivity (r=0.577, p<0.01), and between survivin and beclin-1 immunopositivity (r=0.503, p=0.03). Age at diagnosis, preoperative GH, IGF-1 levels, tumor size, and invasion status were not found to affect TUNEL positivity nor did they correlate with caspase-3, survivin, beclin-1, ATG-5 immunopositivity (p>0.05 for all). Preoperative SRL treatment was the only factor that had a significant effect on TUNEL positivity (adjusted R2=0.39, p=0.02). Preoperative treatment duration was positively correlated with TUNEL and caspase-3 immunopositivity (r=0.526, p=0.02; r=0.475, p=0.04, respectively) and negatively correlated with survivin immunopositivity (r=−0.533, p=0.01).
Conclusions: Somatostatin analog treatment might induce apoptosis, increase autophagy, and decrease cell proliferation in GH-secreting adenomas. Also, proteins related to cross-talk between autophagy and apoptosis are upregulated after SRL treatment.
Underestimation of homeless clients’ interest in quitting smoking: a case for routine tobacco assessment
Authors: Maddox Sarah , Segan Catherine 
Published: June 2016

Issue addressedIn Australia smoking rates among the homeless are extremely high; however, little is known about their interest in quitting and few homeless services offer cessation assistance. In an Australian homeless service, this research examined the clients’ smoking from the client, staff and organisational perspectives in order to assess the need for cessation assistance for clients and identify opportunities to increase access to it.MethodsTwenty‐six nurses completed an anonymous survey describing their attitudes to providing smoking‐cessation support, current practices and estimates of client smoking and interest in quitting. Subsequently, nurses administered a survey to 104 clients to determine their smoking prevalence and interest in quitting. Organisation‐wide tobacco‐related policy and practices were audited.ResultsMost clients (82%) smoked, half of these (52%) reported wanting to quit and 64% reported trying to quit or reduce their smoking in the previous 3 months. Nurses approximated clients’ smoking prevalence (88% vs 82% reported by clients), but underestimated interest in quitting (33% vs 52% reported by clients). Among nurses 93% agreed that cessation support should be part of normal client care. The organisation’s client‐assessment form contained fields for ‘respiratory issues’ and ‘drug issues’, but no specific field for smoking status. The organisation’s smoking policy focused on providing a smoke‐free work environment.ConclusionsMany smokers using homeless services want to quit and are actively trying to reduce and quit smoking. Smoking‐cessation assistance that meets the needs of people experiencing homelessness is clearly warranted.So what?Homeless services should develop, and include in their smoking policy and intake processes, a practice of routinely assessing tobacco use, offering brief interventions and referral to appropriately tailored services.
Test–retest reliability of Kannada time-compressed speech test and time-compressed monosyllables test
Authors: Prabhu Prashanth , Seshadri Danush , Ganeshan Aishwarya , Babu Liny 
Published: June 2016

Objective:
The study attempts to determine the test–retest reliability for time-compressed phonemically balanced (PB) words in Kannada and monosyllables across different compression ratios.

Study design:
The study was carried out on 30 normal hearing individuals, 15 males and 15 females. The PB words were time-compressed at 50%, 60% and 70% compression ratios and monosyllables were time-compressed at 50%, 60%, 70% and 80% compression ratios. The compressed material was administered three times (baseline, after 15 min break and after 1 week) at all the compression ratios for PB words and monosyllables.

Results:
The results of the study show that scores were higher for monosyllables at high compression ratios. The scores were more reliable at 60% compression ratio for both monosyllables and PB words. The study also shows that the reliability of the test does not vary across gender.

Conclusion:
The study recommends using 60% compression ratio for PB words and monosyllables while testing a clinical population.
Doctor, when should I feed solid foods to my infant?
Authors: Fiocchi Alessandro , Dahdah Lamia , Bahna Sami L. , Mazzina Oscar , Assa’ad Amal 
Published: June 2016

Purpose of review
Modalities and timing of the introduction of solid foods to infants may influence growth, obesity, atherosclerosis, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, and metabolic disease. The most debated effects of solid foods introduction are those on the development of food allergy.

Recent findings
For the first time, in recent years prospective studies have been published about the effects of early vs. delayed introduction of allergenic foods into the infants’ diet on food allergy. According to these studies, the early introduction of peanut may be a powerful protecting factor against peanut allergy in some risk categories. This seems not be true for wheat, cow's milk, sesame, and whitefish. The effect of early introduction of egg on egg allergy are controversial.

Summary
The recent studies have changed the practice recommendations given by healthcare providers to families. We review the modifications of the recommendations of international societies on the introduction of solid foods, both to the general population and to infants at risk for allergy.
Intestinal dysbiosis in systemic lupus erythematosus: cause or consequence?
Authors: López Patricia , Sánchez Borja , Margolles Abelardo , Suárez Ana 
Published: June 2016

Purpose of review
Recent discoveries relay commensal gut microbiota as a relevant factor in the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis.

Recent findings
Alterations in the composition of the intestinal microbiota have been reported in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and many other inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. However, the mechanisms by which the intestinal microbiota can influence systemic immunity in these situations remain to be elucidated. The inappropriate immune responses of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus could originate a breakdown of tolerance towards the microbiota, leading to the expansion and/or contraction of specific bacterial groups that may culminate in a dysbiotic state. Conversely, an altered composition of the intestinal microbiome in genetically predisposed individuals could influence systemic immunity by several mechanisms, leading to a breakdown of tolerance to self-antigens. Moreover, humoral immune responses can be affected by specific bacterial groups in these individuals.

Summary
Recent findings support an important role for the crosstalk between bacteria and immune cells to maintain an intestinal homeostasis crucial to sustain tolerance toward self-antigens and intestinal microbiota.
Update on enthesitis-related arthritis
Authors: Weiss Pamela F. 
Published: June 2016

Purpose of reviewThis review provides a detailed update regarding the genetics, pathogenesis, disease phenotype evaluation, therapies and expected outcomes for children with enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA).Recent findingsRecent studies evaluated human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B27 subtypes and non-major histocompatibility complex genes including toll like receptor 4, NLRP3, CXCR4 and PTPN12 in children with ERA. The microbiome and γδ-T cells have also been an area of active investigation. Several studies focus on the imaging phenotype of children with ERA, including the use of ultrasonography and MRI. MRI techniques studied in this population include dedicated MRI, whole-body MRI and diffusion-weighted imaging. Conventional and biologic disease-modifying agents continue to be the mainstay of therapy, though the past 2 years have witnessed several greatly needed randomized controlled trials to study the efficacy of these medications in ERA. Finally, long-term effectiveness studies of biologics in children with ERA have helped inform provider and patient expectations of disease response and prognosis.SummaryFurther evaluation of the role of the microbiome and the interleukin 17/interleukin 23 axis, techniques to optimize evaluation of disease features, and efficacy and effectiveness of newer medications are greatly needed in this understudied population of children.
Radiographic Analysis of the Pediatric Hip Patients With Hereditary Multiple Exostoses (HME)
Authors: Duque Orozco Maria del Pilar , Abousamra Oussama , Rogers Kenneth J. , Thacker Mihir M. 
Published: June 2016

Background:
This study aimed to report the radiographic presentation of involved hips in children with hereditary multiple exostoses (HME). This included radiographic hip measurements, osteochondromas location, and relationship with hip subluxation.

Methods:
Anteroposterior pelvis radiographs of children with HME, seen between 2003 and 2014, were retrospectively reviewed. Only patients who were skeletally immature at the first visit were included. One radiograph per patient per year was reviewed. Radiographs were examined for the presence of osteochondromas and their locations. Different parameters were evaluated: femoral neck-shaft angle, Reimer migration percentage (MP), Sharp acetabular angle, Wiberg angle, femoral head-neck ratio (coronal plane), and Shenton line. All measured radiographs were divided into 3 age groups:≤8,>8 and <13, and ≥13 years. Differences of the measured parameters with age were evaluated. Children with hip subluxation were identified and any relationship with osteochondromas locations, as well as MP changes over time, was recorded. Radiographs of children with a minimum 2-year follow-up were identified and changes of their hip measurements and osteochondromas’ presence over time were recorded.

Results:
A total of 51 children (102 hips) with HME were identified. In most locations, there was an overall increase of the occurrence of osteochondromas in the older age groups. However, in the medial femoral neck, a significantly less numbers of osteochondromas were found after 13 years of age (P=0.018). There was a decrease in MP with age (P<0.05). There was also an increase in Sharp and Wiberg angles in the older patients (P<0.05). Hips with broken Shenton line decreased in number with age (P 0.028). Hip subluxation was encountered in 23 hips. No specific location of osteochondromas was found to have a relationship with subluxation. Thirty-six children had a minimum follow-up of 2 years (mean age at first visit 8.5 y and at last visit 13.1 y). In these children, an increased occurrence of lesions was found in medial femoral neck and ischium (P<0.05) between the first and the last visit.

Conclusions:
In children with HME, radiographic evaluation of the hip is necessary based on the high percentage of hip involvement. When hip osteochondromas are found, radiographic surveillance is recommended to detect hip subluxation. Surgery may certainly be necessary for symptomatic osteochondromas. However, given the possibility of improvement in hip parameters with age, early surgical treatment to improve hip longevity does not seem to be warranted.

Level of Evidence:
Level IV—prognostic study.
Vertebral Fractures in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Patients Managed With Deflazacort
Authors: Singh Amardeep , Schaeffer Emily K. , Reilly Christopher W. 
Published: June 2016

Background:
Corticosteroids are widely used in the management of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). They improve quality of life in these patients by prolonging ambulation and preserving cardiorespiratory status. However, corticosteroid treatment is associated with a decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) and an increased risk of vertebral fractures (VF). The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of VF in patients with DMD undergoing long-term treatment with the corticosteroid deflazacort.

Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed 49 male patients with DMD on long-term deflazacort therapy at a single institution. All patients had received deflazacort for at least 2 years. VF prevalence, age at start of deflazacort treatment, duration of treatment, BMD Z-score and patient ambulatory status at the time of fracture were evaluated.

Results:
Of the 49 patients on long-term deflazacort treatment, 26 had VF. Out of these patients who had VF, 19% showed evidence of VF in their third year of therapy, 50% within 5 years of starting therapy, 69% within 7 years of starting therapy, and 100% within 9 years. The first evidence of VF was observed at mean BMD Z-score, lumbar (L)=−2.2 and whole body (B)=−3.1. Eighty-five percent of these patients had at least 3 collapsed vertebrae. Mean BMD Z-score at the time of or before when multiple fractures were noted was −2.4 (L) and −3.4 (B). Patients who started deflazacort at age 3 to 5, 5 to 7 or 7 to 9 years developed a VF after a mean of 4.7, 5.4, or 5.7 years, respectively. Sixty-two percent of patients had VF by the age of 12 years and 91% of patients by age of 15 years. Twenty-one of 26 patients were ambulatory at the time of VF.

Conclusions:
Our findings suggest that there is a high risk of VF associated with length of deflazacort use in DMD patients, regardless of age at start of therapy.

Level of Evidence:
Level III—retrospective therapeutic study.
The Declining Incidence of Legg-Calve-Perthes’ Disease in Northern Ireland: An Epidemiological Study
Authors: Mullan Conor J. , Thompson Lara J. , Cosgrove Aidan P. 
Published: June 2016

Background:
Legg-Calve-Perthes’ disease (LCPD) is an idiopathic disease of the femoral head affecting the pediatric population. The causative factors remains poorly understood and it is associated with significant hip pathology in adult life. Research has demonstrated wide geographical variation in the incidence rates of LCPD with a relatively high incidence occurring in Northern Ireland (NI) shown in a previous study of incidence from the same unit. The number of new diagnoses of LCPD seems to be declining over time. This study aimed to track changes in the incidence of LCPD within the 0- to 14-year-old population over a 15-year period in NI.

Methods:
An established database was utilized to collate information of any individual between the ages of 0 to 14 years with a diagnosis of LCPD. The data were compared with electronic radiologic records to confirm the diagnosis. Postal code data were used to the determine location of residence and used as a proxy measure of deprivation.

Results:
The results of this epidemiological study have demonstrated a 61% decrease in the incidence of LCPD over a 15-year period within the pediatric population of NI. Comparison between 2 cohorts reveals no distinguishable change in distribution of age or sex. The relationship between geographical proxy measures of deprivation in NI and LCPD remains evident.

Conclusions:
The number of new cases of LCPD is decreasing over time. The epidemiological data are unchanged between 2 cohorts over a 15-year period, and this therefore supports a change within the patients’ environment relating to this decline. This change could relate to a number of factors including smoking rates, breastfeeding, lead use, and vaccination implementation.

Level of Evidence:
Level IV—retrospective cohort study.