bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of strength training on osteogenic differentiation and bone strength in aging female Wistar rats
Authors: Singulani Monique Patricio , Stringhetta-Garcia Camila Tami , Santos Leandro Figueiredo , Morais Samuel Rodrigues Lourenço , Louzada Mário Jefferson Quirino , Oliveira Sandra Helena Penha , Chaves Neto Antonio Hernandes , Dornelles Rita Cássia Menegati 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe effects of strength training (ST) on the mechanical bone strength and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) from adult, aged and exercised aged rats were determined. The exercised aged animals displayed higher values of areal bone mineral density, compression test, alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP) and biological mineralization, while oil red O staining for adipocytes was lower. ST increased gene expression of runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), osterix (Osx) as well as bone matrix protein expression, and reduced expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (Pparγ). The production of pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) was lower in BMSCs of the aged exercised group. The ST practice was able to improve the bone mechanical properties in aged female rats, increasing the potential for osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, reducing the adipogenic differentiation and pro-inflammatory cytokine level. In summary, the data achieved in this study showed that strength training triggers physiological responses that result in changes in the bone microenvironment and bring benefits to biomechanical parameters of bone tissue, which could reduce the risk of fractures during senescent.
Biofilm formation of the black yeast-like fungus Exophiala dermatitidis and its susceptibility to antiinfective agents
Authors: Kirchhoff Lisa , Olsowski Maike , Zilmans Katrin , Dittmer Silke , Haase Gerhard , Sedlacek Ludwig , Steinmann Eike , Buer Jan , Rath Peter-Michael , Steinmann Joerg 
Published: February 2017

AbstractVarious fungi have the ability to colonize surfaces and to form biofilms. Fungal biofilm-associated infections are frequently refractory to targeted treatment because of resistance to antifungal drugs. One fungus that frequently colonises the respiratory tract of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients is the opportunistic black yeast–like fungus Exophiala dermatitidis. We investigated the biofilm-forming ability of E. dermatitidis and its susceptibility to various antiinfective agents and natural compounds. We tested 58 E. dermatitidis isolates with a biofilm assay based on crystal violet staining. In addition, we used three isolates to examine the antibiofilm activity of voriconazole, micafungin, colistin, farnesol, and the plant derivatives 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-b-D-glucopyranose (PGG) and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) with an XTT reduction assay. We analysed the effect of the agents on cell to surface adhesion, biofilm formation, and the mature biofilm. The biofilms were also investigated by confocal laser scan microscopy. We found that E. dermatitidis builds biofilm in a strain-specific manner. Invasive E. dermatitidis isolates form most biomass in biofilm. The antiinfective agents and the natural compounds exhibited poor antibiofilm activity. The greatest impact of the compounds was detected when they were added prior cell adhesion. These findings suggest that prevention may be more effective than treatment of biofilm-associated E. dermatitidis infections.
In vitro and in vivo physiology of low nanomolar concentrations of Zn2+ in artificial cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Tamano Haruna , Nishio Ryusuke , Shakushi Yukina , Sasaki Miku , koike Yuta , Osawa Misa , Takeda Atsushi 
Published: February 2017

AbstractArtificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF), i.e., brain extracellular medium, which includes Ca2+ and Mg2+, but not other divalent cations such as Zn2+, has been used for in vitro and in vivo experiments. The present study deals with the physiological significance of extracellular Zn2+ in ACSF. Spontaneous presynaptic activity is suppressed in the stratum lucidum of brain slices from young rats bathed in ACSF containing 10 nM ZnCl2, indicating that extracellular Zn2+ modifies hippocampal presynaptic activity. To examine the in vivo action of 10 nM ZnCl2 on long-term potentiation (LTP), the recording region was perfused using a recording electrode attached to a microdialysis probe. The magnitude of LTP was not modified in young rats by perfusion with ACSF containing 10 nM ZnCl2, compared to perfusion with ACSF without Zn2+, but attenuated by perfusion with ACSF containing 100 nM ZnCl2. Interestingly, the magnitude of LTP was not modified in aged rats even by perfusion with ACSF containing 100 nM ZnCl2, but enhanced by perfusion with ACSF containing 10 mM CaEDTA, an extracellular Zn2+ chelator. The present study indicates that the basal levels of extracellular Zn2+, which are in the range of low nanomolar concentrations, are critical for synaptic activity and perhaps increased age-dependently.
The prognostic value of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 in cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hu Pingping , Liu Qiqi , Deng Guodong , Zhang Jingxin , Liang Ning , Xie Jian , Zhang Jiandong 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe outcomes of studies analyzing the prognostic role of CTLA-4 in cancers are controversial. Therefore, the aim of our meta-analysis was to clarify the correlation between CTLA-4 expression and OS in different cancer cases. Relevant literature was searched using PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. The clinicopathological features, hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were collected from these studies and were analyzed using Stata version 12.0 software. The pooled HR values showed no significant correlation between CTLA-4 expression levels and OS in relation to tumors (HR: 1.24, 95% CI: 0.98–1.56, I2 = 71.7%, P = 0.000). Further subgroup analyses were conducted and categorized by experimental methods, CTLA-4 sources and cancer types. The survey showed a significant correlation (HR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.14–1.89) between high expression of CTLA-4 and OS in the SNP subgroup, and subgroups analyzing by PCR (HR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.20–1.86) and flow cytometry (HR: 2.76, 95% CI: 1.49–5.14). In addition, our analysis observed significant differences between patients and controls in inCTLA-4+CD4+ lymphocytes, surCTLA-4+CD4+ lymphocytes, inCTLA-4+CD8+ lymphocytes, and surCTLA-4+CD8+ lymphocytes. Knowledge of the effects of CTLA-4 could potentially be used to effectively guide appropriate prognosis and therapeutic strategies in cancer patients.
Stable optical trapping and sensitive characterization of nanostructures using standing-wave Raman tweezers
Authors: Wu Mu-ying , Ling Dong-xiong , Ling Lin , Li William , Li Yong-qing 
Published: February 2017

AbstractOptical manipulation and label-free characterization of nanoscale structures open up new possibilities for assembly and control of nanodevices and biomolecules. Optical tweezers integrated with Raman spectroscopy allows analyzing a single trapped particle, but is generally less effective for individual nanoparticles. The main challenge is the weak gradient force on nanoparticles that is insufficient to overcome the destabilizing effect of scattering force and Brownian motion. Here, we present standing-wave Raman tweezers for stable trapping and sensitive characterization of single isolated nanostructures with a low laser power by combining a standing-wave optical trap with confocal Raman spectroscopy. This scheme has stronger intensity gradients and balanced scattering forces, and thus can be used to analyze many nanoparticles that cannot be measured with single-beam Raman tweezers, including individual single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT), graphene flakes, biological particles, SERS-active metal nanoparticles, and high-refractive semiconductor nanoparticles. This would enable sorting and characterization of specific SWCNTs and other nanoparticles based on their increased Raman fingerprints.
The inflammatory cytokine TNF-α promotes the premature senescence of rat nucleus pulposus cells via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway
Authors: Li Pei , Gan Yibo , Xu Yuan , Song Lei , Wang Liyuan , Ouyang Bin , Zhang Chengmin , Zhou Qiang 
Published: February 2017

AbstractPremature senescence of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells and inflammation are two common features of degenerated discs. This study investigated the effects of the inflammatory cytokine TNF-α on the premature senescence of NP cells and the molecular mechanism behind this process. Rat NP cells were cultured with or without different concentrations of TNF-α for 1 and 3 days. The inhibitor LY294002 was used to determine the role of the PI3K/Akt pathway. NP cells that were incubated with TNF-α for 3 days followed by 3 days of recovery in the control medium were used to analyze cellular senescence. Results showed that TNF-α promoted premature senescence of NP cells, as indicated by decreased cell proliferation, decreased telomerase activity, increased SA-β-gal staining, the fraction of cells arrested in the G1 phase of the cell cycle, the attenuated ability to synthesize matrix proteins and the up-regulated expression of the senescence marker p16 and p53. Moreover, a high TNF-α concentration produced greater effects than a low TNF-α concentration on day 3 of the experiment. Further analysis indicated that the inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway attenuated the TNF-α-induced premature senescence of NP cells. Additionally, TNF-α-induced NP cell senescence did not recover after TNF-α was withdrawn. In conclusion, TNF-α promotes the premature senescence of NP cells, and activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway is involved in this process.
Proteomic analysis of urinary extracellular vesicles from high Gleason score prostate cancer
Authors: Fujita Kazutoshi , Kume Hideaki , Matsuzaki Kyosuke , Kawashima Atsunari , Ujike Takeshi , Nagahara Akira , Uemura Motohide , Miyagawa Yasushi , Tomonaga Takeshi , Nonomura Norio 
Published: February 2017

AbstractExtracellular vesicles (EVs) are microvesicles secreted from various cell types. We aimed to discover a new biomarker for high Gleason score (GS) prostate cancer (PCa) in urinary EVs via quantitative proteomics. EVs were isolated from urine after massage from 18 men (negative biopsy [n = 6], GS 6 PCa [n = 6], or GS 8–9 PCa [n = 6]). EV proteins were labeled with iTRAQ and analyzed by LC-MS/MS. We identified 4710 proteins and quantified 3528 proteins in the urinary EVs. Eleven proteins increased in patients with PCa compared to those with negative biopsy (ratio >1.5, p-value < 0.05). Eleven proteins were chosen for further analysis and verified in 29 independent urine samples (negative [n = 11], PCa [n = 18]) using selected reaction monitoring/multiple reaction monitoring. Among these candidate markers, fatty acid binding protein 5 (FABP5) was higher in the cancer group than in the negative group (p-value = 0.009) and was significantly associated with GS (p-value for trend = 0.011). Granulin, AMBP, CHMP4A, and CHMP4C were also higher in men with high GS prostate cancer (p-value < 0.05). FABP5 in urinary EVs could be a potential biomarker of high GS PCa.
The Use of Bright and Dark Types of Humour is Rooted in the Brain
Authors: Papousek Ilona , Ruch Willibald , Rominger Christian , Kindermann Elisabeth , Scheidl Katharina , Schulter Günter , Fink Andreas , Weiss Elisabeth M. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe ways in which humour can be used are related to the manifold interpersonal functions humour can serve, some of which are positive, and some negative. In the present study, phasic changes in the functional coupling of prefrontal and posterior cortex (EEG coherence) during other people’s auditory displays of happy and sad mood were recorded to predict people’s typical use of humour in social interactions. Greater use of benevolent humour, the intentions of which are in keeping with the characteristics of “laughing-with” humour, was associated with greater decreases of prefrontal-posterior coupling during the processing of happy laughter. More loose prefrontal-posterior coupling indicates loosening of control of the prefrontal cortex over the incoming perceptual information, thereby opening up the perceptual gate and allowing the brain to become more affected by the social-emotional signals. Greater use of humour styles linked to malicious intentions of “laughing-at” humour was associated with responses indicating a wider opened perceptual gate during the processing of other people’s crying. The findings are consistent with the idea that typical humour styles develop in line with the rewarding values of their outcomes (e.g., interaction partners are happy or hurt), which in turn are defined through the individuals’ latent interpersonal goals.
Structure of a LOV protein in apo-state and implications for construction of LOV-based optical tools
Authors: Arinkin Vladimir , Granzin Joachim , Röllen Katrin , Krauss Ulrich , Jaeger Karl-Erich , Willbold Dieter , Batra-Safferling Renu 
Published: February 2017

AbstractUnique features of Light-Oxygen-Voltage (LOV) proteins like relatively small size (~12–19 kDa), inherent modularity, highly-tunable photocycle and oxygen-independent fluorescence have lately been exploited for the generation of optical tools. Structures of LOV domains reported so far contain a flavin chromophore per protein molecule. Here we report two new findings on the short LOV protein W619_1-LOV from Pseudomonas putida. First, the apo-state crystal structure of W619_1-LOV at 2.5 Å resolution reveals conformational rearrangements in the secondary structure elements lining the chromophore pocket including elongation of the Fα helix, shortening of the Eα-Fα loop and partial unfolding of the Eα helix. Second, the apo W619_1-LOV protein binds both natural and structurally modified flavin chromophores. Remarkably different photophysical and photochemical properties of W619_1-LOV bound to 7-methyl-8-chloro-riboflavin (8-Cl-RF) and lumichrome imply application of these variants as novel optical tools as they offer advantages such as no adduct state formation, and a broader choice of wavelengths for in vitro studies.
Direct Surgery of Previously Coiled Large Internal Carotid Ophthalmic Aneurysm for the Purpose of Optic Nerve Decompression
Authors: Kawabata Shuhei , Toyota Shingo , Kumagai Tetsuya , Goto Tetsu , Mori Kanji , Taki Takuyu 
Published: February 2017

Background Progressive visual loss after coil embolization of a large internal carotid ophthalmic aneurysm has been widely reported. It is generally accepted that the primary strategy for this complication should be conservative, including steroid therapy; however, it is not well known as to what approach to take when the conservative therapy is not effective.
Case Presentation We report a case of a 55-year-old female presenting with progressive visual loss after the coiling of a ruptured large internal carotid ophthalmic aneurysm. As the conservative therapy had not been effective, we performed neck clipping of the aneurysm with optic canal unroofing, anterior clinoidectomy, and partial removal of the embolized coils for the purpose of optic nerve decompression. After the surgery, the visual symptom was improved markedly.
Conclusions It is suggested that direct surgery for the purpose of optic nerve decompression may be one of the options when conservative therapy is not effective for progressive visual disturbance after coil embolization.
Preferences and Utilities for Health States after Treatment of Olfactory Groove Meningioma: Endoscopic versus Open
Authors: Yao Christopher , Kahane Alyssa , Monteiro Eric , Gentili Fred , Zadeh Gelareh , de Almeida John 
Published: February 2017

Objectives The purpose of this study is to report health utility scores for patients with olfactory groove meningiomas (OGM) treated with either the standard transcranial approach, or the expanded endonasal endoscopic approach.
Design The time trade-off technique was used to derive health utility scores.
Setting Healthy individuals without skull base tumors were surveyed.
Main Outcome Measures Participants reviewed and rated scenarios describing treatment (endoscopic, open, stereotactic radiation, watchful waiting), remission, recurrence, and complications associated with the management of OGMs.
Results There were 51 participants. The endoscopic approach was associated with higher utility scores compared with an open craniotomy approach (0.88 vs. 0.74; p < 0.001) and watchful waiting (0.88 vs.0.74; p = 0.002). If recurrence occurred, revision endoscopic resection continued to have a higher utility score compared with revision open craniotomy (0.68; p = 0.008). On multivariate analysis, older individuals were more likely to opt for watchful waiting (p = 0.001), whereas participants from higher income brackets were more likely to rate stereotactic radiosurgery with higher utility scores (p = 0.017).
Conclusion The endoscopic approach was associated with higher utility scores than craniotomy for primary and revision cases. The present utilities can be used for future cost-utility analyses.
A 15-Year-Old with Aphasia and Right Hemiparesis
Authors: Wadowski Benjamin , Chadha Tanya , Wen Andy 
Published: February 2017

AbstractTakayasu arteritis (TA) is the third most common vasculitis in childhood, peaking in the second to third decades of life but affecting patients as young as 6 months of age. It often presents with nonspecific systemic symptoms, although at late stages, it may present with cardiac, renal, or focal neurologic sequelae of vascular compromise. In this case, we describe a 15-year-old patient who presented acutely with stroke. In the absence of more classic rheumatological symptoms and significant laboratory abnormalities on initial testing, the diagnosis of TA was only reached through extensive vascular imaging following consultation with multiple subspecialty teams. This case demonstrates the need to maintain a high index of suspicion for vasculitis in pediatric patients presenting with new onset stroke in the absence of known predisposing factors. Doing so may reduce the time to diagnosis, hasten treatment, and optimize outcomes.
The Temporalis Muscle Flap for Palate Reconstruction: Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Brennan Tara , Tham Tristan , Costantino Peter 
Published: February 2017

Introduction The temporalis myofascial (TM) is an important reconstructive flap in palate reconstruction. Past studies have shown the temporalis myofascial flap to be safe as well as effective. Free flap reconstruction of palate defects is also a popular method used by contemporary surgeons. We aim to reaffirm the temporalis myofascial flap as a viable alternative to free flaps for palate reconstruction.
Objective We report our results using the temporalis flap for palate reconstruction in one of the largest case series reported. Our literature review is the first to describe complication rates of palate reconstruction using the TM flap.
Methods Retrospective chart review and review of the literature.
Results Fifteen patients underwent palate reconstruction with the TM flap. There were no cases of facial nerve injury. Five (33%) of these patients underwent secondary cranioplasty to address temporal hollowing after the TM flap. Three out of fifteen (20%) had flap related complications. Fourteen (93%) of the palate defects were successfully reconstructed, with the remaining case pending a secondary procedure to close the defect. Ultimately, all of the flaps (100%) survived.
Conclusion The TM flap is a viable method of palate defect closure with a high defect closure rate and flap survival rate. TM flaps are versatile in repairing palate defects of all sizes, in all regions of the palate. Cosmetic deformity created from TM flap harvest may be addressed using cranioplasty implant placement, either primarily or during a second stage procedure.
A Multicenter Initiative for Critical Congenital Heart Disease Newborn Screening in Texas Neonatal Intensive Care Units
Authors: Guillory Charleta , Creel Liza , Livingtson Judith , McKee-Garrett Tiffany , Fortunov Regine , Gong Alice 
Published: February 2017

Objective The objective of this study was to implement a strategy for critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) newborn screening in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Design A NICU-specific curriculum, screening algorithm, slide presentations, and templates of orders, policies, and procedures were developed into a toolkit for training NICU personnel. Screening was conducted on first and second screen pre- and postductal oxygen saturations (SpO2) on newborns admitted or transferred to the NICU.
Results We trained 347 NICU personnel in 13 Texas hospitals, representing rural, suburban, and metropolitan settings. Key hospital staff submitted deidentified, case-based screening data. Of 4,621 NICU admissions, 80% received a first screen. Second screening rates were substantially lower in all gestational age groups. Screening rates on first and second screens were lowest among infants born < 28 weeks. For the first screen, SpO2 was lowest among the youngest gestational ages. The false positive rate was 2.3%.
Conclusion CCHD screening in the NICU is challenging, given the complexities of the NICU population. A modified screening protocol that recognizes special circumstances of neonatal intensive care could facilitate a more efficient system.
Noun-modifying constructions in Korean
Authors: Kim Shin-Sook , Sells Peter 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
We survey clausal noun-modification examples in Korean, initially setting out constructions into these types: argument and adjunct NMCCs, content noun NMCCs, and a group of other extended NMCCs. We show that the range of interpretations of NMCCs in Korean is not quite as broad as Japanese, but nevertheless we argue that the wide variety of interpretations in Korean motivates the claim that it has a GNMCC. We also argue, based on observed constraints on movement, that the Korean argument and adjunct NMCCs constitute an RC construction. We propose that there is no conflict in a language having both a syntactically identifiable RC construction as well as a GNMCC.
Noun-modifying clauses in Cantonese
Authors: Matthews Stephen , Yip Virginia 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Whether relative clauses can be identified in Chinese is a recurrent question. We ask whether relative clauses are distinct from other noun-modifying clause constructions in Cantonese, one of many East Asian languages in which a noun can be preceded by a diverse range of modifying clauses. The relationship between head noun and modifying clause may be a grammatical one, with the head noun being understood as an argument or an adjunct of the modifying clause; or its interpretation may be dependent on semantic and pragmatic factors. We conclude that Cantonese has a General Noun-Modifying Clause Construction as proposed for Japanese (Matsumoto et al., this volume), with relative clauses forming a subset of modifying clauses in which a grammatical relation obtains.
The general noun-modifying clause construction in Tundra Nenets and its possible origin
Authors: Nikolaeva Irina 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Tundra Nenets (Uralic) exhibits unambiguous relative clauses and sentential complements of nouns, but I show that it also has a previously unstudied but structurally distinct GNMCC. The GNMCC covers a diversity of functions although its usage is restricted in various ways. The paper suggests that it has a direct parallel in the non-sentential domain in terms of its syntactic behaviour, the morphosyntactic expression of the constructional ingredients and the basic semantics: it is modelled after the non-clausal compound-like structure employed for the very general purpose of modifying one noun by reference to another noun. Such modification-by-noun constructions served as a historical source of Tundra Nenets GNMCCs, which emerged when the modifying deverbal noun was reanalysed as heading a clausal domain.