bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cross-species transferability of EST-SSR markers developed from the transcriptome of Melilotus and their application to population genetics research
Authors: Yan Zhuanzhuan , Wu Fan , Luo Kai , Zhao Yufeng , Yan Qi , Zhang Yufei , Wang Yanrong , Zhang Jiyu 
Published: December 2017

AbstractMelilotus is one of the most important legume forages, but the lack of molecular markers has limited the development and utilization of Melilotus germplasm resources. In the present study, 151 M clean reads were generated from various genotypes of Melilotus albus using Illumina sequencing. A total of 19,263 potential EST-SSRs were identified from 104,358 unigene sequences. Moreover, 18,182 primer pairs were successfully designed, and 550 primer pairs were selected using criteria of base repeat type, fragment length and annealing temperature. In addition, 550 primer pairs were screened by using PCR amplification products and used to assess polymorphisms in 15 M. albus accessions. A total of 114 primer pairs were detected as being highly polymorphic, and the average polymorphism information content (PIC) value was 0.79. Furthermore, those 114 polymorphic primer pairs were used to evaluate the transferability to 18 species of the genus Melilotus, and 70 EST-SSR markers were found to be transferable among the 18 Melilotus species. According to the UPGMA dendrogram and STRUCTURE analysis, the 18 Melilotus species were classified into three clusters. This study offers a valuable resource for the genetic diversity and molecular assisted breeding of germplasm resources in the genus Melilotus.
BIGL: Biochemically Intuitive Generalized Loewe null model for prediction of the expected combined effect compatible with partial agonism and antagonism
Authors: Van der Borght Koen , Tourny Annelies , Bagdziunas Rytis , Thas Olivier , Nazarov Maxim , Turner Heather , Verbist Bie , Ceulemans Hugo 
Published: December 2017

AbstractClinical efficacy regularly requires the combination of drugs. For an early estimation of the clinical value of (potentially many) combinations of pharmacologic compounds during discovery, the observed combination effect is typically compared to that expected under a null model. Mechanistic accuracy of that null model is not aspired to; to the contrary, combinations that deviate favorably from the model (and thereby disprove its accuracy) are prioritized. Arguably the most popular null model is the Loewe Additivity model, which conceptually maps any assay under study to a (virtual) single-step enzymatic reaction. It is easy-to-interpret and requires no other information than the concentration-response curves of the individual compounds. However, the original Loewe model cannot accommodate concentration-response curves with different maximal responses and, by consequence, combinations of an agonist with a partial or inverse agonist. We propose an extension, named Biochemically Intuitive Generalized Loewe (BIGL), that can address different maximal responses, while preserving the biochemical underpinning and interpretability of the original Loewe model. In addition, we formulate statistical tests for detecting synergy and antagonism, which allow for detecting statistically significant greater/lesser observed combined effects than expected from the null model. Finally, we demonstrate the novel method through application to several publicly available datasets.
Magnesium intake and mortality due to liver diseases: Results from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Cohort
Authors: Wu Lijun , Zhu Xiangzhu , Fan Lei , Kabagambe Edmond K. , Song Yiqing , Tao Menghua , Zhong Xiaosong , Hou Lifang , Shrubsole Martha J. , Liu Jie , Dai Qi 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPeople with fatty liver disease are at high risk of magnesium deficiency. Meanwhile, low magnesium status is linked to both chronic inflammation and insulin resistance. However, no study has investigated the association between intake of magnesium and risk of mortality due to liver diseases. We evaluated the association between total magnesium intake and mortality due to liver diseases in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Study (NHANES III) cohort, which included 13,504 participants who completed liver ultrasound examination for hepatic steatosis. Overall magnesium intake was associated with a reduced risk of mortality due to liver disease at borderline significance (P = 0.05). In fully-adjusted analyses, every 100 mg increase in intake of magnesium was associated with a 49% reduction in the risk for mortality due to liver diseases. Although interactions between magnesium intake and alcohol use and hepatic steatosis at baseline were not significant (P > 0.05), inverse associations between magnesium intake and liver disease mortality were stronger among alcohol drinkers and those with hepatic steatosis. Our findings suggest higher intakes of magnesium may be associated with a reduced risk of mortality due to liver disease particularly among alcohol drinkers and those with hepatic steatosis. Further studies are warranted to confirm the findings.
Enrichment of megabase-sized DNA molecules for single-molecule optical mapping and next-generation sequencing
Authors: Łopacińska-Jørgensen Joanna M. , Pedersen Jonas N. , Bak Mads , Mehrjouy Mana M. , Sørensen Kristian T. , Østergaard Peter F. , Bilenberg Brian , Kristensen Anders , Taboryski Rafael J. , Flyvbjerg Henrik , Marie Rodolphe , Tommerup Niels , Silahtaroglu Asli 
Published: December 2017

AbstractNext-generation sequencing (NGS) has caused a revolution, yet left a gap: long-range genetic information from native, non-amplified DNA fragments is unavailable. It might be obtained by optical mapping of megabase-sized DNA molecules. Frequently only a specific genomic region is of interest, so here we introduce a method for selection and enrichment of megabase-sized DNA molecules intended for single-molecule optical mapping: DNA from a human cell line is digested by the NotI rare-cutting enzyme and size-selected by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. For demonstration, more than 600 sub-megabase- to megabase-sized DNA molecules were recovered from the gel and analysed by denaturation-renaturation optical mapping. Size-selected molecules from the same gel were sequenced by NGS. The optically mapped molecules and the NGS reads showed enrichment from regions defined by NotI restriction sites. We demonstrate that the unannotated genome can be characterized in a locus-specific manner via molecules partially overlapping with the annotated genome. The method is a promising tool for investigation of structural variants in enriched human genomic regions for both research and diagnostic purposes. Our enrichment method could potentially work with other genomes or target specified regions by applying other genomic editing tools, such as the CRISPR/Cas9 system.
Post-Transcriptional Regulation of Hepatic DDAH1 with TNF Blockade Leads to Improved eNOS Function and Reduced Portal Pressure In Cirrhotic Rats
Authors: Balasubramanian V. , Mehta G. , Jones H. , Sharma V. , Davies N. A. , Jalan R. , Mookerjee R. P. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPortal hypertension (PH) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in chronic liver disease. Infection and inflammation play a role in potentiating PH and pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF, are associated with severity of PH. In this study, cirrhotic bile duct ligated (BDL) rats with PH were treated with Infliximab (IFX, a monoclonal antibody against TNF) and its impact on modulation of vascular tone was assessed. BDL rats had increased TNF and NFkB compared to sham operated rats, and their reduction by IFX was associated with a reduction in portal pressure. IFX treatment also reduced hepatic oxidative stress, and biochemical markers of hepatic inflammation and injury. IFX treatment was associated with an improvement in eNOS activity and increased l-arginine/ADMA ratio and DDAH1 expression. In vitro analysis of HepG2 hepatocytes showed that DDAH1 protein expression is reduced by oxidative stress, and this is in part mediated by post-transcriptional regulation by the 3′UTR. This study supports a role for the DDAH1/ADMA axis on the effect of inflammation and oxidative stress in PH and provides insight for new therapies.
Modulating Thin Film Transistor Characteristics by Texturing the Gate Metal
Authors: Nair Aswathi , Bhattacharya Prasenjit , Sambandan Sanjiv 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe development of reliable, high performance integrated circuits based on thin film transistors (TFTs) is of interest for the development of flexible electronic circuits. In this work we illustrate the modulation of TFT transconductance via the texturing of the gate metal created by the addition of a conductive pattern on top of a planar gate. Texturing results in the semiconductor-insulator interface acquiring a non-planar geometry with local variations in the radius of curvature. This influences various TFT parameters such as the subthreshold slope, gate voltage at the onset of conduction, contact resistance and gate capacitance. Specific studies are performed on textures based on periodic striations oriented along different directions. Textured TFTs showed upto ±40% variation in transconductance depending on the texture orientation as compared to conventional planar gate TFTs. Analytical models are developed and compared with experiments. Gain boosting in common source amplifiers based on textured TFTs as compared to conventional TFTs is demonstrated.
Tissue Tropism in Host Transcriptional Response to Members of the Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex
Authors: Behura Susanta K. , Tizioto Polyana C. , Kim JaeWoo , Grupioni Natalia V. , Seabury Christopher M. , Schnabel Robert D. , Gershwin Laurel J. , Van Eenennaam Alison L. , Toaff-Rosenstein Rachel , Neibergs Holly L. , Regitano Luciana C. A. , Taylor Jeremy F. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the most common infectious disease of beef and dairy cattle and is characterized by a complex infectious etiology that includes a variety of viral and bacterial pathogens. We examined the global changes in mRNA abundance in healthy lung and lung lesions and in the lymphoid tissues bronchial lymph node, retropharyngeal lymph node, nasopharyngeal lymph node and pharyngeal tonsil collected at the peak of clinical disease from beef cattle experimentally challenged with either bovine respiratory syncytial virus, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, bovine viral diarrhea virus, Mannheimia haemolytica or Mycoplasma bovis. We identified signatures of tissue-specific transcriptional responses indicative of tropism in the coordination of host’s immune tissue responses to infection by viral or bacterial infections. Furthermore, our study shows that this tissue tropism in host transcriptional response to BRD pathogens results in the activation of different networks of response genes. The differential crosstalk among genes expressed in lymphoid tissues was predicted to be orchestrated by specific immune genes that act as ‘key players’ within expression networks. The results of this study serve as a basis for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies and for the selection of cattle with enhanced resistance to BRD.
Audism and Its Implications for Audiology
Authors: Wilson Jaime A. B. , Atcherson Samuel R. 
Published: December 2017

Purpose
Two healthcare providers with hearing loss, one neuropsychologist, and one audiologist, explore the concept of audism and its implications within the field of audiology.

Method
Literature review and frank contemplation.

Results
The present investigation found no peer-reviewed literature on the topic of audism within the audiology discipline. Awareness of audism and its manifestations have implications for helping audiologists and other hearing healthcare professionals to improve patient satisfaction and treatment compliance.

Conclusions
Audism is the notion that one is superior based on one's ability to hear or to behave in the manner of one who hears. Strong consideration should be given to including language and cultural studies of the Deaf community within audiology graduate training curriculums. Suggestions for overcoming audism—whether intentional or unintentional—are provided along with research recommendations.
Oral Cavity Infection: An Underestimated Source of Pyogenic Spondylodiscitis?
Authors: Troeltzsch Matthias , Birkenmaier Christof , Schwartz Christoph , Suchorska Bogdana , Zausinger Stefan , Romagna Alexander 
Published: December 2017

Background The incidence of pyogenic spondylodiscitis is increasing; however, the source of infection often remains obscure. We analyzed predisposing factors, pathogens, and outcome of patients undergoing surgical and/or conservative treatment of spondylodiscitis with a focus on the diagnostic work-up including a comprehensive maxillofacial assessment.
Patients The analysis of prognostic factors comprised comorbidities, nicotine dependence, symptom duration, and oral cavity peculiarities. After a standardized diagnostic work-up, a detailed examination of the oral cavity was also performed. The outcome analysis included assessment of the patients' clinical status.
Results Forty-one patients with pyogenic spondylodiscitis were investigated of whom 24% had undergone spinal surgery within 4 weeks before the infection. A total of 29% of patients were found to have a concomitant bacterial oral cavity disease, and in 22% the definitive source of infection remained unidentified. Among the 12 patients with oral cavity infections, 10 patients had periodontitis; 8, root canal pathologies; 6, periapical lesions, and another 8 patients, caries. In 25% of these patients, typical oral cavity pathogens were found in the intervertebral disk. The prevalence of oral cavity infections was associated with a history of nicotine dependence (p = 0.003). All other analyzed comorbidities did not differ compared with patients without an oral cavity focus.
Conclusion Oral cavity infections appear to be a frequent source of pyogenic spondylodiscitis, with smoking its most relevant associated risk factor. In case of an unidentified infection focus, a detailed diagnostic work-up including a mandatory maxillofacial assessment is strongly recommended.
Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia and Thrombosis: Preventing your Thrombolysis Practice from Taking a HITT
Authors: Kondo Kimi , Johnson D. , Wannamaker Eric 
Published: December 2017

AbstractHeparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (HITT) is an under-recognized cause of deep venous thrombosis treatment failure and of complications during catheter-directed thrombolysis. After a review of HITT pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management, three different cases are presented in this article. Each case highlights subtleties and challenges of HITT diagnosis and management. An example of a practical approach to the diagnosis of HITT is presented.
„Das Leben ist kurz“ – Verjüngung und Unsterblichkeit aus historischer Perspektive
Authors: Schäfer Daniel 
Published: December 2017

AbstractTo be young and immortal: That is the dream of humanity. Medical and civilizing progress have led to a life expectancy unthinkable a few centuries ago. Physicians wonder where it will all end. And after all, does it make sense to live forever? A look back in history and literature can help to relativize (post) modern utopias.
Neue Möglichkeiten der Ischämiediagnostik: CT-FFR und CT-Perfusion
Authors: Lehmkuhl Lukas , Krieghoff Christian , Gutberlet Matthias 
Published: December 2017

ZusammenfassungDie koronare CT-Angiografie hat in den Leitlinien und in der Klinik einen immer höheren Stellenwert in der Primärdiagnostik der koronaren Herzkrankheit – mit einer hohen Sensitivität und einem hohen negativen prädiktiven Wert. Die Spezifität der Methode kann jedoch noch besser werden – z. B. mit neuen Methoden der Ischämiediagnostik wie der CT-FFR und der CT-Perfusion.
Auch zu Weihnachten keine Geschenke!
Authors: Lieb Klaus , Koch Cora 
Published: December 2017

AbstractGifts and payments from pharmaceutical manufacturers to medical doctors constitute a conflict of interest, which may lead to an undue influence on prescribing behavior. In Germany, 35 research-based pharmaceutical companies, organized in the “Verband der forschenden Arzneimittelhersteller (VfA)” paid € 562 million to medical doctors and hospitals in 2016. Of these, € 356 million were paid for clinical trials and non-interventional studies, € 105 million for sponsored presentations and CME and € 101 million went to hospitals and other organizations for sponsoring, consulting and events. This article gives a short review on the different kinds of interactions, discusses psychological mechanisms and legal aspects of accepting gifts and recommends not to accept any gifts and donations from pharmaceutical companies to avoid undue influences on prescribing behavior. There are many ways to keep up to date using independent sources of information, and independent CME-events are growing in number – examples are given.
Humor in der Medizin – Von der Kunst, über Schatten zu springen
Authors: Wild Barbara 
Published: December 2017

AbstractHumor and laughter are integral parts of human life and communication – and so of course they occur in medical contacts.Humor is defined as a personality based cognitive emotional style of processing situations, characterized by the ability to find positive aspects even in negative situations, and the ability to communicate this point of view to others and to cheer them up. Humor can support healing processes and coping with illness. Humor and jokes reduce anxiety and stress (for patients and doctors). Humorous people have a more realistic, flexible and less fearful behaviour. Humor helps to overcome negative experience. Humor can help the patient to gain new views towards the disease and a healthy distance towards occurring symptoms. Humor improves the relationship between patient and doctor. But beware: jokes can also be used to express fears, aggression or shame. Therefore it is worthwhile to listen carefully to what patients want to express. Humor reduces the risk of burnout. In contact with patients, it is important to give their humor room, to use it and respond to it, more than making jokes. Humor can be trained. Humor training and creation of a humorous atmosphere in health care facilities should also be supported by health insurance funds, institutions' sponsors and public authorities.
Movement Therapy of the Upper Extremities with a Robotic Ball in Stroke Patients: Results of a Randomized Controlled Crossover Study
Authors: Neuendorf Tilo , Zschäbitz Daniel , Nitzsche Nico , Schulz Henry 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
Background Stroke is associated with motor impairments of the upper extremities. The defining goal of rehabilitation is independent execution of activities of daily living. New therapy procedures use different hardware components to implement digital therapy contents. These can be useful complements to established therapy protocols.
Objectives The aim of this study was to examine the effect of movement therapy with a robotic ball on motor function parameters in stroke patients.
Materials and Methods 25 patients (60.0±10.0 years, 172.5±13.8 cm, 79.5±13.8 kg, 89.8±72.6 months post-stroke) took part in this crossover study. The intervention and control periods comprised 12 weeks each. Training with the robotic ball was done in addition to standard therapy two times a week for 45 min each. Different game activities were carried out with the help of a tablet and a smartphone.
Results Isometric grip strength improved by 4.5±3.6 kg (p=0.000), and unilateral dexterity increased by 7.5±6.3 successful tries (p=0.000) in the round block test. The self-reported disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand were assessed using the QuickDASH questionnaire and showed improvements by 12.4±13.0 points (p=0.001).
Conclusions Additional therapy using the robotic ball improved upper extremity motor function and self-perceived health status in chronic stroke patients. However, performance stagnated when standard therapy was implemented alone. Moderately affected patients seem to benefit the most. The presence of very severe motor or cognitive symptoms led, in part, to some dropouts. The results need to be verified using larger patient populations.
Telemedizin – Zeit und Fahrtkosten sparen – und die Umwelt schonen
Authors: Blaich Cornelia 
Published: December 2017

Dullet NW et al. Impact of a University-Based Outpatient Telemedicine Program on Time Savings, Travel Costs, and Environmental Pollutants.
Value Health 2017; 20: 542–546
Nicht nur in ländlichen, unterversorgten Regionen, in denen Patienten der Zugang zu fachärztlicher Versorgung fehlt, stellt die
Telemedizin ein patientenorientiertes Behandlungsmodell dar, das eine qualitative ambulante Gesundheitsversorgung ermöglicht. Die
Autoren untersuchen in ihrer Studie den Einfluss der Telemedizin auf das Einsparpotenzial von Fahrtzeit, Fahrtkosten sowie
fahrtbedingten Umweltschadstoffen.
Applying research-based multimedia design principles in designing and teaching beginning CFL learners thebaconstruction online
Authors: Zhang Shenglan 
Published: December 2017

AbstractTeaching grammar online is an increasingly necessary practice, but the process is resource-heavy, requiring online tools such as grammar videos. Studies show that current online grammar modules have mixed effectiveness, and none of the studies have examined the effects of the design of these modules. This study investigated whether an online module, designed according to basic multi-media design principles, is effective in helping learners understand the use of thebaconstruction. The study also asked how the students respond to the use of the online module. The findings show that the online module improved learners’ understanding and use of thebaconstruction. It also found that the students enjoyed using the online module and would like to have similar opportunities to learn grammar via multimedia online modules.
Reverse Sural Adipofascial Flaps with Acellular Dermal Matrix and Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy
Authors: Pontell Matthew E. , Saad Noah , Winters Brian S. , Daniel Joseph N. , Saad Adam 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACT
The reverse sural adipofascial flap (RSAF) is used to reconstruct challenging wounds of the foot and ankle. It offers several advantages over the traditional reverse sural flap, including less venous congestion. To complete the reconstruction, split-thickness skin grafting (STSG) may be done immediately or in a delayed fashion; however, both scenarios result in suboptimal take rates and prolonged healing. An acellular dermal matrix (ADM; Integra; Ethicon Inc, Somerville, New Jersey) and negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) combined with RSAF followed by delayed STSG may decrease wound healing time.
In this study, 8 patients underwent reconstruction of lower-extremity wounds with RSAF. Four patients underwent RSAF with immediate STSG, and 4 underwent RSAF with placement of the ADM and a vacuum-assisted closure device, with STSG at a later date.
The 4 patients who underwent RSAF and immediate STSG had an average time to heal of 141.2 days, and 2 patients required reoperation. The 4 patients who underwent RSAF with an ADM and NPWT had an average time to heal of 104.5 days, and 1 patient required reoperation. Average time until STSG was 41.5 days. The latter group demonstrated a reduction in time to heal by an average of 36.7 days, or 25%. All 8 patients achieved successful wound closure.
The RSAF is a durable option for complex lower-extremity reconstruction. Interim placement of ADM and NPWT may increase STSG take rates. Using this technique in conjunction with RSAF may decrease the overall healing time compared with RSAF with immediate STSG.