bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Highly specific SNP detection using 2D graphene electronics and DNA strand displacement
Authors: Hwang Michael T. , Landon Preston B. , Lee Joon , Choi Duyoung , Mo Alexander H. , Glinsky Gennadi , Lal Ratnesh 
Published: June 2016

Significance
We describe the first, to our knowledge, integrated dynamic DNA nanotechnology and 2D material electronics to overcome current limitations for the detection of DNA single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). Electrical detection of DNA has been advancing rapidly to achieve high specificity, sensitivity, and portability. However, the actual implementation of DNA detection is still in infancy because of low specificity, especially for analytically optimal and practically useful length of target DNA strands. Most of the research to date has focused on the enhancement of the sensitivity of DNA biosensors, whereas the specificity problem has remained unsolved. The low specificity is primarily attributed to the nonspecific binding during hybridization of the probe and the target DNA. Here, we have addressed these limitations by designing a functional prototype of electrical biosensors for SNP detection.
Conformational dynamics of a G-protein α subunit is tightly regulated by nucleotide binding
Authors: Goricanec David , Stehle Ralf , Egloff Pascal , Grigoriu Simina , Plückthun Andreas , Wagner Gerhard , Hagn Franz 
Published: June 2016

Significance
G proteins are molecular switches for cellular signaling induced by G-protein–coupled receptor activation. The Gα subunit is the central timer of signal transduction regulated by GTP hydrolysis, which returns the system to its inactive state. Although previous work has characterized the structural states of Gα during the GTPase cycle, we show here that Gα is highly dynamic in the apo and GDP-bound states but in complex with GTP is completely rigid and is locked in a defined domain orientation. These insights help demonstrate that the conformational plasticity of G proteins is a central feature of their switching functionality.
Tau accumulation induces synaptic impairment and memory deficit by calcineurin-mediated inactivation of nuclear CaMKIV/CREB signaling
Authors: Yin Yaling , Gao Di , Wang Yali , Wang Zhi-Hao , Wang Xin , Ye Jinwang , Wu Dongqin , Fang Lin , Pi Guilin , Yang Ying , Wang Xiao-Chuan , Lu Chengbiao , Ye Keqiang , Wang Jian-Zhi 
Published: June 2016

Significance
Memory deterioration is a characteristic clinical symptom in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, the mechanisms underlying the memory loss are poorly understood. Here, we found that intraneuronal tau accumulation, the hallmark pathology seen in AD brains, induced a remarkable dephosphorylation/inactivation of nuclear cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), an important memory-associated protein. Further studies demonstrated that the abnormal tau accumulation could activate calcineurin, a calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase and cause CREB dephosphorylation. Importantly, simultaneous inhibition of calcineurin remarkably attenuated tau-induced CREB inactivation and memory deficits. These findings not only reveal new mechanisms underlying AD memory deficits, but also provide a potential drug target for arresting tauopathies.
Structural basis of adhesive binding by desmocollins and desmogleins
Authors: Harrison Oliver J. , Brasch Julia , Lasso Gorka , Katsamba Phinikoula S. , Ahlsen Goran , Honig Barry , Shapiro Lawrence 
Published: June 2016

Significance
Desmosomes are crucial for the integrity of tissues that undergo mechanical stress. Their intercellular attachments are assembled from desmogleins (Dsgs) and desmocollins (Dscs), two families of specialized cadherins whose structures and interactions have remained uncharacterized. Our study demonstrates family-wise heterophilic interactions between these proteins, with all Dsgs forming adhesive dimers with all Dscs. Crystal structures of ectodomains from Dsg2 and Dsg3 and from Dsc1 and Dsc2 show binding through a strand-swap mechanism similar to that of classical cadherins, which we show underlie heterophilic interactions. Conserved compatibly charged amino acids in the interfaces promote heterophilic Dsg:Dsc interactions. We show that Dsg:Dsc heterodimers represent the fundamental adhesive unit of desmosomes and provide a structural framework for understanding the extracellular assembly of desmosomes.
Solution NMR structure of CsgE: Structural insights into a chaperone and regulator protein important for functional amyloid formation
Authors: Shu Qin , Krezel Andrzej M. , Cusumano Zachary T. , Pinkner Jerome S. , Klein Roger , Hultgren Scott J. , Frieden Carl 
Published: June 2016

Significance
Curli are functional amyloids produced on the surface of many gram-negative bacteria. These amyloids, consisting primarily of CsgA, are involved in cell adhesion, colonization, and biofilm formation. CsgE is a periplasmic accessory protein that plays a central role in curli biogenesis by its interaction with CsgA and with the pore protein CsgG. To understand the mechanism of curli formation, it is critical to determine the structure of the proteins that are required for their formation. Here, we report the atomic solution structure of a double mutant of CsgE, as determined by NMR. The study reveals unique structural features of CsgE and provides insights into the assembly of the secretion channel and the regulation of curli biogenesis.
The impact of workplace spirituality on food service worker turnover intention
Authors: Beehner Christopher Gerard , Blackwell Mary Jill 
Published: June 2016

In 2015, employee turnover was a significant problem in the food service industry. In order to reduce employee turnover, researchers have examined the relationship between workplace spirituality and turnover intention in limited industries and geographic areas. The purpose of this quantitative experimental two group pretest–posttest study was to determine whether the implementation of a workplace spirituality program impacted turnover intention in food service organizations. The sample consisted of 53 employees of a multi-location quick-service restaurant in the state of Florida. An ANCOVA showed that when controlling for pretest, the effect of a workplace spirituality program on turnover intention was not significant (p = .274), suggesting workplace spirituality interventions may not be an appropriate turnover intention mitigation method within the food service industry. The current findings add to the literature suggesting industry differences should be considered when examining the impact of workplace spirituality on turnover intention.
Agglomeration Effects in Ontario's Dairy Farming
Authors: Hailu Getu , James Deaton B. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThis paper examines the agglomeration hypothesis, which states that a firm's productive efficiency is increased by closer proximity to other firms. Using a stochastic input distant function with heteroskedastic inefficiency effects, we find that the density of Ontario dairy farms has a significant positive economic effect on production efficiency. The finding has implications for understanding agricultural firm location and farmer‐led efforts to preserve agricultural farming activities in specific locations.
Comparison of In Vivo and In Vitro Methods for Blood Feeding ofPhlebotomus papatasi (Diptera: Psychodidae) in the Laboratory
Authors: Denlinger David S. , Li Andrew Y. , Durham Susan L. , Lawyer Phillip G. , Anderson Joseph L. , Bernhardt Scott A. 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Phlebotomus papatasi Scopoli is a medically important insect that has been successfully colonized in the laboratory, and blood feeding is critical for colony propagation. There has been much interest in developing established protocols for in vitro blood-feeding systems. The objective of this study was to determine if a Parafilm membrane and a hog’s gut membrane could be successfully used with in vitro feeding systems. We evaluated percentages ofP. papatasi females that blood fed on different blood-feeding systems (a mouse, a Hemotek feeder, or a glass feeder) used with either a Parafilm or a hog’s gut membrane, with cohorts of 250 and 500P. papatasi females, and with or without external exhalations. For all feeding system combinations, femaleP. papatasi blood fed in higher percentages when in cohorts of 500 individuals and in the presence of exhalations. Higher percentages ofP. papatasi fed on a mouse, but this study also demonstrates thatP. papatasi will readily feed with in vitro feeding systems using a Parafilm membrane or a hog’s gut membrane. This study suggests that femaleP. papatasi may use an invitation effect to blood feed and are attracted to blood sources via chemical olfaction cues, both of which have been characterized in other blood-feeding arthropods. Our study demonstrates that a Parafilm membrane or a hog’s gut membrane, in conjunction with the Hemotek or glass feeder system, is potentially a viable alternative to live rodents to blood feed a colony ofP. papatasi.
Structure and possible function of a G-quadruplex in the long terminal repeat of the proviral HIV-1 genome
Authors: De Nicola Beatrice , Lech Christopher J. , Heddi Brahim , Regmi Sagar , Frasson Ilaria , Perrone Rosalba , Richter Sara N. , Phan Anh Tuân 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThe long terminal repeat (LTR) of the proviral human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 genome is integral to virus transcription and host cell infection. The guanine-rich U3 region within the LTR promoter, previously shown to form G-quadruplex structures, represents an attractive target to inhibit HIV transcription and replication. In this work, we report the structure of a biologically relevant G-quadruplex within the LTR promoter region of HIV-1. The guanine-rich sequence designated LTR-IV forms a well-defined structure in physiological cationic solution. The nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) structure of this sequence reveals a parallel-stranded G-quadruplex containing a single-nucleotide thymine bulge, which participates in a conserved stacking interaction with a neighboring single-nucleotide adenine loop. Transcription analysis in a HIV-1 replication competent cell indicates that the LTR-IV region may act as a modulator of G-quadruplex formation in the LTR promoter. Consequently, the LTR-IV G-quadruplex structure presented within this work could represent a valuable target for the design of HIV therapeutics.
Candida albicans Transcriptional Profiling Within Biliary Fluid From a Patient With Cholangitis, Before and After Antifungal Treatment and Surgical Drainage
Authors: Clancy Cornelius J. , Meslin Camille , Badrane Hassan , Cheng Shaoji , Losada Liliana C. , Nierman William C. , Vergidis Pascalis , Clark Nathan L. , Nguyen M. Hong 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
We used ribonucleic acid sequencing to profile Candida albicans transcription within biliary fluid from a patient with cholangitis; samples were collected before and after treatment with fluconazole and drainage. Candida albicans transcriptomes at the infection site distinguished treated from untreated cholangitis. After treatment, 1131 C. albicans genes were differentially expressed in biliary fluid. Up-regulated genes were enriched in hyphal growth, cell wall organization, adhesion, oxidation reduction, biofilm, and fatty acid and ergosterol biosynthesis. This is the first study to define Candida global gene expression during deep-seated human infection. Successful treatment of cholangitis induced C. albicans genes involved in fluconazole responses and pathogenesis.
Using a Standardized Clinical Quantitative Sensory Testing Battery to Judge the Clinical Relevance of Sensory Differences Between Adjacent Body Areas
Authors: Dimova Violeta , Oertel Bruno G. , Lötsch Jörn 
Published: June 2016

Background:
Skin sensitivity to sensory stimuli varies among different body areas. A standardized clinical quantitative sensory testing (QST) battery, established for the diagnosis of neuropathic pain, was used to assess whether the magnitude of differences between test sites reaches clinical significance.

Methods:
Ten different sensory QST measures derived from thermal and mechanical stimuli were obtained from 21 healthy volunteers (10 men) and used to create somatosensory profiles bilateral from the dorsum of the hands (the standard area for the assessment of normative values for the upper extremities as proposed by the German Research Network on Neuropathic Pain) and bilateral at volar forearms as a neighboring nonstandard area. The parameters obtained were statistically compared between test sites.

Results:
Three of the 10 QST parameters differed significantly with respect to the “body area,” that is, warmth detection, thermal sensory limen, and mechanical pain thresholds. After z-transformation and interpretation according to the QST battery’s standard instructions, 22 abnormal values were obtained at the hand. Applying the same procedure to parameters assessed at the nonstandard site forearm, that is, z-transforming them to the reference values for the hand, 24 measurements values emerged as abnormal, which was not significantly different compared with the hand (P=0.4185).

Conclusions:
Sensory differences between neighboring body areas are statistically significant, reproducing prior knowledge. This has to be considered in scientific assessments where a small variation of the tested body areas may not be an option. However, the magnitude of these differences was below the difference in sensory parameters that is judged as abnormal, indicating a robustness of the QST instrument against protocol deviations with respect to the test area when using the method of comparison with a 95 % confidence interval of a reference dataset.
Use of the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) questionnaire in research and clinical practice: a comprehensive scoping review
Authors: Sydora Beate C. , Fast Hilary , Campbell Sandy , Yuksel Nese , Lewis Jacqueline E. , Ross Sue 
Published: June 2016

Abstract

Objective:
The Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) questionnaire was developed as a validated research tool to measure condition-specific QOL in early postmenopausal women. We conducted a comprehensive scoping review to explore the extent of MENQOL's use in research and clinical practice to assess its value in providing effective, adequate, and comparable participant assessment information.

Methods:
Thirteen biomedical and clinical databases were systematically searched with “menqol” as a search term to find articles using MENQOL or its validated derivative MENQOL-Intervention as investigative or clinical tools from 1996 to November 2014 inclusive. Review articles, conference abstracts, proceedings, dissertations, and incomplete trials were excluded. Additional articles were collected from references within key articles. Three independent reviewers extracted data reflecting study design, intervention, sample characteristics, MENQOL questionnaire version, modifications and language, recall period, and analysis detail. Data analyses included categorization and descriptive statistics.

Results:
The review included 220 eligible papers of various study designs, covering 39 countries worldwide and using MENQOL translated into more than 25 languages. A variety of modifications to the original questionnaire were identified, including omission or addition of items and alterations to the validated methodological analysis. No papers were found that described MENQOL's use in clinical practice.

Conclusions:
Our study found an extensive and steadily increasing use of MENQOL in clinical and epidemiological research over 18 years postpublication. Our results stress the importance of proper reporting and validation of translations and variations to ensure outcome comparison and transparency of MENQOL's use. The value of MENQOL in clinical practice remains unknown.
How does adjuvant chemotherapy affect menopausal symptoms, sexual function, and quality of life after breast cancer?
Authors: Marino Jennifer L. , Saunders Christobel M. , Emery Laura I. , Green Helena , Doherty Dorota A. , Hickey Martha 
Published: June 2016

Abstract

Objective:
The aim of the study was to determine the association between adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer and menopausal symptoms, sexual function, and quality of life.

Methods:
Participants attended a menopause clinic with a dedicated service for cancer survivors at a large tertiary women's hospital. Information about breast cancer treatments including adjuvant chemotherapy was collected from medical records. Menopausal symptoms were recorded with the Greene Climacteric Scale and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy, Breast Cancer, and Endocrine Symptom Subscales. Sexual symptoms were recorded using Fallowfield's Sexual Activity Questionnaire. Quality of life was measured with Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy scales.

Results:
The severity of vasomotor, psychological, or sexual symptoms (apart from pain) did not differ between those who had received adjuvant chemotherapy (n = 339) and other breast cancer survivors (n = 465). After adjustment for current age, time since menopause, and current use of antiestrogen endocrine therapy, the risk of “severe pain” with sexual intercourse was twice as common after chemotherapy (31.6% vs 20.0%, odds ratio [OR] 2.18, 95% CI 1.25-3.79). Those treated with chemotherapy were more likely to report “severe problems” with physical well-being (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.12-3.28) and lower breast cancer-specific quality of life (OR 1.89 95% CI 1.13-3.18), but did not differ in other quality of life measures.

Conclusions:
In this large study of breast cancer patients presenting to a specialty menopause clinic, previous chemotherapy was not associated with current vasomotor or psychological symptoms. Severe pain with intercourse was significantly more common in those treated with adjuvant chemotherapy.
Prevalence and association between objective signs and subjective symptoms of vaginal atrophy: the AGATA study
Authors: Cagnacci Angelo , Carbone Maria M. , Palma Federica 
Published: June 2016

Abstract

Objective:
The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence and association of subjective symptoms and objective signs of vaginal atrophy (VA).

Methods:
A cross-sectional multicenter study was performed on 913 postmenopausal women consulting 22 gynecological outpatient services. The prevalence of subjective symptoms and objective signs of VA was stratified by years since menopause and related to each other.

Results:
In women a year after menopause the prevalence of vaginal dryness was 62% to 67%, of dyspareunia 67.5%, of itching 40%, of burning 48%, and of dysuria 15%. In women years after menopause the prevalence of vaginal dryness and dysuria was higher (85% and 30%, respectively) and that of itching and burning did not exceed 50% and 52%, respectively. The prevalence of dyspareunia was 75% in postmenopausal women after 6 years, but the rate decreased to about 41% years later. The prevalence of objective signs was also different. In women 1 year after menopause the prevalence of basic pH was 78%; of mucosal pallor, rugae thinning, and objective vaginal dryness about 60% to 62%; of mucosal fragility 35%; and of the presence of petechiae 15% to 20%. The prevalence of all objective signs was progressively higher with time since menopause reaching a value of 90% for pH > 5, mucosal pallor, and rugae thinning; of 80% for mucosal fragility; and of 51% for petechiae. There was no strict association between signs and symptoms, apart from subjective and objective vaginal dryness (k index = 0.820; sensitivity 0.96; specificity 0.82).

Conclusions:
The results show that objective signs and subjective symptoms of VA have a different prevalence distribution in the years after menopause and are not strictly associated.
Osteogenic actions of metoprolol in an ovariectomized rat model of menopause
Authors: Zang Yuan , Tan Quanchang , Ma Xiangyu , Zhao Xiong , Lei Wei 
Published: June 2016

Abstract

Objective:
Osteoporosis and hypertension are age-related chronic diseases with increased morbidity rates among postmenopausal women. Clinical epidemiological investigations have demonstrated that hypertensive patients treated with β1-selective β-blockers have a higher bone mineral density (BMD) and lower fracture risk. Nevertheless, no fundamental studies have examined the relationships between β1-selective β-blockers and these effects. The present study explored the effects and mechanisms of metoprolol in the in vitro treatment of osteoblasts and the in vivo treatment of ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in rats.

Methods:
Primary osteoblasts were obtained by digestion of the cranial bones of 24-hour-old Sprague-Dawley rats. After metoprolol treatment, cell proliferation and differentiation capacities were assessed at the corresponding time points. In addition, 3-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats (200-220 g) were divided into a sham-operated group (n = 8) and three ovariectomized (OVX) (bilateral removal of ovaries) groups as follows: vehicle (OVX; n = 8), low-dose metoprolol (L-M, oral, 120 mg/kg/d; n = 8), and high-dose metoprolol (H-M, oral, 240 mg/kg/d; n = 8). After 12 weeks of metoprolol treatment, BMD, microarchitecture, and biomechanical properties were evaluated.

Results:
The results indicated that the treatments with 0.01 to 0.1 μM metoprolol increased osteoblast proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity, and calcium mineralization, and promoted the expression of osteogenic genes. The in vivo study indicated that administration of metoprolol to OVX rats resulted in maintenance of the BMDs of the L4 vertebrae. Moreover, amelioration of trabecular microarchitecture deterioration and preservation of bone biomechanical properties were detected in the trabecular bones of the OVX rats.

Conclusions:
Our findings indicate that metoprolol prevents estrogen deficiency-induced bone loss by increasing the number and enhancing the biological functions of osteoblasts, implying its potential use as an alternative treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis in hypertensive patients.
Gynecomastia Management: An Evolution and Refinement in Technique at UT Southwestern Medical Center
Authors: Bailey Steven H. , Guenther Dax , Constantine Fadi , Rohrich Rod J. 
Published: June 2016

Summary:
Gynecomastia is a benign proliferation of male breast glandular tissue. Gynecomastia can affect men at any stage of life. Traditional treatment options involved excisional surgeries with periareolar or T-shaped scars, which can leave more visible scars on the chest. The technique presented represents a technique used by the senior author, which relies on ultrasonic liposuction and pull-through technique to remove breast tissue. A retrospective chart review was performed, including all patients who were treated, from 2000 to 2013 by the senior author, for gynecomastia. A deidentified database was created to record patient characteristics, including age, height, weight, ptosis, stage of gynecomastia, and gynecomastia classification. Surgical approaches, complications, and revisions were also recorded. Our experience includes 75 patients with all grades of gynecomastia from 2000 to 2013. These cases span the evolution of our technique to include direct pull-through excision with ultrasound-assisted liposuction. The distribution of the grades I, II, III, and IV ptosis was 30.6%, 36 %, 22.6%, and 10.6% respectively. There were no complications in this series. Only one patient with grade III ptosis required revision surgery. This technique provides a safe and aesthetically pleasing way to treat gynecomastia with a low need for revision.