bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MiR‐154 directly suppresses DKK2 to activate Wnt signaling pathway and enhance activation of cardiac fibroblasts
Authors: Sun Li‐Ye , Bie Zi‐Dong , Zhang Chuan‐Huan , Li Hua , Li Liu‐Dong , Yang Jun 
Published: August 2016

AbstractExcessive proliferation of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) and their transdifferentiation into myofibroblasts leads to expression of α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), as well as excessive synthesis and secretion of collagens. This process represents an important pathological basis for myocardial fibrosis (MF). MicroRNA (miR)‐154 and the Wnt signaling pathway play key roles in the above process, although their specific interactions are poorly understood. After transfecting CFs with miR‐154 mimics or inhibitors, miR‐154 was found to inhibit the expression of Dickkopf‐related protein 2 (DKK2), while miR‐154 inhibitors upregulated DKK2 expression in a Western blot analysis. In a subsequent dual‐luciferase activity assay, direct binding of miR‐154 to DKK2 was detected. Further experiments demonstrated that transfection of DKK2 siRNA or miR‐154 resulted in increased levels of β‐catenin, α‐SMA, and collagens I and III. Moreover, these changes were observed in association with increases in CF proliferation and migration, and reduced apoptosis. Conversely, transfection of miR‐154 inhibitors or DKK2 overexpression vector resulted in lower expression levels of β‐catenin, α‐SMA, and collagens I and III, suppressed cell proliferation and migration, and enhanced apoptosis. Furthermore, in each assay, when the DKK2 overexpression vector and miR‐154 mimics were co‐transfected, the functions of each component were counteracted by the other. Therefore, in CFs, targeting of DKK2 by miR‐154 leads to upregulation of β‐catenin expression and activation of the classical Wnt signaling pathway and CFs. These results suggest new targets for the clinical treatment of MF and ischemic heart disease.
VEGF expression is regulated by HIF‐1α and ARNT in 3D KYSE‐70, esophageal cancer cell spheroids
Authors: Terashima Jun , Sampei Satoko , Iidzuka Mei , Ohsakama Ayumi , Tachikawa Chie , Satoh Junya , Kudo Kenzo , Habano Wataru , Ozawa Shogo 
Published: August 2016

AbstractIn 3D cultured cell systems, the cells form 3D spheroids that mimic cancer cell spheroids in vivo. Cancer cells form cell spheroids as they grow. The in vivo spheroids do not contain a vascular network; therefore, oxygen and nutrition supplies are insufficient. Specifically, the cells in the core region of the cluster are exposed to higher stress levels than the cells in the outer spheroid layer. As a result, the cells in the spheroid are exposed to low nutrition and hypoxia conditions. To overcome these shortages, angiogenesis is induced in cancer spheroids in vivo. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an important molecule involved in angiogenesis. VEGF is secreted by cancer cells in vivo in response to stress conditions such as hypoxia. VEGF expression in cancer cells is mediated by hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF1α), which accumulates in cancer cells during hypoxia. In this report, we show that VEGF expression is regulated by HIF1α and that VEGF is secreted to the outside of the spheroid in vitro. Several investigators have reported that HIF1α forms a protein–protein complex with aryl hydrocarbon receptor translocator (ARNT). We report here that not only HIF1α but also ARNT regulates VEGF expression in 3D cancer spheroids. Our results suggest the utility of the in vitro 3D cancer spheroid model for investigating angiogenesis in cancerous tissues.
Convergence of the Two‐Dimensional Dynamic Ising‐Kac Model to
Authors: Mourrat Jean-Christophe , Weber Hendrik 
Published: August 2016

The Ising‐Kac model is a variant of the ferromagnetic Ising model in which each spin variable interacts with all spins in a neighborhood of radius γ− 1 for around its base point. We study the Glauber dynamics for this model on a discrete two‐dimensional torus for a system size and for an inverse temperature close to the critical value of the mean field model. We show that the suitably rescaled coarse‐grained spin field converges in distribution to the solution of a nonlinear stochastic partial differential equation.This equation is the dynamic version of the quantum field theory, which is formally given by a reaction‐diffusion equation driven by an additive space‐time white noise. It is well‐known that in two spatial dimensions such equations are distribution valued and a Wick renormalization has to be performed in order to define the nonlinear term. Formally, this renormalization corresponds to adding an infinite mass term to the equation. We show that this need for renormalization for the limiting equation is reflected in the discrete system by a shift of the critical temperature away from its mean field value.© 2016 by the authors. Communications on Pure and Applied Mathematics is published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc., on behalf of the Courant Institute of Mathematics.
Meta‐analysis of psychophysiological interactions: Revisiting cluster‐level thresholding and sample sizes
Authors: Smith David V. , Delgado Mauricio R. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractWithin the neuroimaging community, coordinate based meta‐analyses (CBMAs) are essential for aggregating findings across studies and testing whether those studies report similar anatomical locations. This approach has been predominantly applied to studies that focus on whether activation of a brain region is associated with a given psychological process. In a recent paper, we used CBMA to examine a distinct set of studies—that is, those focusing on whether connectivity between brain regions is modulated by a given psychological process (Smith et al. [2016]: Hum Brain Mapp 37:2904–2917). Specifically, we reviewed 284 studies examining brain connectivity with psychophysiological interactions (PPI). Our meta‐analytic results indicated that PPI yields connectivity patterns that are consistent across studies and that can be specific for a given psychological process and seed region. After publication of our findings, we learned that the analysis software we used to conduct our CBMAs (GingerALE v2.3.3) contained an implementation error that led to results that were more liberal than intended. Here, we comment on the impact of this implementation error on the results of our paper, new recommendations for sample sizes in CBMAs, and the importance of communication between software users and developers. We show that our key claims are supported in a reanalysis and that our results are robust to new guidelines on sample sizes. Hum Brain Mapp 38:588–591, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Interictal activity is an important contributor to abnormal intrinsic network connectivity in paediatric focal epilepsy
Authors: Shamshiri Elhum A. , Tierney Tim M. , Centeno Maria , St Pier Kelly , Pressler Ronit M. , Sharp David J , Perani Suejen , Cross J Helen , Carmichael David W. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractPatients with focal epilepsy have been shown to have reduced functional connectivity in intrinsic connectivity networks (ICNs), which has been related to neurocognitive development and outcome. However, the relationship between interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) and changes in ICNs remains unclear, with evidence both for and against their influence. EEG‐fMRI data was obtained in 27 children with focal epilepsy (mixed localisation and aetiologies) and 17 controls. A natural stimulus task (cartoon blocks verses blocks where the subject was told “please wait”) was used to enhance the connectivity within networks corresponding to ICNs while reducing potential confounds of vigilance and motion. Our primary hypothesis was that the functional connectivity within visual and attention networks would be reduced in patients with epilepsy. We further hypothesized that controlling for the effects of IEDs would increase the connectivity in the patient group. The key findings were: (1) Patients with mixed epileptic foci showed a common connectivity reduction in lateral visual and attentional networks compared with controls. (2) Having controlled for the effects of IEDs there were no connectivity differences between patients and controls. (3) A comparison within patients revealed reduced connectivity between the attentional network and basal ganglia associated with interictal epileptiform discharges. We also found that the task activations were reduced in epilepsy patients but that this was unrelated to IED occurrence. Unexpectedly, connectivity changes in ICNs were strongly associated with the transient effects of interictal epileptiform discharges. Interictal epileptiform discharges were shown to have a pervasive transient influence on the brain's functional organisation. Hum Brain Mapp 38:221–236, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of nanotopography on the in vitro hemocompatibility of nanocrystalline diamond coatings
Authors: Skoog Shelby A. , Lu Qijin , Malinauskas Richard A. , Sumant Anirudha V. , Zheng Jiwen , Goering Peter L. , Narayan Roger J. , Casey Brendan J. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractNanocrystalline diamond (NCD) coatings have been investigated for improved wear resistance and enhanced hemocompatibility of cardiovascular devices. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of NCD surface nanotopography on in vitro hemocompatibility. NCD coatings with small (NCD‐S) and large (NCD‐L) grain sizes were deposited using microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition and characterized using scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, contact angle testing, and Raman spectroscopy. NCD‐S coatings exhibited average grain sizes of 50–80 nm (RMS 5.8 nm), while NCD‐L coatings exhibited average grain sizes of 200–280 nm (RMS 23.1 nm). In vitro hemocompatibility testing using human blood included protein adsorption, hemolysis, nonactivated partial thromboplastin time, platelet adhesion, and platelet activation. Both NCD coatings demonstrated low protein adsorption, a nonhemolytic response, and minimal activation of the plasma coagulation cascade. Furthermore, the NCD coatings exhibited low thrombogenicity with minimal platelet adhesion and aggregation, and similar morphological changes to surface‐bound platelets (i.e., activation) in comparison to the HDPE negative control material. For all assays, there were no significant differences in the blood–material interactions of NCD‐S versus NCD‐L. The two tested NCD coatings, regardless of nanotopography, had similar hemocompatibility profiles compared to the negative control material (HDPE) and should be further evaluated for use in blood‐contacting medical devices. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 253–264, 2017.
Vitamin D Storage in Adipose Tissue of Obese and Normal Weight Women
Authors: Carrelli Angela , Bucovsky Mariana , Horst Ronald , Cremers Serge , Zhang Chengchen , Bessler Marc , Schrope Beth , Evanko John , Blanco Jody , Silverberg Shonni J , Stein Emily M 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT

Although vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among obese individuals, its cause is poorly understood. Few studies have measured vitamin D concentrations in adipose of obese (OB) subjects, and none have included normal weight controls (C). The goal of this study was to investigate whether the relationship between body composition, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), vitamin D in subcutaneous (SQ) and omental (OM) adipose, and total adipose stores of vitamin D differ among OB and C. Obese women undergoing bariatric surgery and normal-weight women undergoing abdominal surgery for benign gynecologic conditions were enrolled. Subjects had measurements of serum 25OHD by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Vitamin D concentrations in SQ and OM adipose were measured by mass spectroscopy. Thirty-six women were enrolled. Serum 25OHD was similar between groups (OB 27 ± 2 versus C 26 ± 2 ng/mL; p = 0.71). Adipose vitamin D concentrations were not significantly different in either SQ (OB 34 ± 9 versus C 26 ± 12 ng/g; p = 0.63) or OM compartments (OB 51 ± 13 versus C 30 ± 18 ng/g; p = 0.37). The distribution of vitamin D between SQ and OM compartments was similar between groups. Serum 25OHD was directly related to adipose vitamin D in both groups. Total body vitamin D stores were significantly greater in OB than in C (2.3 ± 0.6 versus 0.4 ± 0.8 mg, respectively; p &lt; 0.01). In summary, although OB had significantly greater total vitamin D stores than C, the relationship between serum 25OHD and fat vitamin D and the overall pattern of distribution of vitamin D between the OM and SQ fat compartments was similar. Our data demonstrate that obese subjects have greater adipose stores of vitamin D. They support the hypotheses that the enlarged adipose mass in obese individuals serves as a reservoir for vitamin D and that the increased amount of vitamin D required to saturate this depot may predispose obese individuals to inadequate serum 25OHD. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
QTc prolongation during peripheral stem cell apheresis in healthy volunteers
Authors: Korur Aslı , Kozanoglu Ilknur , Buyukkurt Nurhilal , Yeral Mahmut , Kandemir Fatih , Gereklioglu Cigdem , Sariturk Cagla , Asma Suheyl , Solmaz Soner , Boga Can , Ozdogu Hakan 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBackground and aimToday, voluntary donation of peripheral blood stem cells by healthy donors for allogeneic hemopoietic cell transplantation is common worldwide. Such donations are associated with small but measurable risks of morbidity and mortality. Most complications are associated with citrate infusion during cell collection. We studied the effects of citrate infusion on the QTc and other vital parameters during and after peripheral stem cell apheresis in volunteers.MethodTo ensure that donors were healthy, screening included taking a detailed medical history, physical examination, and laboratory measurements of plasma calcium and magnesium. Corrected QT (QTc) values were assessed using a 12‐lead electrocardiographic platform that derived QTc values automatically.ResultsIn all, 141 apheresis procedures were performed. The mean QTc values at baseline, at 2 and 4 h during the procedure, and at 30 min after the procedure, were 347.6 ± 59.5, 349.9 ± 52.8, 391.8 ± 54.0, and 404.8 ± 59.2 ms, respectively. The baseline and 2 h QTcs did not differ significantly, but the baseline QTc did differ significantly from the 4 h and 30 min after the procedure values. The plasma levels of calcium and magnesium did not significantly differ before and after the procedure.ConclusionQTc prolongation may develop during leukopheresis, particularly if the procedure takes more than 2 h. Thus, to enhance donor safety, QTc measurement should be standard for all donors. In addition, any family history of sudden death should be noted, to prevent the development of possible fatal arrhythmia in susceptible donors.
Abnormal distribution of GABAA receptors in brain of duchenne muscular dystrophy patients
Authors: Suzuki Yuji , Higuchi Shinya , Aida Izumi , Nakajima Takashi , Nakada Tsutomu 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACTIntroduction: In this study we sought to: (1) determine the distribution of GABAA receptors (GABAA‐Rs) in the brain of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients; and (2) ascertain if the distribution pattern correlates with cognitive dysfunction. Methods: Fourteen DMD patients [young adult (n = 7, 18–25 years old) and older adult (n = 7, 30–37 years old) groups] and 16 age‐matched normal volunteers participated. GABAA‐R distribution was assessed using 123I‐IMZ‐SPECT. Neuropsychological assessments were performed using 3 different test batteries, the WAIS‐III, WMS‐R, and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST). Results: All DMD patients showed significant decline in 123I‐IMZ uptake in the prefrontal cortex (P < 0.05). Although no differences were detected in the WAIS‐III and WMS‐R, the WCST scores of DMD patients (2.8 ± 1.9) were significantly lower (P < 0.01) than those of normal volunteers (5.4 ± 0.7). Both abnormalities were more pronounced in older adult patients. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that DMD is accompanied by a reduction in the prefrontal cortex distribution of GABAA‐Rs. Muscle Nerve 55: 591–595, 2017
Muscle magnetic resonance imaging in spinal muscular atrophy type 3: Selective and progressive involvement
Authors: Durmus Hacer , Yilmaz Ravza , Gulsen‐Parman Yesim , Oflazer‐Serdaroglu Piraye , Cuttini Marina , Dursun Memduh , Deymeer Feza 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACTIntroductionIn this study we sought to identify magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signs of selective muscle involvement and disease progression in patients with spinal muscular atrophy type 3b (SMA3b).MethodsTwenty‐five patients with genetically confirmed SMA3b underwent MRI on a 1.5‐Tesla MR scanner.ResultsMRI showed significantly more severe involvement of the iliopsoas than of the gluteus maximus muscles, and more severe involvement of the triceps brachii than of the biceps brachii muscles. The quadriceps femoris muscles were severely involved. The deltoid, adductor longus, portions of the hamstrings, gracilis, sartorius, and rectus abdominis muscles were well preserved. We found a significant positive correlation between MRI changes and disease duration for gluteus maximus and triceps brachii. Follow‐up MRIs of 4 patients showed disease progression.ConclusionsThis study confirms the pattern of selective muscle involvement suggested by previous studies and further refines muscle MRI changes in SMA3b. Progressive muscle involvement is implicated. Muscle Nerve 55: 651–656, 2017
Assessment of physical fatigability and fatigue perception in myasthenia gravis
Authors: Jordan Berit , Mehl Theresa , Schweden Tabea L.K. , Menge Uwe , Zierz Stephan 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACTIntroductionFatigue includes both performance fatigability and fatigue perception.MethodsIn 32 stable patients with generalized myasthenia gravis (MG) and 17 controls, time‐dependent physical performance was assessed by the arm movement test (AMT) and 6‐minute walk test (6MWT). MG patients presented with low quantitative MG scores (mean 0.5, SD 0.5) and without pathologic decrement. Fatigability was based on calculation of linear trend (LT) reflecting dynamic performance within subsequent constant time intervals. Perception of physical fatigue was analyzed using fatigue questionnaires.ResultsMG patients showed a negative LT in both AMT and 6MWT, significantly differing from stable performance in controls. LT inversely correlated with elevation of acetylcholine receptor antibodies (r = −0.59, P < 0.005) but not with quantitative MG score and fatigue perception.ConclusionsLT allows quantification of fatigability as an objective measurement of decline in individual performance, even in patients without obvious neuromuscular deficits in routine testing. The missing correlation of experienced fatigue supports the multidimensional fatigue model. Muscle Nerve 55: 657–663, 2017
Relationships between time use and obesity in a representative sample of Americans
Authors: Patel Viral C. , Spaeth Andrea M. , Basner Mathias 
Published: August 2016

ObjectiveTo provide a nationally representative analysis of time use in America for insight into behaviors associated with obesity.MethodsThis study utilized 28,503 observations of individuals aged 22 to 70 from the American Time Use Survey, a continuous cross‐sectional survey on time use in America. Linear and logistic regressions were performed to analyze sociodemographic characteristics, determine activity participation levels and time spent in activities, understand nonlinear associations between activity time and BMI, and appreciate differences in activity timing between BMI categories.ResultsShort and long sleep and work were associated with increased BMI. On weekdays, individuals with obesity were more likely to be working at night and sleeping during the day. They were less likely to participate in sports/exercise/recreation, but those that participated did so for amounts of time not different than normal‐BMI individuals. Those with obesity were more likely to watch television almost all hours of the day. Further differences are detailed for health‐related, sedentary, and household activities.ConclusionsBoth short and long sleep, as well as the timing of sleep and work activity, are associated with obesity. Motivation to exercise nonzero amounts may be an appropriate target for intervention. Television is chief among sedentary activities in their association with obesity.
Homeostatic responses to palatable food consumption in satiated rats
Authors: Hume Catherine , Jachs Barbara , Menzies John 
Published: August 2016

ObjectiveEnergy intake is regulated by overlapping homeostatic and hedonic systems. Consumption of palatable foods has been implicated in weight gain, but this assumes that homeostatic control systems do not accurately detect this hedonically driven energy intake. This study tested this assumption, hypothesizing that satiated rats would reduce their voluntary food intake and maintain a stable body weight after consuming a palatable food.MethodsLean rats or rats previously exposed to an obesogenic diet were schedule‐fed with fixed or varying amounts of palatable sweetened condensed milk (SCM) daily, and their voluntary energy intake and body weight were monitored.ResultsDuring scheduled feeding of SCM, rats voluntarily reduced bland food consumption and maintained a stable body weight. This behavior was also seen in rats with access to an obesogenic diet and was independent of the predictability of SCM access. However, lean rats offered large amounts of SCM showed an increase in total energy intake. To test whether a nutrient deficiency drove this under‐compensatory behavior, SCM was enriched with protein. However, no effect was seen on voluntary energy intake.ConclusionsIn schedule‐fed rats, compensatory reductions in voluntary energy intake were seen, but under‐compensation was observed if large amounts of SCM were consumed.
How cryo‐electron microscopy and X‐ray crystallography complement each other
Authors: Wang Hong‐Wei , Wang Jia‐Wei 
Published: August 2016

AbstractWith the ability to resolve structures of macromolecules at atomic resolution, X‐ray crystallography has been the most powerful tool in modern structural biology. At the same time, recent technical improvements have triggered a resolution revolution in the single particle cryo‐EM method. While the two methods are different in many respects, from sample preparation to structure determination, they both have the power to solve macromolecular structures at atomic resolution. It is important to understand the unique advantages and caveats of the two methods in solving structures and to appreciate the complementary nature of the two methods in structural biology. In this review we provide some examples, and discuss how X‐ray crystallography and cryo‐EM can be combined in deciphering structures of macromolecules for our full understanding of their biological mechanisms.