bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distinct post‐translational features of type I collagen are conserved in mouse and human periodontal ligament
Authors: Hudson D. M. , Garibov M. , Dixon D. R. , Popowics T. , Eyre D. R. 
Published: June 2017

Background and ObjectiveSpecifics of the biochemical pathways that modulate collagen cross‐links in the periodontal ligament (PDL) are not fully defined. Better knowledge of the collagen post‐translational modifications that give PDL its distinct tissue properties is needed to understand the pathogenic mechanisms of human PDL destruction in periodontal disease. In this study, the post‐translational phenotypes of human and mouse PDL type I collagen were surveyed using mass spectrometry.PDL is a highly specialized connective tissue that joins tooth cementum to alveolar bone. The main function of the PDL is to support the tooth within the alveolar bone while under occlusal load after tooth eruption. Almost half of the adult population in the USA has periodontal disease resulting from inflammatory destruction of the PDL, leading to tooth loss. Interestingly, PDL is unique from other ligamentous connective tissues as it has a high rate of turnover. Rapid turnover is believed to be an important characteristic for this specialized ligament to function within the oral‐microbial environment. Like other ligaments, PDL is composed predominantly of type I collagen. Collagen synthesis is a complex process with multiple steps and numerous post‐translational modifications including hydroxylation, glycosylation and cross‐linking. The chemistry, placement and quantity of intermolecular cross‐links are believed to be important regulators of tissue‐specific structural and mechanical properties of collagens.Material and MethodsType I collagen was isolated from several mouse and human tissues, including PDL, and analyzed by mass spectrometry for post‐translational variances.ResultsThe collagen telopeptide cross‐linking lysines of PDL were found to be partially hydroxylated in human and mouse, as well as in other types of ligament. However, the degree of hydroxylation and glycosylation at the helical Lys87 cross‐linking residue varied across species and between ligaments. These data suggest that different types of ligament collagen, notably PDL, appear to have evolved distinctive lysine/hydroxylysine cross‐linking variations. Another distinguishing feature of PDL collagen is that, unlike other ligaments, it lacks any of the known prolyl 3‐hydroxylase 2‐catalyzed 3‐hydroxyproline site modifications that characterize tendon and ligament collagens. This gives PDL a novel modification profile, with hybrid features of both ligament and skin collagens.ConclusionThis distinctive post‐translational phenotype may be relevant for understanding why some individuals are at risk of rapid PDL destruction in periodontal disease and warrants further investigation. In addition, developing a murine model for studying PDL collagen may be useful for exploring potential clinical strategies for promoting PDL regeneration.
Comparing the risk of hepatitis B virus reactivation between direct‐acting antiviral therapies and interferon‐based therapies for hepatitis C
Authors: Kawagishi N. , Suda G. , Onozawa M. , Kimura M. , Maehara O. , Ohara M. , Izumi T. , Umemura M. , Ito J. , Nakai M. , Sho T. , Natsuizaka M. , Morikawa K. , Ogawa K. , Sakamoto N. 
Published: June 2017

SummaryHepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation has been reported during antihepatitis C treatment in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HBV co‐infection. We aimed to evaluate the frequency and risk factors of HBV reactivation during anti‐HCV therapy and compared those between interferon (IFN)‐free direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) therapies and IFN‐based therapies. Three hundred and twenty‐two patients with HCV infection receiving anti‐HCV therapy were retrospectively screened. The baseline HBV infection statuses of all eligible patients and the HBV‐DNA level of all patients with current or previous HBV infection were examined at the end of treatment. In patients with baseline anti‐HBs positivity, changes in anti‐HBs titre were evaluated. Of 287 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 157 had current (n=4) or previous (n=153) HBV infection; 85 were treated with IFN‐free DAA therapies and 72 were treated with IFN‐based therapies. Six patients experienced HBV reactivation (n=2) or HBV reappearance (n=4) after IFN‐free DAA therapies, while no patient developed HBV reactivation after IFN‐based therapies. The risk factors of HBV reactivation or reappearance were DAA therapies and a reduction in anti‐HBs titre to <12 mIU mL−1 by the end of treatment. The decline changes of anti‐HBs titre were significantly higher in patients treated with DAA therapies. Although HBV reactivation hepatitis was not observed, three of four patients with HBV reactivation or reappearance after achieving HCV eradication had viremia 8 weeks after completion of therapy. A significant proportion of patients develop HBV reactivation or reappearance without hepatitis after IFN‐free DAA therapies. Low levels of anti‐HBs and their decrease to <12 mIU mL−1 after treatment are significant risk factors for HBV reactivation or reappearance.
HBsAg loss after peginterferon‐nucleotide combination treatment in chronic hepatitis B patients: 5 years of follow‐up
Authors: Stelma F. , van der Ree M. H. , Jansen L. , Peters M. W. , Janssen H. L. A. , Zaaijer H. L. , Takkenberg R. Bart , Reesink H. W. 
Published: June 2017

SummaryCombining peginterferon‐alfa‐2a (pegIFN) with a nucleotide analogue can result in higher rates of HBsAg loss than either therapy given alone. Here, we investigated the durability of the response to combination therapy in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients after 5 years of follow‐up. In the initial study, 92 CHB patients (44 HBeAg‐positive, 48 HBeAg‐negative) with HBV DNA >100 000 c/mL (~20 000 IU/mL) and active hepatitis were treated for 48 weeks with pegIFN 180 μg/week and 10 mg adefovir dipivoxil daily. For the long‐term follow‐up (LTFU) study, patients were followed up for 5 years after the end of treatment. At year 5, 70 (32 HBeAg‐positive, 38 HBeAg‐negative) patients remained in the study. At year 5, 19% (6/32) of HBeAg‐positive patients and 16% (6/38) of HBeAg‐negative patients lost HBsAg, and no HBsAg seroreversion was observed. The 5‐year cumulative Kaplan‐Meier estimate for HBsAg loss was 17.2% for HBeAg‐positive patients and 19.3% for HBeAg‐negative patients. Fourteen of sixteen patients who lost HBsAg at any time point during follow‐up developed anti‐HBs antibodies (>10 IU/L). At year 5, in total 63% (20/32) of HBeAg‐positive and 71% (27/38) of HBeAg‐negative patients were retreated with nucleos(t)ide analogues during follow‐up. The cumulative Kaplan‐Meier estimate for retreatment was 60% of patients at year 5. At year 5 of follow‐up, 18% of CHB patients treated with pegIFN/nucleotide analogue combination therapy had durable HBsAg loss and 88% of these had developed anti‐HBs antibodies.
Decreased portal vein velocity is predictive of the development of portal vein thrombosis: A matched case‐control study
Authors: Stine Jonathan G. , Wang Jennifer , Shah Puja M. , Argo Curtis K. , Intagliata Nicolas , Uflacker Andre , Caldwell Stephen H. , Northup Patrick G. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackground & AimsPortal vein thrombosis (PVT) in cirrhosis may lead to hepatic decompensation and increased mortality. We aimed to investigate if decreased portal vein (PV) velocity is associated with future PVT.MethodsData on adult patients with cirrhosis and PVT between January 1, 2005 and July 30, 2015 were obtained. Cases with PVT were matched by age, gender and Model for End‐stage Liver Disease (MELD) score to corresponding controls without PVT. Cox proportional hazards models, receiver operator curves and Kaplan Meier curves were constructed.ResultsOne hundred subjects (50 matched pairs) with mean age 53.8±13.1 y and MELD score 14.9±5.5 were included in our analysis. Sixty‐four percent were male and 76% were Child‐Turcotte‐Pugh Class A or B. Baseline characteristics (prior to development of PVT) were similar, except for baseline PV velocity (16.9 cm/s, 95% CI 13.9‐20.0 PVT vs 25.0, 95% CI 21.8‐28.8 no PVT, P<.001). 30 PVT subjects had PV velocity <15 cm/s compared to five without PVT (P<.001). On adjusted multivariable analysis, PV velocity was the strongest independent risk factor predicting PVT development (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.80‐0.93). The predictive value for PVT development was greatest for flow <15 cm/s (c‐statistic 0.77). PV velocity <15 cm/s had a highly significant association with future PVT (HR 6.00, 95% CI 2.20‐16.40, P=<.001).ConclusionsDecreased PV velocity is associated with increased risk of future PVT. Patients with cirrhosis and decreased PV velocity are a high‐risk subgroup that warrants further investigation with prospective study.
Children's Enactment of Characters' Movements: A Novel Measure of Spatial Situation Model Representations and Indicator of Comprehension
Authors: Nyhout Angela , O'Neill Daniela K. 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTA story's space or setting often determines and constrains the actions of its characters. We report on an experiment with 106 children of 7–8 years old in which, using a novel enactment task, we measured children's representation of a story character's movement during story listening. We found that children were more likely to enact movements that were explicitly stated in the passage than those they had to infer based on their situation model representation of the house and the character's location within it. We found that this ability to infer movements was significantly predictive of children's narrative comprehension after controlling for oral comprehension, vocabulary, working memory, and enactment of explicitly stated movements. We discuss the role of spatial situation models in comprehension and potential future uses for this enactment task in research and classrooms.
Novel intracytoplasmic inclusions immunoreactive for phosphorylated‐TDP43 and cystatin C in anterior horn cells in a case of sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Shintaku Masayuki , Kaneda Daita , Oyanagi Kiyomitsu 
Published: June 2017

Novel intracytoplasmic inclusions immunoreactive for phosphorylated transactivation response DNA‐binding protein 43 (p‐TDP43), cystatin C, and transferrin were found in anterior horn cells in a case of sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The patient was a 59‐year‐old woman, who died of ALS after a clinical course of 8 years. She had been receiving mechanical support for respiration for 6 years and in a “totally locked‐in” state for 4 years prior to death. The spinal cord showed severe degeneration involving the anterior and lateral funiculi, whereas the posterior funiculus was preserved. Neurons in the anterior horn and Clarke's column were markedly lost, and many Bunina bodies and a few skein‐like inclusions were found. Some remaining anterior horn cells had round and densely eosinophilic or amphophilic intracytoplasmic inclusions. They were immunoreactive for ubiquitin, p‐TDP43, cystatin C and transferrin. On confocal laser microscopy, cystatin C was found to consistently surround p‐TDP43 within the inclusions. The inclusions ultrastructurally consisted of granule‐associated fibrils and, in the central portion, dense aggregates of fibrils were associated with masses of electron‐dense, coarsely granular or amorphous material. Although their pathogenesis remains unknown, these unique inclusions may have been formed under a specific condition whereby p‐TDP43 and cystatin C interacted with each other.
Spindle cell oncocytoma of adenohypophysis: Review of literature and report of another recurrent case
Authors: Sali Akash , Epari Sridhar , Tampi Chandralekha , Goel Atul 
Published: June 2017

Spindle cell oncocytoma (SCO) of adenohypophysis was first described in 2002 by Roncaroli et al. as a new entity in the tumors originating from adenohypophysis. It was subsequently recognized as a distinct entity in the 2007 WHO classification of CNS tumors and retained in the current updated classification. In contrast to that suggested by the original authors, this tumor does have a potential for recurrence as first described by Kloub et al. and later with many such case reports. This tumor can be confused with other sellar tumors like pituicytomas and pituitary adenoma, both radiologically and histopathologically. However, it is imperative to differentiate these tumors from the above‐mentioned differential diagnoses as it certainly has a recurrent potential. To date only 34 cases of SCO have been published in the English literature. Herein we present a rare SCO case with unusually aggressive course in a 64‐year‐old man, which recurred 4 years after the initial diagnosis.
Exploration of difficult conversations among Australian paramedics
Authors: Williams Brett , Beovich Bronwyn , Flemming Geoff , Donovan Grant , Patrick Ian 
Published: June 2017

AbstractPrevious studies indicate that healthcare professionals find it challenging to engage in difficult conversations regarding concerning behavior of colleagues. As a result, these conversations are often avoided. The inability to have these difficult conversations is associated with poorer patient outcomes, staff commitment, discretionary effort, and employee satisfaction. This descriptive study used an online questionnaire to examine responses of paramedics employed by Ambulance Victoria (Australia) regarding difficult conversations between colleagues about concerning behavior of co‐workers. The results suggest that, like other healthcare professions, many paramedics find it challenging to raise these concerns. To the best knowledge of the authors, this is the first study of its type to be undertaken within the paramedic profession and provides a platform for further research within this and other health professions.
Expansion of sesquiterpene biosynthetic gene clusters in pepper confers nonhost resistance to the Irish potato famine pathogen
Authors: Lee Hyun‐Ah , Kim Sejun , Kim Seungill , Choi Doil 
Published: June 2017

SummaryChemical barriers contribute to nonhost resistance, which is defined as the resistance of an entire plant species to nonadapted pathogen species. However, the molecular basis of metabolic defense in nonhost resistance remains elusive.Here, we report genetic evidence for the essential role of phytoalexin capsidiol in nonhost resistance of pepper (Capsicumspp.) to potato late blightPhytophthora infestansusing transcriptome and genome analyses.Two different genes for capsidiol biosynthesis, 5‐epi‐aristolochene synthase (EAS) and 5‐epi‐aristolochene‐1,3‐dihydroxylase (EAH), belong to multigene families. However, only a subset ofEAS/EAHgene family members were highly induced uponP. infestansinfection, which was associated with parallel accumulation of capsidiol inP. infestans‐infected pepper. Silencing ofEAShomologs in pepper resulted in a significant decrease in capsidiol accumulation and allowed the growth of nonadaptedP. infestansthat is highly sensitive to capsidiol. Phylogenetic and genomic analyses ofEAS/EAHmultigene families revealed that the emergence of pathogen‐inducibleEAS/EAHgenes inCapsicum‐specific genomic regions rendered pepper a nonhost ofP. infestans.This study provides insights into evolutionary aspects of nonhost resistance based on the combination of a species‐specific phytoalexin and sensitivity of nonadapted pathogens.
Intraoperative acidosis and hypercapnia during thoracoscopic repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia and esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula
Authors: Zani Augusto , Lamas‐Pinheiro Ruben , Paraboschi Irene , King Sebastian K. , Wolinska Justyna , Zani‐Ruttenstock Elke , Eaton Simon , Pierro Agostino 
Published: June 2017

SummaryBackgroundIntraoperative hypercapnia and acidosis have been associated with thoracoscopic repair of both congenital diaphragmatic hernia and esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula.AimThe aim of the present study was to investigate whether thoracoscopic repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia or esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula was associated with acidosis and hypercapnia in a large group of neonates, and to analyze the effects of acidosis and hypercapnia on early postoperative outcomes.MethodsWe reviewed the charts of neonates who underwent open or thoracoscopic congenital diaphragmatic hernia or esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula repair (2004‐2014). Patients with available intraoperative arterial gas values were included. Data (PaCO2: mm Hg) were compared using paired/unpaired tests and are reported as difference [95% confidence interval].ResultsCongenital diaphragmatic hernia: 187 neonates underwent open (n=153) or thoracoscopic (n=34) repair. Intraoperative arterial gas values were recorded in 96 open and in 23 thoracoscopic operations. Both groups had similar preoperative pH and PaCO2, and developed intraoperative acidosis (open −0.08 [−0.11, −0.05] P<.001, thoracoscopic −0.14 [−0.24, −0.04] P=.01) and hypercapnia (open: 7.8 [3.2, 12.4], P=.002; thoracoscopic: 20.2 [−2.5, 43, P=.07). Intraoperatively, neonates undergoing thoracoscopic repair developed lower pH than those having open surgery (−0.06 [−0.01, −0.10] P=.018), but maintained similar levels of PaCO2 (−4.0 [−9.0, 4.4] P=.39). Esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula: 205 neonates underwent open (n=180) or thoracoscopic (n=25) repair. Intraoperative arterial gas values were recorded in 62 open and in 14 thoracoscopic operations. Both groups had similar preoperative pH and PaCO2, and developed intraoperative acidosis (open: −0.09 [−0.14, −0.04], P<.001; thoracoscopic: 0.21 [−0.28, −0.14], P<.001) and hypercapnia (open: 9.2 [2.6, 15.7] P=.008; thoracoscopic: 15.2 [1.6, 28.7], P=.03). Intraoperatively, neonates undergoing thoracoscopic repair developed lower pH than those having open surgery (difference 0.08 [0.01, 0.15], P=.02) but maintained similar levels of PaCO2 (difference −1 [−9, 3], P=.35).ConclusionNeonates undergoing operative repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia and esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula develop intraoperative acidosis and hypercapnia, regardless of the approach used. However, this phenomenon is more severe during thoracoscopic repair. Novel modalities to reduce intraoperative gas derangements, particularly during thoracoscopic repair, need to be established.
A Novel Minimally Invasive Wireless Technology for Neuromodulation via Percutaneous Intercostal Nerve Stimulation for Post‐Herpetic Neuralgia: A Case Report with Short‐Term Follow‐up
Authors: Billet Bart , Wynendaele Roel , Vanquathem Niek E. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackgroundPeripheral nerve stimulation of primary afferent neurons provides control of localized chronic pain. This technique applies permanent electrical stimulation at the target area via a minimally invasive, subcutaneous placement of an electrode.ObjectiveTo assess the analgesic effects of minimally invasive wireless neuromodulation in the treatment of chronic intractable pain secondary to post‐herpetic neuralgia.Case SummaryA 78‐year‐old man presented with severe intractable post‐herpetic neuralgic pain. He was known to have non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma under remission following treatment with chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation, twice. He also developed steroid‐induced diabetes mellitus during this treatment. In view of his compromised immune status, he was deemed a suitable candidate for our minimally invasive neuromodulation technology. Two subcutaneous electrodes were placed on the right‐hand side of the trunk, 10 cm medial and parallel to the spinous process at the level of T7–T8 under fluoroscopic guidance along the T7 intercostal nerve. The external transmitter was worn with a belt over a single layer of clothing and used to transmit power to the stimulator. The entire procedure required only a small incision for the introduction of the electrode placement.ResultsAfter an uneventful procedure, the pain score decreased from 8 to 3, with a reduction in pain medication. The EuroQol Five Dimensions Questionnaire scores were 0.102 before the trial, 0.630 at 1 month, and 0.576 at 3 months.ConclusionsSubcutaneous placement of electrodes with our minimally invasive technique and wireless neuromodulation technology was safe and effective. Significant improvements in pain relief ensued, and no further adverse events had been reported at the end of 3 months' follow‐up.
Genetic analysis of yield and fruit traits in cantaloupe cultivars
Authors: Pouyesh Alireza , Lotfi Mahmoud , Ramshini Hossein , Karami Ezzat , Shamsitabar Aliasghar , Armiyoun Elahe 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe purpose of this research was to evaluate the combining ability of six local Iranian and one imported cantaloupe cultivar. Heritability of traits was estimated using a half‐diallel mating design. Seven parents and their crosses were evaluated in 2013 and 2014. The greatest general combining ability (GCA) for yield and fruit number was for “Rish‐baba” (0.53 kg/plant and 0.3, respectively). The cultivar “Ananasi” had the highest GCA for fruit weight and soluble solids content (SSC) (0.088 kg and 1.4, respectively). “Ananasi” presented the highest GCA values for fruit firmness, chlorophyll a and b and carotenoid content, as well as the highest total chlorophyll content. The cross Garmak × Rish‐baba showed the highest specific combining ability (SCA) for yield with heterosis value of 99%. High heritability estimates for SSC (0.52), flesh thickness (0.61) and concentration of chlorophyll a (0.7) were obtained. Although there were significant SCAs for yield, the parents are suggested to be improved prior to hybrid development. The parent “Ananasi” appears to be a suitable donor in breeding programmes.
Comparing the resistance of mid‐maturing maize varieties to European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis Hbn.)—results from the Polish VCU registration field trials
Authors: Przystalski Marcin , Lenartowicz Tomasz 
Published: June 2017

AbstractEuropean corn borer is a major pest in the United States and Europe. This pest causes grain yield losses worth billions of Dollars. One of the best methods to control this pest making damages is cultivation of resistant varieties. In the present work, using the generalized linear mixed model methodology, we identified maize varieties with improved resistance to European corn borer from a Polish VCU series of field trials performed in the two consecutive years 2014 and 2015.
Lateralized hippocampal volume increase following high‐frequency left prefrontal repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in patients with major depression
Authors: Hayasaka Shunsuke , Nakamura Motoaki , Noda Yoshihiro , Izuno Takuji , Saeki Takashi , Iwanari Hideo , Hirayasu Yoshio 
Published: June 2017

AimRepetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been applied as a treatment for patients with treatment‐resistant depression in recent years, and a large body of evidence has demonstrated its therapeutic efficacy through stimulating neuronal plasticity. The aim of this study was to investigate structural alterations in the hippocampus (HIPP) and amygdala (AM) following conventional rTMS in patients with depression.MethodsTwenty‐eight patients with depression underwent 10 daily 20‐Hz left prefrontal rTMS over 2 weeks. The left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) was identified using magnetic resonance imaging‐guided neuronavigation prior to stimulation. Magnetic resonance imaging scans were obtained at baseline and after the completion of rTMS sessions. The therapeutic effects of rTMS were evaluated with the 17‐item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM‐D17), and the volumes of the HIPP and AM were measured by a manual tracing method.ResultsStatistical analyses revealed a significant volume increase in the left HIPP (+3.4%) after rTMS but no significant volume change in the AM. No correlation was found between the left HIPP volume increase and clinical improvement, as measured by the HAM‐D17.ConclusionThe present study demonstrated that conventional left prefrontal rTMS increases the HIPP volume in the stimulated side, indicating a remote neuroplastic effect through the cingulum bundle.