bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chromatin barcodes as biomarkers for melanoma
Authors: Bastonini Emanuela , Jeznach Magdalena , Field Megan , Juszczyk Katarzyna , Corfield Emily , Dezfouli Mehrnoush , Ahmat Nurfilza , Smith Aimee , Womersley Howard , Jordan Philip , Ramadass Aroul , Akoulitchev Alexandre , Goding Colin R. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryThe major barrier to effective cancer therapy is the presence of genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity within cancer cell populations that provides a reservoir of therapeutically resistant cells. As the degree of heterogeneity present within tumours will be proportional to tumour burden, the development of rapid, robust, accurate and sensitive biomarkers for cancer progression that could detect clinically occult disease before substantial heterogeneity develops would provide a major therapeutic benefit. Here, we explore the application of chromatin conformation capture technology to generate a diagnostic epigenetic barcode for melanoma. The results indicate that binary states from chromatin conformations at 15 loci within five genes can be used to provide rapid, non‐invasive multivariate test for the presence of melanoma using as little as 200 μl of patient blood.
Growth inhibitory effects of large subunit ribosomal proteins in melanoma
Authors: Kardos Gregory R. , Dai Mu‐Shui , Robertson Gavin P. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryRibosome biogenesis can modulate protein synthesis, a process heavily relied upon for cancer cell proliferation. In this study, involvement of large subunit ribosomal proteins (RPLs) in melanoma has been dissected and RPLs categorized based on modulation of cell proliferation and therapeutic targeting potential. Based on these results, two categories of RPLs were identified: the first causing negligible effects on cell viability, p53 expression, and protein translation, while the second category decreased cell viability and inhibited protein synthesis mediated with or without p53 protein stabilization. RPL13 represents the second category, where siRNA‐mediated targeting inhibited tumor development through decreased cellular proliferation. Mechanistically, decreased RPL13 levels increased p53 stability mediated by RPL5 and RPL11 binding to and preventing MDM2 from targeting p53 for degradation. The consequence was p53‐dependent cell cycle arrest and decreased protein translation. Thus, targeting certain category 2 RPL proteins can inhibit melanoma tumor development mediated through the MDM2‐p53 pathway.
Features of multiple pregnancies obtained by in vitro fertilization or spontaneously
Authors: Çakar Emel , Kavuncuoğlu Sultan , Aldemir Esin Yıldız , Çetinkaya Merih , Güzeltaş Alper , Arslan Gülseren 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the prognosis of infants born to multiple pregnancies obtained by in vitro fertilization (IVF) or spontaneously.MethodsThe records of multiple pregnancies in Bakirkoy Maternity and Children's Hospital between February 2008 and January 2009 were investigated. Maternal, perinatal and postnatal data of multiple pregnancies were evaluated. The congenital anomalies determined by physical examination and/or imaging studies in the prenatal, natal and postnatal period and the difference between groups in terms of morbidity and mortality were investigated as well.ResultsA total of 401 spontaneous multiple pregnancies and 128 IVF multiple pregnancies were included in the study. Rate of multiple pregnancies for live births and IVF rate were 3.8% and 0.79%, respectively. The mean maternal age was 30.1 years (21–43) in the IVF group and 27.9 years (13–43) in the spontaneous group (P < 0.05). The cesarean delivery rate was 100% in the IVF group and 78% in the spontaneous group (P = 0.002). Premature rupture of membranes rate was 9.8% in the IVF group and 3.6% in the spontaneous group (P < 0.05).ConclusionsMultiple pregnancies constitute an important health problem due to high perinatal risks and increased health costs. We found maternal age, premature rupture of membranes and cesarean delivery rate significantly high in the IVF group. No significant differences were found between spontaneous and IVF multiple pregnancies in terms of demographic features, hospitalization stay and rate, admission to neonatal intensive care unit, mortality and congenital malformation.
Risk of Ocular Exposure to Biologically Effective UV Radiation in Different Geographical Directions
Authors: Wang Fang , Hu Liwen , Gao Qian , Gao Yanyan , Liu Guangcong , Zheng Yang , Liu Yang 
Published: May 2014

AbstractTo quantify ocular exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and to assess the risk of eye damage in different geographical directions due to UVR exposure, we used a spectrometer and a manikin to measure horizontal ambient and ocular exposure UVR in different geographical directions at four different locations at the Northern Hemisphere. Describing the relationship of exposure to risk of eye damage requires the availability of UV hazard weighting function. So, we used the UV hazard weighting function (ICNIRP) proposed by International Commission on Non‐Ionizing Radiation Protection to determine the biologically effective UV irradiance (UVBEeye) and then cumulative effective radiant exposure (Heye) to shown the risk of eye. We found that in different geographical directions, distributions of ocular exposure to UVR were markedly different from those of horizontal ambient UVR. When the midday maximum SEA > 50°, eye received more UVR from the east and west directions during the morning and evening hours, respectively. However, when the midday maximum SEA < 50°, eye received more UVR from the south direction at noon. The results of this research indicate that the higher risk of eye caused by UVR varies according to the midday maximum SEA corresponding to different geographical direction.
Maternal Alcohol Consumption during Pregnancy and the Risk of Orofacial Clefts in Infants: a Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Bell Jane C. , Raynes‐Greenow Camille , Turner Robin M. , Bower Carol , Nassar Natasha , O'Leary Colleen M. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe teratogenic effects of maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy include anomalies of craniofacial structures derived from the cranial neural crest cells. The presence of specific craniofacial anomalies contributes to the diagnosis of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Cleft lip and palate [orofacial clefts (OFCs)], also derived from the cranial neural crest cells, are common congenital anomalies, but their relationship with prenatal alcohol consumption is unknown.MethodsTo evaluate the association between maternal consumption of alcohol during pregnancy and the occurrence of OFCs in infants, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analyses of published studies. We examined the associations between any alcohol consumption, binge level drinking, and heavy and moderate levels of consumption vs. no or low levels of consumption.ResultsAfter screening 737 publications, we identified 33 studies (23 case–control and 10 cohort studies). There was considerable heterogeneity in individual study design, quality measures and study results. Findings from random effects meta‐analyses suggest no relationship between prenatal alcohol consumption and the occurrence of OFCs {pooled odds ratios for any alcohol intake and binge level drinking respectively: cleft lip with or without cleft palate 1.00 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.86, 1.16] from 18 349 participants in 13 studies, 1.04 [95% CI 0.87, 1.24] [8763 individuals, 4 studies]; cleft palate only 1.05 [95% CI 0.92, 1.21] [21 459 individuals, 17 studies], 0.94 [95% CI 0.74, 1.21] [7730 participants, 4 studies]}.ConclusionsWhile we found no association between alcohol consumption during pregnancy and OFCs in infants, the influence of study design, particularly in relation to alcohol exposure measurement and OFC ascertainment cannot be ignored.
Changing your mind before it is too late: The electrophysiological correlates of online error correction during response selection
Authors: Roger Clémence , Núñez Castellar Elena , Pourtois Gilles , Fias Wim 
Published: May 2014

AbstractInhibiting actions when they are no longer appropriate is essential for adaptive goal‐directed behavior. In this study, we used high‐density EEG and a standard flanker task to explore the spatiotemporal dynamics of cognitive control and inhibitory mechanisms aimed to prevent the commission of errors. By recording hand‐related electromyographic activity, we could disentangle successful from unsuccessful inhibition attempts. Our results confirm that (a) the latency of the error‐related negativity (ERN; or Ne) component is too late to be associated with these online inhibitory mechanisms, and (b) instead, a frontal slow negative component with an earlier time course was associated with the implementation of online inhibition. These findings are consistent with single‐cell recordings in monkeys showing that the supplementary motor area provides cognitive control signals to the primary motor cortex to exert online inhibition and in turn rectify the course of erroneous actions.
Systematic review: Assessing the impact of drinking water and sanitation on diarrhoeal disease in low‐ and middle‐income settings: systematic review and meta‐regression
Authors: Wolf Jennyfer , Prüss‐Ustün Annette , Cumming Oliver , Bartram Jamie , Bonjour Sophie , Cairncross Sandy , Clasen Thomas , Colford John M. , Curtis Valerie , De France Jennifer , Fewtrell Lorna , Freeman Matthew C. , Gordon Bruce , Hunter Paul R. , Jeandron Aurelie , Johnston Richard B. , Mäusezahl Daniel , Mathers Colin , Neira Maria , Higgins Julian P. T. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the impact of inadequate water and sanitation on diarrhoeal disease in low‐ and middle‐income settings.MethodsThe search strategy used Cochrane Library, MEDLINE & PubMed, Global Health, Embase and BIOSIS supplemented by screening of reference lists from previously published systematic reviews, to identify studies reporting on interventions examining the effect of drinking water and sanitation improvements in low‐ and middle‐income settings published between 1970 and May 2013. Studies including randomised controlled trials, quasi‐randomised trials with control group, observational studies using matching techniques and observational studies with a control group where the intervention was well defined were eligible. Risk of bias was assessed using a modified Ottawa–Newcastle scale. Study results were combined using meta‐analysis and meta‐regression to derive overall and intervention‐specific risk estimates.ResultsOf 6819 records identified for drinking water, 61 studies met the inclusion criteria, and of 12 515 records identified for sanitation, 11 studies were included. Overall, improvements in drinking water and sanitation were associated with decreased risks of diarrhoea. Specific improvements, such as the use of water filters, provision of high‐quality piped water and sewer connections, were associated with greater reductions in diarrhoea compared with other interventions.ConclusionsThe results show that inadequate water and sanitation are associated with considerable risks of diarrhoeal disease and that there are notable differences in illness reduction according to the type of improved water and sanitation implemented.
Biochemical comparison of four commercially available C1 esterase inhibitor concentrates for treatment of hereditary angioedema
Authors: Feussner Annette , Kalina Uwe , Hofmann Peter , Machnig Thomas , Henkel Georg 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundFor safe and efficacious treatment of hereditary angioedema, C1 esterase inhibitor (C1‐INH) concentrates should have high purity and high amounts of functional protein. As no pharmacopoeia requirements exist for C1‐INH concentrate lot release, biochemical characteristics as declared by the manufacturers may not be compared directly. This study compared the characteristics and purity profiles of four commercially available C1‐INH concentrates.Study Design and MethodsThe analysis included one transgenic (Ruconest) and three plasma‐derived (Berinert, Cetor, Cinryze) C1‐INH concentrates. C1‐INH antigen concentration was determined by nephelometry, total protein (specific activity) with a Bradford assay, purity by size‐exclusion chromatography and gel electrophoresis, and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry was performed.ResultsFunctionality (inversely proportional to antigen‐to‐activity ratio) was lowest for Ruconest (1.67), followed by Cetor (1.42), Berinert (1.24), and Cinryze (1.22). Specific activity (U/mg) and purity (%) were highest in Ruconest (12.13; 98.6) and Berinert (11.57; 97.0), followed by Cinryze (10.41; 89.5) and Cetor (9.01; 88.6). Main protein bands were found for all plasma‐derived products at approximately 105 kDa, and for Ruconest, at approximately 98 kDa. Additional bands in the plasma‐derived products were α1‐antichymotrypsin, ceruloplasmin, Factor C3 (Cinryze/Cetor), and immunoglobulin heavy constant mu (Berinert).ConclusionRuconest has a very high purity profile but is not identical to the human C1‐INH protein. Of the plasma‐derived products, Berinert has the highest purity profile. The impact of the nontherapeutic proteins identified has not yet been evaluated. For harmonization of the analysis for drug release, we recommend the establishment of regulatory requirements for purity determination and the implementation of threshold levels in C1‐INH concentrates.
Acute transfusion reactions at a national referral hospital in Uganda: a prospective study
Authors: Waiswa Musa K. , Moses Ali , Seremba Emmanuel , Ddungu Henry , Hume Heather A. 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundVery little has been published about acute transfusion reactions (ATRs) in developing countries. This study was undertaken to determine the incidence, type, imputability, severity, and possible associated factors of ATRs observed in a university‐affiliated hospital in Uganda.Study Design and MethodsWe prospectively followed the transfusion of blood units issued over a 7‐week period from the hospital blood bank during regular working hours to nonbleeding patients. For each transfusion, we recorded the patient's status before, during, at the end of, and 4 hours after transfusion. Three physicians independently reviewed all reports of suspected ATRs and related hospital charts. Using predefined criteria, the presence, type, imputability, and severity of ATRs were adjudicated by consensus of two of three physicians. Factors potentially associated with ATRs were analyzed for statistical significance.ResultsA total of 507 transfusions were analyzed. Fifty‐three acute transfusion events were recorded and 49 of 53 or 9.6% of the 507 transfusions were confirmed to be ATRs by physician consensus: 24 febrile, seven allergic, five hypertensive, three hypotensive, three transfusion‐associated circulatory overload, two acute hemolytic, and five others. Imputability of ATRs was definite, probable, or possible in 45 of 49 ATRs (92% of ATRs or 8.9% of transfusions) and judged to be severe in nine of 45. No significant associated factors were identified.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that ATRs may occur more commonly in resource‐limited settings than in high‐income countries. Although some reactions are unavoidable, improved surveillance of transfusions and implementation of transfusion guidelines could improve the safety of transfusions in these settings.
Microbiological safety of the first clinical pig islet xenotransplantation trial in New Zealand
Authors: Wynyard Shaun , Nathu Divya , Garkavenko Olga , Denner Joachim , Elliott Robert 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundXenotransplantation using pig cells, tissues, or organs may be associated with the transmission of porcine microorganisms and the development of zoonoses. Among all porcine microorganisms porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs) represent a special risk because they are integrated in the genome of all pigs and able to infect human cells. In previous preclinical and retrospective clinical trials of xenotransplantation, no transmission of PERV was observed. The first clinical trial of (alginate‐encapsulated) porcine islet cell transplantation in New Zealand, which was approved by the New Zealand Government as an open‐label phase I/IIa safety/efficacy trial, offers the possibility to analyze microbiological safety in a prospective clinical study.MethodsBefore the trial started, a multilevel testing strategy was used to screen for 26 microorganisms in donor pigs of the Auckland Island strain and the islet cell preparations used for treatment. Donor testing was performed using molecular methods including multiplex real‐time PCR. Blood samples from 14 pig islet cell recipients were also investigated by molecular biological methods at weeks 1, 4, 8, 12, 24, and 52 post‐transplant for the transmission of porcine microorganisms. Sera were also monitored at these time points for antibodies against PERVs.ResultsBeginning in 2009, fourteen patients with severe unaware hypoglycemia were treated with one of four different dosages of alginate‐encapsulated porcine islets ranging from 5000–20 000 islet equivalents delivered in a single dose. No transmission of either PERVs or other porcine microorganisms was detected by PCR and immunological methods.ConclusionThese findings support previous results and strongly indicate the safety of xenotransplantation as performed here.
Serological and Virological Surveillance of Avian Influenza A Virus H9N2 Subtype in Humans and Poultry in Shanghai, China, Between 2008 and 2010
Authors: Wang Q. , Ju L. , Liu P. , Zhou J. , Lv X. , Li L. , Shen H. , Su H. , Jiang L. , Jiang Q. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryWe report the serological evidence of low‐pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) H9N2 infection in an occupational poultry‐exposed population and a general population. A serological survey of an occupational poultry‐exposed population and a general population was conducted using a haemagglutinin‐inhibiting (HI) assay in Shanghai, China, from January 2008 to December 2010. Evidence of higher anti‐H9 antibodies was found in serum samples collected from poultry workers. During this period, 239 H9N2 avian influenza viruses (AIVs) were isolated from 9297 tracheal and cloacal paired specimens collected from the poultry in live poultry markets. In addition, a total of 733 influenza viruses were isolated from 1569 nasal and throat swabs collected from patients with influenza‐like symptoms in a sentinel hospital, which include H3N2, H1N1, pandemic H1N1 and B, but no H9N2 virus was detected. These findings highlight the need for long‐term surveillance of avian influenza viruses in occupational poultry‐exposed workers.
Mid‐ to late term hypoxia in the mouse alters placental morphology, glucocorticoid regulatory pathways and nutrient transporters in a sex‐specific manner
Authors: Cuffe J. S. M. , Walton S. L. , Singh R. R. , Spiers J. G. , Bielefeldt‐Ohmann H. , Wilkinson L. , Little M. H. , Moritz K. M. 
Published: May 2014

Key points
Maternal hypoxia is a common perturbation that may impair fetal development and programme sex specific disease outcomes in offspring.
There is growing interest in the role of the placenta in mediating the effects of maternal hypoxia on fetal development, particularly in late gestation during maximal fetal growth.
Multiple mechanisms have been proposed to play a role in hypoxia induced impairment of placental development. Here we investigated the role of glucocorticoids and glucose regulation.
This study shows that fetal sex determines placental adaptations to maternal hypoxia: while maternal hypoxia increased maternal glucose and corticosterone levels in both sexes, placental adaptations to impaired maternal physiology were more evident in female fetuses, in which factors responsible for the regulation of glucocorticoids and nutrient transport were most severely affected by maternal hypoxia.
AbstractMaternal hypoxia is a common perturbation that can disrupt placental and thus fetal development, contributing to neonatal impairments. Recently, evidence has suggested that physiological outcomes are dependent upon the sex of the fetus, with males more susceptible to hypoxic insults than females. This study investigated the effects of maternal hypoxia during mid‐ to late gestation on fetal growth and placental development and determined if responses were sex specific. CD1 mice were housed under 21% or 12% oxygen from embryonic day (E) 14.5 until tissue collection at E18.5. Fetuses and placentas were weighed before collection for gene and protein expression and morphological analysis. Hypoxia reduced fetal weight in both sexes at E18.5 by 7% but did not affect placental weight. Hypoxia reduced placental mRNA levels of the mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors and reduced the gene and protein expression of the glucocorticoid metabolizing enzyme HSD11B2. However, placentas of female fetuses responded differently to maternal hypoxia than did placentas of male fetuses. Notably, morphology was significantly altered in placentas from hypoxic female fetuses, with a reduction in placental labyrinth blood spaces. In addition mRNA expression of Glut1, Igf2 and Igf1r were reduced in placentas of female fetuses only. In summary, maternal hypoxia altered placental formation in a sex specific manner through mechanisms involving placental vascular development, growth factor and nutrient transporter expression and placental glucocorticoid signalling. This study provides insight into how sex differences in offspring disease development may be due to sex specific placental adaptations to maternal insults.
Does Building a Greenway Promote Physical Activity Among Proximate Residents?
Authors: West Stephanie T. , Shores Kindal A. 
Published: May 2014

Background:Previous research has observed a positive correlation between having greenways or trails proximate to homes and the physical activity behaviors among residents. Few studies using a pre–post research design have been conducted, and each has pointed to the need for more rigorous studies which incorporate an appropriate control group.Methods:Residents from households living within 1 mile of a proposed greenway and those from a control neighborhood located between 2 and 3 miles of the proposed greenway were randomly selected to participate in the study. Participants were mailed a survey before the onset of construction and again 1 year after the trail was opened. Outcomes were the number of days during the previous week that respondents reported participating in walking, moderate activity, and vigorous activity.Results:Repeated measures analyses of variance indicated no significant differences between the experimental and control groups in days of walking, moderate activity, or vigorous activity before and after the greenway was constructed.Conclusions:Findings suggest that building a greenway did not affect the physical activity behaviors of proximate residents. Other studies should consider different trail types from a variety of settings to determine whether physical activity behavior changes may be context specific.
Gibberellin Acts Positively Then Negatively to Control Onset of Flower Formation inArabidopsis
Authors: Yamaguchi Nobutoshi , Winter Cara M. , Wu Miin-Feng , Kanno Yuri , Yamaguchi Ayako , Seo Mitsunori , Wagner Doris 
Published: May 2014

One Hormone, Two PhasesThe switch from vegetative growth to flowering in the plantArabidopsisinvolves two phases—inflorescence branching and flowering.Yamaguchiet al.(p.638) examined how the phytohormone gibberellin regulates each phase differently. First, gibberellin levels increase and stimulate production of key flowering factors, one of which degrades gibberellin. As gibberellin levels then fall, the next phase of flowering factors is released from gibberellin repression. By regulating inflorescence branching separately from flowering, this system determines overall seed yield.