bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA-34a Inhibits Osteoblast Differentiation and In Vivo Bone Formation of Human Stromal Stem Cells
Authors: Chen Li , HolmstrØm Kim , Qiu Weimin , Ditzel Nicholas , Shi Kaikai , Hokland Lea , Kassem Moustapha 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Osteoblast differentiation and bone formation (osteogenesis) are regulated by transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) were identified as novel key regulators of human stromal (skeletal, mesenchymal) stem cells (hMSC) differentiation. Here, we identified miRNA-34a (miR-34a) and its target protein networks as modulator of osteoblastic (OB) differentiation of hMSC. miRNA array profiling and further validation by quantitative RT-PCR revealed that miR-34a was upregulated during OB differentiation of hMSC, and in situ hybridization confirmed its OB expression in vivo. Overexpression of miR-34a inhibited early commitment and late OB differentiation of hMSC in vitro, whereas inhibition of miR-34a by anti-miR-34a enhanced these processes. Target prediction analysis and experimental validation confirmed Jagged1 (JAG1), a ligand for Notch 1, as a bona fide target of miR-34a. siRNA-mediated reduction of JAG1 expression inhibited OB differentiation. Moreover, a number of known cell cycle regulator and cell proliferation proteins, such as cyclin D1, cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4 and CDK6), E2F transcription factor three, and cell division cycle 25 homolog A were among miR-34a targets. Furthermore, in a preclinical model of in vivo bone formation, overexpression of miR-34a in hMSC reduced heterotopic bone formation by 60%, and conversely, in vivo bone formation was increased by 200% in miR-34a-deficient hMSC. miRNA-34a exhibited unique dual regulatory effects controlling both hMSC proliferation and OB differentiation. Tissue-specific inhibition of miR-34a might be a potential novel therapeutic strategy for enhancing in vivo bone formation. Stem Cells 2014;32:902–912
Comparison of Perioperative and Long‐term Outcomes of Total and Proximal Gastrectomy for Early Gastric Cancer: A Multi‐institutional Retrospective Study
Authors: Masuzawa Toru , Takiguchi Shuji , Hirao Motohiro , Imamura Hiroshi , Kimura Yutaka , Fujita Junya , Miyashiro Isao , Tamura Shigeyuki , Hiratsuka Masahiro , Kobayashi Kenji , Fujiwara Yoshiyuki , Mori Masaki , Doki Yuichiro 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundVarious surgical procedures are used to treat early gastric cancers in the upper third of the stomach (U‐EGCs). However, there is no general agreement regarding the optimal surgical procedure.MethodsThe medical records of 203 patients with U‐EGC were collected from 13 institutions. Surgical procedures were classified as Roux‐en‐Y esophagojejunostomy after total gastrectomy (TG‐RY), esophagogastrostomy after proximal gastrectomy (PG‐EG), or jejunal interposition after PG (PG‐JI). Patient clinical characteristics and perioperative and long‐term outcomes were compared among these three groups.ResultsTG‐RY, PG‐EG, and PG‐JI were performed in 122, 49, and 32 patients, respectively. Tumors were larger in TG‐RY patients than in PG‐EG and PG‐JI patients, and undifferentiated‐type gastric adenocarcinoma tended to be more frequent in TG‐RY than in PG‐EG. The operative time was shorter for PG‐EG than for PG‐JI and TG‐RY. Hospital stay and early postoperative complications were not different for the three procedures. With respect to gastrectomy‐associated symptoms, a “stuck feeling” and heartburn tended to be more frequent in PG‐EG patients, while dumping syndrome and diarrhea were more frequent in TG‐RY patients. Post‐surgical weight loss was not different among the three groups, however, serum albumin and hemoglobin levels tended to be lower in TG‐RY patients.ConclusionThree surgical procedures for U‐EGC did not result in differences in weight loss, but PG‐EG and PG‐JI were better than TG‐RY according to some nutritional markers. In U‐EGC, where patients are expected to have long survival times, PG‐EG and PG‐JI should be used rather than TG‐RY.
Gastrocele Complicates the Course of Non‐operated Severe Caustic Injuries: Operative Strategies
Authors: Zerbib Philippe , Vinet Alexis , Rogosnitzky Moshe , Truant Stéphanie , Chambon Jean Pierre , Pruvot Francois René 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundFor selected cases of severe caustic injuries, evidence favors conservative management, consisting of radiographic and clinical observation without emergency surgery. However, this approach can lead to the development of gastric distension caused by combined esophageal and antral strictures, called gastrocele. This study assessed the safety of a two‐stage surgical treatment for gastrocele.MethodsPatients treated in our department between 2004 and 2010 for caustic injury who did not receive emergency surgery and subsequently developed gastrocele were retrospectively analysed. Demographic information, symptoms, and ingestion history were documented. Surgical management included partial gastrectomy and postponed esophageal stricture treatment. Outcome measures included postoperative morbidity and mortality.ResultsEight nonoperated patients with severe caustic injury from suicidal ingestions of caustic substances were found to have developed gastrocoele. They presented with mostly endoscopic stage IIIb esophageal and gastric injuries. All patients had clinical symptoms of vomiting and abdominal tenderness at day 8 after caustic ingestion. Antrectomy and esophageal stricture treatment were performed at an average of 2 and 8 months, respectively, after caustic ingestion. There were no postoperative deaths, and the long‐term survival rate was 83 %.ConclusionsGastrocele should be suspected in patients with stage III gastric and esophageal injuries who have been treated by conservative management and are still vomiting more than 1 week postingestion. A two‐staged surgical strategy of antrectomy followed by a postponed esophageal stricture treatment was found to be safe and effective for these patients.
Development of an LC–MS/MS Method for the Analysis of Free Sphingoid Bases Using 4‐Fluoro‐7‐nitrobenzofurazan (NBD‐F)
Authors: Ishikawa Toshiki , Imai Hiroyuki , Maki Kawai‐Yamada 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe molecular species of sphingoid bases were tagged with the fluorescent amino group reagent, 4‐fluoro‐7‐nitrobenzofurazan (NBD‐F). The NBD‐sphingoid bases were analyzed by a highly selective and sensitive liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC–ESI–MS/MS) technique capable of reliable detection of several fmol of the derivatives. Lipid extracts from plant samples were derivatized with NBD‐F, and all nine species of free sphingoid bases present in plant sphingolipids were separated and quantified for the first time; a complete baseline resolution was achieved for cis‐8 and trans‐8 isomers of sphingoid bases by reversed phase HPLC on a C18 column. The extraction and derivatization procedures and LC–MS/MS method can facilitate the progress of the studies for seeking the active components of sphingoid bases species in response to biological challenges.
Paleoclimate record in the Nubian Sandstone Aquifer, Sinai Peninsula, Egypt
Authors: Abouelmagd Abdou , Sultan Mohamed , Sturchio Neil C. , Soliman Farouk , Rashed Mohamed , Ahmed Mohamed , Kehew Alan E. , Milewski Adam , Chouinard Kyle 
Published: December 2013

AbstractSixteen groundwater samples collected from production wells tapping Lower Cretaceous Nubian Sandstone and fractured basement aquifers in Sinai were analyzed for their stable isotopic compositions, dissolved noble gas concentrations (recharge temperatures), tritium activities, and 14C abundances. Results define two groups of samples: Group I has older ages, lower recharge temperatures, and depleted isotopic compositions (adjusted 14C model age: 24,000–31,000 yr BP; δ18O: − 9.59‰ to − 6.53‰; δ2H: − 72.9‰ to − 42.9‰; < 1 TU; and recharge T: 17.5–22.0°C) compared to Group II (adjusted 14C model age: 700–4700 yr BP; δ18O: − 5.89‰ to − 4.84‰; δ2H: − 34.5‰ to − 24.1‰; < 1 to 2.78 TU; and recharge T: 20.6–26.2°C). Group II samples have isotopic compositions similar to those of average modern rainfall, with larger d-excess values than Group I waters, and locally measurable tritium activity (up to 2.8 TU). These observations are consistent with (1) the Nubian Aquifer being largely recharged prior to and/or during the Last Glacial Maximum (represented by Group I), possibly through the intensification of paleowesterlies; and (2) continued sporadic recharge during the relatively dry and warmer interglacial period (represented by Group II) under conditions similar to those of the present.
Effects of CPAP Treatment Interruption Due to Disasters: Patients with Sleep-disordered Breathing in the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Area
Authors: Mito Fumitaka , Nishijima Tsuguo , Sakurai Shigeru , Kizawa Tetsuya , Hosokawa Keisuke , Takahashi Susumu , Suwabe Akira , Akasaka Hiroshi , Kobayashi Sei-ichiro 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIntroductionThe 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake caused major disruptions in the provision of health care, including that for patients with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) using a nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) device. This study investigated the ability of SDB patients to continue using the nCPAP device in the weeks immediately following the earthquake, whether inability to use the nCPAP device led to symptom relapse, and measures that should be taken to prevent disruptions in nCPAP therapy during future disasters.HypothesisIf nCPAP devices cannot be used during disasters, SDB patients’ health will be affected negatively.MethodsWithin 14 days of the disaster, 1,047 SDB patients completed a questionnaire that collected data regarding ability to use, duration of inability to use, and reasons for inability to use the nCPAP device; symptom relapse while unable to use the nCPAP device; ability to use the nCPAP device use at evacuation sites; and recommendations for improvement of the nCPAP device.ResultsOf the 1,047 patients, 966 (92.3%) had been unable to use the nCPAP device in the days immediately following the earthquake. The most common reason for inability to use the nCPAP device was power failure, followed by anxiety about sleeping at night due to fear of aftershocks, involvement in disaster-relief activities, loss of the nasal CPAP device, and fear of being unable to wake up in case of an emergency. Among the 966 patients, 242 (25.1%) had experienced relapse of symptoms, the most common of which was excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), followed by insomnia, headache, irritability, and chest pain.ConclusionDeveloping strategies for the continuation of nCPAP therapy during disasters is important for providing healthy sleeping environments for SDB patients in emergency situations.MitoF, NishijimaT, SakuraiS, KizawaT, HosokawaK, TakahashiS, SuwabeA, AkasakaH, KobayashiS. Effects of CPAP treatment interruption due to disasters: patients with sleep-disordered breathing in the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami area. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2013;28(6):547-555.
Keratan sulfate expression in microglia is diminished in the spinal cord in experimental autoimmune neuritis
Authors: Matsui H , Ohgomori T , Natori T , Miyamoto K , Kusunoki S , Sakamoto K , Ishiguro N , Imagama S , Kadomatsu K 
Published: December 2013

AbstractExperimental autoimmune neuritis (EAN) is an animal model of Guillain–Barré syndrome, an inflammatory demyelination disease of the peripheral nervous system. Although this disease has been extensively studied on peripheral nerves, the pathology of the central nervous system has not been fully understood. Previous studies demonstrate that expression of keratan sulfate (KS), the sugar chain of proteoglycan, is associated with activated microglia/macrophages accumulated after neuronal injuries. Unexpectedly, we found here that KS is rather diminished in rat EAN. KS was restrictively expressed in microglia in the spinal cord of normal rats. KS was positive in 50% microglia in the ventral horn and 20% in the dorsal horn. In EAN, microglia increased in number and expressed the activation marker CD68, but KS expression was abolished. Concomitantly, pro-inflammatory cytokines, i.e., interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-1β, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, were increased in the spinal cord of EAN rats, whereas anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-4 and IL-10, were decreased. In addition, silencing of KSGal6ST attenuated KS expression on the primary cultured microglia and upregulated expression of some activation markers (TNF-α, IL-1β, and iNOS) under the stimulation with lipopolysaccharide and IFN-γ. This study demonstrates for the first time a close association of EAN and disappearance of KS on microglia. KS expression could be a useful marker to evaluate the status of polyneuropathy.
Targeting microRNA-23a to inhibit glioma cell invasion via HOXD10
Authors: Hu Xing , Chen Dan , Cui Yanhui , Li Zhiyuan , Huang Jufang 
Published: December 2013

AbstractGlioma is the most frequent primary brain tumor. Recently, the upregulation of microRNA (miR)-23a was found to be associated with glioma, but the molecular mechanism by which miR-23a promotes glioma growth remains to be unveiled. In the present study, we found that miR-23a was significantly upregulated in glioma tissues compared to their matched adjacent tissues. miR-23a was also highly expressed in glioma cell lines SHG44, U251 and U87 cells. Moreover, we identified homeobox D10 (HOXD10) as a novel target for miR-23a. The expression of HOXD10 was significantly reduced in glioma tissues and cell lines and miR-23a negatively regulates the protein expression of HOXD10 in U251 and U87 cells. We further showed that miRNA-23a promoted U251 and U87 cell invasion, at least partially, by directly targeting HOXD10 and further modulating MMP-14. These findings suggest that miR-23a may serve as a promising therapeutic target for glioma.
Active Anti-erosion Protection Strategy in Tamarisk (Tamarix aphylla)
Authors: Han Zhiwu , Yin Wei , Zhang Junqiu , Niu Shichao , Ren Luquan 
Published: December 2013

AbstractPlants have numerous active protection strategies for adapting to complex and severe environments. These strategies provide endless inspiration for extending the service life of materials and machines. Tamarisk (Tamarix aphylla), a tree that thrives in raging sandstorm regions, has adapted to blustery conditions by evolving extremely effective and robust erosion resistant characteristics. However, the relationships among its surface cracks, internal histology and biomechanics, such as cracks, rings, cells, elasticity modulus and growth stress, which account for its erosion resistance, remain unclear. This present study reveals that the directionally eccentric growth rings of tamarisk, which are attributed to reduced stress and accelerated cell division, promote the formation of surface cracks. The windward rings are more extensive than the leeward side rings. The windward surfaces are more prone to cracks, which improves erosion resistance. Our data provide insight into the active protection strategy of the tamarisk against wind–sand erosion.
Vespucci: a system for building annotated databases of nascent transcripts
Authors: Allison Karmel A. , Kaikkonen Minna U. , Gaasterland Terry , Glass Christopher K. 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Global run-on sequencing (GRO-seq) is a recent addition to the series of high-throughput sequencing methods that enables new insights into transcriptional dynamics within a cell. However, GRO-sequencing presents new algorithmic challenges, as existing analysis platforms for ChIP-seq and RNA-seq do not address the unique problem of identifying transcriptional units de novo from short reads located all across the genome. Here, we present a novel algorithm for de novo transcript identification from GRO-sequencing data, along with a system that determines transcript regions, stores them in a relational database and associates them with known reference annotations. We use this method to analyze GRO-sequencing data from primary mouse macrophages and derive novel quantitative insights into the extent and characteristics of non-coding transcription in mammalian cells. In doing so, we demonstrate that Vespucci expands existing annotations for mRNAs and lincRNAs by defining the primary transcript beyond the polyadenylation site. In addition, Vespucci generates assemblies for un-annotated non-coding RNAs such as those transcribed from enhancer-like elements. Vespucci thereby provides a robust system for defining, storing and analyzing diverse classes of primary RNA transcripts that are of increasing biological interest.
First Report of Podosphaera xanthii Race 1W Causing Powdery Mildew of Watermelon in California
Authors: Mercier J. , Muscara M. J. , Davis A. R. 
Published: December 2013

In September and October 2012, powdery mildew was detected on watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. lanatus) plants of various breeding lines growing in field plots in Davis, California. Plants had partially necrotic leaves, yellowing to brown in color, with white surface mycelium and faint sporulation. No teleomorph was observed. Infected leaves were collected for examination and a spore suspension of the field isolate was made in water with 0.01% Tween 20 to spray inoculate watermelon seedlings of cultivar Dixie Lee with two true leaves. Plants were incubated in a growth chamber (22 to 26°C, 12-h photoperiod) for approximately 10 days, until sporulation was apparent. Microscopic observation of conidial chains showed that they had clearly crenate edges indicative of Podosphaera xanthii (4). To confirm the identity of the pathogen, we used Podosphaera-specific primers PFITS-F (5′-CCAACTCGTGCTGAGTGT-3′) and PF5.8-R (5′-TGTTGGTTTCTTTTCCTCCG-3′) to amplify and sequence the internal transcribed spacer regions of the nuclear rDNA. The 326-bp sequence had 98% homology to the GenBank sequence (accessions JQ340082.1 and AB774158.1) for P. xanthii. Infected ‘Dixie Lee’ leaves were used to make a spore suspension (approximately 5 × 104 conidia/ml) as described above to inoculate watermelon, melon, and squash seedlings (2 to 3 plants per cultivar) in a greenhouse. It caused severe symptoms on all watermelon plants cv. Charleston 76, P8, and Sugar Baby in the form of a powdery mildew with surface mycelium and chains of conidia, with leaves becoming gradually more necrotic and eventually dying, with the appearance of a melting down. Non-inoculated plants did not develop symptoms. The isolate also infected all squash plants ‘Zucchini Elite’ and melon powdery mildew differentials Iran H and ‘Védrantais.’ On these plants, the pathogen produced a powdery mildew (white surface mycelium with sporulation) but did not cause extensive necrosis. All other melon powdery mildew differentials (‘PMR5,’ ‘PMR45,’ WMR29, MR1, PI 124112, and PI 313970) did not develop any powdery mildew. A follow-up test in a growth chamber (22 to 26°C, 12-h photoperiod) with the same set of species and cultivars gave the same results. Based on these results, we conclude that this isolate belongs to race 1W (1,2). The presence of race 1W could have implications in disease management for this crop in the Central Valley of California as most cultivars are not resistant to it and the disease has been shown to cause severe damage in other states (1,3). References: (1) A. R. Davis et al. J. Am. Soc. Hort. Sci. 132:790, 2007. (2) J. D. McCreight. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 131:59, 2006. (3) A. Y. Tetteh et al. Crop Sci. 50:933, 2010. (4) T. A. Zitter. Page 28 in: Compendium of Cucurbit Diseases, The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN, 1996.
Morphological changes of the hair roots in alopecia areata: A scanning electron microscopic study
Authors: Karashima Tadashi , Tsuruta Daisuke , Hamada Takahiro , Ishii Norito , Ono Fumitake , Ueda Akihiro , Abe Toshifumi , Nakama Takekuni , Dainichi Teruki , Hashimoto Takashi 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAlopecia areata is a chronic inflammatory condition causing non‐scarring patchy hair loss. Diagnosis of alopecia areata is made by clinical observations, hair pluck test and dermoscopic signs. However, because differentiation from other alopecia diseases is occasionally difficult, an invasive diagnostic method using a punch biopsy is performed. In this study, to develop a reliable, less invasive diagnostic method for alopecia areata, we performed scanning electron microscopy of the hair roots of alopecia areata patients. This study identified four patterns of hair morphology specific to alopecia areata: (I) long tapering structure with no accumulation of scales; (II) club‐shaped hair root with fine scales; (III) proximal accumulation of scales; and (IV) sharp tapering of the proximal end of hair. On the basis of these results, we can distinguish alopecia areata by scanning electron microscopic observation of the proximal end of the hair shafts.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) response to alcohol pictures predicts subsequent transition to heavy drinking in college students
Authors: Dager Alecia D. , Anderson Beth M. , Rosen Rivkah , Khadka Sabin , Sawyer Broderick , Jiantonio‐Kelly Rachel E. , Austad Carol S. , Raskin Sarah A. , Tennen Howard , Wood Rebecca M. , Fallahi Carolyn R. , Pearlson Godfrey D. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackground and AimsYoung adults show the highest rates of escalating drinking, yet the neural risk mechanisms remain unclear. Heavy drinkers show variant functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) blood oxygen level‐dependent (BOLD) response to alcohol cues, which may presage increasing drinking. In this longitudinal study, we ascertained whether BOLD response to alcohol pictures predicted subsequent heavy drinking among college students.MethodsParticipants were 43 18–21‐year‐olds in the United States who underwent BOLD scanning and completed monthly substance use surveys over the following year. Participants were categorized according to baseline and follow‐up drinking into 13 continuously moderate drinkers, 16 continuously heavy drinkers and 14 transitioners who drank moderately at baseline but heavily by follow‐up. During fMRI scanning at baseline, participants viewed alcohol and matched non‐alcohol beverage images.ResultsWe observed group differences in alcohol cue‐elicited BOLD response in bilateral caudate, orbitofrontal cortex, medial frontal cortex/anterior cingulate and left insula (clusters > 2619 ml, voxelwise F(2,40) > 3.23, P < 0.05, whole‐brain corrected P < 0.05), where transitioners hyperactivated compared with moderate and heavy drinkers (all Tukey P < 0.05). Exploratory factor analysis revealed a single brain network differentiating those who subsequently increased drinking. Exploratory regressions showed that, compared with other risk factors (e.g. alcoholism family history, impulsivity), BOLD response best predicted escalating drinking amount and alcohol‐related problems.ConclusionsNeural response to pictures of alcohol is substantially enhanced among United States college students who subsequently escalate drinking. Greater cue‐reactivity is associated with larger increases in drinking and alcohol‐related problems, regardless of other baseline factors. Thus, neural cue‐reactivity could uniquely facilitate identifying individuals at greatest risk for future problematic drinking.