bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Novel Technique of Anti‐reflux Esophagogastrostomy Following Left Thoracoabdominal Esophagectomy for Carcinoma of the Esophagogastric Junction
Authors: Mine Shinji , Nunobe Souya , Watanabe Masayuki 
Published: April 2015

AbstractWe developed an anti‐reflux technique of intrathoracic esophagogastrostomy, based on the “Kamikawa procedure” or “Double flap technique”, which is sometimes used in Japan after open proximal gastrectomy for early upper gastric cancer. We applied this technique to four patients with tumors of the esophagogastric junction. All four patients underwent lower esophagectomy and proximal gastrectomy via a left thoraco‐abdominal approach. This procedure includes four steps. Firstly, “double door” seromuscular flaps were created at the anterior wall of the gastric tube. Secondly, the inferior end of the mucosal “window” was opened. Thirdly, suturing was performed between the esophagus and the gastric mucosal “window”. Finally, the anastomosis was covered by the seromuscular flaps. No patient experienced post‐operative morbidity, or suffered from reflux, even in the Trendelenburg position, dysphagia, or belching. Although this procedure has only been applied to a limited number of patients, we consider that this anastomosis surgical technique is a promising approach to the prevention of reflux after esophagogastrostomy.
Surgeon Personality is Associated with Recommendation for Operative Treatment
Authors: Teunis Teun , Janssen Stein J. , Guitton Thierry G. , Vranceanu Ana-Maria , Goos Bert , Ring David 
Published: April 2015

Purpose When surgeons disagree about the role of surgery, patient values and preferences should drive decision-making, but there is evidence that surgeon preferences have substantial influence. Surgeon preferences may relate to surgeon personality. Our primary null hypothesis is that specific personality characteristics (work styles) are not associated with the recommendation for operative treatment accounting for surgeon demographics. Patients and Methods We invited members of the Science of Variation Group to assess images of 15 upper extremity injuries with debatable indications for surgery, recommended operative or non-operative treatment, and grade their confidence in this decision ( n=270); subsequently, participants completed the validated Octogram Work and Leadership Style Test ( n=223). We selected injuries that could be treated either operatively or non-operatively including fractures of the clavicle, scapula, humerus, and radius fractures, and proximal and distal bicep ruptures. Results A higher proportion of recommendations for surgery was independently associated with a higher Octogram test pioneer score (β regression coefficient [β] 0.0054, partial R2 0.065, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.0027–0.0080, P<.001) and practice location outside North America and Europe (β 0.13, partial R2 0.079, 95 % CI 0.073–0.020, P<.001) (adjusted R2 0.12, P<.001). No work styles were associated with more confidence in treatment. Conclusions A recommendation for discretionary surgery for musculoskeletal injury was related to surgeon personality. Surgeon self-awareness of how their work style can influence their recommendations might make them more receptive to techniques that ensure patient values have more influence than surgeon preferences on treatment decisions.
Detection of 14q32 rearrangements in multiple myeloma, using simultaneous FISH analysis combined with immunofluorescence
Authors: Abaza Hala MH , Youssef Soha R , Saad Abeer A , Kamal Gihan M , Hegazy Marwa GA , Ibrahim Rasha I , Annaka Layla MH 
Published: April 2015

BACKGROUND:
14q32 rearrangement has been identified as a recurrent hotspot of translocations in multiple myeloma (MM). The Fluorescence Immunophenotyping and Interphase Cytogenetics as a tool for the Investigation of Neoplasms (known as FICTION technique) for evaluation of chromosomal changes in MM. The aim of this work is to detect 14q32 rearrangement, using FICTION technique, on archival bone marrow (BM) slides of MM patients, and to study its prognostic value.

METHOD:
This study was conducted at Ain Shams University Hospital. The FICTION technique, which uses CD138 and dual color, and the break-apart 14q32 rearrangement probe, was performed on archived smears of BM slides for 50 MM patients at the time of diagnosis.

RESULTS:
A significantly higher percentage of cases were positive for 14q32 rearrangement by FICTION (32%) compared to fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) (12%) (p = 0.04). Cases positive by FICTION for the rearrangement were designated as Group A, while negative cases were designated as Group B. Significantly lower Hb and CRP levels were found among Group B when compared to Group A patients (p = 0.001 and 0.01, respectively). Serum albumin level and Bence Jones protein (BJP) significantly affect overall survival (OS) (p = 0.01, 0.007, respectively). However, a statistically non-significant shorter mean survival time was found in positive cases through FICTION versus negative cases.

CONCLUSION:
FICTION technique provides a sensitive tool for establishing clonal plasma cells (PC) infiltration of BM aspirates, and is amenable for use on archived as well as fresh smears.
Polyphenol-rich blackcurrant extract exerts hypocholesterolaemic and hypoglycaemic effects in mice fed a diet containing high fat and cholesterol
Authors: Benn Tyler , Kim Bohkyung , Park Young-Ki , Yang Yue , Pham Tho X. , Ku Chai Siah , Farruggia Callie , Harness Ellen , Smyth Joan A. , Lee Ji-Young 
Published: April 2015

Obesity is associated with an increased risk of metabolic abnormalities, such as hyperlipidaemia and hyperglycaemia. We investigated whether polyphenol-rich blackcurrant extract (BCE) can prevent high fat/high cholesterol (HF/HC) diet-induced metabolic disturbances in mice. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a modified AIN-93M diet containing HF/HC (16 % fat, 0·25 % cholesterol, w/w) or the same diet supplemented with 0·1 % BCE (w/w) for 12 weeks. There were no differences in total body weight and liver weight between groups. Plasma total cholesterol (TC) and glucose levels were significantly lower in BCE group than in controls, while plasma TAG levels were not significantly different. There was a decreasing trend in hepatic TAG levels, and histological evaluation of steatosis grade was markedly lower in the livers of mice fed BCE. Although the mRNA levels of major regulators of hepatic cholesterol metabolism, i.e. 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR) and LDL receptor (LDLR), were not significantly altered by BCE supplementation, protein expression of mature sterol-regulatory element-binding protein and LDLR was significantly increased with no change in HMGR protein. The expression of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 that facilitates LDLR protein degradation, as well as one of its transcriptional regulators, i.e. hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α, was significantly decreased in the livers of mice fed BCE. Taken together, BCE supplementation decreased plasma TC and glucose, and inhibited liver steatosis, suggesting that this berry may be consumed to prevent metabolic dysfunctions induced by diets high in fat and cholesterol.
Morphometric and molecular analyses of two digenean species from the mullet: Haplosplanchnus pachysomus (Eysenhardt, 1892) from Vietnam and Provitellotrema crenimugilis Pan, 1984 from the Russian southern Far East
Authors: Besprozvannykh V.V. , Atopkin D.M. , Ngo H.D. , Ermolenko A.V. , Ha N.V. , Tang N.V. , Beloded A.Yu. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAdults of Haplosplanchnus pachysomus (Eysenhardt, 1829) were found in the intestine of Liza engeli (Bleeker) from the coastal waters of Cat Ba Island, Ha Long Bay, northern Vietnam. Additionally, Provitellotrema crenimugilis Pan, 1984 was discovered in Liza haematocheila (Temminck & Schlegel) from Vostok Bay, Gulf of Peter the Great, southern Far-East Russia. Data concerning morphology, 18S rDNA and 28S rDNA of these worms were obtained.The molecular data confirmed the validity of these species and showed that specimens identified as H. pachysomus are closely related to specimens of H. pachysomus found in Spain, and that P. crenimugilis is closely related to Haplosplanchnus purii. Molecular differentiation of P. crenimugilis and H. purii was 0.92% by combined ribosomal gene sequences that confirmed species validity. Molecular differentiation between P. crenimugilis and H. purii, on the one hand, and H. pachysomus, on the other hand, was much higher, suggesting that the sequence for H. purii in GenBank is for a misidentified species of the genus Provitellotrema Pan, 1984.
Loop-mediated isothermal amplification for diagnosis of 18 World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) notifiable viral diseases of ruminants, swine and poultry
Authors: Mansour Shimaa M. G. , Ali Haytham , Chase Christopher C. L. , Cepica Arnost 
Published: April 2015

AbstractLoop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a simple, powerful state-of-the-art gene amplification technique used for the rapid diagnosis and early detection of microbial diseases. Many LAMP assays have been developed and validated for important epizootic diseases of livestock. We review the LAMP assays that have been developed for the detection of 18 viruses deemed notifiable of ruminants, swine and poultry by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). LAMP provides a fast (the assay often takes less than an hour), low cost, highly sensitive, highly specific and less laborious alternative to detect infectious disease agents. The LAMP procedure can be completed under isothermal conditions so thermocyclers are not needed. The ease of use of the LAMP assay allows adaptability to field conditions and works well in developing countries with resource-limited laboratories. However, this technology is still underutilized in the field of veterinary diagnostics despite its huge capabilities.
Metallic glass nanostructures of tunable shape and composition
Authors: Liu Yanhui , Liu Jingbei , Sohn Sungwoo , Li Yanglin , Cha Judy J. , Schroers Jan 
Published: April 2015

AbstractMetals of hybrid nano-/microstructures are of broad technological and fundamental interests. Manipulation of shape and composition on the nanoscale, however, is challenging, especially for multicomponent alloys such as metallic glasses. Although top–down approaches have demonstrated nanomoulding, they are limited to very few alloy systems. Here we report a facile method to synthesize metallic glass nanoarchitectures that can be applied to a broad range of glass-forming alloys. This strategy, using multitarget carousel oblique angle deposition, offers the opportunity to achieve control over size, shape and composition of complex alloys at the nanoscale. As a consequence, nanostructures of programmable three-dimensional shapes and tunable compositions are realized on wafer scale for metallic glasses including the marginal glass formers. Realizing nanostructures in a wide compositional range allows chemistry optimization for technological usage of metallic glass nanostructures, and also enables the fundamental study on size, composition and fabrication dependences of metallic glass properties.
NMR spectroscopy reveals the presence and association of lipids and keratin in adhesive gecko setae
Authors: Jain Dharamdeep , Stark Alyssa Y. , Niewiarowski Peter H. , Miyoshi Toshikazu , Dhinojwala Ali 
Published: April 2015

AbstractLipid and protein aggregates are one of the fundamental materials of biological systems. Examples include cell membranes, insect cuticle, vertebrate epidermis, feathers, hair and adhesive structures known as ‘setae’ on gecko toes. Until recently gecko setae were assumed to be composed entirely of keratin, but analysis of footprints left behind by geckos walking on surfaces revealed that setae include various kinds of lipids. However, the arrangement and molecular-level behavior of lipids and keratin in the setae is still not known. In the present study we demonstrate, for the first time, the use of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy techniques to confirm the presence of lipids and investigate their association with keratin in ‘pristine' sheds, or natural molts of the adhesive toe pad and non-adhesive regions of the skin. Analysis was also carried on the sheds after they were ‘delipidized’ to remove surface lipids. Our results show a distribution of similar lipids in both the skin and toe shed but with different dynamics at a molecular level. The present study can help us understand the gecko system both biologically and for design of synthetic adhesives, but the findings may be relevant to the characteristics of lipid-protein interactions in other biological systems.
Transverse Domain Wall Profile for Spin Logic Applications
Authors: Goolaup S. , Ramu M. , Murapaka C. , Lew W. S. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractDomain wall (DW) based logic and memory devices require precise control and manipulation of DW in nanowire conduits. The topological defects of Transverse DWs (TDW) are of paramount importance as regards to the deterministic pinning and movement of DW within complex networks of conduits. In-situ control of the DW topological defects in nanowire conduits may pave the way for novel DW logic applications. In this work, we present a geometrical modulation along a nanowire conduit, which allows for the topological rectification/inversion of TDW in nanowires. This is achieved by exploiting the controlled relaxation of the TDW within an angled rectangle. Direct evidence of the logical operation is obtained via magnetic force microscopy measurement.
Functional characterization of a mycothiol peroxidase in Corynebacterium glutamicum that uses both mycoredoxin and thioredoxin reducing systems in the response to oxidative stress
Authors: Si Meiru , Xu Yixiang , Wang Tietao , Long Mingxiu , Ding Wei , Chen Can , Guan Xinmeng , Liu Yingbao , Wang Yao , Shen Xihui , Liu Shuang-Jiang 
Published: April 2015

Previous studies have identified a putative mycothiol peroxidase (MPx) in Corynebacterium glutamicum that shared high sequence similarity to sulfur-containing Gpx (glutathione peroxidase; CysGPx). In the present study, we investigated the MPx function by examining its potential peroxidase activity using different proton donors. The MPx degrades hydrogen peroxide and alkyl hydroperoxides in the presence of either the thioredoxin/Trx reductase (Trx/TrxR) or the mycoredoxin 1/mycothione reductase/mycothiol (Mrx1/Mtr/MSH) regeneration system. Mrx1 and Trx employ different mechanisms in reducing MPx. For the Mrx1 system, the catalytic cycle of MPx involves mycothiolation/demycothiolation on the Cys36 sulfenic acid via the monothiol reaction mechanism. For the Trx system, the catalytic cycle of MPx involves formation of an intramolecular disulfide bond between Cys36 and Cys79 that is pivotal to the interaction with Trx. Both the Mrx1 pathway and the Trx pathway are operative in reducing MPx under stress conditions. Expression of mpx markedly enhanced the resistance to various peroxides and decreased protein carbonylation and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. The expression of mpx was directly activated by the stress-responsive extracytoplasmic function-σ (ECF-σ) factor [SigH]. Based on these findings, we propose that the C. glutamicum MPx represents a new type of GPx that uses both mycoredoxin and Trx systems for oxidative stress response.
Figure-ground modulation in awake primate thalamus
Authors: Jones Helen E. , Andolina Ian M. , Shipp Stewart D. , Adams Daniel L. , Cudeiro Javier , Salt Thomas E. , Sillito Adam M. 
Published: April 2015

Significance
Perceptually, the visual cortical areas are considered to reconstruct objects from the diverse components of early distributed processing by grouping image elements and segregating them from the background as a figure. An assumption here is that raw, essentially unchanged information from the visual thalamus provides the basic pattern essential for the operation of these higher-level abstractions. However, here we demonstrate strong enhancement of neuronal firing to the figure component of a figure-ground stimulus in recordings from the visual thalamus of behaving primates. This suggests the signature of a higher-order percept is introduced into the thalamus in a reentrant manner via the corticofugal feedback connections and causes our visual input to confirm what we think we are seeing.
Implausibility of the vibrational theory of olfaction
Authors: Block Eric , Jang Seogjoo , Matsunami Hiroaki , Sekharan Sivakumar , Dethier Bérénice , Ertem Mehmed Z. , Gundala Sivaji , Pan Yi , Li Shengju , Li Zhen , Lodge Stephene N. , Ozbil Mehmet , Jiang Huihong , Penalba Sonia F. , Batista Victor S. , Zhuang Hanyi 
Published: April 2015

Significance
The vibrational theory of olfaction posits detection of odorants through their vibrational frequencies rather than solely through “hand-in-glove” substrate/enzyme-like odorant–odorant receptor (OR) interactions. To test the theory, we compare responses of different human and mouse ORs toward deuterated and undeuterated isotopomers (isotopic atom isomers) of receptor-responsive odorants because isotopomers should differ in their molecular vibrational frequencies. However, no differences in receptor response are seen with any tested labeled/unlabeled odorant/receptor pairs. Because published behavioral studies have shown that humans can distinguish isotopomers, perireceptor events or impurities, rather than receptor-level vibrational effects, are suggested. Because theoretical aspects of the vibration theory are also found wanting, the vibration theory is deemed implausible in the absence of compelling receptor-level experimental evidence to the contrary.
Effect of Exhaustive Exercise on the Swimming Capability and Metabolism of Juvenile Siberian Sturgeon
Authors: Cai L. , Johnson D. , Mandal P. , Gan M. , Yuan X. , Tu Z. , Huang Y. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThis study investigated the effect of exhaustive exercise on the swimming performance of Siberian Sturgeon Acipenser baeri and on the time required for recovery. Critical swimming speed (Ucrit), maximum metabolic rate (MMR), speed coefficient (c), and excess postexercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) were measured on three groups of juvenile sturgeon by stepped velocity tests at 20°C in a fish respirometer. After a recovery period of 1 h (group 1), 1 d (group 2), or 1 week (group 3), the four parameters were determined a second time and the results compared. The Ucrit of the sturgeon was 3.26 ± 0.11 body lengths per second (mean ± SE). After a 1 h recovery period, Ucrit was 78% of its initial value and complete recovery required slightly more than 1 d. Recovery of MMR followed the same pattern. The speed exponent (c) was approximately 1.0, indicating that the Siberian Sturgeon is an efficient swimmer; swimming efficiency decreased after exhaustive exercise and the effect appeared to last for at least 1 week. Exhaustive exercise strongly hindered anaerobic swimming in Siberian Sturgeon for more than an hour.
The Role of Dendritic Signaling in the Anesthetic Suppression of Consciousness
Authors: Meyer Kaspar 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAbstract
Despite considerable progress in the identification of the molecular targets of general anesthetics, it remains unclear how these drugs affect the brain at the systems level to suppress consciousness. According to recent proposals, anesthetics may achieve this feat by interfering with corticocortical top–down processes, that is, by interrupting information flow from association to early sensory cortices. Such a view entails two immediate questions. First, at which anatomical site, and by virtue of which physiological mechanism, do anesthetics interfere with top–down signals? Second, why does a breakdown of top–down signaling cause unconsciousness? While an answer to the first question can be gleaned from emerging neurophysiological evidence on dendritic signaling in cortical pyramidal neurons, a response to the second is offered by increasingly popular theoretical frameworks that place the element of prediction at the heart of conscious perception.
General anesthetics suppress signal conduction along the apical dendrites of cortical pyramidal neurons. Thereby, they interfere with corticocortical top–down signals and cause a breakdown of the continuous predictive process that is core to conscious perception.
The Effect of Ptosis Surgery on Brow Position and the Utility of Preoperative Phenylephrine Testing
Authors: Rootman Daniel B. , Karlin Justin , Moore Grant , Goldberg Robert 
Published: April 2015

Introduction:
Many reports have suggested that upper eyelid position and brow height can be interdependent; however, the relation is not universally observed. This study aims to understand the prevalence of this phenomenon and examine the utility of phenylephrine testing in predicting brow height change after surgery.

Methods:
Ptotic eyelids undergoing Muller’s muscle conjunctiva resection surgery in which phenylephrine testing was performed were included. The distance from both the center of the pupil to the upper eyelid and the lower brow margin were measured in the midpupillary line. Measurements were performed based on photographs taken on presentation, after phenylephrine testing and at postsurgical follow-up. Change in eyelid margin and brow position between each of these conditions was assessed. Associations between changes in eyelid margin and brow position were analyzed, and a receiver operating characteristic curve for brow change after phenylephrine instillation as a predictor of postoperative brow change was fit.

Results:
In the sample of 125 eyes, there was a significant change in mean marginal reflex distance one both with application of phenylephrine and after surgery (p < 0.05). There was no significant change in brow height with instillation of phenylephrine (p > 0.05). There was a significant change in brow height with surgery (1 mm; p < 0.05). Change in marginal reflex distance one with surgery or with phenylephrine was not significantly correlated with change in brow height after surgery (Pearson’s r = 0.06; p > 0.05). Brow height change with phenylephrine was significantly correlated with brow height change after surgery (p < 0.05). Clinically relevant brow height change was defined as mean change minus one standard deviation, for a total decrease of 3.8 mm. By this criterion, 13.6% patients (n = 17) demonstrated clinically relevant brow height change. These patients had a greater preoperative brow height (p < 0.05) and a greater response to phenylephrine (p < 0.05). Based on receiver operating characteristic analysis, a threshold change of 3.5 mm in brow height with phenylephrine had a sensitivity of 0.94, and specificity of 0.10 for postoperative brow height change.

Conclusions:
Approximately 15% of the population studied tends to have a significant change in brow position with ptosis surgery. Patients who do not demonstrate a reduction in brow height of at least 3.5 mm after phenylephrine instillation preoperatively are unlikely to have clinically relevant brow height reduction after surgery.