bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Normal liver enzymes are correlated with severity of metabolic syndrome in a large population based cohort
Authors: Kälsch Julia , Bechmann Lars P. , Heider Dominik , Best Jan , Manka Paul , Kälsch Hagen , Sowa Jan-Peter , Moebus Susanne , Slomiany Uta , Jöckel Karl-Heinz , Erbel Raimund , Gerken Guido , Canbay Ali 
Published: August 2015

AbstractKey features of the metabolic syndrome are insulin resistance and diabetes. The liver as central metabolic organ is not only affected by the metabolic syndrome as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but may contribute to insulin resistance and metabolic alterations. We aimed to identify potential associations between liver injury markers and diabetes in the population-based Heinz Nixdorf RECALL Study. Demographic and laboratory data were analyzed in participants (n = 4814, age 45 to 75y). ALT and AST values were significantly higher in males than in females. Mean BMI was 27.9 kg/m2 and type-2-diabetes (known and unkown) was present in 656 participants (13.7%). Adiponectin and vitamin D both correlated inversely with BMI. ALT, AST and GGT correlated with BMI, CRP and HbA1c and inversely correlated with adiponectin levels. Logistic regression models using HbA1c and adiponectin or HbA1c and BMI were able to predict diabetes with high accuracy. Transaminase levels within normal ranges were closely associated with the BMI and diabetes risk. Transaminase levels and adiponectin were inversely associated. Re-assessment of current normal range limits should be considered, to provide a more exact indicator for chronic metabolic liver injury, in particular to reflect the situation in diabetic or obese individuals.
Microfluidic-based fabrication, characterization and magnetic functionalization of microparticles with novel internal anisotropic structure
Authors: Qiu Yang , Wang Fei , Liu Ying-Mei , Wang Wei , Chu Liang-Yin , Wang Hua-Lin 
Published: August 2015

AbstractEasy fabrication and independent control of the internal and external morphologies of core-shell microparticles still remain challenging. Core-shell microparticle comprised of a previously unknown internal anisotropic structure and a spherical shell was fabricated by microfluidic-based emulsificaiton and photopolymerization. The interfacial and spatial 3D morphology of the anisotropic structure were observed by SEM and micro-CT respectively. Meanwhile, a series of layer-by-layer scans of the anisotropic structure were obtained via the micro-CT, which enhanced the detail characterization and analysis of micro materials. The formation mechanism of the internal anisotropic structure may be attributed to solution-directed diffusion caused by the semipermeable membrane structure and chemical potential difference between inside and outside of the semipermeable membrane-like polymerized shell. The morphology evolution of the anisotropic structure was influenced and controlled by adjusting reaction parameters including polymerization degree, polymerization speed and solute concentration difference. The potential applications of these microparticles in microrheological characterization and image enhancement were also proposed by embedding magnetic nanoparticles in the inner core.
Chain-like structure elements in Ni40Ta60 metallic glasses observed by scanning tunneling microscopy
Authors: Pawlak Rémy , Marot Laurent , Sadeghi Ali , Kawai Shigeki , Glatzel Thilo , Reimann Peter , Goedecker Stefan , Güntherodt Hans-Joachim , Meyer Ernst 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe structure of metallic glasses is a long-standing question because the lack of long-range order makes diffraction based techniques difficult to be applied. Here, we used scanning tunneling microscopy with large tunneling resistance of 6 GΩ at low temperature in order to minimize forces between probe and sample and reduce thermal fluctuations of metastable structures. Under these extremely gentle conditions, atomic structures of Ni40Ta60 metallic glasses are revealed with unprecedented lateral resolution. In agreement with previous models and experiments, icosahedral-like clusters are observed. The clusters show a high degree of mobility, which explains the need of low temperatures for stable imaging. In addition to icosahedrons, chain-like structures are resolved and comparative density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirm that these structures are meta-stable. The co-existence of icosahedral and chain-like structures might be an key ingredient for the understanding of the mechanical properties of metallic glasses.
Methylation of the Gpat2 promoter regulates transient expression during mouse spermatogenesis
Authors: Garcia-Fabiani Maria B. , Montanaro Mauro A. , Lacunza Ezequiel , Cattaneo Elizabeth R. , Coleman Rosalind A. , Pellon-Maison Magali , Gonzalez-Baro Maria R. 
Published: August 2015

Spermatogenesis is a highly regulated process that involves both mitotic and meiotic divisions, as well as cellular differentiation to yield mature spermatozoa from undifferentiated germinal stem cells. Although Gpat2 was originally annotated as encoding a glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase by sequence homology to Gpat1, GPAT2 is highly expressed in testis but not in lipogenic tissues and is not up-regulated during adipocyte differentiation. New data show that GPAT2 is required for the synthesis of piRNAs (piwi-interacting RNAs), a group of small RNAs that protect the germ cell genome from retrotransposable elements. In order to understand the relationship between GPAT2 and its role in the testis, we focused on Gpat2 expression during the first wave of mouse spermatogenesis. Gpat2 expression was analysed by qPCR (quantitative real-time PCR), in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Gpat2 mRNA content and protein expression were maximal at 15 dpp (days post-partum) and were restricted to pachytene spermatocytes. To achieve this transient expression, both epigenetic mechanisms and trans-acting factors are involved. In vitro assays showed that Gpat2 expression correlates with DNA demethylation and histone acetylation and that it is up-regulated by retinoic acid. Epigenetic regulation by DNA methylation was confirmed in vivo in germ cells by bisulfite sequencing of the Gpat2 promoter. Consistent with the initiation of meiosis at 11 dpp, methylation decreased dramatically. Thus, Gpat2 is expressed at a specific stage of spermatogenesis, consistent with piRNA synthesis and meiosis I prophase, and its on–off expression pattern responds predominantly to epigenetic modifications.
Scalable synthesis of sequence-defined, unimolecular macromolecules by Flow-IEG
Authors: Leibfarth Frank A. , Johnson Jeremiah A. , Jamison Timothy F. 
Published: August 2015

Significance
Automated chemical processes, such as DNA sequencing and nucleic acid and peptide synthesis, have transformed the fields of genetics and biotechnology. There is no analogous automated or semiautomated process, however, to provide unimolecular, sequence-defined synthetic polymers to those interested in studying them. The combination of multistep continuous flow chemistry and polymer synthesis by iterative exponential growth (Flow-IEG) enables the semiautomated synthesis of perfect polymers reported herein. The user-friendly nature, scalability, and modularity of Flow-IEG provides a general strategy for the automated synthesis of sequence and architecturally defined, uniform macromolecules. We envision this polymer synthesis machine will serve as an enabling tool for both fundamental explorations and advanced applications in biotechnology, medicinal chemistry, and materials science.
Association of Brachial–Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity With Cardiovascular
Events in Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Chen Szu-Chia , Lee Wen-Hsien , Hsu Po-Chao , Lin Ming-Yen , Lee Chee-Siong , Lin Tsung-Hsien , Voon Wen-Chol , Lai Wen-Ter , Sheu Sheng-Hsiung , Su Ho-Ming 
Published: August 2015

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Atrial fibrillation (AF) and increased arterial stiffness share several risk factors and the 2 diseases often coexist. However, the prognostic value of increased arterial stiffness remains uncertain in the AF population. We evaluated whether brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), a marker of arterial stiffness, can predict cardiovascular events, and determined that the baPWV is a more favorable prognostic marker compared with conventional clinical and echocardiographic markers in patients with AF.

METHODS
We enrolled 167 patients with persistent AF. Arterial stiffness was assessed using baPWV. Cardiovascular events were defined as cardiovascular death, nonfatal stroke, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and hospitalization for heart failure. The relative risk of cardiovascular events was analyzed using Cox regression models. An improvement in model prediction was determined using the –2 log likelihood ratio statistic.

RESULTS
During a median 26-month follow-up, 42 (24.9%) cardiovascular events were observed. The baPWV emerged as an independent predictor of cardiovascular events (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.152; 95% confidence interval: 1.054–1.259; P = 0.002) in the multivariate analysis. Furthermore, the addition of baPWV to a Cox model comprising standard clinical, biochemical, and echocardiographic parameters improved the prediction of adverse cardiovascular events ( P &lt; 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS
In patients with AF, a high baPWV is associated with increased cardiovascular events and improve the prediction of adverse cardiovascular events. Hence, baPWV might be included when examining patients with AF for prediction of adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
Prognostic Value of Ki-67 Labeling Index and Postoperative Radiotherapy in WHO Grade II Meningioma
Authors: Choi Yunseon , Lim Do Hoon , Yu Jeong Il , Jo Kyungil , Nam Do-Hyun , Seol Ho Jun , Lee Jung-Il , Kong Doo-Sik , Suh Yeon-Lim , Nam Heerim 
Published: August 2015

Objective:
This study was performed to determine the clinical significance of the Ki-67 labeling index (LI) for local control (LC) in patients with World Health Organization (WHO) grade II meningioma. We also tried to discern the effect of postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) on LC depending upon the Ki-67 LI value.

Materials and Methods:
The medical records and values of Ki-67 LIs were retrospectively reviewed for 50 patients who underwent surgical resection of intracranial WHO grade II meningiomas at Samsung Medical Center from May 2001 to December 2012. Forty-three patients (86%) were treated with immediate PORT. The median total radiation dose was 60 Gy (range, 54 to 60 Gy).

Results:
The median follow-up was 47.4 months. The mean Ki-67 LI was 13% (range, 1% to 47%). Twelve patients (24.0%) showed local failure, and 8 patients (16.0%) experienced local failure even after PORT. The mean Ki-67 LI was 15% in patients with local failure (n=12) and 12% in patients without local failure (n=38). The 3-year actuarial LC was 80.5%. The 3-year overall survival was 89.5%. Ki-67 LI>13% and PORT were significant prognostic factors for LC (P=0.015 and 0.009, respectively). In patients with Ki-67 LI>13% (n=17), PORT (n=14) improved LC (P<0.001). However, PORT (n=29) did not affect LC (P=0.412) for patients with Ki-67 LI≤13% (n=33).

Conclusions:
Ki-67 LI can be a useful prognostic factor for LC in WHO grade II meningioma. In patients with Ki-67 LI>13%, PORT should be recommended to improve LC.
Oxygen changes drive non-uniform scaling inDrosophila melanogasterembryogenesis
Authors: Kuntz Steven G. , Eisen Michael B. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractInDrosophilaembryogenesis, increasing either oxygen concentration or temperature accelerates development. Having previously investigated temperature’s impact on embryogenesis, we characterized developmental response to oxygen levels using time-lapse imaging. Changing oxygen concentrations greatly impact survival, with developmental rate changes that are dwarfed by those induced by temperature. While extreme temperatures increase early embryo mortality, mild hypoxia increases arrest and death during mid-embryogenesis and mild hyperoxia increases survival over normoxia. Though not independent, the reactions to temperature and oxygen are fundamentally different, with developmental time being inversely proportional to oxygen concentration but logarithmically related to temperature. Most notably, while development scales uniformly with temperature, oxygen changes drive developmental heterochrony. Morphological processes change with oxygen concentration at different rates. Gut formation is more severely slowed by decreases in oxygen, while head involution and syncytial development are less impacted than the rest of development. These data reveal that uniform scaling, seen with changes in temperature, is not the default result of adjusting developmental rate.
Fuzzy-FishNet: A highly precise distribution-free network approach for feature selection in clinical proteomics
Authors: Bin Goh Wilson Wen 
Published: August 2015

AbstractNetwork-based analysis methods can help resolve coverage and inconsistency issues in proteomics data. Previously, it was demonstrated that a suite of rank-based network approaches (RBNAs) provides unparalleled consistency and reliable feature selection. However, reliance on the t-statistic/t-distribution and hypersensitivity (coupled to a relatively flat p-value distribution) makes feature prioritization for validation difficult. To address these concerns, a refinement based on the fuzzified Fisher exact test, Fuzzy-FishNet was developed. Fuzzy-FishNet is highly precise (providing probability values that allows exact ranking of features). Furthermore, feature ranks are stable, even in small sample size scenario. Comparison of features selected by genomics and proteomics data respectively revealed that in spite of relative feature stability, cross-platform overlaps are extremely limited, suggesting that networks may not be the answer towards bridging the proteomics-genomics divide.
Clinical metagenomic identification ofBalamuthia mandrillarisencephalitis and assembly of the draft genome: the critical need for reference strain sequencing
Authors: Greninger Alexander L. , Messacar Kevin , Dunnebacke Thelma , Naccache Samia N. , Federman Scot , Bouquet Jerome , Mirsky David , Nomura Yosuke , Yagi Shigeo , Glaser Carol , Vollmer Michael , Press Craig A. , Klenschmidt-DeMasters Bette K. , Dominguez Samuel R. , Chiu Charles Y. 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACTPrimary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rare, often lethal cause of encephalitis, for which early diagnosis and prompt initiation of combination antimicrobials may improve clinical outcomes. In this study, we present the first draft assembly of theBalamuthia mandrillarisgenome recovered from a rare survivor of PAM, in total comprising 49 Mb of sequence. Comparative analysis of the mitochondrial genome and high-copy number genes from 6 additionalBalamuthia mandrillarisstrains demonstrated remarkable sequence variation, with the closest homologs corresponding to other amoebae, hydroids, algae, slime molds, and peat moss,. We also describe the use of unbiased metagenomic next-generation sequencing (NGS) and SURPI bioinformatics analysis to diagnose an ultimately fatal case ofBalamuthia mandrillarisencephalitis in a 15-year old girl. Real-time NGS testing of a hospital day 6 CSF sample detectedBalamuthiaon the basis of high-quality hits to 16S and 18S ribosomal RNA sequences present in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) nt reference database. Retrospective analysis of a day 1 CSF sample revealed that more timely identification ofBalamuthiaby metagenomic NGS, potentially resulting in a better outcome, would have required availability of the complete genome sequence. These results underscore the diverse evolutionary origins underpinning this eukaryotic pathogen, and the critical importance of whole-genome reference sequences for microbial detection by NGS.
Effect of multifaceted interventions on reducing return visits within 72 h after non‐traumatic emergency department visits
Authors: Lee Soo Hoon , Kim Kyuseok , Kim Hooyoung , Jeong Jin Hee , Kang Changwoo , Rhee Joong Eui , Byeon Young Im , Im Yeon Sook , Park Chanjong , Kim Joonghee , Hwang Seung Sik 
Published: August 2015

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of the present study is to develop new multifaceted interventions to reduce return visits (RVs) based on identified risk factors related to RVs in the ED and to compare the RV rate before and after the implementation of the intervention.MethodsThe present study was a controlled before and after study that was conducted in the ED of a 900‐bed tertiary hospital in an urban area. The primary outcome was the rate of unplanned RVs to the ED and hospital admission after RV. The risk and predictive factors of RVs were identified by a retrospective study of all unscheduled RVs to the ED within 72 h in 2011. We developed five new multifaceted interventions based on the results: (i) daily RV feedback; (ii) prescription set of drugs; (iii) creation of a discharge instruction sheet; (iv) early follow‐up appointments of outpatient department (OPD); and (v) enhancement of referral system. A prospective interventional study in which the interventions were implemented was then conducted over 10 months, from 1 June 2012 to 31 March 2013.ResultsThe five new multifaceted interventions significantly reduced the mean early RV rate and RV admission rate after ED discharge by an average of approximately 25%, with a maximum of approximately 55% and 47%, respectively, compared with the pre‐intervention period (RV rate: P < 0.001, RV admission rate: P < 0.001).ConclusionsMultifaceted interventions based on identified risk factors for early RV after ED discharge had a positive effect on reducing RVs and the admission rate after RVs for adult patients within 72 h of non‐traumatic ED visits.
Review article: Potential of medical scribes to allay the burden of documentation and enhance efficiency in Australian emergency departments
Authors: Cabilan Cara J , Eley Robert M 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe increasing burden of documentation experienced by doctors threatens the efficiency in EDs and increases the likelihood of documentation errors. Medical scribes afford the opportunity to allay this burden by removing a large component of the doctors' documentation task. Scribes have been embedded successfully in US EDs, and the effects have been mostly advantageous. The present paper provides a brief overview of the function of scribes and their potential contribution to Australian EDs.
Growth hormone modulates hypothalamic inflammation in long‐lived pituitary dwarf mice
Authors: Sadagurski Marianna , Landeryou Taylor , Cady Gillian , Kopchick John J. , List Edward O. , Berryman Darlene E. , Bartke Andrzej , Miller Richard A. 
Published: August 2015

SummaryMice in which the genes for growth hormone (GH) or GH receptor (GHR−/−) are disrupted from conception are dwarfs, possess low levels of IGF‐1 and insulin, have low rates of cancer and diabetes, and are extremely long‐lived. Median longevity is also increased in mice with deletion of hypothalamic GH‐releasing hormone (GHRH), which leads to isolated GH deficiency. The remarkable extension of longevity in hypopituitary Ames dwarf mice can be reversed by a 6‐week course of GH injections started at the age of 2 weeks. Here, we demonstrate that mutations that interfere with GH production or response, in the Snell dwarf, Ames dwarf, or GHR−/− mice lead to reduced formation of both orexigenic agouti‐related peptide (AgRP) and anorexigenic proopiomelanocortin (POMC) projections to the main hypothalamic projection areas: the arcuate nucleus (ARH), paraventricular nucleus (PVH), and dorsomedial nucleus (DMH). These mutations also reduce hypothalamic inflammation in 18‐month‐old mice. GH injections, between 2 and 8 weeks of age, reversed both effects in Ames dwarf mice. Disruption of GHR specifically in liver (LiGHRKO), a mutation that reduces circulating IGF‐1 but does not lead to lifespan extension, had no effect on hypothalamic projections or inflammation, suggesting an effect of GH, rather than peripheral IGF‐1, on hypothalamic development. Hypothalamic leptin signaling, as monitored by induction of pStat3, is not impaired by GHR deficiency. Together, these results suggest that early‐life disruption of GH signaling produces long‐term hypothalamic changes that may contribute to the longevity of GH‐deficient and GH‐resistant mice.
An insight into current concepts and techniques in resin bonding to high strength ceramics
Authors: Luthra R , Kaur P 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundReliable bonding between high strength ceramics and resin composite cement is difficult to achieve because of their chemical inertness and lack of silica content. The aim of this review was to assess the current literature describing methods for resin bonding to ceramics with high flexural strength such as glass‐infiltrated alumina and zirconia, densely sintered alumina and yttria‐partially stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline ceramic (Y‐TZP) with respect to bond strength and bond durability.MethodsSuitable peer reviewed publications in the English language were identified through searches performed in PubMed, Google Search and handsearches. The keywords or phrases used were ‘resin‐ceramic bond’, ‘silane coupling agents’, ‘air particle abrasion’, ‘zirconia ceramic’ and ‘resin composite cements’. Studies from January 1989 to June 2015 were included.ResultsThe literature demonstrated that there are multiple techniques available for surface treatments but bond strength testing under different investigations have produced conflicting results.ConclusionsWithin the scope of this review, there is no evidence to support a universal technique of ceramic surface treatment for adhesive cementation. A combination of chemical and mechanical treatments might be the recommended solution. The hydrolytic stability of the resin ceramic bond should be enhanced.
Benign melanocytic lymph node deposits in the setting of giant congenital melanocytic nevi: the large congenital nodal nevus
Authors: Bowen Anneli R. , Duffy Keith L. , Clayton Frederic C. , Andtbacka Robert H.I. , Florell Scott R. 
Published: August 2015

BackgroundBenign melanocytic rests are a frequent finding in superficial lymph nodes removed during sentinel lymph node biopsies for melanoma. Whereas the histopathology of these deposits is well understood, very little is known regarding melanocytic lymph node deposits in the setting of giant congenital melanocytic nevi.MethodsWe analyzed lymph nodes removed from the drainage basin of giant congenital melanocytic nevi in three patients who had developed melanoma within their giant congenital nevi.ResultsTwo of three patients showed widespread, capsular and parenchymal melanocytic deposits in multiple nodes (9 of 11 nodes in one patient and 6 of 8 in the other). Melanocytes were small, non‐mitotically active and resembled those in the associated giant congenital melanocytic nevus. Melanocytes were arranged singly and in small nests ∼0.05 mm in diameter, with some larger sheets up to 1 mm. Nodal melanocytes stained for Melan A and S100 on immunohistochemical evaluation, but showed negative or minimal HMB‐45 reactivity.ConclusionsEvaluation of lymph nodes in the setting of giant congenital melanocytic nevi is complicated by the presence of often numerous, parenchymal melanocytic nevic deposits. Bland cytology and minimal or absent HMB‐45 staining may be helpful in differentiating these nodal melanocytic nevi from metastatic melanoma. We term this phenomena large congenital nodal nevus.