bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A systematic review of doctors’ experiences and needs to support the care of women with female genital mutilation
Authors: Dawson Angela , Homer Caroline S.E. , Turkmani Sabera , Black Kirsten , Varol Nesrin 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundFemale genital mutilation (FGM) involves partial or complete removal of the external female genitalia or other injury for non‐therapeutic reasons. Little is known about the knowledge and skills of doctors who care for affected women and their practice in relation to FGM.ObjectivesTo examine the FGM experiences and educational needs of doctors.Search strategyA structured search of five bibliographic databases was undertaken to identify peer‐reviewed research literature published in English between 2004 and 2014 using the keywords “female genital mutilation,” “medical,” “doctors,” “education,” and “training.”Selection criteriaObservational, quasi‐experimental, and non‐experimental descriptive studies were suitable for inclusion.Data collection and analysisA narrative synthesis of the study findings was undertaken and themes were identified.Main resultsTen papers were included in the review, three of which were from low‐income countries. The analysis identified three themes: knowledge and attitudes, FGM‐related medical practices, and education and training.ConclusionsThere is a need for improved education and training to build knowledge and skills, and to change attitudes concerning the medicalization of FGM and reinfibulation.
Reliable Detection and Smart Deletion of Malassez Counting Chamber Grid in Microscopic White Light Images for Microbiological Applications
Authors: Denimal Emmanuel , Marin Ambroise , Guyot Stéphane , Journaux Ludovic , Molin Paul 
Published: June 2015

AbstractIn biology, hemocytometers such as Malassez slides are widely used and are effective tools for counting cells manually. In a previous work, a robust algorithm was developed for grid extraction in Malassez slide images. This algorithm was evaluated on a set of 135 images and grids were accurately detected in most cases, but there remained failures for the most difficult images. In this work, we present an optimization of this algorithm that allows for 100% grid detection and a 25% improvement in grid positioning accuracy. These improvements make the algorithm fully reliable for grid detection. This optimization also allows complete erasing of the grid without altering the cells, which eases their segmentation.
APR-246 overcomes resistance to cisplatin and doxorubicin in ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Mohell N , Alfredsson J , Fransson Å , Uustalu M , Byström S , Gullbo J , Hallberg A , Bykov V J N , Björklund U , Wiman K G 
Published: June 2015

AbstractTwo main causes of platinum resistance are mutation in the tumor suppressor gene TP53 and drug-induced increase in intracellular glutathione concentration. Mutations in TP53 occur in about 50% of human tumors. APR-246 (PRIMA-1MET) is the first clinical-stage compound that reactivates mutant p53 and induces apoptosis. APR-246 is a prodrug that is converted to the active compound methylene quinuclidinone (MQ), a Michael acceptor that binds to cysteine residues in mutant p53 and restores its wild-type conformation. Here, we show that MQ also binds to cysteine in glutathione, thus decreasing intracellular free glutathione concentration. We also show that treatment with APR-246 completely restores the cisplatin and doxorubicin sensitivity to p53-mutant drug-resistant ovarian cancer cells. We propose that this unique ability of APR-246/MQ to bind to cysteines in both mutant p53 and glutathione has a key role in the resensitization as well as in the outstanding synergistic effects observed with APR-246 in combination with platinum compounds in ovarian cancer cell lines and primary cancer cells. However, MQ binding to cysteines in other targets, for example, thioredoxin reductase, may contribute as well. Strong synergy was also observed with the DNA-damaging drugs doxorubicin and gemcitabine, while additive effects were found with the taxane docetaxel. Our results provide a strong rationale for the ongoing clinical study with APR-246 in combination with platinum-based therapy in patients with p53-mutant recurrent high-grade serous (HGS) ovarian cancer. More than 96% of these patients carry TP53 mutations. Combined treatment with APR-246 and platinum or other DNA-damaging drugs could allow dramatically improved therapy of a wide range of therapy refractory p53 mutant tumors.
Tet3 mediates stable glucocorticoid-induced alterations in DNA methylation and Dnmt3a/Dkk1 expression in neural progenitors
Authors: Bose R , Spulber S , Kilian P , Heldring N , Lönnerberg P , Johnsson A , Conti M , Hermanson O , Ceccatelli S 
Published: June 2015

AbstractDevelopmental exposure to excess glucocorticoids (GCs) has harmful neurodevelopmental effects, which include persistent alterations in the differentiation potential of embryonic neural stem cells (NSCs). The mechanisms, however, are largely unknown. Here, we investigated the effects of dexamethasone (Dex, a synthetic GC analog) by MeDIP-like genome-wide analysis of differentially methylated DNA regions (DMRs) in NSCs isolated from embryonic rat cortices. We found that Dex-induced genome-wide DNA hypomethylation in the NSCs in vitro. Similarly, in utero exposure to Dex resulted in global DNA hypomethylation in the cerebral cortex of 3-day-old mouse pups. Dex-exposed NSCs displayed stable changes in the expression of the DNA methyltransferase Dnmt3a, and Dkk1, an essential factor for neuronal differentiation. These alterations were dependent on Tet3 upregulation. In conclusion, we propose that GCs elicit strong and persistent effects on DNA methylation in NSCs with Tet3 playing an essential role in the regulation of Dnmt3a and Dkk1. Noteworthy is the occurrence of similar changes in Dnmt3a and Dkk1 gene expression after exposure to excess GC in vivo.
Multivalency governs HP1α association dynamics with the silent chromatin state
Authors: Kilic Sinan , Bachmann Andreas L. , Bryan Louise C. , Fierz Beat 
Published: June 2015

AbstractMultivalent interactions between effector proteins and histone post-translational modifications are an elementary mechanism of dynamic chromatin signalling. Here we elucidate the mechanism how heterochromatin protein 1α (HP1α), a multivalent effector, is efficiently recruited to the silent chromatin state (marked by trimethylated H3 at Lys9, H3K9me3) while remaining highly dynamic. Employing chemically defined nucleosome arrays together with single-molecule total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (smTIRFM), we demonstrate that the HP1α residence time on chromatin depends on the density of H3K9me3, as dissociated factors can rapidly rebind at neighbouring sites. Moreover, by chemically controlling HP1α dimerization we find that effector multivalency prolongs chromatin retention and, importantly, accelerates the association rate. This effect results from increased avidity together with strengthened nonspecific chromatin interactions of dimeric HP1α. We propose that accelerated chromatin binding is a key feature of effector multivalency, allowing for fast and efficient competition for binding sites in the crowded nuclear compartment.
Fermi-surface-free superconductivity in underdoped (Bi,Pb)(Sr,La)2CuO6+δ (Bi2201)
Authors: Mistark Peter , Hafiz Hasnain , Markiewicz Robert S. , Bansil Arun 
Published: June 2015

AbstractFermi-surface-free superconductivity arises when the superconducting order pulls down spectral weight from a band that is completely above the Fermi energy in the normal state. We show that this can arise in hole-doped cuprates when a competing order causes a reconstruction of the Fermi surface. The change in Fermi surface topology is accompanied by a characteristic rise in the spectral weight. Our results support the presence of a trisected superconducting dome and suggest that superconductivity is responsible for stabilizing the (π,π) magnetic order at higher doping.
Detection of trace metallic elements in oral lichenoid contact lesions using SR-XRF, PIXE and XAFS
Authors: Sugiyama Tomoko , Uo Motohiro , Wada Takahiro , Omagari Daisuke , Komiyama Kazuo , Miyazaki Serika , Numako Chiya , Noguchi Tadahide , Jinbu Yoshinori , Kusama Mikio , Mori Yoshiyuki 
Published: June 2015

AbstractOral lichen planus (OLP) and oral lichenoid contact lesions (OLCL) are chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous reactions with a risk of malignant transformation that alter the epithelium. OLP and OLCL have similar clinical and histopathological features and it is difficult to distinguish one from the other. Metallic restorations are suspected to generate OLCLs. Trace metal analysis of OLCL specimens may facilitate the discrimination of symptoms and identification of causative metallic restorations. The purpose of this study was to assess OLCL tissue samples for the prevalence of metallic elements derived from dental restorations and to discriminate OLCL from OLP by using synchrotron radiation-excited X-ray fluorescence analysis (SR-XRF), particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) and X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS). Typical elements of dental materials were detected in the OLCL, whereas no obvious element accumulation was detected in OLP and negative control specimens. The origin of the detected metallic elements was presumed to be dental alloys through erosion. Therefore, our findings support the feasibility of providing supporting information to distinguish OLCL from OLP by using elemental analysis.
Molecular organization and comparative analysis of chromosome 5B of the wild wheat ancestor Triticum dicoccoides
Authors: Ani Akpinar Bala , Yuce Meral , Lucas Stuart , Vrána Jan , Burešová Veronika , Doležel Jaroslav , Budak Hikmet 
Published: June 2015

AbstractWild emmer wheat, Triticum turgidum ssp. dicoccoides is the wild relative of Triticum turgidum, the progenitor of durum and bread wheat and maintains a rich allelic diversity among its wild populations. The lack of adequate genetic and genomic resources, however, restricts its exploitation in wheat improvement. Here, we report next-generation sequencing of the flow-sorted chromosome 5B of T. dicoccoides to shed light into its genome structure, function and organization by exploring the repetitive elements, protein-encoding genes and putative microRNA and tRNA coding sequences. Comparative analyses with its counterparts in modern and wild wheats suggest clues into the B-genome evolution. Syntenic relationships of chromosome 5B with the model grasses can facilitate further efforts for fine-mapping of traits of interest. Mapping of 5B sequences onto the root transcriptomes of two additional T. dicoccoides genotypes, with contrasting drought tolerances, revealed several thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms, of which 584 shared polymorphisms on 228 transcripts were specific to the drought-tolerant genotype. To our knowledge, this study presents the largest genomics resource currently available for T. dicoccoides, which, we believe, will encourage the exploitation of its genetic and genomic potential for wheat improvement to meet the increasing demand to feed the world.
An organic jelly made fractal logic gate with an infinite truth table
Authors: Ghosh Subrata , Fujita Daisuke , Bandyopadhyay Anirban 
Published: June 2015

AbstractWidely varying logic gates invented over a century are all finite. As data deluge problem looms large on the information processing and communication industry, the thrust to explore radical concepts is increasing rapidly. Here, we design and synthesis a molecule, wherein, the input energy transmits in a cycle inside the molecular system, just like an oscillator, then, we use the molecule to make a jelly that acts as chain of oscillators with a fractal like resonance band. Hence, with the increasing detection resolution, in the vacant space between two energy levels of a given resonance band, a new band appears, due to fractal nature, generation of newer energy levels never stops. This is natural property of a linear chain oscillator. As we correlate each energy level of the resonance band of organic jelly, as a function of pH and density of the jelly, we realize a logic gate, whose truth table is finite, but if we zoom any small part, a new truth table appears. In principle, zooming of truth table would continue forever. Thus, we invent a new class of infinite logic gate for the first time.
Overexpression of Tyrosine hydroxylase and Dopa decarboxylase associated with pupal melanization in Spodoptera exigua
Authors: Liu Sisi , Wang Mo , Li Xianchun 
Published: June 2015

AbstractMelanism has been found in a wide range of species, but the molecular mechanisms involved remain largely elusive. In this study, we studied the molecular mechanisms of the pupal melanism inSpodoptera exigua. The full length cDNA sequences oftyrosine hydroxylase(TH) anddopa decarboxylase(DDC), two key enzymes in the biosynthesis pathway of melanin, were cloned and their temporal expression patterns in the integument were compared during the larval-pupal metamorphosis process of theS. exiguawild type (SEW) and melanic mutant (SEM) strains. No amino acid change in the protein sequence of TH and DDC was found between the two strains. BothDDCandTHwere significantly over-expressed in the integument of the SEM strain at late-prepupa and 0 h pupa, respectively, compared with those of the SEW strain. Feeding 5thinstar larvae of SEM with diets incorporated with 1 mg/g of the DDC inhibitor L-α-Methyl-DOPA and 0.75 mg/g of the TH inhibitor 3-iodo-tyrosine (3-IT) resulted in 20% pupae with partially-rescued phenotype and 68.2% of pupae with partially- or fully-rescued phenotype, respectively. These results indicate that overexpressions ofTHandDDCare involved in the pupal melanization ofS. exigua.
Mannan-modified adenovirus targeting TERT and VEGFR-2: A universal tumour vaccine
Authors: Wang Ying , Zhang Jie , Wu Yang , Ding Zhen-Yu , Luo Xin-Mei , Liu Jie , Zhong Wu-Ning , Deng Guo-Hua , Xia Xiang-Yu , Deng Yao-Tiao , Wei Yu-Quan , Jiang Yu 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAntigen-presenting cells including dendritic cells (DCs) express mannan receptors (MR) on their surface, which can be exploited in cancer therapy by designing immune-stimulatory viruses coated with mannan-modified capsids that then bind to DCs and initiate a potent immune response. Although the combination of anti-angiogenesis and cancer immunotherapy agents has a synergistic antitumor effect, more effective strategies for delivering such combinations are still required. Here we report the design and application of mannan-modified adenovirus that expresses both telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2). Cytotoxic T lymphocytes that are reactive to TERT and VEGFR-2 are capable of mounting an anti-tumour response in murine breast and colon tumour models and in a lung metastatic model. Compared with mannan-modified TERT adenovirus vaccine or mannan-modified VEGFR-2 adenovirus vaccine alone, the combined vaccine showed remarkably synergistic anti-tumour immunity in these models. Both TERT- and VEGFR-2-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) were identified in an in vitro cytotoxicity assay and the CTL activity against tumour cells was significantly elevated in the combined vaccine group. Furthermore, CTL-mediated toxicity was blocked by anti-CD8 monoclonal antibodies. Thus, the combined mannan-modified TERT and VEGFR-2 adenovirus confers potent anti-tumour immunity by targeting both tumour cells and intratumoural angiogenesis.
CMOS compatible high-Q photonic crystal nanocavity fabricated with photolithography on silicon photonic platform
Authors: Ooka Yuta , Tetsumoto Tomohiro , Fushimi Akihiro , Yoshiki Wataru , Tanabe Takasumi 
Published: June 2015

AbstractProgress on the fabrication of ultrahigh-Q photonic-crystal nanocavities (PhC-NCs) has revealed the prospect for new applications including silicon Raman lasers that require a strong confinement of light. Among various PhC-NCs, the highest Q has been recorded with silicon. On the other hand, microcavity is one of the basic building blocks in silicon photonics. However, the fusion between PhC-NCs and silicon photonics has yet to be exploited, since PhC-NCs are usually fabricated with electron-beam lithography and require an air-bridge structure. Here we show that a 2D-PhC-NC fabricated with deep-UV photolithography on a silica-clad silicon-on-insulator (SOI) structure will exhibit a high-Q of 2.2 × 105 with a mode-volume of ~1.7(λ/n)3. This is the highest Q demonstrated with photolithography. We also show that this device exhibits an efficient thermal diffusion and enables high-speed switching. The demonstration of the photolithographic fabrication of high-Q silica-clad PhC-NCs will open possibility for mass-manufacturing and boost the fusion between silicon photonics and CMOS devices.
Bacterial growth and form under mechanical compression
Authors: Si Fangwei , Li Bo , Margolin William , Sun Sean X. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractA combination of physical and chemical processes is involved in determining the bacterial cell shape. In standard medium, Escherichia coli cells are rod-shaped and maintain a constant diameter during exponential growth. Here, we demonstrate that by applying compressive forces to growing E. coli, cells no longer retain their rod-like shapes but grow and divide with a flat pancake-like geometry. The deformation is reversible: deformed cells can recover back to rod-like shapes in several generations after compressive forces are removed. During compression, the cell elongation rate, proliferation rate, DNA replication rate and protein synthesis are not significantly altered from those of the normal rod-shaped cells. Quantifying the rate of cell wall growth under compression reveals that the cell wall growth rate depends on the local cell curvature. MreB not only influences the rate of cell wall growth, but also influences how the growth rate scales with cell geometry. The result is consistent with predictions of a mechanochemical model and suggests an active mechanical role for MreB during cell wall growth. The developed compressive device is also useful for studying a variety of cells in unique geometries.
Mesodermal origin of median fin mesenchyme and tail muscle in amphibian larvae
Authors: Taniguchi Yuka , Kurth Thomas , Medeiros Daniel Meulemans , Tazaki Akira , Ramm Robert , Epperlein Hans-Henning 
Published: June 2015

AbstractMesenchyme is an embryonic precursor tissue that generates a range of structures in vertebrates including cartilage, bone, muscle, kidney and the erythropoietic system. Mesenchyme originates from both mesoderm and the neural crest, an ectodermal cell population, via an epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Because ectodermal and mesodermal mesenchyme can form in close proximity and give rise to similar derivatives, the embryonic origin of many mesenchyme-derived tissues is still unclear. Recent work using genetic lineage tracing methods have upended classical ideas about the contributions of mesodermal mesenchyme and neural crest to particular structures. Using similar strategies in the Mexican axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) and the South African clawed toad (Xenopus laevis), we traced the origins of fin mesenchyme and tail muscle in amphibians. Here we present evidence that fin mesenchyme and striated tail muscle in both animals are derived solely from mesoderm and not from neural crest. In the context of recent work in zebrafish, our experiments suggest that trunk neural crest cells in the last common ancestor of tetrapods and ray-finned fish lacked the ability to form ectomesenchyme and its derivatives.
The cuttlefish Sepia officinalis (Sepiidae, Cephalopoda) constructs cuttlebone from a liquid-crystal precursor
Authors: Checa Antonio G. , Cartwright Julyan H. E. , Sánchez-Almazo Isabel , Andrade José P. , Ruiz-Raya Francisco 
Published: June 2015

AbstractCuttlebone, the sophisticated buoyancy device of cuttlefish, is made of extensive superposed chambers that have a complex internal arrangement of calcified pillars and organic membranes. It has not been clear how this structure is assembled. We find that the membranes result from a myriad of minor membranes initially filling the whole chamber, made of nanofibres evenly oriented within each membrane and slightly rotated with respect to those of adjacent membranes, producing a helical arrangement. We propose that the organism secretes a chitin–protein complex, which self-organizes layer-by-layer as a cholesteric liquid crystal, whereas the pillars are made by viscous fingering. The liquid crystallization mechanism permits us to homologize the elements of the cuttlebone with those of other coleoids and with the nacreous septa and the shells of nautiloids. These results challenge our view of this ultra-light natural material possessing desirable mechanical, structural and biological properties, suggesting that two self-organizing physical principles suffice to understand its formation.
Quality and Quantity of Published Studies Evaluating Lumbar Fusion during the past 10 Years: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hart Robert , Hermsmeyer Jeffrey T. , Sethi Rajiv K. , Norvell Daniel C. 
Published: June 2015

Study Design Systematic review. Clinical Questions (1) Has the proportion and number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) as an indicator of quality of evidence regarding lumbar fusion increased over the past 10 years? (2) Is there a difference in the proportion of RCTs among the four primary fusion diagnoses (degenerative disk disease, spondylolisthesis, deformity, and adjacent segment disease) over the past 10 years? (3) Is there a difference in the type and quality of clinical outcomes measures reported among RCTs over time? (4) Is there a difference in the type and quality of adverse events measures reported among RCTs over time? (5) Are there changes in fusion surgical approach and techniques over time by diagnosis over the past 10 years? Methods Electronic databases and reference lists of key articles were searched from January 1, 2004, through December 31, 2013, to identify lumbar fusion RCTs. Fusion studies designed specifically to evaluate recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 or other bone substitutes, revision surgery studies, nonrandomized comparison studies, case reports, case series, and cost-effectiveness studies were excluded. Results Forty-two RCTs between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2013, met the inclusion criteria and form the basis for this report. There were 35 RCTs identified evaluating patients diagnosed with degenerative disk disease, 4 RCTs evaluating patients diagnosed with degenerative spondylolisthesis, and 3 RCTs evaluating patients with a combination of degenerative disk disease and degenerative spondylolisthesis. No RCTs were identified evaluating patients with deformity or adjacent segment disease. Conclusions This structured review demonstrates that there has been an increase in the available clinical database of RCTs using patient-reported outcomes evaluating the benefit of lumbar spinal fusion for the diagnoses of degenerative disk disease and degenerative spondylolisthesis. Gaps remain in the standardization of reportage of adverse events in such trials, as well as uniformity of surgical approaches used. Finally, continued efforts to develop higher-quality data for other surgical indications for lumbar fusion, most notably in the presence of adult spinal deformity and revision of prior surgical fusions, appear warranted.