bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuropilin 1 expression correlates with the Radio‐resistance of human non‐small‐cell lung cancer cells
Authors: Dong Juan Cong , Gao Hui , Zuo Si Yao , Zhang Hai Qin , Zhao Gang , Sun Shi Long , Han Hai Ling , Jin Lin Lin , Shao Li Hong , Wei Wei , Jin Shun Zi 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between over‐expression of the neuropilin 1 (NRP1) gene and growth, survival, and radio‐sensitivity of non‐small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cells. 3‐[4,5‐dimethylthylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5 diphenyltetrazolium broide (MTT) and colony assays were then performed to determine the effect of NRP1 inhibition on the in vitro growth of NSCLC cells. The Annexin V‐Fluorescein Isothiocyanate (FITC) apoptosis detection assay was performed to analyse the effect of NRP1 enhancement on apoptosis of NSCLC cells. Transwell invasion and migration assays were employed to examine the metastatic ability of A549 cells post X‐ray irradiation. In addition, Western blot assays were carried out to detect the protein level of VEGFR2, PI3K and NF‐κB. Finally, to examine the effect of shNRP1 on proliferation and radio‐sensitivity in vivo, a subcutaneous tumour formation assay in nude mice was performed. Microvessel density in tumour tissues was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The stable transfected cell line (shNRP1‐A549) showed a significant reduction in colony‐forming ability and proliferation not only in vitro, but also in vivo. Moreover, shRNA‐mediated NRP1 inhibition also significantly enhanced the radio‐sensitivity of NSCLC cells both in vitro and in vivo. The over‐expression of NRP1 was correlated with growth, survival and radio‐resistance of NSCLC cells via the VEGF‐PI3K‐ NF‐κB pathway, and NRP1 may be a molecular therapeutic target for gene therapy or radio‐sensitization of NSCLC.
The achaete‐scute complex in Diptera: patterns of noncoding sequence evolution
Authors: Negre B. , Simpson P. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe achaete‐scute complex (AS‐C) has been a useful paradigm for the study of pattern formation and its evolution. achaete‐scute genes have duplicated and evolved distinct expression patterns during the evolution of cyclorraphous Diptera. Are the expression patterns in different species driven by conserved regulatory elements? If so, when did such regulatory elements arise? Here, we have sequenced most of the AS‐C of the fly Calliphora vicina (including the genes achaete, scute and lethal of scute) to compare noncoding sequences with known cis‐regulatory sequences in Drosophila. The organization of the complex is conserved with respect to Drosophila species. There are numerous small stretches of conserved noncoding sequence that, in spite of high sequence turnover, display binding sites for known transcription factors. Synteny of the blocks of conserved noncoding sequences is maintained suggesting not only conservation of the position of regulatory elements but also an origin prior to the divergence between these two species. We propose that some of these enhancers originated by duplication with their target genes.
Identification of key amino acids responsible for the distinct aggregation properties of microtubule‐associated protein 2 and tau
Authors: Xie Ce , Soeda Yoshiyuki , Shinzaki Yuki , In Yasuko , Tomoo Koji , Ihara Yasuo , Miyasaka Tomohiro 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe carboxyl‐terminal sequence of tau composes the framework for its intracellular inclusions that appear in diverse neurodegenerative disorders known as tauopathies. However, microtubule‐associated protein 2 (MAP2), which contains a homologous carboxyl‐terminal sequence of tau, is undetectable in the mature tau inclusions. The mechanisms underlying this phenomenon have remained largely unknown. Here, we show that tau and MAP2 have different aggregation properties: tau aggregates to form filaments but MAP2 remains to be granules. Exchanging 221YKPV224 of tau (0N3R) near the PHF6 motif for 340TKKI343 of MAP2c profoundly changed aggregation properties, suggesting that the YKPV motif is important for filament formation, whereas the TKKI motif is for granule formation. Thus, these minimal sequences may determine the different fates of tau and MAP2 in the formation of inclusions in tauopathies.
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Tau and microtubule‐associated protein 2 (MAP2) are homologous microtubule‐associated proteins in neurons. So far, it is largely unknown why tau but not MAP2 is selectively involved in the filamentous inclusions (neurofibrillary tangles, NFT) formation in tauopathies, including Alzheimer's disease. In this study, we found that the difference of only two amino acids in tau and MAP2 sequences may determine their different fates in tauopathies. These results may lead to the elucidation of tau deregulation in pathological conditions.
Long‐term evaluation of ink clearance in tattoos with different color intensity using the 1064‐nm Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser
Authors: Mankowska Agata , Kasprzak Wojciech , Adamski Zygmunt 
Published: July 2015

SummaryObjectiveThe aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of tattoo removal treatments using the 1064‐nm Q‐switched (QS) Nd:YAG laser.Background dataToday, QS lasers appear to be the most common, effective, and safest methods to treat unwanted markings.Material and methodsA total of 64 patients with 75 unwanted tattoos were enrolled in the study. Tattoo clearance was evaluated according to the color intensity – concentration of pigment: group I (34) – black; group II (41) – gray. Consideration included methods of tattooing and tattoo techniques.ResultsIn group I, after the first treatment session the median of clearance was 30% (10–50%), while in group II, the median was 50% (40–70%). After the second treatment session, median in group I increased to 40% (30–50%). Median of group II increased to 70% (50–80%). The highest number of treatment in group I was 7. After that, the median grew to 75%, while the highest amount of treatment in group II was 5 and a median of 90% was achieved.ConclusionsEffects were dependent upon the amount of ink deposited in the tissue. Old amateur tattoos and tattoos containing small quantities of ink (technique: shading and lines) demonstrated the quickest and the most efficacious results. Tattoos with large quantities of ink, obtained by filling, required the greatest number of treatment sessions. The final outcome in tattoo clearing can only be assessed following treatment completion, which may in some cases take 2–3 years. Presumably, in some cases, complete clearance is impossible.
Serum cardiac troponin I concentrations decrease following treatment of primary immune‐mediated haemolytic anaemia
Authors: Cartwright J. A. , Gow D. J. , Gow A. G. , Handel I. , Reed N. , Brown A. J. , Cash R. , Foote A. , Mackenzie D. , Bell R. , Mellanby R. J. 
Published: July 2015

OBJECTIVESThe measurement of serum cardiac troponin I concentrations in dogs with a range of non‐primary cardiac illnesses suggests that cardiac myocyte damage is commonplace. Dogs with primary immune‐mediated haemolytic anaemia have increased serum cardiac troponin I concentrations at the time of diagnosis. However, it is unclear whether biochemical evidence of cardiac myocyte damage improves following successful treatment of anaemia.METHODSA haematology profile was performed and serum cardiac troponin I concentrations were measured in 19 dogs with primary immune‐mediated haemolytic anaemia before and after treatment.RESULTSThe haematocrit increased significantly (P = 0 · 0001) following treatment of primary IMHA (median pre: 0 · 13 L/L, median post: 0 · 33 L/L). The serum cardiac troponin I concentrations decreased significantly (P < 0 · 05) after treatment (median pre: 0 · 26 ng/mL, median post: 0 · 16 ng/mL).CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCESerum cardiac troponin I concentration decreases following successful treatment of primary immune‐mediated haemolytic anaemia. The clinical and prognostic significance of serum cardiac troponin I concentrations before and after treatment in dogs with primary immune‐mediated haemolytic anaemia merits further investigation.
Randomized Crossover Comparison of the Short‐Term Efficacy and Safety of Single Half‐Dose Silodosin and Tamsulosin Hydrochoride in Men With Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Secondary to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: TAKESHITA Hideki , MORIYAMA Shingo , ARAI Yoshiaki , WASHINO Satoshi , SAITO Kimitoshi , CHIBA Koji , HORIUCHI Susumu , NORO Akira 
Published: July 2015

ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy and safety of single half‐dose silodosin and single full‐dose tamsulosin inJapanese men with lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH).MethodsJapanese men aged ≥50 years withLUTS/BPHand anInternationalProstateSymptomScore (IPSS) of ≥8 were enrolled in the randomized crossover study and divided into silodosin‐preceding (S‐T) and tamsulosin‐preceding (T‐S) groups. TheS‐Tgroup received 4 mg silodosin once daily for 4 weeks followed by 0.2 mg tamsulosin once daily for 4 weeks. TheT‐Sgroup received the reverse treatment sequence. A washout period prior to drug crossover was not included. Subjective and objective efficacy parameters includingIPSS, quality of life (QOL) index, uroflowmetry, and safety were compared between the two groups.ResultsThirty of 34 men (S‐Tgroupn =16;T‐Sgroupn =14) completed the study. Both drugs significantly improved allIPSSitems andQOLindex in the first treatment period. Subjective improvement in nocturia by silodosin was observed in both the first and crossover treatment periods. Objective improvement in maximum flow rate by silodosin was only observed in the first treatment period. Adverse events occurred more frequently with silodosin than with tamsulosin; however, none of the adverse events required treatment discontinuation. Ejaculation disorders occurred in three participants (10%) and were associated with silodosin use.ConclusionSingle half‐dose silodosin has a similar efficacy to full‐dose tamsulosin inJapanese men withLUTS/BPHand thus, may represent an effective, safe, and affordable treatment option.
Mycolic acids: deciphering and targeting the Achilles' heel of the tubercle bacillus
Authors: Nataraj Vijayashankar , Varela Cristian , Javid Asma , Singh Albel , Besra Gurdyal S. , Bhatt Apoorva 
Published: July 2015

SummaryMycolic acids are unique long chain fatty acids found in the lipid‐rich cell walls of mycobacteria including the tubercle bacillus Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Essential for viability and virulence, enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of mycolic acids represent novel targets for drug development. This is particularly relevant to the impact on global health given the rise of multidrug resistant and extensively drug resistant strains of M. tuberculosis. In this review, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of how mycolic acid are synthesised, especially the potential role of specialised fatty acid synthase complexes. Also, we examine the role of a recently reported mycolic acid transporter MmpL3 with reference to several reports of the targeting of this transporter by diverse compounds with anti‐M. tuberculosis activity. Additionally, we consider recent findings that place mycolic acid biosynthesis in the context of the cell biology of the bacterium, viz its localisation and co‐ordination with the bacterial cytoskeleton, and its role beyond maintaining cell envelope integrity.
The Effect of Direct Current Stimulation versus T‐Wave Shock on Defibrillation Threshold Testing
Authors: ITO HIROYUKI , KAWAMURA MITSUHARU , BADHWAR NITISH , VEDANTHAM VASANTH , TSENG ZIAN H. , LEE BYRON K. , LEE RANDALL J. , MARCUS GREGORY M. , GERSTENFELD EDWARD P. , SCHEINMAN MELVIN M. 
Published: July 2015

IntroductionThere are several methods to induce ventricular fibrillation (VF) during defibrillation threshold (DFT) testing. Delivering a shock at a critical time during the T wave (T‐shock) is the conventional approach, while delivering a constant direct current voltage (DC stim) from the implantable cardioverter defibrillator is an alternative method. Only a few reports compare VF induction methods. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects and safety of DC stim versus T‐shock.MethodsWe retrospectively investigated 414 consecutive patients undergoing DFT testing. We compared the two groups (DC stim and T‐shock) with respect to clinical characteristics, electrocardiogram (ECG) changes, and complications.ResultsVentricular arrhythmia, including ventricular tachycardia (VT) and VF, was induced by DC stim in 93 patients or T‐shock in 321 patients. No more than three attempts were performed during one procedure. There was no significant difference in the baseline ECG, induced tachycardia cycle length (TCL), or complications between the two groups. However, the induced TCL was significantly shorter than the clinical TCL regardless of induction method (P = 0.001). Five patients suffered major complications (i.e., electromechanical dissociation or incessant VT). A history of atrial fibrillation was significantly greater in patients with major complications than the others (80% vs 24%, P = 0.004), and was an independent predictor on multivariate analysis.ConclusionsThere is no significant difference in induced TCL or complications between the DC stim and T‐shock. The induced TCL is significantly shorter than clinical TCL regardless of induction method.
The Evolution of Retribution: Intuitions Undermined
Authors: Wiegman Isaac 
Published: July 2015

AbstractRecent empirical work suggests that emotions are responsible for anti‐consequentialist intuitions. For instance, anger places value on actions of revenge and retribution, value not derived from the consequences of these actions. As a result, it contributes to the development of retributive intuitions. I argue that if anger evolved to produce these retributive intuitions because of their biological consequences, then these intuitions are not a good indicator that punishment has value apart from its consequences. This severs the evidential connection between retributive intuitions and the retributive value of punishment. This argument may generalize to other deontological intuitions and theories.
Generation of α‐1,3‐Galactosyltransferase‐Deficient Porcine Embryonic Fibroblasts by CRISPR/Cas9‐Mediated Knock‐in of a Small Mutated Sequence and a Targeted Toxin‐Based Selection System
Authors: Sato M , Kagoshima A , Saitoh I , Inada E , Miyoshi K , Ohtsuka M , Nakamura S , Sakurai T , Watanabe S 
Published: July 2015

ContentsThe CRISPR/Cas9 system has enabled the editing of mammalian genomes; however, its applicability and efficiency in the pig genome has not been studied in depth. The α‐gal epitope synthesized by α‐1,3‐galactosyltransferase gene (GGTA1) is known as a xenoantigen obtained upon pig‐to‐human xenotransplantation. We here employed the CRISPR/Cas9 system‐mediated knock‐in of endogenous GGTA1 via targeted homologous recombination (HR). Linearized donors with ~800‐bp homology flanking the CRISPR/Cas9 target site [exon 4 (containing ATG) of GGTA1] served as a template for gene targeting by HR. Using a targeted toxin strategy to select clones lacking α‐gal epitope expression, we successfully obtained several knock‐in clones within 3 weeks of initial transfection. These results suggest that the use of CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated HR to knock‐in a mutated fragment at defined loci represents an efficient strategy to achieve the rapid modulation of genes of interest in swine cells and is a promising tool for the creation of KO piglets.
Reproductive and Metabolic Responses of Early‐lactating Dairy Cows Fed Different Dietary Protein Sources
Authors: Tufarelli V , Lacalandra GM , Laudadio V 
Published: July 2015

ContentsOptimal reproduction is very closely tied with optimal nutrition, and early‐lactation diets in cows are critical to successful reproduction and monitoring is important. To evaluate the effects of different dietary protein sources on metabolic parameters and reproductive activity, a total of 36 Italian Friesian early‐lactating dairy cows were assigned for 16 weeks to three dietary treatments as follow: the control diet contained soya bean meal (SBM) as the main protein source, whereas the experimental diets contained faba bean (FB) or pea seeds (PS) as alternative protein sources. Diets were formulated to be isocaloric and isonitrogenous. Cow blood samples were collected, and plasma were analysed for metabolites, biological enzymes, β‐hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) and non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA). Feeding alternative protein sources had no effects on most metabolic blood profile, except for blood cholesterol, triglycerides and urea. Results from reproductive parameters indicated that cows fed FB diet had a lower insemination index, but a shorter calving to conception period and an improved conception rate and artificial insemination outcome, when compared to cows fed SBM or PS diets. It can be concluded that replacing conventional dietary SBM with alternative protein sources, especially FB, resulted in improved reproductive performances and metabolic parameters in early‐lactating dairy cows.
Lung function and exhaled nitric oxide in healthy unsedated African infants
Authors: Gray Diane , Willemse Lauren , Visagie Ane , Smith Emilee , Czövek Dorottya , Sly Peter D , Hantos Zoltán , Hall Graham L , Zar Heather J 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackground and objectivePopulation‐appropriate lung function reference data are essential to accurately identify respiratory disease and measure response to interventions. There are currently no reference data in African infants. The aim was to describe normal lung function in healthy African infants.MethodsLung function was performed on healthy South African infants enrolled in a birth cohort study, the Drakenstein child health study. Infants were excluded if they were born preterm or had a history of neonatal respiratory distress or prior respiratory tract infection. Measurements, made during natural sleep, included the forced oscillation technique, tidal breathing, exhaled nitric oxide and multiple breath washout measures.ResultsThree hundred sixty‐three infants were tested. Acceptable and repeatable measurements were obtained in 356 (98%) and 352 (97%) infants for tidal breathing analysis and exhaled nitric oxide outcomes, 345 (95%) infants for multiple breath washout and 293 of the 333 (88%) infants for the forced oscillation technique. Age, sex and weight‐for‐age z score were significantly associated with lung function measures.ConclusionsThis study provides reference data for unsedated infant lung function in African infants and highlights the importance of using population‐specific data.
Cardiac Assist Devices and Hemodialysis Catheter Procedures – What Do the Nephrologists Need to Know?
Authors: Florescu Marius C. , Sacks Andrew R. , Um John Y. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe use of ventricular assist devices (VAD) and total artificial heart (TAH) is increasing rapidly, and a large proportion of these device recipients already have or will develop severe renal dysfunction at the time of device implantation. As a consequence, nephrologists are becoming more and more involved in the care of this challenging population. As nephrologists take upon themselves many aspects of dialysis vascular access care, they need to be familiar with the special circumstances of performing hemodialysis catheter procedures in these patients. This review describes the important characteristics of these devices that have serious implications for the technique of placing or replacing dialysis catheters. These implications apply for both tunneled and nontunneled dialysis catheters and so concern all nephrologists, not only the interventionalists. We describe the important anatomical factors, anticoagulation management, device management, vascular access management and technical considerations of placing or replacing tunneled and nontunneled hemodialysis catheters from the perspective of a nephrologist establishing and maintaining lifesaving dialysis vascular access. Without a good understanding of these devices, serious consequences such as VAD rotor damage or blockage, or artificial heart valve blockage or damage can occur. These artificial devices are lifesaving, and any such complication is unacceptable. This review describes steps to minimize the risks.
Increased risk of volume overload with plasma compared with four‐factor prothrombin complex concentrate for urgent vitamin K antagonist reversal
Authors: Refaai Majed A. , Goldstein Joshua N. , Lee Martin L. , Durn Billie L. , Milling Truman J. , Sarode Ravi 
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUNDPlasma is commonly used for vitamin K antagonist (VKA) reversal, but observational studies suggest that it is associated with transfusion‐related adverse reactions (e.g., volume overload). However, this issue has not previously been addressed in a randomized controlled trial (RCT).STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSFactors associated with volume overload were examined using data from two Phase IIIb RCTs comparing plasma with four‐factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F‐PCC, Beriplex/Kcentra, CSL Behring) for urgent VKA reversal. VKA‐treated patients with major bleeding (NCT00708435) or requiring an urgent surgical or invasive procedure (NCT00803101) were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either plasma or 4F‐PCC, concomitant with vitamin K. Adverse events (AEs) and serious AEs were prospectively captured up to Day 10 and 45, respectively. Volume overload predictors were evaluated on a univariate and multivariate basis.RESULTSA total of 388 patients (4F‐PCC, n = 191; plasma, n = 197) were enrolled. Volume overload occurred in 34 (9%) patients (4F‐PCC, n = 9; plasma, n = 25). In univariate analyses, use of plasma (vs. 4F‐PCC), use of nonstudy plasma and/or platelets, race, history of congestive heart failure (CHF), and history of renal disease were associated with volume overload. In multivariate analyses, use of plasma (vs. 4F‐PCC), history of CHF, and history of renal disease were independent volume overload predictors. In an additional analysis restricted to volume overload events recorded up to Day 7, only use of plasma (vs. 4F‐PCC) was an independent volume overload predictor.CONCLUSIONSAfter adjusting for other potential risk factors, plasma use was independently associated with a greater risk of volume overload than 4F‐PCC in patients requiring urgent VKA reversal.