bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
History of smoking and olfaction in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Lucassen Elisabeth B. , Sterling Nicholas W. , Lee Eun‐Young , Chen Honglei , Lewis Mechelle M. , Kong Lan , Huang Xuemei 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTObjectiveOlfactory dysfunction is the most common pre‐motor symptom in Parkinson's disease (PD), and smoking is known to be associated with lower risk of PD. This study tested the hypothesis that smoking is associated with better olfaction in PD.MethodsSmoking history was obtained from 76 PD subjects (22 with a history of smoking [smokers], 54 who never smoked [nonsmokers]), and 70 controls (17 smokers, 53 nonsmokers). Olfaction was assessed using the 40‐item University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT). The olfactory scores between groups and subgroups were compared using analysis of covariance with adjustment for age, gender, and monoamine oxidase B (MAO‐B) inhibitor usage.ResultsOverall the olfactory score was lower in PD compared with controls (olfactory scores: 21.5 vs. 33.5, P < 0.0001). Among controls, there was no significant difference in olfaction between smokers and nonsmokers (olfactory scores, 33.2 vs. 34.2; P = 0.95). Among PD subjects, however, smokers scored significantly better regarding olfaction compared with nonsmokers (olfactory scores: 24.4 vs. 19.9, P = 0.02).ConclusionsThese data suggest that a history of smoking is associated with better olfaction among PD patients. The finding may be related to why smoking may be protective against PD. Further studies are needed to confirm this finding and investigate the underlying mechanisms. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
A novel VCP mutation underlies scapuloperoneal muscular dystrophy and dropped head syndrome featuring lobulated fibers
Authors: Liewluck Teerin , Milone Margherita , Mauermann Michelle L. , Castro‐Couch Melissa , Cerhan Jane H. , Murthy Naveen S. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Valosin‐containing protein (VCP) is a ubiquitously expressed, multifunctional AAA‐ATPase protein. Its dominant mutations cause hereditary inclusion body myopathy associated with Paget disease of bone and frontotemporal dementia (IBMPFD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The pattern of muscle weakness in IBMPFD patients is variable and includes limb‐girdle, scapuloperoneal, distal, or axial distributions. Case Report: We report a 63‐year‐old man with progressive scapuloperoneal weakness, head drop, and hyperCKemia since age 40 years. Electromyography showed myopathic changes and rare myotonic discharges. Muscle biopsy revealed numerous lobulated fibers, few fibers with glycogen accumulation, and rare fibers with polyglucosan bodies. Rimmed vacuoles and congophilic inclusions, often seen in IBMPFD, were absent. VCP sequencing identified a novel heterozygous c. 1160G>A mutation resulting in p.Asn387Ser substitution. Conclusions: Our patient broadens the pathological spectrum of VCP‐myopathy and emphasizes the importance of VCP analysis in patients with scapuloperoneal muscular dystrophy despite the absence of Paget disease, dementia, rimmed vacuoles, or intracellular amyloid deposition. Muscle Nerve 50:295–299, 2014
EXPLAINING HYBRIDITY IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION: AN EMPIRICAL CASE OF BHUTAN'S CIVIL SERVICE
Authors: Ugyel Lhawang 
Published: May 2014

SUMMARYPublic administrations are mostly hybrid in nature with a combination of characteristics of different paradigms and models. In the first part of the paper, I use the notion of paradigms to explain a form of hybridity in public administration. The concept of paradigms in public administration is helpful in identifying a typology of the ideal types and their characteristics based on the main paradigms and models of public administration: the patronage system, the traditional public administration, the new public administration, and other emerging models such as public value management, responsive governance, and new public service. In the second part of the paper, through the trajectory of Bhutan's public administration history, we observe that its public administration exhibits characteristics that sit across the various paradigms and models of public administration. Thus, in doing so, the paper makes a significant contribution in applying the ideal type typology to explain how hybridity in public administration occurs in practice. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stage‐based approach to the management of fetal growth restriction
Authors: Figueras Francesc , Gratacos Eduard 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTFetal growth restriction (FGR) is among the obstetrical entities with the greatest variation in clinical practice. The first clinically relevant step in the management of FGR is the distinction of ‘true’ FGR, associated with signs of abnormal feto‐placental function and poorer perinatal outcome, from small for gestational age fetuses, which do not present abnormal Doppler and have near normal perinatal outcome. Such distinction should not be only relied on umbilical artery Doppler, as this parameter identifies only severe, early‐onset, forms of placental insufficiency. Instead, FGR should be diagnosed in the presence of any of the factors associated with a poorer perinatal outcome, including Doppler cerebroplacental ratio and uterine artery Doppler, a growth centile below the third centile. Upon diagnosis, differentiating into early‐onset and late‐onset FGR is useful to distinguish two clear phenotypes, with differences in severity, association with preeclampsia, and sequence of fetal deterioration. Finally, management of FGR aims at an optimal balance between minimizing fetal injury or death versus the risks of iatrogenic preterm delivery. We propose a protocol that integrates current evidence to classify stages of fetal deterioration, and establishes follow‐up intervals and optimal delivery timings, which may facilitate decision‐making and minimize variability in the clinical management. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermodynamic and structural investigation of the specific SDS binding of humicola insolens cutinase
Authors: Kold David , Dauter Zbigniew , Laustsen Anne K. , Brzozowski Andrzej M. , Turkenburg Johan P. , Nielsen Anders D. , Koldsø Heidi , Petersen Evamaria , Schiøtt Birgit , De Maria Leonardo , Wilson Keith S. , Svendsen Allan , Wimmer Reinhard 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe interaction of lipolytic enzymes with anionic surfactants is of great interest with respect to industrially produced detergents. Here, we report the interaction of cutinase from the thermophilic fungus Humicola insolens with the anionic surfactant SDS, and show the enzyme specifically binds a single SDS molecule under nondenaturing concentrations. Protein interaction with SDS was investigated by NMR, ITC and molecular dynamics simulations. The NMR resonances of the protein were assigned, with large stretches of the protein molecule not showing any detectable resonances. SDS is shown to specifically interact with the loops surrounding the catalytic triad with medium affinity (Ka ≈ 105 M−1). The mode of binding is closely similar to that seen previously for binding of amphiphilic molecules and substrate analogues to cutinases, and hence SDS acts as a substrate mimic. In addition, the structure of the enzyme has been solved by X‐ray crystallography in its apo form and after cocrystallization with diethyl p‐nitrophenyl phosphate (DNPP) leading to a complex with monoethylphosphate (MEP) esterified to the catalytically active serine. The enzyme has the same fold as reported for other cutinases but, unexpectedly, esterification of the active site serine is accompanied by the ethylation of the active site histidine which flips out from its usual position in the triad.
Only a subset of the PAB1‐mRNP proteome is present in mRNA translation complexes
Authors: Zhang Chongxu , Wang Xin , Park Shiwha , Chiang Yueh‐chin , Xi Wen , Laue Thomas M. , Denis Clyde L. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractWe have previously identified 55 nonribosomal proteins in PAB1‐mRNP complexes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae using mass spectrometric analysis. Because one of the inherent limitations of mass spectrometry is that it does not inform as to the size or type of complexes in which the proteins are present, we consequently used analytical ultracentrifugation with fluorescent detection system (AU‐FDS) to determine which proteins are present in the 77S monosomal translation complex that contains minimally the closed‐loop structure components (eIF4E, eIF4G, and PAB1), mRNA, and the 40S and 60S ribosomes. We assayed by AU‐FDS analysis 33 additional PAB1‐mRNP factors but found that only five of these proteins were present in the 77S translation complex: eRF1, SLF1, SSD1, PUB1, and SBP1. eRF1 is involved in translation termination, SBP1 is a translational repressor, and SLF1, SSD1, and PUB1 are known mRNA binding proteins. Many of the known P body/stress granule proteins that associate with the PAB1‐mRNP were not present in the 77S translation complex, implying that P body/stress granules result from significant protein additions after translational cessation. These data inform that AU‐FDS can clarify protein complex identification that remains undetermined after typical immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometric analyses.
Automated antibody structure prediction using Accelrys tools: Results and best practices
Authors: Fasnacht Marc , Butenhof Ken , Goupil‐Lamy Anne , Hernandez‐Guzman Francisco , Huang Hongwei , Yan Lisa 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTWe describe the methodology and results from our participation in the second Antibody Modeling Assessment experiment. During the experiment we predicted the structure of eleven unpublished antibody Fv fragments. Our prediction methods centered on template‐based modeling; potential templates were selected from an antibody database based on their sequence similarity to the target in the framework regions. Depending on the quality of the templates, we constructed models of the antibody framework regions either using a single, chimeric or multiple template approach. The hypervariable loop regions in the initial models were rebuilt by grafting the corresponding regions from suitable templates onto the model. For the H3 loop region, we further refined models using ab initio methods. The final models were subjected to constrained energy minimization to resolve severe local structural problems. The analysis of the models submitted show that Accelrys tools allow for the construction of quite accurate models for the framework and the canonical CDR regions, with RMSDs to the X‐ray structure on average below 1 Å for most of these regions. The results show that accurate prediction of the H3 hypervariable loops remains a challenge. Furthermore, model quality assessment of the submitted models show that the models are of quite high quality, with local geometry assessment scores similar to that of the target X‐ray structures. Proteins 2014; 82:1583–1598. © 2014 The Authors. Proteins published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Survey of phosphorylation near drug binding sites in the Protein Data Bank (PDB) and their effects
Authors: Smith Kyle P. , Gifford Kathleen M. , Waitzman Joshua S. , Rice Sarah E. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTWhile it is currently estimated that 40 to 50% of eukaryotic proteins are phosphorylated, little is known about the frequency and local effects of phosphorylation near pharmaceutical inhibitor binding sites. In this study, we investigated how frequently phosphorylation may affect the binding of drug inhibitors to target proteins. We examined the 453 non‐redundant structures of soluble mammalian drug target proteins bound to inhibitors currently available in the Protein Data Bank (PDB). We cross‐referenced these structures with phosphorylation data available from the PhosphoSitePlus database. Three hundred twenty‐two of 453 (71%) of drug targets have evidence of phosphorylation that has been validated by multiple methods or labs. For 132 of 453 (29%) of those, the phosphorylation site is within 12 Å of the small molecule‐binding site, where it would likely alter small molecule binding affinity. We propose a framework for distinguishing between drug‐phosphorylation site interactions that are likely to alter the efficacy of drugs versus those that are not. In addition we highlight examples of well‐established drug targets, such as estrogen receptor alpha, for which phosphorylation may affect drug affinity and clinical efficacy. Our data suggest that phosphorylation may affect drug binding and efficacy for a significant fraction of drug target proteins. Proteins 2015; 83:25–36. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Zinc Finger Transcription Factor ZFX Is Required for Maintaining the Tumorigenic Potential of Glioblastoma Stem Cells
Authors: Fang Xiaoguang , Huang Zhi , Zhou Wenchao , Wu Qiulian , Sloan Andrew E. , Ouyang Gaoliang , McLendon Roger E. , Yu Jennifer S. , Rich Jeremy N. , Bao Shideng 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Glioblastomas are highly lethal brain tumors containing tumor-propagating glioma stem cells (GSCs). The molecular mechanisms underlying the maintenance of the GSC phenotype are not fully defined. Here we demonstrate that the zinc finger and X-linked transcription factor (ZFX) maintains GSC self-renewal and tumorigenic potential by upregulating c-Myc expression. ZFX is differentially expressed in GSCs relative to non-stem glioma cells and neural progenitor cells. Disrupting ZFX by shRNA reduced c-Myc expression and potently inhibited GSC self-renewal and tumor growth. Ectopic expression of c-Myc to its endogenous level rescued the effects caused by ZFX disruption, supporting that ZFX controls GSC properties through c-Myc. Furthermore, ZFX binds to a specific sequence (GGGCCCCG) on the human c-Myc promoter to upregulate c-Myc expression. These data demonstrate that ZFX functions as a critical upstream regulator of c-Myc and plays essential roles in the maintenance of the GSC phenotype. This study also supports that c-Myc is a dominant driver linking self-renewal to malignancy. Stem Cells 2014;32:2033–2047
Compliance of District Hospitals in the Center Region of Cameroon with WHO/IATSIC Guidelines for the Care of the Injured: A Cross‐Sectional Analysis
Authors: Chichom‐Mefire Alain , Mbarga‐Essim Nicole Therese , Monono Martin Ekeke , Ngowe Marcelin Ngowe 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundInjuries are a major cause of death and disability worldwide. Low‐income countries, particularly in Africa, are disproportionately affected. The burden of injuries can be alleviated by preventive measures and appropriate management of injury cases. African countries generally lack trauma care systems based on reliable and affordable guidelines. The aim of this study was to assess the compliance of some district hospitals in Cameroon with World Health Organization/International Association for Trauma and Intensive Care (WHO/IATSIC) guidelines for care of the injured.MethodsThis cross‐sectional descriptive survey used items from the WHO/IATSIC “Guidelines for Essential Trauma Care” to develop a checklist for inspection of physical equipment and a questionnaire assessing human resources and organizational capabilities in 25 district hospitals of the Center Region of Cameroon.ResultsAll hospitals surveyed had at least one doctor available. Each reported treating a mean of 338 ± 214 injury cases every year. Most hospitals (n = 22) were globally either not compliant or partly compliant with the guidelines. Staff generally had received the appropriate basic training but had no additional training specifically directed toward trauma management. Skills for managing specific injuries (e.g., chest injuries) were poor. Availability and utilization of equipment was globally inadequate, and organizational capabilities were almost nonexistent.ConclusionsDistrict hospitals of the Center Region of Cameroon still lack compliance with the WHO/IATSIC guidelines for essential trauma care but have significant potential for improvement. It seems possible to optimize the utilization of existing facilities.
Short‐Term Outcomes of Totally Laparoscopic Total Gastrectomy: Experience With the First Consecutive 112 Cases
Authors: Tsunoda Shigeru , Okabe Hiroshi , Obama Kazutaka , Tanaka Eiji , Hisamori Shigeo , Kinjo Yousuke , Sakai Yoshiharu 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIntroductionAlthough laparoscopic distal gastrectomy has become a viable treatment option for gastric cancer, laparoscopic total gastrectomy remains in limited use.PurposeThe present study was designed to evaluate the short‐term outcomes of totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy (TLTG).MethodsThe records of 112 consecutive patients who underwent TLTG for gastric cancer between September 2006 and November 2012 were reviewed, and surgical outcomes were retrospectively investigated.ResultsNeoadjuvant chemotherapy was given to 21 patients (18.8 %). The degree of lymphadenectomy was D1+ in 83 patients (74.1 %) and D2 in 29 (25.9 %). The operation time was 359 min, median intraoperative blood loss was 85 ml, and median total number of harvested lymph nodes was 64. Grade II or higher postoperative complications developed in 25 patients (22.3 %). On univariate analysis, pathologic stages IB to IV (versus stage IA) overlapped esophagojejunostomy (versus functional end‐to‐end esophagojejunostomy) and operation time >360 min (versus ≤360 min) were related to postoperative morbidity. In the multivariate analysis, operative time and pathologic stage were independent risk factors for postoperative complications.ConclusionsTLTG is feasible and can be performed with acceptable postoperative morbidity. A longer operating time and more advanced pathologic stage were significantly associated with higher postoperative morbidity.
Long‐distance seed dispersal by wind: disentangling the effects of species traits, vegetation types, vertical turbulence and wind speed
Authors: Heydel Felix , Cunze Sarah , Bernhardt‐Römermann Markus , Tackenberg Oliver 
Published: May 2014

AbstractLong‐distance dispersal (LDD) of plant seeds by wind is affected by functional traits of the species, specifically seed terminal velocity and height of seed release above the vegetation cover (HAC), as well as by the meteorological parameters wind speed and vertical turbulence. The relative importance of these parameters is still under debate and the importance of their variability in vegetation types, sites and years has only rarely been quantified. To address these topics, we performed simulation studies for different vegetation types, sites, years and plant species with PAPPUS, a process based trajectory model. We found that LDD (measured in terms of migration rates) was higher in forests compared to open landscapes. Forests also showed greater between‐year variability in LDD. Terminal velocity had an effect on LDD in both vegetation types, while the effect of HAC was significant only in the open landscape. We found considerable differences in how vertical turbulence and wind speed affect LDD between species and vegetation types: In the open landscape the strength of the positive relationship between vertical turbulence and LDD generally decreases with terminal velocity, whereas it increases in forests. The strength of the predominantly positive effect of wind speed on LDD increases with terminal velocity in both vegetation types, while in forests we found even negative relationships for species with low terminal velocity. Our results generally suggest that the effects of vertical turbulence and wind speed on LDD by wind diverge for species with different functional traits as well as in different vegetation types.
Habitat preferences of medium/large mammals in human disturbed forests in Central Japan
Authors: Tsujino Riyou , Yumoto Takakazu 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIt is a great concern whether human disturbed forest, i.e., secondary forest or monoculture forest, can be a habitat for the wildlife. We examined habitat preference of medium/large terrestrial mammal species in a human‐disturbed mountainous settlement area of Akiyama Region, Central Japan, by using camera‐traps, which were placed at conifer plantation forest, high/low‐disturbed deciduous broad‐leaved forest, and broad‐leaved/conifer mixed forest in 2008 and 2009. Camera‐traps were operational for 4568.6 trap‐nights producing 740 photo‐captures of 13 medium/large terrestrial mammal species. Japanese serow and Japanese hare dominated 54 % of all photo‐captures. Low‐disturbed deciduous broad‐leaved forest showed the richest mammal fauna (12 spp.). We suggested that fruit trees and understory vegetation provided suitable habitat for frugivorous as well as herbivorous mammals. The mixed forest showed the lowest mammal fauna (6 spp.), which located higher elevation. High‐disturbed deciduous broad‐leaved forest (9 spp.) was also supposed to be a better habitat for some frugivorous mammals and herbivorous mammals, but tended to be avoided by Japanese marten and Japanese macaque. Conifer plantation forest (7 spp.) with understory vegetation was supposed to be a better habitat for Japanese serow and Japanese hare, but not for the other species. Without fruit trees, conifer plantation forest was supposed to be non‐attractive habitat for frugivorous mammals. We demonstrated that, if a forest had been disturbed by human, the forest can be a habitat for terrestrial herbivores, but this was not always true for frugivores.
Role of varicocele repair for male infertility in the era of assisted reproductive technologies
Authors: Kimura Masaki , Nagao Koichi 
Published: May 2014

AbstractVaricocele is an abnormal condition characterized by dilatation of the pampiniform plexus veins draining the testis and is present in 15 % of men. Varicoceles have an adverse effect on spermatogenesis and are the most common cause of male infertility. Approximately 35 % of infertile men and more than 70 % of men with secondary infertility were reported to have varicoceles. Although data on methods of varicocele repair are accumulating, there remains controversy regarding the indications and techniques for varicocele repair. In addition, the role of varicocele repair in this era of assisted reproductive technologies continues to be debated. In this study, we performed a comprehensive PubMed search in order to review the current status of varicocele repair for male infertility. We reviewed English‐language studies published from 1992 through 2013. After reviewing the articles, we identified a recent meta‐analysis of four randomized controlled trials, which found that varicocele repair for oligozoospermic men was associated with better pregnancy rates as compared with observation. Our review of prospective studies showed that all semen parameters, including sperm concentration, motility, and progressive motility, were significantly improved after varicocele repair. We also summarize the findings of recent studies reporting beneficial effects of varicocele repair, i.e., decreased oxidative stress and sperm DNA fragmentation after varicocele repair and superior cost effectiveness versus in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection alone, which may be important in the era of assisted reproductive technologies. Varicocele repair is a widespread, well‐established procedure that can improve semen parameters in men with infertility. The effect of such treatment on the pregnancy rate is unclear because evidence is limited due to difficulties in recruiting patients for studies. Among the repair techniques, microsurgical repair using a subinguinal approach is potentially the best practice, although this procedure requires training in microsurgery. All these topics require further research in studies with sufficient patient enrollment and follow‐up.