julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Simple Retrosigmoid and “180 Degrees Reverse Kawase Approach” for Petroclival Meningiomas: Clinical Series and Assessment of Perioperative Morbidity
2014-06-17

Objective: We describe the use of the retrosigmoid intradural suprameatal approach ("180 degrees reverse Kawase Approach) and its clinical outcome in patients with petrous apex and petroclival meningiomas extending both in the MCF and PCF. Methods: Between March 2005 and November 2013, 29 patients with petrous apex and petroclival meningioma underwent tumor removal through a "180 degrees reverse Kawase approach" at the Department of Neurosurgery, Tübingen University. Results: Seven patients were males, 22 females (M:F = 1:3) and mean age was 52.7 years (range, 36-77 years). ASA score was I in 9 patients (31%), II in 18 patients (62%), and III in 2 patients (7%). Overall 29 patients were operated through a RISA approach: 24 patients underwent surgery in semisitting position (83%), while 5 patients were operated in supine Jannetta position (17%). Mean surgery time was 274 minute (range, 116-605 minutes). Peripheral blood Hb loss was 0.6 g/dL on average in 17 patients (range, from 0.2 to 4.7 g/dL). Only four patients (14%) received blood products transfusion. Surgical complications were: postoperative CSF leak in three patients (17%), bleeding in the surgical cavity in two patients (7%), a minor bleeding not requiring surgical evacuation in one patient, and a more evident bleeding causing obstructive hydrocephalus, and one air embolism. The surgical outcome was Karnofsky grade > 60% in 27 patients (93%) Conclusion: The approach-related morbidity is low. Patients' selection based on tumor extension is fundamental.
Midline Suboccipital Subtonsillar Approach to the Cerebellomedullary Cistern and the Craniocervical Junction and Its Structures: Anatomical Considerations and Clinical Application
2014-06-17

Objective: Lesions lateral to the lower brainstem are rare and harbor different pathologies. No consensus exists with regard to the surgical approach of choice for the treatment of these lesions. We describe the anatomy of the suboccipital-midline-subtonsillar-approach (STA). The STA provides a straight and wide angle view to various types of pathologies in the cerebellomedullary cistern and the craniocervical junction. Methods: The microsurgical features of the STA were examined in three ETOH fixed specimens in semisitting position. In addition 31 patients who underwent surgery using the STA from 2006 to 2012 were examined and evaluated with respect to the type of pathology, morbidity of surgery, and postoperative period. Results: The anatomical studies showed a distance between occipital protuberance and foramen magnum of 5 cm, between the occipital condyles of 3.4 cm. After retracting the tonsils 0.3 cm we gain vision of PICA. Retraction to 0.35 cm exposed spinal root of CN XI. Hypoglossal canal got visible after 0.9 cm, the root exit zone of glossopharyngeal nerve after 1.3 cm, the jugular foramen after 1.5 cm, the IAC after 2.4 cm of tonsil retraction. In 31 cases using the STA pathologies contained plexus-papillomas, hypoglossal-schwannomas, aneurysms, hemangioblastomas, and vascular conflicts. The STA approach from skin incision to dural opening was 40 minutes. The mean duration of surgery was 295 minutes. Conclusions: The STA provides a straight and wide angle view to various types of pathologies in the cerebellomedullary and lateral-premedullary cistern with moderate degree of tonsil retraction. The pathology itself helps to avoid spatula pressure by displacing the tonsils and giving space for surgery.
Clinical Anatomy and Diagnostic Visualization of Emissary Veins
2014-06-17

Objective: Emissary veins are often neglected in their clinical relevance. However, at the retrosigmoid approach especially during semisitting positions these transosseous venous connections become potentially live threatening. Therefore, knowledge of presence and the configuration of emissary veins is essentially in the preoperative planning. Methods: A total of 200 consecutive patients planned for the retrosigmoid approach, due to cerebellopontine angle pathology, were evaluated by computed tomography in standard technique (5-mm slices) and spiral technique for the posterior fossa (1-mm slices). The presence and size of emissary veins, entry point in the sigmoid sinus, the predilection side, and the visibility in either CT technique were evaluated. Results: Emissary veins were present in 80% of the patients, varying from 0.3 to 4 mm in diameter, whereas 1% (right)and 2% (left) of the patients have more than one emissary vein, respectively. The mean length of the intraosseous course of the vein to the entry point in the sigmoid sinus was 7.6 mm (right side) and 5.1 mm (left side). The study shows that with standard CT technique only emissary veins larger than 1.0mm can be identified and that either entry point in the skull base or sigmoid sinus cannot be securely visualized. On the other hand, spiral technique CT scans visualized emissary veins of 0.3mm with their exact course from the skull to the entry point in the sigmoid sinus. Conclusions: Thin sliced CT scans are inevitable in the preoperative planning of the retrosigmoid approach to identify the presence and the course of emissary veins, reducing unnecessary morbidity during surgery.
Common non-synonymous SNPs associated with breast cancer susceptibility: findings from the Breast Cancer Association Consortium
2014-06-18

Candidate variant association studies have been largely unsuccessful in identifying common breast cancer susceptibility variants, although most studies have been underpowered to detect associations of a realistic magnitude. We assessed 41 common non-synonymous single-nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) for which evidence of association with breast cancer risk had been previously reported. Case-control data were combined from 38 studies of white European women (46 450 cases and 42 600 controls) and analyzed using unconditional logistic regression. Strong evidence of association was observed for three nsSNPs: ATXN7-K264R at 3p21 [rs1053338, per allele OR = 1.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04-1.10, P = 2.9 × 10(-6)], AKAP9-M463I at 7q21 (rs6964587, OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.03-1.07, P = 1.7 × 10(-6)) and NEK10-L513S at 3p24 (rs10510592, OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.07-1.12, P = 5.1 × 10(-17)). The first two associations reached genome-wide statistical significance in a combined analysis of available data, including independent data from nine genome-wide association studies (GWASs): for ATXN7-K264R, OR = 1.07 (95% CI = 1.05-1.10, P = 1.0 × 10(-8)); for AKAP9-M463I, OR = 1.05 (95% CI = 1.04-1.07, P = 2.0 × 10(-10)). Further analysis of other common variants in these two regions suggested that intronic SNPs nearby are more strongly associated with disease risk. We have thus identified a novel susceptibility locus at 3p21, and confirmed previous suggestive evidence that rs6964587 at 7q21 is associated with risk. The third locus, rs10510592, is located in an established breast cancer susceptibility region; the association was substantially attenuated after adjustment for the known GWAS hit. Thus, each of the associated nsSNPs is likely to be a marker for another, non-coding, variant causally related to breast cancer risk. Further fine-mapping and functional studies are required to identify the underlying risk-modifying variants and the genes through which they act.
Modulation of GABAA Receptor Signaling Increases Neurogenesis and Suppresses Anxiety through NFATc4
2014-06-18

Correlative evidence suggests that GABAergic signaling plays an important role in the regulation of activity-dependent hippocampal neurogenesis and emotional behavior in adult mice. However, whether these are causally linked at the molecular level remains elusive. Nuclear factor of activated T cell (NFAT) proteins are activity-dependent transcription factors that respond to environmental stimuli in different cell types, including hippocampal newborn neurons. Here, we identify NFATc4 as a key activity-dependent transcriptional regulator of GABA signaling in hippocampal progenitor cells via an unbiased high-throughput genome-wide study. Next, we demonstrate that GABAA receptor (GABAAR) signaling modulates hippocampal neurogenesis through NFATc4 activity, which in turn regulates GABRA2 and GABRA4 subunit expression via binding to specific promoter responsive elements, as assessed by ChIP and luciferase assays. Furthermore, we show that selective pharmacological enhancement of GABAAR activity promotes hippocampal neurogenesis via the calcineurin/NFATc4 axis. Importantly, the NFATc4-dependent increase in hippocampal neurogenesis after GABAAR stimulation is required for the suppression of the anxiety response in mice. Together, these data provide a novel molecular insight into the regulation of the anxiety response in mice, suggesting that the GABAAR/NFATc4 axis is a druggable target for the therapy of emotional disorders.
Circulating CD4+ T Cells That Produce IL4 or IL17 When Stimulated by Melan-A but Not by NY-ESO-1 Have Negative Impacts on Survival of Patients with Stage IV Melanoma
2014-06-18

Abstract Purpose: We initially observed that the presence of circulating NY-ESO-1– and/or Melan-A–specific T cells in patients with stage IV melanoma was significantly associated with prolonged survival. Here, we report the ways in which the phenotypes and functions of these T cells differentially affect survival in patients preselected for NY-ESO-1 and/or Melan-A reactivity. Experimental Design: We assayed functional antigen-reactive T cells recognizing NY-ESO-1 and/or Melan-A after in vitro stimulation using overlapping peptide pools. After restimulation, we assayed six cytokines simultaneously by intracellular cytokine staining. This allowed us to analyze the functional antigen response of both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells at the single-cell level. Results: We observed that NY-ESO-1 stimulated mainly CD4+ T cells, whereas Melan-A more often stimulated CD8+ T cells. NY-ESO-1 reactivity was not associated with an additional impact on survival, whether CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, or both types of T cells were responding. In contrast, recognition of Melan-A by CD4+ T cells was associated with reduced survival in our cohort of patients preselected for NY-ESO-1 and/or Melan-A reactivity (that is, in patients with exceptionally long survival). We further observed a negative effect on survival in patients with CD4+ T cells producing IL4 and IL17 upon Melan-A stimulation. Their prognosis was comparable to patients without any Melan-A reactivity. Conclusions: The nature and prognostic impact of specific T-cell responses is different according to targeted antigen. Independent from phenotype and functional aspects, NY-ESO-1 reactivity is associated with good prognosis. In terms of Melan-A, antigen-specific CD8+ but not CD4+ responses are associated with prolonged survival. Clin Cancer Res; 20(16); 4390–9. ©2014 AACR.
Nonlinear optical point light sources through field enhancement at metallic nanocones
2014-06-18

A stable nonlinear optical point light source is investigated, based on field enhancement at individual, pointed gold nanocones with sub-wavelength dimensions. Exciting these cones with near-infrared, focused radially polarized femtosecond beams allows for tip-emission at the second harmonic wavelength (second harmonic generation, SHG) in the visible range. In fact, gold nanocones with ultra-sharp tips possess interesting nonlinear optical (NLO) properties for SHG and two-photon photoluminescence (TPPL) emission, due to the enhanced electric field confinement at the tip apex combined with centrosymmetry breaking. Using two complementary optical setups for bottom or top illumination a sharp tip SHG emission is discriminated from the broad TPPL background continuum. Moreover, comparing the experiments with theoretical calculations manifests that these NLO signatures originate either from the tip apex or the base edge of the nanocones, clearly depending on the cone size, the surrounding medium, and illumination conditions. Finally, it is demonstrated that the tip-emitted signal vanishes when switching from radial to azimuthal polarization.
Dynamic 3D scanning as a markerless method to calculate multi-segment foot kinematics during stance phase: Methodology and first application
2014-06-18

Multi-segmental foot kinematics have been analyzed by means of optical marker-sets or by means of inertial sensors, but never by markerless dynamic 3D scanning (D3DScanning). The use of D3DScans implies a radically different approach for the construction of the multi-segment foot model: the foot anatomy is identified via the surface shape instead of distinct landmark points. We propose a 4-segment foot model consisting of the shank (Sha), calcaneus (Cal), metatarsus (Met) and hallux (Hal). These segments are manually selected on a static scan. To track the segments in the dynamic scan, the segments of the static scan are matched on each frame of the dynamic scan using the iterative closest point (ICP) fitting algorithm. Joint rotations are calculated between Sha-Cal, Cal-Met, and Met-Hal. Due to the lower quality scans at heel strike and toe off, the first and last 10% of the stance phase is excluded. The application of the method to 5 healthy subjects, 6 trials each, shows a good repeatability (intra-subject standard deviations between 1° and 2.5°) for Sha-Cal and Cal-Met joints, and inferior results for the Met-Hal joint (>3°). The repeatability seems to be subject-dependent. For the validation, a qualitative comparison with joint kinematics from a corresponding established marker-based multi-segment foot model is made. This shows very consistent patterns of rotation. The ease of subject preparation and also the effective and easy to interpret visual output, make the present technique very attractive for functional analysis of the foot, enhancing usability in clinical practice.
Discovery of a new PG 1159 (GW Vir) pulsator
2014-06-18

We report the discovery of pulsations in the spectroscopic PG 1159 type\\npre-white dwarf SDSS J075415.12+085232.18. Analysis of the spectrum by Werner,\\nRauch and Kepler (2014) indicated Teff=120 000+/-10 000 K, log g=7.0+/-0.3,\\nmass M=0.52+/-0.02 Msun, C/He=0.33 by number.\\n We obtained time-series images with the SOAR 4.1 m telescope and 2.1 m Otto\\nStruve telescope at McDonald Observatory and show the star is also a variable\\nPG 1159 type star, with dominant period of 525 s.\\n
Effect of magnetic anisotropy on the experimentally determined palaeointensity of the geomagnetic field
2014-06-18

Rock magnetic properties of the Nile mud are reported. They indicate that the carrier of magnetization in the Nile mudis predominantly magnetite. Fourty air-dried ceramic samples made of Nile mud were manufactured to ceramics by stepwise heating to 700°C at various field intensities between 0.03 mT and 0.09 mT and with various angles θ between the laboratory field (FL) direction and the ceramics. The partial (pTRM) and the total thermoremanent magnetization (TRM) increase linearly as the magnetic field (FL) increases. The rate of increase of the pTRM with both FL and temperature T depends on θ, so that it decreases by 25% as θ increases from 0° to 90°. In extreme cases, the effect of the magnetic anisotropy results in overestimating the determined palaeointensity by 33% and underestimating it by 25% from the correct value. The direction of TRM is the same as that of the ambient magnetic field independent of the anisotropy. Applying the laboratory field in the direction of the stable natural remanent magnetization during a Thellier-type experiment results in accurate determination of the palaeointensity.
Whole-Genome Scans Provide Evidence of Adaptive Evolution in Malawian Plasmodium falciparum Isolates
2014-06-19

The sequence variations observed at drug-resistance loci reflect differences in each country's historical use of antimalarial drugs and may be useful in formulating local malaria treatment guidelines.
The serum‐ & glucocorticoid‐inducible kinase in the regulation of platelet function
2014-06-19

Abstract The serum‐ and glucocorticoid‐inducible kinase 1 ( SGK 1) is expressed in megakaryocytes and circulating platelets. In megakaryocytes, SGK 1 activates transcription factor nuclear factor kappa‐B ( NF ‐ κ B), which in turn stimulates expression of Orai1, a Ca 2+ channel protein accomplishing store‐operated Ca 2+ enrty ( SOCE ). SGK 1 enhances SOCE and several Ca 2+ ‐sensitive platelet functions, including degranulation, integrin α II b β 3 activation, phosphatidylserine exposure, aggregation and thrombus formation. As shown in other cell types, stimulators of SGK 1 expression include ischaemia, oxidative stress, hyperglycaemia, advanced glycation end products ( AGE s) and a variety of hormones such as glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, transforming growth factor beta ( TGF β ), interleukin 6 ( IL ‐6), platelet‐derived growth factor ( PDGF ), thrombin and endothelin. Thus, SGK 1‐sensitive Ca 2+ signalling may contribute to altered platelet function in several clinical conditions including inflammation, metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus and chronic renal failure. Nevertheless, further studies are needed defining the contribution of altered SGK 1 expression and activity to physiology and pathophysiology of platelets.
The expression of the Candida albicans gene SAP4 during hyphal formation in human serum and in adhesion to monolayer cell culture of colorectal carcinoma Caco-2 (ATCC)
2014-06-19

Abstract Candida albicans SAP4 gene encodes secretory aspartyl protease Sap4 which is involved in hyphae formation and virulence. Transcriptional factors Cph1 and Efg1 govern the expression of several C. albicans genes and contribute to morphogenesis. We investigated the expression of SAP4 in C. albicans clinical isolate and mutants lacking Efg1 or/ and Cph1 grown in human serum and during contact with Caco-2 cell line. mRNA was analyzed with the use of RT-PCR; relative quantification was normalized against an ACT1 in cells after 18-h growth either in serum or on monolayer as well as in their counterparts in YEPD medium. We assessed the role of Sap4, Efg1 and Cph1 in adhesion of C. albicans to epithelial cells. Additionally, adherence assay was performed with sap4/sap4. Adhesion was expressed as a percent of adherent cells to monolayer at 90 min vs. total cells added (100%). No differences were observed in adhesion of efg1/efg1 and sap4/sap4 compared with SC5314 (P≥0.05 statisitically insignificant). SAP4 expression indicated that it is not involved in adapting to the tested conditions. SAP4 expression can be strainspecific and is not solely controlled by the Efg1 pathway but also by the Cph1 pathway. Neither Efg1 nor Sap4 can influence adhesion.
Psychometric properties of the motor diagnostics in the German football talent identification and development programme
2014-06-20

The utilisation of motor performance tests for talent identification in youth sports is discussed intensively in talent research. This article examines the reliability, differential stability and validity of the motor diagnostics conducted nationwide by the German football talent identification and development programme and provides reference values for a standardised interpretation of the diagnostics results. Highly selected players (the top 4% of their age groups, U12-U15) took part in the diagnostics at 17 measurement points between spring 2004 and spring 2012 (N = 68,158). The heterogeneous test battery measured speed abilities and football-specific technical skills (sprint, agility, dribbling, ball control, shooting, juggling). For all measurement points, the overall score and the speed tests showed high internal consistency, high test-retest reliability and satisfying differential stability. The diagnostics demonstrated satisfying factorial-related validity with plausible and stable loadings on the two empirical factors "speed" and "technical skills". The score, and the technical skills dribbling and juggling, differentiated the most among players of different performance levels and thus showed the highest criterion-related validity. Satisfactory psychometric properties for the diagnostics are an important prerequisite for a scientifically sound rating of players' actual motor performance and for the future examination of the prognostic validity for success in adulthood.
Site‐Directed RNA Editing with Antagomir Deaminases — A Tool to Study Protein and RNA Function
2014-06-20

Abstract RNA‐guided machineries perfectly satisfy the demand for rationally programmable tools that manipulate gene function inside the cell. Over the last ten years, various natural machineries have been harnessed, with RNA interference being among the most prominent examples. It is now time to tackle the engineering of novel RNA‐guided tools not provided by nature. In this respect, we highlight RNA‐guided site‐directed RNA editing as a new concept for the manipulation of RNA and protein function. In contrast to currently available techniques, RNA editing allows for the introduction of selected point mutations into the transcriptome without the need for genomic manipulation. In particular, the approach described using chemically stabilized, antagomir‐like guideRNAs may offer advantages over others, such as specificity and circumvention of immunogenicity. These new tools have significant potential for the advancement of both basic science and medicinal application, especially in the treatment of genetic diseases.
Assessment of T1, T1ρ, and T2 values of the ulnocarpal disc in healthy subjects at 3 tesla
2014-06-21

MR relaxometry of the ulnocarpal disc is feasible, and T1,T1ρ, and T2 values show modest variance in asymptomatic subjects. The potential of relaxation mapping to reveal relevant structural changes in patients has to be investigated in further studies.
Host-induced bacterial cell wall decomposition mediates pattern-triggered immunity in Arabidopsis
2014-06-23

Peptidoglycans (PGNs) are immunogenic bacterial surface patterns that trigger immune activation in metazoans and plants. It is generally unknown how complex bacterial structures such as PGNs are perceived by plant pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and whether host hydrolytic activities facilitate decomposition of bacterial matrices and generation of soluble PRR ligands. Here we show that Arabidopsis thaliana, upon bacterial infection or exposure to microbial patterns, produces a metazoan lysozyme-like hydrolase (lysozyme 1, LYS1). LYS1 activity releases soluble PGN fragments from insoluble bacterial cell walls and cleavage products are able to trigger responses typically associated with plant immunity. Importantly, LYS1 mutant genotypes exhibit super-susceptibility to bacterial infections similar to that observed on PGN receptor mutants. We propose that plants employ hydrolytic activities for the decomposition of complex bacterial structures, and that soluble pattern generation might aid PRR-mediated immune activation in cell layers adjacent to infection sites.
PET/MR Imaging and Optical Imaging of Metastatic Rhabdomyosarcoma in Mice
2014-06-24

We established a unique model of metastatic rhabdomyosarcoma with a high frequency of tumor occurrence and easy monitoring of the tumor growth based on reporter gene expression. The accurate detection of rhabdomyosarcoma requires high soft-tissue contrast provided by the MR imaging and high tracer uptake for PET, which was achieved with (18)F-FLT as the tracer before and (18)F-FDG after treatment with vincristine. PET/MR imaging allows improved diagnosis of experimental rhabdomyosarcoma and therefore might influence clinical therapeutic decisions in the future.