bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sensory neuroprosthesis improves postural stability during Sensory Organization Test in lower-limb amputees
Authors: Charkhkar Hamid , Christie Breanne P. , Triolo Ronald J. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractTo maintain postural stability, unilateral lower-limb amputees (LLAs) heavily rely on visual and vestibular inputs, and somatosensory cues from their intact leg to compensate for missing somatosensory information from the amputated limb. When any of these resources are compromised, LLAs exhibit poor balance control compared to able-bodied individuals. We hypothesized that restoring somatosensation related to the missing limb via direct activation of the sensory nerves in the residuum would improve the standing stability of LLAs. We developed a closed-loop sensory neuroprosthesis utilizing non-penetrating multi-contact cuff electrodes implanted around the residual nerves to elicit perceptions of the location and intensity of plantar pressures under the prosthetic feet of two transtibial amputees. Effects of the sensory neuroprosthesis on balance were quantified with the Sensory Organization Test and other posturographic measures of sway. In both participants, the sensory neuroprosthesis improved equilibrium and sway when somatosensation from the intact leg and visual inputs were perturbed simultaneously. One participant also showed improvement with the sensory neuroprosthesis whenever somatosensation in the intact leg was compromised via perturbations of the platform. These observations suggest the sensory feedback elicited by neural stimulation can significantly improve the standing stability of LLAs, particularly when other sensory inputs are depleted or otherwise compromised.
Analysis of the source of aggressiveness in gamecocks
Authors: Komiyama Tomoyoshi , Yoshikawa Masanobu , Yokoyama Keiko , Kobayashi Hiroyuki 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAlthough the fighting behaviour in gamecocks has evolved because of artificial selection, it is unknown whether the selection for aggressiveness affects neurotransmitter levels in the avian central nervous system. We sought to identify the source and origin of this trait. We collected the brain samples from 6 female Shamo gamecocks and 5 Shaver Brown chickens (control; bred for egg production). The midbrain levels of norepinephrine (NE) were significantly higher in Shamo gamecocks (P = 0.0087) than in the controls. Moreover, alleles encoding adrenergic receptors differed between the breeds in terms of response to NE. Gene mutations specific to Shamo and potentially associated with fighting behaviour were in sites T440N of ADRα1D; V296I of ADRα2A; and T44I, Q232R, and T277M of ADRβ2. The evolutionary analysis indicated that the ADRβ2 (T44I and Q232R) mutations were heritable in all Galliformes, whereas the T440N mutation of ADRα1D and V296I mutations of ADRα2A were unique to Shamo and originated by artificial selection. A high NE level may confer a selective advantage by enabling gamecocks to be aggressive and pain tolerant. Therefore, the strong fighting behaviour of Shamo has resulted from a combination of naturally inherited and mutant genes derived by artificial selection.
An MRI-Derived Neuroanatomical Atlas of the Fischer 344 Rat Brain
Authors: Goerzen Dana , Fowler Caitlin , Devenyi Gabriel A. , Germann Jurgen , Madularu Dan , Chakravarty M. Mallar , Near Jamie 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThis paper reports the development of a high-resolution 3-D MRI atlas of the Fischer 344 adult rat brain. The atlas is a 60 μm isotropic image volume composed of 256 coronal slices with 71 manually delineated structures and substructures. The atlas was developed using Pydpiper image registration pipeline to create an average brain image of 41 four-month-old male and female Fischer 344 rats. Slices in the average brain image were then manually segmented, individually and bilaterally, on the basis of image contrast in conjunction with Paxinos and Watson’s (2007) stereotaxic rat brain atlas. Summary statistics (mean and standard deviation of regional volumes) are reported for each brain region across the sample used to generate the atlas, and a statistical comparison of a chosen subset of regional brain volumes between male and female rats is presented. On average, the coefficient of variation of regional brain volumes across all rats in our sample was 4%, with no individual brain region having a coefficient of variation greater than 13%. A full description of methods used, as well as the atlas, the template that the atlas was derived from, and a masking file, can be found on Zenodo at www.zenodo.org/record/3700210. To our knowledge, this is the first MRI atlas created using Fischer 344 rats and will thus provide an appropriate neuroanatomical model for researchers working with this strain.
TALEN mediated gene editing in a mouse model of Fanconi anemia
Authors: Pino-Barrio Maria José , Giménez Yari , Villanueva Mariela , Hildenbeutel Marcus , Sánchez-Dominguez Rebeca , Rodríguez-Perales Sandra , Pujol Roser , Surrallés Jordi , Río Paula , Cathomen Toni , Mussolino Claudio , Bueren Juan Antonio , Navarro Susana 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe promising ability to genetically modify hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells by precise gene editing remains challenging due to their sensitivity to in vitro manipulations and poor efficiencies of homologous recombination. This study represents the first evidence of implementing a gene editing strategy in a murine safe harbor locus site that phenotypically corrects primary cells from a mouse model of Fanconi anemia A. By means of the co-delivery of transcription activator-like effector nucleases and a donor therapeutic FANCA template to the Mbs85 locus, we achieved efficient gene targeting (23%) in mFA-A fibroblasts. This resulted in the phenotypic correction of these cells, as revealed by the reduced sensitivity of these cells to mitomycin C. Moreover, robust evidence of targeted integration was observed in murine wild type and FA-A hematopoietic progenitor cells, reaching mean targeted integration values of 21% and 16% respectively, that were associated with the phenotypic correction of these cells. Overall, our results demonstrate the feasibility of implementing a therapeutic targeted integration strategy into the mMbs85 locus, ortholog to the well-validated hAAVS1, constituting the first study of gene editing in mHSC with TALEN, that sets the basis for the use of a new safe harbor locus in mice.
A Highly Glucose Tolerant ß-Glucosidase from Malbranchea pulchella (MpBg3) Enables Cellulose Saccharification
Authors: Monteiro Lummy Maria Oliveira , Vici Ana Claudia , Pinheiro Matheus Pinto , Heinen Paulo Ricardo , de Oliveira Arthur Henrique Cavalcante , Ward Richard John , Prade Rolf Alexander , Buckeridge Marcos S. , Polizeli Maria de Lourdes Teixeira de Moraes 
Published: April 2020

Abstractβ-glucosidases catalyze the hydrolysis β-1,4, β-1,3 and β-1,6 glucosidic linkages from non-reducing end of short chain oligosaccharides, alkyl and aryl β-D-glucosides and disaccharides. They catalyze the rate-limiting reaction in the conversion of cellobiose to glucose in the saccharification of cellulose for second-generation ethanol production, and due to this important role the search for glucose tolerant enzymes is of biochemical and biotechnological importance. In this study we characterize a family 3 glycosyl hydrolase (GH3) β-glucosidase (Bgl) produced by Malbranchea pulchella (MpBgl3) grown on cellobiose as the sole carbon source. Kinetic characterization revealed that the MpBgl3 was highly tolerant to glucose, which is in contrast to many Bgls that are completely inhibited by glucose. A 3D model of MpBgl3 was generated by molecular modeling and used for the evaluation of structural differences with a Bgl3 that is inhibited by glucose. Taken together, our results provide new clues to understand the glucose tolerance in GH3 β-glucosidases.
Experimental Study on the Physisorption Characteristics of O2 in Coal Powder are Effected by Coal Nanopore Structure
Authors: Tan Bo , Cheng Gang , Zhu Xiaoman , Yang Xianbing 
Published: April 2020

AbstractCoal is a porous medium. Oxygen molecules in the air penetrate through the pores of coal and are adsorbed on the coal surface. Low-temperature oxidation of coal then occurs, by which coal spontaneous combustion is promoted. Given this process, the authors analysed the physisorption characteristics of O2 in pulverized coal from the perspective of nanopore structure. In this study, five different kinds of coal samples (two lignites, one bituminous coal, and two anthracites) were selected, and the surface morphology, pore structure parameters and oxygen physisorption capacity of the pulverized coals were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) and oxygen adsorption with chromatography (OAC), respectively. The experimental results of SEM and MIP show that with the development of coal, the surface folds increase, and the pores increase in number and shrink, which leads to the nanopores of anthracite and bituminous coal being smaller and more complex than those of lignite. The experimental results of OAC show that adsorbed oxygen is physisorbed by pulverized coal in the order lignite > bituminous coal > anthracite. Analysis of the oxygen desorption curves shows that the oxygen desorption rates of the anthracites and bituminous coal are slower than those of the lignites. The results show that the amount of oxygen physisorbed by pulverized coal is proportional to the fractal dimension of the coal pores, proportional to the pore volume of the nanoscale pores, and inversely proportional to the number of closed pores in the coal. Based on the results of the analyses mentioned above, it is important to analyse the process of coal-oxygen chemisorption and the mechanism for low-temperature oxidation of coal to prevent coal spontaneous combustion.
HIV control programs reduce HIV incidence but not HCV incidence among people who inject drugs in HaiPhong, Vietnam
Authors: Molès Jean-Pierre , Vallo Roselyne , Khue Pham Minh , Huong Duong Thi , Oanh Khuat Thi Hai , Thoa Nguyen Thi , Giang Hoang Thi , Thanh Nham Thi Tuyet , Vinh Vu Hai , Bui Thi Tuyet Anh , Peries Marianne , Arasteh Kamyar , Quillet Catherine , Feelemyer Jonathan , Michel Laurent , Jarlais Don Des , Laureillard Didier , Nagot Nicolas 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn Vietnam, harm reduction programs to control HIV among people who inject drugs (PWID) were implemented approximately 10 years ago. Since then, the HIV prevalence has declined in this population, however, the impact of these programs on the rate of new HIV and Hepatitis C (HCV) infections remains unknown as high mortality can exceed the rate of new infections. We evaluated HIV and HCV incidences in a cohort of active PWID in HaiPhong in 2014, who were recruited from a community-based respondent driven sampling (RDS) survey and followed for 1 year. Only HIV-negative or HCV-negative participants not on medication assisted treatment (MAT) were eligible. HIV/HCV serology was tested at enrollment and at 32- and 64-week follow-up visits. Among 603 RDS participants, 250 were enrolled in the cohort, including 199 HIV seronegative and 99 HCV seronegative PWID. No HIV seroconversion was reported during the 206 person-years (PY) of follow-up (HIV incidence of 0/100PY, one-sided 97.5%CI:0-1.8/100 PY). Eighteen HCV seroconversions were reported for an incidence of 19.4/100 PY (95%CI;11.5-30.7). In multivariate analysis, “Injecting more than twice daily” was associated with HCV seroconversion with an adjusted odds ratio of 5.8 (95%CI;1.8–18.1). In Hai Phong, in a context that demonstrates the effectiveness of HIV control programs, the HCV incidence remains high. New strategies such as mass access to HCV treatment should be evaluated in order to tackle HCV transmission among PWID.
The IAP Antagonist SM-164 Eliminates Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Metastasis to Bone and Lung in Mice
Authors: Lei Wei , Duan Rong , Li Jinbo , Liu Xin , Huston Alissa , Boyce Brendan F. , Yao Zhenqiang 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe most challenging issue for breast cancer (BC) patients is metastasis to other organs because current therapies do not prevent or eliminate metastatic BC. Here, we show that SM-164, a small molecule inhibitor, which degrades inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs), eliminated early-stage metastases and reduced progression of advanced BC metastasis from MDA-MB-231 BC cells in bones and lungs of nude mice. Mechanistically, SM-164-induced BC cell death is TNFα-dependent, with TNFα produced by IL-4-polarized macrophages triggering MDA-MB-231 cell apoptosis in combination with SM-164. SM-164 also inhibited expression of RANKL, which mediates interactions between metastatic BC and host microenvironment cells and induces osteoclast-mediated osteolysis. SM-164 did not kill adriamycin-resistant BC cells, while adriamycin inhibited SM-164-resistant BC cell growth, similar to parental cells. We conclude that SM-164 is a promising therapeutic agent for early stage bone and lung metastasis from triple-negative breast cancer that should be given prior to conventional chemotherapy.
NLRP3 Inflammasome is Activated in Rat Pancreatic Islets by Transplantation and Hypoxia
Authors: Lavallard Vanessa , Cottet-Dumoulin David , Wassmer Charles-Henri , Rouget Caroline , Parnaud Géraldine , Brioudes Estelle , Lebreton Fanny , Bellofatto Kevin , Berishvili Ekaterine , Berney Thierry , Bosco Domenico 
Published: April 2020

AbstractHypoxia, IL-1β production and oxidative stress are involved in islet graft dysfunction and destruction. However, the link between these events has not yet been determined in transplanted islets. The goal of this study was to determine whether NLRP3 inflammasome is responsible for IL-1β production and if it is activated by hypoxia-induced oxidative stress in transplanted islets. Rat islets were transplanted under the kidney capsule of immunodeficient mice. At different times post-transplantation, blood samples were collected and islet grafts harvested. Rat islets were also incubated in vitro either under normoxia or hypoxia for 24 h, in the absence or presence of inhibitors of NLRP3 inflammasome (CASP1 inhibitor) or oxidative stress (NAC). NLRP3, CASP1, IL1B, BBC3 pro-apoptotic and BCL2 anti-apoptotic genes in transplanted and in vitro incubated islets were then studied using real time PCR. IL-1β released in the blood and in the supernatant was quantified by ELISA. Cell death was analysed by propidium iodide and Annexin-V staining. NLRP3, CASP1 and BBC3 in transplanted rat islets and IL-1β in blood transiently increased during the first days after transplantation. In islets incubated under hypoxia, NRLP3, IL1B and CASP1 and IL-1β released in supernatant increased compared to islets incubated under normoxia. These effects were prevented by the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome by CASP1 or oxidative stress by NAC. However, these inhibitors did not prevent hypoxia-induced rat islet death. These data show that NLRP3 inflammasome in rat islets is transiently activated after their transplantation and induced through oxidative stress in vitro. However, NRLP3 inflammasome inhibition does not protect islet cells against hypoxia.
Understanding degradation of organic light-emitting diodes from magnetic field effects
Authors: Tanaka Masaki , Nagata Ryo , Nakanotani Hajime , Adachi Chihaya 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe impact of magnetic field effects on the electroluminescence of organic light-emitting diodes is commonly used to characterize exciton dynamics such as generation, annihilation, and performance degradation. However, interpreting these effects is challenging. Here, we show that magnetic field effects in organic light-emitting diodes can be understood in terms of the magnetic response of device characteristics derived from polaron-pair and triplet exciton quenching processes, such as triplet-polaron interactions and triplet-triplet annihilation. Device degradation shows a clear relationship with the amplitude of the magnetic field effects, enabling non-destructive measurement of the degradation. The results and proposed mechanism provide a better understanding of magnetic field effects on organic light-emitting diodes and device degradation phenomena.
Influence of IGF2BP2, HMG20A, and HNF1B genetic polymorphisms on the susceptibility to Type 2 diabetes mellitus in Chinese Han population
Authors: Huang Ting , Wang Li , Bai Mei , Zheng Jianwen , Yuan Dongya , He Yongjun , Wang Yuhe , Jin Tianbo , Cui Wei 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: The present study aimed to investigate the roles of insulin related gene IGF2BP2, HMG20A, and HNF1B variants in the susceptibility of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and to identify their association with age, gender, BMI, and smoking and alcohol drinking behavior among the Han Chinese population.
Methods: About 508 patients with T2DM and 503 healthy controls were enrolled. Rs11927381 and rs7640539 in IGF2BP2, rs7178572 in HMG20A, rs4430796, and rs11651052 in HNF1B were genotyped by using the Agena MassARRAY. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated by logistic regression.
Results: We found that HMG20A rs7178572 (OR = 1.25, P = 0.015) and HNF1B rs11651052 (OR = 1.26, P = 0.019) increased the risk of T2DM. Rs7178572, rs4430796, and rs11651052 might be related to the higher T2DM susceptibility not only by itself but also by interacting with age, gender smoking, and alcohol drinking. Rs11927381 also conferred the higher T2DM susceptibility at age ≤ 59 years. Besides, rs7178572-AA (P = 0.032) genotype and rs11651052 GG (P = 0.018) genotype were related to higher glycated hemoglobin and insulin level, respectively.
Conclusion: Specifically, we first found that rs11927381, rs7640539, and rs11651052 were associated with risk of T2DM among the Han Chinese population. We also provide evidence that age, gender, BMI, smoking, and drinking status have an interactive effect with these variants on T2DM susceptibility.
Advanced Cases of Birdshot HLA-A29 Retinochoroiditis: Prevalence and Characteristics
Authors: Elahi Sina , Lages Vania , Jeannin Bruno , Herbort Carl Peter 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Purpose To establish the prevalence, morphological, and functional characteristics and evolution of advanced cases of birdshot retinochoroiditis (BRC).
Methods A retrospective review of all BRC cases seen at the Centre for Ophthalmic Specialized Care, Lausanne, Switzerland, with at least 3 years of follow-up since the onset of symptoms. The following parameters were evaluated: demographic characteristics, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), fundus photographs, fluorescein (FA) and indocyanine green (ICGA) angiography frames, and visual field evaluation from initial visit to last follow-up.
Results Out of the 1920 patients with uveitis who were followed from 1995 until 2018, 32 (1.67%) were diagnosed with BRC; 20 of these 32 patients had sufficient data to be included. Three of these twenty patients (15.0%) had severe forms of the disease. Two patients had received insufficient treatment and one progressed despite attempted maximal therapy. The mean BCVA was 0.62 (± 0.42) at presentation, which was already at an advanced stage of the disease, and 0.51 (± 0.37) at last follow-up. The average visual field mean defect (VFMD) was 19.65 (± 4.71 dB) at presentation and 21.40 (± 2.45 dB) at last follow-up. Choroidal inflammatory activity monitored by ICGA decreased from 10.67 (± 9.18) at presentation to 6.67 (± 5.61) at last follow-up. FA revealed mild retinal vasculitis at 6.50 (± 4.76), which remained stable to 4.67 (± 3.20). EDI-OCT estimated choroidal thickness (EDI-OCT-CT) measurements were 246.36 (± 116.93 µm) at presentation and 231.30 (± 120.70 µm) at the last follow-up.
Conclusions In our setting, 15% of BRC cases had a severe course and suffered extensive irreversible chorioretinal damage, obviously due to insufficient treatment in two cases. This underlines the importance of correctly diagnosing BRC and initiating therapy as promptly as possible to avoid such outcomes in an otherwise possibly controllable disease.
Noncanonical Action of Thyroid Hormone Receptors α and
β
Authors: Hönes G. Sebastian , Geist Daniela , Moeller Lars C. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThyroid hormone (TH) is essential for the regulation of many physiological
processes, especially growth, organ development, energy metabolism and
cardiovascular effects. TH acts via the TH receptors (TR) α and
β. By binding to thyroid hormone responsive elements (TREs) on the DNA,
TRs regulate expression of TH target genes. Thus, TRs are mainly characterized
as ligand dependent transcription factors and regulation of gene expression and
protein synthesis is considered the canonical mode of TH/TR action. The
demonstration that the ligand-bound TRs α and β also mediate
activation of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) pathway established
noncanonical TH/TR action as an additional mode of TH signaling.
Recently, TR mutant mouse models allowed to determine the underlying mode of
TH/TR action, either canonical or noncanonical TH/TR signaling,
for several physiological TH effects in vivo: Regulation of the
hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis requires DNA-binding of TRβ, whereas
hepatic triglyceride content appears to be regulated by noncanonical TRβ
signaling. TRα mediated effects in bone development are dependent on
DNA-binding, whereas several cardiovascular TRα effects are rapid and
independent from DNA-binding. Therefore, noncanonical TH/TR action
contributes to the overall effects of TH in physiology.
Diagnosis and Management of Depression in CRS: A Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Survey
Authors: Gill Amarbir S. , Levy Joshua M. , Wilson Machelle , Strong E. Bradley , Steele Toby O. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Introduction Comorbid major depressive disorder (MDD) is present in up to 25% of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) cases and provides prognostic information for patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Clinical visits offer an opportunity to identify at-risk patients.
Objective The purpose of the present study is to evaluate practice patterns among members of the American Rhinologic Society (ARS) in screening for/diagnosing MDD.
Methods A 21-question survey was distributed to 1,206 members of the ARS from May 26, 2018 to June 12, 2018. The impact of demographic factors, including hospital setting, fellowship status, and experience were assessed through chi-squared analysis.
Results A total of 80 members of the ARS completed the survey, yielding a response rate of 7%. Half of the respondents worked in academic settings and 43% had completed a rhinology fellowship. Twenty percent of the participants felt comfortable diagnosing or managing MDD, while only 10% of participants screened for MDD in patients with CRS. Respondents cited a lack of training (76%) and unfamiliarity with diagnostic criteria (76%) as barriers to the routine assessment of MDD. Most respondents (95%) considered comorbid psychiatric illness to negatively impact outcomes following ESS. Fellowship-trained respondents were significantly more likely to implement screening tools in their practice (p = 0.05), and believe in the negative impact of MDD on postoperative outcomes (p = 0.007), cost of care (p = 0.04) and quality of life (p = 0.047).
Conclusion Amongst ARS members, 95% of the respondents consider comorbid MDD to negatively impact patient outcomes following ESS. Regardless, a large proportion of surgeons neither screen nor feel comfortable diagnosing MDD.