bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of hyaluronic acid binding on the actin cortex measured by optical forces
Authors: Schnauß Jörg , Schmidt B.U. Sebastian , Brazel Christina B. , Dogan Senol , Losert Wolfgang , Anderegg Ulf , Käs Josef A. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractMelanoma cells are often surrounded by hyaluronic acid (HA) rich environments, which are considered to promote tumor progression and metastasis. Induced effects in compound materials consisting of cells embedded in an extracellular matrix have been studied, however, alterations of the single cells have never been addressed. Here, we explicitly addressed single cell properties and measured HA‐induced biomechanical changes via deformations induced solely by optical forces. With the optical stretcher setup, cells were deformed after culturing them in either the presence or absence of HA revealing the crucial interplay of HA with the CD44 receptor. To assess the role of CD44 in transducing effects of HA, we compared a CD44 expressing variant of the melanoma cell line RPM‐MC to its natural CD44‐negative counterpart. Our measurements revealed a significant stiffness change, which we attribute to changes of the actin cytoskeleton.
Optogenetic approaches for termination of ventricular tachyarrhythmias after myocardial infarction in rats in vivo
Authors: Cheng Yue , Li Haitao , Wang Long , Li Jianyi , Kang Wen , Rao Panpan , Zhou Fang , Wang Xi , Huang Congxin 
Published: April 2020

AbstractCardiac optogenetics facilitates the painless manipulation of the heart with optical energy and was recently shown to terminate ventricular tachycardia (VT) in explanted mice heart. This study aimed to evaluate the optogenetic‐based termination of induced VT under ischemia in an open‐chest rat model and to develop an optimal, optical‐manipulation procedure. VT was induced by burst stimulation after ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery, and the termination effects of the optical manipulation, including electrical anti‐tachycardia pacing (ATP) and spontaneous recovery, were tested. Among different multisegment optical modes, four repeated illuminations of 1000 ms in duration with 1‐second interval at a 20‐times intensity threshold on the right ventricle achieved the highest termination rate of 86.14% ± 4.145%, higher than that achieved by ATP and spontaneous termination. We demonstrated that optogenetic‐based cardioversion is feasible and effective in vivo, with the underlying mechanism involving the light‐triggered, ChR2‐induced depolarization of the illuminated myocardium, in turn generating an excitation that disrupts the preexisting reentrant wave front.
Recent advances in electrospun nanofiber‐mediated drug delivery strategies for localized cancer chemotherapy
Authors: Khodadadi Meysam , Alijani Sepideh , Montazeri Maryam , Esmaeilizadeh Niloufar , Sadeghi‐Soureh Shima , Pilehvar‐Soltanahmadi Younes 
Published: April 2020

AbstractNanotechnology empowered localized cancer chemotherapy has indicated a promising performance for targeting and controlled release of anticancer agents over a period of time to eliminate local‐regional recurrence of cancers and also to improve the tissue regeneration during/after treatment. Electrospun nanofiber‐based implantable drug‐delivery systems have been established as one of the most effective approaches for localized cancer treatment, allowing the on‐site delivery of anticancer agents and reducing systemic toxicities and side effects to normal cells. The present review aimed to summarize the latest cutting‐edge research on applications of electrospun‐based systems for local chemotherapy. Meantime, in vitro and in vivo studies conducted using various anticancer agents along with the capability of electrospun nanofibers for combinatorial/synergistic chemotherapy as well as existing challenges and the potential dramatic advances in applying this pioneering approach for clinical transition in localized treatments of cancer is also discussed.
Homeobox C8 inhibited the osteo‐/dentinogenic differentiation and migration ability of stem cells of the apical papilla via activating KDM1A
Authors: Yang Haoqing , Liang Yuncun , Cao Yangyang , Cao Yu , Fan Zhipeng 
Published: April 2020

AbstractEnhancing the functions of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is considered a potential approach for promoting tissue regeneration. In the present study, we investigate the role of HOXC8 in regulating differentiation and migration by using stem cells of the apical papilla (SCAPs). Our results showed that overexpression of HOXC8 suppressed the osteo‐/dentinogenic differentiation, as detected by measuring alkaline phosphatase activity, in vitro mineralization, and the expressions of dentin sialophosphoprotein, dentin matrix acidic phosphoprotein 1, bone sialoprotein, runt‐related transcription factor 2, and osterix in SCAPs, and inhibited in vivo osteo‐/dentinogenesis of SCAPs. In addition, knockdown of HOXC8 promoted the osteo‐/dentinogenic differentiation potentials of SCAPs. Mechanically, HOXC8 enhanced KDM1A transcription by directly binding to its promoter. HOXC8 and KDM1A also inhibited the migration and chemotaxis abilities of SCAPs. To sum up, HOXC8 negatively regulated the osteo‐/dentinogenic differentiation and migration abilities of SCAPs by directly enhancing KDM1A transcription and indicated that HOXC8 and KDM1A could serve as potential targets for enhancing dental MSC mediated tissue regeneration.
Hinduism and reproductive decision‐making:Karma,Samsara,and the in‐between
Authors: Back Amanda , Conway Laura 
Published: April 2020

AbstractInvestigations of the role of religious philosophy in reproductive decision‐making has exclusively focused on Abrahamic traditions. However, those who practice Eastern religions, such as Hinduism, represent an increasing proportion of the population in the United States and may present for prenatal care. Here, we consider tenets of Hindu philosophy as they may pertain to decision‐making surrounding women’s pregnancy termination. Such tenets include the cycle of rebirth(samsara),karma,dharma, Hindu writing, and the multivalent nature of Hindu philosophy. Through this brief communication we hope to present a starting point for further exploration which will increase cultural competency of genetic counselors while enhancing awareness of variations of religious beliefs patients may hold.
Triple diagnosis of Wiedemann‐Steiner, Waardenburg and DLG3‐related intellectual disability association found by WES: A case report
Authors: Matis Thibaut , Michaud Vincent , Van‐Gils Julien , Raclet Virginie , Plaisant Claudio , Fergelot Patricia , Lasseaux Eulalie , Arveiler Benoit , Trimouille Aurélien 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe development of whole‐exome sequencing (WES) and whole‐genome sequencing (WGS) for clinical purposes now allows the identification of multiple pathogenic variants in patients with a rare disease. This occurs even when a single causative gene was initially suspected. We report the case of an 8‐year‐old patient with global developmental delays and dysmorphic features, with a possibly pathogenic variant in three distinct genes.MethodsTrio‐based exome sequencing was performed by IntegraGen SA (Evry, France), on an Illumina HiSeq4000 (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA). Sanger sequencing was performed to confirm the variants that were found.ResultsWES showed the presence of three possibly deleterious variants: KMT2A: c.9068delA;p.Gln3023Argfs*3 de novo, PAX3: c.530C>G;p.Ala177Gly de novo and DLG3: c.127delG;p.Asp43Metfs*22 hemizygous inherited from the mother. KMT2A pathogenic variants are involved in Wiedemann‐Steiner syndrome, and PAX3 is the gene responsible for Waardenburg syndrome. DLG3 variants have been described in a non‐syndromic X‐related intellectual disability.ConclusionsConsidering the dysmorphic features and intellectual disability presented by this patient, these three variants were imputed as pathogenic and their association was considered responsible for his phenotype. Dual molecular diagnoses have already been found by WES in several cohorts with an average of diagnostic yield of 7%. This case demonstrates and reminds us of the importance of analyzing exomes rigorously and exhaustively because, in some cases (< 10%), it can explain superimposed traits or blended phenotypes.
Inter‐laboratory analytical improvement of succinylacetone and nitisinone quantification from dried blood spot samples
Authors: Laeremans Hilde , Turner Charles , Andersson Tommy , de Juan Jose Angel Cocho , Gerrard Adam , Heiner‐Fokkema M. Rebecca , Herebian Diran , Janzen Nils , la Marca Giancarlo , Rudebeck Mattias 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundNitisinone is used to treat hereditary tyrosinemia type 1 (HT‐1) by preventing accumulation of toxic metabolites, including succinylacetone (SA). Accurate quantification of SA during newborn screening is essential, as is quantification of both SA and nitisinone for disease monitoring and optimization of treatment. Analysis of dried blood spots (DBS) rather than plasma samples is a convenient method, but interlaboratory differences and comparability of DBS to serum/plasma may be issues to consider.MethodsEight laboratories with experience in newborn screening and/or monitoring of patients with HT‐1 across Europe participated in this study to assess variability and improve SA and nitisinone concentration measurements from DBS by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). Quantification of nitisinone from both DBS and plasma was performed to assess sample comparability. In addition, efforts to harmonize laboratory procedures of SA and nitisinone quantifications during 5 rounds of analysis are described.ResultsNitisinone levels measured from DBS and plasma strongly correlated (R2 = 0.93). Due to partitioning of nitisinone to the plasma, levels were higher in plasma by a factor of 2.34. In the initial assessment of laboratory performance, all had linear calibrations of SA and nitisinone although there was large inter‐laboratory variability in actual concentration measurements. Subsequent analytical rounds demonstrated markedly improved spread and precision over previous rounds, an outcome confirmed in a final re‐test round.ConclusionThe study provides guidance for the determination of nitisinone and SA from DBS and the interpretation of results in the clinic. Inter‐laboratory analytical harmonization was demonstrated through calibration improvements.
MRI Follow‐up of Astrocytoma: Automated Coregistration and Color‐Coding of FLAIR Sequences Improves Diagnostic Accuracy With Comparable Reading Time
Authors: Lennartz Simon , Zopfs David , Nobis Anne , Paquet Stefanie , Hoyer Ulrike Cornelia Isabel , Zäske Charlotte , Goertz Lukas , Kabbasch Christoph , Laukamp Kai Roman , Große Hokamp Nils , Galldiks Norbert , Borggrefe Jan 
Published: April 2020

BackgroundMRI follow‐up is widely used for longitudinal assessment of astrocytoma, yet reading can be tedious and error‐prone, in particular when changes are subtle.Purpose/HypothesisTo determine the effect of automated, color‐coded coregistration (AC) of fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequences on diagnostic accuracy, certainty, and reading time compared to conventional follow‐up MRI assessment of astrocytoma patients.Study TypeRetrospective.PopulationIn all, 41 patients with neuropathologically confirmed astrocytoma.Field Strength/Sequence1.0–3.0T/FLAIRAssessmentThe presence or absence of tumor progression was determined based on FLAIR sequences, contrast‐enhanced T1 sequences, and clinical data. Three radiologists assessed 47 MRI study pairs in a conventional reading (CR) and in a second reading supported by AC after 6 weeks. Readers determined the presence/absence of tumor progression and indicated diagnostic certainty on a 5‐point Likert scale. Reading time was recorded by an independent assessor.Statistical TestsThe Wilcoxon test was used to assess reading time and diagnostic certainty. Differences in diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were analyzed with the McNemar mid‐p test.ResultsReaders attained significantly higher overall sensitivity (0.86 vs. 0.75; P < 0.05) and diagnostic accuracy (0.84 vs. 0.73; P < 0.05) for detection of progressive nonenhancing tumor burden when using AC compared to CR. There was a strong trend towards higher specificity within the AC‐augmented reading, yet without statistical significance (0.83 vs. 0.71; P = 0.08). Sensitivity for unequivocal disease progression was similarly high in both approaches (AC: 0.94, CR: 0.92), while for marginal disease progressions, it was significantly higher in AC (AC: 0.78, CR: 0.58; P < 0.05). Reading time including application loading time was comparable (AC: 38.1 ± 16.8 sec, CR: 36.0 ± 18.9 s; P = 0.25).Data ConclusionCompared to CR, AC improves comparison of FLAIR signal hyperintensity at MRI follow‐up of astrocytoma patients, allowing for a significantly higher diagnostic accuracy, particularly for subtle disease progression at a comparable reading time.Evidence Level3Technical Efficacy Stage6 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:1197–1206.
Non‐Gaussian Diffusion Models and T1rho Quantification in the Assessment of Hepatic Sinusoidal Obstruction Syndrome in Rats
Authors: Lyu Jian , Yang Guixiang , Mei Yingjie , Guo Li , Guo Yihao , Zhang Xinyuan , Xu Yikai , Feng Yanqiu 
Published: April 2020

BackgroundNon‐Gaussian diffusion models and T1rho quantification may reflect the changes in tissue heterogeneity in hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS).PurposeTo investigate the feasibility of diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI), stretched exponential model (SEM), and T1rho quantification in detecting and staging SOS in a monocrotaline (MCT)‐induced rat model.Study TypeAnimal study.PopulationThirty male Sprague–Dawley rats gavaged with MCT to induce hepatic SOS and six male rats without any intervention.Field Strength/Sequence3.0T, DWI with five b‐values (0–2000 s/mm2) and T1rho with five spin lock times (1–60 msec).AssessmentMRI was performed 1 day before and 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 days after MCT administration. The corrected apparent diffusion coefficient (Dapp), kurtosis coefficient (Kapp), distributed diffusion coefficient (DDC), and intravoxel water molecular diffusion heterogeneity (α) were calculated from the corresponding non‐Gaussian diffusion model. The T1rho value was calculated using a monoexponential model. Specimens obtained from the six timepoints were categorized into normal liver (n = 6), early‐stage (n = 16), and late‐stage (n = 14) SOS in accordance with the pathological score.Statistical TestsParametric statistical methods and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were employed to determine diagnostic accuracy.ResultsThe Dapp, Kapp, DDC, α, and T1rho values were correlated with pathological score with r values of −0.821, 0.726, −0.828, −0.739, and 0.714 (all P < 0.001), respectively. DKI (combined Dapp and Kapp) and SEM (combined DDC and α) were better than T1rho for staging SOS. The areas under the ROC curve of DKI, SEM, and T1rho for differentiating normal liver and early‐stage SOS were 0.97, 1.00, and 0.79, whereas those of DKI, SEM, and T1rho for differentiating early‐stage and late‐stage SOS were 1.00, 0.97, and 0.92, respectively.Data ConclusionDKI, SEM, and T1rho may be helpful in staging SOS.Level of Evidence2Technical Efficacy Stage2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:1110–1121.
An analytical method for the simultaneous quantification of 30 bioactive compounds in spent coffee ground by HPLC‐MS/MS
Authors: Angeloni Simone , Nzekoue Franks Kamgang , Navarini Luciano , Sagratini Gianni , Torregiani Elisabetta , Vittori Sauro , Caprioli Giovanni 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSpent coffee ground (SCG) is the remaining residue produced after extraction of coffee, and it is considered a source of unextracted bioactive compounds. For this, in the latest years, the attention has been focused to innovative reuses that can exploit the potentiality of SCG. Unfortunately, the content of bioactive compounds has not been thoroughly studied yet, and the major of publication has investigated the caffeine and chlorogenic acids levels, total polyphenol contents, and total flavonoid content. Hence, these approaches have determined only an estimation of flavonoids and polyphenols content and lack on single polyphenols investigation. Therefore, the objective of the current work was to provide a deep characterization of bioactive compounds in SCG. For this purpose, a new analytical method for the quantification of 30 molecules, including caffeine, chlorogenic acids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and secoiridoids, has been developed using high‐performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Moreover, several extraction procedures, that is, liquid–solid extraction assisted and not by ultrasounds, testing diverse solvents, were evaluated. Liquid–solid extraction assisted by sonication, with water/ethanol (30/70, v/v), resulted the best in terms of total bioactive compounds, and, once validated, the new analytical method was applied to five different espresso SCG samples. Data showed that caffeine (means: 1193.886 ± 57.307 mg kg−1) and chlorogenic acids (means of total CQAs: 1705.656 ± 88.694 mg kg−1) were the most abundant compounds in all SCG samples followed by phenolic acids such as caffeic, ferulic, gallic, p‐coumaric, syringic, trans‐cinnamic, and vanillic acid. Moreover, some flavonoids, that is, rutin, cyanidin 3‐glucoside, and quercetin, occurred in almost all samples. This work provided a deepened characterization of bioactive compounds in SCG and can contribute to develop new strategies of reuses.
Use of whole‐body cryosectioning and desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging to visualize alkaloid distribution in poison frogs
Authors: Jeckel Adriana M. , Matsumura Kunihiro , Nishikawa Keisuke , Morimoto Yoshiki , Saporito Ralph A. , Grant Taran , Ifa Demian R. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAmbient mass spectrometry is useful for analyzing compounds that would be affected by other chemical procedures. Poison frogs are known to sequester alkaloids from their diet, but the sequestration pathway is unknown. Here, we describe methods for whole‐body cryosectioning of frogs and use desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging (DESI‐MSI) to map the orally administered alkaloid histrionicotoxin 235A in a whole‐body section of the poison frog Dendrobates tinctorius. Our results show that whole‐body cryosectioning coupled with histochemical staining and DESI‐MSI is an effective technique to visualize alkaloid distribution and help elucidate the mechanisms involved in alkaloid sequestration in poison frogs.
Analysis of the observed trends in daily extreme precipitation indices in Gaza Strip during 1974–2016
Authors: Ajjur Salah Basem , Riffi Mohammed I. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThere is a high‐risk attendant on the changes in precipitation in developing countries, for example, Gaza Strip (GS). These changes have far‐reaching social and economic ramifications by causing devastating flash floods and droughts. Based on the daily precipitation observations of eight meteorological stations over GS, from 1974 to 2016, the trends of 11 extreme precipitation indices (EPIs) were estimated using linear least squares method and then assessed statistically by Mann‐Kendall test. The results show that, on average, most of the indices exhibited increasing trends during 1974–2016. It includes total wet‐day precipitation (PRCPTOT), simple daily intensity index (SDII), and max 1‐day precipitation (RX1day). Others were the max 5‐day precipitation (RX5day), very wet day precipitation (R95p), extremely wet day precipitation (R99p), number of heavy precipitation days (R10mm), number of very heavy precipitation days (R20mm), and the number of consecutive dry days (CDD). Three of these indices passed the significance test (with p < .05): RX1day, RX5day, and R95p. Other EPIs, including number of wet days (R1mm) and consecutive wet days (CWD), exhibited non‐significant decreasing trends. Spatially, many stations over GS exhibited opposite trends, especially in R1mm and CDD; however, they are separated by a few kilometres. Moreover, all EPIs have significant positive correlations with PRCPTOT at the 99% confidence level, except CDD (trend was non‐significant). The contribution of extreme precipitation to annual PRCPTOT exhibited an increasing trend, which was significant at 62% of GS stations. The study indicates a potential increase in summer (drought) season.
Southern hemisphere circulation anomalies and impacts over subtropical South America due to different El Niño flavours
Authors: Martín‐Gómez Verónica , Barreiro Marcelo , Losada Teresa , Rodríguez‐Fonseca Belén 
Published: April 2020

AbstractEl Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) exhibits different flavours with worldwide impacts. However, the associated teleconnections with subtropical South America (SSA) are still controversial and modelling studies are needed. Here, we analyse the Southern Hemisphere (SH) circulation anomalies and the impacts over SSA during the austral summer due to different El Niño patterns (Canonical and El Niño Modoki). The analysis is performed considering reanalysis data and two different Atmospheric General Circulation Models (SPEEDY and UCLA–AGCM). Results from reanalysis show that positive precipitation anomalies develop over SSA during Canonical El Niño events. These anomalies are induced through an increase of upper‐level cyclonic vorticity advection and a stronger low‐level southward moisture transport. However, in El Niño Modoki events, rainfall anomalies are observed over SSA only for the strongest events. Both models are able to reproduce the precipitation signal over SSA in the Canonical El Niño case, although the underlying physical mechanism depends on the model. In SPEEDY, the increased rainfall is due to an increase of the moisture transport toward SSA, while in UCLA–AGCM it is related to both, an increase of the low‐level moisture transport toward SSA and the increase of upper‐level cyclonic vorticity advection. The precipitation signal associated with El Niño Modoki is more controversial. While UCLA–AGCM suggests a rainfall increase over SSA, SPEEDY, in agreement with observations, does not show any statistically significant signal. However, the upper‐level circulation anomalies reproduced by UCLA–AGCM are more consistent with reanalysis than those from SPEEDY, which makes UCLA–AGCM to be more reliable. This result suggests increased rainfall over SSA during El Niño Modoki.