bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation of Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis and Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living scales in the MGTX study
Authors: McPherson Tarrant , Aban Inmaculada , Duda Petra W. , Farzaneh‐Far Ramin , Wolfe Gil I. , Kaminski Henry J. , Cutter Gary , Lee Ikjae ,   of the MGTX Study Group
Published: May 2020

AbstractIntroductionQuantitative Myasthenia Gravis (QMG) and Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living (MG‐ADL) scales were compared using the data from the Thymectomy Trial in Non‐Thymomatous Myasthenia Gravis Patients Receiving Prednisone Therapy (MGTX) study.MethodsCorrelation between QMG and MG‐ADL raw and change‐from‐baseline scores was calculated every 3 months for 60 months based on treatment groups and minimal manifestation status (MMS).ResultsQMG and MG‐ADL change‐from‐baseline scores correlated significantly, with increasing strength of correlation over time, in both treatment groups. QMG and MG‐ADL raw scores correlated significantly in both treatment groups, with increasing correlation only in the prednisone‐alone group. Correlation between raw scores was weaker in patients who were in MMS, demonstrating a “floor effect” on the MG‐ADL scale. Raw QMG scores could be modeled assuming a normal distribution, whereas raw MG‐ADL scores could not be modeled this way.DiscussionThe floor effect and skewed distribution of the MG‐ADL measure should be taken into account in the design of myasthenia gravis clinical trials.
Lipocalin‐2 is increased in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Petrozziello Tiziana , Mills Alexandra N. , Farhan Sali M.K. , Mueller Kaly A. , Granucci Eric J. , Glajch Kelly E. , Chan James , Chew Sheena , Berry James D. , Sadri‐Vakili Ghazaleh 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe exact mechanisms underlying neuroinflammation and how they contribute to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pathogenesis remain unclear. One possibility is the secretion of neurotoxic factors, such as lipocalin‐2 (LCN2), that lead to neuronal death.MethodsLCN2 levels were measured in human postmortem tissue using Western blot, quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescence, and in plasma by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. SH‐SY5Y cells were used to test the pro‐inflammatory effects of LCN2.ResultsLCN2 is increased in ALS postmortem motor cortex, spinal cord, and plasma. Furthermore, we identified several LCN2 variants in ALS patients that may contribute to disease pathogenesis. Lastly, while LCN2 treatment caused cell death and increased pro‐inflammatory markers, treatment with an anti‐LCN2 antibody prevented these responses in vitro.ConclusionsLCN2 upregulation in ALS postmortem samples and plasma may be an upstream event for triggering neuroinflammation and neuronal death.
Maldevelopment of intrapulmonary bronchial cartilage in congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Tando So , Sakai Kohei , Takayama Shohei , Fukunaga Kenji , Higashi Mayumi , Fumino Shigehisa , Aoi Shigeyoshi , Furukawa Taizo , Tajiri Tatsuro , Ogi Hiroshi , Itoh Kyoko 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundPulmonary hypoplasia is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). This study aimed to verify our hypothesis that the abnormal development of bronchial cartilage as well as alveolar immaturity, might play a central role in hypoplasia of the lung in human CDH.MethodWe retrospectively analyzed autopsied lungs from 10 CDH cases and compared with nine age‐matched controls to assess the bronchial cartilage and alveolar maturity using morphological techniques.ResultKi‐67 and thyroid transcription factor‐1 (TTF‐1) expression in the alveoli significantly increased in bilateral lungs with CDH. The shortest distance from the bronchial cartilage to the pleura was significantly shorter in ipsilateral (left) lungs with CDH, showing a positive correlation with the radial alveolar count (RAC). Regarding the small bronchial cartilages less than 20 000 μm2, the average cartilage area significantly decreased in left lungs with CDH, and tended to decrease in right lungs with CDH. In addition, cartilage around the bronchi less than 200 μm in diameter tended to be smaller in left lungs with CDH. In contrast, regarding the cartilage around the bronchi 200 to 400 μm in diameter, the ratio of the total cartilage area relative to the bronchial diameter tended to be higher in left lungs with CDH, although there was a large variation.ConclusionsThese opposite directional cartilage abnormalities around the distal and more proximal bronchi support our hypothesis that abnormal development of bronchial cartilage might play an important role in the hypoplastic lung in CDH.
Rice virus release from the planthopper salivary gland is independent of plant tissue recognition by the stylet
Authors: Xu Chunling , Lu Chengye , Piao Jun , Wang Yixiao , Zhou Tong , Zhou Yijun , Li Shuo 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe transmission of plant viruses by arthropod vectors is closely related to feeding behavior. For persistently transmitted viruses, virus release means that virus moves through the salivary gland microvillus barriers of insects into plant via the stylet. However, whether virus release is dependent on plant tissue and component recognition by the stylet is unclear.ResultsIn this study, the small brown planthopper (SBPH) and two rice viruses transmitted by it were used as a model to explore this question. After the viruliferous insects penetrated a stretched membrane without plant tissue structure and ingested liquid food (rice sap, nutrient solution or water), both viruses were detected in the liquid food after only a 6 min inoculation access period, suggesting that the viruses were released from SBPH salivary gland independent of plant tissue and component recognition by the stylet. In subsequent electrical penetration graph (EPG) analysis, N4a‐like and N4b‐like waveforms, similar to N4a (phloem salivation before ingestion) and N4b (sieve element ingestion), were observed during SBPH penetrating the membrane, exhibiting normal feeding activity of planthopper on membrane, which further demonstrated that virus release from salivary gland was along with feeding activity, without the stylet sensing plant tissue. EPG analysis and identification of salivary proteins indicated more active feeding behavior and efficient salivation in viruliferous planthoppers.ConclusionThese results suggest that the rice virus is released from insect salivary gland independent of plant tissue and component recognition by the stylet, and the simple virus release mode facilitates virus transmission by vectors. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Reassessment of historic ‘microsaurs’ from Joggins, Nova Scotia, reveals hidden diversity in the earliest amniote ecosystem
Authors: Mann Arjan , Gee Bryan M. , Pardo Jason D. , Marjanović David , Adams Gabrielle R. , Calthorpe Ami S. , Maddin Hillary C. , Anderson Jason S. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract‘Microsaurs’ are traditionally considered to be lepospondyl non‐amniotes, but recent analyses have recovered a subset of ‘microsaurs’, the fossorially adapted Recumbirostra, within Amniota. This novel conclusion highlights the need for additional work to evaluate these competing hypotheses with the aim of refining the phylogenetic position of ‘microsaurs’. Of particular importance in this regard is the placement of potential close relatives of recumbirostrans to determine whether they support an early, stepwise acquisition of the derived morphology seen in recumbirostrans for a fossorial lifestyle, or whether this morphology is the result of evolutionary convergence. Asaphestera intermedia is part of a diverse ‘microsaur’ assemblage preserved at the famous Pennsylvanian Joggins locality in Nova Scotia, Canada. As part of a broader exploration of ‘microsaur’ taxonomy, we find that the material assigned to this taxon is a composite of a synapsid (herein Asaphestera platyris), indeterminate tetrapod material named ‘Hylerpeton’ intermedium (a nomen dubium not referable to Hylerpeton), and the newly recognized recumbirostran Steenerpeton silvae gen. et sp. nov. Further, Archerpeton anthracos from the same site must at present be considered a nomen dubium and may or may not be a ‘microsaur’. Recognition of Asaphestera platyris as a synapsid provides the earliest unambiguous evidence of ‘mammal‐like reptiles’ in the fossil record.
Probabilistischer Ansatz zur Detektion von Strukturveränderungen an Monopile‐Gründungsstrukturen mit Messdaten aus einem Structural Health Monitoring System
Authors: Lendve Shardul B. , Enss Georg C. , Tsiapoki Stavroula , Ebert Carsten , Asmussen Jörg 
Published: May 2020

AbstractGründungsstrukturen von Offshore‐Windenergieanlagen müssen während ihrer Design‐Lebensdauer von oftmals mehr als 25 Jahren den Einwirkungen aus Umgebungsbedingungen, Betriebs‐ und Extremlasten zuverlässig standhalten. Während ihrer Lebensdauer können Offshore‐Gründungsstrukturen Strukturveränderungen oder Schäden erfahren. Aus diesem Grund wurde es in Deutschland vom Bundesamt für Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie (BSH) zur Auflage gemacht, dass etwa 10 % der Strukturen mit einem Monitoringsystem (Structural Health Monitoring, SHM) überwacht werden. In der Praxis der letzten Jahre haben sich eine typische Sensorkonfiguration aus Beschleunigungs‐, Neigungs‐ und Dehnungssensoren sowie die Auswertung der Schwingungsamplituden, Eigenfrequenzen, Neigungen etc. etabliert. Diese Studie stellt eine neuartige, datenbasierte Quantifizierung von Detektionswahrscheinlichkeiten (Probability of Detection, POD) für Strukturveränderungen vor. In dieser Studie wird beispielhaft untersucht, anhand welcher Indikatoren die beiden Strukturveränderungen Kolkbildung und mariner Bewuchs an einer Monopile‐Gründungsstruktur detektiert werden können. Dafür werden numerische Analysen mittels finiter Elemente mit gemessenen Schwingungsdaten eines Offshore‐Windparks kombiniert.
Methods for the Extraction of Roots, Tubers, Pulses, Pseudocereals, and Other Unconventional Starches Sources: A Review
Authors: Kringel Dianini Hüttner , El Halal Shanise Lisie Mello , Zavareze Elessandra da Rosa , Dias Alvaro Renato Guerra 
Published: May 2020

AbstractNew botanical materials are emerging as unconventional sources of starch, increasing their economic value and, therefore, providing a higher starch demand with novel and unique properties for the substitution of traditional starch sources. Overall, starch isolation from roots and tubers is simple and based on breaking vegetal cells to release the starch. Starch extraction from pulses is more complex due to their higher protein and lipid content and smaller starch granules compared to roots and tuber starches. Starch from pseudocereals can be isolated by wet milling. Recently, alternative sources of starch have been proposed, including tree, herbs/shrubs, and fruits; the isolation of starch from these sources involves wet milling procedures in the presence or absence of the chemical solutions. This review summarizes the usual laboratory methods and recent advances in the extraction of starches from roots, tubers, pulses, and pseudocerals. Starch extraction methods from unconventional sources are also described. This review may be useful to guide researchers and technologists from the industry in their choice of better starch extraction methods, presenting the advantages and disadvantages of each method.
Self‐assembled organic/metal ion nanohybrids for theranostics
Authors: Zhang Kai , Zhao Nana , Xu Fu‐Jian 
Published: May 2020

AbstractOwing to their remarkable physicochemical and favorable biological properties, self‐assembled organic/metal ions nanohybrids show great potential for constructing multifunctional nanoplatforms of cancer theranostics. By tailoring the structural components of organic blocks and metal ions, various nanoplatforms with integrated properties can be manufactured. These nanoplatforms offer different capacities, including high loading effect, facile modification/functionalization, and excellent biocompatibility, which are beneficial for applications in bioimaging and cancer treatments. This review focuses on the design, fabrication, properties of organic/metal ions nanohybrids, and their applications in biosensing, bioimaging, therapy, and bioimaging‐guided therapy of cancer. Various research works related to organic/metal ions nanohybrids toward cancer theranostics are highlighted. By presenting and summarizing these research works and discoveries, the species of organic blocks are classified into synthetic organic molecules and biomolecules. Besides, the intrinsic properties and synergistic characteristics of organic blocks and metal ions are also discussed. The prospects and challenges for future researches in this field are also proposed.
The helix approach: Using dynamic individual pitch control to enhance wake mixing in wind farms
Authors: Frederik Joeri A. , Doekemeijer Bart M. , Mulders Sebastiaan P. , van Wingerden Jan‐Willem 
Published: May 2020

AbstractWind farm control using dynamic concepts is a research topic that is receiving an increasing amount of interest. The main concept of this approach is that dynamic variations of the wind turbine control settings lead to higher wake turbulence, and subsequently faster wake recovery due to increased mixing. As a result, downstream turbines experience higher wind speeds, thus increasing their energy capture. In dynamic induction control (DIC), the magnitude of the thrust force of an upstream turbine is varied. Although very effective, this approach also leads to increased power and thrust variations, negatively impacting energy quality and fatigue loading. In this paper, a novel approach for the dynamic control of wind turbines in a wind farm is proposed: using individual pitch control, the fixed‐frame tilt and yaw moments on the turbine are varied, thus dynamically manipulating the wake. This strategy is named the helix approach because the resulting wake has a helical shape. Large eddy simulations of a two‐turbine wind farm show that this approach leads to enhanced wake mixing with minimal power and thrust variations.
Kinetics of a fixed bed reactor with immobilized microorganisms for the removal of organic matter and phosphorous
Authors: Bustos‐Terrones Yaneth A. , Estrada‐Vázquez Rogelio , Ramírez‐Pereda Blenda , Bustos‐Terrones Victoria , Rangel‐Peraza Jesús Gabriel 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe biodegradation of domestic wastewater contaminants has been carried out using microorganisms immobilized in sodium alginate gel (Alg‐Na). A fixed bed reactor with immobilized microorganisms was used for the treatment of domestic wastewater. A wastewater pretreatment was carried out to remove the larger particulate matter, which consisted of a reactor packed with different materials (anthracite, zeolite, and activated carbon). Later, a second reactor packed with balls with immobilized microorganisms was used to eliminate organic matter and nutrients. 2.5% w/v of Alg‐Na was used as a support to immobilize the microorganisms. According to the results, a total phosphorus (TP) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal of 94.26% and 78.25% was obtained, respectively. In addition, the degradation rate for both organic matter and phosphorous was studied by using the kinetic model for fix bed reactor. © 2020 Water Environment FederationPractitioner points

Phosphorous and organic matter removal by adsorption and immobilized microorganisms.

High removal efficiency of phosphorous and organic matter was found.

An innovative wastewater treatment alternative is proposed.

Kinetic model for fixed bed reactor is also proposed for scaling‐up purposes.
Central charges for the double coset
Authors: de Carvalho Shaun , de Mello Koch Robert , Kim Minkyoo 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe state space of excited giant graviton brane systems is given by the Gauss graph operators. After restricting to the su(2|3) sector of the theory, we consider this state space. Our main result is the decomposition of this state space into irreducible representations of the su(2|2) ⋉ ℝ global symmetry. Excitations of the giant graviton branes are charged under a central extension of the global symmetry. The central extension generates gauge transformations so that the action of the central extension vanishes on physical states. Indeed, we explicitly demonstrate that the central charge is set to zero by the Gauss Law of the brane world volume gauge theory.
Electronic cigarette vapour moderately stimulates pro-inflammatory signalling pathways and interleukin-6 production by human monocyte-derived dendritic cells
Authors: Chen I-Ling , Todd Ian , Tighe Patrick J. , Fairclough Lucy C. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractDendritic cells (DCs) are professional antigen presenting cells that play a critical role in bridging innate and adaptive immunity. Numerous studies have shown that tobacco constituents present in conventional cigarettes affect the phenotype and function of DCs; however, no studies have examined the effects of vapour from E-cigarettes on human DCs. Here, the effects of E-cigarette vapour extract (ECVE) on the phenotype and function of DCs were investigated by creating an in vitro cell culture model using human monocyte-derived DCs (MoDCs). Immature DCs were generated from peripheral blood monocytes and mature DCs were then produced by treatment with LPS or Poly I:C for 24 h. For LPS-matured DCs, 3% ECVE treatment slightly suppressed HLA-DR and CD86 expression, whereas 1% ECVE treatment enhanced IL-6 production. The overall expression of 29 signalling molecules and other cytoplasmic proteins (mainly associated with DC activation) was significantly upregulated in immature DCs by 1% ECVE, and in LPS-treated DCs by 3% ECVE. In particular, the condition that induced IL-6 production also upregulated MAPK pathway activation. These findings indicate that E-cigarette vapour moderately affects human DCs, but the effects are less pronounced than those reported for tobacco smoke.
An adverse outcome pathway for immune-mediated and allergic hepatitis: a case study with the NSAID diclofenac
Authors: Selvaraj Saravanakumar , Oh Jung-Hwa , Borlak Jürgen 
Published: May 2020

AbstractMany drugs have the potential to cause drug-induced liver injury (DILI); however, underlying mechanisms are diverse. The concept of adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) has become instrumental for risk assessment of drug class effects. We report AOPs specific for immune-mediated and drug hypersensitivity/allergic hepatitis by considering genomic, histo- and clinical pathology data of mice and dogs treated with diclofenac. The findings are relevant for other NSAIDs and drugs undergoing iminoquinone and quinone reactive metabolite formation. We define reactive metabolites catalyzed by CYP monooxygenase and myeloperoxidases of neutrophils and Kupffer cells as well as acyl glucuronides produced by uridine diphosphoglucuronosyl transferase as molecular initiating events (MIE). The reactive metabolites bind to proteins and act as neo-antigen and involve antigen-presenting cells to elicit B- and T-cell responses. Given the diverse immune systems between mice and dogs, six different key events (KEs) at the cellular and up to four KEs at the organ level are defined with mechanistic plausibility for the onset and progression of liver inflammation. With mice, cellular stress response, interferon gamma-, adipocytokine- and chemokine signaling provided a rationale for the AOP of immune-mediated hepatitis. With dogs, an erroneous programming of the innate and adaptive immune response resulted in mast cell activation; their infiltration into liver parenchyma and the shift to M2-polarized Kupffer cells signify allergic hepatitis and the occurrence of granulomas of the liver. Taken together, diclofenac induces divergent immune responses among two important preclinical animal species, and the injury pattern seen among clinical cases confirms the relevance of the developed AOP for immune-mediated hepatitis.
Final results of the PräVAC trial: prevention of wound complications following inguinal lymph node dissection in patients with penile cancer using epidermal vacuum-assisted wound closure
Authors: Schmid Sebastian C. , Seitz Anna K. , Haller Bernhard , Fritsche Hans-Martin , Huber Toni , Burger Maximilian , Gschwend Jürgen E. , Maurer Tobias 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Purpose
Inguinal lymphadenectomy in penile cancer is associated with a high rate of wound complications. The aim of this trial was to prospectively analyze the effect of an epidermal vacuum wound dressing on lymphorrhea, complications and reintervention in patients with inguinal lymphadenectomy for penile cancer.

Patients and methods
Prospective, multicenter, randomized, investigator-initiated study in two German university hospitals (2013–2017). Thirty-one patients with penile cancer and indication for bilateral inguinal lymph node dissection were included and randomized to conventional wound care on one side (CONV) versus epidermal vacuum wound dressing (VAC) on the other side.

Results
A smaller cumulative drainage fluid volume until day 14 (CDF) compared to contralateral side was observed in 15 patients (CONV) vs. 16 patients (VAC), with a median CDF 230 ml (CONV) vs. 415 ml (VAC) and a median maximum daily fluid volume (MDFV) of 80 ml (CONV) vs. 110 ml (VAC). Median time of indwelling drainage: 7 days (CONV) vs. 8 days (VAC). All grade surgery-related complications were seen in 74% patients (CONV) vs. 74% patients (VAC); grade 3 complications in 3 patients (CONV) vs. 6 patients (VAC). Prolonged hospital stay occurred in 32% patients (CONV) vs. 48% patients (VAC); median hospital stay was 11.5 days. Reintervention due to complications occurred in 45% patients (CONV) vs. 42% patients (VAC).

Conclusions
In this prospective, randomized trial we could not observe a significant difference between epidermal vacuum treatment and conventional wound care.
A non-diploid DNA status is linked to poor prognosis in renal cell cancer
Authors: Büscheck Franziska , Fraune Christoph , Kluth Martina , Lennartz Maximilian , Simon Ronald , Hube-Magg Claudia , Morlock Christian , Barbieri Silvano , Wahl Carolin , Eichelberg Christian , Möller-Koop Christina , Höflmayer Doris , Wittmer Corinna , Wilczak Waldemar , Sauter Guido , Fisch Margit , Eichenauer Till , Rink Michael 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Purpose
DNA ploidy measurement has earlier been suggested as a potentially powerful prognostic tool in many cancer types, but the role in renal tumors is still unclear.

Methods
To clarify its prognostic impact, we analyzed the DNA content of 1320 kidney tumors, including clear cell, papillary and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (RCC) as well as renal oncocytoma and compared these data with clinico-pathological parameters and patient prognosis.

Results
A non-diploid DNA content was seen in 37% of 1276 analyzable renal tumors with a striking predominance in chromophobe carcinoma (74.3% of 70 cases). In clear cell carcinoma, a non-diploid DNA content was significantly linked to high-grade (ISUP, Fuhrman, Thoenes; p < 0.0001 each), advanced tumor stage (p = 0.0011), distant metastasis (p < 0.0001), shortened overall survival (p = 0.0010), and earlier recurrence (p < 0.0001). In papillary carcinoma, an aberrant DNA content was significantly linked to high Fuhrman grade (p = 0.0063), distant metastasis (p = 0.0138), shortened overall survival (p = 0.0010), and earlier recurrence (p = 0.0003).

Conclusion
In summary, the results of our study identify a non-diploid DNA content as a predictor of an unfavorable prognosis in clear cell and papillary carcinoma.