bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pre-existing canine anti-IgG antibodies: implications for immunotherapy, immunogenicity testing and immunoassay analysis
Authors: Bergman Daniel , Bäckström Camilla , Hansson-Hamlin Helene , Larsson Anders , Holst Bodil Ström 
Published: July 2020

AbstractOne of the most enigmatic features of humoral immunity is the prevalent presence of circulating autoantibodies against IgG. These autoantibodies consist of several subsets, including rheumatoid factors, anti-Fab/anti-F(ab′)2-autoantibodies, and anti-idiotypic antibodies. Anti-IgG autoantibodies can impair the safety and efficacy of therapeutic antibodies and interfere with immunogenicity tests in clinical trials. They can also cross-react with allospecific IgG, presenting as heterophilic antibodies that interfere with diagnostic immunoassays. Owing to these factors, recent years have seen a resurgent interest in anti-IgG autoantibodies, but their underlying clinical significance, as well as biological roles and origins, remain opaque. Increased knowledge about canine anti-IgG autoantibodies could facilitate the development of canine immunotherapies and help in understanding and counteracting immunoassay interference. This study investigated the clinical significance and interconnection of heterophilic antibodies, anti-Fab, and anti-F(ab′)2-autoantibodies in dogs. We performed a 2-year prospective follow-up of dogs with heterophilic antibodies and analyzed serum for anti-Fab and anti-F(ab′)2-autoantibodies. Canine heterophilic antibodies can persist for at least 2 years in serum. A widespread occurrence of anti-Fab and anti-F(ab′)2-autoantibodies was found, with reactivity to cryptic epitopes in the IgG hinge region and sporadic cross-reactivity with mouse IgG. Canine anti-Fab and anti-F(ab′)2-autoantibodies are thus potential sources of clinical immunogenicity and immunoassay interference.
The establishment of new protein expression system using N starvation inducible promoters in Chlorella
Authors: Shin Jun-Hye , Choi Juyoung , Jeon Jeongmin , Kumar Manu , Lee Juhyeon , Jeong Won-Joong , Kim Seong-Ryong 
Published: July 2020

AbstractChlorella is a unicellular green microalga that has been used in fields such as bioenergy production and food supplementation. In this study, two promoters of N (nitrogen) deficiency-inducible Chlorella vulgaris N Deficiency Inducible (CvNDI) genes were isolated from Chlorella vulgaris UTEX 395. These promoters were used for the production of a recombinant protein, human granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (hG-CSF) in Chlorella vulgaris UTEX 395 and Chlorella sp. ArM0029B. To efficiently secrete the hG-CSF, the protein expression vectors incorporated novel signal peptides obtained from a secretomics analysis of Chlorella spp. After a stable transformation of those vectors with a codon-optimized hG-CSF sequence, hG-CSF polypeptides were successfully produced in the spent media of the transgenic Chlorella. To our knowledge, this is the first report of recombinant protein expression using endogenous gene components of Chlorella.
Topological classification of dynamical quantum phase transitions in the xy chain
Authors: Porta Sergio , Cavaliere Fabio , Sassetti Maura , Traverso Ziani Niccolò 
Published: July 2020

AbstractUnderstanding the properties of far-from-equilibrium quantum systems is becoming a major challenge of both fundamental and applied physics. For instance, the lack of thermalization in integrable and (many body) localized systems provides new insights in the understanding of the relaxation dynamics of quantum phases. On a more applicative side, the possibility of exploiting the properties of far-from-equilibrium states, for example in pump-probe experiments, opens unprecedented scenarios. The effort in providing a classification of far-from-equilibrium phases, in terms of local or topological order parameters, is hence intense. In this context, the concept of Dynamical Quantum Phase Transition (DQPT) has been introduced. A DQPT is (roughly) defined as a zero of the Loschmidt-Echo as a function of time and represents a natural non-equilibrium counterpart of a thermal phase transition. Here, we investigate the DQPTs occurring in the quantum xy chain subject to a quantum quench of finite duration. We show that the number of distinct DQPTs can vary as the duration of the quantum quench is varied. However, the parity of such number only depends on the pre-quench and post-quench Hamiltonians and is related to a topological invariant.
Osteogenic cocktail induces calcifications in human breast cancer cell line via placental alkaline phosphatase expression
Authors: Fushimi Atsushi , Takeyama Hiroshi , Tachibana Toshiaki , Manome Yoshinobu 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBreast cancer is frequently characterized by calcifications in mammography. The mechanism for calcifications in breast cancer is not completely known. Understanding this mechanism will improve diagnostic accuracy. Herein, we demonstrated that calcifications occur and that alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity increases in MDA-MB-231 cells cultured using an osteogenic cocktail-containing medium. Microarray transcript analysis showed that the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway was significantly involved, with recruitment of placental alkaline phosphatase. Calcifications and alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity were suppressed by silencing placental alkaline phosphatase using a small interfering RNA. Inhibition of the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway suppressed phospho-c-Jun and placental alkaline phosphatase and resulted in absence of calcifications. These findings reveal that breast cancer cells acquire alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity via placental alkaline phosphatase expression and suggest that breast calcification formation is closely associated with the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.
Control of Fusarium wilt by wheat straw is associated with microbial network changes in watermelon rhizosphere
Authors: Tang Lili , Xia Ye , Fan Chao , Kou Jinming , Wu Fengzhi , Li Wenhui , Pan Kai 
Published: July 2020

AbstractStraw return is an effective strategy to alleviate soil-borne diseases. Though watermelon Fusarium wilt is a severe soil-borne disease, the effect of wheat straw on the disease remains unclear. Thus, we investigated the effects of wheat straw on soil bacterial and fungal communities by adding wheat straw to consecutive watermelon soil in the greenhouse condition. The microbiome changes were further investigated using network analysis based on 16S rDNA and internal transcribed spacer deep sequencing. Wheat straw addition increased the fungal community diversity, whereas the bacterial diversity was not affected. Compared to the control group, the relative abundance of some bacteria, including Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Saccharibacteria, was increased with wheat straw addition. For fungi, the relative abundance of Fusarium was decreased with wheat straw addition. Microbial network analysis demonstrated that the fungal community has a more complex connection than the bacterial community. In addition, redundancy analysis indicated that the Fusarium genera were significantly related to the disease index. Taken together, the addition of wheat straw might affect the microbial community through increasing the relative abundance of phylum Actinobacteria, decreasing the relative abundance of Fusarium, and increasing the fungal network complexity to enhance the defense of watermelon against Fusarium wilt disease.
Below-ground herbivory mitigates biomass loss from above-ground herbivory of nitrogen fertilized plants
Authors: Borgström Pernilla , Bommarco Riccardo , Viketoft Maria , Strengbom Joachim 
Published: July 2020

AbstractHerbivorous insects can influence grassland ecosystem functions in several ways, notably by altering primary production and nutrient turnover. Interactions between above- and belowground herbivory could affect these functions; an effect that might be modified by nitrogen (N) addition, an important global change driver. To explore this, we added above- (grasshoppers) and belowground (wireworms) insect herbivores and N into enclosed, equally composed, grassland plant communities in a fully factorial field experiment. N addition substantially altered the impact of above- and belowground herbivory on ecosystem functioning. Herbivory and N interacted such that biomass was reduced under above ground herbivory and high N input, while plant biomass remained stable under simultaneous above- and belowground herbivory. Aboveground herbivory lowered nutrient turnover rate in the soil, while belowground herbivory mitigated the effect of aboveground herbivory. Soil decomposition potential and N mineralization rate were faster under belowground herbivory at ambient N, but at elevated N this effect was only observed when aboveground herbivores were also present. We found that N addition does not only influence productivity directly (repeatedly shown by others), but also appears to influence productivity by herbivory mediated effects on nutrient dynamics, which highlights the importance of a better understanding of complex biotic interactions.
Altered mechanisms of genital development identified through integration of DNA methylation and genomic measures in hypospadias
Authors: Richard Melissa A. , Sok Pagna , Canon Stephen , Nembhard Wendy N. , Brown Austin L. , Peckham-Gregory Erin C. , Ton Minh , Ehli Erik A. , Kallsen Noah A. , Peyton Shanna A. , Davies Gareth E. , Patel Ashay , Zamilpa Ismael , Hobbs Charlotte A. , Scheurer Michael E. , Lupo Philip J. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractHypospadias is a common birth defect where the urethral opening forms on the ventral side of the penis. We performed integrative methylomic, genomic, and transcriptomic analyses to characterize sites of DNA methylation that influence genital development. In case–control and case-only epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) of preputial tissue we identified 25 CpGs associated with hypospadias characteristics and used one-sample two stage least squares Mendelian randomization (2SLS MR) to show a causal relationship for 21 of the CpGs. The largest difference was 15.7% lower beta-value at cg14436889 among hypospadias cases than controls (EWAS P = 5.4e−7) and is likely causal (2SLS MR P = 9.8e−15). Integrative annotation using two-sample Mendelian randomization of these methylation regions highlight potentially causal roles of genes involved in germ layer differentiation (WDHD1, DNM1L, TULP3), beta-catenin signaling (PKP2, UBE2R2, TNKS), androgens (CYP4A11, CYP4A22, CYP4B1, CYP4X1, CYP4Z2P, EPHX1, CD33/SIGLEC3, SIGLEC5, SIGLEC7, KLK5, KLK7, KLK10, KLK13, KLK14), and reproductive traits (ACAA1, PLCD1, EFCAB4B, GMCL1, MKRN2, DNM1L, TEAD4, TSPAN9, KLK family). This study identified CpGs that remained differentially methylated after urogenital development and used the most relevant tissue sample available to study hypospadias. We identified multiple methylation sites and candidate genes that can be further evaluated for their roles in regulating urogenital development.
Feasibility of free-breathing quantitative myocardial perfusion using multi-echo Dixon magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Scannell Cian M. , Correia Teresa , Villa Adriana D. M. , Schneider Torben , Lee Jack , Breeuwer Marcel , Chiribiri Amedeo , Henningsson Markus 
Published: July 2020

AbstractDynamic contrast-enhanced quantitative first-pass perfusion using magnetic resonance imaging enables non-invasive objective assessment of myocardial ischemia without ionizing radiation. However, quantification of perfusion is challenging due to the non-linearity between the magnetic resonance signal intensity and contrast agent concentration. Furthermore, respiratory motion during data acquisition precludes quantification of perfusion. While motion correction techniques have been proposed, they have been hampered by the challenge of accounting for dramatic contrast changes during the bolus and long execution times. In this work we investigate the use of a novel free-breathing multi-echo Dixon technique for quantitative myocardial perfusion. The Dixon fat images, unaffected by the dynamic contrast-enhancement, are used to efficiently estimate rigid-body respiratory motion and the computed transformations are applied to the corresponding diagnostic water images. This is followed by a second non-linear correction step using the Dixon water images to remove residual motion. The proposed Dixon motion correction technique was compared to the state-of-the-art technique (spatiotemporal based registration). We demonstrate that the proposed method performs comparably to the state-of-the-art but is significantly faster to execute. Furthermore, the proposed technique can be used to correct for the decay of signal due to T2* effects to improve quantification and additionally, yields fat-free diagnostic images.
In silico identification of the prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets associated with cancer stem cell characteristics of glioma
Authors: Lvu Wen , Fei Xu , Chen Cheng , Zhang Bo 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Glioma is the common histological subtype of malignancy in central nervous system, with a high morbidity and mortality. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play an important role in regulating the tumorigenesis and progression of glioma; however, the prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets associated with CSC characteristics have not been fully acknowledged in glioma. In order to identify the prognostic stemness-related genes (SRGs) of glioma in silico, the RNA sequencing data of patients with glioma were retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. The mRNA expression-based stemness index (mRNAsi) was significantly associated with the glioma histologic grade, isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) mutation and overall survival of glioma patients by the nonparametric test and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. A total of 340 SRGs were identified as the overlapped stemness-related differential expressed genes (DEGs) of different histologic grade screened by the univariate Cox analysis. Based on 11 prognostic SRGs, the predict nomogram was constructed with the AUC of 0.832. Moreover, the risk score of the nomogram was an independent prognostic factor, indicating its significant applicability. Besides other eight reported biomarkers of glioma, we found that F2RL2, CLCNKA and LOXL4 were first identified as prognostic biomarkers for glioma. In conclusion, this bioinformatics study demonstrates the mRNAsi as a reliable index for the IDH1 mutation, histologic grade and OS of glioma patients and provides a well-applied model for predicting the OS for patients with glioma based on prognostic SRGs. Additionally, this in silico study also identifies three novel prognostic biomarkers (F2RL2, CLCNKA and LOXL4) for glioma patients.
Validation of a Bilateral Simultaneous Computer-Based Tympanometer
Authors: Ramatsoma Hlologelo , Koekemoer Dirk 
Published: July 2020

PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the accuracy of bilateral simultaneous tympanometric measurements using a tympanometer with two pneumatic systems inside circumaural ear cups.MethodFifty-two adults (104 ears), with a mean age of 32 years (SD= 12.39, range: 18–60 years) were included in this study. A within-subject repeated-measures design was used to compare tympanometric measurements yielded with the investigational device in unilateral and bilateral simultaneous conditions compared with an industry-standard tympanometer.ResultsNo significant bias (p> .05) was found between the mean of the differences of tympanometric measurements yielded by the two devices, except for a significant bias (p< .05) of the mean of the differences for ear canal volume measurements (0.05 cm3). The Bland–Altman plots showed overall good agreement between the tympanometric measurements between the two instruments. In all 104 ears, the tympanogram types of the KUDUwave TMP were compared with the reference device. The results were highly comparable with a sensitivity and specificity of 100% (95% CI [86.8%, 100%]) and 92.3% (95% CI [84.0%, 97.1%]), respectively.ConclusionsThe investigational device is a suitable instrument for unilateral or bilateral simultaneous tympanometric measurements in adults and demonstrates the potential of decentralized and accessible tympanometry services.
Macrostructural Analyses of Cinderella Narratives in a Large Nonclinical Sample
Authors: Greenslade Kathryn J. , Stuart Jade E. B. , Richardson Jessica D. , Dalton Sarah Grace , Ramage Amy E. 
Published: July 2020

Purpose
Macrostructural narrative analyses are important clinical measures, revealing age-related declines and disorder-related impairments in the accuracy, completeness, logical sequencing, and organization of content. The current study aims to provide preliminary data on typical aging and psychometric evidence supporting multilevel Main Concept, Sequencing, and Story Grammar (MSSG) analyses that capture these aspects of narratives.

Method

Transcripts of
Cinderella
narratives for 92 healthy control participants stratified across four age brackets from the online database AphasiaBank were coded by Richardson and Dalton (2016) for main concept (MC) analysis. In the current study, MSSG analyses were completed for (a) logical sequencing, independently and in combination with MC accuracy and completeness (MC + sequencing), and (b) story grammar organization (i.e., inclusion of episodic components and complexity of episodes). Interrater agreement (99%–100%) revealed highly reliable scoring.

Results
Descriptive statistics for the typically aging sample are presented for sequencing, MC + sequencing, total episodic components, and episodic complexity. Scores for participants over 60 years of age were lower (poorer) than scores for those 20–59 years of age, supporting the construct validity of score use for identifying age-related declines in performance.

Conclusions
This study's novel MSSG analyses of narrative production efficiently assess the logical sequencing and story grammar organization of content in healthy controls. Preliminary reliability and validity evidence support the use of all scores to measure age-related changes in narrative macrostructure. Data from this typically aging sample provide a foundation for future research and clinical assessment aimed at quantifying narrative deficits in adults with communication disorders.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.12683495
The Gaia-ESO Survey: Galactic evolution of lithium at high metallicity
Authors: Randich S. , Pasquini L. , Franciosini E. , Magrini L. , Jackson R. J. , Jeffries R. D. , d’Orazi V. , Romano D. , Sanna N. , Tautvaišienė G. , Tsantaki M. , Wright N. J. , Gilmore G. , Bensby T. , Bragaglia A. , Pancino E. , Smiljanic R. , Bayo A. , Carraro G. , Gonneau A. , Hourihane A. , Morbidelli L. , Worley C. C. 
Published: July 2020

Context. Reconstructing the Galactic evolution of lithium (Li) is the main tool used to constrain the source(s) of Li enrichment in the Galaxy. Recent results have suggested a decline in Li at supersolar metallicities, which may indicate reduced production.
Aims. We exploit the unique characteristics of the Gaia-ESO Survey open star cluster sample to further investigate this issue and to better constrain the evolution of Li at high metallicity.
Methods. We trace the upper envelope of Li abundance versus metallicity evolution using 18 clusters and considering members that should not have suffered any Li depletion.
Results. At variance with previous claims, we do not find any evidence of a Li decrease at high metallicity. The most metal-rich clusters in the sample ([Fe/H] = ∼0.3) actually show the highest Li abundances, with A(Li) > 3.4. Our results clearly show that previous findings, which were based on field stars, were affected by selection effects. The metal-rich population in the solar neighbourhood is composed of relatively old and cool stars that have already undergone some Li depletion; hence, their measured Li does not represent the initial interstellar medium abundance, but a lower limit to it.
Can We Measure the Individual Prothrombotic or Prohemorrhagic Tendency by Global Coagulation Tests?
Authors: Reda Sara , Morimont Laure , Douxfils Jonathan , Rühl Heiko 
Published: July 2020

AbstractHemostasis is a complex process in which abnormalities can cause shifts toward prothrombotic or prohemorrhagic states resulting in thrombosis or bleeding, respectively. Several coagulation tests may be required to characterize these defects but may yet not always reflect a patient's true hemostatic capacity. Thus, global coagulation tests aiming to simulate the coagulation process in vitro instead of measuring single components thereof are certainly of interest to assess prothrombotic or prohemorrhagic tendencies. This review describes the development and application of global coagulation tests, concentrating on the more widely used methods of viscoelastometry and thrombin generation. A focus is placed on conditions characterized by simultaneous changes of various components of hemostasis, such as anticoagulant therapy or hormone-induced coagulopathy, in which global coagulation tests are especially promising. If the key challenges of standardization and automation of these tests are solved, as is the case with automated thrombogram or clot waveform analysis, global coagulation assays will play an important role in the future of laboratory diagnostics of hemostasis and thrombosis.
How to Differentiate Recurrent Deep Vein Thrombosis from Postthrombotic Syndrome
Authors: Gautam Gargi , Sebastian Tim , Klok Frederikus A. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractVenous thromboembolism (VTE) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Accuracy of diagnosis is thus of vital importance. Failure to diagnose VTE increases the risk of progression and complications. Conversely, anticoagulation as a result of an incorrect diagnosis exposes patients to the associated hazards of bleeding. The diagnostic management of recurrent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and postthrombotic syndrome (PTS) is especially challenging due to the lack of well-established diagnostic standards. Particularly, the differentiation between the two is notoriously difficult as symptoms, clinical signs, and diagnostic test findings largely overlap. This review highlights the current diagnostic and management strategies for recurrent DVT and PTS with a focus on clinical findings and imaging modalities. We also discuss current open questions for clinicians in the field, anticipating future directions and predictions for the year 2050.
About mentees and mentors: what kind of advanced training should young scientists receive? – A personal reflection
Authors: Scharf Rüdiger E. 
Published: July 2020

SummaryComprehensive training of talented MD or PhD students and postdoctoral fellows is one of the essential requirements for a future career as an established investigator or even an outstanding scientist. Here, from personal experience, several relevant aspects are summarized including the high responsibility of the academic mentor. Specifically, the interaction of the mentor with fellows, the choice of the research project, and the impact of the mentor's personality on mentees are discussed.