bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integrative Circuit-Host Modeling of a Genetic Switch in Varying Environments
Authors: Sickle Jordan J. , Ni Congjian , Shen Daniel , Wang Zewei , Jin Matthew , Lu Ting 
Published: May 2020

AbstractSynthetic biology is advancing into a new phase where real-world applications are emphasized. There is hence an urgent need for mathematical modeling that can quantitatively describe the behaviors of genetic devices in natural, fluctuating environments. We utilize an integrative circuit-host modeling framework to examine the dynamics of a genetic switch and its host cell in varying environments. For both steady-state and transient cases, we find increasing nutrient reduces the bistability region of the phase space and eventually drives the switch from bistability to monostability. In response, cellular growth and proteome partitioning experience the same transition. Antibiotic perturbations cause the similar circuit and host responses as nutrient variations. However, one difference is the trend of growth rate, which augments with nutrient but declines with antibiotic levels. The framework provides a mechanistic scheme to account for both the dynamic and static characteristics of the circuit-host system upon environmental perturbations, underscoring the intimacy of gene circuits and their hosts and elucidating the complexity of circuit behaviors arising from environmental variations.
The near-symmetry of protein oligomers: NMR-derived structures
Authors: Bonjack Maayan , Avnir David 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe majority of oligomeric proteins form clusters which have rotational or dihedral symmetry. Despite the many advantages of symmetric packing, protein oligomers are only nearly symmetric, and the origin of this phenomenon is still in need to be fully explored. Here we apply near-symmetry analyses by the Continuous Symmetry Measures methodology of protein homomers to their natural state, namely their structures in solution. NMR-derived structural data serves us for that purpose. We find that symmetry deviations of proteins are by far higher in solution, compared to the crystalline state; that much of the symmetry distortion is due to amino acids along the interface between the subunits; that the distortions are mainly due to hydrophilic amino acids; and that distortive oligomerization processes such as the swap-domain mechanism can be identified by the symmetry analysis. Most of the analyses were carried out on distorted C2-symmetry dimers, but C3 and D2 cases were analyzed as well. Our NMR analysis supports the idea that the crystallographic B-factor represents non-classical crystals, in which different conformers pack in the crystal, perhaps from the conformers which the NMR analysis provides.
Recycling of worn out brake pads ‒ impact on tribology and environment
Authors: Lyu Yezhe , Ma Jijie , Åström Anna Hedlund , Wahlström Jens , Olofsson Ulf 
Published: May 2020

AbstractDisc brake systems are widely used on commercial vehicles for braking. The brake pads are usually replaced by new ones before being totally worn out. Current methods to deal with the replaced brake pads include landfill and combustion, resulting in a huge waste of resources and increase of CO2 footprint. From a sustainable point of view, this study aims to evaluate the feasibility of recycling replaced brake pads by addressing a protocol recycling procedure. The results show that the recycled brake pads yield similar friction, wear and airborne particle emission to virgin brake pads. A streamlined life cycle assessment is conducted to compare the environmental impacts between producing virgin brake pads and recycling replaced brake pads. Energy consumption and CO2 footprint of the recycled brake pads are 36% and 34% less than virgin brake pads, indicating that recycling could be a promising method of handling replaced brake pads.
Rapid three-dimensional structuring of transparent SiO2 glass using interparticle photo-cross-linkable suspensions
Authors: Arita Ryoya , Iijima Motoyuki , Fujishiro Yoko , Morita Seitaro , Furukawa Taichi , Tatami Junichi , Maruo Shoji 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPhoto-curable suspensions are important materials for shaping complex-structured ceramic and glass components. However, most systems undergo slow debinding and sintering so to avoid structural collapse by rapid gas generation from polymers. Here, we propose a new strategy to fabricate interparticle photo-cross-linkable suspensions for rapid three-dimensional structuring with short debinding and sintering times. SiO2 particles modified with polyethyleneimine complexed with oleic acid (PEI-OA) are dispersed into a refractive-index-tuned solvent, where a photo-radical initiator and a lower-than-typical amount of multifunctional acrylates (MAs) were dissolved. The SiO2 suspension is cured by the photo-radical polymerization of MA and the Michael additive reaction between polymerized MA and amino groups of PEI-OA on SiO2 particles. These photo-curable suspensions can be employed in various shaping processes, from micro-scale stereolithography to centimeter-scale silicone molding. The SiO2 green compacts with complex structures are also debinded and sintered into transparent glass components by rapid heating.
Transcriptome profiling of digital flexor tendons after injury in a chicken model
Authors: Mao Wei Feng , Yu Yin Xian , Chen Chen , Wu Ya Fang 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Modulation of tendon healing remains a challenge because of our limited understanding of the tendon repair process. Therefore, we performed the present study to provide a global perspective of the gene expression profiles of tendons after injury and identify the molecular signals driving the tendon repair process.
Results: The gene expression profiles of flexor digitorum profundus tendons in a chicken model were assayed on day 3, weeks 1, 2, 4, and 6 after injury using the Affymetrix microarray system. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis of the differentially expressed genes showed three distinct clusters corresponding to different phases of the tendon healing period. Gene ontology (GO) analysis identified regulation of cell proliferation and cell adhesion as the most enriched biological processes. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis revealed that the cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction and extracellular matrix (ECM)–receptor interaction pathways were the most impacted. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) demonstrated four distinct patterns of gene expressions during tendon healing. Cell adhesion and ECM activities were mainly associated with genes with drastic increase in expression 6 weeks after injury. The protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed to identify the key signaling pathways and hub genes involved.
Conclusions: The comprehensive analysis of the biological functions and interactions of the genes differentially expressed during tendon healing provides a valuable resource to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying tendon healing and to predict regulatory targets for the genetic engineering of tendon repair.
Tendon healing, Adhesion, Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis, Protein–protein Interaction
LncRNA LINC01503 aggravates the progression of cervical cancer through sponging miR-342-3p to mediate FXYD3 expression
Authors: Peng Xing , Gao Jinyu , Cai Chunyan , Zhang Yumei 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Cervical cancer (CC), an aggressive malignancy, has a high risk of relapse and death, mainly occurring in females. Accumulating investigations have confirmed the critical role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in diverse cancers. LncRNA LINC01503 has been reported as an oncogene in several cancers. Nonetheless, its role and molecular mechanism in CC have not been explored. In the present study, we found that FXYD3 expression was considerably up-regulated in CC tissues and cells. Moreover, FXYD3 deficiency conspicuously hampered cell proliferation and migration while facilitated cell apoptosis in CC cells. Subsequently, molecular mechanism experiments implied that FXYD3 was a downstream target gene of miR-342-3p, and FXYD3 expression was reversely mediated by miR-342-3p. Moreover, we discovered that LINC01503 acted as the endogenous sponge for miR-342-3p. Besides, LINC01503 negatively regulated miR-342-3p expression and positively regulated FXYD3 expression in CC. Rescue assays revealed that LINC01503 depletion-induced repression on CC progression could be partly recovered by miR-342-3p inhibition, and then the co-transfection of sh-FXYD3#1 rescued this effect. Conclusively, LINC01503 aggravated CC progression through sponging miR-342-3p to mediate FXYD3 expression, providing promising therapeutic targets for CC patients.
Molecular mechanism of targeted inhibition of HMGA2 via miRNAlet-7a in proliferation and metastasis of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Ma Li-Juan , Wu Jun , Zhou En , Yin Juan , Xiao Xu-Ping 
Published: May 2020

AbstractMiRNAlet-7a is associated with the tumorigenesis of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). Our study was designed to infer whether let-7a targets high-mobility AT-hook 2 (HMGA2) and suppresses laryngeal carcinoma cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. The expression levels of let-7a and HMGA2 were measured in 30 LSCC clinical specimens by qRT-PCR and their correlation was analyzed. Cell model and mice xenograft model with or without let-7a overexpression were constructed to evaluate the effects of let-7a on LSCC. Moreover, luciferase assay was performed to reveal the interaction between let-7a and HMGA2, which was further verified in xenograft. Let-7a was significantly down-regulated and HMGA2 was up-regulated in LSCC tissues compared with normal tissues (P&lt;0.05), both of which were significantly correlated with TNM stage and lymph node metastases of LSCC patients (P&lt;0.05). We also observed a negative correlation between let-7a and HMGA2 expression in LSCC samples (r = −0.642, P&lt;0.05). In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that let-7a overexpression could inhibit cell proliferation and tumor growth of LSCC and simultaneously down-regulate the expression of HMGA2. Moreover, the regulation of HMGA2 by let-7a was also proved by luciferase assay. Our results revealed that let-7a promotes development and progression of LSCC through inhibiting the expression of HMGA2. Therefore, let-7a may thus be a potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for treating LSCC.
IL-33 induces type-2-cytokine phenotype but exacerbates cardiac remodeling post-myocardial infarction with eosinophil recruitment, worsened systolic dysfunction, and ventricular wall rupture
Authors: Ghali Rana , Habeichi Nada J. , Kaplan Abdullah , Tannous Cynthia , Abidi Emna , Bekdash Amira , Farhat Rima , Itani Hana , Jurjus Abdo , Booz George W. , Mallat Ziad , Zouein Fouad A. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractMyocardial infarction (MI) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Interleukin (IL)-33 (IL-33) is a cytokine present in most cardiac cells and is secreted on necrosis where it acts as a functional ligand for the ST2 receptor. Although IL-33/ST2 axis is protective against various forms of cardiovascular diseases, some studies suggest potential detrimental roles for IL-33 signaling. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of IL-33 administration on cardiac function post-MI in mice. MI was induced by coronary artery ligation. Mice were treated with IL-33 (1 μg/day) or vehicle for 4 and 7 days. Functional and molecular changes of the left ventricle (LV) were assessed. Single cell suspensions were obtained from bone marrow, heart, spleen, and peripheral blood to assess the immune cells using flow cytometry at 1, 3, and 7 days post-MI in IL-33 or vehicle-treated animals. The results of the present study suggest that IL-33 is effective in activating a type 2 cytokine milieu in the damaged heart, consistent with reduced early inflammatory and pro-fibrotic response. However, IL-33 administration was associated with worsened cardiac function and adverse cardiac remodeling in the MI mouse model. IL-33 administration increased infarct size, LV hypertrophy, cardiomyocyte death, and overall mortality rate due to cardiac rupture. Moreover, IL-33-treated MI mice displayed a significant myocardial eosinophil infiltration at 7 days post-MI when compared with vehicle-treated MI mice. The present study reveals that although IL-33 administration is associated with a reparative phenotype following MI, it worsens cardiac remodeling and promotes heart failure.
Acoustic Measures of Prosody in Right-Hemisphere Damage: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Weed Ethan , Fusaroli Riccardo 
Published: May 2020

PurposeThe aim of the study was to use systematic review and meta-analysis to quantitatively assess the currently available acoustic evidence for prosodic production impairments as a result of right-hemisphere damage (RHD), as well as to develop methodological recommendations for future studies.MethodWe systematically reviewed papers reporting acoustic features of prosodic production in RHD in order to identify shortcomings in the literature and make recommendations for future studies. We estimated the meta-analytic effect size of the acoustic features. We extracted standardized mean differences from 16 papers and estimated aggregated effect sizes using hierarchical Bayesian regression models.ResultsRHD did present reduced fundamental frequency variation, but the trait was shared with left-hemisphere damage. RHD also presented evidence for increased pause duration. No meta-analytic evidence for an effect of prosody type (emotional vs. linguistic) was found.ConclusionsTaken together, the currently available acoustic data show only a weak specific effect of RHD on prosody production. However, the results are not definitive, as more reliable analyses are hindered by small sample sizes, lack of detail on lesion location, and divergent measuring techniques. We propose recommendations to overcome these issues: Cumulative science practices (e.g., open data and code sharing), more nuanced speech signal processing techniques, and the integration of acoustic measures and perceptual judgments are recommended to more effectively investigate prosody in RHD.
Speech Intervention Effects for Childhood Apraxia of Speech: Quality Appraisal of Systematic Reviews
Authors: Springle Alisha P. , Breeden Amber , Raymer Anastasia M. 
Published: May 2020

Purpose
A number of justification have examined the effects of speech interventions on outcomes in childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). The findings have been summarized in the form of systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses, which are used to support evidence-based clinical practice decisions. Yet without acceptable rigor, SRs/meta-analyses may be biased in their recommendations. We appraised the quality of existing SRs for CAS treatment using a tool developed within epidemiology, the AMSTAR-2 (A MeaSurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews).

Method
A search of five databases to identify published SRs that coalesced treatment research for CAS revealed six systematic reviews that met inclusion criteria. Two examiners coded each article with the AMSTAR-2 to rate the methodologic rigor of the SRs and extracted summary data.

Results
One rigorous systematic review included only one randomized controlled trial. A second moderately rigorous review examined multiple single participant research designs. The weight of high-quality evidence supported the positive effects of motor programming treatments for children with CAS.

Conclusions
Findings of six systematic reviews, two of which were conducted with relative rigor, suggest that motor programming treatments have the best evidence base for treatment decisions pertaining to CAS. Clinicians are referred to online resources to implement these treatments according to published protocols.
Perioperative Arzneimittelinteraktionen – was der Anästhesist wissen sollte
Authors: Selpien Helene , Unterberg Matthias 
Published: May 2020

ZusammenfassungArzneimittelinteraktionen bedingen hohe Zahlen von Krankenhausaufnahmen und Todesfällen, insbesondere bei polypharmazeutisch behandelten Patienten. Pharmakologische Visiten wie auch EDV-basierte Interaktionssuchprogramme adressieren dieses Problem und verbessern die Behandlungsqualität. Die perioperative Phase wie auch die Narkose sind Risikointervalle, da hier binnen kurzer Zeiträume eine hohe Zahl an Arzneimitteln verabreicht wird. Dies stellt hohe Anforderungen an klinisch tätige Anästhesisten. Ein detailliertes Wissen um Interaktionen ist unabdingbar, um die Kernaufgabe der Anästhesie, die Patientensicherheit peri- und intraoperativ, zu gewährleisten. Während die moderne Anästhesie auf der einen Seite Medikamenteninteraktionen im Rahmen der „balancierten Anästhesie“ nutzt, ist die Kenntnis möglicher unerwünschter Interaktionen, die als direkte chemische Interaktion, aber auch auf pharmakokinetischer oder pharmakodynamischer Ebene auftreten können, erforderlich. Pharmakologische Einflüsse auf die QT-Zeit mit nachfolgenden Risiken sind ebenso relevant wie beispielsweise die medikamentöse Induktion eines Serotoninsyndroms. Eine detaillierte Kenntnis des Metabolismus eingesetzter Pharmaka sowie der Medikamente aus der Dauermedikation beinhaltet die Kenntnis über Stoffwechselwege der Elimination wie das p-Glykoprotein oder Enzyme der Cytochrom-P450-Familie.
Lipoproteinapherese
Authors: Schettler Volker J. J. 
Published: May 2020

ZUSAMMENFASSUNGDie Indikation zur Lipoproteinapheresetherapie bleibt auch unter Berücksichtigung neuer lipidsenkender Medikamente und Leitlinien in der Behandlung von Dyslipidämien unverändert bestehen. Diese lipidsenkende Therapieform führt nicht nur zur Absenkung von LDL-C und Lp(a), sondern wirkt zusätzlich antiinflammatorisch, antiatherogen und antithrombogen.
Immunadsorption
Authors: Reshetnik Alexander , Tölle Markus 
Published: May 2020

ZUSAMMENFASSUNGDie aktuell zur Verfügung stehenden Aphereseformen sind wirksame und komplementäre Therapieoptionen u. a. für die Behandlung unterschiedlicher Autoimmunerkrankungen. Neben dem therapeutischen Plasmaaustausch (TPA) stellt die Immunadsorption (IA) einen wichtigen Fortschritt unserer Behandlungsmöglichkeiten dar. In vielen Bereichen der Medizin, insbesondere in der Nephrologie und Neurologie, konnten autoimmunologische Mechanismen als Auslöser zahlreicher Erkrankungen identifiziert werden. Bei vielen dieser Krankheitsbilder stellt die therapeutische Apherese (TA) eine wertvolle Therapieoption dar, insbesondere bei ausgeprägter klinischer Symptomatik oder bei therapieresistenten Verläufen. Die IA stellt inzwischen eine gute Alternative zum TPA bei einigen Indikationen dar. Als Vorteile der IA sind die potenziell selektivere Entfernung des Ziel-Immunglobulins und die Möglichkeit des höheren Plasmavolumenumsatzes zu nennen. Hierbei kann auf die Gabe von Plasma und Plasmaderivaten verzichtet werden. Als Nachteile sind meist der höhere technischer Aufwand in der Durchführung und höhere Kosten des Verfahrens zu nennen. Aktuell ist die Studienlage speziell zur IA sehr klein. Wünschenswert sind mehr klinischen Studien zur Anwendung der IA, bevor das Verfahren breite Anwendung findet.
Uveitis-Masquerade-Syndrome: Leitsymptome und Krankheitsbilder
Authors: Biewald Eva , Rating Philipp , Bechrakis Nikolaos E. , Lommatzsch Albrecht Peter 
Published: May 2020

ZusammenfassungAls Uveitis-Masquerade-Syndrom (UMS) werden eine Reihe von malignen oder benignen Erkrankungen bezeichnet, die entzündliche Zustände nachahmen, ohne dabei zur Gruppe der Uveitiden zu gehören. Die korrekte Diagnosestellung lässt sich oftmals trotz ausführlicher ophthalmologischer und allgemeiner Anamnese mit Ausschöpfung aller bildgebenden Modalitäten, klinischen Untersuchungsverfahren und interdisziplinärer Zusammenarbeit nur schwer erarbeiten. Bei rezidivierenden Entzündungen sollte zwingend an ein UMS gedacht werden, da jede Verzögerung des Nachweises der zugrunde liegenden Erkrankung und des Einleitens einer adäquaten Therapie mit dem Risiko einer systemischen Ausbreitung und konsekutiven Verschlechterung der Prognose einhergehen kann. Oftmals bleibt daher im Verlauf nach Ausschöpfung aller konservativen Möglichkeiten nur die Diagnosesicherung über eine intraokulare Biopsie. Die vorliegende Arbeit beschäftigt sich schwerpunktmäßig mit den Leitsymptomen, Differenzialdiagnosen und Krankheitsbildern des UMS.
Analyse von Einflussfaktoren auf die Eignung von kornealem Spendergewebe in der LIONS Hornhautbank Saar-Lor-Lux, Trier/Westpfalz von 2006 bis 2016
Authors: Kramp Kristina , Suffo Shady , Laun Daniel , Bischoff-Jung Mona , Huber Manuela , Langenbucher Achim , Seitz Berthold 
Published: May 2020

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund und Ziel der Studie Vor dem Hintergrund des Missverhältnisses zwischen Hornhautverfügbarkeit und -bedarf war das Ziel der Studie, signifikante Einflussfaktoren auf die Eignung sowie die Verwerfungsgründe von kornealem Spendergewebe zu eruieren und damit die Rate verworfener Hornhäute langfristig zu reduzieren.
Patienten und Methoden 4140 Hornhäute von 2083 Spendern wurden zwischen 2006 und 2016 analysiert. Die untersuchten Einflussgrößen umfassten das Alter, das Geschlecht und die medizinische Vorgeschichte der Spender und Prozessierungsfaktoren wie die Post-mortem-Zeit. Die Daten wurden in eine Microsoft-Access-Datenbank übertragen und mittels logistischer Regressionsanalysen mit SPSS 20.0 statistisch ausgewertet. In einem multiplen Regressionsmodell wurden 6 Einflussfaktoren auf die Eignung des Spendergewebes analysiert. Alle Hornhäute, die nicht für eine elektive Keratoplastik infrage kamen, galten hierbei als ungeeignet.
Ergebnisse Ein hohes Spenderalter > 80 Jahre erwies sich im Vergleich zur Referenzgruppe der Spender < 40 Jahre als signifikant negative Einflussgröße auf die Eignung der Hornhaut (p = 0,001). Auch eine vorangegangene Kataraktoperation minderte signifikant die Eignung (p < 0,001). Männliche Hornhäute waren signifikant weniger geeignet als weibliche Hornhäute (p = 0,028). Ein Hypertonus in der Spendervorgeschichte (p = 0,612), eine vorangegangene Chemotherapie (p = 0,745) oder ein Diabetes mellitus (p = 0,321) zeigten keinen Einfluss auf die Eignung. Sepsis (p = 0,026) und Multiorganversagen (MOV; p < 0,001) als Todesursachen des Spenders resultierten in signifikant höheren Verwerfungsraten aufgrund von Kontamination des Kulturmediums. Hornhäute, bei denen die Blutentnahme mehr als 12 h seit Versterben des Spenders zurücklag, mussten signifikant häufiger wegen einer positiven Spenderserologie verworfen werden (p < 0,001).
Schlussfolgerungen Faktoren wie eine vorangegangene Kataraktoperation und ein hohes Spenderalter verringerten die Eignung des Spendergewebes. Ein Diabetes, ein Hypertonus und eine Chemotherapie in der Spendervorgeschichte zeigten keinen statistisch signifikanten Einfluss auf die Eignung. Todesursachen wie Sepsis und Multiorganversagen erhöhten die Kontaminationsrate des Kulturmediums. Eine postmortale Blutentnahme nach mehr als 12 h geht mit einem erhöhten Risiko für ein positives Serologieergebnis einher.