bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Value of Cervical Node Features in Predicting Long-Term Survival of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma in Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy Era
Authors: Tian Yunming , Zeng Lei , Huang Runda , Lan Yuhong , Yuan Xia , Bai Li , Han Fei 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The prognostic value of cervical node features in nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC) patients treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) was controversial. In this study, about 1752 patients after IMRT from 2008 to 2011 were recruited. The nodal features including the nodal number, maximize dimension diameter, extranodal extension(ENE)and cervical node necrosis(CNN) were retrospective analyzed. Univariate Cox and multivariate proportional hazard regression models were used to test the prognostic value of nodal features. Prognostic nomograms were built to predict the survival. The 10-year distant metastases free survival (DMFS) and disease-specific survival(DSS) rates were 86.5% and 80.8%. By multivariate analysis, the independent factors for the DSS were gender, age, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), CNN, ENE, T stage and N stage. Nomogram A (without nodal features ) and nomogram B (with nodal features) were built. The calibration curve for the probability of DSS showed good agreement between prediction by nomogram and actual observation.The C-index of nomogram B was higher than for nomogram A in predicting DSS ( 0.708 vs 0.676,P <.01). These results demonstrated the nodal features including the ENE and CNN were negative prognostic factors in patients with NPC, and the prognostic nomogram incorporating the nodal features was more accurate.
Development and Initial Validation of The Russian Version of The RAADS-14: A Self-Report Questionnaire to Assess Autistic Traits
Authors: Skorokhodov Ivan , Vergeles Ksenia , Skorokhodova Elena , Firsova Svetlana , Portnova Galina , Varlamov Anton 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The aim of our research was to construct and validate a Russian version of the RAADS-14 (the RAADS-14 Rus), a brief self-report questionnaire designed for assessment of autistic traits, to provide a reference point in developing autism self-assessment tools in Russian-speaking population. The data were collected for 1724 participants, including a general sample of non-psychiatric young adults (n=849) and adults with ASD (n=49). Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the RAADS-14 Rus has the same factor structure as the original Swedish version yielding acceptable fit indices. The discriminating properties, however, were substantially worse than in the original study (AUC = .92 vs .99); it stems from higher mean RAADS-14 scores for the Russian control sample vs the original controls (mean = 13.9 vs 3.9) confirming prior anecdotal evidences of greater mean scores yielded by international ASD assessment tools on Russian-speaking populations. The correlations between the RAADS-14 Rus domain scores and the Big Five factors were similar to previously obtained findings. The results of the study indicate that the RAADS-14 Rus can be used for assessment of autistic traits and, with some reservations, as an ASD screening tool for adult Russian-speaking population. Further research is necessary to develop more precise screening tools.
Novel Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques Reveal Changed Metabolic Profiles in Recurrent Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis&nbsp;
Authors: Müller-Deile Janina , Sarau George , Daniel Christoph , Jaremenko Christian , Kotb Ahmed M , Kalkhof Stefan , Rolle-Kampczyk Ulrike E , Christiansen Silke , Schiffer Mario 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Idiopathic forms of Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) are caused by circulating permeability factors, which can lead early recurrence of FSGS and kidney failure after kidney transplantation. In the past three decades, many research endeavors were undertaken to identify these unknown factors. Even though some potential candidates have been recently discussed in the literature, “the” actual factor remains elusive. Therefore, there is an increased demand in FSGS research for the use of novel technologies that allow us to study FSGS from a yet unexplored angle. Here, we report the successful treatment of recurrent FSGS in a patient after living related kidney transplantation by removal of circulating factors with CytoSorb apheresis. Interestingly, the classical published circulating factors were all in normal range in this patient but early disease recurrence in the transplant kidney and immediate response to CytoSorb apheresis were still suggestive for pathogenic circulating factors. To proof the functional effects of the patient’s serum on podocytes and the glomerular filtration barrier we used a podocyte cell culture model and a proteinuria model in zebrafish to detect pathogenic effects on the podocytes actin cytoskeleton inducing a functional phenotype. We then performed Raman spectroscopy in the <50 kD serum fraction, on cultured podocytes treated with the FSGS serum and in kidney biopsies of the same patient at the time of transplantation and at the time of disease recurrence. The analysis revealed changes in podocyte metabolom induced by the FSGS serum as well as in focal glomerular and parietal epithelial cell regions in the FSGS biopsy. Several altered Raman spectra were identified in the fractionated serum and metabolome analysis by mass spectrometry detected lipid profiles in the FSGS serum, which were supported by disturbances in the Raman spectra. Our novel innovative analysis reveals changed lipid metabolome profiles associated with idiopathic FSGS that might reflect a new subtype of the disease.
Laryngeal Carcinoma Experimental Model Suggests The Possibility Of Tumor Seeding To Gastrostomy Site
Authors: Uloza Virgilijus , Kuzminienė Alina , Palubinskienė Jolita , Balnytė Ingrida , Ulozienė Ingrida , Valančiūtė Angelija 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Some studies state that laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is associated with possible direct tumor cell seeding to percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) site. However, there is a lack of experimental proof that LSCC tumor tissue can adhere and grow in distant sites. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the growth pattern of LSCC implants on chicken embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) and evaluate possible associations between clinical course of the disease and behavior of experimentally implanted LSCC tumors. Our results show that implanted LSCC tissue survives on CAMs in 95% of cases while retaining essential morphologic characteristics and proliferative capacity of the original tumor. We identified the increased CAM vascularization, an infiltrative growth pattern of the implant and formation of distant isolated metastatic nodes on the CAMs. LSCC tumors with worse differentiation degree (G2 or G3) adhered to the experimental CAMs significantly better than G1. These results facilitate the understanding of tumor biology and allow presuming that dissemination and direct implantation of LSCC cells into the stomal wall during the pull PEG procedure might be possible.
A Novel Method for the Storage and Transport of Biological Samples of Mabs Prior to the Detection of Analytes Using ELISA
Authors: Wang Lei , Liu Lixiong , Hong Xiaoping , Liu Dongzhou , Cheng Zeneng 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have exhibited promising clinical applications in the diagnosis and treatment of some diseases. Prior to the detection of analytes using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, biological samples of mAbs are conventionally frozen at temperatures ranging from -20°C to -80°C to increase the stability of analytes. However, mAbs destabilization and aggregation may occur during the frozen storage or the freeze-thawing step. In this work, an effective method was proposed to freeze-dry mAbs samples to allow subsequent storage or transport of samples without freezing them. This new method was validated with quality control samples of adalimumab and etanercept, and it was also used in the bioanalysis of adalimumab and etanercept in pharmacokinetic (PK) studies. Adalimumab and etanercept were stable for 14 days at 4°C after being prepared and stored using the new method, with detection that was accurate and repeatable. Studies of adalimumab and etanercept in animals and humans showed that the PK parameters of the analytes stored with the new method were consistent with those of analytes stored using the conventional method. This effective method will be attractive for facilitating the storage and transport of plasma samples containing mAbs.
Differentiation of Mitragyna Speciosa, a Narcotic Plant, From Allied Mitragyna Species Using DNA&nbsp;Barcoding-high-resolution Melting (Bar-HRM) Analysis
Authors: Tungphatthong Chayapol , Urumarudappa Santhosh Kumar J , Awachai Supita , Sooksawate Thongchai , Sukrong Suchada 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Mitragyna speciosa (Korth.) Havil. [MS], or “kratom” in Thai, is the only narcotic species among the four species of Mitragyna in Thailand, which also include Mitragyna diversifolia (Wall. ex G. Don) Havil. [MD], Mitragyna hirsuta Havil. [MH], and Mitragyna rotundifolia (Roxb.) O. Kuntze [MR]. M. speciosa is a tropical tree belonging to the Rubiaceae family and has been prohibited by law in Thailand. However, it has been extensively covered in national and international news, as its abuse has become more popular. M. speciosa is a narcotic plant and has been used as an opium substitute and traditionally used for the treatment of chronic pain and various illnesses. Due to morphological disparities in the genus, the identification of plants in various forms, including fresh leaves, dried leaf powder, and finished products, is difficult. In this study, DNA barcoding combined with high-resolution melting (Bar-HRM) analysis was performed to differentiate M. speciosa from allied Mitragyna and to assess the capability of Bar-HRM assays to identify M. speciosa in suspected kratom or M. speciosa-containing samples. Bar-HRM analysis of PCR amplicons was based on the ITS2, rbcL, trnH-psbA, and matK DNA barcode regions. The melting profiles of ITS2 amplicons were clearly distinct, which enabled the authentication and differentiation of Mitragyna species from allied species. This study reveals that DNA barcoding coupled with HRM is an efficient tool with which to identify M. speciosa and M. speciosa-containing samples and ensure the safety and quality of traditional Thai herbal medicines.
The σ54 System Directly Regulates Bacterial Natural Product Genes
Authors: Ma Muqing , Welch Roy , Garza Anthony 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Bacterial-derived polyketide and non-ribosomal peptide natural products are crucial sources of therapeutic agents and yet little is known about the conditions that favor activation of natural product genes or the regulatory machinery that controls their transcription. Recent findings suggest that the σ54 system, which includes σ54-loaded RNA polymerase and transcriptional activators called enhancer binding proteins (EBPs), might be a common regulator of natural product genes. Here, we explore this idea by analyzing four putative σ54 promoters identified in the sequences of Myxococcus xanthus natural product gene clusters. We show that mutations in the putative σ54-RNA polymerase binding regions reduce in vivo promoter activities during growth and development. We also show that the EBP Nla28 is important for the in vivo activities of three natural product promoters, that Nla28 binds to wild-type fragments of these promoters in vitro, and that in vitro binding is lost when the putative Nla28 binding sites are mutated. These results indicate that the natural product promoters are bona fide σ54 promoter elements and three are direct targets of Nla28. Interestingly, the vast majority of experimentally confirmed and putative σ54 promoters in M. xanthus natural product clusters are located within genes and not in intergenic sequences.
Characterization of the Human TARDBP&nbsp;Gene Promoter
Authors: Baralle Marco , Romano Maurizio 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The expression of TDP-43, the main component of neuronal intracellular inclusions across a broad spectrum of ALS and FTD disorders, is developmentally regulated and studies in vivo have shown that TDP-43 overexpression can be toxic, even before observation of pathological aggregates. Starting from these observations, the regulation of its expression at transcriptional level might represent a further key element for the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, we have characterized the human TARDBP promoter, in order to study the transcriptional mechanisms of expression. Mapping of cis-acting elements by luciferase assays in different cells outlined that the activity of the promoter seems to be higher in cell lines of neuronal origin. We have identified the first 400 nucleotides upstream from the transcription start site as the minimal region with a significant transcription activity. In addition, we tested the effects of two SNPs found in the the promoter region of ALS patients and observed no significant effect on transcription levels. Then, TDP-43 overexpression did not affect significantly the activity of its promoter, suggesting that TDP-43 does not influence its own transcription. Finally, the presence of the 5'UTR sequence and of intron-1 splicing seem to impact positively on TDP-43 expression at transcriptional level.
Sensory Integration Abilities for Balance in Glaucoma, A Preliminary Study
Authors: O'Connell Caitlin , Redfern Mark , Chan Kevin , Wollstein Gadi , Conner Ian , Cham Rakie 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The goal of this study was to quantify the association between sensory integration abilities relevant for standing balance and disease stage in glaucoma. Disease stage was assessed using both functional (visual field deficit) and structural (retinal nerve fiber layer thickness) deficits in the better and worse eye. Balance was assessed using an adapted version of the well-established Sensory Organization Test (SOT). Eleven subjects diagnosed with mild to moderate glaucoma stood for 3 minutes in 6 sensory challenging postural conditions. Balance was assessed using sway magnitude and sway speed computed based on center-of-pressure data. Mixed linear regression analyses were used to investigate the associations between glaucoma severity and balance measures. Findings revealed that visual field deficits severity in the better eye was associated with increased standing sway speed. This finding was confirmed in eyes open and closed conditions. Balance was not affected by the extent of the visual field deficit in the worse eye. Similarly, structural damage in either eye was not associated with the balance measures. In summary, this study found that postural control performance was associated with visual field deficit severity. The fact that this was found during eyes closed as well suggests that reduced postural control in glaucoma is not entirely attributed to impaired peripheral visual inputs. A larger study is needed to further investigate potential interactions between visual changes and central processing changes contributing to reduced balance function and increased incidence of falls in adults with glaucoma.
Direct and Rapid Measurement of Hydrogen Peroxide in Human Blood Using a Microfluidic Device
Authors: Gaikwad Ravindra , Thangaraj Paul , Sen Ashis 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in human blood is of great relevance as it has emerged as an important signalling molecule in a variety of disease states. Fast and reliable measurement of H2O2 levels in the blood, however, continues to remain a challenge. Herein we report an automated method employing a microfluidic device for direct and rapid measurement of H2O2 in human blood based on laser-induced fluorescence measurement. Our study delineates the critical factors that affect measurement accuracy – we found blood cells and soluble proteins significantly alter the native H2O2 levels in the time interval between sample withdrawal and detection. We show that separation of blood cells and subsequent dilution of the plasma with a buffer at a ratio of 1:6 inhibits the above effect, leading to reliable measurements. We demonstrate rapid measurement of in plasma in the concentration range of 0 – 49 µM, offering a limit of detection of 0.05 µM, a sensitivity of 0.60 µM-1, and detection time of 15 min; the device is amenable to the real-time measurement of H2O2 in the patient’s blood. Using the linear correlation obtained with known quantities of H2O2, the endogenous H2O2 concentration in the blood of healthy individuals is found to be in the range 2 – 6 µM. The availability of this device at the point of care will have relevance in understanding the role of H2O2 in health and disease.
Elucidation of the Core Betalain Biosynthesis Pathway in Amaranthus tricolor
Authors: Chang Yu-Cheng , Chiu Yi-Ching , Tsao Nai-Wen , Chou Yuan-Lin , Tan Choon-Meng , Chiang Yi-Hsuan , Liao Pei-Chi , Lee Ya-Chien , Hsieh Li-Ching , Wang Sheng-Yang , Yang Jun-Yi 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Amaranthus tricolor L., a vegetable Amaranthus species, is an economically important crop containing large amounts of betalains. Betalains are natural antioxidants and can be classified into betacyanins and betaxanthins, with red and yellow colors, respectively. A. tricolor cultivars with varying betalain contents, leading to striking red to green coloration, have been commercially produced. However, the molecular differences underlying betalain biosynthesis in various cultivars of A. tricolor remain largely unknown. In this study, A. tricolor cultivars with different colors were chosen for comparative transcriptome analysis. The elevated expression of AmCYP76AD1 in a red-leaf cultivar of A. tricolor was proposed to play a key role in producing red betalain pigments. The functions of AmCYP76AD1, AmDODAa1, AmDODAa2, and AmcDOPA5GT were also characterized through the heterologous engineering of betalain pigments in Nicotiana benthamiana. Moreover, high and low L-DOPA 4,5-dioxygenase activities of AmDODAa1 and AmDODAa2, respectively, were confirmed through in vitro enzymatic assays. Thus, comparative transcriptome analysis combined with functional and enzymatic studies allowed the construction of a core betalain biosynthesis pathway of A. tricolor. These results not only provide novel insights into betalain biosynthesis and evolution in A. tricolor but also provide a basal framework for examining genes related to betalain biosynthesis among different species of Amaranthaceae.Accession numbers: The nucleotide sequences reported in this article have been submitted to [GenBank] under accession numbers [MT740230, MT741954, MT741955, MT741956].
Biosafety and Efficacy Evaluation of a Biodegradable Magnesium based Drug-eluting Stent in Porcine Coronary Artery
Authors: Zhu Jinzhou , Zhang Xiyuan , Niu Jialin , Shi Yongjuan , Zhu Zhengbin , Dai Daopeng , Chen Chenxin , Pei Jia , Yuan Guangyin , Zhang Ruiyan 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Although drug-eluting stent (DES) has become the standard for percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) based revascularization, stent thrombosis has emerged as a major cause of death and morbidity for those clinical commonly used permanent stents. Drug-eluting bioresorbable stent (BRS) was thus developed as an alternative to DES, which can be completely absorbed after its therapeutic period. Among them, magnesium (Mg) based BRS has attracted great attention due to its suitable mechanical properties, innovative chemical features and well-proven biocompatibility. In the present work, a Mg–Nd–Zn-Zr (JDBM) based drug-eluting BRS loaded with rapamycin was prepared, and its biosafety and efficacy for coronary artery stenosis were evaluated via in vitro and in vivo experiments. The smooth muscle cells adhesion of PDLLA/RAPA coated alloy and the rapamycin pharmacokinetics of JDBM BRS were first assessed in vitro. JDBM BRS and commercial DES Firehawk were then implanted in the coronary arteries of a porcine model. Neointimal hyperplasia was evaluated at 30, 90, and 180 days, and re-endothelialization was evaluated at 30 days. Furthermore, Micro-CT and optical coherence tomography (OCT) analysis were performed to evaluate the technical feasibility and biocompatibility of JDBM alloy based drug-eluting BRS in vivo. The results showed the inhibition ability of PDLLA/RAPA coated JDBM to smooth muscle cells adhesion and moderate drug release rate of JDBM BRS, demonstrating good anti-restenosis ability in vitro. In vivo, low local and systemic risks of JDBM alloy based BRS was demonstrated in the porcine model. We also showed that this novel BRS was associated with a comparable efficacy profile and high anti-restenosis performance. These findings may confer long term advantages for the use of this BRS over a traditional DES.
Neonatal intestinal volvulus. Review of our experience over the last 20 years
Authors: Maya-Enero Silvia , Prat-Ortells Jordi , Martín-Solé Oriol , Haro-Jorge Irene De , Pertierra-Cortada Àfrica , Iriondo-Sanz Martín 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: There are two types of volvulus: midgut (MGV) and segmental (SV). Patients with different types of volvulus are often included in the same case series, which may affect the perception of how severe "intestinal volvuli" are. We aimed to create a predictive model of death and intestinal failure (IF) in neonatal intestinal volvulus.Methods: Retrospective cohort study including all patients with MGV and SV up to 60 days of life admitted to a tertiary hospital in Spain over a 20-year-period (1999-2019). A comparison between groups and a logistic regression model for mortality and IF were done.Results: We identified 39 patients: 28 MGV and 11 SV. Prenatal diagnosis, intestinal atresia, meconial conditions, cystic fibrosis, and intestinal resection were significantly more frequent in SV. Need of inotropic durgs, birth weight (BW) 1500-2499g, BW 1000-1499g and <1000g increased the risk of death. SV and gestational age <37 weeks increased the risk of IF or dying.Conclusions: SV and MGV are different entities. Low BW and need for inotropic drugs are risk factors for death. Surgical examination should be performed to rule out volvulus in neonates presenting with such risk factors. Prematurity and SV are risk factors for IF.