bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of subclinical diabetic cardiomyopathy by speckle‐tracking imaging
Authors: Minciună Ioan‐Alexandru , Hilda Orășan Olga , Minciună Iulia , Lazar Andrada‐Luciana , Sitar‐Tăut Adela Viviana , Oltean Monica , Tomoaia Raluca , Puiu Mihai , Sitar‐Tăut Dan‐Andrei , Pop Dana , Cozma Angela 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundDiastolic dysfunction is traditionally believed to be the first subclinical manifestation of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), leading to systolic dysfunction and then overt heart failure. However, in the last few years, several studies suggested that systolic subclinical dysfunction measured by speckle‐tracking echocardiography (STE) may appear ahead of diastolic dysfunction. In this review, the main endpoint is to show whether subclinical myocardial systolic dysfunction appears ahead of diastolic dysfunction and the implication this may have on the evolution and management of DCM.Materials and methodsWe performed a search in PubMed for all relevant publications on the assessment of DCM by STE from 1 June 2015 to 1 June 2020.Results and ConclusionsThe results illustrate that subclinical systolic dysfunction assessed by STE is present in early DCM stages, with or without the association of diastolic dysfunction. This could be a promising perspective for the early management of patients with DCM leading to the prevention of the overt form of disease.
Prognostic value of natural killer cell/T cell ratios for disease activity in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Mimpen Max , Muris Anne‐Hilde , Rolf Linda , Gerlach Oliver , Kuhle Jens , Hupperts Raymond , Smolders Joost , Damoiseaux Jan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackground and purposeNatural killer (NK) cells may play a role in multiple sclerosis (MS). Ratios of NK cells to CD4+T cells have been proposed as a biomarker for the therapeutic effect of stem cell transplantation in MS. The objectives here were to explore the relevance of this ratio in MS patients by analysing NK and T cell subsets, as well as their prognostic value for disease activity.MethodsBaseline peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 50 relapsing–remitting MS patients, participating in our vitamin D supplementation study (SOLARIUM), were analysed with flow cytometry. Disease activity was measured as new magnetic resonance imaging lesions, relapses and mean plasma neurofilament light chain levels after 48 weeks of follow‐up.ResultsThe proportion of NK cells correlated negatively with CD4+T cells (R = −0.335,p = 0.001) and interleukin 17A (IL‐17A+) CD4+T cells (R = −0.203,p = 0.043). Participants with magnetic resonance imaging activity or relapses displayed lower NK/IL‐17A+ CD4+T cell ratios (p =0.025 andp = 0.006, respectively). The NK/IL‐17A+ CD4+T cell ratio correlated negatively with neurofilament light chain levels (R = −0.320,p = 0.050). Vitamin D supplementation did not affect these ratios.ConclusionsOur data suggest a protective role of an expanded NK cell compartment compared to the CD4+T cell subset fractions in relapsing–remitting MS patients. NK/CD4+T cell ratios may be a prognostic biomarker for disease activity in MS.
Successful vitrification of manually punctured equine embryos
Authors: Wilsher Sandra , Rigali Florencia , Kovacsy Sofia , Allen WR (Twink) 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundSuccessful vitrification of equine expanded blastocysts requires collapse of the blastocoele cavity using a micromanipulator‐mounted biopsy pipette on an inverted microscope. Such equipment is expensive and requires user skill.ObjectivesTo develop a manual method of blastocoele collapse prior to vitrification using commercial products.Study designIn vivo experiment.MethodsSeventy‐nine Day 7 or 8 embryos were measured and graded. Twenty were vitrified following micromanipulator‐assisted puncture and aspiration before being used to validate commercial human vitrification and warming kits containing, respectively, 2‐step concentrations of DMSO and ethylene glycol (7.5%–15% v:v) and decreasing concentrations of sucrose. After warming, embryos were transferred to recipient mares. Once validated, the commercial kits were used to vitrify and warm a further 39 embryos which were punctured manually using a microneedle, 2 (5%) were damaged during puncture and excluded; 20 more embryos were vitrified without puncture. Embryos were grouped as follows: non‐punctured ≤ 300µm (n = 10) and >300 to ≤560 µm (n = 10), punctured small (>300 to ≤560 µm; n = 17) and large (>560 µm; n = 10) and exposed to the equilibration solution (ES) in the kit for 6min. An additional group of punctured large embryos was exposed to ES for 8min (n = 10). For the initial warming step, embryos were exposed for 1min to the thawing solution at 42°C, before being moved to a dilution solution at room temperature.ResultsVitrified, manually punctured embryos ≤560 µm exposed to ES for 6min resulted in a pregnancy rate of 82% (14/17). Unpunctured embryos ≤300 µm gave an 80% (8/10) pregnancy rate. Larger unpunctured embryos, punctured embryos >560 µm and embryos exposed to ES for 8min gave significantly reduced pregnancy rates.Main limitationsLimited group sizes.ConclusionHigh pregnancy rates can be achieved by manually puncturing ≤560 µm equine embryos prior to their vitrification and subsequent warming in commercial media.
Biology and conservation of the European stag beetle: recent advances and lessons learned
Authors: Méndez Marcos , Thomaes Arno 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Reliable information for the conservation of many insects is lacking due to a poor knowledge of their ecology. Here, we review the biological knowledge about the European stag beetle (Lucanus cervus), in which recent advances are improving the basis for successful conservation.
A review of the biological and ecological literature about this species identified an exponential increase in both total and peer‐reviewed articles after Natura 2000 regulations.
Recent progress in the last two decades has been made in solving taxonomic problems, as well as in habitat description through radiotelemetry and habitat models. Dependence on large old‐growth forest has given place to a more complex picture of habitat use along the distribution range of this species. Monitoring protocols have been developed that will allow to assess conservation status and actual decline.
Stag beetle conservation would benefit from a better understanding of larval demography, quantification of microhabitat requirements, landscape genetics and quantification of historical and current threats.
Lessons learned include the need to solve taxonomic problems and to target methodological bottlenecks. The stag beetle is one of the few European saproxylic organisms that can engage the broad public through outreach activities and therefore its role as an umbrella species should be promoted.
Flavor lexicon development (in English and Chinese) and descriptive analysis of Sichuan pepper
Authors: Yang Gongshun , Chambers Edgar , Wang Hongwei 
Published: December 2020

AbstractA lexicon in English and Chinese was developed to describe the aroma and flavor profiles of sensory characteristics of Zanthoxylum bungeanum, also known as Sichuan pepper 花椒 or Chinese prickly ash. A trained, experienced descriptive analysis panel was used to determine the flavor characteristics for Sichuan Pepper. A total of 32 sensory attributes were detected, which included 15 attributes for aroma and 17 attributes for flavor. The aroma profile included peppery, green, citrus, pungent, fennel anise, brothy, floral/perfumy, piney, fruity, sweet aromatics, petroleum‐like, chive, earthy, brown, and menthol. The flavor profile included peppery, green, citrus, pungent, minty, floral, piney, fruity, petroleum‐like, earthy, cardboard, green‐viney, umami, bitter, astringent, tingle, and numbing. The lexicon was validated and demonstrated through 16 different Sichuan pepper samples, including subspecies, locations, and brands. Green Sichuan peppers were more highly flavored and more similar to each other than red peppers suggesting that older plants producing red peppers produce milder and slightly more differentiated samples.Practical ApplicationsSichuan pepper is a major flavor ingredient in some types of Asian cooking. A lexicon is needed to identify the effects of different subspecies and processing technologies for Sichuan pepper in order to understand differences in aroma and flavor among these “peppers.” The developed lexicon has been shown to differentiate among commercial samples.
Tissue‐specific transcription patterns support the kinship theory of intragenomic conflict in honey bees (Apis mellifera)
Authors: Galbraith David A. , Ma Rong , Grozinger Christina M. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractKin selection may act differently on genes inherited from parents (matrigenes and patrigenes), resulting in intragenomic conflict. This conflict can be observed as differential expression of matrigenes and patrigenes, or parent‐specific gene expression (PSGE). In honey bees (Apis mellifera), intragenomic conflict is hypothesized to occur in multiple social contexts. Previously, we found that patrigene‐biased expression in reproductive tissues was associated with increased reproductive potential in worker honey bees, consistent with the prediction that patrigenes are selected to promote selfish behaviour in this context. Here, we examined brain gene expression patterns to determine if PSGE is also found in other tissues. As before, the number of transcripts showing patrigene expression bias was significantly greater in the brains of reproductive vs. sterile workers, while the number of matrigene‐biased transcripts was not significantly different. Twelve transcripts out of the 374 showing PSGE in either tissue showed PSGE in both brain and reproductive tissues; this overlap was significantly greater than expected by chance. However, the majority of transcripts show PSGE only in one tissue, suggesting the epigenetic mechanisms mediating PSGE exhibit plasticity between tissues. There was no significant overlap between transcripts that showed PSGE and transcripts that were significantly differentially expressed. Weighted gene correlation network analysis identified modules which were significantly enriched in both types of transcripts, suggesting that these genes may influence each other through gene networks. Our results provide further support for the kin selection theory of intragenomic conflict, and provide valuable insights into the mechanisms which may mediate this process.
The effect of overexpression of Lrp5 on orthodontic tooth movement
Authors: Holland Robert , Bain Carol , Alrasheed Rawan S. , Robling Alexander G. , Utreja Achint 
Published: December 2020

Structured AbstractObjectiveTo analyse the effect of gain‐of‐function mutations in the low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 5 (Lrp5) on orthodontic tooth movement (OTM).Setting and Sample PopulationA split‐mouth study design was utilized. Thirty‐two male Lrp5‐high bone mass (HBM) knock‐in mice including A214V and G171V mutants (n = 16/group) and sixteen C57BL/6 wild‐type (WT) mice were included in the study.Materials and MethodsA mouse model of OTM was used for mesial movement of the maxillary first molar using a closed‐coil nickel titanium (NiTi) spring attached between the molar and the incisors. After 21 days, the dissected maxillae were scanned for micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT) analyses and embedded in methyl methacrylate and paraffin for histological staining and imaging. Histological analyses included immunohistochemistry for sclerostin (Sost), tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining for osteoclasts and fluorescent imaging.ResultsOTM in the A214V and G171V groups was significantly less than the WT group. Bone volume (BV), per cent bone volume (BV/TV) and trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) were significantly increased in both A241V and G171V animals compared to the WT animals. On the compression side, decreased osteoclast activity was seen in both A214V and G171V groups compared to the WT group. Fluorescent labelling demonstrated that the pattern of bone deposition in the A214V animals was periosteal whereas the G171V animals added bone endocortically.ConclusionGain‐of‐function mutations of Lrp5 decrease orthodontic tooth movement by increasing alveolar bone mass and reducing osteoclast‐mediated bone resorption.
Human herpesvirus 6 reactivation in unmanipulated haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation predicts the occurrence of grade II to IV acute graft‐versus‐host disease
Authors: Han Ting‐Ting , Zhang Yi‐Ning , Sun Yu‐Qian , Kong Jun , Wang Feng‐Rong , Wang Zhi‐Dong , Cheng Yi‐Fei , Yan Chen‐Hua , Wang Yu , Xu Lan‐Ping , Zhang Xiao‐Hui , Liu Kai‐Yan , Huang Xiao‐Jun , Zhao Xiao‐Su 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundHuman herpesvirus 6 (HHV‐6) reactivation is relatively common after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT). However, the incidence of HHV‐6 reactivation and the clinical outcomes following unmanipulated haploidentical HSCT (haplo‐HSCT) remain unknown.MethodWe prospectively monitored blood HHV‐6 DNA using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction weekly until day 100 post unmanipulated haplo‐HSCT in patients with hematological malignancies.ResultsFrom November 2016 to March 2017, 102 patients (58 male and 44 female, median age 25(2‐58) years old) were enrolled. Within 100 days post‐transplantation, 27 patients (27/136, 19.9%) developed HHV‐6 viremia with a median onset time of 14 (7‐98) days. The cumulative incidence of HHV‐6 reactivation on day 100 post‐HSCT was 25.5 ± 4.3% in haplo‐HSCT. The median HHV‐6 copy number was 1.45 × 103 (5.48 × 102‐2.00 × 104) copies/ml. The HHV‐6 viremia duration time was 7 days in 23 patients, 14 days in one patient and 21 days in one patient. In multivariate analysis, prior HHV‐6 reactivation was an independent risk factor for grade 2‐4 graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD). But it did not influence the overall survival (OS)(HR 1.624, 95%CI 0.768‐3.432, P = .204), disease‐free survival (DFS) (HR 1.640, 95%CI 0.799‐3.367, P = .177) and non‐relapse mortality (NRM) (HR 1.644, 95%CI 0.670‐4.038, P = .278).ConclusionThe reactivation of HHV‐6 after unmanipulated haploidentical transplantation predicts the occurrence of grade 2‐4 a‐GVHD, but it may not influence the overall survival (OS), disease‐free survival (DFS) and non‐relapse mortality (NRM).
NOVEL COMPOSITE OF SILVER-BACTERIAL CELLULOSE (Ag-BC) FROM SIWALAN SAP (Borassus flabellifer) AND ITS ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY
Authors: Suntini Suntini , Indrianingsih Anastasia Wheni , Harjono Harjono 
Published: December 2020

Recently, a wound healing from natural composite with excellent properties is in a high demand. In this study, a novel composite of bacterial cellulose made from Siwalan sap (Borassus flabellifer) was achieved. Siwalan is a common plant in Java Island of Indonesia and the application is very limited for beverage only. This study aims to determine the effect of the AgNO3/NaBH4 concentration ratio in the development of Ag-BC composites and its antibacterial properties from Siwalan sap. Ag-BC composites were prepared by impregnating the silver solution into the BC matrix through the reduction process with NaBH4. Characterization of Ag-BC composites conducted using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX). Antibacterial assay was performed using disc diffusion method against Salmonella typhimurium (Gram-negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) bacteria. The characterization of Ag-BC composite shows the nanostructure of BC with a length of fiber around 35-60 nm in width. The SEM-EDX micrograph showed that silver particles were impregnated into the BC matrix. Antibacterial activity test results showed that the Ag-BC composite had the ability to inhibit the bacteria S. typhimurium and S. aureus with good inhibition. This result showed the potential application of Ag-BC composite from Siwalan plant as a natural material for medical and pharmaceutical purpose, especially as an antibacterial agent.
In vivo therapeutic effects of affinity-improved-TCR engineered T-cells on HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liu Qi , Tian Ye , Li Yanyan , Zhang Wei , Cai Wenxuan , Liu Yaju , Ren Yuefei , Liang Zhaoduan , Zhou Peipei , Zhang Yajing , Bao Yifeng , Li Yi 
Published: December 2020

BackgroundIn patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), virus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) fail to eliminate HCC cells expressing HBV antigens. As the expression of viral antigen in HBV-associated HCC may decrease to allow tumor to escape immune attacks, we hypothesized that an HBV surface antigen (HBsAg)-specific affinity-improved-T-cell receptor (TCR) will enable T cells to target HCC more effectively than corresponding wild-type-TCR. We also postulated that TCR promiscuity can be exploited to efficiently capture HBV variants that can hinder CTL-based therapeutics.MethodsWe applied flexi-panning to isolate affinity-improved TCRs binding to a variant antigen, the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A*02:01-restricted nonapeptide HBs371-379-ILSPFLPLL, from libraries constructed with a TCR cloned using the decapeptide HBs370-379-SIVSPFIPLL. The potency and safety of the affinity-improved-TCR engineered T-cells (Ai-TCR-T) were verified with potentially cross-reactive human and HBV-variant peptides, tumor and normal cells, and xenograft mouse models.ResultsAi-TCR-T cells retained cognate HBV antigen specificity and recognized a wide range of HBV genotypic variants with improved sensitivity and cytotoxicity. Cell infusions produced complete elimination of HCC without recurrence in the xenograft mouse models. Elevated accumulation of CD8+ Ai-TCR-T cells in tumors correlated with tumor shrinkage.ConclusionThe in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that HBsAg-specific Ai-TCR-T cells had safety profiles similar to those of their wild-type counterparts and significantly enhanced potency. This study presents an approach to develop new therapeutic strategies for HBV-related HCC.
Availability and Affordability of Kidney Health Laboratory Tests around the Globe
Authors: Tummalapalli Sri Lekha , Shlipak Michael G. , Damster Sandrine , Jha Vivekanand , Malik Charu , Levin Adeera , Johnson David W. , Bello Aminu K. 
Published: December 2020

Background: Kidney disease is a major global public health problem, and laboratory testing of kidney health measures is essential for diagnosis and monitoring. The availability and affordability of kidney health laboratory tests across countries has not been systematically described. Methods: The International Society of Nephrology (ISN), in partnership with leaders of a Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Controversies Conference, surveyed a representative subset of ISN-Global Kidney Health Atlas (ISN-GKHA) respondents from April to June 2020. We assessed the association between country gross national income (GNI) per capita and laboratory testing availability and affordability. Results: Of 33 regional expert nephrologists invited, 24 (73%) responded, representing all 10 ISN regions around the world. Availability of kidney health laboratory tests was as follows: serum Cr (100%), serum cystatin C (67%), urine albumin (96%), urine Cr (100%), and dipstick urinalysis (100%). Median (IQR) reimbursement values in international dollars were as follows: serum Cr Int$ 6.61 (3.42–8.84), serum cystatin C Int$ 31.51 (17.36–46.25), urine albumin Int$ 10.22 (5.90–15.42), urine Cr Int$ 7.50 (1.66–8.84), and dipstick urinalysis Int$ 6.26 (2.56–8.40). Reimbursement values did not differ significantly by World Bank income group or by GNI per capita. Conclusion: There was widespread availability of kidney health laboratory tests and substantial variation in reimbursement values. To achieve meaningful progress across nations in mitigating the growth of kidney disease, access to affordable diagnostic technology is essential. Our results are highly relevant to policymakers and researchers as countries increasingly consider national strategies for kidney disease detection and management.
2020 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Management of Patients With Valvular Heart Disease: Executive Summary: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines
Authors: Otto Catherine M. , Nishimura Rick A. , Bonow Robert O. , Carabello Blase A. , Erwin John P. , Gentile Federico , Jneid Hani , Krieger Eric V. , Mack Michael , McLeod Christopher , O’Gara Patrick T. , Rigolin Vera H. , Sundt Thoralf M. , Thompson Annemarie , Toly Christopher 
Published: December 2020

Aim:
This executive summary of the valvular heart disease guideline provides recommendations for clinicians to diagnose and manage valvular heart disease as well as supporting documentation to encourage their use.

Methods:
A comprehensive literature search was conducted from January 1, 2010, to March 1, 2020, encompassing studies, reviews, and other evidence conducted on human subjects that were published in English from PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Reports, and other selected database relevant to this guideline.

Structure:
Many recommendations from the earlier valvular heart disease guidelines have been updated with new evidence and provides newer options for diagnosis and treatment of valvular heart disease. This summary includes only the recommendations from the full guideline which focus on diagnostic work-up, the timing and choice of surgical and catheter interventions, and recommendations for medical therapy. The reader is referred to the full guideline for graphical flow charts, text, and tables with additional details about the rationale for and implementation of each recommendation, and the evidence tables detailing the data considered in developing these guidelines.
Sexual Differences in Genetic Predisposition of Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Huang Yunfeng , Hui Qin , Gwinn Marta , Hu Yi-Juan , Quyyumi Arshed A. , Vaccarino Viola , Sun Yan V. 
Published: December 2020

Background:
The genomic structure that contributes to the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) can be evaluated as a risk score of multiple variants. However, sex differences have not been fully examined in applications of genetic risk score (GRS) of CAD.

Methods:
Using data from the UK Biobank, we constructed a CAD-GRS based on all known loci, 3 mediating trait-based (blood pressure, lipids, and body mass index) subscores, and a genome-wide polygenic risk score based on 1.1 million variants. The differences in genetic associations with prevalent and incident CAD between men and women were investigated among 317 509 unrelated individuals of the European ancestry. We also assessed interactions with sex for 161 individual loci included in the comprehensive GRS.

Results:

For both prevalent and incident CAD, the associations of comprehensive and genome-wide GRSs were stronger among men than women. Using a score of 161 loci, we observed a 2.4× higher risk for incident CAD comparing men with high genetic risk to men with low genetic risk but an 80% greater risk comparing women with high genetic risk to women with low genetic risk (interaction
P
=0.002). Of the 3 subscores, the blood pressure–associated subscore exhibited sex differences (interaction
P
=0.0004 per SD increase in subscore). Analysis of individual variants identified a novel gene-sex interaction at locus
21q22.11
.

Conclusions:
Sexual differences in genetic predisposition should be considered in future studies of CAD, and GRSs should not be assumed to perform equally well in men and women.