bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A role of the Nse4 kleisin and Nse1/Nse3 KITE subunits in the ATPase cycle of SMC5/6
Authors: Vondrova Lucie , Kolesar Peter , Adamus Marek , Nociar Matej , Oliver Antony W. , Palecek Jan J. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe SMC (Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes) complexes are composed of SMC dimers, kleisin and kleisin-interacting (HAWK or KITE) subunits. Mutual interactions of these subunits constitute the basal architecture of the SMC complexes. In addition, binding of ATP molecules to the SMC subunits and their hydrolysis drive dynamics of these complexes. Here, we developed new systems to follow the interactions between SMC5/6 subunits and the relative stability of the complex. First, we show that the N-terminal domain of the Nse4 kleisin molecule binds to the SMC6 neck and bridges it to the SMC5 head. Second, binding of the Nse1 and Nse3 KITE proteins to the Nse4 linker increased stability of the ATP-free SMC5/6 complex. In contrast, binding of ATP to SMC5/6 containing KITE subunits significantly decreased its stability. Elongation of the Nse4 linker partially suppressed instability of the ATP-bound complex, suggesting that the binding of the KITE proteins to the Nse4 linker constrains its limited size. Our data suggest that the KITE proteins may shape the Nse4 linker to fit the ATP-free complex optimally and to facilitate opening of the complex upon ATP binding. This mechanism suggests an important role of the KITE subunits in the dynamics of the SMC5/6 complexes.
Heterogeneous Ice Nucleation by Graphene Nanoparticles
Authors: Joghataei Mohammad , Ostovari Fatemeh , Atabakhsh Samira , Tobeiha Nafiseh 
Published: June 2020

AbstractNanostructure, chemical composition and size distribution of aerosols have prime important effects on their efficiency in heterogeneous ice nucleation (HIN). The ice nucleation usually requires active sites in the aerosols in order to act as ice nuclei (IN). In this study, HIN and probable active sites of the graphene-graphene oxide nanoparticles (GGON), obtained from graphite oxide by low temperature thermal shock (LTTS), were investigated. Characteristics and size distribution of the GGON were identified using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and image processing of the results, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectra and X-ray diffraction (XRD) of their sheets. The FTIR spectra indicate stronger carbon-oxygen bonds in the samples obtained by LTTS. In addition, maximum size distribution of the GGON was ranged around 160–180 nm. After introducing these particles in the cloud chamber, HIN has occurred and ice crystals were formed. Size distribution of crystals were obtained from image processing of the plates, where covered by a thin layer of Formvar, showed the number of ice crystals in the GGON were increased as temperature increased from −20 °C to −10 °C. In addition, two possible mechanisms of asymmetry and deformation in ice crystals of the GGON were described.
Location biases in ecological research on Australian terrestrial reptiles
Authors: Piccolo Renee Louise , Warnken Jan , Chauvenet Alienor Louise Marie , Castley James Guy 
Published: June 2020

AbstractUnderstanding geographical biases in ecological research is important for conservation, planning, prioritisation and management. However, conservation efforts may be limited by data availability and poor understanding of the nature of potential spatial bias. We conduct the first continent-wide analysis of spatial bias associated with Australian terrestrial reptile ecological research. To evaluate potential research deficiencies, we used Maxent modelling to predict the distributions of 646 reptile studies published from 1972 to 2017. Based on existing distributions of 1631 individual reptile study locations, reptile species richness, proximity to universities, human footprint and location of protected areas, we found the strongest predictor of reptile research locations was proximity to universities (40.8%). This was followed by species richness (22.9%) and human footprint (20.1%), while protected areas were the weakest predictor (16.2%). These results highlight that research effort is driven largely by accessibility and we consequently identify potential target areas for future research that can be optimised to ensure adequate representation of reptile communities.
Mothers who have given birth at an advanced age - health status before and after childbirth
Authors: Pettersson Malin Lindell , Nedstrand Elizabeth , Bladh Marie , Svanberg Agneta Skoog , Lampic Claudia , Sydsjö Gunilla 
Published: June 2020

AbstractWomen postpone childbirth to an age when morbidity is higher and fertility has decreased and yet the knowledge of mothers’ morbidity related to age remains scarce. Swedish national register data from the Medical Birth Register and National Patient Register was used to investigate the incidence of diseases listed in the International Classification of Diseases, version 10 (ICD-10) in women who gave birth 2007–8. The index group consisted of women 40 years of age or older (n = 8 203) were compared to a control group of women, younger than 40 years (n = 15 569) at childbirth. The period studied was five years before childbirth to five years after. The main outcome measures were incidence of disease diagnosed in specialized hospital care. Demographical data and use of assisted reproduction (ART) were adjusted for. The results showed that older women were more likely to be single; less frequently used tobacco; were educated on a higher level; had a higher BMI and more often had used ART to become pregnant. The older women showed a higher morbidity rate. In the diagnostic groups: Neoplasms, Blood and immune system, Eye and adnexa, Ear and mastoid, Circulatory, Digestive, Skin and subcutaneous tissue, Musculoskeletal and connective tissue, and Genitourinary. The results add to the body of knowledge of a number of specific risks faced by older mothers and may be used to identify preventive actions concerning fertility and morbidity both before and after childbirth.
Extraction of Cell-free Dna from An Embryo-culture Medium Using Micro-scale Bio-reagents on Ewod
Authors: Alias Anand Baby , Chiang Cheng-En , Huang Hong-Yuan , Lin Kai-Ti , Lu Pei-Jhen , Wang Yi-Wen , Wu Tzu-Hui , Jiang Pei-Shin , Chen Chien-An , Yao Da-Jeng 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAs scientific and technical knowledge advances, research on biomedical micro-electromechanical systems (bio-MEMS) is also developing towards lab-on-a-chip (LOC) devices. A digital microfluidic (DMF) system specialized for an electrowetting- on-dielectric (EWOD) mechanism is a promising technique for such point-of-care systems. EWOD microfluidic biochemical analytical systems provide applications over a broad range in the lab-on-a-chip field. In this report, we treated extraction of cell-free DNA (cf-DNA) at a small concentration from a mouse embryo culture medium (2.5 days & 3.5 days) with electro-wetting on a dielectric (EWOD) platform using bio-reagents of micro-scale quantity. For such extraction, we modified a conventional method of genomic-DNA (g-DNA) extraction using magnetic beads (MB). To prove that extraction of cf-DNA with EWOD was accomplished, as trials we extracted designed-DNA (obtained from Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (CGMH), Taiwan which shows properties similar to that of cf-DNA). Using that designed DNA, extraction with both conventional and EWOD methods has been performed; the mean percentage of extraction with both methods was calculated for a comparison. From the cycle threshold (Ct) results with a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR), the mean extraction percentages were obtained as 14.8 percent according to the conventional method and 23 percent with EWOD. These results show that DNA extraction with EWOD appears promising. The EWOD extraction involved voltage 100 V and frequency 2 kHz. From this analysis, we generated a protocol for an improved extraction percentage on a EWOD chip and performed cf-DNA extraction from an embryo-culture medium (KSOM medium) at 3.5 and 2.5 days. The mean weight obtained for EWOD-extracted cf-DNA is 0.33 fg from the 3.5-day sample and 31.95 fg from the 2.5-day sample. All these results will pave a new path towards a renowned lab-on-a-chip concept.
Validating a functional near-infrared spectroscopy diagnostic paradigm for Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Husain Syeda Fabeha , Yu Rongjun , Tang Tong-Boon , Tam Wilson W. , Tran Bach , Quek Travis T. , Hwang Shi-Hui , Chang Cheryl W. , Ho Cyrus S. , Ho Roger C. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractReduced haemodynamic response in the frontotemporal cortices of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) has been demonstrated using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Most notably, changes in cortical oxy-haemoglobin during a Japanese phonetic fluency task can differentiate psychiatric patients from healthy controls (HC). However, this paradigm has not been validated in the English language. Therefore, the present work aimed to distinguish patients with MDD from HCs, using haemodynamic response measured during an English letter fluency task. One hundred and five HCs and 105 patients with MDD took part in this study. NIRS signals during the verbal fluency task (VFT) was acquired using a 52-channel system, and changes in oxy-haemoglobin in the frontal and temporal regions were quantified. Depression severity, psychosocial functioning, pharmacotherapy and psychiatric history were noted. Patients with MDD had smaller changes in oxy-haemoglobin in the frontal and temporal cortices than HCs. In both regions of interest, oxy-haemoglobin was not associated with any of the clinical variables studied. 75.2% and 76.5% of patients with MDD were correctly classified using frontal and temporal region oxy-haemoglobin, respectively. Haemodynamic response measured by fNIRS during an English letter fluency task is a promising biomarker for MDD.
Clinical implementation of a wide-field electron arc technique with a scatterer for widespread Kaposi’s sarcoma in the distal extremities
Authors: Kim Sung-woo , Kim Changhwan , Cho Min-Seok , Noh Seonyeong , Lee Minsik , Jeong Chiyoung , Kwak Jungwon , Koh Minji , Song Si Yeol , Lee Sang-wook , Soh Jeongtae , Cho Seungryong , Cho Byungchul 
Published: June 2020

AbstractA novel wide-field electron arc technique with a scatterer is implemented for widespread Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) in the distal extremities. Monte Carlo beam modeling for electron arc beams was established to achieve <2% deviation from the measurements, and used for dose calculation. MC-based electron arc plan was performed using CT images of a foot and leg mimicking phantom and compared with in-vivo measurement data. We enrolled one patient with recurrent KS on the lower extremities who had been treated with photon radiation therapy. The 4- and 6-MeV electron arc plans were created, and then compared to two photon plans: two opposite photon beam and volumetric modulated arc with bolus. Compared to the two photon techniques, the electron arc plans resulted in superior dose saving to normal organs beneath the skin region, although it shows inferior coverage and homogeneity for PTV. The electron arc treatment technique with scatterer was successfully implemented for the treatment of widespread KS in the distal extremities with lower radiation exposure to the normal organs beyond the skin lesions, which could be a treatment option for recurrent skin cancer in the extremities.
Amino acid dependent formaldehyde metabolism in mammals
Authors: Pietzke Matthias , Burgos-Barragan Guillermo , Wit Niek , Tait-Mulder Jacqueline , Sumpton David , Mackay Gillian M. , Patel Ketan J. , Vazquez Alexei 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAldehyde dehydrogenase class 3, encoded by ADH5 in humans, catalyzes the glutathione dependent detoxification of formaldehyde. Here we show that ADH5 deficient cells turn over formaldehyde using alternative pathways starting from the reaction of formaldehyde with free amino acids. When mammalian cells are exposed to formaldehyde, the levels of the reaction products of formaldehyde with the amino acids cysteine and histidine - timonacic and spinacine - are increased. These reactions take place spontaneously and the formation of timonacic is reversible. The levels of timonacic are higher in the plasma of Adh5−/− mice relative to controls and they are further increased upon administration of methanol. We conclude that mammals possess pathways of cysteine and histidine dependent formaldehyde metabolism and that timonacic is a formaldehyde reservoir.
Artesunate inhibits osteoclastogenesis through the miR-503/RANK axis
Authors: Huang Ming-Zhi , Zhuang Yong , Ning Xu , Zhang Hao , Shen Zhi-Min , Shang Xian-Wen 
Published: June 2020

AbstractOsteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease that is characterized by decreased bone density and strength due to excessive loss of bone protein and mineral content, which can be induced by increased osteoclast activity. Developing agents targeting osteoclast activation is considered to be the most effective method to reverse bone destruction and alleviate the pain caused by osteoporosis. MTT assay was conducted to detect the cell viability after artesunate treatment of RAW264.7 cells. TRACP staining and pit formation assays were performed to examine the TRACP-positive cells and pit-forming activity of osteoclasts. qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis were performed to assess the mRNA and protein expression levels of the osteoclastogenesis-related genes NFATc1, TRAP, and cathepsin k. The protein levels of RANK, p-Akt, p-p38, and p-ERK were examined by Western blotting. Luciferase reporter assay was conducted to determine whether miR-503 targeted RANK directly. Artesunate inhibited TRACP-positive cells and the pit-forming activity of osteoclasts. However, artesunate increased the expression of miR-503. Artesunate suppressed osteoclastogenesis-related gene expression and RANKL-induced activation of MAPKs and the AKT pathway. In addition, miR-503 inhibited RANK expression by directly targeting RANK during osteoclast differentiation. Artesunate inhibited osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast functions in vitro by regulating the miR-503/RANK axis and suppressing the MAPK and AKT pathways, which resulted in decreased expression of osteoclastogenesis-related markers.
TRIF/miR-34a mediates aldosterone-induced cardiac inflammation and remodeling
Authors: Li Shaojun , Cao Wei , Wang Bai , Zhan Enbo , Xu Jian , Li Shufeng 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Aldosterone, as a major product of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS), determines multiple pathophysiological processes in cardiovascular diseases. The excess inflammatory response is one of the key profiles in aldosterone-mediated cardiac remodeling. However, the potential mechanisms of aldosterone/inflammatory signaling were still not fully disclosed. The present study aimed to investigate whether TIR-domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-β (Trif) participated in the aldosterone-induced cardiac remodeling, and to explore potential molecular mechanisms. Trif knockout mice and their littermates were osmotically administrated with aldosterone (50 μg/kg per day) for 21 and 42 days. The cardiac structural analysis, functional parameters, and mitochondrial function were measured. Aldosterone dose- or time-dependently increased the levels of TRIF in primary mouse cardiomyocytes or mouse heart tissues. Trif deficiency protected against aldosterone-induced cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis and dysfunction. Moreover, Trif deficiency also suppressed aldosterone-induced cardiac inflammatory response and mitochondrial injuries. Mechanistically, overexpression of cardiac microRNAs (miR)-34a reversed the cardiac benefits of Trif deficiency in aldosterone-treated mice. Taken together, Trif/miR-34a axis could provide a novel molecular mechanism for explaining aldosterone-induced cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis and functional disorders.
Music Training for Children With Sensorineural Hearing Loss Improves Speech-in-Noise Perception
Authors: Lo Chi Yhun , Looi Valerie , Thompson William Forde , McMahon Catherine M. 
Published: June 2020

Purpose
A growing body of evidence suggests that long-term music training provides benefits to auditory abilities for typical-hearing adults and children. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how music training may provide perceptual benefits (such as speech-in-noise, spectral resolution, and prosody) for children with hearing loss.

Method
Fourteen children aged 6–9 years with prelingual sensorineural hearing loss using bilateral cochlear implants, bilateral hearing aids, or bimodal configuration participated in a 12-week music training program, with nine participants completing the full testing requirements of the music training. Activities included weekly group-based music therapy and take-home music apps three times a week. The design was a pseudorandomized, longitudinal study (half the cohort was wait-listed, initially serving as a passive control group prior to music training). The test battery consisted of tasks related to music perception, music appreciation, and speech perception. As a comparison, 16 age-matched children with typical hearing also completed this test battery, but without participation in the music training.

Results
There were no changes for any outcomes for the passive control group. After music training, perception of speech-in-noise, question/statement prosody, musical timbre, and spectral resolution improved significantly, as did measures of music appreciation. There were no benefits for emotional prosody or pitch perception.

Conclusion
The findings suggest even a modest amount of music training has benefits for music and speech outcomes. These preliminary results provide further evidence that music training is a suitable complementary means of habilitation to improve the outcomes for children with hearing loss.
QGP droplet formation in small asymmetric collision systems
Authors: Trainor Thomas A. 
Published: June 2020

The journal Nature recently published a letter titled "Creating small circular, elliptical, and triangular droplets of quark-gluon plasma" [1]. The basis for that claim is a combination of measured Fourier amplitudesv2 andv3 from collision systemsp-Au,d-Au andh-Au (helionhis the nucleus of atom 3He), Glauber Monte Carlo estimates of initial-state transverse collision geometries for those systems and hydrodynamic Monte Carlo descriptions of thevndata. Apparent correspondence between hydrodynamic modelvntrends and data trends is interpreted as confirmation of “collectivity” occurring in the small collision systems, further interpreted to indicate QGP formation. QGP formation in small systems runs counter to pre-RHIC theoretical assumptions that QGP formation should require large collision systems (e.g. central A-A collisions). There is currently available a broad context of experimental data fromp-p, A-A andp-Pb collisions at the RHIC and LHC against which the validity of the Nature letter claims may be evaluated. This talk provides a summary of such results and their implications.[1] Nature Phys. 15, no. 3, 214 (2019).
Versorgungsforschung: Erfahrungen bei der Planung und Umsetzung einer
Studie mit nichtakademischen, ambulanten Studienzentren
Authors: Best Norman , Loudovici-Krug Dana 
Published: June 2020

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund Realistische Zahlen zur Versorgungsrealität in
Deutschland sind wichtig, wenn es um Verteilung von Ressourcen im
Gesundheitssystem geht. Studien, die realistische Kennziffern zu bestimmten
Fragestellungen und Diagnosen liefern, müssen gefördert
werden.
Ziel der Arbeit  Es sollte mittels geeignetem Studiendesign
über eine breite Masse an teilnehmenden Arzt- und
Physiotherapiepraxen (n=96) ein hoher Stichprobenumfang
(n=1000) zur Korrelation von Funktionsparametern des
Bewegungssystems generiert werden.
Material und Methoden Klassische Befunde sollten mittels Fragebogen
zur Studienzentrale gelangen. Dies war sowohl analog als auch digital
möglich. Der Zeitaufwand lag für die prognostizierte Anzahl
von 10 Datenblättern pro Studienzentrum bei ca. 60 min.
insgesamt.
Ergebnisse Ernüchternd war die initiale Teilnehmerzahl von 6
Praxen. Nur nach erneuter Erinnerung mittels Motivationsschreiben konnte die
Teilnehmerzahl auf 19 gesteigert werden. Es wurden 423
Rückläufer registriert. Trotz lediglich eines einfachen
Einschlusskriteriums, wurden 92 Bögen zwar vollständig, aber
dennoch fehlerhaft zugesandt.
Schlussfolgerung Um die Teilnahmebereitschaft zu erhöhen
reicht die angenommene intrinsische Motivation nicht aus. Wichtiger
erscheint es, konkret auf einzelne, interessierte Teilnehmer zuzugehen und
sie von der Bedeutung der Studie zu überzeugen. Klarheit in Struktur
und Ablauf sind entscheidend, da Versorgungsforschung für die
direkten Akteure zusätzlich zum ärztlichen und
therapeutischen Tagesgeschäft und zumeist unentgeltlich erbracht
wird.
Outcomes of biliopancreatic EUS in patients with surgically altered upper gastrointestinal anatomy: a multicenter study
Authors: Brozzi Lorenzo , Petrone Maria Chiara , Poley Jan-Werner , Carrara Silvia , Barresi Luca , Fabbri Carlo , Rimbas Mihai , De Angelis Claudio , Arcidiacono Paolo Giorgio , Signoretti Marianna , Lamonaca Laura , Barbuscio Ilenia , Binda Cecilia , Gheorghe Andrada , Rizza Stefano , Gabbrielli Armando , Crinò Stefano Francesco 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background and study aims Little is known about outcomes of biliopancreatic endosonography (EUS) in patients with surgically altered upper gastrointestinal (gastrointestinal) anatomy. We aimed to assess the rate of procedural success and EUS-related adverse events (AEs), according to post-surgical anatomies.
Patients and methods Retrospective study including patients with post-surgical altered upper gastrointestinal anatomy who underwent EUS for evaluation of the biliopancreatic region between January 2008 and June 2018 at eight European centers.
Results Of 242 patients (162 males, mean age 66.4 ± 12.5), 86 had (35.5 %) Billroth II, 77 (31.8 %) pancreaticoduodenectomy, 23 (9.5 %) Billroth I, 19 (7.9 %) distal esophagectomy, 15 (6.2 %) total gastrectomy, 14 (5.8 %) sleeve gastrectomy, and eight (3.3 %) Roux-en-Y. Sleeve gastrectomy, Billroth I, and pancreaticoduodenectomy were associated with high rates of success (100 %, 95.7 %, and 92.2 %, respectively). Visualization of the head of the pancreas was significantly impacted by total gastrectomy, Billroth II, and Roux-en-Y (success rates 6.7 %, 53.7 %, and 57.1 %, respectively). Examination of the pancreatic body and tail was impaired in esophagectomy and total gastrectomy (82.4 % and 71.4 %, respectively). Technical success and diagnostic accuracy of EUS-guided tissue acquisition (EUS-TA) was 78.2 % and 71.3 % (95 % CI, 60.6–80.5), respectively. Four (1.6 %) AEs were observed: one mucosal tearing in a Billroth II patient, one cardiac arrest in a distal esophagectomy patient, one bleed after EUS-TA in a Billroth I patient, and one acute pancreatitis after EUS-TA in a sleeve gastrectomy patient.
Conclusions The yield of bilio-pancreatic EUS is dependent on lesion location and surgery type. Before considering EUS in these patients, one must carefully consider whether the lesion may be approachable by EUS.