bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship between semen quality and seminal plasma cholesterol, triacylglycerols and proteins in the domestic cat
Authors: García María F , Nuñez Favre Romina , Stornelli María C , Rearte Ramiro , García Mitacek María C , de la Sota Rodolfo L , Stornelli María A 
Published: November 2019

Objectives The current study aimed to evaluate the relationship between specific seminal plasma components – cholesterol (CHOL), triacylglycerols (TAG) and total protein (PROT) concentrations – and semen quality in cats. A further aim was to determine the relationship between specific seminal protein bands and semen quality. Methods Thirteen toms, 2–5 years of age, were included. Semen collection was performed by electroejaculation every 4 weeks. Fifty-eight ejaculates were assessed for motility, velocity, volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, viability, acrosome integrity, plasma membrane integrity and sperm morphology. Samples were divided into two groups: good semen quality (GSQ) and poor semen quality (PSQ). After evaluation, seminal plasma was separated from the sperm by centrifugation and stored at −20°C. CHOL, TAG and PROT concentrations were then assessed and seminal plasma protein profile was determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Results Seminal plasma CHOL and TAG concentrations, motility, velocity, sperm concentration, total sperm count and sperm morphology were significantly higher in GSQ cats compared with PSQ cats ( P <0.01). Moreover, seminal plasma SDS-PAGE analysis showed an identifiable extra band exclusively in the GSQ group. Conclusions and relevance Data obtained in this study showed that seminal plasma CHOL and TAG concentrations and specific protein bands could be used to improve semen evaluation in toms. In this sense, the 14 kDa protein band could be a valuable marker for semen quality in the cat and should be further investigated. However, more studies are necessary to determine its relationship with fertility.
Bio-pixels: A stem cell-based interactive–generative interface designed to redefine technologies of self-making in new media arts
Authors: Ahmedien Diaa Ahmed Mohamed 
Published: November 2019

Bio-pixels is a stem cell-based interactive–generative interface designed to investigate the concept of ‘self-making’. The project uses stem cells as a biological prototype of an identity-free substance and defines in vivo stem cell differentiation processes as nature’s self-making technology. It therefore considers in vitro-induced differentiation processes as artificial self-making technologies that were recontextualized through the interactions between the world of genes and the world of bits. The project’s system was functionally built based on three operational principles derived from convergence technologies that facilitate a mutual functional shift between bio-media and digital media and reveal the extent to which this shift leads to a reconciliation between our biological and narrative identities. Empirically, the project remodelled visual maps of cellular activities during the induced differentiation processes by which cells acquire their identity. Finally, a generative biological–digital mirror was architected by which the viewers see their faces resynthesized as the result of the interactions between the artificial remodelled differentiation processes and the participants’ activities at the project’s physical place and its Twitter page. Within this context, Bio-pixels highlights the consequences of today’s bioinformatics on in vitro artificial processes of self-making through which the public can control, enhance or resynthesize their identities.
Effects of a person-centred telephone support on fatigue in people with chronic heart failure: Subgroup analysis of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Wallström Sara , Ali Lilas , Ekman Inger , Swedberg Karl , Fors Andreas 
Published: November 2019

Introduction: Fatigue is a prevalent symptom that is associated with various conditions. In patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), fatigue is one of the most commonly reported and distressing symptoms and it is associated with disease progression. Person-centred care (PCC) is a fruitful approach to increase the patient’s ability to handle their illness. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of PCC in the form of structured telephone support on self-reported fatigue in patients with CHF. Method: This study reports a subgroup analysis of a secondary outcome measure from the Care4Ourselves randomised intervention. Patients ( n=77) that were at least 50 years old who had been hospitalized due to worsening CHF received either usual care ( n=38) or usual care and PCC in the form of structured telephone support ( n=39). Participants in the intervention group created a health plan in partnership with a registered nurse. The plan was followed up and evaluated by telephone. Self-reported fatigue was assessed using the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory 20 (MFI-20) at baseline and at 6 months. Linear regression was used to analyse the change in MFI-20 score between the groups. Results: The intervention group improved significantly from baseline to the 6-month follow-up compared with the control group regarding the ‘reduced motivation’ dimension of the MFI-20 (Δ -1.41 versus 0.38, p=0.046). Conclusion: PCC in the form of structured telephone support shows promise in supporting patients with CHF in their rehabilitation, improve health-related quality of life and reduce adverse events. Trial registration ISRCTN.com ISRCTN55562827
Effect of mucosa thicknesses on stress distribution of implant-supported overdentures under unilateral loading: Photoelastic analysis
Authors: Ozyilmaz Ozgun Yusuf , Aykent Filiz , Sayin Ozel Gulsum 
Published: November 2019

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different heights of attachment and mucosa thicknesses on the stress distribution of two implant-retained mandibular overdenture designs under loading using the photoelastic stress analysis method. Materials and methods: Six photoelastic models of an edentulous mandibula were fabricated with two solitary implants that were placed in the canine regions. The attachment systems studied were ball and locator stud attachments. Both the ball and locator groups included three models that had different residual ridge heights so as to provide different mucosa thicknesses (1 mm–1 mm, 1 mm–2 mm, 1 mm–4 mm). A static vertical force of 135 N was applied unilaterally (each on the right then the left side) to the central fossa of the first molars. Models were positioned in the field of a circular polariscope to observe the distribution of isochromatic fringes around the implants and the interimplant areas under loading. The photoelastic stress fringes were monitored and recorded photographically. Results: The ball attachment groups showed higher stress values than did the locator groups under loading. Both attachment systems produced the lowest stress values in stimulated 1 mm–1 mm mucosa thickness models. The models with 1 mm–2 mm mucosa thicknesses showed higher stress values than did other models for both attachment systems. The highest stress value observed around both attachment systems was the moderate level in all test models. Conclusion: In different height mucosa thicknesses, locator attachment models distributed the load to the other side of the implant and its surrounding tissue, whereas the ball attachment did not. Regardless of mucosal thickness and attachment type, the implant on the loading side was subjected to the highest stress concentration.
Comparison of Bite Force in Patients After Treatment of Mandibular Fractures With 3-Dimensional Locking Miniplate and Standard Miniplates
Authors: Singh Gaurav , Mishra Madan , Gaur Amit , Pathak Dhritiman 
Published: November 2019

Background: Fractures of the mandible can be studied and described in anatomic terms, functional considerations, treatment strategies, and outcome measures. The performance of any fixation system depends on multiple factors including plate adaptation, screw placement, bone quality, drilling conditions, and postoperative patient compliance. Bite force assesses masticatory muscle function under clinical and experimental conditions. Method: 30 patients with isolated, noncomminuted mandibular fractures were randomly divided into two equal groups. Group 1 patients were treated using 3-dimensional locking miniplates and group 2 patients were treated with standard miniplates. The bite forces were recorded at definite time intervals: preoperatively, and second week, sixth week, third month, and sixth month postoperatively. Result: At 6 weeks postoperative, 3 month postoperative, and 6 month postoperative, the mean bite force was found to be significantly higher among group 1 patients as compared to those in group 2 in all the sites. While at 2 week postoperative, the mean bite force was found to be significantly higher in Group 2 as compared to Group 1 at incisor region. Conclusion: The overall results of the present study show better performance in bite force for the 3-dimensional locking miniplate when compared with standard miniplates.
Wrinkle Structured Network of Silver-Coated Carbon Nanotubes for Wearable Sensors
Authors: Yuan Zhongyun , Pei Zhen , Shahbaz Muhammad , Zhang Qiang , Zhuo Kai , Zhao Chun , Zhang Wendong , Ma Xingyi , Sang Shengbo 
Published: November 2019

AbstractSoft-strain-based sensors are being increasingly used across various fields, including wearable sensing, behavior monitoring, and electrophysiological diagnostics. However, throughout all applications, the function of these sensors is limited because of high sensitivity, high-dynamic range, and low-power consumption. In this paper, we focus on improving the sensitivity and strain range of the soft-strain-based sensor through structure, surface, and sensitive unit treatment. Nanosilver (Ag)-coated hydroxyl-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (OH-f MWCNTs) were explored for highly acute sensing. With stretching and depositing methods, Ag@OH-f MWCNTs and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) are fabricated into a wrinkled and sandwich structure for a soft-strain-based sensor. The electronic properties were characterized in that the gauge factor (GF) = ΔR/R0 was 412.32, and the strain range was 42.2%. Moreover, our soft-strain-based sensor exhibits features including flexibility, ultra-lightweight and a highly comfortable experience in terms of wearability. Finally, some physiological and behavioral features can be sampled by testing the exceptional resistance change, including the detection of breath, as well as facial and hand movement recognition. The experiment exhibits its superiority in terms of being highly sensitive and having an extensive range of sensing.
Efficient depletion of ribosomal RNA for RNA sequencing in planarians
Authors: Kim Iana V. , Ross Eric J. , Dietrich Sascha , Döring Kristina , Sánchez Alvarado Alejandro , Kuhn Claus-D. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
The astounding regenerative abilities of planarian flatworms prompt steadily growing interest in examining their molecular foundation. Planarian regeneration was found to require hundreds of genes and is hence a complex process. Thus, RNA interference followed by transcriptome-wide gene expression analysis by RNA-seq is a popular technique to study the impact of any particular planarian gene on regeneration. Typically, the removal of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is the first step of all RNA-seq library preparation protocols. To date, rRNA removal in planarians was primarily achieved by the enrichment of polyadenylated (poly(A)) transcripts. However, to better reflect transcriptome dynamics and to cover also non-poly(A) transcripts, a procedure for the targeted removal of rRNA in planarians is needed.

Results
In this study, we describe a workflow for the efficient depletion of rRNA in the planarian model species S. mediterranea. Our protocol is based on subtractive hybridization using organism-specific probes. Importantly, the designed probes also deplete rRNA of other freshwater triclad families, a fact that considerably broadens the applicability of our protocol. We tested our approach on total RNA isolated from stem cells (termed neoblasts) of S. mediterranea and compared ribodepleted libraries with publicly available poly(A)-enriched ones. Overall, mRNA levels after ribodepletion were consistent with poly(A) libraries. However, ribodepleted libraries revealed higher transcript levels for transposable elements and histone mRNAs that remained underrepresented in poly(A) libraries. As neoblasts experience high transposon activity this suggests that ribodepleted libraries better reflect the transcriptional dynamics of planarian stem cells. Furthermore, the presented ribodepletion procedure was successfully expanded to the removal of ribosomal RNA from the gram-negative bacterium Salmonella typhimurium.

Conclusions
The ribodepletion protocol presented here ensures the efficient rRNA removal from low input total planarian RNA, which can be further processed for RNA-seq applications. Resulting libraries contain less than 2% rRNA. Moreover, for a cost-effective and efficient removal of rRNA prior to sequencing applications our procedure might be adapted to any prokaryotic or eukaryotic species of choice.
A new culture-based method for rapid identification of microorganisms in polymicrobial blood cultures by MALDI-TOF MS
Authors: Florio Walter , Cappellini Susanna , Giordano Cesira , Vecchione Alessandra , Ghelardi Emilia , Lupetti Antonella 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
The application of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) to microbial identification has allowed the development of rapid methods for identification of microorganisms directly in positive, blood cultures (BCs). These methods can yield accurate results for monomicrobial BCs, but often fail to identify multiple microorganisms in polymicrobial BCs. The present study was aimed at establishing a rapid and simple method for identification of bacteria and yeast in polymicrobial BCs from patients with bloodstream infection.

Results
The rapid method herein proposed is based on short-term culture in liquid media allowing selective growth of microorganisms recovered from polymicrobial BCs, followed by rapid identification by MALDI-TOF MS. To evaluate the accuracy of this method, 56 polymicrobial BCs were comparatively analyzed with the rapid and routine methods. The results showed concordant identification for both microbial species in 43/50 (86%) BCs containing two different microorganisms, and for two microbial species in six BCs containing more than two different species. Overall, 102/119 (85.7%) microorganisms were concordantly identified by the rapid and routine methods using a cut-off value of 1.700 for valid identification. The mean time to identification after BC positivity was about 4.2 h for streptococci/enterococci, 8.7 h for staphylococci, 11.1 h for Gram-negative bacteria, and 14.4 h for yeast, allowing a significant time saving compared to the routine method.

Conclusions
The proposed method allowed rapid and reliable microbial identification in polymicrobial BCs, and could provide clinicians with timely, useful information to streamline empirical antimicrobial therapy in critically ill patients.
Comparative metabolomic analysis reveals the variations in taxoids and flavonoids among three Taxus species
Authors: Zhou Ting , Luo Xiujun , Zhang Chengchao , Xu Xinyun , Yu Chunna , Jiang Zhifang , Zhang Lei , Yuan Huwei , Zheng Bingsong , Pi Erxu , Shen Chenjia 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundTrees of the genusTaxusare highly valuable medicinal plants with multiple pharmacological effects on various cancer treatments. Paclitaxel fromTaxustrees is an efficient and widely used anticancer drug, however, the accumulation of taxoids and other active ingredients can vary greatly amongTaxusspecies. In our study, the metabolomes of threeTaxusspecies have been investigated.ResultsA total of 2246 metabolites assigned to various primary and secondary metabolic pathways were identified using an untargeted approach. Analysis of differentially accumulated metabolites identified 358 T. media-, 220 T. cuspidata-, and 169 T. mairei-specific accumulated metabolites, respectively. By searching the metabolite pool, 7 MEP pathway precursors, 11 intermediates, side chain products and derivatives of paclitaxel, and paclitaxel itself were detected. Most precursors, initiated intermediates were highly accumulated inT. mairei, and most intermediate products approaching the end point of taxol biosynthesis pathway were primarily accumulated inT. cuspidataandT. media. Our data suggested that there were higher-efficiency pathways to paclitaxel inT. cuspidataandT. mediacompared with inT. mairei. As an important class of active ingredients inTaxustrees, a majority of flavonoids were predominantly accumulated inT. maireirather thanT. mediaandT. cuspidata. The variations in several selected taxoids and flavonoids were confirmed using a targeted approach.ConclusionsSystematic correlativity analysis identifies a number of metabolites associated with paclitaxel biosynthesis, suggesting a potential negative correlation between flavonoid metabolism and taxoid accumulation. Investigation of the variations in taxoids and other active ingredients will provide us with a deeper understanding of the interspecific differential accumulation of taxoids and an opportunity to accelerate the highest-yielding species breeding and resource utilization.
An application of RASER technique in the treatment of chronic total occlusion accompanied with stent fracture in right coronary artery: a case report
Authors: Xue Yajun , Zhou Boda , Wang Weimin , Miao Guobin , Zhang Ou , Zhou Jie , Geng Yu , Zhai Yanlong , Ren Chunhui , Zhang Ping 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
The interventional treatment of chronic total occlusion (CTO) with stent fracture as well as severe calcification was extremely difficult and no effective technique has been reported.

Case presentation
A 50-year-old woman was hospitalized for angina, angiography revealed triple vessel disease, CTO accompanied with stent fracture in right coronary artery (RCA). Treatment using conventional coronary intervention was expected to be difficult. Therefore, we performed RASER technique, which was a combination of excimer laser coronary atherectomy (ELCA) with rotational atherectomy (RA), followed by the deployment of drug-eluting stents. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) revealed well attachment of the stents, the patient was discharged 3 days after the procedure and no recurrent chest discomfort was reported in a follow-up time of 10 months.

Conclusion
This case report provided a first report of RASER technique in the treatment of CTO with stent fracture and severe calcification.
Topoisomerase I activity and sensitivity to camptothecin in breast cancer-derived cells: a comparative study
Authors: Tesauro Cinzia , Simonsen Anne Katrine , Andersen Marie Bech , Petersen Kamilla Wandsoe , Kristoffersen Emil Laust , Algreen Line , Hansen Noriko Yokoyama , Andersen Anne Bech , Jakobsen Ann Katrine , Stougaard Magnus , Gromov Pavel , Knudsen Birgitta R. , Gromova Irina 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundCamptothecin (CPT) and its derivatives are currently used as second- or third-line treatment for patients with endocrine-resistant breast cancer (BC). These drugs convert nuclear enzyme DNA topoisomerase I (TOP1) to a cell poison with the potential to damage DNA by increasing the half-life of TOP1-DNA cleavage complexes (TOP1cc), ultimately resulting in cell death. In small and non-randomized trials for BC, researchers have observed extensive variation in CPT response rates, ranging from 14 to 64%. This variability may be due to the absence of reliable selective parameters for patient stratification. BC cell lines may serve as feasible models for generation of functional criteria that may be used to predict drug sensitivity for patient stratification and, thus, lead to more appropriate applications of CPT in clinical trials. However, no study published to date has included a comparison of multiple relevant parameters and CPT response across cell lines corresponding to specific BC subtypes.MethodWe evaluated the levels and possible associations of seven parameters including the status of theTOP1gene (i.e. amplification), TOP1 protein expression level, TOP1 activity and CPT susceptibility, activity of the tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1), the cellular CPT response and the cellular growth rate across a representative panel of BC cell lines, which exemplifies three major BC subtypes: Luminal, HER2 and TNBC.ResultsIn all BC cell lines analyzed (without regard to subtype classification), we observed a significant overall correlation between growth rate and CPT response. In cell lines derived from Luminal and HER2 subtypes, we observed a correlation betweenTOP1gene copy number, TOP1 activity, and CPT response, although the data were too limited for statistical analyses. In cell lines representing Luminal and TNBC subtypes, we observed a direct correlation between TOP1 protein abundancy and levels of enzymatic activity. In all three subtypes (Luminal, HER2, and TNBC), TOP1 exhibits approximately the same susceptibility to CPT. Of the three subtypes examined, the TNBC-like cell lines exhibited the highest CPT sensitivity and were characterized by the fastest growth rate. This indicates that breast tumors belonging to the TNBC subtype, may benefit from treatment with CPT derivatives.ConclusionTOP1 activity is not a marker for CPT sensitivity in breast cancer.
Expression of FSCN1 and FOXM1 are associated with poor prognosis of adrenocortical carcinoma patients
Authors: Liang Jiayu , Liu Zhihong , Wei Xin , Zhou Liang , Tang Yongquan , Zhou Chuan , Wu Kan , Zhang Fuxun , Zhang Fan , Lu Yiping , Zhu Yuchun 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignant endocrine tumour. Due to a high tumour recurrence rate, the post-operative overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of ACCs is limited. Our research aims to identify the role of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) related genes FSCN1 and FOXM1 in the tumour microenvironment and assess their prognostic value in ACCs.

Methods
Clinical and specimen data from 130 adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) patients was acquired from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database (n = 79) and a West China Hospital (WCH) cohort (n = 51). In the WCH cohort, archived formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) samples were collected for immunohistochemical analysis. The correlation between the EMT genes and the tumour microenvironment status was estimated based on the Tumour Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) algorithm. Kaplan-Meier analysis, followed by univariate and multivariate regression analyses, were performed to identify the prognostic association of FSCN1 and FOXM1.

Results
FSCN1 and FOXM1 were over-expressed in ACC tissue when compared with adrenocortical adenoma and normal adrenal tissue. Over-expression of FSCN1 or FOXM1 was associated with the tumour microenvironment and immune signatures in ACCs. Patients with higher expression of FSCN1 or FOXM1 were more likely to have worse prognoses. The prognostic effects were further verified in both early (stage I/II) and advanced (stage III/IV) ACCs. Furthermore, FSCN1 and FOXM1 appeared as independent prognostic factors in ACC.

Conclusions
These results show that FSCN1 and FOXM1 are independent prognostic factors in ACCs and over-expression of FSCN1 or FOXM1 indicates a worse prognosis.