bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous molecular MRI of extracellular matrix collagen and inflammatory activity to predict abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture
Authors: Adams Lisa C. , Brangsch Julia , Reimann Carolin , Kaufmann Jan O. , Buchholz Rebecca , Karst Uwe , Botnar Rene M. , Hamm Bernd , Makowski Marcus R. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAbdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening vascular disease with an up to 80% mortality in case of rupture. Current biomarkers fail to account for size-independent risk of rupture. By combining the information of different molecular probes, multi-target molecular MRI holds the potential to enable individual characterization of AAA. In this experimental study, we aimed to examine the feasibility of simultaneous imaging of extracellular collagen and inflammation for size-independent prediction of risk of rupture in murine AAA. The study design consisted of: (1) A outcome-based longitudinal study with imaging performed once after one week with follow-up and death as the end-point for assessment of rupture risk. (2) A week-by-week study for the characterization of AAA development with imaging after 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks. For both studies, the animals were administered a type 1 collagen-targeted gadolinium-based probe (surrogate marker for extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling) and an iron oxide-based probe (surrogate marker for inflammatory activity), in one imaging session. In vivo measurements of collagen and iron oxide probes showed a significant correlation with ex vivo histology (p < 0.001) and also corresponded well to inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and laser-ablation inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Combined evaluation of collagen-related ECM remodeling and inflammatory activity was the most accurate predictor for AAA rupture (sensitivity 80%, specificity 100%, area under the curve 0.85), being superior to information from the individual probes alone. Our study supports the feasibility of a simultaneous assessment of collagen-related extracellular matrix remodeling and inflammatory activity in a murine model of AAA.
Multiscale electronic and thermomechanical dynamics in ultrafast nanoscale laser structuring of bulk fused silica
Authors: Somayaji Madhura , Bhuyan Manoj K. , Bourquard Florent , Velpula Praveen K. , D’Amico Ciro , Colombier Jean-Philippe , Stoian Razvan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractWe describe the evolution of ultrafast-laser-excited bulk fused silica over the entire relaxation range in one-dimensional geometries fixed by non-diffractive beams. Irradiation drives local embedded modifications of the refractive index in the form of index increase in densified glass or in the form of nanoscale voids. A dual spectroscopic and imaging investigation procedure is proposed, coupling electronic excitation and thermodynamic relaxation. Specific sub-ps and ns plasma decay times are respectively correlated to these index-related electronic and thermomechanical transformations. For the void formation stages, based on time-resolved spectral imaging, we first observe a dense transient plasma phase that departs from the case of a rarefied gas, and we indicate achievable temperatures in the excited matter in the 4,000–5,500 K range, extending for tens of ns. High-resolution speckle-free microscopy is then used to image optical signatures associated to structural transformations until the evolution stops. Multiscale imaging indicates characteristic timescales for plasma decay, heat diffusion, and void cavitation, pointing out key mechanisms of material transformation on the nanoscale in a range of processing conditions. If glass densification is driven by sub-ps electronic decay, for nanoscale structuring we advocate the passage through a long-living dense ionized phase that decomposes on tens of ns, triggering cavitation.
Identification of serum IFN-α and IL-33 as novel biomarkers for type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis and IgG4-related disease
Authors: Minaga Kosuke , Watanabe Tomohiro , Hara Akane , Kamata Ken , Omoto Shunsuke , Nakai Atsushi , Otsuka Yasuo , Sekai Ikue , Yoshikawa Tomoe , Yamao Kentaro , Takenaka Mamoru , Chiba Yasutaka , Kudo Masatoshi 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a multi-organ autoimmune disease characterized by elevated serum IgG4 concentration. Although serum IgG4 concentration is widely used as a biomarker for IgG4-RD and type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP), a pancreatic manifestation of IgG4-RD, a significant number of patients have normal serum IgG4 levels, even in the active phase of the disease. Recently, we reported that the development of experimental AIP and human type 1 AIP is associated with increased expression of IFN-α and IL-33 in the pancreas. In this study, we assessed the utility of serum IFN-α and IL-33 levels as biomarkers for type 1 AIP and IgG4-RD. Serum IFN-α and IL-33 concentrations in patients who met the diagnostic criteria for definite type 1 AIP and/or IgG4-RD were significantly higher than in those with chronic pancreatitis or in healthy controls. Strong correlations between serum IFN-α, IL-33, and IgG4 concentrations were observed. Diagnostic performance of serum IFN-α and IL-33 concentrations as markers of type 1 AIP and/or IgG4-RD was comparable to that of serum IgG4 concentration, as calculated by the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Induction of remission by prednisolone treatment markedly decreased the serum concentration of these cytokines. We conclude that serum IFN-α and IL-33 concentrations can be useful as biomarkers for type 1 AIP and IgG4-RD.
GLN: a method to reveal unique properties of lasso type topology in proteins
Authors: Niemyska Wanda , Millett Kenneth C. , Sulkowska Joanna I. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractGeometry and topology are the main factors that determine the functional properties of proteins. In this work, we show how to use the Gauss linking integral (GLN) in the form of a matrix diagram—for a pair of a loop and a tail—to study both the geometry and topology of proteins with closed loops e.g. lassos. We show that the GLN method is a significantly faster technique to detect entanglement in lasso proteins in comparison with other methods. Based on the GLN technique, we conduct comprehensive analysis of all proteins deposited in the PDB and compare it to the statistical properties of the polymers. We show how high and low GLN values correlate with the internal exibility of proteins, and how the GLN in the form of a matrix diagram can be used to study folding and unfolding routes. Finally, we discuss how the GLN method can be applied to study entanglement between two structures none of which are closed loops. Since this approach is much faster than other linking invariants, the next step will be evaluation of lassos in much longer molecules such as RNA or loops in a single chromosome.
The role of Serendipita indica and Lactobacilli mixtures on mitigating mycotoxins and heavy metals’ risks of contaminated sewage sludge and its composts
Authors: Youssef Nesrine H. , Al-Huqail Asma A. , Ali Hayssam M. , Abdelsalam Nader R. , Sabra Mayada A. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAccumulation of the Municipal Sewage Sludge (MSS) is considered as one of the most harmful renewable ecological and human health problems. MSS is a renewable resource that could be used as a soil organic amendment. This study aims to reduce the Heavy Metals (HMs) from the sludge content and sludge compost. Furthermore, this study is considered the first to assess the mycotoxins content in sludge and sludge compost via a new biological treatment using the fungus Serendipita indica or a mixture of lactic acid bacteria, thus providing safer nutrients for the soil amendment for a longer time and preserving human health. The HMs and mycotoxins were determined. The results exhibited that the biotic remediation of bio-solid waste and sewage sludge compost succeeded; a new bio-treated compost with a very low content of heavy metals and almost mycotoxins-free contents was availed. Also, the results indicated that the Lactobacilli mixture realized the best results in reducing heavy metals contents and mycotoxins. Afterward, S. indica. biotic remediation of bio-solid waste and sewage sludge compost minimized the health risk hazards affecting the human food chain, allowing for the different uses of sludge to be safer for the environment.
Effects of ultrasonication time on stability, dynamic viscosity, and pumping power management of MWCNT-water nanofluid: an experimental study
Authors: Asadi Amin , Alarifi Ibrahim M. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIt is known that ultrasonication has a certain effect on thermophysical properties and heat transfer of nanofluids. The present study is the continuation of the authors’ previous research on the effects of ultrasonication on the thermophysical properties of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs)-water nanofluid. Investigating the effects of ultrasonication time on samples’ stability, rheological properties, and pumping power of a water-based nanofluid containing MWCNTs nanoparticle is the main objective of the present study. The two-step method has been employed to prepared the samples. Moreover, a probe-type ultrasonic device has been used, and different ultrasonication times have been applied. The samples’ stability is investigated in different periods. The results revealed that prolonging the ultrasonication time to 60 min leads to improving the samples’ stability while prolonging ultrasonication time to higher than 60 min resulted in deteriorating the stability. As for dynamic viscosity, it is observed that increasing ultrasonication time to 60 min leads to decreasing the dynamic viscosity of the samples. As for pumping power, it is observed that the maximum increase in fanning friction factor ratio is less than 3%, which shows that adding MWCNTs to water does not impose a considerable penalty in the required energy for pumping power.
Identification of miRNA signatures for kidney renal clear cell carcinoma using the tensor-decomposition method
Authors: Ng Ka-Lok , Taguchi Y.-H. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractCancer is a highly complex disease caused by multiple genetic factors. MicroRNA (miRNA) and mRNA expression profiles are useful for identifying prognostic biomarkers for cancer. Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC), which accounts for more than 70% of all renal malignant tumour cases, was selected for our analysis. Traditional methods of identifying cancer prognostic markers may not be accurate. Tensor decomposition (TD) is a useful method uncovering the underlying low-dimensional structures in the tensor. The TD-based unsupervised feature extraction method was applied to analyse mRNA and miRNA expression profiles. Biological annotations of the prognostic miRNAs and mRNAs were examined utilizing the pathway and oncogenic signature databases DIANA-miRPath and MSigDB. TD identified the miRNA signatures and the associated genes. These genes were found to be involved in cancer-related pathways, and 23 genes were significantly correlated with the survival of KIRC patients. We demonstrated that the results are robust and not highly dependent upon the databases we selected. Compared with traditional supervised methods tested, TD achieves much better performance in selecting prognostic miRNAs and mRNAs. These results suggest that integrated analysis using the TD-based unsupervised feature extraction technique is an effective strategy for identifying prognostic signatures in cancer studies.
Unique combination of clinical features in a large cohort of 100 patients with retinitis pigmentosa caused by FAM161A mutations
Authors: Beryozkin Avigail , Khateb Samer , Idrobo-Robalino Carlos Alberto , Khan Muhammad Imran , Cremers Frans P. M. , Obolensky Alexey , Hanany Mor , Mezer Eedy , Chowers Itay , Newman Hadas , Ben-Yosef Tamar , Sharon Dror , Banin Eyal 
Published: September 2020

AbstractFAM161A mutations are the most common cause of autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa in the Israeli-Jewish population. We aimed to characterize the spectrum of FAM161A-associated phenotypes and identify characteristic clinical features. We identified 114 bi-allelic FAM161A patients and obtained clinical records of 100 of these patients. The most frequent initial symptom was night blindness. Best-corrected visual acuity was largely preserved through the first three decades of life and severely deteriorated during the 4th–5th decades. Most patients manifest moderate-high myopia. Visual fields were markedly constricted from early ages, but maintained for decades. Bone spicule-like pigmentary changes appeared relatively late, accompanied by nummular pigmentation. Full-field electroretinography responses were usually non-detectable at first testing. Fundus autofluorescence showed a hyper-autofluorescent ring around the fovea in all patients already at young ages. Macular ocular coherence tomography showed relative preservation of the outer nuclear layer and ellipsoid zone in the fovea, and frank cystoid macular changes were very rare. Interestingly, patients with a homozygous nonsense mutation manifest somewhat more severe disease. Our clinical analysis is one of the largest ever reported for RP caused by a single gene allowing identification of characteristic clinical features and may be relevant for future application of novel therapies.
Acute toxicity analysis of Disarib, an inhibitor of BCL2
Authors: Sharma Shivangi , Varsha Kontham Kulangara , Kumari Susmita , Gopalakrishnan Vidya , Jose Anjana Elizabeth , Choudhary Bibha , Mantelingu Kempegowda , Raghavan Sathees C. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractSmall molecule inhibitors targeting BCL2 are explored as anticancer therapeutics. Previously, we have reported identification and characterization of a novel BCL2 inhibitor, Disarib. Disarib induced cancer cell death in a BCL2 dependent manner in different cancer cell lines and mouse tumor models when it was administered intraperitoneally. In the present study, using two syngeneic mouse models, breast adenocarcinoma (EAC) and Dalton’s lymphoma (DLA), we show that oral administration of Disarib resulted in significant tumor regression in a concentration dependent manner. Importantly, tumor developed in both female and male mice were equally sensitive to Disarib. Further, we have investigated the toxicity of Disarib in normal cells. Single dose toxicity analysis of Disarib in male and female mice after oral administration revealed no significant variations compared to control group for parameters such as body weight, food and water consumption and behavioural changes which were analysed for the entire period of study. Haematological and histopathological analyses also did not show any significant difference from the control groups. Thus, our results reveal safe use of Disarib as a small molecule inhibitor and provide the foundation for investigation of other preclinical studies.
Sexual dysfunction and health condition in Chinese doctor: prevalence and risk factors
Authors: Li Weiran , Li Shixing , Lu Pengfei , Chen Haibin , Zhang Yunyu , Cao Yu , Li Guanjian 
Published: September 2020

AbstractTo our knowledge, little attention has been paid to the sexual function of health workers. The aim of the present study was to assess the frequency of sexual dysfunction among Chinese doctors. In addition, the risk factors for sexual dysfunction were analyzed. This was a questionnaire-based multicenter cross-sectional survey performed in five large academic medical centers in China. A total of 539 male doctors, 547 female doctors were evaluated. We analyzed doctors' demographic characteristics, quality of life, sexual function and attitudes towards sexual problems. Chinese doctors are at high risk of sexual dysfunction and poor health. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction appears to increase with age, and is associated with various social and demographic factors including monthly income, physical exercise, working hours, night shift and health-related quality. The quality of life and sexual health of doctors deserves special attention as a significant public health concern. Alleviating work pressure, increasing income, improving quality of life and therapeutic sexual problems should be considered comprehensively.
Esterified carotenoids are synthesized in petals of carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) and accumulate in differentiated chromoplasts
Authors: Iijima Luna , Kishimoto Sanae , Ohmiya Akemi , Yagi Masafumi , Okamoto Emi , Miyahara Taira , Tsujimoto Takashi , Ozeki Yoshihiro , Uchiyama Nahoko , Hakamatsuka Takashi , Kouno Takanobu , Cano Emilio A. , Shimizu Motoki , Nishihara Masahiro 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAlthough yellow and orange petal colors are derived from carotenoids in many plant species, this has not yet been demonstrated for the order Caryophyllales, which includes carnations. Here, we identified a carnation cultivar with pale yellow flowers that accumulated carotenoids in petals. Additionally, some xanthophyll compounds were esterified, as is the case for yellow flowers in other plant species. Ultrastructural analysis showed that chromoplasts with numerous plastoglobules, in which flower-specific carotenoids accumulate, were present in the pale yellow petals. RNA-seq and RT-qPCR analyses indicated that the expression levels of genes for carotenoid biosynthesis and esterification in pale yellow and pink petals (that accumulate small amounts of carotenoids) were similar or lower than in green petals (that accumulate substantial amounts of carotenoids) and white petals (that accumulate extremely low levels of carotenoids). Pale yellow and pink petals had a considerably lower level of expression of genes for carotenoid degradation than white petals, suggesting that reduced degradation activity caused accumulation of carotenoids. Our results indicate that some carnation cultivars can synthesize and accumulate esterified carotenoids. By manipulating the rate of biosynthesis and esterification of carotenoids in these cultivars, it should be feasible to produce novel carnation cultivars with vivid yellow flowers.
Effect of design geometry, exposure energy, cytophilic molecules, cell type and load in fabrication of single-cell arrays using micro-contact printing
Authors: Bhujbal Swapnil Vilas , Dekov Maren , Ottesen Vegar , Dunker Karen , Lale Rahmi , Sletmoen Marit 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn this study a range of factors influencing the fabrication of single-cell arrays (SCAs) are identified and investigated. Micro-contact printing was used to introduce spots coated with polyethyleneimine or Matrigel on glass surfaces pre-coated with polyethylene glycol. Unmodified E. coli, Synechococcus sp., Chlamydomonas reinhardtii as well as diverse mammalian cells including HUVEC, AAV293, U87, OHS, PC3, SW480, HepG2 and AY-27 were successfully immobilised onto the chemically coated spots. The developed SCAs show high cell viability and probability for capturing single-cells. A discrepancy between the size and shape of the squares described in the design file and the actual structures obtained in the final PDMS structure is characterised and quantified. The discrepancy is found to be depending on the exposure energy used in the photolithography process as well as the size of the squares and their separation distance as detailed in the design file. In addition to these factors, the effect of the cell density loaded onto the patterned surfaces is also characterised. The systematic characterisation of key parameters that need to be optimised prior to the fabrication of SCAs is essential in order to increase the efficiency and reproducibility of future fabrication of SCAs for single-cell studies.
Animal model of intrahepatic metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma: establishment and characteristic
Authors: Li Xuemei , Hu Jike , Gu Baohong , Paul Maswikiti Ewetse , Wang Bofang , Yu Yang , Feng Zedong , Ma Yanling , Wang Xueyan , Chen Hao 
Published: September 2020

AbstractOne of the most important and striking characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with intrahepatic metastasis, is that it results in extremely poor prognosis. Animal models have become a fundamental and very useful in research for disease study. However, some limitation has arisen from these model systems. We have therefore established a model of HCC with intrahepatic metastasis and noticed some differential appearances in different HCC cell lines. Luciferase-transfected HCC cell lines MHCC97-H and PLC/PRF/5 were inoculated into SCID mice via spleen. Observation the intrahepatic metastasis by bioluminescence imaging in vivo and comparing of the differential formation of metastatic lesions between different HCC cell lines by incorporating physical anatomy was done. Animal models for HCC intrahepatic metastasis were well established. However, there were some clearly noticed differences between MHCC97-H and PLC/PRF/5 cell lines. The group of MHCC97-H cell line readily metastasis in the liver, whereas group PLC/PRF/5 cell line developed extensive intrahepatic metastasis and formed large tumor in situ in the spleen. MHCC97-H and PLC/PRF/5 cell lines can be used to successfully establish a model of HCC intrahepatic metastasis with distinctive characteristics, which provides an important direction for the study of the mechanism of HCC intrahepatic metastasis, and may hopefully provide a basis for clinical treatment.
SHOC2 scaffold protein modulates daunorubicin-induced cell death through p53 modulation in lymphoid leukemia cells
Authors: Silveira Vanessa Silva , Borges Kleiton Silva , Santos Verena Silva , Ruckert Mariana Tannús , Vieira Gabriela Maciel , Vasconcelos Elton José Rosas , Nagano Luis Fernando Peinado , Tone Luiz Gonzaga , Scrideli Carlos Alberto 
Published: September 2020

AbstractSHOC2 scaffold protein has been mainly related to oncogenic ERK signaling through the RAS-SHOC2-PP1 phosphatase complex. In leukemic cells however, SHOC2 upregulation has been previously related to an increased 5-year event-free survival of pediatric pre-B acute lymphoid leukemia, suggesting that SHOC2 could be a potential prognostic marker. To address such paradoxical function, our study investigated how SHOC2 impact leukemic cells drug response. Our transcriptome analysis has shown that SHOC2 can modulate the DNA-damage mediated by p53. Notably, upon genetic inhibition of SHOC2 we observed a significant impairment of p53 expression, which in turn, leads to the blockage of key apoptotic molecules. To confirm the specificity of DNA-damage related modulation, several anti-leukemic drugs has been tested and we did confirm that the proposed mechanism impairs cell death upon daunorubicin-induced DNA damage of human lymphoid cells. In conclusion, our study uncovers new insights into SHOC2 function and reveals that this scaffold protein may be essential to activate a novel mechanism of p53-induced cell death in pre-B lymphoid cells.