bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HIF-2α is indispensable for regulatory T cell function
Authors: Hsu Tzu-Sheng , Lin Yen-Lin , Wang Yu-An , Mo Shu-Ting , Chi Po-Yu , Lai Alan Chuan-Ying , Pan Hsuan-Yin , Chang Ya-Jen , Lai Ming-Zong 
Published: October 2020

AbstractHypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and HIF-2α are master transcription factors that regulate cellular responses to hypoxia, but the exact function in regulatory T (Treg) cells is controversial. Here, we show that Treg cell development is normal in mice with Foxp3-specific knockout (KO) of HIF-1α or HIF-2α. However, HIF-2α-KO (but not HIF-1α-KO) Treg cells are functionally defective in suppressing effector T cell-induced colitis and inhibiting airway hypersensitivity. HIF-2α-KO Treg cells have enhanced reprogramming into IL-17-secreting cells. We show crosstalk between HIF-2α and HIF-1α, and that HIF-2α represses HIF-1α expression. HIF-1α is upregulated in HIF-2α-KO Treg cells and further deletion of HIF-1α restores the inhibitory function of HIF-2α-KO Treg cells. Mice with Foxp3-conditional KO of HIF-2α are resistant to growth of MC38 colon adenocarcinoma and metastases of B16F10 melanoma. Together, these results indicate that targeting HIF-2α to destabilize Treg cells might be an approach for regulating the functional activity of Treg cells.
An avian cortical circuit for chunking tutor song syllables into simple vocal-motor units
Authors: Mackevicius Emily L. , Happ Michael T. L. , Fee Michale S. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractHow are brain circuits constructed to achieve complex goals? The brains of young songbirds develop motor circuits that achieve the goal of imitating a specific tutor song to which they are exposed. Here, we set out to examine how song-generating circuits may be influenced early in song learning by a cortical region (NIf) at the interface between auditory and motor systems. Single-unit recordings reveal that, during juvenile babbling, NIf neurons burst at syllable onsets, with some neurons exhibiting selectivity for particular emerging syllable types. When juvenile birds listen to their tutor, NIf neurons are also activated at tutor syllable onsets, and are often selective for particular syllable types. We examine a simple computational model in which tutor exposure imprints the correct number of syllable patterns as ensembles in an interconnected NIf network. These ensembles are then reactivated during singing to train a set of syllable sequences in the motor network.
Accelerated knowledge discovery from omics data by optimal experimental design
Authors: Wang Xiaokang , Rai Navneet , Merchel Piovesan Pereira Beatriz , Eetemadi Ameen , Tagkopoulos Ilias 
Published: October 2020

AbstractHow to design experiments that accelerate knowledge discovery on complex biological landscapes remains a tantalizing question. We present an optimal experimental design method (coined OPEX) to identify informative omics experiments using machine learning models for both experimental space exploration and model training. OPEX-guided exploration of Escherichia coli’s populations exposed to biocide and antibiotic combinations lead to more accurate predictive models of gene expression with 44% less data. Analysis of the proposed experiments shows that broad exploration of the experimental space followed by fine-tuning emerges as the optimal strategy. Additionally, analysis of the experimental data reveals 29 cases of cross-stress protection and 4 cases of cross-stress vulnerability. Further validation reveals the central role of chaperones, stress response proteins and transport pumps in cross-stress exposure. This work demonstrates how active learning can be used to guide omics data collection for training predictive models, making evidence-driven decisions and accelerating knowledge discovery in life sciences.
High-power lithium–selenium batteries enabled by atomic cobalt electrocatalyst in hollow carbon cathode
Authors: Tian Hao , Tian Huajun , Wang Shijian , Chen Shuangming , Zhang Fan , Song Li , Liu Hao , Liu Jian , Wang Guoxiu 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSelenium cathodes have attracted considerable attention due to high electronic conductivity and volumetric capacity comparable to sulphur cathodes. However, practical development of lithium-selenium batteries has been hindered by the low selenium reaction activity with lithium, high volume changes and rapid capacity fading caused by the shuttle effect of polyselenides. Recently, single atom catalysts have attracted extensive interests in electrochemical energy conversion and storage because of unique electronic and structural properties, maximum atom-utilization efficiency, and outstanding catalytic performances. In this work, we developed a facile route to synthesize cobalt single atoms/nitrogen-doped hollow porous carbon (CoSA-HC). The cobalt single atoms can activate selenium reactivity and immobilize selenium and polyselenides. The as-prepared selenium-carbon (Se@CoSA-HC) cathodes deliver a high discharge capacity, a superior rate capability, and excellent cycling stability with a Coulombic efficiency of ~100%. This work could open an avenue for achieving long cycle life and high-power lithium-selenium batteries.
Inference of person-to-person transmission of COVID-19 reveals hidden super-spreading events during the early outbreak phase
Authors: Wang Liang , Didelot Xavier , Yang Jing , Wong Gary , Shi Yi , Liu Wenjun , Gao George F. , Bi Yuhai 
Published: October 2020

AbstractCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was first identified in late 2019 in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China and spread globally in months, sparking worldwide concern. However, it is unclear whether super-spreading events occurred during the early outbreak phase, as has been observed for other emerging viruses. Here, we analyse 208 publicly available SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences collected during the early outbreak phase. We combine phylogenetic analysis with Bayesian inference under an epidemiological model to trace person-to-person transmission. The dispersion parameter of the offspring distribution in the inferred transmission chain was estimated to be 0.23 (95% CI: 0.13–0.38), indicating there are individuals who directly infected a disproportionately large number of people. Our results showed that super-spreading events played an important role in the early stage of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Prognostic impact of serum levels of EGFR and EGFR ligands in early-stage breast cancer
Authors: Kjær Ina Mathilde , Olsen Dorte Aalund , Brandslund Ivan , Bechmann Troels , Jakobsen Erik Hugger , Bogh Søren Bie , Madsen Jonna Skov 
Published: October 2020

AbstractEpidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and its ligands are involved in cancer pathogenesis. The emerging role of treatments co-targeting the EGFR system in breast cancer has increased the need to identify companion biomarkers. The aim of this study is to investigate whether pretreatment serum levels of EGFR and EGFR ligands in early-stage breast cancer patients might provide prognostic information as a stepping stone for further investigation. The study, which included 311 early-stage breast cancer patients, investigated associations between preoperative serum levels of EGFR and EGFR ligands (epidermal growth factor, heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (HBEGF), amphiregulin, transforming growth factor-α and betacellulin) and survival. Cutoffs were determined using Youden’s method, and overall survival (OS) and invasive disease-free survival (IDFS) were evaluated using Cox regression. Preoperative S-EGFR < 60.3 ng/mL was associated with shorter OS and IDFS in both univariate analyses and when adjusting for standard prognostic factors (p < 0.05). Preoperative S-HBEGF < 21.4 pg/mL was associated with shorter OS in both univariate and multivariate analyses, whereas association with shorter IDFS could only be demonstrated in the univariate analysis. In conclusion, our study demonstrated shorter survival in early-stage breast cancer patients who had low pretreatment levels of either S-EGFR or S-HBEGF.
Heavy metal pollution and risk assessment by the battery of toxicity tests
Authors: Khan Mohd. Shahnawaz , Javed Mehjbeen , Rehman Md. Tabish , Urooj Maryam , Ahmad Md. Irshad 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe current study was carried out on dominant fish Oreochromis niloticus and water collected from the polluted Yamuna River, Agra, India. The heavy metals in water, recorded as follows: Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu > Ni > Cr > Cd and all were found to be above the prescribed limits. According to metal pollution index, exposed muscle (49.86), kidney (47.68) and liver (45.26) have been recorded to have higher bioaccumulation. The blood biochemical analysis of exposed O. niloticus indicated significant increase in activities of aspartate aminotransferase (+ 343.5%), alkaline phosphatase (+ 673.6%), alanine aminotransferase (+ 309.1%), and creatinine (+ 494.3%) over the reference. However, a significant decrease in albumin (A): globulins (G) ratio (− 87.86%) was observed. Similarly, the exposed fish also showed significant increase in total leucocyte count (+ 121%), differential leucocyte count, respiratory burst (+ 1175%), and nitric oxide synthase (+ 420%). The histological examination of liver and kidney showed tissue injury. Moreover, micronuclei (0.95%), kidney shaped nuclei (1.2%), and lobed nuclei (0.6%) along with DNA damage in the form of mean tail length in the liver (20.7 µm) and kidney (16.5 µm) was observed in the exposed O. niloticus. Potential health risk assessments based on estimated daily intake, target hazard quotient, hazard index, and target cancer risk indicated health risks associated with the consumption of these contaminated fishes. In conclusion, the present study showed that exposure to heavy metals contaminated water can alter immunological response; induce histopathological alterations and DNA damage in the studied fish. The consumption of this contaminated water or fish could have serious impact on human health.
The COVID-19 social media infodemic
Authors: Cinelli Matteo , Quattrociocchi Walter , Galeazzi Alessandro , Valensise Carlo Michele , Brugnoli Emanuele , Schmidt Ana Lucia , Zola Paola , Zollo Fabiana , Scala Antonio 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWe address the diffusion of information about the COVID-19 with a massive data analysis on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Reddit and Gab. We analyze engagement and interest in the COVID-19 topic and provide a differential assessment on the evolution of the discourse on a global scale for each platform and their users. We fit information spreading with epidemic models characterizing the basic reproduction number $$R_0$$

R
0

for each social media platform. Moreover, we identify information spreading from questionable sources, finding different volumes of misinformation in each platform. However, information from both reliable and questionable sources do not present different spreading patterns. Finally, we provide platform-dependent numerical estimates of rumors’ amplification.
Alligators in the big city: spatial ecology of American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) at multiple scales across an urban landscape
Authors: Beal Eli R. , Rosenblatt Adam E. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractUrbanization impacts wildlife, yet research has been limited to few taxa. American alligators (Alligatormississippiensis) are apex predators that have received minimal attention within urban areas. We investigated potential effects of urban land use on alligators through surveys of relative alligator abundance in nine tributaries of the lower St. Johns River within Jacksonville, FL. We then explored the potential effects of urban development on alligator spatial distribution and habitat selection at coarse and fine scales. At the coarse scale, we found no correlation between percent developed land and alligator abundance across tributaries; instead, salinity was the primary driver. However, at the fine scale alligators preferred habitats with more open water and vegetated shorelines and avoided anthropogenic structure. Surprisingly, only one of 93 sighted individuals was an adult. Hunting and nuisance alligator data suggests that adults are relatively rare in Jacksonville because they have been targeted for removal. Thus, smaller alligators still occupy urban habitats because they are not targeted and face no competition from adults. Increasing urbanization and human activity may further degrade alligator habitats and limit the distribution of breeding adults, potentially leading to local population declines.
Compatibility of endoclips in the gastrointestinal tract with magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Shin Dong Yeol , Park Sumi , Kim Ain , Kim Eung-Sam , Jeon Han Ho 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThere are no clear guidelines on the compatibility between endoclips that remain in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 3T (T) MRI on endoclips placed in excised pig tissues. Two types of endoclips were assessed: Olympus EZ (HX-610-135L) and QuickClip Pro (HZ-202LR). We assessed tissue damage or perforation and detachment of endoclips under 3T MRI magnetic field. We also evaluated the magnitude of force required to detach the endoclips from the porcine tissue. We measured the magnetic force acting on the Olympus EZ clips. QuickClip Pro clips were used as a control in this study. There was no tissue damage and no detachment of the endoclips (Olympus EZ and QuickClip Pro) during 3T MRI. The force required to detach the Olympus EZ clips ranged from 0.9 to 3.0 N. The translational magnetic force acting on the endoclips was 3.18 × 10–3 N. Ex vivo experiments showed that the magnetic field generated by 3T MRI did not cause tissue damage or perforation and did not detach the endoclips. Olympus EZ clips and QuickClip Pro clips in the GI tract appear to be safe during 3T MRI.
The interplay of phenotype and genotype inCryptococcus neoformansdisease
Authors: Altamirano Sophie , Jackson Katrina M. , Nielsen Kirsten 
Published: October 2020

AbstractCryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that causes life-threatening meningitis primarily in immunocompromised individuals. In order to survive and proliferate during infection, C. neoformans must adapt to a variety of stresses it encounters within the host. Patient outcome depends on the interaction between the pathogen and the host. Understanding the mechanisms that C. neoformans uses to facilitate adaptation to the host and promote pathogenesis is necessary to better predict disease severity and establish proper treatment. Several virulence phenotypes have been characterized in C. neoformans, but the field still lacks a complete understanding of how genotype and phenotype contribute to clinical outcome. Furthermore, while it is known that C. neoformans genotype impacts patient outcome, the mechanisms remain unknown. This lack of understanding may be due to the genetic heterogeneity of C. neoformans and the extensive phenotypic variation observed between and within isolates during infection. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of how the various genotypes and phenotypes observed in C. neoformans correlate with human disease progression in the context of patient outcome and recurrence. We also postulate the mechanisms underlying the genetic and phenotypic changes that occur in vivo to promote rapid adaptation in the host.
Was ist neu bei der Diagnostik und Therapie des Mammakarzinoms? – Aktuelle Standards in der Behandlung von Brustkrebs
Authors: Albert Anna , Stüber Tanja , Bauer Jonas , Wöckel Achim 
Published: October 2020

Was ist neu?
Vorsorge, Früherkennung und familiärer Brustkrebs Mit dem Mammografie-Screening für Frauen ab dem 50. Lebensjahr steht in Deutschland eine etablierte Früherkennungsmaßnahme zur Verfügung. Eine Reduktion der Mortalität ist gesichert. Das Screening kann mittlerweile auch bei Frauen über 70 fortgeführt werden. Durch intensive Forschung im Bereich des familiären Mammakarzinoms kann das Hochrisikopatientenkollektiv präziser bestimmt und einer intensivierten Früherkennung zugeführt werden.
Therapie lokal begrenzter Stadien – Senkung der Radikalität Die Behandlung erfolgt zielgerichtet und so wenig radikal wie möglich. Nach neoadjuvanter Chemotherapie kann immer öfter auf eine Brustamputation verzichtet werden. Die axilläre Lymphknotendissektion (ALND) bleibt wenigen Fällen vorbehalten. Die molekulare Subtypisierung ermöglicht individualisierte medikamentöse Therapien in der kurativen Absicht.
Rekonstruktive Chirurgie Das BIA-ALCL stellt eine seltene Brustimplantat-assoziierte Erkrankung dar, bei der in den meisten Fällen eine Heilung möglich ist. Trotz steigender Inzidenz ist von Implantateinlagen nach adäquater Aufklärung der Patientin in Deutschland nicht abzuraten.
Therapie des metastasierten Karzinoms Zur Behandlung des metastasierten Mammakarzinoms sollte wenn möglich eine gut verträgliche Therapie zur Erhaltung der Lebensqualität gewählt werden. Auch hier stehen immer mehr individualisierte Optionen zur Verfügung.
Nachsorge Der Zeitraum der Nachsorge weitet sich aufgrund der Tumorbiologie auf 10 Jahre aus.
Ausblick Eine ESR1-Mutation kann zukünftig möglicherweise als prädiktiver Marker hinsichtlich einer antihormonellen Therapie in der Metastasierung genutzt werden. Für eine PD-1-Blockade gibt es vielversprechende Ergebnisse in der neoadjuvanten Behandlung des triple-negativen Mammakarzinoms (TNBC).
Articular Cartilage Repair in the Knee: Postoperative Imaging
Authors: Yang Brian W. , Brusalis Christopher M. , Fabricant Peter D. , Greditzer Harry G. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDiagnostic and therapeutic advancements have improved clinical outcomes for patients with focal chondral injuries of the knee. An increased number and complexity of surgical treatment options have, in turn, resulted in a commensurate proliferation of patients requiring postoperative evaluation and management. In addition to patient-reported clinical outcomes, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers clinicians with noninvasive, objective data to assist with postoperative clinical decision making. However, successful MRI interpretation in this setting is clinically challenging; it relies upon an understanding of the evolving and procedure-specific nature of normal postoperative imaging. Moreover, further research is required to better elucidate the correlation between MRI findings and long-term clinical outcomes. This article focuses on how specific morphologic features identified on MRI can be utilized to evaluate patients following the most commonly performed cartilage repair surgeries of the knee.
Impact of Preoperative Opioid Use on 2-Year Patient-Reported Outcomes in Knee Surgery Patients
Authors: Aneizi Ali , Sajak Patrick M. J. , Alqazzaz Aymen , Weir Tristan , Burt Cameran I. , Ventimiglia Dominic J. , Leong Natalie L. , Packer Jonathan D. , Henn R. Frank 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe objectives of this study are to assess perioperative opioid use in patients undergoing knee surgery and to examine the relationship between preoperative opioid use and 2-year postoperative patient-reported outcomes (PROs). We hypothesized that preoperative opioid use and, more specifically, higher quantities of preoperative opioid use would be associated with worse PROs in knee surgery patients. We studied 192 patients undergoing knee surgery at a single urban institution. Patients completed multiple PRO measures preoperatively and 2-year postoperatively, including six patient-reported outcomes measurement information system (PROMIS) domains; the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) questionnaire, numeric pain scale (NPS) scores for the operative knee and the rest of the body, Marx's knee activity rating scale, Tegner's activity scale, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, as well as measures of met expectations, overall improvement, and overall satisfaction. Total morphine equivalents (TMEs) were calculated from a regional prescription monitoring program. Eighty patients (41.7%) filled an opioid prescription preoperatively, and refill TMEs were significantly higher in this subpopulation. Opioid use was associated with unemployment, government insurance, smoking, depression, history of prior surgery, higher body mass index, greater comorbidities, and lower treatment expectations. Preoperative opioid use was associated with significantly worse 2-year scores on most PROs, including PROMIS physical function, pain interference, fatigue, social satisfaction, IKDC, NPS for the knee and rest of the body, and Marx's and Tegner's scales. There was a significant dose-dependent association between greater preoperative TMEs and worse scores for PROMIS physical function, pain interference, fatigue, social satisfaction, NPS body, and Marx's and Tegner's scales. Multivariable analysis confirmed that any preoperative opioid use, but not quantity of TMEs, was an independent predictor of worse 2-year scores for function, activity, and knee pain. Preoperative opioid use and TMEs were neither independent predictors of met expectations, satisfaction, patient-perceived improvement, nor improvement on any PROs. Our findings demonstrate that preoperative opioid use is associated with clinically relevant worse patient-reported knee function and pain after knee surgery.
Comparison of Acorn and Fluted Reamers on Tibial Tunnel Outer Aperture Dimensions in ACL Reconstruction
Authors: Gerrard Adam D. , Jump Chris M. , Sutton Paul , Charalambous Charalambos P. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine if the type of reamer used in tibial tunnel creation during anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction influences the dimensions of the tunnel's outer aperture. Tibial tunnels were created in tibial saw bones by reaming over a guidewire using an 8 mm acorn or fluted reamer in an antegrade manner. Reaming was aimed either in line with the guidewire, or with 10-degree inferior/superior deviation in relation to the wire. The shape and size of the outer aperture of the tibial tunnel were compared between the two reamers. When using the acorn reamer, a 10-degree deviation in relation to the guidewire resulted in minimal change in outer aperture length (mean 13.6 vs. 15.6 mm, p = 0.11) and width (11.6 vs. 11.1 mm, p = 0.51). However, when using the fluted reamer, although the aperture width showed no substantial change with reamer/guidewire deviation (11.4 vs. 11.2 mm, p = 0.71), the mean length almost doubled (14.7 vs. 28.1 mm, p = 0.002). The use of a fluted reamer when reaming the tibial tunnel creates a distal aperture which is inconsistently sized, larger, and of oblong shape compared with an acorn-shaped reamer. This should be taken in consideration when using a fluted reamer for creating the tibial tunnel in ACL reconstruction.