bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Egg Albumin-Assisted Hydrothermal Synthesis of Co3O4 Quasi-Cubes as Superior Electrode Material for Supercapacitors with Excellent Performances
Authors: Sun Jiale , Wang Ya , Zhang Yanfei , Xu Chunju , Chen Huiyu 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Novel Co3O4 quasi-cubes with layered structure were obtained via two-step synthetic procedures. The precursors were initially prepared via hydrothermal reaction in the presence of egg albumin, and then the precursors were directly annealed at 300 °C in air to be converted into pure Co3O4 powders. It was found that the size and morphology of final Co3O4 products were greatly influenced by the amount of egg albumin and hydrothermal durations, respectively. Such layered Co3O4 cubes possessed a mesoporous nature with a mean pore size of 5.58 nm and total specific surface area of 80.3 m2/g. A three-electrode system and 2 M of KOH aqueous electrolyte were employed to evaluate the electrochemical properties of these Co3O4 cubes. The results indicated that a specific capacitance of 754 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 was achieved. In addition, the Co3O4 cubes-modified electrode exhibited an excellent rate performance of 77% at 10 A g−1 and superior cycling durability with 86.7% capacitance retention during 4000 repeated charge-discharge process at 5 A g−1. Such high electrochemical performances suggest that these mesoporous Co3O4 quasi-cubes can serve as an important electrode material for the next-generation advanced supercapacitors in the future.
Correction to: Validation of genomic predictions for body weight in broilers using crossbred information and considering breed-of-origin of alleles
Authors: Duenk Pascal , Calus Mario P. L. , Wientjes Yvonne C. J. , Breen Vivian P. , Henshall John M. , Hawken Rachel , Bijma Piter 
Published: November 2019

Following publication of original article [1], we noticed that there was an error: Eq. (3) on page 5 is the genomic relationship matrix that
lncRNA H19 promotes matrix mineralization through up-regulating IGF1 by sponging miR-185-5p in osteoblasts
Authors: Wu Yuan , Jiang Yu , Liu Qiang , Liu Cui-Zhong 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Matrix mineralization is a key stage in bone formation involving in many bone-specific genes and signaling pathways. Emerging evidence indicate that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and microRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in regulating the mineralization process of osteoblasts. This study aims to characterize the function and mechanism of lncRNA H19/miR-185-5p/IGF1 axis in modulating matrix mineralization of osteoblasts.

Results
H19 and IGF1 were highly expressed while miR-185-5p was lowly expressed in mineralized cells. Knocking down H19 inhibited matrix mineralization of osteoblasts, yet miR-185-5p had opposite effects. Moreover, H19 directly targeted miR-185-5p, whereas miR-185-5p repressed IGF1 expression. Meanwhile, miR-185-5p inhibition compensated the suppression of the matrix mineralization in osteoblasts by H19 knockdown.

Conclusions
The findings of this study showed that lncRNA H19 was upregulated in mineralized osteoblasts and promoted matrix mineralization through miR-185-5p/IGF1 axis in osteoblasts for the first time. This study may provide a new perspective for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases related to bone metabolism.
The synergistic effect of chlorotoxin-mApoE in boosting drug-loaded liposomes across the BBB
Authors: Formicola Beatrice , Dal Magro Roberta , Montefusco-Pereira Carlos V. , Lehr Claus-Michael , Koch Marcus , Russo Laura , Grasso Gianvito , Deriu Marco A. , Danani Andrea , Bourdoulous Sandrine , Re Francesca 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
We designed liposomes dually functionalized with ApoE-derived peptide (mApoE) and chlorotoxin (ClTx) to improve their blood–brain barrier (BBB) crossing. Our results demonstrated the synergistic activity of ClTx-mApoE in boosting doxorubicin-loaded liposomes across the BBB, keeping the anti-tumour activity of the drug loaded: mApoE acts promoting cellular uptake, while ClTx promotes exocytosis of liposomes.
Decreased plasma phospholipid concentrations and increased acid sphingomyelinase activity are accurate biomarkers for community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Arshad Haroon , Alfonso Juan Carlos López , Franke Raimo , Michaelis Katina , Araujo Leonardo , Habib Aamna , Zboromyrska Yuliya , Lücke Eva , Strungaru Emilia , Akmatov Manas K. , Hatzikirou Haralampos , Meyer-Hermann Michael , Petersmann Astrid , Nauck Matthias , Brönstrup Mark , Bilitewski Ursula , Abel Laurent , Sievers Jorg , Vila Jordi , Illig Thomas , Schreiber Jens , Pessler Frank 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
There continues to be a great need for better biomarkers and host-directed treatment targets for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Alterations in phospholipid metabolism may constitute a source of small molecule biomarkers for acute infections including CAP. Evidence from animal models of pulmonary infections and sepsis suggests that inhibiting acid sphingomyelinase (which releases ceramides from sphingomyelins) may reduce end-organ damage.

Methods
We measured concentrations of 105 phospholipids, 40 acylcarnitines, and 4 ceramides, as well as acid sphingomyelinase activity, in plasma from patients with CAP (n = 29, sampled on admission and 4 subsequent time points), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation with infection (COPD, n = 13) as a clinically important disease control, and 33 age- and sex-matched controls.

Results
Phospholipid concentrations were greatly decreased in CAP and normalized along clinical improvement. Greatest changes were seen in phosphatidylcholines, followed by lysophosphatidylcholines, sphingomyelins and ceramides (three of which were upregulated), and were least in acylcarnitines. Changes in COPD were less pronounced, but also differed qualitatively, e.g. by increases in selected sphingomyelins. We identified highly accurate biomarkers for CAP (AUC ≤ 0.97) and COPD (AUC ≤ 0.93) vs. Controls, and moderately accurate biomarkers for CAP vs. COPD (AUC ≤ 0.83), all of which were phospholipids. Phosphatidylcholines, lysophosphatidylcholines, and sphingomyelins were also markedly decreased in S. aureus-infected human A549 and differentiated THP1 cells. Correlations with C-reactive protein and procalcitonin were predominantly negative but only of mild-to-moderate extent, suggesting that these markers reflect more than merely inflammation. Consistent with the increased ceramide concentrations, increased acid sphingomyelinase activity accurately distinguished CAP (fold change = 2.8, AUC = 0.94) and COPD (1.75, 0.88) from Controls and normalized with clinical resolution.

Conclusions
The results underscore the high potential of plasma phospholipids as biomarkers for CAP, begin to reveal differences in lipid dysregulation between CAP and infection-associated COPD exacerbation, and suggest that the decreases in plasma concentrations are at least partially determined by changes in host target cells. Furthermore, they provide validation in clinical blood samples of acid sphingomyelinase as a potential treatment target to improve clinical outcome of CAP.
Regulatory impairment in untreated Parkinson’s disease is not restricted to Tregs: other regulatory populations are also involved
Authors: Álvarez-Luquín Diana D. , Arce-Sillas Asiel , Leyva-Hernández Jaquelín , Sevilla-Reyes Edgar , Boll Marie Catherine , Montes-Moratilla Esteban , Vivas-Almazán Viridiana , Pérez-Correa Citzielli , Rodríguez-Ortiz Ulises , Espinoza-Cárdenas Raquel , Fragoso Gladis , Sciutto Edda , Adalid-Peralta Laura 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundParkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the world. Various studies have suggested that the immune response plays a key role in this pathology. While a predominantly pro-inflammatory peripheral immune response has been reported in treated and untreated PD patients, the study of the role of the regulatory immune response has been restricted to regulatory T cells. Other immune suppressive populations have been described recently, but their role in PD is still unknown. This study was designed to analyze the pro and anti-inflammatory immune response in untreated PD patients, with emphasis on the regulatory response.MethodsThirty-two PD untreated patients and 20 healthy individuals were included in this study. Peripheral regulatory cells (CD4+Tregs, Bregs, CD8+Tregs, and tolerogenic dendritic cells), pro-inflammatory cells (Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells; active dendritic cells), and classical, intermediate, and non-classical monocytes were characterized by flow cytometry. Plasmatic levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6, GM-CSF, IL-12p70, IL-4, IL-13, IL-17α, IL-1β, IL-10, TGF-β, and IL-35 were determined by ELISA.ResultsDecreased levels of suppressor Tregs, active Tregs, Tr1 cells, IL-10-producer CD8regs, and tolerogenic PD-L1+ dendritic cells were observed. With respect to the pro-inflammatory response, a decrease in IL-17-α and an increase in IL-13 levels were observed.ConclusionA decrease in the levels of regulatory cell subpopulations in untreated PD patients is reported for the first time in this work. These results suggest that PD patients may exhibit a deficient suppression of the pro-inflammatory response, which could contribute to the pathophysiology of the disease.
Potential link between the RagA-mTOR-p70S6K axis and depressive-behaviors during bacterial liposaccharide challenge
Authors: Zhao Jia , Lao Lixing , Cui Wei , Rong Jianhui 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Bacterial infection is a potential risk factor for depression. However, little is known about the mechanistic link between bacterial endotoxin and depressive-like behaviors. The aim of the present study was to clarify whether liposaccharide (LPS) could induce depressive-like behaviors in mice via sequentially activating small GTPase RagA, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and p70S6K.

Methods
C57BL/6 N mice were treated with 0.83 mg/kg LPS by intraperitoneal injection for 24 h. The animals were assessed for depressive-like behaviors by forced swim test and tail suspension test. The expression levels of RagA, mTOR, and p70S6K were determined in mice, primary cortical neurons, neural stem cells, and PC12 cells.

Results
LPS effectively induced depressive-like behaviors in mice. Biochemical examination revealed that LPS not only upregulated RagA expression but also activated mTOR/p70S6K pathway in mouse brains. LPS challenge also achieved a similar effect in primary cortical neurons, neural stem cells, and PC12 cells. Following the silencing of RagA expression with specific siRNA, LPS failed to induce mTORC1 translocation to the lysosomal membranes in PC12 cells. These results suggested that LPS might sequentially upregulate RagA and activate mTOR and p70S6K pathways in mice and neural stem cells.

Conclusions
This study for the first time demonstrated that LPS might induce depressive-like behaviors in mice via the upregulation of RagA and subsequent activation of mTOR/p70S6K pathway. Such information may highlight the RagA-mTOR-p70S6K signaling cascade as a novel therapeutic target for the development of new anti-depressant therapeutics.
Wound monitoring of pH and oxygen in patients after radiation therapy
Authors: Auerswald Steffen , Schreml Stephan , Meier Robert , Blancke Soares Alexandra , Niyazi Maximilian , Marschner Sebastian , Belka Claus , Canis Martin , Haubner Frank 
Published: November 2019

AbstractObjectivesPostradiogenic wound healing disorders are an important clinical problem. While a variety of treatment modalities are available, there is no strategy to objectively judge treatment success. The aim of this study was to evaluate a 2D luminescence imaging system for pH and oxygen in non-healing wounds after radiotherapy.MethodsLuminescence 2D imaging was performed with the VisiSens (Presens, Regensburg, Germany) 2D imaging systems A1 and A2 for oxygen and pH, respectively. Biocompatible planar luminescent sensor foils were applied to non-irradiated and irradiated skin as well as to radiogenic wounds of five patients and the pH and the oxygen saturation was determined.ResultspH measurements showed significant differences between non-irradiated skin (6.46 ± 0.18) and irradiated skin (6.96 ± 0.26). Radiogenic wounds exhibited the highest pH values (7.53 ± 0.26). Oxygen measurements revealed a mean oxygen saturation of non-irradiated skin of 6.19 ± 0.83 mmHg. The highest value of oxygen saturation (28.4 ± 2.4 mmHg) was found on irradiated skin while irradiated wounds had a poor oxygen saturation (9.4 ± 2.2 mmHg) (mean ± s.e.m.).ConclusionWe found that routine measurement of pH and pO2 in patients could be easily integrated into the clinical routine. The results of the measurements show unfavorable pH and oxygen saturation conditions for wound healing in irradiated wounds. Interestingly, irradiated wounds exhibit a more pronounced hypoxia than irradiated skin which is reflected by an altered pH and pO2 compared to unirradiated skin, which has the potential to serve as a prognostic marker in the future. In addition to the objectification of the treatment success of postradiogenic wound healing disorders, the extent of skin toxicity could already be predicted during radiotherapy with this method.
Healthcare disparities among orthopedic trauma patients in the USA: socio-demographic factors influence the management of calcaneus fractures
Authors: Zelle Boris A. , Morton-Gonzaba Nicolas A. , Adcock Christopher F. , Lacci John V. , Dang Khang H. , Seifi Ali 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Socio-demographic factors have been suggested to contribute to differences in healthcare utilization for several elective orthopedic procedures. Reports on disparities in utilization of orthopedic trauma procedures remain limited. The purpose of our study is to assess the roles of clinical and socio-demographic variables in utilization of operative fixation of calcaneus fractures in the USA.

Methods
The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) dataset was used to analyze all patients from 2005 to 2014 with closed calcaneal fractures. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the impact of clinical and socio-demographic variables on the utilization of surgical versus non-surgical treatment.

Results
A total of 17,156 patients with closed calcaneus fractures were identified. Operative treatment was rendered in 7039 patients (41.03%). A multivariate logistic regression demonstrated multiple clinical and socio-demographic factors to significantly influence the utilization of surgical treatment including age, gender, insurance status, race/ethnicity, income, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, psychosis, drug abuse, and alcohol abuse (p <  0.05). In addition, hospital size and hospital type (teaching versus non-teaching) showed a statistically significant difference (p <  0.05).

Conclusions
Besides different clinical variables, we identified several socio-demographic factors influencing the utilization of surgical treatment of calcaneus fractures in the US patient population. Further studies need to identify the specific patient-related, provider-related, and system-related factors leading to these disparities.
Does serum interleukin-6 guide the diagnosis of persistent infection in two-stage hip revision for periprosthetic joint infection?
Authors: Qu Peng-Fei , Xu Chi , Fu Jun , Li Rui , Chai Wei , Chen Ji-Ying 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Purpose
The diagnosis of persistent infection at reimplantation of two-stage revision arthroplasty for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains challenging. Several studies have shown the benefit of serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) in diagnosing periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Recent data indicated serum IL-6 could be promising in differentiating persistent infection. The purpose of this study was to validate the efficacy of serum IL-6 in diagnosing persistent infection at reimplantation.

Methods
A retrospective review of 86 PJI patients with a two-stage exchanged hip arthroplasty from 2013 to 2017 was conducted. Persistent infection was defined using the modified Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) criteria combined with follow-up results. Serum IL-6 at reimplantation were collected and compared among patients with or without persistent infection. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to evaluate the diagnostic performance and optimal cut-off value of serum IL-6 at reimplantation.

Results
Sixteen cases were diagnosed as persistent infection at reimplantation. There was no significant difference in serum IL-6 levels between cases with persistent infection and controls (7.89 pg/ml vs. 5.56 pg/ml; P = 0.179). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for serum IL-6 in diagnosing persistent infection at reimplantation was 0.59 (95% confidential interval [CI] 0.40–0.77). With the calculated threshold set at 8.12 pg/ml, the corresponding sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive values were 38%, 88%, 38%, and 87%, respectively.

Conclusion
Serum IL-6 is inadequate in diagnosing persistent infection at reimplantation for two-stage revision arthroplasty. With the serum IL-6 threshold set at 8.12 pg/ml, the specificity to rule out persistent infection is high, but the sensitivity to predict persistent infection is not satisfactory.
Analysis of sternal healing after median sternotomy in low risk patients at midterm follow-up: retrospective cohort study from two centres
Authors: Wang Bin , He Dapu , Wang Min , Qian Yongxiang , Lu Youran , Shi Xinping , Liu Yang , Zhan Xianghong , Di Dongmei , Zhu Kai , Zhang Xiaoying 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
For low risk patients undergoing median sternotomies, no midterm follow-up studies involving sternal healing have been conducted. In this study we evaluated sternal healing in low risk patients by chest CT scan and the risk factors associated with poor healing were analyzed.

Methods
Patients who underwent sternal median incision heart surgery from September 2014 to March 2015 were recruited. The clinical information of these patients during hospitalization was collected, and the CT scan data were submitted to the two chief physicians of the Radiology Department for radiographical sternal healing score determination. Based on the method of wound closure, the patients were divided into sternum plate (Plates) and wire groups (Wires).

Results
Forty-four patients were recruited. The mean CT examination time was 17.27 ± 2.30 months postoperatively. Twenty-nine (65.9%) patients met the criteria for radiographic sternal healing. Three segments, including the aortopulmonary window, the main pulmonary artery, and the aortic root, had healed less in comparison to the manubrium segment. Compared to patients in whom 6–7 metal wires were used for sternal closure, healing of the lower sternum was worse in patients in whom five wires were used, but the difference in healing was not statistically significant. Univariate analysis of sternal healing showed that patient age was a risk factor for sternal non-healing. When the patient age was > 45 years, the predicted risk of radiographic sternal non-union was 1.833 (95% CI: 1.343–2.503).

Conclusions
At the mid-term follow-up, 65.9% of patients undergoing median sternotomies demonstrated radiographic sternal healing. Age, but not closure device, was a risk factor for sternal non-healing in low risk patients. Use of more wires had a positive impact on sternal healing.

Trial registration
researchregistry4918, registered 28 May 2019, retrospectively registered.
Tim-3 signaling blockade with α-lactose induces compensatory TIGIT expression in Plasmodium berghei ANKA-infected mice
Authors: Zhang Yiwei , Jiang Ning , Zhang Ting , Chen Ran , Feng Ying , Sang Xiaoyu , Yang Na , Chen Qijun 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Malaria, one of the largest health burdens worldwide, is caused by Plasmodium spp. infection. Upon infection, the host’s immune system begins to clear the parasites. However, Plasmodium species have evolved to escape the host’s immune clearance. T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (Tim-3), a surface molecule on most immune cells, is often referred to as an exhaustion marker. Galectin (Gal)-9 is a Tim-3 ligand and the T helper (Th) 1 cell response is inhibited when Gal-9 binds to Tim-3. In the present study, dynamic expression of Tim-3 on key populations of lymphocytes during infection periods of Plasmodium berghei and its significance in disease resistance and pathogenesis were explored.

Methods
Tim-3 expression on critical lymphocyte populations and the proportion of these cells, as well as the levels of cytokines in the sera of infected mice, were detected by flow cytometry. Further, in vitro anti-Tim-3 assay using an anti-Tim-3 antibody and in vivo Tim-3-Gal-9 signaling blockade assays using α-lactose (an antagonist of Gal-9) were conducted. An Annexin V Apoptosis Detection Kit with propidium iodide was used to detect apoptosis. In addition, proteins associated with apoptosis in lung and spleen tissues were confirmed by Western blotting assays.

Results
Increased Tim-3 expression on splenic CD8+ and splenic CD4+, and circulatory CD4+ T cells was associated with a reduction in the proportion of these cells. Furthermore, the levels of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-22, and interferon (IFN)-γ, but not that of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), IL-10, and IL-9, increased to their highest levels at day 4 post-infection and decreased thereafter. Blocking Tim-3 signaling in vitro inhibited lymphocyte apoptosis. Tim-3-Gal-9 signaling blockade in vivo did not protect the mice, but induced the expression of the immunosuppressive molecule, T cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains (TIGIT), in Plasmodium berghei ANKA-infected mice.

Conclusions
Tim-3 on lymphocytes negatively regulates cell-mediated immunity against Plasmodium infection, and blocking Tim-3-galectin 9 signaling using α-lactose did not significantly protect the mice; however, it induced the compensatory expression of TIGIT. Further investigations are required to identify whether combined blockade of Tim-3 and TIGIT signaling could achieve a better protective effect.
Uncertainty-aware workflow migration among edge nodes based on blockchain
Authors: Xu Zhanyang , Geng Qingfan , Cao Hao , Wang Chuanjian , Liu Xihua 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Workflow is one of the most typical applications in distributed computing, which makes a variety of complex computing work orderly. However, assigning workflow tasks to nodes in the process of multi-node collaboration is still a challenge, because there are some unpredictable emergencies, i.e., uncertainty, in the process of workflow scheduling. The paper proposes a blockchain-powered resource provisioning (BPRP) method to solve the above problems. Technically, we use the directed acyclic graph in the graph theory to represent the workflow task and optimize the workflow scheduling strategy in the presence of uncertainty. The processing time and energy consumption of workflow tasks are also optimized by using non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm III (NSGA-III). Finally, we carry out experimental simulations to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.