bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Th2 cell regulatory and effector molecules single nucleotide polymorphisms and periodontitis
Authors: Zheng Ying , Chai Lei , Fan Yanhui , Song You-Qiang , Zee Kwan-Yat , Tu Wen Wei , Jin Lijian , Leung Wai Keung 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
To investigate the association between T helper 2 (Th2) cell regulatory and effector molecules’ genetic polymorphisms and periodontitis. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of 11 Th2 cell regulatory or effector molecules genes (CD28, CTLA4, IL4, IL5, IL6, IL9, IL10, IL13, IL4R, GATA3, STAT6, and rs1537415; total 130 SNPs) were studied in Chinese nonsmokers (163 periodontitis-free controls, 141 periodontitis patients) using Sequenom iPlex assays. SNPs potentially associated with periodontitis (adjusted allelic P &lt; 0.1) in this cross-sectional study were further investigated via meta-analysis. Allele G of rs4553808 in promoter of CTLA4 was more frequently detected in periodontitis than controls (P &lt; 0.005), but did not remain significant after age and gender adjustment. Haplotype (GTT) in a block of three CTLA4 SNPs (rs4553808, rs16840252, rs5742909) was significantly associated with periodontitis. Meta-analysis of SNPs identified indicated allele T of CTLA4 rs5742909 (3 studies; 461 control, 369 periodontitis) and allele G of IL6 rs1800796 (18 studies; 2760 control, 2442 periodontitis) were significantly associated with periodontitis (OR = 1.44 and OR = 1.30, respectively). Within limitations of this study, a haplotype of CTLA4 concerning Th2 cell regulation, may be associated with periodontitis in Chinese nonsmokers followed. Meta-analysis indicated rs5742909 of CTLA4 and rs1800796 of IL6 appeared significantly associated with periodontitis.
The effects of low intensity focused ultrasonic stimulation on dorsal root ganglion neurons and Schwann cells in vitro
Authors: Ventre Daniel M. , Cluff Avery , Gagnon Christian , Diaz Vera David , Koppes Ryan A. , Koppes Abigail N. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSatisfactory treatment of peripheral nerve injury (PNI) faces difficulties owing to the intrinsic biological barriers in larger injuries and invasive surgical interventions. Injury gaps >3 cm have low chances of full motor and sensory recovery, and the unmet need for PNI repair techniques which increase the likelihood of functional recovery while limiting invasiveness motivate this work. Building upon prior work in ultrasound stimulation (US) of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, the effects of US on DRG neuron and Schwann cell (SC) cocultures were investigated to uncover the role of SCs in mediating the neuronal response to US in vitro. Acoustic intensity‐dependent alteration in selected neuromorphometrics of DRG neurons in coculture with SCs was observed in total outgrowth, primary neurites, and length compared to previously reported DRG monoculture in a calcium‐independent manner. SC viability and proliferation were not impacted by US. Conditioned medium studies suggest secreted factors from SCs subjected to US impact DRG neuron morphology. These findings advance the current understanding of mechanisms by which these cell types respond to US, which may lead to new noninvasive US therapies for treating PNI.
Arrhythmic risk stratification in heart failure mid‐range ejection fraction patients with a non‐invasive guiding to programmed ventricular stimulation two‐step approach
Authors: Arsenos Petros , Gatzoulis Konstantinos A. , Doundoulakis Ioannis , Dilaveris Polychronis , Antoniou Christos‐Konstantinos , Stergios Soulaidopoulos , Sideris Skevos , Ilias Sotiropoulos , Tousoulis Dimitrios 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundAlthough some post myocardial infarction (post‐MI) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) patients with mid‐range ejection fraction heart failure (HFmrEF/40%‐49%) face an increased risk for arrhythmic sudden cardiac death (SCD), current guidelines do not recommend an implantable cardiac defibrilator (ICD). We risk stratified hospitalized HFmrEF patients for SCD with a combined non‐invasive risk factors (NIRFs) guiding to programmed ventricular stimulation (PVS) two‐step approach.MethodsForty‐eight patients (male = 83%, age = 64 ± 14 years, LVEF = 45 ± 5%, CAD = 69%, DCM = 31%) underwent a NIRFs screening first‐step with electrocardiogram (ECG), SAECG, Echocardiography and 24‐hour ambulatory ECG (AECG). Thirty‐two patients with presence of one of three NIRFs (SAECG ≥ 2 positive criteria for late potentials, ventricular premature beats ≥ 240/24 hours, and non‐sustained ventricular tachycardia [VT] episode ≥ 1/24 hours) were further investigated with PVS. Patients were classified as either low risk (Group 1, n = 16, NIRFs−), moderate risk (Group 2, n = 18, NIRFs+/PVS−), and high risk (Group 3, n = 14, NIRFs+/PVS+). All in Group 3 received an ICD.ResultsAfter 41 ± 18 months, 9 of 48 patients, experienced the major arrhythmic event (MAE) endpoint (clinical VT/fibrillation = 3, appropriate ICD activation = 6). The endpoint occurred more frequently in Group 3 (7/14, 50%) than in Groups 1 and 2 (2/34, 5.8%). Logistic regression model adjusted for PVS, age, and LVEF revealed that PVS was an independent MAE predictor (OR: 21.152, 95% CI: 2.618‐170.887, P = .004). Kaplan‐Meier curves diverged significantly (log rank, P < .001) while PVS negative predictive value was 94%.ConclusionsIn hospitalized HFmrEF post‐MI and DCM patients, a NIRFs guiding to PVS two‐step approach efficiently detected the subgroup at increased risk for MAE.
Application of accelerated solvent extraction coupled with online two‐dimensional countercurrent chromatography for continuous extraction and separation of bioactive compounds from Citrus limon peel
Authors: Li Sainan , Liu Chunming , Zhang Yuchi , Shi Dongfang , Tsao Rong 
Published: August 2020

AbstractDrug discovery from complex mixtures, like Chinese herbs, is challenging and extensive false positives make it difficult to obtain compounds with anti‐Alzheimer's activity. In this study, a continuous method comprised of accelerated solvent extraction coupled with online two‐dimensional countercurrent chromatography was developed for the efficient, scaled‐up extraction and separation of six bioactive compounds from Citrus limon peels: neoeriocitrin, isonaringin, naringin, hesperidin, neohesperidin, and limonin. These active compounds were isolated and purified from the raw plant materials by two‐dimensional countercurrent chromatography separation via two sets of an n‐hexane/n‐butanol/methanol/water solvent system: 0.23:1.00:0.25:1.13 and 0.47:1.00:0.38:1.46, v/v/v/v. The compounds were collected in yields of 0.22, 0.25, 0.10, 0.31, 0.29, and 0.28 mg/g, respectively, with purities of 95.79, 96.47, 97.69, 97.22, 98.11, and 98.82%, respectively. Subsequently, a simple and efficient in vitro method was developed for rapidly evaluating the acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities of six bioactive components. Furthermore, the PC12 cell model and the in vitro metabolism of cytochromes P450 were employed to verify the monomers obtained from the continuous method. The results demonstrated that these six bioactive extracts from the C. limon peels were strong acetylcholinesterase inhibitors.
Paired high‐throughput, in situ imaging and high‐throughput sequencing illuminate acantharian abundance and vertical distribution
Authors: Mars Brisbin Margaret , Brunner Otis Davey , Grossmann Mary Matilda , Mitarai Satoshi 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAcantharians (supergroup Rhizaria) can be important contributors to surface primary production and to carbon flux to the deep sea, but are often underestimated because their delicate structures are destroyed by plankton nets or dissolved by chemical fixatives. As they are also uncultured, relatively little is known about acantharian biology, especially regarding their life cycles. Here, we take a paired approach, bringing together high‐throughput, in situ imaging and metabarcode sequencing, to investigate acantharian abundance, vertical distribution, and life history in the western North Pacific. Concentrations of imaged acantharian cells correlated well with relative abundances of 18S rRNA gene sequences from acantharians with known, recognizable morphologies, but not to sequences corresponding to acantharians with unknown morphology. These results suggest that morphologically undescribed clades may lack the characteristic star‐shaped acantharian skeleton or are much smaller than described acantharians. The smaller size of acantharians imaged at depth supports current hypotheses regarding nonsymbiotic acantharian life cycles: cysts or vegetative cells release reproductive swarmer cells in deep water and juvenile cells grow as they ascend toward the surface. Moreover, sequencing data present the possibility that some photosymbiotic acantharians may also reproduce at depth, like their nonsymbiotic, encysting relatives, which is counter to previous hypotheses. Finally, in situ imaging captured a new acantharian behavior that may be a previously undescribed predation strategy.
A first assessment of cyanobacterial blooms in oligotrophic Lake Superior
Authors: Sterner Robert W. , Reinl Kaitlin L. , Lafrancois Brenda Moraska , Brovold Sandra , Miller Todd R. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractLake Superior is often described as the most pristine of the Laurentian Great Lakes, but in the past decade Dolichospermum blooms have been observed. Land use in the adjacent watershed has not changed appreciably during this time, but the lake is warming and climatological variables correspond with presence of blooms. Blooms occurred only in relatively warm years as measured by degree days. Furthermore, the two largest blooms, in 2012 and 2018, occurred during years of especially extreme rainfall, providing coincidental evidence that intense storms provide nutrients or living propagules to the blooms from the watershed. Nearshore lake water in the narrow zone where blooms appear shows some riverine influence compared to water further offshore even in the absence of blooms. Nevertheless, water chemistry associated with the largest bloom in 2018 more closely resembled nonbloom nearshore lake water than river water, suggesting that blooms develop or at least persist outside of distinct river plumes. Concentrations of P and N during peak bloom density greatly exceeded any nonbloom lake or river waters, indicating that a buildup of phytoplankton biomass perhaps by floating and drifting to shore also is a significant factor in bloom occurrence. One potentially toxic substance (Anabaenopeptin A) was observed but at low concentration. At peak phytoplankton concentration, high seston C : P indicated severe P limitation while low C : N pointed against N limitation. If these newly observed blooms are indeed driven by temperature and rainfall as this evidence suggests, blooms may continue.
High γ‐Aminobutyric Acid Content Within the Medial Prefrontal Cortex Is a Functional Signature of Somatic Symptoms Disorder in Patients With Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Delli Pizzi Stefano , Franciotti Raffaella , Ferretti Antonio , Edden Richard A.E. , Zöllner Helge J. , Esposito Roberto , Bubbico Giovanna , Aiello Claudia , Calvanese Francesco , Sensi Stefano L. , Tartaro Armando , Onofrj Marco , Bonanni Laura 
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe dysfunctional activity of the medial prefrontal cortex has been associated with the appearance of the somatic symptom disorder, a key feature of the Parkinson's disease (PD) psychosis complex.ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to investigate whether the basal contents of inhibitory γ‐aminobutyric acid and excitatory glutamate plus glutamine neurotransmitter levels are changed in the medial prefrontal cortex of patients with PD with somatic symptom disorder and whether this alteration represents a marker of susceptibility of PD to somatic symptom disorder, thus representing a signature of psychosis complex of PD.MethodsLevels of the γ‐aminobutyric acid and glutamate plus glutamine were investigated, at rest, with proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Total creatine was used as an internal reference. The study cohort included 23 patients with somatic symptom disorder plus PD, 19 patients with PD without somatic symptom disorder, 19 healthy control subjects, and 14 individuals with somatic symptom disorder who did not show other psychiatric or neurological disorders.ResultsWe found that, compared with patients with PD without somatic symptom disorder or healthy control individuals, patients with somatic symptom disorder, with or without PD, show increased γ‐aminobutyric acid/total creatine levels in the medial prefrontal cortex. The medial prefrontal cortex contents of glutamate plus glutamine/total creatine levels or γ‐aminobutyric acid/glutamate plus glutamine were not different among groups.ConclusionsOur findings highlight a crucial pathophysiologic role played by high γ‐aminobutyric acid within the medial prefrontal cortex in the production of somatic symptom disorder. This phenomenon represents a signature of psychosis complex in patients with PD. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
In vivo noninvasive three‐dimensional (3D) assessment of microwave thermal ablation zone using non‐contrast‐enhanced x‐ray CT
Authors: Ziv Omri , Goldberg S. Nahum , Nissenbaum Yitzhak , Sosna Jacob , Weiss Noam , Azhari Haim 
Published: August 2020

PurposeTo develop an image processing methodology for noninvasive three‐dimensional (3D) quantification of microwave thermal ablation zones in vivo using x‐ray computed tomography (CT) imaging without injection of a contrast enhancing material.MethodsSix microwave (MW) thermal ablation procedures were performed in three pigs. The ablations were performed with a constant heating duration of 8 min and power level of 30 W. During the procedure images from sixty 1 mm thick slices were acquired every 30 s. At the end of all ablation procedures for each pig, a contrast‐enhanced scan was acquired for reference. Special algorithms for addressing challenges stemming from the 3D in vivo setup and processing the acquired images were prepared. The algorithms first rearranged the data to account for the oblique needle orientation and for breathing motion. Then, the gray level variance changes were analyzed, and optical flow analysis was applied to the treated volume in order to obtain the ablation contours and reconstruct the ablation zone in 3D. The analysis also included a special correction algorithm for eliminating artifacts caused by proximal major blood vessels and blood flow. Finally, 3D reference reconstructions from the contrast‐enhanced scan were obtained for quantitative comparison.ResultsFor four ablations located >3 mm from a large blood vessel, the mean dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and the mean absolute radial discrepancy between the contours obtained from the reference contrast‐enhanced images and the contours produced by the algorithm were 0.82 ± 0.03 and 1.92 ± 1.47 mm, respectively. In two cases of ablation adjacent to large blood vessels, the average DSC and discrepancy were: 0.67 ± 0.6 and 2.96 ± 2.15 mm, respectively. The addition of the special correction algorithm utilizing blood vessels mapping improved the mean DSC and the mean absolute discrepancy to 0.85 ± 0.02 and 1.19 ± 1.00 mm, respectively.ConclusionsThe developed algorithms provide highly accurate detailed contours in vivo (average error < 2.5 mm) and cope well with the challenges listed above. Clinical implementation of the developed methodology could potentially provide real time noninvasive 3D accurate monitoring of MW thermal ablation in‐vivo, provided that the radiation dose can be reduced.
Synthesis of Biohybrid Particles by Modification of Chitosan Beads via RAFT Polymerization in Dispersed Media
Authors: Solimando Xavier , Champagne Pascale , Cunningham Michael F. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSpherical macroscopic particles (beads) made from chitosan (CTS), a polysaccharide derived from the valorization of food waste, are converted into a biohybrid material by grafting poly(4‐vinylpyridine) (P4VP) using a “grafting from” approach via reversible addition–fragmentation chain‐transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Varying the time of reaction, and therefore the conversion, allows to readily tune the composition (CTS vs synthetic polymer content) and consequently the bead properties. P4VP has specific affinity for certain compounds. Thus, the biohybrid particles are promising candidates for applications related to (waste) water treatment, sensors, or biomedical fields. In this study, the potential use of CTS‐g‐P4VP particle beads for the removal of an emerging contaminant of concern (bisphenol A) from water is demonstrated. It is shown that removal efficiency is enhanced from 25% to 70% by the grafting of P4VP on CTS.
Yearling Muskellunge Poststocking Behavior and Survival in Two Central Iowa Reservoirs with Contrasting Habitat Availability
Authors: Weber Robert E. , Weber Michael J. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Muskellunge Esox masquinongy is a prized sport fish throughout much of North America. Due to the species’ popularity among anglers and limited natural recruitment in reservoirs, Muskellunge are commonly stocked to maintain populations. However, little is known about their poststocking behavior and survival in reservoirs. We used radiotelemetry to evaluate behavior and survival of spring-stocked yearling Muskellunge in two Iowa reservoirs that differed in habitat availability (Big Creek Lake: limited habitat; Brushy Creek Lake: abundant habitat). Hatchery-reared Muskellunge were implanted with radio transmitters (n = 15–16 fish·lake−1·year−1; 61 fish total) and stocked in both lakes during May 2017 and 2018; fish were tracked daily for 1 week, every other day for the second week, and then weekly until December. Telemetry data were used to evaluate depth and vegetation use, selection of littoral substrate and coarse woody habitat (CWH) complexities, movement, home ranges, and survival. Muskellunge depth use generally increased with time poststocking and was greater in Brushy Creek Lake than in Big Creek Lake. Movement rates were greatest during the first week poststocking and declined thereafter, with greater rates and home ranges in Big Creek Lake. Muskellunge in both systems selected for fine substrates while avoiding coarse substrates. Muskellunge in Brushy Creek Lake were more commonly associated with CWH and aquatic vegetation compared to those in Big Creek Lake. Muskellunge in Big Creek Lake selected for complex CWH, while those in Brushy Creek Lake used CWH classes in proportion to their availability. Cormack–Jolly–Seber daily apparent survival estimates were lowest for the first 4 d poststocking and ranged from 0.59 to 0.99, after which survival increased from May to September before declining in October and November. Results of this study provide a greater understanding of the poststocking success of yearling Muskellunge and suggest that Muskellunge behavior and survival are dependent on habitat complexity, with weaker habitat selection but higher survival in complex systems.
A selective smoothed finite element method with visco‐hyperelastic constitutive model for analysis of biomechanical responses of brain tissues
Authors: Wu Shao‐Wei , Jiang Chen , Jiang Chao , Liu Gui‐Rong 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBrain tissues are known for exhibiting complex nonlinear and time‐dependent properties, which require visco‐hyperelastic constitutive models for proper simulation. In this paper, a Total Lagrangian Explicit Selective Smoothed Finite Element Method (Selective S‐FEM) is formulated to analyze the dynamic behavior of incompressible brain tissues undergoing extremely large deformation. The proposed Selective S‐FEM deals with three‐dimensional problems using four‐node tetrahedron elements that can be automatically generated for geometrically complex soft tissues. It consists of the three key ingredients. (i) A visco‐hyperelastic constitutive model is developed within the framework of S‐FEM in the first time, allowing adequate modeling of the dynamic brain tissue behavior. (ii) Selective S‐FEM strategy is used for overcome the mesh distortion and the volumetric locking that often occurs in soft tissues. (iii) Total Lagrangian formulation is used in an explicit algorithm allowing rigorous simulation of extreme large deformation. (iv) A combined implementation of Selective S‐FEM with the visco‐hyperelastic constitutive model for dynamic simulations. The shear deformation is calculated by Face/Edge‐based S‐FEM, and the volume deformation is calculated by NS‐FEM. Numerical experiments show that Selective S‐FEM is a robust solver with good accuracy, and excellent ability to reduce element distortion effects in simulate time‐dependence behavior of bio‐tissues.
Electrochemical Performance of Graphitic Multi‐walled Carbon Nanotubes with Different Aspect Ratios as Cathode Materials for Aluminum‐ion Batteries
Authors: Hou Lixue , Cao Haining , Han Mei , Lv Zichuan , Zhou Shuai , Chen Hui , Du Huiping , Cai Mian , Zhou Yue , Meng Chao , Bian Yinghui , Lin Meng‐Chang 
Published: August 2020

AbstractGraphitic multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) can function as high‐performance cathode materials for rechargeable Al‐ion batteries with well‐defined discharging plateaus and reasonable charge/discharge C‐rates. However, the main intercalation/deintercalation or adsorption/desorption path of AlCl4−anions into or onto G‐MWCNTs has not been elucidated. Herein, we used battery cells comprised of G‐MWCNTs with different aspect ratios, Al metal, and AlCl3/1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride ionic liquid as the cathode, anode, and electrolyte, respectively. The electrochemical performance of the Al||G‐MWCNT cell increased as the aspect ratio of the G‐MWCNT cathode increased (i. e., longer and thinner). The degree of defects of the G‐MWCNTs was similar (0.15–0.22); hence, the results confirm that the main and alternate paths for the AlCl4−intercalation/de‐intercalation or adsorption/desorption into/from or onto/from the G‐MWCNT are the basal and edge planes, respectively. The step‐like structures of defects on the basal plane provide the main reaction site for AlCl4−anions.
The role of magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of central nervous system involvement in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Lauer Monika , Kernen Elisabeth , Schwabe Dirk , Lehrnbecher Thomas , Porto Luciana 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPurposeAcute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most frequent malignancy in childhood. As central nervous system (CNS) involvement requires an intensified CNS‐targeted therapy, timely diagnosis is essential. The aim of this retrospective analysis was to evaluate whether cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations findings correlate with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis on CNS involvement and whether MRI examinations reveal incidental findings with a clinical consequence.MethodsAll pediatric patients with ALL at our institution between 1998 and 2016 were identified. Patients were divided into two groups: de novo and relapsed ALL. Both groups were analyzed separately for the presence of CNS involvement. Incidental findings were also evaluated.ResultsTwo hundred fifteen patients with de novo ALL and 31 with relapsed ALL were identified. In the de novo group, no patient was diagnosed CNS positive based on MRI results alone. In relapsed patients, only one patient had a positive MRI with negative CSF results and no neurological symptoms, thus was classified CNS positive solely on the basis of the MRI. In both groups, no patient showed an incidental finding that required therapy.ConclusionIn our study, MRI examinations do not improve the detection of CNS involvement compared with CSF analysis alone. In addition, the analysis of incidental findings does not add value to the performance of an MRI examination performed prior to treatment. Overall, MRI prior to treatment in pediatric patients with ALL is not necessary.