bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of PI3K by copanlisib exerts potent antitumor effects on Merkel cell carcinoma cell lines and mouse xenografts
Authors: Fang Bin , Kannan Aarthi , Zhao Stephanie , Nguyen Quy H. , Ejadi Samuel , Yamamoto Maki , Camilo Barreto J. , Zhao Haibo , Gao Ling 
Published: June 2020

AbstractMerkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a highly aggressive neuroendocrine skin cancer with steadily increasing incidence and poor prognosis. Despite recent success with immunotherapy, 50% of patients still succumb to their diseases. To date, there is no Food and Drug Administration-approved targeted therapy for advanced MCC. Aberrant activation of phosphatidylinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mTOR pathway is frequently detected in MCC, making it an attractive therapeutic target. We previously found PI3K pathway activation in human MCC cell lines and tumors and demonstrated complete clinical response in a Stage IV MCC patient treated with PI3K inhibitor idelalisib. Here, we found that both PI3K-α and -δ isoforms are abundantly expressed in our MCC cell lines and clinical samples; we therefore examined antitumor efficacy across a panel of five PI3K inhibitors with distinctive isoform-specificities, including idelalisib (PI3K-δ), copanlisib (PI3K-α/δ), duvelisib (PI3K-γ/δ), alpelisib (PI3K-α), and AZD8186 (PI3K-β/δ). Of these, copanlisib exerts the most potent antitumor effects, markedly inhibiting cell proliferation, survival, and tumor growth by suppressing PI3K/mTOR/Akt activities in mouse models generated from MCC cell xenografts and patient-derived tumor xenografts. These results provide compelling preclinical evidence for application of copanlisib in advanced MCC with aberrant PI3K activation for which immunotherapy is insufficient, or patients who are unsuitable for immunotherapy.
Lentiviral mediated RPE65 gene transfer in healthy hiPSCs-derived retinal pigment epithelial cells markedly increased RPE65 mRNA, but modestly protein level
Authors: Udry Florian , Decembrini Sarah , Gamm David M. , Déglon Nicole , Kostic Corinne , Arsenijevic Yvan 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a monolayer of cobblestone-like epithelial cells that accomplishes critical functions for the retina. Several protocols have been published to differentiate pluripotent stem cells into RPE cells suitable for disease modelling and therapy development. In our study, the RPE identity of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived RPE (iRPE) was extensively characterized, and then used to test a lentiviral-mediated RPE65 gene augmentation therapy. A dose study of the lentiviral vector revealed a dose-dependent effect of the vector on RPE65 mRNA levels. A marked increase of the RPE65 mRNA was also observed in the iRPE (100-fold) as well as in an experimental set with RPE derived from another hiPSC source and from foetal human RPE. Although iRPE displayed features close to bona fide RPE, no or a modest increase of the RPE65 protein level was observed depending on the protein detection method. Similar results were observed with the two other cell lines. The mechanism of RPE65 protein regulation remains to be elucidated, but the current work suggests that high vector expression will not produce an excess of the normal RPE65 protein level.
Change in basilar artery length and bending according to aging and vertebral artery dominance: A longitudinal study
Authors: Ngo Minh Tri , Kwak Hyo Sung , Chung Gyung Ho 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the basilar artery (BA) geometric changes in a longitudinal study. 154 subjects with normal vertebrobasilar arterial systems on magnetic resonance angiography were assigned into two groups: 1) non-dominant vertebral artery (VA) and 2) VA dominance. We defined the dominant VA as either that the VA is 3 millimeters larger in diameter or the VA is connected to BA in a more straight angle. BA imaging was segmented to obtain BA bending length (BABL) and BA length (BAL). A mixed model ANOVA was conducted to investigate the impact of aging and VA dominance on the change of BABL and BAL after 123.6 ± 16.2 months. There was a significant main effect of VA dominance on the change of BABL after about 10 years, F (1,152) = 39.78, p < 0.01. On the other hand, there was a significant main effect of aging on the change of BAL during the same period of time, F (1,152) = 6.64, p = 0.01. Most subjects had an opposite directional relationship between the dominant VA and BA bending (71.3%; p < 0.01). Our study supported the hypothesis that the bending of the BA depends on the dominance of the VA, whereas the increased length of the BA depends on aging.
Magnetic and Photoluminescent Sensors Based on Metal-Organic Frameworks Built up from 2-aminoisonicotinate
Authors: García-Valdivia Antonio A. , Pérez-Yáñez Sonia , García Jose A. , Fernández Belén , Cepeda Javier , Rodríguez-Diéguez Antonio 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn this work, three isostructural metal-organic frameworks based on first row transition metal ions and 2-aminoisonicotinate (2ain) ligands, namely, {[M(μ-2ain)2]·DMF}n [MII = Co (1), Ni (2), Zn (3)], are evaluated for their sensing capacity of various solvents and metal ions by monitoring the modulation of their magnetic and photoluminescence properties. The crystal structure consists of an open diamond-like topological 3D framework that leaves huge voids, which allows crystallizing two-fold interpenetrated architecture that still retains large porosity. Magnetic measurements performed on 1 reveal the occurrence of field-induced spin-glass behaviour characterized by a frequency-independent relaxation. Solvent-exchange experiments lead successfully to the replacement of lattice molecules by DMSO and MeOH, which, on its part, show dominating SIM behaviour with low blocking temperatures but substantially high energy barriers for the reversal of the magnetization. Photoluminescence studied at variable temperature on compound 3 show its capacity to provide bright blue emission under UV excitation, which proceeds through a ligand-centred charge transfer mechanism as confirmed by time-dependent DFT calculations. Turn-off and/or shift of the emission is observed for suspensions of 3 in different solvents and aqueous solutions containing metal ions.
The Haemodynamic Response to Endotracheal Intubation at Different Time of Fentanyl Given During Induction: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Teong Cheng Yeon , Huang Chien-Chung , Sun Fang-Ju 
Published: June 2020

AbstractEndotracheal intubation elicits huge spectrum of stress responses which are hazardous in high-risk patients. Numerous drugs and techniques have been applied to attenuate the stress responses. In this double-blind study, one hundred and forty-five patients over 20 years old, ASA physical status I and II, undergoing elective surgeries requiring general anaesthesia with endotracheal intubation were included. Patients were randomly divided into three groups which fentanyl 2 mcg/kg was given at either 1, 2, 3 minutes before intubation. All groups received midazolam 0.05 mg/kg, lidocaine 0.5 mg/kg, propofol 2 mg/kg and rocuronium 1 mg/kg before intubation. Haemodynamic parameters were recorded for 10 minutes after induction. Two-level longitudinal hierarchical linear models were used for data interpretation and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The study demonstrated significantly lower haemodynamic responses in the group who received fentanyl 2 minutes before intubation (P < 0.05). Confounding factors such as smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and preoperative intravenous fluid supplement were analysed. In conclusion, fentanyl injection 2 minutes before intubation is recommended in order to obtain the most stable haemodynamic status.
Feasibility of the Energy Expenditure Prediction for Athletes and Non-Athletes from Ankle-Mounted Accelerometer and Heart Rate Monitor
Authors: Ho Chin-Shan , Chang Chun-Hao , Hsu Yi-Ju , Tu Yu-Tsai , Li Fang , Jhang Wei-Lun , Hsu Chih-Wen , Huang Chi-Chang 
Published: June 2020

AbstractDue to the nature of micro-electromechanical systems, the vector magnitude (VM) activity of accelerometers varies depending on the wearing position and does not identify different levels of physical fitness. Without an appropriate energy expenditure (EE) estimation equation, bias can occur in the estimated values. We aimed to amend the EE estimation equation using heart rate reserve (HRR) parameters as the correction factor, which could be applied to athletes and non-athletes who primarily use ankle-mounted devices. Indirect calorimetry was used as the criterion measure with an accelerometer (ankle-mounted) equipped with a heart rate monitor to synchronously measure the EE of 120 healthy adults on a treadmill in four groups. Compared with ankle-mounted accelerometer outputs, when the traditional equation was modified using linear regression by combining VM with body weight and/or HRR parameters (modified models: Model A, without HRR; Model B, with HRR), both Model A (r: 0.931 to 0.972; ICC: 0.913 to 0.954) and Model B (r: 0.933 to 0.975; ICC: 0.930 to 0.959) showed the valid and reliable predictive ability for the four groups. With respect to the simplest and most reasonable mode, Model A seems to be a good choice for predicting EE when using an ankle-mounted device.
Postnatal loss of the insulin receptor in osteoprogenitor cells does not impart a metabolic phenotype
Authors: Fowlkes John L. , Clay Bunn R. , Kalaitzoglou Evangelia , Ray Phil , Popescu Iuliana , Thrailkill Kathryn M. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe relationship between osteoblast-specific insulin signaling, osteocalcin activation and gluco-metabolic homeostasis has proven to be complex and potentially inconsistent across animal-model systems and in humans. Moreover, the impact of postnatally acquired, osteoblast-specific insulin deficiency on the pancreas-to-skeleton-to-pancreas circuit has not been studied. To explore this relationship, we created a model of postnatal elimination of insulin signaling in osteoprogenitors. Osteoprogenitor-selective ablation of the insulin receptor was induced after ~10 weeks of age in IRl°x/lox/Osx-Cre+/− genotypic male and female mice (designated postnatal-OIRKO). At ~21 weeks of age, mice were then phenotypically and metabolically characterized. Postnatal-OIRKO mice demonstrated a significant reduction in circulating concentrations of undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC), in both males and females compared with control littermates. However, no differences were observed between postnatal-OIRKO and control mice in: body composition (lean or fat mass); fasting serum insulin; HbA1c; glucose dynamics during glucose tolerance testing; or in pancreatic islet area or islet morphology, demonstrating that while ucOC is impacted by insulin signaling in osteoprogenitors, there appears to be little to no relationship between osteocalcin, or its derivative (ucOC), and glucose homeostasis in this model.
Single crystal structure, vibrational spectroscopy, gas sorption and antimicrobial properties of a new inorganic acidic diphosphates material (NH4)2Mg(H2P2O7)2•2H2O
Authors: Essehli Rachid , Sabri Souhir , El-Mellouhi Fedwa , Aïssa Brahim , Ben Yahia Hamdi , Altamash Tausif , Khraisheh Majeda , Amhamed Abdulkarem , El Bali Brahim 
Published: June 2020

AbstractWe report on the successful synthesis of diammonium magnesium dihydrogendiphosphate (V) dihydrate compound (NH4)2Mg(H2P2O7)2•2H2O using a wet chemical route. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and micro Raman spectroscopy are employed to characterize the compound. We demonstrate, using a multidisciplinary approach, that this compound is ideal for carbon dioxide (CO2) capture in addition to other anthropogenic gasses. We show here -from both an experimental as well as from a density functional theory (DFT) calculations routes- the potential for adopting this compound into domestic air-conditioning units (ACUs). From these experiments, the resistance to bacterial growth is also investigated, which is critical for the adoption of this compound in ACUs. Our compound exhibits a higher methane (CH4) sorptivity as compared to CO2 at 25 °C and 45 °C under pressures up to 50 bars. Furthermore, DFT electronic structure calculations are used to compute the main structural and electronic properties of the compound, taking into consideration the characteristics of the identified pores as a function of the progressive CO2 vs. CH4 loadings. Finally, the antibacterial assay reveals a strong antibacterial activity against the tested Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, with a large zone of inhibition against the tested E. Coli, S. Aureus and K. Pneumonia.
Moringa Isothiocyanate-rich Seed Extract Delays the Onset of Diabetes in UC Davis Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus Rats
Authors: Waterman Carrie , Graham James L. , Arnold Charles D. , Stanhope Kimber L. , Tong Jason H. , Jaja-Chimedza Asha , Havel Peter J. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractMoringa seeds have been used traditionally in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and contain potent bioactive isothiocyanates. This study evaluated the efficacy of an isothiocyanate-rich moringa seed extract in delaying the onset of T2DM in UC Davis T2DM rats, a well validated model which closely mimics T2DM in humans. Rats were separated into three groups; control, moringa seed extract at 0.4%, and a weight matched group. Rats were fed respective diets for 8 months, during which energy intake, body weight, the onset of diabetes circulating hormones, metabolites and markers of inflammation and liver function, and were monitored. The MS group had a significantly slower rate of diabetes onset p = 0.027), lower plasma glucose (p = 0.043), and lower HbA1c (p = 0.008) compared with CON animals. There were no significant differences in food intake and body weight between all groups. This study demonstrated MS can delay the onset of diabetes in the UC Davis T2DM rat model to a greater extent than moderate caloric restriction (by comparison to the WM group). The results support its documented traditional uses and a bioactive role of moringa isothiocyanates and suggest the potential efficacy for moringa supplementation for diabetes management in populations at risk for T2DM.
Comparison of clinical and pathological findings of patients undergoing elective colectomy for uncomplicated diverticulitis
Authors: Pesce Antonio , Barchitta Martina , Agodi Antonella , Salerno Monica , La Greca Gaetano , Magro Gaetano , Latteri Saverio , Puleo Stefano 
Published: June 2020

AbstractDiverticular disease affects ∼5–10% people worldwide, yet the indications for elective colectomy in uncomplicated diverticulitis are unclear. As there is no strong scientific evidence regarding histology in diverticular disease, the primary outcome of the study was to analyze the degree of inflammation of colonic wall in patients that underwent elective colectomy for uncomplicated diverticulitis and to retrospectively assess the correlation between patient clinical history and pathological features of surgical specimens in order to find some predictive factors that may be strictly correlated with histology. An observational retrospective study was conducted. Patients undergoing elective colectomy for uncomplicated diverticulitis between January 2014 and January 2016 in an academic medical center were collected. The majority of patients (46.2%) had previously encountered one episode of acute diverticulitis prior to colectomy, while 21.5% and 10.8% had experienced two and three or more prior episodes respectively. Most patients had recurrent or chronic abdominal pain in the left iliac fossa (66.2%) for diverticular disease and a large proportion also experienced constipation (40.0%). Diverticulitis was identified pathologically as being “mild” in 44.6% patients and “severe” in 55.4% patients. The mean age was significantly lower in patients with severe diverticulitis (56.7 years) than in patients with mild diverticulitis (67.0 years). 71.9% of males had severe diverticulitis compared to 39.4% of females. Males have a 3.9 times higher risk of histological severe diverticulitis than females (OR = 3.932; 1.390–11.122; p = 0.008). Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed that age and gender were independent factors associated with histological diagnosis. Single-institution data and retrospective design were main limitations of this study. Age and gender are independent factors associated with severity inflammation index derived at histological analysis and they could be translated to clinical practice to better categorize patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis at the bedside.
Species-dependent protoplast enlargement involves different types of vacuole generation in bacteria
Authors: Takahashi Sawako , Mizuma Marin , Kami Satoshi , Nishida Hiromi 
Published: June 2020

AbstractVacuole generation occurs frequently during the enlargement of bacterial protoplasts and spheroplasts. Gram-positive Enterococcus faecalis protoplasts and gram-negative Lelliottia amnigena spheroplasts had large and small vacuoles inside the cytoplasm, respectively. Although no vacuoles were found at the early stage of cell enlargement, all enlarged cells used in the microinjection procedures had vacuoles. The plasma membrane of L. amnigena was more flexible than that of E. faecalis. In addition, E. faecalis protoplasts had unique discoidal structures as well as spherical structures in the cytoplasm. Our findings showed that the number of vacuoles increased as the L. amnigena plasma membrane expanded and that the size of vacuoles increased as the E. faecalis plasma membrane expanded, suggesting that bacterial cell enlargement involved vacuole generation. Thus, biosynthesis of the plasma and vacuolar membranes was synchronous with the bacterial cell enlargement. Differences in the plasma membrane flexibility might influence the different types of vacuole generation.
Fabrication and Piezoresistive/Piezoelectric Sensing Characteristics of Carbon Nanotube/PVA/Nano-ZnO Flexible Composite
Authors: Chen Shuaichao , Luo Jianlin , Wang Xiaoli , Li Qiuyi , Zhou Liucong , Liu Chao , Feng Chao 
Published: June 2020

AbstractFlexible sensors with a high sensitivity and wide-frequency response are essential for structural health monitoring (SHM) while they are attached. Here, carbon nanotube (CNT) films doped with various PVA fractions (CNT/PVA) and ZnO nanowires (nano-ZnO) on zinc sheets were first fabricated by functionalized self-assembly and hydrothermal synthesis processes. A CNT/PVA/nano-ZnO flexible composite (CNT/PVA/ZnO) sandwiched with a zinc wafer was then prepared by the spin-coating method. The piezoresistive and/or piezoelectric capabilities of the CNT/PVA/ZnO composite were comprehensively investigated under cyclic bending and impact loading after it was firmly adhered to a substrate (polypropylene sheet or mortar plate). The results show that the piezoresistive sensitivity and linear stability of the CNT/PVA films doped with 20%, 50%, and 100% PVA during bending are 5.47%/mm, 11.082%/mm, and 11.95%/mm and 2.3%, 3.42%, and 4.78%, respectively. The piezoelectric sensitivity, linear stability, and response accuracy of the CNT/PVA/ZnO composite under impulse loading are 4.87 mV/lbf, 3.42%, and 1.496 ms, respectively. These merits support the use of CNT/PVA/ZnO as a piezoresistive and/or piezoelectric compound sensor to monitor the static/dynamic loads on concrete structures while it is attached.
Enhanced photon emission from a double-layer target at moderate laser intensities
Authors: Jirka Martin , Klimo Ondrej , Gu Yan-Jun , Weber Stefan 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn this paper we study photon emission in the interaction of the laser beam with an under-dense target and the attached reflecting plasma mirror. Photons are emitted due to the inverse Compton scattering when accelerated electrons interact with a reflected part of the laser pulse. The enhancement of photon generation in this configuration lies in using the laser pulse with a steep rising edge. Such a laser pulse can be obtained by the preceding interaction of the incoming laser pulse with a thin solid-density foil. Using numerical simulations we study how such a laser pulse affects photon emission. As a result of employing a laser pulse with a steep rising edge, accelerated electrons can interact directly with the most intense part of the laser pulse that enhances photon emission. This approach increases the number of created photons and improves photon beam divergence.
Effects of different straw biochars on soil organic carbon, nitrogen, available phosphorus, and enzyme activity in paddy soil
Authors: Jing Yulin , Zhang Yuhu , Han Ihnsup , Wang Peng , Mei Qiwen , Huang Yunjie 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBiochar is widely used as a soil amendment. Enzyme activity is an important factor that reflects soil metabolic activity, and is involved in biochemical processes such as organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling in soils. However, the effects of biochar prepared for different straw materials on soil enzyme activity and soil nutrients are rarely studied. Through pot experiments, the effects of different straw (wheat, rice, maize) biochars (obtained by pyrolysis at 500 °C) on soil organic carbon, nitrogen, available phosphorus, and enzyme activity were studied in paddy soil. The results showed that the addition of biochar increased the soil organic carbon content, which gradually decreased with the extension of the rice growth period. The soil ammonium nitrogen content gradually decreased as the rice growth period continued; however, the soil nitrate nitrogen content first decreased and then increased over the rice growth period. Soil invertase, phosphatase, and urease activity first increased and then decreased, and the enzyme activity was the highest at the heading stage of rice. At this time, there were also significant correlations between enzyme activity and carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus levels, except in the case of soil urease activity. The geometric mean of the investigated enzyme activities was the highest after amendment with rice straw biochar. These results indicate that the response of enzyme activity to biochar depends on the biochar feedstock and the rice growth stage.