bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical characteristics and natural history of wild‐type transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy in Japan
Authors: Yamada Toshihiro , Takashio Seiji , Arima Yuichiro , Nishi Masato , Morioka Mami , Hirakawa Kyoko , Hanatani Shinsuke , Fujisue Koichiro , Yamanaga Kenshi , Kanazawa Hisanori , Sueta Daisuke , Araki Satoshi , Usuku Hiroki , Nakamura Taishi , Suzuki Satoru , Yamamoto Eiichiro , Ueda Mitsuharu , Kaikita Koichi , Tsujita Kenichi 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAimsThe focus on wild‐type transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTRwt‐CM) is increasing because of novel treatment options. There is currently no report on a large number of Japanese patients with ATTRwt‐CM. The study aimed to examine the characteristics and prognosis of ATTRwt‐CM in Japan.Methods and resultsConsecutive patients (78.5 ± 6.4 years old at diagnosis) with ATTRwt‐CM diagnosed at Kumamoto University Hospital between December 2002 and December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Data, including demographic characteristics, co‐morbidities, clinical manifestations at diagnosis, laboratory results, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic data, imaging and pathological findings, and treatment were obtained. Of 129 patients included in this study, 110 patients (85%) were male. The median period from initial symptom onset to diagnosis was 15.5 (2–75) months. Heart failure was the most common clinical manifestation leading to diagnosis (61%) and initial manifestations (49%). Of 106 patients, carpal tunnel syndrome was observed in 57 patients (54%), and the median period from initial symptom onset to diagnosis was 96 (48–120) months. Histopathological confirmation of transthyretin amyloid was achieved in 94 patients (73%), including 66 (51%) and 28 cases (22%) with endomyocardial and extracardiac biopsies. During the observation period (median 15.0 [inter‐quartile range, 5.4–33.2] months after diagnosis), 34 patients (26%) died. Of these, 27 patients (79%) had cardiovascular deaths (heart failure, 25; sudden death, two). The median survival duration was 58.9 months and the 5 years' survival rate was 48%. According to a multivariate Cox hazard analysis, age [hazard ratio (HR), 1.14; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.05–1.23, P = 0.002] and low serum sodium levels (HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.79–0.996; P = 0.04) contributed to all‐cause mortality, and low serum sodium levels contributed to hospitalization for heart failure (HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.77–0.96; P = 0.005).ConclusionsClinical characteristics and prognosis of ATTRwt‐CM patients in Japan were examined. Carpal tunnel syndrome can be considered an indication for diagnosis of ATTRwt‐CM. Age and low serum sodium level were significant predictive factors of all survival outcomes. The clinical features of ATTRwt‐CM should be recognized to provide appropriate treatment.
Conventional type 1 dendritic cells induce TH1, TH1‐like follicular helper T cells and regulatory T cells after antigen boost via DEC205 receptor
Authors: Sulczewski Fernando Bandeira , Martino Larissa Alves , Almeida Bianca da Silva , Zaneti Arthur Baruel , Ferreira Natália Soares , Amorim Kelly Nazaré da Silva , Yamamoto Márcio Massao , Apostolico Juliana de Souza , Rosa Daniela Santoro , Boscardin Silvia Beatriz 
Published: July 2020

AbstractConventional dendritic cells (cDCs) are specialized in antigen presentation. In the mouse spleen, cDCs are classified in cDC1s and cDC2s, and express DEC205 and DCIR2 endocytic receptors, respectively. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) αDEC205 (αDEC) and αDCIR2 have been fused to different antigens to deliver them to cDC1s or cDC2s. We immunized mice with αDEC and αDCIR2 fused to an antigen using Poly(I:C) as adjuvant. The initial immune response was analyzed from days 3 to 6 after the immunization. We also studied the influence of a booster dose. Our results showed that antigen targeting to cDC1s promoted a pro‐inflammatory TH1 cell response. Antigen targeting to cDC2s induced TFH cells, GCs, and plasma cell differentiation. After boost, antigen targeting to cDC1s improved the TH1 cell response and induced TH1‐like TFH cells that led to an increase in specific antibody titers and IgG class switch. Additionally, a population of regulatory T cells was also observed. Antigen targeting to cDC2s did not improve the specific antibody response after boost. Our results add new information on the immune response induced after the administration of a booster dose with αDEC and αDCIR2 fusion mAbs. These results may be useful for vaccine design using recombinant mAbs.
Sensitive protein detection and visualization using protein‐binding peptides
Authors: Ma Lu , Yang Tao , Mao Chuanbin , Yang Mingying 
Published: July 2020

AbstractSilk sericin (SS) as a silk protein has important applications in biomedical and textile fields, and thus finding a facile method for detecting and imaging it is very important. Here, we show that a free SS‐binding peptide, labeled with horseradish peroxidase and fluorescein isothiocyanate, could be used as a probe to determine the concentration of SS (from 1 to 100 μg/ml) in a dilute solution with a detection limit of 0.073 μg/ml and visualize the distribution of SS on a substrate under a fluorescent microscope, respectively. This work highlights the importance in discovering a protein‐binding peptide and the power of such a peptide for the detection and imaging of technologically important proteins.
Tumor phantom for training and research in transoral surgery
Authors: Sramek Michael , Shi Yuan , Quintanilla Erick , Wu Xiaotian , Ponukumati Aravind , Pastel David , Halter Ryan , Paydarfar Joseph 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectiveWith the paradigm shift towards minimally invasive surgical techniques such as transoral laser microsurgery and transoral robotic surgery for resection of head and neck malignancies, there is a need to enhance the surgical training of these techniques as well as provide a platform for testing new approaches and technologies. The steeper learning curve associated with minimally invasive surgical techniques may be mitigated with the use of tumor phantoms (TP) placed in cadaver models.MethodsAn injectable TP was developed using an agar‐gelatin base, unsalted chicken stock, deionized water, food coloring for visual mimicry, and iohexol for radiographic mimicry. Four percentage glutaraldehyde was used as a cross‐linking agent for solidification of the TP. The TP was then injected in various mucosal anatomic sites in four unfixed cadaver heads. Visual, radiographic, and tactile mimicry was assessed via endoscopy, CT scan, and tumor dissection and palpation, respectively.ResultsTumor phantom injection was successfully achieved in all four cadaver heads. Visually and tactilely, the TP demonstrated similar color change, induration, and firmness of a typical squamous cell carcinoma (SCCa). However, ulceration that is often seen with SCCa could not be replicated. CT mimicry was compared with nine patients with known SCCa. Tumor radiodensity in the nine patients was between 77 and 110 HU (mean 86.3 HU) whereas TP radiodensity was 59 and 127 HU (mean 93.7 HU), with no significant difference between groups (P = .21).ConclusionThis inexpensive, easy to apply, and unique tumor phantom could be used both to train transoral techniques and as a tool to further investigate new approaches and technologies for transoral surgery.Level of EvidenceNA.
Prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of cleft palate without cleft lip, the new ultrasound semiology
Authors: Faure Jean Michel , Mousty Eve , Bigorre Michèle , Wells Constance , Boulot Pierre , Captier Guillaume , Fuchs Florent 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to define the prenatal ultrasound semiology of cleft palate without cleft lip using 3D visualization of the fetal palate.MethodsA prospective longitudinal study was performed in our University Hospital Center from 2011 to 2018. The fetal secondary palate was studied in 3D, starting with 2D axial transverse ultrasound view. We defined a cleft palate as a disruption of the horizontal plate of the palatine bone of the secondary palate. Prenatal findings were correlated to anatomic postnatal examinations performed by a paediatric plastic surgeon.ResultsForty‐three cases of cleft palate without cleft lip were prenatally diagnosed, of whom 34 were associated with malformations. We defined four types of disruptive appearances: isolated nonvisualization of the posterior nasal spine; partial‐disruption or cleft velum; complete disappearance or V‐shaped cleft palate; and complete disappearance or U‐shaped cleft palate. The adjusted kappa coefficient, between prenatal and postnatal evaluation, was 0.88 (95% CI: 0.79‐0.97), corresponding to an excellent agreement.ConclusionsUsing a strictly axial transverse ultrasound view, visualization of the secondary fetal palate enables to diagnose a cleft palate without cleft lip. This method offers a prenatal anatomic classification of cleft palate with a high level of concordance to postnatal findings.
Characterization of a cell death‐inducing endonuclease‐like venom protein from the parasitoid wasp Pteromalus puparum (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae)
Authors: Wang Jiale , Yan Zhichao , Xiao Shan , Wang Beibei , Fang Qi , Schlenke Todd , Ye Gongyin 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDParasitoid wasps are valuable natural enemies for controlling pests. To ensure successful parasitism, these wasps inject venoms along with their eggs that are deposited either into or on their hosts. Parasitoid venoms regulate host behaviors, development, metabolism and immune responses. Pteromalus puparum is a pupal endoparasitoid that parasitizes a number of butterflies, including the worldwide pest cabbage butterfly, Pieris rapae. Venom from P. puparum has a variety of effects on host hemocytes, including alteration of absolute and relative hemocyte counts, and inhibition of hemocyte spreading and encapsulation. In particular, P. puparum venom causes hemocyte cell death in vivo and in vitro.RESULTSUsing assay‐guided chromatography, a cell death‐inducing venom fraction was identified and defined as P. puparum endonuclease‐like venom protein (PpENVP). It belongs to the DNA/RNA nonspecific endonuclease family, which contains two conserved endonuclease activation sites. We analyzed its expression profiles and demonstrated that PpENVP inhibits gene expression in transfected cells relying on two activation sites. However, RNA interference of PpENVP did not significantly reduce P. puparum venom cytotoxicity, suggesting that PpENVP may not be the sole cytotoxic factor present.CONCLUSIONOur results provide novel insight into the function of the P. puparum venom cocktail and identify a promising insecticide candidate endonuclease that targets insect hemocytes.
Theoretical investigation on transformation of Cr(II) to Cr(V) complexes bearing tetra‐N‐heterocyclic carbene and group transfer reactivity
Authors: Lu Nan , Lan Xiaozheng , Miao Chengxia , Qian Ping 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe mechanism for the transformation among a series of Cr(II) to Cr(V) complexes bearing tetra‐N‐heterocyclic carbene macrocycle is investigated. The oxidation and aziridination of Cr(II) monomer are studied by local density functional M06L. The former generates Cr(IV) oxo and further oxidizes to cationic Cr(V) oxo. The latter proceeds via two paths with different multiplicity, forming Cr(IV) imide. The Cr(IV) oxo cannot transfer its oxygen atom neither to phosphine nor to alkene because of the high energy barrier and endothermic process. The group transfer reactions are explored for Cr(V) oxo and Cr(IV) imide. The doublet Cr(V) oxo can also exist as quartet Cr(IV)‐oxyl radical and promote oxygen transfer to phosphine, resulting in phosphine oxide in one exergonic step. The macrocyclic ligand effect of imido group transfer from Cr(IV) imide is verified by Multiwfn analysis. For 18‐ringed imide, the matched orbital type and same‐phase overlap reduce the barrier of its 16‐ringed analog and facilitate the formation of phosphorus imine.
Oscillatory Briggs‐Rauscher Reaction as “Fingerprint” for Bentonite Identification: The Fine‐Tuning of Oscillatory Dynamics with Addition of Clay
Authors: Pagnacco Maja , Maksimović Jelena , Mudrinić Tihana , Banković Predrag , Nedić‐Vasiljević Bojana , Milutinović‐Nikolić Aleksandra 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe oscillatory Briggs‐Rauscher (BR) reaction was applied on solid insoluble materials i. e. bentonite clays. Under the same BR experimental conditions, the addition of identical masses of bentonite of different origin resulted in different effects on oscillatory time duration (τ): no influence, quenching, or prolongation. It was found that the following bentonite properties: montmorillonite/beidellite ratio; cation exchange capacity; principal exchange cation; extent of iron leaching in acidic environment of BR reaction; and specific surface area of clay were not exclusively responsible for observed behavior. On the other hand, the influence of added mass, for all investigated clays, resulted in the same behavior pattern. The increase of the mass of added clay increased τ up to the certain maximal value (τmax, mmax) characteristic for each clay. Further increase of mass resulted in quenching. Therefore, (τmax, mmax) pair can be regarded as the “fingerprint” characteristic of bentonite useful for identification of its origin. Furthermore, the addition of naturally occurring and non‐toxic clay in an oscillatory reaction can offer a versatile approach to tune the oscillation dynamics of nonlinear chemical systems.
Polymer Coatings to Minimize Protein Adsorption in Solid‐State Nanopores
Authors: Awasthi Saurabh , Sriboonpeng Pongsatorn , Ying Cuifeng , Houghtaling Jared , Shorubalko Ivan , Marion Sanjin , Davis Sebastian James , Sola Laura , Chiari Marcella , Radenovic Aleksandra , Mayer Michael 
Published: July 2020

AbstractNanopore‐based resistive‐pulse recordings represent a promising approach for single‐molecule biophysics with applications ranging from rapid DNA and RNA sequencing to “fingerprinting” proteins. Based on advances in fabrication methods, solid‐state nanopores are increasingly providing an alternative to proteinaceous nanopores from living organisms; their widespread adoption is, however, slowed by nonspecific interactions between biomolecules and pore walls, which can cause artifacts and pore clogging. Although efforts to minimize these interactions by tailoring surface chemistry using various physisorbed or chemisorbed coatings have made progress, a straightforward, robust, and effective coating method is needed to improve the robustness of nanopore recordings. Here, covalently attached nanopore surface coatings are prepared from three different polymers using a straightforward “dip and rinse” approach and compared to each other regarding their ability to minimize nonspecific interactions with proteins. It is demonstrated that polymer coatings approach the performance of fluid lipid coatings with respect to minimizing these interactions. Moreover, these polymer coatings enable accurate estimates of the volumes and spheroidal shapes of freely translocating proteins; uncoated or inadequately coated solid‐state pores do not have this capability. In addition, these polymer coatings impart physical and chemical stability and enable efficient and label‐free characterization of single proteins without requiring harsh cleaning protocols between experiments.
Influence of preoperative statins and aspirin administration on biological and magnetic resonance imaging properties in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Sladojevic Milos , Zlatanovic Petar , Stanojevic Zeljka , Koncar Igor , Vidicevic Sasenka , Tasic Jelena , Isakovic Aleksandra , Tomic Ivan , Mutavdzic Perica , Stevanovic Ksenija , Trailovic Ranko , Davidovic Lazar 
Published: July 2020

Summary: Background: Main objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of statins and/or acetylsalicylic acid on biochemical characteristics of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) wall and intraluminal thrombus (ILT). Patients and methods: Fifty patients with asymptomatic infrarenal AAA were analyzed using magnetic resonance imaging on T1w sequence. Relative ILT signal intensity (SI) was determined as a ratio between ILT and psoas muscle SI. Samples containing the full ILT thickness and aneurysm wall were harvested from the anterior surface at the level of the maximal diameter. The concentration of enzymes such as matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 9, MMP2 and neutrophil elastase (NE/ELA) were analyzed in ILT and AAA wall; while collagen type III, elastin and proteoglycan 4 were analyzed in harvested AAA wall. Oxidative stress in the AAA wall was assessed by catalase and malondialdehyde activity in tissue samples. Results: Relative ILT signal intensity (1.09 ± 0.41 vs 0.89 ± 0.21, p = 0.013) were higher in non-statin than in statin group. Patients who were taking aspirin had lower relative ILT area (0.89 ± 0.19 vs 1.13. ± 0.44, p = 0.016), and lower relative ILT signal intensity (0.85 [0.73–1.07] vs 1.01 [0.84–1.19], p = 0.021) compared to non-aspirin group. There were higher concentrations of elastin in AAA wall among patients taking both of aspirin and statins (1.21 [0.77–3.02] vs 0.78 (0.49–1.05) ng/ml, p = 0.044) than in patients who did not take both of these drugs. Conclusions: Relative ILT SI was lower in patients taking statin and aspirin. Combination of antiplatelet therapy and statins was associated with higher elastin concentrations in AAA wall.
Tetrahedral framework nucleic acids promote scarless healing of cutaneous wounds via the AKT-signaling pathway
Authors: Zhu Junyao , Zhang Mei , Gao Yang , Qin Xin , Zhang Tianxu , Cui Weitong , Mao Chenchen , Xiao Dexuan , Lin Yunfeng 
Published: July 2020

AbstractWhile the skin is considered the first line of defense in the human body, there are some vulnerabilities that render it susceptible to certain threats, which is an issue that is recognized by both patients and doctors. Cutaneous wound healing is a series of complex processes that involve many types of cells, such as fibroblasts and keratinocytes. This study showed that tetrahedral framework nucleic acids (tFNAs), a type of self-assembled nucleic-acid material, have the ability to promote keratinocyte(HaCaT cell line) and fibroblast(HSF cell line) proliferation and migration in vitro. In addition, tFNAs increased the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in HSF cells and reduced the production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) in HaCaT cells by activating the AKT-signaling pathway. During in vivo experiments, tFNA treatments accelerated the healing process in skin wounds and decreased the development of scars, compared with the control treatment that did not use tFNAs. This is the first study to demonstrate that nanophase materials with the biological features of nucleic acids accelerate the healing of cutaneous wounds and reduce scarring, which indicates the potential application of tFNAs in skin tissue regeneration.
Efficient electron extraction of SnO2 electron transport layer for lead halide perovskite solar cell
Authors: Kim Junu , Kim Kwang S. , Myung Chang Woo 
Published: July 2020

AbstractSnO2 electron transport layer (ETL) has been spotlighted with its excellent electron extraction and stability over TiO2 ETL for perovskite solar cells (PSCs), rapidly approaching the highest power conversion efficiency. Thus, how to boost the performance of ETL is of utmost importance and of urgent need in developing more efficient PSCs. Here we elucidate the atomistic origin of efficient electron extraction and long stability of SnO2-based PSCs through the analysis of band alignment, carrier injection, and interfacial defects in the SnO2/MAPbI3(MA = CH3NH3+) interface using unprecedentedly high level of first-principles calculations at the PBE0 + spin-orbit-coupling + dispersion-correction level for all possible terminations and MA directions. We find that Sn-s orbital plays a crucial role in carrier injection and defect tolerance. SnO2/MAPbI3 shows favorable conduction band alignments at both MAI- and PbI2-terminations, which makes the solar cell performance of SnO2/MAPbI3 excel that of TiO2/MAPbI3. Different electron transfer mechanisms of dipole interaction and orbital hybridization at the MAI- and PbI2-terminations indicate that post-transition metal (sp valence) oxide ETLs would outperform transition metal (d valence) oxide ETLs for PSCs.
Spatial data of Ixodes ricinus instar abundance and nymph pathogen prevalence, Scandinavia, 2016–2017
Authors: Kjær Lene Jung , Klitgaard Kirstine , Soleng Arnulf , Edgar Kristin Skarsfjord , Lindstedt Heidi Elisabeth H. , Paulsen Katrine M. , Andreassen Åshild Kristine , Korslund Lars , Kjelland Vivian , Slettan Audun , Stuen Snorre , Kjellander Petter , Christensson Madeleine , Teräväinen Malin , Baum Andreas , Jensen Laura Mark , Bødker René 
Published: July 2020

AbstractTicks carry pathogens that can cause disease in both animals and humans, and there is a need to monitor the distribution and abundance of ticks and the pathogens they carry to pinpoint potential high risk areas for tick-borne disease transmission. In a joint Scandinavian study, we measured Ixodes ricinus instar abundance at 159 sites in southern Scandinavia in August-September, 2016, and collected 29,440 tick nymphs at 50 of these sites. We additionally measured abundance at 30 sites in August-September, 2017. We tested the 29,440 tick nymphs in pools of 10 in a Fluidigm real-time PCR chip to screen for 17 different tick-associated pathogens, 2 pathogen groups and 3 tick species. We present data on the geolocation, habitat type and instar abundance of the surveyed sites, as well as presence/absence of each pathogen in all analysed pools from the 50 collection sites and individual prevalence for each site. These data can be used alone or in combination with other data for predictive modelling and mapping of high-risk areas.
Degradome, small RNAs and transcriptome sequencing of a high-nicotine cultivated tobacco uncovers miRNA’s function in nicotine biosynthesis
Authors: Jin Jingjing , Xu Yalong , Lu Peng , Chen Qiansi , Liu Pingping , Wang Jinbang , Zhang Jianfeng , Li Zefeng , Yang Aiguo , Li Fengxia , Cao Peijian 
Published: July 2020

AbstractTobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) is considered as the model plant for alkaloid research, of which nicotine accounts for 90%. Many nicotine biosynthetic genes have been identified and were known to be regulated by jasmonate-responsive transcription factors. As an important regulator in plant physiological processes, whether small RNAs are involved in nicotine biosynthesis is largely unknown. Here, we combine transcriptome, small RNAs and degradome analysis of two native tobacco germplasms YJ1 and ZY100 to investigate small RNA’s function. YJ1 leaves accumulate twofold higher nicotine than ZY100. Transcriptome analysis revealed 3,865 genes which were differently expressed in leaf and root of two germplasms, including some known nicotine and jasmonate pathway genes. By small RNA sequencing, 193 miRNAs were identified to be differentially expressed between YJ1 and ZY100. Using in silico and degradome sequencing approaches, six nicotine biosynthetic genes and seven jasmonate pathway genes were predicted to be targeted by 77 miRNA loci. Three pairs among them were validated by transient expression in vivo. Combined analysis of degradome and transcriptome datasets revealed 51 novel miRNA-mRNA interactions that may regulate nicotine biosynthesis. The comprehensive analysis of our study may provide new insights into the regulatory network of nicotine biosynthesis.