bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interference with AGEs formation and AGEs-induced vascular injury mediates curcumin vascular protection in metabolic syndrome
Authors: Ahmed Osama A. A. , El-Bassossy Hany M. , Azhar Ahmad S. , Tarkhan Mayada M. , El-Mas Mahmoud M. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractVascular dysfunction predisposes to cardiovascular complications of metabolic syndrome (MetS). The current study investigated the mechanism(s) of curcumin’s (CUR) protective effect against vascular reactivity irregularities in MetS. MetS was induced by feeding rats on high fructose high salt diet. Tension studies were undertaken in aortic rings to assess the influence of CUR on vasoconstrictor or vasorelaxant responses. The effect on advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) was studied by incubating aortic tissues with methylglyoxal, the AGEs precursor, in the absence and presence of CUR. In addition, CUR effects on in-vitro generation of AGEs and diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals were studied. The incubation with CUR for 1 hr produced significant and concentration-dependent alleviation of the exaggerated vasoconstriction observed in aortas isolated from MetS, however failed to improve the concomitant attenuation of vasodilatory responses to ACh in PE-precontracted aortas. By contrast, CUR caused direct concentration-dependent vasodilations of precontracted aortas, effects that were blunted after nitric oxide synthase inhibition by L-NAME. Similar to its effects in MetS aortas, CUR alleviated exaggerated PE vasoconstriction but did not affect impaired ACh vasodilations in AGEs-exposed aortas. In addition, CUR showed significant dose-dependent DPPH free radicals scavenging activity and inhibited both MG and fructose induced AGEs formation at the level of protein oxidation step as evident from the effect on dityrosine and N-formylkyramine. CUR alleviates exaggerated vasoconstriction in MetS through interfering with AGEs formation and AGEs-induced vascular injury. Free radical scavenging and direct vasodilatory activities could also participate in the advantageous vascular actions of CUR.
Machine Learning Classifies Core and Outer Fucosylation of N-Glycoproteins Using Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Hwang Heeyoun , Jeong Hoi Keun , Lee Hyun Kyoung , Park Gun Wook , Lee Ju Yeon , Lee Soo Youn , Kang Young-Mook , An Hyun Joo , Kang Jeong Gu , Ko Jeong-Heon , Kim Jin Young , Yoo Jong Shin 
Published: January 2020

AbstractProtein glycosylation is known to be involved in biological progresses such as cell recognition, growth, differentiation, and apoptosis. Fucosylation of glycoproteins plays an important role for structural stability and function of N-linked glycoproteins. Although many of biological and clinical studies of protein fucosylation by fucosyltransferases has been reported, structural classification of fucosylated N-glycoproteins such as core or outer isoforms remains a challenge. Here, we report for the first time the classification of N-glycopeptides as core- and outer-fucosylated types using tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and machine learning algorithms such as the deep neural network (DNN) and support vector machine (SVM). Training and test sets of more than 800 MS/MS spectra of N-glycopeptides from the immunoglobulin gamma and alpha 1-acid-glycoprotein standards were selected for classification of the fucosylation types using supervised learning models. The best-performing model had an accuracy of more than 99% against manual characterization and area under the curve values greater than 0.99, which were calculated by probability scores from target and decoy datasets. Finally, this model was applied to classify fucosylated N-glycoproteins from human plasma. A total of 82N-glycopeptides, with 54 core-, 24 outer-, and 4 dual-fucosylation types derived from 54 glycoproteins, were commonly classified as the same type in both the DNN and SVM. Specifically, outer fucosylation was dominant in tri- and tetra-antennary N-glycopeptides, while core fucosylation was dominant in the mono-, bi-antennary and hybrid types of N-glycoproteins in human plasma. Thus, the machine learning methods can be combined with MS/MS to distinguish between different isoforms of fucosylated N-glycopeptides.
Breastfeeding predicts blood mitochondrial DNA content in adolescents
Authors: Cosemans Charlotte , Nawrot Tim S. , Janssen Bram G. , Vriens Annette , Smeets Karen , Baeyens Willy , Bruckers Liesbeth , Den Hond Elly , Loots Ilse , Nelen Vera , Van Larebeke Nicolas , Schoeters Greet , Martens Dries , Plusquin Michelle 
Published: January 2020

AbstractNutrition during early childhood is linked to metabolic programming. We hypothesized that breastfeeding has long-term consequences on the energy metabolism exemplified by mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). As part of the third cycle of the Flemish Environment and Health Study (FLEHSIII) cohort, 303 adolescents aged 14–15 years were included. We associated breastfeeding and blood mtDNA content 14–15 years later while adjusting for confounding variables. Compared with non-breastfed adolescents, mtDNA content was 23.1% (95%CI: 4.4–45.2; p = 0.013) higher in breastfed adolescents. Being breastfed for 1–10 weeks, 11–20 weeks, and >20 weeks, was associated with a higher mtDNA content of respectively 16.0% (95%CI: −7.1–44.9; p = 0.191), 23.5% (95%CI: 0.8–51.3; p = 0.042), and 31.5% (95%CI: 4.3–65.7; p = 0.021). Our study showed a positive association between breastfeeding and mtDNA content in adolescents which gradually increased with longer periods of breastfeeding. Higher mtDNA content may be an underlying mechanism of the beneficial effects of breastfeeding on children’s metabolism.
Assembly mechanisms of dung beetles in temperate forests and grazing pastures
Authors: Ortega-Martínez Ilse J. , Moreno Claudia E. , Rios-Díaz Cecilia Lucero , Arellano Lucrecia , Rosas Fernando , Castellanos Ignacio 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe role of deterministic and stochastic mechanisms in community assembly is a key question in ecology, but little is known about their relative contribution in dung beetle assemblages. Moreover, in human modified landscapes these mechanisms are crucial to understand how biodiversity can be maintained in productive agroecosystems. We explored the assembly mechanisms driving dung beetle assemblages in forests and grazed grassland patches, and assessed the role of dung availability, soil hardness and moisture, elevation and land use heterogeneity as environmental predictors of functional diversity. To determine the underlying assembly mechanisms, we estimated functional diversity metrics (functional richness, evenness and divergence) and their departure from the predicted values by null models. We also used GLMs to assess the influence of environmental variables on functional diversity. In most cases, stochastic processes prevailed in structuring dung beetle assemblages and, consequently, environmental variables were not good predictors of dung beetle functional diversity. However, limiting similarity was found as a secondary mechanism with an effect on dung beetle assemblages in grasslands. Our results highlight the importance of stochastic processes that may reflect a metacommunity dynamic. Therefore, restoring landscape connectivity might be more important than habitat quality for the conservation of these functionally diverse beetle assemblages.
Multifunctional Gas and pH Fluorescent Sensors Based on Cellulose Acetate Electrospun Fibers Decorated with Rhodamine B-Functionalised Core-Shell Ferrous Nanoparticles
Authors: Petropoulou Afroditi , Kralj Slavko , Karagiorgis Xenofon , Savva Ioanna , Loizides Emilios , Panagi Myrofora , Krasia-Christoforou Theodora , Riziotis Christos 
Published: January 2020

AbstractFerrous core-shell nanoparticles consisting of a magnetic γ-Fe2O3 multi-nanoparticle core and an outer silica shell have been synthesized and covalently functionalized with Rhodamine B (RhB) fluorescent molecules (γ-Fe2O3/SiO2/RhB NPs). The resulting γ-Fe2O3/SiO2/RhB NPs were integrated with a renewable and naturally-abundant cellulose derivative (i.e. cellulose acetate, CA) that was processed in the form of electrospun fibers to yield multifunctional fluorescent fibrous nanocomposites. The encapsulation of the nanoparticles within the fibers and the covalent anchoring of the RhB fluorophore onto the nanoparticle surfaces prevented the fluorophore’s leakage from the fibrous mat, enabling thus stable fluorescence-based operation of the developed materials. These materials were further evaluated as dual fluorescent sensors (i.e. ammonia gas and pH sensors), demonstrating consistent response for very high ammonia concentrations (up to 12000 ppm) and fast and linear response in both alkaline and acidic environments. The superparamagnetic nature of embedded nanoparticles provides means of electrospun fibers morphology control by magnetic field-assisted processes and additional means of electromagnetic-based manipulation making possible their use in a wide range of sensing applications.
Reinterpretation of common pathogenic variants in ClinVar revealed a high proportion of downgrades
Authors: Xiang Jiale , Yang Jiyun , Chen Lisha , Chen Qiang , Yang Haiyan , Sun Chengcheng , Zhou Qing , Peng Zhiyu 
Published: January 2020

AbstractHigh-frequency disease-causing alleles exist, but their number is rather small. This study aimed to interpret and reclassify common pathogenic (P) and likely pathogenic (LP) variants in ClinVar and to identify indicators linked with reclassification. We analyzed P/LP variants without conflicting interpretations in ClinVar. Only variants with an allele frequency exceeding 0.5% in at least one ancestry in gnomAD were included. Variants were manually interpreted according to the guidelines of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and the Association for Molecular Pathology. Of 326 variants retrieved, 217 variants in 173 genes were selected for curation. Overall, 87 (40%) variants were downgraded to benign, likely benign or variant of uncertain significance. Five variants (2%) were found to be more likely to be risk factors. Most of the reclassifications were of variants with a low rank, an older classification, a higher allele frequency, or which were collected through methods other than clinical testing. ClinVar provides a universal platform for users who intend to share the classification variants, resulting in the improved concordance of variant interpretation. P/LP variants with a high allele frequency should be used with caution. Ongoing improvements would further improve the practicability of ClinVar database.
Cavity-enhanced metallic metalens with improved Efficiency
Authors: Li Hanmeng , Fang Bin , Chen Chen , Zhu Shining , Li Tao 
Published: January 2020

AbstractMetasurfaces are made of subwavelength nanoantennas with a flat, ultrathin architecture, and strong capability in manipulating the propagation of light by flexible modulations on its phase, amplitude, and polarization. Conventional metallic metalenses always suffer from its low efficiencies due to large intrinsic loss. Here, we demonstrate a cavity enhanced bilayer metalens composed of aluminum nanobars and its complementary structures. The focusing and imaging experiments definitely show an improved efficiency of such kind of bilayer metalens compared with its single layer counterpart. Detailed theoretical analyses based on full-wave simulations are carried out with respect to different cavity lengthes and working wavelengths, which reveals that the improvement rightly attributes to enhanced cavity mode. Our design will not only improve the working efficiency for metalens with simplified manufacturing procedure, but also indicates more possibilities by employing the metal as electrodes.
Combinatorial allosteric modulation of agonist response in a self-interacting G-protein coupled receptor
Authors: Patrone Marco , Cammarota Eugenia , Berno Valeria , Tornaghi Paola , Mazza Davide , Degano Massimo 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe structural plasticity of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) enables the long-range transmission of conformational changes induced by specific orthosteric site ligands and other pleiotropic factors. Here, we demonstrate that the ligand binding cavity in the sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor S1PR1, a class A GPCR, is in allosteric communication with both the β-arrestin-binding C-terminal tail, and a receptor surface involved in oligomerization. We show that S1PR1 oligomers are required for full response to different agonists and ligand-specific association with arrestins, dictating the downstream signalling kinetics. We reveal that the active form of the immunomodulatory drug fingolimod, FTY720-P, selectively harnesses both these intramolecular networks to efficiently recruit β-arrestins in a stable interaction with the receptor, promoting deep S1PR1 internalization and simultaneously abrogating ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Our results define a molecular basis for the efficacy of fingolimod for people with multiple sclerosis, and attest that GPCR signalling can be further fine-tuned by the oligomeric state.
Application of Cervical Vestibular-Evoked Myogenic Potentials in Adults with Moderate to Profound Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Ciodaro Francesco , Freni Francesco , Alberti Giuseppe , Forelli Marco , Gazia Francesco , Bruno Rocco , Sherdell Enrique Perello , Galletti Bruno , Galletti Francesco 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Introduction The cochlea and the vestibular receptors are closely related in terms of anatomy and phylogeny. Patients with moderate to profound sensorineural hearing loss (MPSHL) should have their vestibular organ functions tested.
Objective To evaluate the incidence of vestibular abnormalities in patients with MPSHL and to study the correlation between the etiology of hearing loss (HL) and a possible damage to the labyrinth.
Methods A case-control retrospective study was performed. In the case group, 20 adults with MPSHL of known etiology were included. The control group was composed of 15 adults with normal hearing. The case group was divided into 4 subgroups based on the etiology (bacterial meningitis, virus, vascular disease, congenital). Cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMPs) were used to rate the saccular function and lower vestibular nerve.
Results The study was performed in 70 ears, and it highlighted the presence of early biphasic P1-N1 complex in 29 (71.5%) out of 40 ears in the study group, and in all of the 30 ears in the control group (p = 0.001). Regarding the presence or absence of cVEMPs among the four subgroups of patients with MPSHL, the data were statistically significant (p < 0.001). The comparison between the latencies and amplitude of P1-N1 in case and control groups from other studies and in the four subgroups of cases in the present study did not detect statistically significant differences.
Conclusion The present study demonstrates that patients with MPSHL have a high incidence of damage to the labyrinthine organs, and it increases the current knowledge about the etiopathogenesis of sensorineural HL, which is often of unknown nature.
Salivary Gland Disorders in Children and Adolescents: A 15-year Experience
Authors: Gellrich Donata , Bichler Moritz , Reichel Christoph A. , Schrötzlmair Florian , Zengel Pamela 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Introduction Diseases of the salivary glands are rare in children and adolescents, with the exception of viral-induced infections.
Objective To determine the clinical course of the disease, the diagnostic procedures, the treatment and the outcome of all children and adolescents affected with salivary gland diseases at our clinic over a period of 15 years.
Methods A retrospective chart review including a long-term follow-up was conducted among 146 children and adolescents treated for salivary gland disorders from 2002 to 2016.
Results Diagnosing acute sialadenitis was easily managed by all doctors regardless of their specialty. The diagnosis of sialolithiasis was rapidly made only by otorhinolaryngologists, whereas diagnosing juvenile recurrent parotitis imposed difficulties to doctors of all specialties – resulting in a significant delay between the first occurrence of symptoms and the correct diagnosis. The severity-adjusted treatment yielded improvements in all cases, and a full recovery of 75% of the cases of sialolithiasis, 73% of the cases of juvenile recurrent parotitis, and 100% of the cases of acute sialadenitis.
Conclusions Due to their low prevalence and the lack of pathognomonic symptoms, salivary gland diseases in children and adolescents are often misdiagnosed, resulting in an unnecessarily long period of suffering despite a favorable outcome following the correct treatment.
De-epithelialised fasciocutaneous turnover flap: An alternative for defects in lower thigh and knee joint
Authors: Sharma R. K. , Nanda Vipul , Makkar Surinder , Parasher Atul 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACTWe describe the use of proximally based de-epithelialised fasciocutaneous flap for coverage of defects in the lower thigh and knee joint. These flaps are based on a number of perforators around the knee joint and can be based either posteriorly, posteromedially or posterolaterally depending upon the location of the defect. The whole of the flap including the bridge segment is de-epithelialised and turned over by 180 degrees and a split thickness graft is placed over the flap and the donor site. The flaps can be raised quickly, have minimum morbidity and are reliable even in the presence of extensive injuries. These flaps have remained stable and trouble free during a follow up period of 2-4 years.
Median cleft of mandible and lower lip with ankyloglossia and ectopic minor salivary gland on tongue
Authors: Rana Roshani E. , Puri Vinita A. , Thakkur Rahul K. , Baliarsing A. S. 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACTMedian cleft of lower lip and mandible is a rare anomaly. This Cleft has also been described as Cleft No. 30 of Tessier′s classification. In minor forms only lower lip is cleft. Frequently, the cleft extends into the mandibular symphysis and the tongue is attached to the cleft alveolar margin. At times the tongue may be bifid or absent, hyoid absent, thyroid cartilage underdeveloped, strap muscles atrophic, manubrium sterni absent, clavicles widely spaced etc. The earliest report of this anomaly was by Couronne′ in 1819. Since then very few cases have been reported in literature with variations. We describe a male child who presented at the age of 6 months with an ectopic salivary gland on the dorsum of the tongue in addition to median cleft of lower lip, ankyloglossia and notching of the mandible. Excision of mass on dorsum of tongue, release of ankyloglossia and lip from the alveolus followed by repair was done. No bony work was done since the mandible was only notched. On post-operative follow-up at 18 months, dentition was delayed in both maxillary as well as mandibular teeth and there was a gap between the lower central incisors. At the age of 2 years 4 months, the dentition is still not complete and the gap between the lower central incisors is very apparent. There is a supernumerary upper central incisor on right side. There is no mobility between the two segments of mandible. Speech is normal. A regular follow-up will be done to study the eruption of permanent central incisors at the age of 7 years and till eruption of all permanent teeth to assess the occlusion and to decide whether any bony work is needed or not.
Closed rupture of the flexor digitorum profundus tendon of little finger: A case report
Authors: Agarwal Pawan 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACTClosed rupture of the FDP tendon is rare. However, whenever they occur the most common site of rupture is the tendon-bone insertion, less frequent site is at the musculo-tendinous junction. Midsubstance ruptures are even more unique and are usually due to underlying pathology such as fracture, cystic degeneration, rheumatoid arthritis, or sequel following local steroid injection. This report describes a closed rupture of FDP tendon of little finger. Mechanism of injury, diagnosis and management are discussed.
Distal perforator based cross leg flaps for leg and foot defects
Authors: Bhattacharya V , Raveendra Reddy Ganji 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACTThe cross leg fasciocutaneous flaps are less frequently indicated for distal leg and foot defects due to the availability of other alternative options. However they still remain one of the more realistic options for the surgeon in situations like unsuccessful attempt of free flaps, non-availability of ipsilateral proximal calf tissue, damaged distal perforators following trauma, burns, radiation etc., and inadequate reach beyond mid sole. In the present article we share our experience emphasizing the significance and use, with redefined indications and surgical technique of cross leg retrograde fasciocutaneous flaps for various distal leg and foot defects. We are of the opinion that these flaps are still useful as they continue to prove to be the flap of choice in demanding situations.
Acquisition and elaboration of superficial three-dimensional images in plastic and reconstructive surgery: Applications
Authors: Alfano C , Mezzana Paolo , Scuderi N 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACTSince 1970, as computed axial tomography machines became easily available and became more sophisticated, image acquisition techniques and analysis improved, developed rapidly and became very useful in medical diagnosis. Today it is possible to examine either the anatomic and functional aspects of deep body organs and tissues including all the minute details as well as their morphological relations with superficial structures. Through precise graphic elaboration programs we can obtain information about spatial relations which was not possible using simply classical clinical examination. It is possible, for example, to "point out" an area of interest from its anatomic context, to carry out virtual cleavage of planes and to measure volumes and distances. New developments in image acquisition systems permit transfer of three-dimensional data directly from existing objects. The three -dimensional computerized axial tomography for deep structures, and the laser scanners for superficial structure, quickly furnish (1-3 seconds for the laser scanners) useful information to plan the surgical operation.When analysing 3D-imaging techniques it is important to appreciate their utility for the planning and the follow up of surgery, particularly for the head and thorax, where the three dimensional evaluation is better than the classic double dimensional system that is incomplete and difficult to interpret. In the future, these systems will be important for the best aesthetic and functional results and above all for reducing the surgical time.
Vascular anomalies
Authors: Jyotsna Murthy 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACTManagement of vascular anomalies is an emerging multidisciplinary, super-specialisation field involving several surgical, medical and radiological specialties. Over the years, development in this field has been limited because of complex nomenclature and lack of consensus on the best practice for treatment of some of the more complex vascular anomalies. It was only in 1996 that the International Society of the Study of Vascular Anomalies defined nomenclature for the anomalies and gave clear guidelines on management, allowing for improved clinical practices. As in all fields of clinical medicine, the correct diagnosis of the vascular anomalies is essential to choose the appropriate treatment. This paper gives clear guidelines for diagnosis, understanding of the anomalies and discusses their management.
Lingual cysticercosis
Authors: Pandey S C , Pandey S D 
Published: January 2020

AbstractA fourtyfive year old male presented with a painless solitary nodular swelling near left lateral border of the tongue of two months duration. Fine needle aspiration cytology lead to no conclusion. Excisional biopsy was done. Histopathology revealed Cysticercosis cellulosae and the parasite could be visualised in the slide along with the tongue muscles.