bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vitro observation of macrophage polarization and gingival fibroblast behavior on three‐dimensional xenogeneic collagen matrixes
Authors: Fujioka‐Kobayashi Masako , Ülgür Ismail I. , Katagiri Hiroki , Vuignier Sandra , Schaller Benoit 
Published: February 2020

AbstractCollagen biomaterials are widely used for soft tissue augmentation. Cross‐linking techniques for collagen matrix (CM) achieve mechanical and volumetric stability; nevertheless, cross‐linking may compromise biocompatibility. The aim of the present study was to investigate two different three‐dimensional (3D) porcine‐derived CMs, noncross‐linked (ncl)_CM and cross‐linked (cl)_CM, for their effects on macrophages (Mφ) and gingival fibroblasts. The effects of the CMs on the cell viability, proliferation, and polarization of Mφ derived from human monocyte THP‐1 cells were assessed. The effects of paracrine factors from Mφ cultured on the CMs were further studied in human gingival fibroblasts (HGF‐1 cells). The spongy layer of ncl_CM was partially resorbed after 1 day of culture. cl_CM maintained increased numbers of viable cells when compared with ncl_CM on day 3 for both THP‐1 and HGF‐1 cells. Higher mRNA levels of M1 markers, including IL‐1 and IL‐6, were found in Mφ cultured on cl_CM, while no significant differences were observed in M2 marker expression levels, including Arg1 and CD206, for cells cultured on both CMs when compared with those of the control. Furthermore, the conditioned medium collected from Mφ cultured on both CMs decreased cell viability. Nevertheless, neither of the CM‐conditioned media influenced the mRNA levels of TGF‐β, COL1a2, and PDGF‐A in HGF‐1 cells when compared with the control media. A comparison showed that cl_CM tended to result in more viable cells than ncl_CM, while cl_CM polarized Mφ toward an M1 phenotype, which was confirmed by the observation of increased mRNA levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines.
Morphological and functional characterization of circulating hemocytes using microscopy techniques
Authors: Jeyachandran Sivakamavalli , Park Kiyun , Kwak Ihn‐Sil , Baskaralingam Vaseeharan 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIn the present study, Microscopy studies were performed to characterize the blood cells of the mangrove crab Episesarma tetragonum. Three types of hemocytes were observed: granulocytes, semi‐granulocytes, and hyalinocytes or agranulocytes. Hyalinocytes have a distinguished nucleus surrounded by the cytoplasm, and a peculiar cell type was present throughout the cytosol, lysosomes with hemocyte types (granules) stained red (pink). Giemsa staining was used to differentiate between the large and small hemocytes. Ehrlich's staining was used to differentiate granule‐containing cells in acidophils (55%), basophils (44%), and neutrophils (<1%). Periodic acid–Schiff staining was used to identify the sugar molecules in the cytoplasm. Cell‐mediated immune reactions including phagocytosis, encapsulation, agglutination, and peroxidase‐mediated cell adhesion are the functions of hemocytes. Agglutination reaction involves both kind of cells involved in yeast and heme‐agglutination responses in invertebrates. The beta glucan outer layer of yeast cells was recognized by hemocyte receptors. Human RBC cells were agglutinated via granulocytes. E. tetragonum hemocytes are an important animal model for studying both ultrastructural and functional activity of circulating cells. In addition, E. tetragonum hemocytes exhibited excellent antibacterial and antibiofilm activities were studied through plating and microplate assays. Biofilm inhibition was also visualized through changes in biochemical assays and morphological variations were visualized through levels in in situ microscopy analysis.
Bifidobacterium from breastfed infant faeces prevent high‐fat‐diet‐induced glucose tolerance impairment, mediated by the modulation of glucose intake and the incretin hormone secretion axis
Authors: Li Tong , Yang Jianjun , Zhang Hongxing , Xie Yuanhong , Jin Junhua 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDProbiotics are defined as microorganisms that can exert health benefits for the host. Among the recognized probiotics, Bifidobacterium are the most frequently used probiotics in humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antidiabetic activity of Bifidobacterium strains isolated from breastfed infant faeces, both in vitro, using the Caco‐2 monolayer transwell model, and in vivo, using a mice model of impaired glucose tolerance induced by a high‐fat diet (HFD).RESULTSThe cell‐free supernatant of Bifidobacterium lactis A12 showed better inhibitory activity of α‐glucosidase and inhibited the glucose absorption and transport than B. lactis BB12, which is a typical probiotic with antidiabetic capabilities. B. lactis A12 improved the impaired glucose intolerance, restored islet function and morphology with insulin resistance induced by the HFD in C57BL/6J mice. Furthermore, in small intestine tissues, the cell‐free supernatant of B. lactis A12 decreased the messenger RNA expressions of sucrase‐isomaltase, live B. lactis A12 cells decreased glucose transporters 2. B. lactis A12 significantly stimulated the glucagon like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) secretion and upregulated proglucagon messenger RNA levels.CONCLUSIONB. lactis A12 protect against the deleterious effects of HFD‐induced diabetes by inhibiting the utilization, absorption, and transport of glucose by intestinal epithelial cells and promoting the expression and secretion of GLP‐1. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
The Accuracy of iPhone Applications to Monitor Environmental Noise Levels
Authors: Crossley Eleanor , Biggs Tim , Brown Phillip , Singh Tahwinder 
Published: February 2020

ObjectiveThe Control of Noise at Work Regulations came into force in Great Britain in 2005, requiring all work environments to be monitored for potentially harmful noise exposure levels. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a number of iPhone phone applications (apps) (Apple, Cupertino, CA) to accurately measure noise exposure, which may prove effective when a specialist‐calibrated sound level meter is not readily available.MethodsSuitable apps were identified using the search terms noise and decibel through the App Store (Apple). Apps that were free to download and had at least one rating were included. Apps were evaluated using a calibrated pure tone sound field and a soundproof testing booth. A 3‐frequency audiogram (1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, and 4000 Hz) was used at 25 dB, 40 dB, 55 dB, 70 dB, and 85 dB. Linear regression was carried out to assess accuracy.ResultsNine apps were tested in total, with four out of nine providing a goodness‐of‐fit coefficient (R2 value) over 0.9. The most effective app was found to be the NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) Sound Level Meter (EA LAB, Slovenia) with an R2 of 0.97. The least effective app was the Decibel Meter With Recorder (Jianhua Ming, China) with an R2 of 0.62.ConclusionThis study has shown significant variation in the ability of iPhone apps (Apple) to accurately predict environmental dB levels. However, if the correct app is used, an iPhone represents a relatively reliable means of measuring noise exposure levels when a specialist calibrated sound level meter is not readily available.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 131:E59–E62, 2021
Palatopharyngoplasty Resolves Concentric Collapse in Patients Ineligible for Upper Airway Stimulation
Authors: Liu Stanley Yung‐Chuan , Hutz Michael J , Poomkonsarn Sasikarn , Chang Corissa P , Awad Michael , Capasso Robson 
Published: February 2020

ObjectiveTo determine if a modified tissue‐preserving palatopharyngoplasty could convert retropalatal concentric collapse to anteroposterior or lateral patterns of collapse on drug‐induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) in patients who are not candidates for upper airway stimulation due to complete circumferential collapse at the velum.MethodsA prospective, nonconsecutive, single‐blinded cohort study was performed by two sleep surgeons at a tertiary care center from 2015 to 2018. Inclusion criteria included adults > 18 years of age with a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea with an Apnea–Hypopnea Index (AHI) > 15, a body mass index (BMI) < 32, and < 25% central apneas on polysomnography. Twelve patients with complete circumferential collapse underwent a modified palatopharyngoplasty. Postoperatively, a repeat sleep study was performed. A repeat DISE was recommended for those with incomplete surgical response (clinically and/or AHI).ResultsTwelve patients with complete circumferential collapse were eligible for the study. Mean BMI was 30.5. Mean preoperative AHI was 54.0 events per hour. Following a modified palatopharyngoplasty, the mean AHI was reduced to 33.1 events per hour, and 100% (12 of 12) of the patients converted from a pattern of complete circumferential collapse to either no collapse at the level of the velum (3) or an anteroposterior pattern of collapse (9).ConclusionWe demonstrate that a modified palatopharyngoplasty can successfully convert collapse patterns in patients with complete circumferential collapse. Further studies are required to determine the outcome of these patients following upper airway stimulation implantation.Level of Evidence1B Laryngoscope, 2020
The production of isoprene from cellulose using recombinant Clostridium cellulolyticum strains expressing isoprene synthase
Authors: Janke Christian , Gaida Stefan , Jennewein Stefan 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIsoprene is an important bulk chemical which is mostly derived from fossil fuels. It is used primarily for the production of synthetic rubber. Sustainable, biotechnology‐based alternatives for the production of isoprene rely on the fermentation of sugars from food and feed crops, creating an ethical dilemma due to the competition for agricultural land. This issue could be addressed by developing new approaches based on the production of isoprene from abundant renewable waste streams. Here, we describe a proof‐of‐principle approach for the production of isoprene from cellulosic biomass, the most abundant polymer on earth. We engineered the mesophilic prokaryote Clostridium cellulolyticum, which can degrade cellulosic biomass, to utilize the resulting glucose monomers as a feedstock for the production of isoprene. This was achieved by integrating the poplar gene encoding isoprene synthase. The presence of the enzyme was confirmed by targeted proteomics, and the accumulation of isoprene was confirmed by GC‐MS/MS. We have shown for the first time that engineered C. cellulolyticum can be used as a metabolic chassis for the sustainable production of isoprene.
Expanding the Noonan spectrum/RASopathy NGS panel: Benefits of adding NF1 and SPRED1
Authors: Witkowski Leora , Dillon Mitchell W. , Murphy Elissa , S Lebo Matthew , Mason‐Suares Heather 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundRASopathies are a group of disorders caused by disruptions to the RAS‒MAPK pathway. Despite being in the same pathway, Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) and Legius syndrome (LS) typically present with phenotypes distinct from Noonan spectrum disorders (NSDs). However, some NF1/LS individuals also exhibit NSD phenotypes, often referred to as Neurofibromatosis‐Noonan syndrome (NFNS), and may be mistakenly evaluated for NSDs, delaying diagnosis, and affecting patient management.MethodsA derivation cohort of 28 patients with a prior negative NSD panel and either NFNS or a suspicion of NSD and café‐au‐lait spots underwent NF1 and SPRED1 sequencing. To further determine the utility and burden of adding these genes, a validation cohort of 505 patients with a suspected RASopathy were tested on a 14‐gene RASopathy‐associated panel.ResultsIn the derivation cohort, six (21%) patients had disease‐causing NF1 or SPRED1 variants. In the validation cohort, 11 (2%) patients had disease‐causing variants and 15 (3%) had variants of uncertain significance in NF1 or SPRED1. Of those with disease‐causing variants, 5/17 only had an NSD diagnosis.ConclusionsAdding NF1 and SPRED1 to RASopathy panels can speed diagnosis and improve patient management, without significantly increasing the burden of inconclusive results.
Association of ECE1 gene polymorphisms and essential hypertension risk in the Northern Han Chinese: A case‒control study
Authors: Wang Hao , Liu Jielin , Liu Kuo , Liu Ya , Wen Jie , Wang Zuoguang , Wen Shaojun 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe ECE1 gene polymorphisms have been studied as a candidate gene in essential hypertension, but no consensus has been reached. To systematically explore their possible association, a case‒control study was conducted.MethodsThis study included 398 hypertensive subjects and 596 healthy volunteers as control subjects in the Northern Han Chinese. A total of 10 tag SNPs of ECE1 gene were genotyped successfully by TaqMan assay.ResultsA total of 10 SNPs (rs212544, rs2076280, rs115071, rs2076283, rs9426748, rs11590928, rs212515, rs2236847, rs2282715, and rs2774028) were identified as the tag SNPs for ECE1 gene. Although no positive connection has been found in general population, several SNPs have been found to be related to EH risk in gender‐stratified subgroup analysis. In males, rs115071 T allele influenced EH risk in a protective manner, with dominant model (TT+TC vs. CC: p = .032, OR = 0.655, 95% CI = 0.445–0.965), additive model (TT vs. TC vs. CC: p = .019, OR = 0.616, 95% CI = 0.411–0.924), as well as allele comparison (T vs. C: p = .045, OR = 0.702, 95% CI = 0.496–0.992). While, in females, rs212544 AA genotype would increase the onset risk of EH (recessive model: AA vs. GA+GG, p = .024, OR = 1.847, 95% CI = 1.086–3.142). In the three haplotype blocks identified, rs2076283‐rs2236847 C‐T haplotype was associated with a decreased risk of EH (OR = 0.558, p = .046).ConclusionThe current case‒control study suggested that several SNPs and related haplotypes on ECE1 gene might be associated with the susceptibility of EH in certain gender subgroups in the Northern Han Chinese population.
Enhancing proton conductivity of proton exchange membrane with SPES nanofibers containing porous organic cage
Authors: Xu Xianlin , Shao Zhufeng , Shi Lei , Cheng Bowen , Yin Xuan , Zhuang Xupin , Di Youbo 
Published: February 2020

AbstractEffective proton conducting sites and establishing proton channels are two critical factors in developing high‐performance proton exchange membranes. This study first establishes a strategy in designing effective proton conducting channels for Nafion by using solution blowing of sulfonated polyethersulfone (SPES) nanofibers containing CC3, which is an emerging porous organic cage that possesses the advantages of dissolvable organic solvents and high proton conduction from its interconnected three‐dimensional pore structure. Our strategy results in SPES nanofiber networks with CC3 uniformly involved in and composite membranes with Nafion‐filled interfiber voids. Benefiting from such structural features, the composite membrane exhibits high proton conductivity (0.315 S cm−1 at 80°C and 100% RH), low methanol permeability (0.69 × 10−7 cm2 S−1), excellent water absorption, thermal and dimensional stability, and single‐cell performance. This study provides not only a valuable reference for the application of CC3 but also a new idea for establishment of proton transfer channels.
The Feasibility and Acceptability of Virtual Therapy Environments for Early ICU Mobilization
Authors: Parke Sara , Hough Catherine L. , E. Bunnell Aaron 
Published: February 2020

BackgroundEarly mobilization in critically ill patients has been documented to reduce neuromuscular complications, but access to rehabilitation services is often limited in the intensive care unit (ICU). Virtual platforms that deliver therapy may increase access to rehabilitation services and improve patient motivation to participate. Xbox Kinect Jintronix software delivers interventions using games and activities designed for therapy.ObjectiveTo determine the feasibility of the Jintronix virtual therapy system in an ICU setting by observing outcomes related to patient satisfaction, adverse events, and technical applicability.DesignProspective observational feasibility study.SettingMedical ICU at a Level 1 Trauma Center within an academic medical center.ParticipantsTwenty adults admitted to ICU.InterventionParticipants engaged in one therapy session with a maximum of 14 Jintronix modules targeting arm, leg, and/or trunk strength, range of motion, and endurance.Outcome MeasuresA trained physician‐observer recorded events related to adverse events and technical applicability. Participants completed a survey to determine patient satisfaction.ResultsA total of 188 modules were completed. Participants completed a median of nine modules each. Five participants completed the maximum of 14 modules. Fatigue was the most common reason for cessation. Mean intervention time was 29 minutes. There were no falls, lines dislodged, or medical events. Participants required physical assistance or verbal cues in 36% of modules. Technical errors affected 25% of modules and led to activity cessation in one case. Nearly all participants reported the activity was enjoyable, comfortable, safe, easy to understand, would improve range of motion and strength, and would motivate them to continue.ConclusionsUse of a virtual therapy environment in an intensive care setting is feasible.
Ozone synthesis from oxygen in narrow‐gap hybrid discharge integrated with oxide coating: The role of surface catalytic reactions
Authors: Li Meng , Zheng Li‐Biao , Zhang Xiao‐Min , Zhang Lu‐Yao , Yan Yan , Zhu Bin , Zhu Yi‐Min 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIntegrating oxide coatings with narrow‐gap hybrid discharge (HD) can modulate ozone (O3) synthesis. O3 concentration () and energy yield (η) for HD can be enhanced by single‐valent oxides, whereas they are reduced by multivalent oxides. The discharge and oxide characterizations suggest that surface catalytic reactions play a crucial role in the synthesis of O3: single‐valent oxide coatings facilitate O3 production by offering abundant catalytic sites for surface catalytic reactions; surface catalytic reactions on multivalent oxide coatings suppress O3 production because of the dominating O3 decomposition over highly active sites of oxygen vacancies. This study is inspirational for designing and fabricating high‐efficiency O3 generators.
Quantification of Biomarker Proteins Using Reverse‐Phase Protein Arrays
Authors: Yamada Tesshi 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIt is expected that antibody‐based proteomics will soon occupy a pivotal position in the discovery and validation of biomarkers and therapeutic targets. The reverse‐phase protein array (RPPA) is an antibody‐based proteomic method that can quantify the expression of multiple posttranslationally modified proteins (such as those that have been phosphorylated) across a large number of protein samples. RPPA is highly sensitive and requires only very small protein samples. This feature, in combination with large antibody libraries, makes RPPA ideal for clinical proteomics, as well as the fact that it is an expandable multiplex assay. In Volume 14, Issue 1 of Proteomics Clinical Applications, Suzuki and colleagues report for the first time a study comparing RPPA and immunohistochemistry for quantification of seven biomarker proteins used for subtyping of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma. Such combination of multiple biomarkers is likely to increase diagnostic accuracy and can be used for precise classification of this heterogeneous disease.
Global Double Field Theory is Higher Kaluza‐Klein Theory
Authors: Alfonsi Luigi 
Published: February 2020

AbstractKaluza‐Klein Theory states that a metric on the total space of a principal bundle , if it is invariant under the principal action of P, naturally reduces to a metric together with a gauge field on the base manifold M. We propose a generalization of this Kaluza‐Klein principle to higher principal bundles and higher gauge fields. For the particular case of the abelian gerbe of Kalb‐Ramond field, this Higher Kaluza‐Klein geometry provides a natural global formulation for Double Field Theory (DFT). In this framework the doubled space is the total space of a higher principal bundle and the invariance under its higher principal action is exactly a global formulation of the familiar strong constraint. The patching problem of DFT is naturally solved by gluing the doubled space with a higher group of symmetries in a higher category. Locally we recover the familiar picture of an ordinary para‐Hermitian manifold equipped with Born geometry. Infinitesimally we recover the familiar picture of a higher Courant algebroid twisted by a gerbe (also known as Extended Riemannian Geometry). As first application we show that on a torus‐compactified spacetime the Higher Kaluza‐Klein reduction gives automatically rise to abelian T‐duality, while on a general principal bundle it gives rise to non‐abelian T‐duality. As final application we define a natural notion of Higher Kaluza‐Klein monopole by directly generalizing the ordinary Gross‐Perry one. Then we show that under Higher Kaluza‐Klein reduction, this monopole is exactly the NS5‐brane on a 10d spacetime. If, instead, we smear it along a compactified direction we recover the usual DFT monopole on a 9d spacetime.
Estimation of group means using Bayesian generalized linear mixed models
Authors: LaLonde Amy , Qu Yongming 
Published: February 2020

SummaryGeneralized linear mixed models (GLMM) are commonly used to model the treatment effect over time while controlling for important clinical covariates. Standard software procedures often provide estimates of the outcome based on the mean of the covariates; however, these estimates will be biased for the true group means in the GLMM. Implementing GLMM in the frequentist framework can lead to issues of convergence. A simulation study demonstrating the use of fully Bayesian GLMM for providing unbiased estimates of group means is shown. These models are very straightforward to implement and can be used for a broad variety of outcomes (eg, binary, categorical, and count data) that arise in clinical trials. We demonstrate the proposed method on a data set from a clinical trial in diabetes.
Characterization of the metabolites of TUG‐891 in rat, dog, and human hepatocytes using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Shi Qinghong , Liu Yang , Liu Chunyan , Wang Jingying 
Published: February 2020

RationaleTUG‐891 is a potent and selective agonist of the long chain free fatty acid receptor 4. However, its metabolic profiles have not been revealed. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro metabolism of TUG‐891 in hepatocytes.MethodsTUG‐891 at a concentration of 20 μM was incubated with rat, dog, and human hepatocytes at 37°C for 120 min. The samples were analyzed using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography combined with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. The structures of the metabolites were proposed according to their MS/MS product ions. Furthermore, M4 and M5 were biosynthesized using human liver microsomes, and their structures were characterized using 13C‐NMR spectroscopy.ResultsUnder the current conditions, eight metabolites were detected and structurally identified using high‐resolution LC/MS and MS/MS spectra. The metabolites M4 and M5 were unambiguously confirmed to be TUG‐891 alcohol and TUG‐891 acid, respectively, using 13C‐NMR spectroscopy. Our results revealed that hydroxylation of methyl group at C‐21 position to form TUG‐891 alcohol (M5) followed by oxidation to yield TUG‐891 aldehyde (M7) and carboxylic acid (M4) were the major metabolism processes. Phase II metabolism processes included glucuronidation and sulphation.ConclusionsHydroxylation at the C‐21 position was the primary metabolic site of TUG‐891. This study provided an overview of the metabolic profiles of TUG‐891 in hepatocytes.