bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
“Epigenetic clocks”: Theory and applications in human biology
Authors: Ryan Calen P. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAll humans age, but how we age—and how fast—differs considerably from person to person. This deviation between apparent age and chronological age is often referred to as “biological age” (BA) and until recently robust tools for studying BA have been scarce. “Epigenetic clocks” are starting to change this. Epigenetic clocks use predictable changes in the epigenome, usually DNA methylation, to estimate chronological age with unprecedented accuracy. More importantly, deviations between epigenetic age and chronological age predict a broad range of health outcomes and mortality risks better than chronological age alone. Thus, epigenetic clocks appear to capture fundamental molecular processes tied to BA and can serve as powerful tools for studying health, development, and aging across the lifespan. In this article, I review epigenetic clocks, especially as they relate to key theoretical and applied issues in human biology. I first provide an overview of how epigenetic clocks are constructed and what we know about them. I then discuss emerging applications of particular relevance to human biologists—those related to reproduction, life‐history, stress, and the environment. I conclude with an overview of the methods necessary for implementing epigenetic clocks, including considerations of study design, sample collection, and technical considerations for processing and interpreting epigenetic clocks. The goal of this review is to highlight some of the ways that epigenetic clocks can inform questions in human biology, and vice versa, and to provide human biologists with the foundational knowledge necessary to successfully incorporate epigenetic clocks into their research.
Circulating metabolites are associated with brain atrophy and white matter hyperintensities
Authors: de Leeuw Francisca A. , Karamujić‐Čomić Hata , Tijms Betty M. , Peeters Carel F.W. , Kester Maartje I. , Scheltens Philip , Ahmad Shahzad , Vojinovic Dina , Adams Hieab H.H. , Hankemeier Thomas , Bos Daniel , van der Lugt Aad , Vernooij Meike W. , Ikram M. Arfan , Amin Najaf , Barkhof Frederik , Teunissen Charlotte E. , van Duijn Cornelia M. , van der Flier Wiesje M. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIntroductionOur aim was to study whether systemic metabolites are associated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures of brain and hippocampal atrophy and white matter hyperintensities (WMH).MethodsWe studied associations of 143 plasma‐based metabolites with MRI measures of brain and hippocampal atrophy and WMH in three independent cohorts (n = 3962). We meta‐analyzed the results of linear regression analyses to determine the association of metabolites with MRI measures.ResultsHigher glucose levels and lower levels of three small high density lipoprotein (HDL) particles were associated with brain atrophy. Higher glucose levels were associated with WMH.DiscussionGlucose levels were associated with brain atrophy and WMH, and small HDL particle levels were associated with brain atrophy. Circulating metabolites may aid in developing future intervention trials.
Defining Positive Outcomes in More and Less Cognitively Able Autistic Adults
Authors: McCauley James B. , Pickles Andrew , Huerta Marisela , Lord Catherine 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIdentifying positive outcomes for a wide range of intellectual abilities in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remains a challenge. Several past studies of autistic adults have used outcome definitions that do not reflect the experiences of less cognitively able adults. The aim of the current study was to (1) define three domains of outcomes: autonomy, social relationships, and purpose, and (2) examine how these outcomes relate to concurrent aspects of adult functioning. Using data from a longitudinal sample of 126 adults (85% diagnosed with ASD at some point), mean age 26, who first entered the study in early childhood, we generated distinct outcomes for less (daily living skills above an 8‐year‐old level, having regular activities outside the home, and social contacts outside the family) and more cognitively able adults (living independently, having paid employment, and at least one true friend). Verbal IQ, assessed in adulthood, was a significant predictor of more outcomes achieved for individuals within more and less cognitively able groups. For less cognitively able adults, having ever received a formal ASD diagnosis (in contrast to current Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule [ADOS] CSS scores) was associated with lower odds of positive outcomes. For more cognitively able adults, living skills and happiness measures were positively associated with number of outcomes met; higher ADOS CSS, internalizing and externalizing symptoms, being racially diverse, and having caregiver education below college graduation were all negatively associated with the number of positive outcomes. Tailoring outcomes to ability levels may lead to better identification of goals and service needs.Lay SummaryThis article describes the outcomes of autistic adults who are more and less cognitively able. For less cognitively able individuals, an earlier autism diagnosis was negatively related to outcomes. Several factors that were associated with positive outcomes for more cognitively able individuals, including daily living skills, fewer mental health problems, family demographics, and subjective measures of happiness. Our study identifies several important factors for families, individuals, and service providers to consider and discuss when planning the transition to adulthood. Autism Res 2020, 13: 1548–1560. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modeling the Effect of Amino Acids and Copper on Monoclonal Antibody Productivity and Glycosylation: A Modular Approach
Authors: Luo Yu , Lovelett Robert J. , Price J. Vincent , Radhakrishnan Devesh , Barnthouse Kristopher , Hu Ping , Schaefer Eugene , Cunningham John , Lee Kelvin H. , Shivappa Raghunath B. , Ogunnaike Babatunde A. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn manufacturing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), it is crucial to be able to predict how process conditions and supplements affect productivity and quality attributes, especially glycosylation. Supplemental inputs, such as amino acids and trace metals in the media, are reported to affect cell metabolism and glycosylation; quantifying their effects is essential for effective process development. We aim to present and validate, through a commercially relevant cell culture process, a technique for modeling such effects efficiently. While existing models can predict mAb production or glycosylation dynamics under specific process configurations, adapting them to new processes remains challenging, because it involves modifying the model structure and often requires some mechanistic understanding. Here, a modular modeling technique for adapting an existing model for a fed‐batch Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell culture process without structural modifications or mechanistic insight is presented. Instead, data is used, obtained from designed experimental perturbations in media supplementation, to train and validate a supplemental input effect model, which is used to “patch” the existing model. The combined model can be used for model‐based process development to improve productivity and to meet product quality targets more efficiently. The methodology and analysis are generally applicable to other CHO cell lines and cell types.
Rituximab used for simultaneous treatment of PR3‐ANCA positive vasculitis associated with rheumatoid arthritis: A case report
Authors: Yamada Akihiro , Sogabe Ayuko , Okuda Yasuaki 
Published: September 2020

AbstractWe treated PR3‐ANCA positive vasculitis in a patient diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis using rituximab. Monoclonal antibody therapy can be used to simultaneous treat more than one collagen disease in such patients. This suggests that shared pathogenic pathways exist between different collagen diseases.
Initial Electrode Kinetics of Anion Intercalation and De‐intercalation in Nonaqueous Al‐Graphite Batteries†
Authors: Han Dan , Cao Mao‐Sheng , Li Na , She Dong‐Mei , Song Wei‐Li , Chen Haosen , Jiao Shuqiang , Fang Daining 
Published: September 2020

Main observation and conclusionGraphitic materials with intercalated sites are considered as the mostly used positive electrode materials in nonaqueous Al batteries. Unlike the small‐size cations, the intercalation/de‐intercalation of large‐size anions into/out of graphite would induce large volume expansion and micro‐structure reconfiguration, leading to unexpected coulombic efficiency in the full cells (<95% within initial several cycles). For understanding the irreversible processes induced by anion intercalation/de‐intercalation (AlCl4–), here the kinetics of first two cycles for the Al‐graphite batteries have been systematically studied. To study kinetics behaviors at representative states, a combined method upon galvanostatic intermittent titration technique and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy has been carried out. The achieved diffusion coefficients of the positive electrodes assembled with different graphite sizes suggest that size effect also plays a critical role in determining the electrochemical kinetics in the mass transport in both electrolyte and graphitic layers as well as in interface reaction. The morphologies and micro‐structures of the post‐cycled graphite electrodes have been also experimentally studied, which also well supports the irreversible intercalation/de‐intercalation behaviors in graphite electrodes. The results offer a significant platform to well understand the essential factors in tailoring coulombic efficiency from a kinetic view, which would be helpful in promoting the graphite electrodes in Al batteries.
Morpho‐physiological traits associated with drought responses in soybean
Authors: Guzzo Maria Carla , Costamagna Carla , Salloum Maria Soraya , Rotundo José Luis , Monteoliva Mariela Ines , Luna Celina M 
Published: September 2020

AbstractDrought is currently a major constraint to soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] production worldwide and is becoming more widespread due to increased aridity and warmer temperatures in the context of global climate change. In this context, breeding for soybean varieties more tolerant to drought stress is critical and requires efficient screening techniques. To find traits associated with drought tolerance at the vegetative stage that are still present at the reproductive stage, we evaluated morphological, physiological, and biochemical traits in two soybean genotypes contrasting in their response to drought stress. Under drought stress at the vegetative stage, the tolerant A 5009 RG genotype showed higher proline and chlorophyll contents, and early activation of the enzymatic antioxidant system compared with well‐watered plants. On the other hand, the sensitive ADM 50048 genotype increased malondialdehyde (oxidative damage marker) and nonenzymatic antioxidant response under stress. Manipulative field assays under contrasting levels of water availability at the reproductive stage mimicked the biochemical patterns observed in the greenhouse tests for the sensitive and tolerant genotypes. A principal component analysis of parameters from vegetative and reproductive stages revealed proline and chlorophyll contents as drought tolerance traits in soybean. We found those traits useful to classify 14 genotypes from the Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuaria (INTA) germplasm bank, identifying two new drought‐tolerant genotypes (PI 548510 and PI 200492). We propose proline and chlorophylls as useful tools to classify soybean genotypes according to their drought responses in early developmental stages, potentially reducing breeding times.
Resident macrophages as potential therapeutic targets for cardiac ageing and injury
Authors: Zhang Shiqing , Chen Rong , Chakrabarti Subrata , Su Zhaoliang 
Published: September 2020

AbstractCardiac‐resident macrophages (CRMs) play critical roles in maintaining cardiac homoeostasis and removing senescent and dying cells. Recent preclinical data have re‐energised the area of cardioimmunology and provided improved understanding of the modulation of compositional and functional phenotypes of CRMs. These data can aid in achieving improved cardiac regeneration, repair and functional remodelling following cardiac injury. In this review, we discuss the composition and renewal of various subsets of CRMs. Specific attention has been given to delineate the roles of various CRM subsets with respect to (1) facilitation of cardiac development and maintenance of physiological function such as electrical conduction and rhythm; (2) promotion of cardiac regeneration, inflammation resolution and functional remodelling following a cardiac injury; and (3) therapeutic potential. We have also highlighted the relationship between CRM replenishment and cardiomyocyte senescence as well as cardiovascular diseases development. Finally, we have addressed future perspectives and directions in basic research and potentially clinical applications of CRMs.
Optimized liquid‐based cytology for the cellular and molecular analysis of oral keratinocytes: A promising diagnostic tool
Authors: Osorio‐Osorno Yuliana Andrea , Arboleda Toro David , Arango Julian Camilo , Parada‐Sanchez Monica Tatiana 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundLiquid‐based cytology (LBC) has improved exfoliative cytology by facilitating the extraction of more precise information from epithelial cells. The aim of this study was to optimize a protocol using a conventional cytobrush to perform LBC, obtaining oral keratinocytes for their further cellular and molecular analysis.MethodsLBC was performed in 30 healthy donors from buccal mucosa. We evaluated the use of diethyl pyrocarbonate (DEPC)‐treated Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) medium right after the collection of the cells. Cell morphology and viability were determined by Orcein staining and flow cytometry, respectively. RNA was extracted by the trizol method, and evaluated with spectrometry and electrophoresis. Finally, RNA was copied into cDNA and GAPDH and TLR2 genes were amplified by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) using specific primers.ResultsOnly DEPC‐treated DMEM preserved the viability of intact intraepithelial keratinocytes. RNA quantity and quality improves in samples treated with DEPC. RNA integrity is comparable with a cell line control. GAPDH gene was successfully amplified by RT‐PCR and RT‐qPCR.ConclusionsTherefore, LBC performed under these conditions becomes a reproducible technique for the retrieval of intraepithelial oral keratinocytes with good cell viability for cytomorphometric analysis, and extraction of good RNA quality suitable for molecular analyses such as PCR. We propose this LBC protocol as a complementary method to the cellular and molecular study of oral mucosa pathologies; however, it requires further study.
Study of detection method for collagenase enzyme reaction using two dimensional electrochemical sensor
Authors: Shichijo Masato , Hasegawa Yuki , Uchida Hidekazu 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis paper addresses the assay of collagenase activity using Light Addressable Amperometric Sensor (LAAS). The redox current of LAAS was reduced by deposited collagen layers and recovered by collagenase solution. The collagen layers on the LAAS is considered to be broken down by collagenase. We expect an application of LAAS to activity evaluation.
Carrier transport properties in highly ordered smectic liquid crystal phase
Authors: Nitta Takenori , Usui Takayuki , Iino Hiroaki , Ohno Akira , Hanna Jun‐ichi 
Published: September 2020

AbstractWe have designed and synthesized a new liquid crystalline phenylbenzothienobenzothiphene derivative, Ph‐BTBT‐4S‐3, in order to investigate the carrier transport properties in highly ordered smectic liquid crystal phase at a wide temperature range lower than room temperature enough to analyze them. Ph‐BTBT‐4S‐3 exhibits smectic E (SmE) phase, which is the one of highly ordered smectic liquid crystal phases, at the wide temperature range from 200°C to under −130°C. Thanks to its wide temperature range of SmE phase, we could reveal the carrier transport properties in the low temperature range, which were well explained on the basis of Gaussian disorder model having a Gaussian width, σ, of 87 meV, which was larger than those of typical nonpolar liquid crystals of 40−60 meV and was attributed to additional dipole of a thioether group in the side chain.
A novel method to identify Post‐Aire stages of medullary thymic epithelial cell differentiation
Authors: Ferreirinha Pedro , Ribeiro Camila , Morimoto Junko , Landry Jonathan J. M. , Matsumoto Minoru , Meireles Catarina , White Andrea J. , Ohigashi Izumi , Araújo Leonor , Benes Vladimir , Takahama Yousuke , Anderson Graham , Matsumoto Mitsuru , Alves Nuno L. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAutoimmune regulator+ (Aire) medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) play a critical role in tolerance induction. Several studies demonstrated that Aire+mTECs differentiate further into Post‐Aire cells. Yet, the identification of terminal stages of mTEC maturation depends on unique fate‐mapping mouse models. Herein, we resolve this limitation by segmenting the mTEChi(MHCIIhiCD80hi) compartment into mTECA/hi (CD24−Sca1−), mTECB/hi (CD24+Sca1−), and mTECC/hi (CD24+Sca1+). While mTECA/hi included mostly Aire‐expressing cells, mTECB/hi contained Aire+ and Aire− cells and mTECC/hi were mainly composed of cells lacking Aire. The differential expression pattern of Aire led us to investigate the precursor‐product relationship between these subsets. Strikingly, transcriptomic analysis of mTECA/hi, mTECB/hi, and mTECC/hi sequentially mirrored the specific genetic program of Early‐, Late‐ and Post‐Aire mTECs. Corroborating their Post‐Aire nature, mTECC/hi downregulated the expression of tissue‐restricted antigens, acquired traits of differentiated keratinocytes, and were absent in Aire‐deficient mice. Collectively, our findings reveal a new and simple blueprint to survey late stages of mTEC differentiation.
Metabolomics applied in the study of emerging arboviruses caused by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes: A review
Authors: Nunes Estéfane da Cruz , Canuto Gisele André Baptista 
Published: September 2020

AbstractArboviruses, such as chikungunya, dengue, yellow fever, and zika, caused by the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, have been a frequent public health problem, with a high incidence of outbreaks in tropical and subtropical countries. These diseases are easily confused with a flu‐like illness and present very similar symptoms, difficult to distinguish, and treat appropriately. The effects that these infections cause in the organism are fundamentally derived from complex metabolic processes. A prominent area of science that investigates the changes in the metabolism of complex organisms is the metabolomics. Metabolomics measures the metabolites produced or altered in biological organisms, through the use of robust analytical platforms, such as separation techniques hyphenated with mass spectrometry, combined with bioinformatics. This review article presents an overview of the basic concepts of metabolomics workflow and advances in this field, and compiles research articles that use this omic approach to study these arboviruses. In this context, the metabolomics is applied to search new therapies, understand the viral replication mechanisms, and access the host‐virus interactions.
Cost‐effectiveness analysis of using the heat and moisture exchangers compared with alternative stoma covers in laryngectomy rehabilitation:USperspective
Authors: Beck Ann‐Jean C. C. , Retèl Valesca P. , Bunting Glenn , Sethi Rosh K. V. , Deschler Daniel G. , van den Brekel Michiel W. M. , van Harten Wim H. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundThis study aims to evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of using heat and moisture exchangers (HMEs) vs alternative stoma covers (ASCs) following laryngectomy in the United States.MethodsA cost‐effectiveness and budget impact analysis were conducted including uncertainty analyses using real‐world survey data with pulmonary events and productivity loss.ResultsHME use was more effective and less costly compared with ASCs. Quality‐adjusted life years were slightly higher for HME‐users. Total costs per patient (lifetime) were $59 362 (HME) and $102 416 (ASC). Pulmonary events and productivity loss occurred more frequently in the ASC‐users. Annual budget savings were up to $40 183 593. Costs per pulmonary event averted were $3770.ConclusionsHME utilization in laryngectomy patients was cost‐effective. Reimbursement of HME devices is thus recommended. Utilities may be underestimated due to the generic utility instrument used and sample size. Therefore, we recommend development of a disease‐specific utility tool to incorporate in future analyses.
Analytical approximation of the first grade MHD squeezing fluid flow with slip boundary condition using a new iterative method
Authors: Jasim Abeer M. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn this article, the steady two‐dimensional axisymmetric flow of an incompressible viscous fluid in a porous medium under the influence of a uniform transverse magnetic field with slip boundary condition is analyzed and solved by using a new iterative method (NIM). This NIM depends mainly on the coefficients of a power series resulting from integrating the nth order differential equation with nonlinear operator derivatives. NIM has been used to obtain the approximate analytical solution by varying the pertinent flow parameters. The influence of different parameters on the present solution of the flow is shown through graphs with a discussion. These graphs refer to fact that increasing numbers of Reynolds () and Hartmann () give the attribute of decreasing velocity, with the addition that with an increase in Hartmann number and decrease in Reynolds number the streamlines are stretched towards the x‐axis. Finally, the NIM is effective and highly able to obtain an excellent result.
Young children's lying and early mental state understanding
Authors: Sai Liyang , Zhao Changzhi , Heyman Gail D. , Compton Brian J. , Fu Genyue 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe relation between children' lying behaviour and their mental state understanding was investigated among a group of 3‐ and 4‐year‐olds (total N = 97). Two types of lying were examined: concealing‐transgression lying, which was assessed using a temptation resistance paradigm, and competitive game lying, which was assessed using a hide and seek paradigm. Mental state understanding was examined using a theory of mind scale that assessed children's understanding of diverse desire, diverse belief, knowledge access, false belief, and belief‐emotion. After controlling for age and verbal ability, children's concealing‐transgression lying was not related to any type of mental state understanding, whereas children's competitive game lying was significantly related to their understanding of diverse belief and belief‐emotion. These findings provide evidence that the cognitive correlates of young children's lying can differ as a function of the specific type of lie.