bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tissue-specific expression profiles and positive selection analysis in the tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) using a de novo transcriptome assembly
Authors: Bentz Alexandra B. , Thomas Gregg W. C. , Rusch Douglas B. , Rosvall Kimberly A. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractTree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) are one of the most commonly studied wild birds in North America. They have advanced numerous research areas, including life history, physiology, and organismal responses to global change; however, transcriptomic resources are scarce. To further advance the utility of this system for biologists across disciplines, we generated a transcriptome for the tree swallow using six tissues (brain, blood, ovary, spleen, liver, and muscle) collected from breeding females. Wede novoassembled 207,739 transcripts, which we aligned to 14,717 high confidence protein-coding genes. We then characterized each tissue with regard to its unique genes and processes and applied this transcriptome to two fundamental questions in evolutionary biology and endocrinology. First, we analyzed 3,015 single-copy orthologs and identified 46 genes under positive selection in the tree swallow lineage, including those with putative links to adaptations in this species. Second, we analyzed tissue-specific expression patterns of genes involved in sex steroidogenesis and processing. Enzymes capable of synthesizing these behaviorally relevant hormones were largely limited to the ovary, whereas steroid binding genes were found in nearly all other tissues, highlighting the potential for local regulation of sex steroid-mediated traits. These analyses provide new insights into potential sources of phenotypic variation in a free-living female bird and advance our understanding of fundamental questions in evolutionary and organismal biology.
Pain Inhibits GRPR Neurons via GABAergic Signaling in the Spinal Cord
Authors: Bardoni Rita , Shen Kai-Feng , Li Hui , Jeffry Joseph , Barry Devin M. , Comitato Antonella , Li Yun-Qing , Chen Zhou-Feng 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIt has been known that algogens and cooling could inhibit itch sensation; however, the underlying molecular and neural mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we show that the spinal neurons expressing gastrin releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) primarily comprise excitatory interneurons that receive direct and indirect inputs from C and Aδ fibers and form contacts with projection neurons expressing the neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R). Importantly, we show that noxious or cooling agents inhibit the activity of GRPR neurons via GABAergic signaling. By contrast, capsaicin, which evokes a mix of itch and pain sensations, enhances both excitatory and inhibitory spontaneous synaptic transmission onto GRPR neurons. These data strengthen the role of GRPR neurons as a key circuit for itch transmission and illustrate a spinal mechanism whereby pain inhibits itch by suppressing the function of GRPR neurons.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of docetaxel perioperative chemotherapy regimens in gastric and esophagogastric tumors
Authors: Uson Junior Pedro Luiz Serrano , Santos Vanessa Montes , Bugano Diogo Diniz Gomes , Victor Elivane da Silva , Rother Edna Terezinha , Maluf Fernando Cotait 
Published: November 2019

AbstractFLOT regimen became the standard perioperative treatment in several centers around the world for esophagogastric tumors despite concerns about toxicity. In addition, FLOT has never been compared with other docetaxel-based regimens. To address this question, we conducted a systematic review of PubMed, Embase and Web of Science including prospective or retrospective studies of docetaxel based perioperative regimen in gastric and esophagogastric tumors. Data regarding chemotherapy regimens, efficacy and toxicity were extracted. Outcomes were compared using a random effects model. Of 548 abstracts, 16 were considered eligible. Comparing the studies with meta-analysis we can see that the regimens are similar in terms of pathological complete response, resection rate, progression free survival and overall survival in one year, without significant heterogeneity. The meta-regression of docetaxel dose failed to show any association with dose ranging between 120–450 mg/m². Regarding the toxicity of the regimens it is noted that the regimens are quite toxic (up to 50–70% of grade 3–4 neutropenia). The results of this meta-analysis with a combined sample size of more than 1,000 patients suggest that docetaxel perioperative regimens are equivalent in outcomes. Prospective trials addressing modified regimens should be performed to provide less toxic strategies and be applicable to all patients.
Peripapillary microvasculature in patients with diabetes mellitus: An optical coherence tomography angiography study
Authors: Shin Yong-Il , Nam Ki Yup , Lee Seong Eun , Lee Min-Woo , Lim Hyung-Bin , Jo Young-Joon , Kim Jung-Yeul 
Published: November 2019

AbstractTo evaluate changes in peripapillary microvascular parameters in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Seventy-one diabetic patients (40 in the no diabetic retinopathy [DR] group and 31 in the non-proliferative DR [NPDR] group) and 50 control subjects. OCTA (Zeiss HD-OCT 5000 with AngioPlex) 6 × 6 mm scans centered on the optic disc were analyzed. Peripapillary vessel density (VD), perfusion density (PD) in superficial capillary plexus (SCP) were automatically calculated. The average macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (mGC-IPL) and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thicknesses of the no DR and NPDR groups were significantly thinner than those of the control group. The no DR and NPDR groups showed lower peripapillary VD and PD in SCP compared with the control group. Using univariate regression analyses, the average mGC-IPL thickness, the pRNFL thickness, the no DR group and NPDR group were significant factors that affected the peripapillary VD and PD in SCP. Multivariate regression analyses showed that the grade of DR was a significant factor affecting the peripapillary VD and PD in SCP. OCTA revealed that peripapillary microvascular parameters in the no DR and NPDR groups were lower than those of normal controls. The peripapillary VD and PD in SCP were correlated with the mGC-IPL thickness, the pRNFL thickness, and the no DR and NPDR groups. Changes in peripapillary OCTA parameters may help with understanding the pathophysiology of DM and evaluating a potentially valuable biomarker for patients with subclinical DR.
Reference gene analysis and its use for kinase expression profiling in Fasciola hepatica
Authors: Houhou Hicham , Puckelwaldt Oliver , Strube Christina , Haeberlein Simone 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe liver fluke Fasciola hepatica causes fasciolosis, a foodborne zoonosis affecting humans and livestock worldwide. A reliable quantification of gene expression in all parasite life stages relevant for targeting by anthelmintics in the mammalian host is fundamental. The aim of this study was to define a set of stably expressed reference genes for qRT-PCR in Fasciola studies. We determined the expression stabilities of eight candidate reference genes by the algorithms NormFinder, geNorm, BestKeeper, and comparative ΔCT method. The most stably expressed reference genes for the comparison of intra-mammalian life stages were glutamyl-prolyl-tRNA synthetase (Fheprs) and tubulin-specific chaperone D (Fhtbcd). The two best reference genes for analysis of in vitro-cultured juveniles were Fhtbcd and proteasome subunit beta type-7 (Fhpsmb7). These genes should replace the housekeeping gene gapdh which is used in most Fasciola studies to date, but in fact was differentially expressed in our analysis. Based on the new reference genes, we quantified expression of five kinases (Abl1, Abl2, PKC, Akt1, Plk1) discussed as targets in other parasitic flatworms. Distinct expression patterns throughout development were revealed and point to interesting biological functions. We like to motivate using this set of validated reference genes for future F. hepatica research, such as studies on drug targets or parasite development.
CH3NH3Br solution as a novel platform for the selective fluorescence detection of Pb2+ ions
Authors: Yan Jun , He Yuchun , Chen Yunlin , Zhang Yongzhe , Yan Hui 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe development of a simple fluorescent sensor for detecting the Pb2+heavy metal is fundamentally important. The CH3NH3PbBr3perovskite material exhibits excellent photoluminescence properties that are related to Pb2+. Based on the effects of Pb2+on the luminescent properties of CH3NH3PbBr3, we design a novel platform for the selective fluorescence detection of Pb2+ions. Herein, we use a CH3NH3Br solution at a high concentration as the fluorescent probe. Incorporation of PbBr2into the CH3NH3Br solution results in a rapid chemical reaction to form CH3NH3PbBr3. Hence, the nonfluorescent CH3NH3Br material displays a sensitive and selective luminescent response to Pb2+under UV light illumination. Moreover, the reaction between CH3NH3Br and PbBr2could transform Pb2+into CH3NH3PbBr3, and therefore, CH3NH3Br may also be used to extract Pb2+from liquid waste in recycling applications.
Identification of DNAH6 mutations in infertile men with multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella
Authors: Tu Chaofeng , Nie Hongchuan , Meng Lanlan , Yuan Shimin , He Wenbin , Luo Aixiang , Li Haiyu , Li Wen , Du Juan , Lu Guangxiu , Lin Ge , Tan Yue-Qiu 
Published: November 2019

AbstractMale infertility due to spermatogenesis defects affects millions of men worldwide. However, the genetic etiology of the vast majority remains unclear. Here we describe three men with primary infertility due to multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) from two unrelated Han Chinese families. We performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing on the proband of family 1, and found that he carried novel compound heterozygous missense mutations in dynein axonemal heavy chain 6 (DNAH6) that resulted in the substitution of a conserved amino acid residue and co-segregated with the MMAF phenotype in this family. Papanicolaou staining and transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed morphological and ultrastructural abnormalities in the sperm flagella in carriers of these genetic variants. Immunostaining experiments showed that DNAH6 was localized in the sperm tail. This is the first report identifying novel recessive mutations inDNAH6as a cause of MMAF. These findings expand the spectrum of known MMAF mutations and phenotypes and provide information that can be useful for genetic and reproductive counseling of MMAF patients.
Integrated solid-state NMR and molecular dynamics modeling determines membrane insertion of human β-defensin analog
Authors: Kang Xue , Elson Christopher , Penfield Jackson , Kirui Alex , Chen Adrian , Zhang Liqun , Wang Tuo 
Published: November 2019

AbstractHuman β-defensins (hBD) play central roles in antimicrobial activities against various microorganisms and in immune-regulation. These peptides perturb phospholipid membranes for function, but it is not well understood how defensins approach, insert and finally disrupt membranes on the molecular level. Here we show that hBD-3 analogs interact with lipid bilayers through a conserved surface that is formed by two adjacent loops in the solution structure. By integrating a collection of 13C, 1H and 31P solid-state NMR methods with long-term molecular dynamic simulations, we reveal that membrane-binding rigidifies the peptide, enhances structural polymorphism, and promotes β-strand conformation. The peptide colocalizes with negatively charged lipids, confines the headgroup motion, and deforms membrane into smaller, ellipsoidal vesicles. This study designates the residue-specific, membrane-bound topology of hBD-3 analogs, serves as the basis for further elucidating the function-relevant structure and dynamics of other defensins, and facilitates the development of defensin-mimetic antibiotics, antifungals, and anti-inflammatories.
Bluetooth antenna for metal‐cased smart jewellery
Authors: Siddiqui T.A. , Khanal P. , Vähä‐Savo L. , Lindvall N. , Holopainen J. , Viikari V. 
Published: November 2019

This Letter presents a Bluetooth antenna for metal‐cased smart jewellery. The designed antenna is competent enough to operate in free space; moreover, antenna performance is investigated with cubical shape model which has the electrical properties similar to human body tissue. The measured prototype achieves 68% total efficiency in the free space and 27% total efficiency when measured with a cubical model in the Bluetooth frequency range of 2.4–2.48 GHz.
Development of multi‐parameter online monitoring equipment for EHV transformer bushing
Authors: Zhang Lu , Sun Lei , Wu Jingfeng , Han Yanhua , Wang Sen , Yang Chuankai , Shen Wei , Guo Can 
Published: November 2019

To diagnose the running state of bushing and avoid serious power grid accidents, online multi‐parameter monitoring equipment for dissolved hydrogen, oil pressure and temperature in bushing oil was developed. The equipment includes three units: signal acquisition, control cabinet and data analysis. A new hydrogen sensor without oil–gas separation membrane and based on palladium alloy film technology was developed. A three‐in‐one sensor for hydrogen, oil temperature and pressure monitoring has been developed, which has the advantages of miniaturisation, lightweight and easy installation. Test results show the hydrogen measurement range of the sensor is 0–5000 ppm, and the accuracy can reach 10% or 15 ppm (with larger values). The pressure measurement range is 0–1.0 MPa, the resolution is 0.1 kPa, and the accuracy can reach 0.25 grade. The temperature measurement range is −40 to 105°C, and the accuracy is ±1°C. The measurement performance of the device fully meets the requirement of online monitoring of transformer bushing. The equipment has been put into operation in a 330 kV substation, which can monitor the bushing status online and help eliminate the early latent fault of bushing in the weak budding state.
Dependence of bacterial growth rate on dynamic temperature changes
Authors: Dey Abhishek , Bokka Venkat , Sen Shaunak 
Published: November 2019

Temperature is an important determinant of bacterial growth. While the dependence of bacterial growth on different temperatures has been well studied for many bacterial species, prediction of bacterial growth rate for dynamic temperature changes is relatively unclear. Here, the authors address this issue using a combination of experimental measurements of the growth, at the resolution of 5 min, of Escherichia coli and mathematical models. They measure growth curves at different temperatures and estimate model parameters to predict bacterial growth profiles subject to dynamic temperature changes. They compared these predicted growth profiles for various step‐like temperature changes with experimental measurements using the coefficient of determination and mean square error and based on this comparison, ranked the different growth models, finding that the generalised logistic growth model gave the smallest error. They note that as the maximum specific growth increases the duration of this growth predominantly decreases. These results provide a basis to compute the dependence of the growth rate parameter in biomolecular circuits on dynamic temperatures and may be useful for designing biomolecular circuits that are robust to temperature.
Is dual cup mobility better than hemiarthroplasty in patients with dementia and femoral neck fracture? A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Iorio Raffaele , Iannotti Ferdinando , Mazza Daniele , Speranza Attilio , Massafra Carlo , Guzzini Matteo , D’Arrigo Carmelo , Ferretti Andrea 
Published: November 2019

Purpose: Treatment of patients with dementia and hip fracture is challenging. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) with dual mobility cup (DMC) has been designed to reduce the rate of dislocation by increasing the stability of the implant. This study aimed to compare the dislocation rates of DMC THA with hemiarthroplasty (HA) in elderly patients with displaced femoral neck fracture (FNF) and a diagnosis of dementia.

Methods: All patients with a displaced FNF and dementia diagnosis were prospectively randomized to hemiarthroplasty or THA with DMC treatment during a 2-year period. Finally, the outcomes of 30 patients in the HA group were compared with those of 30 patients in the DMC THA group. Dislocation rate at a minimum follow-up of 1 year was evaluated as the primary outcome. Reoperation rate, time to surgery, surgical time, length of hospital stay, and 30-day and 1-year mortality were also evaluated.

Results: There was a significant difference regarding rates of dislocation in favor of THA with DMC and with regard to length of surgery (p = 0.04) in favor of bipolar HA. Dislocation occurred in five patients (16.6%) treated with bipolar HA and no one (0%) in patients treated with THA with DMC (p = 0.019). There was no difference with regard to the 30-day mortality, 1-year mortality, reoperations, and length of hospital stay between the two groups of patients.

Discussion: THA with DMC seems to be a safe and reliable choice to reduce the rate of dislocation at 1 year in patients with dementia and FNF without a higher risk of mortality.
An In Vivo Comparative Evaluation of Postoperative Complications in Single- versus Multiple-Visit Endodontic Therapy: 18-Month Follow-Up
Authors: Joshi Vivek , Kumar Yogesh , Jindal Neetu , Aggarwal Renu 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Objective The goal of root canal therapy is thorough disinfection and obturation of the root canal system in all its dimensions. Success of endodontic treatment is highly related to the elimination of postendodontic pain, tenderness, and swelling.Single-visit endodontic therapy has several advantages such as increased patient acceptance, less overhead costs, and only single time local anesthesia administration is required.Multiple-visit endodontic (MVE) treatment allows the clinician to determine the effect of the therapy on the inflamed tissues and shorter appointments.This in vivo study was undertaken to compare the postoperative incidence of pain, swelling, tenderness, and radiographic evaluation of periapical pathology following single- versus multiple-visit endodontic therapy in vital as well as nonvital teeth.
Materials and Methods A total of 60 subjects in the age group of 15 to 50 years were selected for the study. The patients were divided into four groups:• Group 1 (n = 15): Single-visit endodontic (SVE) therapy with vital pulp involvement without periapical rarefaction.• Group 2 (n = 15): SVE therapy of asymptomatic pulpless teeth with periapical rarefaction as observed in radiographic evaluation.• Group 3 (n = 15): MVE of vital pulp involvement without periapical rarefactions.• Group 4 (n = 15): MVE therapy of asymptomatic pulpless teeth with periapical rarefaction as observed radiographically.Access cavity was prepared, working length was taken. Biomechanical preparation was done with Protaper universal rotary file system and obturation was done immediately in single-visit cases.In multivisit cases, Ca (OH)2 is placed as an intracanal medicament and obturation was done with the help of AH plus sealer and gutta-percha.Postobturation pain levels, swelling, and tenderness on percussion were assessed till 6 weeks. The radiographic parameter was studied till 18 months follow-up.
Results Among the different experimental groups, maximum patients in MVE without periapical rarefaction showed no pain according to visual analog scale (VAS) scale, swelling, and tenderness and in SVE with periapical rarefaction showed maximum number of patients reported with pain, tenderness, and swelling.At 4 and 6 weeks postoperatively, patients in all the groups exhibited no pain, swelling, and tenderness to percussion.As periapical rarefaction, healing of periapical lesion was evident in all the patients after 18 months.
Aortic Coarctation a Systemic Vessel Disease—Insights from Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Eichhorn Joachim G. , Ley Sebastian , Kropp Florian , Fink Christian , Brockmeier Konrad , Loukanov Tsvetomir , Ley-Zaporozhan Julia 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background Even after successful aortic coarctation (CoA) repair, hypertension causes premature morbidity and mortality. The mechanisms are not clear. The aim was to evaluate elastic wall properties and aortic morphology and to correlate these results with severity of restenosis, hypertension, aortic arch geometry, noninvasive pressure gradients, and time and kind of surgical procedure.
Methods Eighty-nine patients (17 ± 6.3 years) and 20 controls (18 ± 4.9 years) were examined using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In addition to contrast-enhanced MR angiography and flow measurements, CINE MRI was performed to assess the relative change of aortic cross-sectional areas at diaphragm level to calculate aortic compliance (C).
Results Fifty-four percent of all patients showed hypertension (> 95th percentile), but more than half of them had no significant stenosis (defined as ≥30%). C was lower in CoA than in controls (3.30 ± 2.43 vs. 4.67 ± 2.21 [10–5 Pa–1 m–2]; p = 0.024). Significant differences in compliance were found between hyper- and normotensive patients (2.61 ± 1.60 vs. 4.11 ± 2.95; p = 0.01), and gothic and Romanesque arch geometry (2.64 ± 1.58 vs. 3.78 ± 2.81; p = 0.027). There was a good correlation between C and hypertension (r = 0.671; p < 0.01), but no correlation between C (and hypertension) and time or kind of repair, restenosis, or pressure gradients.
Conclusion The decreased compliance, a high rate of hypertension without restenosis, and independency of time and kind of repair confirm the hypothesis that CoA may not be limited to isthmus region but rather be a widespread (systemic) vascular anomaly at least in some of the CoA patients. Therefore, aortic compliance should be assessed in these patients to individually tailor treatment of CoA patients with restenosis and/or hypertension.
Time-Effect of Donor and Recipient Characteristics on Graft Survival after Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Yang Jingyan , Sardo Molmenti Christine L. , Cagliani Joaquin , Datta Harish , Grodstein Elliot , Rasul Rehana , Rilo Horacio , Teperman Lewis W. , Molmenti Ernesto P. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe kidney allocation system (KAS) is based on quality-based “longevity matching” strategies that provide only a momentary snapshot of expected outcomes at the time of transplantation. The purpose of our study was to define on a continuous timeline the relative and mutual interactions of donor and recipient characteristics on graft survival.Total 39,108 subjects who underwent kidney transplant between October 25, 1999 and January 1, 2007 were identified in the United Network for Organ Sharing dataset. Our primary outcome was graft survival. Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under time-dependent ROC curve (AUC) were used to compare the predictive ability of the two allocation systems.During the first year after transplantation, both donor and recipient models showed identical relevance. From the first to the sixth years, although the two ROC curves were nearly identical, the donor model outweighed the recipient model. Both models intersected again at the sixth year. From that time onward, the ROC curve for recipient characteristics model predominated over the ROC curve for donor characteristics model. The predictive value of the recipient model (AUC = 0.752) was greater than that of the donor model (AUC = 0.673)We hope that this model will provide additional guidance and risk stratification to further optimize organ allocation based on the dynamic interaction of both donor and recipient characteristics over time.