bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oral Colonization, Phenotypic, and Genotypic Profiles of
Candida
Species in Irradiated, Dentate, Xerostomic Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Survivors
Authors: Leung W. Keung , Dassanayake Ranil S. , Yau Joyce Y. Y. , Jin Li Jian , Yam Wing Cheong , Samaranayake Lakshman P. 
Published: March 2020

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to investigate oral yeast colonization and oral yeast strain diversity in irradiated (head and neck), dentate, xerostomic individuals. Subjects were recruited from a nasopharyngeal carcinoma clinic and were segregated into group A (age, <60 years [
n
= 25; average age ± standard deviation {SD}, 48 ± 6 years; average postirradiation time ± SD, 5 ± 5 years]) and group B (age, ≥60 years [
n
= 8; average age ± SD, 67 ± 4 years; average postirradiation time ± SD, 2 ± 2 years]) and were compared with age- and sex-matched healthy individuals in group C (age, <60 years [
n
= 20; average age ± SD, 44 ± 12 years] and group D (age, ≥60 years [
n
= 10; average age, 70 ± 3 years]). Selective culture of oral rinse samples was carried out to isolate, quantify, and speciate yeast recovery. All test subjects underwent a 3-month comprehensive oral and preventive care regimen plus topical antifungal therapy, if indicated. A total of 12 subjects from group A and 5 subjects from group B were recalled for reassessment of yeast colonization. Sequential (pre- and posttherapy)
Candida
isolate pairs from patients were phenotypically (all isolate pairs; biotyping and resistotyping profiles) and genotypically (
Candida albicans
isolate pairs only; electrophoretic karyotyping by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, restriction fragment length polymorphism [RFLP], and randomly amplified polymorphic DNA [RAPD] assays) evaluated. All isolates were
Candida
species. Irradiated individuals were found to have a significantly increased yeast carriage compared with the controls. The isolation rate of
Candida
posttherapy remained unchanged. A total of 9 of the 12 subjects in group A and 3 of the 5 subjects in group B harbored the same
C. albicans
or
Candida tropicalis
phenotype at recall. Varying degrees of congruence in the molecular profiles were observed when these sequential isolate pairs of
C. albicans
were analyzed by RFLP and RAPD assays. Variations in the genotype were complementary to those in the phenotypic characteristics for some isolates. In conclusion, irradiation-induced xerostomia seems to favor intraoral colonization of
Candida
species, particularly
C. albicans
, which appeared to undergo temporal modifications in clonal profiles both phenotypically and genotypically following hygienic and preventive oral care which included topical antifungal therapy, if indicated. We postulate that the observed ability of
Candida
species to undergo genetic and phenotypic adaptation could strategically enhance its survival in the human oral cavity, particularly when salivary defenses are impaired.
Identification of Medically Important Yeasts Using PCR-Based Detection of DNA Sequence Polymorphisms in the Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 Region of the rRNA Genes
Authors: Chen Y. C. , Eisner J. D. , Kattar M. M. , Rassoulian-Barrett S. L. , LaFe K. , Yarfitz S. L. , Limaye A. P. , Cookson B. T. 
Published: March 2020

ABSTRACT

Identification of medically relevant yeasts can be time-consuming and inaccurate with current methods. We evaluated PCR-based detection of sequence polymorphisms in the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region of the rRNA genes as a means of fungal identification. Clinical isolates (401), reference strains (6), and type strains (27), representing 34 species of yeasts were examined. The length of PCR-amplified ITS2 region DNA was determined with single-base precision in less than 30 min by using automated capillary electrophoresis. Unique, species-specific PCR products ranging from 237 to 429 bp were obtained from 92% of the clinical isolates. The remaining 8%, divided into groups with ITS2 regions which differed by ≤2 bp in mean length, all contained species-specific DNA sequences easily distinguishable by restriction enzyme analysis. These data, and the specificity of length polymorphisms for identifying yeasts, were confirmed by DNA sequence analysis of the ITS2 region from 93 isolates. Phenotypic and ITS2-based identification was concordant for 427 of 434 yeast isolates examined using sequence identity of ≥99%. Seven clinical isolates contained ITS2 sequences that did not agree with their phenotypic identification, and ITS2-based phylogenetic analyses indicate the possibility of new or clinically unusual species in the
Rhodotorula
and
Candida
genera. This work establishes an initial database, validated with over 400 clinical isolates, of ITS2 length and sequence polymorphisms for 34 species of yeasts. We conclude that size and restriction analysis of PCR-amplified ITS2 region DNA is a rapid and reliable method to identify clinically significant yeasts, including potentially new or emerging pathogenic species.
Multicenter Evaluation of Methods To Quantitate Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 RNA in Seminal Plasma
Authors: Fiscus Susan A. , Brambilla Don , Coombs Robert W. , Yen-Lieberman Belinda , Bremer James , Kovacs Andrea , Rasheed Suraiya , Vahey Maryanne , Schutzbank Ted , Reichelderfer Patricia S. , Group other members of the Aids Clinical Trials Group Genital Secr 
Published: March 2020

ABSTRACT

We have evaluated two commercially available kits (AMPLICOR MONITOR [Roche] and NASBA HIV-1 QT or NucliSens HIV-1 QT [Organon Teknika]) and two noncommercial methods for the accurate quantitation of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) RNA in seminal plasma. The same panels of coded specimens were tested on four separate occasions. Laboratories using the commercial assays employed silica beads to isolate HIV-1 RNA, which removed inhibitory factors sometimes found in seminal plasma. Sensitivities and specificities, respectively, for each assay were as follows: AMPLICOR MONITOR, 100 and 73%; NASBA HIV-1 QT, 84 and 100%; NucliSens HIV-1 QT, 99 and 98%; and noncommercial assays, 91 and 73%. When results from the laboratory that was inexperienced with the silica bead extraction method were excluded from the analysis, specificity for the Roche assay increased to 100%. The commercial assays demonstrated highly reproducible results, with intra-assay standard deviations (measured in log
10
RNA copies/milliliter of seminal plasma) ranging from 0.11 to 0.32; those of the noncommercial assays ranged from 0.12 to 0.75. Differences in mean estimated HIV-1 RNA concentrations were ≤0.67 log
10
and were greater at low viral loads. Suspension matrices that used blood plasma or seminal plasma did not make a difference in recovery of HIV-1 RNA, which suggested that blood plasma specimens can be used as external controls for seminal plasma assays. More variation in the HIV-1 RNA viral loads was observed in the seminal plasma values than in the blood plasma values when paired specimens from HIV-1-infected men were tested. Quantitation of HIV-1 RNA in seminal plasma can be reliably accomplished using two commercially available assays, and may be incorporated into the evaluations of HIV-1 seropositive men enrolled in clinical studies.
Genetic Homology among Thirteen
Encephalitozoon intestinalis
Isolates Obtained from Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patients with Intestinal Microsporidiosis
Authors: Liguory Olivier , Fournier Sandra , Sarfati Claudine , Derouin Francis , Molina Jean-Michel 
Published: March 2020

ABSTRACT

The ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer sequences of 13 unrelated
Encephalitozoon intestinalis
isolates obtained from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients with intestinal microsporidiosis were analyzed by gene amplification and DNA sequencing. Among these isolates, we found only one genetic lineage which suggests that
E. intestinalis
may have a clonal distribution in HIV-infected patients.
Molecular Characterization of Porcine Rotaviruses from the Southern Region of Brazil: Characterization of an Atypical Genotype G[9] Strain
Authors: Rácz Maria Lucia , Kroeff Suzana S. , Munford Veridiana , Caruzo Thabata A. R. , Durigon Edison L. , Hayashi Yasuyoshi , Gouvea Vera , Palombo Enzo A. 
Published: March 2020

ABSTRACT
The G (VP7) and P (VP4) serotype distribution of Brazilian porcine rotaviruses was determined using reverse transcription-PCR genotyping methods. Common porcine G types G3, G4, and G5 were detected in combination with P types [6] and [7]. The detection of nonporcine G types and unusual G-P combinations and the characterization of an atypical virus indicated that interspecies transmission may contribute to the genetic diversity of porcine rotaviruses.
Sex-specific and age-specific suicide mortality by method in 58 countries between 2000 and 2015
Authors: Wu Yue , Schwebel David C , Huang Yun , Ning Peishan , Cheng Peixia , Hu Guoqing 
Published: March 2020

ObjectiveTo examine recent changes in sex-specific and age-specific suicide mortality by method across countries.MethodsUsing mortality data from the WHO mortality database, we compared sex-specific, age-specific and country-specific suicide mortality by method between 2000 and 2015. We considered seven major suicide methods: poisoning by pesticides, all other poisoning, firearms and explosives, hanging, jumping from height, drowning and other methods. Changes in suicide mortality were quantified using negative binomial models among three age groups (15–44 years, 45–64 years, and 65 years and above) for males and females separately.ResultsSuicide mortality declined substantially for both sexes and all three age groups studied in 37 of the 58 included countries between 2000 and 2015. Males consistently had much higher suicide mortality rates than females in all 58 countries. Hanging was the most common suicide method in the majority of 58 countries. Sex-specific suicide mortality varied across 58 countries significantly for all three age groups. The spectrum of suicide method generally remained stable for 28 of 58 included countries; notable changes occurred in the other 30 countries, including especially Colombia, Finland and Trinidad and Tobago.ConclusionLikely as a result of prevention efforts as well as sociodemographic changes, suicide mortality decreased substantially in 37 of the included 58 countries between 2000 and 2015. Further actions are needed to explore specific drivers of the recent changes (particularly for increases in eight countries), to understand substantial disparities in suicide rates across countries, and to develop interventions to reduce suicide rates globally.
Head-to-head comparison of in-house produced CD19 CAR-T cell in ALL and NHL patients
Authors: Itzhaki Orit , Jacoby Elad , Nissani Abraham , Levi Michal , Nagler Arnon , Kubi Adva , Brezinger Karin , Brayer Hadar , Zeltzer Li-at , Rozenbaum Meir , Vernitsky Helly , Markel Gal , Toren Amos , Avigdor Abraham , Schachter Jacob , Besser Michal J 
Published: March 2020

BackgroundCD19 chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells demonstrate remarkable remission rates in pediatric and adult patients with refractory or relapsed (r/r) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). In 2016, we initiated a clinical trial with in-house produced CD19 CAR-T cells with a CD28 co-stimulatory domain. We analyzed, for the first time, differences in production features and phenotype between ALL and NHL patients.MethodsNon-cryopreserved CAR-T cells were produced from patients’ peripheral blood mononuclear cells within 9 to 10 days. 93 patients with r/r ALL and NHL were enrolled under the same study. CAR-T cells of ALL and NHL patients were produced simultaneously, allowing the head-to-head comparison.ResultsAll patients were heavily pretreated. Three patients dropped out from the study due to clinical deterioration (n=2) or production failure (n=1). Cells of ALL patients (n=37) expanded significantly better and contained more CAR-T cells than of NHL patients (n=53). Young age had a positive impact on the proliferation capacity. The infusion products from ALL patients contained significantly more naïve CAR-T cells and a significantly higher expression of the chemokine receptor CXCR3. PD-1, LAG-3, TIM-3, and CD28 were equally expressed. 100% of ALL patients and 94% of NHL patients received the target dose of 1×10e6 CAR-T/kg. The overall response rate was 84% (30/36) in ALL and 62% (32/52) in NHL. We further compared CAR-T cell infusion products to tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), another common type of T cell therapy, mainly clinically effective in solid tumors. CAR-T cells contained significantly more naïve T cells and central memory T cells and significantly less CCR5 compared to TIL infusion products.ConclusionsThe in-house production of CAR-T cells is highly efficient and fast. Clinical response rate is high. CAR-T cells can be successfully produced for 99% of patients in just 9 to 10 days. Cells derived from ALL patients demonstrate a higher proliferation rate and contain higher frequencies of CAR-T cells and naïve T cells than of NHL patients. In addition, understanding the differences between CAR-T and TIL infusion products, may provide an angle to develop CAR-T cells for the treatment of solid tumors in the future.Trial registration numberClinicalTrials.gov; CAR-T:NCT02772198, First posted: May 13, 2016; TIL:NCT00287131, First posted: February 6, 2006.
Enhancing fatigue resistance of activated tungsten inert gas welded UNS S32750 super duplex stainless steel by optimizing its technological properties
Authors: Arunmani A. , Senthilkumar T. 
Published: March 2020

In engineering industries and heavy manufacturing plants, fatigue life of joints plays a pivotal role in determining the overall life span of the welded joint. In this paper, an advanced fusion joining technique, namely activated tungsten inert gas welding, was used for joining UNS S32750 super duplex stainless steel, with ZnO as activation flux. For the enhancement of fatigue resistance of joints, important welding process parameters were fluctuated according to a developed central composite design model. Empirical relationships were developed between the process parameters and the fatigue strength of the joints, which was correlated with the number of cycles to failure (NCF). Using analysis of variance, the significance of the developed fatigue model was ascertained. Using response surface methodology, optimization of process parameters for enhancement of fatigue resistance was done. It was observed that at the optimized activated tungsten inert gas weld process parameters of travel speed of welding torch at 69.85 mm/min, weld current at 125.20 A, and shielding gas flow rate at 14.77 L/min, a high fatigue life of 7.66396 × 108 NCF was obtained and the model was validated to very high predictability. Microstructural variations in the fatigue-tested specimens were evaluated for identifying the grain modifications.
Constrained k-Center Problem on a Convex Polygon
Authors: Basappa Manjanna , Jallu Ramesh K. , Das Gautam K. 
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we consider a restricted covering problem, in which a convex polygon [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] vertices and an integer [Formula: see text] are given, the objective is to cover the entire region of [Formula: see text] using [Formula: see text] congruent disks of minimum radius [Formula: see text], centered on the boundary of [Formula: see text]. For [Formula: see text] and any [Formula: see text], we propose an [Formula: see text]-factor approximation algorithm for this problem, which runs in [Formula: see text] time. The best known approximation factor of the algorithm for the problem in the literature is 1.8841 [H. Du and Y. Xu: An approximation algorithm for [Formula: see text]-center problem on a convex polygon, J. Comb. Optim. 27(3) (2014) 504–518].
Targeting Chromosomal Architectural HMGB Proteins Could Be the Next Frontier in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Mukherjee Anirban , Vasquez Karen M. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractChromatin-associated architectural proteins are part of a fundamental support system for cellular DNA-dependent processes and can maintain/modulate the efficiency of DNA replication, transcription, and DNA repair. Interestingly, prognostic outcomes of many cancer types have been linked with the expression levels of several of these architectural proteins. The high mobility group box (HMGB) architectural protein family has been well studied in this regard. The differential expression levels of HMGB proteins and/or mRNAs and their implications in cancer etiology and prognosis present the potential of novel targets that can be explored to increase the efficacy of existing cancer therapies. HMGB1, the most studied member of the HMGB protein family, has pleiotropic roles in cells including an association with nucleotide excision repair, base excision repair, mismatch repair, and DNA double-strand break repair. Moreover, the HMGB proteins have been identified in regulating DNA damage responses and cell survival following treatment with DNA-damaging agents and, as such, may play roles in modulating the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs by modulating DNA repair pathways. Here, we discuss the functions of HMGB proteins in DNA damage processing and their potential roles in cancer etiology, prognosis, and therapeutics.
The Key Characteristics of Carcinogens: Relationship to the Hallmarks of Cancer, Relevant Biomarkers, and Assays to Measure Them
Authors: Smith Martyn T. , Guyton Kathryn Z. , Kleinstreuer Nicole , Borrel Alexandre , Cardenas Andres , Chiu Weihsueh A. , Felsher Dean W. , Gibbons Catherine F. , Goodson William H. , Houck Keith A. , Kane Agnes B. , La Merrill Michele A. , Lebrec Herve , Lowe Leroy , McHale Cliona M. , Minocherhomji Sheroy , Rieswijk Linda , Sandy Martha S. , Sone Hideko , Wang Amy , Zhang Luoping , Zeise Lauren , Fielden Mark 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
The key characteristics (KC) of human carcinogens provide a uniform approach to evaluating mechanistic evidence in cancer hazard identification. Refinements to the approach were requested by organizations and individuals applying the KCs. We assembled an expert committee with knowledge of carcinogenesis and experience in applying the KCs in cancer hazard identification. We leveraged this expertise and examined the literature to more clearly describe each KC, identify current and emerging assays and in vivo biomarkers that can be used to measure them, and make recommendations for future assay development. We found that the KCs are clearly distinct from the Hallmarks of Cancer, that interrelationships among the KCs can be leveraged to strengthen the KC approach (and an understanding of environmental carcinogenesis), and that the KC approach is applicable to the systematic evaluation of a broad range of potential cancer hazards in vivo and in vitro. We identified gaps in coverage of the KCs by current assays. Future efforts should expand the breadth, specificity, and sensitivity of validated assays and biomarkers that can measure the 10 KCs. Refinement of the KC approach will enhance and accelerate carcinogen identification, a first step in cancer prevention.
See all articles in this CEBP Focus section, “Environmental Carcinogenesis: Pathways to Prevention.”
Further Guidance in Implementing the Standardized 2018 World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) Score
Authors: Shams-White Marissa M. , Romaguera Dora , Mitrou Panagiota , Reedy Jill , Bender Alice , Brockton Nigel T. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
The 2018 World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) Score was developed to establish a simple, standardized scoring system for researchers to quantify adherence to the 2018 WCRF/AICR Cancer Prevention Recommendations and assess its impact on cancer risk and other health-related outcomes. The aim of this commentary is to clarify potential points of ambiguity in its application, focusing on aspects related to specific subscore components (physical activity, fast foods, alcohol, and sugar-sweetened drinks), how to address different data needs due to varied data collection instruments, and future exploratory score approaches. Overall, we encourage researchers to utilize the standardized score to enhance comparability across populations and countries. Researchers who may adapt or augment the 2018 WCRF/AICR Score are strongly encouraged to provide detailed descriptions of their methods to promote transparency and reproducibility.
Therapeutic Targeting ofSDHB-Mutated Pheochromocytoma/Paraganglioma with Pharmacologic Ascorbic Acid
Authors: Liu Yang , Pang Ying , Zhu Boqun , Uher Ondrej , Caisova Veronika , Huynh Thanh-Truc , Taieb David , Hadrava Vanova Katerina , Ghayee Hans Kumar , Neuzil Jiri , Levine Mark , Yang Chunzhang , Pacak Karel 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPurpose:Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PCPG) are usually benign neuroendocrine tumors. However, PCPGs with mutations in the succinate dehydrogenase B subunit (SDHB) have a poor prognosis and frequently develop metastatic lesions. SDHB-mutated PCPGs exhibit dysregulation in oxygen metabolic pathways, including pseudohypoxia and formation of reactive oxygen species, suggesting that targeting the redox balance pathway could be a potential therapeutic approach.Experimental Design:We studied the genetic alterations of cluster I PCPGs compared with cluster II PCPGs, which usually present as benign tumors. By targeting the signature molecular pathway, we investigated the therapeutic effect of ascorbic acid on PCPGs using in vitro and in vivo models.Results:By investigating PCPG cells with low SDHB levels, we show that pseudohypoxia resulted in elevated expression of iron transport proteins, including transferrin (TF), transferrin receptor 2 (TFR2), and the divalent metal transporter 1 (SLC11A2; DMT1), leading to iron accumulation. This iron overload contributed to elevated oxidative stress. Ascorbic acid at pharmacologic concentrations disrupted redox homeostasis, inducing DNA oxidative damage and cell apoptosis in PCPG cells with low SDHB levels. Moreover, through a preclinical animal model with PCPG allografts, we demonstrated that pharmacologic ascorbic acid suppressed SDHB-low metastatic lesions and prolonged overall survival.Conclusions:The data here demonstrate that targeting redox homeostasis as a cancer vulnerability with pharmacologic ascorbic acid is a promising therapeutic strategy for SDHB-mutated PCPGs.
Novel design and analysis of RF MEMS shunt capacitive switch for radar and satellite communications
Authors: Kamil Naji Maham , Desher Farhood Alaa , Hussein Ali Adnan 
Published: March 2020

<span>In this paper, a new type of Radio Frequency Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (RF-MEMS) shunt capacitive switch is designed and studied. RF MEMS switch has a number of advantages in a modern telecommunication system such as low power consumption, easy to fabricate and power handling capacity at radio frequency. At high frequency applications, this switch shows very superior performance due to which it now became one of the key elements for RF application. In this proposed design, an innovative type of MEMS switch is designed. The MEMS switch structure consists of substrate, co-planar waveguide (CPW), dielectric material and a metallic bridge. The proposed MEMS switch has a dimension of 508 µm × 620 µm with a height of 500 µm. The substrate used is GaAs material. The relative permittivity of the substrate is 12.9. This proposed MEMS switch is designed and simulated in both UP (ON) state and DOWN (OFF) state. The proposed RF-MEMS switch is designed and simulated using Ansoft High frequency structure simulator (HFSS) electromagnetic simulator. The simulated result shows better performance parameters such as return loss ( &lt;-10 dB) and insertion loss ( &gt; -0.5 dB) in UP state, whereas return loss ( &gt; -0.5 dB) and isolation (&lt;-10 dB) in DOWN state. This switch has good isolation characteristics of – 43 dB at 27 GHz frequency.</span>