bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of patients with autoimmune haemolytic anaemia secondary to lymphoproliferative disorder: A single-centre retrospective analysis
Authors: Xing Limin , Zhao Manjun , Wang Yi , Feng Yingying , Qu Yingying , Duan Ningning , Wang Yihao , Wang Huaquan , Liu Chunyan , Qu Wen , Wu Yuhong , Guan Jing , Wang Guojin , Song Jia , Li Lijuan , Wang Xiaoming , Fu Rong , Shao Zonghong 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAutoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) is a kind of autoimmune diseases characterized by autoantibodies which produced and secreted by abnormal activated B lymphocytes directed against red blood cells (RBC). Study reveals that about 50% AIHA mainly occurs secondary to lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD) and autoimmune diseases. In this study, we aim to explore the characteristics of patients with AIHA secondary to LPD. Fifteen patients with AIHA secondary to LPD (secondary group) and 60 with primary AIHA (primary group) were retrospectively included. Patients in the secondary group [(59.40 ± 4.74) y] were older than those in the primary group [(47.53 ± 2.30) y] (p = 0.024). Reticulocyte counts were lower for the secondary group [(134.55 ± 20.67) × 109/L] than for the primary group [(193.88 ± 27.32) × 109/L] (p = 0.09). Haptoglobin was higher in the secondary (0.75 ± 0.19) g/L than in the primary group (0.34 ± 0.05) g/L (p = 0.004). The ratio of CD3+CD4+/CD3+CD8+ was higher in the secondary (1.81 ± 0.41) than in the primary (1.05 ± 0.12) group (p = 0.025). Duration of remission was shorter in the secondary [(23.52 ± 5.20) months] than in the primary [(40.87 ± 3.92) months] group (p = 0.013). Relapse rate was higher for the secondary (33.3%) than for the primary (8.3%) group (p = 0.003). Mortality rate was higher in the secondary (33.3%) than in the primary (8.3%) group (p = 0.003). Progression-free survival was shorter in the secondary than in the primary group (p = 0.021). In conclusion, patients with AIHA secondary to LPD showed higher age at diagnosis, shorter remission time, and higher recurrence and mortality rates than did those with primary AIHA.
Terminal neuron localization to the upper cortical plate is controlled by the transcription factor NEUROD2
Authors: Guzelsoy Gizem , Akkaya Cansu , Atak Dila , Dunn Cory D. , Kabakcioglu Alkan , Ozlu Nurhan , Ince-Dunn Gulayse 
Published: December 2019

AbstractExcitatory neurons of the mammalian cerebral cortex are organized into six functional layers characterized by unique patterns of connectivity, as well as distinctive physiological and morphological properties. Cortical layers appear after a highly regulated migration process in which cells move from the deeper, proliferative zone toward the superficial layers. Importantly, defects in this radial migration process have been implicated in neurodevelopmental and psychiatric diseases. Here we report that during the final stages of migration, transcription factor Neurogenic Differentiation 2 (Neurod2) contributes to terminal cellular localization within the cortical plate. In mice, in utero knockdown of Neurod2 resulted in reduced numbers of neurons localized to the uppermost region of the developing cortex, also termed the primitive cortical zone. Our ChIP-Seq and RNA-Seq analyses of genes regulated by NEUROD2 in the developing cortex identified a number of key target genes with known roles in Reelin signaling, a critical regulator of neuronal migration. Our focused analysis of regulation of the Reln gene, encoding the extracellular ligand REELIN, uncovered NEUROD2 binding to conserved E-box elements in multiple introns. Furthermore, we demonstrate that knockdown of NEUROD2 in primary cortical neurons resulted in a strong increase in Reln gene expression at the mRNA level, as well as a slight upregulation at the protein level. These data reveal a new role for NEUROD2 during the late stages of neuronal migration, and our analysis of its genomic targets offers new genes with potential roles in cortical lamination.
Slow Freezing Versus Vitrification of Mouse Ovaries: from Ex Vivo Analyses to Successful Pregnancies after Auto-Transplantation
Authors: Terren Carmen , Fransolet Maïté , Ancion Marie , Nisolle Michelle , Munaut Carine 
Published: December 2019

AbstractSlow freezing (SF) is the reference method for ovarian tissue cryopreservation. Vitrification (VT) constitutes an alternative but controversial method. This study compares SF and VT (open [VTo] and closed [VTc] systems) in terms of freezing damage and fertility restoration ability. In vitro analyses of C57Bl/6 SF or VTo-ovaries, immediately after thawing/warming or after culture (cult), revealed that event though follicular density was similar between all groups, nuclear density was decreased in VTo-ovaries compared to CT-ovaries (CT = 0.50 ± 0.012, SF = 0.41 ± 0.03 and VTo = 0.29 ± 0.044, p < 0.01). Apoptosis was higher in VTo-cult ovaries compared to SF-cult ovaries (p < 0.001) whereas follicular Bmp15 and Amh gene expression levels were decreased in the ovaries after culture, mostly after VTo (p < 0.001). Natural mating after auto-transplantation of SF, VTo and VTc-ovaries revealed that most mice recovered their oestrous cycle. Fertility was only restored with SF and VTo ovaries (SF: 68%; VTo: 63%; VTc: 0%; p < 0.001). Mice auto-transplanted with SF and VTo-ovaries achieved the highest number of pregnancies. In conclusion, in vitro, no differences between SF and VTo were evident immediately after thawing/warming but VTo ovaries displayed alterations in apoptosis and follicular specific proteins after culture. In vivo, SF and VTo ovary auto-transplantation fully restored fertility whereas with VTc-ovary auto-transplantation no pregnancies were achieved.
Glyphosate residues in soil affect crop plant germination and growth
Authors: Helander Marjo , Pauna Anna , Saikkonen Kari , Saloniemi Irma 
Published: December 2019

AbstractGlyphosate-based herbicides (GBH) are the most widely used pesticides globally. Their persistence in soils and effects on non-target organisms have become a concern in agricultural and natural ecosystems. We experimentally studied, whether residues of GBH (Roundup Gold) or pure glyphosate in soils affect the germination or sprouting and growth of crop plants after the safety period. The seed germination of faba bean, oat and turnip rape, and sprouting of potato tubers was delayed in the greenhouse experiments in soils treated with GBH or with pure glyphosate. The total shoot biomass of faba bean was 28%, oat 29% and turnip rape 58% higher in control compared to GBH soils four weeks after sowing. In the beginning of the growing season, the plant growth in the field experiment supported the observations in the greenhouse experiment. However, at the end of the field experiment, potato shoot biomass was 25% and tuber biomass 14% greater in GBH soil compared to control soil. Potato tubers tended to gather low amounts of glyphosate (0.02 mg/kg) and its metabolite AMPA (0.07 mg/kg). Grazing by barnacle geese was three times higher in oats growing in the GBH soils compared to control oats in the field. Our results draw attention to complex indirect effects of GBH on crop plant seedling establishment and resistance to herbivores.
How to manipulate droplet jetting from needle type jet dispensers
Authors: Phung Thanh Huy , Kwon Kye-Si 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe needle-type inkjet dispenser has been widely used for various research and industrial purposes. The droplet jetting from the dispenser is closely related to the needle motion, which strikes against the nozzle seat. The strike of the needle on the nozzle seat often cause additional impact due to the bounce back, which may produce multiple droplets per jetting trigger. However, the needle motion is difficult to measure, and the actual behaviors have been known little. In this study, we measured the needle motion using an accelerometer and visualized jetting images to understand jetting behavior in relation to the needle motion. Then, we investigated various parameter effects on needle motion and jetting behaviors based on our proposed measurement methods. From the experimental results, we found that needle travel distance should be in the optimal range in order to produce single droplet per jetting trigger. In conclusion, we proposed an effective parameter selection method for the optimal jetting based on understanding of the jetting physics.
A novel adaptation facilitates seed establishment under marine turbulent flows
Authors: Kendrick Gary A. , Pomeroy Andrew W. , Orth Robert J. , Cambridge Marion L. , Shaw Jeremy , Kotula Lukasz , Lowe Ryan J. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractSeeds of Australian species of the seagrass genus Posidonia are covered by a membranous wing that we hypothesize plays a fundamental role in seed establishment in sandy, wave swept marine environments. Dimensions of the seed and membrane were quantified under electron microscopy and micro-CT scans, and used to model rotational, drag and lift forces. Seeds maintain contact with the seabed in the presence of strong turbulence: the larger the wing, the more stable the seed. Wing surface area increases from P. sinuosa < P. australis < P.coriacea correlating with their ability to establish in increasingly energetic environments. This unique seed trait in a marine angiosperm corresponds to adaptive pressures imposed on seagrass species along 7,500 km of Australia’s coastline, from open, high energy coasts to calmer environments in bays and estuaries.
WDR76 mediates obesity and hepatic steatosis via HRas destabilization
Authors: Park Jong-Chan , Jeong Woo-Jeong , Seo Seol Hwa , Choi Kang-Yell 
Published: December 2019

AbstractRas/MAPK (mitogen active protein kinase) signaling plays contradictory roles in adipocyte differentiation and is tightly regulated during adipogenesis. However, mechanisms regulating adipocyte differentiation involving Ras protein stability regulation are unknown. Here, we show that WD40 repeat protein 76 (WDR76), a novel Ras regulating E3 linker protein, controls 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation through HRas stability regulation. The roles of WDR76 in obesity and metabolic regulation were characterized using a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity model using Wdr76−/− mice and liver-specific Wdr76 transgenic mice (Wdr76Li−TG). Wdr76−/− mice are resistant to HFD-induced obesity, insulin resistance and hyperlipidemia with an increment of HRas levels. In contrast, Wdr76Li-TG mice showed increased HFD-induced obesity, insulin resistance with reduced HRas levels. Our findings suggest that WDR76 controls HFD-induced obesity and hepatic steatosis via HRas destabilization. These data provide insights into the links between WDR76, HRas, and obesity.
Exploring the prognostic value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in cancer
Authors: Howard Rachel , Kanetsky Peter A. , Egan Kathleen M. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIn cancer patients, a high pre-treatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is associated with poorer survival outcomes. Significant variation in the magnitude of this association has been observed between studies, but sources of this variation are poorly understood. Here, we explore differences in the prognostic potential of NLR between patient subgroups stratified by demographic and clinical characteristics using a retrospective cohort of 5,363 patients treated at Moffitt Cancer Center (Tampa, FL). We identify patients for whom NLR has maximum prognostic potential via adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) calculated using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models and area under the curve analysis. NLR demonstrates stronger associations (HRs > 2) with survival among African-American patients, patients receiving radiation therapy, stage IV patients, and melanoma patients when compared with the overall study population (HR = 1.58). Sensitivity and specificity of NLR as a prognostic marker are also higher in these patient subgroups, and increase further with combinations of multiple “high-risk” demographic or clinical characteristics. In summary, NLR may have greater prognostic value in patients with certain demographic and clinical features. Future prospective studies could validate this hypothesis, after further characterization of populations in which NLR has maximum prognostic potential and the identification of meaningful thresholds for risk stratification.
Higuchi’s fractal dimension, but not frontal or posterior alpha asymmetry, predicts PID-5 anxiousness more than depressivity
Authors: Kawe Tame N. J. , Shadli Shabah M. , McNaughton Neil 
Published: December 2019

AbstractDepression is a major cause of health disability. EEG measures may provide one or more economical biomarkers for the diagnosis of depression. Here we compared frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA), posterior alpha asymmetry (PAA), and Higuchi’s fractal dimension (HFD) for their capacity to predict PID-5 depressivity and for the specificity of these predictions relative to PID-5 anxiousness. University students provided 8 or 10 minutes of resting EEG and PID-5 depressivity and PID-5 anxiousness questionnaire scores. FAA and PAA had no significant correlations with the measures at any electrode pair. There were distinct frontal and posterior factors underlying HFD that correlated significantly with anxiousness and with each other. Posterior HFD also correlated significantly with depressivity, though this was weaker than the correlation with anxiousness. The portion of depressivity variance accounted for by posterior HFD was not unique but shared with anxiousness. Inclusion of anxiety disorder patients into the sample rendered the frontal factor somewhat more predictive than the posterior one but generally strengthened the prior conclusions. Contrary to our predictions, none of our measures specifically predicted depressivity. Previous reports of links with depression may involve confounds with concurrent anxiety. Indeed, HFD may be a better measure of anxiety than depression; and its previous linkage to depression may be due to a confound between the two, given the high incidence of depression in cases of severe anxiety.
Identification of circulating microRNA signatures as potential biomarkers in the serum of elk infected with chronic wasting disease
Authors: Slota Jessy A. , Medina Sarah J. , Klassen Megan , Gorski Damian , Mesa Christine M. , Robertson Catherine , Mitchell Gordon , Coulthart Michael B. , Pritzkow Sandra , Soto Claudio , Booth Stephanie A. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractChronic wasting disease (CWD) is an emerging infectious prion disorder that is spreading rapidly in wild populations of cervids in North America. The risk of zoonotic transmission of CWD is as yet unclear but a high priority must be to minimize further spread of the disease. No simple diagnostic tests are available to detect CWD quickly or in live animals; therefore, easily accessible biomarkers may be useful in identifying infected animals. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small, non-coding RNA molecules that circulate in blood and are promising biomarkers for several infectious diseases. In this study we used next-generation sequencing to characterize the serum miRNA profiles of 35 naturally infected elk that tested positive for CWD in addition to 35 elk that tested negative for CWD. A total of 21 miRNAs that are highly conserved amongst mammals were altered in abundance in sera, irrespective of hemolysis in the samples. A number of these miRNAs have previously been associated with prion diseases. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the discriminative potential of these miRNAs as biomarkers for the diagnosis of CWD. We also determined that a subgroup of 6 of these miRNAs were consistently altered in abundance in serum from hamsters experimentally infected with scrapie. This suggests that common miRNA candidate biomarkers could be selected for prion diseases in multiple species. Furthermore, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses pointed to a strong correlation for 3 of these miRNAs, miR-148a-3p, miR-186-5p, miR-30e-3p, with prion disease.
Effects of Caffeine and Acute Aerobic Exercise on Working Memory and Caffeine Withdrawal
Authors: Morava Anisa , Fagan Matthew James , Prapavessis Harry 
Published: December 2019

AbstractStudies show that a single bout of exercise confers cognitive benefits. However, many individuals use psychoactive substances such as caffeine to enhance cognitive performance. The effects of acute exercise in comparison to caffeine on cognition remain unknown. Furthermore, caffeine use is associated with withdrawal symptoms upon cessation. Whether acute exercise can reduce withdrawal symptoms also remains unknown. The objectives of this study were to compare the effects of acute moderate intensity aerobic exercise to caffeine on working memory (WM) and caffeine withdrawal symptoms (CWS). In Phase I, non-caffeine (n = 29) and caffeine consumers (n = 30) completed a WM assessment, followed by acute exercise and caffeine. In Phase II, caffeine consumers (n = 25) from Phase I underwent the WM assessment and reported CWS following a 12-hour deprivation period. Acute moderate intensity aerobic exercise and caffeine (1.2 mg/kg) significantly improved WM accuracy and reduced CWS comparably. WM performance was not reduced following caffeine deprivation.
Associations of ACE I/D polymorphism with the levels of ACE, kallikrein, angiotensin II and interleukin-6 in STEMI patients
Authors: Dai Shuhong , Ding Mei , Liang Na , Li Zhuo , Li Daqing , Guan Lianyue , Liu Hongyu 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThis study aimed to compare the plasma levels of angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE), Angiotensin II (AngII), kallikrein (KLK1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients with different ACE Insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphisms in a Chinese population. The ACE genotypes were determined in the 199 STEMI patients and 216 control subjects. STEMI patients were divided into three groups based on the ACE genotypes. Single polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to characterize ACE I/D polymorphisms. Plasma levels of ACE, AngII, KLK1 and IL-6 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We found that the DD or ID genotype was significantly independently associated with high ACE (OR = 4.697; 95% CI = 1.927–11.339), KLK1 (3.339; 1.383–8.063) and IL-6 levels (OR = 2.10; 1.025–4.327) in STEMI patients. However, there was no statistical significance between the ACE I/D polymorphism and AngII plasma levels whether in univariate or multivariate logistic regression. Additionally, we detected a significantly positive correlation between plasma KLK1 levels and IL-6 levels in STEMI patients (r = 0.584, P < 0.001). The study showed high levels of ACE, KLK1 and IL-6 were detected when the D allele was present, but AngII plasma levels was not influenced by the ACE I/D polymorphism.
Functional impact of cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) missense variants in cattle
Authors: Giantin Mery , Rahnasto-Rilla Minna , Tolosi Roberta , Lucatello Lorena , Pauletto Marianna , Guerra Giorgia , Pezzato Francesca , Lopparelli Rosa M. , Merlanti Roberta , Carnier Paolo , Capolongo Francesca , Honkakoski Paavo , Dacasto Mauro 
Published: December 2019

AbstractCytochrome P450 3A is the most important CYP subfamily in humans, and CYP3A4/CYP3A5 genetic variants contribute to inter-individual variability in drug metabolism. However, no information is available for bovine CYP3A (bCYP3A). Here we described bCYP3A missense single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and evaluated their functional effects. CYP3A28, CYP3A38 and CYP3A48 missense SNVs were identified in 300 bulls of Piedmontese breed through targeted sequencing. Wild-type and mutant bCYP3A cDNAs were cloned and expressed in V79 cells. CYP3A-dependent oxidative metabolism of testosterone (TST) and nifedipine (NIF) was assessed by LC-MS/MS. Finally, SNVs functional impact on TST hydroxylation was measured ex vivo in liver microsomes from individually genotyped animals. Thirteen missense SNVs were identified and validated. Five variants showed differences in CYP3A catalytic activity: three CYP3A28 SNVs reduced TST 6β-hydroxylation; one CYP3A38 variant increased TST 16β-hydroxylation, while a CYP3A48 SNV showed enhanced NIF oxidation. Individuals homozygous for rs384467435 SNV showed a reduced TST 6β-hydroxylation. Molecular modelling showed that most of SNVs were distal to CYP3A active site, suggesting indirect effects on the catalytic activity. Collectively, these findings demonstrate the importance of pharmacogenetics studies in veterinary species and suggest bCYP3A genotype variation might affect the fate of xenobiotics in food-producing species such as cattle.
Thermal Management of GaN-on-Si High Electron Mobility Transistor by Copper Filled Micro-Trench Structure
Authors: Mohanty Srikant Kumar , Chen Yu-Yan , Yeh Ping-Hung , Horng Ray-Hua 
Published: December 2019

AbstractSelf-heating effect is a major limitation in achieving the full performance potential of high power GaN power devices. In this work, we reported a micro-trench structure fabricated on the silicon substrate of an AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) via deep reactive ion etching, which was subsequently filled with high thermal conductive material, copper using the electroplating process. From the current-voltage characteristics, the saturation drain current was improved by approximately 17% with the copper filled micro-trench structure due to efficient heat dissipation. The IDS difference between the pulse and DC bias measurement was about 21% at high bias VDS due to the self-heating effect. In contrast, the difference was reduced to approximately 8% for the devices with the implementation of the proposed structure. Using Micro-Raman thermometry, we showed that temperature near the drain edge of the channel can be lowered by approximately ~22 °C in a HEMT operating at ~10.6 Wmm−1 after the implementation of the trench structure. An effective method for the improvement of thermal management to enhance the performance of GaN-on-Silicon HEMTs was demonstrated.
A Comparison Study of Vitamin D Deficiency among Older Adults in China and the United States
Authors: Wei Jia , Zhu Anna , Ji John S. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractVitamin D deficiency is a common health concern worldwide. We aim to compare the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among older adults (65+) in China and the United States (US). We used data from the 2011 wave of Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) in China (n = 2180), and 2011–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in the US (n = 2283). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] was measured and a level of under 30/50 nmol/L was defined as vitamin D severe deficiency/deficiency. Risk factors of vitamin D deficiency were examined by multivariate regression models. We found that the mean 25(OH)D concentration was lower in China than in the US (45.1 vs. 83.5 nmol/L), with Chinese elderly lower than American elderly for every age group. 70.3% in China and 17.4% in the US were considered as vitamin D deficiency (30.6% and 3.4% were considered as severe deficiency). Older age, females, ethnic minorities, higher household income, self-rated “very bad” health, and never drinkers, were statistically significant in predicting lower serum 25(OH)D levels in China. In the US, males, ethnic minorities, lower income, self-rated “very bad” health, physically inactive, overweight, and obese were related to lower serum 25(OH)D levels. Our findings suggest that different interventional strategies are needed to improve vitamin D deficiency and its associated negative health outcomes in China and the US.