bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HTRA1 expression profile and activity on TGF‐β signaling in HTRA1 mutation carriers
Authors: Fasano Alessandro , Formichi Patrizia , Taglia Ilaria , Bianchi Silvia , Di Donato Ilaria , Battisti Carla , Federico Antonio , Dotti Maria Teresa 
Published: February 2020

AbstractHigh temperature requirement A1 (HTRA1) is a serine protease playing a modulatory role in various cell processes, particularly in the regulation of transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) signaling. A deleterious role in late‐onset cerebral small vessel diseases (CSVDs) of heterozygous HTRA1 mutations, otherwise causative in homozygosity of cerebral autosomal recessive arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy, was recently suggested. However, the pathomechanism of these heterozygous mutations is still undefined. Our aim is to evaluate the expression profile and activity of HTRA1 on TGF‐β signaling in fibroblasts from four subjects carrying the HTRA1 heterozygous mutations—p.E42Dfs*173, p.A321T, p.G295R, and p.Q151K. We found a 50% reduction of HTRA1 expression in HTRA1 mutation carriers compared to the control. Moreover, we showed no changes in TGF‐β signaling pathway downstream intermediate, Phospho Smad2/3. However, we found overexpression of genes involved in the extracellular matrix formation in two heterozygous HTRA1 carriers. Our results suggest that each heterozygous HTRA1 missense mutation displays a different and peculiar HTRA1 expression pattern and that CSVD phenotype may also result from 50% of HTRA1 expression.
Muscle and bone mass in middle‐aged women: role of menopausal status and physical activity
Authors: Sipilä Sarianna , Törmäkangas Timo , Sillanpää Elina , Aukee Pauliina , Kujala Urho M. , Kovanen Vuokko , Laakkonen Eija K. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundWomen experience drastic hormonal changes during midlife due to the menopausal transition. Menopausal hormonal changes are known to lead to bone loss and potentially also to loss of lean mass. The loss of muscle and bone tissue coincide due to the functional relationship and interaction between these tissues. If and how physical activity counteracts deterioration in muscle and bone during the menopausal transition remains partly unresolved. This study investigated differences between premenopausal, early perimenopausal, late perimenopausal, and postmenopausal women in appendicular lean mass (ALM), appendicular lean mass index (ALMI), femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD) and T score. Furthermore, we investigated the simultaneous associations of ALM and BMD with physical activity in the above‐mentioned menopausal groups.MethodsData from the Estrogen Regulation of Muscle Apoptosis study were utilized. In total, 1393 women aged 47–55 years were assigned to premenopausal, early perimenopausal, late perimenopausal, and postmenopausal groups based on follicle‐stimulating hormone concentration and bleeding diaries. Of them, 897 were scanned for ALM and femoral neck BMD by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry and ALMI (ALM/height2) and neck T scores calculated. Current level of leisure‐time physical activity was estimated by a validated self‐report questionnaire and categorized as sedentary, low, medium, and high.ResultsAppendicular lean mass, appendicular lean mass index, femoral neck bone mineral density, and and T score showed a significant linear declining trend across all four menopausal groups. Compared with the postmenopausal women, the premenopausal women showed greater ALM (18.2, SD 2.2 vs. 17.8, SD 2.1, P < 0.001), ALMI (6.73, SD 0.64 vs. 6.52, SD 0.62, P < 0.001), neck BMD (0.969, SD 0.117 vs. 0.925, SD 0.108, P < 0.001), and T score (−0.093, SD 0.977 vs −0.459, SD 0.902, P < 0.001). After adjusting for potential confounding pathways, a higher level of physical activity was associated with greater ALM among the premenopausal [β = 0.171; confidence interval (CI) 95% 0.063–0.280], late perimenopausal (β = 0.289; CI 95% 0.174–0.403), and postmenopausal (β=0.278; CI 95% 0.179–0.376) women. The positive association between femoral neck BMD and level of physical activity was significant only among the late perimenopausal women (β = 0.227; CI 95% 0.097–0.356).ConclusionsSkeletal muscle and bone losses were associated with the menopausal transition. A higher level of physical activity during the different menopausal phases was beneficial, especially for skeletal muscle. Menopause‐related hormonal changes predispose women to sarcopenia and osteoporosis and further to mobility disability and fall‐related fractures in later life. New strategies are needed to promote physical activity among middle‐aged women. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these results.
Structural insights into the intramolecular interactions of centromere protein CENP‐I
Authors: Zhang Yu , Zhao Congcong , Cao Beibei , Ye Jingjing , Huang Hao , Hu Liqiao , Tian Wei , He Xiaojing 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIn mitosis, the accurate segregation of sister chromosomes relies on kinetochore, a multiple subunits complex assembled on centromere of each sister chromosome. As a core component of inner kinetochore, CENP‐I plays important functions to mediate kinetochore assembly and supports the faithful chromosome segregation. The structures of the N‐terminus and C‐terminus of CENP‐I homologs in complex with CENP‐H/K have been reported, respectively. Unfortunately, the intramolecular interactions of CENP‐I are poorly understood, and how CENP‐I interacts with CENP‐M remains unknown. Here, we verified a unique helix α11, which forms the intramolecular interactions with N‐terminal HEAT repeats in fungal CENP‐I. Deletion of the helix α11 exposed the hydrophobic surface and resulted in the in vitro protein aggregation of N‐terminal HEAT repeats of fungal CENP‐I. The corresponding helix and its intramolecular interaction are highly conserved in human CENP‐I. Deletion of the corresponding helix in human CENP‐I dramatically reduced the functional activity to interact with CENP‐H and CENP‐M. Mutations of the conserved residues on the helix in human CENP‐I significantly weakened the binding to CENP‐M, but not CENP‐H, in HeLa cells. Therefore, our findings for the first time unveiled a conserved helix of CENP‐I, which is important for the intramolecular interaction and function, and would be helpful for understanding the structure basis of how CENP‐I mediates the kinetochore assembly during cell cycle and mitosis.
Predicting long‐term freedom from atrial fibrillation after catheter ablation by a machine learning algorithm: Validation of the CAAP‐AF score
Authors: Furui Koichi , Morishima Itsuro , Morita Yasuhiro , Kanzaki Yasunori , Takagi Kensuke , Yoshida Ruka , Nagai Hiroaki , Watanabe Naoki , Yoshioka Naoki , Yamauchi Ryota , Tsuboi Hideyuki , Murohara Toyoaki 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundPreprocedural clinical predictors of the successful maintenance of sinus rhythm may contribute to optimal treatment strategies for atrial fibrillation (AF). The CAAP‐AF score, a novel simple tool scored as 0‐13 points (including six independent variables) has been proposed to predict long‐term freedom from AF after catheter ablation. To clarify its reproducibility, we examined the CAAP‐AF score's predictive performance and then created subgroups to best predict AF recurrence by using a machine learning algorithm.MethodsWe studied 583 consecutive patients who underwent initial AF catheter ablation at our institute (median CAAP‐AF score, 5; age, 66 ± 10 years old; female, 28.3%; coronary artery disease, 10.8%; left atrial diameter, 39.9 ± 6.6 mm; number of antiarrhythmic drugs failed, 0.4 ± 0.6; nonparoxysmal AF, 45.3%). All were systematically followed up with an endpoint of atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence after the last ablation procedure.ResultsDuring the 1.8 ± 1.2‐year follow‐up, 157 patients had atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence. Repeated procedures were performed (n = 115). Arrhythmia recurrence after the last session occurred in 69 patients. We created Kaplan‐Meier curves for freedom from AF after final AF ablation for ranges of CAAP‐AF scores; these confirmed the original study results. The machine learning using Classification and Regression Trees divided the patients into three categories by the risk score: low (score ≤5), intermediate (score 6‐8), and high (score ≥9).ConclusionsThe CAAP‐AF score was useful to stratify the atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence risk in AF patients undergoing catheter ablation into three categories. The score should be considered when deciding whether to perform AF ablation in clinical practice.
Hemiarthroplasty implants should have very low stiffness to optimize cartilage contact stress
Authors: Berkmortel Carolyn , Langohr G. Daniel G. , King Graham , Johnson James 
Published: February 2020

AbstractHemiarthroplasty is often preferred to total arthroplasty as it preserves native tissue; however, accelerated wear of the opposing cartilage is problematic. This is thought to be caused by the stiffness mismatch between the implant and cartilage‐bone construct. Reducing the stiffness of the implant by changing the material has been hypothesized as a potential solution. This study employs a finite element model to study a concave‐convex hemiarthroplasty articulation for various implant materials (cobalt‐chrome, pyrolytic carbon, polyether ether ketone, ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight polyethylene, Bionate‐55D, Bionate‐75D, and Bionate‐80A). The effect of the radius of curvature and the degree of flexion‐extension was also investigated to ensure any relationships found between materials were generalizable. The implant material had a significant effect (P  < .001) for both contact area and maximum contact pressure on the cartilage surface. All of the materials were different from the native state except for Bionate‐80A at two of the different flexion angles. Bionate‐80A and Bionate‐75D, the materials with the lowest stiffnesses, were the closest to the native state for all flexion angles and radii of curvature. No evident difference between materials occurred unless the modulus was below that of Bionate‐55D (288 MPa), suggesting that hemiarthroplasty materials need to be less stiff than this material if they are to protect the opposing cartilage. This is clinically significant as the findings suggest that the development of new hemiarthroplasty implants should use materials with stiffnesses much lower than currently available devices.
Mildly decreased preoperative bilirubin levels are associated with infections after shoulder and knee arthroplasty
Authors: Laky Brenda , Alram Isabella , Frank Julia K. , Pauzenberger Leo , Anderl Werner , Wagner Karl‐Heinz , Heuberer Philipp R. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIncreasing numbers of arthroplasties are also accompanied by postoperative infections. The main purpose was to evaluate preoperative serum bilirubin levels between patients with and without infections after shoulder and knee arthroplasties. For this retrospective case‐control single‐center study, a total of 108 patients were extracted from a prospectively collected database. Eighteen patients with infections after shoulder (n = 8) and knee (n = 10) arthroplasty were matched by age, gender, and implant type in a 1:5‐scenario to 90 patients (40 shoulders and 50 knees) without postoperative infection. Demographic data, preoperative blood parameters, and postoperative infection‐related outcomes were evaluated. Total bilirubin was the only preoperative parameter significantly different between the infection (8.21 ± 3.25 μmol/L or 0.48 ± 0.19 mg/dL) and noninfection (10.78 ± 4.62 μmol/L or 0.63 ± 0.27 mg/dL; P = .014) group, while C‐reactive protein and other liver parameters were similar between the groups. Significantly more controls (92.1%) had preoperative bilirubin levels above 8.72 μmol/L or 0.51 mg/dL than cases (7.9%; P = .007). The 5‐year infection survival‐rate was 65.6% for patients with preoperative bilirubin levels < 8.72 μmol/L or < 0.51 mg/dL and 91.2% with ≥ 8.72 μmol/L or ≥ 0.51 mg/dL. Mildly decreased preoperative bilirubin levels with a cutoff at 8.72 μmol/L or 0.51 mg/dL were significantly associated to patients with infections after shoulder and knee arthroplasty. There were no differences in other blood parameters or comorbidities between patients with infections and their matched‐controls.
Determining Viscosity of Blenderized Formula: A Novel Approach Using the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative Framework
Authors: Weston Sharon , Clarke Tracie 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundBlenderized formula (BF) can be used in place of standard enteral formula and is composed of blenderized whole foods and purees. Benefits of using BF include reduced vomiting and retching, in part related to a higher viscosity. Commercially prepared BFs vary significantly in viscosity when comparing available products. Viscosity can be measured using a viscometer, although this requires expensive and sophisticated equipment. We proposed an alternative method to describe viscosity of BFs using the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) framework. This flow test provides a simple and objective method to describe liquid thickness and requires only a 10‐mL luer tip syringe and stopwatch.MethodsFull‐strength BFs were measured using the IDDSI flow test and compared with a standard enteral formula. BFs were then diluted until a slightly thick viscosity was achieved, which correlated to the viscosity of the reference formula.ResultsIDDSI flow‐test results indicated that undiluted BFs ranged in viscosity, from slightly thick to extremely thick, when measured at room temperature. The volume of water required to achieve a slightly thick viscosity ranged from 0 to 270 mL per serving, resulting in a wide variation in dilution of formula.ConclusionThe IDDSI flow test was simple to perform and can serve as a tool to determine the viscosity of BFs.
Consumption of Lactobacillus reuteri‐containing lozenges improves periodontal health in navy sailors at sea: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Schlagenhauf Ulrich , Rehder Juliane , Gelbrich Götz , Jockel‐Schneider Yvonne 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe objective of this trial was to evaluate whether the regular consumption of probiotics may improve the known deterioration of periodontal health in navy sailors during deployments at sea.Methods72 healthy sailors of a naval ship on a practicing mission at sea were recruited and randomly provided with a blinded supply of lozenges to be consumed twice daily for the following 42 days containing either the probiotic strains Lactobacillus reuteri (DSM 17938 and L. reuteri (ATTC PTA 5289) (test n = 36) or no probiotics (placebo n = 36). At baseline, at day 14 and day 42 bleeding on probing (primary outcome), gingival index, plaque control record, probing attachment level, and probing pocket depth were assessed at the Ramfjord teeth.ResultsAt baseline there were no significant differences between the groups. At day 14 and day 42 test group scores of all assessed parameters were significantly improved (P < 0.001) compared to baseline and to the placebo group which by contrast showed a significant (P < 0.001) deterioration of all parameters at the end of the study.ConclusionsThe consumption of probiotic L. reuteri‐lozenges is an efficacious measure to improve and maintain periodontal health in situations with waning efficacy of personal oral hygiene.
Multiplane displays based on liquid crystals for AR applications
Authors: Liu Shuxin , Li Yan , Su Yikai 
Published: February 2020

AbstractMultiplane displays are capable of displaying 3D scenes with correct focus cues by creating multilayer 2D images in the display volume. Hence, such a 3D display technique could effectively address the accommodation‐vergence conflict (AVC) problem, which is prevalent in augmented reality (AR) displays. In this paper, we review the recent progress on multiplane AR displays based on liquid crystals (LCs) for AR applications. The working principle of multiplane AR displays is illustrated, the electro‐optical properties of the tunable LC devices are investigated and display prototypes are demonstrated. Finally, we discuss the prospects and challenges of multiplane AR displays based on LCs.
The Importance of Cooperativity in Polymer Blending: Toward Controlling the Thermoresponsive Behavior of Blended Block Copolymer Micelles
Authors: Keogh Robert , Blackman Lewis D. , Foster Jeffrey C. , Varlas Spyridon , O'Reilly Rachel K. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractUnderstanding, predicting, and controlling the self‐assembly behavior of stimuli‐responsive block copolymers remains a pertinent challenge. As such, the copolymer blending protocol provides an accessible methodology for obtaining a range of intermediate polymeric nanostructures simply by blending two or more block copolymers in the desired molar ratio to target specific stimuli‐responsiveness. Herein, thermoresponsive diblock copolymers are blended in various combinations to investigate whether the resultant cloud point temperature can be modulated by simple manipulation of the molar ratio. Thermoresponsive amphiphilic diblock copolymers composed of statistical poly(n‐butyl acrylate‐co‐N,N‐dimethylacrylamide) core‐forming blocks and four different thermoresponsive corona‐forming blocks, namely poly(diethylene glycol monomethyl ether methacrylate) (p(DEGMA)), poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide), poly(N,N‐diethylacrylamide), and poly(oligo(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether methacrylate) (p(OEGMA)) are selected for evaluation. Using variable temperature turbidimetry, the thermoresponsive behavior of blended diblock copolymer self‐assemblies is assessed and compared to the thermoresponsive behavior of the constituent pure diblock copolymer micelles to determine whether comicellization is achieved and more significantly, whether the two blended corona‐forming thermoresponsive blocks exhibit cooperative behavior. Interestingly, blended diblock copolymer micelles composed of p(DEGMA)/p(OEGMA) mixed coronae display cooperative behavior, highlighting the potential of copolymer blending for the preparation of stimuli‐responsive nanomaterials in applications such as oil recovery, drug delivery, biosensing, and catalysis.
Vitamin E and cancer prevention: Studies with different forms of tocopherols and tocotrienols
Authors: Yang Chung S. , Luo Philip , Zeng Zishuo , Wang Hong , Malafa Mokenge , Suh Nanjoo 
Published: February 2020

Abstractα‐Tocopherol (α‐T) is the major form of vitamin E (VE) in animals and has the highest activity in carrying out the essential antioxidant functions of VE. Because of the involvement of oxidative stress in carcinogenesis, the cancer prevention activity of α‐T has been studied extensively. Lower VE intake or nutritional status has been shown to be associated with increased cancer risk, and supplementation of α‐T to populations with VE insufficiency has shown beneficial effects in lowering the cancer risk in some intervention studies. However, several large intervention studies with α‐T conducted in North America have not demonstrated a cancer prevention effect. More recent studies have centered on the γ‐ and δ‐forms of tocopherols and tocotrienols (T3). In comparison with α‐T, these forms have much lower systemic bioavailability but have shown stronger cancer‐preventive activities in many studies in animal models and cell lines. γ‐T3 and δ‐T3 generally have even higher activities than γ‐T and δ‐T. In this article, we review recent results from human and laboratory studies on the cancer‐preventive activities of different forms of tocopherols and tocotrienols, at nutritional and pharmacological levels. We aim to elucidate the possible mechanisms of the preventive actions and discuss the possible application of the available information for human cancer prevention by different VE forms.
Hypertension, Antihypertensive Use and the Delayed‐Onset of Huntington's Disease
Authors: Steventon Jessica J. , Rosser Anne E. , Hart Emma , Murphy Kevin 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundHypertension is a modifiable cardiovascular risk factor implicated in neurodegeneration and dementia risk. In Huntington's disease, a monogenic neurodegenerative disease, autonomic and vascular abnormalities have been reported. This study's objective was to examine the relationship between hypertension and disease severity and progression in Huntington's disease.MethodsUsing longitudinal data from the largest worldwide observational study of Huntington's disease (n = 14,534), we assessed the relationship between hypertension, disease severity, and rate of clinical progression in Huntington's disease mutation carriers. Propensity score matching was used to statistically match normotensive and hypertensive participants for age, sex, body mass index, ethnicity, and CAG length.ResultsHuntington's disease patients had a lower prevalence of hypertension compared with age‐matched gene‐negative controls. Huntington's disease patients with hypertension had worse cognitive function, a higher depression score, and more marked motor progression over time compared with Huntington's disease patients without hypertension. However, hypertensive patients taking antihypertensive medication had less motor, cognitive, and functional impairment than Huntington's disease patients with untreated hypertension and a later age of clinical onset compared with untreated hypertensive patients and normotensive individuals with Huntington's disease.ConclusionsWe report the novel finding that hypertension and antihypertensive medication use are associated with altered disease severity, progression, and clinical onset in patients with Huntington's disease. These findings have implications for the management of hypertension in Huntington's disease and suggest that prospective studies of the symptomatic or disease‐modifying potential of antihypertensives in neurodegenerative diseases are warranted. © 2020 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Traffic model based on synchronous and asynchronous exclusion processes
Authors: Yashina Marina , Tatashev Alexander 
Published: February 2020

We consider an exclusive process on a closed one‐dimensional lattice. We have used a continuous time version of traffic model based on the deterministic‐stochastic approach developed by A.P. Buslaev. There are
cells and
particles in the closed contour. Particles can move in both directions. We consider two versions of the system. In the continuous time version, the time interval between attempts of a particle to move is distributed exponentially. The intensity of attempts depends on the particle. In the discrete time version, a particle tries to move in one of direction with a given probability at any discrete moment. The attempt is realized if the particle tries to move to a vacant cell. In the discrete time system, if two particles try to move to the same cell, then only one particle moves. We use equivalence of the continuous time system to a queueing network to find the system stationary state distribution of the system. Stationary probabilities of the discrete time system have been found under the assumptions that the number of particles is equal to two and the number of cells is even. We have proved that, under these assumptions, the system is time reversible, and in the general case, the system is not time reversible.