bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Highly Efficient Microcell‐Mediated Transfer of HACs Containing a Genomic Region of Interest into Mammalian Cells
Authors: Liskovykh Mikhail , Larionov Vladimir , Kouprina Natalay 
Published: September 2021

AbstractHuman artificial chromosomes (HACs) are considered promising tools for gene delivery, functional analyses, and gene therapy. HACs have the potential to overcome many of the problems caused by the use of viral‐based gene transfer systems, such as limited cloning capacity, lack of copy number control, and insertional mutagenesis during integration into host chromosomes. The recently developed alphoidtetO‐HAC has an advantage over other HAC vectors because it can be easily eliminated from dividing cells by inactivation of its conditional kinetochore. This provides a unique control mechanism to study phenotypes induced by a gene or genes carried on the HAC. The alphoidtetO‐HAC has a single gene acceptor loxP site that allows insertion of an individual gene of interest or a cluster of genes of up to several Mb in size in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) hybrid cells. The HACs carrying chromosomal copies of genes can then be transferred from these donor CHO cells to different recipient cells of interest via microcell‐mediated chromosome transfer (MMCT). Here, we describe a detailed protocol for loading a gene of interest into the alphoidtetO‐HAC vector and for the subsequent transfer of the HAC to recipient cells using an improved MMCT protocol. The original MMCT protocol includes treatment of donor cells with colcemid to induce micronucleation, wherein the HAC becomes surrounded with a nuclear membrane. That step is followed by disarrangement of the actin cytoskeleton using cytochalasin B to help induce microcell formation. The updated MMCT protocol, described here, features the replacement of colcemid and cytochalasin B with TN16 + griseofulvin and latrunculin B, respectively, and the use of collagen/laminin surface coating to promote attachment of metaphase cells to plates during micronuclei induction. These modifications increase the efficiency of HAC transfer to recipient cells ten fold. The improved MMCT protocol has been successfully tested on several recipient cell lines, including human mesenchymal stem cells and mouse embryonic stem cells. Published 2021. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.Basic Protocol 1: Insertion of a BAC containing a gene of interest into a single loxP loading site of alphoidtetO‐HAC in hamster CHO cellsBasic Protocol 2: Microcell‐mediated chromosome transfer from donor hamster CHO cells to mammalian cells
Mediastinal ectopic thyroid tissue, an imitator of an enlarged lymph node with metastatic pulmonary neoplasia
Authors: Tsai Alan , Rafferty William , Ren Shuyue 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe prevalence of ectopic thyroid tissue, based on autopsy studies, is between 7% and 10%, but there are rare cases reported in the thoracic region. Here, we encountered a case of thoracic ectopic thyroid tissue presenting as a presumed enlarged mediastinal lymph node. A 50‐year‐old female with a history of lung adenocarcinoma, status post resection, presented with complaints of headache, dizziness, and nausea. Magnetic resonance imaging found two brain lesions consistent with metastasis. Computed tomography scan showed enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes and thyroid nodules. Fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) of one thyroid nodule was positive for papillary thyroid carcinoma. FNA of the mediastinal lymph nodes were negative for metastatic carcinoma but revealed thyroid tissue in the 2.9 × 1.6 cm presumed 2 L lymph node. The morphological features and immunohistochemical stains confirmed thyroid tissue, and there were no cytological features of thyroid carcinoma. In patients with a history of a pulmonary tumor (such as adenocarcinoma, low‐grade neuroendocrine tumor), ectopic thyroid tissue, although a rare event, could represent a pitfall in the cytologic evaluation of mediastinal lymph nodes aspirates obtained from staging procedures. Careful morphologic examination with a panel of immunohistochemical studies are useful in making the correct diagnosis, leading to appropriate patient management.
Endoscopic removal of proximally migrated stents using a double‐balloon enteroscope in patients with bowel reconstruction (with video)
Authors: Oda Takashi , Matsumoto Kazuyuki , Ueta Eijiro , Himei Hitomi , Ogawa Taiji , Terasawa Hiroyuki , Fujii Yuki , Yamazaki Tatsuhiro , Horiguchi Shigeru , Tsutsumi Koichiro , Kato Hironari , Okada Hiroyuki 
Published: September 2021

AbstractEndoscopic migrated stent removal using a balloon‐assisted enteroscope is technically difficult in patients with bowel reconstruction. We report the treatment outcomes and endoscopic removal methods for migrated stents using a double‐balloon enteroscope (DBE). We retrospectively studied 12 patients with stent migration into the main pancreatic duct (MPD) or bile duct who underwent bowel reconstruction between January 2012 and June 2020. The successful removal rates in the MPD (n = 3) and the bile duct (n = 9) were 66.7% (2/3) and 88.9% (8/9), respectively. The removal techniques included the indirect method (n = 3), the direct method (n = 4), and a combination of indirect and direct methods (n = 3). The removal devices included an extraction balloon catheter (n = 7), basket catheter (n = 5), biopsy forceps (n = 3), and snare (n = 2). Stent removal using a DBE was feasible and useful as the first treatment for patients with bowel reconstruction. The choice of the direct and/or indirect method according to the situation of the migrated stent is important.
Optimization of microenergy grid including adiabatic compressed air energy storage by considering uncertainty of intermittent parameters
Authors: Hu Fei , Zhan Xisheng , Arandian Behdad 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn recent years, zero‐carbon energy resources such as adiabatic compressed air energy storage with thermal energy storage have been interested due to growing concerns over global warming. This study proposes a microenergy grid including heat and power networks connected through adiabatic compressed air energy storage with thermal energy storage, which can be considered hybrid energy storage supplying power for both networks. The power network is supplied with the main grid and wind turbine systems, and the heat network is provided with heat pumps. The objective function minimizes power purchased from the main grid and power demand of heat pumps in the heat network. Since uncertainty plays a key role in the operation of integrated energy systems, the uncertainty of intermittent parameters such as active and reactive load and wind speed data has been considered in this study. Therefore, predicted values are used in the optimization problem instead of using deterministic values for such uncertain parameters. To do this, an efficient 2‐level corrective forecasting algorithm is proposed to have an accurate prediction for the day‐ahead operation of the microenergy grid. Different scenarios are presented to show the importance of the forecasting method and the utilization of adiabatic compressed air energy storage with thermal energy storage in the system’s structure. The results indicate that corrective actions on the predicted load and wind speed data decrease the operation cost of the microenergy grid from 57.13% to 13.21%. Also, it is found that neglecting adiabatic compressed air energy storage with thermal energy storage in the structure of the microenergy grid increases operation cost to 3423 US$. Other obtained results also indicate the importance of coutilization of compressed air energy storage with thermal energy storage and 2‐level corrective forecasting method leading to optimal operation of the microenergy grid.
Canola meal‐derived activated biochar treated with NaOH and CO2 as an effective tool for Cd removal
Authors: Gonçalves Affonso C , Schwantes Daniel , Braccini Alessandro L , Albornoz Francisco , Conradi Élio , Zimmermann Juliano 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDThis research assessed the capacity for Cd2+ removal from water using canola meal‐based adsorbents: canola meal chemically activated with 1 mol L–1 NaOH and pyrolyzed for 1 h at 500 °C (CAC) and the second product obtained with a similar process but with a second pyrolysis at 750 °C in CO2 flow (CAC‐CO2). The materials were characterized by their chemical composition and thermal stability and using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, pH at point of zero charge (pHPZC) and scanning electron microscopy. Hydroxyl and carboxyl are the most likely surface functional groups responsible for adsorption.RESULTSThe obtained pHPZC values were 10.83 for CAC and 9.84 for CAC‐CO2. Both materials presented heterogeneous surfaces with many cavities, which increased their respective surface specific area 23 000‐ and 540 000‐fold compared to canola meal biomass. Our best results were obtained using 4.0 g L−1 of adsorbent, at pH 7.0, with an equilibrium time of 40 and 60 min for CAC and CAC‐CO2, respectively. The most likely mechanism predominantly involved in Cd adsorption is physical, according to Temkin nonlinear parameters, thermodynamics parameters and excellent recovery rates (67.8%).CONCLUSIONSThe use of canola meal as a feedstock for activated biochar production is an attractive and new possibility for producing a competitive adsorbent. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Atypical bacterial co‐infections among patients with COVID‐19: A study from India
Authors: Chaudhry Rama , Sreenath K , Batra Priyam , Vinayaraj EV , Rathor Nisha , Saikiran KVP , Aravindan Ajisha , Singh Vishwajeet , Brijwal Megha , Soneja Manish , Verma Nishant , Subramanium Rajeshwari , Singh Urvashi B. , Guleria Randeep 
Published: September 2021

AbstractEmerging evidence shows co‐infection with atypical bacteria in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients. Respiratory illness caused by atypical bacteria such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and Legionella pneumophila may show overlapping manifestations and imaging features with COVID‐19 causing clinical and laboratory diagnostic issues. We conducted a prospective study to identify co‐infections with SARS‐CoV‐2 and atypical bacteria in an Indian tertiary hospital. From June 2020 to January 2021, a total of 194 patients with laboratory‐confirmed COVID‐19 were also tested for atypical bacterial pathogens. For diagnosing M. pneumoniae, a real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay and serology (IgM ELISA) were performed. C. pneumoniae diagnosis was made based on IgM serology. L. pneumophila diagnosis was based on PCR or urinary antigen testing. Clinical and epidemiological features of SARS‐CoV‐2 and atypical bacteria‐positive and ‐negative patient groups were compared. Of the 194 patients admitted with COVID‐19, 17 (8.8%) were also diagnosed with M. pneumoniae (n = 10) or C. pneumoniae infection (n = 7). Confusion, headache, and bilateral infiltrate were found more frequently in the SARS CoV‐2 and atypical bacteria co‐infection group. Patients in the M. pneumoniae or C. pneumoniae co‐infection group were more likely to develop ARDS, required ventilatory support, had a longer hospital length of stay, and higher fatality rate compared to patients with only SARS‐CoV‐2. Our report highlights co‐infection with bacteria causing atypical pneumonia should be considered in patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 depending on the clinical context. Timely identification of co‐existing pathogens can provide pathogen‐targeted treatment and prevent fatal outcomes of patients infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 during the current pandemic.
Reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography: A fast and efficient analytical method to quantify docetaxel‐loaded pegylated liposomes in release study
Authors: Aires‐Fernandes Mariza , Eloy Josimar O. , Damiani Victorelli Francesca , Scanavez Ferreira Paula , Pironi Andressa Maria , Chorilli Marlus 
Published: September 2021

AbstractDocetaxel is an anticancer that belongs to the family of taxanes and acts in the inhibition of cell proliferation through the polymerization of microtubules. The aim of this study was the development and validation of a fast method by reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography for quantitative analysis of docetaxel encapsulated in pegylated liposomes. The analytical method was validated for the following recognized specifications: system suitability, precision (repeatability and intermediate precision), linearity, accuracy, selectivity, detection and quantification limits, and robustness. The reversed phase‐high‐performance liquid chromatography analyses were performed at a temperature of 45°C (isocratic mode). The mobile phase was composed of acetonitrile and water (65:35, v/v) and the flow rate was fixed at 0.8 mL/min. The running time and wavelength were 8 min and 230 nm, respectively. The method was found to be linear, precise, selective, precise, robust, accurate, in the range of 1–75 μg/mL (R2 = 0.9999) and the values of detection and quantification limits were 2.35 and 7.84 μg/mL, respectively. The release rates of docetaxel in pegylated liposomes were lower compared to docetaxel in solution. The reversed phase high‐performance liquid chromatography method developed proved to be adequate and can be effectively used to determine the in vitro release profile of docetaxel transported by pegylated liposomes.
Use of green alternative solvents in dispersive liquid‐liquid microextraction: A review
Authors: Grau José , Azorín Cristian , Benedé Juan L. , Chisvert Alberto , Salvador Amparo 
Published: September 2021

AbstractDispersive liquid‐liquid microextraction is one of the most widely used microextraction techniques currently in the analytical chemistry field, mainly due to its simplicity and rapidity. The operational mode of this approach has been constantly changing since its introduction, adapting to new trends and applications. Most of these changes are related to the nature of the solvent employed for the microextraction. From the classical halogenated solvents (e.g., chloroform or dichloromethane), different alternatives have been proposed in order to obtain safer and non‐pollutants microextraction applications. In this sense, low‐density solvents, such as alkanols, switchable hydrophobicity solvents, and ionic liquids were the first and most popular replacements for halogenated solvents, which provided similar or better results than these classical dispersive liquid‐liquid microextraction solvents. However, despite the good performances obtained with low‐density solvents and ionic liquids, researchers have continued investigating in order to obtain even greener solvents for dispersive liquid‐liquid microextraction. For that reason, in this review, the evolution over the last five years of the three types of solvents already mentioned and two of the most promising solvent alternatives (i.e., deep eutectic solvents and supramolecular solvents), have been studied in detail with the purpose of discussing which one provides the greenest alternative.
Robust and Multifunctional Porous Polyetheretherketone Fiber Fabricated via a Microextrusion CO2 Foaming
Authors: Li Mengya , Tian Fangwei , Jiang Junjie , Zhou Mengnan , Chen Qiyuan , Zhao Dan , Zhai Wentao 
Published: September 2021

AbstractFabrication of multifunctional porous fibers with excellent mechanical properties has attracted abundant attention in the fields of personal thermal management textiles and smart wearable devices. However, the high cost and harsh preparation environment of the traditional solution–solvent phase separation method for making porous fibers aggravates the problems of resource consumption and environmental pollution. Herein, a microextrusion process that combines environmentally friendly CO2 physical foaming with fused deposition modeling technology is proposed, via the dual features of high gas uptake and restricted cell growth, to implement the continuous production of porous polyetheretherketone (PEEK) fibers with a production efficiency of 10.5 cm s−1. The porous PEEK fiber exhibits excellent stretchability (234.8% strain) and good high‐temperature thermal insulation property. The open‐cell structure on the surface is favorable for the adsorption to achieve superhydrophobicity (154.4°) and high‐efficiency photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B (90.4%). Moreover, the parameterized controllability of the cell structure is beneficial to widening the multifunctional window. In short, the first porous PEEK physical foaming fiber, which opens up a new avenue for the application expansion, especially in the medical field, is realized.
Assessing the association of common genetic variants in EPHB4 and RASA1 with phenotype severity in familial cerebral cavernous malformation
Authors: Choksi Foram , Weinsheimer Shantel , Nelson Jeffrey , Pawlikowska Ludmila , Fox Christine K. , Zafar Atif , Mabray Marc C. , Zabramski Joseph , Akers Amy , Hart Blaine L. , Morrison Leslie , McCulloch Charles E. , Kim Helen 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundTo investigate whether common variants in EPHB4 and RASA1 are associated with cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) disease severity phenotypes, including intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), total and large lesion counts.MethodsFamilial CCM cases enrolled in the Brain Vascular Malformation Consortium were included (n = 338). Total lesions and large lesions (≥5 mm) were counted on MRI; clinical history of ICH at enrollment was assessed by medical records. Samples were genotyped on the Affymetrix Axiom Genome‐Wide LAT1 Human Array. We tested the association of seven common variants (three in EPHB4 and four in RASA1) using multivariable logistic regression for ICH (odds ratio, OR) and multivariable linear regression for total and large lesion counts (proportional increase, PI), adjusting for age, sex, and three principal components. Significance was based on Bonferroni adjustment for multiple comparisons (0.05/7 variants = 0.007).ResultsEPHB4 variants were not significantly associated with CCM severity phenotypes. One RASA1 intronic variant (rs72783711 A>C) was significantly associated with ICH (OR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.21–2.37, p = 0.004) and nominally associated with large lesion count (PI = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.03–1.32, p = 0.02).ConclusionA common RASA1 variant may be associated with ICH and large lesion count in familial CCM. EPHB4 variants were not associated with any of the three CCM severity phenotypes.
Enhancing microwave heating uniformity using reconfigurable diffractive beamforming surface
Authors: Kim Daehyeon , Kim Minhyeock , Youn Youngno , Chang Suho , Lee Cheonga , Kim Jeongwon , Oh Bukuk , Hong Wonbin 
Published: September 2021

AbstractConventional microwave oven suffers nonuniform electric field distribution due to standing wave inside the cavity, requiring improved heating uniformity. Multimode ovens, which are regarded as the most popular method, suffer from relatively limited accuracy and dependency on experimental validations. In this paper, a new class of microwave heating methodology is proposed to achieve heating uniformity improvements through the suppression of undesired standing waves. Microwave absorbers and focusing of electromagnetic waves using reconfigurable diffractive surface are devised, validated, and discussed. Numerical and experimental studies ascertain that the heat uniformity is improved by more than three factors compared to conventional microwave applicators, indicating its potential application and feasibilities.
Three‐dimensional quantification of circulation using finite‐element methods in four‐dimensional flow MR data of the thoracic aorta
Authors: Sotelo Julio , Bissell Malenka M. , Jiang Yaxin , Mella Hernan , Mura Joaquín , Uribe Sergio 
Published: September 2021

PurposeThree‐dimensional (3D) quantification of circulation using a Finite Elements methodology.MethodsWe validate our 3D method using an in‐silico arch model, for different mesh resolutions, image resolution and noise levels, and we compared this with a currently used 2D method. Finally, we evaluated the application of our methodology in 4D Flow MRI data of ascending aorta of six healthy volunteers, and six bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) patients, three with right and three with left handed flow, at peak systole. The in‐vivo data was compared using a Mann‐Whitney U‐test between volunteers and patients (right and left handed flow).ResultsThe robustness of our method throughout different image resolutions and noise levels showed subestimation of circulation less than 45 cm2/s in comparison with the 55cm2/s generated by the current 2D method. The circulation (mean ± SD) of the healthy volunteer group was 13.83 ± 28.78 cm2/s, in BAV patients with right‐handed flow 724.37 ± 317.53 cm2/s, and BAV patients with left‐handed flow −480.99 ± 387.29 cm2/s. There were significant differences between healthy volunteers and BAV patients groups (P‐value < .01), and also between BAV patients with a right‐handed or left‐handed helical flow and healthy volunteers (P‐value < .01).ConclusionWe propose a novel 3D formulation to estimate the circulation in the thoracic aorta, which can be used to assess the differences between normal and diseased hemodynamic from 4D‐Flow MRI data. This method also can correctly differentiate between the visually seen right‐ and left‐handed helical flow, which suggests that this approach may have high clinical sensitivity, but requires confirmation in longitudinal studies with a large cohort.
Association of plasma branched‐chain amino acids with overweight: A Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Liu Lei , Wang Xiaolin , Liu Yang , Zhao Xinjie , Xu Zhiyong , Ma Yanan , Xu Guowang , Wen Deliang 
Published: September 2021

AbstractObjectiveA Mendelian randomization (MR) framework was applied to disentangle the causal effect of branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs) and overweight/obesity in Chinese adolescents.MethodsCirculating BCAA levels were measured by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. A total of 7 BCAAs and 12 BMI‐associated common variants identified from released genome‐wide association study results were genotyped. Furthermore, a bidirectional MR approach was undertaken to disentangle the causal effect of BCAAs and overweight/obesity, using two‐stage regression.ResultsUsing the inverse variance‐weighted strategy and the weighted genetic scoring instruments, the estimated odds ratio per 1‐arbitrary‐unit increase in the total BCAA level on overweight and obesity odds after adjusting for age and sex was 2.40 (95% CI: 1.38 to 3.42, p < 0.001) and 2.55 (95% CI: 1.35 to 4.82, p = 0.004), respectively. Furthermore, additional MR tests were undertaken using a reversed model, testing the causal effect of increasing BMI variants on total BCAA level. By contrast, no evidence that increased BMI was causally associated with the total BCAA level (estimated β associated with 1‐kg/m2 increase in BMI = 0.05, 95% CI: −0.17 to 0.28, p = 0.642) was observed.ConclusionsIn summary, BCAAs may be causally associated with overweight/obesity or, rather, a congenital dysmetabolism of BCAAs could be a cause of overweight/obesity in adolescents.