bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation between corneal thickness, keratometry, age, and differential pressure difference in healthy eyes
Authors: Colakoglu Ahmet , Colakoglu Iffet Emel , Cosar Cemile Banu 
Published: February 2021

AbstractTo determine the use of differential pressure difference (DPD), in air-puff differential tonometry, as a potential biomechanical measure of the cornea and elucidate its relationship with the intraocular pressure (IOP), central corneal thickness, corneal curvature, and age. This study comprised 396 eyes from 198 patients and was conducted at Acibadem University, School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Istanbul, Turkey. The central corneal curvature and refraction of the eyes were measured using an Auto Kerato-Refractometer (KR-1; Topcon Corporation, Tokyo, Japan). IOP and central corneal thickness were measured using a tono-pachymeter (CT-1P; Topcon Corporation, Tokyo, Japan), wherein two separate readings of IOP were obtained using two different modes: 1–30 and 1–60. The difference between these two readings was recorded as the DPD. The factors affecting the DPD were determined by stepwise multiple linear regression analysis. DPD varied over a dynamic range of − 3.0 to + 5.0 mmHg and was weakly correlated with the central corneal thickness (r = 0.115, p < 0.05). DPD showed no significant correlation with IOP 1–30 (p > 0.05). A weak but statistically significant (p < 0.05) positive correlation of DPD was observed with age (r = 0.123), Kavg (r = 0.102), and the CCT (r = 0.115). There was a significant correlation between DPD and Kavg, CCT, and age. There was no significant correlation between DPD and IOP 1–30. Age-related changes in the corneal ultrastructure may be a plausible explanation for the weak positive association between age and DPD. The proposed method may prove a valid non-invasive tool for the evaluation of corneal biomechanics and introduce DPD in the decision-making of routine clinical practice.
Stiffness increases with myofibroblast content and collagen density in mesenchymal high grade serous ovarian cancer
Authors: Mieulet Virginie , Garnier Camille , Kieffer Yann , Guilbert Thomas , Nemati Fariba , Marangoni Elisabetta , Renault Gilles , Chamming’s Foucauld , Vincent-Salomon Anne , Mechta-Grigoriou Fatima 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWomen diagnosed with high-grade serous ovarian cancers (HGSOC) are still likely to exhibit a bad prognosis, particularly when suffering from HGSOC of the Mesenchymal molecular subtype (50% cases). These tumors show a desmoplastic reaction with accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins and high content of cancer-associated fibroblasts. Using patient-derived xenograft mouse models of Mesenchymal and Non-Mesenchymal HGSOC, we show here that HGSOC exhibit distinct stiffness depending on their molecular subtype. Indeed, tumor stiffness strongly correlates with tumor growth in Mesenchymal HGSOC, while Non-Mesenchymal tumors remain soft. Moreover, we observe that tumor stiffening is associated with high stromal content, collagen network remodeling, and MAPK/MEK pathway activation. Furthermore, tumor stiffness accompanies a glycolytic metabolic switch in the epithelial compartment, as expected based on Warburg’s effect, but also in stromal cells. This effect is restricted to the central part of stiff Mesenchymal tumors. Indeed, stiff Mesenchymal tumors remain softer at the periphery than at the core, with stromal cells secreting high levels of collagens and showing an OXPHOS metabolism. Thus, our study suggests that tumor stiffness could be at the crossroad of three major processes, i.e. matrix remodeling, MEK activation and stromal metabolic switch that might explain at least in part Mesenchymal HGSOC aggressiveness.
Molecular and pathological analyses of gastric stump cancer by next-generation sequencing and immunohistochemistry
Authors: Watanabe Masahiro , Kuwata Takeshi , Setsuda Ayumi , Tokunaga Masanori , Kaito Akio , Sugita Shizuki , Tonouchi Akiko , Kinoshita Takahiro , Nagino Masato 
Published: February 2021

AbstractGastric stump cancer (GSC) has distinct clinicopathological characteristics from primary gastric cancer. However, the detailed molecular and pathological characteristics of GSC remain to be clarified because of its rarity. In this study, a set of tissue microarrays from 89 GSC patients was analysed by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridisation. Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) was expressed in 98.9% of tumour-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) and 6.7% of tumour cells (TCs). Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) was detected in 18 patients (20.2%). Overexpression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 and deficiency of mismatch repair (MMR) protein expression were observed in 5.6% and 1.1% of cases, respectively. Moreover, we used next-generation sequencing to determine the gene mutation profiles of a subset of the 50 most recent patients. The most frequently mutated genes were TP53 (42.0%) followed by SMAD4 (18.0%) and PTEN (16.0%), all of which are tumour suppressor genes. A high frequency of PD-L1 expression in TIICs and a high EBV infection rate suggest immune checkpoint inhibitors for treatment of GSC despite a relatively low frequency of deficient MMR gene expression. Other molecular characteristics such as PTEN and SMAD4 mutations might be considered to develop new treatment strategies.
Symmetric square shaped metamaterial structure with quintuple resonance frequencies for S, C, X and Ku band applications
Authors: Ramachandran Tayaallen , Faruque Mohammad Rashed Iqbal , Islam Mohammad Tariqul 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis study explores the effect of symmetrical square shaped metamaterial design for microwave frequency applications. The latest technology demands of advanced performance and research studies of metamaterial integration in the related bands are increasing tremendously. Therefore, this motivates us to explore the metamaterial design structure that has a high possibility to be applied in more than two resonance bands using a compact design structure. This study emphasis on a compact 14 × 14 mm2 and 1.524 mm thick substrate material known as Rogers RT6002. Seven distinct square shaped metamaterial (SQM) rings were constructed on the substrate material to achieve the goal of this research study. Besides that, the investigations of the metamaterial electromagnetic properties and effective medium parameters were carried out by utilising the Computer Simulation Technology Microwave Studio (CST) software. According to the numerical simulation results, the proposed SQM unit cell manifested quintuple resonance frequencies precisely at 3.384 (S band), 5.436, 7.002 (C band), 11.664 (X band), and 17.838 GHz (Ku band). Meanwhile, for the validation process, the comparison between the simulation and measurement results was analysed and data showed that the first and third resonance frequencies were increased by 0.336 and 0.139 GHz, respectively while other frequencies were reduced by 0.186, 0.081, and 0.709 GHz in sequential order. The numerical simulation of the metamaterial design was conducted in a High Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS) to further validate the results. Furthermore, the proposed SQM manifested left handed characteristics at the second to fifth resonance bands. In a nutshell, the SQM successfully achieves the objectives of this research work and can be applied to multi band applications.
Nasal displacement of retinal vessels on the optic disc in glaucoma associated with a nasally angled passage through lamina cribrosa
Authors: Sawada Yu , Araie Makoto , Shibata Hitomi , Iwase Takeshi 
Published: February 2021

AbstractTo investigate nasal displacement of central retinal vessel (CRV) on the optic nerve head (ONH) in glaucoma in association with its passage through lamina cribrosa (LC). This cross-sectional study included 113 eyes with glaucoma and 60 normal eyes. Horizontal spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) scans of the ONH were acquired, and point where CRV emerged on the ONH surface was defined as the position of the CRV. Next, radial scans of the ONH were acquired, and angle of the CRV passing through the LC was measured. These parameters were compared between glaucomatous and normal eyes by t-test, and their relationship with possible confounders was assessed by multiple regression analyses. In glaucoma, CRV was significantly more nasally displaced than it was in normal eyes (66.0 ± 8.6 vs. 54.3 ± 9.5, P < 0.0001), and eyes with more vessel displacement exhibited significantly worse glaucomatous visual field defects (P = 0.0004). Greater nasal displacement of the CRV was significantly associated with a more nasally angled path through the LC (rs = 0.569, P < 0.0001). By using SD-OCT, we confirmed that nasal displacement of the CRV on the ONH was associated with glaucoma and was induced by its nasally angled path through the LC.
Using hyperspectral imagery to investigate large-scale seagrass cover and genus distribution in a temperate coast
Authors: Clarke Kenneth , Hennessy Andrew , McGrath Andrew , Daly Robert , Gaylard Sam , Turner Alison , Cameron James , Lewis Megan , Fernandes Milena B. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSeagrasses are regarded as indicators and first line of impact for anthropogenic activities affecting the coasts. The underlying mechanisms driving seagrass cover however have been mostly studied on small scales, making it difficult to establish the connection to seagrass dynamics in an impacted seascape. In this study, hyperspectral airborne imagery, trained from field surveys, was used to investigate broadscale seagrass cover and genus distribution along the coast of Adelaide, South Australia. Overall mapping accuracy was high for both seagrass cover (98%, Kappa = 0.93), and genus level classification (85%, Kappa = 0.76). Spectral separability allowed confident genus mapping in waters up to 10 m depth, revealing a 3.5 ratio between the cover of the dominant Posidonia and Amphibolis. The work identified the absence of Amphibolis in areas historically affected by anthropogenic discharges, which occasionally contained Posidonia and might be recovering. The results suggest hyperspectral imagery as a useful tool to investigate the interplay between seagrass cover and genus distribution at large spatial scales.
Mapping of functional elements of the Fab-6 boundary involved in the regulation of the Abd-B hox gene in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Postika Nikolay , Schedl Paul , Georgiev Pavel , Kyrchanova Olga 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe autonomy of segment-specific regulatory domains in theBithoraxcomplex is conferred by boundary elements and associated Polycomb response elements (PREs). TheFab-6boundary is located at the junction of theiab-5andiab-6domains. Previous studies mapped it to a nuclease hypersensitive region 1 (HS1), while theiab-6PRE was mapped to a second hypersensitive region HS2 nearly 3 kb away. To analyze the role of HS1 and HS2 in boundary we generated deletions of HS1 or HS1 + HS2 that haveattPsite for boundary replacement experiments. The 1389 bp HS1 deletion can be rescued by a 529 bp coreFab-6sequence that includes two CTCF sites. However,Fab-6HS1 cannot rescue the HS1 + HS2 deletion or substitute for another BX-C boundary –Fab-7. For this it must be combined with a PRE, eitherFab-7HS3, orFab-6HS2. These findings suggest that the boundary function ofFab-6HS1 must be bolstered by a second element that has PRE activity.
Synthesis of novel phytol-derived γ-butyrolactones and evaluation of their biological activity
Authors: Gliszczyńska Anna , Dancewicz Katarzyna , Gabryś Beata , Świtalska Marta , Wietrzyk Joanna , Maciejewska Gabriela 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe synthesis of phytol-derived γ-butyrolactones as well as their evaluation for deterrent activity towards peach-potato aphid Myzus persicae and antiproliferative activity against four selected cancer cell lines are reported. Products were obtained in good yields (19–96%) and their structures were fully characterized by spectroscopic data (NMR, HRMS). Four synthesized δ-halo-γ-lactones (4–7) are new and have not been previously described in the literature. In the choice test phytol (1) appeared deterrent to M. persicae, whereas modifications of its structure did not cause the avoidance of the treated leaves by the aphids. In contrast, aphids were attracted to the leaves treated with the new trans-δ-chloro-γ-lactone (6). Electrical Penetration Graph (EPG) technique applied to explore the aphid probing and feeding activity revealed that neither phytol nor lactone 6 affected aphid probing and the consumption of phloem sap, which means that both phytol and the lactone 6 might have acted as postingestive modifiers of aphid behavior. The results of in vitro antitumor assays showed that obtained phytol derivatives exhibit cytotoxic activity against studied cancer cell lines (leukemia, lung and colon carcinoma and its doxorubicin resistant subline). Halolactones 4–6 were identified as the compounds, which arrest cell cycle of leukemia cells mainly in G2/M and S phases.
Human induced pluripotent stem cell-based platform for modeling cardiac ischemia
Authors: Häkli Martta , Kreutzer Joose , Mäki Antti-Juhana , Välimäki Hannu , Lappi Henna , Huhtala Heini , Kallio Pasi , Aalto-Setälä Katriina , Pekkanen-Mattila Mari 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIschemic heart disease is a major cause of death worldwide, and the only available therapy to salvage the tissue is reperfusion, which can initially cause further damage. Many therapeutics that have been promising in animal models have failed in human trials. Thus, functional human based cardiac ischemia models are required. In this study, a human induced pluripotent stem cell derived-cardiomyocyte (hiPSC-CM)-based platform for modeling ischemia–reperfusion was developed utilizing a system enabling precise control over oxygen concentration and real-time monitoring of the oxygen dynamics as well as iPS-CM functionality. In addition, morphology and expression of hypoxia-related genes and proteins were evaluated as hiPSC-CM response to 8 or 24 h hypoxia and 24 h reoxygenation. During hypoxia, initial decrease in hiPSC-CM beating frequency was observed, after which the CMs adapted to the conditions and the beating frequency gradually increased already before reoxygenation. During reoxygenation, the beating frequency typically first surpassed the baseline before settling down to the values close the baseline. Furthermore, slowing on the field potential propagation throughout the hiPSC-CM sheet as well as increase in depolarization time and decrease in overall field potential duration were observed during hypoxia. These changes were reversed during reoxygenation. Disorganization of sarcomere structures was observed after hypoxia and reoxygenation, supported by decrease in the expression of sarcomeric proteins. Furthermore, increase in the expression of gene encoding glucose transporter 1 was observed. These findings indicate, that despite their immature phenotype, hiPSC-CMs can be utilized in modeling ischemia–reperfusion injury.
Biochemical characterisation of a collagenase from Bacillus cereus strain Q1
Authors: Hoppe Isabel J. , Brandstetter Hans , Schönauer Esther 
Published: February 2021

AbstractCollagen is the most abundant protein in higher animals and as such it is a valuable source of amino acids and carbon for saprophytic bacteria. Due to its unique amino acid composition and triple-helical tertiary structure it can however only be cleaved by specialized proteases like the collagenases secreted by some bacteria. Among the best described bacterial collagenases are ColG and ColH fromClostridium histolyticum. ManyBacillus species contain homologues of clostridial collagenases, which play a role in some infections caused byB. cereus. Detailed biochemical and enzymatic characterizations of bacillial collagenases are however lacking at this time. In an effort to close this gap in knowledge we expressed ColQ1 fromB. cereusstrain Q1 recombinantly, investigated its metal dependency and performed peptide, gelatin and collagen degradation assays. Our results show that ColQ1 is a true collagenase, cleaving natively folded collagen six times more efficiently than ColG while at the same time being a similarly effective peptidase as ColH. In both ColQ1 and ColG the rate-limiting step in collagenolysis is the unwinding of the triple-helix. The data suggest an orchestrated multi-domain mechanism for efficient helicase activity.
A broad spectrum anti-bacterial peptide with an adjunct potential for tuberculosis chemotherapy
Authors: Rao Komal Umashankar , Henderson Domhnall Iain , Krishnan Nitya , Puthia Manoj , Glegola-Madejska Izabela , Brive Lena , Bjarnemark Fanny , Millqvist Fureby Anna , Hjort Karin , Andersson Dan I. , Tenland Erik , Sturegård Erik , Robertson Brian D. , Godaly Gabriela 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAlternative ways to prevent and treat infectious diseases are needed. Previously, we identified a fungal peptide, NZX, that was comparable to rifampicin in lowering M. tuberculosis load in a murine tuberculosis (TB) infection model. Here we assessed the potential synergy between this cationic host defence peptide (CHDP) and the current TB drugs and analysed its pharmacokinetics. We found additive effect of this peptide with isoniazid and ethambutol and confirmed these results with ethambutol in a murine TB-model. In vivo, the peptide remained stable in circulation and preserved lung structure better than ethambutol alone. Antibiotic resistance studies did not induce mutants with reduced susceptibility to the peptide. We further observed that this peptide was effective against nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), such as M. avium and M. abscessus, and several Gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. In conclusion, the presented data supports a role for this CHDP in the treatment of drug resistant organisms.
Clinical outcomes and risk factors of hepatopulmonary syndrome in children
Authors: Kim Kwang Yeon , Kim Tae Hyeong , Lee Jeong-Moo , Yi Nam-Joon , Kim Hyun-Young , Moon Jin Soo , Ko Jae Sung 
Published: February 2021

AbstractHepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) is defined as three distinct features: liver disease, hypoxemia, and intrapulmonary vasodilation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical outcomes of pediatric HPS and to identify the risk factors for HPS in children with biliary atresia (BA). We performed a retrospective cohort study of all children who were diagnosed with HPS between 2000 and 2018 at Seoul National University Hospital. The clinical features and outcomes of the 10 patients diagnosed with HPS were reviewed. To clarify the risk factors of HPS in patients with BA, we reviewed 120 patients diagnosed with BA. Underlying liver disease was BA in 8 patients, portal vein agenesis in 1 patient, and portal vein thrombosis in 1 patient. A total of 7 patients underwent liver transplantation (LT). Currently, all seven patients, including 3 patients with severe HPS, survived after LT. The prevalence of HPS in children with BA was 7%. Polysplenia/interrupted inferior vena was the only risk factor for HPS in BA patients in multivariate analysis. The Pediatric End-Stage Liver Disease score was not associated with the development of HPS. Children with severe HPS undergoing LT had excellent outcomes. Screening for HPS in children with BA is required regardless of the severity of liver diseases.
Multiple endogenous seed-born bacteria recovered rice growth disruption caused by Burkholderia glumae
Authors: Akimoto-Tomiyama Chiharu 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBurkholderia glumae is a causal agent of bacterial grain and seedling rot in rice, and is a threat to stable global food supply. The virulence of B. glumae was suppressed when it was inoculated on budding seed rather than on non-budding seed. To clarify the phenomena, pathogen titer inside the rice plant was measured by serial dilution plating of lysates from budding rice seedlings. Surprisingly, morphologically different types of colonies were observed on the plates. These ‘contaminated’ rice seed-born bacteria (RSB) were identified by sequencing 16S rRNA genes as three strains of Pseudomonas putida (RSB1, RSB10, RSB15) and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (RSB2). All bacteria and B. glumae were simultaneously inoculated onto rice seeds, and all three P. putida RSBs suppressed the growth disruption caused by B. glumae, whereas RSB2 had no effect. Thus, the virulence was synergistically suppressed when co-treated with RSBs. The effect could be dependent on the high biofilm formation ability of RSB2. By comprehensive microbiota analysis, endogenous rice flora were changed by RSBs treatment. These results suggest the possibility of novel pathogen control through pre-treatment with endogenous beneficial microorganisms. The method would contribute substantially to the implementation of sustainable agriculture stated in Sustainable Development Goals of United Nations.
Smart composite nanofiber mats with thermal management functionality
Authors: Kizildag Nuray 
Published: February 2021

AbstractNanofibers with thermal management ability are attracting great attention in both academia and industry due to the increasing interest in energy storage applications, thermal insulation, and thermal comfort. While electrospinning is basically a fiber formation technique, which uses electrostatic forces to draw ultrafine fibers from a wide variety of polymers, with the addition of phase change materials (PCMs) to the electrospinning solution it enables the production of shape stabilized phase change materials with thermal management functionality. In this study, polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers containing paraffinic PCMs were produced by electrospinning method and the composite nanofibers obtained were characterized in terms of their morphology, chemical structure, thermal properties, stability, thermal degradation behaviour and hydrophobicity. Besides, PCMs with different phase transition temperatures were added simultaneously into the nanofiber structure in order to investigate the tunability of the thermoregulation properties of the nanofibers. Uniform nanofibers with thermal management functionality were obtained. It could be possible to obtain composite nanofibers showing thermoregulation ability over a wider temperature range by simultaneous addition of PCMs with different melting points into the nanofiber structure. 50 wt% PCM could be added to PAN nanofiber structure wherein the resulting nanofiber exhibited 58.74 J g−1 of enthalpy storage during heating and 57.41 J g−1 of heat release during cooling. The composite nanofibers maintained their cylindrical fiber morphology, structure and composition after multiple heating–cooling cycles and retained their thermal management functionality. The contact angle measurements showed that the addition of PCMs imparted hydrophobicity to the nanofibers.