bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrasensitive monitoring strategy of PCR‐like levels for zearalenone contamination based DNA barcode
Authors: Li Ming , Hong Xia , Qiu Xuchun , Yang Chuqin , Mao Yuhao , Li Yan , Liu Zhenjiang , Du Daolin 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe ultrasensitive monitoring strategy of zearalenone (ZEN) is essential and desirable for food safety and human health. In the present study, a coupling of gold nanoparticles‐DNA barcode and direct competitive immunoassay‐based real‐time polymerase chain reaction signal amplification (RT‐IPCR) for ZEN close to the sensitivity of PCR‐like levels is described and evaluated.RESULTSThe RT‐IPCR benefited from the use of a DNA barcode and RT‐PCR detection strategy, thus resulting in ultrasensitive and simple detection for ZEN. Under the optimal RT‐IPCR, the linear range of detection was from 0.5 to 1000 pg mL−1 and the limit of detection was 0.5 pg mL−1, which was 400‐fold lower than the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The detection procedure was simplified and the detection time was shortened. The specificity, accuracy and precision of the RT‐IPCR confirmed a high performance. ZEN‐positive contamination levels were from 0.056 to 152.12 ng g−1 by the RT‐IPCR, which was demonstrated to be highly reliable by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry.CONCLUSIONThe proposed RT‐IPCR could be used as an alternative for detecting ZEN with satisfactory ultrasensitivity, simplicity, low cost and high‐throughput. The present study could provide a strategy for the ultrasensitive detection of the small molecule with a simple and practical approach, which has significant appeal and application prospects.
Tumor characteristics and clinical outcome of peritoneal metastasis of gastric origin treated with a hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy procedure in the PERISCOPE I trial
Authors: Koemans Willem J. , van der Kaaij Rosa T. , Wassenaar Emma C. E. , Boerma Djamila , Boot Henk , Sikorska Karolina , Los Maartje , Grootscholten Cecile , Hartemink Koen J. , Veenhof Alexander A. F. A. , Kodach Liudmila , Snaebjornsson Petur , van Sandick Johanna W. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIntroductionThe PERISCOPE I (Treatment of PERItoneal dissemination in Stomach Cancer patients with cytOreductive surgery and hyPErthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy) study was conducted to investigate the safety and feasibility of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in gastric cancer patients with limited peritoneal dissemination. In this study, tumor characteristics and clinical outcome of the patients treated in the PERISCOPE I trial were investigated.MethodsPatients who had undergone the full study protocol were selected; that is, preoperative systemic chemotherapy, followed by a surgical procedure consisting of a (sub)total gastrectomy, cytoreductive surgery, and HIPEC with oxaliplatin (460 mg/m2) and docetaxel (in escalating doses).ResultsTwenty‐five PERISCOPE I patients underwent the full study protocol. Most patients had an ypT3‐4 tumor (96%) and the diffuse‐type histology was predominant (64%). Seven patients (28%) had a microscopically irradical (R1) resection. In all patients, a complete cytoreduction was achieved. Median follow‐up was 37 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 34–39) months. Disease recurrence was detected in 17 patients (68%). Median disease‐free and overall survival were 12 and 15 months, respectively.ConclusionIn this series of gastric cancer patients with limited peritoneal dissemination who underwent HIPEC surgery, unfavorable tumor characteristics were common. Survival might be encouraging but disease recurrence was frequent. The efficacy of an HIPEC procedure in improving prognosis is currently being investigated in the PERISCOPE II trial.
Neuroprotectin D1 Attenuates Blast Overpressure Induced Reactive Microglial Cells in the Cochlea
Authors: Ríos José David , Hughes Charlotte K. , Lally John , Wienandt Nathan , Esquivel Carlos , Serhan Charles N. , Weitzel Erik K. 
Published: January 2021

Objective/HypothesisWe examined a neuroinflammatory response associated with glial activation in the cochlea exposed to blast overpressure and evaluated the potential therapeutic efficacy of specialized pro‐resolving mediators such as neuroprotectin D1, NPD1; (10R, 17S‐dihydroxy‐4Z, 7Z, 11E, 13E, 15Z, 19Z‐docosahexaenoic acid) in a rodent blast‐induced auditory injury model.Study DesignAnimal Research.MethodsA compressed‐air driven shock tube was used to expose anesthetized adult male Long‐Evan rats to shock waves simulating an open‐field blast exposure. Approximately 30 minutes after blast exposure, rats were treated with NPD1 (100 ng/kg body wt.) or vehicle delivered intravenously via tail vein injection. Rats were then euthanized 48 hours after blast exposure. Unexposed rats were included as controls. Tissue sections containing both middle and inner ear were prepared with hematoxylin–eosin staining to elucidate histopathological changes associated with blast exposure. Cochlear tissues were evaluated for relative expression of ionized calcium‐binding adaptor 1 (Iba1), as an indicator of microglial activation by immunohistochemistry and western blot analyses.ResultsOur animal model resulted in an acute injury mechanism manifested by damage to the tympanic membrane, hemorrhage, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and increased expression of Iba1 protein. Moreover, therapeutic intervention with NPD1 significantly reduced Iba1 expression in the cochlea, suggesting a reduction of a neuroinflammatory response caused by blast overpressure.ConclusionsBlast overpressure resulted in an increased expression of proteins involved in gliosis within the auditory system, which were reduced by NPD1. Treatment of NPD1 suggests an effective strategy to reduce or halt auditory microglial cell activation due to primary blast exposure.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 131:E2018–E2025, 2021
Predominant Vertical Location of Benign Vocal Fold Lesions by Sex and Music Genre: Implication for Pathogenesis
Authors: Hirosaki Mayu , Kanazawa Takeharu , Komazawa Daigo , Konomi Ujimoto , Sakaguchi Yu , Katori Yukio , Watanabe Yusuke 
Published: January 2021

Objectives/HypothesisVertical locations of vocal fold mucosal lesions (VFMLs) vary along the free edge. As the vertical contact area of vocal folds (VFs) depends on the vocal register, lesions may occur in the contact area of more frequently used vocal registers. This study investigated the cause of location variations by comparing the vertical sites of VFMLs in singers of both sexes with different music genres.Study DesignRetrospective review.MethodsSixty professional classical and rock singers (11 male classical [M‐classical], 22 male rock [M‐rock], 13 female classical [F‐classical], and 14 female rock [F‐rock] singers) who underwent microlaryngeal surgery for VF polyps and nodules and their 108 lesions were enrolled. The VF free edge was vertically divided into three equal parts and classified into the following four lesion sites: upper, middle, lower, and multiple sites.ResultsUpper lesions were most common among F‐classical singers (73.9%), whereas lower lesions were most common among M‐classical (90.0%) and M‐rock (60.6%) singers. Among lesions localized to a single site, lower lesions were most common among F‐rock singers (37.0%). F‐classical singers had significantly more upper lesions than the other groups (P < .001). M‐classical singers had significantly more lower lesions than female singers of any genre (P < .001).ConclusionUpper lesions were most common among F‐classical singers who mostly used the head voice. Lower lesions were most common among singers who mainly used the modal voice. This study suggests that sex, the dominant vocal register used for singing, and mechanical stress on VFs influence the vertical site of VFMLs.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 131:E2284–E2291, 2021
Glutamine Inhibition Reduces Iatrogenic Laryngotracheal Stenosis
Authors: Tsai Hsiu‐Wen , Lina Ioan , Motz Kevin M , Chung Liam , Ding Dacheng , Murphy Michael K. , Feeley Michael , Elisseeff Jennifer H. , Hillel Alexander T. 
Published: January 2021

Objective/HypothesisGlutamine inhibition has been demonstrated an antifibrotic effect in iatrogenic laryngotracheal stenosis (iLTS) scar fibroblasts in vitro. We hypothesize that broadly active glutamine antagonist, DON will reduce collagen formation and fibrosis‐associated gene expression in iLTS mice.Study DesignProspective controlled animal study.MethodsiLTS in mice were induced by chemomechanical injury of the trachea using a bleomycin‐coated wire brush. PBS or DON (1.3 mg/kg) were administered by intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) every other day. Laryngotracheal complexes were harvested at days 7 and 14 after the initiation of DON treatment for the measurement of lamina propria thickness, trichrome stain, immunofluorescence staining of collagen 1, and fibrosis‐associated gene expression.ResultsThe study demonstrated that DON treatment reduced lamina propria thickness (P = .025) and collagen formation in trichrome stain and immunofluorescence staining of collagen 1. In addition, DON decreased fibrosis‐associated gene expression in iLTS mice. At day 7, DON inhibited Col1a1 (P < .0001), Col3a1 (P = .0046), Col5a1 (P < .0001), and Tgfβ (P = .023) expression. At day 14, DON reduced Co1a1 (P = .0076) and Tgfβ (P = .023) expression.ConclusionsBroadly active glutamine antagonist, DON, significantly reduces fibrosis in iLTS mice. These results suggest that the concept of glutamine inhibition may be a therapeutic option to reduce fibrosis in the laryngotracheal stenosis.Level of EvidenceN/A Laryngoscope, 131:E2125–E2130, 2021
Quantifying seasonal succession of phytoplankton trait‐environment associations in human‐altered landscapes
Authors: Loewen Charlie J. G. , Vinebrooke Rolf D. , Zurawell Ron W. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIntegration of species traits in direct gradient analysis generates insights into how communities are assembled and may respond to environmental changes. We investigated phytoplankton trait‐environment relationships for over 300 taxa during the open‐water season across 75 north‐temperate lakes and reservoirs in Alberta, Canada. An innovative, data‐driven approach was applied using iterative model selection for RLQ optimization to reveal key monthly associations. Fourth‐corner analysis then tested the significance of relationships using spatially and phylogenetically constrained null models derived by Moran spectral randomization. Both local‐ and regional‐scale drivers of succession were found with evidence of deterministic filtering by traits increasing in mid‐summer. Trait associations to land‐use and water quality highlighted potential anthropogenic cross‐scale interactions, such as logging and pasture development affecting phytoplankton via allochthonous nutrient inputs. Biogeographic factors (e.g., elevation and habitat size) and associated temperature and chemical gradients (e.g., pH and bicarbonate) were also linked to multiple morphological, physiological, and behavioral traits, including potential toxin production. Several correlated traits emphasized importance of trait syndromes corresponding to distinct taxonomic groups (e.g., cyanobacteria and green algae). However, rather than clustering species with shared ecological preferences or roles, our study builds on past trait‐based approaches to phytoplankton by testing for explicit trait associations with a range of environmental factors. Thus, we provide a novel, quantitative means of revealing environmental constraints on communities and translating their compositional changes under climate and other human influences into functional impacts on freshwater ecosystems.
Nonionic UCST–LCST Diblock Copolymers with Tunable Thermoresponsiveness Synthesized via PhotoRAFT Polymerization
Authors: Xu Jingcong , Abetz Volker 
Published: January 2021

AbstractNonionic double thermoresponsive diblock copolymers with both upper critical solution temperature (UCST) and lower critical solution temperature (LCST) phase transitions are synthesized via eco‐friendly photoiniferter reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. While the biocompatible random copolymer of di(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate and oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylate accounts for the LCST transition, the block of polymethacrylamide from an easily accessible monomer with low health hazard is responsible for the UCST transition. Temperature‐dependent dynamic light scattering measurements confirm the formation of micellar aggregates in water at the temperatures below UCST‐ and above LCST‐type cloud points. Additionally, the temperature interval between UCST and LCST, where both blocks are dissolved, can be tailored by varying the comonomer ratio in the random copolymer block. With these unique advantages, the presented work introduces a new polymer system for the design of schizophrenic polymers.
Identification of a conserved N‐terminal domain in the first module of ACV synthetases
Authors: Iacovelli Riccardo , Mózsik László , Bovenberg Roel A.L. , Driessen Arnold J.M. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe l‐δ‐(α‐aminoadipoyl)‐l‐cysteinyl‐d‐valine synthetase (ACVS) is a trimodular nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) that provides the peptide precursor for the synthesis of β‐lactams. The enzyme has been extensively characterized in terms of tripeptide formation and substrate specificity. The first module is highly specific and is the only NRPS unit known to recruit and activate the substrate l‐α‐aminoadipic acid, which is coupled to the α‐amino group of l‐cysteine through an unusual peptide bond, involving its δ‐carboxyl group. Here we carried out an in‐depth investigation on the architecture of the first module of the ACVS enzymes from the fungus Penicillium rubens and the bacterium Nocardia lactamdurans. Bioinformatic analyses revealed the presence of a previously unidentified domain at the N‐terminus which is structurally related to condensation domains, but smaller in size. Deletion variants of both enzymes were generated to investigate the potential impact on penicillin biosynthesis in vivo and in vitro. The data indicate that the N‐terminal domain is important for catalysis.
Identification of a novel TNRC18‐RARA fusion in acute promyelocytic leukemia lacking t(15;17)(q24;q12)/PML‐RARA
Authors: Wang Zheng , Wen Lijun , Zhang Ling , Xu Xiaoyu , Chen Xiaoqian , Yao Li , Wang Man , Shen Zhen , Mo Guangquan , Wang Yao , Zhao Dewan , Cai Wei , Shen Jingzhi , Chi Xiaomeng , Xu Yi , Zeng Zhao , Pan Jinlan , Ruan Changgeng , Wu Depei , Jia Zhilin , Chen Suning 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAcute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a unique disease entity in acute myeloid leukemia, characterized by PML‐RARA fusion gene, which is generated by chromosomal translocation t(15;17)(q24;q21). We identified TNRC18‐RARA as novel RARA fusion in resembling APL. Our study highlights the importance of combining multiple molecular techniques to characterize and optimally manage APL lacking classic t(15;17)(q24;q12)/PML‐RARA fusion.
Diet and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: What Quality Standards Should Be Applied in Clinical and Laboratory Studies?
Authors: Rogler Gerhard , Scharl Michael , Spalinger Marianne , Yilmaz Bahtiyar , Zaugg Michael , Hersberger Martin , Schreiner Philipp , Biedermann Luc , Herfarth Hans 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMany patients suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) follow restrictive diets, as many respective recommendations circulate. Efforts are made to evaluate and summarize the published information, for example, in a recent consensus manuscript by the International Organization for the Study of IBD (IOIBD). However, the standards that should be applied to make claims about dietary effects are poorly defined. In this manuscript, the scientific basis of recommendations for nutritional interventions in IBD is analyzed. Epidemiological evidence on diet in IBD is always biased by numerous factors, and the number of robust dietary intervention studies is limited due to methodological difficulties. Therefore, animal models are used to test hypotheses with respect to dietary factors and intestinal inflammation. Naturally, animal models have limitations, and knowledge of key characteristics of colitis animal models is crucial to understand their advantages and disadvantages. In recent years the important role of the microbiota for IBD and dietary factors has been discovered. Microbiota data are added to many publications on IBD and nutrition. The quality of those data varies largely. Subsequently, quality standards for microbiota analyses also are discussed. Finally, quality requirements to be applied on recommendations for dietary changes in patients with IBD are suggested.
Technical Note: First report on an in vivo range probing quality control procedure for scanned proton beam therapy in head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Meijers Arturs , Seller Oria Carmen , Free Jeffrey , Langendijk Johannes A , Knopf Antje C , Both Stefan 
Published: January 2021

PurposeThe capability of proton therapy to provide highly conformal dose distributions is impaired by range uncertainties. The aim of this work is to apply range probing (RP), a form of a proton radiography‐based quality control (QC) procedure for range accuracy assessment in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients in a clinical setting.Methods and MaterialsThis study included seven HNC patients. RP acquisition was performed using a multi‐layer ionization chamber (MLIC). Per patient, two RP frames were acquired within the first two weeks of treatment, on days when a repeated CT scan was obtained. Per RP frame, integral depth dose (IDD) curves of 81 spots around the treatment isocenter were acquired. Range errors are determined as a discrepancy between calculated IDDs in the treatment planning system and measured residual ranges by the MLIC. Range errors are presented relative to the water equivalent path length of individual proton spots. In addition to reporting results for complete measurement frames, an analysis, excluding range error contributions due to anatomical changes, is presented.ResultsDiscrepancies between measured and calculated ranges are smaller when performing RP calculations on the day‐specific patient anatomy rather than the planning CT. The patient‐specific range evaluation shows an agreement between calculated and measured ranges for spots in anatomically consistent areas within 3% (1.5 standard deviation).ConclusionsThe results of an RP‐based QC procedure implemented in the clinical practice for HNC patients have been demonstrated. The agreement of measured and simulated proton ranges confirms the 3% uncertainty margin for robust optimization. Anatomical variations show a predominant effect on range accuracy, motivating efforts towards the implementation of adaptive radiotherapy.
Free‐breathing mapping of hepatic iron overload in children using 3D multi‐echo UTE cones MRI
Authors: Kee Youngwook , Sandino Christopher M. , Syed Ali B. , Cheng Joseph Y. , Shimakawa Ann , Colgan Timothy J. , Hernando Diego , Vasanawala Shreyas S. 
Published: January 2021

PurposeTo enable motion‐robust, ungated, free‐breathing mapping of hepatic iron overload in children with 3D multi‐echo UTE cones MRI.MethodsA golden‐ratio re‐ordered 3D multi‐echo UTE cones acquisition was developed with chemical‐shift encoding (CSE). Multi‐echo complex‐valued source images were reconstructed via gridding and coil combination, followed by confounder‐corrected (=1/) mapping. A phantom containing 15 different concentrations of gadolinium solution (0–300 mM) was imaged at 3T. 3D multi‐echo UTE cones with an initial TE of 0.036 ms and Cartesian CSE‐MRI (IDEAL‐IQ) sequences were performed. With institutional review board approval, 85 subjects (81 pediatric patients with iron overload + 4 healthy volunteers) were imaged at 3T using 3D multi‐echo UTE cones with free breathing (FB cones), IDEAL‐IQ with breath holding (BH Cartesian), and free breathing (FB Cartesian). Overall image quality of maps was scored by 2 blinded experts and compared by a Wilcoxon rank‐sum test. For each pediatric subject, the paired maps were assessed to determine if a corresponding artifact‐free 15 mm region‐of‐interest (ROI) could be identified at a mid‐liver level on both images. Agreement between resulting quantification from FB cones and BH/FB Cartesian was assessed with Bland‐Altman and linear correlation analyses.ResultsROI‐based regression analysis showed a linear relationship between gadolinium concentration and in IDEAL‐IQ (y = 8.83x − 52.10, R2 = 0.995) as well as in cones (y = 9.19x − 64.16, R2 = 0.992). ROI‐based Bland‐Altman analysis showed that the mean difference (MD) was 0.15% and the SD was 5.78%. However, IDEAL‐IQ measurements beyond 200 mM substantially deviated from a linear relationship for IDEAL‐IQ (y = 5.85x + 127.61, R2 = 0.827), as opposed to cones (y = 10.87x − 166.96, R2 = 0.984). In vivo, FB cones had similar image quality with BH and FB Cartesian in 15 and 42 cases, respectively. FB cones had better image quality scores than BH and FB Cartesian in 3 and 21 cases, respectively, where BH/FB Cartesian exhibited severe ghosting artifacts. ROI‐based Bland‐Altman analyses were 2.23% (MD) and 6.59% (SD) between FB cones and BH Cartesian and were 0.21% (MD) and 7.02% (SD) between FB cones and FB Cartesian, suggesting a good agreement between FB cones and BH (FB) Cartesian . Strong linear relationships were observed between BH Cartesian and FB cones (y = 1.00x + 1.07, R2 = 0.996) and FB Cartesian and FB cones (y = 0.98x + 1.68, R2 = 0.999).ConclusionGolden‐ratio re‐ordered 3D multi‐echo UTE Cones MRI enabled motion‐robust, ungated, and free‐breathing mapping of hepatic iron overload, with comparable measurements and image quality to BH Cartesian, and better image quality than FB Cartesian.
Bifurcation analysis of shear band in sand under true triaxial conditions with hypoplasticity
Authors: Zhang Wei , Wang Shun , Wu Yang , Wu Wei 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPredicting the onset of shear band is of significance in understanding the failure of geomaterials. The prediction accuracy is dictated by the constitutive model used for the description of the pre‐bifurcation behaviour. In this study, we first modify a recently proposed hypoplastic constitutive model by incorporating a general strength criterion and a stiffness function. We proceed to consider the onset of shear band in sand under true triaxial conditions. We demonstrate that our analyses capture the pre‐bifurcation stress–strain relationship at different values of intermediate principal stress and predict fairly well the onset of shear band. The acoustic tensor criterion generally adopted in elastoplastic approaches is inadequate for hypoplastic approaches. No special non‐coaxial treatment is required for the present approach to yield a reasonable variation trend of bifurcation strain with intermediate principal stress ratio .