bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integrated mRNA and miRNA expression profile analysis of female and male gonads in Hyriopsis cumingii
Authors: Wang Ya-Yu , Duan Sheng-Hua , Wang Gui-Ling , Li Jia-Le 
Published: January 2021

AbstractHyriopsis cumingiiis an important species for freshwater pearl cultivation in China. In terms of pearl production, males have larger pearls and better glossiness than females, but there are few reports focusing on the sex ofH. cumingii. In this study, six mRNA and six microRNA (miRNA) libraries were prepared from ovaries and testes. Additionally, 28,502 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 32 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were identified. Compared with testis, 14,360 mRNAs and 20 miRNAs were up-regulated in ovary, 14,142 mRNAs and 12 miRNAs were down-regulated. In DEGs, the known genes related to sex determinism and/or differentiation were also identified, such asDMRT1,SOX9,SF1for males,FOXL2for females, and other potentially significant candidate genes. Three sex-related pathways have also been identified, which are Wnt, Notch, and TGF-beta. In 32 DEMs, the three miRNAs (miR-9-5p, miR-92, miR-184) were paid more attention, they predicted 28 target genes, which may also be candidates for sex-related miRNAs and genes. Differential miRNAs target genes analysis reveals the pathway associated with oocyte meiosis and spermatogenesis. Overall, the findings of the study provide significant insights to enhance our understanding of sex differentiation and/or sex determination mechanisms forH. cumingii.
ROCK inhibition reduces morphological and functional damage to rod synapses after retinal injury
Authors: Halász Éva , Zarbin Marco A. , Davidow Amy L. , Frishman Laura J. , Gombkoto Peter , Townes-Anderson Ellen 
Published: January 2021

AbstractRetinal detachment (RD) causes damage, including disjunction, of the rod photoreceptor-bipolar synapse, which disrupts vision and may contribute to the poor visual recovery observed after retinal reattachment surgery. We created a model of iatrogenic RD in adult female pigs to study damage to the rod-bipolar synapse after injury and the ability of a highly specific Rho-kinase (ROCK) inhibitor to preserve synaptic structure and function. This model mimics procedures used in humans when viral vectors or cells are injected subretinally for treatment of retinal disease. Synaptic disjunction by retraction of rod spherules, quantified by image analysis of confocal sections, was present 2 h after detachment and remained 2 days later even though the retina had spontaneously reattached by then. Moreover, spherule retraction occurred in attached retina 1–2 cms from detached retina. Synaptic damage was significantly reduced by ROCK inhibition in detached retina whether injected subretinally or intravitreally. Dark-adapted full-field electroretinograms were recorded in reattached retinas to assess rod-specific function. Reduction in synaptic injury correlated with increases in rod-driven responses in drug-treated eyes. Thus, ROCK inhibition helps prevent synaptic damage and improves functional outcomes after retinal injury and may be a useful adjunctive treatment in iatrogenic RD and other retinal degenerative diseases.
Long-term surgical outcomes of primary retropupillary iris claw intraocular lens implantation for the treatment of intraocular lens dislocation
Authors: Choi Eun Young , Lee Chul Hee , Kang Hyun Goo , Han Jae Yong , Byeon Suk Ho , Kim Sung Soo , Koh Hyoung Jun , Kim Min 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWe aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of primary retropupillary iris claw intraocular lens (R-IOL) implantation in patients with complete intraocular lens (IOL) dislocation. In this single-center retrospective case series, we reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent R-IOL implantation surgery with pars plana vitrectomy for the treatment of IOL dislocation between September 2014 and July 2019. The primary outcome was change in visual acuity (VA) up to 24 months postoperatively. The secondary outcomes included changes in intraocular pressure (IOP), refractive errors, and endothelial cell count (ECC) over the same period. Data of 103 eyes (98 patients) were analyzed. The mean uncorrected VA was significantly improved at one month postoperatively (− 0.69 logMAR, P < 0.001), compared to the preoperative value. IOP (− 2.3 mmHg, P = 0.008) and ECC (− 333.4 cells/mm2, P = 0.027) significantly decreased one month post-surgery and remained stable thereafter. Postoperative mean spherical equivalents were similar to the prediction error throughout the follow-up period. IOP elevation (n = 8, 7.8%), cystoid macular edema (n = 4, 3.9%), and dislocation of the R-IOL (n = 10, 9.7%) were managed successfully. Overall, primary R-IOL implantation with pars plana vitrectomy is effective and safe for correcting IOL dislocation due to various causes.
Anti-proliferative and anti-migratory properties of coffee diterpenes kahweol acetate and cafestol in human renal cancer cells
Authors: Makino Tomoyuki , Izumi Kouji , Hiratsuka Kaoru , Kano Hiroshi , Shimada Takashi , Nakano Taito , Kadomoto Suguru , Naito Renato , Iwamoto Hiroaki , Yaegashi Hiroshi , Shigehara Kazuyoshi , Kadono Yoshifumi , Nakata Hiroki , Saito Yohei , Nakagawa-Goto Kyoko , Sakai Norihiko , Iwata Yasunori , Wada Takashi , Mizokami Atsushi 
Published: January 2021

AbstractDespite improvements in systemic therapy options for renal cancer, it remains one of the most drug-resistant malignancies. Interestingly, reports have shown that kahweol and cafestol, natural diterpenes extracted from coffee beans, exhibit anti-cancer activity. However, the multiple potential pharmacological actions of both have yet to be fully understood. This study therefore investigated the effects of kahweol acetate and cafestol on human renal cancer ACHN and Caki-1 cells. Accordingly, the combination of kahweol acetate and cafestol administration synergistically inhibited cell proliferation and migration by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Mechanistic dissection revealed that kahweol acetate and cafestol inhibited Akt and ERK phosphorylation. Moreover, kahweol acetate and cafestol downregulated the expression of not only C–C chemokine receptors 2, 5, and 6 but also programmed death-ligand 1, indicating their effects on the tumor microenvironment. Thus, kahweol acetate and cafestol may be novel therapeutic candidates for renal cancer considering that they exert multiple pharmacological effects.
Alkali metal doping of black phosphorus monolayer for ultrasensitive capture and detection of nitrogen dioxide
Authors: Marjani Azam , Ghambarian Mehdi , Ghashghaee Mohammad 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBlack phosphorus nanostructures have recently sparked substantial research interest for the rational development of novel chemosensors and nanodevices. For the first time, the influence of alkali metal doping of black phosphorus monolayer (BP) on its capabilities for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) capture and monitoring is discussed. Four different nanostructures including BP, Li-BP, Na-BP, and K-BP were evaluated; it was found that the adsorption configuration on Li-BP was different from others such that the NO2 molecule preferred a vertical stabilization rather than a parallel configuration with respect to the surface. The efficiency for the detection increased in the sequence of Na-BP < BP < K-BP < Li-BP, with the most significant improvement of + 95.2% in the case of Li doping. The Na-BP demonstrated the most compelling capacity (54 times higher than BP) for NO2 capture and catalysis (− 24.36 kcal/mol at HSE06/TZVP). Furthermore, the K-doped device was appropriate for both nitrogen dioxide adsorption and sensing while also providing the highest work function sensitivity (55.4%), which was much higher than that of BP (10.4%).
Selection and characterisation of Affimers specific for CEA recognition
Authors: Shamsuddin Shazana Hilda , Jayne David G. , Tomlinson Darren C. , McPherson Michael J. , Millner Paul A. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractCarcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is the only blood based protein biomarker at present, used for preoperative screening of advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) patients to determine the appropriate curative treatments and post-surveillance screening for tumour recurrence. Current diagnostics for CRC detection have several limitations and development of a highly sensitive, specific and rapid diagnostic device is required. The majority of such devices developed to date are antibody-based and suffer from shortcomings including multimeric binding, cost and difficulties in mass production. To circumvent antibody-derived limitations, the present study focused on the development of Affimer proteins as a novel alternative binding reagent for CEA detection. Here, we describe the selection, from a phage display library, of Affimers specific to CEA protein. Characterization of three anti-CEA Affimers reveal that these bind specifically and selectively to protein epitopes of CEA from cell culture lysate and on fixed cells. Kinetic binding analysis by SPR show that the Affimers bind to CEA with high affinity and within the nM range. Therefore, they have substantial potential for used as novel affinity reagents in diagnostic imaging, targeted CRC therapy, affinity purification and biosensor applications.
A case control study examining the feasibility of using eye tracking perimetry to differentiate patients with glaucoma from healthy controls
Authors: Tatham Andrew J. , Murray Ian C. , McTrusty Alice D. , Cameron Lorraine A. , Perperidis Antonios , Brash Harry M. , Fleck Brian W. , Minns Robert A. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractTo explore the feasibility of using Saccadic Vector Optokinetic Perimetry (SVOP) to differentiate glaucomatous and healthy eyes. A prospective case–control study was performed using a convenience sample recruited from a single university glaucoma clinic and a group of healthy controls. SVOP and standard automated perimetry (SAP) was performed with testing order randomised. The reference standard was a diagnosis of glaucoma based a comprehensive ophthalmic examination and abnormality on standard automated perimetry (SAP). The index test was SVOP. 31 patients with glaucoma and 24 healthy subjects were included. Mean SAP mean deviation (MD) in those with glaucoma was − 8.7 ± 7.4 dB, with mean SAP and SVOP sensitivities of 23.3 ± 0.9 dB and 22.1 ± 4.3 dB respectively. Participants with glaucoma were significantly older. On average, SAP sensitivity was 1.2 ± 1.4 dB higher than SVOP (95% limits of agreement = − 1.6 to 4.0 dB). SVOP sensitivity had good ability to differentiate healthy and glaucomatous eyes with a 95% CI for area under the curve (AUC) of 0.84 to 0.96, similar to the performance of SAP sensitivity (95% CI 0.86 to 0.97, P = 0.60). For 80% specificity, SVOP had a 95% CI sensitivity of 75.7% to 94.8% compared to 77.8% to 96.0% for SAP. SVOP took considerably longer to perform (514 ± 54 s compared to 267 ± 76 s for SAP). Eye tracking perimetry may be useful for detection of glaucoma but further studies are needed to evaluate SVOP within its intended sphere of use, using an appropriate design and independent reference standard.
Nanodiamond surface chemistry controls assembly of polypyrrole and generation of photovoltage
Authors: Miliaieva Daria , Matunova Petra , Cermak Jan , Stehlik Stepan , Cernescu Adrian , Remes Zdenek , Stenclova Pavla , Muller Martin , Rezek Bohuslav 
Published: January 2021

AbstractNanoscale composite of detonation nanodiamond (DND) and polypyrrole (PPy) as a representative of organic light-harvesting polymers is explored for energy generation, using nanodiamond as an inorganic electron acceptor. We present a technology for the composite layer-by-layer synthesis that is suitable for solar cell fabrication. The formation, pronounced material interaction, and photovoltaic properties of DND-PPy composites are characterized down to nanoscale by atomic force microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, Kelvin probe, and electronic transport measurements. The data show that DNDs with different surface terminations (hydrogenated, oxidized, poly-functional) assemble PPy oligomers in different ways. This leads to composites with different optoelectronic properties. Tight material interaction results in significantly enhanced photovoltage and broadband (1–3.5 eV) optical absorption in DND/PPy composites compared to pristine materials. Combination of both oxygen and hydrogen functional groups on the nanodiamond surface appears to be the most favorable for the optoelectronic effects. Theoretical DFT calculations corroborate the experimental data. Test solar cells demonstrate the functionality of the concept.
Performance of Azure-winged magpies in Aesop’s fable paradigm
Authors: Zhang Yigui , Yu Cong , Chen Lixin , Li Zhongqiu 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn this study, the improved Aesop’s fable paradigm—a series of experiments originally used to test whether some animals understand the causality associated with water replacement—was used to explore the cognitive ability of Azure-winged magpies (Cyanopica cyanus). Experimental results on causal cue tasks showed that the Azure-winged magpies prefer water-filled tubes over sand-filled tubes, heavy objects over light objects, and solid objects over hollow objects. However, they failed to notice the diameter and water level of the tubes. They also failed to pass the counterintuitive U-shaped tube task in arbitrary cue tasks. Our results demonstrated that Azure-winged magpies have a certain cognitive ability but not an understanding of causality, a characteristic comparable to that of other corvids. Moreover, Azure-winged magpies exhibited the ability of training transfer and analogical problem solving from the perspective of cognitive psychology. We believe that object-bias has little effect on Azure-winged magpies in this study. We can conclude that the Azure-winged magpies partially completed the tasks by trial-and-error learning.
A natural language processing approach for identifying temporal disease onset information from mental healthcare text
Authors: Viani Natalia , Botelle Riley , Kerwin Jack , Yin Lucia , Patel Rashmi , Stewart Robert , Velupillai Sumithra 
Published: January 2021

AbstractReceiving timely and appropriate treatment is crucial for better health outcomes, and research on the contribution of specific variables is essential. In the mental health domain, an important research variable is the date of psychosis symptom onset, as longer delays in treatment are associated with worse intervention outcomes. The growing adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) within mental health services provides an invaluable opportunity to study this problem at scale retrospectively. However, disease onset information is often only available in open text fields, requiring natural language processing (NLP) techniques for automated analyses. Since this variable can be documented at different points during a patient’s care, NLP methods that model clinical and temporal associations are needed. We address the identification of psychosis onset by: 1) manually annotating a corpus of mental health EHRs with disease onset mentions, 2) modelling the underlying NLP problem as a paragraph classification approach, and 3) combining multiple onset paragraphs at the patient level to generate a ranked list of likely disease onset dates. For 22/31 test patients (71%) the correct onset date was found among the top-3 NLP predictions. The proposed approach was also applied at scale, allowing an onset date to be estimated for 2483 patients.
Global variation of seismic energy release with oceanic lithosphere age
Authors: Pinzón Nicolás , Vargas Carlos A. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractVariations in Mid Ocean Ridge seismicity with age provide a new tool to understand the thermal evolution of the oceanic lithosphere. The sum of seismic energy released by earthquakes during a time, and for an area, is proportional to its lithospheric age. Asthenospheric temperatures emerge on ridge centers with new crust resulting in high seismic activity; thus, the energy released sum is highest on the young lithosphere and decreases with age. We propose a general model that relates the systematic variation of seismic energy released with the lithospheric age. Our analysis evaluates the main physical factors involved in the changes of energy released sum with the oceanic lithosphere age in MOR systems of different spreading rates. These observations are substantiated based on three cross-sections of the East Pacific Rise, six sections in the Mid Atlantic Ridge, and three profiles in the Central Indian Ridge. Our global model provides an additional tool for understanding tectonic processes, including the effects of seismicity and mid-plate volcanism, and a better understanding of the thermal evolution for the young oceanic lithosphere.
An in vivo model allowing continuous observation of human vascular formation in the same animal over time
Authors: Tsukada Yohei , Muramatsu Fumitaka , Hayashi Yumiko , Inagaki Chiaki , Su Hang , Iba Tomohiro , Kidoya Hiroyasu , Takakura Nobuyuki 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAngiogenesis contributes to numerous pathological conditions. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of angiogenesis will offer new therapeutic opportunities. Several experimental in vivo models that better represent the pathological conditions have been generated for this purpose in mice, but it is difficult to translate results from mouse to human blood vessels. To understand human vascular biology and translate findings into human research, we need human blood vessel models to replicate human vascular physiology. Here, we show that human tumor tissue transplantation into a cranial window enables engraftment of human blood vessels in mice. An in vivo imaging technique using two-photon microscopy allows continuous observation of human blood vessels until at least 49 days after tumor transplantation. These human blood vessels make connections with mouse blood vessels as shown by the finding that lectin injected into the mouse tail vein reaches the human blood vessels. Finally, this model revealed that formation and/or maintenance of human blood vessels depends on VEGFR2 signaling. This approach represents a useful tool to study molecular mechanisms of human blood vessel formation and to test effects of drugs that target human blood vessels in vivo to show proof of concept in a preclinical model.
Integrated structured light architectures
Authors: Lemons Randy , Liu Wei , Frisch Josef C. , Fry Alan , Robinson Joseph , Smith Steve R. , Carbajo Sergio 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe structural versatility of light underpins an outstanding collection of optical phenomena where both geometrical and topological states of light can dictate how matter will respond or display. Light possesses multiple degrees of freedom such as amplitude, and linear, spin angular, and orbital angular momenta, but the ability to adaptively engineer the spatio-temporal distribution of all these characteristics is primarily curtailed by technologies used to impose any desired structure to light. We demonstrate a laser architecture based on coherent beam combination offering integrated spatio-temporal field control and programmability, thereby presenting unique opportunities for generating light by design to exploit its topology.
Dual size-exclusion chromatography for efficient isolation of extracellular vesicles from bone marrow derived human plasma
Authors: Jung Jik-Han , Back Woojin , Yoon Junyong , Han Hyeonjeong , Kang Ka-Won , Choi Byeonghyeon , Jeong Hyesun , Park Jaena , Shin Hyunku , Hur Woojune , Choi Yeonho , Hong Sunghoi , Kim Hyun Koo , Park Yong , Park Ji-Ho 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIsolation of pure extracellular vesicles (EVs), especially from blood, has been a major challenge in the field of EV research. The presence of lipoproteins and soluble proteins often hinders the isolation of high purity EVs upon utilization of conventional separation methods. To circumvent such problems, we designed a single-step dual size-exclusion chromatography (dSEC) column for effective isolation of highly pure EVs from bone marrow derived human plasma. With an aim to select appropriate column design parameters, we analyzed the physiochemical properties of the major substances in bone marrow derived plasma, which include EVs, lipoproteins, and soluble proteins. Based on these findings, we devised a novel dSEC column with two different types of porous beads sequentially stacked each other for efficient separation of EVs from other contaminants. The newly developed dSEC columns exhibited better performance in isolating highly pure EVs from AML plasma in comparison to conventional isolation methods.
Basiliximab impairs regulatory T cell (TREG) function and could affect the short-term graft acceptance in children with heart transplantation
Authors: López-Abente Jacobo , Martínez-Bonet Marta , Bernaldo-de-Quirós Esther , Camino Manuela , Gil Nuria , Panadero Esther , Gil-Jaurena Juan Miguel , Clemente Maribel , Urschel Simon , West Lori , Pion Marjorie , Correa-Rocha Rafael 
Published: January 2021

AbstractCD25, the alpha chain of the IL-2 receptor, is expressed on activated effector T cells that mediate immune graft damage. Induction immunosuppression is commonly used in solid organ transplantation and can include antibodies blocking CD25. However, regulatory T cells (Tregs) also rely on CD25 for their proliferation, survival, and regulatory function. Therefore, CD25-blockade may compromise Treg protective role against rejection. We analysed in vitro the effect of basiliximab (BXM) on the viability, phenotype, proliferation and cytokine production of Treg cells. We also evaluated in vivo the effect of BXM on Treg in thymectomized heart transplant children receiving BXM in comparison to patients not receiving induction therapy. Our results show that BXM reduces Treg counts and function in vitro by affecting their proliferation, Foxp3 expression, and IL-10 secretion capacity. In pediatric heart-transplant patients, we observed decreased Treg counts and a diminished Treg/Teff ratio in BXM-treated patients up to 6-month after treatment, recovering baseline values at the end of the 12-month follow up period. These results reveal that the use of BXM could produce detrimental effects on Tregs, and support the evidence suggesting that BXM induction could impair the protective role of Tregs in the period of highest incidence of acute graft rejection.