bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interaction of a genetic risk score with physical activity, physical inactivity, and body mass index in relation to venous thromboembolism risk
Authors: Kim Jihye , Kraft Peter , Hagan Kaitlin A. , Harrington Laura B. , Lindstroem Sara , Kabrhel Christopher 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTIntroductionVenous thromboembolism (VTE) is highly heritable. Physical activity, physical inactivity and body mass index (BMI) are also risk factors, but evidence of interaction between genetic and environmental risk factors is limited.MethodsData on 2,134 VTE cases and 3,890 matched controls were obtained from the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS), Nurses’ Health Study II (NHS II), and Health Professionals Follow‐up Study (HPFS). We calculated a weighted genetic risk score (wGRS) using 16 single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with VTE risk in published genome‐wide association studies (GWAS). Data on three risk factors, physical activity (metabolic equivalent [MET] hours per week), physical inactivity (sitting hours per week) and BMI, were obtained from biennial questionnaires. VTE cases were incident since cohort inception; controls were matched to cases on age, cohort, and genotype array. Using conditional logistic regression, we assessed joint effects and interaction effects on both additive and multiplicative scales. We also ran models using continuous wGRS stratified by risk‐factor categories.ResultsWe observed a supra‐additive interaction between wGRS and BMI. Having both high wGRS and high BMI was associated with a 3.4‐fold greater risk of VTE (relative excess risk due to interaction = 0.69, p = 0.046). However, we did not find evidence for a multiplicative interaction with BMI. No interactions were observed for physical activity or inactivity.ConclusionWe found a synergetic effect between a genetic risk score and high BMI on the risk of VTE. Intervention efforts lowering BMI to decrease VTE risk may have particularly large beneficial effects among individuals with high genetic risk.
Schwann cells regulate sensory neuron gene expression before and after peripheral nerve injury
Authors: Poplawski Gunnar , Ishikawa Tetsuhiro , Brifault Coralie , Lee‐Kubli Corinne , Regestam Robert , Henry Kenneth W. , Shiga Yasuhiro , Kwon HyoJun , Ohtori Seiji , Gonias Steven L. , Campana Wendy M. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractSensory neurons in the PNS demonstrate substantial capacity for regeneration following injury. Recent studies have identified changes in the transcriptome of sensory neurons, which are instrumental for axon regeneration. The role of Schwann cells (SCs) in mediating these changes remains undefined. We tested the hypothesis that SCs regulate expression of genes in sensory neurons before and after PNS injury by comparing mice in which LDL Receptor‐related Protein‐1 (LRP1) is deleted in SCs (scLRP1−/− mice) with wild‐type (scLRP1+/+) littermates. LRP1 is an endocytic and cell‐signaling receptor that is necessary for normal SC function and the SC response to nerve injury. scLRP1−/− mice represent a characterized model in which the SC response to nerve injury is abnormal. Adult DRG neurons, isolated from scLRP1−/− mice, with or without a conditioning nerve lesion, demonstrated increased neurite outgrowth when cultured ex vivo, compared with neurons from wild‐type mice. Following sciatic nerve crush injury, nerve regeneration was accelerated in vivo in scLRP1−/− mice. These results were explained by transcriptional activation of RAGs in DRG neurons in scLRP1−/− mice prior to nerve injury. Although the presence of abnormal SCs in scLRP1−/− mice primed DRG neurons for repair, nerve regeneration in scLRP1−/− mice resulted in abnormalities in ultrastructure, principally in Remak bundles, and with the onset of neuropathic pain. These results demonstrate the importance of SCs in controlling RAG expression by neurons and the potential for this process to cause chronic pain when abnormal. The SC may represent an important target for preventing pain following PNS injury.
Functional segregation loss over time is moderated by APOE genotype in healthy elderly
Authors: Ng Kwun Kei , Qiu Yingwei , Lo June Chi‐Yan , Koay Evelyn Siew‐Chuan , Koh Woon‐Puay , Chee Michael Wei‐Liang , Zhou Juan 
Published: March 2018

AbstractWe investigated the influence of the apolipoprotein E‐ɛ4 allele (APOE‐ɛ4) on longitudinal age‐related changes in brain functional connectivity (FC) and cognition, in view of mixed cross‐sectional findings. One hundred and twenty‐two healthy older adults (aged 58–79; 25 APOE‐ɛ4 carriers) underwent task‐free fMRI scans at baseline. Seventy‐eight (16 carriers) had at least one follow‐up (every 2 years). Changes in intra‐ and internetwork FCs among the default mode (DMN), executive control (ECN), and salience (SN) networks, as well as cognition, were quantified using linear mixed models. Cross‐sectionally, APOE‐ɛ4 carriers had lower functional connectivity between the ECN and SN than noncarriers. Carriers also showed a stronger age‐dependent decrease in visuospatial memory performance. Longitudinally, carriers had steeper increase in inter‐ECN‐DMN FC, indicating loss of functional segregation. The longitudinal change in processing speed performance was not moderated by APOE‐ɛ4 genotype, but the brain–cognition association was. In younger elderly, faster loss of segregation was correlated with greater decline in processing speed regardless of genotype. In older elderly, such relation remained for noncarriers but reversed for carriers. APOE‐ɛ4 may alter aging by accelerating the change in segregation between high‐level cognitive systems. Its modulation on the longitudinal brain–cognition relationship was age‐dependent.
Combined human papillomavirus typing and TP53 mutation analysis in distinguishing second primary tumors from lung metastases in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Daher Tamas , Tur Mehmet Kemal , Brobeil Alexander , Etschmann Benjamin , Witte Biruta , Engenhart‐Cabillic Rita , Krombach Gabriele , Blau Wolfgang , Grimminger Friedrich , Seeger Werner , Klussmann Jens Peter , Bräuninger Andreas , Gattenlöhner Stefan 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundIn head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), the occurrence of concurrent lung malignancies poses a significant diagnostic challenge because metastatic HNSCC is difficult to discern from second primary lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). However, this differentiation is crucial because the recommended treatments for metastatic HNSCC and second primary lung SCC differ profoundly.MethodsWe analyzed the origin of lung tumors in 32 patients with HNSCC using human papillomavirus (HPV) typing and targeted next generation sequencing of all coding exons of tumor protein 53 (TP53).ResultsLung tumors were clearly identified as HNSCC metastases or second primary tumors in 29 patients, thus revealing that 16 patients had received incorrect diagnoses based on clinical and morphological data alone.ConclusionThe HPV typing and mutation analysis of all TP53 coding exons is a valuable diagnostic tool in patients with HNSCC and concurrent lung SCC, which can help to ensure that patients receive the most suitable treatment.
Treatment with anti‐Sclerostin antibody to stimulate mandibular bone formation
Authors: Tamplen Matthew , Fowler Tristan , Markey Jeffery , Knott P. Daniel , Suva Larry J. , Alliston Tamara 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundAnti‐Sclerostin antibody (Scl‐Ab) is a promising new bone anabolic therapy. Although anti‐Scl‐Ab stimulates bone formation and repair in the appendicular and axial skeleton, its efficacy in the craniofacial skeleton is still poorly understood.MethodsUsing an established model of Down syndrome‐dependent bone deficiency, 10 Ts65Dn mice and 10 wild‐type mice were treated weekly via i.v. tail vein injection with vehicle or anti‐Sclerostin for 3 weeks and euthanized 1 week after.ResultsWild‐type mice treated with the anti‐Scl‐Ab had increased mandibular bone, trabecular thickness, and alveolar height compared with controls. Anti‐Scl‐Ab increased Ts65Dn mandibular bone parameters such that they were statistically indistinguishable from those in vehicle‐treated wild‐type mandibles.ConclusionTreatment with anti‐Scl‐Ab significantly increased mandibular bone mass and alveolar height in wild type mice and normalized mandibular bone mass and alveolar height in Ts65Dn mice. The anti‐Scl‐Ab therapy represents a novel method for increasing mandibular bone formation.
Second primary squamous cell carcinoma in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma after radiotherapy‐Predictors and prognostic factors
Authors: Wang Xi , Li Yin , Gao Yunfei , Ouyang Dian , Guo Zhuming 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundWe investigated risk and prognostic factors for second primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) after radiotherapy (RT).MethodsA total of 49 021 patients with NPC were treated at Sun Yat‐Sen Cancer Center between January 1970 and December 2009. The incidence and management of second primary SCCs were analyzed.ResultsA total of 142 patients (0.29%) developed second primary SCC, with 78.2% in the upper aerodigestive tract. Older age, smoking, and chemotherapy were associated with an increased rate of second primary SCC. The 3, 5, and 10‐year overall survival (OS) rates for second primary SCC were 47.18%, 31.69%, and 11.97%, respectively. Advanced age, family history of cancer, and treatment modality were independent prognostic factors for survival.ConclusionSecond primary tumors rarely develop in patients with NPC treated with RT, but when this occurs, second primary SCC comprises a majority of these. Intensity‐modulated RT may shorten the latency to second primary SCC. Surgery as the first‐line treatment may improve survival and prognosis.
Comparison of incidental versus palpable thyroid nodules presenting for fine‐needle aspiration biopsy
Authors: Iwata Ayaka J. , Bhan Arti , Lahiri Sharon , Williams Amy M. , Taylor Andrew R. , Chang Steven S. , Singer Michael C. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundMany attribute the rise in incidence of thyroid cancer to a deluge of radiologically identified incidental thyroid nodules. The clinical implications are unclear.MethodsA review was performed of all patients who underwent fine‐needle aspirations of thyroid nodules by our academic medical center's Endocrinology Division between 2006 and 2010. Medical records were reviewed to identify whether the thyroid nodule was discovered incidentally or by palpation.ResultsOf 1153 patients, 37.4% underwent a biopsy because of an incidental thyroid nodule. These patients were significantly more likely to be >45 years old, men, white race, and with a body mass index >30 kg/m2. Of the 17.2% of incidentalomas that led to surgery, 8.5% were found to be thyroid cancer.ConclusionThyroid nodules discovered incidentally are increasing the diagnosis of subclinical thyroid cancers. Not investigated previously, our study found that the mode of detection was not related to malignancy or surgery.
Testosterone, cortisol,hGH, andIGF‐1 levels in anItalianfemale elite volleyball team
Authors: Roli Laura , De Vincentis Sara , Rocchi Marco Bruno Luigi , Trenti Tommaso , De Santis Maria Cristina , Savino Gustavo 
Published: March 2018

AbstractPurposeTo assess the transferability of the reference intervals (RI) of testosterone (T), cortisol (C), human growth hormone (hGH), and insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐1, calculated on a normal healthy population, to a population of female elite volleyball players. Secondary aim of this study is the evaluation of the T/C ratio as predictive tool of overtraining during the annual regular season.MethodsA retrospective, longitudinal, observational study was performed, enrolling 58 professional female volleyball players periodically evaluated during the regular sportive season, which lasts from September to May.ResultsStatistically significant differences between the volleyball players and reference populations for T (P = .010), C (P < .001), and IGF‐1 (P < .001) were found. Three different statistical approaches to calculate the RI in the athlete group showed a high degree of concordance and pointed out a shift upwards of both lower and upper reference limits. The T/C ratio significantly changed among visits (P = .009). In particular, an overall decrease of about 30% was observed for this ratio during the season, suggesting a state of overtraining.ConclusionT, C, hGH, and IGF‐1 reference values calculated on elite volleyball female players are higher than those of the reference population used in normal clinical practice, suggesting that the health status of highly trained subjects needs the definition of tailored RI for these variables. Moreover, the utility of T/C ratio in the evaluation of overtraining is confirmed.
Hemicucurbit[n]urils and Their Derivatives – Synthesis and Applications
Authors: Andersen Nicolaj N. , Lisbjerg Micke , Eriksen Kristina , Pittelkow Michael 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe first hemicucurbit[n]uril macrocycles were described in 2004, and since then a series of functionalised hemicucurbit[n]uril derivatives have been prepared and studied. The original hemicucurbit[n]urils suffer from sparse solubility, which limits their applications in supramolecular chemistry. Recent progress in the synthesis of a range of derivatives such as the biotin[n]urils, the bambus[n]urils, and the cyclohexylhemicucurbit[n]urils have enabled studies of the supramolecular chemistry of the hemicucurbituril system, both in water and in a range of organic solvents. In contrast to the popular cucurbit[n]uril macrocycles that are state‐of‐the‐art hosts for cations, the hemicucbit[n]urils host anions. Herein we provide a survey of the literature covering the syntheses of the hemicucurbituril derivatives and their supramolecular chemistry.
Carbon portfolio management
Authors: Afonin Alexander , Bredin Don , Cuthbertson Keith , Muckley Cal , Nitzsche Dirk 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe aim of the European Union's Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) is that by 2020, emissions from sectors covered by the EU ETS will be 21% lower than in 2005. In addition to large CO2 emitting companies covered by the scheme, other participants have entered the market with a view of using emission allowances for the diversification of their investment portfolios. The performance of this asset as a stand alone investment and its portfolio diversification implications will be investigated in this paper. Our results indicate that the market views Phases 1, 2, and 3 European Union allowance futures as unattractive as stand alone investments. In a portfolio context, in Phase 1, once the short‐selling option is added, there are considerable portfolio benefits. However, our results indicate that these benefits only existed briefly during the pilot stage of the EU ETS. There is no evidence to suggest portfolio diversification benefits exist for Phase 2 or the early stages of Phase 3.
Standardization of plasma vitellogenin level for surveying environmental estrogen pollution using the Japanese common goby Acanthogobius flavimanus
Authors: Song Jing , Nagae Masaki , Soyano Kiyoshi 
Published: March 2018

AbstractField surveys of the impact of environmental estrogen (EE) pollution in aquatic wildlife have been conducted using vitellogenin (VTG) as a biomarker to evaluate the influence of EE. However, a standard baseline of VTG level that can be used to evaluate EE pollution has not been fully determined. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to determine the standard baseline VTG level for evaluating the biological effects of EE pollution using the Japanese common goby (Acanthogobius flavimanus) as the target model fish. Plasma VTG and estradiol‐17β (E2) levels associated with the reproductive cycle of wild goby inhabiting an unpolluted environment were measured. Mean plasma VTG and E2 levels exhibited similar changes, increasing in the yolk vesicle stage and peaking in the tertiary yolk stage in females. However, plasma VTG and E2 levels showed no significant changes in males, remaining at low levels throughout the reproductive cycle. The highest VTG levels in females and males were 1.6 mg ml–1 and 124.87 ng ml–1, respectively. These results indicate that the baseline level (normal level) in males was approximately 130 ng ml–1 at most. We concluded that the threshold between normal and abnormal levels with a 10% risk rate was 150 ng ml–1 in the wild male goby. Plasma VTG levels in males captured from Nagasaki Harbor were higher than the threshold in each reproductive developmental stage, indicating the possibility of EE pollution at this site. The biological standard baseline for VTG established in this study is useful for assessing EE pollution in natural waters.
Bioactivity tests of calcium phosphates with variant molar ratios of main components
Authors: Pluta Klaudia , Sobczak‐Kupiec Agnieszka , Półtorak Olga , Malina Dagmara , Tyliszczak Bożena 
Published: March 2018

AbstractCalcium phosphates constitute attractive materials of biomedical applications. Among them particular attention is devoted to bioactive hydroxyapatite (HAp) and bioresorbable tricalcium phosphate (TCP) that possess ability to bind to living bones and can be used clinically as important bone substitutes. Notably, in vivo bone bioactivity can be predicted from apatite formation of bone immersed in SBF fluids. Thus, analyses of behavior of calcium phosphates immersed in various bio fluids are of great importance. Recently, stoichiometric HAp and TCP structures have been widely studied, whereas only limited number of publications have been devoted to analyses of nonstoichiometric calcium phosphates. Here, we report physicochemical analysis of natural and synthetic phosphates with variable Ca/P molar ratios. Subsequently attained structures were subjected to incubation in either artificial saliva or Ringer's fluids. Both pH and conductivity of such fluids were determined before and after incubation. Furthermore, the influence of the Ca/P values on such parameters was exemplified. Physicochemical analysis of received materials was performed by XRD and FT‐IR characterization techniques. Their potential antibacterial activity and behavior in the presence of infectious microorganisms as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was also evaluated. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1941–1950, 2018.
Manipulating multifaceted microbubble shell composition to target both TRAIL‐sensitive and resistant cells
Authors: Jablonowski Lauren J. , Conover Dolores , Teraphongphom Nutte T. , Wheatley Margaret A. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThis study represents the first attempt to combine surface TRAIL expression and doxorubicin co‐encapsulation in a single drug delivery agent in the form of ultrasound‐responsive microbubbles that shatter into fragments, or nanoshards, in an ultrasound beam. We compare customized microbubbles of different polymeric shell compositions, and investigate the effect of both shell composition and incorporation of doxorubicin on action against TRAIL‐sensitive MDA‐MB‐231 and TRAIL‐resistant MCF7 human breast adenocarcinoma cells. Ligation of TRAIL only significantly impacted MDA‐MB‐231 cells predominantly by apoptosis, and had minimal effect on MCF12A (normal control) cells. For all shell types, nanoshards had a greater effect (apoptotic death ranging from approximately 25% for 1 wt % LipidPEG to 50% for 100% PLA), reflecting the greater surface area and larger number of particles that ultrasound generates. Encapsulation of doxorubicin generated necrosis in all cell lines, but PEGylation produced less effective necrosis in all cell lines. Co‐encapsulation of doxorubicin within the contrast agent shell increased MDA‐MB‐231 cell death to approximately 40–80%, representing a marked increase over TRAIL alone, reflecting the dramatic effect of shell composition. Additionally, shells that co‐encapsulated TRAIL and doxorubicin resulted in approximately 30–60% death in TRAIL‐resistant MCF7 human breast adenocarcinoma cells, compared with little apoptotic response in these cells from shells encapsulating TRAIL alone, demonstrating the sensitization effect of the drug. This work has resulted in production of a library of effective ultrasound‐triggered, minimally immunogenic, targeted drug delivery agents for potential use in cancer therapy, and represents a promising multifaceted treatment to better serve the population with solid tumors. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1903–1915, 2018.
Influence of macroporosity on NIH/3T3 adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3‐E1 over bio‐functionalized highly porous titanium implant material
Authors: Alves A. C. , Thibeaux R. , Toptan F. , Pinto A. M. P. , Ponthiaux P. , David B. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractHighly porous Ti implant materials are being used in order to overcome the stress shielding effect on orthopedic implants. However, the lack of bioactivity on Ti surfaces is still a major concern regarding the osseointegration process. It is known that the rapid recruitment of osteoblasts in bone defects is an essential prerequisite for efficient bone repair. Conventionally, osteoblast recruitment to bone defects and subsequent bone repair has been achieved using growth factors. Thus, in this study highly porous Ti samples were processed by powder metallurgy using space holder technique followed by the bio‐functionalization through microarc oxidation using a Ca‐ and P‐rich electrolyte. The biological response in terms of early cell response, namely, adhesion, spreading, viability, and proliferation of the novel biofunctionalized highly porous Ti was carried out with NIH/3T3 fibroblasts and MC3T3‐E1 preosteoblasts in terms of viability, adhesion, proliferation, and alkaline phosphatase activity. Results showed that bio‐functionalization did not affect the cell viability. However, bio‐functionalized highly porous Ti (22% porosity) enhanced the cell proliferation and activity. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 107B: 73–85, 2019.
Development of a mixed‐species biofilm model and its virulence implications in device related infections
Authors: Thet Naing T. , Wallace Laura , Wibaux Anne , Boote Nick , Jenkins A. Toby A. 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTIt is becoming increasingly accepted that to understand and model the bacterial colonization and infection of abiotic surfaces requires the use of a biofilm model. There are many bacterial colonizations by at least two primary species, however this is difficult to model in vitro. This study reports the development of a simple mixed‐species biofilm model using strains of two clinically significant bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa grown on nanoporous polycarbonate membranes on nutrient agar support. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the complex biofilm characteristics of two bacteria blending in extensive extracellular matrices. Using a prototype wound dressing which detects cytolytic virulence factors, the virulence secretion of 30 single and 40 mixed‐species biofilms was tested. P. aeruginosa was seen to out‐compete S. aureus, resulting in a biofilm with P. aeruginosa dominating. In situ growth of mixed‐species biofilm under prototype dressings showed a real‐time correlation between the viable biofilm population and their associated virulence factors, as seen by dressing fluorescent assay. This paper aims to provide a protocol for scientists working in the field of device related infection to create mixed‐species biofilms and demonstrate that such biofilms are persistently more virulent in real infections. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 107B: 129–137, 2019.