bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mineralocorticoid receptor negatively regulates angiogenesis through repression of STAT3 activity in endothelial cells
Authors: Zheng Xiao‐Jun , Liu Yuan , Zhang Wu‐Chang , Liu Yan , Li Chao , Sun Xue‐Nan , Zhang Yu‐Yao , Xu Jie , Jiang Xinquan , Zhang Lanjing , Yang Wei , Duan Sheng‐Zhong 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) plays important roles in cardiovascular pathogenesis. The function of MR in angiogenesis is still controversial. This study aimed to explore the role of endothelial MR in angiogenesis and to delineate the underlying mechanism. Endothelial‐hematopoietic MR knockout (EMRKO) mice were generated and subjected to hindlimb ischemia and injection of melanoma cells. Laser Doppler measurements showed that EMRKO mice had improved blood flow recovery and increased vessel density in ischemic limbs. In addition, EMRKO accelerated growth and increased the vessel density of tumors. Matrigel implantation, aortic ring assays, and tube formation assays demonstrated that MRKO endothelial cells (ECs) manifested increased angiogenic potential. MRKO ECs also displayed increased migration ability and proliferation. MRKO and MR knockdown both upregulated gene expression, protein level, and phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Stattic, a selective STAT3 inhibitor, attenuated the effects of MRKO on tube formation, migration, and proliferation of ECs. At the molecular level, MR interacted with CCAAT enhancer‐binding protein beta (C/EBPβ) to suppress the transcription of STAT3. Furthermore, interactions between MR and STAT3 blocked the phosphorylation of STAT3. Finally, stattic abolished the pro‐angiogenic phenotype of EMRKO mice. Taken together, endothelial MR is a negative regulator of angiogenesis, likely in a ligand‐independent manner. Mechanistically, MR downregulates STAT3 that mediates the impacts of MR deficiency on the angiogenic activity of ECs and angiogenesis. Targeting endothelial MR may be a potential pro‐angiogenic strategy for ischemic diseases. © 2019 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydroxyurea use among children with sickle cell anemia
Authors: Reeves Sarah L. , Jary Hannah K. , Gondhi Jennifer P. , Raphael Jean L. , Lisabeth Lynda D. , Dombkowski Kevin J. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThis study describes hydroxyurea use among children ages 1 to 17 with sickle cell anemia (SCA) enrolled in at least one year of Medicaid in six states from 2005 to 2012. Administrative claims were used to summarize the number of days’ supply of hydroxyurea dispensed by state and year. A total of 7963 children with SCA contributed 22 424 person‐years. Among person‐years with greater than 30 days of hydroxyurea, only 18% received at least 300 days of hydroxyurea, which varied by state. Following updated recommendations for all children with SCA to be offered hydroxyurea, strategies to increase hydroxyurea adherence among this population are needed.
The continuing saga of patents and non‐invasive prenatal testing
Authors: Hawkins Naomi , Nicol Dianne , Chandrasekharan Subhashini , Cook‐Deegan Robert 
Published: March 2019

AbstractObjectiveThis paper examines the Intellectual Property (IP) landscape for non‐invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) in three key regions: the United States; Europe, with particular focus on the United Kingdom; and Australia.MethodWe explore the patent law issues against the commercial and healthcare environment in these regions and consider the implications for development and implementation of NIPT.ResultsThere are many patents held by many parties internationally, with litigation over these patents ongoing in many countries. Importantly, there are significant international differences in patent law, with patents invalidated in the USA that remain valid in Europe. Despite the many patents and ongoing litigation, there are multiple providers of testing internationally, and patents do not appear to be preventing patient access to testing for those who can pay out of pocket.ConclusionThe patent situation in NIPT remains in a state of flux, with uncertainty about how patent rights will be conferred in different jurisdictions, and how patents might affect clinical access. However, patents are unlikely to result in a monopoly for a single provider, with several providers and testing technologies, including both public and private sector entities, likely to remain engaged in delivery of NIPT. However, the effects on access in public healthcare systems are more complex and need to be monitored.
Computed tomography for guidance in the diagnosis and surgical correction of recurrent pediatric acute dacryocystitis
Authors: Zhang Chengyue , Cui Yanhui , Wu Qian , Li Li 
Published: March 2019

AbstractImportanceThis is the first retrospective study of the effect of computed tomography (CT) in diagnosis and surgical correction of recurrent pediatric acute dacryocystitis (PAD).ObjectiveTo explore the pathogenesis of recurrent PAD and the impact of CT in guidance of surgical planning.MethodsMedical histories, clinical manifestations, and CT results of 10 patients with recurrent PAD were reviewed. Etiologies and treatment effectiveness were recorded for all patients.ResultsCT revealed that three patients had congenital dacryocystocele with lacrimal sac cyst, enlargement of the nasolacrimal canal, and intranasal cyst of affected sides. After regression of local inflammation, marsupialization was performed. CT showed that four patients had PAD secondary to congenital nasolacrimal canal dysplasia; these patients exhibited normal upper portions of the nasolacrimal canals, but had stenotic or atretic middle and terminal segments. After improvement of local inflammation, endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy was performed. Three patients had PAD secondary to congenital lacrimal sac diverticulum; after contrast injection, CT showed that the cysts at the lacrimal sac area were filled with contrast, and were connected to the normal lacrimal sac. After the topical infection was controlled, transcutaneous dacryocystorhinostomy was performed in combination with excision of the lacrimal sac diverticulum. No recurrence of PAD was detected at 6‐month follow‐up.InterpretationCauses of PAD include congenital dacryocystocele, congenital lacrimal sac diverticulum, or congenital nasolacrimal canal dysplasia. Marsupialization with endoscope, endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy, and transcutaneous dacryocystorhinostomy constitute distinct surgeries for PAD treatment. CT provides an important diagnostic function and facilitates selection of specific surgical approaches for recurrent PAD.
PK‐tailored tertiary prophylaxis in patients with severe hemophilia A at Beijing Children's Hospital
Authors: Li Peijing , Chen Zhenping , Cheng Xiaoling , Wang Yan , Zhang Ningning , Zhen Yingzi , Wu Xinyi , Wu Runhui 
Published: March 2019

AbstractImportanceTertiary prophylaxis using a low‐dose regimen is usually insufficient to prevent recurrent joint bleeding and deterioration in joint diseases in children with severe hemophilia A. Pharmacokinetic (PK) dosing is a useful approach to increase the precision and efficiency of prophylaxis.ObjectiveTo explore the efficacy of PK‐tailored tertiary prophylaxis in children with severe hemophilia A.MethodsWe implemented a PK‐tailored tertiary prophylaxis program for 15 boys with severe hemophilia A aged 5–16 years at Beijing Children's Hospital. Following PK testing and a 6‐month evaluation period (phase I), 15 patients were divided in two groups according to individual PK data and actual bleeding: (1) a PK‐tailored group [modified prophylaxis regimen according to PK data for the next 6 months (phase II); n = 8] and (2) a maintenance group (continued the original regimen for the next 6 months; n = 7). We compared the bleeding rate, infusion frequency, and factor VIII (FVIII) consumption between the two groups.ResultsIn the PK‐tailored group, the median annual joint bleeding rate was reduced from 7.8 in phase I to 1.4 in phase II, mean annual total factor consumption increased from 1619.0 IU/kg in phase I to 2401.9 IU/kg in phase II, and median infusion frequency for prophylaxis increased from 104 times/year in phase I to 156 times/year in phase II (P < 0.05). Although the FVIII consumption increased, it remained at approximately half of the standard method.InterpretationPK‐tailored prophylaxis may represent a more efficient approach to individual prophylaxis in China, but further studies are required to verify this.
The Protein Phosphorylation Landscape of Mouse Spermatids during Spermiogenesis
Authors: Li Yan , Cheng Yiwei , Zhu Tianyu , Zhang Hao , Li Wen , Guo Yueshuai , Qi Yaling , Chen Xu , Zhang Jun , Sha Jiahao , Zhou Zuomin , Zhu Hui , Guo Xuejiang 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe characteristic tadpole shape of sperm is formed from round spermatids via spermiogenesis, a process which results in dramatic morphological changes in the final stage of spermatogenesis in the testis. Protein phosphorylation, as one of the most important post‐translational modifications, can regulate spermiogenesis; however, the phosphorylation events taking place during this process have not been systematically analyzed. In order to better understand the role of phosphorylation in spermiogenesis, large‐scale phosphoproteome profiling is performed using IMAC and TiO2 enrichment. In total, 13 835 phosphorylation sites, in 4196 phosphoproteins, are identified in purified mouse spermatids undergoing spermiogenesis in two biological replicates. Overall, 735 testis‐specific proteins are identified to be phosphorylated, and are expressed at high levels during spermiogenesis. Gene ontology analysis shows enrichment of the identified phosphoproteins in terms of histone modification, cilium organization, centrosome and the adherens junction. Further characterization of the kinase‐substrate phosphorylation network demonstrates enrichment of phosphorylation substrates related to the regulation of spermiogenesis. This global protein phosphorylation landscape of spermiogenesis shows wide phosphoregulation across a diverse range of processes during spermiogenesis and can help to further characterize the process of sperm generation. All MS data are available via ProteomeXchange with the identifier PXD011890.
Reliability of Cognitive Measures in Individuals With a Chronic Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Nightingale Tom Edward , Lim Chloe Ah Ryung , Sachdeva Rahul , Zheng Mei Mu Zi , Phillips Aaron Alexander , Krassioukov Andrei 
Published: March 2019

BackgroundFollowing spinal cord injury (SCI), up to 64% of individuals experience cognitive deficit. However, the reliability of commonly used neuropsychological tests is currently unknown in this population.ObjectivesTo evaluate the test‐retest reliability of cognitive measures in individuals with SCI.DesignCross‐sectional study.SettingVancouver General Hospital.ParticipantsIndividuals with a chronic (>2 years) SCI (n = 22).MethodsAcross three visits (separated by ~16 days), 22 participants with chronic SCI completed a neuropsychological battery evaluating memory (Rey Auditory‐Verbal Learning Test [RAVLT]), attention/concentration/psychomotor speed (Digit Span Task, Stroop Test), and executive function (Trail Making Test A&B, Symbol Digit Modalities Test, Controlled Oral Word Association Test). Coefficients of variation (CVintra) and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated to determine the reliability of each test between visits. Linear regressions were performed to assess the associations between variability (CVintra) and participant characteristics, such as age or highest education level attained. Repeated‐measures, one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to determine any significant practice effects, and smallest real differences (SRDs) were calculated.Main Outcome MeasurementsRepeated scores on aforementioned neuropsychological tests.ResultsICCs ranged from 0.77 to 0.93, with the exception of RAVLT recognition score (ICC = 0.27). Age showed a moderate association with CVintra in RAVLT interference recall scores (r = 0.43, P = .047), but was not a confounding factor for other measures. Education was not associated with CVintra. Significant practice effects were noted for most of the cognitive tests assessed.ConclusionsOther than the RAVLT recognition score, these cognitive measures demonstrated good‐to‐excellent reliability. Although this is encouraging, test‐retest variability should be considered when interpreting the efficacy of various cognitive training strategies to mitigate cognitive decline in this population. Thus, the SRD values presented herein will allow researchers and clinicians to identify “true” changes in cognitive function with repeated testing.Level of EvidenceIII.
Test‐Retest Reliability of the Reintegration to Normal Living Index (RNL‐I) to Assess Perceived Participation in Adults With Late Effects of Polio
Authors: Andersson Nilla , Lexell Jan , Brogårdh Christina 
Published: March 2019

BackgroundMany individuals with late effects of polio have difficulties participating in daily activities. The Reintegration to Normal Living Index (RNL‐I) is a self‐report questionnaire that evaluates perceived participation, but knowledge of the test‐retest reliability and measurement errors in this population is lacking.ObjectiveTo evaluate the test‐retest reliability of the RNL‐I in adults with late effects of polio.DesignA postal survey with a test‐retest design.SettingUniversity hospital outpatient clinic.ParticipantsFifty‐one adults (20 women and 31 men; mean age 72 years) with late effects of polio.Main Outcome MeasurementsThe Reintegration to Normal Living Index (RNL‐I).MethodsThe participants responded to the RNL‐I twice, 3 weeks apart. Data were analyzed with the following statistical methods: percentage agreement (PA), quadratic kappa coefficients, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), mean difference, standard error of measurement (SEM/SEM%), and the smallest real difference (SRD/SRD%).ResultsThe PA (ie, the same scoring at both test occasions) was >70% for 10 of 11 items. The kappa coefficients showed good test‐retest agreement (>0.61) for 7 items. The ICC was 0.88 and the mean difference was −0.74. The SEM (SEM%) was 7.4 (9.7%) and the SRD (SRD%) was 20.5 (27.0%).ConclusionThe RNL‐I can be considered reliable for adults with mild to moderate late effects of polio. It can thereby be used to assess changes in perceived participation over time or after rehabilitation interventions, both for a group of individuals and a single individual.Level of EvidenceIII.
Unprecedented large solvent (H2O vs D2O) isotope effect in semiconductors photooxidation
Authors: Núñez Oswaldo , Madriz Lorean , Carvajal David , Tatá José , Vargas Ronald 
Published: March 2019

AbstractGlucose in water (L2O, L = H or D) at pH = 7 (phosphate buffer) is oxidized in presence of Bi2WO6 and light. An unusually large solvent isotope effects,
and 6.8, have been measured using solar light and solar simulator, respectively. These large values come from the contribution of the equilibrium L2O ⇄ L+ + OL− previous to the rate‐limiting step (rls) and the kinetic one (proton transfer) involved at the transition state. The reaction is faster when [L+] increases; therefore, L+ species instead of OL− one participates in the photooxidation. The rls is the 1 e− reduction‐adsorption of H+ on the Bi2WO6 surface (Bi2WO6/Bi2WO6‐H, −0.6 V vs NHE). Subsequently, O2 reduction to L2O, as driving force, occurs at the catalyst conduction band (CB). Linear sweep voltammetry when Bi2WO6 is used as cathode shows two reduction processes: H+/H2 and O2/O2.−. The last one‐electron reduction occurs at −0.2 V vs NHE and the first one at −0.4 V vs NHE. Both show solvent isotope effect, although the
are 2.4 and 1.9, respectively, quite smaller than the value obtained in the photooxidation due to the influence of the bias on the transition state symmetry in the first case and through water O2 reduction in the second. Cyclic voltammetry indicates that the reduced and adsorbed H (Bi2WO6‐H2) is oxidized to Bi2WO6‐H at approximately 0.2 V vs NHE. Positive conduction band potential of Bi2WO6 (+0.5 V vs NHE) establishes the difference with other semiconductors where oxidation (L2O/L+,OL.) instead of reduction has been proposed as rls in photooxidation.
Synthesis and Characterization of Phenolphthalein‐Containing Sulfonated Poly(arylene ether phosphine oxide)s by Direct Polycondensation for Proton Exchange Membrane
Authors: Huang Qingqi , Zhang Shanshan , Yu Huaguo , Liu Huiping , Xiao Fanhua , Liao Huiying 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTA series of novel phenolphthalein‐containing sulfonated poly(arylene ether phosphine oxide)s (sPAEPP) with various sulfonation degrees were synthesized by direct polycondensation. The structure of sPAEPP was confirmed by 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, and IR spectroscopy. The high‐molecular weight of these polymers was determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The transparent, tough, and flexible membranes could be achieved by solution casting. The macroscopic properties and microstructure of the obtained membranes were investigated in detail. The results showed that these sPAEPP membranes displayed excellent properties in terms of swelling, proton conductivity, and methanol permeability. For example, sPAEPP‐100 membrane exhibited an appropriate water uptake of 33.1%, a swelling ratio of only 11.7% (lower than 20.1% of Nafion 117), a proton conductivity of 0.11 S cm−1 (similar to that of Nafion 117) at 80 °C, and a methanol permeability of 4.82 × 10−7 cm2 s−1. Meanwhile, it also presented outstanding oxidative stability. Atomic force microscope (AFM) micrographs showed that the hydrophilic domains of the sPAEPP‐100 membrane formed connected and narrow ionic channels, which contributed to its high proton conductivity and good dimensional stability. As a result, sPAEPP‐100 membrane displays excellent application prospect for fuel cells. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 1097–1104
Crystal Structure, Sensitiveness and Theoretical Explosive Performance of Xylitol Pentanitrate (XPN)
Authors: Stark Kelly‐Anne S. , Alvino Jason F. , Kirkbride K. Paul , Sumby Christopher J. , Metha Gregory F. , Lenehan Claire E. , Fitzgerald Mark , Wall Craig , Mitchell Mark , Prior Chad 
Published: March 2019

AbstractXylitol pentanitrate (XPN) is a little‐studied nitrate ester of similar molecular structure to the military energetic materials pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) and nitroglycerin (NG). XPN was crystallised from a mixture of ethanol and water by slow evaporation and studied by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. XPN crystallises in the centrosymmetric monoclinic space group P21/n, with a calculated density of 1.852 g cm−3. Sensitiveness analysis of the energetic material revealed it to be a primary explosive, significantly more sensitive than PETN to friction and impact. The calculated heat of formation of XPN, −500.48 kJ mol−1, and the density were exploited utilising the Cheetah 7.0 suite of programs to predict explosive performance parameters. The theoretical explosive performance of XPN was comparable to the calculated explosive parameters of erythritol tetranitrate (ETN), PETN and cyclotrimethylene trinitramine (RDX).
The T99K variant of glycosylasparaginase shows a new structural mechanism of the genetic disease aspartylglucosaminuria
Authors: Pande Suchita , Guo Hwai‐Chen 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAspartylglucosaminuria (AGU) is an inherited disease caused by mutations in a lysosomal amidase called aspartylglucosaminidase (AGA) or glycosylasparaginase (GA). This disorder results in an accumulation of glycoasparagines in the lysosomes of virtually all cell types, with severe clinical symptoms affecting the central nervous system, skeletal abnormalities, and connective tissue lesions. GA is synthesized as a single‐chain precursor that requires an intramolecular autoprocessing to form a mature amidase. Previously, we showed that a Canadian AGU mutation disrupts this obligatory intramolecular autoprocessing with the enzyme trapped as an inactive precursor. Here, we report biochemical and structural characterization of a model enzyme corresponding to a new American AGU allele, the T99K variant. Unlike other variants with known 3D structures, this T99K model enzyme still has autoprocessing capacity to generate a mature form. However, its amidase activity to digest glycoasparagines remains low, consistent with its association with AGU. We have determined a 1.5‐Å‐resolution structure of this new AGU model enzyme and built an enzyme–substrate complex to provide a structural basis to analyze the negative effects of the T99K point mutation on KM and kcat of the amidase. It appears that a “molecular clamp” capable of fixing local disorders at the dimer interface might be able to rescue the deficiency of this new AGU variant.
Light waveguiding in bioinspired peptide nanostructures
Authors: Apter Boris , Lapshina Nadezda , Handelman Amir , Rosenman Gil 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBasic optical properties of bioinspired peptide nanostructures are deeply modified by thermally mediated refolding of peptide secondary structure from α‐helical to β‐sheet. This conformational transition is followed by the appearance in the β‐sheet structures of a wideband optical absorption and fluorescence in the visible region. We demonstrate that a new biophotonic effect of optical waveguiding recently observed in peptide/protein nanoensembles is a structure‐sensitive bimodal phenomenon. In the primary α‐helical structure input, light propagates via optical transmission window demonstrating conventional passive waveguiding, based on classical optics. In the β‐sheet structure, fluorescent (active) light waveguiding is revealed. The latter can be attributed to completely different physical mechanism of exciton‐polariton propagation, characterized by high effective refractive index, and can be observed in nanoscale fibers below diffraction limit. It has been shown that peptide material requirements for passive and active waveguiding are dissimilar. Original biocompatibility and biodegradability indicate high potential future applications of these bioinspired waveguiding materials in precise photobiomedicine towards advanced highly selective bioimaging, photon diagnostics, and optogenetics.
Emerging and developing situational interest during children's tablet‐mediated biology learning activities at a nature center
Authors: Jung Yong Ju , Zimmerman Heather Toomey , Land Susan M. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThis study qualitatively investigated how children's situational interests were triggered and developed during the Tree Investigators project, an outdoor, tablet‐mediated biology learning program. Utilizing a situative learning framework, we elucidate a comprehensive account of the children's expression and development of science‐related situational interests. Video recordings of five dyads of children (aged 9–11) were collected during summer camp sessions at a nature center. Video‐based analyses were conducted to identify patterns of the children's situational interest development while they learned about tree life cycles at the camp. Our analyses focused on how the children's interactions with the physical settings (e.g., mobile app, trees) and other people (e.g., peers) triggered and maintained situational interest in different ways. Our findings contribute to an understanding of the relationships between children's situational interests, cognitive and emotional engagements, and socio material interactions, especially in an outdoor, tablet‐mediated education environment. In order to support children's situational interests, our findings suggest including tactile and open‐ended activities, considering the different influences of the same resources to different children, and respecting diverse areas of interests within peers.