bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Insights into the role of d‐amino acid oxidase mutations in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Padhi Aditya K. , Hazra Saugata 
Published: September 2018

AbstractMissense mutations in the coding region of d‐amino acid oxidase (DAO) have been found in patients suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Mutations primarily impair the enzymatic activity of DAO and cause neurodegeneration due to an abnormal accumulation of d‐serine in the spinal cord. However, the structural and dynamic changes that lead to impaired enzymatic activity are not fully understood. We present here extensive molecular dynamics simulations of wild‐type, and all reported ALS‐associated DAO mutants to elucidate the plausible mechanisms of impaired enzymatic activity, a critical function needed for neuroprotection. Simulation results show that DAO mutations disrupt several key interactions with the active site residues and decrease the conformational flexibility of active site loop comprising 216 to 228 residues, necessary for substrate binding and product release. This conformational restriction of the active site loop in the mutants is mainly due to the distortion of critical salt bridge and hydrogen bond interactions compared with wild‐type. Furthermore, binding free energy calculations show that DAO mutants have a lower binding affinity toward cofactor flavin adenine dinucleotide and substrate imino‐serine than the wild‐type. A closer look at the cofactor and substrate interaction profiles further show that DAO mutants have lost several critical interactions with the neighboring residues as compared with wild‐type. Taken together, this study provides first‐hand explanation of crucial structural features that lead to the loss of enzymatic function in DAO mutants and highlights the need of further genomic scans of patients with ALS to map the association of novel DAO variants in ALS pathophysiology.
Modulation of specific cell cycle phases in human embryonic stem cells by lncRNA RNA decoys
Authors: Sahu Mousumi , Mallick Bibekanand 
Published: September 2018

AbstractRecent studies have shown that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are crucial regulators of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). However, modes of actions of lncRNAs in hESCs are not well illustrated. Here, we predicted a regulatory network in hESCs in which lncRNAs interact with TFs and thereby control the expressions of downstream targets of TFs. The predicted network is comprised of 2289 3‐motif subgraphs which are characterized by 3 nodes: (i) a lncRNA which is predicted to interact with (ii) a TF and (iii) a gene which is a target of TF and coexpressing with lncRNA. We performed functional annotation of the network by identifying hub nodes followed by pathway enrichment study, which unveiled an active G1‐S cell cycle phase transition‐specific subnetwork that encompasses 2 lncRNAs, MALAT1 and DANCR. Our analysis revealed that MALAT1 and DANCR might be playing key roles in G1‐S phase transition by acting as RNA decoy via interacting with crucial stemness maintaining TFs. We predicted that MALAT1 possibly compete with DNMT1 and CDCA7 genes to bind to E2F1 thereby interrupting repression of DNMT1 and activation of CDCA7 by E2F1 in hESCs, whereas DANCR possibly competes with IPO7 gene to bind to MYC thereby interrupting MYC‐mediated activation of IPO7 in hESCs. Both of these are conjectured to contribute to rapid G1‐S phase transition aiding in stemness maintenance of hESCs. This study presents a crucial TF target cross talks mediated by lncRNAs in hESCs regulating its properties which needs further investigation.
Refractance window drying of fruits and vegetables: a review
Authors: Shende Deepika , Datta Ashis K 
Published: September 2018

AbstractFruit and vegetable drying to make leather, pestil or powder products is a challenging task. Traditional drying adversely affects the taste, colour, nutritional qualities and preservation of bioactive compounds due to high‐temperature exposure of the product. The substitute for traditional drying processes is consequently necessary to impart superior quality and preserve greater nutritional value in processed foods. Refractance window (RW) drying is a thin film drying system having high heat and mass transfer rates that speeds up the rate of drying. Polyester (Mylar), an infrared transparent plastic sheet transmits radiative heat to food during the RW drying process with higher drying rate, more retention of nutrients and low aroma and flavour loss. RW drying is reported to be affected by the thickness of puree or slices and temperature of drying, as thick samples need longer drying time, generate higher water activity, bring changes in colour parameters, experience higher effective diffusion coefficient (Deff) and result in lower solubility of powder. RW drying was compared with different drying processes and was observed to have more retention of nutrients and be more economical. RW dried samples were better in terms of colour and textural quality when compared with other traditional drying methods. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
The effect of preoperative treatments on lymph node counts after total gastrectomy in esophagogastric adenocarcinoma
Authors: Li Ziyu , Li Shuangxi , Bu Zhaode , Zhang Lianhai , Wu Xiaojiang , Shan Fei , Jia Yongning , Ji Xin , Ji Jiafu 
Published: September 2018

ObjectivesThis study aims to explore the effects of preoperative treatments on lymph nodes (LNs) counts after total gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy in esophagogastric adenocarcinoma.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for 446 patients with locally advanced esophagogastric adenocarcinoma. The patients were divided into three groups: surgery first (SF), preoperative chemotherapy (PCT), and preoperative chemoradiotherapy (PCRT). Clinical‐pathological data were analyzed.ResultsThe case number in SF, PCT, and PCRT groups was 281, 109, and 56, respectively, and the median total LNs count was 32.0 (10.0‐102.0), 31.0 (12.0‐62.0), and 25.5 (10.0‐50.0), respectively, (P < 0.001). Univariate and multivariate analyses demonstrated the total LNs count was lower in PCRT than SF/PCT (P < 0.001), and had no correlation with tumor regression grades (TRGs). Subgroup comparison showed radiation target LNs count was lower in PCRT than SF/PCT (P < 0.001), and peritarget LNs count was lower in PCRT than SF (P = 0.002).ConclusionFor esophagogastric adenocarcinoma, PCRT reduced total LNs count after total gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy, whereas PCT did not. In the PCRT group, LNs count was lower in both radiation target and peritarget areas than in the SF group but only in radiation target area than in the PCT group. The correlation between TRGs and total LNs count remained unclear.
High stromal transforming growth factor β–induced expression is a novel marker of progression and poor prognosis in gastric cancer
Authors: Suzuki Masaki , Yokobori Takehiko , Gombodorj Navchaa , Yashiro Masakazu , Turtoi Andrei , Handa Tadashi , Ogata Kyoichi , Oyama Tetsunari , Shirabe Ken , Kuwano Hiroyuki 
Published: September 2018

Background and ObjectivesTransforming growth factor β‐induced (TGFBI) protein is a secreted extracellular matrix protein with conflicting roles in cancer, acting as a tumour suppressor and a promoter, which appears to be tissue specific. The role of TGFBI in gastric cancer (GC) remains unclear, which we aimed to investigate using the clinical samples as well as an in vitro coculture model of GC.MethodsThe clinical significance of TGFBI was assessed in 208 GC samples using immunohistochemistry. Molecular function of TGFBI in the GC cells was examined by small interfering RNA‐mediated TGFBI downregulation in the gastric fibroblasts cocultured with the GC cells.ResultsTGFBI expression was localised mainly in the cancer stroma and not in the noncancerous gastric tissue or the GC cells. High TGFBI expression was significantly associated with poor prognosis and cancer progression. Downregulation of TGFBI in the cocultured gastric fibroblasts inhibited the invasion and migration abilities of the GC cells.ConclusionsHigh stromal TGFBI expression might be a useful predictive marker for poor prognosis in GC patients. Furthermore, TGFBI in the cancer stromal cells is a promising target for GC treatment.
Early Predictors of the Long‐term Response to Therapy in Patients With Crohn Disease Derived From a Time‐Intensity Curve Analysis After Microbubble Contrast Agent Injection
Authors: Quaia Emilio , Gennari Antonio Giulio , Cova Maria Assunta 
Published: September 2018

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to identify early predictors of the long‐term response to therapy in patients with Crohn disease (CD) from time‐intensity curves obtained after microbubble injection.MethodsOne hundred fifteen consecutive patients with a proven diagnosis of CD involving the terminal ileal loop who were scheduled to begin pharmacologic therapy with biologics (infliximab or adalimumab) were scanned after sulfur hexafluoride–filled microbubble injection before the beginning and at the end of the sixth week of treatment. The absolute value and percentage change of each semiquantitative kinetic parameter (peak enhancement, time to peak enhancement, rise time, mean transit time, wash‐in and wash‐out rates, area under the curve [AUC] for the whole time‐intensity curve, AUC during wash‐in, AUC during wash‐out, and wash‐in perfusion index) as measured on the terminal ileal tract and adjacent reactive mesenteric fat were calculated from time‐intensity curves. Patients were followed for at least 24 months with redetermination of the Crohn Disease Activity Index and with at least 1 endoscopy within 18 weeks after the beginning of pharmacologic treatment. The absolute values and percentage changes of kinetic parameters were assessed as potential predictors of the therapeutic outcome by a logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe study group included 66 male and 49 female patients (mean age ± SD, 45.76 ± 11 years). The pretreatment values and percentage changes of the peak enhancement, AUC, AUC during wash‐in, and AUC during wash‐out were found to be predictors (P < .05) of the long‐term therapeutic outcome.ConclusionsThe analysis of time‐intensity curves obtained after microbubble contrast agent injection provides early predictors of the long‐term therapeutic outcome in patients with CD.
New Method for Assessment of Levator Avulsion Injury: A Comparative Elastography Study
Authors: Maßlo Katharina , Möllers Mareike , de Murcia Kathrin Oelmeier , Klockenbusch Walter , Schmitz Ralf 
Published: September 2018

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to introduce elastography as a new method for sonographic assessment of postpartum pelvic floor trauma.MethodsWe examined 86 postpartum primiparous women, of whom 43 had undergone primary caesarean section (group_CS) and 43 vaginal delivery (group_VD). In a puborectal‐symphysis plane, B‐mode and elastographic ultrasonography were used to evaluate pelvic floor trauma. The strain value of left and right puborectal muscle was assessed close to the symphysis (Trauma_Elastography). The strain ratio maximum of this measurement was stored (Trauma_Index).ResultsThe elastographic evaluation revealed more trauma‐suspicious lesions than the B‐mode investigation (60.5% versus 39.5%; P < .001). The median Trauma_Index was higher in group_VD compared to group_CS (1.63 versus 1.18; P < .001).ConclusionSonographic elastography assessment in a new examination plane shows postpartum trauma of the pelvic floor in women after vaginal delivery. This new method may help to identify women with a higher risk of postpartum pelvic floor disorders.
Radiation and Second Primary Thyroid Cancer Following Index Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Polednik Katherine M. , Simpson Matthew C. , Adjei Boakye Eric , Mohammed Kahee A. , J. Dombrowski John , Varvares Mark A. , Osazuwa‐Peters Nosayaba 
Published: September 2018

Objectives/HypothesisRadiation is thought to increase risk of developing second primary thyroid cancer (SPTC). This study estimated the rate of SPTC following index head and neck cancer (HNC) and determined whether radiation treatment among HNC survivors increased SPTC risk.Study DesignRetrospective data analysis.MethodThe Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (1975–2014) was queried for cases of index HNC (N = 127,563) that developed SPTC. Adjusted multivariable competing risk proportional hazards model tested risk of developing a SPTC following index HNC. Sensitivity analyses using proportional hazards models were also performed restricting data to patients who 1) received both radiation and chemotherapy and 2) radiation alone.ResultsOnly 0.2% of index HNC survivors (n = 229) developed SPTC, yielding a rate of 26.1 per 100,000 person‐years. For every increasing year of age at diagnosis, patients were 3% less likely to develop an SPTC (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.96‐0.98). Males were also less likely to develop an SPTC (aHR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.55‐0.96). Radiation (aHR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.68‐1.25), surgery (aHR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.56‐1.11), and chemotherapy (aHR = 1.13, 95% CI: 0.76‐1.69) were not significantly associated with developing SPTC. The sensitivity models also did not find an association between treatment and risk of SPTC.ConclusionsRate of developing SPTC following index HNC was very low, and previous exposure to radiation did not significantly increase risk in our study population. More studies are needed to understand the increasing incidence of thyroid cancer across the United States.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 129:1014–1020, 2019
Does Delaying Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Adversely Impact Quality‐of‐Life Outcomes?
Authors: Alt Jeremiah A. , Orlandi Richard R. , Mace Jess C. , Soler Zachary M. , Smith Timothy L. 
Published: September 2018

ObjectivesThere is little consensus regarding the prognostic value of symptom duration in predicting clinical disease severity or quality‐of‐life (QOL) outcomes in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Our objectives were to: 1) determine if patients with longer symptom duration have worse preoperative disease severity and/or QOL, and 2) determine if delayed surgical intervention influences outcomes of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).MethodsPatients diagnosed with CRS were prospectively enrolled into a multicenter cohort study and observed 14.7 (standard deviaton {SD} ± 4.8) months on average following primary ESS. Preoperative symptom duration was stratified into short‐term (< 12 months), middle‐term (12–60 months), and long‐term (> 60 months). Disease severity was assessed using endoscopy and computed tomography. Disease‐specific QOL was measured with the 22‐item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) and Rhinosinusitis Disability Index. Adjusted bivariate and multivariate associations between symptom duration, disease severity, and QOL scores were evaluated.ResultsOne hundred and thirteen patients met inclusion criteria with 35 patients lost to postoperative follow‐up. No significant differences in preoperative disease severity or QOL scores were reported between symptom duration subgroups. Participants in the long‐term symptom subgroup reported significantly greater mean postoperative improvement on SNOT‐22 total scores (n = 28; −36.3[± 22.2]) compared to both short‐term (n = 27; −23.4[SD ± 11.3]; P = 0.039) and middle‐term (n = 23; −23.5[SD ± 20.1]; P = 0.050) subgroups. Postoperative QOL improvements in the long‐term symptom subgroup remained significantly greater (P ≤ 0.036) after multivariate adjustment.ConclusionsSymptom duration was not associated with mean preoperative disease severity or QOL. Patients with long‐term symptom duration reported the greatest mean postoperative QOL improvement, suggesting that delayed surgical intervention may not reduce QOL improvements following ESS.Level of Evidence2c Laryngoscope, 129:303–311, 2019
Narrow Band Imaging Endoscopy of the Nasopharynx for Malignancy: An Inter‐ and Intraobserver Study
Authors: Vlantis Alexander C. , Wong Eddy W. Y. , Ng Siu Kwan , Chan Jason Ying Kuen , Tong Michael C. F. 
Published: September 2018

ObjectiveTo assess interobserver agreement and intraobserver reproducibility when assessing the nasopharynx for malignancy under white light and narrow band imaging endoscopy because the decision to biopsy hinges on the examiner's perceived chance of malignancy.MethodsAn interobserver and intraobserver agreement study utilizing white light and narrow band endoscopic images of the nasopharynx. The setting was an academic referral hospital.Participants were 156 adults with suspected nasopharyngeal carcinoma who underwent white light and narrow band imaging endoscopy and biopsy. Images of the nasopharynges were subsequently scored for malignancy by four otolaryngologists.The nasopharynx was scored on 4‐point scales under white light and narrow band imaging endoscopy for the likelihood of malignancy or abnormality, respectively.ResultsIntraclass correlation coefficients for intraobserver agreement for nasopharyngeal malignancy for four observers under white light were 0.86, 0.89, 0.79 and 0.88 (mean 0.855), respectively; and under narrow band imaging they were 0.64, 0.68, 0.64, and 0.66 (mean 0.655), respectively (all P values < 0.001). The coefficient for interobserver reliability under white light was 0.79 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.76–0.82; P < 0.001), which indicated strong agreement. The coefficient for interobserver reliability under narrow band imaging was 0.56 (95% CI 0.50–0.61; P < 0.001), which indicated moderate agreement.ConclusionsIntraobserver and interobserver agreement for nasopharyngeal malignancy was strong on white light endoscopy but only moderate on narrow band imaging endoscopy. Agreement may be improved by adopting a standard set of assessment guidelines, including an objective detailed morphological analysis under white light and vasculature analysis under narrow band imaging.Level of Evidence2aLaryngoscope, 129:1374–1379, 2019
Enhanced Spin Hall Effect of Light in Spheres with Dual Symmetry
Authors: Gao Dongliang , Shi Ran , Miroshnichenko Andrey E. , Gao Lei 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe spin–orbit interaction (SOI) of light is usually weak in dielectric particles and recently is enhanced in plasmonic structures. This Letter Article shows that strong SOI can arise in dielectric particles with dual symmetry, resulting in enhanced spin Hall effect of scattered light. It reveals the relationship between spin Hall shift and dual symmetry. The interference between electric and magnetic dipolar modes plays an important role in enhancing the spin Hall shift. Strong SOI is demonstrated by the optical singularity of the orbital angular momentum. The results can find potential applications in dielectric‐based photonic devices, such as optical sensing and manipulation of subwavelength nanoparticles.
Tuning of Structural Colors Like a Chameleon Enabled by Shape‐Memory Polymers
Authors: Schauer Senta , Baumberg Jeremy J. , Hölscher Hendrik , Smoukov Stoyan K. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractNature often uses structuring of materials for coloration rather than incorporating dye molecules, since single‐construction materials are capable of producing any vivid visible color in plants and insects. By precisely engineering features that diffract or scatter light, more recently, humans have created similarly intense non‐fading colors. Stretchable polymer opals have emerged as a single material which can dynamically shift across the whole visible spectrum using structural colors, by temporary stretching or compression. For energy efficiency and practical considerations, however, it is necessary to fix semi‐permanently desired colors without continuous stretching or application of other stimuli or energy. Here, a polymer opal incorporating a shape‐memory polymer embedded in its matrix can keep a particular color fixed without the application of external forces, yet can be reprogrammed to a different fixed color on demand. The influence of the material composition on its optical appearance, shape‐fixity, and shape recovery abilities in controlled stretch experiments is quantified. High‐speed printing‐compatible localized compression pattern imprinting is shown to generate stable but easily erasable color patterns. This opens up the potential for durable and energy‐efficient yet reusable and reconfigurable displays, wearables, or packaging and security labeling based on such polymeric film materials.
Patient‐ and Nutrition‐Derived Outcome Risk Assessment Score as a Predictor of Mortality in Critically Ill Surgical Patients: A Retrospective, Single‐Center Observational Study
Authors: Nakayama Anna , Canales Cecilia , Yeh D. Dante , Belcher Donna , McCarthy Caitlin M. , Quraishi Sadeq A. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe Patient‐ And Nutrition‐Derived Outcome Risk Assessment (PANDORA) was recently validated for predicting mortality in hospitalized patients; however, its utility in the intensive care unit (ICU) remains unknown.MethodsWe investigated whether PANDORA is associated with 30, 90, and 180 day mortality in critically ill surgical patients by performing logistic regressions, controlling for age, sex, race, body mass index, macronutrient deficit, and length of stay. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) of PANDORA vs Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II scores for mortality at each time point were also compared.Results312 patients comprised the analytic cohort. PANDORA was associated with mortality at 30 (OR 1.08; 95% CI 1.04–1.13; P < .001), 90 (OR 1.09; 95% CI 1.03–1.12; P < .001), and 180 days (OR 1.10; 95% CI 1.06–1.15; P < .001). PANDORA and APACHE II were comparable for mortality prediction at 30 (AUC: 0.69, 95% CI 0.62–0.76 vs 0.74, 95% CI 0.67–0.81; P = .29), 90 (AUC: 0.71, 95% CI 0.63–0.77 vs 0.74, 95% CI 0.67–0.80; P = .52), and 180 days (AUC: 0.73, 95% CI 0.67–0.79 vs 0.75, 95% CI 0.69–0.81; P = .66).ConclusionIn surgical ICU patients, PANDORA was associated with mortality and was comparable with APACHE II for mortality prediction at 30, 90, and 180 days after initiation of care. Prospective studies are needed to assess whether nutrition support, stratified by PANDORA scores, can improve outcomes in surgical ICU patients.