bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of cellular and soluble profiles in QuantiFERON nonconverters, converters, and reverters in the Gambia
Authors: Medawar Lydia , Tukiman Hatimi Mohd , Mbayo Georgetta , Donkor Simon , Owolabi Olumuyiwa , Sutherland Jayne S. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundTuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent worldwide. The immune system is capable of clearing the pathogen before establishment of latent infection but the mechanisms for this are not yet understood.MethodsThis study analysed highly exposed household contacts (HHC) of TB index cases who were categorised according to QuantiFERON (QFT) results at recruitment and 6 months. Seventeen (17) QFT nonconverters, 14 QFT converters, 18 QFT reverters and 18 latent TB infection (LTBI) were analysed. Supernatants generated following QFT stimulation at both time‐points were analysed using a 64‐plex cytokine array. Flow cytometry was performed on QFT converters and nonconverters at baseline only.ResultsInterleukin‐2 (IL‐2), IL‐5, IL‐13, APRIL, IL‐17A, IP‐10, MIP‐1ß, sIL‐6rb, OPN, and sTNFR2 were all significantly higher in the QFT converters compared with nonconverters at baseline. Levels of interferon‐α2 (IFN‐α2) and IL‐2 were significantly lower in QFT reverters compared with nonconverters at baseline. Analysis of Ag‐specific IL‐2 levels resulted in an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.93 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.84‐1.00) for QFT converters compared to nonconverters and an AUC of 0.80 (0.65‐0.95) for QFT reverters compared with LTBI. Purified protein derivative (PPD)‐specific CD4 + CD26 + IFN‐γ + cells were significantly increased (P = .0007) in QFT nonconverters compared with QFT converters at baseline.ConclusionsOur results provide insight into the underlying mechanisms of resistance to sustained Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.
Catalpol protects against 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin‐induced cytotoxicity in osteoblastic MC3T3‐E1 cells
Authors: Choi Eun Mi , Suh Kwang Sik , Jung Woon‐Won , Yun Soojin , Park So Young , Chin Sang Ouk , Rhee Sang Youl , Chon Suk 
Published: August 2019

Abstract2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD) is a well‐known environmental contaminant that produces a wide variety of adverse effects in humans. Catalpol, a major bioactive compound enriched in the dried root of Rehmannia glutinosa, is a major iridoid glycoside that alleviates bone loss. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying the effects of catalpol remain unclear. The present study evaluated the effects of catalpol on TCDD‐induced cytotoxicity in osteoblastic MC3T3‐E1 cells. Catalpol inhibited TCDD‐induced reduction in cell viability and increases in apoptosis and autophagic activity in osteoblastic MC3T3‐E1 cells. Additionally, pretreatment with catalpol significantly decreased the nitric oxide and nitrite levels compared with a control in TCDD‐treated cells and significantly inhibited TCDD‐induced increases in the levels of cytochrome P450 1A1 and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase. Pretreatment with catalpol also effectively restored the expression of superoxide dismutase and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1 and significantly enhanced the expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 and osteoblast differentiation markers, including alkaline phosphatase and osterix. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that catalpol has preventive effects against TCDD‐induced damage in MC3T3‐E1 osteoblastic cells.
Preparation and evaluation of acellular sheep periostea for guided bone regeneration
Authors: He Jing , Li Zhenning , Yu Tianhao , Wang Weizuo , Tao Meihan , Ma Yizhan , Wang Shilin , Fan Jun , Tian Xiaohong , Wang Xiaohong , Lin Yingchi , Ao Qiang 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe objective of this study was to fabricate an acellular sheep periosteum and explore its potential application in guided bone regeneration. Sheep periosteum was collected and decellularized by a modified decellularization protocol. The effectiveness of cell removal was proved by hematoxylin and eosin and 4′,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole staining, DNA quantitative test, and agarose gel electrophoresis. After decellularization, its microstructure was found to become more porous while the integrality of collagen fibers remained undamaged, and the contents of collagen and glycosaminoglycan were not decreased significantly. Biomechanical analysis showed that the elastic modulus was significantly declined, while the yield stress was not affected, probably due to the collagen integrality. In vitro study of CCK‐8 assay demonstrated that the acellular periosteum not only had no toxic effect to the MC3T3‐E1 cells, but benefited the cell proliferation to some degree. In vivo experiment of guided bone regeneration was performed using a rabbit cranial model. Micro‐CT and histological results revealed that the acellular periosteum not only effectively prevented the ingrowth of fibrous connective tissues, but also potentially facilitated bone regeneration. In conclusion, acellular sheep periostea, with wider sources, less costs, and more convenient fabrication process, would have great potential in the employment for guided bone regeneration.
Circulating plasma circular RNAs as novel diagnostic biomarkers for congenital heart disease in children
Authors: Wu Jinhuan , Li Jiaqing , liu Heng , Yin Jiangwen , zhang Mengjie , Yu Zhangbin , Miao Hongjun 
Published: August 2019

AbstractObjectiveThe diagnostic value of circulating circular RNAs (circRNAs) has received more and more attention. However, little has been reported about their potential in the diagnosis of congenital heart diseases (CHD). In this study, we explored differential expression of circRNAs from children with CHD to evaluate their potential as clinical biomarkers.MethodsWe established a discovery cohort (four CHD cases; four matched healthy controls) and a validation cohort (40 CHD cases; 40 matched healthy controls). Microarray expression analysis was performed on the discovery set to identify candidate circRNAs. Candidates were further validated in the validation set. The diagnostic accuracy of circRNAs was determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Gene ontology (GO), pathway, and network analysis were performed to predict a network of circRNA/miRNA and target mRNAs related to CHD.ResultsThe top seven significantly differentially expressed CHD‐associated circRNAs were validated by RT‐PCR as follows: hsa_circRNA_004183, hsa_circRNA_079265, hsa_circRNA_105039, hsa_circRNA_404686, hsa_circRNA_101050, hsa_circRNA_100787, and hsa_circRNA_101328. Three significantly down‐regulated circRNAs (hsa_circRNA_004183, hsa_circRNA_079265, and hsa_circRNA_105039) were identified with area under curve (AUC) values of 0.758, 0.809, and 0.907, respectively; the combination had an AUC of 0.965. An interaction network was constructed by 43 circRNAs, 9 miRNAs, and 29 mRNAs, which involved in heart development.ConclusionsWe identified three circRNAs under‐expressed in plasma from children with CHD. These circRNAs may be crucial in the development of CHD and may serve as novel non‐invasive biomarkers for the diagnosis of CHD in children.
Divergent skeletal muscle mitochondrial phenotype between male and female patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Garnham Jack O. , Roberts Lee D. , Caspi Talia , Al‐Owais Moza M. , Bullock Max , Swoboda Peter P. , Koshy Aaron , Gierula John , Paton Maria F. , Cubbon Richard M. , Kearney Mark T. , Bowen T. Scott , Witte Klaus K. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) suggest that skeletal muscle mitochondrial impairments are associated with exercise intolerance in men. However, the nature of this relationship in female patients remains to be elucidated. This study aimed to determine the relationship between skeletal muscle mitochondrial impairments and exercise intolerance in male and female patients with HFrEF.MethodsMitochondrial respiration, enzyme activity, and gene expression were examined in pectoralis major biopsies from age‐matched male (n = 45) and female (n = 11) patients with HFrEF and healthy‐matched male (n = 24) and female (n = 11) controls. Mitochondrial variables were compared between sex and related to peak exercise capacity.ResultsCompared with sex‐matched controls, complex I mitochondrial oxygen flux was 17% (P = 0.030) and 29% (P = 0.013) lower in male and female patients with HFrEF, respectively, which correlated to exercise capacity (r = 0.71; P > 0.0001). Female HFrEF patients had a 32% (P = 0.023) lower mitochondrial content compared with controls. However, after adjusting for mitochondrial content, male patients demonstrated lower complex I function by 15% (P = 0.030). Expression of key mitochondrial genes regulating organelle dynamics and maintenance (i.e. optic atrophy 1, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ coactivator‐1α, NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase core subunit S1/S3, and superoxide dismutase 2) were selectively lower in female HFrEF patients.ConclusionsThese data provide novel evidence that HFrEF induces divergent sex‐specific mitochondrial phenotypes in skeletal muscle that predispose towards exercise intolerance, impacting mitochondrial ‘quantity' in female patients and mitochondrial ‘quality' in male patients. Therapeutic strategies to improve exercise tolerance in HFrEF should consider targeting sex‐specific mitochondrial abnormalities in skeletal muscle.
Efficient whole‐cell biotransformation of furfural to furfuryl alcohol by Saccharomyces cerevisiae NL22
Authors: Yan Yuxiu , Bu Chongyang , Huang Xiang , Ouyang Jia 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDFurfuryl alcohol (FOL) is an upgraded product from biomass‐based furfural (FAL), which has wide application in fine chemical and polymer industries. FOL can be produced by chemical approaches, but harsh reaction conditions and subsequent safety problems often pose considerable challenges for chemical methods. In contrast to chemical methods that often do not meet the requirement for green chemistry, bio‐catalysis is an attractive alternative to replace chemical methods due to its mild reaction conditions and environmental friendliness. However, FAL is a well‐known inhibitor of many microorganisms. In this study, four different wild‐type cells were screened and employed for the bioreduction of FAL to FOL using a whole‐cell system.RESULTSAmong these strains, Saccharomyces cerevisiae NL22 exhibited the best transformation ability from FAL into FOL. In order to improve the conversion of FAL and selectivity of FOL, optimization of whole‐cell biotransformation using S. cerevisiae NL22 was carried out. A maximal conversion of 98% and a high selectivity of 87.9% were obtained at 30 °C and 62 mmol L−1 FAL in the presence of 1.3 mol glucose/mol FAL within 8 h. A total of 122 mmol L−1 FOL was synthesized within 24 h reaction by a fed‐batch strategy.CONCLUSIONThe bioprocess developed in this study is a highly efficient method for FOL synthesis. The wild‐type strain S. cerevisiae NL22 might serve as a candidate for the production of FAL to FOL as an efficient biocatalyst. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Uranium(VI) and zirconium(IV) sorption on magnetic chitosan derivatives – effect of different functional groups on separation properties
Authors: Hamza Mohammed F , Gamal Ahmed , Hussein Ghada , Nagar Mohammed S , Abdel‐Rahman Adel A‐H , Wei Yuezhou , Guibal Eric 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe recovery of metal ions from aqueous solutions for environmental preservation or resource saving requires the development of new sorbents with enhanced separation properties. A new process has been designed for the functionalization of magnetic chitosan microparticles with grafting of either amidoxime (AO‐AHC) or hydrazinyl amine (HZ‐AHC). Their sorption properties have been tested for the recovery of uranium(VI) and zirconium(IV) from aqueous solutions.RESULTSA wide range of analytical tools is used for characterizing not only the chemical modifications but also the interaction mode between the sorbent and target metal ions; including elemental analysis and titration, Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) characterizations, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis and textural characterization. The optimum pH values were found in the range 4–5. The maximum sorption capacities depend on the metal and the kind of functionalization: up to 1.38 mmol U g−1 for AO‐AHC and up to 1.96 mmol Zr g−1 for HZ‐AHC. The small size of magnetic particles limits the contribution of diffusion mechanisms in the overall control of uptake kinetics and the equilibrium is reached within 40–60 min. Metal desorption is highly effective (almost quantitative over five successive cycles of sorption and desorption) using 0.3 M hydrochloric acid solutions.CONCLUSIONAO‐AHC sorbent is more selective than HZ‐AHC in terms of separation of uranium(VI) from zirconium(IV), especially at pH close to 4. The results obtained in the treatment of acidic ore leachates confirm these trends. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Prevalence of rotavirus and human bocavirus in immunosuppressed individuals after renal transplantation in the Northern Region of Brazil
Authors: Castro Luanda R. P. , Calvet Flávio C. , Sousa Karoline L. , Silva Victor P. , Lobo Patrícia S. , Penha Edvaldo T. , Guerra Sylvia F. S. , Bezerra Delana A. M. , Mascarenhas Joana D. P. , Pinheiro Helder H. C. , Costa Igor B. , Resque Hugo R. , Soares Luana S. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractImmunosuppressive therapy causes severe impairment of host defense and diarrhea is a frequent complication in renal transplant recipients. This study aimed to describe the occurrence of Rotavirus A (RVA) and Human Bocavirus (HBoV) in fecal samples of immunosuppressed patients submitted to renal transplantation during posttransplant follow‐up. A longitudinal study was carried out involving a 25‐patient cohort, selected for kidney transplantation. A total of 126 fecal samples were collected between May 2014 and May 2016. Molecular techniques were used to detect and characterize circulating RVA and HBoV genotypes and statistical analysis were applied to verify the association between epidemiological and clinical characteristics. The prevalence of RVA and HBoV was 24% (6/25) and 40% (10/25), respectively. Among RVA and HBoV positive cases, the majority was female; did not conduct water treatment nor had adequate sewage facilities. The most detected genotypes were RVA G3 (62.5%) and HBoV‐3 (95%). Phylogenetic analysis of HBoV strains indicated that studied samples were similar to those found in Asian and American countries. The present study point out the circulation of these viral agents among immunosuppressed individuals and these findings will enable the construction of new knowledge and care perspectives on the cause of diarrhea in this population.
Distribution and difference of APOBEC‐induced mutations in the TpCpW context of HBV DNA between HCC and non‐HCC
Authors: Ren FengLing , Li WeiNa , Xiang An , Wang Li , Li Meng , Guo YanHai 
Published: August 2019

AbstractHepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA is vulnerable to editing by human apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme, catalytic polypeptide‐like (APOBEC) cytidine deaminases. However, the distribution of APOBEC‐induced mutations on HBV DNA is not well characterized. To this end, we obtained the HBV DNA sequence of HBV‐infected individuals with and without hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC and non‐HCC groups, respectively) from NCBI database and calculated the rapo values of APOBEC‐induced TpCpW→TpKpW mutation prevalence in HBV DNA. The results showed that the APOBEC‐induced mutations were mainly distributed in the minus strand of non‐HCC‐derived HBV DNA (rapo = 2.04), while the mutation on the plus‐strand was weaker (rapo = 0.99). There were high APOBEC‐induced mutation regions in the minus strand of HBV DNA 1 to 1000 nucleotides (nts) region and in the plus‐strand of HBV DNA 1000 to 1500 nts region; the mutations in the 1 to 1000 nts region were mainly TpCpW→TpTpW mutation types (total T/G: 111/18) and a number of these were missense mutations (missense/synonymous: 35/94 in P gene, 17/15 in S gene, and 5/10 in X gene). The difference between minus to plus‐strand rapo of HCC‐derived HBV DNA (1.96) was greater than that of the non‐HCC group (1.05). The minus‐strand rapo of HCC‐derived HBV DNA regions 1000 to1500nts and 1500 to 2000 nts (rapo = 4.2 and 4.2) was also higher than that of the same regions of non‐HCC‐derived HBV DNA (rapo = 1.2 and 1.1). Finally, the ratio of minus to plus‐strand rapo was used to distinguish HCC‐derived HBV DNA from non‐HCC‐derived HBV DNA. This study unraveled the distribution characteristics of APOBEC‐induced mutations on double strands of HBV DNA from HCC and non‐HCC samples. Our findings would help understand the mechanism of APOBECs on HBV DNA and may provide important insights for the screening of HCC.
Holographic display technology based on liquid crystal device
Authors: Wang Di , Liu Chao , Lin Shu‐Feng , Wang Qiong‐Hua 
Published: August 2019

AbstractHolographic display technology can reconstruct the same images of the original objects exactly, which has played a more and more important role and become the goal of the three‐dimensional display. As liquid crystal devices can modulate the polarization state of light, they have been widely used in the holographic display to modulate the phase and amplitude of information. Among them, liquid crystal spatial light modulator and liquid crystal lens are two important devices in the holographic diffraction. In this paper, several liquid crystal devices have been introduced and the holographic display technologies based on these liquid crystal devices have been discussed. The merits and demerits of these technologies based on the liquid crystal devices have been analyzed, and the outlook of the holographic display is given in the end.
Dispersal of juvenile bobcats in a recolonizing population
Authors: Hughes Abigail M. , Reding Dawn M. , Tucker Stephanie A. , Gosselink Todd E. , Clark William R. 
Published: August 2019

ABSTRACTNatural recolonization of bobcat (Lynx rufus) populations in the midwestern United States presents challenges for managers with limited knowledge of the species’ population dynamics in a highly fragmented agricultural landscape. Dispersal is a component of population dynamics of a recolonizing population, which is likely influenced by landscape features. To better understand population expansion, we examined dispersal characteristics of juvenile (<2 yr) bobcats in recently recolonized south‐central Iowa, USA, from 2003–2009. We radio‐collared and tracked dispersal fates of 61 individuals (34 males, 27 females), with 29 (22 males, 7 females) dispersing by approximately 2 years of age and the rest remaining philopatric. Most (65%) juvenile males dispersed, whereas only 26% of females dispersed. Initiation of dispersal varied, but none occurred in July–August. Dispersal duration ranged from 4–240 days. Average age at dispersal was 16.9 ± 1.1 (SE) months. Dispersal was most prevalent in an east‐west direction and straight‐line distances ranged from 6.6–203.2 km ( = 57.9 km). On average, males dispersed 44 km farther than females. Land cover composition was similar in natal and post‐dispersal core ranges and consisted predominantly (70%) of forest and grassland. Lower abundance of forest and grassland in areas north of the study area may ultimately limit the ability of juvenile bobcats to successfully disperse and expand throughout the Corn Belt of Iowa. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.
Displacement of the Facial Nerve by Deep Parotid Lobe Lesions in the Pediatric Population
Authors: Maddalozzo John , Johnston Douglas R. , Isaac Andre , Bhushan Bharat , Rastatter Jeffrey C. 
Published: August 2019

ObjectivesTo describe and investigate facial nerve displacement in deep lobe parotid lesions in children and to determine clinical and radiographic predictors of abnormal facial nerve position.MethodsRetrospective case review of children who underwent total parotidectomy for deep lobe parotid lesions at a tertiary care center between January 2014 and December 2017. Aberrant facial nerve trajectory was defined as ascension of the nerve at an angle of 45° or greater. Elongation was defined as the main trunk >2 cm in length. Patient demographics, radiographic, pathologic results, postoperative nerve weakness, and intraoperative nerve findings were collected. Wilcoxon rank‐sum test and Fisher's exact test were used to assess the associations between variables of interest and facial nerve position.ResultsA total of 20 patients were included. The mean age was 7.7 ± 5 years. The most common pathologies were lymphatic malformation, pleomorphic adenoma, and first branchial cleft cyst. Twelve out of twenty (60.0%) patients had abnormal intraoperative facial nerve position. There was no significant difference in distribution of pathologies between those with or without an abnormal intraoperative nerve position (P = .41). Neither radiographic lesion size nor distance between the lesion and proximal portion of the facial nerve (mastoid tip) were associated with abnormal facial nerve position intraoperatively.ConclusionPediatric deep lobe parotid lesions can displace the facial nerve and distort its anatomy in a posterior lateral direction, in approximately 60% of patients. Statistical analysis of increased numbers of patients to further define predictors of aberrant nerve course is warranted.Level of Evidence4.
Injectable Polypeptide Hydrogel Depot System for Assessment of the Immune Response–Inducing Efficacy of Sustained Antigen Release Alone
Authors: Asai Daisuke , Fukuda Tadashi , Morokuma Kazunori , Funamoto Daiki , Yamaguchi Yuko , Mori Takeshi , Katayama Yoshiki , Shibayama Keigo , Nakashima Hideki 
Published: August 2019

AbstractVaccines typically contain an antigen, delivery system (vehicle), and adjuvant, all of which contribute to inducing a potent immune response. Consequently, design of new vaccines is difficult, because the contributions and interactions of these components are difficult to distinguish. Here, it is aimed to develop an easy‐to‐use, non‐immunogenic, injectable depot system for sustained antigen release that will be suitable for assessing the efficacy of prolonged antigen exposure per se for inducing an immune response. This should mimic real‐life infections. Recombinant elastin‐like polypeptides with periodic cysteine residues (cELPs) are selected, which reportedly show little or no immunogenicity, as carriers and tetanus toxoid (Ttd) as an antigen. After subcutaneous injection of the mixture, cELP rapidly forms a disulfide cross‐linked hydrogel in situ, within which Ttd is physically incorporated, affording a biodegradable antigen depot. A series of Ttd‐containing hydrogels is examined. A single injection induces high levels of tetanus antibody with high avidity for at least 20 weeks in mice. The chain length of cELP proves critical, whereas differences in hydrophobicity has little effect, although hydrophilic cELPs are more rapidly biodegraded. This system's ability to distinguish the contribution of sustained antigen release to antibody induction should be helpful for rational design of next‐generation vaccines.