bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hybrid Pericardium with VEGF‐Loaded Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogel Coating to Improve the Biological Properties of Bioprosthetic Heart Valves
Authors: Lei Yang , Deng Lu , Tang Yuyang , Ning Qinggong , Lan Xiaorong , Wang Yunbing 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBioprosthetic heart valves (BHVs) used in the clinic are mostly fixed by glutaraldehyde and the lack of endothelialization is a major problem for glutaraldehyde‐fixed pericardia. Hyaluronic acid is a major glycosaminoglycan that exists in native heart valves. Coupled with its inherent biocompatibility, it may enhance endothelial adhesion and proliferation when associated with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). In this study, an optimized system is developed to improve the endothelialization of glutaraldehyde‐fixed pericardium. A hybrid pericardium with VEGF‐loaded hyaluronic acid hydrogel coating is developed by the crosslinking of 1,4‐butanediol diglycidyl ether. The adhesion and growth potential of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) on pericardia, platelet adhesion, and calcification by an in vivo rat subdermal implantation model are investigated. The results show improved HUVEC adhesion and proliferation, less platelet adhesion, and less calcification for hybrid pericardium by introducing the coating of VEGF‐loaded hyaluronic acid hydrogel. Thus, the coating of VEGF‐loaded hyaluronic acid hydrogel on pericardium is a promising approach to obtain bioprosthetic valves for clinical applications with increased endothelialization and antithrombotic and anticalcification properties.
A New Antimicrobial Agent: Poly (3‐hydroxybutyric acid) Oligomer
Authors: Ma Linlin , Zhang Ziheng , Li Jun , Yang Xingxing , Fei Bin , Leung Polly H. M. , Tao Xiaoming 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIn this work, it is first reported that the poly (3‐hydroxybutyric acid) (PHB) oligomer with a few degrees of polymerization possesses effective antibacterial and antifungal properties. Two preparation methods for the PHB oligomer are described, namely, one‐step ring‐opening polymerization of β‐butyrolactone and extraction from the fermented PHB polymer. An appropriate amount of the synthesized PHB oligomer shows no physiological toxicity to the skin and major organs of mice. Topological application of the synthesized PHB oligomer imparts antimicrobial ability to non‐antibacterial fabrics with washing resistance. The synthesized PHB oligomer offers effective sterilization and promotes wound healing in infected nude mice. Most importantly, the PHB oligomer is also reactive to drug‐resistant bacteria. These results suggest that the PHB oligomer is not only a great candidate for antimicrobial modification but also a promising one for biomedical applications. Finally, the antimicrobial mechanisms of the PHB oligomer are revealed, and these include disruption of biofilm and the bacterial wall/membrane, leakage of the intracellular content, inhibition of protein activity, and change in the transmembrane potential.
Syndioselective Polymerization of Vinylnaphthalene
Authors: Li Shihui , Yan Fangbing , Zhang Zhen , Dou Yanli , Zhang Wanxi , Cui Dongmei 
Published: April 2019

AbstractCoordination polymerizations of 1‐vinylnaphthalene (1VN), 2‐vinylnaphthalene (2VN) and 6‐methoxy‐2‐vinylnaphthalene (MVN) are carried out at room temperature by using the half‐sandwich scandium precursor FluSiMe3Sc(CH2SiMe3)2(THF) (1) and the constrained geometry configuration rare‐earth metal precursors FluCH2PyLn(CH2SiMe3)2(THF)n[Flu = C13H8, Py = C5H4N; Ln = Sc (2a),n= 0; Ln = Lu (2b), Y(2c),n= 1]. Atactic poly(1VN) and perfect syndiotactic poly(2VN) and poly(MVN) are produced by precursors2a‐2cin a controlled way. Treatment of poly(MVN) with boron tribromide at −20 °C provides a syndiotactic poly(6‐hydroxy‐2‐vinylnaphthalene).
Factor Analysis of the Apathy Scale in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Lopez Francesca V. , Eglit Graham M.L. , Schiehser Dawn M. , Pirogovsky‐Turk Eva , Litvan Irene , Lessig Stephanie , Filoteo J. Vincent 
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe Apathy Scale (AS), a popular measure of apathy in Parkinson's disease (PD), has been somewhat limited for failing to characterize dimensions of apathy, such as those involving cognitive, behavioral, and emotional apathy symptoms. This study sought to determine whether factors consistent with these apathy dimensions in PD could be identified on the AS, examine the associations between these factors and disease‐related characteristics, and compare PD patients and healthy control (HCs) on identified factors.MethodsConfirmatory (CFA) and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) were conducted on AS scores of 157 nondemented PD patients to identify AS factors. These factors were then correlated with important disease‐related characteristics, and PD and HC participants were compared across these factors.ResultsPreviously proposed AS models failed to achieve an adequate fit in CFA. A subsequent EFA revealed two factors on the AS reflecting joint cognitive‐behavioral aspects of apathy (Motivation‐Interest‐Energy) and emotional apathy symptoms (Indifference). Both factors were associated with anxiety, depression, health‐related quality of life, and independent activities of daily living, with Indifference associated more with the latter. In addition, only the Indifference factor was associated with cognitive functioning. PD patients reported higher levels of symptoms than HCs on both factors, with the group difference slightly larger on the Motivation‐Interest‐Energy factor.ConclusionThe AS can be decomposed into two factors reflecting Motivation‐Interest‐Energy and Indifference symptoms. These factors are differentially associated with clinical variables, including cognition and independent activities of daily living, indicating the importance of evaluating apathy from a multidimensional perspective.
Genetic analysis of pharmacogenomic VIP variants in the Blang population from Yunnan Province of China
Authors: Zhang Chan , Guo Weiwei , Cheng Yujing , Li Qi , Yang Xin , Dai Run , Zhu Linhao , Chen Wanlu 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundGenetic polymorphisms in numerous pharmacogenetics studies were regarded as the essential factors involved in the response to or metabolism of drugs. These genetic variants called very important pharmacogenetic (VIP) variants played a role in drugs metabolism, which have been summarized in the PharmGKB database. In this study, we genotyped 80 VIP variants from the PharmGKB in 100 members of Blang volunteers from Yunnan province.MethodsBased on the PharmGKB database, we genotyped 80 VIP variants loci located in 47 genes. We used χ2 tests to evaluate the significant loci between Blang and the other populations, including ASW, CEU, CHB, CHD, GIH, JPT, LWK, MEX, MKK, TSI, and YRI. The global variation distribution of the significant variants was observed from the ALlele FREquency Database. And then, we used F‐statistics (Fst), genetic structure, and phylogenetic tree analyses to ascertain the genetic affinity among 12 populations.ResultsComparing the Blang with the other 11 populations from the HapMap Project, the statistical results revealed that rs3814055 (NC_000003.12:g.119781188C>T) of nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group I member 2 (NR1I2, OMIM# 603,065) was the most significant variant, followed by rs1540339 (NC_000012.12:g.47863543C>T) of vitamin D receptor (VDR, OMIM#601,769). Furthermore, we found that genotype frequency of rs3814055 in the Blang was closer to the populations distributed in Miao. And genetic structure and F‐statistics indicated that the Blangs had a relatively closer affinity with CHD, CHB, and JPT populations. In addition, the Han nationality in Shaanxi was closer to it.ConclusionsOur results will complement the pharmacogenomics information of the Blang ethnic group and provide a theoretical basis for safer drug administration for Blang.
The association of nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain 2 gene polymorphisms with the risk of asthma in the Chinese Han population
Authors: Cai Xulong , Xu Qiaolan , Zhou Chenrong , Zhou Li , Dai Weihua , Ji Guanchi 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundGenetic background is one of the important risk factors for development of asthma. The nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain 2 (NOD2) has been involved in the pathogenesis of asthma. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between NOD2 gene polymorphisms and asthma susceptibility in the Chinese Han population.MethodsChildren with asthma (n = 309) and Healthy children (n = 163) were recruited from Yancheng Third People's Hospital, Yancheng, China, between January 2016 and December 2017. The NOD2 gene polymorphisms were measured by the Snapshot SNP genotyping assays. Genotyping was performed for 4 tag SNPs of NOD2. Serum IFN‐β levels were measured by ELISA.ResultsThe serum IFN‐β levels were significantly lower in Asthmatic children than those in the controls (p < 0.001). Low levels of IFN‐β may be related to the susceptibility to severe asthma. The rs3135499 C allele was associated with a significantly increased risk of asthma as compared with the rs3135499 A allele.ConclusionThe rs3135499 polymorphism of NOD2 gene and IFN‐β may play a role in the pathogenesis of asthma.
Concurrent manifestation of oligodontia and thrombocytopenia caused by a contiguous gene deletion in 12p13.2: A three‐generation clinical report
Authors: Ross Jamila , Fennis Willem , de Leeuw Nicole , Cune Marco , Willemze Annemieke , Rosenberg Antoine , Ploos van Amstel Hans‐Kristian , Créton Marijn , van den Boogaard Marie‐José 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundWnt and Wnt‐associated pathways play an important role in the genetic etiology of oligodontia, a severe form of tooth agenesis. Loss‐of‐function mutations in LRP6 , encoding a transmembrane cell‐surface protein that functions as a coreceptor in the canonical Wnt/b‐catenin signaling cascade, also contribute to genetic oligodontia.Methods and resultsWe describe a three‐generation family with hereditary thrombocytopenia and oligodontia. Genome wide array analysis was performed. The array results from the index patient revealed an interstitial loss of 150 kb in 8p23.1 (chr8:6,270,299–6,422,558; hg19) encompassing MCPH1 and ANGPT2 and an interstitial loss of 290 kb in 12p13.2 (chr12:12,005,720–12,295,290; hg19) encompassing ETV6, BCL2L14 and LRP6.ConclusionThis case report shows a three‐generation family with hereditary thrombocytopenia and oligodontia with a heterozygous 290 kb novel contiguous gene deletion in band p13.2 of chromosome 12, encompassing LRP6 and ETV6. In this report we discuss the clinical relevance of the deletion of both genes and illustrate the importance of thorough examination of oligodontia patients. Comprising not only the oral status but also the medical history of the patients and their relatives.
Intraoviductal concentrations of steroid hormones during in vitro culture changed phospholipid profiles and cryotolerance of bovine embryos
Authors: Banliat Charles , Dubuisson Florine , Corbin Emilie , Beurois Julie , Tomas Daniel , Le Bourhis Daniel , Salvetti Pascal , Labas Valérie , Mermillod Pascal , Saint‐Dizier Marie 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of progesterone (P4), estradiol (E2), and cortisol (CO) at intraoviductal concentrations on bovine embryo development and quality in vitro. After fertilization of in vitro matured oocytes, zygotes were cultured for 8 days in synthetic oviductal fluid, supplemented with 55 ng/ml P4, 120 pg/ml E2, 40 ng/ml CO, or their combination (ALL). Control embryos were cultured with vehicle (0.1% ethanol). Exposure to steroids did not affect the embryo developmental rate nor the mean number of cells per blastocyst. However, at 24 hr after vitrification‐warming, exposure to P4 improved the proportion of embryos that re‐expanded and were viable while exposure to CO decreased the proportion of viable embryos. By intact cell MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry, a total of 242 phospholipid masses of 400–1000 m/z were detected from individual fresh blastocysts. Exposure to ALL induced the highest and most specific changes in embryo phospholipids, followed by P4, E2, and CO. In particular, the m/z 546.3 and 546.4 attributed to lysophosphatidylcholines were found less abundant after exposure to P4. In conclusion, exposure of bovine embryos to intraoviductal concentrations of steroid hormones did not affect in vitro development but changed blastocyst quality in terms of cryotolerance and phospholipid profiles.
Egg Production of Gulf Killifish Is Dependent on Broodstock Rearing Density but Not Spawning Substrate Surface Area
Authors: Chesser Brittany M , Green Chris C , Allen Peter J 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
The Gulf Killifish Fundulus grandis is a popular baitfish for recreational fisheries and is a candidate for commercial-scale culture; however, its relatively low fecundity compared to other baitfish presents a production challenge. Egg output in relation to broodstock densities and spawning mat surface areas was evaluated in recirculating aquaculture systems (RASs). In experiment 1, broodstock were stocked at two densities (45 and 90 fish/m³), with eggs collected three times per week for 8 weeks. Broodstock (15–17 g) that were held at 45 fish/m³ had greater reproductive output (3.93 eggs·female−1·d−1) than broodstock that were held at 90 fish/m³ (2.22 eggs·female−1·d−1). However, there was no difference between the number of eggs per collection (1,005 and 1,107 eggs per 3,600-L tank) or total egg production (23,202 and 25,802 eggs per 3,600-L tank), indicating that reproductive output was limited by another factor, such as available spawning substrate. Therefore, in experiment 2, broodstock (12–16 g) were stocked at a density of 100 fish/m³ in all tanks and were held for 8 weeks with one of three spawning mat (Spawntex) surface areas: 4,500 cm2 (one tier), 9,000 cm2 (two tiers), or 13,500 cm2 (three tiers). Reproductive output was 2.12, 2.27, and 2.21 eggs·female−1·d−1 for the one-tier, two-tier, and three-tier treatments, respectively, with no differences among treatments. There was also no among-treatment difference in the number of eggs per collection (1,724, 1,858, and 1,794 eggs/tank) or in the total number of eggs collected (27,587, 29,728, and 28,704 eggs/tank), suggesting that increasing the surface area of spawning material does not increase egg production. Therefore, a stocking density of 45 fish/m³ and a spawning mat surface area of 4,500 cm2 in commercial-scale RAS broodstock tanks result in similar egg production compared to a higher stocking density and greater spawning mat surface area.
Optimizing barge utilization in hinterland container transportation
Authors: Zweers Bernard G. , Bhulai Sandjai , van der Mei Rob D. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIn hinterland container transportation the use of barges is getting more and more important. We propose a real‐life operational planning problem model from an inland terminal operating company, in which the number of containers shipped per barge is maximized and the number of terminals visited per barge is minimized. This problem is solved with an integer linear program (ILP), yielding strong cost reductions, about 20%, compared to the method used currently in practice. Besides, we develop a heuristic that solves the ILP in two stages. First, it decides for each barge which terminals to visit and second it assigns containers to the barges. This heuristic produces almost always optimal solutions and otherwise near‐optimal solutions. Moreover, the heuristic runs much faster than the ILP, especially for large‐sized instances.
Shortest path interdiction problem with arc improvement recourse: A multiobjective approach
Authors: Holzmann Tim , Smith J. Cole 
Published: April 2019

AbstractWe consider the shortest path interdiction problem involving two agents, a leader and a follower, playing a Stackelberg game. The leader seeks to maximize the follower's minimum costs by interdicting certain arcs, thus increasing the travel time of those arcs. The follower may improve the network after the interdiction by lowering the costs of some arcs, subject to a cardinality budget restriction on arc improvements. The leader and the follower are both aware of all problem data, with the exception that the leader is unaware of the follower's improvement budget. The effectiveness of an interdiction action is given by the length of a shortest path after arc costs are adjusted by both the interdiction and improvement. We propose a multiobjective optimization model for this problem, with each objective corresponding to a different possible improvement budget value. We provide mathematical optimization techniques to generate a complete set of strategies that are Pareto‐optimal. Additionally, for the special case of series‐parallel graphs, we provide a dynamic‐programming algorithm for generating all Pareto‐optimal solutions.
Power iteration and inverse power iteration for eigenvalue complementarity problem
Authors: Abdi Fatemeh , Shakeri Fatemeh 
Published: April 2019

SummaryIn this paper, an inverse complementarity power iteration method (ICPIM) for solving eigenvalue complementarity problems (EiCPs) is proposed. Previously, the complementarity power iteration method (CPIM) for solving EiCPs was designed based on the projection onto the convex cone K. In the new algorithm, a strongly monotone linear complementarity problem over the convex cone K is needed to be solved at each iteration. It is shown that, for the symmetric EiCPs, the CPIM can be interpreted as the well‐known conditional gradient method, which requires only linear optimization steps over a well‐suited domain. Moreover, the ICPIM is closely related to the successive quadratic programming (SQP) via renormalization of iterates. The global convergence of these two algorithms is established by defining two nonnegative merit functions with zero global minimum on the solution set of the symmetric EiCP. Finally, some numerical simulations are included to evaluate the efficiency of the proposed algorithms.
Stakeholder discourse and opinion towards a charismatic non‐native lizard species: Potential invasive problem or a welcome addition?
Authors: Williams Robert J. , Dunn Alison M. , Quinn Claire H. , Hassall Christopher 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAnalysis of discourse between stakeholders is becoming increasingly recognised for its importance in resolving conflicts of opinion regarding complex environmental issues such as the human‐mediated spread of invasive non‐native species—one of the major drivers of biodiversity loss world‐wide. Species’ attributes, stakeholders’ level of knowledge, perceptions of threat, attitudes towards intervention and nature values all have subjective influence on opinion, often creating highly opposed interests and perspectives that can create barriers preventing effective management.Using a Q method approach towards analysis of subjective opinion among stakeholders, this study aimed to identify emerging viewpoints regarding the presence of Common Wall Lizards (Podarcis muralis) in theUK—an introduced, non‐native species with which there are high levels of human interaction but low levels of knowledge regarding potential negative ecological impacts. It explores the ways in which different stakeholder groups (i.e., public, land managers, conservationists) might share views and the reasoning behind shared or opposing discourse between groups.Three clearly defined viewpoints on the species’ introduction emerge from the analysis of Q sorts: ‘Innocent until proven guilty’, ‘Precautionary informed concern’ and ‘The more the merrier’. These perspectives reflect both stark differences and commonalities in stakeholder perceptions and opinion towards the species’ introduction.Whereas the ‘Innocent until proven guilty’ and ‘Precautionary, informed concern’ views are defined by differences in levels of ecological knowledge and impact uncertainty between them, the divergence of the ‘More the merrier’ view from both other viewpoints appears to be more reflective of pronounced variation between the groups deeper beliefs, perceptions and values about ‘naturalness and balance’, and overall relationship with nature.These findings will be useful in identifying discordant attitudes and areas of potential contention between stakeholders that may arise in consideration of management decisions regarding non‐native species more widely. The holistic method of interpreting the analysis gives insight into how and why stakeholders may have formulated certain viewpoints. This in turn could help conservation managers identify ways in which to appreciate and work with subjective influences on stakeholder perceptions in order to best communicate the complex challenges and opportunities presented by non‐native species.Aplain language summaryis available for this article.
Prosaposin is a biomarker of mesenchymal glioblastoma and regulates mesenchymal transition through the TGF‐β1/Smad signaling pathway
Authors: Jiang Yang , Zhou Jinpeng , Hou Dianqi , Luo Peng , Gao Huiling , Ma Yanju , Chen Yin‐Sheng , Li Long , Zou Dan , Zhang Haiying , Zhang Ye , Jing Zhitao 
Published: April 2019

AbstractMesenchymal glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive subtype of GBM. Our previous study found that neurotrophic factor prosaposin (PSAP) is highly expressed and secreted in glioma and can promote the growth of glioma. The role of PSAP in mesenchymal GBM is still unclear. In this study, bioinformatic analysis, western blotting and RT‐qPCR were used to detect the expression of PSAP in different GBM subtypes. Human glioma cell lines and patient‐derived glioma stem cells were studied in vitro and in vivo, revealing that mesenchymal GBM expressed and secreted the highest level of PSAP among four subtypes of GBM, and PSAP could promote GBM invasion and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐like processes in vivo and in vitro. Bioinformatic analysis and western blotting showed that PSAP mainly played a regulatory role in GBM invasion and EMT‐like processes via the TGF‐β1/Smad signaling pathway. In conclusion, the overexpression and secretion of PSAP may be an important factor causing the high invasiveness of mesenchymal GBM. PSAP is therefore a potential target for the treatment of mesenchymal GBM. © 2019 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
CBP/p300 antagonises EGFR‐Ras‐Erk signalling and suppresses increased Ras‐Erk signalling‐induced tumour formation in mice
Authors: Ichise Taeko , Yoshida Nobuaki , Ichise Hirotake 
Published: April 2019

AbstractCREB‐binding protein (CBP) and p300 have oncogenic properties; both co‐operate with pro‐oncogenic transcription factors downstream of Ras‐Erk signalling to support cell proliferation. By contrast, missense, truncating and in‐frame mutations of CBP/p300 are found frequently in some human cancers, including cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas that originate from epidermal keratinocytes. Data support that dysfunction of CBP/p300 contributes to keratinocyte hyperproliferation and tumourigenesis; however, the mechanism by which dysfunction of CBP/p300 affects keratinocytes is unknown. Here, we used mice harbouring keratinocyte‐specific genetic modifications to examine the role of CBP/p300 in the epidermis. While a single copy of either Crebbp or Ep300 was necessary and sufficient for maintaining epidermal development, reduced expression of CBP/p300 strengthened the Ras‐Erk signalling‐induced hyperplastic phenotype of epidermal keratinocytes. Reduced CBP/p300 expression increased ligand‐induced EGFR activity while decreasing basal expression of Mig6, a negative regulator of EGFR. A reduction in CBP/p300, in combination with increased Ras‐Erk signalling, also promoted epidermal tumour formation in mice. Thus, our findings support that CBP/p300 acts as a tumour suppressor in epidermal keratinocytes by counteracting EGFR‐Ras‐Erk signalling. © 2019 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.