bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Myocardial strain assessed by feature tracking cardiac magnetic resonance in patients with a variety of cardiovascular diseases – A comparison with echocardiography
Authors: Pryds Kasper , Larsen Anders Hostrup , Hansen Mona Sahlholdt , Grøndal Anne Yoon Krogh , Tougaard Rasmus Stilling , Hansson Nils Henrik , Clemmensen Tor Skibsted , Løgstrup Brian Bridal , Wiggers Henrik , Kim Won Yong , Bøtker Hans Erik , Nielsen Roni Ranghøj 
Published: August 2019

AbstractMyocardial deformation assessed by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) is increasingly used for diagnosis, monitoring and prognosis in patients with clinical and pre-clinical cardiovascular diseases. Feature tracking cardiac magnetic resonance (FT-CMR) also allows myocardial deformation analysis. To clarify whether the two modalities can be used interchangeably, we compared myocardial deformation analysis by FT-CMR with STE in patients with a variety of cardiovascular diseases and healthy subjects. We included 40 patients and 10 healthy subjects undergoing cardiac magnetic resonance and echocardiographic examination for left ventricular volumetric assessment. We studied patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (n = 10), acute perimyocarditis (n = 10), aortic valve stenosis (n = 10), and previous heart transplantation (n = 10) by global longitudinal (GLS), radial (GRS) and circumferential strain (GCS). Myocardial deformation analysis by FT-CMR was feasible in all but one participant. While GLS, GRS and GCS measured by FT-CMR correlated overall with STE (r = 0.74 and p < 0.001, r = 0.58 and p < 0.001, and r = 0.76 and p < 0.001), the correlations were not consistent within subgroups. GLS was systematically lower, whereas GRS and GCS were higher by FT-CMR compared to STE (p = 0.04 and p < 0.0001). Inter- and intra-observer reproducibility were comparable for FT-CMR and STE overall and across subgroups. In conclusion, myocardial deformation can be evaluated using FT-CMR applied to routine cine-CMR images in patients with a variety of cardiovascular diseases. However, correlation between FT-CMR and STE was modest and agreement was not optimal due to systematic bias regarding GLS and GCS. Consequently, FT-CMR and STE should not be used interchangeably for myocardial strain evaluation.
Vibration and sound radiation of submerged finite cylindrical shells with pre-stress
Authors: Guo Yongjin , Wang Hongdong , Yi Hong 
Published: August 2019

AbstractTheoretical solutions of vibration and sound radiation of submerged finite cylindrical shells with pre-stress were derived by using a modal summation method. Motion equations of cylindrical shells with pre-stress were established on the basis of Flügge theory. Additional impedance caused by pre-stress was added to the basic vibration equation. Pre-stress was expressed by uniform and trigonometric forms to obtain the sound radiation power, mean quadratic velocity and radiation efficiency of cylindrical shells. Numerical calculation was conducted to study the effects of tensile and compressive stresses, stress direction, value size and distribution on vibration and sound radiation of cylindrical shells. This study may provide a reference for controlling sound radiation of underwater vehicles.
pH dependence of the chirality of nematic cellulose nanocrystals
Authors: Li Chenxi , Evans Julian , Wang Nan , Guo Tingbiao , He Sailing 
Published: August 2019

AbstractCellulose nanocrystals produced by acid hydrolysis of native cellulose form a well-known chiral nematic liquid crystal phase. The mechanism involved in the formation of chirality has been the subject of a vigorous discussion. The pH and concentration dependence of the phase is studied using cellulose nanocrystal droplets within a silicon oil suspension, which allows for convenient real-time microscale manipulation of phase behaviors and properties. We demonstrate the existence of nematic phases at both low and high pH regions consistent with the Stroobants - Lekkerkerker - Odijk theory. Our results confirm electrostatic interactions play a critical role in controlling the strength of the chirality.
Population-level associations of achievement of targets for bone-mineral markers with survival in haemodialysis patients with mildly elevated intact-PTH levels: a case-cohort study
Authors: Fukuma Shingo , Fukuhara Shunichi , Shimizu Sayaka , Akizawa Tadao , Fukagawa Masafumi 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAchieving calcium, phosphorus, and intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) targets helps improve dialysis population outcomes. We aimed to assess the population-level associations of achievement of those targets with survival using population-attributable-fractions (PAFs). We conducted a case-cohort study using data from 8229 haemodialysis patients with mildly elevated intact PTH, treated at 86 dialysis facilities in Japan. We examined associations among calcium, phosphorus, intact PTH, and mortality over 3 years. We estimated PAFs for achieving the targets of calcium, phosphorus, and intact PTH from the adjusted hazard ratios by Cox regression models. Proportions within the recommended range were 55.8%, 63.3%, and 39.1% for calcium (8.4–10.0 mg/dL), phosphorus (3.5–6.0 mg/dL) and intact PTH (60–240 pg/mL), respectively. The mortality rate was 5.7 per 100 person-years. Mortality was independently associated with non-achievement of targets. Regarding the population-level impact, statistically significant PAFs were found for achieving the combination of calcium and phosphorus (8.8%; 95% CI, 1.1–16.0). Further, PAF for combined calcium, phosphorus, and intact PTH was the largest (16.8%; 95% CI, 5.6–30.4). In conclusion, there might be additive and substantial population-level associations between survival and the achievement of calcium, phosphorus, and intact-PTH targets in the haemodialysis population with mildly elevated intact PTH.
A simple method for evaluation pharmacokinetics of glycyrrhetinic acid and potential drug-drug interaction between herbal ingredients
Authors: Zhou Neng , Zou Caiyuan , Qin Menglin , Li Yi , Huang Jiayi 
Published: August 2019

AbstractA simple validated high performance liquid chromatography method was developed for the evaluation of the effect of three kinds of active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) on the pharmacokinetics of glycyrrhetinic acid (GA),a kind of active component from the most commonly used TCM licorice. Our results revealed that all of the calibration curves displayed good linearity. Intra- and inter-day precision for GA ranged from 2.54 to 3.98% and from 4.95 to 7.08%, respectively. The recovery rates for GA were determined to be 96.3–106.4%. All the samples showed satisfactory precision and accuracy in various stability tests. Plasma pharmacokinetic parameters including area under the concentration-time curve (AUC), elimination half-life (t1/2), time to peak concentration(Tmax) and peak concentration Cmax were calculated. No significant difference was found as compared the groups administrating GA with and without other ingredients from TCM.
Amplicon sequencing provides more accurate microbiome information in healthy children compared to culturing
Authors: Gupta Shashank , Mortensen Martin S. , Schjørring Susanne , Trivedi Urvish , Vestergaard Gisle , Stokholm Jakob , Bisgaard Hans , Krogfelt Karen A. , Sørensen Søren J. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractNext-Generation Sequencing (NGS) of 16S rRNA gene is now one of the most widely used application to investigate the microbiota at any given body site in research. Since NGS is more sensitive than traditional culture methods (TCMs), many studies have argued for them to replace TCMs. However, are we really ready for this transition? Here we compare the diagnostic efficiency of the two methods using a large number of samples (n = 1,748 fecal and n = 1,790 hypopharyngeal), among healthy children at different time points. Here we show that bacteria identified by NGS represented 75.70% of the unique bacterial species cultured in each sample, while TCM only identified 23.86% of the bacterial species found by amplicon sequencing. We discuss the pros and cons of both methods and provide perspective on how NGS can be implemented effectively in clinical settings.
Sustainability of coral reefs are affected by ecological light pollution in the Gulf of Aqaba/Eilat
Authors: Rosenberg Yael , Doniger Tirza , Levy Oren 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAs human populations grow and lighting technologies improve, artificial light gradually alters natural cycles of light and dark that have been consistent over long periods of geological and evolutionary time. While considerable ecological implications of artificial light have been identified in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats, knowledge about the physiological and molecular effects of light pollution is vague. To determine if ecological light pollution (ELP) impacts coral biological processes, we characterized the transcriptome of the coral Acropora eurystoma under two different light regimes: control conditions and treatment with light at night. Here we show that corals exposed to ELP have approximately 25 times more differentially expressed genes that regulate cell cycle, cell proliferation, cell growth, protein synthesis and display changes in photo physiology. The finding of this work confirms that ELP acts as a chronic disturbance that may impact the future of coral reefs.
Large-scale chromatin organisation in interphase, mitosis and meiosis
Authors: MacGregor Isobel A. , Adams Ian R. , Gilbert Nick 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
The spatial configuration of chromatin is fundamental to ensure any given cell can fulfil its functional duties, from gene expression to specialised cellular division. Significant technological innovations have facilitated further insights into the structure, function and regulation of three-dimensional chromatin organisation. To date, the vast majority of investigations into chromatin organisation have been conducted in interphase and mitotic cells leaving meiotic chromatin relatively unexplored. In combination, cytological and genome-wide contact frequency analyses in mammalian germ cells have recently demonstrated that large-scale chromatin structures in meiotic prophase I are reminiscent of the sequential loop arrays found in mitotic cells, although interphase-like segmentation of transcriptionally active and inactive regions are also evident along the length of chromosomes. Here, we discuss the similarities and differences of such large-scale chromatin architecture, between interphase, mitotic and meiotic cells, as well as their functional relevance and the proposed modulatory mechanisms which underlie them.
MicroRNA-93 promotes the tumorigenesis of osteosarcoma by targeting TIMP2
Authors: Zhang Hua , Zhang Jidong , Meng Fanrui , Zhu Hanzhong , Yan Hongyu , Guo Yunliang , Zhang Shandi 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most frequent primary bone malignancy and affects adolescents and young adults. Recently dysregulation of miRNAs has received more attention because of its extensive role in OS carcinogenesis. This research was designed to verify how microRNA-93 (miR-93) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP2) be involved in OS development. At first, the levels of miR-93 and its predictive target gene TIMP2 were detected in OS and osteoblast cell lines, and 62 pairs OS and adjacent non-OS specimens by real-time PCR and western blot. Then, viability, invasion, and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) of OS cell lines were examined when overexpressed or knocked down miR-93, or overexpressed TIMP2. Finally, the interaction between miR-93 and TIMP2 was evaluated using mutation, gain, and loss experiment. Our data indicated that miR-93 was increased while TIMP2 was decreased in both OS cell lines and tissues. MiR-93 high-expression and TIMP2 low-expression were related with poor overall survival and prognosis of OS patients. Overexpression or knockdown experiment indicated that miR-93 enhanced OS cell viability, invasion, and EMT expression. TIMP2 could inhibit OS cell viability, invasion, and EMT expression. Further, miR-93 directly targeted TIMP2 and negatively regulated TIMP2 level in OS cells. And up-regulation of TIMP2 reversed the effects of miR-93 in OS. Finally, miR-93 regulated the oncogenic functions in OS cells by regulating the expression of TIMP2. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that miR-93 may exert an oncogenic function while TIMP2 may act as a tumor suppressor on OS.
MiR-16-5p inhibits breast cancer by reducing AKT3 to restrain NF-κB pathway
Authors: Ruan Liwei , Qian Xiaojun 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background: Breast cancer endangers the life of women and has become the major cause of deaths among them. MiRNAs are found to exert a regulatory effect on the migration, proliferation and apoptosis of breast cancer cells. This research aims at investigating the miR-16-5p expression and its effect on the pathogenesis of breast cancer. Methods: Their clinical data were analyzed with qRT-PCR. CCK8, EdU and Transwell was performed to explore the function of miR-16-5p in cell migration and proliferation of breast cancer cells. Dual-luciferase reporter assay, immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were carried out to explore the relation between miR-16-5p and AKT3. Results: It was discovered that miR-16-5p was lowly expressed in breast cancer patients. Meanwhile, breast cancer patients with under-expressed miR-16-5p had a lower survival rate than those with highly expressed miR-16-5p. Furthermore, decreased miR-16-5p in cell and animal models enhanced migration and proliferation of breast cancer cells, stimulated cell cycle and reduced cell apoptosis. Finally, we found miR-16-5p restrained the NF-κB pathway and decreased AKT3 gene, thereby suppressing the breast cancer development. Conclusion: It can be seen that miR-16-5p exhibits a low expression in breast cancer tissues, which can inhibit breast cancer by restraining the NF-κB pathway and elevating reducing AKT3.
Targeting the apicoplast in malaria
Authors: Biddau Marco , Sheiner Lilach 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Malaria continues to be one of the leading causes of human mortality in the world, and the therapies available are insufficient for eradication. Severe malaria is caused by the apicomplexan parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Apicomplexan parasites, including the Plasmodium spp., are descendants of photosynthetic algae, and therefore they possess an essential plastid organelle, named the apicoplast. Since humans and animals have no plastids, the apicoplast is an attractive target for drug development. Indeed, after its discovery, the apicoplast was found to host the target pathways of some known antimalarial drugs, which motivated efforts for further research into its biological functions and biogenesis. Initially, many apicoplast inhibitions were found to result in ‘delayed death’, whereby parasite killing is seen only at the end of one invasion-egress cycle. This slow action is not in line with the current standard for antimalarials, which seeded scepticism about the potential of compounds targeting apicoplast functions as good candidates for drug development. Intriguingly, recent evidence of apicoplast inhibitors causing rapid killing could put this organelle back in the spotlight. We provide an overview of drugs known to inhibit apicoplast pathways, alongside recent findings in apicoplast biology that may provide new avenues for drug development.
Phosphoinositides in the control of lysosome function and homeostasis
Authors: Ebner Michael , Koch Philipp Alexander , Haucke Volker 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Lysosomes are the main degradative compartments of mammalian cells and serve as platforms for cellular nutrient signaling and sterol transport. The diverse functions of lysosomes and their adaptation to extracellular and intracellular cues are tightly linked to the spatiotemporally controlled synthesis, turnover and interconversion of lysosomal phosphoinositides, minor phospholipids that define membrane identity and couple membrane dynamics to cell signaling. How precisely lysosomal phosphoinositides act and which effector proteins within the lysosome membrane or at the lysosomal surface recognize them is only now beginning to emerge. Importantly, mutations in phosphoinositide metabolizing enzyme cause lysosomal dysfunction and are associated with numerous diseases ranging from neurodegeneration to cancer. Here, we discuss the phosphoinositides and phosphoinositide metabolizing enzymes implicated in lysosome function and homeostasis and outline perspectives for future research.
Spectral and orbital survey of medium-sized meteoroids
Authors: Matlovič Pavol , Tóth Juraj , Rudawska Regina , Kornoš Leonard , Pisarčíková Adriana 
Published: August 2019

Aims. We investigate the spectra, material properties, and orbital distribution of millimeter- to decimeter-sized meteoroids. Our study aims to distinguish the characteristics of populations of differently sized meteoroids and reveal the heterogeneity of identified meteoroid streams. We verify the surprisingly large ratio of pure iron meteoroids on asteroidal orbits detected among mm-sized bodies.
Methods. Emission spectra and multi-station meteor trajectories were collected within the AMOS network observations. The sample is based on 202 meteors of −1 to −14 magnitude, corresponding to meteoroids of mm to dm sizes. Meteoroid composition is studied by spectral classification based on relative intensity ratios of Na, Mg, and Fe and corresponding monochromatic light curves. Heliocentric orbits, trajectory parameters, and material strengths inferred from empirical KB and PE parameters were determined for 146 meteoroids.
Results. An overall increase of Na content compared to the population of mm-sized meteoroids was detected, reflecting weaker effects of space weathering processes on larger meteoroids. The preservation of volatiles in larger meteoroids is directly observed. We report a very low ratio of pure iron meteoroids and the discovery of a new spectral group of Fe-rich meteors. The majority of meteoroids on asteroidal orbits were found to be chondritic. Thermal processes causing Na depletion and physical processes resulting in Na-rich spectra are described and linked to characteristically increased material strengths. Numerous major and minor shower meteors were identified in our sample, revealing various degrees of heterogeneity within Halley-type, ecliptical, and sungrazing meteoroid streams. Our results imply a scattered composition of the fragments of comet 2P/Encke and 109P/Swift-Tuttle. The largest disparities were detected within α-Capricornids of the inactive comet 169P/NEAT and δ-Aquarids of the sungrazing 96P/Machholz. We also find a spectral similarity between κ-Cygnids and Taurids, which could imply a similar composition of the parent objects of the two streams.
Myografie
Authors: Bischoff Christian , Mattler Wilhelm Schulte 
Published: August 2019

ZusammenfassungTrotz des Vordringens der Bildgebung und der enormen Fortschritte der molekulargenetischen Diagnostik hat die Elektromyografie mit der (konzentrischen) Nadelelektrode einen festen Stellenwert in der Diagnostik und Differenzialdiagnostik neuromuskulärer Erkrankungen. Dies gilt insbesondere für die Frühdiagnostik (z. B. ALS, axonale PNP), den Nachweis einer axonalen Schädigung, von myotonen Serien, die Diagnostik von Myopathien, die zeitliche Zuordnung neurogener Schädigungen, die Differenzierung peripherer vs. zentraler Parese, und die frühzeitige Erfassung einer Reinnervation.
Die melancholisch-wahnhafte Depression als Störung des Antriebs
Authors: Bürgy Martin 
Published: August 2019

ZusammenfassungDie Unterscheidung zwischen melancholischer und nichtmelancholischer Depression ist unverändert bedeutsam bei der Klassifikation und Differenzierung depressiver Störungen. Bei der Melancholie scheint es sich um eine psychopathologische und biologisch fundierte Einheit zu handeln, die als Störung des Antriebs beschrieben werden kann und die ihre äußerste Zuspitzung im depressiven Wahn findet. Die Pathogenese verläuft von der melancholisch prädisponierten Persönlichkeit, meist dem Typus melancholicus, über psychomotorische Hemmung und Depersonalisation bis in den depressiven Wahn. Wahn entsteht aus der Angst, dass die Realisierung grundlegender menschlicher Werte, des Daseins für andere oder für Ideale, der Gesundheit und der Existenzsicherung, hoffnungslos geworden ist. Dieses Verständnis erleichtert nicht nur die schwierige Diagnostik und den empathischen Beistand zum Kranken, sondern hat auch unmittelbar Konsequenzen für eine qualifizierte Behandlung der melancholisch-wahnhaften Depression.
Phytotherapie im Schafspelz
Authors: Stern Cornelia 
Published: August 2019

ZusammenfassungManche Heilpflanzen sind nicht als Phyto-Präparat verkehrsfähig, weil sie keine Monographie erhalten haben. Gründe hierfür sind etwa das Fehlen von Studien oder erhöhte Toxizität. Pflanzliche Urtinkturen und homöopathische Tiefpotenzen enthalten stoffliche Bestandteile der Ausgangspflanze. Deshalb kann man sie nicht nur nach dem Simile-Prinzip, sondern auch nach phytotherapeutischen Prinzipien verordnen. Manche unverdünnt toxischen Heilpflanzen wie das Adonisröschen sind in Tiefpotenzen erhältlich, die gesundheitlich unbedenklich, aber noch phytotherapeutisch wirksam sind. Daher lohnt sich der Blick auf Homöopathika, falls kein Phytotherapeutikum erhältlich ist.
Development of a Selective Adsorbing Material for Binding of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids in Herbal Extracts, Based on Molecular Group Imprinting
Authors: Kopp Thomas , Abdel-Tawab Mona , Khoeiklang Martin , Mizaikoff Boris 
Published: August 2019

AbstractPyrrolizidine alkaloids are secondary plant constituents that became a subject of public concern because of their hepatotoxic, pneumotoxic, genotoxic, and cytotoxic effects. Due to disregardful harvesting and/or contamination with pyrrolizidine alkaloid-containing plants, there is a high risk of ingesting these substances with plant extracts or natural products. The limit for the daily intake was set to 0.007 µg/kg body weight. If contained in an extract, cleanup methods may help to minimize the pyrrolizidine alkaloid concentration. For this purpose, a material for depleting pyrrolizidine alkaloids in herbal preparations was developed based on the approach of molecular imprinting using monocrotaline. Molecular imprinted polymers are substances with specific binding characteristics, depending on the template used for imprinting. By means of group imprinting, only one molecule is used for creating selective cavities for many molecular pyrrolizidine alkaloid variations. Design of Experiment was used for the development using a 25 screening plan resulting in 64 polymers (32 MIPs/32 NIPs). Rebinding trials revealed that the developed material can compete with common cation exchangers and is more suitable for depleting pyrrolizidine alkaloids than C18- material. Matrix trials using an extract from Chelidonium majus show that there is sufficient binding capacity for pyrrolizidine alkaloids (80%), but the material is lacking in selectivity towards pyrrolizidine alkaloids in the presence of other alkaloids with similar functional groups such as berberine, chelidonine, and coptisine. Beyond this interaction, the selectivity could be proven for other structurally different compounds on the example of chelidonic acid.
Herpesvirus Infections of the Central Nervous System
Authors: Bharucha Tehmina , Houlihan Catherine F. , Breuer Judith 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThere are over 200 herpesvirus species, of which 10 affect humans. Each of these 10 herpesviruses has a unique clinical syndrome, but common to all is their ability to cause infection and pathology in the central nervous system. In this article, we discuss the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic modalities, treatment, sequelae, and availability of vaccination of each of the following herpesviruses: herpes simplex virus 1 and 2, varicella zoster virus, human cytomegalovirus, human herpesvirus 6A, 6B, and 7, Epstein–Barr virus, human herpesvirus 8, and simian herpesvirus B.