bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Database of Families with Twins and Higher Order Multiples in Japanese Twins Mothers Clubs
Authors: Ooki Syuichi 
Published: September 2019

AbstractIt is desirable for twin researchers to be aware of the needs and concerns of families of multiples and provide participants with appropriate and useful feedback and advice based on scientific evidence. Our most recent database on families with twins throughout Japan is based on a questionnaire survey conducted in 2016. Mailed questionnaires, consisting of over 500 items, were used to collect the basic data. The response rate was 38% (566/1478). This is part of a nationwide study designed to assess the long-term effect of perinatal conditions on mothers of multiples. Its aim was to study the growth and development of multiples in childhood, and for the creation of a multifetal mother and child health handbook, and to conduct a genetic epidemiologic study to test the developmental origin of health and disease hypothesis. One of the ultimate aims of this research was to provide evidence-based information on parenting of multiples for families with multiples.
Scintigraphic Investigations of the Deep and Superficial Lymphatic Systems in the Evaluation of Lower Limb Oedema
Authors: Barbieux Romain , Roman Mirela Mariana , Rivière Fanny , Leduc Olivier , Leduc Albert , Bourgeois Pierre , Provyn Steven 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe lymphoscintigraphic investigation (LySc) of the superficial lymphatic system (SLS) remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of lower limb lymphoedema. However, LySc of the deep lymphatic system (DLS) may be useful for diagnosing deep lymphatic system insufficiency in patients with lower limb oedema (LLE) but normal and/or paradoxical LySc of the SLS. The purpose of this study was therefore to evaluate a new LySc of the deep lymphatic system in patients presenting with a normal and/or paradoxical SLS exam showing LLE. In all, 15 patients with unilateral and 17 with bilateral LLE underwent 3-phased deep LySc of the lower limb via the injection of 99 mTc-labelled human serum albumin (HSA) nanocolloids in the Kager’s triangle. The absence of popliteal lymphatic node visualization after phase 2 of DLS LySc to diagnose a deep lymphatic insufficiency has a specificity and a sensitivity of 89% in patients with unilateral LLE and without associated venous symptoms. An insufficiency of the DLS was observed in 67% of cases with unilateral LLE and 59% of patients with bilateral LLE of venous and/or lymphatic origin. In conclusion, the lymphoscintigraphic visualization of the popliteal lymphatic nodes after the injection of 99 mTc-labelled HSA nanocolloids in the Kager’s triangle seems to be an effective way to diagnose DLS insufficiency in patients with LLE but normal findings in the SLS.
Mutation profiling of cancer drivers in Brazilian colorectal cancer
Authors: dos Santos Wellington , Sobanski Thais , de Carvalho Ana Carolina , Evangelista Adriane Feijó , Matsushita Marcus , Berardinelli Gustavo Nóriz , de Oliveira Marco Antonio , Reis Rui Manuel , Guimarães Denise Peixoto 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe molecular basis of colorectal cancer (CRC) can guide patient prognosis and therapy. In Brazil, knowledge on the CRC mutation landscape is limited. Here, we investigated the mutation profile of 150 cancer-related genes by next-generation sequencing and associated with microsatellite instability (MSI) and genetic ancestry in a series of 91 Brazilian CRC patients. Driver mutations were found in the APC (71.4%), TP53 (56.0%), KRAS (52.7%), PIK3CA (15.4%) and FBXW7 (10.9%) genes. Overall, genes in the MAPK/ERK, PIK3/AKT, NOTCH and receptor tyrosine kinase signaling pathways were mutated in 68.0%, 23.1%, 16.5%, and 15.3% of patients, respectively. MSI was found in 13.3% of tumors, most of which were proximal (52.4%, P< 0.001) and had a high mutation burden. European genetic ancestry was predominant (median of 83.1%), followed by Native American (4.1%), Asian (3.4%) and African (3.2%). NF1 and BRAF mutations were associated with African ancestry, while TP53 and PIK3CA mutations were inversely correlated with Native American ancestry. Our study suggests that Brazilian CRC patients exhibit a mutation profile similar to other populations and identify the most frequently mutated genes, which could be useful in future target therapies and molecular cancer screening strategies.
Pioglitazone attenuates kidney injury in an experimental model of gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats
Authors: Medić Branislava , Stojanović Marko , Rovčanin Branislav , Kekić Dušan , Škodrić Sanja Radojević , Jovanović Gordana Basta , Vujović Katarina Savić , Divac Nevena , Stojanović Radan , Radenković Miroslav , Prostran Milica 
Published: September 2019

AbstractGentamicin, belonging to the aminoglycosides, possesses the greatest nephrotoxic effect of all other antibiotics from this group. On the other hand, pioglitazone, which represents peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) agonist recently showed antiinflamatory, antioxidative effects, amelioration of endothelial dysfunction etc. Therefore, the goal of our study was to investigate the effects of pioglitazone on kidney injury in an experimental model of gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. These effects were observed by following values of biochemical (serum urea and creatinine) parametars, total histological kidney score, urine level of kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) as well as parametars of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase, total oxidant status, total antioxidant status, oxidative stress index and advanced oxidation protein products). It seems that pioglitazone protects the injured rat kidney in a U-shaped manner. Medium dose of pioglitazone (1 mg/kg, i.p.) was protective regarding biochemical (serum urea and creatinine), total histological score and the values of kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) (P < 0.05 vs. control group, i.e. rats injected with gentamicin only). This finding could be of great importance for the wider use of aminoglycosides, with therapy that would reduce the occurrence of serious adverse effects, such as nephrotoxicity and acute renal failure.
Prokaryotic soluble overexpression and purification of oncostatin M using a fusion approach and genetically engineered E. coli strains
Authors: Nguyen Minh Tan , Prima Musharrat Jahan , Song Jung-A. , Kim Julee , Do Bich Hang , Yoo Jiwon , Park Sangsu , Jang Jaepyeong , Lee Sunju , Lee Eunyoung , Novais Michelle de Paula , Seo Hyeon-Beom , Lee Seon-yeong , Cho Mi-La , Kim Chong Jai , Jang Yeon Jin , Choe Han 
Published: September 2019

AbstractHuman Oncostatin M (OSM), initially discovered as a tumour inhibitory factor secreted from U-937 cells, is a gp130 (IL-6/LIF) cytokine family member that exhibits pleiotropic effects in inflammation, haematopoiesis, skeletal tissue alteration, liver regeneration, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Cytoplasmic expression of OSM inEscherichia coliresults in inclusion bodies, and complex solubilisation, refolding and purification is required to prepare bioactive protein. Herein, eight N-terminal fusion variants of OSM with hexahistidine (His6) tag and seven solubility-enhancing tags, including thioredoxin (Trx), small ubiquitin-related modifier (Sumo), glutathione S-transferase (GST), maltose-binding protein (MBP), N-utilisation substance protein A (Nusa), human protein disulphide isomerase (PDI) and the b‘a’ domain of PDI (PDIb‘a’), were tested for soluble OSM expression inE. coli. The His6-OSM plasmid was also introduced into genetically engineered Origami 2 and SHuffle strains to test expression of the protein. At 18 °C, MBP-tagged OSM was highly expressed and solubility was dramatically enhanced. In addition, His6-OSM was more highly expressed and soluble in Origami 2 and SHuffle strains than in BL21(DE3). MBP-OSM and His6-OSM were purified more than 95% with yields of 11.02 mg and 3.27 mg from a 500 mL culture. Protein identity was confirmed by mass spectroscopy, and bioactivity was demonstrated byin vitroinhibition of Th17 cell differentiation.
Low CYP24A1 mRNA expression and its role in prognosis of breast cancer
Authors: Cai Hongqiao , Jiao Yan , Li Yanqing , Yang Zhaoying , He Miao , Liu Yahui 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBreast cancer is the most common malignant cancer in women. CYP24A1 expression regulates cellular response to vitamin D, which has antitumor effects against breast cancer. This study aimed to identify the correlation between CYP24A1 mRNA expression and prognosis of breast cancer. This study enrolled 1102 patients, including 1090 females and 12 males, from TCGA-BRCA cohort. The Cancer Genome Atlas database was used to study CYP24A1 mRNA expression in breast cancer, and Chi-squared tests were performed to test the correlation between clinical features and CYP24A1 expression. The prognostic value of CYP24A1 in breast cancer was assessed using Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox analysis. Low CYP24A1 expression was associated with age, molecular subtype, ER, PR, HER2, menopause status, N classification, vital status, overall survial and relapse-free survival. CYP24A1 presented a moderate diagnostic ability in breast cancer. Furthermore, low CYP24A1 expression was correlated with poor prognosis. CYP24A1 was an independent risk factor for breast cancer. CYP24A1 plays an important role in prognosis of breast cancer. CYP24A1 has the potential to be a biomarker, especially in predicting prognosis.
Various modes of action of dietary phytochemicals, sulforaphane and phenethyl isothiocyanate, on pathogenic bacteria
Authors: Nowicki Dariusz , Maciąg-Dorszyńska Monika , Bogucka Krystyna , Szalewska-Pałasz Agnieszka , Herman-Antosiewicz Anna 
Published: September 2019

AbstractIsothiocyanates (ITCs) derived from cruciferous plants reveal antibacterial activity, although detailed mechanism is not fully elucidated. Recently it has been reported that ITCs induce the stringent response in Escherichia coli strains. The aim of this work was to determine whether two isothiocyanates, sulforaphane (SFN) and phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), similarly as in E. coli induce stringent response in Bacillus subtilis, model Gram(+) bacterium, and test their potency against a panel of clinical isolates belonging to Gram(+) or Gram(−) groups. Minimal inhibitory concentrations were determined as well as effect of ITCs on membranes integrity, synthesis of DNA, RNA and stringent response alarmones was assessed. SFN and PEITC are effective against B. subtilis and bacterial isolates, namely E. coli, K. pneumonia, S. aureus, S. epidermidis and E. faecalis. Interestingly, in B. subtilis and E. faecalis the inhibition of growth and nucleic acids synthesis is independent of ppGpp accumulation. In bacteria, which do not induce the stringent response in the presence of ITCs, membrane integrity disruption is observed. Thus, ITCs are effective against different pathogenic bacteria and act by at least two mechanisms depending on bacteria species.
Emergence of a non-sporulating secondary phenotype in Clostridium (Clostridioides) difficile ribotype 078 isolated from humans and animals
Authors: Connor M. C. , McGrath J. W. , McMullan G. , Marks N. , Guelbenzu M. , Fairley D. J. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractClostridium (Clostridioides) difficile is a Gram positive, spore forming anaerobic bacterium that is a leading cause of antibiotic associated diarrhoea in the developed world. C. difficile is a genetically diverse species that can be divided into 8 phylogenetically distinct clades with clade 5 found to be genetically distant from all others. Isolates with the PCR ribotype 078 belong to clade 5, and are often associated with C. difficile infection in both humans and animals. Colonisation of animals and humans by ribotype 078 raises questions about possible zoonotic transmission, and also the diversity of reservoirs for ribotype 078 strains within the environment. One of the key factors which enables C. difficile to be a successful, highly transmissible pathogen is its ability to produce oxygen resistant spores capable of surviving harsh conditions. Here we describe the existence of a non-sporulating variant of C. difficile ribotype 078 harbouring mutations leading to premature stop codons within the master regulator, Spo0A. As sporulation is imperative to the successful transmission of C. difficile this study was undertaken to investigate phenotypic characteristics of this asporogenous phenotype with regards to growth rate, antibiotic susceptibility, toxin production and biofilm formation.
A cumulative search for hard X/γ-ray emission associated with fast radio bursts in Fermi/GBM data
Authors: Martone R. , Guidorzi C. , Margutti R. , Nicastro L. , Amati L. , Frontera F. , Marongiu M. , Orlandini M. , Virgilli E. 
Published: September 2019

Context. Fast radio bursts (FRBs) are millisecond-long bursts uniquely detected at radio frequencies. FRB 131104 is the only case for which a γ-ray transient positionally and temporally consistent was claimed. This high-energy transient had a duration of ∼400 s and a 15–150 keV fluence Sγ ∼ 4 × 10−6 erg cm−2. However, the association with the FRB is still debated.
Aims. We aim at testing the systematic presence of an associated transient high-energy counterpart throughout a sample of the FRB population.
Methods. We used an approach like that used in machine learning methodologies to accurately model the highly-variable Fermi/GBM instrumental background on a time interval comparable to the duration of the proposed γ-ray counterpart of FRB 131104. A possible γ-ray signal is then constrained considering sample average lightcurves.
Results. We constrain the fluence of the possible γ-ray signal in the 8–1000 keV band down to 6.4 × 10−7 (7.1 × 10−8) erg cm−2 for a 200-s (1-s) integration time. Furthermore, we found the radio-to-gamma fluence ratio to be η >  108 Jy ms erg−1 cm2.
Conclusions. Our fluence limits exclude ∼94% of Fermi/GBM detected long gamma-ray bursts and ∼96% of Fermi/GBM detected short gamma-ray bursts. In addition, our limits on the radio-to-gamma fluence ratio point to a different emission mechanism from that of magnetar giant flares. Finally, we exclude a γ-ray counterpart as fluent as the one possibly associated with FRB 131104 to be a common feature of FRBs.
Spastic Diplegia in a Haitian Girl with Angelman Syndrome
Authors: Latchman Kumarie , Nieto-Moreno Margarita , Alberola Roberto Lopez 
Published: September 2019

AbstractSpastic diplegia, a muscle hypertonia motor syndrome, can occur in conjunction with the characteristic abnormal movement features of Angelman syndrome (AS), a neurodevelopmental disorder with primary features of ataxic gait, happy demeanor, developmental delay, speech impairment, intellectual disability, microcephaly, and seizures. Spastic diplegia is classically associated with cerebral palsy (CP), an umbrella term encompassing developmental delay, abnormal brain magnetic resonance imaging findings, and various types of CP including spastic, ataxic, dyskinetic, and mixed types. We present a 12-year-old Haitian patient of African descent with AS due to a microdeletion involving the entire UBE3A (ubiquitin-protein ligase E3A) gene and spastic diplegia. She was initially given a clinical diagnosis of CP. Cases of AS in patients of African descent have been rarely reported and this case of severe spastic diplegia, unresponsive to medical intervention, reflects a rarely reported presentation of AS in patients of African descent and possibly the first reported case of a Haitian patient with this clinical presentation. Given that deletions are the most common mechanism resulting in AS, this case report provides supportive evidence that chromosome 15q11 deletion-type AS is most frequently associated with spastic diplegia, a more severe motor impairment phenotype in AS.
Geriatric Patients with Free Flap Reconstruction: A Comparative Clinical Analysis of 256 Cases
Authors: Wähmann Matthias , Wähmann Melodie , Henn Dominic , Xiong Lingyun , Hirche Christoph , Harhaus Leila , Kneser Ulrich , Kremer Thomas 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background In elderly patients, complex soft tissue defects are increasingly observed due to the prolonged life expectancy and accompanying comorbidities. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether free tissue transfer is safe in very old patients without additional risk and complications.
Methods All patients older than 65 years undergoing free tissue transfer between November 2007 and September 2016 were reviewed in a retrospective study. Two cohorts were compared regarding perioperative morbidity and postoperative outcome (cohort 1 [old patients, ages 65–79]; cohort 2 [very old patients, ages ≥ 80]).
Results In total, 256 patients were included in the study (cohort 1 [n = 217]; cohort 2 [n = 39]). Overall, 262 free flaps were performed due to a second microsurgical reconstruction in six cases. No statistically significant differences between cohorts were observed regarding surgical complications, total flap losses, and mortality. Detailed evaluation of cohort 2 revealed a significant learning curve during the observation period regarding the perioperative management and procedure of soft tissue reconstruction: operation length as well as postoperative intensive care unit stay decreased significantly over time (p < 0.05) and also surgical complications showed a positive trend (p = 0.07). We ascertained a shift toward a “more reliable” flap selection from predominantly anterolateral thigh flap) to axial flaps such as rectus abdominis and latissimus dorsi flaps.
Conclusion Our study showed that age is not associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications. Reliable muscle free flaps, two-stage procedures, and safe vascular supply are important strategic aspects to achieve microvascular tissue transfer with high success rates in geriatric patients.
Jean-Philippe Toussaint
Authors: Brodahl Greta 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
The purpose of this article is to study the intertextual play in four novels grouped under the label « MARIE
MADELEINE MARGUERITE DE MONTALTE » by the Belgian author Jean-Philippe Toussaint. The theoretical tool to study this phenomenon is
the theory of intertextuality and the intertextual typology in particular, extracted from Gérard Genette’s
Palimpsestes: la littérature au second degré (1982) and Tiphaine Samoyault’s Intertexte,
Mémoire de la littérature (2001). The main question the study raises is
what function the intertexts occupy in the tetralogy. The article distinguishes between a diegetic and a metaliterary function.
The study shows that the intertexts, mostly allusions, only play a minor role in the diegesis. However, several allusions occupy a
metaliterary function. Through these, the author debates literary questions. The author’s attitude is playful: He gently
mocks the authors behind the intertexts and enters into a dialogue with them at the same time.
Gamma-Ray Polarimetry: A New Window for the Nonthermal Universe
Authors: Ilie Cosmin 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Over the past few decades, impressive progress has been made in the field of photon polarimetry, especially in the hard X-ray and soft gamma-ray energy regime. Measurements of the linear degree of polarization for some of the most energetic astrophysical sources, such as gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) or blazars, are now possible, at energies below the pair creation threshold. As such, a new window has been opened for understanding the exact nature of the nonthermal emission mechanisms responsible for some of the most energetic phenomena in the universe. There are still many open questions and active debates, such as the discrimination between leptonic versus hadronic models of emission for Blazars or ordered versus random field models for GRBs. Because the competing models predict different levels of linear photon polarization at energies above ∼1 MeV, gamma-ray polarimetry in that energy band could provide additional crucial insights. However, no polarimeter for gamma rays with energies above ∼1 MeV has been flown into space, as the sensitivity is severely limited by a quick degradation of the angular resolution and by multiple Coulomb scatterings in the detector. Over the past few years, a series of proposals and demonstrator instruments that aim to overcome those inherent difficulties have been put forth, and the prospects look promising. The paper is organized as follows: Section 1, briefly reviews the history and principles of gamma-ray polarimetry, emphasizing its challenges and successes; Section 2 is dedicated the discussion of gamma-ray polarization and polarimetry, and Section 3 discusses the past and current instruments with which measurements of linear polarization for hard X-rays and soft gamma rays were successfully obtained for astrophysical sources; Section 4 outlines the scientific questions that could be solved by using gamma-ray polarimetry measurements. A summary and outlook are provided in Section 5.
Developmental constraints and resource environment shape early emergence and investment in spines in saplings
Authors: Armani Mohammed , Charles-Dominique Tristan , Barton Kasey E , Tomlinson Kyle W 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background and Aims
Herbivory by large mammals imposes a critical recruitment bottleneck on plants in many systems. Spines defend plants against large herbivores, and how early they emerge in saplings may be one of the strongest predictors of sapling survival in herbivore-rich environments. Yet little effort has been directed at understanding the variability in spine emergence across saplings.

Methods
We present a multispecies study examining whether and how sapling size, spine type and species' environmental niche (light and precipitation environment) influence early emergence and biomass investment in spines. A phylogenetically diverse pool of 45 species possessing different spine types (spines, prickles and thorns; that are derived from distinct plant organs: leaf, epidermis or cortex, and branch, respectively), were grown under common-garden conditions, and patterns of spine emergence and biomass allocation to spines at 5 and 15 weeks after transplanting were characterized.

Key Results
Spine type and species' resource niche were the main factors driving early emergence and investment patterns. Spines emerged earliest in leaf spine-bearing species, and latest in thorn-bearing species. The probability of early spine emergence increased with decreasing precipitation, and was greater in species from open than from closed habitats. Sapling investment in spines changed with plant mass but was contingent on spine type and habitat type.

Conclusions
Different spine types have strikingly different timing of expression, suggesting that developmental origins of spines play a critical role in sapling defences. Furthermore, species from different precipitation and light environments (open vs. closed habitats) showed contrasting patterns of early spine expression, suggesting that resource limitation in their native range may have driven divergent evolution of early defence expression.
Equality, diversity and inclusion perspectives
Authors: Maguire-Rajpaul Vinesh , Jermak Helen , Kanani Sheila , van Loon Jacco Th. , Habergham-Mawson Stacey 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
An overview of the developments arising from equality, diversity and inclusion events at this year's National Astronomy Meeting, by Vinesh Maguire-Rajpaul on behalf of the organizers.