bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of raphe function in the bicuspid aortic valve and its influence on clinical criteria—A patient‐specific finite element study
Authors: Dallard Jérémy , Labrosse Michel R. , Sohmer Benjamin , Beller Carsten J. , Boodhwani Munir 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe aortic valve is normally composed of 3 cusps. In one common lesion, 2 cusps are fused together. The conjoined area of the fused cusps is termed raphe. Occurring in 1% to 2% of the population, the bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common congenital cardiac malformation. The majority of BAV patients eventually require surgery. There is a lack in the literature regarding modeling of the raphe (geometry and material properties), its role and its influence on BAV function. The present study aims to propose improvements on these aspects. Three patient‐specific finite element models of BAVs were created based on 3D trans‐esophageal echocardiography measurements, and assuming age‐dependent material properties. The raphe was initially given the same material properties as its underlying cusps. Two levels of validation were performed; one based on the anatomical validation of the pressurized geometry in diastole (involving 7 anatomical measures), as simulated starting from the unpressurized geometry, and the other based on a functional assessment using clinical measurements in both systole and diastole (involving 16 functional measures). The pathology was successfully reproduced in the FE models of all 3 patients. To further investigate the role of the raphe, 2 additional scenarios were considered; (1) the raphe was considered as almost rigid, (2) the raphe was totally removed. The results confirmed the interpretation of the raphe as added stiffness in the fused cusp's rotation with respect to the aortic wall, as well as added support for stress distribution from the fused cusps to the aortic wall.
Electrochemical Oxidation of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5‐Furandicarboxylic Acid (FDCA) in Acidic Media Enabling Spontaneous FDCA Separation
Authors: Kubota Stephen R. , Choi Kyoung‐Shin 
Published: June 2018

Abstract2,5‐Furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) has become an increasingly desirable platform chemical to replace terephthalic acid in the production of a variety of polymeric materials, including polyethylene terephthalate. FDCA can be produced by the oxidation of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), which can be derived from cellulosic biomass. Oxidation of HMF to FDCA is typically performed under basic conditions. Separation of FDCA is most easily accomplished by lowering the pH until FDCA is insoluble and filtering it from solution. In a large‐scale process, this would lead to a high operating cost to purchase the required acid and base and to dispose of the resulting salt waste. In this study, electrochemical oxidation of HMF was carried out in acidic media by using a manganese oxide (MnOx) anode to remove the need to vary the pH to separate FDCA. The MnOx anode afforded a FDCA yield of 53.8 % in a pH 1 H2SO4 solution, in which FDCA precipitation occurred spontaneously from the same reaction solution without altering the pH or other aspects of the solution composition. Electrochemical oxidation in acidic media offers a new pathway to convert HMF into maleic acid, which is another desirable biomass‐derived platform molecule. The performance of the MnOx anode was investigated in comparison with that of a Pt anode to identify unique electrocatalytic properties of the MnOx anode for HMF oxidation.
A perspective on leak detection
Authors: Laverty Gordon L. 
Published: June 2018

This two‐part article is one of several papers chosen from over 30 papers presented at the first Distribution System Symposium (Feb. 24–27. 1980) in Los Angeles. OpFlow presents this and subsequent articles as examples of the high quality of material presented at the DSS.Part I (Dec. 1980 OpFlow) discussed six major aspects of planning a leak detection program. Part II, presented here, discusses organizing and conducting a leak detection program.
Vitamin D Supplementation in Elderly Black Women Does Not Prevent Bone Loss: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Aloia John , Fazzari Melissa , Islam Shahidul , Mikhail Mageda , Shieh Albert , Katumuluwa Subhashini , Dhaliwal Ruban , Stolberg Alexandra , Usera Gianina , Ragolia Louis 
Published: June 2018

ABSTRACT

Black Americans have lower levels of serum 25(OH)D but superior bone health compared to white Americans. There is controversy over whether they should be screened for vitamin D deficiency and have higher vitamin D requirements than recommended by the Institute of Medicine (IOM). The purpose of this trial was to determine whether Vitamin D supplementation in elderly black women prevents bone loss. A total of 260 healthy black American women, 60 years of age and older were recruited to take part in a two-arm, double-dummy 3-year randomized controlled trial (RCT) of vitamin D3 versus placebo. The study was conducted in an ambulatory clinical research center. Vitamin D3 dose was adjusted to maintain serum 25(OH)D above 75 nmol/L. Bone mineral density (BMD) and serum were measured for parathyroid hormone (PTH), C-terminal crosslink telopeptide (CTX), and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP) every 6 months. Baseline serum 25(OH)D3 was 54.8 ± 16.8 nmol/L. There was no group × time interaction effect for any BMD measurement. For all BMD measurements, except for total body and spine, there was a statistically significant negative effect of time (p &lt; 0.001). An equivalency analysis showed that the treatment group was equivalent to the control group. Serum PTH and BSAP declined, with a greater decline of PTH in the treatment group. The rate of bone loss with serum 25(OH)D above 75 nmol/L is comparable to the rate of loss with serum 25(OH)D at the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of 50 nmol/L. Black Americans should have the same exposure to vitamin D as white Americans. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Combination with miR‐124a improves the protective action of BMSCs in rescuing injured rat podocytes from abnormal apoptosis and autophagy
Authors: Sun Jiping , Lv Jing , Zhang Wenjing , Li Lili , Lv Jia , Geng Yingzhou , Yin Aiping 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThis in vitro study was performed to identify the role of miR‐124a in bone marrow stromal stem cells (BMSCs) therapy for H2O2‐induced rat podocyte injury, and determine whether combination treatment with miR‐124a could improve the protective effect of BMSCs. Cell viability of podocytes was detected by CCK‐8 assay. Detection of ROS level, apoptotic rate, and autophagy rate was carried out using flow cytometry assays. Oxidative stress parameters were analyzed using the ELISA assays. MiR‐124a and mRNA levels were determined using real‐time PCR. Protein expression was detected using Western blotting. Our study revealed a pivotal role of miR‐124a in the protective action of BMSCs on podocyte injury driven by oxidative stress. BMSCs could rescue injured podocytes from aberrant apoptosis and autophagy by regulating cleaved caspase‐3, Bax, Bcl‐2, LC3‐II/I, and p62. Suppression of the PI3 K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway is likely one of the main mechanisms underlying the protective action of BMSCs transfected with miR‐124a. Our study revealed that miR‐124a further improves the protective effect of BMSCs in injured podocytes. Thus, the combination of BMSCs and microRNAs could be a beneficial treatment for renal diseases in the near future.
Longitudinal analysis of tibiofemoral cartilage contact area and position in ACL reconstructed patients
Authors: Chen Ellison , Amano Keiko , Pedoia Valentina , Souza Richard B. , Ma C. Benjamin , Li Xiaojuan 
Published: June 2018

ABSTRACTPatients who have suffered ACL injury are more likely to develop early onset post‐traumatic osteoarthritis despite reconstruction. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the longitudinal changes in the tibiofemoral cartilage contact area size and location after ACL injury and reconstruction. Thirty‐one patients with isolated unilateral ACL injury were followed with T2 weighted Fast Spin Echo, T1ρ and T2 MRI at baseline prior to reconstruction, and 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery. Areas were delineated in FSE images with an in‐house Matlab program using a spline‐based semi‐automated segmentation algorithm. Tibiofemoral contact area and centroid position along the anterior‐posterior axis were calculated along with T1ρ and T2 relaxation times on both the injured and non‐injured knees. At baseline, the injured knees had significantly smaller and more posteriorly positioned contact areas on the medial tibial surface compared to corresponding healthy knees. These differences persisted 6 months after reconstruction. Moreover, subjects with more anterior medial centroid positions at 6 months had elevated T1ρ and T2 measures in the posterior medial tibial plateau at 1 year. Changes in contact area and centroid position after ACL injury and reconstruction may characterize some of the mechanical factors contributing to post‐traumatic osteoarthritis. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2718–2727, 2018.
Pneumococcal vaccination coverage among children with sickle cell anemia, sickle cell trait, and normal hemoglobin
Authors: Reeves Sarah L. , Jary Hannah K. , Gondhi Jennifer P. , Kleyn Mary , Wagner Abram L. , Dombkowski Kevin J. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundChildren with sickle cell anemia and sickle cell trait are at an increased risk of invasive pneumococcal disease compared to children with normal hemoglobin. We assessed and compared pneumococcal vaccination status among these three groups.ProcedureChildren with sickle cell anemia and sickle cell trait were identified using Michigan newborn screening records (1997–2014); each child was matched to four children with normal hemoglobin based on age, Medicaid enrollment (at least 1 year from 2012–2014), race, and census tract. Vaccination records were obtained from the state's immunization system. Pneumococcal vaccine coverage (PCV7 or PCV13 depending on date of administration) was assessed at milestone ages of 3, 5, 7, and 16 months. The proportion of children with vaccine coverage at each milestone was calculated overall and compared among children with sickle cell anemia, sickle cell trait, and normal hemoglobin using chi‐square tests.ResultsThe study population consisted of 355 children with sickle cell anemia, 17,319 with sickle cell trait, and 70,757 with normal hemoglobin. The proportion of children with age‐appropriate pneumococcal vaccination coverage was low at each milestone and generally decreased over time. Children with sickle cell anemia were more likely to be covered compared to children with sickle cell trait or normal hemoglobin.ConclusionsDespite higher pneumococcal vaccination coverage among children with sickle cell anemia, opportunities for improvement exist among all children. Targeted interventions will benefit from mechanisms to identify children with increased risks such as sickle cell anemia or trait to improve pneumococcal vaccination coverage among these groups.
Growth‐ and stress‐related defects associated with wall hypoacetylation are strigolactone‐dependent
Authors: Ramírez Vicente , Xiong Guangyan , Mashiguchi Kiyoshi , Yamaguchi Shinjiro , Pauly Markus 
Published: June 2018

AbstractMutants affected in the Arabidopsis TBL29/ESK1 xylan O‐acetyltransferase display a strong reduction in total wall O‐acetylation accompanied by a dwarfed plant stature, collapsed xylem morphology, and enhanced freezing tolerance. A newly identified tbl29/esk1 suppressor mutation reduces the expression of the MAX4 gene, affecting the biosynthesis of methyl carlactonoate (MeCLA), an active strigolactone (SL). Genetic and biochemical evidence suggests that blocking the biosynthesis of this SL is sufficient to recover all developmental and stress‐related defects associated with the TBL29/ESK1 loss of function without affecting its direct effect—reduced wall O‐acetylation. Altered levels of the MAX4 SL biosynthetic gene, reduced branch number, and higher levels of MeCLA, were also found in tbl29/esk1 plants consistent with a constitutive activation of the SL pathway. These results suggest that the reduction in O‐acetyl substituents in xylan is not directly responsible for the observed tbl29/esk1 phenotypes. Alternatively, plants may perceive defects in the structure of wall polymers and/or wall architecture activating the SL hormonal pathway as a compensatory mechanism.
Inspiromatic‐safety and efficacy study of a new generation dry powder inhaler in asthmatic children
Authors: Steuer Guy , Prais Dario , Mussaffi Huda , Mei‐Zahav Meir , Bar‐On Ophir , Levine Hagit , Gendler Yulia , Blau Hannah , Stafler Patrick 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundDry powder inhalers (DPI) are effective but forceful inhalation required to fluidize the powder may be difficult for children and patients with airway disease. Inspiromatic is a new generation active DPI that actively suspends drugs in synchrony with inhalation. We evaluated safety and efficacy of Formoterol delivery via Inspiromatic, compared to Aerolizer, a conventional DPI, in pediatric asthmatic subjects.MethodsA phase I/II, randomized, single‐center, double‐blind, double‐dummy, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over study. Subjects aged 8‐18 years with FEV1 40‐80% predicted were included. Patients were randomized to inhale Formoterol via the Inspiromatic, immediately followed by the placebo via the Aerolizer or vice versa, in a double‐blind fashion. Spirometry, blood pressure, and heart rate were measured at baseline and 15, 30, and 60 min after drug administration. Capsule emptying, comfort of use, confidence in efficacy, and patient satisfaction were assessed. At a subsequent visit, three months later, patients inhaled the active drug via the other DPI.ResultsTwenty‐nine patients, aged 12.6 (±2.3) years, mean (SD), completed the study. Baseline FEV1 was 69.1 (±6.7) % at visit one and 65.3 (±9) % at visit two. Maximal FEV1 increase was 16.6 (±7.1) % with Inspiromatic and 15.5 (±7.5) % with Aerolizer (P = 0.47). No differences in heart rate or blood pressure were observed; 24/28 capsules were emptied using the Inspiromatic and 19/28 with the Aerolizer (P = 0.5); 21/28 preferred the Inspiromatic and 7/28 the Aerolizer (P < 0.001). There were no adverse events.ConclusionsFormoterol inhalation via the Inspiromatic is safe and as efficacious as with the Aerolizer. The device is well accepted by asthmatic subjects.
PyPNS: Multiscale Simulation of a Peripheral Nerve in Python
Authors: Lubba Carl H. , Le Guen Yann , Jarvis Sarah , Jones Nick S. , Cork Simon C. , Eftekhar Amir , Schultz Simon R. 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
Bioelectronic Medicines that modulate the activity patterns on peripheral nerves have promise as a new way of treating diverse medical conditions from epilepsy to rheumatism. Progress in the field builds upon time consuming and expensive experiments in living organisms. To reduce experimentation load and allow for a faster, more detailed analysis of peripheral nerve stimulation and recording, computational models incorporating experimental insights will be of great help. We present a peripheral nerve simulator that combines biophysical axon models and numerically solved and idealised extracellular space models in one environment. We modelled the extracellular space as a three-dimensional resistive continuum governed by the electro-quasistatic approximation of the Maxwell equations. Potential distributions were precomputed in finite element models for different media (homogeneous, nerve in saline, nerve in cuff) and imported into our simulator. Axons, on the other hand, were modelled more abstractly as one-dimensional chains of compartments. Unmyelinated fibres were based on the Hodgkin-Huxley model; for myelinated fibres, we adapted the model proposed by McIntyre et al. in 2002 to smaller diameters. To obtain realistic axon shapes, an iterative algorithm positioned fibres along the nerve with a variable tortuosity fit to imaged trajectories. We validated our model with data from the stimulated rat vagus nerve. Simulation results predicted that tortuosity alters recorded signal shapes and increases stimulation thresholds. The model we developed can easily be adapted to different nerves, and may be of use for Bioelectronic Medicine research in the future.
Comment on “The Campi Flegrei Deep Drilling Project (CFDDP): New Insight on Caldera Structure, Evolution and Hazard Implications for the Naples Area (Southern Italy)” by G. De Natale et al.
Authors: Torrente Maurizio M. , Milia Alfonsa 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe paper by De Natale et al. (2016, https://doi.org/10.1002/2015GC006183) reported new stratigraphic and geochronological data for a borehole located at Campi Flegrei volcanic area. The authors failed to mention several significant articles on the geological evolution of the region and proposed an interpretation of their data according to the caldera model. Herein, we provide tectonic and stratigraphic data to support a fault model of ignimbrite emission. This comment will also show the inconsistency of the proposed Campi Flegrei caldera.
2.5-Dimensional Parylene C micropore array with a large area and a high porosity for high-throughput particle and cell separation
Authors: Liu Yaoping , Xu Han , Dai Wangzhi , Li Haichao , Wang Wei 
Published: June 2018

AbstractLarge-area micropore arrays with a high porosity are in high demand because of their promising potential in liquid biopsy with a large volume of clinical sample. However, a micropore array with a large area and a high porosity faces a serious mechanical strength challenge. The filtration membrane may undergo large deformation at a high filtration throughput, which will decrease its size separation accuracy. In this work, a keyhole-free Parylene molding process has been developed to prepare a large (>20 mm × 20 mm) filtration membrane containing a 2.5-dimensional (2.5D) micropore array with an ultra-high porosity (up to 91.37% with designed pore diameter/space of 100 μm/4 μm). The notation 2.5D indicates that the large area and the relatively small thickness (approximately 10 μm) of the fabricated membranes represent 2D properties, while the large thickness-to-width ratio (10 μm/ < 4 μm) of the spaces between the adjacent pores corresponds to a local 3D feature. The large area and high porosity of the micropore array achieved filtration with a throughput up to 180 mL/min (PBS solution) simply driven by gravity. Meanwhile, the high mechanical strength, benefiting from the 2.5D structure of the micropore array, ensured a negligible pore size variation during the high-throughput filtration, thereby enabling high size resolution separation, which was proven by single-layer and multi-layer filtrations for particle separation. Furthermore, as a preliminary demonstration, the prepared 2.5-dimensional Parylene C micropore array was implemented as an efficient filter for rare cancer cell separation from a large volume, approximately 10 cells in 10 mL PBS and undiluted urine, with high recovery rates of 87 ± 13% and 56 ± 13%, respectively.
Co-regulatory activity of hnRNP K and NS1-BP in influenza and human mRNA splicing
Authors: Thompson Matthew G. , Muñoz-Moreno Raquel , Bhat Prasanna , Roytenberg Renat , Lindberg John , Gazzara Matthew R. , Mallory Michael J. , Zhang Ke , García-Sastre Adolfo , Fontoura Beatriz M. A. , Lynch Kristen W. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThree of the eight RNA segments encoded by the influenza A virus (IAV) undergo alternative splicing to generate distinct proteins. Previously, we found that host proteins hnRNP K and NS1-BP regulate IAV M segment splicing, but the mechanistic details were unknown. Here we show NS1-BP and hnRNP K bind M mRNA downstream of the M2 5′ splice site (5′ss). NS1-BP binds most proximal to the 5′ss, partially overlapping the U1 snRNP binding site, while hnRNP K binds further downstream and promotes U1 snRNP recruitment. Mutation of either or both the hnRNP K and NS1-BP-binding sites results in M segment mis-splicing and attenuated IAV replication. Additionally, we show that hnRNP K and NS1-BP regulate host splicing events and that viral infection causes mis-splicing of some of these transcripts. Therefore, our proposed mechanism of hnRNP K/NS1-BP mediated IAV M splicing provides potential targets of antiviral intervention and reveals novel host functions for these proteins.
A convenient protocol for generating giant unilamellar vesicles containing SNARE proteins using electroformation
Authors: Witkowska Agata , Jablonski Lukasz , Jahn Reinhard 
Published: June 2018

AbstractReconstitution of membrane proteins in artificial membranes is an essential prerequisite for functional studies that depend on the context of an intact membrane. While straight-forward protocols for reconstituting proteins in small unilamellar vesicles were developed many years ago, it is much more difficult to prepare large membranes containing membrane proteins at biologically relevant concentrations. Giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) represent a model system that is characterised by low curvature, controllable tension, and large surface that can be easily visualised with microscopy, but protein insertion is notoriously difficult. Here we describe a convenient method for efficient generation of GUVs containing functionally active SNARE proteins that govern exocytosis of synaptic vesicles. Preparation of proteo-GUVs requires a simple, in-house-built device, standard and inexpensive electronic equipment, and employs a straight-forward protocol that largely avoids damage of the proteins. The procedure allows upscaling and multiplexing, thus providing a platform for establishing and optimizing preparation of GUVs containing membrane proteins for a diverse array of applications.
Lysyl oxidase-like 2 inhibition ameliorates glomerulosclerosis and albuminuria in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Stangenberg Stefanie , Saad Sonia , Schilter Heidi C. , Zaky Amgad , Gill Anthony , Pollock Carol A. , Wong Muh Geot 
Published: June 2018

AbstractDiabetic nephropathy is characterised by the excessive amount of extracellular matrix in glomeruli and tubulointerstitial space. Lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2) is elevated in renal fibrosis and known to play key roles in ECM stabilisation by facilitating collagen cross-links, epithelial to mesenchymal transition and myofibroblast activation. Thus, targeting LOXL2 may prove to be a useful strategy to prevent diabetic nephropathy. We explored the renoprotective effect of a selective small molecule LOXL2 inhibitor (PXS-S2B) in a streptozotocin-induced diabetes model. Diabetic mice were treated with PXS-S2B for 24 weeks and outcomes compared with untreated diabetic mice and with telmisartan treated animals as comparator of current standard of care. Diabetic mice had albuminuria, higher glomerulosclerosis scores, upregulation of fibrosis markers and increased renal cortical LOXL2 expression. Treatment with PXS-S2B reduced albuminuria and ameliorated glomerulosclerosis. This was associated with reduced expression of glomerular fibronectin and tubulointerstitial collagen I. The renoprotective effects of both PXS-S2B and telmisartan were more marked in the glomerular compartment than in the tubulointerstitial space. The study reveals that LOXL2 inhibition was beneficial in preserving glomerular structure and function. Thus, LOXL2 may be a potential therapeutic target in diabetic nephropathy.