bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Italian Twin Registry: An Update at 18 Years From Its Inception
Authors: Medda Emanuela , Toccaceli Virgilia , Fagnani Corrado , Nisticò Lorenza , Brescianini Sonia , Salemi Miriam , Ferri Maurizio , D’Ippolito Cristina , Alviti Sabrina , Arnofi Antonio , Stazi Maria Antonietta 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe Italian Twin Registry (ITR), established in 2001, is a population-based registry of voluntary twins. To date, it consists of approximately 29,000 twins who gave their consent to participate in the studies proposed by the ITR research group. The database comprises 11,500 monozygotic and 16,700 dizygotic twins resident throughout the country and belonging to a wide age range (from 0 to 95 years, mean 36.8 years). This article provides an overview of the recruitment strategies along with the major phenotypes investigated during an 18 years’ research period. Over the years, several self-reported questionnaire data were collected, together with saliva/blood samples and measurements taken during in-person interviews or outpatient clinical examinations. Mental and behavioral phenotypes as well as atherosclerotic traits were studied in depth across different age groups. A birth cohort of twins was established and followed up. Novel research hypotheses are also being tested in ongoing projects. The ITR is involved in international studies in collaboration with other twin registries and represents a valuable resource for national and international research initiatives regarding a broad spectrum of health-related characteristics.
Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived mesenchymal stem cells promote healing via TNF-α-stimulated gene-6 in inflammatory bowel disease models
Authors: Yang Hongsheng , Feng Rui , Fu Qingling , Xu Shu , Hao Xiuxue , Qiu Yun , Feng Ting , Zeng Zhirong , Chen Minhu , Zhang Shenghong 
Published: September 2019

AbstractTherapeutic applications of tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are hindered by their limited expansion ability and variation across donors. Human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived MSCs show greater expandability and therefore offer potential for use in tissue repair therapies. Here we explored the regenerative effects of iPSC-MSCs and the mechanisms by which iPSC-MSCs promote mucosal healing via tumor necrosis factor-α-stimulated gene 6 (TSG-6) in mouse models of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Human iPSCs were induced to differentiate into MSCs following a clinically compliant protocol. The iPSC-MSC treatment promoted mucosal healing in colitic mice, accompanied by increased epithelial cell proliferation, CD44-positive cells, and Lgr5-positive cells. TSG-6 knockdown in iPSC-MSCs or blocking of hyaluronan–CD44 interactions by PEP-1 abrogated the therapeutic effects of iPSC-MSCs, whereas use of recombinant TSG-6 showed therapeutic effects similar to those of iPSC-MSCs. A mouse or patient-derived organoid culture system was developed. Organoids co-cultured with iPSC-MSCs showed increased epithelial cell proliferation, CD44-positive cells, and Lgr5-positive cells, which was abolished by TSG-6 knockdown. TSG-6-induced promoting effects in organoids were dependent on Akt activation and abrogated by the anti-CD44 antibody or MK2206. In conclusion, iPSC-MSCs promoted epithelial cell proliferation to accelerate mucosal healing in a murine colitis model via TSG-6 through hyaluronan–CD44 interactions in an Akt-dependent manner, demonstrating a patient-specific “off-the-shelf” format for IBD treatment.
High-fat diet feeding and palmitic acid increase CRC growth in β2AR-dependent manner
Authors: Fatima Sarwat , Hu Xianjing , Huang Chunhua , Zhang Weixiong , Cai Jing , Huang Min , Gong Rui-Hong , Chen Minting , Ho Alan H. M. , Su Tao , Wong Hoi Leong Xavier , Bian Zhaoxiang , Kwan Hiu Yee 
Published: September 2019

AbstractEpidemiology studies indicate that consumption of high-fat diet (HFD) is directly associated with the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the exact component in HFD and the mechanism underlying its effect on CRC growth remained unclear. Our study shows that HFD feeding increases β2AR expression in the xenograft tissues of CRC-bearing mouse model; the elevated β2AR expression is reduced when HFD is replaced by control diet, which strongly suggests an association between HFD feeding and β2AR expression in CRC. HFD feeding increases palmitic acid and stearic acid levels in CRC; however, only palmitic acid increases β2AR expression, which is dependent upon Sp1. β2AR plays the dominant role in promoting CRC cell proliferation among all the β-AR subtypes. More importantly, knockout of β2AR or knockdown of Sp1 abolishes the palmitic acid increased CRC cell proliferation, suggesting palmitic acid increases CRC cell proliferation in β2AR-dependent manner. HFD or palmitic acid-rich diet (PAD) also fails to increase the tumor growth in xenograft mouse models bearing β2AR-knockout CRC cells. β2AR promotes CRC growth by increasing the phosphorylation of HSL at the residue S552. The phosphorylated and activated HSL (S552) changes the metabolic phenotype of CRC and increases energy production, which promotes CRC growth. Our study has revealed the unique tumorigenic properties of palmitic acid in promoting CRC growth, and have delineated the underlying mechanism of action. We are also the first to report the linkage between HFD feeding and β-adrenergic signaling pathway in relation to CRC growth.
Genome-wide association study overcomes the genome complexity in autohexaploid chrysanthemum and tags SNP markers onto the flower color genes
Authors: Sumitomo Katsuhiko , Shirasawa Kenta , Isobe Sachiko , Hirakawa Hideki , Hisamatsu Tamotsu , Nakano Yoshihiro , Yagi Masafumi , Ohmiya Akemi 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe use of DNA markers has revolutionized selection in crop breeding by linkage mapping and QTL analysis, but major problems still remain for polyploid species where marker-assisted selection lags behind the situation in diploids because of its high genome complexity. To overcome the complex genetic mode in the polyploids, we investigated the development of a strategy of genome-wide association study (GWAS) using single-dose SNPs, which simplify the segregation patterns associated polyploids, with respect to the development of DNA markers. In addition, we employed biparental populations for the GWAS, wherein the SNP allele frequency could be predicted. The research investigated whether the method could be used to effectively develop DNA markers for petal color in autohexaploid chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium; 2n = 6x = 54). The causal gene for this trait is already-knownCmCCD4aencoding a dioxygenase which cleaves carotenoids in petals. We selected 9,219 single-dose SNPs, out of total 52,489 SNPs identified by dd-RAD-Seq, showing simplex (1 × 0) and double-simplex (1 × 1) inheritance pattern according to alternative allele frequency with respect to the SNP loci in the F1population. GWAS, using these single-dose SNPs, discovered highly reproducible SNP markers tightly linked to the causal genes. This is the first report of a straightforward GWAS-based marker developing system for use in autohexaploid species.
Metal nanoparticles as effective promotors for Maize production
Authors: Hoang Son A. , Nguyen Liem Q. , Nguyen Nhung H. , Tran Chi Q. , Nguyen Dong V. , Le Nga T. , Ha Chien V. , Vu Quy N. , Phan Chi M. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractZero-valent metal nanoparticles (Cu, Fe and Co) were prepared by the reactive method from their oxide with hydrogen. The energy-rich solutions of metal nanoparticles were used for treatment Maize seeds prior to sowing. The treatment significantly improved the germination rate and early growth. Furthermore, both SOD and APX enzyme activity in leaves were improved, and enhanced the metabolism of superoxide, leading to increased drought resistance. The method was applied to the field over three seasons and greatly improved the harvest. In particular, the implementation of Cu particles at 4 mg/kg increased the productivity of the two Maize species more than 20%.
Purity-Based Continuity Bounds for von Neumann Entropy
Authors: ur Rehman Junaid , Shin Hyundong 
Published: September 2019

AbstractWe propose continuity bounds for the von Neumann entropy of qubits whose difference in purity is bounded. Considering the purity difference of two qubits to capture the notion of distance between them results into bounds which are demonstrably tighter than the trace distance-based existing continuity bounds of quantum states. Continuity bounds can be utilized in bounding the information-theoretic quantities which are generally difficult to compute.
Rice bran supplementation modulates growth, microbiota and metabolome in weaning infants: a clinical trial in Nicaragua and Mali
Authors: Zambrana Luis E. , McKeen Starin , Ibrahim Hend , Zarei Iman , Borresen Erica C. , Doumbia Lassina , Boré Abdoulaye , Cissoko Alima , Douyon Seydou , Koné Karim , Perez Johann , Perez Claudia , Hess Ann , Abdo Zaid , Sangaré Lansana , Maiga Ababacar , Becker-Dreps Sylvia , Yuan Lijuan , Koita Ousmane , Vilchez Samuel , Ryan Elizabeth P. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractRice bran supplementation provides nutrients, prebiotics and phytochemicals that enhance gut immunity, reduce enteric pathogens and diarrhea, and warrants attention for improvement of environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) in children. EED is a subclinical condition associated with stunting due to impaired nutrient absorption. This study investigated the effects of rice bran supplementation on weight for age and length for age z-scores (WAZ, LAZ), EED stool biomarkers, as well as microbiota and metabolome signatures in weaning infants from 6 to 12 months old that reside in Nicaragua and Mali. Healthy infants were randomized to a control (no intervention) or a rice bran group that received daily supplementation with increasing doses at each month (1–5 g/day). Stool microbiota were characterized using 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing. Stool metabolomes were analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid-chromatography tandem mass-spectrometry. Statistical comparisons were completed at 6, 8, and 12 months of age. Daily consumption of rice bran was safe and feasible to support changes in LAZ from 6–8 and 8–12 months of age in Nicaragua and Mali infants when compared to control. WAZ was significantly improved only for Mali infants at 8 and 12 months. Mali and Nicaraguan infants showed major differences in the overall gut microbiota and metabolome composition and structure at baseline, and thus each country cohort demonstrated distinct microbial and metabolite profile responses to rice bran supplementation when compared to control. Rice bran is a practical dietary intervention strategy that merits development in rice-growing regions that have a high prevalence of growth stunting due to malnutrition and diarrheal diseases. Rice is grown as a staple food, and the bran is used as animal feed or wasted in many low- and middle-income countries where EED and stunting is prevalent.
Elimination of the four extracellular matrix molecules tenascin-C, tenascin-R, brevican and neurocan alters the ratio of excitatory and inhibitory synapses
Authors: Gottschling Christine , Wegrzyn David , Denecke Bernd , Faissner Andreas 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe synaptic transmission in the mammalian brain is not limited to the interplay between the pre- and the postsynapse of neurons, but involves also astrocytes as well as extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules. Glycoproteins, proteoglycans and hyaluronic acid of the ECM pervade the pericellular environment and condense to special superstructures termed perineuronal nets (PNN) that surround a subpopulation of CNS neurons. The present study focuses on the analysis of PNNs in a quadruple knockout mouse deficient for the ECM molecules tenascin-C (TnC), tenascin-R (TnR), neurocan and brevican. Here, we analysed the proportion of excitatory and inhibitory synapses and performed electrophysiological recordings of the spontaneous neuronal network activity of hippocampal neuronsin vitro. While we found an increase in the number of excitatory synaptic molecules in the quadruple knockout cultures, the number of inhibitory synaptic molecules was significantly reduced. This observation was complemented with an enhancement of the neuronal network activity level. Thein vivoanalysis of PNNs in the hippocampus of the quadruple knockout mouse revealed a reduction of PNN size and complexity in the CA2 region. In addition, a microarray analysis of the postnatal day (P) 21 hippocampus was performed unravelling an altered gene expression in the quadruple knockout hippocampus.
Chemically Functionalised Graphene FET Biosensor for the Label-free Sensing of Exosomes
Authors: Kwong Hong Tsang Deana , Lieberthal Tyler J. , Watts Clare , Dunlop Iain E. , Ramadan Sami , del Rio Hernandez Armando E. , Klein Norbert 
Published: September 2019

AbstractA graphene field-effect transistor (gFET) was non-covalently functionalised with 1-pyrenebutyric acid N-hydroxysuccinimide ester and conjugated with anti-CD63 antibodies for the label-free detection of exosomes. Using a microfluidic channel, part of a graphene film was exposed to solution. The change in electrical properties of the exposed graphene created an additional minimum alongside the original Dirac point in the drain-source current (Ids) - back-gate voltage (Vg) curve. When phosphate buffered saline (PBS) was present in the channel, the additional minimum was present at a Vg lower than the original Dirac point and shifted with time when exosomes were introduced into the channel. This shift of the minimum from the PBS reference point reached saturation after 30 minutes and was observed for multiple exosome concentrations. Upon conjugation with an isotype control, sensor response to the highest concentration of exosomes was negligible in comparison to that with anti-CD63 antibody, indicating that the functionalised gFET can specifically detect exosomes at least down to 0.1 μg/mL and is sensitive to concentration. Such a gFET biosensor has not been used before for exosome sensing and could be an effective tool for the liquid-biopsy detection of exosomes as biomarkers for early-stage identification of diseases such as cancer.
In vivo genome editing using the Cpf1 ortholog derived from Eubacterium eligens
Authors: Ahn Woo-Chan , Park Kwang-Hyun , Bak In Seon , Song Hyung-Nam , An Yan , Lee Su-Jin , Jung Mira , Yoo Kyeong-Won , Yu Dae-Yeul , Kim Yong-Sam , Oh Byung-Ha , Woo Eui-Jeon 
Published: September 2019

AbstractCpf1 is an RNA-guided endonuclease that can be programmed to cleave DNA targets. Specific features, such as containing a short crRNA, creating a staggered cleavage pattern and having a low off-target rate, render Cpf1 a promising gene-editing tool. Here, we present a new Cpf1 ortholog, EeCpf1, as a genome-editing tool; this ortholog is derived from the gut bacterial species Eubacterium eligens. EeCpf1 exhibits a higher cleavage activity with the Mn2+ metal cofactor and efficiently cuts the target DNA with an engineered, nucleotide extended crRNA at the 5′ target site. When mouse blastocysts were injected with multitargeting crRNAs against the IL2R-γ gene, an essential gene for immunodeficient mouse model production, EeCpf1 efficiently generated IL2R-γ knockout mice. For the first time, these results demonstrate that EeCpf1 can be used as an in vivo gene-editing tool for the production of knockout mice. The utilization of engineered crRNA with multiple target sites will help to explore the in vivo DNA cleavage activities of Cpf1 orthologs from other species that have not been demonstrated.
Cardiac function and incidence of unexplained myocardial scarring in patients with primary carnitine deficiency - a cardiac magnetic resonance study
Authors: Kyhl Kasper , Róin Tóra , Lund Allan , Vejlstrup Niels , Madsen Per Lav , Engstrøm Thomas , Rasmussen Jan 
Published: September 2019

AbstractPrimary carnitine deficiency (PCD) not treated with L-Carnitine can lead to sudden cardiac death. To our knowledge, it is unknown if asymptomatic patients treated with L-Carnitine suffer from myocardial scarring and thus be at greater risk of potentially serious arrhythmia. Cardiac evaluation of function and myocardial scarring is non-invasively best supported by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). The study included 36 PCD patients, 17 carriers and 17 healthy subjects. A CMR cine stack in the short-axis plane were acquired to evaluate left ventricle (LV) systolic and diastolic function and a similar LGE stack to evaluate myocardial scarring and replacement fibrosis. LV volumes and ejection fraction were not different between PCD patients, carriers and healthy subjects. However, LV mass was higher in PCD patients with the severe homozygous mutation, c.95 A > G (p = 0.037; n = 17). Among homozygous PCD patients there were two cases of unexplained myocardial scarring and this is in contrast to no myocardial scarring in any of the other study participants (p = 0.10). LV mass was increased in PCD patients. L-carnitine supplementation is essential in order to prevent potentially lethal cardiac arrhythmia and serious adverse cardiac remodeling.
Stabilizing stretch reflexes are modulated independently from the rapid release of perturbation-triggered motor plans
Authors: Lee Hyunglae , Perreault Eric J. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractResponses elicited after the shortest latency spinal reflexes but prior to the onset of voluntary activity can display sophistication beyond a stereotypical reflex. Two distinct behaviors have been identified for these rapid motor responses, often called long-latency reflexes. The first is to maintain limb stability by opposing external perturbations. The second is to quickly release motor actions planned prior to the disturbance, often called a triggered reaction. This study investigated their interaction when motor tasks involve both limb stabilization and motor planning. We used a robotic manipulator to change the stability of the haptic environment during 2D arm reaching tasks, and to apply perturbations that could elicit rapid motor responses. Stabilizing reflexes were modulated by the orientation of the haptic environment (field effect) whereas triggered reactions were modulated by the target to which subjects were instructed to reach (target effect). We observed that there were no significant interactions between the target and field effects in the early (50–75 ms) portion of the long-latency reflex, indicating that these components of the rapid motor response are initially controlled independently. There were small but significant interactions for two of the six relevant muscles in the later portion (75–100 ms) of the reflex response. In addition, the target effect was influenced by the direction of the perturbation used to elicit the motor response, indicating a later feedback correction in addition to the early component of the triggered reaction. Together, these results demonstrate how distinct components of the long-latency reflex can work independently and together to generate sophisticated rapid motor responses that integrate planning with reaction to uncertain conditions.
Efficacy of Gemcitabine on Intracranial Erlich Tumor and its
Determinants
Authors: Stukov Alexander N. , Bespalov Vladimir G. , Alexandrov Valerij A. , Semenov Alexander L. , Kireeva Galina S. , Semiglazova Tatjana Y. , Filatova Larisa V. , Baranenko Denis A. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractGemcitabine is quite effective in the treatment of brain tumors, although this
drug has a limited ability to overcome the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Aim of
study is to assess the therapeutic efficacy of gemcitabine and other drugs with
different permeability of BBB in the model of intracranial tumor. The
therapeutic activity of gemcitabine, carmustine, cyclophosphamide and cisplatin
was studied in mice with intracranially implanted Ehrlich tumor, and also
gemcitabine in various doses - with intramuscularly implanted tumor. On
intracranial tumor model gemcitabine (25 mg/kg) increased the
life span (ILS) by 60−89% (p<0.001), despite the fact
that its permeability of the BBB is about 10%. Therapeutic activity of
carmustine, cyclophosphamide and cisplatin (ILS were 44, 22 and 11%,
respectively) corresponds with the BBB permeability for these drugs (90, 20 and
8%, respectively). On intramuscular tumor model, gemcitabine showed
significant antitumor effect at both 25 and 2.5 mg/kg,
indicating a wide range of therapeutic doses of this drug. Pronounced
therapeutic effect of gemcitabine on intracranial tumor most likely is due to
the small but sufficient concentration of the drug that overcomes the BBB.
Influence of Postoperative Patient-Controlled Analgesia on Hemorheology in Patients Undergoing Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Bai Yiping , Mo Liqun , Luan Liming , Zhang Daiying 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Objective To test the hypothesis that patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) contributes to improvement of hemorheology in patients undergoing hip arthroplasty.
Methods 120 patients, aged 60 – 75 years old, undergoing hip arthroplasty under spinal anesthesia, were randomly divided into group PCA (n = 60) and control group (n = 60). Patients in PCA group received PCA in postoperative 3 days. Blood samples from the median cubital vein were collected at five time points: before anesthesia (T1), after surgery (T2), 6 h after surgery (T3), 24 h after surgery (T4), 48 h after surgery (T5). Hemorheological parameters were measured, including whole blood viscosity at a high shear rate (Hηb), whole blood viscosity at a low shear rate (Lηb), reduced viscosity (ηr), plasma viscosity (ηp), hematocrit (Hct), erythrocyte aggregation index(EAI) and erythrocyte deformation index (EDI). Noninvasive blood pressure and heart rate at T1-5 and pain scoring of visual analogue scale (VAS) score at T2-5 were recorded.
Results (1) Compared with T1, Hηb, Lηb, ηp, ηr decreased significantly at T3–5 with EAI decreased significantly at T5 in group PCA (p < 0.05), EDI increased significantly at T5 in group C (p < 0.05). (2) Compared with group C, Hηb, Lηb, ηp, ηr, EAI decreased significantly at T5 with Lηb concurrently decreased at T4 in group PCA (p < 0.05).
Conclusion Postoperative pain may increase blood viscosity in patients undergoing hip arthroplasty, mainly via plasma viscosity, erythrocyte aggregation and rigidity, and which could be improved by postoperative PCA.