bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental design of a simple medium for the bioluminescence of Aliivibrio fischeri and mathematical modelling for growth estimation
Authors: Castillo‐Gómez Odette , Ramírez‐Rivera Víctor M. , Canto‐Canché Blondy B. , Valdez‐Ojeda Ruby A. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIncreasing numbers of studies are using Aliivibrio fischeri (A. fischeri), a marine bioluminescent bacterium as a model, however the culture medium used for its growth are complex and expensive. The objectives of this study were: (1) to evaluate the effect of yeast extract, tryptone, and NaCl to select a simple and inexpensive culture medium suitable for A. fischeri growth and bioluminescence induction; and (2) to compare the performance of mathematical models to predict the growth of A. fischeri. A fractional factorial design was performed to evaluate the effect of yeast extract, tryptone, and sodium chloride on the luminescence of A. fischeri. The result showed that sodium chloride is the most important factor, congruent with its inducer role in bioluminescence. The best medium for bioluminescence induction was selected through an optimization plot, this medium is inexpensive, and generates the same luminescence as commercial formulations. The estimation of A. fischeri growth at OD600 measurement was statistically analyzed. All evaluated models fitted the data adequately (r2 > 0.96). The nonlinear models Gompertz, Richards and logistic provided a lower variation and a better fit of the growth estimation (r2>0.99), showing that these mathematical models can be used for the accurate growth prediction of A. fischeri.
Stanniocalcin‐1 mediates negative regulatory action of epidermal layer on expression of matrix‐related genes in dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Ezure Tomonobu , Amano Satoshi 
Published: July 2019

AbstractDermal–epidermal interaction plays a role in many pathophysiological processes, such as tumor invasion and psoriasis, as well as wound healing, and is mediated at least in part by secretory factors. In this study, we investigated the factor(s) involved. We found that stanniocalcin‐1 (STC1), a cytokine, is expressed at the basal layer of epidermis. Knockdown of STC1 with siRNA in HaCaT cells decreased matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1) expression, suggesting that STC1 serves as an autocrine factor, maintaining MMP1 mRNA expression in the epidermal layer. In dermal fibroblasts, STC1 increased MMP1 mRNA expression and decreased collagen1A1 and elastin mRNA expression. These actions were inhibited by SP600125, a jun kinase (JNK) inhibitor. Nuclear translocation of AP‐1, a downstream signal of JNK, was implicated in the actions of STC1. In a coculture system of HaCaT cells and fibroblasts, used as a model of dermal–epidermal interaction, knockdown of STC1 in HaCaT cells with siRNA reduced the negative effects (i.e., induction of MMP1 and decrease of collagen1A1 and elastin) of STC1 on fibroblasts. These results suggest that STC1 secreted from the epidermal layer is a mediator of dermal–epidermal interaction.
Cellular architecture and migration behavior of fibroblast cells on polyhydroxyoctanoate (PHO): A natural polymer of bacterial origin
Authors: Witko Tomasz , Solarz Daria , Feliksiak Karolina , Rajfur Zenon , Guzik Maciej 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBiodegradable and biocompatible novel materials of natural origin are gaining more and more attention in recent years. These so called biopolymers, characterized by their biointegrity and biocompatibility, find completely new and promising applications in biomedical sciences. The presented work focuses on the medium chain length elastomeric polyhydroxyalkanoate biopolymer—polyhydroxyoctanoate (PHO). This biopolymer is fully biodegradable without formation of harmful byproducts.We investigated PHO's physical properties with nanoindentation technique and scratch testing to determine Young's modulus and friction coefficient. Further, the work focused on the impact of PHO, used as growth substrate, on the physiology and morphology of mouse embryonic fibroblast cells (MEF 3T3). Application of fluorescent staining protocols and advanced microscopic techniques allowed to study the morphological changes in the cytoskeletons of cells grown on PHO and also gave an insight into their migration strategies on the polymer surface. We found that PHO exhibits no cellular cytotoxicity, similarly to a glass substrate. MEF cells spread better on glass surface than on each tested PHO substrate though there was almost no difference between PHO substrates cast from different solvents. However, a detailed analysis of actin and microtubule cytoskeletal architecture reveals changes in the density of actin and microtubular networks. Migration of MEF cells on PHO substrates was slower than on the glass substrate. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of observed changes in cytoskeletal architecture and migration parameters can be of special interest for future medical application of PHO polymer.
Chemokine receptor 7 targets the vascular endothelial growth factor via the AKT/ERK pathway to regulate angiogenesis in colon cancer
Authors: Li Xiang , Wang Xuemei , Li Zitao , Zhang Zhen , Zhang Yixia 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundStudies have shown that CXCR7 is expressed in many tumors. The aim of the present study was to investigate the function of CXCR7 in colon cancer. Although evidence indicates that CXCR7 promotes angiogenesis in colon cancer, the mechanism involved in this process remains unclear.MethodsThe expression of CXCR7 in colon cancer was evaluated by quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. After transfection, cell proliferation, migration, and lumen formation were measured in vitro. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting were used to identify the functional target of CXCR7 in vivo and in vitro.ResultsIn this study, CXCR7 was differentially expressed in four colon cancer cell lines. The proliferation and migration experiments showed that overexpression of CXCR7 enhanced cell growth and migration. Moreover, the tube formation assays showed that co‐culture of colon cancer cells overexpressing CXCR7 with human umbilical vein endothelial cells significantly promoted tube formation in the latter cells. Conversely, the stable knockdown of CXCR7 significantly reduced this malignant activity. In addition, we found that CXCR7 activates the AKT and ERK pathways in colon cancer cells. The phosphorylation of AKT and ERK, as well as the expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor, can be inhibited using the LY294002 and U0126 inhibitors. Furthermore, the angiogenic ability of CXCR7‐induced colon cancer cells was eliminated.ConclusionExpression of CXCR7 contributes to colon cancer growth and angiogenesis, by activating the AKT and ERK pathways. CXCR7 provides a potential therapeutic target against colon cancer.
Esophageal cancer treatment costs by phase of care and treatment modality, 2000‐2013
Authors: Tramontano Angela C. , Chen Yufan , Watson Tina R. , Eckel Andrew , Hur Chin , Kong Chung Yin 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundDetailed cost estimates are not widely available for esophageal cancer. Our study estimates phase‐specific costs for esophageal cancer by age, year, histology, stage, and treatment for older patients in the United States and compares these costs within stage and treatment modalities.MethodsWe identified 8061 esophageal cancer patients in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results‐Medicare database for years 1998‐2013. Total, cancer‐attributable, and patient‐liability costs were calculated based on separate phases of care—staging (or surgery), initial, continuing, and terminal. We estimated costs by treatment modality within stage and phase for esophageal adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma separately. We fit linear regression models using log transformation to determine cost by age and calendar year. All costs are reported in 2018 US dollars.ResultsOverall, mean (95% CI) monthly total cost estimates were high during the staging ($8953 [$8385‐$9485]) and initial phases ($7731 [$7492‐$7970]), decreased over the continuing phase ($2984 [$2814‐$3154]), and increased substantially during the 6‐month terminal phase ($18 150 [$17 211‐$19 089]). This pattern of high staging and initial phase costs, decreasing continuing phase costs, and increasing terminal phase costs was seen in all stages. The highest staging costs were in stages III ($9249, $8025‐$10 474) and II ($9171, $7642‐$10 699). The highest initial phase cost was in stage IV, $9263 ($8758‐49 768), the lowest continuing phase cost was in stage I, $2338 ($2160‐$2517), and the highest terminal phase costs were in stages II ($20 533, $17 772‐$23 293) and III ($20 599, $18 268‐$22 929). The linear regression models showed that cancer‐attributable costs remained stable over the study period and were unaffected by age for most histology, stage, and treatment modality subgroups.ConclusionsOur estimates demonstrate that esophageal cancer costs can vary widely by histology, stage, and treatment. These cost estimates can be used to guide future resource allocation for esophageal cancer care and research.
Comparative Analysis of the Antibacterial Activity and HPLC Phytochemical Screening of the Brazilian Red Propolis and the Resin of Dalbergia ecastaphyllum
Authors: da Silveira Regueira‐Neto Marcos , Relison Tintino Saulo , Pereira da Silva Ana Raquel , do Socorro Costa Maria , de Morais Oliveira‐Tintino Cícera Datiane , Augusti Boligon Aline , Menezes Irwin R. A. , de Queiroz Balbino Valdir , Melo Coutinho Henrique Douglas 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the antibacterial activity of red propolis and resin and their association with standard antibiotics to evaluate possible differences of activity. We also submitted red propolis and the resin to a HPLC analysis to confirm the botanical origin. The extracts were tested against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus alone and in association with gentamicin and imipenem. The HPLC analysis identified seven compounds with six of them present in both substances. The lowest MIC values obtained in this study were observed against S. aureus. In general, MIC values showed to be lower for red propolis against all species tested in comparison to resin. Despite the synergistic behavior to be similar for both substances, we observed that inhibitory concentrations of drugs were lower when associated with red propolis in comparison to resin.
Genetic Engineering by DNA Recombineering
Authors: Papa Louis J. , Shoulders Matthew D. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractRecombineering inserts PCR products into DNA using homologous recombination. A pair of short homology arms (50 base pairs) on the ends of a PCR cassette target the cassette to its intended location. These homology arms can be easily introduced as 5′ primer overhangs during the PCR reaction. The flexibility to choose almost any pair of homology arms enables the precise modification of virtually any DNA for purposes of sequence deletion, replacement, insertion, or point mutation. Recombineering often offers significant advantages relative to previous homologous recombination methods that require the construction of cassettes with large homology arms, and relative to traditional cloning methods that become intractable for large plasmids or DNA sequences. However, the tremendous number of variables, options, and pitfalls that can be encountered when designing and performing a recombineering protocol for the first time introduce barriers that can make recombineering a challenging technique for new users to adopt. This article focuses on three recombineering protocols we have found to be particularly robust, providing a detailed guide for choosing the simplest recombineering method for a given application and for performing and troubleshooting experiments. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Novel differential linear B‐cell epitopes to identify Zika and dengue virus infections in patients
Authors: Amrun Siti Naqiah , Yee Wearn‐Xin , Abu Bakar Farhana , Lee Bernett , Kam Yiu‐Wing , Lum Fok‐Moon , Tan Jeslin JL , Lim Vanessa WX , Watthanaworawit Wanitda , Ling Clare , Nosten Francois , Renia Laurent , Leo Yee‐Sin , Ng Lisa FP 
Published: July 2019

AbstractObjectivesRecent Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreaks challenged existing laboratory diagnostic standards, especially for serology‐based methods. Because of the genetic and structural similarity of ZIKV with other flaviviruses, this results in cross‐reactive antibodies, which confounds serological interpretations.MethodsPlasma from Singapore ZIKV patients was screened longitudinally for antibody responses and neutralising capacities against ZIKV. Samples from healthy controls, ZIKV patients and DENV patients were further assessed using ZIKV and DENV peptides of precursor membrane (prM), envelope (E) or non‐structural 1 (NS1) viral proteins in a peptide‐based ELISA for epitope identification. Identified epitopes were re‐validated and diagnostically evaluated using sera of patients with DENV, bacteria or unknown infections from Thailand.ResultsLong‐lasting ZIKV‐neutralising antibodies were elicited during ZIKV infection. Thirteen potential linear B‐cell epitopes were identified, and of these, four common flavivirus, three ZIKV‐specific and one DENV‐specific differential epitopes had more than 50% sensitivity and specificity. Notably, ZIKV‐specific peptide 26 on domain I/II of E protein (amino acid residues 271–288) presented 80% sensitivity and 85.7% specificity. Importantly, the differential epitopes also showed significance in differentiating non‐flavivirus patient samples.ConclusionLinear B‐cell epitope candidates to differentiate between ZIKV and DENV infections were identified, providing the first step towards the design of a much‐needed serology‐based assay.
Hurthle cell predominance impacts results of Afirma gene expression classifier and ThyroSeq molecular panel performance in indeterminate thyroid nodules
Authors: Parajuli Shobha , Jug Rachel , Ahmadi Sara , Jiang Xiaoyin “Sara” 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundMolecular tests such as the Afirma gene expression classifier (GEC) and mutational panels (such as ThyroSeq) have been introduced to help risk stratify cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules with the aim to reduce the number of unnecessary thyroidectomies. Some reports have suggested that samples with Hurthle cell predominance have higher false‐positive rates on GEC testing, but data are limited.MethodsWe reviewed thyroid nodules with indeterminate (Bethesda III/IV) cytology at our institution. Patient demographics, cytologic and histologic diagnoses (where available), and molecular test results were collected.ResultsGEC was performed on 202 nodules, and ThyroSeq was performed on 81 nodules. In the GEC cohort, 66% of nodules with Hurthle cell predominance yielded “suspicious” result vs 46% of nodules without Hurthle cell predominance, with risk of malignancy (ROM) for surgically resected nodules of 16% and 33%, respectively. In ThyroSeq cohort, 8% of nodules with Hurthle cell predominance yielded a high‐risk mutation vs 19% of nodules without Hurthle cell predominance, with ROM of 50% and 33%, respectively.ConclusionsFor ThyroSeq molecular panel, while it did not appear that there was an increase in rate of high‐risk mutations detected in the samples with Hurthle cell predominance, small numbers limit the generalizability of these results. For the GEC cohort, indeterminate thyroid nodules with predominance of Hurthle cells showed an increased rate of “suspicious” results compared to samples without Hurthle cell predominance. The ROM for GEC “suspicious” nodules with Hurthle cell predominance on surgical resection was lower in our study. Repeat FNA may be of use in patients with these types of nodules. In the context of a Hurthle cell predominant lesion, positive results on molecular testing may not carry a high rate of malignancy.
Puberty is a critical window for the impact of diet on mammary gland development in the rabbit
Authors: Hue‐Beauvais Cathy , Laubier Johann , Brun Nicolas , Houtia Inès , Jaffrezic Florence , Bevilacqua Claudia , Le Provost Fabienne , Charlier Madia 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundNutritional changes can affect future lactation efficiency. In a rabbit model, an obesogenic diet initiated before puberty and pursued throughout pregnancy enhances mammary differentiation, but when started during the neonatal period can cause abnormal mammary development in early pregnancy. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of an unbalanced diet administered during the pubertal period only.ResultsConsuming an obesogenic diet at puberty did not affect either metabolic parameters or certain maternal reproductive parameters at the onset of adulthood. In contrast, at Day 8 of pregnancy, epithelial tissue showed a lower proliferation rate in obesogenic‐diet fed rabbits than in control‐diet fed rabbits. Wap and Cx26 genes, mammary epithelial cell differentiation markers, were upregulated although Wap protein level remained unchanged. However, the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism and in alveolar formation was not modified.ConclusionTaken together, our results demonstrate that the consumption for 5 weeks of an obesogenic diet during the pubertal period initiates mammary structure modifications and affects mammary epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation. Our findings highlight the potentially important role played by unbalanced nutrition during critical early‐life windows in terms of regulating mammary epithelial cell differentiation and subsequent function in adulthood.
Combination of GLP‐1 receptor agonists and behavioural treatment in type 2 diabetes elicits synergistic effects on body weight: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Petroni Maria Letizia , Montesi Luca , Colosimo Santo , Caletti Maria Turchese , Mazzotti Arianna , Marchesini Giulio 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAimsIntensification of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) treatment with GLP‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RAs) promotes weight loss. We aimed to determine the synergistic effect of behavioural programmes on body weight on top of GLP‐1RA treatment.Materials and methodsWe retrospectively analysed the time course of 328 individuals with T2DM starting GLP‐1RA treatment because of insufficient metabolic control. In 29, a structured programme of elementary nutritional counselling was also implemented (elementary nutritional education [ENE]‐5 group sessions), whereas 53 entered a programme of cognitive‐behavioural treatment (CBT‐12 group sessions). Both programmes were completed within 6 months of switching to GLP‐1RAs. Data of body weight and metabolic control were followed up to 2 years as part of regular follow‐up. Weight loss targets (≥10% and ≥5%) and metabolic target (HbA1c < 7%) were analysed by Cox regression model in comparison with standard care (SC, N = 244).ResultsBody weight remarkably decreased following both behavioural programmes, with significant differences compared with SC at 2 years (CBT, 8.5 ± 5.9% vs 6.3 ± 6.9 in ENE and only 3.1 ± 5.7 in SC; P < 0.001 and P = 0.045 vs CBT and ENE, respectively). The 10% weight loss was achieved and maintained in approximately 30% of cases during follow‐up, and an additional 35% of cases lost between 5% and 10%. Data were consistent between behavioural programmes, after adjustment for confounders, including initial body weight (logreg Mantel‐Cox: ENE vs SC, P < 0.01; CBT vs SC, P < 0.001). No differences in metabolic control were detected between groups.ConclusionsInitiation of GLP‐1RA treatment provides an opportunity for addressing patients' needs of weight control. By producing initial weight loss, patients' motivation and self‐efficacy are expected to increase and adherence to long‐term lifestyle changes might be more easily attained.
Heart failure prevalence in the general population: SOBOTA‐HF study rationale and design
Authors: Lainscak Mitja , Omersa Daniel , Sedlar Natasa , Anker Stefan D. , Farkas Jerneja 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAimsEpidemiological heart failure (HF) data in the era of natriuretic peptides and echocardiography are scarce. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the HF prevalence in the general population. We will also investigate natriuretic peptide cut‐off for diagnosis of HF. Finally, we will be able to identify left ventricular function phenotypes and study relations between cardiac function, clinical presentation, and health‐related quality of life.Methods and resultsScreening Of adult urBan pOpulation To diAgnose Heart Failure (SOBOTA‐HF) is a cross‐sectional prevalence study in a representative sample of Murska Sobota residents aged 55 years or more. Individuals will be invited to attend screening visit with point‐of‐care N‐terminal pro‐b‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) testing. All subjects with NT‐proBNP ≥ 125 pg/mL will be invited for a diagnostic visit that will include history and physical examination, electrocardiogram, echocardiography, blood and urine sampling, ankle brachial index, pulmonary function tests, body composition measurement, physical performance tests, and questionnaires. To validate the screening procedure, a control group (NT‐proBNP < 125 pg/mL) will undergo the same diagnostic evaluation. An external centre will validate echocardiography results, and the HF diagnosis will be adjudicated within an international HF expert panel. Overall and age‐specific HF prevalence will be calculated in individuals ≥ 55 years and extrapolated to the whole population.ConclusionsThe SOBOTA‐HF study will test the latest HF guideline diagnostic criteria in the general population sample. Next to HF prevalence, it will provide insight into left ventricular function and general patient phenotype; we will also extend current understanding of natriuretic peptides for HF screening.
Identification of cross‐reactive antibodies for the detection of lymphocytes, myeloid cells and haematopoietic precursors in the naked mole rat
Authors: Shebzukhov Yury , Holtze Susanne , Hirseland Heike , Schäfer Hubert , Radbruch Andreas , Hildebrandt Thomas , Grützkau Andreas 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe naked mole rat (Heterocephalus glaber, NMR) is a rodent with exceptional longevity, low rates of age‐related diseases and spontaneous carcinogenesis. The NMR represents an attractive animal model in longevity and cancer research, but there are no NMR‐specific antibodies available to study its immune system with respect to age‐ and cancer‐related questions. Substantial homology of major NMR immune cell markers with those of Guinea pig, human and, to a lesser extent, mouse and rat origin are implicated for the existence of immunological cross‐reactivity. We identified 10 antibodies recognising eight immunophenotypic markers expressed on the NMR's T and B lymphocytes, macrophages/monocytes and putative haematopoietic precursors and used them for an immunophenotyping of leukocyte subsets of peripheral blood, spleen and bone marrow samples. Overall, we found that the leukocyte composition of NMR peripheral blood is comparable to that of mice. Notably, the frequency of cytotoxic T cells was found to be lower in the NMR compared to corresponding mouse tissues and human blood. Antibodies used in the present paper are available either commercially or from the scientific community and will provide new opportunities for the NMR as a model system in ageing‐ and cancer‐related research areas.