bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic role of c-Met in head and neck squamous cell cancer tissues: a meta-analysis
Authors: Vsiansky Vit , Gumulec Jaromir , Raudenska Martina , Masarik Michal 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effects of high c-Met levels in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) on survival and clinicopathological features. Publications concerned with the clinical significance of c-Met protein expression in HNSCC were identified from the Scopus and Web of Science database searches. To elucidate the relationship between c-Met expression and clinical outcomes, a meta-analysis of the selected articles was conducted. Seventeen publications involving a total of 1724 patients met the inclusion criteria. c-Met overexpression was significantly correlated with poor overall survival (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.55–3.10). c-Met immunohistochemical staining positivity was also associated with worse relapse-free survival (HR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.24–2.17) and presence of regional lymph node metastases (odds ratio (OR) = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.26–2.45). High levels of c-Met expression in HNSCC predict unfavorable prognosis associated with common clinicopathological features.
Oligomerization of a G protein-coupled receptor in neurons controlled by its structural dynamics
Authors: Møller Thor C. , Hottin Jerome , Clerté Caroline , Zwier Jurriaan M. , Durroux Thierry , Rondard Philippe , Prézeau Laurent , Royer Catherine A. , Pin Jean-Philippe , Margeat Emmanuel , Kniazeff Julie 
Published: July 2018

AbstractG protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) play essential roles in intercellular communication. Although reported two decades ago, the assembly of GPCRs into dimer and larger oligomers in their native environment is still a matter of intense debate. Here, using number and brightness analysis of fluorescently labeled receptors in cultured hippocampal neurons, we confirm that the metabotropic glutamate receptor type 2 (mGlu2) is a homodimer at expression levels in the physiological range, while heterodimeric GABAB receptors form larger complexes. Surprisingly, we observed the formation of larger mGlu2 oligomers upon both activation and inhibition of the receptor. Stabilizing the receptor in its inactive conformation using biochemical constraints also led to the observation of oligomers. Following our recent observation that mGlu receptors are in constant and rapid equilibrium between several states under basal conditions, we propose that this structural heterogeneity limits receptor oligomerization. Such assemblies are expected to stabilize either the active or the inactive state of the receptor.
Selective laser sintering of inkjet-printed silver nanoparticle inks on paper substrates to achieve highly conductive patterns
Authors: Balliu Enkeleda , Andersson Henrik , Engholm Magnus , Öhlund Thomas , Nilsson Hans-Erik , Olin Håkan 
Published: July 2018

AbstractDevelopment of cost-effective and environmentally friendly manufacturing methods will enable important advances for the production of large-scale flexible electronics. Laser processing has shown to be a promising candidate that offers a fast and non-destructive way to produce highly conductive patterns on flexible substrates such as plastics. However, an emerging option with a lower environmental impact is instead the use of cellulose-based flexible substrates, such as paper. In this work we investigate the use of laser sintering of silver nanoparticle inks, which were inkjet-printed on three different types of paper. Patterns with a high conductivity could be manufactured where a special care was taken to prevent the substrates from damage by the intense laser light. We found that the best results was obtained for a photopaper, with a conductivity of 1.63 ∗ 107 S/m corresponding to nearly 26% of the bulk silver conductivity. In addition, we demonstrate laser sintering to fabricate a fully functional near field communication tag printed on a photopaper. Our results can have an important bearing for the development of cost-effective and environmentally friendly production methods for flexible electronics on a large scale.
Differential Effects of E-Cigarette on Microvascular Endothelial Function, Arterial Stiffness and Oxidative Stress: A Randomized Crossover Trial
Authors: Chaumont Martin , de Becker Benjamin , Zaher Wael , Culié Antoine , Deprez Guillaume , Mélot Christian , Reyé Florence , Van Antwerpen Pierre , Delporte Cédric , Debbas Nadia , Boudjeltia Karim Zouaoui , van de Borne Philippe 
Published: July 2018

AbstractPropylene glycol and glycerol are electronic cigarettes vehicles allowing liquid vaporization and nicotine transport. The respective effects of these different constituents on the cardiovascular system are unknown. We assessed the differential effects of vehicles (propylene glycol and glycerol) and nicotine on microcirculatory function, arterial stiffness, hemodynamic parameters and oxidative stress. Twenty-five tobacco smokers were exposed to vaping with and without nicotine, and sham vaping, in a randomized, single blind, 3-period crossover design study. Neither sham-vaping nor vaping in the absence of nicotine resulted in modifications of cardiovascular parameters or oxidative stress. In contrast, vaping with nicotine: 1) impaired acetylcholine mediated vasodilation (mean ± standard error mean) (area under curve, perfusion unit (PU), 3385 ± 27PU to 2271 ± 27PU, p < 0.0001); 2) increased indices of arterial stiffness, namely augmentation index corrected for heart rhythm (−3.5 ± 1.5% to 1.9 ± 2.3%; p = 0.013) and pulse wave velocity (4.9 ± 0.1 m.s−1 to 5.3 ± 0.1 m.s−1; p < 0.0001); 3) increased systolic and diastolic blood pressures as well as heart rate (all p < 0.0001) and finally; 4) raised plasma myeloperoxidase (median [interquartile range]) (13.6 ng.ml−1 [10–17.7] to 18.9 ng.ml−1 [12.2–54.4], p = 0.005). Our findings demonstrated that high temperature e-cigarette vehicle vaporization does not alter micro- and macro-vascular function, and oxidative stress, and that these effects are solely attributable to nicotine.
Intrinsic and synaptic properties of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons of the Wistar Audiogenic Rat (WAR) strain, a genetic model of epilepsy
Authors: Cunha Alexandra Olimpio Siqueira , Ceballos Cesar Celis , de Deus Júnia Lara , Pena Rodrigo Felipe de Oliveira , de Oliveira José Antonio Cortes , Roque Antonio Carlos , Garcia-Cairasco Norberto , Leão Ricardo Maurício 
Published: July 2018

AbstractDespite the many studies focusing on epilepsy, a lot of the basic mechanisms underlying seizure susceptibility are mainly unclear. Here, we studied cellular electrical excitability, as well as excitatory and inhibitory synaptic neurotransmission of CA1 pyramidal neurons from the dorsal hippocampus of a genetic model of epilepsy, the Wistar Audiogenic Rat (WARs) in which limbic seizures appear after repeated audiogenic stimulation. We examined intrinsic properties of neurons, as well as EPSCs evoked by Schaffer-collateral stimulation in slices from WARs and Wistar parental strain. We also analyzed spontaneous IPSCs and quantal miniature inhibitory events. Our data show that even in the absence of previous seizures, GABAergic neurotransmission is reduced in the dorsal hippocampus of WARs. We observed a decrease in the frequency of IPSCs and mIPSCs. Moreover, mIPSCs of WARs had faster rise times, indicating that they probably arise from more proximal synapses. Finally, intrinsic membrane properties, firing and excitatory neurotransmission mediated by both NMDA and non-NMDA receptors are similar to the parental strain. Since GABAergic inhibition towards CA1 pyramidal neurons is reduced in WARs, the inhibitory network could be ineffective to prevent the seizure-dependent spread of hyperexcitation. These functional changes could make these animals more susceptible to the limbic seizures observed during the audiogenic kindling.
Surface analysis and depth profiling using time-of-flight elastic recoil detection analysis with argon sputtering
Authors: Siketić Zdravko , Bogdanović Radović Iva , Sudić Ivan , Jakšić Milko 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe recent development of new advanced materials demands extensive effort in developing new analytical techniques that can provide insight into material composition at the nanoscale, particularly at surfaces and interfaces, which is important for both fabrication and material performance. Here, we present a proof of principle for a new setup used for thin-film characterisation and depth profiling based on a combination of time-of-flight elastic recoil detection analysis (TOF-ERDA) and Ar sputtering. A quantitative depth profiling with a best achievable surface depth resolution of ~2 nm can be realised for the entire layer, which is important for the precise determination of thickness and composition of samples that are several tenths of a nanometre thick. The performance of TOF-ERDA with Ar sputtering was demonstrated using 15 nm Cu evaporated onto a Si substrate. The advantages and limits of the method are discussed in detail.
Identifying a panel of genes/proteins/miRNAs modulated by arsenicals in bladder, prostate, kidney cancers
Authors: Polo Andrea , Marchese Silvia , De Petro Giuseppina , Montella Maurizio , Ciliberto Gennaro , Budillon Alfredo , Costantini Susan 
Published: July 2018

AbstractArsenic and arsenic-derivative compounds, named as arsenicals, represent a worldwide problem for their effect on the human health and, in particular, for their capability to increase the risk of developing cancer such as kidney, bladder and prostate cancer. The main source of arsenical exposure is drinking water. Nowadays, it is well known that the chronic exposure to arsenicals leads to a series of epigenetic alterations that have a role in arsenic-induced effects on human health including cancer. Based on these observations, the aim of our study was to select by network analysis the genes/proteins/miRNAs implicated in kidney, bladder and prostate cancer development upon arsenical exposure. From this analysis we identified: (i) the nodes linking the three molecular networks specific for kidney, bladder and prostate cancer; (ii) the relative HUB nodes (RXRA, MAP3K7, NR3C1, PABPC1, NDRG1, RELA and CTNNB1) that link the three cancer networks; (iii) the miRNAs able to target these HUB nodes. In conclusion, we highlighted a panel of potential molecules related to the molecular mechanisms of arsenical-induced cancerogenesis and suggest their utility as biomarkers or therapeutic targets.
Site-specific ion occupation in the selectivity filter causes voltage-dependent gating in a viral K+ channel
Authors: Rauh O. , Hansen U. P. , Scheub D. D. , Thiel G. , Schroeder I. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractMany potassium channels show voltage-dependent gating without a dedicated voltage sensor domain. This is not fully understood yet, but often explained by voltage-induced changes of ion occupation in the five distinct K+ binding sites in the selectivity filter. To better understand this mechanism of filter gating we measured the single-channel current and the rate constant of sub-millisecond channel closure of the viral K+ channel KcvNTS for a wide range of voltages and symmetric and asymmetric K+ concentrations in planar lipid membranes. A model-based analysis employed a global fit of all experimental data, i.e., using a common set of parameters for current and channel closure under all conditions. Three different established models of ion permeation and various relationships between ion occupation and gating were tested. Only one of the models described the data adequately. It revealed that the most extracellular binding site (S0) in the selectivity filter functions as the voltage sensor for the rate constant of channel closure. The ion occupation outside of S0 modulates its dependence on K+ concentration. The analysis uncovers an important role of changes in protein flexibility in mediating the effect from the sensor to the gate.
Genetic variants help define the role of the MC4R C-terminus in signaling and cell surface stability
Authors: Moore Bryn S. , Mirshahi Tooraj 
Published: July 2018

AbstractScreening 92,445 subjects in the Geisinger-Regeneron DiscovEHR cohort, we identified 5 patients heterozygous for nonsense mutations causing early terminations at Glu307 or Leu328 on the C-terminus of melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R). Two Q307Ter carriers are severely obese (BMI > 40), while one is overweight (BMI > 25). One L328Ter carrier is overweight and the other is lean. Pedigree analysis for two Q307Ter carriers shows segregation of the variant with higher BMI. Functionally, MC4R(Q307Ter) eliminated receptor surface expression and signaling, while MC4R(L328Ter) functioned like the wild-type receptor. MC4R(Q307Ter) is therefore a loss of function (LOF) variant and the region between the two truncation sites identified in our patients is critical to MC4R function. Truncating MC4R at various C-terminal positions between these two variant sites, we find that cysteine318 sits at a critical junction for receptor trafficking and function. We show that MC4R is lipid modified at cysteine318 and cysteine319. Therefore, truncation early in the MC4R C-terminus results in haploinsufficiency in humans while truncation after the first lipid-modification site is well tolerated. MC4R haploinsufficiency clearly segregates with higher BMI; however, severe obesity is not fully penetrant even in MC4R LOF carriers, suggesting critical roles for environmental and lifestyle factors in MC4R monogenic obesity.
Social Event Memory Test (SEMT): A Video-based Memory Test for Predicting Amyloid Positivity for Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Kim Ko Woon , Choi Jong Doo , Lee Hyejoo , Lee Na Kyung , Park Seongbeom , Chin Juhee , Lee Byung Hwa , Shin Jiwon , Kim Yeshin , Jang Hyemin , Choi Jee Hyun , Na Duk L. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractRecent improvements in neuroimaging and molecular markers of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have aided diagnosis in the early stage of the disease, which greatly increases the chance for successful prevention and treatment. However, the expanding resources for AD diagnosis are unlikely to benefit all elderly due to economic burden. Here, we aimed to develop an inexpensive and sensitive method to detect early-stage AD. A scenario for real-world social event memory test (SEMT) was created and filmed in 360° video. Participants watched the 7-min video through head-mounted display (HMD) and then answered questionnaire about the video. We categorized the SEMT score into recall, recognition, and place-matching scores and compared them to scores on the Mini-Mental State Examination and Seoul Verbal Learning Test. Using the SEMT scores, we built a logistic regression model that discriminated between amyloid positivity and negativity of the participants, with a cross-validation AUC. Furthermore, a classifier was created using support vector machine, which produced 93.8–95.1% sensitivity in classifying individuals into four groups of normal, mild cognitive impairment with or without amyloid, and AD elderly. The high correlation between the SEMT score and amyloid positivity in individuals who experienced virtual social gathering through an HMD opens a new possibility for early diagnosis of AD.
Time-related association between fluid balance and mortality in sepsis patients: interaction between fluid balance and haemodynamics
Authors: Shen Yanfei , Ru Weizhe , Huang Xinmei , Zhang Weimin 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the time-related association between cumulative fluid balance (FB) and mortality. Data were extracted from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC) III. FB data on 8584 patients at the first (FB-fir24hr) and second (FB-sec24hr) 24 hours after intensive care unit admission were analysed. Compared to the combination of FB-fir24hr ≤ 0 and FB-sec24 hr ≤ 0, the combination of FB-fir24hr > 0 and FB-sec24hr ≤ 0 had significantly higher FB, with an insignificant odds ratio (OR) for mortality. However, the mortality ORs of two other combinations (FB-fir24hr ≤ 0 and FB-sec24hr > 0; FB-fir24hr > 0 and FB-sec24hr > 0) were significantly high. Furthermore, multivariable logistic analysis showed a significant stepwise increase ORs for mortality with increasing FB-sec24hr quartiles, with no significant increase in FB-fir24hr quartiles aside from quartile 4. In patients with negative FB, a stepwise decrease in mortality ORs with increasing FB-sec24hr quartiles was found with no significant difference in FB-fir24hr quartiles. In conclusion, the positive FB during the second but not the first 24 hours was associated with increased mortality in sepsis. Achieving more negative FB was associated with decreased mortality only in the second 24 hours.
An allelic variant in the intergenic region between ERAP1 and ERAP2 correlates with an inverse expression of the two genes
Authors: Paladini Fabiana , Fiorillo Maria Teresa , Vitulano Carolina , Tedeschi Valentina , Piga Matteo , Cauli Alberto , Mathieu Alessandro , Sorrentino Rosa 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe Endoplasmatic Reticulum Aminopeptidases ERAP1 and ERAP2 are implicated in a variety of immune and non-immune functions. Most studies however have focused on their role in shaping the HLA class I peptidome by trimming peptides to the optimal size. Genome Wide Association Studies highlighted non-synonymous polymorphisms in their coding regions as associated with several immune mediated diseases. The two genes lie contiguous and oppositely oriented on the 5q15 chromosomal region. Very little is known about the transcriptional regulation and the quantitative variations of these enzymes. Here, we correlated the level of transcripts and proteins of the two aminopeptidases in B-lymphoblastoid cell lines from 44 donors harbouring allelic variants in the intergenic region between ERAP1 and ERAP2. We found that the presence of a G instead of an A at SNP rs75862629 in the ERAP2 gene promoter strongly influences the expression of the two ERAPs with a down-modulation of ERAP2 coupled with a significant higher expression of ERAP1. We therefore show here for the first time a coordinated quantitative regulation of the two ERAP genes, which can be relevant for the setting of specific therapeutic approaches.
Molecular gas and dark neutral medium in the outskirts of Chamaeleon
Authors: Liszt H. , Gerin M. , Grenier I. 
Published: July 2018

Context. More gas is inferred to be present in molecular cloud complexes than can be accounted for by H I and CO emission, a phenomenon known as dark neutral medium (DNM) or CO-dark gas for the molecular part.
Aims. We aim to investigate whether molecular gas can be detected in Chamaeleon where gas column densities in the DNM were inferred and CO emission was not detected.
Methods. We took λ3 mm absorption profiles of HCO+ and other molecules toward 13 background quasars across the Chamaeleon complex, only one of which had detectable CO emission. We derived the H2 column density assuming N(HCO+)/N(H2) = 3 × 10−9 as before.
Results. With the possible exception of one weak continuum target, HCO+ absorption was detected in all directions, C2H in eight directions and HCN in four directions. The sightlines divide into two groups according to their DNM content, with one group of eight directions having N(DNM) ≳ 2 × 1020 cm−2 and another group of five directions having N(DNM) < 0.5 × 1020 cm−2. The groups have comparable mean N(H I) associated with Chamaeleon 6−7 × 1020 cm−2 and total hydrogen column density per unit reddening 6−7 × 1021 cm−2 mag−1. They differ, however, in having quite different mean reddening 0.33 vs. 0.18 mag, mean N(DNM) 3.3 vs. 0.14 × 1020 cm−2 and mean molecular column density 2N(H2) = 5.6 vs. 0.8 × 1020 cm−2. The gas at more positive velocities is enriched in molecules and DNM.
Conclusions. Overall the quantity of H2 inferred from HCO+ can fully account for the previously inferred DNM along the sightlines studied here. H2 is concentrated in the high-DNM group, where the molecular fraction is 46% vs. 13% otherwise and 38% overall. Thus, neutral gas in the outskirts of the complex is mostly atomic but the DNM is mostly molecular. Saturation of the H I emission line profile may occur along three of the four sightlines having the largest DNM column densities, but there is no substantial reservoir of “dark” atomic or molecular gas that remains undetected as part of the inventory of dark neutral medium.
Revised SED of the triple protostellar system VLA 1623−2417
Authors: Murillo N. M. , Harsono D. , McClure M. , Lai S.-P. , Hogerheijde M. R. 
Published: July 2018

Context. VLA 1623−2417 is a triple protostellar system deeply embedded in Ophiuchus A. Sources A and B have a separation of 1.1″, making their study difficult beyond the submillimeter regime. Lack of circumstellar gas emission suggested that VLA 1623−2417 B has a very cold envelope and is much younger than source A, which is generally considered the prototypical Class 0 source.
Aims. We explore the consequences of new ALMA Band 9 data on the spectral energy distribution (SED) of VLA 1623−2417 and their inferred nature.
Methods. We constructed and analyzed the SED of each component in VLA 1623−2417 using dust continuum observations spanning from centimeter to near-infrared wavelengths.
Results. The ALMA Band 9 data presented in this work show that the SED of VLA 1623−2417 B does not peak at 850 µm as previously expected, but instead presents the same shape as VLA 1623−2417 A at wavelengths shorter than 450 µm.
Conclusions. The results presented in this work indicate that the previous assumption that the flux in Herschel and Spitzer observations is solely dominated by VLA 1623−2417 A is not valid, and instead, VLA 1623−2417 B most likely contributes a significant portion of the flux at λ < 450 µm. These results, however, do not explain the lack of circumstellar gas emission and puzzling nature of VLA 1623−2417 B.
Open-pore film drainage (OFD): a new multipurpose tool for endoscopic negative pressure therapy (ENPT)
Authors: Loske Gunnar , Schorsch Tobias , Rucktaeschel Frank , Schulze Wolfgang , Riefel Burkhard , van Ackeren Vera , Mueller Christian 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
Background and study aims Endoscopic negative pressure therapy (ENPT) has been developed to treat gastrointestinal leakages. Up to now, ENPT has usually been performed with open-pore polyurethane foam drains (OPD). A big disadvantage of the OPDs is their large diameter. We have developed a new, small-bore open-pore film drainage (OFD). Herein we report our first experience in a case series of 16 patients.
Patients and methods OFD is constructed with a drainage tube and a very thin double-layered open-pore drainage film (Suprasorb CNP, Drainage Film, Lohmann & Rauscher International, Germany). The distal end of the tube is wrapped with only one layer of film. OFD is placed into the gastrointestinal leakage site with common endoscopic techniques. The tube is connected to an electronic vacuum device and continuous negative pressure of –125 mmHg applied.
Results From 2013 to 2016, 16 patients were treated with the new OFD device. In 10 patients, transmural intestinal defects (4 esophageal, 4 rectum/colon, 1 duodenal, 1 pancreatic cyst) were closed with ENPT in median time of 12 days (range 3 – 34 days). Five of the 10 patients were treated solely with OFD devices. In five patients ENPT started with ODP and changed to OFD when the cavity was shrunken to a channel with a small opening. In four patients postoperative gastric reflux was eliminated for 5 to 16 days.
Conclusions Small-bore OFD opens up promising new treatment options within ENPT. OFD can be used in endoscopic closure management of intestinal leakages in the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract. Gastric reflux can be eliminated in an active manner. OFD can be inserted nasally. OFD may be an adequate substitute for OPD, especially when placement of the larger OPD is difficult.Meeting presentations: The authorsʼ experience was first reported in an oral presentation at the 46th Kongress der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Endoskopie und Bildgebende Verfahren in Mannheim (DGE-BV), 17. – 19.03.2016.