bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recent advances in gene‐enhanced bone tissue engineering
Authors: Betz Volker M. , Kochanek Stefan , Rammelt Stefan , Müller Peter E. , Betz Oliver B. , Messmer Carolin 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe loss of bone tissue represents a critical clinical condition that is frequently faced by surgeons. Substantial progress has been made in the area of bone research, providing insight into the biology of bone under physiological and pathological conditions, as well as tools for the stimulation of bone regeneration. The present review discusses recent advances in the field of gene‐enhanced bone tissue engineering. Gene transfer strategies have emerged as highly effective tissue engineering approaches for supporting the repair of the musculoskeletal system. By contrast to treatment with recombinant proteins, genetically engineered cells can release growth factors at the site of injury over extended periods of time. Of particular interest are the expedited technologies that can be applied during a single surgical procedure in a cost‐effective manner, allowing translation from bench to bedside. Several promising methods based on the intra‐operative genetic manipulation of autologous cells or tissue fragments have been developed in preclinical studies. Moreover, gene therapy for bone regeneration has entered the clinical stage with clinical trials for the repair of alveolar bone. Current trends in gene‐enhanced bone engineering are also discussed with respect to the movement of the field towards expedited, translational approaches. It is possible that gene‐enhanced bone tissue engineering will become a clinical reality within the next few years.
Expression of novel “LOCGEF” isoforms of ARHGEF18 in eosinophils
Authors: Turton Keren B , Wilkerson Emily M , Hebert Alex S , Fogerty Frances J , Schira Hazel M , Botros Fady E , Coon Joshua J , Mosher Deane F 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic databases indicate that the N-terminal 322 residues encoded by the presumptive LOC100996504 gene, which is adjacent to the ARHGEF18 guanine nucleotide exchange factor gene on chromosome 19, constitute the N-terminal portion of a 1361-residue isoform of ARHGEF18, dubbed LOCGEF-X3. LOCGEF-X3 arises from the use of a leukocyte-specific alternative transcriptional start site and splicing that bypasses the initial noncoding exon of the canonical 1015-residue ARHGEF18 isoform, p114. Eosinophil LOCGEF-X3 was amplified and cloned, recombinant LOCGEF-X3 was expressed, and anti-ARHGEF18 antibody was found to recognize a band in immunoblots of eosinophil lysates that co-migrates with recombinant LOCGEF-X3. PCR of eosinophils revealed minor amounts of transcripts for X4 and X5 isoforms of LOCGEF that arise from differential splicing and differ from the X3 isoform at their extreme N-termini. No p114 transcript or protein band was detected in eosinophils. Immunostaining with anti-ARHGEF18 antibody revealed relocalization of LOCGEF and RHOA from the periphery of round unstimulated eosinophils to the 2 poles of eosinophils polarized by treatment with IL5, CCL11, or IL33 in suspension. Canonical p114 ARHGEF18 has been implicated in maintenance of epithelial cell polarity. We suggest that the “LOC” portion of LOCGEF, which is unlike any other protein domain, has unique functions in control of polarity in activated eosinophils and other leukocytes.
A set of ARHGEF18 isoforms is specific for eosinophils and other leukocytes.
Frontline Science: Specialized proresolving lipid mediators inhibit the priming and activation of the macrophage NLRP3 inflammasome
Authors: Lopategi Aritz , Flores-Costa Roger , Rius Bibiana , López-Vicario Cristina , Alcaraz-Quiles José , Titos Esther , Clària Joan 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
The prototypic proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β plays a central role in innate immunity and inflammatory disorders. The formation of mature IL-1β from an inactive pro-IL-1β precursor is produced via nonconventional multiprotein complexes called the inflammasomes, of which the most common is the nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome composed by NLRP3, (ASC) apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase activation and recruitment domain (CARD), and caspase-1. Specialized proresolving mediators (SPMs) promote resolution of inflammation, which is an essential process to maintain host health. SPMs prevent excessive inflammation by terminating the inflammatory response and returning to tissue homeostasis without immunosupression. This study tested the hypothesis that modulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages is one mechanism involved in the SPM-regulated processes during resolution. Our findings demonstrate that the SPM resolvin D2 (RvD2) suppressed the expression of pro-IL-1β and reduced the secretion of mature IL-1β in bone marrow-derived macrophages challenged with LPS+ATP (classical NLRP3 inflammasome model) or LPS+palmitate (lipotoxic model). Similar findings were observed in thioglycolate-elicited peritoneal macrophages, in which RvD2 remarkably reduced ASC oligomerization, inflammasome assembly, and caspase-1 activity. In vivo, in a self-resolving zymosan A-induced peritonitis model, RvD2 blocked the NLRP3 inflammasome leading to reduced release of IL-1β into the exudates, repression of osteopontin, and MCP-1 expression and induction of M2 markers of resolution (i.e., CD206 and arginase-1) in peritoneal macrophages. RvD2 inhibitory actions were receptor mediated and were abrogated by a selective GPR18 antagonist. Together, these findings support the hypothesis that SPMs have the ability to inhibit the priming and to expedite the deactivation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages during the resolution process.
Resolvin D2 modulates the NLRP3 inflammasome and the production of IL-1β in macrophages during resolution of inflammation.
Frontline Science: Elevated nuclear lamin A is permissive for granulocyte transendothelial migration but not for motility through collagen I barriers
Authors: Yadav Sandeep Kumar , Feigelson Sara W , Roncato Francesco , Antman-Passig Merav , Shefi Orit , Lammerding Jan , Alon Ronen 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Transendothelial migration (TEM) of lymphocytes and neutrophils is associated with the ability of their deformable nuclei to displace endothelial cytoskeletal barriers. Lamin A is a key intermediate filament component of the nuclear lamina that is downregulated during granulopoiesis. When elevated, lamin A restricts nuclear squeezing through rigid confinements. To determine if the low lamin A expression by leukocyte nuclei is critical for their exceptional squeezing ability through endothelial barriers, we overexpressed this protein in granulocyte-like differentiated HL-60 cells. A 10-fold higher lamin A expression did not interfere with chemokinetic motility of these granulocytes on immobilized CXCL1. Furthermore, these lamin A high leukocytes exhibited normal chemotaxis toward CXCL1 determined in large pore transwell barriers, but poorly squeezed through 3 μm pores toward identical CXCL1 gradients. Strikingly, however, these leukocytes successfully completed paracellular TEM across inflamed endothelial monolayers under shear flow, albeit with a small delay in nuclear squeezing into their sub-endothelial pseudopodia. In contrast, CXCR2 mediated granulocyte motility through collagen I barriers was dramatically delayed by lamin A overexpression due to a failure of lamin A high nuclei to translocate into the pseudopodia of the granulocytes. Collectively, our data predict that leukocytes maintain a low lamin A content in their nuclear lamina in order to optimize squeezing through extracellular collagen barriers but can tolerate high lamin A content when crossing the highly adaptable barriers presented by the endothelial cytoskeleton.
Differential effects of nuclear stiffness on chemokine-driven leukocyte squeezing through endothelial and extracellular collagenous barriers.
Regulation of immune cell signaling by activated protein C
Authors: Healy Laura D , Rigg Rachel A , Griffin John H , McCarty Owen J T 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Innate immune cells are an essential part of the host defense response, promoting inflammation through release of proinflammatory cytokines or formation of neutrophil extracellular traps. While these processes are important for defense against infectious agents or injury, aberrant activation potentiates pathologic inflammatory disease. Thus, understanding regulatory mechanisms that limit neutrophil extracellular traps formation and cytokine release is of therapeutic interest for targeting pathologic diseases. Activated protein C is an endogenous serine protease with anticoagulant activity as well as anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective functions, the latter of which are mediated through binding cell surface receptors and inducing intracellular signaling. In this review, we discuss certain leukocyte functions, namely neutrophil extracellular traps formation and cytokine release, and the inhibition of these processes by activated protein C.
Myocardial fibrosis evaluated by diffusion‐weighted imaging and its relationship to 3D contractile function in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Wu Rui , An Dong‐Aolei , Shi Ruo‐Yang , Chen Bing‐hua , Jiang Meng , Bacyinski Andrew , Han Tong‐Tong , Hu Jiani , Xu Jian‐Rong , Wu Lian‐Ming 
Published: March 2018

BackgroundPrevious studies have shown that diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) is sensitive to myocardial fibrosis in ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathy.PurposeTo explore the prognostic value of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) for detecting myocardial fibrosis and its relationship to the contractile function in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).Study TypeProspective.PopulationA total of 45 HCM patients and 20 controls.Field Strength/Sequence3.0T cardiac MRI. The cardiac MR sequences included cine, T1 mapping, and DWI.AssessmentAccording to the presence of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and the extracellular volume (ECV) values (+2 SD of control subjects), respectively, reader W and reader J assessed the value of ADC of each segment for detecting myocardial fibrosis and its relationship to impaired contractile function in HCM patients.Statistical TestsIndependent sample t‐test, Pearson analysis, and intraclass correlation (ICC).ResultsThe value of ECV was 23.6 ± 3.0% for control. ECV ≥ 29.6% and ECV < 29.6% groups were classified. ADC values in the ECV ≥ 29.6% group were significantly increased compared to the ECV < 29.6% group, (2.41 ± 0.23 μm2/ms vs. 2.03 ± 0.16 μm2/ms, P < 0.005). Compared to the LGE – group, ECV (32.1 ± 2.3% vs. 29.0 ± 2.8%, P < 0.005) and ADC (2.60 ± 0.18 μm2/ms vs. 2.10 ± 0.07 μm2/ms, P < 0.005) values were significantly increased in the LGE + group. ADC values were linearly associated with ECV values (R2 = 0.65) in HCM patients. ADC values were linearly associated with circumferential and longitudinal strain (R2 = 0.60, R2 = 0.46), as well as circumferential, longitudinal, and radial strain rate (R2 = 0.13, R2 = 0.25, R2 = 0.17, respectively).Data ConclusionContractile dysfunction in HCM is predominantly associated with ADC, which is a feasible alternative to ECV and LGE for detecting myocardial fibrosis.Level of Evidence: 1Technical Efficacy: Stage 2J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;48:1139–1146.
Colorectal carcinoma: Ex vivo evaluation using q‐space imaging; Correlation with histopathologic findings
Authors: Yamada Ichiro , Hikishima Keigo , Yoshino Norio , Sakamoto Junichiro , Miyasaka Naoyuki , Yamauchi Shinichi , Uetake Hiroyuki , Yasuno Masamichi , Saida Yukihisa , Tateishi Ukihide , Kobayashi Daisuke , Eishi Yoshinobu 
Published: March 2018

BackgroundAlthough the prognosis of colorectal carcinoma (CRC) patients depends on the histologic grade (HG) and lymph node metastasis (LNM), accurate preoperative assessment of these prognostic factors is often difficult.PurposeTo assess the HG and extent of LNM by q‐space imaging (QSI) for preoperative diagnosis of CRC.Study TypeProspective.SpecimenA total of 20 colorectal tissue samples containing adenocarcinomas and resected lymph nodes (LNs).Field Strength/SequenceQSI was performed with a 3T MRI system using a diffusion‐weighted echo‐planar imaging sequence: repetition time, 10,000 msec; echo time, 216 or 210 msec; field of view, 113 × 73.45 mm; matrix, 120 × 78; section thickness, 4 mm; and 11 b values ranging from 0 to 9000 s/mm2.AssessmentThe mean displacement (MDP; μm), zero‐displacement probability (ZDP; arbitrary unit [a.u.]), kurtosis (K; a.u.), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were analyzed by two observers and compared with histopathologic findings.Statistical TestsSpearman's rank correlation coefficient, Mann–Whitney U‐test, and ROC curve analyses.ResultsFor all 20 carcinomas, the MDP, ZDP, K, and ADC were 8.87 ± 0.37 μm, 82.0 ± 6.2 a.u., 74.3 ± 3.0 a.u., and 0.219 ± 0.040 × 10−3 mm2/s, respectively. The MDP (r = –0.768; P < 0.001), ZDP (r = 0.768; P < 0.001), and K (r = 0.785; P < 0.001) were significantly correlated with the HG of CRC, but not the ADC (r = 0.088; P = 0.712). There were also significant differences in the MDP, ZDP, and K between metastatic and nonmetastatic LNs (all, P < 0.001), but not the ADC (P = 0.082). In the HG of CRC and LNM, the area under the curve was significantly greater for MDP, ZDP, and K than for ADC.Data ConclusionQSI provides useful diagnostic information to assess the HG and extent of LNM in CRC.Level of Evidence: 1Technical Efficacy: Stage 2J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;48:1059–1068.
Formation of cyanide compounds during preparation of gold surfaces evidenced by surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Merlen A. , Pardanaud C. , Coussan S. , Panagiotopoulos C. , Grauby O. , Ruiz Carmen M. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractWe report surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) measurements on nanostructured gold surfaces prepared using a primary vacuum sputtering technique. Even if no molecules have been deposited on the metallic surface, a clear Raman signal is observed. A very intense and sharp peak around 2,100 cm−1 together with low‐wavenumber modes are visible. The comparison between the experimental spectra and those obtained using density functional theory calculations confirms that these new modes are associated with the cyanide compound Au(CN)2−. This proves the high sensitivity of SERS for the chemical analysis of metallic surfaces. It also shows that the pollution should be carefully taken into account in SERS analysis. We also demonstrate that high power laser illumination transforms these toxic compounds into carbon species; this method can be used to clean SERS substrates.
The performance of five fruit‐derived and freeze‐dried potentially probiotic Lactobacillus strains in apple, orange, and grape juices
Authors: Garcia Estefânia Fernandes , de Oliveira Araújo Amanda , Luciano Winnie Alencar , de Albuquerque Thatyane Mariano Rodrigues , de Oliveira Arcanjo Narciza Maria , Madruga Marta Suely , dos Santos Lima Marcos , Magnani Marciane , Saarela Maria , de Souza Evandro Leite 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDThis study assessed the survival of the fruit‐derived and freeze‐dried L. plantarum 49, L. brevis 59, L. paracasei 108, L. fermentum 111 and L. pentosus 129 strains during frozen storage and when incorporated into apple, orange, and grape juice stored under refrigeration. Physicochemical parameters of juices containing the freeze‐dried Lactobacillus strains and the survival of the test strains in the fruit juices during in vitro digestion were also evaluated.RESULTSNo decreases in survival rates (log N/log N0) of the freeze‐dried cells were observed in up to 1 month of storage. The survival rates of the freeze‐dried strains L. plantarum 49 and L. paracasei 108 were > 0.75 in up to 4 months of storage. All freeze‐dried strains exhibited survival rates of >0.75 in up to 2 weeks of storage in apple juice; only L. plantarum 49 and L. paracasei 108 showed similar survival rates in orange and grape juices in up to 2 weeks of storage. The contents of the monitored organic acids or sugars during storage varied depending on the added strain and the type of fruit juice. At the end of in vitro digestion, L. brevis 59, L. paracasei 108 and L. fermentum 111 showed survival rates of >0.80 in apple juice.CONCLUSIONApple juice was the best substrate for the survival of the tested freeze‐dried Lactobacillus strains over time. L. paracasei 108 and L. plantarum 49 were the strains presenting the best performance for incorporation in potentially probiotic fruit juices. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Live delivery of neurosurgical operating theater experience in virtual reality
Authors: Salmimaa Marja , Kimmel Jyrki , Jokela Tero , Eskolin Peter , Järvenpää Toni , Piippo Petri , Müller Kiti , Satopää Jarno 
Published: March 2018

AbstractA system for assisting in microneurosurgical training and for delivering interactive mixed reality surgical experience live was developed and experimented in hospital premises. An interactive experience from the neurosurgical operating theater was presented together with associated medical content on virtual reality eyewear of remote users. Details of the stereoscopic 360‐degree capture, surgery imaging equipment, signal delivery, and display systems are presented, and the presence experience and the visual quality questionnaire results are discussed. The users reported positive scores on the questionnaire on topics related to the user experience achieved in the trial.
Programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) expression in pleomorphic carcinoma of the lung
Authors: Imanishi Naoko , Hirai Ayako , Yoneda Kazue , Shimajiri Shohei , Kuwata Taiji , Tashima Yuko , Takeuchi Masahiro , Iwai Yoshiko , Ichiki Yoshinobu , Tanaka Fumihiro 
Published: March 2018

Background and ObjectivesPulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma (PPC) is a rare and aggressive subtype of lung cancer. Programmed cell death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) expression may be induced in a variety of malignant tumors, but its prognostic implication in PPC remains unclear.MethodsTwenty‐six patients with surgically resected PPC were retrospectively reviewed. Immuno‐histochemical staining was used to detect PD‐L1 expression, and PD‐L1 status was classified into “high” or “low” according to the percentage of tumor cells (TCs) expressing PD‐L1 (tumor proportion score, TPS).ResultsPD‐L1 expression was positive in 20 (76.9%) patients at the cut‐off TPS value of 1%. A receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that the optimal cut‐off value was 15% for prediction of cancer‐specific death with the area under ROC curve of 0.701 (P = 0.107). High PD‐L1 expression was associated with a favorable overall survival (100% vs 45.9% at 5 years; P = 0.046) as well as a favorable cancer‐specific survival (88.9% vs 37.5% at 5 years; P = 0.012). A multivariate analysis indicated a trend toward a favorable prognosis associated with high PD‐L1 expression (hazard ratio [HR], 0.254 [95% confidence interval, 0.054‐1.200]; P = 0.084).ConclusionsPD‐L1 expression was positive in most PPC cases, and high PD‐L1 expression may predict a favorable prognosis in resected PPC.
Preparation and evaluation of open‐tubular capillary column combining a metal–organic framework and a brush‐shaped polymer for liquid chromatography
Authors: Chen Kai , Zhang Lingyi , Zhang Weibing 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIn this work, an open‐tubular capillary liquid‐phase column was prepared by modifying chain polymer on the inner surface of capillary and chemical bonding of metal organic frameworks, NH2‐UiO‐66, to the brushes of chain polymer (poly(glycidyl methacrylate)). Besides advantages of facial preparation and good permeability, the chain polymer effectively increases the modification amount of NH2‐UiO‐66 nanoparticles to increase the phase ratio of open‐tubular capillary column and enhance the interactions with analytes. The results of scanning electron microscope energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectra indicated that NH2‐UiO‐66 nanoparticles were successfully bonded to the chain polymer. Because of the hydrophobic interaction and hydrogen bonding interaction between the analytes and the ligand of NH2‐UiO‐66, different analytes were well separated on the NH2‐UiO‐66‐modified poly(glycidyl methacrylate) capillary (1.12 m × 25 μm id × 365 μm od) with the high absolute column efficiency reaching 121 477 plates, benefiting from an open‐tubular column and low mass transfer resistance provided by polymer brush and metal–organic framework crystal. The relative standard deviations of the retention time for run‐to‐run, day‐to‐day, and column‐to‐column (n = 3) runs are below 4.28%, exhibiting good repeatability. Finally, the column was successfully applied to separation of flavonoids in licorice.
Tourism industry career prospects and the business environment: Evidence from Canada and Macau
Authors: Tung Vincent Wing Sun , Tang Mei Fung Candy , King Brian Edward Melville 
Published: March 2018

AbstractPrevious researchers have undertaken detailed examinations of the factors impacting on aspirant perceptions of tourism and hospitality careers. This paper moves beyond personal and internal dimensions to explore business conditions in the cities where hospitality and tourism students are studying or where recent graduates are making their careers. By examining the prevalent business environments in cities in both North America (Calgary) and in Asia (Macau), the researchers show how such settings influence the perceptions of hospitality and tourism aspirants towards their industry futures, including peer influence.
Patenting patterns in the tourism industry: Evidence from Italy
Authors: Succurro Marianna , Boffa Federico 
Published: March 2018

AbstractWe study patent applications in the Italian hospitality sector. We analyze (a) the determinants of patenting behavior in the Italian accommodation sector and (b) the impact of innovation—measured through firms' patenting activity—on firms' performance. Using microdata from the Orbis database (Bureau van Dijk), we find that the firms' innovative performance in the Italian hospitality sector—measured through the number of successful patents applications—varies based on firms' size, age, intangible assets, and legal form. Moreover, patenting activity is positively and significantly associated to different measures of firms' performance.