bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Short-term influences of radiation on musculofascial healing in a laparotomy rat model
Authors: Chen Youbai , Zhang Qixu , Wu Yewen , Branch-Brooks Cynthia D. , Butler Charles E. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractPreoperative radiation is associated with an increased risk of wound complications. However, the influences of radiation on musculofascial wound healing remains unclear. The purpose of the study was to investigate the short-term effects of preoperative local radiation on the musculofascial healing of laparotomy incisions in a rat model. Eighteen Fischer 344 rats received radiation doses of 0, 10, or 20 Gy to the abdominal wall and underwent laparotomy 4 weeks later. Two weeks after laparotomy, samples of irradiated muscle were harvested for mechanical tests, histological (Hematoxylin & Eosin, and Masson’s Trichrome) and immunohistochemical analyses using KI67, CD31, TGF-β, and MYOD1 antibodies. The elastic modulus (EM), maximum strain (MS), and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) in the 20-Gy group were significantly weaker than those in the 0-Gy group. The EM and UTS in the 20-Gy group were significantly lower than those in the 10-Gy group. The UTS and MS in the 10-Gy group were significantly lower than those in the 0-Gy group. The mean number of inflammatory cells per mm2 in the 20-Gy group was significantly larger than those in the 10- and 0-Gy groups. The mean numbers of CD31-, KI67-, and MYOD1-positive cells, the optical density of TGF-β, and the microvessel density in the 20-Gy group were significantly smaller than those in the 10- and 0-Gy groups. These results indicated that radiation delays musculofascial healing and decreases mechanical strength of the laparotomy incision by creating a chronic inflammatory environment, inhibiting cell proliferation, angiogenesis, granulation maturation, collagen deposition, and muscular regeneration in a dose-dependent manner. The impaired biomechanical, histological and molecular properties may be associated with the higher risk of wound complications in patients who undergo radiotherapy prior to laparotomy.
Hydro-ecological controls on riverine organic carbon dynamics in the tropical monsoon region
Authors: Zhang Qianzhu , Tao Zhen , Ma Zanwen , Gao Quanzhou , Deng Haojun , Xu Peng , Ding Jian , Wang Zhengang , Lin Youwen 
Published: August 2019

AbstractTransport fluxes and properties of riverine organic carbon in the tropical monsoon region were the vital parameters in the global riverine organic carbon fluxes budget. The study focused on the riverine organic carbon in the Changhuajiang River (CHJR), locating at the mid-west of the Hainan Island, China. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations in the CHJR ranged from 0.22 mg/L to 11.75 mg/L with an average of 1.75 mg/L, which was lower than the average of global rivers and had a significantly temporal and spatial variation. Output flux of riverine DOC was calculated as 0.55 t/km2/y, which could be revised up to 1.03 t/km2/y, considering that the riverine discharge before dam construction. A linear model of riverine DOC flux suitable in CHJR basin was established, which involved the factors, such as soil organic carbon, runoff depth and slope, etc. There was a large variation of POC concentrations in the CHJR where the average POC concentration in the dry season was 2.41 times of the wet season. Riverine POC flux in CHJR basin was calculated as 1.78 t/km2/y, higher than the average of global rivers and far lower than those in other domestic larger rivers. About 8.28 × 103 t POC were exported yearly in CHJR, of which, 7.15 × 103 t originated from terrestrial ecosystem and 1.13 × 103 t stemmed from aquatic ecosystem. Meanwhile, about 87.74% of terrestrial source happened in the wet season and 12.26% in the dry season. This research revealed that the riverine organic carbon mainly stemmed from the surface erosion processes in the drainage basin during the wet season.
Double Pinned Perpendicular-Magnetic-Tunnel-Junction Spin-Valve Providing Multi-level Resistance States
Authors: Choi Jin-Young , Jun Hansol , Ashiba Kei , Baek Jong-Ung , Shim Tae-Hun , Park Jea-Gun 
Published: August 2019

AbstractA new design for high density integration greater than gigabits of perpendicular-magnetic-tunnel-junction (p-MTJ) spin-valve, called the double pinned (i.e., bottom and top pinned structures) p-MTJ spin-valve achieved a multi-level memory-cell operation exhibiting four-level resistances. Three key magnetic properties, the anisotropy exchange field (Hex) of the bottom pinned structure, the coercivity (Hc) of the double free-layer, and the Hc of the top pinned structure mainly determined four-level resistances producing tunneling-magnetoresistance (TMR) ratios of 152.6%, 33.6%, and 166.5%. The three key-design concepts are: i) the bottom pinned structure with a sufficiently large Hex to avoid a write-error, ii) the Hc of the double free-layer (i.e., ~0.1 kOe) much less than the Hc of the top pinned structure (i.e., ~1.0 kOe), and iii) the top pinned structure providing different electron spin directions.
Allometric Scaling of physiologically-relevant organoids
Authors: Magliaro Chiara , Rinaldo Andrea , Ahluwalia Arti 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe functional and structural resemblance of organoids to mammalian organs suggests that they might follow the same allometric scaling rules. However, despite their remarkable likeness to downscaled organs, non-luminal organoids are often reported to possess necrotic cores due to oxygen diffusion limits. To assess their potential as physiologically relevant in vitro models, we determined the range of organoid masses in which quarter power scaling as well as a minimum threshold oxygen concentration is maintained. Using data on brain organoids as a reference, computational models were developed to estimate oxygen consumption and diffusion at different stages of growth. The results show that mature brain (or other non-luminal) organoids generated using current protocols must lie within a narrow range of masses to maintain both quarter power scaling and viable cores. However, micro-fluidic oxygen delivery methods could be designed to widen this range, ensuring a minimum viable oxygen threshold throughout the constructs and mass dependent metabolic scaling. The results provide new insights into the significance of the allometric exponent in systems without a resource-supplying network and may be used to guide the design of more predictive and physiologically relevant in vitro models, providing an effective alternative to animals in research.
11PS04 is a new chemical entity identified by microRNA-based biosensing with promising therapeutic potential against cancer stem cells
Authors: Aguado Tania , Romero-Revilla José A. , Granados Rosario , Campuzano Susana , Torrente-Rodríguez Rebeca M. , Cuesta Ángel M. , Albiñana Virginia , Botella Luisa María , Santamaría Silvia , Garcia-Sanz Jose A. , Pingarrón José Manuel , Sánchez-Sancho Francisco , Sánchez-Puelles José-María 
Published: August 2019

AbstractPhenotypic drug discovery must take advantage of the large amount of clinical data currently available. In this sense, the impact of microRNAs (miRs) on human disease and clinical therapeutic responses is becoming increasingly well documented. Accordingly, it might be possible to use miR-based signatures as phenotypic read-outs of pathological status, for example in cancer. Here, we propose to use the information accumulating regarding the biology of miRs from clinical research in the preclinical arena, adapting it to the use of miR biosensors in the earliest steps of drug screening. Thus, we have used an amperometric dual magnetosensor capable of monitoring a miR-21/miR-205 signature to screen for new drugs that restore these miRs to non-tumorigenic levels in cell models of breast cancer and glioblastoma. In this way we have been able to identify a new chemical entity, 11PS04 ((3aR,7aS)-2-(3-propoxyphenyl)-7,7a-dihydro-3aH-pyrano[3,4-d]oxazol-6(4H)-one), the therapeutic potential of which was suggested in mechanistic assays of disease models, including 3D cell culture (oncospheres) and xenografts. These assays highlighted the potential of this compound to attack cancer stem cells, reducing the growth of breast and glioblastoma tumors in vivo. These data demonstrate the enhanced chain of translatability of this strategy, opening up new perspectives for drug-discovery pipelines and highlighting the potential of miR-based electro-analytical sensors as efficient tools in modern drug discovery.
Left ventricular mass estimation by real-time 3D echocardiography favourably competes with CMR in congenital left ventricular disease
Authors: Michel Miriam , Shabanah Wael , Körperich Hermann , Kelter-Klöpping Andrea , Entenmann Andreas , Racolta Anca , Laser Kai Thorsten 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAssessment of left ventricular mass (LVM) is important in the evaluation of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) is the gold standard. Recent software allows LVM calculation by real-time 3-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE). We investigated the impact of different software analysis tools on LVM determination by CMR or RT3DE in a cohort of patients with heterogeneous left ventricular (LV) disease. 37 subjects (17 patients, mean age 18.7 y; 20 controls, mean age 13.2 y) underwent CMR and RT3DE. CMR LVM and RT3DE calculations were done using two different LV-analysis software packages for each modality: CMR i) customized software “CMR HDZ”, CMR ii) “CMR ISP”; RT3DE i) “Toshiba”, RT3DE ii) “Tomtec”, 4D LV-Analysis Version 3.1 (built 3.1.0.258661). Intra- and interobserver variabilities were calculated. Only RT3DE-derived LVM showed significant software-dependent differences. RT3DE-derived LVM (both softwares) was significantly higher than CMR-derived LVM (both softwares). The two different methods and four evaluation software packages for LVM assessment were well correlated with each other. Intra- and interobserver variability of LVM as assessed by each single modality or software was low. Despite software dependency and overestimation of RT3DE-assessed LVM by 5 to 10%, RT3DE still competes with the gold standard, CMR, even in patients with various forms of LV disease. The use of optimized software, especially for RT3DE, should improve the accuracy of LVM assessment, overcoming LVM overestimation.
Morphological and Molecular Changes in Juvenile Normal Human Fibroblasts Exposed to Simulated Microgravity
Authors: Buken Christoph , Sahana Jayashree , Corydon Thomas J. , Melnik Daniela , Bauer Johann , Wehland Markus , Krüger Marcus , Balk Silke , Abuagela Nauras , Infanger Manfred , Grimm Daniela 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe literature suggests morphological alterations and molecular biological changes within the cellular milieu of human cells, exposed to microgravity (µg), as many cell types assemble to multicellular spheroids (MCS). In this study we investigated juvenile normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) grown in simulated µg (s-µg) on a random positioning machine (RPM), aiming to study changes in cell morphology, cytoskeleton, extracellular matrix (ECM), focal adhesion and growth factors. On the RPM, NHDF formed an adherent monolayer and compact MCS. For the two cell populations we found a differential regulation of fibronectin, laminin, collagen-IV, aggrecan, osteopontin, TIMP-1, integrin-β1, caveolin-1, E-cadherin, talin-1, vimentin, α-SM actin, TGF-β1, IL-8, MCP-1, MMP-1, and MMP-14 both on the transcriptional and/or translational level. Immunofluorescence staining revealed only slight structural changes in cytoskeletal components. Flow cytometry showed various membrane-bound proteins with considerable variations. In silico analyses of the regulated proteins revealed an interaction network, contributing to MCS growth via signals mediated by integrin-β1, E-cadherin, caveolin-1 and talin-1. In conclusion, s-µg-conditions induced changes in the cytoskeleton, ECM, focal adhesion and growth behavior of NHDF and we identified for the first time factors involved in fibroblast 3D-assembly. This new knowledge might be of importance in tissue engineering, wound healing and cancer metastasis.
Preclinical Evaluation of a Noncontact Simultaneous Monitoring Method for Respiration and Carotid Pulsation Using Impulse-Radio Ultra-Wideband Radar
Authors: Park Jun-Young , Lee Yonggu , Choi Yeon-Woo , Heo Ran , Park Hyun-Kyung , Cho Seok-Hyun , Cho Sung Ho , Lim Young-Hyo 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThere has been the possibility for respiration and carotid pulsation to be simultaneously monitored from a distance using impulse-radio ultra-wideband (IR-UWB) radar. Therefore, we investigated the validity of simultaneous respiratory rates (RR), pulse rates (PR) and R-R interval measurement using IR-UWB radar. We included 19 patients with a normal sinus rhythm (NSR) and 14 patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (PeAF). The RR, PR, R-R interval and rhythm were obtained simultaneously from the right carotid artery area in a supine position and under normal breathing conditions using IR-UWB radar. There was excellent agreement between the RR obtained by IR-UWB radar and that manually counted by a physician (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] 0.852). In the NSR group, there was excellent agreement between the PR (ICC 0.985), average R-R interval (ICC 0.999), and individual R-R interval (ICC 0.910) measured by IR-UWB radar and electrocardiography. In the PeAF group, PR (ICC 0.930), average R-R interval (ICC 0.957) and individual R-R interval (ICC 0.701) also agreed well between the two methods. These results demonstrate that IR-UWB radar can simultaneously monitor respiration, carotid pulse and heart rhythm with high precision and may thus be utilized as a noncontact continuous vital sign monitoring in clinical practice.
Design of high-order antibiotic combinations against M. tuberculosis by ranking and exclusion
Authors: Yilancioglu Kaan , Cokol Murat 
Published: August 2019

AbstractCombinations of more than two drugs are routinely used for the treatment of pathogens and tumors. High-order combinations may be chosen due to their non-overlapping resistance mechanisms or for favorable drug interactions. Synergistic/antagonistic interactions occur when the combination has a higher/lower effect than the sum of individual drug effects. The standard treatment of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is an additive cocktail of three drugs which have different targets. Herein, we experimentally measured all 190 pairwise interactions among 20 antibiotics against Mtb growth. We used the pairwise interaction data to rank all possible high-order combinations by strength of synergy/antagonism. We used drug interaction profile correlation as a proxy for drug similarity to establish exclusion criteria for ideal combination therapies. Using this ranking and exclusion design (R/ED) framework, we modeled ways to improve the standard 3-drug combination with the addition of new drugs. We applied this framework to find the best 4-drug combinations against drug-resistant Mtb by adding new exclusion criteria to R/ED. Finally, we modeled alternating 2-order combinations as a cycling treatment and found optimized regimens significantly reduced the overall effective dose. R/ED provides an adaptable framework for the design of high-order drug combinations against any pathogen or tumor.
Distribution and dynamics of mitochondrial DNA methylation in oocytes, embryos and granulosa cells
Authors: Sirard Marc-André 
Published: August 2019

AbstractComparison of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) methylation patterns in oocytes, blastocysts and ovarian granulosa cells indicates hitherto unsuspected dynamics. Oocytes and blastocysts recovered from cows subjected to ovarian stimulation and from non-stimulated abattoir ovaries were analyzed using bisulphite transformation of DNA followed by whole genome sequencing. The cow is a recognized as a good model for human oocyte and pre-implantation development. The number of mtDNA copies is high in oocytes (200,000–400,000) and early embryos, resulting in very high coverage (>3000x) and very low p values for each of 716 cytosine-based nucleosides. Methylation ratio was lowest in oocytes, following by blastocysts then granulosa cells and was not restricted to CG sites but was found also at CHG and CHH sites. The initial methylation pattern is conserved during the first week of life but not in somatic cells. RNA analysis of mitochondria encoded genes showed a significant inverse correlation between methylation and expression for almost all sequences. Methylation was more extensive in somatic tissues from mature animals than in immature pre-pubertal animals. Our findings suggest that mtDNA methylation might play a programming role during gametogenesis and would be subject to epigenetic regulation according to environment and/or maternal maturity.
An empirical assessment of research practices across 163 clinical trials of tumor-bearing companion dogs
Authors: Tan Yuan Jin , Crowley Ryan J. , Ioannidis John P. A. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractComparative clinical trials of domestic dogs with spontaneously-occurring cancers are increasingly common. Canine cancers are likely more representative of human cancers than induced murine tumors. These trials could bridge murine models and human trials and better prioritize drug candidates. Such investigations also benefit veterinary patients. We aimed to evaluate the design and reporting practices of clinical trials containing ≥2 arms and involving tumor-bearing dogs. 163 trials containing 8552 animals were systematically retrieved from PubMed (searched 1/18/18). Data extracted included sample sizes, response criteria, study design, and outcome reporting. Low sample sizes were prevalent (median n = 33). The median detectable hazard ratio was 0.3 for overall survival and 0.06 for disease progression. Progressive disease thresholds for studies that did not adopt VCOG-RECIST guidelines varied in stringency. Additionally, there was significant underreporting across all Cochrane risk of bias categories. The proportion of studies with unclear reporting ranged from 44% (randomization) to 94% (selective reporting). 72% of studies also failed to define a primary outcome. The present study confirms previous findings that clinical trials in dogs need to be improved, particularly regarding low statistical power and underreporting of design and outcomes.
Molecular analysis and epidemiological typing of Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus outbreak strains
Authors: Rangberg Anbjørg , Larsen Astri Lervik , Kacelnik Oliver , Sæther Hanne Skarpodde , Bjørland Marthe , Ringstad Jetmund , Jonassen Christine Monceyron 
Published: August 2019

AbstractOutbreaks of multidrug resistant bacteria including vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in healthcare institutions are increasing in Norway, despite a low level of resistance compared to other European countries. In this study, we describe epidemiological relatedness of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium isolated during an outbreak at a Norwegian hospital in 2012–2013. During the outbreak, 9454 fecal samples were screened for VRE by culture and/or PCR. Isolates from 86 patients carrying the vanA resistance gene were characterized using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and single nucleotide polymorphism typing. PFGE revealed two main clusters, the first comprised 56 isolates related to an initial outbreak strain, and the second comprised 21 isolates originating from a later introduced strain, together causing two partly overlapping outbreaks. Nine isolates, including the index case were not related to the two outbreak clusters. In conclusion, the epidemiological analyses show that the outbreak was discovered by coincidence, and that infection control measures were successful. All typing methods identified the two outbreak clusters, and the experiment congruence between the MALDI-TOF and the PFGE clustering was 63.2%, with a strong correlation (r = 72.4%). Despite lower resolution compared to PFGE, MALDI-TOF may provide an efficient mean for real-time monitoring spread of infection.
Prioritization of solid concentration and temperature for solid state anaerobic digestion of pearl millet straw employing multi-criteria assessment tool
Authors: Paritosh Kunwar , Pareek Nidhi , Chawade Aakash , Vivekanand Vivekanand 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIndia produces huge quantities of agricultural residues and stubbles and mainly disposed by burning on site causing air pollution. The organic matter present in the residues and stubble may be utilized by anaerobic digestion as a source of renewable energy subsequently reducing emission of greenhouse gases caused by burning. In the present study, solid state anaerobic digestion (SSAD) of pearl millet straw was investigated at mesophilic and thermophilic temperature with four different total solid (TS) content (15, 20, 25 and 30%). Results showed that 20 and 25% TS generated maximum methane (124.1 ± 7 and 162.4 ± 9L/kg VS) at mesophilic and thermophilic temperature respectively. However, increasing TS content beyond 25% did not show significant increment on methane yield. Analytical analysis showed correlation between the reduction of volatile solids and methane yield as well as VFA (volatile fatty acid) accumulation at high TS content. Also, VlseKriterijuska Optimizacija Komoromisno Resenje (VIKOR) and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) methods as MultiCriteria Decision Making modelling (MCDM) applied to select best possible alternative for SSAD of pearl millet. MCDM analysis showed that VIKOR method endorsed the experimental results.
Enhancing the Thermal Stability of Carbon Nanomaterials with DNA
Authors: Safaee Mohammad Moein , Gravely Mitchell , Lamothe Adeline , McSweeney Megan , Roxbury Daniel 
Published: August 2019

AbstractSingle-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have recently been utilized as fillers that reduce the flammability and enhance the strength and thermal conductivity of material composites. Enhancing the thermal stability of SWCNTs is crucial when these materials are applied to high temperature applications. In many instances, SWCNTs are applied to composites with surface coatings that are toxic to living organisms. Alternatively, single-stranded DNA, a naturally occurring biological polymer, has recently been utilized to form singly-dispersed hybrids with SWCNTs as well as suppress their known toxicological effects. These hybrids have shown unrivaled stabilities in both aqueous suspension or as a dried material. Furthermore, DNA has certain documented flame-retardant effects due to the creation of a protective char upon heating in the presence of oxygen. Herein, using various thermogravimetric analytical techniques, we find that single-stranded DNA has a significant flame-retardant effect on the SWCNTs, and effectively enhances their thermal stability. Hybridization with DNA results in the elevation of the thermal decomposition temperature of purified SWCNTs in excess of 200 °C. We translate this finding to other carbon nanomaterials including multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and fullerene (C60), and show similar effects upon complexation with DNA. The rate of thermal decomposition of the SWCNTs was also explored and found to significantly depend upon the sequence of DNA that was used.