bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pretreatment Inflammatory Indexes as Prognostic Predictors for Survival in Colorectal Cancer Patients Receiving Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Yang Jing , Xu Hui , Guo Xinli , Zhang Jing , Ye Xiaoyang , Yang Yanping , Ma Xuelei 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis study was to evaluate the prognostic value of pretreatment inflammatory indexes including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT). We enrolled 98 eligible CRC patients and divided them into high or low NLR, PLR, LMR, and SII groups according to their median index value, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to identify the potential predictors of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). In the univariate analysis, ECOG performance status, distant metastasis, NLR, PLR, LMR, and SII were found to be significantly associated with PFS and OS. In the multivariate analysis, ECOG performance status, distant metastasis, and NLR were identified to be independent predictors of PFS (HR 2.487, p = 0.012; HR 2.422, p = 0.042; HR 2.243, p = 0.034, respectively), and OS (HR 2.237, p = 0.018; HR 2.757, p = 0.020; HR 2.336, p = 0.017, respectively). The results of our study revealed that ECOG performance status, distant metastasis and NLR were independent prognostic factors of PFS and OS in CRC patients receiving neoadjuvant CRT.
Investigation of biomarkers alterations after an acute tissue trauma in human trapezius muscle, using microdialysis
Authors: Sørensen Line Bay , Gazerani Parisa , Wåhlén Karin , Ghafouri Nazdar , Gerdle Björn , Ghafouri Bijar 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAlterations in muscle milieu are suggested as important activity of peripheral drive in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP). Microdialysis (MD) has been used in monitoring altered metabolic response pattern in muscles. However, the insertion of MD probe causes a local tissue trauma. Whether and how metabolites in trapezius muscle are affected by acute tissue trauma is unknown. Hence, this study investigated the metabolic response and nociceptive reaction of the tissue following MD probe insertion in patients with CMP and healthy individuals. Fifty-nine patients and forty pain-free volunteers were recruited. Pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) were obtained at the trapezius and tibialis muscles. Pain questionnaires determined the levels of pain related aspects. MD (20 kDa cut-off) was performed in the trapezius and samples were collected within 40 min. Interstitial concentration of the metabolites was analyzed by a two-way-mixed-ANOVA. The metabolic response pattern changed over time and alterations in the level of metabolites could be seen in both CMP and healthy controls. Pain questionnaires and pain intensities manifested clinical aspects of pain closely to what CMP patients describe. Analyzing metabolites due to acute tissue trauma by aid of MD may be a useful model to investigate altered metabolic response effect in CMP.
The vesicle trafficking regulator PN_SCD1 is demethylated and overexpressed in florets of apomictic Paspalum notatum genotypes
Authors: Bocchini Marika , Galla Giulio , Pupilli Fulvio , Bellucci Michele , Barcaccia Gianni , Ortiz Juan Pablo A. , Pessino Silvina C. , Albertini Emidio 
Published: February 2018

AbstractApomixis (asexual reproduction through seeds) is considered a deviation of the sexual reproductive pathway leading to the development of clonal progenies genetically identical to the mother plant. Here we used the Methylation-Sensitive Amplification Polymorphism (MSAP) technique to characterize cytosine methylation patterns occurring in florets of sexual and aposporous Paspalum notatum genotypes, in order to identify epigenetically-controlled genes putatively involved in apomixis development. From twelve polymorphic MSAP-derived sequences, one (PN_6.6, later renamed PN_SCD1) was selected due to its relevant annotation and differential representation in apomictic and sexual floral transcriptome libraries. PN_SCD1 encodes the DENN domain/WD repeat-containing protein SCD1, which interacts with RAB GTPases- and/or MAPKs to promote specialized cell division, functions in clathrin-mediated membrane transport and acts as potential substrate receptor of CUL4 E3 ubiquitin ligases. Quantitative RT-PCR and comparative RNAseq analyses of laser microdissected nucellar cells confirmed PN_SCD1 upregulation in florets of apomictic plants and revealed that overexpression takes place just before the onset of apospory initials. Moreover, we found that several SCD1 molecular partners are expressed in P. notatum florets and upregulated in apomictic plants. Our results disclosed a specific vesicle trafficking molecular pathway epigenetically modulated during apomixis.
Adult male mice exposure to nonylphenol alters courtship vocalizations and mating
Authors: Capela Daphné , Dombret Carlos , Poissenot Kevin , Poignant Manon , Malbert-Colas Aude , Franceschini Isabelle , Keller Matthieu , Mhaouty-Kodja Sakina 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe neural circuitry processing male sexual behavior is tightly regulated by testosterone and its neural metabolite estradiol. The present study evaluated the effects of adult exposure to low doses of nonylphenol (NP), a widespread environmental contaminant, on the neuroendocrine regulation of testosterone and expression of sexual behavior. Oral exposure of C57BL/6J males to NP (0.5, 5 or 50 μg/kg/day) for 4 weeks did not affect circulating levels of testosterone or the kisspeptin system, a key regulator of the gonadotropic axis. In contrast, mice exposed to NP at 5 μg/kg/day emitted an increased number and duration of ultrasonic vocalizations, took longer to reach ejaculation and showed increased number of mounts, intromissions and thrusts. This was associated with normal olfactory preference and locomotor activity, and increased anxiety level. Analysis of the neural circuitry that underlies sexual behavior showed changes in the number of cells expressing androgen and estrogen receptors in males exposed to NP at 5 μg/kg/day. The neural circuitry underlying sexual behavior is thus highly sensitive to adult exposure to NP. Furthermore, almost all the observed effects were induced at 5 μg/kg/day of NP, indicating that this endocrine disrupter triggers a non-monotonic response in the adult male mouse brain.
Evaluation of HER2-specific peptide ligand for its employment as radiolabeled imaging probe
Authors: Honarvar Hadis , Calce Enrica , Doti Nunzianna , Langella Emma , Orlova Anna , Buijs Jos , D’Amato Valentina , Bianco Roberto , Saviano Michele , Tolmachev Vladimir , De Luca Stefania 
Published: February 2018

AbstractHER2 transmembrane receptor is an important target in immunotherapy treatment of breast and gastroesophageal cancer. Molecular imaging of HER2 expression may provide essential prognostic and predictive information concerning disseminated cancer and aid in selection of an optimal therapy. Radiolabeled low molecular weight peptide ligands are particularly attractive as probes for molecular imaging, since they reach and bind to the target and clear from non-target organs and blood stream faster than bulky antibodies. In this study, we evaluated a potential HER2-imaging probe, an A9 nonapeptide, derived from the trastuzumab-Fab portion. Its cellular uptake was investigated by mass spectrometry analysis of the cytoplasmic cellular extracts. Moreover, based on in-silico modeling, DTPA chelator was conjugated to N-terminus of A9. 111In-labeled A9 demonstrated nanomolar affinity to HER2-expressing BT474 cells and favorable biodistribution profile in NMRI mice. This study suggests that the peptide A9 represents a good lead candidate for development of molecular probe, to be used for imaging purposes and for the delivery of cytotoxic agents.
Tomato AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR 5 regulates fruit set and development via the mediation of auxin and gibberellin signaling
Authors: Liu Songyu , Zhang Youwei , Feng Qiushuo , Qin Li , Pan Changtian , Lamin-Samu Anthony Tumbeh , Lu Gang 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAuxin response factors (ARFs) encode transcriptional factors that function in the regulation of plant development processes. A tomato ARF gene, SlARF5, was observed to be expressed at high levels in emasculated ovaries but maintained low expression levels in pollinated ovaries. The amiRNA SlARF5 lines exhibited ovary growth and formed seedless fruits following emasculation. These parthenocarpic fruits developed fewer locular tissues, and the fruit size and weight were decreased in transgenic lines compared to those of wild-type fruits. Gene expression analysis demonstrated that several genes involved in the auxin-signaling pathway were downregulated, whereas some genes involved in the gibberellin-signaling pathway were enhanced by the decreased SlARF5 mRNA levels in transgenic plants, indicating that SlARF5 may play an important role in regulating both the auxin- and gibberellin-signaling pathways during fruit set and development.
Differences in frontotemporal dysfunction during social and non-social cognition tasks between patients with autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia
Authors: Hirata Keiko , Egashira Kazuteru , Harada Kenichiro , Nakashima Mami , Hirotsu Masako , Isomura Shinji , Watanuki Toshio , Matsubara Toshio , Kaku Yoichi , Kaneyuki Hiroshi , Watanabe Yoshifumi , Matsuo Koji 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAlthough literature evidence suggests deficits in social and non-social cognition in patients with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia (SCZ), the difference in neural correlates of the impairments between the two disorders has not been elucidated. We examined brain function in response to a non-social cognition and a social cognition task using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) in 13 patients with ASD, 15 patients with SCZ, and 18 healthy subjects. We assessed the brain function of participants using a verbal fluency task and an emotional facial recognition task. The patients with ASD showed significantly reduced brain activation in the left frontotemporal area during both tasks compared to healthy subjects. The patients with ASD with larger score in ‘attention to detail’ in the autism spectrum quotient showed lower activation of the left frontotemporal area during the two tasks. The patients with SCZ showed significantly reduced activation, compared to healthy subjects, and greater activation, compared to patients with ASD, in the area during the verbal fluency task. The patients with SCZ with more severe symptoms had lower brain activation during the task in this area. Our results suggest that two distinct areas are involved in the distinctive brain pathophysiology relevant to cognitive processing in patients with ASD and SCZ.
Phase-tuning Metasurface for Circularly Polarized Broadside Radiation in Broadband
Authors: Zhang Youfei , Wang Haogang , Liao Dashuang , Fu Weijie 
Published: February 2018

AbstractMetasurface antennas (MAs) have been proposed as innovative alternatives to conventional bulky configurations for satellite applications because of their low profile, low cost, and high gain. The general method of surface impedance modulation for designing MAs is complicated, and achieving broad operation bandwidth remains a challenge because of its high dispersion response. We propose a novel and easy technique to control cylindrical surface waves radiated by a phase-tuning metasurface. Simultaneously, this technique exhibits a considerably wide working bandwidth. A detailed analysis of the radiation mechanism is discussed. A left-hand circularly polarized (LHCP) antenna and a right-hand circularly polarized (RHCP) antenna that are based on the phase-tuning metasurface are simulated and measured. The measured fractional 3-dB gain bandwidth and gain are higher than 17% and 15.57 dBi, respectively, which are consistent with the simulated results. Moreover, 30% 3-dB axial ratio is achieved for the LHCP and RHCP antennas. To the best knowledge of the authors, it is for the first time to realize a circularly polarized broadband MA by using the phase-tuning mechanism. The approach can be regarded as a new starting point for antenna design, thereby paving the way for the development of broadband and low-profile antennas for future satellite communication.
Synergistic effect of nano-Pt and Ni spine for HER in alkaline solution: hydrogen spillover from nano-Pt to Ni spine
Authors: Abbas Syed Asad , Kim Seong-Hoon , Iqbal Muhammad Ibrahim , Muhammad Shoaib , Yoon Won-Sub , Jung Kwang-Deog 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe design of active, stable, and cost-effective electrocatalysts for the H2 evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline conditions is important for electrochemical systems such as the chloro-alkaline process and H2 production. Here we report catalysts comprising Pt on Ni single crystalline spines (Pt/Ni-SP) with high activity and stability for HER in alkaline solution with proposed mechanism. The Pt/Ni-SP catalysts are prepared by dispersing platinum nanoparticles (1.7–3.1 nm) on the single-crystalline spines (Ni-SP) of Ni urchin-like particles. The size and coverage of Pt nanoparticles on Ni-SP are increased with increases in the Pt loading amount. X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy are performed to observe the structure of the Pt/Ni-SP catalyst. The catalysts achieve the mass activity of 1.11 A mg−1(Pt), comparing favorably to Pt/C catalysts with the mass activity of 0.33 A mg−1(Pt) at 0.05 V overpotential. The Tafel slope of the Pt/Ni-SP catalyst is approximately 30 mV dec−1, similar to that of Pt, while Pt/Ni-SP is very stable in alkaline solution, like Ni. The synergistic effect of Pt/Ni-SP is ascribed to H spillover from Pt to Ni.
The Cerebellum of Patients with Steatohepatitis Shows Lymphocyte Infiltration, Microglial Activation and Loss of Purkinje and Granular Neurons
Authors: Balzano Tiziano , Forteza Jerónimo , Molina Pilar , Giner Juan , Monzó Ana , Sancho-Jiménez Jennifer , Urios Amparo , Montoliu Carmina , Felipo Vicente 
Published: February 2018

AbstractPeripheral inflammation contributes to minimal hepatic encephalopathy in chronic liver diseases, which could be mediated by neuroinflammation. Neuroinflammation in cerebellum of patients with chronic liver diseases has not been studied in detail. Our aim was to analyze in cerebellum of patients with different grades of liver disease, from mild steatohepatitis to cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy: (a) neuronal density in Purkinje and granular layers; (b) microglial activation; (c) astrocyte activation; (d) peripheral lymphocytes infiltration; (e) subtypes of lymphocytes infiltrated. Steatohepatitis was classified as SH1, SH2 and SH3. Patients with SH1 show Th17 and Tfh lymphocytes infiltration in the meninges, microglia activation in the molecular layer and loss of 16 ± 4% of Purkinje and 19 ± 2% of granular neurons. White matter remains unaffected. With the progression of liver disease to worse stages (SH2, SH3, cirrhosis) activation of microglia and astrocytes extends to white matter, Bergman glia is damaged in the molecular layer and there is a further loss of Purkinje neurons. The results reported show that neuroinflammation in cerebellum occurs at early stages of liver disease, even before reaching cirrhosis. Neuroinflammation occurs earlier in the molecular layer than in white matter, and is associated with infiltration of peripheral Th17 and Tfh lymphocytes.
Electrophysiological evidence of memory-based detection of auditory regularity violations in anesthetized mice
Authors: Kurkela Jari L. O. , Lipponen Arto , Kyläheiko Iiris , Astikainen Piia 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIn humans, automatic change detection is reflected by an electrical brain response called mismatch negativity (MMN). Mismatch response is also elicited in mice, but it is unclear to what extent it is functionally similar to human MMN. We investigated this possible similarity by recording local field potentials from the auditory cortex of anesthetized mice. First, we tested whether the response to stimulus changes reflected the detection of regularity violations or adaptation to standard stimuli. Responses obtained from an oddball condition, where occasional changes in frequency were presented amongst of a standard sound, were compared to responses obtained from a control condition, where no regularities existed. To test whether the differential response to the deviant sounds in the oddball condition is dependent on sensory memory, responses from the oddball condition using 375 ms and 600 ms inter-stimulus intervals (ISI) were compared. We found a differential response to deviant sounds which was larger with the shorter than the longer ISI. Furthermore, the oddball deviant sound elicited larger response than the same sound in the control condition. These results demonstrate that the mismatch response in mice reflects detection of regularity violations and sensory memory function, as the human MMN.
Knee Pain and the Use of Various Types of Footwear—A Review
Authors: Chughtai Morad , Newman Jared , Akil Samuel , Khlopas Anton , Sultan Assem , Sodhi Nipun , Bhave Anil , Harwin Steven , Mont Michael 
Published: February 2018

AbstractKnee pain is a highly prevalent condition in the United States with multiple etiologies, with two of the most common sources being osteoarthritis (OA) and patellofemoral pain (PFP). These conditions can lead to reduced physical function and a poor quality of life. Various modalities have been used to decrease the amount of knee pain that individuals' experience; however, they are not always successful and can be expensive. Several studies have reported on specialized footwear for symptomatic alleviation of conditions that affect the knee, this is because it has been theorized that certain footwear can alter the forces placed by muscles on lower-extremity joints, and can potentially alleviate pain by reducing the load placed on the joint. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to review the current literature on the use of various types of footwear used in patients who suffer from knee pain. Specifically, we evaluated: (1) knee OA and (2) PFP and the effect that different footwear has on patients' symptoms. Multiple different types of footwear and orthosis were utilized to treat patients with chronic knee pain. However, the results from reported outcomes by different studies are conflicting, which warrant further studies. Nevertheless, there are enough positive results to view this as a potential major modality to utilize for the treatment of knee OA.
Stage I Twin–Twin Transfusion Syndrome: Outcomes of Expectant Management and Prognostic Features
Authors: Washburn Erin , Sparks Teresa , Gosnell Kristen , Rand Larry , Gonzalez Juan , Feldstein Vickie 
Published: February 2018

Objective This article describes the natural history of stage I twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) including risk of progression to higher stage TTTS and pregnancy outcomes, and to identify risk factors for progression.
Study Design Retrospective cohort study of monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies from 2006 to 2016 with expectantly managed Quintero stage I TTTS.
Results A total of 30 MCDA twin pregnancies with expectantly managed stage I TTTS were identified. Of these, eight (26.7%) progressed to higher stage TTTS. Median gestational age (GA) at diagnosis for those that progressed was 18.9 ± 2.9 weeks versus 21.4 ± 3.4 weeks in those that remained stable (p = 0.06). Presence of an arterioarterial (A-A) anastomosis was assessed for 20/30 patients, and eight A-A were identified. Of those, 7/8 (87.5%) remained stable. In the complete cohort, a tiny or transiently visible bladder was noted in seven donor twins. Of these, 4/7 (57.1%) progressed. Excluding one termination, 47/58 (81.0%) fetuses survived.
Conclusion With expectant management of stage I TTTS, nearly three-fourths of pregnancies remain stable and most have survival of ≥ 1 twin. A-A anastomoses were not associated with progression to higher stage TTTS, whereas earlier GA at diagnosis or a small or intermittently visible donor bladder may herald greater risk of progression.
Insulin-Leptin Axis, Cardiometabolic Risk and Oxidative Stress in Elderly with Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Gradinaru Daniela , Khaddour Husseina , Margina Denisa , Ungurianu Anca , Borsa Claudia , Ionescu Cristina , Prada Gabriel-Ioan , Usher Joshua , Elshimali Yahya 
Published: February 2018

AbstractInsulin and leptin have an overlapping anorexigenic action as well as opposite effects on glucose and lipid metabolism. The study focuses on the biochemical and clinical relevance of new indices of insulin-leptin axis utilized in the study of the relationships between leptinemia, insulin sensitivity and oxidative stress, in elderly subjects with metabolic syndrome. We conducted clinical studies on elderly people with metabolic syndrome versus control subjects by creating new insulin-adipogenic indices, namely Insulin-to-Leptin Ratio (ILR) and Insulin-Adipogenic Resistance index (IAR-index). Inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers evaluated were the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), the advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), and the serum antioxidant capacity measured as ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP). The metabolic syndrome group showed significantly (p<0.01) lower levels of ILR and not significant (p=0.09) higher values of IAR-index, as compared to the control group. In metabolic syndrome subjects, the IAR-index was significantly positively correlated with uric acid (r=0.313, p<0.05), FRAP (r=0.347, p<0.05) and AOPP (r=0.677, p<0.01), and negatively correlated with HDL-cholesterol (r=− 0.340, p<0.05) as well as with the ratio FRAP/uric acid (r=− 0.315, p<0.05). ILR and IAR-index reflected the biological state of adipose and pancreatic β-cells and seem to depict the adipo-insular axis status related to metabolic and oxidative stress better than individual markers. Therefore, ILR and IAR-index could represent integrated high-potential biomarkers for disease and patient stratification.
Fertilitätserhalt bei präpubertären und pubertären Kindern und Jugendlichen
Authors: Sänger Nicole , Jarisch Andrea , Ochsendorf Falk , Klingebiel Thomas , Liebenthron Jana , Kliesch Sabine , von Wolff Michael 
Published: February 2018

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund Fertilitätsprotektive Massnahmen vor gonadotoxischen Therapien spielen aufgrund steigender Überlebensraten bei Krebs- und Autoimmunerkrankungen im reproduktiven Alter eine zunehmende Rolle. Obwohl die Fertilität von Kindern und Jugendlichen durch gonadotoxische Therapien relevant eingeschränkt sein kann, wird die Möglichkeit fertilitätsprotektiver Massnahmen bisher zu wenig berücksichtigt.
Methoden Selektive Literaturrecherche auf der Basis klinisch- wissenschaftlicher Erfahrung der Autoren und Darstellung der möglichen fertilitätsprotektiven Massnahmen inklusive deren Indikationen, Durchführung, Risiken und Wirksamkeit.
Ergebnisse Indiziert sind die Massnahmen bei allen Mädchen und Jungen mit einem hohen Risiko einer Gonadenschädigung. Die Komplexität der Techniken erfordert eine besondere Expertise in der Beratung und Durchführung, die in Deutschland für Mädchen insbesondere in den Zentren des Netzwerks FertiPROTEKT (www.fertiprotekt.com) gegeben ist. Bei Mädchen kommt überwiegend die Kryokonservierung von Ovargewebe in Betracht. Bei postpubertären Mädchen ist auch die Kryokonservierung von Oozyten potenziell möglich. Bei postpubertären Knaben können Spermien konserviert werden. Das Einfrieren von Hodengewebe gilt v. a. bei präpubertären Knaben derzeit als experimentell. Die Erfolgsraten sind noch schwer zu beziffern, diskutiert werden Geburtenraten von ca. 50%. Die Krankenkassen erstatten diese Massnahmen nicht.
Schlussfolgerung Auch bei Kindern und Jugendlichen sollten bei stark gonadotoxischen Therapien fertilitätsprotektive Massnahmen erwogen werden und eine entsprechende Beratung durch geschulte Ärzte erfolgen.