bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detectability of biosignatures in a low-biomass simulation of martian sediments
Authors: Stevens Adam H. , McDonald Alison , de Koning Coen , Riedo Andreas , Preston Louisa J. , Ehrenfreund Pascale , Wurz Peter , Cockell Charles S. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractDiscovery of a remnant habitable environment by the Mars Science Laboratory in the sedimentary record of Gale Crater has reinvigorated the search for evidence of martian life. In this study, we used a simulated martian mudstone material, based on data from Gale Crater, that was inoculated and cultured over several months and then dried and pressed. The simulated mudstone was analysed with a range of techniques to investigate the detectability of biosignatures. Cell counting and DNA extraction showed a diverse but low biomass microbial community that was highly dispersed. Pellets were analysed with bulk Elemental Analysis – Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (EA-IRMS), high-resolution Laser-ablation Ionisation Mass Spectrometry (LIMS), Raman spectroscopy and Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR) spectroscopy, which are all techniques of relevance to current and future space missions. Bulk analytical techniques were unable to differentiate between inoculated samples and abiotic controls, despite total levels of organic carbon comparable with that of the martian surface. Raman spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy and LIMS, which are high sensitivity techniques that provide chemical information at high spatial resolution, retrieved presumptive biosignatures but these remained ambiguous and the sedimentary matrix presented challenges for all techniques. This suggests challenges for detecting definitive evidence for life, both in the simulated lacustrine environment via standard microbiological techniques and in the simulated mudstone via analytical techniques with relevance to robotic missions. Our study suggests that multiple co-incident high-sensitivity techniques that can scan the same micrometre-scale spots are required to unambiguously detect biosignatures, but the spatial coverage of these techniques needs to be high enough not to miss individual cellular-scale structures in the matrix.
Three-dimensional depth sensor imaging to identify adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a prospective multicenter cohort study
Authors: Kokabu Terufumi , Kawakami Noriaki , Uno Koki , Kotani Toshiaki , Suzuki Teppei , Abe Yuichiro , Maeda Kenichiro , Inage Fujio , Ito Yoichi M. , Iwasaki Norimasa , Sudo Hideki 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAdolescent idiopathic scoliosis is the most ordinary pediatric spinal disease that causes a three-dimensional deformity. Early detection of this potentially progressive deformity is considered crucial. The purpose of the present study was to report the potential for accurately diagnosis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis using a newly developed, automated, noninvasive asymmetry-recognition system for the surface of the human back using a three-dimensional depth sensor. We included 170 subjects with suspected adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in this study. Outcomes measured included patient demographics, Cobbe angles from radiographic measurements, and asymmetry indexes. The coefficient of correlation between the asymmetry index and the Cobb angle was 0.85. For the prediction of scoliosis >10°, the area under the curve was 0.98, sensitivity was 0.97, specificity was 0.93, positive predictive value was 0.99, negative predictive value was 0.72, accuracy was 0.97, positive likelihood ratio was 13.55, and negative likelihood ratio was 0.04. The posterior test probability for the positive screen >10° was 98.9% if the asymmetry index was >1.268, three times in a row. This novel system automatically evaluated the back asymmetry. Therefore, this study demonstrates the outstanding discriminative ability of this newly developed system for deciding whether an examinee should undergo additional radiography to define scoliosis. This system can be used as an alternative to the forward bend test and scoliometer measurement in clinics. Future studies should seek to confirm these findings in a larger group and involve mass school scoliosis screening programs within the context of a multicenter trial.
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Trigger Transcriptional Expression of Flavonoid and Chlorogenic Acid Biosynthetic Pathways Genes in Tomato against Tomato Mosaic Virus
Authors: Aseel Dalia G. , Rashad Younes M. , Hammad Saad M. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractTomato mosaic disease, caused by Tomato Mosaic Virus (ToMV), is one of the most destructive diseases which results in serious crop losses. Research investigations dealing with the biocontrol activity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) against this viral disease are limited. In this study, the biocontrol activity of AMF on tomato plants infected with ToMV was evaluated in the greenhouse. In addition, their impacts on the transcriptional expression levels of thirteen genes controlling the phenylpropanoid, flavonoid and chlorogenic acid biosynthetic pathways were also investigated using quantitative real-time PCR. Transcriptional expressions of the majority of the studied genes were up-regulated by mycorrhizal colonization in the presence of ToMV, particularly PAL1 and HQT, suggesting their pathogen-dependent inducing effect. Under greenhouse conditions, a significant reduction in the disease severity and incidence, as well as the viral accumulation level was observed as a response to the mycorrhizal colonization of the infected plants. Moreover, the evaluated growth parameters, photosynthetic pigments, and flavonoid content were significantly enhanced by AMF colonization. The obtained results demonstrated the protective role of AMF in triggering the plant immunity against ToMV in a pathogen-dependent manner. Beside their protective and growth-promotion activities, AMF are characterized by low-cost and environment-friendly properties which support their possible use for control of tomato mosaic disease.
Comprehensive analysis of yeast ESCRT-III composition in single ESCRT-III deletion mutants
Authors: Heinzle Christian , Mücke Lara , Brune Thomas , Kölling Ralf 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
The endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT)-III is associated with a multitude of cellular processes involving membrane remodeling and abscission. The exact composition of ESCRT-III and the contribution of individual ESCRT-III family members to these diverse functions is unclear. Most of the currently available information about ESCRT-III was obtained with tagged, largely non-functional proteins, which may not correctly reflect the in vivo situation. Here, we performed a comprehensive biochemical analysis of ESCRT-III localization and composition in yeast under purely native conditions. Most of our findings are in line with the current concepts about ESCRT-III, but some findings are unexpected and call for adjustments to the model. In particular, our data suggest that the distinction between bona fide ESCRT-III components and ESCRT-III associated proteins is not justified. We detected a single complex containing all ESCRT-III members (except of Chm7) with Did2 as its main component. The classical core components were present in equimolar amounts. Our analysis of the impact of single deletions on the composition of ESCRT-III confirmed the central role of Snf7 for ESCRT-III assembly. For the other ESCRT-III family members predictions could be made about their role in ESCRT-III assembly. Furthermore, our cell fractionation points to a role of Vps20 at the endoplasmic reticulum.
LncRNA PFAR contributes to fibrogenesis in lung fibroblasts through competitively binding to miR-15a
Authors: Sun Jian , Su Wei , Zhao Xiaoguang , Shan Tianjiao , Jin Tongzhu , Guo Yingying , Li Chao , Li Ruotong , Zhou Yuhong , Shan Hongli , Sun Xiaohan , Liang Haihai 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive, debilitating disease with unknown etiopathogenesis. Previous reports have reported that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were involved in various pathophysiological processes. However, the role of lncRNAs in IPF has not been fully described. We aimed to explore the relationship between miR-15a and lncRNA PFAR and its function in pulmonary fibrosis. Biological information analysis and luciferase were used to identify targeted binding of lncRNA PFAR and miR-15a. Western blot, quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunofluorescence staining were conducted to detect fibrosis-related factors. Fibroblasts proliferation were analyzed using 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining and fibroblasts migration ability were measured using wound-healing scratch assay. We identified that lncRNA PFAR has a binding site with miR-15a and luciferase reporter assays demonstrated their combinative relationship. Our results showed that silencing PFAR attenuated TGF-β1 induced fibrogenesis in primary lung fibroblasts. And miR-15a antagonized the function of PFAR and inhibited PFAR induced extracellular collagen deposition, fibroblasts proliferation, migration and differentiation. In conclusion, our results revealed that PFAR functions as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) by acting as a sponge for miR-15a, revealing a potential regulatory network involving PFAR and miR-15a with a role in the modulation of YAP1-Twist expression. This mechanism may contribute to a better understanding of pulmonary fibrosis pathogenesis and treatment method.
N-acetylcysteine tiherapeutically protects against pulmonary fibrosis in a mouse model of silicosis
Authors: Huang Huaping , Chen Mingjing , Liu Feng , Wu Haifeng , Wang Jie , Chen Jialiang , Liu Meihua , Li Xi 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Silicosis is a lethal pneumoconiosis disease characterized by chronic lung inflammation and fibrosis. The present study was to explore the effect of against crystalline silica (CS)-induced pulmonary fibrosis. A total of 138 wild-type C57BL/6J mice were divided into control and experimental groups, and killed on month 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Different doses of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) were gavaged to the mice after CS instillation to observe the effect of NAC on CS induced pulmonary fibrosis and inflammation. The pulmonary injury was evaluated with Hematoxylin and eosin/Masson staining. Reactive oxygen species level was analyzed by DCFH-DA labeling. Commercial ELISA kits were used to determine antioxidant activity (T-AOC, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-4, and IL-6). The expression of oxidising enzymes (NOX2, iNOS, SOD2, and XO) were detected by real time PCR. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining was performed to examine epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related markers. The mice treated with NAC presented markedly reduced CS-induced pulmonary injury and ameliorated CS-induced pulmonary fibrosis and inflammation. The level of malondialdehyde was reduced, while the activities of GSH-PX, SOD, and T-AOC were markedly enhanced by NAC. We also found the down-regulation of oxidising enzymes (NOX2, iNOS, SOD2, and XO) after NAC treatment. Moreover, E-cadherin expression was increased while vimentin and Cytochrome C expressions were decreased by NAC. These encouraging findings suggest that NAC exerts pulmonary protective effects in CS-induced pulmonary fibrosis and might be considered as a promising agent for the treatment of silicosis.
Structure and ligand binding of As-p18, an extracellular fatty acid binding protein from the eggs of a parasitic nematode
Authors: Ibáñez-Shimabukuro Marina , Rey-Burusco M. Florencia , Gabrielsen Mads , Franchini Gisela R. , Riboldi-Tunnicliffe Alan , Roe Andrew J. , Griffiths Kate , Cooper Alan , Córsico Betina , Kennedy Malcolm W. , Smith Brian O. 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Intracellular lipid-binding proteins (iLBPs) of the fatty acid-binding protein (FABP) family of animals transport, mainly fatty acids or retinoids, are confined to the cytosol and have highly similar 3D structures. In contrast, nematodes possess fatty acid-binding proteins (nemFABPs) that are secreted into the perivitelline fluid surrounding their developing embryos. We report structures of As-p18, a nemFABP of the large intestinal roundworm Ascaris suum, with ligand bound, determined using X-ray crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. In common with other FABPs, As-p18 comprises a ten β-strand barrel capped by two short α-helices, with the carboxylate head group of oleate tethered in the interior of the protein. However, As-p18 exhibits two distinctive longer loops amongst β-strands not previously seen in a FABP. One of these is adjacent to the presumed ligand entry portal, so it may help to target the protein for efficient loading or unloading of ligand. The second, larger loop is at the opposite end of the molecule and has no equivalent in any iLBP structure yet determined. As-p18 preferentially binds a single 18-carbon fatty acid ligand in its central cavity but in an orientation that differs from iLBPs. The unusual structural features of nemFABPs may relate to resourcing of developing embryos of nematodes.
Association Between Match Activity, Endurance Levels and Maturity in Youth Football Players
Authors: Francini Lorenzo , Rampinini Ermanno , Bosio Andrea , Connolly Darragh , Carlomagno Domenico , Castagna Carlo 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe aim of the study was to examine the associations between maximal and submaximal field tests with match physical activity and biological maturation in youth football players. Sixty-eight youth football players (U14, U15, U16, U17) performed maximal and submaximal field endurance tests. Biological maturity was estimated calculating the distance from peak height velocity (Y-PHV). Physical match activities were tracked using GPS units and players’ post-match rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was recorded. Mainly moderate associations were found between field tests and match activities. Large correlations were found between Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery test level 1, distance covered at high and very high-speed running, the quantity of very high and maximal metabolic power running. Small to moderate associations between match activities and Y-PHV were observed. The magnitude of correlation between match activities and field tests increased from moderate to large when matches with an RPE>5 were considered. The results provide further evidence of the association between young football players’ aerobic performance and match work rate. Submaximal field tests demonstrate ecological validity and may constitute a practical alternative to performing maximal tests. Maturation was found to have a moderate effect on youth players’ match work rate.
Effects of Walking Training with Restricted Blood Flow on HR and HRV Kinetics and HRV Recovery
Authors: Junior Adalberto Ferreira , Schamne Julio Cezar , Perandini Luiz Augusto Buoro , Chimin Patricia , Okuno Nilo Massaru 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of walking training with and without blood flow restriction (BFR) on heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) kinetics and HRV recovery. Twenty-one men (53.5±3.2 years; 82.4±13.5 kg; 168.5±7.2 cm) were randomly assigned to two training groups: walk training group with (BFR-W; n=11) and without (NOR-W; n=10) BFR. Before and after training, all subjects underwent body composition evaluation, incremental test, and one constant load test. Walking training was performed 3 times/week, during 6 weeks. Each session was composed by 5 sets of 3-min walking and 1-min rest between the sets. All parameters of HR on- and off-kinetics and RMSSD15
0 parameter of HRV on-kinetics were improved for BFR-W group after training (p<0.05), with an interaction effect for HR on-kinetics parameters and RMSSD15
0 parameter (p<0.05). Also, parameters of time and frequency domain of HRV recovery were also improved in BFR-W after training (p<0.05), with no interaction effect (p>0.05). Additionally, in BFR-W group, RMSSD60s values were improved in some moments after training (p<0.05). Therefore, this study demonstrates that a 6-week walking training with BFR improved cardiac autonomic responses on the onset and recovery of exercise.
Endoscopic Treatment of Acute Subdural Hematoma with a Normal Small Craniotomy
Authors: Hwang Sun-Chul , Shin Dong-Seong 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Background Endoscopic surgery is helpful in evacuating intracranial hematomas. However, the indication and the craniotomy location are still unclear in the endoscopic evacuation of acute subdural hematomas (SDHs). This study evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of endoscopic treatment of acute SDH via a normal small craniotomy.
Methods A normal small craniotomy (∼ 3 × 4 cm) as a surgical window was made at the superior temporal line around the coronal suture on the lesion side. A 4-mm rigid endoscope with a 0-degree lens was introduced into the subdural space, and the hematoma was evacuated using irrigation and suction devices with various angles. Endoscopic surgery was performed in 13 older adult patients with acute SDH. Adequacy of the hematoma evacuation, bleeding control, and clinical outcomes were analyzed.
Results The mean age of the patient was 78.6 years (range: 65–89 years). Four cases of cortical arterial bleeding were encountered and controlled with bipolar cauterization. No re-bleeding was observed postoperatively in any patient. Near-total hematoma removal was achieved. Remnant hematoma was scanty and located in the parietal area. No further craniectomy was required after the endoscopic surgery. The outcome at discharge was closely related to the patient's level of consciousness before the operation.
Conclusion A small craniotomy around the superior temporal line provides an optimal window to evacuate an acute SDH and achieve hemostasis using an endoscope. Endoscopic evacuation of acute SDHs could be effective in selected cases.
Outcome Expectations of Total Knee Arthroplasty Patients: The Influence of Demographic Factors, Pain, Personality Traits, Physical and Psychological Status
Authors: Tolk Jaap J. , Janssen Rob P. A. , Haanstra Tsjitske M. , van der Steen Marieke M C. , Bierma Zeinstra Sita M. A. , Reijman M. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractUnfulfilled preoperative expectations have a strong influence on the outcome after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). More insight into determinants of the level of expectations is useful in identifying patients at risk for having expectations of the treatment result that are too high or too low. This information can be used in optimizing preoperative expectation management. The aim of the current study was to analyze to what extent preoperative outcome expectations of TKA patients are affected by psychological factors, demographic factors, pain, physical function, and general health status. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of 204 patients with symptomatic and radiographic knee osteoarthritis (OA), scheduled for primary TKA. Outcome expectations were measured using the hospital for special surgery knee replacement expectations survey. Independent variables included were age, sex, body mass index, and patient-reported outcome measures for pain, physical function, quality of life, anxiety, depression, catastrophizing, optimism, and pessimism. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to evaluate associations between these variables and preoperative outcome expectations. Female sex, higher age, higher depression score, and duration of complaints > 50 months showed to be significant predictors of lower expectations for the treatment outcome after TKA. Baseline pain and function scores were not related to the level of preoperative expectations. The present study aids in identifying patients at risk for having either too high or too low expectations. This knowledge can be utilized in individualized expectation management interventions.
Dual-Use Intraoperative MRI in Glioblastoma Surgery: Results of Resection, Histopathologic Assessment, and Surgical Site Infections
Authors: Wach Johannes , Goetz Claudia , Shareghi Kasra , Scholz Torben , Heßelmann Volker , Mager Ann-Kathrin , Gottschalk Joachim , Vatter Hartmut , Kremer Paul 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Background To achieve maximal resection in glioblastoma (GBM) surgery, intraoperative imaging is important. An intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) suite used for both diagnostic and intraoperative imaging is considered being a reasonable concept for modern hospital management. It is still discussed if the dual use increases the risk of surgical site infections (SSI). This article assesses the rate of gross total resection (GTR), extent of resection (EOR), and histopathology after iMRI-guided resections in patients with GBM. The rate of surgical site infections (SSIs) is evaluated.
Methods In all, 79 patients with GBM were operated on with iMRI. Additional resection was performed if iMRI depicted contrast enhancing tissue suggestive of residual tumor. GTR and EOR were determined by segmentation and volumetric analysis of the MR images. SSIs and the role of intravenous only or intravenous plus intrathecal antibiotics were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed to detect the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of iMRI-guided extended resections. Pearson's two-tailed chi-square test was performed to evaluate the rates of GTR and variables associated with SSI.
Results GTR was achieved in 59 patients (74.68%). Rate of GTR was 35.44% before iMRI and additional resections (p < 0.0001). Mean EOR was 96.27%. Positive predictive value for tumor cells in the additionally resected tissue was 88.6%, negative predictive value was 100%, sensitivity was 100%, and specificity was 70. 6%. Rate of SSIs was 5.06% (n = 4). Two superficial SSIs, one subdural empyema and one cerebritis, were seen. SSI rates with parenteral only and additional intrathecal antibiotics were 0% and 8%, respectively (p = 0.133).
Conclusion Increase of extent of tumor resection using iMRI is evident. SSI rate is within the normal range of neurosurgical procedures. A dual-use iMRI suite is a safe concept.
The Effect of BML-111 in Preeclampsia Rat Model Induced by the Low Dose of Cadmium Chloride
Authors: Zhang KeKe , Hu Min , Zhang Lin , Zhang Qiong , Huang Yinping 
Published: July 2019

Aim This article determines the optimal time and dose of cadmium chloride (CdCl2) injected to pregnant rat to establish experimental preeclampsia (PE) model. In addition, the therapeutic potential of BML-111, a lipoxin A4 analogue, in the CdCl2-induced PE model was also evaluated.
Methods Peritoneal injection of two dose of CdCl2 for successive 6 days was tested in the pregnant rats starting from various gestational days (GDs). During this process, the systolic blood pressure and the body weight of pregnant rats and neonatal rats were monitored. The pathological changes of the placenta and kidney were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 in the placentas was detected by Western blot, and the messenger ribonucleic acid expression of interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and IL-10 in the placentas were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction. BML-111 at the dose of 1 mg/kg/day was peritoneally injected into the rat after establishing the PE model to test its therapeutic potential.
Results In the present study, we successfully established the PE model in pregnant rats by intraperitoneally injection of CdCl2 at the dose of 0.125 mg/kg/day from GD 9 to 14. We recapitulated multiple features of clinical PE in CdCl2-induced rat, including high blood pressure, renal dysfunction, and inflammatory response in placenta. Furthermore, treatment with BML-111 significantly relieved multiple features in our PE rat model.
Conclusions BML-111 has a potential therapeutic effect in pregnant rats with CdCl2-induced PE, which appears to be mediated through inhibition of inflammatory processes in the placenta.