bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel Polymer-Free Everolimus-Eluting Stent Fabricated using Femtosecond Laser Improves Re-endothelialization and Anti-inflammation
Authors: Bae In-Ho , Jeong Myung Ho , Lim Kyung Seob , Park Dae Sung , Shim Jae Won , Park Jun-Kyu , Oh Kwang Hwan , Jin Mi Rim , Sim Doo Sun 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe aim of this study was to fabricate a novel polymer-free everolimus-eluting stent with nanostructure using a femtosecond laser (FSL). The stent were coated with everolimus (EVL) using FSL and electrospinning processes. The surface was rendered hydrophobic, which negatively affected both platelet adhesion (82.1%) and smooth muscle cell response. Animal study was performed using a porcine coronary restenosis model. The study groups were divided into 1) bare metal stent (BMS), 2) poly(L-lactide) (PLA)-based EVL drug eluting stent (DES), 3) commercial EVL-eluting DES, and 4) FSL-EVL-DES. After four weeks of stent implantation, various analyses were performed. Quantitative analysis showed that the amount of in-stent restenosis was higher in the BMS group (BMS; 27.8 ± 2.68%, PLA-based DES; 12.2 ± 0.57%, commercial DES; 9.8 ± 0.28%, and FSL-DES; 9.3 ± 0.25%,n = 10,p < 0.05). Specifically, the inflammation score was reduced in the FSL-DES group (1.9 ± 0.39,n = 10,p < 0.05). The increment in re-endothelialization in the FSL-DES group was confirmed by immunofluorescence analysis. Taken together, the novel polymer-free EVL-eluting stent fabricated using FSL can be an innovative DES with reduced risk of ISR, thrombosis, and inflammation.
Trivalent soluble TNF Receptor, a potent TNF-α antagonist for the treatment collagen-induced arthritis
Authors: Cui Xiaofang , Chang Linmo , Li Youwei , Lv Qianrui , Wang Fei , Lin Yaxian , Li Weiyang , Meade Jonathan D. , Walden Jamie C. , Liang Peng 
Published: May 2018

AbstractTumor necrosis factor is a major pro-inflammatory cytokine which triggers various physiological consequences by binding to and trimerizing its receptors, and has been the single most sought-after drug target for intervening autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. However, current TNF-α blockers, including soluble receptor-Fc fusion and therapeutic antibodies, are all dimeric in structure, whereas their target TNF-α itself is homotrimeric in nature. Here we describe the development of a trivalent soluble TNF receptor and show that it is a more potent than the dimeric TNF receptor decoys in inhibiting TNF-α signaling bothin vitroandin vivo. The process involves gene fusion between a soluble receptor TNFRII with a ligand binding domain and a trimerization tag from the C-propeptide of human collagen (Trimer-Tag), which is capable of self-assembly into a covalently linked trimer. We show that the homotrimeric soluble TNF receptor (TNFRII-Trimer) produced with such method is more potent in ligand binding kinetics and cell based bioassays, as well as more efficacious in attenuating collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in a mouse model than its dimeric TNFRII-Fc counterpart. Thus, this work demonstrates the proof of concept of Trimer-Tag and provides a new platform for rational designs of next generation biologic drugs.
A machine learning model with human cognitive biases capable of learning from small and biased datasets
Authors: Taniguchi Hidetaka , Sato Hiroshi , Shirakawa Tomohiro 
Published: May 2018

AbstractHuman learners can generalize a new concept from a small number of samples. In contrast, conventional machine learning methods require large amounts of data to address the same types of problems. Humans have cognitive biases that promote fast learning. Here, we developed a method to reduce the gap between human beings and machines in this type of inference by utilizing cognitive biases. We implemented a human cognitive model into machine learning algorithms and compared their performance with the currently most popular methods, naïve Bayes, support vector machine, neural networks, logistic regression and random forests. We focused on the task of spam classification, which has been studied for a long time in the field of machine learning and often requires a large amount of data to obtain high accuracy. Our models achieved superior performance with small and biased samples in comparison with other representative machine learning methods.
A novel potential primary method for quantification of enantiomers by high performance liquid chromatography-circular dichroism
Authors: Luo Yi , Wu Liqing , Yang Bin , Jin Youxun , Zheng Kangle , He Zhangjing 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPrimary methods play an important role in metrology. They can be used for the value assignment of certified reference materials, enabling the accuracy and comparability of the measurement. A novel potential primary method for enantiomer quantitation based on high-performance liquid chromatography-circular dichroism is described using L-phenylalanine as an example. The optimal quantitation range of L-Phe was from 0.1 mg/g to 1.2 mg/g, where both the relative bias and method variance were lower than 1%. The LOD and LOQ were 4 μg/g and 30 μg/g, respectively. The proposed method was also applied to the determination of the mass fraction of pure porcine insulin in solid. The average mass fraction obtained was 0.922 g/g with a RSD of 1.5%, and the associated relative uncertainty is 3.8% (k = 2), which agreed well with that obtained from the traditional isotope dilution mass spectrometry method. The LOD and LOQ for insulin quantitation were found to be 0.12 mg/g and 0.44 mg/g, respectively. The proposed method can be entirely described and understood by equations and a complete uncertainty statement can be defined in SI units.Therefore, it may be a potential primary method useful for the quantification of chiral compounds and proteins, and a supplementary method to the traditional isotope dilution mass spectrometry approach.
Auto-FPFA: An Automated Microscope for Characterizing Genetically Encoded Biosensors
Authors: Nguyen Tuan A. , Puhl Henry L. , Pham An K. , Vogel Steven S. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractGenetically encoded biosensors function by linking structural change in a protein construct, typically tagged with one or more fluorescent proteins, to changes in a biological parameter of interest (such as calcium concentration, pH, phosphorylation-state, etc.). Typically, the structural change triggered by alterations in the bio-parameter is monitored as a change in either fluorescent intensity, or lifetime. Potentially, other photo-physical properties of fluorophores, such as fluorescence anisotropy, molecular brightness, concentration, and lateral and/or rotational diffusion could also be used. Furthermore, while it is likely that multiple photo-physical attributes of a biosensor might be altered as a function of the bio-parameter, standard measurements monitor only a single photo-physical trait. This limits how biosensors are designed, as well as the accuracy and interpretation of biosensor measurements. Here we describe the design and construction of an automated multimodal-microscope. This system can autonomously analyze 96 samples in a micro-titer dish and for each sample simultaneously measure intensity (photon count), fluorescence lifetime, time-resolved anisotropy, molecular brightness, lateral diffusion time, and concentration. We characterize the accuracy and precision of this instrument, and then demonstrate its utility by characterizing three types of genetically encoded calcium sensors as well as a negative control.
Dissection of niche competition between introduced and indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi with respect to soybean yield responses
Authors: Niwa Rieko , Koyama Takuya , Sato Takumi , Adachi Katsuki , Tawaraya Keitaro , Sato Shusei , Hirakawa Hideki , Yoshida Shigenobu , Ezawa Tatsuhiro 
Published: May 2018

AbstractArbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi associate with most land plants and deliver phosphorus to the host. Identification of biotic/abiotic factors that determine crop responses to AM fungal inoculation is an essential step for successful application of the fungi in sustainable agriculture. We conducted three field trials on soybean with a commercial inoculum and developed a new molecular tool to dissect interactions between the inoculum and indigenous fungi on the MiSeq sequencing platform. Regression analysis indicated that sequence read abundance of the inoculum fungus was the most significant factor that determined soybean yield responses to the inoculation, suggesting that dominance of the inoculum fungus is a necessary condition for positive yield responses. Agricultural practices (fallow/cropping in the previous year) greatly affected the colonization levels (i.e. read abundances) of the inoculum fungus via altering the propagule density of indigenous AM fungi. Analysis of niche competition revealed that the inoculum fungus competed mainly with the indigenous fungi that are commonly distributed in the trial sites, probably because their life-history strategy is the same as that of the inoculum fungus. In conclusion, we provide a new framework for evaluating the significance of environmental factors towards successful application of AM fungi in agriculture.
Design, characterization and in vivo performance of synthetic 2 mm-diameter vessel grafts made of PVA-gelatin blends
Authors: Atlan M. , Simon-Yarza T. , Ino J. M. , Hunsinger V. , Corté L. , Ou P. , Aid-Launais R. , Chaouat M. , Letourneur D. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractSince the development of the first vascular grafts, fabrication of vessel replacements with diameters smaller than 6 mm remains a challenge. The present work aimed to develop PVA (poly (vinyl alcohol))-gelatin hybrids as tubes suitable for replacement of very small vessels and to evaluate their performance using a rat abdominal aorta interposition model. PVA-gelatin hybrid tubes with internal and external diameters of 1.4 mm and 1.8 mm, respectively, composed of 4 different gelatin ratios were prepared using a one-step strategy with both chemical and physical crosslinking. By 3D Time of Flight MRI, Doppler-Ultrasound, Computed Tomography angiography and histology, we demonstrated good patency rates with the 1% gelatin composition until the end of the study at 3 months (50% compared to 0% of PVA control grafts). A reduction of the patency rate during the time of implantation suggested some loss of properties of the hybrid material in vivo, further confirmed by mechanical evaluation until one year. In particular, stiffening and reduction of compliance of the PVA-gelatin grafts was demonstrated, which might explain the observed long-term changes in patency rate. These encouraging results confirm the potential of PVA-gelatin hybrids as ready-to-use vascular grafts for very small vessel replacement.
Association of BET1L and TNRC6B with uterine leiomyoma risk and its relevant clinical features in Han Chinese population
Authors: Liu Bailing , Wang Tao , Jiang Jue , Li Miao , Ma Wenqi , Wu Haibin , Zhou Qi 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPrevious studies have shown that uterine leiomyomas (UL) are benign tumours with contributions from environmental and genetic factors. We aimed to replicate two initial significant genetic factors, TNRC6B and BET1L, in a Han Chinese population. A total of 2,055 study subjects were recruited, and 55 SNPs mapped to TNRC6B and BET1L were selected and genotyped in samples from these subjects. Genetic associations were analysed at both the single marker and haplotype levels. Associations between targeted SNPs and relevant clinical features of UL were analysed in case only samples. Functional consequences of significant SNPs were analysed by bioinformatics tools. Two SNPs, rs2280543 from BET1L (χ2 = 18.3, OR = 0.64, P = 1.87 × 10−5) and rs12484776 from TNRC6B (χ2 = 19.7, OR = 1.40, P = 8.91 × 10−6), were identified as significantly associated with the disease status of UL. Rs2280543 was significantly associated with the number of fibroid nodes (P = 0.0007), while rs12484776 was significantly associated with node size (χ2 = 54.88, P = 3.44 × 10−11). Both SNPs were a significant eQTL for their genes. In this study, we have shown that both BET1L and TNRC6B contributed to the risk of UL in Chinese women. Significant SNPs from BET1L and TNRC6B were also identified as significantly associated with the number of fibroid nodes and the size of the node, respectively.
Caller characteristics influence recruitment to collective anti-predator events in jackdaws
Authors: Woods Richard D. , Kings Michael , McIvor Guillam E. , Thornton Alex 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAcross the animal kingdom, examples abound of individuals coming together to repel external threats. When such collective actions are initiated by recruitment signals, individuals may benefit from being selective in whom they join, so the identity of the initiator may determine the magnitude of the group response. However, the role of signaller discrimination in coordinating group-level responses has yet to be tested. Here we show that in wild jackdaws, a colonial corvid species, collective responses to anti-predator recruitment calls are mediated by caller characteristics. In playbacks next to nestboxes, the calls of nestbox residents attracted most recruits, followed in turn by other colony members, non-colony members and rooks (a sympatric corvid). Playbacks in fields outside nestbox colonies, where the immediate threat to broods was lower, showed similar results, with highest recruitment to nearby colony members’ calls. Responses were further influenced by caller sex: calls from non-colony member females were less likely to elicit responsive scolding by recruits than other calls, potentially reflecting social rank associated with sex and colony membership. These results show that vocal discrimination mediates jackdaws’ collective responses and highlight the need for further research into the cognitive basis of collective actions in animal groups.
Evaluation of pre-analytical factors affecting plasma DNA analysis
Authors: Markus Havell , Contente-Cuomo Tania , Farooq Maria , Liang Winnie S. , Borad Mitesh J. , Sivakumar Shivan , Gollins Simon , Tran Nhan L. , Dhruv Harshil D. , Berens Michael E. , Bryce Alan , Sekulic Aleksandar , Ribas Antoni , Trent Jeffrey M. , LoRusso Patricia M. , Murtaza Muhammed 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPre-analytical factors can significantly affect circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) analysis. However, there are few robust methods to rapidly assess sample quality and the impact of pre-analytical processing. To address this gap and to evaluate effects of DNA extraction methods and blood collection tubes on cfDNA yield and fragment size, we developed a multiplexed droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assay with 5 short and 4 long amplicons targeting single copy genomic loci. Using this assay, we compared 7 cfDNA extraction kits and found cfDNA yield and fragment size vary significantly. We also compared 3 blood collection protocols using plasma samples from 23 healthy volunteers (EDTA tubes processed within 1 hour and Cell-free DNA Blood Collection Tubes processed within 24 and 72 hours) and found no significant differences in cfDNA yield, fragment size and background noise between these protocols. In 219 clinical samples, cfDNA fragments were shorter in plasma samples processed immediately after venipuncture compared to archived samples, suggesting contribution of background DNA by lysed peripheral blood cells. In summary, we have described a multiplexed ddPCR assay to assess quality of cfDNA samples prior to downstream molecular analyses and we have evaluated potential sources of pre-analytical variation in cfDNA studies.
Electrolytic ablation enables cancer cell targeting through pH modulation
Authors: Perkons Nicholas R. , Stein Elliot J. , Nwaezeapu Chike , Wildenberg Joseph C. , Saleh Kamiel , Itkin-Ofer Roni , Ackerman Daniel , Soulen Michael C. , Hunt Stephen J. , Nadolski Gregory J. , Gade Terence P. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractMinimally invasive ablation strategies enable locoregional treatment of tumors. One such strategy, electrolytic ablation, functions through the local delivery of direct current without thermal effects, facilitating enhanced precision. However, the clinical application of electrolytic ablation is limited by an incompletely characterized mechanism of action. Here we show that acid and base production at the electrodes precipitates local pH changes causing the rapid cell death that underlies macroscopic tumor necrosis at pH > 10.6 or < 4.8. The extent of cell death can be modulated by altering the local buffering capacity and antioxidant availability. These data demonstrate that electrolytic ablation is distinguished from other ablation strategies via its ability to induce cellular necrosis by directly altering the tumor microenvironment. These findings may enable further development of electrolytic ablation as a curative therapy for primary, early stage tumors.
Psychologische Grundlagen der pädiatrischen Lebertransplantation
Authors: Petersen Irene , Dechow Anna , Schulz Karl-Heinz 
Published: May 2018

ZusammenfassungDie Lebertransplantation (LTX) ist ein etabliertes Therapieverfahren für pädiatrische Patienten mit Leberversagen. Dabei sind die Überlebensraten in den letzten Jahrzehnten kontinuierlich gestiegen. Mit der Anzahl gewonnener Lebensjahre rückt die Frage nach deren Qualität in den Vordergrund. Dieser Artikel gibt einen Überblick über die Aufgabenfelder der pädiatrischen Transplantationspsychologie. Es werden Forschungsergebnisse zur gesundheitsbezogenen Lebensqualität von lebertransplantierten Kindern und Jugendlichen sowie zu Fatigue, zur psychischen Gesundheit, zur kognitiven Entwicklung und zu familiären Belastungen vorgestellt. Im Jugend- und jungem Erwachsenenalter ist das Risiko für Non-Adhärenz besonders hoch. Daher werden Adhärenz und Transition, das heißt der Wechsel in die Erwachsenenmedizin, gesondert diskutiert sowie Studien zum Langzeitüberleben nach LTX vorgestellt. Empfehlungen für die klinische Praxis bilden den Abschluss.
Schwierigkeiten der Emotionsregulation bei alkoholabhängigen Patienten mit komorbiden posttraumatischen Belastungsstörungen
Authors: Lotzin Annett , Lejeune Nina , Chuy-Ferrer Laycen , Schäfer Ingo 
Published: May 2018

Zusammenfassung
Ziel Das Ziel dieser Studie war es, Schwierigkeiten der Emotionsregulation bei alkoholabhängigen Patienten mit komorbider komplexer posttraumatischer Belastungsstörung (KPTBS) im Vergleich zu alkoholabhängigen Patienten mit komorbider posttraumatischer Belastungsstörung (PTBS) zu vergleichen.
Methodik N=106 Patienten mit Alkoholabhängigkeit und komorbider posttraumatischer Belastungsstörung nach DSM-5 wurden in die Studie eingeschlossen. Die Diagnose einer KPTBS wurde anhand des Interviews zur Erfassung der komplexen Posttraumatischen Belastungsstörung erhoben, Schwierigkeiten der Emotionsregulation wurden mit der Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale erfasst.
Ergebnisse Patienten mit komorbider KPTBS als auch Patienten mit komorbider PTBS wiesen Schwierigkeiten der Emotionsregulation auf. Schwierigkeiten der Emotionsregulation nahmen mit zunehmender Schwere der posttraumatischen Belastungsstörung zu. Patienten mit komorbider KPTBS wiesen im Vergleich zu Patienten mit komorbider PTBS größere Schwierigkeiten im Bereich der Aufmerksamkeit für die eigenen Emotionen auf.
Schlussfolgerung Schwierigkeiten der Emotionsregulation sollten in der Behandlung von Patienten mit Alkoholabhängigkeit und komorbider posttraumatischer Belastungsstörung berücksichtigt werden. Bei Patienten mit KPTBS sollte die Aufmerksamkeit für die eigenen Emotionen besonders geschult werden.
Rätselhafte Bradykardie auf dem Bürgersteig – spinaler Schock nach Fenstersturz
Authors: Paul Christian , Wetsch Wolfgang , Stangl Robert 
Published: May 2018

ZusammenfassungDie wesentliche Gefahr einer Verletzung der Halswirbelsäule (HWS) besteht in der Gefahr der Schädigung des Rückenmarks. Diese äußert sich in Abhängigkeit von der Höhenlokalisation in sensorischen und motorischen Ausfällen distal der Schädigung. Sind vegetative Fasern verletzt, kann es zum spinalen Schock mit der klassischen Konstellation Hypotension und Bradykardie kommen. Neben der Volumengabe kommen ggf. auch vasoaktive Substanzen zum Einsatz, um das Herzzeitvolumen und somit auch die Perfusion des Rückenmarks zu erhalten. Die Entwicklung eines spinalen Schocks kann durch engmaschige Kreislaufkontrollen festgestellt werden.
Lidstrichtattoo assoziiert mit Lidkantenbasaliom – Zufall oder Assoziation?
Authors: Messmer Elisabeth , Möhring-Bengisu Caroline , Miller Christina 
Published: May 2018

ZusammenfassungEine zystische Lidkantenläsion wurde bei Verdacht auf Basaliom exzidiert. Histologisch fand sich neben einem Basalzellkarzinom schwarz-türkisblaues Pigment in der Dermis, betont perivaskulär, sowohl intrazellulär in Makrophagen und Fibroblasten als auch extrazellulär frei im Gewebe vereinbar mit einem Lidstrichtattoo. Typische Gewebereaktionen auf Tattootinte, Meibom-Drüsen-Dysfunktion nach Tattoo am Lidrand sowie Entzündungen von Netzhaut und Aderhaut auf augenferne Tattoos werden diskutiert. Die Assoziation von Lidtumoren und Lidstrichtattoos scheint koinzident.
The Relationship Between Liver Enzymes and Insulin Resistance in Type 2 Diabetes Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Sheng Xia , Che Hui , Ji Qingming , Yang Fan , Lv Jie , Wang Yueqiu , Xian Huimin , Wang Lihong 
Published: May 2018

AbstractNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is prevalent worldwide, especially in patients with type 2 diabetes. Liver enzymes are the main warning signs of liver injury and insulin resistance (IR) is critical to NAFLD. This study was aimed to investigate the association between liver enzymes and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes patients with NAFLD. Data from 212 diabetes patients with NAFLD were analyzed, including 118 males and 94 females who received care from 2014 to 2015. The patients were divided into three groups by severity (mild n=87, moderate n=89, severe n=36). All patients underwent standard clinical and laboratory examinations. Liver enzymes including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) were measured, serum fasting glucose and serum fasting insulin were obtained. IR was assessed using the homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR). Age, sex, and BMI did not significantly differ in patients (p>0.05). Compared with normal levels, elevated ALT and AST were associated with a higher HOMA-IR (p=0.0035, p=0.0096, respectively). HOMA-IR did not significantly differ (p>0.05) between patients with normal and elevated GGT. HOMA-IR increased as the levels of liver enzymes increased, and each enzyme showed a significant association with HOMA-IR (p=0.0166, p<0.0001, and p <0.0001). HOMA-IR differs between normal and elevated ALT and AST. Liver enzymes are associated with HOMA-IR in type 2 diabetes patients with NAFLD. These findings can help evaluate the degree of IR and hepatocellular steatosis in patients and prevent the progression of type 2 diabetes and NAFLD in clinical practice.