bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bladder cancer recurrence surveillance by urine metabolomics analysis
Authors: Loras A. , Trassierra M. , Sanjuan-Herráez D. , Martínez-Bisbal M. C. , Castell J. V. , Quintás G. , Ruiz-Cerdá J. L. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractNon Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC) is among the most frequent malignant cancers worldwide. NMIBC is treated by transurethral resection of the bladder tumor (TURBT) and intravesical therapies, and has the highest recurrence rate among solid tumors. It requires a lifelong patient monitoring based on repeated cystoscopy and urinary cytology, both having drawbacks that include lack of sensitivity and specificity, invasiveness and care costs. We conducted an investigative clinical study to examine changes in the urinary metabolome of NMBIC patients before and after TURBT, as well during the subsequent surveillance period. Adjusting by prior probability of recurrence per risk, discriminant analysis of UPLC-MS metabolic profiles, displayed negative predictive values for low, low-intermediate, high-intermediate and high risk patient groups of 96.5%, 94.0%, 92.9% and 76.1% respectively. Detailed analysis of the metabolome revealed several candidate metabolites and perturbed phenylalanine, arginine, proline and tryptophan metabolisms as putative biomarkers. A pilot retrospective analysis of longitudinal trajectories of a BC metabolic biomarkers during post TURBT surveillance was carried out and the results give strong support for the clinical use of metabolomic profiling in assessing NMIBC recurrence.
Examining the Associations among Fibrocystic Breast Change, Total Lean Mass, and Percent Body Fat
Authors: Chen Yuan-Yuei , Fang Wen-Hui , Wang Chung-Ching , Kao Tung-Wei , Chang Yaw-Wen , Yang Hui-Fang , Wu Chen-Jung , Sun Yu-Shan , Chen Wei-Liang 
Published: June 2018

AbstractFibrocystic breast change (FBC) is extremely common and occurrs in 90% of women during their lives. The association between body composition and risk of breast cancer is well established. We hypothesized that the effect might exist during the development of FBC. Our aim was to examine the relationships of total lean mass (TLM) and percent body fat (PBF) with FBC in a general female population. In total, 8477 female subjects aged 20 years or older were enrolled in the study at the Tri-Service General Hospital in Taiwan from 2011 to 2016. Comprehensive examinations including biochemical data, measurements of body composition and breast ultrasound were performed. PBF was positively associated with the presence of FBC (OR = 1.039, 95%CI: 1.018–1.060), and TLM showed the opposite result (OR = 0.893, 95%CI: 0.861–0.926). Condition of metabolic syndrome (MetS), diabetes (DM) and fatty liver modified the association between PBF and FBC (P < 0.001, P = 0.032 and P = 0.007, respectively). Female subjects diagnosed with MetS, DM, and fatty liver had higher risk of developing FBC than control subjects (OR = 1.110, 95%CI: 1.052–1.171; OR = 1.144, 95%CI: 1.024–1.278; OR = 1.049, 95%CI: 1.019, 1.080). Those with higher PBF (for highest quartile versus lowest, OR = 2.451, 95%CI: 1.523–3.944) or lower TLM (for highest quartile versus lowest, OR = 0.279, 95%CI: 0.171–0.455) had increased risk of developing FBC. In conclusion, increased PBF and reduced TLM were likely to predict the risk of the presence of FBC in a general female population.
Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction in Giant Unilamellar Vesicles
Authors: Tsugane Mamiko , Suzuki Hiroaki 
Published: June 2018

AbstractWe assessed the applicability of giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) for RNA detection using in vesicle reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). We prepared GUVs that encapsulated one-pot RT-PCR reaction mixture including template RNA, primers, and Taqman probe, using water-in-oil emulsion transfer method. After thermal cycling, we analysed the GUVs that exhibited intense fluorescence signals, which represented the cDNA amplification. The detailed analysis of flow cytometry data demonstrated that rRNA and mRNA in the total RNA can be amplified from 10–100 copies in the GUVs with 5–10 μm diameter, although the fraction of reactable GUV was approximately 60% at most. Moreover, we report that the target RNA, which was directly transferred into the GUV reactors via membrane fusion, can be amplified and detected using in vesicle RT-PCR. These results suggest that the GUVs can be used as biomimetic reactors capable of performing PCR and RT-PCR, which are important in analytical and diagnostic applications with additional functions.
Effects of 8-week sensory electrical stimulation combined with motor training on EEG-EMG coherence and motor function in individuals with stroke
Authors: Pan Li-Ling Hope , Yang Wen-Wen , Kao Chung-Lan , Tsai Mei-Wun , Wei Shun-Hwa , Fregni Felipe , Chen Vincent Chiun-Fan , Chou Li-Wei 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe peripheral sensory system is critical to regulating motor plasticity and motor recovery. Peripheral electrical stimulation (ES) can generate constant and adequate sensory input to influence the excitability of the motor cortex. The aim of this proof of concept study was to assess whether ES prior to each hand function training session for eight weeks can better improve neuromuscular control and hand function in chronic stroke individuals and change electroencephalography-electromyography (EEG-EMG) coherence, as compared to the control (sham ES). We recruited twelve subjects and randomly assigned them into ES and control groups. Both groups received 20-minute hand function training twice a week, and the ES group received 40-minute ES on the median nerve of the affected side before each training session. The control group received sham ES. EEG, EMG and Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) were collected at four different time points. The corticomuscular coherence (CMC) in the ES group at fourth weeks was significantly higher (p = 0.004) as compared to the control group. The notable increment of FMA at eight weeks and follow-up was found only in the ES group. The eight-week rehabilitation program that implemented peripheral ES sessions prior to function training has a potential to improve neuromuscular control and hand function in chronic stroke individuals.
Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging for quantitation of liver disease: a two-centre cross-sectional observational study
Authors: McDonald Natasha , Eddowes Peter J. , Hodson James , Semple Scott I. K. , Davies Nigel P. , Kelly Catherine J. , Kin Stella , Phillips Miranda , Herlihy Amy H. , Kendall Timothy J. , Brown Rachel M. , Neil Desley A. H. , Hübscher Stefan G. , Hirschfield Gideon M. , Fallowfield Jonathan A. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractLiverMultiScan is an emerging diagnostic tool using multiparametric MRI to quantify liver disease. In a two-centre prospective validation study, 161 consecutive adult patients who had clinically-indicated liver biopsies underwent contemporaneous non-contrast multiparametric MRI at 3.0 tesla (proton density fat fraction (PDFF), T1 and T2* mapping), transient elastography (TE) and Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) test. Non-invasive liver tests were correlated with gold standard histothological measures. Reproducibility of LiverMultiScan was investigated in 22 healthy volunteers. Iron-corrected T1 (cT1), TE, and ELF demonstrated a positive correlation with hepatic collagen proportionate area (all p < 0·001). TE was superior to ELF and cT1 for predicting fibrosis stage. cT1 maintained good predictive accuracy for diagnosing significant fibrosis in cases with indeterminate ELF, but not for cases with indeterminate TE values. PDFF had high predictive accuracy for individual steatosis grades, with AUROCs ranging from 0.90–0.94. T2* mapping diagnosed iron accumulation with AUROC of 0.79 (95% CI: 0.67–0.92) and negative predictive value of 96%. LiverMultiScan showed excellent test/re-test reliability (coefficients of variation ranging from 1.4% to 2.8% for cT1). Overall failure rates for LiverMultiScan, ELF and TE were 4.3%, 1.9% and 15%, respectively. LiverMultiScan is an emerging point-of-care diagnostic tool that is comparable with the established non-invasive tests for assessment of liver fibrosis, whilst at the same time offering a superior technical success rate and contemporaneous measurement of liver steatosis and iron accumulation.
Ex vivo biomechanical characterization of syringe-needle ejections for intracerebral cell delivery
Authors: Wahlberg Brendon , Ghuman Harmanvir , Liu Jessie R. , Modo Michel 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIntracerebral implantation of cell suspensions is finding its clinical translation with encouraging results in patients with stroke. However, the survival of cells in the brain remains poor. Although the biological potential of neural stem cells (NSCs) is widely documented, the biomechanical effects of delivering cells through a syringe-needle remain poorly understood. We here detailed the biomechanical forces (pressure, shear stress) that cells are exposed to during ejection through different sized needles (20G, 26G, 32G) and syringes (10, 50, 250 µL) at relevant flow rates (1, 5, 10 µL/min). A comparison of 3 vehicles, Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS), Hypothermosol (HTS), and Pluronic, indicated that less viscous vehicles are favorable for suspension with a high cell volume fraction to minimize sedimentation. Higher suspension viscosity was associated with greater shear stress. Higher flow rates with viscous vehicle, such as HTS reduced viability by ~10% and also produced more apoptotic cells (28%). At 5 µL/min ejection using a 26G needle increased neuronal differentiation for PBS and HTS suspensions. These results reveal the biological impact of biomechanical forces in the cell delivery process. Appropriate engineering strategies can be considered to mitigate these effects to ensure the efficacious translation of this promising therapy.
Musical Competence is Predicted by Music Training, Cognitive Abilities, and Personality
Authors: Swaminathan Swathi , Schellenberg E. Glenn 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIndividuals differ in musical competence, which we defined as the ability to perceive, remember, and discriminate sequences of tones or beats. We asked whether such differences could be explained by variables other than music training, including socioeconomic status (SES), short-term memory, general cognitive ability, and personality. In a sample of undergraduates, musical competence had positive simple associations with duration of music training, SES, short-term memory, general cognitive ability, and openness-to-experience. When these predictors were considered jointly, musical competence had positive partial associations with music training, general cognitive ability, and openness. Nevertheless, moderation analyses revealed that the partial association between musical competence and music training was evident only among participants who scored below the mean on our measure of general cognitive ability. Moreover, general cognitive ability and openness had indirect associations with musical competence by predicting music training, which in turn predicted musical competence. Musical competence appears to be the result of multiple factors, including but not limited to music training.
Investigation of return photons from sodium laser beacon excited by a 40-watt facility-class pulsed laser for adaptive optical telescope applications
Authors: Bian Qi , Bo Yong , Zuo Junwei , Li Min , Dong Ruoxi , Deng Keran , Zhang Dingwen , He Liping , Zong Qingshuang , Cui Dafu , Peng Qinjun , Chen Hongbin , Xu Zuyan 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe brightness of the artificial beacon is one critical performance parameter for adaptive optics. Here, a 40-watt level narrow-linewidth microsecond pulsed yellow laser is produced at 589 nm with a high repetition frequency of 600 Hz and a pulse duration of 120 μs. An experiment to project the pulse beam up to the sky and measure the fluorescence photon returns of the Na atoms has been held on the 1.8-meter telescope in Lijiang observatory. During the sky test, a laser guide star (LGS) spot is firstly observed with Rayleigh scattering elimination by means of a gateable pulse format. And, the central wavelength of the laser could be accurately locked to be 589.1584 nm with a linewidth of ~0.34 GHz to match that of sodium-D2a line. Optical pumping with circularly polarized light has also been used to increase the brightness of sodium LGS. In order to maximize the return flux, sodium D2b repumping option is done by an electro-optic modulator with the optimum D2a-D2b frequency offset. As a result, a bright sodium LGS with the return flux of 1610 photons/cm2/s is achieved, corresponding to ~47 photons/cm2/s/W of emitted laser power, which represents a significant improvement in terms of brightness reported ever.
Nano-particle mediated inhibition of Parkinson’s disease using computational biology approach
Authors: Kaushik Aman Chandra , Bharadwaj Shiv , Kumar Sanjay , Wei Dong-Qing 
Published: June 2018

AbstractParkinson’s disease (PD) arises as neurodegenerative disorder and characterized by progressive deterioration of motor functions due to forfeiture of dopamine-releasing neurons. During PD, neurons at stake loss their functionality that results into cognition impairment and forgetfulness, commonly called as dementia. Recently, nanoparticles (NPs) have been reported for easy drug delivery through blood-brain barrier (BBB) into the central nervous system (CNS) against the conventional drug delivery systems. However, present study attempted to elucidate the α-synuclein activity, a major factor casing PD, in presence of its inhibitor cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticle via computational biology approach. A computational analysis was also conducted for the α-synuclein activity with biocompatible metal NPs such as GOLD NPs and SPIONs to scrutinize the efficacy and degree of inhibition induced by the CeO2 NP. The obtained results concluded that CeO2 NP fit best in the active site of α-synuclein with good contacts and interaction, and potentially inhibited the PD against L-DOPA drug selected as positive control in the designed PD biochemical pathway. Hence, CeO2 NP has been purposed as potential inhibitor of α-synuclein and can be employed as nano-drug against the PD.
Administration of molecular hydrogen during pregnancy improves behavioral abnormalities of offspring in a maternal immune activation model
Authors: Imai Kenji , Kotani Tomomi , Tsuda Hiroyuki , Nakano Tomoko , Ushida Takafumi , Iwase Akira , Nagai Taku , Toyokuni Shinya , Suzumura Akio , Kikkawa Fumitaka 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to investigate long-term outcomes of the offspring in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced maternal immune activation (MIA) model and the effect of maternal molecular hydrogen (H2) administration. We have previously demonstrated in the MIA mouse model that maternal administration of H2attenuates oxidative damage and neuroinflammation, including induced pro-inflammatory cytokines and microglial activation, in the fetal brain. Short-term memory, sociability and social novelty, and sensorimotor gating were evaluated using the Y-maze, three-chamber, and prepulse inhibition (PPI) tests, respectively, at postnatal 3 or 4 weeks. The number of neurons and oligodendrocytes was also analyzed at postnatal 5 weeks by immunohistochemical analysis. Offspring of the LPS-exposed dams showed deficits in short-term memory and social interaction, following neuronal and oligodendrocytic loss in the amygdala and cortex. Maternal H2administration markedly attenuated these LPS-induced abnormalities. Moreover, we evaluated the effect of H2on LPS-induced astrocytic activation, bothin vivoandin vitro. The number of activated astrocytes with hypertrophic morphology was increased in LPS-exposed offspring, but decreased in the offspring of H2-administered dams. In primary cultured astrocytes, LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines were attenuated by H2administration. Overall, these findings indicate that maternal H2administration exerts neuroprotective effects and ameliorates MIA-induced neurodevelopmental deficits of offspring later in life.
14N/15N ratio measurements in prestellar cores with N2H+: new evidence of 15N-antifractionation
Authors: Redaelli E. , Bizzocchi L. , Caselli P. , Harju J. , Chacón-Tanarro A. , Leonardo E. , Dore L. 
Published: June 2018

Context. The 15N fractionation has been observed to show large variations among astrophysical sources, depending both on the type of target and on the molecular tracer used. These variations cannot be reproduced by the current chemical models.
Aims. Until now, the 14N/15N ratio in N2H+ has been accurately measured in only one prestellar source, L1544, where strong levels of fractionation, with depletion in 15N, are found (14N/15N ≈ 1000). In this paper, we extend the sample to three more bona fide prestellar cores, in order to understand if the antifractionation in N2H+ is a common feature of this kind of source.
Methods. We observed N2H+, N15NH+, and 15NNH+ in L183, L429, and L694-2 with the IRAM 30 m telescope. We modelled the emission with a non-local radiative transfer code in order to obtain accurate estimates of the molecular column densities, including the one for the optically thick N2H+. We used the most recent collisional rate coefficients available, and with these we also re-analysed the L1544 spectra previously published.
Results. The obtained isotopic ratios are in the range 580–770 and significantly differ with the value, predicted by the most recent chemical models, of ≈440, close to the protosolar value. Our prestellar core sample shows a high level of depletion of 15N in diazenylium, as previously found in L1544. A revision of the N chemical networks is needed in order to explain these results.
Isolierte Extremitätenperfusion zur lokalen Therapie: Echtzeit-Leckkontrolle mittels radioaktiv markierter Blutbestandteile
Authors: Schnorr Jürgen , Dresel Stefan 
Published: June 2018

ZusammenfassungDie quantitative Leckkontrolle in Echtzeit ist während der isolierten Extremitätenperfusion mit hochdosierten Zytokinen und Chemotherapeutika bei lokal fortgeschrittenen Weichteilsarkomen und metastasierten malignen Melanomen notwendig, um unerwünschte systemische Nebenwirkungen zu vermeiden. Hierzu messen über dem Herzen und dem extrakoporalen Kreislauf positionierte Szintillationssonden die Verteilung der 111In-markierten Erythrozyten. Aus diesen zyklischen Messungen wird die Leckrate ermittelt. Die Anzeige des quantitativen Volumenübertritts ab Zytostatikagabe ist die Basis für alle weiteren eventuell notwendigen Eingriffe während der Perfusion.
A Novel c.125 T>G (p.Val42Gly) Mutation in The Human
INS Gene Leads to Neonatal Diabetes Mellitus via a Decrease in Insulin
Synthesis
Authors: Sun Fei , Du Wenhua , Ma Junhua , Gu Mingjun , Wang Jingnan , Zhu Hongling , Song Huaidong , Gao Guanqi 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
Background Neonatal diabetes mellitus is likely caused by monogenic
mutations, several of which have been identified. INS mutations have a broad
spectrum of clinical presentations, ranging from severe neonatal onset to
mild adult onset, which suggests that the products of different mutant INS
alleles behave differently and utilize distinct mechanisms to induce
diabetes. In this study, a neonatal diabetes mellitus patient’s INS
gene was sequenced, and functional experiments were conducted.
Methods The neonatal diabetes mellitus patient’s genomic DNA
was extracted, and the patient’s KCNJ11, ABCC8, and INS genes were
sequenced. A novel mutation was identified in INS, and the open reading
frame of this human mutant INS gene was inserted into the pMSCV-PIG plasmid.
The constructed pMSCV-PIG plasmid was combined with VSV-g and Gag-pol and
transfected into 293T cells to package the lentivirus. To stably overexpress
the mutant gene, INS-1 cells were infected with the virus. The levels of
insulin in the cell culture medium and cytoplasm were determined by ELISA
and immunocytochemistry, respectively.
Results A heterozygous mutation, c.125T>G (p. Val42Gly), was
identified in a neonatal diabetes mellitus patient’s INS gene. The
human mutant INS open reading frame was overexpressed in INS-1 cells, and
the mutant insulin was undetectable in the cell culture medium and
cytoplasm.
Conclusions The novel heterozygous activating mutation
c.125 T>G (p.Val42Gly) impairs the synthesis of insulin by
pancreatic beta cells, resulting in diabetes.
Pulmonary co-infection with nocardia species and nontuberculous mycobacteria mimicking miliary tuberculosis in a patient with Crohn’s disease under combined immunosuppressive therapy
Authors: Weber Marko , Rüddel Jessica , Bruns Tony , Pletz Mathias , Stallmach Andreas 
Published: June 2018

AbstractNocardiosis is a rare infection caused by ubiquitous soil-born, acid-resistant, Gram-positive bacteria that can be life-threatening in immunocompromised patients. Originally usually diagnosed in HIV-positive patients, only few cases have been reported in patients on immunosuppressive therapy for inflammatory bowel disease or rheumatologic disorders. We present a case of a 32-year-old man who was treated with infliximab, prednisolone, and azathioprine for severe terminal ileitis. Although the clinical status improved under triple immunosuppressive therapy, weight loss, weakness, and fatigue persisted. Laboratory studies revealed iron deficiency anemia, hypalbuminemia and raised inflammatory markers. Chest computed tomography scan showed multiple pulmonary nodules and a large cavity in the left upper lobe (segment 3a). Empiric tuberculostatic therapy was introduced for suspected miliary tuberculosis but stopped for lack of clinical improvement and negative tuberculosis tests (interferon-gamma release assay, microscopy, polymerase chain reaction). Finally, the diagnosis of pulmonary nocardiosis with concomitant pulmonary Mycobacterium avium infection was confirmed microbiologically, and the patient was treated with high-dose co-trimoxazole, clarithromycin, ethambutol, and rifampicin for 12 months.This case report underlines the increased risk of severe and rare infections like nocardiosis with combination immunosuppressive therapy and the necessity for thorough diagnostic screening for opportunistic infection. Although long-term antibiotic treatment for nocardiosis is mandatory, the optimal timing to restart immunosuppressive therapy remains ambiguous.
Chronisch entzündliche Gelenkerkrankungen – ergotherapeutische Grundlagen für die Behandlung
Authors: Bitzer Susanne 
Published: June 2018

SummaryDie Therapie entzündlicher rheumatischer Erkrankungen hat in den letzten Jahrzehnten enorme Fortschritte gemacht, auch das ergotherapeutische Konzept wurde verändert und angepasst. Im Vordergrund der Ergotherapie stehen ein aktives Übungsprogramm, passive Techniken, physikalische und thermische Anwendungen, Gelenkschule sowie die Beratung und Erprobung von Hilfsmitteln.Die Autorin stellt das ergotherapeutische Vorgehen von der Befunderhebung über die Festlegung der Behandlungsziele bis zur therapeutischen Praxis am Beispiel der Hand vor.
Synthesis of Novel tricyclic pyrazolo(1,4)oxathiinopyrazines and Evaluation of Their Competency Towards the Inhibition of Lactate Dehydrogenase Activity-Inhibition of LDH Activity
Authors: Mukherjee Prasun , Das Asish , Mishra Raghwendra , Bhowmick Shovonlal , Saha Achintya 
Published: June 2018

AbstractWe have evaluated the LDH inhibitory property of novel pyrazolo[4′,3′:5,6][1,4]oxathiino[2,3-b]pyrazine derivatives which have been synthesized from easily available starting materials through a one-pot protocol that offers the use of elemental sulfur as the sulfur source. These newly synthesized compounds may aid to drug development for neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases characterized by increased glucose metabolism. Additionally, they may act as suitable starting materials which can be further structurally modified for the development of new LDH inhibitors with higher efficacy and specificity.