bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of rare earth elements in urine and drinking water of children in mining area
Authors: Liang Qingqing , Yin Haijing , Li Jianting , Zhang Liping , Hou Ruili , Wang Suhua 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
To compare the contents of rare earth elements in urine and drinking water of children in the mining and control areas and evaluate the health risk of children in the mining area.
Urine and drinking water of 128 children in the mining area and 125 children in the control area were collected from June to July 2015. The contents of rare earth elements were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.
The detection rates of rare earth elements, including yttrium (Y), lanthanum (La), cerium (Ce), praseodymium (Pr), neodymium (Nd), and samarium (Sm), in the urine of children in the exposed group were all 100%, except for samarium (98%); the rates in the control group were 85.7%, 100%, 100%, 98%, 98%, and 59.2%, respectively, and the remaining elements were not detectable. The concentrations of Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, and Sm in the urine of children in the exposed group were significantly higher than that in the control group (P < .01). In addition, the composition ratio of lanthanum was higher than that in the control group. The detection rates of lanthanum and Ce in the drinking water of children in the exposed group were 1.44% and 0.72%, respectively. The others were not detectable; the rates in the control group were all 0%.
The pollution caused by the presence of Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, and Sm in the mining area might affect the health of children in the area, but drinking water might not be the cause.
Drug dependence in patients with chronic pain
Authors: Tetsunaga Tomoko , Tetsunaga Tomonori , Nishida Keiichiro , Kanzaki Hirotaka , Misawa Haruo , Takigawa Tomoyuki , Shiozaki Yasuyuki , Ozaki Toshifumi 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Drug dependence, which can exist concurrently with chronic pain, is seen as one of the major causes of rapidly increasing medical expenses. However, drug dependence in patients with chronic pain has not been evaluated. The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for drug dependence in patients with chronic noncancer pain.
This retrospective study included 151 patients with chronic noncancer pain (43 males, 108 females; mean age, 72 years). Low back pain (LBP) occurred in 96 patients, whereas 22 had shoulder pain, 8 had hip pain, and 77 had knee pain. Patients were divided into drug dependence and nondrug dependence groups based on the Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS) scores. Patients with SDS scores ≥5 and <5 were classified into drug dependence and nondrug dependence groups, respectively. All patients completed self-report questionnaires. Factors that predict drug dependence were identified by performing univariate and multivariate analyses.
Sixty (40%) of the 151 patients met the SDS criteria for drug dependence. Significant differences were found between patients with and without drug dependence for the LBP, hip pain, number of medications, and for the Numerical Rating Scale, Pain Disability Assessment Scale (PDAS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) scores. Multiple regression analysis identified LBP, hip pain, PCS, and PDAS scores as factors related to drug dependence in patients with chronic noncancer pain.
Drug dependence tends to differ in patients based on the location of their chronic pain. Pain catastrophizing and disability indicated a greater tendency for drug dependence. Thus, PCS and PDAS scores are useful screening tools for predicting drug dependence in patients with chronic pain.
Use of Postpartum Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Diagnosis and Classification of Retained Placenta Tissue
Authors: Zhang Shui-Hua , Zhang Jia-Yun , Zhang Jing , Chen Wen-Li , Zhou Quan 
Published: October 2018

Objective
To study the potential application of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for classification of retained placental tissue (RPT) in the uterus postnatally.

Methods
Twenty-two patients with clinically or pathologically proven RPT were studied.

Results
The thickness ratio (D1/D2) of invaded (D1) to normal (D2) myometrium could be categorized into 3 groups (>0.6, 0.1–0.6, and <0.1) correlating with the 3 types of RPT: accreta vera (RPA), increta (RPI), and percreta (RPP) (r = −0.861, P < 0.01). After uterine arterial embolization, the RPT showed lower signal intensity than the myometrium without flow voids on T2-weighted images. Two cases of RPP showed gradual enhancement, except 1 case of infection and 2 cases that did not involve enhancement examinations, whereas 17 cases of RPA and RPI showed early enhancement.

Conclusions
Magnetic resonance imaging can facilitate diagnosis of RPT severity. Dynamic contrast enhancement can indicate RPT activity and blood supply, thereby ensuring appropriate clinical decision making.
Unfiltered Nanofat Injections Rejuvenate Postburn Scars of Face
Authors: Jan Saadia Nosheen , Bashir Muhammad Mustehsan , Khan Farid Ahmad , Hidayat Zohaib , Ansari Hamid Hussain , Sohail Muhammad , Bajwa Afzaal Bashir , Shami Hussan Birkhez , Hanif Asif , Aziz Faiza , Choudhery Mahmood S. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe aim of this study was to compare the quality of postburn facial scars before and after injection of unfiltered nanofat. The study was performed in the Plastic Surgery Department of Mayo Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, from January 2015 to December 2016. Forty-eight patients with postburn facial scars were included; age range was 4 to 32 years with Fitzpatrick skin types between 3 and 4. Patients with hypertrophic scars, contractures, or keloids were excluded. Scars were assessed by a senior plastic surgeon and the patient on the POSAS (Patient Observer Scar Assessment Scale). Fat was harvested from the abdomen and/or thighs with a 3-mm multiport liposuction cannula (containing several sharp side holes of 1 mm) using Coleman technique. The harvested fat was emulsified and transferred into 1-mL Luer-Lock syringes for injection into the subdermal or intradermal plane. Final follow-up was scheduled at 6 months, and scar was rated by the patient and the same surgeon on the POSAS. Preoperative and postoperative scar scores were compared, andPvalues were calculated. Results indicated that after nanofat grafting, there was a statistically significant improvement in scar quality. The most significant improvements on the observer scale were seen in pigmentation and pliability (P< 0.0001). Thickness and relief were the least improved variables (P= of 0.785 and 0.99, respectively). ImageJ scanning also showed pigmentation change (P= 0.076). A statistically significant improvement was seen in all parameters of the patient section of the POSAS (P< 0.0001). In conclusion, unfiltered nanofat grafting seems to be a promising and effective therapeutic approach in postburn facial scars, showing significant improvement in scar quality. The trial was registered on www.clinicaltrials.gov with following ID NCT03352297.
Learners' Experiences During Rapid Cycle Deliberate Practice Simulations
Authors: Chancey Rebecca J. , Sampayo Esther M. , Lemke Daniel S. , Doughty Cara B. 
Published: October 2018

Introduction
Rapid Cycle Deliberate Practice (RCDP) is a team-based simulation method, emphasizing repetitive practice over reflective debriefing, with progressively more challenging rounds, frequent starts and stops, and direct coaching. Although some studies have shown improved performance, no study has evaluated learners' perceptions. We aimed to explore learners' experiences during RCDP.

Methods
This was a qualitative study of participants' perceptions regarding RCDP during their pediatric emergency medicine rotation. Participants completed surveys about RCDP learning. A purposive sample of residents and nurses were interviewed. Two coders analyzed all interview transcripts to identify emerging themes. Constant comparison analysis was performed until thematic saturation was achieved.

Results
Forty-four participants completed surveys. Participants found RCDP interruptions beneficial and felt that they learned most during interruptions. Participants who were able to compare traditional and RCDP simulations felt that RCDP allowed more focused correction of mistakes, acquisition of new skills, and timely practice of team behaviors. Fourteen participants were interviewed. Three themes emerged. (1) The real-time corrections during RCDP allowed for learning and creation of new skills through repetition and practice. (2) The RCDP allowed learners to gain confidence, decrease anxiety, and learn in a safe environment. (3) By introducing new information in smaller chunks, participants maximized learning without cognitive overload.

Conclusions
Rapid Cycle Deliberate Practice is well received by learners. Because of frequent interruptions, learners noted early error correction, a safe learning environment, and skill improvement during RCDP. Learners recognized that the progressive advancement of RCDP helped prevent cognitive overload. Future studies should measure cognitive load and skills retention.
Polyfunctional tumor-reactive T cells are effectively expanded from non-small cell lung cancers, and correlate with an immune-engaged T cell profile
Authors: de Groot Rosa , van Loenen Marleen M. , Guislain Aurélie , Nicolet Benoit P. , Freen-van Heeren Julian J. , Verhagen Onno , van den Heuvel Michel M. , de Jong Jeroen , Burger Patrick , van der Schoot C. Ellen , Spaapen Robbert M. , Amsen Derk , Haanen John B. A. G. , Monkhorst Kim , Hartemink Koen J. , Wolkers Monika C. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractNon-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the second most prevalent type of cancer. With the current treatment regimens, the mortality rate remains high. Therefore, better therapeutic approaches are necessary. NSCLCs generally possess many genetic mutations and are well infiltrated by T cells (TIL), making TIL therapy an attractive option. Here we show that T cells from treatment naive, stage I-IVa NSCLC tumors can effectively be isolated and expanded, with similar efficiency as from normal lung tissue. Importantly, 76% (13/17) of tested TIL products isolates from NSCLC lesions exhibited clear reactivity against primary tumor digests, with 0.5%-30% of T cells producing the inflammatory cytokine Interferon (IFN)-γ. Both CD4+and CD8+T cells displayed tumor reactivity. The cytokine production correlated well with CD137 and CD40L expression. Furthermore, almost half (7/17) of the TIL products contained polyfunctional T cells that produced Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α and/or IL-2 in addition to IFN-γ, a hallmark of effective immune responses. Tumor-reactivity in the TIL products correlated with high percentages of CD103+CD69+CD8+T cell infiltrates in the tumor lesions, with PD-1hiCD4+T cells, and with FoxP3+CD25+CD4+regulatory T cell infiltrates, suggesting that the composition of T cell infiltrates may predict the level of tumor reactivity. In conclusion, the effective generation of tumor-reactive and polyfunctional TIL products implies that TIL therapy will be a successful treatment regimen for NSCLC patients.
High diversity, turnover, and structural constraints characterize TCR α and β repertoire selection
Authors: Kamga Larisa , Gil Anna , Song Inyoung , Chirravuri Ramakanth , Aslan Nuray , Ghersi Dario , Stern Lawrence J. , Selin Liisa K. , Luzuriaga Katherine 
Published: September 2018

AbstractRecognition modes of individual T-cell receptors (TCR) are well studied, but how TCR repertoires are selected during acute through persistent human virus infections is less clear. Here, we show that persistent EBV-specific clonotypes account for only 9% of unique clonotypes but are highly expanded in acute infectious mononucleosis, and have distinct antigen-specific public features that drive selection into convalescence. The other 91% of highly diverse unique clonotypes disappear and are replaced in convalescence by equally diverse “de-novo” clonotypes. These broad fluctuating repertoires lend plasticity to antigen recognition and potentially protect against T-cell clonal loss and viral escape.
Estimating yields of prenatal carrier screening and implications for design of expanded carrier screening panels
Authors: Guo Michael H. , Gregg Anthony R. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractPurposePrenatal genetic carrier screening can identify parents at risk of having a child affected by a recessive condition. However, the conditions/genes most appropriate for screening remain a matter of debate. Estimates of carrier rates across genes are needed to guide construction of carrier screening panels.MethodsWe leveraged an exome sequencing database (n=123,136) to estimate carrier rates across 6 major ancestries for 416 genes associated with severe recessive conditions.Results36.5% (East Asian) to 65% (Ashkenazi Jewish) of individuals are variant carriers in at least one of the 416 genes. For couples, screening all 416 genes would identify 0.4-2.8% of couples as being at-risk for having a child affected by one of these conditions. Screening just the 47 genes with carrier rate > 1.0% would identify more than 85% of these at-risk couples. An ancestry-specific panel designed to capture genes with carrier rates > 1.0% would include 6 to 30 genes, while a comparable pan-ethnic panel would include 47 genes.ConclusionOur work guides the design of carrier screening panels and provides data to assist in counseling prospective parents. Our results highlight a high cumulative carrier rate across genes, underscoring the need for careful selection of genes for screening.
Boosting subdominant neutralizing antibody responses with a computationally designed epitope-focused immunogen
Authors: Sesterhenn F , Galloux M , Vollers SS , Csepregi L , Yang C , Descamps D , Bonet J , Friedensohn S , Gainza P , Corthésy P , Chen M , Rosset S , Rameix-Welti MA , Eléouët JF , Reddy ST , Graham BS , Riffault S , Correia BE 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThroughout the last decades, vaccination has been key to prevent and eradicate infectious diseases. However, many pathogens (e.g. respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, dengue and others) have resisted vaccine development efforts, largely due to the failure to induce potent antibody responses targeting conserved epitopes. Deep profiling of human B-cells often reveals potent neutralizing antibodies that emerge from natural infection, but these specificities are generally subdominant (i.e., are present in low titers). A major challenge for next-generation vaccines is to overcome established immunodominance hierarchies and focus antibody responses on crucial neutralization epitopes. Here, we show that a computationally designed epitope-focused immunogen presenting a single RSV neutralization epitope elicits superior epitope-specific responses compared to the viral fusion protein. In addition, the epitope-focused immunogen efficiently boosts antibodies targeting the Palivizumab epitope, resulting in enhanced neutralization. Overall, we show that epitope-focused immunogens can boost subdominant neutralizing antibody responsesin vivoand reshape established antibody hierarchies.
Assessing connectivity despite high diversity in island populations of a malaria mosquito
Authors: Bergey Christina M. , Lukindu Martin , Wiltshire Rachel M. , Fontaine Michael C. , Kayondo Jonathan K. , Besansky Nora J. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractDocumenting isolation is notoriously difficult for species with vast polymorphic populations. High proportions of shared variation impede estimation of connectivity, even despite leveraging information from many genetic markers. We overcome these impediments by combining classical analysis of neutral variation with assays of the structure of selected variation, demonstrated using populations of the principal African malaria vectorAnopheles gambiae. Accurate estimation of mosquito migration is crucial for efforts to combat malaria. Modeling and cage experiments suggest that mosquito gene drive systems will enable malaria eradication, but establishing safety and efficacy requires identification of isolated populations in which to conduct field-testing. We assess Lake Victoria islands as candidate sites, finding one island 30 kilometers offshore is as differentiated from mainland samples as populations from across the continent. Collectively, our results suggest sufficient contemporary isolation of these islands to warrant consideration as field-testing locations and illustrate shared adaptive variation as a useful proxy for connectivity in highly polymorphic species.
MicroRNA-223 protects neurons from degeneration in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Morquette Barbara , Juźwik Camille A. , Drake Sienna S. , Charabati Marc , Zhang Yang , Lécuyer Marc-André , Galloway Dylan , Dumas Aline , de Faria Omar , Bueno Mardja , Rambaldi Isabel , Moore Craig , Bar-Or Amit , Vallières Luc , Prat Alexandre , Fournier Alyson E. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractMultiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by demyelination and neurodegeneration in the brain, spinal cord and optic nerve. Neuronal degeneration and death underlie progressive forms of MS and cognitive dysfunction. Neuronal damage is triggered by numerous harmful factors in the brain that engage diverse signalling cascades in neurons thus therapeutic approaches to protect neurons will need to focus on agents that can target broad biological processes. To target the broad spectrum of signaling events that mediate neurodegeneration in MS we have focused on non-coding small microRNAs (miRNAs). microRNAs are epigenetic regulators of protein expression, targeting messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and inhibiting their translation. Dysregulation of miRNAs has been described in many neurodegenerative diseases including MS. In this study we identified two miRNAs, miR-223-3p and miR-27a-3p, that were upregulated in neurons in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model of CNS inflammation and in active MS lesions. Overexpression of miR-27a-3p or miR-223-3p protected dissociated cortical neurons from degeneration in response to peripheral blood mononuclear cell conditioned media (PBMC-CM). Introduction of miR-223-3p in vivo in mouse retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) protected RGC axons from degeneration in the EAE model. By in silico analysis we found that mRNAs in the glutamate receptor (GluR) pathway are enriched in miR-27a-3p and miR-223-3p targets. Antagonism of the GluR pathway protected neurons from PBMC-CM-dependent degeneration. Our results suggest that miR-223-3p and miR-27a-3p are upregulated in response to inflammation to mediate a compensatory neuroprotective gene expression program that desensitizes neurons to glutamate by downregulating mRNAs involved in GluR signalling.
Identification andin silicoanalysis of the origin recognition complex in the human fungal pathogenCandida albicans
Authors: Padmanabhan Sreedevi , Sanyal Kaustuv , Dubey Dharani Dhar 
Published: September 2018

AbstractDNA replication in eukaryotes is initiated by the orchestrated assembly and association of initiator proteins (heterohexameric Origin Recognition Complex, ORC) on the replication origins. These functionally conserved proteins play significant roles in diverse cellular processes besides their central role in ignition of DNA replication at origins. WhileCandida albicans, a major human fungal pathogen, is an ascomycetous, asexual, diploid budding yeast but it is significantly diverged from a much better studied model organismSaccharomyces cerevisiae. The components of the DNA replication machinery inC. albicansremain largely uncharacterized. Identification of factors required for DNA replication is essential for understanding the evolution of the DNA replication machinery. We identified the putative ORC homologs inC. albicansand determined their relatedness with those of other eukaryotes including several yeast species. Our extensivein silicostudies demonstrate that the domain architecture of CaORC proteins share similarities with the ORC proteins ofS. cerevisiae. We dissect the domain organization of ORC (trans-acting factors) proteins that seem to associate with DNA replication origins inC. albicans. We present a model of the 3D structure of CaORC4 to gain further insights of this protein’s function.
In vivo CRISPRa decreases seizures and rescues cognitive deficits in a rodent model of epilepsy
Authors: Colasante Gaia , Qiu Yichen , Massimino Luca , Di Berardino Claudia , Cornford Jonathan H. , Snowball Albert , Weston Mikail , Jones Steffan P. , Giannelli Serena , Lieb Andreas , Schorge Stephanie , Kullmann Dimitri M. , Broccoli Vania , Lignani Gabriele 
Published: September 2018

AbstractEpilepsy is a major health burden, calling for new mechanistic and therapeutic insights. CRISPR–mediated gene editing shows promise to cure genetic pathologies, although hitherto it has mostly been applied ex-vivo. Its translational potential for treating non-genetic pathologies is still unexplored. Furthermore, neurological diseases represent an important challenge for the application of CRISPR, because of the need in many cases to manipulate gene function of neurons in situ. A variant of CRISPR, CRISPRa, offers the possibility to modulate the expression of endogenous genes by directly targeting their promoters. We asked if this strategy can effectively treat acquired focal epilepsy, focusing on ion channels because their manipulation is known be effective in changing network hyperactivity and hypersynchronisation. We applied a doxycycline-inducible CRISPRa technology to increase the expression of the potassium channel gene Kcna1 (encoding Kv1.1) in mouse hippocampal excitatory neurons. CRISPRa-mediated Kv1.1 upregulation led to a substantial decrease in neuronal excitability. Continuous video-EEG telemetry showed that AAV9-mediated delivery of CRISPRa, upon doxycycline administration, decreased spontaneous generalized tonic-clonic seizures in a model of temporal lobe epilepsy, and rescued cognitive impairment and transcriptomic alterations associated with chronic epilepsy. The focal treatment minimizes concerns about off-target effects in other organs and brain areas. This study provides the proof of principle for a translational CRISPR-based approach to treat neurological diseases characterized by abnormal circuit excitability.