bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound Findings Disclose the Mutual Impact of Vertebrobasilar Dolichoectasia and Vertebral Artery Hypoplasia
Authors: Chi Hsin‐Yi , Chen Kuan‐Wen , Hsu Chung‐Fu , Shen Chao‐Yu , Chen An‐Chih , Su Chun‐Hung , Fu Wen‐Mei 
Published: April 2019

ObjectivesVertebrobasilar dolichoectasia (VBD) and vertebral artery hypoplasia (VAH) are known predisposing factors of posterior circulation stokes. These vascular conditions have unique hemodynamic patterns in neuroimaging studies; however, they have been presented as a single entity in some reports. The aim of this retrospective study was to clarify the relationship between these conditions with regard to ultrasound (US) findings.MethodsA total of 465 patients with strokes were recruited. Brain magnetic resonance imaging of vertebrobasilar arteries and differences in extracranial side‐to‐side vertebral artery (VA) flow were recorded by US and compared in groups.ResultsThe mean age of the 465 patients ± SD was 67.23 ± 12.13 years; 296 were men. The prevalence of VBD was 13.5% (n = 63), and 10.8% (n = 50) of the patients had coexisting VAH and VBD. These patients also had the highest prevalence of posterior circulation strokes (58% [n = 29]). A cutoff value of 55.65 mL/min and a ratio discrepancy of 5.28 (group median) for the side‐to‐side extracranial VA flow volume as detected by conventional US were also observed in the patients with both VAH and VBD.ConclusionsOur study revealed a higher prevalence of posterior circulation strokes in the patients with both VBD and VAH. Chronic asymmetric hemodynamic shear force in extracranial VAs leading to deformity of the vertebrobasilar system may explain our observations. Accordingly, the blood flow volume and the ratio difference could potentially be used to detect patients at risk of VBD and reduce stroke risk factors.
The spectrum of facial palsy: The MEEI facial palsy photo and video standard set
Authors: Greene Jacqueline J. , Guarin Diego L. , Tavares Joana , Fortier Emily , Robinson Mara , Dusseldorp Joseph , Quatela Olivia , Jowett Nate , Hadlock Tessa 
Published: April 2019

ObjectivesFacial palsy causes variable facial disfigurement ranging from subtle asymmetry to crippling deformity. There is no existing standard database to serve as a resource for facial palsy education and research. We present a standardized set of facial photographs and videos representing the entire spectrum of flaccid and nonflaccid (aberrantly regenerated or synkinetic) facial palsy. To demonstrate the utility of the dataset, we describe the relationship between level of facial function and perceived emotion expression as determined by an automated emotion detection, machine learning‐based algorithm.MethodsPhotographs and videos of patients with both flaccid and nonflaccid facial palsy were prospectively gathered. The degree of facial palsy was quantified using eFACE, House‐Brackmann, and Sunnybrook scales. Perceived emotion during a standard video of facial movements was determined using an automated, machine learning algorithm.ResultsSixty participants were enrolled and categorized by eFACE score across the range of facial function. Patients with complete flaccid facial palsy (eFACE <60) had a significant loss of perceived joy compared to the nonflaccid and normal groups. Additionally, patients with only moderate flaccid and nonflaccid facial palsy had a significant increase in perceived negative emotion (contempt) when compared to the normal group.ConclusionWe provide this open‐source database to assist in comparing current and future scales of facial function as well as facilitate comprehensive investigation of the entire spectrum of facial palsy. The automated machine learning‐based algorithm detected negative emotions at moderate levels of facial palsy and suggested a threshold severity of flaccid facial palsy beyond which joy was not perceived.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 130:32–37, 2020
TLR4 in skin cancer: From molecular mechanisms to clinical interventions
Authors: Dickinson Sally E. , Wondrak Georg T. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe health and economic burden imposed by skin cancer is substantial, creating an urgent need for the development of improved molecular strategies for its prevention and treatment. Cutaneous exposure to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a causative factor in skin carcinogenesis, and TLR4‐dependent inflammatory dysregulation is an emerging key mechanism underlying detrimental effects of acute and chronic UV exposure. Direct and indirect TLR4 activation, upstream of inflammatory signaling, is elicited by a variety of stimuli, including pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (such as lipopolysaccharide) and damage‐associated molecular patterns (such as HMGB1) that are formed upon exposure to environmental stressors, such as solar UV. TLR4 involvement has now been implicated in major types of skin malignancies, including nonmelanoma skin cancer, melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma. Targeted molecular interventions that positively or negatively modulate TLR4 signaling have shown promise in translational, preclinical, and clinical investigations that may benefit skin cancer patients in the near future.
Childhood “stress” and stable isotope life histories in Transylvania
Authors: Crowder Kayla D. , Montgomery Janet , Gröcke Darren R. , Filipek Kori L. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAims and ObjectivesMacroscopic skeletal analysis and stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis were employed to examine the relationship between skeletal “stress” lesions and changes in the isotopic life history profiles of six nonadults from the Gepid population buried at the Archiud “Hânsuri” Cemetery (4th–7th centuries AD).Materials and MethodsThe Gepids were a migratory barbarian population in the Carpathian Mountain basin of Transylvania, Romania. Macroscopic skeletal analysis was conducted on 32 individuals, and of those, six nonadults were selected for stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis of incrementally sampled dentine.ResultsMacroscopic skeletal analyses revealed 47% of the analysed population displayed evidence of childhood stress. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ranges were −17.7‰ to −11.8‰ for δ13C and 9.4‰ to 15.1‰ for δ15N.DiscussionThe overall dietary profile indicates a mixed terrestrial diet (C3/C4) with increased consumption of C4 plants during adolescence. The six nonadults appear to have been breastfed from 1 to 6 months and weaned by 3 years of age. High δ15N values seen in pre‐natal and post‐natal increments may suggest a level of nutritional/physiological stress during gestation and during the transitions from umbilical nutrients, breastmilk, and weaning foods. Although limited by the small sample size, this study supports the link between elevated δ15N values and nutritional stress and the relationship and timing of skeletal lesions with changes in the isotope profiles and was among the first to combine palaeopathological analyses and incremental stable isotope analyses on the Transylvania Gepids.
NR4A3 fusion proteins trigger an axon guidance switch that marks the difference between EWSR1 and TAF15 translocated extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcomas
Authors: Brenca Monica , Stacchiotti Silvia , Fassetta Kelly , Sbaraglia Marta , Janjusevic Milijana , Racanelli Dominga , Polano Maurizio , Rossi Sabrina , Brich Silvia , Dagrada Gian P , Collini Paola , Colombo Chiara , Gronchi Alessandro , Astolfi Annalisa , Indio Valentina , Pantaleo Maria A , Picci Piero , Casali Paolo G , Dei Tos Angelo P , Pilotti Silvana , Maestro Roberta 
Published: April 2019

AbstractExtraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) is a rare sarcoma histotype with uncertain differentiation. EMC is hallmarked by the rearrangement of the NR4A3 gene, which in most cases fuses with EWSR1 or TAF15. TAF15‐translocated EMC seem to feature a more aggressive course compared to EWSR1‐positive EMCs, but whether the type of NR4A3 chimera impinges upon EMC biology is still largely undefined. To gain insights on this issue, a series of EMC samples (7 EWSR1‐NR4A3 and 5 TAF15‐NR4A3) were transcriptionally profiled. Our study unveiled that the two EMC variants display a distinct transcriptional profile and that the axon guidance pathway is a major discriminant. In particular, class 4–6 semaphorins and axonal guidance cues endowed with pro‐tumorigenic activity were more expressed in TAF15‐NR4A3 tumors; vice versa, class 3 semaphorins, considered to convey growth inhibitory signals, were more abundant in EWSR1‐NR4A3 EMC. Intriguingly, the dichotomy in axon guidance signaling observed in the two tumor variants was recapitulated in in vitro cell models engineered to ectopically express EWSR1‐NR4A3 or TAF15‐NR4A3. Moreover, TAF15‐NR4A3 cells displayed a more pronounced tumorigenic potential, as assessed by anchorage‐independent growth. Overall, our results indicate that the type of NR4A3 chimera dictates an axon guidance switch and impacts on tumor cell biology. These findings may provide a framework for interpretation of the different clinical–pathological features of the two EMC variants and lay down the bases for the development of novel patient stratification criteria and therapeutic approaches. © 2019 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Volatolomics approach by HS‐SPME‐GC‐MS and multivariate analysis to discriminate olive tree varieties infected by Xylella fastidiosa
Authors: Mentana Annalisa , Camele Ippolito , Mang Stefania M. , De Benedetto Giuseppe E. , Frisullo Salvatore , Centonze Diego 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIntroductionXylella fastidiosa (Xf) is a pathogenic bacterium that causes diseases in olive trees. Therefore, analytical methods for both the characterisation of the host/pathogen interaction and infection monitoring are needed. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted by plants relate to their physiological state, therefore VOCs monitoring can assist in detecting stress or infection states before visible signs are present.ObjectiveIn this work, the headspace‐solid phase microextraction‐gaschromatography‐mass spectrometry (HS‐SPME‐GC‐MS) technique was used for the first time to highlight VOCs differences between healthy and Xf‐infected olive trees.MethodologyVOCs from olive tree twig samples were extracted and analysed by HS‐SPME‐GC‐MS, and hence identified by comparing the experimental linear retention indexes with the reference values and by MS data obtained from NIST library. Data were processed by principal component analysis (PCA) and analysis of variance (ANOVA).ResultsThe HS‐SPME step was optimised in terms of adsorbent phase and extraction time. HS‐SPME‐GC‐MS technique was applied to the extraction and analysis of VOCs of healthy and Xf‐infected olive trees. More than 100 compounds were identified and the differences between samples were evidenced by the multivariate analysis approach. The results showed the marked presence of methyl esters in Xf‐infected samples, suggesting their probable involvement in the mechanism of diffusible signal factor.ConclusionThe proposed approach represents an easy and solvent‐free method to evaluate the presence of Xf in olive trees, and to evidence volatiles produced by host/pathogen interactions that could be involved in the defensive mechanism of the olive tree and/or in the infective action of Xf.
Parent‐implemented reading interventions within a response to intervention framework
Authors: Zhou Qi , Dufrene Brad A. , Mercer Sterett H. , Olmi D. Joe , Tingstom Daniel H. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThis study tested the effects of parent‐implemented reading interventions on four elementary students’ reading fluency. Student participants had been receiving a Tier 2 reading intervention, but they were not responding favorably to the Tier 2 intervention. A consultant conducted brief experimental analyses of reading interventions and identified a Tier 3 intervention for each student. Then, the consultant trained the students’ mothers to implement the interventions at home. The interventions were tested via a multiple baseline design across students. During the intervention phase, the consultant monitored parents’ treatment integrity and assessed students’ oral reading fluency for novel, grade‐level progress monitoring passages. Visual analysis indicates that all four students demonstrated increases in oral reading fluency for instructional passages and novel progress monitoring passages after intervention implementation. In addition, single‐case design effect sizes indicate strong effects for instructional passages for all four students, moderate effects for novel progress monitoring passages for two students, and strong effects for novel progress monitoring passages for two students. Finally, parents implemented interventions with moderate to high integrity, and parents rated the interventions as acceptable. Results are discussed in terms of implications for research and practice as they relate to parent‐implemented interventions within a response to intervention framework.
Depression and inflammation among epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutant nonsmall cell lung cancer patients
Authors: McFarland Daniel C. , Jutagir Devika R. , Rosenfeld Barry , Pirl William , Miller Andrew H. , Breitbart William , Nelson Christian 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjectiveDepression is highly prevalent in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and is associated with elevated inflammation. However, certain subtypes of driver mutation–associated NSCLC such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)–mutated NSCLC may be associated with less depression given the differences in their underlying biology and disease trajectories. Biological variables such as inflammation, measured by C‐reactive protein (CRP), may provide insight into depression variability in EGFR mutant NSCLC.MethodsPatients with EGFR mutant and wild‐type metastatic NSCLC were evaluated for depression using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) on a continuous scale and meeting depression screening criteria (HADS ≥ 8). Inflammation was measured using CRP. A mediation model was created to understand how inflammation mediates EGFR wild‐type associated depression.ResultsOne hundred out of 120 patients with NSCLC were recruited (83.3% response rate). The 20 participants with EGFR mutant NSCLC had less depression (HADS‐D 3.0 versus 5.4) (P < .001), met depression screening criteria less often (P = .047), and exhibited less inflammation (CRP = 0.23 mg/mL versus 2.71 mg/mL) (P < .001) in comparison with EGFR wild‐type NSCLC. Multivariate linear regression model revealed that only CRP predicted depression (P = .015) while controlling for age and sex. Mediation analysis found that lower CRP partially mediated less depression in EGFR mutant NSCLC.ConclusionsEGFR mutant NSCLC is associated with less depression but the relationship is partially mediated by lower CRP‐related inflammation, which is a stronger predictor of depression than EGFR status. Depression in lung cancer varies by subtype and is significantly related to inflammation.
A Study on Consumption and Characterization of Stabilizer Content of NEPE Propellant via FTIR
Authors: Tao Tao , Sui Xin , Li Shipeng , Wang Ningfei 
Published: April 2019

AbstractNitrate ester plasticised polyether (NEPE) propellants, a kind of high‐energy solid propellant, were tested for their stabilizer content and Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FTIR) to study their ageing performance. On the one hand, a stabilizer consumption equation containing the ageing temperature, stabilizer content, and ageing time was established by analyzing the data of stabilizer content of NEPE aged at high temperatures (328, 333, 338, 343, 348, and 353 K). On the other hand, it was found that the second derivative spectral absorbance of 1598 cm−1 has a high linear correlation to the stabilizer content of NEPE propellant, and an equation, which can be used to calculate the stabilizer content of NEPE with FTIR data, was established. Thereafter, to prove the universality and accuracy of these two equations, FTIR testing of NEPE aged at room temperature (298 K) was carried out. Accordingly, the two other equations for stabilizer consumption at room temperature were derived by the FTIR data and the stabilizer consumption equation, respectively. They were consistent and the universality and accuracy of these equations were proven, and the feasibility of non‐destructive monitoring methods for NEPE propellants via FTIR was experimentally verified.
Surgical and oncological outcomes after ultrasound‐guided robotic liver resections for malignant tumor. Analysis of a prospective database
Authors: Pesi Benedetta , Moraldi Luca , Guerra Francesco , Tofani Federica , Nerini Alessandro , Annecchiarico Mario , Coratti Andrea 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAimRobotic surgery is thought to have a role in widening the application of minimally invasive liver surgery. Nonetheless, data concerning surgical results for liver malignancies are presently still lacking. We aimed to evaluate the surgical and oncological outcomes of ultrasound guided robotic liver resections for hepatic malignancies.MethodsAll consecutive patients who received robotic resection of primary and secondary liver malignancies from September 2008 to January 2017 were analyzed. The same surgical team performed all procedures following the principle of parenchymal‐sparing surgery.ResultsFrom a total of 51 patients, 13 patients (25%) underwent major and 38 (75%) minor hepatectomy. No mortality occurred. Two procedures were converted to open surgery. Five patients experienced major complications, with a reintervention rate of 6%. Median hospital stay was 5 days.ConclusionsRobotic surgery is a safe and feasible procedure for liver resection even when dealing with malignancies. Our data show that robotic surgery can be considered a valid option to treat patients with liver malignancies in a minimally invasive manner, without compromise the oncological results.
Mn‐Fe‐Ce Coating onto Cordierite Monoliths as Structured Catalysts for NO Catalytic Oxidation
Authors: Han Wen , Yi Honghong , Tang Xiaolong , Zhao Shunzheng , Gao Fengyu , Zhang Xiaodong , Ma Chuanbo , Song Lingling 
Published: April 2019

AbstractA series of Mn‐Fe−X (X=Ce, W, Cu, Co) mixed oxides doped on cordierite monoliths as structured catalysts based monolithic for NO oxidation has been investigated. The results showed that Mn−Fe‐Ce/Al2O3/CC sample exhibited the best activity, for which a maximal NO conversion (72%) could be attained at 250 °C with the GHSV of 5971 h−1. The effects of the preparation parameters including the catalyst preparation methods and the coating material on the catalytic performance for NO catalytic oxidation was also investigated. The XRD and SEM‐EDS also indicated the coating material had a significant influence on specific surface area, surface morphology, which resulted in diﬀerences in the catalytic activity of NO catalytic oxidation. The NO+O2‐TPD results indicated that different general procedures to prepare Mn−Fe‐Ce based monolithic catalysts had a great influence on the catalytic oxidation activity of NO and Mn−Fe‐Ce/Al2O3/CC catalyst was beneficial to NO adsorption and NO2 desorption, which increased activity of catalytic oxidation of NO. The physisorption of N2 revealed that the catalyst synthesized with Al2O3 presented a higher BET specific surface area, more abundant pore structure, and better dispersion of catalysts’ active components which were favorable for catalytic oxidation reaction of NO.
Rapid and Superior Bacteria Killing of Carbon Quantum Dots/ZnO Decorated Injectable Folic Acid‐Conjugated PDA Hydrogel through Dual‐Light Triggered ROS and Membrane Permeability
Authors: Xiang Yiming , Mao Congyang , Liu Xiangmei , Cui Zhenduo , Jing Doudou , Yang Xianjin , Liang Yanqin , Li Zhaoyang , Zhu Shengli , Zheng Yufeng , Yeung Kelvin Wai Kwok , Zheng Dong , Wang Xianbao , Wu Shuilin 
Published: April 2019

AbstractOne of the most difficult challenges in the biomedical field is bacterial infection, which causes tremendous harm to human health. In this work, an injectable hydrogel is synthesized through rapid assembly of dopamine (DA) and folic acid (FA) cross‐linked by transition metal ions (TMIs, i.e., Zn2+), which was named as DFT‐hydrogel. Both the two carboxyl groups in the FA molecule and catechol in polydopamine (PDA) easily chelates Zn2+ to form metal–ligand coordination, thereby allowing this injectable hydrogel to match the shapes of wounds. In addition, PDA in the hydrogel coated around carbon quantum dot‐decorated ZnO (C/ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) to rapidly generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and heat under illumination with 660 and 808 nm light, endows this hybrid hydrogel with great antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus, typical Gram‐positive bacteria) and Escherichia coli (E. coli, typical Gram‐negative bacteria). The antibacterial efficacy of the prepared DFT‐C/ZnO‐hydrogel against S. aureus and E. coli under dual‐light irradiation is 99.9%. Importantly, the hydrogels release zinc ions over 12 days, resulting in a sustained antimicrobial effect and promoted fibroblast growth. Thus, this hybrid hydrogel exhibits great potential for the reconstruction of bacteria‐infected tissues, especially exposed wounds.
Insulin Stimulates PI3K/AKT and Cell Adhesion to Promote the Survival of Individualized Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Godoy-Parejo Carlos , Deng Chunhao , Liu Weiwei , Chen Guokai 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
Insulin is present in most maintenance media for human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), but little is known about its essential role in the cell survival of individualized cells during passage. In this article, we show that insulin suppresses caspase cleavage and apoptosis after dissociation. Insulin activates insulin-like growth factor (IGF) receptor and PI3K/AKT cascade to promote cell survival and its function is independent of rho-associated protein kinase regulation. During niche reformation after passaging, insulin activates integrin that is essential for cell survival. IGF receptor colocalizes with focal adhesion complex and stimulates protein phosphorylation involved in focal adhesion formation. Insulin promotes cell spreading on matrigel-coated surfaces and suppresses myosin light chain phosphorylation. Further study showed that insulin is also required for the cell survival on E-cadherin coated surface and in suspension, indicating its essential role in cell–cell adhesion. This work highlights insulin's complex roles in signal transduction and niche re-establishment in hESCs. Stem Cells 2019;37:1030–1041