bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fluorescently Labelled Silica Coated Gold Nanoparticles as Fiducial Markers for Correlative Light and Electron Microscopy
Authors: Fokkema Jantina , Fermie Job , Liv Nalan , van den Heuvel Dave J. , Konings Tom O. M. , Blab Gerhard A. , Meijerink Andries , Klumperman Judith , Gerritsen Hans C. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIn this work, gold nanoparticles coated with a fluorescently labelled (rhodamine B) silica shell are presented as fiducial markers for correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM). The synthesis of the particles is optimized to obtain homogeneous, spherical core-shell particles of arbitrary size. Next, particles labelled with different fluorophore densities are characterized to determine under which conditions bright and (photo)stable particles can be obtained. 2 and 3D CLEM examples are presented where optimized particles are used for correlation. In the 2D example, fiducials are added to a cryosection of cells whereas in the 3D example cells are imaged after endocytosis of the fiducials. Both examples demonstrate that the particles are clearly visible in both modalities and can be used for correlation. Additionally, the recognizable core-shell structure of the fiducials proves to be very powerful in electron microscopy: it makes it possible to irrefutably identify the particles and makes it easy to accurately determine the center of the fiducials.
Effect of present versus previous smoking on non-invasive haemodynamics
Authors: Choudhary Manoj Kumar , Eräranta Arttu , Tikkakoski Antti J. , Bouquin Heidi , Hautaniemi Elina J. , Kähönen Mika , Sipilä Kalle , Mustonen Jukka , Pörsti Ilkka 
Published: September 2018

AbstractWe examined cardiovascular function in 637 volunteers (19–72 years) without antihypertensive medication in never smokers (n = 365), present smokers (n = 81) and previous smokers (n = 191, median abstinence 10 years). Haemodynamics during passive head-up tilt were recorded using whole-body impedance cardiography and radial pulse wave analysis. Results were adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, LDL cholesterol and alcohol use. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and pulse wave velocity were not different between the groups. Supine aortic reflection times did not differ, while upright values were shorter in present versus previous smokers (p = 0.04). Heart rate adjusted augmentation index was increased in the supine position in present smokers versus controls (p = 0.045), and in present (p < 0.001) and previous (p = 0.031) smokers versus controls in the upright position. Supine and upright cardiac output was higher (p ≤ 0.016) and systemic vascular resistance lower (p ≤ 0.001) in present versus previous smokers. In spite of the long abstinence, in the upright position previous smokers had lower cardiac output (p = 0.032) and higher systemic vascular resistance (p = 0.014) than never smokers. In the absence of differences in blood pressure and arterial stiffness, present smokers presented with hyperdynamic circulation and enhanced wave reflection compared with previous smokers.
Trans-abdominal in vivo placental vessel occlusion using High Intensity Focused Ultrasound
Authors: Shaw Caroline J. , Rivens Ian , Civale John , Botting Kimberley J. , ter Haar Gail , Giussani Dino A. , Lees Christoph C. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractPre-clinically, High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) has been shown to safely and effectively occlude placental blood vessels in the acute setting, when applied through the uterus. However, further development of the technique to overcome the technical challenges of targeting and occluding blood vessels through intact skin remains essential to translation into human studies. So too does the assessment of fetal wellbeing following this procedure, and demonstration of the persistence of vascular occlusion. At 115 ± 10 d gestational age (term~147 days) 12 pregnant sheep were exposed to HIFU (n = 6), or to a sham (n = 6) therapy through intact abdominal skin (1.66 MHz, 5 s duration,in situISPTA1.3–4.4 kW.cm−2). Treatment success was defined as undetectable colour Doppler signal in the target placental vessel following HIFU exposures. Pregnancies were monitored for 21 days using diagnostic ultrasound from one day before HIFU exposure until term, when post-mortem examination was performed. Placental vessels were examined histologically for evidence of persistent vascular occlusion. HIFU occluded 31/34 (91%) of placental vessels targeted, with persistent vascular occlusion evident on histological examination 20 days after treatment. The mean diameter of occluded vessels was 1.4 mm (range 0.3–3.3 mm). All pregnancies survived until post mortem without evidence of significant maternal or fetal iatrogenic harm, preterm labour, maternal or fetal haemorrhage or infection. Three of six ewes exposed to HIFU experienced abdominal skin burns, which healed without intervention within 21 days. Mean fetal weight, fetal growth velocity and other measures of fetal biometry were not affected by exposure to HIFU. Fetal Doppler studies indicated a transient increase in the umbilical artery pulsatility index (PI) and a decrease in middle cerebral artery PI as a result of general anaesthesia, which was not different between sham and treatment groups. We report the first successful application of fully non-invasive HIFU for occlusion of placental blood flow in a pregnant sheep model, with a low risk of significant complications. This proof of concept study demonstrates the potential of this technique for clinical translation.
Antiviral innate immune response in non-myeloid cells is augmented by chloride ions via an increase in intracellular hypochlorous acid levels
Authors: Ramalingam Sandeep , Cai Baiyi , Wong Junsheng , Twomey Matthew , Chen Rui , Fu Rebecca M. , Boote Toby , McCaughan Hugh , Griffiths Samantha J. , Haas Jürgen G. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractPhagocytes destroy ingested microbes by producing hypochlorous acid (HOCl) from chloride ions (Cl−) and hydrogen peroxide within phagolysosomes, using the enzyme myeloperoxidase. HOCl, the active ingredient in bleach, has antibacterial/antiviral properties. As myeloperoxidase is needed for HOCl production, non-myeloid cells are considered incapable of producing HOCl. Here, we show that epithelial, fibroblast and hepatic cells have enhanced antiviral activity in the presence of increasing concentrations of sodium chloride (NaCl). Replication of enveloped/non-enveloped, DNA (herpes simplex virus-1, murine gammaherpesvirus 68) and RNA (respiratory syncytial virus, influenza A virus, human coronavirus 229E, coxsackievirus B3) viruses are inhibited in a dose-dependent manner. Whilst treatment with sodium channel inhibitors did not prevent NaCl-mediated virus inhibition, a chloride channel inhibitor reversed inhibition by NaCl, suggesting intracellular chloride is required for antiviral activity. Inhibition is also reversed in the presence of 4-aminobenzoic hydrazide, a myeloperoxidase inhibitor, suggesting epithelial cells have a peroxidase to convert Cl− to HOCl. A significant increase in intracellular HOCl production is seen early in infection. These data suggest that non-myeloid cells possess an innate antiviral mechanism dependent on the availability of Cl− to produce HOCl. Antiviral activity against a broad range of viral infections can be augmented by increasing availability of NaCl.
Tuning electronic properties of transition-metal dichalcogenides via defect charge
Authors: Aghajanian Martik , Mostofi Arash A. , Lischner Johannes 
Published: September 2018

AbstractDefect engineering is a promising route for controlling the electronic properties of monolayer transition-metal dichalcogenide (TMD) materials. Here, we demonstrate that the electronic structure of MoS2 depends sensitively on the defect charge, both its sign and magnitude. In particular, we study shallow bound states induced by charged defects using large-scale tight-binding simulations with screened defect potentials and observe qualitative changes in the orbital character of the lowest lying impurity states as function of the impurity charge. To gain further insights, we analyze the competition of impurity states originating from different valleys of the TMD band structure using effective mass theory and find that impurity state binding energies are controlled by the effective mass of the corresponding valley, but with significant deviations from hydrogenic behaviour due to unconventional screening of the defect potential.
Phylogenetic evidence for independent origins of GDF1 and GDF3 genes in anurans and mammals
Authors: Opazo Juan C. , Zavala Kattina 
Published: September 2018

AbstractGrowth differentiation factors 1 (GDF1) and 3 (GDF3) are members of the transforming growth factor superfamily (TGF-β) that is involved in fundamental early-developmental processes that are conserved across vertebrates. The evolutionary history of these genes is still under debate due to ambiguous definitions of homologous relationships among vertebrates. Thus, the goal of this study was to unravel the evolution of the GDF1 and GDF3 genes of vertebrates, emphasizing the understanding of homologous relationships and their evolutionary origin. Our results revealed that the GDF1 and GDF3 genes found in anurans and mammals are the products of independent duplication events of an ancestral gene in the ancestor of each of these lineages. The main implication of this result is that the GDF1 and GDF3 genes of anurans and mammals are not 1:1 orthologs. In other words, genes that participate in fundamental processes during early development have been reinvented two independent times during the evolutionary history of tetrapods.
Low temperature synthesis of NbC/C nano-composites as visible light photoactive catalyst
Authors: Gupta Aayush , Mittal Manish , Singh Mahesh Kumar , Suib Steven L. , Pandey Om Prakash 
Published: September 2018

AbstractA facile carbothermal route was adopted to obtain niobium carbide nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in carbon network from Nb2O5 to study photocatalytic behavior. Optimization of synthesis parameters to obtain single phase NbC NPs has been successfully done. The phase identification, morphology and nature of carbon were determined with the help of X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Raman spectroscopy. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) suggested the presence of multiple oxidation states of Nb associated to NbC and NbCxOy centers on the surface of NPs. Due to the presence of NbCxOy on the surface of NPs, absorption under visible region of EM spectrum has been observed by UV-visible spectroscopy. Different organic dyes (RhB, MB and MO) were used to study the effect of holding time on the photocatalytic performance of as-synthesized samples. RhB dye was found to be the most sensitive organic molecule among all the considered dyes and degraded 78% in 120 min.
Quillaja brasiliensis saponin-based nanoparticulate adjuvants are capable of triggering early immune responses
Authors: Cibulski Samuel Paulo , Rivera-Patron Mariana , Mourglia-Ettlin Gustavo , Casaravilla Cecilia , Yendo Anna Carolina Alves , Fett-Neto Arthur Germano , Chabalgoity José Alejandro , Moreno María , Roehe Paulo Michel , Silveira Fernando 
Published: September 2018

AbstractCommercially available saponins are extracted from Quillaja saponaria barks, being Quil A® the most widely used. Nanoparticulate immunostimulating complexes (ISCOMs or ISCOMATRIX) formulated with these, are able to stimulate strong humoral and cellular immune responses. Recently, we formulated novel ISCOMs replacing QuilA® by QB-90 (IQB-90), a Quillaja brasiliensis leaf-extracted saponin fraction, and reported that IQB-90 improved antigen uptake, and induced systemic and mucosal antibody production, and T-cell responses. However, its mechanism of action remains unclear. In this study we provide a deeper insight into the immune stimulatory properties of QB-90 and ISCOMATRIX-like based on this fraction (IMXQB-90). We show herein that, when used as a viral vaccine adjuvant, QB-90 promotes an “immunocompetent environment”. In addition, QB-90 and IMXQB-90 induce immune-cells recruitment at draining-lymph nodes and spleen. Subsequently, we prove that QB-90 or IMXQB-90 stimulated dendritic cells secret IL-1β by mechanisms involving Caspase-1/11 and MyD88 pathways, implying canonical inflammasome activation. Finally, both formulations induce a change in the expression of cytokines and chemokines coding genes, many of which are up-regulated. Findings reported here provide important insights into the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the adjuvant activity of Q. brasiliensis leaf-saponins and its respective nanoparticles.
The regulation of miRNAs by reconstituted high-density lipoproteins in diabetes-impaired angiogenesis
Authors: Hourigan Samuel T. , Solly Emma L. , Nankivell Victoria A. , Ridiandries Anisyah , Weimann Benjamin M. , Henriquez Rodney , Tepper Edward R. , Zhang Jennifer Q. J. , Tsatralis Tania , Clayton Zoe E. , Vanags Laura Z. , Robertson Stacy , Nicholls Stephen J. , Ng Martin K. C. , Bursill Christina A. , Tan Joanne T. M. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractDiabetic vascular complications are associated with impaired ischaemia-driven angiogenesis. We recently found that reconstituted high-density lipoproteins (rHDL) rescue diabetes-impaired angiogenesis. microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate angiogenesis and are transported within HDL to sites of injury/repair. The role of miRNAs in the rescue of diabetes-impaired angiogenesis by rHDL is unknown. Using a miRNA array, we found that rHDL inhibits hsa-miR-181c-5p expression in vitro and using a hsa-miR-181c-5p mimic and antimiR identify a novel anti-angiogenic role for miR-181c-5p. miRNA expression was tracked over time post-hindlimb ischaemic induction in diabetic mice. Early post-ischaemia when angiogenesis is important, rHDL suppressed hindlimb mmu-miR-181c-5p. mmu-miR-181c-5p was not detected in the plasma or within HDL, suggesting rHDL specifically targets mmu-miR-181c-5p at the ischaemic site. Three known angiogenic miRNAs (mmu-miR-223-3p, mmu-miR-27b-3p, mmu-miR-92a-3p) were elevated in the HDL fraction of diabetic rHDL-infused mice early post-ischaemia. This was accompanied by a decrease in plasma levels. Only mmu-miR-223-3p levels were elevated in the hindlimb 3 days post-ischaemia, indicating that rHDL regulates mmu-miR-223-3p in a time-dependent and site-specific manner. The early regulation of miRNAs, particularly miR-181c-5p, may underpin the rescue of diabetes-impaired angiogenesis by rHDL and has implications for the treatment of diabetes-related vascular complications.
Attraction effect of different colored cards on thrips Frankliniella intonsa in cowpea greenhouses in China
Authors: Mao Liangang , Chang Yiming , Yang Fulai , Zhang Lan , Zhang Yanning , Jiang Hongyun 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe flower thrips Frankliniella intonsa (Trybom) is one of the most economically important pests in cowpea greenhouses in China. Widespread pesticide resistance of thrips and the negative environmental effects limit the application of pesticides for thrips control. Two commercial cowpea greenhouse experiments were designed to determine the color preference of F. intonsa to colored cards, including white, pink, pale green, light yellow, powder blue, crimson, yellow green, deep sky blue, dark slate blue, dark orange, medium orchid, gold, and black. Clear pieces of plastic were used as the control cards. Additionally, the effects of placement height and orientation (cardinal direction) of the cards were also studied. Both greenhouse trials showed that white cards were significantly more attractive to F. intonsa than the other 13 card colors, followed by deep sky blue cards. White or deep sky blue cards placed low to the ground were found to be most attractive to F. intonsa. Orientation of the colored cards also affected the attractiveness to F. intonsa. The results indicate that white sticky cards were significantly more attractive to F. intonsa than blue cards and therefore can be recommended to monitor F. intonsa population densities and to control them in cowpea greenhouses as part of integrated pest management programs.
Inferring the phase response curve from observation of a continuously perturbed oscillator
Authors: Cestnik Rok , Rosenblum Michael 
Published: September 2018

AbstractPhase response curves are important for analysis and modeling of oscillatory dynamics in various applications, particularly in neuroscience. Standard experimental technique for determining them requires isolation of the system and application of a specifically designed input. However, isolation is not always feasible and we are compelled to observe the system in its natural environment under free-running conditions. To that end we propose an approach relying only on passive observations of the system and its input. We illustrate it with simulation results of an oscillator driven by a stochastic force.
Serum IgG2 levels are specifically associated with whole-body insulin-mediated glucose disposal in non-diabetic offspring of type 2 diabetic individuals: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Fiorentino Teresa Vanessa , Succurro Elena , Arturi Franco , Giancotti Aida , Peronace Cinzia , Quirino Angela , Sesti Franz , Andreozzi Francesco , Hribal Marta Letizia , Perticone Francesco , Focà Alfredo , Sesti Giorgio 
Published: September 2018

AbstractPreclinical studies suggested that IgG2c isotype may specifically impair skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity in mice. In this study we investigated the association between serum levels of the four IgG subclasses and insulin sensitivity in non-diabetic individuals. Total IgG, IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4 levels were measured in 262 subjects. Whole-body insulin sensitivity was assessed by euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp. IgG2 levels were positively correlated with BMI, waist circumference, 2-h post-load glucose levels and complement C3. Serum IgG2, but not IgG1, IgG3 and IgG4 levels were negatively correlated with whole-body insulin sensitivity (r = −0.17; P = 0.003) and muscle insulin sensitivity index (r = −0.16; P = 0.03) after adjustment for age and gender. No significant correlation was found between IgG2 levels and hepatic insulin resistance assessed by HOMA-IR and liver IR index. In a multivariable regression analysis including variables known to affect insulin sensitivity such as age, gender, BMI, smoking, lipids, inflammatory markers, fasting and 2-h post-load glucose levels, IgG2 levels were independently associated with insulin-stimulated glucose disposal (β = −0.115, 95% CI: −0.541 to −0.024; P = 0.03). These data demonstrate the independent association between higher levels of IgG2 and decreased whole-body insulin sensitivity, thus confirming in humans the animal-based evidence indicating the pathogenic role of IgG2 in insulin resistance.
Elaboration of spherical particles of PMMA/ZnO through macroporous polymer networks
Authors: Monreal Humberto , Zubia Carolina , Sagarnaga Diana , Perez Teresa , Martìnez Carlos , Chacon Jose 
Published: September 2018

In this study, it is explained how spherical particles of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/ZnO were synthesised in the presence of a polymer matrix of galactopyranose for their control growth. The objective of this research is to show the development of particles using the sol–gel method and the participation of a polysaccharide network. This method can increase the formation of stable spherical particles due to the hydrogen bonds junctions present in the walls of the polysaccharide network. The results of the formed tablets immersed in simulated body fluid indicate that there is no evidence of corrosion in the presence of PMMA/ZnO nanoparticles. The maximum roughness average (Rmax) and roughness value (Ra) were 0.41 and 1.27 nm, respectively. The absorbance values showed significant changes when 10% polysaccharide concentration was used both in the presence and absence of the PMMA/ZnO nanoparticles. The particles were characterised by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), X‐ray elemental mapping, ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry, and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The PXRD analysis shows the crystalline and amorphous phases of the composite at 400°C. The size range of the synthesised particles was between 30 and 100 µm.
Epidemiological and Clinical Features of Diaper Dermatitis in Infants at the Yaounde Gynaeco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital, Cameroon
Authors: Chiabi Andreas , Ngamgo Kamdem Jenny Christelle , Nkoro Anita Grâce , Siyou Hippolyte , Mah Evelyn , Nguefack Félicitée Dongmo , Nguefack Seraphin , Angwafo Fru 
Published: September 2018

AbstractDiaper dermatitis is defined as an inflammatory reaction localized on the skin that is usually covered by the diaper (genitals, buttocks, and anus). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of diaper dermatitis and to describe the clinical presentation and practices related to hygiene in infants with diaper rash at the Yaounde Gynaeco-Obstetric and Pediatric hospital. It was a descriptive cross-sectional study undertaken in 1,004 mother–children pairs. Data were collected using structured questionnaires during face-to-face interviews with the parents. The prevalence of diaper dermatitis was 18.4%, and infants were aged 7 days to 24 months with a mean age of 5.91 months. The most represented age group was 0 to 6 months (67.6%). Infants living in urban areas (59.5%), of unemployed mothers or guardians (30.3%), and those of mothers living as a couple (75.1%) were most represented in our study sample. The majority of infants used both disposable and reusable diapers (48.6%). In addition, 72.7% mothers used palm kernel oil, and 27.3% rubbed other ointments before changing the baby's diapers. The most frequent clinical form was the chaffing form (48.1%). Healthcare personnel should inform, educate, and communicate with mothers on body hygiene of their babies to avoid this disorder, which can cause severe discomfort and sometimes lead to complications.
Aktuelle Aspekte der Lungentransplantation
Authors: von Samson-Himmelstjerna Patrick 
Published: September 2018

ZusammenfassungSeit der ersten Lungentransplantation im Jahr 1963 ist diese Operation zu einer erfolgreichen und etablierten Therapie für Patienten mit Lungenversagen geworden. Obwohl die Sterblichkeitsraten im Vergleich zu anderen Organtransplantationen höher sind, wurden dank Verbesserungen in den Bereichen Technik, Organkonservierung, Immunsuppression und Antibiotika sowie diagnostischer Mittel und Therapie gegen Abstoßung bemerkenswerte Fortschritte erzielt.