bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nanostructured Polymer Thin Films Fabricated with Brush-based Layer-by-Layer Self-assembly for Site-selective Construction and Drug release
Authors: Park Kyungtae , Choi Daheui , Hong Jinkee 
Published: February 2018

AbstractLayer-by-Layer (LbL) self-assembly has been investigated for several decades. However, the conventional LbL method has performance problems on the chair-side caused by its cumbersome and time-consuming process. Thus, we investigate a new LbL self-assembly technique for the fast and high efficient preparation process based on the brush. The multilayer films fabricated by simple sequential brushing of polyelectrolyte solutions are compared to the classical dipping method. We characterize the multilayer films by characteristics such as their morphology and thickness, and compare them against those of the classic method by profilometry, atomic force microscopy. We prepare multilayer films with biocompatible polyelectrolytes, chitosan, and alginate incorporated with a hydrophobic drug carrier. For the drug carrier, a poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(ε-caprolactone) (PEG-b-PCL) block copolymer is introduced to construct micelles containing dexamethasone, which is a well-known osteogenesis-inducing drug. The hydrogen bonding behavior between adjacent layers and micelles is investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Additionally, we analyze the release profiles, degradation profiles and toxicity of the multilayer films for biomedical applications. From these results, we can identify the brushing LbL method as a reliable and more efficient multilayer film-construction process compared to conventional dipping LbL, especially for practical applications in dental and clinical situations.
Delivery of exogenous mitochondria via centrifugation enhances cellular metabolic function
Authors: Kim Mi Jin , Hwang Jung Wook , Yun Chang-Koo , Lee Youngjun , Choi Yong-Soo 
Published: February 2018

AbstractMitochondria are essential organelles involved in the maintenance of cell growth and function, and have been investigated as therapeutic targets in various diseases. Recent studies have demonstrated that direct mitochondrial transfer can restore cellular functions of cells with inherited or acquired mitochondrial dysfunction. However, previous mitochondrial transfer methods are inefficient and time-consuming. Here, we developed a simple and easy mitochondrial transfer protocol using centrifugation, which can be applied to any cell type. By our simple centrifugation method, we found that the isolated mitochondria could be successfully transferred into target cells, including mitochondrial DNA-deleted Rho0 cells and dexamethasone-treated atrophic muscle cells. We found that mitochondrial transfer normalised ATP production, mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species level, and the oxygen consumption rate of the target cells. Furthermore, delivery of intact mitochondria blocked the AMPK/FoxO3/Atrogene pathway underlying muscle atrophy in atrophic muscle cells. Taken together, this simple and rapid mitochondrial transfer method can be used to treat mitochondrial dysfunction-related diseases.
Machine learning for the meta-analyses of microbial pathogens’ volatile signatures
Authors: Palma Susana I. C. J. , Traguedo Ana P. , Porteira Ana R. , Frias Maria J. , Gamboa Hugo , Roque Ana C. A. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractNon-invasive and fast diagnostic tools based on volatolomics hold great promise in the control of infectious diseases. However, the tools to identify microbial volatile organic compounds (VOCs) discriminating between human pathogens are still missing. Artificial intelligence is increasingly recognised as an essential tool in health sciences. Machine learning algorithms based in support vector machines and features selection tools were here applied to find sets of microbial VOCs with pathogen-discrimination power. Studies reporting VOCs emitted by human microbial pathogens published between 1977 and 2016 were used as source data. A set of 18 VOCs is sufficient to predict the identity of 11 microbial pathogens with high accuracy (77%), and precision (62–100%). There is one set of VOCs associated with each of the 11 pathogens which can predict the presence of that pathogen in a sample with high accuracy and precision (86–90%). The implemented pathogen classification methodology supports future database updates to include new pathogen-VOC data, which will enrich the classifiers. The sets of VOCs identified potentiate the improvement of the selectivity of non-invasive infection diagnostics using artificial olfaction devices.
Interleukin-33 is activated by allergen- and necrosis-associated proteolytic activities to regulate its alarmin activity during epithelial damage
Authors: Scott Ian C. , Majithiya Jayesh B. , Sanden Caroline , Thornton Peter , Sanders Philip N. , Moore Tom , Guscott Molly , Corkill Dominic J. , Erjefält Jonas S. , Cohen E. Suzanne 
Published: February 2018

AbstractInterleukin (IL)-33 is an IL-1 family alarmin released from damaged epithelial and endothelial barriers to elicit immune responses and allergic inflammation via its receptor ST2. Serine proteases released from neutrophils, mast cells and cytotoxic lymphocytes have been proposed to process the N-terminus of IL-33 to enhance its activity. Here we report that processing of full length IL-33 can occur in mice deficient in these immune cell protease activities. We sought alternative mechanisms for the proteolytic activation of IL-33 and discovered that exogenous allergen proteases and endogenous calpains, from damaged airway epithelial cells, can process full length IL-33 and increase its alarmin activity up to ~60-fold. Processed forms of IL-33 of apparent molecular weights ~18, 20, 22 and 23 kDa, were detected in human lungs consistent with some, but not all, proposed processing sites. Furthermore, allergen proteases degraded processed forms of IL-33 after cysteine residue oxidation. We suggest that IL-33 can sense the proteolytic and oxidative microenvironment during tissue injury that facilitate its rapid activation and inactivation to regulate the duration of its alarmin function.
Metformin Use and Severe Dengue in Diabetic Adults
Authors: Htun Htet Lin , Yeo Tsin Wen , Tam Clarence C. , Pang Junxiong , Leo Yee Sin , Lye David C. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractDiabetes mellitus is a risk factor for severe dengue in adults, but few studies have examined the association between metformin use and disease severity in dengue. In addition to its effect on glucose control, metformin has been associated with pleiotropic properties in preclinical studies. Using a cohort of laboratory-confirmed adult (≥21 years) dengue patients with diabetes mellitus admitted to Tan Tock Seng Hospital, we conducted a retrospective cohort study involving 131 (58.7%) metformin users and 92 (41.3%) non-users. Dengue severity was categorized as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome (DSS) in World Health Organization (WHO) 1997 criteria and severe dengue (SD) in WHO 2009 criteria. Multivariable Poisson regression with robust error variance was used to estimate risk ratio (RR). Compared with non-use, metformin use was associated with a decreased risk of developing severe dengue (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] = 0.60, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.37–0.98, P = 0.04). Additionally, there was an inverse dose-response relationship (aRR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.49–0.98, P = 0.04) with dengue severity as classified by WHO 2009 criteria. Use of metformin, however, was not associated with dengue severity based on WHO 1997 criteria; and no dose-response relationship was noted. Our results suggest metformin use could attenuate disease severity in dengue-infected diabetes mellitus individuals.
A novel heterogeneous network-based method for drug response prediction in cancer cell lines
Authors: Zhang Fei , Wang Minghui , Xi Jianing , Yang Jianghong , Li Ao 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAn enduring challenge in personalized medicine lies in selecting a suitable drug for each individual patient. Here we concentrate on predicting drug responses based on a cohort of genomic, chemical structure, and target information. Therefore, a recently study such as GDSC has provided an unprecedented opportunity to infer the potential relationships between cell line and drug. While existing approach rely primarily on regression, classification or multiple kernel learning to predict drug responses. Synthetic approach indicates drug target and protein-protein interaction could have the potential to improve the prediction performance of drug response. In this study, we propose a novel heterogeneous network-based method, named as HNMDRP, to accurately predict cell line-drug associations through incorporating heterogeneity relationship among cell line, drug and target. Compared to previous study, HNMDRP can make good use of above heterogeneous information to predict drug responses. The validity of our method is verified not only by plotting the ROC curve, but also by predicting novel cell line-drug sensitive associations which have dependable literature evidences. This allows us possibly to suggest potential sensitive associations among cell lines and drugs. Matlab and R codes of HNMDRP can be found at following https://github.com/USTC-HIlab/HNMDRP.
Prominent exostosis projecting from the occipital squama more substantial and prevalent in young adult than older age groups
Authors: Shahar David , Sayers Mark G. L. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractRecently we reported the development of prominent exostosis young adults’ skulls (41%; 10–31 mm) emanating from the external occipital protuberance (EOP). These findings contrast existing reports that large enthesophytes are not seen in young adults. Here we show that a combination sex, the degree of forward head protraction (FHP) and age predicted the presence of enlarged EOP (EEOP) (n = 1200, age 18–86). While being a male and increased FHP had a positive effect on prominent exostosis, paradoxically, increase in age was linked to a decrease in enthesophyte size. Our latter findings provide a conundrum, as the frequency and severity of degenerative skeletal features in humans are associated typically with aging. Our findings and the literature provide evidence that mechanical load plays a vital role in the development and maintenance of the enthesis (insertion) and we suggest possible associations between aberrant loading of the EOP enthesis, sustained poor posture and EEOP formation. Accordingly, the higher numbers of individuals with EEOP in the 18-30 age group out of all cases examined raises concern about the future musculoskeletal health of this population and suggests a potential avenue for prevention intervention through posture improvement education.
Giant circular dichroism of large-area extrinsic chiral metal nanocrecents
Authors: Wang Yane , Qi Jiwei , Pan Chongpei , Wu Qiang , Yao Jianghong , Chen Zongqiang , Chen Jing , Li Yudong , Yu Xuanyi , Sun Qian , Xu Jingjun 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIn this work, we demonstrate the strong extrinsic chirality of the larger-area metal nanocrescents by experiments and simulations. Our results show that the metal nanocrescent exhibits giant and tunable circular dichroism (CD) effect, which is intensively dependent on the incident angle of light. We attribute the giant extrinsic chirality of the metal nanocrescent to the excitation efficiencies difference of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) modes for two kinds of circularly polarized light at a non-zero incident angle. In experiment, the largest CD of 0.37 is obtained at the wavelength of 826 nm with the incident angle of 60°. Furthermore, the CD spectra can be tuned flexibly by changing the metal nanocrescent diameter. Benefitting from the simple, low-cost and mature fabrication process, the proposed large-area metal nanocrescents are propitious to application.
3D printed water-soluble scaffolds for rapid production of PDMS micro-fluidic flow chambers
Authors: Dahlberg Tobias , Stangner Tim , Zhang Hanqing , Wiklund Krister , Lundberg Petter , Edman Ludvig , Andersson Magnus 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWe report a novel method for fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) biocompatible micro-fluidic flow chambers in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) by 3D-printing water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) filaments as master scaffolds. The scaffolds are first embedded in the PDMS and later residue-free dissolved in water leaving an inscription of the scaffolds in the hardened PDMS. We demonstrate the strength of our method using a regular, cheap 3D printer, and evaluate the inscription process and the channels micro-fluidic properties using image analysis and digital holographic microscopy. Furthermore, we provide a protocol that allows for direct printing on coverslips and we show that flow chambers with a channel cross section down to 40 μm × 300 μm can be realized within 60 min. These flow channels are perfectly transparent, biocompatible and can be used for microscopic applications without further treatment. Our proposed protocols facilitate an easy, fast and adaptable production of micro-fluidic channel designs that are cost-effective, do not require specialized training and can be used for a variety of cell and bacterial assays. To help readers reproduce our micro-fluidic devices, we provide: full preparation protocols, 3D-printing CAD files for channel scaffolds and our custom-made molding device, 3D printer build-plate leveling instructions, and G-code.
Induction of micronuclei by four cytostatic compounds in human hematopoietic stem cells and human lymphoblastoid TK6 cells
Authors: Hintzsche Henning , Montag Gracia , Stopper Helga 
Published: February 2018

AbstractFor mutagenicity testing, primary lymphocytes or mammalian cell lines are employed. However, the true target for carcinogenic action of mutagenic chemicals may be stem cells. Since hematopoietic cancers induced by chemical agents originate at the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) stage and since one of the side effects of chemotherapeutic cancer treatment is the induction of secondary tumors, often leukemias, HSC may be a suitable cell system. We compared the sensitivity of HSC with the genotoxicity testing cell line TK6 for chromosomal mutations. HSC were less sensitive than TK6 cells for the genotoxic effects of the model genotoxins and chemotherapeutic agents doxorubicin, vinblastine, methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) and equally sensitive for mitomycin C (MMC). However, loss of viability after mitomycin C treatment was higher in HSC than in TK6 cells. Among the factors that may influence sensitivity for genomic damage, the generation or response to reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the effectiveness of DNA damage response can be discussed. Here we show that HSC can be used in a standard micronucleus test protocol for chromosomal mutations and that their sensitivity was not higher than that of a classical testing cell line.
DNA-based identification reveals illegal trade of threatened shark species in a global elasmobranch conservation hotspot
Authors: Feitosa Leonardo Manir , Martins Ana Paula Barbosa , Giarrizzo Tommaso , Macedo Wagner , Monteiro Iann Leonardo , Gemaque Romário , Nunes Jorge Luiz Silva , Gomes Fernanda , Schneider Horácio , Sampaio Iracilda , Souza Rosália , Sales João Bráullio , Rodrigues-Filho Luís Fernando , Tchaicka Lígia , Carvalho-Costa Luís Fernando 
Published: February 2018

AbstractHere, we report trading of endangered shark species in a world hotspot for elasmobranch conservation in Brazil. Data on shark fisheries are scarce in Brazil, although the northern and northeastern regions have the highest indices of shark bycatch. Harvest is made primarily with processed carcasses lacking head and fins, which hampers reliable species identification and law enforcement on illegal catches. We used partial sequences of two mitochondrial genes (COI and/or NADH2) to identify 17 shark species from 427 samples being harvested and marketed on the northern coast of Brazil. Nine species (53%) are listed under some extinction threat category according to Brazilian law and international authorities (IUCN – International Union for Conservation of Nature; CITES – Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). The number increases to 13 (76%) if we also consider the Near Threatened category. Hammerhead sharks are under threat worldwide, and composed 18.7% of samples, with Sphyrna mokarran being the fourth most common species among samples. As illegal trade of threatened shark species is a worldwide conservation problem, molecular identification of processed meat or specimens lacking diagnostic body parts is a highly effective tool for species identification and law enforcement.
Impact of Reduced Cerebellar EAAT Expression on Purkinje Cell Firing Pattern of NPC1-deficient Mice
Authors: Rabenstein Michael , Peter Franziska , Rolfs Arndt , Frech Moritz J. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractNiemann-Pick disease Type C1 (NPC1) is a rare hereditary neurodegenerative disease. NPC1-patients suffer, amongst others, from ataxia, based on a loss of cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs). Impaired expression/function of excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) are suspected of contributing to PC-degeneration in hereditary spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs). Thus, we studied EAAT-expression and its impact to PC-activity in NPC1−/–mice. Western blot revealed reduced EAAT1, EAAT2, EAAT4, and βIII-spectrin levels in NPC1−/–mice. EAATs play a crucial role in synaptic transmission, thus we were interested in the impact of the reduced EAAT-expression on the function of PCs. Patch-clamp recordings of PCs showed no differences in the firing patterns of NPC1+/+and NPC1−/–mice using a low internal chloride concentration. Because EAAT4 also comprises a chloride permeable ion pore, we perturbed the chloride homeostasis using a high internal chloride concentration. We observed differences in the firing patterns of NPC1+/+and NPC1−/–mice, suggesting an impact of the altered EAAT4-expression. Additionally, the EAAT-antagonist DL-TBOA acts differently in NPC1+/+and NPC1−/–mice. Our data support the line of evidence that an altered EAAT-expression/function is involved in neurodegeneration of PCs observed in SCAs. Thus, we suggest that similar pathogenic mechanisms contribute the loss of PCs in NPC1.
Lateral Supraorbital Craniotomy for Tuberculum Sella Meningioma Resection
Authors: Klironomos Georgios , Mehan Neal , Dehdashti Amir 
Published: February 2018

AbstractTuberculum sella meningioma can be approached by either open or endoscopic approaches. The aim of this video case presentation is to highlight the nuances of the lateral supraorbital craniotomy for tuberculum sella meningioma resection. The authors present a 34-year-old female patient who presented with decreased right eye visual acuity (20/60), afferent pupillary defect, and nasal field cut due to a tuberculum sella meningioma. The tumor was partially encasing the left A1 artery, severely displacing the optic apparatus, and minimally invading the right optic canal. The lateral supraorbital craniotomy was considered the most suitable approach to this tumor. The operative nuances and pitfalls of this approach are detailed in the video. Gross total resection of the tumor was achieved and confirmed with postoperative MRI. The patient's vision gradually improved and she was discharged on the fourth postoperative day. The minimally invasive lateral supraorbital craniotomy for tuberculum sella meningioma is a suitable approach in selected cases.The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/yG8q6YH2D9k.
Sociodemographic, Clinical, and Psychosocial Characteristics of People with Hemophilia in Portugal: Findings from the First National Survey
Authors: Pinto Patrícia , Paredes Ana , Pedras Susana , Costa Patrício , Crato Miguel , Fernandes Susana , Lopes Manuela , Carvalho Manuela , Almeida Armando 
Published: February 2018

AbstractHemophilia is a rare genetic bleeding disorder associated with pain, impaired functionality, and decreased quality of life (QoL). Several studies have focused on patient-reported outcomes of people with hemophilia (PWH) worldwide, but no such data are available for Portugal. This survey aimed to describe sociodemographic, clinical, and psychosocial characteristics of PWH of all ages in Portugal. Questionnaires were answered by self-report or by parents of children with hemophilia (proxy version). Variables assessed were sociodemographic and clinical, physical activity patterns, pain, functionality (HAL/PedHAL), QoL (A36 Hemofilia-QoL/CHO-KLAT), anxiety and depression (PROMIS), and illness perceptions (IPQ-R). One-hundred and forty-six PWH answered the survey: 106 adults, 21 children/teenagers between 10 and 17 years, 11 children between 6 and 9 years, and 8 children between 1 and 5 years. Most participants had severe hemophilia (60.3%) and type A was most commonly reported (86.3%). Bleeding episodes, joint deterioration, and pain were very prevalent, with the ankles and knees being the most affected joints, as illustrated by HAL/PedHAL scores. The A36 Hemofilia-QoL assessment showed moderate QoL (96.45; 0–144 scale) and significant anxiety and depression symptoms were found in 36.7 and 27.2% of adults, respectively. CHO-KLAT global score (0–100 scale) was 75.63/76.32 (self-report/proxy). Concerning hemophilia-related illness beliefs, a perception of chronicity and symptoms unpredictability was particularly prominent among adults and children/teenagers. This survey provided a comprehensive characterization of Portuguese PWH, including the first report of psychosocial characteristics. The findings allow for a deeper understanding of life with hemophilia in Portugal and the identification of relevant health care and research needs.
A Novel Patient Recruitment Strategy: Patient Selection Directly from the Community through Linkage to Clinical Data
Authors: Zimmerman Lindsay , Goel Satyender , Sathar Shazia , Gladfelter Charon , Onate Alejandra , Kane Lindsey , Sital Shelly , Phua Jasmin , Davis Paris , Margellos-Anast Helen , Meltzer David , Polonsky Tamar , Shah Raj , Trick William , Ahmad Faraz , Kho Abel 
Published: February 2018

Objective This article presents and describes our methods in developing a novel strategy for recruitment of underrepresented, community-based participants, for pragmatic research studies leveraging routinely collected electronic health record (EHR) data.
Methods We designed a new approach for recruiting eligible patients from the community, while also leveraging affiliated health systems to extract clinical data for community participants. The strategy involves methods for data collection, linkage, and tracking. In this workflow, potential participants are identified in the community and surveyed regarding eligibility. These data are then encrypted and deidentified via a hashing algorithm for linkage of the community participant back to a record at a clinical site. The linkage allows for eligibility verification and automated follow-up. Longitudinal data are collected by querying the EHR data and surveying the community participant directly. We discuss this strategy within the context of two national research projects, a clinical trial and an observational cohort study.
Conclusion The community-based recruitment strategy is a novel, low-touch, clinical trial enrollment method to engage a diverse set of participants. Direct outreach to community participants, while utilizing EHR data for clinical information and follow-up, allows for efficient recruitment and follow-up strategies. This new strategy for recruitment links data reported from community participants to clinical data in the EHR and allows for eligibility verification and automated follow-up. The workflow has the potential to improve recruitment efficiency and engage traditionally underrepresented individuals in research.