bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interaction of Staphylococcus aureus persister cells with the host when in a persister state and following awakening
Authors: Mina Elin G. , Marques Cláudia N. H. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractPersister cells, a tolerant cell sub-population, are commonly associated with chronic and recurrent infections. However, little is known about their ability to actually initiate or establish an infection, become virulent and cause pathogenicity within a host. Here we investigated whether Staphylococcus aureus persister cells initiate an infection and are recognized by macrophages, while in a persister cell status and upon awakening due to exposure to cis-2-decenoic acid (cis-DA). Our results show that S. aureus persister cells are not able to initiate infections in A. thaliana and present significantly reduced virulence towards C. elegans compared to total populations. In contrast, awakened S. aureus persister cells are able to initiate infections in A. thaliana and in C. elegans albeit, with lower mortality than total population. Furthermore, exposure of S. aureus persister cells to cis-DA led to a loss of tolerance to ciprofloxacin and an increase of the bacterial fluorescence to levels found in total population. In addition, macrophage engulfment of persister cells was significantly lower than engulfment of total population, both before and following awakening. Overall our findings indicate that upon awakening of a persister population the cells regain their ability to infect hosts despite the absence of an increased immune response.
A Quick-responsive DNA Nanotechnology Device for Bio-molecular Homeostasis Regulation
Authors: Wu Songlin , Wang Pei , Xiao Chen , Li Zheng , Yang Bing , Fu Jieyang , Chen Jing , Wan Neng , Ma Cong , Li Maoteng , Yang Xiangliang , Zhan Yi 
Published: August 2016

AbstractPhysiological processes such as metabolism, cell apoptosis and immune responses, must be strictly regulated to maintain their homeostasis and achieve their normal physiological functions. The speed with which bio-molecular homeostatic regulation occurs directly determines the ability of an organism to adapt to conditional changes. To produce a quick-responsive regulatory system that can be easily utilized for various types of homeostasis, a device called nano-fingers that facilitates the regulation of physiological processes was constructed using DNA origami nanotechnology. This nano-fingers device functioned in linked open and closed phases using two types of DNA tweezers, which were covalently coupled with aptamers that captured specific molecules when the tweezer arms were sufficiently close. Via this specific interaction mechanism, certain physiological processes could be simultaneously regulated from two directions by capturing one biofactor and releasing the other to enhance the regulatory capacity of the device. To validate the universal application of this device, regulation of the homeostasis of the blood coagulant thrombin was attempted using the nano-fingers device. It was successfully demonstrated that this nano-fingers device achieved coagulation buffering upon the input of fuel DNA. This nano-device could also be utilized to regulate the homeostasis of other types of bio-molecules.
Blood-borne miRNA profile-based diagnostic classifier for lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Tai Mei Chee , Yanagisawa Kiyoshi , Nakatochi Masahiro , Hotta Naoe , Hosono Yasuyuki , Kawaguchi Koji , Naito Mariko , Taniguchi Hiroyuki , Wakai Kenji , Yokoi Kohei , Takahashi Takashi 
Published: August 2016

AbstractAccumulated evidence indicates that various types of miRNA are aberrantly expressed in lung cancer and secreted into the bloodstream. For this study, we constructed a serum diagnostic classifier based on detailed bioinformatics analysis of miRNA profiles from a training cohort of 143 lung adenocarcinoma patients and 49 healthy subjects, resulting in a 20 miRNA-based classifier. Validation performed with an independent cohort of samples from lung adenocarcinoma patients (n = 110), healthy subjects (n = 52) and benign pulmonary disease patients (n = 47) showed a sensitivity of 89.1% and specificity of 94.9%, with an area under the curve value of 0.958. Notably, 90.8% of Stage I lung adenocarcinoma cases were correctly diagnosed. Interestingly, this classifier also detected squamous and large cell lung carcinoma cases at relatively high rates (70.4% and 70.0%, respectively), which appears to be consistent with organ site-dependent miRNA expression in cancer tissues. In contrast, we observed significantly lower rates (0–35%) using samples from 96 cases of cancer in other major organs, with breast cancer the lowest. These findings warrant a future study to realize its clinical application as a part of diagnostic procedures for lung cancers, for which early detection and surgical removal is presently the only hope for eventual cure.
Tunneling-injection in vertical quasi-2D heterojunctions enabled efficient and adjustable optoelectronic conversion
Authors: Tan Wei-Chun , Chiang Chia-Wei , Hofmann Mario , Chen Yang-Fang 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe advent of 2D materials integration has enabled novel heterojunctions where carrier transport proceeds thrsough different ultrathin layers. We here demonstrate the potential of such heterojunctions on a graphene/dielectric/semiconductor vertical stack that combines several enabling features for optoelectronic devices. Efficient and stable light emission was achieved through carrier tunneling from the graphene injector into prominent states of a luminescent material. Graphene’s unique properties enable fine control of the band alignment in the heterojunction. This advantage was used to produce vertical tunneling-injection light-emitting transistors (VtiLET) where gating allows adjustment of the light emission intensity independent of applied bias. This device was shown to simultaneously act as a light detecting transistor with a linear and gate tunable sensitivity. The presented development of an electronically controllable multifunctional light emitter, light detector and transistor open up a new route for future optoelectronics.
The Ross Procedure in Adults: Long-Term Results of Homografts and Stentless Xenografts for Pulmonary Valve Replacement
Authors: Claus Benjamin , Woythal Nadine , Dushe Simon , Falk Volkmar , Grubitzsch Herko , Christ Torsten 
Published: August 2016

Background The Ross procedure is an established method to treat aortic valve disease, offering excellent hemodynamic characteristics, growth potential, low risk of thromboembolism and no need for anticoagulation. Limitation of homograft quality and availability led to the use of different stentless xenografts. Long-term outcome and implications are yet to be addressed.
Methods Forty five adult patients (mean age 38.8 ± 9.6 years) with aortic valve stenosis and/or insufficiency, who underwent the Ross procedure between 1995 and 2002 were identified for long-term evaluation. Patients younger than 18 years, with previous heart surgery and endocarditis were excluded. Stentless xenografts were used in 22 cases (Group X) and homografts in 23 cases (Group H). After review of the patients' history, morbidity and mortality were analyzed and risk stratification was performed.
Results Between groups, baseline characteristics and operative data did not differ significantly. Total follow-up was 621.0 patient-years and 98.8% complete. Overall freedom from reoperation at 15 years was 68.4 ± 10.6% in group X and 85. ±  7.9% in group H (p = 0.09), respectively. Freedom from aortic valve reoperation at 15 years was comparable (83.9 ± 8.5% in group X and 85.3 ± 7.9% in group H, p = 0.61), whereas freedom from pulmonary valve reoperation at 15 years was significantly lower in group X (78.9 ± 9.4% versus 100%, p = 0.02). Long-term survival at 15 years was 79.7 ± 9.3% in group X and 94.4 ± 5.4% in group H (p = 0.07), respectively.
Conclusions Stentless xenografts used as pulmonary valve substitute in the Ross procedure led to lower freedom from pulmonary valve reoperation compared with homografts. Additionally, there was a trend to inferior long-term survival with xenografts. Therefore, homografts should remain the preferred option for pulmonary valve replacement in the Ross procedure.
Individualized Surgical Treatments for Children with Ebstein Anomaly
Authors: Jinghao Zheng , Yanhui Huang , Zhongqun Zhu , Botao Gao , Xinwei Du , Zhiwei Xu , Jinfen Liu , Kai Luo 
Published: August 2016

Objective Ebstein anomaly is a rare type of tricuspid malformation. The present surgical methods to resolve this anomaly include tricuspid valvuloplasty, palliative surgery, and tricuspid valve replacement. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short- and midterm outcomes of different surgical treatments among children with Ebstein anomaly.
Methods This was a retrospective study of 136 Ebstein anomaly patients undergoing surgery at our institution from January, 2006 to August, 2015. This cohort included 118 patients receiving tricuspid valvuloplasty, 14 patients receiving palliative surgery and 4 patients receiving tricuspid valve replacement.
Results There were two in-hospital deaths and one delayed death 6 months after bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt during a second-stage operation; thus, the mortality rate was 2.2% (3/136). The follow-up variables included echocardiography, chest radiography, oxygen saturation, and cardiac function. After a mean follow-up duration of 35.8 ± 16.5 months (range: 6–98 months), all survivors had no indications for reoperation; the oxygen saturation following radical surgery and palliative surgery was 95 to 100% and 85 to 95%, respectively. Most of the patients exhibited an improved New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class from III or IV preoperatively to I or II at follow-up; only two patients who underwent the Fontan procedure continued to exhibit NYHA functional class III. In most patients, tricuspid regurgitation (TR) degree decreased from moderate or severe preoperatively to mild or moderate at follow-up and only six patients continued to exhibit severe TR at follow-up.
Conclusions Individualization of surgical methods based on different indications, including age, associated malformations, tricuspid anatomy, cardiac function, and intraoperative status, could effectively improve the outcomes of Ebstein anomaly patients.
Bioelectronic neural pixel: Chemical stimulation and electrical sensing at the same site
Authors: Jonsson Amanda , Inal Sahika , Uguz Ilke , Williamson Adam J. , Kergoat Loïg , Rivnay Jonathan , Khodagholy Dion , Berggren Magnus , Bernard Christophe , Malliaras George G. , Simon Daniel T. 
Published: August 2016

Significance
Electronically and ionically conducting polymers provide a unique means to translate electronic addressing signals into chemically specific and spatiotemporally resolved delivery, without fluid flow. These materials have also been shown to provide high-fidelity electrophysiological recordings. Here, we demonstrate the combination of these qualities of organic electronics in multiple 20 × 20 µm delivery/sensing electrodes. The system is used to measure epileptic activity in a brain slice model, and to deliver inhibitory neurotransmitters to the same sites as the recordings. These results show that a single-cell-scale electrode has the ability to both record and chemically stimulate, demonstrating the local effects of therapeutic treatment, and opening a range of opportunities in basic neuroscience as well as medical technology development.
Origin of the characteristic X-ray spectral variations of IRAS 13224−3809
Authors: Yamasaki Hiroki , Mizumoto Misaki , Ebisawa Ken , Sameshima Hiroaki 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
The narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxy (NLS1) IRAS 13224−3809 is known to exhibit significant X-ray spectral variation, a sharp spectral drop at ∼7 keV, strong soft excess emission, and a hint of an iron L-edge feature, which is very similar to the NLS1 1H 0707−495. We have proposed the “Variable Double Partial Covering (VDPC) model” to explain the energy spectra and spectral variability of 1H 0707−495 (Mizumoto et al. 2014, PASJ, 66, 122). In this model, the observed flux/spectral variations below 10 keV within ∼ a day are primarily caused by change of the partial covering fraction of patchy clouds composed by double absorption layers in the line of sight. In this paper, we apply the VDPC model to IRAS 13224−3809. Consequently, we have found that the VDPC model can explain the observed spectral variations of IRAS 13224−3809 in the 0.5–10 keV band. In particular, we can explain the observed root mean square (RMS) spectra (energy dependence of the fractional flux variation) in the entire 0.5–10 keV band. In addition to the well-known significant drop in the iron K-band, we have found intriguing iron L-peaks in the RMS spectra when the iron L-edge is particularly deep. This feature, which is also found in 1H 0707−495, is naturally explained with the VDPC model, such that the RMS variations increase at the energies where optical depths of the partial absorbers are large. The absorbers have a larger optical depth at the iron L-edge than in the adjacent energy bands, and thus a characteristic iron L-peak appears. On the other hand, just below the iron K-edge, the optical depth is the lowest and the RMS spectrum has a broad dip.
Effectiveness of Periosteal Stimulation Therapy and Home Exercise Program in the Rehabilitation of Patients With Advanced Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Elbadawy Mohja A. 
Published: August 2016

Background:
Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is the most common form of joint disease. It is one of the major causes of impaired function that reduces quality of life in older people worldwide. Periosteal Stimulation Therapy (PST) with boosters in combination with home exercises may be a suitable treatment option for such patients.

Objectives:
To examine the effectiveness of PST with boosters in addition to a home-based exercise program as compared with Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) combined with the same home-based exercise program in the management of chronic pain and functional impairments associated with advanced knee OA.

Design:
The study was a randomized controlled trial.

Materials and Methods:
Sixty patients with Kellgren-Lawrence grade 3 or 4 knee OA were randomized to receive PST or TENS once a week for 10 weeks, followed by boosters for 6 months in addition to a home exercise program. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) subscales were assessed at baseline, after the last PST session, and 6 months later.

Results:
Pain VAS and KOOS subscales were improved in both PST and TENS groups at 10 weeks and 6 months after intervention, with a statistically significant difference between the groups at both follow-up periods. Reduced pain VAS and increased KOOS subscales in the PST group were statistically significantly different from the TENS group during both follow-up periods.

Conclusion:
PST with boosters combined with a home exercise program was shown to be beneficial for improving subjective knee pain and functional performance of older patients with advanced knee OA.
Effect of Epidural Dexmedetomidine Combined With Ropivacaine in Labor Analgesia
Authors: Zhao Yang , Xin Yan , Liu Yongbo , Yi Xuanlong , Liu Yingzhi 
Published: August 2016

Background:
The purpose of our study is to evaluate the effect of adding dexmedetomidine to epidural ropivacaine in patients undergoing labor epidural analgesia.

Methods:
Eighty healthy women were randomly assigned to 2 groups: control group (R; n=40) received epidural 0.125% ropivacaine for labor analgesia, whereas the study group (D; n=40) received epidural 0.125% ropivacaine with dexmedetomidine in addition. The blood pressure, heart rate, and the severity of pain of the parturient was assessed, the duration of the first stage and the second stage of labor time, the rate of instrumental delivery and the rate of cesarean section were recorded. The side effects (nausea and vomiting), intensity of maternal sedation, and neonatal Apgar scores were also recorded.

Results:
The visual analog scales, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rates of D group were significant lower than that of R group at most time intervals after epidural analgesia. The duration of the first and second stage of labor, the rate of instrumental delivery and cesarean section, neonatal 1- and 5-minute Apgar scores, umbilical artery pH, maternal motor blockade scores, intensity of maternal sedation, and the incidence of maternal complications did not show significant difference between 2 groups.

Conclusions:
Low concentration of epidural ropivacaine (0.125%) combined with dexmedetomidine (0.5 μg/kg) reduces the feeling of pain, and does not show the problems of motor blockage, hemodynamic instability, extension of production process, and complications such as nausea and vomiting. Our study was registered with Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR-IOR-15007263).
Use of Composite Osteotemporoparietal Fascia Flap for Midface Reconstruction After En Bloc Resection of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Involving the Zygomaticomaxillary Complex
Authors: Lee Daniel D. , Kenning Tyler , Pinheiro-Neto Carlos D. 
Published: August 2016

Summary:
The osteotemporoparietal fascia flap (OTPFF) has been used for bony defects, especially on the maxilla and orbital floor. However, there are limited reports about the reconstruction of the zygoma. We report the use of composite OTPFF for reconstruction of zygomaticomaxillary complex. The patient had undergone zygomaticomaxillary complex reconstruction with composite OTPFF because of the resection of recurrent postradiation tumor. Extratemporoparietal fascia was harvested and rotated to cover the medullary surface of the bone flap. Flap was successfully transferred with complete bone integration. There were no surgical complications and excellent cosmetic result. The patient is free of disease 12 months post surgery. The OTPFF seems to be a good option in zygomatic reconstruction, even in previously irradiated fields. Utilization of extratemporoparietal fascia to cover the medullary surface of the bone flap has potential to be an advantageous technique to minimize bone exposure and improve flap integration.
Acquired Corneal Neuropathy and Photoallodynia Associated With Malposition of an Ex-PRESS Shunt
Authors: Birnbaum Faith A. , Hamrah Pedram , Jacobs Deborah S. , Song Brian J. 
Published: August 2016

Purpose:
Corneal neuropathy is a recently described disease process that is not well understood and is likely underdiagnosed as a result. This is the first reported case of an acquired corneal neuropathy associated with malposition of an Ex-PRESS shunt.

Methods:
A single case report.

Results:
We report the case of a 50-year-old man with a history of multiple procedures for glaucoma who subsequently developed photoallodynia and corneal neuropathy in association with malposition of an Ex-PRESS shunt in the peripheral cornea. Laser confocal microscopy (HRT3/RCM) of the cornea showed the presence of neuromas, decreased nerve density, and a significant increase of dendritiform immune cells consistent with our diagnosis. Initial treatment with steroid pulse therapy did not result in decreased inflammation or symptomatic improvement leading to surgical explantation of the shunt. One month after surgery, there was noticeable improvement in the patient’s pain and photoallodynia (approximately 40%) as well as the abnormalities seen on confocal microscopy.

Conclusions:
We hypothesize that poor Ex-PRESS shunt positioning can act as a nidus for corneal inflammation, resulting in corneal neuropathy and lowering of the nociception threshold.
Intraocular Pressure Outcomes Following Transscleral Diode Cyclophotocoagulation Using Long and Short Duration Burns
Authors: Alzuhairy Sultan , Albahlal Abdullah , Aljadaan Ibrahim , Owaidhah Ohoud , Al Shahwan Sami , Craven Earl Randy , Mousa Ahmed , Edward Deepak P. 
Published: August 2016

Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of transscleral diode cyclophotocoagulation using short duration (SD) versus longer duration (LD) treatment.

Patients and Methods:
Data were collected retrospectively on patients with glaucoma who underwent cyclophotocoagulation with LD (4000 ms) treatment with variable power ≤1000 mW versus SD using 1500 ms with variable power ≤2000 mW. The outcome measures included: intraocular pressure (IOP) at 12 months, decrease in number of antiglaucoma medications, complications and visual acuity (VA) at the final follow-up visit.

Results:
There were 71 patients and 70 patients in the SD and LD groups, respectively. The mean IOP±SD pretreatment baseline was 33±10 versus 36±10 mm Hg for SD and LD groups, respectively (P>0.05). At 1 year postoperatively, the IOP decreased significantly in both groups (16.7 vs. 17.4 mm Hg for SD and LD, respectively; P<0.0001). This decrease in IOP was comparable between groups (P=0.5). The average number of IOP lowering medications were 2.5 and 2.9 at baseline in the SD and LD groups, respectively, and decreased to 1.3 in both groups (P=0.83). The mean LogMAR VA decreased significantly from 1.87 at baseline to 1.96 at 1 year in the SD group (P=0.276), and 2.03 to 2.3 (P≤0.001) in the LD group, this change was comparable (0.19; P=0.075) between the 2 groups. Complications were also comparable.

Conclusions:
Both LD and SD burns during cyclophotocoagulation effectively lowered IOP at 1 year. Neither treatment resulted in a greater reduction of IOP. LD treatment appeared to result in a decrease in VA and greater postoperative inflammation.
Short article: Etiologic profile and endoscopic findings in immunocompromised children and adolescents with gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Jarasvaraparn Chaowapong , Tanpowpong Pornthep , Lertudomphonwanit Chatmanee , Treepongkaruna Suporn 
Published: August 2016

Background
Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is one of the potential causes of increased morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients, but data on characteristics of GIB in immunocompromised children are sparse.

Objectives
This study aimed to identify the etiology, endoscopic, and histologic findings of GIB in immunocompromised children.

Design
This was a retrospective descriptive study.

Patients
We identified 33 patients (aged<20 years) and 45 GIB episodes related to GIB between January 2007 and April 2015 from a tertiary care and teaching hospital.

Results
The mean age at endoscopy was 10.7±4.6 years. Most common indications for endoscopy were melena in upper GIB and hematochezia in lower GIB. The median delay of duration between GIB presentation to endoscopy was 3 days. All except one child had at least one endoscopic abnormality. The most common cause of upper GIB was cytomegalovirus (CMV)-related gastrointestinal disease (35%), followed by esophageal varices (26%), and the most common cause of lower GIB was CMV-related gastrointestinal disease (55%). Fourteen percent of patients died during upper GIB episodes and 15% died during lower GIB episodes.

Conclusion
Among immunocompromised individuals aged younger than 20 years presenting with GIB, CMV-related gastrointestinal disease is the most prevalent in our study population. However, the etiology of immunocompromised state needs to be taken into consideration when evaluating these children presenting with GIB.