bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Limb regeneration in a direct‐developing terrestrial salamander, Bolitoglossa ramosi (Caudata: Plethodontidae)
Authors: Arenas Gómez Claudia Marcela , Gómez Molina Andrea , Zapata Juliana D. , Delgado Jean Paul 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAppendage regeneration is one of the most compelling phenomena in regenerative biology and is extensively studied in axolotls and newts. However, the regenerative capacity in other families of salamanders remains poorly described. Here we characterize the limb regeneration process in Bolitoglossa ramosi, a direct‐developing terrestrial salamander of the plethodontid family. We (1) describe the major morphological features at different stages of limb regeneration, (2) show that appendage regeneration in a terrestrial salamander varies from other amphibians and (3) show that limb regeneration in this species is considerably slower than in axolotls and newts (95 days post‐amputation for complete regeneration) despite having a significantly smaller genome size than axolotls or newts.
Mechanisms of human cytomegalovirus infection with a focus on epidermal growth factor receptor interactions
Authors: Falcão Aline Semblano Carreira , da Costa Vasconcelos Pedro Fernando , Lobato da Silva Dorotéa de Fátima , Viana Pinheiro João de Jesus , Falcão Luiz Fábio Magno , Quaresma Juarez Antonio Simões 
Published: October 2017

SummaryHuman cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a widespread opportunistic herpesvirus that causes severe diseases in immunocompromised individuals. It has a high prevalence worldwide that is linked with socioeconomic factors. Similar to other herpesviruses, HCMV has the ability to establish lifelong persistence and latent infection following primary exposure. HCMV infects a broad range of cell types. This broad tropism suggests that it may use multiple receptors for host cell entry. The identification of receptors used by HCMV is essential for understanding viral pathogenesis, because these receptors mediate the early events necessary for infection. Many cell surface components have been identified as virus receptors, such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is characterized by tyrosine kinase activity and plays a crucial role in the control of key cellular transduction pathways. EGFR is essential for HCMV binding, signaling, and host cell entry. This review focuses on HCMV infection via EGFR on different cell types and its implications for the cellular environment, viral persistence, and infection.
Ultrafine grain formation and coating mechanism arising from a blast coating process: A transmission electron microscopy analysis
Authors: Dunne Conor F. , Roche Kevin , Janssen Arne , Zhong Xiangli , Burke M.G. , Twomey Barry , Stanton Kenneth T. 
Published: October 2017

This article examines the substrate/coating interface of a coating deposited onto mild steel and stainless steel substrates using an ambient temperature blast coating technique known as CoBlast. The process uses a coincident stream of an abrasive blast medium and coating medium particles to modify the substrate surface. The hypothesis for the high bond strength is that the abrasive medium roughens the surface while simultaneously disrupting the passivating oxide layer of the substrate, thereby exposing the reactive metal that then reacts with the coating medium. The aim of this study is to provide greater insight into the coating/substrate bonding mechanism by analysing the interface between a hydroxyapatite coating on both mild and stainless steel substrates. The coating adhesion was measured via a tensile test, and bond strengths of approximately 45 MPa were measured. The substrate/coating interface was examined using transmission electron microscopy and selected area diffraction. The analysis of the substrate/coating interface revealed the presence of ultrafine grains in both the coating and substrate at interface associated with deformation at the interface caused by particle impaction during deposition. The chemical reactivity resulting from the creation of these ultrafine grains is proposed to explain the high adhesive strength of CoBlast coatings.
Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Provide Long-Term Survival After Total Body Irradiation Without Additional Hematopoietic Stem Cell Support
Authors: Schoefinius Jill-Sandra , Brunswig-Spickenheier Bärbel , Speiseder Thomas , Krebs Sabrina , Just Ursula , Lange Claudia 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
The therapeutic effect of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) in tissue regeneration is based mainly on the secretion of bioactive molecules. Here, we report that the radioprotective effect of mouse bone marrow derived mesenchymal stromal cells (mMSC) can be attributed to extracellular vesicles (EV) released from mMSC. The transplantation of mMSC-derived EV into lethally irradiated mice resulted in long-term survival but no improvement in short-term reconstitution of the recipients. Importantly, the radiation rescue was efficient without additional hematopoietic support. In vitro we show a protection by EV of irradiated hematopoietic stem cells but not progenitor cells using stroma-cell cultures and colony-forming assays. After systemic infusion into lethally irradiated recipients, labeled EV traveled freely through the body reaching the bone marrow within 2 hours. We further show that long-term repopulating Sca-1 positive and c-kit low-positive stem cells were directly targeted by EV leading to long-term survival. Collectively, our data suggest EV as an effective first-line treatment to combat radiation-induced hematopoietic failure which might also be helpful in alleviating myelosuppression due to chemotherapy and toxic drug reaction. We suggest the infusion of MSC-derived EV as efficient and immediate treatment option after irradiation injuries.
Pelvic floor muscle assessment on three‐ and four‐dimensional transperineal ultrasound in women with ovarian endometriosis with or without retroperitoneal infiltration: a step towards complete functional assessment
Authors: Mabrouk M. , Raimondo D. , Del Forno S. , Baruffini F. , Arena A. , Benfenati A. , Youssef A. , Martelli V. , Seracchioli R. 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACTObjectivesPrevious studies comparing women with deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) and healthy controls have underlined an association between pelvic floor muscle (PFM) hypertonic dysfunction and deep lesions. The aim of this study was to compare the morphometry of PFM in women affected by ovarian endometriosis with DIE vs those without DIE in order to assess the impact of retroperitoneal infiltration by the disease on PFM function.MethodsThis was a prospective study conducted between March 2015 and December 2016 on symptomatic women with a clinical and sonographic diagnosis of ovarian endometriosis with or without DIE, scheduled for laparoscopic surgery. We excluded patients with current or previous pregnancy, previous surgery for deep endometriosis, other causes of chronic pelvic pain or congenital or acquired abnormalities of pelvic floor anatomy. Three‐ and four‐dimensional transperineal ultrasound was performed to evaluate PFM morphometry and assess levator hiatal area (LHA) and diameters at rest, during PFM contraction and during Valsalva maneuver. All volumes were analyzed offline by an investigator blinded to the clinical data.ResultsOne hundred and fourteen patients with ovarian endometriosis were enrolled in the study, 75 with DIE and 39 without DIE. The diagnosis of endometriosis was confirmed by histological examination in all patients. Compared with women without DIE, women with DIE showed a smaller LHA at rest, during contraction and during Valsalva maneuver (P = 0.03, P = 0.03 and P = 0.02, respectively) and a smaller reduction in LHA during PFM contraction (P = 0.04).ConclusionsWomen with ovarian endometriosis who were affected by DIE showed smaller hiatal dimensions than did women without DIE. Considering that PFM dysfunction in patients with DIE could cause pain symptoms and pelvic organ dysfunction, transperineal ultrasound could allow a more complete functional assessment and tailored therapy. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Plasma natriuretic peptide levels in fetuses with congenital heart defect and/or arrhythmia
Authors: Miyoshi T. , Umekawa T. , Hosoda H. , Asada T. , Fujiwara A. , Kurosaki K. I. , Shiraishi I. , Nakai M. , Nishimura K. , Miyazato M. , Kangawa K. , Ikeda T. , Yoshimatsu J. , Minamino N. 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACTObjectiveDiagnosing fetal heart failure remains challenging because it is difficult to know how well the fetal myocardium will perform as loading conditions change. In adult cardiology, natriuretic peptides (NPs) are established markers of heart failure. However, the number of studies investigating NP levels in fetuses is quite limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the significance of plasma NP levels in the assessment of heart failure in fetuses with a congenital heart defect (CHD) and/or arrhythmia.MethodsThis was a prospective observational study conducted at a tertiary pediatric cardiac center. A total of 129 singletons with CHD and/or arrhythmia and 127 controls were analyzed between 2012 and 2015. Umbilical cord plasma atrial NP, brain NP and N‐terminal pro‐brain NP levels at birth were compared with ultrasonography findings indicating fetal heart failure, such as cardiovascular profile (CVP) score and morphological characteristics.ResultsFetuses with CHD and/or arrhythmia had higher NP levels than did controls (P < 0.01). NP levels of fetuses with CHD and/or arrhythmia were correlated inversely with CVP score (P for trend < 0.01). No differences in NP levels were found in fetuses with CHD and/or arrhythmia and a CVP score of ≥ 8 in comparison to controls. Multivariate analysis showed that a CVP score of ≤ 5, tachy‐ or bradyarrhythmia at birth, preterm birth and umbilical artery pH < 7.15 were associated independently with high NP levels (P < 0.01). Among fetuses with a CVP score of ≤ 7, abnormal venous Doppler sonography findings were significantly more common and more severe in fetuses with tachy‐ or bradyarrhythmia than in those with CHD, and those with tachy‐ or bradyarrhythmia had higher NP levels than did those with CHD (P = 0.01). Fetuses with right‐heart defect and moderate or severe tricuspid valve regurgitation had significantly higher NP levels than did fetuses with other types of CHD (P < 0.01).ConclusionsPlasma NP levels in fetuses with CHD and/or arrhythmia are correlated with the severity of fetal heart failure. Elevated NP levels are attributed mainly to an increase in central venous pressure secondary to arrhythmia or atrioventricular valve regurgitation due to CHD, rather than to the morphological abnormality itself. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Automatic segmentation of puborectalis muscle on three‐dimensional transperineal ultrasound
Authors: van den Noort F. , Grob A. T. M. , Slump C. H. , van der Vaart C. H. , van Stralen M. 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACTObjectivesThe introduction of three‐dimensional (3D) analysis of the puborectalis muscle (PRM) for diagnostic purposes into daily practice is hindered by the need for appropriate training of observers. Automatic segmentation of the PRM on 3D transperineal ultrasound may aid its integration into clinical practice. The aims of this study were to present and assess a protocol for manual 3D segmentation of the PRM on 3D transperineal ultrasound, and to use this for training of automatic 3D segmentation method of the PRM.MethodsThe data used in this study were derived from 3D transperineal ultrasound sequences of the pelvic floor acquired at 12 weeks' gestation from nulliparous women with a singleton pregnancy. A manual 3D segmentation protocol was developed for the PRM based on a validated two‐dimensional segmentation protocol. For automatic segmentation, active appearance models of the PRM were developed, trained using manual segmentation data from 50 women. The performances of both manual and automatic segmentation were analyzed by measuring the overlap and distance between the segmentations. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and their 95% CIs were determined for mean echogenicity and volume of the puborectalis muscle, in order to assess inter‐ and intraobserver reliabilities of the manual method using data from 20 women, as well as to compare the manual and automatic methods.ResultsInterobserver reliabilities for mean echogenicity and volume were very good for manual segmentation (ICCs 0.987 and 0.910, respectively), as were intraobserver reliabilities (ICCs 0.991 and 0.877, respectively). ICCs for mean echogenicity and volume were very good and good, respectively, for the comparison of manual vs automatic segmentation (0.968 and 0.626, respectively). The overlap and distance results for manual segmentation were as expected, showing an average mismatch of only 2–3 pixels and reasonable overlap. Based on overlap and distance, five mismatches were detected for automatic segmentation, resulting in an automatic segmentation success rate of 90%.ConclusionsThis study presents a reliable manual segmentation protocol and automatic 3D segmentation method for the PRM, which will facilitate future investigation of the PRM, allowing for the reliable measurement of potentially clinically valuable parameters such as mean echogenicity. © 2017 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Changes in Swallowing Symptoms and Esophageal Motility After Thyroid Surgery: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Sorensen Jesper Roed , Markoew Simone , Døssing Helle , Hegedüs Laszlo , Bonnema Steen Joop , Godballe Christian 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIntroduction
Swallowing difficulties, the pathophysiology behind which is incompletely understood, have been reported in 47–83% of goiter patients referred for thyroidectomy. We aimed at examining the influence of thyroid surgery on swallowing symptoms and esophageal motility.MethodsThirty‐three patients with benign nodular goiter undergoing thyroid surgery were included. All completed high‐resolution esophageal manometry examinations and the goiter symptom scale score, assessed by the thyroid‐specific patient‐reported outcome measure. The evaluations were performed before and 6 months after surgery.ResultsBefore surgery, the goiter symptom score was median 39 points (range 2–61), which improved to median five points (range 1–52) after surgery (p < 0.001). The motility parameters were within the limits of normal swallowing physiology, both before and after surgery. Only the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) pressure increased significantly from 70.6 ± 27.7 to 87.7 ± 43.2 mmHg after surgery (p = 0.04). Using regression analyses, there was no significant correlation between change in goiter symptoms and weight of the removed goiter, motility parameters, or motility disturbances. However, patients undergoing total thyroidectomy experienced a larger reduction in pressure in the area of the UES and former thyroid gland after surgery in comparison with patients undergoing less extensive surgery.ConclusionsGoiter symptoms improved significantly after thyroidectomy, but without correlation to esophageal motility disturbances. This information is essential when interpreting dysphagia in patients with nodular goiter, and when balancing patients’ expectations to surgical goiter therapy.Registration number:NCT03100357 (www.clinicaltrials.org).
Minimally Invasive Adrenalectomy for Adrenocortical Carcinoma: Five‐Year Trends and Predictors of Conversion
Authors: Calcatera Natalie A. , Hsiung‐Wang Chi , Suss Nicholas R. , Winchester David J. , Moo‐Young Tricia A. , Prinz Richard A. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackgroundAdrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is rare but often fatal. Surgery offers the only chance of cure. As minimally invasive (MI) procedures for cancer become common, their role for ACC is still debated. We reviewed usage of MI approaches for ACC over time and risk factors for conversion using a large national database.MethodsACC patients with localized disease were identified in the National Cancer Data Base from 2010 to 2014. A retrospective review examined trends in the surgical approach over time. Patient demographics, surgical approach, and tumor characteristics between MI, open, and converted procedures were compared.Results588 patients underwent adrenalectomy for ACC, of which 200 were minimally invasive. From 2010 to 2014, MI operations increased from 26 to 44% with robotic procedures increasing from 5 to 16%. The use of MI operations compared to open was not different based on facility type (p = 0.40) or location (p = 0.63). MI tumors were more likely to be confined to the adrenal (p < 0.001) but final margin status was not different (p = 0.56). Conversion was performed in 38/200 (19%). Average tumor size was 10.2 cm in the converted group compared to 8.6 cm in the MI group (p = 0.09). There was no difference in extent of disease (p = 0.33), margin status (p = 0.12), or lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.59) between MI and converted procedures. Tumor size > 5 cm was the only significant predictor of conversion (p = 0.04). No patients with pathologic stage I disease required conversion (0/19).ConclusionsThe frequency of MI approaches for ACC is increasing. In the final year of the study, 44% of adrenalectomies were MI. Size > 5 cm was the only significant predictor of conversion.
Esophagectomy for End‐Stage Achalasia: Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Aiolfi Alberto , Asti Emanuele , Bonitta Gianluca , Bonavina Luigi 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackgroundIndications for surgery and clinical outcomes of esophagectomy in the management of end‐stage achalasia are not clearly defined. The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to provide evidence‐based information to help in the decision‐making and in the choice of surgical technique.MethodsAn extensive literature search was conducted to identify all reports on esophagectomy for end‐stage achalasia patients over the past three decades. MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane databases were thoroughly consulted matching the terms “achalasia,” “end‐stage achalasia,” “esophagectomy” and “esophageal resection” with “AND” and “OR.” Short‐ and long‐term outcome data were extracted. Pooled prevalence of pneumonia, anastomotic leakage and mortality were calculated using Freeman–Tukey double arcsine transformation and DerSimonian–Laird estimator in random effect meta‐analysis. Heterogeneity among studies was evaluated using I2‐index and Cochrane Q test. Meta‐regression was used to address the effect of potential confounders.ResultsEight papers published between 1989 and 2014 matched the inclusion criteria. In total, 1307 patients were included. Esophagectomy was performed through a transthoracic (78.7%) or a transhiatal (21.3%) approach. The stomach was used as an esophageal substitute in 95% of patients. Pooled prevalence of pneumonia, anastomotic leakage and mortality were 10% (95% CI 4–18%), 7% (95% CI 4–10%) and 2% (95% CI 1–3%), respectively.ConclusionsEsophagectomy for end‐stage achalasia is safe and effective. Based on the results of this study, esophagectomy should be performed without hesitation in patients who are fit for major surgery and present with disabling symptoms, poor quality of life and dolichomegaesophagus recalcitrant to multiple endoscopic dilatations and/or surgical myotomies.
Mapping QTL for stay-green and agronomic traits in wheat under diverse water regimes
Authors: Shi Shenkui , Azam Farooq I. , Li Huihui , Chang Xiaoping , Li Baoyun , Jing Ruilian 
Published: October 2017

AbstractWheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield is directly proportional to physio-morphological traits. A high-density genetic map consisting of 2575 markers was used for mapping QTL controlling stay-green and agronomic traits in wheat grown under four diverse water regimes. A total of 108 additive QTL were identified in target traits. Among them, 28 QTL for chlorophyll content (CC) were detected on 11 chromosomes, 43 for normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) on all chromosomes except 5B, 5D, and 7D, five for spikes per plant (NSP) on different chromosomes, nine for plant height (PH) on four chromosomes, and 23 for thousand-kernel weight (TKW) on 11 chromosomes. Considering all traits, the phenotypic variation explained (PVE) ranged from 3.61 to 41.62%. A major QTL, QNDVI.cgb-5A.7, for NDVI with a maximum PVE of 20.21%, was located on chromosome 5A. A stable and major PH QTL was observed on chromosome 4D with a PVE close to 40%. Most distances between QTL and corresponding flanking markers were less than 1 cM, and approximately one-third of the QTL coincided with markers. Each of 16 QTL clusters on 10 chromosomes controlled more than one trait and therefore could be regarded as pleiotropic regions in response to different water regimes. Forty-one epistatic QTL were identified for all traits having PVE of 6.00 to 25.07%. Validated QTL closely linked to flanking markers will be beneficial for marker-assisted selection in improving drought-tolerance in wheat.
The Effectiveness of Al-Si Coatings for Preventing Interfacial Reaction in Al-Mg Dissimilar Metal Welding
Authors: Wang Yin , Al-Zubaidy Basem , Prangnell Philip B. 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
The dissimilar welding of aluminum to magnesium is challenging because of the rapid formation of brittle intermetallic compounds (IMC) at the weld interface. An Al-Si coating interlayer was selected to address this problem, based on thermodynamic calculations which predicted that silicon would change the reaction path to avoid formation of the normally observed binary Al-Mg IMC phases (β-Al3Mg2 and γ-Al12Mg17). Long-term static heat treatments confirmed that a Si-rich coating will preferentially produce the Mg2Si phase in competition with the less stable, β-Al3Mg2 and γ-Al12Mg17 binary IMC phases, and this reduced the overall reaction layer thickness. However, when an Al-Si clad sheet was tested in a real welding scenario, using the Refill™ friction stir spot welding (FSSW) technique, Mg2Si was only produced in very small amounts owing to the much shorter reaction time. Surprisingly, the coating still led to a significant reduction in the IMC reaction layer thickness and the welds exhibited enhanced mechanical performance, with improved strength and fracture energy. This beneficial behavior has been attributed to the softer coating material both reducing the welding temperature and giving rise to the incorporation of Si particles into the reaction layer, which toughened the brittle interfacial IMC phases during crack propagation.
The Transatlantic Partnership Agreement: an American perspective
Authors: Barfield Claude 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThis paper discusses the internal dynamics of American trade policy making in the context of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations. The author describes the active role interest groups, the U.S. business community, and representatives on both sides of the political spectrum have played in the passing of Transatlantic Partnership Agreement (TPA), the TPP negotiations, and currently the TTIP debate. Lastly, the author lays out the challenges TTIP will continue to face in light of opposition to specific TPP provisions, trans-atlantic disagreement over ISDS and data flows, and the recent presidential elections.