bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CXCL10 is produced in hepatitis A virus-infected cells in an IRF3-dependent but IFN-independent manner
Authors: Sung Pil Soo , Hong Seon-Hui , Lee Jeewon , Park Su-Hyung , Yoon Seung Kew , Chung Woo Jin , Shin Eui-Cheol 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAcute hepatitis A caused by hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection is accompanied by severe liver injury in adult patients, and the liver injury is associated with the production of chemokines. Herein, we investigated the mechanism of how HAV infection induces the production of CXCR3 and CCR5 chemokines, such as CXCL10, CCL4 and CCL5. The production of CXCL10, CCL4 and CCL5 was markedly increased by HAV (HM-175/18f) infection in the culture of primary human hepatocytes and HepG2 cells. In particular, CXCL10 was produced in HAV-infected cells, not in neighboring uninfected cells. Moreover, these chemokines were significantly increased in the sera of acute hepatitis A patients. The production of IFN-λs was also robustly induced by HAV infection, and the blocking of secreted IFN-λs partially abrogated the production of CCL4 and CCL5 in HAV-infected cells. However, CXCL10 production was not decreased by the blocking of IFN-λs. Instead, CXCL10 production was reduced by silencing the expression of RIG-I-like receptor (RLR) signal molecules, such as mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein and interferon regulatory factor 3, in HAV-infected cells. In conclusion, HAV infection strongly induces the production of helper 1 T cell-associated chemokines, particularly CXCL10 via RLR signaling, even without secreted IFNs.
Dietary acrylamide exposure was associated with mild cognition decline among non-smoking Chinese elderly men
Authors: Liu Zhao-min , Tse Lap Ah , Chen Bailing , Wu Suyang , Chan Dicken , Kowk Timothy , Woo Jean , Xiang Yu-Tao , Wong Samuel Yeung-shan 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe aim of the study is to explore the longitudinal association of dietary acrylamide exposure with cognitive performance in Chinese elderly. The analysis was conducted among 2534 non-smoking elderly men and women based on a prospective study, Mr. and Ms. OS Hong Kong. Dietary acrylamide intake was assessed by food frequency questionnaires with data on local food contamination, derived from the first Hong Kong Total Diet Study. Global cognitive function was assessed by Cantonese version of Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) at the baseline and the 4th year of follow-up. Multivariable-adjusted linear and logistic regression models were used to assess the associations of dietary acrylamide with MMSE score changes or risk of poor cognition. The results indicated that among men with MMSE ≥ 18, each one SD increase of acrylamide decreased MMSE score by 7.698% (95%CI: −14.943%, −0.452%; p = 0.037). Logistic regression revealed an increased risk of poor cognition (MMSE ≤ 26) in men with HR of 3.356 (1.064~10.591, p = 0.039). The association became non-significance after further adjustment for telomere length. No significant association was observed in women. Dietary acrylamide exposure was associated with a mild cognitive decline or increased risk of poor cognition over a 4-year period in non-smoking Chinese elderly men.
Non-invasive 3D and 360° optical imaging of micro-particles
Authors: El Arnaout Toufic , Cullen P. J. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractScanning electron microscopy and X-ray microtomography are useful methods for high resolution shape imaging. Visible microscopy is also common, however, developing a low-cost and customizable system for surface and shape investigation of optically active particles is challenging. In this work, we demonstrate an assembly offering good light sensitivity, flexibility of illumination and contrasts from varying angles. The design was applied, together with recent programs for focus-stacking, to analyze crystals of taurine, L-glutamic acid, acetylsalicylic acid, and copper sulfate, along with digital 3D-360° modelling of phosphorescent [Ru(bpy)3]Cl2 and strontium aluminate particles. We further tested the approach for real time monitoring of size, shape and texture analysis of fat filled milk particles and acid whey powders. The findings show proof of concept for detailed feature imaging of particles directly from the process environment.
Comparisons of three different methods for defining sarcopenia: An aspect of cardiometabolic risk
Authors: Kim Tae Nyun , Park Man Sik , Lee Eun Joo , Chung Hye Soo , Yoo Hye Jin , Kang Hyun Joo , Song Wook , Baik Sei Hyun , Choi Kyung Mook 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAppraisal of muscle mass is important when considering the serious consequences of sarcopenia in an aging society. However, the associations between sarcopenia and its clinical outcomes might vary according to the method applied in its diagnosis. We compared the relationships between cardiometabolic risk parameters and sarcopenia defined according to three different diagnostic methods using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and computed tomography (CT). Appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) adjusted by height squared and BMI (ASM/height2 and ASM/BMI) measured using DXA and thigh muscle cross-sectional area (tmCSA) adjusted by weight (tmCSA/weight) measured using CT were used as indices of muscle mass. Sarcopenia was defined as two standard deviations below either the mean ASM/height2, ASM/BMI, or tmCSA/weight of a young reference group. ASM/BMI and tmCSA/weight showed a negative relationship with several components of metabolic syndrome and HOMA-IR, whereas ASM/height2 was positively associated with theses cardiometabolic risk factors. Logistic regression analyses demonstrated that ASM/BMI-defined sarcopenia was significantly associated with increased HOMA-IR (P = 0.01) and prevalence of visceral obesity (P = 0.03) and metabolic syndrome (P = 0.025), while ASM/height2- and tmCSA/weight-defined sarcopenia were not. ASM/BMI-defined sarcopenia exhibits a closer relationship with cardiometabolic risk factors than does ASM/height2- or tmCSA/weight-defined sarcopenia.
The association of serum adiponectin with abdominal aortic calcification in Japanese male hemodialysis patients: a cross-sectional observational study
Authors: Sakura Takeshi , Okuno Senji , Nishio Eriko , Norimine Kyoko , Ishimura Eiji , Yamakawa Tomoyuki , Shoji Shigeichi , Inaba Masaaki 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe negative relation of serum adiponectin to atherosclerosis becomes a positive association in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We conducted a small-scale cross-sectional observational study, in 101 Japanese male hemodialysis patients, to examine the relationship of serum adiponectin and leptin to abdominal aortic calcification (AAC). The presence of AAC was evaluated from simple X-ray radiographs of the left lateral abdomen. Serum adiponectin was significantly higher in AAC-positive patients [18.8 (13.0–28.1) μg/mL] than in AAC-negative patients [15.4 (8.9–22.8) μg/mL] (p = 0.03), whereas serum leptin did not differ significantly between the two groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that log adiponectin, but not log leptin, was independently and significantly associated in a positive manner with AAC (odds ratio: 16.31, 95% confidence interval: 1.70–156.41, p = 0.02), after adjustment for age, body weight, percentage body fat, hemodialysis duration, prevalence of diabetes mellitus, and other risk factors. In conclusion, we found a positive and independent association of serum adiponectin with AAC in male hemodialysis patients, indicating that the reversed association between serum adiponectin and atherosclerosis in patients with CKD dose not result from increased serum adiponectin due to the impaired urinary secretion.
Recent increased identification and transmission of HIV-1 unique recombinant forms in Sweden
Authors: Neogi Ujjwal , Siddik Abu Bakar , Kalaghatgi Prabhav , Gisslén Magnus , Bratt Göran , Marrone Gaetano , Sönnerborg Anders 
Published: July 2017

AbstractA temporal increase in non-B subtypes has earlier been described in Sweden by us and we hypothesized that this increased viral heterogeneity may become a hotspot for the development of more complex and unique recombinant forms (URFs) if the epidemics converge. In the present study, we performed subtyping using four automated tools and phylogenetic analysis by RAxML of pol gene sequences (n = 5246) and HIV-1 near full-length genome (HIV-NFLG) sequences (n = 104). A CD4+ T-cell decline trajectory algorithm was used to estimate time of HIV infection. Transmission clusters were identified using the family-joining method. The analysis of HIV-NFLG and pol gene described 10.6% (11/104) and 2.6% (137/5246) of the strains as URFs, respectively. An increasing trend of URFs was observed in recent years by both approaches (p = 0·0082; p < 0·0001). Transmission cluster analysis using the pol gene of all URFs identified 14 clusters with two to eight sequences. Larger transmission clusters of URFs (BF1 and 01B) were observed among MSM who mostly were sero-diagnosed in recent time. Understanding the increased appearance and transmission of URFs in recent years could have importance for public health interventions and the use of HIV-NFLG would provide better statistical support for such assessments.
DYRK1B mutations associated with metabolic syndrome impair the chaperone-dependent maturation of the kinase domain
Authors: Abu Jhaisha Samira , Widowati Esti W. , Kii Isao , Sonamoto Rie , Knapp Stefan , Papadopoulos Chrisovalantis , Becker Walter 
Published: July 2017

AbstractTwo missense mutations of the DYRK1B gene have recently been found to co-segregate with a rare autosomal-dominant form of metabolic syndrome. This gene encodes a member of the DYRK family of protein kinases, which depend on tyrosine autophosphorylation to acquire the catalytically active conformation. The mutations (H90P and R102C) affect a structural element named DYRK homology (DH) box and did not directly interfere with the conformation of the catalytic domain in a structural model of DYRK1B. Cellular assays showed that the mutations did not alter the specific activity of mature kinase molecules. However, a significant part of the mutant DYRK1B protein accumulated in detergent-insoluble cytoplasmic aggregates and was underphosphorylated on tyrosine. The mutant DYRK1B variants were more vulnerable to the HSP90 inhibitor ganetespib and showed enhanced binding to the co-chaperone CDC37 as compared to wild type DYRK1B. These results support the hypothesis that the mutations in the DH box interfere with the maturation of DYRK1B by tyrosine autophosphorylation and compromise the conformational stability of the catalytic domain, which renders the kinase susceptible to misfolding.
Tumor-Derived Exosomes Induce the Formation of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps: Implications For The Establishment of Cancer-Associated Thrombosis
Authors: Leal Ana C. , Mizurini Daniella M. , Gomes Tainá , Rochael Natalia C. , Saraiva Elvira M. , Dias Marcos S. , Werneck Claudio C. , Sielski Micheli S. , Vicente Cristina P. , Monteiro Robson Q. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractCancer patients are at an increased risk of developing thromboembolic complications. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain cancer-associated thrombosis including the release of tumor-derived extracellular vesicles and the activation of host vascular cells. It was proposed that neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) contribute to the prothrombotic phenotype in cancer. In this study, we evaluated the possible cooperation between tumor-derived exosomes and NETs in cancer-associated thrombosis. Female BALB/c mice were orthotopically injected with 4T1 breast cancer cells. The tumor-bearing animals exhibited increased levels of plasma DNA and myeloperoxidase in addition to significantly increased numbers of circulating neutrophils. Mice were subjected to either Rose Bengal/laser-induced venous thrombosis or ferric chloride-induced arterial thrombosis models. The tumor-bearing mice exhibited accelerated thrombus formation in both models compared to tumor-free animals. Treatment with recombinant human DNase 1 reversed the prothrombotic phenotype of tumor-bearing mice in both models. Remarkably, 4T1-derived exosomes induced NET formation in neutrophils from mice treated with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). In addition, tumor-derived exosomes interacted with NETs under static conditions. Accordingly, the intravenous administration of 4T1-derived exosomes into G-CSF-treated mice significantly accelerated venous thrombosis in vivo. Taken together, our observations suggest that tumor-derived exosomes and neutrophils may act cooperatively in the establishment of cancer-associated thrombosis.
Limbal stromal cells derived from porcine tissue demonstrate mesenchymal characteristics in vitro
Authors: Fernández-Pérez Julia , Binner Marcus , Werner Carsten , Bray Laura J. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractLimbal stromal cells (LSCs) from the human ocular surface display mesenchymal stromal cell characteristics in vitro. In this study, we isolated cells from the porcine limbal stroma (pLSCs), characterised them, and evaluated their ability to support angiogenesis and the culture of porcine limbal epithelial stem cells (pLESCs). The isolated cells adhered to plastic and grew in monolayers in vitro using serum-supplemented or serum-free medium. The pLSCs demonstrated expression of CD29, and cross-reactivity with anti-human CD45, CD90, CD105, CD146, and HLA-ABC. However, expression of CD105, CD146 and HLA-ABC reduced when cultured in serum-free medium. PLSCs did not undergo adipogenic or osteogenic differentiation, but differentiated towards the chondrogenic lineage. Isolated cells were also co-cultured with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in star-shaped Poly(ethylene glycol) (starPEG)-heparin hydrogels to assess their pericyte capacity which supported angiogenesis networks of HUVECs. PLSCs supported the three dimensional HUVEC network for 7 days. The isolated cells were further growth-arrested and evaluated as feeder cells for pLESC expansion on silk fibroin membranes, as a potential carrier material for transplantation. PLSCs supported the growth of pLESCs comparably to murine 3T3 cells. In conclusion, although pLSCs were not completely comparable to their human counterpart, they display several mesenchymal-like characteristics in vitro.
Realisation of topological zero-energy mode in bilayer graphene in zero magnetic field
Authors: Lee Janghee , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Lee Hu-Jong 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBilayer graphene (BLG) gapped by a vertical electric field represents a valley-symmetry-protected topological insulating state. Emergence of a new topological zero-energy mode has been proposed in BLG at a boundary between regions of inverted band gaps induced by two oppositely polarized vertical electric fields. However, its realisation has been challenged by the enormous difficulty in arranging two pairs of accurately aligned split gates on the top and bottom surfaces of clean BLG. Here we report realisation of the topological zero-energy mode in ballistic BLG, with zero-bias differential conductance close to the ideal value of 4 e2/h (e is the electron charge and h is Planck’s constant) along a boundary channel between a pair of gate-defined inverted band gaps. This constitutes the bona fide electrical-gate-tuned generation of a valley-symmetry-protected topological boundary conducting channel in BLG in zero magnetic field, which is essential to valleytronics applications of BLG.
Fast switching cholesteric liquid crystal optical beam deflector with polarization independence
Authors: Shang Xiaobing , Meeus Laurens , Cuypers Dieter , De Smet Herbert 
Published: July 2017

AbstractOptical beam deflectors based on the combination of cholesteric liquid crystals and polymer micro gratings are reported. Dual frequency cholesteric liquid crystal (DFCh-LC) is adopted to accelerate the switching from the homeotropic state back to the planar state. Polarization independent beam steering components are realized whose transmission versus the polarizing angle only varies 4.4% and 2.6% for the planar state and the homeotropic state, respectively. A response time of 451 ms is achieved for DFCh-LC-grating beam deflectors, which is fast compared to other nematic LC beam steerers with similar LC thickness.
Platelet behaviour on von Willebrand Factor changes in pregnancy: Consequences of haemodilution and intrinsic changes in platelet function
Authors: Cowman Jonathan , Müllers Sieglinde , Dunne Eimear , Ralph Adam , Ricco Antonio J. , Malone Fergal. D. , Kenny Dermot 
Published: July 2017

AbstractPlatelet function in pregnancy is poorly understood. Previous studies of platelet function in pregnancy have used non-physiological assays of platelet function with conflicting results. This study using a physiological assay of platelet function investigated platelet interactions with von Willebrand Factor (VWF) in blood from healthy pregnant women and healthy non-pregnant controls. Blood samples (200 µl) from third-trimester pregnancies (n = 21) and non-pregnant controls (n = 21) were perfused through custom-made parallel-plate flow chambers coated with VWF under arterial shear (1,500 s−1). Multi-parameter measurements of platelet interactions with the immobilized VWF surface were recorded by digital-image microscopy and analysed using custom-designed platelet-tracking software. Platelet interactions with VWF decreased in healthy third-trimester pregnant participants relative to controls. This effect is most likely due to haemodilution which occurs physiologically during pregnancy. Interestingly, platelets in blood from pregnant participants translocated more slowly on VWF under arterial-shear conditions. These decreases in platelet translocation speed were independent of haemodilution, suggesting intrinsic changes in platelet function with pregnancy.
Sub-national mapping of population pyramids and dependency ratios in Africa and Asia
Authors: Pezzulo Carla , Hornby Graeme M. , Sorichetta Alessandro , Gaughan Andrea E. , Linard Catherine , Bird Tomas J. , Kerr David , Lloyd Christopher T. , Tatem Andrew J. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe age group composition of populations varies substantially across continents and within countries, and is linked to levels of development, health status and poverty. The subnational variability in the shape of the population pyramid as well as the respective dependency ratio are reflective of the different levels of development of a country and are drivers for a country’s economic prospects and health burdens. Whether measured as the ratio between those of working age and those young and old who are dependent upon them, or through separate young and old-age metrics, dependency ratios are often highly heterogeneous between and within countries. Assessments of subnational dependency ratio and age structure patterns have been undertaken for specific countries and across high income regions, but to a lesser extent across the low income regions. In the framework of the WorldPop Project, through the assembly of over 100 million records across 6,389 subnational administrative units, subnational dependency ratio and high resolution gridded age/sex group datasets were produced for 87 countries in Africa and Asia.
Novel compact ultra‐wideband bandpass filter based on vialess vertical CPW/microstrip transitions
Authors: Guo Zhenyu , Yang Tao 
Published: July 2017

A novel compact ultra‐wideband (UWB) bandpass filter based on vialess vertical coplanar waveguide (CPW)/microstrip transitions is proposed, designed, fabricated and measured. The represented filter consists of two back‐to‐back hybrid microstrip/slotline transitions derived from the microstrip to CPW. Due to this coupling configuration, a smooth UWB passband response with an insertion loss <0.85 dB is achieved. Moreover, two transmission zeros at lower and upper passband edges are introduced to provide sharp selectivity. For verification, a prototype is fabricated and measured. The simulated results are in good agreement with the measured one.
Role of Anterolateral Thigh Flaps in Distal Lower Extremity Reconstruction: Assessment of Functionality, Aesthetics, and Patient Satisfaction
Authors: Trostler Michael , Shih Johnathan , Klein Gabriel , Dagum Alexander , Bui Duc , Gelfand Mark 
Published: July 2017

Background Distal lower extremity reconstruction presents many challenges due to the suboptimal vascular supply, the weight-bearing necessity, movement, and multiple tissue types that can be easily damaged by trauma, from bones, tendons, ligaments, muscle, and soft tissue loss. The anterolateral thigh flap provides a reconstructive option for large defects with good coverage and minimal donor-site morbidity.
Methods After a chart review of all anterolateral thigh flaps, the patients were contacted to take a survey regarding their satisfaction and functional ability and to meet for measurements of their feet after debulking procedures.
Results A total of 13 patients were included in the study, with traumatic injuries comprising 84% of cases. There was a significant difference in sizes of the midfoot (mean: 10.27 vs. 9.53, p = 0.004) and the hindfoot (mean: 12.92 vs. 12.2, p = 0.023) when comparing the affected side to the unaffected side. The majority, 77%, of our patients underwent debulking procedures. Overall, 75% of traumatic injury patients had > 90% maximum functionality score. All posttraumatic reconstruction results were rated satisfied to very satisfied by the patients. All posttraumatic patients were able to walk after their procedures, although three patients did require custom-made shoes with inserts or braces.
Conclusion The anterolateral thigh flap is a versatile reconstructive option that can be used in the distal lower extremity and is especially useful after a traumatic injury as it allows for functional recovery and high patient satisfaction after debulking.
Pain Control in Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Elmallah Randa , Chughtai Morad , Khlopas Anton , Newman Jared , Stearns Kim , Roche Martin , Kelly Michael , Harwin Steven , Mont Michael 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAs surgical techniques and pharmacology advance, the management of postoperative pain in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) continues to evolve. The current standards of care are composed of multimodal pain management including opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and gabapentinoids, peripheral nerve blocks, and periarticular injections. Newer modalities are composed of delayed release local anesthetics and cryoneurolysis. To summarize the current evidence-based treatment modalities and forecast changes in the management of patients having TKAs, we reviewed available data on: (1) oral analgesics; (2) periarticular injections; (3) peripheral nerve blocks; (4) multimodal regimens; and (5) newer modalities in post-TKA pain management. Multimodal analgesic regimens that target numerous pain pathways may provide the best pain management, rehabilitation, patient satisfaction, and reduce opioid use and related side effects. Periarticular injections of delayed-release local anesthetics may further enhance pain management.
Advanced Techniques and Applications in Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy for Pediatric Patients
Authors: Tamrazi Benita 
Published: July 2017

AbstractMagnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is a noninvasive tool that is often used in conjunction with conventional MR imaging to acquire information regarding the biochemistry of tissue. In pediatric patients, the traditional clinical application of MRS was in the preoperative diagnostic workup of brain tumors. In recent years with the boom of molecular testing, MRS application for tumor evaluation is becoming more advanced, now potentially serving as a biomarker for molecular subgroup classification. This article will review MRS techniques as well as clinical applications, both conventional and more advanced applications in the pediatric population including tumor assessment, hypoxic-ischemic injury, abusive head injury, and autism.