bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of intraretinal migration of retinal pigment epithelial cells in age-related macular degeneration using polarimetric imaging
Authors: Miura Masahiro , Makita Shuichi , Sugiyama Satoshi , Hong Young-Joo , Yasuno Yoshiaki , Elsner Ann E. , Tamiya Shigeo , Tsukahara Rintaro , Iwasaki Takuya , Goto Hiroshi 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe purpose of the present study was to evaluate the intraretinal migration of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) using polarimetry. We evaluated 155 eyes at various AMD stages. Depolarized light images were computed using a polarization-sensitive scanning laser ophthalmoscope (PS-SLO), and the degree of polarization uniformity was calculated using polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (OCT). Each polarimetry image was compared with the corresponding autofluorescence (AF) images at 488 nm (SW-AF) and at 787 nm (NIR-AF). Intraretinal RPE migration was defined by the presence of depolarization at intraretinal hyperreflective foci on PS-SLO and PS-OCT images, and by the presence of hyper-AF on both NIR-AF and SW-AF images. RPE migration was detected in 52 of 155 eyes (33.5%) and was observed in drusenoid pigment epithelial detachment (PED) and serous PED with significantly higher frequencies than in other groups (P = 0.015). The volume of the migrated RPE cluster in serous PED was significantly correlated with the volume of the PED (R2 = 0.26; P = 0.011). Overall, our results showed that intraretinal RPE migrations occurred in various AMD stages, and that they occurred more commonly in eyes with serous and drusenoid PED.
The ModA2 Phasevarion of nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae Regulates Resistance to Oxidative Stress and Killing by Human Neutrophils
Authors: Brockman Kenneth L. , Branstool M. Taylor , Atack John M. , Robledo-Avila Frank , Partida-Sanchez Santiago , Jennings Michael P. , Bakaletz Lauren O. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractNontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHI) is the causative agent of multiple respiratory tract infections. Several human pathogens, including NTHI, possess a novel genetic system, termed the phasevarion, which mediates a rapid and reversible change in the expression of many genes throughout the chromosome. This occurs by phase variation of a single gene (modA) that encodes a DNA methyltransferase and results in two phenotypically distinct subpopulations, ON and OFF. NTHI encounters many pressures within the various microenvironments of its human host as the disease course evolves from one of asymptomatic nasopharyngeal carriage to overt disease. These include oxidative stresses, which are present throughout the respiratory tract. To persist in the human nasopharynx and as a pathogen throughout the airways, NTHI must be able to mitigate toxic levels of oxidative stress. Here we show that expression of ModA2, modA2 ON status, resulted in increased sensitivity to oxidative stress. Furthermore, the modA2 ON status resulted in decreased resistance to neutrophil-mediated killing, which resulted in selection for the modA2 OFF subpopulation in an ex vivo survival assay. These findings highlight the importance of the ModA2 phasevarion in adaptation to innate host defences and reveal an additional microenvironmental pressure that selected for a specific ModA2 subpopulation.
Topological Phase Transition in Single Crystals of (Cd1−xZnx)3As2
Authors: Lu Hong , Zhang Xiao , Bian Yi , Jia Shuang 
Published: June 2017

AbstractSingle crystals of (Cd1−xZnx)3As2 were synthesized from high-temperature solutions and characterized in terms of their structural and electrical properties. Based on the measurements of resistivity and Hall signals, we revealed a chemical-doping-controlled transition from a three-dimensional Dirac semimetal to a semiconductor with a critical point xc ~ 0.38. We observed structural transitions from a body-center tetragonal phase to a primitive tetragonal phase then back to a body-center tetragonal phase in the solid solutions as well, which are irrelevant to the topological phase transition. This continuously tunable system controlled by chemical doping provides a platform for investigating the topological quantum phase transition of three-dimensional Dirac electrons.
Global gene expression defines faded whorl specification of double flower domestication in Camellia
Authors: Li Xinlei , Li Jiyuan , Fan Zhengqi , Liu Zhongchi , Tanaka Takayuki , Yin Hengfu 
Published: June 2017

AbstractDouble flowers in cultivated camellias are divergent in floral patterns which present a rich resource for demonstrating molecular modifications influenced by the human demands. Despite the key principle of ABCE model in whorl specification, the underlying mechanism of fine-tuning double flower formation remains largely unclear. Here a comprehensive comparative transcriptomics interrogation of gene expression among floral organs of wild type and “formal double” and “anemone double” is presented. Through a combination of transcriptome, small RNA and “degradome” sequencing, we studied the regulatory gene expression network underlying the double flower formation. We obtained the differentially expressed genes between whorls in wild and cultivated Camellia. We showed that the formation of double flowers tends to demolish gene expression canalization of key functions; the faded whorl specification mechanism was fundamental under the diverse patterns of double flowers. Furthermore, we identified conserved miRNA-targets regulations in the control of double flowers, and we found that miR172-AP2, miR156-SPLs were critical regulatory nodes contributing to the diversity of double flower forms. This work highlights the hierarchical patterning of global gene expression in floral development, and supports the roles of “faded ABC model” mechanism and miRNA-targets regulations underlying the double flower domestication.
Assessment of local treatment modalities for FIGO stage IB-IIB cervical cancer: A propensity-score matched analysis based on SEER database
Authors: Song Xing , Han Yang , Shao Yingjie , Gu Wendong , Pei Honglei , Jiang Jingting 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the impact of local treatment modalities on the survival of patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IB-IIB cervical cancer, including cancer-directed surgery (CDS) alone and CDS combined with radiotherapy (RT). A total of 8,357 patients with cervical cancer between 1988 and 2013 were included in the final study cohort, including 4,298 (51.4%) patients who underwent CDS alone and 4,059 (48.6%) patients who received combination therapy. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that local treatment modalities were prognostic factors for cause-specific survival (CSS). Patients who received combination therapy had worse CSS (HR = 1.38; 95% CI = 1.20–1.59; P < 0.001). Subgroup analyses showed the prognostic effect of local treatment modalities was significantly influenced by FIGO stage. In the propensity-score matched (PSM) dataset, CDS was associated with better CSS (P < 0.001) for patients with IB-IIA cervical cancer; nevertheless, no differences were observed in CSS (P = 0.639) for patients with IIB cervical cancer. In conclusion, radical surgery was the preferred treatment for patients with IB-IIA cervical cancer, and there was no difference between radical surgery alone and combination therapy for patients with IIB cervical cancer.
Alterations in the inflammatory cytokines and brain-derived neurotrophic factor contribute to depression-like phenotype after spared nerve injury: improvement by ketamine
Authors: Xie Ze-Min , Wang Xing-Ming , Xu Ning , Wang Jing , Pan Wei , Tang Xiao-Hui , Zhou Zhi-Qiang , Hashimoto Kenji , Yang Jian-Jun 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAlthough pain is frequently accompanied with depression, little is known about the risk factors contributing to individual differences to the comorbidity of pain and depression. In this study, we examined whether cytokines and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) might contribute to the individual differences in the development of neuropathic pain-induced depression. Rats were randomly subjected to spared nerved ligation (SNI) or sham surgery. The SNI rats were divided into two groups by the data from depression-related behavioral tests. Rats with depression-like phenotype displayed higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6) as well as imbalance of pro/anti-inflammatory cytokines compared with rats without depression-like phenotype and sham-operated rats. Levels of BDNF in the prefrontal cortex of rats with depression-like phenotype were lower than those of rats without depression-like phenotype and sham-operated rats. A single dose of ketamine ameliorated depression-like behaviors in the rats with depression-like phenotype. Interestingly, higher serum levels of IL-1β and IL-6 in the rat with depression-like phenotype were normalized after a single dose of ketamine. These findings suggest that alterations in the inflammatory cytokines and BDNF might contribute to neuropathic pain-induced depression, and that serum cytokines may be predictable biomarkers for ketamine’s antidepressant actions.
Unique copper and reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite toward the efficient electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide
Authors: Hossain M. Nur , Wen Jiali , Chen Aicheng 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe electrochemical reduction of CO2 to useful chemicals and fuels has garnered a keen and broad interest. Herein, we report a unique nanocomposite consisting of Cu nanoparticles (NPs) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) supported on a Cu substrate with a high catalytic activity for CO2 reduction. The nanocomposite was optimized in terms of the composition of Cu NPs and rGO as well as the overall amount. A gas chromatograph was employed to analyze the gaseous products, whereas a chemical oxygen demand (COD) method was proposed and utilized to quantify the overall liquid products. The optimized nanocomposite could effectively reduce CO2 to CO, HCOOH and CH4 with a Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 76.6% at −0.4 V (vs. RHE) in a CO2 saturated NaHCO3 solution. The remarkable catalytic activity, high FE, and excellent stability make this Cu-rGO nanocomposite promising for the electrochemical reduction of CO2 to value-added products to address the pressing environmental and energy challenges.
Overexpression of RASD1 inhibits glioma cell migration/invasion and inactivates the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Gao Shangfeng , Jin Lei , Liu Guangping , Wang Peng , Sun Zonghan , Cao Yujia , Shi Hengliang , Liu Xuejiao , Shi Qiong , Zhou Xiuping , Yu Rutong 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe RAS signaling pathway is hyperactive in malignant glioma due to overexpression and/or increased activity. A previous study identified that RASD1, a member of the RAS superfamily of small G-proteins, is a significantly dysregulated gene in oligodendroglial tumors that responded to chemotherapy. However, the role and mechanism of RASD1 in the progression of human glioma remain largely unknown. In the present study, by analyzing a public genomics database, we found that high levels of RASD1 predicted good survival of astrocytoma patients. We thus established lentivirus-mediated RASD1-overexpressing glioma cells and found that overexpressing RASD1 had no significant effects on glioma cell proliferation. However, the overexpression of RASD1 inhibited glioma cell migration and invasion. In the intracranial glioma xenograft model, the overexpression of RASD1 significantly reduced the number of tumor cells invading into the surrounding tissues without affecting the tumor size. An intracellular signaling array revealed that the phosphorylation of both AKT and the S6 ribosomal protein significantly decreased with RASD1 overexpression in glioma cells. Interestingly, RASD1 protein levels were significantly higher in grade II and grade III astrocytoma tissues than in nontumorous brain tissues. These findings suggest that the upregulation of RASD1 in glioma tissues may play an inhibitory role in tumor expansion, possibly through inactivating the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.
Influence of W substitution on crystal structure, phase evolution and microwave dielectric properties of (Na0.5Bi0.5)MoO4 ceramics with low sintering temperature
Authors: Pang Li-Xia , Zhou Di , Qi Ze-Ming , Yue Zhen-Xing 
Published: June 2017

AbstractIn this work, the (Na0.5Bi0.5)(Mo1−xWx)O4 (x = 0.0, 0.5 and 1.0) ceramics were prepared via solid state reaction method. All the samples can be well densified at sintering temperature about ~720 °C. Dense and homogeneous microstructure with grain size lying between 2~8 μm can be observed from scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Microwave dielectric permittivity of the (Na0.5Bi0.5)(Mo0.5W0.5)O4 ceramic was found to be temperature-independent in a wide range between 25~120 °C with a temperature coefficient of frequency (TCF) ~−6 ppm/°C, a permittivity ~28.9, and Qf values 12,000~14,000 GHz. Crystal structure was refined using Rietveld method and lattice parameters are a = b = 5.281 (5) Å and c = 11.550 (6) Å with a space group I 41/a (88). The (Na0.5Bi0.5)(Mo1−xWx)O4 ceramics might be good candidate for low temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) technology.
Induction of sirtuin-1 signaling by resveratrol induces human chondrosarcoma cell apoptosis and exhibits antitumor activity
Authors: Chao Sung-Chuan , Chen Ying-Ju , Huang Kuo-How , Kuo Kuan-Lin , Yang Ting-Hua , Huang Kuo-Yuan , Wang Ching-Chia , Tang Chih-Hsin , Yang Rong-Sen , Liu Shing-Hwa 
Published: June 2017

AbstractChondrosarcoma is a malignant primary bone tumor. Sirtuin-1 (SIRT1), which is a member of sirtuin family, plays a dual role either in cancer promotion or suppression. There is no report about the role of SIRT1 in the human chondrosarcoma cells. Resveratrol is a potent activator of SIRT1. However, its effects on chondrosarcoma have not been extensively studied. Here, we investigated the role of SIRT1 induction by resveratrol in human chondrosarcoma cell growth and tumor progression. Resveratrol significantly decreased cell viability and induced cell apoptosis in human chondrosarcoma cells in a dose-dependent manner. The protein expression and activity of SIRT1 were activated after treatment with resveratrol. Resveratrol significantly inhibited NF-κB signaling by deacetylating the p65 subunit of NF-κB complex, which could be reversed by siRNA-SIRT1 transfection or deacetylation inhibitor MS-275. Resveratrol induced-apoptosis involved a caspase-3-mediated mechanism. Both siRNA-SIRT1 transfection and MS-275 significantly inhibited the resveratrol-induced caspase-3 cleavage and activity in human chondrosarcoma cells. Moreover, in vivo chondrosarcoma xenograft study revealed a dramatic reduction in tumor volume and the increased SIRT1 and cleaved caspase-3 expressions in tumors by resveratrol treatment. These results suggest that resveratrol induces chondrosarcoma cell apoptosis via a SIRT1-activated NF-κB deacetylation and exhibits anti-chondrosarcoma activity in vivo.
Indocyanine Green Fluorescence to Evaluate Nasoseptal Flap Viability in Endoscopic Endonasal Cranial Base Surgery
Authors: Kerr Edward , Jamshidi Ali , Carrau Ricardo , Campbell Raewyn , Filho Leo , Otto Bradley , Prevedello Daniel 
Published: June 2017

Objectives The pedicled nasoseptal flap (NSF) has dramatically reduced postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage following endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) surgery. Although rare, its arterial supply may be damaged during harvest or may be preoperatively damaged for numerous reasons. Early recognition permits harvesting a contralateral flap before sacrificing its pedicle as part of the surgical exposure or use of an alternative flap.
Design Technical feasibility study and case series.
Setting Tertiary care university-associated medical center.
Participants Five patients requiring an EEA with NSF reconstruction.
Main Outcome Measures During NSF harvest, intravenous indocyanine green (IVICG) was administered, and a customized endoscopic system was used to visualize the emerging fluorescence. At the end of each case, just before final positioning of the NSF, additional IVICG was administered, and the custom endoscope was again introduced to evaluate fluorescence.
Results In four patients, the entire NSF fluoresced brightly with IVICG on initial harvest and before final positioning. One patient showed heterogeneous fluorescence of the pedicle and distal parts of the NSF at both stages. All NSFs healed well without complication.
Conclusion IVICG facilitates real-time evaluation NSF's arterial supply. This may provide early recognition of arterial compromise, allowing the harvest of alternate flaps or modification of surgery.
Midterm Results of a Minimally Invasive Approach in David Procedure
Authors: Risteski Petar , Miskovic Aleksandra , Moritz Anton , Zierer Andreas , Monsefi Nadejda 
Published: June 2017

Background The David procedure is a well-known technique in selected patients with aortic root pathology. A minimally invasive approach in heart surgery increases open interest.
Methods From 1991 to 2015, the David technique was performed in 296 patients in our unit. In 90 cases, operations were performed through partial upper sternotomy. The patient mean age was 57 ± 14 years in the minimally invasive group (n = 90) and 58 ± 14 years in the complete sternotomy group (n = 206; p = 0.2). The neosinus modification was performed in 80 patients (89%) in the minimally invasive group and in 79 patients (38%) in the complete sternotomy group (p < 0.01). Mean follow-up was 3 ± 2 years in the minimally invasive group and 8 ± 4 years in the complete sternotomy group.
Results Thirty-day mortality was zero in the minimally invasive group and was 3% (n = 6) in the complete sternotomy group (p = 0.1). The need for packed red blood cells was significantly lower in the minimally invasive group (1.6 ± 3 U) than in the complete sternotomy group (3.7 ± 6 U; p < 0.01). Thirty late deaths (2% per patient-year) were observed in the complete sternotomy group versus zero in the minimally invasive group (p < 0.01). One patient (0.5% per patient-year) in the minimally invasive group and 12 patients (0.8% per patient-year) in the complete sternotomy group required reoperation in the follow-up period (p = 0.05).
Conclusions Minimally invasive David technique for patients with ascending aortic aneurysm and aortic valve insufficiency offers a good solution with low perioperative blood transfusion rate. Our midterm results show low valve-related complications and reoperation rate. However, long-term follow-up of the minimally invasive group is necessary.
Another Case of Glucose Transporter 1 Deficiency Syndrome with Periventricular Calcification, Cataracts, Hemolysis, and Pseudohyperkalemia
Authors: Kobayashi Katsuhiro , Yoshinaga Harumi , Ono Hiroaki , Shinpo Michiko , Kagitani-Shimono Kuriko , Shibata Takashi 
Published: June 2017

AbstractGlucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) deficiency syndrome (GLUT1DS) is a disorder resulting from shortage of energy in the brain caused by reduced GLUT1 activity. Its common clinical symptoms include seizures, microcephaly, intellectual disability, abnormal ocular movements, ataxia, and dystonia. We report a case of GLUT1DS with unusual symptoms, including periventricular calcification. The patient is a Japanese girl, whose seizures had always evolved into status epilepticus since she was 4 months old. She also had cataracts and horizontal nystagmus. Neuroimaging studies showed periventricular calcification and brain atrophy. Laboratory data revealed pseudohyperkalemia, reticulocyte increase, and hypoglycorrhachia. A mutation of c1306_1308delATC (p.Ile436del) was identified in the SLC2A1 gene, and she was thus diagnosed with GLUT1DS. A case with the identical SLC2A1 gene mutation and similar clinical findings was previously reported by Bawazir et al (2012). The leak of monovalent cations through the red cell membrane causes hemolysis in such patients, and a similar phenomenon may occur at the blood–brain barrier and the lens epithelium. After commencing ketogenic diet therapy, the electroencephalogram (EEG) abnormalities improved markedly and the patient's development advanced. Clinicians should be aware of atypical GLUT1DS.
Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System Classification of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Implications for Clinical Management
Authors: Borofsky Samuel , Karajgikar Jay , Roth Christopher , Deshmukh Sandeep 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAs the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) continues to increase worldwide, the role imaging plays in management continues to gain clinical importance. Multiple entry points exist for patients in the scheme of diagnosis and treatment of HCC and non-HCC malignancies. Further complicating this scheme is the lack of standardization in the language used for diagnostic imaging and management recommendations. The Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) was created to improve communication between clinicians and management teams. LI-RADS serves to standardize reports, improving physician satisfaction and aiding in management decisions across the continuum of care of these patients. Furthermore, LI-RADS provides technical specifications across multiple imaging modalities for screening and follow-up examinations, with the end goal of curing the disease or prolonging survival. In this review, the LI-RADS algorithm will be expanded upon, as well as its utility for various treatment options using the standardized LI-RADS lexicon. Additionally, pitfalls and non-HCC malignancies will also be addressed with resultant improvement in reproducibility of radiology reports that guide therapeutic management.
Genetics of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Risk Stratification, Clinical Outcome, and Implications for Therapy
Authors: Labgaa Ismail , Torrecilla Sara , Martinez-Quetglas Iris , Sia Daniela 
Published: June 2017

AbstractHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of primary liver cancer, is a highly heterogeneous disease with a dismal prognosis. During the last decade, significant efforts to elucidate the genetic background of HCC have led to the identification of the major genomic aberrations driving the disease. Nonetheless, only few of them (∼30%) are currently amenable for treatment. Two clear-cut gene expression based HCC molecular classes, namely “proliferation” and “nonproliferation,” have been described. The “proliferation” class is characterized by enrichment in poor prognostic signatures, a more aggressive phenotype, and poorer outcome. In addition, exposure-specific mutational patterns have been identified (smoking, alcohol, aflatoxin B, etc.), whereas molecular signatures from the surrounding cirrhotic liver and single nucleotide polymorphisms have been linked with HCC occurrence. Despite such advances, no molecular biomarker has yet been incorporated in clinical decision-making. In this review, the authors summarize the most recent molecular findings in HCC pointing toward prospects for translating this knowledge into specific clinical interventions.