bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-term left ventricular remodelling after revascularisation for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction as assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Hassell Mariella ECJ , Vlastra Wieneke , Robbers Lourens , Hirsch Alexander , Nijveldt Robin , Tijssen Jan GP , van Rossum Albert C , Zijlstra Felix , Piek Jan J , Delewi Ronak 
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveLeft ventricular remodelling following a ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) is an adaptive response to maintain the cardiac output despite myocardial tissue loss. Limited studies have evaluated long term ventricular function using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) after STEMI.MethodsStudy population consisted of 155 primary percutaneous coronary intervention treated first STEMI patients. CMR was performed at 4±2 days, 4 months and 24 months follow-up. Patients were treated with beta-blockers, ACE-inhibitors or AT-II- inhibitors, statins and dual antiplatelet according to current international guidelines.ResultsMean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at baseline was 44%±8%. Twenty-one per cent of the study population had an increase of more than 5.0% after 4 months of follow-up and 21% of the cohort had a decrease of more than 5.0%. Patients with long-term LVEF deterioration have significantly larger end-systolic volumes than patients with improvement of LVEF (61±23 mL/m2compared with 52±21 mL/m2, p=0.02) and less wall thickening in the remote zone. Patients with LVEF improvement had significantly greater improvement in wall thickening in the infarct areas and in the non-infarct or remote zone.ConclusionContrary to previous studies, we demonstrate that myocardial remodelling after STEMI is a long-term process. Long-term LVEF deterioration is characterised by an increase in end-systolic volume and less wall thickening in the remote zones. Patients with LVEF improvement exhibit an increase in left ventricular wall thickening both in the infarct as well as in the remote zones.Trial registrationThe HEBE study is registered in The Netherlands Trial Register #NTR166 (www.trialregister.nl) and the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial, #ISRCTN95796863(https://c-d-qn9pqajji.sec.amc.nl).
Novel surface treatment for natural fiber composites
Authors: Zhang Wendy , Yuan Xiaowen 
Published: May 2017

Poly(lactide) (PLA) — flax fibers stereocomplex composites were prepared by casting commercial poly(L-lactide) (PLA) and flax-g-poly(D-lactide) (flax-g-PDLA), where flax-g-PDLA was synthesized via ring-opening polymerization. Successful surface grafting was revealed by Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy, wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies. DSC results showed that stereocomplex crystallites formed between the PLA matrix and flax-g-PDLA, resulting in good fiber/PLA interfacial adhesion.
A BIVALENT INACTIVATED VACCINE OF VIRAL NERVOUS NECROSIS VIRUS AND GROUPER IRIDOVIRUS APPLIED TO GROUPER BROODFISH (EPINEPHELUS COIOIDES) REDUCES THE RISK OF VERTICAL TRANSMISSION
Authors: Huang Sue-Min , Cheng Jin-Hua , Tu Chien , Chen Tzyy-Ing , Lin Chun-Ta , Chang Shao-Kuang 
Published: May 2017

Forty-one broodfish of orange-spotted groupers (Epinephelus coioides) were selected to evaluate the effectiveness of a viral nervous necrosis virus (VNNV) and grouper iridovirus (GIV) inactivated bivalent vaccine in grouper broodfish. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis showed that a detection rate of 10.5% (2/19) was found in egg specimens of VNNV and GIV, which carried approximately 1780 copies of GIV viral DNA in the egg specimens from broodfish before vaccination. This confirmed the vertical transmission route of GIV in broodfish. A significant increase of the anti-VNNV serum antibody titer was more than 50% in the high titer level (1:1810 to 1:5120) and 45% in the moderate titer level (1:452 to 1:1280), which were higher than those of the anti-GIV display, with 50% (10/20) in a titer of 1:57 to 1:320 and 40% (8/20) in a titer of 1:452 to 1:1280 one month after the vaccination. This result showed that the VNNV is a highly antigenic virus and can effectively induce neutralizing antibodies better than GIV. In addition, the VNNV and GIV viral copy numbers were 97.1 and 1780 copies per [Formula: see text]g host egg DNA from the broodfish before vaccination, respectively. One month after the vaccination, the viral genomes of VNNV and GIV were undetectable in egg specimens. The results show that immunization can induce the production of specific protective neutralizing antibodies, and the infective antigens can thereby be eliminated by the immunity. The results demonstrate that the specific antibodies of GIV and VNNV induced by vaccination can reduce the risk of vertical transmission of VNNV and GIV in grouper broodfish.
Chimeric PD-1:28 Receptor Upgrades Low-Avidity T cells and Restores Effector Function of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes for Adoptive Cell Therapy
Authors: Schlenker Ramona , Olguín-Contreras Luis Felipe , Leisegang Matthias , Schnappinger Julia , Disovic Anja , Rühland Svenja , Nelson Peter J. , Leonhardt Heinrich , Harz Hartmann , Wilde Susanne , Schendel Dolores J. , Uckert Wolfgang , Willimsky Gerald , Noessner Elfriede 
Published: May 2017

AbstractInherent intermediate- to low-affinity T-cell receptors (TCR) that develop during the natural course of immune responses may not allow sufficient activation for tumor elimination, making the majority of T cells suboptimal for adoptive T-cell therapy (ATT). TCR affinity enhancement has been implemented to provide stronger T-cell activity but carries the risk of creating undesired cross-reactivity leading to potential serious adverse effects in clinical application. We demonstrate here that engineering of low-avidity T cells recognizing a naturally processed and presented tumor-associated antigen with a chimeric PD-1:28 receptor increases effector function to levels seen with high-avidity T cells of identical specificity. Upgrading the function of low-avidity T cells without changing the TCR affinity will allow a large arsenal of low-avidity T cells previously thought to be therapeutically inefficient to be considered for ATT. PD-1:28 engineering reinstated Th1 function in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes that had been functionally disabled in the human renal cell carcinoma environment without unleashing undesired Th2 cytokines or IL10. Involved mechanisms may be correlated to restoration of ERK and AKT signaling pathways. In mouse tumor models of ATT, PD-1:28 engineering enabled low-avidity T cells to proliferate stronger and prevented PD-L1 upregulation and Th2 polarization in the tumor milieu. Engineered T cells combined with checkpoint blockade secreted significantly more IFNγ compared with T cells without PD-1:28, suggesting a beneficial combination with checkpoint blockade therapy or other therapeutic strategies. Altogether, the supportive effects of PD-1:28 engineering on T-cell function make it an attractive tool for ATT. Cancer Res; 77(13); 3577–90. ©2017 AACR.
Detecting the Presence and Progression of Premalignant Lung Lesions via Airway Gene Expression
Authors: Beane Jennifer , Mazzilli Sarah A. , Tassinari Anna M. , Liu Gang , Zhang Xiaohui , Liu Hanqiao , Buncio Anne Dy , Dhillon Samjot S. , Platero Suso J. , Lenburg Marc E. , Reid Mary E. , Lam Stephen , Spira Avrum E. 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Purpose: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. The molecular events preceding the onset of disease are poorly understood, and no effective tools exist to identify smokers with premalignant lesions (PMLs) that will progress to invasive cancer. Prior work identified molecular alterations in the smoke-exposed airway field of injury associated with lung cancer. Here, we focus on an earlier stage in the disease process leveraging the airway field of injury to study PMLs and its utility in lung cancer chemoprevention.
Experimental Design: Bronchial epithelial cells from normal appearing bronchial mucosa were profiled by mRNA-Seq from subjects with (n = 50) and without (n = 25) PMLs. Using surrogate variable and gene set enrichment analysis, we identified genes, pathways, and lung cancer–related gene sets differentially expressed between subjects with and without PMLs. A computational pipeline was developed to build and test a chemoprevention-relevant biomarker.
Results: We identified 280 genes in the airway field associated with the presence of PMLs. Among the upregulated genes, oxidative phosphorylation was strongly enriched, and IHC and bioenergetics studies confirmed pathway findings in PMLs. The relationship between PMLs and squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) was also confirmed using published lung cancer datasets. The biomarker performed well predicting the presence of PMLs (AUC = 0.92, n = 17), and changes in the biomarker score associated with progression/stability versus regression of PMLs (AUC = 0.75, n = 51).
Conclusions: Transcriptomic alterations in the airway field of smokers with PMLs reflect metabolic and early lung SCC alterations and may be leveraged to stratify smokers at high risk for PML progression and monitor outcome in chemoprevention trials. Clin Cancer Res; 23(17); 5091–100. ©2017 AACR.
miR-196b-5p Regulates Colorectal Cancer Cell Migration and Metastases through Interaction with HOXB7 and GALNT5
Authors: Stiegelbauer Verena , Vychytilova-Faltejskova Petra , Karbiener Michael , Pehserl Anna-Maria , Reicher Andreas , Resel Margit , Heitzer Ellen , Ivan Cristina , Bullock Marc , Ling Hui , Deutsch Alexander , Wulf-Goldenberg Annika , Adiprasito Jan Basri , Stoeger Herbert , Haybaeck Johannes , Svoboda Marek , Stotz Michael , Hoefler Gerald , Slaby Ondrej , Calin George Adrian , Gerger Armin , Pichler Martin 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Purpose: miR-196b-5p has been previously implicated in malignant transformation; however, its role in colorectal cancer has not been fully explored. In this study, we examine the clinical and biological relevance of miR-196b-5p, and the molecular pathways regulated by miR-196b-5p in colorectal cancer.
Experimental Design: miR-196b-5p expression was quantitated by qRT-PCR in 2 independent cohorts composed of 292 patients with colorectal cancer in total, to explore its biomarker potential. Transient and stable gain- and loss-of-function experiments were conducted in a panel of colorectal cancer cell lines and mice, to evaluate the impact of miR-196b-5p on proliferation, chemosensitivity, migration/invasion, and metastases formation in vitro and in vivo. The molecular pathways influenced by miR-196b-5p were characterized using whole transcriptome profiling, in silico target prediction tools, luciferase interaction assays, and phenocopy/rescue gene knockdown experiments.
Results: Low miR-196b-5p expression was significantly associated with metastases and poor outcomes in 2 independent colorectal cancer patient cohorts (P &lt; 0.05, log-rank test). miR-196b-5p inhibition led to significantly increased colorectal cancer cell migration/invasion and metastases formation in mice, whereas ectopic overexpression showed the opposite phenotype. Molecular profiling and target confirmation identified an interaction between miR-196b-5p and HOXB7 and GALNT5, which in turn regulated colorectal cancer cell migration.
Conclusions: The association of low levels of miR-196b-5p and poor prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer can be explained by its influence on cancer cell migration and metastases formation. miR-196b-5p has an impact on colorectal cancer progression pathways through direct interaction with genes involved in cancer cell migration. Clin Cancer Res; 23(17); 5255–66. ©2017 AACR.
A Challenge for the Academic Study of Religion: No Such Thing as ‘Sacred’ Cows, Right?
Authors: Gadsby Blair Alan 
Published: May 2017

AbstractTeaching religion in public education can benefit from the discourse in Religious Studies (rs) around the problem/problemof defining religion. This is nowhere truer than in community college (cc). However, the notion that the term ‘religion’ is of limited value (represented here asproblem) is of not-much-use inccdue to religion’s perceptible nature. It is evident to citizens that there is ‘religion’, and while not-much-clear about it by way ofrsdefinitions, it is anidentifiable and operative category. I cite the incident of Frank Roque the “9/11 Revenge Killer” to show that there is such a category in the minds of the public and utilize Stark and Bainbridge’sA Theory of Religionto focus the discourse beyond theproblemto the pedagogic and heuristic potentials of the problem for educators and ultimately citizens. The challenge forrsis to find ways for its analyses of religions to have a better effect in society. Otherwise, the categorywillbe shaped by other forces as revealed in the words of the murderer regarding his Sikh victim, “I just viewed them all as just hateful Muslims.”
Characterization of human fetal brain endothelial cells reveals barrier properties suitable for in vitro modeling of the BBB with syngenic co-cultures
Authors: Andrews Allison M , Lutton Evan M , Cannella Lee A , Reichenbach Nancy , Razmpour Roshanak , Seasock Matthew J , Kaspin Steven J , Merkel Steven F , Langford Dianne , Persidsky Yuri , Ramirez Servio H 
Published: May 2017

Endothelial cells (ECs) form the basis of the blood–brain barrier (BBB), a physical barrier that selectively restricts transport into the brain. In vitro models can provide significant insight into BBB physiology, mechanisms of human disease pathology, toxicology, and drug delivery. Given the limited availability of primary human adult brain microvascular ECs ( aBMVECs), human fetal tissue offers a plausible alternative source for multiple donors and the opportunity to build syngenic tri-cultures from the same host. Previous efforts to culture fetal brain microvascular ECs ( fBMVECs) have not been successful in establishing mature barrier properties. Using optimal gestational age for isolation and flow cytometry cell sorting, we show for the first time that fBMVECs demonstrate mature barrier properties. fBMVECs exhibited similar functional phenotypes when compared to aBMVECs for barrier integrity, endothelial activation, and gene/protein expression of tight junction proteins and transporters. Importantly, we show that tissue used to culture fBMVECs can also be used to generate a syngenic co-culture, creating a microfluidic BBB on a chip. The findings presented provide a means to overcome previous challenges that limited successful barrier formation by fBMVECs. Furthermore, the source is advantageous for autologous reconstitution of the neurovascular unit for next generation in vitro BBB modeling.
Quantification of visceral adipose tissue in polycystic ovary syndrome: dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry versus magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Frøssing Signe , Nylander Malin Chatarina , Chabanova Elizaveta , Kistorp Caroline , Skouby Sven O , Faber Jens 
Published: May 2017

Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with frequent overweight and abdominal obesity. Quantifying visceral adipose tissue (VAT) in PCOS patients can be a tool to assess metabolic risk and monitor effects of treatment. The latest dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) technology can measure VAT and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) in a clinical setting. Purpose To compare DXA-measurements of VAT and SAT with the gold standard MRI in women with PCOS. Material and Methods A cross-sectional study of 67 overweight women with PCOS was performed. Measurements of VAT and SAT were performed by DXA in a 5-cm thick transverse slice at the L4/L5 level and by MRI in a 1-cm thick transverse slice at the L3 level. Results Mean (SD) DXA-VAT was 81 (34) cm3, DXA-SAT was 498 (118) cm3, MRI-VAT was 117 (48) cm3, and MRI-SAT was 408 (122) cm3. MRI and DXA measures of VAT (r = 0.82, P < 0.001) and SAT (r = 0.92, P < 0.001) correlated closely, and DXA-VAT was stronger correlated with MRI-VAT than BMI (r = 0.62, P < 0.001) and waist circumference (r = 0.60, P < 0.001). DXA-VAT coefficient of variance was 6.7% and inter correlation coefficient was 0.98. Bland–Altman analyses showed DXA to slightly underestimate VAT and SAT measurements compared with MRI. Conclusion DXA and MRI measurements of VAT and SAT correlated closely despite different size of region of interest, and DXA-VAT was superior to waist circumference and BMI in estimating MRI-VAT. DXA showed high reproducibility making it is suitable for repeated measurements in the same individual over time.
Association of adipokines, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α concentrations with clinical characteristics and presence of spinal syndesmophytes in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Gonzalez-Lopez Laura , Fajardo-Robledo Nicte S. , Miriam Saldaña-Cruz A. , Moreno-Sandoval Inocente V. , Bonilla-Lara David , Zavaleta-Muñiz Soraya , Nava-Zavala Arnulfo Hernan , Hernandez-Cuervo Paulina , Rocha-Muñoz Alberto , Rodriguez-Jimenez Norma Alejandra , Vazquez-Villegas Maria L , Muñoz-Valle J. Francisco , Salazar-Paramo Mario , Cardona-Muñoz Ernesto G , Gamez-Nava Jorge I 
Published: May 2017

Objective To identify correlations of the serum leptin, adiponectin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) concentrations with the clinical characteristics, presence of spinal syndesmophytes, and body composition in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Methods Forty-eight patients with AS were compared with 41 sex- and age-matched controls. Assessment included clinical characteristics and the presence of spinal syndesmophytes. The serum leptin, adiponectin, TNF-α, and IL-6 concentrations were determined. Body composition was evaluated using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results Patients with AS and controls had similar fat mass and lean mass. Patients with AS had higher serum TNF-α and leptin concentrations than controls (52.3 vs. 1.5 pg/mL and 17.2 vs. 9.0 µg/mL, respectively). The IL-6 and adiponectin concentrations were not significantly different between the two groups. Patients with syndesmophytes had higher leptin concentrations than those without syndesmophytes (22.1 vs. 10.9 µg/mL); this difference remained after adjustment for the body mass index. Conclusion Elevated leptin concentrations are associated with spinal radiographic damage in patients with AS and can serve as a biomarker. Future studies should evaluate whether leptin might be a potential target for treatments to avoid structural damage.
Plasma miR-145 as a novel biomarker for the diagnosis and radiosensitivity prediction of human cervical cancer
Authors: Wei Hu , Wen-Ming Chen , Jun-Bo Jiao 
Published: May 2017

Objectives The objective of this study was to evaluate levels of plasma miR-145 in patients with cervical cancer (CC) and investigate its biomarker potential. Methods Using qRT-PCR, we compared plasma miR-145 levels in 120 patients with CC, 120 patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), and 120 healthy volunteers. The association between plasma miR-145 expression and clinicopathological factors, including radiation response, was also analyzed. Results Plasma miR-145 levels were lower in CC patient than in CIN patients and healthy controls. Low levels were significantly associated with poor cancer differentiation, lymph node metastasis, HPV, and advanced FIGO stage. CC patients who achieved complete response to radiotherapy had higher plasma miR-145 levels than incomplete responders. ROC analysis confirmed that plasma miR-145 is a candidate biomarker for detecting CC and differentiating complete responders from incomplete responders. Conclusions Plasma miR-145 is reduced in CC and is a novel candidate biomarker for diagnosing CC and predicting radiosensitivity.
Pregnancy outcome of laparoscopic tubal reanastomosis: retrospective results from a single clinical centre
Authors: Karayalcin Rana , Ozcan Sarp , Tokmak Aytekin , Gürlek Beril , Yenicesu Okan , Timur Hakan 
Published: May 2017

Objective Tubal sterilization is a widespread method of contraception. Post-sterilization regret is encountered, despite careful consideration prior to the procedure. Two treatment options are available for women after having had tubal sterilization: microsurgical reversal and IVF treatment. Recent improvements in laparoscopy have allowed tubal reanastomosis to be performed. This study aimed to evaluate the reproductive outcome after laparoscopic tubal reanastomosis and surgical features of the patients. Methods From June 2007 to January 2010, 27 patients with bilateral tubal ligation who underwent laparoscopic tubal reanastomosis were evaluated retrospectively. Tubal sterilization was performed by Pomeroy’s technique during caesarean section in all of the patients. Before surgery, all of the patients were evaluated for possible other causes of infertility and the results of the evaluation were normal. Results The mean age of the patients was 31.8 years (range, 27–38 years). The mean interval between sterilization and reversal was 5.1 years (range, 1–14 years). Bilateral reversal was achieved in 24 patients. The operation time ranged from 85 to 140 minutes with a mean time of 105 minutes. All of the patients were discharged on the next day. There were no postoperative complications. Overall pregnancy, intrauterine pregnancy, and ectopic pregnancy rates were 55.5% (15/27), 51.8% (14/27), and 3.7% (1/27), respectively. Of the 14 intrauterine pregnancies, one ended with abortion at 6 weeks’ gestation (1/14). The mean interval from surgery to pregnancy was 270 days (range, 147–420 days). Conclusion Laparoscopic tubal reanastomosis has the advantages of fewer complications, less postoperative discomfort, a smaller incisional scar, a shorter recovery time, and earlier resumption of normal activities. This technique has a satisfactory pregnancy rate in selected patients who desire reversal of tubal sterilization.
Engineered polymeric amphiphiles self-assembling into nanostructures and acting as efficient gene and drug carriers
Authors: Bansal Ruby , Kumar Pradeep 
Published: May 2017

Nonviral gene delivery systems are finding widespread use due to their safety, rapid and economical production, and ease of modification. In this work, series of N-alkyl-substituted linear polyethylenimine (CP) polymers have been synthesized, characterized, and investigated about how degree of substitution (hydrophobic–hydrophilic balance) (i.e. N-alkylation) influenced the transfection efficiency. Mobility shift assay demonstrated efficient binding of plasmid DNA (pDNA). Transfection efficiency and cytotoxicity of CP polymers were assessed in vitro, which revealed that all the formulations exhibited higher transfection activity than linear polyethylenimine (lPEI) and commercial transfection reagents, Lipofectamine and Superfect, with negligible toxicity (MTT assay). In the projected series, one of the formulations, CP-3-pDNA complex, displayed the highest transfection efficiency (∼1.6–12 folds vs. lPEI and commercial transfection reagents) and effectively carried GFP-specific siRNA inside the cells as monitored by measuring the suppression in the gene expression of the target gene. Further, flow cytometry experiments confirmed that CP-3-pDNA complex transfected the highest number of cells. Besides, CP-3 was also evaluated in terms of its capability to entrap hydrophobic drug molecules. The results showed that it efficiently encapsulated an anti-cancer drug, etoposide, and released it in a controlled fashion over a period of time. Altogether, the data support that CP-3 is a promising vector for nucleic acid as well as hydrophobic drug delivery.