bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phase‐Changeable Fatty Acid Available for Temperature‐Regulated Drug Release
Authors: Park Ju Hyang , Ahn Hyungju , Kim Jongbok , Hyun Dong Choon 
Published: May 2016

This paper describes a mixture of fatty acids that is available for temperature‐controlled release of drugs. The mixture consists of two fatty acids with different melting points. At a specific composition, the mixture represents a single melting point of 38–40 °C which is slightly above the normal human body temperature. To demonstrate its use in the temperature‐regulated release, this study fabricates fatty acid‐incorporated polymer fibers containing dye‐loaded polymer particles in their core. Below the melting point of the mixture, it will be in a solid state to restrict the passing of dye loaded in the core whereas the dye can be released instantly through the generated pores at a temperature slightly higher than the melting point. The release profiles of the dye can be further manipulated by varying the amount of the mixture contained in the fibers and the composition of the mixture.
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Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) in twin pregnancies with treatment of assisted reproductive techniques (ART) in a single center
Authors: Tan Yueqiu , Gao Ya , Lin Ge , Fu Meili , Li Xihong , Yin Xuyang , Du Juan , Li Jing , Li Wen , Peng Huanhuan , Yuan Yuying , Chen Fang , Jiang Fuman , Zhang Hongyun , Lu Guangxiu , Gong Fei , Wang Wei 
Published: May 2016

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of the study is to report the performance of noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) in twin pregnancies after the treatment of assisted reproductive technology (ART).MethodIn two years period, 565 pregnant women with ART twin pregnancies were prospectively tested by NIPT for screening for trisomy 21 (T21), 18 (T18), and 13 (T13) by sequencing cell‐free DNA in maternal plasma. Positive NIPT results were confirmed by karyotyping, while negative results were interviewed after delivery. Pregnant decision based on NIPT and confirmation results was discussed during post‐test counseling.ResultsIn total of 565 cases, NIPT had a failure rate of 0.9% (5/565). Four cases of T21 were identified by NIPT and confirmed by karyotyping, resulting in 100% (95%CI 39.8%–100%) positive predictive value. Among 556 cases with NIPT negative results, 506 cases (91.0%) were confirmed by follow‐up of postnatal phenotypes, while 33 cases (5.9%) had adverse pregnant outcomes with unconfirmed reasons because of the lack of cytogenetic samples. The remaining 17 cases (3.1%) refused follow‐up. No false negative result was reported.ConclusionWith apparently high positive predictive value and low false positive rate, NIPT has the potential to be used as a good alternative approach of conventional prenatal screening at the first trimester in ART twin pregnancy. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preterm prelabor rupture of membranes after fetoscopic laser surgery for twin–twin transfusion syndrome
Authors: Snowise S. , Mann L. K. , Moise K. J. , Johnson A. , Bebbington M. W. , Papanna R. 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo assess the incidence, clinical course, risk factors and outcomes of preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) after fetoscopic laser surgery (FLS) for twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).MethodsThis was a prospective observational cohort study of 154 consecutive cases of TTTS. PPROM was defined as rupture of membranes before 34 weeks' gestation. Procedure‐to‐PPROM and PPROM‐to‐delivery intervals were determined. Relevant preoperative and intraoperative variables were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression to determine their impact on PPROM after FLS.ResultsThe incidence of PPROM was 39% (n = 60), occurring at a mean gestational age of 27.2 ± 4.6 weeks. Median procedure‐to‐PPROM interval was 46 (range, 1–105; interquartile range (IQR), 13–66) days and median PPROM‐to‐delivery interval was 1 (range, 0–93; IQR, 0–13) day. Mean gestational age at delivery in cases with PPROM was 29.0 ± 4.5 weeks compared with 32.6 ± 3.9 weeks in cases without PPROM (P < 0.0001). Insertion of a collagen plug was the only significant factor found on both univariate and multivariate analysis to be associated with an increased rate of PPROM (odds ratio, 3.1 (95% CI, 1.2–8.0); P = 0.006). There was no statistically significant difference in fetal (P = 0.07) or neonatal (P = 0.08) survival between those with and those without PPROM.ConclusionsPPROM after FLS increases prematurity by 3.6 weeks. The latency period after PPROM was 2 weeks; 50% of patients delivered within 24 h. No variable thought to be associated with PPROM after FLS was found to be significantly associated with this complication. Other etiologies and mechanisms for PPROM after FLS should be explored. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Differences in nitrogen redistribution between early and late plant colonizers through ectomycorrhizal fungi on the volcano Mount Koma
Authors: Kwon TaeOh , Tsuyuzaki Shiro 
Published: May 2016

AbstractRelationships involving the transfer of nitrogen (N) among Salix reinii (willow), Larix kaempferi (larch), and mycorrhizal fungi were investigated in a ridge and hillslope on the volcano Mount Koma in northern Japan using a two‐pool fungal model. This model estimated N transfer among the examined taxa by measuring changes in the stable isotope ratio of N (δ15N). Although N content in tephra was low at both sites, it was higher on the ridge than on the hillslope, and higher in the willow patch than on bare ground or in the larch understory. The non‐mycorrhizal sedge (Carex oxyandra) exhibited non‐significant differences between the two sites regarding δ15N for N obtained from tephra. Larches developed a relationship with larch‐specific Suillus mycorrhizal fungal species in the roots, and had a lower foliar δ15N on the hillslope than on the ridge. The larch δ15N increased during the growing season, while the willow δ15N remained stable. The dependence of larch on mycorrhizal fungi for N uptake was 3–5 % on the ridge and 56–76 % on the hillslope in autumn. Therefore, larches exhibited a flexible symbiotic relationship with mycorrhizal fungi for obtaining N. Over 45 % of the N taken up by willow plants was obtained from mycorrhizal fungi at both sites. In conclusion, willow plants promoted N deposition in tephra through the litter supply, and formed a stable relationship with mycorrhizal fungi. This enabled successful revegetation with larch plants, which exhibited flexibility in terms of N uptake (i.e., dependent on mycorrhizae or from tephra).
The current and future burden of late‐onset dementia in the United Kingdom: Estimates and interventions
Authors: Lewis Fraser I. , Torgerson Paul R. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIntroductionWe estimate the burden of late‐onset dementia in the United Kingdom through to 2025 and assess the impact of potential interventions.MethodsWe compute disability adjusted life years (DALYs) through to 2025 and consider three interventions, all assumed launched in 2018; (1) an optimistic limiting case of a 100% preventive intervention with immediate uptake of 100% of the population at risk; (2) an intervention which delays onset by 5 years, linear uptake to 50% after 5 years; (3) as (2) but uptake 75% after 5 years.ResultsBy 2025, the DALY burden will have increased by 42% from the Global Disease Burden 2010 estimate. Intervention results: (1) a 9% decrease by 2025; (2) a 33% increase; and (3) a 28% increase.DiscussionAt current prevalence rates, the ability of an intervention to offset the projected increase in DALY burden of dementia in the United Kingdom by 2025 appears low.
Prognostic impact of the number of resected lymph node on survival in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Ladeira Katia M. , Martins Sandra Fátima Fernandes 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIntroduction Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of death in Western countries. In Portugal, in the North, emerges as the second most common cancer. The presence of lymph node metastasis is an important predictor of overall and disease-free survival and several studies recommend the evaluation of at least 12–14 regional lymph nodes, as it contributes to improve cancer staging and patient outcomes.Aims Epidemiological characterization of the studied population and identify a possible relationship between the number of lymph nodes evaluated in the surgical specimen and survival.Methods We preceded to the study of 1065 CCR patients, submitted to surgical resection between 1 January 2000 and 31 August 2012, in Braga Hospital.Discussion/Conclusion The results of the epidemiological characterization of this population are coincident with those described in the literature. It was observed a significant correlation between age, tumor size, serosal invasion, differentiation, tumor penetration, venous and lymphatic invasion, metastasis, TNM stage and the number of lymph nodes evaluated. However, we did not observe a statistically significant correlation between patient survival and number of lymph nodes evaluated (p > 0.05). A possible explanation is the practice of oncologists, addressing patients with less than 12 nodes identified in the surgical specimen as “N-positive” and undergoing adjuvant therapy. A better harvest and careful analysis of lymph nodes would lead to more accurate staging, avoiding overtreatment and side effects associated, and allow better economic management of hospital resources, in real N0 patients.
Behavioral Economics, Happiness Surveys, and Public Policy
Authors: Adler Matthew D. 
Published: May 2016

Two important developments in recent policy analysis are behavioral economics and subjective-well-being (SWB) surveys. What is the connection between them? Some have suggested that behavioral economics strengthens the case for SWB surveys as a central policy tool, e.g., in the form of SWB-based cost-benefit analysis. This article reaches a different conclusion. Behavioral economics shows that individuals in their day-to-day, “System 1” behavior are not expected utility (EU-) rational – that they often fail to comply with the norms of rationality set forth by EU theory. Consider now that the standard preference-based view of individual well-being looks to individuals’ rational preferences. If the findings of behavioral economics are correct, an individual’s answer to a question such as “How satisfied are you with your life?” is not going to tell us much about her rational (EU-compliant) preferences. Behavioral economics, by highlighting widespread failures of EU rationality, might actually argue for an objective-good (non-preference-based) view of well-being. However (except in the limiting case of an objective-good view positing a single mentalistic good, happiness), SWB surveys will not be strong evidence of well-being in the objective-good sense. In short, SWB surveys are no “magic cure” for the genuine difficulties in inferring rational preferences and measuring well-being underscored by behavioral economics.
Factors are not the same for risk of stopping exclusive breast-feeding and introducing different types of liquids and solids in HIV-affected communities in Ghana
Authors: Marquis Grace S. , Lartey Anna , Perez-Escamilla Rafael , Mazur Robert E. , Brakohiapa Lucy , Birks Katherine A. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractExclusive breast-feeding (EBF) for 6 months supports optimal infant growth, health and development. This paper examined whether maternal HIV status was associated with EBF and other infant feeding practices. Pregnant women were enrolled after HIV counselling, and their babies were followed up for up to 1 year. Data on household socio-economics and demographics, maternal characteristics and infants’ daily diet were available for 482 infants and their mothers (150 HIV-positive (HIV-P), 170 HIV-negative (HIV-N) and 162 HIV-unknown (HIV-U)). Survival analyses estimated median EBF duration and time to introduction of liquids and foods; hazards ratios (HR) used data from 1–365 and 1–183 d, adjusting for covariates. Logistic regression estimated the probability of EBF for 6 months. Being HIV-P was associated with a shorter EBF duration (139 d) compared with HIV-N (163 d) and HIV-U (165 d) (P=0·004). Compared with HIV-N, being HIV-P was associated with about a 40 % higher risk of stopping EBF at any time point (HR 1·39; 95 % CI 1·06, 1·84; P=0·018) and less than half as likely to complete 6 months of EBF (adjusted OR 0·42; 95 % CI 0·22, 0·81; P=0·01). Being HIV-P tended to be or was associated with a higher risk of introducing non-milk liquids (HR 1·34; 95 % CI 0·98, 1·83; P=0·068), animal milks (HR 2·37; 95 % CI 1·32, 4·24; P=0·004) and solids (HR 1·56; 95 % CI 1·10, 2·22; P=0·011) during the first 6 months. Weight-for-age Z-score was associated with EBF and introducing formula. Different factors (ethnicity, food insecurity, HIV testing strategy) were associated with the various feeding behaviours, suggesting that diverse interventions are needed to promote optimal infant feeding.
Spatio-temporal modelling of foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks
Authors: MALESIOS C. , DEMIRIS N. , KOSTOULAS P. , DADOUSIS K. , KOUTROUMANIDIS T. , ABAS Z. 
Published: May 2016

SUMMARYWe present and analyse data collected during a severe epidemic of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) that occurred between July and September 2000 in a region of northeastern Greece with strategic importance since it represents the southeastern border of Europe and Asia. We implement generic Bayesian methodology, which offers flexibility in the ability to fit several realistically complex models that simultaneously capture the presence of ‘excess’ zeros, the spatio-temporal dependence of the cases, assesses the impact of environmental noise and controls for multicollinearity issues. Our findings suggest that the epidemic was mostly driven by the size and the animal type of each farm as well as the distance between farms while environmental and other endemic factors were not important during this outbreak. Analyses of this kind may prove useful to informing decisions related to optimal control measures for potential future FMD outbreaks as well as other acute epidemics such as FMD.
Synergistic Effects of Reserve and Adaptive Personality in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Roy Shumita , Schwartz Carolyn E. , Duberstein Paul , Dwyer Michael G. , Zivadinov Robert , Bergsland Niels , Powell Victoria , Weinstock-Guttman Bianca , Benedict Ralph H.B. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractObjectives: Cognitive reserve moderates the effects of gray matter (GM) atrophy on cognitive function in neurological disease. Broadly speaking, Reserve explains how persons maintain function in the face of cerebral injury in cognitive and other functional domains (e.g., physical, social). Personality, as operationalized by the Five Factor Model (FFM), is also implicated as a moderator of this relationship. It is conceivable that these protective mechanisms are related. Prior studies suggest links between Reserve and personality, but the degree to which these constructs overlap and buffer the clinical effects of neuropathology is unclear. Methods: We evaluated Reserve and FFM traits—Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness—in a cohort of 67 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. We also examined the extent to which FFM traits and aspects of Reserve interact in predicting cognitive processing speed. Results: Retrospectively reported educational/occupational achievement was associated with higher Openness, and childhood social engagement was associated with higher Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness. Current involvement in exercise activities and social activities was associated with Extraversion, current involvement in hobbies was associated with Neuroticism, and current receptive behaviors were associated with Agreeableness and Conscientiousness. When tested as predictors, Conscientiousness and childhood enrichment activities interacted in predicting cognitive processing speed after accounting for age, disease duration, disability, and GM volume. Conclusions: Childhood enrichment activities and Conscientiousness have a synergistic effect on cognitive processing speed. Current findings have implications for using psychological interventions to foster both Reserve and adaptive personality characteristics to stave off clinical symptoms in MS. (JINS, 2016, 22, 920–927)
Spatio-temporal visualization of light transport in complex photonic structures
Authors: Pattelli Lorenzo , Savo Romolo , Burresi Matteo , Wiersma Diederik S 
Published: May 2016

AbstractSpatio-temporal imaging of light propagation is very important in photonics because it provides the most direct tool available to study the interaction between light and its host environment. Sub-ps time resolution is needed to investigate the fine and complex structural features that characterize disordered and heterogeneous structures, which are responsible for a rich array of transport physics that have not yet been fully explored. A newly developed wide-field imaging system enables us to present a spatio-temporal study on light transport in various disordered media, revealing properties that could not be properly assessed using standard techniques. By extending our investigation to an almost transparent membrane, a configuration that has been difficult to characterize until now, we unveil the peculiar physics exhibited by such thin scattering systems with transport features that go beyond mainstream diffusion modeling, despite the occurrence of multiple scattering.
Survival trade-offs in plant roots during colonization by closely related beneficial and pathogenic fungi
Authors: Hacquard Stéphane , Kracher Barbara , Hiruma Kei , Münch Philipp C. , Garrido-Oter Ruben , Thon Michael R. , Weimann Aaron , Damm Ulrike , Dallery Jean-Félix , Hainaut Matthieu , Henrissat Bernard , Lespinet Olivier , Sacristán Soledad , Ver Loren van Themaat Emiel , Kemen Eric , McHardy Alice C. , Schulze-Lefert Paul , O’Connell Richard J. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe sessile nature of plants forced them to evolve mechanisms to prioritize their responses to simultaneous stresses, including colonization by microbes or nutrient starvation. Here, we compare the genomes of a beneficial root endophyte, Colletotrichum tofieldiae and its pathogenic relative C. incanum, and examine the transcriptomes of both fungi and their plant host Arabidopsis during phosphate starvation. Although the two species diverged only 8.8 million years ago and have similar gene arsenals, we identify genomic signatures indicative of an evolutionary transition from pathogenic to beneficial lifestyles, including a narrowed repertoire of secreted effector proteins, expanded families of chitin-binding and secondary metabolism-related proteins, and limited activation of pathogenicity-related genes in planta. We show that beneficial responses are prioritized in C. tofieldiae-colonized roots under phosphate-deficient conditions, whereas defense responses are activated under phosphate-sufficient conditions. These immune responses are retained in phosphate-starved roots colonized by pathogenic C. incanum, illustrating the ability of plants to maximize survival in response to conflicting stresses.
The PDGF-BB-SOX7 axis-modulated IL-33 in pericytes and stromal cells promotes metastasis through tumour-associated macrophages
Authors: Yang Yunlong , Andersson Patrik , Hosaka Kayoko , Zhang Yin , Cao Renhai , Iwamoto Hideki , Yang Xiaojuan , Nakamura Masaki , Wang Jian , Zhuang Rujie , Morikawa Hiromasa , Xue Yuan , Braun Harald , Beyaert Rudi , Samani Nilesh , Nakae Susumu , Hams Emily , Dissing Steen , Fallon Padraic G. , Langer Robert , Cao Yihai 
Published: May 2016

AbstractSignalling molecules and pathways that mediate crosstalk between various tumour cellular compartments in cancer metastasis remain largely unknown. We report a mechanism of the interaction between perivascular cells and tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) in promoting metastasis through the IL-33–ST2-dependent pathway in xenograft mouse models of cancer. IL-33 is the highest upregulated gene through activation of SOX7 transcription factor in PDGF-BB-stimulated pericytes. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments validate that IL-33 promotes metastasis through recruitment of TAMs. Pharmacological inhibition of the IL-33–ST2 signalling by a soluble ST2 significantly inhibits TAMs and metastasis. Genetic deletion of host IL-33 in mice also blocks PDGF-BB-induced TAM recruitment and metastasis. These findings shed light on the role of tumour stroma in promoting metastasis and have therapeutic implications for cancer therapy.
Quantification of topological features in cell meshes to explore E-cadherin dysfunction
Authors: Mestre Tânia , Figueiredo Joana , Ribeiro Ana Sofia , Paredes Joana , Seruca Raquel , Sanches João Miguel 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIn cancer, defective E-cadherin leads to cell detachment, migration and metastization. Further, alterations mediated by E-cadherin dysfunction affect cell topology and tissue organization. Herein, we propose a novel quantitative approach, based on microscopy images, to analyse abnormal cellular distribution patterns. We generated undirected graphs composed by sets of triangles which accurately reproduce cell positioning and structural organization within each image. Network analysis was developed by exploring triangle geometric features, namely area, edges length and formed angles, as well as their variance, when compared with the respective equilateral triangles. We generated synthetic networks, mimicking the diversity of cell-cell interaction patterns, and evaluated the applicability of the selected metrics to study topological features. Cells expressing wild-type E-cadherin and cancer-related mutants were used to validate our strategy. Specifically, A634V, R749W and P799R cancer-causing mutants present more disorganized spatial distribution when compared with wild-type cells. Moreover, P799R exhibited higher length and angle distortions and abnormal cytoskeletal organization, suggesting the formation of very dynamic and plastic cellular interactions. Hence, topological analysis of cell network diagrams is an effective tool to quantify changes in cell-cell interactions and, importantly, it can be applied to a myriad of processes, namely tissue morphogenesis and cancer.
Small Molecules Antagonise the MIA-Fibronectin Interaction in Malignant Melanoma
Authors: Yip King Tuo , Zhong Xue Yin , Seibel Nadia , Pütz Stefanie , Autzen Jasmin , Gasper Raphael , Hofmann Eckhard , Scherkenbeck Jürgen , Stoll Raphael 
Published: May 2016

AbstractMelanoma inhibitory activity (MIA), an extracellular protein highly expressed by malignant melanoma cells, plays an important functional role in melanoma development, progression and metastasis. After its secretion, MIA directly interacts with extracellular matrix proteins, such as fibronectin (FN). By this mechanism, MIA actively facilitates focal cell detachment from surrounding structures and strongly promotes tumour cell invasion and migration. Hence, the molecular understanding of MIA’s function provides a promising target for the development of new strategies in malignant melanoma therapy. Here, we describe for the first time the discovery of small molecules that are able to disrupt the MIA-FN complex by selectively binding to a new druggable pocket, which we could identify on MIA by structural analysis and fragment-based screening. Our findings may inspire novel drug discovery efforts aiming at a therapeutically effective treatment of melanoma by targeting MIA.