bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Behavioural Effects of Using Sulfasalazine to Inhibit Glutamate Released by Cancer Cells: A Novel target for Cancer-Induced Depression
Authors: Nashed Mina G. , Ungard Robert G. , Young Kimberly , Zacal Natalie J. , Seidlitz Eric P. , Fazzari Jennifer , Frey Benicio N. , Singh Gurmit 
Published: January 2017

AbstractDespite the lack of robust evidence of effectiveness, current treatment options for cancer-induced depression (CID) are limited to those developed for non-cancer related depression. Here, anhedonia-like and coping behaviours were assessed in female BALB/c mice inoculated with 4T1 mammary carcinoma cells. The behavioural effects of orally administered sulfasalazine (SSZ), a system xc− inhibitor, were compared with fluoxetine (FLX). FLX and SSZ prevented the development of anhedonia-like behaviour on the sucrose preference test (SPT) and passive coping behaviour on the forced swim test (FST). The SSZ metabolites 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) and sulfapyridine (SP) exerted an effect on the SPT but not on the FST. Although 5-ASA is a known anti-inflammatory agent, neither treatment with SSZ nor 5-ASA/SP prevented tumour-induced increases in serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-6, which are indicated in depressive disorders. Thus, the observed antidepressant-like effect of SSZ may primarily be attributable to the intact form of the drug, which inhibits system xc−. This study represents the first attempt at targeting cancer cells as a therapeutic strategy for CID, rather than targeting downstream effects of tumour burden on the central nervous system. In doing so, we have also begun to characterize the molecular pathways of CID.
Genotype-phenotype relationship in patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy caused by desmosomal gene mutations: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xu Zhenyan , Zhu Wengen , Wang Cen , Huang Lin , Zhou Qiongqiong , Hu Jinzhu , Cheng Xiaoshu , Hong Kui 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe relationship between clinical phenotypes and desmosomal gene mutations in patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is poorly characterized. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to explore the genotype-phenotype relationship in patients with ARVC. Any studies reporting this genotype-phenotype relationship were included. In total, 11 studies involving 1,113 patients were included. The presence of desmosomal gene mutations was associated with a younger onset age of ARVC (32.7 ± 15.2 versus 43.2 ± 13.3 years; P = 0.001), a higher incidence of T wave inversion in V1–3 leads (78.5% versus 51.6%; P = 0.0002) or a family history of ARVC (39.5% versus 27.1%; P = 0.03). There was no difference in the proportion of males between desmosomal-positive and desmosomal-negative patients (68.3% versus 68.9%; P = 0.60). The presence of desmosomal gene mutations was not associated with global or regional structural and functional alterations (63.5% versus 60.5%; P = 0.37), epsilon wave (29.4% versus 26.2%; P = 0.51) or ventricular tachycardia of left bundle-branch morphology (62.6% versus 57.2%; P = 0.30). Overall, patients with desmosomal gene mutations are characterized by an earlier onset age, a higher incidence of T wave inversion in V1–3 leads and a strong family history of ARVC.
Evaluation of TaqMan qPCR System Integrating Two Identically Labelled Hydrolysis Probes in Single Assay
Authors: Nagy Alexander , Vitásková Eliška , Černíková Lenka , Křivda Vlastimil , Jiřincová Helena , Sedlák Kamil , Horníčková Jitka , Havlíčková Martina 
Published: January 2017

AbstractOngoing evolution of viral pathogens is a significant issue in diagnostic virology employing TaqMan qPCR/RT-qPCR. Specific concerns are related to false negativity due to probe binding failure. One option for compensating for such deficiency is to integrate a second identically labelled probe in the assay. However, how this alteration influences the reaction parameters has not been comprehensively demonstrated. In the present study, we evaluate a TaqMan protocol using two identically labelled hydrolysis probes (simple, LNA (locked-nucleic-acid)) and MGB (minor-groove-binder) modified probes and combinations thereof in a single assay. Our results based on a synthetic amplicon suggest that the second probe does not compromise the TaqMan qPCR/RT-qPCR parameters, which repeatedly and reproducibly remained comparable to those of the corresponding single-probe assays, irrespective of the relative probe orientation, whether opposite or tandem, and probe modifications or combinations thereof. On the other hand, the second probe additively contributed to the overall fluorescence signal. The utility of the dual-probe approach was demonstrated on practical examples by using field specimens. We hope that the present study might serve as a theoretical basis for the development or improvement of TaqMan qPCR/RT-qPCR assays for the detection of highly variable nucleic acid templates.
Broadband Energy Harvester Using Non-linear Polymer Spring and Electromagnetic/Triboelectric Hybrid Mechanism
Authors: Gupta Rahul Kumar , Shi Qiongfeng , Dhakar Lokesh , Wang Tao , Heng Chun Huat , Lee Chengkuo 
Published: January 2017

AbstractOver the years, several approaches have been devised to widen the operating bandwidth, but most of them can only be triggered at high accelerations. In this work, we investigate a broadband energy harvester based on combination of non-linear stiffening effect and multimodal energy harvesting to obtain high bandwidth over wide range of accelerations (0.1 g–2.0 g). In order to achieve broadband behavior, a polymer based spring exhibiting multimodal energy harvesting is used. Besides, non-linear stiffening effect is introduced by using mechanical stoppers. At low accelerations (<0.5 g), the nearby mode frequencies of polymer spring contribute to broadening characteristics, while proof mass engages with mechanical stoppers to introduce broadening by non-linear stiffening at higher accelerations. The electromagnetic mechanism is employed in this design to enhance its output at low accelerations when triboelectric output is negligible. Our device displays bandwidth of 40 Hz even at low acceleration of 0.1 g and it is increased up to 68 Hz at 2 g. When non-linear stiffening is used along with multimodal energy-harvesting, the obtained bandwidth increases from 23 Hz to 68 Hz with percentage increment of 295% at 1.8 g. Further, we have demonstrated the triboelectric output measured as acceleration sensing signals in terms of voltage and current sensitivity of 4.7 Vg−1 and 19.7 nAg−1, respectively.
Evaluation of the impact of polyclonal infection and heteroresistance on treatment of tuberculosis patients
Authors: Kargarpour Kamakoli Mansour , Sadegh Hamid Reza , Farmanfarmaei Ghazaleh , Masoumi Morteza , Fateh Abolfazl , Javadi Gholamreza , Rahimi Jamnani Fatemeh , Vaziri Farzam , Siadat Seyed Davar 
Published: January 2017

AbstractMixed strain infections of Mycobacterium tuberculosis make diagnosis, treatment, and control of tuberculosis (TB) more difficult. This study was aimed to evaluate the relationship between mixed infections, antibiotic resistance patterns and treatment of TB patients. In this study, among 2850 suspected TB clinical samples, a total of ninety-six clinical samples from 66 TB confirmed patients were subjected to the 24-locus variable-number tandem repeat method to evaluate the prevalence of mixed infections. For all studied strains, 288 colonies (three individual clones for each sample) were isolated from different colonies and separately analyzed by the Drug Susceptibility Test (DST). For all patients, follow up was done after 6 months of treatment. Based on direct 24 loci MIRU-VNTR, in the 66 TB patients, 53% (35/66) showed mixed infection. In the mixed samples, 45.71% (16/35) showed different antibiotic resistant patterns. Among the mixed infection patients, eight (22.9%; 8/35) showed treatment failure after six- month therapy. Six of these non-treated patients (75%; 6/8) had different antibiotic resistant patterns. We conclude that mixed infections, have a negative impact on treatment of TB patients especially when co-infecting M. tuberculosis strains display heteroresistance.
Syringeless Electrospinning toward Versatile Fabrication of Nanofiber Web
Authors: Moon Seongjun , Gil Manjae , Lee Kyung Jin 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAlthough electrospinning is considered a powerful and generic tool for the preparation of nanofiber webs, several issues still need to be overcome for real-world applications. Most of these issues stem from the use of a syringe-based system, where the key factor influencing successful electrospinning is the maintenance of several subtle balances such as those of between the mass and the electrical state. It is extremely difficult to maintain these balances throughout the spinning process until all the polymeric solution in the syringe has been consumed. To overcome these limitations, we have developed a syringeless electrospinning technique as an alternative and efficient means of preparing a nanofiber web. This new technique uses a helically probed rotating cylinder. This technique can not only cover conventional methods, but also provides several advantages over syringe-based and needless electrospinning in terms of productivity (6 times higher) and processibility. For example, we can produce nanofibers with highly crystalline polymers and nanofiber-webs comprising networks of several different polymers, which is sometimes difficult in conventional electrospinning. In addition, this method provides several benefits for colloidal electrospinning as well. This method should help expand the range of applications for electrospun nanofiber webs in the near future.
Microencapsulation with alginate/CaCO3: A strategy for improved phage therapy
Authors: Colom Joan , Cano-Sarabia Mary , Otero Jennifer , Aríñez-Soriano Javier , Cortés Pilar , Maspoch Daniel , Llagostera Montserrat 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBacteriophages are promising therapeutic agents that can be applied to different stages of the commercial food chain. In this sense, bacteriophages can be orally administered to farm animals to protect them against intestinal pathogens. However, the low pH of the stomach, the activities of bile and intestinal tract enzymes limit the efficacy of the phages. This study demonstrates the utility of an alginate/CaCO3 encapsulation method suitable for bacteriophages with different morphologies and to yield encapsulation efficacies of ~100%. For the first time, a cocktail of three alginate/CaCO3-encapsulated bacteriophages was administered as oral therapy to commercial broilers infected with Salmonella under farm-like conditions. Encapsulation protects the bacteriophages against their destruction by the gastric juice. Phage release from capsules incubated in simulated intestinal fluid was also demonstrated, whereas encapsulation ensured sufficient intestinal retention of the phages. Moreover, the small size of the capsules (125–150 μm) enables their use in oral therapy and other applications in phage therapy. This study evidenced that a cocktail of the three alginate/CaCO3-encapsulated bacteriophages had a greater and more durable efficacy than a cocktail of the corresponding non-encapsulated phages in as therapy in broilers against Salmonella, one of the most common foodborne pathogen.
MicroRNA-199a-5p promotes tumour growth by dual-targeting PIAS3 and p27 in human osteosarcoma
Authors: Wang Chen , Ba Ximing , Guo Yu , Sun Defang , Jiang Haoyang , Li Wentao , Huang Zhen , Zhou Guangxin , Wu Sujia , Zhang Junfeng , Chen Jiangning 
Published: January 2017

AbstractOsteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary bone malignancy and remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in adolescents. Emerging evidence indicates that microRNAs (miRNAs) are correlated with clinical and biological characteristics of OS. However, the involvement of miR-199a-5p in OS development remains unclear. In this study, we examined the function of miR-199a-5p in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that miR-199a-5p was significantly up-regulated in OS patient tissues and cells. The inhibition of miR-199a-5p led to a significant decrease in cell proliferation and tumour growth. We further demonstrated that miR-199a-5p could directly bind to the 3′UTRs of the mRNA of both PIAS3 and p27 and mediate a decrease in the protein levels of PIAS3 and p27, thereby stimulating STAT3 activation and cell cycle progression in OS cells. Rescue experiments of PIAS3 and p27 further revealed that PIAS3 and p27 were functional targets of miR-199a-5p. Moreover, enhancing the expressions of both PIAS3 and p27 using miR-199a-5p-targeted inhibitors in an OS xenograft model was shown to be a promising approach for OS clinical therapy. Our findings indicate that the pathway of miR-199a-5p targeting both PIAS3 and p27 is a possible mechanism that contributes to tumour growth in OS.
Clinical Study of 3D Imaging and 3D Printing Technique for Patient-Specific Instrumentation in Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Liu Fei , Tang Bensen , Deng Biyong , Liu Fang , Zhu Weimin , Zhen Dong , Xue Mingyuan , Zhang Mingjiao , Qiu Bing 
Published: January 2017

AbstractPatient-specific instrumentation (PSI) was designed to improve the accuracy of preoperative planning and postoperative prosthesis positioning in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, better understanding needs to be achieved due to the subtle nature of the PSI systems. In this study, 3D printing technique based on the image data of computed tomography (CT) has been utilized for optimal controlling of the surgical parameters. Two groups of TKA cases have been randomly selected as PSI group and control group with no significant difference of age and sex (p > 0.05). The PSI group is treated with 3D printed cutting guides whereas the control group is treated with conventional instrumentation (CI). By evaluating the proximal osteotomy amount, distal osteotomy amount, valgus angle, external rotation angle, and tibial posterior slope angle of patients, it can be found that the preoperative quantitative assessment and intraoperative changes can be controlled with PSI whereas CI is relied on experience. In terms of postoperative parameters, such as hip-knee-ankle (HKA), frontal femoral component (FFC), frontal tibial component (FTC), and lateral tibial component (LTC) angles, there is a significant improvement in achieving the desired implant position (p < 0.05). Assigned from the morphology of patients' knees, the PSI represents the convergence of congruent designs with current personalized treatment tools. The PSI can achieve less extremity alignment and greater accuracy of prosthesis implantation compared against control method, which indicates potential for optimal HKA, FFC, and FTC angles.
The
Obalon swallowable intragastric balloon in pediatric and adolescent morbid
obesity
Authors: De Peppo Francesco , Caccamo Romina , Adorisio Ottavio , Ceriati Emanuela , Marchetti Paola , Contursi Antonio , Alterio Arianna , Della Corte Claudia , Manco Malnia , Nobili Valerio 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Background and study aims Incidence of morbid
obesity has grown dramatically in the last half century and this phenomenon
affects with particular severity the pediatric population. Dietary restrictions
and careful programs to improve lifestyle are often ineffective to manage this
particular group of patients, due to poor compliance typical of the adolescence.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a new intragastric
balloon for treatment of morbidly obese children.
Patients and methods A new swallowable intragastric balloon (Obalon) has
been used for the first time in 17 obese children in order to assess its safety
and effectiveness in terms of reduction in excess weight. In 9 of 17 children a
second balloon was placed 30 to 40 days after the first insertion. All devices
were endoscopically removed after a mean time of 18 weeks.
Results In the group of 16 patients who completed the study (1 patient
still under treatment) mean weight decreased from 95.8 ± 18.4 Kg to 83.6 ± 27.1
(P < 0.05). Mean body mass index (BMI) decreased from 35.27± 5.89
(range 30.4 – 48) to 32.25 ± 7.1 (range 23.5 – 45.7) (P > 0.05); mean
excess weight, calculated according to Cole’s curves for pediatric populations,
decreased from 36.2 ± 15.9 to 29.4 ± 18.3 Kg (P = 0.14), with an %EWL of
20.1 ± 9.8 (range 2.3 – 35.1). Waist circumference decreased from 109 ± 12.3 cm
to 99 ± 10.5 cm (P < 0.05).
Conclusions Obalon can be administered easily without complications,
inducing an appreciable weight loss with a statistically significant reduction
in BMI and an improvement in associated
comorbidities.
Are regional and remote Western Australian children eating for good health? An investigation into fruit and vegetable consumption
Authors: Godrich Stephanie L. , Lo Johnny , Davies Christina R. , Darby Jill , Devine Amanda 
Published: January 2017

Issue addressedLittle is known about the fruit and vegetable (F&V) habits of regional and remote Western Australian (WA) children beyond quantities consumed. This study aimed to ascertain the proportion of regional and remote WA children who met the Australian Dietary Guidelines (ADG) for F&V; the types and varieties of F&V consumed; and whether consumption behaviour was associated with remoteness.MethodsCaregiver and child dyads (n = 256 dyads) completed similar paper‐based surveys, 196 of these children completed 24‐h dietary records. Statistical analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS (version 23).ResultsOverall, children were less likely to adhere to vegetables (15.4%) than fruit (65.8%) guidelines. Adherence to the ADG did not significantly differ between regional and remote locations. However, a higher proportion of remote children consumed dried fruit compared with regional children, while significantly more regional children compared with remote children consumed from the ‘pome, tropical and stone fruit’ group and the ‘starchy vegetables’, ‘red/orange vegetables’ and ‘dark green leafy vegetables’ groups.ConclusionsMany regional and remote WA children consumed F&V in suboptimal amounts. Further research should aim to ascertain factors that increase or decrease the likelihood of ADG adherence across regional and remote WA and determine why certain F&V variety groups and types differed in consumption across Remoteness Areas.So whatThis study provided closer scrutiny of WA children's F&V consumption habits, highlighting the differences in consumption behaviours due to remoteness and identifying specific areas that require further investigation.
Synchronized chaotic targeting and acceleration of surface chemistry in prebiotic hydrothermal microenvironments
Authors: Priye Aashish , Yu Yuncheng , Hassan Yassin A. , Ugaz Victor M. 
Published: January 2017

Significance
We describe a physical mechanism capable of achieving simultaneous mixing and focused enrichment in hydrothermal pore microenvironments. Microscale chaotic advection established in response to a temperature gradient paradoxically promotes bulk homogenization of molecular species, while at the same time transporting species to discrete targeted locations on the bounding sidewalls where they become highly enriched. This process delivers an order of magnitude acceleration in surface reaction kinetics under conditions naturally found in subsea hydrothermal microenvironments, suggesting a new avenue to explain prebiotic emergence of macromolecules from dilute organic precursors—a key unanswered question in the origin of life on Earth and elsewhere.
Mycobacterial ESX-1 secretion system mediates host cell lysis through bacterium contact-dependent gross membrane disruptions
Authors: Conrad William H. , Osman Morwan M. , Shanahan Jonathan K. , Chu Frances , Takaki Kevin K. , Cameron James , Hopkinson-Woolley Digby , Brosch Roland , Ramakrishnan Lalita 
Published: January 2017

SignificanceSecreted pore-forming toxins are a common feature of bacterial virulence.Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the agent of human tuberculosis, has been reported to possess a pore-forming toxin called 6 kDa early secretory antigenic target (ESAT-6) that is secreted through a specialized secretion system called ESX-1 (ESAT-6 secretion system 1). We report here experiments showing that ESAT-6 does not lyse cells; the lytic activity previously attributed to this secreted protein is due to contaminating detergent in the recombinant protein preparations. Whereas the ESX-1 secretion system does lyse host cell membranes, we find this lysis is dependent on bacterial cell contact with the host membrane and results in tears in the membrane without any pore formation. Understanding the mechanism of this lysis may provide clues to how mycobacteria cause disease.
Pet Project or Best Project? Online Decision Support Tools for Prioritizing Barrier Removals in the Great Lakes and Beyond
Authors: Moody Allison T. , Neeson Thomas M. , Wangen Steve , Dischler Jeff , Diebel Matthew W. , Milt Austin , Herbert Matthew , Khoury Mary , Yacobson Eugene , Doran Patrick J. , Ferris Michael C. , O'Hanley Jesse R. , McIntyre Peter B. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Structures that block movement of fish through river networks are built to serve a variety of societal needs, including transportation, hydroelectric power, and exclusion of exotic species. Due to their abundance, road crossings and dams reduce the amount of habitat available to fish that migrate from the sea or lakes into rivers to breed. The benefits to fish of removing any particular barrier depends on its location within the river network, its passability to fish, and the relative position of other barriers within the network. Balancing the trade-offs between ecological and societal values makes choosing among potential removal projects difficult. To facilitate prioritization of barrier removals, we developed an online decision support tool (DST) with three functions: (1) view existing barriers at various spatial scales; (2) modify information about barriers, including removal costs; and (3) run optimization models to identify portfolios of removals that provide the greatest amount of habitat access for a given budget. A survey of available DSTs addressing barrier removal prioritization indicates that barrier visualization is becoming widespread but few tools allow dynamic calculation of connectivity metrics, scenario analysis, or optimization. Having these additional functions, our DST enables organizations to develop barrier removal priorities based on cost-effectiveness in restoring aquatic connectivity.
Argumentative skills development in teaching philosophy to secondary school students through constructive controversy: an exploratory study case
Authors: Morais Teresa , Silva Helena , Lopes José , Dominguez Caroline 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTThe use of argumentative strategies that promote the defense of well‐grounded personal arguments contributes to the development of a critical, ethical and political thought that leads to responsible and socially committed people. Based on the quality of the produced arguments in philosophical essays, this work evaluates the potential application of a cooperative learning method – the constructive controversy – for the development of argumentative skills in secondary school students in philosophy. The quality of the arguments was evaluated through the analysis of a total of 144 philosophical essays produced by the students over a school year. The results point to the advantages of using this method over more traditional ones in the acquisition of argumentative skills.