bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Cyanoacrylate Glue Versus Suture Fixation in Lichtenstein Hernia Repair: 7‐Year Outcome Analysis
Authors: Matikainen M. , Kössi J. , Silvasti S. , Hulmi T. , Paajanen H. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBackgroundLichtenstein hernioplasty has relatively low recurrence rate, but chronic inguinal pain may cause harm to the patient. The aim of our study was to compare long‐term results of cyanoacrylate glue versus absorbable sutures for mesh fixation in Lichtenstein hernioplasty.MethodsLichtenstein hernioplasty (n = 302) was performed under local anesthesia in three hospitals. The patients were randomized to receive either 1 ml of butyl‐2‐cyanoacrylate tissue glue (Glubran®; 151 hernias) or absorbable polyglycolic acid sutures (Dexon®; 151 hernias) for mesh fixation (Optilene® mesh). Short‐term results were published previously. Chronic groin pain, foreign body sensation, use of analgesics, recurrence and re‐operations were analyzed 7 years after surgery.ResultsWe reached 236 patients (78%) to present study. In the glue group (n = 115), there were five (4.3%) and in the suture group (n = 121) three (2.5%) recurrent hernias (p = 0.491). The prevalence of chronic pain (NRS ≥ 3) in the patients without re‐operations was similar in two groups: 15/118 (13%) and 13/111 (12%), respectively (p = 0.843). There were no significant differences in the foreign body sensation (8/14, p = 0.267) or in the need of analgesics (2/2, p = 1.00) between the two study groups.ConclusionBoth cyanoacrylate glue and mesh fixation with absorbable sutures were equal in terms of chronic pain and rate of recurrences in Lichtenstein hernioplasty after 7‐year follow‐up.Trial registration numberNCT00659542.
Span 60 as a Microsphere Matrix: Preparation and in Vitro Characterization of Novel Ibuprofen‐Span 60 Microspheres
Authors: Mady Omar 
Published: November 2016

AbstractMicrospheres are a potential delivery system for controlled and sustained drug release. Polymeric microspheres are commonly prepared by the solvent evaporation technique whereas waxy microspheres by the melt dispersion technique. The goal of this study was to prepare a surfactant (Span 60)—Ibuprofen microspheres using both techniques. Ibuprofen‐Span 60 microspheres were fabricated with different drug to polymer weight ratios of 3:1, 1:1 and 1:3 and characterized by particle size, in vitro dissolution, infrared spectroscopy, x‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The actual drug content increased with increasing the concentration of anti‐aggregating agent (polyvinylpyrolidone). The actual drug content and drug encapsulation efficiency was markedly higher in case of microspheres prepared by a solvent evaporation technique compared to that prepared by a melt dispersion one using the same theoretical drug content. The microspheres were spherical with irregular surfaces. The in vitro release showed no burst effect and incomplete drug release. The rate and total drug released from the microspheres prepared by a solvent evaporation technique are higher than those prepared by using the melt dispersion technique. FTIR rolled out the chemical changes of the drug in Span 60 microspheres. The X‐ray diffraction pattern of the microspheres prepared by using a solvent evaporation technique showed a decrease in the drug crystallinity. The drug crystallinity in microspheres prepared by the melt dispersion technique decreased with increasing the theoretical drug content. The drug entrapment mechanism is responsible for the changes in drug physicochemical properties and in vitro release.
Clinical PET/MRI in neurooncology: opportunities and challenges from a single-institution perspective
Authors: Marner Lisbeth , Henriksen Otto M. , Lundemann Michael , Larsen Vibeke Andrée , Law Ian 
Published: November 2016

Abstract

Purpose
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a key role in neurooncology, i.e., for diagnosis, treatment evaluation and detection of recurrence. However, standard MRI cannot always separate malignant tissue from other pathologies or treatment-induced changes. Advanced MRI techniques such as diffusion-weighted imaging, perfusion imaging and spectroscopy show promising results in discriminating malignant from benign lesions. Further, supplemental imaging with amino acid positron emission tomography (PET) has been shown to increase accuracy significantly and is used routinely at an increasing number of sites. Several centers are now implementing hybrid PET/MRI systems allowing for multiparametric imaging, combining conventional MRI with advanced MRI and amino acid PET imaging. Neurooncology is an obvious focus area for PET/MR imaging.

Methods
Based on the literature and our experience from more than 300 PET/MRI examinations of brain tumors with 18F-fluoro-ethyl-tyrosine, the clinical use of PET/MRI in adult and pediatric neurooncology is critically reviewed.

Results
Although the results are increasingly promising, the added value and range of indications for multiparametric imaging with PET/MRI are yet to be established. Robust solutions to overcome the number of issues when using a PET/MRI scanner are being developed, which is promising for a more routine use in the future.

Conclusions
In a clinical setting, a PET/MRI scan may increase accuracy in discriminating recurrence from treatment changes, although sequential same-day imaging on separate systems will often constitute a reliable and cost-effective alternative. Pediatric patients who require general anesthesia will benefit the most from simultaneous PET and MR imaging.
Quantum conformational transition in biological macromolecule
Authors: Luo Liaofu , Lv Jun 
Published: November 2016

BackgroundRecently we proposed a quantum theory on the conformational change of biomolecule, deduced several equations on protein folding rate from the first principles and discussed the experimental tests of the theory. The article is a review of these works.MethodsBased on the general equation of the conformation‐transitional rate several theoretical results are deduced and compared with experimental data through bioinformatics methods.ResultsThe temperature dependence and the denaturant concentration dependence of the protein folding rate are deduced and compared with experimental data. The quantitative relation between protein folding rate and torsional mode number (or chain length) is deduced and the obtained formula can be applied to RNA folding as well. The quantum transition theory of two‐state protein is successfully generalized to multi‐state protein folding. Then, how to make direct experimental tests on the quantum property of the conformational transition of biomolecule is discussed, which includes the study of protein photo‐folding and the observation of the fluctuation of the fluorescence intensity emitted from the protein folding/unfolding event. Finally, the potential applications of the present quantum folding theory to molecular biological problems are sketched in two examples: the glucose transport across membrane and the induced pluripotency in stem cell.ConclusionsThe above results show that the quantum mechanics provides a unifying and logically simple theoretical starting point in studying the conformational change of biological macromolecules. The far‐reaching results in practical application of the theory are expected.
Innovative approach to computer-aided design of horizontal axis wind turbine blades
Authors: Hosseini Seyed Farhad , Moetakef-Imani Behnam 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
The design of horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT) blades involves several geometric complexities. As a result, the modeling of these blades by commercial computer-aided design (CAD) software is not easily accomplished. In the present paper, the HAWT blade is divided into structural and aerodynamic surfaces with a G1 continuity imposed on their connecting region. The widely used method of skinning is employed throughout the current work for surface approximation. In addition, to ensure the compatibility of section curves, a novel approach is developed based on the redistribution of input airfoil points. In order to evaluate deviation errors, the Hausdorff metric is used. The fairness of surfaces is quantitatively assessed using the standard strain energy method. The above-mentioned algorithms are successfully integrated into a MATLAB program so as to enhance further optimization applications. The final surfaces created by the procedure developed during the present study can be exported using the IGES standard file format and directly interpreted by commercial CAD and FE software.
Highlights A new skinning approach is presented based on redistribution of input data points. The developed skinning method is successfully applied to the design of horizontal axis wind turbine blades. It has been shown that the blade surface constructed using the developed method is fair and visually pleasing. Special attention has been paid to construct a smooth surface in the transition area between the root and the section with maximum chord.
Classification of rocks of the Bazhenov Formation
Authors: Kontorovich A.E. , Yan P.A. , Zamirailova A.G. , Kostyreva E.A. , Eder V.G. 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
In this study, we propose a new classification of rocks of the Bazhenov Formation based on the proportions of four principal components (siliceous, clay, and carbonate minerals and organic matter (kerogen)) of mostly biochemogenic and, to a lesser extent, allothigenic origin. The classification is based on the results of mineralogical and chemical analyses of more than 400 core samples from 15 wells drilled within the Bazhenov Formation, West Siberian petroleum basin. Four major classes of rocks, divided into 16 subclasses, have been recognized. The terms mixtite and kerogen-rich rock are introduced. Mixtites (biochemogenic mixtites) are defined as a class of rocks containing less than 50% of each component, including kerogen. It was shown that the most common rocks of the Bazhenov Formation are siliceous-argillaceous, kerogen-siliceous, and kerogen-argillaceous-siliceous mixtites and kerogen silicites, which together account for ~65% of all samples analyzed. The proposed approach can be used to study organic-rich black shales in different sedimentary basins worldwide.
The cleansing of the temple in early medieval Northumbria
Authors: O'Brien Conor 
Published: November 2016

AbstractWhile the attitudes of Stephen of Ripon and Bede toward church-buildings have previously been contrasted, this paper argues that both shared a vision of the church as a holy place, analogous to the Jewish temple and to be kept pure from the mundane world. Their similarity of approach suggests that this concept of the church-building was widespread amongst the Northumbrian monastic elite and may partially reflect the attitudes of the laity also. The idea of the church as the place of eucharistic sacrifice probably lay at the heart of this theology of sacred place. Irish ideas about monastic holiness, traditional liturgical language and the native fascination with building in stone combined with an interest in ritual purity to give power to this use of the temple-image which went on to influence later Carolingian attitudes to churches.
Das subjektive Erleben des Übergangs in die weiterführende Schule
Authors: Knoppick Henrike , Becker Michael , Neumann Marko , Maaz Kai , Baumert Jürgen 
Published: November 2016

Zusammenfassung. Hinsichtlich der Bewältigung des Übergangs in die weiterführende Schule werden in der Literatur differenzielle Entwicklungsverläufe berichtet. Diesbezüglich wird diskutiert, welche Bedeutung die subjektive Antizipation dieses kritischen Lebensereignisses besitzt. Bezug nehmend auf die kognitiv-transaktionale Theorie von Lazarus und Folkman (1987) untersucht die vorliegende Studie die Zusammenhänge zwischen den Einschätzungen gegenüber dem potentiell stresshaften Ereignis (primary und secondary appraisals) und dem Wohlbefinden nach dem Übergang sowie der retrospektiven Bewertung der Übergangserfahrung. Untersucht wird eine Stichprobe von Berliner Schülerinnen und Schülern beim Übergang von der 6. zur 7. Klasse. Mithilfe latenter Regressionsanalysen kann ein Einfluss der Antizipationen unter Berücksichtigung von Kontrollvariablen bestätigt werden. Insbesondere Antizipationen bezüglich der veränderten Leistungsanforderungen an der weiterführenden Schule erweisen sich als prädiktiv für die Bewältigung des Übergangs. Dabei gehen positive Einschätzungen mit einem positiveren Wohlbefinden und einer positiveren Bewertung des Übergangs einher. Grundlagentheoretische und praktische Implikationen der Resultate werden diskutiert.
The genomic basis of circadian and circalunar timing adaptations in a midge
Authors: Kaiser Tobias S. , Poehn Birgit , Szkiba David , Preussner Marco , Sedlazeck Fritz J. , Zrim Alexander , Neumann Tobias , Nguyen Lam-Tung , Betancourt Andrea J. , Hummel Thomas , Vogel Heiko , Dorner Silke , Heyd Florian , von Haeseler Arndt , Tessmar-Raible Kristin 
Published: November 2016

AbstractOrganisms use endogenous clocks to anticipate regular environmental cycles, such as days and tides. Natural variants resulting in differently timed behaviour or physiology, known as chronotypes in humans, have not been well characterized at the molecular level. We sequenced the genome of Clunio marinus, a marine midge whose reproduction is timed by circadian and circalunar clocks. Midges from different locations show strain-specific genetic timing adaptations. We examined genetic variation in five C. marinus strains from different locations and mapped quantitative trait loci for circalunar and circadian chronotypes. The region most strongly associated with circadian chronotypes generates strain-specific differences in the abundance of calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II.1 (CaMKII.1) splice variants. As equivalent variants were shown to alter CaMKII activity in Drosophila melanogaster, and C. marinus (Cma)-CaMKII.1 increases the transcriptional activity of the dimer of the circadian proteins Cma-CLOCK and Cma-CYCLE, we suggest that modulation of alternative splicing is a mechanism for natural adaptation in circadian timing.
3D visualization of additive occlusion and tunable full-spectrum fluorescence in calcite
Authors: Green David C. , Ihli Johannes , Thornton Paul D. , Holden Mark A. , Marzec Bartosz , Kim Yi-Yeoun , Kulak Alex N. , Levenstein Mark A. , Tang Chiu , Lynch Christophe , Webb Stephen E. D. , Tynan Christopher J. , Meldrum Fiona C. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractFrom biomineralization to synthesis, organic additives provide an effective means of controlling crystallization processes. There is growing evidence that these additives are often occluded within the crystal lattice. This promises an elegant means of creating nanocomposites and tuning physical properties. Here we use the incorporation of sulfonated fluorescent dyes to gain new understanding of additive occlusion in calcite (CaCO3), and to link morphological changes to occlusion mechanisms. We demonstrate that these additives are incorporated within specific zones, as defined by the growth conditions, and show how occlusion can govern changes in crystal shape. Fluorescence spectroscopy and lifetime imaging microscopy also show that the dyes experience unique local environments within different zones. Our strategy is then extended to simultaneously incorporate mixtures of dyes, whose fluorescence cascade creates calcite nanoparticles that fluoresce white. This offers a simple strategy for generating biocompatible and stable fluorescent nanoparticles whose output can be tuned as required.
USP21 prevents the generation of T-helper-1-like Treg cells
Authors: Li Yangyang , Lu Yue , Wang Shuaiwei , Han Zhijun , Zhu Fuxiang , Ni Yingmeng , Liang Rui , Zhang Yan , Leng Qibin , Wei Gang , Shi Guochao , Zhu Ruihong , Li Dan , Wang Haikun , Zheng Song Guo , Xu Hongxi , Tsun Andy , Li Bin 
Published: November 2016

AbstractFOXP3+Regulatory T (Treg) cells play a key role in the maintenance of immune homeostasis and tolerance. Disruption ofFoxp3expression results in the generation of instable Treg cells and acquisition of effector T-cell-like function. Here we report that the E3 deubiquitinase USP21 prevents the depletion of FOXP3 at the protein level and restricts the generation of T-helper-1-like Treg cells. Mice depleted ofUsp21specifically in Treg cells display immune disorders characterized by spontaneous T-cell activation and excessive T-helper type 1 (Th1) skewing of Treg cells into Th1-like Treg cells. USP21 stabilizes FOXP3 protein by mediating its deubiquitination and maintains the expression of Treg signature genes. Our results demonstrate how USP21 prevents FOXP3 protein depletion and controls Treg lineage stabilityin vivo.
Assessment of Circulating LncRNAs Under Physiologic and Pathologic Conditions in Humans Reveals Potential Limitations as Biomarkers
Authors: Schlosser Kenny , Hanson Jennifer , Villeneuve Patrick J. , Dimitroulakos Jim , McIntyre Lauralyn , Pilote Louise , Stewart Duncan J. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractLong non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) are a new class of regulatory molecules with diverse cellular functions. Recent reports have suggested that extracellular lncRNAs are detectable in human plasma and may serve as biomarkers. Here, we sought to investigate circulating lncRNAs as potential biomarkers for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Eighty-four lncRNAs, representing some of the most abundant and functionally relevant candidates identified in cellular studies, were assessed via RT-qPCR in plasma from PAH and healthy subjects. However, despite preamplification, the majority of lncRNAs were surprisingly undetectable or sporadically detectable, and showed no differential changes. Systematic characterization of plasma/RNA quality and technical performance via internal and external controls revealed no evidence of RNA degradation or RT-qPCR inhibition, and most lncRNAs were robustly detectable in pulmonary tissue. In plasma, lncRNA levels were the lowest among several different RNA species examined, and this was generalizable to other chronic and acute vascular conditions including coronary artery disease, acute coronary syndrome, and septic shock. In addition, two of three previously reported circulating lncRNA biomarker candidates were not detectable in any of the plasma samples. This study reveals new insight on the relative levels of lncRNAs in circulation, which has important implications for their potential development as biomarkers.
Different brain responses to electro-acupuncture and moxibustion treatment in patients with Crohn’s disease
Authors: Bao Chunhui , Liu Peng , Liu Huirong , Jin Xiaoming , Calhoun Vince D. , Wu Luyi , Shi Yin , Zhang Jianye , Zeng Xiaoqing , Ma Lili , Qin Wei , Zhang Jingzhi , Liu Xiaoming , Tian Jie , Wu Huangan 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate changes in resting state brain activity in remissive Crohn’s Disease (CD) patients after electro-acupuncture or moxibustion treatment. Fifty-two CD patients and 36 healthy subjects were enrolled, and 36 patients were equally and randomly assigned to receive either electro-acupuncture or moxibustion treatment for twelve weeks. We used resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging to assess Regional Homogeneity (ReHo) levels, and Crohn’s Disease Activity Index (CDAI) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ) scores to evaluate disease severity and quality of life. The results show that (i) The ReHo levels in CD patients were significantly increased in cortical but decreased in subcortical areas, and the coupling between them was declined. (ii) Both treatments decreased CDAI, increased IBDQ scores, and normalized the ReHo values of the cortical and subcortical regions. (iii) ReHo changes in multiple cortical regions were significantly correlated with CDAI score decreases. ReHo changes in several subcortical regions in the electro-acupuncture group, and those of several cortical regions in the moxibustion group, were correlated with reduced CDAI. These findings suggest that both treatments improved cortex-subcortical coupling in remissive CD patients, but electro-acupuncture regulated homeostatic afferent processing network, while moxibustion mainly regulated the default mode network of the brain.
Inhibiting MDSC differentiation from bone marrow with phytochemical polyacetylenes drastically impairs tumor metastasis
Authors: Wei Wen-Chi , Lin Sheng-Yen , Lan Chun-Wen , Huang Yu-Chen , Lin Chih-Yu , Hsiao Pei-Wen , Chen Yet-Ran , Yang Wen-Chin , Yang Ning-Sun 
Published: November 2016

AbstractMyeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are implicated in the promotion of tumor metastasis by protecting metastatic cancerous cells from immune surveillance and have thus been suggested as novel targets for cancer therapy. We demonstrate here that oral feeding with polyacetylenic glycosides (BP-E-F1) from the medicinal plant Bidens pilosa effectively suppresses tumor metastasis and inhibits tumor-induced accumulation of granulocytic (g) MDSCs, but does not result in body weight loss in a mouse mammary tumor-resection model. BP-E-F1 is further demonstrated to exert its anti-metastasis activity through inhibiting the differentiation and function of gMDSCs. Pharmacokinetic and mechanistic studies reveal that BP-E-F1 suppresses the differentiation of gMDSCs via the inhibition of a tumor-derived, G-CSF-induced signaling pathway in bone marrow cells of test mice. Taken together, our findings suggest that specific plant polyacetylenic glycosides that target gMDSC differentiation by communicating with bone marrow cells may hence be seriously considered for potential application as botanical drugs against metastatic cancers.
STEP activation by Gαq coupled GPCRs opposes Src regulation of NMDA receptors containing the GluN2A subunit
Authors: Tian Meng , Xu Jian , Lei Gang , Lombroso Paul J. , Jackson Michael F. , MacDonald John F. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractN-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are necessary for the induction of synaptic plasticity and for the consolidation of learning and memory. NMDAR function is tightly regulated by functionally opposed families of kinases and phosphatases. Herein we show that the striatal-enriched protein tyrosine phosphatase (STEP) is recruited by Gαq-coupled receptors, including the M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M1R), and opposes the Src tyrosine kinase-mediated increase in the function of NMDARs composed of GluN2A. STEP activation by M1R stimulation requires IP3Rs and can depress NMDA-evoked currents with modest intracellular Ca2+buffering. Src recruitment by M1R stimulation requires coincident NMDAR activation and can augment NMDA-evoked currents with high intracellular Ca2+buffering. Our findings suggest that Src and STEP recruitment is contingent on differing intracellular Ca2+dynamics that dictate whether NMDAR function is augmented or depressed following M1R stimulation.