bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Changes in the Lipid Profiles of Eastern Chinese Postmenopausal Women With Early‐Stage Breast Cancer Treated With Different Aromatase Inhibitors: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Tian Wei , Wu Miaowei , Deng Yongchuan 
Published: December 2017

AbstractCardiovascular morbidity is closely associated with serum lipid level. We aimed to investigate the effects of different aromatase inhibitors, including letrozole, anastrozole, and exemestane, on the lipid profile of eastern Chinese breast cancer patients. We evaluated a retrospective cohort of eastern Chinese postmenopausal women with early‐stage breast cancer who received aromatase inhibitors. A total of 116 postmenopausal women with early‐stage breast cancer without prior cardiovascular disease were included. Lipid changes at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months were compared across the endocrine therapy categories. Our data demonstrated that exemestane treatment significantly decreased triglyceride level compared with letrozole after 24 months. However, the aromatase inhibitors had almost equivalent impacts on high‐density liportein cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride after long‐term aromatase inhibitor treatment. As a small‐size retrospective study, our data do not support a judgment about whether one AI or another carries more or less risk in terms of lipid disorders in eastern Chinese breast cancer patients. The exact effects need further randomized, controlled trials to investigate.
Internal rulers to assess fluorescent protein photoactivation efficiency
Authors: Renz Malte , Wunder Christian 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPhotoactivatable fluorescent proteins (PA‐FPs) have been widely used to assess the dynamics of cell biological processes. In addition, PA‐FPs enabled single‐molecule based super‐resolution imaging (photoactivated localization microscopy) and thereby provided unprecedented structural insight. For the lack of tools, however, the fraction of PA‐FPs that is, actually being switched on to fluoresce, that is, the photoactivation efficiency, has been difficult to assess. Uncertainty about photoactivation efficiency has hampered an understanding of the absolute amount of PA‐FPs, that is, being examined. Here, we present internal rulers to assess photoactivation efficiencies of photoactivatable proteins. These internal rulers comprise a PA‐FP that is genetically directly coupled to a spectrally distinct always‐on fluorescent protein. Thus, these fluorescent proteins will be expressed in the bacterial and mammalian cell in a one‐to‐one ratio. With these tools, we describe photoactivation efficiencies of PA‐GFP and PA‐Cherry in intensity‐based ratiometric ensemble studies and on the single‐molecule level. In ratiometric ensemble studies, we show that photoactivation efficiency depends on how the PA‐FPs are exposed to 405 nm light. Using a laser‐scanning microscope, hundreds of iterative low‐level exposures are up to four times more efficient than a short high‐power exposure. Using wide‐field illumination, photoactivation was similarly efficient and instantaneous. These findings suggest that the repetitive or stochastic exposure to photons of 405 nm light results in more efficient photoactivation than a continuous flow of photons. Because of the differential photoactivation efficiency, it is crucial to assess photoactivation efficiency for any given experimental set‐up. The tools we provide can be applied to any genetically encoded photoactivatable protein. Determination of photoactivation efficiency is essential for an understanding of absolute molecule numbers in ensemble studies and, most importantly, quantitative superresolution imaging. © 2017 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Spatial and temporal genetic dynamics of the grasshopper Oedaleus decorus revealed by museum genomics
Authors: Schmid Sarah , Neuenschwander Samuel , Pitteloud Camille , Heckel Gerald , Pajkovic Mila , Arlettaz Raphaël , Alvarez Nadir 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAnalyzing genetic variation through time and space is important to identify key evolutionary and ecological processes in populations. However, using contemporary genetic data to infer the dynamics of genetic diversity may be at risk of a bias, as inferences are performed from a set of extant populations, setting aside unavailable, rare, or now extinct lineages. Here, we took advantage of new developments in next‐generation sequencing to analyze the spatial and temporal genetic dynamics of the grasshopper Oedaleus decorus, a steppic Southwestern‐Palearctic species. We applied a recently developed hybridization capture (hyRAD) protocol that allows retrieving orthologous sequences even from degraded DNA characteristic of museum specimens. We identified single nucleotide polymorphisms in 68 historical and 51 modern samples in order to (i) unravel the spatial genetic structure across part of the species distribution and (ii) assess the loss of genetic diversity over the past century in Swiss populations. Our results revealed (i) the presence of three potential glacial refugia spread across the European continent and converging spatially in the Alpine area. In addition, and despite a limited population sample size, our results indicate (ii) a loss of allelic richness in contemporary Swiss populations compared to historical populations, whereas levels of expected heterozygosities were not significantly different. This observation is compatible with an increase in the bottleneck magnitude experienced by central European populations of O. decorus following human‐mediated land‐use change impacting steppic habitats. Our results confirm that application of hyRAD to museum samples produces valuable information to study genetic processes across time and space.
Zum Schutze aller – im Interesse aller!
Authors: Dzwonnek Dorothee 
Published: December 2017

AbstractGute wissenschaftliche Praxis: Nicht erst die Ereignisse dieses Jahres lassen über die grundlegenden Empfehlungen der DFG neu nachdenken. Wie können von Vorwürfen betroffene Wissenschaftler besser geschützt werden? Und wie ist ihr Schutz in Einklang zu bringen mit dem von Hinweisgebern und dem Interesse der Wissenschaft an Aufklärung? Erste Überlegungen
„De knabe, de mädhen, de kokonuss“
Authors: Maitz Péter , König Werner , Lindenfelser Siegwalt , Götze Angelika , Lipfert Salome , Neumeier Katharina 
Published: December 2017

Abstract„Unserdeutsch“ – das Kreoldeutsch aus den ehemaligen Südseekolonien und dem heutigen Papua‐Neuguinea wird erstmals sprachwissenschaftlich dokumentiert und erforscht. Die Zeit drängt, denn die weltweit einzige und lange nicht beachtete deutschbasierte Kreolsprache steht nach einer wechselvollen Geschichte vor dem Aussterben.
Kernel machine methods for integrative analysis of genome‐wide methylation and genotyping studies
Authors: Zhao Ni , Zhan Xiang , Huang Yen‐Tsung , Almli Lynn M , Smith Alicia , Epstein Michael P. , Conneely Karen , Wu Michael C. 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTMany large GWAS consortia are expanding to simultaneously examine the joint role of DNA methylation in addition to genotype in the same subjects. However, integrating information from both data types is challenging. In this paper, we propose a composite kernel machine regression model to test the joint epigenetic and genetic effect. Our approach works at the gene level, which allows for a common unit of analysis across different data types. The model compares the pairwise similarities in the phenotype to the pairwise similarities in the genotype and methylation values; and high correspondence is suggestive of association. A composite kernel is constructed to measure the similarities in the genotype and methylation values between pairs of samples. We demonstrate through simulations and real data applications that the proposed approach can correctly control type I error, and is more robust and powerful than using only the genotype or methylation data in detecting trait‐associated genes. We applied our method to investigate the genetic and epigenetic regulation of gene expression in response to stressful life events using data that are collected from the Grady Trauma Project. Within the kernel machine testing framework, our methods allow for heterogeneity in effect sizes, nonlinear, and interactive effects, as well as rapid P‐value computation.
Behavioural consequences of vaccination recommendations: An experimental analysis
Authors: Böhm Robert , Meier Nicolas W. , Korn Lars , Betsch Cornelia 
Published: December 2017

SummaryAnnual vaccination is the most effective way to prevent seasonal influenza. However, globally, the recommendations vary from country to country, ranging from universal recommendations, risk‐group‐specific recommendations, to no recommendation at all. Due to high diversity both in recommendation practice and country‐specific preconditions, it is difficult to determine the effect of different recommendations on vaccine uptake. This incentivised laboratory experiment (N = 288) tests the behavioural consequences of different recommendations in a repeated interactive vaccination game. The participants are part of heterogeneous groups, comprised of low‐ and high‐risk type of players. They receive either a universal, risk‐group‐specific or no recommendation prior to their vaccination decisions. Results show that individuals are sensitive to the recommendations. In detail, a risk‐group‐specific recommendation increases vaccine uptake of high‐risk types. However, at the same time, it decreases vaccine uptake of low‐risk types. The results imply that when the proportion of low‐risk types in a population is considerably larger than the high‐risk group, a risk‐group‐specific (vs. universal) recommendation comes at the cost of decreased social benefit of vaccination due to the overall lower vaccine uptake. Policy decision‐making should therefore complement epidemiological considerations with potential positive and negative behavioural consequences of vaccination recommendations.
Computer‐aided system for diagnosing thyroid nodules on ultrasound: A comparison with radiologist‐based clinical assessments
Authors: Gao Luying , Liu Ruyu , Jiang Yuxin , Song Wenfeng , Wang Ying , Liu Jia , Wang Juanjuan , Wu Dongqian , Li Shuai , Hao Aimin , Zhang Bo 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic efficiency of a thyroid ultrasound computer‐aided diagnosis (CAD) system with that of 1 radiologist.MethodsThis study retrospectively reviewed 342 surgically resected thyroid nodules from July 2013 to December 2013 at our center. The nodules were assessed on typical ultrasound images using the CAD system and reviewed by 1 experienced radiologist. The radiologist stratified the risk of malignancy using the Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data Systems (TIRADS) and the American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines.ResultsThe radiologist, using TI‐RADS and ATA guidelines, performed better than the CAD system (P < .01). The sensitivity of the CAD system was similar to that of an experienced radiologist (P > .05; P < .01; and P > .05). However, we found that the CAD system had lower specificity (P < .01).ConclusionThe sensitivity of a thyroid ultrasound CAD system in differentiating nodules was similar to that of an experienced radiologist. However, the CAD system had lower specificity.
Impact of alcohol dehydrogenase‐aldehyde dehydrogenase polymorphism on clinical outcome in patients with hypopharyngeal cancer
Authors: Avinçsal Mehmet Ozgur , Shinomiya Hirotaka , Teshima Masanori , Kubo Mie , Otsuki Naoki , Kyota Naomi , Sasaki Ryohei , Zen Yoh , Nibu Ken‐ichi 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this research was to investigate the association between alcohol dehydrogenase 1B (ADH1B) and aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) polymorphisms and hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) survival.MethodsWe genotyped ADH1B (rs1229984) and ALDH2 (rs671) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 85 Japanese male patients with hypopharyngeal SCC. The independent prognostic values of ADH1B‐ALDH2 genotypes were analyzed by univariate and multivariate proportional hazard Cox regression, taking well‐known clinical risk factors into account.ResultsHeavy drinkers with ALDH2*2 allele resulted in significantly worse overall survival (OS; P = .028) and disease‐free survival (DFS; P = .029) compared with other patients. Heavy drinkers with ALDH2*2 allele remained statistically significant in multivariate analysis for OS and DFS, indicating independent poor prognostic factor (hazard ratio [HR] 2.251; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.018‐4.975 and HR 2.261; 95% CI 1.021‐5.006, respectively).ConclusionWe conclude that heavy drinkers with the ALDH2*2 allele are associated with poor outcome in hypopharyngeal SCC.
In vitro biofilm growth on modern voice prostheses
Authors: Leonhard Matthias , Zatorska Beata , Tan Yulong , Moser Doris , Schneider‐Stickler Berit 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundBiofilm formation on voice prostheses in laryngectomized patients usually limits the lifetime of the device. The purpose of this study was to compare the biofilm resistance of different valve flaps of modern voice prostheses in an in vitro simulation of an oropharyngeal biofilm.MethodsGrowth of biofilm deposits on valve flaps (n = 12) removed from Provox 2, Provox Vega, Provox ActiValve, Blom Singer Advantage, and Phonax voice prostheses was evaluated and compared to medical‐grade silicone (n = 12) in an in vitro biofilm model (22 days) after incubation with a multispecies bacterial‐fungal biofilm composition.ResultsThe Provox ActiValve and the Blom Singer Advantage prostheses showed significantly less surface biofilm formation than the other prostheses and then silicone.ConclusionThe use of silver oxide and Teflon as valve flap materials proves to reduce long‐term biofilm formation in vitro. The applied model allows rapid screening for novel biofilm‐inhibitive materials and durable coatings designated for more biofilm resistant medical devices.
Evaluation of the Cancer Council NSW Eat It To Beat It Healthy Lunch Box Sessions: A short intervention to promote the intake of fruit and vegetables among families of primary school children in NSW Australia
Authors: Mihrshahi Seema , Foley Bridget , Nguyen Binh , Gander Kristi , Tan Nina , Hudson Nayerra , Hughes Clare , Hector Debra , Bauman Adrian 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIssue addressedChildren and adults in Australia are not eating the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables. Our objective was to assess the effectiveness of a health promotion intervention to improve fruit and vegetable intake among primary school children and their families in NSW.MethodsThe Cancer Council New South Wales Healthy Lunch Box sessions were a 25‐minute session delivered to parents of primary school‐aged children. The sessions provided information and resources about fruit and vegetables and healthy school lunch boxes. The evaluation is a quantitative uncontrolled pre‐post design. Data were collected using three questionnaires, pre‐intervention, 1 week post‐intervention and 6 months post‐intervention.ResultsA total of 204 parents completed all three evaluation questionnaires to 6 months. Knowledge of recommended intakes and serving sizes of fruit and vegetables improved significantly after the intervention. There was an increase in parents reporting packing vegetables (often/always) in the child's lunch box at 1 week (47%) and 6 months post‐intervention (40%) compared to pre‐intervention (32%). The proportion of parents reporting that they were confident in packing a healthy lunch box increased from 45% pre‐intervention to 62% after the intervention.ConclusionThe Healthy Lunch Box sessions were effective in improving parental knowledge and practices related to fruit and vegetables and parental confidence with packing a healthy lunch box.So what?This short intervention could be a useful component of a portfolio of interventions to support parents with knowledge and resources to pack a healthy lunch box for their children.
Cucurbituril As A Versatile Tool to Tune the Functions of Proteins
Authors: Hou Chunxi , Zeng Xiangzhi , Gao Yuzhou , Qiao Shanpeng , Zhang Xin , Xu Jiayun , Liu Junqiu 
Published: December 2017

AbstractTuning the functions of proteins is a key issue in chemistry and biochemistry. The modification of proteins by chemical or biological methods is proven to be a classical method that allows proteins to achieve multiple functions. Compared with traditional methods, cucurbiturils as a new series of macrocyclic supramolecular hosts have been explored to modify and control protein functions because they could recognize and bind to short aromatic peptide sequences specifically. After guest molecules are incorporated into proteins by chemical and biological methods, CB[n]‐induced supramolecular protein assemblies show distinct functions in catalysis, biosensor and drug delivery. Herein we review the recent progress in the field of functional regulation of proteins with cucurbiturils.
Relevance of megalin receptor injury with nuclear factor‐kappa B upregulation in acute kidney injury induced in rats
Authors: Elshaer Shereen Saeid , Anwar Hend Mohamed 
Published: December 2017

AbstractProximal tubule protein take‐up is interceded by 2 receptors, megalin and cubilin. These receptors rescue an assortment of filtered ligands including fundamental vitamins and hormones. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential relation of megalin receptor injury with nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) upregulation in acute kidney injury rat model. Twenty four rats were allocated into two groups: control group received saline, while the second group was intoxicated with cadmium chloride (2.4 mg Cd/kg/day i.p) for 30 days. Blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, tissue oxidant–antioxidant parameters (malondialdehyde [MDA] and reduced glutathione [GSH]) and expression levels for NF‐κB, toll like receptor‐2 (TLR2), toll like receptor‐4 (TLR4), and megalin receptor were estimated. Noticeable downregulation of megalin receptor versus upregulation of NF‐κB, TLR2, and TLR4 were observed in AKI rat model together with significant elevation in MDA as well as significant reduction in GSH. The study concluded that the oxidative stress in kidney tissue leads to megalin receptor damage, which indeed motivates upregulation of NF‐κB through TLRs 2 and 4 pathways.
Software ion scan functions in analysis of glycomic and lipidomic MS/MS datasets
Authors: Haramija Marko 
Published: December 2017

AbstractHardware ion scan functions unique to tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) mode of data acquisition, such as precursor ion scan (PIS) and neutral loss scan (NLS), are important for selective extraction of key structural data from complex MS/MS spectra. However, their software counterparts, software ion scan (SIS) functions, are still not regularly available. Software ion scan functions can be easily coded for additional functionalities, such as software multiple precursor ion scan, software no ion scan, and software variable ion scan functions. These are often necessary, since they allow more efficient analysis of complex MS/MS datasets, often encountered in glycomics and lipidomics. Software ion scan functions can be easily coded by using modern script languages and can be independent of instrument manufacturer. Here we demonstrate the utility of SIS functions on a medium‐size glycomic MS/MS dataset. Knowledge of sample properties, as well as of diagnostic and conditional diagnostic ions crucial for data analysis, was needed. Based on the tables constructed with the output data from the SIS functions performed, a detailed analysis of a complex MS/MS glycomic dataset could be carried out in a quick, accurate, and efficient manner. Glycomic research is progressing slowly, and with respect to the MS experiments, one of the key obstacles for moving forward is the lack of appropriate bioinformatic tools necessary for fast analysis of glycomic MS/MS datasets. Adding novel SIS functionalities to the glycomic MS/MS toolbox has a potential to significantly speed up the glycomic data analysis process. Similar tools are useful for analysis of lipidomic MS/MS datasets as well, as will be discussed briefly.
Surface gas exchange determined from an aquatic eddy covariance floating platform
Authors: Long Matthew H. , Nicholson David P. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractWe present a new approach to quantifying air‐water flux and gas transfer velocity (k600) from underwater eddy covariance (EC) of dissolved oxygen. EC fluxes were measured 35 cm below the air‐water interface using an acoustic Doppler velocimeter (ADV) coupled with a fast‐responding dissolved oxygen optode probe, integrated on a floating platform. A micro‐electro‐mechanical system (MEMS)‐based inertial motion unit integrated with the ADV enabled compensation of measured velocities for platform motion and changing sensor orientation. Deployments of 16 h and 30 h were conducted under low to moderate wind conditions in Sage Lot Pond, a small estuarine embayment. We evaluate air‐sea flux parameterizations based on wind speed, current speed, and turbulent kinetic energy dissipation rate compared to our directly measured EC flux. Total kinetic energy was linearly correlated with EC‐determined k600, indicative of a more direct relationship to near surface turbulence compared to wind and current speed based parameterizations, which were subject to biases attributable to directional differences in fetch and low current speed. Our observations, which encompassed a period of low turbulent energy, suggest that existing parameterizations are not well constrained for these conditions. This new aquatic EC technique is highly advantageous for the determination of air‐water exchange, especially in dynamic near‐shore and inland systems. The system presented here has the potential for wide applicability for lake, riverine, and open‐ocean air‐water exchange and the results can be extrapolated for use with a wide range of biogeochemically relevant gases.
Design of Polymeric Culture Substrates to Promote Proangiogenic Potential of Stem Cells
Authors: Kwon Byeong‐Ju , Wang Xintong , Kang Mi‐Lan , You Jin , Lee Shin‐Jeong , Kim Won Shik , Yoon Young‐sup , Park Jong‐Chul , Sung Hak‐Joon 
Published: December 2017

AbstractStem cells are a promising cell source for regenerative medicine due to their differentiation and self‐renewal capacities. In the field of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering, a variety of biomedical technologies have been tested to improve proangiogenic activities of stem cells. However, their therapeutic effect is found to be limited in the clinic because of cell loss, senescence, and insufficient therapeutic activities. To address this type of issue, advanced techniques for biomaterial synthesis and fabrication have been approached to mimic proangiogenic microenvironment and to direct proangiogenic activities. This review highlights the types of polymers and design strategies that have been studied to promote proangiogenic activities of stem cells. In particular, scaffolds, hydrogels, and surface topographies, as well as insight into their underlying mechanisms to improve proangiogenic activities are the focuses. The strategy to promote angiogenic activities of hMSCs by controlling substrate repellency is introduced, and the future direction is proposed.