bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In Vivo Multimodal Imaging of Drusenoid Lesions in Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Yiu Glenn , Tieu Eric , Munevar Christian , Wong Brittany , Cunefare David , Farsiu Sina , Garzel Laura , Roberts Jeffrey , Thomasy Sara M. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractNonhuman primates are the only mammals to possess a true macula similar to humans, and spontaneously develop drusenoid lesions which are hallmarks of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Prior studies demonstrated similarities between human and nonhuman primate drusen based on clinical appearance and histopathology. Here, we employed fundus photography, spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), fundus autofluorescence (FAF), and infrared reflectance (IR) to characterize drusenoid lesions in aged rhesus macaques. Of 65 animals evaluated, we identified lesions in 20 animals (30.7%). Using the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) grading system and multimodal imaging, we identified two distinct drusen phenotypes – 1) soft drusen that are larger and appear as hyperreflective deposits between the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and Bruch’s membrane on SD-OCT, and 2) hard, punctate lesions that are smaller and undetectable on SD-OCT. Both exhibit variable FAF intensities and are poorly visualized on IR. Eyes with drusen exhibited a slightly thicker RPE compared with control eyes (+3.4 μm, P=0.012). Genetic polymorphisms associated with drusenoid lesions in rhesus monkeys in ARMS2 and HTRA1 were similar in frequency between the two phenotypes. These results refine our understanding of drusen development, and provide insight into the absence of advanced AMD in nonhuman primates.
A novel miRNA analysis framework to analyze differential biological networks
Authors: Bansal Ankush , Singh Tiratha Raj , Chauhan Rajinder Singh 
Published: October 2017

AbstractFor understanding complex biological systems, a systems biology approach, involving both the top-down and bottom-up analyses, is often required. Numerous system components and their connections are best characterised as networks, which are primarily represented as graphs, with several nodes connected at multiple edges. Inefficient network visualisation is a common problem related to transcriptomic and genomic datasets. In this article, we demonstrate an miRNA analysis framework with the help of Jatropha curcas healthy and disease transcriptome datasets, functioning as a pipeline derived from the graph theory universe, and discuss how the network theory, along with gene ontology (GO) analysis, can be used to infer biological properties and other important features of a network. Network profiling, combined with GO, correlation, and co-expression analyses, can aid in efficiently understanding the biological significance of pathways, networks, as well as a studied system. The proposed framework may help experimental and computational biologists to analyse their own data and infer meaningful biological information.
Biomineral Nano-Theranostic agent for Magnetic Resonance Image Guided, Augmented Radiofrequency Ablation of Liver Tumor
Authors: Ashokan Anusha , Somasundaram Vijay Harish , Gowd Genekehal Siddaramana , Anna Ida M. , Malarvizhi Giridharan L. , Sridharan Badrinathan , Jobanputra Rupal B. , Peethambaran Reshmi , Unni A. K. K. , Nair Shantikumar , Koyakutty Manzoor 
Published: October 2017

AbstractTheranostic nanoparticles based on biocompatible mineral compositions can significantly improve the translational potential of image guided cancer nano-therapy. Here, we report development of a single-phase calcium phosphate biomineral nanoparticle (nCP) with dual-mode magnetic resonance contrast (T1-T2) together with radiofrequency (RF) mediated thermal response suitable for image-guided RF ablation of cancer. The nanoparticles (NP) are engineered to provide dual MR contrast by an optimized doping concentration (4.1 at%) of paramagnetic ion, Fe3+, which also renders lossy dielectric character for nCP leading to thermal response under RF exposure. In vivo compatibility and dual-mode MR contrast are demonstrated in healthy rat models. MRI and T2 mapping suggest hepatobiliary clearance by ~96 hours. MRI guided intratumoral injection in subcutaneous rat glioma and orthotopic liver tumor models provide clear visualization of NP in MRI which also helps in quantifying NP distribution within tumor. Furthermore, by utilising RF mediated thermal response, NP treated tumor could be ablated using clinically approved RF ablation system (10 W,13.3 GHz). Real-time in vivo thermal imaging exhibits 119 ± 10% increase in temperature change (ΔT) for NP treated orthotopic liver tumor (ΔT = 51.5 ± 2 °C), compared to untreated healthy liver control (ΔT = 21.5 ± 2 °C). In effect, we demonstrate a promising nano-biomineral theranostic agent for dual-mode MRI combined with radiofrequency ablation of solid tumors.
Clock gene is associated with individual variation in the activation of reproductive endocrine and behavior of Asian short toed lark
Authors: Zhang Shuping , Xu Xianglong , Wang Weiwei , Yang Wenyu , Liang Wei 
Published: October 2017

AbstractWithin year individual variation in the timing of seasonal reproduction within wild bird populations in highly seasonal environments can be pronounced, but the molecular and physiological mechanisms responsible for this variation are unclear. We investigated the relationship betweenClockgene poly-Q length, activation of the HPG endocrine axis, and the timing of breeding behavior, in a wild population of the Asian short-toed lark (Calandrella cheleensis) in Inner Mongolia, China. Six variants ofClockgene poly-Q alleles were identified in this population.Clockpoly-Q mean allele length was positively correlated with the mean peak date deviation of individual birds. The shorter an individual’sClockpoly-Q mean allele length, the earlier its plasma LH, T and E2 values peaked. MeanClockpoly-Q allele length of nestlings in the same nest were positively correlated with the standardized laying date of the first egg in that nest. These results suggest that theClockgene influences the reproductive timing of birds through its effect on the HPG endocrine axis, and that individual variation in the timing of reproduction may have a genetic basis.
Radiocarbon analysis reveals expanded diet breadth associates with the invasion of a predatory ant
Authors: Suehiro Wataru , Hyodo Fujio , Tanaka Hiroshi O. , Himuro Chihiro , Yokoi Tomoyuki , Dobata Shigeto , Guénard Benoit , Dunn Robert R. , Vargo Edward L. , Tsuji Kazuki , Matsuura Kenji 
Published: October 2017

AbstractInvasions are ecologically destructive and can threaten biodiversity. Trophic flexibility has been proposed as a mechanism facilitating invasion, with more flexible species better able to invade. The termite hunting needle ant Brachyponera chinensis was introduced from East Asia to the United States where it disrupts native ecosystems. We show that B. chinensis has expanded dietary breadth without shifting trophic position in its introduced range. Transect sampling of ants and termites revealed a negative correlation between the abundance of B. chinensis and the abundance of other ants in introduced populations, but this pattern was not as strong in the native range. Both termite and B. chinensis abundance were higher in the introduced range than in native range. Radiocarbon (14C) analysis revealed that B. chinensis has significantly younger ‘diet age’, the time lag between carbon fixation by photosynthesis and its use by the consumer, in the introduced range than in the native range, while stable isotope analyses showed no change. These results suggest that in the introduced range B. chinensis remains a termite predator but also feeds on other consumer invertebrates with younger diet ages such as herbivorous insects. Radiocarbon analysis allowed us to elucidate cryptic dietary change associated with invasion success.
MicroRNA-27a regulates hepatic lipid metabolism and alleviates NAFLD via repressing FAS and SCD1
Authors: Zhang Meiyuan , Sun Weilan , Zhou Minghao , Tang Yan 
Published: October 2017

AbstractMicroRNAs are implicated as crucial mediators in metabolic diseases including obesity, diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD). Here, we show miR-27a attenuated hepatic de novo lipogenesis and alleviated obesity-initiated NAFLD through inhibiting Fasn and Scd1 in liver. Hepatic levels of miR-27a were significantly augmented in HFD-fed and ob/ob mice. Further studies demonstrated that miR-27a directly interacted with 3′ untranslated region (3′-UTR) of hepatic Fasn and Scd1 mRNAs and reduced their expression levels in mice. Adenovirus-mediated overexpression of miR-27a robustly blocked sodium oleate-induced triglyceride (TG) accumulation in mouse primary hepatocytes and reduced liver TG contents in mice via repressing hepatic lipogenesis. Furthermore, ectopic expression of hepatic miR-27a impaired lipid contents of livers and attenuated NAFLD development through suppressing lipogenesis in HCD-fed and ob/ob mice. Together, our results reveal a critical role of miR-27a in lipid homeostasis of liver and pathogenesis of NAFLD.
A high-throughput model for investigating neuronal function and synaptic transmission in cultured neuronal networks
Authors: Virdee Jasmeet K. , Saro Gabriella , Fouillet Antoine , Findlay Jeremy , Ferreira Filipa , Eversden Sarah , O’Neill Michael J. , Wolak Joanna , Ursu Daniel 
Published: October 2017

AbstractLoss of synapses or alteration of synaptic activity is associated with cognitive impairment observed in a number of psychiatric and neurological disorders, such as schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore successful development of in vitro methods that can investigate synaptic function in a high-throughput format could be highly impactful for neuroscience drug discovery. We present here the development, characterisation and validation of a novel high-throughput in vitro model for assessing neuronal function and synaptic transmission in primary rodent neurons. The novelty of our approach resides in the combination of the electrical field stimulation (EFS) with data acquisition in spatially separated areas of an interconnected neuronal network. We integrated our methodology with state of the art drug discovery instrumentation (FLIPR Tetra) and used selective tool compounds to perform a systematic pharmacological validation of the model. We investigated pharmacological modulators targeting pre- and post-synaptic receptors (AMPA, NMDA, GABA-A, mGluR2/3 receptors and Nav, Cav voltage-gated ion channels) and demonstrated the ability of our model to discriminate and measure synaptic transmission in cultured neuronal networks. Application of the model described here as an unbiased phenotypic screening approach will help with our long term goals of discovering novel therapeutic strategies for treating neurological disorders.
Gut dysbiosis and impairment of immune system homeostasis in perinatally-exposed mice to Bisphenol A precede obese phenotype development
Authors: Malaisé Yann , Menard Sandrine , Cartier Christel , Gaultier Eric , Lasserre Frédéric , Lencina Corinne , Harkat Cherryl , Geoffre Nancy , Lakhal Laïla , Castan Isabelle , Olier Maïwenn , Houdeau Eric , Guzylack-Piriou Laurence 
Published: October 2017

AbstractEpidemiology evidenced the Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical found in daily consumer products, as an environmental contributor to obesity and type II diabetes (T2D) in Humans. However, the BPA-mediated effects supporting these metabolic disorders are still unknown. Knowing that obesity and T2D are associated with low-grade inflammation and gut dysbiosis, we performed a longitudinal study in mice to determine the sequential adverse effects of BPA on immune system and intestinal microbiota that could contribute to the development of metabolic disorders. We observed that perinatal exposure to BPA (50 µg/kg body weight/day) induced intestinal and systemic immune imbalances at PND45, through a decrease of Th1/Th17 cell frequencies in the lamina propria concomitant to an increase of splenic Th1/Th17 immune responses. These early effects are associated with an altered glucose sensitivity, a defect of IgA secretion into faeces and a fall of faecal bifidobacteria relative to control mice. Such BPA-mediated events precede infiltration of pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages in gonadal white adipose tissue appearing with ageing, together with a decreased insulin sensitivity and an increased weight gain. Our findings provide a better understanding of the sequential events provoked by perinatal exposure to BPA that could support metabolic disorder development in later life.
Identification of a peptide-peptide binding motif in the coating of nab-paclitaxel nanoparticles with clinical antibodies: bevacizumab, rituximab, and trastuzumab
Authors: Butterfield John T. , Kim Hidong , Knauer Daniel J. , Nevala Wendy K. , Markovic Svetomir N. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAntibody directed chemotherapy (ADC) takes advantage of the selectivity of the monoclonal antibody to increase the efficacy of the chemotherapeutic agent, while reducing toxicity. Previously we described three nab-paclitaxel (Abraxane) nanoparticles coated with commercial monoclonal antibodies. Identifying the binding sites responsible for these particles could allow reverse engineering of nab-paclitaxel binding antibodies, creating a modular platform for antibody directed chemotherapeutic nanoparticles. Herein, Biacore surface plasmon resonance is used to identify an antibody binding site, HSA Peptide 40, on human serum albumin with nanomolar affinity for all three monoclonal antibodies. This 18-mer peptide, which lies in Subdomain IIIA of human serum albumin, blocks binding of all three antibodies to nab-paclitaxel when added in excess. We furthermore show the complementary binding region on all three monoclonal antibodies to be the CDR H3 loop of the Fab region, and show that they all have nano to micromolar affinity for HSA Peptide 40 and nab-paclitaxel nanoparticles. The presented data identify the nature of the critical protein-protein interaction that enables antibody coating of nab-paclitaxel.
Training Direct-Care Staff to Provide Communication Intervention to Adults With Intellectual Disability: A Systematic Review
Authors: van der Meer Larah , Matthews Tamyra , Ogilvie Emily , Berry Alice , Waddington Hannah , Balandin Susan , O'Reilly Mark F. , Lancioni Giulio , Sigafoos Jeff 
Published: October 2017

Purpose
The aim of this review was to summarize and evaluate studies on training direct-care staff to provide communication intervention to adults with intellectual disability.

Method
Systematic searches identified 22 studies. These were summarized and evaluated in terms of (a) participants; (b) settings; (c) training aims and procedures; (d) research designs; (e) reliability, integrity, and social validity; (f) outcomes; (g) generalization and follow-up; and (h) certainty of evidence.

Results
A total of 437 staff and 254+ adults with intellectual disability participated. Staff training most frequently involved combinations of verbal instruction, role play, modeling, practice, and feedback. Reliability was assessed in 18 studies with acceptable standards for most of these studies. Treatment integrity and social validity were assessed in 1 and 3 studies, respectively, with positive outcomes. Generalization and maintenance were assessed in 5 and 8 studies, respectively, with predominantly positive outcomes. Most studies reported positive outcomes for staff and positive or mixed outcomes for the adults with intellectual disability. Certainty of evidence was rated as conclusive in 1 study, suggestive in 14 studies, and inconclusive in 7 studies.

Conclusions
There is sufficient evidence to conclude that direct-care staff can be taught to provide effective communication intervention to adults with intellectual disability. Professionals involved in providing training and support to direct-care staff could expect positive outcomes from multicomponent training programs that include opportunities for practice and feedback.
Effects of Tongue Strength Training on Mealtime Function in Long-Term Care
Authors: Namasivayam-MacDonald Ashwini M. , Burnett Lynsey , Nagy Ahmed , Waito Ashley A. , Steele Catriona M. 
Published: October 2017

Purpose
The primary aim of this study was to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of an 8-week tongue-strengthening intervention protocol for seniors with mild to moderately severe cognitive impairment in the long-term care setting. Outcome measures of interest included tongue strength, mealtime duration, and food intake.

Method
In this pre–post group study of treatment outcomes, data were collected from 7 adults (aged 84–99 years). Participants were observed across a series of mealtimes to determine mealtime duration and intake before and after 16 treatment sessions. During therapy, participants performed isometric strength exercises and tongue pressure accuracy tasks using the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (model number 2.1, IOPI Medical). Differences in tongue strength as a function of treatment were explored between the first 3 and final 3 sessions using univariate repeated-measures analysis of variance. Single-subject methods were used to explore baseline and posttreatment data for measures of mealtime function.

Results
Anterior and posterior tongue strength increased significantly with therapy. There were no changes in mealtime function.

Conclusions
This study shows proof of concept that some older adults with cognitive impairment are able to participate in a tongue-strengthening intervention and achieve improvements in tongue strength. Failure to find evidence of associated changes of mealtime function suggests that mealtime measures may not be directly sensitive to changes in tongue strength.
The extraneous eclipses on binary light curves: KIC 5255552, KIC 10091110, and KIC 11495766
Authors: Zhang J. , Qian S. B. , Wang S. M. , Sun L. L. , Wu Y. , Jiang L. Q. 
Published: October 2017

Aims. We aim to find more eclipsing multiple systems and obtain their parameters, thus increasing our understanding of multiple systems.
Methods. The extraneous eclipses on the Kepler binary light curves indicating extraneous bodies were searched. The binary light curves were analyzed using the binary model, and the extraneous eclipses were studied on their periodicity and shape changes.
Results. Three binaries with extraneous eclipses on the binary light curves were found and studied based on the Kepler observations. The object KIC 5255552 is an eclipsing triple system with a fast changing inner binary and an outer companion uncovered by three groups of extraneous eclipses of 862.1(±0.1) d period. The KIC 10091110 is suggested to be a double eclipsing binary system with several possible extraordinary coincidences: the two binaries share similar extremely small mass ratios (0.060(13) and 0.0564(18)), similar mean primary densities (0.3264(42) ρ⊙ and 0.3019(28) ρ⊙), and, most notably, the ratio of the two binaries' periods is very close to integer 2 (8.5303353/4.2185174 = 2.022). The KIC 11495766 is a probable triple system with a ~120.73 d period binary and (at least) one non-eclipse companion. Furthermore, very close to it in the celestial sphere, there is a blended background stellar binary of 8.3404432 d period. A first list of 25 eclipsing multiple candidates is presented, with the hope that it will be beneficial for study of eclipsing multiples.
A New Wrist Clinical Evaluation Score
Authors: Burnier Marion , Nakamura Toshiyasu , Herzberg Guillaume 
Published: October 2017

Background The number of available wrist scoring systems is limited; some of them do not include forearm rotation criteria.
Purpose To describe a new electronic wrist clinical score and to present a new patient's generated wrist evaluation criterion, the subjective wrist value (SWV).
Materials and Methods A new electronic wrist clinical score, the Lyon wrist score (LWS) including wrist VAS pain and function, active range of motion and strength was built into an excel file. VAS flexion-extension pain and function were evaluated independently from pronation-supination pain and function. A new patient's generated wrist evaluation criterion, SWV was described.
Results The LWS is available in two versions, standard and full (the latter including forearm rotation strength). Both standard and full LWS are displayed into an automatically generated diamond-shaped graph providing a comprehensive visual display of the clinical status of most osteoarticular wrist disorders. The graph also includes SWV. The LWS, combined with SWV into a graph that may be directly exported to a PowerPoint presentation, provide a new practical and comprehensive tool for following/comparing wrist osteoarticular clinical status/outcomes. Both standard and full LWS charts are available in colored versions on a related website for free download.
Conclusion A comprehensive updated electronic display of osteoarticular wrist clinical status including forearm rotation criteria is provided and displayed into a graph which may be exported as such into a PowerPoint presentation for clinical analysis/comparisons.
Level of Evidence Level II.
Evaluation of Early Onset Sepsis, Complete Blood Count, and Antibiotic Use in Gastroschisis
Authors: Williams Sadie , Leonard Matthew , Hall Eric , Perez Jose , Wessel Jacqueline , Kingma Paul 
Published: October 2017

Objective Gastroschisis is a congenital defect in which the abdominal viscera herniate through the abdominal wall. In this population, antibiotics are often initiated immediately following delivery; however, this may be unnecessary as infections typically develop as a consequence of chronic issues in gastroschisis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of culture positive early onset sepsis, the reliability of the immature to mature neutrophil count (I:T) ratio as an infectious biomarker, and antibiotic use in infants with gastroschisis.
Study Design This retrospective chart review analyzed clinical data from 103 infants with gastroschisis and 103 weight-matched controls that were evaluated for early onset infection.
Results Compared with the control group, there was a significantly increased percentage of infants with an I:T ratio > 0.2 in the gastroschisis group (43% vs. 12%, p < 0.001) and an increased percentage of infants exposed to greater than 5 days of antibiotics regardless of their I:T ratio (75% vs. 6%, p < 0.001). There were no episodes of culture positive early onset sepsis in either group.
Conclusion Our results indicate that I:T ratio is not a reliable marker of infection in gastroschisis, and suggest that empiric septic evaluation and antibiotic use, immediately following delivery in gastroschisis infants, may be unnecessary.