bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficient strategy for introducing large and multiple changes in plasmid DNA
Authors: Zeng Fanli , Zhang Suhua , Hao Zhimin , Duan Shixin , Meng Yanan , Li Pan , Dong Jingao , Lin Yibin 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWhile the QuikChange site-directed mutagenesis method and its later modifications are extremely useful and simple, they suffer from several drawbacks. Here, we propose a new method, named LFEAP mutagenesis (Ligation of Fragment Ends After PCR) for creating various mutations in plasmid by leveraging three existing concepts: inverse PCR, single primer PCR, and sticky-end assembly. The first inverse PCR on the target plasmid yielded linearized DNA fragments with mutagenic ends, and a second single primer PCR resulted in complementary single-stranded DNA fragments with the addition of overhangs at the 5′ end of each strand. The resulting single strands were then annealed to produce double-stranded DNA with free 5′ single-stranded DNA tails. These products with compatible sticky ends were efficiently assembled into a circular, mutagenized plasmid. With this strategy, multiple simultaneous changes (up to 15) and mutations in large plasmids (up to 50 kb) were achieved with high efficiency and fidelity. LFEAP mutagenesis is a versatile method that offers significant advantages for introducing large and multiple changes in plasmid DNA.
Immunomodulatory capacity of the serotonin receptor 5-HT2B in a subset of human dendritic cells
Authors: Szabo Attila , Gogolak Peter , Koncz Gabor , Foldvari Zsofia , Pazmandi Kitti , Miltner Noemi , Poliska Szilard , Bacsi Attila , Djurovic Srdjan , Rajnavolgyi Eva 
Published: January 2018

AbstractSerotonin is a monoamine neurotransmitter that signals through a wide array of receptors (5-HT1–7) many of which are also involved in immune processes. Dendritic cells (DCs) are crucial players in immune defense by bridging innate and adaptive immune responses via their vast repertoire of pattern recognition receptors and antigen-presenting capability. Although serotonin is known to influence immunity at many levels, cell type-specific expression and function of its receptors remains poorly understood. Here we aimed to study 5-HT1–7 expression and function in CD1a− and CD1a+ human monocyte-derived DCs (moDCs). We found that the 5-HT2B receptor-subtype is solely expressed by the inflammatory CD1a+ moDC subset. Specific 5-HT2B activation potently inhibited TLR2, TLR3, and TLR7/8-induced proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, IP-10, IL-12) but not type I interferon-β responses. 5-HT2B agonism also interfered with the polarization of CD1a+ moDC-primed CD4+ T cells towards inflammatory Th1 and Th17 effector lymphocytes. Here we report the subset-specific expression and immunomodulatory function of 5-HT2B in human moDCs. Our results expand the biological role of 5-HT2B which may act not only as a neurotransmitter receptor, but also as an important modulator of both innate and adaptive immune responses.
Formulation, evaluation and bioactive potential of Xylaria primorskensis terpenoid nanoparticles from its major compound xylaranic acid
Authors: Adnan Mohd , Patel Mitesh , Reddy Mandadi Narsimha , Alshammari Eyad 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIn recent years, fungi have been shown to produce a plethora of new bioactive secondary metabolites of interest, as new lead structures for medicinal and other pharmacological applications. The present investigation was carried out to study the pharmacological properties of a potent and major bioactive compound: xylaranic acid, which was obtained from Xylaria primorskensis (X. primorskensis) terpenoids in terms of antibacterial activity, antioxidant potential against DPPH & H2O2 radicals and anticancer activity against human lung cancer cells. Due to terpenoid nature, low water solubility and wretched bioavailability, its pharmacological use is limited. To overcome these drawbacks, a novel xylaranic acid silver nanoparticle system (AgNPs) is developed. In addition to improving its solubility and bioavailability, other advantageous pharmacological properties has been evaluated. Furthermore, enhanced anticancer activity of xylaranic acid and its AgNPs due to induced apoptosis were also confirmed by determining the expression levels of apoptosis regulatory genes p53, bcl-2 and caspase-3 via qRT PCR method. This is the first study developing the novel xylaranic acid silver nanoparticle system and enlightening its therapeutic significance with its improved physico-chemical properties and augmented bioactive potential.
The alpha7-nicotinic receptor contributes to gp120-induced neurotoxicity: implications in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders
Authors: Capó-Vélez Coral M. , Morales-Vargas Bryan , García-González Aurian , Grajales-Reyes José G. , Delgado-Vélez Manuel , Madera Bismark , Báez-Pagán Carlos A. , Quesada Orestes , Lasalde-Dominicci José A. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractCurrently, there are no specific therapies to treat HIV-1 associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). The HIV-1 envelope, gp120, induces neuropathological changes similar to those in HAND patients; furthermore, it triggers an upregulation of the α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7-nAChR), facilitating intracellular calcium overload and neuronal cell death. Using a gp120IIIB-transgenic mouse (gp120-tgm) model, we demonstrate that α7-nAChRs are upregulated on striatal neurons. Activation of α7-nAChRs leads to an increase in both intracellular calcium and percentage of apoptotic cells, which can be abrogated by antagonizing the receptor, suggesting a role for α7-nAChRs in gp120-induced neurotoxicity. Moreover, we demonstrate for the first time that gp120-tgm have learning deficiencies on a striatum-dependent behavioral task. They also show locomotor deficiencies, which improved with α7-nAChR antagonists, further supporting a role for this receptor in gp120-induced neurotoxicity. Together, these results uncover a new mechanism through which gp120-induced modulation of α7-nAChRs in the striatum can contribute to HAND development.
State‐of‐the‐art on the protection of FACTS compensated high‐voltage transmission lines: a review
Authors: Biswas Sauvik , Nayak Paresh Kumar 
Published: January 2018

In recent years, the inclusion of flexible AC transmission systems (FACTS)‐based compensating devices such as a thyristor‐controlled series capacitor (TCSC) and a unified power flow controller (UPFC) has been increased in high‐voltage power transmission systems due to numerous technical and economical benefits. However, the operation of such FACTS devices introduces harmonics and non‐linearity in power system and causes fast changes in line impedance. As a result, the most widely used fixed impedance setting based distance relaying scheme finds limitation in protecting such compensated lines. Significant research has been carried out in recent years to develop new algorithms and methods to address the problem. This paper presents a comprehensive review of recent developments in the protection of TCSC/UPFC compensated high‐voltage transmission lines. The relative merits and demerits of each of the available methods are also presented for comparison. Prior to detail review, the impact of TCSC/UPFC on distance protection is evaluated by using data generated through EMTDC/PSCAD on a 400 kV two‐bus test power system. This study can be useful to both academic researchers and practicing engineers to gain insight on the protection of FACTS compensated transmission lines and for further development of newer algorithms.
Lymphatic Venous Anastomosis Can Release the Lymphedema-Associated Pain of Upper Limb after Breast Cancer Treatment
Authors: Mihara Makoto , Hara Hisako , Zhou Han , Tange Shuichi , Kikuchi Kazuki , Kawakami Yoshihisa 
Published: January 2018

Background Sometimes, chronic pain in the arm or chest could occur in postmastectomy patients. Although the pathology of the pain is unclear, the involvement of neurological mechanism, cicatricial contracture, or lymphedema is considered. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) in reducing chronic pain in upper limb lymphedema patients.
Patients and Methods This prospective study included consecutive 13 patients with upper limb lymphedema who received LVA. Preoperative lymphoscintigraphy and indocyanine green lymphography were performed. Pre- and postoperative pain scale were recorded using the visual analog scale (VAS). The number of cellulitis 1 year before and after LVA were compared. LVA was performed under local anesthesia, using a surgical microscope, and 12–0 nylon suture was used in the anastomosis.
Results Two out of 13 patients were excluded from this study, and 11 patients were subjected to this study. All subjects were females with an average age of 64.3 years. The average lymphedema duration was 76.7 months. The average number of LVA sites was 5.7 per limb and the average follow-up period was 10.6 months. The average pre- and postoperative VAS scores were 3.5 and 0.59, respectively; the significant decrease was observed (p = 0.017). Three of the patients who had experienced cellulitis (once, twice, and four times, respectively) did not develop any cellulitis after LVA.
Conclusion LVA was shown to be an effective surgical remedy for treating the lymphedema-associated pain of upper limb after breast cancer treatment.
Selbstbestimmung in der medizinischen Rehabilitation – Erstellung eines konzeptuellen Modells zur weiteren theoretischen Diskussion
Authors: Senin Tatjana , Meyer Thorsten 
Published: January 2018

Zusammenfassung
Ziel Ziel war es, theoretisches Wissen zur Selbstbestimmung zusammenzutragen und ein konzeptuelles Modell für die medizinische Rehabilitation zu erstellen, welches als Diskussionsgrundlage dienen soll.
Methodik Es wurde eine Literaturrecherche in elektronischen Datenbanken durchgeführt. Verschiedene Theorien und Forschungsergebnisse wurden rezipiert, auf den Kontext der medizinischen Rehabilitation übertragen und in ein konzeptuelles Modell überführt.
Ergebnisse Das konzeptuelle Modell der Selbstbestimmung bildet auf einem Kontinuum ab, welche Ausprägungen von Selbstbestimmung in Situationen der medizinischen Rehabilitationsbehandlung vorliegen können. Die Lokalisation auf dem Kontinuum hängt aus theoretischer Perspektive von der Ausprägung bestimmter interner und externer Faktoren ab, die sich wechselseitig beeinflussen können.
Schlussfolgerung Das Modell bietet eine erste Konzeptualisierung von Selbstbestimmung im Kontext der medizinischen Rehabilitation, die weiter ausdifferenziert und empirisch überprüft werden muss.
Cell-free TXTL synthesis of infectious bacteriophage T4 in a single test tube reaction
Authors: Rustad Mark , Eastlund Allen , Jardine Paul , Noireaux Vincent 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
The bottom-up construction of biological entities from genetic information provides a broad range of opportunities to better understand fundamental processes within living cells, as well as holding great promise for the development of novel biomedical applications. Cell-free transcription–translation (TXTL) systems have become suitable platforms to tackle such topics because they recapitulate the process of gene expression. TXTL systems have advanced to where the in vitro construction of viable, complex, self-assembling deoxyribonucleic acid-programmed biological entities is now possible. Previously, we demonstrated the cell-free synthesis of three bacteriophages from their genomes: MS2, ΦX174, T7. In this work, we present the complete synthesis of the phage T4 from its 169-kbp genome in one-pot TXTL reactions. This achievement, for one of the largest coliphages, demonstrates the integration of complex gene regulation, metabolism and self-assembly, and brings the bottom-up synthesis of biological systems to a new level.
High Risk of Mismatch Between Sanders and Risser Staging in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Are We Guiding Treatment Using the Wrong Classification?
Authors: Minkara Anas , Bainton Nicole , Tanaka Masashi , Kung Justin , DeAllie Christopher , Khaleel Alexandra , Matsumoto Hiroko , Vitale Michael , Roye Benjamin 
Published: January 2018

Background:
Despite known limitations, Risser staging has traditionally been the primary marker of skeletal maturity utilized in decision-making for treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). The purpose of this study is to assess the incidence and factors associated with mismatch between Risser Staging and Sanders classification, and determine interobserver reliability.

Methods:
We reviewed the medical records of consecutive patients aged 10 to 18 referred to our institution for evaluation of AIS from January to June 2016 with a closed triradiate cartilage. Data collected included sex, age, race, height, weight, body mass index percentile, menarchal status, Risser stage, Sanders classification, and major curve. Risser and Sanders stage was determined by 2 fellowship-trained pediatric spine surgeons and 1 pediatric orthopaedic nurse practitioner. Mismatch was defined as Risser stage 2 to 4 corresponding to Sanders 3 to 5, and Risser 0 to 1 corresponding to Sanders 6 to 7.

Results:
A total of 165 consecutive patients were identified (mean age: 13.9±1.7 y, major curve 28.2±15.4 degrees, 76% female). The risk of skeletal maturity mismatch, based on the criteria of Risser 2 to 5 (limited growth remaining) corresponding to Sanders 3 to 5 (significant growth remaining) was 21.8%, indicating that 1 of 5 patients would be undertreated if managed by Risser criteria. Conversely, the mismatch risk for Risser 0 to 1 corresponding to Sanders 6 to 7 was 3.6%, leading such patients to be treated conservatively longer than necessary. Males and those of Hispanic ethnicity were at a higher risk of mismatch (23.1% vs. 11.9%, P=0.08; 33.3% vs. 8.8%, P=0.04, respectively). Body mass index percentile, race, and major curve were not associated with mismatch. The unweighted and weighted interobserver κ for Risser staging was 0.74 and 0.82, respectively, and 0.86 and 0.91 for Sanders classification, respectively.

Conclusion:
Given the limited sensitivity of Risser staging during peak growth velocity, high mismatch risk, and lower interobserver reliability, the Sanders classification should be utilized to guide treatment options in patients with AIS. Compared with Sanders, utilizing Risser staging results in mistreatment in a total of 1 of 4 patients, with the vast majority being undertreated.

Level of Evidence:
Level II.
Longitudinal Changes in Disc and Retinal Lesions Among Highly Myopic Adolescents in Singapore Over a 10-Year Period
Authors: Wong Yee-Ling , Ding Yang , Sabanayagam Charumathi , Wong Chee-Wai , Verkicharla Pavan , Ohno-Matsui Kyoko , Tan Donald , Yeo Anna Chwee-Hong , Hoang Quan V. , Lamoureux Ecosse , Saw Seang-Mei 
Published: January 2018

Objectives:
To examine the progression pattern of disc and retinal lesions in highly myopic Chinese adolescents over a 10-year period in Singapore.

Methods:
This longitudinal study included Chinese participants who showed high myopia (spherical equivalent [SE] worse than or equal to −5 diopters [D]), no history of refractive surgery, and available fundus photographs at both 2006 (baseline) and 2016 (10-year follow-up) visits. Forty-four adolescents (aged 12–16 years at baseline) who were re-examined later at follow-up were included. Cycloplegic refraction, biometry, and fundus photography were performed at both visits. A trained grader classified myopic macular degeneration (MMD) based on the Meta–pathologic myopia classification and disc lesions from fundus photographs. Choroidal thickness (CT) measurements were performed at 10-year follow-up using swept-source optical coherence tomography. The ocular parameters and lesions were compared between baseline and follow-up.

Results:
There was a significant worsening of high myopia at follow-up to −7.5±1.8 D (mean SE±SD) in 2016 versus −6.2±1.3 D in 2006; (P<0.001). The 10-year changes included increased degree of tessellation (26 eyes, 29.5%), development of new tessellated fundus (19 eyes, 21.6%), disc tilt (7 eyes, 8.0%), and expansion of peripapillary atrophy size (33 eyes, 37.5%). Eyes with early-onset tessellation (present at baseline, 48 eyes) showed significantly thinner CT (P<0.05), compared with eyes with late-onset tessellation (incident at 10-year follow-up, 19 eyes). No cases of MMD were recorded at baseline or 10-year follow-up.

Conclusions:
Although there was no incident MMD, the retinal and disc lesions worsened over the follow-up period. Early-onset fundus tessellation was associated with thinner CT.
CapsoCam SV-1 Versus PillCam SB 3 in the Detection of Obscure Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Authors: Zwinger Lilli L. , Siegmund Britta , Stroux Andrea , Adler Andreas , Veltzke-Schlieker Winfried , Wentrup Robert , Jürgensen Christian , Wiedenmann Bertram , Wiedbrauck Felix , Hollerbach Stephan , Liceni Thomas , Bojarski Christian 
Published: January 2018

Background and Study Aim:
Newer capsule with a panoramic viewing mode is available and might increase the detection rate of bleeding lesions in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB). Furthermore, an improved patient acceptance rate is expected.

Materials and Methods:
In a randomized prospective comparative multicenter study, patients with OGIB were included and examined either with CapsoCam SV-1 or with PillCam SB 3. Detection of bleeding lesions, transit, and evaluation time and adverse events were evaluated. Physicians were interviewed about their experience with both capsules and the evaluation software. A detailed subject questionnaire analyzed acceptance of each capsule. Follow-up was 3 months.

Results:
In total, 181 patients with OGIB were recruited into the study. After exclusion of 28 patients 153 patients were randomized and CapsoCam SV-1 (n=78) or PillCam SB 3 (n=75) was administered. CapsoCam SV-1 detected more cases of bleeding (31/79, diagnostic yield 39.7%) compared with PillCam SB 3 (26/75, diagnostic yield 34.6%, NS). Transit time of both capsules was not different. Evaluation time with PillCam SB 3 was superior to CapsoCam SV-1 (27 vs. 40 min, P=0.01). In total, 95% of the physicians were satisfied with each capsule system and evaluation software. The acceptance rate of the patients to retrieve the CapsoCam SV-1 was high. Adverse events/serious adverse events were 17.9%/1.3% with CapsoCam SV-1 and 16%/0% with PillCam SB 3. Rebleeding rate was 28.75% within 3 months.

Conclusions:
CapsoCam SV-1 detected more lesions; however, relevant bleeding sources were visualized by both capsules. Physician’s satisfaction was high with both capsule systems and evaluation software. Patient’s acceptance with CapsoCam SV-1 was unexpectedly high. Serious adverse events were 0% with PillCam SB 3 and 1.3% with CapsoCam SV-1.
Accretion of a symmetry-breaking scalar field by a Schwarzschild black hole
Authors: Traykova Dina , Braden Jonathan , Peiris Hiranya V. 
Published: January 2018

We simulate the behaviour of a Higgs-like field in the vicinity of a Schwarzschild black hole using a highly accurate numerical framework. We consider both the limit of the zero-temperature Higgs potential and a toy model for the time-dependent evolution of the potential when immersed in a slowly cooling radiation bath. Through these numerical investigations, we aim to improve our understanding of the non-equilibrium dynamics of a symmetry-breaking field (such as the Higgs) in the vicinity of a compact object such as a black hole. Understanding this dynamics may suggest new approaches for studying properties of scalar fields using black holes as a laboratory.
This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue ‘Higgs Cosmology’.
Higgs cosmology
Authors: Rajantie Arttu 
Published: January 2018

The discovery of the Higgs boson in 2012 and other results from the Large Hadron Collider have confirmed the standard model of particle physics as the correct theory of elementary particles and their interactions up to energies of several TeV. Remarkably, the theory may even remain valid all the way to the Planck scale of quantum gravity, and therefore it provides a solid theoretical basis for describing the early Universe. Furthermore, the Higgs field itself has unique properties that may have allowed it to play a central role in the evolution of the Universe, from inflation to cosmological phase transitions and the origin of both baryonic and dark matter, and possibly to determine its ultimate fate through the electroweak vacuum instability. These connections between particle physics and cosmology have given rise to a new and growing field of Higgs cosmology, which promises to shed new light on some of the most puzzling questions about the Universe as new data from particle physics experiments and cosmological observations become available.
This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue ‘Higgs cosmology’.
Needs of beneficiaries related to the format and content of food parcels in Ghent, Belgium
Authors: Stepman Elif , Uyttendaele Mieke , De Boeck Elien , Jacxsens Liesbeth 
Published: January 2018

Purpose
As food aid is still for a great part dependent upon the donation of food surplus and as the number of persons relying on food charities is increasing, it is important to further investigate which donation system responds best to the needs of the beneficiaries. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the needs regarding the format and content of the food parcels in a selected social service in Ghent, Belgium. The “format” relates to how the food parcels are distributed, the “content” to the usability of the food products and whether additional products currently not offered are required by the beneficiaries.

Design/methodology/approach
The research is based on a qualitative study at a selected food charity in Ghent, using a semi-structured in-depth interview with 30 respondents who receive food parcels.

Findings
The food parcel beneficiaries report the need for freedom of choice regarding the offered food products (format). Fixed food parcels should be avoided. Also a need for more vegetables, milk, fresh (halal) meat and meat products was expressed (content), even though the charity purchased a great deal of additional “standard” food products to provide nutritious and varied food parcels. It should be further investigated whether other donation systems such as social groceries or restaurants meet the needs of the beneficiaries to a greater extent, or whether certain adjustments such as purchasing even more standard food products are possible to uphold.

Originality/value
To the authors’ knowledge this research is one of the first scientific studies addressing the needs of food parcel receivers in Belgium. It forms a basis for investigating which type of food donation answers best to the needs of the beneficiaries in Belgium or in other countries.