bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Differentiation Stage of Transplanted Stem Cells Modulates Nerve Regeneration
Authors: Huang Ching-Wen , Huang Wen-Chin , Qiu Xuefeng , Fernandes Ferreira da Silva Flavia , Wang Aijun , Patel Shyam , Nesti Leon J. , Poo Mu-Ming , Li Song 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIn regenerative medicine applications, the differentiation stage of implanted stem cells must be optimized to control cell fate and enhance therapeutic efficacy. We investigated the therapeutic potential of human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cells at two differentiation stages on peripheral nerve regeneration. Neural crest stem cells (NCSCs) and Schwann cells (NCSC-SCs) derived from iPSCs were used to construct a tissue-engineered nerve conduit that was applied to bridge injured nerves in a rat sciatic nerve transection model. Upon nerve conduit implantation, the NCSC group showed significantly higher electrophysiological recovery at 1 month as well as better gastrocnemius muscle recovery at 5 months than the acellular group, but the NCSC-SC group didn’t. Both transplanted NCSCs and NCSC-SCs interacted with newly-growing host axons, while NCSCs showed better survival rate and distribution. The transplanted NCSCs mainly differentiated into Schwann cells with no teratoma formation, and they secreted higher concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor than NCSC-SCs. In conclusion, transplantation of iPSC-NCSCs accelerated functional nerve recovery with the involvement of stem cell differentiation and paracrine signaling. This study unravels thein vivoperformance of stem cells during tissue regeneration, and provides a rationale of using appropriate stem cells for regenerative medicine.
From Discovery to Translation: Characterization of C-Mannosyltryptophan and Pseudouridine as Markers of Kidney Function
Authors: Sekula Peggy , Dettmer Katja , Vogl Franziska C. , Gronwald Wolfram , Ellmann Lisa , Mohney Robert P. , Eckardt Kai-Uwe , Suhre Karsten , Kastenmüller Gabi , Oefner Peter J. , Köttgen Anna 
Published: December 2017

AbstractUsing a non-targeted metabolomics platform, we recently identified C-mannosyltryptophan and pseudouridine as non-traditional kidney function markers. The aims of this study were to obtain absolute concentrations of both metabolites in blood and urine from individuals with and without CKD to provide reference ranges and to assess their fractional excretions (FE), and to assess the agreement with their non-targeted counterparts. In individuals without/with CKD, mean plasma and urine concentrations for C-mannosyltryptophan were 0.26/0.72 µmol/L and 3.39/4.30 µmol/mmol creatinine, respectively. The respective concentrations for pseudouridine were 2.89/5.67 µmol/L and 39.7/33.9 µmol/mmol creatinine. Median (25th, 75th percentiles) FEs were 70.8% (65.6%, 77.8%) for C-mannosyltryptophan and 76.0% (68.6%, 82.4%) for pseudouridine, indicating partial net reabsorption. Association analyses validated reported associations between single metabolites and eGFR. Targeted measurements of both metabolites agreed well with the non-targeted measurements, especially in urine. Agreement for composite nephrological measures FE and urinary metabolite-to-creatinine ratio was lower, but could be improved by replacing non-targeted creatinine measurements with a standard clinical creatinine test. In summary, targeted quantification and additional characterization in relevant populations are necessary steps in the translation of non-traditional biomarkers in nephrology from non-targeted discovery to clinical application.
Revisiting unexploited antibiotics in search of new antibacterial drug candidates: the case of γ-actinorhodin
Authors: Nass Nada M. , Farooque Sannia , Hind Charlotte , Wand Matthew E. , Randall Christopher P. , Sutton J. Mark , Seipke Ryan F. , Rayner Christopher M. , O’Neill Alex J. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractOf the thousands of natural product antibiotics discovered to date, only a handful have been developed for the treatment of bacterial infection. The clinically unexploited majority likely include compounds with untapped potential as antibacterial drugs, and in view of the ever-growing unmet medical need for such agents, warrant systematic re-evaluation. Here we revisit the actinorhodins, a class that was first reported 70 years ago, but which remains poorly characterized. We show that γ-actinorhodin possesses many of the requisite properties of an antibacterial drug, displaying potent and selective bactericidal activity against key Gram-positive pathogens (including Staphylococcus aureus and enterococci), a mode of action distinct from that of other agents in clinical use, an extremely low potential for the development of resistance, and a degree of in vivo efficacy in an invertebrate model of infection. Our findings underscore the utility of revisiting unexploited antibiotics as a source of novel antibacterial drug candidates.
Relation of Ultrasound Findings and Abdominal Symptoms obtained with the CFAbd-Score in Cystic Fibrosis Patients
Authors: Tabori Harold , Jaudszus Anke , Arnold Christin , Mentzel Hans-Joachim , Lorenz Michael , Michl Ruth K. , Lehmann Thomas , Renz Diane M. , Mainz Jochen G. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAbdominal symptoms are a hallmark of Cystic fibrosis (CF). Yet, their association with morphological abnormalities of different abdominal organs is still poorly understood. Aim was therefore to relate these symptoms, assessed with a questionnaire, to findings in abdominal ultrasound (US). In 114 CF patients of all ages, findings in US considering seventeen specific parameters were related to abdominal symptoms compiled with our novel CF-specific 26-modal symptom score (CFAbd-Score). US abnormalities were detected in 95% of the patients. Most frequent findings were pancreatic lipomatosis (88%), liver steatosis (37%), hepatomegaly (31%), and thickened bowel walls (23%). Highest burden of GI-symptoms was clearly associated with pancreatic lipomatosis (p = 0.036). In detail, patients revealing this pathology reported higher rates of abdominal pain (p = 0.018), flatulence (p = 0.006), heartburn (p = 0.04), and reflux of stomach content (p = 0.006). Patients with pancreatic sufficiency had less US-findings (p = 0.033), which in turn was associated with lower rates of abdominal symptoms. The majority of them were carriers of class IV-VI or G551D mutations. Our approach gives new insights regarding the underestimated multi-organ abdominal involvement in CF. The new score can be of high interest e.g. as a complementary tool to assess the gastrointestinal effects of promising novel CF therapeutics.
lncTCF7 is a negative prognostic factor, and knockdown of lncTCF7 inhibits migration, proliferation and tumorigenicity in glioma
Authors: Gao Xiao , Guo Xing , Xue Hao , Qiu Wei , Guo Xiaofan , Zhang Jinsen , Qian Mingyu , Li Tong , Liu Qinglin , Shen Jie , Deng Lin , Li Gang 
Published: December 2017

AbstractLong noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to play critical roles in cancer. lncTCF7 (gene symbol: WSPAR) has been reported to maintain stemness in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) stem cells. However, little is known about the role of lncTCF7 in glioma. The aim of this study was to identify the role of lncTCF7 in the pathogenesis of glioma. We analysed the relationship of lncTCF7 expression with clinicopathological characteristics in glioma patients. Our results showed that lncTCF7 expression was increased in glioma tissues compared with that in normal brain tissues (P < 0.001). Moreover, lncTCF7 was significantly associated with WHO grade (I–II vs. III–IV; P = 0.006) and tumour size (<3 cm vs. T ≥ 3 cm; P = 0.025). Meanwhile, patients with high lncTCF7 expression levels exhibited markedly worse overall survival prognoses (P < 0.01). Loss of function assays revealed that knockdown of lncTCF7 significantly inhibited glioma cell migration, proliferation and tumorigenicity in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we found that hypoxia induced lncTCF7 expression in an autocrine manner through IL-6 in glioma. In conclusion, lncTCF7 may play a vital role in glioma progression and serves as a potential prognostic biomarker in glioma patients, providing new targets for glioma therapy.
Enhancing size based size separation through vertical focus microfluidics using secondary flow in a ridged microchannel
Authors: Tasadduq Bushra , Lam Wilbur , Alexeev Alexander , Sarioglu A. Fatih , Sulchek Todd 
Published: December 2017

AbstractHigh throughput size based separation and sorting of bioparticles and cells is critical to a variety of biomedical processing steps for medical diagnostics and pharmaceutical purification. Improving microfluidic size-based particle/cell sorting is a challenge to better address the need for generating more homogeneous subpopulations for study and use. We propose a novel advance to microfluidic sorting devices that uses three-dimensional focusing of the sample to optimally position particles to amplify the size-dependent differences in trajectories caused by differential secondary flows. The result is an increase in the purity of small particles by 35- fold and large particles by 8-fold in comparison to unfocused flow. Our simulated and experimental data reveal for the first time that positioning particles in three-dimensional space can be used to better leverage the differential lateral movement of particles with different sizes as they flow in microchannel with transverse secondary flows. The focusing approach may also be useful to improve positioning of particles with inertial channels with multiple equilibrium positions. This technique performs continuous-flow, high throughput size based sorting of millions of particles and cells in a minute without any pre and post-processing. We have also demonstrated improved enrichment and recovery of white blood cells from human blood.
Cell Assembly in Self-foldable Multi-layered Soft Micro-rolls
Authors: Teshima Tetsuhiko F. , Nakashima Hiroshi , Ueno Yuko , Sasaki Satoshi , Henderson Calum S. , Tsukada Shingo 
Published: December 2017

AbstractMulti-layered thin films with heterogeneous mechanical properties can be spontaneously transformed to realise various three-dimensional (3D) geometries. Here, we describe micro-patterned all-polymer films called micro-rolls that we use for encapsulating, manipulating, and observing adherent cells in vitro. The micro-rolls are formed of twin-layered films consisting of two polymers with different levels of mechanical stiffness; therefore they can be fabricated by using the strain engineering and a self-folding rolling process. By controlling the strain of the films geometrically, we can achieve 3D tubular architectures with controllable diameters. Integration with a batch release of sacrificial hydrogel layers provides a high yield and the biocompatibility of the micro-rolls with any length in the release process without cytotoxicity. Thus, the multiple cells can be wrapped in individual micro-rolls and artificially reconstructed into hollow or fibre-shaped cellular 3D constructs that possess the intrinsic morphologies and functions of living tissues. This system can potentially provide 3D bio-interfaces such as those needed for reconstruction and assembly of functional tissues and implantable tissue grafts.
Activity-Dependent Regulation of Alternative Cleavage and Polyadenylation During Hippocampal Long-Term Potentiation
Authors: Fontes Mariana M. , Guvenek Aysegul , Kawaguchi Riki , Zheng Dinghai , Huang Alden , Ho Victoria M. , Chen Patrick B. , Liu Xiaochuan , O’Dell Thomas J. , Coppola Giovanni , Tian Bin , Martin Kelsey C. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractLong-lasting forms of synaptic plasticity that underlie learning and memory require new transcription and translation for their persistence. The remarkable polarity and compartmentalization of neurons raises questions about the spatial and temporal regulation of gene expression within neurons. Alternative cleavage and polyadenylation (APA) generates mRNA isoforms with different 3′ untranslated regions (3′UTRs) and/or coding sequences. Changes in the 3′UTR composition of mRNAs can alter gene expression by regulating transcript localization, stability and/or translation, while changes in the coding sequences lead to mRNAs encoding distinct proteins. Using specialized 3′ end deep sequencing methods, we undertook a comprehensive analysis of APA following induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) of mouse hippocampal CA3-CA1 synapses. We identified extensive LTP-induced APA changes, including a general trend of 3′UTR shortening and activation of intronic APA isoforms. Comparison with transcriptome profiling indicated that most APA regulatory events were uncoupled from changes in transcript abundance. We further show that specific APA regulatory events can impact expression of two molecules with known functions during LTP, including 3′UTR APA of Notch1 and intronic APA of Creb1. Together, our results reveal that activity-dependent APA provides an important layer of gene regulation during learning and memory.
Discriminating single-bacterial shape using low-aspect-ratio pores
Authors: Tsutsui Makusu , Yoshida Takeshi , Yokota Kazumichi , Yasaki Hirotoshi , Yasui Takao , Arima Akihide , Tonomura Wataru , Nagashima Kazuki , Yanagida Takeshi , Kaji Noritada , Taniguchi Masateru , Washio Takashi , Baba Yoshinobu , Kawai Tomoji 
Published: December 2017

AbstractConventional concepts of resistive pulse analysis is to discriminate particles in liquid by the difference in their size through comparing the amount of ionic current blockage. In sharp contrast, we herein report a proof-of-concept demonstration of the shape sensing capability of solid-state pore sensors by leveraging the synergy between nanopore technology and machine learning. We found ionic current spikes of similar patterns for two bacteria reflecting the closely resembled morphology and size in an ultra-low thickness-to-diameter aspect-ratio pore. We examined the feasibility of a machine learning strategy to pattern-analyse the sub-nanoampere corrugations in each ionic current waveform and identify characteristic electrical signatures signifying nanoscopic differences in the microbial shape, thereby demonstrating discrimination of single-bacterial cells with accuracy up to 90%. This data-analytics-driven microporescopy capability opens new applications of resistive pulse analyses for screening viruses and bacteria by their unique morphologies at a single-particle level.
Modeling and optimization of thermal conductivity and viscosity of MnFe2O4 nanofluid under magnetic field using an ANN
Authors: Amani Mohammad , Amani Pouria , Kasaeian Alibakhsh , Mahian Omid , Pop Ioan , Wongwises Somchai 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis research investigates the applicability of an ANN and genetic algorithms for modeling and multiobjective optimization of the thermal conductivity and viscosity of water-based spinel-type MnFe2O4 nanofluid. Levenberg-Marquardt, quasi-Newton, and resilient backpropagation methods are employed to train the ANN. The support vector machine (SVM) method is also presented for comparative purposes. Experimental results demonstrate the efficacy of the developed ANN with the LM-BR training algorithm and the 3-10-10-2 structure for the prediction of the thermophysical properties of nanofluids in terms of the significantly superior accuracy compared to developing the correlation and employing SVM regression. Moreover, the genetic algorithm is implemented to determine the optimal conditions, i.e., maximum thermal conductivity and minimum nanofluid viscosity, based on the developed ANN.
The Human Blood-Nerve Barrier Transcriptome
Authors: Palladino Steven P. , Helton E. Scott , Jain Preti , Dong Chaoling , Crowley Michael R. , Crossman David K. , Ubogu Eroboghene E. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe blood-nerve barrier (BNB), formed by tight junction-forming microvessels within peripheral nerve endoneurium, exists to regulate its internal microenvironment essential for effective axonal signal transduction. Relatively little is known about the unique human BNB molecular composition. Such knowledge is crucial to comprehend the relationships between the systemic circulation and peripheral nerves in health, adaptations to intrinsic or extrinsic perturbations and alterations that may result in disease. We performed RNA-sequencing on cultured early- and late-passage adult primary human endoneurial endothelial cells and laser-capture microdissected endoneurial microvessels from four cryopreserved normal adult human sural nerves referenced to the Genome Reference Consortium Human Reference 37 genome browser, using predefined criteria guided by known transcript or protein expression in vitro and in situ. We identified 12881 common transcripts associated by 125 independent biological networks, defined as the normal adult BNB transcriptome, including a comprehensive array of transporters and specialized intercellular junctional complex components. These identified transcripts and their interacting networks provide insights into peripheral nerve microvascular morphogenesis, restrictive barrier formation, influx and efflux transporters with relevance to understanding peripheral nerve homeostasis and pharmacology, including targeted drug delivery and the mediators of leukocyte trafficking in peripheral nerves during normal immunosurveillance.
Tear proteome analysis in ocular surface diseases using label-free LC-MS/MS and multiplexed-microarray biomarker validation
Authors: Soria Javier , Acera Arantxa , Merayo-LLoves Jesús , Durán Juan A. , González Nerea , Rodriguez Sandra , Bistolas Nikitas , Schumacher Soeren , Bier Frank F. , Peter Harald , Stöcklein Walter , Suárez Tatiana 
Published: December 2017

AbstractWe analyzed the tear film proteome of patients with dry eye (DE), meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), and normal volunteers (CT). Tear samples were collected from 70 individuals. Of these, 37 samples were analyzed using spectral-counting-based LC-MS/MS label-free quantitation, and 33 samples were evaluated in the validation of candidate biomarkers employing customized antibody microarray assays. Comparative analysis of tear protein profiles revealed differences in the expression levels of 26 proteins, including protein S100A6, annexin A1, cystatin-S, thioredoxin, phospholipase A2, antileukoproteinase, and lactoperoxidase. Antibody microarray validation of CST4, S100A6, and MMP9 confirmed the accuracy of previously reported ELISA assays, with an area under ROC curve (AUC) of 87.5%. Clinical endpoint analysis showed a good correlation between biomarker concentrations and clinical parameters. In conclusion, different sets of proteins differentiate between the groups. Apolipoprotein D, S100A6, S100A8, and ceruloplasmin discriminate best between the DE and CT groups. The differences between antileukoproteinase, phospholipase A2, and lactoperoxidase levels allow the distinction between MGD and DE, and the changes in the levels of annexin A1, clusterin, and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein 1, between MGD and CT groups. The functional network analysis revealed the main biological processes that should be examined to identify new candidate biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
cfDNA correlates with endothelial damage after cardiac surgery with prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass and amplifies NETosis in an intracellular TLR9-independent manner
Authors: Paunel-Görgülü Adnana , Wacker Max , El Aita Mouhamed , Hassan Shoreshfan , Schlachtenberger Georg , Deppe Antje , Choi Yeong-Hoon , Kuhn Elmar , Mehler Thorsten O. , Wahlers Thorsten 
Published: December 2017

AbstractCardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) provokes inflammation culminating in organ dysfunction and increased mortality. Recently, neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) have been found to be involved in a variety of cardiovascular diseases promoting tissue and organ injury. Here, we aimed to elaborate the proinflammatory potential of circulating cell-free (cf)DNA in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB. Plasma was collected pre- and postoperatively as well as at d1, d3, d5 and d8 after surgery. At d1, we found circulating cfDNA levels to be significantly increased in patients with prolonged CPB duration (>100 min) when compared to those with shorter CPB times (CPB < 100 min). Increased CPB duration yielded in higher levels of circulating mitochondrial (mt)DNA, soluble thrombomodulin (sCD141) and ICAM-1, reflecting endothelial damage. Positive correlation between cfDNA and sCD141 was demonstrated at all time points. Plasma and cfDNA from patients with CPB > 100 min induced NETs release by neutrophils from healthy donors which was not suppressed by inhibitors of intracellular toll-like receptor (TLR)9. DNA binding to neutrophils’ surface (s)TLR9 has been evidenced. Altogether, we demonstrate that elevated plasma cfDNA might be useful to assess CPB-mediated detrimental effects, including endothelial damage, in cardiac surgical patients with prolonged CPB duration. cfDNA-triggered NETosis is independent of classical TLR9 signaling.
High-Capacity Free-Space Optical Communications Between a Ground Transmitter and a Ground Receiver via a UAV Using Multiplexing of Multiple Orbital-Angular-Momentum Beams
Authors: Li Long , Zhang Runzhou , Zhao Zhe , Xie Guodong , Liao Peicheng , Pang Kai , Song Haoqian , Liu Cong , Ren Yongxiong , Labroille Guillaume , Jian Pu , Starodubov Dmitry , Lynn Brittany , Bock Robert , Tur Moshe , Willner Alan E. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractWe explore the use of orbital-angular-momentum (OAM)-multiplexing to increase the capacity of free-space data transmission to moving platforms, with an added potential benefit of decreasing the probability of data intercept. Specifically, we experimentally demonstrate and characterize the performance of an OAM-multiplexed, free-space optical (FSO) communications link between a ground transmitter and a ground receiver via a moving unmanned-aerial-vehicle (UAV). We achieve a total capacity of 80 Gbit/s up to 100-m-roundtrip link by multiplexing 2 OAM beams, each carrying a 40-Gbit/s quadrature-phase-shift-keying (QPSK) signal. Moreover, we investigate for static, hovering, and moving conditions the effects of channel impairments, including: misalignments, propeller-induced airflows, power loss, intermodal crosstalk, and system bit error rate (BER). We find the following: (a) when the UAV hovers in the air, the power on the desired mode fluctuates by 2.1 dB, while the crosstalk to the other mode is −19 dB below the power on the desired mode; and (b) when the UAV moves in the air, the power fluctuation on the desired mode increases to 4.3 dB and the crosstalk to the other mode increases to −10 dB. Furthermore, the channel crosstalk decreases with an increase in OAM mode spacing.