bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ascites’ neutrophil function is significantly impaired in patients with decompensated cirrhosis but can be restored by autologous plasma incubation
Authors: Engelmann Cornelius , Becker Christina , Boldt Andreas , Herta Toni , Boehlig Albrecht , Splith Katrin , Schmelzle Moritz , Mueller Niklas , Krohn Sandra , Tautenhahn Hans-Michael , Bartels Michael , Sack Ulrich , Berg Thomas 
Published: December 2016

AbstractSystemic immune cell dysfunction is a typical feature of liver diseases and increases the risk of bacterial infection, especially spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. We evaluated functional properties of neutrophil granulocytes in blood and ascites of patients both with and without decompensated cirrhosis. We collected blood and ascites samples from 63 patients with cirrhosis and eight without cirrhosis. Phagocytosis activity (PA) and oxidative burst activity (OBA) were evaluated after ex vivo stimulation with E. coli, while fluorescence signals were measured by flow cytometry. Ascites’ neutrophil function tests were repeated after incubation with autologous plasma. Ascites’ neutrophils showed an impaired PA and OBA (median blood PA 98.1% (86.8–99.8) vs. ascites’ PA 50.5% (0.4–97.3), p < 0.0001; median blood OBA 98.7% (27.5–100) vs. ascites’ OBA 27.5% (0.3–96.7), p < 0.0001). Patients with non-cirrhotic ascites showed higher PA but equally suppressed OBA. Ascites’ neutrophil function could be partially restored after incubation with autologous plasma (median increase PA: 22.5% (−49.7 – +93.2), p = 0.002; OBA: 22.8% (−10.4 – +48.8), p = 0.002). Ascites’ neutrophils of patients with cirrhosis are functionally impaired, but could be partially restored after incubation with plasma. Further investigations are needed to identify the factors in ascites that are associated with neutrophils’ function.
A network intervention that locates and intervenes with recently HIV-infected persons: The Transmission Reduction Intervention Project (TRIP)
Authors: Nikolopoulos Georgios K. , Pavlitina Eirini , Muth Stephen Q. , Schneider John , Psichogiou Mina , Williams Leslie D. , Paraskevis Dimitrios , Sypsa Vana , Magiorkinis Gkikas , Smyrnov Pavlo , Korobchuk Anya , Vasylyeva Tetyana I. , Skaathun Britt , Malliori Melpomeni , Kafetzopoulos Evangelos , Hatzakis Angelos , Friedman Samuel R. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractEarly treatment, soon after infection, reduces HIV transmissions and benefits patients. The Transmission Reduction Intervention Project (TRIP) evaluated a network intervention to detect individuals recently infected (in the past 6 months). TRIP was conducted in Greece (2013–2015) and focused on drug injector networks. Based on HIV status, testing history, and the results of an assay to detect recent infections, TRIP classified drug injector “Seeds” into groups: Recent Seeds (RS), and Control Seeds with Long-term HIV infection (LCS). The network members of RS and LCS were traced for two steps. The analysis included 23 RS, 171 network members of the RS, 19 LCS, and 65 network members of the LCS. The per-seed number of recents detected in the network of RS was 5 times the number in the network of LCS (Ratio RS vs. LCS: 5.23; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.54–27.61). The proportion of recents among HIV positives in the network of RS (27%) was approximately 3 times (Ratio RS vs. LCS: 3.30; 95% CI: 1.04–10.43) that in the network of LCS (8%). Strategic network tracing that starts with recently infected persons could support public health efforts to find and treat people early in their HIV infection.
Comparative study between a spectral domain and a high-speed single-beam swept source OCTA system for identifying choroidal neovascularization in AMD
Authors: Told R. , Ginner L. , Hecht A. , Sacu S. , Leitgeb R. , Pollreisz A. , Schmidt-Erfurth U. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThis comparative study between a SD- and SS-OCTA system for visualizing neovascular patterns in AMD, also assessed the influence of cataract on OCTA imaging. 25 eyes with active CNV (AMD) were documented by FA, ICGA and SD-OCT. Two OCTA devices were used: A custom built SS-OCTA (1050 nm, 400,000 A-scans/s, 5 × 5 mm, no image segmentation); AngioVue (OptoVue, CA, USA) SD-OCTA (840 nm, 70.000 A-scans/s, 3 × 3 mm, SSADA technology). Two retina experts graded CNV types and vascular patterns. Cataract influence on OCTA image quality was reported for the superficial retinal plexus (6 eyes). The SS-OCTA prototype showed more CNV lesions compared to the SD-OCTA system (p = 0.01). Overall sensitivity of SD- and SS-OCTA systems to detect CNV lesions was.32 and.68, respectively. The SS-OCTA system was able to detect discrete lesion characteristics better than the SD-OCTA. No significant difference was found in the ability to identify CNV in treatment-naïve eyes. There was no significant influence of cataract. The SS-OCTA prototype detected CNV-associated vascular patterns more reliably than the SD-OCTA system. This is attributed to the SS-OCTA system’s longer center wavelength and higher A-scan rate yielding higher definition and contrast of small neovascular structures. The SS-OCTA system used showed no advantage regarding cataract influence.
Vortex Laser based on III-V semiconductor metasurface: direct generation of coherent Laguerre-Gauss modes carrying controlled orbital angular momentum
Authors: Seghilani Mohamed S. , Myara Mikhael , Sellahi Mohamed , Legratiet Luc , Sagnes Isabelle , Beaudoin Grégoire , Lalanne Philippe , Garnache Arnaud 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe generation of a coherent state, supporting a large photon number, with controlled orbital-angular-momentum L = ħl (of charge l per photon) presents both fundamental and technological challenges: we demonstrate a surface-emitting laser, based on III-V semiconductor technology with an integrated metasurface, generating vortex-like coherent state in the Laguerre-Gauss basis. We use a first order phase perturbation to lift orbital degeneracy of wavefunctions, by introducing a weak anisotropy called here “orbital birefringence”, based on a dielectric metasurface. The azimuthal symmetry breakdown and non-linear laser dynamics create “orbital gain dichroism” allowing selecting vortex handedness. This coherent photonic device was characterized and studied, experimentally and theoretically. It exhibits a low divergence (<1°) diffraction limited beam, emitting 49 mW output power in the near-IR at λ ≃ 1 μm, a charge l = ±1, … ±4 (>50 dB vortex purity), and single frequency operation in a stable low noise regime (0.1% rms). Such high performance laser opens the path to widespread new photonic applications.
ECAT1 is essential for human oocyte maturation and pre-implantation development of the resulting embryos
Authors: Liu Changyu , Li Min , Li Tianjie , Zhao Hongcui , Huang Jin , Wang Yun , Gao Qian , Yu Yang , Shi Qinghua 
Published: December 2016

AbstractECAT1 is a subunit of the subcortical maternal complex that is required for cell cycle progression during pre-implantation embryonic development; however, its exact function remains to be elucidated. Here we investigated the expression of ECAT1 in human ovarian tissue, oocytes and pre-implantation embryos and assessed its function by using RNA interference (RNAi) in oocytes. ECAT1 mRNA was highly expressed in human oocytes and zygotes, as well as in two-cell, four-cell and eight-cell embryos, but declined significantly in morulae and blastocysts. ECAT1 was expressed in the cytoplasm of oocytes and pre-implantation embryos and was localized more specifically in the cortical region than in the inner cytoplasm. RNAi experiments demonstrated that down-regulation of ECAT1 expression not only impaired spindle assembly and reduced maturation and fertilization rates of human oocytes but also decreased the cleavage rate of the resulting zygotes. In conclusion, our study indicates that ECAT1 may play a role in meiotic progression by maintaining the accuracy of spindle assembly in human oocytes, thus promoting oocyte maturation and subsequent development of the embryo.
Identification of heterotic loci associated with grain yield and its components using two CSSL test populations in maize
Authors: Wang Hongqiu , Zhang Xiangge , Yang Huili , Liu Xiaoyang , Li Huimin , Yuan Liang , Li Weihua , Fu Zhiyuan , Tang Jihua , Kang Dingming 
Published: December 2016

AbstractHeterosis has widely been used to increase grain yield and quality. In this study, the genetic basis of heterosis on grain yield and its main components in maize were examined over 2 years in two locations in two test populations constructed from a set of 184 chromosome segment substitution lines (CSSLs) and two inbred lines (Zheng58 and Xun9058). Of the 169 heterotic loci (HL) associated with grain yield and its five components identified in CSSL × Zheng58 and CSSL × Xun9058 test populations, only 25 HL were detected in both populations. The comparison of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) detected in the CSSL population with HL detected in the two test populations revealed that only 15.46% and 17.35% of the HL in the given populations respectively, shared the same chromosomal regions as that of the corresponding QTLs and showed dominant effects as well as pleiotropism with additive and dominant effects. In addition, most of the HL (74.23% and 74.49%) had overdominant effects. These results suggest that overdominance is the main contributor to the effects of heterosis on grain yield and its components in maize, and different HL are associated with heterosis for different traits in different hybrids.
Astragaloside IV ameliorates allergic inflammation by inhibiting key initiating factors in the initial stage of sensitization
Authors: Bao Kai-fan , Yu Xi , Wei Xiao , Gui Li-li , Liu Hai-liang , Wang Xiao-yu , Tao Yu , Jiang Guo-rong , Hong Min 
Published: December 2016

AbstractTo illuminate the anti-allergy mechanism of astragaloside IV (AS-IV), we assessed its effects in a murine model of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). AS-IV administered in the sensitization phase, rather than in the elicitation phase, dramatically alleviated the symptoms of allergic inflammation. We hypothesized that AS-IV exerts its anti-allergy effects by regulating the production of key pro-allergic cytokines based on the fact that interleukin (IL)-33 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) levels increase significantly in the initial stage of the sensitization phase. AS-IV administered in the initial stage of ACD inhibited TSLP and IL-33 expression and reduced the proportion of type-2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s). An in vitro study showed that the production of pro-allergic cytokines was significantly inhibited in AS-IV presenting HaCaT cells. We also verified that AS-IV administered only in the initial stage markedly alleviated inflammation, including ear swelling, Th2 cytokine expression, and histological changes. Taken together, these results suggest that AS-IV effectively ameliorates the progression of allergic inflammation by inhibiting key initiating factors, including TSLP and IL-33, and can be used to prevent and/or treat patients with ACD. Our data also suggest that these key pro-allergic cytokines are potential therapeutic targets for allergic diseases.
Incomplete and delayed Sox2 deletion defines residual ear neurosensory development and maintenance
Authors: Dvorakova Martina , Jahan Israt , Macova Iva , Chumak Tetyana , Bohuslavova Romana , Syka Josef , Fritzsch Bernd , Pavlinkova Gabriela 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe role of Sox2 in neurosensory development is not yet fully understood. Using mice with conditional Islet1-cre mediated deletion of Sox2, we explored the function of Sox2 in neurosensory development in a model with limited cell type diversification, the inner ear. In Sox2 conditional mutants, neurons initially appear to form normally, whereas late- differentiating neurons of the cochlear apex never form. Variable numbers of hair cells differentiate in the utricle, saccule, and cochlear base but sensory epithelium formation is completely absent in the apex and all three cristae of the semicircular canal ampullae. Hair cells differentiate only in sensory epithelia known or proposed to have a lineage relationship of neurons and hair cells. All initially formed neurons lacking hair cell targets die by apoptosis days after they project toward non-existing epithelia. Therefore, late neuronal development depends directly on Sox2 for differentiation and on the survival of hair cells, possibly derived from common neurosensory precursors.
Biomarker MicroRNAs for Diagnosis, Prognosis and Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Functional Survey and Comparison
Authors: Shen Sijia , Lin Yuxin , Yuan Xuye , Shen Li , Chen Jiajia , Chen Luonan , Qin Lei , Shen Bairong 
Published: December 2016

AbstractHepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors with high incidence and mortality rate. Precision and effective biomarkers are therefore urgently needed for the early diagnosis and prognostic estimation. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators which play functions in various cellular processes and biological activities. Accumulating evidence indicated that the abnormal expression of miRNAs are closely associated with HCC initiation and progression. Recently, many biomarker miRNAs for HCC have been identified from blood or tissues samples, however, the universality and specificity on clinicopathological features of them are less investigated. In this review, we comprehensively surveyed and compared the diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic roles of HCC biomarker miRNAs in blood and tissues based on the cancer hallmarks, etiological factors as well as ethnic groups, which will be helpful to the understanding of the pathogenesis of biomarker miRNAs in HCC development and further provide accurate clinical decisions for HCC diagnosis and treatment.
Optical imaging of MMP-12 active form in inflammation and aneurysm
Authors: Razavian Mahmoud , Bordenave Thomas , Georgiadis Dimitris , Beau Fabrice , Zhang Jiasheng , Golestani Reza , Toczek Jakub , Jung Jae-Joon , Ye Yunpeng , Kim Hye-Yeong , Han Jinah , Dive Vincent , Devel Laurent , Sadeghi Mehran M. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractMatrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-12 plays a key role in the development of aneurysm. Like other members of MMP family, MMP-12 is produced as a proenzyme, mainly by macrophages, and undergoes proteolytic activation to generate an active form. Accordingly, molecular imaging of the MMP-12 active form can inform of the pathogenic process in aneurysm. Here, we developed a novel family of fluorescent probes based on a selective MMP-12 inhibitor, RXP470.1 to target the active form of MMP-12. These probes were stable in complex media and retained the high affinity and selectivity of RXP470.1 for MMP-12. Amongst these, probe 3 containing a zwitterionic fluorophore, ZW800-1, combined a favorable affinity profile toward MMP-12 and faster blood clearance. In vivo binding of probe 3 was observed in murine models of sterile inflammation and carotid aneurysm. Binding specificity was demonstrated using a non-binding homolog. Co-immunostaining localized MMP-12 probe binding to MMP-12 positive areas and F4/80 positive macrophages in aneurysm. In conclusion, the active form of MMP-12 can be detected by optical imaging using RXP470.1-based probes. This is a valuable adjunct for pathophysiology research, drug development, and potentially clinical applications.
T cells mediate autoantibody-induced cutaneous inflammation and blistering in epidermolysis bullosa acquisita
Authors: Bieber Katja , Witte Mareike , Sun Shijie , Hundt Jennifer E. , Kalies Kathrin , Dräger Sören , Kasprick Anika , Twelkmeyer Trix , Manz Rudolf A. , König Peter , Köhl Jörg , Zillikens Detlef , Ludwig Ralf J. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractT cells are key players in autoimmune diseases by supporting the production of autoantibodies. However, their contribution to the effector phase of antibody-mediated autoimmune dermatoses, i.e., tissue injury and inflammation of the skin, has not been investigated. In this paper, we demonstrate that T cells amplify the development of autoantibody-induced tissue injury in a prototypical, organ-specific autoimmune disease, namely epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) – characterized and caused by autoantibodies targeting type VII collagen. Specifically, we show that immune complex (IC)-induced inflammation depends on the presence of T cells – a process facilitated by T cell receptor (TCR)γδ and NKT cells. Because tissue damage in IC-induced inflammation is neutrophil-dependent, we further analyze the interplay between T cells and neutrophils in an experimental model of EBA. We demonstrate that T cells not only enhance neutrophil recruitment into the site of inflammation but also interact with neutrophils in lymphatic organs. Collectively, this study shows that T cells amplify the effector phase of antibody-induced tissue inflammation.
Glycoprotein 130 is associated with adverse postoperative clinical outcomes of patients with late-stage non-metastatic gastric cancer
Authors: Cao Yifan , Zhang Heng , Liu Hao , Lin Chao , Li Ruochen , Wu Songyang , He Hongyong , Li He , Xu Jiejie 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe interaction of glycoprotein 130 (gp130) with the cytokines of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) family has proved to play a crucial part in several cancers. Our current study is designed to discover the clinical prognostic significance of gp130 in non-metastatic gastric cancer. We examined intratumoral gp130 expression in retrospectively enrolled 370 gastric cancer patients who underwent radical gastrectomy with standard D2 lymphadenectomy at Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University during 2007 and 2008 by immunohistochemical staining. The expression of gp130 was significantly correlated with T classification, N classification and TNM stage (P = 0.003, P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively; T, N, TNM refers to Tumor Invasion, Regional lymph node metastasis and Tumor Node Metastasis, respectively). Elevated intratumoral gp130 expression implied unfavourable overall survival (OS) (P < 0.001) and disease-free survival (DFS) (P < 0.001), respectively. Furthermore, among TNM II and III gp130-high patients, those who were treated with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) based adjuvant chemotherapy had better OS (P < 0.001). The generated nomogram performed well in predicting the 3- and 5-year OS of gastric cancer patients. The incorporation of gp130 into contemporary TNM staging system would be of great significance to improve the current individual risk stratification. These findings contribute to better clinical management for those patients who would benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy.
Utility of real-time prospective motion correction (PROMO) on 3D T1-weighted imaging in automated brain structure measurements
Authors: Watanabe Keita , Kakeda Shingo , Igata Natsuki , Watanabe Rieko , Narimatsu Hidekuni , Nozaki Atsushi , Dan Rettmann  , Abe Osamu , Korogi Yukunori 
Published: December 2016

AbstractPROspective MOtion correction (PROMO) can prevent motion artefacts. The aim of this study was to determine whether brain structure measurements of motion-corrected images with PROMO were reliable and equivalent to conventional images without motion artefacts. The following T1-weighted images were obtained in healthy subjects: (A) resting scans with and without PROMO and (B) two types of motion scans (“side-to-side” and “nodding” motions) with and without PROMO. The total gray matter volumes and cortical thicknesses were significantly decreased in motion scans without PROMO as compared to the resting scans without PROMO (p < 0.05). Conversely, Bland–Altman analysis indicated no bias between motion scans with PROMO, which have good image quality, and resting scans without PROMO. In addition, there was no bias between resting scans with and without PROMO. The use of PROMO facilitated more reliable brain structure measurements in subjects moving during data acquisition.
Xylanase Treatment Suppresses Light- and Heat-Induced Yellowing of Pulp
Authors: Zhang Daolei , Li Xuezhi , Wang Meimei , Ye Yanxin , Du Jian , Lu Xianqin , Zhao Jian 
Published: December 2016

AbstractXylanase is commonly applied in pulp and paper industries to ease cost-related and environmental pressures. The effect of xylanase treatment on pulp bleaching is well-established, however, few studies were conducted on the effects of xylanase treatment in pulp yellowing, especially the mechanism of pulp yellowing inhibition by xylanase treatment. In this study, pure xylanase (EC 3.2.1.8) was applied to treat wheat straw chemical pulp (CP) and poplar chemi-thermo-mechanical pulp (CTMP) to determine their effects on pulp brightness and on light- and heat-induced yellowing. The xylanase treatment decreased the post-color number of the pulps during light- and heat-induced yellowing. However, differences were observed in the yellowing inhibition between the wheat straw CP and poplar CTMP. The changes in chemical components of pulps after the xylanase treatment, for example, lignin, hemicellulose, and HexA contents, and analysis of UV–vis absorption spectra and Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance spectrum were used to explore the pulp yellowing inhibition causes by the xylanase treatment.
Metagenomic profiling of historic Colorado Front Range flood impact on distribution of riverine antibiotic resistance genes
Authors: Garner Emily , Wallace Joshua S. , Argoty Gustavo Arango , Wilkinson Caitlin , Fahrenfeld Nicole , Heath Lenwood S. , Zhang Liqing , Arabi Mazdak , Aga Diana S. , Pruden Amy 
Published: December 2016

AbstractRecord-breaking floods in September 2013 caused massive damage to homes and infrastructure across the Colorado Front Range and heavily impacted the Cache La Poudre River watershed. Given the unique nature of this watershed as a test-bed for tracking environmental pathways of antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) dissemination, we sought to determine the impact of extreme flooding on ARG reservoirs in river water and sediment. We utilized high-throughput DNA sequencing to obtain metagenomic profiles of ARGs before and after flooding, and investigated 23 antibiotics and 14 metals as putative selective agents during post-flood recovery. With 277 ARG subtypes identified across samples, total bulk water ARGs decreased following the flood but recovered to near pre-flood abundances by ten months post-flood at both a pristine site and at a site historically heavily influenced by wastewater treatment plants and animal feeding operations. Network analysis of de novo assembled sequencing reads into 52,556 scaffolds identified ARGs likely located on mobile genetic elements, with up to 11 ARGs per plasmid-associated scaffold. Bulk water bacterial phylogeny correlated with ARG profiles while sediment phylogeny varied along the river’s anthropogenic gradient. This rare flood afforded the opportunity to gain deeper insight into factors influencing the spread of ARGs in watersheds.