bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A functional screen with metformin identifies microRNAs that regulate metabolism in colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Orang Ayla , Ali Saira R. , Petersen Janni , McKinnon Ross A. , Aloia Amanda L. , Michael Michael Z. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractMetformin inhibits oxidative phosphorylation and can be used to dissect metabolic pathways in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. CRC cell proliferation is inhibited by metformin in a dose dependent manner. MicroRNAs that regulate metabolism could be identified by their ability to alter the effect of metformin on CRC cell proliferation. An unbiased high throughput functional screen of a synthetic micoRNA (miRNA) library was used to identify miRNAs that impact the metformin response in CRC cells. Experimental validation of selected hits identified miRNAs that sensitize CRC cells to metformin through modulation of proliferation, apoptosis, cell-cycle and direct metabolic disruption. Among eight metformin sensitizing miRNAs identified by functional screening, miR-676-3p had both pro-apoptotic and cell cycle arrest activity in combination with metformin, whereas other miRNAs (miR-18b-5p, miR-145-3p miR-376b-5p, and miR-718) resulted primarily in cell cycle arrest when combined with metformin. Investigation of the combined effect of miRNAs and metformin on CRC cell metabolism showed that miR-18b-5p, miR-145-3p, miR-376b-5p, miR-676-3p and miR-718 affected glycolysis only, while miR-1181 only regulated CRC respiration. MicroRNAs can sensitize CRC cells to the anti-proliferative effects of metformin. Identifying relevant miRNA targets may enable the design of innovative therapeutic strategies.
North Equatorial Current and Kuroshio velocity variations affect body length and distribution of the Japanese eel Anguilla japonica in Taiwan and Japan
Authors: Hsiung Kuan-Mei , Kuo Yi-Chun , Lin Yen-Ting , Tseng Yu-Heng , Han Yu-San 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe larval stage of Japanese eel travels a substantial distance over a long duration through the North Equatorial Current (NEC) and the Kuroshio, and the spawning behavior of mature eels leads to monthly arrival waves in eastern Taiwan between November and February. The total length (TL) of the glass eel relates to its larval duration and age; therefore, the TL can indicate the larval duration. The monthly mean TLs of eels along eastern Taiwan from 2010 to 2021 were used to estimate the batch age, and the recruitment patterns and relative abundances were compared. The TLs of glass eels followed a normal distribution, and the estimated ages were highly correlated with their mean TLs. Early recruit TLs were significantly greater than those of late recruits. The mean tracer drift time was longer in early recruitment months (November–December) than in later dates (February–March). The recruitment lag between Taiwan and Japan was approximately 1–1.5 months, with relative more abundance in Taiwan for the early recruits and in Japan for the late recruits. Speculated cohorts followed the main streams of the NEC and Kuroshio, and the monthly velocity changes of these currents could affect the mean TLs as well as the distribution patterns of Japanese glass eels in Taiwan and Japan.
Isolation and characterization of microorganisms capable of cleaving the ether bond of 2-phenoxyacetophenone
Authors: Oya Saki , Tonegawa Satoshi , Nakagawa Hirari , Habe Hiroshi , Furuya Toshiki 
Published: February 2022

AbstractLignin is a heterogeneous aromatic polymer and major component of plant cell walls. The β-O-4 alkyl aryl ether is the most abundant linkage within lignin. Given that lignin is effectively degraded on earth, as yet unknown ether bond–cleaving microorganisms could still exist in nature. In this study, we searched for microorganisms that transform 2-phenoxyacetophenone (2-PAP), a model compound for the β-O-4 linkage in lignin, by monitoring ether bond cleavage. We first isolated microorganisms that grew on medium including humic acid (soil-derived organic compound) as a carbon source. The isolated microorganisms were subsequently subjected to colorimetric assay for 2-PAP ether bond–cleaving activity; cells of the isolated strains were incubated with 2-PAP, and strains producing phenol via ether bond cleavage were selected using phenol-sensitive Gibbs reagent. This screening procedure enabled the isolation of various 2-PAP–transforming microorganisms, including 7 bacteria (genera: Acinetobacter, Cupriavidus, Nocardioides, or Streptomyces) and 1 fungus (genus: Penicillium). To our knowledge, these are the first microorganisms demonstrated to cleave the ether bond of 2-PAP. One Gram-negative bacterium, Acinetobacter sp. TUS-SO1, was characterized in detail. HPLC and GC–MS analyses revealed that strain TUS-SO1 oxidatively and selectively cleaves the ether bond of 2-PAP to produce phenol and benzoate. These results indicate that the transformation mechanism differs from that involved in reductive β-etherase, which has been well studied. Furthermore, strain TUS-SO1 efficiently transformed 2-PAP; glucose-grown TUS-SO1 cells converted 1 mM 2-PAP within only 12 h. These microorganisms might play important roles in the degradation of lignin-related compounds in nature.
Exploring spectroscopic X-ray nano-imaging with Zernike phase contrast enhancement
Authors: Kim Yeseul , Lim Jun 
Published: February 2022

AbstractSpectroscopic full-field transmission X-ray microscopy (TXM-XANES), which offers electrochemical imaging with a spatial resolution of tens of nanometers, is an extensively used unique technique in battery research. However, absorption-based bright-field imaging has poor detection sensitivity for nanoscale applications. Here, to improve the sensitivity, we explored spectroscopic X-ray nano imaging with Zernike phase contrast (ZPC-XANES). A pinhole-type Zernike phase plate, which was optimized for high-contrast images with minimal artifacts, was used in this study. When the absorption is weak, the Zernike phase contrast improves the signal-to-noise ratio and the contrast of images at all energies, which induces the enhancement of the absorption edge step. We estimated that the absorption of the samples should be higher than 2.2% for reliable spectroscopic nano-imaging based on XANES spectroscopy analysis of a custom-made copper wedge sample. We also determined that there is a slight absorption peak shift and sharpening in a small absorption sample due to the inflection point of the refractive index at the absorption edge. Nevertheless, in the case of sub-micron sized cathode materials, we believe that better contrast and higher resolution spectroscopic images can be obtained using ZPC-XANES.
Transcriptomes of electrophysiologically recorded Dbx1-derived respiratory neurons of the preBötzinger complex in neonatal mice
Authors: Kallurkar Prajkta S. , Picardo Maria Cristina D. , Sugimura Yae K. , Saha Margaret S. , Conradi Smith Gregory D. , Del Negro Christopher A. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBreathing depends on interneurons in the preBötzinger complex (preBötC) derived from Dbx1-expressing precursors. Here we investigate whether rhythm- and pattern-generating functions reside in discrete classes of Dbx1 preBötC neurons. In a slice model of breathing with ~ 5 s cycle period, putatively rhythmogenic Type-1 Dbx1 preBötC neurons activate 100–300 ms prior to Type-2 neurons, putatively specialized for output pattern, and 300–500 ms prior to the inspiratory motor output. We sequenced Type-1 and Type-2 transcriptomes and identified differential expression of 123 genes including ionotropic receptors (Gria3, Gabra1) that may explain their preinspiratory activation profiles and Ca2+ signaling (Cracr2a, Sgk1) involved in inspiratory and sigh bursts. Surprisingly, neuropeptide receptors that influence breathing (e.g., µ-opioid and bombesin-like peptide receptors) were only sparsely expressed, which suggests that cognate peptides and opioid drugs exert their profound effects on a small fraction of the preBötC core. These data in the public domain help explain the neural origins of breathing.
Predictors of cardiopulmonary fitness in cancer-affected and -unaffected women with a pathogenic germline variant in the genes BRCA1/2 (LIBRE-1)
Authors: Berling-Ernst A. , Yahiaoui-Doktor M. , Kiechle M. , Engel C. , Lammert J. , Grill S. , Dukatz R. , Rhiem K. , Baumann F. T. , Bischoff S. C. , Erickson N. , Schmidt T. , Niederberger U. , Siniatchkin M. , Halle M. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractPhysical activity (PA) helps prevention and aftercare of sporadic breast cancer (BC), cardiopulmonary fitness (CPF) being an age-independent predictor of tumor-specific mortality. Therefore, we wanted to identify predictors of CPF (represented by peak oxygen uptake: VO2peak) in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers whose risk of developing BC is high. We used cross-sectional data from 68 BRCA1/2 germline mutation carrying women participating in the randomized, prospective, controlled clinical study LIBRE-1. Assessments included cardiopulmonary exercise testing, medical and lifestyle history plus socioeconomic status. Additionally, the participants completed a psychological questionnaire regarding their attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavior control and intention towards PA. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify predictors for participants reaching their age- and sex-adjusted VO2peak reference values. 22 participants (median age: 40 years, interquartile range (IQR) 33–46) were cancer-unaffected and 46 cancer-affected (median age: 44 years, IQR 35–50). The strongest predictor for reaching the reference VO2peak value was attitude towards PA (Odds Ratio 3.0; 95% Confidence Interval 1.3–8.4; p = 0.021). None of the other predictors showed a significant association. A positive attitude towards PA seems to be associated with VO2peak, which should be considered in developing therapeutic and preventive strategies.Trial registrations: NCT02087592; DRKS00005736.
Feasibility study using multifocal Doppler twinkling artifacts to detect suspicious microcalcifications in ex vivo specimens of breast cancer on US
Authors: Park Vivian Youngjean , Kang Jinbum , Han Kanghee , Song Ilseob , Kim Kang-Sik , Nam Se Jin , Kim Ga Ram , Yoon Jung Hyun , Jang Won Seuk , Yoo Yangmo , Kim Min Jung 
Published: February 2022

AbstractMultifocal Doppler twinkling artifact (MDTA) imaging has shown high detection rates of microcalcifications in phantom studies. We aimed to evaluate its performance in detecting suspicious microcalcifications in comparison with mammography by using ex vivo breast cancer specimens. We prospectively included ten women with breast cancer that presented with calcifications on mammography. Both digital specimen mammography and MDTA imaging were performed for ex vivo breast cancer specimens on the day of surgery. Five breast radiologists marked cells that included suspicious microcalcifications (referred to as ‘positive cell’) on specimen mammographic images using a grid of 5-mm cells. Cells that were marked by at least three readers were considered as ‘consensus-positive’. Matched color Doppler twinkling artifact (CDTA) signals were compared between reconstructed US-MDTA projection images and mammographic images. The median detection rate for each case was 74.7% for positive cells and 96.7% for consensus-positive cells. Of the 10 cases, 90% showed a detection rate of ≥ 80%, with 50% of cases showing a 100% detection rate for consensus-positive cells. The proposed MDTA imaging method showed high performance for detecting suspicious microcalcifications in ex vivo breast cancer specimens, and may be a feasible approach for detecting suspicious breast microcalcifications with US.
InCASEOf scoring system for distinction between pachychoroid-associated macular neovascularization and neovascular age-related macular degeneration in patients older than 50 years
Authors: Cozzupoli Grazia M. , Borrelli Enrico , Capuano Vittorio , Sacconi Riccardo , Astroz Polina , Battista Marco , Bandello Francesco , Souied Eric , Querques Giuseppe 
Published: February 2022

AbstractTo develop a novel scoring system aiming at guiding the differential diagnosis between macular neovascularization secondary to pachychoroid disease (pMNV) and neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in patients aged 50 years and older. In this retrospective study performed at University Vita-Salute San Raffaele (Milan, Italy) and Créteil University Eye Clinic (Créteil, France), we enrolled patients 50 years of age and older, visited between January 2017 and January 2019, who were diagnosed with either treatment-naïve pMNV or neovascular AMD. At the time of diagnosis, all patients underwent a comprehensive ophthalmologic evaluation, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, and optical coherence tomography angiography. Univariate comparison between pMNV and neovascular AMD groups was performed to identify the main clinical predictors for pMNV. The selected predictors were taken into a binomial logistic regression and eventually served as the basis for the development of InCASEOf scoring system. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to study the model performance. Forty-eight right eyes from 48 patients with pMNV and 39 right eyes from 39 patients with neovascular AMD were considered in this study. Age (+ 2 points), sex (+ 2 points), choroidal thickness (+ 2 points), early pachyvessels (+ 2 points), and evidence of MNV at OCTA (+ 3 points) turned out to be predictors for pMNV. Four additional factors significant at univariate analysis were considered: type 2 and type 3 MNVs and presence of intraretinal fluid (− 0.5 points each), and presence of subretinal fluid (+ 0.5 points). InCASEOf scoring system was built with a high score of 11.5 points. The cutoff value of 6.5 showed good accuracy in separating pMNVs from neovascular AMDs. InCASEOf is a straightforward clinical scoring system, accessible to comprehensive ophthalmologists, with the purpose of enabling easy distinction and expert-like diagnosis of pMNV and neovascular AMD in patients aged 50 years or older.
Combination predicting model of traffic congestion index in weekdays based on LightGBM-GRU
Authors: Cheng Wei , Li Jiang-lin , Xiao Hai-Cheng , Ji Li-na 
Published: February 2022

AbstractTree-based and deep learning methods can automatically generate useful features. Not only can it enhance the original feature representation, but it can also learn to generate new features. This paper develops a strategy based on Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM or LGB) and Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) to generate features to improve the expression ability of limited features. Moreover, a SARIMA-GRU prediction model considering the weekly periodicity is introduced. First, LightGBM is used to learn features and enhance the original features representation; secondly, GRU neural network is used to generate features; finally, the result ensemble is used as the input for prediction. Moreover, the SARIMA-GRU model is constructed for predicting. The GRU prediction consequences are revised by the SARIMA model that a better prediction can be obtained. The experiment was carried out with the data collected by Ride-hailing in Chengdu, and four predicted indicators and two performance indexes are utilized to evaluate the model. The results validate that the model proposed has significant improvements in the accuracy and performance of each component.
Degradation of 2,6-dicholorophenol by Trichoderma longibraciatum Isolated from an industrial Soil Sample in Dammam, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alabdalall Amira H. , Aldakheel Fatimah A. , Ababutain Ibtisam M. , Chakroun Hanen , Alghamdi Azzah I. , Hammami Ines , Al Dosary Sahar K. , Youssef Tamer E. , Albarrag Ahmed M. , Aldakeel Sumayh A. , Aldughaish Rawan , Al Qurin Nada , ElKomy Hesham M. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract2,6-Dichlorophenol (2,6-DCP) is an aromatic compound with industrial importance in making insecticides, herbicides, and other organic compounds. However, it poses serious health and ecological problems. Microbial degradation of 2,6-DCP has been widely applied due to its effectiveness and eco-friendly characteristics. In this study, Trichoderma longibraciatum was isolated from an industrial soil sample in Dammam, Saudi Arabia using the enrichment method of mineral salt's medium (MSM) amended with 2,6-DCP. Morphological and molecular identification (using the internal transcribed spacer rRNA gene sequencing) of the 2,6-DCP tolerating fungal isolate were charactraized. The fungal isolate has demonstrated a tolerance to 2,6-DCP up to 300 mg/L. Mycelial growth and fungal sporulation were reduced with increasing 2,6-DCP concentrations up to 96 h incubation period. However, after 168 h incubation period, the fungal isolate recorded maximum growth at all the tested 2,6-DCP concentrations up to 150 mg/L. Carboxy methyl cellulase production by tested fungus was decreased by increasing 2,6-DCP concentration up to 75 mg/L. The biodegradation pattern of 2,6-DCP in GM liquid medium using GC–mass analysis as well as the degradation pathway was presented. This study provides a promising fungal isolate that could be used in the bioremediation process for chlorinated phenols in soil.
Conditional generative adversarial networks applied to EEG data can inform about the inter-relation of antagonistic behaviors on a neural level
Authors: Vahid Amirali , Mückschel Moritz , Stober Sebastian , Stock Ann-Kathrin , Beste Christian 
Published: February 2022

AbstractGoal-directed actions frequently require a balance between antagonistic processes (e.g., executing and inhibiting a response), often showing an interdependency concerning what constitutes goal-directed behavior. While an inter-dependency of antagonistic actions is well described at a behavioral level, a possible inter-dependency of underlying processes at a neuronal level is still enigmatic. However, if there is an interdependency, it should be possible to predict the neurophysiological processes underlying inhibitory control based on the neural processes underlying speeded automatic responses. Based on that rationale, we applied artificial intelligence and source localization methods to human EEG recordings from N = 255 participants undergoing a response inhibition experiment (Go/Nogo task). We show that the amplitude and timing of scalp potentials and their functional neuroanatomical sources during inhibitory control can be inferred by conditional generative adversarial networks (cGANs) using neurophysiological data recorded during response execution. We provide insights into possible limitations in the use of cGANs to delineate the interdependency of antagonistic actions on a neurophysiological level. Nevertheless, artificial intelligence methods can provide information about interdependencies between opposing cognitive processes on a neurophysiological level with relevance for cognitive theory.
Pneumothorax
Authors: Eggeling Stephan 
Published: February 2022

ZusammenfassungAls Pneumothorax bezeichnet man das Vorhandensein von freier Luft zwischen der Pleura visceralis und der Pleura parietalis. Es kommt zu einer „Ablösung“ der Lunge von der Brustwand, welche
in Abhängigkeit von dem Ausmaß des Pneumothorax zu einer geringen oder auch klinisch bedrohlichen Einschränkung der Lungenfunktion führt. Unspezifische Zeichen wie thorakaler Schmerz oder
Hustenreiz sind häufig und korrelieren nicht mit der Ausdehnung des Pneumothorax. Nahezu ausnahmslos besteht die Ursache dieser Luftansammlung in einer Undichtigkeit der Lungenoberfläche,
welche dann zu dem Ausweichen der Luft in den Pleuraraum führt. Je nach Ursache der „Lungenundichtigkeit“ unterscheidet man einen primären (idiopathischen) Spontanpneumothorax (PSP), bei
zugrundliegender bekannter Lungenerkrankung einen sekundären Spontanpneumothorax (SSP), im Zusammenhang einer Lungenverletzung durch medizinische Maßnahmen einen iatrogenen Pneumothorax
sowie bei einem unfallbedingten Lungenriss einen traumatischen Pneumothorax. Die relevanten Therapieziele sind die Behebung der akuten Symptomatik, die verlässliche Erreichung einer
Wiederausdehnung der Lunge sowie nach entsprechender Aufklärung über die Wahrscheinlichkeit und klinische Bedeutung eines Pneumothoraxrezidives je nach Patientenwunsch die Vermeidung eines
Rezidives durch operative Maßnahmen. Die Therapiemöglichkeiten reichen hier von einem lediglich befundkontrollierenden abwartenden ambulanten Prozedere bis hin zu einer primären
videoassistierten thorakoskopischen operativen Therapie mit Detektion und Resektion der oberflächlichen Lungenläsion sowie einer die Pleurahöhle obliterierenden Maßnahme zur
Rezidivprophylaxe. Bezüglich einer „Nachsorge“ oder gar Verhaltensempfehlungen nach stattgehabtem Pneumothorax gibt es keine Empfehlungen, die die Rezidivgefahr verringern.
Osteoporose-Therapie: Compliance und Adhärenz in COVID-19
Zeiten
Authors: Thomasius Friederike 
Published: February 2022

ZusammenfassungZu Beginn der COVID-19-Pandemie gab es keine Vorgaben von Fachgesellschaften oder
Leitlinien hinsichtlich der Versorgung von Osteoporosepatient*innen. Die
fortgesetzte Versorgung und die Behandlung beruhten auf lokalen
Ad-hoc-Strategien. Inwiefern dies zu einer Verschlechterung der Versorgung von
Osteoporosepatienten geführt hat, ist 18 Monate nach Ausbruch der
Pandemie Thema aufkommender Publikationen. Dieser Artikel konzentriert sich auf
das Thema Compliance und Adhärenz in der Osteoporosetherapie zu COVID-19
Zeiten mit den Fragen: Hat die COVID-19 Pandemie Einfluss genommen auf Patienten
Compliance und Adhärenz? Welche Maßnahmen wurden ergriffen, die
Versorgung von Patienten aufrecht zu erhalten und somit die Compliance zu
beeinflussen? Welche Lehren sind für die Zukunft zu ziehen?
Importance of Nonhuman Primates as a Model System for Gene Therapy Development in Ophthalmology
Authors: Wozar Fabian , Seitz Immanuel , Reichel Felix , Fischer M. Dominik 
Published: February 2022

AbstractGene therapy is a treatment concept that uses, in most cases, viral vectors to deliver a therapeutic transgene to target cells. Although the idea of gene therapy dates back over 50 years
ago, due to the complexity of the treatment concept, it took until the last decade for the responsible agencies like FDA and EMA to recommend the first gene therapy products for clinical
use. The development of these therapies relies on molecular engineering of specifically designed vectors and models to test the effectiveness and safety of the treatment. Despite an
increasing effort to find effective surrogates, animal models are still irreplaceable in gene therapy development. Rodents are important for exploring pathways and disease mechanisms and
identifying potential treatment targets. However, only the primate eye resembles the human eye to a degree where most structures are nearly identical. Some research questions can therefore
only be answered using a nonhuman primate (NHP) model. In this review, we want to summarize these key features and highlight the importance of the NHP model for gene therapy development in
ophthalmology.