bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Restored High-Fat-Fed Induced Hyperinsulinemia in Rats at Early Stage of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Li Gongchi , Peng Han , Qian Shen , Zou Xinhua , Du Ye , Wang Zhi , Zou Lijun , Feng Zibo , Zhang Jing , Zhu Youpeng , Liang Huamin , Li Binghui
Published: March 2020

Numerous studies have proposed the transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the treatment of typical type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We aimed to find a new strategy with MSC therapy at an early stage of T2DM to efficiently prevent the progressive deterioration of organic dysfunction. Using the high-fat-fed hyperinsulinemia rat model, we found that before the onset of typical T2DM, bone marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs) significantly attenuated rising insulin with decline in glucose as well as restored lipometabolic disorder and liver dysfunction. BM-MSCs also favored the histological structure recovery and proliferative capacity of pancreatic islet cells. More importantly, BM-MSC administration successfully reversed the abnormal expression of insulin resistance-related proteins including GLUT4, phosphorylated insulin receptor substrate 1, and protein kinase Akt and proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNFα in liver. These findings suggested that MSCs transplantation during hyperinsulinemia could prevent most potential risks of T2DM for patients.
Book review: Dennis R. Young, Richard Steinberg, Rosemarie Emanuele and Walter O. Simmons (Eds.), Economics for Nonprofit Managers and Social Entrepreneurs
Authors: Paray Zahoor Ahmad
Published: March 2020

Dennis R. Young, Richard Steinberg, Rosemarie Emanuele and Walter O. Simmons (Eds.), Economics for Nonprofit Managers and Social Entrepreneurs, Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Publishing, 2019, 436 pp.
Trajectories of Symbol Digit Modalities Test performance in individuals with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Healy Brian C , Barker Lindsay , Bakshi Rohit , Benedict Ralph H B , Gonzalez Cindy T , Chitnis Tanuja , Weiner Howard L , Glanz Bonnie I
Published: March 2020

Background:

Although cognitive problems have been identified in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), few studies have investigated the long-term change in cognitive functioning.

Objective:

To identify trajectories of change in cognitive functioning for PwMS.

Methods:

Participants enrolled in the quality-of-life subgroup from the Comprehensive Longitudinal Investigation of Multiple Sclerosis at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (CLIMB) were eligible for our analysis. In 2006, participants in this group began to complete the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) annually. Latent trajectory models were used to identify groups of participants with similar longitudinal change in SDMT scores. Linear and quadratic trajectory models were fit, and the models were compared. Latent trajectory models were also fit adjusting for baseline age and disease duration as well as using normalized SDMT scores. The groups identified across the approaches were compared.

Results:

We found that classes with higher-than-average baseline values improved, classes with average baseline values remained relatively constant, and classes with lower baseline values experienced cognitive worsening. Similar results were observed in the alternative latent trajectory models accounting for other variables.

Conclusion:

Our models show that subjects with higher SDMT scores at baseline showed improvement, while subjects with lower SDMT scores at baseline showed worsening. Baseline age and disease duration were also associated with SDMT performance.
‘Catching Ovulation’: Exploring Women’s Use of Fertility Tracking Apps as a Reproductive Technology
Authors: Hamper Josie
Published: March 2020

Smartphones are increasingly entangled with the most intimate areas of everyday life, providing possibilities for the continued expansion of digital self-tracking technologies. Within this context, the development of smartphone applications targeted at female reproductive health are offering novel forms and practices of knowledge production about reproductive bodies and processes. This article presents empirical research from the United Kingdom on women’s use of fertility tracking applications, known more generally as fertility apps, while trying to conceive. Drawing on material from interviews with women who had experience of using fertility apps, I demonstrate the significance of this particular form of fertility tracking for the embodied shift from pregnancy prevention to actively facilitating pregnancy, participants’ sense of self and identity and how they perceived the reproductive potentiality of their bodies. I argue that fertility apps are significantly involved in making fertility cycles known and thus configuring the pre-pregnant reproductive body.
An examination of police cadets’ perceptions of corruption
Authors: Cetinkaya Nebi , Guclu Idris , Ozer M Murat
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this paper is to examine police cadets’ perceptions of the seriousness of police corruption. This study attempts to explore and delineate a variety of factors that may influence police cadets’ perceptions about some basic types of corruption. A comparison between future supervisors’ and line officers’ perceptions of specific aspects of corruption is lacking. A quantitative research design was used for data collection. The results of this study indicated that there were significant differences in police cadets’ perceptions of the seriousness of corruption based on their parents’ education level, occupation, and income. In addition, the findings revealed that cadets’ sociodemographic background, such as parents’ education level and type of occupation, as well as the cadet’s organizational affiliations, such as their respective police training school, had significant effects on their perceptions of seriousness involving corruption scenarios. This study provided important and useful information for policy-makers and leadership cadres responsible for police training.
The driving motives behind informal entrepreneurship: The effects of economic-financial crisis, recession and inequality
Authors: Santos Eunice , Fernandes Cristina I , Ferreira João J
Published: March 2020

This study seeks to identify the variables that foster informal entrepreneurship and analyses the effects of the financial crisis and subsequent recession and earnings inequalities within the European context for this type of entrepreneurship. To this end, we made recourse to a diverse range of international databases and, following the application of multiple regression econometric modelling for panel data, we are able to demonstrate how individual sociodemographic characteristics generate a positive effect on informal entrepreneurship. Furthermore, the financial crisis and recession returned a mediating effect between the sociodemographic characteristics and informal entrepreneurship. We thus contribute towards deepening the knowledge in the literature on informal entrepreneurship.
Isolation and Structure Determination of a Heat Shock Protein Inducer, Asparagus-Derived Proline-Containing 3-Alkyldiketopiperazines (Asparaprolines), From a Standardized Extract of Asparagus officinalis Stem
Authors: Inoue Shoichiro , Takanari Jun , Abe Keima , Nagayama Ayako , Ikeya Yukinobu , Kohda Noriyuki
Published: March 2020

ETAS® has been developed from the stems of Asparagus officinalis L. as a functional ingredient for nutraceuticals. ETAS possesses heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) induction activity and may contribute to maintenance and improvement of health. Here, 3 compounds (1, 2, 3) were isolated from ETAS. The structures of 1, 2, and 3 were deduced by HREIMS and NMR spectroscopic data, and the compounds were identified as cyclo(l-Phe-l-Pro), cyclo(l-Tyr-l-Pro), and cyclo(l-Leu-l-Pro), respectively. Each compound contained a diketopiperazine ring derived from proline with an alkyl group at C-3; thus, we termed them asparagus-derived proline-containing 3-alkyldiketopiperazines (Asparaprolines). In an HSP70 mRNA induction assay in HL-60 cells, Asparaprolines significantly enhanced the expression of HSP70 mRNA compared with a control. To our knowledge, these results demonstrate for the first time that proline-containing diketopiperazines derived from natural amino acids exhibit HSP70 mRNA induction activity.
Exploring the Nexus Between Participation and Empowerment
Authors: Kamruzzaman Palash
Published: March 2020

Theoretically, the idea of participation might appear to be replete with grand-sounding promises of empowerment for the poor and marginalised. But, in practice, participation may often take the form of enlisting people in various social and community development projects to secure the compliance of local people. In this paper, I offer a critical review of theoretical promises of participation and contrast this with a number of real-world examples. I argue that participation can be used for validating external approach and incorporated in social as well as community development projects to make it more cost-effective. In theory, giving voices to the poor is important but tokenistic inclusion can often be found in practice for cost-effectiveness. However, giving voices and/or cost efficiency arguments are not coherent with the ideas of empowerment while practices of participation often fail to address the issues of power among various actors, such as decision-makers, participation-seekers and participants. When participation is used as a prerequisite to secure fund or make the project cost-effective, empowerment of poor people does not seem to be a genuine priority. Therefore, empowerment through participation may remain lip-service.
Numerical Investigation on Fracture Initiation Properties of Interface Crack in Dissimilar Steel Welded Joints
Authors: Zhao Longfei , Shao Chendong , Takashima Yasuhito , Minami Fumiyoshi , Lu Fenggui
Published: March 2020

Fracture toughness property is of significant importance when evaluating structural safety. The current research of fracture toughness mainly focused on crack in homogeneous material and experimental results. When the crack is located in a welded joint with high-gradient microstructure and mechanical property distribution, it becomes difficult to evaluate the fracture toughness behavior since the stress distribution may be affected by various factors. In recent years, numerical method has become an ideal approach to reveal the essence and mechanism of fracture toughness behavior. This study focuses on the crack initiation behavior and driving force at different interfaces in dissimilar steel welded joints. The stress and strain fields around the crack tip lying at the interfaces of ductile-ductile, ductile-brittle and brittle-brittle materials are analyzed by the numerical simulation. For the interface of ductile-ductile materials, the strain concentration on the softer material side is responsible for ductile fracture initiation. For the ductile-brittle interface, the shielding effect of the ductile material plays an important role in decreasing the fracture driving force on the brittle material side. In the case of brittle-brittle interface, a careful matching is required, because the strength mismatch decreases the fracture driving force in one side, whereas the driving force in another side is increased. The results are deemed to offer support for the safety assessment of welded structures.
Endogenous endophthalmitis caused by group B streptococcus; case reports and review of 35 reported cases
Authors: Yoshida Masaaki , Yokokura Shunji , Nishida Takashi , Mochizuki Kiyofumi , Suzuki Takashi , Maruyama Kazuichi , Otomo Takaaki , Nishiguchi Koji M. , Kunikata Hiroshi , Nakazawa Toru
Published: March 2020

Background

Group B streptococcus (GBS), a gram-positive coccus that occasionally causes neonatal sepsis or invasive infection in the elderly, has been considered a rare cause of endogenous bacterial endophthalmitis (EBE). However, the number of invasive GBS infections is increasing, particularly in elderly patients with underlying conditions such as diabetes mellitus (DM), cardiovascular disease and cancer. We report 6 cases of EBE caused by GBS and review the literature.

Methods

Retrospective case series and literature review.

Results

In the current case series, 6 eyes of 6 patients developed EBE caused by GBS. The average age was 73.5 years. The focus of infection included the urinary tract, cellulitis, arthritis, peritonitis, catheter-associated infection and endocarditis. Four patients had DM. While all 6 strains were sensitive to β-lactams (penicillins and cephems), 4 strains were resistant to levofloxacin (no data for 1 isolate). Each case was treated with the systemic antibiotic to which the individual strain was sensitive. All cases showed poor visual acuity at presentation (decimal visual acuity: less than 0.03). Vitrectomy with intravitreal antibiotics injection was performed in 4 cases. Visual acuity recovered in 4 cases and did not recover in 2 cases, even after vitrectomy. The literature review of 53 eyes of 41 patients revealed that 60% of eyes finally lost all vision, and death occurred in 2 cases. Initial visual acuity of less than counting fingers was associated with a final outcome of lost vision. Of 41 patients, 13 (32%) had DM as an underlying medical condition. The most common extra-ocular infection focus was endocarditis (37%).

Conclusions

DM is common in patients with EBE caused by GBS. While the 4 cases in the current report had a relatively good visual acuity outcome, despite poor initial visual acuity, the literature review indicated that EBE caused by GBS is generally a severe condition with a poor prognosis. The current study also indicates the importance of considering the possibility of endocarditis on encountering EBE caused by GBS.
The risk of vancomycin toxicity in patients with liver impairment
Authors: Brunetti Luigi , Song Jong Hwa , Suh David , Kim Heui Jae , Seong Yeon Hee , Lee Dae Song , Lee Seung-Mi , Suh Dong-Churl
Published: March 2020

Background

The influence of liver disease on the pharmacokinetic profile, the risk of acute kidney injury, and excessive drug exposure in patients treated with vancomycin was examined.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed with patients discharged from a medical center between January 2011 and June 2018 who received vancomycin therapy. Patients were stratified according to liver dysfunction (no to mild liver dysfunction (NMLD) and moderate to severe liver dysfunction (MSLD) based on the Child–Pugh score. The risk of acute kidney injury was compared between patients who were stratified by the attainment of a target serum trough concentration (10 mg/dL to 20 mg/dL) and the vancomycin ratio formed between the area under the curve and minimum inhibitory concentration. The impact of liver dysfunction and a daily dose of vancomycin on the risk of acute kidney injury and vancomycin AUC:MIC > 600 were tested using logistic regression with and without adjusting for the study variables.

Results

A total of 408 patients empirically treated with vancomycin were included in this study (237 with NMLD and 171 with MSLD). Mean vancomycin trough concentrations (17.5 ± 8.4 mg/dL versus 15.3 ± 5.2 mg/dL, p = 0.0049) and AUC:MIC ratios (549.4 ± 217.2 versus 497.5 ± 117.3, 0.0065) were significantly higher in the MSLD group when compared to the NMLD group, respectively. Vancomycin clearance was also lower in the MSLD group and corresponded to a longer half-life. The proportion of patients who developed acute kidney injury was greater in patients with MSLD when compared to NMLD (7.6% versus 3.8%, respectively; p = 0.0932); however, the difference was statistically insignificant. Furthermore, supratherapeutic serum trough concentrations and AUC:MIC ratios were more common in the MSLD group versus the NMLD group (27.5% versus 13.9%, p = 0.0007 and 28.7% versus 17.3%, respectively; p = 0.0063).

Conclusions

MSLD correlates with an increased risk of supratherapeutic vancomycin exposure. Although patients with MSLD had a higher risk of acute kidney injury, the difference was not significant.
A preliminary study of the child abuse and central sensitization in adolescent patients with chronic non-organic chest pain and an overlooked condition: juvenile fibromyalgia syndrome
Authors: Mansiz-Kaplan Basak , Ayhan F. Figen , Cagli Mihriban , Atik Fatih , Ece İbrahim
Published: March 2020

Background

Only a small percentage of pediatric chest pain is of cardiac origin and the most common detected cause is musculoskeletal. Among musculoskeletal causes, acute chest pain is better described, with the causes of chronic pain not being adequately investigated in the literature. The aim of studuy is to evaluate the musculoskeletal causes of non-cardiac chest pain and investigate the relationship of chest pain with child abuse and central sensitization.

Methods

Patients aged 12 to 18 years presenting with chest pain for at least 3 months were evaluated by a pediatric cardiologist and those without an organic pathology were referred to the physical medicine and rehabilitation clinic. In addition to detailed history and physical examination, juvenile fibromyalgia was questioned according to the 2016 revised diagnostic criteria of the American College of Rheumatology. The visual analog scale (to measure intensity of chest pain), the Central Sensitization Inventory (to evaluate the presence of central sensitization), the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (to determine depression and anxiety), the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (to assess the presence of child abuse) were administered.

Results

The study was completed with 64 patients. Twenty-six percent of patient (n = 17) were diagnosed with juvenile fibromyalgia, and central sensitization was detected in 34.4% (n = 22). Pain intensity, anxiety, depression and abuse scores were higher in patients with juvenile fibromyalgia than those without juvenile fibromyalgia and in patients with central sensitization compared to those without central sensitization (p < 0.001 for both). Higher scores of pain were related with child abuse [beta = 0.763, p < 0.001, (%95 CI, 4.397; 8.841)] and central sensitization of pain [beta = 0.382, p = 0.008 (95% CI: (0.986;6.231)] in regression analyses.

Conclusion

In this study, juvenile fibromyalgia was detected as a cause of non-cardiac chest pain. Juvenile fibromyalgia or central sensitization may also indicate childhood abuse.
Successful generation of epigenetic disease model mice by targeted demethylation of the epigenome
Authors: Horii Takuro , Morita Sumiyo , Hino Shinjiro , Kimura Mika , Hino Yuko , Kogo Hiroshi , Nakao Mitsuyoshi , Hatada Izuho
Published: March 2020

Background

Epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, play an important role in gene silencing and genome stability. Consequently, epigenetic dysregulation can cause several diseases, such as cancer, obesity, diabetes, autism, and imprinting disorders.

Results

We validate three methods for the generation of epigenome-edited mice using the dCas9-SunTag and single-chain variable fragment-TET1 catalytic domain. We generate model mice for Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS), an imprinting disorder, by target-specific DNA demethylation in theH19differentially methylated region. Like SRS patients, these mice showH19upregulation andIgf2downregulation, leading to severe intrauterine and postnatal growth retardation.

Conclusion

This is the first report of an imprinting disease model animal generated by targeted demethylation of specific loci of the epigenome in fertilized eggs. Epigenome-edited animals are also useful for exploring the causative epimutations in epigenetic diseases.
Neuropsychiatric symptoms in cognitively normal older persons, and the association with Alzheimer’s and non-Alzheimer’s dementia
Authors: Liew Tau Ming
Published: March 2020

Background

Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) have been reported to be useful in predicting incident dementia among cognitively normal older persons. However, the literature has not been conclusive on the differential utilities of the various NPS in predicting the subtypes of dementia. This study compared the risks of Alzheimer’s and non-Alzheimer’s dementia associated with the various NPS, among cognitively normal older persons.

Methods

This cohort study included 12,452 participants from the Alzheimer’s Disease Centers across USA, who were ≥ 60 years and had normal cognition at baseline. Participants completed the Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Questionnaire at baseline and were followed up almost annually for incident dementia (median follow-up = 4.7 years). Symptom clusters of NPS—as identified from exploratory and confirmatory factor-analyses—were included in the Cox regression to investigate their associations with incident dementia.

Results

The various NPS showed independent yet differential associations with incident dementia. Although psychotic symptoms were rarely endorsed by the participants, they predicted much higher risk of dementia (HR 3.6, 95% CI 2.0–6.4) than affective symptoms (HR 1.5, 95% CI 1.2–1.8) or agitation symptoms (HR 1.6, 95% CI 1.3–2.1). Psychotic symptoms predicted all dementia subtypes, while affective and agitation symptoms differentially predicted some subtypes. Across dementia subtypes, psychotic symptoms had relatively higher risk estimates than affective or agitation symptoms, with the risk estimates being particularly high in non-Alzheimer’s dementia.

Conclusions

Among cognitively normal individuals, the presence of NPS may warrant greater clinical vigilance as precursors to dementia and its subtypes. The findings highlight the need for further research to enrich our understanding on the neurobiological links between various NPS and dementia subtypes. They may also change the clinical approach in managing late-life psychotic symptoms, requiring a greater emphasis on dementia surveillance in the diagnostic criteria of late-life psychotic disorders.
Paracrine effects of intraocularly implanted cells on degenerating retinas in mice
Authors: Liu Xiao , Chen Fenghua , Chen Yao , Lu Huayi , Lu Xiaoqin , Peng Xiaoyan , Kaplan Henry J. , Dean Douglas C. , Gao Ling , Liu Yongqing
Published: March 2020

Background

Retinal degeneration is a leading cause of blindness in the world; its etiology is complex and involves genetic defects and stress-associated aging. In addition to gene therapies for known genetically defective retinal degeneration, cellular therapies have been widely explored for restoring vision in both preclinical animal models and clinical trials. Stem cells of distinct tissue sources and their derived lineages have been tested for treating retinal degeneration; most of them were reported to be effective to some extent in restoring/improving deteriorated vision. Whether this visual improvement is due to a functional integration of grafted cells to substitute for lost retinal neurons in recipients or due to their neuroprotective and neurotrophic effects to retain recipient functional neurons, or both, is still under debate.

Methods

We compared the results of subretinal transplantation of various somatic cell types, such as stem cells and differentiated cells, into RhoP23H/+ mice, a retinal degeneration model for human retinitis pigmentosa (RP) by evaluating their optokinetic response (OKR) and retinal histology. We identified some paracrine factors in the media that cultured cells secreted by western blotting (WB) and functionally evaluated the vascular endothelial growth factor Vegfa for its potential neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects on the neuroretina of model animals by intravitreal injection of VEGF antibody.

Results

We found that live cells, regardless of whether they were stem cells or differentiated cell types, had a positive effect on improving degenerating retinas after subretinal transplantation; the efficacy depended on their survival duration in the host tissue. A few paracrine factors were identified in cell culture media; Vegfa was the most relevant neurotrophic and neuroprotective factor identified by our experiments to extend neuron survival duration in vivo.

Conclusions

Cellular therapy-produced benefits for remediating retinal degeneration are mostly, if not completely, due to a paracrine effect of implanted cells on the remaining host retinal neurons.
Nonlinear integral inequality with power and its application in delay integro-differential equations
Authors: Tian Yazhou , Fan Min
Published: March 2020

New nonlinear integral inequalities (NII) are presented in this paper. Based on mathematical analysis technique, several estimation results are obtained, which not only complement the aforementioned results, but also generalize the inequalities to the more general nonlinearities. As an application, they can be employed to estimate the bound on the solutions of power integro-differential equations (IDE).
Genomic and transcriptomic evidence of light-sensing, porphyrin biosynthesis, Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle, and urea production in Bathyarchaeota
Authors: Pan Jie , Zhou Zhichao , Béjà Oded , Cai Mingwei , Yang Yuchun , Liu Yang , Gu Ji-Dong , Li Meng
Published: March 2020

Background

Bathyarchaeota, a newly proposed archaeal phylum, is considered as an important driver of the global carbon cycle. However, due to the great diversity of them, there is limited genomic information that accurately encompasses the metabolic potential of the entire archaeal phylum.

Results

In the current study, nine metagenome-assembled genomes of Bathyarchaeota from four subgroups were constructed from mangrove sediments, and metatranscriptomes were obtained for evaluating their in situ transcriptional activities. Comparative analyses with reference genomes and the transcripts of functional genes posit an expanded role for Bathyarchaeota in phototrophy, autotrophy, and nitrogen and sulfur cycles, respectively. Notably, the presence of genes for rhodopsins, cobalamin biosynthesis, and the oxygen-dependent metabolic pathways in some Bathyarchaeota subgroup 6 genomes suggest a light-sensing and microoxic lifestyle within this subgroup.

Conclusions

The results of this study expand our knowledge of metabolic abilities and diverse lifestyles of Bathyarchaeota, highlighting the crucial role of Bathyarchaeota in geochemical cycle.
Associations between biomechanical and clinical/anthropometrical factors and running-related injuries among recreational runners: a 52-week prospective cohort study
Authors: Jungmalm Jonatan , Nielsen Rasmus Østergaard , Desai Pia , Karlsson Jon , Hein Tobias , Grau Stefan
Published: March 2020

Background

The purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate whether runners with certain biomechanical or clinical/anthropometrical characteristics sustain more running-related injuries than runners with other biomechanical or clinical/anthropometrical characteristics.

Methods

The study was designed as a prospective cohort with 52-weeks follow-up. A total of 224 injury-free, recreational runners were recruited from the Gothenburg Half Marathon and tested at baseline. The primary exposure variables were biomechanical and clinical/anthropometrical measures, including strength, lower extremity kinematics, joint range of motion, muscle flexibility, and trigger points. The primary outcome measure was any running-related injury diagnosed by a medical practitioner. Cumulative risk difference was used as measure of association. A shared frailty approach was used with legs as the unit of interest. A total of 448 legs were included in the analyses.

Results

The cumulative injury incidence proportion for legs was 29.0% (95%CI = 24.0%; 34.8%). A few biomechanical and clinical/anthropometrical factors influence the number of running-related injuries sustained in recreational runners. Runners with a late timing of maximal eversion sustained 20.7% (95%CI = 1.3; 40.0) more injuries, and runners with weak abductors in relation to adductors sustained 17.3% (95%CI = 0.8; 33.7) more injuries, compared with the corresponding reference group.

Conclusions

More injuries are likely to occur in runners with late timing of maximal eversion or weak hip abductors in relation to hip adductors.
Extracting clearer tsunami currents from shipborne Automatic Identification System data using ship yaw and equation of ship response
Authors: Inazu Daisuke , Ikeya Tsuyoshi , Iseki Toshio , Waseda Takuji
Published: March 2020

We have explored tsunami current signals in maritime Automatic Identification System (AIS) data during the 2011 Tohoku, Japan, tsunami. The AIS data were investigated in detail taking into account ship motion and response to tsunami current. Ship velocity derived from AIS data was divided into two components in terms of the ship heading: heading-normal and heading-parallel directions. The heading-normal velocity showed good agreement with the simulated tsunami current, as mentioned in our former research. Here, we found the heading-normal velocity was contaminated by non-tsunami noises that were mostly related to the ship yaw motion around the pivot point. The noises due to the yaw motion were reasonably corrected in the heading-normal velocity. The corrected heading-normal velocity clearly showed better agreement with the simulated tsunami current. Although the heading-parallel velocity is basically the navigation speed, and is mostly controlled by ships’ captain, we could find the heading-parallel velocity was also drifted by tsunami currents. The corrected heading-normal velocity was still a ship response to the tsunami current. Based on an equation of a ship response to tsunami currents, we numerically estimated tsunami current from the corrected heading-normal velocity. We could find very slight improvements in estimating the tsunami currents, which indicated that this operation possibly worked as a secondary correction. Tsunami currents of tens of centimeters per second are expected to be suitably detected using AIS based on discussion on detection limit.
Maximizing production of cellulose nanocrystals and nanofibers from pre-extracted loblolly pine kraft pulp: a response surface approach
Authors: Kandhola Gurshagan , Djioleu Angele , Rajan Kalavathy , Labbé Nicole , Sakon Joshua , Carrier Danielle Julie , Kim Jin-Woo
Published: March 2020

This study aims to optimize strong acid hydrolysis-based production of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) from pre-extracted and fully bleached kraft pulp of loblolly pinewood, the most abundant and commercially significant softwood species in southeastern United States. The effect of four parameters, including acid concentration, temperature, duration and pulp particle size, on the yield and properties of CNCs was investigated using the central composite design (CCD) of response surface methodology (RSM) for process optimization. While CNC yield was significantly affected by acid concentration and hydrolysis temperature and was adequately explained by an empirical model, none of the characteristic properties of CNCs, including crystallinity index, surface charge and particle size, displayed any strong correlation to the process parameters within the experimental ranges tested. At different hydrolysis severities, we not only analyzed the waste streams to determine the extent of holocellulose degradation, but also evaluated the properties of leftover partially hydrolyzed pulp, called cellulosic solid residues (CSR), to gauge its potential for CNF production via mechanical fibrillation. Conditions that maximized CNC yields (60% w/w) were 60% acid concentration, 58 °C, 60 min and 40 mesh particle size. Twenty percent (w/w) of the pulp was degraded under these conditions. On the other hand, conditions that maximized CSR yields (60% w/w) were 54% acid, 45 °C, 90 min and 20 mesh particle size, which also produced 15% CNCs, caused minimal pulp degradation (< 5%) and imparted sufficient surface charge such that CSR was easily microfluidized into CNFs. Therefore, the strong acid hydrolysis process could be tuned to maximize the production of cellulose nanocrystals and nanofibers and obtain two products with different properties and applications through the process optimization.
Being involved in research as a collaborator with experience of a prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart defect in the fetus: a qualitative study
Authors: Carlsson Tommy , Marttala Ulla Melander , Mattsson Elisabet
Published: March 2020

Background

An increasing number of research projects are now collaborating with persons who have lived experience of a specific health-related situation, such as a prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart defect. Such collaboration has the potential to provide valuable insights how to plan future studies, but little is known how these persons experience such involvement. The aim was to explore how persons with lived experience of a prenatal diagnosis perceived collaborating in a research project utilizing patient and public involvement to identify relevant research questions and develop suitable interventions.

Methods

Persons with experience of a prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart defect in the fetus were interviewed after their participation in a yearlong collaborative research project (n = 9) aiming to explore relevant research questions and develop interventions for expectant parents with a recent prenatal diagnosis. Interviews were analyzed with qualitative content analysis.

Results

Respondents acknowledged altruistic and personal value related to the collaboration. They valued the opportunity to contribute to future research so that the care of persons experiencing a prenatal diagnosis may be improved. Mixed feelings were described related to sharing and reliving experiences. While it had been emotionally difficult to relive a traumatic event, it also served as an opportunity to process experiences and psychologically adapt. Respondents with terminated pregnancies appreciated the possibility to meet peers, since it was difficult to find peers in everyday life and talk about their experiences with others.

Conclusions

Researchers who plan to collaborate with persons who have experience of a prenatal diagnosis should be mindful of the potential associated emotional experiences. The appreciation related to meeting peers calls attention to the need for studies that explore peer support.
Calotropis gigantea assisted green synthesis of nanomaterials and their applications: a review
Authors: Patil Shriniwas P.
Published: March 2020

Background

Nanotechnology has been receiving wonderful impetus in the current emerging technological era by opening a pool of scientific ideas to compete with the daily challenges of developing technology. So far, numerous properties and countless applications of nanomaterials have been explored which have been even proved to be based on characteristic shape, size, surface area and surface chemistry.

Main content

By the time, several attempts have been made for green synthesis of nanomaterials, using plant extracts. Calotropis gigantiea (L.) R. Br is the plant belonging to Apocynaceae, have been screened and proved to possess various pharmacological activities, due to different polar phytochemicals like flavonoids, lignans and terpenoids. This review focus on phytochemicals so far reported from different parts of the plant; pharmacological activities exhibited; green synthesis of nanomaterials, particularly metallic nanoparticles green synthesised by facilitating reaction of metallic ion donor molecule/salt and aqueous extract of leaves or flowers of C. gigantiea and their biological or non-biological applications. The use of C. gigantea in the fabrication of nanomaterials is an eco-friendly and safe approach. Secondary metabolites present act as a stabilizing agent for nanomaterials. Cadmium sulphide, titanium dioxide, nickel and nickel oxide nanoparticles synthesised using C. gigantea exerted better anti-microbial action, compared to extracts. Nanoencapsulated magnesium oxide nanoparticles avoided biochemical degradation of MgO; increase its bioavailability and proved beneficial in type II diabetes mellitus. Cupric oxide nanoparticles got applied in dye-sensitised solar cell. Silver nanoparticles showed better cytotoxicity in HeLa cells. Biomaterial-supported zero-valent iron and stannic oxide nanoparticles proved to have utilities in water purification. Green synthesised Eu3+ doped Y2SiO5 nanophosphors had significant chromaticity coordinates and average correlated colour temperature, hence find application in displays.

Conclusion

Variety of nanomaterials including nanoparticles and nanophophors could successfully be biosynthesised using Calotropis gigantean extract or its latex. These green synthesised nanomaterials have several applications in the healthcare system and technology.

Graphical Abstract
Influencing factor analysis of the elastic properties of shale with rock-physical model including pressure effects
Authors: Zong Zhaoyun , Jiang Man , Xu Miaomiao
Published: March 2020

With the continuous petroleum exploration around the world, the target of exploration is converting from conventional to deep, unconventional reservoirs. The pressure condition on those new target layers is different from the conventional reservoir, and pressure is one of the important factors affecting the elastic moduli and velocities of shale reservoirs. Therefore, it is necessary to take pressure effects into consideration in rock-physics modeling. We initially adopted a novel iterative rock-physical modeling approach on the basis of pore space stiffness theory to analyze pressure’s influence on shale. Pore space stiffness theory assumes that pores own their own stiffness like the solid matrix of rocks, which is related to the effective pressure. We have implemented plenty of numerical analysis on the effect of pressure on shale and found out the most contributive factor to the moduli and velocities of shale. Our result indicates that when the effective pressure is smaller than the critical value, the elastic moduli and elastic wave velocities of shale increase significantly with the increase of effective pressure. The elastic moduli and velocities tend to be constant when the effective pressure goes beyond that critical value. By comparison, we found that the most contributive mineral in shale is clay, and the porosity has the greatest effect on elastic moduli and velocities when the mineral composition of shale stays unchanged. The influence of pressure is not as obvious as other factors in shale reservoirs with low porosity (lower than 10%) because pores occupy a relatively small percentage of the total volume.
Demethylation Status of Somatic DNA Extracted From Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumors Indicates Proliferative Behavior
Authors: Szabó Borbála , Németh Kinga , Mészáros Katalin , Szücs Nikolette , Czirják Sándor , Reiniger Lilla , Rajnai Hajnalka , Krencz Ildikó , Karászi Katalin , Krokker Lilla , Patócs Attila , Butz Henriett
Published: March 2020

Background

Cytosine intermediaries 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), epigenetic hallmarks, have never been investigated in pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNET).

Objective

To examine methylation-demethylation status of global deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in PitNET tissues and to assess its correlation with clinical and biological parameters.

Materials and Methods

Altogether, 57 PitNET and 25 corresponding plasma samples were collected. 5mC and 5hmC were investigated using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Expression of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1); tet methylcytosine dioxygenase 1 through 3 (TET1-3); and ubiquitin-like, containing PHD and RING finger domains 1 and 2 (UHRF1-2) were measured by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. Levels of 5hmC and UHRF1-2 were explored by immunohistochemistry. Effect of demethylating agent decitabine was tested on pituitary cell lines.

Results

5hmC/5mC ratio was higher in less differentiated PitNET samples. A negative correlation between Ki-67 proliferation index and 5hmC, 5hmC to 5mC ratio were revealed. Higher 5mC was observed in SF-1 + gonadotroph adenomas with a higher Ki-67 index. Expressions of TET2 and TET3 were significantly higher in adenomas with higher proliferation rate. UHRF1 showed gradually increased expression in higher proliferative adenoma samples, and a significant positive correlation was detected between UHRF2 expression and 5hmC level. Decitabine treatment significantly decreased 5mC and increased 5hmC levels in both cell lines, accompanied with decreased cell viability and proliferation.

Conclusion

The demethylation process negatively correlated with proliferation rate and the ratio of 5hmC to 5mC was higher in less differentiated adenomas. Therefore, epigenetic markers can be potential biomarkers for PitNET behavior. Altering the epigenome in adenoma cells by decitabine decreased proliferation, suggesting that this treatment might be a novel medical treatment for PitNET.
Acute Effects of Glucagon on Reproductive Hormone Secretion in Healthy Men
Authors: Izzi-Engbeaya Chioma , Jones Sophie , Crustna Yoshibye , Machenahalli Pratibha C , Papadopoulou Deborah , Modi Manish , Starikova Jessica , Chan Derek , Eng Pei Chia , Phylactou Maria , Ratnasabapathy Risheka , Mills Edouard , Yang Lisa , Pacuszka Ewa , Bech Paul , Minnion James , Tharakan George , Tan Tricia , Veldhuis Johannes , Abbara Ali , Comninos Alexander N , Dhillo Waljit S
Published: March 2020

Context

Glucagon increases energy expenditure; consequently, glucagon receptor agonists are in development for the treatment of obesity. Obesity negatively affects the reproductive axis, and hypogonadism itself can exacerbate weight gain. Therefore, knowledge of the effects of glucagon receptor agonism on reproductive hormones is important for developing therapeutics for obesity; but reports in the literature about the effects of glucagon receptor agonism on the reproductive axis are conflicting.

Objective

The objective of this work is to investigate the effect of glucagon administration on reproductive hormone secretion in healthy young men.

Design

A single-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study was conducted.

Setting

The setting of this study was the Clinical Research Facility, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.

Participants

Eighteen healthy eugonadal men (mean ± SEM: age 25.1 ± 1.0 years; body mass index 22.5 ± 0.4 kg/m2; testosterone 21.2 ± 1.2 nmol/L) participated in this study.

Intervention

An 8-hour intravenous infusion of 2 pmol/kg/min glucagon or rate-matched vehicle infusion was administered.

Main Outcome Measures

Luteinizing hormone (LH) pulsatility; LH, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone levels were measured.

Results

Although glucagon administration induced metabolic effects (insulin area under the curve: vehicle 1065 ± 292 min.µU/mL vs glucagon 2098 ± 358 min.µU/mL, P < .001), it did not affect LH pulsatility (number of LH pulses/500 min: vehicle 4.7 ± 0.4, glucagon 4.2 ± 0.4, P = .22). Additionally, there were no significant differences in circulating LH, FSH, or testosterone levels during glucagon administration compared with vehicle administration.

Conclusions

Acute administration of a metabolically active dose of glucagon does not alter reproductive hormone secretion in healthy men. These data are important for the continued development of glucagon-based treatments for obesity.
Electroacupuncture Mimics Exercise-Induced Changes in Skeletal Muscle Gene Expression in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Benrick Anna , Pillon Nicolas J , Nilsson Emma , Lindgren Eva , Krook Anna , Ling Charlotte , Stener-Victorin Elisabet
Published: March 2020

Context

Autonomic nervous system activation mediates the increase in whole-body glucose uptake in response to electroacupuncture but the mechanisms are largely unknown.

Objective

To identify the molecular mechanisms underlying electroacupuncture-induced glucose uptake in skeletal muscle in insulin-resistant overweight/obese women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Design/Participants

In a case-control study, skeletal muscle biopsies were collected from 15 women with PCOS and 14 controls before and after electroacupuncture. Gene expression and methylation was analyzed using Illumina BeadChips arrays.

Results

A single bout of electroacupuncture restores metabolic and transcriptional alterations and induces epigenetic changes in skeletal muscle. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 180 unique genes (q < 0.05) whose expression was changed by electroacupuncture, with 95% of the changes towards a healthier phenotype. We identified DNA methylation changes at 304 unique sites (q < 0.20), and these changes correlated with altered expression of 101 genes (P < 0.05). Among the 50 most upregulated genes in response to electroacupuncture, 38% were also upregulated in response to exercise. We identified a subset of genes that were selectively altered by electroacupuncture in women with PCOS. For example, MSX1 and SRNX1 were decreased in muscle tissue of women with PCOS and were increased by electroacupuncture and exercise. siRNA-mediated silencing of these 2 genes in cultured myotubes decreased glycogen synthesis, supporting a role for these genes in glucose homeostasis.

Conclusion

Our findings provide evidence that electroacupuncture normalizes gene expression in skeletal muscle in a manner similar to acute exercise. Electroacupuncture might therefore be a useful way of assisting those who have difficulties performing exercise.
Time Discounting and Wealth Inequality
Authors: Epper Thomas , Fehr Ernst , Fehr-Duda Helga , Kreiner Claus Thustrup , Lassen David Dreyer , Leth-Petersen Søren , Rasmussen Gregers Nytoft
Published: March 2020

This paper documents a large association between individuals’ time discounting in incentivized experiments and their positions in the real-life wealth distribution derived from Danish high-quality administrative data for a large sample of middle-aged individuals. The association is stable over time, exists through the wealth distribution and remains large after controlling for education, income profile, school grades, initial wealth, parental wealth, credit constraints, demographics, risk preferences, and additional behavioral parameters. Our results suggest that savings behavior is a driver of the observed association between patience and wealth inequality as predicted by standard savings theory. (JEL C91, D15, D31, E21)
Emerging concepts in ventilation-induced lung injury
Authors: Madahar Purnema , Beitler Jeremy R
Published: March 2020

Ventilation-induced lung injury results from mechanical stress and strain that occur during tidal ventilation in the susceptible lung. Classical descriptions of ventilation-induced lung injury have focused on harm from positive pressure ventilation. However, injurious forces also can be generated by patient effort and patient–ventilator interactions. While the role of global mechanics has long been recognized, regional mechanical heterogeneity within the lungs also appears to be an important factor propagating clinically significant lung injury. The resulting clinical phenotype includes worsening lung injury and a systemic inflammatory response that drives extrapulmonary organ failures. Bedside recognition of ventilation-induced lung injury requires a high degree of clinical acuity given its indistinct presentation and lack of definitive diagnostics. Yet the clinical importance of ventilation-induced lung injury is clear. Preventing such biophysical injury remains the most effective management strategy to decrease morbidity and mortality in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome and likely benefits others at risk.