bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brain distribution of geissoschizine methyl ether in rats using mass spectrometry imaging analysis
Authors: Matsumoto Takashi , Ikarashi Yasushi , Takiyama Mikina , Watanabe Junko , Setou Mitsutoshi
Published: April 2020

Geissoschizine methyl ether (GM) is one of the main active ingredients responsible for ameliorating the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) in Kampo medicine yokukansan. GM is mainly metabolized into hydroxylated forms (HM-1/2). However, the brain distributions of GM and HM has not been reported in vivo. In this study, therefore, the plasma concentrations and brain distribution of these compounds were examined in vivo using rats injected intravenously with GM. Plasma concentrations were analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis and brain distribution using mass spectrometry imaging analysis. Plasma GM and HM-1 concentrations decreased in the 4 h after injection, whereas the concentration of plasma HM-2 increased at 4 h. In the 0.25 h-brain, GM signals were diffusely observed throughout the brain, including the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, striatum, thalamus, amygdala, cerebellum, and cerebral ventricle. HM signals were detected only in the ventricles of the brain at 4 h. These results suggest that plasma GM enters the brain and distributes in the parenchyma of various brain regions involved in BPSD, while plasma HM does not enter the brain parenchyma. This study is also the first to visually demonstrate the brain distribution of GM and its metabolite in vivo.
Author Correction: Imaging and Pathological Features of Idiopathic Portal Hypertension and Differential Diagnosis from Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Zhao Zhen-Long , Wei Ying , Wang Tai-Ling , Peng Li-Li , Li Yan , Yu Ming-An
Published: April 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: Cyclin D1 protein affecting global women’s health by regulating HPV mediated adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix
Authors: Tripathi Richa , Rath Gayatri , Jawanjal Poonam , Bharadwaj Mausumi , Mehrotra Ravi
Published: April 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Standardised comparison of limonene-derived monoterpenes identifies structural determinants of anti-inflammatory activity
Authors: Sousa Cátia , Leitão Alcino Jorge , Neves Bruno Miguel , Judas Fernando , Cavaleiro Carlos , Mendes Alexandrina Ferreira
Published: April 2020

Mint species are widely used in traditional and conventional medicine as topical analgesics for osteoarthritic pain and for disorders of the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts which are all associated with chronic inflammation. To identify the structural determinants of anti-inflammatory activity and potency which are required for chemical optimization towards development of new anti-inflammatory drugs, a selected group of monoterpenes especially abundant in mint species was screened by measuring bacterial lipopolysacharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in murine macrophages. Nine compounds significantly decreased LPS-induced NO production by more than 30%. IC50 values were calculated showing that the order of potency is: (S)-(+)-carvone > (R)-(−)-carvone > (+)-dihydrocarveol > (S)-8-hydroxycarvotanacetone > (R)-8-hydroxycarvotanacetone > (+)-dihydrocarvone > (−)-carveol > (−)-dihydrocarveol > (S)-(-)-pulegone. Considering the carbon numbering relative to the common precursor, limonene, the presence of an oxygenated group at C6 conjugated to a double bond at C1 and an isopropenyl group and S configuration at C4 are the major chemical features relevant for activity and potency. The most potent compound, (S)-(+)-carvone, significantly decreased the expression of NOS2 and IL-1β in macrophages and in a cell model of osteoarthritis using primary human chondrocytes. (S)-(+)-carvone may be efficient in halting inflammation-related diseases, like osteoarthritis.
Multi-layered Free-form 3D Cell-printed Tubular Construct with Decellularized Inner and Outer Esophageal Tissue-derived Bioinks
Authors: Nam Hyoryung , Jeong Hun-Jin , Jo Yeonggwon , Lee Jae Yeon , Ha Dong-Heon , Kim Ji Hyun , Chung Jae Hee , Cho Young-Sam , Cho Dong-Woo , Lee Seung-Jae , Jang Jinah
Published: April 2020

The incidences of various esophageal diseases (e.g., congenital esophageal stenosis, tracheoesophageal fistula, esophageal atresia, esophageal cancer) are increasing, but esophageal tissue is difficult to be recovered because of its weak regenerative capability. There are no commercialized off-the-shelf alternatives to current esophageal reconstruction and regeneration methods. Surgeons usually use ectopic conduit tissues including stomach and intestine, presumably inducing donor site morbidity and severe complications. To date, polymer-based esophageal substitutes have been studied as an alternative. However, the fabrication techniques are nearly limited to creating only cylindrical outer shapes with the help of additional apparatus (e.g., mandrels for electrospinning) and are unable to recapitulate multi-layered characteristic or complex-shaped inner architectures. 3D bioprinting is known as a suitable method to fabricate complex free-form tubular structures with desired pore characteristic. In this study, we developed a extrusion-based 3D printing technique to control the size and the shape of the pore in a single extrusion process, so that the fabricated structure has a higher flexibility than that fabricated in the conventional process. Based on this suggested technique, we developed a bioprinted 3D esophageal structure with multi-layered features and converged with biochemical microenvironmental cues of esophageal tissue by using decellularizedbioinks from mucosal and muscular layers of native esophageal tissues. The two types of esophageal tissue derived-decellularized extracellular matrix bioinks can mimic the inherent components and composition of original tissues with layer specificity. This structure can be applied to full-thickness circumferential esophageal defects and esophageal regeneration.
Extreme events are more likely to affect the breeding success of lesser kestrels than average climate change
Authors: Marcelino J. , Silva J. P. , Gameiro J. , Silva A. , Rego F. C. , Moreira F. , Catry I.
Published: April 2020

Climate change is predicted to severely impact interactions between prey, predators and habitats. In Southern Europe, within the Mediterranean climate, herbaceous vegetation achieves its maximum growth in middle spring followed by a three-month dry summer, limiting prey availability for insectivorous birds. Lesser kestrels (Falco naumanni) breed in a time-window that matches the nestling-rearing period with the peak abundance of grasshoppers and forecasted climate change may impact reproductive success through changes in prey availability and abundance. We used Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) as a surrogate of habitat quality and prey availability to investigate the impacts of forecasted climate change and extreme climatic events on lesser kestrel breeding performance. First, using 14 years of data from 15 colonies in Southwestern Iberia, we linked fledging success and climatic variables with NDVI, and secondly, based on these relationships and according to climatic scenarios for 2050 and 2070, forecasted NDVI and fledging success. Finally, we evaluated how fledging success was influenced by drought events since 2004. Despite predicting a decrease in vegetation greenness in lesser kestrel foraging areas during spring, we found no impacts of predicted gradual rise in temperature and decline in precipitation on their fledging success. Notwithstanding, we found a decrease of 12% in offspring survival associated with drought events, suggesting that a higher frequency of droughts might, in the future, jeopardize the recent recovery of the European population. Here, we show that extreme events, such as droughts, can have more significant impacts on species than gradual climatic changes, especially in regions like the Mediterranean Basin, a biodiversity and climate change hotspot.
Millennial scale maximum intensities of typhoon and storm wave in the northwestern Pacific Ocean inferred from storm deposited reef boulders
Authors: Minamidate Kenta , Goto Kazuhisa , Watanabe Masashi , Roeber Volker , Toguchi Ken , Sannoh Masami , Nakashima Yosuke , Kan Hironobu
Published: April 2020

Typhoons and associated storm waves in the northwestern Pacific Ocean commonly cause coastal disasters. The possibility remains that an even stronger typhoon than the strongest one observed to date might have occurred before. The development of a method to estimate a maximum intensity of past typhoons over thousands of years is important for paleoclimatology, paleoceanography and disaster prevention. Numerous storm wave boulders exist on reefs in the Ryukyu Islands, Japan, which have been deposited to their present position by the cumulative effects of the past storm waves. These boulders can be used as proxies for the hydrodynamic conditions of the largest waves from past events. Here, we present numerical computations for storm waves and boulder transport with the boulder distribution as a constraint factor to estimate the maximum intensities of storm waves and their causative typhoon events over the past 3500 years. Though the intensities of the maximum estimated waves and associated typhoon events were slightly stronger than those recorded over the past ~70 years in the Ryukyu Islands, our results suggest that no abnormally intense typhoon has struck the Ryukyu Islands in the past 3500 years. The potential impact from tsunamis remains uncertain; however, our results are meteorologically reasonable.
Antimicrobial activity of a silver-microfibrillated cellulose biocomposite against susceptible and resistant bacteria
Authors: Garza-Cervantes Javier Alberto , Mendiola-Garza Gricelda , de Melo Eduardo Macedo , Dugmore Tom I. J. , Matharu Avtar S. , Morones-Ramirez Jose Ruben
Published: April 2020

Antibiotic Microbial Resistance (AMR) is a major global challenge as it constitutes a severe threat to global public health if not addressed. To fight against AMR bacteria, new antimicrobial agents are continually needed, and their efficacy must be tested. Historically, many transition metals have been employed, but their cytotoxicity is an issue and hence must be reduced, typically by combination with organic polymers. Cellulose of natural origin, especially those derived from unavoidable residues in the food supply chain, appears to be a good capping agent for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Herein, we describe a green synthesis method to produce a novel biocomposite, using ascorbic acid as reducing agent and microfibrillated cellulose as a capping agent and demonstrate this material to be an efficient antimicrobial agent. Silver nanoparticles were obtained in the cellulose matrix with an average size of 140 nm and with antimicrobial activity against both sensitive and resistant Gram positive (using 1500 ppm) as well as sensitive and resistant Gram negative (using 125 ppm) bacteria. Also, an inverted disk-diffusion methodology was applied to overcome the low-solubility of cellulose compounds. This novel silver nanoparticle-cellulose biocomposite synthesized by a green methodology shows the potential to be applied in the future development of biomedical instruments and therapeutics.
The Effect of Force-Field Parameters on Cytochrome P450-Membrane Interactions: Structure and Dynamics
Authors: Mustafa Ghulam , Nandekar Prajwal P. , Mukherjee Goutam , Bruce Neil J. , Wade Rebecca C.
Published: April 2020

The simulation of membrane proteins requires compatible protein and lipid force fields that reproduce the properties of both the protein and the lipid bilayer. Cytochrome P450 enzymes are bitopic membrane proteins with a transmembrane helical anchor and a large cytosolic globular domain that dips into the membrane. As such, they are representative and challenging examples of membrane proteins for simulations, displaying features of both peripheral and integral membrane proteins. We performed molecular dynamics simulations of three cytochrome P450 isoforms (2C9, 2C19 and 1A1) in a 2-oleoyl-1-palmitoyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphocholine bilayer using two AMBER force field combinations: GAFF-LIPID with ff99SB for the protein, and LIPID14 with ff14SB for the protein. Comparison of the structural and dynamic properties of the proteins, the lipids and the protein-membrane interactions shows differing sensitivity of the cytochrome P450 isoforms to the choice of force field, with generally better agreement with experiment for the LIPID14 + ff14SB combination.
On the Thermal Performance of a Fractal Microchannel Subjected to Water and Kerosene Carbon Nanotube Nanofluid
Authors: Lyu Zongjie , Pourfattah Farzad , Arani Ali Akbar Abbasian , Asadi Amin , Foong Loke Kok
Published: April 2020

Using single layer microchannels accompanied by nanofluids is one of the most practical solutions in thermal management of high power density devices. The main challenge in cooling systems of electronic devices is to provide a uniform temperature distribution. In the present study, fluid flow and heat transfer in a fractal microchannel heatsink have been simulated employing the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method. The fractal microchannel is used to achieve uniform temperature distribution. Thermal performance of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) dispersed in the two base fluids of water and kerosene in a fractal microchannel at Reynolds (Re) numbers of 1500 to 3000 are investigated. It should be noted that the nanofluids have been simulated by the two-phase mixture model. The results indicated that the use of fractals silicon microchannel leads to having a uniform temperature distribution. Based on the results, at maximum Re number when the working fluid is water, Nu number and pumping power are 20.9 and 0.033 W whereas, in kerosene flow at the same condition, Nu number and pumping power are 6 and 0.054 W, respectively. According to the obtained results, using the SWCNT nanoparticle compared with the MWCNT nanoparticle leads to a significant enhancement in the Nusselt (Nu) number. This difference is more pronounced by increasing the Re number and nanoparticle volume fraction. In addition, the results indicated that at the same Re number and nanoparticle volume fraction, the performance evaluation criterion of the water-based nanofluid is 4 times higher than that of the kerosene-based nanofluid. So the use of the water as the working fluid with the SWCNT nanoparticle for cooling in the fractal silicon microchannel is recommended.
Deep learned tissue “fingerprints” classify breast cancers by ER/PR/Her2 status from H&E images
Authors: Rawat Rishi R. , Ortega Itzel , Roy Preeyam , Sha Fei , Shibata Darryl , Ruderman Daniel , Agus David B.
Published: April 2020

Because histologic types are subjective and difficult to reproduce between pathologists, tissue morphology often takes a back seat to molecular testing for the selection of breast cancer treatments. This work explores whether a deep-learning algorithm can learn objective histologic H&E features that predict the clinical subtypes of breast cancer, as assessed by immunostaining for estrogen, progesterone, and Her2 receptors (ER/PR/Her2). Translating deep learning to this and related problems in histopathology presents a challenge due to the lack of large, well-annotated data sets, which are typically required for the algorithms to learn statistically significant discriminatory patterns. To overcome this limitation, we introduce the concept of “tissue fingerprints,” which leverages large, unannotated datasets in a label-free manner to learn H&E features that can distinguish one patient from another. The hypothesis is that training the algorithm to learn the morphological differences between patients will implicitly teach it about the biologic variation between them. Following this training internship, we used the features the network learned, which we call “fingerprints,” to predict ER, PR, and Her2 status in two datasets. Despite the discovery dataset being relatively small by the standards of the machine learning community (n = 939), fingerprints enabled the determination of ER, PR, and Her2 status from whole slide H&E images with 0.89 AUC (ER), 0.81 AUC (PR), and 0.79 AUC (Her2) on a large, independent test set (n = 2531). Tissue fingerprints are concise but meaningful histopathologic image representations that capture biological information and may enable machine learning algorithms that go beyond the traditional ER/PR/Her2 clinical groupings by directly predicting theragnosis.
Identifying a subtype of Alzheimer’s disease characterised by predominant right focal cortical atrophy
Authors: Kim Ko Woon , Park Seongbeom , Jo Hyunjin , Cho Soo Hyun , Kim Seung Joo , Kim Yeshin , Jang Hyemin , Na Duk L. , Seo Sang Won , Kim Hee Jin
Published: April 2020

We aimed to identify an Alzheimer’s disease (AD) subtype with right predominant focal atrophy. We recruited 17 amyloid PET positive logopenic variant primary progressive aphasia (lvPPA) and 226 amyloid PET positive AD patients. To identify AD with right focal atrophy (Rt-AD), we selected cortical areas that showed more atrophy in lvPPA than in AD and calculated an asymmetry index (AI) for this area in each individual. Using a receiver operating characteristic curve, we found that the optimal AI cut-off to discriminate lvPPA from AD was −3.1 (mean AI – 1.00 standard deviation) (sensitivity 88.2, specificity 89.8). We identified 32 Rt-AD patients whose AI was above mean AI + 1.00 standard deviation, 38 Lt-AD patients whose AI was lower than mean AI − 1.00 standard deviation, and 173 Symmetric-AD patients whose AI was within mean AI ± 1.00 standard deviation. We characterized clinical and cognitive profiles of Rt-AD patients by comparing with those of Lt-AD and Symmetric-AD patients. Compared to Symmetric-AD patients, Rt-AD patients had asymmetric focal atrophy in the right temporoparietal area and showed poor performance on visuospatial function testing (p = 0.009). Our findings suggested that there is an AD variant characterized by right focal atrophy and visuospatial dysfunction.
Molecular Simulations of Adsorption and Energy Storage of R1234yf, R1234ze(z), R134a, R32, and their Mixtures in M-MOF-74 (M = Mg, Ni) Nanoparticles
Authors: Cai Shouyin , Tian Sen , Lu Yiyu , Wang Guangjin , Pu Yu , Peng Kang
Published: April 2020

The refrigerant circulation heat can be enhanced through the mutual transformation between thermal energy and surface energy during the adsorption and separation process of fluid molecules in porous materials. In this paper, the adsorption and energy storage of R1234ze(z), R1234yf, R32 and R134a, as well as their mixed refrigerants in Mg-MOF-74 and Ni-MOF-74 nanoparticles were investigated by means of molecular dynamics simulations and grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations. The results suggested that, in the case of pure refrigerant adsorption, the adsorption quantities of R32 and R134a in MOFs were higher than those of R1234yf and R1234ze(z). However, in the case of saturation adsorption, the desorption heat of R32 was lower than that of R1234yf and R1234ze(z). The addition of MOF-74 nanoparticles (NPs) could enhance the energy storage capacity of the pure refrigerant; besides, R1234yf and R1234ze(z) nanofluids had superior enhancement effect to that of R32 nanofluid. In mixed refrigerant adsorption, the adsorption quantities of R1234ze(z) and R1234yf were lower than those of R32 and R134a; with the increase in temperature, the adsorption of R1234ze(z) and R1234yf showed a gradually increasing trend, while that of R32 was gradually decreased.
Suppression of Hedgehog signaling is required for cementum apposition
Authors: Choi Hwajung , Liu Yudong , Yang Liu , Cho Eui-Sic
Published: April 2020

Hedgehog (Hh) signaling plays a broad role in the development of many organs including bone and teeth. It is noted that sustained Hh activity in osteoblasts negatively regulates postnatal development in mice. However, it remains unknown whether Hh signaling contributes to cementum formation. In this study, to define the roles of Hh signaling in cementum formation, we analyzed two kinds of transgenic mouse models for Hh signaling activation designed by the inactivation of Suppressor of Fused (Sufu), a negative regulator of Hh signaling, (SufuOC) and a forced endogenous activation of Smo (SmoM2OC) under the control of osteocalcin (OC) promoter-driven Cre recombinase. Interestingly, cellular cementum apposition was remarkably reduced in both mutants. Consistently, matrix formation and mineralization ability were down-regulated in OCCM-30, a cementoblast cell line, following treatment with a pharmaceutical Smo agonist. In addition, reductions in Osx expression and β-catenin activity, which are critical for cellular cementum formation, were also detected in vitro. Furthermore, the compound mutant mice designed for the stabilization of β-catenin with both Hh-Smo signaling activation in cementoblasts revealed a complete restoration of defective cellular cementum. In addition, Wnt antagonists such as Sostdc1 and Dkk1 were also induced by Smo activation and played a role in the reduction of Osx expression and β-catenin activity. Collectively, our data demonstrated that Hh signaling negatively regulates cementum apposition in a Wnt/β-catenin/Osx-dependent manner.
Applying a data-driven approach to quantify EEG maturational deviations in preterms with normal and abnormal neurodevelopmental outcomes
Authors: Pillay Kirubin , Dereymaeker Anneleen , Jansen Katrien , Naulaers Gunnar , De Vos Maarten
Published: April 2020

Premature babies are subjected to environmental stresses that can affect brain maturation and cause abnormal neurodevelopmental outcome later in life. Better understanding this link is crucial to developing a clinical tool for early outcome estimation. We defined maturational trajectories between the Electroencephalography (EEG)-derived ‘brain-age’ and postmenstrual age (the age since the last menstrual cycle of the mother) from longitudinal recordings during the baby’s stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Data consisted of 224 recordings (65 patients) separated for normal and abnormal outcome at 9–24 months follow-up. Trajectory deviations were compared between outcome groups using the root mean squared error (RMSE) and maximum trajectory deviation (δmax). 113 features were extracted (per sleep state) to train a data-driven model that estimates brain-age, with the most prominent features identified as potential maturational and outcome-sensitive biomarkers. RMSE and δmax showed significant differences between outcome groups (cluster-based permutation test, p < 0.05). RMSE had a median (IQR) of 0.75 (0.60–1.35) weeks for normal outcome and 1.35 (1.15–1.55) for abnormal outcome, while δmax had a median of 0.90 (0.70–1.70) and 1.90 (1.20–2.90) weeks, respectively. Abnormal outcome trajectories were associated with clinically defined dysmature and disorganised EEG patterns, cementing the link between early maturational trajectories and neurodevelopmental outcome.
NaCl substrates for high temperature processing and transfer of ultrathin materials
Authors: Graham Christina , Frances Miriam Marchena Martin , Maniyara Rinu Abraham , Wen Yugeng , Mazumder Prantik , Pruneri Valerio
Published: April 2020

Ultrathin materials often require high temperatures for growth and processing, which cannot be withstood by the substrate underneath. For example, polymers are widely used as a supporting layer but unfortunately have low strain-point temperatures. This is the case of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) which has glass transition and melting temperatures of 76 and 250 °C, respectively. In this paper we propose to use polished salt, a material that can withstand high temperatures during fabrication and, at the same time, can be sacrificed during the transfer onto the final substrates. More specifically, we demonstrate thermal dewetting of Au ultrathin metal films and growth of MoS2 on NaCl at 750 and 650 °C, respectively, and subsequent transfer onto PET films, after which the salt is easily dissolved by water. We believe that the proposed technique can be extended to fabrication of other ultrathin materials, e.g. graphene, as well as final substrates for a wide range of applications, including flexible electronic and optoelectronic devices.
Reference values of normal liver stiffness in healthy children by two methods: 2D shear wave and transient elastography
Authors: Mărginean Cristina Oana , Meliţ Lorena Elena , Ghiga Dana Valentina , Săsăran Maria Oana
Published: April 2020

TE and 2D-SWE are well-documented in studies performed on adults, but those on pediatric patients are limited. The aim of this study was to establish pediatric reference values for liver stiffness using two elastography methods: 2D-SWE and TE. We performed an observational study on 206 healthy children. All children underwent anamnesis, clinical exam, laboratory tests, US exam, TE and 2D-SWE for liver stiffness assessment. The mean liver stiffness value by 2D-SWE for all children was 3.72 ± 0.48 kPa. The mean values ranged between 3.603 ± 0.2678 kPa (3–5 years of age) and 3.774 ± 0.4038 kPa (9–11 years). The reference values varied between 4.1386 kPa (3–5 years of age) and 4.88 kPa (12–15 years). The mean liver stiffness value by TE was 3.797 ± 0.4859 kPa. The values ranged between 3.638 ± 0.4088 kPa (6–8 years of age) and 3.961 ± 0.5695 kPa (15–18 years). The cutoff values varied from 4.4064 kPa (3–5 years of age) to 5.1 kPa (15–18 years). We found a significant positive correlation between E Median values by TE and age [95% CI: 0.1160 to 0.3798, r = 0.2526, p = 0.0002]. Our findings revealed that the mean values of liver stiffness for all children on 2D-SWE and TE were almost identical, 3.72 ± 0.48 kPa versus 3.797 ± 0.4859 kPa.
Detection of Neorickettsia risticii, the agent of Potomac horse fever, in horses from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Paulino Patrícia Gonzaga , Almosny Nádia , Oliveira Renata , Viscardi Vanessa , Müller Ananda , Guimarães Andresa , Baldani Cristiane , da Silva Claudia , Peckle Maristela , Massard Carlos , Santos Huarrisson
Published: April 2020

This study aims to report the presence of Neorickettsia risticii DNA in blood samples from naturally infected horses in Rio de Janeiro, provide clinicopathological findings related to the infection, and report the phylogenetic diversity of the 16S rDNA of N. risticii in order to evaluate its heterogeneity. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was performed to investigate the presence of N. risticii in samples collected from horses (n = 187). Five positive samples were found in the molecular screening. Hypoalbuminemia and high levels of creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase were the predominant findings in the biochemical analysis. The sequences were similar to those of N. risticii. Phylogenetic analysis revealed genotype segregation based on the geographical distribution in the N. risticii sequence clade. Dendrograms constructed with five hypervariable regions revealed that V4 distinguished Neorickettsia at the species level and produced a phylogeny that best represented the phylogeny obtained with the complete 16S rDNA sequence. This is the first report of N. risticii DNA in the blood of Brazilian horses based on sequences deposited in GenBank. Further studies are necessary to clarify the epidemiological chain of this vector-borne parasite in order to determine and establish appropriate preventive measures in the equine trading market.
Red Cell Distribution Width is Associated with Future Incidence of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in a Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Xiao Jun , Borné Yan , Gottsäter Anders , Pan Jingxue , Acosta Stefan , Engström Gunnar
Published: April 2020

Red cell distribution width (RDW) has been suggested to have a predictive potential for several cardiovascular diseases, but its association with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is unknown. We examined whether RDW is associated with the risk of AAA among 27,260 individuals from the population-based Malmö Diet and Cancer Study cohort. Data of baseline characteristics were collected during 1991–1996. Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for AAA across quartiles of RDW. During a median follow-up of 21.7 years, 491 subjects developed AAA. After adjustment for other confounding factors, participants in the highest quartile of RDW experienced 61% increased risk of AAA as compared to those with the lowest quartile (HR = 1.61, CI = 1.20, 2.12). RDW showed similar relationship with severe (i.e. ruptured or surgically repaired) AAA or non-severe AAA (adjusted HR 1.58 and 1.60, respectively). The observed association between RDW and AAA risk was significant in current smokers (adjusted HR = 1.68, CI = 1.18, 2.38) but not in former smokers (adjusted HR = 1.13, CI = 0.72, 1.79), or never-smokers (adjusted HR = 1.77, CI = 0.74, 4.22). Elevated RDW is associated with increased future incidence of AAA, however the causal and pathophysiological mechanisms remain to be explored.
Risk Factors for Neonatal Mortality in Preterm Newborns in The Extreme South of Brazil
Authors: Tietzmann Marcos Roberto , Teichmann Pedro do Valle , Vilanova Cassia Simeão , Goldani Marcelo Zubaran , Silva Clécio Homrich da
Published: April 2020

Neonatal mortality still remains a complex challenge to be addressed. In Brazil, 60% of neonatal deaths occur among preterm infants with a gestational age of 32 weeks or less (≤32w). The aim of this study was to evaluate the factors involved in the high mortality rates among newborns with a gestational age ≤32w in a socioeconomically developed southern city in Brazil. Data on retrospective births and deaths (2000–2014) were analyzed from two official Brazilian national databases. The risk of neonatal death for all independent variables (mother’s age and schooling, prenatal visits, birth hospital, delivery method, gestational age, and the newborn’s sex, age, and birth year, gemelarity, congenital anomalies and birthplace) was assessed with a univariable and a multivariable model of Cox’s semiparametric proportional hazards regression (p < 0.05). Data of 288,904 newborns were included, being 4,514 with a gestational age ≤32w. The proportion of these early newborns remained stable among all births, while the neonatal mortality rate for this group tended to decrease (p < 0.001). The adjusted risk was significantly for lower birthweight infants (mean 659.13 g) born from Caesarean (HR 0.58 [95% CI 0.47–0.71]), but it was significantly higher for heavier birth weight infants (mean 2,087.79) also born via Caesarean section (HR 3.71 [95% CI 1.5–9.15]). Newborns with lower weight seemed to benefit most from Cesarean deliveries. Effort towards reducing unacceptably high surgical deliveries must take into account cases that the operations may be lifesaving for mother and/or the baby.
Empagliflozin attenuates acute kidney injury after myocardial infarction in diabetic rats
Authors: Kuno Atsushi , Kimura Yukishige , Mizuno Masashi , Oshima Hiroto , Sato Tatsuya , Moniwa Norihito , Tanaka Marenao , Yano Toshiyuki , Tanno Masaya , Miki Takayuki , Miura Tetsuji
Published: April 2020

Acute kidney injury (AKI) predicts poor prognosis in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) and diabetes mellitus (DM) is an independent risk factor of AKI. Recent clinical studies have shown the beneficial effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on cardiovascular and renal outcomes in patients with DM. We recently reported that canagliflozin normalized susceptibility of diabetic rats to AKI after acute MI via β-hydroxybutyrate-mediated suppression of NOX expression. Here we examined whether the same renoprotective effect is shared by empagliflozin. Serum creatinine levels were not changed by MI induced by coronary artery occlusion in LETO, non-diabetic control rats, and OLETF, obese type 2 diabetic rats. However, immunohistochemistry revealed that MI increased renal expression of NGAL and KIM-1, early markers of tubular injury, by 3.2-fold and 2.6-fold, respectively, in OLETF. These increases in injury markers were not observed in LETO. Pretreatment with empagliflozin of OLETF for 2 weeks improved hyperglycemia, increased blood β-hydroxybutyrate level, and suppressed MI-induced expression of NGAL and KIM-1. Empagliflozin suppressed upregulation of NOX2 and NOX4 in the kidney of OLETF. Taken together with the results of our previous study, it was concluded that treatment with the SGLT2 inhibitor protects the diabetic kidney from MI-induced AKI.
Performance of metabonomic serum analysis for diagnostics in paediatric tuberculosis
Authors: Andreas Nicholas J. , Basu Roy Robindra , Gomez-Romero Maria , Horneffer-van der Sluis Verena , Lewis Matthew R. , Camuzeaux Stephane S. M. , Jiménez Beatriz , Posma Joram M. , Tientcheu Leopold , Egere Uzochukwu , Sillah Abdou , Togun Toyin , Holmes Elaine , Kampmann Beate
Published: April 2020

We applied a metabonomic strategy to identify host biomarkers in serum to diagnose paediatric tuberculosis (TB) disease. 112 symptomatic children with presumptive TB were recruited in The Gambia and classified as bacteriologically-confirmed TB, clinically diagnosed TB, or other diseases. Sera were analysed using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and mass spectrometry (MS). Multivariate data analysis was used to distinguish patients with TB from other diseases. Diagnostic accuracy was evaluated using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves. Model performance was tested in a validation cohort of 36 children from the UK. Data acquired using 1H NMR demonstrated a sensitivity, specificity and Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 69% (95% confidence interval [CI], 56–73%), 83% (95% CI, 73–93%), and 0.78 respectively, and correctly classified 20% of the validation cohort from the UK. The most discriminatory MS data showed a sensitivity of 67% (95% CI, 60–71%), specificity of 86% (95% CI, 75–93%) and an AUC of 0.78, correctly classifying 83% of the validation cohort. Amongst children with presumptive TB, metabolic profiling of sera distinguished bacteriologically-confirmed and clinical TB from other diseases. This novel approach yielded a diagnostic performance for paediatric TB comparable to that of Xpert MTB/RIF and interferon gamma release assays.
Mixed alkoxy/hydroxy 1,8-naphthalimides: expanded fluorescence colour palette and in vitro bioactivity
Authors: Rudebeck Elley E. , Cox Rosalind P. , Bell Toby D. M. , Acharya Rameshwor , Feng Zikai , Gueven Nuri , Ashton Trent D. , Pfeffer Frederick M.
Published: April 2020

An efficient and functional group tolerant route to access hydroxy 1,8-naphthalimides has been used to synthesise a range of mono- and disubstituted hydroxy-1,8-naphthalimides with fluorescence emissions covering the visible spectrum.
Two-photon background-free fluorescence assay for glutathione over cysteine and homocysteine in vitro and vivo
Authors: Zhang Qian , Xiao Yuzhe , Su Manqing , Zhang Peng , Gong Yanling , Ding Caifeng
Published: April 2020

A background-free fluorescent sensory receptor, with potential to undergo an in situ sensing strategy with new chromophores generated upon the detection event, was designed for the detection of glutathione.
Triazole-based, optically-pure metallosupramolecules; highly potent and selective anticancer compounds
Authors: Song Hualong , Rogers Nicola J. , Brabec Viktor , Clarkson Guy J. , Coverdale James P. C. , Kostrhunova Hana , Phillips Roger M. , Postings Miles , Shepherd Samantha L. , Scott Peter
Published: April 2020

Click-derived functionalised triazoles self-assemble to water-compatible, optically pure, low symmetry metallohelices that display sub-micromolar antiproliferative activity, excellent selectivity and synergistic combination with cisplatin.
Three component hydroxyletherification and hydroxylazidation of (trifluoromethyl)alkenes: access to α-trifluoromethyl β-heteroatom substituted tertiary alcohols
Authors: Zeng Hao , Zhu Chuanle , Liu Chi , Cai Yingying , Chen Fulin , Jiang Huanfeng
Published: April 2020

The three component hydroxyletherification and hydroxylazidation reactions of (trifluoromethyl)alkenes are reported, providing various useful α-trifluoromethyl β-heteroatom substituted tertiary alcohols in high yields.
Screening of highly charged ions in an ionic liquid; when will ion pairs form?
Authors: Lynden-Bell Ruth M.
Published: April 2020

The properties of pairs of doubly charged solute ions are studied as a function of their separation in the ionic liquid, dimethylimidazolium chloride ([dmim][Cl]).
Copolymerization of CHO/CO2 catalyzed by a series of aluminum amino-phenolate complexes and insights into structure–activity relationships
Authors: Plommer Hart , Stein Laura , Murphy Jennifer N. , Ikpo Nduka , Mora-Diez Nelaine , Kerton Francesca M.
Published: April 2020

Five aluminum catalysts demonstrated different selectivity and activity during reactions of carbon dioxide and epoxides.
Facile synthesis of Mn-doped NiCo2O4nanoparticles with enhanced electrochemical performance for a battery-type supercapacitor electrode
Authors: Nguyen To Van , Son Le The , Thuy Vu Van , Thao Vu Dinh , Hatsukano Masahito , Higashimine Koichi , Maenosono Shinya , Chun Sang-Eun , Thu Tran Viet
Published: April 2020

We report the synthesis of manganese-doped nickel cobalt oxide (Mn-doped NiCo2O4) nanoparticles (NPs) by an efficient hydrothermal and subsequent calcination route.
Highly covalent metal–ligand π bonding in chelated bis- and tris(iminoxolene) complexes of osmium and ruthenium
Authors: Gianino Jacqueline , Brown Seth N.
Published: April 2020

Describing the π bonding in ruthenium and osmium iminoxolenes as highly covalent allows one to experimentally dissect the electron distribution in these compounds.
Synthesis, characterization and anticancer mechanism studies of fluorinated cyclometalated ruthenium(ii) complexes
Authors: Wen Ya , Ouyang Cheng , Li Quanwen , Rees Thomas W. , Qiu Kangqiang , Ji Liangnian , Chao Hui
Published: April 2020

Fluorinated cyclometalated ruthenium(ii) complexes cause cisplatin-resistant cancer cell apoptosis by mitochondria- and nuclear-targeting damage.
Human-like collagen promotes the healing of acetic acid-induced gastric ulcers in rats by regulating NOS and growth factors
Authors: Xing Mimi , Fu Rongzhan , Liu Yannan , Wang Pan , Ma Pei , Zhu Chenhui , Fan Daidi
Published: April 2020

Human-like collagen promotes the healing of acetic acid-induced gastric ulcers in rats: possible mechanisms, promotes the expression of growth factors, regulates NOS activity, promotes collagen deposition, and reduces inflammatory factors.
Role of life-cycle externalities in the valuation of protic ionic liquids – a case study in biomass pretreatment solvents
Authors: Baaqel Husain , Díaz Ismael , Tulus Víctor , Chachuat Benoît , Guillén-Gosálbez Gonzalo , Hallett Jason P.
Published: April 2020

The combination of LCA and monetization has revealed that protic ionic liquids can be sustainable alternatives to conventional solvents.
Portable photochemical vapor generation-microwave plasma optical emission spectrometer
Authors: Deng Yujia , Zeng Wen , Jiang Xiaoming , Hou Xiandeng
Published: April 2020

A low power microwave plasma torch as an excitation source was combined with a photochemical vapor generator (PVG) and a miniaturized charge-coupled device to construct a portable optical emission spectrometer.
In vitro selenium supplementation suppresses key mediators involved in myometrial activation and rupture of fetal membranes
Authors: Kalansuriya Dineli Matheesha , Lim Ratana , Lappas Martha
Published: April 2020

Spontaneous preterm birth, which can affect up to 20% of all pregnancies, is the greatest contributor to perinatal morbidity and mortality. Infection is the leading pathological cause of spontaneous preterm birth. Infection activates the maternal immune system, resulting in the upregulation of pro-inflammatory and pro-labor mediators that activate myometrial contractions and rupture of fetal membranes. Anti-inflammatory agents therefore have the potential for the prevention of spontaneous preterm birth. Selenium, an essential micronutrient, has been shown to be a potent anti-inflammatory regulator. Notably, clinical and epidemiological studies have suggested a link between selenium and preterm birth. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of selenite (an inorganic form of selenium) on the expression of pro-inflammatory and pro-labor mediators in human gestational tissues. Human fetal membranes and myometrium were pre-incubated with or without selenite before incubation with the bacterial product lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to stimulate inflammation associated with preterm birth. Selenite blocked LPS-induced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines and enzymes involved in remodelling of myometrium and degradation of fetal membranes. Of note, selenite also suppressed myometrial activation induced by inflammation as evidenced by a decrease in LPS-induced prostaglandin signalling and myometrial cell contractility. These effects of selenite were mediated by the MAPK protein ERK as selenite blunted LPS induced activation of ERK. In conclusion, selenite suppresses key mediators involved in inflammation induced activation of mediators involved in active labor in human fetal membranes and myometrium. These findings support recent clinical studies demonstrating selenium supplementation is associated with decreased incidence of spontaneous preterm birth.
Synthesis and characterization of LiLuF4:Er3+ and LiLuF4:Yb3+,Er3+ exhibiting upconversion fluorescence pumped by a 1560 nm laser
Authors: Li Xueshuang , Yin Shengyan , Song Weiye , Guo Xingyuan
Published: April 2020

The UC emission at ∼1 μm could be enhanced by doping Yb3+ ions in LiLuF4:Er microcrystals under 1560 nm excitation.
Hierarchical self-assembly of helical coordination polymers and formation of a lamellar structure via the cooperativity of two-step Ag(i) coordination and π–π interactions
Authors: Wang Shi , Bai Dongya , Wang Yanbo , Fu Jiya , Zhu Junyan , Fang Xiaomin
Published: April 2020

Hierarchical self-assembly from a V-shaped ligand to an initial interlocked dimer, further to a helical coordination polymer and finally to a lamellar structure was achieved via the cooperativity of two-step Ag(i) coordination and π–π interactions.
In situ study of the thermal stability of supported Pt nanoparticles and their stabilization via atomic layer deposition overcoating
Authors: Solano Eduardo , Dendooven Jolien , Feng Ji-Yu , Brüner Philipp , Minjauw Matthias M. , Ramachandran Ranjith K. , Van Daele Michiel , Van de Kerckhove Kevin , Dobbelaere Thomas , Coati Alessandro , Hermida-Merino Daniel , Detavernier Christophe
Published: April 2020

Supported Pt nanoparticle stabilization via Atomic Layer Deposition overcoating with Al2O3 has been proved to prevent particle coarsening during thermal annealing for widely spaced nanoparticles while ensuring surface accessibility for applications.
Ultraviolet photochemistry of ethane: implications for the atmospheric chemistry of the gas giants
Authors: Chang Yao , Yang Jiayue , Chen Zhichao , Zhang Zhiguo , Yu Yong , Li Qingming , He Zhigang , Zhang Weiqing , Wu Guorong , Ingle Rebecca A. , Bain Matthew , Ashfold Michael N. R. , Yuan Kaijun , Yang Xueming , Hansen Christopher S.
Published: April 2020

The vacuum ultraviolet photodissociation dynamics of ethane provide clues for modelling the atmospheric chemistry of the gas giants.
Assessing the extent of the structural and dynamic modulation of membrane lipids due to pore forming toxins: insights from molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Varadarajan Vadhana , Desikan Rajat , Ayappa K. G.
Published: April 2020

Pore forming toxins released during bacterial infections form transmembrane pores disrupting the structure and dynamics of lipids in the plasma membrane.
Modeling atomic force microscopy and shell mechanical properties estimation of coated microbubbles
Authors: Lytra A. , Sboros V. , Giannakopoulos A. , Pelekasis N.
Published: April 2020

We present comparison with experiments and a methodology for robust shell mechanical properties estimation, based on our theoretical/numerical model for the static response of coated microbubbles to compression from an atomic force microscope.
Mechanism of N-acetylcysteine in alleviating diabetic myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury by regulating PTEN/Akt pathway through promoting DJ-1
Authors: Li Wenyuan , Li Wei , Leng Yan , Xiong Yonghong , Xue Rui , Chen Rong , Xia Zhongyuan
Published: April 2020

Ischemic heart disease is the main cardiovascular complication of diabetes patients which is mainly caused by oxidative stress. DJ-1 is the key regulator for myocardial protection through inhibiting phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) and activating Akt (also known as PKB or protein kinase B). This research is to investigate whether the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) could alleviate diabetic myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury by the protective molecule DJ-1. DJ-1 in rat myocardial H9c2 cells and cardiac tissue was respectively knocked down by siRNA and adeno-associated virus (AAV). From the present study, it could be found that compared with high glucose (HG)-normal (N)/DM group, hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) or I/R injury can aggravate oxidative stress injury and apoptosis rate of myocardial cells, inhibit the expression of Bcl-2, activate the BAX and cleaved caspase-3 (c-caspase-3) protein and PTEN/Akt pathway. However, in the groups of HG-N, DM, HG-N+I/R and DM+I/R, NAC can significantly reduce oxidative stress injury and apoptosis rate of myocytes, promote the Bcl-2 and DJ-1 molecules, inhibit BAX and c-caspase-3 protein and PTEN/Akt pathway. Compared with HG-N+I/R+NAC and DM+I/R+NAC groups, the oxidative stress injury, apoptosis rate of myocardial cells and heart tissues increased after the knockdown of DJ-1, the expression of Bcl-2 and DJ-1 were inhibited, the BAX and c-caspase-3 expression was increased, and PTEN/Akt pathway was activated. Taken together, the findings suggest that NAC can reduce I/R injury in diabetic myocardium by up-regulating the PTEN/Akt pathway through the level of DJ-1.
Media Use by Older Adults With Hearing Loss: An Exploratory Survey
Authors: Manchaiah Vinaya , Bellon-Harn Monica L. , Kelly-Campbell Rebecca J. , Beukes Eldré W. , Bailey Abram , Pyykkő Ilmari
Published: April 2020

Objectives

There has been a substantial increase in people with health conditions seeking health-related information online. The aim of this study was to examine the media usage by older adults with hearing loss.

Method

The study used a cross-sectional survey design. A total of 556 older adults with hearing loss (Hearing Tracker website users) completed the survey that was focused on (a) demographic information, (b) general electronic media usage, (c) sources of hearing health information, and (d) social media use for hearing health information. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests.

Results

When seeking hearing health care information, the majority of the participants turned to the Internet (54%) followed by health professionals (34%) as the first response to their symptoms. Both sources were also rated as the easiest means of obtaining hearing health information. The information from health care providers was rated as more reliable and important for decision making than that from the Internet. Facebook and YouTube were the most frequently used social media platforms with over 40% of the respondents using them “most of the time” or “sometimes.” All the social media platforms were rated less favorably than other sources for ease of finding information, reliability, and importance in decision making.

Conclusion

Older adults with hearing loss use various forms of electronic media for seeking hearing health information. They place the most trust on the information obtained from hearing health care professionals. These professionals need to be aware of the quality of information available on the Internet and social media sources in order to direct patients to credible sources.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.12170397