bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of long-term feeding of the Obudu natural honey and table sugar-sweetened diets on obesity and pro-inflammatory biomarkers in rats
Authors: Atangwho Item Justin , Ibeneme Chidimma Emmanuel , Egbung Godwin Eneji , Ibeneme Emmanuel , Eno Margaret Akpan , Nwankpa Promise 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
This study investigated long-term effect of the Obudu honey on selected biomarkers of energy storage regulation, compared to table sugar.

Methods
Fifty Wistar rats assigned to 5 groups of 10 rats each, were fed rat chow only (NC), 8% table sugar (S8%), 16% table sugar (S16%), 10% honey (H10%) and 20% honey (H20%) diets respectively, for 29 weeks. On dry weight basis, the percentages of table sugar and honey for each level of incorporation were equivalent. Diet intake, body weights and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were measured fortnightly. At the end of the study, serum glucose, insulin, leptin and tissue necrosis factor – α (TNF-α), wet weight of white adipose tissues (WAT) were measured.

Results
After an initial adjustment to the diets, there was no significant difference in diet consumed by female and male subgroups, except the female group fed H20% which was consistently lower than the NC and the corresponding S16% fed group (P < 0.05). Both honey and sugar incorporated diets caused significant body weight gain in the female animals compared to NC; an effect which was higher with the honey than sugar, and depended on the level of each sweetener used as well as feeding duration (P < 0.05). Furthermore, S8% and S16% diets increased leptin concentration in the female rats, by 35.8 and 45.3% respectively compared with NC and by 63.8 and 40.5% compared to H10% and H20% respectively (P < 0.05). Also, the S8% and S16% diets significantly increased serum insulin in the female subgroups compared to the corresponding honey-sweetened diets; and in both male and female rats when compared to NC (P < 0.05). Lastly, the S8% and S16% diets also caused a dose-dependent increase of TNF-α in both female and male rats compared to the H10% and H20% diets and the control (P < 0.05).

Conclusion
Data obtained from the study associated table sugar with obesigenic and inflammatory mechanisms more than the Obudu honey, particularly in the females. However, the data did not exempt the honey from obesigenic effect. The effects were subtle and may require a longer time to precipitate obesity.
Rethinking minority status and ‘visibility’
Authors: Song Miri 
Published: February 2020

AbstractHistorically, minority status has been linked with visibility as a non-White person, and such phenotypical visibility has marked people in terms of racial stigmas and discrimination. But definitions and claims to minority status are increasingly complicated (and contested) by immigration and the growth of multiracial people, many of whom are racially ambiguous, and some of whom look White. As the multiracial population in various multi-ethnic societies continues to grow, and diversify, to include multigeneration multiracial people whose non-White ancestries are more distant, questions about recognized minority status will become more pressing. Do we need to rethink the link between minority status and visibility as a non-White person? To what extent should lived experience (as a multiracial person) matter for our understandings of minority status, if one is not a ‘visible’ minority?
Simulation of semilunar valve function: computer-aided design, 3D printing and flow assessment with MR
Authors: Hussein Nabil , Voyer-Nguyen Pascal , Portnoy Sharon , Peel Brandon , Schrauben Eric , Macgowan Christopher , Yoo Shi-Joon 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
The structure of the valve leaflets and sinuses are crucial in supporting the proper function of the semilunar valve and ensuring leaflet durability. Therefore, an enhanced understanding of the structural characteristics of the semilunar valves is fundamental to the evaluation and staging of semilunar valve pathology, as well as the development of prosthetic or bioprosthetic valves. This paper illustrates the process of combining computer-aided design (CAD), 3D printing and flow assessment with 4-dimensional flow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to provide detailed assessment of the structural and hemodynamic characteristics of the normal semilunar valve.

Methods
Previously published geometric data on the aortic valve was used to model the ‘normal’ tricuspid aortic valve with a CAD software package and 3D printed. An MRI compatible flow pump with the capacity to mimic physiological flows was connected to the phantom. A peak flow rate of 100 mL/s and heart rate of 60 beats per minute were used. MRI measurements included cine imaging, 2D and 4D phase-contrast imaging to assess valve motion, flow velocity and complex flow patterns.

Results
Cine MRI data showed normal valve function and competency throughout the cardiac cycle in the 3D-printed phantom. Quantitative analysis of 4D Flow data showed net flow through 2D planes proximal and distal to the valve were very consistent (26.03 mL/s and 26.09 mL/s, respectively). Measurements of net flow value agreed closely with the flow waveform provided to the pump (27.74 mL/s), confirming 4D flow acquisition in relation to the pump output. Peak flow values proximal and distal to the valve were 78.4 mL/s and 63.3 mL/s, respectively.
Particle traces of flow from 4D-phase contrast MRI data demonstrated flow through the valve into the ascending aorta and vortices within the aortic sinuses, which are expected during ventricular diastole.

Conclusion
In this proof of concept study, we have demonstrated the ability to generate physiological 3D-printed aortic valve phantoms and evaluate their function with cine- and 4D Flow MRI. This technology can work synergistically with promising tissue engineering research to develop optimal aortic valve replacements, which closely reproduces the complex function of the normal aortic valve.
Ultrasound detects synovitis in replaced and other surgically operated joints in rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Choate Evan A. , Kaeley Gurjit S. , Brook Jenny , Altman Roy D. , FitzGerald John D. , Floegel-Shetty Astrid R. , Elashoff David A. , Ranganath Veena K. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Joint replacements continue to occur during a rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patient’s lifetime despite significant advances in available treatment options. The purpose of this study was to examine and quantify synovitis in surgically operated joints by ultrasound (US) in RA patients starting a new therapeutic agent.

Methods
RA subjects were enrolled in either tocilizumab or tofacitinib open-label, investigator-initiated trials and were assessed by ultrasound. In a subset of RA patients with joint replacements and/or operations of joint areas (OJA; e.g. joint arthroscopies, fusions, and synovectomies), joint-level scores of synovitis were compared between replaced joints, OJAs, and native joints. Joint-level synovitis was measured by grayscale (GSUS (0–3)) and power Doppler (PDUS (0–3)) at baseline and follow-up (3–6 months). McNemar’s test or Wilcoxon signed rank test utilized the mixed effects ordinal logistic regression models.

Results
Twenty RA patients had a total of 25 replaced joints and 24 OJA. All replaced joints had GSUS> 1 and 92% had PDUS> 1 at baseline, while OJA and native joints had lower evidence of GSUS> 1 (37.5, 38% respectively) and PDUS> 1 (45.8, 62% respectively). GSUS and PDUS semiquantitative scores improved significantly with treatment in replaced joints (p = 0.01, p = 0.007), and native joints (p < 0.001 both), but not OJA.

Conclusions
In RA, joint replacement does not eliminate or prevent ultrasound measured synovitis, where all replaced joints have some evidence of US synovitis. US can also act as a potential marker of response to therapy in replaced joints. Scoring US synovitis in replaced joints should be considered in ultrasound RA clinical trials.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01717859 (registered 10/31/2012); ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02321930 (registered 12/22/2014).
Role of melatonin in improving growth, yield quantity and quality of Moringa oleifera L. plant under drought stress
Authors: Sadak Mervat Sh. , Abdalla Aboelfetoh M. , Abd Elhamid Ebtihal M. , Ezzo M. I. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Melatonin, an indoleamine compound, has the ability to regulate a lot of physiological and biochemical processes under different environmental stresses such as drought stress.

Materials and methods
So, this investigation was done to study the physiological role of melatonin on Moringa oleifera plants grown in sandy soil at normal and drought stress.

Results
Subjecting M. oleifera plant to drought stress caused significant decreases in growth, photosynthetic pigment, indole acetic acid (IAA), element contents, yield, and yield attributes, meanwhile increased lipid peroxidation is expressed as malondialdehyde (MDA) and various antioxidant enzymes as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POX). On the other hand, foliar treatment with different concentrations of melatonin significantly increased growth parameters, yield quantity, and quality of M. oleifera plant at normal and drought-stressed conditions via improving photosynthetic pigments (IAA), phenolic and element contents, and antioxidant enzyme systems, whereas declined malondialdhyde (MDA) contents as compared with their corresponding untreated controls (M0). Foliar treatment with 100 mM melatonin showed the greatest growth criteria and yield components of M. oleifera plants at either normal irrigation or under drought stress. This concentration also improved amino acid constituents of the yielded M. oleifera plants compared with other concentrations under normal and stress conditions.

Conclusion
We can conclude that spraying M. oleifera with melatonin could alleviate the reduced effect of drought stress.
SOP: antibody-associated autoimmune encephalitis
Authors: Rössling Rosa , Prüss Harald 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Antibody-mediated and paraneoplastic autoimmune encephalitides (AE) present with a broad spectrum of clinical symptoms. They often lead to progressing inflammatory changes of the central nervous system with subacute onset and can cause persistent brain damage. Thus, to promptly start the appropriate and AE-specific therapy, recognition of symptoms, initiation of relevant antibody diagnostics and confirmation of the clinical diagnosis are crucial, in particular as the diseases are relatively rare.

Aim
This standard operating procedure (SOP) should draw attention to the clinical presentation of AE, support the diagnostic approach to patients with suspected AE and guide through the necessary steps including therapeutic decisions, tumour screening and exclusion of differential diagnoses.

Method
Based on existing diagnostic algorithms, treatment recommendations and personal experiences, this SOP gives an overview of clinical presentation, diagnostic procedures and therapy in AE. Additional information is provided within an accompanying text and a table describing the most important autoantibodies and their characteristics.

Results
The initial steps of the AE flow chart are based on clinical symptoms and the patient’s history. Assignment to paraneoplastic or antibody-mediated AE is sometimes clinically possible. Diagnostics should include MRI, EEG and CSF analysis with antibody panel diagnostic. Definite AE can be diagnosed if the underlying antibody is compatible with the clinical presentation. Classification of probable AE may be possible even with negative anti-neuronal autoantibodies if the clinical presentation and laboratory abnormalities are highly suggestive of AE. The confirmed AE diagnosis requires immediate initiation of immunotherapy.

Conclusion
The SOP facilitates the recognition of patients with AE and presents the necessary diagnostic and therapeutic steps.
Effect of buried vs. exposed Kirschner wire osteosynthesis on phalangeal, metacarpal and distal radial fractures: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Long , Wang Yuanzheng , Li Senlei , Luo Rui , Zhou Wei , Li Yankun , Zhang Gong , Li Xianghe , Wang Cheng , Hao Chao , Kong Lingchao , Li Yangyang , Sun Li 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
During Kirschner wire osteosynthesis for phalangeal, metacarpal and distal radial fractures, a key clinical decision is whether to leave a Kirschner wire exposed or bury it beneath the skin. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the clinical effect of buried and exposed Kirschner wire osteosynthesis on phalangeal, metacarpal and distal radial fractures.

Methods
PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases were searched and clinical trials that evaluated buried and exposed Kirschner wire osteosynthesis for phalangeal, metacarpal and distal radial fractures were identified. Methodological qualities of studies were assessed by using the Cochrane Collaboration tool and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Publication bias was detected using Begg’s test and Egger’s test. Sensitivity analyses were performed by excluding one study at a time to determine whether overall results were reliable.

Results
Two randomized controlled trials (RCT) and five case-controlled studies involving 1446 patients were included in the analysis. Sensitivity analyses indicated that the results of each study were statistically robust. Begg’s test or Egger’s test revealed no significant publication bias. Our meta-analysis indicated that exposed Kirschner wire osteosynthesis had a significantly higher infection rate than its buried counterpart. Additionally, buried Kirschner wire osteosynthesis resulted in a significantly higher rate of Kirschner wire removal in operating room than the exposed one. Our meta-analysis exhibited no statistical differences between the two procedures in the rate of early pin removal.

Conclusions
Meta-analysis of available RCTs and case-controlled studies demonstrated that buried Kirschner wire osteosynthesis had a lower infection rate but tended to lead to more frequent Kirschner wire removal in the operating room as compared to its exposed counterpart.

Trial registration
PROSPERO (CRD42018105249).
100 years of sickle cell disease research: etiology, pathophysiology and rational drug design (part 1)
Authors: Mahran Mona A. , Ismail Mohamed Teleb , Abdelkader Elwy H. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundSickle cell disease (SCD) is a chronic hemolytic disease caused by an altered hemoglobin molecule (HbS) and was first termed as a molecular disease. Glutamic acid in the normal hemoglobin molecule (HbA), was replaced by valine in HbS at the sixth position of both β-chains. This alteration was proved to be due to a single point mutation GTG instead of GAG in the genetic code. Since the discovery of sickle cell disease in 1910, great efforts have been done to study this disease on a molecular level. These efforts aimed to identify the disease etiology, pathophysiology, and finally to discover efficient treatment. Despite the tremendous work of many research groups all over the world, the only approved drug up to this moment, for the treatment of SCD is the hydroxyurea.Main textIn this review, the antisickling pharmaco-therapeutics will be classified into two major groups: hemoglobin site directed modifiers and ex-hemoglobin effectors. The first class will be discussed in details, here in, focusing on the most important figures in the way of the rational drug design for SCD treatment aiming to help scientists solve the mystery of this problem and to get clear vision toward possible required therapy for SCD.ConclusionDespite the large number of the antisickling candidates that have been reached clinical studies yet, none of them has been introduced to the market. This may be due to the fact that hemoglobin is a large molecule with different target sites, which requires highly potent therapeutic agent. With this potency, these drugs should be safe, with acceptable oral pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. Such ideal drug candidate needs more efforts to be developed.
Molecular docking studies of phytochemicals against trehalose–6–phosphate phosphatases of pathogenic microbes
Authors: Umesh H. R. , Ramesh K. V. , Devaraju K. S. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Many of the pathogenic microbes use trehalose–6–phosphate phosphatase (TPP) enzymes for biosynthesis of sugar trehalose from trehalose–6–phosphate (T6P) in their pathway of infection and proliferation. Therefore, the present work is an approach to design new generation candidate drugs to inhibit TPP through in silico methods.

Results
Blast P and Clustal Omega phylogenetic analysis of TPP sequences were done for 12 organisms that indicate and confirm the presence of three conserved active site regions of known TPPs. Docking studies of 3D model of TPP with 17 phytochemicals revealed most of them have good binding affinity to an enzyme with rutin exhibiting highest affinity (Binding energy of − 7 kcal/mole). It has been found that during docking, phytochemical leads bind to active site region 3 of TPP sequences which coordinates Mg2+ and essential for catalysis.

Conclusions
Binding poses and distance measurement of TPP-phytochemical complexes of rutin, carpaine, stigmasterol, β-caryophyllene, and α-eudesmol reveals that the lead phytochemicals were in close proximity with most of the active site amino acids of region 3 (distance range from 1.796 to 2.747 Ao). This confirms the tight binding between enzyme and leads which may pave way for the discovery of new generation drugs against TPP producing pathogenic microbes to manage diseases.
The regulatory landscapes of developmental genes
Authors: Bolt Christopher Chase , Duboule Denis 
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACT
Regulatory landscapes have been defined in vertebrates as large DNA segments containing diverse enhancer sequences that produce coherent gene transcription. These genomic platforms integrate multiple cellular signals and hence can trigger pleiotropic expression of developmental genes. Identifying and evaluating how these chromatin regions operate may be difficult as the underlying regulatory mechanisms can be as unique as the genes they control. In this brief article and accompanying poster, we discuss some of the ways in which regulatory landscapes operate, illustrating these mechanisms using genes important for vertebrate development as examples. We also highlight some of the techniques available to researchers for analysing regulatory landscapes.
PERSONAL BRANDING: ANTECEDENTES E CONSEQUENTES DA MARCA PESSOAL
Authors: Andrade Juliana Farias de 
Published: February 2020

O propósito deste artigo é analisar os antecedentes e os consequentes da marca pessoal, compreendendo como as diferenças culturais podem influenciar os resultados para o Brasil e para Portugal. O modelo conceitual apresenta nove hipóteses relativas à marca pessoal, e o teste é baseado em uma amostra de 473 pessoas, naturais do Brasil e de Portugal. Os dados foram coletados por meio de um questionário online, que foi analisado, estatisticamente, por meio do modelo de equações estruturais. A criatividade e o otimismo apresentaram um impacto positivo na marca pessoal para os dois países participantes da amostra. Além disso, também foram encontradas evidências estatísticas positivas nas relações entre a marca pessoal e a satisfação com a vida, a empregabilidade percebida, o sucesso profissional e a personalidade de marca. Dessa forma, conclui-se que a gestão da marca pessoal pode ser considerada um fator de diferenciação do indivíduo no mercado de trabalho para ambos os países. Contribuições práticas: este estudo apresenta três inovações principais: a) os principais elementos para a construção de marcas pessoais de sucesso; b) as características que o indivíduo deve desenvolver para construir uma marca pessoal efetiva; c) os efeitos de se construir uma marca pessoal forte. Assim, as características controle de locus interno, a proatividade, a criatividade e o otimismo favorecem a construção de marcas pessoais fortes, efetivas, e os efeitos diretos de uma boa estratégia são a satisfação com a vida, a empregabilidade percebida, o sucesso profissional e a personalidade de marca.
Nuclear magnetic moment studies of short–lived excited states at the edge of the island of inversion: the IS628 experiment
Authors: Khaliel A. , Papaioannou D. , Zagoraios G. , Mertzimekis T. J. 
Published: February 2020

Nuclear gfactors are highly sensitive to the single–particle aspects of the wave function, revealing important information for the nuclear structure along the isotopic chart. The sdshell has been thoroughly studied, resulting in “universal” shell model Hamiltonians [1] and the development of an M1 operator [2]. However, there is still shortage of precise experimental gfactor data of excited states to consolidate the nuclear structure in this regime. Recently, the Time Differential Recoil in Vacuum (TDRIV) experimental technique was revamped to be applicable for radioactive beams. TDRIV has been tested successfully and produced high-precision results for the stable 24Mg nucleus [3]. However, the successful application of the technique relies heavily on calibrations of the de–orientation phenomenon. A recent experiment using the MINIBALL array at REX/ISOLDE (IS628) has focused on the application of the method with a radioactive 28Mg beam. The gfactor of the 28Mg first 2+excited state can act as an excellent probe of the N=16 shell gap and the νd3/2singleparticle energy, as well as the possible presence of spdfadmixtures. The particular measurement will be a next step towards a gfactor measurement on 32Mg in the center of the “island of inversion”, where the N=20 shell closure breaks down enhancing 1p–1h excitations and shape–coexistence. In this work, the analysis of the spectroscopic data recorded for a 22Ne beam, which was used for calibrating the experimental method before the actual run on 28Mg is reported. Preliminary data on the angular distributions for the 22Ne 21+→ 0+transition will be presented, an important prerequisite before a remeasurement of g(22Ne;21+).
Equation of state effects on the core-crust interface of slow rotating neutron stars
Authors: Margaritis Ch. , Tsaloukidis L. , Moustakidis Ch. C. 
Published: February 2020

We systematically study the symmetry energy effects of the transition density ntand the transition pressure Ptaround the crust-core interface of a neutron star in the framework of the dynamical and the thermodynamical method respectively. We employ both the parabolic approximation and the full expansion, for the definition of the symmetry energy. We use various theoretical nuclear models. Firstly we derive and present an approximation for the transition pressure Ptand crustal mass Mcrust. Secondly, we explore the effects of the Equation of State (EoS) on a few astrophysical applications which are sensitive to the values of n­tand Pt. We found that the above quantities are sensitive mainly on the applied approximation for the symmetry energy (confirming previous results). Furthermore, an additional sensitivity also exists, depending on the used method (dynamical or thermodynamical). The above findings lead us to claim that the determination of the n­tand Ptmust be reliable and accurate before they are used to constrain relevant neutron star properties.