bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tailoring Surface Hydrophobicity of Commercial Polyimide by Laser-Induced Nanocarbon Texturing
Authors: Abdulhafez Moataz , McComb Angela J. , Bedewy Mostafa 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The growth of laser-induced nanocarbons, referred to here as laser-induced nanocarbon (LINC) for short, directly on polymeric surfaces is a promising route toward surface engineering of commercial polymers. This paper aims to demonstrate how this new approach can enable achieving varied surface properties based on tuning the nanostructured morphology of the formed graphitic material on commercial polyimide (Kapton) films. We elucidate the effects of tuning laser processing parameters on the achieved nanoscale morphology and the resulting surface hydrophobicity or hydrophilicity. Our results show that by varying lasing power, rastering speed, laser spot size, and line-to-line gap sizes, a wide range of water contact angles are possible, i.e., from below 20 deg to above 110 deg. Combining water contact angle measurements from an optical tensiometer with LINC surface characterization using optical microscopy, electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy enables building the process–structur–property relationship. Our findings reveal that both the value of contact angle and the anisotropic wetting behavior of LINC on polyimide are dependent on their hierarchical surface nanostructure which ranges from isotropic nanoporous morphology to fibrous morphology. Results also show that increasing gap sizes lead to an increase in contact angles and thus an increase in the hydrophobicity of the surface. Hence, our work highlight the potential of this approach for manufacturing flexible devices with tailored surfaces.
The Influence of Recruitment Age and Anthropometric and Physical Characteristics on the Development Pathway of English Academy Football Players
Authors: Noon Mark R. , Eyre Emma L.J. , Ellis Matthew , Myers Tony D. , Morris Rhys O. , Mundy Peter D. , Penny Ryan , Clarke Neil D. 
Published: September 2020

Purpose: To investigate the influence of recruitment age on retention and release across the development pathway and to explore the influence of anthropometric and physical characteristics on retention and release at different ages throughout the development pathway and the likelihood of obtaining a professional contract. Methods: Following receipt of ethics approval, a cross-sectional study tracking 4 cohorts of players over 5 years assessed 76 male youth football players (11–16 y) from an English football academy on 3 occasions annually in anthropometry, countermovement jump height, and linear (30 and 15 m) and multidirectional sprint time. Players were categorized based on their start and release date. Results: Starting early (ie, before U12) in an academy was a key indicator of obtaining a professional contract, representing 87% of the players signed. Bayesian regression models suggest that the majority of differences in physical characteristics between players that were released and retained are trivial, small, and/or uncertain. Players who attained a professional contract at 18 had slower 15- and 30-m sprint times at U13 to U15 (P > 0 = .87–.99), slower multidirectional sprint times at U14 (P > 0 = .99), and lower countermovement jump height at U13 to U16 (P > 0 = .88–.99) compared with players who did not gain a contract. Conclusion: Players recruited early have an increased likelihood of gaining a professional contract. Physical assessments lack utility when used in isolation as a talent-identification tool.
Variability in Zinc Concentration among Mueller-Hinton Broth Brands: Impact on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing of Metallo-β-Lactamase-Producing
Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Bilinskaya Anastasia , Buckheit Douglas J. , Gnoinski Michael , Asempa Tomefa E. , Nicolau David P. 
Published: October 2020

Zinc concentrations in cation-adjusted Mueller-Hinton broth (caMHB) from different manufacturers have been found to differ. Here, we evaluated the impact of utilizing different brands and lots of commercially available caMHB on the classification of the antimicrobial susceptibility of metallo-β-lactamase (MBL)-harboring
Enterobacteriaceae
. We also evaluated the addition of EDTA to caMHB as a means of achieving zinc-limited media. Fifteen clinical
Enterobacteriaceae
isolates (harboring NDM [
n
= 7], VIM [
n
= 3], IMP [
n
= 2], or KPC [
n
= 3]) and nine different commercial lots from three caMHB manufacturers (Becton, Dickinson; Oxoid; and Sigma-Aldrich) were utilized.
Incidence and seasonality of type 1 diabetes: a population-based 3-year cohort study using the National Database in Japan
Authors: Nishioka Yuichi , Noda Tatsuya , Okada Sadanori , Myojin Tomoya , Kubo Shinichiro , Higashino Tsuneyuki , Ishii Hitoshi , Imamura Tomoaki 
Published: September 2020

IntroductionTo investigate the incidence of type 1 diabetes by age group (0–19, 20–39, 40–59, ≥60 years) in Japan and whether there is seasonality in this incidence.Research design and methodsThe incidence of type 1 diabetes from September 2014 to August 2017 was estimated using 2013–2018 data from the National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Check-ups of Japan. The incidence rate was analyzed using Tango’s Index and the self-controlled case series method.ResultsOverall, 10 400 of the 79 175 553 included individuals were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. The incidence of type 1 diabetes from September 2014 to August 2017 was 4.42/100 000 person-years. The incidence rates for men aged 0–19, 20–39, 40–59, and ≥60 years were 3.94, 5.57, 5.70, and 3.48, respectively. Among women, the incidence rates for the same age ranges were 5.22, 4.83, 4.99, and 3.31, respectively. Tango’s index showed that the incidence rate of type 1 diabetes was significantly associated with seasons among those aged 0–19 years. Further, the self-controlled case series method showed a significant interaction between age and season, with the incidence of type 1 diabetes being higher in spring for patients younger than 20 years of age.ConclusionsIn Japan, men aged 40–59 years and women aged 0–19 years are the groups with the highest incidence of type 1 diabetes. Further, the incidence of younger-onset diabetes in Japan was higher in spring (from March to May).
Metabolic and energetic benefits of microRNA-22 inhibition
Authors: Thibonnier Marc , Esau Christine , Ghosh Sujoy , Wargent Edward , Stocker Claire 
Published: October 2020

IntroductionWe previously demonstrated in primary cultures of human subcutaneous adipocytes and in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity that specific microRNA-22-3p antagomirs produce a significant reduction of fat mass and an improvement of several metabolic parameters. These effects are related to the activation of target genes such asKDM3A,KDM6B,PPARA,PPARGC1BandSIRT1involved in lipid catabolism, thermogenesis, insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis.Research design and methodsWe now report a dedicated study exploring over the course of 3 months the metabolic and energetic effects of subcutaneous administration of our first miR-22-3p antagomir drug candidate (APT-110) in adult C57BL/6 male mice. Body composition, various blood parameters and energy expenditure were measured at several timepoints between week 12 and week 27 of age.ResultsWeekly subcutaneous injections of APT-110 for 12 weeks produced a sustained increase of energy expenditure as early as day 11 of treatment, a significant fat mass reduction, but no change of appetite nor physical activity. Insulin sensitivity as well as circulating glucose, cholesterol and leptin were improved. There was a dramatic reduction of liver steatosis after 3 months of active treatment. RNA sequencing revealed an activation of lipid metabolism pathways in a tissue-specific manner.ConclusionsThese original findings suggest that microRNA-22-3p inhibition could lead to a potent treatment of fat accumulation, insulin resistance, and related complex metabolic disorders such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Intraoperative visualisation and treatment of salivary glands in Sjögren’s syndrome by contrast-enhanced ultrasound sialendoscopy (CEUSS): protocol for a phase I single-centre, single-arm, exploratory study
Authors: Karagozoglu K Hakki , Helder Marco , Bot Joseph , Kamp Otto , Forouzanfar Tim , Brand Henk S , Cha Seunghee , Weisman Gary , Bartelink Imke , Vissink Arjan , Jager Derk Hendrik Jan 
Published: September 2020

IntroductionWe established a promising sialendoscopic treatment for in vivo enhancement of salivation in salivary glands affected by Sjögren’s syndrome (SS). In this technique, the ducts of the salivary glands are irrigated with saline and steroids. This allows for dilatation of ductal strictures and removal of debris. Unfortunately, it is not possible to assess the delivery and penetration of saline or medications in the ductal system and parenchyma. To address this problem, we will conduct contrast-enhanced ultrasound sialendoscopy (CEUSS) using sulphur hexafluoride microbubbles. To the best of our knowledge, microbubbles have never been used for the treatment of salivary glands in SS. It is, therefore, imperative to test this application for its safety and feasibility.Methods and analysisA single-arm phase I study will be performed in 10 SS patients. Under local anaesthesia, ultrasound (US) guided infusion of the parotid and submandibular glands with microbubbles will be performed. Continuous US imaging will be used to visualise the glands, including the location of strictures and occlusions. Main outcomes will be the evaluation of safety and technical feasibility of the experimental treatment. Secondary outcomes will consist of determinations of unstimulated whole mouth saliva flow, stimulated whole mouth saliva flow, stimulated parotid saliva flow, clinical oral dryness, reported pain, xerostomia, disease activity, salivary cytokine profiles and clinical SS symptoms. Finally, salivary gland topographical alterations will be evaluated by US.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval for this study was obtained from the Medical Ethics Committee of the Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (NL68283.029.19). data will be presented at national and international conferences and published in a peer-reviewed journal. The study will be implemented and reported in line with the Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials’ statement.Trial registration numbersThe Netherlands Trial Register: NL7731, MREC Trial Register: NL68283.029.19; Pre-results.
Dancing to improve balance control, cognitive-motor functions and quality of life after stroke: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Morice Emmanuel , Moncharmont Julien , Jenny Clémentine , Bruyneel Anne-Violette 
Published: September 2020

IntroductionDance is an intrinsically motivating activity that includes social interaction, stimulation through music, the pleasure of moving despite pathology-induced motor limitations, and it also has good perceived benefits among participants. Feeling pleasure while moving is essential to finding the motivation to engage in a rehabilitation programme. It is, therefore, urgent to provide persons in a poststroke situation with motivating physical activity opportunities. Very few studies have examined dance in a stroke context, while it is highly adapted and effective for other chronic conditions.Our primary objective is to assess the effects of dance programme on patients’ balance control after stroke. Our secondary objective is to investigate the effects of dance on cognitive function, strength, coordination, functional status, balance confidence, quality of life, motivation and adherence. Our hypothesis is that dance increases balance and motor capacities, and improves poststroke quality of life, adherence and motivation.Methods and analysisForty-eight subjects with stroke in subacute phase will be randomised into two groups: (1) intervention (dance and standard rehabilitation) and (2) control (standard rehabilitation). Before intervention, stroke severity, cognitive abilities and motor capacities will be assessed. Two baseline tests will be planned to evaluate the stability of individuals. Participants will attend a weekly 60-min dance class for 6 weeks. Cognitive and motor functions (balance, lower-limbs strength, coordination and motor level), quality of life (Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale) will be measured at weeks 4 and 6 in both groups. Participant satisfaction with regard to dance will be tested, as well as adherence and adverse effects.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval has been granted by the Swiss Ethics Committee of the CER Vaud (2019-01467). Outcomes will be disseminated through publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at conferences.Trial registration numberNCT04120467.
Effect of maintaining supervised gym- and home-based exercises on the seasonal variations of metabolic outcomes in overweight and obese Japanese adults
Authors: Honda Hiroto , Igaki Makoto , Komatsu Motoaki , Tanaka Shin-ichiro 
Published: October 2020

ObjectivesThis study aimed to examine whether maintaining supervised gym- and home-based exercises for an extended time of period could decrease seasonal variations of metabolic outcomes in overweight and obese Japanese adults.MethodsThis retrospective study recruited 54 overweight and obese outpatients who started exercising in 2006–2010 and analysed their metabolic outcomes for 5 years from March 2011 to February 2016. In this group, 26 participants performed moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (MIAE) for 30–40 min/day for at least 2 days/week, supervised by physical therapists at a hospital gym (GYM) during the observation period. Conversely, 28 participants were asked to perform MIAE by themselves at or around their homes (HOME) for the same duration.ResultsThe body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and homoeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) values in winter were higher than those in other seasons in the HOME group but not in the GYM group. The annual ranges of BMI, waist circumference, fasting plasma glucose and HOMA-IR in the GYM group were smaller than those in the HOME group.ConclusionMaintaining supervised gym-based exercise, as opposed to home-based exercise, may decrease seasonal variations of some metabolic outcomes in overweight and obese Japanese adults.
Thiopurine monotherapy is effective in ulcerative colitis but significantly less so in Crohn’s disease: long-term outcomes for 11 928 patients in the UK inflammatory bowel disease bioresource
Authors: Stournaras Evangelos , Qian Wendi , Pappas Apostolos , Hong You Yi , Shawky Rasha ,   UK IBD BioResource Investigators, Raine Tim , Parkes Miles 
Published: October 2020

ObjectiveThiopurines are widely used as maintenance therapy in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) but the evidence base for their use is sparse and their role increasingly questioned. Using the largest series reported to date, we assessed the long-term effectiveness of thiopurines in ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), including their impact on need for surgery.DesignOutcomes were assessed in 11 928 patients (4968 UC, 6960 CD) in the UK IBD BioResource initiated on thiopurine monotherapy with the intention of maintaining medically induced remission. Effectiveness was assessed retrospectively using patient-level data and a definition that required avoidance of escalation to biological therapy or surgery while on thiopurines. Analyses included overall effectiveness, time-to-event analysis for treatment escalation and comparison of surgery rates in patients tolerant or intolerant of thiopurines.ResultsUsing 68 132 patient-years of exposure, thiopurine monotherapy appeared effective for the duration of treatment in 2617/4968 (52.7%) patients with UC compared with 2378/6960 (34.2%) patients with CD (p<0.0001). This difference was corroborated in a multivariable analysis: after adjusting for variables including treatment era, thiopurine monotherapy was less effective in CD than UC (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.51, p<0.0001). Thiopurine intolerance was associated with increased risk of surgery in UC (HR 2.44, p<0.0001); with a more modest impact on need for surgery in CD (HR=1.23, p=0.0015).ConclusionThiopurine monotherapy is an effective long-term treatment for UC but significantly less effective in CD.
Identification of potential crucial genes associated with the pathogenesis and prognosis of liver hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Shi Laner , Shang Xin , Nie Kechao , Lin Zhiqin , Zheng Meisi , Wang Miao , Yuan Haoyu , Zhu Zhangzhi 
Published: October 2020

AimsLiver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) is the main manifestation of primary liver cancer, with low survival rate and poor prognosis. Medical decision-making process of LIHC is so complex that new biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis have yet to be explored, this study aimed to identify the genes involved in the pathophysiology of LIHC and biomarkers that can be used to predict the prognosis of LIHC.MethodsSix Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets selected from GEO were screened and integrated to find out the differential expression genes (DEGs) obtained from LIHC and normal hepatic tissues. The Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis of DEGs was implemented by DAVID. The Protein–protein interaction network was performed via STRING. In addition, Cox regression model was used to construct a gene prognostic signature.ResultsWe ascertained 10 hub genes, nine of them (CDK1, CDC20, CCNB1, Thymidylate synthetase, Nuclear division cycle80, NUF2, MAD2L1, CCNA2 and BIRC5) as biomarkers of progression in LIHC patients. We also build a six gene prognosis signature (SOCS2, GAS2L3, NLRP5, TAF3, UTP11 and GAGE2A), which can be implemented to predict over survival effectively.ConclusionsWe revealed promising genes that may participate in the pathophysiology of LIHC, and found available biomarkers for LIHC prognosis prediction, which were significant for researchers to further understand the molecular basis of LIHC and direct the synthesis medicine of LIHC.
Decreased excitability of motor axons contributes substantially to contraction fatigability during neuromuscular electrical stimulation
Authors: Luu M. John , Jones Kelvin E. , Collins David F. 
Published: September 2020

The present study was designed to (i) determine the time course of changes in motor axon excitability during and after neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES); and (ii) characterize the relationship between contraction fatigability, NMES frequency, and changes at the axon, neuromuscular junction, and muscle. Eight neurologically intact participants attended 3 sessions. NMES was delivered over the common peroneal nerve at 20, 40, or 60 Hz for 8 min (0.3 s “on”, 0.7 s “off”). Threshold tracking was used to measure changes in axonal excitability. Supramaximal stimuli were used to assess neuromuscular transmission and force-generating capacity of the tibialis anterior muscle. Torque decreased by 49% and 62% during 8 min of 40 and 60 Hz NMES, respectively. Maximal twitch torque decreased only during 60 Hz NMES. Motor axon excitability decreased by 14%, 27%, and 35% during 20, 40, and 60 Hz NMES, respectively. Excitability recovered to baseline immediately (20 Hz) and at 2 min (40 Hz) and 4 min (60 Hz) following NMES. Overall, decreases in axonal excitability best predicted how torque declined over 8 min of NMES. During NMES, motor axons become less excitable and motor units “drop out” of the contraction, contributing substantially to contraction fatigability and its dependence on NMES frequency. Novelty: The excitability of motor axons decreased during NMES in a frequency-dependent manner. As excitability decreased, axons failed to reach threshold and motor units dropped out of the contraction. Overall, decreased excitability best predicted how torque declined and thus is a key contributor to fatigability during NMES.
Modulatory effect of simvastatin on redox status, caspase-3 expression, p-protein kinase B (p-Akt), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in an ethanol-induced neurodegeneration model
Authors: Nasef Nahla A. , Keshk Walaa A. , El-Meligy Salwa M. , Allah Ahmed A. Abd , Ibrahim Wafaa M. 
Published: October 2020

Neurodegenerative diseases are a common cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with oxidative stress, inflammation, and protein aggregation representing the main underlying mechanisms that ultimately lead to cell death. Ethanol has shown strong neurodegenerative consequences in experimental animal brains. Statins are a class of lipid-lowering drugs with many pleotropic effects. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to explore the modulatory effect of simvastatin (10 mg·kg–1·day–1) before and after the development of neurodegeneration (for 55 and 25 days, respectively) on redox state, caspase-3 expression, p-protein kinase B (p-Akt), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in ethanol-induced (15% ethanol solution for 55 days) neurodegeneration. Seventy female Albino Swiss mice were included and randomly divided into five groups: C, control group; E, ethanol group; ES, group treated with simvastatin from the first day of ethanol intake; E + S, group treated with simvastatin after neurodegeneration development; and S, simvastatin group. Administration of simvastatin from the first day improved the biochemical changes, suppressed apoptosis, and induced autophagy and neurogenesis; however, its administration after the development of neurodegeneration resulted in partial improvement. The histopathological findings confirmed the biochemical changes. In conclusion, simvastatin has a neuroprotective effect against the development of ethanol-induced neurodegeneration and its progression.
Role of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway in angiotensin II-induced enhanced expression of Giα proteins and hyperproliferation of aortic vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Hossain Ekhtear , Li Yuan , Anand-Srivastava Madhu B. 
Published: October 2020

We earlier showed that angiotensin (Ang) II-induced overexpression of Giα proteins contributes to the hyperproliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). In addition, the implication of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway in Ang II-induced hyperproliferation of VSMC has also been reported. However, the role of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway in Ang II-induced overexpression of Giα proteins and hyperproliferation of VSMC remains unexplored. In the present study, we show that inhibition or knockdown of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway by a specific inhibitor “cucurbitacin I” (CuI) or siRNAs attenuated Ang II-induced overexpression of Giα proteins and hyperproliferation of VSMC. In addition, the enhanced expression of cell cycle proteins induced by Ang II was also attenuated by CuI. Furthermore, Ang II-induced enhanced production of the superoxide anion (O2 –), H2O2, and NADPH oxidase activity, as well as the enhanced expression of NADPH oxidase subunits implicated in enhanced expression of Giα proteins and hyperproliferation, were also attenuated by inhibition of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway. On the other hand, Ang II-induced inhibition and augmentation of the levels of nitric oxide and peroxynitrite, respectively, in VSMC were restored to control levels by CuI. In summary, our results demonstrate that Ang II through the JAK2/STAT3 pathway increases nitroxidative stress, which contributes to the overexpression of Giα proteins and cell cycle proteins and the hyperproliferation of VSMC.