bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oxidative stress enhanced the transforming growth factor-β2-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition through chemokine ligand 1 on ARPE-19 cell
Authors: Yang I-Hui , Lee Jong-Jer , Wu Pei-Chang , Kuo Hsi-Kung , Kuo Yu-Hsia , Huang Hsiu-Mei 
Published: March 2020

AbstractFibroblast-like transformation of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells is a pathological feature of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) that may cause blindness. The effect of oxidative stress alone or together with transforming growth factor-beta 2 (TGF-β2) on epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) is not fully understood in RPE. TGF-β2 induced the upregulation EMT markers including α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Snail, and Slug and downregulation of E-cadherin (E-cad) in ARPE-19 cells. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) not only upregulated α-SMA but also enhanced the effect of TGF-β2 on the expression of Snail and Slug. The CXCL family of cytokines could be the mediators of EMT induced by H2O2 and TGF-β2. H2O2 induced CXCL1, that upregulated α-SMA and fibronectin. Both SB225002, an inhibitor of CXCR2, and antioxidant N-acetylcysteine suppressed the TGF-β2-induced EMT in ARPE-19 cells. Taken together, the results suggest that oxidative stress enhanced TGF-β2-induced EMT through the possible autocrine effect of CXCL1 on CXCR2 in ARPE-19 cells.
Pressurized carbon dioxide as a potential tool for decellularization of pulmonary arteries for transplant purposes
Authors: Gil-Ramírez Alicia , Rosmark Oskar , Spégel Peter , Swärd Karl , Westergren-Thorsson Gunilla , Larsson-Callerfelt Anna-Karin , Rodríguez-Meizoso Irene 
Published: March 2020

AbstractVascular bio-scaffolds produced from decellularized tissue offer a promising material for treatment of several types of cardiovascular diseases. These materials have the potential to maintain the functional properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM), and allow for growth and remodeling in vivo. The most commonly used methods for decellularization are based on chemicals and enzymes combinations, which often damage the ECM and cause cytotoxic effects in vivo. Mild methods involving pressurized CO2-ethanol (EtOH)-based fluids, in a supercritical or near supercritical state, have been studied for decellularization of cardiovascular tissue, but results are controversial. Moreover, data are lacking on the amount and type of lipids remaining in the tissue. Here we show that pressurized CO2-EtOH-H2O fluids (average molar composition, ΧCO2 0.91) yielded close to complete removal of lipids from porcine pulmonary arteries, including a notably decrease of pro-inflammatory fatty acids. Pressurized CO2-limonene fluids (ΧCO2 0.88) and neat supercritical CO2 (scCO2) achieved the removal of 90% of triacylglycerides. Moreover, treatment of tissue with pressurized CO2-limonene followed by enzyme treatment, resulted in efficient DNA removal. The structure of elastic fibers was preserved after pressurized treatment, regardless solvent composition. In conclusion, pressurized CO2-ethanol fluids offer an efficient tool for delipidation in bio-scaffold production, while pressurized CO2-limonene fluids facilitate subsequent enzymatic removal of DNA.
Identifying Severe Stroke Patients Likely to Benefit From Thrombectomy Despite Delays of up to a Day
Authors: González R. Gilberto , Silva Gisele Sampaio , He Julian , Sadaghiani Saloomeh , Wu Ona , Singhal Aneesh B. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractSelected patients with large vessel occlusions (LVO) can benefit from thrombectomy up to 24 hours after onset. Identifying patients who might benefit from late intervention after transfer from community hospitals to thrombectomy-capable centers would be valuable. We searched for presentation biomarkers to identify such patients. Frequent MR imaging over 2 days of 38 untreated LVO patients revealed logarithmic growth of the ischemic infarct core. In 24 patients with terminal internal carotid artery or the proximal middle cerebral artery occlusions we found that an infarct core growth rate (IGR) <4.1 ml/hr and initial infarct core volumes (ICV) <19.9 ml had accuracies >89% for identifying patients who would still have a core of <50 ml 24 hours after stroke onset, a core size that should predict favorable outcomes with thrombectomy. Published reports indicate that up to half of all LVO stroke patients have an IGR <4.1 ml/hr. Other potentially useful biomarkers include the NIHSS and the perfusion measurements MTT and Tmax. We conclude that many LVO patients have a stroke physiology that is favorable for late intervention, and that there are biomarkers that can accurately identify them at early time points as suitable for transfer for intervention.
Aerobic and anaerobic removal of lead and mercury via calcium carbonate precipitation mediated by statistically optimized nitrate reductases
Authors: Eltarahony Marwa , Zaki Sahar , Abd-El-Haleem Desouky 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe nonbiodegradability nature of heavy metals renders them resident in food chain and subsequently, destructing the entire ecosystem. Therefore, this study aimed to employ nitrate reduction-driven calcium carbonate precipitation in remediation of lead and mercury aerobically and anaerobically by Proteus mirabilis 10B, for the first time. Initially, Plackett-Burman design was employed to screen of 16 independent variables for their significances on periplasmic (NAP) and membrane-bound (NAR) nitrate reductases. The levels for five significant variables and their interaction effects were further optimized by central composite design. The maximum activities of NAP and NAR recorded 2450 and 3050 U/mL by 2-fold enhancement, comparing with non-optimized medium. Under aerobic and anaerobic optimized remediation conditions, the changes in media chemistry revealed positive correlation among bacterial growth, nitrate reductase activity, pH, NO3− and NO2− consumption and removal of Ca2+, Pb2+ and Hg2+. Subsequently, the remediated precipitates were subjected to mineralogical analysis; energy dispersive X-ray patterns exhibited characteristic peaks of C, O and Ca in addition to Pb and Hg. Scanning electron microscope depicted the presence of bacterial imprints and protrusions on rough and smooth surface bioliths. However, X-ray diffraction indicated entrapment of PbCO3, Pb2O, CaPbO3, Hg and Hg2O in calcite lattice. Interestingly, such approach is feasible, efficient, cost-effective and ecofriendly for heavy metals remediation.
Exploring the association of Bone Alkaline Phosphatases And Hearing Loss
Authors: Lim Zhu Wei , Chen Wei-Liang 
Published: March 2020

AbstractHearing loss becomes increasingly common with age and affects quality of life. Recently, scientists have published articles about the relationship between metabolic disease and hearing loss. Metabolic disease was previously found to be highly related to an increase in alkaline phosphatase. Thus, there may be an indirect relationship between alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and hearing loss. In this paper, we will demonstrate the relationship between ALP and hearing loss. We included 3877 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) participants, who represent the noninstitutionalized civilian population in the United States from age 20 to age 69, and examined the association between ALP and frequency distributions of pure-tone air-condition (PTAC) thresholds. After adjusting for pertinent variables, the subjects who belonged to the higher quartiles of ALP tended to have worse hearing thresholds (pure tone average at high and low frequencies) than the first quartile of ALP (p < 0.001). The results showed a positive correlation between ALP and hearing loss, in both males and females (p < 0.001) and in subjects whose body mass indices (BMI) were less than 30 (p < 0.001). In conclusion, ALP may play a role in detecting hearing loss.
Long-term Outcome of Neurological Complications after Infective Endocarditis
Authors: Chen Ching-Chang , Wu Victor Chien-Chia , Chang Chien-Hung , Chen Chun-Ting , Hsieh Po-Chuan , Liu Zhuo-Hao , Wong Ho-Fai , Yang Chia-Hung , Chou An-Hsun , Chu Pao-Hsien , Chen Shao-Wei 
Published: March 2020

AbstractSevere neurological complications following infective endocarditis remain a major problem with high mortality rate. The long-term neurological consequences following infective endocarditis remain uncertain. Otherwise, neurosurgeries could be performed after these complications; however, few clinical series have reported the results. Therefore, we utilized a large, nationwide database to unveil the long-term mortality and neurosurgical outcome following infective endocarditis. We included patients with a first-time discharge diagnosis of infective endocarditis between January 2001 and December 2013 during hospitalization. Patients were further divided into subgroups consisting of neurological complications under neurosurgical treatment and complications under non-neurosurgical treatment. Long-term result of symptomatic neurological complications after infective endocarditis and all-cause mortality after different kinds of neurosurgeries were analyzed. There were 16,495 patients with infective endocarditis included in this study. Symptomatic neurological complications occurred in 1,035 (6.27%) patients, of which 279 (26.96%) accepted neurosurgical procedures. Annual incidence of neurological complications gradually increased from 3.6% to 7.4% (P < 0.001). The mortality rate among these patients was higher than that among patients without complications (48.5% vs. 46.1%, P = 0.012, increased from 20% initially to nearly 50% over the 5-year follow-up). However, neurosurgery had no effect on the long-term mortality rate (50.9% vs. 47.6%, P = 0.451). Incidence of neurological complications post-infective endocarditis is increasing, and patients with these complications have higher mortality rates than patients without. Neurosurgery in these populations was not associated with higher long-term mortality. Therefore, it should not be ruled out as an option for those with neurological complications.
Pregabalin inhibits in vivo and in vitro cytokine secretion and attenuates spleen inflammation in Lipopolysaccharide/Concanavalin A -induced murine models of inflammation
Authors: Abu-rish Eman Y. , Mansour Ahmad T. , Mansour Hebah T. , Dahabiyeh Lina A. , Aleidi Shereen M. , Bustanji Yasser 
Published: March 2020

AbstractImmune system alteration has been implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic pain conditions, epilepsy and generalized anxiety disorder. Targeting cytokines has recently been proposed for the management of such conditions. Pregabalin (PGB) is an antiepileptic agent used for the management of these conditions. However, little is known about its immunomodulatory effects on cytokine secretionin vivoandin vitro. Hence, a mitogen (Lipopolysaccharide [LPS] or Concanavalin A [ConA])-induced murine model of inflammation was used to investigate the effect of PGB onin vivoandin vitroIL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and IL-2 cytokine secretion using ELISA. In addition, PGB effect on spleen histology, as a lymphoid organ, was examined. Our results revealed that PGB significantly inhibited the secretion of ConA-induced IL-6 secretion, basal and ConA-induced TNF-α and IL-2 secretion in splenocytesin vitro.In vivo, PGB inhibited basal and LPS/ConA-induced IL-6 and TNF-α secretion in addition to LPS-induced IL-1β and ConA-induced IL-2 secretion. Moreover, PGB attenuated mitogen-induced inflammatory changes in the spleen. These findings provide an evidence of the anti-inflammatory properties of PGB on cytokine secretion and lymphoid organ inflammation. This might give insights into the role of PGB in the management of the inflammatory state in PGB-indicated conditions.
Intrinsically p-type cuprous iodide semiconductor for hybrid light-emitting diodes
Authors: Ahn D. , Song J. D. , Kang S. S. , Lim J. Y. , Yang S. H. , Ko S. , Park S. H. , Park S. J. , Kim D. S. , Chang H. J. , Chang Joonyeon 
Published: March 2020

AbstractCuprous halides, characterized by a direct wide band-gap and a good lattice matching with Si, is an intrinsic p-type I-VII compound semiconductor. It shows remarkable optoelectronic properties, including a large exciton binding energy at room temperature and a very small piezoelectric coefficient. The major obstacle to its application is the difficulty in growing a single-crystal epitaxial film of cuprous halides. We first demonstrate the single crystal epitaxy of high quality cuprous iodide (CuI) film grown on Si and sapphire substrates by molecular beam epitaxy. Enhanced photoluminescence on the order of magnitude larger than that of GaN and continuous-wave optically pumped lasing were found in MBE grown CuI film. The intrinsic p-type characteristics of CuI were confirmed using an n-AlGaN/p-CuI junction that emits blue light. The discovery will provide an alternative way towards highly efficient optoelectronic devices compatible with both Si and III-nitride technologies.
The ankyrin repeat gene family in Capsicum spp: Genome-wide survey, characterization and gene expression profile
Authors: Lopez-Ortiz Carlos , Peña-Garcia Yadira , Natarajan Purushothaman , Bhandari Menuka , Abburi Venkata , Dutta Sudip Kumar , Yadav Lav , Stommel John , Nimmakayala Padma , Reddy Umesh K. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe ankyrin (ANK) repeat protein family is largely distributed across plants and has been found to participate in multiple processes such as plant growth and development, hormone response, response to biotic and abiotic stresses. It is considered as one of the major markers of capsaicin content in pepper fruits. In this study, we performed a genome-wide identification and expression analysis of genes encoding ANK proteins in three Capsicum species: Capsicum baccatum, Capsicum annuum and Capsicum chinense. We identified a total of 87, 85 and 96 ANK genes in C. baccatum, C. annuum and C. chinense genomes, respectively. Next, we performed a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of the Capsicum ANK gene family including gene chromosomal localization, Cis-elements, conserved motif identification, intron/exon structural patterns and gene ontology classification as well as profile expression. Phylogenetic and domain organization analysis grouped the Capsicum ANK gene family into ten subfamilies distributed across all 12 pepper chromosomes at different densities. Analysis of the expression of ANK genes in leaf and pepper fruits suggested that the ANKs have specific expression patterns at various developmental stages in placenta tissue. Our results provide valuable information for further studies of the evolution, classification and putative functions of ANK genes in pepper.
Sensitive determination of malondialdehyde in rat prostate by high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection
Authors: Dong Xiuli , Tang Jiayuan , Chen Xiangming 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAn excellent pre-column fluorescent derivatization reagent N-acetylhydrazine acridone for the quantitative determination of malondialdehyde was synthesized. Malondialdehyde was derivatized at 80 °C for 30 min in the presence of trichloroacetic acid. The separation of the derivative was performed on an Agilent ZORBAX SB-C18 column in conjunction with gradient elution. The excitation and emission wavelengths were 370 nm and 420 nm, respectively. The developed method demonstrated good linear relationship in the range of 0.02 pmol to 2.5 pmol (r = 0.9998). The calculated limit of detection and limit of quantification were 2.5 fmol and 8.3 fmol, respectively. The analytical precisions of the method were in the range of 1.36–2.27% (intra-day) and 2.36–3.92% (inter-day) respectively. The method was sensitive, specific and simple. It was successfully implemented to analysis the malondialdehyde in rat prostate.
Overconfidence Among Young Decision-Makers: Assessing the Effectiveness of a Video Intervention and the Role of Gender, Age, Feedback, and Repetition
Authors: Piehlmaier Dominik M. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractChild development research on overconfidence suggests that the bias is present and persistent in preschoolers and kindergartners. However, little is known about what drives overconfidence among young decision-makers, how it changes over a large number of repetitions, and whether such changes differ by gender or age. The current experimental study analyzes data from 60 children, aged 4 years 0 months to 6 years 10 months, who played 60 turns of the Children’s Gambling Task and provided regular estimates on their performance. A video intervention, designed to demonstrate the consequences of disadvantageous choices, was tested in a double-blind randomized controlled trial to assess its impact on overconfidence. The results show that every third participant remained overconfident even after 60 trials and constant feedback. Unlike previously reported, gender seems to be a determining factor in this process. Lastly, providing additional information through a video intervention appears to have no impact on participants’ overconfidence levels.
Hints of γ-ray orbital variability from γ2 Velorum
Authors: Martí-Devesa G. , Reimer O. , Li J. , Torres D. F. 
Published: March 2020

Context. Colliding wind binaries are massive systems featuring strong, interacting stellar winds which may act as particle accelerators. Therefore, such binaries are good candidates for detection at high energies. However, only the massive binary η Carinae has been firmly associated with a γ-ray signal. A second system, γ2 Velorum, is positionally coincident with a γ-ray source, but we lack unambiguous identification.
Aims. Observing orbital modulation of the flux would establish an unambiguous identification of the binary γ2 Velorum as the γ-ray source detected by the Fermi Large Area Telescope (Fermi-LAT).
Methods. We used more than ten years of observations with Fermi-LAT. Events are phase-folded with the orbital period of the binary to search for variability. We studied systematic errors that might arise from the strong emission of the nearby Vela pulsar with a more conservative pulse-gated analysis.
Results. We find hints of orbital variability, indicating maximum flux from the binary during apastron passage.
Conclusions. Our analysis strengthens the possibility that γ-rays are produced in γ2 Velorum, most likely as a result of particle acceleration in the wind collision region. The observed orbital variability is consistent with predictions from recent magnetohydrodynamic simulations, but contrasts with the orbital variability from η Carinae, where the peak of the light curve is found at periastron.
Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided deployment of embolization coils and cyanoacrylate injection in gastric varices versus coiling alone: a randomized trial
Authors: Robles-Medranda Carlos , Oleas Roberto , Valero Manuel , Puga-Tejada Miguel , Baquerizo-Burgos Jorge , Ospina Jesenia , Pitanga-Lukashok Hannah 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Gastric variceal bleeding is a life-threating condition with challenging management. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)-guided coil embolization and cyanoacrylate injection versus EUS-guided coil embolization alone in the management of gastric varices.
Methods A single-center, parallel-randomized controlled trial involving 60 participants with gastric varices (GOV II and IGV I) who were randomly allocated to EUS-guided coil embolization and cyanoacrylate injection (n = 30) or EUS-guided coil embolization alone (n = 30). The primary end points were the technical and clinical success rates of both procedures. The secondary end points were the reappearance of gastric varices during follow-up, along with rebleeding, the need for reintervention, and complication and survival rates.
Results The technical success rate was 100 % in both groups. Immediate disappearance of varices was observed in 86.7 % of patients treated with coils and cyanoacrylate, versus 13.3 % of patients treated with coils alone (P < 0.001). Median survival time was 16.4 months with coils and cyanoacrylate versus 14.2 months with coils alone (P = 0.90). Rebleeding occurred in 3.3 % of patients treated with combined treatment and 20 % of those treated with coils alone (P = 0.04). With combined treatment, 83.3 % of patients were free from reintervention versus 60 % with coils alone (hazard ratio 0.27; 95 % confidence interval 0.095 – 0.797; P = 0.01).
Conclusions EUS-guided coil embolization with cyanoacrylate injection achieved excellent clinical success, with lower rates of rebleeding and reintervention than coil treatment alone. Multicenter studies are required to define the most appropriate technique for gastric variceal obliteration.
Assessment of the Knowledge of Risk Factors of Congenital Hydrocephalus among Mothers Attending Antenatal Clinics in a Rural Tertiary Hospital Irrua, Edo State
Authors: Morgan Eghosa , Agbeboh Perpetua I. , Poluyi Charles O. , Ikwuegbuenyi Chibuikem A. , Aphiar Amy O. , Asogun Akhere D. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background One of the congenital central nervous system malformations with great impact on the mental and psychosocial development of children is congenital hydrocephalus and it happens to be one of the most common. A large vacuum exists between knowledge on maternal environmental risk factors associated with congenital hydrocephalus, most especially in our rural community which consists of a large segment of our society. Our study aimed to determine the knowledge and perception of mothers on factors existing in the maternal environment that potentially puts an increased risk of developing congenital hydrocephalus.

Materials and Methods This was a cross-sectional study design spanning a period of 8 months (March 2018–October 2018), in which the knowledge and perception of the risk factors of congenital hydrocephalus among mothers attending antenatal clinic in Irrua specialist teaching hospital, a rural tertiary hospital in Irrua, Edo state, Nigeria, were assessed using a random sampling technique. Interviewer-administered questionnaires (reviewed and validated) were used. The data collected were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 21.

Results The findings showed varying levels of knowledge of congenital hydrocephalus. Less than half (44.0%) of the respondents had poor knowledge, 34.5% had fair knowledge, and 21.6% had good knowledge. There was a statistically significant relationship between knowledge of congenital hydrocephalus and respondents’ knowledge of the risk factors of congenital hydrocephalus. Most (52.6%) had good perception of the risk factors of congenital hydrocephalus, while 23.3% had poor perception.

Conclusion This study revealed a fairly good knowledge of congenital hydrocephalus and its risk factors among mothers, most especially those with a good level of education.
Emergent Percutaneous Nephrostomy for Pyonephrosis: A Primer for the On-Call Interventional Radiologist
Authors: Florido Christopher , Herren Josi L. , Pandhi Mithil B. , Niemeyer Matthew M. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPyonephrosis is gross accumulation of pus within an obstructed renal collecting system that, if left untreated, can lead to potentially fatal septic shock. Treatment requires urgent decompression coupled with systemic antibiotics. Percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) placement, first described in 1976 for the treatment of pyonephrosis, is now widely utilized for emergent decompression in these patients. When performed by an experienced interventional radiologist, PCN is a safe procedure with technical success rates of over 96 to 99%. This article will address the clinical presentation of pyonephrosis, and will discuss the indications, technique, complications, and outcomes of emergent PCN placement. Additionally, the expanded indications for PCN placement in nonemergent scenarios will also be described.