bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preliminary toxicokinetic study of BPA in lactating dairy sheep after repeated dietary and subcutaneous administration
Authors: Šturm Sabina , Grabnar Iztok , Škibin Andrej , Pogačnik Milan , Cerkvenik-Flajs Vesna 
Published: April 2020

AbstractDietary intake is the predominant route of human exposure to bisphenol A and one of the important food commodities is milk. The aim of our study was to preliminarily evaluate the bisphenol A exposure and disposition in sheep milk after repeated dietary and subcutaneous administration of a relatively low dose (100 µg/kg of b. w./day) of bisphenol A to a sheep. On the basis of blood plasma sampling, milk sampling and HPLC analysis, we developed the toxicokinetic model. With the toxicokinetic model we showed that most likely only free bisphenol A passes into the mammary gland and is subsequently conjugated there. The percentage of the dose eliminated with milk was less than 0.1%, regardless of the route of bisphenol A administration. It is proven that the bisphenol A is eliminated through the milk of lactating sheep. However, the amounts excreted in the milk that were detected in this study are minimal.
24-hour Serum Creatinine Variation Associates with Short- and Long-Term All-Cause Mortality: A Real-World Insight into Early Detection of Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Yeh Hung-Chieh , Lo Yen-Chun , Ting I-Wen , Chu Pei-Lun , Chang Shih-Ni , Chiang Hsiu-Yin , Kuo Chin-Chi 
Published: April 2020

AbstractReal-world evidence describing the variation in serum creatinine (S-Cre) within 24 hours and its prognostic value is unknown. We enrolled 14 912 adults who received two S-Cre measurements within 24 hours at a tertiary hospital between 2003 and 2016. The study population was divided into four groups according to the hospital service settings where the baseline and second S-Cre were measured: Group 1, Outpatient-to-Outpatient; Group 2, Outpatient-to-ED (emergency department) or Inpatient; Group 3, ED-to-ED or Inpatient; and Group 4, Inpatient-to-Inpatient. The main predictors were the difference between the two S-Cre measurements (ΔS-Cre) and the percent change (ΔS-Cre%). The main outcomes were 30-day, 1-year, or 3-year all-cause mortality. A total of 6753 and 8159 patients with an increase and a decrease within-day ΔS-Cre, respectively. Among 6753 patients who had deteriorating ΔS-Cre or ΔS-Cre%, the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) for 1-year all-cause mortality for each 0.1 mg/dL or 5% change in S-Cre was 1.09 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07, 1.11) and 1.03 (95% CI: 1.03, 1.04). In 8159 patients with improving ΔS-Cre%, the aHR was 0.97 (95% CI: 0.94, 1.00). Groups 3 and 4 had statistically significant positive linear relationships between deteriorating ΔS-Cre% and 30-day and 3-year mortality. The optimal cut-offs for deteriorating ΔS-Cre% for predicting 30-day mortality were approximately 22% for Group 3 and 20% for Group 4. Inpatient within-day deteriorating ΔS-Cre or ΔS-Cre% above 0.2 mg/dL or 20%, respectively, is associated with all-cause mortality. Monitoring 24-hour S-Cre variation identifies acute kidney injury earlier than the conventional criteria.
Potential impact of atmospheric heating over East Europe on the zonal shift in the South Asian high: the role of the Silk Road teleconnection
Authors: Cen Sixian , Chen Wen , Chen Shangfeng , Liu Yuyun , Ma Tianjiao 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIt is well recognized that the zonal shift in the South Asian High (SAH) has pronounced influences on weather and climate anomalies over surrounding and teleconnected regions. Hence, it is of great importance to investigate the factors related to the interannual variation in the zonal location of the SAH. This study indicates that the anomalous atmospheric apparent heat source (<Q1>) around East Europe has a close relationship with the interannual variation in the SAH zonal shift during boreal summer. In particular, when above (below) normal <Q1> exists, the SAH tends to shift westward (eastward). Above-normal <Q1> over East Europe can trigger an eastward propagating wave train along the subtropical jet stream, resembling the negative phase of the Silk Road teleconnection pattern, with positive geopotential height anomalies around the Iranian Plateau and Northeast Asia and negative anomalies around East Europe and the Tibetan Plateau, which could lead to a westward shift in the SAH. Our model experiments confirm that anomalous <Q1> around East Europe can exert pronounced impacts on the zonal shift in the SAH by inducing an eastward propagating atmospheric wave train.
Divergent effect of fast- and slow-releasing H2S donors on boar spermatozoa under oxidative stress
Authors: Pintus Eliana , Jovičić Marija , Kadlec Martin , Ros-Santaella José Luis 
Published: April 2020

AbstractHydrogen sulphide (H2S) is involved in the physiology and pathophysiology of different cell types, but little is known about its role in sperm cells. Because of its reducing properties, we hypothesise that H2S protects spermatozoa against the deleterious effects of oxidative stress, a condition that is common to several male fertility disorders. This study aimed i) to determine the total antioxidant capacities of Na2S and GYY4137, which are fast- and slow-releasing H2S donors, respectively, and ii) to test whether H2S donors are able to protect spermatozoa against oxidative stress. We found that Na2S and GYY4137 show different antioxidant properties, with the total antioxidant capacity of Na2S being mostly unstable and even undetectable at 150 µM. Moreover, both H2S donors preserve sperm motility and reduce acrosome loss, although the effects were both dose and donor dependent. Within the range of concentrations tested (3–300 µM), GYY4137 showed positive effects on sperm motility, whereas Na2S was beneficial at the lowest concentration but detrimental at the highest. Our findings show that Na2S and GYY4137 have different antioxidant properties and suggest that both H2S donors might be used as in vitro therapeutic agents against oxidative stress in sperm cells, although the optimal therapeutic range differs between the compounds.
Impacts of artificial light on food intake in invasive toads
Authors: Komine Hirotaka , Koike Shinsuke , Schwarzkopf Lin 
Published: April 2020

AbstractArtificial light at night (ALAN) is a major form of anthropogenic disturbance. ALAN attracts nocturnal invertebrates, which are a food source for nocturnal predators, including invasive species. Few studies quantify the effects of increased food availablity by ALAN on invasive vertebrate predators, and enhancement of food intake caused by ALAN may also be influenced by various environmental factors, such as proximitity to cities, moon phase, temperature, rainfall and wind speed. Revealing the potential impacts on invasive predators of ALAN-attracted invertebrates, and the influence of other factors on these effects, could provide important insights for the management of these predators. We constructed and supplied with artificial light field enclosures for invasive toads, and placed them at locations with different levels of ambient light pollution, in northeastern Australia. In addition, we determined the effect of rainfall, temperature, wind speed, and lunar phase on food intake in toads. We found that ALAN greatly increased the mass of gut contents of invasive toads compared to controls, but that the effect was increased in dark lunar phases, and when there were low ambient light pollution levels. Effects of rainfall, temperature and wind speed on food intake were comparatively weak. To avoid providing food resources to toads, management of ALAN in rural areas, and during dark lunar phases may be advisable. On the contrary, to effectively capture toads, trapping using lights as lures at such times and places should be more successful.
Effect of Hygrothermal Treatment on the Porous Structure and Nanomechanics of Moso Bamboo
Authors: Ye Cuiyin , Huang Yanhui , Feng Qiming , Fei Benhua 
Published: April 2020

AbstractHygrothermal treatment is an environmentally friendly and efficient modification method. In this study, Moso bamboo was modified with hygrothermal treatments, and the results of nitrogen adsorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and nano indentation (NI) were then examined. Interestingly, the samples that underwent hygrothermal treatment at 180 °C and 100% RH (relative humidity) had the highest crystallinity (36.92%), which was 11.07% statistically larger than that of the control samples. Simultaneously, the total pore volume and average pore diameter (2.72 nm) dramatically decreased by 38.2% and 43.7%, respectively. The NI elasticity and hardness of the samples also reached the highest values under this condition; both increased by nearly 21% as compared with the control samples. Therefore, 180 °C is a favorable hygrothermal treatment temperature for Moso bamboo modification due to the porosity changes and the improvement of the nanomechanics of the cell walls.
Enlarged External Occipital Protuberance in young French individuals’ head CT: stability in prevalence, size and type between 2011 and 2019
Authors: Jacques Thibaut , Jaouen Alexandre , Kuchcinski Grégory , Badr Sammy , Demondion Xavier , Cotten Anne 
Published: April 2020

AbstractExternal Occipital Protuberance (EOP) enlargement has been recently reported to increase in young adults, with a putative link with postural factors such as the use of smartphones. This study aims to analyze finely the changes in prevalence and size of EOP enlargement in millennials, throughout the smartphone era (2011 – 2019). Anonymized head Computerized Tomography (CT) examinations from patients aged 18-30 in 2011 (n = 205) or 2019 (n = 240), were reviewed to assess the type of EOP and to measure its volume in case of enlargement. Additional CT analyses were performed on two ancient skulls, from a XVIth century young male and a young female Egyptian mummy. There was no significant evolution in the prevalence of EOP enlargement between 2011 (92/205, 44.9%) and 2019 (106/240; 44.2%) (P = 0.92). There was no significant evolution either in the distribution of enlarged EOP volumes (P = 0.14) or of EOP types (P = 0.92) between 2011 and 2019. In the meantime, rates of smartphone ownership in millennials rose from 35% to 98%. Compared to 2019 volumes, the Egyptian mummy displayed an EOP enlargement corresponding to the 85th percentile for young women, and the XVIth century skull to the 73rd percentile for young men. In conclusion, on a population scale, prevalence and volume of enlarged EOP in millennials remain stable between 2011 and 2019, which makes the impact of rapidly growing modern environmental factors on EOP changes unlikely. EOP enlargement was also already present in ancient skulls from young individuals, with measurements within today’s upper ranges.
Comparative analyses of the V4 and V9 regions of 18S rDNA for the extant eukaryotic community using the Illumina platform
Authors: Choi Jaeho , Park Jong Soo 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIllumina sequencing is a representative tool for understanding the massive diversity of microbial eukaryotes in natural ecosystems. Here, we investigated the eukaryotic community in a pond (salinity of 2–4) on Dokdo (island) in the East Sea, Korea, using Illumina sequencing with primer sets for the V4 and V9 regions of 18S rDNA from 2016 to 2018 for the first time. Totally, 1,413 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) and 915 OTUs were detected using the V9 and V4 primer sets, respectively. Taxonomic analyses of these OTUs revealed that although the V4 primer set failed to describe the extant diversity for some major sub-division groups, the V9 primer set represented their diversity. Moreover, the rare taxa with <1% of total reads were exclusively detected using V9 primer set. Hence, the diversity of the eukaryotic community can vary depending on the choice of primers. The Illumina sequencing data of the V9 region of 18S rDNA may be advantageous for estimating the richness of the eukaryotic community including a rare biosphere, whereas the simultaneous application of two biomarkers may be suitable for understanding the molecular phylogenetic relationships. We strongly recommend both biomarkers be used to assess the diversity and phylogenetic relationship within the eukaryotic community in natural samples.
Chickens selected for feather pecking can inhibit prepotent motor responses in a Go/No-Go task
Authors: Heinsius Jennifer , van Staaveren Nienke , Kwon Isabelle Young , Li Angeli , Kjaer Joergen B. , Harlander-Matauschek Alexandra 
Published: April 2020

AbstractRepetitive feather pecking (FP) where birds peck and pull out feathers of conspecifics could reflect motor impulsivity through a lack of behavioural inhibition. We assessed motor impulsivity in female chickens (n = 20) during a Go/No-Go task where birds had to peck (Go) or inhibit pecks (No-Go) appropriately to obtain a food reward, depending on visual cues in an operant chamber. Birds were selected to show divergent FP performance based on their genotype (high predisposition for FP or unselected control line) and phenotype (peckers or non-peckers). Genotype, phenotype, and its interaction did not affect the number of pre-cue responses, percentage of responses during No-Go cues (false alarms), or efficiency (number of rewards over number of responses). We present the first documentation of a Go/No-Go task to measure the ability of birds genetically and phenotypically selected for FP activity to inhibit a prepotent motor response. Results indicate that the repetitive motor action of FP does not reflect impulsivity and is not genetically linked to a lack of behavioural inhibition as measured in a Go/No-Go task.
A novel Strategy of Lock-in Effect between Conjugated Polymer and TiO2 towards Dramatic Enhancement of Photocatalytic Activity under Visible Light
Authors: Liu Linlin , Jiang Wei , Song Xingyue , Duan Qian , Zhu Enwei 
Published: April 2020

AbstractTo design novel conjugated polymers and improve interfacial interaction with semiconductor is one of directions to develop high-efficient photocatalysts with harvesting photons and boosting catalytic activities. Herein, two novel linear conjugated polymers poly[(thiophene-ethylene-thiophene)-thiophene] (PTET-T) and poly[(thiophene-ethylene-thiophene)-thiophene-3-carboxylic acid] (PTET-T-COOH) were successfully synthesized by a simple Stille coupling reaction. Their heterojunction with TiO2, i.e, PTET-T/TiO2 (C1) and PTET-T-COOH/TiO2 (C2), exhibited outstanding photocatalytic activity for degrading Rhodamine B, methylene blue and tetracycline. The energetic “lock-in effect” between PTET-T-COOH and TiO2 through carboxyl groups and hydroxyl groups interaction has been proved to greatly improve the interface charge transfer ability and suppress the electron-hole recombination in PTET-T-COOH/TiO2. Thus, by regulating the dosage of polymers, the 15% PTET-T-COOH/TiO2 showed the optimized photocatalytic activity with excellent chemical stability, and its kinetic rate constant was determined to be 41.7 times of that of TiO2. This work provided a new effective strategy of designed and explored organic semiconductor-inorganic heterojunction photocatalysts with broaden absorption, repeatability and high-charge mobility.
Vertical Nystagmus in the Bow and Lean Test may Indicate Hidden Posterior Semicircular Canal Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo: Hypothesis of the Location of Otoconia
Authors: Choo Oak-Sung , Kim Hantai , Jang Jeong Hun , Park Hun Yi , Choung Yun-Hoon 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe ‘Bow and Lean Test’ (BLT) was developed for proper diagnosis of horizontal semicircular canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (HSC-BPPV). Occasionally, down- and/or up-beating vertical nystagmus is observed during the BLT. This study analyzed patients who exhibited vertical nystagmus in the BLT to comprehend the clinical significance of this sign. Of 2872 patients with vertigo between 2010 and 2015, 225 patients who showed vertical nystagmus in the BLT were enrolled. All patterns of vertical nystagmus were described based on their types of BPPV. After performing therapeutic maneuvers for BPPV, remnant symptoms in the BLT findings were investigated. Of the 225 patients with vertical nystagmus, 163 were posterior semicircular canal BPPV (PSC-BPPV). Down-beating in the bowing position and no nystagmus in the leaning position (‘Down/–’) was the most common type (190 of 225 patients). In addition, the nystagmus occurred in the form of ‘–/Up’, ‘Down/Up’, and ‘–/Down’. The pattern of vertical nystagmus may be related to the position of otoconia in the canals. The location of the otoconia enables the diagnosis of hidden PSC-BPPV. Even after treatment for BPPV, patients with vertical nystagmus in the BLT tended to complain remnant vertigo symptoms (44.8% vs. 23.9%, P = 0.022, in PSC-BPPV; 70.0% vs. 24.0%, P = 0.020, in HSC-BPPV). We thought that they actually had hidden PSC-BPPV and the otoconial debris may still in the PSC; this untreated PSC-BPPV might cause the remnant symptoms. In conclusion, vertical nystagmus in the BLT may indicate the presence of PSC-BPPV. Moreover, vertical nystagmus during the BLT may occur in patients with hidden PSC-BPPV who complain of remnant vertigo symptoms. Vertical nystagmus shown in the BLT may not include the possibility of central vertigo.
Upregulation of epithelial metallothioneins by metal-rich ultrafine particulate matter from an underground railway
Authors: Loxham Matthew , Woo Jeongmin , Singhania Akul , Smithers Natalie P , Yeomans Alison , Packham Graham , Crainic Alina M , Cook Richard B , Cassee Flemming R , Woelk Christopher H , Davies Donna E 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAirborne particulate matter (PM) is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity. However, understanding of the range and mechanisms of effects of PM components is poor. PM generated in underground railways is rich in metals, especially iron. In the ultrafine (UFPM; &lt;0.1 μm diameter) fraction, the combination of small size and metal enrichment poses an unknown health risk. This study aimed to analyse transcriptomic responses to underground UFPM in primary bronchial epithelial cells (PBECs), a key site of PM deposition. The oxidation state of iron in UFPM from an underground station was determined by X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy. Antioxidant response was assayed using a reporter cell line transfected with an antioxidant response element (ARE)-luciferase construct. Differentiated PBECs were exposed to UFPM for 6 h or 24 h for RNA-Seq and RT-qPCR analysis. XANES showed predominance of redox-active Fe3O4, with ROS generation confirmed by induction of ARE-luciferase expression. 6 h exposure of PBECs to UFPM identified 52 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), especially associated with epithelial maintenance, whereas 24 h exposure yielded 23 DEGs, particularly involved with redox homeostasis and metal binding. At both timepoints, there was upregulation of members of the metallothionein family, low molecular weight proteins with antioxidant activity whose main function is binding and homeostasis of zinc and copper ions, but not iron ions. This upregulation was partially inhibited by metal chelation or ROS scavenging. These data suggest differential regulation of responses to metal-rich UFPM depending on exposure period, and highlight novel pathways and markers of PM exposure, with the role of metallothioneins warranting further investigation.
Therapeutic potential of miR-21 regulation by human peripheral blood derived-small extracellular vesicles in myocardial infarction
Authors: Kang Ji-Young , Kim Hyoeun , Mun Dasom , Yun Nuri , Joung Boyoung 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) as natural membranous vesicles are on the frontiers of nanomedical research, due to their ability to deliver therapeutic molecules such as microRNAs (miRNAs). The miRNA-21 (miR-21) is thought to be involved in the initiation and development of myocardial infarction (MI). Here, we examined whether miR-21 regulation using human peripheral blood-derived sEVs (PB-sEVs) could serve as a potential therapeutic strategy for MI. First, we examined miR-21 levels in hypoxic conditions and validated the ability of PB-sEVs to serve as a potential delivery system for miRNAs. Further, bioinformatics analysis and luciferase assay were performed to identify target genes of miR-21 mechanistically. Among numerous target pathways, we focused on nitrogen metabolism, which remains relatively unexplored compared with other possible miR-21-mediated pathways; hence, we aimed to determine novel target genes of miR-21 related to nitrogen metabolism. In hypoxic conditions, the expression of miR-21 was significantly up-regulated and correlated with nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3) levels, which in turn influences cardiac function. The down-regulation of miR-21 expression by PB-sEVs loaded with anti-miR-21 significantly improved survival rates, consistent with the augmentation of cardiac function. However, the up-regulation of miR-21 expression by PB-sEVs loaded with miR-21 reversed these effects. Mechanistically, miR-21 targeted and down-regulated the mRNA and protein expression of striatin (STRN), which could regulate NOS3 expression. In conclusion, we identified a novel therapeutic strategy to improve cardiac function by regulating the expression of miR-21 with PB-sEVs as an miR-21 or anti-miR-21 delivery vehicle and confirmed the miR-21-associated nitrogen metabolic disorders in MI.
A Preliminary Study on the Need for Structured Vocal Seminars for Fitness Instructors to Prevent Voice Disorders and Improve Overall Voice Use During Instruction
Authors: Davis Sara 
Published: April 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to determine and demonstrate the need for structured vocal training/seminars for fitness professionals to prevent voice disorders and improve overall voice use during instruction.

Method

Approximately 230 fitness professionals responded to an anonymous online questionnaire consisting of 20 items addressing voice care, voice use, vocal demands, and self-reported vocal difficulties within the fitness instructor role. The survey was distributed via SurveyMonkey, and the answers contributed to the data results (see
Appendix
).

Results
The data display overwhelming agreement among fitness professionals that voice has an important role in and major impact on every class. The majority of respondents consider themselves occupational voice users but affirm they have never had a vocal training, although they feel a vocal training would be beneficial for their work in the fitness industry and they would be interested in attending such a training. A majority of respondents also teach three or more classes per week and qualify as “vocal athletes.” Over half of the respondents perceive themselves to be inadequately hydrated, and the majority also report hoarseness at some point related to their jobs teaching fitness classes. A majority of those surveyed have experienced a feeling of straining the voice/using effort during and/or after instruction of classes and also report being social/talkative individuals outside class instruction—therefore displaying a consistent use of voice in and outside their “work” setting, implying high vocal demand and full vocal schedules with reduced time for vocal rest.

Conclusions
The results of this study indicate that there is an imperative need to educate and empower fitness professionals to take adequate care of their voices and use their voices in the most healthy, efficient, effective, and dynamic ways possible to create outstanding classes, motivate clients, and protect their instrument (larynx/vocal folds) while doing so.