bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of iNOS in osteoarthritis: Pathological and therapeutic aspects
Authors: Ahmad Nashrah , Ansari Mohammad Y. , Haqqi Tariq M. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAccumulating evidence suggests that inflammation has a key role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). Nitric oxide (NO) has been established as one of the major inflammatory mediators in OA and drives many pathological changes during the development and progression of OA. Excessive production of NO in chondrocytes promotes cartilage destruction and cellular injury. The synthesis of NO in chondrocytes is catalyzed by inducible NO synthase (iNOS), which is thereby an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of OA. A number of direct and indirect iNOS inhibitors, bioactive compounds, and plant‐derived small molecules have been shown to exhibit chondroprotective effects by suppressing the expression of iNOS. Many of these iNOS inhibitors hold promise for the development of new, disease‐modifying therapies for OA; however, attempts to demonstrate their success in clinical trials are not yet successful. Many plant extracts and plant‐derived small molecules have also shown promise in animal models of OA, though further studies are needed in human clinical trials to confirm their therapeutic potential. In this review, we discuss the role of iNOS in OA pathology and the effects of various iNOS inhibitors in OA.
TGFβ mediated LINC00273 upregulation sponges mir200a‐3p and promotes invasion and metastasis by activating ZEB1
Authors: Sarkar Arnab , Rahaman Ashikur , Biswas Ipsita , Mukherjee Gopeswar , Chatterjee Subhrangsu , Bhattacharjee Shamee , Mandal Deba Prasad 
Published: February 2020

AbstractTransforming growth factor β (TGFβ) is a prominent cytokine that promotes tumor progression by activating epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). This study indicated that TGFβ exerted metastasis by inducing zinc finger E‐box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) and a long noncoding RNA, LINC00273, expressions in A549 cells. Knocking down LINC00273 diminished TGFβ induced ZEB1 expression as well as metastasis. Mechanistically, LINC00273 acted as a molecular sponge of microRNA (miR)‐200a‐3p which liberate ZEB1 to perform its prometastatic functions. LINC00273 knockdown and miR200a3p mimic transfection of A549 cells were used for validating the link between TGFβ and LINC00273 induced metastasis. RNA pulldown and luciferase assay were performed to establish mir200a‐3p‐LINC00273 interaction. High expressions of LINC00273, TGFβ, and ZEB1 with concurrent low miR200a‐3p expression had been verified in vivo and in patient samples. Overall, LINC00273 promoted TGFβ‐induced lung cancer EMT through miR‐200a‐3p/ZEB1 feedback loop and may serve as a potential target for therapeutic intervention in lung cancer metastasis.
Clinical Pharmacology and Safety of Trifarotene, a First‐in‐Class RARγ‐Selective Topical Retinoid
Authors: Wagner Nathalie , Benkali Khaled , Alió Sáenz Alessandra , Poncet Michel , Graeber Michael 
Published: February 2020

AbstractTrifarotene is a new drug with retinoic acid receptor activity and selectivity for retinoic acid receptor‐γ. The reported studies aimed at assessing the clinical pharmacology and safety of trifarotene. The clinical pharmacology of topical trifarotene up to 100 µg/g was extensively investigated through 2 maximal usage pharmacokinetic trials (MUsT) conducted in adult (≥18 years) and pediatric patients (9‐17 years) with moderate to severe acne and two studies conducted in healthy volunteers: 1 thorough QTC study and 1 drug‐drug interaction study with concomitantly administered oral levonorgestrel (0.15 mg)/ethinyl estradiol (0.03 mg). Safety assessments included adverse event reporting and assessment of erythema, scaling, dryness, and stinging/burning using a scale from 0 = none to 4 = severe, as well as the evaluation of the systemic safety of trifarotene through routine laboratory testing. Systemic absorption of trifarotene was generally unquantifiable in the target population, especially when applied at 50 µg/g. QTC investigations did not show any risk of cardiovascular health issues; trifarotene did not reduce the systemic exposure to oral contraceptives such as levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol. Safety analyses did not show local or systemic safety concerns with trifarotene up 100 µg/g, a dose twice as high as the intended market dose. Results showed that trifarotene 50 µg/g cream is well tolerated and safe, even when applied under maximized conditions in adults and pediatric acne patients presenting with severe acne. Daily use of trifarotene 50 µg/g cream was not associated with cardiovascular effects and did not result in drug‐drug interaction in women of childbearing potential using oral contraception.
Molecularly imprinted polyaniline molecular receptor–based chemical sensor for the electrochemical determination of melamine
Authors: Regasa Melkamu B. , Soreta Tesfaye R. , Femi Olu E. , Ramamurthy Praveen C. , Kumar Saravana 
Published: February 2020

AbstractMolecularly imprinted polymer‐modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE)‐based electrochemical sensor is prepared using the electropolymerization of aniline in the presence of melamine (MA) as a template. In this work, the advantages of molecularly imprinted conducting polymers (MICPs) and electroanalytical methods were combined to obtain an electronic device with better performances. The sensor performance was evaluated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and square wave voltammetry (SWV) with the linear range of 0.6‐16 × 10−9M, quantification limit of 14.9 × 10−10M, and detection limit of 4.47 × 10−10M (S/N = 3). The selectivity of the sensor was tested in the presence of acetoguanamine (AGA), diaminomethylatrazine (DMT), casein, histidine, and glycine interfering molecules taken at the triple concentration with MA that demonstrated too small current response compared with that of the analyte indicating high specificity of the sensor towards the template. The sensor was successfully applied to determine MA in infant formula samples with significant recovery greater than 96% and relative standard deviation (RSD) less than 4.8%. Moreover, the good repeatability, recyclability, and stability make this sensor device promising for the real‐time monitoring of MA in different food stuffs.
Exposure to hepatitis E virus in hemodialysis patients from west‐central Poland
Authors: Bura Maciej , Łagiedo‐Żelazowska Małgorzata , Michalak Michał , Mozer‐Lisewska Iwona , Grzegorzewska Alicja E. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractHepatitis E virus (HEV) causes travel‐related but also locally acquired infections in industrialized parts of the world, including European countries. Food and blood transfusions are possible sources of transmission. Infections caused by zoonotic variants of the virus (particularly HEV‐3) may progress to chronic liver disease in a nonnegligible proportion of immunocompromised people. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of serological markers of HEV infection in 189 patients on renal replacement therapy (RRT, currently on hemodialysis, HD) living in west‐central Poland and to determine the factors related to HEV exposure in this group. Testing was carried out using commonly used commercial assays (Wantai Biological Pharmacy Enterprise Co, Beijing, China). Anti‐HEV IgG was detected in 94 patients (49.7%); none of the participants had anti‐HEV IgM or HEV Ag. Patients on RRT (HD) for less than 6 months were significantly more likely to be anti‐HEV IgG‐positive than dependent of RRT (HD) for more than half a year (80% vs 47%; P = .014). Exposure to HEV in patients from west‐central Poland is frequent, but no clear sources of this infection have been identified. There were no serological features of ongoing liver disease caused by HEV in the study subjects.
Ring‐Opening Polymerization of Propylene Oxide by Double Metal Complex in Micro‐Reactor
Authors: Zhao Jing , Li Bo‐Geng , Bu Zhi‐Yang , Fan Hong 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe ring‐opening polymerization of propylene oxide catalyzed by double metal complex (DMC) is carried out in continuous micro‐reactor (C‐MR). It is found that the monomer conversion at the C‐MR outlet is usually 100% within 2 min of average residence time, which means that the polymerization rate in the C‐MR is faster than that in a traditional semi‐continuous tank reactor. However, the induction period still exists in the polymerization in C‐MR, but can be shortened by increasing the reaction temperature or the micro‐reactor length. The mechanism of monomer coordination and ring opening on DMC during the induction period is confirmed by the 1H NMR analysis of the samples obtained under very short average residence time. The molecular weight distribution (MWD) of product from C‐MR is generally narrow, which indicates that the process still maintain the characteristics of the “living” polymerization. That is, there is a very high rate ratio of chain transfer to chain propagation provided by the DMC catalyst. However, with the same average residence time, the MWD of product from the longer C‐MR is broader, which can be attributed to the increase of the chain propagation rate caused by rise of pressure.
Mechanical and piezo‐resistive properties of functionalized multi‐walled carbon nanotubes/styrene‐ethylene‐butadiene‐styrene composites
Authors: Qiao Zhen , Ma Yongjun , Chen Xuelong , Chen Mengna , Hong Kailiang , Li Zewen , Lu Guoming , Wang Zhe 
Published: February 2020

AbstractCarbon nanotube, owing to its excellent mechanical and electrical properties, is promising to be used in polymer composites towards both structural and functional applications. In this paper, one type of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs)/polystyrene‐b‐(ethylene‐co‐butylene)‐b‐polystyrene (SEBS) composite was fabricated. MWNTs were first surface functionalized with SEBS before blended with polymer matrix. The surface modification of MWNTs was characterized by various techniques including X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Results indicated that MAH (maleic anhydride)‐g‐SEBS was successfully grafted onto MWNTs with grafting ratio 8.7 wt%. The SEBS composites containing functionalized MWNTs exhibited excellent mechanical and electrical properties, evidenced by tensile and electrical properties tests, owing to enhanced interfacial interaction between the SEBS‐g‐MWNTs and the SEBS matrix. SEBS‐g‐MWNTs/SEBS was also explored in terms of piezoresistivity. The composites exhibited excellent piezoresistivity after the percolation threshold (1.0 wt%) and good repeatability during multiple cycles. The rubbery behavior coupled with electrical properties make this type of composite promising in advanced soft electronics.
Experiences of return to work after treatment for extremital soft tissue or bone sarcoma: Between distraction and leaving the disease behind
Authors: Zambrano Sofia C. , Kollár Attila , Bernhard Jürg 
Published: February 2020

AbstractObjectiveWe aimed to explore the return to work (RTW) experience of individuals in remission from extremital sarcoma.MethodsUsing a qualitative survey design, we asked sarcoma survivors about their RTW experiences after treatment. Seven men and eight women (n = 15), 43 years old in average, participated. The majority had soft tissue sarcoma (n = 14) and no amputations (n = 14). We analysed data thematically through an inductive approach.ResultsParticipants' motivation to RTW and their experiences of this transition could be understood under the main theme of “searching for distraction and wanting to leave the disease behind,” followed by “problems of the new normal.” RTW was the next step after treatment; however, being back at the same workplace/institution was challenging due to the interference of the effects of the disease and treatments and peer perceptions. In other subthemes, we identified that RTW was facilitated by different “signs of readiness,” as well as by “motivating factors and the meaning of having an occupation.”ConclusionsReadiness to RTW while primarily an autonomous decision can also be guided by third parties, including treating physicians. RTW can be challenging, since changes in performance as well as comments from peers become a constant reminder of the status prior to the illness. Given that RTW helps distract from the disease, these reminders can be confronting and highlight the role of health professionals and employers in preparing survivors and peers to facilitate the RTW.
Simultaneous identification of wind turbine vibrations by using seismic data, elastic modeling and laser Doppler vibrometry
Authors: Zieger T. , Nagel S. , Lutzmann P. , Kaufmann I. , Ritter J. , Ummenhofer T. , Knödel P. , Fischer P. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThis work compares continuous seismic ground motion recordings over several months on top of the foundation and in the near field of a wind turbine (WT) at Pfinztal, Germany, with numerical tower vibration simulations and simultaneous optical measurements. We are able to distinguish between the excitation of eigenfrequencies of the tower‐nacelle system and the influence of the blade rotation on seismic data by analyzing different wind and turbine conditions. We can allocate most of the major spectral peaks to either different bending modes of the tower, flapwise, and edgewise bending modes of the blades or multiples of the blade‐passing frequency after comparing seismic recordings with tower simulation models. These simulations of dynamic properties of the tower are based on linear modal analysis performed with finite beam elements. To validate our interpretations of the comparison of seismic recordings and simulations, we use optical measurements of a laser Doppler vibrometer at the tower of the turbine at a height of about 20 m. The calculated power spectrum of the tower vibrations confirms our interpretation of the seismic peaks regarding the tower bending modes. This work gives a new understanding of the source mechanisms of WT‐induced ground motions and their influence on seismic data by using an interdisciplinary approach. Thus, our results may be used for structural health purposes as well as the development of structural damping methods, which can also reduce ground motion emissions from WTs. Furthermore, it demonstrates how numerical simulations of wind turbines can be validated by using seismic recordings and laser Doppler vibrometry.
The yeast community of Conotelus sp. (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) in Brazilian passionfruit flowers (Passiflora edulis) and description of Metschnikowia amazonensis sp. nov., a large‐spored clade yeast
Authors: Santos Ana Raquel de Oliveira , Lee Dong Kyung , Ferreira Andressa Graebin , do Carmo Marina Conceição , Rondelli Vando Miossi , Barros Katharina O. , Hsiang Tom , Rosa Carlos A. , Lachance Marc‐André 
Published: February 2020

AbstractSpecies of the nitidulid beetle Conotelus found in flowers of Convolvulaceae and other plants across the New World and in Hawaii consistently harbour a yeast community dominated by one or more large‐spored Metschnikowia species. We investigated the yeasts found in beetles and flowers of cultivated passionfruit in Rondônia state, in the Amazon biome of Brazil, where a Conotelus species damages the flowers and hinders fruit production. A sample of 46 beetles and 49 flowers yielded 86 and 83 yeast isolates, respectively. Whereas the flower community was dominated by Kodamaea ohmeri and Kurtzmaniella quercitrusa, the major yeasts recovered from beetles were Wickerhamiella occidentalis, which is commonly isolated from this community, and a novel species of large‐spored Metschnikowia in the arizonensis subclade, which we describe here as Metschnikowia amazonensis sp. nov. Phylogenetic analyses based on barcode sequences (ITS‐D1/D2) and a multigene alignment of 11,917 positions (genes ura2, msh6, and pmt2) agreed to place the new species as a sister to Metschnikowia arizonensis, a rare species known only from one locality in Arizona. The two form sterile asci when mated, which is typical of related members of the clade. The α pheromone of the new species is unique but typical of the subclade. The type of M. amazonensis sp. nov. is UFMG‐CM‐Y6309T (ex‐type CBS 16156T, mating type a), and the designated allotype (mating type α) is UFMG‐CM‐Y6307A (CBS 16155A). MycoBank MB 833560.
High-resolution PET imaging reveals subtle impairment of the serotonin transporter in an early non-depressed Parkinson’s disease cohort
Authors: Fazio Patrik , Ferreira Daniel , Svenningsson Per , Halldin Christer , Farde Lars , Westman Eric , Varrone Andrea 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Purpose
The serotonin transporter (SERT) is a biochemical marker for monoaminergic signaling in brain and has been suggested to be involved inthe pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The aim of this PET study was to examine SERT availability in relevant brain regions in early stages ofnon-depressed PD patients.

Methods
In a cross-sectional study, 18 PD patients (13 M/5F, 64 ± 7 years, range 46–74 years, disease duration 2.9 ± 2.6 years; UPDRS motor 21.9 ± 5.2) and 20 age- and gender-matched healthy control (HC) subjects (15 M/5F, 61 ± 7 years, range 50–72 years) were included. In a subsequent longitudinal phase, ten of the PD patients (7 M/3F, UPDRS motor 20.6 ± 6.9) underwent a second PET measurement after 18–24 months. After a 3-T MRI acquisition, baseline PET measurements were performed with [11C]MADAM using a high-resolution research tomograph. The non-displaceablebinding potential (BPND) was chosen as the outcome measure and was estimated at voxel level on wavelet-aided parametric images, by using the Logan graphical analysis and the cerebellum as reference region. A molecular template was generated to visualize and define different subdivisions of the raphe nuclei in the brainstem. Subortical and cortical regions of interest were segmented using FreeSurfer. Univariate analyses and multivariate network analyses were performed on the PET data.

Results
The univariate region-based analysis showed no differences in SERT levels when the PD patients were compared with the HC neither at baseline or after 2 years of follow-up. The multivariate network analysis also showed no differences at baseline. However, prominent changes in integration and segregation measures were observed at follow-up, indicating a disconnection of the cortical and subcortical regions from the three nuclei of the raphe.

Conclusion
We conclude that the serotoninergic system in PD patients seems to become involved with a network dysregulation as the disease progresses, suggesting a disturbed serotonergic signaling from raphe nuclei to target subcortical and cortical regions.
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound for the characterization of portal vein thrombosis vs tumor-in-vein in HCC patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Jifan , Zhu Jianing , Zhang Chao , Song Yue , Huang Pintong 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Objectives
Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a common complication of liver cirrhosis. However, differentiation of thrombosis and tumor-in-vein (TIV) may be challenging. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is an excellent method for detection of vascularization and could help in the distinction. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis for evaluating the diagnostic value of CEUS in differentiating between PVT and TIV in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients.

Methods
PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched up to the 5th of May 2019. The study quality was assessed by QUADAS-2 tool. Pooled sensitivity and specificity were calculated by the bivariate random effect model and hierarchical summary receiver-operating characteristic (SROC) curve was plotted.

Results
Seven studies including 425 participants were analyzed after screening 986 articles searched from databases. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of CEUS in diagnosing TIV were 0.94 (95%CI, 0.89–0.97) and 0.99 (95%CI, 0.80–1.00), respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) of SROC curve was 0.97 (95%CI, 0.95–0.98). The pooled sensitivity and AUC were consistent across all the subgroups of different subject numbers, country, study design, CEUS contrast agents, and diagnostic criteria.

Conclusions
CEUS is highly efficient in differentiating TIV from PVT and is an alternative or a substitute for CT and/or MRI.

Trial registration
PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019138847

Key Points
• Characterization of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) vs tumor-in-vein (TIV) is critical for HCC staging.
• CEUS has an excellent safety profile, provides a real-time analysis without any loss in accuracy compared with CT and MRI.
• This meta-analysis demonstrates that contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a suitable method for the detection of PVT and distinction with TIV.
Accuracy and complication rates of external ventricular drain placement with twist drill and bolt system versus standard trephine and tunnelation: a retrospective population-based study
Authors: Mansoor Nadia , Madsbu Mattis A. , Mansoor Nina M. , Trønnes Andreas N. , Fredriksli Oddrun A. , Salvesen Øyvind , Jakola Asgeir S. , Solheim Ole , Gulati Sasha 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
An external ventricular drain (EVD) is typically indicated in the presence of hydrocephalus and increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Procedural challenges have prompted the development of different methods to improve accuracy, safety, and logistics.

Objectives
EVD placement and complications rates were compared using two surgical techniques; the standard method (using a 14-mm trephine burrhole with the EVD tunnelated through the skin) was compared to a less invasive method (EVD placed through a 2.7–3.3-mm twist drill burrhole and fixed to the bone with a bolt system).

Methods
Retrospective observational study in a single-centre setting between 2008 and 2018. EVD placement was assessed using the Kakarla scoring system. We registered postoperative complications, surgery duration and number of attempts to place the EVD.

Results
Two hundred seventy-two patients received an EVD (61 bolt EVDs, 211 standard EVDs) in the study period. Significant differences between the bolt system and the standard method were observed in terms of revision surgeries (8.2% vs. 21.5%, p = 0.020), surgery duration (mean 16.5 vs. 28.8 min, 95% CI 7.64, 16.8, p < 0.001) and number of attempts to successfully place the first EVD (mean 1.72 ± 1.2 vs. 1.32 ± 0.8, p = 0.017). There were no differences in accuracy of placement or complication rates.

Conclusions
The two methods show similar accuracy and postoperative complication rates. Observed differences in both need for revisions and surgery duration favoured the bolt group. Slightly, more attempts were needed to place the initial EVD in the bolt group, perhaps reflecting lower flexibility for angle correction with a twist drill approach.