bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Tahiti lime (Citrus latifolia) juice on the Production of the PGF2α/PGE2 and Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines involved in Menstruation
Authors: Robeldo Thaiane , Canzi Edione Fatima , de Andrade Priscila Maria , Santana Jhonne Pedro Pedotte , Teixeira Felipe Roberti , Spagnol Valentine , Maia Beatriz Helena Lameiro Noronha Sale , Carbol Maristela , Caneira Erika Gonçalves , Da Silva Maria Fátima das Graças Fernandes , Borra Ricardo Carneiro 
Published: April 2020

AbstractTahiti lemon juice (Citrus latifolia) (TLJ), as a natural source of flavonoids, has been used as an alternative to anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of dysmenorrhea and menstrual excessive bleeding, often associated with an imbalance of the prostaglandins (PG) levels. However, despite the positive effects, the mechanisms that rule menstruation control are still unknown. Therefore, the objectives were to characterize the TLJ and analyze its effect on the production of PGF2α, PGE2 and pro-inflammatory cytokines involved inmenstruation. Flavonoids from TLJ were discriminated by UPLC-DAD-MS/MS (Qq-TOF) and the effects of TLJ were studied in vitro by quantification of the contraction of myoblasts in culture and PGF2α and PGE2 productions. Further, the systemic and menstrual fluid levels of PGF2α, PGE2, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, AK1B1 and AK1C3 enzymes produced by women during the menstrual period were compared after exposition or not to TLJ or meloxicam. The results showed that TLJ induces an increase in the contraction of myoblasts and the PGF2α supernatant level. Regarding in vivo analysis, a higher concentration of PGF2α and an unaltered PGE2 level was also found in the menstrual blood of women treated with TLJ, in contrast with a lower level of PGE2 and PGF2α observed in the meloxicam group. Concerning cytokines, only menstrual TNF-α levels decrease after treatment with TLJ or meloxicam. In conclusion, TLJ may favor the control of menstruation events via a PGF2α mediated muscle contractile response.
Indoor incense burning impacts cognitive functions and brain functional connectivity in community older adults
Authors: Wong Adrian , Lou Wutao , Ho Kin-fai , Yiu Brian Ka-fung , Lin Shi , Chu Winnie Chiu-wing , Abrigo Jill , Lee Dustin , Lam Bonnie Yin-ka , Au Lisa Wing-chi , Soo Yannie Oi-yan , Lau Alexander Yuk-lun , Kwok Timothy Chi-yui , Leung Thomas Wai-hong , Lam Linda Chui-wa , Ho Ko , Mok Vincent Chung-tong 
Published: April 2020

AbstractTo investigate (1) the effects of indoor incense burning upon cognition over 3 years; (2) the associations between indoor incense burning with the brain’s structure and functional connectivity of the default mode network (DMN); and (3) the interactions between indoor incense burning and vascular disease markers upon cognitive functions. Community older adults without stroke or dementia were recruited (n = 515). Indoor incense use was self-reported as having burnt incense at home ≥ weekly basis over the past 5 years. Detailed neuropsychological battery was administered at baseline (n = 227) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment at baseline and year 3 (n = 515). MRI structural measures and functional connectivity of the DMN were recorded at baseline. Demographic and vascular risk factors and levels of outdoor pollutants were treated as covariates. Indoor incense burning was associated with reduced performance across multiple cognitive domains at baseline and year 3 as well as decreased connectivity in the DMN. It interacted with diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia and white matter hyperintensities to predict poorer cognitive performance. Indoor incense burning is (1) associated with poorer cognitive performance over 3 years; (2) related to decreased brain connectivity; and (3) it interacts with vascular disease to predispose poor cognitive performance.
Differential cytokine network profile in polycythemia vera and secondary polycythemia
Authors: Cacemiro Maira da Costa , Cominal Juçara Gastaldi , Berzoti-Coelho Maria Gabriela , Tognon Raquel , Nunes Natalia de Souza , Simões Belinda , Pereira Ítalo Sousa , Carlos Daniela , Faccioli Lucia Helena , Figueiredo-Pontes Lorena Lobo de , Frantz Fabiani Gai , Castro Fabíola Attié de 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPolycythemia vera (PV) is a clonal disorder resulting from neoplastic transformation of hematopoietic stem cells, while secondary polycythemia (SP) is a disease characterized by increased absolute red blood cell mass caused by stimulation of red blood cell production. Although the physiopathology of SP and PV is distinct, patients with these diseases share similar symptoms. The early differential diagnosis may improve the quality of life and decrease the disease burden in PV patients, as well as enable curative treatment for SP patients. PV is considered an oncoinflammatory disease because PV patients exhibit augmented levels of several pro-inflammatory cytokines. In this sense, we examined whether analysis of the cytokine production profile of SP and PV patients would help to distinguish them, despite their clinical similarities. Here we reported that SP patients exhibited decreased plasma levels of, IL-17A, IFN-γ, IL-12p70 and TNF-α when compared with PV patients, suggesting that analysis of the cytokine production profile may be an useful diagnostic biomarker to distinguish PV from SP patients.
Separation and degradation detection of nanogram-per-litre concentrations of radiolabelled steroid hormones using combined liquid chromatography and flow scintillation analysis
Authors: Lyubimenko Roman , Richards Bryce S. , Turshatov Andrey , Schäfer Andrea I. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractDetection of micropollutants such as steroid hormones occurring in the aquatic environment at concentrations between ng/L and µg/L remains a major challenge, in particular when treatment efficiency is to be evaluated. Steroid hormones are typically analysed using mass-spectrometry methods, requiring pre-concentration and/or derivatisation procedures to achieve required detection limits. Free of sample preparation steps, the use of radiolabelled contaminants with liquid scintillation counting is limited to single-compound systems and require a separation of hormone mixtures before detection. In this work, a method was developed coupling ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC) with flow scintillation analysis (FSA) for separation and detection of radiolabelled estrone, 17ß-estradiol, testosterone and progesterone. Adjustment of the flow rate of scintillation liquid and UHPLC mobile phase, gradient time, column temperature, and injection volume allowed the separation of steroid hormones and degradation products. The limit-of-detection (LOD = 1.5–2.4 ng/L) and limit-of-quantification (LOQ = 3.4–4.3 ng/L) for steroid hormones were comparable with the current state-of-the-art technique (LC-MS/MS) for non-derivatised compounds. Although the method cannot be applied to real water samples (unless spiked with radiotracers), it serves as a useful tool for the development of water treatment technologies at laboratory scale as demonstrated via: i) adsorption on polymer-based spherical activated carbon, ii) retention in nanofiltration, iii) photodegradation using a photocatalytic membrane.
Assessment of sulfonated homo and co-polyimides incorporated polysulfone ultrafiltration blend membranes for effective removal of heavy metals and proteins
Authors: Jafar Mazumder Mohammad A. , Raja Panchami H. , Isloor Arun M. , Usman Muhammad , Chowdhury Shakhawat H. , Ali Shaikh A. , Inamuddin  , Al-Ahmed Amir 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSulfonated homo and co- polyimide (sPI) were synthesized with new compositional ratios, and used as additives (0.5 wt%, 0.75 wt%, and 1.0 wt%) to prepare blend membranes with polysulfone (PSf). Flat sheet membranes for ultrafiltration (UF) were casted using the phase inversion technique. Surface morphology of the prepared UF membranes were characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Surface charge of the membranes were determined by zeta potential, and hydrophilicity was studied by contact angle measurement. The contact angle of the membrane decreased with increasing sPI additive indicates increasing the hydrophilicity of the blend membranes. Filtration studies were conducted for rejection of heavy metals (Pb2+ and Cd2+) and proteins (pepsin and BSA). Blend membranes showed better rejection than pure PSf membrane. Among the blend membranes it was observed that with increasing amount of sPIs enhance the membrane properties and finally, PSf-sPI5 membrane with 1 wt% of sPI5 showed the improved permeability (72.1 L m−2 h−1 bar−1), and the best rejection properties were found for both metal ions (≈98% of Pb2+; ≈92% of Cd2+) and proteins (>98% of BSA; > 86% of Pepsin). Over all, this membrane was having better hydrophilicity, porosity and higher number of sites to attach the metal ions. Its performance was even better than several-reported sulfonic acid based UF membranes. All these intriguing properties directed this new UF membrane for its potential application in wastewater treatment.
DNA Barcoding Silver Butter Catfish (Schilbe intermedius) Reveals Patterns of Mitochondrial Genetic Diversity Across African River Systems
Authors: Nneji Lotanna M. , Adeola Adeniyi C. , Mustapha Moshood K. , Oladipo Segun O. , Djagoun Chabi A. M. S. , Nneji Ifeanyi C. , Adedeji Babatunde E. , Olatunde Omotoso , Ayoola Adeola O. , Okeyoyin Agboola O. , Ikhimiukor Odion O. , Useni Galadima F. , Iyiola Oluyinka A. , Faturoti Emmanuel O. , Matouke Moise M. , Ndifor Wanze K. , Wang Yun-yu , Chen Jing , Wang Wen-Zhi , Kachi Jolly B. , Ugwumba Obih A. , Ugwumba Adiaha A. A. , Nwani Christopher D. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe silver butter catfish (Schilbe intermedius) is widely distributed across African river systems. To date, information on its mitochondrial genetic diversity, population structure, and historical demography are not well-established. Herein, we combined newly generated mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase (COI) subunit I gene sequences with previously published COI sequences in the global databases to reconstruct its phylogeography, population genetic structure, and historical demography. Results from the mtDNA phylogeography and species delimitation tests (Cluster algorithm – Species Identifier, Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery and Poison Tree Process model) revealed that S. intermedius comprises at least seven geographically defined matrilines. Although the overall haplotype diversity of S. intermedius was high (h = 0.90), results showed that East (Kenya) and West (Nigeria) African populations had low levels of haplotype diversity (h = ~0.40). In addition, population genetic polymorphism and historical demographics showed that S. intermedius populations in both East and West Africa underwent severe contractions as a result of biogeographic influences. The patterns of genetic diversity and population structure were consistent with adaptive responses to historical biogeographic factors and contemporary environmental variations across African river systems. This is suggestive of the influence of historical biogeographic factors and climatic conditions on population divergence of S. intermedius across African river systems. Given our discovery of previously underappreciated diversity within S. intermedius, we recommend that this species be considered for increased conservation and management.
Algorithmic discovery of dynamic models from infectious disease data
Authors: Horrocks Jonathan , Bauch Chris T. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractTheoretical models are typically developed through a deductive process where a researcher formulates a system of dynamic equations from hypothesized mechanisms. Recent advances in algorithmic methods can discover dynamic models inductively–directly from data. Most previous research has tested these methods by rediscovering models from synthetic data generated by the already known model. Here we apply Sparse Identification of Nonlinear Dynamics (SINDy) to discover mechanistic equations for disease dynamics from case notification data for measles, chickenpox, and rubella. The discovered models provide a good qualitative fit to the observed dynamics for all three diseases, However, the SINDy chickenpox model appears to overfit the empirical data, and recovering qualitatively correct rubella dynamics requires using power spectral density in the goodness-of-fit criterion. When SINDy uses a library of second-order functions, the discovered models tend to include mass action incidence and a seasonally varying transmission rate–a common feature of existing epidemiological models for childhood infectious diseases. We also find that the SINDy measles model is capable of out-of-sample prediction of a dynamical regime shift in measles case notification data. These results demonstrate the potential for algorithmic model discovery to enrich scientific understanding by providing a complementary approach to developing theoretical models.
Gene expression profiles for low-dose exposure to diethyl phthalate in rodents and humans: a translational study with implications for breast carcinogenesis
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Kalpana , Aushev Vasily N. , Manservisi Fabiana , Falcioni Laura , Panzacchi Simona , Belpoggi Fiorella , Parada Humberto , Garbowski Gail , Hibshoosh Hanina , Santella Regina M. , Gammon Marilie D. , Teitelbaum Susan L. , Chen Jia 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPhthalates are commonly included as ingredients in personal care products such as cosmetics, shampoos and perfumes. Diethyl phthalate (DEP) has been found to be anti-androgenic and linked with adverse reproductive effects on males, but effects on females are poorly understood. We designed an integrative and translational study to experimentally examine the effects of DEP exposure at a human-equivalent dose on the mammary transcriptome in rats and to subsequently examine the DEP gene signature in breast tissues (both pre-malignant and tumor) from a population study. In Sprague-Dawley rats treated orally with DEP from birth to adulthood, we identified a signature panel of 107 genes predominantly down-regulated by DEP exposure. Univariate analysis of this 107 DEP gene signature in pre-malignant breast tissues revealed that six genes (P4HA1,MPZL3,TMC4,PLEKHA6,CA8,AREG) were inversely associated with monoethyl phthalate (MEP; the urinary metabolite of DEP) concentration (p < 0.05) among postmenopausal women; all six genes loaded on to one of seven factors identified by factor analysis. Transcription factor enrichment analysis revealed that genes in this factor were enriched for androgen receptor binding sites. These six genes were also significantly down-regulated in pre-malignant adjacent tissues compared to the corresponding tumor tissues in pair-wise analyses (p < 0.05). Results from our translational study indicate that low level exposure to diethyl phthalate results in measurable genomic changes in breast tissue with implications in breast carcinogenesis.
A digital workflow for design and fabrication of bespoke orthoses using 3D scanning and 3D printing, a patient-based case study
Authors: Hale Luke , Linley Emma , Kalaskar Deepak M. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThis study demonstrates the development and application of a novel workflow for designing and fabricating orthoses, using a combination of 3D scanning and 3D printing technologies. The workflow is applied to a clinically relevant translational case study in a patient with a neurological disorder and complex clinical needs. All traditional and commercial approaches to helping the patient’s cervical instability and resulting ‘head-drop’ had previously failed, with associated progressive deterioration in the patient’s clinical state and posture. The workflow was developed to design and fabricate a bespoke device for this patient with no viable alternative therapy. The workflow was developed to generate 3D printable geometry from obtained 3D scan data. The workflow includes algorithms to relax geometry, distribute material efficiently and for variational cutting of orthosis padding material. The 3D patient scan was validated against actual measurements to ensure accuracy of measurements. A total of four prototypes were produced with each iteration being improved based on patient and clinical feedback. There was a progressive improvement in subjective feedback through each iteration at sites of discomfort and overall comfort score. There was a marked improvement in the patient’s posture with correction at the cervical and lumbar spine with the 3D-printed padded collar being worn for 4 hour periods. This study has implications for the rapid production of personalised orthoses which can help reduce patient waiting time, improve patient compliance, reduce pain and reduce further deterioration. The workflow could form the basis for an integrated process, whereby a single hospital visit results in a bespoke orthosis optimised and personalised for each patient.
Prolonged Time to Adjuvant Chemotherapy Initiation Was Associated with Worse Disease Outcome in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Cai Lifen , Tong Yiwei , Zhu Xiaoping , Shen Kunwei , Zhu Juanying , Chen Xiaosong 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe optimal time to adjuvant chemotherapy (TTC) for breast cancer (BC) patients remains uncertain. Herein, we aim to evaluate the association between TTC and prognosis among different subtypes in modern era of adjuvant chemotherapy. BC patients receiving operation and adjuvant chemotherapy between January 2009 and December 2015 were included. Enrolled patients were categorized into TTC ≤4 weeks and >4 weeks groups. Relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared according to TTC and analyzed among different BC molecular subtypes. A total of 2611 patients were included. Elder age (P = 0.005), more comorbidities (P <0.001), breast-conserving surgery (P = 0.001), non-invasive ductal carcinoma (P = 0.012), and HER2-positivity (P <0.001) were associated with prolonged TTC. Among whole BC population, no significant difference was observed between two TTC groups in terms of RFS (P = 0.225) or OS (P = 0.355). However, for triple negative (TNBC) patients, TTC >4 weeks was independently related with worse RFS (5-year RFS 81.9% vs 89.3%; HR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.09 to 3.27; P = 0.024) and OS (5-year OS 84.0% vs 94.0%; HR, 2.49; 95% CI, 1.30 to 4.76; P = 0.006) compared with those TTC ≤4 weeks. Prolonged TTC >4 weeks after BC surgery was not associated with worse survival outcomes in the whole BC patients. However, TTC >4 weeks may increase risk of relapse or death in TNBC patients, which deserves further clinical evaluation.
Analysis of Gas-water Flow Transition Characteristics Based on Multiscale Limited Penetrable Visibility Graph
Authors: Han Jun 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIt’s a significant challenge for gas-water flow transition characteristics from experimental measurements in the study of multiphase flow systems. The limited penetrable visibility graph has been proved to be an efficient methodology for revealing nonlinear dynamical behaviors of time series. In order to uncovering gas-water flow transitions, gas-water flow experiment was carried out to obtain time series signals related to the transitions of three flow patterns. Then a novel multiscale limited penetrable visibility graph (MLPVG) is used to construct complex networks from many different experimental flow conditions. The multiscale network measures associated with node degree are employed to describe the topological features of the constructed MLPVG. The results show that the multiscale limited penetrable visibility graph can not only effectively characterize flow transition but also yields novel insights into the identification of gas-water flow patterns.
Gold(iii) bis(dithiolene) complexes: from molecular conductors to prospective anticancer, antimicrobial and antiplasmodial agents
Authors: Fontinha Diana , Sousa Sílvia A , Morais Tânia S , Prudêncio Miguel , Leitão Jorge H , Le Gal Yann , Lorcy Dominique , Silva Rafaela A L , Velho Mariana F G , Belo Dulce , Almeida M , Guerreiro Joana F , Pinheiro Teresa , Marques Fernanda 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The anticancer, antimicrobial and antiplasmodial activities of six gold(iii) bis(dithiolene) complexes were studied. Complexes 1–6 showed relevant anticancer properties against A2780/A2780cisR ovarian cancer cells (IC50 values of 0.08–2 μM), also being able to overcome cisplatin resistance in A2780cisR cells. Complex 1 also exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 12.1 ± 3.9 μg mL−1) and both Candida glabrata and Candida albicans (MICs of 9.7 ± 2.7 and 19.9 ± 2.4 μg mL−1, respectively). In addition, all complexes displayed antiplasmodial activity against the Plasmodium berghei parasite liver stages, even exhibiting better results than the ones obtained using primaquine, an anti-malarial drug. Mechanistic studies support the idea that thioredoxin reductase, but not DNA, is a possible target of these complexes. Complex 1 is stable under biological conditions, which would be important if this compound is ever to be considered as a drug. Overall, the results obtained evidenced the promising biological activity of complex 1, which might have potential as a novel anticancer, antimicrobial and antiplasmodial agent to be used as an alternative to current therapeutics.
A census of the nearby Pisces-Eridanus stellar stream
Authors: Röser Siegfried , Schilbach Elena 
Published: April 2020

Aims. Within a sphere of 400 pc radius around the Sun, we aim to search for members of the Pisces-Eridanus (Psc-Eri) stellar stream in the Gaia Data Release 2 data set. We compare basic astrophysical characteristics of the stream with those of the Pleiades.
Methods. We used a modified convergent-point method to identify stars with 2D velocities consistent with the space velocity of the Psc-Eri stream and the Pleiades, respectively.
Results. In a G magnitude range from 5.1 mag to 19.3 mag, we found 1387 members of the Psc-Eri stream at distances between 80 and 380 pc from the Sun. The stream has a nearly cylindrical shape with a length of at least 700 pc and a thickness of 100 pc. The accumulated stellar mass of the 1387 members amounts to about 770 M⊙, and the stream is gravitationally unbound. For the stream, we found an age of about 135 Myr. In many astrophysical properties, Psc-Eri is comparable to the open cluster M45 (the Pleiades): in its age, its luminosity function, its present-day mass function, as well as in its total mass. Nonetheless, the two stellar ensembles are completely different in their physical appearance. We cautiously give two possible explanations for this disagreement: (i) the star formation efficiency in their parental molecular clouds was higher for the Pleiades than for Psc-Eri, and/or (ii) the Pleiades had a higher primordial mass segregation immediately after the expulsion of the molecular gas of the parental cloud.
Perioperative Schmerztherapie – was kann/sollte der Operateur beachten?
Authors: Jerosch Jörg 
Published: April 2020

ZusammenfassungDer vorliegende Artikel zeigt die Möglichkeiten des Operateurs bei der perioperativen Schmerztherapie auf. Besonderen Wert gelegt wird hierbei auf die Verwendung von intraoperativ gelegten Nervenblöcken (Fußblock, Supraskapularisblock) sowie die lokale Infiltrations-Anästhesie (LIA). Besonders zu beachten ist die Funktion des postoperativen Schmerzes als Warnfunktion, welcher auf klinisch relevante Komplikationen hindeutet (Kompartment-Syndrom, Ischämie etc.).