bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aging Increases the Severity of Colitis and the Related Changes to the Gut Barrier and Gut Microbiota in Humans and Mice
Authors: Liu Ailing , Lv Hong , Wang Hongying , Yang Hong , Li Yue , Qian Jiaming 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
This study aims to compare intestinal mucosal barrier function in older and young ulcerative colitis (UC) patients and the healthy population, and to explore the possible mechanisms through which aging increases the severity of colitis in mice. The old healthy group showed discontinued tight junction (TJ) strand. The E-cadherin and occludin protein expressions in the colonic tissue of the old healthy subjects were lower than those in the younger healthy people. The protein expressions of E-cadherin and occludin were lower in the old UC patients than in the younger UC patients. In mice, disease activity indexes induced by inflammatory stimulus differed as a function of age. Weight loss level, histological scores, and expression of proinflammatory factors were higher in the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced group of aged mice than in the young DSS-induced mice. Compared with the results observed in the young DSS-induced mice, the protein expressions of E-cadherin and occludin in the aged DSS-induced mice were lower. Furthermore, significant differences were observed in the composition of the gut microbiota between the young and aged mice. In the aged mice, the fraction of beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus) was lower before the DSS treatment, while the fraction of the harmful bacteria (Turicibacter, Parasutterella) was higher than that observed in the young mice. After the DSS treatment in the aged mice, the fraction of beneficial bacteria (Odoribacter and Alistipes) was lower, while the fraction of harmful bacteria (Turicibacter) was higher than in the young mice. We demonstrate that the aging of the human colon is characterized by an impairment of the intestinal barrier. Aging leads to more severe disease following DSS challenge. Age-related deterioration of gastrointestinal barrier function and gut microbial dysbiosis may be involved in the pathogenesis of colitis in the aged mice.
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression and function in the mammalian reproductive Tract
Authors: Chow R , Wessels J M , Foster W G 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDNeurotrophins of the nerve growth factor family are soluble polypeptides that are best known for their role in nerve growth, survival and differentiation in the central nervous system. A growing body of literature shows that neurotrophins and their receptors are also expressed throughout the reproductive tract.OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALENeurotrophins are key regulatory proteins in reproductive physiology during development and throughout adult life. Of the neurotrophins, the literature describing the expression and function of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its high-affinity receptor, neurotrophin receptor kinase-2 (NTRK2), has been expanding rapidly. We therefore conducted a systematic inductive qualitative review of the literature to better define the role of the BDNF in the reproductive tract. We postulate that BDNF and NTRK2 are central regulatory proteins throughout the reproductive system.SEARCH METHODSAn electronic search of Medline (PubMed) and Web of Science for articles relating to BDNF and the reproductive system was carried out between January 2018 and February 2019.OUTCOMESIn the ovary, BDNF expression and levels have been linked with follicle organisation during ovarian development, follicle recruitment and growth and oocyte maturation. In the endometrium, BDNF is involved in cell proliferation and neurogenesis. In contrast, literature describing the role of BDNF in other reproductive tissues is sparse and BDNF-NTRK2 signalling in the male reproductive tract has been largely overlooked. Whilst estradiol appears to be the primary regulator of BDNF expression, we also identified reports describing binding sites for glucocorticoid and myocyte enhancer factor-2, a calcium-response element through activation of an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, and aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear transporter protein-4 (ARNT) response elements in promoter regions of the BDNF gene. Expression is also regulated by multiple microRNAs and post-translational processing of precursor proteins and intracellular shuttling. BDNF-NTRK2 signalling is modulated through tissue specific receptor expression of either the full-length or truncated NTRK2 receptor; however, the functional importance remains to be elucidated. Dysregulation of BDNF expression and circulating concentrations have been implicated in several reproductive disorders including premature ovarian failure, endometriosis, pre-eclampsia, intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR) and several reproductive cancers.WIDER IMPLICATIONSWe conclude that BDNF and its receptors are key regulatory proteins central to gonadal development, ovarian regulation and uterine physiology, as well as embryo and placenta development. Furthermore, dysregulation of BDNF-NTRK2 in reproductive diseases suggests their potential role as candidate clinical markers of disease and potential therapeutic targets.
Thoracoscopic lobectomy for non-small-cell lung cancer in patients with impaired pulmonary function: analysis from a national database
Authors: Bongiolatti Stefano , Gonfiotti Alessandro , Vokrri Eduart , Borgianni Sara , Crisci Roberto , Curcio Carlo , Voltolini Luca ,   Italian VATS Group
Published: February 2020

AbstractOBJECTIVESThe objective of this retrospective multi-institutional study was to evaluate the postoperative outcomes of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS)-lobectomy (VATS-L) for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients with impaired lung function. The second end point was to illustrate the effective role of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1%) and the diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO%) in predicting complications in this population.METHODSData from patients who underwent VATS-L at participating centres were analysed and divided into 2 groups: group A comprised patients with FEV1% and/or DLCO% &gt;60% and group B included patients with impaired lung function defined as FEV1% and/or DLCO% ≤60%. To define clinical predictors of death and complications, we performed univariate and multivariable regression analyses.RESULTSA total of 5562 patients underwent VATS-L, 809 (14.5%) of whom had impaired lung function. The postoperative mortality rate did not differ between the 2 groups (2.3% vs 3.2%; P = 0.77). The percentage of patients who had any complication (21.4% vs 34.2%; P ≤ 0.001), the complication rate (28% vs 49.8%; P ≤ 0.001) and the length of hospital stay (P ≤ 0.001) were higher for patients with limited pulmonary function. Impaired lung function was a strong predictor of overall and pulmonary complications at multivariable analysis.CONCLUSIONSVATS-L for NSCLC can be performed in patients with impaired lung function without increased risk of postoperative death and with an acceptable incidence of overall and respiratory complications. Our analysis suggested that FEV1% and DLCO% play a substantial role in estimating the risk of complications after VATS-L, but their role was less reliable for estimating the mortality.
Spectrofluorometric Determination of Olanzapine and Fluphenazine Hydrochloride in Pharmaceutical Preparations and Human Plasma Using Eosin: Application to Stability Studies
Authors: Belal Fathalla , El-Brashy Amina , El-Enany Nahed , El-Bahay Nihal 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
A simple, rapid, and sensitive spectrofluorometric method has been developed for the determination of olanzapine (OLZ) and fluphenazine hydrochloride (FPZ HCl). The proposed method is based on the quantitative quenching effect of the studied drugs on the native fluorescence of eosin at pH 3.4 and 3.2 for OLZ and FPZ HCl, respectively. The fluorescence was measured at 547 nm after excitation at 323 nm. The fluorescence-concentration plots were rectilinear over the range of 0.051.0 and 0.101.0 g/mL, with lower detection limits of 1.8 103 and 1.2 103 g/mL, for OLZ and FPZ HCl, respectively. The proposed method was successfully applied to the analysis of commercial tablets and ampules containing the drugs, and the results were in good agreement with those obtained with reference methods. The proposed method was further applied to the determination of OLZ in spiked human plasma. The mean recovery was 98.62 0.24 (n 4). The method was also used for stability studies of FPZ HCl upon oxidation with hydrogen peroxide, and the kinetics of the reaction were studied. A proposal for the reaction pathway was postulated.
Headspace Characterization and Quantification of Aromatic Organosulfur Compounds in Garlic Extracts Using Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering with a Mirror-in-a-Cap Substrate
Authors: Qu Yanqi , Wang Minqi , Huang Shijun , Decker Eric A , McClements D Julian , He Lili 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Background
Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has been deployed in the analysis of food at solid and aqueous states. However, its capability has not been fully explored in headspace profiling.

Objective
To develop an innovative SERS method for analyzing headspace volatile compounds in foods.

Methods
A volatile-capture device was developed by depositing a film of silver nanoparticles in a vial cap to capture the volatiles released from a model flavor compound (garlic).

Results
SERS peaks at 1632, 1400, 1291, 1191, 731, and 577 cm−1 were identified in the headspace of the garlic sample, which was representative of an organosulfur compound (diallyl disulfide), and its concentration was determined at 135 ppm, which was comparable to the value determined using GC. Preparation and analysis could be carried out in &lt;10 min for the SERS method. The sensitivity of the SERS method (10 ppm), however, was slightly less than that of the GC method (5 pm).

Conclusions
The SERS method was able to quantify the concentration of diallyl disulfide in the headspace of a raw garlic ethanolic extract. Compared to GC, the SERS method had a much shorter analysis time and simpler sample preparation procedure than GC when analyzing large numbers of samples.

Highlights
The innovative “mirror-in-a-cap” substrate was simpler and faster than other reported SERS substrates used for this purpose. Additionally, SERS has much better portability and the potential for real-time monitoring of changes in the garlic headspace concentration during manufacturing and processing.
Association analysis of loci implied in “buffering” epistasis
Authors: Reverter Antonio , Vitezica Zulma G , Naval-Sánchez Marina , Henshall John , Raidan Fernanda S S , Li Yutao , Meyer Karin , Hudson Nicholas J , Porto-Neto Laercio R , Legarra Andrés 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe existence of buffering mechanisms is an emerging property of biological networks, and this results in the buildup of robustness through evolution. So far, there are no explicit methods to find loci implied in buffering mechanisms. However, buffering can be seen as interaction with genetic background. Here we develop this idea into a tractable model for quantitative genetics, in which the buffering effect of one locus with many other loci is condensed into a single statistical effect, multiplicative on the total additive genetic effect. This allows easier interpretation of the results and simplifies the problem of detecting epistasis from quadratic to linear in the number of loci. Using this formulation, we construct a linear model for genome-wide association studies that estimates and declares the significance of multiplicative epistatic effects at single loci. The model has the form of a variance components, norm reaction model and likelihood ratio tests are used for significance. This model is a generalization and explanation of previous ones. We test our model using bovine data: Brahman and Tropical Composite animals, phenotyped for body weight at yearling and genotyped at high density. After association analysis, we find a number of loci with buffering action in one, the other, or both breeds; these loci do not have a significant statistical additive effect. Most of these loci have been reported in previous studies, either with an additive effect or as footprints of selection. We identify buffering epistatic SNPs present in or near genes reported in the context of signatures of selection in multi-breed cattle population studies. Prominent among these genes are those associated with fertility (INHBA, TSHR, ESRRG, PRLR, and PPARG), growth (MSTN, GHR), coat characteristics (KIT, MITF, PRLR), and heat resistance (HSPA6 and HSPA1A). In these populations, we found loci that have a nonsignificant statistical additive effect but a significant epistatic effect. We argue that the discovery and study of loci associated with buffering effects allow attacking the difficult problems, among others, of the release of maintenance variance in artificial and natural selection, of quick adaptation to the environment, and of opposite signs of marker effects in different backgrounds. We conclude that our method and our results generate promising new perspectives for research in evolutionary and quantitative genetics based on the study of loci that buffer effect of other loci.
Water amino acid-chelated trace mineral supplementation decreases circulating and intestinal HSP70 and proinflammatory cytokine gene expression in heat-stressed broiler chickens
Authors: Baxter Mikayla F A , Greene Elizabeth S , Kidd Michael T , Tellez-Isaias Guillermo , Orlowski Sara , Dridi Sami 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Heat stress (HS) is a financial and physiological burden on the poultry industry and the mitigation of the adverse effects of HS is vital to poultry production sustainability. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to determine the effects of an amino acid-chelated trace mineral supplement on growth performance, stress and inflammatory markers, and meat quality in heat-stressed broilers. One day-old Cobb 500 male broilers (n = 480) were allocated into 12 environmental chambers (24 floor pens) and divided into two groups: one group supplemented with amino acid-chelated trace mineral in drinking water and one control group. On day 28, birds were subjected to chronic heat stress (HS, 2 wk, 35 °C and 20% to 30% RH) or maintained at thermoneutral condition (TN, 24 °C) in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Feed intake (FI), water consumption, and body weight were recorded. At day 42, serum fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (FITC-D) levels, blood gas, electrolyte, and stress markers were measured. Jejunum samples were collected to measure gene expression of stress, inflammation, and tight junction proteins. The rest of the birds were processed to evaluate carcass traits. HS resulted in an increase in core body temperature, which increased water intake and decreased FI, body weight, and feed efficiency (P &lt; 0.05). HS reduced carcass yield and the weight of all parts (P &lt; 0.05). HS significantly increased levels of circulating corticosterone (CORT), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), interleukin 18 (IL-18), tumor necrosis factor alpha, C-reactive protein, and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing 3 expression. HS significantly increased serum FITC-D levels and the expression of HSP70 and IL-18 in the jejunum. Although it did not affect the growth performance, amino acid-chelated trace mineral supplementation reversed the effect of HS by reducing CORT and FITC-D levels and the expression of stress and proinflammatory cytokines in the circulation and the jejunum. However, it upregulated these parameters in birds maintained under TN conditions. Together, these data indicate that the amino acid-chelated trace mineral might alleviate stress and inflammation and improve gut integrity in heat-stressed but not thermoneutral broilers.
Persistent Urinary Ethyl Sulfate in the Absence of Urinary Ethyl Glucuronide in a Patient with Alcohol Use Disorder Who Claimed Abstinence
Authors: Reisfield Gary M , Teitelbaum Scott A , Jones Joseph T 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
A 48-year-old nurse with an alcohol use disorder history was being monitored in a professional health program. She consistently produced low-to-moderate urinary ethyl sulfate (EtS) concentrations in the absence of detectable urinary ethyl glucuronide (EtG), blood phosphatidylethanol and breath alcohol. She denied intentional ethanol consumption. After prolonged monitoring in a drug treatment program, including a period in a controlled environment, we concluded that this individual’s urinary EtS likely resulted from anatomical and microbial factors related to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, with possible contributions from hidden dietary sources of ethanol. We have no definitive explanation for the lack of urinary EtG.
I walk, therefore I am: a multidimensional study on the influence of the locomotion method upon presence in virtual reality
Authors: Soler-Domínguez José L , de Juan Carla , Contero Manuel , Alcañiz Mariano 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
A defining virtual reality (VR) metric is the sense of presence, a complex, multidimensional psychophysical construct that represents how intense is the sensation of actually being there, inside the virtual environment (VE), forgetting how technology mediates the experience. Our paper explores how locomotion influences presence, studying two different ways of artificial movement along the VE: walking-in-place (through head bobbing detection) and indirect walking (through touchpad). To evaluate that influence, a narrative-neutral maze was created, from where 41 participants (N=41) had to escape. Measuring presence is a controversial topic since there is not a single, objective measure but a wide range of metrics depending on the different theoretical basis. For this reason, we have used for the first time, representative metrics from all three traditional dimensions of presence: subjective presence (SP) (self-reported through questionnaires), behavioral presence (BP) (obtained from unconscious reactions while inside the VE), and physiological presence (PP) [usually measured using heart rate or electrodermal activity (EDA)]. SP was measured with the ITC-SOPI questionnaire, BP by collecting the participants’ reactions, and PP by using a bracelet that registered EDA. The results show two main findings: (i) There is no correlation between the different presence metrics. This opens the door to a simpler way of measuring presence in an objective, reliable way. (ii) There is no significant difference between the two locomotion techniques for any of the three metrics, which shows that the authenticity of VR does not rely on how you move within the VE.
Understanding Difficult Consumer Transitions: The In/Dividual Consumer in Permanent Liminality
Authors: Appau Samuelson , Ozanne Julie L , Klein Jill G 
Published: February 2020

AbstractSome life transitions are difficult and prolonged, such as becoming an independent adult, forming a family, or adopting healthy consumption habits. Permanent liminality describes transitions that can span years and even a lifetime with no anticipated end. To understand how consumers are caught in permanent liminality, we examine how Pentecostal converts consume religious services in their difficult transition from the secular “world” to Pentecostalism. We draw on the concept of in/dividual personhood to explain how the Pentecostal dividual is coconstituted in an endless movement between the undesired “worldly” in/dividual and the contiguous incorporation into the desired Pentecostal in/dividual and structure. Pentecostals’ permanent liminality thus involves ongoing cycles of separation and incorporation within zones of indeterminacy, in which neither separation nor incorporation is ever completed. This theoretical framework explains the unfinished transition of Pentecostal converts as contested dividuals. We extend this theoretical explanation for future research on liquid modernity and consumers caught in permanent liminality.
Analysis of local setup errors of sub-regions in cone-beam CT-guided post-mastectomy radiation therapy
Authors: Zhou Jidan , Li Shuai , Ye Chengwei , Shen Konglong , Li An , Chen Gang , Li Xiaoyu , Bai Sen , Wang Weifeng , Zhong Renming 
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACT
The purpose of the study was to quantify local setup errors and evaluate the planning target volume (PTV) margins for sub-regions in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT)-guided post-mastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT). The local setup errors of 20 patients undergoing CBCT-guided PMRT were analysed retrospectively. Image registration between CBCT and planning CT was performed using four sub-regions of interest (ROIs): the supraclavicular area (SROI), ipsilateral chest wall region (CROI), ipsilateral chest wall plus supraclavicular region (SROI + CROI) and vertebral region (TROI). Bland–Altman analysis, correlation, local setup errors and PTV margins among these ROIs were evaluated. There was no significant consistency or correlation for registration results between the TROI and the CROI or SROI regions on any translational axis. When using the SROI + CROI as the ROI, the systematic error (Σ) and random error (σ) of the local setup errors for the CROI region were 1.81, 1.19 and 1.76 mm and 1.84, 2.64 and 3.00 mm along the medial–lateral (ML), superior–inferior (SI) and anterior–posterior (AP) directions, respectively. The PTV margins for the CROI region were 5.80, 4.82 and 6.50 mm. The Σ and σ of the local setup errors for the SROI region were 1.29, 1.15 and 0.77 mm and 1.96, 2.65 and 2.2 mm, respectively, and the PTV margins were 4.59, 4.73 and 3.47 mm. Large setup errors and local setup errors occur in PMRT. The vertebral body should not be a position surrogate for the supraclavicular region or chest wall. To compensate for the local setup errors, different PTV margins are required, even with CBCT guidance.
Pulmonary artery banding for initial treatment of ventricular septal rupture
Authors: Koichi Yuta , Kitahara Hiroto , Wakabayashi Naohiro , Ise Hayato , Tanaka Chiharu , Nakanishi Sentaro , Ishikawa Natsuya , Kamiya Hiroyuki 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Ventricular septal rupture (VSR) is a serious and fatal mechanical complication after acute myocardial infarction. Emergent or urgent, surgical/transcatheter intervention is necessary to treat VSR, though the outcome is not favorable. We performed temporary pulmonary artery banding (PAB) in an 85-year-old man who presented with chest pain to adjust the shunt flow through the VSR, which prevented further pulmonary edema and delayed the timing of surgical repair. There has been no report showing successful PAB performed for VSR after myocardial infarction.