bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exosomes from microRNA‐126 overexpressing mesenchymal stem cells promote angiogenesis by targeting the PIK3R2‐mediated PI3K/Akt signalling pathway
Authors: Zhang Lei , Ouyang Pengrong , He Gaole , Wang Xiaowei , Song Defu , Yang Yijun , He Xijing 
Published: December 2020

AbstractmicroRNA‐126 (miR‐126), an endothelial‐specific miRNA, is associated with vascular homeostasis and angiogenesis. However, the efficiency of miR‐126‐based treatment is partially compromised due to the low efficiency of miRNA delivery in vivo. Lately, exosomes have emerged as a natural tool for therapeutic molecule delivery. Herein, we investigated whether exosomes derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) can be utilized to deliver miR‐126 to promote angiogenesis. Exosomes were isolated from BMMSCs overexpressed with miR‐126 (Exo‐miR‐126) by ultracentrifugation. In vitro study, Exo‐miR‐126 treatment promoted the proliferation, migration and angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Furthermore, the gene/protein expression of angiogenesis‐related vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiotensin‐1 (Ang‐1) were up‐regulated after incubation with Exo‐miR‐126. Additionally, the expression level of phosphoinositol‐3 kinase regulatory subunit 2 (PIK3R2) showed an inverse correlation with miR‐126 in HUVECs. Particularly, the Exo‐miR‐126 treatment contributed to enhanced angiogenesis of HUVECs by targeting PIK3R2 to activate the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway. Similarly, Exo‐miR‐126 administration profoundly increased the number of newly formed capillaries in wound sites and accelerated the wound healing in vivo. The results demonstrate that exosomes derived from BMMSCs combined with miR‐126 may be a promising strategy to promote angiogenesis.
Nature‐based botanical facial oil oxidative stress protection
Authors: Diana Draelos Zoe , Gunt Hemali , Levy Stanley B. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIntroductionUV‐induced oxidative skin stress leads to cutaneous photoaging. The objective of these 2 studies was to evaluate a nature‐based botanical facial oil for the ability to decrease UV‐induced oxidative skin stress.Methods22 females were enrolled in the UVA study, and 10 females were enrolled in the UVB study. Skin chemiluminescence induced by UVA exposure was measured at baseline and after 2 weeks of daily topical application of the nature‐based facial oil was evaluated in study 1. In study 2, UVB‐induced erythema was measured after 8 weeks of twice‐daily topical application of the nature‐based facial oil to a photoprotected site followed by skin biopsy to evaluate sunburn cell formation. In both studies, the treatment response was compared to the response on untreated skin.ResultsThe nature‐based facial oil significantly reduced skin chemiluminescence following UVA exposure, demonstrating antioxidant activity. The nature‐based facial oil also significantly reduced erythema formation following UVB exposure and resulted in reduced sunburn cell formation in 66.67% of subjects.ConclusionTopical nature‐based facial oil can reduce UV‐induced oxidative cutaneous damage.
Religion and Spirituality among American Indian, South Asian, Black, Hispanic/Latina, and White Women in the Study on Stress, Spirituality, and Health
Authors: Kent Blake Victor , Davidson James C. , Zhang Ying , Pargament Kenneth I. , VanderWeele Tyler J. , Koenig Harold G. , Underwood Lynn G. , Krause Neal , Kanaya Alka M. , Tworoger Shelley S. , Schachter Anna B. , Cole Shelley A. , O'Leary Marcia , Cozier Yvette C. , Daviglus Martha L. , Giachello Aida L. , Zacher Tracy , Palmer Julie R. , Shields Alexandra E. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractSocial scientists have increasingly recognized the lack of diversity in survey research on American religion, resulting in a dearth of data on religion and spirituality (R/S) in understudied racial and ethnic groups. At the same time, epidemiological studies have increasingly diversified their racial and ethnic representation, but have collected few R/S measures to date. With a particular focus on American Indian and South Asian women (in addition to Blacks, Hispanic/Latinas, and white women), this study introduces a new effort among religion and epidemiology researchers, the Study on Stress, Spirituality, and Health. This multicohort study provides some of the first estimates of R/S beliefs and practices among American Indians and U.S. South Asians, and offers new insight into salient beliefs and practices of diverse racial/ethnic and religious communities.
Inferring trait‐based mechanisms and variance consequences of abiotic secondary dispersal from the spatio‐temporal distribution of a desert soil seed bank
Authors: Rolhauser Andrés G. , Pucheta Eduardo 
Published: December 2020

AbstractQuestionsQuantifying the combined effects of seed traits, microsite types, and abiotic dispersal agents on the mean and variance of seed bank density and composition will help understand vegetation dynamics in deserts. In a site with NE slope and mainly southerly winds, we asked whether large and oblong seeds were more likely to be transported and deposited in water obstructions and underneath the northern part of shrub understories. We also asked whether seed standing crop was less variable in water obstructions than in other microsites less affected by seed deposition.LocationA sand field in San Juan province, Argentina.MethodsWe sampled the soil seed banks of four microsite types: water obstructions where debris/litter accumulates, southern and northern shrub understories, and open spaces among shrubs. Sampling was carried out in 11 plots and replicated at six moments between 2010 and 2012.ResultsDebris microsites showed the highest levels of seed density, species richness and standing crop; seed density and standing crop were also least variable in these microsites. Debris microsites also contained high seed abundance of stress‐intolerant, shrub‐dependent species. Seed density, species richness, seed standing crop, and the proportions of both large and oblong seeds were all higher in northern than in southern understories. The relationship between seed mass and the proportion of seeds that were apparently retained (i.e., not washed away and deposited in water obstructions) was more strongly negative in southern than in northern understories.ConclusionsNorthern and southern understories appeared to act as water run‐on (i.e., seed recipients) and run‐off zones (i.e., seed donors), respectively. Seed accumulation under the shelter provided by shrubs may promote seed predation in these microsites. Abiotic dispersal would therefore contribute to the maintenance of vegetation patches when seed arrival underneath shrub canopies saturates granivore consumption.
High dietary micronutrient inadequacy in peri‐urban school children from a district in South India: Potential for staple food fortification and nutrient supplementation
Authors: Madhari Radhika S. , Boddula Swetha , Ravindranadh Palika , Jyrwa Yvette Wilda , Boiroju Naveen Kumar , Pullakhandam Raghu , Mamidi Raja Sriswan , Nimmathota Arlappa , Kulkarni Bharati , Thingnganing Longvah 
Published: December 2020

AbstractMultiple micronutrient deficiencies (MNDs) co‐exist, often because of poor intakes and adversely impact health. Habitual diets were assessed in 300 school children (6–17 years old) recruited from two government schools by simple random sampling. Probability of adequacy (PA) for 11 micronutrients and mean probability of adequacy (MPA) was calculated. Haemoglobin, plasma ferritin, folic acid, vitamin B12and C‐reactive protein were estimated. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used to estimate magnitude and factors associated with MNDs. The contribution of fortified foods and/or supplements in addressing inadequacies and excessive intakes was modelled. The PA ranged from 0.04 for folate to 0.70 for zinc, and the MPA was 0.27. Prevalence of anaemia (53%), iron deficiency (57%; ID), iron deficiency anaemia (38%; IDA), folate deficiency (24%) and B12deficiency (43%) was high. Dietary inadequacy of iron, zinc and a low MPA was associated with anaemia and IDA. Inclusion of double fortified salt (DFS), fortified rice (FR) or iron folic acid (IFA) supplements individually in habitual diet reduced probability of iron inadequacy significantly from 82% to ≤13%. Inclusion of DFS and FR simultaneously led to disappearance of iron inadequacy, but risk of excessive intake increased to 16%. Inclusion of DFS, FR and IFA together increased risk of excess iron intake to 40%. Nevertheless, intakes of folate and B12remained inadequate even with FR and/or IFA. These results indicate a high risk of dietary MNDs in children and suggest need for more systematic intake measurements in representative sample and adjustment of iron dosages to avoid excessive intakes.
Taxonomic identification using virtual palaeontology and geometric morphometrics: a case study of Jurassic nerineoidean gastropods
Authors: Leshno Afriat Yael , Edelman‐Furstenberg Yael , Rabinovich Rivka , Todd Jonathan A. , May Hila 
Published: December 2020

AbstractTaxonomic identification of fossils is fundamental to a wide range of geological and biological disciplines. Many fossil groups are identified based on expert judgement, which requires extensive experience and is not always available for the specific taxonomic group at hand. Nerineoideans, a group of extinct gastropods that formed a major component of Mesozoic shallow marine environments, have distinctive internal spiral folds that form the basis for their classification at the genus level. However, their identification is often inconsistent because it is based on a set of selected characters reliant upon individual interpretation. This study shows a non‐destructive and quantitative method for their identification using micro‐CT and geometric morphometrics. We examined and micro‐CT‐scanned nerineoidean specimens from five main families that dominated Europe, Arabia and Africa during the Middle–Late Jurassic. Optimal longitudinal slices were selected from the tomographic reconstructions or from images of polished cross‐sections compiled from fossil collections, published work and online databases. Internal whorl outlines were represented by 30 evenly distributed sliding semilandmarks and shape variations were studied using the Procrustes‐based geometric morphometrics method. Multivariate analysis shows that Ceritellidae and Ptygmatididae are distinct families, whereas Nerinellidae, Eunerineidae and Nerineidae fall within the same shape variance and cannot be distinguished based on internal whorl outlines. The suggested method can be applied to images from various sources as well as to poorly preserved specimens. Our case study demonstrates the importance of quantitatively re‐evaluating taxonomy in the fossil record, promoting the future utility of large datasets.
Percutaneous Cervical Cordotomy for the Treatment of Cancer Pain: A Prospective Case Series of 52 Patients with a Long‐Term Follow‐Up
Authors: Zomers Paul J.W. , Groeneweg George , Baart Sara , Huygen Frank J.P. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAimThe aim of this study is to describe the effects of percutaneous cervical cordotomy (PCC) on pain, opioid consumption, adverse events, and satisfaction in palliative care patients with cancer pain after PCC until end of life.MethodsThis is a prospective observational case series of 58 PCCs in 52 consecutive patients. Indication for PCC was unilateral cancer pain with a maximum numeric rating scale (NRS) of pain above 5 despite maximal conservative treatment. The PCC was fluoroscopy guided. A radiofrequency lesion was made at 95°C for 20 seconds. The pain location and pain scores, analgesic medication, the cranial and caudal borders of dermatomes hypoesthetic for pin pricks, dysesthesia, urinary retention, Horner’s syndrome, muscle strength, Karnofsky performance scale (KPS) score, patient satisfaction, hospital anxiety and distress score (HADS), and RAND 36 score were evaluated at 1 day; 1 and 6 weeks; and 3, 6, 9, 12 18, and 24 months after PCC, or until death if death occurred during the follow‐up period.ResultsPain relief after PCC was intense (change in median maximum NRS from 9 to 0) and persistent. Median opioid use per day was 240 mg (145 to 565 mg) before PCC and 55 mg (0 to 120 mg) after PCC. The upper and lower borders of dermatomes hypoesthetic for pin pricks were stable over time. The most common side effects were short‐term (< 1 week) neck pain (28%), dysesthesia (40%), and mild loss of muscle strength (11%). Approximately 83% of the patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the results of PCC 1 week after the procedure, and this percentage remained high in the long term. There was no significant change in the KPS score, HADS, and RAND 36 score.ConclusionPercutaneous cervical cordotomy is an effective treatment for unilateral cancer pain. The reduction in pain, reduction in opioid consumption, and hypoesthetic area remain stable until death.
Global current account imbalances and the link between income and consumption inequality
Authors: Gu Xinhua , Lei ChunKwok , Sheng Li , Zhao Qingbin 
Published: December 2020

AbstractResearch attention to current account imbalances increases because this problem is now manifested as intensified trade wars between countries. Our paper revisits this global issue from a new perspective complementary to previous studies. We propose a simple economics model and find that the current account balance is related inversely to the ratio of income to consumption inequality. This ratio synthesizes all schemes of consumption smoothing, which hinge on political interventions that temporarily attenuate the problem of rising income inequality. Yet shortsighted policy would have a consequential effect on current accounts in the long run. These theoretical findings accord well with our empirical observation that consumption inequality tracks income inequality loosely in deficit countries but closely in surplus economies, with global imbalances affected by financial liberalization and smoothing opportunities.
Comparing the effects of three different multilayer dressings for pressure ulcer prevention on sacral skin after prolonged loading: An exploratory crossover trial
Authors: Lechner Anna , Rancan Fiorenza , Hadam Sabrina , Vogt Annika , Blume‐Peytavi Ulrike , Kottner Jan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractEvidence suggests that preventive dressings applied on sacral skin help to prevent pressure ulcers. However, possible performance differences of different dressing types are unclear. An exploratory randomized crossover trial with intra‐individual comparisons was conducted to compare the effects of three different multi‐layer foam dressings (Mepilex Border Sacrum, ALLEVYN Life Sacrum and Optifoam Gentle Sacrum) compared to no dressing on the sacral skin. Healthy female volunteers (n = 12, mean age 72 years) wore three different dressings on their sacral skin for 3.5 hours while lying supine on a standard hospital mattress. At regular intervals, subjects performed standardized movements to enhance shear loads. Skin surface temperature, stratum corneum hydration, erythema, skin roughness and the interleukin 1 alpha (IL‐1α) concentration per total protein were measured at baseline and after the lying periods. After 3.5 hours, the median skin temperature increased in all four groups between 3.0°C and 3.8°C with only minor differences between the no dressing and the dressing groups. Median stratum corneum hydration increased during the lying period in all groups with highest increases in the Optifoam Gentle Sacrum (7.3 arbitrary units) and no dressing group (7.0 arbitrary units). There was a median decrease of the mean roughness (Rz) in the Optifoam Gentle Sacrum group of −6.3 μm but no relevant changes in the other groups. After loading, the erythema index was highest in the ALLEVYN Life Sacrum and no dressing groups. Highest releases of IL‐1α were observed in the ALLEVYN Life Sacrum and Optifoam Gentle Sacrum groups, in the Mepilex Border Sacrum group changes were minor. Study results indicate, that the application of preventive dressings on sacral skin during loading do not cause additional occlusion compared to loading without dressings when lying supine. Different dressings cause different cutaneous responses during loading.
Numerical Survey on Performance of Hybrid NePCM for Cooling of Electronics: Effect of Heat Source Position and Heat Sink Inclination
Authors: Faraji Hamza , Alami Mustapha El , Arshad Adeel , Hariti Yassine 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
This paper reports on numerical simulations of passive cooling of an electronic component. The strategy is based on the fusion of a nano-enhanced phase change material (NePCM) by insertion of hybrid Cu-Al2O3 nanoparticles. This study analyzes the combined effects of the position of the electronic component and the inclination of the heat sink for rectangular and square geometries on the heat transfer and flow structure of liquid NePCM. The heat sink is heated by a protuberant heat source simulating the role of an electronic component generating a volumetric power. The electronic component is mounted on a substrate modeling the role of a motherboard. The development of a 2D mathematical model is based on the equations of conservation of mass, momentum, and energy. This system of equations is solved using the finite volume method and the SIMPLE algorithm for velocity–pressure coupling. The enthalpy-porosity approach is adopted to model the phase change. The results obtained show that the position of the electronic component and the inclination of the enclosure have important effects on the efficiency of the cooling strategy. The inclination of 90 deg and the position of δ = 0.5 represent the case where the cooling of the electronic component is efficient and operates safely with a minimum temperature difference recorded along it. The electronic component is well cooled in a rectangular heat sink than in a square one.
Effects of pH and Surfactant on the Forced Convection of Al2O3/Water and TiO2/Water Nanofluids
Authors: Khurana Deepak , Subudhi Sudhakar 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The present paper deals with the forced convection of Al2O3/water and TiO2/water nanofluids with the variation of pH and addition of surfactant in nanofluids. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of suspension stability on the heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics of nanofluids. The present experimental setup is same as used by our earlier paper (Khurana, D., and Subudhi, S., 2019, “Forced Convection of Al2O3/Water Nanofluids With Simple and Modified Spiral Tape Inserts,” Heat Mass Transfer, 55(6), pp. 1–13). The suspension stability of nanofluids is improved by varying pH of nanofluids. The pH in this study is varied from 3.5 ± 0.2 to 12.5 ± 0.2. Addition of surfactants is employed to improve the suspension stability of nanofluids. The sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) surfactant of 0.05 wt% is used to increase the stability of nanofluids in the present study. It is observed that by increasing the suspension stability with the variation of pH and addition of surfactant, the heat transfer characteristics have improved appreciably. The maximum enhancement in heat transfer is obtained with TiO2/water nanofluids at a particle concentration of 0.1 vol% and a pH of 3.5 ± 0.2.
Design and Analysis of a Multisegment Shape Morphing Mechanism
Authors: Tian Yingzhong , Zhao Yinjun , Li Long , Yuan Guangjie , Xi Fengfeng 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
This article presents a novel design of a multisegment shape morphing mechanism that combines a lockable reconfigurable variable geometry truss manipulator (VGTM) with an active parallel compliant mechanism. The structure of the VGTM is in a parallel-serial structure, and its hyper-redundant degree-of-freedom (DOF) can be fully controlled by using two active flexible panels and some lockable joints. This mechanism is suitable for aerospace applications that require light and compact structure with high load-carrying ability as well as achieve multiple DOFs for large-scale shape deformation. To make shape morphing process simple and efficient, the mobility and topological configuration of the mechanism are analyzed first. Then, a control strategy combining the approximate motion mode and the exact motion mode is proposed. The kinematic models for different motion modes are established and solved analytically. It has been found that, under the exact motion mode, two approaches could be realized for the pose control under external loads for each segment. The one with the shorter moving path is selected in this article. Finally, a prototype was constructed to demonstrate the feasibility of this structure and to verify the proposed kinematic model.
Proton beam irradiation of uveal melanoma involving the iris, ciliary body and anterior choroid without surgical localisation (light field)
Authors: Oxenreiter Monica M , Lane Anne M , Aronow Mary Beth , Shih Helen , Trofimov Alexei V , Kim Ivana K , Gragoudas Evangelos S 
Published: December 2020

AimsTo assess treatment outcomes after proton beam irradiation (PBI) without surgical localisation of uveal melanomas involving the iris, ciliary body and anterior choroid.MethodsRetrospective chart review of 125 patients evaluated at Massachusetts Eye and Ear and treated with PBI using a light field set-up without localisation surgery between November 1975 and April 2017. The tumours were characterised as follows: iris (n=18, 14.4%), ciliary body (n=12, 9.6%), iridociliary (n=58, 46.4%), ciliochoroidal (n=24, 19.2%) and iridociliochoroidal (n=13, 10.4%). The tumours were measured by transillumination and ultrasonography before treatment. Tumours with posterior margin located less than two disc diameters from the ora serrata were treated using the light field technique. Patient outcomes after PBI were evaluated.ResultsMost patients had good vision at the time of tumour diagnosis (69.6% had baseline visual acuity (VA) of ≥20/40). Median VA at last follow-up (median follow-up: 72.1 months) was 20/63. Recurrences occurred in 12 patients (9.6%) at a median time of 4.0 years post-treatment. Recurrences were treated by repeat PBI (n=5) or enucleation (n=7). Secondary enucleation was performed in 18 patients (14.4%), and 61.1% of these were due to complications. Neovascular glaucoma (NVG) developed in 21 patients (16.8%). Of seven patients who developed NVG after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapies became available, five were treated with intravitreal Avastin injections (23.8% of patients with NVG). Of 69 patients diagnosed with cataract after treatment, 51 (73.9%) were characterised as radiation-related. Death from metastatic uveal melanoma occurred in 20.8% of the cohort, with a median follow-up of 10.1 years.ConclusionsPatients treated with PBI using a light field set-up technique experience good outcomes after irradiation. Eye preservation and retention of good VA are seen in the majority of cases, and tumour recurrence is low.