bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of asbestos fibers in lung tissue from occupational and environmental asbestos exposure of lung cancer patients in Busan, Korea
Authors: Jung Hyun-Sung , Park Eun-Kee , Cha Jun-Seok , Lee Jae-Won , Lee Jong-Chun , Jang Jinyoung , Kim Suejin , Oak Chulho , Yates Deborah H. , Kim Hyunwook 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe Asbestos Injury Relief Act in Korea requires that asbestos exposure be assessed through clinical examination and chest computed tomography (CT). However, a more specific measurement of asbestos characteristics in the lung tissue may be appropriate. We aimed to investigate the asbestos burden and characterize asbestos fibers in patients with lung cancer and ultimately assess the relationship between occupational and environmental asbestos exposure and lung cancer in Korea. We evaluated 37 lung cancer patients (LCPs) from Busan. The factors affecting asbestos burden in LCPs were analyzed using a multiple regression analysis. History of asbestos exposure (environmental/occupational), male sex, and old age were the main factors affecting asbestos burden in lung tissues of LCPs. These factors had an approximate 37% adjusted coefficient of determination. There was a significant difference in the length of asbestos fibers (4.06–37.6 µm vs. 4.26–91.7 µm) and aspect ratio (4.5–151.9 vs. 5.6–735.6) between those who were occupationally exposed to asbestos and those who were environmentally exposed (P < 0.01). Therefore, both environmental/occupational exposure to asbestos should be strongly managed to reduce the risk of lung cancer, and exposure should be assessed according to the characteristics of asbestos fibers in the lung tissue.
The synergistic tumor growth-inhibitory effect of probiotic Lactobacillus on transgenic mouse model of pancreatic cancer treated with gemcitabine
Authors: Chen Shan-Ming , Chieng Wee-Wei , Huang Szu-Wei , Hsu Li-Jin , Jan Ming-Shiou 
Published: November 2020

AbstractPancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal and chemo-resistant cancers worldwide. Growing evidence supports the theory that the gut microbiota plays an essential role in modulating the host response to anti-cancer therapy. The present study aimed to explore the effect of probiotics as an adjuvant during chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer. An LSL-KrasG12D/−-Pdx-1-Cre mouse model of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) was created to study the effects of using four-week multi-strain probiotics (Lactobacillus paracasei GMNL-133 and Lactobacillus reuteri GMNL-89) as an adjuvant therapy for controlling cancer progression. At 12 weeks of age, pancreatitis was induced in the mice by two intraperitoneal injection with caerulein (25 μg/kg 2 days apart). Over the next 4 weeks the mice were treated with intraperitoneal injections of gemcitabine in combination with the oral administration of probiotics. The pancreas was then harvested for analysis. Following caerulein treatment, the pancreases of the LSL-KrasG12D/−-Pdx-1-Cre transgenic mice exhibited more extensive pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) formation. Combined treatment with gemcitabine and probiotics revealed a lower grade of PanIN formation and a decrease in the expression of vimentin and Ki-67. Mice that received gemcitabine in combination with probiotics had lower aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. Notably, the use of high-dose probiotics alone without gemcitabine also had an inhibitory effect on PanIN changes and serum liver enzyme elevation. These findings suggest that probiotics are able to make standard chemotherapy more effective and could help improve the patient’s tolerance of chemotherapy.
Soil-applied selenite increases selenium and reduces cadmium in roots of Moringa oleifera
Authors: Fu Zhiqiu , Liu Gang , Du Lijuan , Wang Luxiang , Yan Hongmei , Yin Benlin , Ou Quanhong 
Published: November 2020

AbstractDeficiency of selenium (Se) will lead to malnutrition and decreased immune function of the body. There is a common phenomenon of Se deficiency in foods. In this study, different concentrations of sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) were applied to Moringa oleifera grownin soil. The purpose was to explore the feasibility of Se biofortification of M. oleifera root. The effect of exogenous Se on the accumulation of Se and cadmium (Cd) in the roots of M. oleifera was studied by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and the mechanism of exogenous Se on the accumulation of Se and Cd in the roots was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) combined with principal component analysis and partial least squares regression analysis. The results showed that Na2SeO3 significantly affected the accumulation of Se and Cd in the roots (p < 0.05). The increase in Se was highest when Na2SeO3 was around 4.0 mg/kg, which increased by 315% compared with the control. The decrease in Cd was the lowest when Na2SeO3 was around 2.0 mg/kg, which decreased by 80% compared with the control. The results of FTIR analysis showed that Na2SeO3 treatment changed the carboxylate, phosphate radical, hemicellulose and protein in roots of M. oleifera, while the increase of Se was related to hemicellulose, protein, polysaccharide and lignin, and the decrease of Cd was related to hemicellulose and protein. The results showed that exogenous Se increased the accumulation of Se and inhibited the absorption of Cd. Therefore, the roots of M. oleifera can be used in Se biofortified products.
Iliac intramedullary stabilization for Type IIIA fragility fractures of the pelvis
Authors: Okazaki Shingo , Shirahama Masahiro , Hashida Ryuki , Matsuura Mitsuhiro , Yoshida Shiro , Nakama Kenjiro , Matsuse Hiroo , Shiba Naoto 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThere have been few reports on fixation of Rommens classification Type IIIA fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFPs). Here, we present our less invasive surgical technique, called iliac intramedullary stabilization (ILIS), for the internal fixation of Type IIIA FFPs. The technique involves a closed reduction, termed the femur internal rotation reduction method (FIRM), whereby the fracture fragments are repositioned using lateral rotators by internally rotating the femur while the patient is in the prone position. Two iliac screws are inserted on the ilium bilaterally via the supra-acetabular bone canal during FIRM and connected with two transverse rods and two cross connectors. We refer to this internal fixation procedure as ILIS. We retrospectively recruited patients with Type IIIA fractures, treated using this procedure, at our institute between October 2017 and October 2019. We evaluated operative and post-operative outcomes. We enrolled 10 patients (9 women and 1 man; mean age, 85.2 years) who were followed up for over 6 months. All patients suffered FFPs after falling from a standing position. The mean operative time was 145.1 (range, 94–217) minutes, and the mean blood loss was 258.5 (range, 100–684) ml. All patients were allowed full weight bearing from post-operative day 1. All patients achieved bone union and regained their pre-injury walking ability at 6 months after surgery without evident secondary displacement. In conclusion, our ILIS technique allows less invasive internal fixation of Type IIIA FFPs with adequate stability for full weight bearing from post-operative day 1.
Turnip mosaic virus in oilseed rape activates networks of sRNA-mediated interactions between viral and host genomes
Authors: Pitzalis Nicolas , Amari Khalid , Graindorge Stéfanie , Pflieger David , Donaire Livia , Wassenegger Michael , Llave César , Heinlein Manfred 
Published: November 2020

AbstractVirus-induced plant diseases in cultivated plants cause important damages in yield. Although the mechanisms of virus infection are intensely studied at the cell biology level, only little is known about the molecular dialog between the invading virus and the host genome. Here we describe a combinatorial genome-wide approach to identify networks of sRNAs-guided post-transcriptional regulation within local Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) infection sites in Brassica napus leaves. We show that the induction of host-encoded, virus-activated small interfering RNAs (vasiRNAs) observed in virus-infected tissues is accompanied by site-specific cleavage events on both viral and host RNAs that recalls the activity of small RNA-induced silencing complexes (RISC). Cleavage events also involve virus-derived siRNA (vsiRNA)–directed cleavage of target host transcripts as well as cleavage of viral RNA by both host vasiRNAs and vsiRNAs. Furthermore, certain coding genes act as virus-activated regulatory hubs to produce vasiRNAs for the targeting of other host genes. The observations draw an advanced model of plant-virus interactions and provide insights into the complex regulatory networking at the plant-virus interface within cells undergoing early stages of infection.
Human TRPC5 structures reveal interaction of a xanthine-based TRPC1/4/5 inhibitor with a conserved lipid binding site
Authors: Wright David J. , Simmons Katie J. , Johnson Rachel M. , Beech David J. , Muench Stephen P. , Bon Robin S. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractTRPC1/4/5 channels are non-specific cation channels implicated in a wide variety of diseases, and TRPC1/4/5 inhibitors have recently entered clinical trials. However, fundamental and translational studies require a better understanding of TRPC1/4/5 channel regulation by endogenous and exogenous factors. Although several potent and selective TRPC1/4/5 modulators have been reported, the paucity of mechanistic insights into their modes-of-action remains a barrier to the development of new chemical probes and drug candidates. Xanthine-based modulators include the most potent and selective TRPC1/4/5 inhibitors described to date, as well as TRPC5 activators. Our previous studies suggest that xanthines interact with a, so far, elusive pocket of TRPC1/4/5 channels that is essential to channel gating. Here we report the structure of a small-molecule-bound TRPC1/4/5 channel—human TRPC5 in complex with the xanthine Pico145—to 3.0 Å. We found that Pico145 binds to a conserved lipid binding site of TRPC5, where it displaces a bound phospholipid. Our findings explain the mode-of-action of xanthine-based TRPC1/4/5 modulators, and suggest a structural basis for TRPC1/4/5 modulation by endogenous factors such as (phospho)lipids and Zn2+ ions. These studies lay the foundations for the structure-based design of new generations of TRPC1/4/5 modulators.
Targeted intracellular degradation of SARS-CoV-2 via computationally optimized peptide fusions
Authors: Chatterjee Pranam , Ponnapati Manvitha , Kramme Christian , Plesa Alexandru M. , Church George M. , Jacobson Joseph M. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has elicited a global health crisis of catastrophic proportions. With only a few vaccines approved for early or limited use, there is a critical need for effective antiviral strategies. In this study, we report a unique antiviral platform, through computational design of ACE2-derived peptides which both target the viral spike protein receptor binding domain (RBD) and recruit E3 ubiquitin ligases for subsequent intracellular degradation of SARS-CoV-2 in the proteasome. Our engineered peptide fusions demonstrate robust RBD degradation capabilities in human cells and are capable of inhibiting infection-competent viral production, thus prompting their further experimental characterization and therapeutic development.
More than protection: the function of TiO2 interlayers in hematite functionalized Si photoanodes
Authors: Kawde Anurag , Annamalai Alagappan , Sellstedt Anita , Uhlig Jens , Wågberg Thomas , Glatzel Pieter , Messinger Johannes 
Published: November 2020

Signature of performance-enhancing oxygen vacancies in the mesoporous TiO2 interlayer of a hematite functionalized Si microwire photoanode revealed by hard energy X-ray spectroscopy.
Renin–angiotensin system overactivation in perivascular adipose tissue contributes to vascular dysfunction in heart failure
Authors: Fontes Milene Tavares , Paula Suliana Mesquita , Lino Caroline Antunes , Senger Nathalia , Couto Gisele Kruger , Barreto-Chaves Maria Luiza de Morais , Mill José Geraldo , Rossoni Luciana Venturini 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) dysfunction is associated with vascular damage in cardiometabolic diseases. Although heart failure (HF)-induced endothelial dysfunction is associated with renin–angiotensin system (RAS) activation, no data have correlated this syndrome with PVAT dysfunction. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate whether the hyperactivation of the RAS in PVAT participates in the vascular dysfunction observed in rats with HF after myocardial infarction surgery. Wire myograph studies were carried out in thoracic aorta rings in the presence and absence of PVAT. An anticontractile effect of PVAT was observed in the rings of the control rats in the presence (33%) or absence (11%) of endothelium. Moreover, this response was substantially reduced in animals with HF (5%), and acute type 1 angiotensin II receptor (AT1R) and type 2 angiotensin II receptor (AT2R) blockade restored the anticontractile effect of PVAT. In addition, the angiotensin-converting enzyme 1 (ACE1) activity (26%) and angiotensin II levels (51%), as well as the AT1R and AT2R gene expression, were enhanced in the PVAT of rats with HF. Associated with these alterations, HF-induced lower nitric oxide bioavailability, oxidative stress and whitening of the PVAT, which suggests changes in the secretory function of this tissue. The ACE1/angiotensin II/AT1R and AT2R axes are involved in thoracic aorta PVAT dysfunction in rats with HF. These results suggest PVAT as a target in the pathophysiology of vascular dysfunction in HF and provide new perspectives for the treatment of this syndrome.
Location and energetics of the ultra-fast outflow in PG 1448+273
Authors: Laurenti M. , Luminari A. , Tombesi F. , Vagnetti F. , Middei R. , Piconcelli E. 
Published: November 2020

Context. Ultra-fast outflows (UFOs) are the most powerful disk-driven winds in active galactic nuclei (AGNs). Theoretical and observational evidence shows that UFOs play a key role in the AGN feedback mechanism. The mechanical power of the strongest UFOs may be enough to propagate the feedback to the host galaxies and ultimately shape the AGN-galaxy coevolution. It is therefore of paramount importance to fully characterize UFOs, their location, and energetics.
Aims. We study two XMM-Newton archival observations of the narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxy PG 1448+273. We concentrate on the latest observation, whose spectrum is characterized by a strong absorption feature in the Fe K band. This feature represents the spectral imprint of a UFO, as confirmed by other independent analyses. We study this feature in detail with a novel modeling tool.
Methods. In order to constrain the physical properties of the UFO, we implemented the novel model called wind in the ionized nuclear environment (WINE) to fit the photoionized emission and absorption lines from a disk wind in X-ray spectra. WINE is a photoionization model that allows us to self-consistently calculate absorption and emission profiles. It also takes special relativistic effects into account.
Results. Our detection of the UFO in PG 1448+273 is very robust. The outflowing material is highly ionized, logξ = 5.53−0.05+0.04 erg s−1 cm, has a high column density, NH = 4.5−1.1+0.8 × 1023 cm−2, is ejected with a maximum velocity v0 = 0.24−0.06+0.08 c (90% confidence level errors), and attains an average velocity vavg = 0.152 c. WINE succeeds remarkably well to constrain a launching radius of r0 = 77−19+31 rS from the black hole. We also derive a lower limit on both the opening angle of the wind (θ >  72°) and the covering factor (Cf >  0.69). We find a mass outflow rate Ṁout = 0.65−0.33+0.44 M⊙ yr−1 = 2.0−1.0+1.3 Ṁacc and a high instantaneous outflow kinetic power Ėout = 4.4−3.6+4.4 × 1044 erg s−1 = 24% Lbol = 18% LEdd (1σ errors). We find that a major error contribution on the energetics is due to r0, stressing the importance of an accurate determination through proper spectral modeling, as done with WINE. Finally, using 20 Swift (UVOT and XRT) observations together with the simultaneous Optical Monitor data from XMM-Newton, we also find that αox varied strongly, with a maximum excursion of Δαox = −0.7, after the UFO was detected, leading to a remarkable X-ray weakness. This may indicate a starving of the inner accretion disk due to the removal of matter through the wind, and it may have repercussions for the larger population of observed X-ray weak quasars.
Re-analysis of the 267 GHz ALMA observations of Venus
Authors: Snellen I. A. G. , Guzman-Ramirez L. , Hogerheijde M. R. , Hygate A. P. S. , van der Tak F. F. S. 
Published: November 2020

Context. ALMA observations of Venus at 267 GHz that show the apparent presence of phosphine (PH3) in its atmosphere have been presented in the literature. Phosphine currently has no evident production routes on the planet’s surface or in its atmosphere.
Aims. The aim of this work is to assess the statistical reliability of the line detection via independent re-analysis of the ALMA data.
Methods. The ALMA data were reduced the same way as in the published study, following the provided scripts. First, the spectral analysis presented in the study was reproduced and assessed. Subsequently, the spectrum, including its dependence on selected ALMA baselines, was statistically evaluated.
Results. We find that the 12th-order polynomial fit to the spectral passband utilised in the published study leads to spurious results. Following their recipe, five other > 10σ lines can be produced in absorption or emission within 60 km s−1 from the PH3 1−0 transition frequency by suppressing the surrounding noise. Our independent analysis shows a feature near the PH3 frequency at a ∼2σ level, below the common threshold for statistical significance. Since the spectral data have a non-Gaussian distribution, we consider a feature at such level as statistically unreliable, which cannot be linked to a false positive probability.
Conclusions. We find that the published 267 GHz ALMA data provide no statistical evidence for phosphine in the atmosphere of Venus.
Optimization of Short-term Modes of Hydrothermal Power System
Authors: Gayibov Tulkin , Pulatov Bekzod 
Published: November 2020

Optimal planning of short-term modes of power systems is a complex nonlinear programming problem with many simple, functional and integral constraints in the form of equalities and inequalities. Especially, the presence of integral constraints causes significant difficulties in solving of such problem. Since, under such constraints, the modes of power system in separate time intervals of the considered planning period become dependent on the values of the parameters in other intervals. Accordingly, it becomes impossible to obtain the optimal mode plan as the results of separate optimization for individual time intervals of the period under consideration. And the simultaneous solution of the problem for all time intervals of the planning period in the conditions of large power systems is associated with additional difficulties in ensuring the reliability of convergence of the iterative computational process. In this regard, the issues of improving the methods and algorithms for optimization of short-term modes of power systems containing thermal and large hydroelectric power plants with reservoirs, in which water consumption is regulated in the short-term planning period, remains as an important task.
In this paper, we propose the effective algorithm for solving the problem under consideration, which makes it possible to quickly and reliably determine the optimal operating modes of the power system for the planned period. The results of research of effectiveness of this algorithm are presented on the example of optimal planning of daily mode of the power system, which contains two thermal and three hydraulic power plants..
Gestörtes Essverhalten und Essstörungen bei Menschen mit Diabetes mellitus
Authors: Krichbaum Michael , Priesterroth Lilli 
Published: November 2020

ZUSAMMENFASSUNGDas Essverhalten spielt beim Diabetes mellitus eine wesentliche Rolle – sowohl für die Entstehung als auch für den Verlauf und die Prognose der Erkrankung. Das Spektrum eines gestörten Essverhaltens reicht dabei von Essproblemen über auffälliges Essverhalten (subklinische Essstörungen) bis hin zu klinischen Essstörungen. Auch wenn es keine belastbaren Hinweise darauf gibt, dass Essstörungen bei Menschen mit Diabetes im Vergleich zu stoffwechselgesunden Menschen gehäuft auftreten, stellen ein gestörtes Essverhalten und manifeste Essstörungen bei Diabetes einen Risikofaktor für eine erhöhte Morbidität und Mortalität dar. In den vergangenen Jahren lag der Fokus der Forschung auf dem Binge Eating und den sog. „nicht näher bezeichneten Essstörungen“, wie dem nächtlichen Essen (Night-Eating-Syndrom).
Indwelling double-pigtail plastic stents for treating disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome-associated peripancreatic fluid collections: long-term safety and efficacy
Authors: Gkolfakis Paraskevas , Bourguignon Arnaud , Arvanitakis Marianna , Baudewyns Arthur , Eisendrath Pierre , Blero Daniel , Lemmers Arnaud , Delhaye Myriam , Devière Jacques 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background Long-term transmural double-pigtail stent (DPS) placement is recommended for patients with disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome (DPDS) and peripancreatic fluid collections (peri-PFCs). The long-term safety and efficacy of indwelling DPSs were evaluated.
Methods Medical files of patients treated with DPS for DPDS-associated peri-PFC and with a follow-up ≥ 48 months were reviewed. Early ( < 30 days) and late complications of DPS placement were evaluated and the primary endpoint, i. e., incidence of late complications per 100 patient-years of follow-up, was calculated. Short- and long-term success rates of endoscopic treatment and rate of peri-PFC recurrence were among secondary endpoints.
Results From 2002 to 2014 we identified 116 patients, with mean (SD) follow-up of 80.6 (34.4) months. Among early complications (n = 20), 6 occurred peri-interventionally. Late complications (n = 17) were mainly pain due to DPS-induced ulcer or erosion (n = 10) and 14 of these were treated conservatively or by stent removal; 2 gastro-pancreatico-colo-cutaneous fistulas and 1 persisting bleed required surgical intervention. No DPS-related deaths were recorded. The incidence rate (95 %CI) of late complications was 2.18 (1.27–3.49) per 100 patient-years of follow-up. Short- and long-term success rates (with 95 %CI) of endoscopic treatment were 97.4 % (94.5 %–100 %) and 94 % (89.6 %–98.3 %), respectively. The peri-PFC recurrence rate was 28 % (20.1 %–35.9 %), and 92.3 % of these occurred within the first 2 years. Stent migration, chronic pancreatitis, and length of stent (> 6 cm) were independently associated with higher rates of peri-PFC recurrence.
Conclusions Long-term transmural drainage with DPS is a safe and effective treatment for DPDS-associated peri-PFCs. However, about one quarter of peri-PFCs will recur.