bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
6β-Hydroxytestosterone, a metabolite of testosterone generated by CYP1B1, contributes to vascular changes in angiotensin II-induced hypertension in male mice
Authors: Pingili Ajeeth K. , Jennings Brett L. , Mukherjee Kamalika , Akroush Wadah , Gonzalez Frank J. , Malik Kafait U. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Previously, we showed that 6β-hydroxytestosterone (6β-OHT), a cytochrome P450 1B1 (CYP1B1)-derived metabolite of testosterone, contributes to angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced hypertension in male mice. This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that 6β-OHT contributes to increased vascular reactivity, endothelial dysfunction, vascular hypertrophy, and reactive oxygen species production associated with Ang II-induced hypertension.

Methods
Eight- to 10-week-old intact or castrated C57BL/6 J (Cyp1b1+/+ and Cyp1b1−/−) mice were anesthetized for implantation of a micro-osmotic pump which delivered Ang II (700 ng/kg/day) or saline for 14 days. Mice were injected with 6β-OHT (15 μg/g b.w every third day), flutamide (8 mg/kg every day), or its vehicle. Blood pressure was measured via tail-cuff. Vascular reactivity, endothelial-dependent and endothelial-independent vasodilation, media to lumen ratio, fibrosis by collagen deposition, and reactive oxygen species production by dihydroethidium staining were determined in the isolated thoracic aorta.

Results
The response of thoracic aorta to phenylephrine and endothelin-1 was increased in Ang II-infused Cyp1b1+/+ mice compared to intact Cyp1b1−/− or castrated Cyp1b1+/+ and Cyp1b1−/− mice; these effects of Ang II were restored by treatment with 6β-OHT. Ang II infusion caused endothelial dysfunction, as indicated by decreased relaxation of the aorta to acetylcholine in Cyp1b1+/+ but not Cyp1b1−/− or castrated Cyp1b1+/+ and Cyp1b1−/− mice. 6β-OHT did not alter Ang II-induced endothelial dysfunction in Cyp1b1+/+ mice but restored it in Cyp1b1−/− or castrated Cyp1b1+/+ and Cyp1b1−/− mice. Ang II infusion increased media to lumen ratio and caused fibrosis and reactive oxygen species production in the aorta of Cyp1b1+/+ mice. These effects were minimized in the aorta of Cyp1b1−/− or castrated Cyp1b1+/+ and Cyp1b1−/− mice and restored by treatment with 6β-OHT. Treatment with the androgen receptor antagonist flutamide reduced blood pressure and vascular hypertrophy in castrated Ang II-infused mice injected with 6β-OHT.

Conclusions
6β-OHT is required for the action of Ang II to increase vascular reactivity and cause endothelial dysfunction, hypertrophy, and increase in oxygen radical production. The effect of 6β-OHT in mediating Ang II-induced hypertension and associated hypertrophy is dependent on the androgen receptor. Therefore, CYP1B1 could serve as a novel target for the development of therapeutics to treat vascular changes in hypertensive males.
The ERG1a potassium channel increases basal intracellular calcium concentration and calpain activity in skeletal muscle cells
Authors: Whitmore Clayton , Pratt Evan P.S. , Anderson Luke , Bradley Kevin , Latour Sawyer M. , Hashmi Mariam N. , Urazaev Albert K. , Weilbaecher Rod , Davie Judith K. , Wang Wen-Horng , Hockerman Gregory H. , Pond Amber L. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Skeletal muscle atrophy is the net loss of muscle mass that results from an imbalance in protein synthesis and protein degradation. It occurs in response to several stimuli including disease, injury, starvation, and normal aging. Currently, there is no truly effective pharmacological therapy for atrophy; therefore, exploration of the mechanisms contributing to atrophy is essential because it will eventually lead to discovery of an effective therapeutic target. The ether-a-go-go related gene (ERG1A) K+ channel has been shown to contribute to atrophy by upregulating ubiquitin proteasome proteolysis in cachectic and unweighted mice and has also been implicated in calcium modulation in cancer cells.

Methods
We transduced C2C12 myotubes with either a human ERG1A encoded adenovirus or an appropriate control virus. We used fura-2 calcium indicator to measure intracellular calcium concentration and Calpain-Glo assay kits (ProMega) to measure calpain activity. Quantitative PCR was used to monitor gene expression and immunoblot evaluated protein abundances in cell lysates. Data were analyzed using either a Student’s t test or two-way ANOVAs and SAS software as indicated.

Results
Expression of human ERG1A in C2C12 myotubes increased basal intracellular calcium concentration 51.7% (p < 0.0001; n = 177). Further, it increased the combined activity of the calcium-activated cysteine proteases, calpain 1 and 2, by 31.9% (p < 0.08; n = 24); these are known to contribute to degradation of myofilaments. The increased calcium levels are likely a contributor to the increased calpain activity; however, the change in calpain activity may also be attributable to increased calpain protein abundance and/or a decrease in levels of the native calpain inhibitor, calpastatin. To explore the enhanced calpain activity further, we evaluated expression of calpain and calpastatin genes and observed no significant differences. There was no change in calpain 1 protein abundance; however, calpain 2 protein abundance decreased 40.7% (p < 0.05; n = 6). These changes do not contribute to an increase in calpain activity; however, we detected a 31.7% decrease (p < 0.05; n = 6) in calpastatin which could contribute to enhanced calpain activity.

Conclusions
Human ERG1A expression increases both intracellular calcium concentration and combined calpain 1 and 2 activity. The increased calpain activity is likely a result of the increased calcium levels and decreased calpastatin abundance.
Uncontrolled hypertension among patients with comorbidities in sub-Saharan Africa: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mohamed Shukri F. , Uthman Olalekan A. , Caleyachetty Rishi , Chumo Ivy , Mutua Martin K. , Asiki Gershim , Gill Paramjit 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Uncontrolled hypertension is the most important risk factor and leading cause of cardiovascular diseases. It is predicted that the number of people with hypertension will increase, and a large proportion of this increase will occur in developing countries. The highest prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension is reported in sub-Saharan Africa, and treatment for hypertension is unacceptably low. Hypertension commonly co-exists with comorbidities and this is associated with poorer health outcomes for patients. This review aims to estimate the prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension among patients with comorbidities in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods and analysis
All published and unpublished studies on the prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension among patients with comorbidities in sub-Saharan Africa will be included. MEDLINE via OVID, Embase, and Web of Science will be searched to identify all relevant articles published from January 2000 to June 2019. Experts in the field will be contacted for unpublished literature, and Open SIGLE will be reviewed for relevant information. No language restriction will be imposed. Two reviewers will select, screen, extract data, and assess the risk of bias while a third reviewer will arbitrate the disagreements. A meta-analysis will be performed on variables that are similar across the included studies. Proportions will be stabilized before estimates are pooled using a random effects model. The presence of publication bias will be assessed using Egger’s test and visual inspection of the funnel plots. This systematic and meta-analysis review protocol will be reported in accordance with the PRISMA-P protocol guidelines. Results will be stratified by country, comorbidity, and geographic region.

Discussion
This systematic review and meta-analysis is expected to quantify the magnitude of uncontrolled hypertension among patients with certain comorbid conditions in sub-Saharan Africa to guide policies and interventions. This review is registered in PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic reviews CRD42019108218.
Maternal and birth cohort studies in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Al-Rifai Rami H. , Ali Nasloon , Barigye Esther T. , Al Haddad Amal H. I. , Al-Maskari Fatima , Loney Tom , Ahmed Luai A. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundWe systematically reviewed and chronicled exposures and outcomes measured in the maternal and birth cohort studies in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and quantitatively summarized the weighted effect estimates between maternal obesity and (1) cesarean section (CS) and (2) fetal macrosomia.MethodsWe searched MEDLINE-PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science electronic databases up to 30 June 2019. We considered all maternal and birth cohort studies conducted in the six GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates (UAE)). We categorized cohort studies on the basis of the exposure(s) (anthropometric, environmental, medical, maternal/reproductive, perinatal, or socioeconomic) and outcome(s) (maternal or birth) being measured. Adjusted weighted effect estimates, in the form of relative risks, between maternal obesity and CS and fetal macrosomia were generated using a random-effects model.ResultsOf 3502 citations, 81 published cohort studies were included. One cohort study was in Bahrain, eight in Kuwait, seven in Qatar, six in Oman, 52 in Saudi Arabia, and seven in the UAE. Majority of the exposures studied were maternal/reproductive (65.2%) or medical (39.5%). Birth and maternal outcomes were reported in 82.7% and in 74.1% of the cohort studies, respectively. In Saudi Arabia, babies born to obese women were at a higher risk of macrosomia (adjusted relative risk (aRR), 1.15; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.10–1.20;I2 = 50%) or cesarean section (aRR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.15–1.26;I2 = 62.0%). Several cohort studies were only descriptive without reporting the magnitude of the effect estimate between the assessed exposures and outcomes.ConclusionsCohort studies in the GCC have predominantly focused on reproductive and medical exposures. Obese pregnant women are at an increased risk of undergoing CS delivery or macrosomic births. Longer-term studies that explore a wider range of environmental and biological exposures and outcomes relevant to the GCC region are needed.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42017068910
Inertial hybrid algorithm for variational inequality problems in Hilbert spaces
Authors: Tian Ming , Jiang Bing-Nan 
Published: January 2020

AbstractFor a variational inequality problem, the inertial projection and contraction method have been studied. It has a weak convergence result. In this paper, we propose a strong convergence iterative method for finding a solution of a variational inequality problem with a monotone mapping by projection and contraction method and inertial hybrid algorithm. Our result can be used to solve other related problems in Hilbert spaces.
Numerical techniques for stochastic foot and mouth disease epidemic model with the impact of vaccination
Authors: Abodayeh Kamaleldin , Arif Muhammad Shoaib , Raza Ali , Rafiq Muhammad , Bibi Mairaj , Nazeer Amna 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe spread of an epidemic diseases is stochastic in nature. It is more realistic to include this stochasticity when modelling the dynamics of a communicable disease. In this paper, a stochastic model for foot and mouth disease dynamics in animals is constructed from its corresponding deterministic model. Like the deterministic model, the dynamics of the stochastic model is also governed by a threshold parameter ${A}^{*}$A∗, called FMD generation number. If we are able to make ${A}^{*} < 1$A∗<1, then the disease will completely die out from the animal population. If ${A}^{*} > 1$A∗>1, the disease will become endemic in animals. A competitive structure preserving numerical analysis of the stochastic model in comparison with its deterministic part is presented. The proposed numerical analysis is also compared with already existing numerical techniques which may not be reliable in certain situations. Numerical experiments are performed and their results are plotted to show the strength of the proposed technique.
Implementation of human factors engineering approach to improve environmental cleaning and disinfection in a medical center
Authors: Hung I-Chen , Chang Hao-Yuan , Cheng Aristine , Chen Mei-Wen , Chen An-Chi , Ting Ling , Lai Yeur-Hur , Wang Jann-Tay , Chen Yee-Chun , Sheng Wang-Huei 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Inadequate hospital cleaning may contribute to cross-transmission of pathogens. It is important to implement effective cleaning for the safe hospital environment. We conducted a three-phase study using human factors engineering (HFE) approach to enhance environmental cleanliness.

Methods
This study was conducted using a prospective interventional trial, and 28 (33.3%) of 84 wards in a medical center were sampled. The three-phases included pre-intervention analysis (Phase 1), implementing interventions by HFE principles (Phase 2), and programmatic analysis (Phase 3). The evaluations of terminal cleaning and disinfection were performed using the fluorescent marker, the adenosine triphosphate bioluminescence assay, and the aerobic colony count method simultaneously in all phases. Effective terminal cleaning and disinfection was qualified with the aggregate outcome of the same 10 high-touch surfaces per room. A score for each high-touch surface was recorded, with 0 denoting a fail and 10 denoting a pass by the benchmark of the evaluation method, and the total terminal cleaning and disinfection score (TCD score) was a score out of 100.

Results
In each phase, 840 high-touch surfaces were collected from 84 rooms after terminal cleaning and disinfection. After the interventions, the TCD score by the three evaluation methods all showed significant improved. The carriage incidence of multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) decreased significantly from 4.1 per 1000 patient-days to 3.6 per 1000 patient-days (P = .03).

Conclusion
The HFE approach can improve the thoroughness and the effectiveness of terminal cleaning and disinfection, and resulted in a reduction of patient carriage of MDRO at hospitals. Larger studies are necessary to establish whether such efforts of cleanliness can reduce the incidence of healthcare-associated infection.
Preliminary evaluation of the VIsion PERformance (VIPER) simulator
Authors: Ryan Denise S. , Sia Rose K. , Eaddy Jennifer B. , Logan Lorie A. , Familoni Jide O. , Beydoun Hind , Rodgers Samantha B. , Rivers Bruce A. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
This study evaluated the VIsion PERformance (VIPER) simulator’s ability to assess the functional visual performance in warfighters conducting civilian and military tasks.

Methods
Thirty service members, aged 25–35 years old with a best corrected distance visual acuity (VA) better than or equal to 20/20 or logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) 0.00, were randomized to locate and identify road signs and mock improvised explosive devices (IEDs) under either daytime conditions or with infrared imagery, with (cc) and without (sc) wearing their habitual correction. Participants also underwent binocular uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) visual assessment, refraction, contrast sensitivity testing and wavefront aberrometry.

Results
The mean age was 28.47 years. The manifest spherical equivalent was − 3.16 ± 1.75 diopters (D), the UDVA in both eyes (OU) was logMAR 0.83 ± 0.47, and the CDVA OU was − 0.11 ± 0.06. For VIPER, the mean difference in the detection distance (DD) for road signs ccDD vs. scDD was 76.7 ± 52.8 m (P < 0.001). The average difference in identification distance (ID) ccID vs. scID was 13.9 ± 6.3 m (P < 0.001). The mean accuracies were 83.5 and 27.9% for cc and sc, respectively (P < 0.001). The regression analysis indicated that a 1.6 m change in the distance accounts for a 1% change in the accuracy (P = 0.002). Without correction, a 4.1 m change accounts for a 1% change in the accuracy (P < 0.001). The average IED ccDD was 29.9 ± 8.2 m, and that for scDD was 13.2 ± 13.6 m (P < 0.001). The average IED ccID was 32.2 ± 6.2 m and that for the scID was 7.4 ± 10.3 m (P < 0.001). The mean IED identification accuracy was 46.7 and 11.4% for cc and sc, respectively (P < 0.001).

Conclusions
The preliminary results reflect VIPER’s ability to assess functional visual performance when detecting and identifying signs and IEDs. Furthermore, VIPER is able to detect performance changes with and without correction.
The effects of short-term combined exercise training on telomere length in obese women: a prospective, interventional study
Authors: Brandao Camila Fernanda Cunha , Nonino Carla Barbosa , de Carvalho Flavia Giolo , Nicoletti Carolina Ferreira , Noronha Natalia Yumi , San Martin Rocio , de Freitas Ellen Cristini , Junqueira-Franco Marcia Varella Morandi , Marchini Julio Sergio 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Telomere length is inversely associated with the senescence and aging process. Parallelly, obesity can promote telomere shortening. Evidence suggests that physical activity may promote telomere elongation.

Objective
This study’s objective is to evaluate the effects of combined exercise training on telomere length in obese women.

Design and Methods
Twenty pre-menopausal women (BMI 30–40 kg/m2, 20–40 years) submitted to combined training (strength and aerobic exercises), but only 13 finished the protocol. Each exercise session lasted 55 min/day, three times a week, throughout 8 weeks. Anthropometric data, body composition, physical performance (Vo2max), and 8-h fasting blood samples were taken before and after 8 weeks of training. Leukocyte DNA was extracted for telomere length by RT-qPCR reaction, using the 2−ΔΔCt methodology.

Results
After the training intervention, significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in telomere length (respectively before and after, 1.03 ± 0.04 to 1.07 ± 0.04 T/S ratio), fat-free mass (46 ± 7 to 48 ± 5 kg), Vo2max (35 ± 3 to 38 ± 3 ml/kg/min), and waist circumference (96 ± 8 to 90 ± 6 cm). In addition, an inverse correlation between waist circumference and telomere length was found, before (r = − 0.536, p = 0.017) and after (r = − 0.655, p = 0.015) exercise training.

Conclusion
Combined exercise promoted leukocyte telomere elongation in obese women. Besides, the data suggested that greater waist circumference may predict shorter telomere length.

Clinical Trial Registration
ClinicalTrails.gov, NCT03119350. Retrospectively registered on 18 April 2017
Intergenerational differences of CSR activities in family-run businesses in eastern Thailand
Authors: Laysiriroj Sapanna , Wehrmeyer Walter 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis paper looks at differences and similarities in CSR between generations of family-run businesses in Thailand, especially their motivation, behaviour, targets, activities, and expectations towards CSR. It will be argued that family-run businesses in Thailand practise CSR informally, driven by a mentality of “giving back to society” and mostly influenced by religion and culture. Family-run businesses generally approach CSR differently from larger corporations. This paper also discusses differences of priorities between 1st and 2nd generation owners, with 1st generation FRBs tend to focus on survival and growth, while the 2nd generation on profit. Despite struggling to survive, 1st generation family-run businesses are typically engaged in CSR activities which influences the 2nd generation to follow suit.
Effect of the protein elicitor AMEP412 from Bacillus subtilis artificially fed to adults of the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)
Authors: Liu Quan , Zhang Binbin , Shen Yongrui , Yin Kuide 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn a previous study, we identified a protein elicitor AMEP412 fromBacillus subtilis, which could trigger plant defense response and induce systemic acquired resistance. In the present study, the toxicity of AMEP412 against the whiteflyBemisia tabaci(Genn.) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) was reported. The purified protein samples at different concentrations (1, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 μg/ml) caused 17–96% mortality 2 days post-artificial adult feeding, where the median lethal concentration (LC50) was calculated by 15.57 μg/ml. The stability test showed that AMEP412 had a good stability against thermo and natural degradation. The fluorescence localization assay revealed that AMEP412 could be taken into the whitefly adult body and localized in the gut. Based on the feature of this protein, AMEP412 was probably digested by gut proteases and led to the release of hydrophobic fragments in the insect gut. It was deduced that these hydrophobic peptides could insert themselves into the cell membrane and form lytic pores, leading to content leakage and cell lysis, followed by insect death. This study sheds a light on the toxic effect of AMEP412, which not only enriched the function of the protein elicitor but also provided a new choice for the biocontrol of whiteflies.
Late weaning is associated with increased microbial diversity and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii abundance in the fecal microbiota of piglets
Authors: Massacci Francesca Romana , Berri Mustapha , Lemonnier Gaetan , Guettier Elodie , Blanc Fany , Jardet Deborah , Rossignol Marie Noelle , Mercat Marie-José , Doré Joël , Lepage Patricia , Rogel-Gaillard Claire , Estellé Jordi 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
In pig production systems, weaning is a crucial period characterized by nutritional, environmental, and social stresses. Piglets transition from a milk-based diet to a solid, more complex plant-based diet, and their gut physiology must adapt accordingly. It is well established that piglets weaned later display improved health, better wean-to-finish growth performance, and lower mortality rates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of weaning age on fecal microbiota diversity and composition in piglets. Forty-eight Large White piglets were divided into 4 groups of 12 animals that were weaned at different ages: 14 days (early weaning), 21 days (a common weaning age in intensive pig farming), 28 days (idem), and 42 days (late weaning). Microbiota composition was assessed in each group by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene using fecal samples taken on the day of weaning, 7 days later, and at 60 days of age.

Results
In each group, there were significant differences in fecal microbiota composition before and after weaning (p < 0.05), confirming that weaning can drastically change the gut microbiota. Microbiota diversity was positively correlated with weaning age: microbial alpha diversity and richness were higher in piglets weaned at 42 days of age both on the day of weaning and 7 days later. The abundance of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii operational taxonomic units (OTUs) was also higher in piglets weaned at 42 days of age.

Conclusions
Overall, these results show that late weaning increased gut microbiota diversity and the abundance of F. prausnitzii, a microorganism with positive effects in humans. Piglets might thus derive a competitive advantage from later weaning because they have more time to accumulate a higher diversity of potentially beneficial microbes prior to the stressful and risky weaning period.