bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low vision and the risk of dementia: a nationwide population-based cohort study
Authors: Paik Ji-Sun , Ha Minji , Jung Youn Hea , Kim Gee-Hyun , Han Kyung-Do , Kim Hyun-Seung , Lim Dong Hui , Na Kyung-Sun 
Published: June 2020

AbstractRecent studies suggested that an association exists between vision loss and cognitive impairment, although it is still vague whether there are causal relationships or direct association between low vision and dementia. We were to investigate the association between low vision and dementia in the Korean population using the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) database. We analyzed the data of 6,029,657 subjects aged ≥40 years, drawn from Korea National Health Insurance Service. The hazard ratio (HRs) and 95% confidence interval (CIs) of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and Vascular dementia (VD) were estimated using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models. Statistical analysis showed that subjects with more severe visual impairments have a higher risk of dementia, AD, and VD after adjusting for compounding variables. The HRs of dementia increased significantly as visual acuity worsened (HRs 1.444 [95% CIs 1.415–1.473] for visual acuity (VA) < 1.0, 1.734 [1.693–1.777] for VA < 0.3, 1.727 [1.686–1.770] for VA < 0.1 and 1.991[1.902–2.085] for visual loss). Baseline visual loss and visual impairment were positively associated with the risk of dementia, AD, and VD. From the results of this nationwide population-based cohort study, we suggest that there is a significant increase in the incidence of dementia in subjects with low vision.
miR-379 links glucocorticoid treatment with mitochondrial response in Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Sanson Mathilde , Vu Hong Ai , Massourides Emmanuelle , Bourg Nathalie , Suel Laurence , Amor Fatima , Corre Guillaume , Bénit Paule , Barthelemy Inès , Blot Stephane , Bigot Anne , Pinset Christian , Rustin Pierre , Servais Laurent , Voit Thomas , Richard Isabelle , Israeli David 
Published: June 2020

AbstractDuchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a lethal muscle disorder, caused by mutations in the DMD gene and affects approximately 1:5000–6000 male births. In this report, we identified dysregulation of members of the Dlk1-Dio3 miRNA cluster in muscle biopsies of the GRMD dog model. Of these, we selected miR-379 for a detailed investigation because its expression is high in the muscle, and is known to be responsive to glucocorticoid, a class of anti-inflammatory drugs commonly used in DMD patients. Bioinformatics analysis predicts that miR-379 targets EIF4G2, a translational factor, which is involved in the control of mitochondrial metabolic maturation. We confirmed in myoblasts that EIF4G2 is a direct target of miR-379, and identified the DAPIT mitochondrial protein as a translational target of EIF4G2. Knocking down DAPIT in skeletal myotubes resulted in reduced ATP synthesis and myogenic differentiation. We also demonstrated that this pathway is GC-responsive since treating mice with dexamethasone resulted in reduced muscle expression of miR-379 and increased expression of EIF4G2 and DAPIT. Furthermore, miR-379 seric level, which is also elevated in the plasma of DMD patients in comparison with age-matched controls, is reduced by GC treatment. Thus, this newly identified pathway may link GC treatment to a mitochondrial response in DMD.
Thermoelectric properties of graphene-like nanoribbon studied from the perspective of symmetry
Authors: Dai Ye-Bin , Luo Kai , Wang Xue-Feng 
Published: June 2020

AbstractWe have studied the charge and spin thermopower systematically in a ferromagnetic junction of graphene-like zigzag nanoribbon modified by two on-site disorders in the tight-binding model. Symmetries of the transmission spectra and geometry configuration of the two disorders are important factors in determining the thermoelectric properties of the system. Conditions to achieve pure charge and pure spin thermopower are discussed from the perspective of symmetry. Symmetry breaking is required sometimes to obtain large figure of merit. The type and strength of the disorders can be used to further manipulate the spin polarization of thermal current. Disorders inside nanoribbon instead of on edge can then be used to finely tune the performance of the junction. The results may have great application value in designing thermoelectric devices.
All-optical, an ultra-thin endoscopic photoacoustic sensor using multi-mode fiber
Authors: Shabairou Nadav , Lengenfelder Benjamin , Hohmann Martin , Klämpfl Florian , Schmidt Michael , Zalevsky Zeev 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPhotoacoustic endoscopy (PAE) is a method of in-vivo imaging that uses tissue absorption properties. In PAE, the main tools used to detect the acoustic signal are mechanical ultrasound transducers, which require direct contact and which are difficult to miniaturize. All-optic photoacoustic sensors can challenge this issue as they can provide contact-free sensing. Here, we demonstrate sensing of photo-acoustic signals through a multimode fiber (MMF) which can provide an ultra-thin endoscopic photoacoustic sensor. Furthermore, we show the advantage of using the optical-flow method for speckle sensing and extract the photoacoustic signal despite the mode-mixing along the MMF. Moreover, it is demonstrated for the first time that the speckle reconstruction method can be used without the need for imaging of the speckles as this enables the use of multimode fibers for the speckle method.
Gentle stroking stimuli induce affiliative responsiveness to humans in male rats
Authors: Okabe Shota , Takayanagi Yuki , Yoshida Masahide , Onaka Tatsushi 
Published: June 2020

AbstractGentle tactile stimuli have been shown to play an important role in the establishment and maintenance of affiliative social interactions. Oxytocin has also been shown to have similar actions. We investigated the effects of gentle stroking on affiliative relationships between humans and rats and the effects of gentle stroking on activation of oxytocin neurons. Male rats received 5-min stroking stimuli from an experimenter every other day for 4 weeks between 3 and 6 weeks of age (S3–6 group), for 4 weeks between 7 and 10 weeks of age (S7–10 group), or for 8 weeks between 3 and 10 weeks of age (S3–10 group). Control rats did not receive stroking stimuli. Rats in the S7–10 and S3–10 groups emitted 50-kHz calls, an index of positive emotion, more frequently during stroking stimuli. Rats in the S3–6, S7–10, and S3–10 groups showed affiliative behaviors toward the experimenter. Oxytocin neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus of rats in the S3–6, S7–10, and S3–10 groups were activated following stroking stimuli. These findings revealed that post-weaning repeated stroking stimuli induce an affiliative relationship between rats and humans and activation of oxytocin neurons.
Novel approach using serum progesterone as a triage to guide management of patients with threatened miscarriage: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Tan Thiam Chye , Ku Chee Wai , Kwek Lee Koon , Lee Kai Wei , Zhang Xiaoxuan , Allen John C. , Zhang Valencia Ru-Yan , Tan Nguan Soon 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThreatened miscarriage is a common gynaecological emergency, with up to 25% of women eventually progressing to spontaneous miscarriage. The uncertainty of pregnancy outcomes results in significant anxiety. However, there is currently no acceptable framework for triaging patients presenting with threatened miscarriage. We aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel clinical protocol using a single serum progesterone level to prognosticate and guide management of patients with threatened miscarriage. 1087 women presenting with threatened miscarriage were enrolled in the study. The primary outcome was spontaneous miscarriage by 16 weeks’ gestation. Among the 77.9% (847/1087) of study participants with serum progesterone ≥ 35 nmol/L who were not treated with oral dydrogesterone, the miscarriage rate was 9.6% (81/847). This did not differ significantly from the 8.5% (31/364) miscarriage rate observed in our prior studies; p = 0.566. Among women with serum progesterone < 35 nmol/L who were treated with dydrogesterone, the miscarriage rate was 70.8% (170/240). Our novel clinical triage protocol using a single serum progesterone level allowed both effective risk stratification and a reduction in progestogen use with no significant adverse pregnancy outcomes. This protocol, based on a single serum progesterone cutoff, can be readily adapted for use in other healthcare institutions.
Physicochemical-guided design of cathelicidin-derived peptides generates membrane active variants with therapeutic potential
Authors: Oliveira Nelson G. J. , Cardoso Marlon H. , Velikova Nadya , Giesbers Marcel , Wells Jerry M. , Rezende Taia M. B. , de Vries Renko , Franco Octávio L. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe spread of multi-drug resistance and the slow pace at which antibiotics come onto the market are undermining our ability to treat human infections, leading to high mortality rates. Aiming to overcome this global crisis, antimicrobial peptides are considered promising alternatives to counter bacterial infections with multi-drug resistant bacteria. The cathelicidins comprise a well-studied class of AMPs whose members have been used as model molecules for sequence modifications, aiming at enhanced biological activities and stability, along with reduced toxic effects on mammalian cells. Here, we describe the antimicrobial activities, modes of action and structural characterization of two novel cathelicidin-like peptides, named BotrAMP14 and CrotAMP14, which were re-designed from snake batroxicidin and crotalicidin, respectively. BotrAMP14 and CrotAMP14 showed broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against susceptible microorganisms and clinical isolates with minimal inhibitory concentrations ranging from 2–35.1 μM. Moreover, both peptides had low cytotoxicity against Caco-2 cells in vitro. In addition, in vivo toxicity against Galleria mellonella moth larvae revealed that both peptides led to>76% larval survival after 144 h. Microscopy studies suggest that BotrAMP14 and CrotAMP14 destabilize E. coli membranes. Furthermore, circular dichroism and molecular dynamics simulations indicate that, in a membrane-like environment, both peptides adopt α-helical structures that interact with bilayer phospholipids through hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interaction. Thus, we concluded that BotrAMP14 and CrotAMP14 are helical membrane active peptides, with similar antibacterial properties but lower cytotoxicity than the larger parent peptides batroxicidin and crotalicidin, having advantages for drug development strategies.
Development of a novel biodegradable porous iron-based implant for bone replacement
Authors: Wegener Bernd , Sichler Anton , Milz Stefan , Sprecher Christoph , Pieper Korbinian , Hermanns Walter , Jansson Volkmar , Nies Berthold , Kieback Bernd , Müller Peter Ernst , Wegener Veronika , Quadbeck Peter 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBone replacement and osteosynthesis require materials which can at least temporarily bear high mechanical loads. Ideally, these materials would eventually degrade and would be replaced by bone deposited from the host organism. To date several metals, notably iron and iron-based alloys have been identified as suitable materials because they combine high strength at medium corrosion rates. However, currently, these materials do not degrade within an appropriate amount of time. Therefore, the aim of the present study is the development of an iron-based degradable sponge-like (i.e. cellular) implant for bone replacement with biomechanically tailored properties. We used a metal powder sintering approach to manufacture a cylindrical cellular implant which in addition contains phosphor as an alloying element. No corrosion inhibiting effects of phosphorus have been found, the degradation rate was not altered. Implant prototypes were tested in an animal model. Bone reaction was investigated at the bone-implant-interface and inside the cellular spaces of the implant. Newly formed bone was growing into the cellular spaces of the implant after 12 months. Signs of implant degradation were detected but after 12 months, no complete degradation could be observed. In conclusion, iron-based open-porous cellular biomaterials seem promising candidates for the development of self-degrading and high load bearing bone replacement materials.
Tolerable upper intake level of iron damages the intestine and alters the intestinal flora in weaned piglets
Authors: Ding Haoxuan , Yu Xiaonan , Chen Lingjun , Han Jianan , Zhao Yang , Feng Jie 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Iron supplementation has been an intervention to improve iron storage and prevent iron deficiency anemia in weaned piglets and the recommended nutrient intake (RNI) and tolerable upper intake levels (UL) of iron have been established. The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential harm of UL iron to the gut and microbes of weaned piglets. Thirty 23 day old weaned piglets were assigned to three dietary treatments: a basal diet supplemented with 100 (RNI), 300, and 3000 (UL) mg FeSO4 per kg diet for 28 days. Then, we used the intestinal porcine epithelial cell line (IPEC-1) as a cell model to study the effect of UL iron on the gut of weaned piglets. Weaned piglets showed a significant decrease in villus height after feeding on a UL iron diet (P &lt; 0.05). The protein levels of DMT1 and Zip14 decreased, and the protein levels of ferritin increased in the duodenal mucosa (P &lt; 0.05) of UL iron fed weaned piglets. Moreover, UL iron also increased the content of ROS and malondialdehyde and decreased the activity of superoxide dismutase in the duodenal mucosa of weaned piglets (P &lt; 0.05). The addition of UL iron to the diet significantly reduced the expression of tight junction proteins Claudin-1, Occludin, and ZO-1 in the duodenal mucosa of weaned piglets (P &lt; 0.05). In the IPEC-1 cell model, iron induced the production of cytosolic and mitochondrial ROS and reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential, which in turn led to cellular vacuolation and fibrosis. Furthermore, UL iron significantly altered the cecum flora of weaned piglets, and the relative abundance of Clostridiales, Faecalibacterium, and Prevotellaceae decreased significantly (P &lt; 0.05), while the relative abundance of Desulfovibrio and Anaerovibrio increased significantly (P &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, UL iron caused damage to the intestinal villi, induced oxidative stress, reduced iron absorption protein, damaged the intestinal barrier, and modified the intestinal microbial structure in weaned piglets.
Galectin-1 inhibits PDGF-BB-induced proliferation and migration of airway smooth muscle cells through the inactivation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway
Authors: Pang Xinfeng , Qiao Jing 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Childhood asthma is one of the most common chronic childhood diseases. Platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) induced airway smooth muscle cell (ASMC) proliferation and migration are involved in the pathogenesis of asthma. Galectin-1 (Gal-1) is a glycan-binding protein that has been found to be involved in the progression of asthma. However, the mechanism remains unclear. In the current study, we aimed to evaluate the role of Gal-1 in regulating the phenotype switching of ASMCs, which is an important mechanism in the pathogenesis of asthma. Our results showed that Gal-1 was markedly down-regulated in the samples from asthma patients. In vitro study also proved that Gal-1 expression was decreased in PDGF-BB-stimulated ASMCs. In addition, Gal-1 overexpression significantly inhibited PDGF-BB-induced ASMCs proliferation and migration, while Gal-1 knockdown exhibits opposite effects of Gal-1 overexpression. The PDGF-BB-caused reductions in expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), specific muscle myosin heavy chain (SM-MHC), and calponin were elevated by Gal-1 overexpression, but were deteriorated by Gal-1 knockdown in ASMCs. Furthermore, overexpression of Gal-1 inhibited PDGF-BB-stimulated PI3K/Akt activation in ASMCs. Notably, treatment with IGF-1, an activator of PI3K, reversed the effects of Gal-1 on ASMCs proliferation, migration, and phenotype switching. In conclusion, these findings showed that Gal-1 exerted inhibitory effects on PDGF-BB-stimulated proliferation, migration, and phenotype switching of ASMCs via inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Thus, Gal-1 might be a promising target for the treatment of asthma.
Genome survey sequencing and identification of genomic SSR markers for Rhododendron micranthum
Authors: Zhou Xiao-jun , Liu Meng-xue , Lu Xiao-yu , Sun Shan-shan , Cheng Yan-wei , Ya Hui-yuan 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Rhododendron micranthum is an evergreen shrub species widely distributed in China that has high ornamental and medicinal value. However, there is a lack of molecular and genomic data for this plant, which severely restricts the development of its relevant research. The objective of the present study was to conduct a first genomic survey of R. micranthum and determine its whole-genome sequencing scheme. Next-generation sequencing (Illumina Hi-Seq Xten) was used to measure the genome size of R. micranthum, K-mer analysis were employed to investigate its genomic profile. Finally, we conducted bioinformatics methods to performed SSR (simple sequence repeat) prediction based on the genomic data. The genome size of R. micranthum was estimated to be 554.22 Mb. The heterozygosity ratio was 0.93%, and the sequence repeat ratio was calculated to be 49.17%. The clean reads of R. micranthum were assembled into 2281551 scaffolds with a N50 value of 916 bp. A total of 479724 SSR molecular markers were identified in the R. micranthum genome, and 871656 pairs of primers designed for application. Among of them, 100 primer pairs were validated, and 71 primer pairs were successfully amplified. In summary, the R. micranthum genome is complex with high heterozygosity and low repeated sequences. In future whole-genome research in R. micranthum, higher-depth ‘2+3’ (Illumina+PacBio) sequencing may yield better assembly results.
Silencing circSLAMF6 represses cell glycolysis, migration, and invasion by regulating the miR-204-5p/MYH9 axis in gastric cancer under hypoxia
Authors: Fang Xinhui , Bai Yangqiu , Zhang Lida , Ding Songze 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is a malignant tumor of the digestive tract. Hypoxia plays an important role in the development of cancer, including GC. The present study aimed to investigate the role of circular RNA SLAMF6 (circSLAMF6) in the progression of GC under hypoxia.
Methods: The expression of circSLAMF6, microRNA-204-5p (miR-204-5p) and myosin heavy chain 9 (MYH9) was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). GC cells were maintained under hypoxia (1% O2) for experiments in vitro. Glucose consumption and lactate production were determined by a Glucose Assay Kit and a Lactate Assay Kit, respectively. Levels of all protein were detected by Western blot. Cell migration and invasion were examined by Transwell assay. The interaction between miR-204-5p and circSLAMF6 or MYH9 was analyzed by dual-luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays. Murine xenograft model was established to explore the role of circSLAMF6 in vivo.
Results: CircSLAMF6 expression was increased in GC cells under hypoxia. Hypoxia promoted glycolysis, migration, and invasion in GC cells, which were reversed by circSLAMF6 knockdown. CircSLAMF6 was validated as a miR-204-5p sponge, and MYH9 was a target of miR-204-5p. Functionally, miR-204-5p inhibitor weakened the inhibition of circSLAMF6 knockdown on GC cell progression under hypoxia. Besides, MYH9 depletion suppressed glycolysis, migration, and invasion in GC cells under hypoxia. Importantly, circSLAMF6 deficiency inhibited tumor growth in vivo by regulating the miR-204-5p/MYH9 axis.
Conclusion: CircSLAMF6 was involved in glycolysis, migration, and invasion by regulating the miR-204-5p/MYH9 axis in GC cells under hypoxia.
High‐uniformity 1 × 64 linear arrays of silicon carbide avalanche photodiode
Authors: Zhou Xingye , Tan Xin , Lv Yuanjie , Li Jia , Liang Shixiong , Feng Zhihong , Cai Shujun 
Published: June 2020

In this Letter, high‐uniformity 1 × 64 linear arrays of 4H‐SiC avalanche photodiode (APD) are reported for ultraviolet detection. Multi‐cycle inductively coupled plasma dry etching was adopted for the bevelled mesa formation, during which the wafers were rotated with a small angle for each cycle to suppress the process variation. As a result, a high pixel yield of 100% and a high‐uniformity breakdown voltage with a fluctuation of smaller than 0.5 V are achieved for the fabricated 1 × 64 4H‐SiC APD linear arrays, which is a great improvement for 4H‐SiC APD arrays. Moreover, the dark currents at 95% of breakdown voltage are below 1 nA for all the 64 pixels. Besides, the pixels in the array show a multiplication gain of larger than 106 and a peak responsivity of 0.12 A/W at 285 nm (corresponding to a maximum quantum efficiency of 52%) at room temperature.
Transkranielle Magnetstimulation
Authors: Golaszewski Stefan M. , Nardone Raffaele 
Published: June 2020

ZUSAMMENFASSUNGDie repetitive transkranielle Magnetstimulation ermöglicht eine nicht invasive Modulation der kortikalen Erregbarkeit des Gehirns, welche durch verschiedene Stimulationsparameter erhöht oder verringert werden kann. Die induzierten Veränderungen können vorübergehend oder längerfristig sein. Es können im Gehirn unterschiedliche neuromodulatorische Prozesse hinsichtlich der stimulierten Region und des stimulierten neuronalen Gewebes induziert werden, was die Schmerzwahrnehmung im Gehirn verändern kann. Es werden kontinuierliche Serien von TMS-Pulsen mit niedriger (≤ 1Hz) oder höherer Frequenz (> 1Hz) mit Hemmung oder Fazilitierung der kortikalen Erregbarkeit durch Veränderungen der synaptischen Transmission angewendet, was zu synaptischer Plastizität insbesondere im Bereich der Langzeitpotenzierung (LTP) oder Langzeitdepression (LTD) führt. Hinreichend Evidenz für die Wirksamkeit der rTMS in der Schmerztherapie gibt es insbesondere für chronisch neuropathische Schmerzen zentraler oder peripherer Genese und für die Fibromyalgie.
Therapien bei der chronisch inflammatorischen demyelinisierenden Polyneuropathie
Authors: Gingele Stefan , Seeliger Tabea , Skripuletz Thomas 
Published: June 2020

ZUSAMMENFASSUNGDie chronisch inflammatorische demyelinisierende Polyneuropathie (CIDP) ist eine behandelbare Erkrankung des peripheren Nervensystems. Ein schneller Therapiebeginn kann bei vielen Patienten zu einer Erkrankungsstabilisierung führen und somit körperliche Behinderungen lindern oder verbessern. Steroide, intravenöse Immunglobuline und Plasmaaustausch können initial eingesetzt werden. Seit 2018 steht eine Behandlung mit subkutanen Immunglobulinen zur Verfügung. Patienten, die sich unter der Behandlung mit intravenösen Immunglobulinen stabilisiert haben, können auf diese neue Therapieform umgestellt werden. Subkutane Immunglobuline bieten viele Vorteile, wie beispielsweise größere Flexibilität im Alltag durch die Möglichkeit der Heimbehandlung, und sie eignen sich deshalb besonders gut für die Langzeitbehandlung von CIDP-Patienten.