bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic effect of GLP-1 engineered strain on mice model of Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Fang Xin , Zhou Xiaoting , Miao Yuqing , Han Yiwen , Wei Jing , Chen Tingtao 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAlzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) are neurodegenerative diseases (NDD) characterized by progressive degeneration of the central nervous system, and few medications are available to halt the progression of AD and PD. In the present study, an engineered strain MG136-pMG36e-GLP-1 was used to evaluate its neuroprotective effect on AD and PD mice, via the probiotics effects of Lactococcus lactis MG1363 and the constantly produced Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) by the engineered strain. Our results indicated that oral administration of MG136-pMG36e-GLP-1 significantly reduced lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced memory impairment and 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced motor dysfunction through the toll-like receptor4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NFκB) and protein kinase B (AKT)/Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) signaling pathway. High-throughput sequencing results showed that MG1363-pMG36e-GLP-1 reduced the abundance of the pathogens Enterococcus, Proteus, and increased the abundance of the probiotics Akkermansia muciniphila. These results suggest that the engineered strain may be a new intervention for treating AD and PD by reducing the occurrence of neuroinflammation.
Glutathione-capped Syzygium cumini carbon dot-amalgamated agarose hydrogel film for naked-eye detection of heavy metal ions
Authors: Bhamore Jigna R. , Park Tae Jung , Kailasa Suresh Kumar 
Published: April 2020

AbstractDevelopment of a facile and sensitive analytical tool for the detection of heavy metal ions is still a challenging task because of interference from other chemical species. In this work, glutathione (GSH)-cappedSyzygium cuminicarbon dots (CDs) have been integrated with agarose hydrogel film and used as an amalgamated solid probe for sensing of different metal ions (Pb2+, Fe3+, and Mn2+). The synthesis of a solid sensing platform is based on the electrostatic interactions between GSH-cappedSyzygium cuminiCDs and agarose hydrogel. The developed hydrogel-based solid probe exhibited good linearities with the concentration ranges of metal ions from 0.005 to 0.075, 0.0075 to 0.1, and 0.0075 to 0.1 mM with detection limits of 1.3, 2.5, and 2.1 μM for Pb2+, Fe3+, and Mn2+ions, respectively.
Correlations between modes of student cognitive engagement and instructional practices in undergraduate STEM courses
Authors: Barlow Allyson , Brown Shane 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Within STEM education, research on instructional practices has focused on ways to increase student engagement and thereby reap the associated benefits of increased learning, persistence, and academic success. These meaningful-learning goals have been tied most specifically to cognitive engagement, a construct that is often difficult for instructors to assess on their own. While it has been shown that certain instructional practices are tied to higher cognitive engagement in students, tools to measure instructional practices and student engagement have remained largely isolated in their development and use.

Results
This research uses previously developed instruments to simultaneously assess modes of cognitive engagement in students (Student Course Cognitive Engagement Instrument [SCCEI]) and instructional practices (Postsecondary Instructional Practices Survey [PIPS]) within a course. A sample of 19 STEM courses was recruited to participate in this study, with instructors and students each self-reporting data. Results from the instructor and students in each course were scored, and ANOVA and partial correlation analysis were conducted on the sample. ANOVA indicated the significance of and classroom structure on student engagement. From the correlation analysis, a significant relationship was found between four student-reported modes of cognitive engagement and instructor-reported teaching practices.

Conclusions
With an understanding of student engagement response to classroom structure, instructors may consider their teaching environment when implementing instructional practices. Moreover, Interactivity with Peers, the deepest mode of cognitive engagement suggested by previous research, was correlated with instructional practices in our study, suggesting that instructors may be able to shape their students’ learning by encouraging collaboration in the classroom. We also found that assessment played a role in students’ cognitive engagement; this indicates that instructors may wish to thoughtfully consider their methods of assessment to facilitate modes of cognitive engagement associated with deeper learning of course material. By understanding factor correlations, the PIPS and SCCEI can be used in tandem to understand impacts of instructional practices on student cognitive engagement within a course. We conclude that there is a need for ongoing research to study the interplay of instructional practices and student cognitive engagement as instruments are developed to measure such phenomena.
Engineering a diaphorase via directed evolution for enzymatic biofuel cell application
Authors: Ma Chunling , Liu Meixia , You Chun , Zhu Zhiguang 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Diaphorase (DI) has received wide attention as the key anodic enzyme mediating the electron transfer and electric energy generation in enzymatic biofuel cells (EBFCs). Lowering the anodic pH may be a useful strategy for constructing high-performance in EBFCs. However, most DI suffered from the poor activity at low pHs. Therefore, it is necessary to modify the activity and its acidic tolerance to further improve the performance of the EBFC.

Results
This paper attempts to improve the enzyme activity of DI originated from Geobacillus stearothermophilus under acidic conditions through directed evolution. Three rounds of random mutagenesis by error-prone PCR of the GsDI gene followed by high-throughput screening allowed the identification of the mutant 3–8 (H37Q, S73T, F105L, S68T, G61S, D74V) exhibiting a 4- or 7-fold increase in the catalytic activity at pH 5.4 or 4.5 compared to that of the wild type. And the pH stability of mutant 3–8 was significantly better than that of wild type and showed a 1.3 times higher in the stability at pH 5.4. The EBFC anode equipped with 0.5 mg of mutant 3–8 achieved a maximum current of 40 μA at pH 5.4, much higher than that with the same loading of the wild type enzyme.

Conclusion
The GsDI has been improved in the specific activity and pH stability by directed evolution which leads to the improvement of the EBFC performance. Also, the enlarged catalytic channel of mutant and decreased B-factor may be beneficial for the activity and stability. These results suggest that this engineered DI will be a useful candidate for the construction of enhanced EBFCs.
Does walking the day of total hip arthroplasty speed up functional independence? A non-randomized controlled study
Authors: Temporiti Federico , Draghici Isabella , Fusi Stefano , Traverso Francesco , Ruggeri Riccardo , Grappiolo Guido , Gatti Roberto 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Few data address modalities for speeding up functional independence in subjects included in a fast-track approach after total hip arthroplasty (THA). The study aim was to assess short-term effects of mobilization and walking the day of THA (WDS) on independence, pain, function and quality of life.

Methods
Seventy-one patients were allocated in a study (SG: n = 36) or control (CG: n = 35) groups according to time of surgery and recovery from anesthesia. Patients who recovered lower limbs sensitivity (disappearance of sensation deficits) and motility (MRC scale ≥3 at knee, ankle and great toe extension) by 7.00 p.m. made up the SG, whereas patients who underwent surgery later and recovered from anesthesia after 7.00 p.m. made up the CG. SG underwent WDS, whereas CG performed mobilization and walking the day after surgery starting the same physiotherapy program 1 day later. Patients were evaluated for independence (Functional Independence Measure - FIM), pain (Numeric Rating Scale - NRS), hip function (Harris Hip Score - HHS) and quality of life (EuroQoL-5Dimension - EQ. 5D and EQ. 5D-VAS)the day before surgery, at 3 and 7 days in a hospital setting. Analysis of Covariance with age (SG: mean 60.9, SD 9.0; CG: mean 65.5, SD 8.9) and BMI (SG: mean 27.4, SD 2.8; CG: mean 26.7, SD 2.4) as covariates was used to assess between-group differences over time.

Results
Between-groups differences were observed for FIM total and motor scores (p = 0.002, mean difference: 2.1, CI95: 0.64, 3.7) and FIM self-care (p = 0.01, mean difference: 1.7, CI95: 0.41, 3) in favor of SG at 3 days. Between-group differences were found for FIM self-care (p = 0.021, mean difference: 1.2, CI95: 0.18, 2.1) in favor of SG at 7 days. FIM total and motor scores (p <  0.001), FIM self-care (p = 0.027) and transfer-locomotion (p <  0.001) and HHS (p = 0.032) decreased after surgery followed by improvements in postoperative days (p ≤ 0.001). No differences were found for NRS, EQ. 5D and EQ. 5D-VAS.

Conclusions
WDS produces additional benefits in patients’ independence in the first week after THA. Absence of pain aggravation or adverse effects on hip function and quality of life may allow clinicians to recommend WDS to promote discharge with functional independence.
Increasing trends in admissions due to non-communicable diseases over 2012 to 2017: findings from three large cities in Myanmar
Authors: Swe Ei Ei , Htet Kyaw Ko Ko , Thekkur Pruthu , Aung Lwin Lwin , Aye Lwin Lwin , Myint Thazin 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundGlobally, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, cancers, and diabetes are the four major non-communicable diseases (NCDs) contributing to more than 80% of mortality and morbidity due to NCDs. In Myanmar, the proportional mortality rate due to NCDs increased from 46.9% in 2000 to 68% in 2017. However, the trends and patterns of four major NCDs or their hospital admissions are not known. In this regard, we aimed to assess the trends and profile of admissions with four major NCDs using final diagnosis coded in International Classification of Diseases-2010 version (ICD-10) from medical record data of the large tertiary hospitals in different regions of Myanmar.ResultsOf the 774,970 total admissions in the study hospitals, the median and interquartile range (IQR) age was 39 (25–55) years and 51.6% were males. Over a 6-year period, there was not only 2.2-fold increase in the number of admissions due to any of four major NCDs but also their proportion increased significantly from 18.8% in 2012 to 25.4% in 2017 (chi-square for trend,pvalue < 0.001). The number of admissions due to cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and chronic respiratory diseases also showed linear increasing trends at the rate of 1741 (95% CI 766 to 2715), 1797 (95% CI 345 to 3249), and 597 (95% CI 530 to 612) per year, respectively. Though the admissions with diabetes increased over the years, the rate of increase of 284 (95% CI − 60 to 628) per year was not statistically significant. Among cancer admissions, colorectal (13.1%), breast (13.0%), and lung (11.0%) cancers were the commonest. Stroke (30.6%) and ischemic heart disease (21.9%) admissions were the highest among the cardiovascular diseases. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (35.5%) and type 2 diabetes (53.9%) were commonest among chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes, respectively.ConclusionThere was a disproportionate increase in NCD admissions which requires tertiary health facilities to increase their infrastructure and trained workforce to cater to such admissions. The primary health care facilities have to be strengthened for prevention, early detection, and efficient management of NCDs to prevent life-threatening complications requiring hospitalization.
Accuracy of implantable loop recorders for detecting atrial tachyarrhythmias after atrial fibrillation catheter ablation
Authors: Cho Hyun Jun , Lee Cheol Hyun , Hwang Jongmin , Park Hyoung-Seob , Choi Sang-Woong , Kim In-Cheol , Cho Yun-Kyeong , Yoon Hyuck-Jun , Kim Hyungseop , Nam Chang-Wook , Hur Seung-Ho , Jung Byung Chun , Kim Yoon Nyun , Han Seongwook 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Implantable loop recorders (ILRs) can provide an enhanced possibility to detect atrial fibrillation (AF), but the accuracy, especially the positive predictive value (PPV), is controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of ILRs for detecting AF through a comparison with Holter.

Method and results
Thirteen patients who underwent AF ablation were enrolled. ILRs were implanted in all patients, who were scheduled to have Holter monitorings after the procedure. The incidence of AF was compared between the two modalities and analyzed for any correlations. A total of 51 Holters (67,985.5 min) and concomitant ILRs were available for the comparison. The judgment of the presence of AF did not perfectly correlate between the ILR and Holter (Kappa = 0.866, P < 0.001). In the ILR data, the sensitivity of detecting AF on the Holter was 81.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.812–0.820; P < 0.001). The specificity was 99.9% (95% CI 0.998–0.999; P < 0.001). When the ILR detected AF, the PPV was 99.5% (95% CI 0.994–0.995), but the ILR did not detect AF, and the negative predictive value was 94.2% (95% CI 0.941–0.944). A separate analysis of AF/atrial tachycardia (AT) showed that the AT detection rate of the ILR was 2.3%.

Conclusion
The ILR had a low false positive value and high PPV for AF events. However, it was limited in identifying AT.
Role of shear wave sono-elastography (SWE) in characterization of hepatic focal lesions
Authors: Abdel-Latif Mahmoud , Fouda Nehad , Shiha Osama Abdel-Gawad , Rizk Amira Ali 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Focal liver lesions are considered a major problem during abdominal examinations. Shear wave sono-elastography (SWE) has been demonstrated to be helpful in assessment of liver fibrosis degree.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of SWE in characterization of benign and malignant hepatic focal lesions.

Results
Seventy-five (75) patients with variable focal liver lesions (52 malignant and 23 benign) were analyzed by SWE. The stiffness values of surrounding hepatic parenchyma were also measured as a reference for readings of the focal lesion stiffness values. Final diagnosis was achieved by core needle biopsy (in 1 benign and 38 malignant cases) and contrast enhanced CT and MRI (in all cases).
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCC) was the stiffest malignant lesion with median stiffness value (35.9 kPa). Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) was the stiffest benign lesion (26.7 kPa).
The median stiffness value of malignant focal lesions (20.22 kPa) was significantly higher than that of benign focal lesions (10.68 kPa) (P value < 0.001).
ROC curve of SWE median stiffness values for differentiation of benign from malignant hepatic focal lesions had AUC = 0.834, and using cut of value 14.165 kPa, yielding 98.1% sensitivity, 78.3% specificity, and 92% accuracy.

Conclusion
SWE has high accuracy in differentiating benign form malignant liver focal lesions with promising results in individual characterization of some malignant (HCC and CCC) and benign hepatic focal lesion (FNH from other benign lesions).
A model for specific goals for in-patient treatment linked to resources and limitations in out-patient treatment
Authors: Davies Virginia 
Published: April 2020

SummaryThe author reflects on the Norwegian inpatient service descriptions contained in Wilkinson's article, considering the challenges laid out in his piece from the perspective of a child and adolescent psychiatrist working in a hospital crisis setting, as well as within the context of child and adolescent mental healthcare staffing across the UK.
Effect of Cavity Size of Mesoporous Silica on Type 1 Copper Site Geometry in Pseudoazurin
Authors: Yamaguchi Akira , Edanami Yurie , Yamaguchi Takahide , Shibuya Yuuta , Fukaya Norihisa , Kohzuma Takamitsu 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
We studied copper coordination geometry in Type I copper protein pseudoazurin (PAz) within silica mesopores with a series of pore diameters. The adsorption of PAz into the silica mesopores was evaluated by measuring the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) melting peak of pore water. The DSC results indicated that almost all the PAz molecules were located inside silica mesopores with pore diameters of 2.3, 3.7, and 6.7 nm. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra for PAz inside the silica mesopores confirmed that the copper coordination sphere in PAz was slightly altered toward a more axial geometry as a result of adsorption of PAz to the large mesoporous silica pores (pore diameter: 3.7 and 6.7 nm). The change in rhombic to axial geometry was further continued by confinement inside narrow pores (2.3 nm), whose dimensions matched the diameter of PAz with a cylindrical column structure (2.4 nm in diameter and 3.0 nm in height). These results indicate that tight confinement of PAz influences the copper coordination geometry.
Effects of polyisoprenoids from Avicennia lanata and Avicennia alba leaves on the gene expression of PI3K, Akt1, mTOR, P53, and EGFR in human colorectal adenocarcinoma WiDr cells
Authors: Qurrohman Taufiq , Hasibuan Poppy Anjelisa Zaitun , Nuryawan Arif , Sumaiyah Sumaiyah , Siregar Etti Sartina , Basyuni Mohammad 
Published: April 2020

Background:Mangrove plants produce polyisoprenoid compounds. Polyisoprenoids have been proven to have anticancer properties. This study investigated the inhibitory activity of polyisoprenoids derived from the leaves of mangrove plantsAvicennia albaandAvicennia lanataregarding the expression of PI3K, Akt1, mTOR, P53, and EGFR genes against human colorectal adenocarcinoma WiDr cells.Methods:Anticancer activity was tested through the MTT assay method performed on WiDr cells. The cell cycle and apoptosis were analysed by flow cytometry and double staining. Gene expression of PI3K, Akt1, mTOR, P53, and EGFR was observed using the RT-PCR method.Results:Cytotoxic activity against WiDr cells showed that the IC50 forA. albaandA. lanatawas 258.14 ug/mL and 243.32 ug/mL, respectively. This observation indicated the possibility to develop moderate anticancer agents. The cell cycle showed that inhibition ofA. albaandA. lanataoccurred in the late phase of apoptosis S (10.60 and 10.51%) and G2-M1 (22.05 and 23.84%), which was higher than negative and positive control cells. Furthermore, the polyisoprenoids derived fromA. albaandA. lanataleaves exhibited anticancer activity in WiDr cells through the downregulated gene expression of PI3K, Akt1, mTOR, and EGFR as well as the upregulated gene expression of P53.Conclusion:This study demonstrated that polyisoprenoids obtained fromA. albaandA. lanataleaves are promising chemopreventive agents for colon cancer.
Anti-retroviral therapy after “Treat All” in Harare, Zimbabwe: What are the changes in uptake, time to initiation and retention?
Authors: Matare Takura , Shewade Hemant Deepak , Ncube Ronald T. , Masunda Kudzai , Mukeredzi Innocent , Takarinda Kudakwashe C. , Dzangare Janet , Gonese Gloria , Khabo Bekezela B. , Choto Regis C. , Apollo Tsitsi 
Published: April 2020

Background: In Zimbabwe, Harare was the first province to implement “Treat All” for people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV). Since its roll out in July 2016, no study has been conducted to assess the changes in key programme indicators. We compared antiretroviral therapy (ART) uptake, time to ART initiation from diagnosis, and retention before and during “Treat All”. Methods: We conducted an ecological study to assess ART uptake among all PLHIV newly diagnosed before and during “Treat All”. We conducted a cohort study to assess time to ART initiation and retention in care among all PLHIV newly initiated on ART from all electronic patient management system-supported sites (n=50) before and during “Treat All”. Results: ART uptake increased from 65% (n=4619) by the end of quarter one, 2014 to 85% (n=5152) by the end of quarter four, 2018. A cohort of 2289 PLHIV were newly initiated on ART before (April-June 2015) and 1682 during “Treat all” (April-June 2017). Their age and gender distribution was similar. The proportion of PLHIV in early stages of disease was significantly higher during “Treat all” (73.2% vs. 55.6%, p<0.001). The median time to ART initiation was significantly lower during “Treat All” (31 vs. 88 days, p<0.001). Cummulative retention at three, six and 12 months was consistently lower during “Treat all” and was significant at six months (74.9% vs.78.1% p=0.022). Conclusion: Although there were benefits of early ART initiation during “Treat All”, the programme should consider strategies to improve retention.
A Landscape Analysis of Standardisation in the Field of Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Ziegler Wolfgang 
Published: April 2020

While projects, developments and applications addressing and using artificial intelligence (AI) are rather multifaceted and their number is constantly increasing, the standardisation activities in the field of artificial intelligence are limited, their number is significantly lower and does not increase at the same pace.
The European funded project StandICT.eu aims at supporting European experts’ presence in and contributions to international standardisation activities in ICT. The focus of the project is on the 5 priority domains identified by the European Commission (Cloud Computing, IoT, Big Data, Cyber Security, 5G) and on Artificial Intelligence while being open for other relevant topics defined in the annual European Rolling Plan for ICT Standardisation. The project has two main outcomes: (i) increased contribution of European experts in international standardisation through support by providing grants for planned contributions of successful applications of experts, and (ii) an online observatory of published standards and ongoing standardisation activities in the areas mentioned before. This observatory (called Standards Watch) is accessible through the project’s web site and open for contributions and comments from registered users. As part of the effort for the Standards Watch the projects has prepared a comprehensive analysis of the international standardisation landscape in the AI field, that comprises a description of the ICT standards and ongoing work at international level in the field of AI across the standardisation organisations already active in the field.
In this article we will present results of our work where we have analysed the work of the 5 international and European Standards Development Organisations (SDOs) IEEE,1 ISO/IEC,2 ITU-T,3 ETSI4 and CEN-CENELEC5 developing standards in the field of AI. The first 4 bodies have already been active several years in AI standardisation at the time of writing this article. CEN-CENELEC has launched a focus group in 2019 which aims at producing a roadmap for AI standardisation. For these 4 SDOs information on their active groups, details of their work and the respective state/outcome is provided in the main part of this article. Followed by the same exercise for the two identified Standards Settings Organisations (SSOs): W3C6 and IRTF,7 their active groups and the respective state/outcome.
With this information an initial analysis of the AI standardisation landscape as Q3 2019 is performed with the main outcomes that (i) the number of working groups chaired by Europeans is significant and (ii) that there is room for European experts contributing to ongoing and future standardisation work.
The article is concluded by considerations on future priorities.