bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Role of Endothelial Dysfunction in Development of Acute Kidney Injury in Patients With Acute Decompensated Heart Failure
Authors: Lin Shu-Min , Chang Chih-Hsiang , Lin Ting-Yu , Huang Allen Chung-Cheng , Lin Chiung-Hung , Chen Yung-Chang , Chu Pao-Hsien 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Objective: Cardiorenal syndrome type I (CRS I) is defined as the development of acute kidney injury (AKI) following acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). Note that the clinical significance of endothelial markers in ADHF-associated AKI has yet to be clarified. This study investigated the biological processes linking ADHF and AKI to determine whether plasma markers of endothelial injury and activation could serve as predictors for AKI in patients with ADHF. Methods: The study prospectively recruited 125 consecutive patients admitted to a coronary critical unit due to ADHF. Patients with and without AKI were compared in terms of plasma levels of soluble thrombomodulin (sTM), angiopoietin (Ang)-1 and 2, and baseline characteristics. Results: Among the study population, 14 (11.2%) patients developed CRS within 7 days after admission. The hemoglobin levels (11.4 ± 2.1 vs. 13.3 ± 2.2 g/dL, p =0.003) and baseline eGFR (65.7 ± 34.5 vs. 85.5 ± 35.0 mL/minute/1.73m2, p = 0.048) of patients with CRS were lower than those of patients without CRS. Patients with CRS also presented elevated plasma levels of BNP (1,797.2 ± 1,649.1 vs. 687.8 ± 976.6 pg/mL, p = 0.008), Ang-2 (7,524.7 ± 8,485.5 vs. 3,325.3 ± 4,7409 pg/mL, p = 0.006), and sTM (7,763.8 ± 3,803.7 vs. 4,661.3 ± 1,896.8 ng/mL, p < 0.001) compared to patients without CRS. Areas under the ROC curves (AUROC) revealed that Ang-2 and TM plasma levels had significantly discriminative powers pertaining to the development of CRS (0.704, 95% CI 0.55-0.859, p =0.013; and 0.789, 95% CI 0.675-0.903, p <0.001, respectively). Conclusion: These biomarkers suggest a novel avenue for kidney injury in the context of ADHF and indicate that baseline biomarker profiles could potential be used to identify individuals at risk of developing AKI.
Biochemical and Cellular Biomarkers in Brown Trout (Salmo trutta f. fario) in Response to the Antidepressants Citalopram and Venlafaxine
Authors: Ziegler Michael , Eckstein Helene , Ottmann Shannon , Reinelt Lukas , Stepinski Sabine , Köhler Heinz-R. , Triebskorn Rita 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: During the last decades, a worldwide increase in the number of cases of depression accompanied by rising prescription rates of antidepressants was recorded. In Germany, the two most prescribed antidepressants are the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) citalopram and the serotonin and noradrenalin reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) venlafaxine, taking about 30 % of the market share. Both antidepressants are found frequently in surface waters and have the potential of adversely affecting aquatic organisms. Most studies dealing with antidepressants address apical endpoints and behaviour, however, only few studies investigate biochemical biomarkers and histopathological alterations. We conducted citalopram and venlafaxine exposure experiments with brown trout eggs in the eyed ova stage for five months, as well as with juvenile brown trout for four weeks. Exposure concentrations ranged from environmentally relevant 1 µg/L up to 1 mg/L. In this study, we investigated the effects of the antidepressants on b-esterase activity (neurotoxicity), stress protein level (proteotoxicity) and superoxide dismutase activity (oxidative stress). Additionally, we assessed the health status of the liver by means of histopathological analyses.Results: We were able to show that both antidepressants did neither induce proteotoxic nor neurotoxic effects in brown trout. But for the antidepressant venlafaxine, the biochemical biomarker for oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase activity) was significantly increased in larvae exposed to at least 10 µg/L venlafaxine at 7°C. With regard to liver histopathology, fish exposed to higher citalopram concentrations were in a worse health condition than control fish irrespective of their life stage. Also the energy storage of fish exposed to 1 mg/L citalopram was reduced. Conclusion: Thus, we here report citalopram-dependent histopathological alterations in brown trout liver, and the induction of oxidative stress by venlafaxine.
Noise Reduction in an Intensive Care Unit: Implementation of Quiet Time and Noise-Reduction Strategies
Authors: Gupta Poonam , Shaji Mincy , Amer Aisha , Joseph Sherin , Louis Ivy , George Jacinth , Zubi Mohammad Al , McDonald Ian , Jesus Darlene Jean Costelo De , Hassan Mawahib El 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Excessive noise is a significant problem for patients in intensive care units (ICUs) and is associated with significant psychological effects and the potential to affect patient outcomes. The noise level in our coronary care intensive unit of a cardiac hospital was found to be approximately 80 dB, which exceeded the international recommended level of 35 dB. We sought to review the causes of this excess noise and the effects of an implementation of quiet time and a noise-reduction bundle in the ICU.Methods: A quality improvement initiative was undertaken to solve the noise issue. A multi-disciplinary team was formed and a number of changes were tested. We used a model for improvement, and the changes were tested using small Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles. Two blocks of quiet time (3-4 pm and 2-4 am) were designated as quiet times during which the lights were dimmed, noise-reduction strategies in the form of a bundle were implemented, and procedures were minimized. In addition, educational material and information were disseminated to physicians, nurses, physical therapists, and other potential individuals who might be affected by the changes that were implemented. Quantitative baseline data was collected using sound meter readings three times a day. Qualitative feedback was collected through staff and patient surveys.Results: During quiet hours, the noise level averaged 22 dB—a decrease from 85 dB. One-hundred patients were surveyed and asked for their feedback concerning quiet time: approximately 97% of them were satisfied with the results.Conclusions: It is possible to reduce noise levels in ICUs by implementing simple and effective measures. This reduction has a significant effect on patient satisfaction, and, in addition, promotes healing.
Neuroprotective Effects of Adlay Hull Extract Against β-amyloid-induced Neurotoxicity and Lipopolysaccharide-induced Inflammatory Response
Authors: Tsay Jia-Zer Gregory , Lin Yu-Ta , Hsu Chia-Hong , Tang Feng-Yao , Kuo Yueh-Hsiung , Chao Che-Yi 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Nowadays, as technology and medical treatment improvements contribute to extending the lives of human beings, it also causes many diseases like noninfectious chronic and neurodegenerative with an aging population. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases. It almost always occurs in older adults whose age is above 65 years old. AD is clinically characterized by a progressive loss of cognitive abilities. Pathologically, it is defined by the appearance of senile plaques-extracellular insoluble, congophilic protein aggregates composed of amyloid β (Aβ), resulting in oxidative stress, mitochondrial disorders, synaptic atrophy, leading to function degradation of the brain. The scientific name of adlay is Coix lacryma-jobi L., which is an annual botanical.Methods: This research uses the adlay hull, as a test sample in the experiment. The 95% ethanol extract of adlay hull (AHEE) was partitioned by ethyl acetate (AHEAE), n-butanol (AHBUE) and water (AHWE) subsequently, and the test of extracts by LPSinduce a RAW264.7 inflammatory response and Aβ25-35-induces dPC12 cells which cause neurotoxicity as an experimental model, respectively. Investigate the inflammatory and anti-apoptosis related protein expression.Results: The results shown that the AHEE, AHEAE and AHWE exert antiinflammatory effects, AHWE also have anti-apoptosis effects. Through mouse macrophages inflammatory protein expression experiments, as well as inhibition of iNOS expression, resulted in inhibited nitrite production. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of AHWE against the Aβ25-35-induced neurotoxicity in dPC12 cells and explored the underlying mechanism. The results showed that pretreatment with AHWE significantly attenuated cell death and the elevated Bax/Bcl-2 ratio evoked by Aβ25-35. Moreover, AHWE significantly inhibited Aβ25-35 and enhanced the protein levels of Akt in dPC12 cells. These observations unambiguously suggested that the protective effect of AHWE against Aβ25-35-induced apoptosis in dPC12 cells was associated with the enhancement of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.Conclusion: The results showed that adlay hull extracts have the anti-oxidant, antiinflammatory, anti-apoptotic and neuroprotective property. These results suggest that adlay hull extracts may have a preventive therapeutic potential in the management of AD.
Integrating Metabolomic Data With Machine Learning Approach for Discovery of Q-markers From Jinqi Jiangtang Preparation Against Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Yang Lele , Xue Yan , Wei Jinchao , Dai Qi , Li Peng 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Jinqi Jiangtang (JQJT) has been widely used in clinical practice to prevent and treat type 2 diabetes. However, little was known about its quality markers (Q-markers) associated with anti-diabetes bioactivity. In this study, a strategy combining mass spectrometry-based untargeted metabolomics with backpropagation artificial neural network (BP-ANN)-based machine learning approach was proposed to screen Q-markers from JQJT preparation. Methods: This strategy mainly involved chemical profiling of herbal medicines, statistic processing of metabolomic datasets, detection of different anti-diabetes activities and establishing of BP-ANN model. The chemical features of seventy-eight batches of JQJT extracts were first profiled using an untargeted UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap metabolomic approach. The obtained chemical features associated with different anti-diabetes activities based on three modes of action were normalized, ranked, and then pre-selected by using ReliefF feature selection, respectively. BP-ANN model was then established and optimized to screen Q-markers based on mean impact value (MIV).Results: Optimized BP-ANN architecture was established with high accuracy of R > 0.9983 and relative low error of MSE < 0.0014, which showed better performance than that of PLSR calibration model (R2 < 0.5). Meanwhile, the BP-ANN model was subsequently applied to further screen potential bioactive components from the pre-selected chemical features by calculating their MIVs. Using this machine learning model, 15 potential Q-markers with bioactivity were discovered from JQJT. The tested anti-diabetes bioactivities of 78 batches of JQJT could be accurately predicted.Conclusions: The proposed artificial intelligence approach is suitable for quick and easy discovery of Q-markers with bioactivity from herbal medicines.
Spatiotemporal Modeling of Nutrient Retention in a Tropical Semi-Arid Basin
Authors: Raji Saheed A. , Odunuga Shakirudeen , Fasona Mayowa 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The Sokoto-Rima basin defines the natural and socioeconomic lifeblood of northwestern Nigeria. Its agrarian nature is an indication of significant dependence on the supply of ecosystem services from its various rivers, streams, and wetlands. However, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) constitute a great portion of chemical fertilizers used to enhance crop yields and poor management of these portend great threats for water quality. The overarching objective of this study was to examine the extent of spatial variation of nutrient dynamics in the Sokoto-Rima basin between 1992 and 2015 using the nutrient delivery ratio (NDR) model of InVEST (Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Service and Tradeoffs) software. Landcover, precipitation, digital elevation, and biophysical variables were the principal datasets employed as software input. The result of the study showed that the surficial N load is almost 15-fold of P in the Sokoto-Rima basin. Over the period of study, cultivated areas and rivers were spatially detected as nutrient sources and sinks respectively. The subsurface nutrient load is dominated by P while the amount of N load is insignificant. The trend of nutrient export is linearly defined: with 0.87% and 1.7% increase in N and P export respectively during 1992-2015. N and P exports vary spatially with a north-south increase-decrease index. Critical length and threshold are highly sensitive to changes in the parameterization of the NDR model. Thus, synergistic cultivation practices such as agroforestry should be extended to existing crop cultivation complexes to curtail nutrient enrichment in the Sokoto-Rima basin and ensure environmental sustainability.
A Novel Epitope-Blocking ELISA for Specific and Sensitive Detection of Antibodies Against H5-Subtype Influenza Virus Hemagglutinin
Authors: Sączyńska Violetta , Florys-Jankowska Katarzyna , Porębska Anna , Cecuda-Adamczewska Violetta 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: H5-subtype highly pathogenic (HP) avian influenza viruses (AIVs) cause high mortality in domestic birds and sporadic infections in humans with a frequently fatal outcome, while H5N1 viruses have pandemic potential. Due to veterinary and public health significance, these HPAIVs, as well as low pathogenicity (LP) H5-subtype AIVs having a propensity to mutate into HP viruses, are under epidemiologic surveillance and must be reported to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). Our previous work provided a unique panel of 6 different monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against H5 hemagglutinin (HA), which meets the demand for high-specificity tools for monitoring AIV infection and vaccination in poultry. In this study, we selected one of these mAbs to develop an epitope-blocking (EB) ELISA for detecting H5 subtype-specific antibodies in chicken sera (H5 EB-ELISA).Methods: In the H5 EB-ELISA, H5 HA protein produced in a baculovirus-expression vector system was employed as a coating antigen, and the G-7-27-18 mAb was employed as a blocking antibody. The performance characteristics of the assay were evaluated by testing 358 sera from nonimmunized chickens and chickens immunized with AIVs of the H1–H16 subtypes or recombinant H5 HA antigen to obtain the reference and experimental antisera, respectively. The samples were classified as anti-H5 HA positive or negative based on the results of the hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay, the gold standard in subtype-specific serodiagnosis.Results: The H5 EB-ELISA correctly discriminated between the anti-H5 HA negative sera, including those against the non-H5 subtype AIVs, and sera positive for antibodies against the various-origin H5 HAs. Preliminary validation showed 100% analytical and 97.6% diagnostic specificities of the assay and 98.0% and 99.1% diagnostic sensitivities when applied to detect the anti-H5 HA antibodies in the reference and experimental antisera, respectively.Conclusions: The H5 EB-ELISA performed well in terms of diagnostic estimates. Thus, further optimization and validation work using a larger set of chicken sera and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis are warranted. Moreover, the present assay provides a valuable basis for developing multispecies screening tests for birds or diagnostic tests for humans.
A novel long non-coding RNA, Nostrill, regulates iNOS gene transcription and neurotoxicity in microglia.
Authors: Mathy Nicholas W. , Burleigh Olivia , Kochvar Andrew , Whiteford Erin R. , Behrens Matthew , Marta Patrick , Tian Cong , Gong Ai-Yu , Drescher Kristen , Steyger Peter , Chen Xian-Ming , Shibata Annemarie 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background Microglia are resident immunocompetent and phagocytic cells in the CNS. Pro-inflammatory microglia, stimulated by environmental microbial signals such as bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), viral RNAs, or inflammatory cytokines, are neurotoxic and associated with pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) are emerging as important tissue-specific regulators directing cell differentiation and functional states and may help direct proinflammatory responses of microglia. Methods Microglial gene expression array analyses and qRT-PCR was used to identify a novel intergenic long-noncoding RNA that was upregulated in LPS-stimulated microglial cell lines, LPS-stimulated primary microglia, and LPS-injected mouse cortical tissue. Silencing and overexpression studies, RNA immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation, chromatin RNA immunoprecipitation assays, and qRT-PCR were used to study the function of this long-noncoding RNA in microglia. In vitro cytotoxicity assays were used to examine the effects of silencing the novel long-noncoding RNA in LPS-stimulated microglia on neurotoxicity. Results We report here that the previously uncharacterized intergenic lncRNA we termed Nostrill is induced by LPS stimulation in both BV2 cells and primary murine microglia, as well as in cortical tissue of LPS-injected mice. Induction of Nostrill is NF-κB dependent and silencing of Nostrill decreased inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and nitric oxide production in BV2 and primary microglial cells. Overexpression of Nostrill increased iNOS expression and nitric oxide production. RNA immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that Nostrill is physically associated with NF-κB subunit p65 following LPS stimulation. Silencing of Nostrill significantly reduced NF-κB p65 and RNA polymerase II recruitment to the iNOS promoter and decreased H3K4me3 activating histone modifications at iNOS gene loci. In vitro studies demonstrate that silencing of Nostrill in microglia reduced LPS-stimulated microglia neurotoxicity. Conclusions Our data indicate a new regulatory role of NF-κB-induced Nostrill and suggest that Nostrill acts as a co-activator of transcription of iNOS resulting in the production of nitric oxide in microglia through modulation of epigenetic chromatin remodeling. Nostrill may be a target for reducing the neurotoxicity associated with iNOS-mediated inflammatory processes in microglia during neurodegeneration.
How close are we to self-provisioning? A look at the livelihood strategies of rural households in the Southern Andean region of Colombia
Authors: Hernández-Núñez Héctor Eduardo , García Gustavo Adolfo Gutiérrez , Gutiérrez-Montes Isabel , Salazar Juan Carlos Suárez , Andrade Hernán J. , Núñez Angie Paola Bernal , Casanoves Fernando , Flora Cornelia Butler 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Production for self-provisioning contributes to food security in rural territories; however, studies have indicated that this capacity is limited. We analyze the impact of livelihood strategies on self-provisioning conditions in 162 rural households in the department of Huila, Colombia. Different topics were examined: a. source of the food; b. composition of home gardens; c. push and pull factors towards self-provisioning; d. capacity of rural households to access food in the face of COVID-19. Results indicated that rural households are 75% dependent on grocery stores for access their food. Only 51% of households have a home garden, with limited species diversity. Capacity for self-provisioning varies according to the livelihood strategies and capital endowment of the household; those with a greater diversity of agricultural activities have better capacity to provide for self-provisioning. We conclude that resilience of rural households is minimal to face atypical events such as the pandemic generated by COVID-19.
Social and emotional loneliness among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic: the predictive role of coping behaviours, social support, and personal resilience
Authors: Labrague Leodoro J. , Santos Janet Alexis A. De los , Falguera Charlie 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The mandatory lockdown imposed by the government to curb the transmission of coronavirus disease or COVID-19 has significantly disrupted social activities among student nurses, making them vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation. Objective: To determine the relative influence of coping behaviours, personal resilience, and social support on student nurses’ emotional and social loneliness during the pandemic.Methods: A cross-sectional research design was utilised to gather data from 261 student nurses from the Central Philippines using the Loneliness Scale, the Brief Resilience Scale, the Coping Behaviour Questionnaire, and the Perceived Social Support Questionnaire through an online survey. Results: The majority or 89.27% (n = 233) of student nurses experienced moderate to severe levels of loneliness during the lockdown. Age (younger age) (β = -0.168, p = 0.005) and social support (β = -0.176, p = 0.014) predicted emotional resilience, while gender (being female) (β = 0.109, p = 0.045), personal resilience (β = -0.214, p < 0.001), and coping behaviours (β = -0.455, p < 0.001) predicted social loneliness.Conclusions: Loneliness among student nurses was high during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Personal resilience, coping behaviours, and social support were identified as protective factors against loneliness. Empirically tested interventions and strategies directed towards increasing personal resilience, social support, and coping behaviours may help decrease emotional and social loneliness caused by the mandatory lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Forces generating crystallization differentiation, and the evolution of the melt composition on the example of plagioclase
Authors:   Sobolev Institute of Geology and  Mineralogy SB RAS, Kirdyashkin А. , Kirdyashkin A. ,   Sobolev Institute of Geology and  Mineralogy SB RAS
Published: October 2020

Crystallization differentiation processes in the melt volume are investigated for albite-anorthite continuous solid solution series. It has shown that crystallization differentiation occurs in the isothermal melt volume due to hydrodynamic instability of the melt/solid particles system. The time of particle settling in a 10 cm thick melt layer is estimated for different particle sizes. In terrestrial conditions, the existence of large melt volumes with long lifetime is possible in the case of a long-lived heat source of high thermal power. This source is a mantle thermochemical plume with a mushroom-shaped head. The particle settling time is estimated for the melt layer thickness, i. e. plume head thickness equal to 10 km. A calculation technique is presented for composition of the melt remaining after settling of plagioclase particles. The results of calculations of changes in the melt composition due to crystallization differentiation at a temperature T = 1410 °C and a pressure P = 6,3 kbar are presented. For a melt whose composition corresponds to N 47,5 (weight percentage of anorthite is 47,5 %), the oxide content in the settled plagioclase, the composition of the melt in its intercrystalline spaces, and the residual melt composition are calculated. At constant temperature, the crystallization differentiation of the melt whose composition corresponds to plagioclase leads to the compositional changes in the initial melt. Calculations of the melt composition have shown that the melt is depleted in anorthite component owing to settling of plagioclase particles. The composition of plagioclase therewith shifts to the liquidus line, reaching its limit on this line