bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
β‐Adrenoceptors regulate matrix metalloproteinase expression in human urothelial cells under hydrostatic pressure
Authors: Lan Jianhua , Jin Tao , Ai Jianzhong , Wei Xin , Huang Zhihui , Chen Hua , Jin Xi , Luo Zhumei , Wang Kunjie 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe bladder wall is constantly subjected to intravesical pressure during the filling and voiding cycles. An imbalance between matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) under elevated intravesical pressure contributes to pathological changes in the bladder. To investigate the changes in human urothelial cells (HUCs) under elevated intravesical pressure, this study analyzed the effect of β‐adrenoceptor signaling on the expression of MMPs and TIMPs in HUCs exposed to pathological hydrostatic pressure (HP) (70 cm H2O) for 6 hours. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot analysis, and cell fluorescence staining were used to explore the effect of β‐adrenoceptor signaling on the expression of MMPs and TIMPs in HUCs after agonist and/or antagonist treatment. The expression levels of β2‐ and β3‐adrenoceptor, MMP1, and MMP2 were greatly downregulated, while the expression of TIMP1 was greatly upregulated. Formoterol and BRL 37344, which are agonists of β2‐ and β3‐adrenoceptor, respectively, significantly increased MMP1 and MMP2 expression under 70 cm H2O. As a classic downstream pathway of β2‐ and β3‐adrenoceptor, protein kinase A (PKA) signaling inhibited MMP1 and MMP2 expression by regulating cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) activity. MMP1 and MMP2 expression in HUCs under 70 cm H2O was modified by β2‐ and β3‐adrenoceptor via the PKA/CREB pathway. This outcome suggests that MMPs likely participate in the pathological effects of elevated intravesical pressure. The underlying mechanism of β2‐ and β3‐adrenoceptor in elevated intravesical pressure was also revealed; this mechanism constitutes a new potential therapeutic target for partial bladder outlet obstruction.
An investigation on effectiveness of temperature treatment for fluorine‐based reactive plasma jet machining of N‐BK7®
Authors: Kazemi Faezeh , Boehm Georg , Arnold Thomas 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn this study, a fluorine‐based reactive plasma jet is investigated as a promising tool for ultraprecise surface machining of N‐BK7®. Plasma‐generated particles react with an N‐BK7 surface to create volatile and nonvolatile compounds. The desorption of volatile compounds results in an etched surface, whereas nonvolatile compounds form a residual layer in the etched area, causing unpredictable effects on the etching rate. Surface temperature treatment is proposed to improve the machining procedure with respect to deterministic material removal, leading to predictable results. It is shown that, at an elevated surface temperature, the residual layer properties are modified in favor of improved etching performance. The etching behavior of N‐BK7 is compared with fused silica to verify the optimality of the obtained results.
Trapped Ion Architecture for Multi‐Dimensional Quantum Simulations
Authors: Warring Ulrich , Hakelberg Frederick , Kiefer Philip , Wittemer Matthias , Schaetz Tobias 
Published: April 2020

AbstractA rich and powerful toolbox for individually trapped atomic ions is available for quantum information processing, including quantum metrology and quantum simulation, demonstrating control with highest fidelities. Building on this success, a novel architecture for analog quantum simulations aims at setting up fully controlled and reconfigurable quantum lattices by individually trapped ions in multi‐dimensional arrangements. In this article, an overview of recent developments and demonstrations of prototype operations is given. The features and limitations of the architecture are discussed and crucial steps toward mid and long‐term simulation applications are laid out.
A Facile L‐Proline Catalyzed One‐Pot Synthesis of Xanthene and Acridine Based Quinolones via Knoevenagel Condensation Reaction
Authors: Reddy Manne Madhava , Sivaramakrishna Akella 
Published: April 2020

AbstractA highly efficient, three‐component one‐pot and L‐proline catalyzed Knoevenagel condensation reaction of substituted‐2‐phenoxyquinoline‐3‐carbaldehyde, 1,3‐cyclohexanedione/dimedone or ammonium acetate is described. These reactions afford unexpected products of xanthene and acridine based quinolones in ethanol with good yields. All these isolated products are characterised by spectroscopic and analytical data.
Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles: Advances in Biodistribution, Toxicity, and Preclinical Exploration
Authors: Casals Eudald , Zeng Muling , Parra‐Robert Marina , Fernández‐Varo Guillermo , Morales‐Ruiz Manuel , Jiménez Wladimiro , Puntes Víctor , Casals Gregori 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAntioxidant nanoparticles have recently gained tremendous attention for their enormous potential in biomedicine. However, discrepant reports of either medical benefits or toxicity, and lack of reproducibility of many studies, generate uncertainties delaying their effective implementation. Herein, the case of cerium oxide is considered, a well‐known catalyst in the petrochemistry industry and one of the first antioxidant nanoparticles proposed for medicine. Like other nanoparticles, it is now described as a promising therapeutic alternative, now as threatening to health. Sources of these discrepancies and how this analysis helps to overcome contradictions found for other nanoparticles are summarized and discussed. For the context of this analysis, what has been reported in the liver is reviewed, where many diseases are related to oxidative stress. Since well‐dispersed nanoparticles passively accumulate in liver, it represents a major testing field for the study of new nanomedicines and their clinical translation. Even more, many contradictory works have reported in liver either cerium‐oxide‐associated toxicity or protection against oxidative stress and inflammation. Based on this, finally, the intention is to propose solutions to design improved nanoparticles that will work more precisely in medicine and safely in society.
KTi2(PO4)3 Electrode with a Long Cycling Stability for Potassium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Voronina Natalia , Jo Jae Hyeon , Konarov Aishuak , Kim Jongsoon , Myung Seung‐Taek 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn this work, rhombohedral KTi2(PO4)3 is introduced to investigate the related theoretical, structural, and electrochemical properties in K cells. The suggested KTi2(PO4)3 modified by electro‐conducting carbon brings about a flat voltage profile at ≈1.6 V, providing a large capacity of 126 mAh (g‐phosphate)−1, corresponding to 98.5% of the theoretical capacity, with 89% capacity retention for 500 cycles. Structural analyses using electrochemical performance measurements, first‐principles calculations, ex situ X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, and operando X‐ray diffraction provide new insights into the reaction mechanism controlling the (de)intercalation of potassium ions into the host KTi2(PO4)3 structure. It is observed that a biphasic redox process by Ti4+/3+ occurs upon discharge, whereas a single‐phase reaction followed by a biphasic process occurs upon charge. Along with the structural refinement of the electrochemically reduced K3Ti2(PO4)3 phase, these new findings provide insight into the reaction mechanism in Na superionic conductor (NASICON)‐type KTi2(PO4)3. The present approach can also be extended to the investigation of other NASICON‐type materials for potassium‐ion batteries.
Design of Magnetic‐Plasmonic Nanoparticle Assemblies via Interface Engineering of Plasmonic Shells for Targeted Cancer Cell Imaging and Separation
Authors: Kim Myeong Soo , Park Bum Chul , Kim Yu Jin , Lee Ju Hun , Koo Thomas Myeongseok , Ko Min Jun , Kim Young Keun 
Published: April 2020

AbstractMagnetic‐plasmonic nanoparticles have received considerable attention for widespread applications. These nanoparticles (NPs) exhibiting surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) activities are developed due to their potential in bio‐sensing applicable in non‐destructive and sensitive analysis with target‐specific separation. However, it is challenging to synthesize these NPs that simultaneously exhibit low remanence, maximized magnetic content, plasmonic coverage with abundant hotspots, and structural uniformity. Here, a method that involves the conjugation of a magnetic template with gold seeds via chemical binding and seed‐mediated growth is proposed, with the objective of obtaining plasmonic nanostructures with abundant hotspots on a magnetic template. To obtain a clean surface for directly functionalizing ligands and enhancing the Raman intensity, an additional growth step of gold (Au) and/or silver (Ag) atoms is proposed after modifying the Raman molecules on the as‐prepared magnetic‐plasmonic nanoparticles. Importantly, one‐sided silver growth occurred in an environment where gold facets are blocked by Raman molecules; otherwise, the gold growth is layer‐by‐layer. Moreover, simultaneous reduction by gold and silver ions allowed for the formation of a uniform bimetallic layer. The enhancement factor of the nanoparticles with a bimetallic layer is approximately 107. The SERS probes functionalized cyclic peptides are employed for targeted cancer‐cell imaging and separation.
Self‐Catalyzed Growth of Co–N–C Nanobrushes for Efficient Rechargeable Zn–Air Batteries
Authors: Luo Hao , Jiang Wen‐Jie , Niu Shuai , Zhang Xing , Zhang Yun , Yuan Lu‐Pan , He Chuanxin , Hu Jin‐Song 
Published: April 2020

AbstractHighly efficient and stable bifunctional electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction and evolution are essential for aqueous rechargeable Zn–air batteries, which require highly active sites as well as delicate structural design for increasing effective active sites and facilitating mass/electron transfer. Herein, a scalable and facile self‐catalyzed growth strategy is developed to integrate highly active Co–N–C sites with 3D brush‐like nanostructure, achieving Co–N–C nanobrushes with Co,N‐codoped carbon nanotube branches grown on Co,N‐codoped nanoparticle assembled nanowire backbones. Systematic investigations suggest that nanobrushes deliver significantly improved electrocatalytic activity compared with nanowire or nanotube counterparts and the longer nanotube branches give the better performance. Benefiting from the increase of accessible highly active sites and enhanced mass transfer and electron transportation, the present Co–N–C nanobrush exhibits superior electrocatalytic activity and durability when used as a bifunctional oxygen catalyst. It enables a rechargeable Zn–air battery with a high peak power density of 246 mW cm−2 and excellent cycling stability. These results suggest that the reported synthetic strategy may open up possibilities for exploring efficient electrocatalysts for diverse applications.
Spawning Drivers and Frequency of Endangered Atlantic Sturgeon in the York River System
Authors: Hager Christian H. , Watterson J. Carter , Kahn Jason E. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractDespite over 100 years of commercial exploitation for their eggs, there is limited information about the spawning behavior of Atlantic Sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus. Spawning return intervals for males and females have been estimated in the most general of time spans, and researchers have established only in the last 25 years that Atlantic Sturgeon eggs and larvae are freshwater obligates, dispelling the notion that spawning occurred in estuaries. In this study, capture data from 2013 to 2019 for Atlantic Sturgeon were analyzed to estimate spawning return intervals to the York River system, a tributary to the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia. Then, using the data for female capture, we examined the abiotic influences that appear to drive egg deposition. Both males and females return to spawn at more frequent intervals than has been reported in the literature, with males returning once every 1.13 years and females returning once every 2.19 years. Three females were documented returning to spawn in consecutive years—one of them returning 5 out of 6 years. All of the females that were captured on the spawning grounds were gravid, with eggs at stage 5 or further progressed. In all of the years, 105 fall adult females were caught: 73 were at stage 5, 26 at stage 6, and 6 at stage 7. Of the 26 stage‐6 females, 13 were actively releasing eggs when they were captured. Egg deposition was correlated with photoperiod, water temperature, and a drop in barometric pressure in the 24 h prior to capture. Ten of 13 females that were releasing eggs were caught during day lengths that were within 30 min of the autumn equinox. Females that were releasing eggs were only captured at water temperatures that were between 21.5°C and 25.1°C. This information should provide the foundation of predictive models that allow researchers and managers to understand how this endangered species is likely to respond to climate change.
Chemical constituents of chloroform extract from the lichen Ramalina peruviana Arch (Ramalinaceae)
Authors: Linh Nguyen Thi Thuy , Danova Ade , Truong Tuong Lam , Chavasiri Warinthorn , Phung Nguyen Kim Phi , Chi Huynh Bui Linh 
Published: April 2020

AbstractFrom the chloroform extract of the lichen Ramalina peruviana Ach. (Ramalinaceae), collected at Cau Dat farm, Lam Dong province, Vietnam, eight organic compounds had been isolated: nonadecan‐1‐ol (1); nonadecenoic acid (2); (+)‐(12R)‐usnic acid (3); three monophenolic compounds‐ rhizonic acid (4), divarinolmonomethylether (5) and divaricatinic acid (6); and two depsides‐ decarboxy‐2'‐O‐methyldivaricatic acid (7) and sekikaic acid (8). The chemical structure of these compounds was elucidated by spectroscopic analysis as well as high resolution ESI–MS analysis and comparison with those reported in the literature. Among these compounds, (1), (2), (4), (5) and (7) were the first time known in the Ramalina genus. Although compound (7) was detected in the lichen Neofuscelia depsidella by chromatographic comparisons with authentic material that was synthesized by condensation of the benzoic acid and 3‐methoxyl‐5‐propylphenol but it is isolated in the nature for the first time. The results of determining the α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity of four isolated compounds show that the α‐glucosidase inhibitory effect of (8) was the best with IC50 values in 136.62 μg/mL (compared with the control acarbose IC50 93.63 μg/mL).
Characterization of volatile components from ethyl acetate extract of Stixis suaveolens (Roxb.) by comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography hyphenated with a time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer
Authors: Anh Ngo Quoc , Thanh Hoang Duc , Yen Tran Thi , Anh Duong Hong , Schmitz Oliver J. , Viet Pham Hung 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThis article established a GC‐MS profile for ethylacetate extract of herbal plant Stixis suaveolens (Roxb.) Pierre (Capparaceae). The plant was extracted with ethanol then partitioned by ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate extract was analyzed using comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography coupling with a time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer (GCxGC/TOF‐MS). Most of high intensity compounds in ethyl acetate extract were identified. 48 compounds out of 106 peaks were detected including fatty acids, esters, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, heterocyclic compounds, etc. Many of them show biological activities in diseases treatment. This result facilitates further studies about herbal plants and development of medicine formulation based on traditional medicine in Vietnam.
Andean Indigenous Sustainable Development
Authors: MacNeill Timothy 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe most politically forceful, and institutionally integrated, form of indigenous sustainable development in Latin America has emerged in the Andean region—especially in Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador. Although this region is home to multiple indigenous cultures, much weight is given to theKechwaconcept ofSumak Kawsay(living well). Owing to the power of the local indigenous movement, the idea has been most completely incorporated in Ecuador—where it is the central theme of the country’s most recent constitution. The Andean case study allows us to observe indigenous sustainable development in its most advanced form. The Ecuadorian example at once provides home for indigenous development, and a cautionary tale of its implementation.
Mid-term results show no significant difference in postoperative clinical outcome, pain and range of motion between a well-established total knee arthroplasty design and its successor: a prospective, randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Hauer Georg , Hörlesberger Nina , Klim Sebastian , Bernhardt Gerwin A. , Leitner Lukas , Glehr Mathias , Leithner Andreas , Sadoghi Patrick 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and functional outcome scores following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with two different systems. The hypothesis was that there is a difference between patients receiving the newer design than those receiving the predecessor.MethodsTwo hundred patients who underwent TKA were randomized into two groups: patients received either Attune TKA or PFC Sigma (both DePuy Synthes, Warsaw, IN). Clinically, the Knee Society Knee and Function Scores (KS and FS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Range of Motion (ROM) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were evaluated and compared between the groups 2 years after surgery. 158 patients (80 in the Attune group and 78 in the PFC Sigma group) were available for follow-up.ResultsThrough bivariate analysis using parametric and non-parametric statistical tests, no significant differences in postoperative KS, FS, WOMAC, ROM or VAS between the two groups were detected. Both groups significantly improved regarding all evaluated endpoints 2 years after surgery.ConclusionsIn the current study population, no difference in clinical outcome between the two systems was found. The expected benefits of design modifications could not be observed in clinical outcome scores 2 years postoperatively. Both designs are effective options for improving pain and function in end-stage osteoarthritis.Level of evidenceI.
Optimization of mass spectrometry settings for steroidomic analysis in young and old killifish
Authors: Dabrowski Rahel , Ripa Roberto , Latza Christian , Annibal Andrea , Antebi Adam 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSteroids are essential structural components of cell membranes that organize lipid rafts and modulate membrane fluidity. They can also act as signalling molecules that work through nuclear and G protein–coupled receptors to impact health and disease. Notably, changes in steroid levels have been implicated in metabolic, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, but how alterations in the steroid pool affect ageing is less well understood. One of the major challenges in steroidomic analysis is the ability to simultaneously detect and distinguish various steroids due to low in vivo concentrations and naturally occurring stereoisomers. Here, we established such a method to study the mass spectrometry behaviour of nine sterols/steroids and related molecules (cholesterol precursors: squalene, lanosterol; sterol metabolites; 7 Dehydrocholesterol, 24, 25 and 27 Hydroxycholesterol; and steroids: progesterone, testosterone, and corticosterone) during ageing in the African turquoise killifish, a new model for studying vertebrate longevity. We find that levels of all tested steroids change significantly with age in multiple tissues, suggesting that specific steroids could be used as biomarkers of ageing. These findings pave the way for use ofNothobranchius furzerias a novel model organism to unravel the role of sterols/steroids in ageing and age-related diseases.
Outcome Measurement at a Ugandan Referral Hospital: Validation of the Mbarara Surgical Services Quality Assurance Database
Authors: Drevin Gustaf , Albutt Katherine , Baluku Moris , Tuhumwiire Caleb , Deng Hao , Musinguzi Nicholas , Modest Vicki , Ngonzi Joseph , Ttendo Stephen , Firth Paul 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundFive billion people lack access to surgery. Accurate and complete data have been identified as essential to the global scale‐up of perioperative care. This study retrospectively validates the Mbarara Surgical Services Quality Assurance Database (SQUAD), an electronic outcomes database at a Ugandan secondary referral hospital.MethodsSQUAD data were compared to paper records from August 2013 to January 2017. To assess data entry accuracy, two researchers independently extracted 24 patient variables from 170 charts. To assess completeness of patient capture, SQUAD entries were compared to a sample of charts returned to the Medical Records Department, and to a sample of entries in ward and operating room logbooks. Two‐tailed binomial proportions with 95% CI were calculated from the comparative results of patient observations, against a predefined accuracy of 0.85–0.95.ResultsAgreement between completed validation observations from charts and SQUAD data was 91.5% (n = 3734/4080 data points). Binomial tests indicated that 15 variables had higher than 95% accuracy. A total 19 of 24 variables had ≥ 85% accuracy. The completeness of SQUAD patient capture was 98.2% (n = 167/170) of charts returned to the Medical Records Department, 97.5% (n = 198/203) of operating logbook entries, and 100% (n = 111/111) of ward logbook entries, respectively.ConclusionSQUAD closely reflects the primary surgical and anaesthetic data at a Ugandan secondary hospital. Data accuracy of key variables and completeness of population capture were comparable to those of databases in high‐income countries and outperformed those of other low‐ and middle‐income countries.
Pre-transplant FLT3/ITD status predicts outcome in FLT3-mutated acute myeloid leukemia following allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Helbig Grzegorz , Koclęga Anna , Wieczorkiewicz-Kabut Agata , Woźniczka Krzysztof , Kopińska Anna , Boral Kinga , Grygoruk-Wiśniowska Iwona , Stachowicz Małgorzata , Karolczyk Agnieszka 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAcute myeloid leukemia (AML) with fetal liver tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) internal tandem duplication (ITD) is associated with poor prognosis, and allogeneic stem cell transplantation (Allo-SCT) seems to be the preferred therapeutic approach. However, the predictors of post-transplant outcomes were not well-defined. The aim of the study was to evaluate the significance of FLT3/ITD mutation by polymerase chain reaction as minimal residual disease (MRD) marker of outcomes after transplantation. We identified 43 patients (28 females and 15 males) with FLT3-mutated AML at the median age of 45 years who were allografted between 2009 and 2019. Hematological status at transplant was as follows: the first complete remission (CR1) in 29 patients, CR2 in 5, and 9 patients were transplanted in marrow aplasia (MA). Twenty-seven patients were FLT3 MRD negative at transplant. Median time from diagnosis to transplant was 16.7 months. Post-allograft CR rate was 88%. The relapse incidence (RI) was lower for patients who were FLT3 MRD negative at transplant when compared with those with FLT3 MRD positivity (41% vs 59%; p = 0.01). The patients who eradicated FLT3/ITD at day + 30 after transplant had lower RI than those with detectable FLT3/ITD (23% vs 76%; p = <0.001). The 2-year LFS and OS were 53% and 54%, with the median OS and LFS of 28 months and 27 months, respectively. Patients with CR1/2 and FLT3 MRD(−) had a 2-year OS of 80%. The FLT3 MRD negativity at transplant prolonged LFS in multivariate analysis (HR 5.3 95%CI 1.97–14.2); p < 0.001), whereas FLT3 MRD negativity and unrelated donor predicted favorable OS.