bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating RNA expression profiles altered by nicotinamide mononucleotide therapy in a chronic model of alcoholic liver disease
Authors: Assiri Mohammed A. , Ali Hadi R. , Marentette John O. , Yun Youngho , Liu Juan , Hirschey Matthew D. , Saba Laura M. , Harris Peter S. , Fritz Kristofer S. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Chronic alcohol consumption is a significant cause of liver disease worldwide. Several biochemical mechanisms have been linked to the initiation and progression of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic dysregulation, including the disruption of NAD+/NADH. Indeed, an ethanol-mediated reduction in hepatic NAD+ levels is thought to be one factor underlying ethanol-induced steatosis, oxidative stress, steatohepatitis, insulin resistance, and inhibition of gluconeogenesis. Therefore, we applied a NAD+ boosting supplement to investigate alterations in the pathogenesis of early-stage ALD.

Methods
To examine the impact of NAD+ therapy on the early stages of ALD, we utilized nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) at 500 mg/kg intraperitoneal injection every other day, for the duration of a Lieber-DeCarli 6-week chronic ethanol model in mice. Numerous strategies were employed to characterize the effect of NMN therapy, including the integration of RNA-seq, immunoblotting, and metabolomics analysis.

Results
Our findings reveal that NMN therapy increased hepatic NAD+ levels, prevented an ethanol-induced increase in plasma ALT and AST, and changed the expression of 25% of the genes that were modulated by ethanol metabolism. These genes were associated with a number of pathways including the MAPK pathway. Interestingly, our analysis revealed that NMN treatment normalized Erk1/2 signaling and prevented an induction of Atf3 overexpression.

Conclusions
These findings reveal previously unreported mechanisms by which NMN supplementation alters hepatic gene expression and protein pathways to impact ethanol hepatotoxicity in an early-stage murine model of ALD. Overall, our data suggest further research is needed to fully characterize treatment paradigms and biochemical implications of NAD+-based interventions.
The role of temperature as a driver of metabolic flexibility in the Red-billed Leiothrix (Leiothrix lutea)
Authors: Cui Danqi , Wang Na , Ge Jingru , Xu Jiaying , Zheng Weihong , Liu Jinsong 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe thermoregulatory ability of animals is strongly influenced by the temperature of their environment. Acclimation to cold requires a range of physiological and morphological adjustments. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that a small passerine, the Red-billed Leiothrix (Leiothrix lutea), can maintain homeothermy in cold conditions by adjusting the physiology and biochemistry of its tissue and organs and return to its former physiological and biochemical state when moved to a warm temperature.MethodsPhenotypic variation in thermogenic activity of the Red-billed Leiothrixs (Leiothrix lutea) was investigated under warm (35 °C), normal (25 °C) or cold (15 °C) ambient temperature conditions. Oxygen consumption was measured using an open-circuit respirometry system. Mitochondrial state-4 respiration and cytochrome-c oxidase (COX) activity in liver, kidney heart and pectoral muscle were measured with a Clark electrode.ResultsBirds acclimated to an ambient temperature of 15 °C for 4 weeks significantly increased their basal metabolic rate (BMR) compared to a control group kept at 25 °C. Birds acclimated to 35 °C decreased their BMR, gross energy intake (GEI) and digestible energy intake (DEI). Furthermore, birds acclimated to 15 °C increased state-4 respiration in their pectoral muscles and cytochrome-c oxidase (COX) activity in their liver and pectoral muscle, compared to the 25 °C control group. Birds acclimated to 35 °C also displayed lower state-4 respiration and COX activity in the liver, heart and pectoral muscles, compared to those kept at 25 °C. There was a positive correlation between BMR and state-4 respiration, and between BMR and COX activity, in all of the above organs except the liver and heart.ConclusionsOur study illustrates that the morphological, physiological, and enzymatic changes are associated with temperature acclimation in the Red-billed Leiothrix, and supports the notion that the primary means by which small birds meet the energetic challenges of cold conditions is through metabolic adjustments.
Noise reduction using a Bayesian penalized-likelihood reconstruction algorithm on a time-of-flight PET-CT scanner
Authors: Caribé Paulo R. R. V. , Koole M. , D’Asseler Yves , Van Den Broeck B. , Vandenberghe S. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Purpose
Q.Clear is a block sequential regularized expectation maximization (BSREM) penalized-likelihood reconstruction algorithm for PET. It tries to improve image quality by controlling noise amplification during image reconstruction. In this study, the noise properties of this BSREM were compared to the ordered-subset expectation maximization (OSEM) algorithm for both phantom and patient data acquired on a state-of-the-art PET/CT.

Methods
The NEMA IQ phantom and a whole-body patient study were acquired on a GE DMI 3-rings system in list mode and different datasets with varying noise levels were generated. Phantom data was evaluated using four different contrast ratios. These were reconstructed using BSREM with different β-factors of 300–3000 and with a clinical setting used for OSEM including point spread function (PSF) and time-of-flight (TOF) information. Contrast recovery (CR), background noise levels (coefficient of variation, COV), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were used to determine the performance in the phantom data. Findings based on the phantom data were compared with clinical data. For the patient study, the SUV ratio, metabolic active tumor volumes (MATVs), and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) were evaluated using the liver as the background region.

Results
Based on the phantom data for the same count statistics, BSREM resulted in higher CR and CNR and lower COV than OSEM. The CR of OSEM matches to the CR of BSREM with β = 750 at high count statistics for 8:1. A similar trend was observed for the ratios 6:1 and 4:1. A dependence on sphere size, counting statistics, and contrast ratio was confirmed by the CNR of the ratio 2:1. BSREM with β = 750 for 2.5 and 1.0 min acquisition has comparable COV to the 10 and 5.0 min acquisitions using OSEM. This resulted in a noise reduction by a factor of 2–4 when using BSREM instead of OSEM. For the patient data, a similar trend was observed, and SNR was reduced by at least a factor of 2 while preserving contrast.

Conclusion
The BSREM reconstruction algorithm allowed a noise reduction without a loss of contrast by a factor of 2–4 compared to OSEM reconstructions for all data evaluated. This reduction can be used to lower the injected dose or shorten the acquisition time.
Primary peritoneal carcinoma with late-phase pulmonary metastases: a case report
Authors: Ozeki Naoki , Hakiri Shuhei , Tateyama Hisashi , Yokoi Kohei , Chen-Yoshikawa Toyofumi 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Primary peritoneal carcinoma (PPC) is a very rare and aggressive type of malignancy with a poor prognosis.

Case presentation
A 66-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with two pulmonary nodules that developed after PPC resection and postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy administered 5 years earlier. Computed tomography revealed a 1.3-cm-sized nodule in the left lung with a small airspace in the posterior basal segment and a 0.9-cm-sized solid nodule in the apico-posterior segment that grew slightly within a 2-month period. 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography of these lesions revealed respective maximum standardized uptake values of 7.11 and 2.46. Her serum cancer antigen-125 level remained within the normal range, despite elevation before the first surgery. The posterior basal segment and superior division were subjected to anatomical segmentectomy. An intraoperative frozen section examination could not distinguish metastatic PPC from primary lung cancer. Immunopathologically, the two nodules were identified as metastatic PPC.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that PPC patients may develop late-phase thoracic recurrence that is difficult to diagnose clinically after initial treatment in a potentially resectable setting.
Prevalence of considering revision rhinoplasty in Saudi patients and its associated factors
Authors: Alsubeeh Najlaa Abdulrahman , AlSaqr Mayar Abdulsalam , Alkarzae Mohammed , Aldosari Badi 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Primary rhinoplasty outcomes may not meet individual expectations. Consequently, reoperation may be advocated to improve results. This study examines the prevalence of individuals considering revision rhinoplasty, while identifying the main cosmetic and functional complaints and factors associated.

Methodology
This is a cross-sectional study conducted in Saudi Arabia using a self-reported online questionnaire distributed through social media channels. The sample included 1370 participants who were all Saudi nationals over the age of 16 who had undergone primary rhinoplasty at least 1 year prior.

Results
The prevalence of individuals considering revision rhinoplasty was 44.7%. The primary reason for considering it was the desire for further esthetic improvement in an already acceptable result (50.16%). The most common cosmetic complaints subjectively reported were poorly defined nasal tip (32.35%). The most prevalent nasal function symptom was nasal obstruction (56.9%). Significant factors associated with considering revision rhinoplasty included the physician not understanding the patient’s complaints, short consultation time, low monthly income, inadequate information about the expected results, not using computer imaging to predict outcomes, lack of rapport with the surgeon, and inadequate information about the risks and complications.

Conclusions
A thorough understanding of patient concerns and expectations, as well as thoughtful consideration of risk factors, may help surgeons achieve more successful outcomes and potentially reduce the incidence of revision rhinoplasties.

Level of evidence
III
Changes in retinal and choriocapillaris density in diabetic patients receiving anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment using optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Conti Felipe F. , Song Weilin , Rodrigues Eduardo B. , Singh Rishi P. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) enables detailed, non-invasive assessment of ocular vasculature. This study uses OCTA imaging to evaluate choriocapillaris and retinal capillary perfusion density (CPD) changes in diabetic retinopathy following anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment.

Methods
Records of 38 eyes at a single institution were reviewed, grouped as non-diabetic controls (19 eyes), diabetes mellitus patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR, 19 eyes) and macular edema (DME). DR eyes were imaged at baseline, 6-months and 12-months after anti-VEGF treatment. Quantitative analyses assessed CPD of the choriocapillaris and retinal plexus.

Results
DR eyes showed decreased choriocapillaris whole-image CPD (62.6 ± 6.1 vs. 68.4 ± 5.1, p < 0.003), foveal CPD (61.2 ± 7.4 vs. 66.3 ± 9.8, p < 0.014), and parafoveal CPD (61.9 ± 6.6 vs. 68.2 ± 4.8, p < 0.002) at baseline. DR eyes also showed decreased retinal density, including whole-image CPD (46.9 ± 5.1 vs. 50.7 ± 5.6, p < 0.04), foveal CPD (27.6 ± 5.9 vs. 34.1 ± 6.1, p < 0.002), and parafoveal CPD (49.0 ± 5.6 vs. 53.1 ± 6.0, p < 0.011). Following 12 months of anti-VEGF treatment, no changes to retinal or choriocapillaris or CPD were observed. Retinal central subfield thickness decreased (397.1 ± 93.2 µm vs. 294.2 ± 71.5 µm, p < 0.005). Lastly, FAZ area (0.307 ± 0.133 mm2 vs. 0.184 ± 0.058 mm2, p = 0.008) and perimeter (2.415 ± 0.692 mm2 vs. 1.753 ± 0.408 mm2, p = 0.002) were increased in DR eyes at baseline. No changes to FAZ area or perimeter were seen with anti-VEGF treatment in DR eyes.

Conclusions
Compared to control, choriocapillaris and retinal CPD are reduced in DR, while FAZ area and perimeter are increased. No retinal capillary or choriocapillaris CPD changes were observed in DR eyes following anti-VEGF treatment.
Development of a novel PIG-A gene mutation assay based on a GPI-anchored fluorescent protein sensor
Authors: Tian Xu , Chen Youjun , Nakamura Jun 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundAccumulation of somatic mutations caused by both endogenous and exogenous exposures is a high risk for human health, in particular, cancer. Efficient detection of somatic mutations is crucial for risk assessment of different types of exposures. Due to its requirement in the process of attaching glycosylphatidylinositol- (GPI-) anchored proteins to the cell surface, thePIG-Agene located on the X-chromosome is used in both in vivo and in vitro mutation assays. Loss-of-function mutations inPIG-Alead to the elimination of GPI-anchored proteins such that they can no longer be detected on the cell surface by antibodies. Historically, mutation assays based on thePIG-Agene rely on the staining of these cell-surface proteins by antibodies; however, as with any antibody-based assay, there are major limitations, especially in terms of variability and lack of specific antibodies.ResultsIn the current study, we developed a modifiedPIG-Amutation assay that uses the expression of GPI-anchored fluorescent proteins (henceforth referred to as a GPI-sensor), whereby the presence of fluorescence on the cell membrane is dependent on the expression ofwild-type PIG-A. Using our modifiedPIG-Amutation assay, we have achieved complete separation ofwild typecells and spontaneously mutated cells, in which the presence ofPIG-Amutations has been confirmed via proaerolysin resistance and gene sequencing.ConclusionThis study establishes a novelPIG-Amutation assay using GPI-anchored fluorescent protein expression that eliminates the need for antibody-based staining. This GPI-sensorPIG-Amutation assay should be widely applicable for accurate and efficient testing of genotoxicity for use in many mammalian and vertebrate cells.
Comparison of difficulty with activities of daily living in elderly adults undergoing hemodialysis and community-dwelling individuals: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kutsuna Toshiki , Isobe Yusuke , Watanabe Takaaki , Matsunaga Yusuke , Kusaka Satomi , Kusumoto Yasuaki , Tsuchiya Junko , Umeda Masaru , Watanabe Hiroyuki , Shimizu Shinobu , Yoshida Atsushi , Matsunaga Atsuhiko 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Elderly adults undergoing hemodialysis (HD) have multiple comorbidities, physical frailty, and functional dependence with activities of daily living (ADL). ADL difficulty is an early predictor of ADL dependency in community-dwelling elderly adults. However, the characteristics of ADL difficulty in patients undergoing HD have not yet been reported. The present study aimed to examine the current status and characteristics of physical function and ADL difficulty in ambulatory elderly patients undergoing HD.

Methods
In all, 136 elderly outpatients undergoing HD and 40 community-dwelling controls participated in the present study. The characteristics, physical function (SARC-F score, grip strength, five-times sit-to-stand test time, usual gait speed, maximum gait speed, and short physical performance battery score), and scores from the ADL difficulty questionnaires [difficulty related to upper limb (U/L) and lower limb (L/L) functions] were compared between the HD and control groups. Multiple regression analysis was performed to examine whether the characteristics of physical function were able to discriminate ADL difficulty in the HD group.

Results
The HD group had a significantly greater SARC-F score, lower grip strength, longer five-times sit-to-stand test time, slower usual gait speed, slower maximum gait speed, lower short physical performance battery score, and lower U/L and L/L ADL difficulty scores compared to the control group (all P < 0.001). The distribution of U/L and L/L ADL difficulty scores showed a wider variation in the HD group than in the control group. The U/L ADL difficulty score was independently associated with the SARC-F score (β = −0.52, P < 0.001) and grip strength (β = 0.21, P = 0.02). The L/L ADL difficulty score was independently associated with the SARC-F score (β = −0.56, P < 0.001) and usual gait speed (β = 0.35, P < 0.001).

Conclusions
The elderly HD group had a poorer physical function and experienced stronger ADL difficulty than the control group. There was an association between ADL difficulty and sarcopenia or poor physical function among patients undergoing HD. These findings provide useful data for effective clinical management to prevent decline of ADL in ambulatory elderly patients undergoing HD.
Cold storage and gamma irradiation of Sitotroga cerealella Olivier eggs (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in relation to the success of parasitism by Trichogramma evanescens Westwood (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)
Authors: Abdel-Hameid Naglaa F. , Elzoghby I. R. M. , Mehany A. L. , Sayed W. A. A. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe performance of parasitism by the egg parasitoid, Trichogramma evanescens Westwood (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) on eggs of Angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella Olivier (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) was investigated under cold storage and gamma irradiation treatments of the host eggs. Cold storage treatment could improve the parasitoid mass rearing techniques and reduced the costs of biological control programs, while gamma irradiation might be used as a supplementary support at the times of high demand. The suitability of the S. cerealella eggs, stored at – 20 °C for 0.5, 1, or 2 h. as a host for T. evanescens was evaluated. The sensitivity of S. cerealella eggs to gamma irradiation treatments and the acceptability of irradiated eggs for parasitism by T. evanescens females for the parental P and F1 generations were examined. The results revealed that parasitism was drastically reduced more than adult’s emergence and sex-ratio (% of females) after cold storage periods of S. cerealella eggs. Moreover, the parasitism percentages were relatively reduced to (97.1, 96.1, 93.03, and 92.7 %) after irradiating the S. cerealella eggs at 40, 60, 80, and 100 Gy, respectively than the control (97.3% emergence). The percentages of emergence and females’ percent were slightly decreased by gamma irradiation doses, while, equal preferred by the F1 generation of parasitoid that produced from irradiated S. cerealella eggs.
The combined role of MR spectroscopy and perfusion imaging in preoperative differentiation between high- and low-grade gliomas
Authors: Hasan Abdel-Monem S. , Hasan Abdel Karem , Megally Hasan I. , Khallaf Mohammed , Haseib Abolhasan 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Brain tumors are an important health problem. The preoperative classification of gliomas by non-invasive techniques is a significant problem. Relative cerebral blood volume and spectroscopy have the ability to sample the entire lesion non-invasively. The present study aims to evaluate the combined role of dynamic susceptibility perfusion and spectroscopy in the classification of primary brain tumors. The combination of both provides overall diagnostic accuracy (100%). Relative cerebral blood volume in peritumoral region plays an important additional role in this regard.

Results
On the basis of histopathology, among 50 patients with brain tumors, high-grade gliomas accounted for 58%, while low-grade gliomas accounted for 42%. The relative cerebral blood volume in the tumor had the best sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 96.8%, 95.3%, and 96, respectively. The use of relative cerebral blood volume and choline/N-acetyl Aspartate increased diagnostic accuracy by 100%.

Conclusion
The combination of magnetic resonance spectroscopy and perfusion can increase sensitivity and positive predictive value to define the degree of glioma.
Diffusion tensor imaging of white matter integrity in relation to smoking index and exacerbations in severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Helmy Eman Mohamed , Sakrana Amal A. , Abdel-Fattah Sherif , Elsaid Amany Ragab 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a non-invasive MR modality that provides an evaluation of brain tissue microstructure and architecture in vivo. We aimed to assess the diagnostic value of DTI parameters in evaluating cerebral white matter integrity in patients of severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and correlate these parameters with smoking index (SI) and the number of exacerbations in the last year.
This prospective study included 30 COPD male past smoker patients and 15 age- and sex-matched nonsmoker controls. Staging of COPD, SI and number of exacerbations in the last year were obtained. Routine brain MRI and DTI were done in all subjects. The selected white matter tracts’ fractional anisotropy (FA), and mean diffusivity (MD) were calculated in the region of interest in axial slices.

Results
The mean FA and MD values of all selected white matter tracts showed a high significant difference (p < 0.001) between patients and control group. The correlation between FA, SI and exacerbation frequency was not significant in the majority of white matter tracts (p > 0.05). The correlation between MD, SI and exacerbation frequency was significant for the majority of tracts (p < 0.05).

Conclusion
DTI metrics are valuable non-invasive tools in evaluating the white matter abnormalities in COPD patients. Smoking index and frequency of exacerbations have possible relation to extra-pulmonary cerebral manifestations of COPD.
Coronal STIR sequence, a simple adjustment to routine MRI protocol for extra-spinal sciatica and sciatica-like symptoms
Authors: Zeitoun Rania , Mohieddin Mohammed Saleh Ali 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
The value of adding coronal STIR images to MR imaging of sciatica aiming to detect extra-spinal abnormalities.

Results
Additional coronal STIR images detected extra-spinal abnormalities in 20% of the patients, thereby downgraded the normal studies from 21 to 13%. The extra-spinal abnormalities included bone abnormalities (36.4%), soft tissue abnormalities (4.5%), neurological abnormalities (2.3%), gynecological abnormalities (50%), and miscellaneous (6.8%). In 6.9% of patients, the extra-spinal abnormalities explained the patients’ pain and influenced their management. Extra-spinal causes of pain significantly correlated to positive trauma and neoplasm history, normal routine protocol images, and absent nerve root impingement. Extra-spinal abnormalities were more prevalent in age groups (20–39 years).

Conclusion
Coronal STIR images (field of view: mid abdomen to the lesser trochanters) identify extra-spinal abnormalities that maybe overlooked on routine MRI protocol. It is of additional value in young adults, trauma, neoplasm, and negative routine images.