bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Paracrine effects of intraocularly implanted cells on degenerating retinas in mice
Authors: Liu Xiao , Chen Fenghua , Chen Yao , Lu Huayi , Lu Xiaoqin , Peng Xiaoyan , Kaplan Henry J. , Dean Douglas C. , Gao Ling , Liu Yongqing 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Retinal degeneration is a leading cause of blindness in the world; its etiology is complex and involves genetic defects and stress-associated aging. In addition to gene therapies for known genetically defective retinal degeneration, cellular therapies have been widely explored for restoring vision in both preclinical animal models and clinical trials. Stem cells of distinct tissue sources and their derived lineages have been tested for treating retinal degeneration; most of them were reported to be effective to some extent in restoring/improving deteriorated vision. Whether this visual improvement is due to a functional integration of grafted cells to substitute for lost retinal neurons in recipients or due to their neuroprotective and neurotrophic effects to retain recipient functional neurons, or both, is still under debate.

Methods
We compared the results of subretinal transplantation of various somatic cell types, such as stem cells and differentiated cells, into RhoP23H/+ mice, a retinal degeneration model for human retinitis pigmentosa (RP) by evaluating their optokinetic response (OKR) and retinal histology. We identified some paracrine factors in the media that cultured cells secreted by western blotting (WB) and functionally evaluated the vascular endothelial growth factor Vegfa for its potential neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects on the neuroretina of model animals by intravitreal injection of VEGF antibody.

Results
We found that live cells, regardless of whether they were stem cells or differentiated cell types, had a positive effect on improving degenerating retinas after subretinal transplantation; the efficacy depended on their survival duration in the host tissue. A few paracrine factors were identified in cell culture media; Vegfa was the most relevant neurotrophic and neuroprotective factor identified by our experiments to extend neuron survival duration in vivo.

Conclusions
Cellular therapy-produced benefits for remediating retinal degeneration are mostly, if not completely, due to a paracrine effect of implanted cells on the remaining host retinal neurons.
Nonlinear integral inequality with power and its application in delay integro-differential equations
Authors: Tian Yazhou , Fan Min 
Published: March 2020

AbstractNew nonlinear integral inequalities (NII) are presented in this paper. Based on mathematical analysis technique, several estimation results are obtained, which not only complement the aforementioned results, but also generalize the inequalities to the more general nonlinearities. As an application, they can be employed to estimate the bound on the solutions of power integro-differential equations (IDE).
Genomic and transcriptomic evidence of light-sensing, porphyrin biosynthesis, Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle, and urea production in Bathyarchaeota
Authors: Pan Jie , Zhou Zhichao , Béjà Oded , Cai Mingwei , Yang Yuchun , Liu Yang , Gu Ji-Dong , Li Meng 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Bathyarchaeota, a newly proposed archaeal phylum, is considered as an important driver of the global carbon cycle. However, due to the great diversity of them, there is limited genomic information that accurately encompasses the metabolic potential of the entire archaeal phylum.

Results
In the current study, nine metagenome-assembled genomes of Bathyarchaeota from four subgroups were constructed from mangrove sediments, and metatranscriptomes were obtained for evaluating their in situ transcriptional activities. Comparative analyses with reference genomes and the transcripts of functional genes posit an expanded role for Bathyarchaeota in phototrophy, autotrophy, and nitrogen and sulfur cycles, respectively. Notably, the presence of genes for rhodopsins, cobalamin biosynthesis, and the oxygen-dependent metabolic pathways in some Bathyarchaeota subgroup 6 genomes suggest a light-sensing and microoxic lifestyle within this subgroup.

Conclusions
The results of this study expand our knowledge of metabolic abilities and diverse lifestyles of Bathyarchaeota, highlighting the crucial role of Bathyarchaeota in geochemical cycle.
Associations between biomechanical and clinical/anthropometrical factors and running-related injuries among recreational runners: a 52-week prospective cohort study
Authors: Jungmalm Jonatan , Nielsen Rasmus Østergaard , Desai Pia , Karlsson Jon , Hein Tobias , Grau Stefan 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
The purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate whether runners with certain biomechanical or clinical/anthropometrical characteristics sustain more running-related injuries than runners with other biomechanical or clinical/anthropometrical characteristics.

Methods
The study was designed as a prospective cohort with 52-weeks follow-up. A total of 224 injury-free, recreational runners were recruited from the Gothenburg Half Marathon and tested at baseline. The primary exposure variables were biomechanical and clinical/anthropometrical measures, including strength, lower extremity kinematics, joint range of motion, muscle flexibility, and trigger points. The primary outcome measure was any running-related injury diagnosed by a medical practitioner. Cumulative risk difference was used as measure of association. A shared frailty approach was used with legs as the unit of interest. A total of 448 legs were included in the analyses.

Results
The cumulative injury incidence proportion for legs was 29.0% (95%CI = 24.0%; 34.8%). A few biomechanical and clinical/anthropometrical factors influence the number of running-related injuries sustained in recreational runners. Runners with a late timing of maximal eversion sustained 20.7% (95%CI = 1.3; 40.0) more injuries, and runners with weak abductors in relation to adductors sustained 17.3% (95%CI = 0.8; 33.7) more injuries, compared with the corresponding reference group.

Conclusions
More injuries are likely to occur in runners with late timing of maximal eversion or weak hip abductors in relation to hip adductors.
Extracting clearer tsunami currents from shipborne Automatic Identification System data using ship yaw and equation of ship response
Authors: Inazu Daisuke , Ikeya Tsuyoshi , Iseki Toshio , Waseda Takuji 
Published: March 2020

AbstractWe have explored tsunami current signals in maritime Automatic Identification System (AIS) data during the 2011 Tohoku, Japan, tsunami. The AIS data were investigated in detail taking into account ship motion and response to tsunami current. Ship velocity derived from AIS data was divided into two components in terms of the ship heading: heading-normal and heading-parallel directions. The heading-normal velocity showed good agreement with the simulated tsunami current, as mentioned in our former research. Here, we found the heading-normal velocity was contaminated by non-tsunami noises that were mostly related to the ship yaw motion around the pivot point. The noises due to the yaw motion were reasonably corrected in the heading-normal velocity. The corrected heading-normal velocity clearly showed better agreement with the simulated tsunami current. Although the heading-parallel velocity is basically the navigation speed, and is mostly controlled by ships’ captain, we could find the heading-parallel velocity was also drifted by tsunami currents. The corrected heading-normal velocity was still a ship response to the tsunami current. Based on an equation of a ship response to tsunami currents, we numerically estimated tsunami current from the corrected heading-normal velocity. We could find very slight improvements in estimating the tsunami currents, which indicated that this operation possibly worked as a secondary correction. Tsunami currents of tens of centimeters per second are expected to be suitably detected using AIS based on discussion on detection limit.
Maximizing production of cellulose nanocrystals and nanofibers from pre-extracted loblolly pine kraft pulp: a response surface approach
Authors: Kandhola Gurshagan , Djioleu Angele , Rajan Kalavathy , Labbé Nicole , Sakon Joshua , Carrier Danielle Julie , Kim Jin-Woo 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis study aims to optimize strong acid hydrolysis-based production of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) from pre-extracted and fully bleached kraft pulp of loblolly pinewood, the most abundant and commercially significant softwood species in southeastern United States. The effect of four parameters, including acid concentration, temperature, duration and pulp particle size, on the yield and properties of CNCs was investigated using the central composite design (CCD) of response surface methodology (RSM) for process optimization. While CNC yield was significantly affected by acid concentration and hydrolysis temperature and was adequately explained by an empirical model, none of the characteristic properties of CNCs, including crystallinity index, surface charge and particle size, displayed any strong correlation to the process parameters within the experimental ranges tested. At different hydrolysis severities, we not only analyzed the waste streams to determine the extent of holocellulose degradation, but also evaluated the properties of leftover partially hydrolyzed pulp, called cellulosic solid residues (CSR), to gauge its potential for CNF production via mechanical fibrillation. Conditions that maximized CNC yields (60% w/w) were 60% acid concentration, 58 °C, 60 min and 40 mesh particle size. Twenty percent (w/w) of the pulp was degraded under these conditions. On the other hand, conditions that maximized CSR yields (60% w/w) were 54% acid, 45 °C, 90 min and 20 mesh particle size, which also produced 15% CNCs, caused minimal pulp degradation (< 5%) and imparted sufficient surface charge such that CSR was easily microfluidized into CNFs. Therefore, the strong acid hydrolysis process could be tuned to maximize the production of cellulose nanocrystals and nanofibers and obtain two products with different properties and applications through the process optimization.
Being involved in research as a collaborator with experience of a prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart defect in the fetus: a qualitative study
Authors: Carlsson Tommy , Marttala Ulla Melander , Mattsson Elisabet 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
An increasing number of research projects are now collaborating with persons who have lived experience of a specific health-related situation, such as a prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart defect. Such collaboration has the potential to provide valuable insights how to plan future studies, but little is known how these persons experience such involvement. The aim was to explore how persons with lived experience of a prenatal diagnosis perceived collaborating in a research project utilizing patient and public involvement to identify relevant research questions and develop suitable interventions.

Methods
Persons with experience of a prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart defect in the fetus were interviewed after their participation in a yearlong collaborative research project (n = 9) aiming to explore relevant research questions and develop interventions for expectant parents with a recent prenatal diagnosis. Interviews were analyzed with qualitative content analysis.

Results
Respondents acknowledged altruistic and personal value related to the collaboration. They valued the opportunity to contribute to future research so that the care of persons experiencing a prenatal diagnosis may be improved. Mixed feelings were described related to sharing and reliving experiences. While it had been emotionally difficult to relive a traumatic event, it also served as an opportunity to process experiences and psychologically adapt. Respondents with terminated pregnancies appreciated the possibility to meet peers, since it was difficult to find peers in everyday life and talk about their experiences with others.

Conclusions
Researchers who plan to collaborate with persons who have experience of a prenatal diagnosis should be mindful of the potential associated emotional experiences. The appreciation related to meeting peers calls attention to the need for studies that explore peer support.
Calotropis gigantea assisted green synthesis of nanomaterials and their applications: a review
Authors: Patil Shriniwas P. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Nanotechnology has been receiving wonderful impetus in the current emerging technological era by opening a pool of scientific ideas to compete with the daily challenges of developing technology. So far, numerous properties and countless applications of nanomaterials have been explored which have been even proved to be based on characteristic shape, size, surface area and surface chemistry.

Main content
By the time, several attempts have been made for green synthesis of nanomaterials, using plant extracts. Calotropis gigantiea (L.) R. Br is the plant belonging to Apocynaceae, have been screened and proved to possess various pharmacological activities, due to different polar phytochemicals like flavonoids, lignans and terpenoids. This review focus on phytochemicals so far reported from different parts of the plant; pharmacological activities exhibited; green synthesis of nanomaterials, particularly metallic nanoparticles green synthesised by facilitating reaction of metallic ion donor molecule/salt and aqueous extract of leaves or flowers of C. gigantiea and their biological or non-biological applications. The use of C. gigantea in the fabrication of nanomaterials is an eco-friendly and safe approach. Secondary metabolites present act as a stabilizing agent for nanomaterials. Cadmium sulphide, titanium dioxide, nickel and nickel oxide nanoparticles synthesised using C. gigantea exerted better anti-microbial action, compared to extracts. Nanoencapsulated magnesium oxide nanoparticles avoided biochemical degradation of MgO; increase its bioavailability and proved beneficial in type II diabetes mellitus. Cupric oxide nanoparticles got applied in dye-sensitised solar cell. Silver nanoparticles showed better cytotoxicity in HeLa cells. Biomaterial-supported zero-valent iron and stannic oxide nanoparticles proved to have utilities in water purification. Green synthesised Eu3+ doped Y2SiO5 nanophosphors had significant chromaticity coordinates and average correlated colour temperature, hence find application in displays.

Conclusion
Variety of nanomaterials including nanoparticles and nanophophors could successfully be biosynthesised using Calotropis gigantean extract or its latex. These green synthesised nanomaterials have several applications in the healthcare system and technology.

Graphical Abstract
Demethylation Status of Somatic DNA Extracted From Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumors Indicates Proliferative Behavior
Authors: Szabó Borbála , Németh Kinga , Mészáros Katalin , Szücs Nikolette , Czirják Sándor , Reiniger Lilla , Rajnai Hajnalka , Krencz Ildikó , Karászi Katalin , Krokker Lilla , Patócs Attila , Butz Henriett 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background
Cytosine intermediaries 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), epigenetic hallmarks, have never been investigated in pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNET).

Objective
To examine methylation-demethylation status of global deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in PitNET tissues and to assess its correlation with clinical and biological parameters.

Materials and Methods
Altogether, 57 PitNET and 25 corresponding plasma samples were collected. 5mC and 5hmC were investigated using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Expression of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1); tet methylcytosine dioxygenase 1 through 3 (TET1-3); and ubiquitin-like, containing PHD and RING finger domains 1 and 2 (UHRF1-2) were measured by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. Levels of 5hmC and UHRF1-2 were explored by immunohistochemistry. Effect of demethylating agent decitabine was tested on pituitary cell lines.

Results
5hmC/5mC ratio was higher in less differentiated PitNET samples. A negative correlation between Ki-67 proliferation index and 5hmC, 5hmC to 5mC ratio were revealed. Higher 5mC was observed in SF-1 + gonadotroph adenomas with a higher Ki-67 index. Expressions of TET2 and TET3 were significantly higher in adenomas with higher proliferation rate. UHRF1 showed gradually increased expression in higher proliferative adenoma samples, and a significant positive correlation was detected between UHRF2 expression and 5hmC level. Decitabine treatment significantly decreased 5mC and increased 5hmC levels in both cell lines, accompanied with decreased cell viability and proliferation.

Conclusion
The demethylation process negatively correlated with proliferation rate and the ratio of 5hmC to 5mC was higher in less differentiated adenomas. Therefore, epigenetic markers can be potential biomarkers for PitNET behavior. Altering the epigenome in adenoma cells by decitabine decreased proliferation, suggesting that this treatment might be a novel medical treatment for PitNET.
Acute Effects of Glucagon on Reproductive Hormone Secretion in Healthy Men
Authors: Izzi-Engbeaya Chioma , Jones Sophie , Crustna Yoshibye , Machenahalli Pratibha C , Papadopoulou Deborah , Modi Manish , Starikova Jessica , Chan Derek , Eng Pei Chia , Phylactou Maria , Ratnasabapathy Risheka , Mills Edouard , Yang Lisa , Pacuszka Ewa , Bech Paul , Minnion James , Tharakan George , Tan Tricia , Veldhuis Johannes , Abbara Ali , Comninos Alexander N , Dhillo Waljit S 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Context
Glucagon increases energy expenditure; consequently, glucagon receptor agonists are in development for the treatment of obesity. Obesity negatively affects the reproductive axis, and hypogonadism itself can exacerbate weight gain. Therefore, knowledge of the effects of glucagon receptor agonism on reproductive hormones is important for developing therapeutics for obesity; but reports in the literature about the effects of glucagon receptor agonism on the reproductive axis are conflicting.

Objective
The objective of this work is to investigate the effect of glucagon administration on reproductive hormone secretion in healthy young men.

Design
A single-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study was conducted.

Setting
The setting of this study was the Clinical Research Facility, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.

Participants
Eighteen healthy eugonadal men (mean ± SEM: age 25.1 ± 1.0 years; body mass index 22.5 ± 0.4 kg/m2; testosterone 21.2 ± 1.2 nmol/L) participated in this study.

Intervention
An 8-hour intravenous infusion of 2 pmol/kg/min glucagon or rate-matched vehicle infusion was administered.

Main Outcome Measures
Luteinizing hormone (LH) pulsatility; LH, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone levels were measured.

Results
Although glucagon administration induced metabolic effects (insulin area under the curve: vehicle 1065 ± 292 min.µU/mL vs glucagon 2098 ± 358 min.µU/mL, P &lt; .001), it did not affect LH pulsatility (number of LH pulses/500 min: vehicle 4.7 ± 0.4, glucagon 4.2 ± 0.4, P = .22). Additionally, there were no significant differences in circulating LH, FSH, or testosterone levels during glucagon administration compared with vehicle administration.

Conclusions
Acute administration of a metabolically active dose of glucagon does not alter reproductive hormone secretion in healthy men. These data are important for the continued development of glucagon-based treatments for obesity.
Electroacupuncture Mimics Exercise-Induced Changes in Skeletal Muscle Gene Expression in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Benrick Anna , Pillon Nicolas J , Nilsson Emma , Lindgren Eva , Krook Anna , Ling Charlotte , Stener-Victorin Elisabet 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Context
Autonomic nervous system activation mediates the increase in whole-body glucose uptake in response to electroacupuncture but the mechanisms are largely unknown.

Objective
To identify the molecular mechanisms underlying electroacupuncture-induced glucose uptake in skeletal muscle in insulin-resistant overweight/obese women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Design/Participants
In a case-control study, skeletal muscle biopsies were collected from 15 women with PCOS and 14 controls before and after electroacupuncture. Gene expression and methylation was analyzed using Illumina BeadChips arrays.

Results
A single bout of electroacupuncture restores metabolic and transcriptional alterations and induces epigenetic changes in skeletal muscle. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 180 unique genes (q &lt; 0.05) whose expression was changed by electroacupuncture, with 95% of the changes towards a healthier phenotype. We identified DNA methylation changes at 304 unique sites (q &lt; 0.20), and these changes correlated with altered expression of 101 genes (P &lt; 0.05). Among the 50 most upregulated genes in response to electroacupuncture, 38% were also upregulated in response to exercise. We identified a subset of genes that were selectively altered by electroacupuncture in women with PCOS. For example, MSX1 and SRNX1 were decreased in muscle tissue of women with PCOS and were increased by electroacupuncture and exercise. siRNA-mediated silencing of these 2 genes in cultured myotubes decreased glycogen synthesis, supporting a role for these genes in glucose homeostasis.

Conclusion
Our findings provide evidence that electroacupuncture normalizes gene expression in skeletal muscle in a manner similar to acute exercise. Electroacupuncture might therefore be a useful way of assisting those who have difficulties performing exercise.
Limited sequence MRI to improve standards of care for suspected cauda equina syndrome
Authors: Gnanasekaran Ramal , Beresford-Cleary Nicholas , Aboelmagd Tariq , Aboelmagd Karim , Rolton Daniel , Hughes Richard , Seel Edward , Blagg Stuart 
Published: March 2020

Aims Early cases of cauda equina syndrome (CES) often present with nonspecific symptoms and signs, and it is recommended that patients undergo emergency MRI regardless of the time since presentation. This creates substantial pressure on resources, with many scans performed to rule out cauda equina rather than confirm it. We propose that compression of the cauda equina should be apparent with a limited sequence (LS) scan that takes significantly less time to perform. Methods In all, 188 patients with suspected CES underwent a LS lumbosacral MRI between the beginning of September 2017 and the end of July 2018. These images were read by a consultant musculoskeletal radiologist. All images took place on a 3T or 1.5T MRI scanner at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Aylesbury, UK, and Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading, UK. Results The 188 patients, all under the age of 55 years, underwent 196 LS lumbosacral MRI scans for suspected CES. Of these patients, 14 had cauda equina compression and underwent emergency decompression. No cases of CES were missed. Patients spent a mean 9.9 minutes (8 to 10) in the MRI scanner. Conclusion Our results suggest that a LS lumbosacral MRI could be used to diagnose CES safely in patients under the age of 55 years, but that further research is needed to assess safety and efficacy of this technique before changes to existing protocols can be recommended. In addition, work is needed to assess if LS MRIs can be used throughout the spine and if alternative pathology is being considered. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(4):501–505.