bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and tolerability on melasma of a topical cosmetic product acting on melanocytes, fibroblasts and endothelial cells: a randomized comparative trial against 4% hydroquinone
Authors: Bronzina E. , Clement A. , Marie B. , Fook Chong K.T. , Faure P. , Passeron T. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundRecent data demonstrated that an altered basal membrane, activated melanocytes and secreted factors from keratinocytes but also fibroblasts and endothelial cells are involved in the pathophysiology of melasma.ObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy and tolerability on melasma of a new topical skin‐lightening cosmetic product combination (CCP) targeting several factors identified to be involved in melasma pathogenesis compared to 4% hydroquinone (HQ).MethodsForty‐three women with melasma were enrolled in a 12‐week double‐blind, randomized, parallel‐group trial and treated with CCP or 4% HQ cream. Efficacy was evaluated with the modified Melasma Area Severity Index (mMASI) score and colorimetric change. Cutaneous tolerability and patient satisfaction were also investigated.ResultsThe mMASI score decreased for both products from baseline and over the study period. At week 12, 90% of the subjects who received the combination products had an improvement in pigmentation vs. 79% with HQ. Similarly, both products significantly increased Individual Typological Angle parameters. For both measures, no statistically significant difference was observed between CCP and HQ in terms of change from baseline. CPP was very well tolerated.ConclusionsCosmetic product combination is as effective as HQ in the management of facial dyspigmentation and represents a safe alternative.
Icariin reduces bone loss in a Rankl‐induced transgenic medaka (Oryzias latipes) model for osteoporosis
Authors: Pham Cuong V. , Pham Thanh T. , Lai Thuy T. , Trinh Dat C. , Nguyen Huong V. M. , Ha Tam T. M. , Phuong Thuong T. , Tran Long D. , Winkler Christoph , To Thuy T. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractGiven the limitations and side effects of many synthetic drugs, natural products are an important alternative source for drugs and medications for many diseases. Icariin (ICA), one of the main flavonoids from plants of the Epimedium genus, has been shown to ameliorate osteoporosis and improve bone health in preclinical studies. Those studies have used different in vivo models, mostly rodents, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The present study shows, for the first time, that ICA reduces bone damage in a Rankl‐induced medaka fish (Oryzias latipes), a non‐rodent osteoporosis model. Live imaging was previously performed in this model to characterize antiresorptive and bone‐anabolic properties of drugs. Here, a new quantification method (IM) was established based on the length of mineralized neural arches to quantify levels of bone mineralization damage and protection in early post‐embryonic fish. This method was validated by quantification of three levels of bone damage in three independent Rankl fish lines, and by the determination of different degrees of severity of osteoporosis‐like phenotypes in one Rankl line exposed to variable Rankl induction schemes. IM was also used to quantify the efficacy of alendronate and etidronate, two common anti‐osteoporotic bisphosphonates, and revealed comparable bone protective effects for ICA and alendronate in this fish osteoporosis model. This study's data support the value of the medaka fish model for bone research and establish a method to screen for novel osteoprotective compounds.
Extract‐rich in flavonoids from Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces: Optimizing microwave‐assisted extraction method and characterization through LC‐Q‐TOF‐MS analysis
Authors: Alara Oluwaseun R. , Abdurahman Nour H. , Obanijesu Emmanuel O. , Alara John A. , Abdul Mudalip Siti K. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractHibiscus sabdariffa comprises calyx which is rich in flavonoids and numerous phytochemical compounds. Nevertheless, the extraction parameters can influence the recoveries of these bioactive compounds. It is then important to investigate the contributing effects of the process parameters and optimized their conditions to achieve higher recovery yield. Hence, this study was carried out to examine the contributing effects of microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE) process factors (irradiation time, ethanol concentration, solvent/sample ratio, temperature, and microwave power) on the yield of total flavonoid (TF) contents from H. sabdariffa calyces using one‐variable‐at‐a‐time. The significant MAE process parameters were further optimized using Box Behnken design. At the MAE optimal conditions, the extract was analyzed to identify the flavonoid compounds using liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry quadrupole time of flight. An optimum TF content of 94.32 mg QE/g extract from H. sabdariffa calyces was obtained at the following MAE conditions: Irradiation time of 4 min; ethanol concentration of 52% vol/vol; microwave power of 450 W and solvent/sample ratio 15:1 ml/g. Moreover, 95 flavonoid compounds were tentatively identified in the extract at optimized MAE conditions. Thus, these flavonoids can be further isolated in future studies to unveil embedded potentials of H. sabdariffa calyx extract.Practical applicationThe procedure described the microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE) which can serve as a guideline for extracting flavonoids from Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx. Moreover, the liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry quadrupole time of flight analysis provided the developed conditions for identifying flavonoids from the calyces. The results obtained suggested the exact MAE conditions to achieve an optimum yield of flavonoids from H. sabdariffa calyces. Most importantly, the tentatively identified flavonoids can further be isolated and purified in future studies to unveil the embedded biological potentials.
Role of aldosterone in the activation of primary mice hepatic stellate cell and liver fibrosis via NLRP3 inflammasome
Authors: Li Yang , Zhang Yijie , Chen Tingting , Huang Yun , Zhang Yan , Geng Shiyu , Li Xu 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackground and AimsEmerging evidence suggests aldosterone (aldo) and NLRP3 inflammasome are important factors for HSC activation and liver fibrosis. However, the interaction between aldo and NLRP3 inflammasome in HSC activation and liver fibrosis remains largely unknown. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between aldo and NLRP3 inflammasome in liver fibrosis.MethodsSerum and liver specimens collected from 40 patients with or without liver fibrosis were used to test the level of aldo and NLRP3. Primary HSC isolated from C57BL/6 mice were treated with aldo, and the effects of aldo on NLRP3 inflammasome and HSC activation were detected in vitro. Two animal models were used to verify the effect of aldo on liver fibrosis in vivo: hyperaldosteronism model was established in wild‐type and NLRP3 knockout (NLRP3−/−) mice by micro‐pump, and liver fibrosis mouse model was built by tetrachloromethane (CCl4).ResultsPatients with liver fibrosis showed higher aldo levels and increased NLRP3 expression in liver. In vitro, aldo induced the activation of primary mouse HSCs by promoting the expression and assembly of NLRP3 inflammasome. In vivo, NLRP3 knockout could alleviate the liver fibrosis induced by aldo in mice. In addition, treatment with spironolactone (spi) could inhibit the NLRP3 expression, HSC activation, and liver fibrosis induced by CCl4.ConclusionsAldo promotes the activation of HSCs and liver fibrosis through NLRP3 inflammasome relative pathways. Intervention of aldo and NLRP3 inflammasome‐related pathways may provide a promising strategy for treatment of liver fibrosis.
Successful treatment of ephelides in Asian skin using the picosecond 785‐nm laser
Authors: Chung Hye Jin , McGee Jean S. , Lee Sang Ju 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundFor ethnic skin, laser surgery for pigmented lesions presents a special challenge due to the increased risk of postprocedural complications—erythema, blistering, and postinflammatory dyspigmentation.AimsTo describe the treatment of ephelides in Asian skin treated with a picosecond 785‐nm laser.Patients/MethodsThe first patient with ephelides on the cheeks and nose was treated with a picosecond 785‐nm laser with the treatment parameter of 1.2 J/cm2 and 3‐mm spot size. The second patient with ephelides on the cheeks was treated with a picosecond 785‐nm laser with the treatment parameter of 1.3 J/cm2 and 3‐mm spot size.ResultsAfter a single laser session, both patients achieved appreciable improvement without any complications.ConclusionThis is the first case series demonstrating the efficacy and safety of the picosecond 785‐nm laser for the treatment of ephelides in Asian skin.
Dentine hypersensitivity and dentine exposure in Arab patient populations
Authors: Awad Manal A. , El Kassas Dina , Al Harthi Latfiya , Abraham Sheela , Al‐Khalifa Khalifa , Khalaf Mai , Alhabashneh Rola , Bartlett David 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundDentine hypersensitivity is a frequent oral complaint that is usually associated with several factors including diet and oral hygiene practices.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, severity and correlates of dentine hypersensitivity and dentine exposure‐related risk indicators in a sample from six Arab countries.MethodsA multinational cross‐sectional study was conducted on a sample of 2924 participants, attending dental practices, aged 18‐35 years from six Arab countries. Trained examiners assessed dentine hypersensitivity using the Schiff scale and scored the tooth with the highest value in each sextant. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire that assessed the frequency of drinking and eating acidic foods and their oral health habits.ResultsOverall, the Schiff score 1 was found in 938 (32.6%), score 2 in 613 (21%) and score 3 in 274 (9%) of the participants. There was variation between countries with Saudi Arabia (13.9%) and Oman (15%) having the highest prevalence of hypersensitivity and Kuwait (2.2) and Jordan the lowest (4.8%). Participants who experienced toothache and difficulty eating once a day were significantly more likely to have Schiff score 2 or 3 (OR: 2.51, 95% CI: 1.54‐2.87; OR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.04‐1.73, respectively). Furthermore, drinking soft drinks once a day was also significantly associated with dentine exposure (OR: 1.4, 95% CI: 1.19, 1.65).ConclusionIn this cross‐sectional study, dentine sensitivity and exposure were common in Arab patient populations.
Effect of GSK-137647A, the first non-carboxylic FFA4 agonist, on the osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of bone mesenchymal stem cells in db/db mice
Authors: Wang Chunlei , Liu Yanmei , Pan Yuan , Jin Hui 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Objective
To investigate the effect of GSK-137647A, the first non-carboxylic FFA4 agonist, on osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) of db/db mice.

Methods
Bone mesenchymal stem cells were extracted from 8-week-old db/db mice. Cell Counting Kit-8 was used to evaluate the toxicity of GSK-137647A on BMSCs, and the optimal concentration of GSK-137647A was selected to investigate the osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs, and relevant indicators of osteoblasts and adipocytes were detected.

Key findings
GSK-137647A had no significant toxicity on cell growth and proliferation. Moreover, GSK-137647A showed a significant increase in mineralization of BMSCs differentiated osteoblasts compared to the control group and elevated the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in a time-dependent manner. Meanwhile, the treatment of GSK-137647A decreased the adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs. The expression levels of ALP, runt-related transcription factor 2, bone morphogenetic protein 4, osterix and β-catenin were significantly increased in GSK-137647A-treated group, while the gene and protein levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α were significantly reduced.

Conclusions
All of these results demonstrated that GSK-137647A suppressed the adipogenic differentiation and promoted osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, which is partly attributed to the increased expression of β-catenin in wingless/integrated signalling pathway.
Prevalence of and risk factors for intravenous catheter infection in hospitalized cattle, goats, and sheep
Authors: King Ailbhe , Byrne Barbara A. , Chigerwe Munashe 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundIntravenous catheter (IVC) use in hospitalized ruminants is a common procedure. Limited information is available describing complications associated with IVCs.HypothesesPrevalence of IVC infections in hospitalized ruminants is >50%. Intravenous catheters maintained for >5 days are more likely to be infected than those maintained for <5 days. Intravenous catheters placed non‐aseptically have a higher risk for infection than those placed aseptically.AnimalsThirty‐four cattle, 39 goats, and 33 sheep were hospitalized in a university teaching hospital.MethodsProspective observational study. The IVCs from cattle, goats, and sheep admitted for medical and surgical procedures were randomly selected and submitted for bacteriological culture and susceptibility testing.ResultsPrevalence values (95% confidence interval) of infected catheters were 61.8 (45.5, 78.1), 51.3 (35.3, 66.7), and 42.4% (25.2, 58.8) in cattle, goats, and sheep, respectively. Coagulase‐negativeStaphylococcusspp was the most frequently isolated bacterium. Catheter type/placement technique was a significant (P= .03) predictor of IVC infection in goats but not in cattle (P= .65) and sheep (P= .47). Antibiotic use and reason for catheter placement were not significant predictors of IVC infection in all species. Catheters maintained for >4 days had a higher likelihood of being infected than those maintained for <4 days in all species.Conclusions and Clinical importanceClinicians should consider replacing catheters maintained for >4 days to reduce IVC infection.
Analysis of the effects of storage temperature and contamination on aerobic bacterial culture results of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid
Authors: Curran Michelle , Boothe Dawn M. , Hathcock Terri L. , Lee‐Fowler Tekla 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundStorage temperature of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) impacts cytological evaluation. The effect of storage temperature before bacterial culture has not been evaluated.ObjectivesTo assess whether BALF storage temperature alters aerobic bacterial culture results.AnimalsEight healthy, male, intact, purpose‐bred Beagles.MethodsProspective, controlled investigation. Samples of BALF were collected sterilely. Half of each sample was reserved for controls, and half was inoculated with 104colony forming units per milliliter (cfu/mL)Bordetella bronchisepticaand 102cfu/mLEscherichia coli. Control and inoculated samples each were separated into 4 aliquots (1 plated immediately; 3 stored at 4, 24, or 37°C, respectively, for 24 hours before aerobic bacterial culture). Colony counts were compared across treatments for each organism.ResultsIn inoculated samples, a statistical difference could not be detected in growth ofE. coliorB. bronchisepticabetween the baseline culture and BALF stored at 4°C for 24 hours before culture. However, forE. coli, growth in cfu/mL at both 24 and 37°C was higher compared to baseline (P< .05) and compared to 4°C (P< .05). ForB. bronchisepticacfu/mL, growth at 37°C was significantly different (P= .003) compared to both baseline and 4°C.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceSamples of BALF may be stored at 4°C for 24 hours before culture without substantially altering culture results. Inappropriate storage or shipment temperature (room temperature or exposure to heat) can result in overgrowth ofE. coliorB. bronchiseptica, which could alter clinical decisions.
Sofosbuvir‐containing regimens are safe and effective in the treatment of HCV patients with moderate to severe renal impairment
Authors: Eletreby Rasha , El‐Serafy Magdy , Anees Mahmoud , Kasem Gamal , Salama Marwa , Elkhouly Reham , Hamdy Mostafa , Abdel Haleem Hisham , Kamal Ehab , Abdel‐Razek Wael , Salama Rabab , Elshenawy Mohamed , Shafeek Ayman , Hassany Mohamed , El‐Sayed Manal H. , El‐Shazly Yehia , Esmat Gamal 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackground and AimsThis study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of sofosbuvir (SOF)‐based regimens in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment; a subject which has been questioned by many investigators with conflicting results.MethodsThis is a real‐life multicentre retrospective cohort study on 4944 chronic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2) who received SOF‐based therapy in specialized treatment centres affiliated to the National Committee for the Control of Viral Hepatitis in Egypt. The efficacy and safety of SOF‐based regimens was assessed.ResultsWeek 12 virological response rates were 97.5%, 96.7%, 85.7% and 80% in the total cohort, patients with eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m2, patients with associated hepatic decompensation and patients on dialysis respectively. Various treatment regimens did not statistically affect the response rates. Treatment experience, cirrhosis and diabetes were predictors of treatment failure on multivariate analysis. Serious adverse events occurred in 0.1% of cases. Forty patients (0.8%) discontinued treatment.ConclusionSofosbuvir‐based regimens are effective and safe for treating patients with chronic HCV and moderate to severe CKD, and in those with associated hepatic decompensation.
Environmental vulnerability assessment of Choghakhor International Wetland during 1985 to 2018
Authors: Pirali Zefrehei Ahmad Reza , Hedayati Aliakbar , Pourmanafi Saeid , Beyraghdar Kashkooli Omid , Ghorbani Rasoul 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAs of natural constraints, and the specific climate of Iran, as well as the increasing importance of international water resources in the socio‐economic development of societies, studies on surface water resources, especially wetlands, merit special attention. Accordingly, the TM, ETM+ and OLI satellite images of 1985, 2000 and 2018 were used in the present study to detect changes in the Choghakhor international wetland. Classifying the images with a supervised method, and using maximum likelihood algorithms, the distinct land use/land cover classes of waterbody, aquatic plants, pasture and forest, agricultural lands, bare land and human built lands were ranked. Selected landscape metrics information on the spatial pattern of the Choghakhor wetland was quantitatively determined, using Fragstats software, and the spatial composition and vulnerability of the wetland were evaluated. The vulnerability assessment of wetland contamination was investigated using the WRASTIC index based on the catchment area scale. Time processing of the data obtained from the maps indicated a 26.63% decrease in the pasture and forest area, and a 12.1% increase in the area of human built lands and agriculture lands during the period from 1985 to 2018. Further, in spite of the waterbody area expanding during 1985 to 2000, it subsequently shrunk in size from 2000 to 2018, with the area of aquatic plants lands increasing during the same period. Analysis of landscape metrics generally indicated the natural wetland cover has been changing during this period along with increasing anthropogenic impacts. Degradation, rotation and replacement of natural land cover such as pastures and forests with human built areas can be considered undesirable development effects on the Choghakhor wetland. The results of the WRASTIC index calculation indicated a major impact of Choghakhor wetland components from water pollution. The results of the present study place an emphasis on more sustainable land use and prevention of land destruction in the Choghakhor wetland basin.
Phenotypic characterization and validation of provitamin A functional genes in early maturing provitamin A‐quality protein maize (Zea mays) inbred lines
Authors: Obeng‐Bio Ebenezer , Badu‐Apraku Baffour , Elorhor Ifie Beatrice , Danquah Agyemang , Blay Essie T. , Dadzie Mustapha Abu 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe number of drought and low‐N tolerant hybrids with elevated levels of provitamin A (PVA) in sub‐Saharan Africa could increase when PVA genes are optimized and validated for developed drought and low‐N tolerant inbred lines. This study aimed to (a) determine the levels of drought and low‐N tolerance, and PVA concentrations in early maturing PVA‐quality protein maize (QPM) inbred lines, and (b) identify lines harbouring thecrtRB1andLcyEgenes as sources of favourable alleles of PVA. Seventy early maturing PVA‐QPM inbreds were evaluated under drought, low‐N and optimal environments in Nigeria for two years. The inbreds were assayed for PVA levels and the presence of PVA genes using allele‐specific PCR markers. Moderate range of PVA contents was observed for the inbreds. Nonetheless, TZEIORQ 55 combined high PVA concentration with drought and low‐N tolerance. ThecrtRB1‐3′TEprimer and the KASP SNP (snpZM0015) consistently identified nine inbreds including TZEIORQ 55 harbouring the favourable alleles of thecrtRB1gene. These inbreds could serve as donor parents of the favourablecrtRB1‐3′TEallele for PVA breeding in maize.
Return Migration and Decontamination After the 2011 Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant Disaster
Authors: Nagamatsu Shingo , Rose Adam , Eyer Jonathan 
Published: December 2019

AbstractReturn migration is key to community recovery from many disasters. Japanese governments have conducted radiation decontamination efforts in the Exclusion Zone designated after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster in order to encourage this outcome. Little is known, however, about the factors that influence post‐disaster migrants to return, and, if people are relatively unresponsive to decontamination, then the costs of promoting recovery may exceed the benefits. We exploit a unique survey of Fukushima evacuees to determine the factors that influence their decision to return after a disaster. Location‐specific capital characteristics, such as housing tenure and the extent of property damage, are estimated to be strong factors. The radiation dose rate of the home location is found to be a statistically significant factor for intent to return, but its effect is small. We also found that households with various other characteristics were noncommittal about the return option and likely to defer their decisions, which implies that “return” and “not‐return” are asymmetric. Our simulation analysis found that the number of returnees encouraged by this decontamination was 12,882, less than 8% of the total evacuees, while the decontamination cost per returnee was 3.36 million USD. This result implies that the government could have improved the well‐being of evacuees at a lower cost by policies other than decontamination.
On the Role of Solid Lubricant Fillers in the Tribological, Micromechanical, and Morphological Properties of PA66 Composites
Authors: Ben Difallah Basma , Cornuault Pierre-Henri , Kharrat Mohamed , Dammak Maher , Monteil Guy 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
To achieve thermoplastics-based composites with high tribological performances, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and graphite (Gr) were incorporated separately to a polyamide 66 (PA66) matrix. Two different development methodologies of composites were used. The morphological features and the micro-mechanical properties of composites were investigated to stress the influence of the filler surface treatment and its dispersion. The friction coefficient was evaluated using a ball on a flat micro-tribometer. The wear mechanisms were also characterized. The best tribological performance was exhibited by 10 wt% of graphite. The surface treatment of the filler inclusions by 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (AMPTES) showed an improvement in the morphological aspects of adhesion at the filler/matrix interface.