bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and Clinical Evaluation of a High-Throughput LC–MS/MS Assay for Vitamin B6 in Human Plasma and Serum
Authors: Kushnir Mark M , Song Boya , Yang Evelyn , Frank Elizabeth L 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundPyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP) is the primary circulatory form of vitamin B6, an essential cofactor for numerous biochemical enzymatic reactions. Conventional PLP analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence requires derivatization and long injection-to-injection time. Development of high-throughput LC–MS/MS assays is desirable.MethodsStable isotope labeled internal standard was added to aliquots of samples, proteins were precipitated using trichloroacetic acid, and supernatants were analyzed by multiple reaction monitoring using LC–MS/MS in positive ion mode. Analysis time for PLP was 3.0 min using single column HPLC separation and 2.4 min using alternating column regeneration (ACR). Clinical evaluation of the method included review of results (n = 102 386) from routine performance of the assay.ResultsThe assay was linear to 500 nmol/L; limit of quantification was 5 nmol/L. Imprecision (CV) of the assay was &lt;5%. Equivalent performance was observed for single HPLC column and ACR. In 62% of routinely analyzed patient samples, PLP concentrations were within the reference interval; higher PLP concentrations were observed in samples from males than from females. Vitamin B6 deficiency was lowest in children and highest in elderly adults. Lower PLP concentrations were observed in samples collected during winter/spring than during summer/fall. We observed lower concentrations in plasma collected in lithium heparin tubes, suggesting PLP degradation caused by the anticoagulant.ConclusionsThis LC–MS/MS method allows PLP determination using simple sample preparation and short analysis time. We observed association of PLP concentrations with age, sex, and season of sample collection. Our data indicate that lithium heparin anticoagulant tubes reduce measured PLP concentration.
Stimulation of exosome biogenesis by adiponectin, a circulating factor secreted from adipocytes
Authors: Kita Shunbun , Shimomura Iichiro 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAdiponectin is an adipocyte-derived circulating factor that protects various organs and tissues. Such a pleiotropic action mechanism has not yet been fully explained. Clinically important multimer adiponectin existing in serum bound to cells expressing T-cadherin, a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored cadherin, but not to the cells expressing other known receptors, AdipoRs or calreticulin. Adiponectin bound to the cell-surface, accumulated inside of multivesicular bodies through T-cadherin, and increased exosome biogenesis and secretion from the cells. Such increased exosome production accompanied the reduction of cellular ceramides in endothelial cells and mouse aorta, and enhanced skeletal muscle regeneration. Significantly lower plasma exosome levels were found in mice genetically deficient in either adiponectin or T-cadherin. Therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for a pressure overload-induced heart failure in mice required the presence of adiponectin in plasma, T-cadherin expression and exosome biogenesis in MSCs themselves, accompanying an increase of plasma exosomes. Essentially all organs seem to have MSCs and/or their related somatic stem cells expressing T-cadherin. Our recent studies suggested the importance of exosome-stimulation by multimer adiponectin in its well-known pleiotropic organ protections.
A Retrospective Study of Factors Influencing the Survival of Modified Meek Micrografting in Severe Burn Patients
Authors: Zhang Peng , Wang Wensheng , Hu Gaozhong , Yuan Lili , Ma Siyuan , Luo Jia , Song Huapei , Huang Yuesheng , Xiang Fei 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Modified Meek micrografting is a common method for treating severe burn patients. This study was to analyze the factors affecting the survival of modified Meek micrografting, thereby improving the survival rate of skin grafts. Eighty-three patients who underwent modified Meek micrografting were analyzed. According to the survival rate of skin graft after operation, the patients were divided into good skin survival group (GSSG, survival rate ≥ 70%, 47 cases) and poor skin survival group (PSSG, survival rate &lt; 70%, 36 cases). The baseline data, surgical information, perioperative laboratory indicators, and prognosis of the patients were statistically analyzed. The univariate analysis and repeated measurement showed the burn severity, Meek skin graft area, duration of anesthesia, the postoperative sepsis shock, the mortality, the neutrophils percentage on the third day after surgery (NEU3), and the growth rate of neutrophils percentage from the first to third day after surgery (NEU3-1%) in the GSSG were significantly lower than those in the PSSG, whereas the perioperative average albumin levels and the perioperative average pre-albumin levels were higher. Receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the NEU3 had a good predictive value for the survival of skin slices. Maintaining perioperative albumin levels at a high level, controlling perioperative infection, and shortening the operation time as much as possible may improve the survival rate of modified Meek micrografting.
Biodiversity and host specificity of sponge-associated barnacles (Cirripedia: Thoracica) in Thailand
Authors: Yu Meng-Chen , Chan Benny K K , Kolbasov Gregory A , Ganmanee Monthon 
Published: September 2020

AbstractWe examined the diversity and host use of sponge-associated barnacles of Thailand (Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand) using a combined morphological and molecular approach. Eight barnacle species (including two new species) were collected from 12 host sponges. Host-specific barnacle species includes Acasta lappasp. nov., which exclusively inhabits the sponge Mycale sp. Acasta milkaesp. nov. was only collected from the sponge Callyspongia cf. diffusa (Ridley, 1884). Multatria filigranus (Broch, 1916) were found in the encrusting soft sponges Monanchora unguiculata (Dendy, 1922) and Clathria sp. Pyrgospongia stellula (Rosell, 1975) inhabits the sponges Spheciospongia vagabunda (Ridley, 1884). Generalist barnacle species includes Euacsta ctenodentia (Rosell, 1972), E. porata (Nilsson-Cantell, 1921), E. zuiho (Hiro, 1936), and Acasta cyathus Darwin, 1854, which inhabit a wide range of sponges with various textures.
Cross Resistance in S-Methoprene-Resistant Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Su Tianyun , Thieme Jennifer , Cummings Robert , Cheng Min-Lee , Brown Michelle Q 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The juvenile hormone analog S-methoprene is the only synthetic biopesticide that is registered with the United States Environmental Protection Agency to control arthropods of economic importance in public health, livestock, pets, urban, and stored products. The high activity, relative target specificity, and benign environmental profile of S-methoprene have been well documented. While the risk of resistance in mosquitoes to S-methoprene is generally low, there is a lack of information regarding cross resistance in S-methoprene-resistant mosquitoes to other pesticides. In this paper, a population of the southern house mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus Say from southern California acquired low levels of resistance to S-methoprene in the field, where the resistance ratios ranged 7.0- to 8.8-fold as compared with a laboratory reference colony. After 30 generations of laboratory selections by S-methoprene when resistance was elevated to 57.4- to 168.3-fold relative to an unselected population, various levels of cross resistance to other commonly used pesticides were revealed in the selected population. Cross resistance to the microbial mosquito larvicide Lysinibacillus sphaericus (Meyer & Neide) (Bacillales: Bacillaceae) was the most profound, amounting to 77.50- to 220.50-fold. The mechanism and potential management tactics toward cross resistance are discussed to preserve the unique value of this synthetic biopesticide.
Latent Hybridity in Administrative Crisis Management: The German Refugee Crisis of 2015/16
Authors: Eckhard Steffen , Lenz Alexa , Seibel Wolfgang , Roth Florian , Fatke Matthias 
Published: September 2020

AbstractStudying the so-called refugee crisis in Germany, this article asks about the effectiveness of crisis management by a large number of local administrations, each acting upon the same crisis impulse of a high number of asylum seekers who entered the country in 2015 and 2016. Instead of theorizing the exact administrative design features fit for an effective crisis response, the focus is on the ability of administrations to adjust. We conceptualize such shifts in administrative practices as informal and temporary (latent) deviations from routine action along two dimensions of organizational behavior typically dominant in private and nonprofit sector organizations, respectively: internal flexibility and citizen participation (hybridity). Novel survey data from 235 out of 401 German district authorities are reported. We test the effects of different forms of latent hybridization on administrative effectiveness using regression modeling. Findings indicate that changes in administrative practices towards more flexible and participatory action had a positive impact on self-reported crisis management effectiveness. The effect of flexible action was especially pronounced in districts that were allocated higher shares of asylum seekers. These findings advance theory on crisis management and bottom-up implementation, highlighting the ability of local agencies to shift practices as a key explanatory factor for effective administrative action in exceptional situations.
Obturator hernia: case report
Authors: Mindaye Esubalew Taddese , Giduma Dereje , Tufa Tesfaye H 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObturator hernia, protrusion of abdominal content through the obturator foramen, is a rare type of abdominal wall hernia. Late patient presentation is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We present rare case of obturator hernia causing small bowel obstruction in a 65-year-old-female patient. She presented with crampy abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting of three days duration. She was diagnosed with acute surgical abdomen and managed surgically at Arsi University College of health sciences, Assela, Ethiopia. Intraoperative finding revealed left-side obturator hernia, which is an extremely rare occurrence. Despite delayed presentation, our patient had smooth postoperative recovery. Obturator hernia is exceedingly rare, and it poses a diagnostic challenge as signs and symptoms are often nonspecific, making a preoperative diagnosis difficult. So, it should be considered as differential diagnosis in elderly patients presenting with acute surgical abdomen.
OPEC: Still an ‘Instrument of Change’?
Authors: Gault John , Ait-Laoussine Nordine 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) marks its 60th anniversary in 2020. At the time of OPEC’s 20th anniversary in 1980, the organization could celebrate its role as an “instrument of change” that promoted not only members’ interests but also the interests of broad constituencies, including especially developing countries. OPEC and its members had demonstrated how to overcome the negative economic consequences of colonialism, and sought to extend their success to others through the New International Economic Order adopted by the United Nations in 1974. But from the late 1970s onward, the Organization became focused on internal issues of oil market management and, despite its noble expressions and intentions, was unable to bring about the global changes it sought. Today, on OPEC’s 60th anniversary, the central challenge is no longer how to overcome the colonial economic legacy. Instead, the organization has an opportunity to resume its leadership role by adopting policies that defend not only its own members but also broad constituencies—and especially developing countries—against the consequences of global warming. This article suggests how OPEC could rise to the occasion.
Evaluation of Serum GDF15, AFP, and PIVKA-II as Diagnostic Markers for HBV-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Juanjuan , Tang Dongling , Xu Chu , Niu Zhili , Li Huan , Li Yan , Zhang Pingan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the potential diagnostic value of growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) alone and its combination with protein induced by vitamin K absence-II (PIVKA-II) and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) for hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodsSerum levels of GDF15, PIVKA-II, and AFP were measured in 110 patients with HBV-associated HCC, 70 patients with HBV-related liver cirrhosis (LC), 70 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), and 110 healthy patients.ResultsSerum GDF15 was positively related to the levels of PIVKA-II and AFP in patients with HCC (r = 0.352 and r = 0.378; all P &lt;.0001). When the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted for patients with HCC vs all control patients, serum GDF15 had diagnostic parameters of an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.693, a sensitivity of 67.30%, and a specificity of 66.70%, which were lower than parameters for PIVKA-II and AFP (all P &lt;.0001). When the ROC curve was plotted for patients with HCC vs patients with LC, the combination of GDF15 and PIVKA-II had the highest diagnostic accuracy of AUC and specificity as compared with other combinations (all P &lt;.0001).ConclusionWe found that GDF15 is a potent serum marker for the detection of HBV-associated HCC and that PIVKA-II combined with GDF15 can improve diagnostic accuracy for HBV-associated HCC.
Kripke-style Semantics and Completeness for Full Simply Typed Lambda Calculus
Authors: Kašterović Simona , Ghilezan Silvia 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Full simply typed lambda calculus is the simply typed lambda calculus extended with product types and sum types. We propose a Kripke-style semantics for full simply typed lambda calculus. We then prove soundness and completeness of type assignment in full simply typed lambda calculus with respect to the proposed semantics. The key point in the proof of completeness is the notion of a canonical model.
Dietary patterns and depression risk in older adults: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Pei-Yu , Chen Kuei-Min , Belcastro Frank 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Context
Diet may be one of the modifiable environmental factors that could reduce depressive symptoms or abate the development of depression without side effects. However, previous reviews mainly focused on general adult populations.

Objective
The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to explore the association between healthy dietary patterns and depression risk in older adults.

Data Sources
Eight databases were searched up to September 2019. The inclusion criteria were older adults aged ≥ 65 years, healthy dietary patterns, depression assessed by a physician or by validated screening tools, and quantitative study design.

Data Extraction
Data were extracted independently by 2 researchers, and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guideline was followed.

Data Analysis
Meta-analysis was conducted by calculating the pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% CIs. A total of 18 eligible studies were meta-analyzed. Results showed that a healthy dietary pattern is associated with a reduced risk of depression in older adults (OR, 0.85; 95%CI, 0.78–0.92; P &lt; 0.001). There was high heterogeneity (I2 = 64.9%; P &lt; 0.001) among the studies. Subgroup analyses indicated that sample size and depression screening tools were the main sources of study heterogeneity.

Conclusions
An inverse association between healthy dietary patterns and depression risk in older adults was found. However, the high heterogeneity among the studies should be considered.

Systematic Review Registration
PROSPERO registration no. CRD 42020169195.
Analysis of the Function of the Alfalfa Mslea-D34 Gene in Abiotic Stress Responses and Flowering Time
Authors: Lv Aimin , Su Liantai , Wen Wuwu , Fan Nana , Zhou Peng , An Yuan 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
A novel late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) gene, MsLEA-D34, was cloned from alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Its function and gene regulatory pathways were studied via overexpression (OE) and RNA interference (RNAi) of the gene in Arabidopsis and in hairy roots of alfalfa, as well as via analyzing key genes related to MsLEA-D34 during developmental phases in alfalfa. The results showed that MsLEA-D34 was a typical intrinsically disordered protein with a high capability for protein protection. Overexpression of MsLEA-D34 increased plant tolerance to osmotic and salt stresses, and caused Arabidopsis early flowering under drought and well-watered conditions. Overexpressing MsLEA-D34 induced up-regulation of FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) and GIGANTEA (GI) at the flowering phase of Arabidopsis and hairy roots of alfalfa, but only FT was down-regulated in MsLEA-D34-RNAi lines. A positive effect of MsLEA-D34 on FT accumulation was demonstrated in alfalfa hairy roots. An ABA-responsive element (ABRE)-binding transcription factor (MsABF2), a novel transcription factor cloned from alfalfa, directly bound to the RY element in the MsLEA-D34 promoter and activated MsLEA-D34 expression. The above results indicate that MsLEA-D34 can regulate abiotic stress response in plants and influence flowering time of Arabidopsis.
Minimum Wages and Racial Inequality*
Authors: Derenoncourt Ellora , Montialoux Claire 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The earnings difference between white and black workers fell dramatically in the United States in the late 1960s and early 1970s. This article shows that the expansion of the minimum wage played a critical role in this decline. The 1966 Fair Labor Standards Act extended federal minimum wage coverage to agriculture, restaurants, nursing homes, and other services that were previously uncovered and where nearly a third of black workers were employed. We digitize over 1,000 hourly wage distributions from Bureau of Labor Statistics industry wage reports and use CPS microdata to investigate the effects of this reform on wages, employment, and racial inequality. Using a cross-industry difference-in-differences design, we show that earnings rose sharply for workers in the newly covered industries. The impact was nearly twice as large for black workers as for white workers. Within treated industries, the racial gap adjusted for observables fell from 25 log points prereform to 0 afterward. We can rule out significant disemployment effects for black workers. Using a bunching design, we find no aggregate effect of the reform on employment. The 1967 extension of the minimum wage can explain more than 20% of the reduction in the racial earnings and income gap during the civil rights era. Our findings shed new light on the dynamics of labor market inequality in the United States and suggest that minimum wage policy can play a critical role in reducing racial economic disparities.
Coordinating transnational futurework in fashion design
Authors: Hoppe Alexander D 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBoth quantitative and qualitative research has provided evidence of a fashion system with principled aesthetic transitions. Previous theories of coordination have been proposed at the level of collective behavior, but monopolistic competition at the industry level looms large. Designers and suppliers around the world have the difficult task of anticipating uncertain consumer demand. How are multiple layers of futurework coordinated through global value chains? Drawing on 11 months of ethnographic data from first-tier suppliers in India, I document the role of forecasting in buyer–supplier coordination. I describe the contents of forecasts and show how designers use organizational routines to balance competing requirements for conformity and differentiation. Most importantly, I argue that forecasting information is filtered through calculative spaces and the logic of uncertainty absorption. The consequences of transnational futurework resonate not only through finance and technological innovation, but through aesthetics and embodiment.
Protective effects of honey and bee venom against lipopolysaccharide and carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatoxicity and lipid peroxidation in rats
Authors: Meligi Noha M , Ismail Suzan Alaa , Tawfik Nagy S 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn the present study, the protective effects of honey and bee venom (BV) either independently or in combination against lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatoxicity, lipid peroxidation, and hematological alterations in male albino rats were investigated. In addition, histopathological alterations of hepatic tissues induced by LPS/CCL4 were recorded. Sixty-four of male albino rats of average weight 120–150 g were included in this study. Rats were divided into eight equal groups of eight. The obtained results demonstrated that treatment with LPS/CCl4 caused an increase in the levels of alpha-fetoprotein, which was accompanied by changes in the hepatic function biomarkers that characterized by the increased levels of transaminases (AST, ALT). The results showed oxidative stress as assigned by the increase in lipid peroxide. Meantime detraction in the antioxidants, including glutathione peroxidase was observed. Interruptions in biochemical parameters accompanied by disturbances in hematological parameters and liver histopathology were resulted due to exposure to LPS/CCl4. This study showed the use of honey and BV provided a protective effect on hepatotoxicity induced by LPS/CCl4. This might have been occurred through the reduction of hepatic transaminases and the “Alpha-fetoprotein” in serum and the equilibration of the antioxidation system, thereby, inhibiting the reactive oxygen species accumulation. Honey and BV administration reestablish disturbed hematological parameters and liver histopathology persuaded by LPS/CCl4. More interesting, we demonstrated that using a combination of the honey and BV showed promising enhancement in their protective effects over the use of just one of the two reagents.
Molecular study of 2019 dengue fever outbreaks in Nepal
Authors: Poudyal Pranita , Sharma Kesari , Dumre Shyam Prakash , Bastola Anup , Chalise Bimal Sharma , Shrestha Bikesh , Poudel Anubhav , Giri Anita , Bhandari Paramanda , Shah Yogendra , Poudel Ram Chandra , Khadka Deegendra , Maharjan Jyoti , Ngwe Tun Mya Myat , Morita Kouchi , Pandey Basu Dev , Pandey Kishor 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Background
Dengue cases have been continuously reported in Nepal, including some large outbreaks, since its first introduction in 2004. The disease is now expanding towards newer locations above 1400 m high, especially the country's capital city, Kathmandu. In 2019, &gt;14,000 dengue cases including six deaths were reported. This study was aimed at the detection and molecular characterization of dengue virus (DENV) in dengue patients.

Methods
A total of 451 patients were enrolled in this study. Demographic, clinical and laboratory information was collected from dengue patients. Dengue infection was confirmed by antibody/antigen detection assays followed by RT-PCR analysis.

Results
The DENV patients showed fever, body ache, headache, myalgia, retro-orbital pain and arthralgia. The platelets were decreased, serum liver enzymes were increased and leucopenia was seen. Out of 195 patients, 111 (57.0%) were positive for DENV RNA by consensus PCR. We found DENV-2, 70 (63.1%) as the predominant serotype responsible for the 2019 outbreak, while DENV-3 was detected in two patients.

Conclusion
Our findings suggest that DENV-2 was the major serotype causing the 2019 massive outbreak in Nepal. This information will help in disease control programs to understand the molecular epidemiology and its changing trend.