bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of salmon calcitonin in regulating fibrosis‐related molecule production and cell‐substrate adhesion in frozen shoulder synovial/capsular fibroblasts
Authors: Yang Rui , Deng Haiquan , Hou Jingyi , Li Weiping , Zhang Congda , Yu Menglei , Tang Yiyong , Li Qingyue , Li Fangqi , Song Bin , Zhang Zhengzheng , Jiang Chuan , Shen Huiyong 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of salmon calcitonin (sCT) on improving fibrosis‐related indicators in frozen shoulder synovial/capsular fibroblasts (SCFs) and detect the potential downstream pathway. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and cell‐substrate adhesion assays were used to measure alterations in fibrosis‐related molecule expression and the cell adhesion ability of frozen shoulder SCFs after treatment with range concentrations of sCT. The presence of calcitonin receptors (CTRs) in shoulder joint synovial/capsular tissue samples was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The downstream pathways of sCT in SCFs were further explored by utilizing three classical pathway inhibitors. With the addition of sCT to the culture medium of frozen shoulder SCFs, the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of collagen type I (COL1A1), COL3A1, fibronectin 1, laminin 1, transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1), and interleukin‐1α (IL‐1α) showed a descending trend as the sCT concentration increased. Treatment with sCT increased the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and IL‐6 in a dose‐dependent manner. The enhanced adhesion ability of frozen shoulder SCFs gradually diminished with increasing concentrations of sCT. By using IHC, the CTR was detected extensively in the frozen shoulder joint synovium and capsule. Blocking the protein kinase C (PKC) pathway reversed the sCT‐mediated suppression of COL1A1 production. Blocking the PKC or protein kinase A (PKA) pathway eliminated the sCT‐induced inhibition of TGF‐β1 production. This study demonstrated that sCT effectively improved the mRNA expression of fibrosis‐related molecules and decreased the enhanced cell‐substrate adhesion ability of frozen shoulder SCFs. sCT might achieve these effects by interacting with the CTR that is expressed on the SCF surface and by activating the downstream PKC or PKA pathway.
Synthesis and Thermoresponsive Properties of Biocompatible and Biodegradable Triblock Copolymers Bearing Linear or Y‐Shaped OEG Pendants
Authors: He Xiongliang , Wang Xiaodan , Zhou Rongtao , Lu Hua , Luan Shifang , Tang Haoyu 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBiocompatible and biodegradable thermoresponsive polymers are of great interest in “smart” biomedical applications. Herein, triblock copolymers (6a and 6b) comprised of hydrophobic poly(propylene glycol) (PPG) and OEGylated polypeptides bearing Y‐shaped or linear pendants are prepared by ring‐opening polymerization of reactive N‐carboxyanhydride monomers and subsequent side chain modification of polypeptides. OEGylated triblock copolymer bearing Y‐shaped (6a) or linear pendants (6b) with similar main chain length and the same amount of oligo(ethylene glycol) (OEG) units are successfully prepared as verified by 1H NMR, FTIR, and GPC. CD analysis reveals that 6a with Y‐shaped OEG pendants shows thermal‐ or salt‐induced destabilization of α‐helical conformation in water. Both 6a and 6b show reversible lower critical solution temperature (LCST)‐type phase transitions in DI H2O or PBS. Incorporation of a PPG segment leads to a significant decrease of the LCST‐type cloud point temperature (Tcp). Consequently, 6a and 6b show Tcp to human body temperature at low polymer concentrations (≤0.5 mg mL−1 in PBS). Moreover, 6a and 6b show low in vitro cytotoxicity and biodegradability in the presence of proteinase K. The results indicate that the thermoresponsive properties of LCST‐type polymers can be readily tuned by constructing Y‐shaped pendants as well as incorporation of hydrophobic polymer building blocks.
Recreational Angler Attitudes and Perceptions Regarding the Use of Descending Devices in Southeast Reef Fish Fisheries
Authors: Curtis Judson M. , Tompkins Alex K. , Loftus Andrew J. , Stunz Gregory W. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Reducing discard mortality in recreational fisheries remains an important component of stock rebuilding for many reef fish species. Discard mortality for these species can be high due in part to barotrauma injury sustained during capture coupled with high catch rates, but recent advances in fish descending devices can mitigate some of these declines. Despite high survival rates with rapid recompression strategies, recreational angler opinions and perceived effectiveness of the devices are relatively unknown. This study surveyed the perceptions, opinions, and attitudes of 538 recreational anglers regarding the use of descending devices in the reef fish fisheries of the Gulf of Mexico and U.S. South Atlantic, with particular emphasis on Red Snapper Lutjanus campechanus. In total, 1,074 descending devices were distributed to marine recreational anglers from North Carolina to Texas. After using the device for an average of 8 months and 15 fishing trips, recipients completed a questionnaire assessing their perceptions on the efficacy of the device. While 72% of respondents had little to no knowledge of descending devices prior to the study, 70% indicated that they preferred this release method over venting after the study. Survey respondents released over 7,000 Red Snapper and 4,000 other reef fish species with their descending devices, and 76% were likely to continue employing the device on their vessel. Eighty-nine percent of respondents believed descending Red Snapper would significantly reduce discard mortality in the recreational fishery. We discovered that recreational anglers perceive the devices to be highly useful in reducing discard mortality and are willing to employ them when releasing reef fish experiencing barotrauma. Other studies have demonstrated that these descending devices do reduce discard mortality of reef fishes, and this study indicates that recreational anglers are very willing to use them as a conservation tool.
Little Change in Functional Brain Networks Following Acute Levodopa in Drug‐Naïve Parkinson's Disease
Authors: White Robert L. , Campbell Meghan C. , Yang Dake , Shannon William , Snyder Abraham Z. , Perlmutter Joel S. 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACTObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate the effects of levodopa on functional brain networks in Parkinson's disease.MethodsWe acquired resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging in 30 drug‐naïve participants with Parkinson's disease and 20 age‐matched healthy controls. Each participant was studied following administration of a single oral dose of either levodopa or placebo in a randomized, double‐blind, crossover design.ResultsThe greatest observed differences in functional connectivity were between Parkinson's disease versus control participants, independent of pharmacologic intervention. By contrast, the effects of levodopa were much smaller and detectable only in the Parkinson's disease group. Moreover, although levodopa administration in the Parkinson's disease group measurably improved motor performance, it did not increase the similarity of functional connectivity in Parkinson's disease to the control group.ConclusionsWe found that a single, small dose of levodopa did not normalize functional connectivity in drug‐naïve Parkinson's disease. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Development and clinical implementation of semi‐automated treatment planning including 3D printable applicator holders in complex skin brachytherapy
Authors: Guthier Christian V. , Devlin Phillip M. , Harris Thomas C. , O’Farrell Desmond A. , Cormack Robert A. , Buzurovic Ivan 
Published: December 2019

PurposeHigh‐dose‐rate brachytherapy (HDR‐BT) is a treatment option for malignant skin diseases compared to external beam radiation therapy, HDR‐BT provides improved target coverage, better organ sparing, and has comparable treatment times. This is especially true for large clinical targets with complex topologies. To standardize and improve the quality and efficacy of the treatments, a novel streamlined treatment approach in complex skin HDR‐BT was developed and implemented. This approach consists of auto generated treatment plans and a 3D printable applicator holder (3D‐AH).Materials and methodsThe in‐house developed planning system automatically segments computed tomography simulation images (a), optimizes a treatment plan (b), and generates a model of the 3D‐AH (c). The 3D‐AH is used as an immobilization device for the flexible Freiburg flap applicator used to deliver treatment. The developed, automated planning is compared against the standard clinical plan generation process for a flat 10 × 10 cm2 field, curved fields with radii of 4, 6, and 8 cm, and a representative clinical case. The quality of the 3D print is verified via an additional CT of the flap applicator latched into the holder, followed by an automated rigid registration with the original planning CT. Finally, the methodology is implemented and tested clinically under an IRB approval.ResultsAll automatically generated plans were reviewed and accepted for clinical use. For the clinical workflow, the coverage achieved at a prescription depth for the flat 4, 6, and 8 cm applicator was (100.0 ± 4.9)%, (100.0 ± 4.9)%, (96.0 ± 0.3)%, and (98.4 ± 0.3)%, respectively. For auto planning, the coverage was (99.9 ± 0.3)%, (100.0 ± 0.2)%, (100.0 ± 0.3)%, and (100.1 ± 0.2)%. For the clinical test case, the D90 for the clinical workflow and auto planning was found to be 93.5% and 100.29% of the prescribed dose, respectively. Processing of the patient's CT to generate trajectories and positions as well as the 3D model of the applicator took <5 min.ConclusionThis workflow automates time intensive catheter digitizing and treatment planning. Compared to printing full applicators, the use of 3D‐AH reduces the complexity of the 3D prints, the amount of the material to be used, the time of 3D printing, and amount of quality assurance required. The proposed methodology improves the overall treatment plan quality in complex HDR‐BT and impact patient treatment outcomes potentially.
Efficient estimation of extreme quantiles using adaptive kriging and importance sampling
Authors: Razaaly Nassim , Crommelin Daan , Congedo Pietro Marco 
Published: December 2019

SUMMARYThis study considers an efficient method for the estimation of quantiles associated to very small levels of probability (up to O(10−9)), where the scalar performance function J is complex (eg, output of an expensive‐to‐run finite element model), under a probability measure that can be recast as a multivariate standard Gaussian law using an isoprobabilistic transformation. A surrogate‐based approach (Gaussian Processes) combined with adaptive experimental designs allows to iteratively increase the accuracy of the surrogate while keeping the overall number of J evaluations low. Direct use of Monte‐Carlo simulation even on the surrogate model being too expensive, the key idea consists in using an importance sampling method based on an isotropic‐centered Gaussian with large standard deviation permitting a cheap estimation of small quantiles based on the surrogate model. Similar to AK‐MCS as presented in the work of Schöbi et al., (2016), the surrogate is adaptively refined using a parallel infill criterion of an algorithm suitable for very small failure probability estimation. Additionally, a multi‐quantile selection approach is developed, allowing to further exploit high‐performance computing architectures. We illustrate the performances of the proposed method on several two to eight‐dimensional cases. Accurate results are obtained with less than 100 evaluations of J on the considered benchmark cases.
The Role of Gut Microbiota in Host Lipid Metabolism: An Eye on Causation and Connection
Authors: Wang Kai , Liang Xianyi , Pang Yanli , Jiang Changtao 
Published: December 2019

AbstractLipid‐metabolism‐related disorders are increasingly prevalent and represent growing challenges in terms of prevention and treatment due to their complex and multifactorial pathogenesis. Recently, mounting evidence has suggested that gut microbiota play a crucial role in the regulation of lipid metabolism, which affects the development of lipid‐metabolism‐related disorders. Furthermore, increasingly precise mechanisms underlying the crosstalk between gut microbiota and lipid metabolism have been revealed and may largely deepen the understanding of microbiome. Herein, this paper reviews the relationship between microbiome and host lipid metabolism. First, the correlation between gut microbiota and different lipid metabolism disorders is described. Several causal microbes involved in pathogenesis and disease alleviation are also listed and introduced. Then, the molecular mechanisms involved in microbiome–host crosstalk are briefly discussed. Finally, ceramide, a critical metabolite that connects microbial signals to distal organs, is introduced as the messenger in organ communication.
Effect of initial and final curing on performance of concrete in hot and arid climates
Authors: Al‐Nuaimi Nasser , Irshidat Mohammad R. , Salim Soheb 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe effect of initial and final curing conditions of ordinary concrete cast in regions with harsh environmental conditions on the compressive strength and microstructure of concrete is investigated in this research. More than 100 concrete specimens were cast and tested to study the effect of different parameters such as initial curing conditions, final curing durations, outdoor sun exposure, and casting conditions. The results reflect the crucial of the nurturing of concrete after casting in the first 48 hr (initial curing) in increasing its compressive strength, no matter which environment the concrete is exposed to in the later stages of its life. The compressive strength of concrete decreased with decreasing the final curing period regardless of the exposure condition. The degradation in the strength was higher in the case of sun exposure than that of Lab exposure. The maximum degradation in the compressive strength of concrete specimens due to the combined effect of adverse initial and final curing conditions reach up to 68% in the case of outdoor initial curing and zero‐day final moist curing. Scanning electron microscopy images and chemical analysis indicate that excessive amount of well‐formed and dense clusters of C─S─H was formulated as the moist curing duration increases.
The miRNA‐149‐5p/MyD88 axis is responsible for ursolic acid‐mediated attenuation of the stemness and chemoresistance of non‐small cell lung cancer cells
Authors: Chen Quanfang , Luo Jin , Wu Cong , Lu Huasong , Cai Shuangqi , Bao Chongxi , Liu Dongmei , Kong Jinliang 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAlthough the inhibitory roles of ursolic acid (UA) have been established in various tumors, its effects on the stemness of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells are still unclear. Here, we constructed NSCLC cells with paclitaxel resistance (A549‐PR) and showed that A549‐PR exhibited a remarkably stronger stemness than the parental A549 cells, which is evident by the increase of spheroid formation capacity, stemness marker expression, and ALDH1 activity. Additionally, UA significantly reduced the stemness and paclitaxel resistance of A549‐PR cells. Mechanistic investigations revealed that UA inhibited the miR‐149‐5p/MyD88 signaling, which is responsible for UA‐mediated effects on the stemness of A549‐PR cells. Notably, miR‐149‐5p/MyD88 axis promoted the stemness of A549 cells, while inhibition of this axis attenuated the stemness of A549‐PR cells. Therefore, these results suggest that UA could attenuate the stemness and chemoresistance of NSCLC cells through targeting miR‐149‐5p/MyD88 axis.
The need for green and atmospheric water governance
Authors: te Wierik Sofie A. , Gupta Joyeeta , Cammeraat Erik L. H. , Artzy‐Randrup Yael A. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractA review of the literature on water governance reveals that most studies focus on blue water governance; while there is some literature on green and atmospheric water, explicit literature on how to govern green and atmospheric water is lacking. Hence, this paper addresses the question: What are the arguments for governing green and atmospheric water? In order to address this question, we have undertaken a scoping analysis of the literature on green and atmospheric water. We conclude that water governance must proactively address green and atmospheric water since: (a) blue water represents only a part of the available fresh water; (b) blue river basins represent only a subset of the wider systemic nature of water; (c) land use change has significant impacts on various water flows, which all may need to be governed; (d) climate variability and change influences blue, green, and atmospheric water availability; (e) an understanding of the socio‐ecological uses of the different colors of water is critical for a more optimal and legitimate governance of water; (f) new water technologies make it increasingly possible to modify the use of green and atmospheric water; and (g) global trade infrastructures pressurize local green water resources. Neglecting the need for explicit governance of green and atmospheric water could create new forms of “water grabbing” that would impact water availability beyond the basin scale.This article is categorized under:
Human Water > Water Governance
Science of Water > Hydrological Processes
Water and Life > Stresses and Pressures on Ecosystems
The Scale‐Up of the Global Surgical Workforce: Can Estimates be Achieved by 2030?
Authors: Daniels Kimberly M. , Riesel Johanna N. , Verguet Stéphane , Meara John G. , Shrime Mark G. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe Lancet Commission on Global Surgery showed that countries with surgeon, anesthetist, and obstetrician (SAO) densities of 20–40 SAO/100,000 population were associated with improved health outcomes and recommended a global surgical workforce scale‐up by 2030. Whether countries would be able to achieve such scale‐up efforts in that time‐frame is unknown.MethodsA differential equation model was used to estimate the growth rate and number of SAO necessary for each country to reach the aforementioned SAO densities. Workforce data from Mexico and India were used to estimate achievable rates of SAO scale‐up for middle‐ and low‐income countries, respectively. Secular surgical growth rates were estimated to demonstrate what might occur without dedicated scale‐up efforts.ResultsTo reach at least 20 SAO/100,000 population in all countries by 2030, over 808 thousand SAO need to be trained by 2030. To reach at least 40 SAO/100,000 population, over 2.1 million SAO need to be trained. If countries adopt a scale‐up rate similar to Mexico's previously achieved rate of scale‐up, 66% of countries would have 20 SAO/100,000 population by 2030. If countries adopt a scale‐up rate similar to India's previously achieved rate of scale‐up, 56% would have 20 SAO/100,000 population by 2030.ConclusionWith dedicated efforts in surgical workforce scale‐up, significant gains in SAO density can be made worldwide. However, without intervention, many countries are unlikely to improve their current workforce densities. Investments in workforce scale‐up are likely to yield workforce gains that mirror current resource states.
Uncertainty quantification on a spatial Markov-chain model for the progression of skin cancer
Authors: Vermolen Fred , Pölönen Ilkka 
Published: December 2019

AbstractA spatial Markov-chain model is formulated for the progression of skin cancer. The model is based on the division of the computational domain into nodal points, that can be in a binary state: either in ‘cancer state’ or in ‘non-cancer state’. The model assigns probabilities for the non-reversible transition from ‘non-cancer’ state to the ‘cancer state’ that depend on the states of the neighbouring nodes. The likelihood of transition further depends on the life burden intensity of the UV-rays that the skin is exposed to. The probabilistic nature of the process and the uncertainty in the input data is assessed by the use of Monte Carlo simulations. A good fit between experiments on mice and our model has been obtained.
Steady state rheology of homogeneous and inhomogeneous cohesive granular materials
Authors: Shi Hao , Roy Sudeshna , Weinhart Thomas , Magnanimo Vanessa , Luding Stefan 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThis paper aims to understand the effect of different particle/contact properties like friction, softness and cohesion on the compression/dilation of sheared granular materials. We focus on the local volume fraction in steady state of various non-cohesive, dry cohesive and moderate to strong wet cohesive, frictionless-to-frictional soft granular materials. The results from (1) an inhomogeneous, slowly sheared split-bottom ring shear cell and (2) a homogeneous, stress-controlled simple shear box with periodic boundaries are compared. The steady state volume fractions agree between the two geometries for a wide range of particle properties. While increasing inter-particle friction systematically leads to decreasing volume fractions, the inter-particle cohesion causes two opposing effects. With increasing strength of cohesion, we report an enhancement of the effect of contact friction i.e. even smaller volume fraction. However, for soft granular materials, strong cohesion causes an increase in volume fraction due to significant attractive forces causing larger deformations, not visible for stiff particles. This behaviour is condensed into a particle friction—Bond number phase diagram, which can be used to predict non-monotonic relative sample dilation/compression.
Romosozumab: a novel bone anabolic treatment option for osteoporosis?
Authors: Kerschan-Schindl Katharina 
Published: December 2019

SummaryResearch into the drug romosozumab began with the investigation of patients with excess bone formation. The understanding of the wingless-type mouse mammary tumor virus integration site (Wnt) signaling pathway in bone metabolism identified the negative regulator of bone mass sclerostin as a potential target for the treatment of osteoporosis. Preclinical studies confirmed this idea because they showed that sclerostin antibodies have the potential to increase bone formation. Biochemical analyses of clinical studies showed a significant increase in bone formation markers, which then slowly decreased within a year. This was accompanied by a particularly initially pronounced decrease in bone resorption. This dual mechanism of action led to an increase in bone mineral density and a significant reduction in fracture risk. Clinical vertebral fractures decreased by between 28 and 36%, nonvertebral fractures shown in a post hoc analysis by 42%. Romosozumab is administered once a month in the form of two injections. At the puncture site, reactions occur in about 5%. The most significant side effects are cardiovascular. In phase III studies, the number of serious cardiovascular complications was not significantly, albeit numerically, higher than in the control group. In Japan, South Korea, Canada, Australia, and the USA, osteoporosis patients at a high risk of fracture may already be treated with romosozumab (Evenity). Approval in the European Union was granted by 2019-12-12.