bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is serum biotinidase enzyme activity a potential marker of perturbed glucose and lipid metabolism?
Authors: Forny Patrick , Burda Patricie , Bode Peter , Rohrbach Marianne 
Published: October 2020

AbstractGlycogen storage diseases (GSDs) belong to the group of inborn errors of carbohydrate metabolism. Hepatic GSDs predominantly involve the liver and most present with hepatomegaly. Biochemically they show known disturbances in glucose and fatty acids metabolism, namely fasting hypoglycaemia and increased triglycerides. Additionally, increased biotinidase (BTD) enzyme activity has been shown to be associated with many GSD types, whereas the mechanism by which BTD enzyme activity is altered remains unknown so far. We aimed to delineate changes in gluconeogenesis and fatty acid synthesis, potentially explaining raised BTD enzyme activity, by using liver (specimens from 2 patients) and serum samples of GSD Ia and GSD IV patients. By expression analysis of genes involved in gluconeogenesis, we ascertained increased levels of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and fructose‐1,6‐biphosphatase, indicating an increased flux through the gluconeogenic pathway. Additionally, we found increased gene expression of the biotin‐dependent pyruvate and acetyl‐CoA carboxylases, providing substrate for gluconeogenesis and increased fatty acid synthesis. We also observed a significant linear correlation between BTD enzyme activity and triglyceride levels in a cohort of GSD Ia patients. The results of this pilot study suggest that enhancement of BTD activity might serve the purpose of providing extra cofactor to the carboxylase enzymes as an adjustment to disturbed glucose and fatty acid metabolism. Future studies involving a higher number of samples should aim at confirming the here proposed mechanism, which extends the application of BTD enzyme activity measurement beyond its diagnostic purpose in suspected GSD, and opens up possibilities for its use as a sensor for increased gluconeogenesis and fatty acid synthesis.
Employing molecularly imprinted polymers in the development of electroanalytical methodologies for antibiotic determination
Authors: Benachio Ingrid , Lobato Alnilan , Gonçalves Luís Moreira 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAntibiotics, although being amazing compounds, need to be monitored in the environment and foodstuff. This is primarily to prevent the development of antibiotic resistance that may make them ineffective. Unsurprisingly, advances in analyticalsciences that can improve their determination are appreciated. Electrochemical techniques are known for their simplicity, sensitivity, portability and low‐cost; however, they are often not selective enough without recurring to a discriminating element like an antibody. Molecular imprinting technology aims to create artificial tissues mimicking antibodies named molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), these retain the advantages of selectivity but without the typical disadvantages of biological material, like limited shelf‐life and high cost. This manuscript aims to review all analytical methodologies for antibiotics, using MIPs, where the detection technique is electrochemical, like differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), square‐wave voltammetry (SWV) or electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). MIPs developed by electropolymerization (e‐MIPs) were applied in about 60 publications and patents found in the bibliographic search, while MIPs developed by other polymerization techniques, like temperature assisted (“bulk”) or photopolymerization, were limited to around 40. Published works covered the electroanalysis of a wide range of different antibiotics (β‐lactams, tetracyclines, quinolones, macrolides, aminoglycosides, among other), in a wide range of matrices (food, environmental and biological).
Features of the upper tropospheric cyclonic vortices of Northeast Brazil in life cycle stages
Authors: de Morais Michelyne Duarte Coutinho , Gan Manoel Alonso , Yoshida Marcos Cezar 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe main purpose of the study is to explore in more detail the Upper Tropospheric Cyclonic Vortices (UTCVs) features over Northeast Brazil (NEB) in an attempt to improve weather forecasts. The various aspects of the life cycle features of the UTCVs over NEB are presented here, because these aspects have not been investigated in previous studies. Initially, the UTCVs were identified at 200 hPa, and then, they were identified at lower levels to analyse their vertical structure, using 6‐hr data for a 30‐year period (1984–2013) from the European Center for Medium Range Weather Forecasts' reanalysis (ERA Interim). An objective method was improved to obtain at first‐hand the trajectory and the vertical extent of the UTCVs over NEB. Some statistics results were consistent with previous studies related to relative frequency, duration and direction of movement. However, further results were obtained too. An average distance of 2,000 km for the UTCVs total travel was found. Of this average distance, 750 km was reached by UTCVs on the first day of the life cycle, leading to the presumption of a possible suppression of vortex movement that depends on a diabatic mechanism. We also found predominance of UTCVs without vertical tilt or with east tilt with increasing height. When considering life cycle stages (formation, maximum depth and dissipation), diversity was observed in intensity with stages, levels and seasons of the year, with spring exhibiting the most intense UTCVs over all seasons. Finally, our finding about interannual variability is novel. There was a tendency for the average number of UTCVs to be slightly higher during El Niño summers compared with La Niña summers.
Changes in temperature extremes and their relationship with ENSO in Malaysia from 1985 to 2018
Authors: Tan Mou Leong , Juneng Liew , Tangang Fredolin T. , Chung Jing Xiang , Radin Firdaus R. B. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractUnderstanding the changes in temperature extremes is important for managing and coping with the risks associated with regional climate change. However, the climatological characteristics of temperature extremes and their variabilities is still not adequately studies in Malaysia. This study evaluates the spatial and temporal variations of temperature extremes over Malaysia for the period 1985–2018. This study includes four phases: (a) collection, quality control and homogeneity analysis of temperature data; (b) general (TXmean, TNmean, TMmean and DTR), warm (TXx, TNx, TX90p and TN90p) and cool (TXn, TNn, TX10p and TN10p) temperature extreme indices calculations; (c) trend analysis of temperature extremes using the Mann‐Kendall and Sens's slope test; and (d) analyses of correlations between temperature extremes and El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The results indicate a warming of surface temperature across Malaysia, particularly in Peninsular Malaysia. In general, TXmean, TNmean and TMmean increased significantly at 5% significance level by 0.12°C/decade, 0.27°C/decade and 0.17°C/decade, respectively. A significant decreasing trend in DTR by 0.12°C/decade is seen, which is related to the higher increasing rate of TNmean. All of the warm extreme indices, TXx, TNx, TX90p and TN90p presents significant increasing trends by 0.19°C/decade, 0.28°C/decade, 2.86%/decade and 3.08%/decade, respectively. For the cool extreme indices, TX10p and TN10p decreased significantly by 0.95%/decade and 3.18%/decade, respectively, though the trend in TXn by 0.11°C/decade is not statistically significant. The only cool index presenting a significant increasing trend is TNn by 0.44°C/decade, indicating a reduction of cool nights. Besides that, major cities in the northern and western parts of Peninsular Malaysia generally exhibit a higher warming trend compared to rural and highland area. These are possibly related to the intensified urban heat island effect under the rapid urbanization. This study also found that the ENSO affected warm extreme indices much stronger than cool extreme indices in Malaysia.
Chemical composition and health benefits of coconut oil: an overview
Authors: Deen Afka , Visvanathan Rizliya , Wickramarachchi Dhanushki , Marikkar Nazrim , Nammi Sirinivas , Jayawardana Barana C , Liyanage Ruvini 
Published: October 2020

AbstractCoconut oil is an integral part of Sri Lankan and many South Asian diets. Initially, coconut oil was classified along with saturated fatty acid food items and criticized for its negative impact on health. However, research studies have shown that coconut oil is a rich source of medium‐chain fatty acids. Thus, this has opened new prospects for its use in many fields. Beyond its usage in cooking, coconut oil has attracted attention due to its hypocholesterolemic, anticancer, antihepatosteatotic, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antimicrobial and skin moisturizing properties. Despite all the health benefits, consumption of coconut oil is still underrated due to a lack of supportive scientific evidence. Even though studies done in Asian countries claim a favorable impact on cardiac health and serum lipid profile, the limitations in the number of studies conducted among Western countries impede the endorsement of the real value of coconut oil. Hence, long‐term extensive studies with proper methodologies are suggested to clear all the controversies and misconceptions of coconut oil consumption. This review discusses the composition and functional properties of coconut oils extracted using various processing methods. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Isomer‐dependent reaction mechanisms of cyclic ether intermediates: cis‐2,3‐dimethyloxirane and trans‐2,3‐dimethyloxirane
Authors: Doner Anna C. , Davis Matthew M. , Koritzke Alanna L. , Christianson Matthew G. , Turney Justin M. , Schaefer Henry F. , Sheps Leonid , Osborn David L. , Taatjes Craig A. , Rotavera Brandon 
Published: October 2020

AbstractOxiranes are a class of cyclic ethers formed in abundance during low‐temperature combustion of hydrocarbons and biofuels, either via chain‐propagating steps that occur from unimolecular decomposition of β‐hydroperoxyalkyl radicals (β‐̇QOOH) or from reactions of HȮO with alkenes. The cis‐ and trans‐isomers of 2,3‐dimethyloxirane are intermediates of n‐butane oxidation, and while rate coefficients for β‐̇QOOH → 2,3‐dimethyloxirane + ̇OH are reported extensively, subsequent reaction mechanisms of the cyclic ethers are not. As a result, chemical kinetics mechanisms commonly adopt simplified chemistry to describe the consumption of 2,3‐dimethyloxirane by convoluting several elementary reactions into a single step, which may introduce mechanism truncation error—uncertainty derived from missing or incomplete chemistry.The present research examines the isomer dependence of 2,3‐dimethyloxirane reaction mechanisms in support of ongoing efforts to minimize mechanism truncation error. Reaction mechanisms are inferred via the detection of products from Cl‐initiated oxidation of both cis‐2,3‐dimethyloxirane and trans‐2,3‐dimethyloxirane using multiplexed photoionization mass spectrometry (MPIMS). The experiments were conducted at 10 Torr and temperatures of 650 K and 800 K. To complement the experiments, the enthalpies of stationary points on the ̇R + O2 surfaces were computed at the ccCA‐PS3 level of theory. In total, 28 barrier heights were computed on the 2,3‐dimethyloxiranylperoxy surfaces. Two notable aspects are low‐lying pathways that form resonance‐stabilized ketohydroperoxide‐type radicals caused by ̇QOOH ring‐opening when the unpaired electron is localized adjacent to the ether group, and cis‐trans isomerization of ̇R and ̇QOOH radicals, via inversion, which enable reaction pathways otherwise restricted by stereochemistry.Several species were identified in the MPIMS experiments from ring opening of 2,3‐dimethyloxiranyl radicals. Neither of the two conjugate alkene isomers prototypical of ̇R + O2 reactions were detected. Products were also identified from decomposition of ketohydroperoxide‐type radicals. The present work provides the first analysis of 2,3‐dimethyloxirane oxidation chemistry and reveals that consumption pathways are complex and require the expansion of submechanisms in chemical kinetics mechanisms.
LncRNA H19 inhibits high glucose‐induced inflammatory responses of human retinal epithelial cells by targeting miR‐19b to increase SIRT1 expression
Authors: Luo Rong , Li Lan , Hu Yu‐Xiang , Xiao Fan 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDiabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common complication of diabetes mellitus. Inflammatory responses play crucial roles in the progress of DR. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) are key signal transduction molecules in retina, and tightly connected with DR occurrence and development. Our study aimed to explore the functions of lncRNA H19, miR‐19b and silence information regulator factor related enzymes 1 (SIRT1) in the progress of DR. Retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE‐19) were used to build high‐glucose (HG) model. Quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR) was performed to detect expression of H19, miR‐19b and SIRT1 at normal glucose (NG) and HG conditions. And western blotting was performed to test protein level of SIRT1. QPCR and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay were performed to detect expression of inflammatory cytokines. Finally, the interactions among H19, miR‐19b and SIRT1 were determined by dual‐luciferase reporter assay. Our results showed that lncRNA H19 and SIRT1 were reduced, while miR‐19b was increased in ARPE‐19 cells with HG condition. MiR‐19b positively regulated the expression of inflammatory cytokines, including TNF‐α, IL‐1β and IL‐6. Inhibition of miR‐19b and overexpression of H19 inhibited the expression of inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF‐α, IL‐1β and IL‐6, while knockdown of SIRT1 reversed their effects on inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, overexpression of miR‐19b reversed the inhibitory effects of overexpression of H19 on inflammatory cytokines. Importantly, H19 targeted miR‐19b to downregulate miR‐19b expression. Furthermore, miR‐19b bound to SIRT1 and declined SIRT1 expression. H19/miR‐19b/SIRT1 axis plays a key role of HG‐induced inflammatory response in ARPE‐19 cells, which provides new targets for DR treatment.
Biocompatible Crosslinked Nanofibers of Poly(Vinyl Alcohol)/Carboxymethyl‐Kappa‐Carrageenan Produced by a Green Process
Authors: Madruga Liszt Y. C. , Balaban Rosangela C. , Popat Ketul C. , Kipper Matt J. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis study presents a new type of biocompatible nanofiber based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and carboxymethyl‐kappa‐carrageenan (CMKC) blends, produced with no generation of hazardous waste. The nanofibers are produced by electrospinning using PVA:CMKC blends with ratios of 1:0, 1:0.25, 1:0.4, 1:0.5, and 1:0.75 (w/w PVA:CMKC) in aqueous solution, followed by thermal crosslinking. The diameter of the fibers is in the nanometer scale and below 300 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy shows the presence of the carboxyl and sulfate groups in all the fibers with CMKC. The nanofibers from water‐soluble polymers are stabilized by thermal crosslinking. The incorporation of CMKC improves cytocompatibility, biodegradability, cell growth, and cell adhesion, compared to PVA nanofibers. Furthermore, the incorporation of CMKC modulates phenotype of human adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs). PVA/CMKC nanofibers enhance ADSC response to osteogenic differentiation signals and are therefore good candidates for application in tissue engineering to support stem cells.
Assessment of Ataxia Rating Scales and Cerebellar Functional Tests: Critique and Recommendations
Authors: Perez‐Lloret Santiago , van de Warrenburg Bart , Rossi Malco , Rodríguez‐Blázquez Carmen , Zesiewicz Theresa , Saute Jonas A.M. , Durr Alexandra , Nishizawa Masatoyo , Martinez‐Martin Pablo , Stebbins Glenn T. , Schrag Anette , Skorvanek Matej ,   and members of the MDS Rating Scales Review Committee
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundWe assessed the clinimetric properties of ataxia rating scales and functional tests, and made recommendations regarding their use.MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted to identify the instruments used to rate ataxia symptoms. The identified rating scales and functional ability tests were reviewed and ranked by the panel as “recommended,” “suggested,” or “listed” for the assessment of patients with discrete cerebellar disorders, using previously established criteria.ResultsWe reviewed 14 instruments (9 rating scales and 5 functional tests). “Recommended” rating scales for the assessment of symptoms severity were: for Friedreich's ataxia, the Friedreich's Ataxia Rating Scale, the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS), and the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA); for spinocerebellar ataxias, ICARS and SARA; for ataxia telangiectasia: ICARS and SARA; for brain tumors, SARA; for congenital disorder of glycosylation‐phosphomannomutase‐2 deficiency, ICARS; for cerebellar symptoms in multiple sclerosis, ICARS; for cerebellar symptoms in multiple system atrophy: Unified Multiple System Atrophy Rating Scale and ICARS; and for fragile X–associated tremor ataxia syndrome, ICARS. “Recommended” functional tests were: for Friedreich's ataxia, Ataxia Functional Composite Score and Composite Cerebellar Functional Severity Score; and for spinocerebellar ataxias, Ataxia Functional Composite Score, Composite Cerebellar Functional Severity Score, and SCA Functional Index.ConclusionsWe identified some “recommended” scales and functional tests for the assessment of patients with major hereditary ataxias and other cerebellar disorders. The main limitations of these instruments include the limited assessment of patients in the more severe end of the spectrum and children. Further research in these populations is warranted. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Physiotherapists' experiences of managing persons with suspected cauda equina syndrome: Overcoming the challenges
Authors: Paling Claire , Hebron Clair 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIntroductionCauda equina syndrome (CES) is rare, but its symptoms are not and musculoskeletal physiotherapists frequently encounter persons with suspected CES. Given that delayed diagnosis of CES can result in devastating consequences for affected persons and costly litigation for healthcare organisations, it is imperative that persons presenting with suspected CES are well managed. However, this may present a challenge to physiotherapists. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore physiotherapists' experiences of managing persons with suspected CES.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with musculoskeletal physiotherapists. Verbatim transcripts were analysed using an interpretive paradigm and thematic analysis.Ethical approvalEthical approval was obtained from a university Ethics committee and NHS Research and Development.FindingsFive interlinking themes emerged. The themes of worry in relation to risk management and communication difficulties seemed to represent significant challenges. The remaining themes were described as antidotes to these challenges: Lightening the load with teamwork and shared responsibility, the usefulness of a clear pathway and perception of improved confidence and competence with experience and training.DiscussionThe findings are discussed in the context of other literature, and practical recommendations are made relating to pathway implementation, team working, communication aids, training on CES and measures to care for staff wellbeing.ConclusionFindings suggest that it is important to be aware of and address the challenges faced by physiotherapists in order to care for clinicians' wellbeing and ensure a safe and smooth journey for persons with suspected CES.Summary Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIHqCKIQ1jk&t=90s
Thermo‐hydro‐mechanical modeling of fracturing porous media with two‐phase fluid flow using X‐FEM technique
Authors: Khoei A. R. , Mortazavi S. M. S. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn this paper, a fully coupled thermo‐hydro‐mechanical model is presented for two‐phase fluid flow and heat transfer in fractured/fracturing porous media using the extended finite element method. In the fractured porous medium, the traction, heat, and mass transfer between the fracture space and the surrounding media are coupled. The wetting and nonwetting fluid phases are water and gas, which are assumed to be immiscible, and no phase‐change is considered. The system of coupled equations consists of the linear momentum balance of solid phase, wetting and nonwetting fluid continuities, and thermal energy conservation. The main variables used to solve the system of equations are solid phase displacement, wetting fluid pressure, capillary pressure, and temperature. The fracture is assumed to impose the strong discontinuity in the displacement field and weak discontinuities in the fluid pressure, capillary pressure, and temperature fields. The mode I fracture propagation is employed using a cohesive fracture model. Finally, several numerical examples are solved to illustrate the capability of the proposed computational algorithm. It is shown that the effect of thermal expansion on the effective stress can influence the rate of fracture propagation and the injection pressure in hydraulic fracturing process. Moreover, the effect of thermal loading is investigated properly on fracture opening and fluids flow in unsaturated porous media, and the convective heat transfer within the fracture is captured successfully. It is shown how the proposed computational model is capable of modeling the fully coupled thermal fracture propagation in unsaturated porous media.
A stochastic programming approach for chemotherapy appointment scheduling
Authors: Demir Nur Banu , Gul Serhat , Çelik Melih 
Published: October 2020

AbstractChemotherapy appointment scheduling is a challenging problem due to the uncertainty in premedication and infusion durations. In this paper, we formulate a two‐stage stochastic mixed integer programming model for the chemotherapy appointment scheduling problem under limited availability of nurses and infusion chairs. The objective is to minimize the expected weighted sum of nurse overtime, chair idle time, and patient waiting time. The computational burden to solve real‐life instances of this problem to optimality is significantly high, even in the deterministic case. To overcome this burden, we incorporate valid bounds and symmetry breaking constraints. Progressive hedging algorithm is implemented in order to solve the improved formulation heuristically. We enhance the algorithm through a penalty update method, cycle detection and variable fixing mechanisms, and a linear approximation of the objective function. Using numerical experiments based on real data from a major oncology hospital, we compare our solution approach with several scheduling heuristics from the relevant literature, generate managerial insights related to the impact of the number of nurses and chairs on appointment schedules, and estimate the value of stochastic solution to assess the significance of considering uncertainty.