bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A New Perspective on Calmodulin Regulated Calcium and Ros Homeostasis Upon Carbon Black Nanoparticle Exposure
Authors: verma Nisha , Pink Mario , Schmitz-Spanke Simone 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundToxicological studies propose that exposure to carbon black nanoparticles induces organ injuries and inflammatory responses. Besides, current understanding of the molecular mechanisms implies that carbon black nanoparticles (CBNP) exposure induces the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) causing inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, or disturbance in calcium homeostasis. However, the precise mechanisms whereby CBNP exert these effects in the lung are still not fully understood. To gain insight into the possible mechanism of CBNP exerted toxicity, human alveolar epithelial cells (A549) were exposed to different concentrations of CBNP and for different time points. The reaction of the cells was monitored by the systematic use of cell-based measurements of calcium and ROS, in the presence and absence of calcium (Ca2+) pump inhibitors/chelators and antioxidants. Followed by an in-depth PCR analysis of eighty-four oxidative stress related genes.ResultsThe measurements revealed, as compared to the control, that exposure to CBNP nanoparticles leads to the generation of high ROS levels as well as a disturbance in calcium homeostasis, which remained primarily unchanged even after 24 h of exposure. Nevertheless, in presence of antioxidants N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and Trolox, ROS formation was considerably reduced without affecting the intracellular calcium concentration. On the other hand, Ca2+ pump inhibitors/chelators, BAPTA (1,2-bis(o-amino phenoxy)ethane-N, N, N′, N′-tetraacetic acid) and verapamil not only decreased the Ca2+ overload but also further decreased the ROS formation, indicating its role in CBNP induced oxidative stress. Further, a PCR array analysis of A549 cells in presence and absence of the calmodulin (CaM) antagonist W7, indicated towards nine altered oxidative stress-related genes which further confirmed our cytotoxicity results. The results suggested that CBNP exposure elevates calcium ion concentration, which further contributes to oxidative stress, via the calcium-binding protein CaM. Its inhibition with W7 leads to downregulation in gene expression of nine oxidative stress-related genes, which otherwise, as compared to control, show increased gene expression.ConclusionsThe results of the study thus confirm that exposure of lung epithelial cells to CBNP leads to oxidative stress, however, the oxidative stress itself is a result of a disturbance in both calcium and ROS homeostasis and should be considered while searching for a new strategy for prevention of CBNP - induced lung toxicity.
Risk Factors of Metabolic Bone Disease in Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Premature Infants With Gestational Age Less Than 32 Weeks
Authors: Chen Wenwen , Zhang Zhenghai , Dai Shuzhen , Liping Xu 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundMetabolic bone disease (MBD) is a complication of multifactorial aetiology in preterm infants. Several risk factors have been identified in general. Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) infants present an increased incidence of MBD, but it is unknown which factors contribute to this. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors for developing MBD in BPD infants.MethodsA retrospective review of the medical records of BPD infants admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Zhangzhou Hospital between Jun 2016 and May 2020. BPD infants with MBD were identified, two contemporaneous without MBD matched by gestational age and gender were randomly selected as control infants for each case of MBD. The association between putative risk factors and MBD was estimated with ORs and 95% CIs. A P-value threshold ≤0.2 was used in univariate analysis for inclusion into a multivariate (adjusted) model with a P-value of < 0.05 as statistically significant.ResultsA total of 156 BPD infants were enrolled with 52 cases of MBD and 104 controls. Fetal growth restriction (OR 5.60, 95% CI, 1.77–17.72), extremely low birth weight (OR 3.70, 95% CI, 1.35–10.10), feeding volume ＜80 mL/kg/day at the end of the 4th week after birth (OR 12.21, 95% CI, 3.89–38.33), cholestasis (OR 4.29, 95% CI, 1.65–11.15), and late onset sepsis (OR 3.79, 95% CI, 1.12–12.77) were found to be statistically significant risk factors for MBD in BPD infants.ConclusionIn gestational age homogeneous BPD infants, fetal growth restriction, extremely low birth weight, feeding volume＜80 mL/kg/day at the end of the 4th week after birth and late onset sepsis are significant risk factors for MBD. These findings provide potential predictive factors for MBD in BPD infants but still warrant prospective validation.
Glutathione S-transferase M1 and T1 Genes Deletion Polymorphisms and Blood Pressure Control Among Treated Essential Hypertensive Patients in Burkina Faso.
Authors: SOMBIE Herman Karim , Tchélougou Daméhan , Sorgho Pegdwendé Abel , Kologo Jonas Koudougou , OUATTARA Abdoul Karim , Yaméogo Sakinata , Zongo Arsène Wendpagnangdé , Kiendrébéogo Isabelle Touwendpoulimdé , Yelemkouré Edwige , Adoko Enagnon Tiémoko Herman Donald , Yonli Albert Théophane , Djigma Florencia Wendkuuni , Zabsonré Patrice , Millogo Hassanata , Simporé Jacques 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
ObjectiveGlutathione S-transferases have been associated with experimental resistance to some drugs. The present study investigated the factors associated with blood pressure control in patients with essential hypertension, especially the role of GSTT1 and GSTM1 genes polymorphisms. This cross-sectional study in Burkina Faso consisted of 200 patients with essential hypertension and under treatment. ResultsThis cross-sectional study population consisted of 57.5 % (115/200) of patients with their hypertension under control. No statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) was found between controlled and uncontrolled (SBP and/or DBP) groups for anthropometric and biochemical parameters as well as for GSTT1 or GSTM1 gene polymorphisms. However, current alcohol consumption (OR = 3.04; CI = 1.88 - 6.13; p < 0.001), physical inactivity (OR = 3.07; CI = 1.71 - 5.49; p < 0.001), severity of hypertension (Grade III [OR = 3.79; CI = 2.00 - 7.17; p < 0.001]) and heart damage (OR = 3, 14; CI = 1.59 - 6.02; p < 0.001) were statistically more frequent in uncontrolled essential hypertension group than controlled group.
Single Institutional Outcomes of Whole Brain Radiotherapy for Metastatic Melanoma Brain Metastases
Authors: Jiang Cecilia , Kleber Troy J , Switchenko Jeffrey M , Khan Mohammad K. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The management of melanoma with brain metastases (MBM) is increasingly complex, especially given recent improvements in targeted agents, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy. Whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) is a longstanding radiotherapy technique for which reported patient outcomes and experiences are limited. We sought to report our institutional outcomes for MBM patients receiving WBRT and assess whether other clinical factors impact prognosis. Methods: A retrospective review of a single institution database was performed. Patients diagnosed with MBM from 2000-2018 treated with WBRT, with or without other systemic treatments, were included. Post-WBRT brain MRI scans were assessed at timed intervals for radiographic response. Clinical and treatment variables associated with overall survival (OS), distant failure-free survival (DFFS), local failure-free survival (LFFS), and progression-free survival (PFS) were assessed. Data on radiation-induced side effects, including radionecrosis, hemorrhage, and memory deficits, was also captured. Results: 63 patients with MBM were ultimately included in our study. 69% of patients had 5 or more brain metastases at the time of WBRT, and 68% had extracranial disease. The median dose of WBRT was 30 Gray over 10 fractions. Median follow-up was 4.0 months. Patients receiving WBRT had a median OS of 7.0 months, median PFS of 2.2 months, median DFFS of 6.1 months, and median LFFS of 4.9 months. Performance status correlated with OS on both univariate and multivariable analysis. BRAF inhibitor was the only systemic therapy to significantly impact OS on univariate analysis (HR 0.24, 95% CI 0.07-0.79, p=0.019), and this effect extended to multivariable analysis as well. Post-WBRT intralesional hemorrhage decreased DFFS on both univariate and multivariable analysis. Of patients with post-treatment brain scans available, there was a 16% rate of radionecrosis, 32% rate of hemorrhage, and 19% rate of memory deficits.Conclusions: Outcomes for MBM patients receiving WBRT indicate that WBRT remains an effective treatment strategy to control intracranial disease. Treatment-related toxicities such as intralesional hemorrhage, necrosis, or neurocognitive side effects are limited. With continued innovations in WBRT technique and systemic therapy development, MBM outcomes may continue to improve. Further trials should evaluate the role of WBRT in the modern context.
A Comparison of a Short Versus Long Postal Questionnaire on Childbirth-related Incontinence: a Randomised Controlled Trial to Evaluate Response Rates.&nbsp;
Authors: Webb Sara S , Jones E , Bishop J , MacArthur C 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundA future cluster randomised controlled trial (cRCT) to test an intervention to prevent postpartum urinary incontinence will use a postal questionnaire from women to obtain outcomes. This is part of a programme of work that has the overall aim of reducing the proportion of women with urinary incontinence after birth. One part of the programme was a methodology trial to compare a longer questionnaire, which includes all outcomes, with a shorter questionnaire, which includes only the most important outcomes, in order to maximise women’s response to these sensitive questions. MethodsA multicentre, stratified by community midwife team, with balanced randomisation [1:1] controlled, parallel group trial was undertaken including women under the care of 15 community midwife teams in three West Midlands NHS trusts who had given birth 10-12 weeks previously. Women under 16 years and women without a live baby on hospital discharge were excluded. Eligible women under the care of each midwife team were individually randomised in a 1:1 ratio to receive either a long or short questionnaire. Both questionnaires included questions on urinary and bowel incontinence and about advice and information on pelvic floor muscle exercise (PFME) and their PFME practice. The long questionnaire included additional questions about women’s confidence in undertaking pelvic floor muscle exercise (PFME) and their general health. For women randomised to the short questionnaire, the additional questions were only sent to women who returned the first questionnaire. The primary outcome of this trial was the response rate for completion of the urinary incontinence (UI) questions. Secondary outcomes were urinary incontinence (using ICIQ-UI SF), bowel incontinence (using RFIS), women’s performance of PFME and their confidence in this (using PFMSES) and their general health (using SF12).Results777 women were sent a questionnaire and 241 (31%) returned a completed questionnaire. There was no difference in the completion rate of the UI questions according to questionnaire length: 30.5% (119/387) of the women in the long questionnaire arm answered the UI questions compared with 31.5% (123/390) of those in the short questionnaire arm. ConclusionsThis study has used high quality trial methods and shown that response rates to the postpartum UI questions were comparable from either a longer or shorter questionnaire. Trial RegistrationISRCTN Registry: ISRCTN99859966. Date registered: 10/09/2018: http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN99859966
N-acetyl Cysteine Induces Quiescent-like Pancreatic Stellate Cells From an Active State and Attenuates Cancer-stroma Interactions
Authors: Feng Haimin , Moriyama Taiki , Ohuchida Kenoki , Sheng Nan , Iwamoto Chika , Shindo Koji , Shirahane Kengo , Ikenaga Naoki , Nagai Shuntaro , Nakata Kohei , Mizumoto Kazuhiro , Nakamura Masafumi 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) occupy the majority of the pancreatic cancer microenvironment, contributing to an aggressive behavior of pancreatic cancer cells (PCCs). Recently, anti-fibrotic agents have proven to be an effective strategy against cancer, but clinical trials have shown little efficacy and the driving mechanism remains unknown. N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) is often used for cystic fibrosis. Pioglitazone, an agonist of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, was often used for type II diabetes, but recently reported to inhibit metastasis of PCCs. However, few studies have focused on the effects of these two agents on cancer-stromal interactions. Method: We evaluated the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and the number of lipid droplets in PSCs cultured with or without NAC. We also evaluated changes in invasiveness and proliferation in PSCs and PCCs after NAC treatment. Using an indirect coculture system, we investigated changes in proliferation, invasiveness, and migration of PSCs and PCCs. Combined treatment effects of NAC and pioglitazone were evaluated in PSCs and PCCs. In vivo, PCCs and PSCs were subcutaneously injected into mice to evaluate tumor growth. We co-transplanted KPC-derived organoids and PSCs using a splenic xenografted mouse model and evaluated the effect of combination of NAC and pioglitazone.Results: In vitro, NAC inhibited the proliferation, invasiveness, and migration of PSCs at a low concentration, but not those of PCCs. NAC treatment significantly reduced expression of α-SMA, collagen type I and fibronectin in PSCs. NAC-treated PSCs apparently present quiescent-like state with a high number of lipid droplets. Co-cultured PSCs and PCCs mutually promoted the proliferation, invasiveness, and migration of each other. However, these promotion effects were attenuated by NAC treatment. Pioglitazone maintained the NAC-induced quiescent-like state of PSCs, which were reactivated by PCC-supernatant, and enhanced chemosensitivity of PCCs. In vivo, administration of NAC to mice with subcutaneously implanted PCCs and PSCs significantly reduced tumor growth with less stromal components. The combination of NAC and pioglitazone suppressed liver metastasis in the 3D-organoid xenografted mouse model Conclusion: NAC suppressed activated PSCs and attenuates cancer-stromal interactions. NAC induces quiescent-like PSCs that were maintained in this state by pioglitazone treatment.
Generating Phone-quality Records to Train Machine Learning Models for Smartphone-based Earthquake Early Warning
Authors: Zheng Zengwei , Shi Lifei , Zhao Sha , Hou Jianmin , Sun Lin , Dong Lin , Fang Yi , Liu Jie , Li Shijian , Pan Gang 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) system detects earthquakes and sends an early warning to areas likely to be affected, which plays a significant role in reducing earthquake damage. In recent years, as with the widespread distribution of smartphones, as well as their powerful computing ability and advanced built-in sensors, a new interdisciplinary research method of smartphone-based earthquake early warning has emerged. Smartphones-based earthquake early warning system applies signal processing techniques and machine learning algorithms to the sensor data recorded by smartphones for better monitoring earthquakes. But it is challenging to collect abundant phone-recorded seismic data for training related machine learning models and selecting appropriate features for these models. One alternative way to solve this problem is to transform the data recorded by seismic networks into phone-quality data. In this paper, we propose such a transformation method by learning the differences between the data recorded by seismic networks and smartphones, in two scenarios: phone fixed and free located on tables, respectively. By doing this, we can easily generate abundant phone-quality earthquake data to train machine learning models used in EEW systems. We evaluate our transformation method by conducting various experiments, and our method performs much better than existing methods. Furthermore, we set up a case study where we use the transformed records to train machine learning models for earthquake intensity prediction. The results show that the model trained by using our transformed data produces superior performance, suggesting that our transformation method is useful for smartphone-based earthquake early warning.
Basalt derived from highly refractory mantle sources during early Izu-Bonin-Mariana arc development
Authors: Li He , Arculus Richard , Ishizuka Osamu , Hickey-Vargas Rosemary , Yogodzinski Gene , McCarthy Anders , Kusano Yuki , Brandl Philipp , Savov Ivan , III Frank Tepley , Sun Wei-Dong 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The character of magmatism associated with the early stages of subduction zone and island arc development is unlike that of mature systems, being dominated in the Izu-Bonon-Mariana (IBM) case by low-Ti-K tholeiitic basalts and boninites. Basalts recovered by coring the basement of the Amami Sankaku Basin (ASB), located west of the oldest remnant arc of the IBM system (Kyushu-Palau Ridge; KPR), were erupted at ~49 Ma, about 3 million years after subduction inception. The chain of stratovolcanoes defined by the KPR is superimposed on this basement. The basalts were sourced from upper mantle similar to that tapped following subduction inception, and represented by forearc basalt (FAB) dated at ~52-51 Ma. The mantle sources of the ASB basalt basement were more depleted by prior melt extraction than those involved in the vast majority of mid-ocean ridge (MOR) basalt generation. The ASB basalts are low-Ti-K, aluminous spinel-olivine-plagioclase-clinopyroxene-bearing tholeiites. We show this primary mineralogy is collectively distinct compared to basalts of MOR, backarc basins of the Philippine Sea Plate, forearc, or mature island arcs. In combination with bulk compositional (major and trace element abundances plus radiogenic isotope characteristics) data for the ASB basalts, we infer the upper mantle involved was hot (~1400oC), reduced, and refractory peridotite. For a few million years following subduction initiation, a broad region of mantle upwelling accompanied by partial melting prevailed. The ASB basalts were transferred rapidly from moderate pressures (1-2 GPa), preserving a mineralogy established at sub-crustal conditions, and experienced little of recharge-mix-tap-fractionate regimes typical of MOR or mature arcs.
Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio at 24h after thrombolysis is a prognostic marker in acute ischemic stroke patients
Authors: Sun Yingying , Wang Meiqi , Wang Yan , Yan Xiuli , Jin Hang , Sun Xin , Zhang Peng , Zhu Hongjing , Yang Yi , Guo Zhen-Ni 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Introduction: The role of Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in outcomes of acute ischemic stroke, especially before and after intravenous thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA), has not been elucidated. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of PLR before and after rtPA on clinical outcomes.Methods: A total of 582 consecutive patients who had acute ischemic stroke diagnosed and received intravenous thrombolysis with rtPA were included in this study. We collected demographics, vascular risk factors, previous history of drugs and other clinical information for all patients. Specifically, blood samples for PLR values were collected on admission and at 24 hours after stroke. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between PLR with the risk of poor outcome (mRS≥3), death and hemorrhagic transformation (HT). Results: Of 582 patients, 191 (32.8%) had a poor outcome, 40 (6.9%) died and 82 (14.1%) had HT. After adjustment for potential confounders, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that higher PLR at 24h after rtPA was independently associated with an increased risk of poor outcome (OR=1.004; 95% CI:1.001-1.007; P=0.009) and the occurrence of death (OR=1.009; 95% CI:1.004-1.013; P<0.001), but not associated with the risk of HT (OR=1.003; 95% CI:0.999-1.007; P=0.165). In addition, PLR on admission was not associated with the risk of poor outcome, death and HT (all P>0.05).Conclusions: We found that PLR at 24h after rtPA can predict the risk of poor outcome and death in acute ischemic stroke patients, but PLR on admission cannot.
Fractionation and characterization of lignin from sugarcane bagasse using a sulfuric acid catalyzed solvothermal process
Authors: Imman Saksit , Khongchamnan Punjarat , Wanmolee Wanwitoo , Laosiripojana Navadol , Kreetachat Torpong , Suriyachai Nopparat 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Conversion of lignocellulosic residue to bioenergy and biofuel is a promising platform for global sustainability. Fractionation is an initial step for isolating lignocellulosic components for subsequent valorization. The aim of this research is to develop the solvothermal fractionation of sugarcane bagasse to produce high purity lignin. Physio-chemical structure of isolated lignin from this process was determined.Results: In this study, a central composite design-based response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize an acid promoter for isolating lignin from sugarcane bagasse using a solvothermal fractionation process. The reaction was carried out with sulfuric acid, in the concentration of 0.01-0.02 M and a reaction temperature of 180-200°C for 30-90 min. The optimal conditions for the experiment were obtained at the acid concentration of 0.02 M with a temperature of 180ºC for 90 min in methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK)/methanol/water (35%:25%:40% v/v%). The results showed that 87.1% of lignin recovery was conducted in the organic phase, while 88.0% of lignin removal was done in the solid phase. Furthermore, the change in the physico-chemical characteristics of solid residue and lignin recovery was recorded using various techniques. A GPC analysis of recovered lignin from the organic fraction showed a low average Mw/Mn (1374/785 g/mol) and lower polydispersity index (1.75) compared to commercial organosolv lignin. The maximum lignin degradation temperatures of recovered lignin and commercial organosolv lignin were estimated to be 310°C and 334°C, which can point to potential relationships with the degradation of β-O-4 cross-links. The results indicated that recovered lignin is mostly cross-linked by the β-O-4 cross-links.Conclusions: The development of sulfuric acid catalyzed solvothermal process in this study provides the efficient extraction of high-value organosolv lignin from sugarcane bagasse and the production of recovered lignin in organic phase with low contamination from other contents. The lignin characteristic data can contribute to the development of lignin valorization in value-added applications.