bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cardiorespiratory fitness predicts effective connectivity between the hippocampus and default mode network nodes in young adults
Authors: Kronman Corey A. , Kern Kathryn L. , Nauer Rachel K. , Dunne Matthew F. , Storer Thomas W. , Schon Karin 
Published: October 2019

AbstractRodent and human studies examining the relationship between aerobic exercise, brain structure, and brain function indicate that the hippocampus (HC), a brain region critical for episodic memory, demonstrates striking plasticity in response to exercise. Beyond the hippocampal memory system, human studies also indicate that aerobic exercise and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) are associated with individual differences in large‐scale brain networks responsible for broad cognitive domains. Examining network activity in large‐scale resting‐state brain networks may provide a link connecting the observed relationships between aerobic exercise, hippocampal plasticity, and cognitive enhancement within broad cognitive domains. Previously, CRF has been associated with increased functional connectivity of the default mode network (DMN), specifically in older adults. However, how CRF relates to the magnitude and directionality of connectivity, or effective connectivity, between the HC and other DMN nodes remains unknown. We used resting‐state fMRI and conditional Granger causality analysis (CGCA) to test the hypothesis that CRF positively predicts effective connectivity between the HC and other DMN nodes in healthy young adults. Twenty‐six participants (ages 18–35 years) underwent a treadmill test to determine CRF by estimating its primary determinant, maximal oxygen uptake (V.O2max), and a 10‐min resting‐state fMRI scan to examine DMN effective connectivity. We identified the DMN using group independent component analysis and examined effective connectivity between nodes using CGCA. Linear regression analyses demonstrated that CRF significantly predicts causal influence from the HC to the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, and lateral temporal cortex and to the HC from the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex. The observed relationship between CRF and hippocampal effective connectivity provides a link between the rodent literature, which demonstrates a relationship between aerobic exercise and hippocampal plasticity, and the human literature, which demonstrates a relationship between aerobic exercise and CRF and the enhancement of broad cognitive domains including, but not limited to, memory.
Higher incidence of zinc and nickel hypersensitivity in patients with irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Kageyama Yasunari , Aida Koichi , Kawauchi Kimihiko , Morimoto Masafumi , Akiyama Tetsu , Nakamura Tsutomu 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIntroductionThe etiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) remains elusive even though several genetic and environmental pathogenic factors have been reported. IBS is considered to be a functional disorder without any detectable lesions in the patient's bowel. However, many studies have demonstrated that a subset of IBS patients have low‐grade inflammation and aberrant T‐cell activation in their intestinal mucosa. To elucidate the immune mechanism underlying the mucosal inflammation in IBS, we focused on dental metal hypersensitivity, a T cell–mediated, delayed‐type allergic reaction that causes oral contact mucositis and systemic cutaneous inflammation.MethodsWe recruited 147 Japanese IBS patients and 22 healthy controls (HCs). The subjects underwent the in vitro lymphocyte stimulation test to quantify their sensitivity to zinc, gold, nickel, and palladium, the metals that have been commonly used in dentistry.ResultsA total of 56.5% of the IBS patients were hypersensitive to at least one metal species, whereas 31.8% of HC were hypersensitive to only a single metal species. The overall incidence of metal hypersensitivity was significantly higher for IBS patients than for HC. Furthermore, a significantly higher proportion of IBS patients were hypersensitive to zinc and/or nickel. The severity of the sensitivity to zinc and nickel was also significantly greater for IBS patients than for HC. There was no significant difference in the sensitization rates and the sensitivity among the IBS subtypes.ConclusionsThis pilot study demonstrates that IBS patients have a significantly higher prevalence of hypersensitivity to zinc and nickel, suggesting the possible involvement of dental metal hypersensitivity in IBS pathogenesis in a subset of patients.
Banks' profitability, institutions, and regulation in the context of the financial crisis
Authors: Teixeira João C.A. , Silva Francisco J.F. , Costa Fernando A.T. , Martins Dário M.C. , Batista Maria da Graça 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis paper empirically examines how banks' dividend policy, the institutional environment, and banking regulation affects banks' profitability using panel data of a sample of 567 banks, mainly from Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development countries, for 2004–2015. It further examines whether the effect of the institutional environment and banking regulation varies for crisis and noncrisis years. The estimation results reveal that banks' dividend policy influences positively banks' profitability, whereas higher levels of the institutional environment or stricter banking regulation reduces banks' profitability. The negative effect of the institutional environment and banking regulation was of lower magnitude during the global financial crisis, followed by the Eurozone crisis, and for less‐developed countries and larger banks.
Systematic review of Doppler for detecting intrapartum fetal heart abnormalities and measuring perinatal mortality in low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: Plotkin Marya , Kamala Benjamin , Ricca Jim , Fogarty Linda , Currie Sheena , Kidanto Hussein , Wheeler Stephanie B. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundUsing Doppler to improve detection of intrapartum fetal heart rate (FHR) abnormalities coupled with appropriate, timely intrapartum care in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC) can save lives.ObjectiveTo review studies using Doppler to improve detection of intrapartum FHR abnormalities and intrapartum care quality in LMIC health facilities.Search strategyPubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Global Health, and Scopus were searched from inception to October 2018 by combining terms for Doppler, perinatal outcomes, and FHR monitoring.Selection criteriaSelected studies compared Doppler and Pinard stethoscope for detecting/monitoring intrapartum FHR, or described provider and maternal preferences for FHR monitoring in LMIC settings.Data collection and analysisTwo team members independently screened and collected data. Risk of bias was assessed by Cochrane EPOC criteria.ResultsEleven studies from eight countries were included. Doppler was superior at detecting abnormal intrapartum FHR as compared with Pinard stethoscope, but was not associated with improved perinatal outcomes. Using Doppler on admission helped to accurately measure perinatal deaths occurring after facility admission.ConclusionStudies and program learning are needed to translate improved detection of FHR abnormalities to improved case management in LMICs. Doppler should be used to calculate a facility indicator of intrapartum care quality.PROSPERO registration: CRD42019121924.
Sexual and reproductive rights violations at sexual debut of male and female adolescents in Ghana
Authors: Morhe Renee A.S. , Avle Theodocia Doe , Morhe Emmanuel S.K. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the social and ethical challenges in enforcing sexual and reproductive rights of male and female adolescents abused at sexual debut in Ghana.MethodologyThis was a secondary analysis of cross‐sectional survey data on 278 sexually experienced male and female teenagers from 12 communities selected by cluster random sampling in the Ejisu‐Juben district. We extracted relevant data from a 2009 academic thesis project involving 481 respondents. We assessed differences between sexual debut experiences of males and females using Pearson's chi‐square and ANOVA tests. P‐values ≤0.05 were considered significant.ResultsMean ages at sexual debut for males and females were 16.05 ± 1.8 and 15.98 ± 1.47 years respectively (P=0.719). Adolescents of both sexes experienced defilement and forced sexual debut; similar proportions had early sexual debut. Females who had early sexual debut were more likely than their older counterparts to have low educational attainment and induced abortion.ConclusionsMany male and female adolescents experience sexual and reproductive rights breaches at sexual debut. Prevailing circumstances hinder optimization of sexual and reproductive rights of juveniles in Ghana. We recommend making clear provisions for young persons in the law on sexual offences in the criminal code to facilitate development of interventions to improve access to justice for offenders and victims.
Investigation of human pancreatic cancer tissues by Fourier Transform Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging
Authors: Notarstefano Valentina , Sabbatini Simona , Conti Carla , Pisani Michela , Astolfi Paola , Pro Chiara , Rubini Corrado , Vaccari Lisa , Giorgini Elisabetta 
Published: October 2019

AbstractFourier‐transform infrared hyperspectral imaging (FTIR‐HSI) provides hyperspectral images containing both morphological and chemical information. It is widely applied in the biomedical field to detect tumor lesions, even at the early stage, by identifying specific spectral biomarkers. Pancreatic neoplasms present different prognoses and are not always easily classified by conventional analyses. In this study, tissue samples with diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor were analyzed by FTIR‐HSI and the spectral data compared with those from healthy and dysplastic samples. Multivariate/univariate approaches were complemented to hyperspectral images, and definite spectral markers of the different lesions identified. The malignant lesions were recognizable both from healthy/dysplastic pancreatic tissues (high values of phospholipids and triglycerides with shorter, more branched and less unsaturated alkyl chains) and between each other (different amounts of total lipids, phosphates and carbohydrates). These findings highlight different metabolic pathways characterizing the different samples, well detectable by FTIR‐HSI.
Circular RNAs expression profiles in plasma exosomes from early‐stage lung adenocarcinoma and the potential biomarkers
Authors: Chen Falin , Huang Chunli , Wu Qiumei , Jiang Lili , Chen Shaoting , Chen Liangyuan 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis study aimed to identify differential circular RNA (circRNA) in the plasma exosomes of patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) using high‐throughput sequencing. First, exosomes were isolated using an exosome isolation kit and confirmed by Western blotting, transmission electron microscopy, and NanoSight Assay. Subsequently, plasma circRNA expression profiles were screened by high‐throughput sequencing and confirmed by fluorescence quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and Sanger sequencing. Finally, the circRNA‐miRNA‐mRNA network was performed to forecast the potential function of circRNAs. The result of high‐throughput sequencing data documented that 182 differentially expressed exosomal circRNAs in all were screened, which included 105 that were upregulated and 78 that were downregulated in LUAD patients plasma compared with controls. The four upregulated circRNAs including circ_0001492, circ_0001346, circ_0000690, and circ_0001439 were identical to the sequencing data by qRT‐PCR, and their latent circRNA‐miRNA‐mRNA interactions were exhibited. Taken together, our study firstly revealed the altered exosomal circRNA expression from plasma samples in patients with LUAD and supports the need for exploring their potential as biomarkers and the pathological effects of lung cancer.
Alcoholic fermentation of soursop (Annona muricata) juice via an alternative fermentation technique
Authors: Ho Chin Wai , Lazim Azwan , Fazry Shazrul , Hussain Zaki Umi Kalsum Hj , Massa Salvatore , Lim Seng Joe 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDWines are produced via the alcoholic fermentation of suitable substrates, usually sugar (sugar cane, grapes) and carbohydrates (wheat, grain). However, conventional alcoholic fermentation is limited by the inhibition of yeast by ethanol produced, usually at approximately 13–14%. Aside from that, soursop fruit is a very nutritious fruit, although it is highly perishable, and thus produces a lot of wastage. Therefore, the present study aimed to produce fermented soursop juice (soursop wine), using combination of two starter cultures, namely mushroom (Pleurotus pulmonarius) and yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), as well as to determine the effects of fermentation on the physicochemical and antioxidant activities of fermented soursop juice. Optimisation of four factors (pH, temperature, time and culture ratio) using response surface methodology were performed to maximise ethanol production.RESULTSThe optimised values for alcoholic fermentation were pH 4.99, 28.29 °C, 131 h and a 0.42 culture ratio (42:58, P. pulmonarius mycelia:S. cerevisiae) with a predicted ethanol concentration of 22.25%. Through a verification test, soursop wine with 22.29 ± 0.52% ethanol was produced. The antioxidant activities (1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl and ferric reducing antioxidant power) showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase from the soursop juice to soursop wine.CONCLUSIONThe alternative fermentation technique using yeast and mushroom has successfully been optimised, with an increased ethanol production in soursop wine and higher antioxidant activities. Ultimately, this finding has high potential for application in the brewing industry to enhance the fermentation process, as well as in the development of an innovative niche product, reducing wastage by converting the highly‐perishable fruit into wine with a more stable and longer shelf‐life. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
The wound healing effects of the Tilapia collagen peptide mixture TY001 in streptozotocin diabetic mice
Authors: Xiong Xiaoyun , Liang Jun , Xu Yiqiao , Liu Jie , Liu Yi 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe Tilapia collagen peptides mixture TY001 is effective in promoting wound healing in acetic acid‐induced skin lesions in zebrafish and in protecting against lipopolysaccharide‐induced inflammation and disruption of glucose metabolism in mice. The present study aimed to further examine the wound healing effects of TY001 in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice.METHODSFull‐thickness skin excision wounds were created with 8‐mm biopsy punches and TY001 was administered via drinking water (15, 30 and 45 g L−1 in emulsion) for 15 days.RESULTSWound healing was delayed in diabetic mice but was promoted by TY001 after 5, 10 or 15 days of treatment. Collagen deposition and tissue hydroxyproline contents were increased by TY001. The expressions of insulin growth factor‐1, basic fibroblast growth factor, platelet‐derived growth factor, transforming growth facts β1, vascular endothelial growth factor and epidermal growth factor were increased by TY001, as indicated by immunobiochemistry and a quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Diabetes‐associated serum pro‐inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)‐1β and IL‐8 were decreased, whereas anti‐inflammatory IL‐10 and nitric oxide were increased by TY001, along with increased tissue antioxidant superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. Diabetes‐reduced serum protein levels were also recovered by TY001CONCLUSIONTaken together, Tilapia collagen peptide mixture TY001 was effective with respect to enhancing diabetes‐associated wound healing delay, probably via increasing growth factors and collagen deposition in the wound, attenuating diabetes‐induced prolonged inflammation, increasing tissue antioxidants and providing nutritional support in diabetic mice. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Microbial genomes retrieved from High Arctic lake sediments encode for adaptation to cold and oligotrophic environments
Authors: Ruuskanen Matti O. , Colby Graham , St.Pierre Kyra A. , St.Louis Vincent L. , Aris‐Brosou Stéphane , Poulain Alexandre J. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe Arctic is currently warming at an unprecedented rate, which may affect environmental constraints on the freshwater microbial communities found there. Yet, our knowledge of the community structure and functional potential of High Arctic freshwater microbes remains poor, even though they play key roles in nutrient cycling and other ecosystem services. Here, using high‐throughput metagenomic sequencing and genome assembly, we show that sediment microbial communities in the High Arctic's largest lake by volume, Lake Hazen, are phylogenetically diverse, ranging from Proteobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Planctomycetes, to members of the newly discovered Candidate Phyla Radiation groups. These genomes displayed a high prevalence of pathways involved in lipid chemistry, and a low prevalence of nutrient uptake pathways, which might represent adaptations to the specific, cold (∼ 3.5°C) and extremely oligotrophic conditions in Lake Hazen. Despite these potential adaptations, it is unclear how ongoing environmental changes will affect microbial communities, the makeup of their genomic idiosyncrasies, as well as the possible implications at higher trophic levels.
Aspergillus niger upregulated glycerolipid metabolism and ethanol utilization pathway under ethanol stress
Authors: Vinayavekhin Nawaporn , Kongchai Wimonsiri , Piapukiew Jittra , Chavasiri Warinthorn 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe knowledge of how Aspergillus niger responds to ethanol can lead to the design of strains with enhanced ethanol tolerance to be utilized in numerous industrial bioprocesses. However, the current understanding about the response mechanisms of A. niger toward ethanol stress remains quite limited. Here, we first applied a cell growth assay to test the ethanol tolerance of A. niger strain ES4, which was isolated from the wall near a chimney of an ethanol tank of a petroleum company, and found that it was capable of growing in 5% (v/v) ethanol to 30% of the ethanol‐free control level. Subsequently, the metabolic responses of this strain toward ethanol were investigated using untargeted metabolomics, which revealed the elevated levels of triacylglycerol (TAG) in the extracellular components, and of diacylglycerol, TAG, and hydroxy‐TAG in the intracellular components. Lastly, stable isotope labeling mass spectrometry with ethanol‐d6 showed altered isotopic patterns of molecular ions of lipids in the ethanol‐d6 samples, compared with the nonlabeled ethanol controls, suggesting the ability of A. niger ES4 to utilize ethanol as a carbon source. Together, the studies revealed the upregulation of glycerolipid metabolism and ethanol utilization pathway as novel response mechanisms of A. niger ES4 toward ethanol stress, thereby underlining the utility of untargeted metabolomics and the overall approaches as tools for elucidating new biological insights.
A worst‐case formulation for constrained ranking and selection with input uncertainty
Authors: Shi Zhongshun , Gao Siyang , Xiao Hui , Chen Weiwei 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIn this research, we consider robust simulation optimization with stochastic constraints. In particular, we focus on the ranking and selection problem in which the computing time is sufficient to evaluate all the designs (solutions) under consideration. Given a fixed simulation budget, we aim at maximizing the probability of correct selection (PCS) for the best feasible design, where the objective and constraint measures are assessed by their worst‐case performances. To simplify the complexity of PCS, we develop an approximated probability measure and derive the asymptotic optimality condition (optimality condition as the simulation budget goes to infinity) of the resulting problem. A sequential selection procedure is then designed within the optimal computing budget allocation framework. The high efficiency of the proposed procedure is tested via a number of numerical examples. In addition, we provide some useful insights into the efficiency of a budget allocation procedure.
Attention control group activities and perceived benefit in a trial of a behavioral intervention for older adults
Authors: LaFave Sarah E. , Granbom Marianne , Cudjoe Thomas K.M. , Gottsch Alex , Shorb Gerard , Szanton Sarah L. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractResearchers trialing behavioral interventions often use attention control groups, but few publish details on attention control activities or perceived benefit. Attention control groups receive the same dose of interpersonal interaction as intervention participants but no other elements of the intervention, to control for the benefits of attention that may come from behavioral interventions. Because intervention success is analyzed compared to control conditions, it is useful to examine attention control content and outcomes. The purpose of this study is to report on attention control visit activities and their perceived benefit in a randomized control trial. The trial tested an aging‐in‐place intervention comprised of a series of participant goal‐directed visits facilitated by an occupational therapist, nurse, and handyman. The attention control group participants received visits from a lay person. We report on the number and length of visits received, types of visit activities that participants chose, and how much visit time was spent on each activity, based on the attention visitor's records. We report on participant perceptions of benefit based on a 10‐item Likert‐scale survey. The attention control group participants (n = 148) were cognitively intact, at least 65 years old, with at least one Instrumental Activities of Daily Living. Attention control group participants most often chose conversation (20.1% of visit time), and playing games (18.7%), as visit activities. The majority of attention control group participants (63.4%) reported “a great deal” of perceived benefit. Attention control group visits may be an appropriate comparison in studies of behavioral interventions for community‐dwelling older adults.
Revisiting geographies of temporalities: The significance of time in migrant responses to Brexit
Authors: Gawlewicz Anna , Sotkasiira Tiina 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIn this article, we look at the role of time and temporalities in migrant responses to the result of the 2016 European Union referendum in the United Kingdom, that is, Brexit. Although some attention has been paid to affective “first reactions” to Brexit, less is known about how it is negotiated in a longer perspective. Here, we recognise that responses to Brexit are dynamic and prone to change. Therefore, it is crucial to explore practical rationalising alongside emotional reactions as two different, but equally relevant, responses. Using the example of Finnish and Polish migrants to Scotland, we show that time is central to making sense of Brexit and is used to negotiate uncertainty about legal status and the right to remain. In doing so, we revisit a wider gap in geography scholarship, which continues to underappreciate the temporal dimension in migration research.