bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anti-inflammatory effects of α-MSH through p-CREB expression in sarcoidosis like granuloma model
Authors: Zhang Chongxu , Chery Stephanie , Lazerson Aaron , Altman Norman H , Jackson Robert , Holt Greg , Campos Michael , Schally Andrew  V , Mirsaeidi Mehdi 
Published: April 2020

AbstractLung inflammation due to sarcoidosis is characterized by a complex cascade of immunopathologic events, including leukocyte recruitment and granuloma formation. α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) is a melanocortin signaling peptide with anti-inflammatory properties. We aimed to evaluate the effects of α-MSH in a novel in vitro sarcoidosis model. An in vitro sarcoidosis-like granuloma model was developed by challenging peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) derived from patients with confirmed treatment-naïve sarcoidosis with microparticles generated from Mycobacterium abscessus cell walls. Unchallenged PBMCsand developed granulomas were treated daily with 10 μM α-MSH or saline as control. Cytokine concentrations in supernatants of culture and in cell extracts were measured using Illumina multiplex Elisa and western blot, respectively. Gene expression was analyzed using RNA-Seq and RT-PCR. Protein secretion and gene expression of IL-7, IL-7R, IFN-γ, MC1R, NF-κB, phosphorylated NF-κB (p-NF-κB), MARCO, and p-CREB were measured with western blot and RNAseq. A significant increase in IL-7, IL-7R, and IFN-γ protein expression was found in developed granulomas comparing to microparticle unchallenged PBMCs. IL-7, IL-7R, and IFN-γ protein expression was significantly reduced in developed granulomas after exposure to α-MSH compared with saline treated granulomas. Compared with microparticle unchallenged PBMCs, total NF-κB and p-NF-κB were significantly increased in developed granulomas, while expression of p-CREB was not changed. Treatment with α-MSH promoted a significantly higher concentration of p-CREB in granulomas. The anti-inflammatory effects of α-MSH were blocked by specific p-CREB inhibition. α-MSH has anti-inflammatory properties in this in vitro granuloma model, which is an effect mediated by induction of phosphorylation of CREB.
Ability of the post-operative ALBI grade to predict the outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma after curative surgery
Authors: Cho Wei-Ru , Hung Chao-Hung , Chen Chien-Hung , Lin Chih-Che , Wang Chih-Chi , Liu Yueh-Wei , Wu Yi-Ju , Yong Chee-Chien , Chen Kuang-Den , Tsai Yu-Chieh , Hu Tsung-Hui , Tsai Ming-Chao 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade has been validated as a significant predictor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, there is little information about the impact of postoperative ALBI grade in patients with HCC who are undergoing liver resection. We enrolled 525 HCC patients who received primary resection from April 2001 to March 2017. The impact of the pre- and post-operative ALBI grades on overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were analyzed by multivariate analysis. During the follow-up period (mean, 65 months), 253 (48.1%) patients experienced recurrence, and 85 (16.2%) patients died. Multivariate analysis revealed that diabetes mellitus (DM) (p = 0.011), alpha-fetoprotein levels (AFP) (p < 0.001), low platelet count (p = 0.008), liver cirrhosis (p < 0.001), and the first year of ALBI grade after resection (p < 0.001) were independent predictors for RFS. Additionally, old age (p = 0.006), DM (p = 0.002), AFP (p = 0.027), and ALBI grade at the first year after resection (p < 0.001) were independent risk factors for poor liver-related survival. Patients with post-operative ALBI grades II/III had older age (p = 0.019), hypoalbuminemia (p = 0.038), DM (p = 0.043), and high stages of pTNM (p = 0.021). The post-operative ALBI grade is better for predicting the outcomes in HCC patients after curative hepatectomy than the pre-operative ALBI grade.
Controlling Electronic States of Few-walled Carbon Nanotube Yarn via Joule-annealing and p-type Doping Towards Large Thermoelectric Power Factor
Authors: Myint May Thu Zar , Nishikawa Takeshi , Omoto Kazuki , Inoue Hirotaka , Yamashita Yoshifumi , Kyaw Aung Ko Ko , Hayashi Yasuhiko 
Published: April 2020

AbstractFlexible, light-weight and robust thermoelectric (TE) materials have attracted much attention to convert waste heat from low-grade heat sources, such as human body, to electricity. Carbon nanotube (CNT) yarn is one of the potential TE materials owing to its narrow band-gap energy, high charge carrier mobility, and excellent mechanical property, which is conducive for flexible and wearable devices. Herein, we propose a way to improve the power factor of CNT yarns fabricated from few-walled carbon nanotubes (FWCNTs) by two-step method; Joule-annealing in the vacuum followed by doping with p-type dopants, 2,3,5,6-tetrafluo-7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (F4TCNQ). Numerical calculations and experimental results explain that Joule-annealing and doping modulate the electronic states (Fermi energy level) of FWCNTs, resulting in extremely large thermoelectric power factor of 2250 µW m−1 K−2 at a measurement temperature of 423 K. Joule-annealing removes amorphous carbon on the surface of the CNT yarn, which facilitates doping in the subsequent step, and leads to higher Seebeck coefficient due to the transformation from (semi) metallic to semiconductor behavior. Doping also significantly increases the electrical conductivity due to the effective charge transfers between CNT yarn and F4TCNQ upon the removal of amorphous carbon after Joule-annealing.
Phylodynamic analysis and evaluation of the balance between anthropic and environmental factors affecting IBV spreading among Italian poultry farms
Authors: Franzo Giovanni , Tucciarone Claudia Maria , Moreno Ana , Legnardi Matteo , Massi Paola , Tosi Giovanni , Trogu Tiziana , Ceruti Raffaella , Pesente Patrizia , Ortali Giovanni , Gavazzi Luigi , Cecchinato Mattia 
Published: April 2020

AbstractInfectious bronchitis virus (IBV) control is mainly based on wide vaccine administration. Although effective, its efficacy is not absolute, the viral circulation is not prevented and some side effects cannot be denied. Despite this, the determinants of IBV epidemiology and the factors affecting its circulation are still largely unknown and poorly investigated. In the present study, 361 IBV QX (the most relevant field genotype in Italy) sequences were obtained between 2012 and 2016 from the two main Italian integrated poultry companies. Several biostatistical and bioinformatics approaches were used to reconstruct the history of the QX genotype in Italy and to assess the effect of different environmental, climatic and social factors on its spreading patterns. Moreover, two structured coalescent models were considered in order to investigate if an actual compartmentalization occurs between the two integrated poultry companies and the role of a third “ghost” deme, representative of minor industrial poultry companies and the rural sector. The obtained results suggest that the integration of the poultry companies is an effective barrier against IBV spreading, since the strains sampled from the two companies formed two essentially-independent clades. Remarkably, the only exceptions were represented by farms located in the high densely populated poultry area of Northern Italy. The inclusion of a third deme in the model revealed the likely role of other poultry companies and rural farms (particularly concentrated in Northern Italy) as sources of strain introduction into one of the major poultry companies, whose farms are mainly located in the high densely populated poultry area of Northern Italy. Accordingly, when the effect of different environmental and urban parameters on IBV geographic spreading was investigated, no factor seems to contribute to IBV dispersal velocity, being poultry population density the only exception. Finally, the different viral population pattern observed in the two companies over the same time period supports the pivotal role of management and control strategies on IBV epidemiology. Overall, the present study results stress the crucial relevance of human action rather than environmental factors, highlighting the direct benefits that could derive from improved management and organization of the poultry sector on a larger scale.
Discovery of the oldest South American fossil lizard illustrates the cosmopolitanism of early South American squamates
Authors: Bittencourt Jonathas Souza , Simões Tiago Rodrigues , Caldwell Michael Wayne , Langer Max Cardoso 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSquamates have an extremely long evolutionary history with a fossil record that extends into the Middle Triassic. However, most of our knowledge of their early evolutionary history is derived from Laurasian records. Therefore, fundamental questions regarding the early evolution of squamates in the Southern Hemisphere, such as the origins of the extremely diverse and endemic South American fauna, remain unanswered. Here, we describe a new lizard species that represents the oldest fossil squamate from South America, demonstrating that squamates were present on that continent at least 20 million years earlier than previously recorded. The new species represents the first occurrence of the extinct squamate family Paramacellodidae in South America and displays an unusual limb morphology. Finally, our findings suggest early South American squamates were part of a much broader distribution of their respective clades, in sharp contrast to the high levels of endemicity characteristic of modern faunas.
Carboxypeptidase A4 promotes cardiomyocyte hypertrophy through activating PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling
Authors: Gao Weinian , Guo Na , Zhao Shuguang , Chen Ziying , Zhang Wenli , Yan Fang , Liao Hongjuan , Chi Kui 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Carboxypeptidase A4 (CPA4) is a member of the metallocarboxypeptidase family. Current studies have identified the roles of CPA4 in cancer biology and insulin sensitivity. However, the roles of CPA4 in other diseases are not known. In the present study, we investigated the roles of CPA4 in cardiac hypertrophy. The expression of CPA4 was significantly increased in the hypertrophic heart tissues of human patients and isoproterenol (ISO)-induced hypertrophic heart tissues of mice. We next knocked down Cpa4 with shRNA or overexpressed Cpa4 using adenovirus in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes and induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy with ISO. We observed that Cpa4 overexpression promoted whereas Cpa4 knockdown reduced ISO-induced growth of cardiomyocyte size and overexpression of hypertrophy marker genes, such as myosin heavy chain β (β-Mhc), atrial natriuretic peptide (Anp), and brain natriuretic peptide (Bnp). Our further mechanism study revealed that the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling was activated by Cpa4 in cardiomyocytes, which depended on the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-AKT signaling. Besides, we showed that the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling was critically involved in the roles of Cpa4 during cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Collectively, these results demonstrated that CPA4 is a regulator of cardiac hypertrophy by activating the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling, and CPA4 may serve as a promising target for the treatment of hypertrophic cardiac diseases.
Searching for central stars of planetary nebulae in Gaia DR2
Authors: Chornay N. , Walton N. A. 
Published: April 2020

Context. Accurate distance measurements are fundamental to the study of planetary nebulae (PNe) but they have long been elusive. The most accurate and model-independent distance measurements for galactic PNe come from the trigonometric parallaxes of their central stars, which were only available for a few tens of objects prior to the Gaia mission.
Aims. The accurate identification of PN central stars in the Gaia source catalogues is a critical prerequisite for leveraging the unprecedented scope and precision of the trigonometric parallaxes measured by Gaia. Our aim is to build a complete sample of PN central star detections with minimal contamination.
Methods. We developed and applied an automated technique based on the likelihood ratio method to match candidate central stars in Gaia Data Release 2 (DR2) to known PNe in the Hong Kong/AAO/Strasbourg Hα PN catalogue, taking into account the BP – RP colours of the Gaia sources as well as their positional offsets from the nebula centres. These parameter distributions for both true central stars and background sources were inferred directly from the data.
Results. We present a catalogue of over 1000 Gaia sources that our method has automatically identified as likely PN central stars. We demonstrate how the best matches enable us to trace nebula and central star evolution and to validate existing statistical distance scales, and we discuss the prospects for further refinement of the matching based on additional data. We also compare the accuracy of our catalogue to that of previous works.
Steroidogenesis in the NCI-H295 Cell Line Model is Strongly Affected
By Culture Conditions and Substrain
Authors: Kurlbaum Max , Sbiera Silviu , Kendl Sabine , Martin Fassnacht M. , Kroiss Matthias 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Context NCI-H295 cells are the most widely used model for adrenal
steroidogenesis and adrenocortical carcinoma and have been used for decades in
laboratories worldwide. However, reported steroidogenic properties differ
considerably.
Objective To evaluate heterogeneity of steroidogenesis among NCI-H295
cell strains, clarify the influence of culture media and test response to
inhibitors of steroidogenesis by using liquid chromatography tandem mass
spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
Methods NCI-H295 cells were obtained from two cell banks and cultivated
in different media. An LC-MS/MS-based panel analysis of thirteen
steroids was adapted for cell culture supernatant. Cells were treated with
metyrapone, abiraterone and mitotane.
Results Mineralocorticoid synthesis was strongly affected by passaging as
reflected by reduction of aldosterone secretion from 0.158±0.006 to
0.017±0.001 µg/106 cells
(p<0.05). Relevant differences were also found for cells from two
vendors in terms of aldosterone secretion (0.180±0.001 vs.
0.09±0.002 µg/106 cells,
p<0.05). Selection of medium strongly impacted on cortisol secretion
with>4-fold difference (40.6±5.5 vs.
182.1±23 µg/106 cells) and
reflected differential activation of the glucocorticoid pathway. Exposure to
abiraterone, metyrapone and mitotane resulted in characteristic steroidogenic
profiles consistent with known mechanism of drug action with considerable
differences in metabolites upstream of the blocked enzyme.
Conclusion We demonstrate that steroid hormone secretion in NCI-H295
cells is strongly affected by the individual strain, passage and growing
conditions. These factors should be taken into account in the evaluation of
experiments analyzing steroid parameters directly or as surrogate parameters of
cell viability.
PREVALENCE OF METABOLIC SYNDROME AND COMORBID CONDITIONS IN INMATES OF OLD AGE HOMES
Authors: N. Sathyanarayana Rao K. , K. Subbalakshmi N. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Introduction: It is imperative that efforts are to be made to recognize individuals with metabolic syndrome from different sets of population so that they may be identified for intensive risk factor management to reduce cardiovascular risk. We evaluated the incidence and associated factors of metabolic syndrome in inmates of old age homes.
Methods: This study involved 189 subjects aged between 55-75 years of either sex housed in old age homes. In every subject waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting blood sugar and plasma lipids were measured. Ongoing treatments were taken into account. Patients with metabolic syndrome were identified using IDF-2005 definition. Data analysis was done by Chi -square test. p value less than 0.05 was taken as significant.
Result: Metabolic syndrome was found in 57.67% of study subjects. Prevalence of metabolic syndrome was higher in 55 - 60 years age group (x2 =17.06, p < 0.01) and in females (x2 = 4.33, p < 0.05). Disease load of dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus and hypertension was higher in metabolic syndrome group compared to non-metabolic syndrome group (x2 = 11.40, p<0.001; x2 = 47.90, p<0.0001; x2 = 4.72, p<0.05 respectively). In patients receiving treatment for diabetes and hypertension, frequency of subjects with hyperglycemia and high blood pressure was higher in metabolic syndrome group compared to non-metabolic syndrome group (x2 = 10.69, p<0.01; x2 = 4.46, p<0.05 respectively).
Conclusion: In this population it is found that, 55-60 years age group and females are at greater risk for metabolic syndrome. Subjects with metabolic syndrome are resistant to anti-diabetic and antihypertensive treatment.
ATTITUDE OF STUDENTS ON CONCEPT MAPPING - AN INNOVATIVE TEACHING LEARNING STRATEGY
Authors: T. Nirmala , S. Shakuntala B. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Multiple researches are going on in the field of promotion of critical thinking skills among nurses and one of the well studied teaching strategies is Concept Mapping (CM). Though Concept mapping is proved to be effective in promotion of critical thinking, it is not widely used. So this study aimed to identify the attitude of student nurses in relation to Concept mapping.
Methods: Descriptive survey design was used in this study. Thirty nine pre-final year nursing students participated in this study. 5 point Likert scale was used to assess the attitude of the students. Verbal opinion was also collected in relation to Concept mapping.
Results: There were 10 positive and 8 negative statements regarding Concept mapping which the student nurses evaluated. The mean attitude score was 74.5% which showed that the students were in favour of concept mapping. 97% of the students had said that they can easily apply it to the nursing process and 77% of them agreed that it can be used for the entire subjects including non nursing subjects like basic sciences. However, 61% of the students had said the preparation of concept mapping as a time consuming task and they would prefer traditional method of writing care plans. They had expressed that concept mapping made their mind fresh, kindled their thinking and improved their critical thinking. Many of them suggested that if concept mapping was being introduced to them from the first, it would have been the best method to write care plans.
Conclusion: As there is acceptance from the student to use concept mapping, it is required to prepare the nurse educators to use concept mapping as one of the teaching method.
ROOT CEMENTUM INVASION AND ADHESION BY ENTEROCOCCUS FAECALIS CONFOCAL ANALYSIS.
Authors: Halkai Rahul , Hegde Mithra N. , Halkai Kiran 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Aims to know ability of Enterococcus faecalis invasion and adhesion into root cementum.
Methodology Forty single rooted human intact teeth were selected, group I with 20 teeth as control group with no access opening and apical seal with varnish. Group II with 20 teeth, after access opening and canal debridement, all the samples were subjected for gamma sterilization to ensure complete absence of microorganisms, and then exposed to Enterococcus faecalis broth, in group II broth is placed with the help of micro pipette into root canal and at the same time apical 1/3 of tooth were immersed into broth with both groups for 8 weeks. Biomechanical preparation, obturation and coronal sealing done using GIC with group II, followed by apical 1/3 immersed in the enterococcus broth for 8 weeks, examination under confocal laser scanning microscope after splitting the teeth samples into two halfs buccolingually.
Results: This study shows only adhesion of Enterococcus faecalis to root cementum. Conclusion Adhesion of Enterococcus faecalis to root cementum may be the possible reason for persisting infection after root canal treatment.
COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF LOW LEVEL LASER THERAPY VERSUS PHONOPHORESIS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF LATERAL EPICONDYLITIS
Authors: K. Mohamed Faisal C. , Sumila Mary , Mathias Lawrence , S. Ajith 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background and Objectives: The use of electro physical agents for the management of any soft tissue injuries in Physical Therapy practice is very common for an early recovery from the injury. Among that, Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) and Phonophoresis are found to be very effective in soft tissue injuries. So the objective of this study is to know the comparative effectiveness of LLLT versus Phonophoresis in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis.
Methods: Convenient sample of 40 patients with lateral epicondylitis were recruited for this study. They were assigned equally either to a laser (n = 20) or a Phonophoresis (n = 20) group. Laser group received the treatment with Ga-As (904nm) IR semiconductor diode laser. For Phonophoresis group a gel containing 1% sodium diclofenac was used as coupling agent. Each group was treated 3 times a week, for a total of 8 treatments, and was evaluated subjectively and objectively before and at the end of the treatment, by using VAS, pain free grip strength and functional pain scale as variables.
Results: Comparison between laser group and Phonophoresis group is done using Mann Whitney U test. Comparison between pre and post is done using Wilcoxon's signed rank sum test. Form selection to the post treatment assessment, a significant decrease in symptoms was found in both laser and phonophoresis groups. But it is concluded that statistically; low level laser therapy was not significantly better than phonophoresis with the results of VAS (P = 0.53), FPS (P = 0.253), pain free grip strength. (P = 0.426).
Interpretation and conclusions: The result of this study suggest that low level laser therapy as well as phonophoresis with sodium diclofenac gel as couplant medium gives a good result in the management of lateral epicondylitis. This study concludes that statistically there was no significant difference between Low level laser therapy and Phonophoresis with sodium diclofenac gel as coupling agent in the management of lateral epicondylitis.
Imaging in Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Kapur Savinay , Sharma Raju , Goyal Ankur 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) form a discrete subgroup of pancreatic neoplasms. They are rarer than pancreatic adenocarcinomas but need to be differentiated from other pancreatic tumors and pathologies as they carry a better prognosis. Imaging plays a central role in detecting, characterizing, and staging of pancreatic NETs as they tend to have typical radiological features. A lot of advancements have taken place in the field of imaging and theranostics which have revolutionized their detection and management. In this article we shall review the various imaging techniques available to the radiologist, salient imaging features of different types of pancreatic NETs, staging and grading systems, as well as a brief overview of their management.