bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The relationship between plasma β-hydroxybutyric acid and conjugated linoleic acid in milk as a biomarker for early diagnosis of ketosis in postpartum Polish Holstein-Friesian cows
Authors: Puppel Kamila , Gołębiewski Marcin , Solarczyk Paweł , Grodkowski Grzegorz , Slósarz Jan , Kunowska-Slósarz Małgorzata , Balcerak Marek , Przysucha Tomasz , Kalińska Aleksandra , Kuczyńska Beata 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study was to investigate the association between plasma β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) and conjugated linoleic acid in postpartum Polish Holstein-Friesian (PHF) cows. The experiment was carried out at an experimental dairy farm, where a herd of approximately 350 cows was kept. Samples were taken at six time points: between days 5–7, 8–14, 15–21, 22–28, 29–35, and 36–42, resulting in 510 samples of both milk and blood. The cows involved in the experiment were divided into two groups – ketotic and healthy – by taking into account general health symptoms, blood serum BHBA, and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentration at 5–7 days postpartum.

Results
In the first week of lactation, at 5–7 day in milk (DIM), the study showed a 53% lower level of C18:2 cis-9 trans-11 (CLA9) and an 80% lower level of C18:2 trans-10 cis-12 (CLA10) in cows with diagnosed ketosis compared to healthy cows. In the second week of lactation (8–14 DIM), a 34% lower level of CLA9 and a 54% lower level of CLA10 was found in the group of cows with BHBA levels > 1.2 mmol/L. Additionally, Pearson correlation analysis showed significant negative correlation between BHBA x CLA9 and BHBA x CLA10 in the first week of lactation: − 0.732and − 0.821, respectively.

Conclusion
The study shows that that both CLA9 and CLA10 can be used as markers for the early diagnosis of elevated blood levels of BHBA in postpartum Polish Holstein-Friesian cows.
Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing in systemic sclerosis provides novel targets to understand disease pathogenesis
Authors: Lu Tianyuan , Klein Kathleen Oros , Colmegna Inés , Lora Maximilien , Greenwood Celia M. T. , Hudson Marie 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundSystemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune connective tissue disease whose pathogenesis remains incompletely understood. Increasing evidence suggests that both genetic susceptibilities and changes in DNA methylation influence pivotal biological pathways and thereby contribute to the disease. The role of DNA methylation in SSc has not been fully elucidated, because existing investigations of DNA methylation predominantly focused on nucleotide CpGs within restricted genic regions, and were performed on samples containing mixed cell types.MethodsWe performed whole-genome bisulfite sequencing on purified CD4+ T lymphocytes from nine SSc patients and nine controls in a pilot study, and then profiled genome-wide cytosine methylation as well as genetic variations. We adopted robust statistical methods to identify differentially methylated genomic regions (DMRs). We then examined pathway enrichment associated with genes located in these DMRs. We also tested whether changes in CpG methylation were associated with adjacent genetic variation.ResultsWe profiled DNA methylation at more than three million CpG dinucleotides genome-wide. We identified 599 DMRs associated with 340 genes, among which 54 genes exhibited further associations with adjacent genetic variation. We also found these genes were associated with pathways and functions that are known to be abnormal in SSc, including Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, skin lesion formation and progression, and angiogenesis.ConclusionThe CD4+ T cell DNA cytosine methylation landscape in SSc involves crucial genes in disease pathogenesis. Some of the methylation patterns are also associated with genetic variation. These findings provide essential foundations for future studies of epigenetic regulation and genome-epigenome interaction in SSc.
Impact of free fatty acids on prognosis in coronary artery disease patients under different glucose metabolism status
Authors: Jin Jing-Lu , Cao Ye-Xuan , Liu Hui-Hui , Zhang Hui-Wen , Guo Yuan-Lin , Wu Na-Qiong , Zhu Cheng-Gang , Xu Rui-Xia , Gao Ying , Sun Jing , Dong Qian , Li Jian-Jun 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of the present study is to examine the effects of free fatty acids (FFAs) on major cardiovascular events (MACEs) in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) and different glucose metabolism status.MethodsIn this study, we consecutively enrolled 5443 patients from March 2011 to May 2015. Patients were categorized according to both status of glucose metabolism status [diabetes mellitus (DM), pre-diabetes (Pre-DM), normal glycaemia regulation (NGR)] and FFAs levels. All subjects were followed up for the occurrence of the MACEs.ResultsDuring a median of 6.7 years’ follow-up, 608 MACEs occurred. A twofold higher FFAs level was independently associated with MACEs after adjusting for confounding factors [Hazard Ratio (HR): 1.242, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.084–1.424,pvalue = 0.002]. Adding FFAs to the Cox model increased the C-statistic by 0.015 (0.005–0.027). No significant difference in MACEs was observed between NGR and Pre-DM groups (p > 0.05). When patients were categorized by both status of glucose metabolism and FFAs levels, medium and high FFAs were associated with significantly higher risk of MACEs in Pre-DM [1.736 (1.018–2.959) and 1.779 (1.012–3.126), all p-value < 0.05] and DM [2.017 (1.164–3.494) and 2.795 (1.619–4.824), all p-value < 0.05].ConclusionsThe present data indicated that baseline FFAs levels were associated with the prognosis in DM and Pre-DM patients with CAD, suggesting that FFAs may be a valuable predictor in patients with impaired glucose metabolism.
Structural and functional alterations of the tracheobronchial tree after left upper pulmonary lobectomy for lung cancer
Authors: Gu Qingtao , Qi Shouliang , Yue Yong , Shen Jing , Zhang Baihua , Sun Wei , Qian Wei , Islam Mohammad Saidul , Saha Suvash C. , Wu Jianlin 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Pulmonary lobectomy has been a well-established curative treatment method for localized lung cancer. After left upper pulmonary lobectomy, the upward displacement of remaining lower lobe causes the distortion or kink of bronchus, which is associated with intractable cough and breathless. However, the quantitative study on structural and functional alterations of the tracheobronchial tree after lobectomy has not been reported. We sought to investigate these alterations using CT imaging analysis and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method.

Methods
Both preoperative and postoperative CT images of 18 patients who underwent left upper pulmonary lobectomy are collected. After the tracheobronchial tree models are extracted, the angles between trachea and bronchi, the surface area and volume of the tree, and the cross-sectional area of left lower lobar bronchus are investigated. CFD method is further used to describe the airflow characteristics by the wall pressure, airflow velocity, lobar flow rate, etc.

Results
It is found that the angle between the trachea and the right main bronchus increases after operation, but the angle with the left main bronchus decreases. No significant alteration is observed for the surface area or volume of the tree between pre-operation and post-operation. After left upper pulmonary lobectomy, the cross-sectional area of left lower lobar bronchus is reduced for most of the patients (15/18) by 15–75%, especially for 4 patients by more than 50%. The wall pressure, airflow velocity and pressure drop significantly increase after the operation. The flow rate to the right lung increases significantly by 2–30% (but there is no significant difference between each lobe), and the flow rate to the left lung drops accordingly. Many vortices are found in various places with severe distortions.

Conclusions
The favorable and unfavorable adaptive alterations of tracheobronchial tree will occur after left upper pulmonary lobectomy, and these alterations can be clarified through CT imaging and CFD analysis. The severe distortions at left lower lobar bronchus might exacerbate postoperative shortness of breath.
Stretch-activated current in human atrial myocytes and Na+ current and mechano-gated channels’ current in myofibroblasts alter myocyte mechanical behavior: a computational study
Authors: Zhan Heqing , Zhang Jingtao , Jiao Anquan , Wang Qin 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe activation of stretch-activated channels (SACs) in cardiac myocytes, which changes the phases of action potential repolarization, is proven to be highly efficient for the conversion of atrial fibrillation. The expression of Na+current in myofibroblasts (Mfbs) regenerates myocytes’ action potentials, suggesting that Mfbs play an active role in triggering cardiac rhythm disturbances. Moreover, the excitation of mechano-gated channels (MGCs) in Mfbs depolarizes their membrane potential and contributes to the increased risk of post-infarct arrhythmia. Although these electrophysiological mechanisms have been largely known, the roles of these currents in cardiac mechanics are still debated. In this study, we aimed to investigate the mechanical influence of these currents via mathematical modeling. A novel mathematical model was developed by integrating models of human atrial myocyte (including the stretch-activated current, Ca2+–force relation, and mechanical behavior of a single segment) and Mfb (including our formulation of Na+current and mechano-gated channels’ current). The effects of the changes in basic cycle length, number of coupled Mfbs and intercellular coupling conductance on myocyte mechanical properties were compared.ResultsOur results indicated that these three currents significantly regulated myocyte mechanical parameters. In isosarcometric contraction, these currents increased segment force by 13.8–36.6% and dropped element length by 12.1–31.5%. In isotonic contraction, there are 2.7–5.9% growth and 0.9–24% reduction. Effects of these currents on the extremum of myocyte mechanical parameters become more significant with the increase of basic cycle length, number of coupled Mfbs and intercellular coupling conductance.ConclusionsThe results demonstrated that stretch-activated current in myocytes and Na+current and mechano-gated channels’ current in Mfbs significantly influenced myocyte mechanical behavior and should be considered in future cardiac mechanical mathematical modeling.
Changes in diet and physical activity resulting from the Strong Hearts, Healthy Communities randomized cardiovascular disease risk reduction multilevel intervention trial
Authors: Folta Sara C. , Paul Lynn , Nelson Miriam E. , Strogatz David , Graham Meredith , Eldridge Galen D. , Higgins Michael , Wing David , Seguin-Fowler Rebecca A. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Women living in rural areas face unique challenges in achieving a heart-healthy lifestyle that are related to multiple levels of the social-ecological framework. The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in diet and physical activity, which are secondary outcomes of a community-based, multilevel cardiovascular disease risk reduction intervention designed for women in rural communities.

Methods
Strong Hearts, Healthy Communities was a six-month, community-randomized trial conducted in 16 rural towns in Montana and New York, USA. Sedentary women aged 40 and older with overweight and obesity were recruited. Intervention participants (eight towns) attended twice weekly exercise and nutrition classes for 24 weeks (48 total). Individual-level components included aerobic exercise, progressive strength training, and healthy eating practices; a civic engagement component was designed to address social and built environment factors to support healthy lifestyles. The control group (eight towns) attended didactic healthy lifestyle classes monthly (six total). Dietary and physical activity data were collected at baseline and post-intervention. Dietary data were collected using automated self-administered 24-h dietary recalls, and physical activity data were collected by accelerometry and self-report. Data were analyzed using multilevel linear regression models with town as a random effect.

Results
At baseline, both groups fell short of meeting many recommendations for cardiovascular health. Compared to the control group, the intervention group realized significant improvements in intake of fruit and vegetables combined (difference: 0.6 cup equivalents per day, 95% CI 0.1 to 1.1, p = .026) and in vegetables alone (difference: 0.3 cup equivalents per day, 95% CI 0.1 to 0.6, p = .016). For physical activity, there were no statistically significant between-group differences based on accelerometry. By self-report, the intervention group experienced a greater increase in walking MET minutes per week (difference: 113.5 MET-minutes per week, 95% CI 12.8 to 214.2, p = .027).

Conclusions
Between-group differences in dietary and physical activity behaviors measured in this study were minimal. Future studies should consider how to bolster behavioral outcomes in rural settings and may also continue to explore the value of components designed to enact social and environmental change.

Trial registration
clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT02499731. Registered 16 July 2015.
Evaluation of a voluntary nutritional information program versus calorie labelling on menus in Canadian restaurants: a quasi-experimental study design
Authors: Vanderlee Lana , White Christine M. , Hammond David 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
A significant proportion of the Canadian diet comes from foods purchased in restaurant settings. In an effort to promote healthy eating, the province of British Columbia (BC) implemented the Informed Dining Program (IDP), a voluntary, industry supported information program in 2012, while the province of Ontario implemented mandatory calorie labelling on menus in 2017. The study examined differences in awareness and the self-reported influence of nutrition information on food choices in restaurants with voluntary nutrition information, calorie labelling on menus, and no nutrition information program.

Methods
Exit surveys were conducted outside of nine chain restaurants in Toronto, Ontario and Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada) in 2012, 2015, and 2017 with varying nutrition information programs implemented. Logistic regression analyses compared self-reported noticing and influence of nutrition information in restaurants with: 1) the IDP which provided nutrition information upon request, 2) calorie labelling on menus, and 3) control restaurants with no specific nutrition information program in place, adjusted for year, city and socio-demographic characteristics. Awareness and knowledge of the IDP were also examined.

Results
There were no significant differences in noticing and self-reported influence of nutrition information on food choices between restaurants with the IDP and restaurants with no program. Participants were more likely to notice nutrition information in restaurants when calorie information was provided on menus (57%) compared to in restaurants with the IDP (22%, AOR = 6.20, 95%CI 3.51–10.94, p < 0.001) or restaurants with no nutrition information program (20%, AOR = 7.44, 95%CI 4.21–13.13, p < 0.001). Participants in restaurants with menu labelling were also more likely to report that nutrition information influenced their food purchase (38%) compared to restaurants with the IDP (12%, AOR = 4.43, 95%CI 2.36–8.30, p < 0.001) and restaurants with no nutrition information program (12%, AOR = 5.29, 95%CI 2.81–9.95, p < 0.001). Fewer than 1 in 5 participants who visited an IDP restaurant had heard of the IDP across all data collection years in both cities.

Conclusions
There was no evidence that voluntary programs which provide nutrition information upon request were effective. Providing calorie information on menus increased the likelihood that consumers noticed and that their food choices were influenced by nutrition information in restaurant settings.
Cervical trans-spinal direct current stimulation: a modelling-experimental approach
Authors: Fernandes Sofia Rita , Pereira Mariana , Salvador Ricardo , Miranda Pedro Cavaleiro , de Carvalho Mamede 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundTrans-spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) is a non-invasive technique with promising neuromodulatory effects on spinal cord (SC) circuitry. Computational studies are essential to guide effective tsDCS protocols for specific clinical applications. This study aims to combine modelling and experimental studies to determine the electrode montage that maximizes electric field (E-field) delivery during cervical tsDCS.MethodsCurrent and E-field distributions in the cervical SC were predicted for four electrode montages in a human realistic model using computational methods. A double-blind crossover and randomized exploratory study was conducted using the montage that maximized E-field delivery. tsDCS was applied for 15 min in 10 healthy subjects (anodal, cathodal, sham, with polarity assigned to the cervical electrode), with a current intensity of 2.5 mA, resulting in a total current charge density delivery of 90 mC/cm2. Upper limb motor (transcranial magnetic stimulation) and sensory evoked potentials (MEP, SEP), M-waves, H-reflex and F-wave responses were analysed. Central and peripheral conduction times were determined using MEP. Repeated measures ANOVA and Friedman test were used for statistical analysis (significance level α = 0.05).ResultsAll montages presented higher current density and E-field magnitudes in the cervical SC region between the electrodes. However, electrodes at C3 and T3 spinous processes (C3-T3) originated the highest E-field magnitude (0.50 V/m). Using C3-T3 montage we observed significant changes in N9 SEP latency (p = 0.006), but significance did not persist in pairwise comparisons (sham-anodal:p = 0.022; sham-cathodal:p = 0.619; anodal-cathodal:p = 0.018; α = 0.017, Bonferroni corrected). MEP latency and central motor conduction time (CMCT) modified significantly on stimulation (p = 0.007 andp = 0.015, respectively). In addition, pairwise comparisons confirmed significant differences between sham and cathodal conditions after Bonferroni correction for MEP latency (sham-anodal:p = 0.868; sham-cathodal:p = 0.011; anodal-cathodal:p = 0.023) and CMCT (sham-anodal:p = 0.929; sham-cathodal:p = 0.010; anodal-cathodal:p = 0.034).ConclusionsComputational models predicted higher E-field delivery in the cervical SC for the C3-T3 montage. Polarity-dependent effects in motor responses were reported using this montage consistent with spinal motor modulation. tsDCS experimental protocol designs should be guided by modelling studies to improve effectiveness.
Effects of virtual reality-based planar motion exercises on upper extremity function, range of motion, and health-related quality of life: a multicenter, single-blinded, randomized, controlled pilot study
Authors: Park Mina , Ko Myoung-Hwan , Oh Sang-Wook , Lee Ji-Yeong , Ham Yeajin , Yi Hyoseok , Choi Younggeun , Ha Dokyeong , Shin Joon-Ho 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundVirtual reality (VR)-based rehabilitation is considered a beneficial therapeutic option for stroke rehabilitation. This pilot study assessed the clinical feasibility of a newly developed VR-based planar motion exercise apparatus (Rapael Smart Board™ [SB]; Neofect Inc., Yong-in, Korea) for the upper extremities as an intervention and assessment tool.MethodsThis single-blinded, randomized, controlled trial included 26 stroke survivors. Patients were randomized to the intervention group (SB group) or control (CON) group. During one session, patients in the SB group completed 30 min of intervention using the SB and an additional 30 min of standard occupational therapy; however, those in the CON group completed the same amount of conventional occupational therapy. The primary outcome was the change in the Fugl–Meyer assessment (FMA) score, and the secondary outcomes were changes in the Wolf motor function test (WMFT) score, active range of motion (AROM) of the proximal upper extremities, modified Barthel index (MBI), and Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) score. A within-group analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and a between-group analysis was performed using a repeated measures analysis of covariance. Additionally, correlations between SB assessment data and clinical scale scores were analyzed by repeated measures correlation. Assessments were performed three times (baseline, immediately after intervention, and 1 month after intervention).ResultsAll functional outcome measures (FMA, WMFT, and MBI) showed significant improvements (p < 0.05) in the SB and CON groups. AROM showed greater improvements in the SB group, especially regarding shoulder abduction and internal rotation. There was a significant effect of time × group interactions for the SIS overall score (p = 0.038). Some parameters of the SB assessment, such as the explored area ratio, mean reaching distance, and smoothness, were significantly associated with clinical upper limb functional measurements with moderate correlation coefficients.ConclusionsThe SB was available for improving upper limb function and health-related quality of life and useful for assessing upper limb ability in stroke survivors.Trial registrationThe study was registered with the clinical research information service (CRIS) (KCT0003783, registered 15 April 2019; retrospectively registered).
An in-depth multi-omics analysis in RLE-6TN rat alveolar epithelial cells allows for nanomaterial categorization
Authors: Karkossa Isabel , Bannuscher Anne , Hellack Bryan , Bahl Aileen , Buhs Sophia , Nollau Peter , Luch Andreas , Schubert Kristin , von Bergen Martin , Haase Andrea 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Nanomaterials (NMs) can be fine-tuned in their properties resulting in a high number of variants, each requiring a thorough safety assessment. Grouping and categorization approaches that would reduce the amount of testing are in principle existing for NMs but are still mostly conceptual. One drawback is the limited mechanistic understanding of NM toxicity. Thus, we conducted a multi-omics in vitro study in RLE-6TN rat alveolar epithelial cells involving 12 NMs covering different materials and including a systematic variation of particle size, surface charge and hydrophobicity for SiO2 NMs. Cellular responses were analyzed by global proteomics, targeted metabolomics and SH2 profiling. Results were integrated using Weighted Gene Correlation Network Analysis (WGCNA).

Results
Cluster analyses involving all data sets separated Graphene Oxide, TiO2_NM105, SiO2_40 and Phthalocyanine Blue from the other NMs as their cellular responses showed a high degree of similarities, although apical in vivo results may differ. SiO2_7 behaved differently but still induced significant changes. In contrast, the remaining NMs were more similar to untreated controls. WGCNA revealed correlations of specific physico-chemical properties such as agglomerate size and redox potential to cellular responses. A key driver analysis could identify biomolecules being highly correlated to the observed effects, which might be representative biomarker candidates. Key drivers in our study were mainly related to oxidative stress responses and apoptosis.

Conclusions
Our multi-omics approach involving proteomics, metabolomics and SH2 profiling proved useful to obtain insights into NMs Mode of Actions. Integrating results allowed for a more robust NM categorization. Moreover, key physico-chemical properties strongly correlating with NM toxicity were identified. Finally, we suggest several key drivers of toxicity that bear the potential to improve future testing and assessment approaches.